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Registration No. 333-            


SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM F-1

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933


Acorn International, Inc.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Not Applicable

(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)

Cayman Islands   5900   Not Applicable

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(Primary Standard Industrial

Classification Code Number)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

12F, Xinyin Building, 888 Yishan Road

Shanghai 200233

People’s Republic of China

(8621) 5151-8888

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number,

including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)


CT Corporation System

111 Eighth Avenue

New York, New York 10011

(212) 894-8940

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


Copies to:

Kurt J. Berney

O’Melveny & Myers LLP

37 th & 38 th Floors

Plaza 66, 1266 Nanjing Road West

Shanghai, 200040

People’s Republic of China

(8621) 2307-7007

 

Howard Zhang

O’Melveny & Myers LLP

Suite 3120, China World Tower I

1 Jian Guo Men Wai Avenue

Beijing, 100004

People’s Republic of China

(8610) 6505-2612

 

Alan D. Seem

Shearman & Sterling LLP

12th Floor, East Tower, Twin Towers

B-12 Jianguomenwai Dajie

Beijing, 100022

People’s Republic of China

(8610) 5922-8000


Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public:     As soon as practicable after the effective date of this registration statement.

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

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

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

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

If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434, check the following box.   ¨

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE


Title of Each Class

of Securities to be Registered(1)(2)

  Proposed Maximum
Aggregate Offering Price(3)
 

Amount of

Registration Fee

Ordinary Shares, par value $0.01 per ordinary share

  $128,250,000   $3,937.28

(1)   American depositary shares evidenced by American depositary receipts issuable upon deposit of the ordinary shares registered hereby have been registered pursuant to a separate registration statement on Form F-6 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on             , 2007 (File No.             ). Each American depositary share represents          ordinary shares.
(2)   Includes (i) ordinary shares initially offered and sold outside the United States that may be resold from time to time either as part of their distribution or within 40 days after the later of the effective date of this registration statement and the date the shares are first bona fide offered to the public and (ii) ordinary shares represented by                      American depositary shares that are issuable upon the exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares. The ordinary shares are not being registered for the purpose of sales outside the United States.
(3)   Estimated solely for the purpose of computing the amount of the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(o) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

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



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The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. Neither we nor the selling shareholders may sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and we are not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

PROSPECTUS (SUBJECT TO COMPLETION)

DATED             , 2007

 

AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES

 

LOGO

 

Acorn International, Inc.

 

Representing              Ordinary Shares

 


 

This is an initial public offering of American depositary shares, or ADSs, each representing              ordinary shares of Acorn International, Inc. We are offering              ADSs, and the selling shareholders identified in this prospectus are offering              ADSs. We will not receive any of the proceeds from the ADSs sold by the selling shareholders. Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our ordinary shares or ADSs. We anticipate that the initial offering price of the ADSs will be between $             and $             per ADS.

 


 

We have applied for the listing of our ADSs on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “ATV.”

 


 

Investing in our ADSs involves a high degree of risk. See “ Risk Factors ” beginning on page 13.

 

     Price to Public

  

Underwriting

Discounts and
Commissions


   Proceeds to Us

   Proceeds to
the Selling
Shareholders


Per ADS

     $                  $                  $                  $            

Total

   $                 $                 $                 $             

 


 

The underwriters have an option to purchase up to              additional ADSs from us at the public offering price, less underwriting discounts and commissions, within 30 days from the date of this prospectus, to cover over-allotments of ADSs.

 

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

The underwriters expect to deliver the ADSs to purchasers on or about             , 2007.

 


 

Merrill Lynch & Co.   Deutsche Bank Securities

 


 

CIBC World Markets

 

The date of this prospectus is             , 2007.


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LOGO

 


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page

Prospectus Summary

   1

Risk Factors

   13

Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

   44

Use of Proceeds

   45

Capitalization

   46

Dilution

   47

Dividend Policy

   49

Exchange Rate Information

   50

Enforcement of Civil Liabilities

   51

Selected Condensed Consolidated Combined Financial and Operating Data

   53

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

   57

Our Industry

   87

Our Business

   92
     Page

Our Corporate Structure

   112

Management

   118

Principal and Selling Shareholders

   129

Related Party Transactions

   132

Chinese Government Regulations

   135

Description of Share Capital

   142

Description of American Depositary Shares

   153

Shares Eligible for Future Sale

   163

Taxation

   165

Underwriting

   170

Expenses Related to this Offering

   177

Legal Matters

   178

Experts

   178

Where You Can Find More Information

   179

Index to Consolidated Combined Financial Statements

   F-1

 


 

You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with information that is different from that contained in this prospectus. We are offering to sell, and seeking offers to buy, the ADSs 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 of any sale of the ADSs. Except as otherwise indicated, all information in this prospectus assumes no exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option.

 

We have not undertaken any efforts to qualify this offering for offers to individual investors in any jurisdiction outside the United States. Therefore, individual investors located outside the United States should not expect to be eligible to participate in this offering.

 

Until                     , 2007 (the 25th day after the commencement of the offering), all dealers that buy, sell, or trade ADSs, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to the obligation of dealers to deliver a prospectus when acting as underwriters and with respect to their unsold allotments or subscriptions.

 

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PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

 

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

 

Overview

 

We are a leading integrated multi-platform marketing company in China with a proven track record of developing, promoting and selling consumer products and services. Our two primary sales platforms are our TV direct sales platform and nationwide distribution network. We operate the largest TV direct sales business in China in terms of revenues and TV air time purchased according to Euromonitor International (Asia) Pte Ltd., or Euromonitor. We believe we were one of the first companies in China to use TV direct sales programs, often referred to as TV infomercials, in combination with a nationwide distribution network to market and sell products and services to consumers. Our significant TV air time presence allows us to test-market, promote and sell products and services in China’s geographically dispersed and fragmented consumer market. We seek to maximize sales penetration of our products and services that have strong sales and brand development potential by distributing them through our nationwide distribution network. In 2006, we also began using our TV direct sales platform to promote and sell third-party branded products and services pursuant to joint sales arrangements and marketing services arrangements.

 

Using these integrated TV direct sales and nationwide distribution network platforms, we have developed several leading proprietary brands. In addition, we have expanded into other forms of direct selling, such as catalogs and outbound calls, to further strengthen our promotional efforts and generate additional revenue opportunities from our existing customer base. We believe our vertically integrated direct sales operations, which include product development, TV and other direct sales and marketing, call center operations, and order fulfillment and delivery, combined with our nationwide distribution network, allow us to effectively reach consumers and maximize sales throughout China.

 

A key contributing factor to the success of our TV direct sales platform is our significant TV air time presence. Since 2003 we have been the largest TV direct sales operator in China in terms of revenue according to Euromonitor. Our TV direct sales programs, which are typically five to ten minutes in length, are currently aired on four nationwide China Central Television, or CCTV, channels, 28 national satellite TV channels, four international satellite channels operating in China and eight local channels. Sales generated through our TV direct sales platform accounted for substantially all of our direct sales net revenues, which in turn comprised 45.1% and 54.7% of our net revenues in 2005 and 2006, respectively. We also purchase TV advertising time for brand promotion advertising to enhance brand awareness of our proprietary products and services. Our brand promotion advertising in connection with our electronic learning devices was recognized in 2005 when we won the EFFIE gold award issued by the China Marketing Association chartered by New York American Marketing Association.

 

We have three call centers in Shanghai, Beijing and Shenzhen, two of which operate 24 hours per day. Our call centers process telephone orders generated by our direct sales programs and gather real-time data to help analyze the effectiveness of our advertising spending and adjust our offerings. Each of our call centers also places outbound calls to selected customers to market our products and services. In addition, our call center sales representatives are trained to identify and act upon cross-selling opportunities while processing customer orders. As of December 31, 2006, we had 649 sales representatives and 113 customer service representatives. Our sales representatives collectively processed an average of approximately 11,800 and 12,400 incoming calls per day generated from our TV and other direct sales platforms in 2005 and 2006, respectively. Products sold through our TV direct sales and other direct sales platforms are delivered to our customers primarily by national express mail and local delivery companies.

 

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Our nationwide distribution network extends across all provinces and allows us to reach over 20,000 retail outlets covering nearly all of the cities and counties in China. We typically grant our distributors the exclusive right to distribute selected products and services in their respective territories. We closely work with and support our distributors to expand their retail outlet reach, extend our product and service lifecycles and maximize our sales by promotion of our brands through our TV direct sales platform, advertising in local print media and other joint promotional efforts. Sales generated through our nationwide distribution network accounted for 54.9% and 45.3% of our net revenues in 2005 and 2006, respectively.

 

In selecting new products and services, we seek to identify offerings in underserved market segments with potential national appeal for which we believe our sales platforms and marketing and branding expertise can create value. We identify new products and services to be offered via our multiple sales platforms through a standardized selection process and typically source them from small and medium-sized suppliers and manufacturers in China. In 2006 we also began to identify products and services from more established third-party companies that we believe we can successfully market through our TV direct sales platform. Our TV direct sales programs allow us to promote specific products and services by highlighting their unique value to consumers as well as creating brand awareness. Our current featured offerings include electronic learning devices, consumer electronics products, cell phones and health and wellness products. We typically focus on marketing and sales of a limited number of featured product lines and services at any given time. In addition, we offer over 100 products via our catalogs.

 

Our net revenues have increased each year since we commenced our operations in 1998. Our net revenues increased by 79.3% from $95.0 million in 2004 to $170.3 million in 2005, and grew an additional 15.4% to $196.5 million in 2006. Our income from operations grew by 13.0% from $17.7 million in 2004 to $20.0 million in 2005. However, in 2006 our income from operations decreased by 92.0% to $1.6 million, primarily as a result of recent PRC regulatory changes that prohibit TV direct sales programs of our branded neck massager product and our slimming product, negative media coverage (some of which we believe contained false or misleading information) of our electronic learning devices, an increase in the stock-based compensation incurred that year, deferred revenue generated in connection with our stock-tracking software and expensing of offering costs.

 

Industry Background

 

The consumer market in China is large and one of the fastest growing in the world. Driving this growth are China’s economic expansion and a growing consumer base with increasing amounts of disposable income. According to Euromonitor, China’s annual retail sales for consumer products have grown between 2003 and 2005 at a compound annual growth rate, or CAGR, of approximately 10.9%. However, China’s gross domestic product, or GDP, per capita is still low compared to that of developed countries.

 

We believe the traditional retail market, with its significant structural deficiencies, presents substantial market opportunities for companies, such as ours, that have direct sales platforms, nationwide distribution capabilities and access to a diverse product portfolio. According to historical and projected data from Euromonitor, the TV direct sales industry in China has experienced significant growth in recent years, growing from $550 million in 2003 to $890 million in 2005, representing a CAGR of 27.2%, and it is projected to grow further to $1.4 billion in 2007 according to Euromonitor, representing a CAGR of 26.3% over this five-year period.

 

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Our Strengths, Strategies and Challenges

 

We believe our competitive strengths consist of our:

 

   

integrated multiple sales platforms;

 

   

leading market position;

 

   

effective management of our significant TV media presence;

 

   

proven product development and promotional capabilities;

 

   

customer service expertise; and

 

   

experienced and cohesive management team.

 

Notwithstanding our competitive strengths, we expect to face certain risks and uncertainties, including:

 

   

our ability to identify, develop and introduce new products and services;

 

   

our dependence on a small number of featured product lines for a substantial majority of our sales;

 

   

our access to TV media time and ability to maintain profitability relative to TV media expenses;

 

   

our ability to respond to competitive market conditions;

 

   

the effect of negative publicity on the sale of our products and services;

 

   

our ability to develop our product and service brands and to successfully sell products and services through our nationwide distribution network; and

 

   

uncertainties with respect to the PRC legal and regulatory environments.

 

Our goal is to be the leading integrated cross-media marketer of consumer products and services in China. We intend to achieve our goal by implementing the following strategies:

 

   

strengthen and diversify our multiple sales platforms;

 

   

selectively expand existing and new product and service offerings;

 

   

enhance media planning effectiveness;

 

   

expand and consolidate our nationwide distribution network; and

 

   

strengthen our product and service brands.

 

Our Corporate Structure

 

We commenced operations in 1998 through Beijing Acorn Trade Co., Ltd., or Beijing Acorn. In 2000, two other operating companies, Shanghai Acorn Network Co., Ltd., or Shanghai Acorn, and Shanghai Acorn Trade and Development Co., Ltd., or Shanghai Trade, were established and commenced business operations.

 

Prior to January 1, 2005, our business was operated through Beijing Acorn, Shanghai Acorn and Shanghai Trade, including their subsidiaries. These three operating companies were under common management, operated on an integrated basis and were beneficially owned by the same shareholders and, with a limited exception, in the same shareholding percentages. To enable us to raise equity capital from investors outside of China, we established a holding company structure by incorporating China DRTV, Inc., or China DRTV, in the British

 

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Virgin Islands on March 4, 2004. In 2004, China DRTV formed four PRC subsidiaries and two consolidated PRC affiliated entities. Through a restructuring, we implemented an offshore holding company structure to comply with PRC laws imposing restrictions on foreign ownership in direct sales, wholesale distribution and advertising businesses. As part of the restructuring, each of the combined entities, including their subsidiaries, transferred to China DRTV’s newly created subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated entities substantially all their assets and liabilities (with limited exceptions). Commencing on January 1, 2005, our business was conducted through China DRTV and its subsidiaries and three affiliated entities. 

 

Our three affiliated entities, Shanghai Acorn Network Technology Development Co., Ltd., or Shanghai Network, Shanghai Acorn Advertising Broadcasting Co., Ltd., or Shanghai Advertising, and Beijing Acorn, are currently owned by two PRC citizens, Don Dongjie Yang, our president and one of our directors, and David Chenghong He, one of our executive officers. We have entered into contractual arrangements with these three affiliated entities pursuant to which our wholly owned subsidiary, Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., or Acorn Information, provides technical support and operation and management services to these three affiliated entities. In addition, we have entered into agreements with these three affiliated entities and their shareholders, Don Dongjie Yang and David Chenghong He, providing us with the ability to effectively control each of these affiliated entities. Accordingly, we have consolidated the historical financial results of these three affiliated entities into our financial statements as variable interest entities pursuant to US GAAP. See “Our Corporate Structure.”

 

In anticipation of our initial public offering, we incorporated Acorn International, Inc., or Acorn International, in the Cayman Islands on December 20, 2005 as our listing vehicle. Acorn International became our ultimate holding company when it issued shares to the existing shareholders of China DRTV on March 31, 2006 in exchange for all of the shares that these shareholders held in China DRTV.

 

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The following diagram illustrates our current corporate structure and the place of formation and affiliation of each of our subsidiaries and the three affiliated entities as of the date of this prospectus (1) :

 

LOGO

 


(1) For risks related to our current corporate structure, see “Risk Factors—Risks Related to the Regulation of Our Business.”

 

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(2) For a description of the agreements that provide us with effective control over Shanghai Acorn Network Technology Development Co., Ltd., Beijing Acorn Trade Co., Ltd. and Shanghai Acorn Advertising Broadcasting Co., Ltd., including equity pledge agreements, irrevocable powers of attorney, a loan agreement, operation and management agreements and exclusive purchase agreements, see “Our Corporate Structure—Contractual Arrangements with the Consolidated Affiliated Entities and their Shareholders.”

 

(3) The economic benefits of Shanghai Acorn Network Technology Development Co., Ltd., Beijing Acorn Trade Co., Ltd. and Shanghai Acorn Advertising Broadcasting Co., Ltd. accrue to Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. pursuant to certain technical service agreements. See “Our Corporate Structure—Contractual Arrangements with the Consolidated Affiliated Entities and their Shareholders.”

 

Corporate Information

 

Our principal executive offices are located at 12F, Xinyin Building, 888 Yishan Road, Shanghai 200233, the People’s Republic of China. Our telephone number at this address is (8621) 5151-8888 and our fax number is (8621) 6432-0096. Our website is www.chinadrtv.com. The information contained on our website is not part of this prospectus.

 

Investor inquiries should be directed to us at the address and telephone number of our principal executive offices set forth above. Our agent for service of process in the United States is CT Corporation System, located at 111 Eighth Avenue, New York, New York 10011.

 

Conventions That Apply to This Prospectus

 

Unless we indicate otherwise, references in this prospectus to:

 

   

“ADSs” are to our American depositary shares, each of which represents              ordinary shares;

 

   

“ADRs” are to American depositary receipts, which, if issued, evidence our ADSs;

 

   

“$,” “US$” and “U.S. dollars” are to the legal currency of the United States;

 

   

“China” and the “PRC” are to the People’s Republic of China, excluding, for the purposes of this prospectus only, Taiwan and the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau;

 

   

“ordinary shares” are to our ordinary shares, par value $0.01 per share;

 

   

“RMB” and “Renminbi” are to the legal currency of China; and

 

   

“we,” “us,” “our company” and “our” refer to Acorn International, Inc., its predecessor entities and its subsidiaries.

 

Unless specifically indicated otherwise or unless the context otherwise requires, all references to our ordinary shares have been adjusted to give effect to the automatic conversion of all outstanding Series A convertible redeemable preferred shares and Series A-1 convertible redeemable preferred shares to ordinary shares upon the closing of this offering.

 

This prospectus contains translations of Renminbi amounts into U.S. dollars at specified rates. Unless otherwise noted, all translations from Renminbi to U.S. dollars were made at the noon buying rate in The City of New York for cable transfers in Renminbi per U.S. dollar as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or the noon buying rate, as of December 29, 2006, which was RMB 7.8041 to $1.00. We make no representation that the Renminbi amounts referred to in this prospectus could have been or could be converted into U.S. dollars at any particular rate or at all. See “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to China—Because our net revenues are generated in Renminbi and our results are reported in U.S. dollars, devaluation of the Renminbi could negatively impact our results of operations . ” On April 2, 2007 the noon buying rate was RMB 7.7296 to $1.00.

 

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THE OFFERING

 

Price per ADS

We currently estimate that the initial public offering price will be between $             and $             per ADS.

 

This Offering:

 

ADSs Offered by Us

                ADSs

ADSs Offered by the Selling Shareholders

                ADSs
    

Total

                ADSs
    

 

ADSs Outstanding Immediately After This Offering

             ADSs (or              ADSs if the underwriters exercise the over-allotment option in full).

 

Ordinary Shares Outstanding Immediately After This Offering

             ordinary shares after giving effect to the conversion of our Series A convertible redeemable preferred shares and Series A-1 convertible redeemable preferred shares, but excluding ordinary shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options and stock appreciation rights with respect to our ordinary shares under our 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (including prior year grants of options covered under this plan).

 

Over-Allotment Option

We have granted to the underwriters an option, exercisable for 30 days from the date of this prospectus, to purchase up to an aggregate of              additional ADSs at the initial public offering price listed on the cover page of this prospectus, less underwriting discounts and commissions, solely for the purpose of covering over-allotments.

 

The ADSs

Each ADS represents              ordinary shares. The ADSs will be evidenced by ADRs.

 

 

The depositary will be the holder of the ordinary shares underlying the ADSs and you will have the rights of an ADR holder as provided in the deposit agreement dated                     , 2007 among us, the depositary and holders and beneficial owners of ADSs from time to time.

 

 

You may surrender your ADSs to the depositary to withdraw the ordinary shares underlying your ADSs. The depositary will charge you a fee for such an exchange.

 

 

We may amend or terminate the deposit agreement for any reason without your consent. Any amendment which imposes or increases fees or charges or which materially prejudices any substantial existing right you have as an ADS holder will not become effective as to outstanding ADSs until 30 days after notice of the amendment is given to ADS holders. If an amendment becomes effective, you will be bound by the deposit agreement as amended if you continue to hold your ADSs.

 

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To better understand the terms of the ADSs, you should carefully read the section in this prospectus entitled “Description of American Depositary Shares.” We also encourage you to read the deposit agreement, which is an exhibit to the registration statement that includes this prospectus.

 

Use of Proceeds

We estimate that we will receive net proceeds of approximately $             million from this offering, assuming an initial public offering price of $             per ADS, the mid-point of the estimated range of the initial public offering price, after deducting estimated underwriter discounts, commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. We intend to use our net proceeds from this offering for the following purposes:

 

   

approximately $             million to increase our purchases of, and pre-payments for, TV advertising time;

 

   

approximately $             million to build product and service brands, expand sales and marketing for our distribution sales, and further strengthen our business management system and infrastructure within our nationwide distribution network;

 

   

approximately $             million for product and service development, including upgrades of existing products and services and development of new products and services;

 

   

approximately $             million to enhance and upgrade our technology and other business infrastructure and platforms, as well as our customer data mining capabilities;

 

   

approximately $             million to explore alternative direct sales platforms, such as dedicated TV home shopping channels, catalog sales and Internet-based direct sales; and

 

   

the balance to fund capital expenditures, working capital and for other general corporate purposes.

 

We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of the ADSs by the selling shareholders.

 

Risk Factors

See “Risk Factors” and other information included in this prospectus for a discussion of the risks you should carefully consider before deciding to invest in our ADSs.

 

Listing

We have applied for the listing of our ADSs on the New York Stock Exchange. Our ordinary shares will not be listed on any exchange or quoted for trading on any over-the-counter trading system.

 

Proposed New York Stock Exchange Symbol

ATV

 

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Depositary

Citibank, N.A.

 

Lock-up

We, the selling shareholders, our directors, executive officers and other existing shareholders have agreed with the underwriters not to sell, transfer or dispose of any ADSs, ordinary shares or similar securities for a period of 180 days after the date of this prospectus. See “Underwriting.”

 

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SUMMARY CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED COMBINED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA

 

The following summary condensed consolidated combined statements of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006 and the condensed consolidated combined balance sheet data as of December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006 have been derived from our audited consolidated combined financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus, which have been audited by Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu CPA Ltd., an independent registered public accounting firm. You should read the summary condensed consolidated combined financial data in conjunction with those financial statements and related notes and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included elsewhere in this prospectus. Our consolidated combined financial statements are prepared and presented in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles, or US GAAP. Our historical results do not necessarily indicate our results expected for any future periods.

 

     For the years ended December 31,

 
     2004

    2005

    2006

 
     (in thousands, except share, per share and
per ADS data)
 

Summary Condensed Consolidated Combined Statements of Operations Data

                        

Revenues:

                        

Direct sales, net

   $ 52,038     $ 76,828     $ 107,411  

Distribution sales, net

     43,022       93,512       89,087  
    


 


 


Total revenues, net

     95,060       170,340       196,498  
    


 


 


Cost of revenues:

                        

Direct sales

     16,826       26,646       32,013  

Distribution sales

     19,279       43,566       41,260  
    


 


 


Total cost of revenues

     36,105       70,212       73,273  
    


 


 


Gross profit

     58,955       100,128       123,225  
    


 


 


Operating income (expenses):

                        

Advertising expenses

     (27,903 )     (55,564 )     (76,549 )

Other selling and marketing expenses (1)(2)

     (7,697 )     (13,734 )     (21,023 )

General and administrative expenses (1)

     (6,126 )     (12,340 )     (27,115 )

Other operating income, net

     498       1,553       3,105  
    


 


 


Income from operations

     17,727       20,043       1,643  
    


 


 


Change in fair value in warrant liability

           (10,059 )      

Net income (3) (4)

     14,492       8,032       3,945  
    


 


 


Deemed dividend on Series A convertible redeemable preferred shares

           (162 )     (162 )
    


 


 


Income attributable to holders of ordinary shares

   $ 14,492     $ 7,870     $ 3,783  
    


 


 


Income per share—basic ordinary shares

   $ 0.31     $ 0.13     $ 0.05  

Income per share—basic preferred shares

   $     $ 0.14     $ 0.06  

Income per share—diluted

   $ 0.31     $ 0.12     $ 0.05  

Shares used in calculating basic income per share—ordinary shares

     46,809,668       45,814,725       48,979,394  

Shares used in calculating basic income per share—preferred shares

           16,770,999       20,591,970  

Shares used in calculating diluted income per share

     46,809,668       48,645,299       53,607,999  
    


 


 


Dividends declared per ordinary share

   $ 0.17     $ 0.02     $  
    


 


 


Pro forma income per share on an as-converted basis, basic (unaudited) (5)

                   $ 0.06  
                    


Pro forma income per share on an as-converted basis, diluted (unaudited) (5)

                   $ 0.05  
                    


Shares used in calculating pro forma per share amounts on an as-converted basis, basic (unaudited) (5)

                     69,571,364  
                    


Shares used in calculating pro forma per share amounts on an as-converted basis, diluted (unaudited) (5)

                     74,199,969  
                    


 

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     As of December 31,

 
     2004

    2005

    2006

 
     (in thousands)  

Summary Condensed Consolidated Combined Balance Sheet Data

                        

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 16,645     $ 35,386     $ 40,744  

Accounts receivable, net

     9,682       8,727       11,715  

Inventory

     1,426       5,476       7,815  

Prepaid advertising expenses

     4,903       20,090       25,384  

Other prepaid expenses and current assets

     2,965       8,503       10,667  

Property and equipment, net

     3,076       4,353       5,157  

Goodwill

           7,572       7,572  

Total assets

     39,862       100,372       118,699  

Accounts payable

     1,409       4,622       3,684  

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

     4,371       6,199       7,125  

Income taxes payable

     274       705       182  

Total current liabilities

     13,846       12,530       15,183  

Total liabilities

     13,971       12,569       15,183  

Total liabilities, mezzanine equity and shareholders’ equity

   $ 39,862     $ 100,372     $ 118,699  
     For the years ended December 31,

 
     2004

    2005

    2006

 
     (in thousands, except percentages)  

Selected Operating Data

                        

Number of inbound calls generated through direct sales platforms

     3,200       4,330       4,560 (6)

Conversion rate for inbound calls to product purchase order

     24.3 %     22.1 %     19.2 % (6)

Total TV direct sales programs minutes

     356.6       406.1       761.1  

(1)    Includes share-based compensation of:


      

     For the years ended December 31,

 
     2004

    2005

    2006

 
     (in thousands)  

Other selling and marketing expenses

   $     $ (168 )   $ (741 )

General and administrative expenses

   $     $ (2,168 )   $ (7,932 )

(2)    Includes amortization of intangible assets acquired in the July 2005 acquisition of the 49% minority interest of Shanghai HJX of:

       

     For the years ended December 31,

 
     2004

    2005

    2006

 
     (in thousands)  

Other selling and marketing expenses

   $     $ (239 )   $ (428 )
     For the years ended December 31,

 
(3)    Includes:    2004

    2005

    2006

 
     (in thousands)  

Share-based compensation

   $     $ (2,336 )   $ (8,673 )

Expensed offering costs

                 (3,166 )

Amortization of intangible assets acquired in the July 2005 acquisition of the 49% minority interest of Shanghai HJX

           (239 )     (428 )

Change in fair value in warrant liability

           (10,059 )      

 

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The change in fair value in warrant liability resulted from our issuance on January 21, 2005 of a warrant allowing the holder to acquire 2,882,155 shares of our series A-1 convertible redeemable preferred shares upon payment of $8.0 million in cash, corresponding to a per share exercise price of $2.78. The warrant was exercised in full on December 28, 2005 and, as a result, no future charge will be recognized. The warrant was deemed a freestanding derivative liability which requires the warrant to be measured at fair value upon initial recognition and subsequent to initial recognition. Accordingly, we recognized a non-cash charge in connection with marking the warrant to fair value for periods prior to the exercise.

 

(4)   Net income for the periods presented reflect effective tax rates which may not be representative of our long-term expected effective tax rates in light of the tax holidays and exemptions enjoyed by certain of our PRC subsidiaries and our consolidated affiliated entities. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Taxation.”

 

(5)   The pro forma income per share data gives effect to the automatic conversion of our outstanding Series A convertible redeemable preferred shares and Series A-1 convertible redeemable preferred shares into 20,591,970 ordinary shares upon closing of this offering.

 

     2006

     (in thousands,
except share
and per share data)

Income attributable to holders of ordinary share, as reported

   $ 3,784

Add: Deemed dividend on Series A convertible redeemable preferred shares

     161
    

Net income, as reported

   $ 3,945
    

Pro forma net income (unaudited)

   $ 3,945
    

Pro forma income attributable to holders of ordinary shares (unaudited)

   $ 3,945
    

Shares used in calculating basic income per share:

      

As reported

     48,979,394

Add: Series A and Series A-1 convertible redeemable shares (unaudited)

     20,591,970
    

Pro forma on an as-converted basis (unaudited)

     69,571,364
    

Pro forma basic income per share on an as-converted basis (unaudited):

   $ 0.06
    

Shares used in calculating diluted income per share:

      

As reported

     53,607,999

Add: Series A and Series A-1 convertible redeemable shares (unaudited)

     20,591,970
    

Pro forma on an as-converted basis (unaudited)

     74,199,969
    

Pro forma diluted income per share on an as-converted basis (unaudited):

   $ 0.05
    

 

(6)   Does not include calls generated under our marketing services arrangements that are primarily marketing in nature and are expected to result in limited direct sales revenues, such as our arrangement with China Unicom.

 

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RISK FACTORS

 

An investment in our ADSs involves significant risks. You should consider carefully all of the information in this prospectus, including the risks and uncertainties described below, before making an investment in our ADSs. Any of the following risks could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations if they actually occur. In any such case, the market price of our ADSs could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment.

 

Risks Relating to Our Business

 

Our limited operating history and the early stage of development of our industry make it difficult to evaluate our business and future prospects.

 

We commenced operation in 1998 and began selling our products and services through our integrated multiple sales platforms on a larger scale in 2000. Our business model continues to evolve in conjunction with the evolution of China’s TV direct sales industry (including the TV home shopping industry). For example, in 2006, we began selling and marketing on our TV direct sales platform pursuant to joint sales and marketing services arrangements certain third-party branded products and services, which, to date, we have sold through our nationwide distribution network only in limited quantities. Accordingly, our current business has a limited operating history from which you can evaluate our viability and sustainability. In addition, we have experienced significant growth and profitability in recent periods. From 2004 to 2006, our net revenues and gross profit grew at compound annual growth rates, or CAGRs, of 43.8% and 44.6%, respectively, which rates may not be sustained. Moreover, the TV direct sales industry in China is still in the early stage of development and the competitive landscape and range of products and services being offered continue to evolve rapidly. You should consider our future prospects in light of risks and uncertainties experienced by early stage companies in evolving industries in China, including an evolving regulatory environment and emerging consumer preferences. These circumstances may make it difficult for you to evaluate our business and future prospects.

 

Our operating results fluctuate from period to period, making them difficult to predict. Our operating results for a particular period could fall below our expectations or the expectations of investors or any market analyst that may issue reports or analyses regarding our ADSs, resulting in a decrease in the price of our ADSs.

 

Product and service-related factors:

 

Our operating results are highly dependent upon, and will fluctuate, based on the following product and service-related factors:

 

   

the mix of TV direct sales programs, including the portion thereof dedicated to products and services marketed by us pursuant to joint sales and marketing services arrangements, and brand promotion advertising;

 

   

the mix of products and services selected by us for marketing through our TV direct sales programs and our nationwide distribution network and their average selling prices;

 

   

the portion of any subscription or service revenue deferred or recognized in any period;

 

   

new product or service introductions by us or our competitors;

 

   

the availability of competing products and services and possible reductions in the sales price of our products and services over time in response to competitive offerings or in anticipation of our introduction of new or upgraded offerings;

 

   

seasonality with respect to certain of our products, such as our electronic learning devices. Sales for these products are typically higher around the first and third quarters corresponding with the end and beginning of school semesters in China;

 

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the cycles of our products and services featured in our TV direct sales programs, with such sales typically growing rapidly over the initial promotional period and then declining over time, sometimes precipitously in a short period of time. For example, our electronic wrinkle remover, for which we began full-scale sales and marketing in December 2003, accounted for over 20% of 2004 total net revenues with sales declining by over 94% in 2005 due to the unanticipated short lifecycle of this product in a very competitive environment;

 

   

the success of our distributors in promoting and selling our products locally; and

 

   

the potential negative impact distributor sales may have on our own direct sales efforts.

 

Other factors:

 

In addition, factors not directly relating to our products and services which could cause our operating results to fluctuate in a particular period or in comparison to a prior period include:

 

   

any requirement to suspend or terminate a particular TV direct sales program, including in response to regulatory actions;

 

   

negative publicity about our products and services;

 

   

the amount and timing of operating expenses incurred by us, including inventory-related losses, bad debt expense, product returns and options grants to our employees;

 

   

gains and losses related to our investments in marketable securities; and

 

   

the level of advertising and other promotional efforts by us and our competitors in a particular period.

 

Due to these and other factors, our operating results will vary from period to period, will be difficult to predict for any given period, may be adversely affected from period to period and may not be indicative of our future performance. If our operating results for any period fall below our expectations or the expectations of investors or any market analyst that may issue reports or analyses regarding our ADSs, the price of our ADSs is likely to decrease.

 

Our failure to obtain the prior approval of the China Securities Regulatory Commission, or the CSRC, for this offering and the listing and trading of our ADSs on the New York Stock Exchange could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, reputation and trading price of our ADSs, and may also create uncertainties for this offering.

 

On August 8, 2006, six PRC regulatory agencies, including the CSRC, promulgated a regulation that became effective on September 8, 2006. This regulation, among other things, has some provisions that purport to

require that an offshore special purpose vehicle, or SPV, formed for listing purposes and controlled directly or indirectly by PRC companies or individuals shall obtain the approval of the CSRC prior to the listing and trading of such SPV’s securities on an overseas stock exchange. On September 21, 2006, the CSRC published on its official website procedures specifying documents and materials required to be submitted to it by SPVs seeking CSRC approval of their overseas listings. However, the application of this PRC regulation remains unclear with no consensus currently existing among the leading PRC law firms regarding the scope and applicability of the CSRC approval requirement.

 

Our PRC counsel, Haiwen & Partners, has advised us that because we completed our restructuring before September 8, 2006, the effective date of the new regulation, it is not necessary for us to submit the application to the CSRC for its approval, and the listing and trading of our ADSs on the New York Stock Exchange does not require CSRC approval.

 

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If the CSRC or another PRC regulatory agency subsequently determines that CSRC approval was required for this offering, we may face regulatory actions or other sanctions from the CSRC or other PRC regulatory agencies. These regulatory agencies may impose fines and penalties on our operations in the PRC, limit our operating privileges in the PRC, delay or restrict the repatriation of the proceeds from this offering into the PRC, or take other actions that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, reputation and prospects, as well as the trading price of our ADSs. The CSRC or other PRC regulatory agencies also may take actions requiring us, or making it advisable for us, to halt this offering before settlement and delivery of the ADSs offered hereby. Consequently, if you engage in market trading or other activities in anticipation of and prior to settlement and delivery, you do so at the risk that settlement and delivery may not occur.

 

Also, if later the CSRC requires that we obtain its approval, we may be unable to obtain a waiver of the CSRC approval requirements, if and when procedures are established to obtain such a waiver. Any uncertainties and/or negative publicity regarding this CSRC approval requirement could have a material adverse effect on the trading price of our ADSs.

 

Our best-selling featured product lines account for, and are expected to continue to account for, the substantial majority of our sales. Featured products sales may decline, these products may have limited product lifecycles, and we may fail to introduce new products and services to offset declines in sales of our featured products.

 

Our five best-selling featured products or product lines accounted for approximately 91.2%, 89.7% and 72.1% of our gross revenues in 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively. Sales of our best-selling electronic learning devices product line, which we began selling in December 2003, accounted for approximately 26.0%, 42.8% and 31.7% of our gross revenues in 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively. The composition of our five best-selling featured products has varied from year to year. We expect that a small number of our featured product lines will continue to account for a substantial majority of our sales.

 

Only approximately 13.2% of our TV direct sales customers purchased products or services through our direct sales platform more than once in 2006. Our featured products may fail to maintain or achieve sufficient consumer market popularity and sales may decline due to, among other factors, the introduction of competing products, entry of new competitors, customer dissatisfaction with the value or quality offered by our products, negative publicity or market saturation. Consequently, our future sales success depends on our ability to successfully identify, develop, introduce and distribute in a timely and cost-effective manner new and appealing products and services, including new and upgraded products and services.

 

Our product and service sales for a given period will depend upon, among other things, a positive customer response to our TV direct sales programs, our effective management of product inventory and the stage of our products’ lifecycles during the period. Customer response to our TV direct sales programs depends on many variables, including the appeal of the products and services being marketed, the effectiveness of the TV direct sales programs, the viability of competing products and services and the timing and frequency of airtime. Our new products and services may not receive market acceptance. In addition, from time to time, we experience delays in the supply of our products to customers due to production delays or shortages or inadequate inventory management, and we lose potential product sales as a result. Furthermore, during a product’s lifecycle, problems may arise regarding regulatory, intellectual property, product liability or other issues which may affect the continued viability of the product for sale. Although we have previously offset declining sales of a featured product line through increased sales of a new or expanded featured product line, we may be unable to do so in the future. For example, in 2006 we recorded overall net revenue growth of 15.4% mainly due to the strength of our PDA cell phone and GPS product lines, while sales of our consumer electronics products and electronic learning devices, which became featured products in 2001 and 2003, respectively, declined significantly in 2006 compared to 2005.

 

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If we fail to identify and introduce additional successful products and services, including those to replace existing featured products suffering from declining sales or approaching the end of their product lifecycle, our gross revenues may not grow or may decline and our market share and value of our brand may be materially and adversely affected.

 

Our business depends significantly on the strength of our product and service brands and corporate reputation; our failure to develop, maintain and enhance our product and service brands and corporate reputation may materially and adversely affect the level of market recognition of, and trust in, our products and services.

 

In China’s fragmented, developing and increasingly competitive consumer market, product and service brands and corporate reputation have become critical to the success of our new products and services and the continued popularity of our existing products and services. Our ability to develop, maintain and enhance a given product or service’s brand image and recognition depends largely on our ability to remain a leader in the TV direct sales market industry in China. Our brand promotion efforts, particularly our brand promotion activities, may be expensive and may fail to either effectively promote our product and service brands or generate additional sales.

 

Our product and service brands, corporate reputation and product sales could be harmed if, for example:

 

   

our advertisements, including our TV direct sales programs, or the advertisements of the owners of the third-party brands that we market or of our distributors are deemed to be misleading or inaccurate;

 

   

our products or services fail to meet customer expectations;

 

   

we provide poor or ineffective customer service;

 

   

our products or services contain defects or fail;

 

   

consumers confuse our products with inferior or counterfeit products;

 

   

consumers confuse our TV direct sales programs with those of our competitors, some of which may promote inferior products, be misleading or inaccurate, or be of poor production quality; or

 

   

consumers find our outbound calls intrusive or annoying.

 

For example, in July 2006 several articles appeared in the Chinese media that, among other things, questioned the pricing and quality of our products, in particular targeting our electronic learning devices, which was our best-selling product in 2006. The negative media coverage led to a decline in sales volume and revenue for this and several of our other products. Any failure to maintain and enhance our product or service brands or our corporate reputation, in response to negative publicity or the other matters described above, may materially and adversely affect the market recognition of, and trust in, our products and services and the levels of sales and product returns and thus significantly harm our operating results.

 

Our business depends on our access to TV media time to market our products and services in China. We do not generally have long-term contracts to purchase TV media time, and any regulatory or other disruption of our access to desired TV time slots could negatively impact the effectiveness of our TV direct sales platform.

 

Our business is dependent on having access to media time to televise our TV direct sales programs. Substantially all our direct sales, which accounted for 54.7%, 45.1% and 54.7% of our total net revenues in 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively, are generated through our TV direct sales platform. In addition, our nationwide distribution network is significantly dependent on our TV direct sales platform. Our distributors generally seek to

 

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distribute products and services that were or continue to be sold successfully through our TV direct sales programs.

 

Under PRC regulations, airtime used to broadcast retail sales programs is generally considered advertising time. PRC regulations restrict the overall daily TV advertising time and the amount of TV advertising time during certain daily time periods. Our TV direct sales programs, which are typically five to ten minutes in length, are in most cases treated by TV stations as advertising for purposes of complying with these PRC regulations. Accordingly, adverse or unanticipated regulatory changes, including any change that limits the amount of time available for TV advertising generally or its availability to us, could significantly harm our business or limit our ability to operate. Consistent with industry practice in China, our TV advertising purchase contracts are typically negotiated annually. We purchase TV advertising time directly from TV stations or TV advertising agencies that have exclusive rights to sell certain time slots for certain TV channels. Competition for the attractive TV advertising time and for channels in China is intense, in part, due to the daily restrictions discussed above. Competitors for advertising time include other TV-based retail companies and companies seeking to advertise their own products and services. In addition, certain TV channels have in the past allocated, and might choose in the future to allocate, fewer time slots for TV direct sales programs. As our existing contracts expire, we may be unable to purchase or renew desired advertising time slots on desirable TV channels or at favorable price levels, if at all. Any significant decreases in our access to media time, including as result of any failure to renew or extend our existing contracts with TV stations or their advertising agencies, could negatively impact the effectiveness of our TV direct sales platform.

 

We expect our advertising commitments to increase in 2007. However this increase in advertising commitments may not generate higher net revenues, thereby negatively impacting our overall profitability.

 

Our TV advertising time purchase contracts typically require us to make full advance payment before broadcasting our TV direct sales programs. As of December 31, 2006, we had existing contractual commitments to purchase $62.8 million of TV advertising time for direct sales programs. Accordingly if we fail to manage our media time efficiently or effectively, such that our TV advertising efforts fail to generate sufficient return or profit potential, our results of operations and business performance may be materially and adversely affected. Also, we may be unable to use all our purchased time due to factors out of our control, such as preemption of our time by special programming events and programming overruns by our TV stations. In 2006, approximately 2% of our purchased TV advertising time was preempted by these TV stations. Although these TV stations reimburse us or provide us alternative advertising time slots in the event of preemption, this might not fully compensate us for loss of our desired time slots.

 

The purchase of TV advertising time is our largest operating expenditure. Since 2004, while our total TV advertising cost per minute varies per TV channel due to changes in ratings and mix in advertising time slots, our total TV advertising costs as a percentage of our net revenues has been increasing. For example, our advertising costs on our primary CCTV channels have generally increased annually from 2004 to 2006 and are expected to continue to increase. Costs on some of the satellite channels on which we air our direct sales programs have increased and are likely to continue to increase in some instances by more than 100%, as their coverage and ratings increase. In 2007, total minutes for TV direct sales programs are expected to increase by over 5.5% compared to 2006. A significant increase in the cost of media time could negatively impact our overall profitability.

 

Our joint sales and marketing services arrangements constitute an increasingly important part of our business, and the termination of any of them could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects.

 

Our joint sales arrangements generate direct sales revenues and additional payment streams, some of which reduce our cost of direct sales revenues. Our marketing services arrangements generate marketing services

 

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revenues. We expect that these arrangements will constitute an increasingly important part of our business in the future. We do not maintain long-term contracts with any of the parties with whom we have arrangements, and our ability to maintain and manage relationships with each of them is subject to various uncertainties, some of which are not within our control. Third parties with whom we engage in joint sales and marketing services activities may decide to produce their own TV direct sales programs, or may decide to rely on the services of our competitors. If any of our joint sales or marketing services arrangements terminates, our business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects could be materially and adversely affected.

 

We rely on our nationwide distribution network for a significant portion of our revenues. Failure to maintain good distributor relations could materially disrupt our distribution business and harm our net revenues.

 

Our business is significantly dependent on the performance of our distributors. In 2004, 2005 and 2006, 45.3%, 54.9% and 45.3%, respectively, of our net revenues were generated through our approximately 80 distributors. Our largest distributor accounted for approximately 3.2% and 5.7% of our gross revenues in 2005 and 2006. We do not maintain long-term contracts with our distributors. Maintaining relationships with existing distributors and replacing any distributor may be difficult or time consuming. Our failure to maintain good relationships with our distributors could materially disrupt our distribution business and harm our net revenues.

 

We may be unable to effectively manage our nationwide distribution network. Any failure by our distributors to operate in compliance with our distribution agreements and applicable law may result in liability to us, may interrupt the effective operation of our distribution network, may harm our brands and our corporate image and may result in decreased sales.

 

We have limited ability to manage the activities of our distributors, who are independent from us. In addition, our distributors or the retail outlets to which they sell our products and services may violate our distribution agreements with them or the sales agreements between our distributors and the retail outlets. Such violations may include, among other things:

 

   

failure to meet minimum sales targets for our products and services or minimum price levels for our products and services in accordance with relevant agreements;

 

   

failure to properly promote our products and services through local marketing medium, including local TV and print media, violation of our media content requirements, or failure to meet minimum required media spending levels;

 

   

selling products and services that compete with our products and services, including product or service imitations, or selling our products and services outside their designated territory, possibly in violation of the exclusive distribution rights of other distributors;

 

   

providing poor customer service; or

 

   

violating PRC law in the marketing and sale of our products and services, including PRC restrictions on advertising content or product and service claims.

 

In particular, we recently discovered that some of the retail outlets to which our distributors sell our products and services are selling imitation products that compete with our posture correction and sleeping aid products. Although we continue to rigorously monitor this situation and require our distributors to abide by their contractual obligation to eliminate any such violation by the retail outlets, we may be unable to police or stop violations such as selling of imitation products or services by retail outlets.

 

If we determine to fine, suspend or terminate our distributors for acting in violation of our distribution agreements, or if the distributors fail to address material violations committed by any of their retail outlets, our

 

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ability to effectively sell our products and services in any given territory could be negatively impacted. In addition, these and similar actions could negatively affect our brands and our corporate image, possibly resulting in loss of customers and a decline in sales.

 

Some of our distributors may compete with us in certain TV direct sales markets, possibly negatively affecting our direct sales in those markets.

 

Several of our current distributors market and sell some of our and others’ products and services through their own TV direct sales platforms and call centers. Three of these distributors were among our five best- performing distributors in 2005 and two were among our five best-performing distributors in 2006, with aggregate revenue contribution constituting approximately 9.1% and 4.3% of our gross revenues in 2005 and 2006, respectively. Each of these distributors is a party to our standard distribution arrangement and each operated its own TV direct sales platform prior to becoming our distributor. These distributors continue to operate their own TV direct sales platforms. In addition, some of our other distributors use edited versions of our TV direct sales programs to market our products on local TV stations and conduct TV direct sales activities through their own call-in numbers. These distributors’ TV direct sales efforts may compete with and negatively affect our own TV direct sales in their respective territories.

 

Certain of our distributors are beneficially owned by our employees, executive officers and shareholders. It may be difficult for us to effectively evaluate the performance of these distributors or to replace any of them if they are non-performing, underperforming or non-compliant with our distribution agreements.

 

We have approximately 80 distributors constituting our nationwide distribution network that distribute our products and services across China. To accelerate the establishment of our distribution network, in 2000 we issued shares in our company to owners of five of these distributors as incentives when they joined our nationwide distribution network. In 2005 and 2006, the aggregate sales generated by these five distributors accounted for approximately 15.2% and 13.0% of our distribution gross revenues and 8.3% and 5.9% of our total gross revenues, respectively. In 2005 and 2006, two of these distributors were among our five best-performing distributors. None of these shareholders owns more than 1% of our company. In addition, of our distributors, 11 are owned in part, or in some cases in whole, by eight of our employees or their family members. Seven out of these eight individuals became our employees as a result of our acquisition of the remaining 49% interest of Shanghai HJX Digital Technology Co., Ltd., or Shanghai HJX, in July 2005. In 2005 and 2006, the aggregate sales generated by these 11 distributors accounted for approximately 33.3% and 26.9% of our distribution gross revenues or 18.3% and 12.2% of our total gross revenues, respectively. In 2005, two of these distributors were, and in 2006, one of these distributors was, among our five best-performing distributors. These eight employees, none of whom are executive officers, are currently responsible for various functions or operations relating to our nationwide distribution business. In addition, two distributors in 2005 and three distributors in 2006, each of which accounted for less than 1% of our distribution gross revenues in 2005 and 2006, were wholly owned by family members of our chief executive officer and another of our executive officers. We entered into the distribution agreements with these related distributors on an arm’s-length basis and the terms in the distribution agreements with these distributors are the same as those with our independent distributors. However, these economic interests held by our shareholders, executive officers and employees in our distributors may make it difficult for us to effectively evaluate the performance of such distributors or fine, suspend or terminate a non-performing, under-performing or non-compliant distributor without harming our relationship with those shareholders, executive officers and employees.

 

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Our failure to adequately manage our growth and expansion could negatively impact our ability to effectively operate our business, accurately report our financial results as a public company and attract and train our employees and management, which could hamper our business strategy and result in deterioration in our operating results.

 

Our operations have grown rapidly, particularly in recent years. We grew from 128 employees in 2000, to 1,768 employees as of December 31, 2006. In particular, in July 2005 we added approximately 240 employees following our acquisition of the 49% minority interest of our previously majority-owned subsidiary, Shanghai HJX. This subsidiary was responsible for manufacturing and marketing our electronic learning devices product line. Our recent growth has resulted, and future growth could continue to result, in substantial demands being placed on our operational and administrative systems, our financial and management controls and resources, our management and our employee training capabilities. Any failure in these areas could significantly harm our ability to effectively operate our business, accurately report our financial results as a public company and attract and train our employees and management, which could hamper our business strategy and result in deterioration in our operating results.

 

We depend on our senior management team, key personnel and skilled and experienced employees in all aspects of our business, and our business and operations may be severely disrupted and our performance negatively affected if we lose their services.

 

Our future success significantly depends upon the continuing service of our senior management team, including James Yujun Hu, our CEO, Don Dongjie Yang, our president, Guoying Du, our vice president responsible for managing our nationwide distribution network, Ella Man Lin, our vice president responsible for product development and supplier and human resources management, David Chenghong He, our vice president responsible for management of our financial, logistics and payment systems, Kevin Guohui Hu, our vice president responsible for media purchasing, planning and management and Gordon Xiaogang Wang, our vice president and our chief financial officer. If one or more members of our senior management team or other key employees are unable or unwilling to continue in their present position, we may not be able to replace them easily or at all, our business could be severely disrupted, and our financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. We do not maintain key-man life insurance for any of our senior management.

 

To maintain our competitive position and expand our operations, we must attract, train and retain skilled and experienced employees in numerous areas, including product development, media procurement and call center operations. The monthly average turnover rate for our three call centers in 2005 ranged from 2.6% to 9.7% and in 2006 ranged from 3.3% to 7.6%, reflecting both voluntary terminations and termination of employees failing to meet our performance standards. Any inability to attract and retain a significant number of skilled and experienced employees in our call centers or other critical areas could seriously disrupt our business and operations and negatively affect our financial performance.

 

In fulfilling sales through our direct sales platforms, we face customer acceptance, delivery, payment and collection risks that could adversely impact our direct sales net revenues and overall operating results. We are in particular dependent on China Express Mail Service Corporation, or EMS, to make our product deliveries and from time to time we have been required to write off certain accounts receivable from EMS.

 

We rely significantly on EMS, the largest national express mail service operated by the China Post Office, and to a lesser extent, local delivery companies, to deliver products sold through our direct sales platforms. EMS and local delivery companies made deliveries of products representing 64.2% and 29.2% of our direct sales gross revenues in 2004, 59.4% and 37.7% of our direct sales gross revenues in 2005 and 62.9% and 34.1% of our direct sales gross revenues in 2006, respectively. Due to the current lack of other viable payment alternatives, almost all of the products that we sell through our direct sales platforms are delivered and paid for by customers on a cash on

 

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delivery, or COD, basis. We rely on EMS and local delivery companies to remit customer payment collections to us. Of the total attempted product deliveries by EMS and local delivery companies on a COD basis, approximately 81% and 77% were successful in 2005 and 2006, respectively. Reasons for delivery failure primarily include customer refusal to accept a product upon delivery or failure to successfully locate the delivery address. We believe that our successful delivery rates declined in 2006 mainly because of higher average selling prices for our products and services, which led to a higher number of customer refusals. Although we continue to explore alternative payment methods, we expect to continue to be dependent on COD customer payments for the foreseeable future.

 

EMS typically requires 50 days to remit to us the COD payments received from our customers. Of our total accounts receivable balance as of December 31, 2005 and 2006, $5.9 million, or 67.3%, and $7.8 million, or 66.3%, respectively, was due from EMS. In addition, from time to time, we have been required to write off certain EMS accounts receivable due to a difference between EMS’s collections according to our records and cash amounts actually received by EMS according to their records. The total amount of EMS-related accounts receivable written off in 2006 was approximately $0.3 million. We may be required to write off similar or higher amounts in the future.

 

We do not maintain a long-term contract with EMS. Although we are striving to shift more of our deliveries to local delivery companies, we expect to remain dependent on EMS for the foreseeable future. Failure or inability to renew our contract with EMS could disrupt our business and operations and negatively affect our financial performance.

 

We expect competition in China’s consumer market to intensify. If we do not compete successfully against new and existing competitors, we may lose our market share, and our profitability may be adversely affected.

 

Competition from current or future competitors could cause our products and services to lose market acceptance or require us to significantly reduce our prices or increase our promotional activities to maintain and attract customers. Many of our current or future competitors may have longer operating histories, better brand recognition and consumer trust, strong media management capabilities, better media and supplier relationships, a larger technical staff and sales force and/or greater financial, technical or marketing resources than we do. Because of our integrated vertical business model, we face competition from the following companies operating in our value chain:

 

   

Other TV direct sales companies operating in China with generally similar business models to ours, including Pacific Media, China SevenStar and Smile TV (Chi Ma Ao);

 

   

TV home shopping companies that operate on one or two TV channels in a single province such as Oriental CJ Home Shopping, GS Chongqing Home Shopping and GD Hyundai Home Shopping, as well as TVSN, which operates on several TV channels;

 

   

Numerous domestic and international sellers of consumer branded products that sell their products in China. For example, our Ozing electronic learning devices compete with electronic learning devices under BBK, e100, Noah and other brands, and our cell phone products compete with similar products sold by local and international cell phone manufacturers;

 

   

Traditional retailers and distributors, as well as direct marketers such as Avon, operating in China which currently or in the future may offer competing products or services, including products or services under their own brand, or may otherwise offer or seek to offer small and medium manufacturers and suppliers distribution capabilities throughout China; and

 

   

Other Internet and e-commerce companies in China that offer consumer products online via an Internet platform, including eBay’s China site, Alibaba’s Tao Bao, and Dang Dang.

 

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In addition, large multi-national home shopping companies such as QVC may enter the China market directly or indirectly. Entry by these players becomes more likely if existing PRC restrictions on content, number of advertising hours per day and foreign ownership of TV stations are relaxed.

 

We also compete with companies that make imitations of our products at substantially lower prices, such as our oxygen generating products that may be sold in department stores, pharmacies, general merchandise stores.

 

We may be unable to successfully compete against new or existing direct or indirect competitors which could cause us to lose our market share and adversely affect our profitability.

 

We may not realize the anticipated benefits of our potential future joint ventures, acquisitions or investments or be able to integrate any acquired employees, businesses, products or services, which in turn may negatively affect their performance and respective contributions to our results of operations.

 

As a means of acquiring managerial expertise and additional complementary distribution network infrastructure, since 2003, we have entered into seven joint ventures with other entities for our products and services, including our electronic learning device product line. In connection with these ventures, we also acquired services of certain management personnel, including Guoying Du, one of our executive officers who is currently in charge of our nationwide distribution network. In these arrangements, we have typically received at least majority control and exclusive rights to distribute a product through the joint ventures in exchange for our agreement to market and sell the product through our multiple sales platforms, a minority equity stake and cash consideration. In the case of the joint venture responsible for the manufacturing and sale of our electronic learning devices (initially majority-owned), we were able to acquire all the remaining minority interest in July 2005. We may continue to enter into similar joint ventures or make other acquisitions or investments to, among other things, acquire managerial expertise or additional complementary distribution network infrastructure or to secure exclusive product distribution rights for the products to be sold through our multiple sales platforms. Risks related to our existing and future joint ventures, acquisitions and investments include, as applicable:

 

   

our ability to enter into, exit or acquire additional interests in our joint ventures or other acquisitions or investments may be restricted by or subject to various approvals under PRC law or may not otherwise be possible, may result in a possible dilutive issuance of our securities or may require us to borrow money to fund those activities;

 

   

we may disagree with our joint venture partner(s) or other investors on how the venture or invested business should be managed and/or operated;

 

   

to the degree we wish to do so, we may be unable to integrate and retain acquired employees or management personnel; incorporate acquired products, services or capabilities into our business; integrate and support pre-existing manufacturing or distribution arrangements; consolidate duplicate facilities and functions; or combine aspects of our accounting processes, order processing and support functions; and

 

   

the joint venture or investment could suffer losses and we could lose our total investment, which would have a negative effect on our operating results.

 

Any of these events could distract our management’s attention and result in our not obtaining the anticipated benefits of our joint ventures, acquisitions or investments and, in turn, negatively affect the performance of such joint ventures, acquisitions and investments and their respective contributions to our results of operations.

 

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Interruption or failure of our telephone system and management information systems could impair our ability to effectively sell and deliver our products and services or result in a loss or corruption of data, which could damage our reputation and negatively impact our results of operations.

 

45.1% and 54.7% of our total net revenues in 2005 and 2006, respectively, were generated through our direct sales platforms, with orders processed by our call centers. Our call centers rely heavily on our telephone and management information systems, or MIS, to receive customer calls at our call centers, process customer purchases, arrange product delivery and assess the effectiveness of advertising placements and consumer acceptance of our products and services, among other things. As our business evolves and our MIS requirements change, we may need to modify, upgrade and replace our systems. We work closely with third-party vendors to provide telephone and MIS tailored to our specific needs. We are and will continue to be substantially reliant on these third-party vendors for the provision of maintenance, modifications, upgrades and replacements to our systems. If these third-party vendors can no longer provide these services, it may be difficult, time consuming and costly to replace them. Any such modification, upgrading or replacement of our systems may be costly and could create disturbances or interruptions to our operations. Similarly, undetected errors or inadequacies in our telephone and MIS may be difficult or expensive to timely correct and could result in substantial service interruptions.

 

From time to time, our computer systems experience short periods of power outage. Any telephone or MIS failure (including as a result of natural disaster or power outage), particularly during peak or critical periods, could inhibit our ability to receive calls and complete orders or evaluate the effectiveness of our promotions or consumer acceptance of our products and services or otherwise operate our business. These events could, in turn, impair our ability to effectively sell and deliver our products and services or the loss or corruption of customer, supplier and distributor data, which could damage our reputation and negatively impact our results of operations.

 

We may not be able to prevent others from unauthorized use of our intellectual property, which could harm our product brand, reputation and competitive position. In addition, we may have to enforce our intellectual property rights through litigation. Such litigation may result in substantial costs and diversion of resources and management attention.

 

We rely on a combination of patent, copyright, trademark and trade secret laws, as well as nondisclosure agreements and other methods to protect our intellectual property rights. In particular, we rely on the trademark law in China to protect our product brands. We currently maintain approximately 30 trademark registrations in China. The legal regime in China for the protection of intellectual property rights is still at a relatively early stage of development. Despite many laws and regulations promulgated and other efforts made by China over the years to enhance its regulation and protection of intellectual property rights, private parties may not enjoy intellectual property rights in China to the same extent as they would in many Western countries, including the United States, and enforcement of such laws and regulations in China have not achieved the levels reached in those countries. The steps we have taken may be inadequate to prevent the misappropriation of our intellectual property. Separately, we are in the process of applying for registration or transfer of approximately 188 trademarks in China, including trademarks for two of our best-selling product lines in 2006. We may not be able to enforce our proprietary rights in connection with these trademarks before such registrations or transfers are approved by the relevant authorities and it is possible that such registrations or transfers may not be approved at all. In addition, manufacturers or suppliers in China may imitate our products, copy our various brands and infringe our intellectual property rights. We have recently discovered unauthorized products in the marketplace that are counterfeit reproductions of our products sold by the retailers within our nationwide distribution network and by third parties in retail stores and on websites. The counterfeit products that we found include our posture correction products, one of our five best-selling products in 2006, and our oxygen generating devices.

 

It is difficult and expensive to police and enforce against infringement of intellectual property rights in China. Imitation or counterfeiting of our products or other infringement of our intellectual property rights, including our trademarks, could diminish the value of our various brands, harm our reputation and competitive

 

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position or otherwise adversely affect our net revenues. We may have to enforce our intellectual property rights through litigation. Such litigation may result in substantial costs and diversion of resources and management attention.

 

We have in the past been, and in the future may again be, subject to intellectual property rights infringement claims by third parties, which could be time-consuming and costly to defend or litigate, divert our attention and resources, or require us to enter into licensing agreements. These licenses may not be available on commercially reasonable terms, or at all.

 

We have in the past been, and in the future may again be, the subject of claims for infringement, invalidity, or indemnification relating to other parties’ proprietary rights. For example, in December 2005 we were sued by a company that alleged that we had infringed their copyrights by allowing purchasers of our electronic learning devices to download from our website materials that it claimed were derived from its English textbooks and tapes without its consent. We subsequently settled the claim for approximately $5,000. These claims, with or without merit, could be time-consuming and costly to defend or litigate, divert our attention and resources, or require us to enter into licensing agreements. Such licenses may not be available on commercially reasonable terms, or at all.

 

The outcome of a recent litigation against us may have a negative effect on our oxygen generating device business operations and negatively affect our overall financial performance.

 

On April 19, 2006, Beijing Huashi Industrial Company brought a lawsuit against us in Beijing Xicheng District People’s Court, alleging that transfers of trademarks as well as fixed and moveable assets in connection with our acquisition of our oxygen generating devices business from its subsidiary in 2000, violated PRC laws that require a valuation and approval of transferred state-owned assets to be undertaken, and such transfers should, as a consequence, be voided. We believe that a judgment will be issued in the near term. PRC litigation counsel has advised us it is possible that the transfer of the Youngleda assets could be declared void by the court. If the transfer is declared void, however, the plaintiff will need to bring a second action to seek either return of the assets or damages. We believe that (i) the return of the assets would be impractical and (ii) the amount of any damages claimed would be the difference between the actual purchase price and the value of the assets as of the date of transfer as determined by an appraisal report, which would be prepared in accordance with the relevant PRC regulations, and that such difference, if any, would not be material to our overall operations.

 

We intend to defend any action to declare the transfer void or seeking return of the assets or damages if the initial action is successful. At this time, we cannot predict or assess with any degree of certainty either the outcome of this litigation or impact on our oxygen generating device business operations or our overall financial performance an unfavorable judgment would have on us.

 

We have limited general business insurance coverage and we may be subject to losses that might not be covered by our existing insurance policies, which may result in our incurring substantial costs and the diversion of resources.

 

Insurance companies in China offer limited business insurance products and do not, to our knowledge, offer business liability insurance. While business interruption insurance is available to a limited extent in China, we have determined that the risks of disruption, cost of such insurance and the difficulties associated with acquiring such insurance on commercially reasonable terms make it impractical for us to subscribe for such insurance. As a result, except for all-risks insurance on finished goods inventory stored in our central warehouses, we do not have any business liability, disruption or litigation insurance coverage for our operations in China. Any business disruption or litigation may result in our incurring substantial costs and the diversion of resources.

 

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We do not carry product liability insurance coverage, and our sale of our and other parties’ products could subject us to product liability claims and potential safety-related regulatory actions. These events could damage our brand and reputation and the marketability of the products that we sell, divert our management’s attention and result in lower net revenues and increased costs.

 

The manufacture and sale of our products, in particular, our posture correction and neck massager product lines in our health and wellness product category, and our sale of other parties’ products could each expose us to product liability claims for personal injuries. Also, if these products are deemed by the PRC authorities to fail to conform to product quality and personal safety requirements in China, we could be subject to PRC regulatory action. Violation of PRC product quality and safety requirements by our or others’ products sold by us may subject us to confiscation of related earnings, penalties, an order to cease sales of the violating products or to cease operations pending rectification. If the offense is determined to be serious, our business license to manufacture or sell these and other products could be suspended. We currently do not carry any product liability insurance coverage. Any product liability claim or governmental regulatory action could be costly and time-consuming to defend. If successful, product liability claims may require us to pay substantial damages. Also, a material design, manufacturing or quality failure in our and other parties’ products sold by us, other safety issues or heightened regulatory scrutiny could each warrant a product recall by us and result in increased product liability claims. Furthermore, customers may not use the products sold by us in accordance with our product usage instructions, possibly resulting in customer injury. All of these events could materially harm our brand and reputation and marketability of our products, divert our management’s attention and result in lower net revenues and increased costs.

 

Any disruption of our or our manufacturing service providers’ manufacturing operations could negatively affect the availability of our products and our net revenues derived therefrom.

 

We manufactured almost half of the products we sell in terms of cost of revenues in 2006, with the balance provided by third-party suppliers and manufacturers in China. We purchase the materials we need to manufacture our products, including our best-selling electronic learning devices product line, from outside suppliers in China. In 2005, our largest supplier, which supplies LCD display screens for our electronic learning devices product line, accounted for approximately 36.9% of our total cost of revenues in 2005. Our largest supplier in 2006, which supplies PDA cell phones, accounted for approximately 14.9% of our total cost of revenues in 2006. We typically purchase all production materials, including critical components such as flash memory, chipsets and LCD display screens for our electronic learning devices, on a purchase order basis and do not have long-term contracts with our suppliers.

 

If we fail to develop or maintain our relationships with our suppliers, we may be unable to manufacture our products, and we could be prevented from supplying our products to our customers in the required quantities. Problems of this kind could cause us to experience loss of market share and result in decreased net revenues. The failure of a supplier to supply materials and components that meet our quality, quantity and cost requirements in a timely manner could impair our ability to manufacture our products or increase our costs, particularly if we are unable to obtain these materials and components from alternative sources on a timely basis or on commercially reasonable terms.

 

For the products manufactured by us, among other risks, we may:

 

   

have too much or too little production capacity;

 

   

be unable to obtain raw materials on a timely basis or at commercially reasonable prices, which could adversely affect the pricing and availability of our products;

 

   

experience quality control problems;

 

   

accumulate obsolete inventory;

 

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fail to timely meet demand for our products; and

 

   

experience delays in manufacturing operations due to understaffing during the peak seasons and holidays.

 

Currently, products manufactured by third parties for us primarily include our consumer electronics products and our neck massager product. In 2005 and 2006, we had two suppliers, respectively, for our consumer electronics products, electronic learning devices and PDA cell phones, each accounting for more than 10% of our cost of revenues in these periods. We typically purchase these products on a purchase order basis and do not have long-term contracts with these suppliers. Some of our products are supplied by third-party manufacturers based on designs or technical requirements provided by us. These manufacturers may fail to produce products that conform to our requirements. In addition, for products manufactured or supplied by third-party manufacturers, we indirectly face many of the risks described above and other risks. For example, our third party manufacturers may not continue to supply products to us of the quality and or in the quantity we require. It may also be difficult or expensive for us to replace a third-party manufacturer.

 

Our leases of land and manufacturing facilities in Beijing and Shanghai may not be in full compliance with PRC laws and regulations and we may be required to relocate our facilities, which may disrupt our manufacturing operations and result in decreased net revenues.

 

Our manufacturing facility for our oxygen generating products is built on a plot of land we leased from Beijing Tongzhou District Lucheng Town Chadao Village for a term of 30 years. This land is collectively owned by rural residents of the village. The relevant PRC law may be interpreted to disallow industrial use of the land or leasing of the land to parties other than the local rural residents or their collective economic organizations. If the PRC land authority determines that our use of the land violates PRC law, we may be ordered to restore the land to its original state and relocate to another site, to demolish the buildings established on the land by us without compensation. In addition, our manufacturing facilities for our posture correction product line and engine lubricant products as well as one of our central warehouses that we lease from Shanghai Huamin Economic Development Co., Ltd. are built on collectively owned land and is not technically permitted to be leased to commercial enterprises like us under relevant PRC laws. The PRC land authority also has the power to order the lessor to terminate the lease contract with us. If our lease is terminated, we would be required to relocate our facilities. Although we believe that the relocation cost, if any, would not be significant, such a relocation could disrupt our manufacturing operations and result in lower net revenues.

 

We may require additional capital, which may not be available on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. Capital raised through the sale of equity securities may result in dilution to our shareholders. Failure to obtain such additional capital could have an adverse impact on our business strategies and growth prospects.

 

We believe that our current cash and cash equivalents and cash flow from operations will be sufficient to meet our anticipated cash needs for the next 12 months. We may, however, require additional cash resources due to changed business conditions or other future developments, including any investments, joint ventures or acquisitions we may decide to pursue. If these resources are insufficient to satisfy our cash requirements, we may seek to sell additional equity or debt securities or obtain a credit facility. The sale of additional equity securities could result in additional dilution to our shareholders. The incurrence of indebtedness would result in increased debt service obligations and could result in operating and financing covenants that would restrict our operations. Financing may be unavailable in amounts or on terms acceptable to us, or at all, which could have an adverse impact on our business strategies and growth prospects.

 

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We may not be able to achieve and maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, which failure may prevent us from accurately reporting our financial results or detecting and preventing fraud.

 

We will be subject to reporting obligations under the U.S. securities laws. Beginning with our annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2008, we will be required to prepare a management report on our internal control over financial reporting containing our management’s assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. In addition, our independent registered public accounting firm must attest to and report on our management’s assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. Our management may conclude that our internal controls over our financial reporting is not effective. Moreover, even if our management concludes that our internal control over financial reporting is effective, our independent registered public accounting firm may still decline to attest to our management’s assessment or may issue a report that is qualified if it is not satisfied with our controls or the level at which our controls are documented, designed, operated or reviewed, or if it interprets the relevant requirements differently from us. Our reporting obligations as a public company will place a significant strain on our management, operational and financial resources and systems for the foreseeable future. Prior to this offering, we have been a young, private company with limited accounting personnel and other resources with which to address our internal controls and procedures. As a result, when our independent auditors audited our consolidated combined financial statements for the three years ended December 31, 2006 in connection with this offering, they identified a number of control deficiencies in our internal control procedures which, in the judgment of our independent auditors, could adversely affect our ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data consistent with the assertions of our management in the financial statements. Specifically, the control deficiencies identified by our independent auditors consist of: (i) an inadequate number of accounting personnel with knowledge of SEC and US GAAP reporting requirements; (ii) the lack of formal procedures relating to our procurement of supplies, including our procurement of computers and other office equipment; (iii) inadequate monitoring procedures relating to TV advertising time that we purchase from certain local TV channels; and (iv) inadequate internal control procedures relating to our investments in marketable securities. We are in the process of addressing these identified deficiencies, including through the hiring of additional, more experienced accounting and legal personnel. If we fail to timely achieve and maintain the adequacy of our internal controls, we may not be able to conclude that we have effective internal control over financial reporting at a reasonable assurance level. Moreover, effective internal control over financial reporting is necessary for us to produce reliable financial reports and is important to help detect and prevent fraud. As a result, our failure to achieve and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting could result in the loss of investor confidence in the reliability of our financial statements, which in turn could harm our business and negatively impact the trading price of our ADSs.

 

Risks Related to Our Industry

 

Our businesses and growth prospects are dependent upon the expected growth in China’s consumer retail markets, including, in particular, the TV direct sales market. Any future slowdown or decline in China’s consumer retail markets, including the TV direct sales market, could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

All of our net revenues are generated by sales of consumer products and services in China. The success of our business depends on the continued growth of China’s consumer retail markets, particularly the TV direct sales market. The consumer retail markets in China are characterized by rapidly changing trends and continually evolving consumer preferences and purchasing patterns and power. China’s TV direct sales market is expected to grow in line with expected growth in consumer disposable income and the economy in China generally. Various parties have projected substantial future growth in the Chinese economy and Chinese retail consumer markets. Projected growth rates for the Chinese economy and China’s consumer retail markets, including those described in this prospectus under “Our Industry,” may not be realized. Any slowdown or decline in China’s consumer retail markets, including particularly China’s TV direct sales industry, would have a direct adverse impact on us and could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

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If infomercials and the products and services promoted on infomercials are not accepted by TV viewers in China, our ability to generate revenues and sustain profitability could be materially and adversely affected.

 

In 2005 and 2006, we derived 45.1% and 54.7%, respectively, of our total net revenues from our direct sales platforms. We expect that in the future a substantial portion of our future revenues and profits will continue to be dependent upon the receptivity of Chinese TV viewers to infomercials such as our TV direct sales programs and the products and services showcased therein. Many Chinese TV viewers are not accustomed to purchasing products or services directly from TV. As a result, TV viewers in China may be both more likely to mistrust infomercials as a commercial medium and less likely to purchase products or services from TV direct marketers such as us. If we are unable in the future to increase receptivity for our TV direct sales programs and the products and services showcased therein, our ability to generate revenue and sustain profitability could be materially and adversely affected.

 

Risks Related to the Regulation of Our Business

 

PRC regulations relating to our industry are evolving. Any adverse or unanticipated regulatory changes, particularly those regarding the regulation of our direct sales business, could significantly harm our business or limit our ability to operate.

 

We and our distributors are subject to various laws regulating our advertising, including the content of our TV direct sales programs, and any violation of these laws by us or our distributors could result in fines and penalties, harm our product or service brands and result in reduced net revenues.

 

PRC advertising laws and regulations require advertisers and advertising operators to ensure that the content of the advertising they prepare, publish or broadcast are fair and accurate, are not misleading and are in full compliance with applicable laws. Specifically, we, as an advertiser or advertising operator, and our distributors, as advertisers, are each required to independently review and verify the content of our respective advertising for content compliance before displaying the advertising through TV sales programs, print media, radio or Internet portals. Moreover, the PRC Unfair Competition Law prohibits us and our distributors from conveying misleading, false or inaccurate information with respect to quality, function, use, or other features of products or services, through advertising. Violation of these laws or regulations may result in penalties, including fines, confiscation of advertising income, orders to cease dissemination of the advertising, orders to publish an advertising correcting the misleading information, and criminal liabilities. In circumstances involving serious violations, the PRC government may suspend or revoke a violator’s business license.

 

For advertising related to certain types of our products, such as those products constituting medical devices, pharmaceuticals and health related products, we and our distributors must also file the advertising content with China’s State Administration for Food and Drug, or SAFD, or other competent authorities, and obtain required permits and approvals for the advertising content from the SAFD or other competent authorities, in each case, before publication or broadcasting of the advertising. We endeavor to comply, and encourage our distributors to comply, with such requirements. However, we and our distributor’s may fail to comply with these and other laws. For example, the SAFD issued a circular on October 31, 2005 announcing that advertising placed in several local newspapers by us and one of our distributors for our sleeping aid product and oxygen generating devices violated the relevant laws by including unapproved content. These violations by sleeping aid product advertising were considered a serious violation by China’s SAFD. The local SAFDs have ordered such advertising to be discontinued for use. Our and our distributors’ past and future violations could seriously harm our corporate image, product or service brands and operating results.

 

Moreover, government actions and civil claims may be filed against us for misleading or inaccurate advertising, fraud, defamation, subversion, negligence, copyright or trademark infringement or other violations due to the nature and content of our TV direct sales programs or other advertising produced by us or our distributors. We have been fined by the relevant authorities for certain advertising that were considered

 

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misleading or false by the authorities, including our advertising for our electronic learning device products. Historically, such fines have not been significant and related investigations into our advertising practices did not consume significant amounts of our management resources. In some cases, we were required to accept product returns. Separately we sell a software program that tracks market performance of specified stocks listed on China’s domestic stock exchanges and provides technical analysis to aid investment decisions. Due to the nature of this program, consumers could allege that our packaging or TV direct sales programs and other direct sales advertising contain misleading or false recommendations or fail to adequately warn consumers of the risks related to their use of the software in tracking and subsequently trading securities. Damages, including potential trading losses, sought by consumers could be substantial. We may have to expend significant resources in the future in defending against such actions and these actions may damage our reputation, result in reduced net revenues, negatively affect our results of operations, even result in our business licenses being suspended or revoked and in criminal liability for us and our officers and directors.

 

Governmental actions to regulate TV and radio-based direct sales programs of medical devices and diet and slimming products will adversely impact sales of our branded neck massager product line and some of our other products and may adversely impact our future overall operating results.

 

In July 2006, the State Administration for Radio, Film and Television, or SARFT, and the State Administration for Industry and Commerce issued a circular temporarily prohibiting the broadcast of TV- and radio-based direct sales programs regarding pharmaceutical products, diet and slimming products, medical devices, breast enhancement products and height increasing products on and after August 1, 2006, pending adoption of new rules governing those direct sales activities. Consequently, until the new rules are adopted, we will be unable to broadcast TV and radio-based direct sales programs for some of our products, primarily including our branded neck massager product and our slimming product. These products were two of our ten best-selling products in terms of gross revenues in 2006. During this period, our branded neck massager product generated gross revenues of $24.4 million, thereby becoming our third best-selling product in terms of gross revenues. Our slimming product generated $5.6 million in gross revenues in 2006. It is unclear when the new rules governing those direct sales activities will be issued. For at least the near-term, our direct and distribution sales of these restricted products will be adversely impacted. The overall impact on our future operating results depends on, among other things, our success in promoting the products covered by the circular through other media channels; the degree to which distribution sales of our restricted products are impacted by the ban on TV direct sales programs; our ability to offset these decreased sales with sales of non-restricted products and services using our committed TV advertising time and the related sales price and margins of those non-restricted products and services; and the nature of, and restrictions imposed by, the future rules when adopted.

 

If the PRC government deems that the sales of our stock-tracking software program constitute the provision of securities investment advisory services, our sales of that product may be discontinued.

 

In January 2006, we began full-scale marketing of our technical analysis software program for individual investors as one of our featured products. This software program can also track market performance of specified stocks listed on China’s domestic stock exchanges to aid individual investors make investment decisions. In late May 2006, we received a written notice from the Shanghai branch of the China Securities Regulatory Commission, or the CSRC, demanding that we temporarily withdraw the media advertisement of this software program pending its investigation. The written notice also stated (i) that the CSRC branches in other cities have received complaints claiming that we, through direct TV marketing, were selling a software program that provides online trading recommendations and investment forecasts to investors, and (ii) that we may have violated PRC regulations because we do not have a licenses for provision of securities investment advisory services.

 

Securities regulations in China require entities that provide securities investment advisory services to the public to obtain a securities investment advisory business license from the CSRC. However, the definition of

 

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securities investment advisory services under the PRC regulations is vague and subject to interpretation. We have no intention of providing securities investment advisory services and do not believe that our sale of this software program constitutes the provision of securities investment advisory services covered by the relevant regulations as our software program is designed to provide technical analysis. Nevertheless, we have been advised by our special PRC counsel that was engaged specifically to advise us regarding this matter that there is only a small likelihood that the CSRC Shanghai branch will deem our sale of software programs as the provision of securities investment advisory services. However, if we are deemed to be providing securities investment advisory services to individual investors, we may have violated the PRC regulations. Beginning in May 2006, we discontinued most TV advertisements for this software program. We are in communication with the CSRC Shanghai branch and are seeking its clearance to resume normal advertisements for this program. If the CSRC Shanghai branch or the CSRC at any time in the future takes the view that we have been engaging in the business of providing securities investment advisory services, we may be required to discontinue selling the software program and the CSRC may confiscate all our revenues generated from the sale of such software program and impose a fine against us up to the amount equivalent to the revenues.

 

If the PRC government takes the view that the agreements that establish the structure for operating our TV and other direct sales, wholesale distribution and advertising businesses in China do not comply with PRC governmental restrictions on foreign investment in these areas, we could be subject to severe penalties.

 

Our direct sales and wholesale distribution businesses are considered commercial trading under PRC law and are regulated by the PRC Ministry of Commerce, or MOFCOM, and the State Administration of Industry and Commerce, or the SAIC. Foreign investment in commercial trading was in the past, and continues to be to a certain extent, highly regulated, with restrictions on foreign ownership, business locations and required capital and experience thresholds. To address these restrictions, two affiliated Chinese entities, Shanghai Network and Beijing Acorn, hold the licenses required to operate our direct sales and wholesale distribution businesses. In 2004, MOFCOM issued the Administrative Measures on Foreign Investment in the Commercial Sector, eliminating or significantly reducing these restrictions effective as of December 11, 2004. Subsequent to the issuance of the Administrative Measures on Foreign Investment in the Commercial Sector, we must still obtain MOFCOM’s approval for conducting our direct sales and wholesale distribution businesses. We have submitted applications for establishment of a commercial trading subsidiary and our acquisition of one of these affiliated entities. However, to date, neither application has been approved and we cannot predict if or when MOFCOM will issue these approvals. Until such approvals are obtained, we must continue to rely on these affiliated entities to sell our products to the customers.

 

Operation of our business requires that our affiliated advertising company, when desirable, enter into TV advertising time purchase agreements with TV channels for the benefit of and use by our group companies, which is considered provision of advertising services. Historically, PRC regulations limited foreign ownership of companies providing advertising services. Although this restriction was lifted in 2005, PRC regulations requires that any foreign entity investing in the advertising services industry have at least two years of direct operational experience in the advertising industry outside of China. We currently do not directly operate an advertising business outside of China and cannot qualify under PRC regulations to directly set up a wholly owned subsidiary to conduct our advertising business. Instead, we rely on Shanghai Advertising, our affiliated Chinese entity, to operate our advertising network, by, among other things, entering into TV advertising time purchase agreements with TV channels.

 

Our three affiliated Chinese entities mentioned immediately above are currently owned by two PRC citizens, Don Dongjie Yang, our president and one of our directors, and David Chenghong He, one of our executive officers. We have entered into contractual arrangements with these affiliated entities pursuant to which our wholly owned subsidiary, Acorn Information, provides technical support and operation and management services to these affiliated entities. In addition, we have entered into agreements with these affiliated entities and Don Yang and David Chenghong He, as their shareholders, providing us substantial ability to control each of these affiliated entities. For detailed descriptions of these contractual arrangements, see “Our Corporate Structure.”

 

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If we, Acorn Information, or any of our affiliated entities are found to be in violation of any existing or future PRC laws or regulations or fail to obtain or maintain any of the required licenses, permits or approvals, the relevant PRC regulatory authorities would have broad discretion in dealing with these violations, including, among others:

 

   

revoking the business and operating licenses of Acorn Information and our affiliated entities;

 

   

discontinuing or restricting the operations of Acorn Information and our affiliated entities;

 

   

imposing conditions or requirements with which we, Acorn Information or our affiliated entities may be unable to comply;

 

   

requiring us or Acorn Information or our affiliated entities to restructure the relevant ownership structure or operations; or

 

   

restricting or prohibiting our use of the proceeds of this offering to finance our business and operations in China.

 

The contractual arrangements with our three affiliated Chinese entities and their shareholders, Don Dongjie Yang and David Chenghong He, which relate to critical aspects of our operations, may not be as effective in providing operational control as direct ownership. In addition, these arrangements may be difficult and costly to enforce under PRC law.

 

We rely on contractual arrangements with our three affiliated entities in China, collectively owned 100% by Don Dongjie Yang, our president and one of our directors, and David Chenghong He, one of our executive officers, to operate our business. For a description of these contractual arrangements, see “Our Corporate Structure.” These contractual arrangements may not be as effective as direct ownership in providing us control over our affiliated entities. Direct ownership would allow us, for example, to directly exercise our rights as a shareholder to effect changes in the board of each affiliated entity, which, in turn, could effect changes, subject to any applicable fiduciary obligations, at the management level. However, under the current contractual arrangements, as a legal matter, if any affiliated entity or Don Dongjie Yang or David Chenghong He fails to perform its or his respective obligations under these contractual arrangements, we may have to incur substantial costs and expend significant resources to enforce those arrangements, and rely on legal remedies under PRC law. These remedies may include seeking specific performance or injunctive relief, and claiming damages, any of which may not be effective. For example, if either Don Dongjie Yang or David Chenghong He refuses to transfer his equity interest in any affiliated entity to us or our designee when we exercise the purchase option pursuant to these contractual arrangements, or if either Don Dongjie Yang or David Chenghong He otherwise acts in bad faith toward us, we may have to take legal action to compel him to fulfill his contractual obligations. In addition, as each of our three affiliated entities is jointly owned and effectively managed by Don Dongjie Yang and David Chenghong He, it may be difficult for us to change our corporate structure or to bring claims against any affiliated entity or Don Dongjie Yang or David Chenghong He if any of them fails to perform its or his obligations under the related contracts or does not cooperate with any such actions by us.

 

All of these contractual arrangements are governed by PRC laws and provide for the resolution of disputes through arbitration in the PRC. Accordingly, these contracts would be interpreted in accordance with PRC laws and any disputes would be resolved in accordance with PRC legal procedures. The legal environment in the PRC is not as developed as in other jurisdictions, such as the United States. As a result, uncertainties in the PRC legal system could limit our ability to enforce these contractual arrangements. In the event we are unable to enforce these contractual arrangements, which relate to critical aspects of our operations, we may be unable to exert effective control over our operating entities, and our ability to conduct our business may be negatively affected.

 

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Regulations relating to offshore investment activities by PRC residents may increase the administrative burden we face and create regulatory uncertainties that could restrict our overseas and cross-border investment activity, and a failure by our shareholders who are PRC residents to make any required applications and filings pursuant to such regulations may prevent us from being able to distribute profits and could expose us and our PRC resident shareholders to liability under PRC law.

 

A regulation was promulgated by the PRC State Administration of Foreign Exchange, or SAFE, in October 2005 that requires registration with local SAFE in connection with direct or indirect offshore investment by PRC residents. The regulation applies to our shareholders who are PRC residents and also apply to our prior and future offshore acquisitions as well.

 

The SAFE regulation retroactively requires registration by March 31, 2006 of direct or indirect investments previously made by PRC residents in offshore companies. If a PRC shareholder with a direct or indirect stake in an offshore parent company fails to make the required SAFE registration, the PRC subsidiaries of such offshore parent company may be prohibited from making distributions of profit to the offshore parent and from paying the offshore parent proceeds from any reduction in capital, share transfer or liquidation in respect of the PRC subsidiaries. Further, failure to comply with the various SAFE registration requirements described above could result in liability under PRC law for violation of the relevant rules relating to transfers of foreign exchange.

 

We have already notified our shareholders, and the shareholders of the offshore entities in our corporate group, who are PRC residents to urge them to make the necessary applications and filings, as required under this regulation. However, as a result of the newness of the regulation and uncertainty concerning the reconciliation of the new regulation with other approval requirements, it remains unclear how the regulation, and any future legislation concerning offshore or cross-border transactions, will be interpreted, amended and implemented by the relevant government authorities. We understand that the relevant shareholders have registered their offshore investments in us with Shanghai SAFE and are in the process of registering with Beijing SAFE and Zhuhai SAFE. We are committed to complying, and to ensuring that our shareholders who are subject to the regulation comply, with the relevant rules. However, we cannot assure you that all of our shareholders who are PRC residents will comply with our request to make or obtain any applicable registrations or approvals required by the regulation or other related legislation. The failure or inability of our PRC resident shareholders to receive any required approvals or make any required registrations may subject us to fines and legal sanctions, restrict our overseas or cross-border investment activities, limit our PRC subsidiaries’ ability to make distributions or pay dividends or affect our ownership structure, as a result of which our acquisition strategy and business operations and our ability to distribute profits to you could be materially and adversely affected.

 

Our corporate structure may limit our ability to receive dividends from, and transfer funds to, our PRC subsidiaries, which could restrict our ability to act in response to changing market conditions and reallocate funds from one affiliated PRC entity to another in a timely manner.

 

We are a Cayman Islands holding company and substantially all of our operations are conducted through our nine direct PRC subsidiaries and three Chinese affiliated entities. We rely on dividends and other distributions from our PRC subsidiaries to provide us with our cash flow and allow us to pay dividends on the shares underlying our ADSs and meet our other obligations. Current regulations in China permit our PRC subsidiaries to pay dividends to us only out of its accumulated distributable profits, if any, determined in accordance with its articles of association and PRC accounting standards and regulations. The ability of these subsidiaries to make dividends and other payments to us may be restricted by factors that include changes in applicable foreign exchange and other laws and regulations. In particular, under PRC law, these operating subsidiaries may only pay dividends after 10% of their net profit has been set aside as reserve funds, unless such reserves have reached at least 50% of their respective registered capital. Such cash reserve may not be distributed as cash dividends. In addition, if any of our nine direct PRC operating subsidiaries incur debt on its own behalf in the future, the instruments governing the debt may restrict its ability to pay dividends or make other payments to us. Moreover, the profit available for distribution from our Chinese operating subsidiaries is determined in

 

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accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in China. This calculation may differ from one performed in accordance with US GAAP. As a result, we may not have sufficient distributions from our PRC subsidiaries to enable necessary profit distributions to us or any distributions to our shareholders in the future, which calculation would be based upon our financial statements prepared under US GAAP.

 

Distributions by our PRC subsidiaries to us other than as dividends may be subject to governmental approval and taxation. Any transfer of funds from our company to our PRC subsidiaries, either as a shareholder loan or as an increase in registered capital, is subject to registration or approval of Chinese governmental authorities, including the relevant administration of foreign exchange and/or the relevant examining and approval authority. In addition, it is not permitted under Chinese law for our PRC subsidiaries to directly lend money to each other. Therefore, it is difficult to change our capital expenditure plans once the relevant funds have been remitted from our company to our PRC subsidiaries. These limitations on the free flow of funds between us and our PRC subsidiaries could restrict our ability to act in response to changing market conditions and reallocate funds from one Chinese subsidiary to another in a timely manner.

 

Risks Relating to China

 

Our operations may be adversely affected by changes in China’s economic, political and social conditions.

 

All of our business operations are conducted in China and all of our revenues are derived from our marketing and sales of consumer products and services in China. Accordingly, our results of operations, financial condition, and future prospects are subject to a significant degree to economic, political and social conditions in China. The PRC economy differs from the economies of most developed countries in many respects, including the amount of government involvement, level of development, growth rate, control of foreign exchange and allocation of resources. While the PRC economy has experienced significant growth in the past three decades, growth has been uneven, both geographically and among various sectors of the economy. The PRC government has implemented various measures to encourage economic growth and guide the allocation of resources. Some of these measures benefit the overall PRC economy, but may also have a negative effect on us. For example, our financial condition and results of operation may be adversely affected by changes in tax regulations applicable to us. Since early 2004, the PRC government has implemented certain measures to control the pace of economic growth. Such measures may cause a decrease in the level of economic activity in China. including a decline in individual spending activities, which in turn could adversely affect our results of operational and financial condition.

 

In particular, our business is primarily dependent upon the economy and the business environment in China. Our growth strategy is based upon the assumption that demand in China for our products and services, will continue to grow with the Chinese economy. However, the growth of the Chinese economy has been uneven across geographic regions and economic sectors. Several years ago the Chinese economy also experienced deflation, which may reoccur in the foreseeable future. We can not assure you that the Chinese economy will continue to grow, that if there is growth, such growth will be steady and uniform, or that any if there is a slowdown, such slowdown will not have a negative effect on our business.

 

The discontinuation of any of the preferential tax treatments and government subsidies available to us in the PRC could materially and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

 

Under PRC laws and regulations, currently , three of our operating subsidiaries in Shanghai, Shanghai An- Nai-Chi Automobile Maintenance Products Co., Ltd., Acorn International Electronic Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. and Shanghai HJX enjoy preferential tax benefits afforded to foreign-invested manufacturing enterprises incorporated in China’s coastal economic open zones and are thus entitled to a two-year exemption from enterprise income tax beginning from the year when they generate profits, a 13.5% enterprise income tax rate for another three years and a 27% income tax rate thereafter. Likewise, our wholly owned subsidiary, Beijing Acorn Youngleda Oxygen Generating Co., Ltd., as a foreign-invested enterprise in Beijing, is entitled to a two-year

 

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exemption from enterprise income tax starting from 2005, a 12% enterprise income tax rate for 2007 to 2009, a 25.5% enterprise income tax rate for 2010 to 2014 and a 27% tax rate thereafter. Furthermore, Shanghai Network is entitled to an income tax exemption in 2005, 2006 and 2007 and will be subject to a 33% income tax rate thereafter. Separately, Shanghai Advertising was entitled to a two-year exemption from enterprise income tax in 2005 and 2006 and will enjoy a preferential income tax rate of 15% thereafter in accordance with local government policies adopted by Pudong, Shanghai. In addition, Acorn Information and Shanghai Yimeng Software Technology Co., Ltd., or Shanghai Yimeng, have been entitled to a two-year enterprise income tax exemption starting in 2005 and 2006, respectively, a 7.5% enterprise income tax rate for the following three years and a 15% enterprise income tax rate thereafter under Pudong local government policies. The local tax authorities of Pudong do not have express authority to issue such local rules or adopt such local policies. If these local rules and policies are deemed in violation of national laws and regulations, they may be abolished or altered. Recently, another subsidiary, Shanghai Acorn Enterprise Management Consulting Co., Ltd. was approved to receive an enterprise income tax exemption for two years starting on January 1, 2007.

 

Currently the definition of manufacturing enterprise under PRC law is vague and is subject to discretionary interpretation and enforcement of the PRC authorities. If PRC law were to phase out preferential tax benefits as indicated above, if we were to be deemed not qualified in the past or no longer qualified as a manufacturing enterprise in the future, or if the tax preferential treatments enjoyed by us in accordance with local government rules or policies were deemed in violation of national laws and regulations and were abolished or altered as a result, we would be subject to the standard statutory tax rate, which currently is 33%, and we could be required to repay the income tax for the previous three years at the applicable non-preferential tax rate. Without our preferential tax holidays and concessions, in 2006 we would have had to pay approximately $21.0 million of additional PRC taxes due primarily to restrictions on our deduction of advertising expenses (one of our largest operating expenditures). Under current PRC law, in calculating taxable income we may only make an advertising expense deduction of up to 2% of our net revenues. Additionally, we received certain government subsidies for certain taxes paid by us. These subsidies were granted by local government agencies and may be deemed inappropriate by the central government. We cannot assure you that we will be able to continue to receive such subsidies. Loss of these preferential tax treatments and subsidies could have material and adverse effects on our results of operations and financial condition.

 

On March 16, 2007, the National People’s Congress of China enacted a new tax law, under which foreign-invested enterprises and domestic companies will be subject to enterprise income tax at a uniform rate of 25%. The new tax law will become effective on January 1, 2008. There will be a transition period, during which enterprises may continue to enjoy existing preferential tax treatment or in which their tax rates may be gradually adjusted to 25%. Following the effectiveness of the new tax law, some of our PRC subsidiaries and affiliated entities, including Shanghai Advertising, Acorn Information and Shanghai Yimeng, may no longer be able to enjoy the preferential tax rates presently offered to them. As the law was newly issued and no implementing of rules have been promulgated to date, we are still evaluating its impact on us.

 

The contractual arrangements entered into among Acorn Information, each of our consolidated affiliated entities and their shareholders may be subject to audit or challenge by the PRC tax authorities; a finding that Acorn Information or consolidated affiliated entities owe additional taxes could substantially reduce our net earnings and the value of your investment.

 

Under PRC laws and regulations, arrangements and transactions among related parties may be subject to audit or challenge by the PRC tax authorities. We could face material and adverse tax consequences if the PRC tax authorities determine that the contractual arrangements among Acorn Information, each of our consolidated affiliated entities and their shareholders do not represent arm’s-length prices and adjust any of their income in the form of a transfer pricing adjustment. A transfer pricing adjustment could, among other things, result in, for PRC tax purposes, a reduction of expense deductions recorded by Acorn Information or our consolidated affiliated entities or an increase in taxable income, all of which could in turn increase our tax liabilities. In addition, the

 

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PRC tax authorities may impose late payment fees and other penalties on Acorn Information or consolidated affiliated entities for under-paid taxes.

 

The PRC legal system embodies uncertainties which could limit the legal protections available to you and us.

 

The PRC legal system is a civil law system based on written statutes. Unlike common law systems, it is a system in which decided legal cases have little precedential value. In 1979, the PRC government began to promulgate a comprehensive system of laws and regulations governing economic matters in general. The overall effect of legislation over the past three decades has significantly enhanced the protections afforded to various forms of foreign investment in China. All of our six PRC operating subsidiaries are foreign invested enterprises incorporated in China. They are subject to laws and regulations applicable to foreign investment in China in general and laws and regulations applicable to foreign invested enterprises in particular. However, these laws, regulations and legal requirements change frequently, and their interpretation and enforcement involve uncertainties. For example, we may have to resort to administrative and court proceedings to enforce the legal protection that we enjoy either by law or contract. However, since PRC administrative and court authorities have significant discretion in interpreting and implementing statutory and contractual terms, it may be more difficult to evaluate the outcome of administrative and court proceedings and the level of legal protection we enjoy than in more developed legal systems. In addition, such uncertainties, including the inability to enforce our contracts, could materially and adversely affect our business and operations. Furthermore, the PRC legal system is based in part on government policies and internal rules (some of which are not published on a timely basis or at all) that may have a retroactive effect. As a result, we may not be aware of our violation of these policies and rules until some time after the violation. In addition, any litigation in China may be protracted and result in substantial costs and diversion of resources and management attention. Furthermore, intellectual property rights and confidentiality protections in China may not be as effective as in the United States or other countries. Accordingly, we cannot predict the effect of future developments in the PRC legal system, particularly with regard to the media, advertising and retail industries, including the promulgation of new laws, changes to existing laws or the interpretation or enforcement thereof, or the preemption of local regulations by national laws. These uncertainties could limit the legal protections available to us, and our foreign investors, including you.

 

Restrictions on the convertibility of Renminbi into foreign currency may limit our ability to make dividends or other payments in U.S. dollars or fund possible business activities outside China.

 

All of our net revenues are currently generated in Renminbi. Any future restrictions on currency exchanges may limit our ability to use net revenues generated in Renminbi to make dividends or other payments in U.S. dollars or fund possible business activities outside China. Although the PRC government introduced regulations in 1996 to allow greater convertibility of Renminbi for current account transactions, significant restrictions still remain, including primarily the restriction that foreign-invested enterprises may only buy, sell and/or remit foreign currencies at those banks authorized to conduct foreign exchange business after providing valid commercial documents. In addition, remittance of foreign currencies abroad and conversion of Renminbi for capital account items, including direct investment and loans, is subject to government approval in China, and companies are required to open and maintain separate foreign exchange accounts for capital account items. We cannot assure you the Chinese regulatory authorities will not impose more stringent restrictions on the convertibility of Renminbi, especially with respect to foreign exchange transactions.

 

Because our revenues are generated in Renminbi and our results are reported in U.S. dollars, devaluation of the Renminbi could negatively impact our results of operations.

 

The value of Renminbi is subject to changes in China’s governmental policies and to international economic and political developments. Since January 1, 1994, the PRC government has used a unitary managed floating rate system. Under this system, the People’s Bank of China, or PBOC, publishes a daily base exchange rate with

 

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reference primarily to the supply and demand of Renminbi against 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 bank around the central bank’s daily exchange rate. On July 21, 2005, PBOC announced an adjustment of the exchange rate of the U.S. dollar to Renminbi from 1:8.27 to 1:8.11 and modified the system by which the exchange rates are determined. This modification has resulted in an approximate 6.5% appreciation of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar from July 21, 2005 to April 2, 2007. While the international reaction to the Renminbi revaluation has generally been positive, there remains significant international pressure on the PRC government to adopt an even more flexible currency policy, which could result in a further reevaluation and a significant fluctuation of the exchange rate of Renminbi against the U.S. dollar, including possible devaluations. As all of our net revenues are recorded in Renminbi, such a potential future devaluation of Renminbi against the U.S. dollars could negatively impact our results of operations.

 

As we rely entirely on dividends paid to us by our PRC operating subsidiaries, and since our net revenues are generated in Renminbi while our results are reported in U.S. dollars, any significant devaluation of Renminbi would have a material adverse effect on our net revenues and financial condition, and the value of, and any dividends payable on, our ADSs in foreign currency terms.

 

You may experience difficulties in effecting service of legal process, enforcing foreign judgments or bringing original actions in China based on United States or other foreign laws against us, our management or the experts named in the prospectus.

 

We conduct all of our operations in China and all of our assets are located in China. In addition, all of our directors and executive officers reside within China. As a result, it may not be possible to effect service of process within the United States or elsewhere outside China upon some of our directors and senior executive officers, including with respect to matters arising under U.S. federal securities laws or applicable state securities laws. Moreover, our PRC legal counsel, Haiwen & Partners, has advised us that the PRC does not have treaties with the United States or many other countries providing for the reciprocal recognition and enforcement of judgment of courts.

 

Any future outbreak of avian flu, or severe acute respiratory syndrome in China, or similar adverse public health developments, may severely disrupt our business and operations and reduce the market for our products and services.

 

Adverse public health epidemics or pandemics could disrupt businesses and national economies in China. For example, from December 2002 to June 2003, China and certain other countries experienced an outbreak of a new and highly contagious form of atypical pneumonia now known as severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS. During May and June of 2003, many businesses in China were closed by the PRC government to prevent transmission of SARS. The World Health Organization has announced that there is a high likelihood of an outbreak of avian flu, with the potential to be as disruptive if not more disruptive than SARS. Any recurrence of the SARS outbreak, an avian flu outbreak, or development of a similar health hazard in China, may deter people from congregating in public places, with severely disruptive effects on consumer spending. In addition, health or other government regulation may require temporary closure of our offices and operations. Lastly, such outbreak may cause the sickness or death of our key management and employees. Any of such occurrences would adversely affected our business and results of operations.

 

Risks Relating to Our ADSs and This Offering

 

An active trading market for our ordinary shares or our ADSs may not develop and the trading price for our ADSs may fluctuate significantly.

 

Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our ADSs or our ordinary shares underlying the ADSs. If an active public market for our ADSs does not develop after this offering, the market price and liquidity

 

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of our ADSs may be adversely affected. We have applied for listing of our ADSs on the New York Stock Exchange. A liquid public market for our ADSs may not develop. The initial public offering price for our ADSs will be determined by negotiation between us and the underwriters based upon several factors. The price at which the ADSs are traded after this offering may decline below the initial public offering price, meaning you may experience a decrease in the value of your ADSs regardless of our operating performance or prospects. In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a company’s securities, shareholders have often instituted securities class action litigation against that company. If we were involved in a class action suit, it could divert the attention of senior management, and, if adversely determined, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

 

Future sales or perceived sales of ADSs or ordinary shares by existing shareholders could cause our ADS price to decline.

 

If our existing shareholders sell, indicate an intention to sell, or are perceived to intend to sell, substantial amounts of our ordinary shares in the public market after the 180-day contractual lock-up period, and other legal restrictions on resale discussed in this prospectus lapse, the trading price of our ordinary shares could decline below the initial public offering price. Upon closing of this offering, we will have              outstanding ordinary shares. Of these shares, only ADSs sold in this offering will be freely tradable, without restriction, in the public market. Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., on behalf of the underwriters, may, in their sole discretion, permit our officers, directors, employees and current shareholders to sell shares prior to the expiration of the lock-up agreements. After the lock-up agreements pertaining to this offering expire (180 days or more from the date of this prospectus), all of our outstanding shares will be eligible for sale in the public market, but they will be subject to volume limitations under Rule 144 under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act. In addition, the 18,109,126 ordinary shares subject to outstanding options and stock appreciation rights under our 2006 Equity Incentive Plan will become eligible for sale in the public market to the extent permitted by the provisions of various vesting agreements, the lock-up agreements and Rules 144 and 701 under the Securities Act. If these additional shares are sold, or if it is perceived that they will be sold in the public market, the trading price of our ordinary shares could decline.

 

You will experience immediate and substantial dilution in the net tangible book value of the shares you purchase in this offering.

 

The initial public offering price of our ADSs will be substantially higher than the book value per share of the outstanding ordinary shares after this offering. Therefore, based on an assumed initial public offering price of $             per ADS, if you purchase our ADSs in this offering, you will suffer immediate and substantial dilution of approximately $             per ADS. If outstanding options or stock appreciation rights with respect to our ordinary shares are exercised, you will experience additional dilution. See “Dilution” for more information.

 

We may become a passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, which could result in adverse U.S. tax consequences to U.S. holders.

 

Depending upon the value of our shares and ADSs and the nature of our assets and income over time, we could be classified as a PFIC by the United States Internal Revenue Service, or IRS, for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Based on assumptions as to our projections of the value of our outstanding stock during the year and our use of the proceeds of the initial public offering of our ADSs or shares and of the other cash that we will hold and generate in the ordinary course of our business throughout taxable year 2007, we do not expect to be a PFIC for the taxable year 2007. However, there can be no assurance that we will not be a PFIC for the taxable year 2007 and/or later taxable years, as PFIC status is tested each year and depends on our assets and income in such year. Our PFIC status for the current taxable year 2007 will not be determinable until the close of the taxable year ending December 31, 2007.

 

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We will be classified as a PFIC in any taxable year if either: (1) the average percentage value of our gross assets during the taxable year that produce passive income or are held for the production of passive income is at least 50% of the value of our total gross assets or (2) 75% or more of our gross income for the taxable year is passive income. In particular, in determining the average percentage value of our gross assets, the aggregate value of our assets will generally be deemed to be equal to our market capitalization (determined by the sum of the aggregate value of our outstanding equity) plus our liabilities. Additionally, our goodwill (determined by the sum of our market capitalization plus liabilities, less the value of known assets) should be treated as a non-passive asset. Therefore, a drop in the market price of our ADSs and ordinary shares and associated decrease in the value of our goodwill would cause a reduction in the value of our non-passive assets for purposes of the asset test. Accordingly, we would likely become a PFIC if our market capitalization were to decrease significantly while we hold substantial cash and cash equivalents.

 

If we are classified as a PFIC in any taxable year in which you hold our ADSs or shares and you are a U.S. Holder, you would generally be taxed at higher ordinary income rates, rather than lower capital gain rates, if you dispose of ADSs or shares for a gain in a later year, even if we are not a PFIC in that year. In addition, a portion of the tax imposed on your gain would be increased by an interest charge. Moreover, if we were classified as a PFIC in any taxable year, you would not be able to benefit from any preferential tax rate with respect to any dividend distribution that you may receive from us in that year or in the following year. Finally, you would also be subject to special U.S. tax reporting requirements. We cannot assure you that we will not be a PFIC for 2007 or any future taxable year. For more information on the U.S. tax consequences to you that would result from our classification as a PFIC, please see “Taxation—United States federal income taxation—U.S. Holders—Passive Foreign Investment Company.”

 

You may lose some or all of the value of a distribution by the depositary if the depositary cannot convert RMB into U.S. dollars on a reasonable basis at the time of such distribution for regulatory or other reasons.

 

The depositary of our ADSs has agreed to pay to you the cash dividends or other distributions it or the custodian receives on ordinary shares or other deposited securities after deducting its fees and expenses. You will receive these distributions in proportion to the number of ordinary shares your ADSs represent.

 

The depositary will convert any cash dividend or other cash distribution we pay on the ordinary shares into U.S. dollars, if it can do so on a practicable basis and can transfer the U.S. dollars to the United States. If that is not possible or if any approval from any government is needed and cannot be obtained, the depositary is allowed to distribute RMB only to those ADS holders to whom it is possible to do so. It will hold RMB it cannot convert for the account of the ADS holders who have not been paid. However, it will not invest RMB and it will not be liable for interest. In addition, if the exchange rates fluctuate during a time when the depositary cannot convert RMB at the time of such distribution for regulatory or other reasons, the ADS holders who have not been paid may lose some or all of the value of the distribution.

 

The sale, deposit, cancellation and transfer of the ADSs issued after an exercise of rights may be restricted under applicable U.S. securities laws.

 

If we offer holders of our ordinary shares any rights to subscribe for additional shares or any other rights, the depositary may make these rights available to you if it is lawful and reasonably practicable. However, the depositary may allow rights that are not distributed or sold to lapse. In that case, you will receive no value for them. In addition, U.S. securities laws may restrict the sale, deposit, cancellation and transfer of the ADSs issued after exercise of rights. Under the deposit agreement, the depositary will not distribute rights to holders of ADSs unless the distribution and sale of rights and the securities to which these rights relate are either exempt from registration under the Securities Act with respect to holders of ADSs, or are registered under the provisions of the Securities Act. We can give no assurance that we can establish an exemption from registration under the Securities Act, and we are under no obligation to file a registration statement with respect to these rights or

 

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underlying securities or to endeavor to have a registration statement declared effective. Accordingly, you may be unable to participate in our rights offerings and may experience dilution of your holdings as a result.

 

The trading prices of our ADSs are likely to be volatile, which could result in substantial losses to investors.

 

The trading prices of our ADSs are likely to be volatile and could fluctuate widely in response to factors beyond our control. In particular, the performance and fluctuation of the market prices of other companies with business operations located mainly in China that have listed their securities in the United States may affect the volatility in the price of and trading volumes for our ADSs. Recently, a number of PRC companies have listed their securities, or are in the process of preparing for listing their securities, on U.S. stock markets. Some of these companies have experienced significant volatility, including significant price declines in connection with their initial public offerings. The trading performances of these PRC companies’ securities at the time of or after their offerings may affect the overall investor sentiment towards PRC companies listed in the United States and consequently may impact the trading performance of our ADSs. These broad market and industry factors may significantly affect the market price and volatility of our ADSs, regardless of our actual operating performance.

 

In addition to market and industry factors, the price and trading volume for our ADSs may be highly volatile for specific business reasons. Factors such as variations in our financial results, announcements of new business initiatives by us or by our competitors, recruitment or departure of key personnel, distributors and suppliers, changes in the estimates of our financial results or changes in the recommendations of any securities analysts electing to follow our securities or the securities of our competitors could cause the market price for our ADSs to change substantially. Any of these factors may result in large and sudden changes in the trading volume and price for our ADSs.

 

Recent volatility in global capital markets could lead to substantial losses to investors.

 

On February 27, 2007, the Shanghai Stock Exchange’s Composite Index dropped by 8.84%. This was immediately followed by drops in certain international stock exchange benchmarks, including among others the Dow Jones Industrial Average Index in the United States, the Hang Seng Index in Hong Kong and the Nikkei 225 Stock Average in Japan. The trading prices for our ADSs may be materially and adversely affected by the performance in and fluctuations by such benchmarks. Additionally, volatility in global capital markets may affect overall investor sentiment towards our ADSs, which could also negatively affect the trading prices for our ADSs.

 

Anti-takeover provisions in our charter documents may discourage a third party from acquiring us, which could limit our shareholders’ opportunities to sell their shares at a premium.

 

Our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association include provisions that could limit the ability of others to acquire control of us, modify our structure or cause us to engage in change-of-control transactions. These provisions could have the effect of depriving our shareholders of an opportunity to sell their shares at a premium over prevailing market prices by discouraging third parties from seeking to obtain control of us in a tender offer or similar transaction.

 

For example, our board of directors will have the authority, without further action by our shareholders, to issue preferred shares in one or more series and to fix the powers and rights of these shares, including dividend rights, conversion rights, voting rights, terms of redemption and liquidation preferences, any or all of which may be greater than the rights associated with our ordinary shares. Preferred shares could thus be issued quickly with terms calculated to delay or prevent a change in control or make removal of management more difficult. In addition, if our board of directors issues preferred shares, the market price of our ordinary shares may fall and the voting and other rights of the holders of our ordinary shares may be adversely affected.

 

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Our articles of association provide for a staggered board, which means that our directors, excluding our chief executive officer, are divided into three classes, with one-third of our board, excluding our chief executive officer, standing for election every year. Our chief executive officer will at all times serve as a director, and shall have the right to remain a director, so long as he remains our chief executive officer. This means that, with our staggered board, at least two annual shareholders’ meetings, instead of one, are generally required in order to effect a change in a majority of our directors. Our staggered board can discourage proxy contests for the election of our directors and purchases of substantial blocks of our shares by making it more difficult for a potential acquirer to take control of our board in a relatively short period of time.

 

We are a Cayman Islands company and, because judicial precedent regarding the rights of shareholders is more limited under Cayman Islands law than under U.S. law, you may have less protection of your shareholder rights than you would under U.S. law.

 

Our corporate affairs are governed by our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, the Cayman Islands Companies Law and the common law of the Cayman Islands. The rights of shareholders to take action against the directors, actions by minority shareholders and the fiduciary responsibilities of our directors to us under Cayman Islands law are to a large extent governed by the common law of the Cayman Islands. The common law of the Cayman Islands is derived in part from comparatively limited judicial precedent in the Cayman Islands as well as from English common law, which has persuasive, but not binding, authority on a court in the Cayman Islands. The rights of our shareholders and the fiduciary responsibilities of our directors under Cayman Islands law are not as clearly established as they would be under statutes or judicial precedent in some jurisdictions in the United States. In particular, the Cayman Islands has a less developed body of securities laws than the United States. In addition, some U.S. states, such as Delaware, have more fully developed and judicially interpreted bodies of corporate law than the Cayman Islands.

 

The Cayman Islands courts are unlikely:

 

   

to recognize or enforce judgments of United States courts obtained against us or our directors or officers predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the United States or any state in the United States; or

 

   

to entertain original actions brought against us or our directors or officers predicated upon the securities laws of the United States or any state in the United States.

 

There is no statutory recognition in the Cayman Islands of judgments obtained in the United States, although the Cayman Islands will generally recognize as a valid judgment, a final and conclusive judgment in personam obtained in the federal or state courts in the United States 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 (i) such courts had proper jurisdiction over the parties subject to such judgment; (ii) such courts did not contravene the rules of natural justice of the Cayman Islands; (iii) such judgment was not obtained by fraud; (iv) the enforcement of the judgment would not be contrary to the public policy of the Cayman Islands; (v) no new admissible evidence relevant to the action is submitted prior to the rendering of the judgment by the courts of the Cayman Islands; and (vi) there is due compliance with the correct procedures under the laws of the Cayman Islands. You should also read “Description of Share Capital—Differences in Corporate Law” for some of the differences between the corporate and securities laws in the Cayman Islands and the United States.

 

You will have limited ability to bring an action against us or against our directors and officers, or to enforce a judgment against us or them, because we are incorporated in the Cayman Islands, because we conduct a majority of our operations in China and because the majority of our directors and officers reside outside the U.S.

 

We are incorporated in the Cayman Islands, and conduct substantially all of our operations in China through our subsidiaries established in China. Most of our directors and officers reside outside the United States and

 

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substantially all of the assets of those persons are located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult or impossible for you to bring an action against us or against these individuals in the Cayman Islands or in China in the event that you believe that your rights have been infringed under the applicable securities laws or otherwise. Even if you are successful in bringing an action of this kind, the laws of the Cayman Islands and of China may render you unable to enforce a judgment against our assets or the assets of our directors and officers. For more information regarding the relevant laws of the Cayman Islands and China, see “Enforceability of Civil Liabilities.”

 

Unlike many jurisdictions in the United States, Cayman Islands law does not specifically provide for shareholder appraisal rights on a merger or consolidation of a company. This may make it more difficult for you to assess the value of any consideration you may receive in a merger or consolidation or to require that the offeror give you additional consideration if you believe the consideration offered is insufficient.

 

Shareholders of Cayman Islands exempted companies such as ourselves have no general rights under Cayman Islands law to inspect corporate records and accounts or to obtain copies of lists of shareholders of these companies. Our directors have discretion under our articles of association to determine whether or not, and under what conditions, our corporate records may be inspected by our shareholders, but are not obliged to make them available to our shareholders. This may make it more difficult for you to obtain the information needed to establish any facts necessary for a shareholder motion or to solicit proxies from other shareholders in connection with a proxy contest.

 

As a result of all of the above, public shareholders may have more difficulty in protecting their interests in the face of actions taken by management, members of the board of directors or controlling shareholders than they would as public shareholders of a U.S. company.

 

Your ability to protect your rights as shareholders through the U.S. federal courts may be limited because we are incorporated under Cayman Islands law.

 

Cayman Islands companies may not have standing to initiate a derivative action in a federal court of the United States. As a result, your ability to protect your interests if you are harmed in a manner that would otherwise enable you to sue in a United States federal court may be limited.

 

We have not determined a specific use for a portion of the net proceeds from this offering and we may use these proceeds in ways with which you may not agree.

 

We have not determined a specific use for a portion of the net proceeds of this offering. Our management will have considerable discretion in the application of these proceeds received by us. You will not have the opportunity, as part of your investment decision, to assess whether the proceeds are being used appropriately. You must rely on the judgment of our management regarding the application of the net proceeds of this offering. The net proceeds may be used for corporate purposes that do not improve our profitability or increase our ADS price. The net proceeds from this offering may also be placed in investments that do not produce income or that lose value.

 

The voting rights of holders of ADSs are limited in several significant ways by the terms of the deposit agreement.

 

Holders of our ADSs may only exercise their voting rights with respect to the underlying ordinary shares in accordance with the provisions of the deposit agreement. Upon receipt of voting instructions from a holder of ADSs in the manner set forth in the deposit agreement, the depositary will endeavor to vote the underlying ordinary shares in accordance with these instructions. Under our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association and Cayman Islands law, the minimum notice period required for convening a general meeting is ten days. When a general meeting is convened, you may not receive sufficient notice of a shareholders’ meeting

 

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to permit you to withdraw your ordinary shares to allow you to cast your vote with respect to any specific matter at the meeting. In addition, the depositary and its agents may not be able to send voting instructions to you or carry out your voting instructions in a timely manner. We will make all reasonable efforts to cause the depositary to extend voting rights to you in a timely manner, but we cannot assure you that you will receive the voting materials in time to ensure that you can instruct the depositary to vote your shares. Furthermore, the depositary and its agents will not be responsible for any failure to carry out any instructions to vote, for the manner in which any vote is cast or for the effect of any such vote. As a result, you may not be able to exercise your right to vote and you may lack recourse if your ordinary shares are not voted as you requested.

 

The depositary of our ADSs will, except in limited circumstances, grant to us a discretionary proxy to vote the ordinary shares underlying your ADSs if you do not vote at shareholders’ meetings, which could adversely affect your interests and the ability of our shareholders as a group to influence the management of our company.

 

Under the deposit agreement for the ADSs, the depositary will give us a discretionary proxy to vote our ordinary shares underlying your ADSs at shareholders’ meetings if you do not vote, unless:

 

   

we have failed to timely provide the depositary with our notice of meeting and related voting materials;

 

   

we have instructed the depositary that we do not wish a discretionary proxy to be given;

 

   

we have informed the depositary that there is substantial opposition as to a matter to be voted on at the meeting;

 

   

a matter to be voted on at the meeting would have a material adverse impact on shareholders; or

 

   

voting at the meeting is made on a show of hands.

 

The effect of this discretionary proxy is that you cannot prevent our ordinary shares underlying your ADSs from being voted, absent the situations described above, and it may make it more difficult for shareholders to influence the management of our company. Holders of our ordinary shares are not subject to this discretionary proxy.

 

You may not receive distributions on our ordinary shares or any value for them if it is illegal or impractical for us to make them available to you.

 

The depositary of our ADSs has agreed to pay you the cash dividends or other distributions it or the custodian for our ADSs receives on our ordinary shares or other deposited securities after deducting its fees and expenses. You will receive these distributions in proportion to the number of our ordinary shares your ADSs represent. However, the depositary is not responsible if it is unlawful or impractical to make a distribution available to any holders of ADSs. For example, it would be unlawful to make a distribution to a holder of ADSs if it consists of securities that require registration under the Securities Act but that are not properly registered or distributed pursuant to an applicable exemption from registration. The depositary is not responsible for making a distribution available to any holders of ADSs if any government approval or registration is required for such distribution. We have no obligation to take any other action to permit the distribution of our ADSs, ordinary shares, rights or anything else to holders of our ADSs. This means that you may not receive the distributions we make on our ordinary shares or any value for them if it is illegal or impractical for us to make them available to you. These restrictions may have a material and adverse effect on the value of your ADSs.

 

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You may be subject to limitations on transfer of your ADSs.

 

Your ADSs, represented by American depositary receipts, are transferable on the books of the depositary. However, the depositary may close its books at any time or from time to time when it deems expedient in connection with the performance of its duties. The depositary may close its books from time to time for a number of reasons, including in connection with corporate events such as a rights offering, during which time the depositary needs to maintain an exact number of ADS holders on its books for a specified period. The depositary may also close its books in emergencies, and on weekends and public holidays. The depositary may refuse to deliver, transfer or register transfers of our ADSs generally when our books or the books of the depositary are closed, or at any time if we or the depositary thinks it is necessary or advisable to do so in connection with the performance of its duty under the deposit agreement, including due to any requirement of law or any government or governmental body, or under any provision of the deposit agreement.

 

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SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This prospectus contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical facts are forward-looking statements based on our current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about us and our industry. The forward-looking statements are contained principally in the sections entitled “Prospectus Summary,” “Risk Factors,” “Use of Proceeds,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Our Business.” These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. In some cases, these forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions. The forward-looking statements included in this prospectus relate to, among others:

 

   

our goals and strategies;

 

   

expected trends in our joint sales and marketing services arrangements, and in our margins and certain cost or expenses items as a percentage of our net revenues;

 

   

our future business development, financial condition and results of operations;

 

   

our ability to introduce successful new products and services and attract new customers;

 

   

the expected growth in the retail market, for the consumer products and services, urban population levels, consumer spending, average income levels and the TV direct sales market in China;

 

   

competition in the TV direct sales market and retail market in China for our consumer products and services; and

 

   

PRC governmental policies and regulations relating to our businesses.

 

This prospectus also contains data relating the retail industry for the consumer products and the TV direct sales industry in China that includes projections based on a number of assumptions. The retail industry may not grow at the rates projected by market data, or at all. The failure of these markets to grow at the projected rates may have a material adverse effect on our business and the market price of our ADSs. In particular, the relatively new and rapidly changing nature of the TV direct sales market and rapidly changing consumer products market in China, and the uniqueness of our business model, subjects any projections or estimates relating to the growth prospects or future conditions of our sector to significant uncertainties. Furthermore, if any one or more of the assumptions underlying the market data turns out to be incorrect, actual results may differ from the projections based on these assumptions. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

 

The forward-looking statements made in this prospectus relate only to events or information as of the date on which the statements are made in this prospectus. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. You should read this prospectus and the documents that we reference in this prospectus and have filed as exhibits to the registration statement, of which this prospectus is a part, completely and with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what we expect.

 

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USE OF PROCEEDS

 

We estimate that we will receive net proceeds from this offering, of approximately $             million after deducting underwriting discounts and the estimated offering expenses payable by us and based upon an assumed initial offering price of $             per ADS (the mid-point of the estimated public offering price range shown on the front cover of this prospectus). A $1 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of $             per ADS would increase (decrease) the net proceeds to us from this offering by $            , after deducting the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated aggregate offering expenses payable by us and assuming no change to the number of ADSs offered by us as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus. We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of ADSs by the selling shareholders.

 

We anticipate using the net proceeds of this offering for the following purposes:

 

   

approximately $             million to increase our purchases of, and pre-payments for, TV advertising time;

 

   

approximately $             million to build product and service brands, expand sales and marketing for our distribution sales, and further strengthen business management system and infrastructure within our nationwide distribution network;

 

   

approximately $             million for product and service development, including upgrades of existing products and services and development of new products and services;

 

   

approximately $             million to enhance and upgrade our technology and other business infrastructure and platforms, as well as our customer data mining capabilities;

 

   

approximately $             million to explore and strengthen alternative direct sales platforms, such as dedicated TV home shopping channels, catalog sales and Internet-based direct sales; and

 

   

the balance to fund capital expenditures, working capital and for other general corporate purposes.

 

In addition, the purposes of this offering also include the retention of employees by providing them with equity incentives and the creation of a public market for our ordinary shares represented by the ADSs for the benefit of our shareholders. We do not currently have any agreements or understandings to make any material acquisitions of, or investments in, other businesses.

 

The foregoing represents our current intentions with respect of the use and allocation of the net proceeds of this offering based upon our present plans and business conditions, but our management will have significant flexibility and discretion in applying the net proceeds of the offering. The occurrence of unforeseen events or changed business conditions may result in application of the proceeds of this offering in a manner other than as described in this prospectus.

 

To the extent that the net proceeds we receive from this offering are not immediately applied for the above purposes, we intend to invest our net proceeds in short-term, interest bearing, debt instruments or bank deposits. These investments may have a material adverse effect on the U.S. federal income tax consequences of your investment in our ADSs. It is possible that we may become a passive foreign investment company for U.S. federal income tax purposes, which could result in negative tax consequences for you. These consequences are described in more detail in “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our ADSs and This Offering—We may become a passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, which could result in adverse U.S. tax consequences to U.S. holders” and “Taxation—United States Federal Income Taxation—Passive Foreign Investment Company.”

 

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CAPITALIZATION

 

The following table sets forth our capitalization as of December 31, 2006 presented on:

 

   

an actual basis; and

 

   

a pro forma basis, to give effect to (1) the automatic conversion of all of our outstanding Series A convertible redeemable preferred shares and Series A-1 convertible redeemable preferred shares into 20,591,970 ordinary shares upon closing of this offering, (2) the repayment of $9.3 million of subscription receivable from one of our shareholders using the sale proceeds of its shares as part of this offering, and (3) the issuance and sale of the ordinary shares in the form of ADSs offered hereby at an assumed initial public offering price of $             per ADS, the mid-point of the estimated public offering price range shown on the front cover of this prospectus, after deducting underwriting discounts, commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us and assuming no exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option and no other change to the number of ADS sold by us as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus.

 

The pro forma information below is illustrative only and our capitalization following the closing of this offering is subject to adjustment based on the initial public offering price of our ADSs and other terms of this offering determined at pricing. You should read this table in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our consolidated combined financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

     As of December 31, 2006

         Actual    

        Pro forma    

     (in thousands, except share
data)

Mezzanine equity:

              

Series A convertible redeemable preferred shares, $0.01 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized and 17,709,815 shares issued and outstanding (actual) and nil shares issued and outstanding (proforma) (liquidation value $35,000,000)

   $ 31,996     $

Series A-1 convertible redeemable preferred shares, $0.01 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized and 2,882,155 shares issued and outstanding (actual) and nil shares issued and outstanding (proforma) (liquidation value $8,000,000)

     18,866      

Shareholders’ equity:

              

Ordinary shares, $0.01 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized, 48,979,394 shares issued and outstanding and 69,571,364 shares issued and outstanding on a pro forma basis (1)

     490       696

Additional paid-in capital

     35,902       86,557

Subscription receivable

     (9,289 )     (9,289)

Retained earnings

     21,085       21,085

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     3,029       3,029
    


 

Total shareholders’ equity

     51,217       102,078
    


 

Total mezzanine equity and shareholders’ equity

   $ 118,699     $ 118,699
    


 


(1)   The number of ordinary shares outstanding as of December 31, 2006 does not include (i) 9,053,026 ordinary shares subject to options outstanding as of December 31, 2006 and (ii) stock appreciation rights with respect to 9,056,100 ordinary shares that were granted under our 2006 Equity Incentive Plan.

 

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DILUTION

 

Our net tangible book value as of December 31, 2006 was approximately $             million, or $             per ordinary share outstanding at that date. Net tangible book value per ordinary share is determined by dividing our net tangible book value by the number of outstanding ordinary shares. Our net tangible book value is determined by subtracting the value of our acquired net intangible assets and total liabilities from our total assets. Dilution is determined by subtracting net tangible book value per ordinary share from the assumed public offering price per ordinary share.

 

Without taking into account any other changes in such net tangible book value after December 31, 2006, other than to give effect to (i) the conversion of all of our Series A convertible redeemable preferred shares and Series A-1 convertible redeemable preferred shares into ordinary shares that will occur upon the consummation of this offering, (ii) the repayment of $9.3 million of subscription receivable from one of our shareholders using the proceeds from the sale of its shares as part of this offering; and (iii) our sale of the              ADSs offered in this offering at the assumed initial public offering price of $             per ADS, which is at the mid-point of our estimated initial public offering price range, with estimated net proceeds of $             million after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses, our pro forma net tangible book value as of December 31, 2006 would have been $             million, $             per outstanding ordinary share, including ordinary shares underlying our outstanding ADSs, and $             per ADS. This represents an immediate increase in pro forma net tangible book value of $             per ordinary share, or $             per ADS, to existing shareholders and an immediate dilution in pro forma net tangible book value of $             per ordinary share, or $             per ADS, to new investors in this offering. The following table illustrates such per ordinary share dilution:

 

Assumed initial public offering price per ADS

   $             

Net tangible book value per ordinary share as of December 31, 2006

   $  

Increase in net tangible book value per ordinary share attributable to price paid by new investors

   $  

Pro forma net tangible book value per ordinary share after the offering

   $  

Dilution in net tangible book value per ordinary share to new investors in the offering

   $  

Dilution in net tangible book value per ADS to new investors in the offering

   $  

 

A $1 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price $             per ADS would increase (decrease) our pro forma net tangible book value after giving effect to the offering by $             million, the pro forma net tangible book value per ordinary share and per ADS after giving effect to this offering by $             per ordinary share and $             per ADS and the dilution in pro forma net tangible book value per ordinary share and per ADS to new investors in this offering by $             per ordinary share and $             per ADS, assuming no change to the number of ADSs offered by us as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and other expenses of the offering. The pro forma information discussed above is illustrative only. Our net tangible book value following the closing of this offering is subject to adjustment based on the actual initial public offering price of our ADSs and other terms of this offering determined at pricing.

 

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The following table summarizes on a pro forma basis the differences as of December 31, 2006 between the shareholders at our most recent fiscal year end and the new investors with respect to the number of ordinary shares purchased from us, the total consideration paid and the average price per ordinary share paid. The total ordinary shares do not include ADSs issuable if any of the options to purchase our ordinary shares outstanding as of December 31, 2006 are exercised. The information in the following table is illustrative only and the total consideration paid and the average price per ordinary share equivalent and per ADS equivalent is subject to adjustment based on the actual initial public offering price of our ADSs and other terms of this offering determined at pricing.

 

    

Ordinary shares

purchased


  

Total

consideration


  

Average price per

ordinary share

equivalent


  

Average price per

ADS equivalent


     Number

   Percent

   Amount

   Percent

     

Existing shareholders

                             
    
  
  
  
         

New investors

                             
    
  
  
  
         

Total

                             
    
  
  
  
         

 

A $1 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of $             per ADS would increase (decrease) total consideration paid by new investors, total consideration paid by all shareholders and the average price per ADS paid by all shareholders by $            , $             and $            , respectively, assuming no change in the number of ADSs sold by us as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus and without deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and other expenses of this offering.

 

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DIVIDEND POLICY

 

We have no present plan to pay any dividends on our ordinary shares in the foreseeable future. We currently intend to retain most, if not all, of our available funds and any future earnings to operate and expand our business. In 2004, we declared dividends to our shareholders in the amount of $8.0 million and paid $2.5 million in 2004 with the remaining amount paid in 2005. On January 1, 2005, we declared and paid dividends of $1.1 million to our shareholders.

 

Our board of directors has complete discretion on whether to pay dividends, subject to the approval of our shareholders. Even if our board of directors decides to pay dividends, the form, frequency and amount will depend upon our future operations and earnings, capital requirements and surplus, general financial condition, contractual restrictions and other factors that the board of directors may deem relevant. If we pay any dividends, we will pay our ADS holders to the same extent as holders of our ordinary shares, subject to the terms of the deposit agreement, including the fees and expenses payable thereunder. See “Description of American Depositary Shares.” Cash dividends on our ordinary shares, if any, will be paid in U.S. dollars.

 

Current regulations in China permit our PRC subsidiaries to pay dividends to us only out of their respective accumulated distributable profits, if any, determined in accordance with their articles of association and PRC accounting standards and regulations. The ability of these subsidiaries to make dividends and other payments to us may be restricted by factors that include changes in applicable foreign exchange and other laws and regulations. In particular, under Chinese law, these operating subsidiaries may only pay dividends after 10% of their net profit has been set aside as reserve funds, unless such reserves have reached at least 50% of their respective registered capital. Such cash reserve may not be distributed as cash dividends. In addition, if any of our nine direct PRC operating subsidiaries incur debt on its own behalf in the future, the instruments governing the debt may restrict its ability to pay dividends or make other payments to us.

 

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EXCHANGE RATE INFORMATION

 

Our business is primarily conducted in China and all of our net revenues and expenses are denominated in Renminbi. However, periodic reports made to shareholders will be expressed in U.S. dollars using the then current exchange rates. This prospectus contains translations of Renminbi amounts into U.S. dollars at specific rates solely for the convenience of the reader. The conversion of Renminbi into U.S. dollars in this prospectus is based on the noon buying rate in The City of New York for cable transfers of Renminbi as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Unless otherwise noted, all translations from Renminbi to U.S. dollars and from U.S. dollars to Renminbi in this prospectus were made at a rate of RMB 7.8041 to $1.00, the noon buying rate in effect as of December 29, 2006. The noon buying rate as of April 2, 2007 was RMB 7.7296 to $1.00. We make no representation that any Renminbi or U.S. dollar amounts could have been, or could be, converted into U.S. dollars or Renminbi, as the case may be, at any particular rate, the rates stated below, or at all. The Chinese government imposes control over its foreign currency reserves in part through direct regulation of the conversion of Renminbi into foreign exchange and through restrictions on foreign trade. The exchange rate from the U.S. dollar to Renminbi has fluctuated between a range of $1.00 to RMB8.2800 and $1.00 to RMB 7.7296 between January 1, 1998 and April 2, 2007.

 

The following table sets forth information concerning exchange rates between Renminbi and the U.S. dollar for the periods indicated. These rates are provided solely for your convenience and are not necessarily the exchange rates that we used in this prospectus or will use in the preparation of our periodic reports or any other information to be provided to you. The source of these rates is the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

 

     Noon Buying Rate

Period


   Period End

   Average (1)

   Low

   High

     (RMB per $1.00)

2001

   8.2766    8.2771    8.2786    8.2709

2002

   8.2800    8.2770    8.2800    8.2700

2003

   8.2767    8.2772    8.2800    8.2765

2004

   8.2765    8.2768    8.2774    8.2764

2005

   8.0702    8.1940    8.2765    8.0702

2006

   7.8041    7.9723    8.0702    7.8041

2007

                   

January

   7.7714    7.7876    7.8127    7.7705

February

   7.7410    7.7502    7.7632    7.7410

March

   7.7232    7.7369    7.7454    7.7232

April (period through April 2, 2007)

   7.7296    7.7296    7.7296    7.7296

Source: Federal Reserve Bank of New York

(1)   Annual averages are calculated from month-end rates. Monthly averages are calculated using the average of the daily rates during the relevant period.

 

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ENFORCEMENT OF CIVIL LIABILITIES

 

We are registered under the laws of the Cayman Islands as an exempted company with limited liability. We are registered in the Cayman Islands because of certain benefits associated with being a Cayman Islands corporation, such as political and economic stability, an effective judicial system, a favorable tax system, the absence of foreign exchange control or currency restrictions and the availability of professional and support services. However, the Cayman Islands has a less developed body of securities laws as compared to the United States and provides protections for investors to a significantly lesser extent. In addition, Cayman Islands companies do not have standing to sue before the federal courts of the United States.

 

Substantially all of our assets are located in China. In addition, substantially all of our directors and officers and our PRC legal counsel, Haiwen & Partners, are nationals or residents of jurisdictions other than the United States and all or a substantial portion of their assets are located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult for investors to effect service of process within the United States upon us or these persons, or to enforce against us or them judgments obtained in United States courts, including judgments predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the United States or any state in the United States. It may also be difficult for you to enforce in United States courts judgments obtained in United States courts based on the civil liability provisions of the United States federal securities laws against us, our officers and directors and Haiwen & Partners.

 

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

 

Conyers Dill & Pearman, our counsel as to Cayman Islands law, and Haiwen & Partners, our counsel as to PRC law, have advised us that there is uncertainty as to whether the courts of the Cayman Islands or the PRC would, respectively, (1) recognize or enforce judgments of United States courts obtained against us or our directors or officers or Haiwen & Partners predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the United States or any state in the United States, or (2) entertain original actions brought in the Cayman Islands or the PRC against us or our directors or officers or Haiwen & Partners predicated upon the securities laws of the United States or any state in the United States.

 

Conyers Dill & Pearman have informed us that the uncertainty with regard to Cayman Islands law relates to whether a judgment obtained from the United States courts under civil liability provisions of the securities law will be determined by the courts of the Cayman Islands as penal or punitive in nature. The courts of the Cayman Islands will not recognize or enforce such judgments against a Cayman company, and because such a determination has not yet been made by a court of the Cayman Islands, it is uncertain whether such civil liability judgments from United States courts would be enforceable in the Cayman Islands. Conyers Dill & Pearman has further advised us that a final and conclusive judgment in the federal or state courts of the United States under which a sum of money is payable, other than a sum payable in respect of taxes, fines, penalties or similar charges, may be subject to enforcement proceedings as a debt in the courts of the Cayman Islands under the common law doctrine of obligation.

 

Haiwen & Partners has advised us that the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments are provided for under the PRC Civil Procedure Law. PRC courts may recognize and enforce foreign judgments in accordance with the requirements of the PRC Civil Procedure Law based either on treaties between China and the country where the judgment is made or on reciprocity between jurisdictions. Haiwen & Partners has advised us further that under PRC law, a foreign judgment, which does not otherwise violate basic legal principles, state sovereignty, safety or social public interest, may be recognized and enforced by a PRC court, based either on treaties between China and the country where the judgment is made or on reciprocity between jurisdictions. As

 

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there currently exists no treaty or other form of reciprocity between China and the United States governing the recognition of judgments, including those predicated upon the liability provisions of the United States federal securities laws, there is uncertainty whether and on what basis a PRC court would enforce judgments rendered by United States courts.

 

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SELECTED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED COMBINED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA

 

The following selected condensed consolidated combined statements of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006 and the condensed consolidated combined balance sheet data as of December 31, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006 have been derived from our audited consolidated combined financial statements, which have been audited by Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu CPA Ltd., an independent registered public accounting firm. The report of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu CPA Ltd. on 2004, 2005 and 2006 is included elsewhere in this prospectus. Our selected condensed consolidated combined statement of operations data for the year ended December 31, 2002 and our condensed consolidated combined balance sheet data as of December 31, 2002 have been derived from our unaudited consolidated combined financial statements, which are not included in this prospectus. We have prepared the unaudited consolidated combined information for 2002 on the same basis as the audited consolidated combined financial statements. The unaudited financial information includes all adjustments, consisting only of normal and recurring adjustments, that we consider necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and operating results for the period presented.

 

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    For the years ended December 31,

 
    2002

    2003

    2004

    2005

    2006

 
    (in thousands, except share, per share and per ADS data)  

Condensed Consolidated Combined Statements of Operations Data

                                       

Revenues (1) :

                                       

Direct sales, net

  $     $ 45,567     $ 52,038     $ 76,828     $ 107,411  

Distribution sales, net

          23,957       43,022       93,512       89,087  
   


 


 


 


 


Total revenues, net

    27,146       69,524       95,060       170,340       196,498  
   


 


 


 


 


Cost of revenues (1) :

                                       

Direct sales

          22,008       16,826       26,646       32,013  

Distribution sales

          11,499       19,279       43,566       41,260  
   


 


 


 


 


Total cost of revenues

    9,133       33,507       36,105       70,212       73,273  
   


 


 


 


 


Gross profit

    18,013       36,017       58,955       100,128       123,225  
   


 


 


 


 


Operating income (expenses):

                                       

Advertising expenses

    (6,239 )     (14,877 )     (27,903 )     (55,564 )     (76,549 )

Other selling and marketing expenses (2)(3)

    (3,937 )     (6,239 )     (7,697 )     (13,734 )     (21,023 )

General and administrative expenses (2)

    (2,028 )     (4,429 )     (6,126 )     (12,340 )     (27,115 )

Other operating income, net

          370       498       1,553       3,105  
   


 


 


 


 


Total operating income (expenses)

    (12,204 )     (25,175 )     (41,228 )     (80,085 )     (121,582 )
   


 


 


 


 


Income from operations

    5,809       10,842       17,727       20,043       1,643  

Other income (expenses):

                                       

Interest expenses

    (3 )     (7 )     (41 )     (14 )     (14 )

Other income (expenses), net

    82       101       (9 )     588       2,181  

Change in fair value in warrant liability

                      (10,059 )      
   


 


 


 


 


Other income (expenses)

    79       94       (50 )     (9,485 )     2,167  

Income tax expenses (benefits):

                                       

Current

    173       417       571       831       233  

Deferred

                      (61 )     (161 )

Tax refund

                            (768 )
   


 


 


 


 


Total income tax expenses (benefits)

    173       417       571       770       (696 )
   


 


 


 


 


Minority interest

          (162 )     (2,614 )     (1,756 )     (561 )
   


 


 


 


 


Net income (4)(5)

    5,715       10,357       14,492       8,032       3,945  
   


 


 


 


 


Deemed dividend on Series A convertible redeemable preferred shares

                      (162 )     (162 )
   


 


 


 


 


Income attributable to holders of ordinary shares

  $ 5,715     $ 10,357     $ 14,492     $ 7,870     $ 3,783  
   


 


 


 


 


Income per share—basic ordinary shares

  $ 0.12     $ 0.22     $ 0.31     $ 0.13     $ 0.05  
   


 


 


 


 


Income per share—basic preferred shares

  $     $     $     $ 0.14     $ 0.06  
   


 


 


 


 


Income per share—diluted

  $ 0.12     $ 0.22     $ 0.31     $ 0.12     $ 0.05  
   


 


 


 


 


Shares used in calculating basic income per share—ordinary shares

    46,809,668       46,809,668       46,809,668       45,814,725       48,979,394  
   


 


 


 


 


Shares used in calculating basic income per share—preferred shares

                      16,770,999       20,591,970  
   


 


 


 


 


Shares used in calculating diluted income per share

    46,809,668       46,809,668       46,809,668       48,645,299       53,607,999  
   


 


 


 


 


Dividends declared per ordinary share

  $ 0.02     $ 0.09     $ 0.17     $ 0.02     $  
   


 


 


 


 


Pro forma income per share on an as-converted basis, basic (unaudited) (6)

                                  $ 0.06  
                                   


Pro forma income per share on an as-converted basis, diluted (unaudited) (6)

                                  $ 0.05  
                                   


Shares used in calculating pro forma per share amounts on an as-converted basic, basic (unaudited) (6)

                                    69,571,364  
                                   


Shares used in calculating pro forma per share amounts on an as-converted basis, diluted (unaudited) (6)

                                    74,199,969  
                                   


 

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     As of December 31,

     2002

   2003

   2004

   2005

   2006

     (in thousands, except share data)

Condensed Consolidated Combined Balance Sheet Data

                                  

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 4,200    $ 10,508    $ 16,645    $ 35,386    $ 40,744

Prepaid advertising expenses (7)

          1,825      4,903      20,090      25,384

Total assets

     10,784      22,823      39,862      100,372      118,699

Deferred revenue

                         4,193

Total liabilities

     3,000      6,392      13,971      12,569      15,183

Series A convertible redeemable preferred shares

                    31,834      31,996

Series A-1 convertible redeemable preferred shares

                    18,866      18,866

Total liabilities, mezzanine equity and shareholders’ equity

   $ 10,784    $ 22,823    $ 39,862    $ 100,372    $ 118,699

 

    

For the years ended December 31,


 
     2004

    2005

    2006

 
     (in thousands, except percentages)  

Selected Operating Data

                  

Number of inbound calls generated through direct sales platforms

   3,200     4,330     4,560 (8)

Conversion rate for inbound calls to product purchase orders

   24.3 %   22.1 %   19.2 % (8)

Total TV direct sales program minutes

   356.6     406.1     761.1  

(1)   During 2002, we did not separately track direct sales and distribution sales revenues or direct sales and distribution sales cost of revenues.

 

(2)   Includes share-based compensation of:

 

     For the years ended December 31,

 
     2002

   2003

  2004

   2005

    2006

 
     (in thousands)  

Other selling and marketing expenses

   $   —    $   —   $   —    $ (168 )   $ (741 )

General and administrative expenses

     $  —      $(957)     $  —    $ (2,168 )   $ (7,932 )

 

(3)   Includes amortization of intangible assets acquired in the July 2005 of acquisition of the 49% minority interest of Shanghai HJX of:

 

     For the years ended December 31,

 
     2002

   2003

   2004

   2005

    2006

 
     (in thousands)  

Other selling and marketing expenses

   $   —    $   —    $   —    $ (239 )   $(428 )

 

(4)   Includes:
     For the years ended December 31,

 
     2002

   2003

    2004

   2005

    2006

 
     (in thousands)  

Share-based compensation

   $    $ (957 )   $    $ (2,336 )   $ (8,673 )

Expensed offering costs

                             (3,166 )

Amortization of intangible assets acquired in the July 2005 acquisition of the 49% minority interest of Shanghai HJX

                     (239 )     (428 )

Change in fair value in warrant liability

                     (10,059 )      

 

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The change in fair value in warrant liability resulted from our issuance on January 21, 2005 of a warrant allowing the holder to acquire 2,882,155 shares of our series A-1 convertible redeemable preferred shares upon payment of $8.0 million in cash, corresponding to a per share exercise price of $2.78. The warrant was exercised in full on December 28, 2005 and, as a result, no future charge will be recognized. The warrant was deemed a freestanding derivative liability which requires the warrant to be measured at fair value upon initial recognition and subsequent to initial recognition. Accordingly, we recognized a non-cash charge in connection with marking the warrant to fair value for periods prior to the exercise.

 

(5)   Net income for the periods presented reflect effective tax rates, which may not be representative of our long-term expected effective tax rates in light of the tax holidays and exemptions enjoyed by certain of our PRC subsidiaries and our consolidated affiliated entities. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Taxation.”

 

(6)   The pro forma income per share data gives effect to the automatic conversion of our outstanding Series A convertible redeemable preferred shares and Series A-1 convertible redeemable preferred shares into 20,591,970 ordinary shares upon closing of this offering.

 

     2006

     (in thousands,
except share
and per share data)

Income attributable to holders of ordinary share, as reported

   $ 3,784

Add: Deemed dividend on Series A convertible redeemable preferred shares

     161
    

Net income, as reported

   $ 3,945
    

Pro forma net income (unaudited)

   $ 3,945
    

Pro forma income attributable to holders of ordinary shares (unaudited)

   $ 3,945
    

Shares used in calculating basic income per share:

      

As reported

     48,979,394

Add: Series A and Series A-1 convertible redeemable shares (unaudited)

     20,591,970
    

Pro forma on an as-converted basis (unaudited)

     69,571,364
    

Pro forma basic income per share on an as-converted basis (unaudited):

   $ 0.06
    

Shares used in calculating diluted income per share:

      

As reported

     53,607,999

Add: Series A and Series A-1 convertible redeemable shares (unaudited)

     20,591,970
    

Pro forma on an as-converted basis (unaudited)

     74,199,969
    

Pro forma diluted income per share on an as-converted basis (unaudited):

   $ 0.05
    

 

 

(7)   During 2002, we did not separately track prepaid advertising expenses.

 

(8)   Does not include calls generated under our marketing services arrangements that are primarily marketing in nature and are expected to result in limited direct sales revenues, such as our arrangement with China Unicom.

 

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations in conjunction with the section entitled “Selected Condensed Consolidated Combined Financial and Operating Data” and our consolidated combined financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results and the timing of selected events could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those set forth under “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

Overview and Executive Summary

 

We are a leading integrated multi-platform marketing company in China with a proven track record of developing and selling branded consumer products and services. Our two operating segments are our TV direct sales platform and nationwide distribution network. We operate the largest TV direct sales business in China in terms of revenues and TV air time purchased according to Euromonitor. Through our TV direct sales platform, we market both our own proprietary products and services as well as third-party products and services. Our nationwide distribution network extends across all provinces and allows us to reach over 20,000 retail outlets, covering nearly all cities and counties in China. We typically grant our distributors the exclusive right to distribute selected products and services within their respective territories.

 

We believe our nationally televised TV direct sales programs allow us to build strong product and service brand awareness among China’s consumers and generate significant demand for the products and services that we market within a short period of time. Our nationwide distribution network, coupled with local marketing efforts, helps further enhance the awareness of and demand for marketed products and services, thereby broadening our customer reach and enhancing our product and service penetration on a nationwide basis.

 

Supporting our direct sales platforms are our call centers, located in Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen. Our call centers were staffed by 649 sales representatives and 113 customer service personnel as of December 31, 2006. Our Beijing and Shanghai call centers operate 24 hours a day. In 2005 and 2006, our call centers processed on average approximately 11,800 and 12,400 incoming calls per day generated from our TV and other direct sales platforms.

 

Our net revenues, which include direct sales net revenues and distribution net revenues, have grown in each of the last three years, growing from $95.0 million in 2004 to $170.3 million in 2005 and to $196.5 million in 2006. Direct sales net revenues include both net proceeds from products sold through our TV direct sales programs and, beginning in 2006, marketing services revenues. Direct sales net revenues have grown in each of the last three years from $52.0 million in 2004 to $76.8 million in 2005 and to $107.4 million in 2006. Our distribution net revenues are derived from sales of products and services to our distributors. Distribution net revenues grew from $43.0 million in 2004 to $93.5 million in 2005 declined to $89.1 million in 2006.

 

During 2006, we entered into two new types of arrangements—joint sales arrangements and marketing services arrangements.

 

Under a joint sales arrangement, we generate TV direct product and services sales revenues. In addition, as consideration for the marketing support provided by our TV direct sales programs, we receive additional payments from our joint sales partners based on sales of featured products or services through their own distribution channels. These additional payments are classified as reductions to cost of direct sales revenues via reductions in the purchase price of the products purchased by us from our joint sales partners, similar to vendor rebates. As an example of a joint sales arrangement, in April 2006, we entered into an arrangement with a cell phone manufacturer to be the exclusive TV direct sales platform through which it markets some of its PDA cell

 

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phones. In addition to generating TV direct product sales revenues for us, the joint sales partner agreed to pay to us an amount based on the number of units sold by it through its own distribution network. These additional payments have been recorded as reductions to cost of direct sales revenues.

 

Under a marketing services arrangement, we provide a marketing plan, related TV advertising time and call center support to our customers. As an example, we developed a multi-phase TV direct sales marketing plan for China Unicom, the second largest mobile communications company in China, to promote China Unicom’s CDMA services and CDMA cell phones from China Unicom’s partners through our TV direct sales platform. Under this marketing services arrangement, we received a fixed fee, which has been included in direct sales net revenues.

 

In 2006, our joint sales arrangements generated $27.8 million in gross direct product revenues (mostly HTW branded PDA cell phones) and $7.3 million in other payments based on sales of featured products or services by our joint sales partners through their own distribution channels, which reduced our cost of direct sales revenues. In 2006, our marketing services arrangements generated $6.7 million in marketing services revenues.

 

Net revenue and operating income in any period are largely driven by our sales platforms and product and service mix, advertising expenses and events occurring in the period. The increases in our total net revenues in 2004 and 2005 were driven in large part by direct and distribution sales of our electronic learning devices and other proprietary product lines, such as our Zehom sleeping aid/neck massager and posture correction product lines. In 2006, our sales increase reflects, in particular, $27.8 million of direct sales of third-party cell phones and our success in the first half of 2006 in marketing our proprietary Zehom branded neck massager.

 

Despite the increase in 2006 net revenues, we only had operating income of $1.6 million in 2006. In particular, in the second half of 2006 net revenues and operating income were adversely impacted by PRC regulatory changes (still in effect) prohibiting TV and radio direct sales programs of certain products, including our branded neck massager and our slimming product. These products were two of our best-selling and highest margin products in the first half of 2006. Similarly, in the second half of 2006, negative media coverage of our products (some of which we believe contained false or misleading information), in particular of our electronic learning devices, had an adverse impact on our 2006 net revenues and operating income. Total gross revenues from sales of our electronic learning devices decreased by $10.6 million in 2006. Gross revenues from sales of our neck massager product line dropped from $18.9 million in the first half of 2006 to $5.5 million in the second half of 2006. Operating income in 2006 also reflects stock-based compensation charges of $8.7 million compared to $2.3 million in 2005 and a $3.2 million charge related to offering costs.

 

Our product and service revenues are driven significantly by our spending on advertising, particularly our TV direct sales programs. Our total advertising expenses increased by 99.3% from $27.9 million in 2004 to $55.6 million in 2005 and by an additional 37.6% to $76.5 million in 2006. The largest component of our total advertising expenses, constituting over 80% of total advertising expenses in each of 2005 and 2006, is purchased TV advertising time. Purchased TV advertising expenses increased by 137.0% from $19.2 million in 2004 to $45.5 million in 2005 and an additional 51.6% to $69.0 million in 2006.

 

We use purchased TV advertising time to broadcast both TV direct sales programs and brand promotion advertising. Advertising expenses for TV channels on which we run almost exclusively TV direct sales programs accounted for $17.4 million, or 90.4%, $29.9 million, or 65.8%, and $53.3 million, or 77.2%, of the total expenses incurred in purchasing TV advertising time in 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively. TV advertising time dedicated to TV direct sales programs increased from over 350,000 minutes in 2004 and over 400,000 minutes in 2005 to over 760,000 minutes in 2006 (approximately 244 hours per week). This increase reflects our purchase of advertising time on TV channels on which we had not previously advertised and our purchase, in bulk, of lower-cost, late night advertising time for use in product and service development and testing activities.

 

TV brand promotion advertising expenses accounted for $1.8 million, or 9.6%, $15.6 million, or 34.2%, and $15.7 million, or 22.8%, of the total expenses incurred in purchasing TV advertising time in 2004, 2005 and

 

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2006, respectively. Our TV brand promotion advertising in recent periods had primarily supported our electronic learning devices product line and our posture correction and neck massager/sleeping aid product lines, but PRC regulatory changes in the second half of 2006 prevented us from running TV direct sales programs for our neck massager product line.

 

The number of TV channels on which we broadcast TV direct sales programs increased from 41 in 2004 to 52 in 2006. In 2006, we broadcast brand promotion advertising on 18 TV channels, including six channels on which we did not broadcast TV direct sales programs. We recently began consolidating our TV advertising time and currently broadcast our TV direct sales programs on 44 TV channels.

 

We expect to increase our commitments to purchase TV advertising time in 2007 by approximately 49.9% to $85.6 million. Actual TV advertising commitments could, however, vary significantly. We may purchase additional broadcasting time throughout the year. Also, we may be unable to use all of our purchased time due to various factors, many of which are out of our control, such as preemption of our purchased time by special programming events, programming overruns by TV stations and changes in available advertising minutes provided by TV stations. In addition, the accounting for advertising time will vary based on the structure of our joint sales and marketing services arrangements. For example, TV advertising expenses paid by us may be reflected as either a cost of direct sales revenues (e.g., marketing services arrangements that involve limited or no direct sales with marketing customers paying a fixed fee, such as our arrangement with China Unicom) or as advertising expenses (e.g. joint sales arrangements, such as our arrangement with HTW). Also, certain payments received by us under our joint sales arrangements may be a specific reimbursement of incurred advertising expenses and therefore, recorded as a reduction to our advertising cost.

 

In addition to TV brand promotion advertising, we also promote our brands through print and other media, primarily newspaper advertising. Our total advertising expenses for 2005 and 2006 included an aggregate of $6.9 million and $6.3 million, respectively, for non-TV brand promotion advertising, which primarily was used to support our neck massager/sleeping aid, electronic learning devices and oxygen generating devices product lines.

 

We also reimburse certain of our distributors for a portion of their local TV, print media and other advertising-related expenses in support of the products that they distribute for us. Our total advertising expenses in 2005 and 2006 included $3.1 million and $1.0 million, respectively, of these distributor reimbursements, primarily related to our oxygen generating devices and neck massager/sleeping aid products and posture correction products.

 

The number of inbound calls generated through our direct sales platforms received by our call centers has increased steadily with inbound calls totaling approximately 3.2 million, 4.3 million and 4.5 million, respectively, in 2004, 2005 and 2006. The conversion rate for inbound calls, which is the percentage of inbound calls that result in product or service purchase orders, was 24.3%, 22.1% and 19.2% for those same periods. In calculating our conversion rate and inbound calls, we exclude calls generated under our marketing services arrangements, such as our arrangement with China Unicom. A critical factor impacting our conversion rate is the average selling price of our products and services. As our average selling prices have increased, we have experienced downward pressure on our conversion rates. We seek to counterbalance this pressure with improved sales training and performance-related personnel management.

 

We intend to focus in the near term on successfully developing and marketing products and services offering high margins and recurring revenue streams and on developing our joint sales and marketing services arrangements. To do so, we will continue to utilize our product and service development and marketing strengths, our national TV media presence and media management expertise to offer selected products throughout China through our integrated sales platforms. Our longer term goal is to be the leading integrated cross-media marketer of consumer products and services in China. Related challenges include the evolving nature of the TV direct sales industry and our business model, which are in the early stages of development, and a continuously evolving competitive landscape. To address these challenges, among other things, we regularly evaluate developments and the competitive landscape in the consumer retail market in China (including the TV direct sales market both in

 

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China as well as worldwide). In turn, as appropriate, we adjust our product and service offerings, sales and marketing efforts and business strategy. We undertake these adjustments in connection with constant evaluation of our media allocation for each product and service to maximize return on our media purchase expenditures. For example, we track and analyze data generated through our call center operations. Using this data, we adjust on a weekly basis the products and services we promote on TV, the frequency and timeslots of our TV direct sales programs, as well as the TV channels on which we broadcast our programs.

 

Revenues and Cost of Revenues

 

Revenues

 

     For the years ended December 31,

 
     2004

    2005

    2006

 
     Amount

   % of total
revenues, net


    Amount

   % of total
revenues, net


    Amount

   % of total
revenues, net


 
     (in thousands, except percentages)  

Revenues:

                                       

Direct sales, net

   $ 52,038    54.7 %   $ 76,828    45.1 %   $ 107,411    54.7 %

Distribution sales, net

     43,022    45.3       93,512    54.9       89,087    45.3  
    

  

 

  

 

  

Total revenues, net

     95,060    100.0       170,340    100.0       196,498    100.0  
    

  

 

  

 

  

 

Our net revenues consist of direct sales net revenues and distribution net revenues. Direct sales net revenues represent product and services sales through our TV direct sales programs and other direct sales platforms and, beginning in 2006, marketing services revenues. Other direct sales primarily include sales of products and services marketed through our catalogs and sales realized through our outbound calls. To date, substantially all of our direct sales net revenues have been generated from our TV direct sales platform. As we continue to develop other forms of direct selling, such as our catalog sales, which commenced in February 2005, and our outbound calls sales, which commenced in the fourth quarter of 2004, we expect our non-TV direct sales net revenues to increase. In 2006, marketing services revenues totaled $6.7 million.

 

Distribution net revenues represent product and service sales to the distributors constituting our nationwide distribution network. We sell products and services to our distributors at a discount to the retail price for the same product or service when sold by us through our TV direct sales programs. The percentage of our total net revenues generated through our nationwide distribution network increased from 45.3% in 2004 to 54.9% in 2005 and decreased to 45.3% in 2006. The percentage of our total net revenues attributable to direct sales and distribution revenues will vary from period to period based on, among other things, the amount of our TV advertising time dedicated to our or third-party products and services, joint sales and marketing services arrangements and sales generated by us through our TV direct sales programs and our nationwide distribution network.

 

Our total net revenues are presented net of certain adjustments including sales and business taxes incurred primarily by our three PRC affiliated entities, cash rebates on distribution sales, costs of cash coupon discounts and membership points on direct sales. Sales and business taxes incurred primarily by our three PRC affiliated entities totaled approximately $0.2 million in each of 2004 and 2005 and $0.7 million in 2006. Our marketing services revenues, which we started generating in 2006, are subject to higher taxes and surcharges than our other sources of revenues, resulting in the $0.5 million increase in sales and business taxes in 2006.

 

Historically, we conducted distribution promotional sales activities primarily through the use of cash rebates. Beginning in 2005, we introduced our customer loyalty program for direct sales which includes coupon discounts and membership points. We net the cost of these promotional activities against revenue at the time revenue is recorded.

 

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Direct sales net revenues for 2004, 2005 and 2006 have been adjusted based on actual product return experience. In future interim periods, as we report revenues, we will estimate the amount of sales returns based on the historical trend of product returns, current economic trends including market acceptance of new and existing products and other delivery and return information available from EMS and local delivery companies.

 

To accelerate the establishment of our distribution network, in 2000 we issued shares in our company to owners of five distributors as incentives to join our nationwide distribution network. In 2005 and 2006, the aggregate sales generated by these five distributors accounted for approximately 15.2% and 13.0% of our distribution gross revenues and 8.3% and 5.9% of our total gross revenues, respectively. In 2005 and 2006, two of these distributors were among our five best-performing distributors. None of these shareholders owns more than 1% of our company. In addition, of our distributors, 11 are owned in part, or in some cases in whole, by eight of our employees or their family members. Seven out of these eight individuals became our employees as a result of our acquisition of the remaining 49% interest of Shanghai HJX in July 2005. In 2005 and 2006, the aggregate sales generated by these 11 distributors accounted for approximately 33.3% and 26.9% of our distribution gross revenues or 18.3% and 12.2% of our total gross revenues. In 2005, two of these distributors were, and in 2006 one of the distributors was, among our five best-performing distributors. In addition, two distributors in 2005 and three distributors in 2006, each of which accounted for less than 1% of our distribution gross revenues in 2005 and 2006, are wholly owned by family members of our chief executive officer and another of our executive officers.

 

We generally focus on marketing and selling four or five featured product lines at any one time through our TV direct sales platform and a limited number of products and services through our nationwide distribution network. Consequently, we have been, and expect to continue to be, dependent on a limited number of featured product lines to generate a large percentage of our net revenues. Currently, our featured products are offered in the following categories or under the following brands:

 

   

electronic learning devices featuring our proprietary Ozing brand, which accounted for 42.8% and 31.7% of our total gross revenues in 2005 and 2006, respectively, with retail prices ranging from RMB 798 to RMB 1,180 per unit in 2005 and ranging from RMB 698 to RMB 1,298 per unit (or approximately $89 to $166 per unit) in 2006;

 

   

consumer electronics products featuring Net E-cam, Aptek Net E-cam and Soloky brand names, which accounted for 20.8% and 6.9% of our total gross revenues in 2005 and 2006, respectively, with retail prices ranging from RMB 1,680 to RMB 2,380 per unit in 2005 and ranging from RMB 1,280 to RMB 3,980 per unit (or approximately $164 to $510 per unit) in 2006;

 

   

cell phones featuring the HTW, CECT and Gionee brand names and China Unicom’s CDMA service and CDMA cell phones from China Unicom’s partners. We began introducing cell phones in April 2006, and they are sold by us only through our TV direct sales platform, accounted for 14.1% of our total gross revenues in 2006 with retail prices ranging from RMB 2,980 to RMB 7,580 per unit (or approximately $382 to $971) in 2006; and

 

   

health and wellness products featuring our proprietary Babaka, Zehom and Youngleda brand names, which accounted for 23.9% and 23.6% of our total gross revenues in 2005 and 2006, respectively, with retail prices in 2005 and 2006 ranging from RMB 288 to RMB 2,080 per unit (or approximately $37 to $267 per unit).

 

Our three best-selling product lines accounted for an aggregate of 65.3%, 78.0% and 57.2% of our total gross revenues in 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively.

 

We select products and services sold through our TV direct sales programs, which we believe offer sufficient profit potential and can be built into a national brand for sale through our nationwide distribution network. Consequently, we do not actively market all of our featured product lines through our nationwide

 

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distribution network. For example, in 2005 we did not actively market and sell our exercise machine through our nationwide distribution network.

 

We offer over 100 products and services through our multiple sales platforms, approximately 40% of which are marketed and sold primarily through our TV direct sales programs, nationwide distribution network or both. Our featured product categories (currently electronic learning devices, consumer electronics, cell phones and health and wellness products) include over 35 products. In addition to the four product categories we presently feature, we sell other products and services, including autocare, beauty and household products, primarily through our catalogs, outbound calls and cross-selling. We periodically develop and introduce related new and upgraded products and services under the same product or service brand.

 

Our ability to maintain or grow our revenue depends on our ability to successfully identify, develop, introduce and distribute in a timely and cost-effective manner new and appealing product and service offerings, including new and upgraded products and services. We employ a systematic identification and development process. After a potential featured product or service has been identified and tested, we evaluate a number of key benchmarks, particularly estimated profitability relative to our media expenses, in determining whether to conduct full-scale sales and marketing.

 

We seek to diversify our product and service offerings by adding products and services that offer recurring revenue opportunities. For example, in January 2006 we began full-scale marketing of a software program that tracks market performance of specified stocks listed on China’s domestic stock exchanges and provides technical analysis to aid investment decisions. The use of this product requires the payment of an annual subscription fee at the beginning of the subscription period. The initial subscription fee is RMB 3,380 (approximately $433) as of December 31, 2006 with the annual renewal fee costing RMB 720 (approximately $92). Revenues from both initial and renewal fees are deferred and recognized ratably over the twelve-month subscription period.

 

In late May 2006, the Shanghai branch of the China Securities Regulatory Commission, or CSRC, sent us a notice requiring we suspend advertisements of our stock-tracking software program as it believed we did not have the required permit to provide securities investment advisory services. Although we do not believe that our sale of this software program involves the provision of securities investment advisory services, beginning in May 2006, we discontinued most TV advertisements for this program. We are in communication with the CSRC Shanghai branch and are seeking its clearance to resume normal advertisements for this program. During the six months ended June 30, 2006, we recognized $1.2 million in related subscription revenue and our deferred revenue balance was $4.2 million at period end. For the full year, we recognized $4.7 million in related subscription revenue and our deferred revenue balance was $4.2 million as of December 31, 2006.

 

In July 2006, the State Administration for Radio, Film and Television, or SARFT, and the State Administration for Industry and Commerce, or SAIC, issued a circular temporarily prohibiting the broadcast of TV- and radio-based direct sales programs regarding pharmaceutical products, diet and slimming products, medical devices, breast enhancement products and height increasing products on and after August 1, 2006, pending adoption of new rules governing those direct sales activities. Consequently, we were unable to and, until the new rules are adopted, we will be unable to broadcast TV- and radio-based direct sales programs for some of our products, primarily including our neck massager product and our slimming product. These products were two of our high margin products and, during the six months ended June 30, 2006, our neck massager was our second best-selling product in terms of gross revenues and our best selling product in terms of direct sales gross revenues. Our slimming product was our fourth best-selling product in terms of direct sales gross revenues in the first half of 2006. It is unclear when the new rules governing those direct sales activities will be issued. We believe stricter regulation is beneficial for our industry and business in the long term since it will enhance the overall reputation of the TV direct sales industry by more closely regulating promoted products and marketing practices. However, at least in the near term, our direct and distribution sales of the products covered by the circular have been, and we expect will continue to be, adversely impacted as a result of this prohibition. In September 2006, we stopped marketing our slimming product. In the second half of 2006 distribution sales of our neck massager products decreased by 68.3% to $2.6 million from $8.2 million in the first half of 2006, largely

 

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due to a lack of TV direct sales program marketing support. The overall impact on our future operating results depends on, among other things, our success in promoting the products covered by the circular through other media channels; the degree to which distribution sales of our restricted products continue to be impacted by the ban on TV direct sales programs; our ability to offset these decreased sales with sales of non-restricted products (including newly developed products) using our committed TV advertising time and the related sales price and margins of those non-restricted products; and the nature of, and restrictions imposed by, the future rules when adopted.

 

During the second half of 2006 several articles appeared in the Chinese media that, among other things, questioned the pricing and quality of our products, in particular targeting our electronic learning devices. Some of these articles we believe contained false or misleading information regarding our products and market practices. We took marketing and other efforts to protect our product brands and to correct or respond to these articles and related customer concerns and these activities appear to have stopped. However, this negative media coverage had, and may continue to have, an adverse effect on our direct and distribution sales of our electronic learning devices and other products or services.

 

In any period, a number of factors, including the following, will impact our net revenues and the portion thereof generated by our direct sales and distribution platforms:

 

   

the mix of TV direct sales programs and brand promotion advertising and the portion of our TV direct marketing programs dedicated to joint sales and marketing services arrangements;

 

   

the mix of products and services marketed through our TV direct sales programs and our nationwide distribution network and their average selling prices;

 

   

the portion of any subscription or service revenue deferred or recognized in any period;

 

   

new product and service introductions by us or our competitors;

 

   

the availability of competing products and services and possible reductions in the sales price of our products and services over time in response to competitive offerings or in anticipation of our introduction of new or upgraded offerings;

 

   

seasonality with respect to certain of our products, such as our electronic learning devices. Sales for these products are typically higher around the first and third quarters corresponding with the end and beginning of school semesters in China;

 

   

the cycles of successful products and services featured in our TV direct sales programs, with such sales typically growing rapidly over an initial promotional period and then declining over time, sometimes precipitously in a short period of time (for example, our electronic wrinkle remover, for which full-scale sales and marketing began in December 2003, accounted for over 20% of 2004 total gross revenues with sales declining by over 94% in 2005 due to the unanticipated short lifecycle of that product);

 

   

the success of our distributors in promoting and selling our products locally; and

 

   

the potential negative impact distributor sales may have on our own direct sales efforts.

 

For a detailed discussion of the factors that may cause our net revenues to fluctuate, see “Risk Factors—Risk Relating to Our Business—Our operating results fluctuate from period to period, making our results difficult to predict and our operating results for a particular period therefore could fall below our expectations or the expectations of market analysts or investors, thereby resulting in a decrease in the price of our ADSs.”

 

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Cost of Revenues

 

Cost of revenues in respect of direct product and service sales represents our direct costs to manufacture, purchase or develop products or services sold by us to consumers or our distributors. For a particular product or service, the related cost of revenues is the same regardless of whether sold by us directly to consumers or to our distributors. The most significant factor in determining cost of revenues as a percentage of revenue in any period is our product or service mix for the period. For example, our collectible products (stamps and coins) currently have a higher per unit cost of revenues than our other products.

 

Cost of revenues in respect of direct product and service sales does not include advertising or other selling and marketing expenditures. These expenditures are incurred for the benefit of each of our sales and distribution platforms and, as such, are treated as operating expenses and not as a cost of revenues. As described below under “Critical Accounting Policies,” however, certain payments received under our joint sales arrangements may reduce our cost of revenues or advertising expenses. In evaluating the performance of our sales and distribution platforms, you should consider our advertising and other selling and marketing expenses and income from operations.

 

For marketing services arrangements, the related cost of revenues reflects the cost of the TV advertising time used to run the related TV direct sales programs.

 

If we defer revenues in a period, our operating margins will be initially adversely impacted as we recognize the cost of revenues in full in the period, and will be favorably impacted in later periods as we recognize deferred revenue without the offsetting cost of revenues.

 

Operating Income (Expenses)

 

Our operating income (expenses) consist of advertising expenses, other selling and marketing expenses, general and administrative expenses and other operating income, net.

 

Advertising Expenses

 

Advertising expenses consist primarily of the expenses of purchasing our advertising media, mostly the expense of TV advertising time and, to a significantly lesser extent, non-TV media, primarily print media. Advertising expenses also include payments to reimburse certain of our distributors for a portion of their local TV, print media and other advertising-related expenses in support of our products and services distributed by them. To date, we have not deferred any advertising expenses, and all such advertising expenses have been recognized as incurred. If we defer revenues in a period, our operating margins will be initially adversely impacted as we recognize the TV direct sales program advertising expense in full in the period it is incurred and will in a later period be favorably impacted as we recognize deferred revenue without the offsetting advertising expense.

 

We use our purchased TV advertising time to broadcast TV direct sales programs and brand promotion advertising. Unless the cost of TV advertising time is treated as a cost of direct sales revenues under a marketing services arrangement, advertising expenses include the cost of the TV advertising time used to broadcast all TV direct sales programs. Although we did not receive any of these payments prior to 2007, payments received from our joint sales partners to reimburse a portion of the related TV advertising cost are expected to be recorded as a reduction to our TV advertising expense. Our TV direct sales programs are typically five to ten minutes in length, focus on the features and benefits of the products and services being marketed and encourage consumers to call our call centers to purchase those products and services. Our brand promotion advertisements are typically five to 60 seconds long and, rather than focusing on product or service features or benefits, are designed to increase general brand awareness for the marketed products or services. We also use non-TV media, primarily newspaper advertising, for brand promotion purposes. To date, our TV brand promotion advertisements have featured primarily our electronic learning devices product line and, to a lesser extent, our posture correction and neck

 

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massager/sleeping aid product lines. During 2005 and 2006, our TV brand promotion advertisements were broadcasted on six and 18 channels, respectively, including CCTV 1, which has the largest national viewership in China and is our primary TV channel for brand promotion advertising.

 

We typically enter into TV advertising time purchase agreements for our TV direct sales programs in advance prior to the beginning of each year, with such agreements generally having a term of one year. We typically prepay for a large portion of our TV advertising time for our TV direct sales programs. We believe our ability to prepay for our advertising expenses has been a competitive advantage. As of December 31, 2005 and 2006, we had a prepaid advertising balance of $20.1 million and $25.4 million, respectively. We enter into our advertising agreements typically near the end of each year and consequently our prepaid balance is usually highest at year-end.

 

Our advertising cost per minute (based on aggregate expenditures and ignoring the impact of payments made under our joint sales and marketing services arrangements) varies depending on the channel, with certain CCTV channels, which generally have a broader reach, being more expensive. Our total increases in advertising expenses reflect the purchase of more expensive broadcast time, an increase in total minutes purchased and an increase in price per minute. Our average per minute advertising cost for TV direct sales programs in 2004, 2005 and 2006 was approximately $49, $74 and $70, respectively. Our average per minute cost for our TV direct sales programs will vary primarily based on the channels we broadcast our TV direct sales programs and the associated time slots. In addition, average per minute charges can vary significantly by channel, with some channels increasing their rates annually. In particular, we have experienced more significant rate increases on some of our national satellite channels, compared to our other channels, as their reach and ratings have increased. In 2006, our top five TV channels in terms of amount of TV direct sales program advertising expenditures accounted for approximately 32.1% of our total TV direct sales program advertising expenditures and approximately 18.6% of our total TV direct sales program advertising minutes. In contrast, in 2006, our top five TV channels by total TV direct sales program advertising minutes accounted for approximately 44.8% of our total TV direct sales program advertising minutes and 18.3% of our total TV direct sales program advertising expenditures.

 

Other Selling and Marketing Expenses

 

Other selling and marketing expenses consist primarily of costs related to product delivery, salary and benefits for our call centers and sales and marketing personnel and the production of our TV direct sales programs and other advertising. Also included in other selling and marketing expenses are amortization charges related to intangible assets acquired in our July 2005 acquisition of the 49% minority interest in Shanghai HJX. See note 3 to our consolidated combined financial statements.

 

We rely significantly on EMS, and to a lesser extent, local delivery companies, to deliver our products sold by us to consumers and to collect related payments in connection with products delivered on the basis of a cash on delivery, or COD, payment method. During 2004, 2005 and 2006, EMS delivered approximately 51.7%, 53.3% and 56.7%, respectively, of the orders placed through our direct sales platforms. We are responsible for the delivery and handling fee regardless whether the delivery is successful.

 

General and Administrative Expenses

 

General and administrative expenses consist primarily of compensation and benefits for general management and finance and administrative personnel costs, depreciation and amortization with respect to equipment used for general corporate purposes, professional fees, lease and other expenses for general corporate purposes and allowances for doubtful accounts, including charges related to the write-offs of certain accounts receivable for EMS.

 

The total amount of EMS-related accounts receivable written off in 2006 was approximately $0.3 million. General and administrative expenses in 2006 also include offering related costs totaling $3.2 million that were expensed in 2006.

 

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We expect our general and administrative expenses to increase as our business expands in future periods and as we incur increased costs related to complying with our reporting obligations under the U.S. securities laws as a public company. These increased costs will include those related to our obligations under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, requiring that, beginning with our annual report on Form 20-F for 2008, we include our management’s report on internal control over financial reporting and an attestation by our independent registered public accounting firm as to our management’s assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting.

 

Other Operating Income, Net

 

Other operating income, net consists primarily of government subsidies and commission income. We receive government subsidies from local government agencies for certain taxes paid by us, including value-added, business and income taxes.

 

Warrant Liability

 

A warrant issued on January 21, 2005 allowed the holder to acquire 2,882,155 shares of our Series A-1 convertible redeemable preferred stock upon payment of $8.0 million in cash, corresponding to a per share exercise price of $2.78. The warrant was exercised in full on December 28, 2005 and, as a result, there were no related charges after that date. The warrant was deemed a freestanding derivative liability which required the warrant to be measured at fair value upon initial recognition and subsequent to initial recognition. Accordingly, we recognized a non-cash charge in connection with marking the warrant to fair value for periods prior to the exercise in 2005. As of the date of this prospectus, we have no freestanding derivative liabilities.

 

Minority Interest

 

Minority interests consist of the 49% outside ownership interests in our majority-owned subsidiaries. In July 2005, we acquired the 49% minority interest in Shanghai HJX, the subsidiary responsible for production, marketing and sale of our electronic learning devices. In 2004, 2005 and 2006, our minority interest totaled $2.6 million, $1.8 million and $0.6 million, respectively, with the amounts in 2004 and 2005 reflecting primarily net income generated by Shanghai HJX prior to our acquisition of the remaining 49% minority interest in July 2005. We may form other majority-owned subsidiaries in the future to secure managerial expertise, acquire complementary and additional distribution networks, or secure product or service distribution rights.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

We prepare our financial statements in conformity with US GAAP, which requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities on the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of net revenues and expenses during the financial reporting period. We continually evaluate these estimates and assumptions based on the most recently available information, our own historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Since the use of estimates is an integral component of the financial reporting process, actual results could differ from those estimates. Some of our accounting policies require higher degrees of judgment than others in their application. We consider the policies discussed below to be critical to an understanding of our financial statements as their application places the most significant demands on our management’s judgment.

 

Share-based Compensation and Warrant Liability Charges

 

Through 2005, we accounted for our stock option plans using the intrinsic value method under APB 25. Effective the beginning of 2006, we adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123-R, “Share-Based Payment,” and elected to adopt the modified prospective application method. SFAS No. 123-R requires us to use a fair-value based method to account for stock-based compensation. Accordingly, stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date, based on the fair value of the award, and is recognized as expense over the employees’ requisite service period. Our option plans are described more fully in Note 12 to our consolidated combined financial statements.

 

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In 2005, we recorded a charge of approximately $10.1 million for the change in fair value in warrant liability in connection with warrants to acquire shares of our Series A-1 convertible redeemable preferred stock.

 

Determining the value of our share-based compensation expense in future periods requires the input of highly subjective assumptions, including expected life of the share-based payment awards, estimated forfeitures and the price volatility of the underlying shares. The assumptions used in calculating the fair value of share-based payment awards represent management’s best estimates, but these estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management judgment. As a result, if factors change and we use different assumptions, our share-based compensation expense could be materially different in the future. In addition, we estimate our expected forfeiture rate and recognize expense only for those shares expected to vest. These estimations are based on past employee retention rates and our expectations of future retention rates. We will prospectively revise our forfeiture rates based on actual history. Our compensation expense may change based on changes to our actual forfeitures.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

We recognize net revenue for sales through our direct sales platforms upon delivery of the products to, and acceptance by, our customers. These revenues are recognized net of sales tax incurred primarily by our three PRC affiliated companies. We rely significantly on EMS and local delivery companies to deliver products sold through our direct sales platforms. It generally takes one to seven days for a product to be delivered by EMS and local delivery companies, with these companies regularly reporting to us product delivery status. Of the total attempted product deliveries in 2005 and 2006, approximately 19% and 23% were unsuccessful due to customers’ refusal to accept a product upon delivery or failure to successfully locate the delivery address. Generally, the higher a product’s sales price and the longer the amount of time between ordering and delivery, the more likely a customer may refuse product delivery. For unsuccessful deliveries EMS and local delivery companies are required to return the undelivered products to us. It generally takes EMS two to three weeks, and local delivery companies seven days, to return the undelivered products to us.

 

Direct sales revenues for 2004, 2005 and 2006 have been adjusted based on actual product return experience. In future periods, as we report our revenues for interim periods, we may be required to estimate the amount of sales returns based on the historical trend of product returns, current economic trends, including market acceptance of new and existing products, and other delivery and return information available from EMS and local delivery companies. Beginning in 2005, we introduced our customer loyalty program for direct sales which includes coupon discounts and membership points. We net the cost of these promotional activities against revenue at the time revenue is recorded. We use historical trend experience to accrue costs associated with cash coupon discounts and membership points.

 

We recognize net revenues for products sold through our nationwide distribution network when products are delivered to and accepted by our distributors. The distributor agreements do not provide discounts, chargeback, price protection and stock rotation rights. However, there were certain distributor agreements that provided performance-based cash rebates which were insignificant in 2004, 2005 and 2006.

 

Included in direct sales net revenues are marketing services revenues derived from arrangements where the related marketing customer pays a fixed fee in exchange for our marketing services.

 

In 2006, we generated revenue from annual initial subscription fees from subscribers for our stock-tracking software, which includes access to our software CD containing data analysis tools and services. Upon receipt by us or one of our distributors of the upfront cash payments from the subscriber, we will activate the subscriber’s account and provide the subscriber with an access code. This will commence the one-year subscription period and the full payment will be deferred and recognized ratably over the one-year subscription period. After the initial subscription period, users can subscribe for additional one-year renewal periods. Because the data services are essential to the functionality of the software analysis tools, we recognize revenue ratably over the one-year

 

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subscription period. For 2006, we recognized $4.7 million in related subscription revenue and at December 31, 2006 our deferred revenue balance was $4.2 million.

 

Pursuant to joint sales arrangements, we generate direct sales revenues from the sale of a featured product or service through our TV direct sales programs. Our joint sales partner also sells the featured product or service through its own distribution channels. In exchange for the sales support provided by our TV direct sales programs, we also receive additional payments based on sales through our sales partners’ own distribution channels. These payments are recorded as a reduction to cost of direct sales revenues via a reduction in the purchase price of the products purchased by us from our sales partners, similar to a vendor rebate.

 

Payments received from our joint sales partners to reimburse a portion of the related TV advertising expense are recorded as a reduction to our TV advertising expense. We did not receive any of these payments prior to 2007.

 

Under our marketing services arrangements, we provide a TV direct sales marketing plan, the related TV advertising time and call center support in exchange for a fixed fee, which is included in our direct sales net revenues. Our marketing services arrangements are predominately marketing in nature and are expected to generate limited or no TV direct product sales revenues.

 

Corporate Structure

 

We commenced operations in 1998. In January 2005, we effected a restructuring to implement a holding company structure. Our operations in China are conducted under our holding company, China DRTV, a British Virgin Islands, or BVI, company, through its subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated entities. In anticipation of our initial public offering, we incorporated Acorn International in the Cayman Islands as a listing vehicle on December 20, 2005. Acorn International became our ultimate holding company when it issued shares to the existing shareholders of China DRTV on March 31, 2006 in exchange for all of the shares that these shareholders held in China DRTV.

 

Due to PRC regulatory restrictions on the operation of commercial trading businesses, including our direct sales and wholesale distribution businesses and certain advertising activities, the licenses to operate our direct sales and wholesale distribution businesses and provide advertising services are held by our three affiliated entities. These affiliated entities, Beijing Acorn, Shanghai Network, and Shanghai Advertising, are each 75%-owned by Don Dongjie Yang, our president and one of our directors, and 25%-owned by David Chenghong He, one of our executive officers. In connection with recent changes in PRC regulations that permit us to conduct commercial trading directly, we have submitted applications for the establishment of a commercial trading subsidiary and the acquisition of one of our affiliated entities, Shanghai Network. However, to date, neither application has been approved. Until those approvals are obtained, we must continue to rely on these affiliated entities to sell our products to consumers through our multiple direct sales platforms. See “Our Corporate Structure—Our Corporate Structure and Contractual Arrangements.”

 

Taxation

 

We are incorporated in the Cayman Islands and China DRTV is a BVI company. We are not subject to taxes in those jurisdictions. Our other subsidiaries and affiliated companies are PRC companies. In addition to usual statutory taxes, our subsidiaries and affiliated companies are subject to a 17% value added tax, or VAT, on sales in accordance with relevant PRC tax laws. VAT taxes payable are accounted for through the balance sheet and do not have an income statement effect. The usual statutory income tax rate applicable to PRC companies is 33%. Prior to a restructuring effected on January 1, 2005 to implement an offshore holding company structure, our business was operated through three PRC operating companies and their subsidiaries. The restructuring

 

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essentially involved the transfer of substantially all the operating assets of our business to newly formed subsidiaries and affiliated companies of China DRTV (with limited exceptions). See “Our Corporate Structure.”

 

Net income for 2004, 2005 benefited significantly from effective income tax rates of 3% and 7%, respectively. In 2006, we had a tax benefit from income tax refunds. For 2004, prior to our restructuring, our operating companies and subsidiaries benefited from favorable tax arrangements provided by the local tax bureau responsible for overseeing the assessment of taxes related to our operations. For 2005 and onwards, several of our subsidiaries and affiliated companies benefit from the following special tax rates or incentives:

 

   

Shanghai An-Nai-Chi Automobile Maintenance Products Co., Ltd. or Shanghai An-Nai-Chi, began operation in 2005 and has accumulated tax losses at the end of 2006. Acorn International Electronic Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., or Acorn Electronic, and Shanghai HJX, as foreign-invested manufacturing enterprises are entitled to a two-year income tax exemption starting from the year when they first generate profit (which for Acorn Electronic and Shanghai HJX was 2005), a 13.5% enterprise income tax rate for the following three years and a 27% tax rate thereafter. These subsidiaries are responsible for manufacturing our engine lubricant, our posture correction product line and our electronic learning devices product line, respectively;

 

   

Beijing Acorn Youngleda Oxygen Generating Co., Ltd, as a recognized foreign-invested manufacturing enterprise, is entitled to a two-year income tax exemption starting from the year when it first generates profit (2005), a 12% enterprise income tax rate for 2007 to 2009, a 25.5% enterprise income tax rate for 2010 to 2014 and a 27% tax rate thereafter. The subsidiary is responsible for manufacturing our oxygen generating devices product line;

 

   

Acorn Information, which holds many of the assets used in our call center operations and provides technical services to our affiliated companies, is entitled to a two-year enterprise income tax exemption for the year it first generates profit (2005), a 7.5% enterprise income tax rate for the following three years and a 15% enterprise income tax rate thereafter in accordance with local government policies;

 

   

Shanghai Advertising is entitled to an income tax exemption in 2005 and 2006, with a 15% income tax rate thereafter in accordance with local government policies;

 

   

Shanghai Network is entitled to an income tax exemption in 2005, 2006 and 2007 and will be subject to a 33% income tax rate thereafter;

 

   

Shanghai Yimeng Software Technology Co., Ltd., or Shanghai Yimeng, started operation in December 2005. Shanghai Yimeng is entitled to a two-year enterprise income tax exemption starting from the year when it first generates profit (2006), a 7.5% enterprise income tax rate for the following three years and a 15% enterprise income tax rate thereafter in accordance with local government policies; and

 

   

Shanghai Acorn Enterprise Management Consulting Co., Ltd. is entitled to a two-year enterprise income tax exemption from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2008.

 

The definition of “manufacturing enterprise” under PRC law is vague and is subject to discretionary interpretation and enforcement by the PRC authorities. If the tax incentives indicated above were eliminated or determined not to be available to us or the local government rules were deemed in violation of national laws and regulations, as applicable, current period net income would be reduced, and we may be required to pay additional taxes in respect of prior periods or be subject to the standard statutory income tax rate, which currently is 33%.

 

On March 16, 2007, the National People’s Congress of China enacted a new PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law, under which foreign invested enterprises and domestic companies will be subject to enterprise income tax at a uniform rate of 25%. The new law will become effective on January 1, 2008. While we have not undertaken a detailed analysis of the potential impact of the new Enterprise Income Tax Law on us, it could significantly shorten the period in which we enjoy our preferential tax rates and/or incentives, or eliminate those preferential

 

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tax rates and/or incentives altogether. The new Enterprise Income Tax Law could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—The discontinuation of any of the preferential tax treatments available to us in the PRC could materially and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.”

 

Impact of Recent Currency Exchange Rate Increase

 

We use the U.S. dollar as the reporting currency for our financial statements. Our operations are conducted through our PRC operating companies and affiliated companies. On July 21, 2005, the PRC government changed its policy of pegging the value of the Renminbi to the U.S. dollar and, as a result, the Renminbi has appreciated by approximately 6.5% from RMB 8.27:$1 on July 21, 2005 to RMB 7.7296:$1 on April 2, 2007. In converting our RMB income statement amounts into U.S. dollars we used the following RMB/$ exchange rates: 8.2765 for 2004, 8.1828 for 2005, and 7.9591 for 2006, corresponding to the average exchange rates for the periods. Our U.S. dollar denominated operating results in 2005 and 2006 have benefited, and our financial results for the balance of 2007 are likely to benefit, as a result of appreciation of the RMB against the U.S. dollar.

 

Results of Operations

 

The following table sets forth our condensed consolidated combined statements of operations by amount and as a percentage of our total net revenues for 2004, 2005 and 2006:

 

    For the years ended December 31,

 
    2004

    2005

    2006

 
    Amount

    % of total
revenues, net


    Amount

    % of total
revenues, net


    Amount

    % of total
revenues, net


 
    (in thousands, except percentages)  

Revenues:

                                         

Direct sales, net

  $ 52,038     54.7 %   $ 76,828     45.1 %   $ 107,411     54.7 %

Distribution sales, net

    43,022     45.3       93,512     54.9       89,087     45.3  
   


 

 


 

 


 

Total revenues, net

    95,060     100.0       170,340     100.0       196,498     100.0  
   


 

 


 

 


 

Cost of revenues:

                                         

Direct sales

    16,826     (17.7 )     26,646     (15.6 )     32,013     (16.3 )

Distribution sales

    19,279     (20.3 )     43,566     (25.6 )     41,260     (21.0 )
   


 

 


 

 


 

Total cost of revenues

    36,105     (38.0 )     70,212     (41.2 )     73,273     (37.3 )
   


 

 


 

 


 

Gross Profit

    58,955     62.0       100,128     58.8       123,225     62.7  
   


 

 


 

 


 

Operating income (expenses):

                                         

Advertising expenses

    (27,903 )   (29.4 )     (55,564 )   (32.6 )     (76,549 )   (39.0 )

Other selling and marketing expenses (1)(2)

    (7,697 )   (8.1 )     (13,734 )   (8.1 )     (21,023 )   (10.7 )

General and administrative expenses (1)

    (6,126 )   (6.4 )     (12,340 )   (7.2 )     (27,115 )   (13.8 )

Other operating income, net

    498     0.5       1,553     0.9       3,105     1.6  
   


 

 


 

 


 

Total operating income (expenses)

    (41,288 )   (43.4 )     (80,085 )   (47.0 )     (121,582 )   (61.9 )
   


 

 


 

 


 

Income from operations

    17,727     18.6       20,043     11.8       1,643     0.8  
   


 

 


 

 


 

Interest expenses

    (41 )         (14 )         (14 )    

Other income (expenses), net

    (9 )         588     0.3       2,181     1.1  

Change in fair value in warrant liability

              (10,059 )   (5.9 )          

Income tax benefits (expenses)

    (571 )   (0.6 )     (770 )   (0.5 )     696     0.4  

Minority interest

    (2,614 )   (2.8 )     (1,756 )   (1.0 )     (561 )   (0.3 )
   


 

 


 

 


 

Net Income

    14,492     15.2       8,032     4.7       3,945     2.0  

Deemed dividend on Series A convertible redeemable preferred shares

              (162 )   (0.1 )     (162 )   (0.1 )
   


 

 


 

 


 

Income attributable to holders of ordinary shares

  $ 14,492     15.2 %   $ 7,870     4.6 %   $ 3,783     1.9 %
   


 

 


 

 


 

 

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(1)   Includes share-based compensation of:

 

Other selling and marketing expenses

  $   %   $ (168 )   (0.1 )%   $ (741 )   (0.4 )%

General and administrative expenses

  $   %   $ (2,168 )   (1.3 )%   $ (7,932 )   (4.0 )%

 

(2)   Includes amortization of intangible assets acquired in the July 2005 of acquisition of the 49% minority interest of Shanghai HJX of:

 

Other selling and marketing expenses

  $   %   $ (239 )   (0.1 )%   $ (428 )   (0.2 )%

 

The following table sets forth our three best-selling product lines on a gross revenues basis and as a percentage of total gross revenues for the indicated periods, together with a reconciliation to our net revenues for all products.

 

        For the years ended December 31,

        2004

  2005

  2006

Product


 

Brand


  Revenues

    %

    Rank

  Revenues

    %

    Rank

  Revenues

    %

    Rank

        (in thousands, except percentages and ranks)

Electronic learning device

 

Ozing

  $ 24,758     26.0 %   1   $ 73,028     42.8 %   1     $62,464     31.7 %   1

Electronic wrinkle remover

 

SCO

    19,551     20.5 %   2                                    

Consumer electronics

 

Soloky, Aptek Net E-cam & Net E-cam

    17,903     18.8 %   3     35,453     20.8 %   2                  

Posture correction product

 

Babaka

                      24,622     14.4 %   3                  

PDA cell phones

 

HTW

                                        26,050     13.2 %   2

Neck massager

 

Zehom

                                        24,354     12.3 %   3
       


 

     


 

     


 

 

Total top three

        62,212     65.3 %         133,103     78.0 %         112,868     57.2 %    

Other products and marketing services revenues

        33,006     34.7 %         37,474     22.0 %         84,343     42.8 %    
       


 

     


 

     


 

   

Total gross revenues

        95,218     100.0 %         170,577     100.0 %         197,211     100.0 %    

Total adjustments

        (158 )               (237 )               (713 )          
       


           


           


         

Total revenues, net

      $ 95,060               $ 170,340               $ 196,498            
       


           


           


         

 

In evaluating the success of our overall sales and marketing efforts, we consider aggregate total sales through our integrated direct sales and nationwide distribution platforms, as well as the various payments generated by our joint sales and marketing services arrangements. For example, distribution sales of our electronic learning device product line benefit significantly from our TV direct sales programs and our TV brand promotion advertising. Some products, such as our consumer electronics products, are sold primarily or exclusively through our direct sales platforms. Our PDA cell phones are not sold through our nationwide distribution network.

 

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The following table sets forth our three best-selling product lines for our direct sales platforms and distribution network by gross revenues and as a percentage of applicable total direct gross revenues and total distribution gross revenues for the indicated periods, together with a reconciliation to net direct sales revenues and net distribution sales revenues:

 

        For the years ended December 31,

Product


 

Brand


  2004

  2005

  2006

    Revenues

    %

    Rank

  Revenues

    %

    Rank

  Revenues

    %

    Rank

        (in thousands, except percentages and ranks)

Direct Sales:

                           

Consumer electronics (1)

  Soloky & Aptek Net E-cam   $ 15,535     29.8 %   1   $ 32,284     41.9 %   1   $ 11,959     11.1 %   3

Neck massager/sleeping aid (2)

  Zehom     11,587     22.2 %   2                       13,579     12.6 %   2

Electronic learning device

  Ozing     10,475     20.1 %   3     11,061     14.4 %   2                  

Posture correction product

  Babaka                       10,139     13.2 %   3                  

PDA cell phones

  HTW                                         26,050     24.1 %   1
       


 

     


 

     


 

   

Direct sales—total top three

        37,597     72.1 %         53,484     69.5 %         51,588     47.8 %    

Other direct products and marketing services revenues

        14,502     27.9 %         23,493     30.5 %         56,455     52.2 %    
       


 

     


 

     


 

   

Total direct gross revenues

        52,099     100.0 %         76,977     100.0 %         108,043     100.0 %    

Total adjustments

        (61 )               (149 )               (632 )          
       


           


           


         

Direct sales, net

      $ 52,038               $ 76,828               $ 107,411            
       


           


           


         

Distribution Sales:

                                                         

Electronic learning device

  Ozing   $ 14,283     33.1 %   1   $ 61,967     66.2 %   1   $ 53,541     60.0 %   1

Electronic wrinkle remover

  SCO     10,709     24.8 %   2                                    

Oxygen generating device

  Youngleda     6,280     14.6 %   3     5,683     6.1 %   3                  

Posture correction product

  Babaka                       14,483     15.4 %   2     11,768     13.2 %   2

Neck massager/sleeping aid (2)

  Zehom                                         10,775     12.1 %   3
       


 

     


 

     


 

   

Distribution sales—total top three

        31,272     72.5 %         82,133     87.7 %         76,084     85.3 %    

Other distribution products

        11,847     27.5 %         11,467     12.3 %         13,084     14.7 %    
       


           


           


         

Total distribution gross revenues

        43,119     100.0 %         93,600     100.0 %         89,168     100 %    

Total adjustments

        (97 )               (88 )               (81 )          
       


           


           


         

Distribution sales, net

      $ 43,022               $ 93,512               $ 89,087            
       


           


           


         

(1)   This does not include the sales of our GPS products, which were introduced under our Soloky brand in 2006.

 

(2)   Prior to the third quarter of 2005, we offered a sleeping aid product under our Zehom brand as our featured product. In the third quarter of 2005, we introduced a new product, a neck massager, which is currently the featured product under our Zehom brand.

 

Comparison of Years Ended December 31, 2006, December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004

 

Revenues

 

2006 Compared to 2005 . In 2006, total net revenues increased by $26.2 million, or 15.4%, to $196.5 million from $170.3 million in 2005. This increase reflects primarily increased sales from a few new products and our neck massager products offset by sales declines in continuing featured products, such as our consumer electronics, electronic learning devices and our posture correction product lines.

 

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The $26.2 million increase in total net revenues in 2006 reflects primarily sales from products newly featured in 2006, with sales of cell phones and GPS products generating $37.7 million in gross revenues; a $14.7 million increase in neck massager/sleeping aid product line sales, which benefited from the introduction of our neck massager product in the third quarter of 2005; offset by a $21.8 million, $10.6 million and $8.9 million decline in sales of our consumer electronics, electronic learning device and posture correction product lines, respectively. In the second half of 2006, sales of our health and beauty products were adversely impacted by a prohibition on TV direct sales of certain products, such as our neck massager product and slimming product. Sales of some of our continuing products, particularly our electronic learning devices, were adversely impacted by negative publicity. Included in the increase in total net revenues was approximately $6.7 million in marketing services revenues. During 2006, we had subscription sales related to our stock-tracking software totaling $8.9 million, of which we recognized $4.7 million in gross revenue and deferred $4.2 million to later periods.

 

Direct sales net revenues in 2006 increased by $30.6 million, or 39.8%, to $107.4 million from $76.8 million in 2005. Direct sales benefited from a 5.3% increase in the number of inbound calls to our call centers in 2005 to approximately 4.5 million in 2006, offset by a reduction of our conversion rate to 19.2% in 2006 from 22.1% in 2005. From a product mix perspective, the $30.6 million total increase in direct sales net revenues in 2006 was primarily due to products newly featured in the period (with our newly introduced cell phones and GPS offerings collectively generating $36.1 million in gross direct sales in 2006). Direct sales from our consumer electronics products decreased by $20.3 million to $12.0 million as we emphasized sales of our higher profit cell phones. Direct sales of our electronic learning devices product line decreased by $2.1 million, or 19.3%, to $8.9 million. This decrease reflects both a decline in sales prices (mostly in the third quarter) and an approximate 11.5% decrease in unit sales compared to 2005. The unit sales decline was, in part, due to the increase in retail prices related to a temporary flash memory shortage in the first half of 2006 and negative product publicity in the second half of 2006. Beginning in 2006, direct sales net revenues reflect marketing services revenues totaling $6.7 million.

 

Distribution net revenues in 2006 decreased by $4.4 million, or 4.7%, from $93.5 million to $89.1 million in 2005. The total decrease reflects an $8.4 million, or 13.6%, decrease in sales of our electronic learning devices based on a 26.6% decline in unit sales offset by an increase in prices charged to our distributors. Unit sales declined due to the increase in price related to the temporary flash memory in the first half of 2006 and negative product publicity in the second half of 2006. The total decrease also reflects a $2.7 million sales decrease in our posture correction product line. Offsetting the total decrease is a $6.0 million, or 127.3%, increase in distribution sales of our neck massager product line. Distribution sales for our neck massager and posture correction product lines were particularly strong in the first half of 2006. However, in the second half of 2006, distribution sales of our neck massager product line were negatively impacted by a lack of promotional support that resulted from government restrictions on TV direct sales programs for these products. Similarly, during the same period, distribution sales of our neck massager, electronic learning devices and posture correction products were all hurt by negative product publicity.

 

2005 Compared to 2004. In 2005, total net revenues increased by $75.3 million, or 79.3%, to $170.3 million from $95.0 million in 2004. These increases were primarily driven by increased sales from a few of our featured products, such as our electronic learning devices and posture correction product lines; a significant increase in advertising and promotion activities; and increased distribution sales resulting from synergies between our multiple sales and distribution platforms.

 

The $75.3 million increase in total net revenues in 2005 reflects primarily a $48.3 million increase in sales from electronic learning devices product line; $24.6 million sales from our new posture correction product line; and a $17.6 million increase in sales from consumer electronics product line. Offsetting these increases were declines in overall sales from some of our previously featured products that we ceased promoting through our TV direct sales programs. In particular, between 2004 and 2005, we experienced a $18.4 million, or 94.1%, decline in 2005 sales from our electronic wrinkle remover product line and a $7.6 million, or 44.1%, decline in sales from our sleeping aid product line.

 

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Direct sales net revenues in 2005 increased by $24.8 million, or 47.7%, to $76.8 million from $52.0 million in 2004. Direct sales benefited from a 34.4% increase in the number of inbound calls to our call centers to approximately 4.3 million, offset by a reduction of our conversion rate to 22.1% in 2005 from 24.3% in 2004. From a product mix perspective, the $24.8 million increase in direct sales net revenues in 2005 was primarily due to the increase in sales from consumer electronics product line; our successful reintroduction of our posture correction product line for which the rights were acquired in late 2004; and our exercise machine, which we began selling in 2005 with total 2005 direct sales gross revenues of $32.3 million, $10.1 million, and $9.3 million, respectively. Sales from consumer electronics products increased in 2005 primarily due to the addition of our Soloky branded consumer electronics product line in the third quarter of 2005. Offsetting the direct sales increases in 2005 was a $8.2 million, or 92.8%, decline in sales from our electronic wrinkle remover product line and a $6.6 million, or 57.3%, decline in sales from our sleeping aid product line from 2004. Direct sales from our electronic learning device product line in 2005 increased by $0.6 million to $11.1 million. This modest increase reflects for the year a slight increase in unit sales volumes offset by a decline in average selling prices, slower sales of our older product offerings and the impact of distribution sales on our direct sales efforts.

 

Distribution net revenues in 2005 increased by $50.5 million, or 117.4%, to $93.5 million from $43.0 million in 2004. The total increase reflected a $47.7 million, or 333.8%, increase in electronic learning device distribution sales on an almost quadrupling of unit sales and an increase in the price charged to our distributors for our upgraded products. In addition to benefiting from increased TV brand promotion advertising in 2005, distribution sales from our electronic learning devices product line also benefited from an expansion of our distributors’ retail reach and the replacement of some underperforming distributors. The total increase also included $14.5 million sales from our new posture correction product line. Our related distribution efforts benefited significantly from our existing electronic learning devices distribution network, as many of our electronic learning devices distributors were used to distribute our posture correction product line. Offsetting these increases was a $10.2 million, or 95.3%, decline in 2005 distribution sales from our electronic wrinkle remover product line, as well as decline in sales from some of our other featured products after we stopped promoting those products through our TV direct sales programs.

 

Cost of Revenues

 

Our cost of revenues are primarily dependent upon the mix of products and units sold during the relevant period.

 

2006 Compared to 2005. In 2006, total cost of revenues increased by $3.1 million, or 4.4%, to $73.3 million from $70.2 million in 2005. As a percent of total net revenues, cost of revenues decreased to 37.3% in 2006 compared to 41.2% in 2005. Our electronic learning devices and consumer electronics products have higher per unit cost of revenues compared to many of our other products. The overall increase in cost of revenues in 2006 reflects an increase in related unit costs for our electronic learning devices due to a temporary shortage of flash memory in the first half of 2006 and product mix-related changes. Direct sales cost of revenues in 2006 increased by $5.4 million, or 20.3%, to $32.0 million from $26.6 million in 2005. This increase reflects primarily the introduction of our PDA cell phones and, to some extent, an increase in unit sales of our neck massager/sleeping aid product and cost of revenues related to our marketing services arrangements. Offsetting the increase in direct sales cost of revenues in 2006 is a significant decrease in unit sales of our electronic learning devices product line and sales of our consumer electronics product line. Distribution cost of revenues in 2006 decreased by $2.3 million, or 5.3%, to $41.3 million from $43.6 million in 2005, reflecting primarily the decrease in unit sales of our electronic learning devices offset by an increase in the unit costs due to the temporary shortage of flash memory and increased unit sales of our neck massager/sleeping aid.

 

2005 Compared to 2004. In 2005, total cost of revenues increased by $34.1 million, or 94.5%, to $70.2 million from $36.1 million in 2004. As a percent of total net revenues, cost of revenues increased to 41.2% in 2005 from 38.0% in 2004, reflecting primarily increased sales from electronic learning devices and consumer electronics product lines offset by the significant decline in sales from our electronic wrinkle remover product

 

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line. Our electronic learning devices, consumer electronics and electronic wrinkle remover product lines have higher per unit cost of revenues compared to our other products. Direct sales cost of revenues in 2005 increased by $9.8 million, or 58.3%, to $26.6 million from $16.8 million in 2004, with the increase reflecting primarily an increase in unit sales of our consumer electronics product line. Distribution cost of revenues in 2005 increased by $24.3 million, or 125.9%, to $43.6 million from $19.3 million in 2004, reflecting primarily the almost quadrupling of electronic learning device unit sales.

 

Gross Profit and Gross Margin

 

The following table sets forth gross profits and gross margins (being gross profit divided by the related net revenues) for our direct sales and distribution sales platforms:

 

     For the years ended December 31,

 
     2004

    2005

    2006

 
     Gross
profit


   Gross
margin


    Gross
profit


   Gross
margin


    Gross
profit


   Gross
margin


 
     (in thousands, except percentages)  

Direct sales, net

   $ 35,212    67.7 %   $ 50,182    65.3 %   $ 75,398    70.2 %

Distribution sales, net

   $ 23,743    55.2 %   $ 49,946    53.4 %   $ 47,827    53.7 %
    

        

        

      

Total

   $ 58,955    62.0 %   $ 100,128    58.8 %   $ 123,225    62.7 %
    

        

        

      

 

Changes in our gross margins from period to period are driven by changes in the products and services that we sell and the platforms through which we sell them.

 

We are generally able to maintain stable margins for our individual product lines. Although we discount the prices of individual products as competition enters the market over time, this discounting is typically done in conjunction with our introduction of an upgraded or replacement product with improved features and functions and similar or better pricing. If we are unable to maintain satisfactory gross profits relative to our media expenses, we replace or cease marketing such product.

 

In addition to product and service mix-related variations, the difference between the sales price charged by us to our TV direct sales customers and what we charge our distributors for the same product or service accounts for a large portion of the difference in gross margins on direct sales and on distribution sales.

 

2006 Compared to 2005 . In 2006, gross profits increased by $23.1 million, or 23.1%, to $123.2 million from $100.1 million in 2005, reflecting a $25.2 million increase in direct sales gross profits and a $2.1 million decrease in distribution gross profits. Our three best-selling product lines in 2006, our electronic learning devices, PDA cell phones and neck massager/sleeping aid product lines, collectively accounted for approximately 53.6% of our gross profit for the same period. Our overall gross margin in 2006 increased to 62.7% from 58.8% in 2005. This gross margin increase reflects the favorable impact of $7.3 million in payments received under our joint sales arrangements based on sales of featured products or services by our joint sales partners through their own distribution channels which reduced our cost of direct sales revenues.

 

In 2006, gross profits from direct sales increased by $25.2 million, or 50.2%, to $75.4 million from $50.2 million in 2005. This increase reflects additional gross profits contributed by newly featured products in the period and our neck massager sleeping/aid product line, marketing services revenues and other payments reducing cost of direct sales revenues generated from our joint sales arrangements. Offsetting this increase was a significant decline in gross profits generated through direct sales of our consumer electronics product line. Although our consumer electronics product line has an overall lower gross margin than our other products, sales of these higher-priced products were historically attractive given our ability to generate significant gross profits through our TV direct sales programs in excess of the media and promotional-related expenses. Gross margin on

 

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direct sales in 2006 increased to 70.2% from 65.3% in 2005 primarily due to the $7.3 million in payments received which reduced cost of direct sales revenues generated under our joint sales arrangements. Offsetting this increase in gross margin was generally lower margins on our various product lines, including our Zehom neck massager/sleeping aid, electronic learning devices and posture correction product lines. Lower margins on our Zehom product line in 2006 reflected increased sales during 2006 of our neck massager products, which had a lower gross margin than the sleeping aid product sold for most of 2005. The decrease in our electronic learning device gross margin was due to increased costs as a result of a temporary shortage of flash memory in the first half of 2006.

 

In 2006, gross profits from distribution sales decreased by $2.1 million, or 4.2%, to $47.8 million from $49.9 million in 2005. This decrease primarily reflects additional gross profits contributed by increased sales from our neck massager/sleeping aid product line offset by a decline in gross profits contributed by our electronic learning devices and posture correction product lines. In 2005 and 2006, our electronic learning devices product line accounted for 61.6% and 55.6%, our posture correction product line accounted for 19.9% and 16.7% and our neck massager/sleeping aid product line accounted for 5.8% and 14.3%, respectively, of our total gross profits from distribution sales. Gross margin on distribution sales remained relatively stable at 53.4% in 2005 and 53.7% in 2006.

 

2005 Compared to 2004.     In 2005, gross profits increased by $41.2 million, or 69.9%, to $100.1 million from $58.9 million in 2004, reflecting a $15.0 million increase and a $26.2 million increase in direct and distribution gross profits. Our three best-selling product lines in 2005, electronic learning devices, consumer electronics and posture correction product lines, accounted for approximately 73.2% of our gross profit for the year. Our overall gross margin in 2005 decreased to 58.8% from 62.0% in 2004 primarily due to an increase in sales through our nationwide distribution network which have lower related gross margins and a reduction in gross margin in both of our TV direct sales platform and nationwide distribution network. As a percentage of total net revenues, sales through our nationwide distribution network were 45.3% and 54.9% in 2004 and 2005. The decrease in our gross margin also reflects a significant increase in unit sales of our lower margin consumer electronics product line compared to 2004 levels.

 

Gross profits from direct sales increased by $15.0 million, or 42.6%, to $50.2 million in 2005 from $35.2 million in 2004. This increase reflects additional gross profits contributed by our posture correction and consumer electronics product line, offset by a decline in gross profits from our other featured products resulting from decreased sales of those products. Gross margin on direct sales in 2005 decreased to 65.3% from 67.7% in 2004 due to the significant increase in sales from our lower margin consumer electronics product line compared to 2004 levels, offset by higher gross margins on our other featured products.

 

Gross profits from distribution sales increased by $26.2 million, or 110.5%, to $49.9 million in 2005 from $23.7 million in 2004. This increase primarily reflects additional gross profits contributed by increased sales from our electronic learning devices product line and new sales of our posture correction product line. In 2005, our electronic learning devices product line accounted for approximately 61.6% of our total distribution gross profits. Offsetting these increases was a decline in gross profits from our other featured product lines, particularly our electronic wrinkle remover product line on reduced sales of these product lines. Gross margin on distribution sales in 2005 decreased to 53.4% from 55.2% from in 2004, reflecting greater sales of our electronic learning devices product line, which have a gross margin slightly below our overall 2005 gross margin.

 

Operating Income (Expenses)

 

Our operating income (expenses) consist of advertising expenses, other selling and marketing expenses, general and administrative expenses and other operating income, net. In 2006, our total operating income (expenses) increased by $41.5 million, or 51.8%, to $121.6 million from $80.1 million in 2005 (including a $6.4 million increase in stock-based compensation). Of the total increase, $20.9 million was attributable to increased advertising costs; $7.3 million was attributable to increased other selling and marketing expenses; $14.8 million reflected an increase in general and administrative expenses; and $1.5 million was attributable to increased other operating income, net.

 

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In 2005, our operating income (expenses) increased by $38.9 million, or 94.4%, to $80.1 million from $41.2 million in 2004. Of the total increase, $27.7 million was attributable to increased advertising costs; $6.2 million reflected an increase in general and administrative expenses; and $1.0 million was attributable to increased other operating income, net and the balance was represented by increased other selling and marketing expenses. In 2005, general and administrative expenses also include share-based compensation charges of $2.3 million.

 

Advertising Expenses

 

2006 Compared to 2005 .     In 2006, advertising expenses increased by $20.9 million, or 37.6%, to $76.5 million from $55.6 million in 2005. Advertising expenses as a percentage of total net revenues increased to 39.0% in 2006 from 32.6% in 2005.

 

In 2006, advertising expenses related to purchased TV advertising time increased by $23.5 million, or 51.6%, to $69.0 million in 2006 from $45.5 million in 2005. This increase in purchased TV advertising expenses reflected our decision in 2005 to significantly increase 2006 spending levels on both TV direct sales programs and TV brand promotion advertising. In 2006, advertising expenses on TV channels on which we almost exclusively broadcast TV direct sales programs increased by $23.4 million, or 78.3%, to $53.3 million from $29.9 million in 2005. Brand promotion TV advertising expenses in 2006 increased by $0.1 million, or 0.6%, to $15.7 million from $15.6 million in 2005.

 

Offsetting the overall increase in advertising expenses in 2006 was a $0.6 million, or 8.7%, decrease in non-TV brand promotion advertising, primarily newspaper advertising, to $6.3 million in 2006 from $6.9 million in 2005. These expenditures were primarily in support of distribution sales of our oxygen generating devices, our neck massager/sleeping aid product line and our electronic learning devices product line.

 

Offsetting the overall increase in advertising expenses in 2006 was a decrease in advertising-related reimbursements paid to our distributors from $3.1 million in 2005 to $1.0 million in 2006. These distributor reimbursements related primarily to our oxygen generating devices, neck massager/sleeping aid and posture correction product lines.

 

2005 Compared to 2004.     In 2005, advertising expenses increased by $27.7 million, or 99.3%, to $55.6 million from $27.9 million in 2004. Advertising expenses as a percentage of total net revenues increased to 32.6% in 2005 from 29.4% in 2004.

 

Of the $27.7 million increase in 2005 advertising expenses, $26.3 million reflects a 137.0% increase in the advertising expenses related to purchased TV advertising time to $45.5 million in 2005 from $19.2 million in 2004. This increase in 2005 purchased TV advertising expenses reflected our decision in 2004 to significantly increase 2005 spending levels on both TV direct sales programs and TV brand promotion advertising. In 2005, advertising expenses on TV channels on which we run almost exclusively TV direct sales programs increased by $12.5 million, or 71.8%, to $29.9 million from $17.4 million in 2004. Brand promotion TV advertising expenses in 2005 increased by $13.8 million, or 766.7%, to $15.6 million from $1.8 million in 2004. Almost all of this increase was spent on promoting our electronic learning device product brand with a limited portion spent on promoting our posture correction product brand.

 

The total increase in advertising expenses also includes a $2.5 million, or 56.8%, increase in non-TV brand promotion advertising, primarily newspaper advertising, to $6.9 million in 2005 from $4.4 million in 2004. These expenditures were primarily in support of distribution sales of our electronic learning device product, our oxygen generating devices and our sleeping aid product lines.

 

Offsetting the other increases in advertising expenses in 2005 was a small decrease in advertising-related reimbursements paid to our distributors from $3.8 million in 2004 to $3.1 million in 2005. These distributor reimbursements related primarily to our oxygen generating devices and sleeping aid product lines.

 

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Other Selling and Marketing Expenses

 

2006 Compared to 2005 .    Our other selling and marketing expenses increased by $7.3 million, or 53.3%, to $21.0 million in 2006 from $13.7 million in 2005. Of the total increase, approximately $2.4 million related to increased salaries and benefits primarily due to growth of our call center operations and a company-wide salary increase; $2.0 million was attributable to increased marketing and promotion expenses mainly related to the promotion of distribution sales; $1.2 million was attributable to the copyright expenses primarily related to printed materials sold with our electronic learning devices; $0.6 million was attributable to share-based compensation; and $0.4 million was attributable to increased telephone expenses associated with our call centers. As a percentage of total net revenues, other selling and marketing expenses increased to 10.7% in 2006 from 8.1% in 2005.

 

2005 Compared to 2004.     Our other selling and marketing expenses increased by $6.0 million, or 77.9%, to $13.7 million in 2005 from $7.7 million 2004. Of the total increase, approximately $2.3 million related to increased product delivery expenses corresponding with increased product sales and increased aggregate weight of our total deliveries attributable to our exercise machine in 2005; $1.3 million relates to increased salaries and benefits primarily due to growth of our call center operations; $1.0 million relates to increased TV sales and brand promotion program production expenditures attributable in significant part to a continued increase in the number, and quality, of our TV direct sales programs; and $0.2 million relates to the amortization of intangibles acquired in the July 2005 acquisition of the 49% minority interest in Shanghai HJX. As a percentage of total net revenues, other selling and marketing expenses was 8.1% in 2005, which was the same as it had been in 2004.

 

General and Administrative Expenses

 

2006 Compared to 2005 .    Our general and administrative expenses increased by $14.8 million, or 120.3%, to $27.1 million in 2006 from $12.3 million in 2005. Of the total increase, $5.8 million was attributable to share-based compensation charges; $3.2 million was attributable to offering related costs expensed in 2006; $2.4 million was attributable to increased salaries and benefits primarily due to the overall increase in our headcount and a company-wide salary increase; and a $0.9 million supplier prepayment write-off related to our decision to stop marketing our slimming product. As a percentage of total net revenues, general and administrative expenses increased to 13.8% in 2006 from 7.2% in 2005.

 

2005 Compared to 2004.     Our general and administrative expenses increased by $6.2 million, or 101.6%, to $12.3 million in 2005 from $6.1 million in 2004. Of the total increase, $2.6 million was attributable to increased salaries and benefits reflecting a $1.2 million company-wide employee bonus accrued at the end of 2005, $2.2 million was attributable to a share-based compensation charge and $0.4 million was attributable to an increase in compensation paid to our executive officers and an overall increase in our headcount. As a percentage of total net revenues, general and administrative expenses increased to 7.2% in 2005 from 6.4% in 2004.

 

Other Operating Income, Net

 

Other operating income, net was $0.5 million, $1.6 million and $3.1 million in 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively. A majority of other operating income, net in 2005 and 2006 relates to our receipt of subsidies from local government agencies for certain taxes paid, including value-added, business and income taxes. We may not be able to enjoy such government subsidies in the future. See “Risk Factors—The discontinuation of any of the preferential tax treatments and government subsidies available to us in the PRC could materially and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.” Other operating income, net also includes miscellaneous commission income.

 

Income from Operations

 

2006 Compared to 2005 .    In 2006, income from operations decreased by $18.4 million to $1.6 million from $20.0 million in 2005. In 2006, we deferred $4.2 million in subscription revenue related to our stock-tracking software product and expensed in full in the period the related cost of revenues and TV advertising

 

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expenses; we recognized $0.9 million in charges related to a supplier prepayment write-off in connection with our decision to stop marketing our slimming product; and we recognized $8.7 million in share-based compensation charges compared to $2.3 million in 2005. As a percentage of total net revenues, income from operations declined to 0.8% from 11.8%. The decline as a percentage of total net revenues also reflected a 37.6% increase in advertising costs with only a 15.4% increase in total net revenues and 23.1% increase in gross profits.

 

2005 Compared to 2004.     In 2005, income from operations increased by $2.3 million, or 13.0%, to $20.0 million from $17.7 million in 2004. However, as a percentage of total net revenues income from operations declined to 11.8% from 18.6%. The decline as a percentage of total net revenues reflects primarily a 99.3% increase in advertising costs with only a 79.3% increase in total net revenue and 69.9% increase in gross profits. Operating income in 2005 also reflects a share-based compensation charge of $2.3 million.

 

Other Income (Expenses), Net

 

Other income (expenses), net was $(0.1) million, $0.6 million and $2.2 million in 2004, 2005 and 2006. In 2006, other income (expenses) includes $0.9 million in marketable securities gain and $0.8 million in interest income.

 

Income Taxes

 

In 2006, we had a net tax benefit of $0.7 million compared to a tax expense of $0.8 million and $0.6 million in 2005 and 2004. Because of various special tax rates and incentives in China, our taxes have been relatively low. Our effective income tax rates for 2004, 2005 and 2006 were 3%, 7% and (18%), respectively. If these tax incentives were eliminated or determined not to be available to us, we would be required to pay significantly higher taxes.

 

Minority Interest

 

Minority interest in 2006 decreased to $0.6 million, from $1.8 million in 2005 and $2.6 million in 2004, reflecting our acquisition in July 2005 of the remaining 49% minority interest in Shanghai HJX. Minority interest for each of 2004 and 2005 relates primarily to the previous minority interest in Shanghai HJX.

 

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Quarterly Financial Information

 

The following table sets forth selected results of operations data by amount and as a percentage of revenues each derived from our unaudited consolidated combined financial statements for the three-month periods ended on the dates indicated. You should read the following table in conjunction with the audited consolidated combined financial information and related notes contained elsewhere in this prospectus. We have prepared the unaudited consolidated combined financial information on the same basis as our audited consolidated combined financial statements. The unaudited financial information includes all adjustments, consisting only of normal and recurring adjustments, that we consider necessary for a fair presentation of our financial position and operating results for the quarters presented.

 

    For the three months ended

 
    March 31, 2006

    June 30, 2006

    September 30, 2006

    December 31, 2006

 
    Amount

    % of total
revenues,
net


    Amount

    % of total
revenues,
net


    Amount

    % of total
revenues,
net


    Amount

    % of total
revenues,
net


 
    (in thousands, except percentages)  

Revenues:

                                                       

Direct sales, net

  $ 22,228     38.6 %   $ 27,495     68.5 %   $ 28,474     47.2 %   $ 29,214     75.8 %

Distribution sales, net

    35,304     61.4       12,660     31.5       31,811     52.8       9,312     24.2  
   


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

Total revenues, net

    57,532     100.0       40,155     100.0       60,285     100.0       38,526     100.0  
   


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

Cost of revenues:

                                                       

Direct sales

    7,974     (13.9 )     7,885     (19.6 )     7,323     (12.2 )     8,831     (22.9 )

Distribution sales

    17,559     (30.5 )     5,543     (13.8 )     13,872     (23.0 )     4,286     (11.1 )
   


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

Total cost of revenues

    25,533     (44.4 )     13,428     (33.4 )     21,195     (35.2 )     13,117     (34.0 )
   


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

Gross Profit

    31,999     55.6       26,727     66.6       39,090     64.8       25,409     66.0  
   


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

Operating income (expenses):

                                                       

Advertising expenses

    (20,295 )   (35.3 )     (16,285 )   (40.6 )     (24,866 )   (41.2 )     (15,103 )   (39.2 )

Other selling and marketing expenses (1)(2)

    (4,519 )   (7.8 )     (4,941 )   (12.3 )     (5,826 )   (9.7 )     (5,737 )   (14.9 )

General and administrative expenses (1) (3)

    (3,468 )   (6.0 )     (6,454 )   (16.1 )     (8,613 )   (14.3 )     (8,580 )   (22.3 )

Other operating income, net

    860     1.5       598     1.5       811     1.3       836     2.2  
   


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

Total operating income (expenses)

    (27,422 )   (47.6 )     (27,082 )   (67.5 )     (38,494 )   (63.9 )     (28,584 )   (74.2 )
   


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

Income (Loss) from operations

    4,577     8.0       (355 )   (0.9 )     596     0.9       (3,175 )   (8.2 )
   


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

Change in fair value in warrant liability

                                       
   


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

Minority interest

    (1 )         64     0.2       (149 )   (0.2 )     (475 )   (1.2 )
   


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

Net Income (Loss)

    5,378     9.4       135     0.3       675     1.1       (2,243 )   (5.8 )
   


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

Deemed dividend on Series A convertible redeemable preferred shares

    (40 )   (0.1 )     (41 )   (0.1 )     (41 )   (0.1 )     (40 )   (0.1 )
   


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

Income (Loss) attributable to holders of ordinary shares

  $ 5,338     9.3 %   $ 94     0.2 %   $ 634     1.0 %   $ (2,283 )   (5.9 )%
   


 

 


 

 


 

 


 


(1)      Includes share-based compensation of:

       

Other selling and marketing expenses

  $ (26 )   %   $ (304 )   (0.8 )%   $ (301 )   (0.5 )%   $ (110 )   (0.3 )%

General and administrative expenses

  $ (460 )   (0.8 )%   $ (2,825 )   (7.0 )%   $ (3,476 )   (5.8 )%   $ (1,171 )   (3.0 )%

(2)      Includes amortization of intangible assets acquired in the July 2005 acquisition of the 49% minority interest of Shanghai HJX of:

        

Other selling and marketing expenses

  $ (107 )   (0.2 )%   $ (107 )   (0.3 )%   $ (107 )   (0.2 )%   $ (107 )   (0.3 )%

(3)      Includes offering related expenses:

       

General and administrative expenses

  $     %   $     %   $     %   $ (3,166 )   (8.2 )%

 

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    For the three months ended

 
    March 31, 2005

    June 30, 2005

    September 30, 2005

    December 31, 2005

 
    Amount

    % of total
revenues,
net


    Amount

    % of total
revenues,
net


    Amount

    % of total
revenues,
net


    Amount

    % of total
revenues,
net


 
    (in thousands, except percentages)  

Revenues:

                               

Direct sales, net

  $ 15,288     41.3 %   $ 18,822     59.9 %   $ 20,916     33.2 %   $ 21,802     56.1 %

Distribution sales, net

    21,733     58.7       12,618     40.1       42,113     66.8       17,048     43.9  
   


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

Total revenues, net

    37,021     100.0       31,440     100.0       63,029     100.0       38,850     100.0  
   


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

Cost of revenues:

                                                       

Direct sales

    5,627     (15.2 )     5,126     (16.3 )     6,454     (10.2 )     9,439     (24.3 )

Distribution sales

    10,112     (27.3 )     5,507     (17.5 )     19,617     (31.1 )     8,330     (21.4 )
   


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

Total cost of revenues

    15,739     (42.5 )     10,633     (33.8 )     26,071     (41.3 )     17,769     (45.7 )
   


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

Gross Profit

    21,282     57.5       20,807     66.2       36,958     58.7       21,081     54.3  
   


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

Operating income (expenses):

                                                       

Advertising expenses

    (12,317 )   (33.3 )     (12,043 )   (38.3 )     (17,992 )   (28.5 )     (13,212 )   (34.0 )

Other selling and marketing expenses (1)(2)

    (2,259 )   (6.1 )     (3,658 )   (11.6 )     (4,185 )   (6.7 )     (3,632 )   (9.3 )

General and administrative expenses (1)

    (2,523 )   (6.8 )     (2,524 )   (8.0 )     (2,955 )   (4.7 )     (4,338 )   (11.2 )

Other operating income, net

    227     0.6       231     0.7       851     1.4       244     0.6  
   


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

Total operating income (expenses)

    (16,872 )   (45.6 )     (17,994 )   (57.2 )     (24,281 )   (38.5 )     (20,938 )   (53.9 )
   


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

Income from operations

    4,410     11.9       2,813     9.0       12,677     20.2       143     0.4  
   


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

Change in fair value in warrant liability

    (1,844 )   (5.0 )     (721 )   (2.3 )     (2,133 )   (3.4 )     (5,361 )   (13.8 )
   


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

Minority interest

    (1,588 )   (4.3 )     (169 )   (0.5 )     (1 )         2      
   


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

Net Income (Loss)

    867     2.3       1,844     5.9       10,597     16.9       (5,276 )   (13.6 )
   


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

Deemed dividend on Series A convertible redeemable preferred shares

    (40 )   (0.1 )     (41 )   (0.1 )     (41 )   (0.1 )     (40 )   (0.1 )
   


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

Income (Loss) attributable to holders of ordinary shares

  $ 827     2.2 %   $ 1,803     5.8 %   $ 10,556     16.8 %   $ (5,316 )   (13.7 )%
   


 

 


 

 


 

 


 


(1)      Includes share-based compensation of:

       

Other selling and marketing expenses

  $ (23 )   %   $ (5 )   %   $ (5 )   %   $ (135 )   (0.3 )%

General and administrative expenses

  $ (293 )   (0.8 )%   $ (67 )   (0.2 )%   $ (495 )   (0.8 )%   $ (1,313 )   (3.4 )%

(2)      Includes amortization of intangible assets acquired in the July 2005 acquisition of the 49% minority interest of Shanghai HJX of:

       

Other selling and marketing expenses

  $     %   $     %   $ (132 )   (0.2 )%   $ (107 )   (0.3 )%

 

Our operating results in each quarter are impacted significantly by the mix of products and services sold in the quarter and the platforms through which they are sold, which may cause our operating results to fluctuate and make them difficult to predict. Because the success of our business is so dependent on our TV direct sales programs and brand promotion advertising, we encourage you to consider, in addition to our total net revenues and gross profits, our income from operations which includes the impact of our advertising expenses.

 

Beginning in the second quarter and the third quarter of 2006, we began to enter into joint sales arrangements and marketing services arrangements with third parties. In addition to generating additional TV direct product and service sales, our joint sales arrangements result in various payments to us from our joint sales partners. These payments are recorded as a reduction to cost of direct sales revenues. Under our marketing services arrangements, we provide a marketing plan, the related TV advertising time and call center support in exchange for a fixed fee. The fourth quarter of 2006, in particular, demonstrates the favorable impact of these arrangements. In that period, our joint sales arrangements generated $9.9 million in gross direct product revenues (mostly related to HTW branded PDA cell phones) and $3.1 million in other payments based on sales of featured products or services by our joint sales partners through their own distribution channels, which reduced our cost of direct sales revenues. In the fourth quarter of 2006, our marketing services revenues, included in direct sales net revenues, totaled $6.2 million.

 

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Other than seasonality related to certain of our products, such as our electronic learning devices, our business generally has not been seasonal. Sales for these products are typically higher around the first and third quarters, corresponding with the end and beginning of school semesters in China. Timing of new product introductions also impacts net revenues in a particular quarter.

 

Historically, the portion of our total net revenues attributable to distribution sales generally increased. We typically promote from four to five featured products through our TV direct sales programs at any one time. Reduced distribution sales in the second half of 2006 reflect primarily the adverse impact on distribution sales of PRC government restrictions, which are still in effect, on our running TV direct sales programs promoting certain products, including our Zehom neck massager product line; and adverse product publicity regarding, in particular, our electronic learning devices. Also, although we began promoting third-party products under joint sales and marketing services arrangements in 2006 through our TV direct sales programs, to date we have distributed these products through our nationwide distribution network only in limited quantities.

 

The first and third quarters of each year are historically seasonally high sales periods for our electronic learning devices and posture correction product lines, particularly for distribution sales. For example, first and third quarter distribution sales accounted for approximately 26.9% and 50.0%, respectively, of total 2005 electronic learning devices annual gross distribution sales and 43.5% and 43.4% of total 2006 electronic learning devices annual gross distribution sales. In anticipation of these seasonally high sales periods, we increased our spending on TV brand promotion advertising to promote these and other products. As a result, TV brand promotion advertising spending in the first and third quarters of 2005 and 2006 accounted for 17.0% and 47.1%, respectively, of 2005 total TV brand promotion expenditures and 34.4% and 42.1%, respectively, of 2006 total TV brand promotion expenditures. Also, in the third and fourth quarters of 2006, compared to the same periods in 2005, we increased Zehom TV brand promotion advertising to compensate for the lack of media exposure due to PRC regulations prohibiting us from broadcasting Zehom TV direct sales programs. In the fourth quarter of 2006, we reduced TV brand promotion advertising for our electronic learning devices and posture correction product lines following reduced sales due to negative product publicity (which we believe contained false and misleading information). Third quarter 2006 gross revenues for our electronic learning devices and posture correction product lines were down by $8.1 million, or 22.9%, and $5.9 million, or 51.3%, over the same period in 2005. For these same products, fourth quarter 2006 gross sales were down by $3.1 million, or 41.7%, and $5.4 million, or 75.8%, over the same period in 2005.

 

Direct sales net revenues in the second and third quarter of 2005 benefited from strong sales of exercise machine and posture correction product lines. In the fourth quarter of 2005, due to the strength of our Soloky branded products, our consumer electronics products direct sales totaled $14.0 million, more than double related sales in any other quarter. In the fourth quarter of 2005 and the second quarter of 2006, electronic learning device direct sales were only $0.7 million and $0.8 million, respectively, due to seasonally low direct sales. Direct and distribution sales of our neck massager/sleeping aid product line in the first and second quarters of 2006 benefited from the replacement of our branded sleeping aid product with our branded neck massager in the third quarter of 2005 and increased product promotional activities. Sales of our neck massager/sleeping aid product totaled $10.0 million in the first quarter of 2006 and $8.9 million in the second quarter of 2006. However, sales of our neck massager product, as well as our posture correction products, decreased in the second half of the year as compared to the first half of 2006. Direct sales revenues in the second, third and fourth quarters of 2006 benefited from direct sales totaling $7.2 million, $10.8 million and $8.1 million, respectively, of a third-party PDA cell phone marketed through a joint sales arrangement.

 

Cost of revenues, gross profits and gross margins in the quarters were driven by changes in the products and services that we sold in the periods and the platforms through which we sold them. In the second and third quarters of 2005, we recorded strong sales of our higher margin posture correction product line. Gross profits in the fourth quarter of 2005 were moderated due to, among other things, a higher contribution to sales of our lower-margin consumer electronics products and a one-time campaign to sell our distributors one of our latest model electronic learning devices at a price slightly above our cost. For a distributor to be eligible for the discount, they needed to show us the older unit and commit not to sell the older generation unit. We obtained

 

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agreements with respect to 26,000 older units, or approximately 2% of the 1.2 million units sold through our distribution platform in 2005. Improvements in gross margins in the second, third and fourth quarters of 2006 reflect primarily the favorable impact of payments received under our joint sales arrangements that reduced cost of direct sales revenues.

 

Income from operations in each quarter of 2005 and 2006 included share-based compensation expenses. Effective January 1, 2006, we adopted SFAS No. 123-R requiring all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, be recognized in our income statement based on the grant-date fair values. In 2005 and 2006, share-based compensation totaled $2.3 million and $8.7 million, respectively.

 

Net income in each quarter of 2005 was adversely impacted by non-cash charges related to marking the value of the warrant, which was exercised in full in December 2005, to fair value for periods prior to the exercise.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

    

For the years ended December 31,


     2004

    2005

    2006

     (in thousands)

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 16,644.9     $ 35,385.7     $ 40,744.4

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 10,734.70     $ 2,768.4     $ 1,360.3

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

   $ (2,838.7 )   $ (8,336.2 )   $ 1,952.0

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

   $ (1,750.8 )   $ 23,531.4     $ 81.4

 

Operating Activities

 

Net cash provided by operating activities for the indicated periods was primarily the result of our net income of $14.5 million, $7.9 million and $3.8 million, respectively, in 2004, 2005 and 2006. These amounts were adjusted for non-cash items such as minority interest, a $10.1 million change in fair value in warrant liability in 2005, share-based compensation and depreciation and amortization and changes in various assets and liabilities such as accounts receivables, inventories, prepaid advertising and other expenses and other current assets, amounts due from a related party and accounts payable.

 

Minority interest was $2.6 million, $1.8 million and $0.6 million, respectively, in 2004, 2005 and 2006. The change in minority interest reflects primarily the success of our majority-owned subsidiary in manufacturing and selling our electronic learning devices, the remaining 49% minority interest of which we acquired in July 2005. Share-based compensation, a non-cash expense, totaled $2.3 million in 2005 related to options granted with an exercise price below the deemed fair value of our ordinary shares on the date of grant and $8.7 million in 2006 following our adoption of SFAS No. 123-R.

 

Our inventory balances increased from $5.5 million at December 31, 2005 to $7.8 million at December 31, 2006. Prepaid advertising expenses increased from $4.9 million at December 31, 2004 to $20.1 million at December 31, 2005 to $25.4 million at December 31, 2006, requiring our use of cash to fund these increases. Other prepaid expenses and other assets increased from $3.0 million at December 31, 2004 to $8.5 million at December 31, 2005 and to $10.7 million at December 31, 2006 (which at December 31, 2005 and 2006, $5.4 million and $4.6 million related to the third party receivable for resold advertising time). In 2005 and 2006, we also had an aggregate increase (decrease) of approximately $5.0 million and $(0.1) million in our accounts payable and accrued expenses and other current liabilities over 2004 and 2005, with those increases (decreases) providing cash and utilizing cash, respectively.

 

Investing Activities

 

Investing activities include purchases of property and equipment, purchases of equity investments in connection with establishment of joint ventures, investments in associates, acquisition of additional interest in a

 

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subsidiary, purchases of intangible assets and purchase and disposal of marketable securities. Net cash used in investing activities reflects purchases of property and equipment of $2.3 million in 2004, $1.8 million in 2005 and $1.7 million in 2006 in connection with the expansion and upgrading of our call centers. In 2005, we used $3.7 million in cash in connection with our acquisition of the remaining 49% minority interest in Shanghai HJX, which is reflected as the acquisition of an additional interest in a subsidiary. Cash used in investing activities in 2005 reflects cash of $3.8 million held by the pre-restructuring entities from which our assets were transferred at the beginning of 2005 in connection with the formation of our offshore holding company structure. In 2006, as these entities liquidated, we received these cash amounts less amounts required to pay liquidation-related liabilities and taxes.

 

Financing Activities

 

Financing activities include proceeds from short-term and long-term bank loans, dividend payments, issue of capital, stock redemptions and proceeds from the exercise of warrants. For 2006, our financing activities were primarily receipt of a $0.4 million subscription receivable and a net repayment of $0.3 million in borrowings. For 2005, we issued $40.5 million of our Series A convertible preferred stock (net of issuance costs of $2.5 million), including $8.0 million received upon the exercise in full of a warrant to acquire Series A-1 convertible preferred stock, redeemed $9.7 million of our outstanding ordinary shares and paid dividends of $6.4 million to our stockholders. For 2004, our financing activities were primarily receipt of cash of $1.0 million from short-term bank loans and the use of $2.5 million to pay dividends.

 

We maintain several small working capital facilities with banks in China with total borrowing capacity of less than $1.0 million. These facilities are mainly for maintaining long-term relationships with banks and do not contain any operational or financial covenants. We have not drawn down on these facilities.

 

We believe that our current cash and cash equivalents and cash flows from operations will be sufficient to meet our anticipated cash needs for the next 12 months. We may, however, require additional cash resources due to changed business conditions or other future developments, including any investments, joint ventures or acquisitions we may decide to pursue. If these resources are insufficient to satisfy our cash requirements, we may seek to sell additional equity or debt securities or obtain a credit facility. The sale of additional equity securities could result in additional dilution to our shareholders. The incurrence of indebtedness would result in increased debt service obligations and could result in operating and financing covenants that would restrict our operations. Financing may be unavailable in amounts or on terms acceptable to us, or at all.

 

Capital Expenditures

 

Our capital expenditures totaled $2.3 million, $1.8 million and $1.7 million, respectively, in 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively. In the past, our capital expenditures consisted principally of the purchases of property and equipment and investments in buildings related to expansions and upgrades to our call centers and related management information systems. We expect our capital expenditures in 2007 to total approximately $12.0 million.

 

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Contractual Obligations

 

A summary of our contractual obligations at December 31, 2006 is as follows:

 

     Payments due by period

Contractual obligations


   Total

   Less than
1 year


   1-3
years


   3-5
years


   More than
5 years


     (in thousands)

Operating leases (1)

   $ 3,361    $ 1,622    $ 1,630    $ 71    $ 38

Advertising commitments (2)

     63,246      56,881      6,365          
    

  

  

  

  

Total

   $ 66,607    $ 58,503    $ 7,995    $ 71    $ 38
    

  

  

  

  


(1)   Operating leases are for office premises and buildings.

 

(2)   Contractual advertising commitments, of which $24.8 million were prepaid as of December 31, 2006.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

As part of our ongoing business, we do not participate in transactions that generate relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities, which are often established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes. All of our subsidiaries and joint ventures are at least 51% majority owned by us. These subsidiaries and our affiliated companies are fully included in our financial statements.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

Foreign Exchange Risk

 

The conversion of the Renminbi is highly regulated. In addition, the value of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar and other currencies may fluctuate and is affected by, among other things, changes in China’s political and economic conditions. The conversion of Renminbi into foreign currencies, including U.S. dollars, has been based on rates set by the PBOC. On July 21, 2005, the PRC government changed its policy of pegging the value of the Renminbi to the U.S. dollar. Under the new policy, the Renminbi will be permitted to fluctuate within a band against a basket of certain foreign currencies. To date, this change in policy has resulted in an approximately 6.5% appreciation in the value of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar. There remains significant international pressure on the PRC government to adopt a substantial liberalization of its currency policy, which could result in a further and more significant appreciation in the value of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar.

 

We use the U.S. dollar as the reporting and functional currency for our financial statements. As we conduct our operations through our PRC subsidiaries and affiliated companies, the functional currency of our PRC subsidiaries and affiliated entities is Renminbi. Substantially all our revenue and related expenses, including cost of revenues and advertising expenses, are denominated and paid in Renminbi. Transactions in other currencies are recorded in Renminbi at the rates of exchange prevailing when the transactions occur. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in other currencies are remeasured into Renminbi at rates of exchange in effect at the balance sheet dates. Exchange gains and losses are recorded in our statements of operations as a component of current period earnings.

 

Fluctuations in exchange rates, primarily those involving the U.S. dollar, may affect our costs and operating margins as well as our net income reported in U.S. dollars. For example, to the extent that we need to convert U.S. dollars received in this offering into Renminbi for our operations, appreciation of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar would have an adverse effect on the Renminbi amount we receive from the conversion. Conversely, if we decide to convert our Renminbi into U.S. dollars for the purpose of making payments for dividends on our

 

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ordinary shares or ADSs or for other business purposes, appreciation of the U.S. dollar against the Renminbi would have a negative effect on the U.S. dollar amounts available to us. We have not used any forward contracts or currency borrowings to hedge our exposure to foreign currency exchange risk.

 

Interest Rate Risk

 

As of December 31, 2006, we had no outstanding borrowings. If we borrow money in future periods, we may be exposed to interest rate risk. We do not have any derivative financial instruments and believe our exposure to interest rate risk and other relevant market risks is not material.

 

Inflation

 

In recent years, China has not experienced significant inflation, and thus inflation has not had a material impact on our results of operations. According to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, the change in Consumer Price Index in China was 1.2%, 3.9% and 1.8% in 2003, 2004 and 2005, respectively.

 

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

 

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standard Board issued SFAS No. 157, “ Fair Value Measurements ,” which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 applies under most other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements and does not require any new fair value measurements. This statement is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with earlier application encouraged. The provisions of SFAS 157 should be applied prospectively as of the beginning of the fiscal year in which the statement is initially applied, except for a limited form of retrospective application for certain financial instruments. We are currently evaluating the impact, if any, of this statement on our financial statements and related disclosures.

 

In June 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” . FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with FASB Statement No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. We are currently evaluating the interpretation to determine the effect on our financial statements and related disclosures.

 

In June 2006, the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) reached a consensus on Issue No. 06-3, “How Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities Should be Presented in the Income Statement (That Is, Gross Versus Net Presentation)” (“EITF 06-3”). The scope of EITF 06-3 includes sales, use, value added and some excise taxes that are assessed by a governmental authority on specific revenue-producing transactions between a seller and customer. EITF 06-3 states that a company should disclose its accounting policy (ie. gross or net presentation) regarding the presentation of taxes within its scope, and if significant, these disclosures should be applied retrospectively to the financial statements for all periods presented. EITF 06-3 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2006. We are currently evaluating the impact, if any, of this statement on our financial statements and related disclosures.

 

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OUR INDUSTRY

 

This section contains information and statistics relating to the Chinese economy and the industry in which we operate that is derived partly from publicly official sources, including information published by the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the National Bureau of Statistics of China. The information in such official sources may not be consistent with other information compiled within or outside China. Certain information and data contained in this section is derived from an independent survey and report that we commissioned Euromonitor, an independent market research firm, to prepare, for purposes of illustrating our market position in China, various industry and other information that we believe would be useful to potential investors in our company. We commissioned the Euromonitor survey and report mainly because we believe this information, such as the TV direct sales market size, is not otherwise available from third party sources.

 

China Consumer Market Overview

 

The consumer market in China is large and one of the fastest growing in the world. Driving this growth are China’s economic expansion and a growing consumer base with increasing levels of disposable income. We believe that the traditional retail market, with its significant structural deficiencies, presents substantial market opportunities for companies, such as ours, that have a direct sales platform, nationwide distribution capabilities and a diverse product portfolio.

 

We believe the consumer market in China currently exhibits the following characteristics:

 

   

Large Market Size But Still Emerging Relative to Developed Economies.     The annual retail market for the consumer products in China reached $687.5 billion in 2005, compared to $2,430.2 billion in the United States in the same period, according to Euromonitor. While China’s retail market is the largest market in Asia outside of Japan, it is substantially smaller than the retail market in the United States. Further, the annual gross domestic product, or GDP, per capita in China, which was $1,709 in 2005, is low compared to that of developed countries such as the United States ($42,000), the United Kingdom ($37,023) and Germany ($33,854) in 2005, according to International Monetary Fund, or IMF, statistics.

 

   

High Growth Rate.     Annual retail sales for consumer products grew at a compound annual growth rate, or CAGR, of 10.9% from 2003 to 2005, according to Euromonitor, driven in part by China’s GDP growing by 10.1% and 10.2% in 2004 and 2005, according to the National Bureau of Statistics of China. In comparison, annual retail sales for consumer products grew at a CAGR of 5.0% from 2003 to 2005 in the United States according to historical and projected data from Euromonitor.

 

   

Structural Market Inefficiencies.     China’s traditional retail industry faces significant challenges in bringing high quality products to consumers throughout a large country with a broadly disbursed population. These challenges include: a highly competitive and fragmented retail market which is locally focused, a lack of nationwide logistics and distribution infrastructure, inadequate or insecure payment and fulfillment systems, and limited marketing and distribution capabilities for small and medium enterprises, or SMEs.

 

   

Emergence of TV as an Effective Direct Sales Channel.     We believe TV direct sales, involving the use of TV direct sales programs and infomercials to directly solicit consumer sales orders, has emerged as an increasingly effective sales channel in China in recent years. The effectiveness of TV direct sales is driven by the nationwide reach of television networks and the high level of TV viewership in China coupled with growing consumer demand for convenience and a greater selection of attractive products. Overall TV direct sales in China has grown from $550 million in 2003 to $890 million in 2005 and is projected to grow to $1.4 billion in 2007, representing a CAGR of 26.3%, according to Euromonitor.

 

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Growth in Other Direct Sales Channels.     Other forms of direct sales channels, including catalog sales and internet shopping, have also witnessed an increasing acceptance by Chinese consumers.

 

Fast Growing Consumer Market

 

According to historical and projected data from Euromonitor, annual retail sales for consumer products in China have grown between 2003 and 2005 at a CAGR of approximately 10.9%. However, China’s GDP per capita is still low compared to that of developed countries.

 

Helping drive these increases in consumer spending and product opportunities are several macro-economic and other factors:

 

   

High and Sustained Levels of Economic Growth.     China’s economy has grown and continues to grow rapidly relative to developed economies. According to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, China’s real GDP grew by 10.0%, 10.1% and 10.2% in 2003, 2004 and 2005, respectively, and is projected to grow by 8.0%, in 2006 according to the World Bank.

 

   

High Growth in GDP Per Capita and Disposable Income.     Strong economic growth has resulted in improvements in the living standards and purchasing power in China. In particular, we believe rapid urbanization has resulted, and will continue to result, in the continued expansion of the middle-class as there are more jobs with higher salaries available in urban areas. GDP per capita has grown 9.3%, 9.4%, and 9.6% in 2003, 2004, and 2005, respectively, and China’s disposable income per capita in urban areas grew by 10.0%, 11.2% and 11.4% in 2003, 2004 and 2005, respectively, according to the National Bureau of Statistics of China.

 

Disposable Income Growth:

 

     1998

   1999

   2000

   2001

   2002

   2003

   2004

   2005

   CAGR
‘98-’05


 

GDP Per Capita

   $ 870.8    $ 917.3    $ 1,006.9    $ 1,104.8    $ 1,204.2    $ 1,350.8    $ 1,580.7    $ 1,799.1    10.9 %

Disposable Income Per Capita for Urban Households

     695.2      750.1      804.7      879.0      987.0      1,085.6      1,207.3      1,344.5    9.9 %

Net Income Per Capita for Rural Households

     277.0      283.2      288.7      303.2      317.2      336.0      376.3      417.1    6.0 %

Source : National Bureau of Statistics

 

   

Rapid Urbanization.     According to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, China’s urban population as a percentage of total population increased from 17.9% in 1978 to 29.0% in 1995, to 43.0%, or 562 million people, in 2005, and is projected to continue to grow quickly. Rapid urbanization, in turn, is predicted to result in faster growth of consumer spending in urban areas, which already accounts for a disproportionately large amount of consumer spending . According to the National Bureau of Statistics, in 2005, 78.3% of retail sales for consumer goods took place in urban areas. Retail sales in urban areas grew by 13.5% in 2005 compared to growth in rural areas of 10.8% over the same period.

 

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Structural Inefficiencies and Challenges for China’s Traditional Retail Market

 

The retail market in China is still emerging and growing. We believe these structural inefficiencies and challenges inherent in the retail distribution and fulfillment channels include:

 

   

Fragmented and Locally Focused Retail Market.     The retail market for consumer products in China is highly fragmented and locally focused. According to Euromonitor, there were approximately 19 million retail companies in China by the end of 2003. The retail market for consumer products in the United States is comparatively concentrated. The aggregate market share of the top 10 retailing groups in China in terms of sales was 3.5% compared to 26% of the top 10 retail companies in the United States during 2003, with U.S. retailer Wal-Mart accounting for 9.4% of all U.S. retail sales during 2003.

 

   

Lack of Effective Distribution and Fulfillment Systems with Nationwide Reach .    China is a large country with many provinces, with most provinces having a population of between 30 to 90 million people. The percentage of China’s population living in rural areas and smaller towns in 2005 stood at 57.0%. China’s logistics industry is still emerging as transportation and freight infrastructure, particularly in more rural areas, continue to undergo development. As a result, manufacturers and retailers, particularly SMEs, seeking to nationally and cost-effectively distribute their products face significant logistical challenges.

 

   

SMEs Lack Marketing and Distribution Platforms .     According to iResearch, the number of SMEs in China is estimated to reach 24.8 million by the end of 2006. Many SMEs lack the capital and the marketing, distribution and customer support resources required to effectively market and distribute their consumer products nationwide. These limitations also make it difficult for SMEs to establish a national brand with strong product awareness and to achieve the economies of scale frequently required to compete with larger suppliers and manufacturers. As a result, high quality products developed and manufactured by SMEs are often only sold locally, limiting the products’ market potential.

 

   

Lack of Effective Payment System .    China’s credit card payment system is still in its infancy, with consumers still primarily paying cash for retail purchases. Ensuring security in collecting cash payments from customers also remains a challenge across China.

 

Emergence of TV as an Effective Direct Sales Channel

 

While 24-hour TV home shopping channels are not yet approved in China, companies using TV direct sales programs or home shopping channels with limited broadcasting hours to promote products are gaining increasing consumer acceptance. As a result, according to historical and projected data from Euromonitor, TV direct sales has gained increasing popularity and the TV direct sales industry in China has experienced significant growth in recent years, growing from $550 million in 2003 to $890 million in 2005, representing a CAGR of 27.2%, with further growth to $1.4 billion projected in 2007, representing a 2003-2007 CAGR of 26.3%. In comparison, the TV direct sales industry in the United States grew from approximately $154.0 billion in 2003 to approximately $167.0 billion in 2004 and to approximately $182.0 billion in 2005, according to the Electronic Retailing Association, representing a CAGR of 8.7%.

 

TV direct sales market in China

 

     2003

   2004

   2005

   2006(E)

   2007(E)

     (in millions)

TV direct sales

   $ 550    $ 700    $ 890    $ 1,140    $ 1,400

Source :   Euromonitor Report

 

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We believe that the TV direct sales industry exhibits the following key characteristics:

 

   

Broad Reach.     China has the largest number of TV viewers in the world with over 1.2 billion TV viewers, according to the National Statistics Bureau, with TV coverage reaching 95.8% in 2005, and had over 300 million TV households by the end of 2004, according to Asia Pacific Cable & Satellite Markets 2005. Direct access into consumer homes in China makes TV a highly effective sales channel for companies seeking nationwide reach, particularly given China’s lack of alternative national marketing systems.

 

   

Convenience.     In purchasing a product, urban residents may be drawn to the convenience of placing an order over the phone rather than visiting physical retail outlets during their workdays. TV direct sales appeal to this group of consumers who have considerable spending power and are open to alternative retail channels offering convenience and a wide product variety. According to the Euromonitor survey, 77.4% of the respondents replied that they were comfortable with making purchases via TV direct sales and 50.9% of the respondents’ claimed that convenience is the key driving factor for their TV purchasing decisions. In conducting the survey, Euromonitor sent emails to a random sample of individuals in ten major cities throughout China during January 2006. The survey was completed by 1,500 individuals identifying themselves as Chinese nationals that own and watch TV within an age range of 20 to 60 years old.

 

   

Increased Willingness to Purchase Higher-Priced Items.     With greater product awareness and consumer demand via TV direct sales programs, the average amount spent per product purchased in China through TV direct sales increased from $72.2 in 2004 to $83.8 in 2005, according to Euromonitor. We believe that this growth reflects both increased consumer affluence and increased consumer comfort in purchasing products and services through TV direct sales.

 

   

Increase in Advertising Time and Growing Viewership.     The total length of advertising seen on TV reached a record high of 427,780 hours in 2005 and TV shopping programs, such as infomercials, reached 38,420 hours in 2005. This high reflects an ongoing trend driven by the growth in the number of national, provincial and satellite TV channels. The number of potential TV home shoppers also has increased in the past years as more consumers are exposed to and watch TV direct sales programs.

 

TV Programs: Broadcast length by program type and time slots, 2003 - 2007

 

     2003

   2004

   2005

   2006(E)

   2007(E)

   CAGR

 
     (hours in thousands)  

TV program broadcast length

   1,936.2    2,188.9    2,518.7    2,896.5    3,331.0    14.5 %

Total ad length

   294.1    359.9    427.8    504.8    585.6    18.8 %

TV shopping program length

   29.3    29.7    38.4    50.0    62.4    20.8 %

Source: Euromonitor Report

 

Overview of the Television Industry in China

 

The television broadcasting industry has developed significantly in China over the last several decades. According to the National Statistics Bureau and Euromonitor report, China had over 300 television stations, including 50 nationwide satellite television stations, with a combined coverage of 95.8% of the population at the end of 2005, implying a reach of over 1.2 billion viewers. This coverage makes China the largest television market in the world.

 

The television industry in China has seen a proliferation of channels. According to the National Statistics Bureaus, the number of TV channels has grown from 932 channels in 1995 to 2,899 channels in 2005. However, national and large provincial television channels dominate the fragmented television market with CCTV, the

 

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state-owned free-to-air broadcaster, being the largest. CCTV has 17 national channels and each region has its own local channels. In addition, each province operates a satellite channel which may be distributed to other provinces, though no satellite channels have reached CCTV’s level of coverage. This large number of channels results in considerable audience fragmentation, with only CCTV channels reaching every television household in China. Channels other than CCTV and the provincial satellite channels depend on distribution through cable or satellite systems.

 

The television industry is regulated by the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, or SARFT, a ministry which reports to China’s State Council. All program genres are required to be reviewed and approved by provincial and municipal authorities before they are permitted to be aired. Television and media remain one of the most regulated industries in China, with limited investment concessions granted to foreign companies due to concerns over control of content and protection of domestic media groups. At the end of 2003, there were 34 authorized international channels permitted to broadcast to high-end hotels and foreign communities in China, and 8 international channels that have been granted official landing rights in Guangdong Province.

 

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OUR BUSINESS

 

Overview

 

We are a leading integrated multi-platform marketing company in China with a proven track record of developing, promoting and selling consumer products and services. Our two primary sales platforms are our TV direct sales platform and nationwide distribution network. We operate the largest TV direct sales business in China in terms of revenues and TV air time purchased according to Euromonitor International (Asia) Pte Ltd., or Euromonitor. We believe we were one of the first companies in China to use TV direct sales programs, often referred to as TV infomercials, in combination with a nationwide distribution network to market and sell products and services to consumers. Our significant TV air time presence allows us to test-market, promote and sell products and services in China’s geographically dispersed and fragmented consumer market. We seek to maximize sales penetration of our products and services that have strong sales and brand development potential by distributing them through our nationwide distribution network. In 2006, we also began using our TV direct sales platform to promote and sell third-party branded products and services pursuant to joint sales arrangements and marketing services arrangements.

 

Using these integrated TV direct sales and nationwide distribution network platforms, we have developed several leading proprietary brands. In addition, we have expanded into other forms of direct selling, such as catalogs and outbound calls, to further strengthen our promotional efforts and generate additional revenue opportunities from our existing customer base. We believe our vertically integrated direct sales operations, which include product development, TV and other direct sales and marketing, call center operations, and order fulfillment and delivery, combined with our nationwide distribution network, allow us to effectively reach consumers and maximize sales throughout China.

 

A key contributing factor to the success of our TV direct sales platform is our significant TV air time presence. Since 2003 we have been the largest TV direct sales operator in China in terms of revenue according to Euromonitor. Our TV direct sales programs, which are typically five to ten minutes in length, are currently aired on four nationwide China Central Television, or CCTV, channels, 28 national satellite TV channels, four international satellite channels operating in China and eight local channels. Sales generated through our TV direct sales platform accounted for substantially all of our direct sales net revenues, which in turn comprised 45.1% and 54.7% of our net revenues in 2005 and 2006, respectively. We also purchase TV advertising time for brand promotion advertising to enhance brand awareness of our proprietary products and services. Our brand promotion advertising in connection with our electronic learning devices was recognized in 2005 when we won the EFFIE gold award issued by the China Marketing Association chartered by New York American Marketing Association.

 

We have three call centers in Shanghai, Beijing and Shenzhen, two of which operate 24 hours per day. Our call centers process telephone orders generated by our direct sales programs and gather real-time data to help analyze the effectiveness of our advertising spending and adjust our offerings. Each of our call centers also places outbound calls to selected customers to market our products and services. In addition, our call center sales representatives are trained to identify and act upon cross-selling opportunities while processing customer orders. As of December 31, 2006, we had 649 sales representatives and 113 customer service representatives. Our sales representatives collectively processed an average of approximately 11,800 and 12,400 incoming calls per day generated from our TV and other direct sales platforms in 2005 and 2006, respectively. Products sold through our TV direct sales and other direct sales platforms are delivered to our customers primarily by national express mail and local delivery companies.

 

Our nationwide distribution network extends across all provinces and allows us to reach over 20,000 retail outlets covering nearly all of the cities and counties in China. We typically grant our distributors the exclusive right to distribute selected products and services in their respective territories. We closely work with and support our distributors to expand their retail outlet reach, extend our product and service lifecycles and maximize our sales by promotion of our brands through our TV direct sales platform, advertising in local print media and other joint promotional efforts. Sales generated through our nationwide distribution network accounted for 54.9% and 45.3% of our net revenues in 2005 and 2006, respectively.

 

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In selecting new products and services, we seek to identify offerings in underserved market segments with potential national appeal for which we believe our sales platforms and marketing and branding expertise can create value. We identify new products and services to be offered via our multiple sales platforms through a standardized selection process and typically source them from small and medium-sized suppliers and manufacturers in China. In 2006 we also began to identify products and services from more established third-party companies that we believe we can successfully market through our TV direct sales platform. Our TV direct sales programs allow us to promote specific products and services by highlighting their unique value to consumers as well as creating brand awareness. Our current featured offerings include electronic learning devices, consumer electronics products, cell phones and health and wellness products. We typically focus on marketing and sales of a limited number of featured product lines and services at any given time. In addition, we offer over 100 products via our catalogs.

 

Competitive Strengths

 

Integrated Multiple Sales Platforms

 

We believe our integrated business model and multiple sales platforms, with each sales platform serving to reinforce and strengthen the effectiveness of the others, differentiate us from our competitors in China. Our ability to run targeted TV test-marketing campaigns for new products and services and gather and analyze consumer response data through our call centers allows us to identify products and services with strong sales and profit potential and, at the same time, helps us to reduce our product failure risk and minimize associated costs. Our nationwide distribution network broadens our customer reach, extends lifecycles of our products and services introduced through our TV direct sales platform, and enhances the nationwide penetration of those products and services within a short period of time. Our featured products and services distributed through our nationwide distribution network are in most cases supported by us through our TV direct sales programs, brand promotion advertising and, in some cases, print media and radio. Our featured products and services distributed through our nationwide distribution networks are also supported by our distributors through a mix of targeted local print, radio and TV media promotions. Through our multiple sales platforms and our marketing capabilities, we have been able to develop leading product and service brands within a relatively short period of time. For example, within two years of its launch, our Ozing product line has become, according to Euromonitor, the most well-known brand of electronic learning devices in China.

 

Leading Market Position

 

We believe that we were one of the first companies to have successfully established a multi-channel consumer marketing and distribution platform in China and are currently the market leader in TV direct sales, according to Euromonitor. Our leading market position has allowed us to gain economies of scale, which result in a lower cost structure and access to suppliers and preferred media time, as well as better brand recognition by consumers. Our success in developing leading brands has enabled us to establish consumer trust in the products and services that we promote, and our ability to enable small and medium-sized suppliers and manufacturers to cost-effectively sell products and services throughout China has provided us with ongoing access to a pipeline of new offerings. We have also recently leveraged our leading market position to successfully engage larger companies such as China Unicom in marketing services arrangements whereby we help market their products and services through our TV direct sales platform. In addition, our market leading position has also improved our ability to negotiate favorable supply terms, including, in many cases, exclusive product distribution rights from suppliers and manufacturers. Another important part of our ability to successfully market products and services is our access to media time. Since we began operations in 1998, we have formed close and strong relationships with various CCTV and satellite channels as well as TV advertising agencies. These relationships, coupled with the scale of our operations, help us to efficiently secure our desired broadcast time slots and channels for our TV direct sales programs, thereby enabling us to establish and maintain a nationwide TV media reach. As the largest

 

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purchaser of TV advertising time in the TV direct sales industry in 2005, according to Euromonitor, we also have the ability to negotiate favorable advertising rates and to adjust the broadcast time slots of our TV direct sales programs on many of the TV channels with which we have purchased advertising time. Finally, the scale of our nationwide distribution network and the volume of our distribution sales have enabled us to secure favorable distribution terms with our distributors.

 

Effective Management of Our Significant TV Media Presence

 

Since 2003, we have been the largest TV direct sales operator in China in terms of revenues according to Euromonitor. We currently broadcast TV direct sales programs, including those relating to third-party products and services that we promote pursuant to joint sales and marketing services arrangements, on 44 TV channels and our total TV direct sales program airtime was approximately 400,000 minutes in 2005 and approximately 760,000 minutes in 2006. We have developed sophisticated systems to evaluate the effectiveness of our marketing strategies. We strategically broadcast our TV direct sales programs during selected TV broadcast time slots and on channels that we believe will reach the appropriate target audience. We constantly evaluate media allocation for each product or service to maximize return on related media purchase expenditures. For example, we track and analyze data generated through our call center operations. Using this data, including our profits relative to our marketing expenses, we adjust on a weekly basis the products and services we promote on TV, the frequency and timeslots of our TV direct sales programs, as well as the TV channels on which we broadcast our programs. By doing this, we create a broadcasting schedule that we believe maximizes our overall profitability. Our tailored approach to the production and broadcasting of TV direct sales programs for different products and services also helps to maximize the programs’ effectiveness, reduce our risk of product or service failure and minimize associated costs.

 

Proven Product Development and Promotional Capabilities

 

To drive revenue-generating opportunities with minimum costs and product or service failure risk, we employ a rigorous and systematic approach to product and service selection and market testing. We generally test the market potential and customer appeal of our new products and services through TV direct sales programs in specific regions for a designated time period prior to full commercial launch. Our product development team develops new ideas from a variety of sources, including suppliers, trade shows, industry conferences, and consumer product companies. We have a strong track record of identifying innovative products and services in underserved consumer market segments in which our integrated multiple sales platforms offer the most value. For example, only two years after its launch, our Ozing branded electronic learning devices product line generated sales of $73.0 million in 2005. In addition, we have also demonstrated the ability to successfully promote new products and services from established third-party consumer product and service companies pursuant to joint sales and marketing services arrangements. These companies enter into arrangements with us because of our marketing expertise and our ability to use media resources effectively. For example, one of the cell phone products that we started promoting in April 2006 pursuant to a joint sales arrangement generated revenues of $26.1 million in 2006.

 

Customer Service Expertise

 

To ensure superior customer service and in turn foster customer trust and loyalty, we place significant emphasis on personnel and training. Our customer service center in Beijing and Shanghai are currently staffed with approximately 110 customer service representatives. Our call center customer service representatives undergo intensive training to allow them to answer product and service-related questions, proactively educate potential customers about the benefits of our products and services and promptly resolve customer problems. We also provide customer service training to some of our distributors for products and services sold through our

 

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nationwide distribution network. Our flexible return policy generally allows customers to return products within seven days after delivery.

 

Experienced and Cohesive Management Team

 

Our senior management team has extensive consumer marketing and TV direct sales experience, with a majority of them having been at our company for approximately five years. In particular, James Yujun Hu, our principal shareholder and chief executive officer, has over 10 years of industry experience, including previously serving as executive vice president of TVS, one of China’s first TV direct sales companies. Don Dongjie Yang, our president and director, has over nine years of industry experience, particularly in the area of call center operations. Guoying Du, our vice president, who is primarily responsible for our nationwide distribution network, has over 10 years of experience in product distribution. Furthermore, other members of our senior management team have significant experience with respect to other key aspects of our operations, including product development, marketing, call center operations, TV program production, media purchasing and delivery logistics.

 

Our Strategies

 

Our goal is to be the leading integrated cross-media marketer of consumer products and services in China. We intend to achieve our goal by implementing the following strategies:

 

Strengthen and Diversify Our Multiple Sales Platforms

 

We plan to take advantage of the unique attributes of our direct sales platforms and our nationwide distribution network to maximize our sales across our entire business. For example, we will continue to broadcast TV direct sales programs to promote products and services that are mainly sold through our nationwide distribution network. In addition, our product development team will increasingly utilize customer feedback derived from our nationwide distribution network to develop new or upgraded products and services. We intend to further improve our systems to better utilize our TV direct sales customer database to facilitate other direct sales opportunities, such as catalog sales and outbound call sales. We also intend to continue focusing on improving the functions and capacity of our customer database to better allow us to track customer preferences and identify opportunities to cross-sell products and services.

 

We are continually exploring opportunities to expand the scope of our direct sales channels. For example, we expect to increase catalog sales by expanding the number of catalog product offerings, publishing our catalogs more frequently and leveraging our customer database to target likely catalog purchasers. We are also exploring alternative direct sales platforms, such as Internet portals and Internet protocol TV platform, and opportunities to increase our Internet sales as well as operate an exclusive home shopping channel in China.

 

Selectively Expand Existing and New Product and Service Offerings

 

We intend to continue to expand our product and service offerings by introducing upgraded or extension products and services within our existing featured product lines. We also intend to leverage the market and product knowledge of our nationwide distribution network management team to assist in identifying, developing and sourcing new products and services that are complementary to our existing product lines. We plan to continue to focus on our electronic learning devices, consumer electronics, cell phones and our health and wellness product lines.

 

We also intend to continue to capitalize on our product and service sourcing capabilities to selectively diversify our offerings to add products and services that offer recurring revenue opportunities and target new

 

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groups of consumers. We will continue to focus on sales potential, profitability and the expected product or service lifecycle of any new offering and only select those that meet our stringent criteria. For example, in January 2007, we entered into a marketing services arrangement with China Pacific Insurance pursuant to which we will market their insurance services using our TV direct sales platform.

 

Enhance Media Planning Effectiveness

 

To increase the effectiveness of our TV direct sales programs, we will continue to leverage our existing relationships with TV channels and TV advertising agencies, as well as our scale, to secure the optimal TV broadcast time slots and desired TV channels for our TV direct sales programs. We also intend to strengthen our in-house TV direct sales programs production capabilities by, among other things, hiring more direct TV sales program production staff and more spokespersons and adding more equipment. Similarly, we will continue to collect and analyze real-time data, including call volume, order completion and product delivery success relative to media expenditures, to more efficiently adjust our product and service mix and marketing and distribution strategies.

 

We will also explore consolidation of local television and print media purchases currently undertaken by some of our distributors. For example, we plan to further centralize marketing activities for our electronic learning devices product line. Through these centralization efforts, we expect to earn higher gross profit margins on our sales prices to distributors and achieve greater economies of scale on marketing activities.

 

Expand and Consolidate Our Nationwide Distribution Network

 

We plan to continue expanding our nationwide distribution network while at the same time synchronizing our distributors’ logistics and sales systems with ours to enhance operational efficiency. We plan to strengthen, and rigorously review compliance with, our requirement that distributors consistently increase their sales volume and expand the number of retail outlets within their territory. We will also consider consolidating distribution rights for our proprietary branded products and services in a particular territory with our better performing distributors.

 

Strengthen Our Product and Service Brands

 

Compared to developed countries such as the United States, the Chinese retail market for consumer products is fragmented and is still developing. As Chinese consumers are increasingly receptive to brand-based product and service differentiation, we intend to continue to invest in building our proprietary product and service brands and creating brand awareness of our products and services on a national basis. We intend to strengthen our brands by focusing on the development of distinctive quality products and services and superior customer service, as well as cross-media marketing and advertising campaigns targeted at attracting new customers and encouraging our existing customers to purchase our products and services more frequently. We have used brand promotion advertising to generate general brand awareness, primarily for our electronic learning devices and our posture correction product lines. We intend to employ similar brand building initiatives to maximize brand awareness for new featured products and services. We believe our brand building efforts increase our company’s profile, build customer loyalty and increase customer acceptance of new and existing products and services.

 

Our Multiple Sales Platforms

 

Our multiple sales platforms consist of our direct sales platforms and our nationwide distribution network. Our direct sales platforms include TV direct sales, catalog sales, outbound call sales and other direct sales through print media and radio. We believe our nationally televised TV direct sales programs help build strong

 

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brand awareness among China’s consumers and generate significant demand for the products and services featured in those programs. Our nationwide distribution network, coupled with local marketing efforts, helps us to further enhance the awareness of and demand for our products and services, thereby broadening our customer reach and enhancing the penetration of those products and services on a nationwide basis within a short period of time.

 

Direct Sales Platforms

 

TV Direct Sales Platform

 

Our TV direct sales platform is our primary marketing medium and accounted for substantially all of our direct sales net revenues, which in turn accounted for 54.7%, 45.1% and 54.7% of our net revenues in 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively. We generally focus our marketing efforts on approximately four or five featured product or service lines to maximize awareness of these featured offerings and generate strong consumer demand for them. Our TV direct sales programs, which are generally five to ten minutes in length, consist of in-depth demonstrations and explanations of the product or service in an entertaining and informative manner, and provide phone numbers for customers to call in order to make further inquiries or to purchase the product or service. In addition to explaining the functionality of a product or service in the programs, we also highlight the value proposition of that product or service. Our TV direct sales programs typically feature one or more spokespersons or celebrity personalities and employ a variety of formats, including studio programs and “reality shows,” which we believe help to demonstrate the features and functions of the products or services that we are marketing. Our TV direct sales programs for new products and services are broadcast on national and/or local TV channels depending on the features of the products or services during selected time slots to ensure sufficiently broad viewer coverage. After an initial test-marketing phase and based on the feedback received by our integrated call center operations, we adjust on a weekly basis the products and services we promote on TV, the frequency and timeslots of the TV direct sales programs, as well as the TV channels on which we broadcast those programs. We may also adjust the content of the program. We make these adjustments to achieve a schedule of programs that we believe maximizes our overall profitability.

 

A critical aspect of our success is our ability to efficiently access media channels and manage our media time. Our TV direct sales programs are currently broadcast on 44 channels, including four of China’s central television channels, or CCTV channels, 28 national satellite TV channels, four international satellite TV channels operating in China and eight local channels in China. Since commencing our operations in 1998, we have formed close and strong relationships with various CCTV and national satellite channels and several TV advertising agencies that have exclusive rights to sell certain advertising time slots for certain CCTV and national satellite channels. We purchase advertising time from the TV stations directly or through their advertising agencies. We have been purchasing advertising time on several CCTV channels and national satellite channels for over three years. We produced and broadcast over 350,000, 400,000 and 760,000 minutes of TV direct sales programs in 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively, corresponding to over 112, 128 and 244 hours per week, respectively. We primarily purchase non-prime time broadcast time slots for our TV direct sales programs. We believe our relationships with various CCTV and satellite channels, coupled with the scale of our operations and sales track record, help us to secure desired broadcast time slots on the channels we target.

 

If a TV direct sales program for a specific product or service achieves satisfactory results during the initial test-marketing phase, we may elect to include that product or service in our TV direct sales platform for full-scale marketing and selling. If selected for full-scale marketing, TV direct sales programs for the product or service will then be frequently broadcast on several TV channels in various time slots. Based on our weekly tracking of the success of our programs in various time slots on various TV channels and data on our profitability relative to our marketing expenses, we adjust the frequency of broadcast of the TV direct sales program, its broadcast time slots and the TV channels on which the program airs on a weekly basis. By doing so we create a broadcasting schedule that we believe maximizes the overall profitability of our TV direct sales platform at a

 

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given time. We also use purchased TV advertising time to broadcast brand promotion advertising. Our brand promotion advertisements are typically five to 60 seconds long and, rather than focusing in depth on product or service features or benefits, are designed to increase general brand awareness. We significantly expanded our TV brand promotion advertising beginning in 2005 in conjunction with our increased distribution activities. In 2005, we used TV brand promotion advertising to enhance brand awareness for our Ozing branded electronic learning devices and, to a lesser extent, our posture correction product lines. Our brand promotion advertising campaign for our Ozing branded electronic learning devices in 2005 won the gold EFFIE award issued by China’s Marketing Association chartered by New York American Marketing Association. As a result of increased brand promotion efforts, the number of TV channels on which we broadcast our TV brand promotion advertisements increased from six during 2005 to 18 in 2006, including CCTV1, which has the largest national viewership in China and is our primary TV channel for brand promotion advertising. Consistent with industry practice in China, our TV advertising time purchase agreements are typically negotiated annually and are non-exclusive.

 

In 2006, we began entering into two new types of arrangements which leverage our TV direct sales platform — joint sales arrangements and marketing services arrangements. Under a joint sales arrangement, we make TV direct sales of third party branded products and services. As an example of a joint sales arrangement, in April 2006, we entered into an arrangement with a cell phone manufacturer to be the exclusive TV direct sales platform through which it markets some of its PDA cell phones. In addition to generating TV direct sales revenues for us, as additional consideration for the sales support provided by our TV direct sales platform, the manufacturer agreed to pay to us an amount based on the number of units sold by it through its own distribution network (reflected as a reduction to our cost of direct sales revenues). We also subsequently have entered into joint sales arrangements with other cell phone manufacturers. Under our marketing services arrangements, we provide a marketing plan, related TV advertising time and call center support to our marketing customers for a fixed fee. For example, in September 2006, we entered into a marketing services arrangement with China Unicom, the second largest mobile communications company in China, to develop a multi-phase TV direct sales marketing plan to promote China Unicom’s CDMA services and CDMA cell phones from China Unicom’s partners through our TV direct sales platform.

 

Other Direct Sales Platforms

 

Our other direct sales platforms currently primarily include our catalog sales and our outbound call sales. We also market and directly sell through print media and radio.

 

Catalogs .    In February 2005, we began marketing our products through print catalogs. We currently offer over 100 products via our catalogs, approximately 30 of which are our branded products, with the remainder being third-party products. Our catalogs are currently distributed together with the purchased products shipped to our customers and from time to time to customers who have previously purchased products from us. We issued six catalogs in 2006.

 

Outbound Calls.     We began our outbound call direct sales in the fourth quarter of 2004. Our 248 specialized outbound call center sales representatives utilize our customer database, which contains information relating to approximately two million previous customers, to target calls at customer subgroups identified by us as likely purchasers of particular products or services.

 

Customer Loyalty Initiatives

 

We also market the products and services sold through our direct sales platforms by implementing a customer loyalty program. Our current customer loyalty program includes coupon discounts and membership

 

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points. Coupon discounts, introduced in February 2005, are given to customers whose purchases individually or together meet or exceed a certain transaction value. These coupons, which can be applied to future purchases of products marketed in our catalogs, range from approximately RMB20 to RMB600 (or approximately $2.6 to $76.9). Membership points, introduced in January 2006, are awarded to customers when they purchase products or services through our direct sales programs. Customers are awarded points based on the type of product or service purchased with point values ranging from 40 to 2,000 points per product or service, with every ten points equaling RMB1 (approximately $0.1). Customers can use the these points to partially or fully offset the cost of future product or service purchases.

 

Nationwide Distribution Network

 

Our nationwide distribution network is one of our two primary sales and distribution platforms. We introduce into our nationwide distribution network a select number of our TV direct sales featured product lines and services that have been advertised through our TV direct sales platform and which offer sufficient profit potential and may be developed as a national product brand. Our distribution network broadens our customer reach and enhances the penetration of those products and services on a nationwide basis within a short period of time. Our network covers all provinces in China through approximately 80 distributors, which allows us to reach over 20,000 retail outlets covering nearly all of the cities and the counties in China. These retail outlets include bookstores, pharmacies, specialty retail chains and department stores, depending on the nature of the products and services. Sales generated through our nationwide distribution network accounted for 45.3%, 54.9% and 45.3% of our net revenues in 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively. We typically provide our distributors the exclusive right to distribute selected products and services in their respective territories. Sales generated by our five best- performing distributors accounted for 11.0%, 15.5% and 10.6% of our gross revenues in 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively.

 

In most cases, we support the products and services selected for distribution through our nationwide distribution network with marketing campaigns utilizing a combination of our TV direct sales programs and brand promotion advertising to reinforce “As Seen On TV” in-store signage, as well as local print media, marketing events and radio advertising. In addition, we also require our distributors to engage in their own marketing efforts. Promotional efforts by our distributors primarily consist of local print advertising and TV advertising programs. To ensure the consistency of our product and service messages and maximize branding effectiveness, we provide our distributors with marketing materials. We also reimburse our distributors of our sleeping aid and oxygen generating devices product lines for a portion of their local product promotion efforts.

 

Several of our distributors, three of which were among our five best-performing distributors in 2005 and two of which were among our five best-performing distributors in 2006, market and sell some of our and others’ products and services through their own TV direct sales platforms. Each of these distributors operated their own TV direct sales platforms prior to becoming our distributors. These TV direct sales platforms operated by our distributors are independent of our operations. In addition, some of our distributors use edited versions of our TV direct sales programs to market our products and services on local TV stations and conduct TV direct sales activities through their own call-in numbers. These distributors have each entered into our standard distribution arrangements, including provisions against selling competing products and services, selling our products and services outside their distribution territories or selling our products and services to consumers at prices below our price for those products and services. See “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business—Some of our distributors may compete with us in certain TV direct sales markets, possibly negatively affecting our direct sales in those markets.”

 

Integrating our national TV direct sales programs and brand promotion advertising with our follow-on local advertising campaigns has been an effective product and service marketing strategy for us. Our national TV

 

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direct sales programs and brand promotion advertising create initial product and service brand awareness, and our nationwide local advertising campaigns help to broaden the reach of our marketing efforts and extend the lifecycles of our products and services. Both of our two best-selling product brands in 2005 have become the most well-known brand in their respective market segments, according to Euromonitor. Our ability to build leading brands, together with our marketing resources and expertise, enable us to successfully identify and introduce potential new products and services from small and medium-sized suppliers and manufacturers in China.

 

We regularly monitor and review our distributors’ sales performance and their compliance with our terms. Our distribution agreements are typically negotiated and entered into on an annual or semi-annual basis. Our agreements are designed to incentivize our distributors to improve their sales performance, encourage them to promote our brands and protect the value of those brands. For example, our distributors are required to meet the monthly and annual sales volume target for our selected featured products and services and, in the case of electronic learning device products distribution, we provide sales incentives in the form of cash rebates to the distributors that meet or exceed our sales targets. We also require our distributors to ensure that the retail prices of our products and services sold through their retail outlets are not lower than the retail prices for the same products and services sold through our TV direct sales platform. In addition, we typically require our distributors to fully settle their payment obligations before we deliver new products to them. Our distributors may not sell competing products and services in their respective territories. Furthermore, they must also incur minimum marketing expenditures provided in our distribution agreements. In the past three years, we have replaced 17 distributors due to their underperformance or violation of distribution agreements with us.

 

We are generally responsible for delivering at our own cost the products to the distributors from our warehouses to a destination close to our distributors. We engage local logistics companies to make these deliveries with the amount paid for delivery typically based upon the transport distance. We generally allow the distributors to exchange any defective products they receive from us. Our distributors typically have their own products exchange or return policy. We are not responsible for any exchange or return of products by retailers who purchase our products from the distributors.

 

To accelerate the establishment of our distribution network, in 2000 we issued shares in our company to owners of five distributors as incentives when they joined our nationwide distribution network. In 2005 and 2006, the aggregate sales generated by these five distributors accounted for approximately 15.2% and 13.0% of our distribution gross revenues and 8.3% and 5.9% of our total gross revenues, respectively. In 2005 and 2006, two of these distributors were among our five best-performing distributors. None of these shareholders owns more than 1% of our company. In addition, of our distributors, 11 are owned in part, or in some cases in whole, by eight of our employees or their family members. Seven out of the eight individuals became our employees as a result of our acquisition of the remaining 49% interest of Shanghai HJX in July 2005. In 2005 and 2006, the aggregate sales generated by these 11 distributors accounted for approximately 33.3% and 26.9% of our distribution gross revenues, or 18.3% and 12.2% of our total gross revenues, respectively. In 2005, two of these distributors were, and in 2006, one of these distributors was, among our five best-performing distributors. These eight employees, none of whom are executive officers, are currently responsible for various functions or operations relating to our nationwide distribution business. These eight employees served as our distributors prior to becoming our employees. In addition, two distributors in 2005 and three distributors in 2006, each of which accounted for less than 1% of our gross revenues in 2005 and 2006, were wholly owned by certain family members of our chief executive officer and another of our executive officers. We entered into the distribution agreements with these related distributors on an arms’-length basis and the terms in the distribution agreements with these distributors are the same as those with our independent distributors. See “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business—Certain of our distributors are beneficially owned by our employees, executive officers and shareholders. It may be difficult for us to effectively evaluate the performance of these distributors or to replace any of them if they are non-performing, under-performing or non-compliant with our distribution agreements.”

 

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Our Products and Services

 

We offer over 100 products and services through our multiple sales platforms, approximately 40% of which are sold primarily through our TV direct sales platform, nationwide distribution network or both. Our current featured product categories consist of electronic learning devices, consumer electronics, cell phones and health and wellness products, including over 35 products, all of which are primarily sold through our TV direct sales platform, nationwide distribution network, or both. We periodically develop and introduce related new and upgraded products and services under the same product brand to develop such brand into a product or service line. For a variety of reasons, including margin constraints, we do not actively market all of our featured product lines and services through our nationwide distribution network. We also sell other products including autocare, beauty and household products primarily through our catalogs, outbound calls and cross-selling. We own the exclusive distribution rights in China to most of our current featured product lines and services.

 

Our Current Featured Product Categories

 

Our current featured products are offered in the following categories and under the following proprietary and third-party brands:

 

   

Electronic Learning Devices featuring the Ozing brand name accounted for 42.8% and 31.7% of our gross revenues in 2005 and 2006, respectively.

 

Our primary Ozing branded product is a multi-functional handheld electronic device with a screen display that provides lessons for independent English learning. We began marketing and selling our first Ozing device, targeted at middle and high school students, in December 2003 and since then have introduced new and upgraded products under the Ozing brand. According to a market survey conducted by Euromonitor in January 2006, which was commissioned by us to be carried out in ten major cities across China, our Ozing electronic learning device was considered “well-known” by 75.4% of the respondents compared with three principal competitors in that product’s segment, which were “well-known” by 67.7%, 53.6%, and 34.5% of the respondents, respectively. The retail prices for our Ozing products ranged from RMB 798 to RMB 1,180 per unit in 2005 and ranged from RMB 698 to RMB 1,298 per unit (approximately $89 to $166 per unit) in 2006.

 

   

Consumer Electronics Products featuring the Net E-cam, Aptek Net E-cam and Soloky brand names accounted for 20.8% and 6.9% of our gross revenues in 2005 and 2006, respectively.

 

We began marketing and selling our first digital camera product under the Net E-cam brand in June 2001. In October 2002, we introduced our first digital video product under the Aptek Net E-cam brand name. We began marketing and selling new consumer electronics products with more advanced applications under our Soloky brand in August 2005. Our featured Soloky product is a digital video device that includes digital camera, MP3 and MP4 capabilities and is a lower cost alternative to many of our competitors’ offerings with similar capabilities. In 2006, we also began selling our GPS product under the Soloky brand. The retail prices for our consumer electronics products ranged from RMB 1,680 to RMB 2,380 per unit in 2005 and ranged from RMB 1,280 to RMB 3,980 per unit (or approximately $164 to $510 per unit) in 2006.

 

   

Cell Phone Products featuring the HTW, CECT and Gionee brand names and China Unicom’s CDMA services and CDMA cell phones from China Unicom’s partners accounted for 0% and 14.1% of our gross revenues in 2005 and 2006, respectively.

 

We entered into a joint sales arrangement with HTW to distribute some of its branded PDA cell phones in April 2006 through our TV direct sales platform. In November 2006 we began to distribute an updated version of HTW’s PDA cell phone. In November and December 2006, we entered into joint sales agreements with CEC Telecom Co., Ltd. and Yiyang Yukang Telecom Equipment Co.,

 

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Ltd. to sell their “CECT” and “Gionee” branded cell phones, respectively, through our TV direct sales platform. In September 2006, we entered into a marketing services arrangement with China Unicom to develop a multi-phase TV direct sales marketing plan to promote China Unicom’s CDMA services and CDMA cell phones from China Unicom’s partners through our TV direct sales platform. The retail prices for the cell phone products that we market ranged from RMB 2,980 to RMB 7,580 per unit (approximately $382 to $971 per unit) in 2006.

 

   

Health and Wellness Products featuring the Babaka, Zehom and Youngleda brand names accounted for 23.9% and 23.6% of our gross revenues in 2005 and 2006, respectively.

 

We began marketing and selling our first Babaka branded posture correction product in December 2004, our first Zehom branded sleeping aid product in October 2000, and our first Youngleda branded portable mechanized oxygen generating device in November 2000. We have introduced both product upgrades and extensions relating to these original products and developed each brand into a propriety branded product line. According to the market survey by Euromonitor in January 2006, our Babaka branded product was considered “well-known” by 74.7% of those surveyed. Our health and wellness product lines are primarily targeted at elderly persons, working professionals and young consumers. The retail prices for these products ranged from approximately RMB 288 to RMB 1,980 per unit in 2005 and ranged from RMB 288 to RMB 2,080 per unit (approximately $37 to $267 per unit) in 2006.

 

Our five best-selling products and product lines in 2004, 2005 and 2006 are set forth below:

 

        2004

  2005

  2006

Product


 

Brand


  Revenues

  Percentage

    Rank

  Revenues

  Percentage

    Rank

  Revenues

  Percentage

    Rank

        (in thousands, except percentages and ranks)

Electronic learning device

  Ozing   $ 24,758   26.0 %   1     73,028   42.8 %   1     62,464   31.7 %   1

Electronic wrinkle remover

  SCO     19,551   20.5 %   2                    

Consumer electronics (1)

  Soloky, Net E-cam & Aptek Net E-cam     17,903   18.8 %   3     $35,453   20.8 %   2     13,642   6.9 %   5

Sleeping aid/neck massager (2)

  Zehom     17,319   18.2 %   4     9,688   5.7 %   5     24,354   12.3 %   3

Oxygen generating device

  Youngleda     7,346   7.7 %   5                    

Posture correction product

  Babaka               24,622   14.4 %   3     15,723   8.0 %   4

Exercise machine

  LTT               10,244   6.0 %   4          

PDA Cell Phones

  HTW                         26,050   13.2 %   2
   
 

 

     

 

     

 

   

Total top five

      $ 86,877   91.2 %       $ 153,035   89.7 %       $ 142,233   72.1 %    

Other products and marketing services revenues

      $ 8,341   8.8 %       $ 17,542   10.3 %       $ 54,978   27.9 %    
       

 

     

 

     

 

   

Total gross revenues

      $ 95,218   100.0 %       $ 170,577   100.0 %       $ 197,211   100.0 %    

Total sales tax

      $ 158             $ 237             $ 713          
       

           

           

         

Total net revenues

      $ 95,060             $ 170,340             $ 196,498          
       

           

           

         

(1)   This does not include the sales of our GPS products, which were introduced under our Soloky brand in 2006.
(2)   Prior to the third quarter of 2005, we offered only a sleeping aid product under our Zehom brand as our featured product. In the third quarter of 2005, we introduced a new product, Zehom neck massager, which is currently the featured product under our Zehom brand.

 

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New Products and Services

 

We seek to identify new products and services that offer sufficient profit opportunities and address consumers’ changing needs. Since 2000, we have successfully introduced 15 branded product lines, including 11 proprietary branded product lines and four third-party branded product lines, many of which began as a single product and became one of our five best-selling products in later periods. In 2006, we introduced 12 new products for full-scale sales and marketing. In the future, we will continue to seek to diversify our product and service offerings and our customer base, encourage repeat purchases by our existing customers, and create recurring revenue opportunities. For example, in January 2007, we entered into a marketing services arrangement with China Pacific Insurance under which we will market their insurance services using our TV direct sales platform. We also plan to introduce new products and services that we believe will offer longer product lifecycles and enjoy broad consumer appeal.

 

Product Development

 

We employ a rigorous and systematic approach to identify and develop products. Our product development process comprises product identification, pre-testing preparation and test-marketing evaluation. We generally test the market potential and customer appeal of our products and services by broadcasting our TV direct sales programs on specific channels for a designated period of time. During the test marketing period, we closely evaluate customer feedback and sales of the relevant product and service through our call centers. Products that meet certain pre-defined standards are launched on a national scale. Products and services that do not meet our pre-defined standards may undergo a change in marketing strategy and be retested, or are removed from our product portfolio. Over the past five years, we have test-marketed approximately 100 products over our TV direct sales platform, approximately 40 of which have progressed from the test marketing stage to full-scale sales and marketing.

 

In 2006, we test-marketed over 40 new or upgraded products over our TV direct sales platform, 12 of which were introduced for full-scale sales and marketing. We employ a similar testing process when determining which products to move from our TV direct sales platform to our nationwide distribution platform. We typically test-distribute our featured products in one distributor’s territory for period of a few weeks, before introducing these products into our nationwide distribution network for full-scale distribution. In 2006, of the 12 new products that progressed to full-scale sales and marketing through our TV direct sales platform, six were actively distributed through our nationwide distribution network.

 

Product Identification

 

We typically seek to identify consumer products that we believe offer good value and quality, are not widely available, and can generate sufficient profit potential. Our success in developing leading product brands and our ability to enable China’s small and medium-sized suppliers and manufacturers to cost-effectively sell products throughout China have provided us with access to a large pool of potential products from these suppliers and manufacturers. Many of our best-selling products in the past three years were products that had initially been marketed and sold in China by small and medium-sized suppliers and manufacturers on a more limited basis. We have also recently leveraged our success in developing leading brands to engage in marketing services arrangements with large companies such as China Unicom whereby we promote their branded products and services through our TV direct sales platform. We also monitor consumer product and service infomercials broadcast outside China and participate in trade shows to identify new products and services.

 

In addition to identifying new products and services through external sources, we also focus on our internal product development efforts relating to our existing product and service portfolio. In recent periods, one of our most successful product sources has been our existing portfolio of branded products. These products, with their

 

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existing brand awareness and consumer acceptance, provide significant opportunities to introduce upgraded products and related new products under the same brand. We also utilize our nationwide distribution network management team, with their unique product and market knowledge, to assist in identifying, developing and sourcing new complementary products.

 

Pre-testing Preparation

 

During our pre-testing preparation phase, our product development team analyzes and identifies a product’s unique features and value proposition to formulate a marketing and distribution strategy, including setting a selling price for the test-marketing phase, a sales target and a weekly marketing plan. Our in-house product development team works with independent production companies to produce TV direct sales programs tailored for each product and service. To ensure service quality and assist in gathering consumer feedback, our product development team concurrently provides our call center employees with training and sales scripts to assist them in receiving purchase order calls in response to our TV test-marketing activities.

 

Test Marketing

 

The test marketing phase usually lasts from one to three weeks, during which time our test TV direct sales programs are aired during targeted broadcast time slots on selected TV channels. During the test-marketing phase, we gather and analyze real-time data and consumer feedback collected by our call centers through designated test numbers. Using this data and feedback, we attempt to predict the demand, growth potential and anticipated selling prices of the products and services. In analyzing the data to determine whether we should move a product or service into full-scale marketing on our TV direct sales platform, we focus on key benchmarks, including, most importantly, estimated profitability relative to our media expenses. We then determine whether the product has the potential to be developed into a proprietary branded product line so that its lifecycle can be prolonged by introducing it into our nationwide distribution network.

 

Call Center Operations

 

Our direct sales businesses and media purchase activities are supported by our call centers located in Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen. Our call centers process telephone orders generated by our direct sales programs and gather real-time data to help us analyze the effectiveness of our advertising spending and adjust our offerings. Each of our call centers also places outbound calls to selected customers to market our products and services. As of December 31, 2006, we had 649 dedicated sales representatives. In 2005 and 2006, our call centers processed an average of approximately 11,800 and 12,400 incoming calls per day for products and services marketed through our TV and other direct sales platforms. To effectively convert in-bound calls to customer orders, our sales representatives follow a prepared script that covers frequently asked questions to guide the sales call. Our call center supervisors closely monitor calls received and revise and update the scripts based on their assessment of the script’s effectiveness during the customer calls and in response to customer feedback. Our sales representatives are also trained to promote, cross-sell or upsell complementary and/or additional products and services.

 

We constantly and systematically seek to evaluate and improve the cost-effectiveness of our direct sales operations. Performance metrics we track and analyze on a daily basis include the number of calls successfully connected to a sales representative per call placed to our call center and the number of successfully completed orders per call connected. We seek to increase the rate of successfully completed orders per call connected by directing customer calls to our call center sales representatives with specialized product and service training and knowledge about the specific product and service.

 

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Our call centers also collect real-time data to help us to continually analyze the effectiveness of our advertising spending and product and service offerings. We regularly track and analyze real-time data generated through our call center operations to ensure the cost-effectiveness of our media purchases. We use call center-generated real time data to adjust our TV sales program product and service mix, broadcast time slots and channels to maximize the profitability of our TV direct sales operations.

 

Order Fulfillment

 

The majority of products sold by us through our direct sales platforms, including TV direct sales and catalog direct sales, are delivered to our customers throughout China by EMS, the largest national express mail service operated by the China Post Office, and on an increasing basis, local delivery companies. We generally guarantee our products will be delivered to our customers within seven days of the date of receiving the order. Of the total attempted product deliveries by EMS and local delivery companies on a cash on delivery, or COD, basis, approximately 81% and 77% were successful in 2005 and 2006, respectively. Reasons for delivery failure primarily include customers’ refusal to accept a product upon delivery or failure to successfully locate the delivery address. We are responsible for delivery and handling fee regardless of whether the delivery is successful. We have found that, in general, the shorter the delivery time, the lower the likelihood that the customer will refuse to accept the product upon delivery. As a result, local delivery companies enjoy a slightly higher delivery success rate than EMS due to a faster deliver time. EMS and local delivery companies are responsible for returning to us any undelivered products. It generally takes EMS two to three weeks, and local delivery companies seven days, to return the undelivered products to us.

 

In 2005 and 2006, approximately 97.3% and 98.7% of our direct sales were settled on a cash-on-delivery, or COD, basis by our customers. Alternative payment methods include postal wire payments and payment by credit card. For customers settling through COD, either EMS or the local delivery company is responsible for collecting and wiring to us these cash amounts on a periodic basis once collected. EMS and local delivery companies generally charge us delivery fees based upon weight of the products and distance of delivery. Additionally, EMS charges a processing fee based upon the sale price. Three of local delivery companies charge a lower processing fee based upon the sale price, while other companies do not charge us such fee. It typically takes on average over 50 days for us to receive payments from EMS compared to an average of seven days from local delivery companies. Of our total accounts receivable balance as of December 31, 2005 and 2006, $5.9 million, or 67.3%, and $7.8 million, or 66.3%, respectively, was due from EMS.

 

In 2004, 2005 and 2006, approximately 64.2%, 59.4% and 62.9% of our direct sales gross revenues resulted from products delivered by EMS, and approximately 29.2%, 37.7 % and 34.1% of our direct sales gross revenues resulted from products delivered by local delivery companies, respectively. The reduction in products delivered through EMS from 2004 to 2005 reflects our strategy to decrease our reliance on EMS and increase our usage of local delivery companies. Compared to EMS, local delivery companies provide a more cost-effective solution with faster delivery times. We also have started using some of our distributors to deliver products sold through our direct sales platforms from their existing product inventory.

 

Customer Service, Product Warranties and Return Policies

 

We believe emphasizing customer service will enhance our products and service brand image, facilitate cross-selling opportunities and generate customer loyalty and repeat purchasing behavior. Our customer service centers within our Beijing and Shanghai call centers are currently staffed with approximately 110 customer service representatives working ten hours a day to provide quality customer services to the customers who purchase our products and services from our direct sales platforms. In addition, although most of our distributors generally provide their own customer services in their territories, we are in the process of establishing customer service centers together with our distributors, which in some cases will be located at retail outlets.

 

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Our customer service representatives are primarily responsible for answering customers’ product and service-related inquiries, providing product and service information and handling product returns and customer complaints. To ensure superior customer service, we place significant emphasis on personnel selection and training. Our customer service representatives undergo product-specific and service-specific training to allow them to answer product-related and service-related questions, proactively educate potential customers about the benefits of our products and services and promptly resolve customer problems. We also provide customer service training to some of our distributors for products and services sold through our nationwide distribution network.

 

Under our policies, our direct sales customers generally may return products from us within seven days after delivery if there is a quality defect or if a product fails to meet its specifications. In most cases, product exchanges are allowed within a month of delivery. Certain products such as sleeping aid products that emphasize specific functions can be returned within 15 days after delivery. Our warranties generally provide for repair of product defects within one year at no cost to the customers. Product returns from the direct sales platforms were insignificant in 2005 and 2006. To the extent that the manufacturer of the defective product is a third party, the manufacturer is obligated to either repair the defective product or reimburse us for any related expenses. Our distributors are allowed to exchange any defective products they receive from us. Products exchanged by our distributors due to defects was insignificant in 2005 and 2006.

 

Supply and Inventory

 

Supply

 

We manufacture a significant portion of the proprietary products we currently offer in terms of net revenues. The remaining products, including third-party products promoted by us pursuant to joint sales arrangements, are primarily sourced through third-party suppliers. Our manufacturing operations involve mainly last-mile assembly processes and generally only require us to deploy a limited amount of capital. Most of the components we use are readily available in the market.

 

We began our manufacturing operations in 2000 with the production of our oxygen generating devices. Beginning in 2005, we expanded our manufacturing operations to manufacture substantially all of our electronic learning devices and posture correction product lines. We purchase consumer electronics products and neck massager products from third party manufacturers under exclusive supply or distribution arrangements. For some of our products, including our sleeping aid products, we provide designs or technical requirements to our third-party suppliers.

 

We believe that if we decide to discontinue our manufacturing operations for any of our products for any reason, we would be able to subcontract the manufacturing of these products on commercially reasonable terms within a reasonable period of time. Four of our nine direct PRC operating subsidiaries engaged in manufacturing operations enjoy the preferential tax benefits afforded to foreign-invested manufacturing enterprises. As such, these entities are entitled to a two-year exemption from enterprise income tax beginning from the year when they first generate profits and a 50% enterprise income tax reduction for the following three years. Three of these four PRC operating subsidiaries became profitable beginning in 2005. See “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to China—The discontinuation of any of the preferential tax treatments available to us in the PRC could materially and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.”

 

Inventory Control

 

We closely monitor our inventory and sales levels at all of our sales and marketing platforms. In general, before or during our test-marketing stage, we do not acquire any sizable inventory position in a product. Except for our electronic learning device products, for which we maintained an average of two weeks of inventory in 2006, we generally maintain one week of inventory for finished products. Our product and media departments

 

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adjust our inventory levels based on the weekly sales forecasts they jointly develop. When a product is no longer sold through our TV direct sales programs and/or our nationwide distribution network, our inventory of that product is generally limited.

 

For electronic learning device products, our product and media departments prepare a monthly production plan based on monthly sales forecasts and we procure the required raw material based on the production plan. Our monthly procurement plan is subject to bi-weekly adjustment to give us flexibility to cancel a portion of our orders if sales do not meet expectations.

 

Majority-Owned Subsidiaries

 

To acquire managerial expertise and additional complementary distribution network infrastructure or secure exclusive product distribution right, we have formed certain majority-owned subsidiaries. We currently have four majority-owned subsidiaries, which are primarily engaged in developing and/or selling our engine lubricant products, stock-tracking software program, slimming products and electronic dictionaries, respectively. We may form other majority-owned subsidiaries in the future for similar purposes.

 

In these arrangements, we have typically received at least majority control of the related joint venture and exclusive distribution rights to distribute a product through the subsidiary in exchange for our agreement to market and sell the product through our multiple sales platforms, a minority equity stake and cash consideration. These majority-owned subsidiaries typically involve limited capital investment. To date, our most successful venture has been our electronic learning device-related subsidiary in which we acquired rights to the electronic learning devices and the services of Guoying Du, one of our current executive officers, and his management team. We entered into this arrangement in December 2003 and in July 2005 we acquired the remaining 49% of this company. Following this transaction, we promoted Guoying Du to head our nationwide distribution network. For a description of the acquisition, see “Related Party Transactions.”

 

Competition

 

Because of our integrated vertical business model, we face competition from the following companies operating in our value chain:

 

   

Other TV direct sales companies operating in China with generally similar business models to ours, including Pacific Media, China SevenStar and Smile TV (Chi Ma Ao);

 

   

TV home shopping companies that operate on one or two TV shopping channels in a single province such as Oriental CJ Home Shopping, GS Chongqing Home Shopping and GD Hyundai Home Shopping, as well as TVSN, which operates on multiple TV channels;

 

   

Domestic and international sellers of consumer branded products that sell their products in China. For example, our Ozing electronic learning devices compete with electronic learning devices under the BBK, e100, Noah and other brands, and our cell phone products compete with similar products sold by local and international cell phone manufacturers;

 

   

Traditional retailers and distributors, as well as direct marketers, such as Avon, operating in China which currently or in the future may offer competing products and services, including products and services under their own brand, or may otherwise offer or seek to offer small and medium manufacturers and suppliers distribution capabilities throughout China; and

 

   

Other Internet and e-commerce companies in China that offer consumer products online via an Internet platform, including eBay’s China site, Alibaba’s Tao Bao, and Dang Dang.

 

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In addition, large multi-national home shopping companies, such as QVC, may enter the China market directly or indirectly. Entry by these players becomes more likely if existing PRC restrictions on content, number of advertising hours per day and foreign ownership of TV stations are relaxed.

 

We also compete with companies that make imitations of our products at substantially lower prices, such as our Youngleda branded oxygen generating products, that are often sold in department stores, pharmacies and general merchandise stores. See “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business—We may not be able to prevent others from unauthorized use of our intellectual property, which could harm our product brand, reputation and competitive position. In addition, we may have to enforce our intellectual property rights through litigation. Such litigation may result in substantial cost and diversion of resources and management attention.”

 

We believe we compete primarily on the basis of the effectiveness of our sales and distribution channels in reaching customers and generating customer appeal for our products and services. We believe we also compete primarily on the basis of the ability to secure significant TV and other media access on a nationwide basis and to effectively manage the TV advertising time and other media resources, such as newspaper and radio advertising, that we secure. In particular we believe our TV media access and management helps us to be the largest TV direct sales operator in China in terms of revenues according to Euromonitor, and to maximize the effectiveness of our TV direct sales programs, reduce our risk of product or service failure and minimize associated costs. In addition, we believe we also compete primarily on the basis of our identification and development of product and service brands, which helps to attract new product proposals from independent third parties and product suppliers who otherwise often lack the marketing or distribution capabilities and/or resources required to effectively market and sell their products or develop their own product brands. We also compete on the basis of product quality, price, quality of our customer service, retail outlet coverage of our nationwide distribution network and speed of delivery. We believe we compete favorably on the basis of each of these factors. However, many of our current or future competitors may have longer operating histories, better brand recognition, greater levels of consumer trust, stronger media management capabilities, better media and supplier relationships, a larger technical staff and sales force and/or greater financial, technical or marketing resources than we do.

 

Intellectual Property

 

We rely on a combination of copyright, trademark and trade secret laws, patents, nondisclosure agreements and other methods to protect our intellectual property rights. We maintain approximately 30 trademark registrations and are in the process of applying for registrations or transfer for approximately 188 trademarks in China. We own four invention, utilities and packaging design patents in China pertaining to our sleeping aid products, oxygen generating devices, posture correction products and engine lubricant products.

 

The legal regime in China for the protection of intellectual property rights is still at a relatively early stage of development. Despite many laws and regulations promulgated and other efforts made by China over the years to enhance its regulation and protection of intellectual property rights, private parties may not enjoy intellectual property rights in China to the same extent as they would in many Western countries, including the United States, and enforcement of such laws and regulations in China have not achieved the levels reached in those countries. Therefore, it is difficult and expensive to police and enforce against infringement of intellectual property rights in China. Imitation or counterfeiting of our products or other infringement of our intellectual property rights, including our trademarks, could diminish the value of our various brands or otherwise adversely affect our net revenues. See “Risk Factors-Risks Relating to Our Business—We may not be able to prevent others form unauthorized use of our intellectual property, which could harm our product brand, reputation and competitive position. In addition, we may have to enforce our intellectual property rights through litigation. Such litigation may result in substantial cost and diversion of resources and management attention.” We have not made any material intellectual property claims against any third parties. However, from time to time, we may be required to enforce our intellectual property rights through litigation.

 

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Management Information System

 

Our management information system and technology infrastructure is designed to support our key operations. Full redundancy design and data backup are built into our systems. We also have an uninterruptible power supply that can provide up to four hours of power in case of power outage to allow full functioning of our call center and customer services operations during that period.

 

Our major system modules and functions, which facilitate various aspects of our business, include the following:

 

   

Call center business management system, which facilitates automatic incoming call connection to available sales representatives or customer service representatives, data collection and organization of information received through call center representatives’ caller interactions, processing of after-sales service issues and monitoring of call center representatives for training and quality assurance purposes;

 

   

Outbound call management system, which facilitates automatic outgoing dialing processes from a predetermined subgroup derived from our database and matches calls with available representatives;

 

   

Database management system, which facilitates the collection and updating of customer information;

 

   

Short message service, or SMS, system, which supports SMS product order confirmation and advertising;

 

   

TV direct sales monitoring system, which facilitates monitoring and analysis of TV direct sales programs, including timing, quality and effectiveness; and

 

   

Database backup.

 

In addition, our four warehouses are connected to a central inventory management system through virtual private network connections. Reports are generated and reconciled daily to provide management with up-to-date inventory information.

 

We believe our information technology system is one of the key tools with which we are able to identify market trends and demands early.

 

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Human Resources

 

We had 654, 1,477 and 1,768 employees as of December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively. The largest proportion of our human resources is devoted to call center operations. The salary for call center employees includes a base salary plus a variable amount based on an incentive bonus structure. The following table sets forth the number of our employees categorized by our areas of operations and as a percentage of our workforce as of December 31, 2006:

 

Operations


   Number of
employees


   Percentage
of total


 

Call center

   649    36.7 %

Inbound call center

   401    22.7  

Outbound call center

   248    14.0  

Distribution management

   324    18.3  

Manufacturing

   219    12.4  

Management and administration

   192    10.9  

Product development

   176    10.0  

Customer service

   113    6.4  

Order fulfillment

   74    4.2  

Sales and marketing (including media planning)

   21    1.2  
    
  

Total:

   1,768    100.0 %

 

From time to time, we also employ part-time employees and independent contractors to support the monitoring and analysis of our TV direct sales program broadcasting timing and quality.

 

Although we rigorously select call center employees, the turnover rate for our three call centers was approximately 32% in 2005 and 40% in 2006, reflecting both voluntary terminations and termination of employees failing to meet our performance standards.

 

Facilities

 

We are headquartered in Shanghai and have combined leased office and call center spaces in Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen of approximately 12,220 square meters in aggregate. Our leases are typically for a term from one to five years. Our four central warehousing hubs cover approximately 5,106 square meters and are subject to varying lease terms. We typically enjoy a priority right to renew our leases for our warehouses. We also utilize without cost seven local delivery companies’ warehouses located in Beijing, Hebei, Liaoning, Shanghai and Zhejiang.

 

Our manufacturing facilities in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Zhuhai occupy a total of approximately 15,800 square meters. Our manufacturing facilities in Beijing and Zhuhai are used for the production of our oxygen generating device product line. Our manufacturing facilities in Shanghai are used for the production of our posture correction and engine lubricant product lines. Our manufacturing facility in Shenzhen is used for the production of our electronic learning devices product line. As of December 31, 2006, our production capacity was 3,288 units per day for our electronic learning devices, 6,000 units per day for our posture correction products, and an aggregate of 15,000 units per day for our oxygen generating devices. In 2006, the manufacturing facilities producing our electronic learning devices products operated at or near capacity. In 2006, the daily utilization rate for the manufacturing facilities producing our posture correction products and oxygen generating devices ranged from 53% to 80% and 30% to 90%, respectively. Factors affecting utilization rates are primarily our ability to manage the production facilities and product flows efficiently. We believe that our existing facilities are adequate for our current and foreseeable future requirements. Uncertainty exists as to our right to use the land on which our manufacturing facilities are built in Beijing and Shanghai. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business—Our leases of land and manufacturing facilities in Beijing and Shanghai may not be in

 

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full compliance with PRC laws and regulations and we may be required to relocate our facilities, which may disrupt our manufacturing operations and result in decreased net revenues.”

 

Legal Proceedings

 

We may from time to time become a party to various legal or administrative proceedings arising in the ordinary course of our business. For example, on April 19, 2006, Beijing Huashi Industrial Company brought a lawsuit against us in Beijing Xicheng District People’s Court, alleging that transfers of trademarks as well as fixed and moveable assets in connection with our acquisition of our oxygen generating devices business from its subsidiary in 2000, violated PRC laws that require a valuation and approval of transferred state-owned assets to be undertaken, and such transfers should, as a consequence, be voided. We believe that a judgment will be issued in the near term. PRC litigation counsel has advised us it is possible that the transfer of the Youngleda assets could be declared void by the court. If the transfer is declared void, however, the plaintiff will need to bring a second action to seek either return of the assets or damages. We believe that (i) the return of the assets would be impractical and (ii) the amount of any damages claimed would be the difference between the actual purchase price and the value of the assets as of the date of transfer as determined by an appraisal report, which would be prepared in accordance with the relevant PRC regulations, and that such difference, if any, would not be material to our overall operations.

 

We intend to defend any action to declare the transfer void or seeking return of the assets or damages if the initial action is successful. At this time, we cannot predict or assess with any degree of certainty either the outcome of this litigation or the impact on our oxygen generating device business operations or our overall financial performance an unfavorable judgment would have on us.

 

In late May 2006, we received a written notice from the Shanghai branch of the China Securities Regulatory Commission, or CSRC, stating that (i) the CSRC Shanghai branch had received complaints from the CSRC branches in other cities claiming we were selling a software program that provides online trading recommendations and investment forecasts to investors and (ii) we may have violated PRC law because we do not have the required permit for provision of securities investment advisory services. We were required under that notice to suspend media advertisements for our software program. We do not believe that our sale of this software program involves the provision of securities investment advisory services as the program only tracks stock performance and provides technical analysis to aid investment decisions. Beginning in May 2006, we discontinued most TV advertisements for this software program. We are in communication with the CSRC Shanghai branch and are seeking its clearance to resume normal advertisements for this program.

 

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OUR CORPORATE STRUCTURE

 

Our History

 

We commenced operations in 1998 through Beijing Acorn, and in 2000, two other operating companies, Shanghai Acorn Network Co., Ltd., or Shanghai Acorn, and Shanghai Acorn Trade and Development Co., Ltd., or Shanghai Trade, were established and commenced business operations.

 

Prior to January 1, 2005, our business was operated through Beijing Acorn, Shanghai Acorn and Shanghai Trade, including their subsidiaries. Each of these three operating companies, referred to as the “combined entities”, were under common management, were operated on an integrated basis and were beneficially owned by the same shareholders and, with limited exception, in the same shareholding percentages. To enable us to raise equity capital from investors outside of China, we established a holding company structure by incorporating China DRTV in the British Virgin Islands on March 4, 2004. In 2004, China DRTV formed four PRC subsidiaries and two consolidated PRC affiliated entities. As part of a restructuring to implement an offshore holding company structure to comply with PRC laws imposing restrictions on foreign ownership in direct sales, wholesale distributor and advertising businesses, each of the combined entities, including their subsidiaries, transferred to China DRTV’s newly created consolidated subsidiaries and affiliated entities, by means of an asset transfer and liability assumption, substantially all their assets and liabilities at their net book values, except that (a) the assets and liabilities of one of the combined entities’ subsidiaries were transferred through the transfer to China DRTV of all of that subsidiary’s capital stock, and (b) after one of the three pre-restructuring operating companies, Beijing Acorn, transferred certain of its assets to two of China DRTV’s subsidiaries, its shareholders transferred their equity interests in Beijing Acorn to two PRC individuals, with Beijing Acorn becoming an additional China DRTV affiliated entity. Commencing on January 1, 2005, our business was conducted through China DRTV and its subsidiaries and three affiliated entities. Other than Beijing Acorn and the other transferred subsidiary, each of the pre-restructuring companies previously engaged in the business has been liquidated. We have determined that no change in basis in the assets transferred in connection with the restructuring is appropriate as the transfers constituted a transfer of net assets by entities under common control.

 

Shanghai Network, Shanghai Advertising, and Beijing Acorn, our three affiliated entities, are currently owned by two PRC citizens, Don Dongjie Yang, our president, and David Chenghong He, one of our executive officers. Shanghai Network is primarily engaged in our TV direct sales business throughout China except for Beijing. Shanghai Advertising is primarily engaged in the advertising business, which primarily involves purchasing our TV advertising time. Beijing Acorn is primarily engaged in our TV direct sales business in Beijing. We have entered into contractual arrangements with these three affiliated entities pursuant to which our wholly owned subsidiary, Acorn Information, provides technical support and management services to these affiliated entities. In addition, we have entered into agreements with these three affiliated entities and their shareholders, Don Dongjie Yang and David Chenghong He, providing us with the ability to effectively control each of these affiliated entities. Accordingly, we have consolidated historical financial results of these three affiliated entities in our financial statements as variable interest entities pursuant to US GAAP.

 

In the opinion of Haiwen & Partners, our PRC legal counsel, (1) the ownership structures of our directly owned subsidiaries and these affiliated entities comply with, and immediately after this offering, will comply with, current PRC laws and regulations; and (2) our contractual arrangements with these affiliated entities and their shareholders, governed by PRC law, are valid, binding and enforceable on all parties to these arrangements, and do not and will not result in violation of PRC laws or regulations currently in effect.

 

We have been advised by our PRC legal counsel, Haiwen & Partners, however, that there are substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of current and future PRC laws and regulations. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that the PRC regulatory authorities, in particular the State Administration for Industry and Commerce and the Ministry of Commerce, which regulates foreign investment in direct sales, wholesale distributions and advertising companies, will not in the future take views that are contrary to the above

 

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opinions of our PRC legal counsel. We have been further advised by our PRC legal counsel, Haiwen & Partners, that if the PRC government finds that the agreements that establish the structure for conducting our PRC direct sales and advertising businesses do not comply with PRC government restrictions on foreign investment in these types of businesses, we could be subject to severe penalties. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to the Regulation of Our Business—If the PRC government takes the view that the agreements that establish the structure for operating our TV and other direct sales, wholesale distribution and advertising business in China do not comply with PRC governmental restrictions on foreign investment in these areas, we could be subject to severe penalties.”

 

In anticipation of our initial public offering, we incorporated Acorn International in the Cayman Islands on December 20, 2005 as our listing vehicle. Acorn International became our ultimate holding company when it issued shares to the existing shareholders of China DRTV on March 31, 2006 in exchange for all of the shares that these shareholders held in China DRTV.

 

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Corporate Ownership Structure

 

The following diagram illustrates our current corporate structure and the place of formation and affiliation of each of our subsidiaries and the three affiliated entities as of the date of this prospectus (1) :

 

LOGO


(1) For risks related to our current corporate structure, see “Risk Factors — Risks Related to the Regulation of Our Business.”

 

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(2) Agreements that provide us with effective control over Shanghai Acorn Network Technology Development Co., Ltd., Beijing Acorn Trade Co., Ltd. and Shanghai Acorn Advertising Broadcasting Co., Ltd. include equity pledge agreements, irrevocable powers of attorney, a loan agreement, operation and management agreements and exclusive purchase agreements as described below.

 

(3) The economic benefits of Shanghai Acorn Network Technology Development Co., Ltd., Beijing Acorn Trade Co., Ltd. and Shanghai Acorn Advertising Broadcasting Co., Ltd. accrue to Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. pursuant to certain technical service agreements as described below.

 

Material Operating Entities

 

The Ministry of Commerce, or MOFCOM, reviews the application and issues the requisite approval for business operations by foreign entities. Our direct sales and wholesale distribution business is considered commercial trading and until 2004, foreign investment in commercial trading was highly restricted by PRC regulations. By December 2004, MOFCOM had significantly reduced these restrictions. Nevertheless, to directly operate our direct sales and wholesale distribution business, we still need to obtain MOFCOM’s approval. We have submitted applications for establishment of a commercial trading subsidiary and our acquisition of one of our affiliated entities. However, to date, neither application has been approved. Therefore our direct sales and wholesale distribution businesses are currently conducted by our consolidated affiliated entities, Shanghai Network Technology and Beijing Acorn, which hold the necessary licenses to conduct our direct sales and wholesale distribution businesses, through the contractual arrangement between Acorn Information, our wholly owned subsidiary in China, and these two consolidated affiliated entities.

 

Our direct sales and wholesale distribution business, and our advertising operations in support of our direct sales and wholesale distribution business, are regulated by the State Administration of Industry and Commerce, or SAIC. We do not qualify under PRC regulations to invest directly in the advertising business. These regulations require, among other things, a minimum number of years of experience operating an advertising businesses outside of China and we have not operated any advertising business outside of China. Accordingly, all of our advertising business operations, which include design, production and publication of TV and other advertising, are conducted by Shanghai Advertising, which holds the necessary license to conduct our advertising operations, through its contractual arrangement with Acorn Information, our wholly owned subsidiary in China.

 

In addition, Shanghai HJX, Acorn International Electronic Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Beijing Acorn Youngleda Oxygen Generating Co., Ltd., or Beijing Youngleda, and Zhuhai Acorn Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. manufacture and distribute through our nationwide distribution network most of our electronic learning devices, posture correction products and oxygen generating devices, respectively, and each provides technical support and after-sales services for such products. The direct sales of our consumer electronics products and other health and wellness products are primarily conducted through Shanghai Network and Beijing Acorn.

 

Contractual Arrangements with the Consolidated Affiliated Entities and their Shareholders

 

Our relationships with the three affiliated entities and their shareholders are governed by a series of contractual arrangements. Under PRC law, each of the three affiliated entities is an independent legal person and none of them is exposed to liabilities incurred by the other party. Other than pursuant to the contractual arrangements between our wholly owned subsidiary, Acorn Information, and these three affiliated entities, these three affiliated entities do not transfer any other funds generated from their operations to us. These contractual arrangements are as set forth below.

 

Each of our contractual arrangements with these three affiliated entities and their shareholders, can only be amended with the approval of our audit committee or another independent body of our board of directors. See “Related Party Transactions” for further information on our contractual arrangements with these parties.

 

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Agreements that Provide Effective Control and an Option to Acquire Shanghai Network, Acorn Trade and Shanghai Advertising

 

These agreements provide us with effective control over these three affiliated entities and their shareholders, Don Dongjie Yang, our president and one of our directors, and David Chenghong He, one of our executive officers. They include irrevocable powers of attorney, a loan agreement, equity pledge agreements, and operation and management agreements. Under the exclusive purchase agreements, we also have exclusive options to purchase the equity interests of the affiliated entities.

 

   

Irrevocable Powers of Attorney.     Under irrevocable powers of attorney, each of the two shareholders of Shanghai Network, Beijing Acorn and Shanghai Advertising, Don Dongjie Yang and David Chenghong He, has granted to designees of Acorn Information, James Yujun Hu, our chief executive officer, and Guoying Du, one of our executive officers, the power to exercise all voting rights of such shareholder in the shareholders’ meetings, including but not limited to the power to determine the sale or transfer of all or part of such shareholder’s equity interest in, and appoint the directors of, Shanghai Network, Beijing Acorn and Shanghai Advertising. These irrevocable powers of attorney have terms of 10 years and will automatically renew for another ten years unless terminated by Acorn Information in writing three months prior to their expiry.

 

   

Loan Agreement .    Under the loan agreement among Acorn Information and the shareholders of these three affiliated entities, Don Dongjie Yang and David Chenghong He, Acorn Information made an interest-free loan to Don Dongjie Yang and David Chenghong He in an aggregate amount of $20.8 million and agreed to make additional interest-free loans not exceeding approximately $3.9 million to Don Dongjie Yang and David Chenghong He. The loan is to be used primarily for capital investments by the shareholders in Shanghai Network, Beijing Acorn and Shanghai Advertising. The loan can only be repaid by the shareholders’ transfer of their interests in Shanghai Network, Beijing Acorn and Shanghai Advertising to Acorn Information or its designee when permissible under PRC law. The initial term of the loan is ten years and will automatically be renewed for another ten years absent a written termination notice from Acorn Information.

 

   

Operation and Management Agreements.     Under the operation and management agreements among Acorn Information, the two shareholders, and each of the three affiliated entities, each of the three affiliate entities have agreed that Acorn Information will provide guidance and instructions on daily operations and financial affairs of each of these three affiliated entities. The agreements also state that each of the directors, general managers and other senior management personnel of these three affiliated entities will be appointed as nominated by Acorn Information. Acorn Information has the authority to exercise the voting rights on behalf of the two shareholders at the shareholder meetings of the three affiliated entities. Acorn Information has agreed to provide security for contracts, agreements or other transactions entered into by these three affiliated entities with third parties, provided that these three affiliated entities shall provide counter-security for Acorn Information using their accounts receivable or assets. In addition, each of these three affiliated entities agreed not to enter into any transaction that could materially affect its respective assets, obligations, rights or operations without prior written consent from Acorn Information. The terms of these agreements are ten years and will automatically renew for another ten years absent a written termination notice by Acorn Information.

 

   

Equity Pledge Agreements.     Under the equity pledge agreements among Acorn Information and the two shareholders of the three affiliated entities, each of Don Dongjie Yang and David Chenghong He has pledged all of his equity interests in Shanghai Network, Beijing Acorn and Shanghai Advertising to Acorn Information to guarantee the performance of the three affiliated entities under the operation and management agreements and the exclusive technical services agreements as described below, as well as their personal obligations under the loan agreements. Each of the shareholders also agrees not to transfer, assign or, pledge his interests in any of these three affiliated entities without the prior

 

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written consent of Acorn Information. If any of these three affiliated entities or either of the two shareholders breaches its respective contractual obligations thereunder, Acorn Information, as pledgee, will be entitled to certain rights, including but not limited to the right to sell the pledged equity interests. The terms of these agreements are ten years and will automatically renew for another ten years absent written termination notice by Acorn Information three months prior to their expiry.

 

   

Exclusive Purchase Agreements.     Pursuant to the exclusive purchase agreements among Acorn Information and each of Shanghai Network, Beijing Acorn and Shanghai Advertising and their shareholders, Don Dongjie Yang and David Chenghong He, each of the two shareholders has irrevocably granted Acorn Information or its designee an exclusive option to purchase at any time if and when permitted under PRC law, all or any portion of their equity interests in Shanghai Network, Beijing Acorn and Shanghai Advertising for a price that is the minimum amount permitted by PRC law. The terms of these agreements are ten years and will automatically renew for another ten years absent a written termination notice by Acorn Information three months prior to their expiry.

 

Technical Services Agreements that Transfer Economic Benefits from Shanghai Network, Beijing Acorn and Shanghai Advertising to Us

 

Acorn Information has entered into a technical service agreement with each of the three affiliated entities to transfer economic interests in these three entities to us. Pursuant to the technical service agreements, Acorn Information is the exclusive provider of technical support and consulting services to the three affiliated entities in exchange for service fees. Under these agreements, each of the three affiliated entities may not, among other things, dispose of its assets, dissolve, liquidate, merge with any third parties, provide security to any third parties, distribute dividends, engage in transactions with any of its affiliates, make external investment or conduct any business outside of the ordinary course of their respective businesses without the prior consent of Acorn Information. The term of these agreements is ten years and will automatically renew for another ten years unless terminated by Acorn Information.

 

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MANAGEMENT

 

Directors and Executive Officers

 

The following table sets forth certain information relating to our directors and executive officers upon closing of this offering. The business address of each of our directors and executive officers is 12/F, Xinyin Building, 888 Yishan Road, Shanghai 200233, People’s Republic of China.

 

Name


  

Age


  

Position/ Title


  

Date of Appointment of Directors


James Yujun Hu

   43    Chairman of the board of directors, chief executive officer    December 20, 2005

Don Dongjie Yang

   39    Director, president    March 31, 2006

Guoying Du

   33    Director, vice president    July 6, 2006

Robert W. Roche

   44    Director    March 31, 2006

Andrew Y. Yan

   49    Director    December 4, 2006

Denny Lee

   39    Independent director*     

Shujun Li

   35    Independent director*     

Ying Wu

   47    Independent director*     

Joe Zhixiong Zhou

   45    Independent director*     

Gordon Xiaogang Wang

   43    Vice president, chief financial officer     

David Chenghong He

   42    Vice president     

Ella Man Lin

   35    Vice president     

Kevin Guohui Hu

   43    Vice president     

*   Appointment effective upon completion of this offering.

 

James Yujun Hu is chairman of the board of directors and chief executive officer of our company. Mr. Hu has been our chief executive officer since he joined us in 1999. Prior to joining us, Mr. Hu worked at HACI Group Co., Ltd. from 1998 to 1999 as general manager. From 1996 to 1998, Mr. Hu served as the executive vice president at TVS, one of China’s first TV home shopping companies. During his three years of employment with TVS, Mr. Hu established China’s first nationwide TV home shopping network. Mr. Hu also worked at Guangzhou Broadcasting Equipment Company as chief economist from 1987 to 1996. Mr. Hu received a bachelor’s degree in Microwave Engineering and a master’s degree in Business Administration from Xidian University.

 

Don Dongjie Yang is a co-founder, a director and the president of our company. Mr. Yang was our chief executive officer and president before James Yujun Hu joined us and is currently responsible for our call center operations and development of new business opportunities. Prior to founding our company in 1998, Mr. Yang was a partner of J&J Partners from 1996 to 1997. He also acted as general manager of Bei Shang Printing Co., Ltd. from 1993 to 1995. Mr. Yang studied Law at Peking University from 1986 to 1989.

 

Guoying Du is a director and vice president of our company. He is currently responsible for our nationwide distribution business. Prior to his appointment as vice president in 2005, Mr. Du was the general manager in Shanghai HJX, one of our subsidiaries, starting in 2004. Mr. Du served as general manager of Beijing BABAKA Technology Development Co., Ltd. from 1997 to 2004. During the period from 1995 to 1997, Mr. Du worked with Huasheng Industrial Trading Co., Ltd. as a manager. Mr. Du graduated from Henan Normal University in 1994 majoring in Chinese Literature.

 

Robert W. Roche is a co-founder and director of our company. He is also the co-founder and president of Oak Lawn Marketing, Inc., a Japan-based company that engages in the TV home shopping business. Mr. Roche is a founding member of the American Business Community of Nagoya. He is also the first governor from Chubu of the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan. Mr. Roche received his bachelor’s degree in Economics and Japanese Studies from Illinois State University in 1985 and a J.D. degree from the University of Denver in 1988.

 

Andrew Y. Yan is a director of our company. He is the managing partner of SAIF Partners III and SB Asia Investment Fund II L.P. and president of Softbank Asia Infrastructure Fund. Before joining Softbank Asia Infrastructure Fund in 2001, Mr. Yan was a managing director and the head of the Hong Kong office of

 

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Emerging Markets Partnership. From 1993 to 1994, he was the director responsible for strategic planning and business development for the Asia Pacific region at Sprint International Corporation. Mr. Yan has also worked as research fellow at the Hudson Institute in Washington, D.C., the World Bank and the State Commission for Economic Restructuring of the State Council of the PRC. Mr. Yan was elected as “Venture Capitalist of the Year” in 2004 and “Top-Ten Venture Investors in 2005” by China Venture Capital Association. He is currently an independent director of two Hong Kong listed companies, China Oilfield Services Limited and Stone Group Holdings Limited. Mr. Yan received a master of arts degree from Princeton University and a master of arts degree from Peking University as well as a bachelor’s degree in Engineering from the Nanjing Aeronautic Institute.

 

Denny Lee is an independent director of our company. Mr. Lee has been the chief financial officer and a director of Netease.com, Inc. since 2002. Previously, he was Netease’s Financial Controller from November 2001 until that time. Prior to joining Netease, Mr. Lee worked in the Hong Kong office of KPMG for more than ten years, culminating in the position of Senior Manager in one of the audit departments where he specialized in auditing international clients. During his employment with KPMG, he also worked with a number of Chinese companies with respect to accounting and other aspects of their initial public offerings on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. He also performed due diligence work in relation to potential investments in Chinese companies and financial and operational reviews of Chinese companies in connection with proposed investments in such companies by foreign investors. Mr. Lee graduated from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University majoring in Accounting and is a member of the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants.

 

Shujun Li is an independent director of our company. Mr. Li is currently a director of TB Management Ltd. Before that, he served as Shanda Interactive Entertainment Limited’s chief financial officer since November 2003 and vice president since July 2003. Mr. Li previously served as Shanda’s director of investment and overseas business from March 2002 to July 2003. Prior to joining Shanda, Mr. Li served as a fund manager responsible for the establishment of Zhongrong Fund Management Company from January 2001 to October 2001 and a senior manager at the international business department of China Southern Securities Co., Ltd. from August 1997 to December 2000. Mr. Li holds a master’s degree in Economics from Nankai University and a bachelor’s degree in English from Hebei Normal University.

 

Ying Wu is an independent director of our company. Mr. Wu has served as UTStarcom, Inc.’s executive vice president and vice chairman of the board since October 1995. Mr. Wu has also served as the president and chief executive officer of one of UTStarcom’s subsidiaries since October 1995. Mr. Wu was a co-founder of, and from February 1991 to September 1995 served as senior vice president of, StarCom Network Systems, Inc., a company that marketed and distributed third party telecommunications equipment. In September 1995, StarCom Network Systems merged with Unitech Telecom to form UTStarcom. From 1988 to 1991, Mr. Wu served as a member of the technical staff of Bellcore Laboratories. From 1987 through 1988, Mr. Wu served as a consultant at AT&T Bell Laboratories. Mr. Wu also serves as a director of AsiaInfo Holdings, Inc. He holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Beijing Industrial University and an M.S. in Electrical Engineering from the New Jersey Institute of Technology.

 

Joe Zhixiong Zhou is an independent director of our company. He was a partner with SAIF Partners, managing SB Asia Infrastructure Fund and SB Asia Investment Fund II L.P. Mr. Zhou worked in Softbank China Venture Capital From 2000 to 2001 as head of its Beijing office. From 1995 to 1999, Mr. Zhou was a vice president in UTStarcom (China) Co, Ltd, a Softbank investment in China. Prior to 1995, Mr. Zhou worked in Lepton Inc as a project manager and in AI&I Bell Laboratories as a technical consultant. Mr. Zhou received a bachelor’s degree in Semiconductors from Beijing Polytechnic University in 1982 and received a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the New Jersey Institute of Technology in 1990.

 

Gordon Xiaogang Wang joined us in 2005 as chief financial officer of our company. Mr. Wang has over 12 years of experience in corporate finance and strategic business development. Prior to joining us, Mr. Wang served as chief financial officer and executive vice president in Chaoda Modern Agriculture Limited starting in 2003. Mr. Wang also served as director of investor relations at Legend Group Limited from 2002 to 2003. Prior to that, Mr. Wang held positions in various organizations, including JingTai Securities (Hong Kong),

 

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MeetChina.com, Schroders Asia Limited and Morgan Stanley Asia Limited. Mr. Wang received a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Tianjin University in 1985, a master’s degree in Computer Aided Engineering from Rutgers University in 1989 and an MBA degree from the University of Chicago in 1994.

 

David Chenghong He is a vice president of our company. Mr. He has been our vice president in charge of financial management since he joined us in 2000 and is currently responsible for the management of our financial systems, logistics and payment systems. Prior to joining us, Mr. He served as the vice president in charge of finance at TVS, one of the China’s first TV home shopping companies. From 1987 to 1997, Mr. He worked at China Huajing Electronic Co., Ltd. as manager of the finance department. Mr. He received a bachelor’s degree in Information Engineering and a master’s degree in Business Administration from Xidian University. He is also a registered public accountant in Canada.

 

Ella Man Lin is a vice president of our company. Ms. Lin joined us in 2000 and has been responsible for our product development, supplier management and human resources management since that time. Prior to joining us, she served as the manager of the human resources department at TVS, one of China’s first TV home shopping companies. From 1994 to 1996, Ms. Lin headed Guangzhou Broadcasting Equipment Company TV sales in Sichuan province. Ms. Lin received a bachelor’s degree in Applied Electronics from Chengdu University of Electronic Science & Technology in 1994 and an EMBA from Hong Kong University of Science and Technology in 2006.

 

Kevin Guohui Hu is a vice president of our company. Mr. Hu was the general manager of our media department before his promotion to vice president in 2005. He is currently responsible for our media purchasing, planning and management. Prior to joining us in 2000, Mr. Hu served as the general manager in charge of media and assistant president at TVS, one of China’s first TV home shopping companies. Mr. Hu’s prior working experience includes employment with Unrise Department Co., Ltd. from 1995 to 1996, Hengyang Steel Tube Company from 1989 to 1995 and Oxygen Company of Panzhihua Steel Group from 1983 to 1989. Mr. Hu received a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Central South University in 1983.

 

Duties of Directors

 

Under Cayman Islands law, our directors have a duty of loyalty to act honestly in good faith with a view to our best interests. Our directors also have a duty to exercise the care, diligence and skills that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in comparable circumstances. In fulfilling their duty of care to us, our directors must ensure compliance with our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association. A company has the right to seek damages if a duty owed by our directors is breached.

 

The functions and powers of our board of directors include, among others:

 

   

convening shareholders’ meetings and reporting its work to shareholders at such meetings;

 

   

implementing shareholders’ resolutions;

 

   

determining our business plans and investment proposals;

 

   

formulating our profit distribution plans and loss recovery plans;

 

   

determining our debt and finance policies and proposals for the increase or decrease in our registered capital and the issuance of debentures;

 

   

formulating our major acquisition and disposition plans, and plans for merger, division or dissolution;

 

   

proposing amendments to our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association; and

 

   

exercising any other powers conferred by the shareholders’ meetings or under our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association.

 

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Terms of Directors and Executive Officers

 

We currently have five directors, three of whom began serving as directors of our holding company starting in March 2006, with James Yujun Hu and Guoying Du commencing their term in December 2005 and July 2006, respectively, and Andrew Y. Yan being re-appointed in December 2006. We will have nine directors on the board upon the closing of this offering. According to the Investors’ Rights Agreement, dated March 31, 2006, the holders of the Series A convertible redeemable preferred shares and the Series A-1 convertible redeemable preferred shares have the right to elect two directors and holders of outstanding common shares, subject to certain requirements, have the right to elect four directors. These rights will, however, terminate upon the closing of this offering. There are no shareholder arrangements that will apply once we become a public company except for the arrangement described in “Description of Share Capital—Voting Arrangements.” Upon the closing of this offering, we will have a staggered board, which means our directors, excluding our chief executive officer, are divided into three classes, with a portion of our board, excluding our chief executive officer, standing for election every year. Our chief executive officer will have the right to remain a director so long as he remains as the chief executive officer. See “Description of Share Capital—Board of Directors.”

 

All of our officers are appointed by and serve at the discretion of our board of directors and are elected by and may be removed by a majority vote of our board.

 

Board Committees

 

Our board of directors has established an audit committee, a compensation committee and a nominations committee.

 

Audit Committee

 

Our audit committee will consist of Denny Lee, Shujun Li and Joe Zhixiong Zhou. Denny Lee is the chairman of our audit committee and is a director with accounting and financial management expertise as required by the New York Stock Exchange corporate governance rules, or the NYSE Rules. Each member of our audit committee satisfies the “independence” requirements of the NYSE Rules and meet the criteria for independence set forth in Section 10A(m)(3) of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or the Exchange Act.

 

The audit committee will oversee our accounting and financial reporting processes and the audits of the financial statements of our company. Our audit committee will be responsible for, among other things:

 

   

selecting the independent auditor and pre-approving auditing and non-auditing services permitted to be performed by the independent auditor;

 

   

at least annually, obtaining and reviewing the independent auditor’s report describing its internal quality-control procedures, any material issues raised by the most recent internal quality control review, or peer review, of the independent auditors and all relationships between the independent auditors and our company;

 

   

setting clear hiring policies for employees or former employees of the independent auditors;

 

   

reviewing with the independent auditors any audit problems or difficulties the independent auditor may have encountered in the course of its work, and management’s response;

 

   

reviewing and approving all proposed related party transactions, as defined in Item 404 of Regulation S-K under the U.S. securities laws;

 

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reviewing and discussing the annual audited financial statements with management and the independent auditors;

 

   

reviewing and discussing with management and the independent auditors major issues regarding accounting principles and financial statement presentations;

 

   

reviewing reports prepared by management or the independent auditors relating to significant financial reporting issues and judgments made in connection with the preparation of our financial statements;

 

   

reviewing with management and the independent auditors the effect of regulatory and accounting initiatives, as well as off-balance sheet structures, on our financial statements;

 

   

discussing policies with respect to risk assessment and risk management;

 

   

reviewing major issues as to the adequacy of our internal controls and any special audit steps adopted in light of material control deficiencies;

 

   

obtaining and reviewing timely reports from the independent auditor regarding all critical accounting policies and practices to be used by our company, all alternative treatments of financial information within US GAAP that have been discussed with management and all other material written communications between the independent auditor and management;

 

   

establishing procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received from our employees regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters and the confidential, anonymous submission by our employees of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters;

 

   

reviewing and reassessing the adequacy of our audit committee charter at least annually and recommending any changes to our board of directors;

 

   

meeting separately, periodically, with management, the internal auditors and the independent auditors;

 

   

reporting regularly to the full board of directors; and

 

   

exercising such other powers and performing such other duties as may from time to time be delegated to the audit committee by our board of directors.

 

Compensation Committee

 

Our current compensation committee will consist of Shujun Li, Joe Zhixiong Zhou and Andrew Y. Yan. Shujun Li is the chairman of our compensation committee. Each member of our compensation committee satisfies the “independence” requirements of the NYSE Rules.

 

Our compensation committee will be responsible for, among other things:

 

   

reviewing and approving corporate goals and objectives relevant to the compensation of our chief executive officer, evaluating the performance of our chief executive officer in light of those goals and objectives, reporting the results of such evaluation to our board of directors, and determining (either as a committee or with our board of directors) our chief executive officer’s compensation level based on this evaluation;

 

   

at least annually, reviewing and approving all compensation arrangements with our chief executive officer and our other senior executive officers;

 

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reviewing and making recommendations to our board of directors with respect to our compensation for executive officers other than our chief executive officer, incentive-compensation plans and equity-based plans, and overseeing the administration of these plans; and

 

   

periodically reviewing the compensation of our directors and making recommendations to our board of directors with respect thereto.

 

Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee

 

Our corporate governance and nominating committee will consist of Ying Wu, Robert W. Roche and James Yujun Hu. Ying Wu is the chairman of our nominating committee. Two of the three members of our corporate governance and nominating committee, Ying Wu and Robert W. Roche, satisfy the “independence” requirements of the NYSE Rules.

 

Our corporate governance and nominating committee will be responsible for, among other things:

 

   

identifying and recommending to our board of directors candidates for election or re-election to the board of directors, or for appointment to fill any vacancy;

 

   

identifying and recommending directors to fill vacancies on any committee of the board of directors; and

 

   

overseeing our system of corporate governance, including developing and recommending to our board of directors a set of corporate governance guidelines, reviewing and reassessing the adequacy of the guidelines at least annually, and recommending to our board of directors for approval any such changes to the guidelines as the committee believes are appropriate.

 

Corporate Governance

 

Our board of directors has adopted a code of ethics, which is applicable to our senior executive and financial officers. In addition, our board of directors has adopted a code of conduct, which is applicable to all of our directors, officers and employees. We will make our code of ethics and our code of conduct publicly available on our website.

 

In addition, our board of directors has adopted a set of corporate governance guidelines. The guidelines reflect certain guiding principles with respect to our board’s structure, procedures and committees. The guidelines are not intended to change or interpret any law, or our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association.

 

Remuneration and Borrowing

 

The directors may determine remuneration to be paid to the directors. The compensation committee will assist the directors in reviewing and approving the compensation structure for the directors. The directors may exercise all the powers of the company to borrow money and to mortgage or charge its undertaking, property and uncalled capital, and to issue debentures or other securities whether outright or as security for any debt obligations of our company or of any third party.

 

Qualification

 

There is no shareholding qualification for directors.

 

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Employment Agreements

 

We have entered into employment agreements with each of our executive officers. We may terminate their employment for cause at any time, without notice or remuneration, for certain acts including but not limited to acts of personal dishonesty in connection with an executive officer’s employment by us which are intended to result in the executive officer’s substantial personal enrichment or reasonably likely to materially harm us, any conviction of a crime which our board of directors reasonably believes has had or will have a material detrimental effect on our reputation or business, willful misconduct that is materially injurious to us, or continued violations of an executive officer’s obligations to us after we have delivered a written demand for compliance. An executive officer may terminate employment upon a material reduction of or removal from his or her duties, position or responsibilities without the executive officer’s express written consent, a material reduction of the executive officer’s compensation or benefits, a material reduction of the facilities and perquisites available to the executive officer without express prior written consent, or the relocation of the executive officer to a facility or location more than 50 miles from his or her current location without his or her express prior written consent, but in each case only if we fail to cure these issues within a reasonable time. Upon the occurrence of any of these events, the departing executive officer will be entitled to receive a severance payment equal to one year of his or her annualized base salary. An executive officer may also terminate his or her employment for other reasons or no reason at all after providing prior written notice of at least 30 days, in which case the departing executive officer will not be entitled to receive any severance payments. We may terminate the employment of any of our executive officers without cause by giving him or her a prior written notice of at least 30 days. In the case of termination without cause, the executive officer will be entitled to a severance payment in an amount equal to one year of his or her annualized base salary.

 

Each executive officer has agreed to hold, both during and after his or her employment agreement expires or is terminated, in strict confidence and not to use, except for our benefit (including our affiliated entities and our subsidiaries), any proprietary or confidential information, including technical data and trade secrets of our company or the confidential information of any third party, including our affiliated entities and our subsidiaries, that we receive. Each executive officer has also agreed to disclose to us and hold in trust for us all of the inventions, ideas, designs and trade secrets conceived of by him or her during the period that he or she is employed by us, and to assign all of his or her interests in them to us. In addition, each executive officer has agreed that, while employed by us and for a period of two years after termination of his or her employment, he or she will not:

 

   

serve, invest or assist in any business that competes with any significant aspect of our business or our affiliated entities’ business; or

 

   

solicit, induce, recruit or encourage any person to terminate his or her employment or consulting relationship with us or our affiliated entities.

 

Compensation of Directors and Executive Officers

 

In 2006, the aggregate cash compensation to our executive officers, including all the directors, was approximately $1.6 million. For information regarding options granted to officers and directors, see “—Equity Incentive Plans.” We do not pay or set aside any amounts for pensions, retirement or other benefits for our officers and directors.

 

Equity Incentive Plans

 

The board of directors of China DRTV adopted a 2005 Equity Incentive Plan, or the 2005 Plan, on March 18, 2005. On June 30, 2005, the board of China DRTV approved a 2005 Equity Incentive Plan B, or the 2005 Plan B, in connection with China DRTV’s acquisition of the 49% minority interest of Shanghai HJX not already owned by China DRTV at that time. Acorn International assumed all of the options that had been granted under the 2005 Plan and the 2005 Plan B on March 31, 2006 in connection with its acquisition of all of the outstanding

 

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shares of China DRTV in exchange for the issuance of shares by Acorn International to the shareholders of China DRTV. The board of directors of China DRTV terminated the 2005 Plan and the 2005 Plan B after the assumption by Acorn International of all of the options that had been granted under the 2005 Plan and the 2005 Plan B. Our 2006 Equity Incentive Plan, or the 2006 Plan, was adopted by the board of directors of Acorn International on May 1, 2006.

 

All of our incentive plans are intended to promote our success and to increase shareholder value by providing an additional means to attract, motivate, retain and reward selected directors, officers, employees and other eligible persons.

 

Each of our incentive plans permits us to issue options to purchase our ordinary shares and to issue stock appreciation rights, or SARs, which entitle the SAR holder to acquire the benefit of any appreciation in the value of the underlying ordinary shares. Options and SARs granted under our incentive plans generally do not vest unless the grantee remains under our employment or in service with us on the given vesting date. However, in circumstances where there is a death or disability of the grantee, or a change in the control of our company, the vesting will be accelerated to permit immediate exercise of all options and SARs granted to a grantee. In addition, the vesting of options and SARs held by a director who is appointed by the holders of our preferred shares who terminates his service will be accelerated to permit immediate exercise of all options and SARs granted to such director upon termination of that director’s service with us.

 

Generally, to the extent an outstanding option or SAR initially granted under the 2005 Plan, the 2005 Plan B and the 2006 Plan has not been vested by the date when the grantee’s employment or service with us terminates, the option or SAR will terminate and become unexercisable, except for directors appointed by the holders of our preferred shares.

 

Initially, the number of ordinary shares reserved under the 2005 Plan was 7,250,000. Upon attainment of certain financial benchmarks meant to measure business performance, which were set forth in our share subscription agreement with SB Asia Investment Fund II L.P. and other parties thereto, we approved the amendment of the 2005 Plan on November 4, 2005 to increase the number of ordinary shares reserved under the 2005 Plan by 1,350,000. As a result, an aggregate of 8,600,000 ordinary shares were reserved under the 2005 Plan. Under the 2005 Plan, we granted:

 

   

Options to purchase 6,663,964 ordinary shares to certain of our directors, officers and employees in March 2005, subject to vesting requirements. Each of these options has an exercise price of $1.58 per share. 25% of these options became vested on the grant date March 18, 2005 and, except as described below, the remaining 75% of these options will be vested in 36 equal monthly installments.

 

   

Options to purchase 371,945 ordinary shares to one of our officers and one of our employees in September 2005, subject to vesting requirements. Each of these options has an exercise price of $1.66 per share. 25% of these options became vested on the grant date September 1, 2005 and the remaining 75% of these options will be vested in 36 equal monthly installments.

 

   

Options to purchase 1,350,000 ordinary shares to our directors, officers and employees in November 2005. At the time of the grant, each of these options had an exercise price of $5.00 per share. All the 1,350,000 options became vested immediately upon grant on November 4, 2005.

 

An aggregate of 815,366 ordinary shares were reserved under the 2005 Plan B. On August 20, 2005, we granted options to purchase a total of 667,117 ordinary shares under the 2005 Plan B to certain officers and employees, subject to vesting requirements. Each of these options has an exercise price of $1.66 per share. 25% of these options became vested on the grant date August 20, 2005 and the remaining 75% of these options will be vested in 36 equal monthly installments.

 

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An aggregate of 24,133,000 ordinary shares were reserved under the 2006 Plan, of which 9,053,026 are subject to issuance upon exercise of the options originally granted under the 2005 Plan and the 2005 Plan B and assumed by Acorn International. In May 2006 we newly granted under the 2006 Plan:

 

   

SARs with respect to 3,260,000 of our ordinary shares to certain directors, officers, employees and consultants, or A-type SARs, subject to vesting requirements. At the time of grant, each of these A-type SARs had an exercise price of $7.00 per ordinary share. 25% of these grants of A-type SARs became vested on the grant date May 1, 2006 and the remaining 75% of the A-type SARs will be vested in 36 equal monthly installments from May 1, 2006.

 

   

SARs with respect to 1,580,000 ordinary shares to certain directors, officers, employees and consultants, or B-type SARs, subject to vesting requirements. Each of these B-type SARs had an exercise price of $7.00 per ordinary share. In addition to the requirement that the grantee remains under our employment or in service with us on the given vesting date, the vesting of each B-type SARs is subject to our satisfaction of a certain performance target. If this target is met, then 25% of these grants of B-type SARs will become vested on May 1, 2007 and the remaining 75% of the B-type SARs will be vested in 36 equal monthly installments from May 1, 2007.

 

   

SARs with respect to 1,580,000 ordinary shares to certain directors, officers, employees and consultants, or C-type SARs, subject to vesting requirements. Each of these C-type SARs had an exercise price of $7.00 per ordinary share. In addition to the requirement that the grantee remains under our employment or in service with us on the given vesting date, the vesting of each C-type SARs is subject to our satisfaction of a certain performance target. If this target is met, then 25% of these grants of C-type SARs will become vested on May 1, 2008 and the remaining 75% of the C-type SARs will be vested in 36 equal monthly installments from May 1, 2008.

 

On July 6, 2006, we granted under the 2006 Plan A-type SARs with respect to 370,000 of our ordinary shares to certain directors, officers, employees and consultants. At the time of grant, each of these A-type SARs had an exercise price of $7.00 per ordinary share. SARs with respect to 257,500 shares became fully vested immediately at the time of grant with the remaining SARs to be vested in 36 equal monthly installments starting July 6, 2006.

 

On September 27, 2006, we modified the exercise price of options granted on November 4, 2005 from $5.00 per ordinary share to $3.00 per ordinary share, and A-type SARs granted on May 1, 2006 and July 6, 2006 from $7.00 per ordinary share to $3.50 per ordinary share. On the same date, we granted additional A-type SARs with respect to 2,076,100 of our ordinary shares to certain directors, officers, employees and consultants under the 2006 Plan. Each of these A-type SARs has an exercise price of $3.50 per ordinary share. 25% of these grants of A-type SARs became vested on the date that they were granted and the remaining 75% of the A-type SARs will be vested in 36 equal monthly installments beginning on that date.

 

On April 3, 2007, we granted under the 2006 Plan A-type SARs with respect to 1,030,000 of our ordinary shares and SARs with respect to 750,000 of our ordinary shares, the vesting of which is subject to our satisfaction of a certain performance target, or D-type SARs, to certain directors, officers and employees. Each of these SARs has an exercise price equivalent to the mid-point of the initial estimated range of the initial public offering price per share. Of the 1,030,000 A-type SARs, SARs with respect to 257,500 shares became fully vested immediately at the time of grant and 772,500 will vest in 36 equal monthly installments starting on April 3, 2007.

 

Each of the above SARs will be settled upon exercise solely in Acorn ordinary shares. Upon exercise, a holder of an SAR will receive ordinary shares having a market price, on the date of exercise, equal to the excess of the fair market value of our ordinary shares on the date of exercise over the base price of the applicable SAR.

 

All options awarded to Joe Zhixiong Zhou and Andrew Y. Yan have been accelerated and are no longer subject to vesting.

 

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Because we did not meet the agreed performance target for the vesting of B-type SARs, all of the B-type SARs that we issued have been forfeited.

 

Our board of directors may amend, alter, suspend, or terminate the 2006 Plan at any time, provided, however, that our board of directors must first seek the approval of the participants of the 2006 Plan if such amendment, alteration, suspension or termination would adversely affect the rights of participants under any option granted prior to that date. Without further action by our board of directors, the 2006 Plan will terminate on April 30, 2016.

 

The table below sets forth, as of April 3, 2007, the option and SAR grants made to our directors and executive officers, under the 2006 Plan (including options covered under this plan of prior year grants):

 

Name


   Ordinary Shares
Underlying Outstanding
Option/SARs


   

Exercise
Price

($/Share)


  

Grant Date


  

Expiration Date


James Yujun Hu

   1,700,000     1.58    March 18, 2005    March 18, 2015
     280,000     3.00    November 4, 2005    November 4, 2015
     480,000     3.50    May 1, 2006    May 1, 2012
     500,000 (1) (11)   7.00    May 1, 2006    May 1, 2012
     250,000     3.50    September 27, 2006    September 27, 2012
     425,000 (12)        April 3, 2007    April 3, 2013

Don Dongjie Yang

   1,320,000     1.58    March 18, 2005    March 18, 2015
     180,000     3.00    November 4, 2005    November 4, 2015
     280,000     3.50    May 1, 2006    May 1, 2012
     300,000 (2) (11)   7.00    May 1, 2006    May 1, 2012
     146,000     3.50    September 27, 2006    September 27, 2012
     285,000 (13)        April 3, 2007    April 3, 2013

Guoying Du

   150,000     1.58    March 18, 2005    March 18, 2015
     323,117     1.66    August 20, 2005    August 19, 2015
     90,000     3.00    November 4, 2005    November 4, 2015
     200,000     3.50    May 1, 2006    May 1, 2012
     200,000 (3) (11)   7.00    May 1, 2006    May 1, 2012
     444,000     3.50    September 27, 2006    September 27, 2012
     210,000 (14)        April 3, 2007    April 3, 2013

Robert W. Roche

   50,000     3.50    July 6, 2006    July 6, 2012
     18,000     3.50    September 27, 2006    September 27, 2012

Andrew Y. Yan (4)

   329,482     1.58    March 18, 2005    March 18, 2015

Denny Lee

   50,000     3.50    July 6, 2006    July 6, 2012
     18,000     3.50    September 27, 2006    September 27, 2012

Shujun Li

   35,000     3.50    July 6, 2006    July 6, 2012
     13,000     3.50    September 27, 2006    September 27, 2012

Ying Wu

   35,000     3.50    July 6, 2006    July 6, 2012
     13,000     3.50    September 27, 2006    September 27, 2012

Joe Zhixiong Zhou (5)

   329,482     1.58    March 18, 2005    March 18, 2015

Gordon Xiaogang Wang

   360,000     1.66    September 1, 2005    September 1, 2015
     82,000     3.00    November 4, 2005    November 4, 2015
     460,000     3.50    May 1, 2006    May 1, 2012
     200,000 (6) (11)   7.00    May 1, 2006    May 1, 2012
     136,000     3.50    September 27, 2006    September 27, 2012
     210,000 (14)        April 3, 2007    April 3, 2013

 

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Name


   Ordinary Shares
Underlying Outstanding
Option/SARs


   

Exercise
Price

($/Share)


  

Grant Date


  

Expiration Date


David Chenghong He (7)

   790,000     1.58    March 18, 2005    March 18, 2015
     110,000     3.00    November 4, 2005    November 4, 2015
     200,000     3.50    May 1, 2006    May 1, 2012
     200,000 (8) (11)   7.00    May 1, 2006    May 1, 2012
     104,000     3.50    September 27, 2006    September 27, 2012
     210,000 (14)        April 3, 2007    April 3, 2013

Ella Man Lin

   790,000     1.58    March 18, 2005    March 18, 2015
     120,000     3.00    November 4, 2005    November 4, 2015
     200,000     3.50    May 1, 2006    May 1, 2012
     200,000 (9) (11)   7.00    May 1, 2006    May 1, 2012
     104,000     3.50    September 27, 2006    September 27, 2012
     210,000 (14)        April 3, 2007    April 3, 2013

Kevin Guohui Hu

   100,000     1.58    March 18, 2005    March 18, 2015
     50,000     1.66    August 20, 2005    August 19, 2015
     50,000     3.00    November 4, 2005    November 4, 2015
     200,000     3.50    May 1, 2006    May 1, 2012
     200,000 (10) (11)   7.00    May 1, 2006    May 1, 2012
     104,000     3.50    September 27, 2006    September 27, 2012
     210,000 (14)        April 3, 2007    April 3, 2013

(1)   Includes 250,000 ordinary shares underlying B-type SARs and 250,000 ordinary shares underlying C-type SARs.

 

(2)   Includes 150,000 ordinary shares underlying B-type SARs and 150,000 ordinary shares underlying C-type SARs.

 

(3)   Includes 100,000 ordinary shares underlying B-type SARs and 100,000 ordinary shares underlying C-type SARs.

 

(4)   Andrew Y. Yan resigned from our board of directors on June 15, 2006. All of Mr. Yan’s options vested immediately upon his resignation. He was re-appointed as our director on December 4, 2006.

 

(5)   All of Mr. Zhou’s options became fully vested as approved by our board of directors on August 15, 2006.

 

(6)   Includes 100,000 ordinary shares underlying B-type SARs and 100,000 ordinary shares underlying C-type SARs.

 

(7)   David Chenghong He resigned from our board of directors on July 5, 2006.

 

(8)   Includes 100,000 ordinary shares underlying B-type SARs and 100,000 ordinary shares underlying C-type SARs.

 

(9)   Includes 100,000 ordinary shares underlying B-type SARs and 100,000 ordinary shares underlying C-type SARs.

 

(10)   Includes 100,000 ordinary shares underlying B-type SARs and 100,000 ordinary shares underlying C-type SARs.

 

(11)   All B-type SARs have been forfeited because we did not meet the agreed performance target for the vesting of those B-type SARs.

 

(12)   Includes 245,000 ordinary shares underlying A-type SARs and 180,000 ordinary shares underlying D-type SARs.

 

(13)   Includes 165,000 ordinary shares underlying A-type SARs and 120,000 ordinary shares underlying D-type SARs.

 

(14)   Includes 120,000 ordinary shares underlying A-type SARs and 90,000 ordinary shares underlying D-type SARs.

 

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PRINCIPAL AND SELLING SHAREHOLDERS

 

The following table sets forth information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our ordinary shares, on a fully diluted basis assuming conversion of all of our Series A convertible redeemable preferred shares and Series A-1 convertible redeemable preferred shares into ordinary shares, the exercise of all of our outstanding shares options and all Stock Appreciation Rights, or SARs and as adjusted to reflect the sale of the ADSs offered in this offering as of the date of this prospectus, by:

 

   

each of our directors and executive officers;

 

   

each person known to us to own beneficially more than 5.0% of our ordinary shares; and

 

   

each other selling shareholder participating in this offering.

 

Beneficial ownership includes voting or investment power with respect to the securities. Except as indicated below, and subject to applicable community property laws, the persons named in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all ordinary shares shown as beneficially owned by them. Percentage of beneficial ownership is based on (i) 77,481,134 ordinary shares outstanding as of April 3, 2007, including options, but excluding SARs, exercisable by such person within 60 days after June 1, 2007, and which includes 69,571,364 ordinary shares outstanding as of the date of this prospectus assuming the conversion of all outstanding preferred shares into ordinary shares, and (ii) ordinary shares outstanding after closing of this offering, including options, but excluding SARs, exercisable by such person within 60 days after June 1, 2007, each assuming the conversion of all preferred shares into ordinary shares, and further assuming no change in the number of ADSs offered by the selling shareholders and us as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus. The underwriters may choose to exercise the over-allotment options in full, in part or not at all.

 

Upon the exercise of any vested SAR, the holder is entitled to receive our shares having a value equal to the difference between the market price of our ordinary shares on the exercise date and the base price of the SAR. The number of shares acquired upon exercise of vested SARs is based on their base price and assuming an initial public offering price of $            , the mid-point of the estimated range of the initial public offering price.

 

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Shares

beneficially owned prior
to this offering


    Shares to be sold by selling
shareholders in this offering


   Shares beneficially owned
after this offering


Name


   Number

   Percent

    Number

   Percent

   Number

   Percent

Directors and Executive Officers

                              

Robert W. Roche (1)

   16,536,079    21.3 %                   

James Yujun Hu (2)

   17,749,409    22.9 %                   

Don Dongjie Yang (3)

   7,901,156    10.2 %                   

Guoying Du (4)

   2,332,302    3.0 %                   

Ella Man Lin (5)

   2,330,902    3.0 %                   

David Chenghong He (6)

   2,320,899    3.0 %                   

Kevin Guohui Hu (7)

   1,003,295    1.3 %                   

Gordon Xiaogang Wang

   *    *                     

Andrew Y. Yan

   *    *                     

Denny Lee

   *    *                     

Shujun Li

   *    *                     

Ying Wu

   *    *                     

Joe Zhixiong Zhou

   *    *                     

Principal and Selling Shareholders

                              

SB Asia Investment Fund II L.P. (8)

   20,591,970    26.6 %                   

Acorn Composite Corporation

   14,583,117    18.8 %                   

WiseSight Investment, Ltd

   6,735,313    8.7 %                   

D.Y. Capital, Inc.

   6,593,656    8.5 %                   

 

*   Upon exercise of options and SARs currently exercisable or vested within 60 days after June 1, 2007, would beneficially own less than 1% of our ordinary shares.

 

(1)   Includes 1,952,962 ordinary shares held by The Grand Crossing Trust, which is an irrevocable trust for the benefit of Robert W. Roche’s children, as well as 14,583,117 ordinary shares held by Acorn Composite Corporation, which is a company owned by Mr. Roche. Mr. Roche has assigned his voting rights attaching to 25% of the aggregate number of ordinary shares beneficially owned by him to James Yujun Hu, as described under “Description of Share Capital—Voting Arrangement.”

 

(2)   Includes 6,735,313 ordinary shares held by WiseSight Investment, Ltd., a company owned by James Yujun Hu, as well as 1,732,083 ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of options held by Mr. Hu and 4,134,020 and 5,147,993 ordinary shares, the voting rights of which have been assigned to Mr. Hu by Robert W. Roche and SB Asia Investment Fund II L.P., respectively, as described in footnotes (1) and (8) and under “Description of Share Capital—Voting Arrangement.”

 

(3)   Includes 6,593,656 ordinary shares held by D.Y. Capital, Inc, a company owned by Don Dongjie Yang, as well as 1,307,500 ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of options held by Mr. Yang.

 

(4)   Includes 1,871,840 ordinary shares held by HJX Holdings Ltd., a company owned by Guoying Du, as well as 460,462 ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of options held by Mr. Du. On March 23, 2007, HJX Holdings Ltd., which had been 41.8% owned by Guoying Du, one of our directors, exchanged 2,738,678 of our ordinary shares in return for the remaining 58.2% interest in HJX Holdings Ltd. held by three minority shareholders. Subsequent to this share exchange, HJX Holdings Ltd. sold an additional 96,733 of our ordinary shares to two additional persons.

 

(5)   Includes 1,536,111 ordinary shares held by Lynman Investment, Ltd., a company owned by Ella Man Lin, as well as 794,791 ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of options held by Ms. Lin.

 

(6)   Includes 1,536,108 ordinary shares held by Broad Sky Holdings, Ltd. a company owned by David Chenghong He, as well as 784,791 ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of options held by Mr. He. David Chenghong He resigned from our board of directors on July 5, 2006.

 

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(7)   Includes 830,379 ordinary shares held by National Glory Holdings, Ltd., a company owned by Kevin Guohui Hu, as well as 172,916 ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of options held by Mr. Hu.

 

(8)   Includes 17,709,815 Series A convertible redeemable preferred shares and 2,882,155 Series A-1 convertible redeemable preferred shares, both of which will convert into ordinary shares upon the consummation of this offering. Andrew Y. Yan is the sole shareholder of SAIF II GP Capital Ltd., the sole general partner of SAIF Partners II L.P., which is the sole general partner of SAIF II GP L.P., which is in turn the sole general partner of SB Asia Investment Fund II L.P., our shareholder. SB Asia Investment Fund II L.P. has assigned its voting rights attaching to 25% of the aggregate number of ordinary shares beneficially owned by it to James Yujun Hu, as described under “Description of Share Capital—Voting Arrangement.”

 

None of our Series A convertible redeemable preferred shares or Series A-1 convertible redeemable preferred shares is beneficially owned by a United States resident. A total of 468,100 of our outstanding ordinary shares are beneficially owned by United States residents, and 105 record holders of our voting securities are resident in the United States.

 

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RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

Contractual Agreements with Affiliated Entities and their Shareholders

 

PRC law in the past restricted, and continues to restrict to a certain extent, foreign equity ownership of companies that are engaged in direct sales, wholesale distribution and advertising businesses and operations. To comply with these restrictions, we operate our direct sales and wholesale distribution businesses and advertising operations in China through a series of contractual arrangements with Shanghai Network, Beijing Acorn and Shanghai Advertising and their shareholders, Don Dongjie Yang, our president and one of our directors, and David Chenghong He, one of our executive officers. For a description of these contractual arrangements, see “Our Corporate Structure—Contractual Arrangements with the Consolidated Affiliated Entities and their Shareholders.”

 

Private Placement

 

Pursuant to the terms of the Investors’ Rights Agreement, dated March 31, 2006, among us, all of our then existing shareholders and SB Asia Investment Fund II L.P., or SAIF, holders representing at least twenty-five percent (25%) of our registrable securities outstanding, and certain holders of ordinary shares under certain circumstances, are entitled to demand registration on a form other than Form F-3, of registrable securities then outstanding, or registration on a Form F-3, Form S-3, or any successor or comparable forms for a registration in a jurisdiction other than the United States, under certain circumstances. Registrable securities are ordinary shares not previously sold to the public and issued or issuable to holders of our preferred shares, including (i) ordinary shares issued upon conversion of our preferred shares and (ii) ordinary shares issued as share dividends and similar distributions to holders of our preferred shares. These holders are also entitled to “piggyback” registration rights, whereby they may require us to register all or any part of the registrable securities that they hold at the time when we register any of our ordinary shares.

 

We are generally required to bear all of the registration expenses incurred in connection with one demand registration on a form other than Form F-3 or Form S-3, and unlimited Form F-3, Form S-3 and piggyback registrations.

 

The foregoing demand, Form F-3, Form S-3 and piggyback registration rights will terminate on the four (4) year anniversary of this offering.

 

Relationships with our Distributors

 

Certain of our Employees and Executive Officers hold Equity Interests in our Distributors

 

We have approximately 80 distributors constituting our nationwide distribution network that distribute our products throughout China. Of our distributors, 11 are owned in part, or in some cases in whole, by eight of our employees or their family members. Seven out of these eight individuals became our employees as a result of our acquisition of the remaining 49% interest of Shanghai HJX in July 2005. In 2005 and 2006, the aggregate sales generated by these 11 distributors accounted for approximately 33.3% and 26.9% of our distribution gross revenues or 18.3% and 12.2% of our total gross revenues, respectively. In 2005, two of these distributors were, and in 2006, one of these distributors was, among our five best-performing distributors. These eight employees, none of whom are executive officers, are currently responsible for various functions or operations relating to our

 

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nationwide distribution business. In addition, two distributors in 2005 and three distributors in 2006, each of which accounted for less than 1% of our gross revenues in 2005 and 2006, were wholly owned by family members of our chief executive officer and another of our executive officers. We entered into the distribution agreements with these related distributors on an arms’-length basis and the terms in the distribution agreements with these distributors are the same as those with our independent distributors.

 

Loans to Our Shareholders

 

On January 6, 2005, we issued an aggregate of 36,809,668 ordinary shares at a price of $0.01 per share to six of our shareholders, including James Yujun Hu, D.Y. Capital, Inc., Yue-Teng, Inc., Tadashi Nakamura, The Grand Crossing Trust and Acorn Composite Corporation. In consideration for these shares, each of these six shareholders granted promissory notes to us in an aggregate amount of $368,097. These notes have been repaid or the ordinary shares were redeemed.

 

Acquisition of Minority Interest in Shanghai HJX

 

On June 30, 2005, we agreed to acquire from Shanghai Acorn HJX Digital Technology Co., Ltd. the 49% minority interest in one of our 51% owned subsidiaries, Shanghai HJX, for $3.7 million. Shanghai HJX is the entity responsible for the production, marketing and sale of our electronic learning devices product line, which accounted for 42.8% and 31.7% of our gross revenues in 2005 and 2006, respectively. In connection with the 49% minority transfer, the minority equity holders of Shanghai HJX negotiated a separate right to acquire 8,042,838 ordinary shares having a fair value of $22,435,497 in exchange for a $9.3 million promissionary note, as described below.

 

Loan to Executive Officer

 

In connection with our acquisition of the 49% minority interest in Shanghai HJX, the minority equity holders of Shanghai HJX negotiated a separate right to acquire from us 8,042,838 ordinary shares. PRC foreign exchange rules adopted in early 2005 require that PRC residents obtain approval from the relevant State Administration of Foreign Exchange, or SAFE, prior to the receipt of their offshore interests. A lack of implementing rules at the time of the transaction, however, prevented the minority equity holders from obtaining the approval from the relevant SAFE authority. Consequently, we agreed to issue the shares to an intermediary company, Yue-Teng, Inc. or Yue-Teng, in exchange for a promissory note in the amount of $9.3 million. At the time of that agreement, Yue-Teng and us also entered into an agreement with Guoying Du, one of largest holders of the minority equity interest and our executive officer responsible for managing our nationwide distribution network, pursuant to which Guoying Du, on behalf of the minority equity holders, could acquire the shares from Yue-Teng in exchange for a promissory note in the amount of $9.3 million once permitted by PRC law. Following changes in PRC Law permitting the minority equity holders to acquire the shares, Guoying Du and the former Shanghai HJX equity holders, formed a BVI Company, HJX Holdings Ltd., or HJX, and another individual, who is a family member of Guoying Du, formed another BVI Company, DHM Capital Ltd., or DHM. On March 28, 2006, DHM and HJX acquired all of the 8,042,838 our ordinary shares from Yue-Teng. As a result, HJX, in which Guoying Du then owned 41.8% equity interest, became our shareholder and, as consideration for the shares, HJX issued a promissory note in our favor for $9.3 million and we accepted this promissory note and cancelled the promissory note Yue-Teng had previously executed in our favor for the same amount. HJX will participate in the offering as a selling shareholder and will repay the promissory note in full to us with the sale proceeds of its shares as part of this offering.

 

Joint Venture

 

In August 2004, we entered into an agreement with one of our pre-restructuring subsidiaries, Shanghai Acorn Bio-products Co., Ltd., or Shanghai Bio, to form a PRC joint venture, Shanghai An-Nai-Chi. We held a 51% interest in Shanghai An-Nai-Chi and Shanghai Bio held a 49% interest. According to an agreement dated

 

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February 28, 2006, Shanghai Bio transferred its 49% interest to Shanghai Jia Guan Hang Automobile Maintenance Products Co., Ltd., or Jia Guan Hang, a company jointly owned by three of our employees, Zheng Wang, the deputy general manager of Shanghai An-Nai-Chi, as well as two of our other employees, for approximately $1.0 million in consideration. Shanghai An-Nai-Chi is the entity responsible for the production, marketing and sale of our engine lubricant product line. We have no side agreement with Jia Guan Hang. We believe that although Jia Guan Hang is a company owned by our employees, it is an independent minority shareholder.

 

Employment Agreements

 

See “Management—Employment Agreements.”

 

Share Options

 

See “Management—Equity Incentive Plans.”

 

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CHINESE GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS

 

The PRC government extensively regulates the industries in which we operate our business. We operate our direct sales and advertising businesses in China under a legal regime consisting of the State Council, which is the highest authority of the executive branch of the PRC central government, and several ministries and agencies under its authority including, among others, the State Administration for Industry and Commerce, or SAIC, the Ministry of Commerce, or MOFCOM, the State Administration for Radio, Film and Television, or SARFT, the State Administration for Food and Drug, or SAFD and the Ministry of Information Industry, or MII.

 

In the opinion of Haiwen & Partners, our PRC legal counsel: (1) the ownership structure of our company complies with, and immediately after this offering, will comply with, current PRC laws and regulations; and (2) our contractual arrangements with Shanghai Network, Beijing Acorn and Shanghai Advertising and their shareholders are valid and binding on all parties to these arrangements and do not violate existing PRC laws or regulations.

 

The TV direct sales industry and other direct sales industries in China are still in their infancy and the competitive landscape and range of products being offered continue to evolve rapidly. There are substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of existing or proposed PRC laws and regulations. We cannot assure you that the PRC regulatory authorities would find that our corporate structure and our business operations comply with PRC laws and regulations. If the PRC government finds us to be in violation of PRC laws and regulations, we may be required to pay fines and penalties, obtain certain licenses, approvals, or permits and change, suspend or discontinue our business operations until we comply with applicable laws.

 

This section sets forth a summary of what we believe are the most significant regulations or requirements that affect our business activities in China and our shareholders’ right to receive dividends and other distributions from us.

 

Regulatory Requirements for Foreign Participation

 

Direct Sales and Wholesale Distribution Business

 

Foreign investment in direct sales and wholesale businesses are both principally governed by the Administrative Measures on Foreign Investment in Commercial Sector promulgated by the Ministry of Commerce, or the Commercial Sector Measures, on April 16, 2004. The Commercial Sector Measures lowered the previous thresholds for foreign investors to enter the commercial sector in China and completely removed the previous restrictions on the location of and maximum foreign shareholding percentage in foreign-invested commercial enterprises as of December 11, 2004. Under the Commercial Sector Measures, the establishment of a foreign-invested direct sales (including direct sales via TV, telephones, mail and Internet) or wholesale distribution enterprise must obtain approval from MOFCOM or its authorized local counterparts.

 

Under the PRC Law on Sino-foreign Equity Joint Venture Enterprises (revised in 2001), the PRC Law on Sino-foreign Cooperative Joint Venture Enterprises (revised in 2000), and the PRC Law on Wholly Foreign-owned Enterprises (revised in 2000), a foreign-invested enterprise is allowed to sell its self-produced products. Our distribution of our proprietary branded products is primarily conducted by our indirect subsidiaries which manufacture these proprietary branded products and sell such products as their self-produced products. Under the PRC laws, sellers of special products, such as medicine, medical devices, health protection product, are required to review the necessary manufacture permits provided by the manufacturers.

 

Advertising Services

 

The principal regulation governing foreign ownership in the advertising industry is the Administrative Regulation on Foreign-invested Advertising Enterprises jointly promulgated by the Ministry of Commerce and

 

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the State Administration for Industry and Commerce on March 2, 2004, or the Advertising Regulation. Under these advertising regulations, as of December 10, 2005 there is no longer any maximum foreign shareholding percentage in an advertising enterprise. However, foreign investors are required to have had at least three years experience in directly operating an advertising business outside of China before they may receive approval to own 100% of an advertising business in China. Foreign investors that do not meet these requirements are permitted to invest in advertising businesses, provided that such foreign investors have at least two years of direct operations in the advertising business outside of China and that such foreign investors may not own 100% of advertising businesses in China.

 

Our Direct Sales, Wholesale Distribution and Advertising Operations

 

Due to the complicated and lengthy approval process and MOFCOM’s uncertain position towards approving investment in direct sale and wholesale distribution businesses by foreign investors under the Commercial Sector Measures, and due to our lack of sufficient advertising industry experience as required under the Advertising Regulation, our direct sales and advertising businesses are currently conducted by our consolidated affiliated enterprises owned by Don Dongjie Yang and David Chenghong He—Shanghai Network, Beijing Acorn and Shanghai Advertising. As domestic companies, these companies are not subject to the Commercial Sector Measures or the Advertising Regulation, but they are controlled by us through a set of contractual arrangements. See “Our Corporate Structure”. In the opinion of Haiwen & Partners, our PRC legal counsel:

 

   

The ownership structures of Acorn Information, Shanghai Network, Beijing Acorn and Shanghai Advertising are in compliance with existing PRC laws and regulations both currently and immediately after giving effect to this offering; and

 

   

Our contractual arrangements among Acorn Information, Shanghai Network, Beijing Acorn and Shanghai Advertising and their shareholders are valid, binding and enforceable, and will not result in violation of PRC laws and regulations currently in effect.

 

We have been advised by our PRC legal counsel, Haiwen & Partners, however, that there are substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of current and future PRC laws and regulations. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the PRC regulatory authorities will not in the future take a view that is contrary to our PRC legal counsel. We have been further advised by our PRC counsel that if the PRC government determines that the agreements establishing the structure for operating our TV direct sales business do not comply with PRC government regulations on foreign investment in the TV direct sales business, we could be subject to severe penalties. See “Risk Factors—If the PRC government takes the view that the agreements that establish the structure for operating our TV and other direct sales, wholesale distribution and advertising businesses in China do not comply with PRC governmental restrictions on foreign investment in these areas, we could be subject to severe penalties.”

 

Regulation of Manufacturing and Sale of Special Consumer Products

 

Some of the products we offer through our direct sales platforms and some of the proprietary branded products we manufacture and sell are categorized as medical devices and pharmaceuticals. Therefore, we are required to comply with relevant PRC laws and regulations regarding the manufacture and sale of medical devices and pharmaceuticals.

 

In the PRC, medical devices are classified into three different categories for regulation and supervision by SAFD, depending on the degree of risk associated with each medical device and the extent of regulation needed to ensure safety and proper operation of the product. Class I includes medical devices posing a low risk to the human body, whose operation and safety can be assured through routine inspection. Class II includes those with medium risk to the human body, which warrant a greater degree of regulation. Class III includes those devices that pose a potential high risk to the human body, are implanted in the human body, or are used to support or

 

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sustain life, and therefore are subject to tight regulation. All the medical devices that we manufacture belong to Class II above. Under PRC laws and regulations, manufacturers of Class II medical devices must apply to the provincial-level SAFD for a valid Medical Device Manufacturing Enterprise License and Class II medical device operators must hold a valid Medical Device Operation Enterprise License, with limited exceptions. In addition, manufacturers of Class II medical devices must register their manufactured Class II medical devices with SAFD at the provincial level and obtain a Medical Device Registration Certificate. Violation of these provisions may result in fines, termination of operations, confiscation of illegal income, or in the most serious cases, criminal prosecution.

 

In accordance with relevant PRC laws and regulations, any entity manufacturing pharmaceuticals must hold a Pharmaceutical Manufacturing License and pass a good manufacturing practice certification. Pharmaceutical manufacturers are required to register their manufactured pharmaceuticals with the SAFD. Any entity selling pharmaceuticals must apply for a Pharmaceutical Operation License and pass a good supply practice certification. Violation of these provisions may result in fines, termination of operations, confiscation of illegal income, or in the most serious cases, criminal liability.

 

Our oxygen generating device manufacturing and distribution subsidiary, Beijing Youngleda, holds a valid Medical Device Manufacturing Enterprise License, which expires on July 13, 2010, and a valid Pharmaceutical Manufacturing License, which expires on December 31, 2010. A Medical Device Registration Certificate has also been issued for our Youngleda oxygen generating devices with a valid term of four years from May 8, 2005. Another of our subsidiaries, Acorn International Electronic (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. holds a valid Medical Device Manufacturing Enterprise License that expires on August 2, 2010 and a Medial Device Registration Certificate for sleeping aid products with a valid term of four years from December 27, 2005. In addition, Shanghai HJX holds a Medical Device Operation Enterprise license which expires on January 3, 2010. Separately, our two direct sale affiliated entities, Shanghai Network and Beijing Acorn, hold valid Medial Device Operation Enterprise Licenses, which expire on January 3, 2010 and July 3, 2010, respectively. On November 24, 2006, Zhuhai Acorn Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. obtained a Medical Device Manufacturing Enterprise License expiring on November 24, 2011.

 

Regulation of Internet Content Providers

 

We currently operate www.chinadrtv.com through which our customers can familiarize themselves with our products. We are required to comply with the Administrative Measures on Internet Content Services issued by the State Council on September 20, 2000 in our operation of the website.

 

Under the Administrative Measures on Internet Content Services, Internet content providers must apply for a Telecommunications and Information Services Operating License, or ICP License, or a Value-added Telecommunications Business Permit for Internet Information Service if they are deemed to be an “operating business.” Internet content providers not deemed to be operating businesses are only required to file a registration with the relevant information industry authorities. The online dissemination of information regarding pharmaceuticals (including medical devices) must also be approved by SAFD at the provincial level and validated by an Internet Pharmaceuticals Information Service Qualification Certificate issued by SAFD. Violation of these provisions will result in a warning, an order to rectify within a certain period, a fine, or the closing of the website.

 

We currently hold a Trans-regional Value-added Telecommunications Business Permit for Internet Information Service issued by MII, which expires on November 25, 2010 and an Internet Pharmaceuticals Information Service Qualification Certificate, which expires on May 9, 2011.

 

Regulation of Advertising Activities

 

The principal regulations governing advertising businesses in China include the Advertising Law (1994) and the Advertising Administrative Regulations (1987). SARFT and SAIC are the main responsible regulatory authorities in China overseeing the entire advertising industry. SARFT sets technical standards for broadcasting, regulates signal landings among different broadcasting networks and monitors the operations of all TV stations.

 

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Due to the politically sensitive nature of China’s media industry, the contents of TV programs must go through a lengthy approval process prior to broadcasting. Contents of advertisements, which are regulated to a lesser extent, must be approved by the TV stations carrying the advertisements and proper advertising committee(s), effectively eliminating the possibility of broadcasting real-time, live advertising programs. The current regulations also prohibit private enterprises from owning or operating a TV station.

 

Business License for Advertising Companies

 

Companies that engage in advertising activities must obtain from the SAIC or its local branches a business license with advertising business specifically included in the business scope. A company conducting advertising activities without such a license may be subject to penalties, including fines, confiscation of advertising income and an order to cease advertising operations. Our consolidated affiliate Shanghai Advertising has obtained a business license with advertising specifically included in the business scope from the local branch of SAIC.

 

Advertising Airtime

 

Since the Chinese government imposes strict regulations on TV station/channel ownership and operations, TV home shopping companies can only purchase blocks of airtime for product advertising as opposed to engaging in long-term channel leasing agreements as in some other countries. In addition to regulating TV station ownership, SARFT also sets regulatory standards on the amount of advertising time allowed on TV broadcasting.

 

Airtime used to broadcast TV home shopping programs is typically considered to be advertising time. Current regulations require that total airtime allocated to advertising on a TV channel not exceed 20% of the total broadcasting hours on a daily basis and not exceed 15% of the broadcasting hours between 19:00 and 21:00. The total airtime of a TV shopping program is limited to 15 minutes per hour except on special shopping channels.

 

Under current PRC law, advertising operators can only sell advertising airtime to advertisers and is not allowed to sell to other advertising operators.

 

Advertising Content

 

PRC advertising laws and regulations set forth certain content requirements for advertisements in China, which include prohibition on, among other things, misleading content, superlative wording, socially destabilizing content, or content involving obscenities, superstition, violence, discrimination, or infringement of the public interest. Advertising for medical devices, pharmaceuticals, health and wellness and other special products are subject to stricter regulation which prohibits any unscientific assertions or assurances in terms of effectiveness or usage, comparison with other similar products in terms of effectiveness or safety, and reference to medical research institutes, academic institutions, medical organizations, experts, doctors, or patients regarding the effectiveness or safety of the products advertised. In addition, all advertising relating to pharmaceuticals, medical devices, health and wellness agrochemicals, and veterinary pharmaceuticals, as well as other advertisements that are subject to censorship by administrative authorities pursuant to relevant laws and regulations, must be submitted to the relevant administrative authorities for content review and approval prior to dissemination. Furthermore, SARFT and SAIC have recently issued a circular temporarily prohibiting, after August 1, 2006, the advertising of pharmaceutical products, diet and slimming products, medical devices, breast enhancement products and height increasing products in the form of TV- and radio-based direct sales programs pending adoption of new government rules. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to the Regulation of Our Business—Recent governmental actions to regulate TV- and radio-based direct sales programs of medical devices and diet and slimming products will adversely impact sales of our branded neck massager product line and some of our other products and may adversely impact our future overall operating results.”

 

 

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Entities whose products are to be advertised, or advertisers, entities offering advertising services such as linking advertisers with TV stations or newspapers, or advertising operators, and disseminators are all required by PRC laws and regulations to ensure that the content of advertising they produce or disseminate is true and in full compliance with applicable laws and regulations. In providing advertising services, advertising operators and disseminators must review the prescribed supporting documents provided by advertisers and verify that the content of advertising complies with applicable laws and regulations. In addition, prior to disseminating advertisements for certain commodities which are subject to government censorship and approval, advertising disseminators are obligated to check the relevant approval documents for those advertisements. Violation of these regulations may result in penalties, including fines, confiscation of advertising income, orders to cease dissemination of the advertising, orders to publish a correction of the misleading information and criminal punishment. In circumstances involving serious violations, SAIC or its local counterparts may revoke the violator’s licenses or permits for advertising business operations. Furthermore, advertisers, advertising operators, and disseminators may be subject to civil liability if they infringe on the legal rights and interests of third parties in the course of their advertising business.

 

In addition, PRC unfair competition law prohibits us and our distributors from conveying misleading, false or inaccurate information with respect to product quality, production, functionality, or other features, through advertising.

 

We have employed advertising industry professionals who will examine the content of our advertising and who will apply for the necessary approvals and permits for advertising certain special consumer products. In addition, our advertising channels, such as TV stations, newspapers, and radio stations, employ advertising inspectors who are trained to review advertising content for compliance with relevant laws and regulations. However, we cannot assure you that all of our advertising is in compliance with relevant PRC laws and regulations, nor can we assure you that the advertising our distributors place on local media networks complies with relevant PRC laws and regulations. In the past, we have been fined for certain advertising that is considered misleading or false by authorities. In some cases, we were required to accept product returns. Moreover, the SAFD issued a circular on October 31, 2005 announcing that advertising placed in several local newspapers by us and one of our distributors for our sleeping aid products and oxygen generating devices violated the relevant laws by including unapproved content. These violations for the sleeping aid products advertising were considered by SAFD to be a serious violation. The local SAFDs have ordered such advertising to be discontinued for use. See “Risk Factors—We and our distributors are subject to various laws regulating our advertising, including the content of our TV direct sales programs, and any violation of these laws by us or our distributors could result in fines and penalties, harm our product or service brands and result in reduced net revenues”.

 

Foreign Exchange Control and Administration

 

Foreign exchange in China is primarily regulated by:

 

   

The Foreign Currency Administration Rules (1996), as amended; and

 

   

The Administration Rules of the Settlement, Sale and Payment of Foreign Exchange (1996), or the Administration Rules.

 

Under the Foreign Currency Administration Rules, Renminbi is convertible for current account items, including the distribution of dividends, interest payments, and trade and service-related foreign exchange transactions. Conversion of Renminbi into foreign currency for capital account items, such as direct investment, loans, investment in securities, and repatriation of funds, however, is still subject to the approval of SAFE.

 

Under the Administration Rules, foreign-invested enterprises may only buy, sell, and remit foreign currencies at banks authorized to conduct foreign exchange transactions after providing valid commercial documents and, in the case of capital account item transactions, only after obtaining approval from SAFE.

 

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Capital investments directed outside of China by foreign-invested enterprises are also subject to restrictions, which include approvals by SAFE, and the State Reform and Development Commission.

 

We receive a portion of our revenue in Renminbi, which is currently not a freely convertible currency. Under our current structure, our income will be primarily derived from dividend payments from our subsidiaries in China.

 

The value of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar and other currencies may fluctuate and is affected by, among other things, changes in China’s political and economic conditions. The conversion of Renminbi into foreign currencies, including U.S. dollars, has been based on rates set by the People’s Bank of China. On July 21, 2005, the PRC government changed its policy of pegging the value of the Renminbi to the U.S. dollar. Under the new policy, the Renminbi will be permitted to fluctuate within a band against a basket of certain foreign currencies. This change in policy resulted initially in an approximately 2.0% appreciation in the value of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar. There remains significant international pressure on the PRC government to adopt a substantial liberalization of its currency policy, which could result in a further and more significant appreciation in the value of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar.

 

Regulation of Foreign Exchange in Certain Onshore and Offshore Transactions

 

In January and April 2005, the PRC State Administration of Foreign Exchange, or SAFE, issued two rules that require PRC residents to register with and receive approvals from SAFE in connection with their offshore investment activities. SAFE has announced that the purpose of these regulations is to achieve the proper balance of foreign exchange and the standardization of the cross-border flow of funds.

 

On October 21, 2005, SAFE issued the Notice on Issues Relating to the Administration of Foreign Exchange in Fund-raising and Reverse Investment Activities of Domestic Residents Conducted via Offshore Special Purpose Companies, or Notice 75, which became effective as of November 1, 2005. Notice 75 replaced the two rules issued by SAFE in January and April 2005 mentioned above. According to Notice 75:

 

   

prior to establishing or assuming control of an offshore company for the purpose of financing that offshore company with assets or equity interests in an onshore enterprise in the PRC, each PRC resident, whether a natural or legal person, must complete the overseas investment foreign exchange registration procedures with the relevant local SAFE branch;

 

   

an amendment to the registration with the local SAFE branch is required to be filed by any PRC resident that directly or indirectly holds interests in that offshore company upon either (1) the injection of equity interests or assets of an onshore enterprise to the offshore company, or (2) the completion of any overseas fund raising by such offshore company; and

 

   

an amendment to the registration with the local SAFE branch is also required to be filed by such PRC resident when there is any material change involving a change in the capital of the offshore company, such as (1) an increase or decrease in its capital, (2) a transfer or swap of shares, (3) a merger or division, (4) a long term equity or debt investment, or (5) the creation of any security interests over the relevant assets located in China.

 

Moreover, Notice 75 applies retroactively. As a result, PRC residents who have established or acquired control of offshore companies that have made onshore investments in the PRC in the past are required to complete the relevant overseas investment foreign exchange registration procedures by March 31, 2006. Under the relevant rules, failure to comply with the registration procedures set forth in Notice 75 may result in restrictions being imposed on the foreign exchange activities of the relevant onshore company, including the payment of dividends and other distributions to its offshore parent or affiliate and the capital inflow from the offshore entity, and may also subject relevant PRC residents to penalties under PRC foreign exchange administration regulations.

 

 

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As a Cayman Islands company, and therefore a foreign entity, if Acorn International purchases the assets or equity interest of a PRC company owned by PRC residents in exchange for our equity interests, such PRC residents will be subject to the registration procedures described in Notice 75. Moreover, PRC residents who are beneficial holders of our shares are required to register with SAFE in connection with their investment in us.

 

As a result of the lack of implementing rules and other uncertainties relating to the interpretation and implementation of Notice 75, we cannot predict how these regulations will affect our business operations or strategies. For example, our present or future PRC subsidiaries’ ability to conduct foreign exchange activities, such as remittance of dividends and foreign-currency-denominated borrowings, may be subject to compliance with such SAFE registration requirements by relevant PRC residents, over whom we have no control. In addition, we cannot assure you that any such PRC residents will be able to complete the necessary approval and registration procedures required by the SAFE regulations. We require all shareholders in Acorn International who are PRC residents to comply with any SAFE registration requirements and we understand that the relevant shareholders have registered their offshore investment in us with Shanghai SAFE and are in the process of registering with Beijing SAFE and Zhuhai SAFE, but we have no control over either our shareholders or the outcome of such registration procedures. Such uncertainties may restrict our ability to implement our acquisition strategy and adversely affect our business and prospects.

 

Regulation of Overseas Listings

 

On August 8, 2006, six PRC regulatory agencies, including MOFCOM, the State Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, or SASAC, the State Administration for Taxation, SAIC, the CSRC, and SAFE, jointly adopted the Regulation on Mergers and Acquisitions of Domestic Enterprises by Foreign Investors, or the New M&A Rule, which became effective on September 8, 2006. This New M&A Rule, among other things, purports to require offshore SPVs formed for listing purposes and controlled directly or indirectly by PRC companies or individuals, such as our company, to obtain the approval of the CSRC prior to publicly listing their securities on an overseas stock exchange. See “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to China—Our failure to obtain the prior approval of the China Securities Regulatory Commission, or the CSRC, for this offering and the listing and trading of our ADSs on the New York Stock Exchange could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, reputation and trading price of our ADSs, and may also create uncertainties for this offering.”

 

Dividend Distributions

 

Pursuant to the Foreign Currency Administration Rules promulgated in 1996 and amended in 1997 and various regulations issued by SAFE and other relevant PRC government authorities, the PRC government imposes controls on the convertibility of RMB into foreign currencies and, in certain cases, the remittance of currency out of China.

 

The principal regulations governing the distribution of dividends paid by wholly foreign-owned enterprises and Sino-foreign joint equity enterprise enterprises include:

 

   

The Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise Law (1986), as amended in 2000;

 

   

The Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise Law Implementing Rules (1990), as amended in 2001;

 

   

The Sino-foreign Joint Equity Enterprise Law (1979), as amended in 2001; and

 

   

The Sino-foreign Joint Equity Enterprise Law Implementing Rules (1983), as amended in 2001.

 

Under these regulations, foreign-invested enterprises in China may pay dividends only out of their accumulated profits, if any, determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. In addition, a foreign-invested enterprise in China is required to set aside at least certain percentage of its after-tax profit based on PRC accounting standards each year to its general reserves. These reserves are not distributable as cash dividends. The board of directors of a foreign-invested enterprise has the discretion to allocate a portion of its after-tax profits to employee welfare and bonus funds. These funds, however, may not be distributed to equity owners except in the event of liquidation.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF SHARE CAPITAL

 

As of the date of this prospectus, our authorized share capital is $1,500,000 divided into 100,000,000 ordinary shares, par value $0.01 per share and 50,000,000 preferred shares, par value $0.01 per share, and the issued share capital is $695,713.64 divided into 48,979,394 ordinary shares fully paid or credited as fully paid and 20,591,970 preferred shares fully paid or credited as fully paid.

 

We were incorporated as Acorn International, Inc. in the Cayman Islands on December 20, 2005 as an exempted company with limited liability under the Companies Law (2004 Revision) Cap. 22 of the Cayman Islands, or the Companies Law. Our shareholders who are non-residents of the Cayman Islands may freely hold and vote their shares. A Cayman Islands exempted company:

 

   

is a company that conducts its business outside of the Cayman Islands;

 

   

is exempted from certain requirements of the Companies Law, including a filing of an annual return of its shareholders with the Registrar of Companies or the Immigration Board;

 

   

does not have to make its register of shareholders open to inspection; and

 

   

may obtain an undertaking against the imposition of any future taxation.

 

Our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, which will become effective upon the closing of this offering, authorize the issuance of up to 250,000,000 shares, par value $0.01 per share. Immediately following the closing of this offering, our issued share capital will be $            , consisting of              ordinary shares, par value of $0.01 per share. The following summarizes the terms and provisions of our share capital upon the closing of this offering, as well as the material applicable laws of the Cayman Islands. This summary is not complete, and you should read the form of our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, which are filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.

 

The following discussion primarily concerns ordinary shares and the rights of holders of ordinary shares. The holders of ADSs will not be treated as our shareholders and will be required to surrender their ADSs for cancellation and withdrawal from the depositary facility in which the ordinary shares are held in order to exercise shareholders’ rights in respect of the ordinary shares. The depositary will agree, so far as it is practical, to vote or cause to be voted the amount of ordinary shares represented by ADSs in accordance with the non-discretionary written instructions of the holders of such ADSs.

 

Meetings

 

Subject to our regulatory requirements, an annual general meeting and any extraordinary general meeting shall be called by not less than 10 days’ notice in writing. Notice of every general meeting will be given to all of our shareholders other than those that, under the provisions of our amended and restated articles of association or the terms of issue of the ordinary shares they hold, are not entitled to receive such notices from us, and also to our principal external auditors. Extraordinary general meetings may be called only by the chairman of our board of directors or a majority of our board of directors, and may not be called by any other person. All business shall be deemed extraordinary that is transacted at an extraordinary general meeting, and also all business that is transacted at an annual general meeting other than with respect to (1) declarations of dividends, (2) the adoption of our financial statements and reports of directors and auditors thereon, (3) our authority to issue securities not in excess of 20% of the nominal value of our existing issued share capital, (4) our ability to repurchase our securities, (5) the election of directors, (6) the appointment of auditors and other officers, and (7) the fixing of the remuneration of the auditors and the voting of remuneration or extra remuneration to the directors.

 

Notwithstanding that a meeting is called by shorter notice than that mentioned above, but, subject to applicable regulatory requirements, it will be deemed to have been duly called, if it is so agreed (1) in the case of

 

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a meeting called as an annual general meeting by all of our shareholders entitled to attend and vote at the meeting; or (2) in the case of any other meeting, by a majority in number of our shareholders having a right to attend and vote at the meeting, being a majority together holding not less than 95% in nominal value of the ordinary shares giving that right.

 

At any general meeting, two shareholders entitled to vote and present in person or by proxy that represent not less than one-third of our issued and outstanding voting shares will constitute a quorum. No business other than the appointment of a chairman may be transacted at any general meeting unless a quorum is present at the commencement of business. However, the absence of a quorum will not preclude the appointment of a chairman. If present, the chairman of our board of directors shall be the chairman presiding at any shareholders meetings.

 

A corporation being a shareholder shall be deemed for the purpose of our amended and restated articles of association to be present in person if represented by its duly authorized representative being the person appointed by resolution of the directors or other governing body of such corporation to act as its representative at the relevant general meeting or at any relevant general meeting of any class of our shareholders. Such duly authorized representative shall be entitled to exercise the same powers on behalf of the corporation which he represents as that corporation could exercise if it were our individual shareholder.

 

The quorum for a separate general meeting of the holders of a separate class of shares is described in “—Modification of Rights” below.

 

Voting Rights Attaching to the Shares

 

Subject to any special rights or restrictions as to voting for the time being attached to any shares, at any general meeting every shareholder who is present in person or by proxy (or, in the case of a shareholder being a corporation, by its duly authorized representative) shall have one vote, and on a poll every shareholder present in person or by proxy (or, in the case of a shareholder being a corporation, by its duly appointed representative) shall have one vote for each fully paid share which such shareholder is the holder.

 

No shareholder shall be entitled to vote or be reckoned in a quorum, in respect of any share, unless such shareholder is registered as our shareholder at the applicable record date for that meeting and all calls or installments due by such shareholder to us have been paid.

 

If a clearing house or depositary (or its nominee(s)) is our shareholder, it may authorize such person or persons as it thinks fit to act as its representative(s) at any meeting or at any meeting of any class of shareholders, provided that, if more than one person is so authorized, the authorization shall specify the number and class of shares in respect of which each such person is so authorized. A person authorized pursuant to this provision is entitled to exercise the same powers on behalf of the recognized clearing house or depositary (or its nominee(s)) as if such person was the registered holder of our shares held by that clearing house or depositary (or its nominee(s)) including the right to vote individually on a show of hands.

 

While there is nothing under the laws of the Cayman Islands which specifically prohibits or restricts the creation of cumulative voting rights for the election of our directors, unlike the requirement under Delaware law that cumulative voting for the election of directors is permitted only if expressly authorized in the certificate of incorporation, it is not a concept that is accepted as a common practice in the Cayman Islands, and we have made no provisions in our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association to allow cumulative voting for such elections.

 

Voting Arrangements

 

Our two largest shareholders, SB Asia Investment Fund II L.P. and Robert W. Roche, have each entered into a voting arrangement as of March 30, 2007 and July 6, 2006, respectively, with our chairman and chief executive

 

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officer, James Yujun Hu, that grants to Mr. Hu the power to vote 25% of the ordinary shares beneficially owned by each of them on all matters requiring a shareholder vote or consent. For example, since SB Asia Investment Fund II L.P. as of April 3, 2007, beneficially owned, on an as-converted basis, 20,591,970 ordinary shares, the voting rights attaching to approximately 5,147,993 of these shares (which is equal to 25% of 20,591,970 ordinary shares) will be exercised by James Yujun Hu under this voting arrangement. If SB Asia Investment Fund II L.P. were to transfer 100,000 of its shares to a third party, then the number of ordinary shares to which James Yujun Hu’s voting rights attach would be correspondingly reduced to approximately 5,122,993. Giving effect to these voting rights, and upon the closing of this offering, Mr. Hu will have voting rights with respect to         % of our outstanding shares.

 

Each of these voting arrangements will terminate upon the earlier to occur of (i) James Yujun Hu ceasing to hold the office of chief executive officer, or (ii) one month after notice in writing by the granting shareholder of its intention to terminate the arrangement.

 

Protection of Minority Shareholders

 

The Grand Court of the Cayman Islands may, on the application of shareholders holding not less than one fifth of our shares in issue, appoint an inspector to examine our affairs and report thereon in a manner as the Grand Court shall direct.

 

Any shareholder may petition the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands which may make a winding up order, if the court is of the opinion that it is just and equitable that we should be wound up.

 

Claims against us by our shareholders must, as a general rule, be based on the general laws of contract or tort applicable in the Cayman Islands or their individual rights as shareholders as established by our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association.

 

The Cayman Islands courts ordinarily would be expected to follow English case law precedents which permit a minority shareholder to commence a representative action against, or derivative actions in our name to challenge (1) an act which is ultra vires or illegal, (2) an act which constitutes a fraud against the minority and the wrongdoers are themselves in control of us, and (3) an irregularity in the passing of a resolution which requires a qualified (or special) majority.

 

Pre-emption Rights

 

There are no pre-emption rights applicable to the issue of new shares under either Cayman Islands law or our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association.

 

Liquidation Rights

 

Subject to any special rights, privileges or restrictions as to the distribution of available surplus assets on liquidation for the time being attached to any class or classes of shares (1) if we are wound up and the assets available for distribution among our shareholders are more than sufficient to repay the whole of the capital paid up at the commencement of the winding up, the excess shall be distributed pari passu among those shareholders in proportion to the amount paid up at the commencement of the winding up on the shares held by them, respectively, and (2) if we are wound up and the assets available for distribution among the shareholders as such are insufficient to repay the whole of the paid-up capital, those assets shall be distributed so that, as nearly as may be, the losses shall be borne by the shareholders in proportion to the capital paid up at the commencement of the winding up on the shares held by them, respectively.

 

 

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If we are wound up, the liquidator may with the sanction of our special resolution and any other sanction required by the Companies Law, divide among our shareholders in specie or kind the whole or any part of our assets (whether they shall consist of property of the same kind or not) and may, for such purpose, set such value as the liquidator deems fair upon any property to be divided and may determine how such division shall be carried out as between the shareholders or different classes of shareholders. The liquidator may also vest any part of these assets in trustees upon such trusts for the benefit of the shareholders as the liquidator shall think fit, but so that no shareholder will be compelled to accept any assets, shares or other securities upon which there is a liability.

 

Modification of Rights

 

Except with respect to share capital (as described below) alterations to our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association may only be made by special resolution of no less than two-thirds of votes cast at a meeting of the shareholders.

 

Subject to the Companies Law of the Cayman Islands, all or any of the special rights attached to shares of any class (unless otherwise provided for by the terms of issue of the shares of that class) may be varied, modified or abrogated with the sanction of a special resolution passed at a separate general meeting of the holders of the shares of that class. The provisions of our articles of association relating to general meetings shall apply similarly to every such separate general meeting, but so that the quorum for the purposes of any such separate general meeting or at its adjourned meeting shall be a person or persons together holding (or represented by proxy) not less than one-third in nominal value of the issued shares of that class, every holder of shares of the class shall be entitled on a poll to one vote for every such share held by such holder and that any holder of shares of that class present in person or by proxy may demand a poll.

 

The special rights conferred upon the holders of any class of shares shall not, unless otherwise expressly provided in the rights attaching to or the terms of issue of such shares, be deemed to be varied by the creation or issue of further shares with the same rights and privileges.

 

Alteration of Capital

 

We may from time to time by ordinary resolution:

 

   

increase our capital by such sum, to be divided into shares of such amounts, as the resolution shall prescribe;

 

   

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

 

   

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 our share capital by the amount of the shares so cancelled subject to the provisions of the Companies Law;

 

   

sub-divide our shares or any of them into shares of smaller amount than is fixed by our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, subject nevertheless to the Companies Law, and so that the resolution whereby any share is sub-divided may determine that, as between the holders of the share resulting from such subdivision, one or more of the shares may have any such preference or other special rights, over, or may have such deferred rights or be subject to any such restrictions as compared with the others as we have power to attach to unissued or new shares; and

 

   

divide shares into several classes and without prejudice to any special rights previously conferred on the holders of existing shares, attach to the shares respectively as preferential, deferred, qualified or

 

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special rights, privileges, conditions or such restrictions which in the absence of any such determination in general meeting may be determined by our directors.

 

We may, by special resolution, subject to any confirmation or consent required by the Companies Law, reduce our share capital or any capital redemption reserve in any manner authorized by law.

 

Transfer of Shares

 

Subject to any applicable restrictions set forth in our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, any of our shareholders may transfer all or any of his or her shares by an instrument of transfer in the usual or common form or in a form prescribed by the New York Stock Exchange or in any other form which our directors may approve.

 

Our directors may decline to register any transfer of any share which is not paid up or on which we have a lien. Our directors may also decline to register any transfer of any share unless:

 

   

the instrument of transfer is lodged with us accompanied by the certificate for the shares to which it relates and such other evidence as our directors may reasonably require to show the right of the transferor to make the transfer;

 

   

the instrument of transfer is in respect of only one class of share;

 

   

the instrument of transfer is properly stamped (in circumstances where stamping is required);

 

   

in the case of a transfer to joint holders, the number of joint holders to whom the share is to be transferred does not exceed four; and

 

   

a fee of such maximum sum as the New York Stock Exchange may determine to be payable or such lesser sum as our directors may from time to time require is paid to us in respect thereof.

 

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

 

The registration of transfers may, on notice being given by advertisement in one or more newspapers or by any other means in accordance with the requirements of the New York Stock Exchange, be suspended and the register closed at such times and for such periods as our directors may from time to time determine; provided, however, that the registration of transfers shall not be suspended nor the register closed for more than 30 days in any year as our directors may determine.

 

Share Repurchase

 

We are empowered by the Companies Law and our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association to purchase our own shares, subject to certain restrictions. Our directors may only exercise this power on our behalf, subject to the Companies Law, our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association and to any applicable requirements imposed from time to time by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the New York Stock Exchange, or by any recognized stock exchange on which our securities are listed.

 

Dividends

 

Subject to the Companies Law, we may declare dividends in any currency to be paid to our shareholders but no dividend shall be declared in excess of the amount recommended by our directors. Dividends may be declared and paid out of our profits, realized or unrealized, or from any reserve set aside from profits which our directors

 

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determine is no longer needed. Our board of directors may also declare and pay dividends out of the share premium account or any other fund or account which can be authorized for this purpose in accordance with the Companies Law.

 

Except in so far as the rights attaching to, or the terms of issue of, any share otherwise provides (1) all dividends shall be declared and paid according to the amounts paid up on the shares in respect of which the dividend is paid, but no amount paid up on a share in advance of calls shall be treated for this purpose as paid up on that share and (2) all dividends shall be apportioned and paid pro rata according to the amounts paid upon the shares during any portion or portions of the period in respect of which the dividend is paid.

 

Our directors may also pay any dividend that is payable on any shares semi-annually or on any other dates, whenever our financial position, in the opinion of our directors, justifies such payment.

 

Our directors may deduct from any dividend or other moneys payable to any shareholder all sums of money (if any) presently payable by such shareholder to us on account of calls, installments or otherwise.

 

No dividend or other money payable by us on or in respect of any share shall bear interest against us.

 

In respect of any dividend proposed to be paid or declared on our share capital, our directors may resolve and direct that (1) such dividend be satisfied wholly or in part in the form of an allotment of shares credited as fully paid up, provided that our members entitled thereto will be entitled to elect to receive such dividend (or part thereof if our directors so determine) in cash in lieu of such allotment or (2) the shareholders entitled to such dividend will be entitled to elect to receive an allotment of shares credited as fully paid up in lieu of the whole or such part of the dividend as our directors may think fit. We may also, on the recommendation of our directors, resolve in respect of any particular dividend that, notwithstanding the foregoing, it may be satisfied wholly in the form of an allotment of shares credited as fully paid up without offering any right of shareholders to elect to receive such dividend in cash in lieu of such allotment.

 

Any dividend, interest or other sum payable in cash to the holder of shares may be paid by check or warrant sent by mail addressed to the holder at his registered address, or addressed to such person and at such addresses as the holder may direct. Every check or warrant shall, unless the holder or joint holders otherwise direct, be made payable to the order of the holder or, in the case of joint holders, to the order of the holder whose name stands first on the register in respect of such shares, and shall be sent at his or their risk and payment of the check or warrant by the bank on which it is drawn shall constitute a good discharge to us.

 

All dividends unclaimed for one year after having been declared may be invested or otherwise made use of by our board of directors for the benefit of our company until claimed. Any dividend unclaimed after a period of six years from the date of declaration of such dividend may be forfeited and, if so forfeited, shall revert to us.

 

Whenever our directors or our members in general meeting have resolved that a dividend be paid or declared, our directors may further resolve that such dividend be satisfied wholly or in part by the distribution of specific assets of any kind, and in particular of paid up shares, debentures or warrants to subscribe for our securities or securities of any other company. Where any difficulty arises with regard to such distribution, our directors may settle it as they think expedient. In particular, our directors may issue fractional certificates, ignore fractions altogether or round the same up or down, fix the value for distribution purposes of any such specific assets, determine that cash payments shall be made to any of our shareholders upon the footing of the value so fixed in order to adjust the rights of the parties, vest any such specific assets in trustees as may seem expedient to our directors, and appoint any person to sign any requisite instruments of transfer and other documents on behalf of a person entitled to the dividend, which appointment shall be effective and binding on our shareholders.

 

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Untraceable Shareholders

 

We are entitled to sell any shares of a shareholder who is untraceable, provided that:

 

(1) all checks or warrants in respect of dividends of such shares, not being less than three in number, for any sums payable in cash to the holder of such shares have remained uncashed for a period of twelve years prior to the publication of the notice and during the three months referred to in paragraph (3) below;

 

(2) we have not during that time received any indication of the whereabouts or existence of the shareholder or person entitled to such shares by death, bankruptcy or operation of law; and

 

(3) we have caused a notice to be published in newspapers in the manner stipulated by our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, giving notice of our intention to sell these shares, and a period of three months has elapsed since such notice, and the New York Stock Exchange has been notified of such intention.

 

The net proceeds of any such sale shall belong to us, and when we receive these net proceeds we shall become indebted to the former shareholder for an amount equal to such net proceeds.

 

Differences in Corporate Law

 

The Companies Law is modeled after similar laws in the United Kingdom but does not follow recent changes in United Kingdom laws. In addition, the Companies Law differs from laws applicable to United States corporations and their shareholders. Set forth below is a summary of the significant differences between the provisions of the Companies Law applicable to us and the laws applicable to companies incorporated in the United States.

 

Mergers and Similar Arrangements

 

Cayman Islands law does not provide for mergers as that expression is understood under United States corporate law. However, there are statutory provisions that facilitate the reconstruction and amalgamation of companies, provided that the arrangement in question is approved by a majority in number of each class of shareholders and creditors with whom the arrangement is to be made, and who must in addition represent three-fourths in value of each such class of shareholders or creditors, as the case may be, that are present and voting either in person or by proxy at a meeting, or meetings convened for that purpose. The convening of the meetings and subsequently the arrangement must be sanctioned by the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands. While a dissenting shareholder would have the right to express to the court the view that the transaction should not be approved, the court can be expected to approve the arrangement if it satisfies itself that:

 

   

the company is not proposing to act illegally or ultra vires and the statutory provisions as to majority vote have been complied with;

 

   

the shareholders have been fairly represented at the meeting in question;

 

   

the arrangement is such as a businessman would reasonably approve; and

 

   

the arrangement is not one that would more properly be sanctioned under some other provision of the Companies Law or that would amount to a “fraud on the minority.”

 

When a takeover offer is made and accepted by holders of 90.0% of the shares within four months, the offerer may, within a two-month period, require the holders of the remaining shares to transfer such shares on the terms of the offer. An objection may be made to the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands but is unlikely to succeed unless there is evidence of fraud, bad faith or collusion.

 

 

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If the arrangement and reconstruction are thus approved, any dissenting shareholders would have no rights comparable to appraisal rights, which would otherwise ordinarily be available to dissenting shareholders of United States corporations, providing rights to receive payment in cash for the judicially determined value of the shares.

 

Shareholders’ Suits

 

We are not aware of any reported class action or derivative action having been brought in a Cayman Islands court. In principle, we will normally be the proper plaintiff and a derivative action may not be brought by a minority shareholder. However, based on English authorities, which would in all likelihood be of persuasive authority in the Cayman Islands, exceptions to the foregoing principle apply in circumstances in which:

 

   

a company is acting or proposing to act illegally or beyond the scope of its authority;

 

   

the act complained of, although not beyond the scope of its authority, could be effected duly if authorized by more than a simple majority vote which has not been obtained; and

 

   

those who control the company are perpetrating a “fraud on the minority.”

 

Corporate Governance

 

Cayman Islands laws do not restrict transactions with directors, requiring only that directors exercise a duty of care and owe a fiduciary duty to the companies for which they serve. Under our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, subject to any separate requirement for audit committee approval under the applicable rules of the New York Stock Exchange or unless disqualified by the chairman of the relevant board meeting, so long as a director discloses the nature of his interest in any contract or arrangement which he is interested in, such 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 at such meeting.

 

Board of Directors

 

We are managed by our board of directors. Our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association provide that the number of our directors will be fixed from time to time exclusively pursuant to an ordinary resolution adopted by our members, but must consist of not less than two directors and not more than nine. Any director on our board may be removed by way of an ordinary resolution of shareholders. Any vacancies on our board of directors or additions to the existing board of directors can be filled by way of an ordinary resolution of shareholders or by the affirmative vote of a simple majority of the remaining directors, although this may be less than a quorum where the number of remaining directors falls below the minimum number fixed by our board of directors. Any director so appointed by the board of directors shall hold office only until our next following annual general meeting and shall then be eligible for re-election. Our directors are not required to hold any of our shares to be qualified to serve on our board of directors.

 

Meetings of our board of directors may be convened at any time deemed necessary by our secretary on request of a director or by any director. Advance notice of a meeting is not required if each director entitled to attend consents to the holding of such meeting.

 

A meeting of our board of directors shall be competent to make lawful and binding decisions if at least two of the members of our board of directors are present or represented unless the board has fixed any other number. At any meeting of our directors, each director is entitled to one vote.

 

Questions arising at a meeting of our board of directors are required to be decided by simple majority votes of the members of our board of directors present or represented at the meeting. In the case of a tie vote, the

 

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chairman of the meeting shall have a second or deciding vote. Our board of directors may also pass resolutions without a meeting by unanimous written consent.

 

Our board of directors is divided into different classes, namely Class A Directors, Class B Directors and Class C Directors. At the first annual general meeting after this offering, all Class A Directors shall retire from office and be eligible for re-election. At the second annual general meeting after this offering all Class B Directors shall retire from office and be eligible for re-election. At the third annual general meeting after this offering, all Class C Directors shall retire from office and be eligible for re-election. At each subsequent annual general meeting after the third annual general meeting after this offering, one-third of our directors (or, if their number is not a multiple of three, the number nearest to but not greater than one-third) shall retire from office by rotation. A retiring director shall be eligible for re-election. The directors to retire by rotation shall include (so far as necessary to ascertain the number of directors to retire by rotation) any director who wishes to retire and not to offer himself for re-election. Any further directors so to retire shall be those of the other directors subject to retirement by rotation who have been longest in office since their last re-election or appointment and so that as between persons who became or were last re-elected directors on the same day those to retire shall (unless they otherwise agree among themselves) be determined by lot.

 

Our chief executive officer shall not, while in such office, be subject to retirement or be taken into account in determining the number of directors to retire in any year.

 

Committees of Board of Directors

 

Pursuant to our amended and restated articles of association, our board of directors has established an audit committee, a compensation committee and corporate governance and nominating committee.

 

History of Securities Issuances and Recent Sale of Secondary Shares

 

The following is a summary of our securities issuances during the past three years:

 

Ordinary Shares

 

On December 29, 2004 and January 6, 2005, we issued 10,000,000 and 36,809,668 ordinary shares, respectively, to James Yujun Hu, D.Y. Capital, Inc., Yue-Teng, Tadashi Nakamura, The Grand Crossing Trust and Acorn Composite Corporation. On June 1, 2005, we redeemed an aggregate 5,873,112 of our ordinary shares from The 2004 Trust for Robert W. Roche’s Descendents, Tadashi Nakamura and Acorn Composite Corporation. On August 20, 2005, we issued 8,042,838 ordinary shares to Yue-Teng. As of April 3, 2007, we had 48,979,394 ordinary shares outstanding.

 

Series A Convertible Redeemable Preferred Shares

 

On January 21, 2005, we issued in a private placement an aggregate of 17,709,815 Series A convertible redeemable preferred shares at a price of $1.98 per share for an aggregate of $35.0 million. We used the proceeds from the Series A private placement primarily to redeem the ordinary shares and capitalize our subsidiaries in China.

 

Series A-1 Convertible Redeemable Preferred Shares

 

A warrant issued on January 21, 2005 allowed the holder, SB Asia Investment Fund II L.P., to acquire 2,882,155 of China DRTV’s Series A-1 convertible redeemable preferred shares upon payment of $8.0 million in cash, corresponding to a per share exercise price of $2.78. The warrant was exercised in full on December 28, 2005.

 

As part of our restructuring in anticipation of our initial public offering, Acorn International, Inc. issued 48,979,393 ordinary shares, 17,709,815 Series A convertible redeemable preferred shares, and 2,882,155 Series A-1 convertible redeemable preferred shares to the existing shareholders of China DRTV in March 2006 in exchange for all shares that these shareholders previously held in China DRTV.

 

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Share Options

 

See “Management—Equity Incentive Plans.”

 

Recent Sale of Secondary Shares

 

On March 23, 2007, HJX Holdings Ltd., which had been 41.8% owned by Guoying Du, our director and vice president, exchanged 2,738,678 of our ordinary shares in return for the remaining 58.2% interest in HJX Holdings Ltd. held by three minority shareholders. Subsequent to this share exchange, HJX Holdings Ltd. and its former shareholders sold 290,739 of our ordinary shares to three individuals for an aggregate purchase price of $1.5 million. Subsequently, on April         , 2007, twelve of our shareholders, none of whom is a director or executive officer and including two of the individuals who obtained our shares through the share exchange with HJX Holdings Ltd., sold a total of 2,450,000 of our ordinary shares to eight investors for an aggregate purchase price of $12.9 million.

 

Preferred Shares

 

Upon the closing of this offering, all our Series A convertible redeemable preferred shares and Series A-1 convertible redeemable preferred shares issued or issuable as of April 3, 2007 will convert into an aggregate of 20,591,970 ordinary shares.

 

Our board is empowered to authorize by resolution or resolutions from time to time the issuance of one or more classes or series of preferred shares and to fix the designations, powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional and other rights, if any, and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof, if any, including, without limitation, the number of shares constituting each such class or series, dividend rights, conversion rights, redemption privileges, voting powers, full or limited or no voting powers, and liquidation preferences, and to increase or decrease the size of any such class or series (but not below the number of shares of any class or series of preferred shares then outstanding) to the extent permitted by applicable law. The resolution or resolutions providing for the establishment of any class or series of preferred shares may, to the extent permitted by applicable law, provide that such class or series shall be superior to, rank equally with or be junior to the preferred shares of any other class or series. Subject to the directors’ duty of acting in the best interest of our company, preferred shares can be issued quickly with terms calculated to delay or prevent a change in control of our company or make removal of management more difficult. Additionally, the issuance of preference shares may have the effect of decreasing the market price of the ordinary shares and may adversely affect the voting and other rights of the holders of ordinary shares.

 

Issuance of Additional Ordinary Shares or Preferred Shares

 

Our amended and restated memorandum of association authorizes our board of directors to issue additional ordinary shares from time to time as our board of directors shall determine, to the extent available, authorized but unissued shares.

 

Our amended and restated memorandum of association authorizes our board of directors to establish from time to time one or more series of preferred shares and to determine, with respect to any series of preferred shares, the terms and rights of that series, including:

 

   

the designation of the series;

 

   

the number of shares of the series;

 

   

the dividend rights, dividend rates, conversion rights, voting rights; and

 

   

the rights and terms of redemption and liquidation preferences.

 

Our board of directors may issue series of preferred shares without action by our shareholders to the extent authorized but unissued. Accordingly, the issuance of preferred shares may adversely affect the rights of the holders of the ordinary shares. In addition, the issuance of preferred shares may be used as an anti-takeover

 

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device without further action on the part of the shareholders. Issuance of preferred shares may dilute the voting power of holders of ordinary shares.

 

Subject to applicable regulatory requirements, our board of directors may issue additional ordinary shares without action by our shareholders to the extent of available authorized but unissued shares. The issuance of additional ordinary shares may be used as an anti-takeover device without further action on the part of the shareholders. Such issuance may dilute the voting power of existing holders of ordinary shares.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES

 

American Depositary Shares

 

Citibank, N.A. has agreed to act as the depositary bank for the American Depositary Shares. Citibank, N.A.’s depositary offices are located at 388 Greenwich Street, 14 th Floor, New York, New York 10013, U.S.A. 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 Hong Kong, located at 10/F, Harbour Front (II), 22, Tak Fung Street, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong.

 

We appoint Citibank, N.A. as depositary bank pursuant to a deposit agreement. A copy of the deposit agreement is on file with the SEC under cover of a Registration Statement on Form F-6. You may obtain a copy of the deposit agreement from the SEC’s Public Reference Room at Headquarters Office, 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549 and from the SEC’s website (http://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 holder’s 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.

 

Each ADS represents the right to receive              ordinary 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 to the terms of the ADR that represents your ADSs. The deposit agreement and the ADR 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 ordinary shares will continue to be governed by the laws of the Cayman Islands 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 (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 ADS owner. Banks and brokers typically hold securities such as the 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. 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 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 of the Cayman Islands and regulations.

 

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 ordinary 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 ordinary shares deposited or modify the ADS-to-ordinary 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 (i.e., 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 ordinary 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 ordinary 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.

 

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 agreement (such as opinions to address the lawfulness of the transaction). You may have to pay fees, expenses, taxes and other governmental charges to subscribe for the new ADSs upon the exercise of your rights. The depositary bank is not obligated to establish procedures to facilitate the distribution and exercise by holders of rights to purchase new ordinary shares other than in the form of ADSs.

 

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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 documents to the depositary bank; or

 

   

It is not reasonably practicable to distribute the rights.

 

The depositary bank will sell the rights that are not exercised or 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 would receive upon failing to make an election, as more fully described in the deposit agreement.

 

Other Distributions

 

Whenever we intend to distribute property other than cash, ordinary shares or rights to purchase additional ordinary 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 documents to the depositary bank; or

 

   

The depositary bank determines 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.

 

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Redemption

 

Whenever we decide to redeem any of the securities on deposit with the custodian, we will notify the depositary bank. If it is reasonably 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 have 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.

 

Changes Affecting Shares

 

The ordinary 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 ordinary 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 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 Ordinary Shares

 

The depositary bank may create ADSs on your behalf if you or your broker deposit ordinary 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 ordinary shares to the custodian. Your ability to deposit ordinary shares and receive ADSs may be limited by U.S. and Cayman Islands legal considerations applicable at the time of deposit.

 

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 ordinary shares have been duly transferred to the custodian. The depositary bank will only issue ADSs in whole numbers.

 

When you make a deposit of ordinary 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 ordinary shares are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid, non-assessable and legally obtained.

 

   

All preemptive (and similar) rights, if any, with respect to such ordinary shares have been validly waived or exercised.

 

   

You are duly authorized to deposit the ordinary shares.

 

   

The ordinary 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).

 

   

The shares presented for deposit have not been stripped of any rights or entitlements.

 

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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 have 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 ordinary shares at the custodian’s offices. Your ability to withdraw the ordinary shares may be limited by U.S. and Cayman Islands legal considerations applicable at the time of withdrawal. In order to withdraw the ordinary 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 ordinary 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.

 

You will have the right to withdraw the securities represented by your ADSs at any time except for:

 

   

Temporary delays that may arise because (i) the transfer books for the ordinary shares or ADSs are closed, or (ii) ordinary shares are immobilized on account of a shareholders’ meeting or a payment of dividends.

 

   

Obligations to pay fees, taxes and similar charges.

 

   

Restrictions imposed because of laws or regulations applicable to ADSs or the withdrawal of securities on deposit.

 

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.

 

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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 ordinary shares represented by your ADSs. The voting rights of holders of ordinary shares are described in “Description of Share Capital—Voting Rights Attaching to the Shares” above.

 

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 holder’s ADSs in accordance with such voting instructions.

 

In the event of voting by a show of hands, each shareholder has one vote irrespective of the number of shares held by such person and the depositary shall vote or cause the custodian to vote all the shares then on deposit in accordance with instructions received from a majority of holders giving voting instructions. In the event of poll voting, each shareholder has an amount of votes equal to the number of shares held as of record date for the meeting and the depositary shall vote or cause the custodian to vote the shares on deposit in respect of ADSs for which holder of ADSs have timely given voting instructions to the depositary.

 

If the depositary timely receives voting instructions from a holder of ADSs that fail to specify the manner in which the depositary is to vote the shares represented by that holder’s ADSs, the depositary will deem the holder to have voted in favor of the items set forth in the voting instructions. If the depositary does not timely receive voting instructions from a holder of ADSs and we have timely provided the depositary with our notice of meeting and related materials, that holder will be deemed, and the depositary will deem that holder to have instructed the depositary to give a discretionary proxy to a person designated by us to vote the shares represented by the ADSs at our discretion, unless:

 

   

we have failed to timely provide the depositary with our notice of meeting and related voting materials;

 

   

we have instructed the depositary that we do not wish a discretionary proxy to be given;

 

   

we have informed the depositary that there is substantial opposition as to a matter to be voted on at the meeting;

 

   

a matter to be voted on at the meeting would have a material adverse impact on shareholders; or

 

   

voting at the meeting is made on a show of hands.

 

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. Securities for which no voting instructions have been received will not be voted.

 

Fees and Charges

 

As an ADS holder, you will be required to pay the following service fees to the depositary bank:

 

Service Fees

 

Issuance of ADSs

 

Up to U.S. 5¢ per ADS issued

 

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Cancellation of ADSs

 

Up to U.S. 5¢ per ADS canceled

 

Distribution of cash dividends or other cash distributions

 

Up to U.S. 5¢ per ADS held

 

Distribution of ADSs pursuant to share dividends, free share distributions or exercise of rights

 

Up to U.S. 5¢ per ADS held

 

Distribution of securities other than ADSs or rights to purchase additional ADSs

 

Up to U.S. 5¢ per share (or share equivalent) held

 

Depositary Services Fee

 

Up to U.S. 5¢ per ADS held on the applicable record date(s) established by the depositary

 

Transfer of ADRs

 

U.S. $1.50 per certificate presented for transfer

 

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 ordinary shares charged by the registrar and transfer agent for the ordinary shares in the Cayman Islands (i.e., upon deposit and withdrawal of ordinary 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 ordinary shares are deposited or withdrawn from deposit).

 

   

Fees and expenses incurred in connection with the delivery or servicing of ordinary 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.

 

Citibank, N.A., as depositary bank, has separately agreed to make available to us a portion of the net fees (after deduction of custody fees for the shares on deposit) it collects from ADS holders. These amounts will be available to cover certain expenses related to the establishment and maintenance of the ADR program, including:

 

   

legal fees and expenses;

 

   

ADS listing fees;

 

   

investor relations fees and expenses including training and travel expenses for our investor relations staff;

 

   

mailing and printing fees (i.e. for annual reports and proxy statements); and

 

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website and web casting expenses.

 

Neither the depositary bank nor we can determine the exact amount to be made available to us because (i) the number of ADSs that will be issued and outstanding, (ii) the level of fees to be charged to holders of ADSs and (iii) our reimbursable expenses related to the ADR program are not known at this time.

 

Depositary fees payable upon the issuance and cancellation of ADSs are generally paid to the depositary bank by the brokers receiving the newly issued ADSs from the depositary bank and by the brokers delivering the ADSs to the depositary bank for cancellation. Depositary fees payable in connection with distributions of cash or securities to ADS holders and the depositary service fee are charged by the depositary bank to the holders of record of ADSs as of the applicable ADS record date.

 

In the case of cash distributions, the depositary fees are generally deducted from the cash being distributed. In the case of distributions other than cash (e.g., stock dividends, rights, etc.), the depositary bank charges the applicable fee to the ADS record date holders concurrent with the distribution. In the case of ADSs registered in the name of the investor (whether certificated or in DRS), the depositary bank sends invoices to the applicable record date ADS holders. In the case of ADSs held in brokerage and custodian accounts (via DTC), the depositary bank generally collects its fees through the settlement systems provided by DTC (whose nominee is the registered holder of the ADSs held in DTC) from the brokers and custodians holding ADSs in their DTC accounts. The brokers and custodians who hold their clients’ ADSs in DTC accounts in turn charge their clients’ accounts the amount of the fees paid to the depositary banks.

 

In the event of refusal to pay the depositary fees the depositary bank may, under the terms of the deposit agreement, refuse the requested service until payment is received or may set off the amount of the depositary fees from any distribution to be made to the ADS holder.

 

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 ordinary shares represented by your ADSs (except to comply with mandatory provisions of 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, which notice shall fix a date for termination of the deposit agreement.

 

After the termination and prior to any sale of the securities held on deposit (as described below), you will be able to request the cancellation of your ADSs and the withdrawal of the ordinary shares represented by your ADSs and the delivery of all other property held by the depositary bank in respect of those ordinary shares on the same terms as prior to the termination. During such period, the depositary bank will continue to collect all distributions received on the ordinary shares on deposit (e.g., dividends) but will not distribute any such property to you until you request the cancellation of your ADSs.

 

 

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At any time after the date fixed for termination of the deposit agreement, 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 (after deduction of applicable fees, expenses and taxes).

 

After termination, your obligations under the deposit agreement as an ADS holder will continue until your ADSs are presented to the depositary bank for cancellation.

 

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.

 

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 bank’s obligations to you. Please note the following:

 

   

We and the depositary bank are obligated only to take the actions specifically stated in the deposit agreement without negligence or bad faith.

 

   

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 that 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 document forwarded to you on our behalf or for the accuracy of any translation of such a document, for the investment risks associated with investing in ordinary shares, for the validity or worth of the ordinary shares, for any tax consequences that result from the ownership of ADSs, 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 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 or forbidden from acting on account of any law or regulation, any provision of our amended and restated memorandum and 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 amended and restated memorandum and 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

 

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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 ordinary 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.

 

   

We and the depositary bank also disclaim liability for any consequential or punitive damages for any breach of the terms of the deposit agreement.

 

Pre-Release Transactions

 

The depositary bank may, in certain circumstances, issue ADSs before receiving a deposit of ordinary shares or release ordinary 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 fully collateralize, the type of collateral required, the representations required from brokers, etc.). The depositary bank may retain the compensation received from the pre-release transactions.

 

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.

 

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 have 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.

 

   

Hold the foreign currency (without liability for interest) for the applicable holders.

 

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SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE

 

Upon closing of this offering, we will have outstanding              ADSs representing approximately         % of our ordinary shares. All of the ADSs sold in this offering and the ordinary shares they represent will be freely transferable by persons other than our “affiliates” without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act. Sales of substantial amounts of our ADSs in the public market could adversely affect prevailing market prices of our ADSs. Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our ordinary shares or ADSs, and while we have applied to have the ADSs listed on the New York Stock Exchange, we cannot assure you that a regular trading market will develop in the ADSs. We do not expect that a trading market will develop for our ordinary shares not represented by ADSs.

 

Lock-up Agreements

 

Each of the selling shareholders, our directors, executive officers and our other existing shareholders has agreed, subject to some exceptions, not to transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any of our ordinary shares, in the form of ADSs or otherwise, or any securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for our ordinary shares, in the form of ADSs or otherwise, for a period of 180 days after the date this prospectus becomes effective. After the expiration of the 180-day period, the ordinary shares or ADSs held by the selling shareholders, our directors, executive officers or certain of our other existing shareholders may be sold subject to the restrictions under Rule 144 under the Securities Act or by means of registered public offerings.

 

Rule 144

 

In general, under Rule 144 as currently in effect, beginning 90 days after the date of this prospectus a person who owns our restricted ordinary shares and who has beneficially owned those shares for at least one year is entitled to sell within any three-month period a number of shares, including ADSs representing such number of shares, that does not exceed the greater of the following:

 

   

1% of the number of our ordinary shares then outstanding, in the form of ADSs or otherwise, which will equal approximately              million shares immediately after this offering; and

 

   

the average weekly trading volume of our ADSs on the New York Stock Exchange during the four calendar weeks preceding the date on which notice of the sale is filed with the SEC.

 

Sales under Rule 144 are also subject to manner of sale provisions, notice requirements and the availability of current public information about us. Persons who are not our affiliates may be exempt from these restrictions under Rule 144(k) discussed below.

 

Rule 144(k)

 

Under Rule 144(k), a person who is not one of our affiliates at any time during the three months preceding a sale, and who has beneficially owned the shares, in the form of ADSs or otherwise, proposed to be sold for at least two years, including the holding period of any prior owner other than an affiliate, is entitled to sell those shares without complying with the manner of sale, public information, volume limitation or notice provisions of Rule 144. Therefore, unless otherwise restricted, “144(k) shares” may be sold at any time.

 

Rule 701

 

Beginning 90 days after the date of this prospectus, persons other than affiliates who purchased ordinary shares under a written compensatory plan or contract may be entitled to sell such shares in the United States in reliance on Rule 701. Rule 701 permits affiliates to sell their Rule 701 shares under Rule 144 without complying with the holding period requirements of Rule 144. Rule 701 further provides that non-affiliates may sell these

 

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shares in reliance on Rule 144 subject only to its manner-of-sale requirements. However, the Rule 701 shares would remain subject to lock-up arrangements and would only become eligible for sale when the lock-up period expires.

 

Registration Rights

 

Upon closing of this offering, the holders of 20,591,970 of our ordinary shares or their transferees will be entitled to request that we register their ordinary shares under the Securities Act, following the expiration of the lock-up agreements described above.

 

Share Option Plan

 

As of April 3, 2007, options to purchase 9,053,026 of our ordinary shares and SARs with respect to 9,056,100 ordinary shares were granted and outstanding. All of these ordinary shares will be eligible for sale in the public market from time to time, subject to vesting and exercise provisions of the options, Rule 144 volume limitations applicable to our affiliates and other holders of restricted shares and the lock-up agreements.

 

We intend to file a registration statement under the Securities Act covering a total of              ordinary shares reserved for issuance under our 2006 Equity Incentive Plan. Such registration statement is expected to be filed within 90 days after the date of this prospectus and will automatically become effective upon filing. Following such filing, ordinary shares registered under such registration statement will, subject to the lockup agreements and Rule 144 volume limitations applicable to affiliates, be available for sale in the open market upon the exercise of vested options 90 days after the effective date of this offering.

 

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TAXATION

 

The following is a general summary of the material Cayman Islands and U.S. federal income tax consequences relevant to an investment in our ADSs and ordinary shares. The discussion is not intended to be, nor should it be construed as, legal or tax advice to any particular prospective purchaser. The discussion is based on laws and relevant interpretations thereof in effect as of the date of this prospectus, all of which are subject to change or different interpretations, possibly with retroactive effect. The discussion does not address United States state or local tax laws, or tax laws of jurisdictions other than the Cayman Islands and the United States. To the extent that the discussion relates to matters of Cayman Islands tax law, it represents the opinion of Conyers, Dill & Pearman, special Cayman Islands counsel to us. To the extent the discussion relates to legal conclusions under current U.S. federal income tax law, and subject to the qualifications herein, it represents the opinion of O’Melveny & Myers LLP, our special U.S. counsel. You should consult your own tax advisors with respect to the consequences of acquisition, ownership and disposition of our ADSs and Shares.

 

Cayman Islands taxation

 

The Cayman Islands currently levies no taxes on individuals or corporations based upon profits, income, gains or appreciation and there is no taxation in the nature of inheritance tax or estate duty or withholding tax applicable to us or to any holder of our ADSs and ordinary shares. There are no other taxes likely to be material to us levied by the Government of the Cayman Islands except for stamp duties which may be applicable on instruments executed in, or after execution brought within the jurisdiction of the Cayman Islands. No stamp duty is payable in the Cayman Islands on transfers of shares of Cayman Islands companies except those which hold interests in land in the Cayman Islands. The Cayman Islands is not party to any double tax treaties. There are no exchange control regulations or currency restrictions in the Cayman Islands.

 

Pursuant to Section 6 of the Tax Concessions Law (1999 Revision) of the Cayman Islands, we have obtained an undertaking from the Governor-in-Council:

 

(1) that no law which is enacted in the Cayman Islands imposing any tax to be levied on profits or income or gains or appreciation shall apply to us or our operations; and

 

(2) that the aforesaid tax or any tax in the nature of estate duty or inheritance tax shall not be payable on our shares, debentures or other obligations.

 

The undertaking for us is for a period of twenty years from January 10, 2006.

 

United States federal income taxation

 

This discussion describes the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of our ADSs and ordinary shares. This discussion does not address any aspect of U.S. federal gift or estate tax, or the state, local or foreign tax consequences of an investment in our ADSs and ordinary shares. This discussion applies to you only if you hold and beneficially own our ADSs and ordinary shares as capital assets for tax purposes. This discussion does not apply to you if you are a member of a class of holders subject to special rules, such as:

 

   

dealers in securities or currencies;

 

   

traders in securities that elect to use a mark-to-market method of accounting for securities holdings;

 

   

banks or other financial institutions;

 

   

insurance companies;

 

   

tax-exempt organizations;

 

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partnerships and other entities treated as partnerships or other pass through entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes or persons holding ADSs and ordinary shares through any such entities;

 

   

regulated investments companies or real estate investment trusts;

 

   

persons that hold ADSs and ordinary shares as part of a hedge, straddle, constructive sale, conversion transaction or other integrated investment;

 

   

U.S. Holders (as defined below) whose functional currency for tax purposes is not the U.S. dollar;

 

   

persons liable for alternative minimum tax; or

 

   

persons who actually or constructively own 10% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of our shares (including ADSs and ordinary shares) entitled to vote.

 

This discussion is based on the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, which we refer to in this discussion as the Code, its legislative history, existing and proposed regulations promulgated thereunder, published rulings and court decisions, all as currently in effect. These laws are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis. In addition, this discussion relies on our assumptions regarding the value of our ordinary shares and the nature of our business over time. Finally, this discussion is based in part upon the representations of the depositary and the assumption that each obligation in the deposit agreement and any related agreement will be performed in accordance with its terms. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, as a holder of an ADS, you will be treated as the owner of the underlying ordinary shares represented by such ADS.

 

Prospective purchasers are urged to consult with your own tax advisor concerning the particular U.S. federal income tax consequences to you of the purchase, ownership and disposition of our ADSs and ordinary shares, as well as the consequences to you arising under the laws of any other taxing jurisdiction.

 

For purposes of the U.S. federal income tax discussion below, you are a “U.S. Holder” if you beneficially own ADSs and ordinary shares and are:

 

   

a citizen or resident of the United States for U.S. federal income tax purposes;

 

   

a corporation, or other entity taxable as a corporation, that was created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or any political subdivision thereof;

 

   

an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of its source; or

 

   

a trust if (a) a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over its administration and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust, or (b) the trust has a valid election in effect to be treated as a U.S. person.

 

If you are not a U.S. person, please refer to the discussion below under “Non-U.S. Holders.”

 

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, income earned through a foreign or domestic partnership or other flow-through entity is attributed to its owners. Accordingly, if a partnership or other flow-through entity holds ADSs and ordinary shares, the tax treatment of the holder will generally depend on the status of the partner or other owner and the activities of the partnership or other flow-through entity.

 

U.S. Holders

 

Dividends on ADSs and ordinary shares

 

We do not anticipate paying dividends on our ordinary shares, or indirectly on our ADSs, in the foreseeable future. See “Dividend policy.”

 

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Subject to the “Passive Foreign Investment Company” discussion below, if we do make distributions and you are a U.S. Holder, the gross amount of any distributions you receive on your ADSs and ordinary shares will generally be treated as dividend income if the distributions are made from our current or accumulated earnings and profits, calculated according to U.S. federal income tax principles. Dividends will generally be subject to U.S. federal income tax as ordinary income on the day you actually or constructively receive such income. However, if you are a non-corporate U.S. Holder, including an individual, and have held your ADSs and ordinary shares for a sufficient period of time, dividend distributions on our ADSs and ordinary shares will generally constitute qualified dividend income taxed at a preferential rate (generally 15% for dividend distributions until taxable years beginning after December 31, 2010) as long as our ADSs and ordinary shares continue to be readily tradable on the New York Stock Exchange. You should consult your own tax adviser as to the rate of tax that will apply to you with respect to dividend distributions, if any, you receive from us.

 

We do not intend to calculate our earnings and profits according to U.S. tax accounting principles. Accordingly, distributions on our ADSs and ordinary shares, if any, will generally be taxed to you as dividend distributions for U.S. tax purposes. Even if you are a corporation, you will not be entitled to claim a dividends-received deduction with respect to distributions you receive from us. Dividends generally will constitute foreign source passive income for purposes of the U.S. foreign tax credit rules.

 

Sales and other dispositions of ADSs and ordinary shares

 

Subject to the “Passive Foreign Investment Company” discussion below, when you sell or otherwise dispose of ADSs and ordinary shares, you will generally recognize capital gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized on the sale or other disposition and your adjusted tax basis in the ADSs and ordinary shares. Your adjusted tax basis will generally equal the amount you paid for the ADSs and ordinary shares. Any gain or loss you recognize will be long-term capital gain or loss if your holding period in our ADSs and ordinary shares is more than one year at the time of disposition. If you are a non-corporate U.S. Holder, including an individual, any such long-term capital gain will be taxed at preferential rates (generally 15% for capital gain recognized until taxable years beginning after December 31, 2010). Your ability to deduct capital losses will be subject to various limitations.

 

Passive Foreign Investment Company

 

If we are a Passive Foreign Investment Company or “PFIC” in any taxable year in which you hold our ADSs and ordinary shares, as a U.S. Holder, you would generally be subject to adverse U.S. tax consequences, in the form of increased tax liabilities and special U.S. tax reporting requirements.

 

We will be classified as a PFIC in any taxable year if either: (a) the average percentage value of our gross assets (tested on a quarterly basis) that produce passive income or are held for the production of passive income is at least 50% of the value of our total gross assets or (b) 75% or more of our gross income for the taxable year is passive income (such as certain dividends, interest or royalties). For purposes of the first test: (a) any cash, cash equivalents, and cash invested in short-term, interest bearing, debt instruments, or bank deposits that is readily convertible into cash, will generally count as producing passive income or held for the production of passive income and (b) the total value of our assets is calculated based on our market capitalization.

 

We operate an active direct sales and wholesale distribution business in China and do not expect to be a PFIC for the taxable year 2007. Our expectation is based on assumptions as to our projections of the value of our outstanding stock during the year and our use of the proceeds of the initial public offering of our ADSs and ordinary shares and of the other cash that we will hold and generate in the ordinary course of our business throughout taxable year 2007. Despite our expectation, there can be no assurance that we will not be a PFIC for the taxable year 2007 and/or later taxable years, as PFIC status is re-tested each year and depends on our assets and income in such year. In particular, in determining the average percentage value of our gross assets, the aggregate value of our assets will generally be deemed to be equal to our market capitalization (determined by the sum of the aggregate value of our outstanding equity) plus our liabilities. Additionally, our goodwill

 

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(determined by the sum of our market capitalization plus liabilities, less the value of known assets) should be treated as a non-passive asset. Therefore, a drop in the market price of our ADSs and ordinary shares and associated decrease in the value of our goodwill would cause a reduction in the value of our non-passive assets for purposes of the asset test. Accordingly, we would likely become a PFIC if our market capitalization were to decrease significantly while we hold substantial cash and cash equivalents. We could also be a PFIC for any taxable year if the gross income that we and our subsidiaries earn from investing the portion of the cash raised in our initial public offering that exceeds the immediate capital needs of our business is substantial in comparison with the gross income from our business operations. Our special U.S. counsel expresses no opinion with respect to our expectations contained in this paragraph.

 

If we were a PFIC, you would generally be subject to additional taxes and interest charges on certain “excess” distributions we make and on any gain realized on the disposition or deemed disposition of your ADSs and ordinary shares, regardless of whether we continue to be a PFIC in the year in which you receive an “excess” distribution or dispose of or are deemed to dispose of your ADSs and ordinary shares. Distributions in respect of your ADSs and ordinary shares during a taxable year would generally constitute “excess” distributions if, in the aggregate, they exceed 125% of the average amount of distributions in respect of your ADSs and ordinary shares over the three preceding taxable years or, if shorter, the portion of your holding period before such taxable year.

 

To compute the tax on “excess” distributions or any gain, (a) the “excess” distribution or the gain would be allocated ratably to each day in your holding period, (b) the amount allocated to the current year and any tax year before we became a PFIC would be taxed as ordinary income in the current year, (c) the amount allocated to other taxable years would be taxable at the highest applicable marginal rate in effect for that year, and (d) an interest charge at the rate for underpayment of taxes for any period described under (c) above would be imposed with respect to any portion of the “excess” distribution or gain that is allocated to such period. In addition, if we were a PFIC, no distribution that you receive from us would qualify for taxation at the preferential rate discussed in the “Dividends on ADSs and ordinary shares” section above.

 

If we were a PFIC in any year, as a U.S. Holder, you would be required to make an annual return on IRS Form 8621 regarding your ADSs and ordinary shares. You should consult with your own tax adviser regarding reporting requirements with regard to your ADSs and ordinary shares.

 

If we were a PFIC in any year, you would generally be able to avoid the “excess” distribution rules described above by making a timely so-called “mark-to-market” election with respect to your ADSs and Shares provided our ADSs and ordinary shares are “marketable.” Our ADSs and ordinary shares will be “marketable” as long as they remain regularly traded on a national securities exchange, such as the New York Stock Exchange. If you made this election in a timely fashion, you would generally recognize as ordinary income or ordinary loss the difference between the fair market value of your ADSs and ordinary shares on the first day of any taxable year and their value on the last day of that taxable year. Any ordinary income resulting from this election would generally be taxed at ordinary income rates and would not be eligible for the reduced rate of tax applicable to qualified dividend income. Any ordinary losses would be limited to the extent of the net amount of previously included income as a result of the mark-to-market election, if any. Your basis in the ADSs and ordinary shares would be adjusted to reflect any such income or loss. You should consult with your own tax adviser regarding potential advantages and disadvantages to you of making a “mark-to-market” election with respect to your ADSs and ordinary shares. Separately, if we were a PFIC in any year, you would be able to avoid the “excess” distribution rules by making a timely election to treat us as a so-called “Qualified Electing Fund” or “QEF.” You would then generally be required to include in gross income for any taxable year (a) as ordinary income, your pro rata share of our ordinary earnings for the taxable year, and (b) as long-term capital gain, your pro rata share of our net capital gain for the taxable year. However, we do not intend to provide you with the information you would need to make or maintain a “QEF” election and you will, therefore, not be able to make or maintain such an election with respect to your ADSs and ordinary shares.

 

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U.S. Information Reporting and Backup Withholding Rules

 

In general, dividend payments with respect to the ADSs and ordinary shares and the proceeds received on the sale or other disposition of those ADSs and ordinary shares may be subject to information reporting to the IRS and to backup withholding (currently imposed at a rate of 28%). Backup withholding will not apply, however, if you (a) are a corporation or come within certain other exempt categories and, when required, can demonstrate that fact or (b) provide a taxpayer identification number, certify as to no loss of exemption from backup withholding and otherwise comply with the applicable backup withholding rules. To establish your status as an exempt person, you will generally be required to provide certification on IRS Form W-9. Any amounts withheld from payments to you under the backup withholding rules will be allowed as a refund or a credit against your U.S. federal income tax liability, provide that you timely furnish the required information to the IRS.

 

PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS OF OUR ADSS AND ORDINARY SHARES SHOULD CONSULT WITH THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS REGARDING THE APPLICATION OF THE U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX LAWS TO THEIR PARTICULAR SITUATIONS AS WELL AS ANY TAX CONSEQUENCES RESULTING FROM PURCHASING, HOLDING OR DISPOSING OF OUR ADSS AND ORDINARY SHARES, INCLUDING THE APPLICABILITY AND EFFECT OF THE TAX LAWS OF ANY STATE, LOCAL OR FOREIGN JURISDICTION AND INCLUDING ESTATE, GIFT, AND INHERITANCE LAWS.

 

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UNDERWRITING

 

Under the terms and subject to the conditions contained in an underwriting agreement dated the date of this prospectus, the underwriters named below, for whom Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. are acting as representatives, have severally agreed to purchase, and we and the selling shareholders have agreed to sell to them, the number of ADSs indicated in the table below.

 

Underwriter


   Number of
ADSs


Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith

Incorporated

    

Deutsche Bank Securities Inc.

    

CIBC World Markets Corp.

    
    

Total

    
    

 

The underwriters are offering the ADSs subject to their acceptance of the ADSs from us and the selling shareholders and subject to prior sale. The underwriting agreement provides that the obligations of the several underwriters to pay for and accept delivery of the ADSs offered by this prospectus are subject to the approval of certain legal matters by their counsel and to certain other conditions. The underwriters are obligated to take and pay for all of the ADSs offered by this prospectus if any such ADSs are taken. However, the underwriters are not required to take or pay for the ADSs covered by the underwriters’ over-allotment option described below. The underwriting agreement also provides that if an underwriter defaults, the purchase commitments of non-defaulting underwriters may be increased or the offering may be terminated.

 

The underwriters initially propose to offer part of the ADSs directly to the public at the public offering price listed on the cover page of this prospectus and part of the ADSs to certain dealers at a price that represents a concession not in excess of $             per ADS under the public offering price. Any underwriter may allow, and such dealer may reallow, a concession not in excess of $             per ADS to other underwriters or to certain dealers. After the initial offering of the ADSs, the offering price and other selling terms may from time to time be varied by the representatives of the underwriters.

 

We have granted to the underwriters an option, exercisable for 30 days from the date of this prospectus, to purchase on a pro rata basis up to an aggregate of              additional ADSs and an aggregate of              additional outstanding shares from us at the public offering price listed on the cover page of this prospectus, less underwriters discounts and commissions. The underwriters may exercise this option solely for the purpose of covering over-allotments, if any, made in connection with the offering of the ADSs offered by this prospectus. To the extent the option is exercised, each underwriter will become obligated, subject to certain conditions, to purchase additional ADSs approximately proportionate to each underwriter’s initial amount reflected in the table above.

 

If the underwriters’ option is exercised in full, the total price to the public of all the ADSs sold would be $             million, the total underwriting discounts and commissions would be $             million, the net proceeds to us would be $             million (after deducting the estimated offering expenses payable by us), and the net proceeds to the selling shareholders would be $             million. We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of the ADSs by the selling shareholders.

 

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The following table shows the per ADS and total underwriting discounts and commissions to be paid by us and the selling shareholders in connection with this offering. The amounts in the following table are shown assuming both no exercise and full exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option.

 

     Per ADS

   Total

Underwriting Discounts and Commissions To Be Paid by


   No
Exercise


   Full
Exercise


   No
Exercise


   Full
Exercise


Acorn International, Inc.

   $                 $                 $                 $             

Selling shareholders

   $      $      $      $  

 

The expenses of this offering payable by us, not including underwriting discounts and commissions, are estimated to be approximately $             million.

 

The underwriters have informed us and the selling shareholders that they do not intend sales to discretionary accounts to exceed five percent of the total number of ADSs offered by them.

 

Any offers or sales in the United States will be conducted by broker-dealers registered with the SEC.

 

We have applied for approval to list our ADSs on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “ATV.” In connection with the listing of the ADSs on the New York Stock Exchange, the underwriters will undertake to sell round lots of 100 shares or more to a minimum of 400 beneficial owners. We have agreed that, without the prior written consent of the representatives on behalf of the underwriters, we will not, during the period ending 180 days after the date of this prospectus:

 

   

offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, lend or otherwise transfer or dispose of directly or indirectly, any ordinary shares or ADSs or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for such ordinary shares or ADSs or enter into a transaction which would have the same effect;

 

   

enter into any swap, hedge or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of the ordinary shares or ADSs whether any transaction described in this bullet point or the first bullet point above is to be settled by delivery of ordinary shares or ADSs or such other securities, in cash or otherwise;

 

   

file with the SEC a registration statement under the Securities Act relating to any additional ordinary shares or ADSs or securities convertible into or exchangeable or exerciseable for such ordinary shares or ADSs (other than a registration on Form S-8 in connection with stock options and SARs issuable under our 2006 Equity Incentive Plan); or

 

   

publicly disclose the intention to make any such offer, sale, pledge, or disposition, or enter into any such transaction, swap, hedge, or other arrangement.

 

The restrictions described in the preceding paragraph do not apply to:

 

   

the sale of ordinary shares or ADSs to the underwriters;

 

   

the issuance of ordinary shares or ADSs or the grant of options or SARs to purchase ordinary shares under our equity incentive plan; and

 

   

the issuance by us of ordinary shares or ADSs upon the exercise of an option, an SAR or a warrant or the conversion of a security outstanding on the date of this prospectus of which the underwriters have been advised in writing or which is otherwise described in this prospectus.

 

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Each of the selling shareholders, our directors, executive officers and our other existing shareholders have agreed that, without the prior written consent of the representatives on behalf of the underwriters, he, she or it will not, during the period ending 180 days after the date of this prospectus:

 

   

offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, lend or otherwise transfer or dispose of directly or indirectly, any ordinary shares or ADSs or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for such ordinary shares or ADSs or enter into a transaction which would have the same effect;

 

   

enter into any swap, hedge or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of the ordinary shares or ADSs whether any transaction described in this bullet point or the first bullet point above is to be settled by delivery of ordinary shares or ADSs or such other securities, in cash or otherwise; or

 

   

publicly disclose the intention to make any such offer, sale, pledge, or disposition, or enter into any such transaction, swap, hedge, or other arrangement.

 

The restrictions described in the preceding paragraph do not apply to:

 

   

the sale of ordinary shares or ADSs to the underwriters;

 

   

the automatic conversion of our series A and series A-1 convertible redeemable preferred shares upon closing of the offering of the ADSs;

 

   

transactions relating to ordinary shares, ADSs or other securities acquired in open market transactions after the closing of the offering of the ADSs; and

 

   

certain other transfers of ordinary shares or ADSs, including to immediate family members, trusts, partners, controlled affiliates or bona fide donees.

 

The 180-day restricted period described in the preceding paragraphs will be extended if:

 

   

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 our company occurs; or

 

   

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;

 

in which case the restrictions will 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, unless, with respect to the restricted period applicable to us and our selling shareholders, directors, executive officers and other existing shareholders, such extension is waived by the representatives on behalf of the underwriters.

 

In order to facilitate the offering of ADSs, the underwriters may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the ADSs. Specifically, the underwriters may sell more ADSs than they are obligated to purchase under the underwriting agreement, creating a short position in our ADSs for their own account. A short sale is “covered” if the short position is no greater than the number of ADSs 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 in the open market. In determining the source of ADSs to close out a covered short sale, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the open market price of ADSs compared to the price available under the over-allotment option. The underwriters may also sell ADSs in excess of the over-allotment option, creating a naked short position. The underwriters must close out any naked short position by purchasing ADSs in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created

 

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if the underwriters are concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of our ADSs in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in the offering. As an additional means of facilitating the offering, the underwriters may bid for, and purchase, our ADSs in the open market to stabilize the price of our ADSs. The underwriting syndicate may also reclaim selling concessions allowed to an underwriter or a dealer for distributing the ADSs in the offering, if the syndicate repurchases previously distributed ADSs to cover syndicate short position or to stabilize the price of the ADSs. These activities may raise or maintain the market price of the ADSs above independent market levels. The underwriters are not required to engage in these activities, and may end any of these activities at any time.

 

A prospectus in electronic format will be made available on the website maintained by one or more of the underwriters of this offering and may also be made available on websites maintained by other underwriters. One or more of the underwriters may distribute prospectuses electronically. Neither we nor the underwriters will rely on third-party providers to comply with the prospectus delivery requirements. The representatives 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 representatives to underwriters that may make Internet distributions on the same basis as other allocations.

 

From time to time, certain of the underwriters have provided, and continue to provide, investment banking and other services to us, our affiliates and employees, for which they receive customary fees and commissions.

 

We and the selling shareholders have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or contribute to payments that the underwriters may be required to make in respect of any of these liabilities.

 

At our request, the underwriters have reserved for sale at the initial public offering price up to              percent of the ADSs being sold in this offering for our vendors, employees, family members of employees, customers and other third parties. Any sale to these persons will be made by Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. pursuant to a directed share program. The number of ADSs available for sale to the general public will be reduced to the extent these reserved ADSs are purchased. Any reserved ADSs not purchased by these persons will be offered by the underwriters to the general public on the same basis as the other ADSs in this offering.

 

The address of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated is 4 World Financial Center, 250 Vesey Street, New York, NY 10080. The address of Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. is 60 Wall Street, New York, NY 10005. The address of CIBC World Markets Corp. is 300 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10017.

 

Pricing of the Offering

 

Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our ordinary shares or ADSs. The initial public offering price is determined by negotiations between us and the representatives of the underwriters. Among the factors considered in determining the initial public offering price are the future prospects of our company and our industry in general, our sales, earnings and certain other financial and operating information in recent periods, and the price-earnings ratios, price-sales ratios, market prices of securities and certain financial and operating information of companies engaged in activities similar to those of our company. The estimated initial public offering price range set forth on the cover of this preliminary prospectus is subject to change as a result of market conditions and other factors.

 

The ADSs are offered for sale in those jurisdictions in the United States, Europe, Asia and elsewhere where it is lawful to make such offers.

 

Selling Restrictions

 

No action has been taken in any jurisdiction (except in the United States) that would permit a public offering of the ADSs, or the possession, circulation or distribution of this prospectus or any other material relating to us or the ADSs in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required. Accordingly, the ADSs may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, and neither this prospectus nor any other offering material relating to the ADSs may be distributed or published, in or from any jurisdiction except under circumstances that will result in compliance with the applicable laws and regulations thereof.

 

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European Economic Area.     In relation to each Member State of the European Economic Area which has implemented the Prospectus Directive (each, a Relevant Member State), each underwriter has represented and agreed that with effect from and including the date on which the Prospectus Directive is implemented in that Relevant Member State (the Relevant Implementation Date), it has not made and will not make an offer of the ADSs to the public in that Relevant Member State prior to the publication of a prospectus in relation to the ADSs which has been approved by the competent authority in that Relevant Member State or, where appropriate, approved in another Relevant Member State and notified to the competent authority in that Relevant Member State, all in accordance with the Prospectus Directive, except that it may, with effect from and including the Relevant Implementation Date, make an offer of the ADSs to the public in that Relevant Member State at any time,

 

(a) to legal entities which are authorized or regulated to operate in the financial markets or, if not so authorized or regulated, whose corporate purpose is solely to invest in securities;

 

(b) to any legal entity which has two or more of (1) an average of at least 250 employees during the last financial year; (2) a total balance sheet of more than €43,000,000; and (3) an annual net turnover of more than €50,000,000, as shown in its last annual or consolidated accounts; or

 

(c) in any other circumstances which do not require the publication by us of a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Directive.

 

For the purposes of this provision, the expression an “offer of ADSs to the public” in relation to any ADS in any Relevant Member State means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and the ADSs to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe the ADSs, as the same may be varied in that Member State by any measure implementing the Prospectus Directive in that Member State and the expression Prospectus Directive means Directive 2003/71/EC and includes any relevant implementing measure in each Relevant Member State.

 

United Kingdom.     Each of the underwriters has represented and agreed that:

 

(a) it has not made or will not make an offer of the ADSs to the public in the United Kingdom within the meaning of section 102B of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (as amended) (FSMA) except to legal entities which are authorized or regulated to operate in the financial markets or, if not so authorized or regulated, whose corporate purpose is solely to invest in securities or otherwise in circumstances which do not require the publication by us of a prospectus pursuant to the Prospectus Rules of the Financial Services Authority (FSA);

 

(b) it has only communicated or caused to be communicated and will only communicate or cause to be communicated an invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of section 21 of FSMA) to persons who have professional experience in matters relating to investments falling with Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 or in circumstances in which section 21 of FSMA does not apply to us; and

 

(c) it has complied with, and will comply with all applicable provisions of FSMA with respect to anything done by it in relation to the ADSs in, from or otherwise involving the United Kingdom.

 

Canada.     Each underwriter will be deemed to have represented and agreed that (1) it has not offered or sold, and will not offer or sell, any ADSs, 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 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 (2) it will send to any dealer who purchases from it any of the ADSs a notice stating in substance that, by purchasing

 

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such ADSs, 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 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 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 a notice containing substantially the same statement as is contained in this sentence. Each underwriter has also agreed to comply with all applicable laws and regulations, and make or obtain all necessary filings, consents or approvals, in each Canadian jurisdiction in which it purchases, offers, sells or delivers ADSs (including, without limitation, any applicable requirements relating to the delivery of this prospectus), in each case, at its own expense. In connection with sales of and offers to sell ADSs made by it, each underwriter will either furnish to each Canadian Person to whom any such sale or offer is made a copy of the then current prospectus, or inform such person that such prospectus will be made available upon request, and will keep an accurate record of the names and addresses of all persons to whom it gives copies of this prospectus, or any amendment or supplement to this prospectus; and when furnished with any subsequent amendment to this prospectus, any subsequent prospectus or any medium outlining changes in this prospectus, such underwriter will upon request of the representative, promptly forward copies thereof to such persons or inform such persons that such amendment, subsequent prospectus or other medium will be made available upon request.

 

A “Canadian Person” means any national or resident of Canada (other than an individual resident in a Canadian province or territory where such individual is prohibited from purchasing securities under local provincial and territorial securities laws), or any corporation, person, profit-sharing or other trust or other entity organized under the laws of Canada or of any political subdivision thereof (other than a branch located outside Canada of any Canadian Person), and includes any Canadian branch of a person who is otherwise not a Canadian Person.

 

Japan.     The underwriters will not offer or sell any of our ADSs directly or indirectly in Japan or to, or for the benefit of, any Japanese person or to others, for re-offering or re-sale directly or indirectly in Japan or to any Japanese person, except in each case pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of, and otherwise in compliance with, the Securities and Exchange Law of Japan and any other applicable laws and regulations of Japan. For purposes of this paragraph, “Japanese person” means any person resident in Japan, including any corporation or other entity organized under the laws of Japan.

 

Hong Kong.     The underwriters and each of their affiliates have not (i) offered or sold, and will not offer or sell, in Hong Kong, by means of any document, our ADSs other than (a) to “professional investors” as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571) of Hong Kong and any rules made under that Ordinance or (b) in other circumstances which do not result in the document being a “prospectus” as defined in the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 32) of Hong Kong or which do not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of that Ordinance or (ii) issued or had in its possession for the purposes of issue, and will not issue or have in its possession for the purposes of issue, whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere any advertisement, invitation or document relating to our ADSs which is directed at, or the contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the public in Hong Kong (except if permitted to do so under the securities laws of Hong Kong) other than with respect to our ADSs which are or are intended to be disposed of only to persons outside Hong Kong or only to “professional investors” as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance or any rules made under that Ordinance.

 

Singapore.     This prospectus or any other offering material relating to our ADSs has not been registered as a prospectus with the Monetary Authority of Singapore under the Securities and Futures Act, Chapter 289 of Singapore, or the SFA. Accordingly, the underwriters have severally represented, warranted and agreed that (a) they have not offered or sold any of our ADSs or caused our ADSs to be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase and it will not offer or sell any of our ADSs or cause the ADSs to be made the subject of

 

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an invitation for subscription or purchase, and (b) they have not circulated or distributed, and they will not circulate or distribute, this prospectus and any other document or material in connection with the offer or sale, or invitation for subscription or purchase, of our ADSs, whether directly or indirectly, to the public or any member of the public in Singapore other than (i) to an institutional investor as specified in Section 274 of the SFA, (ii) to a relevant person (as defined in Section 275 of the SFA) and in accordance with the conditions specified in Section 275 of the SFA or (iii) otherwise pursuant to, and in accordance with the conditions of, any other applicable provision of the SFA.

 

People’s Republic of China.     Each underwriter will be deemed to have represented and agreed that it has not and will not circulate or distribute this prospectus in the PRC and it has not offered or sold, and will not offer or sell to any person for re-offering or resale directly or indirectly, any ADSs to any resident of the PRC except pursuant to applicable laws and regulations of the PRC. For the purpose of this paragraph, PRC does not include Taiwan and the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau.

 

Cayman Islands.     This prospectus does not constitute a public offer of the ADSs or ordinary shares, whether by way of sale or subscription, in the Cayman Islands. Each underwriter has represented and agreed that it has not offered or sold, and will not offer or sell, directly or indirectly, any ADSs or ordinary shares in the Cayman Islands.

 

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EXPENSES RELATED TO THIS OFFERING

 

Set forth below is an itemization of the total expenses, excluding underwriting discounts and commissions, which are expected to be incurred in connection with the offer and sale of the ADSs by us and the selling shareholders. With the exception of the SEC registration fee and the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. filing fee, all amounts are estimates.

 

SEC registration fee

   $             

New York Stock Exchange listing fee

      

National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. filing fee

      

Printing and engraving expenses

      

Legal fees and expenses

      

Accounting fees and expenses

      

Miscellaneous

      
    

Total

   $  
    

 

Expenses will be borne in proportion to the numbers of ADSs sold in the offering by us and the selling shareholders, respectively.

 

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LEGAL MATTERS

 

We are being represented by O’Melveny & Myers LLP with respect to legal matters of United States federal securities and New York State law. Certain legal matters of United States federal securities and New York State law in connection with this offering will be passed upon for the underwriters by Shearman & Sterling LLP. The validity of the ordinary shares represented by the ADSs offered in this offering and legal matters as to Cayman Islands law will be passed upon for us by Conyers, Dill & Pearman. Certain legal matters as to PRC law will be passed upon for us by Haiwen & Partners and for the underwriters by Commerce & Finance Law Offices. Conyers, Dill & Pearman and O’Melveny & Myers LLP may rely upon Haiwen & Partners with respect to matters governed by PRC law. Shearman & Sterling LLP may rely upon Commerce & Finance Law Offices with respect to matters governed by PRC law.

 

EXPERTS

 

The consolidated combined financial statements included in this prospectus and related financial statement schedule included elsewhere in the registration statement for Acorn International, Inc. have been audited by Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu CPA, Ltd., an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their reports appearing herein, and are included in reliance upon the reports of such firm, given on their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

 

The offices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu CPA Ltd. are located at 30/F Bund Center, 222 Yan An Road East, Shanghai 200002, People’s Republic of China.

 

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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

 

We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form F-1, including relevant exhibits and schedules under the Securities Act with respect to underlying ordinary shares represented by the ADSs, to be sold in this offering. A related registration statement on F-6 will be filed with the SEC to register the ADSs. This prospectus, which constitutes a part of the registration statement, does not contain all of the information contained in the registration statement. You should read the registration statement and its exhibits and schedules for further information with respect to us and our ADSs.

 

Immediately upon closing of this offering, we will become subject to periodic reporting and other informational requirements of the Exchange Act as applicable to foreign private issuers. Accordingly, we will be required to file reports, including annual reports on Form 20-F, and other information with the SEC. All information filed with the SEC can be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You can request copies of these documents upon payment of a duplicating fee, by writing to the SEC. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of the public reference rooms. Additional information may also be obtained over the Internet at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The information on that website is not a part of this prospectus.

 

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 our executive officers, directors and principal shareholders are exempt from the reporting and short-swing profit recovery provisions contained in Section 16 of the Exchange Act. In addition, we will not be required under the Exchange Act to file periodic reports and financial statements with the SEC as frequently or as promptly as U.S. companies whose securities are registered under the Exchange Act. However, we intend to furnish the depositary with our annual reports, which will include a review of operations and annual audited consolidated combined financial statements prepared in conformity with US GAAP, and all notices of shareholders’ meeting and other reports and communications that are made generally available to our shareholders. The depositary will make such notices, reports and communications available to holders of ADSs and will mail to all record holders of ADSs the information contained in any notice of a shareholders’ meeting received by the depositary from us.

 

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ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

   F-2

Consolidated combined balance sheets as of December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006

   F-3

Consolidated combined statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006

   F-4

Consolidated combined statements of shareholders’ equity and comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006

   F-5

Consolidated combined statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006

   F-6

Notes to the consolidated combined financial statements

   F-7

Additional Information — Financial Statements Schedule I

   F-36

Additional Information — Financial Statements Schedule II

   F-40

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND SHAREHOLDERS OF

ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated combined balance sheets of Acorn International, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Group”) as of December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006, the related consolidated combined statements of operations, shareholders’ equity and comprehensive income and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006 and the related financial statement schedule included in Schedule 1. These financial statements and related financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Group’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated combined financial statements based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Group is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Group’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, such consolidated combined financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Acorn International, Inc. and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006 and results of its operations and its cash flows for the above stated periods in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

 

Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu CPA Ltd.

Shanghai, China

 

February 15, 2007

 

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ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS

(In US dollars, except share data)

 

    2004

    2005

    2006

    2006

 
                      Pro forma  
                      (Unaudited)  
                      (Note 2)  

Assets

                               

Current assets:

                               

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 16,644,946     $ 35,385,732     $ 40,744,405     $ 40,744,405  

Restricted cash

    540,929       4,335,552       449,830       449,830  

Marketable securities

    520,066       359,847       3,302,384       3,302,384  

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $510,009, $578,660 and $508,829 as of December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively

    9,682,303       8,727,097       11,714,838       11,714,838  

Inventory

    1,425,561       5,475,738       7,814,702       7,814,702  

Prepaid advertising expenses

    4,902,649       20,089,940       25,383,550       25,383,550  

Other prepaid expenses and current assets

    2,965,230       8,503,005       10,666,652       10,666,652  

Deferred tax assets

    —         61,350       225,039       225,039  
   


 


 


 


Total current assets

    36,681,684       82,938,261       100,301,400       100,301,400  
   


 


 


 


Property and equipment, net

    3,075,590       4,352,970       5,157,156       5,157,156  

Acquired intangible assets, net

    104,393       5,508,855       5,101,567       5,101,567  

Goodwill

    —         7,571,865       7,571,865       7,571,865  

Other long-term assets

    —         —         567,338       567,338  
   


 


 


 


Total assets

  $ 39,861,667     $ 100,371,951     $ 118,699,326     $ 118,699,326  
   


 


 


 


Liabilities, mezzanine equity and shareholders’ equity

                               

Current liabilities:

                               

Short-term bank loans

  $ 724,944     $ 247,825     $ —       $ —    

Accounts payable

    1,408,850       4,622,267       3,683,573       3,683,573  

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

    4,371,275       6,199,102       7,124,807       7,124,807  

Notes payable

    1,786,987       755,867       —         —    

Income taxes payable

    274,191       705,279       181,606       181,606  

Dividend payable

    5,280,000       —         —         —    

Deferred revenue

    —         —         4,193,295       4,193,295  
   


 


 


 


Total current liabilities

    13,846,247       12,530,340       15,183,281       15,183,281  

Other long-term liabilities

    125,018       38,850       —         —    
   


 


 


 


Total liabilities

    13,971,265       12,569,190       15,183,281       15,183,281  
   


 


 


 


Commitments and contingencies (Note 20)

                               

Minority interest

    3,089,944       845,402       1,437,796       1,437,796  
   


 


 


 


Mezzanine equity:

                               

Series A convertible redeemable preferred shares ($0.01 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized and nil, 17,709,815 and 17,709,815 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively) (liquidation value $35,000,000)

    —         31,834,299       31,995,699       —    

Series A-1 convertible redeemable preferred shares ($0.01 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized and nil, 2,882,155 and 2,882,155 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively) (liquidation value $8,000,000)

    —         18,865,724       18,865,724       —    

Shareholders’ equity:

                               

Ordinary shares ($0.01 par value; 100,000,000, 100,000,000 and 100,000,000 shares authorized as of December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively; 46,809,668, 48,979,394 and 48,979,394 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively; 69,571,364 shares issued and outstanding on a pro forma basis (unaudited))

    100,000       489,794       489,794       695,714  

Additional paid-in capital

    2,537,780       28,841,455       35,902,165       86,557,668  

Subscription receivable

    —         (9,657,575 )     (9,289,478 )     (9,289,478 )

Deferred share-based compensation

    —         (1,612,232 )     —         —    

Retained earnings

    20,169,969       17,301,080       21,084,593       21,084,593  

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

    (7,291 )     894,814       3,029,752       3,029,752  
   


 


 


 


Total shareholders’ equity

    22,800,458       36,257,336       51,216,826       102,078,249  
   


 


 


 


Total liabilities, mezzanine equity and shareholders’ equity

  $ 39,861,667     $ 100,371,951     $ 118,699,326     $ 118,699,326  
   


 


 


 


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated combined financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED COMBINED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In US dollars, except share data)

 

     For the years ended December 31,

 
     2004

    2005

    2006

 

Revenues:

                        

Direct sales, net

   $ 52,037,704     $ 76,827,627     $ 107,410,669  

Distribution sales, net

     43,022,247       93,511,955       89,087,622  
    


 


 


Total revenues, net

     95,059,951       170,339,582       196,498,291  

Cost of revenues:

                        

Direct sales

     16,826,268       26,645,747       32,013,171  

Distribution sales

     19,278,929       43,566,191       41,260,186  
    


 


 


Total cost of revenues

     36,105,197       70,211,938       73,273,357  
    


 


 


Gross profit

     58,954,754       100,127,644       123,224,934  
    


 


 


Operating income (expenses):

                        

Advertising expenses

     (27,903,089 )     (55,563,695 )     (76,549,338 )

Other selling and marketing expenses

     (7,696,651 )     (13,734,513 )     (21,022,624 )

General and administrative expenses

     (6,125,608 )     (12,339,884 )     (27,114,841 )

Other operating income, net

     498,532       1,552,900       3,105,197  
    


 


 


Total operating income (expenses)

     (41,226,816 )     (80,085,192 )     (121,581,606 )
    


 


 


Income from operations

     17,727,938       20,042,452       1,643,328  
    


 


 


Other income (expenses):

                        

Interest expenses

     (41,185 )     (14,055 )     (14,277 )

Other income (expenses), net

     (9,036 )     587,712       2,181,038  

Change in fair value in warrant liability

     —         (10,058,721 )     —    
    


 


 


Total other income (expenses)

     (50,221 )     (9,485,064 )     2,166,761  
    


 


 


Income before income taxes and minority interest

     17,677,717       10,557,388       3,810,089  
    


 


 


Income tax expenses (benefits): (Note 13)

                        

Current

     570,915       831,099       232,709  

Deferred

     —         (61,350 )     (160,427 )

Taxes refund

     —         —         (768,290 )
    


 


 


Total income tax expenses (benefits)

     570,915       769,749       (696,008 )
    


 


 


Net income after income taxes and before minority interest

     17,106,802       9,787,639       4,506,097  

Minority interest

     (2,614,460 )     (1,756,109 )     (561,184 )
    


 


 


Net income

     14,492,342       8,031,530       3,944,913  

Deemed dividend on Series A convertible redeemable preferred shares

     —         (161,400 )     (161,400 )
    


 


 


Income attributable to holders of ordinary shares

   $ 14,492,342     $ 7,870,130     $ 3,783,513  
    


 


 


Income per share—basic ordinary shares

   $ 0.31     $ 0.13     $ 0.05  
    


 


 


Income per share—basic preferred shares

   $ —       $ 0.14     $ 0.06  
    


 


 


Income per share—diluted

   $ 0.31     $ 0.12     $ 0.05  
    


 


 


Shares used in calculating basic income per share—ordinary shares

     46,809,668       45,814,725       48,979,394  
    


 


 


Shares used in calculating basic income per share—preferred shares

     —         16,770,999       20,591,970  
    


 


 


Shares used in calculating diluted income per share

     46,809,668       48,645,299       53,607,999  
    


 


 


Dividends declared per ordinary share

   $ 0.17     $ 0.02     $ —    
    


 


 


Includes share-based compensation related to:

                        

Other selling and marketing

   $ —       $ 167,874     $ 740,966  

General and administrative

     —         2,168,500       7,931,976  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated combined financial statements.

 

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ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED COMBINED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(In US dollars, except share data)

 

    Ordinary shares

   

Additional
paid-in
capital


    Subscription
receivable


    Deferred
share-based
compensation


   

Retained
earnings


   

Accumulated
other

comprehensive
income (loss)


    Total

   

Comprehensive

income


 
                 
    Shares

    Amount

               

Balance at January 1, 2004

  46,809,668     $ —       $ 2,489,194     $ —       $ —       $ 13,468,351     $ 564     $ 15,958,109          

Cash injection as additional paid-in capital

  —         —         48,586       —         —         —         —         48,586          

Issuance of ordinary shares to incorporate China DRTV

  —         100,000       —         —         —         —         —         100,000          

Dividends to shareholders

  —         —         —         —         —         (7,790,724 )     —         (7,790,724 )        

Foreign currency translation adjustments

  —         —         —         —         —         —         (7,855 )     (7,855 )   $ (7,855 )

Net income

  —         —         —         —         —         14,492,342       —         14,492,342       14,492,342  
   

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


Balance at December 31, 2004

  46,809,668     $ 100,000     $ 2,537,780     $ —       $ —       $ 20,169,969     $ (7,291 )   $ 22,800,458     $ 14,484,487  
   

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


                                                                       

Recapitalization in connection with Restructuring

  —         368,097       —         (368,097 )     —         —         —         —            

Issuance of ordinary shares in connection with the acquisition of Shanghai HJX

  8,042,838       80,428       22,355,069       (9,289,478 )     —         —         —         13,146,019          

Redemption of ordinary shares

  (5,873,112 )     (58,731 )     —         —         —         (9,661,269 )     —         (9,720,000 )        

Dividends to shareholders

  —         —         —         —         —         (1,077,750 )     —         (1,077,750 )        

Deferred share-based compensation

  —         —         3,948,606       —         (3,948,606 )     —         —         —            

Amortization of share-based compensation expenses

  —         —         —         —         2,336,374       —         —         2,336,374          

Deemed dividend on Series A convertible redeemable preferred shares

  —         —         —         —         —         (161,400 )     —         (161,400 )        

Foreign currency translation adjustments

  —         —         —         —         —         —         902,105       902,105     $ 902,105  

Net income

  —         —         —         —         —         8,031,530       —         8,031,530       8,031,530  
   

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


Balance at December 31, 2005

  48,979,394     $ 489,794     $ 28,841,455     $ (9,657,575 )   $ (1,612,232 )   $ 17,301,080     $ 894,814     $ 36,257,336     $ 8,933,635  
   

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


Adjustment for adoption of SFAS 123-R

  —         —         (1,612,232 )     —         1,612,232       —         —         —            

Amortization of share-based compensation expenses

  —         —         8,672,942       —         —         —         —         8,672,942          

Collection of subscription receivable

  —         —         —         368,097       —         —         —         368,097          

Deemed dividend on Series A convertible redeemable preferred shares

  —         —         —         —         —         (161,400 )     —         (161,400 )        

Foreign currency translation adjustments

  —         —         —         —         —         —         2,134,938       2,134,938     $ 2,134,938  

Net income

  —         —         —         —         —         3,944,913       —         3,944,913       3,944,913  
   

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


Balance at December 31, 2006

  48,979,394     $ 489,794     $ 35,902,165     $ (9,289,478 )   $ —       $ 21,084,593     $ 3,029,752     $ 51,216,826     $ 6,079,851  
   

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated combined financial statements.

 

F-5


Table of Contents

ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In US dollars, except share data)

 

    For the year ended December 31,

 
    2004

    2005

    2006

 

Operating activities:

                       

Income attributable to holders of ordinary shares

  $ 14,492,342     $ 7,870,130     $ 3,783,513  

Deemed dividend on Series A convertible redeemable preferred shares

    —         161,400       161,400  
   


 


 


Net income

    14,492,342       8,031,530       3,944,913  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

                       

Minority interest

    2,614,460       1,756,109       561,184  

Write-off of advance to a supplier

    —         —         946,452  

Share-based compensation

    —         2,336,374       8,672,942  

Change in fair value in warrant liability

    —         10,058,721       —    

Depreciation and amortization

    443,455       930,089       1,521,986  

Loss on disposal of equipment

    —         —         15,862  

Gross realized (gain) loss from sales of marketable securities

    (17,571 )     196,003       (8,435 )

Unrealized (gain) loss on marketable securities

    225,335       11,727       (875,734 )

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

                       

Purchase of marketable securities

    (120,824 )     (371,738 )     (2,067,522 )

Proceeds from sales of marketable securities

    210,889       337,521       37,969  

Accounts receivable, net

    (4,876,000 )     955,206       (2,987,741 )

Inventory

    136,272       (4,050,177 )     (2,338,964 )

Prepaid advertising expenses

    (3,077,821 )     (15,187,291 )     (5,293,610 )

Other prepaid expenses and current assets

    (986,574 )     (6,615,525 )     (3,506,071 )

Deferred tax assets

    —         (61,350 )     (163,689 )

Accounts payable

    (27,771 )     3,213,417       (938,694 )

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

    694,860       1,827,827       925,705  

Notes payable

    941,239       (1,031,120 )     (755,867 )

Income taxes payable

    82,451       431,088       (523,673 )

Deferred revenue

    —         —         4,193,295  
   


 


 


Net cash provided by operating activities

  $ 10,734,742     $ 2,768,411     $ 1,360,308  
   


 


 


Investing activities:

                       

Purchase of property and equipment

    (2,291,616 )     (1,820,073 )     (1,671,087 )

Purchase of other long-term assets

    —         —         (167,361 )

Cash paid for deposits for future investments in equity investments

    (352,823 )     —         —    

Refund from deposits for future investments in equity investments

    —         1,077,750       —    

Decrease (Increase) in restricted cash

    (184,492 )     (3,794,623 )     3,885,722  

Acquisition of additional interest in Shanghai HJX

    —         (3,662,828 )     —    

Purchase of acquired intangible assets

    (9,785 )     (136,415 )     (95,257 )
   


 


 


Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

  $ (2,838,716 )   $ (8,336,189 )   $ 1,952,017  
   


 


 


Financing activities:

                       

Proceeds from short-term bank loans

    966,592       247,825       250,138  

Repayment of short-term bank loans

    (483,290 )     (724,944 )     (497,963 )

Proceeds from long-term borrowings

    125,018       —         —    

Repayment of long-term borrowings

    —         (86,168 )     (38,850 )

Dividends paid

    (2,510,724 )     (6,357,750 )     —    

Capital contribution by minority shareholders

    2,972       155,692       —    

Distribution to minority shareholders

    —         (463,206 )     —    

Payment for redemption of ordinary shares

    —         (9,720,000 )     —    

Proceeds from issuance of Series A convertible redeemable preferred shares (net of issuance cost of $2,520,098)

    —         32,479,902       —    

Proceeds from exercise of warrants

    —         8,000,000       —    

Collection of subscription receivable

    —         —         368,097  

Issuance of registered capital and ordinary shares

    148,586       —         —    
   


 


 


Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

  $ (1,750,846 )   $ 23,531,351     $ 81,422  
   


 


 


Effect of exchange rate changes

  $ (7,874 )   $ 777,213     $ 1,964,926  
   


 


 


Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

  $ 6,137,306     $ 18,740,786     $ 5,358,673  

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period

    10,507,640       16,644,946       35,385,732  
   


 


 


Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period

  $ 16,644,946     $ 35,385,732     $ 40,744,405  
   


 


 


Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

                       

Income taxes paid

  $ 488,464     $ 191,058     $ 736,122  
   


 


 


Interest paid

  $ 41,185     $ 14,055     $ 14,278  
   


 


 


Non-cash financing activities:

                       

Dividends payable

  $ 5,280,000     $ —       $ —    
   


 


 


Subscription receivable

  $ —       $ 9,657,575     $ —    
   


 


 


Acquisition of minority shareholdings:

                       

Fair value of ordinary shares issued

          $ 22,435,497          

Subscription receivable

            (9,289,478 )        

Cash consideration

            3,662,828          
           


       

Assets acquired (including intangible assets of $5,574,154 and goodwill of $7,571,865)

          $ 16,808,847          
           


       

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated combined financial statements.

 

F-6


Table of Contents

ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004, 2005 AND 2006

(In US dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

1.    Organization and principal activities

 

Prior to January 1, 2005, the business operated through the following three entities which were each owned by the same shareholders with identical shareholdings (with a limited exception): Shanghai Acorn Network Co., Ltd., Beijing Acorn Trade Co., Ltd. and Shanghai Acorn Trade and Development Co., Ltd. (the three entities collectively referred to as the “Combined Entities”). On March 4, 2004 the same shareholders formed China DRTV, Inc. (“China DRTV”) with identical shareholdings as the Combined Entities.

 

Entities under common management


   Percentage of ownership

   

Date of incorporation


Beijing Acorn Trade Co., Ltd. (“Beijing Acorn”)

   100 %   March 19, 1998

Shanghai Acorn Trade and Development Co., Ltd. (“Shanghai Trade”)

   100 %   April 11, 2000

Shanghai Acorn Network Co., Ltd. (“Shanghai Acorn”)

   100 %   April 13, 2000

 

Details of the Combined Entities’ subsidiaries, which are all registered in the People’s Republic of China (“PRC”) are as follows:

 

Name of subsidiaries


   Percentage of ownership

   

Date of incorporation


Beijing Acorn Youngleda Oxygen Generating Co., Ltd. (“Beijing Youngleda”)

   100 %   December 6, 2000

Shanghai Acorn Bio-products Co., Ltd. (“Shanghai Bio”)

   51 %   March 17, 2003

Shanghai Acorn Bio-tech Development Co., Ltd. (“Shanghai Bio-tech”)

   51 %   August 28, 2003

Shanghai Acorn HJX Digital Technology Co., Ltd. (“Shanghai Acorn HJX”)

   51 %   December 12, 2003

Shanghai Acorn HJX Trade and Development Co., Ltd. (“Shanghai HJX Trade”)

   51 %   April 13, 2004

 

In 2004, China DRTV formed four subsidiaries and two consolidated variable interest entities (“VIE”) in the PRC. China DRTV consolidated the ownership of the Combined Entities, its subsidiaries and the VIEs, through which China DRTV’s business was then being conducted (the “Restructuring”). As part of the Restructuring, each of the Combined Entities, including their subsidiaries, transferred to China DRTV’s newly created consolidated subsidiaries and VIEs by means of an asset transfer and liability assumption, substantially all their assets and liabilities at their net book values, except that (a) the assets and liabilities of one of the Combined Entities’ subsidiaries were transferred through the transfer to China DRTV of all of that subsidiary’s capital stock, and (b) only certain of Beijing Acorn’s assets were transferred to two of China DRTV’s subsidiaries, after which the shareholders of Beijing Acorn transferred their equity interests in Beijing Acorn to two PRC individuals, with Beijing Acorn becoming an additional China DRTV consolidated VIE. Commencing on January 1, 2005, the business was conducted through China DRTV and its five subsidiaries and three VIEs. Other than Beijing Acorn and the other transferred subsidiary, each of the pre-restructuring companies previously engaged in the business has been liquidated.

 

In 2006, the same shareholders of China DRTV reorganized into Acorn International, Inc. (“Acorn International”), a Cayman Islands entity formed on December 20, 2005. The reorganization was effected by means of a share exchange in which all of China DRTV’s shareholders exchanged all their China DRTV shares for identical shares of Acorn International, with China DRTV becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of Acorn International.

 

F-7


Table of Contents

ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004, 2005 AND 2006

(In US dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

1.    Organization and principal activities — (Continued)

 

In substance, the Combined Entities were reorganized into China DRTV, which has been reorganized into Acorn International. Accordingly, the Group’s financial statements are prepared by including the financial statements of the Combined Entities through December 31, 2004, and as of and for the year ended December 31, 2005, the Group’s consolidated combined financial statements include China DRTV and its subsidiaries and VIEs. As of and for the year ended December 31, 2006, the Group’s consolidated combined financial statements include Acorn International, China DRTV and its subsidiaries and VIEs.

 

The subsidiaries and consolidated variable interest entities of China DRTV are as follows:

 

Name of subsidiaries and variable interest entities


   Percentage of ownership
as of December 31, 2006


   

Date of incorporation


Beijing Acorn Youngleda Oxygen Generating Co., Ltd. (“Beijing Youngleda”)

   100 %   October 20, 2004

Shanghai An-Nai-Chi Automobile Maintenance Products Co., Ltd. (“Shanghai An-Nai-Chi”)

   51 %   August 23, 2004

Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (“Acorn Information”)

   100 %   August 27, 2004

Shanghai HJX Digital Technology Co., Ltd. (“Shanghai HJX”)

   100 %   August 23, 2004

Acorn International Electronic Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (“Acorn Electronic”)

   100 %   August 23, 2004

Shanghai Yimeng Software Technology Co., Ltd. (“Shanghai Yimeng”)

   51 %   December 23, 2005

Zhuhai Sunrana Bio-tech Co., Ltd. (“Zhuhai Sunrana”)

   51 %   June 16, 2006

Shanghai Acorn Enterprise Management Consulting Co., Ltd. (“Acorn Consulting”)

   100 %   September 26, 2006

Zhuhai Acorn Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. (“Zhuhai Acorn”)

   100 %   November 8, 2006

Shanghai Acorn Network Technology Development Co., Ltd. (“Shanghai Network”)

   100 %   November 2, 2004

Beijing Acorn Trade Co., Ltd. (“Beijing Acorn”)

   100 %   March 19, 1998

Shanghai Acorn Advertising Broadcasting Co., Ltd. (“Shanghai Advertising”)

   100 %   August 19, 2004

 

PRC law restricts foreign ownership of entities engaged in various activities in China including commercial trading and advertising businesses in China. For China DRTV to comply with these post-restructuring restrictions, the three VIEs (Shanghai Network, Beijing Acorn and Shanghai Advertising) acquired the two related commercial trading licenses and the related advertising license and certain related assets in the Restructuring, and China DRTV now conducts its commercial trading and advertising activities through the VIEs. The VIEs are owned 100% by two PRC nationals: Yang Dongjie (or Don Dongjie Yang), China DRTV’s president, and He Chenghong (or David Chenghong He), an executive officer since 2000. China DRTV has entered into various agreements with the VIEs, including the use of trademarks of the Group and exclusive service agreement, entitling China DRTV to receive service fees based on the services provided. In addition, China DRTV has been assigned all voting rights by the owners of the VIEs through an agreement valid indefinitely, which cannot be amended or terminated except by written consent of all parties.

 

F-8


Table of Contents

ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004, 2005 AND 2006

(In US dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

1.    Organization and principal activities — (Continued)

 

Through the above arrangements, under the requirements of Financial Accounting Standard Board (“FASB”) International No. 46 (Revised) “ Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities ” (“FIN46(R)”), Shanghai Network, Beijing Acorn and Shanghai Advertising have become the variable interest entities of China DRTV.

 

Finally, China DRTV has the option to acquire all the equity interests of the VIEs once PRC laws permit.

 

China DRTV holds all the variable interests of the VIEs and has been determined to be most closely associated with the VIEs. Therefore, China DRTV is the primary beneficiary of the VIEs. Accordingly, the financial statements of Shanghai Network, Beijing Acorn and Shanghai Advertising have been consolidated with China DRTV as its subsidiaries since they were established.

 

Acorn International, China DRTV and all of its subsidiaries and variable interest entities are collectively referred to as the “Group”.

 

2.     Summary of principal accounting policies

 

(a)    Basis of presentation

 

The consolidated combined financial statements of the Group have been prepared in accordance with the accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”). The consolidated combined financial statements reflect the operations of the Combined Entities and their subsidiaries through December 31, 2004 and the Group’s consolidated combined operations thereafter.

 

(b)    Basis of consolidation

 

The consolidated combined financial statements include the financial statements of the Group, its majority-owned subsidiaries and VIEs. All intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated upon consolidation.

 

(c)    Use of estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and revenue and expenses in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Significant accounting estimates reflected in the Group’s financial statements include allowance for doubtful amounts, useful lives and impairment for long-lived assets and goodwill, assumptions related to the valuation of share-based compensation and related forfeiture rates and valuation of deferred tax assets.

 

(d)    Cash and cash equivalents

 

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and highly liquid investments which are unrestricted as to withdrawal or use, and which have maturities of three months or less when purchased.

 

(e)    Restricted cash

 

Under the notes payable arrangements with the banks, the Group is required to maintain certain cash balances in the banks based on the amounts of notes payable granted. These balances related to the notes payable are reflected as restricted cash in the balance sheet and amounted to $540,929, $270,749 and $449,830 as of December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively.

 

The restricted cash also included the amount of $4,064,803 and nil as of December 31, 2005 and 2006, respectively, which represented a cash deposit under the Combined Entities and their subsidiaries. The cash was fully withdrawn by the Group after the liquidation process of the Combined Entities and their subsidiaries was completed.

 

F-9


Table of Contents

ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004, 2005 AND 2006

(In US dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

2.     Summary of principal accounting policies — (Continued)

 

(f)    Marketable securities

 

The Group classifies securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term as marketable securities. They are recorded at fair market value, with unrealized gains and losses recognized in the consolidated combined statements of operations.

 

(g)    Inventory

 

The cost of inventory comprises all costs of purchase, costs of conversion, and other costs incurred to bring inventory to its present location and condition. The cost of inventory is calculated using the weighted average method.

 

Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market value. Adjustments are recorded to write down the cost of obsolete and excess inventory to the estimated market value based on historical and forecast demand.

 

(h)    Property and equipment, net

 

Property and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization is calculated on a straight-line basis over the following estimated useful lives:

 

    

Estimated useful lives


Buildings

   20 years

Leasehold improvements

   Lesser of the term of the lease or the
estimated useful lives of the assets

Machineries

  

10 years

Computers and office equipment

  

5 years

Vehicles

  

5 years

 

(i)    Acquired intangible assets, net

 

Acquired intangible assets, which consist primarily of patents, trademarks, know-how, distribution network and website, are valued at cost less accumulated amortization. Amortization is computed using the straight-line method over their expected useful lives of 2 to 15 years.

 

(j)    Impairment of long-lived assets

 

The Group evaluates its long-lived assets and finite-lived intangibles for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. When these events occur, the Group measures impairment by comparing the carrying amount of the assets to the future undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use of the assets and their eventual disposition. If the sum of the future undiscounted cash flow is less than the carrying amount of the assets, the Group would recognize an impairment loss equal to the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of the assets.

 

(k)    Goodwill

 

SFAS No. 142 requires the Group to complete a two-step goodwill impairment test. The first step compares the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the fair value of each reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill is not considered to be impaired and the second step will not be

 

F-10


Table of Contents

ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004, 2005 AND 2006

(In US dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

2.     Summary of principal accounting policies — (Continued)

 

(k)    Goodwill — (Continued)

 

required. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step compares the implied fair value of goodwill to the carrying value of a reporting unit’s goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in a manner similar to accounting for a business combination with the allocation of the assessed fair value determined in the first step to the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit. The excess of the fair value of the reporting unit over the amounts assigned to the assets and liabilities is the implied fair value of goodwill. This allocation process is only performed for purposes of evaluating goodwill impairment and does not result in an entry to adjust the value of any assets or liabilities. An impairment loss is recognized for any excess in the carrying value of goodwill over the implied fair value of goodwill.

 

No event had occurred as of December 31, 2006 that reduced the fair value of the Group’s reporting unit below the goodwill and intangible assets carrying amounts.

 

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill allocated by segments for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2006 were as follows:

 

     Direct sales

   Distribution
sales


   Total

Balance as of January 1, 2005

   $    $    $

Goodwill acquired during the year

     1,481,777      6,090,088      7,571,865
    

  

  

Balance as of December 31, 2005

   $ 1,481,777    $ 6,090,088    $ 7,571,865
    

  

  

Goodwill acquired during the year

              
    

  

  

Balance as of December 31, 2006

   $ 1,481,777    $ 6,090,088    $ 7,571,865
    

  

  

 

(l)    Revenue recognition

 

Direct sales, net

 

The Group’s direct sales net revenues primarily represent product sales through the Group’s TV direct sales and other direct sales platforms such as catalogue sales, outbound calls and direct sales through print media and radio. Revenues from sales of products are recognized once the products are delivered to and accepted by the customers.

 

Under marketing services arrangements, the Group provides a TV direct sales marketing plan, the related TV advertising time and call center support to third parties for a fixed fee. Marketing services revenues are recognized ratably over the contractual period of the arrangements. The related costs, including TV advertising expenses, are classified as corresponding costs of direct sales net revenues.

 

Under joint sales arrangements, the Group generates direct sales net revenues from the sales of products and also receives payments from the joint sales partners based on sales of the featured products through the joint sales partners’ own distribution channels. These payments are classified as a reduction to cost of direct sales via a reduction in the purchase price of the products purchased by the Group from the joint sales partners.

 

Prior to 2006, the Group conducted promotional activities of direct sales, primarily through the use of cash coupon discounts. In 2006, the Group introduced the membership-based loyalty program which includes membership points. All such costs are netted against revenues at the time the revenue is recorded. The Group uses historical trend experience to accrue for cash coupon discounts and membership points.

 

F-11


Table of Contents

ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004, 2005 AND 2006

(In US dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

2.     Summary of principal accounting policies — (Continued)

 

(l)    Revenue recognition — (Continued)

 

Direct sales, net — (Continued)

 

 

The Group relies on China Express Mail Service Corporation (“EMS”) and local delivery companies to provide the Group data as to their successful deliveries for the Group’s direct sales products. EMS and local delivery companies regularly report product delivery information. Direct sales net revenues for 2004, 2005 and 2006 reflected actual information received from EMS and local delivery companies to ensure the Group did not recognized revenue on unsuccessful deliveries. For unsuccessful deliveries, EMS and local delivery companies are required to return the undelivered products to the Group. It generally takes two to three weeks for EMS to return the undelivered products to the Group whereas it generally takes seven days for local delivery companies to do so.

 

Direct sales net revenues for 2004, 2005 and 2006 have been adjusted based on actual product return experience. In future interim periods, as the Group reports revenues it will estimate the amount of sales returns based on the historical trend of product returns, current economic trends including market acceptance of new and existing products and other delivery and return information available from EMS and local delivery companies.

 

Distribution sales, net

 

The Group’s distribution sales net revenues represent product sales to the distributors comprising the Group’s nationwide distribution networks. The distributor agreements do not provide discounts, chargeback, price protection or stock rotation rights. However, there were certain distributor agreements that provided performance-based cash rebates which were insignificant. Accordingly, the Group records the revenue when products are delivered to and accepted by the distributors as there are no future remaining obligations.

 

Depending on the reporting periods, the Group’s featured products lines include English learning devices, digital consumer electronics, health or wellness product categories. The Group estimates the amount of sales returns and cost of product warranty replacements based on the products’ historical trend of returns and current economic trends including market acceptance of new and existing products. In 2004, 2005 and 2006 the product returns and warranty replacements were insignificant.

 

Software revenue recognition

 

In 2006, the Group generated revenue from annual subscription fees from subscribers for the Group’s stock tracking software which includes access to the Group’s initial software CD containing data analysis tools and services. Upon receipt of the upfront cash payments from the subscriber, the Group will activate the subscriber’s account and provide the subscriber with the access code. This will commence the one-year subscription period and the full payment will be deferred and recognized ratably over the one-year subscription period. After the initial subscription period, the subscribers can register for an additional one year renewal. Because the data services are essential to the functionality of the software analysis tools, the Group recognizes revenue ratably over the one-year subscription period. For the year ended December 31, 2006, the Group recognized $4,654,020 in relation to subscription fees and the deferred revenue balance was $4,193,295 as of December 31, 2006.

 

The Group presented revenue net of sales taxes incurred. The sales taxes amounted to $157,776, $237,228 and $712,918 for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively. Before subtracting the sales taxes, the gross direct sales were $52,098,653, $76,977,012 and $108,042,332 and the gross distribution

 

F-12


Table of Contents

ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004, 2005 AND 2006

(In US dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

2.     Summary of principal accounting policies — (Continued)

 

(l)    Revenue recognition — (Continued)

 

 

sales were $43,119,074, $93,599,798 and $89,168,877, for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively.

 

(m)    Shipping and handling costs

 

The Group records costs incurred for shipping and handling as part of other selling and marketing expenses in the consolidated combined statements of operations. Shipping and handling costs were $2,628,555, $4,937,635 and $4,726,041 for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively.

 

(n)    Operating leases

 

Leases where substantially all the rewards and risks of ownership of assets remain with the leasing company are accounted for as operating leases. Payments made under operating leases are charged to the consolidated combined statements of operations on a straight-line basis over the lease periods.

 

(o)    Advertising costs

 

The Group records cash advances to the advertising companies as prepaid advertising expenses in the consolidated combined balance sheets. The Group then expenses the prepaid advertising expenses as the advertisement is shown.

 

(p)    Foreign currency translation

 

The functional currency and reporting currency of Acorn International and China DRTV are the United States dollar (“US dollar”). Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the US dollar are translated into the US dollar at the rates of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. Transactions in currencies other than the US dollar during the year are converted into US dollar at the applicable rates of exchange prevailing at the first day of the month transactions occurred. Transaction gains and losses are recognized in the consolidated combined statements of operations.

 

The financial records of the Group’s subsidiaries and its variable interest entities are denominated in its local currency, the Renminbi (“RMB”), which is the functional currency. Assets and liabilities are translated at the exchange rates at the balance sheet date, equity accounts are translated at historical exchange rates and revenues, expenses, gains and losses are translated using the average rate for the period. Translation adjustments are reported as cumulative translation adjustments and are shown as a separated component of other comprehensive income (loss) in the statement of shareholders’ equity.

 

The aggregated gains through foreign currency transactions were nil, $326,483 and $320,494 in 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively.

 

(q)    Income taxes

 

Deferred income taxes are recognized for temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

 

F-13


Table of Contents

ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004, 2005 AND 2006

(In US dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

2.     Summary of principal accounting policies — (Continued)

 

(r)    Government subsidies

 

The Group receives unrestricted government subsidies from local governmental agencies for certain taxes paid by the Group which include value-added, business and income taxes. The Group records unrestricted government subsidies as other operating income in the consolidated combined statements of operations.

 

The government subsidies in 2004, 2005 and 2006 were $72,627, $1,092,854 and $2,531,557, respectively.

 

(s)    Comprehensive income

 

Comprehensive income includes all changes in equity except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners and is comprised of net income and foreign currency translation adjustments. Comprehensive income is reported in the statement of shareholders’ equity.

 

(t)    Concentration of credit risk

 

Financial instruments that potentially expose the Group to concentration of credit risk consist primarily of accounts receivable.

 

The Group conducts credit evaluations of customers and generally does not require collateral or other security from its customers. The Group establishes an allowance for doubtful accounts primarily based upon the age of the receivables and factors surrounding the credit risk of specific customers.

 

The Group mainly engaged EMS to deliver products to customers and to collect cash from the customers for direct sales gross revenues through direct sales platforms. As of December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006, accounts receivables from EMS were $6,844,892, $5,869,440 and $7,771,501, respectively. These amounts represented 70.69%, 67.26% and 66.34% of the total accounts receivables as of December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively.

 

(u)    Fair value of financial instruments

 

The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivables, other prepaid expenses and current assets, accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities, notes payable, and short-term bank loans approximate their fair values due to the short-term nature of these instruments.

 

(v)    Share-based compensation

 

Effective January 1, 2006 the Group adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (“SFAS”) No. 123 (revised 2004), “ Share-Based Payment ” (“SFAS 123-R”) using the modified prospective application transition method, which establishes accounting for share-based awards exchanged for employee services. Accordingly, share-based compensation cost is measured at grant date, based on the fair value of the award, and recognized in expense over the requisite service period. The Group previously applied Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “ Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees ” (“APB 25”), and related Interpretations and provided the pro forma disclosures required by SFAS No. 123, “ Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation ” (“SFAS 123”). APB 25 required the Group to record a compensation charge for the excess of the market value of the share at the grant date or any other measurement date over the amount an employee must pay to acquire the share. The compensation expense is recognized over the service period which is the vesting period.

 

Periods prior to the adoption of SFAS 123-R

 

Prior to the adoption of SFAS 123-R, the Group provided the disclosures required under SFAS 123, as amended by SFAS No. 148, “ Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation — Transition and Disclosures ” (“SFAS 148”).

 

F-14


Table of Contents

ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004, 2005 AND 2006

(In US dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

2.     Summary of principal accounting policies — (Continued)

 

(v)    Share-based compensation — (Continued)

 

Periods prior to the adoption of SFAS 123-R — (Continued)

 

The following table illustrates the effect on net income and income per share as if the Group had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS 123-R to options granted prior to the adoption of SFAS 123-R. For purposes of this pro forma disclosure the value of the options was estimated using a Black-Scholes-Merton (“BSM”) option-pricing formula and amortized on a straight-line basis over the respective vesting periods of the awards.

 

     2005

 

Net income, as reported

   $ 8,031,530  

Add: Share-based compensation as reported

     2,336,374  

Less: Share-based compensation determined using the fair value method

     (7,342,168 )
    


Pro forma net income

     3,025,736  

Deemed dividend on Series A convertible redeemable preferred shares

     (161,400 )
    


Pro forma income attributable to holders of ordinary shares

   $ 2,864,336  
    


Basic income per share—ordinary shares:

        

As reported

   $ 0.13  
    


Pro forma

   $ 0.05  
    


Basic income per share—preferred shares:

        

As reported

   $ 0.14  
    


Pro forma

   $ 0.06  
    


Diluted income per share:

        

As reported

   $ 0.12  
    


Pro forma

   $ 0.04  
    


 

The fair value of each option granted was estimated on the date of grant using the BSM option-pricing formula with the following assumptions used for grants during the applicable period.

 

     2005

Average risk-free rate of return

   4.73% - 5.22%

Weighted average expected option life

   5.00 years- 5.56 years

Volatility rate

   48.74% - 57.10%

Dividend yield

   1.10% - 2.10%

 

Prior to 2005, the Group did not grant share options to employees, officers, directors or individual consultants and/or advisors who rendered services to the Group.

 

Adoption of SFAS 123-R

 

Effective in 2006, the Group recorded share-based compensation cost totaling the amount that would have been recognized had the fair value method been applied since the effective date of SFAS 123-R. Results for prior periods have not been restated.

 

As required by SFAS 123-R, management has made an estimate of expected forfeitures and is recognizing compensation costs only for those equity awards expected to vest. The cumulative effect of initially adopting SFAS 123-R was not material.

 

F-15


Table of Contents

ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004, 2005 AND 2006

(In US dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

2.     Summary of principal accounting policies — (Continued)

 

(w)    Income per share

 

The Group has determined that its Series A convertible redeemable preferred shares are participating securities as the preferred shares participates in undistributed earnings on the same basis as the ordinary shares. Accordingly, the Group has used the two-class method of computing income per share, income per share is computed for ordinary and preferred shares according to participation rights in undistributed earnings. Under this method, net income applicable to holders of ordinary shares is allocated on a pro rata basis to the ordinary and preferred shares to the extent that each class may share in income for the period had been distributed. Diluted income per share is computed using the more dilutive of (a) the two-class method or (b) the if-converted method. For 2005 and 2006, the application of the two-class method was more dilutive than the if-converted method. The Group has excluded the stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) outstanding of 1,580,000 as of December 31, 2006 from the diluted income per share as these SARs are only vested upon the satisfaction of certain performance targets.

 

Prior to 2005, the Group did not have any dilutive securities.

 

As a result of the recapitalization that occurred in 2005 and the issuances of the nominal shares in 2004 and 2005, the outstanding ordinary shares have been retroactively restated to 46,809,668 shares in the denominator for 2004.

 

(x)    Recently issued accounting standards

 

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “ Fair Value Measurements ” (“SFAS 157”), which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 applies under most other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements and does not require any new fair value measurements. This statement is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with earlier application encouraged. The provisions of SFAS 157 should be applied prospectively as of the beginning of the fiscal year in which the statement is initially applied, except for a limited form of retrospective application for certain financial instruments. The Group is currently evaluating the impact, if any, of this statement on the consolidated combined financial statements.

 

In June 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with FASB Statement No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes” . FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The Group is currently evaluating the interpretation to determine the effect on its financial statements and related disclosures.

 

In June 2006, the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) reached a consensus on Issue No. 06-3, “How Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities Should be Presented in the Income Statement (That Is, Gross Versus Net Presentation)” (“EITF 06-3”). The scope of EITF 06-3 includes sales, use, value added and some excise taxes that are assessed by a governmental authority on specific revenue-producing

 

F-16


Table of Contents

ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004, 2005 AND 2006

(In US dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

2.     Summary of principal accounting policies — (Continued)

 

(x)    Recently issued accounting standards — (Continued)

 

transactions between a seller and customer. EITF 06-3 states that a company should disclose its accounting policy (i.e. gross or net presentation) regarding the presentation of taxes within its scope, and if significant, these disclosures should be applied retrospectively to the financial statements for all periods presented. EITF 06-3 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2006. The Group is currently evaluating the impact, if any, of this statement on its consolidated combined financial statements and related disclosures.

 

(y)    Unaudited pro forma information

 

The pro forma balance sheet information as of December 31, 2006 (unaudited) assumes the conversion upon completion of the initial public offering of all convertible redeemable preferred shares outstanding as of December 31, 2006 into ordinary shares.

 

(z)    Unaudited pro forma net income per share

 

Pro forma basic and diluted income per ordinary share is computed by dividing income attributable to holders of ordinary shares by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding for the year plus the number of ordinary shares resulting from the assumed conversion upon the closing of the planned initial public offering of the outstanding convertible redeemable preferred shares.

 

The pro forma income per share data give effect to the automatic conversion of the Group’s outstanding Series A convertible redeemable preferred shares and Series A-1 convertible redeemable preferred shares into 20,591,970 ordinary shares upon closing of the planned initial public offering and is calculated as follows:

 

     2006

Income attributable to holders of ordinary shares, as reported

   $ 3,783,513

Add: Deemed dividend on Series A convertible redeemable preferred shares

     161,400
    

Net income, as reported

   $ 3,944,913
    

Pro forma net income (unaudited)

   $ 3,944,913
    

Pro forma income attributable to holders of ordinary shares (unaudited)

   $ 3,944,913
    

Shares used in calculating basic income per share:

      

As reported

     48,979,394

Add: Series A and Series A-1 convertible redeemable shares (unaudited)

     20,591,970
    

Pro forma on an as-converted basis (unaudited)

     69,571,364
    

Pro forma basic income per share on an as-converted basis (unaudited):

   $ 0.06
    

Shares used in calculating diluted income per share:

      

As reported

     53,607,999

Add: Series A and Series A-1 convertible redeemable shares (unaudited)

     20,591,970
    

Pro forma on an as-converted (unaudited)

     74,199,969
    

Pro forma diluted income per share on an as-converted basis (unaudited):

   $ 0.05
    

 

F-17


Table of Contents

ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004, 2005 AND 2006

(In US dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

3.    Acquisition

 

The Group increased its existing ownership of Shanghai HJX from 51% to 100% by entering into agreements on June 30, 2005 to acquire the 49% minority interest of Shanghai HJX in exchange for cash of $3,662,828. In connection with the transfer of the minority interest, the minority equity holders negotiated a separate right to acquire from the Group 8,042,838 ordinary shares (the “Shares”) having a fair value of $2.79 per ordinary share, or $22,435,497 in the aggregate, which was determined by a retrospective valuation performed by an unrelated third party, in exchange for a $9,289,478 subscription receivable with a related promissory note. The parties intended that the Shares represent approximately 10% of the Group’s fully diluted common stock after giving effect to the transaction. These events were deemed for acquisition accounting purposes to be part of the same transaction. PRC foreign exchange rules adopted in early 2005 require that PRC residents obtain approval from the relevant State Administration of Foreign Exchange (“SAFE”) authority prior to the receipt of their offshore interests. A lack of implementing rules at the time of the transaction, however, prevented the minority equity holders from obtaining the approval from the relevant SAFE authority. Consequently, the Group agreed to issue the Shares to an intermediary company Yue-Teng, Inc. (“Yue-Teng”) in exchange for a promissory note equal to $9,289,478. At the time of that agreement, Yue-Teng and the Group also entered into an agreement with Guoying Du (one of the largest holders of the minority equity interest and an executive officer of the Group) pursuant to which Guoying Du, on behalf of the minority equity holders, could acquire the Shares from Yue-Teng in exchange for a promissory note of $9,289,478 once permitted by PRC law. The note from Yue-Teng to China DRTV was payable in seven equal annual installments beginning two months after Yue-Teng received the required opinion from PRC counsel, with interest payable at 5% per annum on amounts due and unpaid. Following changes in PRC law permitting the minority equity holders to acquire the Shares, Guoying Du and the former Shanghai HJX minority equity holders formed a BVI company, HJX Holdings Ltd., and another individual, who is a family member of Guoying Du, formed another BVI company, DHM Capital Ltd. In March 2006, the Shares were transferred to HJX Holdings Ltd. and DHM Capital Ltd. and the Group received a promissory note from HJX Holdings Ltd. in respect of the $9,289,478 subscription receivable. At that time, the promissory note from Yue-Teng to China DRTV was canceled. Given the nature of the negotiations and value of the Shares relative to the subscription receivable, the Group anticipated as of June 30, 2005 that the minority equity holders would acquire the Shares. The promissory note for the outstanding subscription receivable is payable in full in connection with the Group’s planned initial public offering.

 

The Group’s primary business reasons for acquiring Shanghai HJX was to capture the full potential profit opportunities of electronic English learning devices (i.e. the Ozing, HJX product line), in particular in the areas of marketing, brand and distributor management, to further enhance the Group’s distribution platform and to acquire Shanghai HJX’s research and development capabilities.

 

The aggregate purchase price of $16,808,847 was comprised of the following:

 

Cash consideration

   $ 3,662,828  

Fair value of the ordinary shares issued

     22,435,497  

Subscription receivable

     (9,289,478 )
    


Total consideration

   $ 16,808,847  
    


 

F-18


Table of Contents

ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004, 2005 AND 2006

(In US dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

3.     Acquisition — (Continued)

 

The purchase price was allocated as follows:

 

          

Amortization
Period


Tangible assets owned by minority shareholders

   $ 4,301,623      

Liabilities incurred by minority shareholders

     (638,795 )    

Intangible assets:

            

Distribution network

     3,425,945     12 years

Trademark

     2,122,041     15 years

Backlog

     24,984     1 month

Website

     1,184     2 years

Goodwill

     7,571,865     N/A
    


   

Total

   $ 16,808,847      
    


   

 

The valuation of the distribution network was based on the excess earnings method, a method within the income approach whereby the value of an intangible asset was captured by discounting to present value the earnings generated by the asset that remains after a deduction for a return on other contributory assets. These assets normally include working capital, fixed assets and other intangible assets. After a fair return on tangible and other intangible assets is subtracted, the remaining “excess” cash flow (or net cash flow) is attributed to the intangible asset being valued. The excess-earnings approach explicitly recognizes that the current value of an investment is premised upon the expected receipt of future economic benefits. In the appraisal of an intangible asset, an indication of value is developed by discounting excess cash flows attributed to the asset to present value at a rate that reflects the current return requirements of the market.

 

The valuation of the trademark was based on the relief from royalty method whereby an asset is valued based upon the after-tax cash flow saving accruing to the owner by virtue of the fact that the owner does not have to pay a “fair royalty” to a third party for the use of that asset. Accordingly, a portion of the owner’s earnings, equal to the after-tax royalty that would have been paid for use of the asset can be attributed to that asset. The value of the asset depends on the present worth of future after-tax royalties attributable to the asset to their present worth at market-derived rates of return appropriate for the risks of that particular asset.

 

F-19


Table of Contents

ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004, 2005 AND 2006

(In US dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

3.     Acquisition — (Continued)

 

Pro forma (unaudited)

 

The following table summarizes unaudited pro forma results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2005 assuming that the acquisition occurred as of January 1, 2004 and 2005. These pro forma results have been prepared for comparative purpose only based on management’s best estimate and do not purport to be indicative of the results of operations which actually would have resulted had the acquisition occurred as of January 1, 2004 and 2005.

 

     Pro forma years ended

     December 31,
2004


   December 31,
2005


     (unaudited)    (unaudited)

Revenues

   $ 95,059,951    $ 170,339,582

Income attributable to holders of ordinary shares

   $ 14,039,810    $ 9,676,050

Income per share:

             

Basic—ordinary shares

   $ 0.30    $ 0.15
    

  

Basic—preferred shares

   $ —      $ 0.16
    

  

Diluted

   $ 0.30    $ 0.15
    

  

 

4.    Marketable securities

 

The Group’s marketable securities were equity shares and were carried at their fair value based on the quoted market prices of the securities as of December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006. Net realized and unrealized gains and losses on marketable securities were included as part of other income in the consolidated combined statements of operations. For purpose of determining realized gains and losses, the cost of the securities sold is based on specific identification by security.

 

The cost and fair value of the marketable securities as of December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006 are as follows:

 

     December 31,

     2004

   2005

   2006

     Cost

   Fair value

   Cost

   Fair value

   Cost

   Fair value

Equity shares

   $ 845,768    $ 520,066    $ 371,738    $ 359,847    $ 2,430,239    $ 3,302,384

 

Net investment gain (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006 consists of the following:

 

     For the years ended December 31,

     2004

    2005

    2006

Gross realized gain (loss) from sales of marketable securities

   $ 17,571     $ (196,003 )   $ 8,435

Net unrealized holding gain (loss)

     (225,335 )     (11,727 )     875,734
    


 


 

Net investment gain (loss)

   $ (207,764 )   $ (207,730 )   $ 884,169
    


 


 

 

F-20


Table of Contents

ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004, 2005 AND 2006

(In US dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

5.    Inventory

 

Inventory consists of the following:

 

     December 31,

     2004

   2005

   2006

Raw materials and work in progress

   $ 117,571    $ 1,700,641    $ 1,515,225

Finished goods and merchandise goods

     1,307,990      3,775,097      6,299,477
    

  

  

     $ 1,425,561    $ 5,475,738    $ 7,814,702
    

  

  

 

6.    Other prepaid expenses and current assets

 

Other prepaid expenses and current assets consist of the following:

 

     December 31,

     2004

   2005

   2006

Advances to employees

   $ 181,966    $ 425,178    $ 304,311

Advances to suppliers

     930,070      826,704      4,328,875

Agency fee receivable

     183,137      451,599      209,058

Rental and other deposits

     231,258      302,363      10,988

Deposits for future investments in equity investments

     1,077,750          

Other prepaid expenses

     361,049      996,678      971,385

Notes receivable

          79,304      243,318

Other receivable for subcontracted advertising time

          5,421,179      4,598,717
    

  

  

     $ 2,965,230    $ 8,503,005    $ 10,666,652
    

  

  

 

7.    Property and equipment, net

 

Property and equipment consist of the following:

 

     December 31,

 
     2004

    2005

    2006

 

Buildings

   $ 1,264,738     $ 1,297,069     $ 1,340,506  

Leasehold improvements

     136,650       434,119       948,846  

Machineries

     42,047       122,308       136,030  

Computers and office equipment

     1,357,121       2,390,275       3,531,234  

Vehicles

     1,140,045       1,553,935       1,705,572  
    


 


 


     $ 3,940,601     $ 5,797,706     $ 7,662,188  

Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization

     (865,011 )     (1,444,736 )     (2,505,032 )
    


 


 


     $ 3,075,590     $ 4,352,970     $ 5,157,156  
    


 


 


 

Depreciation and amortization expense for property and equipment was $378,472, $621,315 and $1,012,275 for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively.

 

F-21


Table of Contents

ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004, 2005 AND 2006

(In US dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

8.    Acquired intangible assets, net

 

Acquired intangible assets, net consist of the following:

 

     December 31,

 
     2004

    2005

    2006

 

Distribution network

   $     $ 3,425,945     $ 3,425,945  

Trademarks

     108,717       2,257,148       2,321,376  

Patents

     186,416       303,326       324,850  

Know-how

     36,247       37,174       38,419  

Website

           1,184       1,184  
    


 


 


     $ 331,380     $ 6,024,777     $ 6,111,774  

Less: accumulated amortization:

     (226,987 )     (515,922 )     (1,010,207 )
    


 


 


Acquired intangible assets, net

   $ 104,393     $ 5,508,855     $ 5,101,567  
    


 


 


 

The Group has recorded amortization expense of $64,983, $308,774 and $509,711 for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively. The Group will record $482,887, $476,224, $470,994, $469,300 and $429,416 for 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively.

 

9.    Short-term bank loans

 

In 2004, the Group had three new short-term bank loans in the amounts of $241,648 (“Loan A”), $483,296 (“Loan B”) and $241,648 (“Loan C”). Loan A bore interest at 5.04% per annum and was repaid on October 14, 2004. Loan B bore interest at 5.31% per annum and was repaid on March 4, 2005. Loan C bore interest at 5.04% per annum and was repaid on April 14, 2005. Loan B was guaranteed by Shanghai Caohejing Hi-Tech Park Development Co., Ltd for no charge. As of December 31, 2004, the short-term bank loans outstanding were $724,944.

 

In 2005, the Group had a new short-term bank loan in the amount of $247,825 which bore interest at 5.22% per annum and was repaid on February 8, 2006.

 

In 2006, the Group had a new short-term bank loan in the amount of $250,138 which bore interest at 5.58% per annum and was repaid on December 29, 2006.

 

The average interest rates were 5.08%, 5.22% and 5.52% for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively.

 

10.    Dividend payable

 

In 2004, the Group declared dividends to its equity shareholders in the amount of $7,790,724, and $2,510,724 was paid in 2004 with the remaining $5,280,000 paid in 2005. On January 1, 2005, the Group declared and paid out dividends of $1,077,750 to its equity shareholders.

 

F-22


Table of Contents

ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004, 2005 AND 2006

(In US dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

11.    Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

 

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consist of the following:

 

     December 31,

     2004

   2005

   2006

Other taxes payable

   $ 2,344,479    $ 1,646,003    $ 838,887

Accrued employee payroll and welfare

     484,450      1,691,183      2,125,227

Other payable

     811,104      1,563,571      1,049,659

Accrued expenses

     378,099      632,940      1,309,541

Accrued offering costs

               825,954

Advances from customers

     353,143      665,405      975,539
    

  

  

     $ 4,371,275    $ 6,199,102    $ 7,124,807
    

  

  

 

Other taxes payable mainly consist of value-added tax payable and sales taxes payable. The Group’s PRC subsidiaries are subject to value-added tax at a rate of 17% on product purchases and sales amount. Value-added tax payable on sales is computed net of value-added tax paid on purchases. The Group’s PRC subsidiaries are also subject to business tax at a rate of 5% on sales related to service rendered.

 

In 2006, the Group incurred costs attributable to the planned initial public offering of $3,165,760, which were recorded as general and administrative expenses. As of December 31, 2006, the Group has no deferred costs related to the offering.

 

12.    Share-based compensation

 

Prior to 2005 the Group did not grant share-based awards to employees, officers, directors or individual consultants and/or advisors who rendered services to the Group.

 

In March 2005, the Group adopted the 2005 Equity Incentive Plan and the 2005 Equity Incentive Plan B (collectively, the “2005 Option Plan”) which allows the Group to offer a variety of incentive awards to employees, officers, directors or individual consultants or advisors who rendered services to the Group. In 2005, 9,415,366 ordinary shares were authorized under the 2005 Option Plan. In May 2006, the Group adopted the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2006 Option Plan”) and authorized the issuance of 24,133,000 ordinary shares. Under the 2005 and 2006 Option Plans, the options and Share Appreciation Rights (“SARs”) are generally granted with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the underlying shares, as determined by the Group’s Board of Directors at the date of grant and expire after ten year and six years, respectively, with vesting occurring 25% upon grant and the remaining 75% vesting ratably over three years. Certain options and SARs granted vest immediately upon grant, and certain SARs granted vest upon the satisfaction of certain performance targets. The proceeds from the exercise of the SARs by the grantee will be equity settled by delivery of equivalent fair value of ordinary shares of the Group.

 

The Group recorded compensation expense of $2,336,374 for the year ended December 31, 2005, in accordance with APB 25. The Group adopted the provisions of SFAS 123-R effective January 1, 2006 and recorded compensation expense of $8,672,942, which also included $1,903,454 incremental compensation expense for the exercise price modification on September 27, 2006, as mentioned below, for the year ended December 31, 2006.

 

F-23


Table of Contents

ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004, 2005 AND 2006

(In US dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

12.    Share-based compensation — (Continued)

 

As a result of adopting SFAS 123-R income before income tax and net income were both higher by $7,989,458 than if the Group had continued to account for share-based compensation under APB 25. The impact on basic and diluted earnings per share in 2006 was $0.12 and $0.11 per share, respectively.

 

The derived fair value of the ordinary shares underlying the options and SARs was determined based on a retrospective third-party valuation using generally accepted valuation methodologies, including a weighted average equity value derived by using a combination of the discounted cash flow method, a method within the income approach whereby the present value of future expected net cash flows is calculated using a discount rate and the guideline companies method, which incorporates certain assumptions including the market performance of comparable listed companies as well as the financial results and growth trends of the Group, to derive the total equity value of the Group. The valuation model allocated the equity value between the ordinary shares and the preferred shares and determined the fair value of ordinary shares based on the option-pricing method under the enterprise value allocation method. Under this method, the ordinary shares have value only if the funds available for distribution to shareholders exceed the value of the liquidation preference at the time of a liquidity event (for example, merger or sale). The ordinary shares are considered to be a call option with claim on the enterprise at an exercise price equal to the remaining value immediately after the preferred shares are liquidated.

 

The fair value of each option/SAR granted was estimated on the date of grant using the BSM option-pricing formula with the below assumptions. Expected volatilities are based on the average volatility of comparable companies with the time period commensurate with the expected time period. The Group uses historical data to estimate option/SAR exercise and employee termination within the pricing formula. The expected term of options/SARs granted represents the period of time that options/SARs granted are expected to be outstanding. The risk-free rate for periods within the contractual life of the option/SAR is based on the yield of Chinese International Bond.

 

     Options/SARs
without
performance
condition


    SARs with
performance
condition


 

Average risk-free rate of return

   5.03-5.28 %   5.28-5.61 %

Weighted average expected option/SAR life

   3.55-3.58 years     4.08-4.58 years  

Volatility rate

   38.66-42.18 %   43.45-44.73 %

Dividend yield

   0 %   0 %

 

On September 27, 2006, the Group modified the exercise prices for options granted on November 4, 2005 from $5.00 to $3.00, and SARs granted on May 1, 2006 and July 6, 2006 from $7.00 to $3.50 for 153 individuals. The total incremental compensation expense resulting from the modification was $3,165,873, of which $1,903,454 was recognized in 2006.

 

All the amounts below reflect the modification of exercise prices of options and SARs.

 

The weighted-average fair value of options and SARs granted as of December 31, 2005 and 2006 was $1.40 and $1.91, respectively.

 

F-24


Table of Contents

ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004, 2005 AND 2006

(In US dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

12.    Share-based compensation — (Continued)

 

A summary of the options and SARs activities are as follows:

 

    Number of
options/SARs


    Weighted average
exercise price


   Weighted
average
remaining
contract
terms


   Aggregate
intrinsic
value


Options/SARs outstanding at December 31, 2004

      $          

Granted

  9,053,026     $ 1.80          
   

               

Options/SARs outstanding at December 31, 2005

  9,053,026     $ 1.80          
   

               

Granted

  8,866,100     $ 4.75          

Forfeited

  (1,590,000 )   $ 6.98          
   

               

Options/SARs outstanding at December 31, 2006

  16,329,126     $ 2.90    7.06 years    2,827,432
   

             

Options/SARs vested or expected to vest at December 31, 2006

  14,749,126     $ 2.46    7.25 years    2,827,432
   

             

Options/SAR exercisable at December 31, 2006

  9,108,875     $ 2.29    7.64 years    1,898,684
   

             

 

The total fair value of options and SARs vested in 2004, 2005 and 2006 was nil, $7,342,168 and $8,659,928, respectively.

 

As of December 31, 2006, there was $10,150,872 in total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested share-based compensation arrangements granted under the 2005 and 2006 Option Plans, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.98 years.

 

The Group has excluded the SARs outstanding of 1,580,000 as of December 31, 2006 from the compensation expense as these SARs are only vested upon the satisfaction of certain performance targets.

 

The following table summarized information regarding SARs issued within twelve months prior to December 31, 2006:

 

Grant Date


   Number of
SARs
issued


   Fair
value of
ordinary
shares
at grant
date


   Original
exercise
price


   Modified
exercise
price


   Intrinsic
value


   Type of
valuation


May 1, 2006

   3,260,000    $ 7.00    $ 7.00    $ 3.50       *

May 1, 2006

   3,160,000    $ 7.00    $ 7.00      N/A       *

July 6, 2006

   370,000    $ 7.00    $ 7.00    $ 3.50       *

September 27, 2006

   2,076,100    $ 3.12    $ 3.50      N/A       *
    
                              
     8,866,100                               
    
                              
*   The fair value was determined based on a retrospective third party valuation.

 

F-25


Table of Contents

ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004, 2005 AND 2006

(In US dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

13.    Taxation

 

Acorn International is a tax-exempted company incorporated in the Cayman Islands.

 

China DRTV is a tax-exempted company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands.

 

The Group’s subsidiaries are subject to Corporate Income Tax (“CIT”) on the taxable income in accordance with the Enterprise Income Tax Law and the Income Tax Law of the PRC concerning Foreign Investment Enterprise and Foreign Enterprises (collectively “PRC Corporate Income Tax Laws”), respectively.

 

For 2004, prior to the Group’s Restructuring, the Group’s Combined Entities and their subsidiaries benefited from favorable tax arrangements provided by the local tax bureau responsible for overseeing the assessment of taxes related to the Group’s operations.

 

Acorn Information, Shanghai Yimeng, and Shanghai Advertising, registered in Pudong New District, Shanghai of the PRC, are subject to 15% CIT pursuant to the local tax preferential arrangement. Shanghai An-Nai-Chi, Acorn Electronic and Shanghai HJX, registered in Qingpu, Shanghai of the PRC, are subject to 27% CIT as qualified foreign-invested manufacturing entities. The Group’s remaining entities registered in the PRC are subject to a statutory CIT rate of 33% in accordance with the relevant PRC Corporate Income Tax Laws.

 

Shanghai An-Nai-Chi, Acorn Electronic and Shanghai HJX, as foreign-invested manufacturing enterprises which are scheduled to operate for at least 10 years are entitled to a two-year exemption and a three-year 50% rate reduction starting from the first profit making year after absorbing all prior year tax losses which can be carried forward for five years (the “Tax Holiday”). Shanghai Advertising is exempted from CIT in the two years ended December 31, 2006 and Shanghai Network is exempted from CIT in the three years ending December 31, 2007 in accordance with the relevant PRC Corporate Income Tax Laws.

 

Acorn Information, as a recognized software company, is eligible for the Tax Holiday as well. On April 5, 2006, Acorn Information obtained approval for the Tax Holiday from 2005 from the local tax authority. As a result, Acorn Information obtained a tax refund of $604,049 in June 2006 for the CIT paid for 2005.

 

On April 4, 2006, Beijing Youngleda, as a recognized foreign-invested manufacturing enterprise, was approved to be subject to 27% CIT and entitled to the Tax Holiday from 2005 from the local tax authority and it has obtained a tax refund of $118,597 in June 2006 for the CIT paid in 2005.

 

Shanghai Yimeng, as a recognized software company, is eligible for the Tax Holiday as well. On July 4, 2006, Shanghai Yimeng obtained approval for the Tax Holiday from 2006 from the local tax authority.

 

Tax that would otherwise have been payable without tax holidays and tax concessions amounted to approximately nil, $19,536,819 and $20,986,776 in 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively (representing a reduction in basic earnings per share of nil, $0.32 and $0.30 and diluted earnings per share of nil, $0.30 and $0.28 in 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively).

 

F-26


Table of Contents

ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004, 2005 AND 2006

(In US dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

13.    Taxation — (Continued)

 

The principal components of the Group’s deferred income tax assets are as follows:

 

    

December 31,


     2004

   2005

   2006

Deferred tax assets:

                    

Allowance and reserves

   $     —    $ 11,762    $ 25,383

Salary and bonus accrual

               25,514

Depreciation and amortization

          2,836      15,834

Revenue recognition difference

          2,255      29,193

Net operation loss

               58,556

Inventory

          44,497      70,559
    

  

  

Total deferred tax assets

   $    $ 61,350    $ 225,039
    

  

  

 

As of December 31, 2006, the Group had net tax loss carrying forward of $216,874. The net tax loss will expire in five years from the respective financial year which the loss was incurred.

 

Reconciliation between total income tax expenses and the amount computed by applying the statutory income tax rate to income before taxes is as follows:

 

     For the years ended
December 31,


 
     2004

    2005

    2006

 

Statutory rate

   33%     33%     33%  

Effect of special taxing method of certain PRC subsidiaries

   (30% )        

Tax effect of share-based compensation that are not deductible in
determining taxable profit

       7%     75%  

Tax effect of change in fair value in warrant liability that are not deductible in
determining taxable profit

       31%      

Tax effect of offering cost that are not deductible in determining taxable profit

           27%  

Tax effect of advertising expenses that are not deductible in determining taxable profit

       137%     420%  

Tax effect of payroll expenses that are not deductible in determining taxable profit

           22%  

Tax effect of other expenses that are not deductible in determining taxable profit

       1%     5%  

Tax effect of acquired intangible assets’ amortization that are not deductible in
determining taxable profit

       1%     4%  

Effect of different tax rates of PRC subsidiaries

       (18% )   (61% )

Effect of tax holiday granted to PRC subsidiaries

       (185% )   (523% )

Effect of tax refund

           (20% )
    

 

 

Effective tax rate

   3%     7%     (18% )
    

 

 

 

In 2005 and 2006, the Group did not record a valuation allowance as it believed that it was more likely than not that all of the deferred tax assets would be realized. In 2004 the Group did not have any significant timing differences resulting in deferred tax assets.

 

In 2004, 2005 and 2006, the Group did not have any timing differences resulting in deferred tax liabilities.

 

F-27


Table of Contents

ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004, 2005 AND 2006

(In US dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

F-28

 

14.    Other income (expenses), net

 

Other income (expenses), net consists of the following:

 

     For the years ended December 31,

     2004

    2005

    2006

Marketable securities gain (loss)

   $ (207,764 )   $ (207,730 )   $ 884,169

Interest income

     139,832       526,940       818,990

Other income

     58,896       268,502       477,879
    


 


 

     $ (9,036 )   $ 587,712     $ 2,181,038
    


 


 

 

15.    Income per share

 

In 2005, the Group had securities outstanding which could potentially dilute basic income per share, but which were excluded from the computation of diluted income per share in the year presented as their effects would have been anti-dilutive. Such outstanding securities consist of the following:

 

     For the years ended
December 31,


     2004

   2005

   2006

Warrants to purchase Series A-1 convertible redeemable
preferred shares

   —      2,882,155   
    
  
  

 

16.    Convertible redeemable preferred shares

 

In January 2005, the Group issued 17,709,815 Series A convertible redeemable preferred shares to SB Asia Investment Fund II L.P. (“SAIF”) for consideration of US$1.98 per share for total proceeds of US$32,479,902, net of issuance costs of $2,520,098. In conjunction with the issuance of Series A preferred shares, the Group also issued a detachable warrant to SAIF for no additional consideration. As per the warrant agreement, SAIF could purchase an aggregate of 2,882,155 Series A-1 convertible redeemable preferred shares at a per share exercise price of US$2.78. The proceeds received in the Series A convertible redeemable preferred shares offerings were first allocated between the convertible instrument and the warrants on a residual fair value basis. The accretion to the redemption value was reflected as a reduction to net income to arrive at net income available to common shareholders in the accompanying consolidated combined statements of operations and amounted to $161,400, and $161,400 for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2006, respectively.

 

The Group has determined that there was no embedded beneficial conversion feature attributable to the Series A convertible redeemable preferred shares, since the initial conversion price of Series A convertible redeemable preferred shares is equal to the issuance price, which was negotiated and agreed between the Group and the external investor on an arm’s length basis and, which was determined by management to approximate the fair value of the Group’s ordinary shares at the commitment date since there was no existence of a public or active market of the Group’s ordinary shares, nor were there any cash transactions involving the Group’s ordinary shares that occurred prior to this date.


Table of Contents

ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004, 2005 AND 2006

(In US dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

16.    Convertible redeemable preferred shares — (Continued)

 

Redemption

 

  (1)   Optional Redemption for Failure to List. Beginning on the date that is five (5) years from January 1, 2005, at the written request of Holders of at least a majority of the then outstanding Preferred Shares, voting together as a single class, such Holders may require that the Group redeem all or part of the then outstanding Preferred Shares in accordance with the terms (including as to the date of redemption) of the request made by such Holders of outstanding Preferred Shares. The redemption price for each Preferred Share redeemed shall be equal to one hundred fifty percent (150%) of the Original Issue Price (as adjusted for any dividend of shares, division or combination of shares, recapitalizations and the like) of such Preferred Shares, plus all dividends accrued and unpaid with respect thereto (the “Redemption Price”).

 

         The holders of the Group’s series A and A-1 convertible redeemable preferred shares on January 1, 2006 (i) waived their rights to require the Group to redeem the holders’ shares at the holders’ election if the Group has failed to consummate an initial public offering by January 2010 and (ii) agreed that upon any liquidation or deemed liquidation of the Group as a result of the sale of the Group, including by merger, the preferred holders would receive 100%, rather than 150%, of their original issue price from the liquidation/sales proceeds before ratably distributing the balance to the holders of the Group’s ordinary shares and preferred shares on an as-if-converted basis.

 

  (2)   Optional Redemption for Change In Law. Following the date hereof, in the event any Government Authority adopts, restates or amends any Law that would prohibit any Holder of Preferred Shares (for no fault of such Holder) from continuing to hold such shares or from enjoying the benefits of a merger, sale, consolidation, or other disposition of the Group or of all or any material part of the assets of the Group, then such Holder may redeem from time to time the Preferred Shares held thereby until that date on which such Law is revoked. The redemption price for each Preferred Share redeemed pursuant to this paragraph (2) shall be equal to the greater of (a) the Redemption Price as set forth in paragraph (1) above or (b) the Fair Value of such share. For purposes of this paragraph (2), “Fair Value” means, with respect to any Preferred Share redeemed pursuant to this paragraph (2), the fair value that would be received by the Holder of such share in a sale of the Group as a going concern to a bona fide third party buyer at the time of redemption, as determined by a “big 4” firm of independent public accountants appointed by members representing not less than a majority of the redeemed Preferred Shares.

 

  (3)   Insufficient Funds. If the Group’s funds which are legally available on the date that any redemption payment is due are insufficient to pay in full all redemption payments to be paid on such date, those funds which are legally available shall be used to pay all redemption payments due on such date ratably in proportion to the full amounts to which the Holders to which such redemption payments are due would otherwise be respectively entitled thereon.

 

Conversion

 

Each preferred share is convertible into one share of ordinary share at a conversion price equal to the Original Issue Price for such series of Preferred Shares subject to adjustment for stock dividends, stock splits, combinations and similar events and certain share issuances at prices below the Original Issue Price.

 

F-29


Table of Contents

ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004, 2005 AND 2006

(In US dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

16.    Convertible redeemable preferred shares — (Continued)

 

Voting rights

 

Each Preferred Share shall be entitled to such number of votes as equals the whole number of Ordinary Shares into which such Preferred Shares are convertible immediately after the close of business on the record date of the determination of the Group’s members entitled to vote or, if no such record date is established, at the date such vote is taken or any written consent of the Group’s members is first solicited. Except as otherwise provided in the Memorandum and Articles of Association, or as required by law, the members holding Preferred Shares shall vote together with the members holding Ordinary Shares, and not as a separate class or series, on all matters put before them.

 

Dividends

 

The Preferred Shares shall be entitled to receive, when, as, if, and in such an amount as, declared by the Board of Directors (which must include the approval of the SAIF Directors), dividends, on a pari passu and pro rata on an as-converted to Ordinary Shares basis with payment of any dividend (other than dividends payable solely in Ordinary Shares or Ordinary Share Equivalents) with respect to the Ordinary Shares.

 

Liquidation preference

 

Upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Group, either voluntary or involuntary, before any distribution or payment shall be made with respect to any Ordinary Shares, an amount shall be paid on a pari passu basis with respect to each Preferred Share equal to (i) one hundred percent (100%) of the respective Original Issue Price (as adjusted for any dividend of shares, division or combination of shares recapitalizations and the like) plus (ii) all dividends declared and unpaid with respect thereto (the “Preference Amount”).

 

17.    Warrants

 

In conjunction with the Series A convertible redeemable preferred shares, the Group granted 2,882,155 warrants to purchase Series A-1 convertible redeemable preferred shares. The warrants had an exercise price of $2.78 per share and were exercisable commencing from January 1, 2005 until on the date which is earlier of (i) the five years anniversary of January 1, 2005 or (ii) the date of closing of a Qualified Initial Public Offering. The warrant was deemed a freestanding derivative liability which requires the warrant to be measured at fair value upon initial recognition and subsequent to initial recognition. The fair value of the warrants was $807,003 at the grant date, estimated on the basis of the BSM option-pricing formula with the following assumptions:

 

     2005

Expected volatility

   44.60%

Risk-free interest rate

   3.67%

Expected dividend payment rate as a percentage of the ordinary share price on the date of grant

   3.06%

Contractual life of the warrant

   890 days

 

The warrant was exercised in full on December 28, 2005 for total proceeds of US$8,000,000. The Group recorded a charge for the change in fair value in the warrant liability of $10,058,721 in the consolidated combined statements of operations up to the date the warrant was exercised.

 

F-30


Table of Contents

ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004, 2005 AND 2006

(In US dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

18.    Ordinary shares

 

  (a)   On June 30, 2003, to reward James Yujun Hu, the Group’s chief executive officer (“CEO”) since 2000, for services delivered, Robert Roche transferred 3.8% of his ownership interest in both Beijing Acorn and Shanghai Acorn to James Yujun Hu. Although he intended to transfer to James Yujun Hu a similar interest in Shanghai Trade, the smallest of the three Combined Entities, due to regulatory delays at the time that transfer was not effected. Consequently, James Yujun Hu owned 3.8% less, and Robert Roche’s owned 3.8% more, of Shanghai Trade, however, the parties operated on the basis and believed that all three were owned in the same percentage. This resulted in a compensation charge of $957,220 recorded in the Group’s 2003 operating results as a general and administrative expense. The fair market value of Acorn’s ordinary shares on the date of transfer to James Yujun Hu has been based on a retrospective unrelated third-party valuation.

 

  (b)   On December 29, 2004, the Group issued 10,000,000 ordinary shares to the shareholders of the Combined Entities with identical shareholdings.

 

  (c)   On January 6, 2005, the Group issued 36,809,668 ordinary shares to the existing shareholders in connection with the Restructuring for subscription receivables of $368,097. The full amount was received on March 14, 2006. Accordingly, the Group retroactively restated the shares outstanding of 46,809,668 in 2003 and 2004.

 

  (d)   On June 1, 2005, one of the shareholders redeemed 5,873,112 shares of the ordinary shares for the cash proceeds of $9,720,000.

 

  (e)   On August 20, 2005, the Group issued 8,042,838 ordinary shares subsequent to the acquisition of 49% of the outstanding ordinary shares of Shanghai HJX (Note 3) for subscription receivable of $9,289,478. For acquisition accounting purposes, this issuance was deemed to be part of the acquisition.

 

19.    Mainland China contribution plan and profit appropriation

 

Employees of the Group in the PRC are entitled to retirement benefits calculated with reference to their salaries basis upon retirement and their length of service in accordance with a PRC government-managed retirement plan. The PRC government is directly responsible for the payments of the benefits to these retired employees. The Group is required to make contributions to the government-managed retirement plan based on certain percentages of the employees’ monthly salaries. The amounts contributed by the Group were $76,608, $258,888 and $809,473 for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively.

 

In addition, the Group is required by law to contribute medical, unemployment, housing and other statutory benefits based on certain percentages of the employees’ monthly salaries. The PRC government is directly responsible for the payments of the benefits to these employees. The amounts contributed by the Group were $43,776, $137,386 and $659,119 for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively.

 

In accordance with relevant PRC Company Law and regulations and the Group’s Articles of Association, the Group’s PRC subsidiaries were required to appropriate 10% and 5% of their respective profit after taxation reported in their statutory financial statements prepared under the PRC GAAP to the statutory surplus reserve and statutory public welfare reserve, respectively. Based on newly revised PRC Company Law which took effect on January 1, 2006, the Group’s PRC subsidiaries are no longer required to make appropriations to the statutory public welfare reserve but appropriation to the statutory surplus reserve are still required. The Group has statutory reserve balance of $2,735,946, nil and $2,402,544 as of December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively. According to the plan of Restructuring, the reserved funds carried forward from the entities which have been liquidated have been reinvested into the Group.

 

F-31


Table of Contents

ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004, 2005 AND 2006

(In US dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

19.    Mainland China contribution plan and profit appropriation — (Continued)

 

The appropriation of statutory surplus reserve will cease upon the balance of the statutory surplus reserve reaching 50% of the companies’ registered capital. The statutory surplus reserves may be used to make up losses or for conversion into the shareholders’ equity. The statutory public welfare reserve shall only be used for the collective welfare of staff and workers. The statutory public welfare reserve is non-distributable.

 

20.    Commitments and contingencies

(A)    Leases commitments

 

The Group leases certain office premises and buildings under non-cancelable leases. Rental expenses under operating leases for 2004, 2005 and 2006 were $360,668, $743,467 and $1,463,975, respectively.

 

As of December 31, 2006, future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases agreements were as follows:

 

2007

   $ 1,622,156

2008

     1,230,271

2009

     399,513

2010

     69,180

2011 and thereafter

     40,019
    

     $ 3,361,139
    

 

(B)    Advertising commitments

 

As of December 31, 2006, the commitments for the advertising contracts signed by the Group were as follows:

 

2007

   $ 56,881,448

2008

     6,364,875
    

     $ 63,246,323
    

 

Of the total commitments, $24,794,159 were prepaid as of December 31, 2006.

 

(C)    Litigations

 

On April 19, 2006, Beijing Huashi Industrial Company brought a lawsuit against the Group in Beijing Xicheng District People’s Court, alleging that transfers of trademarks as well as fixed and moveable assets in connection with the Group’s acquisition of the oxygen generating devices business from its subsidiary in 2000 violated PRC laws that require a valuation and approval of transferred state-owned assets to be undertaken, and such transfers should, as a consequence, be voided. The Group believes that a judgement will soon be issued in the near future. PRC litigation counsel has advised the Group it is possible that the transfer of the Youngleda assets could be declared void by the court. If the transfer is declared void, however, the plaintiff will need to bring a second action to seek either return of the assets or damages. The Group believes that (i) the return of the assets would be impractical and (ii) the amount of any damages claimed would be the difference between the actual purchase price and the value of the assets as of the date of transfer as determined by an appraisal report, which would be prepared in accordance with the relevant PRC regulations, and that such difference, if any, would be insignificant. The Group is in the process of evaluating this litigation and intends to defend any action to declare the transfer void or seeking return of the assets or damages if the initial action is successful. At this time, the Group cannot predict or assess with any degree of certainty either the outcome of this litigation or negative impact on the oxygen generating device business operations or the overall financial performance an unfavorable judgement would have on the Group.

 

 

F-32


Table of Contents

ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004, 2005 AND 2006

(In US dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

21.    Segment and geographic information

 

The Group engages primarily in television-based direct sales, television sales program or infomercials, distribution sales through its national distribution network and catalogue marketing and sales in the PRC.

 

The Group’s chief operating decision maker has been identified as the Chief Executive Officer, who reviews consolidated results when making decisions about allocating resources and assessing performance of the Group. The Group uses the management approach to determine operating segments. The management approach considers the internal organization and reporting used by the Group’s chief operating decision makers for making decisions, allocating resources and assessing performance. Based on this assessment, the Group has determined that it has only two operating and reporting segments, which are direct sales, net and distribution sales, net.

 

The Group’s chief operating decision maker evaluates segment performance based on revenues, cost of revenues and gross profit. Accordingly, all expenses are considered corporate level activities and are not allocated to segments. Therefore, it is not practical to show profit or loss by reportable segments. Also, the Group’s chief decision maker does not assign assets to these segments. Consequently, it is not practical to show assets by reportable segments.

 

The Group’s revenues are all generated from external customers in the PRC. The revenues by each group of similar products and services are as follows:

 

     For the years ended December 31,

 
     2004

    2005

    2006

 

Product


                  

Electronic learning device

   $ 24,758,029     $ 73,027,893     $ 62,463,799  

Beauty and health products

     47,325,268       54,235,034       55,036,988  

Cell phones

                 27,839,627  

Consumer electronics

     17,902,762       35,453,240       23,550,401  

Marketing service revenues

                 6,683,429  

Subscription service revenues

                 4,654,020  

Collectible products

                 7,973,809  

Other products

     5,231,668       7,860,643       9,009,136  
    


 


 


Total gross revenues

   $ 95,217,727     $ 170,576,810     $ 197,211,209  

Less: sales taxes

     (157,776 )     (237,228 )     (712,918 )
    


 


 


Total revenues, net

   $ 95,059,951     $ 170,339,582     $ 196,498,291  
    


 


 


 

The gross profit by segments is as follows:

 

     For the years ended December 31,

     2004

   2005

   2006

Direct sales

   $ 35,211,436    $ 50,181,880    $ 75,397,498

Distribution sales

     23,743,318      49,945,764      47,827,436
    

  

  

Total

   $ 58,954,754    $ 100,127,644    $ 123,224,934
    

  

  

 

F-33


Table of Contents

ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004, 2005 AND 2006

(In US dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

21.    Segment and geographic information — (Continued)

 

Geographic information

 

The Group operates in the PRC and all of the Group’s long-lived assets are located in the PRC.

 

As of December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006, there was no customer which accounted for 10% or more of the Group’s net revenues.

 

22.    Related party transactions

 

Transactions with employees

 

The Group’s customers include distributors who are owned by certain employees of the Group including a family member of the Group’s CEO and a close family relative of an executive officer of the Group. Details of the transactions for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006 were as follows:

 

     For the years ended December 31,

     2004

   2005

   2006

Sales

   $5,789,411    $32,827,451    $25,520,826

Accounts receivable, net

   $1,044,172    $733,089    $733,058

 

These sales represented 6.1%, 19.2% and 12.9% of the total revenues in the years of 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively. The sales with the single entity owned by a family member of the Group’s CEO were $320,634, $824,098 and $871,126 for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively. The sales with the entities owned by a close family relative of an executive officer of the Group were $720,407, $838,484 and $657,184 for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively.

 

23.    Transaction with certain shareholders

 

The Group’s customers include distributors who are owned by certain shareholders and their relatives, none of whom are principal shareholders. Details of the transactions for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006 were as follows:

 

     For the years ended December 31,

     2004

   2005

   2006

Sales

   $ 4,992,570    $ 14,232,674    $ 11,576,917

Accounts receivable, net

   $ 58,271    $ 37,948    $ 218,311

 

These sales represented 5.2%, 8.3% and 5.9% of the total revenues in the years of 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively.

 

24.    Restricted net assets

 

Relevant PRC statutory laws and regulations permit payments of dividends by the Group’s PRC subsidiaries only out of their retained earnings, if any, as determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. As a result of these PRC laws and regulations, the Group’s PRC subsidiaries are restricted in their abilities to transfer a portion of their net assets to either in the form of dividends, loans or advances, which restricted portion amounted to $10,956,574 as of December 31, 2006. This amount is made up of the registered equity of the Group’s PRC subsidiaries and the statutory reserves disclosed in Note 19. In addition, as a result of the Restructuring, retained earnings of $21,293,954 related to the Combined Entities and their subsidiaries was unavailable for distribution as a normal dividend to China DRTV in accordance with relevant PRC Company Law.

 

F-34


Table of Contents

ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004, 2005 AND 2006

(In US dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

25.    Subsequent events

 

On January 22, 2007, the Group established a wholly-owned subsidiary, Beijing HJZX Software Technology Development Co., Ltd..

 

On February 13, 2007, the Group established a subsidiary, Zhongshan Meijin Digital Technology Co., Ltd., the ownership of the Group in this entity is 75%.

 

*    *    *    *    *

 

F-35


Table of Contents

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION — FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SCHEDULE I

 

ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

These financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

 

FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF PARENT COMPANY

 

BALANCE SHEETS

(In US dollars, except share data)

 

     2004

    2005

    2006

 

Assets

                        

Current assets:

                        

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 1,028,283     $ 12,917,136     $ 11,291,877  

Amounts due from subsidiaries

     —         9,756,817       9,008,956  
    


 


 


Total current assets

     1,028,283       22,673,953       20,300,833  
    


 


 


Investments in subsidiaries

     515,087       42,928,141       61,254,033  
    


 


 


Total assets

   $ 1,543,370     $ 65,602,094     $ 81,554,866  
    


 


 


Liabilities, mezzanine equity and shareholders’ equity

                        

Current liabilities:

                        

Other liabilities

   $ 1,200,000     $ 24,073     $ 855,955  
    


 


 


Mezzanine equity:

                        

Series A convertible redeemable preferred shares ($0.01 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized and nil, 17,709,815 and 17,709,815 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively) (liquidation value $35,000,000)

     —         31,834,299       31,995,699  

Series A-1 convertible redeemable preferred shares ($0.01 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized and nil, 2,882,155 and 2,882,155 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively) (liquidation value $8,000,000)

     —         18,865,724       18,865,724  

Shareholders’ equity:

                        

Ordinary shares ($0.01 par value; 100,000,000, 100,000,000 and 100,000,000 shares authorized as of December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively; 46,809,668, 48,979,394 and 48,979,394 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively)

     100,000       489,794       489,794  

Additional paid-in capital

     256       26,303,931       33,364,641  

Subscription receivable

     —         (9,657,575 )     (9,289,478 )

Deferred share-based compensation

     —         (1,612,232 )     —    

Retained earnings (deficit)

     250,405       (1,540,734 )     2,242,779  

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

     (7,291 )     894,814       3,029,752  
    


 


 


Total shareholders’ equity

     343,370       14,877,998       29,837,488  
    


 


 


Total liabilities, mezzanine equity and shareholders’ equity

   $ 1,543,370     $ 65,602,094     $ 81,554,866  
    


 


 


 

F-36


Table of Contents

FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF PARENT COMPANY

 

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In US dollars)

 

     2004

   2005

    2006

 

Operating expenses:

                       

Other selling and marketing

   $ —      $ 406,633     $ 1,168,514  

General and administrative

     —        2,209,771       11,182,674  
    

  


 


Total operating expenses

     —        2,616,404       12,351,188  
    

  


 


Loss from operations

     —        (2,616,404 )     (12,351,188 )
    

  


 


Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

     250,178      20,638,705       15,951,502  
    

  


 


Other income (expenses):

                       

Other income, net

     227      67,950       344,599  

Change in fair value in warrant liability

     —        (10,058,721 )     —    
    

  


 


Total other income (expenses)

     227      (9,990,771 )     344,599  
    

  


 


Income before income taxes

     250,405      8,031,530       3,944,913  

Income taxes

     —        —         —    
    

  


 


Net income

     250,405      8,031,530       3,944,913  

Deemed dividend on Series A convertible redeemable preferred shares

     —        (161,400 )     (161,400 )
    

  


 


Income attributable to holders of ordinary shares

   $ 250,405    $ 7,870,130     $ 3,783,513  
    

  


 


 

F-37


Table of Contents

FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF PARENT COMPANY

 

STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(In US dollars, except share data)

 

    Ordinary shares

    Additional
paid-in
capital


    Subscription
receivable


    Deferred
share-based
compensation


   

Retained
earnings

(deficit)


    Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income (loss)


    Total

    Comprehensive
income


 
    Shares     Amount                                            

Balance at January 1, 2004

  46,809,668     $ —       $ —       $ —       $ —       $ —       $ —       $ —            

Cash injection as additional paid-in capital

  —         —         256       —         —         —         —         256          

Issuance of ordinary shares to incorporate China DRTV

  —         100,000       —         —         —         —         —         100,000          

Foreign currency translation adjustments

  —         —         —         —         —         —         (7,291 )     (7,291 )   $ (7,291 )

Net income

  —         —         —         —         —         250,405       —         250,405       250,405  
   

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


Balance at December 31, 2004

  46,809,668     $ 100,000     $ 256     $ —       $ —       $ 250,405     $ (7,291 )   $ 343,370     $ 243,114  
   

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


Recapitalization in connection with Restructuring

  —         368,097       —         (368,097 )     —         —         —         —            

Issuance of ordinary shares in connection with the acquisition of Shanghai HJX

  8,042,838       80,428       22,355,069       (9,289,478 )     —         —         —         13,146,019          

Redemption of ordinary shares

  (5,873,112 )     (58,731 )     —         —         —         (9,661,269 )     —         (9,720,000 )        

Deferred share-based compensation

  —         —         3,948,606       —         (3,948,606 )     —         —         —            

Amortization of share-based compensation expenses

  —         —         —         —         2,336,374       —         —         2,336,374          

Deemed dividend on Series A convertible redeemable preferred shares

  —         —         —         —         —         (161,400 )     —         (161,400 )        

Foreign currency translation adjustments

  —         —         —         —         —         —         902,105       902,105     $ 902,105  

Net income

  —         —         —         —         —         8,031,530       —         8,031,530       8,031,530  
   

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


Balance at December 31, 2005

  48,979,394     $ 489,794     $ 26,303,931     $ (9,657,575 )   $ (1,612,232 )   $ (1,540,734 )   $ 894,814     $ 14,877,998     $ 8,933,635  
   

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


Adjustment for adoption of SFAS 123-R

  —         —         (1,612,232 )     —         1,612,232       —         —         —            

Amortization of share-based compensation expenses

  —         —         8,672,942       —         —         —         —         8,672,942          

Collection of subscription receivable

  —         —         —         368,097       —         —         —         368,097          

Deemed dividend on Series A convertible redeemable preferred shares

  —         —         —         —         —         (161,400 )     —         (161,400 )        

Foreign currency translation adjustments

  —         —         —         —         —         —         2,134,938       2,134,938     $ 2,134,938  

Net income

  —         —         —         —         —         3,944,913       —         3,944,913       3,944,913  
   

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


    48,979,394     $ 489,794     $ 33,364,641     $ (9,289,478 )   $ —       $ 2,242,779     $ 3,029,752     $ 29,837,488     $ 6,079,851  
   

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 

 

F-38


Table of Contents

FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF PARENT COMPANY

 

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In US dollars)

 

     2004

    2005

    2006

 

Operating activities:

                        

Income attributable to holders of ordinary shares

   $ 250,405     $ 7,870,130     $ 3,783,513  

Deemed dividend on Series A convertible redeemable preferred shares

     —         161,400       161,400  
    


 


 


Net income

     250,405       8,031,530       3,944,913  

Share-based compensation

     —         2,336,374       8,672,942  

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

     (250,178 )     (20,638,705 )     (15,951,502 )

Change in fair value in warrant liability

     —         10,058,721        

Amortization

     —         238,758       427,548  

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

                        

Amounts due from subsidiaries

     —         (9,756,817 )     747,861  

Other liabilities

     1,200,000       (1,175,927 )     831,882  
    


 


 


Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

   $ 1,200,227     $ (10,906,066 )   $ (1,326,356 )
    


 


 


Investing activity:

                        

Investments in subsidiaries

     (272,200 )     (7,964,983 )     (667,000 )
    


 


 


Net cash used in investing activity

   $ (272,200 )   $ (7,964,983 )   $ (667,000 )
    


 


 


Financing activities:

                        

Payment for redemption of ordinary shares

     —         (9,720,000 )     —    

Proceeds from issuance of Series A convertible redeemable preferred shares (net of issuance cost of $2,520,098)

     —         32,479,902       —    

Proceeds from exercise of warrants

     —         8,000,000       —    

Issuance of ordinary shares

     100,256       —         —    

Collection of subscription receivable

     —         —         368,097  
    


 


 


Net cash provided by financing activities

   $ 100,256     $ 30,759,902     $ 368,097  
    


 


 


Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

   $ 1,028,283     $ 11,888,853     $ (1,625,259 )

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year

     —         1,028,283       12,917,136  
    


 


 


Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year

   $ 1,028,283     $ 12,917,136     $ 11,291,877  
    


 


 


 

F-39


Table of Contents

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION — FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SCHEDULE II

 

ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

These financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

 

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

(In US dollars)

     Balance at
beginning
of year


   Charge to
(Reduction of)
cost and
expenses


   Charge
taken
against
allowance


    Balance at
end of year


Allowance for doubtful accounts:

                            

December 31, 2004

   $ 280,285    $ 424,766    $ (195,042 )   $ 510,009

December 31, 2005

     510,009      705,385      (636,734 )     578,660

December 31, 2006

     578,660      331,552      (401,383 )     508,829

 

F-40


Table of Contents

 

American Depositary Shares

 

LOGO

 

Acorn International, Inc.

 

Representing                          Ordinary Shares

 

 


 

P R O S P E C T U S

 


 

Merrill Lynch & Co.   Deutsche Bank Securities

 

CIBC World Markets

 

                    , 2007

 

 



Table of Contents

PART II

 

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

 

ITEM 6. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

 

Cayman Islands law does not limit the extent to which a company’s articles of association may provide for indemnification of officers and directors, except to the extent any such provision may be held by the Cayman Islands courts to be contrary to public policy, such as to provide indemnification against civil fraud or the consequences or committing a crime. Our second amended and restated articles of association, which will be adopted upon the closing of this offering, will provide for indemnification of officers and directors for losses, damages, costs and expenses incurred in their capacities as such, except through their own willful neglect or default.

 

Under the form of indemnification agreements filed as Exhibit 10.3 to this registration statement, we will agree to indemnify our directors and executive officers against certain liabilities and expenses incurred by such persons in connection with claims made by reason of their being such a director or executive officer.

 

The form of Underwriting Agreement to be filed as Exhibit 1.1 to this registration statement will also provide for indemnification of us and our officers and directors.

 

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling us under the foregoing provisions, we have been informed that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.

 

II-1


Table of Contents

ITEM 7. RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES.

 

During the past three years, we have issued the following securities (including options to acquire our ordinary shares). We believe that each of the following issuances was exempt from registration under the Securities Act in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act or pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Securities Act regarding transactions not involving a public offering.

 

Purchaser


 

Date of Sale or

Issuance


  Number of Securities

  Consideration in
U.S. dollars (1)


  Underwriting
Discount and
Commission


James Yujun Hu   December 29, 2004   380,000 ordinary shares   3,800   N/A
    January 6, 2005   1,290,392 ordinary shares   12,904   N/A
D.Y. Capital, Inc.   December 29, 2004   1,500,000 ordinary shares   15,000   N/A
    January 6, 2005   5,093,656 ordinary shares   50,936   N/A
Yue-Teng, Inc.   December 29, 2004   3,400,000 ordinary shares   34,000   N/A
    January 6, 2005   11,545,620 ordinary shares   115,456   N/A
    August 20, 2005   8,042,838 ordinary shares   9,289,478   N/A

The Grand Crossing Trust

  December 29, 2004   520,000 ordinary shares   5,200   N/A
    January 6, 2005   2,080,000 (2)  ordinary shares   20,800   N/A
Tadashi Nakamura   December 29, 2004   300,000   3,000   N/A
    January 6, 2005   1,200,000 (3)  ordinary shares   12,000   N/A
Acorn Composite Corporation   December 29, 2004   3,900,000 ordinary shares   39,000   N/A
    January 6, 2005   15,600,000 (4)  ordinary shares   156,000   N/A
SB Asia Investment Fund II L.P.   January 21, 2005   17,709,815 Series A
convertible redeemable
preferred shares
  35,000,000   N/A
    December 28, 2005   2,882,155 (5)  Series A-1
convertible redeemable
preferred shares
  8,000,000   N/A
Certain Directors, Officers,
Employees and Consultants
  March 18, 2005   Options to purchase a total
of 6,663,964 ordinary shares
  N/A   N/A
    August 20, 2005   Options to purchase a total
of 667,117 ordinary shares
  N/A   N/A
    September 1, 2005   Options to purchase a total
of 371,945 ordinary shares
  N/A   N/A
    November 4, 2005   Options to purchase a total
of 1,350,000 ordinary shares
  N/A   N/A
    May 1, 2006   SARs with respect to
6,420,000 ordinary shares
(6)
  N/A   N/A
    July 6, 2006   SARs with respect to
370,000 ordinary shares
  N/A   N/A
    September 27,
2006
  SARs with respect to
2,076,100 ordinary shares
  N/A   N/A
    April 3, 2007   SARs with respect to
1,780,000 ordinary shares
  N/A   N/A

(1)   Including consideration in the form of a promissory note.

 

(2)   647,038 of which were later redeemed by us on June 1, 2005.

 

(3)   373,291 of which were later redeemed by us on June 1, 2005.

 

(4)   4,852,783 of which were later redeemed by us on June 1, 2005.

 

(5)   The issuance of the 2,882,155 is as a result of the exercise of warrants granted to SB Asia Investment Fund II L.P.

 

(6)   1,590,000 of which were later forfeited.

 

II-2


Table of Contents

ITEM 8. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

 

(a)   Exhibits

 

Exhibit
Number


  

Description


  1.1  *    Form of Underwriting Agreement
  3.1      Memorandum and Articles of Association of Acorn International, Inc.
  3.2      Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association of Acorn International, Inc.
  4.1  *    Specimen American Depositary Receipt
  4.2  *    Specimen Certificate for Ordinary Shares
  4.3   (1)    Form of Deposit Agreement among Acorn International, Inc., Citibank, N.A., and holders and beneficial owners of American Depositary Shares issued thereunder
  5.1  *    Opinion of Conyers, Dill & Pearman, Cayman Islands special counsel to the registrant, regarding the validity of the ordinary shares being registered
  5.2  *    Opinion of Haiwen & Partners, counsel as to Chinese law to the registrant
  5.3   (1)    Opinion of Patterson, Belknap, Webb & Tyler LLP, counsel to the depositary, regarding the validity of the American Depositary Shares and American Depositary Receipts
  8.1  *    Form of opinion of O’Melveny & Myers LLP regarding certain U.S. tax matters
  8.2  *    Opinion of Conyers, Dill & Pearman regarding certain Cayman Islands tax matters
10.1      2006 Equity Incentive Plan
10.2      Forms of option grant agreements and form of SARs Award Agreement
10.3      Form of Indemnification Agreement with the directors of Acorn International, Inc.
10.4      Form of Employment Agreement of Acorn International, Inc. and Employment Agreement of James Yujun Hu
10.5      Investors’ Rights Agreement among Acorn International, Inc., SB Asia Investment Fund II L.P. and the several ordinary shareholders therein as of March 31, 2006
10.6      Asset Purchase Agreement between Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. and Tianjin BABAKA Technology Development Co., Ltd. dated June 1, 2005
10.7      Equity Transfer Agreement between Shanghai Acorn HJX Digital Technology Co., Ltd. and Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. dated June 30, 2005
10.8      Equity Transfer Agreement between Shanghai Acorn HJX Digital Technology Co., Ltd. and Acorn International Electronic Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. dated June 30, 2005
10.9      Patent Application Right Transfer Agreement between Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. and Tianjin BABAKA Technology Development Co., Ltd. dated August 1, 2005
10.10      Joint Venture Contract between Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. and Shanghai Yimeng Digital Technology Co., Ltd. dated December 9, 2005
10.11      2005 Service Fee Pricing Agreement under the Exclusive Technical Service Agreement between Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. and Shanghai Acorn Network Technology Development Co., Ltd. dated December 31, 2005
10.12      2005 Service Fee Pricing Agreement under the Exclusive Technical Service Agreement between Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. and Beijing Acorn Trade Co., Ltd. dated December 31, 2005
10.13      2005 Service Fee Pricing Agreement under the Exclusive Technical Service Agreement between Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. and Shanghai Acorn Advertising Broadcasting Co., Ltd. dated December 31, 2005

 

II-3


Table of Contents
Exhibit
Number


  

Description


10.14      Joint Venture Contract between China DRTV, Inc. and Shanghai Jia Guan Hang Automobile Maintenance Products Co., Ltd. dated February 28, 2006
10.15      Loan Agreement by and among Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Don Dongjie Yang and David Chenghong He dated March 20, 2006
10.16      Form of Operation and Management by and among Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Shanghai Acorn Advertising Broadcasting Co. Ltd./Beijing Acorn Trade Co., Ltd./Shanghai Acorn Network Development Technology Co., Ltd., Don Dongjie Yang and David Chenghong He
10.17      Form of Equity Pledge Agreement among Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Don Dongjie Yang and David Chenghong He
10.18      Form of Exclusive Technical Service Agreement between Shanghai Acorn Advertising Broadcasting Co., Ltd./Beijing Acorn Trade Co., Ltd./Shanghai Acorn Network Development Technology Co., Ltd. and Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
10.19      Form of Exclusive Purchase Agreement among Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Don Dongjie Yang, David Chenghong He and Shanghai Acorn Advertising Broadcasting Co., Ltd. /Beijing Acorn Trade Co., Ltd./Shanghai Acorn Network Development Technology Co., Ltd.
10.20      Form of Power of Attorney issued by Don Dongjie Yang and David Chenghong He in favor of designees of Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
10.21      Agreement among Don Dongjie Yang, David Chenghong He, Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. and Acorn International Electronic Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. dated March 20, 2006
10.22      Agreement among Don Dongjie Yang, David Chenghong He, Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. and Shanghai HJX Digital Technology Co., Ltd. dated March 20, 2006
10.23      Agreement between China Express Mail Service Corporation and Shanghai Acorn Network Technology Development Co., Ltd. dated March 24, 2006
10.24      Joint Venture Contract between China DRTV, Inc. and Zhuhai Sunrana Cosmetics Products Co., Ltd. dated May 10, 2006
10.25      Voting Agreement among James Yujun Hu, The 2004 Trust for Robert W. Roche’s Descendants and Acorn Composite Corporation dated July 6, 2006
10.26    Voting Agreement between SB Asia Investment Fund II L.P. and James Yujun Hu dated March 30, 2007
10.27**    Strategic Cooperation Agreement dated January 24, 2007 between Unicom Huasheng Telecommunication Technology Co., Ltd. and Shanghai Acorn Advertising Broadcasting Co., Ltd. and the Supplementary Agreement dated March 12, 2007
21.1      List of subsidiaries
23.1     

Consent of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu CPA Ltd.

23.2  *   

Consent of Conyers, Dill & Pearman (included in Exhibit 5.1)

23.3  *   

Consent of O’Melveny & Myers LLP (included in Exhibit 8.1)

23.4  *   

Consent of Haiwen & Partners (included in Exhibit 5.2)

23.5     

Consent of American Appraisal

23.7     

Consent of Euromonitor International (Asia) Pte Ltd.

23.8     

Consent of Denny Lee to be named as director nominee

23.9     

Consent of Shujun Li to be named as director nominee

23.10   

Consent of Ying Wu to be named as director nominee

23.11   

Consent of Joe Zhixiong Zhou to be named as a director nominee

24.1     

Powers of Attorney (included in signature pages in Part II of this Registration Statement)

 

II-4


Table of Contents
Exhibit
Number


  

Description


99.1   

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics of Acorn International, Inc.


*   To be filed by amendment
**   Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to certain portions of this exhibit. A complete copy of the agreement, including the redacted portions, has been filed separately with the Commission.

 

(1)   To be incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form F-6 (File No. 333-            ), which is to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to American depositary shares representing ordinary shares.

 

(b)   Financial statement schedules

 

All schedules are omitted because they are not required, are not applicable or the information is included in the financial statements or notes thereto.

 

ITEM 9. UNDERTAKINGS

 

(a)   The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that:

 

  (1)   For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, 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 of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

 

(b)   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.

 

(c)   Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the provisions described in Item 6, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

 

II-5


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form F-1 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in Shanghai, People’s Republic of China, on April 3, 2007.

 

ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

By:


 

/s/ James Yujun Hu


Name:   James Yujun Hu
Title:  

Chairman of the board, chief executive officer

(principal executive officer)

 

POWER OF ATTORNEY

 

Each of the undersigned officers and directors of Acorn International, Inc. hereby severally constitutes and appoints James Yujun Hu, Gordon Xiaogang Wang and David Chenghong He, and each of them singly, the true and lawful attorney with full power to them, and each of them singly, to sign for the undersigned and in his or her name in the capacities indicated below, any and all amendments, including the post-effective amendments, to this Registration Statement, and generally to do all such things in the undersigned’s name and behalf in such capacities to enable Acorn International, Inc. to comply with the applicable provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and all rules and regulation thereunder, and all requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and each of the undersigned hereby ratifies and confirms all that said attorneys or any of them shall lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated on April 3, 2007.

 

Signature


  

Capacity


/s/    James Yujun Hu        


James Yujun Hu

  

Chairman of the board, chief executive officer

(principal executive officer)

/s/    Don Dongjie Yang        


Don Dongjie Yang

   Director, president

/s/    Guoying Du        


Guoying Du

   Director, vice president

/s/    Robert W. Roche        


Robert W. Roche

   Director

/s/    Andrew Y. Yan        


Andrew Y. Yan

   Director

/s/    Gordon Xiaogang Wang        


Gordon Xiaogang Wang

   Vice president, chief financial officer

 

II-6


Table of Contents

SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE IN THE UNITED STATES

 

Pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, the undersigned, the duly authorized representative in the United States of Acorn International, Inc., has signed this registration statement or amendment thereto in Newark, Delaware, on April 3, 2007.

 

PUGLISI & ASSOCIATES

By:

 

/s/    D ONALD J. P UGLISI        


Name:   Donald J. Puglisi
Title:   Managing Director

 

II-7


Table of Contents

ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

EXHIBITS INDEX

 

Exhibit
Number


  

Description


  1.1  *    Form of Underwriting Agreement
  3.1      Memorandum and Articles of Association of Acorn International, Inc.
  3.2      Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association of Acorn International, Inc.
  4.1  *    Specimen American Depositary Receipt
  4.2  *    Specimen Certificate for Ordinary Shares
  4.3   (1)    Form of Deposit Agreement among Acorn International, Inc., Citibank, N.A., and holders and beneficial owners of American Depositary Shares issued thereunder
  5.1  *    Opinion of Conyers, Dill & Pearman, Cayman Islands special counsel to the registrant, regarding the validity of the ordinary shares being registered
  5.2  *    Opinion of Haiwen & Partners, counsel as to Chinese law to the registrant
  5.3   (1)    Opinion of Patterson, Belknap, Webb & Tyler LLP, counsel to the depositary, regarding the validity of the American Depositary Shares and American Depositary Receipts
  8.1  *    Form of opinion of O’Melveny & Myers LLP regarding certain U.S. tax matters
  8.2  *    Opinion of Conyers, Dill & Pearman regarding certain Cayman Islands tax matters
10.1      2006 Equity Incentive Plan
10.2      Forms of option grant agreements and form of SARs Award Agreement
10.3      Form of Indemnification Agreement with the directors of Acorn International, Inc.
10.4      Form of Employment Agreement of Acorn International, Inc. and Employment Agreement of James Yujun Hu
10.5      Investors’ Rights Agreement among Acorn International, Inc., SB Asia Investment Fund II L.P., and the several ordinary shareholders therein as of March 31, 2006
10.6      Asset Purchase Agreement between Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. and Tianjin BABAKA Technology Development Co., Ltd. dated June 1, 2005
10.7      Equity Transfer Agreement between Shanghai Acorn HJX Digital Technology Co., Ltd. and Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. dated June 30, 2005
10.8      Equity Transfer Agreement between Shanghai Acorn HJX Digital Technology Co., Ltd. and Acorn International Electronic Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. dated June 30, 2005
10.9      Patent Application Right Transfer Agreement between Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. and Tianjin BABAKA Technology Development Co., Ltd. dated August 1, 2005
10.10      Joint Venture Contract between Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. and Shanghai Yimeng Digital Technology Co., Ltd. dated December 9, 2005
10.11      2005 Service Fee Pricing Agreement under the Exclusive Technical Service Agreement between Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. and Shanghai Acorn Network Technology Development Co., Ltd. dated December 31, 2005
10.12      2005 Service Fee Pricing Agreement under the Exclusive Technical Service Agreement between Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. and Beijing Acorn Trade Co., Ltd. dated December 31, 2005
10.13      2005 Service Fee Pricing Agreement under the Exclusive Technical Service Agreement between Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. and Shanghai Acorn Advertising Broadcasting Co., Ltd. dated December 31, 2005
10.14      Joint Venture Contract between China DRTV, Inc. and Shanghai Jia Guan Hang Automobile Maintenance Products Co., Ltd. dated February 28, 2006
10.15      Loan Agreement by and among Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Don Dongjie Yang and David Chenghong He dated March 20, 2006


Table of Contents
Exhibit
Number


  

Description


10.16      Form of Operation and Management by and among Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Shanghai Acorn Advertising Broadcasting Co. Ltd./Beijing Acorn Trade Co., Ltd./Shanghai Acorn Network Development Technology Co., Ltd., Don Dongjie Yang and David Chenghong He
10.17      Form of Equity Pledge Agreement among Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Don Dongjie Yang and David Chenghong He
10.18      Form of Exclusive Technical Service Agreement between Shanghai Acorn Advertising Broadcasting Co., Ltd./Beijing Acorn Trade Co., Ltd./Shanghai Acorn Network Development Technology Co., Ltd. and Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
10.19      Form of Exclusive Purchase Agreement among Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Don Dongjie Yang, David Chenghong He and Shanghai Acorn Advertising Broadcasting Co., Ltd. /Beijing Acorn Trade Co., Ltd./Shanghai Acorn Network Development Technology Co., Ltd.
10.20      Form of Power of Attorney issued by Don Dongjie Yang and David Chenghong He in favor of designees of Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
10.21      Agreement among Don Dongjie Yang, David Chenghong He, Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. and Acorn International Electronic Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. dated March 20, 2006
10.22      Agreement among Don Dongjie Yang, David Chenghong He, Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. and Shanghai HJX Digital Technology Co., Ltd. dated March 20, 2006
10.23      Agreement between China Express Mail Service Corporation and Shanghai Acorn Network Technology Development Co., Ltd. dated March 24, 2006
10.24      Joint Venture Contract between China DRTV, Inc. and Zhuhai Sunrana Cosmetics Products Co., Ltd. dated May 10, 2006
10.25      Voting Agreement among James Yujun Hu, The 2004 Trust for Robert W. Roche’s Descendants and Acorn Composite Corporation dated July 6, 2006
10.26    Voting Agreement between SB Asia Investment Fund II L.P. and James Yujun Hu dated March 30, 2007
10.27**    Strategic Cooperation Agreement dated January 24, 2007 between Unicom Huasheng Telecommunication Technology Co., Ltd. and Shanghai Acorn Advertising Broadcasting Co., Ltd. and the Supplementary Agreement dated March 12, 2007
21.1      List of subsidiaries
23.1      Consent of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu CPA Ltd.
23.2  *    Consent of Conyers, Dill & Pearman (included in Exhibit 5.1)
23.3  *    Consent of O’Melveny & Myers LLP (included in Exhibit 8.1)
23.4  *   

Consent of Haiwen & Partners (included in Exhibit 5.2)

23.5     

Consent of American Appraisal

23.7     

Consent of Euromonitor International (Asia) Pte Ltd.

23.8     

Consent of Denny Lee to be named as director nominee

23.9     

Consent of Shujun Li to be named as director nominee

23.10     

Consent of Ying Wu to be named as director nominee

23.11   

Consent of Joe Zhixiong Zhou to be named as director nominee

24.1   

Powers of Attorney (included in signature pages in Part II of this Registration Statement)

99.1   

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics of Acorn International, Inc.


*   To be filed by amendment
**   Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to certain portions of this exhibit. A complete copy of the agreement, including the redacted portions, has been filed separately with the Commission.

 

(1)   To be incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form F-6 (File No. 333-            ), which is to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to American depositary shares representing ordinary shares.

Exhibit 3.1

THE COMPANIES LAW

EXEMPTED COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES

AMENDED AND RESTATED MEMORANDUM OF ASSOCIATION

OF

ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

(adopted by a special resolution passed on 31 March, 2006)

 

1. NAME

The name of the Company is Acorn International, Inc.

 

2. REGISTERED OFFICE

The Registered Office of the Company shall be at the offices of Codan Trust Company (Cayman) Limited, Century Yard, Cricket Square, Hutchins Drive, P.O. Box 2681 GT, George Town, Grand Cayman, British West Indies.

 

3. OBJECTS

Subject to the following provisions of this Amended and Restated Memorandum of Association (the “Memorandum”), the objects for which the Company is established are unrestricted.

 

4. POWERS

Subject to the following provisions of this Memorandum, the Company shall have and be capable of exercising all the functions of a natural person of full capacity irrespective of any question of corporate benefit, as provided by Section 27(2) of The Companies Law.

 

5. NO BUSINESS WITHIN CAYMAN ISLANDS

Nothing in this Memorandum shall permit the Company to carry on a business for which a licence is required under the laws of the Cayman Islands unless duly licensed.

 

6. CONTRACT SIGNING IN CAYMAN ISLANDS

The Company shall not trade in the Cayman Islands with any person, firm or corporation except in furtherance of the business of the Company carried on outside the Cayman Islands; provided that nothing in this clause shall be construed as to prevent the Company effecting and concluding contracts in the Cayman Islands, and exercising in the Cayman Islands all of its powers necessary for the carrying on of its business outside the Cayman Islands.

 

7. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

The liability of each member is limited to the amount from time to time unpaid on such member’s shares.

 

1


8. AUTHORISED CAPITAL

The authorized capital of the Company is US$1,500,000.00.

 

9. CLASSES, NUMBER AND PAR VALUE OF SHARES

The authorized share capital of the Company is US$1,500,000 consisting of (i) 100,000,000 ordinary shares (“ Common Shares ”), par value US$0.01 per share and (ii) 50,000,000 preferred shares (“ Preferred Shares ”), 25,000,000 shares of which are designated as series A convertible redeemable participating preferred shares (“ Series A Preferred Shares ”), par value US$0.01 per share, and 25,000,000 shares of which are designated as Series A-1 convertible redeemable participating preferred shares (“ Series A-1 Preferred Shares ”), par value US$0.01 per share.

 

10. DESIGNATIONS, POWERS, PREFERENCES, ETC OF SHARES

 

  (i) All Common Shares shall

 

  (a) have one vote each;

 

  (b) be subject to redemption, purchase or acquisition by the Company for fair value; and

 

  (c) have the rights with regard to dividends and distributions upon liquidation of the Company, subject to the rights of the Preferred Shares.

 

  (ii) All Preferred Shares shall have the following rights, preferences etc,

 

  (a) Voting

Each Preferred Share shall be entitled to such number of votes as equals the whole number of Common Shares into which such Preferred Shares are convertible immediately after the close of business on the record date of the determination of the Company’s members entitled to vote or, if no such record date is established, at the date such vote is taken or any written consent of the Company’s members is first solicited. Except as otherwise provided in the Memorandum and the Articles, or as required by law, the members holding Preferred Shares shall vote together with the members holding Common Shares, and not as a separate class or series, on all matters put before them.

 

  (b) Dividends

The Preferred Shares shall be entitled to receive, when, as, if, and in such an amount as, declared by the Board (which must include the approval of the SB Directors), dividends, on a pari passu and pro rata on an as-converted to Common Share basis with payment of any dividend (other than dividends payable solely in Common Shares or Common Share Equivalents) with respect to the Common Shares.

 

  (c) Dissolution/Liquidation

 

  (1) Liquidation Preferences.

 

2


Upon any liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of the Company (a “Liquidation Event”), whether voluntary or involuntary:

 

  (A) Before any distribution or payment shall be made with respect to any Common Shares, an amount shall be paid on a pari passu basis with respect to each Preferred Share equal to one hundred and fifty percent (150%) of the respective Original Issue Price (as adjusted for any dividend of shares, division or combination of shares recapitalizations and the like) plus all dividends declared and unpaid with respect thereto (the “Preference Amount”). If, upon any such Liquidation Event, the assets of the Company shall be insufficient to make payment of the Preference Amount in full on all Preferred Shares, then such assets shall be distributed among the Holders of Preferred Shares, ratably in proportion to the full amounts to which they would otherwise be respectively entitled thereon.

 

  (B) After distribution or payment of the Preference Amount distributable or payable on any Preferred Shares, the Preferred Shares (treated on an as-if-converted basis) shall be entitled to receive, together with the Common Shares, a ratable portion of the assets of the Company remaining for distribution, determined according to the respective number of Common Shares held thereby (treated on an as-if-converted basis).

 

  (2) Treatment of Sale or Merger.

Each of the following events shall be treated as a Liquidation Event under this clause 10(ii)(c), unless agreed to otherwise in writing by Holders of at least a majority of the then outstanding Preferred Shares, voting together as a single class:

 

  (A) any liquidation, winding-up, dissolution, consolidation, amalgamation or merger of the Company with or into any other corporation or other entity or Person, or any other corporate reorganization (other than a reorganization effected exclusively for tax purposes or to change the domicile of the Company), in which the members own less than 50% of the Company’s voting power immediately after such consolidation, merger, amalgamation or reorganization, or any transaction or series of related transactions to which the Company is a party in which the Company’s authorised capital constituting at least 50% of the Company’s voting power is transferred;

 

  (B) a sale, lease or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company; or

 

  (C) the exclusive licensing of all or substantially all of the Company’s intellectual property to a third party,

and upon any such event, any proceeds resulting to the members shall be distributed in accordance with the terms of clause 10(ii)(c)(1).

 

3


  (d) Conversion

Preferred Shares shall be convertible into Common Shares. The number of Common Shares to which a member shall be entitled upon conversion of any Preferred Share shall be the quotient of the Original Issue Price for such Preferred Share over the Conversion Price for such Preferred Share. For the avoidance of doubt, the initial conversion ratio for any Preferred Shares to Common Shares shall be 1:1, subject to adjustment as set forth below.

 

  (1) Optional Conversion.

 

  (A) Subject to and in compliance with the provisions of this clause, any Preferred Share may, at the option of the holder of such Preferred Share (the “Holder”), be converted at any time into validly issued, fully-paid and nonassessable Common Shares.

 

  (B) The holder of any Preferred Shares who desires to convert such Preferred Shares into Common Shares shall surrender the certificate or certificates therefor, duly endorsed, at the office of the Company or any transfer agent for the Preferred Shares, and shall give written notice to the Company at such office that such Holder has elected to convert such shares. Such notice shall state the number of Preferred Shares being converted. Thereupon, the Company shall promptly issue and deliver to such Holder at such office a certificate or certificates for the number of Common Shares to which the Holder is entitled and shall promptly pay (i) in cash or, to the extent sufficient funds are not then legally available therefor, in Common Shares (at the fair market value of a Common Share determined in good faith by the Board as of the date of such conversion), any declared and unpaid dividends on the Preferred Share being converted and (ii) in cash (at the fair market value of a Common Share determined in good faith by the Board as of the date of conversion) the value of any fractional Common Shares to which the Holder would otherwise be entitled. Such conversion shall be deemed to have been made at the close of business on the date of the surrender of the certificates representing the Preferred Shares to be converted, and the person entitled to receive the Common Shares issuable upon such conversion shall be treated for all purposes as the record holder of such Common Shares on such date.

 

  (2) Automatic Conversion.

 

  (A) Without any action being required by the Holder of such share and whether or not the certificates representing such share are surrendered to the Company or its transfer agent, each Preferred Share shall be converted by the Company, based on the then-effective Conversion Price for such Preferred Share, upon the closing of a Qualified IPO.

 

  (B) The Company shall not be obligated to issue certificates for any Common Shares issuable upon the automatic conversion of any Preferred Shares unless the certificate or certificates evidencing such Preferred Shares is either delivered as provided below to the Company or any transfer agent for the Preferred Shares, or the Holder notifies the Company or its transfer agent that such certificate has been lost, stolen or destroyed and executes an agreement satisfactory to the Company to indemnify the Company from any loss incurred by the Company in connection with such certificate. The Company shall, as soon as practicable after receipt of any certificates for Preferred Shares, or satisfactory agreement for indemnification in the case of a lost certificate, promptly issue and deliver at its office to the Holder thereof a certificate or certificates for the number of Common Shares to which the Holder is entitled and shall promptly pay (i) in cash or, to the extent sufficient funds are not then legally available therefor, in Common Shares (at the fair market value of a Common Share determined in good faith by the Board as of the date of such conversion), any declared and unpaid dividends on the Preferred Share being converted and (ii) in cash (at the fair market value of a Common Share determined in good faith by the Board as of the date of such conversion) the value of any fractional Common Shares to which the Holder would otherwise be entitled. Any person entitled to receive Common Shares issuable upon the automatic conversion of the Preferred Shares shall be treated for all purposes as the record holder of such Common Shares on the date of such conversion.

 

4


  (3) Conversion Mechanism.

The conversion hereunder of any Preferred Share (the “Conversion Share”) shall be effected in the following manner:

 

  (A) The Company shall redeem the Conversion Share for aggregate consideration (the “Redemption Amount”) equal to (a) the aggregate par value of any capital shares of the Company to be issued upon such conversion and (b) the aggregate value, as determined in good faith by the Board, of any other assets which are to be distributed upon such conversion.

 

  (B) Concurrent with the redemption of the Conversion Share, the Company shall apply the Redemption Amount for the benefit of the holder of the Conversion Share to pay for any shares of the Company issuable, and any other assets distributable, to such Holder in connection with such conversion.

 

  (4) Preferred Share Conversion Price.

The “Conversion Price” for each series of Preferred Shares shall initially equal the Original Issue Price for such series of Preferred Shares and shall be adjusted from time to time as provided below:

 

  (A) ADJUSTMENT FOR DIVISION AND COMBINATION OF SHARES . If the Company shall at any time, or from time to time, effect a division of the outstanding Common Shares, the Conversion Prices in effect immediately prior to such division shall be proportionately decreased. Conversely, if the Company shall at any time, or from time to time, combine the outstanding Common Shares into a smaller number of shares, the Conversion Prices in effect immediately prior to the combination shall be proportionately increased. Any adjustment under this paragraph shall become effective at the close of business on the date the division or combination becomes effective.

 

  (B) ADJUSTMENT FOR COMMON SHARE DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS . If the Company makes (or fixes a record date for the determination of holders of Common Shares entitled to receive) a dividend or other distribution to the holders of Common Shares payable in Additional Common Shares, the Conversion Prices then in effect shall be decreased as of the time of such issuance (or in the event such record date is fixed, as of the close of business on such record date) by multiplying the Conversion Prices then in effect by a fraction (i) the numerator of which is the total number of Common Shares issued and outstanding immediately prior to the time of such issuance or the close of business on such record date, and (ii) the denominator of which is the total number of Common Shares issued and outstanding immediately prior to the time of such issuance or the close of business on such record date plus the number of Common Shares issuable in payment of such dividend or distribution.

 

  (C) ADJUSTMENTS FOR OTHER DIVIDENDS . If the Company at any time, or from time to time, makes (or fixes a record date for the determination of holders of Common Shares entitled to receive) a dividend or other distribution payable in securities of the Company other than Common Shares or Common Share Equivalents, then, and in each such event, provision shall be made so that, upon conversion of any Preferred Share thereafter, the holder thereof shall receive, in addition to the number of Common Shares issuable thereon, the amount of securities of the Company which the holder of such share would have received had the Preferred Shares been converted into Common Shares immediately prior to such event, all subject to further adjustment as provided herein.

 

  (D) REORGANIZATIONS, MERGERS, CONSOLIDATIONS, RECLASSIFICATIONS, EXCHANGES, SUBSTITUTIONS . If at any time, or from time to time, any capital reorganization or reclassification of the Common Shares (other than as a result of a dividend of shares, division or combination of shares otherwise treated above) occurs or the Company is consolidated, merged or amalgamated with or into another Person (other than a consolidation, merger or amalgamation treated in clause 10(ii)(c)(2) hereof), then in any such event, provision shall be made so that, upon conversion of any Preferred Share thereafter, the holder thereof shall receive the kind and amount of shares and other securities and property which the holder of such share would have received had the Preferred Shares been converted into Common Shares on the date of such event, all subject to further adjustment as provided herein, or with respect to such other securities or property, in accordance with any terms applicable thereto.

 

5


  (E) SALE OF SHARES BELOW THE CONVERSION PRICE .

 

  (a) If the Company shall issue or sell Additional Common Shares for a consideration per share less than the then existing Conversion Price for any series of Preferred Shares (the “New Issuance Price”), then, and in each such case, the Conversion Price for such series of Preferred Shares shall be reduced, as of the opening of business on the date of such issue or sale, to equal to such New Issuance Price.

 

  (b) For the purpose of making any adjustment in the Conversion Prices or number of Common Shares issuable upon conversion of the Preferred Shares, as provided above:

 

  (i) To the extent it consists of cash, the consideration received by the Company for any issuance or sale of securities shall be computed at the net amount of cash received by the Company after deduction of any expenses payable directly or indirectly by the Company and any underwriting or similar commissions, compensations, discounts or concessions paid or allowed by the Company in connection with such issue or sale;

 

  (ii) To the extent it consists of property other than cash, consideration other than cash received by the Company for any issue or sale of securities shall be computed at the fair market value thereof, as determined in good faith by the Board, with the approval of at least one of the SB Directors, as of the date of the adoption of the resolution specifically authorizing such issue or sale, irrespective of any accounting treatment of such property; and

 

  (iii) If Additional Common Shares or Common Share Equivalents exercisable, convertible or exchangeable for Additional Common Shares are issued or sold together with other shares or securities or other assets of the Company for consideration which covers both, the consideration received for the Additional Common Shares or Common Share Equivalents shall be computed as that portion of the consideration received which is reasonably determined in good faith by the Board (with the approval of at least one of the SB Directors) to be allocable to such Additional Common Shares or Common Share Equivalents.

 

  (c) For the purpose of making any adjustment in the Conversion Prices provided in this clause 10(ii)(d)(4)(E), if at any time, or from time to time, the Company issues any Common Share Equivalents exercisable, convertible or exchangeable for Additional Common Shares and the Effective Conversion Price of such Common Share Equivalents is less than the Conversion Price for such Preferred Shares in effect immediately prior to such issuance, then, in each such case, at the time of such issuance the Company shall be deemed to have issued the maximum number of Additional Common Shares issuable upon the exercise, conversion or exchange of such Common Share Equivalents and to have received in consideration for each Additional Common Share deemed issued an amount equal to the Effective Conversion Price for such Common Share Equivalents.

 

  (i) In the event of any increase in the number of Common Shares deliverable or any reduction in consideration payable upon exercise, conversion or exchange of any Common Share Equivalents where the resulting Effective Conversion Price is less than the Conversion Price for the Preferred Shares at such date, including a change resulting from the antidilution provisions thereof, the Conversion Price for such Common Share Equivalents shall be recomputed to reflect such change as if, at the time of issue for such Common Share Equivalent, such Effective Conversion Price applied.

 

  (ii) For any Common Share Equivalent with respect to which the Conversion Price has been adjusted under this subparagraph (c), no further adjustment of such Conversion Price shall be made solely as a result of the actual issuance of Common Shares upon the actual exercise or conversion of such Common Share Equivalent.

 

6


  (F) CERTIFICATE OF ADJUSTMENT . In the case of any adjustment or readjustment of any Conversion Price, the Company, at its sole expense, shall compute such adjustment or readjustment in accordance with the provisions hereof and prepare a certificate showing such adjustment or readjustment, and shall mail such certificate, by first class mail, postage prepaid, to each registered Holder of such series of Preferred Shares at the Holder’s address as shown in the Company’s books. The certificate shall set forth such adjustment or readjustment, showing in detail the facts upon which such adjustment or readjustment is based, including a statement of (i) the consideration received or deemed to be received by the Company for any Additional Common Shares issued or sold or deemed to have been issued or sold, (ii) the number of Additional Common Shares issued or sold or deemed to be issued or sold, (iii) the Conversion Price in effect for such series of Preferred Shares after such adjustment or readjustment, and (iv) the number of Common Shares and the type and amount, if any, of other property which would be received upon conversion of such series of Preferred Shares after such adjustment or readjustment.

 

  (G) NOTICE OF RECORD DATE . In the event the Company shall propose to take any action of the type or types requiring an adjustment to any Conversion Price or the number or character of the Preferred Shares as set forth herein, the Company shall give notice to the Holders of the Preferred Shares, which notice shall specify the record date, if any, with respect to any such action and the date on which such action is to take place. Such notice shall also set forth such facts with respect thereto as shall be reasonably necessary to indicate the effect of such action (to the extent such effect may be known at the date of such notice) on such Conversion Price and the number, kind or class of shares or other securities or property which shall be deliverable upon the occurrence of such action or deliverable upon the conversion of such series of Preferred Shares. In the case of any action which would require the fixing of a record date, such notice shall be given at least fifteen (15) days prior to the date so fixed, and in the case of all other actions, such notice shall be given at least twenty (20) days prior to the taking of such proposed action.

 

7


  (5) Fractional Shares. No fractional Common Shares shall be issued upon conversion of any Preferred Share. All Common Shares (including fractions thereof) issuable upon conversion of more than one Preferred Share by a Holder thereof shall be aggregated for purposes of determining whether the conversion would result in the issuance of any fractional share. If, after such aggregation, the conversion would result in the issuance of any fractional share, the Company shall, in lieu of issuing any fractional share, pay cash equal to the product of such fraction multiplied by the fair market value of a Common Share (as determined by the Board) on the date of conversion.

 

  (6) Reservation of Shares Issuable Upon Conversion. The Company shall at all times reserve and keep available out of its authorized but unissued Common Shares, solely for the purpose of effecting the conversion of the Preferred Shares, such number of its Common Shares as shall from time to time be sufficient to effect the conversion of all outstanding Preferred Shares. If at any time the number of authorized but unissued Common Shares shall not be sufficient to effect the conversion of all then outstanding Preferred Shares, the Company will take such corporate action as may, in the opinion of its counsel, be necessary to increase its authorized but unissued Common Shares to such number of shares as shall be sufficient for such purpose.

 

  (7) No Impairment. The Company will not, by amendment of the Memorandum and the Articles, other constitutional documents of the Company or through any reorganization, transfer of assets, consolidation, merger, dissolution, issue or sale of securities or any other voluntary action, avoid or seek to avoid the observance or performance of any of the terms to be observed or performed hereunder by the Company but will at all times in good faith assist in the carrying out of all the provisions of this clause 10(ii)(d) and in the taking of all such action as may be necessary or appropriate in order to protect the conversion rights of Holders of Preferred Shares against impairment.

 

  (8) Notices. Any notice required by the provisions of this clause 10(ii)(d) shall be in writing and shall be deemed effectively given: (i) upon personal delivery to the party to be notified, (ii) when sent by confirmed telex, facsimile or e-mail if sent during normal business hours of the recipient; if not, then on the next business day, or (iii) five (5) days after having been sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or (iv) five (5) days after deposit with an internationally recognized courier, with written verification of receipt. All notices shall be addressed to each holder of record at the address of such holder appearing on the books of the Company.

 

  (9) Payment of Taxes. The Company will pay all taxes (other than taxes based upon income) and other governmental charges that may be imposed with respect to the issue or delivery of Common Shares upon conversion of Preferred Shares, excluding any tax or other charge imposed in connection with any transfer involved in the issue and delivery of Common Shares in a name other than that in which the Preferred Share so converted were registered.

 

  (e) No Reissuance of Preferred Shares.

No Preferred Share acquired by the Company by reason of redemption, purchase, conversion or otherwise shall be reissued.

 

  (f) Redemption.

 

  (1) Optional Redemption for Failure to List. Beginning on the date that is five (5) years from 1 January 2005, at the written request (made on one or more occasions) of Holders of at least a majority of the then outstanding Preferred Shares, voting together as a single class, such Holders may require that the Company redeem all or part of the then outstanding Preferred Shares in accordance with the terms (including as to the date of redemption) of the request made by such Holders of outstanding Preferred Shares. Following receipt of the request for redemption from such Holders, the Company shall within five (5) business days give written notice to each holder of record of Preferred Shares, at the address last shown on the records of the Company for such holder(s). Such notice shall indicate that the Holders of Preferred Shares have elected redemption of all or part of the Preferred Shares pursuant to the provisions of this paragraph (1) and direct the Holders of such shares to submit their share certificates to the Company on or before the scheduled redemption date. The redemption price for each Preferred Share redeemed pursuant to this paragraph (1) shall be equal to one hundred fifty percent (150%) of the Original Issue Price (as adjusted for any dividend of shares, division or combination of shares, recapitalizations and the like) of such Preferred Shares, plus all dividends accrued and unpaid with respect thereto (the “Redemption Price”). With respect to each Preferred Share redeemed pursuant to this paragraph (1), the Company shall be obligated to pay to the Holder thereof (upon surrender by such Holder at the Company’s principal office of the certificate representing such share) the Redemption Price in full in immediately available funds.

 

  (2) Optional Redemption for Change In Law. Following the date hereof, in the event any Government Authority adopts, restates or amends any Law that would prohibit any Holder of Preferred Shares (for no fault of such Holder) from continuing to hold such shares or from enjoying the benefits of a merger, sale, consolidation, or other disposition of the Company or of all or any material part of the assets of the Company, then such Holder may redeem from time to time the Preferred Shares held thereby until that date on which such Law is revoked. The redemption price for each Preferred Share redeemed pursuant to this paragraph (2) shall be equal to the greater of (a) the Redemption Price as set forth in paragraph (1) above or (b) the Fair Value of such share. For purposes of this paragraph (2), “Fair Value” means, with respect to any Preferred Share redeemed pursuant to this paragraph (2), the fair value that would be received by the Holder of such share in a sale of the Company as a going concern to a bona fide third party buyer at the time of redemption, as determined by a “big 4” firm of independent public accountants appointed by members representing not less than a majority of the redeemed Preferred Shares. With respect to each share of Preferred Shares redeemed pursuant to this paragraph (2), the Company shall be obligated to pay to the Holder thereof (upon surrender by such Holder at the Company’s principal office of the certificate representing such share) the redemption payment on the date that is twenty (20) days from the date of the request or notice of redemption.

 

8


  (3) Insufficient Funds. If the Company’s funds which are legally available on the date that any redemption payment under this clause 10(ii)(f) is due are insufficient to pay in full all redemption payments to be paid on such date, those funds which are legally available shall be used to pay all redemption payments due on such date ratably in proportion to the full amounts to which the Holders to which such redemption payments are due would otherwise be respectively entitled thereon. Thereafter, all funds of the Company that are legally available for the redemption of shares shall immediately be used to pay the redemption payment which the Company did not pay on the date that such redemption payments were due. Without limiting any rights of the Holders of Preferred Shares which are set forth in the Memorandum and the Articles, or other constitutional documents of the Company or are otherwise available under Law, the balance of any shares redeemed hereunder with respect to which the Company has become obligated to pay the redemption payment but which it has not paid in full shall continue to have all the powers, designations, preferences and relative participating, optional, and other special rights (including, without limitation, rights to accrue dividends) which such shares had prior to such date, until the redemption payment has been paid in full with respect to such shares.

 

11. The Company may exercise the power contained in the Companies Law to deregister in the Cayman Islands and be registered by way of continuation in another jurisdiction.

 

12. DEFINITIONS

The meanings of words in this Memorandum of Association are as defined in the Articles of Association.

 

9


AMENDED AND RESTATED

ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION

OF

ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

(adopted by a special resolution passed on 31 March, 2006)


TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table A

 

INTERPRETATION   

1.

   Definitions    1
SHARES   

2.

   Power to Issue Shares    5

3.

   Redemption and Purchase of Shares    5

4.

   Rights Attaching to Shares    6

5.

   Calls on Shares    7

6.

   Joint and Several Liability to Pay Calls    7

7.

   Forfeiture of Shares    7

8.

   Share Certificates    8

9.

   Fractional Shares    8
REGISTRATION OF SHARES   

10.

   Register of Members    9

11.

   Registered Holder Absolute Owner    9

12.

   Transfer of Registered Shares    10

13.

   Transmission of Registered Shares    16
ALTERATION OF SHARE CAPITAL   

14.

   Power to Alter Capital    18

15.

   Variation of Rights Attaching to Shares    18
DIVIDENDS AND CAPITALISATION   

16.

   Dividends    19

17.

   Power to Set Aside Profits    20

18.

   Method of Payment    20

19.

   Capitalisation    20
MEETINGS OF MEMBERS   

20.

   Annual General Meetings    21

21.

   Extraordinary General Meetings    21

22.

   Requisitioned General Meetings    21

23.

   Notice    21

24.

   Giving Notice    22

25.

   Postponement of General Meeting    22

26.

   Participating in Meetings by Telephone    22

27.

   Quorum at General Meetings    22

28.

   Chairman to Preside    23

29.

   Voting on Resolutions    23

30.

   Power to Demand a Vote on a Poll    23

31.

   Voting by Joint Holders of Shares    24

32.

   Instrument of Proxy    24

33.

   Representation of Corporate Member    24

34.

   Adjournment of General Meeting    25

35.

   Written Resolutions    25

36.

   Directors Attendance at General Meetings    25
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS   

37.

   Election of Directors    26

38.

   Number of Directors    26

39.

   Term of Office of Directors    26

40.

   Alternate Directors    26

41.

   Removal of Directors    27

42.

   Vacancy in the Office of Director    27

43.

   Remuneration of Directors    27

44.

   Defect in Appointment of Director    27

45.

   Directors to Manage Business    28

46.

   Powers of the Board    28

46A

   Special Resolution Matters    29

47.

   Register of Directors and Officers    31

48.

   Officers    31

49.

   Appointment of Officers    31

50.

   Duties of Officers    31

51.

   Remuneration of Officers    32

52.

   Conflicts of Interest    32

53.

   Indemnification and Exculpation of Directors and Officers    32
MEETINGS OF THE BOARD   

54.

   Board Meetings    33

55.

   Notice of Board Meetings    33

56.

   Participation in Meetings by Telephone    33

57.

   Quorum at Board Meetings    33

58.

   Board to Continue in the Event of Vacancy    33

59.

   Chairman to Preside    33

60.

   Written Resolutions    33

61.

   Validity of Prior Acts of the Board    34
CORPORATE RECORDS   

62.

   Minutes    34

63.

   Register of Mortgages and Charges    34

64.

   Form and Use of Seal    35
ACCOUNTS   

65.

   Books of Account    35

66.

   Financial Year End    35
AUDITS   

67.

   Audit    35

68.

   Appointment of Auditors    35

69.

   Remuneration of Auditors    36

70.

   Duties of Auditor    36

71.

   Access to Records    36

72.

   Financial Statements    36

73.

   Distribution of Auditor’s Report    37

74.

   Distribution of Financial Statements and Directors’ report    37
VOLUNTARY WINDING-UP AND DISSOLUTION   

75.

   Winding-Up    37
CHANGES TO CONSTITUTION   

76.

   Changes to Articles    37

77.

   Changes to the Memorandum of Association    37

78.

   Discontinuance    37


Table A

The articles in Table A in the First Schedule to the Law (as defined below) do not apply to the Company.

INTERPRETATION

 

1. Definitions

 

1.1 In these Articles, the following words and expressions shall, where not inconsistent with the context, have the following meanings, respectively:

 

Additional Common Shares    all Common Shares issued by the Company, provided that the term “Additional Common Shares” does not include (i) Employee Compensation Shares or Employee Stock Options which may be issued by the Company after the date hereof, (ii) Common Shares issued upon conversion of the Preferred Shares or upon the exercise or conversion of other Common Share Equivalents outstanding as of the date of the adoption of the Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association, (iii) Common Shares issued upon a dividend or distribution on the Preferred Shares, or (iv) Common Shares issued in connection with any division or combination of shares, dividend of shares, recapitalization or similar transaction for which proportional adjustments are made in accordance with clause 8(ii)(d)(4) of the Memorandum;
Alternate Director    an alternate director appointed in accordance with these Articles;
Articles    these Articles of Association as altered from time to time;
Auditor    includes an individual or partnership;
Board    the board of directors appointed or elected pursuant to these Articles and acting at a meeting of directors at which there is a quorum or by written resolution in accordance with these Articles;
Company    the company for which these Articles are approved and confirmed;
Director    a director, including a sole director, for the time being of the Company and shall include an Alternate Director;
Common Share Equivalents    warrants, options and rights exercisable for Common Shares and instruments convertible or exchangeable for Common Shares, including, without limitation, the Preferred Shares;
Control    of a given Person means the power or authority, whether exercised or not, to direct the business, management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise, which power or authority shall conclusively be presumed to exist upon possession of beneficial ownership or power to direct the vote of more than 50% of the votes entitled to be cast at member’s meetings of such Person or power to control the composition of the board of directors of such Person; the term “Controlled” has meanings correlative to the foregoing.

 

1


Conversion Price    has the meaning set forth in clause 10(ii)(d)(4) of the Memorandum.
Effective Conversion Price    with respect to any Common Share Equivalent at a given time, an amount equal to the quotient of (i) the sum of any consideration, if any, received by the Company with respect to the issuance of such Common Share Equivalent and the lowest aggregate consideration receivable by the Company, if any, upon the exercise, exchange or conversion of the Common Share Equivalent over (ii) the number of Common Shares issuable upon the exercise, conversion or exchange of the Common Share Equivalent.
Employee Compensation Share    any Common Share issued to employees, consultants or directors of the Company either in connection with a restricted stock plan approved by the Board or on exercise of an Employee Stock Option;
Employee Stock Options    options granted to employees, consultants or directors under stock option plans approved by the Board;
Equity Securities    any Common Shares, Common Share Equivalents or Preferred Shares;
ESOP    A bona fide employment-related share purchase or option plans of the Company as approved by the Company’s Board and the Investor;
Government Authority    any government or any agency, bureau, board, commission, court, department, official, political subdivision, tribunal or other instrumentality of any government, whether federal, state or local, domestic or foreign;
Group Company    a Person (other than a natural person) (i) that is Controlled by the Company, (ii) whose assets, or portions thereof, are consolidated with the net earnings of the Company and are recorded on the books of the Company for financial reporting purposes in accordance with US GAAP, or (iii) that is the predecessor of (i) or (ii) above;
Holder    the Investor, together with the permitted transferees and assigns of the Investor;

 

2


Investor    SB ASIA INVESTMENT FUND II, L.P., a limited partnership organized and existing under the laws of the Cayman Islands.
Law    The Companies Law of the Cayman Islands and every modification, reenactment or revision thereof for the time being in force;
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;
Memorandum    the memorandum of association of the Company as originally registered or as from time to time amended;
month    calendar month;
notice    written notice as further provided in these Articles unless otherwise specifically stated;
Officer    any person appointed by the Board to hold an office in the Company;
ordinary resolution    a resolution passed at a general meeting (or, if so specified, a meeting of Members holding a class of shares) of the Company by a simple majority of the votes cast, or a written resolution passed by the unanimous consent of all Members entitled to vote;
Original Issue Price    with respect to each Series A Preferred Share, US$1.9763, and with respect to each Series A-1 Preferred Share, US$2.7757.
Person    any individual, corporation, partnership, limited partnership, proprietorship, association, limited liability company, firm, trust, estate or enterprise or entity.
Purchase Agreement    a securities purchase and share subscription agreement dated 1 January 2005 entered into by inter alia China DRTV, Inc. and the Investor;
paid-up    paid-up or credited as paid-up;
Qualified IPO    a firmly underwritten registered public offering by the Company of its Common Shares in the United States or Hong Kong, or on any combination of such stock exchanges, managed by an investment banking firm of recognized high standing in the market in which such shares are to be offered, with total offering proceeds to the Company and the selling shareholders, if any, of not less than US$75 million (or any cash proceeds of other currency of equivalent value) (before deduction of underwriters commissions and expenses) and with a pre-offering valuation of the Company of not less than US$300 million, or (ii) a firmly underwritten registered public offering by the Company of its Common Shares in a jurisdiction other than the United States or Hong Kong which is reasonably acceptable to the Investor, in a transaction substantially equivalent to the one set forth in clause (i) above;

 

3


Register of Directors and Officers    the register of directors and officers referred to in these Articles;
Register of Members    the register of Members referred to in these Articles;
Registered Office    the registered office for the time being of the Company;
ROFR Agreement    a right of first refusal and co-sale agreement dated March 31, 2006 entered into between the Company and certain other parties;
SB Director    has the meaning set forth in Article 37;
securities    shares and debt obligations of every kind, and options, warrants and rights to acquire shares, or debt obligations;
Special Resolution Matters    in addition to any approval required under the Law, the Memorandum or these Articles, those matters as set out in Article 46A hereof which require the approval of a special resolution of directors;
special resolution of directors    a resolution of the directors passed by the directors of the Company including at least one SB Director;
Seal    the common seal or any official or duplicate seal of the Company;
Secretary    the person appointed to perform any or all of the duties of secretary of the Company and includes any deputy or assistant secretary and any person appointed by the Board to perform any of the duties of the Secretary;
share    includes a fraction of a share;
special resolution    a resolution passed at a general meeting (or, if so specified, a meeting of Members holding a class of shares) of the Company by a majority of not less than two thirds of the vote cast, as provided in the Law, or a written resolution passed by unanimous consent of all Members entitled to vote;
US GAAP    the United States generally accepted accounting principles;
Warrant    that certain Warrant to purchase Series A-1 Preferred Shares, dated January 1, 2005, by and between China DRTV, Inc. and the Investor;
written resolution year    a resolution passed in accordance with Article 35 or 60; and calendar year.

 

4


1.2 In these Articles, 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;

 

  (e) a reference to statutory provision shall be deemed to include any amendment or re-enactment thereof; and

 

  (f) unless otherwise provided herein, words or expressions defined in the Law shall bear the same meaning in these Articles.

 

1.3 In these Articles 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 Articles are for convenience only and are not to be used or relied upon in the construction hereof.

SHARES

 

2. Power to Issue Shares

Subject to the Memorandum and these Articles 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 (including the issue or grant of options, warrants and other rights, renounceable or otherwise in respect 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, provided that no share shall be issued at a discount except in accordance with the Law.

 

3. Redemption and Purchase of Shares

 

3.1 Subject to the Law and the Memorandum and the provisions of these Articles in relation to Special Resolution Matters, the Company is authorised to issue shares which are to be redeemed or are liable to be redeemed at the option of the Company or a Member.

 

5


3.2 The Company is hereby authorised to make payments in respect of the redemption of its shares out of capital or out of any other account or fund which can be authorised for this purpose in accordance with the Law.

 

3.3 The redemption price of a redeemable share, or the method of calculation thereof, shall be fixed by the Directors at or before the time of issue.

 

3.4 Every share certificate representing a redeemable share shall indicate that the share is redeemable.

 

3.5 In the case of shares redeemable at the option of a Member a redemption notice from a Member may not be revoked without the agreement of the Directors.

 

3.6 At the time or in the circumstances specified for redemption the redeemed shares shall be canceled and shall cease to confer on the relevant Member any right or privilege, without prejudice to the right to receive the redemption price, which price shall become payable so soon as it can with due despatch be calculated, but subject to surrender of the relevant share certificate for cancellation (and reissue in respect of any balance).

 

3.7 The redemption price may be paid in any manner authorised by these Articles for the payment of dividends.

 

3.8 A delay in payment of the redemption price shall not affect the redemption but, in the case of a delay of more than thirty days, interest shall be paid for the period from the due date until actual payment at a rate which the Directors, after due enquiry, estimate to be representative of the rates being offered by Class A banks in the Cayman Islands for thirty day deposits in the same currency.

 

3.9 The Directors may exercise as they think fit the powers conferred on the Company by Section 37(5) of the Law (payment out of capital) but only if and to the extent that the redemption could not otherwise be made (or not without making a fresh issue of shares for this purpose).

 

3.10 Subject as aforesaid, the Directors may determine, as they think fit all questions that may arise concerning the manner in which the redemption of the shares shall or may be effected.

 

3.11 No share may be redeemed unless it is fully paid-up.

 

3.12 Subject to the Memorandum and the provisions of these Articles in relation to Special Resolution Matters, the Board may exercise all the powers of the Company to purchase all or any part of its own shares in accordance with the Law. Shares purchased by the Company shall be cancelled and shall cease to confer any right or privilege on the Member from whom the shares are purchased.

 

4. Rights Attaching to Shares

Subject to Article 2.1, the Memorandum of Association and any resolution of the Members to the contrary and without prejudice to any special rights conferred thereby on the holders of any other shares or class of shares, the holders of shares of the Company shall, subject to the provisions of these Articles:

 

  (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.

 

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5. Calls on Shares

 

5.1 The Board may make such calls as it thinks fit upon the Members in respect of any monies (whether in respect of nominal value or premium) 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 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.

 

5.3 The Company may make arrangements on the issue of shares for a difference between the Members in the amounts and times of payments of calls on their shares.

 

6. Joint and Several Liability to Pay Calls

The joint holders of a share shall be jointly and severally liable to pay all calls in respect thereof.

 

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 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. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the disposal may take place by sale, repurchase, redemption or any other method of disposal permitted by and consistent with these Articles and the Law.

 

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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.

 

7.4 The Board may accept the surrender of any shares which it is in a position to forfeit on such terms and conditions as may be agreed. Subject to those terms and conditions, a surrendered share shall be treated as if it had been forfeited.

 

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 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.

 

8.3 Share certificates may not be issued in bearer form.

 

8.4 Certificates issued by the Company may bear either or both of the following legends:

“THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED. THEY MAY NOT BE SOLD, OFFERED FOR SALE, PLEDGED OR HYPOTHECATED IN THE ABSENCE OF A REGISTRATION STATEMENT IN EFFECT WITH RESPECT TO THE SECURITIES UNDER SUCH ACT OR AN OPINION OF COUNSEL SATISFACTORY TO THE COMPANY THAT SUCH REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED OR UNLESS SOLD PURSUANT TO RULE 144 OF SUCH ACT.”

or

“THE SALE, PLEDGE, HYPOTHECATION, ASSIGNMENT OR TRANSFER OF THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE IS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF A RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL AND CO-SALE AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE MEMBER, THE COMPANY AND CERTAIN HOLDERS OF SHARES OF THE COMPANY. COPIES OF SUCH AGREEMENTS MAY BE OBTAINED UPON WRITTEN REQUEST TO THE SECRETARY OF THE COMPANY.”

 

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.

 

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REGISTRATION OF SHARES

 

10. Register of Members

The Board shall cause to be kept in one or more books a Register of Members which may be kept outside the Cayman Islands at such place as the Directors shall appoint and shall enter therein the following particulars:-

 

  (a) the name and address of each Member, the number, and (where appropriate) the class of shares held by such Member and the amount paid or agreed to be considered as paid on such shares;

 

  (b) the date on which each person was entered in the Register of Members; and

 

  (c) the date on which any person ceased to be a Member.

 

11. Registered Holder Absolute Owner

 

11.1 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.

 

11.2 No person shall be entitled to recognition by the Company as holding any share upon any trust and the Company shall not be bound by, or be compelled in any way to recognise, (even when having notice thereof) any equitable, contingent, future or partial interest in any share or any other right in respect of any share except an absolute right to the entirety of the share in the holder. If, notwithstanding this Article, notice of any trust is at the holder’s request entered in the Register or on a share certificate in respect of a share, then, except as aforesaid:

 

  (a) such notice shall be deemed to be solely for the holder’s convenience;

 

  (b) the Company shall not be required in any way to recognise any beneficiary, or the beneficiary, of the trust as having an interest in the share or shares concerned;

 

  (c) the Company shall not be concerned with the trust in any way, as to the identity or powers of the trustees, the validity, purposes or terms of the trust, the question of whether anything done in relation to the shares may amount to a breach of trust or otherwise; and

 

  (d) the holder shall keep the Company fully indemnified against any liability or expense which may be incurred or suffered as a direct or indirect consequence of the Company entering notice of the trust in the Register or on a share certificate and continuing to recognise the holder as having an absolute right to the entirety of the share or shares concerned.

 

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12. Transfer of Registered Shares

 

12.1 An instrument of transfer shall be in writing in the form of the following, or as near thereto as circumstances admit, or in such other 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. 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.

 

12.6 Members holding Preferred Shares and subject to the prior approval of the members holding Preferred Shares, members holding Common Shares, may mortgage or charge their registered shares in the Company and upon satisfactory evidence thereof the Company shall give effect to the terms of any valid mortgage or charge except insofar as it may conflict with any requirements herein contained for consent to the transfer of shares.

 

12.7 In the case of the mortgage or charge of registered shares there may be entered in the share register of the Company at the request of the registered holder of such shares

 

  (a) a statement that the shares are mortgaged or charged;

 

  (b) the name of the mortgagee or chargee; and

 

  (c) the date on which the aforesaid particulars are entered in the share register.

 

12.8 Where particulars of a mortgage or charge are registered, such particulars shall be cancelled

 

  (a) with the consent of the named mortgagee or chargee or anyone authorized to act on his behalf; or

 

  (b) upon evidence satisfactory to the directors of the discharge of the liability secured by the mortgage or charge and the issue of such indemnities as the directors shall consider necessary or desirable.

 

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12.9 Whilst particulars of a mortgage or charge are registered, no transfer of any share comprised therein shall be effected without the written consent of the named mortgagee or chargee or anyone authorized to act on his behalf.

 

12.10 Common Shares in the Company shall only be transferred in accordance with the following provisions:

Prohibition on Transfer of Shares

 

  (a) Subject to this article and unless otherwise provided in the ROFR Agreement or approved in writing by the members holding at least a majority of the Preferred Shares then outstanding (voting together as a single class), prior to the closing of a Qualified IPO, no Common Shares or any part of any interest in the Equity Securities may be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged, hypothecated, or otherwise encumbered or disposed of in any way, directly or indirectly, but for the purposes hereof, subject to the provisions hereof relating to Special Resolution Matters, redemption or repurchase of Common Shares by the Company shall not be prohibited under this Article.

 

  (b) Unqualified Transfers Void. Any sale, assignment, transfer, pledge, hypothecation or other encumbrance or disposition of Common Sharess not made in conformance with these Articles of Association shall be null and void, shall not be recorded on the books of the Company and shall not be recognized by the Company.

Rights of First Refusal

 

  (a) Transfer Notice. Prior to the closing of a Qualified IPO, if any member holding Common Shares proposes to transfer Equity Securities to one or more third parties pursuant to an understanding with such third parties (a “Transfer”, such holder a “Transferor”), then the Transferor shall give the Company and each other existing member written notice of the Transferor’s intention to make the Transfer (the “Transfer Notice”), which shall include (i) a description of the Equity Securities to be transferred (“Offered Shares”), (ii) subject to applicable non-discolsure agreement with such third party, the identity of the prospective transferee and (iii) the consideration and the material terms and conditions upon which the proposed Transfer is to be made. The Transfer Notice shall certify that the Transferor has received a firm offer from the prospective transferee and in good faith believes a binding agreement for the Transfer is obtainable on the terms set forth in the Transfer Notice. The Transfer Notice shall also include a copy of any written proposal, term sheet or letter of intent or other agreement relating to the proposed Transfer.

 

  (b) Existing Members’ Option.

 

  (i) Each existing member shall have an option for a period of twenty (20) days from the existing member ‘s receipt of the Transfer Notice to elect to purchase its respective pro rata share of the Offered Shares at the same price and subject to the same material terms and conditions as described in the Transfer Notice.

 

  (ii) Each existing member may exercise such purchase option and, thereby, purchase all or any portion of its pro rata share (with any re-allotments as provided below) of the Offered Shares, by notifying Transferor and the Company in writing, before expiration of the twenty (20) day period as to the number of such shares which it wishes to purchase (including any re-allotment).

 

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  (iii) Each existing member ‘s pro rata share of the Offered Shares shall be a fraction, of which the number of Equity Securities (assuming the exercise, conversion and exchange of any Common Shares Equivalents) owned by such existing member on the date of the Transfer Notice shall be the numerator and the total number of Equity Securities (assuming the exercise, conversion and exchange of any Common Shares Equivalents) held by all existing members on such date shall be the denominator.

 

  (iv) If any existing member fails to exercise such purchase option, the Transferor shall give notice of such failure (the “Re-allotment Notice”) to each other existing member purchasing its respective pro rata share of the Offered Shares (the “Purchasing existing members”). Such Re-allotment Notice may be made by telephone if confirmed in writing within two (2) days. The Purchasing existing members shall have a right of re-allotment such that they shall have ten (10) days from the date such Re-allotment Notice to elect to increase the number of Offered Shares they agreed to purchase under the provisions in (i) above to include their respective pro rata share of the Offered Shares contained in any Re-allotment Notice.

 

  (v) Each existing member shall be entitled to apportion Offered Shares to be purchased among its partners and affiliates upon written notice to the Company and the Transferor, provided that such existing member shall not apportion any Offered Shares to LG Home Shopping Inc., CJ Home Shopping Co., Ltd., Eastern Multimedia Co., Ltd. or their respective affiliates without the prior approval of the Company.

 

  (vi) If an existing member gives the Transferor notice that it desires to purchase its pro rata share of the Offered Shares and, as the case may be, its re-allotment, then payment for the Offered Shares shall be by check or wire transfer, against delivery of the Offered Shares to be purchased at a place agreed by the Transferor and all the participating existing members and at the time of the scheduled closing therefor, which shall be no later than forty-five (45) days after the Company’s receipt of the Transfer Notice, unless such notice contemplated a later closing with the prospective third party transferee or unless the value of the purchase price has not yet been established pursuant to the paragraph below.

 

  (c) Valuation of Property.

 

  (i) Should the purchase price specified in the Transfer Notice be payable in property other than cash or evidences of indebtedness, the existing members shall have the right to pay the purchase price in the form of cash equal in amount to the fair market value of such property.

 

  (ii) If the Transferor and the existing members cannot agree on such cash value within seven (7) days after the existing members’ receipt of the Transfer Notice, the valuation shall be made by an appraiser of recognized standing selected by the Transferor and the existing members or, if they cannot agree on an appraiser within ten (10) days after the existing members’ receipt of the Transfer Notice, each shall select an appraiser of recognized standing and the two appraisers shall designate a third appraiser of recognized standing, whose appraisal shall be determinative of such value.

 

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  (iii) The cost of such appraisal shall be shared equally by the Transferor and the existing members, with the half of the cost borne by the existing members to be borne pro rata by each based on the number of shares such parties were interested in purchasing pursuant to this article.

 

  (iv) If the time for the closing of the existing members’ purchase has expired but for the determination of the value of the purchase price offered by the prospective transferee, such closing shall be held on or prior to the fifth business day after such valuation shall have been made pursuant to this article.

Right of Co-Sale.

 

  (a) To the extent the existing members do not exercise their respective rights of first refusal as to all of the Offered Shares pursuant to the provisions above, each existing member shall have the right to participate in such sale of Equity Securities on the same terms and conditions as specified in the Transfer Notice by notifying the Transferor in writing within twenty (20) days after receipt of the Transfer Notice referred to above (such existing member, a “Selling Holder”).

 

  (i) Such Selling Holder’s notice to the Transferor shall indicate the number of Equity Securities the Selling Holder wishes to sell under its right to participate.

 

  (ii) To the extent one or more of the existing members exercise such right of participation in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth below, the number of Equity Securities that the Transferor may sell in the Transfer shall be correspondingly reduced.

 

  (b) Each Selling Holder may elect to sell up to such number of Equity Securities equal to the product of (i) the aggregate number of the Offered Shares being transferred following the exercise or expiration of all rights of first refusal pursuant to the provisions above by (ii) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of Common Shares (including the number of Common Shares that would be issuable upon the exercise, conversion or exchange of Common Share Equivalents) owned by the Selling Holder on the date of the Transfer Notice and the denominator of which is the total number of Common Shares (including the number of Common Shares that would be issuable upon the exercise, conversion or exchange of Common Share Equivalents) owned by all Selling Holders on the date of the Transfer Notice.

 

  (c) Each Selling Holder shall effect its participation in the sale by promptly delivering to the Transferor for transfer to the prospective purchaser one or more certificates, properly endorsed for transfer, which represent the type and number of Equity Securities which such Selling Holder elects to sell; provided , however that if the prospective third-party purchaser objects to the delivery of Equity Securities in lieu of Common Shares, such Selling Holder shall convert such Equity Securities into Common Shares and deliver certificates corresponding to such Common Shares. The Company agrees to make any such conversion concurrent with the actual transfer of such shares to the purchaser and contingent on such transfer.

 

  (d) The share certificate or certificates that a Selling Holder delivers to the Transferor pursuant to these provisions shall be transferred to the prospective purchaser in consummation of the sale of the Equity Securities pursuant to the terms and conditions specified in the Transfer Notice, and the Transferor shall concurrently therewith remit to such Selling Holder that portion of the sale proceeds to which such Selling Holder is entitled by reason of its participation in such sale.

 

13


  (e) To the extent that any prospective purchaser prohibits the participation of a Selling Holder exercising its co-sale rights hereunder in a proposed Transfer or otherwise refuses to purchase shares or other securities from a Selling Holder exercising its co-sale rights hereunder, the Transferor shall not sell to such prospective purchaser any Equity Securities unless and until, simultaneously with such sale, the Transferor shall purchase such shares or other securities from such Selling Holder for the same consideration and on the same terms and conditions as the proposed transfer described in the Transfer Notice.

Non-Exercise of Rights.

 

  (a) Subject to any other applicable restrictions on the sale of such shares, to the extent that the existing members have not exercised their rights to purchase the Offered Shares within the time periods specified in these provisions and the existing members have not exercised their rights to participate in the sale of the Offered Shares within the time periods specified in these provisions, the Transferor shall have a period of sixty (60) days from the expiration of such rights in which to sell the Offered Shares, as the case may be, to the third-party transferee identified in the Transfer Notice upon terms and conditions (including the purchase price) no more favorable than those specified in the Transfer Notice.

 

  (b) In the event the Transferor does not consummate the sale or disposition of the Offered Shares within sixty (60) days from the expiration of such rights, the existing members’ first refusal rights and co-sale rights shall continue to be applicable to any subsequent disposition of the Offered Shares by the Transferor until such rights lapse in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

 

  (c) The exercise or non-exercise of the rights of the existing members under this article to purchase Equity Securities from a Transferor or participate in the sale of Equity Securities by a Transferor shall not adversely affect their rights to make subsequent purchases from the members holding Common Shares of Equity Securities or subsequently participate in sales of Equity Securities by the members holding Common Shares hereunder.

Limitations to Rights of First Refusal and Co-Sale.

Notwithstanding the provisions of this article, a member holding Common Shares may sell or otherwise assign, with or without consideration, the Equity Securities held by such member holding Common Shares, to any spouse or child of such member or to the beneficial owner of such member, or to a custodian, trustee, executor, or other fiduciary for the account of any spouse or child of such member, or to a trust for such member or such member’s beneficial owner’s own self, or a charitable remainder trust, provided that (i) the transferring member holding Common Shares shall not make such transfer more than once during any calendar year (at which time more than one transfer may be effected); (ii) the transferring member holding Common Shares shall inform the existing members and the Company of such transfer prior to effecting it, including reasonable detail regarding the identity of the transferee and his or its relationship to the member holding Common Shares; (iii) each such transferee or assignee, prior to the completion of the sale, transfer, or assignment, shall have executed documents, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the existing members, assuming the obligations of the member holding Common Shares, with respect to the transferred securities and (iv) each transferee shall have executed and delivered to the transferring member holding Common Shares (with a copy to the Company) an irrevocable, unconditional and permanent power of attorney, all in form and manner reasonably satisfactory to the existing members, effective immediately after the closing of such sale or assignment, appointing the transferring member holding Common Shares (or his existing attorney-in-fact) as the transferee’s attorney-in-fact and authorizing him to vote, in his absolute discretion as the attorney-in-fact of the transferee, any and all Equity Securities of the Company owned by such transferee with respect to any Company related matters.

 

14


Transfer by existing members.

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, an existing member may transfer some or all of the Preferred Shares or Common Shares issued upon conversion of such Preferred Shares held by it to any person without being subject to the rights of first refusal, rights of co-sale, or other contractual conditions or restrictions upon such transfers, except as required by applicable law provided that any transfer to LG Home Shopping, Inc., CJ Home Shopping Co., Ltd., Eastern Multimedia Co., Ltd. Or their respective affiliates shall require the prior written approval of the Company.

Prohibited Transfers.

 

  (a) In the event any member holding Common Shares should sell any Equity Securities in contravention of the co-sale rights of the existing members contained herein (a “Prohibited Transfer”), the existing members, in addition to such other remedies as may be available at law, in equity or hereunder, shall have the put option provided below, and such member holding Common Shares shall be bound by the applicable provisions of such option.

 

  (b) In the event of a Prohibited Transfer, each existing member shall have the right to sell to the member holding Common Shares the type and number of Equity Securities equal to the number of Equity Securities such existing member would have been entitled to transfer to the third-party transferee under the above provisions had the Prohibited Transfer been effected pursuant to and in compliance with the terms hereof. Such sale shall be made on the following terms and conditions:

 

  (i) The price per share at which the shares are to be sold to the member holding Common Shares shall be equal to the price per share paid by the third-party transferee to the member holding Common Shares in the Prohibited Transfer. The member holding Common Shares shall also reimburse each existing member for any and all fees and expense, including legal fees and expenses, incurred pursuant to the exercise or the attempted exercise of such existing member’s rights under this article.

 

  (ii) Within sixty (60) days after the later of the dates on which the existing member (A) received notice of the Prohibited Transfer or (B) otherwise becomes aware of the Prohibited Transfer, such existing member shall, if exercising the option created hereby, deliver to the member holding Common Shares the certificate or certificates representing shares to be sold under this article by such existing member, each certificate to be properly endorsed for transfer.

 

  (iii) The member holding Common Shares shall, upon receipt of the certificate or certificates for the shares to be sold by a existing member, pursuant to this article, with ten (10) days pay the aggregate purchase price therefor and the amount of reimbursable fees and expenses, as specified in this article, in cash or by other means acceptable to the existing member.

 

  (iv) Notwithstanding the foregoing, any attempt by a member holding Common Shares to transfer Equity Securities in violation of this article shall be void, and the Company agrees it will not effect such a transfer nor will it treat any alleged transferee as the holder of such shares without the written consent of a majority in interest of the existing members.

 

15


Assignments and Transfers; No Third Party Beneficiaries.

No shares or other Equitable Securities may be transferred or assigned to a third party unless the assignee or transferee thereof (i) enters into a binding instrument, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to existing members representing no less than a majority of the Preferred Shares then outstanding, pursuant to which such assignee or transferee agrees to be bound by the terms of the ROFR Agreement as if it were a “existing member” and (ii) provides notice thereof to the Company.

 

12.11 Subject to any limitations in the Memorandum and these Articles, registered shares in the Company may be transferred by a written instrument of transfer signed by the transferor and containing the name and address of the transferee, but in the absence of such written instrument of transfer the directors may accept such evidence of a transfer of shares as they consider appropriate.

 

12.12 The Company shall not be required to treat a transferee of a registered share in the Company as a member until the transferee’s name has been entered in the share register.

 

12.13 Subject to any limitations in the Memorandum or these Articles of Association, the Company must on the application of the transferor or transferee of a registered share in the Company enter in the share register the name of the transferee of the share save that the registration of transfers may be suspended and the share register closed at such times and for such periods as the Company may from time to time by resolution of directors determine provided always that such registration shall not be suspended and the share register closed for more than 60 days in any period of 12 months.

 

13. Transmission of Registered 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 Section 39 of the Law, for the purpose of this Article, 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

 

16


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.

 

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ALTERATION OF SHARE CAPITAL

 

14. Power to Alter Capital

 

14.1 Subject to the Law and the Memorandum, the Company may from time to time by ordinary resolution alter the conditions of its Memorandum of Association to increase its share capital by new shares of such amount as it thinks expedient or, if the Company has shares without par value, increase its share capital by such number of shares without nominal or par value, or increase the aggregate consideration for which its shares may be issued, as it thinks expedient.

 

14.2 Subject to the Law and the Memorandum, the Company may from time to time by ordinary resolution alter the conditions of its Memorandum of Association to:

 

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

 

  (b) subdivide its shares or any of them into shares of an amount smaller than that fixed by the Memorandum of Association; or

 

  (c) cancel 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 share capital by the amount of the shares so cancelled or, in the case of shares without par value, diminish the number of shares into which its capital is divided.

 

14.3 For the avoidance of doubt it is declared that paragraph 14.2(a) and (b) above do not apply if at any time the shares of the Company have no par value.

 

14.4 Subject to the Law and the Memorandum, the Company may from time to time by special resolution reduce its share capital in any way or, subject to Article 77, alter any conditions of its Memorandum of Association relating to share capital.

 

15. Variation of Rights Attaching to Shares

If, at any time, the share capital is divided into different classes of shares and subject to the Memorandum, 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 at which meeting the necessary quorum shall be two persons at least holding or representing by proxy one-third of the issued 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.

 

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DIVIDENDS AND CAPITALISATION

 

16. Dividends

 

16.1 The Board may, subject to the Memorandum and these Articles and any direction of the Company in general meeting, 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. No unpaid dividend shall bear interest as against the Company.

 

16.2 Dividends may be declared and paid out of profits of the Company, realised or unrealised, or from any reserve set aside from profits which the Directors determine is no longer needed, or not in the same amount. Dividends may also be declared and paid out of share premium account or any other fund or account which can be authorised for this purpose in accordance with the Law.

 

16.3 With the sanction of an ordinary resolution of the Company, the Directors may determine that a dividend shall be paid wholly or partly by the distribution of specific assets (which may consist of the shares or securities of any other company) and may settle all questions concerning such distribution. Without limiting the foregoing generally, the Directors may fix the value of such specific assets, may determine that cash payments shall be made to some Members in lieu of specific assets and may vest any such specific assets in trustees on such terms as the Directors think fit.

 

16.4 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.

 

16.5 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. No unpaid distribution shall bear interest as against the Company.

 

16.6 The Board may fix any date as the record date for determining the Members entitled to receive any dividend or other distribution, but, unless so fixed, the record date shall be the date of the Directors’ resolution declaring same.

 

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17. Power to Set Aside Profits

 

17.1 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. Pending application, such sums may be employed in the business of the Company or invested, and need not be kept separate from other assets of the Company. The Directors may also, without placing the same to reserve, carry forward any profit which they decide not to distribute.

 

17.2 Subject to any direction from the Company in general meeting, the Directors may on behalf of the Company exercise all the powers and options conferred on the Company by the Law in regard to the Company’s share premium account.

 

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.

 

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MEETINGS OF MEMBERS

 

20. Annual General Meetings

The Company may in each year hold a general meeting as its annual general meeting. The annual general meeting of the Company may be held at such time and place as the Chairman or any two Directors or any Director and the Secretary or the Board shall appoint.

 

21. Extraordinary General Meetings

 

21.1 General meetings other than annual general meetings shall be called extraordinary general meetings.

 

21.2 The Chairman or any two Directors or any Director and the Secretary or the Board may convene an extraordinary general meeting of the Company whenever in their judgment such a meeting is necessary.

 

22. Requisitioned General Meetings

 

22.1 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 an extraordinary general meeting of the Company. To be effective the requisition shall state the objects of the meeting, shall be in writing, signed by the requisitionists, and shall be deposited at the Registered Office. The requisition may consist of several documents in like form each signed by one or more requisitionists.

 

22.2 If the Directors do not within twenty-one days from the date of the requisition duly proceed to call an extraordinary general meeting, the requisitionists, or any of them representing more than one half of the total voting rights of all of them, may themselves convene an extraordinary general meeting; but any meeting so called shall not be held more than ninety days after the requisition. An extraordinary general meeting called by requisitionists shall be called in the same manner, as nearly as possible, as that in which general meetings are to be called by the Directors.

 

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 if different, the record date for determining Members entitled to attend and vote at the general meeting, and, as far as practicable, the other business to be conducted at the meeting.

 

23.2 At least five days’ notice of an extraordinary 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 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 but, unless so fixed, as regards the entitlement to receive notice of a meeting or notice of any other matter, the record date shall be the date of despatch of the notice and, as regards the entitlement to vote at a meeting, and any adjournment thereof, the record date shall be the date of the original meeting.

 

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23.4 A general meeting of the Company shall, notwithstanding that it is called on shorter notice than that specified in these Articles, 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) in the case of an extraordinary general meeting, by seventy-five percent of the Members entitled to attend and vote thereat.

 

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 Article, 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 Board may postpone any general meeting called in accordance with the provisions of these Articles 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 Articles.

 

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 Subject to the Memorandum, 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 of each class 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.

 

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27.2 If within half an hour from the time appointed for the meeting a quorum is not present, 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 Board may determine.

 

28. Chairman to Preside

Unless otherwise agreed by a majority of those attending and entitled to vote thereat, the Chairman, if there be one, shall act as chairman at all meetings of the Members at which such person is present. In his absence 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 Law and these Articles, 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 Articles 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 Articles, 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 hand.

 

29.4 At any general meeting if an amendment shall be proposed to any resolution under consideration and the chairman of the meeting shall rule on whether the proposed amendment is out of order, the proceedings on the substantive resolution shall not be invalidated by any error in such ruling.

 

29.5 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 Articles, 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 the Chairman or at least one Member.

 

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. A person entitled to more than one vote need not use all his votes or cast all the votes he uses in the same way.

 

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 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.

 

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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 A member who is the holder of two or more shares may appoint more than one proxy to represent him and vote on his behalf.

 

32.4 The decision of the chairman of any general meeting as to the validity of any appointment of a proxy shall be final.

 

33. Representation of Corporate Member

 

33.1 A corporation which is a Member may, by written instrument, authorise such person or persons as it thinks fit to act as its representative at any meeting of the Members and any 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, and that Member shall be deemed to be present in person at any such meeting attended by its authorised representative or representatives.

 

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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 a majority in number of those present at any general meeting at which a quorum is present, and shall if so directed, adjourn the meeting. Unless the meeting is adjourned for more than 60 days fresh notice of the date, time and place 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 Articles.

 

35. Written Resolutions

 

35.1 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 Law, 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 Law, on behalf of, all the Members, or all 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 Article 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 Article 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 Article shall constitute minutes for the purposes of the Law.

 

35.5 For the purposes of this Article, 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 Law, on behalf of, the last Member to sign and any reference in any Article to the date of passing of a resolution is, in relation to a resolution made in accordance with this Article, 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.

 

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DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

 

37. Election of Directors

The directors shall be elected by the members for such term as the members determine in the following manner:

 

  (a) the members holding Preferred Shares, voting together as a single class, shall be entitled to elect a maximum of two (2) directors to serve on the Board (the “SB Directors”);

 

  (b) the members holding Common Shares shall be entitled to elect a maximum of four (4) directors to serve on the Board (the “CS Directors”); and

 

  (c) subject to the consent of the existing directors, the members holding a majority of (i) the Series A Preferred Shares, (ii) the Series A-1 Preferred Shares and (iii) the Common Shares, all voting together as a single class and on an as-converted to Common Shares basis, shall be entitled to elect a director (the “Independent Director”).

 

37.1 There shall be no shareholding qualification for Directors unless prescribed by special resolution.

 

38. Number of Directors

The minimum number of directors shall be four and the maximum number shall be 7.

 

39. Term of Office of Directors

An appointment of a Director may be on terms that the Director shall automatically retire from office (unless he has sooner vacated office) at the next or a subsequent annual general meeting or upon any specified event or after any specified period; but no such term shall be implied in the absence of express provision.

 

40. Alternate Directors

 

40.1 A Director may at any time appoint any person (including another Director) to be his Alternate Director and may at any time terminate such appointment. An appointment and a termination of appointment shall be by notice in writing signed by the Director and deposited at the Registered Office or delivered at a meeting of the Directors.

 

40.2 The appointment of an Alternate Director shall determine on the happening of any event which, if he were a Director, would cause him to vacate such office or if his appointor ceases for any reason to be a Director.

 

40.3 An Alternate Director shall be entitled to receive notices of meetings of the Directors and shall be entitled to attend and vote as a Director at any such meeting at which his appointor is not personally present and generally at such meeting to perform all the functions of his appointor as a Director; and for the purposes of the proceedings at such meeting these Articles shall apply as if he (instead of his appointor) were a Director, save that he may not himself appoint an Alternate Director or a proxy.

 

40.4 If an Alternate Director is himself a Director or attends a meeting of the Directors as the Alternate Director of more than one Director, his voting rights shall be cumulative.

 

40.5 Unless the Directors determine otherwise, an Alternate Director may also represent his appointor at meetings of any committee of the Directors on which his appointor serves; and the provisions of this Article shall apply equally to such committee meetings as to meetings of the Directors.

 

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40.6 If so authorised by an express provision in his notice of appointment, an Alternate Director may join in a written resolution of the Directors adopted pursuant to these Articles and his signature of such resolution shall be as effective as the signature of his appointor.

 

40.7 Save as provided in these Articles an Alternate Director shall not, as such, have any power to act as a Director or to represent his appointor and shall not be deemed to be a Director for the purposes of these Articles.

 

40.8 A Director who is not present at a meeting of the Directors, and whose Alternate Director (if any) is not present at the meeting, may be represented at the meeting by a proxy duly appointed, in which event the presence and vote of the proxy shall be deemed to be that of the Director. All the provisions of these Articles regulating the appointment of proxies by Members shall apply equally to the appointment of proxies by Directors.

 

41. Removal of Directors

A Director may be removed from office, with or without cause, solely by a resolution of the requisite class of members entitled to elect such Director pursuant to Article 37.1 above, or, with cause by a resolution of the Board.

 

42. Vacancy in the Office of Director

The office of Director shall be vacated if the Director:

 

  (a) is removed from office pursuant to these Articles;

 

  (b) dies or becomes bankrupt, or makes any arrangement or composition with his creditors generally;

 

  (c) is or becomes of unsound mind or an order for his detention is made under the Mental Health Law of the Cayman Islands or any analogous law of a jurisdiction outside the Cayman Islands, or dies; or

 

  (d) resigns his office by notice in writing to the Company.

 

43. Remuneration of Directors

The remuneration (if any) of the Directors shall, with the prior or subsequent approval by the Company in general meeting, be determined by the Directors as they may from time to time determine 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.

 

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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 the Law or by the Memorandum or by these Articles, required to be exercised by the Company in general meeting subject, nevertheless, to the Memorandum and these Articles, the provisions of the Law and to such directions as may be prescribed by the Company in general meeting.

 

46. Powers of the Board

Without limiting the generality of Article 45 but subject to the Memorandum, the Board may:

 

46.1 appoint, suspend, or remove any manager, secretary, clerk, agent or employee of the Company and may fix their remuneration and determine their duties;

 

46.2 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;

 

46.3 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;

 

46.4 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 it deems appropriate for the transaction or conduct of such business;

 

46.5 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;

 

46.6 procure that the Company pays all expenses incurred in promoting and incorporating the Company;

 

46.7 delegate any of its powers (including the power to sub-delegate) to a committee of one or more persons appointed by the Board and every such committee shall conform to such directions as the Board shall impose on them. Subject to any directions or articles made by the Directors for this purpose, the meetings and proceedings of any such committee shall be governed by the provisions of these Articles regulating the meetings and proceedings of the Board, including provisions for written resolutions;

 

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46.8 delegate any of its powers (including the power to sub-delegate) to any person on such terms and in such manner as the Board sees fit;

 

46.9 present any petition and make any application in connection with the liquidation or reorganisation of the Company;

 

46.10 in connection with the issue of any share, pay such commission and brokerage as may be permitted by law; and

 

46.11 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.

 

46A. SPECIAL RESOLUTION MATTERS :

 

  (a) Any alteration of the rights, powers, preferences or restrictions for the Preferred Shares, any increase or decrease in the authorized number of the Preferred Shares, or the creation or authorization (by merger, reclassification or otherwise) of any new class or series of securities having rights, powers, preferences or restrictions senior to or on a parity with the Preferred Shares;

 

  (b) The authorization, creation or issuance of any Common Shares or any Common Share Equivalents, other than (i) the issuance of Employee Compensation Shares and Employee Stock Options, (ii) the issuance of any Preferred Shares or any Common Shares into which such Preferred Shares are convertible pursuant to [these Articles or the Memorandum] [the Purchase Agreement and the Warrant] or (iii) the exchange, conversion or exercise of any Common Share Equivalent previously issued in accordance with this Article 46A;

 

  (c) The payment or declaration of a distribution or dividend with respect to any of the shares or other equity interest in the Company or any Group Company, including, without limitation, the repurchase or redemption of any such shares or equity interest, except in the manner set out in [these Articles or the Memorandum] [the Purchase Agreement];

 

  (d) The merger, amalgamation or consolidation of the Company or any Group Company with any person, or the sale, lease, exchange, transfer, contribution, mortgage, pledge, encumbrance or other disposition of all or substantially all of the consolidated assets of the Company or any Group Company (whether in an individual transaction or a series of related transactions), or the purchase or other acquisition by any Group Company (whether individually or in combination with the Company or any other Group Company) of all or substantially all of the assets of another Person, or the making of any joint venture or partnership arrangements or incorporation of any subsidiary or any voluntary dissolution, winding-up, liquidation or reduction of authorized capital or capital of the Company or any Group Company, in the manner set out in the Plan of Restructuring and Restructuring Documents (each as defined in the Purchase Agreement);

 

  (e) The effectuation of any recapitalization, reorganization, split-off, spin-off, bankruptcy or scheme of arrangement with respect to the Company or any Group Company, in each case other than as already contemplated in the Plan of Restructuring and Restructuring Documents (each as defined in the Purchase Agreement);

 

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  (f) The creation of any mortgage, charge, pledge, lien or other encumbrance (other than those created by operation of Law) with respect to any assets of the Company or any Group Company, (i) for purposes outside the ordinary course of business and (ii) with the aggregate fair market value of the assets affected by all such mortgages, charges, pledges, liens or other encumbrances in excess of US$300,000 over any twelve-month period;

 

  (g) The approval or material amendment of any quarterly or annual budget, business plan, or operating plan (including any capital expenditure budget, operating budget and financial plan) ;

 

  (h) The undertaking of any business activities materially different from that described in the then current business plan, any change of the name of the Company or Group Company, or the cessation of any business undertaking of the Company or any Group Company;

 

  (i) The incurrence of any indebtedness or assumption of any financial obligation or issuance, assumption, guarantee or creation of any liability for borrowed money, the aggregate outstanding amount of which at any given time is in excess of US$100,000, where such liability was undertaken by the Company or any Group Company with a third party, unless such liability is incurred pursuant to the then current business plan;

 

  (j) The incurrence of any expenditure of purchasing tangible or intangible assets in excess of US$300,000 in aggregate over any twelve-month period unless such expenditure is made pursuant to the then current business plan;

 

  (k) The execution of any material agreement or contract with any party or group of related parties under which the Company’s aggregate commitments, pledge or obligations to such party or group of related parties are unlimited or potentially exceed US$100,000 over any twelve-month period or in the aggregate;

 

  (l) The acquisition through purchase, lease, or rental of any automobile with a purchase value greater than US$30,000 or any real estate (including office space used by the Company), whether or not accounted for as a capital expenditure;

 

  (m) The execution of any agreement or transaction with any of the Company’s affiliates, members or other related Person;

 

  (n) Any increase or decrease of the authorized size of the Board or any committee thereof;

 

  (o) The hiring, dismissal, or the determination of compensation of, any of the chief executive officer, president, chief operating officer, chief financial officer, chief technology officer or any senior manager at or above the vice president level of the Company;

 

  (p) The increase of the compensation of any of the five most highly compensated employees of the Company by more than 15% within any twelve-month period unless such increases are specified in the then approved budget and business plan and discussed by the Board;

 

  (q) The approval, amendment or administration of any ESOP, employee stock option or other equity incentive plans of the Company;

 

30


  (r) Any material change in accounting principles of the Company or any Group Company, except as required by applicable Laws or articles, or the appointment or change of the auditors of the Company or any Group Company;

 

  (s) The amendment, alteration, waiver or repeal (through merger or otherwise) of any provision of the memorandum of association, articles of association or any other constitutional documents of the Company or any Group Company; or

 

  (t) The selection of any listing exchange and any underwriters for an underwritten public offering of the Company’s securities, or the approval of the valuation or other material terms and conditions for such offering.

 

47. Register of Directors and Officers

 

47.1 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 in accordance with the Law and shall enter therein the following particulars with respect to each Director and Officer:

 

  (a) first name and surname; and

 

  (b) address.

 

47.2 The Board shall, within the period of thirty days from the occurrence of:-

 

  (a) any change among its Directors and Officers; or

 

  (b) any change in the particulars contained in the Register of Directors and Officers,

cause to be entered on the Register of Directors and Officers the particulars of such change and the date on which such change occurred, and shall notify the Registrar of Companies of any such change that takes place.

 

48. Officers

The Officers shall consist of a Secretary and, subject to the provisions hereof relating to Special Resolution Matters, such additional Officers as the Board may determine all of whom shall be deemed to be Officers for the purposes of these Articles.

 

49. Appointment of Officers

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.

 

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51. Remuneration of Officers

The Officers shall receive such remuneration as the Board may determine subject to the Memorandum and the provisions hereof relating to Special Resolution Matters.

 

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 any capacity for, be employed by or render services to the Company and such Director or such Director’s firm, partner or company shall be entitled to remuneration as if such Director were not a Director. Nothing herein contained shall authorise a Director or 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 law.

 

52.3 Following a declaration being made pursuant to this Article, 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

 

53.1 The Directors, Officers and Auditors of the Company and any trustee for the time being acting in relation to any of the affairs of the Company and every former director, officer, auditor or trustee and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, and personal representatives (each of which persons being referred to in this Article as an “indemnified party”) 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 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 no indemnified party 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.

 

53.2 The Company may purchase and maintain insurance for the benefit of any Director or Officer of the Company against any liability incurred by him in his capacity as a Director or Officer of the Company or indemnifying such Director or Officer in respect of any loss arising or liability attaching to him by virtue of any rule of law in respect of any negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust of which the Director or Officer may be guilty in relation to the Company or any subsidiary thereof.

 

32


MEETINGS OF THE BOARD

 

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

Subject to the Memorandum, the quorum necessary for the transaction of business at a meeting of the Board shall be two Directors, provided that if there is only one Director for the time being in office the quorum shall be one.

 

58. Board to Continue in the Event of Vacancy

The Board may act notwithstanding any vacancy in its number.

 

59. Chairman to Preside

Unless otherwise agreed by a majority of the Directors attending, the Chairman, if there be one, shall act as chairman at all meetings of the Board at which such person is present. In his absence a chairman shall be appointed or elected by the Directors present at the meeting.

 

60. Written Resolutions

 

60.1 Anything which may be done by resolution of the Directors 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 Director that is a corporation whether or not a company within the meaning of the Law, on behalf of, all the Directors.

 

33


60.2 A resolution in writing may be signed by, or in the case of a Director that is a corporation whether or not a company within the meaning of the Law, on behalf of, all the Directors in as many counterparts as may be necessary.

 

60.3 A resolution in writing made in accordance with this Article is as valid as if it had been passed by the Directors in a directors’ meeting, and any reference in any Article to a meeting at which a resolution is passed or to Directors voting in favour of a resolution shall be construed accordingly.

 

60.4 A resolution in writing made in accordance with this Article shall constitute minutes for the purposes of the Law.

 

60.5 For the purposes of this Article, the date of the resolution is the date when the resolution is signed by, or in the case of a Director that is a corporation whether or not a company within the meaning of the Law, on behalf of, the last Director to sign (or Alternate Director to sign if so authorised under Article 40.6), and any reference in any Article to the date of passing of a resolution is, in relation to a resolution made in accordance with this Article, a reference to such date.

 

61. Validity of Prior Acts of the Board

No article or alteration to these Articles made by the Company in general meeting shall invalidate any prior act of the Board which would have been valid if that article or alteration had not been made.

CORPORATE RECORDS

 

62. Minutes

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. Register of Mortgages and Charges

 

63.1 The Directors shall cause to be kept the Register of Mortgages and Charges required by the Law.

 

63.2 The Register of Mortgages and Charges shall be open to inspection in accordance with the Law, at the office of the Company on every business day in the Cayman Islands, subject to such reasonable restrictions as the Board may impose, so that not less than two hours in each such business day be allowed for inspection.

 

34


64. Form and Use of Seal

 

64. 1 The Seal shall only be used by the authority of the Directors or of a committee of the Directors authorised by the Directors in that behalf; and, until otherwise determined by the Directors, the Seal shall be affixed in the presence of a Director or the Secretary or an assistant secretary or some other person authorised for this purpose by the Directors or the committee of Directors.

 

64.2 Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Seal may without further authority be affixed by way of authentication to any document required to be filed with the Registrar of Companies in the Cayman Islands, and may be so affixed by any Director, Secretary or assistant secretary of the Company or any other person or institution having authority to file the document as aforesaid.

 

64.3 The Company may have one or more duplicate Seals, as permitted by the Law; and, if the Directors think fit, a duplicate Seal may bear on its face of the name of the country, territory, district or place where it is to be issued.

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 and proper books of account shall not be deemed to be kept with respect to the matters aforesaid if there are not kept, at such place as the Board thinks fit, such books as are necessary to give a true and fair view of the state of the Company’s affairs and to explain its transactions.

 

65.3 No Member (not being a Director) shall have any right of inspecting any account or book or document of the Company.

 

66. Financial Year End

The financial year end of the Company shall be 31 st  December in each year but, subject to any direction of the Company in general meeting, the Board may from time to time prescribe some other period to be the financial year, provided that the Board may not without the sanction of an ordinary resolution prescribe or allow any financial year longer than eighteen months.

AUDITS

 

67. Audit

Nothing in these Articles shall be construed as making it obligatory to appoint Auditors.

 

68. Appointment of Auditors

 

68.1 Subject to the Memorandum, the Company may in general meeting appoint Auditors to hold office for such period as the Members may determine.

 

35


68.2 Whenever there are no Auditors appointed as aforesaid the Directors may appoint Auditors to hold office for such period as the Directors may determine or earlier removal from office by the Company in general meeting.

 

68.3 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

Unless fixed by the Company in general meeting the remuneration of the Auditor shall be as determined by the Directors.

 

70. Duties of Auditor

The Auditor shall make a report to the Members on the accounts examined by him and on every set of financial statements laid before the Company in general meeting, or circulated to Members, pursuant to this Article during the Auditor’s tenure of office.

 

71. Access to Records

 

71.1 The Auditor shall at all reasonable times have access to the Company’s books, accounts and vouchers and shall be entitled to require from the Company’s Directors and Officers such information and explanations as the Auditor thinks necessary for the performance of the Auditor’s duties and, if the Auditor fails to obtain all the information and explanations which, to the best of his knowledge and belief, are necessary for the purposes of their audit, he shall state that fact in his report to the Members.

 

71.2 The Auditor shall be entitled to attend any general meeting at which any financial statements which have been examined or reported on by him are to be laid before the Company and to make any statement or explanation he may desire with respect to the financial statements.

 

72. Financial Statements

 

72.1 Subject to any waiver by the Company in general meeting of the requirements of this Article, the Directors shall lay before the Company in general meeting, or circulate to Members, financial statements in respect of each financial year of the Company, consisting of:

 

  (a) a profit and loss account giving a true and fair view of the profit or loss of the Company for the financial year; and

 

  (b) a balance sheet giving a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company at the end of the financial year.

together with a report of the Board reviewing the business of the Company during the financial year.

 

72.2 The financial statements provided for by these Articles shall be audited by the Auditor in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. The Auditor shall make a written report thereon in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and the report of the Auditor shall be submitted to the Members in general meeting.

 

36


73. Distribution of Auditor’s Report

The Auditor’s report, if any, shall be laid before the Company in general meeting, or circulated to Members, no more than 180 days after the end of the financial year.

 

74. Distribution of Financial Statements and Directors’ report

The financial statements and Directors’ report shall be laid before the Company in general meeting, or circulated to Members, no more than 180 days after the end of the financial year.

VOLUNTARY WINDING-UP AND DISSOLUTION

 

75. Winding-Up

 

75.1 Subject to the Memorandum, the Company may be voluntarily wound-up by a special resolution of the Members.

 

75.2 If the Company shall be wound up the liquidator may, with the sanction of a special resolution, 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 Articles

Subject to the Law and to the conditions contained in its memorandum, the Company may, by special resolution, alter or add to its Articles.

 

77. Changes to the Memorandum of Association

Subject to the Law and the Memorandum, the Company may from time to time by special resolution alter its Memorandum of Association with respect to any objects, powers or other matters specified therein.

 

78. Discontinuance

The Board may exercise all the powers of the Company to transfer by way of continuation the Company to a named country or jurisdiction outside the Cayman Islands pursuant to the Law.

 

37

Exhibit 3.2

THE COMPANIES LAW (REVISED)

EXEMPTED COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES

AMENDED AND RESTATED MEMORANDUM OF ASSOCIATION

OF

ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

(Adopted by way of a special resolution passed on July 6, 2006 and effective immediately upon commencement

of the trading of the Company’s American Depositary Shares representing its ordinary shares on the New York

Stock Exchange)

 

1. NAME

The name of the Company is Acorn International, Inc.

 

2. REGISTERED OFFICE

The Registered Office of the Company shall be at the offices of Codan Trust Company (Cayman) Limited, Century Yard, Cricket Square, Hutchins Drive, P.O. Box 2681 GT, George Town, Grand Cayman, British West Indies.

 

3. OBJECTS

Subject to the following provisions of this Amended and Restated Memorandum of Association (the “Memorandum”), the objects for which the Company is established are unrestricted.

 

4. POWERS

Subject to the following provisions of this Memorandum, the Company shall have and be capable of exercising all the functions of a natural person of full capacity irrespective of any question of corporate benefit, as provided by Section 27(2) of The Companies Law.

 

5. NO BUSINESS WITHIN CAYMAN ISLANDS

Nothing in this Memorandum shall permit the Company to carry on a business for which a licence is required under the laws of the Cayman Islands unless duly licensed.

 

6. CONTRACT SIGNING IN CAYMAN ISLANDS

The Company shall not trade in the Cayman Islands with any person, firm or corporation except in furtherance of the business of the Company carried on outside the Cayman Islands; provided that nothing in this clause shall be construed as to prevent the Company effecting and concluding contracts in the Cayman Islands, and exercising in the Cayman Islands all of its powers necessary for the carrying on of its


business outside the Cayman Islands.

 

7. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

The liability of each member is limited to the amount from time to time unpaid on such member’s shares.

 

8. AUTHORISED CAPITAL AND CLASSES, NUMBER AND PAR VALUE OF SHARES

The authorized share capital of the Company is US$2,500,000 consisting of 250,000,000 ordinary shares (“ Ordinary Shares ”), par value US$0.01 per share, with power for the Company insofar as is permitted by law to redeem or purchase any of its shares and to increase or reduce the said capital subject to the provisions of the Companies Law (Revised) and the Articles of Association and to issue any part of its capital, whether original, redeemed or increased with or without any preference, priority or special privilege or subject to any postponement of rights or to any conditions or restrictions and so that unless the conditions of issue shall otherwise expressly declare every issue of shares whether stated to be preference or otherwise shall be subject to the powers hereinbefore contained.


The Companies Law (Revised)

Company Limited by Shares

THE AMENDED AND RESTATED

ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION

OF

ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

(Adopted by way of a special resolution passed on July 6, 2006 and effective immediately

upon commencement of the trading of the Company’s American Depositary Shares

representing its ordinary shares on the New York Stock Exchange)


INDEX

 

SUBJECT

   Article No.

Table A

   1

Interpretation

   2

Share Capital

   3

Alteration Of Capital

   4-7

Share Rights

   8-9

Variation Of Rights

   10-11

Shares

   12-15

Share Certificates

   16-21

Lien

   22-24

Calls On Shares

   25-33

Forfeiture Of Shares

   34-42

Register Of Members

   43-44

Record Dates

   45

Transfer Of Shares

   46-51

Transmission Of Shares

   52-54

Untraceable Members

   55

General Meetings

   56-58

Notice Of General Meetings

   59-60

Proceedings At General Meetings

   61-65

Voting

   66-77

Proxies

   78-83

Corporations Acting By Representatives

   84

No Action By Written Resolutions Of Members

   85

Board Of Directors

   86

Retirement of Directors

   87-88

Disqualification Of Directors

   89

Executive Directors

   90-91

Alternate Directors

   92-95

Directors’ Fees And Expenses

   96-99

Directors’ Interests

   100-103

General Powers Of The Directors

   104-109

Borrowing Powers

   110-113

Proceedings Of The Directors

   114-123

Audit Committee

   124-126

Officers

   127-130

Register of Directors and Officers

   131

Minutes

   132

Seal

   133

Authentication Of Documents

   134

Destruction Of Documents

   135

Dividends And Other Payments

   136-145

Reserves

   146

Capitalisation

   147-148

Subscription Rights Reserve

   149

Accounting Records

   150-154

Audit

   155-160


Notices

   161-163

Signatures

   164

Winding Up

   165-166

Indemnity

   167

Amendment To Memorandum and Articles of Association And Name of Company

   168

Information

   169


INTERPRETATION

TABLE A

1. The regulations in Table A in the Schedule to the Companies Law (Revised) do not apply to the Company.

INTERPRETATION

2. (1) In these Articles, unless the context otherwise requires, the words standing in the first column of the following table shall bear the meaning set opposite them respectively in the second column.

 

WORD

    

MEANING

“Audit Committee”      the audit committee of the Company formed by the Board pursuant to Article 1240(1) hereof, or any successor audit committee.
“Auditor”      the independent auditor of the Company which shall be an internationally recognized firm of independent accountants.
“Articles”      these Articles in their present form or as supplemented or amended or substituted from time to time.
“Board” or “Directors”      the board of directors of the Company or the directors present at a meeting of directors of the Company at which a quorum is present.
“capital”      the share capital from time to time of the Company.
“clear days”      in relation to the period of a notice, that period excluding the day when the notice is given or deemed to be given and the day for which it is given or on which it is to take effect.
“clearing house”      a clearing house recognised by the laws of the jurisdiction in which the shares of the Company (or depositary receipts therefor) are listed or quoted on a stock exchange or interdealer quotation system in such jurisdiction.
“Company”      Acorn International, Inc.
“Control”      means, when used with respect to any Person, the power to direct the management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of

 

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   voting Securities, by contract or otherwise, and the terms “Controlling” and “Controlled” have meanings correlative to the foregoing.
“competent regulatory authority”    a competent regulatory authority in the territory where the shares of the Company (or depositary receipts therefor) are listed or quoted on a stock exchange or interdealer quotation system in such territory.
“debenture” and “debenture holder”    include debenture stock and debenture stockholder respectively.
“Designated Stock Exchange”    the New York Stock Exchange.
“dollars” and “$”    dollars, the legal currency of the United States of America.
“Exchange Act”    the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
“Group Company”    means any Person that is not a natural Person and that is Controlled by the Company.
“head office”    such office of the Company as the Directors may from time to time determine to be the principal office of the Company.
“Law”    The Companies Law, Cap. 22 (Law 3 of 1961, as consolidated and revised) of the Cayman Islands.
“Member”    a duly registered holder from time to time of the shares in the capital of the Company.
“month”    a calendar month.
“Notice”    written notice unless otherwise specifically stated and as further defined in these Articles.
“Office”    the registered office of the Company for the time being.
“ordinary resolution”    a resolution shall be an ordinary resolution when it has been passed by a simple majority of votes cast by such Members as, being entitled so to do, vote in person or, in the case of any Member being a corporation, by its duly authorised representative or, where proxies are allowed, by proxy at a general meeting of which not less than ten (10) clear days’ Notice has been duly given;

 

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“paid up”    paid up or credited as paid up.
“Person”    means an individual, a corporation, a trust, the estate of a deceased individual, a partnership or an unincorporated or association of persons.
“Register”    the principal register and where applicable, any branch register of Members of the Company to be maintained at such place within or outside the Cayman Islands as the Board shall determine from time to time.
“Registration Office”    in respect of any class of share capital such place as the Board may from time to time determine to keep a branch register of Members in respect of that class of share capital and where (except in cases where the Board otherwise directs) the transfers or other documents of title for such class of share capital are to be lodged for registration and are to be registered.
“SEC”    the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
“Seal”    common seal or any one or more duplicate seals of the Company (including a securities seal) for use in the Cayman Islands or in any place outside the Cayman Islands.
“Secretary”    any person, firm or corporation appointed by the Board to perform any of the duties of secretary of the Company and includes any assistant, deputy, temporary or acting secretary.
“special resolution”    a resolution shall be a special resolution when it has been passed by a majority of not less than two-thirds of votes cast by such Members as, being entitled so to do, vote in person or, in the case of such Members as are corporations, by their respective duly authorised representative or, where proxies are allowed, by proxy at a general meeting of which not less than ten (10) clear days’ Notice, specifying (without prejudice to the power contained in these Articles to amend the same) the intention to propose the resolution as a special resolution, has been duly given. Provided that, except in the case of an annual general meeting, if it is so agreed by a majority in number of the Members having the right to attend and vote at any such meeting, being a majority together holding not less than seventy-five (75) per cent. in nominal value of the shares giving that right and in the case of an annual general meeting, if it is so agreed by all

 

- 3 -


   Members entitled to attend and vote thereat, a resolution may be proposed and passed as a special resolution at a meeting of which less than ten (10) clear days’ Notice has been given;
   a special resolution shall be effective for any purpose for which an ordinary resolution is expressed to be required under any provision of these Articles or the Statutes.
“Statutes”    the Law and every other law of the Legislature of the Cayman Islands for the time being in force applying to or affecting the Company, its Memorandum of Association and/or these Articles.
“year”    a calendar year.

(2) In these Articles, unless there be something within the subject or context inconsistent with such construction:

 

  (a) words importing the singular include the plural and vice versa;

 

  (b) words importing a gender include both gender and the neuter;

 

  (c) words importing persons include companies, associations and bodies of persons whether corporate or not;

 

  (d) the words:

 

  (i) “may” shall be construed as permissive;

 

  (ii) “shall” or “will” shall be construed as imperative;

 

  (e) expressions referring to writing shall, unless the contrary intention appears, be construed as including printing, lithography, photography and other modes of representing words or figures in a visible form, and including where the representation takes the form of electronic display, provided that both the mode of service of the relevant document or notice and the Member’s election comply with all applicable Statutes, rules and regulations;

 

  (f) references to any law, ordinance, statute or statutory provision shall be interpreted as relating to any statutory modification or re-enactment thereof for the time being in force;

 

  (g) save as aforesaid words and expressions defined in the Statutes shall bear the same meanings in these Articles if not inconsistent with the subject in the context;

 

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  (h) references to a document being executed include references to it being executed under hand or under seal or by electronic signature or by any other method and references to a notice or document include a notice or document recorded or stored in any digital, electronic, electrical, magnetic or other retrievable form or medium and information in visible form whether having physical substance or not.

SHARE CAPITAL

3.     (1) The share capital of the Company at the date on which these Articles come into effect shall be divided into shares of a par value of $0.01 each.

(2) Subject to the Law, the Company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association and, where applicable, the rules of the Designated Stock Exchange and/or any competent regulatory authority, any power of the Company to purchase or otherwise acquire its own shares shall be exercisable by the Board in such manner, upon such terms and subject to such conditions as it thinks fit.

(3) No share shall be issued to bearer.

ALTERATION OF CAPITAL

4. The Company may from time to time by ordinary resolution in accordance with the Law alter the conditions of its Memorandum of Association to:

 

  (a) increase its capital by such sum, to be divided into shares of such amounts, as the resolution shall prescribe;

 

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

 

  (c)

without prejudice to the powers of the Board under Article 12, divide its shares into several classes and without prejudice to any special rights previously conferred on the holders of existing shares attach thereto respectively any preferential, deferred, qualified or special rights, privileges, conditions or such restrictions which in the absence of any such determination by the Company in general meeting, as the Directors may determine provided always that, for the avoidance of doubt, where a class of shares has been authorized by the Company no resolution of the Company in general meeting is required for the issuance of shares of that class and the Directors may issue shares of that class and determine such rights, privileges, conditions or restrictions attaching thereto as aforesaid, and further provided that where the Company issues shares which do not carry voting rights, the words “non-voting” shall appear in the designation of such shares and where the equity capital includes shares with different voting rights, the designation of each class of shares, other than those

 

- 5 -


 

with the most favourable voting rights, must include the words “restricted voting” or “limited voting”;

 

  (d) sub-divide its shares, or any of them, into shares of smaller amount than is fixed by the Memorandum of Association (subject, nevertheless, to the Law), and may by such resolution determine that, as between the holders of the shares resulting from such sub-division, one or more of the shares may have any such preferred, deferred or other rights or be subject to any such restrictions as compared with the other or others as the Company has power to attach to unissued or new shares;

 

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

5. The Board may settle as it considers expedient any difficulty which arises in relation to any consolidation and division under the last preceding Article and in particular but without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing may issue certificates in respect of fractions of shares or arrange for the sale of the shares representing fractions and the distribution of the net proceeds of sale (after deduction of the expenses of such sale) in due proportion amongst the Members who would have been entitled to the fractions, and for this purpose the Board may authorise some person to transfer the shares representing fractions to their purchaser or resolve that such net proceeds be paid to the Company for the Company’s benefit. Such purchaser will not be bound to see to the application of the purchase money nor will his title to the shares be affected by any irregularity or invalidity in the proceedings relating to the sale.

6. The Company may from time to time by special resolution, subject to any confirmation or consent required by the Law, reduce its share capital or any capital redemption reserve or other undistributable reserve in any manner permitted by law.

7. Except so far as otherwise provided by the conditions of issue, or by these Articles, any capital raised by the creation of new shares shall be treated as if it formed part of the original capital of the Company, and such shares shall be subject to the provisions contained in these Articles with reference to the payment of calls and instalments, transfer and transmission, forfeiture, lien, cancellation, surrender, voting and otherwise.

SHARE RIGHTS

8. Subject to the provisions of the Law, the rules of the Designated Stock Exchange and the Memorandum and Articles of Association and to any special rights conferred on the holders of any shares or class of shares, and without prejudice to Article 12 hereof, any share in the Company (whether forming part of the present capital or not) may be issued with or have attached thereto such rights or restrictions whether in regard to dividend, voting, return of capital or otherwise as the Board may determine, including without limitation on terms that they may be, or at the option of the Company or the holder are, liable to be redeemed on such terms and in such manner, including out of capital, as the Board may deem fit.

 

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9. Subject to the Law, any preferred shares may be issued or converted into shares that, at a determinable date or at the option of the Company or the holder if so authorised by its Memorandum of Association, are liable to be redeemed on such terms and in such manner as the Company before the issue or conversion may by ordinary resolution of the Members determine. Where the Company purchases for redemption a redeemable share, purchases not made through the market or by tender shall be limited to a maximum price as may from time to time be determined by the Board, either generally or with regard to specific purchases. If purchases are by tender, tenders shall comply with applicable laws.

VARIATION OF RIGHTS

10. Subject to the Law and without prejudice to Article 8, all or any of the special rights for the time being attached to the shares or any class of shares may, unless otherwise provided by the terms of issue of the shares of that class, from time to time (whether or not the Company is being wound up) be varied, modified or abrogated with the sanction of a special resolution passed at a separate general meeting of the holders of the shares of that class. To every such separate general meeting all the provisions of these Articles relating to general meetings of the Company shall, mutatis mutandis, apply, but so that:

 

  (a) the necessary quorum (whether at a separate general meeting or at its adjourned meeting) shall be a person or persons (or in the case of a Member being a corporation, its duly authorized representative) together holding or representing by proxy not less than one-third in nominal value of the issued shares of that class;

 

  (b) every holder of shares of the class shall be entitled on a poll to one vote for every such share held by him; and

 

  (c) any holder of shares of the class present in person or by proxy or authorised representative may demand a poll.

11. The special rights conferred upon the holders of any shares or class of shares shall not, unless otherwise expressly provided in the rights attaching to or the terms of issue of such shares, be deemed to be varied, modified or abrogated by the creation or issue of further shares ranking pari passu therewith.

SHARES

12. (1) Subject to the Law, these Articles and, where applicable, the rules of the Designated Stock Exchange and without prejudice to any special rights or restrictions for the time being attached to any shares or any class of shares, the unissued shares of the Company (whether forming part of the original or any increased capital) shall be at the disposal of the Board, which may offer, allot, grant options over or otherwise dispose of them to such persons, at such times and for such consideration and upon such terms and conditions as the Board may in its absolute discretion determine but so that no shares shall be issued at a discount. In

 

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particular and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, the Board is hereby empowered to authorize by resolution or resolutions from time to time the issuance of one or more classes or series of preferred shares and to fix the designations, powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional and other rights, if any, and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof, if any, including, without limitation, the number of shares constituting each such class or series, dividend rights, conversion rights, redemption privileges, voting powers, full or limited or no voting powers, and liquidation preferences, and to increase or decrease the size of any such class or series (but not below the number of shares of any class or series of preferred shares then outstanding) to the extent permitted by Law. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the resolution or resolutions providing for the establishment of any class or series of preferred shares may, to the extent permitted by law, provide that such class or series shall be superior to, rank equally with or be junior to the preferred shares of any other class or series.

(2) Neither the Company nor the Board shall be obliged, when making or granting any allotment of, offer of, option over or disposal of shares, to make, or make available, any such allotment, offer, option or shares to Members or others with registered addresses in any particular territory or territories being a territory or territories where, in the absence of a registration statement or other special formalities, this would or might, in the opinion of the Board, be unlawful or impracticable. Members affected as a result of the foregoing sentence shall not be, or be deemed to be, a separate class of members for any purpose whatsoever. Except as otherwise expressly provided in the resolution or resolutions providing for the establishment of any class or series of preferred shares, no vote of the holders of preferred shares or ordinary shares shall be a prerequisite to the issuance of any shares of any class or series of the preferred shares authorized by and complying with the conditions of the Memorandum and Articles of Association.

(3) The Board may issue options, warrants or convertible securities or securities of similar nature conferring the right upon the holders thereof to subscribe for, purchase or receive any class of shares or securities in the capital of the Company on such terms as it may from time to time determine.

13. The Company may in connection with the issue of any shares exercise all powers of paying commission and brokerage conferred or permitted by the Law. Subject to the Law, the commission may be satisfied by the payment of cash or by the allotment of fully or partly paid shares or partly in one and partly in the other.

14. Except as required by law, no person shall be recognised by the Company as holding any share upon any trust and the Company shall not be bound by or required in any way to recognise (even when having notice thereof) any equitable, contingent, future or partial interest in any share or any fractional part of a share or (except only as otherwise provided by these Articles or by law) any other rights in respect of any share except an absolute right to the entirety thereof in the registered holder.

15. Subject to the Law and these Articles, the Board may at any time after the allotment of shares but before any person has been entered in the Register as the holder, recognise a renunciation thereof by the allottee in favour of some other person and may accord

 

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to any allottee of a share a right to effect such renunciation upon and subject to such terms and conditions as the Board considers fit to impose.

SHARE CERTIFICATES

16. Every share certificate shall be issued under the Seal or a facsimile thereof and shall specify the number and class and distinguishing numbers (if any) of the shares to which it relates, and the amount paid up thereon and may otherwise be in such form as the Directors may from time to time determine. No certificate shall be issued representing shares of more than one class. The Board may by resolution determine, either generally or in any particular case or cases, that any signatures on any such certificates (or certificates in respect of other securities) need not be autographic but may be affixed to such certificates by some mechanical means or may be printed thereon.

17.   (1) In the case of a share held jointly by several persons, the Company shall not be bound to issue more than one certificate therefor and delivery of a certificate to one of several joint holders shall be sufficient delivery to all such holders.

(2) Where a share stands in the names of two or more persons, the person first named in the Register shall as regards service of notices and, subject to the provisions of these Articles, all or any other matters connected with the Company, except the transfer of the shares, be deemed the sole holder thereof.

18. Every person whose name is entered, upon an allotment of shares, as a Member in the Register shall be entitled, without payment, to receive one certificate for all such shares of any one class or several certificates each for one or more of such shares of such class upon payment for every certificate after the first of such reasonable out-of-pocket expenses as the Board from time to time determines.

19. Share certificates shall be issued within the relevant time limit as prescribed by the Law or as the Designated Stock Exchange may from time to time determine, whichever is the shorter, after allotment or, except in the case of a transfer which the Company is for the time being entitled to refuse to register and does not register, after lodgment of a transfer with the Company.

20.   (1) Upon every transfer of shares the certificate held by the transferor shall be given up to be cancelled, and shall forthwith be cancelled accordingly, and a new certificate shall be issued to the transferee in respect of the shares transferred to him at such fee as is provided in paragraph (2) of this Article. If any of the shares included in the certificate so given up shall be retained by the transferor a new certificate for the balance shall be issued to him at the aforesaid fee payable by the transferor to the Company in respect thereof.

(2) The fee referred to in paragraph (1) above shall be an amount not exceeding the relevant maximum amount as the Designated Stock Exchange may from time to time determine provided that the Board may at any time determine a lower amount for such fee.

 

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21. If a share certificate shall be damaged or defaced or alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed a new certificate representing the same shares may be issued to the relevant Member upon request and on payment of such fee as the Company may determine and, subject to compliance with such terms (if any) as to evidence and indemnity and to payment of the costs and reasonable out-of-pocket expenses of the Company in investigating such evidence and preparing such indemnity as the Board may think fit and, in case of damage or defacement, on delivery of the old certificate to the Company provided always that where share warrants have been issued, no new share warrant shall be issued to replace one that has been lost unless the Board has determined that the original has been destroyed.

LIEN

22. The Company shall have a first and paramount lien on every share (not being a fully paid share) for all moneys (whether presently payable or not) called or payable at a fixed time in respect of that share. The Company shall also have a first and paramount lien on every share (not being a fully paid share) registered in the name of a Member (whether or not jointly with other Members) for all amounts of money presently payable by such Member or his estate to the Company whether the same shall have been incurred before or after notice to the Company of any equitable or other interest of any person other than such member, and whether the period for the payment or discharge of the same shall have actually 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 of the Company or not. The Company’s lien on a share shall extend to all dividends or other moneys payable thereon or in respect thereof. The Board may at any time, generally or in any particular case, waive any lien that has arisen or declare any share exempt in whole or in part, from the provisions of this Article.

23. Subject to these Articles, the Company may sell in such manner as the Board determines 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 (14) clear days after a notice in writing, stating and demanding payment of the sum presently payable, or specifying the liability or engagement and demanding fulfilment or discharge thereof and giving notice of the intention to sell in default, has been served on the registered holder for the time being of the share or the person entitled thereto by reason of his death or bankruptcy.

24. The net proceeds of the sale shall be received by the Company and applied in or towards payment or discharge of the debt or liability in respect of which the lien exists, so far as the same is presently payable, and any residue shall (subject to a like lien for debts or liabilities not presently payable as existed upon the share prior to the sale) be paid to the person entitled to the share at the time of the sale. To give effect to any such sale the Board may authorise some person to transfer the shares sold to the purchaser thereof. The purchaser shall be registered as the holder of the shares so transferred and he 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.

 

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CALLS ON SHARES

25. Subject to these Articles and to the terms of allotment, the Board may from time to time make calls upon the Members in respect of any moneys unpaid on their shares (whether on account of the nominal value of the shares or by way of premium), and each Member shall (subject to being given at least fourteen (14) clear days’ Notice specifying the time and place of payment) pay to the Company as required by such notice the amount called on his shares. A call may be extended, postponed or revoked in whole or in part as the Board determines but no member shall be entitled to any such extension, postponement or revocation except as a matter of grace and favour.

26. A call shall be deemed to have been made at the time when the resolution of the Board authorising the call was passed and may be made payable either in one lump sum or by instalments.

27. A person upon whom a call is made shall remain liable for calls made upon him notwithstanding the subsequent transfer of the shares in respect of which the call was made. The joint holders of a share shall be jointly and severally liable to pay all calls and instalments due in respect thereof or other moneys due in respect thereof.

28. If a sum called in respect of a share is not paid before or on the day appointed for payment thereof, the person from whom the sum is due shall pay interest on the amount unpaid from the day appointed for payment thereof to the time of actual payment at such rate (not exceeding twenty per cent. (20%) per annum) as the Board may determine, but the Board may in its absolute discretion waive payment of such interest wholly or in part.

29. No Member shall be entitled to receive any dividend or bonus or to be present and vote (save as proxy for another Member) at any general meeting either personally or by proxy, or be reckoned in a quorum, or exercise any other privilege as a Member until all calls or instalments due by him to the Company, whether alone or jointly with any other person, together with interest and expenses (if any) shall have been paid.

30. On the trial or hearing of any action or other proceedings 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 debt accrued, that the resolution making the call is duly recorded in the minute book, 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 matters whatsoever, but the proof of the matters aforesaid shall be conclusive evidence of the debt.

31. Any amount payable in respect of a share upon allotment or at any fixed date, whether in respect of nominal value or premium or as an instalment of a call, shall be deemed to be a call duly made and payable on the date fixed for payment and if it is not paid the provisions of these Articles shall apply as if that amount had become due and payable by virtue of a call duly made and notified.

 

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32. On the issue of shares the Board may differentiate between the allottees or holders as to the amount of calls to be paid and the times of payment.

33. The Board may, if it thinks fit, receive from any Member willing to advance the same, and 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 advanced (until the same would, but for such advance, become presently payable) pay interest at such rate (if any) as the Board may decide. The Board may at any time repay the amount so advanced upon giving to such Member not less than one month’s Notice of its intention in that behalf, 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. Such payment in advance shall not entitle the holder of such share or shares to participate in respect thereof in a dividend subsequently declared.

FORFEITURE OF SHARES

34.   (1) If a call remains unpaid after it has become due and payable the Board may give to the person from whom it is due not less than fourteen (14) clear days’ Notice:

 

  (a) requiring payment of the amount unpaid together with any interest which may have accrued and which may still accrue up to the date of actual payment; and

 

  (b) stating that if the Notice is not complied with the shares on which the call was made will be liable to be forfeited.

(2) If the requirements of any such Notice are not complied with, any share in respect of which such Notice has been given may at any time thereafter, before payment of all calls and interest due in respect thereof has been made, be forfeited by a resolution of the Board to that effect, and such forfeiture shall include all dividends and bonuses declared in respect of the forfeited share but not actually paid before the forfeiture.

35. When any share has been forfeited, notice of the forfeiture shall be served upon the person who was before forfeiture the holder of the share. No forfeiture shall be invalidated by any omission or neglect to give such Notice.

36. The Board may accept the surrender of any share liable to be forfeited hereunder and, in such case, references in these Articles to forfeiture will include surrender.

37. Any share so forfeited shall be deemed the property of the Company and may be sold, re-allotted or otherwise disposed of to such person, upon such terms and in such manner as the Board determines, and at any time before a sale, re-allotment or disposition the forfeiture may be annulled by the Board on such terms as the Board determines.

38. A person whose shares have been forfeited shall cease to be a Member in respect of the forfeited shares but nevertheless shall remain liable to pay the Company all moneys which at the date of forfeiture were presently payable by him to the Company in respect of the shares, with (if the Directors shall in their discretion so require) interest thereon

 

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from the date of forfeiture until payment at such rate (not exceeding twenty per cent. (20%) per annum) as the Board determines. The Board may enforce payment thereof if it thinks fit, and without any deduction or allowance for the value of the forfeited 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 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.

39. A declaration by a Director or the Secretary that a share has been forfeited on a specified date shall be conclusive evidence of the facts therein stated as against all persons claiming to be entitled to the share, and such declaration shall (subject to the execution of an instrument of transfer by the Company if necessary) constitute a good title to the share, and the person to whom the share is disposed of shall be registered as the holder of the share and shall not be bound to see to the application of the consideration (if any), nor shall his title to the share be affected by any irregularity in or invalidity of the proceedings in reference to the forfeiture, sale or disposal of the share. When any share shall have been forfeited, notice of the declaration shall be given to the Member in whose name it stood immediately prior to the forfeiture, and an entry of the forfeiture, with the date thereof, shall forthwith be made in the register, but no forfeiture shall be in any manner invalidated by any omission or neglect to give such notice or make any such entry.

40. Notwithstanding any such forfeiture as aforesaid the Board may at any time, before any shares so forfeited shall have been sold, re-allotted or otherwise disposed of, permit the shares forfeited to be bought back upon the terms of payment of all calls and interest due upon and expenses incurred in respect of the share, and upon such further terms (if any) as it thinks fit.

41. The forfeiture of a share shall not prejudice the right of the Company to any call already made or instalment payable thereon.

42. The provisions of these Articles as to forfeiture shall apply in the case of non-payment of any sum which, by the terms of issue of a share, becomes payable at a fixed time, whether on account of the nominal value of the share or by way of premium, as if the same had been payable by virtue of a call duly made and notified.

REGISTER OF MEMBERS

43.   (1) The Company shall keep in one or more books a Register of its Members and shall enter therein the following particulars, that is to say:

 

  (a) the name and address of each Member, the number and class of shares held by him and the amount paid or agreed to be considered as paid on such shares;

 

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  (b) the date on which each person was entered in the Register; and

 

  (c) the date on which any person ceased to be a Member.

(2) The Company may keep an overseas or local or other branch register of Members resident in any place, and the Board may make and vary such regulations as it determines in respect of the keeping of any such register and maintaining a Registration Office in connection therewith.

44. The Register and branch register of Members, as the case may be, shall be open to inspection for such times and on such days as the Board shall determine by Members without charge or by any other person, upon a maximum payment of $2.50 or such other sum specified by the Board, at the Office or such other place at which the Register is kept in accordance with the Law or, if appropriate, upon a maximum payment of $1.00 or such other sum specified by the Board at the Registration Office. The Register including any overseas or local or other branch register of Members may, after notice has been given by advertisement in an appointed newspaper or any other newspapers in accordance with the requirements of the Designated Stock Exchange or by any electronic means in such manner as may be accepted by the Designated Stock Exchange to that effect, be closed at such times or for such periods not exceeding in the whole thirty (30) days in each year as the Board may determine and either generally or in respect of any class of shares.

RECORD DATES

45. For the purpose of determining the Members entitled to notice of or to vote at any general meeting, or any adjournment thereof, or entitled to express consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting, or entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights, or entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of shares or for the purpose of any other lawful action, the Board may fix, in advance, a date as the record date for any such determination of Members, which date shall not be more than sixty (60) days nor less than ten (10) days before the date of such meeting, nor more than sixty (60) days prior to any other such action.

If the Board does not fix a record date for any general meeting, the record date for determining the Members entitled to a notice of or to vote at such meeting shall be at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which notice is given, or, if in accordance with these Articles notice is waived, at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which the meeting is held. If corporate action without a general meeting is to be taken, the record date for determining the Members entitled to express consent to such corporate action in writing, when no prior action by the Board is necessary, shall be the first date on which a signed written consent setting forth the action taken or proposed to be taken is delivered to the Company by delivery to its head office. The record date for determining the Members for any other purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board adopts the resolution relating thereto.

 

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A determination of the Members of record entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of the Members shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting; provided, however, that the Board may fix a new record date for the adjourned meeting.

TRANSFER OF SHARES

46. Subject to these Articles, any Member may transfer all or any of his shares by an instrument of transfer in the usual or common form or in a form prescribed by the Designated Stock Exchange or in any other form approved by the Board and may be under hand or, if the transferor or transferee is a clearing house or its nominee(s), by hand or by machine imprinted signature or by such other manner of execution as the Board may approve from time to time.

47. The instrument of transfer shall be executed by or on behalf of the transferor and the transferee provided that the Board may dispense with the execution of the instrument of transfer by the transferee in any case which it thinks fit in its discretion to do so. Without prejudice to the last preceding Article, the Board may also resolve, either generally or in any particular case, upon request by either the transferor or transferee, to accept mechanically executed transfers. The transferor shall be deemed to remain the holder of the share 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.

48.   (1) The Board may, in its absolute discretion, and without giving any reason therefor, refuse to register a transfer of any share (not being a fully paid up share) to a person of whom it does not approve, or any share issued under any share incentive scheme for employees upon which a restriction on transfer imposed thereby still subsists, and it may also, without prejudice to the foregoing generality, refuse to register a transfer of any share to more than four joint holders or a transfer of any share (not being a fully paid up share) on which the Company has a lien.

(2) The Board in so far as permitted by any applicable law may, in its absolute discretion, at any time and from time to time transfer any share upon the Register to any branch register or any share on any branch register to the Register or any other branch register. In the event of any such transfer, the shareholder requesting such transfer shall bear the cost of effecting the transfer unless the Board otherwise determines.

(3) Unless the Board otherwise agrees (which agreement may be on such terms and subject to such conditions as the Board in its absolute discretion may from time to time determine, and which agreement the Board shall, without giving any reason therefor, be entitled in its absolute discretion to give or withhold), no shares upon the Register shall be transferred to any branch register nor shall shares on any branch register be transferred to the Register or any other branch register and all transfers and other documents of title shall be lodged for registration, and registered, in the case of any shares on a branch register, at the relevant Registration Office, and, in the case of any shares on the Register, at the Office or such other place at which the Register is kept in accordance with the Law.

 

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49. Without limiting the generality of the last preceding Article, the Board may decline to recognise any instrument of transfer unless:-

 

  (a) a fee of such maximum sum as the Designated Stock Exchange may determine to be payable or such lesser sum as the Board may from time to time require is paid to the Company in respect thereof;

 

  (b) the instrument of transfer is in respect of only one class of share;

 

  (c) the instrument of transfer is lodged at the Office or such other place at which the Register is kept in accordance with the Law or the Registration Office (as the case may be) accompanied by the relevant share certificate(s) and such other evidence as the Board may reasonably require to show the right of the transferor to make the transfer (and, if the instrument of transfer is executed by some other person on his behalf, the authority of that person so to do); and

 

  (d) if applicable, the instrument of transfer is duly and properly stamped.

50. If the Board refuses to register a transfer of any share, it shall, within two months after the date on which the transfer was lodged with the Company, send to each of the transferor and transferee notice of the refusal.

51. The registration of transfers of shares or of any class of shares may, after notice has been given by advertisement in an appointed newspaper or any other newspapers or by any other means in accordance with the requirements of the Designated Stock Exchange to that effect be suspended at such times and for such periods (not exceeding in the whole thirty (30) days in any year) as the Board may determine.

TRANSMISSION OF SHARES

52. If a Member dies, the survivor or survivors where the deceased was a joint holder, and his legal personal representatives where he was a sole or only surviving holder, will be the only persons recognised by the Company as having any title to his interest in the shares; but nothing in this Article will release the estate of a deceased Member (whether sole or joint) from any liability in respect of any share which had been solely or jointly held by him.

53. Any person becoming entitled to a share in consequence of the death or bankruptcy or winding-up of a Member may, upon such evidence as to his title being produced as may be required by the Board, elect either to become the holder of the share or to have some person nominated by him registered as the transferee thereof. If he elects to become the holder he shall notify the Company in writing either at the Registration Office or Office, as the case may be, to that effect. If he elects to have another person registered he shall execute a transfer of the share in favour of that person. The provisions of these Articles relating to the transfer and registration of transfers of shares shall apply to such notice or transfer as aforesaid as if the death or bankruptcy of the Member had not occurred and the notice or transfer were a transfer signed by such Member.

 

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54. A person becoming entitled to a share by reason of the death or bankruptcy or winding-up of a Member shall be entitled to the same dividends and other advantages to which he would be entitled if he were the registered holder of the share. However, the Board may, if it thinks fit, withhold the payment of any dividend payable or other advantages in respect of such share until such person shall become the registered holder of the share or shall have effectually transferred such share, but, subject to the requirements of Article 75(2) being met, such a person may vote at meetings.

UNTRACEABLE MEMBERS

55.   (1) Without prejudice to the rights of the Company under paragraph (2) of this Article, the Company may cease sending 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.

(2) The Company shall have the power to sell, in such manner as the Board thinks fit, any shares of a Member who is untraceable, but no such sale shall be made unless:

 

  (a) all cheques or warrants in respect of dividends of the shares in question, being not less than three in total number, for any sum payable in cash to the holder of such shares in respect of them sent during the relevant period in the manner authorised by the Articles of the Company have remained uncashed;

 

  (b) so far as it is aware at the end of the relevant period, the Company has not at any time during the relevant period received any indication of the existence of the Member who is the holder of such shares or of a person entitled to such shares by death, bankruptcy or operation of law; and

 

  (c) the Company, if so required by the rules governing the listing of shares on the Designated Stock Exchange, has given notice to, and caused advertisement in newspapers to be made in accordance with the requirements of, the Designated Stock Exchange of its intention to sell such shares in the manner required by the Designated Stock Exchange, and a period of three months or such shorter period as may be allowed by the Designated Stock Exchange has elapsed since the date of such advertisement.

For the purpose of the foregoing, the “relevant period” means the period commencing twelve (12) years before the date of publication of the advertisement referred to in paragraph (c) of this Article and ending at the expiry of the period referred to in that paragraph.

(3) To give effect to any such sale the Board may authorise some person to transfer the said shares and an instrument of transfer signed or otherwise executed by or on behalf of such person shall be as effective as if it had been executed by the registered holder or the person entitled by transmission to such shares, and the purchaser shall not be bound to see to the application of the purchase money nor shall his title to the shares be affected by any irregularity

 

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or invalidity in the proceedings relating to the sale. The net proceeds of the sale will belong to the Company and upon receipt by the Company of such net proceeds it shall become indebted to the former Member for an amount equal to such net proceeds. No trust shall be created in respect of such debt and no interest shall be payable in respect of it and the Company shall not be required to account for any money earned from the net proceeds which may be employed in the business of the Company or as it thinks fit. Any sale under this Article shall be valid and effective notwithstanding that the Member holding the shares sold is dead, bankrupt or otherwise under any legal disability or incapacity.

GENERAL MEETINGS

56. An annual general meeting of the Company shall be held in each year other than the year of the Company’s incorporation at such time and place as may be determined by the Board.

57. Each general meeting, other than an annual general meeting, shall be called an extraordinary general meeting. General meetings may be held at such times and in any location in the world as may be determined by the Board.

58. Only a majority of the Board or the Chairman of the Board may call extraordinary general meetings, which extraordinary general meetings shall be held at such times and locations (as permitted hereby) as such person or persons shall determine.

NOTICE OF GENERAL MEETINGS

59.   (1) An annual general meeting and any extraordinary general meeting may be called by not less than ten (10) clear days’ Notice but a general meeting may be called by shorter notice, subject to the Law, if it is so agreed:

 

  (a) in the case of a meeting called as an annual general meeting, by all the Members entitled to attend and vote thereat; and

 

  (b) in the case of any other meeting, by a majority in number of the Members having the right to attend and vote at the meeting, being a majority together holding not less than ninety-five per cent. (95%) in nominal value of the issued shares giving that right.

(2) The notice shall specify the time and place of the meeting and, in case of special business, the general nature of the business. The notice convening an annual general meeting shall specify the meeting as such. Notice of every general meeting shall be given to all Members other than to such Members as, under the provisions of these Articles or the terms of issue of the shares they hold, are not entitled to receive such notices from the Company, to all persons entitled to a share in consequence of the death or bankruptcy or winding-up of a Member and to each of the Directors and the Auditors.

 

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60. The accidental omission to give Notice of a meeting or (in cases where instruments of proxy are sent out with the Notice) to send such instrument of proxy to, or the non-receipt of such Notice or such instrument of proxy by, any person entitled to receive such Notice shall not invalidate any resolution passed or the proceedings at that meeting.

PROCEEDINGS AT GENERAL MEETINGS

61.   (1) All business shall be deemed special that is transacted at an extraordinary general meeting, and also all business that is transacted at an annual general meeting, with the exception of:

 

  (a) the declaration and sanctioning of dividends;

 

  (b) consideration and adoption of the accounts and balance sheet and the reports of the Directors and Auditors and other documents required to be annexed to the balance sheet;

 

  (c) the election of Directors;

 

  (d) appointment of Auditors (where special notice of the intention for such appointment is not required by the Law) and other officers;

 

  (e) the fixing of the remuneration of the Auditors, and the voting of remuneration or extra remuneration to the Directors;

 

  (f) the granting of any mandate or authority to the Directors to offer, allot, grant options over or otherwise dispose of the unissued shares in the capital of the Company representing not more than 20 per cent. (20%) in nominal value of its existing issued share capital; and

 

  (g) the granting of any mandate or authority to the Directors to repurchase securities of the Company.

(2) No business other than the appointment of a chairman of a meeting shall be transacted at any general meeting unless a quorum is present at the commencement of the business. At any general meeting of the Company, two (2) Members entitled to vote and present in person or by proxy or (in the case of a Member being a corporation) by its duly authorised representative representing not less than one-third in nominal value of the total issued voting shares in the Company throughout the meeting shall form a quorum for all purposes.

62. If within thirty (30) minutes (or such longer time not exceeding one hour as the chairman of the meeting may determine to wait) after the time appointed for the meeting a quorum is not present, the meeting shall stand adjourned to the same day in the next week at the same time and place or to such time and place as the Board may determine. If at such adjourned meeting a quorum is not present within half an hour from the time appointed for holding the meeting, the meeting shall be dissolved.

 

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63. The chairman of the Company shall preside as chairman at every general meeting. If at any meeting the chairman is not present within fifteen (15) minutes after the time appointed for holding the meeting, or is not willing to act as chairman, the Directors present shall choose one of their number to act, or if one Director only is present he shall preside as chairman if willing to act. If no Director is present, or if each of the Directors present declines to take the chair, or if the chairman chosen shall retire from the chair, the Members present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote shall elect one of their number to be chairman.

64. The chairman may adjourn the meeting from time to time and from place to place, but no business shall be transacted at any adjourned meeting other than the business which might lawfully have been transacted at the meeting had the adjournment not taken place. When a meeting is adjourned for fourteen (14) days or more, at least seven (7) clear days’ notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given specifying the time and place of the adjourned meeting but it shall not be necessary to specify in such notice the nature of the business to be transacted at the adjourned meeting and the general nature of the business to be transacted. Save as aforesaid, it shall be unnecessary to give notice of an adjournment.

65. If an amendment is proposed to any resolution under consideration but is in good faith ruled out of order by the chairman of the meeting, the proceedings on the substantive resolution shall not be invalidated by any error in such ruling. In the case of a resolution duly proposed as a special resolution, no amendment thereto (other than a mere clerical amendment to correct a patent error) may in any event be considered or voted upon.

VOTING

66. Subject to any special rights or restrictions as to voting for the time being attached to any shares by or in accordance with these Articles, at any general meeting on a show of hands every Member present in person (or being a corporation, is present by a duly authorised representative), or by proxy shall have one vote and on a poll every Member present in person or by proxy or, in the case of a Member being a corporation, by its duly authorised representative shall have one vote for every fully paid share of which he is the holder but so that no amount paid up or credited as paid up on a share in advance of calls or instalments is treated for the foregoing purposes as paid up on the share. Notwithstanding anything contained in these Articles, where more than one proxy is appointed by a Member which is a clearing house (or its nominee(s)), each such proxy shall have one vote on a show of hands. A resolution put to the vote of a 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:

 

  (a) by the chairman of such meeting; or

 

  (b) by 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 for the time being entitled to vote at the meeting; or

 

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  (c) by a 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 not less than one-tenth of the total voting rights of all Members having the right to vote at the meeting; or

 

  (d) by a 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 in the Company conferring a right to vote at the 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 shares conferring that right.

A demand by a person as proxy for a Member or in the case of a Member being a corporation by its duly authorised representative shall be deemed to be the same as a demand by a Member.

67. Unless a poll is duly demanded and the demand is not withdrawn, a declaration by the chairman that a resolution has been carried, or carried unanimously, or by a particular majority, or not carried by a particular majority, or lost, and an entry to that effect made in the minute book of the Company, shall be conclusive evidence of the facts without proof of the number or proportion of the votes recorded for or against the resolution.

68. If a poll is duly demanded the result of the poll shall be deemed to be the resolution of the meeting at which the poll was demanded. There shall be no requirement for the chairman to disclose the voting figures on a poll.

69. A poll demanded on the election of a chairman, or on a question of adjournment, shall be taken forthwith. A poll demanded on any other question shall be taken in such manner (including the use of ballot or voting papers or tickets) and either forthwith or at such time (being not later than thirty (30) days after the date of the demand) and place as the chairman directs. It shall not be necessary (unless the chairman otherwise directs) for notice to be given of a poll not taken immediately.

70. The demand for a poll shall not prevent the continuance of a meeting or the transaction of any business other than the question on which the poll has been demanded, and, with the consent of the chairman, it may be withdrawn at any time before the close of the meeting or the taking of the poll, whichever is the earlier.

71. On a poll votes may be given either personally or by proxy.

72. A person entitled to more than one vote on a poll need not use all his votes or cast all the votes he uses in the same way.

73. All questions submitted to a meeting shall be decided by a simple majority of votes except where a greater majority is required by these Articles or by the Law. In the case of an equality of votes, whether on a show of hands or on a poll, the chairman of such meeting shall be entitled to a second or casting vote in addition to any other vote he may have.

 

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74. Where there are joint holders of any share any one of such joint holder may vote, either in person or by proxy, in respect of such share as if he were solely entitled thereto, but if more than one of such joint holders be present at any meeting the vote of the senior who tenders a vote, whether in person or by proxy, shall be accepted to the exclusion of the votes of the other joint holders, and for this purpose seniority shall be determined by the order in which the names stand in the Register in respect of the joint holding. Several executors or administrators of a deceased Member in whose name any share stands shall for the purposes of this Article be deemed joint holders thereof.

75.   (1) A Member who is a patient for any purpose relating to mental health or in respect of whom an order has been made by any court having jurisdiction for the protection or management of the affairs of persons incapable of managing their own affairs may vote, whether on a show of hands or on a poll, by his receiver, committee, curator bonis or other person in the nature of a receiver, committee or curator bonis appointed by such court, and such receiver, committee, curator bonis or other person may vote on a poll by proxy, and may otherwise act and be treated as if he were the registered holder of such shares for the purposes of general meetings, provided that such evidence as the Board may require of the authority of the person claiming to vote shall have been deposited at the Office, head office or Registration Office, as appropriate, not less than forty-eight (48) hours before the time appointed for holding the meeting, or adjourned meeting or poll, as the case may be.

(2) Any person entitled under Article 53 to be registered as the holder of any shares may vote at any general meeting in respect thereof in the same manner as if he were the registered holder of such shares, provided that forty-eight (48) hours at least before the time of the holding of the meeting or adjourned meeting, as the case may be, at which he proposes to vote, he shall satisfy the Board of his entitlement to such shares, or the Board shall have previously admitted his right to vote at such meeting in respect thereof.

76. No Member shall, unless the Board otherwise determines, be entitled to attend and vote and to be reckoned in a quorum at any general meeting unless he is duly registered and all calls or other sums presently payable by him in respect of shares in the Company have been paid.

77. If:

 

  (a) any objection shall be raised to the qualification of any voter; or

 

  (b) any votes have been counted which ought not to have been counted or which might have been rejected; or

 

  (c) any votes are not counted which ought to have been counted;

the objection or error shall not vitiate the decision of the meeting or adjourned meeting on any resolution unless the same is raised or pointed out at the meeting or, as the case may be, the adjourned meeting at which the vote objected to is given or tendered or at which the error occurs. Any objection or error shall be referred to the chairman of the meeting and shall only vitiate the decision of the meeting on any resolution if the chairman decides that the

 

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same may have affected the decision of the meeting. The decision of the chairman on such matters shall be final and conclusive.

PROXIES

78. Any Member entitled to attend and vote at a meeting of the Company shall be entitled to appoint another person as his proxy to attend and vote instead of him. A Member who is the holder of two or more shares may appoint more than one proxy to represent him and vote on his behalf at a general meeting of the Company or at a class meeting. A proxy need not be a Member. In addition, a proxy or proxies representing either a Member who is an individual or a Member which is a corporation shall be entitled to exercise the same powers on behalf of the Member which he or they represent as such Member could exercise.

79. The instrument appointing a proxy shall be in writing under the hand of the appointor or of his attorney duly authorised in writing or, if the appointor is a corporation, either under its seal or under the hand of an officer, attorney or other person authorised to sign the same. In the case of an instrument of proxy purporting to be signed on behalf of a corporation by an officer thereof it shall be assumed, unless the contrary appears, that such officer was duly authorised to sign such instrument of proxy on behalf of the corporation without further evidence of the facts.

80. The instrument appointing a proxy and (if required by the Board) the power of attorney or other authority (if any) under which it is signed, or a certified copy of such power or authority, shall be delivered to such place or one of such places (if any) as may be specified for that purpose in or by way of note to or in any document accompanying the notice convening the meeting (or, if no place is so specified at the Registration Office or the Office, as may be appropriate) not less than forty-eight (48) hours before the time appointed for holding the meeting or adjourned meeting at which the person named in the instrument proposes to vote or, in the case of a poll taken subsequently to the date of a meeting or adjourned meeting, not less than twenty-four (24) hours before the time appointed for the taking of the poll and in default the instrument of proxy shall not be treated as valid. No instrument appointing a proxy shall be valid after the expiration of twelve (12) months from the date named in it as the date of its execution, except at an adjourned meeting or on a poll demanded at a meeting or an adjourned meeting in cases where the meeting was originally held within twelve (12) months from such date. Delivery of an instrument appointing a proxy shall not preclude a Member from attending and voting in person at the meeting convened and in such event, the instrument appointing a proxy shall be deemed to be revoked.

81. Instruments of proxy shall be in any common form or in such other form as the Board may approve (provided that this shall not preclude the use of the two-way form) and the Board may, if it thinks fit, send out with the notice of any meeting forms of instrument of proxy for use at the meeting. The instrument of proxy shall be deemed to confer authority to demand or join in demanding a poll and to vote on any amendment of a resolution put to the meeting for which it is given as the proxy thinks fit. The instrument of proxy shall, unless the contrary is stated therein, be valid as well for any adjournment of the meeting as for the meeting to which it relates.

 

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82. A vote given in accordance with the terms of an instrument of proxy shall be valid notwithstanding the previous death or insanity of the principal, or revocation of the instrument of proxy or of the authority under which it was executed, provided that no intimation in writing of such death, insanity or revocation shall have been received by the Company at the Office or the Registration Office (or such other place as may be specified for the delivery of instruments of proxy in the notice convening the meeting or other document sent therewith) two hours at least before the commencement of the meeting or adjourned meeting, or the taking of the poll, at which the instrument of proxy is used.

83. Anything which under these Articles a Member may do by proxy he may likewise do by his duly appointed attorney and the provisions of these Articles relating to proxies and instruments appointing proxies shall apply mutatis mutandis in relation to any such attorney and the instrument under which such attorney is appointed.

CORPORATIONS ACTING BY REPRESENTATIVES

84.   (1) Any corporation which is a Member may by resolution of its directors or other governing body authorise such person as it thinks fit to act as its representative at any meeting of the Company or at any meeting of any class of Members. The person so authorised shall be entitled to exercise the same powers on behalf of such corporation as the corporation could exercise if it were an individual Member and such corporation shall for the purposes of these Articles be deemed to be present in person at any such meeting if a person so authorised is present thereat.

(2) If a clearing house (or its nominee(s)), being a corporation, is a Member, it may authorise such persons as it thinks fit to act as its representatives at any meeting of the Company or at any meeting of any class of Members provided that the authorisation shall specify the number and class of shares in respect of which each such representative is so authorised. Each person so authorised under the provisions of this Article shall be deemed to have been duly authorised without further evidence of the facts and be entitled to exercise the same rights and powers on behalf of the clearing house (or its nominee(s)) as if such person was the registered holder of the shares of the Company held by the clearing house (or its nominee(s)) including the right to vote individually on a show of hands.

(3) Any reference in these Articles to a duly authorised representative of a Member being a corporation shall mean a representative authorised under the provisions of this Article.

NO ACTION BY WRITTEN RESOLUTIONS OF MEMBERS

85. Any action required or permitted to be taken at any annual or extraordinary general meetings of the Company may be taken only upon the vote of the Members at an annual or extraordinary general meeting duly noticed and convened in accordance with these Articles and the Law and may not be taken by written resolution of Members without a meeting.

 

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

86.   (1) Unless otherwise determined by the Company in general meeting, the number of Directors shall not be less than two (2) or more than nine (9). Any change in the maximum number of Directors shall be approved from time to time by the Members in general meeting. The Directors shall be elected or appointed in the first place by the subscribers to the Memorandum of Association or by a majority of them and thereafter in accordance with Article 87 and shall hold office until their successors are elected or appointed.

(2) Subject to the Articles and the Law, the Company may by ordinary resolution elect any person to be a Director either to fill a casual vacancy or as an addition to the existing Board.

(3) The Directors shall have the power from time to time and at any time to appoint any person as a Director to fill a casual vacancy on the Board or as an addition to the existing Board. Any Director so appointed by the Board shall hold office only until the next following annual general meeting of the Company and shall then be eligible for re-election.

(4) No Director shall be required to hold any shares of the Company by way of qualification and a Director who is not a Member shall be entitled to receive notice of and to attend and speak at any general meeting of the Company and of all classes of shares of the Company.

(5) Subject to any provision to the contrary in these Articles, a Director may be removed by way of an ordinary resolution of the Members at any time before the expiration of his period of office notwithstanding anything in these Articles or in any agreement between the Company and such Director (but without prejudice to any claim for damages under any such agreement).

(6) A vacancy on the Board created by the removal of a Director under the provisions of subparagraph (5) above may be filled by the election or appointment by ordinary resolution of the Members at the meeting at which such Director is removed or by the affirmative vote of a simple majority of the remaining Directors present and voting at a Board meeting.

(7) The Company may from time to time in general meeting by ordinary resolution increase or reduce the number of Directors but so that the number of Directors shall never be less than two (2).

RETIREMENT OF DIRECTORS

87.   (1) The Members shall designate the Directors into three different classes, namely Class A Directors, Class B Directors and Class C Directors.

 

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(2) At the first annual general meeting after the adoption of these Articles, all Class A Directors shall retire from office and be eligible for re-election. At the second annual general meeting after the adoption of these Articles, all Class B Directors shall retire from office and be eligible for re-election. At the third annual general meeting after the adoption of these Articles, all Class C Directors shall retire from office and be eligible for re-election.

(3) At each subsequent annual general meeting after the third annual general meeting after the adoption of these Articles, one-third of the Directors for the time being (or, if their number is not a multiple of three (3), the number nearest to but not greater than one-third) shall retire from office by rotation. A retiring Director shall be eligible for re-election. The Directors to retire by rotation shall include (so far as necessary to ascertain the number of directors to retire by rotation) any Director who wishes to retire and not to offer himself for re-election. Any further Directors so to retire shall be those of the other Directors subject to retirement by rotation who have been longest in office since their last re-election or appointment and so that as between persons who became or were last re-elected Directors on the same day those to retire shall (unless they otherwise agree among themselves) be determined by lot. Any Director appointed pursuant to Article 86(2) or Article 86(3) shall not be taken into account in determining which particular Directors or the number of Directors who are to retire by rotation.

(4) Notwithstanding anything herein, the managing director/chief executive office of the Company shall not, whilst holding such office, be subject to retirement or be taken into account in determining the number of Directors to retire in any year.

(5) For the avoidance of doubt, every Director shall be subject to retirement in accordance with this Article at least once every three years.

88. Reserved

DISQUALIFICATION OF DIRECTORS

89. The office of a Director shall be vacated if the Director:

(1) resigns his office by notice in writing delivered to the Company at the Office or tendered at a meeting of the Board;

(2) becomes of unsound mind or dies;

(3) without special leave of absence from the Board, is absent from meetings of the Board for six consecutive months and the Board resolves that his office be vacated; or

(4) becomes bankrupt or has a receiving order made against him or suspends payment or compounds with his creditors;

(5) is prohibited by law from being a Director; or

 

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(6) ceases to be a Director by virtue of any provision of the Statutes or is removed from office pursuant to these Articles.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

90. The Board may from time to time appoint any one or more of its body to be a managing director, joint managing director or deputy managing director or to hold any other employment or executive office with the Company for such period (subject to their continuance as Directors) and upon such terms as the Board may determine and the Board may revoke or terminate any of such appointments. Any such revocation or termination as aforesaid shall be without prejudice to any claim for damages that such Director may have against the Company or the Company may have against such Director. A Director appointed to an office under this Article shall be subject to the same provisions as to removal as the other Directors of the Company, and he shall (subject to the provisions of any contract between him and the Company) ipso facto and immediately cease to hold such office if he shall cease to hold the office of Director for any cause.

91. Notwithstanding Articles 96, 97, 98 and 99, an executive director appointed to an office under Article 90 hereof shall receive such remuneration (whether by way of salary, commission, participation in profits or otherwise or by all or any of those modes) and such other benefits (including pension and/or gratuity and/or other benefits on retirement) and allowances as the Board may from time to time determine, and either in addition to or in lieu of his remuneration as a Director.

ALTERNATE DIRECTORS

92. Any Director may at any time by Notice delivered to the Office or head office or at a meeting of the Directors appoint any person (including another Director) to be his alternate Director. Any person so 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. An alternate Director may be removed at any time by the body which appointed him and, subject thereto, the office of alternate Director shall continue until the happening of any event which, if we were a Director, would cause him to vacate such office or if his appointer ceases for any reason to be a Director. Any appointment or removal of an alternate Director shall be effected by Notice signed by the appointor and delivered to the Office or head office or tendered at a meeting of the Board. An alternate Director may also be a Director in his own right and may act as alternate to more than one Director. An alternate Director shall, if his appointor so requests, be entitled to receive notices of meetings of the Board or of committees of the Board to the same extent as, but in lieu of, the Director appointing him and shall be entitled to such extent to attend and vote as a Director at any such meeting at which the Director appointing him is not personally present and generally at such meeting to exercise and discharge all the functions, powers and duties of his appointor as a Director and for the purposes of the proceedings at such meeting the provisions of these Articles shall apply as if he were a Director save that as an alternate for more than one Director his voting rights shall be cumulative.

 

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93. An alternate Director shall only be a Director for the purposes of the Law and shall only be subject to the provisions of the Law insofar as they relate to the duties and obligations of a Director when performing the functions of the Director for whom he is appointed in the alternative and shall alone be responsible to the Company for his acts and defaults and shall not be deemed to be the agent of or for the Director appointing him. An alternate Director shall be entitled to contract and be interested in and benefit from contracts or arrangements or transactions and to be repaid expenses and to be indemnified by the Company to the same extent mutatis mutandis as if he were a Director but he shall not be entitled to receive from the Company any fee in his capacity as an alternate Director except only such part, if any, of the remuneration otherwise payable to his appointor as such appointor may by Notice to the Company from time to time direct.

94. Every person acting as an alternate Director shall have one vote for each Director for whom he acts as alternate (in addition to his own vote if he is also a Director). If his appointor is for the time being absent from the People’s Republic of China or otherwise not available or unable to act, the signature of an alternate Director to any resolution in writing of the Board or a committee of the Board of which his appointor is a member shall, unless the notice of his appointment provides to the contrary, be as effective as the signature of his appointor.

95. An alternate Director shall ipso facto cease to be an alternate Director if his appointor ceases for any reason to be a Director, however, such alternate Director or any other person may be re-appointed by the Directors to serve as an alternate Director PROVIDED always that, if at any meeting any Director retires but is re-elected at the same meeting, any appointment of such alternate Director pursuant to these Articles which was in force immediately before his retirement shall remain in force as though he had not retired.

DIRECTORS’ FEES AND EXPENSES

96. The ordinary remuneration of the Directors shall from time to time be determined by the Board and shall (unless otherwise directed by the resolution by which it is voted) be divided amongst the Board in such proportions and in such manner as the Board may agree or, failing agreement, equally, except that any Director who shall hold office for part only of the period in respect of which such remuneration is payable shall be entitled only to rank in such division for a proportion of remuneration related to the period during which he has held office. Such remuneration shall be deemed to accrue from day to day.

97. Each Director shall be entitled to be repaid or prepaid all travelling, hotel and incidental expenses reasonably incurred or expected to be incurred by him in attending meetings of the Board or committees of the Board or general meetings or separate meetings of any class of shares or of debentures of the Company or otherwise in connection with the discharge of his duties as a Director.

98. Any Director who, by request, goes or resides abroad for any purpose of the Company or who performs services which in the opinion of the Board go beyond the ordinary

 

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duties of a Director may be paid such extra remuneration (whether by way of salary, commission, participation in profits or otherwise) as the Board may determine and such extra remuneration shall be in addition to or in substitution for any ordinary remuneration provided for by or pursuant to any other Article.

99. The Board shall be responsible for reviewing and approving any Director or past Director of the Company by way of compensation for loss of office, or as consideration for or in connection with his retirement from office (not being payment to which the Director is contractually entitled).

DIRECTORS’ INTERESTS

100. A Director may:

 

  (a) hold any other office or place of profit with the Company (except that of Auditor) in conjunction with his office of Director for such period and upon such terms as the Board may determine. Any remuneration (whether by way of salary, commission, participation in profits or otherwise) paid to any Director in respect of any such other office or place of profit shall be in addition to any remuneration provided for by or pursuant to any other Article;

 

  (b) act by himself or his firm in a professional capacity for the Company (otherwise than as Auditor) and he or his firm may be remunerated for professional services as if he were not a Director;

 

  (c)

continue to be or become a director, managing director, joint managing director, deputy managing director, executive director, manager or other officer or member of any other company promoted by the Company or in which the Company may be interested as a vendor, shareholder or otherwise and (unless otherwise agreed) no such Director shall be accountable for any remuneration, profits or other benefits received by him as a director, managing director, joint managing director, deputy managing director, executive director, manager or other officer or member of or from his interests in any such other company. Subject as otherwise provided by these Articles the Directors may exercise or cause to be exercised the voting powers conferred by the shares in any other company held or owned by the Company, or exercisable by them as Directors of such other company in such manner in all respects as they think 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) or voting or providing for the payment of remuneration to the director, managing director, joint managing director, deputy managing director, executive director, manager or other officers of such other company and any Director may vote in favour of the exercise of such voting rights in manner aforesaid notwithstanding that he may be, or about to be, appointed a director, managing director, joint managing director, deputy managing director, executive director, manager or

 

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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.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, no “Independent Director” as defined under 303A of the New York Stock Exchange listing standards (the “NYSE Listing Standards”) or in Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act, and with respect of whom the Board has determined constitutes an “Independent Director” for purposes of compliance with applicable law or the Company’s listing requirements, shall without the consent of the Audit Committee take any of the foregoing actions or any other action that would reasonably be likely to affect such Director’s status as an “Independent Director” of the Company.

101. Subject to the Law and to these Articles, no Director or proposed or intending Director shall be disqualified by his office from contracting with the Company, either with regard to his tenure of any office or place of profit or as vendor, purchaser or in any other manner whatever, nor shall any such contract or any other contract or arrangement 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 or the Members for any remuneration, profit or other benefits realised by any such contract or arrangement by reason of such Director holding that office or of the 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 in accordance with Article 102 herein. Any such transaction that would reasonably be likely to affect a Director’s status as an “Independent Director” under the NYSE Listing Standards, shall require the approval of the Audit Committee.

102. A Director who to his knowledge is in any way, whether directly or indirectly, interested in a contract or arrangement or proposed contract or arrangement with the Company shall declare the nature of his interest at the meeting of the Board at which the question of entering into the contract or arrangement is first considered, 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. For the purposes of this Article, a general Notice to the Board by a Director to the effect that:

 

  (a) he is a member or officer of a specified company or firm and is to be regarded as interested in any contract or arrangement which may after the date of the Notice be made with that company or firm; or

 

  (b) he is to be regarded as interested in any contract or arrangement which may after the date of the Notice be made with a specified person who is connected with him;

shall be deemed to be a sufficient declaration of interest under this Article in relation to any such contract or arrangement, provided that no such Notice shall be effective unless either it is given at a meeting of the Board or the Director takes reasonable steps to secure that it is brought up and read at the next Board meeting after it is given.

103. Following a declaration being made pursuant to the last preceding two Articles, subject to any separate requirement for Audit Committee approval under applicable law or the listing rules of the Company’s Designated Stock Exchange, and unless disqualified by the

 

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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 at such meeting.

GENERAL POWERS OF THE DIRECTORS

104. (1) The business of the Company shall be managed and conducted by the Board, which may pay all expenses incurred in forming and registering the Company and may exercise all powers of the Company (whether relating to the management of the business of the Company or otherwise) which are not by the Statutes or by these Articles required to be exercised by the Company in general meeting, subject nevertheless to the provisions of the Statutes and of these Articles and to such regulations being not inconsistent with such provisions, as may be prescribed by the Company in general meeting, but no regulations made by the Company in general meeting shall invalidate any prior act of the Board which would have been valid if such regulations had not been made. The general powers given by this Article shall not be limited or restricted by any special authority or power given to the Board by any other Article.

(2) Any person contracting or dealing with the Company in the ordinary course of business shall be entitled to rely on any written or oral contract or agreement or deed, document or instrument entered into or executed as the case may be by any two of the Directors acting jointly on behalf of the Company and the same shall be deemed to be validly entered into or executed by the Company as the case may be and shall, subject to any rule of law, be binding on the Company.

(3) Without prejudice to the general powers conferred by these Articles it is hereby expressly declared that the Board shall have the following powers:

 

  (a) To give to any person the right or option of requiring at a future date that an allotment shall be made to him of any share at par or at such premium as may be agreed.

 

  (b) To give to any Directors, officers or employees of the Company an interest in any particular business or transaction or participation in the profits thereof or in the general profits of the Company either in addition to or in substitution for a salary or other remuneration.

 

  (c) To resolve that the Company be deregistered in the Cayman Islands and continued in a named jurisdiction outside the Cayman Islands subject to the provisions of the Law.

105. The Board may establish any regional or local boards or agencies for managing any of the affairs of the Company in any place, and may appoint any persons to be members of such local boards, or any managers or agents, and may fix their remuneration (either by way of salary or by commission or by conferring the right to participation in the profits of the Company or by a combination of two or more of these modes) and pay the working expenses of any staff employed by them upon the business of the Company. The Board may delegate to

 

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any regional or local board, manager or agent any of the powers, authorities and discretions vested in or exercisable by the Board (other than its powers to make calls and forfeit shares), with power to sub-delegate, and may authorise the members of any of them to fill any vacancies therein and to act notwithstanding vacancies. Any such appointment or delegation may be made upon such terms and subject to such conditions as the Board may think fit, and the Board may remove any person appointed as aforesaid, and may revoke or vary such delegation, but no person dealing in good faith and without notice of any such revocation or variation shall be affected thereby.

106. The Board may by power of attorney appoint any company, firm or person or any fluctuating body of persons, whether nominated directly or indirectly by the Board, to be the attorney or attorneys of the Company for such purposes and with such powers, authorities and discretions (not exceeding those vested in or exercisable by the Board under these Articles) and for such period and subject to such conditions as it may think fit, and any such power of attorney may contain such provisions for the protection and convenience of persons dealing with any such attorney as the Board may think fit, and may also authorise any such attorney to sub-delegate all or any of the powers, authorities and discretions vested in him. Such attorney or attorneys may, if so authorised under the Seal of the Company, execute any deed or instrument under their personal seal with the same effect as the affixation of the Company’s Seal.

107. The Board may entrust to and confer upon a managing director, joint managing director, deputy managing director, an executive director or any Director any of the powers exercisable by it upon such terms and conditions and with such restrictions as it thinks fit, and either collaterally with, or to the exclusion of, its own powers, and may from time to time revoke or vary all or any of such powers but no person dealing in good faith and without notice of such revocation or variation shall be affected thereby.

108. All cheques, promissory notes, drafts, bills of exchange and other instruments, whether negotiable or transferable or not, and all receipts for moneys paid to the Company shall be signed, drawn, accepted, endorsed or otherwise executed, as the case may be, in such manner as the Board shall from time to time by resolution determine. The Company’s banking accounts shall be kept with such banker or bankers as the Board shall from time to time determine.

109. (1) The Board may establish or concur or join with other companies (being subsidiary companies of the Company or companies with which it is associated in business) in establishing and making contributions out of the Company’s moneys to any schemes or funds for providing pensions, sickness or compassionate allowances, life assurance or other benefits for employees (which expression as used in this and the following paragraph shall include any Director or ex-Director who may hold or have held any executive office or any office of profit under the Company or any of its subsidiary companies) and ex-employees of the Company and their dependants or any class or classes of such person.

(2) The Board may pay, enter into agreements to pay or make grants of revocable or irrevocable pensions or other benefits to employees and ex-employees and their dependants, or to any of such persons, including pensions or benefits additional to those, if any, to which such employees or ex-employees or their dependants are or may become entitled under any such

 

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scheme or fund as mentioned in the last preceding paragraph. Any such pension or benefit may, as the Board considers desirable, be granted to an employee either before and in anticipation of or upon or at any time after his actual retirement, and may be subject or not subject to any terms or conditions as the Board may determine.

BORROWING POWERS

110. The Board may exercise all the powers of the Company to raise or borrow money and to mortgage or charge all or any part of the undertaking, property and assets (present and future) and uncalled capital of the Company and, subject to the Law, to issue debentures, bonds and other securities, whether outright or as collateral security for any debt, liability or obligation of the Company or of any third party.

111. Debentures, bonds and other securities may be made assignable free from any equities between the Company and the person to whom the same may be issued.

112. Any debentures, bonds or other securities may be issued at a discount (other than shares), premium or otherwise and with any special privileges as to redemption, surrender, drawings, allotment of shares, attending and voting at general meetings of the Company, appointment of Directors and otherwise.

113. (1) Where any uncalled capital of the Company is charged, all persons taking any subsequent charge thereon shall take the same subject to such prior charge, and shall not be entitled, by notice to the Members or otherwise, to obtain priority over such prior charge.

(2) The Board shall cause a proper register to be kept, in accordance with the provisions of the Law, of all charges specifically affecting the property of the Company and of any series of debentures issued by the Company and shall duly comply with the requirements of the Law in regard to the registration of charges and debentures therein specified and otherwise.

PROCEEDINGS OF THE DIRECTORS

114. The Board may meet for the despatch of business, adjourn and otherwise regulate its meetings as it considers appropriate. Questions arising at any meeting shall be determined by a majority of votes. In the case of any equality of votes the chairman of the meeting shall have an additional or casting vote.

115. A meeting of the Board may be convened by the Secretary on request of a Director or by any Director. The Secretary shall convene a meeting of the Board of which notice may be given in writing or by telephone or in such other manner as the Board may from time to time determine whenever he shall be required so to do by the president or chairman, as the case may be, or any Director.

116. (1) The quorum necessary for the transaction of the business of the Board may be fixed by the Board and, unless so fixed at any other number, shall be two (2). An alternate

 

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Director shall be counted in a quorum in the case of the absence of a Director for whom he is the alternate provided that he shall not be counted more than once for the purpose of determining whether or not a quorum is present.

(2) Directors may participate in any meeting of the Board by means of a conference telephone or other communications equipment through which all persons participating in the meeting can communicate with each other simultaneously and instantaneously and, for the purpose of counting a quorum, such participation shall constitute presence at a meeting as if those participating were present in person.

(3) Any Director who ceases to be a Director at a Board meeting may continue to be present and to act as a Director and be counted in the quorum until the termination of such Board meeting if no other Director objects and if otherwise a quorum of Directors would not be present.

117. The continuing Directors or a sole continuing Director may act notwithstanding any vacancy in the Board but, if and so long as the number of Directors is reduced below the minimum number fixed by or in accordance with these Articles, the continuing Directors or Director, notwithstanding that the number of Directors is below the number fixed by or in accordance with these Articles as the quorum or that there is only one continuing Director, may act for the purpose of filling vacancies in the Board or of summoning general meetings of the Company but not for any other purpose.

118. The Chairman of the Board shall be the chairman of all meetings of the Board. If the Chairman of the Board is not present at any meeting within five (5) minutes after the time appointed for holding the same, the Directors present may choose one of their number to be chairman of the meeting.

119. A meeting of the Board at which a quorum is present shall be competent to exercise all the powers, authorities and discretions for the time being vested in or exercisable by the Board.

120. (1) The Board may delegate any of its powers, authorities and discretions to committees (including, without limitation, the Audit Committee), consisting of such Director or Directors and other persons as it thinks fit, and they may, from time to time, revoke such delegation or revoke the appointment of and discharge any such committees either wholly or in part, and either as to persons or purposes. Any committee so formed shall, in the exercise of the powers, authorities and discretions so delegated, conform to any regulations which may be imposed on it by the Board.

(2) All acts done by any such committee in conformity with such regulations, and in fulfilment of the purposes for which it was appointed, but not otherwise, shall have like force and effect as if done by the Board, and the Board (or if the Board delegates such power, the committee) shall have power to remunerate the members of any such committee, and charge such remuneration to the current expenses of the Company.

121. The meetings and proceedings of any committee consisting of two or more members shall be governed by the provisions contained in these Articles for regulating the

 

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meetings and proceedings of the Board so far as the same are applicable and are not superseded by any regulations imposed by the Board under the last preceding Article, indicating, without limitation, any committee charter adopted by the Board for purposes or in respect of any such committee.

122. A resolution in writing signed by all the Directors except such as are temporarily unable to act through ill-health or disability shall (provided that such number is sufficient to constitute a quorum and further provided that a copy of such resolution has been given or the contents thereof communicated to all the Directors for the time being entitled to receive notices of Board meetings in the same manner as notices of meetings are required to be given by these Articles) be as valid and effectual as if a resolution had been passed at a meeting of the Board duly convened and held. Such resolution may be contained in one document or in several documents in like form each signed by one or more of the Directors and for this purpose a facsimile signature of a Director shall be treated as valid.

123. All acts bona fide done by the Board or by any committee or by any person acting as a Director or members of a committee, shall, notwithstanding that it is afterwards discovered that there was some defect in the appointment of any member of the Board or such committee or person acting as aforesaid or that they or any of them were disqualified or had vacated office, be as valid as if every such person had been duly appointed and was qualified and had continued to be a Director or member of such committee.

AUDIT COMMITTEE

124. Without prejudice to the freedom of the Directors to establish any other committees, for so long as the shares of the Company (or depositary receipts therefor) are listed or quoted on the Designated Stock Exchange, the Board shall establish and maintain an Audit Committee as a committee of the Board, the composition and responsibilities of which shall comply with the NYSE Listing Standards and the rules and regulations of the SEC.

125. (1) The Board shall adopt a formal written audit committee charter and review and assess the adequacy of the formal written charter on an annual basis.

(2) The Audit Committee shall meet at least once every financial quarter, or more frequently as circumstances dictate.

126. For so long as the shares of the Company (or depositary receipts therefor) are listed or quoted on the Designated Stock Exchange, the Company shall conduct an appropriate review of all related party transactions on an ongoing basis and shall utilize the Audit Committee for the review and approval of potential conflicts of interest. Specially, the Audit Committee shall approve any transaction or transactions between the Company and any of the following parties: (i) any shareholder owning an interest in the voting power of the Company or any subsidiary of the Company that gives such shareholder significant influence over the Company or any subsidiary of the Company, (ii) any director or executive officer of the Company or any subsidiary of the Company and any relative of such director or executive officer, (iii) any person in which a substantial interest in the voting power of the Company is owned, directly or indirectly, by any person described in (i) or (ii) or over which such a person

 

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is able to exercise significant influence, and (iv) any affiliate (other than a subsidiary) of the Company.

MANAGERS

124. The Board may from time to time appoint a general manager, a manager or managers of the Company and may fix his or their remuneration either by way of salary or commission or by conferring the right to participation in the profits of the Company or by a combination of two or more of these modes and pay the working expenses of any of the staff of the general manager, manager or managers who may be employed by him or them upon the business of the Company.

125. The appointment of such general manager, manager or managers may be for such period as the Board may decide, and the Board may confer upon him or them all or any of the powers of the Board as they may think fit.

126. The Board may enter into such agreement or agreements with any such general manager, manager or managers upon such terms and conditions in all respects as the Board may in their absolute discretion think fit, including a power for such general manager, manager or managers to appoint an assistant manager or managers or other employees whatsoever under them for the purpose of carrying on the business of the Company.

OFFICERS

127. (1) The officers of the Company shall consist of the Chairman of the Board, the Directors and Secretary and such additional officers (who may or may not be Directors) as the Board may from time to time determine, all of whom shall be deemed to be officers for the purposes of the Law and these Articles.

(2) The Directors shall, as soon as may be after each appointment or election of Directors, elect amongst the Directors a chairman and if more than one Director is proposed for this office, the election to such office shall take place in such manner as the Directors may determine.

(3) The officers shall receive such remuneration as the Directors may from time to time determine.

128. (1) The Secretary and additional officers, if any, shall be appointed by the Board and shall hold office on such terms and for such period as the Board may determine. If thought fit, two or more persons may be appointed as joint Secretaries. The Board may also appoint from time to time on such terms as it thinks fit one or more assistant or deputy Secretaries.

(2) The Secretary shall attend all meetings of the Members and shall keep correct minutes of such meetings and enter the same in the proper books provided for the purpose. He shall perform such other duties as are prescribed by the Law or these Articles or as may be prescribed by the Board.

 

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129. The officers of the Company shall have such powers and perform such duties in the management, business and affairs of the Company as may be delegated to them by the Directors from time to time.

130. A provision of the Law or of these Articles requiring or authorising a thing to be done by or to a Director and the Secretary shall not be satisfied by its being done by or to the same person acting both as Director and as or in place of the Secretary.

REGISTER OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

131. The Company shall cause to be kept in one or more books at its Office a Register of Directors and Officers in which there shall be entered the full names and addresses of the Directors and Officers and such other particulars as required by the Law or as the Directors may determine. The Company shall send to the Registrar of Companies in the Cayman Islands a copy of such register, and shall from time to time notify to the said Registrar of any change that takes place in relation to such Directors and Officers as required by the Law.

MINUTES

132. (1) The Board shall cause minutes to be duly entered in books provided for the purpose:

 

  (a) of all elections and appointments of officers;

 

  (b) of the names of the Directors present at each meeting of the Directors and of any committee of the Directors;

 

  (c) of all resolutions and proceedings of each general meeting of the Members, meetings of the Board and meetings of committees of the Board and where there are managers, of all proceedings of meetings of the managers.

(2) Minutes shall be kept by the Secretary at the Office.

SEAL

133. (1) The Company shall have one or more Seals, as the Board may determine. For the purpose of sealing documents creating or evidencing securities issued by the Company, the Company may have a securities seal which is a facsimile of the Seal of the Company with the addition of the word “Securities” on its face or in such other form as the Board may approve. The Board shall provide for the custody of each Seal and no Seal shall be used without the authority of the Board or of a committee of the Board authorised by the Board in that behalf. Subject as otherwise provided in these Articles, any instrument to which a Seal is affixed shall be signed autographically by one Director and the Secretary or by two Directors or by such other person (including a Director) or persons as the Board may appoint, either generally or in

 

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any particular case, save that as regards any certificates for shares or debentures or other securities of the Company the Board may by resolution determine that such signatures or either of them shall be dispensed with or affixed by some method or system of mechanical signature. Every instrument executed in manner provided by this Article shall be deemed to be sealed and executed with the authority of the Board previously given.

(2) Where the Company has a Seal for use abroad, the Board may by writing under the Seal appoint any agent or committee abroad to be the duly authorised agent of the Company for the purpose of affixing and using such Seal and the Board may impose restrictions on the use thereof as may be thought fit. Wherever in these Articles reference is made to the Seal, the reference shall, when and so far as may be applicable, be deemed to include any such other Seal as aforesaid.

AUTHENTICATION OF DOCUMENTS

134. Any Director or the Secretary or any person appointed by the Board for the purpose may authenticate any documents affecting the constitution of the Company and any resolution passed by the Company or the Board or any committee, and any books, records, documents and accounts relating to the business of the Company, and to certify copies thereof or extracts therefrom as true copies or extracts, and if any books, records, documents or accounts are elsewhere than at the Office or the head office the local manager or other officer of the Company having the custody thereof shall be deemed to be a person so appointed by the Board. A document purporting to be a copy of a resolution, or an extract from the minutes of a meeting, of the Company or of the Board or any committee which is so certified shall be conclusive evidence in 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 such minutes or extract is a true and accurate record of proceedings at a duly constituted meeting.

DESTRUCTION OF DOCUMENTS

135. (1) The Company shall be entitled to destroy the following documents at the following times:

 

  (a) any share certificate which has been cancelled at any time after the expiry of one (1) year from the date of such cancellation;

 

  (b) any dividend mandate or any variation or cancellation thereof or any notification of change of name or address at any time after the expiry of two (2) years from the date such mandate variation cancellation or notification was recorded by the Company;

 

  (c) any instrument of transfer of shares which has been registered at any time after the expiry of seven (7) years from the date of registration;

 

  (d) any allotment letters after the expiry of seven (7) years from the date of issue thereof; and

 

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  (e) copies of powers of attorney, grants of probate and letters of administration at any time after the expiry of seven (7) years after the account to which the relevant power of attorney, grant of probate or letters of administration related has been closed;

and it shall conclusively be presumed in favour of the Company that every entry in the Register purporting to be made on the basis of any such documents so destroyed was duly and properly made and every share certificate so destroyed was a valid certificate duly and properly cancelled and that every instrument of transfer so destroyed was a valid and effective instrument duly and properly registered and that every other document destroyed hereunder was a valid and effective document in accordance with the recorded particulars thereof in the books or records of the Company. Provided always that: (1) the foregoing provisions of this Article shall apply only to the destruction of a document in good faith and without express notice to the Company that the preservation of such document was relevant to a claim; (2) nothing contained in this Article shall be construed as imposing upon the Company any liability in respect of the destruction of any such document earlier than as aforesaid or in any case where the conditions of proviso (1) above are not fulfilled; and (3) references in this Article to the destruction of any document include references to its disposal in any manner.

(2) Notwithstanding any provision contained in these Articles, the Directors may, if permitted by applicable law, authorise the destruction of documents set out in sub-paragraphs (a) to (e) of paragraph (1) of this Article and any other documents in relation to share registration which have been microfilmed or electronically stored by the Company or by the share registrar on its behalf provided always that this Article shall apply only to the destruction of a document in good faith and without express notice to the Company and its share registrar that the preservation of such document was relevant to a claim.

DIVIDENDS AND OTHER PAYMENTS

136. Subject to the Law, the Board may from time to time declare dividends in any currency to be paid to the Members but no dividend shall be declared in excess of the amount recommended by the Board.

137. Dividends may be declared and paid out of the profits of the Company, realised or unrealised, or from any reserve set aside from profits which the Directors determine is no longer needed. The Board may also declare and pay dividends out of share premium account or any other fund or account which can be authorised for this purpose in accordance with the Law.

 

138. Except in so far as the rights attaching to, or the terms of issue of, any share otherwise provide:

 

  (a) all dividends shall be declared and paid according to the amounts paid up on the shares in respect of which the dividend is paid, but no amount paid up on a share in advance of calls shall be treated for the purposes of this Article as paid up on the share; and

 

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  (b) all dividends shall be apportioned and paid pro rata according to the amounts paid up on the shares during any portion or portions of the period in respect of which the dividend is paid.

139. The Board may from time to time pay to the Members such interim dividends as appear to the Board to be justified by the profits of the Company and in particular (but without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing) if at any time the share capital of the Company is divided into different classes, the Board may pay such interim dividends in respect of those shares in the capital of the Company which confer on the holders thereof deferred or non-preferential rights as well as in respect of those shares which confer on the holders thereof preferential rights with regard to dividend and provided that the Board acts bona fide the Board shall not incur any responsibility to the holders of shares conferring any preference for any damage that they may suffer by reason of the payment of an interim dividend on any shares having deferred or non-preferential rights and may also pay any fixed dividend which is payable on any shares of the Company half-yearly or on any other dates, whenever such profits, in the opinion of the Board, justifies such payment.

140. The Board may deduct from any dividend or other moneys payable to a Member by the Company on or in respect of any shares all sums of money (if any) presently payable by him to the Company on account of calls or otherwise.

141. No dividend or other moneys payable by the Company on or in respect of any share shall bear interest against the Company.

142. Any dividend, interest or other sum payable in cash to the holder of shares may be paid by cheque or warrant sent through the post addressed to the holder at his registered address or, in the case of joint holders, addressed to the holder whose name stands first in the Register in respect of the shares at his address as appearing in the Register or addressed to such person and at such address as the holder or joint holders may in writing direct. Every such cheque or warrant shall, unless the holder or joint holders otherwise direct, be made payable to the order of the holder or, in the case of joint holders, to the order of the holder whose name stands first on the Register in respect of such shares, and shall be sent at his or their risk and payment of the cheque or warrant by the bank on which it is drawn shall constitute a good discharge to the Company notwithstanding that it may subsequently appear that the same has been stolen or that any endorsement thereon has been forged. Any one of two or more joint holders may give effectual receipts for any dividends or other moneys payable or property distributable in respect of the shares held by such joint holders.

143. All dividends or bonuses unclaimed for one (1) year after having been declared may be invested or otherwise made use of by the Board for the benefit of the Company until claimed. Any dividend or bonuses unclaimed after a period of six (6) years from the date of declaration shall be forfeited and shall revert to the Company. The payment by the Board of any unclaimed dividend or other sums payable on or in respect of a share into a separate account shall not constitute the Company a trustee in respect thereof.

144. Whenever the Board or the Company in general meeting has resolved that a dividend be paid or declared, the Board may further resolve that such dividend be satisfied wholly or in part by the distribution of specific assets of any kind and in particular of paid up

 

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shares, debentures or warrants to subscribe securities of the Company or any other company, or in any one or more of such ways, and where any difficulty arises in regard to the distribution the Board may settle the same as it thinks expedient, and in particular may issue certificates in respect of fractions of shares, disregard fractional entitlements or round the same up or down, and may fix the value for distribution of such specific assets, or any part thereof, and may determine that cash payments shall be made to any Members upon the footing of the value so fixed in order to adjust the rights of all parties, and may vest any such specific assets in trustees as may seem expedient to the Board and may appoint any person to sign any requisite instruments of transfer and other documents on behalf of the persons entitled to the dividend, and such appointment shall be effective and binding on the Members. The Board may resolve that no such assets shall be made available to Members with registered addresses in any particular territory or territories where, in the absence of a registration statement or other special formalities, such distribution of assets would or might, in the opinion of the Board, be unlawful or impracticable and in such event the only entitlement of the Members aforesaid shall be to receive cash payments as aforesaid. Members affected as a result of the foregoing sentence shall not be or be deemed to be a separate class of Members for any purpose whatsoever.

145. (1) Whenever the Board or the Company in general meeting has resolved that a dividend be paid or declared on any class of the share capital of the Company, the Board may further resolve either:

 

  (a) that such dividend be satisfied wholly or in part in the form of an allotment of shares credited as fully paid up, provided that the Members entitled thereto will be entitled to elect to receive such dividend (or part thereof if the Board so determines) in cash in lieu of such allotment. In such case, the following provisions shall apply:

 

  (i) the basis of any such allotment shall be determined by the Board;

 

  (ii) the Board, after determining the basis of allotment, shall give not less than ten (10) days’ Notice to the holders of the relevant shares of the right of election accorded to them and shall send with such notice forms of election and specify the procedure to be followed and the place at which and the latest date and time by which duly completed forms of election must be lodged in order to be effective;

 

  (iii) the right of election may be exercised in respect of the whole or part of that portion of the dividend in respect of which the right of election has been accorded; and

 

  (iv)

the dividend (or that part of the dividend to be satisfied by the allotment of shares as aforesaid) shall not be payable in cash on shares in respect whereof the cash election has not been duly exercised (“the non-elected shares”) and in satisfaction thereof shares of the relevant class shall be allotted credited as fully paid up to the holders of the non-elected shares on the basis of allotment determined as aforesaid and for such purpose the Board shall capitalise and apply out of any part of the undivided

 

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profits of the Company (including profits carried and standing to the credit of any reserves or other special account, share premium account, capital redemption reserve other than the Subscription Rights Reserve) as the Board may determine, such sum as may be required to pay up in full the appropriate number of shares of the relevant class for allotment and distribution to and amongst the holders of the non-elected shares on such basis; or

 

  (b) that the Members entitled to such dividend shall be entitled to elect to receive an allotment of shares credited as fully paid up in lieu of the whole or such part of the dividend as the Board may think fit. In such case, the following provisions shall apply:

 

  (i) the basis of any such allotment shall be determined by the Board;

 

  (ii) the Board, after determining the basis of allotment, shall give not less than ten (10) days’ Notice to the holders of the relevant shares of the right of election accorded to them and shall send with such notice forms of election and specify the procedure to be followed and the place at which and the latest date and time by which duly completed forms of election must be lodged in order to be effective;

 

  (iii) the right of election may be exercised in respect of the whole or part of that portion of the dividend in respect of which the right of election has been accorded; and

 

  (iv) the dividend (or that part of the dividend in respect of which a right of election has been accorded) shall not be payable in cash on shares in respect whereof the share election has been duly exercised (“the elected shares”) and in lieu thereof shares of the relevant class shall be allotted credited as fully paid up to the holders of the elected shares on the basis of allotment determined as aforesaid and for such purpose the Board shall capitalise and apply out of any part of the undivided profits of the Company (including profits carried and standing to the credit of any reserves or other special account, share premium account, capital redemption reserve other than the Subscription Rights Reserve) as the Board may determine, such sum as may be required to pay up in full the appropriate number of shares of the relevant class for allotment and distribution to and amongst the holders of the elected shares on such basis.

 

       (2)        (a)         The shares allotted pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) of this Article shall rank pari passu in all respects with shares of the same class (if any) then in issue save only as regards participation in the relevant dividend or in any other distributions, bonuses or rights paid, made, declared or announced prior to or contemporaneously with the payment or declaration of the relevant dividend unless, contemporaneously with the announcement by the Board of their proposal to apply the provisions

 

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of sub-paragraph (a) or (b) of paragraph (2) of this Article in relation to the relevant dividend or contemporaneously with their announcement of the distribution, bonus or rights in question, the Board shall specify that the shares to be allotted pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) of this Article shall rank for participation in such distribution, bonus or rights.

 

  (b) The Board may do all acts and things considered necessary or expedient to give effect to any capitalisation pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) of this Article, with full power to the Board to make such provisions as it thinks fit in the case of shares becoming distributable in fractions (including provisions whereby, in whole or in 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.

(3) The Company may upon the recommendation of the Board by ordinary resolution resolve in respect of any one particular dividend of the Company that notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) of this Article a dividend may be satisfied wholly in the form of an allotment of shares credited as fully paid up without offering any right to shareholders to elect to receive such dividend in cash in lieu of such allotment.

(4) The Board may on any occasion determine that rights of election and the allotment of shares under paragraph (1) of this Article shall not be made available or made to any shareholders with registered addresses in any territory where, in the absence of a registration statement or other special formalities, the circulation of an offer of such rights of election or the allotment of shares would or might, in the opinion of the Board, be unlawful or impracticable, and in such event the provisions aforesaid shall be read and construed subject to such determination. Members affected as a result of the foregoing sentence shall not be or be deemed to be a separate class of Members for any purpose whatsoever.

(5) Any resolution declaring a dividend on shares of any class, whether a resolution of the Company in general meeting or a resolution of the Board, may specify that the same shall be payable or distributable to the persons registered as the holders of such shares at the close of business on a particular date, notwithstanding that it may be a date prior to that on which the resolution is passed, and thereupon the dividend shall be payable or distributable to them in accordance with their respective holdings so registered, but without prejudice to the rights inter se in respect of such dividend of transferors and transferees of any such shares. The provisions of this Article shall mutatis mutandis apply to bonuses, capitalisation issues, distributions of realised capital profits or offers or grants made by the Company to the Members.

 

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RESERVES

146. (1) The Board shall establish an account to be called the share premium account and shall carry to the credit of such account from time to time a sum equal to the amount or value of the premium paid on the issue of any share in the Company. Unless otherwise provided by the provisions of these Articles, the Board may apply the share premium account in any manner permitted by the Law. The Company shall at all times comply with the provisions of the Law in relation to the share premium account.

(2) Before recommending any dividend, the Board may set aside out of the profits of the Company such sums as it determines as reserves which shall, at the discretion of the Board, be applicable for any purpose to which the profits of the Company may be properly applied and pending such application may, also at such discretion, either be employed in the business of the Company or be invested in such investments as the Board may from time to time think fit and so that it shall not be necessary to keep any investments constituting the reserve or reserves separate or distinct from any other investments of the Company. The Board may also without placing the same to reserve carry forward any profits which it may think prudent not to distribute.

CAPITALISATION

147. The Company may, upon the recommendation of the Board, at any time and from time to time pass an ordinary resolution to the effect that it is desirable to capitalise all or any part of any amount for the time being standing to the credit of any reserve or fund (including a share premium account and capital redemption reserve and the profit and loss account) whether or not the same is available for distribution and accordingly that such amount be set free for distribution among the Members or any class of Members who would be entitled thereto if it were distributed by way of dividend and in the same proportions, on the footing that the same is not paid in cash but is applied either in or towards paying up the amounts for the time being unpaid on any shares in the Company held by such Members respectively or in paying up in full unissued shares, debentures or other obligations of the Company, to be allotted and distributed credited as fully paid up among such Members, or partly in one way and partly in the other, and the Board shall give effect to such resolution provided that, for the purposes of this Article, a share premium account and any capital redemption reserve or fund representing unrealised profits, may be applied only in paying up in full unissued shares of the Company to be allotted to such Members credited as fully paid.

148. The Board may settle, as it considers appropriate, any difficulty arising in regard to any distribution under the last preceding Article and in particular may issue certificates in respect of fractions of shares or authorise any person to sell and transfer any fractions or may resolve that the distribution should be as nearly as may be practicable in the correct proportion but not exactly so or may ignore fractions altogether, and may determine that cash payments shall be made to any Members in order to adjust the rights of all parties, as may seem expedient to the Board. The Board may appoint any person to sign on behalf of the persons entitled to participate in the distribution any contract necessary or desirable for giving effect thereto and such appointment shall be effective and binding upon the Members.

 

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SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS RESERVE

149. The following provisions shall have effect to the extent that they are not prohibited by and are in compliance with the Law:

 

  (1) If, so long as any of the rights attached to any warrants issued by the Company to subscribe for shares of the Company shall remain exercisable, the Company does any act or engages in any transaction which, as a result of any adjustments to the subscription price in accordance with the provisions of the conditions of the warrants, would reduce the subscription price to below the par value of a share, then the following provisions shall apply:

 

  (a) as from the date of such act or transaction the Company shall establish and thereafter (subject as provided in this Article) maintain in accordance with the provisions of this Article a reserve (the “Subscription Rights Reserve”) the amount of which shall at no time be less than the sum which for the time being would be required to be capitalised and applied in paying up in full the nominal amount of the additional shares required to be issued and allotted credited as fully paid pursuant to sub-paragraph (c) below on the exercise in full of all the subscription rights outstanding and shall apply the Subscription Rights Reserve in paying up such additional shares in full as and when the same are allotted;

 

  (b) the Subscription Rights Reserve shall not be used for any purpose other than that specified above unless all other reserves of the Company (other than share premium account) have been extinguished and will then only be used to make good losses of the Company if and so far as is required by law;

 

  (c) upon the exercise of all or any of the subscription rights represented by any warrant, the relevant subscription rights shall be exercisable in respect of a nominal amount of shares equal to the amount in cash which the holder of such warrant is required to pay on exercise of the subscription rights represented thereby (or, as the case may be the relevant portion thereof in the event of a partial exercise of the subscription rights) and, in addition, there shall be allotted in respect of such subscription rights to the exercising warrantholder, credited as fully paid, such additional nominal amount of shares as is equal to the difference between:

 

  (i) the said amount in cash which the holder of such warrant is required to pay on exercise of the subscription rights represented thereby (or, as the case may be, the relevant portion thereof in the event of a partial exercise of the subscription rights); and

 

  (ii)

the nominal amount of shares in respect of which such subscription rights would have been exercisable having regard to the provisions of the conditions of the warrants, had it been possible for such subscription rights to represent the right to subscribe for shares at less than par and immediately upon such exercise so much of the sum standing to the credit of the Subscription Rights Reserve as is required to pay up in full such additional nominal amount of shares shall be capitalised and

 

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applied in paying up in full such additional nominal amount of shares which shall forthwith be allotted credited as fully paid to the exercising warrantholders; and

 

  (d) if, upon the exercise of the subscription rights represented by any warrant, the amount standing to the credit of the Subscription Rights Reserve is not sufficient to pay up in full such additional nominal amount of shares equal to such difference as aforesaid to which the exercising warrantholder is entitled, the Board shall apply any profits or reserves then or thereafter becoming available (including, to the extent permitted by law, share premium account) for such purpose until such additional nominal amount of shares is paid up and allotted as aforesaid and until then no dividend or other distribution shall be paid or made on the fully paid shares of the Company then in issue. Pending such payment and allotment, the exercising warrantholder shall be issued by the Company with a certificate evidencing his right to the allotment of such additional nominal amount of shares. The rights represented by any such certificate shall be in registered form and shall be transferable in whole or in part in units of one share in the like manner as the shares for the time being are transferable, and the Company shall make such arrangements in relation to the maintenance of a register therefor and other matters in relation thereto as the Board may think fit and adequate particulars thereof shall be made known to each relevant exercising warrantholder upon the issue of such certificate.

(2) Shares allotted pursuant to the provisions of this Article shall rank pari passu in all respects with the other shares allotted on the relevant exercise of the subscription rights represented by the warrant concerned. Notwithstanding anything contained in paragraph (1) of this Article, no fraction of any share shall be allotted on exercise of the subscription rights.

(3) The provision of this Article as to the establishment and maintenance of the Subscription Rights Reserve shall not be altered or added to in any way which would vary or abrogate, or which would have the effect of varying or abrogating the provisions for the benefit of any warrantholder or class of warrantholders under this Article without the sanction of a special resolution of such warrantholders or class of warrantholders.

(4) A certificate or report by the auditors for the time being of the Company as to whether or not the Subscription Rights Reserve is required to be established and maintained and if so the amount thereof so required to be established and maintained, as to the purposes for which the Subscription Rights Reserve has been used, as to the extent to which it has been used to make good losses of the Company, as to the additional nominal amount of shares required to be allotted to exercising warrantholders credited as fully paid, and as to any other matter concerning the Subscription Rights Reserve shall (in the absence of manifest error) be conclusive and binding upon the Company and all warrantholders and shareholders.

 

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ACCOUNTING RECORDS

150. The Board shall cause true accounts to be kept of the sums of money received and expended by the Company, and the matters in respect of which such receipt and expenditure take place, and of the property, assets, credits and liabilities of the Company and of all other matters required by the Law or necessary to give a true and fair view of the Company’s affairs and to explain its transactions.

151. The accounting records shall be kept at the Office or, at such other place or places as the Board decides and shall always be open to inspection by the Directors. No Member (other than a Director) shall have any right of inspecting any accounting record or book or document of the Company except as conferred by law or authorised by the Board or the Company in general meeting.

152. Subject to Article 153, a printed copy of the Directors’ report, accompanied by the balance sheet and profit and loss account, including every document required by law to be annexed thereto, made up to the end of the applicable financial year and containing a summary of the assets and liabilities of the Company under convenient heads and a statement of income and expenditure, together with a copy of the Auditors’ report, shall be sent to each person entitled thereto at least ten (10) days before the date of the general meeting and laid before the Company at the annual general meeting held in accordance with Article 56 provided that this Article shall not require a copy of those documents to be sent to any person whose address the Company is not aware or to more than one of the joint holders of any shares or debentures.

153. Subject to due compliance with all applicable Statutes, rules and regulations, including, without limitation, the rules of the Designated Stock Exchange, and to obtaining all necessary consents, if any, required thereunder, the requirements of Article 152 shall be deemed satisfied in relation to any person by sending to the person in any manner not prohibited by the Statutes, a summary financial statement derived from the Company’s annual accounts and the directors’ report which shall be in the form and containing the information required by applicable laws and regulations, provided that any person who is otherwise entitled to the annual financial statements of the Company and the directors’ report thereon may, if he so requires by notice in writing served on the Company, demand that the Company sends to him, in addition to a summary financial statement, a complete printed copy of the Company’s annual financial statement and the directors’ report thereon.

154. The requirement to send to a person referred to in Article 152 the documents referred to in that article or a summary financial report in accordance with Article 153 shall be deemed satisfied where, in accordance with all applicable Statutes, rules and regulations, including, without limitation, the rules of the Designated Stock Exchange, the Company publishes copies of the documents referred to in Article 152 and, if applicable, a summary financial report complying with Article 153, on the Company’s computer network or in any other permitted manner (including by sending any form of electronic communication), and that person has agreed or is deemed to have agreed to treat the publication or receipt of such documents in such manner as discharging the Company’s obligation to send to him a copy of such documents.

 

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AUDIT

 

155. Subject to applicable law and rules of the Designated Stock Exchange:

(1) At the annual general meeting or at a subsequent extraordinary general meeting in each year, the Members shall appoint an auditor to audit the accounts of the Company and such auditor shall hold office until the Members appoint another auditor. Such auditor may be a Member but no Director or officer or employee of the Company shall, during his continuance in office, be eligible to act as an auditor of the Company.

(2) A person, other than a retiring Auditor, shall not be capable of being appointed Auditor at an annual general meeting unless notice in writing of an intention to nominate that person to the office of Auditor has been given not less than fourteen (14) days before the annual general meeting and furthermore, the Company shall send a copy of any such notice to the retiring Auditor.

(3) The Members may, at any general meeting convened and held in accordance with these Articles, by special resolution remove the Auditor at any time before the expiration of his term of office and shall by ordinary resolution at that meeting appoint another Auditor in his stead for the remainder of his term.

 

156. Subject to the Law the accounts of the Company shall be audited at least once in every year.

157. The remuneration of the Auditor shall be fixed by the Company in general meeting or in such manner as the Members may determine.

158. If the office of auditor becomes vacant by the resignation or death of the Auditor, or by his becoming incapable of acting by reason of illness or other disability at a time when his services are required, the Directors shall fill the vacancy and determine the remuneration of such Auditor.

159. The Auditor shall at all reasonable times have access to all books kept by the Company and to all accounts and vouchers relating thereto; and he may call on the Directors or officers of the Company for any information in their possession relating to the books or affairs of the Company.

160. The statement of income and expenditure and the balance sheet provided for by these Articles shall be examined by the Auditor and compared by him with the books, accounts and vouchers relating thereto; and he shall make a written report thereon stating whether such statement and balance sheet are drawn up so as to present fairly the financial position of the Company and the results of its operations for the period under review and, in case information shall have been called for from Directors or officers of the Company, whether the same has been furnished and has been satisfactory. The financial statements of the Company shall be audited by the Auditor in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. The Auditor shall make a written report thereon in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and the report of the Auditor shall be submitted to the Members in general meeting. The generally accepted auditing standards referred to herein may be those of a country or jurisdiction other than the Cayman Islands. If so, the financial statements and the report of the Auditor should disclose this act and name such country or jurisdiction.

 

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NOTICES

161. Any Notice or document, whether or not, to be given or issued under these Articles from the Company to a Member shall be in writing or by cable, telex or facsimile transmission message or other form of electronic transmission or communication and any such Notice and document may be served or delivered by the Company on or to any Member either personally or by sending it through the post in a prepaid envelope addressed to such Member at his registered address as appearing in the Register or at any other address supplied by him to the Company for the purpose or, as the case may be, by transmitting it to any such address or transmitting it to any telex or facsimile transmission number or electronic number or address or website supplied by him to the Company for the giving of Notice to him or which the person transmitting the notice reasonably and bona fide believes at the relevant time will result in the Notice being duly received by the Member or may also be served by advertisement in appropriate newspapers in accordance with the requirements of the Designated Stock Exchange or, to the extent permitted by the applicable laws, by placing it on the Company’s website and giving to the member a notice stating that the notice or other document is available there (a “notice of availability”). The notice of availability may be given to the Member by any of the means set out above. In the case of joint holders of a share all notices shall be given to that one of the joint holders whose name stands first in the Register and notice so given shall be deemed a sufficient service on or delivery to all the joint holders.

 

162. Any Notice or other document:

 

  (a) if served or delivered by post, shall where appropriate be sent by airmail and shall be deemed to have been served or delivered on the day following that on which the envelope containing the same, properly prepaid and addressed, is put into the post; in proving such service or delivery it shall be sufficient to prove that the envelope or wrapper containing the notice or document was properly addressed and put into the post and a certificate in writing signed by the Secretary or other officer of the Company or other person appointed by the Board that the envelope or wrapper containing the notice or other document was so addressed and put into the post shall be conclusive evidence thereof;

 

  (b) if sent by electronic communication, shall be deemed to be given on the day on which it is transmitted from the server of the Company or its agent. A notice placed on the Company’s website is deemed given by the Company to a Member on the day following that on which a notice of availability is deemed served on the Member;

 

  (c) if served or delivered in any other manner contemplated by these Articles, shall be deemed to have been served or delivered at the time of personal service or delivery or, as the case may be, at the time of the relevant despatch or transmission; and in proving such service or delivery a certificate in writing signed by the Secretary or other officer of the Company or other person appointed by the Board as to the act and time of such service, delivery, despatch or transmission shall be conclusive evidence thereof; and

 

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  (d) may be given to a Member either in the English language or the Chinese language, subject to due compliance with all applicable Statutes, rules and regulations.

163. (1) Any Notice or other document delivered or sent by post to or left at the registered address of any Member in pursuance of these Articles shall, notwithstanding that such Member is then dead or bankrupt or that any other event has occurred, and whether or not the Company has notice of the death or bankruptcy or other event, be deemed to have been duly served or delivered in respect of any share registered in the name of such Member as sole or joint holder unless his name shall, at the time of the service or delivery of the notice or document, have been removed from the Register as the holder of the share, and such service or delivery shall for all purposes be deemed a sufficient service or delivery of such Notice or document on all persons interested (whether jointly with or as claiming through or under him) in the share.

(2) A notice may be given by the Company to the person entitled to a share in consequence of the death, mental disorder or bankruptcy of a Member by sending it through the post in a prepaid letter, envelope or wrapper addressed to him by name, or by the title of representative of the deceased, or trustee of the bankrupt, or by any like description, at the address, if any, supplied for the purpose by the person claiming to be so entitled, or (until such an address has been so supplied) by giving the notice in any manner in which the same might have been given if the death, mental disorder or bankruptcy had not occurred.

(3) Any person who by operation of law, transfer or other means whatsoever shall become entitled to any share shall be bound by every notice in respect of such share which prior to his name and address being entered on the Register shall have been duly given to the person from whom he derives his title to such share.

SIGNATURES

164. For the purposes of these Articles, a cable or telex or facsimile or electronic transmission message purporting to come from a holder of shares or, as the case may be, a Director, or, in the case of a corporation which is a holder of shares from a director or the secretary thereof or a duly appointed attorney or duly authorised representative thereof for it and on its behalf, shall in the absence of express evidence to the contrary available to the person relying thereon at the relevant time be deemed to be a document or instrument in writing signed by such holder or Director in the terms in which it is received.

WINDING UP

165. (1) The Board shall have power in the name and on behalf of the Company to present a petition to the court for the Company to be wound up.

(2) A resolution that the Company be wound up by the court or be wound up voluntarily shall be a special resolution.

 

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166. (1) Subject to any special rights, privileges or restrictions as to the distribution of available surplus assets on liquidation for the time being attached to any class or classes of shares (i) if the Company shall be wound up and the assets available for distribution amongst the Members of the Company shall be more than sufficient to repay the whole of the capital paid up at the commencement of the winding up, the excess shall be distributed pari passu amongst such members in proportion to the amount paid up on the shares held by them respectively and (ii) if the Company shall be wound up and the assets available for distribution amongst the Members as such shall be insufficient to repay the whole of the paid-up capital such assets shall be distributed so that, a nearly as may be, the losses shall be borne by the Members in proportion to the capital paid up, or which ought to have been paid up, at the commencement of the winding up on the shares held by them respectively.

(2) If the Company shall be wound up (whether the liquidation is voluntary or by the court) the liquidator may, with the authority of a special resolution and any other sanction required by the Law, divide among the Members in specie or kind the whole or any part of the assets of the Company and whether or not the assets shall consist of properties of one kind or shall consist of properties to be divided as aforesaid of different kinds, and may for such purpose set such value as he deems fair upon any one or more class or classes of property and may determine how such division shall be carried out as between the Members or different classes of Members. The liquidator may, with the like authority, vest any part of the assets in trustees upon such trusts for the benefit of the Members as the liquidator with the like authority shall think fit, and the liquidation of the Company may be closed and the Company dissolved, but so that no contributory shall be compelled to accept any shares or other property in respect of which there is a liability.

(3) In the event of winding-up of the Company in the People’s Republic of China, every Member of the Company who is not for the time being in the People’s Republic of China shall be bound, within 14 days after the passing of an effective resolution to wind up the Company voluntarily, or the making of an order for the winding-up of the Company, to serve notice in writing on the Company appointing some person resident in the People’s Republic of China and stating that person’s full name, address and occupation upon whom all summonses, notices, process, 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, whether appointed by the Member or the liquidator, shall be deemed to be good personal service on such Member for all purposes, and, where the liquidator makes any such appointment, he shall with all convenient speed give notice thereof to such Member by advertisement as he shall deem appropriate or by a registered letter sent through the post and addressed to such Member at his address as appearing in the register, and such notice shall be deemed to be service on the day following that on which the advertisement first appears or the letter is posted.

INDEMNITY

 

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167. (1) The Directors, Secretary and other officers and every Auditor for the time being of the Company and the liquidator or trustees (if any) for the time being acting in relation to any of the affairs of the Company and everyone of them, and everyone of their heirs, executors and administrators, shall be indemnified and secured harmless out of the assets and profits of the Company from and against all actions, costs, charges, losses, damages and expenses which they or any of them, their or any of their heirs, executors or administrators, shall or may incur or sustain by or by reason of any act done, concurred in or omitted in or about the execution of their duty, or supposed duty, in their respective offices or trusts; and none of them shall be answerable for the acts, receipts, neglects or defaults of the other or others of them or for joining in any receipts for the sake of conformity, or for any bankers or other persons with whom any moneys or effects belonging to the Company shall or may be lodged or deposited for safe custody, or for insufficiency or deficiency of any security upon which any moneys of or belonging to the Company shall be placed out on or invested, or for any other loss, misfortune or damage which may happen in the execution of their respective offices or trusts, or in relation thereto; PROVIDED THAT this indemnity shall not extend to any matter in respect of any fraud or dishonesty which may attach to any of said persons.

(2) Each Member agrees to waive any claim or right of action he might have, whether individually or by or in the right of the Company, against any Director on account of any action taken by such Director, or the failure of such Director to take any action in the performance of his duties with or for the Company; PROVIDED THAT such waiver shall not extend to any matter in respect of any fraud or dishonesty which may attach to such Director.

AMENDMENT TO MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION

AND NAME OF COMPANY

168. No Article shall be rescinded, altered or amended and no new Article shall be made until the same has been approved by a special resolution of the Members. A special resolution shall be required to alter the provisions of the Memorandum of Association or to change the name of the Company.

INFORMATION

169. No Member shall be entitled to require discovery of or any information respecting any detail of the Company’s trading or any matter which is or may be in the nature of a trade secret or secret process which may relate to the conduct of the business of the Company and which in the opinion of the Directors it will be inexpedient in the interests of the members of the Company to communicate to the public.

 

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Exhibit 10.1

ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

2006 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

1. PURPOSE OF PLAN

The purpose of the Acorn International, Inc. 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (this “ Plan ”) is to promote the success of the Corporation and to increase shareholder value by providing an additional means through the grant of awards to attract, motivate, retain and reward selected employees and other eligible persons of the Company. As used herein, “ Corporation ” means Acorn International, Inc., an exempted company formed under the laws of the Cayman Islands; “ Subsidiary ” means any corporation or other entity a majority of whose outstanding voting share or voting power is beneficially owned directly or indirectly by the Corporation; “ Company ” means the Corporation and its Subsidiaries, collectively; and “ Board ” means the Board of Directors of the Corporation.

2. ELIGIBILITY

The Administrator (as such term is defined in Section 3.1) may grant awards under this Plan only to those persons that the Administrator determines to be Eligible Persons. An “ Eligible Person ” is any person who is either: (a) an officer (whether or not a director) or employee of the Company; (b) a director of the Company; or (c) an individual consultant or advisor who renders or has rendered bona fide services (other than services in connection with the offering or sale of securities of the Company in a capital-raising transaction or as a market maker or promoter of the Company’s securities) to the Company and who is selected to participate in this Plan by the Administrator. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a person who is otherwise an Eligible Person under clause (c) above may participate in this Plan only if such participation would not compromise the Corporation’s ability to rely on Rule 701 to exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”), or use Form S-8 to register under the Securities Act, the offering and sale of ordinary shares issuable under this Plan by the Corporation or the Corporation’s compliance with any other applicable laws. An Eligible Person who has been granted an award (a “ participant ”) may, if otherwise eligible, be granted additional awards if the Administrator shall so determine.

3. PLAN ADMINISTRATION

 

  3.1 The Administrator . This Plan shall be administered by and all awards under this Plan shall be authorized by the Administrator. The “ Administrator ” means the Board or one or more committees appointed by the Board, including the compensation committee, or another committee (within its delegated authority) to administer all or certain aspects of this Plan. Any such committee shall be comprised solely of one or more directors or such number of directors as may be required under applicable law. A committee may delegate some or all of its authority to another committee so constituted. The Board or a committee comprised solely of directors may also delegate, to the extent permitted by applicable law, to one or more officers of the Corporation, its powers under this Plan (a) to designate the officers and employees of the Corporation and its


     Subsidiaries who will receive grants of awards under this Plan, and (b) to determine the number of shares subject to, and the other terms and conditions of, such awards. The Board may delegate different levels of authority to different committees with administrative and grant authority under this Plan. Unless otherwise provided in the Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Corporation or the applicable charter of any Administrator: (a) a majority of the members of the acting Administrator shall constitute a quorum, and (b) the vote of a majority of the members present assuming the presence of a quorum or the unanimous written consent of the members of the Administrator shall constitute action by the acting Administrator.

 

     With respect to awards intended to satisfy the requirements for performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “ Code ”), this Plan shall be administered by a committee consisting solely of two or more outside directors (as this requirement is applied under Section 162(m) of the Code); provided, however, that the failure to satisfy such requirement shall not affect the validity of the action of any committee otherwise duly authorized and acting in the matter. Award grants, and transactions in or involving awards, intended to be exempt under Rule 16b-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “ Exchange Act ”), must be duly and timely authorized by the Board or a committee consisting solely of two or more non-employee directors (as this requirement is applied under Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act). To the extent required by any applicable listing agency, this Plan shall be administered by a committee composed entirely of independent directors (within the meaning of the applicable listing agency).

 

  3.2 Powers of the Administrator . Subject to the express provisions of this Plan, the Administrator is authorized and empowered to do all things necessary or desirable in connection with the authorization of awards and the administration of this Plan (in the case of a committee or delegation to one or more officers, within the authority delegated to that committee or person(s)), including, without limitation, the authority to:

 

  (a) determine eligibility and, from among those persons determined to be eligible, the particular Eligible Persons who will receive an award under this Plan;

 

  (b) grant awards to Eligible Persons, determine the price at which securities will be offered or awarded and the number of securities to be offered or awarded to any of such persons, determine the other specific terms and conditions of such awards consistent with the express limits of this Plan, establish the installments (if any) in which such awards shall become exercisable or shall vest (which may include, without limitation, performance and/or time-based schedules), or determine that no delayed exercisability or vesting is required, establish any applicable performance targets, and establish the events of termination or reversion of such awards;

 

2


  (c) approve the forms of award agreements (which need not be identical either as to type of award or among participants);

 

  (d) construe and interpret this Plan and any agreements defining the rights and obligations of the Company and participants under this Plan, further define the terms used in this Plan, and prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the administration of this Plan or the awards granted under this Plan;

 

  (e) cancel, modify, or waive the Corporation’s rights with respect to, or modify, discontinue, suspend, or terminate any or all outstanding awards, subject to any required consent under Section 8.6.5;

 

  (f) accelerate or extend the vesting or exercisability or extend the term of any or all such outstanding awards (in the case of options or share appreciation rights, within the maximum ten (10) year term of such awards) in such circumstances as the Administrator may deem appropriate (including, without limitation, in connection with a termination of employment or services or other events of a personal nature) subject to any required consent under Section 8.6.5;

 

  (g) adjust the number of ordinary shares subject to any award, adjust the price of any or all outstanding awards or otherwise change previously imposed terms and conditions, in such circumstances as the Administrator may deem appropriate, in each case subject to Sections 4 and 8.6, and provided that in no case (except due to an adjustment contemplated by Section 7 or any repricing that may be approved by shareholders) shall such an adjustment constitute a repricing (by amendment, cancellation and regrant, exchange or other means) of the per share exercise or base price of any option or share appreciation right to a price that is less than the fair market value of a ordinary share (as adjusted pursuant to Section 7) on the date of the grant of the initial award;

 

  (h) determine the date of grant of an award, which may be a designated date after but not before the date of the Administrator’s action (unless otherwise designated by the Administrator, the date of grant of an award shall be the date upon which the Administrator took the action granting an award);

 

  (i) determine whether, and the extent to which, adjustments are required pursuant to Section 7 hereof and authorize the termination, conversion, substitution or succession of awards upon the occurrence of an event of the type described in Section 7;

 

  (j) acquire or settle (subject to Sections 7 and 8.6) rights under awards in cash, share of equivalent value, or other consideration; and

 

  (k) determine the fair market value of the Common Shares or awards under this Plan from time to time and/or the manner in which such value will be determined.

 

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  3.3 Binding Determinations . Any action taken by, or inaction of, the Corporation, any Subsidiary, or the Administrator relating or pursuant to this Plan and within its authority hereunder or under applicable law shall be within the absolute discretion of that entity or body and shall be conclusive and binding upon all persons. Neither the Board nor any Board committee, nor any member thereof or person acting at the direction thereof, shall be liable for any act, omission, interpretation, construction or determination made in good faith in connection with this Plan (or any award made under this Plan), and all such persons shall be entitled to indemnification and reimbursement by the Company in respect of any claim, loss, damage or expense (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees) arising or resulting therefrom to the fullest extent permitted by law and/or under any directors and officers liability insurance coverage that may be in effect from time to time.

 

  3.4 Reliance on Experts . In making any determination or in taking or not taking any action under this Plan, the Board or a committee, as the case may be, may obtain and may rely upon the advice of experts, including employees and professional advisors to the Corporation. No director, officer or agent of the Company shall be liable for any such action or determination taken or made or omitted in good faith.

 

  3.5 Delegation . The Administrator may delegate ministerial, non-discretionary functions to individuals who are officers or employees of the Company or to third parties.

4. COMMON SHARES SUBJECT TO THE PLAN; SHARE LIMITS

 

  4.1 Shares Available . Subject to the provisions of Section 7.1, the capital share that may be delivered under this Plan shall be the Corporation’s authorized but unissued Common Shares and any Common Shares held as treasury shares. For purposes of this Plan, “ Common Share ” shall mean the ordinary share of the Corporation and such other securities or property as may become the subject of awards under this Plan, or may become subject to such awards, pursuant to an adjustment made under Section 7.1.

 

  4.2 Share Limits . The maximum number of Common Shares that may be delivered pursuant to awards granted to Eligible Persons under this Plan is 24,133,000 (the “ Share Limit ”).

The following limits also apply with respect to awards granted under this Plan:

 

  (a) The maximum number of Common Shares that may be delivered pursuant to options qualified as incentive share options granted under this Plan is 24,133,000 Common Shares.

 

  (b) The maximum number of Common Shares subject to those options and share appreciation rights that are granted during any calendar year to any individual under this Plan is 3,500,000 Common Shares.

Each of the foregoing numerical limits is subject to adjustment as contemplated by Section 4.3, Section 7.1, and Section 8.10.

 

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  4.3 Awards Settled in Cash, Reissue of Awards and Shares . To the extent that an award is settled in cash or a form other than Common Shares, the Common Shares that would have been delivered had there been no such cash or other settlement shall not be counted against the Common Shares available for issuance under this Plan. In the event that Common Shares are delivered in respect of a dividend equivalent, share appreciation right, or other award, only the actual number of Common Shares delivered with respect to the award shall be counted against the share limits of this Plan. Common Shares that are subject to or underlie awards which expire or for any reason are cancelled or terminated, are forfeited, fail to vest, or for any other reason are not paid or delivered under this Plan shall again be available for subsequent awards under this Plan. Common Shares that are exchanged by a participant or withheld by the Corporation as full or partial payment in connection with any award under this Plan, as well as any Common Shares exchanged by a participant or withheld by the Company to satisfy the tax withholding obligations related to any award under this Plan, shall be available for subsequent awards under this Plan. Refer to Section 8.10 for application of the foregoing share limits with respect to assumed awards. The foregoing adjustments to the share limits of this Plan are subject to any applicable limitations under Section 162(m) of the Code with respect to awards intended as performance-based compensation thereunder.

 

  4.4 Reservation of Shares; No Fractional Shares; Minimum Issue . The Corporation shall at all times reserve a number of Common Shares sufficient to cover the Corporation’s obligations and contingent obligations to deliver Common Shares with respect to awards then outstanding under this Plan (exclusive of any dividend equivalent obligations to the extent the Corporation has the right to settle such rights in cash). No fractional Common Shares shall be delivered under this Plan. The Administrator may pay cash in lieu of any fractional Common Shares in settlements of awards under this Plan. No fewer than 100 Common Shares may be purchased on exercise of any award (or, in the case of share appreciation or purchase rights, no fewer than 100 rights may be exercised at any one time) unless the total number purchased or exercised is the total number at the time available for purchase or exercise under the award.

5. AWARDS

 

  5.1 Type and Form of Awards . The Administrator shall determine the type or types of award(s) to be made to each selected Eligible Person. Awards may be granted singly, in combination or in tandem. Awards also may be made in combination or in tandem with, in replacement of, as alternatives to, or as the payment form for grants or rights under any other employee or compensation plan of the Company. The types of awards that may be granted under this Plan are:

5.1.1 Share Options . A share option is the grant of a right to purchase a specified number of Common Shares during a specified period as determined by the Administrator. An option may be intended as an incentive share option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code (an “ ISO ”) or a nonqualified share option (an option not intended to be an ISO). The award agreement for an option will indicate if the option is intended as an ISO, otherwise it will be deemed to be a

 

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nonqualified share option. The maximum term of each option (ISO or nonqualified) shall be ten (10) years. The per share exercise price for each option shall be not less than 100% of the fair market value of a Common Share on the date of grant of the option, except as follows: (a) in the case of a share option granted retroactively in tandem with or as a substitution for another award, the per share exercise price may be no lower than the fair market value of a Common Share on the date such other award was granted (to the extent consistent with Sections 422 and 424 of the Code in the case of options intended as incentive share options); and (b) in any other circumstances, a nonqualified share option may be granted with a per share exercise price that is less than the fair market value of a Common Share on the date of grant, provided that such exercise price shall not be less than the per share purchase price of the Series A Preferred Share of the Corporation or the par value of a Common Share; and provided further that any shares delivered in respect of such option shall be charged against the limit of Section 4.2(d) (the limit on full-value awards) as well as any other applicable limit under Section 4.2. When an option is exercised, the exercise price for the shares to be purchased shall be paid in full in cash or such other method permitted by the Administrator consistent with Section 5.5.

5.1.2 Additional Rules Applicable to ISOs . To the extent that the aggregate fair market value (determined at the time of grant of the applicable option) of Common Share with respect to which ISOs first become exercisable by a participant in any calendar year exceeds $100,000, taking into account both Common Shares subject to ISOs under this Plan and shares subject to ISOs under all other plans of the Company (or any parent or predecessor corporation to the extent required by and within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder), such options shall be treated as nonqualified share options. In reducing the number of options treated as ISOs to meet the $100,000 limit, the most recently granted options shall be reduced first. To the extent a reduction of simultaneously granted options is necessary to meet the $100,000 limit, the Administrator may, in the manner and to the extent permitted by law, designate which Common Shares are to be treated as shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of an ISO. ISOs may only be granted to employees of the Corporation or one of its subsidiaries (for this purpose, the term “subsidiary” is used as defined in Section 424(f) of the Code, which generally requires an unbroken chain of ownership of at least 50% of the total combined voting power of all classes of share of each subsidiary in the chain beginning with the Corporation and ending with the subsidiary in question). There shall be imposed in any award agreement relating to ISOs such other terms and conditions as from time to time are required in order that the option be an “incentive share option” as that term is defined in Section 422 of the Code. Any participant who exercises an ISO shall give prompt written notice to the Company of any sale or other transfer of the Common Shares acquired on such exercise if the sale or other transfer occurs within (a) one year after the exercise date of the Option, or (b) two years after the grant date of the Option.

5.1.3 Share Appreciation Rights . A share appreciation right is a right to receive a payment, in cash and/or Common Share, equal to the excess of the fair market value of a specified number of Common Shares on the date the share

 

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appreciation right is exercised over the fair market value of a Common Share on the date the share appreciation right was granted (the “base price”) as set forth in the applicable award agreement, except as follows: (a) in the case of a share appreciation right granted retroactively in tandem with or as a substitution for another award, the base price may be no lower than the fair market value of a Common Share on the date such other award was granted; and (b) in any other circumstances, a share appreciation right may be granted with a base price that is less than the fair market value of a Common Share on the date of grant, provided that any shares delivered in respect of such award shall be charged against the limit of Section 4.2(d) (the limit on full-value awards) as well as any other applicable limit under Section 4.2. The maximum term of a share appreciation right shall be ten (10) years. The Administrator may grant limited share appreciation rights which are exercisable only upon a change in control or other specified event and may be payable based on the spread between the base price of the share appreciation right and the fair market value of a Common Share during a specified period or at a specified time within a specified period before, after or including the date of such event.

5.1.4 Other Awards . The other types of awards that may be granted under this Plan include: (a) share bonuses, restricted share, performance share, share units, phantom share, dividend equivalents, or similar rights to purchase or acquire shares, whether at a fixed or variable price or ratio related to the Common Share, upon the passage of time, the occurrence of one or more events, or the satisfaction of performance criteria or other conditions, or any combination thereof; (b) any similar securities with a value derived from the value of or related to the Common Share and/or returns thereon; or (c) cash awards granted consistent with Section 5.2 below.

 

  5.2 Section 162(m) Performance-Based Awards . Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any of the types of awards listed in Section 5.1.4 above may be, and options and share appreciation rights granted with an exercise or base price not less than the fair market value of a Common Share at the date of grant (“ Qualifying Options ” and “ Qualifying Share Appreciation Rights ,” respectively) typically will be, granted as awards intended to satisfy the requirements for “performance-based compensation” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code (“ Performance-Based Awards ”). The grant, vesting, exercisability or payment of Performance-Based Awards may depend (or, in the case of Qualifying Options or Qualifying Share Appreciation Rights, may also depend) on the degree of achievement of one or more performance goals relative to a pre-established targeted level or level using one or more of the Business Criteria set forth below (on an absolute or relative basis) for the Corporation on a consolidated basis or for one or more of the Corporation’s subsidiaries, segments, divisions or business units, or any combination of the foregoing. Any Qualifying Option or Qualifying Share Appreciation Right shall be subject only to the requirements of Section 5.2.1 and 5.2.3 in order for such award to satisfy the requirements for “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Award. Any other Performance-Based Award shall be subject to all of the following provisions of this Section 5.2.

 

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5.2.1 Class; Administrator . The eligible class of persons for Performance-Based Awards under this Section 5.2 shall be officers and employees of the Company. The Administrator approving Performance-Based Awards or making any certification required pursuant to Section 5.2.4 must be constituted as provided in Section 3.1 for awards that are intended as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) of the Code.

5.2.2 Performance Goals . The specific performance goals for Performance-Based Awards (other than Qualifying Options and Qualifying Share Appreciation Rights) shall be, on an absolute or relative basis, established based on one or more of the following business criteria (“ Business Criteria ”) as selected by the Administrator in its sole discretion: earnings per share, cash flow (which means cash and cash equivalents derived from either net cash flow from operations or net cash flow from operations, financing and investing activities), total shareholder return, gross revenue, revenue growth, operating income (before or after taxes), net earnings (before or after interest, taxes, depreciation and/or amortization), return on equity or on assets or on net investment, cost containment or reduction, or any combination thereof. These terms are used as applied under generally accepted accounting principles or in the Company’s financial reporting. To qualify awards as performance-based under Section 162(m), the applicable Business Criterion (or Business Criteria, as the case may be) and specific performance goal or goals (“targets”) must be established and approved by the Administrator during the first 90 days of the performance period (and, in the case of performance periods of less than one year, in no event more than 25% of the performance period has elapsed) and while performance relating to such target(s) remains substantially uncertain within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code. Performance targets shall be adjusted to mitigate the unbudgeted impact of material, unusual or nonrecurring gains and losses, accounting changes or other extraordinary events not foreseen at the time the targets were set unless the Administrator provides otherwise at the time of establishing the targets. The applicable performance measurement period may not be less than three months nor more than 10 years.

5.2.3 Form of Payment; Maximum Performance-Based Award . Grants or awards under this Section 5.2 may be paid in cash or Common Shares or any combination thereof. Grants of Qualifying Options and Qualifying Share Appreciation Rights to any one participant in any one calendar year shall be subject to the limit set forth in Section 4.2(b). The maximum number of Common Shares which may be delivered pursuant to Performance-Based Awards (other than Qualifying Options and Qualifying Share Appreciation Rights, and other than cash awards covered by the following sentence) that are granted to any one participant in any one calendar year shall not exceed 3,500,000 Common Shares, either individually or in the aggregate, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 7.1. In addition, the aggregate amount of compensation to be paid to any one participant in respect of all Performance-Based Awards payable only in cash and not related to Common Shares and granted to that participant in any one calendar year shall not exceed $2,000,000. Awards that are cancelled during the year shall be counted against these limits to the extent permitted by Section 162(m) of the Code.

 

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5.2.4 Certification of Payment . Before any Performance-Based Award under this Section 5.2 (other than Qualifying Options and Qualifying Share Appreciation Rights) is paid and to the extent required to qualify the award as performance-based compensation within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code, the Administrator must certify in writing that the performance target(s) and any other material terms of the Performance-Based Award were in fact timely satisfied.

5.2.5 Reservation of Discretion . The Administrator will have the discretion to determine the restrictions or other limitations of the individual awards granted under this Section 5.2 including the authority to reduce awards, payouts or vesting or to pay no awards, in its sole discretion, if the Administrator preserves such authority at the time of grant by language to this effect in its authorizing resolutions or otherwise.

5.2.6 Expiration of Grant Authority . As required pursuant to Section 162(m) of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder, the Administrator’s authority to grant new awards that are intended to qualify as performance-based compensation within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code (other than Qualifying Options and Qualifying Share Appreciation Rights) shall terminate upon the first meeting of the Corporation’s shareholders that occurs in the fifth year following the year in which the Corporation’s shareholders first approve this Plan.

 

  5.3 Award Agreements . Each award shall be evidenced by a written award agreement in the form approved by the Administrator and executed on behalf of the Corporation and, if required by the Administrator, executed by the recipient of the award. The Administrator may authorize any officer of the Corporation (other than the particular award recipient) to execute any or all award agreements on behalf of the Corporation. The award agreement shall set forth the material terms and conditions of the award as established by the Administrator consistent with the express limitations of this Plan.

 

  5.4 Deferrals and Settlements . Payment of awards may be in the form of cash, Common Share, other awards or combinations thereof as the Administrator shall determine, and with such restrictions as it may impose. The Administrator may also require or permit participants to elect to defer the issuance of shares or the settlement of awards in cash under such rules and procedures as it may establish under this Plan. The Administrator may also provide that deferred settlements include the payment or crediting of interest or other earnings on the deferral amounts, or the payment or crediting of dividend equivalents where the deferred amounts are denominated in shares.

 

  5.5 Consideration for Common Shares or Awards . The purchase price for any award granted under this Plan or the Common Shares to be delivered pursuant to an award, as applicable, may be paid by means of any lawful consideration as determined by the Administrator, including, without limitation, one or a combination of the following methods:

 

    services rendered by the recipient of such award;

 

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    cash, cheque payable to the order of the Corporation, or electronic funds transfer;

 

    notice and third party payment in such manner as may be authorized by the Administrator;

 

    the delivery of previously owned Common Shares;

 

    by a reduction in the number of Common Shares otherwise deliverable pursuant to the award; or

 

    subject to such procedures as the Administrator may adopt, pursuant to a “cashless exercise” with a third party who provides financing for the purposes of (or who otherwise facilitates) the purchase or exercise of awards.

In no event shall any Common Shares newly-issued by the Corporation be issued for less than the minimum lawful consideration for such Common Shares or for consideration other than consideration permitted by applicable law. In the event that the Administrator allows a participant to exercise an award by delivering Common Shares previously owned by such participant and unless otherwise expressly provided by the Administrator, any Common Shares delivered which were initially acquired by the participant from the Corporation (upon exercise of a share option or otherwise) must have been owned by the participant at least six months as of the date of delivery. Common Shares used to satisfy the exercise price of an option shall be valued at their fair market value on the date of exercise. The Corporation will not be obligated to deliver any Common Shares unless and until it receives full payment of the exercise or purchase price therefor and any related withholding obligations under Section 8.5 and any other conditions to exercise or purchase have been satisfied. Unless otherwise expressly provided in the applicable award agreement, the Administrator may at any time eliminate or limit a participant’s ability to pay the purchase or exercise price of any award or Common Shares by any method other than cash payment to the Corporation. The Administrator may take all actions necessary to alter the method of Option exercise and the exchange and transmittal of proceeds with respect to participants resident in the People’s Republic of China (“PRC”) not having permanent residence in a country other than the PRC in order to comply with applicable PRC foreign exchange and tax regulations.

 

  5.6 Definition of Fair Market Value . For purposes of this Plan, “fair market value” shall mean, unless otherwise determined or provided by the Administrator in the circumstances, the last price for a Common Share as furnished by the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (the “NASD”) through the NASDAQ National Market Reporting System (the “National Market”) for the date in question or, if no sales of Common Shares were reported by the NASD on the National Market on that date, the last price for a Common Share as furnished by the NASD through the National Market for the next preceding day on which sales of Common Shares were reported by the NASD. The Administrator may,

 

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however, provide with respect to one or more awards that the fair market value shall equal the last price for a Common Share as furnished by the NASD through the National Market on the last trading day preceding the date in question or the average of the high and low trading prices of a Common Share as furnished by the NASD through the National Market for the date in question or the most recent trading day. If the Common Shares are no longer listed or are no longer actively traded on the National Market as of the applicable date, the fair market value of the Common Shares shall be the value as reasonably determined by the Administrator for purposes of the award in the circumstances. The Administrator also may adopt a different methodology for determining fair market value with respect to one or more awards if a different methodology is necessary or advisable to secure any intended favorable tax, legal or other treatment for the particular award(s) (for example, and without limitation, the Administrator may provide that fair market value for purposes of one or more awards will be based on an average of closing prices (or the average of high and low daily trading prices) for a specified period preceding the relevant date).

 

  5.7 Transfer Restrictions .

5.7.1 Limitations on Exercise and Transfer . Unless otherwise expressly provided in (or pursuant to) this Section 5.7, by applicable law and by the award agreement, as the same may be amended, (a) all awards are non-transferable and shall not be subject in any manner to sale, transfer, anticipation, alienation, assignment, pledge, encumbrance or charge; (b) awards shall be exercised only by the participant; and (c) amounts payable or shares issuable pursuant to any award shall be delivered only to (or for the account of) the participant.

5.7.2 Exceptions . The Administrator may permit awards to be exercised by and paid to certain persons or entities related to the participant, including but not limited to members of the participant’s immediate family, trusts or other entities controlled by or whose beneficiaries or beneficial owners are the participant and/or members of the participant’s immediate family, pursuant to such conditions and procedures, including limitations on subsequent transfers, as the Administrator may establish. Consistent with Section 8.1, any permitted transfer shall be subject to the condition that the Administrator receive evidence satisfactory to it that the transfer (a) is being made for essentially donative, estate and/or tax planning purposes on a gratuitous or donative basis and without consideration (other than nominal consideration or in exchange for an interest in a qualified transferee), and (b) will not compromise the Corporation’s ability to rely on Rule 701, or register Common Shares issuable under this Plan on Form S-8, under the Securities Act. Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything in Section 5.7.3, ISOs and restricted share awards shall be subject to any and all additional transfer restrictions under the Code to the extent necessary to maintain the intended tax consequences of such awards.

5.7.3 Further Exceptions to Limits on Transfer . The exercise and transfer restrictions in Section 5.7.1 shall not apply to:

 

  (a) transfers to the Corporation,

 

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  (b) the designation of a beneficiary to receive benefits in the event of the participant’s death or, if the participant has died, transfers to or exercise by the participant’s beneficiary, or, in the absence of a validly designated beneficiary, transfers by will or the laws of descent and distribution,

 

  (c) subject to any applicable limitations on ISOs, transfers to a family member (or former family member) pursuant to a domestic relations order if approved or ratified by the Administrator,

 

  (d) if the participant has suffered a disability, permitted transfers or exercises on behalf of the participant by his or her legal representative, or

 

  (e) the authorization by the Administrator of “cashless exercise” procedures with third parties who provide financing for the purpose of (or who otherwise facilitate) the exercise of awards consistent with applicable laws and the express authorization of the Administrator.

 

  5.8 International Awards . One or more awards may be granted to Eligible Persons who provide services to the Company outside of the United States. If necessary, awards granted to such persons may be granted pursuant to the terms and conditions of any applicable sub-plans, if any, appended to this Plan and approved by the Administrator.

6. EFFECT OF TERMINATION OF SERVICE ON AWARDS

 

  6.1 General . The Administrator shall establish the effect of a termination of employment or service on the rights and benefits under each award under this Plan and in so doing may make distinctions based upon, inter alia, the cause of termination and type of award. Notwithstanding the foregoing, unless the Administrator expressly otherwise provides, if the participant is not an employee of the Company and provides other services to the Company, the Administrator shall be the sole judge for purposes of this Plan (unless a contract or the award otherwise provides) of whether the participant continues to render services to the Company and the date, if any, upon which such services shall be deemed to have terminated. Unless the Administrator otherwise expressly provides, (1) to the extent an outstanding option granted under this Plan has not become vested and exercisable on the date the participant’s employment by or service to the Company terminates, the option to the extent unvested and unexercisable shall terminate, and (2) any Common Shares subject to a restricted share award that remain subject to restrictions at the time the participant’s employment by or service to the Company terminates shall not vest and the Company shall have the right to reacquire any such unvested Common Shares subject to such award in such manner and on such terms as the Administrator provides, which terms shall include return or repayment of the lower of the Fair Market Value or the original purchase price of the restricted shares, without interest, to the participant to the extent not prohibited by law.

 

  6.2 Events Not Deemed Terminations of Service . Unless Company policy or the Administrator otherwise provides, the employment relationship shall not be

 

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considered terminated in the case of (a) sick leave, (b) military leave, or (c) any other leave of absence authorized by the Company or the Administrator; provided that unless reemployment upon the expiration of such leave is guaranteed by contract or law, such leave is for a period of not more than 90 days. In the case of any employee of the Company on an approved leave of absence, continued vesting of the award while on leave from the employ of the Company may be suspended until the employee returns to service, unless the Administrator otherwise provides or applicable law otherwise requires. In no event shall an award be exercised after the expiration of the term set forth in the award agreement.

 

  6.3 Effect of Change of Subsidiary Status . For purposes of this Plan and any award, if an entity ceases to be a Subsidiary of the Corporation a termination of employment or service shall be deemed to have occurred with respect to each Eligible Person in respect of such Subsidiary who does not continue as an Eligible Person in respect of another entity within the Company after giving effect to the Subsidiary’s change in status.

7. ADJUSTMENTS; ACCELERATION

 

  7.1 Adjustments . Upon or in contemplation of: any reclassification, recapitalization, share split (including a share split in the form of a share dividend) or reverse share split (“share split”); any merger, combination, consolidation, or other reorganization; any spin-off, split-up, or similar extraordinary dividend distribution in respect of the Common Share (whether in the form of securities or property); any exchange of Common Share or other securities of the Corporation, or any similar, unusual or extraordinary corporate transaction in respect of the Common Share; or a sale of all or substantially all the business or assets of the Corporation as an entirety; then the Administrator shall, in such manner, to such extent (if any) and at such time as it deems appropriate and equitable in the circumstances:

(a) proportionately adjust any or all of (1) the number and type of Common Shares (or other securities) that thereafter may be made the subject of awards (including the specific share limits, maximums and numbers of shares set forth elsewhere in this Plan), (2) the number, amount and type of Common Shares (or other securities or property) subject to any or all outstanding awards, (3) the grant, purchase, or exercise price (which term includes the base price of any share appreciation right or similar right) of any or all outstanding awards, (4) the securities, cash or other property deliverable upon exercise or payment of any outstanding awards, or (5) (subject to Sections 7.7 and 8.8.3(a)) the performance standards applicable to any outstanding awards, or

(b) make provision for a cash payment or for the assumption, substitution or exchange of any or all outstanding share-based awards or the cash, securities or property deliverable to the holder of any or all outstanding share-based awards, based upon the distribution or consideration payable to holders of the Common Shares upon or in respect of such event.

 

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The Administrator may adopt such valuation methodologies for outstanding awards as it deems reasonable in the event of a cash or property settlement and, in the case of options, share appreciation rights or similar rights, but without limitation on other methodologies, may base such settlement solely upon the excess if any of the per share amount payable upon or in respect of such event over the exercise or base price of the award. With respect to any award of an ISO, the Administrator may make such an adjustment that causes the option to cease to qualify as an ISO without the consent of the affected participant.

In any of such events, the Administrator may take such action prior to such event to the extent that the Administrator deems the action necessary to permit the participant to realize the benefits intended to be conveyed with respect to the underlying shares in the same manner as is or will be available to shareholders generally. In the case of any share split or reverse share split, if no action is taken by the Administrator, the proportionate adjustments contemplated by clause (a) above shall nevertheless be made.

 

  7.2 Acceleration of Awards .

7.2.1 Unless expressly provided in the award agreement or other applicable written agreement with the participant, in the event that the employment or service of a participant to the Company is terminated by the Company for any reason other than for Cause within twelve (12) months following the occurrence of a Change in Control Event (defined below), the participant shall be entitled to additional vesting of the awards held by the participant immediately prior to the date of such termination (the “ Termination Date ”) such that as to any such award, the aggregate portion of such award that shall have vested as of the participant’s Termination Date shall be equal to (a) the portion of the award that would have become vested as of the Termination Date in accordance with the vesting schedule established for the award pursuant to Section 5.3 hereof plus (b) the portion of the award that was scheduled to become vested on or before the one (1) year anniversary of the participant’s Termination Date had the participant’s employment or service to the Company not been terminated. For purposes of this Plan, a “ Change in Control Event ” means any of the following:

 

  (a) The acquisition by any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act (a “ Person ”)) of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of 20% or more of either (1) the then-outstanding Common Shares of the Corporation (the “ Outstanding Company Common Share ”) or (2) the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the “ Outstanding Company Voting Securities ”); provided, however, that, for purposes of this definition, the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change in Control Event; (A) any acquisition directly from the Corporation, (B) any acquisition by the Corporation, (C) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Corporation or any affiliate of the Corporation or a successor, or (D) any acquisition by any entity pursuant to a transaction that complies with Sections (c)(1), (2) and (3) below;

 

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  (b) Individuals who, as of the Effective Date, constitute the Board (the “ Incumbent Board ”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board; provided, however, that any individual becoming a director subsequent to the Effective Date whose election, or nomination for election by the Corporation’s shareholders, was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board (including for these purposes, the new members whose election or nomination was so approved, without counting the member and his predecessor twice) shall be considered as though such individual were a member of the Incumbent Board, but excluding, for this purpose, any such individual whose initial assumption of office occurs as a result of an actual or threatened election contest with respect to the election or removal of directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Board;

 

  (c) Consummation of a reorganization, merger, statutory share exchange or consolidation or similar corporate transaction involving the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries, a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Corporation, or the acquisition of assets or share of another entity by the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries (each, a “ Business Combination ”), in each case unless, following such Business Combination, (1) all or substantially all of the individuals and entities that were the beneficial owners of the Outstanding Company Common Shares and the Outstanding Company Voting Securities immediately prior to such Business Combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the then-outstanding Common Shares and the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, as the case may be, of the entity resulting from such Business Combination (including, without limitation, an entity that, as a result of such transaction, owns the Corporation or all or substantially all of the Corporation’s assets directly or through one or more subsidiaries (a “ Parent ”)) in substantially the same proportions as their ownership immediately prior to such Business Combination of the Outstanding Company Common Shares and the Outstanding Company Voting Securities, as the case may be, (2) no Person (excluding any entity resulting from such Business Combination or a Parent or any employee benefit plan (or related trust) of the Corporation or such entity resulting from such Business Combination or Parent) beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 20% or more of, respectively, the then-outstanding Common Shares of the entity resulting from such Business Combination or the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities of such entity, except to the extent that the ownership in excess of 20% existed prior to the Business Combination, and (3) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors or trustees of the entity resulting from such Business Combination or a Parent were members of the Incumbent Board at the time of the execution of the initial agreement or of the action of the Board providing for such Business Combination; or

 

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  (d) Approval by the shareholders of the Corporation of a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Corporation other than in the context of a transaction that does not constitute a Change in Control Event under clause (c) above.

7.2.2 Unless expressly provided in the award agreement or other applicable written agreement, in the event that a participant who is appointed by the holders of the preferred shares of the Company to serve on the Incumbent Board terminates his service to the Company (other than pursuant to Section 7.2.1), such participant shall be entitled to additional vesting of the awards held by the participant immediately prior to the Termination Date such that as to any such award, the aggregate portion of such award that shall have vested as of the Termination Date shall be equal to (a) the portion of the award that would have become vested as of the Termination Date in accordance with the vesting schedule established for the award pursuant to Section 5.3 hereof plus (b) the portion of the award that is unvested as of the Termination Date.

 

  7.3 Early Termination of Awards . Any award that has been accelerated as required or contemplated by Section 7.2.1 (or would have been so accelerated but for Section 7.4, 7.5 or 7.6) shall terminate upon the related event referred to in Section 7.2.1, as applicable, subject to any provision that has been expressly made by the Administrator, through a plan of reorganization or otherwise, for the survival, substitution, assumption, exchange or other continuation or settlement of such award and provided that, in the case of options and share appreciation rights that will not survive, be substituted for, assumed, exchanged, or otherwise continued or settled in the transaction, the holder of such award shall be given reasonable advance notice of the impending termination and a reasonable opportunity to exercise his or her outstanding options and share appreciation rights in accordance with their terms before the termination of such awards (except that in no case shall more than ten days’ notice of accelerated vesting and the impending termination be required and any acceleration may be made contingent upon the actual occurrence of the event).

 

  7.4 Other Acceleration Rules . Any acceleration of awards pursuant to this Section 7 shall comply with applicable legal requirements and, if necessary to accomplish the purposes of the acceleration or if the circumstances require, may be deemed by the Administrator to occur a limited period of time not greater than 30 days before the event. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Administrator may deem an acceleration to occur immediately prior to the applicable event and/or reinstate the original terms of an award if an event giving rise to an acceleration does not occur. The Administrator may override the provisions of Section 7.2, 7.3, and/or 7.5 by express provision in the award agreement and may accord any Eligible Person a right to refuse any acceleration, whether pursuant to the award agreement or otherwise, in such circumstances as the Administrator may approve; provided that except in order to comply with applicable legal requirements, the Administrator may not override any provision if such action would adversely affect a recipient of a previously granted award

 

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with respect to such previously granted award. The portion of any ISO accelerated in connection with a Change in Control Event or any other action permitted hereunder shall remain exercisable as an ISO only to the extent the applicable $100,000 limitation on ISOs is not exceeded. To the extent exceeded, the accelerated portion of the option shall be exercisable as a nonqualified share option under the Code.

 

  7.5 Possible Rescission of Acceleration . If the vesting of an award has been accelerated expressly in anticipation of an event or upon shareholder approval of an event and the Administrator later determines that the event will not occur, the Administrator may rescind the effect of the acceleration as to any then outstanding and unexercised or otherwise unvested awards.

 

  7.6 Golden Parachute Limitation . Notwithstanding anything else contained in this Section 7 to the contrary, in no event shall an award be accelerated under this Plan to an extent or in a manner which would not be fully deductible by the Company for federal income tax purposes because of Section 280G of the Code, nor shall any payment hereunder be accelerated to the extent any portion of such accelerated payment would not be deductible by the Company because of Section 280G of the Code. If a participant would be entitled to benefits or payments hereunder and under any other plan or program that would constitute “parachute payments” as defined in Section 280G of the Code, then the participant may by written notice to the Company designate the order in which such parachute payments will be reduced or modified so that the Company is not denied federal income tax deductions for any “parachute payments” because of Section 280G of the Code. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an employment or other agreement with the participant may expressly provide for benefits in excess of amounts determined by applying the foregoing Section 280G limitations.

 

  7.7 Section 162(m) Limitations . To the extent limited by Section 162(m) of the Code in the case of an award intended as performance-based compensation thereunder and necessary to assure the deductibility of the compensation payable under the award, the Administrator shall have no discretion under this Plan (a) to increase the amount of compensation or the number of shares that would otherwise be due upon the attainment of the applicable performance target or the exercise of the option or SAR, or (b) to waive the achievement of any applicable performance goal as a condition to receiving a benefit or right under the award.

8. OTHER PROVISIONS

 

  8.1 Compliance with Laws . This Plan, the granting and vesting of awards under this Plan, the offer, issuance and delivery of Common Shares, the acceptance of promissory notes and/or the payment of money under this Plan or under awards are subject to compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, applicable foreign laws, rules and regulations (including but not limited to state and federal securities law, federal margin requirements) and to such approvals by any listing, regulatory or governmental authority as may, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, be necessary or advisable in connection therewith. The person acquiring any securities under this Plan will, if requested by the Company,

 

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provide such assurances and representations to the Company as the Administrator may deem necessary or desirable to assure compliance with all applicable legal and accounting requirements.

 

  8.2 Employment Status . No person shall have any claim or rights to be granted an award (or additional awards, as the case may be) under this Plan, subject to any express contractual rights (set forth in a document other than this Plan) to the contrary.

 

  8.3 No Employment/Service Contract . Nothing contained in this Plan (or in any other documents under this Plan or in any award) shall confer upon any Eligible Person or other participant any right to continue in the employ or other service of the Company, constitute any contract or agreement of employment or other service or affect an employee’s status as an employee at will, nor shall interfere in any way with the right of the Company to change a person’s compensation or other benefits, or to terminate his or her employment or other service, with or without cause. Nothing in this Section 8.3, however, is intended to adversely affect any express independent right of such person under a separate employment or service contract other than an award agreement.

 

  8.4 Plan Not Funded . Awards payable under this Plan shall be payable in shares or from the general assets of the Corporation, and no special or separate reserve, fund or deposit shall be made to assure payment of such awards. No participant, beneficiary or other person shall have any right, title or interest in any fund or in any specific asset (including Common Shares, except as expressly otherwise provided) of the Company by reason of any award hereunder. Neither the provisions of this Plan (or of any related documents), nor the creation or adoption of this Plan, nor any action taken pursuant to the provisions of this Plan shall create, or be construed to create, a trust of any kind or a fiduciary relationship between the Company and any participant, beneficiary or other person. To the extent that a participant, beneficiary or other person acquires a right to receive payment pursuant to any award hereunder, such right shall be no greater than the right of any unsecured general creditor of the Company.

 

  8.5 Tax Withholding . Upon any exercise, vesting, or payment of any award or upon the disposition of Common Shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of an ISO prior to satisfaction of the holding period requirements of Section 422 of the Code, the Company shall have the right at its option to:

 

  (a) require the participant (or the participant’s personal representative or beneficiary, as the case may be) to pay or provide for payment of at least the minimum amount of any taxes which the Company may be required to withhold with respect to such award event or payment;

 

  (b) deduct from any amount otherwise payable in cash to the participant (or the participant’s personal representative or beneficiary, as the case may be) the minimum amount of any taxes which the Company may be required to withhold with respect to such cash payment; or

 

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  (c) reduce the number of Common Shares to be delivered by (or otherwise reacquire shares held by the participant at least 6 months) the appropriate number of Common Shares, valued at their then fair market value, to satisfy the minimum withholding obligation.

In any case where a tax is required to be withheld (including taxes in the PRC where applicable) in connection with the delivery of Common Shares under this Plan (including the sale of Common Shares as may be required to comply with foreign exchange rules in the PRC for participants resident in the PRC), the Administrator may in its sole discretion (subject to Section 8.1) grant (either at the time of the award or thereafter) to the participant the right to elect, pursuant to such rules and subject to such conditions as the Administrator may establish, to have the Corporation reduce the number of Common Shares to be delivered by (or otherwise reacquire) the appropriate number of Common Shares, valued in a consistent manner at their fair market value or at the sales price in accordance with authorized procedures for cashless exercises, necessary to satisfy the minimum applicable withholding obligation on exercise, vesting or payment. In no event shall the Common Shares withheld exceed the minimum whole number of Common Shares required for tax withholding under applicable law. The Corporation may, with the Administrator’s approval, accept one or more promissory notes from any Eligible Person in connection with taxes required to be withheld upon the exercise, vesting or payment of any award under this Plan; provided that any such note shall be subject to terms and conditions established by the Administrator and the requirements of applicable law.

 

  8.6 Effective Date, Termination and Suspension, Amendments .

8.6.1 Effective Date . This Plan is effective as of May 1, 2006, the date of its approval by the Board (the “ Effective Date ”). This Plan shall be submitted for and subject to shareholder approval no later than twelve months after the Effective Date. Unless earlier terminated by the Board, this Plan shall terminate at the close of business on the day before the tenth anniversary of the Effective Date. After the termination of this Plan either upon such stated expiration date or its earlier termination by the Board, no additional awards may be granted under this Plan, but previously granted awards (and the authority of the Administrator with respect thereto, including the authority to amend such awards) shall remain outstanding in accordance with their applicable terms and conditions and the terms and conditions of this Plan.

8.6.2 Board Authorization . The Board may, at any time, terminate or, from time to time, amend, modify or suspend this Plan, in whole or in part. No awards may be granted during any period that the Board suspends this Plan.

8.6.3 Shareholder Approval . To the extent then required by applicable law or any applicable listing agency or required under Sections 162, 422 or 424 of the Code to preserve the intended tax consequences of this Plan, or deemed necessary or advisable by the Board, any amendment to this Plan shall be subject to shareholder approval.

 

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8.6.4 Amendments to Awards . Without limiting any other express authority of the Administrator under (but subject to) the express limits of this Plan, the Administrator by agreement or resolution may waive conditions of or limitations on awards to participants that the Administrator in the prior exercise of its discretion has imposed, without the consent of a participant, and (subject to the requirements of Sections 3.2 and 8.6.5) may make other changes to the terms and conditions of awards. Any amendment or other action that would constitute a repricing of an award is subject to the limitations set forth in Section 3.2(g).

8.6.5 Limitations on Amendments to Plan and Awards . No amendment, suspension or termination of this Plan or change of or affecting any outstanding award shall, without written consent of the participant, affect in any manner materially adverse to the participant any rights or benefits of the participant or obligations of the Company under any award granted under this Plan prior to the effective date of such change. Changes, settlements and other actions contemplated by Section 7 shall not be deemed to constitute changes or amendments for purposes of this Section 8.6.

 

  8.7 Privileges of Share Ownership . Except as otherwise expressly authorized by the Administrator or this Plan, a participant shall not be entitled to any privilege of share ownership as to any Common Shares not actually delivered to and held of record by the participant. No adjustment will be made for dividends or other rights as a shareholder for which a record date is prior to such date of delivery.

 

  8.8 Governing Law; Construction; Severability .

8.8.1 Choice of Law . This Plan, the awards, all documents evidencing awards and all other related documents shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with the laws of the Cayman Islands.

8.8.2 Severability . If a court of competent jurisdiction holds any provision invalid and unenforceable, the remaining provisions of this Plan shall continue in effect.

8.8.3 Plan Construction .

 

  (a) Rule 16b-3 . It is the intent of the Corporation that the awards and transactions permitted by awards be interpreted in a manner that, in the case of participants who are or may be subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act, qualify, to the maximum extent compatible with the express terms of the award, for exemption from matching liability under Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Corporation shall have no liability to any participant for Section 16 consequences of awards or events under awards if an award or event does not so qualify.

 

  (b) Section 162(m) . Options and SARs granted to employees of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries with an exercise or base price not less than the fair market value of a share of Common Stock at the date of grant that are approved by a committee

 

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composed solely of two or more outside directors (as this requirement is applied under Section 162(m) of the Code) shall be deemed to be intended as performance-based compensation within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code unless such committee provides otherwise at the time of grant of the award. It is the further intent of the Corporation that (to the extent the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries or awards under this Plan may be or become subject to limitations on deductibility under Section 162(m) of the Code) any such awards that are granted to or held by a person subject to Section 162(m) will qualify as performance-based compensation or otherwise be exempt from deductibility limitations under Section 162(m).

 

  8.9 Captions . Captions and headings are given to the sections and subsections of this Plan solely as a convenience to facilitate reference. Such headings shall not be deemed in any way material or relevant to the construction or interpretation of this Plan or any provision thereof.

 

  8.10 Share-Based Awards in Substitution for Share Options or Awards Granted by Other Corporation . Awards may be granted to Eligible Persons under this Plan in substitution for or in connection with an assumption of employee share options, share appreciation rights, restricted share or other share-based awards granted by other entities to persons who are or who will become Eligible Persons in respect of the Company, in connection with a distribution, merger or other reorganization by or with the granting entity or an affiliated entity, or the acquisition by the Company, directly or indirectly, of all or a substantial part of the share or assets of the employing entity. The awards so granted need not comply with other specific terms of this Plan, provided the awards reflect only adjustments giving effect to the assumption or substitution consistent with the conversion applicable to the Common Share in the transaction and any change in the issuer of the security. Any Common Shares that are delivered and any awards that are granted by, or become obligations of, the Corporation, as a result of the assumption by the Corporation of, or in substitution for, outstanding awards previously granted by an acquired company (or previously granted by a predecessor employer (or direct or indirect parent thereof) in the case of persons that become employed by the Company in connection with a business or asset acquisition or similar transaction) shall not be counted against the Share Limit or other limits on the number of shares available for issuance under this Plan.

 

  8.11 Non-Exclusivity of Plan . Nothing in this Plan shall limit or be deemed to limit the authority of the Board or the Administrator to grant awards or authorize any other compensation, with or without reference to the Common Share, under any other plan or authority.

 

  8.12 No Corporate Action Restriction . The existence of this Plan, the award agreements and the awards granted hereunder shall not limit, affect or restrict in any way the right or power of the Board or the shareholders of the Corporation to make or authorize: (a) any adjustment, recapitalization, reorganization or other change in the capital structure or business of the Corporation or any subsidiary,

 

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(b) any merger, amalgamation, consolidation or change in the ownership of the Corporation or any subsidiary, (c) any issue of bonds, debentures, capital, preferred or prior preference share ahead of or affecting the capital share (or the rights thereof) of the Corporation or any subsidiary, (d) any dissolution or liquidation of the Corporation or any subsidiary, (e) any sale or transfer of all or any part of the assets or business of the Corporation or any subsidiary, or (f) any other corporate act or proceeding by the Corporation or any subsidiary. No participant, beneficiary or any other person shall have any claim under any award or award agreement against any member of the Board or the Administrator, or the Corporation or any employees, officers or agents of the Corporation or any subsidiary, as a result of any such action.

 

  8.13 Other Company Benefit and Compensation Programs . Payments and other benefits received by a participant under an award made pursuant to this Plan shall not be deemed a part of a participant’s compensation for purposes of the determination of benefits under any other employee welfare or benefit plans or arrangements, if any, provided by the Corporation or any subsidiary, except where the Administrator expressly otherwise provides or authorizes in writing. Awards under this Plan may be made in addition to, in combination with, as alternatives to or in payment of grants, awards or commitments under any other plans or arrangements of the Corporation or its subsidiaries.

 

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Exhibit 10.2

CHINA DRTV, INC.

2005 SHARE INCENTIVE PLAN

EMPLOYEE SHARE OPTION AGREEMENT

THIS EMPLOYEE SHARE OPTION AGREEMENT (this “ Option Agreement ”) dated                                  by and between China DRTV, Inc. , an international business company formed under the laws of the British Virgin Islands (the “ Corporation ”), and                                          (the “ Grantee ”) evidences the share option (the “Option” ) granted by the Corporation to the Grantee as to the number of the Corporation’s ordinary shares (“ Common Shares ”) first set forth below.

 

                                   
      Number of Common Shares : 1                Award Date:             
                   
    Exercise Price per Common Share : 1    $                    Expiration Date: 1 ,2          
                   
   

Type of Option   (check one) :

  

Nonqualified Option                             [               ]

      
   
      

Incentive Stock Option                         [              ]

      
   
   

Vesting 1,2 The Option shall become vested as to 25% of the total number of Common Shares subject to the Option on the Award Date. The remaining 75% of the total number of Common Shares subject to the Option shall vest in 36 substantially equal monthly installments, with the first installment vesting on the last day of the month in which the Award Date occurs and an additional installment vesting on the last day of each of the 35 months thereafter.

 

The Option is granted under the China DRTV, Inc. 2005 Share Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”) and subject to the Terms and Conditions of Employee Share Option (the “ Terms ”) attached to this Option Agreement (incorporated herein by this reference) and to the Plan. The Option has been granted to the Grantee in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other form of compensation otherwise payable or to be paid to the Grantee. Capitalized terms are defined in the Plan if not defined herein. The parties agree to the terms of the Option set forth herein. The Grantee acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Terms and the Plan, specifically acknowledges and agrees to Section 14 of the Terms, and agrees to maintain in confidence all information provided to him/her in connection with the Option.

 

“GRANTEE”      CHINA DRTV, INC.
            
Signature      By:                                                                                                                     
       
Print Name     
     Print Name:                                                                                                     
    
        Title:                                                                                                                  
Address     

 


1 Subject to adjustment under Section 7.1 of the Plan.
2 Subject to early termination under Section 4 of the Terms and Section 7.3 of the Plan.


CONSENT OF SPOUSE

(optional)

In consideration of the Corporation’s execution of this Option Agreement, the undersigned spouse of the Grantee agrees to be bound by all of the terms and provisions hereof and of the Plan.

 

            
Signature of Spouse     Date   


TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYEE SHARE OPTION

 

1. Vesting; Limits on Exercise .

The Option shall vest and become exercisable in percentage installments of the aggregate number of Common Shares subject to the Option as set forth on the cover page of this Option Agreement. The Option may be exercised only to the extent the Option is vested and exercisable.

 

    Cumulative Exercisability . To the extent that the Option is vested and exercisable, the Grantee has the right to exercise the Option (to the extent not previously exercised), and such right shall continue, until the expiration or earlier termination of the Option.

 

    No Fractional Shares . Fractional Common Share interests shall be disregarded, but may be cumulated subject to the Plan.

 

    Minimum Exercise . No fewer than 100 Common Shares (subject to adjustment under Section 7.1 of the Plan) may be purchased at any one time, unless the number purchased is the total number at the time exercisable under the Option.

 

    ISO Value Limit . If the Option is designated as an Incentive Stock Option (an “ ISO ”), as indicated on the cover page of this Option Agreement, and if the aggregate fair market value of the shares with respect to which ISOs (whether granted under the Option or otherwise) first become exercisable by the Grantee in any calendar year exceeds $100,000, as measured on the applicable Award Dates, the limitations of Section 5.1.2 of the Plan shall apply and to such extent the Option will be rendered a Nonqualified Option.

 

2. Continuance of Employment/Service Required; No Employment/Service Commitment .

The vesting schedule requires continued employment or service through each applicable vesting date as a condition to the vesting of the applicable installment of the Option and the rights and benefits under this Option Agreement. Employment or service for only a portion of the vesting period, even if a substantial portion, will not entitle the Grantee to any proportionate vesting or avoid or mitigate a termination of rights and benefits upon or following a termination of employment or services as provided in Section 4 below or under the Plan.

Nothing contained in this Option Agreement or the Plan constitutes a continued employment or service commitment by the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries, affects the Grantee’s status, if he or she is an employee, as an employee at will who is subject to termination without cause, confers upon the Grantee any right to remain employed by or in service to the Corporation or any Subsidiary, interferes in any way with the right of the Corporation or any Subsidiary at any time to terminate such employment or service, or affects the right of the Corporation or any Subsidiary to increase or decrease the Grantee’s other compensation.

 

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3. Method of Exercise of Option .

The Option shall be exercisable by the delivery to the Secretary of the Corporation (or such other person as the Committee may require pursuant to such administrative exercise procedures as the Committee may implement from time to time) of:

 

    an executed Option Exercise and Common Share Purchase Agreement (stating the number of Common Shares to be purchased pursuant to the Option) in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit A or such other form as the Administrator may require from time to time (the “ Exercise Agreement ”);

 

    payment in full for the Exercise Price of the shares to be purchased, in cash or by electronic funds transfer to the Corporation, or by certified or cashier’s check payable to the order of the Corporation subject to such specific procedures or directions as the Administrator may establish;

 

    any written statements or agreements required pursuant to Section 8.1 of the Plan; and

 

    satisfaction of the tax withholding provisions of Section 8.5 of the Plan.

The Administrator also may, but is not required to, authorize a non-cash payment alternative specified below at or prior to the time of exercise. In which case, the Exercise Price and/or applicable withholding taxes, to the extent so authorized, may be paid in full or in part by delivery to the Corporation of:

 

    Common Shares already owned by the Grantee, valued at their Fair Market Value on the exercise date, provided , however , that any shares acquired directly from the Corporation (upon exercise of an option or otherwise) must have been owned by the Grantee for at least six (6) months before the date of such exercise; and/or

 

    if the Common Shares are then registered under the Exchange Act and listed or quoted on a recognized national securities exchange or in the NASDAQ National Market Quotation System, irrevocable instructions to a broker to, upon exercise of the Option, promptly sell a sufficient number of Common Shares acquired upon exercise of the Option and deliver to the Corporation the amount necessary to pay the Exercise Price (and, if applicable, the amount of any related tax withholding obligations).

An Option will qualify as an ISO only if it meets all of the applicable requirements of the Code. If the Option is designated as an ISO, the Option may be rendered a Nonqualified Option if the Administrator permits the use of one or more of the non-cash payment alternatives referenced above.

 

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4. Early Termination of Option .

4.1 Possible Termination of Option upon Change in Control. The Option is subject to termination in connection with a Change in Control Event or certain similar reorganization events as provided in Section 7.3 of the Plan.

4.2 Termination of Option upon a Termination of Grantee’s Employment or Services. Subject to earlier termination on the Expiration Date of the Option or pursuant to Section 4.1 above, if the Grantee ceases to be employed by or ceases to provide services to the Corporation or a Subsidiary (other than in the capacity as a member of the board of directors of the Corporation as provided below), the following rules shall apply (the last day that the Grantee is employed by or provides services to the Corporation or a Subsidiary is referred to as the Grantee’s “ Severance Date ”):

 

    other than as expressly provided below in this Section 4.2, (a) the Grantee will have until the date that is 30 days after his or her Severance Date to exercise the Option (or portion thereof) to the extent that it was vested on the Severance Date, (b) the Option, to the extent not vested on the Severance Date, shall terminate on the Severance Date, and (c) the Option, to the extent exercisable for the 30-day period following the Severance Date and not exercised during such period, shall terminate at the close of business on the last day of the 30-day period;

 

    if the termination of the Grantee’s employment is the result of the Grantee’s voluntary Retirement (as defined below and other than a termination by the Corporation or a Subsidiary for cause as provided below), then (a) the Grantee will have until the date that is 3 years after his or her Severance Date to exercise the Option (or portion thereof) to the extent that it was vested on the Severance Date, (b) the Option, to the extent not vested on the Severance Date, shall terminate on the Severance Date, and (c) the Option, to the extent exercisable for the 3-year period following the Severance Date and not exercised during such period, shall terminate at the close of business on the last day of the 3-year period;

 

    if the termination of the Grantee’s employment is the result of the Grantee’s death or Disability (as defined below), then (a) the Grantee (or his beneficiary or personal representative, as the case may be) will have until the date that is 3 years after the Grantee’s Severance Date to exercise the Option, (b) the Option, to the extent not vested on the Severance Date, shall terminate on the Severance Date, and (c) the Option, to the extent exercisable for the 3-year period following the Severance Date and not exercised during such period, shall terminate at the close of business on the last day of the 3-year period;

 

    if the termination of the Grantee’s employment is the result of a termination by the Corporation or a Subsidiary for Cause (as defined below), the Option (whether vested or not) shall terminate on the Severance Date.

In the event a Grantee who is appointed by the holders of the preferred shares of the Corporation to serve on the board of directors of the Corporation (the “ Board ”) terminates his

 

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service to the Corporation (other than in connection with a Change in Control Event or certain similar reorganization events), the Option shall not be subject to Section 4.2 herein but shall be subject to accelerated vesting in accordance with Section 7.2.2 of the Plan.

For purposes of the Option, “Disability” means a permanent disability (within the meaning of Section 22(e)(3) of the Code or as otherwise determined by the Administrator). For purposes of the Option, “Retirement” means a termination of employment by the Grantee that occurs upon or after the Grantee’s attainment of age 65 and in accordance with the retirement policies of the Corporation (or the Subsidiary that employs the Grantee) then in effect. For purposes of the Option, “Cause” means that the Grantee: (a) has been repeatedly negligent in the discharge of his or her duties to the Corporation or a Subsidiary or has refused to perform stated or assigned duties (other than by reason of a disability or analogous condition); (b) has been dishonest or committed or engaged in an act of theft, embezzlement or fraud, a breach of confidentiality, an unauthorized disclosure or use of inside information, customer lists, trade secrets or other confidential information; (c) has breached a fiduciary duty, or violated any other duty, law, rule, regulation or policy of the company or an affiliate; (d) has been convicted of, or plead guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony or misdemeanor (other than minor traffic violations or similar offenses); (e) has materially breached any of the provisions of any agreement with the Corporation or a Subsidiary; (f) has engaged in unfair competition with, or otherwise acted intentionally in a manner injurious to the reputation, business or assets of, the Corporation or a Subsidiary; or has improperly induced a vendor or customer to break or terminate any contract with the Corporation or a Subsidiary or induced a principal for whom the Corporation or a Subsidiary acts as agent to terminate such agency relationship.

In all events the Option is subject to earlier termination on the Expiration Date of the Option or as contemplated by Section 4.1. The Administrator shall be the sole judge of whether the Grantee continues to render employment or services for purposes of this Option Agreement.

 

5. Non-Transferability .

The Option and any other rights of the Grantee under this Option Agreement or the Plan are nontransferable and exercisable only by the Grantee, except as set forth in Section 5.7 of the Plan. Any Common Shares issued on exercise of the Option are subject to substantial restrictions on transfer, and are subject to other rights in favor of the Corporation as set forth herein and in the Exercise Agreement.

 

6. Securities Law Compliance .

The Grantee acknowledges that the Option and the Common Shares are not being registered under the Securities Act, based, in part, in reliance upon an exemption from registration under Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 701 promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, and a comparable exemption from qualification under applicable state securities laws, as each may be amended from time to time. The Grantee, by executing this Option Agreement, hereby makes the following representations to the Corporation and acknowledges that the Corporation’s reliance on federal and state securities law exemptions from registration and qualification is predicated, in substantial part, upon the accuracy of these representations:

 

    The Grantee is acquiring the Option and, if and when he/she exercises the Option, will acquire the Common Shares solely for the Grantee’s own account, for investment purposes only, and not with a view to or an intent to sell, or to offer for resale in connection with any unregistered distribution, all or any portion of the Common Shares within the meaning of the Securities Act, or other applicable state securities laws.

 

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    The Grantee has had an opportunity to ask questions and receive answers from the Corporation regarding the terms and conditions of the Option and the restrictions imposed on any Common Shares purchased upon exercise of the Option. The Grantee has been furnished with, and/or has access to, such information as he or she considers necessary or appropriate for deciding whether to exercise the Option and purchase Common Shares. However, in evaluating the merits and risks of an investment in the Common Shares, the Grantee has and will rely upon the advice of his/her own legal counsel, tax advisors, and/or investment advisors.

 

    The Grantee is aware that the Option may be of no practical value, that any value it may have depends on its vesting and exercisability as well as an increase in the Fair Market Value of the underlying Common Shares to an amount in excess of the Exercise Price, and that any investment in common shares of a closely held corporation such as the Corporation is non-marketable, non-transferable and could require capital to be invested for an indefinite period of time, possibly without return, and at substantial risk of loss.

 

    The Grantee understands that any Common Shares acquired on exercise of the Option will be characterized as “restricted securities” under the federal securities laws, and that, under such laws and applicable regulations, such securities may be resold without registration under the Securities Act only in certain limited circumstances, including in accordance with the conditions of Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act, as presently in effect, with which the Grantee is familiar.

 

    The Grantee has read and understands the restrictions and limitations set forth in the Plan, this Option Agreement (including these Terms), which are imposed on the Option and any Common Shares which may be acquired upon exercise of the Option.

 

    At no time was an oral representation made to the Grantee relating to the Option or the purchase of Common Shares and the Grantee was not presented with or solicited by any promotional meeting or material relating to the Option or the Common Share.

 

7. Lock-Up Agreement.

Grantee may not (nor may any permitted transferee), directly or indirectly, offer, sell or transfer or dispose of any of the Common Shares acquired upon exercise of the Option or any interest therein (or agree to do any thereof) (collectively, a “ Transfer ”) during the period commencing as of 14 days prior to and ending one year, or such lesser period of time as the relevant underwriters may permit, after the effective date of a registration statement covering any public offering of the Corporation’s securities of which the Grantee has notice (The term

 

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“Grantee” includes, where the context so requires, any permitted direct or indirect transferee of the Grantee.) The Grantee shall agree and consent to the entry of stop transfer instructions with the Corporation’s transfer agent against the Transfer of the Corporation’s securities beneficially owned by the Grantee and shall conform the limitations hereunder by agreement with and for the benefit of the relevant underwriters by a lock-up agreement or other agreement in customary form. Notwithstanding anything else herein to the contrary, this Section 7 shall not be construed so as to prohibit the Grantee from participating in a registration or a public offering of the Common Shares with respect to any shares which he or she may hold at that time, provided, however, that such participation shall be at the sole discretion of the Board.

 

8. Notices .

Any notice to be given under the terms of this Option Agreement shall be in writing and addressed to the Corporation at its principal office to the attention of the Secretary, and to the Grantee at the address last reflected on the Corporation’s payroll records, or at such other address as either party may hereafter designate in writing to the other. Any such notice shall be given only when received, but if the Grantee is no longer employed by the Corporation or a Subsidiary, shall be deemed to have been duly given five business days after the date mailed in accordance with the foregoing provisions of this Section 8.

 

9. Plan .

The Option and all rights of the Grantee under this Option Agreement are subject to, and the Grantee agrees to be bound by, all of the terms and conditions of the Plan, incorporated herein by this reference. In the event of a conflict or inconsistency between the terms and conditions of this Option Agreement and of the Plan, the terms and conditions of the Plan shall govern. The Grantee agrees to be bound by the terms of the Plan and this Option Agreement (including these Terms). The Grantee acknowledges having read and understanding the Plan and this Option Agreement. Unless otherwise expressly provided in other sections of this Option Agreement, provisions of the Plan that confer discretionary authority on the Board or the Administrator do not and shall not be deemed to create any rights in the Grantee unless such rights are expressly set forth herein or are otherwise in the sole discretion of the Board or the Administrator so conferred by appropriate action of the Board or the Administrator under the Plan after the date hereof.

 

10. Entire Agreement .

This Option Agreement (including these Terms) and the Plan together constitute the entire agreement and supersede all prior understandings and agreements, written or oral, of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof. The Plan and this Option Agreement may be amended pursuant to Section 8.6 of the Plan. Such amendment must be in writing and signed by the Corporation. The Corporation may, however, unilaterally waive any provision hereof in writing to the extent such waiver does not adversely affect the interests of the Grantee hereunder, but no such waiver shall operate as or be construed to be a subsequent waiver of the same provision or a waiver of any other provision hereof.

 

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11. Governing Law; Limited Rights; Severability .

11.1 British Virgin Islands Laws; Construction. This Option Agreement and the Exercise Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the British Virgin Islands without regard to conflict of law principles thereunder. The terms of the Option grant have resulted from the negotiations of the parties and each of the parties has had an opportunity to obtain and consult with its own counsel. The language of all parts of the Plan, this Option Agreement (including these Terms) and the Exercise Agreement shall in all cases be construed as a whole, according to its fair meaning, and not strictly for or against either of the parties.

11.2 Limited Rights. The Grantee has no rights as a shareholder of the Corporation with respect to the Option as set forth in Section 8.7 of the Plan. The Option does not place any limit on the corporate authority of the Corporation as set forth in Section 8.12 of the Plan.

11.3 Severability . If the arbitrator selected in accordance with Section 12.2 or a court of competent jurisdiction determines that any portion of this Option Agreement, the Plan, or the Exercise Agreement is in violation of any statute or public policy, then only the portions of this Option Agreement, the Plan, or the Exercise Agreement, as applicable, which violate such statute or public policy shall be stricken, and all portions of this Option Agreement, the Plan, and the Exercise Agreement which do not violate any statute or public policy shall continue in full force and effect. Furthermore, it is the parties’ intent that any court order striking any portion of this Option Agreement, the Plan, and/or the Exercise Agreement should modify the stricken terms as narrowly as possible to give as much effect as possible to the intentions of the parties hereunder.

 

12. Arbitration .

12.1 Any dispute, controversy or claim arising out of or in connection with or relating to this Option Agreement, or the interpretation, breach, termination or validity hereof, shall be resolved through arbitration. A dispute may be submitted to arbitration upon the request of either party with written notice to the other (the “ Notice ”). The arbitration shall be conducted in Hong Kong under the auspices of the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (the “ Centre ”). There shall be three (3) arbitrators. Each party shall nominate one (1) arbitrator within thirty (30) days after the delivery of the Notice to the other party. The appointment of party nominated arbitrators shall be confirmed by the Centre. Both arbitrators shall agree on the third arbitrator within thirty (30) days of their confirmation by the Centre. Should either party fail to appoint an arbitrator or should the two arbitrators fail within thirty (30) days to reach agreement on the third arbitrator, such arbitrator shall be appointed by the Secretary General of the Centre.

12.2 The arbitration proceedings shall be conducted in English. The arbitration tribunal shall apply the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules as administered by the Centre at the time of the arbitration. However, if such rules conflict with the provisions of this Section 12.2, including the provisions concerning the appointment of an arbitrator(s), the provisions of this Section 12.2 shall prevail.

 

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12.3 The arbitrators shall decide any dispute submitted by the parties strictly in accordance with the substantive laws of the British Virgin Islands and shall not apply any other substantive law.

12.4 Each party shall cooperate with the other in making full disclosure of and providing complete access to all information and documents requested by the other in connection with such arbitration proceedings, subject only to any confidentiality obligations binding on such party.

12.5 The costs of arbitration shall be borne by the losing party, unless otherwise determined by the arbitration tribunal.

12.6 When any dispute occurs and when any dispute is under arbitration, except for the matters in dispute, the parties shall continue to fulfill their respective obligations and shall be entitled to exercise their rights under this Agreement.

12.7 The award of the arbitration tribunal shall be final and binding upon the parties, and the prevailing party may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for enforcement of such award.

 

13. Shareholder Approval .

Notwithstanding anything else contained herein to the contrary, the Option and all rights of the Grantee under this Option Agreement are subject to approval of the Plan by the Corporation’s shareholders (such approval to be obtained in accordance with the terms of the Plan, the Corporation’s Memorandum and Articles of Association, and applicable law) within 12 months after the Effective Date of the Plan.

 

14. Satisfaction of All Rights to Equity .

The Option is in complete satisfaction of any and all rights that the Grantee may have (under an employment, consulting, or other written or oral agreement with the Corporation or any of its Affiliates, or otherwise) to receive (1) options or share awards with respect to the securities of the Corporation or any of its Affiliates, and/or (2) any other equity or derivative security in or with respect to the Corporation or any of its Affiliates. This Option Agreement supersedes the terms of all prior understandings and agreements, written or oral, of the parties with respect to such matters. The Grantee shall have no further rights or benefits under any prior agreement conveying any right with respect to any security or derivative security in or with respect to the Corporation or any of its Affiliates. The foregoing notwithstanding, this Section 14 shall not adversely affect the Grantee’s rights under any prior option or share award agreement under the Plan (provided such agreement is expressly labeled as an option or share award agreement under the Plan and is similar in form to this Option Agreement) which has been signed by an authorized officer of the Corporation.

 

15. Effect of this Agreement .

This Option Agreement shall be assumed by, be binding upon and inure to the benefit of any successor or successors to the Corporation.

 

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16. Counterparts .

This Option Agreement may be executed simultaneously in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

17. Section Headings .

The section headings of this Option Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not be deemed to alter or affect any provision hereof.

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]

 

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EXHIBIT A

CHINA DRTV, INC.

2005 SHARE INCENTIVE PLAN

OPTION EXERCISE AND COMMON SHARE PURCHASE AGREEMENT

The undersigned (the “ Purchaser ”) hereby irrevocably elects to exercise his/her right, evidenced by that certain Option Agreement dated as of                                               (the “ Option Agreement ”) under the China DRTV Inc. 2005 Share Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”), as follows:

 

    the Purchaser hereby irrevocably elects to purchase                                               Common Shares (the “ Shares ”), of China DRTV Inc., an international business company formed under the laws of the British Virgin Islands (the “ Corporation ”), and

 

    such purchase shall be at the price of $              per share, for an aggregate amount of $              (subject to applicable withholding taxes pursuant to Section 8.5 of the Plan).

Capitalized terms are defined in the Plan if not defined herein.

1. Delivery of Share Certificate . The Purchaser requests that a certificate representing the Shares be registered to Purchaser and delivered to:                                                                                                                                                                                              .

2. Investment Representations . The Purchaser acknowledges that the sale of the Shares by the Purchaser is restricted by Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 701. The Purchaser hereby affirms as made as of the date hereof the representations in Section 6 of the “Terms and Conditions of Option” (which are attached to and a part of the Option Agreement, the “ Terms ”) and such representations are incorporated herein by this reference. The Purchaser represents that he/she has no need for liquidity in this investment, has the ability to bear the economic risk of this investment, and can afford a complete loss of the purchase price for the Shares.

The Purchaser acknowledges receipt of the Corporation’s condensed consolidated financial information.

3. Limitation on Disposition and Other Restrictions . The Shares are subject to and the Purchaser hereby agrees to the following terms and conditions of the sale of the Shares to the Purchaser:

 

    any transfer of the Shares must comply with the restrictions on transfer set forth in Section 5.7 of the Plan and all applicable laws as set forth in Section 8.1 of the Plan;

 

    the Shares are subject to, and following any otherwise permitted transfer of the Shares, the Shares shall remain subject to and the transferee shall be bound by, the lock-up provisions set forth in Section 7 of the Terms, the foregoing provisions of this Section 3 and the arbitration provisions of Section 12 of the Terms; and

 

    as a condition to any otherwise permitted transfer of the Shares, the Corporation may require the transferee to execute a written agreement, in a form acceptable to the Administrator, that the transferee acknowledges and agrees to the foregoing terms and restrictions imposed on the Shares.


4. Plan and Option Agreement . The Purchaser acknowledges that all of his/her rights are subject to, and the Purchaser agrees to be bound by, all of the terms and conditions of the Plan and the Option Agreement (including the Terms), both of which are incorporated herein by this reference. If a conflict or inconsistency between the terms and conditions of this Option Exercise and Common Share Purchase Agreement and of the Plan or the Option Agreement shall arise, the terms and conditions of the Plan and/or the Option Agreement shall govern. The Purchaser acknowledges receipt of a copy of all documents referenced herein (including the Terms and a disclosure statement) and acknowledges reading and understanding these documents and having an opportunity to ask any questions that he/she may have had about them. Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Option Exercise and Common Share Purchase Agreement shall be submitted to arbitration in accordance with Section 12.2 of the Terms, and the British Virgin Islands laws shall apply as provided in Section 11.1 of the Terms.

5. Entire Agreement . This Option Exercise and Common Share Purchase Agreement, the Option Agreement (including the Terms), and the Plan together constitute the entire agreement and supersede all prior understandings and agreements, written or oral, of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof. The Plan, the Option Agreement and this Option Exercise and Common Share Purchase Agreement may be amended pursuant to Section 8.6 of the Plan. Such amendment must be in writing and signed by the Corporation. The Corporation may, however, unilaterally waive any provision hereof or of the Option Agreement in writing to the extent such waiver does not adversely affect the interests of the Grantee hereunder, but no such waiver shall operate as or be construed to be a subsequent waiver of the same provision or a waiver of any other provision hereof.

6. Notice of Sale of ISO Shares . If the Shares are being acquired upon exercise of an Option intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option, the Purchaser agrees that, upon any sale or other transfer of the Shares within either one year of the date that they are acquired by the Purchaser or two years after the Award Date set forth in the Option Agreement, the Purchaser shall provide the notice required under Section 5.1.2 of the Plan.

 

“PURCHASER”    

ACCEPTED BY:

CHINA DRTV, INC.,

 

Signature

   

an international business company formed

under the laws of the British Virgin Island

 

Print Name

   

By:

 

 

 

Date

   

Its:

 

 

    (To be completed by the company after the price (including applicable withholding taxes), value (if applicable) and receipt of funds is verified.)


CHINA DRTV, INC.

2005 SHARE INCENTIVE PLAN B

EMPLOYEE SHARE OPTION AGREEMENT

THIS EMPLOYEE SHARE OPTION AGREEMENT (this “ Option Agreement ”) dated                                  by and between China DRTV, Inc. , an international business company formed under the laws of the British Virgin Islands (the “ Corporation ”), and                                          (the “ Grantee ”) evidences the share option (the “Option” ) granted by the Corporation to the Grantee as to the number of the Corporation’s ordinary shares (“ Common Shares ”) first set forth below.

 

                                   
      Number of Common Shares : 1                Award Date:             
                   
   

Exercise Price per Common Share : 1

   $                    Expiration Date: 1 ,2          
                   
   

Type of Option (check one) :

   Nonqualified Option                             [               ]       
   
       Incentive Stock Option                         [              ]       
   
    Vesting 1,2 The Option shall become vested as to 25% of the total number of Common Shares subject to the Option on the Award Date. The remaining 75% of the total number of Common Shares subject to the Option shall vest in 36 substantially equal monthly installments, with the first installment vesting on the last day of the month in which the Award Date occurs and an additional installment vesting on the last day of each of the 35 months thereafter.
                                    

The Option is granted under the China DRTV, Inc. 2005 Share Incentive Plan B (the “ Plan ”) and subject to the Terms and Conditions of Employee Share Option (the “ Terms ”) attached to this Option Agreement (incorporated herein by this reference) and to the Plan. The Option has been granted to the Grantee in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other form of compensation otherwise payable or to be paid to the Grantee. Capitalized terms are defined in the Plan if not defined herein. The parties agree to the terms of the Option set forth herein. The Grantee acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Terms and the Plan, specifically acknowledges and agrees to Section 14 of the Terms, and agrees to maintain in confidence all information provided to him/her in connection with the Option.

 

“GRANTEE”      CHINA DRTV, INC.
            
Signature      By:                                                                                                                     
       
Print Name     
     Print Name:                                                                                                     
    
        Title:                                                                                                                  
Address     

 


1 Subject to adjustment under Section 7.1 of the Plan.
2 Subject to early termination under Section 4 of the Terms and Section 7.3 of the Plan.


CONSENT OF SPOUSE

(optional)

In consideration of the Corporation’s execution of this Option Agreement, the undersigned spouse of the Grantee agrees to be bound by all of the terms and provisions hereof and of the Plan.

 

            
Signature of Spouse     Date   


TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYEE SHARE OPTION

 

1. Vesting; Limits on Exercise .

The Option shall vest and become exercisable in percentage installments of the aggregate number of Common Shares subject to the Option as set forth on the cover page of this Option Agreement. The Option may be exercised only to the extent the Option is vested and exercisable.

 

    Cumulative Exercisability . To the extent that the Option is vested and exercisable, the Grantee has the right to exercise the Option (to the extent not previously exercised), and such right shall continue, until the expiration or earlier termination of the Option.

 

    No Fractional Shares . Fractional Common Share interests shall be disregarded, but may be cumulated subject to the Plan.

 

    Minimum Exercise . No fewer than 100 Common Shares (subject to adjustment under Section 7.1 of the Plan) may be purchased at any one time, unless the number purchased is the total number at the time exercisable under the Option.

 

    ISO Value Limit . If the Option is designated as an Incentive Stock Option (an “ ISO ”), as indicated on the cover page of this Option Agreement, and if the aggregate fair market value of the shares with respect to which ISOs (whether granted under the Option or otherwise) first become exercisable by the Grantee in any calendar year exceeds $100,000, as measured on the applicable Award Dates, the limitations of Section 5.1.2 of the Plan shall apply and to such extent the Option will be rendered a Nonqualified Option.

 

2. Continuance of Employment/Service Required; No Employment/Service Commitment .

The vesting schedule requires continued employment or service through each applicable vesting date as a condition to the vesting of the applicable installment of the Option and the rights and benefits under this Option Agreement. Employment or service for only a portion of the vesting period, even if a substantial portion, will not entitle the Grantee to any proportionate vesting or avoid or mitigate a termination of rights and benefits upon or following a termination of employment or services as provided in Section 4 below or under the Plan.

Nothing contained in this Option Agreement or the Plan constitutes a continued employment or service commitment by the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries, affects the Grantee’s status, if he or she is an employee, as an employee at will who is subject to termination without cause, confers upon the Grantee any right to remain employed by or in service to the Corporation or any Subsidiary, interferes in any way with the right of the Corporation or any Subsidiary at any time to terminate such employment or service, or affects the right of the Corporation or any Subsidiary to increase or decrease the Grantee’s other compensation.

 

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3. Method of Exercise of Option .

The Option shall be exercisable by the delivery to the Secretary of the Corporation (or such other person as the Committee may require pursuant to such administrative exercise procedures as the Committee may implement from time to time) of:

 

    an executed Option Exercise and Common Share Purchase Agreement (stating the number of Common Shares to be purchased pursuant to the Option) in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit A or such other form as the Administrator may require from time to time (the “ Exercise Agreement ”);

 

    payment in full for the Exercise Price of the shares to be purchased, in cash or by electronic funds transfer to the Corporation, or by certified or cashier’s check payable to the order of the Corporation subject to such specific procedures or directions as the Administrator may establish;

 

    any written statements or agreements required pursuant to Section 8.1 of the Plan; and

 

    satisfaction of the tax withholding provisions of Section 8.5 of the Plan.

The Administrator also may, but is not required to, authorize a non-cash payment alternative specified below at or prior to the time of exercise. In which case, the Exercise Price and/or applicable withholding taxes, to the extent so authorized, may be paid in full or in part by delivery to the Corporation of:

 

    Common Shares already owned by the Grantee, valued at their Fair Market Value on the exercise date, provided , however , that any shares acquired directly from the Corporation (upon exercise of an option or otherwise) must have been owned by the Grantee for at least six (6) months before the date of such exercise; and/or

 

    if the Common Shares are then registered under the Exchange Act and listed or quoted on a recognized national securities exchange or in the NASDAQ National Market Quotation System, irrevocable instructions to a broker to, upon exercise of the Option, promptly sell a sufficient number of Common Shares acquired upon exercise of the Option and deliver to the Corporation the amount necessary to pay the Exercise Price (and, if applicable, the amount of any related tax withholding obligations).

An Option will qualify as an ISO only if it meets all of the applicable requirements of the Code. If the Option is designated as an ISO, the Option may be rendered a Nonqualified Option if the Administrator permits the use of one or more of the non-cash payment alternatives referenced above.

 

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4. Early Termination of Option .

4.1 Possible Termination of Option upon Change in Control. The Option is subject to termination in connection with a Change in Control Event or certain similar reorganization events as provided in Section 7.3 of the Plan.

4.2 Termination of Option upon a Termination of Grantee’s Employment or Services. Subject to earlier termination on the Expiration Date of the Option or pursuant to Section 4.1 above, if the Grantee ceases to be employed by or ceases to provide services to the Corporation or a Subsidiary (other than in the capacity as a member of the board of directors of the Corporation as provided below), the following rules shall apply (the last day that the Grantee is employed by or provides services to the Corporation or a Subsidiary is referred to as the Grantee’s “ Severance Date ”):

 

    other than as expressly provided below in this Section 4.2, (a) the Grantee will have until the date that is 30 days after his or her Severance Date to exercise the Option (or portion thereof) to the extent that it was vested on the Severance Date, (b) the Option, to the extent not vested on the Severance Date, shall terminate on the Severance Date, and (c) the Option, to the extent exercisable for the 30-day period following the Severance Date and not exercised during such period, shall terminate at the close of business on the last day of the 30-day period;

 

    if the termination of the Grantee’s employment is the result of the Grantee’s voluntary Retirement (as defined below and other than a termination by the Corporation or a Subsidiary for cause as provided below), then (a) the Grantee will have until the date that is 3 years after his or her Severance Date to exercise the Option (or portion thereof) to the extent that it was vested on the Severance Date, (b) the Option, to the extent not vested on the Severance Date, shall terminate on the Severance Date, and (c) the Option, to the extent exercisable for the 3-year period following the Severance Date and not exercised during such period, shall terminate at the close of business on the last day of the 3-year period;

 

    if the termination of the Grantee’s employment is the result of the Grantee’s death or Disability (as defined below), then (a) the Grantee (or his beneficiary or personal representative, as the case may be) will have until the date that is 3 years after the Grantee’s Severance Date to exercise the Option, (b) the Option, to the extent not vested on the Severance Date, shall terminate on the Severance Date, and (c) the Option, to the extent exercisable for the 3-year period following the Severance Date and not exercised during such period, shall terminate at the close of business on the last day of the 3-year period;

 

    if the termination of the Grantee’s employment is the result of a termination by the Corporation or a Subsidiary for Cause (as defined below), the Option (whether vested or not) shall terminate on the Severance Date.

In the event a Grantee who is appointed by the holders of the preferred shares of the Corporation to serve on the board of directors of the Corporation (the “ Board ”) terminates his

 

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service to the Corporation (other than in connection with a Change in Control Event or certain similar reorganization events), the Option shall not be subject to Section 4.2 herein but shall be subject to accelerated vesting in accordance with Section 7.2.2 of the Plan.

For purposes of the Option, “Disability” means a permanent disability (within the meaning of Section 22(e)(3) of the Code or as otherwise determined by the Administrator). For purposes of the Option, “Retirement” means a termination of employment by the Grantee that occurs upon or after the Grantee’s attainment of age 65 and in accordance with the retirement policies of the Corporation (or the Subsidiary that employs the Grantee) then in effect. For purposes of the Option, “Cause” means that the Grantee: (a) has been repeatedly negligent in the discharge of his or her duties to the Corporation or a Subsidiary or has refused to perform stated or assigned duties (other than by reason of a disability or analogous condition); (b) has been dishonest or committed or engaged in an act of theft, embezzlement or fraud, a breach of confidentiality, an unauthorized disclosure or use of inside information, customer lists, trade secrets or other confidential information; (c) has breached a fiduciary duty, or violated any other duty, law, rule, regulation or policy of the company or an affiliate; (d) has been convicted of, or plead guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony or misdemeanor (other than minor traffic violations or similar offenses); (e) has materially breached any of the provisions of any agreement with the Corporation or a Subsidiary; (f) has engaged in unfair competition with, or otherwise acted intentionally in a manner injurious to the reputation, business or assets of, the Corporation or a Subsidiary; or has improperly induced a vendor or customer to break or terminate any contract with the Corporation or a Subsidiary or induced a principal for whom the Corporation or a Subsidiary acts as agent to terminate such agency relationship.

In all events the Option is subject to earlier termination on the Expiration Date of the Option or as contemplated by Section 4.1. The Administrator shall be the sole judge of whether the Grantee continues to render employment or services for purposes of this Option Agreement.

 

5. Non-Transferability .

The Option and any other rights of the Grantee under this Option Agreement or the Plan are nontransferable and exercisable only by the Grantee, except as set forth in Section 5.7 of the Plan. Any Common Shares issued on exercise of the Option are subject to substantial restrictions on transfer, and are subject to other rights in favor of the Corporation as set forth herein and in the Exercise Agreement.

 

6. Securities Law Compliance .

The Grantee acknowledges that the Option and the Common Shares are not being registered under the Securities Act, based, in part, in reliance upon an exemption from registration under Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 701 promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, and a comparable exemption from qualification under applicable state securities laws, as each may be amended from time to time. The Grantee, by executing this Option Agreement, hereby makes the following representations to the Corporation and acknowledges that the Corporation’s reliance on federal and state securities law exemptions from registration and qualification is predicated, in substantial part, upon the accuracy of these representations:

 

    The Grantee is acquiring the Option and, if and when he/she exercises the Option, will acquire the Common Shares solely for the Grantee’s own account, for investment purposes only, and not with a view to or an intent to sell, or to offer for resale in connection with any unregistered distribution, all or any portion of the Common Shares within the meaning of the Securities Act, or other applicable state securities laws.

 

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    The Grantee has had an opportunity to ask questions and receive answers from the Corporation regarding the terms and conditions of the Option and the restrictions imposed on any Common Shares purchased upon exercise of the Option. The Grantee has been furnished with, and/or has access to, such information as he or she considers necessary or appropriate for deciding whether to exercise the Option and purchase Common Shares. However, in evaluating the merits and risks of an investment in the Common Shares, the Grantee has and will rely upon the advice of his/her own legal counsel, tax advisors, and/or investment advisors.

 

    The Grantee is aware that the Option may be of no practical value, that any value it may have depends on its vesting and exercisability as well as an increase in the Fair Market Value of the underlying Common Shares to an amount in excess of the Exercise Price, and that any investment in common shares of a closely held corporation such as the Corporation is non-marketable, non-transferable and could require capital to be invested for an indefinite period of time, possibly without return, and at substantial risk of loss.

 

    The Grantee understands that any Common Shares acquired on exercise of the Option will be characterized as “restricted securities” under the federal securities laws, and that, under such laws and applicable regulations, such securities may be resold without registration under the Securities Act only in certain limited circumstances, including in accordance with the conditions of Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act, as presently in effect, with which the Grantee is familiar.

 

    The Grantee has read and understands the restrictions and limitations set forth in the Plan, this Option Agreement (including these Terms), which are imposed on the Option and any Common Shares which may be acquired upon exercise of the Option.

 

    At no time was an oral representation made to the Grantee relating to the Option or the purchase of Common Shares and the Grantee was not presented with or solicited by any promotional meeting or material relating to the Option or the Common Share.

 

7. Lock-Up Agreement.

Grantee may not (nor may any permitted transferee), directly or indirectly, offer, sell or transfer or dispose of any of the Common Shares acquired upon exercise of the Option or any interest therein (or agree to do any thereof) (collectively, a “ Transfer ”) during the period commencing as of 14 days prior to and ending one year, or such lesser period of time as the relevant underwriters may permit, after the effective date of a registration statement covering any public offering of the Corporation’s securities of which the Grantee has notice (The term

 

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“Grantee” includes, where the context so requires, any permitted direct or indirect transferee of the Grantee.) The Grantee shall agree and consent to the entry of stop transfer instructions with the Corporation’s transfer agent against the Transfer of the Corporation’s securities beneficially owned by the Grantee and shall conform the limitations hereunder by agreement with and for the benefit of the relevant underwriters by a lock-up agreement or other agreement in customary form. Notwithstanding anything else herein to the contrary, this Section 7 shall not be construed so as to prohibit the Grantee from participating in a registration or a public offering of the Common Shares with respect to any shares which he or she may hold at that time, provided, however, that such participation shall be at the sole discretion of the Board.

 

8. Notices .

Any notice to be given under the terms of this Option Agreement shall be in writing and addressed to the Corporation at its principal office to the attention of the Secretary, and to the Grantee at the address last reflected on the Corporation’s payroll records, or at such other address as either party may hereafter designate in writing to the other. Any such notice shall be given only when received, but if the Grantee is no longer employed by the Corporation or a Subsidiary, shall be deemed to have been duly given five business days after the date mailed in accordance with the foregoing provisions of this Section 8.

 

9. Plan .

The Option and all rights of the Grantee under this Option Agreement are subject to, and the Grantee agrees to be bound by, all of the terms and conditions of the Plan, incorporated herein by this reference. In the event of a conflict or inconsistency between the terms and conditions of this Option Agreement and of the Plan, the terms and conditions of the Plan shall govern. The Grantee agrees to be bound by the terms of the Plan and this Option Agreement (including these Terms). The Grantee acknowledges having read and understanding the Plan and this Option Agreement. Unless otherwise expressly provided in other sections of this Option Agreement, provisions of the Plan that confer discretionary authority on the Board or the Administrator do not and shall not be deemed to create any rights in the Grantee unless such rights are expressly set forth herein or are otherwise in the sole discretion of the Board or the Administrator so conferred by appropriate action of the Board or the Administrator under the Plan after the date hereof.

 

10. Entire Agreement .

This Option Agreement (including these Terms) and the Plan together constitute the entire agreement and supersede all prior understandings and agreements, written or oral, of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof. The Plan and this Option Agreement may be amended pursuant to Section 8.6 of the Plan. Such amendment must be in writing and signed by the Corporation. The Corporation may, however, unilaterally waive any provision hereof in writing to the extent such waiver does not adversely affect the interests of the Grantee hereunder, but no such waiver shall operate as or be construed to be a subsequent waiver of the same provision or a waiver of any other provision hereof.

 

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11. Governing Law; Limited Rights; Severability .

11.1 British Virgin Islands Laws; Construction. This Option Agreement and the Exercise Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the British Virgin Islands without regard to conflict of law principles thereunder. The terms of the Option grant have resulted from the negotiations of the parties and each of the parties has had an opportunity to obtain and consult with its own counsel. The language of all parts of the Plan, this Option Agreement (including these Terms) and the Exercise Agreement shall in all cases be construed as a whole, according to its fair meaning, and not strictly for or against either of the parties.

11.2 Limited Rights. The Grantee has no rights as a shareholder of the Corporation with respect to the Option as set forth in Section 8.7 of the Plan. The Option does not place any limit on the corporate authority of the Corporation as set forth in Section 8.12 of the Plan.

11.3 Severability . If the arbitrator selected in accordance with Section 12.2 or a court of competent jurisdiction determines that any portion of this Option Agreement, the Plan, or the Exercise Agreement is in violation of any statute or public policy, then only the portions of this Option Agreement, the Plan, or the Exercise Agreement, as applicable, which violate such statute or public policy shall be stricken, and all portions of this Option Agreement, the Plan, and the Exercise Agreement which do not violate any statute or public policy shall continue in full force and effect. Furthermore, it is the parties’ intent that any court order striking any portion of this Option Agreement, the Plan, and/or the Exercise Agreement should modify the stricken terms as narrowly as possible to give as much effect as possible to the intentions of the parties hereunder.

 

12. Arbitration .

12.1 Any dispute, controversy or claim arising out of or in connection with or relating to this Option Agreement, or the interpretation, breach, termination or validity hereof, shall be resolved through arbitration. A dispute may be submitted to arbitration upon the request of either party with written notice to the other (the “ Notice ”). The arbitration shall be conducted in Hong Kong under the auspices of the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (the “ Centre ”). There shall be three (3) arbitrators. Each party shall nominate one (1) arbitrator within thirty (30) days after the delivery of the Notice to the other party. The appointment of party nominated arbitrators shall be confirmed by the Centre. Both arbitrators shall agree on the third arbitrator within thirty (30) days of their confirmation by the Centre. Should either party fail to appoint an arbitrator or should the two arbitrators fail within thirty (30) days to reach agreement on the third arbitrator, such arbitrator shall be appointed by the Secretary General of the Centre.

12.2 The arbitration proceedings shall be conducted in English. The arbitration tribunal shall apply the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules as administered by the Centre at the time of the arbitration. However, if such rules conflict with the provisions of this Section 12.2, including the provisions concerning the appointment of an arbitrator(s), the provisions of this Section 12.2 shall prevail.

 

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12.3 The arbitrators shall decide any dispute submitted by the parties strictly in accordance with the substantive laws of the British Virgin Islands and shall not apply any other substantive law.

12.4 Each party shall cooperate with the other in making full disclosure of and providing complete access to all information and documents requested by the other in connection with such arbitration proceedings, subject only to any confidentiality obligations binding on such party.

12.5 The costs of arbitration shall be borne by the losing party, unless otherwise determined by the arbitration tribunal.

12.6 When any dispute occurs and when any dispute is under arbitration, except for the matters in dispute, the parties shall continue to fulfill their respective obligations and shall be entitled to exercise their rights under this Agreement.

12.7 The award of the arbitration tribunal shall be final and binding upon the parties, and the prevailing party may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for enforcement of such award.

 

13. Shareholder Approval .

Notwithstanding anything else contained herein to the contrary, the Option and all rights of the Grantee under this Option Agreement are subject to approval of the Plan by the Corporation’s shareholders (such approval to be obtained in accordance with the terms of the Plan, the Corporation’s Memorandum and Articles of Association, and applicable law) within 12 months after the Effective Date of the Plan.

 

14. Satisfaction of All Rights to Equity .

The Option is in complete satisfaction of any and all rights that the Grantee may have (under an employment, consulting, or other written or oral agreement with the Corporation or any of its Affiliates, or otherwise) to receive (1) options or share awards with respect to the securities of the Corporation or any of its Affiliates, and/or (2) any other equity or derivative security in or with respect to the Corporation or any of its Affiliates. This Option Agreement supersedes the terms of all prior understandings and agreements, written or oral, of the parties with respect to such matters. The Grantee shall have no further rights or benefits under any prior agreement conveying any right with respect to any security or derivative security in or with respect to the Corporation or any of its Affiliates. The foregoing notwithstanding, this Section 14 shall not adversely affect the Grantee’s rights under any prior option or share award agreement under the Plan (provided such agreement is expressly labeled as an option or share award agreement under the Plan and is similar in form to this Option Agreement) which has been signed by an authorized officer of the Corporation.

 

15. Effect of this Agreement .

This Option Agreement shall be assumed by, be binding upon and inure to the benefit of any successor or successors to the Corporation.

 

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16. Counterparts .

This Option Agreement may be executed simultaneously in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

17. Section Headings .

The section headings of this Option Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not be deemed to alter or affect any provision hereof.

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]

 

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EXHIBIT A

CHINA DRTV, INC.

2005 SHARE INCENTIVE PLAN B

OPTION EXERCISE AND COMMON SHARE PURCHASE AGREEMENT

The undersigned (the “ Purchaser ”) hereby irrevocably elects to exercise his/her right, evidenced by that certain Option Agreement dated as of                                  (the “ Option Agreement ”) under the China DRTV Inc. 2005 Share Incentive Plan B (the “ Plan ”), as follows:

 

    the Purchaser hereby irrevocably elects to purchase                                  Common Shares (the “ Shares ”), of China DRTV Inc., an international business company formed under the laws of the British Virgin Islands (the “ Corporation ”), and

 

    such purchase shall be at the price of $                      per share, for an aggregate amount of $                      (subject to applicable withholding taxes pursuant to Section 8.5 of the Plan).

Capitalized terms are defined in the Plan if not defined herein.

1. Delivery of Share Certificate . The Purchaser requests that a certificate representing the Shares be registered to Purchaser and delivered to:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               .

2. Investment Representations . The Purchaser acknowledges that the sale of the Shares by the Purchaser is restricted by Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 701. The Purchaser hereby affirms as made as of the date hereof the representations in Section 6 of the “Terms and Conditions of Option” (which are attached to and a part of the Option Agreement, the “ Terms ”) and such representations are incorporated herein by this reference. The Purchaser represents that he/she has no need for liquidity in this investment, has the ability to bear the economic risk of this investment, and can afford a complete loss of the purchase price for the Shares.

The Purchaser acknowledges receipt of the Corporation’s condensed consolidated financial information.

3. Limitation on Disposition and Other Restrictions . The Shares are subject to and the Purchaser hereby agrees to the following terms and conditions of the sale of the Shares to the Purchaser:

 

    any transfer of the Shares must comply with the restrictions on transfer set forth in Section 5.7 of the Plan and all applicable laws as set forth in Section 8.1 of the Plan;

 

    the Shares are subject to, and following any otherwise permitted transfer of the Shares, the Shares shall remain subject to and the transferee shall be bound by, the lock-up provisions set forth in Section 7 of the Terms, the foregoing provisions of this Section 3 and the arbitration provisions of Section 12 of the Terms; and

 

    as a condition to any otherwise permitted transfer of the Shares, the Corporation may require the transferee to execute a written agreement, in a form acceptable to the Administrator, that the transferee acknowledges and agrees to the foregoing terms and restrictions imposed on the Shares.


4. Plan and Option Agreement . The Purchaser acknowledges that all of his/her rights are subject to, and the Purchaser agrees to be bound by, all of the terms and conditions of the Plan and the Option Agreement (including the Terms), both of which are incorporated herein by this reference. If a conflict or inconsistency between the terms and conditions of this Option Exercise and Common Share Purchase Agreement and of the Plan or the Option Agreement shall arise, the terms and conditions of the Plan and/or the Option Agreement shall govern. The Purchaser acknowledges receipt of a copy of all documents referenced herein (including the Terms and a disclosure statement) and acknowledges reading and understanding these documents and having an opportunity to ask any questions that he/she may have had about them. Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Option Exercise and Common Share Purchase Agreement shall be submitted to arbitration in accordance with Section 12.2 of the Terms, and the British Virgin Islands laws shall apply as provided in Section 11.1 of the Terms.

5. Entire Agreement . This Option Exercise and Common Share Purchase Agreement, the Option Agreement (including the Terms), and the Plan together constitute the entire agreement and supersede all prior understandings and agreements, written or oral, of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof. The Plan, the Option Agreement and this Option Exercise and Common Share Purchase Agreement may be amended pursuant to Section 8.6 of the Plan. Such amendment must be in writing and signed by the Corporation. The Corporation may, however, unilaterally waive any provision hereof or of the Option Agreement in writing to the extent such waiver does not adversely affect the interests of the Grantee hereunder, but no such waiver shall operate as or be construed to be a subsequent waiver of the same provision or a waiver of any other provision hereof.

6. Notice of Sale of ISO Shares . If the Shares are being acquired upon exercise of an Option intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option, the Purchaser agrees that, upon any sale or other transfer of the Shares within either one year of the date that they are acquired by the Purchaser or two years after the Award Date set forth in the Option Agreement, the Purchaser shall provide the notice required under Section 5.1.2 of the Plan.

 

“PURCHASER”    

ACCEPTED BY:

CHINA DRTV, INC.,

 

Signature

   

an international business company formed

under the laws of the British Virgin Island

 

Print Name

   

By:

 

 

 

Date

   

Its:

 

 

    (To be completed by the company after the price (including applicable withholding taxes), value (if applicable) and receipt of funds is verified.)


CHINA DRTV, INC.

AMENDED AND RESTATED 2005 SHARE INCENTIVE PLAN

EMPLOYEE SHARE OPTION AGREEMENT

THIS EMPLOYEE SHARE OPTION AGREEMENT (this “ Option Agreement ”) dated                                  by and between China DRTV, Inc. , an international business company formed under the laws of the British Virgin Islands (the “ Corporation ”), and                                          (the “ Grantee ”) evidences the share option (the “Option” ) granted by the Corporation to the Grantee as to the number of the Corporation’s ordinary shares (“ Common Shares ”) first set forth below.

 

                                   
      Number of Common Shares : 1                Award Date:             
                   
   

Exercise Price per Common Share: 1

   $                    Expiration Date: 1          
                   
   

Type of Option   (check one) :

  

Nonqualified Option                             [               ]

      
   
      

Incentive Stock Option                         [              ]

      
   
   

Vesting The Option shall become vested as to 100% of the total number of Common Shares subject to the Option on the Award Date.

 

The Option is granted under the China DRTV, Inc. Amended and Restated 2005 Share Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”) and subject to the Terms and Conditions of Employee Share Option (the “ Terms ”) attached to this Option Agreement (incorporated herein by this reference) and to the Plan. The Option has been granted to the Grantee in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other form of compensation otherwise payable or to be paid to the Grantee. Capitalized terms are defined in the Plan if not defined herein. The parties agree to the terms of the Option set forth herein. The Grantee acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Terms and the Plan, specifically acknowledges and agrees to Section 14 of the Terms, and agrees to maintain in confidence all information provided to him/her in connection with the Option.

 

“GRANTEE”      CHINA DRTV, INC.
            
Signature      By:                                                                                                                     
       
Print Name     
     Print Name:                                                                                                     
    
        Title:                                                                                                                  
Address     

 


1 Subject to adjustment under Section 7.1 of the Plan.


CONSENT OF SPOUSE

(optional)

In consideration of the Corporation’s execution of this Option Agreement, the undersigned spouse of the Grantee agrees to be bound by all of the terms and provisions hereof and of the Plan.

 

            
Signature of Spouse     Date   


TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYEE SHARE OPTION

 

1. Vesting; Limits on Exercise .

The Option shall vest and become exercisable as set forth on the cover page of this Option Agreement. The Option may be exercised only to the extent the Option is vested and exercisable.

 

    Cumulative Exercisability . To the extent that the Option is vested and exercisable, the Grantee has the right to exercise the Option (to the extent not previously exercised), and such right shall continue, until the expiration or earlier termination of the Option.

 

    No Fractional Shares . Fractional Common Share interests shall be disregarded, but may be cumulated subject to the Plan.

 

    Minimum Exercise . No fewer than 100 Common Shares (subject to adjustment under Section 7.1 of the Plan) may be purchased at any one time, unless the number purchased is the total number at the time exercisable under the Option.

 

    ISO Value Limit . If the Option is designated as an Incentive Stock Option (an “ ISO ”), as indicated on the cover page of this Option Agreement, and if the aggregate fair market value of the shares with respect to which ISOs (whether granted under the Option or otherwise) first become exercisable by the Grantee in any calendar year exceeds $100,000, as measured on the applicable Award Dates, the limitations of Section 5.1.2 of the Plan shall apply and to such extent the Option will be rendered a Nonqualified Option.

 

2. No Employment/Service Commitment .

Nothing contained in this Option Agreement or the Plan constitutes a continued employment or service commitment by the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries, affects the Grantee’s status, if he or she is an employee, as an employee at will who is subject to termination without cause, confers upon the Grantee any right to remain employed by or in service to the Corporation or any Subsidiary, interferes in any way with the right of the Corporation or any Subsidiary at any time to terminate such employment or service, or affects the right of the Corporation or any Subsidiary to increase or decrease the Grantee’s other compensation.

 

3. Method of Exercise of Option .

The Option shall be exercisable by the delivery to the Secretary of the Corporation (or such other person as the Committee may require pursuant to such administrative exercise procedures as the Committee may implement from time to time) of:

 

    an executed Option Exercise and Common Share Purchase Agreement (stating the number of Common Shares to be purchased pursuant to the Option) in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit A or such other form as the Administrator may require from time to time (the “ Exercise Agreement ”);

 

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    payment in full for the Exercise Price of the shares to be purchased, in cash or by electronic funds transfer to the Corporation, or by certified or cashier’s check payable to the order of the Corporation subject to such specific procedures or directions as the Administrator may establish;

 

    any written statements or agreements required pursuant to Section 8.1 of the Plan; and

 

    satisfaction of the tax withholding provisions of Section 8.5 of the Plan.

The Administrator also may, but is not required to, authorize a non-cash payment alternative specified below at or prior to the time of exercise. In which case, the Exercise Price and/or applicable withholding taxes, to the extent so authorized, may be paid in full or in part by delivery to the Corporation of:

 

    Common Shares already owned by the Grantee, valued at their Fair Market Value on the exercise date, provided , however , that any shares acquired directly from the Corporation (upon exercise of an option or otherwise) must have been owned by the Grantee for at least six (6) months before the date of such exercise; and/or

 

    if the Common Shares are then registered under the Exchange Act and listed or quoted on a recognized national securities exchange or in the NASDAQ National Market Quotation System, irrevocable instructions to a broker to, upon exercise of the Option, promptly sell a sufficient number of Common Shares acquired upon exercise of the Option and deliver to the Corporation the amount necessary to pay the Exercise Price (and, if applicable, the amount of any related tax withholding obligations).

An Option will qualify as an ISO only if it meets all of the applicable requirements of the Code. If the Option is designated as an ISO, the Option may be rendered a Nonqualified Option if the Administrator permits the use of one or more of the non-cash payment alternatives referenced above.

 

4. Early Termination of Option .

4.1 Possible Termination of Option upon Change in Control. The Option is subject to termination in connection with a Change in Control Event or certain similar reorganization events as provided in Section 7.3 of the Plan.

4.2 Termination of Option upon a Termination of Grantee’s Employment or Services. Subject to earlier termination on the Expiration Date of the Option or pursuant to Section 4.1 above, if the Grantee ceases to be employed by or ceases to provide services to the Corporation or a Subsidiary (other than in the capacity as a member of the board of directors of the Corporation as provided below), the following rules shall apply (the last day that the Grantee is employed by or provides services to the Corporation or a Subsidiary is referred to as the Grantee’s “ Severance Date ”):

 

   

other than as expressly provided below in this Section 4.2, (a) the Grantee will have until the date that is 30 days after his or her Severance Date to exercise the Option (or

 

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portion thereof), and (b) the Option, to the extent not exercised during the 30-day period following the Severance Date, shall terminate at the close of business on the last day of the 30-day period;

 

    if the termination of the Grantee’s employment is the result of the Grantee’s voluntary Retirement (as defined below and other than a termination by the Corporation or a Subsidiary for cause as provided below), then (a) the Grantee will have until the date that is 3 years after his or her Severance Date to exercise the Option (or portion thereof) and (b) the Option, to the extent not exercised during the 3-year period following the Severance Date, shall terminate at the close of business on the last day of the 3-year period;

 

    if the termination of the Grantee’s employment is the result of the Grantee’s death or Disability (as defined below), then (a) the Grantee (or his beneficiary or personal representative, as the case may be) will have until the date that is 3 years after the Grantee’s Severance Date to exercise the Option, and (b) the Option, to the extent not exercised during the 3-year period following the Severance Date, shall terminate at the close of business on the last day of the 3-year period;

 

    if the termination of the Grantee’s employment is the result of a termination by the Corporation or a Subsidiary for Cause (as defined below), the Option shall terminate on the Severance Date.

In the event a Grantee who is appointed by the holders of the preferred shares of the Corporation to serve on the board of directors of the Corporation (the “ Board ”) terminates his service to the Corporation (other than in connection with a Change in Control Event or certain similar reorganization events), the Option shall not be subject to Section 4.2 herein.

For purposes of the Option, “Disability” means a permanent disability (within the meaning of Section 22(e)(3) of the Code or as otherwise determined by the Administrator). For purposes of the Option, “Retirement” means a termination of employment by the Grantee that occurs upon or after the Grantee’s attainment of age 65 and in accordance with the retirement policies of the Corporation (or the Subsidiary that employs the Grantee) then in effect. For purposes of the Option, “Cause” means that the Grantee: (a) has been repeatedly negligent in the discharge of his or her duties to the Corporation or a Subsidiary or has refused to perform stated or assigned duties (other than by reason of a disability or analogous condition); (b) has been dishonest or committed or engaged in an act of theft, embezzlement or fraud, a breach of confidentiality, an unauthorized disclosure or use of inside information, customer lists, trade secrets or other confidential information; (c) has breached a fiduciary duty, or violated any other duty, law, rule, regulation or policy of the company or an affiliate; (d) has been convicted of, or plead guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony or misdemeanor (other than minor traffic violations or similar offenses); (e) has materially breached any of the provisions of any agreement with the Corporation or a Subsidiary; (f) has engaged in unfair competition with, or otherwise acted intentionally in a manner injurious to the reputation, business or assets of, the Corporation or a Subsidiary; or has improperly induced a vendor or customer to break or terminate any contract with the Corporation or a Subsidiary or induced a principal for whom the Corporation or a Subsidiary acts as agent to terminate such agency relationship.

 

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In all events the Option is subject to earlier termination on the Expiration Date of the Option or as contemplated by Section 4.1. The Administrator shall be the sole judge of whether the Grantee continues to render employment or services for purposes of this Option Agreement.

 

5. Non-Transferability .

The Option and any other rights of the Grantee under this Option Agreement or the Plan are nontransferable and exercisable only by the Grantee, except as set forth in Section 5.7 of the Plan. Any Common Shares issued on exercise of the Option are subject to substantial restrictions on transfer, and are subject to other rights in favor of the Corporation as set forth herein and in the Exercise Agreement.

 

6. Securities Law Compliance .

The Grantee acknowledges that the Option and the Common Shares are not being registered under the Securities Act, based, in part, in reliance upon an exemption from registration under Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 701 promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, and a comparable exemption from qualification under applicable state securities laws, as each may be amended from time to time. The Grantee, by executing this Option Agreement, hereby makes the following representations to the Corporation and acknowledges that the Corporation’s reliance on federal and state securities law exemptions from registration and qualification is predicated, in substantial part, upon the accuracy of these representations:

 

    The Grantee is acquiring the Option and, if and when he/she exercises the Option, will acquire the Common Shares solely for the Grantee’s own account, for investment purposes only, and not with a view to or an intent to sell, or to offer for resale in connection with any unregistered distribution, all or any portion of the Common Shares within the meaning of the Securities Act, or other applicable state securities laws.

 

    The Grantee has had an opportunity to ask questions and receive answers from the Corporation regarding the terms and conditions of the Option and the restrictions imposed on any Common Shares purchased upon exercise of the Option. The Grantee has been furnished with, and/or has access to, such information as he or she considers necessary or appropriate for deciding whether to exercise the Option and purchase Common Shares. However, in evaluating the merits and risks of an investment in the Common Shares, the Grantee has and will rely upon the advice of his/her own legal counsel, tax advisors, and/or investment advisors.

 

    The Grantee is aware that the Option may be of no practical value, that any value it may have depends on its vesting and exercisability as well as an increase in the Fair Market Value of the underlying Common Shares to an amount in excess of the Exercise Price, and that any investment in common shares of a closely held corporation such as the Corporation is non-marketable, non-transferable and could require capital to be invested for an indefinite period of time, possibly without return, and at substantial risk of loss.

 

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    The Grantee understands that any Common Shares acquired on exercise of the Option will be characterized as “restricted securities” under the federal securities laws, and that, under such laws and applicable regulations, such securities may be resold without registration under the Securities Act only in certain limited circumstances, including in accordance with the conditions of Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act, as presently in effect, with which the Grantee is familiar.

 

    The Grantee has read and understands the restrictions and limitations set forth in the Plan, this Option Agreement (including these Terms), which are imposed on the Option and any Common Shares which may be acquired upon exercise of the Option.

 

    At no time was an oral representation made to the Grantee relating to the Option or the purchase of Common Shares and the Grantee was not presented with or solicited by any promotional meeting or material relating to the Option or the Common Share.

 

7. Lock-Up Agreement.

Grantee may not (nor may any permitted transferee), directly or indirectly, offer, sell or transfer or dispose of any of the Common Shares acquired upon exercise of the Option or any interest therein (or agree to do any thereof) (collectively, a “ Transfer ”) during the period commencing as of 14 days prior to and ending one year, or such lesser period of time as the relevant underwriters may permit, after the effective date of a registration statement covering any public offering of the Corporation’s securities of which the Grantee has notice (The term “Grantee” includes, where the context so requires, any permitted direct or indirect transferee of the Grantee.) The Grantee shall agree and consent to the entry of stop transfer instructions with the Corporation’s transfer agent against the Transfer of the Corporation’s securities beneficially owned by the Grantee and shall conform the limitations hereunder by agreement with and for the benefit of the relevant underwriters by a lock-up agreement or other agreement in customary form. Notwithstanding anything else herein to the contrary, this Section 7 shall not be construed so as to prohibit the Grantee from participating in a registration or a public offering of the Common Shares with respect to any shares which he or she may hold at that time, provided, however, that such participation shall be at the sole discretion of the Board.

 

8. Notices .

Any notice to be given under the terms of this Option Agreement shall be in writing and addressed to the Corporation at its principal office to the attention of the Secretary, and to the Grantee at the address last reflected on the Corporation’s payroll records, or at such other address as either party may hereafter designate in writing to the other. Any such notice shall be given only when received, but if the Grantee is no longer employed by the Corporation or a Subsidiary, shall be deemed to have been duly given five business days after the date mailed in accordance with the foregoing provisions of this Section 8.

 

9. Plan .

The Option and all rights of the Grantee under this Option Agreement are subject to, and the Grantee agrees to be bound by, all of the terms and conditions of the Plan, incorporated

 

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herein by this reference. In the event of a conflict or inconsistency between the terms and conditions of this Option Agreement and of the Plan, the terms and conditions of the Plan shall govern. The Grantee agrees to be bound by the terms of the Plan and this Option Agreement (including these Terms). The Grantee acknowledges having read and understanding the Plan and this Option Agreement. Unless otherwise expressly provided in other sections of this Option Agreement, provisions of the Plan that confer discretionary authority on the Board or the Administrator do not and shall not be deemed to create any rights in the Grantee unless such rights are expressly set forth herein or are otherwise in the sole discretion of the Board or the Administrator so conferred by appropriate action of the Board or the Administrator under the Plan after the date hereof.

 

10. Entire Agreement .

This Option Agreement (including these Terms) and the Plan together constitute the entire agreement and supersede all prior understandings and agreements, written or oral, of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof. The Plan and this Option Agreement may be amended pursuant to Section 8.6 of the Plan. Such amendment must be in writing and signed by the Corporation. The Corporation may, however, unilaterally waive any provision hereof in writing to the extent such waiver does not adversely affect the interests of the Grantee hereunder, but no such waiver shall operate as or be construed to be a subsequent waiver of the same provision or a waiver of any other provision hereof.

 

11. Governing Law; Limited Rights; Severability .

11.1 British Virgin Islands Laws; Construction. This Option Agreement and the Exercise Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the British Virgin Islands without regard to conflict of law principles thereunder. The terms of the Option grant have resulted from the negotiations of the parties and each of the parties has had an opportunity to obtain and consult with its own counsel. The language of all parts of the Plan, this Option Agreement (including these Terms) and the Exercise Agreement shall in all cases be construed as a whole, according to its fair meaning, and not strictly for or against either of the parties.

11.2 Limited Rights. The Grantee has no rights as a shareholder of the Corporation with respect to the Option as set forth in Section 8.7 of the Plan. The Option does not place any limit on the corporate authority of the Corporation as set forth in Section 8.12 of the Plan.

11.3 Severability . If the arbitrator selected in accordance with Section 12.2 or a court of competent jurisdiction determines that any portion of this Option Agreement, the Plan, or the Exercise Agreement is in violation of any statute or public policy, then only the portions of this Option Agreement, the Plan, or the Exercise Agreement, as applicable, which violate such statute or public policy shall be stricken, and all portions of this Option Agreement, the Plan, and the Exercise Agreement which do not violate any statute or public policy shall continue in full force and effect. Furthermore, it is the parties’ intent that any court order striking any portion of this Option Agreement, the Plan, and/or the Exercise Agreement should modify the stricken terms as narrowly as possible to give as much effect as possible to the intentions of the parties hereunder.

 

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12. Arbitration .

12.1 Any dispute, controversy or claim arising out of or in connection with or relating to this Option Agreement, or the interpretation, breach, termination or validity hereof, shall be resolved through arbitration. A dispute may be submitted to arbitration upon the request of either party with written notice to the other (the “ Notice ”). The arbitration shall be conducted in Hong Kong under the auspices of the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (the “ Centre ”). There shall be three (3) arbitrators. Each party shall nominate one (1) arbitrator within thirty (30) days after the delivery of the Notice to the other party. The appointment of party nominated arbitrators shall be confirmed by the Centre. Both arbitrators shall agree on the third arbitrator within thirty (30) days of their confirmation by the Centre. Should either party fail to appoint an arbitrator or should the two arbitrators fail within thirty (30) days to reach agreement on the third arbitrator, such arbitrator shall be appointed by the Secretary General of the Centre.

12.2 The arbitration proceedings shall be conducted in English. The arbitration tribunal shall apply the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules as administered by the Centre at the time of the arbitration. However, if such rules conflict with the provisions of this Section 12.2, including the provisions concerning the appointment of an arbitrator(s), the provisions of this Section 12.2 shall prevail.

12.3 The arbitrators shall decide any dispute submitted by the parties strictly in accordance with the substantive laws of the British Virgin Islands and shall not apply any other substantive law.

12.4 Each party shall cooperate with the other in making full disclosure of and providing complete access to all information and documents requested by the other in connection with such arbitration proceedings, subject only to any confidentiality obligations binding on such party.

12.5 The costs of arbitration shall be borne by the losing party, unless otherwise determined by the arbitration tribunal.

12.6 When any dispute occurs and when any dispute is under arbitration, except for the matters in dispute, the parties shall continue to fulfill their respective obligations and shall be entitled to exercise their rights under this Agreement.

12.7 The award of the arbitration tribunal shall be final and binding upon the parties, and the prevailing party may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for enforcement of such award.

 

13. Shareholder Approval .

Notwithstanding anything else contained herein to the contrary, the Option and all rights of the Grantee under this Option Agreement are subject to approval of the Plan by the Corporation’s shareholders (such approval to be obtained in accordance with the terms of the Plan, the Corporation’s Memorandum and Articles of Association, and applicable law) within 12 months after the Effective Date of the Plan.

 

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14. Satisfaction of All Rights to Equity .

The Option is in complete satisfaction of any and all rights that the Grantee may have (under an employment, consulting, or other written or oral agreement with the Corporation or any of its Affiliates, or otherwise) to receive (1) options or share awards with respect to the securities of the Corporation or any of its Affiliates, and/or (2) any other equity or derivative security in or with respect to the Corporation or any of its Affiliates. This Option Agreement supersedes the terms of all prior understandings and agreements, written or oral, of the parties with respect to such matters. The Grantee shall have no further rights or benefits under any prior agreement conveying any right with respect to any security or derivative security in or with respect to the Corporation or any of its Affiliates. The foregoing notwithstanding, this Section 14 shall not adversely affect the Grantee’s rights under any prior option or share award agreement under the Plan (provided such agreement is expressly labeled as an option or share award agreement under the Plan and is similar in form to this Option Agreement) which has been signed by an authorized officer of the Corporation.

 

15. Effect of this Agreement .

This Option Agreement shall be assumed by, be binding upon and inure to the benefit of any successor or successors to the Corporation.

 

16. Counterparts .

This Option Agreement may be executed simultaneously in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

17. Section Headings .

The section headings of this Option Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not be deemed to alter or affect any provision hereof.

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]

 

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EXHIBIT A

CHINA DRTV, INC.

AMENDED AND RESTATED 2005 SHARE INCENTIVE PLAN

OPTION EXERCISE AND COMMON SHARE PURCHASE AGREEMENT

The undersigned (the “ Purchaser ”) hereby irrevocably elects to exercise his/her right, evidenced by that certain Option Agreement dated as of                                          (the “ Option Agreement ”) under the amended and restated China DRTV Inc. 2005 Share Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”), as follows:

 

    the Purchaser hereby irrevocably elects to purchase                                      Common Shares (the “ Shares ”), of China DRTV Inc., an international business company formed under the laws of the British Virgin Islands (the “ Corporation ”), and

 

    such purchase shall be at the price of $                      per share, for an aggregate amount of $                      (subject to applicable withholding taxes pursuant to Section 8.5 of the Plan).

Capitalized terms are defined in the Plan if not defined herein.

1. Delivery of Share Certificate . The Purchaser requests that a certificate representing the Shares be registered to Purchaser and delivered to:                                                                                                                                                                                                     

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          .

2. Investment Representations . The Purchaser acknowledges that the sale of the Shares by the Purchaser is restricted by Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 701. The Purchaser hereby affirms as made as of the date hereof the representations in Section 6 of the “Terms and Conditions of Option” (which are attached to and a part of the Option Agreement, the “ Terms ”) and such representations are incorporated herein by this reference. The Purchaser represents that he/she has no need for liquidity in this investment, has the ability to bear the economic risk of this investment, and can afford a complete loss of the purchase price for the Shares.

The Purchaser acknowledges receipt of the Corporation’s condensed consolidated financial information.

3. Limitation on Disposition and Other Restrictions . The Shares are subject to and the Purchaser hereby agrees to the following terms and conditions of the sale of the Shares to the Purchaser:

 

    any transfer of the Shares must comply with the restrictions on transfer set forth in Section 5.7 of the Plan and all applicable laws as set forth in Section 8.1 of the Plan;

 

    the Shares are subject to, and following any otherwise permitted transfer of the Shares, the Shares shall remain subject to and the transferee shall be bound by, the lock-up provisions set forth in Section 7 of the Terms, the foregoing provisions of this Section 3 and the arbitration provisions of Section 12 of the Terms; and

 

    as a condition to any otherwise permitted transfer of the Shares, the Corporation may require the transferee to execute a written agreement, in a form acceptable to the Administrator, that the transferee acknowledges and agrees to the foregoing terms and restrictions imposed on the Shares.


4. Plan and Option Agreement . The Purchaser acknowledges that all of his/her rights are subject to, and the Purchaser agrees to be bound by, all of the terms and conditions of the Plan and the Option Agreement (including the Terms), both of which are incorporated herein by this reference. If a conflict or inconsistency between the terms and conditions of this Option Exercise and Common Share Purchase Agreement and of the Plan or the Option Agreement shall arise, the terms and conditions of the Plan and/or the Option Agreement shall govern. The Purchaser acknowledges receipt of a copy of all documents referenced herein (including the Terms and a disclosure statement) and acknowledges reading and understanding these documents and having an opportunity to ask any questions that he/she may have had about them. Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Option Exercise and Common Share Purchase Agreement shall be submitted to arbitration in accordance with Section 12.2 of the Terms, and the British Virgin Islands laws shall apply as provided in Section 11.1 of the Terms.

5. Entire Agreement . This Option Exercise and Common Share Purchase Agreement, the Option Agreement (including the Terms), and the Plan together constitute the entire agreement and supersede all prior understandings and agreements, written or oral, of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof. The Plan, the Option Agreement and this Option Exercise and Common Share Purchase Agreement may be amended pursuant to Section 8.6 of the Plan. Such amendment must be in writing and signed by the Corporation. The Corporation may, however, unilaterally waive any provision hereof or of the Option Agreement in writing to the extent such waiver does not adversely affect the interests of the Grantee hereunder, but no such waiver shall operate as or be construed to be a subsequent waiver of the same provision or a waiver of any other provision hereof.

6. Notice of Sale of ISO Shares . If the Shares are being acquired upon exercise of an Option intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option, the Purchaser agrees that, upon any sale or other transfer of the Shares within either one year of the date that they are acquired by the Purchaser or two years after the Award Date set forth in the Option Agreement, the Purchaser shall provide the notice required under Section 5.1.2 of the Plan.

 

“PURCHASER”    

ACCEPTED BY:

CHINA DRTV, INC.,

 

Signature

   

an international business company formed

under the laws of the British Virgin Island

 

Print Name

   

By:

 

 

 

Date

   

Its:

 

 

    (To be completed by the company after the price (including applicable withholding taxes), value (if applicable) and receipt of funds is verified.)


ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

2006 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

SHARE APPRECIATION RIGHTS AWARD AGREEMENT

THIS SHARE APPRECIATION RIGHTS AWARD AGREEMENT (this “ Award Agreement ”) dated                                          by and between ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC ., a company formed under the laws of the Cayman Islands (the “ Corporation ”), and                                          (the “ Grantee ”) evidences the award (the “Award” ) granted by the Corporation to the Grantee of the number of share appreciation rights (the “ SARs ”) first set forth below.

 

                                   
      Number of SARs: 1                Award Date:             
                   
   

Base Price per SAR: 1

   $                    Expiration Date: 1 ,2          
                   
    Vesting 1,2 The Award is subject to time-based and performance-based vesting requirements as set forth in Section 1 of the attached Terms and Conditions of Share Appreciation Rights (the “ Terms ”) attached to this Award Agreement (incorporated herein by this reference).
                                    

The Award is granted under the Acorn International, Inc. 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”) and subject to the Terms and to the Plan. The Award has been granted to the Grantee in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other form of compensation otherwise payable or to be paid to the Grantee. Capitalized terms are defined in the Plan if not defined herein. The parties agree to the terms of the Award set forth herein. The Grantee acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Terms, the Plan and the Prospectus for the Plan.

 

“GRANTEE”    ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
      

a company formed under the laws of the Cayman
Islands

 

Signature    By:                                                                                                    
  
  
   Print Name:                                                                                   
     
Print Name    Title:                                                                                                

CONSENT OF SPOUSE

In consideration of the Corporation’s execution of this Award Agreement, the undersigned spouse of the Grantee agrees to be bound by all of the terms and provisions hereof and of the Plan.

 

            
Signature of Spouse     Date   

 


1 Subject to adjustment under Section 7.1 of the Plan.
2 Subject to early termination under Section 4 of the Terms and Section 7.4 of the Plan.


TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SHARE APPRECIATION RIGHTS

 

1. Vesting; Limits on Exercise .

1.1      [Performance-Based Vesting . Notwithstanding any other provision herein, no portion of the Award shall vest and become exercisable, and no SARs shall be payable hereunder, unless the Adjusted Net Income (as defined below) of the Corporation for its [2006/2007] fiscal year equals or exceeds the amount set for on [Schedule 1/Schedule 2] attached hereto. In respect of any year, “ Adjusted Net Income ” means net income for that year as reflected in the Corporation’s audited U.S. GAAP financial statements for that year, excluding any non-cash impairment charges and non-cash stock-based compensation charges and plus or minus, as applicable, the net increase or decrease in the December 31 aggregate deferred revenue balance for that year compared to the prior year. [For avoidance of doubt, the year-end aggregate deferred revenue balance as of December 31, 2005 is deemed to be zero]. The Administrator shall adjust the performance goal referred to above to the extent (if any) it determines that the adjustment is necessary or advisable to preserve the intended incentives and benefits to reflect (1) any share split, reverse share split, share dividend, material change in corporate capitalization, any material corporate transaction (such as a reorganization, combination, separation, merger, acquisition, or any combination of the foregoing), or any complete or partial liquidation of the Corporation, (2) any change in accounting policies or practices, (3) the effects of any special charges to the Corporation’s earnings, or (4) any other similar special circumstances.] 3

1.2     Time-Based Vesting . Subject to early termination of the Award as provided in Section 4 below[, in the event that the performance-based criteria set forth in Section 1.1 above is satisfied], the Award shall vest and become exercisable as to 25% of the total number of SARs subject to the Award on [May 1, 2007/May 1, 2008/the date of grant]. The remaining 75% of the total number of SARs subject to the Award shall become vested in 36 substantially equal monthly installments thereafter, with the first installment vesting on [May 31, 2007/May 31, 2008/May 31, 2006] and an additional installment vesting on the last day of each of the 35 months thereafter. The SARs may be exercised only to the extent the SARs are vested and exercisable. 4

1.3     Limits on Exercise . The following rules shall apply to any exercise of the SARs pursuant to this Award Agreement:

 

    Cumulative Exercisability . To the extent that the SARs are vested and exercisable, the Grantee has the right to exercise the SARs (to the extent not previously exercised), and such right shall continue, until the expiration or earlier termination of the SARs.

 

    No Fractional SARs . Fractional SARs shall be disregarded, but may be cumulated.

 


3 Note – this section to be used only in SAR grants intended to be dependent on the 2006 and 2007 net income.
4 Note – this section to be conformed based on whether or not a performance threshold is included, and which.

 

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    Minimum Exercise . No fewer than 100 1 SARs may be exercised at any one time, unless the number exercised is the total number at the time exercisable under the Award.

 

2. Continuance of Employment/Service Required; No Employment/Service Commitment .

The vesting schedule requires continued employment or service through each applicable vesting date as a condition to the vesting of the applicable installment of the Award and the rights and benefits under this Award Agreement. Employment or service for only a portion of the vesting period, even if a substantial portion, will not entitle the Grantee to any proportionate vesting or avoid or mitigate a termination of rights and benefits upon or following a termination of employment or services as provided in Section 4 below or under the Plan.

Nothing contained in this Award Agreement or the Plan constitutes a continued employment or service commitment by the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries, affects the Grantee’s status, if he or she is an employee, as an employee at will who is subject to termination without cause, confers upon the Grantee any right to remain employed by or in service to the Corporation or any Subsidiary, interferes in any way with the right of the Corporation or any Subsidiary at any time to terminate such employment or service, or affects the right of the Corporation or any Subsidiary to increase or decrease the Grantee’s other compensation.

 

3. Exercise and Payment of SARs .

3.1     Method of Exercise . The SARs shall be exercisable by the delivery to the Secretary of the Corporation (or such other person as the Administrator may require pursuant to such administrative exercise procedures as the Administrator may implement from time to time) of a written notice stating the number of SARs to be exercised pursuant to the Award or by the completion of such other administrative exercise procedures as the Administrator may require from time to time.

3.2     Payment of SARs .

(A) Amount . Upon the exercise of the SARs and the attendant surrender of an exercisable portion of the Award, the Grantee will be entitled to receive payment of an amount (subject to the tax withholding provisions of Section 3.3) determined by multiplying:

 

    the difference (but not less than zero) obtained by subtracting the Base Price of the SARs being exercised from the per-share fair market value (determined in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Plan) of the Common Shares of the Corporation as of the date of exercise (the “ Exercise Date ”), by

 

    the number of SARs being exercised.

 

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(B) Form of Payment . The amount determined under Section 3.2(A) will be paid to the Grantee on or as soon as administratively practicable after the Exercise Date solely by delivery to the Grantee of a number of Common Shares (either by delivering one or more certificates for such shares or by entering such shares in book entry form, as determined by the Corporation in its discretion) equal to (i) the amount of the payment determined under Section 3.2(A), divided by (ii) the fair market value of a Common Share as of the Exercise Date. The Corporation’s obligation to deliver Common Shares with respect to the SARs is subject to the condition precedent that the Grantee or other person entitled under the Plan to receive any shares with respect to the SARs deliver to the Corporation any representations or other documents or assurances required pursuant to Section 8.1 of the Plan. The Grantee shall have no further rights with respect to any SARs that are paid or that terminate pursuant to Section 4.

(C) SARs Not Funded . SARs payable under this Award Agreement will be paid from the general assets of the Corporation, and no special or separate reserve, fund or deposit will be made to assure payment of the SARs. Neither this Award Agreement nor any action taken pursuant to the provisions of this Award Agreement will create, or be construed to create, a trust of any kind or a fiduciary relationship between the Corporation and Grantee (or any other person). To the extent that Grantee (or any permitted transferee) acquires a right to receive payment pursuant to any SAR hereunder, such right will be no greater than the right of any unsecured general creditor of the Corporation.

3.3     Tax Withholding . Upon payment of any SAR, the Corporation (or the Subsidiary last employing the Grantee) shall have the right at its option to (a) require the Grantee to pay or provide for payment in cash of the amount of any taxes that the Corporation or the Subsidiary may be required to withhold with respect to such payment and/or distribution, or (b) deduct from any amount payable to the Grantee the amount of any taxes which the Corporation or the Subsidiary may be required to withhold with respect to such payment and/or distribution. In any case where a tax is required to be withheld in connection with the delivery of Common Shares under this Award Agreement, the Administrator may, in its sole discretion, direct the Corporation or the Subsidiary to reduce the number of shares to be delivered by (or otherwise reacquire) the appropriate number of whole shares, valued at their then fair market value (with the “fair market value” of such shares determined in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Plan), to satisfy such withholding obligation at the minimum applicable withholding rates.

 

4. Early Termination of Award .

4.1     Possible Termination of Award upon Change in Control. The Award is subject to termination in connection with a Change in Control Event or certain similar reorganization events as provided in Section 7.4 of the Plan.

4.2     Termination of Award upon a Termination of Grantee’s Employment or Services. Subject to earlier termination on the Expiration Date of the Award or pursuant to Section 4.1 above, if the Grantee ceases to be employed by or ceases to provide services to the Corporation or a Subsidiary, the following rules shall apply (the last day that the Grantee is employed by or provides services to the Corporation or a Subsidiary is referred to as the Grantee’s “ Severance Date ”):

 

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    other than as expressly provided below in this Section 4.2, (a) the Grantee will have until the date that is 3 months after his or her Severance Date to exercise the Award (or portion thereof) to the extent that it was vested on the Severance Date, (b) the Award, to the extent not vested on the Severance Date, shall terminate on the Severance Date, and (c) the Award, to the extent exercisable for the 3-month period following the Severance Date and not exercised during such period, shall terminate at the close of business on the last day of the 3-month period;

 

    if the termination of the Grantee’s employment or services is the result of the Grantee’s Retirement (as defined below), (a) unless the Administrator shall otherwise determine within 10 days of the Grantee’s Severance Date, the Award, to the extent not then vested, shall become fully vested as of the Severance Date, (b) the Grantee (or his beneficiary or personal representative, as the case may be) will have until the date that is 12 months after the Grantee’s Severance Date to exercise the Award, and (c) the Award, to the extent exercisable for the 12-month period following the Severance Date and not exercised during such period, shall terminate at the close of business on the last day of the 12-month period;

 

    if the termination of the Grantee’s employment or services is the result of the Grantee’s death or Total Disability (as defined below), (a) the Award, to the extent not then vested, shall become fully vested as of the Severance Date, (b) the Grantee (or his beneficiary or personal representative, as the case may be) will have until the date that is 12 months after the Grantee’s Severance Date to exercise the Award, and (c) the Award, to the extent exercisable for the 12-month period following the Severance Date and not exercised during such period, shall terminate at the close of business on the last day of the 12-month period; and

 

    if the Grantee’s employment or services are terminated by the Corporation or a Subsidiary for Cause (as defined below), the Award (whether vested or not) shall terminate on the Severance Date.

For purposes of the Award, “ Retirement ” means a termination of employment or service by the Grantee that occurs upon or after the Grantee’s attainment of age 65 and in accordance with the retirement policies of the Corporation (or the Subsidiary that employs the Grantee) then in effect.

For purposes of the Award, “ Total Disability ” means a “permanent and total disability” (within the meaning of Section 22(e)(3) of the Code or as otherwise determined by the Administrator).

For purposes of the Award, “ Cause ” means that the Grantee:

 

  (1) has been negligent in the discharge of his or her duties to the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries, has refused to perform stated or assigned duties or is incompetent in or (other than by reason of a disability or analogous condition) incapable of performing those duties;

 

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  (2) has been dishonest or committed or engaged in an act of theft, embezzlement or fraud, a breach of confidentiality, an unauthorized disclosure or use of inside information, customer lists, trade secrets or other confidential information; has breached a fiduciary duty, or willfully and materially violated any other duty, law, rule, regulation or policy of the Corporation, any of its Subsidiaries or any affiliate of the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries; or has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor (other than minor traffic violations or similar offenses);

 

  (3) has materially breached any of the provisions of any agreement with the Corporation, any of its Subsidiaries or any affiliate of the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries; or

 

  (4) has engaged in unfair competition with, or otherwise acted intentionally in a manner injurious to the reputation, business or assets of, the Corporation, any of its Subsidiaries or any affiliate of the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries; has improperly induced a vendor or customer to break or terminate any contract with the Corporation, any of its Subsidiaries or any affiliate of the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries; or has induced a principal for whom the Corporation, any of its Subsidiaries or any affiliate of the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries acts as agent to terminate such agency relationship.

In all events the Award is subject to earlier termination on the Expiration Date of the Award or as contemplated by Section 4.1. The Administrator shall be the sole judge of whether the Grantee continues to render employment or services for purposes of this Award Agreement.

 

5. Non-Transferability .

The Award and any other rights of the Grantee under this Award Agreement or the Plan are nontransferable and exercisable only by the Grantee, except as set forth in Section 5.7 of the Plan.

 

6. Notices .

Any notice to be given under the terms of this Award Agreement shall be in writing and addressed to the Corporation at its principal office to the attention of the Secretary, and to the Grantee at the address last reflected on the Corporation’s payroll records, or at such other address as either party may hereafter designate in writing to the other. Any such notice shall be delivered in person or shall be enclosed in a properly sealed envelope addressed as aforesaid, registered or certified, and deposited (postage and registry or certification fee prepaid) in a post office or branch post office regularly maintained by the United States Government. Any such notice shall be given only when received, but if the Grantee is no longer employed by the Corporation or a Subsidiary, shall be deemed to have been duly given five business days after the date mailed in accordance with the foregoing provisions of this Section 6.

 

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7. Plan .

The Award and all rights of the Grantee under this Award Agreement are subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, incorporated herein by this reference. The Grantee agrees to be bound by the terms of the Plan and this Award Agreement (including these Terms). The Grantee acknowledges having read and understanding the Plan, the Prospectus for the Plan, and this Award Agreement. Unless otherwise expressly provided in other sections of this Award Agreement, provisions of the Plan that confer discretionary authority on the Board or the Administrator do not and shall not be deemed to create any rights in the Grantee unless such rights are expressly set forth herein or are otherwise in the sole discretion of the Board or the Administrator so conferred by appropriate action of the Board or the Administrator under the Plan after the date hereof.

 

8. Entire Agreement .

This Award Agreement (including these Terms) and the Plan together constitute the entire agreement and supersede all prior understandings and agreements, written or oral, of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof. The Plan and this Award Agreement may be amended pursuant to Section 8.6 of the Plan. Such amendment must be in writing and signed by the Corporation. The Corporation may, however, unilaterally waive any provision hereof in writing to the extent such waiver does not adversely affect the interests of the Grantee hereunder, but no such waiver shall operate as or be construed to be a subsequent waiver of the same provision or a waiver of any other provision hereof.

 

9. Governing Law .

This Award Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the Cayman Islands without regard to conflict of law principles thereunder.

 

10. Effect of this Agreement .

Subject to the Corporation’s right to terminate the Award pursuant to Section 7.4 of the Plan, this Award Agreement shall be assumed by, be binding upon and inure to the benefit of any successor or successors to the Corporation.

 

11. Counterparts .

This Award Agreement may be executed simultaneously in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

12. Section Headings .

The section headings of this Award Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not be deemed to alter or affect any provision hereof.

 

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Exhibit 10.3

INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT

THIS INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is made as of              , 2007, by and between ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC., an exempted company duly incorporated and validly existing under the Law of the Cayman Islands (the “ Company ”), and                      (the “ Indemnitee ”), a director of the Company.

WHEREAS, the Indemnitee has agreed to serve as a director of the Company and in such capacity will render valuable services to the Company; and

WHEREAS, in order to induce and encourage highly experienced and capable persons such as the Indemnitee to serve as directors of the Company, the Board of Directors has determined that this Agreement is not only reasonable and prudent, but necessary to promote and ensure the best interests of the Company and its shareholders;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual agreements hereinafter set forth, and other good and valuable consideration, including, without limitation, the service of the Indemnitee, the receipt of which hereby is acknowledged, and in order to induce the Indemnitee to serve as a director of the Company, the Company and the Indemnitee hereby agree as follows:

1. Definitions. As used in this Agreement:

(a) Board of Directors ” shall mean the board of directors of the Company.

(b) Change in Control ” shall mean a change in control of the Company of a nature that would be required to be reported in response to Item 6(e) of Schedule 14A of Regulation 14A (or in response to any similar item on any similar or successor schedule or form) promulgated under the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (collectively, the “ Act ”), whether or not the Company is then subject to such reporting requirement; provided, however, that, without limitation, such a Change in Control shall be deemed to have occurred (irrespective of the applicability of the initial clause of this definition) if (i) any “person” (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Act, but excluding any trustee or other fiduciary holding securities pursuant to an employee benefit or welfare plan or employee share plan of the Company or any subsidiary of the Company, or any entity organized, appointed, established or holding securities of the Company with voting power for or pursuant to the terms of any such plan) is or becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing 20% or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities without the prior approval of at least two-thirds of the Continuing Directors (as defined below) in office immediately prior to such person’s attaining such interest; (ii) the Company is a party to a merger, consolidation, scheme of arrangement, sale of assets or other reorganization, or a proxy contest, as a consequence of which Continuing Directors in office immediately prior to such transaction or event constitute less than a majority of the Board of Directors of the Company (or any successor entity) thereafter; or (iii) during any period of two (2) consecutive years, individuals who at the beginning of such period constituted the Board of Directors of the Company (including for this purpose any new director whose election or nomination for election

 

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by the Company’s shareholders was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the directors then still in office who were directors at the beginning of such period) (such directors being referred to herein as “ Continuing Directors ”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board of Directors of the Company.

(c) Disinterested Director ” with respect to any request by the Indemnitee for indemnification or advancement of expenses hereunder shall mean a director of the Company who neither is nor was a party to the Proceeding (as defined below) in respect of which indemnification or advancement is being sought by the Indemnitee.

(d) The term “ Expenses ” shall mean, without limitation, expenses of Proceedings, including attorneys’ fees, disbursements and retainers, accounting and witness fees, expenses related to the preparation or service as a witness, travel and deposition costs, expenses of investigations, judicial or administrative proceedings and appeals, amounts paid in settlement of a Proceeding by or on behalf of the Indemnitee, costs of attachment or similar bonds, any expenses of attempting to establish or establishing a right to indemnification or advancement of expenses, under this Agreement, the Company’s Amended and Restated Memorandum of Association and Amended and Restated Articles of Association as currently in effect (the “ Articles ”), applicable law or otherwise, and reasonable compensation for time spent by the Indemnitee in connection with the investigation, defense or appeal of a Proceeding or action for indemnification for which the Indemnitee is not otherwise compensated by the Company or any third party. The term “Expenses” shall not include the amount of judgments, fines, interest or penalties, or excise taxes assessed with respect to any employee benefit or welfare plan, which are actually levied against or sustained by the Indemnitee to the extent sustained after final adjudication.

(e) The term “ Independent Legal Counsel ” shall mean any firm of attorneys reasonably selected by the Board of Directors of the Company, so long as such firm has not represented the Company, the Company’s subsidiaries or affiliates, the Indemnitee, any entity controlled by the Indemnitee, or any party adverse to the Company, within the preceding five (5) years. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term “Independent Legal Counsel” shall not include any person who, under applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing, would have a conflict of interest in representing either the Company or the Indemnitee in an action to determine the Indemnitee’s right to indemnification or advancement of expenses under this Agreement, the Company’s Articles, applicable law or otherwise.

(f) The term “ Proceeding ” shall mean any threatened, pending or completed action, suit, arbitration, alternate dispute resolution mechanism, or any other proceeding (including, without limitation, an appeal therefrom), formal or informal, whether brought in the name of the Company or otherwise, whether of a civil, criminal, administrative or investigative nature, and whether by, in or involving a court or an administrative, other governmental or private entity or body (including, without limitation, an investigation by the Company or its Board of Directors), by reason of (i) the fact that the Indemnitee is or was a director of the Company, or is or was serving at the request of the Company as an agent of another enterprise, whether or not the Indemnitee is serving in such capacity at the time any liability or expense is incurred for which indemnification or reimbursement is to be provided under this Agreement, (ii) any actual or alleged act or omission or neglect or breach of duty, including, without limitation, any actual or alleged error or misstatement or misleading statement, which the Indemnitee commits or suffers while acting in any such capacity, or (iii) the Indemnitee attempting to establish or establishing a right to indemnification or advancement of expenses pursuant to this Agreement, the Company’s Articles, applicable law or otherwise.

 

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(g) The phrase “ serving at the request of the Company as an agent of another enterprise ” or any similar terminology shall mean, unless the context otherwise requires, serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, trust, employee benefit or welfare plan or other enterprise, foreign or domestic. The phrase “serving at the request of the Company” shall include, without limitation, any service as a director of the Company which imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director with respect to the Company or any of the Company’s subsidiaries, affiliates, employee benefit or welfare plans, such plan’s participants or beneficiaries or any other enterprise, foreign or domestic. In the event that the Indemnitee shall be a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, trust, employee benefit or welfare plan or other enterprise, foreign or domestic, 50% or more of the ordinary shares, combined voting power or total equity interest of which is owned by the Company or any subsidiary or affiliate thereof, then it shall be presumed conclusively that the Indemnitee is so acting at the request of the Company.

2. Services by the Indemnitee . The Indemnitee agrees to serve as a director of the Company under the terms of the Indemnitee’s agreement with the Company for so long as the Indemnitee is duly elected and qualified, appointed or until such time as the Indemnitee tenders a resignation in writing or is removed as a director; provided, however, that the Indemnitee may at any time and for any reason resign from such position (subject to any other contractual obligation or other obligation imposed by operation of law).

3. Proceeding Other Than a Proceeding By or In the Right of the Company . The Company shall indemnify the Indemnitee if the Indemnitee is a party to or threatened to be made a party to or is otherwise involved in any Proceeding (other than a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company), by reason of the fact that the Indemnitee is or was a director of the Company, or is or was serving at the request of the Company as an agent of another enterprise, against all Expenses, judgments, fines, interest or penalties, and excise taxes assessed with respect to any employee benefit or welfare plan, which are actually and reasonably incurred by the Indemnitee in connection with such a Proceeding, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law; provided, however, that any settlement of a Proceeding must be approved in advance in writing by the Company (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld).

4. Proceedings By or In the Right of the Company . The Company shall indemnify the Indemnitee if the Indemnitee is a party to or threatened to be made a party to or is otherwise involved in any Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that the Indemnitee is or was a director of the Company, or is or was serving at the request of the Company as an agent of another enterprise, against all Expenses, judgments, fines, interest or penalties, and excise taxes assessed with respect to any employee

 

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benefit or welfare plan, which are actually and reasonably incurred by the Indemnitee in connection with the defense or settlement of such a Proceeding, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.

5. Indemnification for Costs, Charges and Expenses of Witness or Successful Party . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement (except as set forth in subparagraph 9(a) hereof), and without a requirement for determination as required by Paragraph 8 hereof, to the extent that the Indemnitee (a) has prepared to serve or has served as a witness in any Proceeding in any way relating to (i) the Company or any of the Company’s subsidiaries, affiliates, employee benefit or welfare plans or such plan’s participants or beneficiaries or (ii) anything done or not done by the Indemnitee as a director of the Company or in connection with serving at the request of the Company as an agent of another enterprise, or (b) has been successful in defense of any Proceeding or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, on the merits or otherwise, including the dismissal of a Proceeding without prejudice or the settlement of a Proceeding without an admission of liability, the Indemnitee shall be indemnified against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by the Indemnitee in connection therewith to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.

6. Partial Indemnification . If the Indemnitee is entitled under any provision of this Agreement to indemnification by the Company for a portion of the Expenses, judgments, fines, interest or penalties, or excise taxes assessed with respect to any employee benefit or welfare plan, which are actually and reasonably incurred by the Indemnitee in the investigation, defense, appeal or settlement of any Proceeding, but not, however, for the total amount of the Indemnitee’s Expenses, judgments, fines, interest or penalties, or excise taxes assessed with respect to any employee benefit or welfare plan, then the Company shall nevertheless indemnify the Indemnitee for the portion of such Expenses, judgments, fines, interest penalties or excise taxes to which the Indemnitee is entitled.

7. Advancement of Expenses . The Expenses incurred by the Indemnitee in any Proceeding shall be paid promptly by the Company in advance of the final disposition of the Proceeding at the written request of the Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law; provided, however, that the Indemnitee shall set forth in such request reasonable evidence that such Expenses have been incurred by the Indemnitee in connection with such Proceeding, a statement that such Expenses do not relate to any matter described in subparagraph 9(a) of this Agreement, and an undertaking in writing to repay any advances if it is ultimately determined as provided in subparagraph 8(b) of this Agreement that the Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification under this Agreement.

8. Indemnification Procedure; Determination of Right to Indemnification .

(a) Promptly after receipt by the Indemnitee of notice of the commencement of any Proceeding, the Indemnitee shall, if a claim for indemnification or advancement of Expenses in respect thereof is to be made against the Company under this Agreement, notify the Company of the commencement thereof in writing. The omission to so notify the Company will not relieve the Company from any liability which the Company may have to the Indemnitee under this Agreement unless the Company shall have lost significant substantive or procedural rights with respect to the defense of any Proceeding as a result of such omission to so notify.

 

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(b) The Indemnitee shall be conclusively presumed to have met the relevant standards of conduct, if any, as defined by applicable law, for indemnification pursuant to this Agreement and shall be absolutely entitled to such indemnification, unless a determination by clear and convincing evidence is made that the Indemnitee has not met such standards by (i) the Board of Directors by a majority vote of a quorum thereof consisting of Disinterested Directors, (ii) the shareholders of the Company by majority vote of a quorum thereof consisting of shareholders who are not parties to the Proceeding due to which a claim for indemnification is made under this Agreement, (iii) Independent Legal Counsel as set forth in a written opinion (it being understood that such Independent Legal Counsel shall make such determination only if the quorum of Disinterested Directors referred to in clause (i) of this subparagraph 8(b) is not obtainable or if the Board of Directors of the Company by a majority vote of a quorum thereof consisting of Disinterested Directors so directs), or (iv) a court of competent jurisdiction; provided, however, that if a Change of Control shall have occurred and the Indemnitee so requests in writing, such determination shall be made only by a court of competent jurisdiction.

(c) If a claim for indemnification or advancement of Expenses under this Agreement is not paid by the Company within thirty (30) days after receipt by the Company of written notice thereof, the rights provided by this Agreement shall be enforceable by the Indemnitee in any court of competent jurisdiction. Such judicial proceeding shall be made de novo. The burden of proving by clear and convincing evidence that indemnification or advances are not appropriate shall be on the Company. Neither the failure of the directors or shareholders of the Company or Independent Legal Counsel to have made a determination prior to the commencement of such action that indemnification or advancement of Expenses is proper in the circumstances because the Indemnitee has met the applicable standard of conduct, if any, nor an actual determination by the directors or shareholders of the Company or Independent Legal Counsel that the Indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of conduct shall be a defense to an action by the Indemnitee or create a presumption for the purpose of such an action that the Indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of conduct. The termination of any Proceeding by judgment, order, settlement or conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself (i) create a presumption that the Indemnitee did not act in good faith and in a manner which he reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the Company and/or its shareholders, and, with respect to any criminal Proceeding, that the Indemnitee had reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful or (ii) otherwise adversely affect the rights of the Indemnitee to indemnification or advancement of Expenses under this Agreement, except as may be provided herein. The Company further agrees to stipulate in any such judicial proceeding that the Company is bound by all the provisions of this Agreement and is precluded from making any assertion to the contrary.

(d) If a court of competent jurisdiction shall determine that the Indemnitee is entitled to any indemnification or advancement of Expenses hereunder, the Company shall pay all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by the Indemnitee in connection with such adjudication (including, but not limited to, any appellate proceedings). The Indemnitee’s Expenses incurred in connection with any Proceeding concerning the Indemnitee’s right to indemnification or advancement of Expenses in whole or in part pursuant to this Agreement shall also be indemnified by the Company, regardless of the outcome of such a Proceeding, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law and the Company’s Articles.

 

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(e) With respect to any Proceeding for which indemnification or advancement of Expenses is requested, the Company will be entitled to participate therein at its own expense and, except as otherwise provided below, to the extent that it may wish, the Company may assume the defense thereof, with counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnitee. After notice from the Company to the Indemnitee of its election to assume the defense of a Proceeding, the Company will not be liable to the Indemnitee under this Agreement for any Expenses subsequently incurred by the Indemnitee in connection with the defense thereof, other than as provided below. The Company shall not settle any Proceeding in any manner which would impose any penalty or limitation on the Indemnitee without the Indemnitee’s written consent. The Indemnitee shall have the right to employ his own counsel in any Proceeding, but the fees and expenses of such counsel incurred after notice from the Company of its assumption of the defense of the Proceeding shall be at the expense of the Indemnitee, unless (i) the employment of counsel by the Indemnitee has been authorized by the Company, (ii) the Indemnitee shall have reasonably concluded that there may be a conflict of interest between the Company and the Indemnitee in the conduct of the defense of a Proceeding, or (iii) the Company shall not in fact have employed counsel to assume the defense of a proceeding, in each of which cases the fees and expenses of the Indemnitee’s counsel shall be advanced by the Company. The Company shall not be entitled to assume the defense of any Proceeding brought by or on behalf of the Company or as to which the Indemnitee has reasonably concluded that there may be a conflict of interest between the Company and the Indemnitee.

9. Limitations on Indemnification . No payments pursuant to this Agreement shall be made by the Company:

(a) To indemnify or advance funds to the Indemnitee for Expenses with respect to (i) Proceedings initiated or brought voluntarily by the Indemnitee and not by way of defense, except with respect to Proceedings brought to establish or enforce a right to indemnification under this Agreement or any other statute or law or otherwise as required under applicable law or (ii) Expenses incurred by the Indemnitee in connection with preparing to serve or serving, prior to a Change in Control, as a witness in cooperation with any party or entity who or which has threatened or commenced any action or proceeding against the Company, or any director, officer, employee, trustee, agent, representative, subsidiary, parent corporation or affiliate of the Company, but such indemnification or advancement of Expenses in each such case may be provided by the Company if the Board of Directors finds it to be appropriate;

(b) To indemnify the Indemnitee for any Expenses, judgments, fines, interest or penalties, or excise taxes assessed with respect to any employee benefit or welfare plan, and sustained in any Proceeding for which payment is actually made to the Indemnitee under a valid and collectible insurance policy, except in respect of any excess beyond the amount of payment under such insurance;

(c) To indemnify the Indemnitee for any Expenses, judgments, fines, expenses or penalties sustained in any Proceeding for an accounting of profits made from the purchase or sale by the Indemnitee of securities of the Company pursuant to the provisions of Section 16(b) of the Act or similar provisions of any foreign or United States federal, state or local statute or regulation;

 

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(d) To indemnify the Indemnitee for any Expenses, judgments, fines, interest or penalties, or excise taxes assessed with respect to any employee benefit or welfare plan, for which the Indemnitee is indemnified by the Company otherwise than pursuant to this Agreement;

(e) To indemnify the Indemnitee for any Expenses (including without limitation any Expenses relating to a Proceeding attempting to enforce this Agreement), judgments, fines, interest or penalties, or excise taxes assessed with respect to any employee benefit or welfare plan, on account of the Indemnitee’s conduct if such conduct shall be finally adjudged to have been knowingly fraudulent, deliberately dishonest or willful misconduct, including, without limitation, breach of the duty of loyalty; or

(f) If a court of competent jurisdiction finally determines that any indemnification hereunder is unlawful.

10. Continuation of Indemnification . All agreements and obligations of the Company contained herein shall continue during the period that the Indemnitee is a director of the Company (or is or was serving at the request of the Company as an agent of another enterprise, foreign or domestic) and shall continue thereafter so long as the Indemnitee shall be subject to any possible Proceeding by reason of the fact that the Indemnitee was a director of the Company or serving in any other capacity referred to in this Paragraph 10.

11. Indemnification Hereunder Not Exclusive . The indemnification provided by this Agreement shall not be deemed to be exclusive of any other rights to which the Indemnitee may be entitled under the Company’s Articles, any agreement, vote of shareholders or vote of Disinterested Directors, provisions of applicable law, or otherwise, both as to action or omission in the Indemnitee’s official capacity and as to action or omission in another capacity on behalf of the Company while holding such office.

12. Successors and Assigns .

(a) This Agreement shall be binding upon, and shall inure to the benefit of, the Indemnitee and the Indemnitee’s heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, whether or not the Indemnitee has ceased to be a director, and the Company and its successors and assigns. Upon the sale of all or substantially all of the business, assets or share capital of the Company to, or upon the merger of the Company into or with, any corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other person, this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon both the Indemnitee and such purchaser or successor person. Subject to the foregoing, this Agreement may not be assigned by either party without the prior written consent of the other party hereto.

(b) If the Indemnitee is deceased and is entitled to indemnification under any provision of this Agreement, the Company shall indemnify the Indemnitee’s estate and the Indemnitee’s spouse, heirs, executors, administrators and assigns against, and the Company shall, and does hereby agree to assume, any and all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by or for the Indemnitee or the Indemnitee’s estate, in connection with the investigation, defense, appeal or settlement of any Proceeding. Further, when requested in writing by the spouse of the Indemnitee, and/or the Indemnitee’s heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, the Company shall provide appropriate evidence of the Company’s agreement set out herein to indemnify the Indemnitee against and to itself assume such Expenses.

 

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13. Subrogation . In the event of payment under this Agreement, the Company shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all of the rights of recovery of the Indemnitee, who shall execute all documents required and shall do all acts that may be necessary to secure such rights and to enable the Company effectively to bring suit to enforce such rights.

14. Severability . Each and every paragraph, sentence, term and provision of this Agreement is separate and distinct so that if any paragraph, sentence, term or provision thereof shall be held to be invalid, unlawful or unenforceable for any reason, such invalidity, unlawfulness or unenforceability shall not affect the validity, unlawfulness or enforceability of any other paragraph, sentence, term or provision hereof. To the extent required, any paragraph, sentence, term or provision of this Agreement may be modified by a court of competent jurisdiction to preserve its validity and to provide the Indemnitee with the broadest possible indemnification permitted under applicable law. The Company’s inability, pursuant to a court order or decision, to perform its obligations under this Agreement shall not constitute a breach of this Agreement.

15. Savings Clause . If this Agreement or any paragraph, sentence, term or provision hereof is invalidated on any ground by any court of competent jurisdiction, the Company shall nevertheless indemnify the Indemnitee as to any Expenses, judgments, fines, interest or penalties, or excise taxes assessed with respect to any employee benefit or welfare plan, which are incurred with respect to any Proceeding to the fullest extent permitted by any (a) applicable paragraph, sentence, term or provision of this Agreement that has not been invalidated or (b) applicable law.

16. Interpretation; Governing Law . This Agreement shall be construed as a whole and in accordance with its fair meaning and any ambiguities shall not be construed for or against either party. Headings are for convenience only and shall not be used in construing meaning. This Agreement shall be governed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of New York without regard to the conflict of laws principles thereof.

17. Amendments . No amendment, waiver, modification, termination or cancellation of this Agreement shall be effective unless in writing signed by the party against whom enforcement is sought. The indemnification rights afforded to the Indemnitee hereby are contract rights and may not be diminished, eliminated or otherwise affected by amendments to the Company’s Articles, or by other agreements, including directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies, of the Company.

18. 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 one or more counterparts have been signed by each party and delivered to the other.

19. Notices . Any notice required to be given under this Agreement shall be directed to ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC., 12F, Xinyin Building, 888 Yishan Road, Shanghai 200333, Attention: [Li-Fu Chen], and to the Indemnitee at              or to such other address as either shall designate to the other in writing.

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Indemnification Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

INDEMNITEE

 

Name:  
ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  

EXHIBIT 10.4

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is made and entered into this 31 st day of March, 2006 (the “ Effective Date ”), by and between ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC., a company incorporated and existing under the laws of the Cayman Islands (the “ Company ” and, together with all of its direct or indirect parent companies, subsidiaries, affiliates, or subsidiaries or affiliates of its parent companies, collectively referred to as the “ Company Group ”), and                      , an individual (the “ Executive ”).

RECITALS

THE PARTIES ENTER THIS AGREEMENT on the basis of the following facts, understandings and intentions:

A. The Company desires that the Executive be employed by the Company to carry out the duties and responsibilities described below, all on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth.

B. The Executive desires to accept such employment on such terms and conditions.

NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the above recitals incorporated herein and the mutual covenants and promises contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby expressly acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

 

1. Retention and Duties .

 

1.1 Retention . The Company does hereby hire, engage and employ the Executive for the Period of Employment (as defined in Section 2) on the terms and conditions expressly set forth in this Agreement. The Executive does hereby accept and agree to such hiring, engagement and employment, on the terms and conditions expressly set forth in this Agreement. The Executive agrees to commence active employment with the Company on or before March 31, 2006 (the first day of such employment is referred to as the “ Employment Commencement Date ”).

 

1.2 Duties . During the Period of Employment, the Executive shall serve the Company as its                      and shall have such powers, duties and obligations consistent with such position as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (the “ CEO ”) shall determine from time to time. The Executive shall be subject to such directives of the CEO and the corporate policies of the Company as they are in effect from time to time throughout the Period of Employment (including, without limitation, the Company’s business conduct and ethics policies, as they may change from time to time). During the Period of Employment, the Executive shall report solely to the CEO of the Company.

 

1.3 No Other Employment; Minimum Time Commitment . During the Period of Employment, the Executive shall both (i) devote substantially all of the Executive’s

 

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business time, energy and skill to the performance of the Executive’s duties for the Company, and (ii) hold no other employment. The Executive’s service on the boards of directors (or similar body) of other business entities is subject to the approval of the Board of Directors of the Company (the “ Board ”). The Company shall have the right to require the Executive to resign from any board or similar body which he may then serve if the Board reasonably determines in writing that the Executive’s service on such board or body interferes with the effective discharge of the Executive’s duties and responsibilities to the Company or that any business related to such service is then in competition with any business of the Company or any of its affiliates, successors or assigns.

 

1.4 No Breach of Contract . The Executive hereby represents to the Company that: (i) the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Executive and the Company and the performance by the Executive of the Executive’s duties hereunder shall not constitute a breach of, or otherwise contravene, the terms of any other agreement or policy to which the Executive is a party or otherwise bound; (ii) that the Executive has no information (including, without limitation, confidential information and trade secrets) relating to any other person or entity which would prevent, or be violated by, the Executive entering into this Agreement or carrying out his duties hereunder; (iii) that the Executive is not bound by any confidentiality, trade secret or similar agreement (other than this Agreement) with any other person or entity.

 

1.5 Location . The Executive acknowledges that the Company’s principal executive offices are currently located in Shanghai, the People’s Republic of China. The Executive’s principal place of employment shall be the Company’s principal executive offices. The Executive agrees that he will be regularly present at the Company’s principal executive offices. The Executive acknowledges that he may be required to travel from time to time in the course of performing his duties for the Company.

 

2. Period of Employment . The “ Period of Employment ” shall be a period of three (3) years commencing on the Employment Commencement Date and ending at the close of business on the third (3 rd ) anniversary of the Employment Commencement Date (the “ Termination Date ”); provided , however , that this Agreement shall be automatically renewed, and the Period of Employment shall be automatically extended for one (1) additional year on the Termination Date and each anniversary of the Termination Date thereafter, unless either party gives notice, in writing, at least thirty (30) days prior to the expiration of this Agreement and the Period of Employment (including any renewal thereof) of such party’s desire to terminate the Agreement or modify its terms. The term “Period of Employment” shall include any extension thereof pursuant to the preceding sentence. Provision of notice that the Period of Employment shall not be extended or further extended, as the case may be, shall not constitute a breach of this Agreement and shall not constitute “Constructive Termination” for purposes of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Period of Employment is subject to earlier termination as provided below in this Agreement.

 

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3. Compensation .

 

3.1 Base Salary . The Executive’s base salary (the “ Base Salary ”) during the Period of Employment shall be paid in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practices in effect from time to time, but not less frequently than in monthly installments. The Executive’s Base Salary for the first twelve (12) months of the Period of Employment shall be at an annualized rate of                      . The Company will review the Executive’s Base Salary at least annually. The Company will set the Executive’s rate of Base Salary for any portion of the Period of Employment after the first twelve (12) months thereof.

 

3.2 Incentive Bonus . During the Period of Employment, the Executive shall be eligible to receive periodic incentive bonuses under any incentive program applicable to executive officers of the Company and approved by the Board (the “ Incentive Bonus ”).

 

4. Benefits .

 

4.1 Retirement, Welfare and Fringe Benefits . During the Period of Employment, the Executive shall be entitled to participate in all employee pension and welfare benefit plans and programs, and fringe benefit plans and programs, made available by the Company to the Company’s employees generally, in accordance with the eligibility and participation provisions of such plans and as such plans or programs may be in effect from time to time.

 

4.2 Reimbursement of Business Expenses . The Executive is authorized to incur reasonable expenses in carrying out the Executive’s duties for the Company under this Agreement and reimbursement for all reasonable business expenses the Executive incurs during the Period of Employment in connection with carrying out the Executive’s duties for the Company, subject to the Company’s expense reimbursement policies in effect from time to time.

 

4.3 Vacation and Other Leave . During the Period of Employment, the Executive shall accrue and be entitled to take paid vacation in accordance with the Company’s vacation policies in effect from time to time, including the Company’s policies regarding vacation accruals; provided that the Executive’s rate of vacation accrual during the Period of Employment shall be no less than three (3) weeks per year. The Executive shall also be entitled to all other holiday and leave pay generally available to other executives of the Company.

 

5. Termination .

 

5.1 Termination by the Company . The Executive’s employment by the Company, and the Period of Employment, may be terminated at any time by the Company: (i) with Cause (as defined in Section 5.5), or (ii) with no less than thirty (30) days advance notice to the Executive, without Cause, or (iii) in the event of the Executive’s death, or (iv) in the event that the Board determines in good faith that the Executive has a Disability (as defined in Section 5.5).

 

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5.2 Termination by the Executive . The Executive’s employment by the Company, and the Period of Employment, may be terminated by the Executive with no less than thirty (30) days advance notice to the Company; provided , however , that in the case of a Constructive Termination (as defined herein), the Executive may provide immediate written notice if the Company fails to, or cannot, reasonably cure the event that gives rise to the Constructive Termination.

 

5.3 Benefits Upon Termination . If the Executive’s employment by the Company is terminated during the Period of Employment for any reason by the Company or by the Executive, or upon or following the expiration of the Period of Employment (in any case, the date that the Executive’s employment by the Company terminates is referred to as the “ Severance Date ”), the Company shall have no further obligation to make or provide to the Executive, and the Executive shall have no further right to receive or obtain from the Company, any payments or benefits except as follows:

(a) The Company shall pay the Executive (or, in the event of his death, the Executive’s estate) any Accrued Obligations (as defined in Section 5.5);

(b) If, during the Period of Employment, the Executive’s employment with the Company terminates as a result of an Involuntary Termination (as defined in Section 5.5), the Executive shall be entitled to the following benefits:

(i) The Company shall pay the Executive (in addition to the Accrued Obligations), subject to tax withholding and other authorized deductions, an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the Executive’s annualized Base Salary (as in effect immediately prior to the termination of the Executive’s employment). Such amount is referred to hereinafter as the “ Severance Benefit .” The Company shall pay the Severance Benefit to the Executive in equal installments on a bi-weekly basis over a period of twelve (12) months following the Severance Date (the “ Severance Period ”).

(ii) During the Severance Period, the Company shall continue to make available to the Executive and the Executive’s spouse and dependents covered under any group health plans or life insurance plans of the Company on the Severance Date, all group health, life and other similar insurance plans in which Executive or such spouse or dependents participate on the Severance Date at the same cost to the Executive as the Executive paid for such benefits prior to such date. To the extent that the Company cannot continue to provide such benefits, it will pay the Executive an amount that would be sufficient to enable the Executive to purchase substantially the same level of such benefits from a third party at the same cost to the Executive as the Executive paid for such benefits immediately prior to the Severance Date.

(c) If a Change of Control (as defined herein) occurs at any time during the Period of Employment, the vesting of each outstanding option, restricted stock award or other stock-based award granted by the Company to the Executive shall be automatically accelerated so that such award shall be vested in full as of the date of such Change of Control.

 

  -4-  


Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 5.3, if the Executive breaches his obligations under Section 6 of this Agreement at any time, from and after the date of such breach, (i) the Executive will no longer be entitled to, and the Company will no longer be obligated to pay, any remaining unpaid portion of the Severance Benefit, and (ii) the Executive will no longer be entitled to, and the Company will no longer be obligated to make available to Executive or Executive’s spouse or dependents any group health, life or other similar insurance plans or any payment in respect of such plans.

The foregoing provisions of this Section 5.3 shall not affect: (i) the Executive’s receipt of benefits otherwise due terminated employees consistent with the terms of the applicable Company welfare benefit plan or applicable law.

 

5.4 Exclusive Remedy . The Executive agrees that the payments contemplated by Section 5.3 (and any applicable acceleration of vesting of an equity-based award in accordance with the terms of such award in connection with the termination of the Executive’s employment) shall constitute the exclusive and sole remedy for any termination of his employment and the Executive covenants not to assert or pursue any other remedies, at law or in equity, with respect to any termination of employment. The Company and Executive acknowledge and agree that there is no duty of the Executive to mitigate damages under this Agreement. All amounts paid to the Executive pursuant to Section 5.3 shall be paid without regard to whether the Executive has taken or takes actions to mitigate damages.

 

5.5 Certain Defined Terms .

(a) As used herein, “ Accrued Obligations ” means:

(i) any Base Salary that had accrued but had not been paid (including accrued and unpaid vacation time) on or before the Severance Date; and

(ii) any Incentive Bonus payable pursuant to Section 3.2 with respect to any fiscal year in the Period of Employment preceding the year in which the Severance Date occurs to the extent earned by but not previously paid to the Executive; and

(iii) any reimbursement due to the Executive pursuant to Section 4.2 for expenses incurred by the Executive on or before the Severance Date.

(b) As used herein, “ Cause ” shall mean, as reasonably determined by the Board (excluding the Executive, if he is then a member of the Board), (i) any act of personal dishonesty taken by the Executive in connection with his responsibilities as an employee of the Company which is intended to result in substantial personal enrichment of the Executive and is reasonably likely to result in material harm to the Company, (ii) the Executive’s conviction of a crime which the Board reasonably believes has had or will have a material detrimental effect on the Company’s reputation or business, (iii) a willful

 

  -5-  


act by the Executive which constitutes misconduct and is materially injurious to the Company, or (iv) continued violations by the Executive of the Executive’s obligations to the Company after there has been delivered to the Executive a written demand for performance from the Company which describes the basis for the Company’s belief that the Executive has violated his obligations to the Company.

(c) As used herein, “ Change of Control ” shall mean the first to occur of any of the following events after the Employment Commencement Date:

(i) Approval by stockholders of the Company (or, if no stockholder approval is required, by the Board alone) of the complete dissolution or liquidation of the Company, other than in the context of a Business Combination that does not constitute a Change in Control Event under paragraph (iii) below;

(ii) The acquisition by any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “ Exchange Act ”), referred to herein as a “ Person ”) of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of 50% or more of either (1) the then-outstanding shares of common stock of the Company (the “ Outstanding Company Common Stock ”) or (2) the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the “ Outstanding Company Voting Securities ”); provided , however , that, for purposes of this paragraph (ii), the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change in Control Event; (A) any acquisition directly from the Company, (B) any acquisition by the Company, (C) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or its affiliates or a successor, (D) any acquisition by any entity pursuant to a Business Combination (as defined herein), (E) any acquisition by a Person described in and satisfying the conditions of Rule 13d-1(b) promulgated under the Exchange Act, or (F) any acquisition by a Person who is the beneficial owner (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of 50% or more of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and/or the Outstanding Company Voting Securities on the Effective Date (or an affiliate, heir, descendant, or related party of or to such Person); or

(iii) Consummation of a reorganization, merger, statutory share exchange or consolidation or similar corporate transaction involving the Company or any corporation or other entity a majority of whose outstanding voting stock or voting power is beneficially owned directly or indirectly by the Company (a “ Subsidiary ”), a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, or the acquisition of assets or stock of another entity by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (each, a “ Business Combination ”), in each case unless, following such Business Combination, (1) all or substantially all of the individuals and entities that were the beneficial owners of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and the Outstanding Company Voting Securities immediately prior to such Business Combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the then-outstanding shares of common stock and

 

  -6-  


the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, as the case may be, of the entity resulting from such Business Combination (including, without limitation, an entity that, as a result of such transaction, owns the Company or all or substantially all of the Company’s assets directly or through one or more subsidiaries), and (2) no Person (excluding any individual or entity described in clauses (C), (E) or (F) of paragraph (ii) above) beneficially owns (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, more than 50% of, respectively, the then-outstanding shares of common stock of the entity resulting from such Business Combination or the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities of such entity, except to the extent that the ownership in excess of 50% existed prior to the Business Combination;

provided, however, that a transaction shall not constitute a Change of Control if it is in connection with the underwritten public offering of the securities of the Company.

(d) As used herein, “ Constructive Termination ” shall mean a resignation by the Executive within thirty (30) days after the occurrence of any of the following: (i) without the Executive’s express written consent, a material reduction of the Executive’s duties, position or responsibilities relative to the Executive’s duties, position or responsibilities in effect immediately prior to such reduction, or the removal of the Executive from such duties, position and responsibilities, unless the Executive is provided with substantially comparable duties, position and responsibilities; (ii) without the Executive’s express written consent, a material reduction of the facilities and perquisites (including without limitation office space, location and administrative support) available to the Executive immediately prior to such reduction; (iii) a reduction by the Company of the Executive’s Base Salary or Incentive Bonus opportunity as in effect immediately prior to such reduction; (iv) a material reduction by the Company in the kind or level of employee benefits to which the Executive is entitled immediately prior to such reduction with the result that the Executive’s overall benefits package is materially reduced; or (v) without the Executive’s express written consent, the relocation of the Executive to a facility or a location more than fifty (50) miles from his current location.

(e) As used herein, “ Disability ” shall mean a physical or mental impairment which, as reasonably determined by the Board, renders the Executive unable to perform the essential functions of his employment with the Company, even with reasonable accommodation that does not impose an undue hardship on the Company, for more than 180 days in any 12-month period, unless a longer period is required by applicable law, in which case that longer period would apply.

(f) As used herein, “ Involuntary Termination ” shall mean a Constructive Termination or a termination of the Executive by the Company without Cause. For purposes of clarity, the term Involuntary Termination does not include a termination of the Executive’s employment due to the Executive’s death or Disability.

 

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5.6. Notice of Termination . Any termination of the Executive’s employment under this Agreement shall be communicated by written notice of termination from the terminating party to the other party. The notice of termination shall indicate the specific provision(s) of this Agreement relied upon in effecting the termination.

 

6. Confidentiality; Inventions; Non-Competition; Non-Solicitation .

 

6.1 Confidential Information .

(a) Company Information . The Executive hereby agrees at all times during the term of his or her employment and after termination, to hold in the strictest confidence, and not to use, except for the benefit of the Company Group, or to disclose to any person, corporation or other entity without written consent of the Company, any Confidential Information. The Executive understands that “ Confidential Information ” means any proprietary or confidential information of the Company Group, its affiliates, their clients, customers or partners, and the Company Group’s licensors, including, without limitation, technical data, trade secrets, research and development information, product plans, services, customer lists and customers (including, but not limited to, customers of the Company Group on whom the Executive called or with whom the Executive became acquainted during the term of his or her employment), supplier lists and suppliers, software, developments, inventions, processes, formulas, technology, designs, drawings, engineering, hardware configuration information, personnel information, marketing, finances, information about the suppliers, joint ventures, licensors, licensees, distributors and other persons with whom the Company Group does business, information regarding the skills and compensation of other employees of the Company Group or other business information disclosed to the Executive by or obtained by the Executive from the Company Group, its affiliates, or their clients, customers or partners either directly or indirectly in writing, orally or by drawings or observation of parts or equipment.

(b) Company Property . The Executive understands that all documents (including computer records, facsimile and e-mail) and materials created, received or transmitted in connection with his or her work or using the facilities of the Company Group are property of the Company Group and subject to inspection by the Company Group, at any time. Upon termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company (or at any other time when requested by the Company), the Executive will promptly deliver to the Company all documents and materials of any nature pertaining to his or her work with the Company and will provide written certification of his or her compliance with this Agreement. Under no circumstances will the Executive have, following his or her termination, in his or her possession any property of the Company Group, or any documents or materials or copies thereof containing any Confidential Information. In the event of the termination of the Executive’s employment, the Executive hereby agrees to sign and deliver the “ Termination Certification ” attached hereto as Exhibit A.

(c) Former Employer Information . The Executive hereby agrees that he or she will not, during his or her employment with the Company, improperly use or disclose any proprietary information or trade secrets of any former employer or other person or entity and that he or she will not bring onto the premises of the Company Group any

 

  -8-  


unpublished document or proprietary information belonging to any such employer, person or entity unless consented to in writing by such employer, person or entity. The Executive hereby agrees to indemnify the Company Group and hold it harmless from all claims, liabilities, damages and expenses, including reasonable attorneys fees and costs for resolving disputes, arising out of or in connection with any violation or claimed violation of a third party’s rights resulting from any use by the Company Group of such proprietary information or trade secrets improperly used or disclosed by the Executive.

(d) Third Party Information . The Executive recognizes that the Company Group has received and in the future will receive from third parties their confidential or proprietary information subject to a duty on the Company Group’s part to maintain the confidentiality of such information and to use it only for certain limited purposes. The Executive hereby agrees to hold all such confidential or proprietary information in the strictest confidence and not to disclose it to any person, firm or corporation or to use it except as necessary in carrying out his or her work for the Company consistent with the Company Group’s agreement with such third party.

 

6.2 Inventions .

(a) Inventions Retained and Licensed . The Executive has attached hereto, as Exhibit B, a list describing all inventions, original works of authorship, developments, improvements, trade secrets, and IC layout designs/mask works which were made by the Executive prior to his or her employment with the Company which belong to the Executive, which relate to the Company Group’s proposed or current business, products or research and development, and which are not assigned to any member of the Company Group hereunder (collectively referred to as “ Prior Inventions ”); or, if no such list is attached, The Executive hereby represents that there are no such Prior Inventions. The Executive hereby agrees that he or she will not incorporate any Prior Inventions into any products, processes or machines of the Company Group; provided , however , that if in the course of the Executive’s employment with the Company, he or she incorporates into a product, process or machine of the Company Group a Prior Invention owned by the Executive or in which he or she has an interest, the Executive hereby represents that he or she has all necessary rights, powers and authorization to use such Prior Invention in the manner it is used and such use will not infringe any right of any company, entity or person and, in such a circumstance, each member of the Company Group is hereby granted and shall have a nonexclusive, royalty-free, sublicensable, transferable, irrevocable, perpetual, worldwide license to make, have made, modify, use and sell such Prior Invention as part of or in connection with such product, process or machine. The Executive hereby agrees to indemnify the Company Group and hold it harmless from all claims, liabilities, damages and expenses, including reasonable attorneys fees and costs for resolving disputes, arising out of or in connection with any violation or claimed violation of a third party’s rights resulting from any use, sublicensing, modification, transfer, or sale by the Company Group of such Prior Invention.

(b) Assignment of Inventions . The Executive hereby agrees that he or she will promptly make full written disclosure to the Company and the Company Group, will hold in trust for the sole right and benefit of the Company and the Company Group, and

 

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hereby assign to the Company and the Company Group, or their respective designee, all of his or her right, title, and interest in and to any and all inventions, ideas, information, designs, original works of authorship, processes, formulas, computer software programs, databases, mask works, developments, concepts, improvements or trade secrets, whether or not patentable or registrable under patent, copyright, circuit layout design or similar laws in China or anywhere else in the world, which he or she may solely or jointly conceive or develop or reduce to practice or cause to be conceived or developed or reduced to practice, during the period of time he or she is in the employ of the Company (whether or not during business hours) that are either related to the scope of his or her employment with the Company or make use, in any manner, of the resources of the Company Group (collectively referred to as “ Inventions ”). The Executive hereby acknowledges that the Company or the Company Group shall be the sole owner of all rights, title and interest in the Inventions created hereunder. In the event the foregoing assignment of Inventions to the Company or the Company Group is ineffective for any reason, each member of the Company Group is hereby granted and shall have a royalty-free, sublicensable, transferable, irrevocable, perpetual, worldwide license to make, have made, modify, use, and sell such Inventions as part of or in connection with any product, process or machine. Such exclusive license shall continue in effect for the maximum term as may now or hereafter be permissible under applicable law. Upon expiration, such license, without further consent or action on the Executive’s part, shall automatically be renewed for the maximum term as is then permissible under applicable law, unless, within the six-month period prior to such expiration, the Company and the Executive have agreed that such license will not be renewed. The Executive also hereby forever waives and agrees never to assert any and all rights he or she may have in or with respect to any Inventions even after termination of his or her employment with the Company. The Executive hereby further acknowledges that all Inventions created by him or her (solely or jointly with others) are, to the extent permitted by applicable law, “works made for hire” or “inventions made for hire,” as those terms are defined in the People’s Republic of China (“ PRC ”) Copyright Law, the PRC Patent Law and the Regulations on Computer Software Protection, respectively, and all titles, rights and interests in or to such Inventions are or shall be vested in the Company.

(c) Remuneration . The Executive hereby agrees that the remuneration received by the Executive pursuant to this Agreement with the Company includes any bonuses or remuneration which the Executive may be entitled to under applicable PRC law for any “works made for hire,” “inventions made for hire” or other Inventions assigned to the Company pursuant to this Agreement.

(d) Maintenance of Records . The Executive hereby agrees to keep and maintain adequate and current written records of all Inventions. The records will be in the form of notes, sketches, drawings, and any other format that may be specified by the Company. The records will be available to and remain the sole property of the Company at all times.

(e) Patent and Copyright Registrations . The Executive hereby agrees to assist the Company, or its respective designees, at the expense of the Company, in every proper way to secure the Company’s rights in the Inventions in any and all countries, to further evidence, record and perfect any grant or assignment by the Executive of the Inventions

 

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hereunder and to perfect, obtain, maintain, enforce and defend any rights so granted or assigned, including the disclosure to the Company of all pertinent information and data with respect thereto, the execution of all applications, specifications, oaths, assignments and all other instruments which the Company shall deem necessary in order to apply for and obtain such rights and in order to assign and convey to the Company, its successors, assigns and nominees the sole and exclusive rights, title and interest in and to such Inventions. The Executive hereby further agrees that his or her obligations to execute or cause to be executed, when it is in his or her power to do so, any such instrument or papers shall continue after the termination of this Agreement. The Executive hereby irrevocably designates and appoints the Company and its duly authorized officers and agents as the Executive’s agent and attorney in fact, to act for and in the Executive’s behalf and stead to execute and file any such documents and to do all other lawfully permitted acts to further the foregoing with the same legal force and effect as if executed by the Executive.

 

6.3 Conflicting Employment . The Executive hereby agrees that, during the term of his or her employment with the Company, he or she will not engage in any other employment, occupation, consulting or other business activity related to the business in which the Company Group is now involved or becomes involved during the term of the Executive’s employment, nor will the Executive engage in any other activities that conflict with his or her obligations to the Company without the prior written consent of the Company.

 

6.4 Non-Competition .

(a) The Executive hereby agrees that during the course of his or her employment and for a period of two (2) years immediately following the termination of his or her relationship with the Company for any reason, whether with or without good cause or for any or no cause, at the option either of the Company or his or herself, with or without notice, the Executive will not, without the prior written consent of the Company, (i) serve as a partner, employee, consultant, officer, director, manager, agent, associate, investor, or otherwise for, or lend his or her name (or any part, variant or formative thereof), (ii) directly or indirectly, own, purchase, organize or take preparatory steps for the organization of, (iii) build, design, finance, acquire, lease, operate, manage, invest in, work or consult for or otherwise affiliate himself or herself with, any business, in competition with or otherwise similar to the business of the Company Group, (iv) deal, directly or indirectly, in a competitive manner with any customers doing business with the Company Group, or (v) transfer, sell, assign, pledge, hypothecate, give, create a security interest in or lien on, place in trust (voting or otherwise), or in any other way dispose of any equity interest in the Company Group beneficially owned by the Executive, as the case may be, to any person which is competitive with any significant aspect of the business of the Company Group. The foregoing covenant shall cover the Executive’s activities in every part of the Territory in which he or she may conduct business during the term of such covenant as set forth above. “ Territory ” shall mean (i) the People’s Republic of China (including Hong Kong), (ii) Taiwan, (iii) the United States of America, and (iv) all other countries of the world; provided that, with respect to clauses (iii) and (iv) of this Section 6.4(a), the Company derives at least five percent (5%) of its gross revenues from such geographic area prior to the date of the termination of the Executive’s relationship with the Company.

 

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(b) The Executive hereby acknowledges that he or she will derive significant value from the Company’s agreement to provide him or her with that Confidential Information of the Company Group to enable him or her to optimize the performance of his or her duties for the Company. The Executive hereby further acknowledges that his or her fulfillment of the obligations contained in this Agreement, including, but not limited to, his or her obligation neither to disclose nor to use the Confidential Information of the Company Group other than for the Company Group’s exclusive benefit and his or her obligation not to compete contained in subsection (a) above, is necessary to protect the Confidential Information of the Company Group and, consequently, to preserve the value and goodwill of the Company Group. The Executive hereby further acknowledges the time, geographic and scope limitations of his or her obligations under subsection (a) above are reasonable, especially in light of the Company Group’s desire to protect their Confidential Information, and that the Executive will not be precluded from gainful employment if he or she is obligated not to compete with the Company Group during the period and within the Territory as described above.

(c) The covenants contained in subsection (a) above shall be construed as a series of separate covenants, one for each city, county and state of any geographic area in the Territory. Except for geographic coverage, each such separate covenant shall be deemed identical in terms to the covenant contained in subsection (a) above. If, in any arbitration proceeding, the arbitration panel refuses to enforce any of such separate covenants (or any part thereof), then such unenforceable covenant (or such part) shall be eliminated from this agreement to the extent necessary to permit the remaining separate covenants (or portions thereof) to be enforced. In the event the provisions of subsection (a) above are deemed to exceed the time, geographic or scope limitations permitted by applicable law, then such provisions shall be reformed to the maximum time, geographic or scope limitations, as the case may be, then permitted by such law.

(d) The Executive hereby further agrees that he or she will be compensated by the Company in the total amount equal to the greater of (i) one month’s salary or (ii) the minimum amount of compensation required by applicable law (hereinafter referred to as the “ Compensation ”) upon the termination of his or her employment with the Company for the covenants that the Executive makes in this Section 6.4. The Compensation will be paid by four installments, of which the first installment equal to 1/4 of the total amount of the Compensation will be paid within three months after the employment is terminated and each of the other three installments equal to 1/4 of the total amount of the Compensation will be paid per three months thereafter.

 

6.5 Notification of New Employer . In the event that the Executive leaves the employ of the Company, The Executive hereby grants consent to notification by the Company to his or her new employer about his or her rights and obligations under this Agreement.

 

6.6 Non-Solicitation . The Executive hereby agrees that for a period of two (2) years immediately following the termination of his or her relationship with the Company for

 

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any reason, whether with or without cause, he or she shall not either directly or indirectly solicit, induce, recruit or encourage any employees of the Company Group to leave their employment, or take away such employees, or attempt to solicit, induce, recruit, encourage or take away employees of the Company Group and/or any suppliers, customers or consultants of the Company Group, either for his or herself or for any other person or entity.

 

6.7 Representations . The Executive hereby agrees to execute any proper oath or verify any proper document required to carry out the terms of this Agreement. The Executive hereby represents that the Executive’s performance of all the terms of this Agreement will not breach any agreement to keep in confidence proprietary information acquired by the Executive in confidence or in trust prior to his or her employment by the Company. The Executive has not entered into, and hereby agrees that he or she will not enter into, any oral or written agreement in conflict with this Section 6.

 

7. Withholding Taxes . Notwithstanding anything else herein to the contrary, the Company may withhold (or cause there to be withheld, as the case may be) from any amounts otherwise due or payable under or pursuant to this Agreement such national, provincial, local or any other income, employment, or other taxes as may be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.

 

8. Assignment . This Agreement is personal in its nature and neither of the parties hereto shall, without the consent of the other, assign or transfer this Agreement or any rights or obligations hereunder; provided , however , that in the event of a merger, consolidation, or transfer or sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company with or to any other individual(s) or entity, this Agreement shall, subject to the provisions hereof, be binding upon and inure to the benefit of such successor and such successor shall discharge and perform all the promises, covenants, duties, and obligations of the Company hereunder.

 

9. Number and Gender . Where the context requires, the singular shall include the plural, the plural shall include the singular, and any gender shall include all other genders.

 

10. Section Headings . The section headings of, and titles of paragraphs and subparagraphs contained in, this Agreement are for the purpose of convenience only, and they neither form a part of this Agreement nor are they to be used in the construction or interpretation thereof.

 

11. Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the domestic laws of the State of New York without giving effect to any choice or conflict of law provision or rule that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of New York.

 

12. Severability . If any provision of this Agreement or the application thereof is held invalid, the invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of this Agreement which can be given effect without the invalid provisions or applications and to this end the provisions of this Agreement are declared to be severable.

 

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13. Entire Agreement . This Agreement embodies the entire agreement of the parties hereto respecting the matters within its scope. This Agreement supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements of the parties hereto that directly or indirectly bears upon the subject matter hereof (including, without limitation, any offer letter or previous employment agreement). Any prior negotiations, correspondence, agreements, proposals or understandings relating to the subject matter hereof shall be deemed to have been merged into this Agreement, and to the extent inconsistent herewith, such negotiations, correspondence, agreements, proposals, or understandings shall be deemed to be of no force or effect. There are no representations, warranties, or agreements, whether express or implied, or oral or written, with respect to the subject matter hereof, except as expressly set forth herein.

 

14. Modifications . This Agreement may not be amended, modified or changed (in whole or in part), except by a formal, definitive written agreement expressly referring to this Agreement, which agreement is executed by both of the parties hereto.

 

15. Waiver . Neither the failure nor any delay on the part of a party to exercise any right, remedy, power or privilege under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power or privilege preclude any other or further exercise of the same or of any right, remedy, power or privilege, nor shall any waiver of any right, remedy, power or privilege with respect to any occurrence be construed as a waiver of such right, remedy, power or privilege with respect to any other occurrence. No waiver shall be effective unless it is in writing and is signed by the party asserted to have granted such waiver.

 

16. Waiver of Jury Trial . EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT.

 

17. Notices .

(a) All notices, requests, demands and other communications required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given and made if (i) delivered by hand, (ii) otherwise delivered against receipt therefor, or (iii) sent by internationally recognized courier with next-day or second-day delivery. Any notice shall be duly addressed to the parties as follows:

(i) if to the Company:

 

Address:    3/F, Enji Building, No. 130 Liangjiadian, Haidian District, Beijing 100036, China
Attention:    Yujun Hu
Tel:    8610-8811-8763
Fax:    8610-8811-8762

(ii) if to the Executive:

(b) Any party may alter the address to which communications or copies are to be sent by giving notice of such change of address in conformity with the provisions of this

 

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Section 17 for the giving of notice. Any communication shall be effective when delivered by hand, when otherwise delivered against receipt therefor, or three (3) business days after being sent in accordance with the foregoing.

 

18. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original as against any party whose signature appears thereon, and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. This Agreement shall become binding when one or more counterparts hereof, individually or taken together, shall bear the signatures of all of the parties reflected hereon as the signatories. Photographic copies of such signed counterparts may be used in lieu of the originals for any purpose.

 

19. Legal Counsel; Mutual Drafting . Each party recognizes that this is a legally binding contract and acknowledges and agrees that they have had the opportunity to consult with legal counsel of their choice. Each party has cooperated in the drafting, negotiation and preparation of this Agreement. Hence, in any construction to be made of this Agreement, the same shall not be construed against either party on the basis of that party being the drafter of such language. The Executive agrees and acknowledges that he has read and understands this Agreement, is entering into it freely and voluntarily, and has been advised to seek counsel prior to entering into this Agreement and has had ample opportunity to do so.

[The remainder of this page has intentionally been left blank.]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the Company and the Executive have executed this Agreement as of the Effective Date.

 

“COMPANY”
Acorn International, Inc.
By:  

 

Name:  

 

Title:  

 

“EXECUTIVE”

 

Name:

 

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EXHIBIT A

TERMINATION CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that I do not have in my possession, nor have I failed to return, any Confidential Information belonging to ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC. (the “ Company ”), its subsidiaries, parent companies, affiliates, successors or assigns (together, the “ Company Group ”). For purposes of this Termination Certificate, the term “Confidential Information” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in my Employment Agreement with the Company, dated on or about March      , 2006 (the “ Agreement ”).

I further certify that I have complied with all the terms of the Agreement signed by me, including all of the provisions of Section 6 of the Agreement.

I further agree that, in compliance with the Agreement, I will preserve as confidential all Confidential Information.

I further agree that for two (2) years from this date, I will not either directly or indirectly solicit, induce, recruit or encourage any employees of the Company or the Company Group to leave their employment, or take away such employees, or attempt to solicit, induce, recruit, encourage or take away employees of the Company or the Company Group and/or any suppliers, customers or consultants of the Company or the Company Group, either for myself or for any other person or entity.

 

Date:                                          

 

 

Name:

 

  -1-  


EXHIBIT B

LIST OF PRIOR INVENTIONS

 

Title

 

Date

 

Identifying Number

or Brief Description

             No inventions or improvements

             Additional Sheets Attached

 

Signature of Employee:  

 

Print Name of Employee:  

 

Date:                                 

 

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EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is made and entered into this 31 st day of March, 2006 (the “ Effective Date ”), by and between ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC., a company incorporated and existing under the laws of the Cayman Islands (the “ Company ” and, together with all of its direct or indirect parent companies, subsidiaries, affiliates, or subsidiaries or affiliates of its parent companies, collectively referred to as the “ Company Group ”), and Hu Yujun, an individual (the “ Executive ”).

RECITALS

THE PARTIES ENTER THIS AGREEMENT on the basis of the following facts, understandings and intentions:

A. The Company desires that the Executive be employed by the Company to carry out the duties and responsibilities described below, all on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth.

B. The Executive desires to accept such employment on such terms and conditions.

NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the above recitals incorporated herein and the mutual covenants and promises contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby expressly acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

 

1. Retention and Duties .

 

1.1 Retention . The Company does hereby hire, engage and employ the Executive for the Period of Employment (as defined in Section 2) on the terms and conditions expressly set forth in this Agreement. The Executive does hereby accept and agree to such hiring, engagement and employment, on the terms and conditions expressly set forth in this Agreement. The Executive agrees to commence active employment with the Company on or before March 31, 2006 (the first day of such employment is referred to as the “ Employment Commencement Date ”).

 

1.2 Duties . During the Period of Employment, the Executive shall serve the Company as its Chief Executive Officer and shall have such powers, duties and obligations consistent with such position as the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) shall determine from time to time. The Executive shall be subject to such directives of the CEO and the corporate policies of the Company as they are in effect from time to time throughout the Period of Employment (including, without limitation, the Company’s business conduct and ethics policies, as they may change from time to time). During the Period of Employment, the Executive shall report solely to the Board.

 

1.3 No Other Employment; Minimum Time Commitment . During the Period of Employment, the Executive shall both (i) devote substantially all of the Executive’s

 

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business time, energy and skill to the performance of the Executive’s duties for the Company, and (ii) hold no other employment. The Executive’s service on the boards of directors (or similar body) of other business entities is subject to the approval of the Board. The Company shall have the right to require the Executive to resign from any board or similar body which he may then serve if the Board reasonably determines in writing that the Executive’s service on such board or body interferes with the effective discharge of the Executive’s duties and responsibilities to the Company or that any business related to such service is then in competition with any business of the Company or any of its affiliates, successors or assigns.

 

1.4 No Breach of Contract . The Executive hereby represents to the Company that: (i) the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Executive and the Company and the performance by the Executive of the Executive’s duties hereunder shall not constitute a breach of, or otherwise contravene, the terms of any other agreement or policy to which the Executive is a party or otherwise bound; (ii) that the Executive has no information (including, without limitation, confidential information and trade secrets) relating to any other person or entity which would prevent, or be violated by, the Executive entering into this Agreement or carrying out his duties hereunder; (iii) that the Executive is not bound by any confidentiality, trade secret or similar agreement (other than this Agreement) with any other person or entity.

 

1.5 Location . The Executive acknowledges that the Company’s principal executive offices are currently located in Shanghai, the People’s Republic of China. The Executive’s principal place of employment shall be the Company’s principal executive offices. The Executive agrees that he will be regularly present at the Company’s principal executive offices. The Executive acknowledges that he may be required to travel from time to time in the course of performing his duties for the Company.

 

2. Period of Employment . The “ Period of Employment ” shall be a period of three (3) years commencing on the Employment Commencement Date and ending at the close of business on the third (3 rd ) anniversary of the Employment Commencement Date (the “ Termination Date ”); provided , however , that this Agreement shall be automatically renewed, and the Period of Employment shall be automatically extended for one (1) additional year on the Termination Date and each anniversary of the Termination Date thereafter, unless either party gives notice, in writing, at least thirty (30) days prior to the expiration of this Agreement and the Period of Employment (including any renewal thereof) of such party’s desire to terminate the Agreement or modify its terms. The term “Period of Employment” shall include any extension thereof pursuant to the preceding sentence. Provision of notice that the Period of Employment shall not be extended or further extended, as the case may be, shall not constitute a breach of this Agreement and shall not constitute “Constructive Termination” for purposes of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Period of Employment is subject to earlier termination as provided below in this Agreement.

 

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3. Compensation .

 

3.1 Base Salary . The Executive’s base salary (the “ Base Salary ”) during the Period of Employment shall be paid in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practices in effect from time to time, but not less frequently than in monthly installments. The Executive’s Base Salary for the first twelve (12) months of the Period of Employment shall be at an annualized rate of              . The Company will review the Executive’s Base Salary at least annually. The Company will set the Executive’s rate of Base Salary for any portion of the Period of Employment after the first twelve (12) months thereof.

 

3.2 Incentive Bonus . During the Period of Employment, the Executive shall be eligible to receive periodic incentive bonuses under any incentive program applicable to executive officers of the Company and approved by the Board (the “ Incentive Bonus ”).

 

4. Benefits .

 

4.1 Retirement, Welfare and Fringe Benefits . During the Period of Employment, the Executive shall be entitled to participate in all employee pension and welfare benefit plans and programs, and fringe benefit plans and programs, made available by the Company to the Company’s employees generally, in accordance with the eligibility and participation provisions of such plans and as such plans or programs may be in effect from time to time.

 

4.2 Reimbursement of Business Expenses . The Executive is authorized to incur reasonable expenses in carrying out the Executive’s duties for the Company under this Agreement and reimbursement for all reasonable business expenses the Executive incurs during the Period of Employment in connection with carrying out the Executive’s duties for the Company, subject to the Company’s expense reimbursement policies in effect from time to time.

 

4.3 Vacation and Other Leave . During the Period of Employment, the Executive shall accrue and be entitled to take paid vacation in accordance with the Company’s vacation policies in effect from time to time, including the Company’s policies regarding vacation accruals; provided that the Executive’s rate of vacation accrual during the Period of Employment shall be no less than three (3) weeks per year. The Executive shall also be entitled to all other holiday and leave pay generally available to other executives of the Company.

 

5. Termination .

 

5.1 Termination by the Company . The Executive’s employment by the Company, and the Period of Employment, may be terminated at any time by the Company: (i) with Cause (as defined in Section 5.5), or (ii) with no less than thirty (30) days advance notice to the Executive, without Cause, or (iii) in the event of the Executive’s death, or (iv) in the event that the Board determines in good faith that the Executive has a Disability (as defined in Section 5.5).

 

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5.2 Termination by the Executive . The Executive’s employment by the Company, and the Period of Employment, may be terminated by the Executive with no less than thirty (30) days advance notice to the Company; provided , however , that in the case of a Constructive Termination (as defined herein), the Executive may provide immediate written notice if the Company fails to, or cannot, reasonably cure the event that gives rise to the Constructive Termination.

 

5.3 Benefits Upon Termination . If the Executive’s employment by the Company is terminated during the Period of Employment for any reason by the Company or by the Executive, or upon or following the expiration of the Period of Employment (in any case, the date that the Executive’s employment by the Company terminates is referred to as the “ Severance Date ”), the Company shall have no further obligation to make or provide to the Executive, and the Executive shall have no further right to receive or obtain from the Company, any payments or benefits except as follows:

(a) The Company shall pay the Executive (or, in the event of his death, the Executive’s estate) any Accrued Obligations (as defined in Section 5.5);

(b) If, during the Period of Employment, the Executive’s employment with the Company terminates as a result of an Involuntary Termination (as defined in Section 5.5), the Executive shall be entitled to the following benefits:

(i) The Company shall pay the Executive (in addition to the Accrued Obligations), subject to tax withholding and other authorized deductions, an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the Executive’s annualized Base Salary (as in effect immediately prior to the termination of the Executive’s employment). Such amount is referred to hereinafter as the “ Severance Benefit .” The Company shall pay the Severance Benefit to the Executive in equal installments on a bi-weekly basis over a period of twelve (12) months following the Severance Date (the “ Severance Period ”).

(ii) During the Severance Period, the Company shall continue to make available to the Executive and the Executive’s spouse and dependents covered under any group health plans or life insurance plans of the Company on the Severance Date, all group health, life and other similar insurance plans in which Executive or such spouse or dependents participate on the Severance Date at the same cost to the Executive as the Executive paid for such benefits prior to such date. To the extent that the Company cannot continue to provide such benefits, it will pay the Executive an amount that would be sufficient to enable the Executive to purchase substantially the same level of such benefits from a third party at the same cost to the Executive as the Executive paid for such benefits immediately prior to the Severance Date.

(c) If a Change of Control (as defined herein) occurs at any time during the Period of Employment, the vesting of each outstanding option, restricted stock award or other stock-based award granted by the Company to the Executive shall be automatically accelerated so that such award shall be vested in full as of the date of such Change of Control.

 

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Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 5.3, if the Executive breaches his obligations under Section 6 of this Agreement at any time, from and after the date of such breach, (i) the Executive will no longer be entitled to, and the Company will no longer be obligated to pay, any remaining unpaid portion of the Severance Benefit, and (ii) the Executive will no longer be entitled to, and the Company will no longer be obligated to make available to Executive or Executive’s spouse or dependents any group health, life or other similar insurance plans or any payment in respect of such plans.

The foregoing provisions of this Section 5.3 shall not affect: (i) the Executive’s receipt of benefits otherwise due terminated employees consistent with the terms of the applicable Company welfare benefit plan or applicable law.

 

5.4 Exclusive Remedy . The Executive agrees that the payments contemplated by Section 5.3 (and any applicable acceleration of vesting of an equity-based award in accordance with the terms of such award in connection with the termination of the Executive’s employment) shall constitute the exclusive and sole remedy for any termination of his employment and the Executive covenants not to assert or pursue any other remedies, at law or in equity, with respect to any termination of employment. The Company and Executive acknowledge and agree that there is no duty of the Executive to mitigate damages under this Agreement. All amounts paid to the Executive pursuant to Section 5.3 shall be paid without regard to whether the Executive has taken or takes actions to mitigate damages.

 

5.5 Certain Defined Terms .

(a) As used herein, “ Accrued Obligations ” means:

(i) any Base Salary that had accrued but had not been paid (including accrued and unpaid vacation time) on or before the Severance Date; and

(ii) any Incentive Bonus payable pursuant to Section 3.2 with respect to any fiscal year in the Period of Employment preceding the year in which the Severance Date occurs to the extent earned by but not previously paid to the Executive; and

(iii) any reimbursement due to the Executive pursuant to Section 4.2 for expenses incurred by the Executive on or before the Severance Date.

(b) As used herein, “ Cause ” shall mean, as reasonably determined by the Board (excluding the Executive, if he is then a member of the Board), (i) any act of personal dishonesty taken by the Executive in connection with his responsibilities as an employee of the Company which is intended to result in substantial personal enrichment of the Executive and is reasonably likely to result in material harm to the Company, (ii) the Executive’s conviction of a crime which the Board reasonably believes has had or will have a material detrimental effect on the Company’s reputation or business, (iii) a willful

 

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act by the Executive which constitutes misconduct and is materially injurious to the Company, or (iv) continued violations by the Executive of the Executive’s obligations to the Company after there has been delivered to the Executive a written demand for performance from the Company which describes the basis for the Company’s belief that the Executive has violated his obligations to the Company.

(c) As used herein, “ Change of Control ” shall mean the first to occur of any of the following events after the Employment Commencement Date:

(i) Approval by stockholders of the Company (or, if no stockholder approval is required, by the Board alone) of the complete dissolution or liquidation of the Company, other than in the context of a Business Combination that does not constitute a Change in Control Event under paragraph (iii) below;

(ii) The acquisition by any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “ Exchange Act ”), referred to herein as a “ Person ”) of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of 50% or more of either (1) the then-outstanding shares of common stock of the Company (the “ Outstanding Company Common Stock ”) or (2) the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the “ Outstanding Company Voting Securities ”); provided , however , that, for purposes of this paragraph (ii), the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change in Control Event; (A) any acquisition directly from the Company, (B) any acquisition by the Company, (C) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or its affiliates or a successor, (D) any acquisition by any entity pursuant to a Business Combination (as defined herein), (E) any acquisition by a Person described in and satisfying the conditions of Rule 13d-1(b) promulgated under the Exchange Act, or (F) any acquisition by a Person who is the beneficial owner (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of 50% or more of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and/or the Outstanding Company Voting Securities on the Effective Date (or an affiliate, heir, descendant, or related party of or to such Person); or

(iii) Consummation of a reorganization, merger, statutory share exchange or consolidation or similar corporate transaction involving the Company or any corporation or other entity a majority of whose outstanding voting stock or voting power is beneficially owned directly or indirectly by the Company (a “ Subsidiary ”), a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, or the acquisition of assets or stock of another entity by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (each, a “ Business Combination ”), in each case unless, following such Business Combination, (1) all or substantially all of the individuals and entities that were the beneficial owners of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and the Outstanding Company Voting Securities immediately prior to such Business Combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the then-outstanding shares of common stock and

 

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the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, as the case may be, of the entity resulting from such Business Combination (including, without limitation, an entity that, as a result of such transaction, owns the Company or all or substantially all of the Company’s assets directly or through one or more subsidiaries), and (2) no Person (excluding any individual or entity described in clauses (C), (E) or (F) of paragraph (ii) above) beneficially owns (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, more than 50% of, respectively, the then-outstanding shares of common stock of the entity resulting from such Business Combination or the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities of such entity, except to the extent that the ownership in excess of 50% existed prior to the Business Combination;

provided, however, that a transaction shall not constitute a Change of Control if it is in connection with the underwritten public offering of the securities of the Company.

(d) As used herein, “ Constructive Termination ” shall mean a resignation by the Executive within thirty (30) days after the occurrence of any of the following: (i) without the Executive’s express written consent, a material reduction of the Executive’s duties, position or responsibilities relative to the Executive’s duties, position or responsibilities in effect immediately prior to such reduction, or the removal of the Executive from such duties, position and responsibilities, unless the Executive is provided with substantially comparable duties, position and responsibilities; (ii) without the Executive’s express written consent, a material reduction of the facilities and perquisites (including without limitation office space, location and administrative support) available to the Executive immediately prior to such reduction; (iii) a reduction by the Company of the Executive’s Base Salary or Incentive Bonus opportunity as in effect immediately prior to such reduction; (iv) a material reduction by the Company in the kind or level of employee benefits to which the Executive is entitled immediately prior to such reduction with the result that the Executive’s overall benefits package is materially reduced; or (v) without the Executive’s express written consent, the relocation of the Executive to a facility or a location more than fifty (50) miles from his current location.

(e) As used herein, “ Disability ” shall mean a physical or mental impairment which, as reasonably determined by the Board, renders the Executive unable to perform the essential functions of his employment with the Company, even with reasonable accommodation that does not impose an undue hardship on the Company, for more than 180 days in any 12-month period, unless a longer period is required by applicable law, in which case that longer period would apply.

(f) As used herein, “ Involuntary Termination ” shall mean a Constructive Termination or a termination of the Executive by the Company without Cause. For purposes of clarity, the term Involuntary Termination does not include a termination of the Executive’s employment due to the Executive’s death or Disability.

 

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5.6. Notice of Termination . Any termination of the Executive’s employment under this Agreement shall be communicated by written notice of termination from the terminating party to the other party. The notice of termination shall indicate the specific provision(s) of this Agreement relied upon in effecting the termination.

 

6. Confidentiality; Inventions; Non-Competition; Non-Solicitation .

 

6.1 Confidential Information .

(a) Company Information . The Executive hereby agrees at all times during the term of his or her employment and after termination, to hold in the strictest confidence, and not to use, except for the benefit of the Company Group, or to disclose to any person, corporation or other entity without written consent of the Company, any Confidential Information. The Executive understands that “ Confidential Information ” means any proprietary or confidential information of the Company Group, its affiliates, their clients, customers or partners, and the Company Group’s licensors, including, without limitation, technical data, trade secrets, research and development information, product plans, services, customer lists and customers (including, but not limited to, customers of the Company Group on whom the Executive called or with whom the Executive became acquainted during the term of his or her employment), supplier lists and suppliers, software, developments, inventions, processes, formulas, technology, designs, drawings, engineering, hardware configuration information, personnel information, marketing, finances, information about the suppliers, joint ventures, licensors, licensees, distributors and other persons with whom the Company Group does business, information regarding the skills and compensation of other employees of the Company Group or other business information disclosed to the Executive by or obtained by the Executive from the Company Group, its affiliates, or their clients, customers or partners either directly or indirectly in writing, orally or by drawings or observation of parts or equipment.

(b) Company Property . The Executive understands that all documents (including computer records, facsimile and e-mail) and materials created, received or transmitted in connection with his or her work or using the facilities of the Company Group are property of the Company Group and subject to inspection by the Company Group, at any time. Upon termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company (or at any other time when requested by the Company), the Executive will promptly deliver to the Company all documents and materials of any nature pertaining to his or her work with the Company and will provide written certification of his or her compliance with this Agreement. Under no circumstances will the Executive have, following his or her termination, in his or her possession any property of the Company Group, or any documents or materials or copies thereof containing any Confidential Information. In the event of the termination of the Executive’s employment, the Executive hereby agrees to sign and deliver the “ Termination Certification ” attached hereto as Exhibit A.

(c) Former Employer Information . The Executive hereby agrees that he or she will not, during his or her employment with the Company, improperly use or disclose any proprietary information or trade secrets of any former employer or other person or entity and that he or she will not bring onto the premises of the Company Group any

 

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unpublished document or proprietary information belonging to any such employer, person or entity unless consented to in writing by such employer, person or entity. The Executive hereby agrees to indemnify the Company Group and hold it harmless from all claims, liabilities, damages and expenses, including reasonable attorneys fees and costs for resolving disputes, arising out of or in connection with any violation or claimed violation of a third party’s rights resulting from any use by the Company Group of such proprietary information or trade secrets improperly used or disclosed by the Executive.

(d) Third Party Information . The Executive recognizes that the Company Group has received and in the future will receive from third parties their confidential or proprietary information subject to a duty on the Company Group’s part to maintain the confidentiality of such information and to use it only for certain limited purposes. The Executive hereby agrees to hold all such confidential or proprietary information in the strictest confidence and not to disclose it to any person, firm or corporation or to use it except as necessary in carrying out his or her work for the Company consistent with the Company Group’s agreement with such third party.

 

6.2 Inventions .

(a) Inventions Retained and Licensed . The Executive has attached hereto, as Exhibit B, a list describing all inventions, original works of authorship, developments, improvements, trade secrets, and IC layout designs/mask works which were made by the Executive prior to his or her employment with the Company which belong to the Executive, which relate to the Company Group’s proposed or current business, products or research and development, and which are not assigned to any member of the Company Group hereunder (collectively referred to as “ Prior Inventions ”); or, if no such list is attached, The Executive hereby represents that there are no such Prior Inventions. The Executive hereby agrees that he or she will not incorporate any Prior Inventions into any products, processes or machines of the Company Group; provided , however , that if in the course of the Executive’s employment with the Company, he or she incorporates into a product, process or machine of the Company Group a Prior Invention owned by the Executive or in which he or she has an interest, the Executive hereby represents that he or she has all necessary rights, powers and authorization to use such Prior Invention in the manner it is used and such use will not infringe any right of any company, entity or person and, in such a circumstance, each member of the Company Group is hereby granted and shall have a nonexclusive, royalty-free, sublicensable, transferable, irrevocable, perpetual, worldwide license to make, have made, modify, use and sell such Prior Invention as part of or in connection with such product, process or machine. The Executive hereby agrees to indemnify the Company Group and hold it harmless from all claims, liabilities, damages and expenses, including reasonable attorneys fees and costs for resolving disputes, arising out of or in connection with any violation or claimed violation of a third party’s rights resulting from any use, sublicensing, modification, transfer, or sale by the Company Group of such Prior Invention.

(b) Assignment of Inventions . The Executive hereby agrees that he or she will promptly make full written disclosure to the Company and the Company Group, will hold in trust for the sole right and benefit of the Company and the Company Group, and

 

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hereby assign to the Company and the Company Group, or their respective designee, all of his or her right, title, and interest in and to any and all inventions, ideas, information, designs, original works of authorship, processes, formulas, computer software programs, databases, mask works, developments, concepts, improvements or trade secrets, whether or not patentable or registrable under patent, copyright, circuit layout design or similar laws in China or anywhere else in the world, which he or she may solely or jointly conceive or develop or reduce to practice or cause to be conceived or developed or reduced to practice, during the period of time he or she is in the employ of the Company (whether or not during business hours) that are either related to the scope of his or her employment with the Company or make use, in any manner, of the resources of the Company Group (collectively referred to as “ Inventions ”). The Executive hereby acknowledges that the Company or the Company Group shall be the sole owner of all rights, title and interest in the Inventions created hereunder. In the event the foregoing assignment of Inventions to the Company or the Company Group is ineffective for any reason, each member of the Company Group is hereby granted and shall have a royalty-free, sublicensable, transferable, irrevocable, perpetual, worldwide license to make, have made, modify, use, and sell such Inventions as part of or in connection with any product, process or machine. Such exclusive license shall continue in effect for the maximum term as may now or hereafter be permissible under applicable law. Upon expiration, such license, without further consent or action on the Executive’s part, shall automatically be renewed for the maximum term as is then permissible under applicable law, unless, within the six-month period prior to such expiration, the Company and the Executive have agreed that such license will not be renewed. The Executive also hereby forever waives and agrees never to assert any and all rights he or she may have in or with respect to any Inventions even after termination of his or her employment with the Company. The Executive hereby further acknowledges that all Inventions created by him or her (solely or jointly with others) are, to the extent permitted by applicable law, “works made for hire” or “inventions made for hire,” as those terms are defined in the People’s Republic of China (“ PRC ”) Copyright Law, the PRC Patent Law and the Regulations on Computer Software Protection, respectively, and all titles, rights and interests in or to such Inventions are or shall be vested in the Company.

(c) Remuneration . The Executive hereby agrees that the remuneration received by the Executive pursuant to this Agreement with the Company includes any bonuses or remuneration which the Executive may be entitled to under applicable PRC law for any “works made for hire,” “inventions made for hire” or other Inventions assigned to the Company pursuant to this Agreement.

(d) Maintenance of Records . The Executive hereby agrees to keep and maintain adequate and current written records of all Inventions. The records will be in the form of notes, sketches, drawings, and any other format that may be specified by the Company. The records will be available to and remain the sole property of the Company at all times.

(e) Patent and Copyright Registrations . The Executive hereby agrees to assist the Company, or its respective designees, at the expense of the Company, in every proper way to secure the Company’s rights in the Inventions in any and all countries, to further evidence, record and perfect any grant or assignment by the Executive of the Inventions

 

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hereunder and to perfect, obtain, maintain, enforce and defend any rights so granted or assigned, including the disclosure to the Company of all pertinent information and data with respect thereto, the execution of all applications, specifications, oaths, assignments and all other instruments which the Company shall deem necessary in order to apply for and obtain such rights and in order to assign and convey to the Company, its successors, assigns and nominees the sole and exclusive rights, title and interest in and to such Inventions. The Executive hereby further agrees that his or her obligations to execute or cause to be executed, when it is in his or her power to do so, any such instrument or papers shall continue after the termination of this Agreement. The Executive hereby irrevocably designates and appoints the Company and its duly authorized officers and agents as the Executive’s agent and attorney in fact, to act for and in the Executive’s behalf and stead to execute and file any such documents and to do all other lawfully permitted acts to further the foregoing with the same legal force and effect as if executed by the Executive.

 

6.3 Conflicting Employment . The Executive hereby agrees that, during the term of his or her employment with the Company, he or she will not engage in any other employment, occupation, consulting or other business activity related to the business in which the Company Group is now involved or becomes involved during the term of the Executive’s employment, nor will the Executive engage in any other activities that conflict with his or her obligations to the Company without the prior written consent of the Company.

 

6.4 Non-Competition .

(a) The Executive hereby agrees that during the course of his or her employment and for a period of two (2) years immediately following the termination of his or her relationship with the Company for any reason, whether with or without good cause or for any or no cause, at the option either of the Company or his or herself, with or without notice, the Executive will not, without the prior written consent of the Company, (i) serve as a partner, employee, consultant, officer, director, manager, agent, associate, investor, or otherwise for, or lend his or her name (or any part, variant or formative thereof), (ii) directly or indirectly, own, purchase, organize or take preparatory steps for the organization of, (iii) build, design, finance, acquire, lease, operate, manage, invest in, work or consult for or otherwise affiliate himself or herself with, any business, in competition with or otherwise similar to the business of the Company Group, (iv) deal, directly or indirectly, in a competitive manner with any customers doing business with the Company Group, or (v) transfer, sell, assign, pledge, hypothecate, give, create a security interest in or lien on, place in trust (voting or otherwise), or in any other way dispose of any equity interest in the Company Group beneficially owned by the Executive, as the case may be, to any person which is competitive with any significant aspect of the business of the Company Group. The foregoing covenant shall cover the Executive’s activities in every part of the Territory in which he or she may conduct business during the term of such covenant as set forth above. “ Territory ” shall mean (i) the People’s Republic of China (including Hong Kong), (ii) Taiwan, (iii) the United States of America, and (iv) all other countries of the world; provided that, with respect to clauses (iii) and (iv) of this Section 6.4(a), the Company derives at least five percent (5%) of its gross revenues from such geographic area prior to the date of the termination of the Executive’s relationship with the Company.

 

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(b) The Executive hereby acknowledges that he or she will derive significant value from the Company’s agreement to provide him or her with that Confidential Information of the Company Group to enable him or her to optimize the performance of his or her duties for the Company. The Executive hereby further acknowledges that his or her fulfillment of the obligations contained in this Agreement, including, but not limited to, his or her obligation neither to disclose nor to use the Confidential Information of the Company Group other than for the Company Group’s exclusive benefit and his or her obligation not to compete contained in subsection (a) above, is necessary to protect the Confidential Information of the Company Group and, consequently, to preserve the value and goodwill of the Company Group. The Executive hereby further acknowledges the time, geographic and scope limitations of his or her obligations under subsection (a) above are reasonable, especially in light of the Company Group’s desire to protect their Confidential Information, and that the Executive will not be precluded from gainful employment if he or she is obligated not to compete with the Company Group during the period and within the Territory as described above.

(c) The covenants contained in subsection (a) above shall be construed as a series of separate covenants, one for each city, county and state of any geographic area in the Territory. Except for geographic coverage, each such separate covenant shall be deemed identical in terms to the covenant contained in subsection (a) above. If, in any arbitration proceeding, the arbitration panel refuses to enforce any of such separate covenants (or any part thereof), then such unenforceable covenant (or such part) shall be eliminated from this agreement to the extent necessary to permit the remaining separate covenants (or portions thereof) to be enforced. In the event the provisions of subsection (a) above are deemed to exceed the time, geographic or scope limitations permitted by applicable law, then such provisions shall be reformed to the maximum time, geographic or scope limitations, as the case may be, then permitted by such law.

(d) The Executive hereby further agrees that he or she will be compensated by the Company in the total amount equal to the greater of (i) one month’s salary or (ii) the minimum amount of compensation required by applicable law (hereinafter referred to as the “ Compensation ”) upon the termination of his or her employment with the Company for the covenants that the Executive makes in this Section 6.4. The Compensation will be paid by four installments, of which the first installment equal to 1/4 of the total amount of the Compensation will be paid within three months after the employment is terminated and each of the other three installments equal to 1/4 of the total amount of the Compensation will be paid per three months thereafter.

 

6.5 Notification of New Employer . In the event that the Executive leaves the employ of the Company, The Executive hereby grants consent to notification by the Company to his or her new employer about his or her rights and obligations under this Agreement.

 

6.6 Non-Solicitation . The Executive hereby agrees that for a period of two (2) years immediately following the termination of his or her relationship with the Company for

 

  -12-  


any reason, whether with or without cause, he or she shall not either directly or indirectly solicit, induce, recruit or encourage any employees of the Company Group to leave their employment, or take away such employees, or attempt to solicit, induce, recruit, encourage or take away employees of the Company Group and/or any suppliers, customers or consultants of the Company Group, either for his or herself or for any other person or entity.

 

6.7 Representations . The Executive hereby agrees to execute any proper oath or verify any proper document required to carry out the terms of this Agreement. The Executive hereby represents that the Executive’s performance of all the terms of this Agreement will not breach any agreement to keep in confidence proprietary information acquired by the Executive in confidence or in trust prior to his or her employment by the Company. The Executive has not entered into, and hereby agrees that he or she will not enter into, any oral or written agreement in conflict with this Section 6.

 

7. Withholding Taxes . Notwithstanding anything else herein to the contrary, the Company may withhold (or cause there to be withheld, as the case may be) from any amounts otherwise due or payable under or pursuant to this Agreement such national, provincial, local or any other income, employment, or other taxes as may be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.

 

8. Assignment . This Agreement is personal in its nature and neither of the parties hereto shall, without the consent of the other, assign or transfer this Agreement or any rights or obligations hereunder; provided , however , that in the event of a merger, consolidation, or transfer or sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company with or to any other individual(s) or entity, this Agreement shall, subject to the provisions hereof, be binding upon and inure to the benefit of such successor and such successor shall discharge and perform all the promises, covenants, duties, and obligations of the Company hereunder.

 

9. Number and Gender . Where the context requires, the singular shall include the plural, the plural shall include the singular, and any gender shall include all other genders.

 

10. Section Headings . The section headings of, and titles of paragraphs and subparagraphs contained in, this Agreement are for the purpose of convenience only, and they neither form a part of this Agreement nor are they to be used in the construction or interpretation thereof.

 

11. Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the domestic laws of the State of New York without giving effect to any choice or conflict of law provision or rule that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of New York.

 

12. Severability . If any provision of this Agreement or the application thereof is held invalid, the invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of this Agreement which can be given effect without the invalid provisions or applications and to this end the provisions of this Agreement are declared to be severable.

 

  -13-  


13. Entire Agreement . This Agreement embodies the entire agreement of the parties hereto respecting the matters within its scope. This Agreement supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements of the parties hereto that directly or indirectly bears upon the subject matter hereof (including, without limitation, any offer letter or previous employment agreement). Any prior negotiations, correspondence, agreements, proposals or understandings relating to the subject matter hereof shall be deemed to have been merged into this Agreement, and to the extent inconsistent herewith, such negotiations, correspondence, agreements, proposals, or understandings shall be deemed to be of no force or effect. There are no representations, warranties, or agreements, whether express or implied, or oral or written, with respect to the subject matter hereof, except as expressly set forth herein.

 

14. Modifications . This Agreement may not be amended, modified or changed (in whole or in part), except by a formal, definitive written agreement expressly referring to this Agreement, which agreement is executed by both of the parties hereto.

 

15. Waiver . Neither the failure nor any delay on the part of a party to exercise any right, remedy, power or privilege under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power or privilege preclude any other or further exercise of the same or of any right, remedy, power or privilege, nor shall any waiver of any right, remedy, power or privilege with respect to any occurrence be construed as a waiver of such right, remedy, power or privilege with respect to any other occurrence. No waiver shall be effective unless it is in writing and is signed by the party asserted to have granted such waiver.

 

16. Waiver of Jury Trial . EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT.

 

17. Notices .

(a) All notices, requests, demands and other communications required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given and made if (i) delivered by hand, (ii) otherwise delivered against receipt therefor, or (iii) sent by internationally recognized courier with next-day or second-day delivery. Any notice shall be duly addressed to the parties as follows:

(i) if to the Company:

 

Address:    12/F, Xinyin Building, No. 888 Yishan Road, Shanghai, 200233
Attention:    He Chenghong
Tel:    8621-5464-4600
Fax:    8621-5450-0703

(ii) if to the Executive:

 

Address:    3/F, Enji Building, No. 130 Liangjiadian, Haidian District, Beijing 100036
Tel:    8610-8811-8763
Fax:    8610-8811-8762

(b) Any party may alter the address to which communications or copies are to be sent by giving notice of such change of address in conformity with the provisions of this

 

  -14-  


Section 17 for the giving of notice. Any communication shall be effective when delivered by hand, when otherwise delivered against receipt therefor, or three (3) business days after being sent in accordance with the foregoing.

 

18. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original as against any party whose signature appears thereon, and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. This Agreement shall become binding when one or more counterparts hereof, individually or taken together, shall bear the signatures of all of the parties reflected hereon as the signatories. Photographic copies of such signed counterparts may be used in lieu of the originals for any purpose.

 

19. Legal Counsel; Mutual Drafting . Each party recognizes that this is a legally binding contract and acknowledges and agrees that they have had the opportunity to consult with legal counsel of their choice. Each party has cooperated in the drafting, negotiation and preparation of this Agreement. Hence, in any construction to be made of this Agreement, the same shall not be construed against either party on the basis of that party being the drafter of such language. The Executive agrees and acknowledges that he has read and understands this Agreement, is entering into it freely and voluntarily, and has been advised to seek counsel prior to entering into this Agreement and has had ample opportunity to do so.

[The remainder of this page has intentionally been left blank.]

 

  -15-  


IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the Company and the Executive have executed this Agreement as of the Effective Date.

 

“COMPANY”
Acorn International, Inc.
By:  

/s/ Hu Yujun

Name:  

 

Title:  

 

“EXECUTIVE”

/s/ Hu Yujun

Name: Hu Yujun

 

  -16-  


EXHIBIT A

TERMINATION CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that I do not have in my possession, nor have I failed to return, any Confidential Information belonging to ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC. (the “ Company ”), its subsidiaries, parent companies, affiliates, successors or assigns (together, the “ Company Group ”). For purposes of this Termination Certificate, the term “Confidential Information” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in my Employment Agreement with the Company, dated on or about March      , 2006 (the “ Agreement ”).

I further certify that I have complied with all the terms of the Agreement signed by me, including all of the provisions of Section 6 of the Agreement.

I further agree that, in compliance with the Agreement, I will preserve as confidential all Confidential Information.

I further agree that for two (2) years from this date, I will not either directly or indirectly solicit, induce, recruit or encourage any employees of the Company or the Company Group to leave their employment, or take away such employees, or attempt to solicit, induce, recruit, encourage or take away employees of the Company or the Company Group and/or any suppliers, customers or consultants of the Company or the Company Group, either for myself or for any other person or entity.

 

Date:                                          

 

 

Name:

 

  -1-  


EXHIBIT B

LIST OF PRIOR INVENTIONS

 

Title

 

Date

 

Identifying Number

or Brief Description

             No inventions or improvements

             Additional Sheets Attached

 

Signature of Employee:  

/s/ Hu Yujun

Print Name of Employee:  

Hu Yujun

Date:                                 

 

  -2-  

Exhibit 10.5

INVESTORS’ RIGHTS AGREEMENT

BY AND AMONG

ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

AND

THE SEVERAL ORDINARY SHAREHOLDERS

AND THE INVESTOR NAMED ON SCHEDULE A

DATED AS OF MARCH 31, 2006


Execution Copy

INVESTORS’ RIGHTS AGREEMENT

THIS INVESTORS’ RIGHTS AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is entered into as of this 31st day of March, 2006, by and among ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC., a company incorporated and existing under the laws of the Cayman Islands (the “ Company ”), certain individuals listed under the heading “Ordinary Shareholders” on Schedule A attached hereto (each an “ Ordinary Shareholder ” and collectively, the “ Ordinary Shareholders ”), and the Investor listed on Schedule A attached hereto under the caption “Investor” (the “ Investor ”). The Company, the Ordinary Shareholders and the Investor are referred to herein as “ Parties ” collectively and a “ Party ” individually.

Capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have the meanings set forth in the Exchange Agreement (as defined below).

RECITALS

 

A. The Company, the Investor, the Ordinary Shareholders and certain other Persons are parties to a Share Exchange Agreement dated as of the date hereof (the “ Exchange Agreement ”).

 

B. In connection with the transactions contemplated by the Exchange Agreement, the parties hereto are entering into this Agreement.

WITNESSETH

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises set forth above, the mutual promises and covenants set forth herein and other good and valuable consideration, the parties agree as follows:

 

1. Interpretation.

1.1 Definitions. The following terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them below:

Affiliate, ” with regard to a given Person, means a Person that Controls, is Controlled by or is under common Control with, the given Person; the term “Affiliated” has the meaning correlative to the foregoing.

Applicable Securities Law ” means (i) with respect to any offering of securities in the United States, or any other act or omission within that jurisdiction, the securities law of the United States, including the Exchange Act and the Securities Act, and any applicable securities law of any state of the United States, and (ii) with respect to any offering of securities in any jurisdiction other than the United States, or any related act or omission in that jurisdiction, the applicable securities laws of that jurisdiction.

Board ” or “ Board of Directors ” means the board of directors of the Company.

 

  2   Investors’ Rights Agreement


Commission ” means (i) with respect to any offering of securities in the United States, the Securities and Exchange Commission of the United States or any other federal agency at the time administering the Securities Act, and (ii) with respect to any offering of securities in a jurisdiction other than the United States, the regulatory body of the jurisdiction with authority to supervise and regulate the sale of securities in that jurisdiction.

Common Shares ” means the common shares, par value US$0.01, of the Company.

Common Share Equivalents ” means warrants, options and rights exercisable for Common Shares and instruments convertible or exchangeable for Common Shares, including, without limitation, the Preferred Shares.

Control ” of a given Person means the power or authority, whether exercised or not, to direct the business, management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise, which power or authority shall conclusively be presumed to exist upon possession of beneficial ownership or power to direct the vote of more than 50% of the votes entitled to be cast at meetings of the members or shareholders of such Person or power to control the composition of the board of directors of such Person; the terms “Controlling” and “Controlled” have meanings correlative to the foregoing.

Domestic Entities ” means Beijing Acorn Trade & Development Co., Ltd., Shanghai Acorn Trade & Development Co., Ltd., Acorn Advertising & Media (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. and their respective Affiliates.

Equity Securities ” means any Common Shares or Common Share Equivalents.

Exchange Act ” means the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Exchange Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals hereof.

Form F-3 ” means Form F-3 promulgated by the Commission under the Securities Act or any successor form or substantially similar form then in effect.

Form S-3 ” means Form S-3 promulgated by the Commission under the Securities Act or any successor form or substantially similar form then in effect.

Founder ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in the Exchange Agreement.

Group Company ” means a Person (other than a natural person) (i) that is Controlled by the Company, or (ii) whose assets, or portions thereof, are consolidated with the net earnings of the Company and are recorded on the books of the Company for financial reporting purposes in accordance with US GAAP.

Holders ” means the Investor, together with any permitted transferees and assigns of the Investor, and for the purposes of all Sections hereof other than Sections 2 and 7, shall also include the additional Persons specified for this purpose in Section 3.1 and their permitted transferees and assigns.

Information ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 8.6.

 

  3   Investors’ Rights Agreement


Initiating Holders ” means, with respect to a request duly made under Section 2.1 or Section 2.2 to Register any Registrable Securities, the Holders initiating such request.

Liquidation Event ” shall mean (i) any liquidation, winding-up, dissolution or merger of the Company with or into any other corporation or other entity or Person, in which the members own less than 50% of the Company’s voting power immediately after such merger (other than in connection with a bona fide equity financing transaction primarily for capital raising purposes); (ii) sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company; or (iii) exclusive licensing of all or substantially all of the Company’s intellectual property to a third party; provided , however , that a reorganization of the Company for tax purposes and does not constitute a Liquidation Event.

Management Report ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 8.1(a).

New Securities ” means, subject to the terms of Section 7 hereof, any newly issued Equity Securities of the Company, except for (i) securities issued to employees, professional consultants, officers or directors of the Company pursuant to any share option, share purchase or share bonus plan, agreement or arrangement approved by the Board, including the approval of at least one of the Board members appointed by the Investor; (ii) securities issued upon conversion of the Preferred Shares or exercise of any outstanding warrants or options; (iii) securities issued in connection with a bona fide acquisition of another business entity; (iv) securities issued in a Qualified IPO; (v) securities issued in connection with any division of shares, dividend of shares or recapitalization of the Company; or (vi) any other equity issuance approved by the Board, including the approval by one of the Board members appointed by the Investor.

Person ” means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited partnership, proprietorship, association, limited liability company, firm, trust, estate or other enterprise or entity.

PRC ” means the People’s Republic of China, but solely for the purposes of this Agreement, excluding the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Macau Special Administrative Region and the islands of Taiwan.

Preferred Shareholders ” means any holder of record of any Preferred Shares.

Preferred Shares ” means, collectively, the Series A Preferred Shares and the Series A-1 Preferred Shares.

Qualified IPO ” means (i) a firmly underwritten registered public offering by the Company of its Common Shares in the United States or Hong Kong, or on any combination of such jurisdictions, managed by an investment banking firm of recognized high standing in the market in which such shares are to be offered, with total offering proceeds to the Company and the selling shareholders, if any, of not less than US$75 million (or any cash proceeds of other currency of equivalent value) (before deduction of underwriters commissions and expenses) and with a pre-offering valuation of the Company of not less than US$300 million, or (ii) a firmly underwritten registered public offering by the Company of its Common Shares in a jurisdiction other than the United States or Hong Kong which is reasonably acceptable to the Investor, in a transaction substantially equivalent to the one set forth in clause (i) above.

 

  4   Investors’ Rights Agreement


Registrable Securities ” means (i) the Common Shares issuable or issued upon conversion of the Preferred Shares, and (ii) any Common Shares of the Company issued as (or issuable upon the conversion, exchange or exercise of any Common Share Equivalent) a dividend or other distribution with respect to, or in exchange for, or in replacement of, the shares referenced in (i), (ii) and (iii), excluding in all cases, however, any Registrable Securities sold by a Person in a transaction other than an assignment pursuant to Section 6.5. For purposes of this Agreement, (i) Registrable Securities shall cease to be Registrable Securities when a Registration Statement covering such Registrable Securities has been declared effective under the Securities Act by the Commission whether or not such Registrable Securities have been disposed of pursuant to such effective Registration Statement and (ii) the Registrable Securities of a Holder shall not be deemed to be Registrable Securities at any time when the entire amount of such Registrable Securities proposed to be sold by such Holder in a single sale constitute less than 1% of the then outstanding Common Share s and are or, in the opinion of counsel satisfactory to the Company and such Holder, each in their reasonable judgment, may be, so distributed to the public pursuant to Rule 144 (or any successor provision then in effect) under the Securities Act in any three (3) month period or any such Registrable Securities have been sold in a sale made pursuant to Rule 144 of the Securities Act.

Registration ” means a registration effected by preparing and filing a Registration Statement and the declaration or ordering of the effectiveness of that Registration Statement; and the terms “Register” and “Registered” have meanings concomitant with the foregoing.

Registration Statement ” means a registration statement prepared on Form F-1, F-2, F-3 or S-3 under the Securities Act, or on any comparable form in connection with registration in a jurisdiction other than the United States.

SAIF ” means SB Asia Investment Fund II, L.P. and its Affiliates.

Securities Act ” means the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Selling Expenses ” means all underwriting discounts and selling commissions applicable to the sale of Registrable Securities pursuant to this Agreement.

Series A Preferred Shares ” means the Company’s issued and outstanding Series A Preferred Shares, par value US$0.01 per share, issued pursuant to the Exchange Agreement.

Series A-1 Preferred Shares ” means the Company’s issued and outstanding Series A-1 Preferred Shares, par value US$0.01 per share.

US GAAP ” means the United States generally accepted accounting principles.

1.2 Interpretation. For all purposes of this Agreement, except as otherwise expressly provided, (i) the terms defined in this Section 1 shall have the meanings assigned to them in this Section 1 and include the plural as well as the singular, (ii) all accounting terms not otherwise defined herein have the meanings assigned under US GAAP, (iii) all references in this Agreement to designated “Sections” and other subdivisions are to the designated Sections and other subdivisions of the body of this Agreement, (iv) pronouns of either gender or neuter shall include, as appropriate, the other pronoun forms, (v) the words “herein,” “hereof” and “hereunder” and other words of similar import refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to

 

  5   Investors’ Rights Agreement


any particular Section or other subdivision and (vi) all references in this Agreement to designated Schedules, Exhibits and Annexes are to the Schedules, Exhibits and Annexes attached to this Agreement unless explicitly stated otherwise.

1.3 Jurisdiction. The terms of this Agreement are drafted primarily in contemplation of an offering of securities in the United States of America. The parties recognize, however, the possibility that securities may be qualified or registered in a jurisdiction other than the United States of America for offering to the public or that the Company might effect an offering in the United States of America in the form of American Depositary Receipts or American Depositary Shares. Accordingly:

(a) It is their intention that, whenever this Agreement refers to a law or institution of the United States of America but the parties wish to effectuate qualification or registration in a different jurisdiction, reference in this Agreement to the laws or institutions of the United States shall be read as referring, mutatis mutandis , to the comparable laws or institutions of the jurisdiction in question; and

(b) It is agreed that the Company will not undertake any listing of American Depositary Receipts, American Depositary Shares or any other security derivative of the Company’s Common Shares unless arrangements have been made satisfactory to the Holders of a majority of the then outstanding Registrable Securities to ensure that the spirit and intent of this Agreement will be realized and that the Company is committed to take such actions as are necessary such that the Holders will enjoy rights corresponding to the rights hereunder to sell their Registrable Securities in a public offering in the United States of America as if the Company had listed Common Shares in lieu of such derivative securities.

 

2. Demand Registration.

2.1 Registration Other Than on Form F-3. Subject to the terms of this Agreement, at any time after the date that is six (6) months after the closing of a Qualified IPO, Holders holding twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the then outstanding Registrable Securities may request the Company in writing to effect the Registration of Registrable Securities. The Company shall use its best efforts to cause such Registrable Securities to be registered. Upon receipt of such a request, the Company shall (a) promptly give written notice of the proposed Registration to all other Holders and (b) as soon as practicable, cause the Registrable Securities specified in the request, together with any Registrable Securities of any Holder who requests in writing to join such Registration within fifteen (15) days after the Company’s delivery of written notice, to be Registered and/or qualified for sale and distribution in such jurisdictions as the Initiating Holders may reasonably request; provided that the Company shall use its best efforts to cause such Registration and/or qualification to be complete within sixty (60) days of the receipt of such request. The Company shall be obligated to effect no more than three (3) Registrations pursuant to this Section 2.1.

2.2 Registration on Form F-3. Subject to the terms of this Agreement, at any time after an initial public offering by the Company and for an unlimited number of times, if the Company qualifies for registration on Form F-3 or Form S-3, Holders may request the Company to file a Registration Statement on Form F-3 or Form S-3 (or any comparable form for Registration in a jurisdiction other than the United States), including without limitation any registration statement filed under the Securities Act providing for the registration of, and the sale on a continuous or delayed basis by the Holders of, all of the Registrable Securities

 

  6   Investors’ Rights Agreement


pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act and/or any similar rule that may be adopted by the Commission, for a public offering of Registrable Securities for which the reasonably anticipated aggregate price to the public, net of Selling Expenses, would exceed US$3,000,000, and the Company is entitled to use Form F-3, Form S-3 or a comparable form to Register the requested Registrable Securities. Upon receipt of such a request, the Company shall (i) promptly give written notice of the proposed Registration to all other Holders and (ii) as soon as practicable, cause the Registrable Securities specified in the request, together with any Registrable Securities of any Holder who requests in writing to join such Registration within fifteen (15) days after the Company’s delivery of written notice, to be Registered and qualified for sale and distribution in such jurisdictions as the Initiating Holders may reasonably request; provided , that the Company shall use its best efforts to cause such Registration and/or qualification to be complete within thirty (30) days of the receipt of such request.

2.3 Right of Deferral.

(a) The Company shall not be obligated to Register or qualify Registrable Securities pursuant to this Section 2:

(i) if, within ten (10) days of the receipt of any request of the Holders to Register any Registrable Securities under Section 2.1 or Section 2.2, the Company gives notice to the Initiating Holders of its bona fide intention to effect the filing for its own account of a Registration Statement of Common Shares with the Commission within forty-five (45) days of receipt of that request (other than a registration of securities in a transaction under Rule 145 of the Securities Act or an offering solely to employees), provided that the Company is actively employing in good faith all reasonable efforts to cause that Registration Statement to become effective within forty-five (45) days of the initial filing and the Holders are permitted to include their Registrable Securities in such offering pursuant to Section 3 without reduction or limitation; or

(ii) within three (3) months immediately following the effective date of any Registration Statement pertaining to Common Shares of the Company (other than a registration of securities in a transaction under Rule 145 of the Securities Act or with respect to an employee benefit plan).

(b) If, after receiving a request from Holders pursuant to Section 2.1 or Section 2.2 hereof, the Company furnishes to the Holders a certificate signed by the chief executive officer of the Company stating that, in the good faith judgment of the Board, there is a reasonable likelihood that it would be seriously and materially detrimental to the Company or its members for a Registration Statement to be filed in the near future, then the Company shall have the right to defer such filing for a period during which such filing would be seriously detrimental, provided that such deferral by the Company shall not exceed ninety (90) days from the receipt of any request duly submitted by Holders under Section 2.1 or Section 2.2 to Register Registrable Securities; provided , however , that the Company shall not utilize this right more than once in any twelve (12) month period.

2.4 Underwritten Offerings. (a) If, in connection with a request to Register Registrable Securities under Section 2.1 or Section 2.2, the Initiating Holders seek to distribute such Registrable Securities in an underwriting, they shall so advise the Company as a part of the request, and the Company shall include such information in the written notice to the other

 

  7   Investors’ Rights Agreement


Holders described in Sections 2.1 and 2.2. In such event, the right of any Holder to include its Registrable Securities in such Registration shall be conditioned upon such Holder’s participation in such underwriting and the inclusion of such Holder’s Registrable Securities in the underwriting (unless otherwise mutually agreed by Initiating Holders representing a majority in voting power of the Registrable Securities) to the extent provided herein. All Holders proposing to distribute their securities through such underwriting shall enter into an underwriting agreement in customary form with the underwriter or underwriters of nationally recognized standing selected for such underwriting by the Initiating Holders representing a majority in voting power of the Registrable Securities held by the Initiating Holders, which shall be reasonably acceptable to the Company. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, if the managing underwriter advises the Company that marketing factors (including without limitation the aggregate number of securities requested to be Registered and the general condition of the market) require a limitation of the number of Equity Securities to be underwritten, the underwriters may exclude some of the Registrable Securities from the underwriting if so justified after excluding all other Equity Securities from the underwriting. If a limitation of the number of Registrable Securities is required pursuant to this Section 2.4, the number of Registrable Securities that may be included in the underwriting by selling Holders shall be allocated among such Holders, in proportion, as nearly as practicable, to the respective amounts of Registrable Securities which the Holders would otherwise be entitled to include in the Registration. Any Registrable Securities excluded or withdrawn from such underwriting shall be withdrawn from the Registration.

 

3. Piggyback Registrations.

3.1 Registration of the Company’s Securities. Subject to Section 3.3, if the Company proposes to Register for its own account any of its Equity Securities, or for the account of any holder of Equity Securities any of such holder’s Equity Securities, in connection with the public offering of such securities, the Company shall promptly give each Holder and, solely with respect to the initial public offering of the Company, each of The 2004 Trust for Robert W. Roche’s Descendants, Nakamura FSS LLC and Acorn Composite Corporation (each of which, for the purposes of all Sections hereof other than Sections 2 and 7, in connection with the exercise (if any) of such party’s rights under this Section 3, shall be deemed to be a “Holder”) written notice of such Registration and, upon the written request of any Holder given within twenty (20) days after delivery of such notice, the Company shall use its best efforts to include in such Registration any Registrable Securities thereby requested by such Holder, provided that The 2004 Trust for Robert W. Roche’s Descendants, Nakamura FSS LLC and Acorn Composite Corporation may only exercise such right with respect to an initial public offering of the Company. If a Holder decides not to include all or any of its Registrable Securities in such Registration by the Company, such Holder shall nevertheless continue to have the right to include any Registrable Securities in any subsequent Registration Statement or Registration Statements as may be filed by the Company with respect to offerings of its securities, all upon the terms and conditions set forth herein.

3.2 Right to Terminate Registration. The Company shall have the right to terminate or withdraw any Registration initiated by it under Section 3.1 prior to the effectiveness of such Registration, whether or not any Holder has elected to participate therein. The expenses of such withdrawn Registration shall be borne by the Company in accordance with Section 4.3.

 

  8   Investors’ Rights Agreement


3.3 Underwriting Requirements.

(a) In connection with any offering involving an underwriting of the Company’s Equity Securities, the Company shall not be required to Register the Registrable Securities of a Holder under this Section 3 unless such Holder’s Registrable Securities are included in the underwriting and such Holder enters into an underwriting agreement in customary form with the underwriters selected by the Company (and reasonably acceptable to Holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities being so Registered) and setting forth such terms for the underwriting as have been agreed upon between the Company and the underwriters. In the event the underwriters advise Holders seeking Registration of Registrable Securities pursuant to this Section 3 in writing that market factors (including the aggregate number of Registrable Securities requested to be Registered and the general condition of the market) require a limitation of the number of Equity Securities to be underwritten, the underwriters may, in the event the offering is the Company’s initial public offering, exclude all of the Registrable Securities (so long as the only securities included in such offering are those of the Company), or otherwise exclude Registrable Securities solely to the extent that the amount of Registrable Securities included in such offering is not reduced below 30% of the total number of securities included in the offering. In the event of any such reduction, the number of Equity Securities and Registrable Securities that may be included in the Registration and the underwriting shall be allocated, first, to the Company, second , to each of the Holders requesting inclusion of their Registrable Securities in such Registration Statement on a pro rata basis based on the total number of Registrable Securities then held by each such Holder, and third , to any other holder of the Company’s securities; provided , that the right of the underwriter to exclude Equity Securities and Registrable Securities from the Registration and underwriting as described above shall be restricted so that all Equity Securities that are not Registrable Securities and held by persons other than Holders shall first be excluded from such Registration and underwriting before any Registrable Securities are so excluded.

(b) If a limitation of the number of Registrable Securities is required pursuant to paragraph (a) above, the number of Registrable Securities that may be included in the Registration and underwriting by selling Holders shall be allocated among such Holders in proportion, as nearly as practicable, to the respective amounts of Registrable Securities which the Holders would otherwise be entitled to include in the Registration.

(c) If any Holder disapproves the terms of any underwriting, the Holder may elect to withdraw therefrom by written notice to the Company and the underwriters delivered at least ten (10) days prior to the effective date of the Registration Statement. Any Registrable Securities excluded or withdrawn from the underwriting shall be withdrawn from the Registration.

3.4 Exempt Transactions. The Company shall have no obligation to Register any Registrable Securities under this Section 3 in connection with a Registration by the Company (i) relating solely to the sale of securities to participants in a Company share plan, (ii) relating to a corporate reorganization or other transaction under Rule 145 of the Securities Act (or comparable provision under the laws of another jurisdiction, as applicable), or (iii) on any form that does not include substantially the same information as would be required to be included in a Registration Statement covering the sale of the Registrable Securities.

3.5 Not a Demand Registration. Registration pursuant to this Section 3 shall not be deemed to be a demand registration as described in Section 2 above. There shall be no limit on the number of times the Holders may request Registration of Registrable Securities under this Section 3.

 

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4. Procedures.

4.1 Registration Procedures and Obligations. Whenever required under this Agreement to effect the Registration of any Registrable Securities held by the Holders, the Company shall, as expeditiously as possible:

(a) Prepare and file with the Commission a Registration Statement with respect to those Registrable Securities and use its best efforts to cause that Registration Statement to become effective, and, upon the request of the Holders holding a majority of the Registrable Securities Registered thereunder, keep the Registration Statement effective;

(b) Prepare and file with the Commission amendments and supplements to that Registration Statement and the prospectus used in connection with the Registration Statement as may be necessary to comply with the provisions of Applicable Securities Law with respect to the disposition of all securities covered by the Registration Statement;

(c) Furnish to the Holders the number of copies of a prospectus, including a preliminary prospectus, required by Applicable Securities Law, and any other documents as they may reasonably request in order to facilitate the disposition of Registrable Securities owned by them;

(d) Use its best efforts to Register and qualify the securities covered by the Registration Statement under the securities laws of any jurisdiction, as reasonably requested by the Holders, provided that the Company shall not be required to qualify to do business or file a general consent to service of process in any such jurisdictions, and provided further that in the event any jurisdiction in which the securities shall be qualified imposes a non-waivable requirement that expenses incurred in connection with the qualification of the securities be borne by selling members, those expenses shall be payable pro rata by selling members;

(e) In the event of any underwritten public offering, enter into and perform its obligations under an underwriting agreement, in customary form, with the managing underwriter(s) of the offering. Each shareholder participating in the underwriting shall also enter into and perform its obligations under such an agreement;

(f) Notify each Holder of Registrable Securities covered by the Registration Statement at any time when a prospectus relating thereto is required to be delivered under Applicable Securities Law or of the happening of any event as a result of which any prospectus included in the Registration Statement, as then in effect, includes an untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in the light of the circumstances then existing , in which case the Company shall prepare and file with the Commission a corrective prospectus amendment or supplement and furnish a corrected prospectus to each Holder as soon as reasonably practicable;

(g) Provide a transfer agent and registrar for all Registrable Securities Registered pursuant to the Registration Statement and, where applicable, a number assigned by the Committee on Uniform Securities Identification Procedures for all those Registrable Securities, in each case not later than the effective date of the Registration;

(h) Furnish, at the request of any Holder requesting Registration of Registrable Securities pursuant to this Agreement, on the date that such Registrable Securities are delivered for sale in connection with a Registration pursuant to this Agreement, (i) an opinion, dated the date of the sale, of the counsel representing the Company for the purposes of

 

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the Registration, in form and substance as is customarily given to underwriters in an underwritten public offering; and (ii) a comfort letter dated the date of the sale, from the independent certified public accountants of the Company, in form and substance as is customarily given by independent certified public accountants to underwriters in an underwritten public offering, addressed to the underwriters; and

(i) Take all reasonable action necessary to list the Registrable Securities on the primary exchange upon which the Company’s securities are then traded.

4.2 Information from Holder. It shall be a condition precedent to the obligations of the Company to take any action pursuant to this Agreement with respect to the Registrable Securities of any selling Holder that such Holder shall furnish to the Company such information regarding itself, the Registrable Securities held by it, and the intended method of disposition of such securities as shall be required to effect the Registration of such Holder’s Registrable Securities.

4.3 Expenses of Registration. All expenses, other than the Selling Expenses, incurred in connection with Registrations, filings or qualifications pursuant to this Agreement, including (without limitation) all Registration, filing and qualification fees, reasonable printers’ and accounting fees, reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company, underwriters, and reasonable fees and disbursement of one counsel for all selling Holders, shall be borne by the Company.

4.4 Delay of Registration. No Holder shall have any right to obtain or seek an injunction restraining or otherwise delaying any Registration as the result of any controversy that may arise with respect to the interpretation or implementation of this Agreement.

 

5. Indemnification.

5.1 Company Indemnity.

(a) To the extent permitted by law, the Company will indemnify and hold harmless each Holder, such Holder’s officers, directors, shareholders, legal counsel and accountants, any underwriter (as defined in the Securities Act) for such Holder and each Person, if any, who controls (as defined in the Securities Act) such Holder or underwriter, against any losses, claims, damages or liabilities (joint or several) to which they may become subject under laws which are applicable to the Company and relate to action or inaction required of the Company in connection with any Registration, qualification, or compliance, insofar as such losses, claims, damages, or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon any of the following statements, omissions or violations (each a “ Violation ”): (i) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in such Registration Statement, on the effective date thereof (including any prospectus filed under Rule 424 under the Securities Act or any amendments or supplements thereto), (ii) the omission or alleged omission to state in the Registration Statement, including any prospectus filed under Rule 424 under the Securities Act or any amendments or supplements thereto, a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, or (iii) any violation or alleged violation by the Company of Applicable Securities Laws, or any rule or regulation promulgated under Applicable Securities Laws. The Company will reimburse each such Holder, underwriter or controlling person for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by them in connection with investigating or defending any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action.

 

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(b) The indemnity agreement contained in this Section 5.1 shall not apply to amounts paid in settlement of any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action if such settlement is effected without the consent of the Company (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld), nor shall the Company be liable in any such case for any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action to the extent that it arises out of or is based upon a Violation that occurs in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished expressly for use in connection with such Registration by any such Holder, underwriter or controlling person.

5.2 Holder Indemnity.

(a) To the extent permitted by law, each selling Holder will indemnify and hold harmless the Company, its directors, officers, legal counsel and accountants, any underwriter, any other Holder selling securities in connection with such Registration and each Person, if any, who controls (within the meaning of the Securities Act) the Company, such underwriter or other Holder, against any losses, claims, damages or liabilities (joint or several) to which any of the foregoing persons may become subject, under Applicable Securities Laws, or any rule or regulation promulgated under Applicable Securities Laws, insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereto) arise out of or are based upon any Violation, in each case to the extent (and only to the extent) that such Violation occurs in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished by such Holder expressly for use in connection with such Registration; and each such Holder will reimburse any Person intended to be indemnified pursuant to this Section 5.2, for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such person in connection with investigating or defending any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action.

(b) The indemnity contained in this Section 5.2 shall not apply to amounts paid in settlement of any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action if such settlement is effected without the consent of the Holder (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld), and in no event shall any indemnity under this Section 5.2 exceed the net proceeds from the offering received by such Holder.

5.3 Notice of Indemnification Claim. Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party under Section 5.1 or Section 5.2 of notice of the commencement of any action (including any governmental action), such indemnified party will, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against any indemnifying party under Section 5.1 or Section 5.2, deliver to the indemnifying party a written notice of the commencement thereof and the indemnifying party shall have the right to participate in, and, to the extent the indemnifying party so desires, jointly with any other indemnifying party similarly noticed, to assume the defense thereof with counsel mutually satisfactory to the indemnifying parties. An indemnified party (together with all other indemnified parties that may be represented without conflict by one counsel) shall have the right to retain one separate counsel, with the reasonably incurred fees and expenses to be paid by the indemnifying party, if representation of such indemnified party by the counsel retained by the indemnifying party would be inappropriate due to actual or potential differing interests between such indemnified party and any other party represented by such counsel in such proceeding. The failure to deliver written notice to the indemnifying party within a reasonable time of the commencement of any such action, if prejudicial to its ability to defend such action, shall relieve such indemnifying party of any liability to the indemnified party under this Section 5, but the omission to deliver written notice to the indemnifying party will not relieve it of any liability that it may have to any indemnified party otherwise than under this Section 5.

 

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5.4 Contribution. If any indemnification provided for in Section 5.1 or Section 5.2 is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be unavailable to an indemnified party with respect to any loss, liability, claim, damage or expense referred to herein, the indemnifying party, in lieu of indemnifying such indemnified party hereunder, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of such loss, liability, claim, damage or expense in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the indemnifying party, on the one hand, and of the indemnified party, on the other, in connection with the statements or omissions that resulted in such loss, liability, claim, damage or expense, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative fault of the indemnifying party and of the indemnified party shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the indemnifying party or by the indemnified party and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information, and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission.

5.5 Underwriting Agreement. To the extent that the provisions on indemnification and contribution contained in the underwriting agreement entered into in connection with the underwritten public offering are in conflict with the foregoing provisions, the provisions in the underwriting agreement shall control.

5.6 Survival. The obligations of the Company and Holders under this Section 5 shall survive for three (3) years after the completion of any offering of Registrable Securities in a Registration Statement under this Agreement.

 

6. Additional Undertakings.

6.1 Reports under the Exchange Act. With a view to making available to the Holders the benefits of Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act and any comparable provision of any Applicable Securities Law that may at any time permit a Holder to sell securities of the Company to the public without Registration or pursuant to a Registration on Form F-3 or Form S-3 (or any comparable form in a jurisdiction other than the United States), the Company agrees to:

(a) make and keep public information available, as those terms are understood and defined in Rule 144 (or comparable provision under Applicable Securities Laws in any jurisdiction where the Company’s securities are listed), at all times following ninety (90) days after the effective date of the initial public offering of the Company;

(b) file with the Commission in a timely manner all reports and other documents required of the Company under all Applicable Securities Laws; and

(c) at any time following sixty (60) days after the effective date of an initial public offering by the Company, promptly furnish to any Holder holding Registrable Securities, upon request (i) a written statement by the Company that it has complied with the reporting requirements of all Applicable Securities Laws at any time after it has become subject to such reporting requirements or, at any time after so qualified, that it qualifies as a registrant whose securities may be resold pursuant to Form F-3 or Form S-3 (or any form comparable thereto under Applicable Securities Laws of any jurisdiction where the Company’s securities are listed), (ii) a copy of the most recent annual or quarterly report of the Company and such other reports and documents as may be filed by the Company with the Commission, and (iii) such other information as may be reasonably requested in availing any Holder of any rule or regulation of the Commission, that permits the selling of any such securities without

 

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Registration or pursuant to Form F-3 or Form S-3 (or any form comparable thereto under Applicable Securities Laws of any jurisdiction where the Company’s Securities are listed).

6.2 Limitations on Subsequent Registration Rights. From and after the date of this Agreement, the Company shall not, without the prior written consent of the Holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities then outstanding, enter into any agreement with any holder or prospective holder of any Equity Securities of the Company that would (a) grant such holder or prospective holder any registration rights superior to or in parity with those rights granted pursuant to this Agreement, (b) allow such holder or prospective holder to include such securities in any Registration filed under Section 3, unless under the terms of such agreement such holder or prospective holder may include such Equity Securities in any such Registration only to the extent that the inclusion of such securities will not reduce the amount of the Registrable Securities of the Holders that are included, or (c) allow such holder or prospective holder to demand Registration of their securities.

6.3 “Market Stand-Off” Agreement. Each Holder agrees, if so required by the managing underwriter(s), that it will not during the period commencing on the date of the final prospectus relating to the Company’s initial public offering and ending on the date specified by the Company and the managing underwriter (such period not to exceed one hundred eighty (180) days) (i) lend, offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any shares of Equity Securities (other than those included in such offering) or (ii) 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 Equity Securities, whether any such transaction described in clause (i) or (ii) above is to be settled by delivery of Equity Securities or such other securities, in cash or otherwise; provided , that (x) all directors, officers and holders of Equity Securities of the Company must be bound by restrictions substantially identical to those applicable to any Holder pursuant to this Section 6.3, (y) all Holders will be released from any restrictions set forth in this Section 6.3 to the extent that any other members subject to substantially similar restrictions are released, and (z) the lockup agreements shall permit Holders to transfer their Registrable Securities to their respective Affiliates or other permitted transferees (if any), provided the transferees in each case enter into the same lockup agreement. The underwriters in connection with the Company’s initial public offering are intended third party beneficiaries of this Section 6.3 and shall have the right, power and authority to enforce the provisions hereof as though they were a party hereto. In order to enforce the foregoing covenant, the Company may place restrictive legends on the certificates and impose stop-transfer instructions with respect to the Registrable Securities of each shareholder (and the shares or securities of every other person subject to the foregoing restriction) until the end of such period.

6.4 Termination of Registration Rights. The registration rights set forth in Section 2.1, Section 2.2 and Section 3.1 of this Agreement shall terminate on the date that is four (4) years from the date of closing of a Qualified IPO.

6.5 Assignment of Registration Rights. The right to cause the Company to Register Registrable Securities pursuant to this Agreement may be assigned by any Holder to any Person who is the permitted transferee of such Registrable Securities, provided that: (a) the Company is, within a reasonable time after such transfer, furnished with written notice of the name and address of such transferee or assignee and the securities with respect to which such registration rights are being assigned; (b) such transferee or assignee agrees in writing to be bound by and subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement; and (c) such transfer or

 

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assignment shall be effective only if immediately following such transfer or assignment the further disposition of such securities by the transferee or assignee is restricted under Applicable Securities Law. In the event of a transfer or assignment of Registrable Securities which does not satisfy the conditions set forth above, such securities shall no longer be deemed to constitute “Registrable Securities” for purposes of this Agreement.

6.6 Exercise of Preferred Shares. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary provided in this Agreement, the Company shall have no obligation to Register Registrable Securities which, if constituting Common Share Equivalents, have not been exercised, converted or exchanged, as applicable, for Common Shares.

 

7. Pre-emptive Right

7.1 General. The Company hereby grants to all Preferred Shareholders a pre-emptive right to purchase up to a pro rata share of any New Securities which the Company may, from time to time, propose to sell or issue. A Preferred Shareholder’s “pro rata share” for purposes of this pre-emptive right shall be determined according to the number of Common Shares owned by such Preferred Shareholder immediately prior to the issuance of the New Securities (assuming the exercise, conversion or exchange of any Common Share Equivalents) in relation to the total number of Common Shares owned by all members of the Company (including all Preferred Shareholders and Founders) immediately prior to the issuance of the New Securities (assuming the exercise, conversion or exchange of any Common Share Equivalents). Each Preferred Shareholder shall have a right of over-allotment such that, if any other Preferred Shareholder fails to exercise its right hereunder to purchase its pro rata share of the New Securities, such Preferred Shareholders may purchase the non-purchasing Preferred Shareholder’s portion on a pro rata basis within ten (10) days from the date such non-purchasing Preferred Shareholder fails to exercise its right hereunder.

7.2 Issuance Notice. In the event the Company proposes to undertake an issuance of New Securities, it shall give each Preferred Shareholder written notice (an “ Issuance Notice ”) of such intention, describing the type of New Securities, and their price and the general terms upon which the Company proposes to issue the same. Each Preferred Shareholder shall have thirty (30) days after any such notice is mailed or delivered to agree to purchase up to such Preferred Shareholder’s pro rata share of such New Securities (as determined in Section 7.1 above) for the price and upon the terms specified in the notice by giving written notice to the Company and stating therein the quantity of New Securities to be purchased.

7.3 Sales by the Company. Upon the expiration of thirty-five (35) days from the Company’s delivery of the Issuance Notice and for sixty (60) days thereafter, the Company may sell any New Securities with respect to which the Preferred Shareholders’ pre-emptive rights under this Section 7 was not exercised, at a price and upon terms not more favorable to the purchasers thereof than specified in the Issuance Notice. In the event the Company has not sold such New Securities within such sixty (60) day period, the Company shall not thereafter issue or sell any New Securities, without first again offering such securities to the Preferred Shareholders in the manner provided in Section 7.1 above.

7.4 Termination of Pre-emptive Rights. The pre-emptive rights in this Section 7 shall terminate (i) immediately before the closing of the Qualified IPO, or (ii) upon a Liquidation Event.

 

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8. Information and Inspection Rights.

8.1 Delivery of Financial Statements. The Company shall deliver to the Investor the following documents or reports:

(a) within ninety (90) days after the end of each fiscal year of the Company, consolidated income statements and statements of cash flows for the Company and the Group Companies for such fiscal year, consolidated balance sheets for the Company and the Group Companies as of the end of the fiscal year all prepared in English and in accordance with US GAAP, and audited and certified by a “big 4” firm of independent certified public accountants of recognized international standing and reputation selected by the Company, and a management report including a comparison of financial results with corresponding annual and quarterly budgets (a “ Management Report ”);

(b) within forty-five (45) days after the end of each fiscal quarter of the Company, consolidated unaudited income statements and statements of cash flows for such fiscal quarter, consolidated unaudited balance sheets for the Company and the Group Companies as of the end of such fiscal quarter, and a Management Report, all prepared in English and in accordance with US GAAP;

(c) within fifteen (15) days of the end of each month, unaudited income statements and statements of cash flows for such month, balance sheets for the Company and the Group Companies as of the end of such month, and a Management Report, all prepared in English and in accordance with US GAAP;

(d) at least fifteen (15) days prior to the end of each fiscal quarter, a quarterly budget and business plan for the succeeding fiscal quarter;

(e) at least thirty (30) days prior to the end of each fiscal year, an annual budget and business plan for the succeeding fiscal year;

(f) within five (5) working days after providing such information to any other member of the Company, copies of all other documents or other information sent to such member of the Company; and

(g) within five (5) working days after the filing of any reports or other documents by the Company with any relevant securities exchange, regulatory authority or governmental agency, copies of any such reports or documents, provided that such reports or other documents are not available to the public.

8.2 Inspection. The Company shall permit the Investor, at its own expense, to visit and inspect any of the properties and examine the books of account and records of the Company, the Group Companies and the Domestic Entities, and discuss the affairs, finances and accounts of the Company, the Group Companies and the Domestic Entities with the directors, officers, employees, accountants, legal counsel and investment bankers of the Company, the Group Companies and the Domestic Entities, all at such reasonable times as may be requested in writing by the Investor.

8.3 Termination of Information and Inspection Rights. The rights and covenants set forth in Sections 8.1 and 8.2 shall terminate and be of no further force or effect upon the earlier occurrence of (i) the closing of a Qualified IPO and (ii) a Liquidation Event. The information and inspection rights set forth in Sections 8.1 and 8.2 shall terminate at the time the Investor ceases to hold any Preferred Shares.

 

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8.4 Governmental/Securities Filings. For three years after the time when the Company becomes subject to the filing requirements of the Exchange Act or any other organized securities exchange, as long as the Investor continues to hold any Preferred Shares, the Company will deliver to the Investor copies of any non-publicly available quarterly, annual, extraordinary, or other reports filed by the Company with the Commission or any other relevant securities exchange, regulatory authority or government agency, and copies of any annual reports to the members or other materials delivered to any other shareholder.

8.5 United States Tax Matters. The Company acknowledges that certain Investor may be, or may be comprised of investor that is, a US person and that the US income tax consequences to such person of the investment in the Company will be significantly affected by whether the Company and/or any of the entities in which its owns an equity interest at any time is (i) a “passive foreign investment company” (within the meaning of Section 1297 of the US Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended) (a “ PFIC ”) or (ii) classified as a partnership or a branch for US federal income tax purposes.

The Company agrees, if requested by any Investor that is, or is comprised of any Investor that is, a US person (i) to cooperate with such Investor, including providing any documentation reasonably requested by such Investor, to determine annually, whether the Company and each of the entities in which the Company owns or proposes to acquire an equity interest (directly or indirectly) is or may become a PFIC (including whether any exception to PFIC status may apply), and (ii) to provide such information as such Investor may reasonably request to permit such Investor to elect to treat the Company and/or any such entity as a “qualified electing fund” (within the meaning of Section 1295 of the US Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended) for US federal income tax purposes.

The Company also agrees, if requested by any Investor that is, or is comprised of any investor that is, a US person, to cooperate in determining whether it would be desirable, reasonable and appropriate for the Company and/or any such entity to elect to be classified as a partnership or branch for US federal income tax purposes and, if so, to take all reasonable steps to cause any such elections to be made; provided , that such Investor shall provide appropriate tax and legal expertise to advise the Company and/or any such entity with respect to making such elections. Subject to the preceding sentence, the Company will not take any action inconsistent with the treatment of the Company as a corporation for US federal income tax purposes and will not elect to be treated as an entity other than a corporation for such purposes.

The Company also agrees, if requested by any Investor that is, or is comprised of any investor that is, a US person, to cooperate with such Investor, including providing any documentation reasonably requested by such Investor, to prepare and provide to such Investor within one hundred twenty (120) days following the end of the Company’s taxable year a complete and accurate “PFIC Annual Information Statement”, in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto, as applicable, for the Company and for each subsidiary required to file such statement.

8.6 Waiver. The Company acknowledges that the Investor will likely have, from time to time, information that may be of interest to the Company or a Group Company (“ Information ”) regarding a wide variety of matters including, by way of example only, (i) the Investor’s technologies, plans and services, and plans and strategies relating thereto, (ii) current and future investments the Investor has made, may make, may consider or may become aware of with respect to other companies and other technologies, products and services, including, without limitation, technologies, products and services that may be competitive with

 

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those of the Company or the Group Company, and (iii) developments with respect to the technologies, products and services, and plans and strategies relating thereto, of other companies, including, without limitation, companies that may be competitive with the Company or a Group Company. The Company recognizes that a portion of such Information may be of interest to the Company or a Group Company. The Company and each Group Company, as a material part of the consideration for this Agreement, agrees that the Investor shall have no duty to disclose any Information to the Company or any Group Company, or permit the Company or any Group Company to participate in any projects or investments based on any Information, or to otherwise take advantage of any opportunity that may be of interest to the Company or any Group Company if it were aware of such Information, and hereby waives, to the extent permitted by law, any claim based on the corporate opportunity doctrine or otherwise that could limit the Investor’s ability to pursue opportunities based on such Information or that would require the Investor or any representative of the Investor to disclose any such Information to the Company or any Group Company or offer any opportunity relating thereto to the Company or any Group Company.

 

9. Voting Agreement

9.1 Election of Directors.

(a) Designation and Election of Series A Directors . For so long as SAIF holds any Preferred Shares, at each election of directors in which the holders of the Series A Preferred Shares and the holders of the Series A-1 Preferred Shares, voting together as a single class, are entitled to elect directors of the Company, the Investor shall vote at any regular or special meeting of members such number of Preferred Shares as may be necessary, or in lieu of any such meeting, shall give the Investor’s written consent with respect to such number of Preferred Shares as may be necessary, to elect two (2) individuals designated by SAIF to the Company’s Board of Directors as the Series A Directors (the “ Series A Directors ”). The Series A Directors shall initially be Andrew Yan and Joe Zhou.

(b) Designation and Election of Common Directors . At each election of directors in which the holders of the Common Shares, voting as a separate class, are entitled to elect directors of the Company, each holder of outstanding Common Shares shall vote at any regular or special meeting of members such number of Common Shares as may be necessary, or in lieu of any such meeting, shall give such holder’s written consent, as the case may be, with respect to such number of Common Shares as may be necessary, to elect four (4) individuals designated by the holders of a majority of the then outstanding Common Shares, voting as a separate class, to the Company’s Board of Directors as the Common Directors (the “ Common Directors ”). The Common Directors shall initially be James Hu, David He , Don Yang and Robert Roche.

(c) Designation and Election of Independent Director . At each election of directors in which the holders of the Series A Preferred Shares, Series A-1 Preferred Shares and the Common Shares, voting together as a single class and on an as-converted to Common Shares basis, are entitled to elect directors of the Company, each holder of Common Shares and the Investor shall vote at any meeting of members such number of Common Shares, Series A Preferred Shares and Series A-1 Preferred Shares as may be necessary, or in lieu of any such meeting, shall give such Common Share holder’s or Investor’s written consent, as the case may be, with respect to such number of Common Shares, Series A Preferred Shares or Series A-1 Preferred Share as may be necessary, to elect one (1) individual designated by the holders of (i) a majority of the then outstanding Series A Preferred Shares, (ii) Series A-1 Preferred Shares

 

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and (iii) Common Shares, all voting together as a single class and on an as-converted to Common Shares basis, to the Company’s Board of Directors as the Independent Director (the “ Independent Director ”), which Independent Director shall be subject to the approval of all of the other members of Board of Directors. The Independent Director seat shall initially be vacant and shall be filled pursuant to this Section 9.1(c) within one (1) year after the date hereof.

9.2 Board Observers. The Investor shall have the right, from time to time, and at any time, to designate one individual (the “ Observer ”) to attend all meetings of the Board and all committees thereof (whether in person, by telephonic or other) in a non-voting observer capacity. The Company shall provide to the Observer, concurrently with the members of the Board, and in the same manner, notice of such meeting and a copy of all materials provided to such members.

9.3 Alternate. The Series A Directors shall be entitled to appoint alternates to serve at any Board meeting, and such alternates shall be permitted to attend all Board meetings and vote on behalf of the Series A Directors.

9.4 Meetings and Expenses. The Board shall meet at least once per quarter. The Company shall reimburse all reasonable expenses of the Series A Directors related to all Board activities, including but not limited to attending the Board meetings to the Holders of Preferred Shares.

9.5 Death, resignation, incapacity or removal of Directors. Upon the death, resignation, incapacity or removal of any Series A Director, SAIF shall be entitled to appoint such Series A Director’s replacement to the Board, and each of the Holders shall vote all Preferred Shares then owned by them (or as to which they then have voting power) in favor of the appointment of such nominee to the Board in order to fill the vacancy created by such death, resignation, incapacity or removal.

9.6 Assignment. The rights of any Holder under this Section 9 shall only be assigned to an assignee or transferee who acquires any of the Preferred Shares held by the Holder.

9.7 Amendment. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no term of this Section 9 may be amended or the observance of any term of this Section 9 waived (either generally or in a particular instance and either retroactively or prospectively), without the written consent of the Company and SAIF.

9.8 Directors’ Insurance. The Company shall provide customary directors’ insurance coverage for, and maximum indemnification of, the Board of Directors, upon an initial public offering.

 

10. Miscellaneous.

10.1 Successors and Assigns. The terms and conditions of this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties, their successors and permitted assigns and their legal representatives. No Founder shall assign or transfer any Equity Securities it may hold in the Company unless the assignee or transferee thereof enters into a binding instrument, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Holders representing a majority of the Series A Preferred Shares then outstanding and a majority of the Series A-1 Preferred Shares then outstanding, voting together as a single class, pursuant to which such assignee or transferee agrees to be bound by the terms of this agreement (but not necessarily to enjoy the

 

  19   Investors’ Rights Agreement


rights hereunder) as if it were a “Holder” and otherwise a party hereto. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, none of the parties shall assign any of its rights or obligations hereunder.

10.2 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed under the laws of the State of New York, without regard to principles of conflicts of law thereunder.

10.3 Dispute Resolution.

(a) Any dispute, controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement, or the interpretation, breach, termination or validity hereof, shall be resolved through consultation. Such consultation shall begin immediately after one party hereto has delivered to the other party hereto a written request for such consultation. If within thirty (30) days following the date on which such notice is given the dispute cannot be resolved, the dispute shall be submitted to arbitration upon the request of either party with notice to the other.

(b) The arbitration shall be conducted in Hong Kong under the auspices of the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (the “ Centre ”). There shall be three arbitrators. The Company and the Investor shall each select one arbitrator within thirty (30) days after giving or receiving the demand for arbitration. Such arbitrators shall be freely selected, and the parties shall not be limited in their selection to any prescribed list. The Chairman of the Centre shall select the third arbitrator, who shall be qualified to practice law in New York. If either party does not appoint an arbitrator who has consented to participate within thirty (30) days after selection of the first arbitrator, the relevant appointment shall be made by the Chairman of the Centre.

(c) The arbitration proceedings shall be conducted in English. The arbitration tribunal shall apply the Arbitration Rules of the Centre in effect at the time of the arbitration. However, if such rules are in conflict with the provisions of this Section 10.3, including the provisions concerning the appointment of arbitrators, the provisions of this Section 10.3 shall prevail.

(d) The arbitrators shall decide any dispute submitted by the parties to the arbitration strictly in accordance with the substantive law of New York and shall not apply any other substantive law.

(e) Each party hereto shall cooperate with the other in making full disclosure of and providing complete access to all information and documents requested by the other in connection with such arbitration proceedings, subject only to any confidentiality obligations binding on such party.

(f) The award of the arbitration tribunal shall be final and binding upon the disputing parties, and either party may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for enforcement of such award.

(g) Either party shall be entitled to seek preliminary injunctive relief, if possible, from any court of competent jurisdiction pending the constitution of the arbitral tribunal.

10.4 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 instrument. Facsimile and e-mailed copies of signatures shall be deemed to be originals for purposes of the effectiveness of this Agreement.

 

  20   Investors’ Rights Agreement


10.5 Notices. Unless otherwise provided, any notice required or permitted under this Agreement shall be given in writing and shall be deemed effectively given upon personal delivery to the party to be notified or on the 10 th day after the date mailed, by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid and addressed to the party to be notified at the address indicated for such party on the signature page hereof, or at such other address as such party may designate by ten (10) days’ advance written notice to the other parties, or on the first business day following the date of transmission by facsimile or e-mail.

10.6 Headings and Titles. Headings and titles used in this Agreement are used for convenience only and are not to be considered in construing or interpreting this Agreement.

10.7 Expenses. If any action at law or in equity is necessary to enforce or interpret the terms of this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to reasonable attorneys’ fees, costs and necessary disbursements in addition to any other relief to which such party may be entitled.

10.8 Entire Agreement: Amendments and Waivers. This Agreement (including the Schedules and Exhibits hereto) constitutes the full and entire understanding and agreement among the parties with regard to the subjects hereof and thereof. 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 the Company and Holders representing at least a majority of the Registrable Securities held by all the Holders. Any amendment or waiver effected in accordance with this paragraph shall be binding upon each holder of any Registrable Securities, each future holder of all such Registrable Securities, and the Company.

10.9 Severability. If a provision of this Agreement is held to be unenforceable under applicable laws, such provision shall be excluded from this Agreement and the balance of the Agreement shall be interpreted as if such provision were so excluded and shall be enforceable in accordance with its terms.

10.10 Further Assurances. The parties agree to execute such further instruments and to take such further action as may be reasonably necessary to carry out the intent of this Agreement.

[The remainder of this page is intentionally left blank.]

 

  21   Investors’ Rights Agreement


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
by its members:
By:          
  Name: Tadashi Nakamura
By:          
  Name: LOGO (Yujun Hu)

Yue-Teng, Inc.

By:          
  Name:  
  Capacity:  

The 2004 Trust for Robert W. Roche’s Decendants

By:          
  Name:  
  Capacity:  

Acorn Composite Corporation

By:          
  Name:  
  Capacity:  

D.Y. Capital, Inc.

By:          
  Name:  
  Capacity:  

 

  S-1   Investors’ Rights Agreement


HJX Holdings Ltd.

By:          
  Name:  
  Capacity:  

DHM Capital Ltd.

By:          
  Name:  
  Capacity:  

 

  S-2   Investors’ Rights Agreement


INVESTOR
SB ASIA INVESTMENT FUND II L.P.
By:          
  Name: Andrew Y. Yan
  Capacity: Authorized Signatory

Address:

  c/o M&C Corporate Services Limited
  PO Box 309GT
  Ugland House, South Church Street
  George Town, Grand Cayman
  Cayman Islands

With a copy to:

  c/o SAIF Advisors
  1001 China Resources Building
  No. 8 Jianguomenbei Avenue
  Beijing 100005
  People’s Republic of China

Attention: Joe Zhou

Fax +86 (10) 8519-2048

And a copy to:

  c/o SAIF Advisors
  Suites 2115-2118, Two Pacific Place
  88 Queensway, Hong Kong

Attention: Brandon Lin

Fax: +(852) 2234-9116

 

  S-3   Investors’ Rights Agreement


ORDINARY SHAREHOLDERS
By:          
  Name: Tadashi Nakamura
By:          
  Name: LOGO (Yujun Hu)

Yue-Teng, Inc.

By:          
  Name:  
  Capacity:  

The 2004 Trust for Robert W. Roche’s Decendants

By:          
  Name:  
  Capacity:  

Acorn Composite Corporation

By:          
  Name:  
  Capacity:  

D.Y. Capital, Inc.

By:          
  Name:  
  Capacity:  

 

  S-4   Investors’ Rights Agreement


HJX Holdings Ltd.

By:          
  Name:  
  Capacity:  

DHM Capital Ltd.

By:          
  Name:  
  Capacity:  

 

  S-5   Investors’ Rights Agreement


SCHEDULE A

Investor:

 

    SB Asia Investment Fund II L.P.

Ordinary Shareholders:

 

    Tadashi Nakamura

 

    LOGO (Yujun Hu)

 

    Yue-Teng, Inc.

 

    The 2004 Trust for Robert W. Roche’s Descendants

 

    Acorn Composite Corporation

 

    D.Y. Capital, Inc.

 

    HJX Holdings Ltd.

 

    DHM Capital Ltd.

 

  Schedule A   Investors’ Rights Agreement


EXHIBIT A

[Must be signed by an authorized representative of the Company]

PFIC ANNUAL INFORMATION STATEMENT

PFIC Annual Information Statement pursuant to U.S. Treasury Regulation § 1.1295-1(g).

                                                      (the “Company”) hereby represents that:

 

1. This PFIC Annual Information Statement applies to the Company’s taxable year beginning on                      and ending on                      .

 

2. The pro rata shares of the Company’s ordinary earnings and net capital gain attributable to the U.S. Shareholder (directly or indirectly through any other entity that holds the investment in the Company) for the taxable year specified in paragraph (1) are:

 

  Ordinary Earnings: $                     

 

  Net Capital Gain: $                     

 

3. The amount of cash and the fair market value of other property distributed or deemed distributed by the Company to the U.S. Shareholder during the taxable year specified in paragraph (1) are as follows:

 

  Cash: $                     

 

  Fair Market Value of Property: $                     

 

4. The Company will permit the U.S. Shareholder to inspect the Company’s permanent books of account, records, and such other documents as may be maintained by the Company that are necessary to establish that the Company’s ordinary earnings and net capital gain are computed in accordance with US Federal income tax principles, and to verify these amounts and the U.S. Shareholders direct or indirect pro rata shares thereof; provided , that (i) a Company representative shall, at the Company’s option, accompany the Investor on any such inspection, and (ii) the Company shall not be required to permit such inspection if such inspection would violate applicable laws, regulations or policies of the PRC.

 

By:     

Title:

 

Date:

 

 

  Exhibit-A  

EXHIBIT 10.6

Asset Purchase Agreement

This Asset Purchase Agreement (hereinafter referred to as this “Agreement”) is entered into as of June 1, 2005 in Shanghai, China by and between the following parties:

The Transferee: Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “Party A”)

The legal address: Suite 669-05, Building No. 2, 351 Guo Shoujing Road, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai

The legal representative: Yang Dongjie

The Transferor: Tianjin BABAKA Technology Development Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “Party B”)

The legal address: 64 Chifeng Road, Heping District, Tianjin

The legal representative: Gao Peng

Whereas:

 

  1. Party B has the trademark right and the trademark application right to the word and picture trademarks of “BABAKA” as well as the patent right and the patent application right to products related to “BABAKA”;

 

  2. Party B has commissioned Party A to distribute “BABAKA” branded products on an exclusive basis in the mainland of China and, moreover, Party A directly commissions a third party to manufacture such products; and

 

  3. Subject to the terms hereof, Party B agrees to transfer, and Party A agrees to accept the transfer of, all the intangible assets in the “BABAKA” brand Party B legally owns.

In consideration of the aforesaid premises and the mutual commitments and undertakings as set forth below, the Parties hereby enter into the following agreement:

 

Article 1 Assets to Be Transferred

 

1.1 Party B proposes to transfer all the intellectual property rights related to the “BABAKA” branded products it legally owns, such as the trademark right, the patent right, the trademark application right and the patent application right, to Party A. For a list of the intellectual property rights related to the asset transfer hereunder, please see the attachment hereto.

 

  1  


1.2 At the time of transfer of the aforesaid intellectual property rights, Party B shall hand over all the technical materials attached thereto to Party A.

 

Article 2 Consideration and Payment

 

2.1 The price of transfer of all the assets as set forth in Article 1 hereof (hereinafter referred to as the “Transferred Assets”) shall be RMB 500,000.

 

2.2 Party A shall pay the aforesaid price to Party B in two installments:

 

  a. Within ten business days after the effective date hereof, Party A shall pay Party B RMB 400,000; and

 

  b. Within ten business days after the transfer of all the intellectual property rights hereunder is approved by the Trademark Office and the Patent Office and the procedure for registration of such transfer is carried out, Party A shall pay Party B RMB 100,000.

 

Article 3 Transfer of Assets

 

3.1 Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the transfer of the Transferred Assets shall commence as of the effective date hereof.

 

3.2 Party B shall carry out the transfer of the Transferred Assets to Party A in the following manner and, during such transfer, Party B is obligated to extend active cooperation and assistance to Party A so that the following matters concerning such transfer may be completed as soon as possible:

 

  a. Party B shall enter into a separate agreement with Party A with respect to the transfer of the trademark right and the trademark application right to the word and picture trademarks of “BABAKA” as well as the patent right and the patent application right to “BABAKA” and promptly complete the relevant procedure for such transfer in accordance with the provisions of relevant laws and regulations;

 

  b. Party B shall promptly hand over to Party A the “BABAKA” branded products and all the technical materials, customer information and other related materials attached to the intellectual property rights; and

 

  c. Party B shall promptly hand over to Party A all the other intangible assets related to the “BABAKA” branded products.

 

  2  


3.3 Upon completion of the transfer of the Transferred Assets, the provisions hereof that are yet to be performed shall continue to be effective. After this Agreement becomes effective, the Parties shall jointly take the following necessary measures to ensure that the asset transfer hereunder will proceed smoothly:

 

  a. The Parties agree to complete such procedures as the hand-over of the Transferred Assets and the change of the name of the owner of such assets in the register as soon as possible in accordance with the relevant provisions of the state and within the time limit as specified by the state;

 

  b. Prior to completion of the transfer of all the Transferred Assets, Party B shall continue to hold such assets and the rights and interests thereunder on behalf of Party A and for its benefit, during which time Party A shall be entitled to all the income that may arise from or in connection with such assets, rights or interests;

 

  c. Party B undertakes that it will assume all the liabilities and obligations related to the Transferred Assets other than those expressly assumed by Party A in this Agreement or according to this Agreement; and Party A shall not bear any losses or assume any liabilities as a result of any liabilities incurred in connection with the Transferred Assets prior to the date of the transfer that should be assumed by Party B. If Party A sustains any losses as a result thereof, Party B shall compensate Party A for all such losses;

 

  d. Party B undertakes to Party A that, except as otherwise provided herein, as of the date of execution hereof, Party B shall no longer use the word trademark of “BABAKA”, use the original technology to manufacture any “BABAKA” branded products or products of the same or similar kind, or distribute any “BABAKA” branded products or products of the same or similar kind; and

 

  e. Party B is aware that Party A will directly commission a third part to manufacture “BABAKA” branded products using the proprietary technology and the “BABAKA” trademark, for which Party A shall pay such third party manufacturing charges, and Party A shall distribute such products; and Party B hereby acknowledges that the manufacture and distribution of “BABAKA” branded products by Party A and a third party commissioned by Party is a lawful act, which does not constitute an infringement upon any of Party B’s rights.

 

Article 4 Representations and Warranties

 

4.1 Party B’s Representations and Warranties

 

  a. Party B is an enterprise legal person organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the PRC, and Party B has the qualifications and capacity to enter into this Agreement, perform its obligations hereunder and complete the asset transfer hereunder;

 

  3  


  b. Party B has the legal title and other property rights to the Transferred Assets hereunder, and Party A shall not sustain any losses, nor shall its rights or interests be subject to any restrictions, as a result of any penalty, claim, order or demand any third party may impose on it for its acceptance of the transfer of such assets; and

 

  c. Party B undertakes that, if in the future Party B has developed some new technology related to the “BABAKA” branded products, Party A shall have the right of first refusal to accept the transfer of such technology.

 

4.2 Party A’s Representations and Warranties

 

  a. Party A is an enterprise legal person organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the PRC, and Party A has the qualifications and capacity to enter into this Agreement, perform its obligations hereunder and complete the asset transfer hereunder;

 

  b. Party A lawfully owns its property, which is adequate to pay the price of the asset transfer hereunder. Once this Agreement is executed, it shall constitute a legal, valid and binding obligation of Party A, which shall pay Party B the proper price of the asset transfer in full in accordance with the provisions hereof and within the time limit as specified herein.

 

Article 5 Expenses

 

5.1 Each of the Parties shall bear its own legal fees and other expenses, charges and costs that may arise from or in connection with the negotiation and preparation hereof or the conclusion of this Agreement and all the transactions as contemplated herein.

 

5.2 Expenses that may be incurred in connection with the transfer of the assets hereunder, the change of the name of the owner of such assets in the register, and the registration modification with respect to such assets shall be borne by Party A.

 

5.3 When the Parties are going through the formalities for changing the name of the owner of the intellectual property rights in accordance with the provisions hereof, Party B shall not require Party A to make any additional payment for such transfer.

 

Article 6 Effectiveness, Modification and Termination of This Agreement

 

6.1 This Agreement shall become effective as of the date it is executed by the Parties.

 

6.2 After this Agreement has become effective, neither Party shall unilaterally modify, terminate or rescind it if the Parties have not reached agreement thereon through consultation.

 

  4  


Article 7 Liability for Breach of Contract

 

7.1 Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, breaches of contract by the Parties hereto shall include but not be limited to the following:

 

  a. violation of any of the provisions hereof;

 

  b. violation of any of the representations, warranties or undertakings made herein by either of the Parties; and

 

  c. violation of any other obligation either of the Parties shall assume hereunder.

 

7.2 If either of the Parties commits any of the breaches of contract as set forth in Article 7.1 above, the breaching Party shall be liable to the other Party for such breach and compensate the other Party for any losses it may sustain as a result thereof. The other Party may grant the breaching Party a reasonable period of grace in which the breaching Party shall be required to take remedial measures to rectify such breach. If the breaching Party fails to take any remedial measures within such reasonable period of grace, the other Party shall have the right to terminate this Agreement and require that the breaching Party compensate it for any losses it may sustain as a result thereof, including but not limited to all the reasonable expenses that may be incurred in connection with the execution and performance hereof (including expenses and costs incurred in connection with the engagement of the various intermediary agencies), provided, however, that such compensation shall not exceed losses that, at the time of execution hereof, the breaching Party foresaw or should have reasonably foreseen its breach hereof might cause to the other Party.

 

Article 8 Settlement of Disputes

 

8.1 If any dispute arises from or in connection with this Agreement, the Parties shall settle such dispute through friendly consultation. If such consultation proves unsuccessful, either Party shall have the right to initiate legal proceedings with respect to such dispute in the people’s court at the place where this Agreement is executed.

 

Article 9 General Provisions

 

9.1 This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and this Agreement, together with the attachments hereto, constitutes the expression of all the common intents of the Parties hereto. This Agreement supersedes all oral or written understandings, agreements or intents the Parties reached or expressed prior to the date of execution hereof with respect to the transactions contemplated herein.

 

  5  


9.2 Headings of the articles hereof are inserted for convenience only and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation hereof.

 

9.3 This Agreement is executed in four originals, two of which shall be kept by each of the Parties hereto. The Parties may execute duplicates of this Agreement when necessary.

Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (Seal)

The Authorized Representative:             Xi Man             (Signature)

Tianjin BABAKA Technology Development Co., Ltd. (Seal)

The Authorized Representative:             Gao Peng             (Signature)

 

  6  


Attachment to the Asset Purchase Agreement

 

I. Trademarks

 

1. Certificates of Registration

 

    

No. of Trademark

Registration

  

Trademark

   Category    Number
1   

Registered Trademark

No. 1529848

   LOGO BABAKA    27    1
2   

Registered Trademark

No. 1550623

   LOGO BABAKA    29    1
3   

Registered Trademark

No. 1549039

   LOGO B^B^K^    24    1
4   

Registered Trademark

No. 1594799

   LOGO B^B^K^    30    1
5   

Registered Trademark

No. 1445981

   LOGO BeiBeiJia    42    1
6   

Registered Trademark

No. 1736985

   allittle    25    1
7   

Registered Trademark

No. 1207560

   LOGO    10    1
Attachments:   Notice of Approval of Transfer of Registered Trademark and Certificate of Approval of Transfer of Registered
Trademarks
8   

Registered Trademark

No. 1305564

   LOGO    18    1
Attachments:   Notice of Approval of Transfer of Registered Trademark and Certificate of Approval of Transfer of Registered
Trademarks
9   

Registered Trademark

No. 1313366

   LOGO Back Beat    25    1
Attachment:     Notice of Acceptance of Application for Transfer of Registered Trademark   
10   

Registered Trademark

No. 1320831

   LOGO    25    1
Attachments:   Notice of Approval of Transfer of Registered Trademark and Certificate of Approval of Transfer of Registered
Trademarks

 

2. Notices of Acceptance of Application for Trademark Registration

 

No. of Acceptance of Application

for Trademark Registration

  

Trademark

   Category    Number
Application No.: 4350976    LOGO    10    1
Application No.: 4350977    LOGO    25    1
Application No.: 4350978    LOGO    18    1

 

  7  


3. Notice of Acceptance of Application for Transfer of Registered Trademark

 

Application No.

  

Registration No.

   Number
Application No.: 200444043    Registration No.: 1636652    1

 

II. Certificates of Authentication

 

1    Certificate of Appraisal of the Brand Value of “BABAKA”    Original    1
Issued by Beijing Famous Brand Asset Appraisal Firm on December 2, 1999
2           Certificate of Authentication of Famous Brand of “BABAKA” Posture Correction Strap    Original    1
Issued by the Tianjin Municipal Administration for Industry and Commerce on December 28, 1999

 

III. Contracts

 

1           Technology Transfer Contract (with Zhang Min)    Original    1

 

IV. Patents

 

1           Application for “Gao Peng” Patent and Notice of Acceptance of Application    Original    1

 

  8  

EXHIBIT 10.7

Equity Transfer Agreement

 

Equity Transfer Agreement

between

Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.

and

Shanghai Acorn HJX Digital Technology Co., Ltd.

with respect to

Shanghai HJX Digital Technology Co., Ltd.

June 30, 2005

 

  1  


Equity Transfer Agreement

 

Equity Transfer Agreement

This Equity Transfer Agreement (hereinafter referred to as this “ Agreement ”) is entered into as of June 30, 2005 in Room 1206, No. 888, Yishan Road, Shanghai (which serves as a meeting room) by and between the following parties:

The Transferor : Shanghai Acorn HJX Digital Technology Co., Ltd., a limited liability company duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the People’s Republic of China with its registered address at No. 1, Huaying Road, Huaxin Town, Qingpu District, Shanghai.

The Transferee: Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., a wholly foreign-owned enterprise duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the People’s Republic of China with its registered address at Suite 669-05, Building No. 2, No. 351, Guo Shoujin Road, Zhangjiang High-Tech Park, Shanghai.

(The Transferor and the Transferee may hereinafter be referred collectively as the “ Parties ”)

Whereas:

 

  (1) Shanghai HJX Digital Technology Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “ Shanghai HJX ”) is a limited liability company duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the People’s Republic of China. The registered capital of this company is US$ 3,400,000; its domicile address is No. 55, Lane 1135, Jiasong Road Middle, Huaxin Town, Qingpu District, Shanghai; and the registration number of its business license is Qi He Hu Zong Zi No. 036643 (Qingpu);

 

  (2) As of the Date of Execution of this Agreement, the Transferor holds 49% of the equity interest in Shanghai HJX. The Transferor agrees to transfer 18% of the equity interest in Shanghai HJX to the Transferee in accordance with the terms and conditions hereof; and

 

  (3) The Transferee is an entity qualified to legally accept the transfer of the aforesaid equity interest held by the Transferor and the Transferee agrees to accept the transfer of 18% of the equity interest in Shanghai HJX in accordance with the terms and conditions hereof.

In accordance with the provisions of relevant laws and regulations and through consultation, the Transferor and the Transferee hereby enter into the following agreement with respect to the transfer of the equity interest in Shanghai HJX, which is legally binding on the Parties.

 

  2  


Equity Transfer Agreement

 

Definitions

Except as otherwise provided herein or required by the context, the following terms as used herein shall have the meanings as set forth below:

 

(1) This “Agreement” means this Equity Transfer Agreement and any attachments hereto as well as any written documents duly executed by the Parties from time to time to make revisions or modifications herein.

 

(2) “Shanghai HJX” means Shanghai HJX Digital Technology Co., Ltd., the shareholders of which are CHINA DRTV INC. and Shanghai Acorn HJX Digital Technology Co., Ltd., holding 51% and 49% of its equity interest, respectively.

 

(3) “Equity Transfer” means the act that the Transferor shall transfer the 18% of the equity interest it legally holds in Shanghai HJX to the Transferee in accordance with the provisions hereof.

 

(4) “Price of Equity Transfer” means the amount the Transferee shall pay to the Transferor in accordance with the provisions of Article 2 hereof.

 

(5) “Date of Execution of this Agreement” means the date as indicated herein when this Agreement is duly executed.

 

(6) “ Effective Date of this Equity Transfer Agreement/this Agreement” means the date when all the conditions for the effectiveness of this Agreement as set forth herein are satisfied.

 

(7) “Delivery” means acts related to the change of the shareholders of Shanghai HJX such as completion of the formalities for registration of the transfer by the Transferor of the 18% of the equity interest in Shanghai HJX it holds to the Transferee.

 

(8) “Business Day” means any day other than Saturday, Sunday and any other day when banks are required or authorized by law to suspend business.

 

Article 1 Transfer of Equity

 

  1.1 As of the Date of Execution of this Agreement, the Transferor holds 49% of the equity interest in Shanghai HJX. The Transferor hereby agrees to transfer according to law the 18% of the equity interest it holds in Shanghai HJX to the Transferee in accordance with the terms and conditions hereof and in the manner as agreed herein; and the Transferee agrees to accept according to law the transfer of the aforesaid equity interest in Shanghai HJX in accordance with the terms and conditions hereof and in the manner as agreed herein.

 

  1.2 Upon completion of the aforesaid equity transfer, the Transferee shall have the rights as a shareholder of Shanghai HJX and assume the creditor’s rights and liabilities of Shanghai HJX in proportion to the equity interest in Shanghai HJX that has been transferred to it hereunder.

 

  3  


Equity Transfer Agreement

 

Article 2 Price of Equity Transfer and Method of Payment

 

  2.1 Through consultation the Parties have come to agree that the price of the transfer by the Transferor of the 18% of the equity interest it holds in Shanghai HJX will be RMB 11,136,268.82.

 

  2.2 The aforesaid equity transfer is a transfer of the equity together with all the rights attached thereto, i.e. the Transferee shall be entitled to the profit that Shanghai HJX had accrued as of June 30, 2005 in proportion to the equity interest to be transferred to it hereunder, and the profit Shanghai HJX had accrued as of June 30, 2005 shall be counted in the total net asset of Shanghai HJX as of June 30, 2005.

 

  2.3 The Parties agree that the Transferee will pay the aforesaid Price of Equity Transfer all in RMB.

 

  2.4 The Transferee agrees to pay in full the Price of Equity Transfer within three months after the examination and approval authority has approved such transfer and issued a modified Certificate of Approval of Foreign Investment Enterprises to Shanghai HJX and Shanghai HJX has obtained a modified Business License of Chinese-foreign Equity Joint Ventures.

 

Article 3 Rights and Obligations of the Transferor

 

  3.1 The Transferor undertakes that it is an entity qualified to transfer the equity interest in Shanghai HJX according to law and it will secure all the authority necessary for the execution and performance hereof so that it will have the power and right to execute this Agreement and perform the terms and conditions hereof.

 

  3.2 The Transferor legally holds the aforesaid equity interest in Shanghai HJX, which is free and clear of any pledges or any contingent or other potential liabilities and subject to no restrictions imposed by any other similar encumbrances. Such equity interest is not involved in any dispute or any arbitral or legal proceedings. The Transferor has the complete beneficiary right to such equity interest and the right to dispose of it.

 

  3.3 The Transferor has secured the waiver by the other existing shareholders of Shanghai HJX of their right of first refusal to purchase the equity interest to be transferred hereunder.

 

  3.4 The Transferor has not entered into any contract or agreement that is in conflict with this Agreement and it undertakes that it will not transfer any of the rights and obligation hereunder to any third party.

 

  3.5 The Transferor undertakes that its execution and performance hereof is not in violation of any laws, regulations or documents on codes of practice now in effect, or any contract or agreement to which it is a party and which has become effective, or any other obligation it has assumed.

 

  4  


Equity Transfer Agreement

 

  3.6 The Transferor undertakes that, during the period from the execution and effectiveness hereof to the completion of the formalities for registration of the equity transfer hereunder, it will not make any business contact or execute any letter of intent, contract, memorandum of understanding or any other legal document with any third party with respect to the transfer, pledge or custody of the equity interest to be transferred hereunder.

 

  3.7 The Transferor has provided the Transferee with the true, complete and accurate accounting information, legal documents, and other necessary documents and materials concerning the finances, assets or contingent liabilities of Shanghai HJX and no facts relating to Shanghai HJX that would have a material adverse effect have not been disclosed to the Transferee. No representations or warranties made by the Transferor herein, including documents provided to the Transferee, contain an untrue statement of any major facts, nor are any major facts missing in such representation so that they might be misleading.

 

  3.8 Except as required by the normal business activities of Shanghai HJX or this Agreement is terminated, during the period from the Date of Execution of this Agreement to the completion of the transfer of the equity interest in Shanghai HJX, without the Transferee’s prior written consent, the Transferor shall not take any action that may have an adverse effect on the business and future development of Shanghai HJX.

 

  3.9 The Transferor agrees to take all necessary actions timely to execute all the legal documents and obtain all the certificates of approval necessary for the performance hereof and to carry out the relevant procedure for registration of the change of the shareholders so that all the arrangements concerning the equity transfer hereunder may be completed.

 

Article 4 Rights and Obligations of the Transferee

 

  4.1 The Transferee undertakes that it is an entity qualified to accept the transfer of the equity interest in Shanghai HJX according to law and it will secure all the authority necessary for the execution and performance hereof so that it will have the power and right to execute this Agreement and perform the terms and conditions hereof.

 

  4.2 The Transferee shall pay the Price of Equity Transfer in accordance with the provisions hereof.

 

  4.3 The Transferee has not entered into any contract or agreement that is in conflict with this Agreement and it undertakes that it will not transfer any of the rights and obligation hereunder to any third party;

 

  5  


Equity Transfer Agreement

 

  4.4 The Transferee undertakes that its execution and performance hereof is not in violation of any laws, regulations or documents on codes of practice now in effect, any contract or agreement to which it is a party and which has become effective, or any other obligation it has assumed.

 

  4.5 The Transferee undertakes that, during the period from the execution and effectiveness hereof to the completion of the formalities for registration of the equity transfer hereunder, it will not make any business contact or execute any letter of intent, contract, memorandum of understanding or any other legal document with any third party with respect to any major matter that is in conflict with the equity transfer hereunder.

 

  4.6 The Transferee shall assist the Transferor in obtaining the certificates of approval in connection with the equity transfer hereunder and carry out the relevant procedure for registration of the change of the shareholders as soon as possible.

 

  4.7 The Transferee agrees to take all necessary actions timely to execute all the legal documents and obtain all the certificates of approval necessary for the performance hereof and to carry out the relevant procedure for registration of the change of the shareholders so that all the arrangements concerning the equity transfer hereunder may be completed.

 

Article 5 Other Matters such as Time Limit for Delivery of the Equity Interest to Be Transferred Hereunder and Manner of Such Delivery

 

  5.1 In view of the fact that changes will take place in the equity structure of Shanghai HJX upon completion of the equity transfer hereunder, such transfer shall be subject to examination and approval by the relevant examination and approval authority, which will issue a modified Certificate of Approval of Foreign Investment Enterprises to Shanghai HJX and, within 30 Business Days of the aforesaid approval, Shanghai HJX shall carry out the procedure for modification of its registration with the company registration authority and obtain the Business License of Chinese-foreign Joint Ventures from such authority.

 

  5.2 The Parties shall work together to carry out the aforesaid procedures for delivery of the equity interest hereunder, such as examination and approval of such transfer and modification of registration thereof. Expenses that may be incurred in connection with the completion of the equity transfer hereunder shall be borne by the Parties in accordance with the provisions of relevant laws and regulations.

 

Article 6 Liability for Breach of Contract

 

  6.1

The Parties hereto shall strictly comply with the provisions hereof and failure of either Party to comply with any provision hereof shall constitute a breach of

 

  6  


Equity Transfer Agreement

 

 

contract. The breaching Party shall compensate the other Party for any economic losses it may suffer as a result of such breach of contract, provided, however, that such compensation shall not exceed losses that the breaching Party foresaw or should have foreseen at the time of execution hereof its breach hereof might cause to the other Party.

 

Article 7 Force Majeure

 

  7.1 If the transaction hereunder fails to be consummated as a result of any event of force majeure such as natural disasters or adjustments in state policies or through no fault on the part of either Party, neither Party shall assume any liability for breach of contract.

 

Article 8 Settlement of Disputes and Governing Law

 

  8.1 If the Parties fail to settle through consultation any dispute that may arise from or in connection with this Agreement, either Party shall have the right to initiate legal proceedings in a competent court with respect to such dispute.

 

  8.2 The execution, validity, interpretation and performance of and settlement of disputes under this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the People’s Republic of China.

 

Article 9 Effectiveness of this Agreement

 

  9.1 This Agreement shall become effective after signatures of the legal representatives of the Parties or their authorized representatives (and the seals of the legal representatives if available) have been affixed to this Agreement and it has been approved by the relevant examination and approval authority; and this Agreement shall be binding on the Parties once it has become effective.

 

Article 10 Modification, Cancellation and Termination of and Complement to This Agreement

 

  10.1 No modification of this Agreement shall become effective unless the Parties have entered into a written agreement on such modification through consultation. If the Parties fail to reach agreement on such modification, this Agreement shall continue to be effective. No revision, interpretation or waiver of any provision hereof shall become effective unless it is recognized by the Parties by signing a written document.

 

  7  


Equity Transfer Agreement

 

  10.2 If either Party commits any breach of contract, the other Party shall have the right to terminate this Agreement. If both of the Parties agree to terminate this Agreement, they shall enter into a written agreement on such termination.

 

  10.3 This Agreement shall be terminated upon completion of the equity transfer hereunder and the relevant procedure for modification of the registration with the administration for industry and commerce in connection with such transfer.

 

  10.4 Upon effectiveness hereof, the Parties shall perform this Agreement in accordance with the provisions hereof. With respect to any matters that are uncovered herein or any adjustments that need to be made herein, the Parties may enter into complementary agreements hereto, which shall constitute part of this Agreement and shall have equal effect and validity with this Agreement.

 

Article 11 General Provisions

 

  11.1 The Parties hereto shall execute and deliver all necessary documents and take all necessary actions to implement the terms and purposes hereof.

 

  11.2 The Parties hereto have a thorough knowledge and understanding of the substantive meaning and legal meaning of all the provisions hereof and have entered into this Agreement on the basis of such understanding.

 

  11.3 Headings of the articles hereof are inserted for convenience only and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation hereof.

 

  11.4 This Agreement is prepared in Chinese and executed in two original counterparts, one of which shall be kept by each of the Transferor and the Transferee. The Parties may execute duplicates of this Agreement when necessary.

 

  8  


Equity Transfer Agreement

 

(This is the signature page, which does not contain any part of the text of this Agreement)

The Transferor : Shanghai Acorn HJX Digital Technology Co., Ltd. (Seal)

The legal representative or authorized representative: Li Liyu (Signature)

Date:

The Transferee: Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (Seal)

The legal representative or authorized representative: Yang Dongjie (Signature)

Date:

 

  9  

EXHIBIT 10.8

Equity Transfer Agreement

 

Equity Transfer Agreement

between

Acorn International Electronic Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.

and

Shanghai Acorn HJX Digital Technology Co., Ltd.

with respect to

Shanghai HJX Digital Technology Co., Ltd.

June 30, 2005

 

  1  


Equity Transfer Agreement

 

Equity Transfer Agreement

This Equity Transfer Agreement (hereinafter referred to as this “ Agreement ”) is entered into as of June 30, 2005 in Room 1206, No. 888, Yishan Road, Shanghai (which serves as a meeting room) by and between the following parties:

The Transferor : Shanghai Acorn HJX Digital Technology Co., Ltd., a limited liability company duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the People’s Republic of China with its registered address at No. 1, Huaying Road, Huaxin Town, Qingpu District, Shanghai.

The Transferee: Acorn International Electronic Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., a limited liability company duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the People’s Republic of China with its registered address at No. 55, Lane 1135, Jiasong Road Middle, Huaxin Town, Qingpu District, Shanghai.

(The Transferor and the Transferee may hereinafter be referred collectively as the “ Parties ”)

Whereas:

 

  (1) Shanghai HJX Digital Technology Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “Shanghai HJX”) is a limited liability company duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the People’s Republic of China. The registered capital of this company is US$ 3,400,000; its domicile address is No. 55, Lane 1135, Jiasong Road Middle, Huaxin Town, Qingpu District, Shanghai; and the registration number of its business license is Qi He Hu Zong Zi No. 036643 (Qingpu);

 

  (2) As of the Date of Execution of this Agreement, the Transferor holds 49% of the equity interest in Shanghai HJX. The Transferor agrees to transfer 31% of the equity interest in Shanghai HJX to the Transferee in accordance with the terms and conditions hereof; and

 

  (3) The Transferee is en entity qualified to legally accept the transfer of the aforesaid equity interest held by the Transferor and the Transferee agrees to accept the transfer of 31% of the equity interest in Shanghai HJX in accordance with the terms and conditions hereof.

In accordance with the provisions of relevant laws and regulations and through consultation, the Transferor and the Transferee hereby enter into the following agreement with respect to the transfer of the equity interest in Shanghai HJX, which is legally binding on the Parties.

 

  2  


Equity Transfer Agreement

 

Definitions

Except as otherwise provided herein or required by the context, the following terms as used herein shall have the meanings as set forth below:

 

(1) This “Agreement” means this Equity Transfer Agreement and any attachments hereto as well as any written documents duly executed by the Parties from time to time to make revisions or modifications herein.

 

(2) “Shanghai HJX” means Shanghai HJX Digital Technology Co., Ltd., the shareholders of which are CHINA DRTV INC. and Shanghai Acorn HJX Digital Technology Co., Ltd., holding 51% and 49% of its equity interest, respectively.

 

(3) “Equity Transfer” means the act that the Transferor shall transfer the 31% of the equity interest it legally holds in Shanghai HJX to the Transferee in accordance with the provisions hereof.

 

(4) “Price of Equity Transfer” means the amount the Transferee shall pay to the Transferor in accordance with the provisions of Article 2 hereof.

 

(5) “Date of Execution of this Agreement” means the date as indicated herein when this Agreement is duly executed.

 

(6) “ Effective Date of this Equity Transfer Agreement/this Agreement” means the date when all the conditions for the effectiveness of this Agreement as set forth herein are satisfied.

 

(7) “Delivery” means acts related to the change of the shareholders of Shanghai HJX such as completion of the formalities for registration of the transfer by the Transferor of the 31% of the equity interest in Shanghai HJX it holds to the Transferee.

 

(8) “Business Day” means any day other than Saturday, Sunday and any other day when banks are required or authorized by law to suspend business.

 

Article 1 Transfer of Equity

 

  1.1 As of the Date of Execution of this Agreement, the Transferor holds 49% of the equity interest in Shanghai HJX. The Transferor hereby agrees to transfer according to law the 31% of the equity interest it holds in Shanghai HJX to the Transferee in accordance with the terms and conditions hereof and in the manner as agreed herein; and the Transferee agrees to accept according to law the transfer of the aforesaid equity interest in Shanghai HJX in accordance with the terms and conditions hereof and in the manner as agreed herein.

 

  1.2 Upon completion of the aforesaid equity transfer, the Transferor shall have the rights as a shareholder of Shanghai HJX and assume the creditor’s rights and liabilities of Shanghai HJX in proportion to the equity interest in Shanghai HJX that has been transferred to it hereunder.

 

  3  


Equity Transfer Agreement

 

Article 2 Price of Equity Transfer and Method of Payment

 

  2.1 Through consultation the Parties have come to agree that the price of the transfer by the Transferor of the 31% of the equity interest it holds in Shanghai HJX will be RMB 19,179,129.64.

 

  2.2 The aforesaid equity transfer is a transfer of the equity together with all the rights attached thereto, i.e. the Transferee shall be entitled to the profit that Shanghai HJX had accrued as of June 30, 2005 in proportion to the equity interest to be transferred to it hereunder, and the profit Shanghai HJX had accrued as of June 30, 2005 shall be counted in the total net asset of Shanghai HJX as of June 30, 2005.

 

  2.3 The Parties agree that the Transferee will pay the aforesaid Price of Equity Transfer all in RMB.

 

  2.4 The Transferee agrees to pay in full the Price of Equity Transfer within three months after the examination and approval authority has approved such transfer and issued a modified Certificate of Approval of Foreign Investment Enterprises to Shanghai HJX and Shanghai HJX has obtained a modified Business License of Chinese-foreign Equity Joint Ventures.

 

Article 3 Rights and Obligations of the Transferor

 

  3.1 The Transferor undertakes that it is an entity qualified to transfer the equity interest in Shanghai HJX according to law and it will secure all the authority necessary for the execution and performance hereof so that it will have the power and right to execute this Agreement and perform the terms and conditions hereof.

 

  3.2 The Transferor legally holds the aforesaid equity interest in Shanghai HJX, which is free and clear of any pledges or any contingent or other potential liabilities and subject to no restrictions imposed by any other similar encumbrances. Such equity interest is not involved in any dispute or any arbitral or legal proceedings. The Transferor has the complete beneficiary right to such equity interest and the right to dispose of it.

 

  3.3 The Transferor has secured the waiver by the other existing shareholders of Shanghai HJX of their right of first refusal to purchase the equity interest to be transferred hereunder.

 

  3.4 The Transferor has not entered into any contract or agreement that is in conflict with this Agreement and it undertakes that it will not transfer any of the rights and obligation hereunder to any third party.

 

  3.5 The Transferor undertakes that its execution and performance hereof is not in violation of any laws, regulations or documents on codes of practice now in effect, any contract or agreement to which it is a party and which has become effective, or any other obligation it has assumed.

 

  4  


Equity Transfer Agreement

 

  3.6 The Transferor undertakes that, during the period from the execution and effectiveness hereof to the completion of the formalities for registration of the equity transfer hereunder, it will not make any business contact or execute any letter of intent, contract, memorandum of understanding or any other legal document with any third party with respect to the transfer, pledge or custody of the equity interest to be transferred hereunder.

 

  3.7 The Transferor has provided the Transferee with the true, complete and accurate accounting information, legal documents, and other necessary documents and materials concerning the finances, assets or contingent liabilities of Shanghai HJX and no facts relating to Shanghai HJX that would have a material adverse effect have not been disclosed to the Transferee. No representations or warranties made by the Transferor herein, including documents provided to the Transferee, contain an untrue statement of any major facts, nor are any major facts missing in such representation so that they might be misleading.

 

  3.8 Except as required by the normal business activities of Shanghai HJX or this Agreement is terminated, during the period from the Date of Execution of this Agreement to the completion of the transfer of the equity interest in Shanghai HJX, without the Transferee’s previous written consent, the Transferor shall not take any action that may have an adverse effect on the business and future development of Shanghai HJX.

 

  3.9 The Transferor agrees to take all necessary actions timely to execute all the legal documents and obtain all the certificates of approval necessary for the performance hereof and to carry out the relevant procedure for registration of the change of the shareholders so that all the arrangements concerning the equity transfer hereunder may be completed.

 

Article 4 Rights and Obligations of the Transferee

 

  4.1 The Transferee undertakes that it is an entity qualified to accept the transfer of the equity interest in Shanghai HJX according to law and it will secure all the authority necessary for the execution and performance hereof so that it will have the power and right to execute this Agreement and perform the terms and conditions hereof.

 

  4.2 The Transferee shall pay the Price of Equity Transfer in accordance with the provisions hereof.

 

  4.3 The Transferee has not entered into any contract or agreement that is in conflict with this Agreement and it undertakes that it will not transfer any of the rights and obligation hereunder to any third party;

 

  5  


Equity Transfer Agreement

 

  4.4 The Transferee undertakes that its execution and performance hereof is not in violation of any laws, regulations or documents on codes of practice now in effect, any contract or agreement to which it is a party and which has become effective, or any other obligation it has assumed.

 

  4.5 The Transferee undertakes that, during the period from the execution and effectiveness hereof to the completion of the formalities for registration of the equity transfer hereunder, it will not make any business contact or execute any letter of intent, contract, memorandum of understanding or any other legal document with any third party with respect to any major matter that is in conflict with the equity transfer hereunder.

 

  4.6 The Transferee shall assist the Transferor in obtaining the certificates of approval in connection with the equity transfer hereunder and carry out the relevant procedure for registration of the change of the shareholders as soon as possible.

 

  4.7 The Transferee agrees to take all necessary actions timely to execute all the legal documents and obtain all the certificates of approval necessary for the performance hereof and to carry out the relevant procedure for registration of the change of the shareholders so that all the arrangements concerning the equity transfer hereunder may be completed.

 

Article 5 Other Matters such as Time Limit for Delivery of the Equity Interest to Be Transferred Hereunder and Manner of Such Delivery

 

  5.1 In view of the fact that changes will take place in the equity structure of Shanghai HJX upon completion of the equity transfer hereunder, such transfer shall be subject to examination and approval by the relevant examination and approval authority, which will issue a modified Certificate of Approval of Foreign Investment Enterprises to Shanghai HJX and, within 30 Business Days of the aforesaid approval, Shanghai HJX shall carry out the procedure for modification of its registration with the company registration authority and obtain the Business License of Chinese-foreign Joint Ventures from such authority.

 

  5.2 The Parties shall work together to carry out the aforesaid procedures for delivery of the equity interest hereunder, such as examination and approval of such transfer and modification of registration thereof. Expenses that may be incurred in connection with the completion of the equity transfer hereunder shall be borne by the Parties in accordance with the provisions of relevant laws and regulations.

 

Article 6 Liability for Breach of Contract

 

  6.1

The Parties hereto shall strictly comply with the provisions hereof and failure of either Party to comply with any provision hereof shall constitute a breach of

 

  6  


Equity Transfer Agreement

 

 

contract. The breaching Party shall compensate the other Party for any economic losses it may suffer as a result of such breach of contract, provided, however, that such compensation shall not exceed losses that the breaching Party foresaw or should have foreseen at the time of execution hereof its breach hereof might cause to the other Party.

 

Article 7 Force Majeure

 

  7.1 If the transaction hereunder fails to be consummated as a result of any event of force majeure such as natural disasters or adjustments in state policies or through no fault on the part of either Party, neither Party shall assume any liability for breach of contract.

 

Article 8 Settlement of Disputes and Governing Law

 

  8.1 If the Parties fail to settle through consultation any dispute that may arise from or in connection with this Agreement, either Party shall have the right to initiate legal proceedings in a competent court with respect to such dispute.

 

  8.2 The execution, validity, interpretation and performance of and settlement of disputes under this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the People’s Republic of China.

 

Article 9 Effectiveness of this Agreement

 

  9.1 This Agreement shall become effective after signatures of the legal representatives of the Parties or their authorized representatives (and the seals of the legal representatives if available) have been affixed to this Agreement and it has been approved by the relevant examination and approval authority; and this Agreement shall be binding on the Parties once it has become effective.

 

Article 10 Modification, Cancellation and Termination of and Complement to This Agreement

 

  10.1 No modification of this Agreement shall become effective unless the Parties have entered into a written agreement on such modification through consultation. If the Parties fail to reach agreement on such modification, this Agreement shall continue to be effective. No revision, interpretation or waiver of any provision hereof shall become effective unless it is recognized by the Parties by signing a written document.

 

  7  


Equity Transfer Agreement

 

  10.2 If either Party commits any breach of contract, the other Party shall have the right to terminate this Agreement. If both of the Parties agree to terminate this Agreement, they shall enter into a written agreement on such termination.

 

  10.3 This Agreement shall be terminated upon completion of the equity transfer hereunder and the relevant procedure for modification of the registration with the administration for industry and commerce in connection with such transfer.

 

  10.4 Upon effectiveness hereof, the Parties shall perform this Agreement in accordance with the provisions hereof. With respect to any matters that are uncovered herein or any adjustments that need to be made herein, the Parties may enter into complementary agreements hereto, which shall constitute part of this Agreement and shall have equal effect and validity with this Agreement.

 

Article 11 General Provisions

 

  11.1 The Parties hereto shall execute and deliver all necessary documents and take all necessary actions to implement the terms and purposes hereof.

 

  11.2 The Parties hereto have a thorough knowledge and understanding of the substantive meaning and legal meaning of all the provisions hereof and have entered into this Agreement on the basis of such understanding.

 

  11.3 Headings of the articles hereof are inserted for convenience only and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation hereof.

 

  11.4 This Agreement is prepared in Chinese and executed in two original counterparts, one of which shall be kept by each of the Transferor and the Transferee. The Parties may execute duplicates of this Agreement when necessary.

 

  8  


Equity Transfer Agreement

 

(This is the signature page, which does not contain any part of the text of this Agreement)

The Transferor : Shanghai Acorn HJX Digital Technology Co., Ltd. (Seal)

The legal representative or authorized representative: Li Liyu (Signature)

Date:

The Transferee: Acorn International Electronic Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (Seal)

The legal representative or authorized representative: Yang Dongjie (Signature)

Date:

 

  9  

EXHIBIT 10.9

Patent Application Right Transfer Agreement

This Patent Application Right Transfer Agreement (hereinafter referred to as the “ Agreement ”) is entered into on August 1, 2005 between the following two parties:

Transferee: Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (“ Party A ”)

Domicile: 888 Yishan Road, Room 1206 Xinyin Plaza, Shanghai

Legal Representative: Yang Dongjie

Contact Person: Lin Man

Tel: 021-54644600

Fax: 021-54500703

Transferor: Tianjin BABAKA Technology Development Co., Ltd. (“ Party B ”)

Legal Representative: Chen Yuhua

Contact Person: Su Wei

Tel: 022-23031132

Fax: 022-23031131

Party B owns the invention of a posture correction belt, and Party A desires to acquire the patent application right in connection therewith. Party A and Party B, adhering to the principle of free will and mutual benefit, and after a full exchange of views and desires relating to the patent application right hereof on equal basis, have arrived at the following Agreement, as a true expression of their intentions and for compliance by both of them.

Article 1

The patent application of the posture correction belt

 

a) is an application of a utility model;

 

b) the inventor is Zhang Min

 

c) The patent applicant is Tianjin BABAKA Technology Development Co., Ltd.;

 

d) The date of application is October 15, 2004;

 

e) The patent application number is 200420118736.0.

Article 2

Before entering into this Agreement, Party B has only used the invention to produce a small quantity of the posture correction belts for a trial production, and has not licensed the invention to any other party for exploitation.

 

   


Article 3

Within seven business days after this Agreement comes into effect, Party B shall provide to Party A all the materials relating to the patent application, including but not limited to the following:

 

a) the whole set of application materials submitted by Party B to the State Intellectual Property Bureau;

 

b) all the technical materials regarding the patent, including technical background information material, the feasibility study report, the technical evaluation report, technical standards and specifications, etc.;

 

c) the authorization letter and other communications between Party B and the patent agency, etc.

Article 4

After this Agreement comes into effect, Party A shall ensure the performance of the original technology transfer contract. The rights and obligations of Party B under the original technology transfer contract shall be assumed by Party A after the effective date of this Agreement.

Article 5

Party B warrants that its rights under the patent application do not infringe upon the lawful beneficiary rights of any third party. In the event of any third party’s allegation of being infringed by Party A, Party B shall

 

a) assume all the costs of litigation incurred or sustained by Party A;

 

b) be liable for all the legal consequences resulting from such allegation;

 

c) indemnify Party A for all of its economic losses.

Article 6

After friendly negotiations held in the spirit of equality and mutual benefit, Party B hereby transfers to Party A gratuitously the rights under the patent application of this utility model, while retaining the right to produce products which using the patent technology in question.

Article 7

After the Agreement enters into effect, Party A shall have the right to improve on the utility model in question, and all substantial or creative technological developments resulting therefrom shall be owned by Party A. If Party B improves on the utility model in question and creates new technology, Party B shall give Party A priority when transferring such technology.

Article 8

The Parties agree that within thirty days after the execution of the Agreement, Party A shall at its own cost complete the registration in connection with the transfer of the patent application right.

 

   


Article 9

After the Agreement becomes effective, Party B shall not in any way exploit the patent technology in question, nor shall it license it to any third party in any form.

Article 10

No matter whether the patent application is finally approved, Party B (including the inventor and Party B’s employees) shall be obligated to keep the confidentiality of the utility model, and shall not disclose to any third party any materials or information relating to the patent technology in question, unless and until the utility model is duly made public.

Article 11

The Parties shall seek to resolve through negotiation their disputes arising from the performance of this Agreement. If negotiation fails, either Party shall have the right to bring the dispute before a competent People’s Court.

Article 12

This Agreement shall have three original counterparts, with one for each of the Parties, and one for the examination and approval authority. All the counterparts are of the same validity and legal effect.

[The remainder of this page has been left intentionally blank.]

 

   


(This is the signature page, which does not contain any part of the text of this Agreement)

Party A: Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (seal)

Legal Representative: (seal)

Party B: Tianjin BABAKA Technology Development Co., Ltd. (seal)

Legal Representative: Gao Peng (seal)

 

   

EXHIBIT 10.10

Joint Venture Contract

between

Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.

and

Shanghai Yimeng Digital Technology Co., Ltd.

with respect to the establishment of

Shanghai Yimeng Software Technology Co., Ltd.


Table of Contents

 

Chapter 1

  General Principles

Chapter 2

 

Parties to the Joint Venture

Chapter 3

 

Establishment of the Joint Venture Company

Chapter 4

 

Goals of Production and Operations and Scope of Business

Chapter 5

 

Total Amount of Investment and Registered Capital

Chapter 6

 

Responsibilities of the Parties

Chapter 7

 

Shareholders’ Meetings

Chapter 8

 

Board of Directors

Chapter 9

 

Structure of Operations Management

Chapter 10

 

Purchase of Equipment for Technical Development

Chapter 11

 

Labor Management

Chapter 12

 

Financial Accounting, Taxation, Foreign Exchange, and Profit Distribution

Chapter 13

 

Insurance

Chapter 14

 

Term of the Joint Venture, Termination and Liquidation

Chapter 15

 

Force Majeure

Chapter 16

 

Liability for Breach of Contract

Chapter 17

 

Governing Law

Chapter 18

 

Settlement of Disputes

Chapter 19

 

Miscellaneous


Joint Venture Contract

Chapter 1

General Principles

Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “ Party A ”) and Shanghai Yimeng Digital Technology Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “ Party B ”) , in accordance with the Company Law of the People’s Republic of China (hereinafter referred to as the “ PRC ”) and the detailed rules for its implementation and the other relevant laws and regulations of the PRC, through friendly consultation and in conformity with the principles of equality and mutual benefit, have agreed to jointly establish a limited liability company in the Zhangjiang Software Park, Pudong New Area, Shanghai and, for that purpose, enter into this contract.

Chapter 2

Parties to the Joint Venture

 

Article 1 The parties to this contract are:

Party A: Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.

The registered address: Suite 669-05, Building No. 2, 351 Guo Shoujing Road, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai

The legal representative: Yang Dongjie; Position: Chairman of the board of directors; Nationality: Chinese

Party B: Shanghai Yimeng Digital Technology Co., Ltd.

The legal address: Room 530, 1088 Yan’an Road West, Changning District, Shanghai

The legal representative: Zeng Shan; Position: Chairman of the board of directors; Nationality: Chinese

Chapter 3

Establishment of the Joint Venture Company

 

Article 2 The parties agree to establish a joint venture company named “Shanghai Yimeng Software Technology Co., Ltd.” (hereinafter referred to as the “ Joint Venture Company ”) in Section 22301-987, Building No. 14, Pudong Software Park, 498 Guo Shoujing Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, PRC.

 

Article 3 The Chinese name of the Joint Venture Company shall be LOGO .

 

Article 4 The legal address of the Joint Venture Company shall be Section 22301-987, Building No. 14, Pudong Software Park, 498 Guo Shoujing Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, PRC.

 

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Article 5 The Joint Venture Company shall be a Chinese legal person, all the activities of which shall comply with the provisions of the relevant laws, statutes and regulations of the People’s Republic of China and the legitimate rights and interest of which shall be protected by law.

 

Article 6 The Joint Venture Company shall be a limited liability company. Each of the parties shall be liable for the debts of the Joint Venture Company to the extent of the capital contribution it has made to the registered capital of the Joint Venture Company and the parties shall share the profits, risks and losses of the Joint Venture Company in proportion to the capital contribution each of them has made, respectively.

Chapter 4

Goals of Production and Operations and Scope of Business

 

Article 7 The goals of production and operations of the Joint Venture Company shall be to strengthen economic cooperation, to take advantage of integrated resources and excellent supporting facilities available in Shanghai to design and produce hi-tech software to satisfy market demands, and to achieve increasingly beneficial economic results to enable each party to obtain satisfactory profits.

 

Article 8 The scope of business of the Joint Venture Company shall be technical development, design and production of softwares; distribution of software products, digital electronic products, computer hardware and software, communications equipment, meters and instruments, and general merchandise; and provision of technical services in electronic information, computers and network engineering. (Business subject to administrative licensing shall be conducted after the relevant license has been obtained)

Chapter 5

Total Amount of Investment and Registered Capital

 

Article 9 The registered capital of the Joint Venture Company shall be RMB 2,600,000, to which Party A shall contribute the equivalent of RMB 1,326,000 in monetay fund, accounting for 51% of the registered capital, and Party B shall contribute RMB 494,000 in cash, accounting for 19% of the registered capital, as well as the intangible asset in the “Operator Security Investment Decision-Making System V2.06” valued at RMB 790,000, accounting for 30% of the registered Capital, with the capital contribution made by Party B totaling 49% of the registered capital.

 

Article 10 By December 15, 2005, each of the parties shall have paid up the capital contribution it has committed itself to making to the registerd capital of the Joint Venture Company.

 

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Article 11 During the term of the joint venture, the Joint Venture Company shall not reduce its registered capital. If the registered capital really needs to be reduced as a result of any change in the scale of the production or operations of the Joint Venture Company, such reduction shall be carried out according to the statutory procedure after it has been approved by the board of directors by a unanimous resolution and submitted to the original examination and approval authority for approval.

 

Article 12 If the Joint Venture Company proposes to increase or transfer its registered capital during the term of the joint venture, such increase or transfer shall be carried out after it has been approved by the board of directors by a unanimous resolution and submitted to the original examination and approval authority for approval.

 

Article 13 If either of the parties desires to transfer all or part of its capital contribution to any third party, such transfer shall be subject to the consent of the other party and the other party shall have the right of first refusal to purchase such capital contribution on the same terms. If the other party makes no written objections to such transfer within thirty days of receipt of a written notice thereof from the transferring party, it shall be deemed to have waived its right of first refusal to purchase such capital contribution.

Chapter 6

Responsibilities of the Parties

 

Article 14 Party A shall be responsible for accomplishing the following matters:

 

    (1) To make its contribution to the registered capital of the Joint Venture Company in the amount and at the time as specified herein;

 

    (2) To go through the formalities for registration of the establishment of the Joint Venture Company with the registration authority and to obtain the business license of the Joint Venture Company;

 

    (3) To be responsible for the technical development, design and production of softwares for the Joint Venture Company and to take part in the distribution of software products; and

 

    (4) To handle any other matters the Joint Venture Company may commission it to handle.

 

Article 15 Party B shall be responsible for accomplishing the following matters:

 

    (1) To make its contribution to the registered capital of the Joint Venture Company in the amount as specified herein;

 

    (2) To be responsible for the technical development, design and production of softwares for the Joint Venture Company and to take part in the distribution of software products;

 

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  (3) To assist the Joint Venture Company in making applications according to law for the most preferential tax treatment and other preferential treatments available under the policies; and

 

  (4) To handle any other matters the Joint Venture Company may commission it to handle.

Chapter 7

Shareholders’ Meetings

 

Article 16 A shareholders’ meeting of the Joint Venture Company shall consist of all its shareholders, shall be the highest authority of the Joint Venture Company, and shall exercise the following functions and powers:

 

    (1) To make decisions on the business policy and investment plan of the Joint Venture Company;

 

    (2) To elect and replace the chairman and directors of the board and to make decisions on matters concerning the remuneration of the directors;

 

    (3) To elect and replace any supervisor whose position is held by a representative of the shareholders and to make decisions on matters concerning the remuneration of the supervisors;

 

    (4) To review and approve reports made by the board of directors;

 

    (5) To review and approve reports made by the board of supervisors;

 

    (6) To review and approve the annual financial budget program and actual budget of the Joint Venture Company;

 

    (7) To review and approve the plan for profit distribution and the plan for making up losses of the Joint Venture Company;

 

    (8) To adopt resolutions on the increase or reduction of the registered capital of the Joint Venture Company;

 

    (9) To adopt resolutions on the issue of bonds by the Joint Venture Company;

 

    (10) To adopt resolutions on the transfer by any shareholder of its capital contribution to any other person than a shareholder;

 

    (11) To adopt resolutions on such matters as merger or division of the Joint Venture Company, change of its form, and its dissolution and liquidation;

 

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    (12) To amend the articles of association of the Joint Venture Company; and

 

    (13) to handle any other major matters.

 

Article 17 Resolutions of a shareholders’ meeting shall be passed by an affirmative vote of the shareholders that represent more than half of the voting rights, provided, however, that resolutions on the increase or reduction of the registered capital of the Joint Venture Company, its division, merger or dissolution, change of its form, or amendment of its articles of association shall be passed by an affirmative vote of the shareholders that represent more than two thirds of the voting rights.

 

Article 18 The shareholders shall exercise their right to vote at a shareholders’ meeting in proportion to their respective capital contributions to the registered capital of the Joint Venture Company.

 

Article 19 Shareholders’ meetings shall be convened four times each year, on Monday of the last week of each quarter, respectively. Special meetings of the shareholders may be convened on a motion of the shareholders that represent more than one fourth of the voting rights or of more than one third of the supervisors.

 

Article 20 All the shareholders shall be notified of a shareholders’ meeting fifteen days in advance of such meeting. Minutes of decisions on matters discussed at a shareholders’ meeting shall be drawn up and the shareholders present at such meeting shall affix their signatures to such minutes.

Chapter 8

Board of Directors

 

Article 21 The Joint Venture Company shall establish a board of directors, which shall be elected at a shareholders’ meeting.

 

Article 22 The board of directors shall be composed of three directors. The term of office of the directors shall be three years, renewable upon re-election.

 

Article 23 The board of directors shall have a chairman, who shall be the legal representative of the Joint Venture Company and shall be elected by the board of directors.

 

Article 24 The rules of procedure and the voting procedure of the board of directors shall be as set forth in the articles of association of the Joint Venture Company.

 

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Chapter 9

Structure of Operations Management

 

Article 25 The Joint Venture Company shall establish a structure of operations management, to be responsible for the day-to-day work of its operations management. The structure of operations management of the Joint Venture Company shall consist of one general manager. The deputy general manager shall assist the general manager in his work.

 

Article 26 The general manager shall carry out the resolutions of the board of directors and organize and direct the day-to-day work of operations management of the Joint Venture Company within the scope of authority granted by the board of directors. Within the scope of authority granted by the board of directors, the general manager shall represent the Joint Venture Company in its external affairs, appoint and dismiss those employees of the Joint Venture Company that are subordinate to him, and exercise any other powers granted to him by the board of directors.

 

Article 27 The Joint Venture Company shall have a chief financial officer, who shall be responsible for the financial and accounting work of the Joint Venture Company.

 

Article 28 Such officers of the Joint Venture Company as the general manager and chief financial officer shall be appointed by the board of directors. The term of office of such officers shall be three years, renewable upon a decision by the board of directors.

 

Article 29 Upon appointment by the board of directors, a director of the board of the Joint Venture Company may serve concurrently as an officer of the Joint Venture Company such as the general manager or chief financial officer.

 

Article 30 If the general manager, chief financial officer or any other officer of the Joint Venture Company engages in any malpractices for his selfish ends or is seriously derelict in his duties, the board of directors may make a decision to dismiss him at any time.

Chapter 10

Purchase of Equipment for Technical Development

 

Article 31 High-end electronic equipment needed in the technical development, design and production of softwares by the Joint Venture Company shall be purchased in the PRC and technical personnel shall be provided by both of the parties to the joint venture.

Chapter 11

Labor Management

 

Article 32

Such matters as the recruitment, employment, dismissal, compensation, welfare benefits, labor insurance, labor protection and labor discipline of the employees of the Joint Venture Company shall be provided in the labor contracts entered into

 

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between the Joint Venture Company and its employees on the basis of a program for such matters prepared by the board of directors in accordance with the provisions of the PRC on labor and social security. Upon execution of such labor contracts, they shall be filed with the local authority in charge of labor management for the record.

 

Article 33 The compensation, social security, welfare benefits and standards for travel expenses applicable to the senior management of the Joint Venture Company nominated by the parties and appointed by the board of directors shall be decided on by the board of directors.

Chapter 12

Financial Accounting, Taxation, Foreign Exchange, and Profit Distribution

 

Article 34 The Joint Venture Company shall establish a financial and accounting system in accordance with the provisions of the laws and regulations now in effect in the PRC and in light of the actual circumstances of the Joint Venture Company and shall file such system with the local financial department and the local authority in charge of taxation for the record.

 

Article 35 The Joint Venture Company shall adopt the calendar year as its fiscal year, which shall begin on January 1 and end on December 31 of each calendar year.

 

Article 36 The Joint Venture Company shall adopt the internationally accepted accrual basis and debit and credit accounting system in the keeping of its accounts. All the vouchers, account books and statements prepared by the Joint Venture Company itself shall be written in Chinese.

 

Article 37 The Joint Venture Company shall retain an accountant registered in the PRC to audit its account books and financial records and shall report the results of such auditing to the board of directors and the general manager.

 

Article 38 The Joint Venture Company shall pay all the taxes in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations of the PRC.

 

Article 39 The Joint Venture Company shall, in accordance with the provisions of the Company Law of the People’s Republic of China , make allocations of its profit that remains after paying income tax to the statutory reserve fund and welfare fund, and the percentage of an allocation to the discretionary surplus fund shall be determined by the board of directors.

 

Article 40 All the matters of the Joint Venture Company concerning foreign exchange shall be handled in accordance with the Regulations of the People’s Republic of China for Administration of Foreign Exchange and other relevant provisions.

 

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Article 41 If the board of directors decides to distribute the distributable profit that remains after allocations to the various funds have been made, such profit shall be distributed in proportion to the capital contribution each of the parties has made.

Chapter 13

Insurance

 

Article 42 The Joint Venture Company shall take out the various insurances from the insurance companies operating within the territory of the PRC, and the coverage, value and duration of such insurances shall be determined by the board of directors of the Joint Venture Company.

Chapter 14

Term of the Joint Venture, Dissolution and Liquidation

 

Article 43 The term of the joint venture shall be 30 years, starting from the date of issuance of the business license to the Joint Venture Company.

 

Article 44 Six months prior to the expiration of the term of the joint venture, the Joint Venture Company may make an application for an extension of such term to the original examination and approval authority, provided that either party makes a proposal for such extension, which is approved at a shareholders’ meeting.

 

Article 45 The Joint Venture Company shall be dissolved if any of the following events occurs:

 

    (1) the term of the joint venture has expired;

 

    (2) the Joint Venture Company has suffered so serious losses that it is unable to continue its business operations;

 

    (3) either party has failed to perform any of its obligations under this contract and the articles of association of the Joint Venture Company so that the Joint Venture Company is unable to continue its business operations;

 

    (4) the Joint Venture Company has suffered major losses as a result of an event of force majeure so that it is unable to continue its business operations;

 

    (5) the Joint Venture Company has failed to achieve the goals of its operations and has no possibilities of future development; and

 

    (6) any other event in which the Joint Venture Company shall be dissolved in accordance with the provisions of this contract and the articles of association of the Joint Venture Company has occurred.

 

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Article 46 If any of the events as described in Paragraph (2), (4), (5), or (6) of Article 45 hereof has occurred, the shareholders’ meeting shall make an application for dissolution of the Joint Venture Company to the examination and approval authority for approval. If the event as described in Paragraph (3) of Article 45 hereof has occurred, the party that has performed its obligations hereunder may make an application for dissolution of the Joint Venture Company to the examination and approval authority for approval.

 

Article 47 Upon expiration or early termination of the term of the joint venture, the Joint Venture Company shall be legally liquidated. The Joint Venture Company shall establish a liquidation committee in accordance with the Measures of the Peoples’ Republic of China for Enterprise Liquidation , which shall be responsible for handling all the matters concerning the liquidation of the Joint Venture Company. Any property of the Joint Venture Company that remains after it has discharged all its liabilities shall be distributed to each of the parties in proportion to the capital contribution it has made.

Chapter 15

Force Majeure

 

Article 48 If either party fails to perform any of its obligations hereunder as a result of earthquake, typhoon, flood, war, or any other event of force majeure that is unforeseeable and the occurrence and consequences of which cannot be prevented or avoided, the party that encounters such event of force majeure shall promptly notify the other party of such occurrence and, within fifteen days of such occurrence, provide detailed information on such event and a valid certificate that proves that it is justified in having failed to perform all or any part of this contract or having to postpone the performance of this contract, which certificate shall be issued by the notary organ at the place where such event of force majeure has occurred. In light of the impact of such event on the performance hereof, the parties shall decide through consultation whether this contract should be rescinded, the parties should be partially freed from their obligations hereunder, or the performance hereof should be postponed.

 

Article  49 Neither party shall file a claim for compensation for any losses that may result from an event of force majeure.

Chapter 16

Liability for Breach of Contract

 

Article 50 If all or any part of this contract fails to be performed through any fault on the part of either party, the party in default shall be liable for breach of contract. If both of the parties are in default, each of the parties shall assume its respective liability for breach of contract in light of the actual circumstances.

 

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Article 51 If either party fails to make its contribution to the registered capital of the Joint Venture Company at the time and in the amount as specified in Chapter 5 hereof, commencing from the first month of arrears, the breaching party shall, for each month of arrears, pay the non-breaching party a penalty for breach of contract equal to 1% of the contribution that should have been made. If a contribution is in arrears for three months, apart from the obligation of the breaching party to pay a penalty for breach of contract at the monthly rate of 3% of such contribution, the non-breaching party shall have the right to terminate this contract and require that the breaching party compensate it for any economic losses it may sustain as a result of such failure.

Chapter 17

Governing Law

 

Article 52 The formation, validity and interpretation hereof and settlement of disputes hereunder shall be governed by the laws of the People’s Republic of China.

Chapter 18

Settlement of Disputes

 

Article 53 If any dispute arises out of the performance of this contract or in connection with this contract, the parties shall settle such dispute through friendly consultation. If such consultation proves unsuccessful, such dispute shall be submitted to Shanghai Arbitration Commission for arbitration. Any arbitral award shall be binding on both of the parties.

 

Article 54 During the arbitral proceedings, except for that part of this contract which is in dispute and is being arbitrated, the parties shall continue to perform this contract.

Chapter 19

Miscellaneous

 

Article 55 After the authorized representatives of the parties have affixed their signatures to this contract, it shall be submitted for registration to the authority in charge of industrial and commercial administration at Zhangjiang, Shanghai. This contract shall become effective as of the date of the aforesaid registration, and so shall any amendment of this contract.

 

Article 56 This contract is written in Chinese in four counterparts, two of which are originals and the other two are duplicates.

 

Article 57 This contract was executed by the authorized representatives of the parties on December 1, 2005 in Shanghai, PRC.

 

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Party A: Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (Seal)

Authorized Representative: Yang Dongjie (Signature)

Date:

Party A: Shanghai Yimeng Digital Technology Co., Ltd.

Authorized Representative: Zeng Shan (Signature)

Date: December 9, 2005

EXHIBIT 10.11

2005 Service Fee Pricing Agreement

Under the Exclusive Technical Service Agreement

Between

Shanghai Acorn Network Technology Development Co., Ltd.

And Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.

Pursuant to Articles 1 and 2 of the Exclusive Technical Service Agreement entered into on January 1, 2005 in Beijing between Shanghai Acorn Network Technology Development Co. Ltd. (hereinafter “ Party A ”) and Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co. Ltd. (“ Party B ”, Party A and Party B may hereinafter be referred collectively as the “ Parties ”), Party A and Party B hereby enter into the following 2005 Service Fee Pricing Agreement:

 

1. Party B’s technical staff will provide to Party A technical service as well as the Acorn TV Direct Sale Information System Party B owns for use by Party A. After friendly negotiations between the two Parties, it is agreed that Party B will collect 5.5% of Party A’s 2005 sale proceeds as technical service charge.

 

2. Apart from the service under Article 1 hereunder, Party B shall also provide to Party A technical support in connection with its well known brand-names to boost Party A’s business. After friendly negotiations between the two Parties, it is agreed that Party A will at least spend 5% of its sales proceeds on advertising Party B’s well-known brand-names. If the actual spending of Party A on advertising reaches 5% of its sales proceeds, Party B shall not collect any service charges for its technical services in connection with the brand-names. If Party A’s spending on advertising the brand-names falls short of 5% of its sales proceeds, Party B will collect such service charges as the Parties agree in accordance with Party A’s actual business condition.

 

3. Party B will collect the technical service charge in advance around mid-year, and will settle with Party A the amount of its technical service charge for the whole year by the end of the year, in accordance with Party A’s actual business condition of the year and the provisions above.

 

4. Party B shall have the right to adjust the annual rate of its technical service charge in accordance with the nature and amount of such service.

This agreement, after being executed by Party A and Party B, shall be a valid component of the Exclusive Technical Service Agreement, and shall be bound by the provisions thereunder.

This agreement is executed by both Parties on December 31, 2005 in two counterparts, with one for each of the Parties.

Party A: Shanghai Acorn Network Technology Development Co., Ltd.

Legal Representative: Yang Dongjie (signature)

Party B: Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.

Legal Representative: Yang Dong Jie (signature)

 

   

EXHIBIT 10.12

2005 Service Fee Pricing Agreement

Under the Exclusive Technical Service Agreement

Between

Beijing Acorn Trade Co., Ltd.

And Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.

Pursuant to Articles 1 and 2 of the Exclusive Technical Service Agreement entered into on January 1, 2005 in Beijing between Beijing Acorn Trade Co. Ltd. (hereinafter “ Party A ”) and Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co. Ltd. (“ Party B ”, Party A and Party B may hereinafter be referred collectively as the “ Parties ”), Party A and Party B hereby enter into the following 2005 Service Fee Pricing Agreement:

 

1. Party B’s technical staff will provide to Party A technical service as well as the Acorn TV Direct Sale Information System Party B owns for use by Party A. After friendly negotiations between the two Parties, it is agreed that Party B will collect 5.5% of Party A’s 2005 direct sale proceeds as technical service charge.

 

2. Apart from the service under Article 1 hereunder, Party B shall also provide to Party A technical support in connection with its well known brand-names to boost Party A’s business. After friendly negotiations between the two Parties, it is agreed that Party A will at least spend 5% of its sales proceeds on advertising Party B’s well-known brand-names. If the actual spending of Party A on advertising reaches 5% of its sales proceeds, Party B shall not collect any service charges for its technical services in connection with the brand-names. If Party A’s spending on advertising the brand-names falls short of 5% of its sales proceeds, Party B will collect such service charges as the Parties agree in accordance with Party A’s actual business condition.

 

     In view of the fact that in 2005 Party A’s actual spending on advertising falls short of 5% of its sales proceeds, the Parties agree that for 2005 Party B will collect from Party A RMB600,000 as service charge for Party B’s technical support in connection with its brand-names.

 

3. Party B will collect the technical service charge in advance around mid-year, and will settle with Party A the amount of its technical service charge for the whole year by the end of the year, in accordance with Party A’s actual business condition of the year and the provisions above.

 

4. Party B shall have the right to adjust the annual rate of its technical service charge in accordance with the nature and amount of such service.

This agreement, after being executed by Party A and Party B, shall be a valid component of the Exclusive Technical Service Agreement, and shall be bound by the provisions thereunder.

 

   


This agreement is executed by both Parties on December 31, 2005 in two counterparts, with one for each of the Parties.

Party A: Beijing Acorn Trade Co., Ltd.

Legal Representative: Yang Dongjie (signature)

Party B: Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.

Legal Representative: Yang Dong Jie (signature)

 

   

EXHIBIT 10.13

2005 Service Fee Pricing Agreement

Under the Exclusive Technical Service Agreement

Between

Shanghai Acorn Advertising Broadcasting Co., Ltd.

And Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.

Pursuant to Articles 1 and 2 of the Exclusive Technical Service Agreement entered into on January 1, 2005 in Beijing between Shanghai Acorn Advertising Broadcasting Co. Ltd. (hereinafter “ Party A ”) and Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co. Ltd. (“ Party B ”, Party A and Party B may hereinafter be referred collectively as the “ Parties ”), Party A and Party B hereby enter into the following 2005 Service Fee Pricing Agreement:

 

1. Party B’s technical staff will provide to Party A technical services. After friendly negotiations between the two Parties, it is agreed that Party B will collect RMB 400,000 from Party A as technical service charge.

 

2. Party B shall have the right to adjust the annual rate of its technical service charge in accordance with the nature and amount of such services.

This agreement, after being executed by Party A and Party B, shall be a valid component of the Exclusive Technical Service Agreement, and shall be bound by the provisions thereunder.

This agreement is executed by both Parties on December 31, 2005 in two counterparts, with one for each of the Parties.

Party A: Shanghai Acorn Advertising Broadcasting Co., Ltd.

Legal Representative: Yang Dongjie (signature)

Party B: Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.

Legal Representative: Yang Dong Jie (signature)

EXHIBIT 10.14

Joint Venture Contract

between

China DRTV, Inc.

and

Shanghai Jia Guan Hang Automobile Maintenance Products Co., Ltd.

with respect to the establishment of

Shanghai An-Nai-Chi Automobile Maintenance Products Co., Ltd.

February 28, 2006


Table of Contents

 

Chapter 1

  General Principles

Chapter 2

 

Parties to the Joint Venture

Chapter 3

 

Establishment of the Joint Venture Company

Chapter 4

 

Goals of Production and Operations and Scope of Business

Chapter 5

 

Total Amount of Investment and Registered Capital

Chapter 6

 

Responsibilities of the Parties

Chapter 7

 

Board of Directors

Chapter 8

 

Structure of Operations Management

Chapter 9

 

Purchase of Equipment

Chapter 10

 

Labor Management

Chapter 11

 

Financial Accounting, Taxation, Foreign Exchange, and Profit Distribution

Chapter 12

 

Insurance

Chapter 13

 

Term of the Joint Venture, Termination and Liquidation

Chapter 14

 

Force Majeure

Chapter 15

 

Liability for Breach of Contract

Chapter 16

 

Governing Law

Chapter 17

 

Settlement of Disputes

Chapter 18

 

Miscellaneous


Joint Venture Contract

Chapter 1

General Principles

China DRTV, Inc. (hereinafter referred to as “ Party A ”) and Shanghai Jia Guan Hang Automobile Maintenance Products Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “ Party B ”), in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations of the Peoples’ Republic of China (hereinafter referred to as the “ PRC ”) , through friendly consultation and in conformity with the principles of equality and mutual benefit, have agreed to jointly establish a Chinese-foreign equity joint venture in Huaxin Town, Qingpu District, Shanghai, PRC and, for that purpose, enter into this contract.

Chapter 2

Parties to the Joint Venture

 

Article 1 The parties to this contract are:

Party A: China DRTV, Inc.

The registered address: the British Virgin Islands

The legal representative: Yang Dongjie; Position: Chairman of the board of directors; Nationality: Chinese

Party B: Shanghai Jia Guan Hang Automobile Maintenance Products Co., Ltd.

The legal address: H-374, No.55, Lane 1135, Jiasong Road Middle, Huaxin Town, Qingpu District, Shanghai

The legal representative: Wang Zheng; Position: Legal Representative; Nationality: Chinese

Chapter 3

Establishment of the Joint Venture Company

 

Article 2 The parties agree to establish an equity joint venture company named “Shanghai Energy Release Vehicle Maintenance Supplies Co., Ltd.” (hereinafter referred to as the “ Joint Venture Company ”) in Huaxin Town, Qingpu District, Shanghai, PRC.

 

Article 3 The Chinese name of the Joint Venture Company shall be LOGO .

 

Article 4 The legal address of the Joint Venture Company shall be No. 55, Lane 1135, Jiasong Road Middle, Huaxin Town, Qingpu District, Shanghai.

 

Article 5 The Joint Venture Company shall be a Chinese legal person, all the activities of which shall comply with the provisions of the relevant laws, statutes and regulations of the PRC and the legitimate rights and interest of which shall be protected by law.

 

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Article 6 The Joint Venture Company shall be a limited liability company. Each of the parties shall be liable for the debts of the Joint Venture Company to the extent of the capital contribution it has made to the registered capital of the Joint Venture Company and the parties shall share the profits, risks and losses of the Joint Venture Company in proportion to the capital contribution each of them has made, respectively.

Chapter 4

Goals of Production and Operations and Scope of Business

 

Article 7 The goals of production and operations of the Joint Venture Company shall be to strengthen economic cooperation, to take advantage of integrated resources and excellent supporting facilities available in Shanghai, to introduce funds from abroad, to adopt internationally advanced technology and scientific management methods and to achieve increasingly beneficial economic results to enable each party to obtain satisfactory profits.

 

Article 8 The scope of business of the Joint Venture Company shall be to manufacture or process antiwear agents used in all kinds of motor vehicles and motorcycles as well as other vehicle maintenance supplies, to distribute products manufactured by the Joint Venture Company itself, and to provide technical support and after-sales services for such products.

Chapter 5

Total Amount of Investment and Registered Capital

 

Article 9 The total amount of investment in the Joint Venture Company shall be US$ 1,900,000 and its registered capital shall be US$ 1,900,000, to which Party A shall contribute US$ 969,000 in cash, accounting for 51% of the registered capital, and Party B shall contribute the RMB equivalent of US$ 931,000 in cash, accounting for 49% of the registered capital.

 

Article 10 Within six months after the date of issuance of the business license of the Joint Venture Company, each of the parties shall have paid in one lump the capital contribution it has committed itself to making to the registered capital of the Joint Venture Company.

 

Article 11 During the term of the joint venture, the Joint Venture Company shall not reduce its registered capital. If the registered capital really needs to be reduced as a result of any change in the scale of the production or operations of the Joint Venture Company, such reduction shall be carried out according to the statutory procedure after it has been approved by the board of directors by a unanimous resolution and submitted to the original examination and approval authority for approval.

 

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Article 12 If the Joint Venture Company proposes to increase or transfer its registered capital during the term of the joint venture, such increase or transfer shall be carried out after it has been approved by the board of directors by a unanimous resolution and submitted to the original examination and approval authority for approval.

 

Article 13 If either of the parties desires to transfer all or part of its capital contribution to any third party, such transfer shall be subject to the consent of the other party and the other party shall have the right of first refusal to purchase such capital contribution on the same terms. If the other party makes no written objections to such transfer within thirty days of receipt of a written notice thereof from the transferring party, it shall be deemed to have waived its right of first refusal to purchase such capital contribution.

Chapter 6

Responsibilities of the Parties

 

Article 14 Party A shall be responsible for accomplishing the following matters:

 

    (1) To make its contribution to the registered capital of the Joint Venture Company in the amount and at the time as specified herein;

 

    (2) To be responsible for the introduction of the design technology for the Joint Venture Company and take part in the distribution of the products;

 

    (3) To appoint the senior officers of the Joint Venture Company such as directors and take part in the recruitment and training of personnel of Chinese nationality; and

 

    (4) To handle any other matters the Joint Venture Company may commission it to handle.

 

Article 15 Party B shall be responsible for accomplishing the following matters:

 

    (1) To make applications for approval and registration of the establishment of the Joint Venture Company to the relevant Chinese authorities in charge and obtain the business license of the Joint Venture Company;

 

    (2) To make its contribution to the registered capital of the Joint Venture Company in the amount as specified herein;

 

    (3) To assist the personnel of foreign nationality in going through the formalities for issuance of entry visas and work permits and making travel arrangement when necessary;

 

    (4) To assist the Joint Venture Company in making applications according to law for the most preferential tax treatment and other preferential treatments available under the policies; and

 

  3  


    (5) To handle any other matters the Joint Venture Company may commission it to handle.

Chapter 7

Board of Directors

 

Article 16 The Joint Venture Company shall establish a board of directors, which shall be the highest authority of the Joint Venture Company and shall make all the major decisions of the Joint Venture Company.

 

Article 17 The board of directors shall be composed of five directors, of whom three directors shall be appointed by Party A and two directors shall be appointed by Party B. The term of office of the directors shall be four years, renewable upon re-appointment by the appointing party.

 

Article 18 The board of directors shall have a chairman, who shall be the legal representative of the Joint Venture Company and shall be appointed by Party A .

 

Article 19 The rules of procedure and the voting procedure of the board of directors shall be as set forth in the articles of association of the Joint Venture Company.

Chapter 8

Structure of Operations Management

 

Article 20 The Joint Venture Company shall establish a structure of operations management, to be responsible for the day-to-day work of its operations management. The structure of operations management of the Joint Venture Company shall consist of a general manager. The deputy general manager shall assist the general manager in his work.

 

Article 21 The general manager shall carry out the resolutions of the board of directors and organize and direct the day-to-day work of operations management of the Joint Venture Company within the scope of authority granted by the board of directors. Within the scope of authority granted by the board of directors, the general manager shall represent the Joint Venture Company in its external affairs, appoint and dismiss those employees of the Joint Venture Company that are subordinate to him, and exercise any other powers granted to him by the board of directors.

 

Article 22 The Joint Venture Company shall have a chief financial officer, who shall be responsible for the financial and accounting work of the Joint Venture Company.

 

Article 23 Such officers of the Joint Venture Company as the general manager and chief financial officer shall be appointed by the board of directors. The term of office of such officers shall be three years, renewable upon a decision by the board of directors.

 

  4  


Article 24 Upon appointment by the board of directors, a director of the board of the Joint Venture Company may serve concurrently as an officer of the Joint Venture Company such as the general manager or chief financial officer.

 

Article 25 If the general manager, chief financial officer or any other officer of the Joint Venture Company engages in any malpractices for his selfish ends or is seriously derelict in his duties, the board of directors may make a decision to dismiss him at any time.

Chapter 9

Purchase of Equipment

 

Article 26 The Joint Venture Company shall have the right to purchase machinery, equipment, raw materials, parts and components, means of transportation, and office supplies needed in its production and operations in the PRC or abroad at is own discretion.

Chapter 10

Labor Management

 

Article 27 Such matters as the recruitment, employment, dismissal, compensation, welfare benefits, labor insurance, labor protection and labor discipline of the employees of the Joint Venture Company shall be provided in the labor contracts entered into between the Joint Venture Company and its employees on the basis of a program for such matters prepared by the board of directors in accordance with the provisions of the PRC on labor and social security. Upon execution of such labor contracts, they shall be filed with the local authority in charge of labor management for the record.

 

Article 28 The compensation, social security, welfare benefits and standards for travel expenses applicable to the senior management of the Joint Venture Company nominated by the parties and appointed by the board of directors shall be decided on by the board of directors.

Chapter 11

Financial Accounting, Taxation, Foreign Exchange, and Profit Distribution

 

Article 29 The Joint Venture Company shall establish a financial and accounting system in accordance with the provisions of the laws and regulations now in effect in the PRC and in light of the actual circumstances of the Joint Venture Company and shall file such system with the local financial department and the local authority in charge of taxation for the record.

 

  5  


Article 30 The Joint Venture Company shall adopt the calendar year as its fiscal year, which shall begin on January 1 and end on December 31 of each calendar year.

 

Article 31 The Joint Venture Company shall adopt the internationally accepted accrual basis and debit and credit accounting system in the keeping of its accounts. All the vouchers, account books and statements prepared by the Joint Venture Company itself shall be written in Chinese.

 

Article 32 The Joint Venture Company shall retain an accountant registered in the PRC to audit its account books and financial records and shall report the results of such auditing to the board of directors and the general manager.

 

Article 33 The Joint Venture Company shall pay all the taxes in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations of the PRC.

 

Article 34 The Joint Venture Company shall, in accordance with the provisions of the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Chinese-foreign Equity Joint Ventures , make allocations of its profit that remains after paying income tax to a reserve fund, a bonus and welfare fund for staff and workers, and a venture expansion fund, and the percentages of the profit such allocations shall account for, respectively, shall be determined by the board of directors.

 

Article 35 All the matters of the Joint Venture Company concerning foreign exchange shall be handled in accordance with the Regulations of the People’s Republic of China for Administration of Foreign Exchange and other relevant provisions.

 

Article 36 If the board of directors decides to distribute the distributable profit that remains after allocations to the various funds have been made, such profit shall be distributed in proportion to the capital contribution each of the parties has made.

Chapter 12

Insurance

 

Article 37 The Joint Venture Company shall take out the various insurances from the insurance companies operating within the territory of the PRC, and the coverage, value and duration of such insurances shall be determined by the board of directors of the Joint Venture Company.

Chapter 13

Term of the Joint Venture, Dissolution and Liquidation

 

Article 38 The term of the joint venture shall be 30 years, starting from the date of issuance of the business license to the Joint Venture Company.

 

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Article 39 Six months prior to the expiration of the term of the joint venture, the Joint Venture Company may make an application for an extension of such term to the original examination and approval authority, provided that either party makes a proposal for such extension and such proposal is approved by the board of directors.

 

Article 40 The Joint Venture Company shall be dissolved if any of the following events occurs:

 

    (1) the term of the joint venture has expired;

 

    (2) the Joint Venture Company has suffered so serious losses that it is unable to continue its business operations;

 

    (3) either party has failed to perform any of its obligations under this contract and the articles of association of the Joint Venture Company so that the Joint Venture Company is unable to continue its business operations;

 

    (4) the Joint Venture Company has suffered major losses as a result of an event of force majeure so that it is unable to continue its business operations;

 

    (5) the Joint Venture Company has failed to achieve the goals of its operations and has no possibilities of future development; and

 

    (6) any other event in which the Joint Venture Company shall be dissolved in accordance with the provisions of this contract and the articles of association of the Joint Venture Company has occurred.

 

Article 41 If any of the events as described in Paragraph (2), (4), (5), or (6) of Article 40 hereof has occurred, the directors’ meeting shall make an application for dissolution of the Joint Venture Company to the examination and approval authority for approval. If the event as described in Paragraph (3) of Article 40 hereof has occurred, the party that has performed its obligations hereunder may make an application for dissolution of the Joint Venture Company to the examination and approval authority for approval.

 

Article 42 Upon expiration or early termination of the term of the joint venture, the Joint Venture Company shall be liquidated according to law. The Joint Venture Company shall establish a liquidation committee in accordance with the Measures for Liquidation of Foreign Investment Enterprises , which shall be responsible for handling all the matters concerning the liquidation of the Joint Venture Company. Any property of the Joint Venture Company that remains after it has discharged all its liabilities shall be distributed to each of the parties in proportion to the capital contribution it has made.

 

  7  


Chapter 14

Force Majeure

 

Article 43 If either party fails to perform any of its obligations hereunder as a result of earthquake, typhoon, flood, war, or any other event of force majeure that is unforeseeable and the occurrence and consequences of which cannot be prevented or avoided, the party that encounters such event of force majeure shall promptly notify the other party of such occurrence and, within fifteen days of such occurrence, provide detailed information on such event and a valid certificate that proves that it is justified in having failed to perform all or any part of this contract or having to postpone the performance of this contract, which certificate shall be issued by the notary organ at the place where such event of force majeure has occurred. In light of the impact of such event on the performance hereof, the parties shall decide through consultation whether this contract should be rescinded, the parties should be partially freed from their obligations hereunder, or the performance hereof should be postponed.

 

Article 44 Neither party shall file a claim for compensation for any losses that may result from an event of force majeure.

Chapter 15

Liability for Breach of Contract

 

Article 45 If all or any part of this contract fails to be performed through any fault on the part of either party, the party in default shall be liable for breach of contract. If both of the parties are in default, each of the parties shall assume its respective liability for breach of contract in light of the actual circumstances.

 

Article 46 If either party fails to make its contribution to the registered capital of the Joint Venture Company at the time and in the amount as specified in Chapter 5 hereof, commencing from the first month of arrears, the breaching party shall, for each month of arrears, pay the non-breaching party a penalty for breach of contract equal to 1% of the contribution that should have been made. If a contribution is in arrears for three months, apart from the obligation of the breaching party to pay a penalty for breach of contract at the monthly rate of 3% of such contribution, the non-breaching party shall have the right to terminate this contract and require that the breaching party compensate it for any economic losses it may sustain as a result of such failure.

Chapter 16

Governing Law

 

Article 47 The formation, validity and interpretation hereof and settlement of disputes hereunder shall be governed by the laws of the People’s Republic of China.

 

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Chapter 17

Settlement of Disputes

 

Article 48 If any dispute arises out of the performance of this contract or in connection with this contract, the parties shall settle such dispute through friendly consultation. If such consultation proves unsuccessful, such dispute shall be submitted to the Shanghai Branch of the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission for arbitration in accordance with the arbitration rules of this commission now in effect. The award of the arbitration tribunal shall be final and binding on both of the parties.

 

Article 49 During the arbitral proceedings, except for that part of this contract which is in dispute and is being arbitrated, the parties shall continue to perform this contract.

Chapter 18

Miscellaneous

 

Article 50 After the authorized representatives of the parties have affixed their signatures to this contract, it shall be submitted to the people’s government of Qingpu District, Shanghai for approval. This contract shall become effective as of the date of the aforesaid approval, and so shall any amendment of this contract.

 

Article 51 This contract is written in Chinese in four counterparts, two of which are originals and the other two are duplicates.

 

Article 52 This contract was executed by the authorized representatives of the parties in February 2006 in Shanghai, PRC.

(There is no text of this contract below this line and a signature page is separately attached)

 

  9  


(This is the signature page, which does not contain any text of this contract.)

China DRTV, Inc.

Authorized Representative: Yang Dongjie

Shanghai Jia Guan Hang Automobile Maintenance Products Co., Ltd.

Authorized Representative: Wang Zheng

 

  10  

EXHIBIT 10.15

LOAN AGREEMENT

This Agreement is entered into on March 20, 2006 in Beijing, China between the parties below upon their full and friendly negotiation and intending to be legally bound:

 

Party A:

  Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.

Legal Address:

  Room 669-05, No. 2 Building, No. 351 Guoshoujing Road, Zhangjiang High-tech Park, Shanghai

Legal Representative:

  Yang Dongjie

Party B:

Yang Dongjie

 

Nationality:

   China

ID Card No.:

   140106196803232637

Address:

   Room 301, Apt 6, Building 1, No.5 North Jia Heping Li, Chaoyang District, Beijing

He Chenghong

 

Nationality:

   China

ID Card No.

   ID : 610113196410102199

Address:

   Room 602, No. 41, Lane 2885, Qixin Road, Minhang District, Shanghai

 

1. Loan

 

(1) Subject to the terms of this Agreement, Party A agrees to make available to Party B the following loans: Party A has already made a loan to Party B in an aggregate amount of 162,500,000 yuan and Party A agrees to provide Party B an additional loan in an amount of up to 30,365,000 yuan. The term of loan shall be of ten years commencing from the date hereof. This Agreement shall be automatically extended for another ten years except that Party A may terminate this Agreement in writing three months before its expiration. Party B shall prepay the loan hereunder if any of the following events occurs during the term hereof or any extension thereof:

 

  a. Party B dies, losses civil capacity or becomes a person with qualified civil capacity;

 

  b. Party B is no longer employed by Party A or any of its affiliates;

 

  1  


  c. Party B is engaged or involved in criminal offence;

 

  d. Party B is unable to pay an indemnity in excess of RMB1 million claimed by any third party against it;

 

  e. Once permitted by laws and regulations, Party B may repay the loan in such a manner as provided herein upon Party A’s issuance of a written notice to Party B.

Upon the occurrence of such event as described in the above section (e), Party A and Party B shall promptly negotiate with respect to Party B’s repayment of relevant loan to Party A in such a manner as provided herein; upon the occurrence of such events as described in the above section (a) to (d), if Party B is still unable to repay the loan in such a manner as provided herein as limited by applicable laws, Party B shall transfer all of its rights and obligations hereunder to such employees of Party A or its affiliates as designated by Party A.

 

(2) Party B agrees to accept the above loan made by Party A and undertakes that such loan will be used to:

 

  a. invest in and establish Shanghai Acorn Network Technology Development Co., Ltd. (“Acorn Network Technology”) and Shanghai Acorn Advertising Broadcasting Co., Ltd. (“Acorn Advertising”)in China; or

 

  b. acquire equity interest in Acorn Network Technology, Acorn Advertising and Beijing Acorn Trade and Development Co., Ltd. (“BATD”); or

 

  c. increase registered capitals in the above three companies.

 

(3) Party A and Party B agree and acknowledge that the loan shall be repaid by Party B solely by Party B’s transfer of all of its existing or future equity interest in Acorn Network Technology, Acorn Advertising and BATD to Party A or a third party designated by Party A, either a legal person or a natural person; the transfer price shall be the lowest price then permitted by the laws of China; any proceeds received by Party B from its holding or transfer of all equity interest in Acorn Network Technology, Acorn Advertising and BATD in excess of the amount of the loan actually borrowed from Party A to Party B shall be used to fulfill the repayment obligation hereunder. The loan hereunder shall be deemed to have been repaid in full and implemented once Party B has repaid the loan made by Party A in the aforesaid manner.

 

(4) Party A and Party B agree that Party A shall have the right, but not be obligated, to purchase or designate a third party to purchase all or part of the existing or future equity interest held by Party B in Acorn Network Technology, Acorn Advertising and BATD. Simultaneously with the execution of this Agreement, Party A and Party B shall enter into an exclusive purchase agreement (“Exclusive Purchase Agreement”), whereby Party B irrevocably grants Party A or a third party designated by Party A an exclusive right to purchase all of its existing or future equity interest in Acorn Network Technology, Acorn Advertising and BATD. Accordingly, Party B undertakes to execute an irrevocable power of attorney, authorizing Party A to exercise all or part of Party B’s existing or future rights as a shareholder of Acorn Network Technology, Acorn Advertising and BATD.

 

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2. Representations and Warranties

 

(1) Party A warrants that, as of the execution of this Agreement until the termination of this Agreement:

 

  a. Party A is a wholly-foreign owned enterprise established under the laws of China;

 

  b. Party A has obtained all requisite and appropriate approval and authority to enter into and perform this Agreement. The execution and performance of this Agreement are in consistency with the business cope, articles of association and other corporate documents of Party A;

 

  c. The execution and performance by Party A of this Agreement do not contravene any laws, regulations, governmental approvals, governmental notices or other governmental documents binding upon or affecting Party A, nor shall they violate any agreement entered into between Party A and any third party; and

 

  d. This Agreement shall become legally effective once it is signed and Party A shall perform all of its obligations hereunder.

 

(2) Party B warrants that, as of the execution of this Agreement until the termination of this Agreement:

 

  a. Acorn Network Technology, Acorn Advertising and BATD are limited liability companies duly established and existing under the laws of China;

 

  b. Party B has obtained all requisite and appropriate approval and authority to enter into and perform this Agreement;

 

  c. The execution and performance by Party B of this Agreement do not contravene any laws, regulations, governmental approvals, governmental notices or other governmental documents binding upon or affecting Party B, nor shall they violate any agreement entered into between Party B and any third party;

 

  d. This Agreement shall become legally effective once it is signed and Party B shall perform all of its obligations hereunder;

 

  e. Except for the equity pledge agreement to be entered into between the parties (“Equity Pledge Agreement”), Party B does not and will not create any mortgage, pledge or other security on the equity interest in Acorn Network Technology, Acorn Advertising and BATD or enter into a purchase and sale or transfer agreement with a third party other than an affiliate of Party A;

 

  f. There is no dispute, lawsuit, arbitration, administrative dispute or other legal dispute pending or threatened against Party B or its equity interest in Acorn Network Technology, Acorn Advertising and BATD; and

 

  3  


  g. Each of Acorn Network Technology, Acorn Advertising and BATD has obtained and completed all governmental approvals, permits and registration necessary for it to be engaged in the business and own it assets within its business scope;

 

  h. Each of Acorn Network Technology, Acorn Advertising and BATD has no dispute, lawsuit, arbitration, administrative dispute or other legal dispute pending or threatened.

 

3. Party B’s Obligations

 

(1) As all existing or future shareholders of Acorn Network Technology, Acorn Advertising and BATD, Party B undertakes during the term of this Agreement that each of Acorn Network Technology, Acorn Advertising and BATD shall:

 

  a. not supplement or amend its articles of association in any manner or increase or decrease its registered capital or change its shareholding structure in any manner, without Party A’s prior written consent;

 

  b. prudently and effectively maintain its operation activities according to good financial and business standards and not be dissolved, liquidated or bankrupt;

 

  c. not transfer, mortgage or otherwise dispose of the lawful rights and interests to and in its assets or incomes or create legal encumbrance on the security interest in its assets or incomes, at any time without Party A’s prior written consent;

 

  d. not incur, succeed to, guarantee or permit the existence of any debts, except those debts are incurred during its normal business operation or agreed to or confirmed by Party A in advance;

 

  e. not enter into any material contract (exceed RMB1 million in value), without Party A’s prior written consent;

 

  f. not provide loan or security to any third party, without Party A’s prior written consent;

 

  g. provide Party A with all of its operation information and financial conditions at the request of Party A;

 

  h. purchase insurance from insurance companies acceptable to Party A in such amounts and of the kinds as are customarily carried and insured against by companies doing similar business and having similar assets in the place where it is located;

 

  i. not split or consolidate with, purchase or invest in any third party without Party A’s prior written consent;

 

  4  


  j. promptly notify Party A of any lawsuit, arbitration or administrative dispute with respect to its assets, business or incomes once it is occurred or is likely to occur;

 

  k. not distribute dividends to its shareholders in any manner without Party A’s prior written consent; promptly distribute dividends to its shareholders at the request of Party A;

 

  l. strictly comply with the provisions in the Exclusive Purchase Agreement and be prohibited from any act or omission which would affect the validity and enforceability of the Exclusive Purchase Agreement.

 

(2) Party B undertakes that it shall:

 

  a. not transfer, mortgage or otherwise dispose of the lawful rights and interests to and in the equity interest held by it in Acorn Network Technology, Acorn Advertising and BATD or create legal encumbrance on the security interest in such equity interest at any time without Party A’s prior written consent, except as provided in the Equity Pledge Agreement;

 

  b. cause the directors appointed by it not to approve the transfer, mortgage or otherwise disposal of the lawful rights and interests in and to the equity interest held by it in Acorn Network Technology, Acorn Advertising and BATD or the creation of legal encumbrance on the security interest in such equity interest, except to Party A or a third party designated by Party A;

 

  c. cause the directors appointed by it not to approve consolidation with, purchase of or investment in a third party by Acorn Network Technology, Acorn Advertising and BATD and not to make resolution or matter which is in violation of the warranties made by Party B to Party A in Section 3 hereof, without Party A’s prior written consent;

 

  d. promptly notify Party A of any lawsuit, arbitration or administrative dispute with respect to its equity interest once it is occurred or is likely to occur;

 

  e. be prohibited from any action or omission which would have a material effect on the assets, businesses or liabilities of Acorn Network Technology, Acorn Advertising and BATD, without Party A’s prior written consent;

 

  f. appoint natural persons designated by Party A to serve as directors of Acorn Network Technology, Acorn Advertising and BATD at the request of Party A;

 

  g. to the extent permitted by the laws of China, promptly and unconditionally transfer all of its equity interest in Acorn Network Technology, Acorn Advertising and BATD to Party A or a third party designated by Party A at any time and at the request of Party A and cause other shareholders of Acorn Network Technology, Acorn Advertising and BATD to waive their right of first refusal with respect to such transfer;

 

  5  


  h. to the extent permitted by the laws of China, cause other shareholders of Acorn Network Technology, Acorn Advertising and BATD (if any) to promptly and unconditionally transfer all of their equity interest in Acorn Network Technology, Acorn Advertising and BATD to Party A or a third party designated by Party A at any time and at the request of Party A and waive their right of first refusal with respect to such transfer;

 

  i. not approve Acorn Network Technology, Acorn Advertising and BATD to distribute dividends to their shareholders in any manner, without Party A’s prior written consent; promptly approve Acorn Network Technology, Acorn Advertising and BATD to distribute dividends to their shareholders at the request of Party A;

 

  j. strictly comply with the provisions of this Agreement, Equity Pledge Agreement and Exclusive Purchase Agreement and be prohibited from any act or omission which would affect the validity or enforceability of the above agreements.

 

4. Notice

Unless there is a written notice regarding change of address, all notices relating to this Agreement shall be addressed to the following address and delivered by personal delivery, fax or registered mail. If notice is given through registered mail, the date on the confirmation slip shall be deemed the date of delivery. If notice is given by personal delivery or via fax, the date of actual receipt shall be deemed the date of delivery. In the case of delivery via fax, the original copy of the notice shall be sent to the following relevant address by personal delivery or by registered mail.

Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.

 

Address:     Room 669-05, No. 2 Building, No. 351 Guoshoujing Road, Zhangjiang High-tech Park, Shanghai

Yang Dongjie

 

Address:     Room 301, Apt 6, Building 1, No.5 North Jia Heping Li, Chaoyang District, Beijing

He Chenghong

Address:     Room 602, No. 41, Lane 2885, Qixin Road, Minhang District, Shanghai

 

5. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

 

(1) This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the People’s Republic of China.

 

(2) Disputes arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall first be resolved through consultation between the parties. If a dispute can not be resolved within 30 days after consultation begins, either party may bring the dispute to the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission in Beijing for arbitration under the auspices of three arbitrators designated in accordance with its rules. The arbitration award shall be final and binding upon the parties.

 

  6  


(3) During the course of settlement of dispute, the parties hereof shall continue to perform other provisions hereunder, except for the matters in dispute.

 

6. Miscellaneous Provisions

 

(1) This Agreement shall be concluded after it is signed or affixed seals by the parties. The parties agree that this Agreement shall take effect as of January 1, 2005. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes all oral and written prior understandings and agreements between the parties with respect to the subject matter. This Agreement shall not be amended without the consent of Party A’s auditing committee or other independent committees of its board.

 

(2) Any successor to a party hereto shall assume the rights and obligations of such party hereunder.

 

(3) The invalidity of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity of any other provision hereof.

 

(4) This Agreement is executed in three original copies, with one for each of the parties. The parties may execute more counterparts if necessary.

 

  7  


[Signature Page of the Loan Agreement]

Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (Corporate Seal) (chopped)

Legal Representative: Yang Dongjie (Signature) (executed)

Yang Dongjie (Signature) (executed)

He Chenghong (Signature) (executed)

 

  8  

EXHIBIT 10.16

OPERATION AND MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT

This Operation and Management Agreement (the “ Agreement ”) is entered into on                      , 2006 in                  , China among:

Party A:

Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.

 

 

Legal Address:

  Room 669-05, No. 2 Building, No. 351 Guoshoujing Road, Zhangjiang High-tech Park, Shanghai

Legal Representative:

  Yang Dongjie

Party B:

 

 

Legal Address:

 

 

Legal Representative:

 

 

Party C:

Yang Dongjie

 

ID Card No.:

  140106196803232637

Address:

  Room 301, Apt 6, Building 1, No.5 North Jia Heping Li, Chaoyang District, Beijing
 

He Chenghong

 

ID Card No.:

  610113196410102199

Address:

  Room 602, No. 41, Lane 2885, Qixin Road, Minhang District, Shanghai

Party A, Party B and Party C are hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Parties” and individually as a “Party.”

Whereas:

 

(1) Party A is a wholly foreign owned enterprise established in China;

 

(2) Party B is a limited liability company registered in China with an independent legal person status;

 

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(3) Party A and Party B have established business relationship by entering into a Exclusive Technical Services Agreement (the “ Service Agreement ”);

 

(4) Party A and Party C have entered into a certain Equity Pledge Agreement (the “ Equity Pledge Agreement ”) to ensure Party B’s payment of the technical service fee to Party A based on the Service Agreement;

 

(5) Pursuant to the Service Agreement, Party B shall pay to Party A certain technical service fee. However, up to now, the technical service fee is still not yet paid and the daily operation of Party B has a material effect on its ability to pay to Party A the technical service fee;

 

(6) Party C constitutes the shareholders of Party B and has a 100% equity interest in Party B. Yang Dongjie and He Chenghong hold a 75% equity interest and a 25% equity interest respectively in              .

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises and the mutual agreements contained herein, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

 

1. To ensure Party B’s daily operation and management, Party A agrees to provide guarantee for Party B’s obligations to a third party under any contract or agreement entered into between Party B and a third party or other transactions at the request of a third party and then a guarantee agreement will be entered into. Party B agrees to provide counter-guarantee with its accounts receivable and its assets in connection with the aforesaid Party A’s guarantee.

 

2. As a condition precedent to Article 1 hereof and to ensure the performance of other operation agreements between Party A and Party B (for example, the payment of Party B’s technical service fee), Party B and Party C (i.e., Party B’s shareholder) hereby agree that without the prior written consent of Party A, Party B shall not carry out any transaction which may materially affect its assets, obligations, rights or operation or management, including, but not limited to:

 

  (1) borrow money from or assume debt for any third party;

 

  (2) purchase or sell any assets or rights or interests from or to any third party, including, but not limited to, any intellectual property rights;

 

  (3) provide any third party with guarantee interest in Party B’s assets or intellectual property rights;

 

  (4) transfer to any third party any agreement with respect to Party B’s business.

 

3. To ensure the performance of other operation agreements between Party A and Party B (for example, the payment of Party B’s technical service fee), Party B and Party C (i.e., Party B’s shareholder) hereby agree to accept company policies and guidance provided by Party A from time to time with respect to Party B’s employment and dismissal of employees, daily operation and management and financial management policies.

 

4.

Party B and Party C (i.e., Party B’s shareholder) hereby agree that: (1) the persons appointed by Party A or its affiliates will attend and exercise the voting right at the meeting of shareholder of Party B on behalf of Party C (i.e., Party B’s shareholder); (2)

 

  2  


 

Party B and Party C will appoint candidates nominated by Party A or its affiliates (including SB Asia Investment Fund II, L.P.) as Party B’s directors and undertake that the constitution of the board of directors of Party B and the directors’ rights shall be in consistency with those of the board of directors of Party A; (3) Party B will appoint persons employed and designated by Party A as Party B’s general manager and other senior management persons; (4) Party B and Party C will amend Party B’s articles of association in accordance with the above agreement. If such candidates as nominated by Party A or its affiliate no longer act as a director of Party A or its affiliate or are no longer employed by Party A or its affiliate, whether they are voluntarily resigned or dismissed by Party A, they will accordingly no longer hold any positions in Party B. In such case, Party B shall appoint other management persons employed or designated by Party A.

 

5. Party B and Party C (i.e., Party B’s shareholder) hereby agree and acknowledge that, in addition to relevant provisions in Article 1 hereof, if Party B needs to fulfill any guarantee or needs any guarantee for its working capital to be borrowed during its operation, Party B shall first apply to Party A for such guarantee. In such case, Party A shall have the right but no obligation to provide Party B with proper guarantee. If Party A does not provide such guarantee, it shall promptly send a written notice to Party B for Party B’s seeking guarantee from a third party. If Party A is willing to provide guarantee, Party A will enter into a contract with Party B or the parties may otherwise enter into a guarantee agreement. Party A’s warrant hereunder does not by itself constitute Party A’s obligation to act as a guarantor under any guarantee agreement which has not yet been signed by Party A.

 

6. If any of the agreements between Party A and Party B is expired or terminated, Party A shall have the right but no obligation to terminate all of the agreements between Party A and Party B, including but not limited to the Service Agreement.

 

7. This Agreement may be amended or supplemented only by agreement in writing executed by each of the Parties. Any such amendment or supplement is an integral part of this Agreement with the same force and effect as this Agreement.

 

8. Unless there is a written notice regarding change of address, all notices relating to this Agreement shall be addressed to the following address and delivered by personal delivery, fax or registered mail. If notice is given through registered mail, the date on the confirmation slip shall be deemed the date of delivery. If notice is given by personal delivery or via fax, the date of actual receipt shall be deemed the date of delivery. In the case of delivery via fax, the original copy of the notice shall be sent to the following relevant address by personal delivery or by registered mail.

 

Party A:

  Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.

Address:

  Room 669-05, No. 2 Building, No. 351 Guoshoujing Road, Zhangjiang High-tech Park, Shanghai

Party B:

 

 

Address:

 

 

 

  3  


Party C:

Yang Dongjie

 

Address:    Room 301, Apt 6, Building 1, No.5 North Jia Heping Li, Chaoyang District, Beijing

He Chenghong

 

Address:     Room 602, No. 41, Lane 2885, Qixin Road, Minhang District, Shanghai

 

9. The validity, interpretation, performance and settlement of disputes under this Agreement shall all be governed by the laws of the People’s Republic of China.

 

10. Disputes arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall first be resolved through consultation among the Parties. If a dispute can not be resolved within 30 days after consultation begins, any Party may bring the dispute to the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission in Beijing for arbitration under the auspices of three arbitrators designated in accordance with its rules. The arbitration award shall be final and binding upon the Parties.

 

11. This Agreement shall be concluded after it is signed or affixed seals by the Parties. The Parties agree that this Agreement shall take effect as of January 23, 2005. During the valid existence of Party A and Party B hereunder, unless this Agreement is early terminated in accordance with its relevant provisions herein, this Agreement shall continue to be valid for ten years from the effective date hereof. The term of this Agreement shall be automatically extended for another ten years except Party A may terminate this Agreement in writing three months before its expiration.

 

12. Any successor to a Party hereto shall assume the rights and obligations of such Party hereunder as if it were a Party to this Agreement.

 

13. This Agreement is executed in four original copies, with one for each of the Parties. The Parties may execute more counterparts if necessary.

 

14. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement among the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes all oral and written understandings and agreements among the Parties with respect to the subject matter prior the effective date of this Agreement. This Agreement shall not be amended without the consent of Party A’s auditing committee or other independent institution of its board of directors.

[The remainder of this page is left intentionally blank]

 

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(This is the signature page, which does not contain any part of the text of this Agreement)

Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (Corporate Seal)

Legal Representative: Yang Dongjie (Signature)

 

 

 

Legal Representative:

 

 

Yang Dongjie (Signature)  
He Chenghong (Signature)  

 

  5  

EXHIBIT 10.17

Equity Pledge Agreement

This Equity Pledge Agreement (hereinafter referred to as “ this Agreement ”) is entered into on                      , 2006 in                                  , the People’s Republic of China (hereinafter referred to as the “ PRC ”) by and between the following parties:

Party A : The Pledgee hereunder

                Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.

                The legal address: Suite 669-05, Building No. 2, 351 Guo Shoujing Road, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai

                The legal representative: Yang Dongjie

Party B : The Pledger hereunder

                Yang Dongjie

                The number of the ID card: 140106196803232637

                The domicile address: Room 301, Apt 6, Building 1, No.5 North Jia Heping Li, Chaoyang District, Beijing and

                He Chenghong

                The number of the ID card: 610113196410102199

                The domicile address: Room 602, No. 41, Lane 2885, Qixin Road, Minhang District, Shanghai

Party A and Party B shall be hereinafter referred to collectively as the “ Parties ” and individually as a “ Party ”.

Whereas:

 

  (1) Party A is a wholly foreign-owned enterprise duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the People’s Republic of China, which has the status of an independent legal person and is engaged mainly in development of computer software and hardware, information technology data processing, and technology consultancy services;

 

  (2) Party B is Yang Dongjie and He Chenghong, shareholders of                                                               , who hold              and              of the equity interest in                                  , respectively;

 

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  (3) Party A and                  entered into a certain Exclusive Technology Services Agreement (hereinafter referred to as the “ Services Agreement ”) on                  , 2006, and the Parties know the contents of that agreement and have a thorough understanding of its meaning;

 

  (4) Party B agrees to pledge to Party A all the equity interest it holds in                  as security for the payment by                  of the fee for the services Party A shall provide under the Services Agreement;

 

  (5) The Parties entered into a certain Loan Agreement (hereinafter referred to as the “ Loan Agreement ”) on                  , 2006 and a certain Operation and Management Agreement (hereinafter referred to as the “ Management Agreement ”) on                  , 2006. Party B shall pledge all the equity interest it holds in                  to Party A as security for Party B’s performance of its obligations under the Loan Agreement and the Management Agreement in addition to security for the payment by                      of the fee for the services Party A shall provide under the Services Agreement.

In consideration of the premises as set forth above as well as the mutual undertakings as set forth below, the Parties hereby agree to the following:

 

Article 1 Pledge of Equity Interest

 

  (1) Party B agrees to pledge to Party A all the equity interest it holds in                          .

 

  (2) If Party B proposes to pledge to any third party the equity interest it holds in                          , it shall provide such third party with all the true information on such equity pledge and such third party shall automatically inherit all the rights and obligations thereunder.

 

Article 2 Delivery and Custody of the Equity Interest to Be Pledged Hereunder

 

  (1) Within seven business days of execution hereof, Party B shall hand over the certificates in evidence of its investment in the equity interest of                  and the shareholders’ register of                      it holds to Party A for its keeping.

 

  (2) During the term of the equity pledge hereunder, any income that may be derived from such equity interest shall belong to Party A.

 

Article 3 Party B’s Representations and Warranties

 

  (1) Party B has fully performed its obligation to make a capital contribution to                  in accordance with the Company Law of the People’s Republic of China and the articles of association of                  and it is the lawful owner of the equity interest to be pledged hereunder.

 

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  (2) No third party shall interfere in Party A’s exercise of the pledge right hereunder.

 

  (3) Party A shall have the right to dispose of or transfer the equity interest to be pledged hereunder in accordance with the provisions hereof.

 

  (4) Apart from the pledge hereunder, Party B has not created any other pledge or encumbrance on the equity interest to be pledged hereunder.

 

Article 4 Party B’s Undertakings

For Party A’s benefit, Party B undertakes that, during the term hereof,

 

  (1) without Party A’s previous written consent, it shall not transfer the equity interest to be pledged hereunder or create any other pledge or encumbrance on such equity interest;

 

  (2) within seven business days of execution hereof, it shall complete the procedure for registration of this Agreement and the pledge of the equity interest hereunder with the authority in charge of industrial and commercial administration and any other competent authority with which                      registered its establishment;

 

  (3) it shall comply with all the laws and regulations applicable to the pledge of the equity interest hereunder and, within five days of receipt of any notice, order or suggestion the relevant authorities issue or make, forward such notice, order or suggestion to Party A and comply with them at Party A’s reasonable request;

 

  (4) If there occurs any such event as has adversely affected, or will adversely affect, Party A’s pledge right or any of Party B’s warranties or other obligations hereunder, it shall promptly notify Party A of such occurrence;

 

  (5) it has not taken or, without Party A’s written consent, will not take any action that will adversely affect the status of Party B’s assets, such as raising of loans, provision of security, or purchase or sale of any major assets;

 

  (6) none of Party B or any of its successors or representatives or any other third party will interfere in, or cause any damage to, the pledge of the equity interest to Party A hereunder; and

 

  (7) it will comply with and perform all of its warranties, undertakings, agreements and representations hereunder and the provisions hereof. If Party B violates, or fails fully to perform, any of the provisions hereof, Party A shall have the right to require that Party B compensate it for any losses it may suffer as a result.

 

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Article 5 Realization of the Pledge Right

 

  (1) Without Party A’s previous written consent, Party B shall not transfer the equity interest to be pledged hereunder before                                  has paid in full the fee for the technical services under the Services Agreement within a reasonable time limit and Party B has performed its obligations under the Loan Agreement and the Management Agreement.

 

  (2) Party A shall notify Party B in writing of its exercise of the pledge right hereunder;

 

  (3) If, during the term of the pledge hereunder,                                  fails to pay all or part of the fee for the technical services under the Services Agreement within a reasonable time limit as specified therein or Party B fails to perform its obligations under the Loan Agreement and the Management Agreement in the time limits as specified therein, Party A shall have the priority to be compensated with the money into which the equity interest to be pledged hereunder will be converted or with the proceeds from the auction or sale of such equity interest in accordance with the provisions hereof.

 

  (4) Party B shall not obstruct Party A from exercising the pledge right in accordance with the provisions of the preceding paragraph. Instead, Party B shall extend active cooperation and assistance to Party A in exercising such right to ensure that it will succeed in realizing such right.

 

Article 6 Transfer

 

  (1) Without Party A’s previous consent, Party B shall have no right to transfer the rights or obligations hereunder to any third party or authorize any third party to assume the rights or obligations hereunder on its behalf.

 

  (2) Party A shall have the right to transfer all or part of the rights and obligations under the Services Agreement to any third party (either a natural person or legal person) at any time, in which case, such third party shall assume the rights and obligations hereunder as if it were a Party hereto. At Party A’s request, Party B shall execute an agreement and/or documents in connection with the aforesaid transfer.

 

Article 7 Effectiveness and Term of this Agreement

 

  (1) This Agreement shall formally become effective after the Parties have affixed their signatures or seals hereto. The Parties agree that this Agreement will become effective as of January 23, 2005.

 

  (2)

The term of the pledge of the equity interest hereunder shall be 10 years, starting from the effective date hereof. The term of this Agreement shall automatically be

 

  4  


 

extended for 10 years upon expiration of such term, unless Party A notifies Party B in writing of its intention to terminate this Agreement in the three months prior to the expiration of the term of this Agreement.

 

Article 8 Liability for Breach of Contract

 

  (1) If any of the following events occurs, such an event shall be deemed to be a breach of this Agreement:

 

  a.                      fails to pay in full the fee for the technology services under the exclusive Services Agreement within a reasonable time limit as specified therein;

 

  b. Party B fails fully to perform its obligations under the Loan Agreement;

 

  c. Any of the representations or warranties Party B makes in Article 3 hereof proves to be inconsistent with any of the major facts or false and/or Party B is out of compliance with any of the warranties it makes in Article 3 hereof;

 

  d. Party B is out of compliance with any of the undertakings it makes in Article 4 hereof;

 

  e. Party B is in violation of any of the provisions hereof;

 

  f. Without Party A’s previous written consent, Party B has relinquished or transferred the equity interest that has been pledged hereunder;

 

  g. In the case that Party B has got any loan from a third party or provided any guaranty for a third party, is required to pay any compensation to a third party, has made an undertaking to a third party, or is under any other liability to a third party,

 

  (i) Party B is required to repay such loan, perform such guaranty or undertaking, pay such compensation, or discharge such liability ahead of time; or

 

  (ii) Party B is unable to discharge any of the aforesaid liabilities when it becomes due so that Party A believes that Party B’s capacity to perform this Agreement is adversely affected as a result;

 

  h. Party B is unable to repay its general debts or any other debts;

 

  i. Any new laws or regulations have been promulgated that have rendered this Agreement illegal or Party B unable to continue to perform its obligations hereunder;

 

  5  


  j. All the approvals, licenses, consents or authorizations of the government authorities that have made this Agreement performable and effective are revoked, terminated, have become invalid, or have been substantially modified;

 

  k. Any adverse change has occurred to the assets under Party B’s ownership so that Party A believes that Party B’s capacity to perform this Agreement is adversely affected as a result;

 

  l. The successor to, or manager of,                                  can only perform part of the obligation to pay the fee under the Services Agreement or refuses to perform such obligation; or

 

  m. There occurs any other event in which Party A cannot exercise the pledge right hereunder.

 

  (2) As soon as Party B is informed, or has become aware, that any of the events as described in the preceding paragraph is likely to occur, it shall notify Party A in writing of such likelihood. Except as any of the breaches of contract as described in the preceding paragraph has been successfully remedied to Party A’s satisfaction, at the time of such occurrence or any time thereafter, Party A may serve a notice of such breach on Party B and dispose of the equity interest to be pledged hereunder in accordance with the provisions of Article 5 hereof.

 

  (3) If either Party is in breach of any of the provisions hereof, the breaching party shall be liable to the non-breaching party for breach of contract and compensate the non-breaching party for any losses it may suffer as a result of such breach. The non-breaching party may grant the breaching party a certain period of grace, in which the breaching party shall be required to remedy such breach.

 

  (4) If the breaching party fails to take any remedial measures within a reasonable period of grace, the non-breaching party shall have the right to terminate this Agreement and require that the breaching party compensate it for any actual losses it may suffer as a result, including but not limited to all the reasonable expenses the non-breaching party may incur in connection with the execution and performance hereof (including expenses and costs incurred in connection with the engagement of the various intermediary agencies), provided, however, that such compensation shall not exceed losses that, at the time of execution hereof, the breaching party foresaw or should have reasonably foreseen its breach hereof might cause to the other Party.

 

Article 9 Governing Law and Settlement of Disputes

 

  (1) The validity, interpretation and performance hereof and settlement of disputes hereunder shall be governed by the laws of the People’s Republic of China.

 

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  (2) If any dispute arises out of the performance of this Agreement or in connection with this Agreement, the Parties shall settle such dispute through consultation. If such dispute fails to be settled though consultation within 30 days, either Party may submit it to the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission in Beijing for settlement by arbitration by three arbitrators appointed by this commission in accordance with its rules. The award of the arbitration tribunal shall be final and binding on both of the Parties.

 

Article 10 Notices

Notices relating to this Agreement shall be delivered to the following addresses by hand or sent by facsimile or registered mail except as any of such addresses is changed by a written notice. If sent by registered mail, a notice shall be deemed given on the date indicated on the return receipt for registered mail; if delivered by hand or sent by facsimile, a notice shall be deemed given on the date it is received. If a notice is sent by facsimile to any of the following addresses, the original of such notice shall promptly be delivered by hand or sent by registered mail to such notice:

If to Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.

The address: Suite 669-05, Building No. 2, 351 Guo Shoujing Road, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai

If to Yang Dongjie

The address: Room 301, Apt 6, Building 1, No.5 North Jia Heping Li, Chaoyang District, Beijing

If to He Chenghong

The address: Room 602, No. 41, Lane 2885, Qixin Road, Minhang District, Shanghai

 

Article 11 Miscellaneous

 

  (1) Within seven days after the effective date hereof, the Parties hereto shall carry out the procedure for registration of the pledge of the equity interest hereunder with the authority in charge of industrial and commercial administration (if necessary).

 

  (2) Expenses that may be incurred in connection with the execution and performance hereof, including but not limited to legal fees and the fee for registration of the pledge of the equity interest hereunder, shall be borne by Party B.

 

  (3) Neither Party shall unilaterally make any modification or amendment in this Agreement without mutual agreement of both parties.

 

  (4) This Agreement is executed in three originals, one of which shall be kept by each of the Parties hereto. The Parties hereto may execute duplicates of this Agreement separately when necessary.

 

  (5) This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all oral or written understandings and agreements the Parties reached with respect to such subject matter before this Agreement becomes effective. This Agreement shall not be amended without approval of Party A’s audit committee or any other independent agency under Party A’s board of directors.

 

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[This is the signature page of this Agreement, which does not contain any text of this Agreement]

Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.

The legal representative: Yang Dongjie (Signature)

Yang Dongjie (Signature)

He Chenghong (Signature)

 

  8  

EXHIBIT 10.18

Exclusive Technical Service Agreement

This Exclusive Technical Service Agreement (this “ Agreement ”) is entered into on                           , 2006 in              of China between

Party A

________________________________________                                                             

Domicile:                                                                                                       

Legal Representative:                                                                      

Party B

Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.

Domicile: Room 669-05 Building No. 2, 351 Guo Shoujing Road, Zhangjiang High-Tech Park, Shanghai

Legal Representative: Yang Dongjie

Either Party A or Party B will be referred to as “a Party” individually herein and collectively they will be referred to as “the Parties”.

Whereas

 

(1) Party A is a limited liability company organized and validly existing as a corporate legal person under Chinese law;

 

(2) Party B is a wholly foreign owned enterprise organized and validly existing as a corporate legal person under Chinese law; and is mainly engaged in the business of developing computer software, processing IT data and providing technical counseling services;

 

(3) Party A agrees to accept from Party B, and Party B agrees to provide to Party A technical services according to the conditions set forth herein;

Therefore, in consideration of the foregoing premises and the mutual promises set forth below, the Parties agree as follows:

 

  1  


1. Technical Services

Party B agrees to provide exclusive technical services and support to Party A in accordance with the terms hereof, by using its own human resources and technical expertise. During the term of this Agreement, the scope of Party B’s technical services to Party A shall include but not limited to the following:

 

(1) provide advice and assistance to Party A with respect to the recruiting, transferring and managing of Party A’s employees;

 

(2) train Party A’s employees;

 

(3) provide computer hardware and software;

 

(4) provide technical services in connection with the well-known brand names owned by Party B;

 

(5) provide business counseling for Party A; and

 

(6) provide other services at Party A’s request.

 

2. Technical Service Fee

 

(1) Without Party B’s prior written consent, Party A shall have no right to set off the technical service fees hereof against other amounts payable to Party A by Party B hereunder.

 

(2) The technical service fees hereunder shall be calculated and verified by the Parties on the basis of the actual technical services provided by Party B, and shall be the sum of the following:

 

a. the fee for using and servicing the computer hardware and software, which shall be a certain percentage of Party A’s annual sales revenue;

 

b. the fee for managing the technical service in connection with the brand-names, which shall be a certain percentage of Party A’s annual sales revenue;

 

c. the service charges for Party B’s technician employees’ services provided during their normal business hours, which shall be based on the actual time of service spent and the specific services provided, and which, for a specific technician employee, shall be the product of his particular hourly rate multiplied by the time he actually spent;

 

d. other fees, at rates agreed upon by the Parties in view of the actual circumstances; and

 

e. if party A does not have any profit in a given year, Party B will not charge any service fees for the year.

 

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(3) The technical service fees hereunder shall be paid by Party A to Party B monthly (or quarterly / annually) in RMB. Party B may collect in advance annual service fees around mid-year or at other times agreed upon by the Parties.

 

(4) Party A shall be responsible for all the tax liabilities arising from the service fees hereunder.

 

(5) To guarantee the payment of the technical service fees hereunder, Party A’s shareholders will pledge to Party B all the equity interests they hold in Party A. A separate equity interest pledge agreement will be entered into among Party A’s shareholders and Party B.

 

3. Obligations of Party A

 

(1) To enable Party B to provide the technical services satisfactorily, Party A shall ensure that it will fully inform Party B of its business arrangements, and will provide to Party B on a regular basis information regarding its business activities.

 

(2) Party A shall timely provide to Party B its financial materials and information, including but not limited to Party A’s monthly, quarterly and annual financial and accounting statements, budget arrangements and business plans;

 

(3) Party A shall promptly report to Party B regarding Party A’s involvement in any pending or threatened litigation or arbitration, or regarding any pending or threatened administrative penalty made by related government authority against it.

 

(4) Party A shall provide to Party B other information at Party B’s reasonable request.

 

4. Restrictive Provisions

 

     During the term of this Agreement, without Party B’s prior written consent,

 

(1) Party A shall not accept any third party’s any technical services identical or similar to those hereunder;

 

(2) Party A shall not transfer, sell, lease, mortgage, pledge or otherwise dispose of its assets (including tangible and intangible assets existing or to be acquired) unless necessary for its normal business operations.

 

(3) Party A shall not dissolve or liquidate itself voluntarily, or consolidate with any third party;

 

(4) Party A shall not provide guarantee for the debts of any third party;

 

(5) Party A shall not distribute dividends to its shareholders or pay back the investments, nor shall it acquire directly or indirectly any shares outstanding or to be issued by back purchase, reclaiming, purchase, or otherwise.

 

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(6) Party A shall not have any transactions with any of its affiliates, no matter whether such transactions are within the scope of its normal business operations;

 

(7) Party A shall not repay any outstanding debts by advance payment, selective payment or by acquiring asset trust, nor shall it amend or permit amendment of any terms of agreements relating to its debts, or amend its articles of association or business license;

 

(8) Party A shall not engage in businesses that beyond its business scope;

 

(9) Party A shall not assign part or all of its operation and management rights to any party other than Party B or Party B’s designated affiliates, or

 

(10) Party A shall not invest in any other entity or waive its right against any third party.

 

5. Provisions of Confidentiality

 

(1) Both Parties shall keep in strict confidentiality regarding the negotiation, execution and the contents of this Agreement, and shall not disclose any of the above to any third party, unless required by compulsory provisions of the relevant laws, regulations or government authorities;

 

(2) Each Party shall keep in strict confidentiality any trade secret of the other Party obtained in the course of the negotiation, execution and performance of this Agreement, and shall not disclose any of the above to any third party, unless required by compulsory provisions of the relevant laws, regulations or government authorities;

 

(3) The Parties’ obligation of confidentiality with respect to the above shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

 

6. Effect and Term of this Agreement

 

(1) This Agreement shall be concluded after the signatures or seals of the Parties are affixed to it. The Parties agree that this Agreement will become effective as of January 23, 2005.

 

(2) The term of this Agreement shall be ten years starting from the effective date. Unless Party B terminates this Agreement by written notice three months before the expiration of the term, this Agreement shall automatically be renewed for a term of another ten years.

 

7. Liabilities for Breach

 

(1) In the event of any breach by either Party, the breaching Party shall be liable to the non-breaching Party for its breach, and shall indemnify the latter for the losses caused by such breach. The non-breaching Party may give the breaching Party reasonable opportunity to cure.

 

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(2) If the breaching Party fails to cure within reasonable time, the non-breaching Party shall have the right to terminate this Agreement, and seek damages from the breaching Party for all its actual losses, including but not limited to all reasonable expenses incurred by such non-breaching Party in executing and performing this Agreement (including fees and charges of agents, etc.). The damages shall not be more than the losses which, at the time of execution of this Agreement, the breaching Party foresaw or should have foreseen would result from its breach.

 

8. Notice

Unless there is a written notice regarding change of address, all notices relating to this Agreement shall be addressed in accordance with the following and delivered by personal delivery, fax or registered mail. If notice is given through registered mail, the date on the confirmation slip shall be deemed the date of delivery. If notice is given by personal delivery or via fax, the date of actual receipt shall be deemed the date of delivery. In the case of delivery via fax, the original copy of the notice shall be sent to the following relevant address by personal delivery or by registered mail.

Party A:

Beijing Acorn Trade and Development

Address: 1 st Floor East Wing, 115 Fucheng Road, Jindu Office Building, Haidian District, Beijing

Party B

Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co. Ltd.

Address: Room 669-05 Building No. 2, 351 Guo Shoujing Road, Zhangjiang High-Tech Park, Shanghai

 

9. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

 

(1) Matters regarding the effectiveness, interpretation and performance of this Agreement, and resolution of disputes arising hereunder, shall be governed by the law of the People’s Republic of China.

 

(2) Disputes arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall first be resolved through consultation between the Parties. If a dispute can not be resolved within 30 days after consultation begins, either Party may bring the dispute to the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission in Beijing for arbitration under the auspices of three arbitrators designated in accordance with its rules. The arbitration award shall be final and binding upon the Parties.

 

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10. Miscellaneous Provisions

 

(1) Without the prior written consent of the other Party, no Party shall assign any part of its rights and obligations hereunder to a third party, except that Party B may transfer rights and obligations hereunder to any of its affiliates.

 

(2) The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision or part of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision hereof.

 

(3) Any successor to a Party hereto shall assume the rights and obligations of such Party as if it were a Party to this Agreement.

 

(4) This Agreement is executed in two original copies, with one for each of the Parties. The Parties may execute more counterparts if necessary.

 

(5) This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes all oral and written understandings and agreements between the Parties with respect to the subject matter prior to the effectiveness of this Agreement. This Agreement shall not be amended without the consent of Party B’s auditing committee or other independent institution of its board of directors.

[The remainder of this page is left intentionally blank]

 

  6  


(This is the signature page, which does not contain any part of the text of this Agreement)

Party A

________________________________________                                                             

Legal Representative:                                                                      

Party B

Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (seal)

Legal Representative: Yang Dongjie (signature)

 

  7  

EXHIBIT 10.19

Exclusive Purchase Agreement

This Exclusive Purchase Agreement (this “ Agreement ”) is entered into on                           , 2006 in China between

Party A

Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.

Domicile : Room 669-05 Building No. 2, 351 Guo Shoujing Road, Zhangjiang High-Tech Park, Shanghai

Legal Representative : Yang Dongjie

Party B

Yang Dongjie

ID No.: 140106196803232637

Domicile: Room 301, Apt 6, Building 1, No.5 North Jia Heping Li, Chaoyang District, Beijing

He Chenghong

ID No. : 610113196410102199

Domicile : Room 602, 2885-41 Qixing Road, Minhang, Shanghai

Party C

________________________________________                                                             

Domicile :                                                                                                       

Legal Representative :                                                                      

Party A, Party B and Party C will each be referred to as “a Party” herein and collectively as “the Parties”.

Whereas

 

(1) Party B constitutes two shareholders of                      , with Yang Dongjie holding              of its equity, and He Chenghong holding              ;


(2) Party A and Party B have entered into a Loan Agreement dated                           ,          (the “ Loan Agreement ”), pursuant to which Party A shall provide loans to Party B for Party B to acquire                      ’s equity and to increase                      ’s registered capital;

 

(3) Party A and Party C entered into an Exclusive Technical Service Agreement dated                           ,          (the “ Service Agreement ”), pursuant to which Party A shall provide to Party C technical services;

 

(4) Party B contemplates to pledge all its equity interest in Party C (including Party B’s equity interest in the capital increase of Party C) to Party A. As a party constituting shareholders of Party C, Party B is aware of and agrees to such equity pledge.

Therefore, in consideration of the foregoing premises and the mutual promises set forth below, the Parties agree as follows:

 

1. Equity Purchase

 

(1) Party B hereby irrevocably grants to Party A the right to purchase at any time, or designate any third party (including China DRTV Inc.) to purchase, all or part of Party B’s equity interest in Party C, provided permitted under Chinese laws and regulations. Apart from Party A or any third party designated by Party A (including China DRTV), no other person shall have the right to purchase such equity interest. Party C agrees to such grant by Party B to Party A. For the purpose of this Agreement, a “third party” or a “person” may be a natural person, company, partnership, enterprise, trust agency or other non-corporate entity.

 

(2) To the extent permitted under Chinese laws and regulations, Party A shall exercise such right to purchase the equity interest by written notice to Party B specifying the amount of equity to be purchased;

 

(3) Unless otherwise required under Chinese laws and regulations, the transaction price for the equity transfer hereunder shall be the lowest price permitted under Chinese law;

 

(4) All the money obtained by Party B from transfer of its interest in Party C hereunder shall be used to satisfy Party B’s payment obligations under the Loan Agreement.

 

2. Representations and Warranties

 

(1) Party B and Party C hereby warrants that, with respect to Party C,

 

  a. without Party A’s prior written consent, they shall not supplement or amend its articles of association or rules of the company in any manner, nor shall they increase or decrease its registered capital or change its shareholding structure in any manner;


  b. they will prudently and effectively maintain its business operations according to good financial and business standards;

 

  c. without Party A’s prior written consent, they shall not transfer, mortgage or otherwise dispose of the lawful rights and interests to and in its assets or incomes, nor shall they encumber their assets and income in any way that would affect Party A’s security interest;

 

  d. they shall not incur or succeed to any debts, nor shall they provide guarantee for or permit the existence of any debts, except those that are incurred during its normal business operation or agreed to or confirmed by Party A in advance;

 

  e. without Party A’s prior written consent, they shall not enter into any material contract (exceeding RMB1,000,000 in value), unless it is necessary for the company’s normal business operation;

 

  f. without Party A’s prior written consent, they shall not provide any loans or guarantee to any third party;

 

  g. at Party A’s request, they shall provide Party A with all information regarding Party C’s business operation and financial condition;

 

  h. they shall purchase insurance from insurance companies acceptable to Party A in such amounts and of such kinds as are customary in the region among companies doing similar business and having similar assets;

 

  i. without Party A’s prior written consent, they shall not acquire or consolidate with any third party, nor shall they invest in any third party;

 

  j. they shall promptly notify Party A of any pending or threatened lawsuit, arbitration or administrative dispute which involve Party C’s assets, business or incomes;

 

  k. without Party A’s prior written consent, they shall not distribute any dividends to the shareholders in any manner, and, at Party A’s request, they shall promptly distribute all distributable dividends to the shareholders; and

 

  l. at Party A’s request, they shall appoint, and appoint only, the directors of the company who are nominated by Party A;

 

(2) Party B undertakes that:

 

  a. apart from relevant provisions in the Equity Interest Pledge Agreement between Party A and Party B, without Party A’s prior written consent, it shall not sell, transfer, mortgage or otherwise dispose of its lawfully acquired equity interest in Party C; nor shall it place encumbrances on such equity interest that would affect the security interest of Party A ;


  b. in addition to complying with relevant provisions in the Equity Interest Pledge Agreement between Party A and Party B, it shall cause the directors appointed by it not to approve any sell, transfer, mortgage or otherwise disposal of its lawfully acquired equity interest in Party C, nor shall it place encumbrances on such equity interest that would affect the security interest of Party A;

 

  c. it shall cause the Party C’s directors appointed by it not to approve any acquisition of, any consolidation with, or any investment in any third party without Party A’s prior written consent;

 

  d. it shall promptly notify Party A of any pending or threatened lawsuit, arbitration or administrative dispute involving its equity interest in Party C;

 

  e. it shall cause Party C’s directors appointed by it to vote for the equity transfer contemplated herein;

 

  f. without Party A’s prior written consent, it shall prohibit from committing any act or omission that would materially affect Party C’s assets, business or liabilities;

 

  g. it shall appoint, and appoint only, Party C’s directors that are nominated by Party A;

 

  h. to the extent permitted by the laws of China, and at any time upon Party A’s request, it shall promptly and unconditionally transfer all of its equity interest in Party C to Party A or a third party designated by Party A (including China DRTV, Inc.), and cause Party C’s other shareholders to waive their rights of first refusal with respect to such transfer;

 

  i. to the extent permitted by the laws of China, and at any time upon Party A’s request, it shall cause Party C’s shareholders to promptly and unconditionally transfer all of their equity interest in Party C to Party A or a third party designated by Party A (including China DRTV, Inc.), and waiver their rights of first refusal with respect to such transfer; and

 

  j. it shall strictly comply with the provisions of this Agreement, the Equity Pledge Agreement and the Loan Agreement and effectively perform its obligations hereunder and thereunder, and shall be prohibited from committing any act or omission which may affect the validity or enforceability of the above agreements.

 

3. Taxes and Fees

The Parties shall pay, in accordance with relevant Chinese laws, their respective equity transfer and registration taxes and other charges arising from their preparation and execution of this Agreement and the Equity Transfer Agreement and the completion of the transactions contemplated herein and therein.


4. Notice

Unless there is a written notice regarding change of address, all notices relating to this Agreement shall be addressed in accordance with the following and delivered by personal delivery, fax or registered mail. If notice is given through registered mail, the date on the confirmation slip shall be deemed the date of delivery. If notice is given by personal delivery or via fax, the date of actual receipt shall be deemed the date of delivery. In the case of delivery via fax, the original copy of the notice shall be sent to the following relevant address by personal delivery or by registered mail.

Party A

Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co. Ltd.

Domicile : Room 669-05 Building No. 2, 351 Guo Shoujing Road, Zhangjiang High-Tech Park, Shanghai

Party B

Yang Dongjie

ID No.: 140106196803232637

Domicile: Room 301, Apt 6, Building 1, No.5 North Jia Heping Li, Chaoyang District, Beijing

He Chenghong

ID No. : 610113196410102199

Domicile : Room 602, 2885-41 Qixing Road, Minhang, Shanghai

Party C

________________________________________                                                             

Domicile :                                                                                                       

 

5. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

 

(1) This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the People’s Republic of China.

 

(2)

Disputes in connection with or arising out of the performance of this Agreement shall first be resolved through consultation between the Parties. If a dispute can not be


 

resolved within 30 days after consultation begins, either Party may bring the dispute to the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission in Beijing for arbitration under the auspices of three arbitrators designated in accordance with its rules. The arbitration award shall be final and binding upon the Parties.

 

(3) Except the matters in dispute, the Parties shall continue to perform other provisions hereof pending the resolution of the dispute.

 

6 . Miscellaneous Provisions

 

(1) This Agreement shall be concluded after the signatures or seals of the Parties are affixed to it. The Parties agree that this Agreement will become effective as of January 23, 2005. The term of this Agreement shall be ten years starting from the effective date. Unless Party A terminates this Agreement by written notice three months before the expiration of the term, this Agreement shall automatically be renewed for a term of another ten years.

 

(2) Any successor to a Party hereto shall assume the rights and obligations of such Party as if it were a Party to this Agreement.

 

(3) Any amendment or supplement hereto shall not be valid without a written agreement between the Parties.

 

(4) The invalidity of any part of this Agreement shall not affect the validity of any other part hereof.

 

(5) This Agreement is executed in Chinese in four equally valid original copies, with one for each of the Parties. The Parties may execute more counterparts if necessary.

 

(6) This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes all oral and written understandings and agreements between the Parties with respect to the subject matter prior to the effectiveness of this Agreement. This Agreement shall not be amended without the consent of Party B’s auditing committee or other independent institution of its board of directors.

[The remainder of this page is left intentionally blank]


(This is the signature page, which does not contain any part of the text of this Agreement)

Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (seal)

Legal Representative: Yang Dongjie (signature)

Yang Dongjie (signature)

He Chenghong (signature)

________________________________________                                                             

Legal Representative:                                                                      

EXHIBIT 10.20

Power of Attorney

This Power of Attorney is signed by the following Principals on [                    ], 2006 in [            ], China:

Principals:

 

Principal A:   Yang Dongjie
ID Card No.:   140106196803232637
Address:   Room 301, Apt 6, Building 1, No.5 North Jia Heping Li, Chaoyang District, Beijing
Principal B:   He Chenghong
ID Card No.:   610113196410102199
Address:   Room 602, No. 41, Lane 2885, Qixin Road, Minhang District, Shanghai
Agents:  
Agent A:   Hu Yujun, Chinese citizen, ID card no.:
Agent B:   Du Guoying, Chinese citizen, ID card no.:

Whereas:

 

(1) The Principals are shareholders of                                          and Yang Dongjie and He Chenghong hold a                      interest and a                      interest in                      respectively;

 

(2) Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (“Acorn Technology”) and the Principals have entered into the Management and Operation Agreement and agree that persons employed and designated by Acorn Technology and its affiliates will serve as directors or management personnel of                                          ;

 

(3) The Agents are employees of and designated by Acorn Technology or its affiliates;

Now, therefore, Principal A hereby irrevocably authorizes Agent A and Principal B hereby irrevocably authorizes Agent B to exercise all such voting rights as enjoyed by Principal A and Principal B respectively in the shareholders’ meeting of                      in accordance with laws and the articles of association of                      , including, but not limited to, the voting right with respect to the sale or transfer of all or any equity interest held by the Principals in                      and the designation and appointment of directors in the shareholders’ meeting of                      , etc., as authorized representatives of the Principals.

This Power of Attorney is a “full discretionary power of attorney”, that is, the Agents may exercise the shareholders’ rights on behalf of the Principals at their own discretion and the Principals will not issue new instructions or requests to the Agents for the exercising of such shareholders’ rights in                      , provided that the Agents shall exercise such shareholders’ rights on behalf of the Principals in accordance with the company law of China and the articles of association of                      .

 

  1  


This Power of Attorney is subject to the condition that the Agents are employees of Acorn Technology or its affiliates and Acorn Technology or its affiliates agree to such authorization of power. This Power of Attorney shall be terminated automatically once the Agents are no longer employees of Acorn Technology or its affiliates or other employees are designated by Acorn Technology. The Principals will then otherwise authorize other employees designated by Acorn Technology or its affiliates to exercise all such shareholders’ voting rights as enjoyed by the Principals in the shareholders’ meeting of                      .

This Power of Attorney shall be concluded after it is signed by the Principals and the Principals agree that this Power of Attorney shall take effect as of January 23, 2005. The Agents acknowledge the shareholders’ resolution made by the Principals before the date of this Power of Attorney and the Principals shall be deemed to have complied with this Power of Attorney. Unless otherwise provided herein or the Management and Operation Agreement between                      and Acorn Technology is early terminated, this Power of Attorney shall continue to be valid for ten years from the date hereof. The term of this Power of Attorney shall be automatically extended for another ten years except the Agents terminate this Power of Attorney in writing three months before its expiration.

The Principals hereof shall truthfully keep their heirs informed of all contents with respect to this Power of Attorney and undertake that their heirs will succeed to all obligations hereunder.

This Power of Attorney constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior understandings and agreements, oral or written, between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. This Power of Attorney shall not be amended without the consent of the auditing committee or other independent body of the board of directors of Acorn Technology.

 

  2  


[Signature Page of the Power of Attorney]

Yang Dongjie (Signature)

He Chenghong (Signature)

Agent A:

Agent B:

 

  3  

EXHIBIT 10.21

Agreement

This Agreement (hereinafter referred to as this “Agreement”) is entered into on March 20, 2006 in Beijing, China by and between the following parties:

Party A:

Party A One: Yang Dongjie

      No. of ID Card: 140106196803232637

      Domicile: Room 301, Apt 6, Building 1, No.5 North Jia Heping Li, Chaoyang District, Beijing

Party A Two: He Chenghong

      No. of ID Card: 610113196410102199

      Domicile: Unit 602, No. 41, Lane 2883 Qixin Road, Minhang District, Shanghai

Party B:

Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.

Legal Address: Suite 669-05, Building 2, No. 351 Guo Shoujing Road, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai

Legal Representative: Yang Dongjie

Party C:

Acorn International Electronic Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.

Legal Address: No. 55, Lane 1135, Jiasong Road Middle, Huaxin Town, Qingpu District, Shanghai

Legal Representative: Yang Dongjie

Party A One and Party A Two are hereinafter collectively referred to as “Party A” and Party A, Party B and Party C are hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Parties” and individually as a “Party”.

Whereas:

Party A is a Chinese natural person.

Party B is a wholly foreign owned enterprise duly organized and validly existing in accordance with Chinese laws, which has the status of an independent legal person.

Party C is a wholly foreign owned enterprise duly organized and validly existing in accordance with Chinese laws, which has the status of an independent legal person.

There exists a good cooperative relationship between the Parties.

 

1


NOW, THEREFORE, through friendly consultation the Parties hereby agree as follows:

 

1. Loan

Party A confirms that, as of December 31, 2005, it had made an interest-free loan of RMB 47,697,737.11 in the aggregate to Party B (hereinafter referred to as the “Loan”), of which RMB 35,773,302.83 was lent by Party A One and RMB 11,924,434.28 was lent by Party A Two, and Party B acknowledges that, as of December 31, 2005, it had received the aforesaid loan made by Party A.

 

2. Bestowal

Party A acknowledges that, on December 31, 2005, it undertook to bestow RMB 47,697,737.11 on Party C (hereinafter referred to as the “Bestowal”), of which RMB 35,773,302.83 was presented by Party A One and RMB 11,924,434.28 was presented by Party A Two, and Party C acknowledges that it agreed to accept the aforesaid bestowal. The aforesaid undertaking to bestow the money is legally binding on Party A, and Party C may require that the undertaking be enforced against Party A.

 

3. Repayment of Loan

Party A and Party B acknowledge that Party A once instructed Party B to hand over to Party C the loan Party B should repay Party A. Party B accepts the aforesaid instruction.

 

4. Completion of Bestowal

Party B’s performance of its obligation under Article 3 hereof shall be deemed to be Party A’s performance of its obligation under Article 2 hereof.

 

5. Effectiveness and Term of this Agreement

 

(1) This Agreement shall be formally formed when the Parties have affixed their signatures or seals hereto. The Parties agree that this Agreement will become effective as of January 1, 2005.

 

(2) The term of this Agreement shall commence from the effective date hereof and end on the date the loan under Article 3 hereof will be repaid in full in accordance with the provisions hereof.

 

6. Governing Law and Settlement of Disputes

 

(1) The effectiveness, interpretation and performance hereof and settlement of disputes hereunder shall be governed by laws of the People’s Republic of China.

 

(2) Any dispute that may arise out of performance of this Agreement or in connection with this Agreement shall be settled by the Parties through consultation. If any dispute fails to be settled through consultation within thirty (30) days, any Party may submit such dispute

 

2


to the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission in Beijing for arbitration by three arbitrators appointed in accordance with the rules of this commission. The award of the arbitration tribunal shall be final and legally binding on all the Parties.

 

7. Notices

Notices concerning this Agreement shall be delivered to the following addresses by hand, fax or registered mail except as such addresses are changed by written notice. If a notice is sent by registered mail, it shall be deemed given on the date as indicated on the acknowledgement of receipt of such registered mail; if a notice is sent by hand or fax, it shall be deemed given on the date of receipt. If a notice is sent by fax, immediately upon faxing, the original copy of such notice shall be delivered by hand or registered mail to the following addresses.

Yang Dongjie

Address: Room 301, Apt 6, Building 1, No.5 North Jia Heping Li, Chaoyang District, Beijing

He Chenghong

Address: Unit 602, No. 41, Lane 2883 Qixin Road, Minhang District, Shanghai Municipality

Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.

Address: Suite 669-05, Building 2, No. 351 Guo Shoujing Road, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai Municipality

Acorn International Electronic Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.

Address: No. 55, Lane 1135, Jiasong Road, Huaxin Town, Qingpu District, Shanghai Municipality

 

8. Miscellaneous

 

(1) No Party shall unilaterally make any revision or modification in this Agreement without unanimous consent of the Parties to such revision or modification.

 

(2) This Agreement is executed in four originals, one of which shall be kept by each Party. The Parties may separately execute duplicates of this Agreement when necessary.

 

3


[This is the signature of this Agreement, which does not contain any text of this Agreement]

Yang Dongjie (Signature)

He Chenghong (Signature)

Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (Official Seal)

Legal Representative: Yang Dongjie (Signature)

Acorn International Electronic Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (Official Seal)

Legal Representative: Yang Dongjie (Signature)

 

4

EXHIBIT 10.22

Agreement

This Agreement (hereinafter referred to as this “Agreement”) is entered into on March 20, 2006 in Beijing, China by and between the following parties:

Party A:

Party A One: Yang Dongjie

      No. of ID Card: 140106196803232637

      Domicile: Room 301, Apt 6, Building 1, No.5 North Jia Heping Li, Chaoyang District, Beijing

Party A Two: He Chenghong

      No. of ID Card: 610113196410102199

      Domicile: Unit 602, No. 41, Lane 2885 Qixin Road, Minhang District, Shanghai

Party B:

Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.

Legal Address: Suite 669-05, Building 2, No. 351 Guo Shoujing Road, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai

Legal Representative: Yang Dongjie

Party C:

Shanghai HJX Digital Technology Co., Ltd.

Legal Address: No. 55, Lane 1135, Jiasong Road Middle, Huaxin Town, Qingpu District, Shanghai

Legal Representative: Yang Dongjie

Party A One and Party A Two are hereinafter collectively referred to as “Party A” and Party A, Party B and Party C are hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Parties” and individually as a “Party”.

Whereas:

Party A is a Chinese natural person.

Party B is a wholly foreign owned enterprise duly organized and validly existing in accordance with Chinese laws, which has the status of an independent legal person.

Party C is a wholly foreign owned enterprise duly organized and validly existing in accordance with Chinese laws, which has the status of an independent legal person.

There exists a good cooperative relationship between the Parties.

 

1


NOW, THEREFORE, through friendly consultation the Parties hereby agree as follows:

 

1. Loan

Party A confirms that, as of December 31, 2005, it had made an interest-free loan of RMB 110,000,000 in the aggregate to Party B (hereinafter referred to as the “Loan”), of which RMB 82,500,000 was lent by Party A One and RMB 27,500,000 was lent by Party A Two, and Party B acknowledges that, as of December 31, 2005, it had received the aforesaid loan made by Party A.

 

2. Bestowal

Party A acknowledges that, on December 31, 2005, it undertook to bestow RMB 110,000,000 on Party C (hereinafter referred to as the “Bestowal”), of which RMB 82,500,000 was presented by Party A One and RMB 27,500,000 was presented by Party A Two, and Party C acknowledges that it agreed to accept the aforesaid bestowal. The aforesaid undertaking to bestow the money is legally binding on Party A, and Party C may require that the undertaking be enforced against Party A.

 

3. Repayment of Loan

Party A and Party B acknowledge that Party A once instructed Party B to hand over to Party C the loan Party B should repay Party A. Party B accepts the aforesaid instruction.

 

4. Completion of Bestowal

Party B’s performance of its obligation under Article 3 hereof shall be deemed to be Party A’s performance of its obligation under Article 2 hereof.

 

5. Effectiveness and Term of this Agreement

 

(1) This Agreement shall be formally formed when the Parties have affixed their signatures or seals hereto. The Parties agree that this Agreement will become effective as of January 1, 2005.

 

(2) The term of this Agreement shall commence from the effective date hereof and end on the date the loan under Article 3 hereof will be repaid in full in accordance with the provisions hereof.

 

6. Governing Law and Settlement of Disputes

 

(1) The effectiveness, interpretation and performance hereof and settlement of disputes hereunder shall be governed by laws of the People’s Republic of China.

 

(2) Any dispute that may arise out of performance of this Agreement or in connection with this Agreement shall be settled by the Parties through consultation. If any dispute fails to be settled through consultation within thirty (30) days, any Party may submit such dispute to the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission in Beijing for arbitration by three arbitrators appointed in accordance with the rules of this commission. The award of the arbitration tribunal shall be final and legally binding on all the Parties.

 

2


7. Notices

Notices concerning this Agreement shall be delivered to the following addresses by hand, fax or registered mail except as such addresses are changed by written notice. If a notice is sent by registered mail, it shall be deemed given on the date as indicated on the acknowledgement of receipt of such registered mail; if a notice is sent by hand or fax, it shall be deemed given on the date of receipt. If a notice is sent by fax, immediately upon faxing, the original copy of such notice shall be delivered by hand or registered mail to the following addresses.

Yang Dongjie

 

Address:   Room 301, Apt 6, Building 1, No. 5 North Jia Heping Li, Chaoyang District, Beijing

He Chenghong

Address: Unit 602, No. 41, Lane 2885 Qixin Road, Minhang District, Shanghai Municipality

Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.

Address: Suite 669-05, Building 2, No. 351 Guo Shoujing Road, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai Municipality

Shanghai HJX Digital Technology Co., Ltd.

Address: No. 55, Lane 1135, Jiasong Road Middle, Huaxin Town, Qingpu District, Shanghai Municipality

 

8. Miscellaneous

 

(1) No Party shall unilaterally make any revision or modification in this Agreement without unanimous consent of the Parties to such revision or modification.

 

(2) This Agreement is executed in four originals, one of which shall be kept by each Party. The Parties may separately execute duplicates of this Agreement when necessary.

 

3


[This is the signature page of this Agreement, which does not contain any text of this Agreement]

Yang Dongjie (Signature)

He Chenghong (Signature)

Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (Official Seal)

Legal Representative: Yang Dongjie (Signature)

Shanghai HJX Digital Technology Co., Ltd. (Official Seal)

Legal Representative: Yang Dongjie (Signature)

 

4

EXHIBIT 10.23

Agreement on Entrustment of EMS COD Business

2006 Edition

Company Code: EC0062

Effective Date: April 1, 2006

Party A

Shanghai Acorn Network Technology Development Co., Ltd.

Address: 888 Yishan Road, 12th Floor, Xinyin Plaza

Party B

China Express Mail Service Corporation

Address: East Wing of no. 17 Building, Zhushikou Dongdajie, Chongwen District, Beijing

To facilitate the development of China’s e-commerce, mail order business and other business transactions, Party A and Party B have sought to find a secure and reliable method of providing service to the general public, a method that would be convenient to both the seller and the buyer. In the spirit of mutual trust, mutual benefit and joint development, and for the purpose of facilitating the flow of commerce, enriching and improving the life of the people, and promoting social and economic development, the Parties have come to the following agreement after friendly consultation on Party A’s entrustment to Party B of the EMS COD Business.

 

I. Basic Principles

 

1. Party A shall satisfy all the conditions of network access for the EMS COD business, as more fully described in Attachment I.

 

2. By Party A’s entrustment, Party B will act as an exclusive agent responsible for the transportation, delivery and COD collection of EMS mail. Party B shall utilize step by step its 2000-strong EMS service outlets across the country to promptly deliver to customers goods purchased through e-commerce or mail order, while at the same time collecting on behalf of Party A COD payments for the goods, and settling accounts with Party A on a regular basis.

 

3. Party A shall use EMS to send to customers goods they ordered, implement the EMS service charge rates, and pay to Party B COD collection service fee and settlement fee at the rate of RMB 10 per item and 1.5% of amount collected.

 

4. Apart from EMS COD services, Party B shall also provide to Party A non-COD mail delivery service for domestic and international express mail.

 

1


5. As Party B’s long-term and major customer, Party A is entitled to receive from Party B favorable postage treatment provided for by the China State Post Bureau. The specific method and margin of such favorable treatment shall be provided for in a separate supplementary agreement between Party A, Party B and the local EMS service provider (the party which provides the services in question).

 

6. Party A and Party B will prepare upon consultation an information sheet for the COD mail, which shall be printed by Party B. The initial print shall be no less than ten thousand copies.

 

7. When entrusting mail to Party B, Party A shall provide a delivery list to Party B’s local officer in charge of express mail. The delivery list shall be signed by representatives of both Parties. At the same time, Party A shall transmit to Party B the digital information of the mail delivery in a uniform standard format through its integrated computer management software. When delivering returned goods to Party A, Party B’s local EMS service provider shall provide a delivery list, which shall be signed by representatives of both parties. At the same time, Party A shall transmit to Party B the digital information of the returned mail in a uniform standard format through its integrated computer management software. When Party A receives returned mail from other channels, relevant digital data shall also be promptly, accurately and completely put into the computer system and transmitted to Party B. “Relevant digital data” shall include the complete address of the recipient in Chinese, the code number of the mailed item, the amount payable for the goods, and telephone number, etc. If the customer or the local post office mails the money directly to Parry A by mistake, Party A shall promptly inform Party B of the details of the mail in question.

 

8. Party A shall not entrust to Party B goods that are forbidden to be mailed under relevant provisions of the State or the post authority. Nor shall Party A entrust to Party B articles in excessive amounts under relevant provisions of the State or the post authority. Party A shall not provide to its customers defective or counterfeited goods, and shall clearly state its warranty of quality and after-sale service in relevant promotion materials for its business and mail services. Party B is only responsible for mail delivery and COD collection, and shall not be held liable for the quality or the after-sale service of the goods. Party A undertakes to unconditionally refund or replace any non-conforming or defective goods, if the customer objects to such goods within seven days, or within a longer period provided for by Party A, unless otherwise provided for by the State. If Party A fails to perform its obligations to the detriment of consumers’ interests, or if Party A violates relevant provisions of the State or the post authority in any material way, Party B shall have the right to terminate this Agreement by notice to Party A at any time.

 

9. Except as provided in Article 8 above, either Party may terminate this agreement by 30-day prior written notice to the other party.

 

2


II. Obligations of the Parties

 

(I) Party A’s obligations:

 

1. Party A shall put in safe keeping and correctly use the information sheets for the COD mail, and the orange-color adhesive tape;

 

2. Party A shall ensure that the information provided on the information sheet is complete, accurate and legible. The address of the recipient shall be detailed and complete, and shall be within the jurisdiction of a city in the “List of Post Offices Providing EMS COD Services (Attachment III), and shall be covered by the relevant service.

 

3. Party A shall pack and seal the mail in a way that is suitable for its contents, pursuant to Party B’s requirements

 

4. Invoice for the goods (both the standard invoice and the form invoice) and the letter to the customer (more fully described in Attachment II) shall be put into the appropriate packing box.

 

5. Party A’s COD mail shall be insured according to the actual value of the goods mailed in principle, for which an insurance premium shall have been paid;

 

6. Upon receiving purchase orders, Party A shall request and mark on the information sheet at least customer’s home phone number and office phone number, so that the mail can be successfully delivered by Party B;

 

7. Party A shall clearly mark on the information sheet the amount payable by recipient. The last digit of such amount shall be in units of yuan. The amount payable by recipient shall not be zero, shall be indicated both in Chinese characters and in Arabic numerals, and shall not have any trace of alteration.

 

8. Party A shall timely settle its accounts with Party B’s local service provider for the EMS postage, and shall not use any excuse to shake off its obligation for, or put off or withhold the payment of, such postages.

 

9. For undeliverable mail, Party A shall pay the standard return postage and the return service fee. Any mail that falls into any of the following descriptions shall be deemed undeliverable mail:

 

(1) Address of the recipient is incomplete or incorrect;

 

(2) The recipient is non-existent at the address indicated;

 

(3) The recipient can not be reached;

 

(4) The recipient has moved elsewhere;

 

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(5) The recipient refuses to accept or pay for the mail;

 

(6) The recipient insists on opening the box and inspecting its contents before paying for the goods;

 

(7) The mail is undeliverable because the recipient is out of town, and no one comes to claim the mail within 10 days after a Notice of Mail Delivery is sent.

 

(8) The recipient is non-existent and no one will accept the mail on his behalf.

 

10. In order to ensure the timely settlement of COD payments, Party A shall transmit to Party B, timely and on a daily basis, accurate and complete information about the mail entrusted to Party B and returned from various channels, as well as accurate and complete information about COD mail whose payments have been directly mailed to Party A through channels other than Party B. Party A shall also regularly check and confirm the data relating to the entrustment and return in a manner required by Party B. Failure to do so will subject Party A to liability for the loss of such mail or money resulting therefrom.

 

11. Party A shall be obligated to put eye-catching marks or notices on its advertising media (including catalog for direct sales, and advertisements in the news media, etc.) indicating, among others, that “We provide EMS Pay for Goods Arrival service across the country”.

 

12. To improve the cost effectiveness of the COD service and raise the level of recovery, when customers place purchase orders, Party A shall be obligated to explain to them that upon delivery of the COD mail, the customer has to pay the stated amount to the mail delivery person before the customer is allowed to open the mail. If, after the mail is opened, the customer is dissatisfied with or skeptical of the contents, the customer shall contact Party A directly. Party A must emphasize to its customers that the contents of the mail have nothing to do with the delivery service, and customers shall not accuse or threaten the delivery person, or demand the return of the amount it has paid. The delivery service is only responsible for collecting payments and Party A shall be responsible for any defects in the contents of the mail. If the customer decides that he does not want the goods, he should explain to the delivery person, and sign the information sheet, without having to pay any fee to the delivery person. The delivery service shall treat such goods as rejected goods, and settle accounts for them in accordance with relevant provisions.

 

(II) Party B’s Obligations:

 

1. Party B shall collect goods to be mailed from Party A at fixed hours once or twice everyday, as is necessary or agreed upon. The specifics for such collection (the hour and the number of times in a day) shall be decided after consultation between Party A and Party B’s local service provider.

 

2. Party B shall deliver the goods to the recipient in accordance with the EMS time requirement (generally 3-5 business days excluding the day of delivery to the post service), collect on behalf of Party A the amount payable by recipient indicated on the information sheet, and make settlements with Party A for such amounts.

 

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3. Party B shall be liable for loss of money arising from any incorrect or failed collection or any shortfall resulting from Party B’s mistake.

 

4. Party B shall pay the full insured amount and reimburse relevant service fees if an item of insured mail is completely lost or damaged as a result of Party B’s fault. If an item of insured mail is partly lost or damaged, Party B shall pay the value of the part actually lost or damaged within the limits of the amount insured.

 

5. With respect to goods properly delivered, Party B shall timely settle accounts with Party A for the COD payments it collected on behalf of Party A (less relevant fee charges);

 

6. Party B shall timely return to Party A the undeliverable mail, without having to settle accounts with Party A for any COD payment.

 

7. Party B’s other obligations and liabilities, which are not set forth herein, shall be as provided for within the EMS business.

 

III Settlement of Accounts

 

1. Settlement of COD Payments: On the 10th, 20th and 30th day of each month (or the next day if any of the above falls on a weekend or a statutory holiday), Party B shall total up the COD payments, deduct from the total amount the COD settlement fee, COD service fee, the return postage and service fee for the returned goods, and pay the balance to and settle accounts with Party A, and at the same time deliver to Party A a list of relevant code numbers and digital information, for Party A to check and confirm. COD payments for which accounts are not settled within the month shall be automatically carried over to the following month.

 

2. Settlement of relevant postages and indemnities for lost or damaged goods resulting from a fault of the postal service shall be settled monthly in principle. The specific time for such settlement shall be decided upon consultation between Party A and Party B’s local service provider.

 

IV Liabilities for Breach

 

1. In the event of any breach by either party or any dispute that arises in the course of performing this Agreement, the Parties shall seek to resolve the problem through consultation. If they are unable to resolve the problem through consultation, either Party may bring the dispute before a people’s court.

 

2. In the course of performance, if upon verification it is found that Party A fits into any of the following descriptions, Party B shall have the right to stop settling accounts and to setoff any relevant amounts against the COD payments;

 

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(1) Party A has delayed the payment of the postages for over a month, and refused to pay after an overdue notice.

 

(2) Party A has failed to timely (within five business days) transmit to Party B information about goods entrusted or returned, or about goods the payments for which have been directly mailed to Party A through channels other than Party B;

 

(3) Party A fails to give its confirmation within five business days after receiving the Information Confirmation Notice Regarding COD Mail which is faxed by Party B on a monthly basis.

 

(4) Party A delays for more than three months the payment of the network service charges for the COD payments, the cost of printing the information sheets, and the deposit, and fails to make payments after repeated overdue notification.

 

(5) Party A delivers goods forbidden to be mailed under relevant provisions of the State and Post Authority, goods in excessive amount, defective or counterfeited goods, or goods for which no clearly stated warranty on quality and after-sale service is placed on relevant business and mail service promotion materials.

 

V. Other Provisions

 

1. The entrustment shall start from April 1, 2006.

 

2. The uniform code for Party B’s EMS COD service shall be EC0062.

 

3. Party B’s EMS COD service shall cover at present 1741 cities, as listed in Attachment III. Party A shall be automatically entitled to the service in new cities if Party B expands the coverage of its service.

 

4. This Agreement shall become effective when it is signed by both Parties, and shall remain effective for two years. Upon expiration of the term, this Agreement shall be automatically renewed for another two years, if neither Party serves a termination notice on the other. Matters not covered herein shall be provided for in separate supplementary agreements after consultation between the Parties.

 

5. This Agreement is a bilateral agreement between the Parties and both Parties shall be obligated to keep it confidential.

 

6. This Agreement shall have four counterparts, with two for each Party. All the counterparts have the same legal effect.

 

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Party A

Shanghai Acorn Network Technology Development Co., Ltd.

Legal (Authorized) Representative: (executed)

Date:

Party B

China Express Mail Service Corporation

Legal (Authorized) Representative: (executed)

Date: March 24, 2006

 

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Attachment I

Conditions of Network Access For EMS COD Business

(January 1, 2006)

E-commerce companies, mail order companies, commercial and trading companies and other entities shall satisfy the following conditions of network access if they want to entrust China Express Mail Service Corporation with the Cash-on Deliver business of domestic express mail and apply for approval of it.

 

I. They should have duly completed registration with the Administration of Industry and Commerce, have at least RMB500,000 as registered capital, and should submit copies of the business license and certificate of registration with the tax authority;

 

II. They should lawfully market, distribute and deliver qualified goods;

 

III. They should have considerable warehousing space and more or less permanent media for mail order promotion;

 

IV. They should clearly state their warranty of quality and after-sale service in relevant promotion materials for their business and mail order services;

 

V. They should have a sound system of quality and after-sale service warranty for goods purchased through mail order;

 

VI. Their individual or institutional shareholders and affiliates shall have good reputation and considerable assets;

 

VII. They should agree to enter into the standard Agreement on Entrustment of EMS COD Business with China Express Mail Service Corporation;

 

VIII. They should be well positioned and equipped for timely and accurately transmitting digital information of the mail;

 

IX. They should agree to pay for the first year after entering into the Agreement RMB20,000, and for each calendar year thereafter RMB10,000, as service charge for network access. After the first payment, China Express Mail Service Corporation will provide a set of computer management and application system software for the COD business and a set of uniform form documents regarding digital interfaces, and will send its employees to install and test the equipment, to connect the equipment with the network and ensure a successful dry run, and to conduct on-spot training (all completed in one visit free of charge), in addition to free long-distance system maintenance and technical support for one year.

 

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X. The hardware and system software for the COD computer management and application system shall be equipped at the net-work user’s expenses. The following is a list of the required equipment:

Hardware:

 

PC: Main Frequency: over PII 450,

Memory: over 64M Hard Disk: over 10G

Accessories: Equipment connecting the system to the nternet (broadband\MODEM, etc.)

Needle Printer: One set (preferably STAR NX-500/600)

Strip Code Reading Equipment: One Set (optional)

Configuration of System Software:

Operating System: Windows 95/98/2000/XP or enhanced versions

Database: Access97/2000/XP or enhanced versions

Note: System Software should not be pirated copies.

 

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Attachment II

Dear Customers:

We appreciate your purchase through our e-commerce, mail order or commercial and trading companies.

The following is a description of our warranty with respect to our mail order and after-sale services:

 

I. We provide 800 - ×××××××customer counseling and ordering call center service around the clock. Please feel free to contact us.

 

II. We are responsible for the specifications and quality of your purchase. Within 7 days after you receive our goods, you may return the goods for any reason. If you want to return the goods, you should contact us in advance, and after our confirmation you may send the goods by ordinary mail or, with our consent, the EMS service, to the following address:

 

                                      Company, Customer Service Department

 

       Address:

 

       Tel:

 

       Postal Code:

 

     If you return the goods for any of the following reasons, we should assume the cost for the return postage:

 

1. The goods do not conform to the specifications you require,
2. The goods are defective;
3. The goods are delivered by mistake.

If the goods you receive do not have any of the above problems, you should assume the cost of the return postage.

Within two business days after we receive the returned goods, we will send to you by postal money order the price of the goods and the return postage which should be paid by us.

 

III. After you place a mail order with us, you will become a member of this company, and will receive a membership number. When you place another mail order with us, you are entitle to special services once you give your number.

 

IV.

This company has entered into an agreement with EMS, by which we have entrusted EMS to collect the money for the goods on our behalf at the time of delivery. According to the agreement, EMS will only responsible for the promptness and safeness of the delivery, while we will be responsible for the specifications and qualities of the goods. Consequently, the mail delivery person will not allow you to open the packing box for

 

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inspection before you sign the confirmatione slip. Please understand that this procedure is taken in compliance with relevant provisions of the post authority regarding this particular service. For any problem which arises after you sign the confirmation slip, please contact this company.

 

V. After two unsuccessful attempts of delivery at the designated address, EMS will give you notice telling you to claim the goods at a local post office. Please understand and cooperate with us in complying with this procedure.

 

VI. If you have any complaints or suggestions regarding the EMS service, please call our customer service center and we will address your complaints and suggestions properly.

 

VII. In the mail parcel you receive, you will find a “Form Invoice” provided by us. This form invoice is not documentary evidence for reimbursement, though we acknowledge its validity in other respects. If you want a formal and valid invoice, please call us.

                                 Company

(Note: This letter may be modified or amended to suit each network company.)

 

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Attachment III

List of Post Offices Providing EMS COD Business

January 1, 2005

Note for Special Attention:

The respective coverages of the cities listed below embrace only the urban areas, and do not include the counties and towns within their respective jurisdictions. As to jurisdictions at or below county level, coverage is limited to the site of the local government or any place within ten kilometers from the site of the local government.

Total Number: 1741

Beijing : (1) (including the districts and counties within its jurisdiction) Tianjin: (1) (including the districts and counties within its jurisdiction) Shanghai : (1) (including the districts and counties within its jurisdiction) Chongqing : (1) (Including only the following districts and counties: Yuzhong District, Shapingba District, Yubei District, Nanan District, Banan District, Beibei District, Jiulongpo District, Dadukou, Wansheng District, Shuangqiao District, Jiangbei District, Changshou, Ba County, Qijiang, Hechuan, Yongchuan, Jiangjin, Dazu, Rongchang, Tongliang, Tongnan, Bishan, Liangping, Dianjiang) The following area s are beyond Chongqing: Wanzhou, Qianjiang, Fuling District, Chengkou County, Nanchuan City, Fengdu County, Wulong County, Zhong County, Kai County, Fengjie County, Wushan County, Wuxi County, Shipu County, Youyang County, Pengshui County, Xiushan. Hebei Province: (140) Shijiazhuang, Jingxing Mining District, Luquan City, Jingxing County, Xingtang, Xinle, Zhengding County, Yuanshi, Luancheng, Zhao County, Gaocheng, Jinzhou City, Xinji City, Wuji County, Handan, Fengfeng, Wu’an City, She County, Ci County, Linzhang County, Cheng’an County, Wei County, Daming County, Yongnian County, Quzhou County, Jize County, Qiu County, Feixiang County, Guangping County, Guantao County, Xingtai, Shahe City, Neiqiu County, Lincheng County, Nanhe County, Pingxiang County, Guangzong County, Wei County, Qinghe County, Linxi County, Ren County, Julu County, Longyao County, Baixiang County, Ningjin County, Xinhe County, Nangong City, Baoding, Qingyuan County, Anguo City, Boye County, Li County, Gaoyang County, Anxin County, Rongcheng County, Xiong County, Mancheng County, Shunping County, Tang County, Wangdu County, Xushui County, Dingxing County, Zhuozhou City, Dingzhou City, Quyang County, Fuping County, Laishui County, Gaobeidian City, Yi County, Laiyuan County, Zhangjiakou, Xuanhua, Xiahuayuan, Huailai County, Zhuolu County, Wei County, Yangyuan County, Huai’an County, Wanquan County, Chongli County, Zhangbei County, Chengde County, Xinglong County, Chengde County, Pingquan County, Kuancheng County, Longhua County, Luanping County, Fengning County, Weichang County, Tangshan, Tanghai County, Fengnan City, Luannan County, Leting County, Luan County, Fengrun County, Yutian County, Zunhua City, Qianxi County, Qian’an County, Qinhuangdao, Funing County, Lulong County, Qinglong County, Changli County, Cangzhou City, Huanghua City, Haixing County, Yanshan County, Mengcun County, Nanpi County, Dongguang County, Wuqiao County, Botou City, Xian County, Suning County, Hejian City, Renqiu City, Qing County, Langfang, Sanhe, Dachang, Xianghe, Gu’an, Yongqing, Bazhou City, Wen’an, Dacheng County, Hengshui, Zaoqiang County, Jizhou City, Wuqiang County, Wuyi County, Jing County, Anping County, Fucheng County, Shenzhou City, Raoyang County, Gucheng. Shanxi Province : (91) Taiyuan City, Yangqu, Gujiao City, Loufan, Qingxu, Jiaocheng, Jinzhong City, Taigu, Qi County, Pingyao, Lingshi, Huozhou City, Fenxi, Jiexiu, Wenshui, Fenyang, Xiaoyi City, Xinzhou, Yuanping City, Dai County, Fanzhi, Lingqiu, Jingle, Dingxiang, Wutai, Datong City, Zuoyun, Datong County, Hunyuan, Guangling, Ying County, Yanggao, Tianzhen, Huairen, Shuozhou, Wuzhai, Ningwu, Pinglu District, Shanyin, Lishi, Liulin, Linfen, Pu County, Xi County, Yonghe, Xiangfen,

 

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Hongdong, Xiangning, Ji County, Daning, Gu County, Anze, Fushan, Houma, Xinjiang, Jishan, Hejin City, Quwo, Yicheng, Jiang County, Yuanqu, Wenxi, Yuncheng, Linyi, Wanrong, Pinglu, Xia County, Yongji City, Ruicheng, Yangquan, Yu County, Pingding, Xiyang, Shouyang, Changzhi City, Tunliu, Xiangyuan, Wuxiang, Qin County, Qinyuan, Changzi, Changzhi County, Huguan, Pingshun, Lucheng City, Licheng, Jincheng, Yangcheng, Qinshui, Lingchuan, Gaoping City. Inner Mengolia: (21) Huhehaote City, Baotou, Chifeng, Wuhai, Tongliao, Eerduosi(Dongsheng), Hailaer, Wulanhaote, Xilinhaote, Jining, Linhe, Alashanzuoqi(Azuoqi), Erlianhaote, Manzhouli, Yakeshi, Zhalantun City, Eerguna, Genhe, Aershan, Huolinguole, Fengzhen City. Liaoning Province: (57) Shenyang City, Dalian City, Anshan City, Fushun City, Benxi City, Dandong City, Jinzhou City, Yingkou City, Panjin City, Fuxin City, Liaoyang City, Tieling City, Huludao(Jinxi) City, Chaoyang City, Liaozhong City, Xinmin, Faku, Kangping, Liaoyang County, Dengta, Fushun County, Xinbin, Qingyuan, Benxi County, Huanren, Panshan, Dawa, Pulandian, Wafangdian, Zhuanghe, Yi County, Linghai, Beining, Heishan, Xingcheng, Suizhong, Jianchang, Kaiyuan, Xifeng, Changtu, Tieling County, Tiefa, Tai’an, Haicheng, Xiuyan, Dashiqiao, Gezhou, Fengcheng, Kuandian, Donggang, Beipiao, Kazuo, Jianping, Lingyuan, Chaoyang County, Fuxin County, Zhangwu. Jilin: (46)Changchun City, Jilin City, Siping City, Liaoyuan City, Tonghua City, Baishan City, Songyuan City, Baicheng City, Yanji City, Nong’an, Dehui, Yushu, Jiutai, Shuangyang, Yitong, Qianan, Changling, Gongzhuling, Yongji, Panshi, Huadian, Jiaohe, Shulan, Taonan, Tongyu, Zhenlai, Tumen, Wangqing, Hunchun, Longjing, Helong, Antu, Dunhua, Tonghua County, Ji’an, Changbai, Fusong, Linjiang, Jingyu, Liuhe, Dongfeng, Shuangliao, Lishu, Meihekou, Huinan, Da’an. Heilongjiang Procince: (36) Ha’erbin City, Qiqiha’er, Hegang City, Shuangyashan City, Jixi City, Daqing City, Yichun City, Mudanjiagn City, Jiamusi City, Qitaihe City, Heihe City, Wuchang, A’cheng, Bin County, Hulan, Shangzhi, Fangzheng, Zhaodong, Yilan, Longjiang, Nehe, Keshan, Luobei, Fujin, Jiansanjiang, Suileng, Hailun, Baoqing, Hailin, Dongning, Suifenhe, Jidong, Mishan, Hulin, Wudalianchi City, Jiagedaqi. Jiangsu Province: (70) Nanjing, Jiangning, Lishui, Gaochun, Yizheng, Liuhe, Jinhu, Yutai, Jiangpu, Xupu, Xuzhou, Suining, Pizhou, Xinyi, Pei County, Feng County, Muyang, Siyang, Suqian, Sihong, Changzhou, Jintan, Liyang, Zhenjiang, Yangzhong, Danyang, Jurong, Xinghua, Wuxi, Yixing, Jiangyin, Jingjiang, Suzhou, Wujiang, Kunshan, Taicang, Changshu, Zhangjiagang, Lianyungang, Ganyu, Guanyun, Donghai, Guannan, Huaiyin City, Hongze, Huai’an, Huanyin County, Lianshui, Yancheng, Dafeng, Dongtai, Sheyang, Funing, Binhai, Xiangshui, Jianhu, Yangzhou, Jiangdu, Taizhou, Taixing, Jiangyan, Gaoyou, Baoying, Nantong, Haimen, Qidong, Tongzhou, Rudong, Rugao, Hai’an. Zhejiang Province: (67) Hangzhou, Yuhang, Xiaoshan, Linan, Fuyang, Tonglu, Jiande, Chunan, Zhuji, Ningbo, Zhenhai, Cixi, Yuyao, Fenghua, Ninghai, Xiangshan, Beilun, Zhoushan, Putuo, Wenzhou, Yongjia, Rui’an, Pingyang, Leqing, Cangnan, Jinhua, Lanxi, Wuyi, Yongkang, Jinyun, Yiwu, Dongyang, Pujiang, Shaoxing, Shangyu, Shengzhou, Xinchang, Huzhou, Changxing, Deqing, Jiaxing, Jiashan, Pinghu, Haiyan, Haining, Tongxiang, Taizhou, Linhai, Tiantai, Xianju, Wenling, Yuhuan, Lishui, Yunhe, Longquan, Qingtian, Quzhou, Jiangshan, Changshan, Kaihua, Longyou, Qingyuan, Jingning, Songyang, Suichang, Sanmen, Panan. Anhui Province: (79) Hefei City, Changfeng, Feixi, Shucheng, Tongcheng, Lujiang, Feidong, Liu’an, Huoshan, Jinzhai, Huoqiu, Chaohu, Hanshan, He County, Wuwei, Shou County, Bengbu City, Fengyang, Dingyuan, Wuhe, Huaiyuan, Mengcheng, Guzhen, Mingguang(Jiashan), Huainan City, Fengtai, Suzhou, Lingbi, Si County, Huaibei City, Suixi, Xiao County, Tangshan, Fuyang City, Yingshang, Funan, Linquan, Jieshou, Taihe, Lixin, Haozhou, Guoyang, Chuzhou City, Lai’an, Tianchang, Quanjiao, Wuhu City, Wuhu County, Fanchang, Nanling, Qingyang, Maanshan City, Dangtu, Tongling City, Tongling County, Shitai, Chizhou, Xuanzhou, Langxi, Guangde, Ningguo, Jing County, Jingde, Huangshan City, She County, Jixi, Xiuning, Yi County, Qimen, Huangshan District, Anqing City, Huaining, Wangjiang, Qianshan, Taihu, Susong, Yuexi, Zongyang, Dongzhi. Fujian Province: (68) Fuzhou, Minhou, Changle, Fuqing, Pingtan, Lianjiang, Luoyuan, Yongtai, Minqing, Putian, Xianyou, Ningde, Gutian, Pingnan, Fu’an, Xiapu, Fuding, Zherong, Zhouning, Shouning, Nanping, Jianou, Shunchang, Pucheng, Songxi, Zhenghe, Shaowu, Guangze, Jianyang,

 

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Wuyishan, Xiamen, Tongan, Zhangzhou, Longhai, Zhangpu, Yunxiao, Dongshan, Zhao’an, Nanjing, Pinghe, Hua’an, Changtai, Quanzhou, Hui’an, Jinjiang, Nanan, Anxi, Dehua, Yongchun, Shishi, Longyan, Yongding, Shanghang, Wuping, Liancheng, Changting, Zhangping, Sanming, Youxi, Mingxi, Qingliu, Ninghua, Sha County, Yongan, Datian, Jiangle, Taining, Jianning. Ningxia : (10) Yinchuan City, Yongning County, Helan County, Wuzhong City, Lingwu City, Qingtongxia City, Zhongwei City, Cityzuishan City, Huinong District, Guyuan City. Jiangxi Province: (92) Nanchang City, Jingdezhen City, Pingxiang City, Xinyu City, Jiujiang City, Yingtan City, Xinjian, Nanchang County, Yongxiu, De’an, Anyi, Jing’an, Fengxin, Gao’an, Fengcheng, Zhangshu, Xingan, Xiajiang, Jinxian, Yugan, Yujiang, Guixi, Wannian, Dongxiang, Gan Zhou, Gan County, Shangyou, Chongyi, Nankang, Dayu, Xinfeng, Longnan, Quannan, Dingnan, Anyuan, Xunwu, Yudu, Xingguo, Ruijin, Huichang, Shicheng, Ningdu, Jiujiang County, Ruichang, Wuning, Xiushui, Hukou, Duchang, Pengze, Xingzi, Lushan, Boyang, Wuyuan, Leping, Fuliang, Shangrao, Shangrao County, Dexing, Hengfeng, Geyang, Qianshan, Guangfeng, Yushan, Yichun, Wanzai, Tonggu, Yifeng, Shanggao, Fenyi, Lianhua, Ji’an, Ji’an County, Anfu, Yongxin, Ninggang, Jinggangshan, Taihe, Wan’an, Suichuan, Yongfeng, Jishui, Fuzhou, Linchuan, Chongren, Le’an, Yihuang, Nanfeng, Lichuan, Nancheng, Jinxi, Guangchang, Zixi. Shandong Province: (108) Jinan, Zhangqiu, Changqing, Pingyin, Jiyang, Shanghe, Huimin, Yangxin, Wudi, Zouping, Boxing, Binzhou, Zhanhua, Dezhuo, Qihe, Yucheng, Linyi, Pingyuan, Xiajin, Wucheng, Ningjin, Ling County, Leling, Qingyun, Yantai, Laizhou, Mouping, Weihai, Rongcheng, Wendeng, Rushan, Haiyang, Laiyang, Xixia, Zhaoyuan, Penglai, Qingdao, Jimo, Jiaozhou, Jiaonan, Laixi, Pingdu, Wulian, Ju County, Rizhao, Zibo, Yiyuan, Gaoqing, Huantai, Dongying, Guangrao, Lijin, Kenli, Liaocheng, Chiping, Donge, Yanggu, Xin County, Guang County, Linqing, Gaotang, Weifang, Changyi, Gaomi, Anqiu, Zhucheng, Changle, Qingzhou, Linqu, Shouguang, Tai’an, Laifu, Xintai, Ningyang, Dongping, Feicheng, Jining, Yanzhou, Jinxiang, Yutai, Jiaxiang, Wenshang, Liangshan, Qufu, Sishui, Zoucheng, Zaozhuang, Tengzhou, Weishan, Heze, Dingtao, Chengwu, Shan County, Cao County, Dongming, Juancheng, Yuncheng, Juye, Linyi, Pingyi, Fei County, Tancheng, Mengyin, Yinan, Yishui, Junan, Linshu, Cangshan. Henan Province: (131) Zhengzhou, Shangjie District, Xingyang, Xinzheng, Gongyi, Zhongmou, Xinmi, Dengfeng City, Pingdingshan City, Xia County, Ye County, Lushan, Baofeng, Xinyang City, Xinyang County, Luoshan, Xi County, Huaibin, Huangchuan, Gushi, Shangcheng, Guangshan, Xin County, Luoyang City, Mengjin, Ruyang, Yichuan, Hao County, Ruanchuan, Yiyang, Luoning, Xinan, Yanshi, Sanmenxia City, Shan County, Lushi, Yima, Mianchi, Lingbao, Ruzhou, Jiyuan, Nanyang City, Dengzhou, Zhenping, Neixiang, Xichuan, Xixia, Nanzhao, Tongbai, Fangcheng, Sheqi, Tanghe, Xinye, Nanyang County, Xinxiang City, Weihui, Yanjin, Fengqiu, Changyuan, Yuanyang, Hui County, Xinxiang County, Huojia, Jiaozuo City, Xiuwu, Bo’ai, Qinyang, Meng County, Wen County, Wuzhi, Anyang City, Anyang County, Tangyin, Xun County, Neihuang, Hua County, Linzhou, Qi County, Puyang City, Puyang County, Qingfeng, Nanle, Fan County, Taiqian, Hebi City, Xuchang City, Xuchang County, Yanling, Changge, Yuzhou, Xiangcheng, Zhumadian City, Suiping, Queshan, Runan, Pingyu, Xincai, Zhengyang, Qinyang, Shangcai, Xiping, Kaifeng City, Kaifeng County, Qi County, Lankao, Tongxu, Weishi, Luohe City, Yancheng, Wuyang, Wugang, Linying, Zhoukou City, Shangshui, Xiangcheng, Xihua, Huaiyang, Fugou, Taikang, Shangqiu City, Shangqiu County, Zhecheng, Yucheng, Xiayi, Yongcheng, Ningling, Minquan, Sui County, Chancheng, Luyi, Shenqiu. Hubei Province: (68) Wuhan City, HuangCity City, Xiangfan City, Shiyan City, Jingzhou City, Yichang City, Jingmen City, E’zhou City, Xiaogan City, Huanggang City, Caidian District, Jiangxia District, Huangpi, Xinzhou, Hanchuan, Tianmen, Jingshan, Zhongxiang, Xiantao, Qianjiang, Honghu, Jianli, Xiangyang, Zaoyang, Suizhou, Yicheng, Nanzhang, Gucheng, Laohekou, Yichang County, Zhijiang, Yidu(Zhicheng), Changyang, Dangyang, Yuan’an, Songzi, Gong’an, Shishou, Daye, Yangxin, Qichun, Wuxue, Huangmei, Xianning District, Xianning, Jiayu, Chibi(Piqi), Tongcheng, Chongyang, Tongshan, Fang County, Yun County, Danjiangkou, Enshi, Jianshi, Xuan’en, Xishui, Macheng, Hong’an, Luotian, Yingshan, Tuanfeng, Yingcheng, Yunmeng, Anlu, Guangshui, Dawu, Xiaochang. Hunan Province: (101) Changsha City, Zhuzhou City, Xiangtan City, Hengyang

 

14


City, Shaoyang City, Yueyang City, Changde City, Chenzhou City, Yiyang City, Yongzhou City, Huaihua City, Changsha County, Wangcheng, Liuyang, Ningxiang, Xiangtan County, ShaoShan, Xiangxiang, Zhuzhou County, Liling, You County, Chaling, Yanling, Yiyang County, Yuanjiang, Nan County, Taojiang, Anhua, Zhangjiajie, Yueyang County, Huarong, Linxiang, Miluo, Pingjiang, Xiangyin, Changde County(Dingcheng District), Linli, Shimen, Jin City, Li County, Anxiang, Taoyuan, Hanshou, Jishou, Luxi, Fenghuang, Guzhang, Huayuan, Baojing, Yongshun, Longshan, Loudi, Lianyuan, Shuangfeng, Lengshuijiang, Xinhua, Hongjiang, Huitong, Jingzhou, Tongdao, Zhijiang, Xinhuang, Xupu, Mayang, Chenxi, Yuanling, Hengyang County, Hengshan, Hengdong, Changning, Qidong, Laiyang, Nanyue, Shaoyang County, Longhui, Dongkou, Wugang, Chengbu, Suining, Xinning, Shaodong, Xinshao, Yongxing, Zixing, Guidong, Anren, Rucheng, Yizhang, Linwu, Guiyang, Qiyang, Shuangpai, Dao County, Jiangyong, Jianghua, Ningyuan, Xintian, Lanshan, Dong’an, Shanzhi, Cili. Tibet: (14) Lhasa City, Naqu District Naqu Zhen, Linzhi District Bayi Zhen, Rikaze City, Shannan District Zedang Zhen, Naidong County, Gong’a County, Zhanang County, Dazi County, Mozhugongka County, Qushui County, Duilongdeqing County, Dangxiong County, Nimu County. Guangdong Province: (101) Guangzhou, Xinfeng, Zengcheng, Huadu, Conghua, Fanyu, Qingyuan, Fogang, Qingxin, Yingde, Yangshan, Lianshan, Liannan, Lianzhou, Zhongshan, Shantou, Chaoyang, Huilai, Puning, Jiexi, Jiedong, Chao’an, Raoping, Chenghai, Nan’ao, Chaozhou, Jieyang, Shenzhen, Zhanjiang, Suixi, Lianjiang, Wuchuan, Leizhou, Xuwen, Shaoguan, Qujiang, Lechang, Renhua, Nanxiong, Shixing, Wengyuan, Ruyuan, Zhuhai, Doumen, Maoming, Huazhou, Gaozhou, Xinyi, Dianbai, Zhaoqing, Gaoyao, Sihui, Guangning, Huaiji, Fengkai, Deqing, Yunan, Luoding, Yun’an, Yunfu, Xinxing, Meizhou, Jiaoling, Dabu, Fengshun, Wuhua, Xingning, Pingyuan, Mei County, Huizhou, Longmen, Dayawan, Boluo, Huiyang, Huidong, Haifeng, Lufeng, Shanwei, Luhe, Heyuan, Dongyuan, Lianping, Heping, Longchuan, Zijin, Jiangmen, Xinhui, Taishan, Kaiping, Enping, Yangjiang, Yangchun, Yangdong, Yangxi, Heshan, Foshan, Sanshui, Nanhai, Shunde, Gaoming, Dongguan. Guizhou: (9)Guiyang City , Zunyi, Anshun, Duyun, Kaili, Bijie, Tongren, Liupanshui, Xingyi. Guangxi: (61) Nanning City, Liuzhou City, Guilin City, Wuzhou City, Beihai City, Fangchenggang City, QinZhou City, Guigang City, Wuming, Yongning, Heng County, Binyang, Pingguo, Tiandong, Fusui, Chongzuo, Longzhou, Ningming, Pingyang, Pubei, Lingshan, Hepu, Guiping, Pingnan, Liujiang, Liucheng, Rongshui, Rong’an, Sanjiang, Luzhai, Xiangzhou, Wuxuan, Laibin, Yizhou, Heshan, Lipu, Mengshan, Zhaoping, Lingui, Lingchuan, Xing’an, Ziyuan, Quanzhou, Longsheng, Yongfu, Yangsu, Pingle, Zhongshan, Fuchuan, Hezhou, Cangwu, Cenxi, Teng County, Yulin, Beiliu, Rong County, Bobai, Luchuan, Baise, Tianyang, Hechi. Hainan Province(20): Haikou City, Sanya City, Qiongshan City, Anding, Wenchang, Qionghai, Wanning, Tunchang, Danzhou, Lingao, Chengmai, Wuzhishan City(Tongshen), Baoting, Lingshui, Ledong, Dongfang, Changjiang, Baisha, Qiongzhong, Yangpu Economic Developing Area. Sichuan Province(88) : Chengdu City, Zigong City, Panzhihua City, Luzhou City, Deyang City, Mianyang City, Guangyuan City, Suining City, Neijiang City, Leshan City, Yibin City, Nanchong City, Longquanyi District, Shuangliu, Qingbaijiang District, Jintang, Xindu, Wenjiang, Chongzhou, Dayi, Xinjin, Qiong Lai, Pujiang, Pi County, Dujiangyan, Pengzhou, Meishan, Danleng, Hongya, Qingshen, Renshou, Pengshan, Pengxi, Shehong, Qingchuan, Wangcang, Jiange, Cangxi, Dazhou, Dazhu, Wanyuan, Xichong, Yingshan, Peng’an, Guang’an, Yuechi, Wusheng, Linshui, Huaying, Nanxi, Jiang’an, Changning, Xingwen, Gong County, Yibin County, Gao County, Junlian, Pingshan, Lu County, Naxi District, Xuyong, Zizhong, Ziyang, Jianyang, Lezhi, Longchang, Anyue, Weiyuan, Rong County, Fushun, Xichang(liangshanzhou), Miyi, Jiajiang, E’meishan, Wutongqiao District, Zhongjiang, Mianzhu, Guanghan, Renfang, Santai, Yanting, Jiangyou, Zitong, An County, Beichuan, Ya’an, Mingshan, Yingjing. Shanxi Province: (85) Xi’an, Yanliang, Chang’an, Gaoling, Hu County, Zhouzhi, Lantian, Lintong, Zhashui, Zhen’an, Ningshan, Fuping, Yao County, Yijun, Huangling, Luochuan, Fu County, Tongchuan, Baoji, Qianyang, Long County, Baoji County, Fengxiang, Linyou, Taibai, Feng County, Fufeng, Mei County, Qishan, Ankang, Hanyin, Shiquan, Ziyang, Langao, Pingli, Zhenpin, Xunyang, Baihe, Xianyang, Yangling District, Wugong, Xingping, Liquan, Qian County, Jingyang, Sanyuan, Weinan, Hua County, Huayin,

 

15


Tongguan, Dali, Chengcheng, Heyang, Hancheng, Pucheng, Baishui, Huanglong, Yan’an, Ganquan, Yichuan, Yanchuan, Zhidan, Wuqi, Yulin, Shenmu, Fugu, Suide, Mizhi, Qingjian, Hanzhong, Nanzheng, Chenggu, Yang County, Foping, Xixiang, Zhenba, Liuba, Mian County, Lueyang, Ningqiang, Shangzhou, Luonan, Danfeng, Shangnan, Shanyang. Yunnan Province: (75) Kunming City , Yuxi, Dali, Qujing, Gejiu, Lijiang, Jinghong, Luxi, Zhaotong, Wenshan, Anning, Fumin, Chenggong, Jingning, Yimen, Luquan, Wuding, Songming, Yiliang, Lunan, Chengjiang, Jiangchuan, Tonghai, Huaning, E’shan, Yuanjiang, Xinping, Dongchuan, Mojiang, Xundian, Wanding, Ruili, Longchuan, Malong, Xuanwei, Fuyuan, Luliang, Shizong, Luoping, Mengzi, Mile, Jianshui, Kaiyuan, Yanshan, Qiubei, Xichou, Malipo, Maguan, Simao, Pu’er, Menghai, Mengla, Er’yuan, Jianchuan, Heqing, Binchuan, Weishan, Yangbi, Yongping, Yunlong, Midu, Nanjian, Chuxiong, Shuangbai, Nanhua, Yao’an, Dayao, Mouding, Lufeng, Yuanmou, Yongren, Xiangyun, Baoshan, Diqing, Lincang. Qinghai Province: (9) Xining City, Datong, Huzhu, Huangzhong, Huangyuan, Ge’er’mu, Haidong, Ledu, Minhe. Gansu Province: (75) Lan Zhou City, Yuzhong, Gaolan, Yongdeng, Jingtai, Lintao, Jingyuan, Huining, Baining, Linxiazhou, Hezheng, Guanghe, Dongxiang, Kangle, Yongjing, Jishishan, Lin Xia County, Gannan, Xiahe, Luqu, Maqu, Diebu, Lintan, Zhuoni, Weiyuan, Zhang County, Min County, Dangchang, Jiuquan, Jiayuguan, Yumen, Jinta, Wuwei, Gulang, Tianzhu, Minqin, Jinchang, Yongchang, Zhangye, Shandan, Linze, Gaotai, Su’nan, Minle, Liuyuan, Anxi, Dunhuang, Tianshui, Gangu, Wushan, Qingshui, Zhangjiachuan, Qin’an, Xi’he, Li County, Hun Country, Liangdang, Cheng Country, Wudu, Longxi, Dingxi, Tongwei, Jingning, Pingliang, Huatig, Chongxin, Jingchuan, Lingtai, Zhenyuan, Zhuanglang, Xifeng, Qingyang, Ning County, Zhengning, Heshui LOGO Sinkiang Municipality: (15) Urumchi, Changji, Cityhezi, Kuitun, Bole, Kelamayi, Tacheng, Yining, A’letai, Tulufan, Hami, Ku’erle, A’kesu, A’tushen, Hetian.

 

16


Attachment IV

Network Users’ COD Account Information and Other materials

                                 (Name of Party A) hereby agrees that China Express Mail Service

Corporation transfer relevant COD payments to the following account:

Company Code: EC          (as marked on the first page of the Agreement)

Account Name at the Bank :                                          (should be consistent with the company name of Party A)

Account:

Bank:                                          (indicate the name of the city and the name of the bank)

Bank Code:                                           (Optional, with consent of the bank)

Contact Person (for account verification):                                  (Contact person or responsible person for specific accounts )

Tel:

Fax:

E-mail:

Company Address:

Postal Code:

 

Legal Representative (signature) :
Company Seal
Seal of Financial Department
Date:

Additional Information: Special Account for COD Business (Network Charges and Deposits) of China EMS Company (Party B)

Account Owner: China Express Mail Service Corporation

Account No.: 0200003119200017143

Bank: Beijing ICBC Zhushikou Branch

Special Account for EMS COD Business (Costs of Printing Information Sheets):

 

Account Name:

Zhejiang Mozhihua Printing Company

 

Account Name:

Zhejiang Mozhihua Printing Company

Account No.: 15195708091001   Account No.: 1204080009042000129

Branch:

ICBC Zhejiang , Jiaxing Pinghu Branch

 

Branch:

ICBC Zhejiang, Jiaxing Pinghu Branch

Note: Please remit to the specified bank account in accordance with relevant requirements in the Agreement, and fax the receipt of the remittance to our company. Fax: 010-67077362 and Tel : 010-67077351

 

17


Supplementary Agreement To

Agreement on Entrustment of EMS COD Business

2006 Edition

Company Code: EC0062

Date of Effectiveness: April 1, 2006

Party A

Shanghai Acorn Network Technology Development Co., Ltd.

Address: 888 Yishan Road, 12th Floor, Xinyin Plaza

Party B

China Express Mail Service Corporation

Address: East Wing of no. 17 Building, Zhushikou Dongdajie, Chongwen District, Beijing

Actual Service Provider

Shanghai EMS International Department

Address: 9965 Zhongchun Road, Shanghai

To facilitate the development of China’s e-commerce, mail order business and other business transactions, Party A and Party B have sought to find a secure and reliable method of providing service to the general public, a method that would be convenient to both the seller and the buyer. In the spirit of mutual trust, mutual benefit and joint development, and for the purpose of facilitating the flow of commerce, enriching and improving the life of the people, and promoting social and economic development, after friendly consultation the Parties have come to the following supplementary agreement on Party A’s entrustment to Party B of the EMS COD Business, for compliance by both Parties.

 

I. Party A promises that it will entrust to Party B 300,000 pieces of EMS COD mail for delivery every year (about 820 pieces per day). Subject to satisfaction of this condition, Party A shall be entitled to favorable treatment in connection with the service charges of EMS service:

 

1. Postage for COD Mail (The average weight of each batch of Party A’s entrustment of EMS mail should be used as a basis for computing postage.)

 

COD Mail
Average (gram)   Postage (yuan/piece)
1000 and less   15
For every additional 500   A surcharge of 6

 

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2. When the monthly entrustment of COD mail is more than 200,000 pieces, the pieces in excess of 20,000 will have the additional favorable treatment of a 3 yuan rebate for each piece.

 

3. For pieces of mail that weigh more than 3 kg apiece, a rebate of 2 yuan per kg shall be given.

 

4. For pieces that are properly delivered to the customer, Party A shall pay to Party B 10 yuan apiece as COD collection service fee and 1.5% of amount collected as settlement fee.

 

5. For the undeliverable COD goods (as defined in Article II-9 of the Agreement), Party A shall pay to Party B 15 yuan apiece as return postage & return service charge.

 

6. For non-COD international and domestic express mail, favorable treatment in addition to those currently granted by the State will be given. Specifics will be provided for in a separate agreement between Party A and Party B’s local EMS service provider (the actual service provider).

 

7. Party A and Party B will prepare upon consultation an information sheet for the COD mail, which shall be printed by Party B at Party A’s cost. The initial print shall be no less than ten thousand copies.

 

II. Method of Insurance

Party A’s domestic COD express mail shall be insured in principle, and the insured amount should be stated as required. The insurance premium should be 1% of the insured amount, and the insured amount should not exceed RMB50,000. When any insured mail is lost, Party B shall pay the value of the part actually lost or damaged within the limits of the amount insured.

 

III. Settlement of the COD Payments

On the 10th, 20th and 30th day of each month (or the next day if any of the above falls on a weekend or a statutory holiday), Party B shall total up the COD payments, deduct from the total amount relevant expenses such as the ten-yuan apiece COD service fee, the 1.5% settlement fee and the 15-yuan apiece return postage & service fee, and transfer the balance to Party A’s account.

Party A agrees to assume liability for the bad or non-performing accounts resulting from a dispute over the liabilities of the Parties, to the extent of 3% of the total annual amount of the COD payments.

 

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IV. Settlement of Postages

Within the first 10 days of each month, Party A shall settle the accounts for the previous month’s postages with Party B’s local EMS service (the actual service provider). Party A shall not use any excuse to shake off its obligation for, or put off or withhold the payment of, such postages. If Party A delays the payment of the postages for over three months, or if Party A delays the payment of a considerable amount of postages, Party B shall have the right to setoff such postages against the COD payments.

V. In order to ensure the timely settlement of the COD payments, Party A shall transmit to Party B, timely (within five business days) and on a daily basis, accurate and complete information about the mail entrusted to Party B and returned from various channels, as well as accurate and complete information about COD mail whose payments have been directly mailed to Party A through channels other than Party B. Party A shall also regularly check and confirm the data relating to the entrustment and return in a manner required by Party B. Failure to do so will subject Party A to liability for the loss of such mail or money. If Party A fails to confirm within five business days after receiving from Party B the COD confirmation request, it shall be deemed to have confirmed the amount in the confirmation request.

VI. Party B shall have no liability in connection with the delivery and COD collection of entrusted pieces that are addressed to places outside those listed in Attachment III or outside the scope of coverage of the relevant service.

VII. For entrusted pieces of COD mail, Party B promises that it will settle with Party A on a monthly basis at least 70% of the COD payments for mail entrusted a month before, and at least 80% of the COD payments for mail entrusted two months before, and at least 90% of the COD payments for mail entrusted three months before. Every January and July a settlement of the COD payments for the previous six months shall be made.

VIII If Party A fails to entrust any COD mail for over 6 consecutive months, this supplementary agreement between the Parties as well as the Agreement on Entrustment of EMS COD Business shall automatically be terminated.

IX. If Party B’s service is markedly inferior to those provided by similar service providers, or if Party B’s price is markedly higher than those of similar service providers, Party A may opt for other service providers for the services herein.

X. Party A shall be automatically entitled to the service in new cities if Party B expands the coverage of its service.

XI Party A shall make fair, objective and accurate descriptions of Party B’s services, charges and service coverage in its relevant advertising and promotion materials, and shall not use any language or material to harm Party B’s interests.

XII This supplementary agreement and the Agreement on Entrustment of EMS COD Business shall become effect at the same time and shall have the same term of effectiveness. If there is any inconsistency between the two agreements, this Agreement shall prevail. In the event of any breach by either party or any dispute that arises in the course of performing this

 

20


Agreement, the Parties shall seek to resolve the problem through consultation. If they are unable to resolve the problem through consultation, either Party may bring the dispute before a people’s court.

 

XIII This Agreement is a bilateral agreement between the Parties and both Parties shall be obligated to keep it confidential.

XIV In the event of any breach by either party or any dispute that arises in the course of performing this Agreement, the Parties shall seek to resolve the problem through consultation. If they are unable to resolve the problem through consultation, either Party may bring the dispute before a people’s court. Party B shall have the right to stop settling for the COD payments or to freeze the collected COD payments for payment to the injured party.

 

XV This Agreement shall have five counterparts, with two for each Party and one for the actual service provider.

Party A

Shanghai Acorn Network Technology Development Co., Ltd.

Legal (Authorized) Representative: (executed)

Date:

Party B

China Express Mail Service Corporation

Legal (Authorized) Representative: (executed)

Date: March 24, 2006

Actual Service Provider

Legal (Authorized) Representative: (executed)

Date: March 20, 2006

 

21

Exhibit 10.24

Joint Venture Contract

Zhuhai Sunrana Bio-Tech Co., Ltd.

 

Chapter One    Guidelines
Chapter Two    Parties to the Joint Venture
Chapter Three    The JV Company
Chapter Four    Business Scope
Chapter Five    Total Investment, Registered Capital, Investment Ratio and Method
Chapter Six    Responsibilities of the Parties
Chapter Seven    Board of Directors
Chapter Eight    Management Structure
Chapter Nine    Labor Management, Trade Union Organization
Chapter Ten    Procurement of Raw Materials
Chapter Eleven    Tax, Financial Management and Profit Distribution
Chapter Twelve    Term, Dissolution and Liquidation
Chapter Thirteen    Insurance
Chapter Fourteen    Liability for Breach
Chapter Fifteen    Force Majeure
Chapter Sixteen    Dispute Resolution
Chapter Seventeen    Governing Law
Chapter Eighteen    Effectiveness and Others


Chapter One

Guidelines

The parties to this contract, in accordance with the Law of the PRC on Chinese-Foreign Equity Joint Ventures, the Provisions of Guangdong Province for Foreign Related Companies and other relevant published laws and regulations of the PRC, after adequate discussions conducted in the spirit of equality and mutual benefit, have agreed to invest in and establish jointly Zhuhai Sunrana Bio-tech Co. Ltd., an equity joint venture company, and enter into this equity joint venture contract for that purpose.

Chapter Two

Parties to the Joint Venture

2.1 Parties

Party A: Zhuhai Sunrana Cosmetics Products Co., Ltd.

Registration No.: Qi-du-yue-zhu-zong-fu-001314

Legal Address: Sunrana Building, Nanping Technology Park, Zhuhai Boulevard

 

Legal Representative:   Cui Guofang
  Position: Executive Director
  Nationality: China

Party B: China DRTV, Inc.

 

Legal Address: British Virgin Islands

 

Legal Representative:

  Yang Dongjie
  Nationality: China

Chapter Three

The JV Company

 

3.1 The parties to this joint venture agree to operate the Zhuhai Sunrana Bio-tech Co., Ltd. (the “ Company ”) as a Chinese-foreign equity joint venture company.

The legal address of the Company shall be Dongsi Road, Nanping Technology Park, Zhuhai. The Company may set up representative offices in mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao and other countries or regions after approval by appropriate authorities, as its board of directors may decide after deliberation in accordance with the Company’s needs.

 

3.2 The company shall have the status of a PRC legal person. It shall comply with the provisions of the relevant published laws, decrees and regulations of the PRC in all its activities, and its lawful business rights and interests are protected under the law of the People’s Republic of China.


3.3 The Company shall be a limited liability company. The parties are liable for the Company to the extent of their respective committed contributions to the Company.

Chapter Four

Business Scope

 

4.1 The Company’s business scope shall be as follows: Production of cosmetic boxes, and such cosmetic products as nail polish, lipsticks, color control base, perfumes, cleaning devices, liquid soap, liquid detergents, shampoos, facial cleansers, eye creams, skin lotions, liquid eye liners, mascaras and cleansers (including special purpose cosmetics, such as body-building cosmetics and breast-care cosmetics), items for personal hygiene; sale of its own products; and operation of beauty saloons.

 

4.2 The Company’s annual production capacity shall be RMB50,000,000, of which 10% will be for export and 90% will be for domestic sale.

Chapter Five

Total Investment, Registered Capital,

Investment Ratio and Method

 

5.1 The Company’s total investment shall be RMB2,600,000, and its registered capital will be RMB2,600,000.

Capital contributions and investment ratios of the Parties are as follows:

Party A shall contribute RMB1,274,000, representing a 49% share of the registered capital.

Party B shall contribute RMB1,326,000, equivalent to $163,500, representing a 51% share of the registered capital.

The Parties shall make their respective contributions in the following way:

Party A shall contribute RMB1,274,000 in cash.

Party B shall contribute RMB1,326,000 in cash, equivalent to $163,500.

 

5.2 The conversion between Reminbi and foreign currencies shall be governed by the Law of the PRC on Chinese-Foreign Equity Joint Ventures and its implementing rules.


5.3 The contributions made by the Parties hereunder must be their own money or their own tangible property unencumbered by any security interest. A Party that contributes tangible property, industrial property or proprietary technology must provide valid evidentiary material proving its ownership and disposal rights.

 

5.4 Neither Party shall use loans, leased equipment or other property acquired in the name of the Company, or any property of any other person, as its own contribution. Nor shall either Party use the property and interest of the Company or the other Party as security for its contribution.

 

5.5 Within one year after the date of issuance of the Company’s business license, the Parties shall pay their respective contributions in three installments, either by wire transfer to the Company’s account at a local Zhuhai bank or by direct payment to the Company. The amounts of the installment payments are as follows:

 

(1) The first installment, which shall be no less than 15% of each Party’s total commitment, must be paid within three months after the issuance of the Company’s business license. This means that for the first installment Party A shall pay no less than RMB 191,100, and Party B shall pay no less than RMB198,900.

 

(2) The second installment, which shall be 15% of each Party’s total commitment, must be paid within six months after the issuance of the Company’s business license.

 

(3) The remaining unpaid amount shall be paid in full within one year after the issuance of the Company’s business license.

 

5.6 The Parties’ contributions shall be verified by a PRC registered accountant, who will then provide an evaluation report. The Company shall provide to the investor a certificate of capital contribution thereafter.

 

5.7 If the Parties find in the course of their business operation that they do not have sufficient funds, they may increase their capital contribution and the ratio thereof after consultation with each other. Upon approval by the original examination and approval authority, the Parties will make the additional investments.

 

5.8 During the term of the joint venture, the Company shall not reduce its registered capital. If such reduction is necessary, the decision shall be made upon the unanimous approval of the board of directors, shall be announced through newspaper publication, and shall be approved by the original examination and approval authority.


5.9 Change in Registered Capital

Neither Party A or Party B may transfer to a third party all or part of its share of the registered capital without the prior consent of the other Party and the approval of the original examination and approval authority. When a Party transfers all or part of its share of registered capital, the other Party shall have the right of first refusal. Any capital increase shall be unanimously approved by all shareholders.

In the event that a Party seeks to transfer to a third party its share of the registered capital, it shall serve a 30-day prior written notice on the other Party. The notice shall set forth the details of such transfer, such as the amount and price of transfer and the basic information about the prospective transferee. The other Party shall indicate whether it consents to such transfer within 30 days upon receiving the notice.

If Party B wishes to transfer its interest and Party A does not agree to the transfer, Party A shall exercise the right of first refusal. If Party A neither agrees to such transfer nor exercises its right of first refusal within 30 days upon receiving the notice, it shall be deemed to have consented to the transfer.

If Party A wishes to transfer its interest and Party B does not consent to the transfer, Party B shall have the right to sell to the third-party purchaser all or part of its share , on the same terms as set forth in Party A’s notice. If such third-party refuses to purchase the share from Party B, Party A shall be obligated to purchase the same on the same terms. If Party A refuses to purchase such interest from Party B, Party A shall not sell any of its interest to the third party.

 

5.10 Any increase and decrease of the Company’s registered capital shall be unanimously approved by the board of directors and the original examination and approval authority. Procedures of registration of change shall be completed with the original registration office with respect to such increase or decrease.

Chapter Six

Responsibilities of the Parties

 

6.1 The responsibilities of the Parties are as follows:

Party A:

 

  (1) Pay its capital contribution in time according to the terms hereunder.


  (2) Complete the procedures of approval for establishing the Company with the PRC examination and approval authority and the registration of the Company with the registration office before the start of the Company’s business operation.

 

  (3) Assist the Company in applying for and obtaining the qualifications required for its production activities, including but not limited to Heath-care Permit for Cosmetics Production Enterprise.

 

  (4) Recruit and train personnel.

 

  (5) Do other things entrusted by the Company.

Party B

 

  (1) Pay its capital contribution in time according to the terms hereunder.

 

  (2) Send persons to assist Party A in managing the Company and coordinating its business operations.

 

  (3) Do other things entrusted by the Company.

Chapter Seven

Board of Directors

 

7.1 The Company shall set up a board of directors as its governing body having the highest authority and responsible for all major decisions of the Company. The date of the Company’s registration shall be the date when such board is set up.

 

7.2 The Board shall be composed of five directors, of whom two directors shall be appointed by Party A, and three directors shall be appointed by Party B. The chairman of the board shall be recommended by the Parties after consultation. The terms of the offices of directors and the chairman shall be four years, renewable upon reappointment by the appointing Party. Appointment or replacement of directors shall be evidenced by a formal written notice.

 

7.3 The chairman of the board shall be the legal representative of the Company. When the chairman is not able to perform his or her responsibilities as such, he or she shall authorize another director to act on behalf of the Company.

 

7.4 The board shall have the power to decide matters of material importance in its business operations in accordance with relevant PRC laws and regulations, such as the Company’s internal structure and business policies. It shall also have the power to prepare the Company’s work plan, and the power to examine its budget and final settlement, its plans of profit distribution, personnel deployment, wages and benefits, etc.


7.5 Matters regarding the rights and interests of the Parties shall be decided on the basis of equality and mutual benefit upon the unanimous approval of the board. Matters of ordinary importance shall be decided by the board by a majority vote.

 

7.6 Resolutions involving the following matters may only be adopted at a meeting of the Board upon the unanimous affirmative vote of each and every Director of the Board present at such meeting:

 

  (1) the amendment of this Joint Venture Contract or the Company’s Articles of Association;

 

  (2) the early termination, or dissolution of the Company other than in accordance with Article 12.3(3) and (4);

 

  (3) any increase or decrease in the Company’s registered capital; and

 

  (4) any merger or spin-off of the Company.

For any decision regarding the above matters, the Parties shall enter into a supplementary agreement. The agreement shall not be implemented until after its effective date and after approval by the original examination and approval authority.

 

7.7 Meetings of the board shall be called and presided over by the Chairman at least once a year. When the chairman is unable to convene a board meeting, he or she shall authorize another director to convene and preside over such meeting. Special meetings of the Board shall be convened by the Chairman at any time on a motion of at least three directors. A record shall be kept of the minutes of all Board meetings.

 

7.8 Board meetings shall only be held when at least two thirds of the directors are in attendance and both Parties are represented at such meeting. Each of the directors is entitled to one vote.

 

7.9 Each Party is obligated to ensure that the directors appointed by it attend the regular and special board meetings. When a director is unable to attend a board meeting, he or she shall provide a proxy letter and authorize another person to attend the meeting by proxy.


Board meetings may also be held in the form of a conference call, TV conference or by other electronic means, provided, however, that the quorum requirement under Article 7.8 hereof is met, and the attendants can communicate with each other simultaneously. As a substitute for the board meeting, the directors who form the quorum required under Article 7.8 hereof may adopt a board resolution in writing (including by fax), and such resolution shall be as effective as a resolution adopted at a board meeting.

 

7.10 If a director appointed by either Party fails to attend a board meeting and fails to authorize others to attend such meeting by proxy, thus making the board unable to pass a resolution on important matters of law or matters of material importance listed hereunder, the other party (the “Notice Sender” ) may urge the absentee director to attend the meeting by sending a second notice to such director and the appointing Party (“Notice Receiver”) , addressed to the legal address of such Party.

 

7.11 The said notice in the preceding clause shall be sent at least 30 days prior to the date of the board meeting by registered mail with a return slip, and shall note that the Notice Receiver shall have at least 15 days after the notice is sent to reply in writing as to whether the Notice Receiver will attend the board meeting. If the Notice Receiver fails to reply as to whether it will attend the meeting within the period of time set forth in the notice, it shall be deemed to have waived its right to the meeting. After the Notice Sender receives the return slip which is also sent by registered mail, the directors appointed by the Notice Sender may have a special board meeting, provided, however, that the number of directors attending such special meeting shall satisfy the quorum requirement. Matters of material importance can be decided upon in a resolution passed with unanimous approval of all the directors present at such special meeting.

 

7.12 Directors that do not have any managerial position in the Company shall not receive any compensation from the Company.

 

7.13 All costs in connection with holding board meetings shall be borne by the Company.

Chapter Eight

Management Structure

 

8.1 The Company shall set up a management structure in which a general manager engaged by the board will be responsible for the day-to-day business operations of the Company under the direction of the board of directors.


8.2 The duties of the general manager are to implement the resolutions of the board, organize and direct the day-to-day management of the Company. Within the limits of authority entrusted by the board, the general manager will act on behalf of the Company, engage and remove those subordinate to him, and exercise other powers and perform other duties authorized by the board.

 

8.3 The board chairman may, acting on the strength of a board resolution, adjust the management structure of the Company at any time in accordance with the Company’s needs and relevant provisions of its articles of association, decide anew the number of managerial positions, and redefine the powers and duties that go with each position.

 

8.4 The general manage shall have no part in any other economic entity’s commercial competition against the Company. If the general manage commits fraud for personal gains or is serious derelict of his or her duties, he or she may be dismissed at any time upon a board resolution.

Chapter Nine

Labor Management, Trade Union Organization

 

9.1 Wages, bonuses and welfare benefits of the Company’s employees shall be governed by the prevailing standards among similar companies in the same region. Matters such as recruitment, dismissal, labor protection, insurance and labor discipline shall be governed by relevant PRC laws and the provisions of the labor department. The salaries and welfare and other benefits of senior officers recommended by the Parties, as well as standards of their traveling expenses, shall be decided after discussion at a board meeting.

 

9.2 The Company’s workers shall have the right to establish a grass-root labor union organization and carry out union activities in accordance with the PRC Labor Law and the Articles of Association of PRC Trade Union. The Company shall provide necessary conveniences for its labor union organization.


Chapter Ten

Procurement of Equipment and Raw Materials

 

10.1 Production equipment, vehicles, raw materials, fuel and office supplies that need to be imported for the Company may be procured, at arm’s length, from the domestic market and the international market , and when the terms of procurement are the same, procurement from the domestic market shall be made to the extent possible.

 

10.2 When the Company entrusts Party A to procure equipment from abroad, Party A shall adhere to the principle of making the best buy, and the price shall be approved by the board of directors.

 

10.3 Equipment, raw materials, accessories purchased from abroad and equipment contributed by Party B shall be subject to the inspection of PRC’s Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Authority in accordance with the Law on Examination of Imported and Exported Commodity of the People’s Republic of China.

Chapter Eleven

Tax, Financial Management and Profit Distribution

 

11.1 The Company shall pay all taxes in accordance with relevant laws, decrees and provisions of the PRC.

 

11.2 The Company’s employees shall pay individual income tax in accordance with the Individual Income Tax Law of the People’s Republic of China. Expatriate employees may remit their income abroad after paying income tax in accordance with the law.

 

11.3 The Company shall make allocations to a reserve fund, a venture expansion fund and a bonus and welfare fund for staff and workers, as determined by the Board in accordance with the business circumstances of the Company and the Law of the PRC on Chinese-Foreign Equity Joint Ventures.

 

11.4 The fiscal year of the Company shall begin on January 1 and end on December 31 of each year. All documentary evidence for book entry, all instruments, reports, statements and books, shall be prepared in Chinese.

 

11.5 The Company’s financial and accounting systems shall be governed by relevant financial and accounting provisions of the PRC and shall be filed with the local tax authority.

 

11.6 No documentary evidence of expenses shall be valid unless it is signed by the general manager or his or her authorized person. Money received or paid by the Company shall be evidenced by invoices prepared by the tax authority. Invoices of foreign countries, Hong Kong and Macao shall be valid only when they are accompanied by customs declaration documents or customs duty memo.


11.7 Financial audits of the Company shall be reviewed and verified by PRC registered accountants and the result of such verification shall be reported to the board of directors and the general manager.

 

11.8 The Company shall be independent financially, keeping its own profits and bearing its own losses.

 

11.9 Distribution and allocation of profit and losses. The Company shall duly pay its income tax on its year-end profit. After setting aside the amounts allocated to a reserve fund, a venture expansion fund and a bonus and welfare fund for staff and workers, the profit will be distributed between the Parties pro rata in accordance with their respective contributions to the Company’s registered capital. Losses of the Company shall also be allocated between the Parties in the same way.

 

11.10 Matters relating to foreign exchange of the Company shall be governed by Rules of the People’s Republic of China For the Administration of Foreign Exchange and the methods of relevant authorities.

Chapter Twelve

Term, Dissolution and Liquidation

 

12.1 The Company’s term of operation shall be 30 years, starting from the date when the business license of the Company is issued. During the term, neither Party shall enter into any agreement or contract with any other economic entity to the detriment of the Company.

 

12.2 The Parties may apply, after discussion with each other, for a renewal of the term upon its expiration, provided that the application is submitted to the original examination and approval authority for approval three months prior to the expiration. In the event of the Company’s early termination or dissolution upon expiration, a liquidation committee shall be set up to liquidate the Company. After all debts are paid off, the remaining assets of the Company shall be distributed between the Parties pro rata in accordance with their contribution to the Company’s registered capital.

 

12.3 The Company shall be dissolved under any of the following circumstances:

 

  (1) The term of the Company expires, and one of the Parties does not agree to renew the contract;

 

  (2) The Company has run into a grave loss and is unable to continue its business operations;


  (3) Due to an event of force majeure such as natural calamity or war, the Company has sustained a loss and is unable to continue its business operations;

 

  (4) One of the Parties to this Contract fails to perform its obligations or duties hereunder, making the Company incapable of continuing its operation;

 

  (5) The Company fails to attain its business goal, and its prospect of future development does not look good.

Under circumstances described in (1), (2), (3) or (5) above, the board shall submit its written application for dissolution to the examination and approval authority, and dissolution will take effect only after approval of such authority. Under circumstances described in (4) above, the Party that has performed its duty shall submit its written application for dissolution to the examination and approval authority for approval. Matters regarding liquidation upon the Company’s early termination or dissolution upon expiration shall be governed by Article 12.2 hereunder and relevant laws and provisions of the PRC. This Contract will terminate upon dissolution of the Company.

Chapter Thirteen

Insurance

 

13. The Company shall buy the various insurance policies from insurance companies within China.

Chapter Fourteen

Liability for Breach

 

14.1 If either Party fails to pay its contribution as required under 5.5 hereunder, it shall pay to the Company a 1% interest on the amount due for each month of delay. In addition, the Party in breach shall also pay to the non-breaching Party a 1% penalty on the amount due. Apart from cumulating the penalty, the non-breaching Party shall have the right to terminate the Contract in accordance with Article 14.2 hereunder, and seek damages from the breaching Party for all economic losses resulting from such breach.


14.2 Failure of either Party to pay its contribution in time or in full as required hereunder constitutes a breach. The non-breaching Party shall urge the breaching Party to pay the amounts due or to pay the amount in full within one month. If the breaching Party fails to pay or fails to pay in full within the time, it shall be deemed to have forfeited all its rights hereunder and withdrawn from the Company. Within one month thereafter, the non-breaching Party shall apply to the original examination and approval authority for approval of the termination of the Contract and dissolution of the Company. Alternatively, the non-breach Party may find another business partner which will have the rights and obligation of the breaching Party hereunder. The non-breaching Party may duly seek damages from the breaching Party for losses resulting from the latter’s failure to pay its contribution. If losses are incurred as a result of fault on the part of both Parties, each Party shall bear its own fair share of the losses in accordance with the circumstances.

Chapter Fifteen

Force Majeure

 

15.1 When the obligations of a Party under this Contract cannot be performed as a result of a force majeure event that is unforeseeable, such as earthquake, typhoon, flood, fire or war, etc., the Party that encounters such event of force majeure shall immediately inform the other Party by telegraph, providing detailed information on such event within fifteen (15) days of its occurrence, accompanied by valid evidentiary documents provided by a local notary public to explain the reasons for its inability to perform the Contract. Thereafter the Parties shall consult with each other in light of the impact of the event upon the implementation hereof, and shall decide whether this Contract should be rescinded, and whether the Hindered Party should be partially freed from its obligations hereunder, or whether performance hereunder shall be put off.

Chapter Sixteen

Dispute Resolution

 

16.1 Any dispute arising out of or relating to this Contract shall be resolved through friendly consultation. If the dispute cannot be resolved through consultation, it shall be submitted to arbitration under the auspices of the Zhuhai Arbitration Commission. The arbitration award shall be final and binding on the Parties. When the dispute is being resolved, other than in connection with the matter in dispute, the Parties shall continue to perform the Contract and the articles of association.


Chapter Seventeen

Governing Law

 

17 The execution, effect, interpretation and amendment of this Contract, as well as resolution of disputes arising out of this Contract, shall be governed by the law of the People’s Republic of China.

Chapter Eighteen

Effectiveness and Others

 

18.1 This Contract, after it is properly signed by the duly authorized representatives of both Parties, shall be submitted to the examination and approval authority, and shall be effective as of the date of approval by the examination and approval authority. The same applies to any amendment to this Contract.

 

18.2 This Contract, after being signed by the Parties and approved by the examination and approval authority, constitutes a legally effective document and both Parties shall comply with it strictly. Neither Party shall terminate this Contract without the consent of the other Party (except under circumstances described in 12.3(4). If either of the Parties seeks to terminate the Contract, assign its equity interest or its rights as a joint venture partner, it shall inform the other Party three months in advance, and after consultation between the Parties, the proposal shall be submitted to the original examination and approval authority for approval. The losses resulting from any unilateral termination without the consent of both Parties shall be borne by the Party seeking termination.

 

18.3 Matters not covered hereunder shall be addressed by the Parties upon consultation in amendments and supplements, which shall be submitted to the original examination and approval authority for approval. The amendments and supplements are valid attachments to this Contract, and are of the same effect as this Contract.

 

18.4 Notice given by either Party through telephone or fax shall be followed up by formal written documents, if they involve the rights and obligations of the Parties.

 

18.5 The Chinese version of this Contract shall be the valid version.

 

18.6 This Contract is signed by the Parties as of May 10, 2006, in Zhuhai.


Party A (Seal)   Party B (Seal)
Legal Representative (Signature): Cui Guofang   Legal Representative (Signature): Yang Dongjie
May 10, 2006  

Exhibit 10.25

VOTING AGREEMENT

THIS VOTING AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is made and entered into as of the 6th day of July, 2006, by and among (1) James Yujun Hu (the “Beneficiary”), (2) The 2004 Trust for Robert W. Roche’s Descendants and (3) Acorn Composite Corporation (each of The 2004 Trust for Robert W. Roche’s Descendants and the Acorn Composite Corporation a “ Company Shareholder ”, and collectively being referred to herein as the “ Company Shareholders ”), shareholders of Acorn International, Inc., a Cayman Islands exempted company (the “ Company ”).

WHEREAS, as of the date hereof, the Company Shareholders are the legal and beneficial owner of the number of ordinary shares, US$0.01 par value per share, of the Company listed opposite each of the Company Shareholder’s names on Schedule I attached hereto (the “ Company Shareholder Shares ”);

WHEREAS, the Company is considering an initial public offering of Shares and American Depositary Shares ( “ADS” ) and the listing of the ADS on the New York Stock Exchange (“IPO”); and

WHEREAS, the Company Shareholders have agreed to the Shares specified in Schedule II hereto ( the “Subject Shares” ) being voted in respect of all Corporate Actions (defined below) in the manner contemplated hereto.

ARTICLE I

RIGHT TO VOTE SUBJECT SHARES

1.1 The Company Shareholders each hereby agrees that on and after the Company’s IPO the Subject Shares may be voted by the Beneficiary at each and every meeting of the shareholders of the Company called and at any adjournment or postponement thereof and in any other circumstances upon which a vote, consent or other approval, solely in its capacity as a shareholder of the Company is sought ( “Corporate Action” ). For the avoidance of doubt, this Agreement shall not (i) provide for or vest any other rights to the Subject Shares in the Beneficiary whether in relation to right of transfer, dividends or return of capital and (ii) apply to any Corporate Action taken prior to the completion of the Company’s IPO.

1.2 Contemporaneous with the signing of this Agreement, the Company Shareholders each shall execute the proxy of favour of the Beneficiary in the form set out in Schedule III hereto, which proxy shall be irrevocable so long as this Agreement remains in effect.

1.3 The Company Shareholders each represents that any proxies heretofore given in respect of the Subject Shares held by it is revocable, and that any such proxies are hereby revoked or will be revoked by appropriate notice (or other instrument) prior to or concurrently with the execution and delivery of this Agreement.

 

- 1 -


ARTICLE II

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

OF THE COMPANY SHAREHOLDERS

Each of the Company Shareholders hereby represents and warrants to the Beneficiary as follows as of the date hereof and as of the closing date of the IPO:

2.1 Ownership of Subject Shares . On the date hereof, each of the Company Shareholders owns, directly or indirectly, the Company Shareholder Shares in the amounts set forth in Schedule I attached hereto. Each Company Shareholders have sole voting power and sole power to issue instructions with respect to the ordinary shares set forth opposite each of the Company Shareholder’s names on Schedule I .

2.2 Power; Binding Agreement . The Company Shareholders each has all requisite power and authority to enter into and perform all of its obligations under this Agreement. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Company Shareholders shall not violate any agreement to which the Company Shareholders are, separately or jointly, a party, including, without limitation, any voting agreement, proxy arrangement, pledge agreement, shareholders agreement, voting trust or trust agreement. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by the Company Shareholders, and constitutes a legally valid and binding obligation of the Company Shareholders, enforceable against the Company Shareholders in accordance with its terms, except as may be limited by (a) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws relating to or limiting creditors’ rights generally, or (b) general principles of equity relating to enforceability, whether considered in a proceeding at law or in equity. There is no beneficiary or holder of a voting trust certificate or other interest of any trust of which either of the Company Shareholders is a trustee whose consent is required for the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the compliance by either of the Company Shareholders with the terms hereof.

2.3 No Conflicts . Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement by either of the Company Shareholders nor the compliance by the Company Shareholders with any of the provisions hereof shall (a) conflict with or violate any agreement, law, rule, regulation, order, judgment or decision or other instrument binding upon either of the Company Shareholders or any of the Company Shareholders’ individual or collective properties or assets, nor require any consent, notification, regulatory filing or approval which has not been obtained, (b) result in any violation or breach of, or constitute (with or without due notice or lapse of time or both) a default (or give to any third party a right of termination, cancellation, material modification or acceleration) under any of the terms, conditions or provisions of any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, contract, agreement, lease, license, permit, franchise or other instrument or obligation to which either of the Company Shareholders is a party or by which either of the Company Shareholders or any of its properties or assets may be bound or affected, or (c) if either of the Company Shareholders is other than a natural person, conflict with, or result in any breach of, any organizational documents applicable to either of the Company Shareholders.

 

- 2 -


ARTICLE III

3.1 The obligations of the Company Shareholders under this Agreement and the representations, warranties, covenants and agreements of the Company Shareholders contained herein or granted pursuant hereto shall automatically terminate upon the earlier to occur of (i) the Beneficiary ceasing to hold the office of chief executive officer of the Company, (ii) any transfer of all of the Subject Shares by a Company Shareholder to a person who is not an Affiliate of such Company Shareholder, or (iii) upon one month notice in writing by either of the Company Shareholders to the Company.

3.2 For the purposes of this Article III, an “ Affiliate ” means (i) in the case of a natural person, such person’s parents, parents-in-law, spouse, children or grandchildren, a trust for the benefit of any of the foregoing, a company, partnership or any natural person or entity wholly or majority owned by the foregoing, (ii) in the case of an entity, a partnership, a corporation or any natural person or entity which directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such entity. The term “ majority owned ” or “ control ” shall mean the ownership, directly or indirectly, of shares possessing more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting power of the corporation, or the partnership or other entity (other than, in the case of corporation, share having such power only be reason of the happening of a contingency), or having the power to control the management or elect a majority of members to the board of directors or equivalent decision-making body of such corporation, partnership or other entity.

 

- 3 -


ARTICLE IV

Neither Company Shareholder shall transfer any of the Subject Shares to an Affiliate unless the Affiliate has signed a deed of adherence to this Agreement and thereby agree to the Subject Shares transferred to him being voted in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, 25% of the Subject Shares received by such Affiliate shall be voted in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. Such Company Shareholder (i) shall promptly notify the Beneficiary of any transfer of Subject Shares, (ii) shall cooperate and deliver to the Beneficiary promptly upon his request details regarding Company Shareholders’ ownership of the Subject Shares (including such details as are necessary to make all filings as may be required by the U.S. securities laws), (iii) agrees that the Beneficiary may make such filings as may be required under U.S. securities law as may be required (iv) shall take such further actions and execute such documents or instruments as the Beneficiary may reasonably request in connection with the foregoing and the purposes and intentions of this Agreement and (v) shall deposit Company Shareholder Shares with Citibank, N.A., the depositary of the Company’s American Depositary Receipt facility (the “Depositary Facility”) established for the IPO, only when such Company Shareholder has a good-faith intention to sell such Company Shareholder Shares and shall promptly withdraw such Company Shareholder Shares from the Depositary Facility if the intended sale does not occur after deposit of such shares into Depositary Facility.

ARTICLE V

MISCELLANEOUS

5.1 Specific Performance . Each party hereto recognizes and agrees that, if for any reason any of the provisions of this Agreement are not performed by the other parties in accordance with their specific terms or are otherwise breached, immediate and irreparable harm or injury would be caused to the non-breaching parties for which money damages would not be an adequate remedy. Accordingly, the parties agree that, in addition to any other available remedies, the non-breaching parties shall be entitled to an injunction restraining any violation or threatened violation of the provisions of this Agreement without the necessity of the non-breaching parties posting a bond or other form of security. In the event that any action should be brought in equity to enforce the provisions of this Agreement, the breaching party will not allege, and the breaching party hereby waives the defense, that there is an adequate remedy at law.

5.2 Severability . Any term or provision of this Agreement which is invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction by any rule or law or public policy shall, as to that jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability without rendering invalid, illegal or unenforceable the remaining terms and provisions of this Agreement or affecting the validity, legality or enforceability of any of the terms or provisions of this Agreement in any other jurisdiction. Without limiting the foregoing, upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or unenforceable, 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 to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law in an acceptable manner to the end that the transactions contemplated hereby are fulfilled to the fullest extent possible.

 

- 4 -


5.3 Entire Agreement; Amendments . This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of the parties and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement may not be amended except by an instrument in writing signed by each of the parties against whom such amendment is sought to be enforced.

5.4 Assignment . Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests or obligations under this Agreement shall be assigned, in whole or in part, by operation of law or otherwise by either of the parties without the prior written consent of the other party. 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.

5.5 Headings . 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.

5.6 Notices . All notices, requests, claims, demands and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed given if delivered personally, sent by express courier (providing proof of delivery) or communicated by confirmed facsimile to the parties at the following addresses (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified by like notice):

(a) if to the Company Shareholders, to,

AS SET FORTH ON SCHEDULE I and

(b) if to the Beneficiary, to:

3/F, Enji Building,

No. 130 Liangjiadian,

Haidian District, Beijing 100036

5.7 Governing Law; Consent to Jurisdiction . This Agreement shall be constructed and interpreted in accordance with, and the respective rights and obligations of the parties shall be governed by, the laws of the Cayman Islands, and each party hereby irrevocably and unconditionally submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the Cayman Islands.

5.8 Counterparts; Effectiveness . 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 one or more counterparts have been signed by each of the parties and delivered to the other parties.

[Signature page follows.]

 

- 5 -


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused this Agreement to be duly executed as a deed as of the date first written above.

 

EXECUTED AS A DEED AND DELIVERED BY

  )        

JAMES YUJUN HU

  )        
     )     

/s/ James Yujun Hu

  

in the presence of:

  )        

Witness Name:

  

 

  )        

Address:

  

 

  )        
  

 

  )        
  

 

  )        
            
            

EXECUTED AS A DEED AND DELIVERED BY

  )        

The 2004 Trust

  )     

/s/ Edward J. Roche

  

for Robert W. Roche’s Descendants

  )      Authorised Signatory   

in the presence of:

  )        

Witness Name:

  

 

  )        

Address:

  

 

  )        
  

 

  )        
  

 

  )        
            
            

EXECUTED AS A DEED AND DELIVERED BY

  )        

Acorn Composite Corporation

  )     

/s/ Robert W. Roche

  

in the presence of:

  )      Authorised Signatory   
            

Witness Name:

  

 

  )        

Address:

  

 

  )        
  

 

  )        
  

 

  )        

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO VOTING AGREEMENT]

 

S-1


SCHEDULE I

COMPANY SHAREHOLDERS

 

Company Shareholders

   Number of Shares held

The 2004 Trust for Robert W. Roche’s Descendants at 10536 S Lorel Ave. Oak Lawn IL 60453, U.S.A

   1,952,962

Acorn Composite Corporation at 350 S. Center St., Suite 500, Reno NV 89501, U.S.A.

   14,583,117

 

S-1


SCHEDULE II

COMPANY SHAREHOLDERS

SUBJECT SHARES

 

Company Shareholders

  

Number of Shares Subject to

This Agreement

The 2004 Trust for Robert W. Roche’s Descendants

   _25% of the Shares registered in the name of the Company Shareholder_ at any time              

Acorn Composite Corporation

   _25% of the Shares registered in the name of the Company Shareholder_ at any time             


SCHEDULE III

FORM OF COMPANY SHAREHOLDERS PROXY

We, each being a holder (a “Company Shareholder” and collective the “Company Shareholders”) of shares of US$0.01 each in the share capital of Acorn International, Inc., a Cayman Islands exempted company (the “Company”), hereby appoint James Yujun Hu (the “Proxy Holder”) the true and lawful attorney and proxy of us for and in our name, place and stead to attend all meetings of the shareholders of the Company and to vote in respect of twenty-five per cent of the total number of registered shares of US$0.01 each in the capital of the Company at the time standing in our name and to exercise all consensual rights in respect of such shares (including without limitation giving or withholding written consents of shareholders and calling special general meetings of shareholders) in accordance with the terms of a voting agreement dated July 6, 2006 between us and the Proxy Holder and referred to therein (the “Voting Agreement”).

The authority vested in this proxy shall terminate upon the termination of the Voting Agreement in accordance with Article III of the Voting Agreement.

We hereby affirm that this proxy is given pursuant to Article 1.2 of the Voting Agreement. THIS PROXY IS COUPLED WITH AN INTEREST AND IS IRREVOCABLE, BUT SUCH PROXY SHALL BE IRREVOCABLE ONLY SO LONG AS THE VOTING AGREEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT.

We hereby ratify and confirm and undertake to ratify and confirm all that the Proxy Holder may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof provided that such action is in accordance with the Voting Agreement.

If at any time this proxy shall or for any reason be ineffective or unenforceable, we shall execute a replacement instrument which provides the Proxy Holder with substantially rights as contemplated herein. This irrevocable proxy shall be governed by the laws of the Cayman Islands and the Company Shareholders irrevocably submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the Cayman Islands in relation to the matters contained herein.


EXECUTED AS A DEED AND DELIVERED BY

  )        

The 2004 Trust

  )     

 

  

for Robert W. Roche’s Descendants

  )      Authorised Signatory   

in the presence of:

  )        

Witness Name:

  

 

  )        

Address:

  

 

  )        
  

 

  )        
  

 

  )        
            
            

EXECUTED AS A DEED AND DELIVERED BY

  )        

Acorn Composite Corporation

  )     

 

  

in the presence of:

  )      Authorised Signatory   
            

Witness Name:

  

 

  )        

Address:

  

 

  )        
  

 

  )        
  

 

  )        

Exhibit 10.26

VOTING AGREEMENT

THIS VOTING AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is made and entered into as of the 30th day of March, 2007, by and among (1) James Yujun Hu (the “ Beneficiary ”) and (2) SB Asia Investment Fund II L.P. (“ Company Shareholder ”), shareholders of Acorn International, Inc., a Cayman Islands exempted company (the “ Company ”).

WHEREAS, as of the date hereof, the Company Shareholder is the legal and beneficial owner of the 17,709,815 Series A preferred shares and 2,882,155 Series A-1 preferred shares, US$0.01 par value per share each, of the Company (the “ Company Shareholder Shares ”);

WHEREAS, the Company is considering an initial public offering of Shares and American Depositary Shares (“ ADS ”) and the listing of the ADS on the New York Stock Exchange (“ IPO ”); and

WHEREAS, the Company Shareholder has agreed to the 25% of shares of the Company registered in the name of the Company Shareholder at any time (the “ Subject Shares ”) being voted in respect of all Corporate Actions (defined below) in the manner contemplated hereto.

ARTICLE I

RIGHT TO VOTE SUBJECT SHARES

1.1 The Company Shareholder hereby agrees that on and after the Company’s IPO the Subject Shares may be voted by the Beneficiary at each and every meeting of the shareholders of the Company called and at any adjournment or postponement thereof and in any other circumstances upon which a vote, consent or other approval, solely in its capacity as a shareholder of the Company is sought (“ Corporate Action ”). For the avoidance of doubt, this Agreement shall not (i) provide for or vest any other rights to the Subject Shares in the Beneficiary whether in relation to right of transfer, dividends or return of capital and (ii) apply to any Corporate Action taken prior to the completion of the Company’s IPO.

1.2 Contemporaneous with the signing of this Agreement, the Company Shareholder shall execute the proxy of favor of the Beneficiary in the form set out in Schedule I hereto, which proxy shall be irrevocable so long as this Agreement remains in effect.

1.3 The Company Shareholder represents that any proxies heretofore given in respect of the Subject Shares held by it is revocable, and that any such proxies are hereby revoked or will be revoked by appropriate notice (or other instrument) prior to or concurrently with the execution and delivery of this Agreement.

 

- 1 -


ARTICLE II

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

OF THE COMPANY SHAREHOLDERS

The Company Shareholder hereby represents and warrants to the Beneficiary as follows as of the date hereof and as of the closing date of the IPO:

2.1 Ownership of Subject Shares . On the date hereof, the Company Shareholder owns, directly or indirectly, the Company Shareholder Shares. The Company Shareholder has sole voting power and sole power to issue instructions with respect to the Company Shareholder Shares.

2.2 Power; Binding Agreement . The Company Shareholder has all requisite power and authority to enter into and perform all of its obligations under this Agreement. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Company Shareholder shall not violate any agreement to which the Company Shareholder is, separately or jointly, a party, including, without limitation, any voting agreement, proxy arrangement, pledge agreement, shareholders agreement, voting trust or trust agreement. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by the Company Shareholder, and constitutes a legally valid and binding obligation of the Company Shareholder, enforceable against the Company Shareholder in accordance with its terms, except as may be limited by (a) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws relating to or limiting creditors’ rights generally, or (b) general principles of equity relating to enforceability, whether considered in a proceeding at law or in equity. There is no beneficiary or holder of a voting trust certificate or other interest of any trust of which the Company Shareholder is a trustee whose consent is required for the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the compliance by the Company Shareholder with the terms hereof.

2.3 No Conflicts . Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company Shareholder nor the compliance by the Company Shareholder with any of the provisions hereof shall (a) conflict with or violate any agreement, law, rule, regulation, order, judgment or decision or other instrument binding upon the Company Shareholder or any of the Company Shareholder’s individual or collective properties or assets, nor require any consent, notification, regulatory filing or approval which has not been obtained, (b) result in any violation or breach of, or constitute (with or without due notice or lapse of time or both) a default (or give to any third party a right of termination, cancellation, material modification or acceleration) under any of the terms, conditions or provisions of any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, contract, agreement, lease, license, permit, franchise or other instrument or obligation to which the Company Shareholder is a party or by which the Company Shareholder or any of its properties or assets may be bound or affected, or (c) if the Company Shareholder is other than a natural person, conflict with, or result in any breach of, any organizational documents applicable to the Company Shareholder.

ARTICLE III

3.1 The obligations of the Company Shareholder under this Agreement and the representations, warranties, covenants and agreements of the Company Shareholder contained herein or granted pursuant hereto shall automatically terminate upon the earlier to occur of (i) the Beneficiary ceasing to hold the office of chief executive officer of the Company, (ii) any transfer of all of the Subject Shares by the Company Shareholder to a person who is not an

 

- 2 -


Affiliate of the Company Shareholder, or (iii) upon one month notice in writing by the Company Shareholder to the Company.

3.2 For the purposes of this Article III, an “ Affiliate ” means (i) in the case of a natural person, such person’s parents, parents-in-law, spouse, children or grandchildren, a trust for the benefit of any of the foregoing, a company, partnership or any natural person or entity wholly or majority owned by the foregoing, (ii) in the case of an entity, a partnership, a corporation or any natural person or entity which directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such entity. The term “ majority owned ” or “ control ” shall mean the ownership, directly or indirectly, of shares possessing more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting power of the corporation, or the partnership or other entity (other than, in the case of corporation, share having such power only be reason of the happening of a contingency), or having the power to control the management or elect a majority of members to the board of directors or equivalent decision-making body of such corporation, partnership or other entity.

ARTICLE IV

4.1 Except to the extent stated herein, this Agreement shall not prejudice any right or related benefit of the Company Shareholder to hold or otherwise dispose of the Subject Shares. The Company Shareholder shall have the right, at any time, to dispose the Subject Shares either privately or publicly. Subject to Section 4.2 of this Agreement, upon application or request by the Company Shareholder to Citibank, N.A., the depositary (the “ Depositary ”) of the Company’s American Depositary Receipt facility for the IPO (the “ Depositary Facility ”), to deposit any of its Shares into the Depositary Facility, such Shares shall cease to constitute Subject Shares for purposes of this Agreement without any further action required by either party; provided, however that if such Shares are not deposited in the Depositary Facility, or are deposited in the Depositary Facility and subsequently withdrawn by the Company Shareholder without having been sold or transferred, they shall again constitute Subject Shares subject to the terms of this Agreement.

4.2 The Company Shareholder shall not transfer any of the Subject Shares to an Affiliate unless the Affiliate has signed a deed of adherence to this Agreement and thereby agrees to the Subject Shares transferred to him being voted in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, 25% of the Shares received by such Affiliate shall be voted in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. The Company Shareholder (i) shall promptly notify the Beneficiary of any transfer of Subject Shares, (ii) shall cooperate and deliver to the Beneficiary promptly upon his request details regarding Company Shareholder’s ownership of the Subject Shares (including such details as are necessary to make all filings as may be required by the U.S. securities laws), (iii) agrees that the Beneficiary may make such filings as may be required under U.S. securities law as may be required (iv) shall take such further actions and execute such documents or instruments as the Beneficiary may reasonably request in connection with the foregoing and the purposes and intentions of this Agreement and (v) shall deposit Company Shareholder Shares with Citibank, N.A., the depositary of the Company’s American Depositary Receipt facility (the “ Depositary Facility ”) established for the IPO, only when the Company Shareholder has a good-faith intention to sell such Company

 

- 3 -


Shareholder Shares and shall promptly withdraw such Company Shareholder Shares from the Depositary Facility if the intended sale does not occur after deposit of such shares into Depositary Facility. For the avoidance of doubt, any Transferee of the Subject Shares other than an Affiliate shall be free from any obligation of this Agreement. With respect to a Transfer to a non Affiliate party, the Beneficiary shall (i) cooperate with the Company Shareholder to effectuate such Transfer and promptly make such filings as may be required under U.S. securities law or any other applicable laws, and (ii) shall promptly take such further actions and execute such documents or instruments as the Company Shareholder may reasonably request to release the Subject Shares to be Transferred from the obligations of this Agreement.

ARTICLE V

MISCELLANEOUS

5.1 Specific Performance . Each party hereto recognizes and agrees that, if for any reason any of the provisions of this Agreement are not performed by the other parties in accordance with their specific terms or are otherwise breached, immediate and irreparable harm or injury would be caused to the non-breaching parties for which money damages would not be an adequate remedy. Accordingly, the parties agree that, in addition to any other available remedies, the non-breaching parties shall be entitled to an injunction restraining any violation or threatened violation of the provisions of this Agreement without the necessity of the non-breaching parties posting a bond or other form of security. In the event that any action should be brought in equity to enforce the provisions of this Agreement, the breaching party will not allege, and the breaching party hereby waives the defense, that there is an adequate remedy at law.

5.2 Beneficiary’s Duties and Indemnity . In voting the Subject Shares, either in person or by proxy, the Beneficiary shall act in good faith and in conformity with applicable law, regulation, organizational documents of the Company. The Beneficiary will indemnify and hold harmless, to the maximum extent permitted by law, the Company Shareholder, its directors and its officers against any loss, claim, damage or liability to which the Company Shareholder may become subject to the extent that such loss, claim, damage or liability arising from or related to the execution, delivery and performance of the transactions contemplated herein.

5.3 Severability . Any term or provision of this Agreement which is invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction by any rule or law or public policy shall, as to that jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability without rendering invalid, illegal or unenforceable the remaining terms and provisions of this Agreement or affecting the validity, legality or enforceability of any of the terms or provisions of this Agreement in any other jurisdiction. Without limiting the foregoing, upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or unenforceable, 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 to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law in an acceptable manner to the end that the transactions contemplated hereby are fulfilled to the fullest extent possible.

5.4 Entire Agreement; Amendments . This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of the parties and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, both written

 

- 4 -


and oral, among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement may not be amended except by an instrument in writing signed by each of the parties against whom such amendment is sought to be enforced.

5.5 Assignment . Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests or obligations under this Agreement shall be assigned, in whole or in part, by operation of law or otherwise by the Beneficiary without the prior written consent of the Company Shareholder. 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.

5.6 Headings . 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.

5.7 Notices . All notices, requests, claims, demands and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed given if delivered personally, sent by express courier (providing proof of delivery) or communicated by confirmed facsimile to the parties at the following addresses (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified by like notice):

(a) if to the Company Shareholder, to,

SB Asia Investment Fund II L.P., c/o M&C Corporate Services Limited

PO Box 309GT

Ugland House, South Church Street

George Town, Grand Cayman

Cayman Islands

Copies to:

SAIF HK, Attention: Xue Jun Xie/ Lynda Lau

Suites 2115-2118, Two Pacific Place, 88 Queensway,

Hong Kong

(b) if to the Beneficiary, to:

3/F, Enji Building,

No. 130 Liangjiadian,

Haidian District, Beijing 100036

5.8 Governing Law; Consent to Jurisdiction . This Agreement shall be constructed and interpreted in accordance with, and the respective rights and obligations of the parties shall be governed by, the laws of the Cayman Islands, and each party hereby irrevocably and unconditionally submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the Hong Kong International Arbitration Center.

5.9 Counterparts; Effectiveness . This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement and shall become

 

- 5 -


effective when one or more counterparts have been signed by each of the parties and delivered to the other parties.

5.10 Expenses . The Beneficiary shall reimburse the Company Shareholder for any reasonable costs, expenses and fees with respect to the negotiation, execution, delivery and performance of the transactions contemplated herein.

[Signature page follows.]

 

- 6 -


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused this Agreement to be duly executed as a deed as of the date first written above.

 

EXECUTED AS A DEED AND DELIVERED BY

   )      

JAMES YUJUN HU

   )      
     )           

/s/ James Yujun Hu

  

in the presence of:

   )      

Witness Name:

 

 

   )      

Address:

 

 

   )      
 

 

   )      
 

 

   )      
EXECUTED AS A DEED AND DELIVERED BY    )          
SB Asia Investment Fund II L.P.    )   

/s/ Andrew Y. Yan

  
        Authorised Signatory   
in the presence of:    )      
Witness Name:  

 

   )      
Address:  

 

   )      
 

 

   )      
 

 

   )      

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO VOTING AGREEMENT]

 


SCHEDULE I

FORM OF COMPANY SHAREHOLDERS PROXY

We, each being a holder (a “Company Shareholder”) of shares of US$0.01 each in the share capital of Acorn International, Inc., a Cayman Islands exempted company (the “Company”), hereby appoint James Yujun Hu (the “Proxy Holder”) the true and lawful attorney and proxy of us for and in our name, place and stead to attend all meetings of the shareholders of the Company and to vote in respect of twenty-five percent of the total number of registered shares of US$0.01 each in the capital of the Company at the time standing in our name and to exercise all consensual rights in respect of such shares (including without limitation giving or withholding written consents of shareholders and calling special general meetings of shareholders) in accordance with the terms of a voting agreement dated                      , 2007 between us and the Proxy Holder and referred to therein (the “Voting Agreement”).

The authority vested in this proxy shall terminate upon the termination of the Voting Agreement in accordance with Article III of the Voting Agreement.

We hereby affirm that this proxy is given pursuant to Article 1.2 of the Voting Agreement. THIS PROXY IS COUPLED WITH AN INTEREST AND IS IRREVOCABLE, BUT SUCH PROXY SHALL BE IRREVOCABLE ONLY SO LONG AS THE VOTING AGREEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT.

We hereby ratify and confirm and undertake to ratify and confirm all that the Proxy Holder may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof provided that such action is in accordance with the Voting Agreement.

If at any time this proxy shall or for any reason be ineffective or unenforceable, we shall execute a replacement instrument which provides the Proxy Holder with substantially rights as contemplated herein. This irrevocable proxy shall be governed by the laws of the Cayman Islands and the Company Shareholder irrevocably submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the Cayman Islands in relation to the matters contained herein.

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO VOTING AGREEMENT]


EXECUTED AS A DEED AND DELIVERED BY    )           
SB Asia Investment Fund II L.P.    )   

 

in the presence of:    )    Authorised Signatory
Witness Name:  

 

   )   
Address:  

 

   )   
 

 

   )   
 

 

   )   

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO VOTING AGREEMENT]

Exhibit 10.27

CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS BEEN REQUESTED FOR THE REDACTED PORTIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT AND THE SUPPLEMENTARY AGREEMENT WHICH FOLLOWS, WHICH REDACTED PORTIONS ARE DENOTED BY [****]. A COMPLETE COPY OF THIS AGREEMENT AND THE SUPPLEMENTARY AGREEMENT, INCLUDING THE REDACTED PORTIONS, HAS BEEN FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.

Year 2007 Unicom Huasheng - Acorn International Strategic Cooperation Agreement

(January 1, 2007 to March 4, 2007)

Contract No.: PPSY-BD-070108

Party A:        Unicom Huasheng Telecommunication Technology Co., Ltd.

Party B:        Shanghai Acorn Advertising Broadcasting Co., Ltd.

Based on their recognition of the concept of common market and upon friendly negotiation, Party A and Party B hereby determine to carry out a joint promotion for the sale of Party A’s products; in accordance with the Advertisement Administration Regulations of the State Council and relevant provisions, Party A will make advertisement at Party B’s media advertising time as a starting point; based on equality, free will and mutual negotiation, Party A and Party B agree as follows for their mutual compliance:

 

1.

Method of Cooperation and Advertising

 

1.1

Contents of Advertisement

 

Name of cooperator:

  

Unicom Huasheng Telecommunication Technology Co., Ltd.

Name of product:

  

Advertisement of “Healthy Network C, Free Mobile Phone” and “Dual Networks and Dual Numbers Available”

Duration:

  

nine weeks from January 1, 2007 to March 4, 2007;

 

1.2

Party B’s phone number will be publicized before the end of the advertisement for telephone shopping of such product at such region as designated by Party A; in order to keep the consistency of Party A’s image, no trade name of Party B will come out in the course of advertisement and telephone shopping and only the trade names of Unicom and Unicom Huasheng will appear; Party A will grant Party B an authorization from Party A and Party A’s higher company to make advertisement;

 

1.3

Products to be sold, settlement method and designated sales region will be otherwise agreed to by the parties;

 

1.4

Media, length, time, number of days and price of advertisement

 

Media:

  

as set forth in Appendix 1

Length:

  

five minutes

Number of days: nine weeks (63 days)

Including:

one week from January 1 to January 7, daily amount of RMB[****], and RMB[****] in total;

one week from January 8 to January 14, daily amount of RMB[****] and RMB[****] in total;

four weeks from January 15 to February 11, daily amount of RMB[****] and RMB[****] in total;

three weeks from February 12 to March 4, daily amount of RMB[****] and RMB[****] in total;

Time:            as set forth in Appendix 1

The total advertising fee is RMB[****] yuan

 

1


1.5

This media advertising plan will be implemented on a weekly basis under the general contract and the advertisement may be placed everyday for different number of times; advertisement placed every week will be based on the weekly media schedule provided by Party B three days before the placement;

 

1.6

In case of any delay in the placement of advertisement due to review by each TV station of the advertisement and periodicity of placement, Party B may postpone the placement provided that the total amount of placing time is not affected;

 

1.7

Provision of demo video tapes: Party A shall provide Party B with the video tapes and placement schedule seven working days before the proposed date of placement.

 

2.

Contract Price and Method of Payment:

 

2.1

The total advertising fee payable hereunder is RMB[****] (all taxes inclusive).

 

2.2

Method of payment: Party A shall prepay to Party B 60% of the total contract price, i.e., RMB[****], before January 15, 2007; after the end of the entire placement, Party B shall provide Party A with an analysis of the advertising effect. Party A shall pay to Party B the remaining advertising fee in an amount of RMB[****] within seven working days from Party B’s provision of a monitoring report from a third party (CCTV or Nielsen);

 

2.3

Party A shall make payment by bank remittance to a bank account designated by Party B. Party A and Party B shall settle the payment within ten working days from the end of placement for the first four weeks and the next five weeks respectively and based no the actual situation of media broadcasting. Any overcharge in the advertising fee will be returned and shortage will be made up. Party B shall issue a specific invoice for advertisement placement at the time of settlement.

 

2.4

 

    Party B’s account name:

  

Shanghai Acorn Advertising Broadcasting Co., Ltd.

 

    Bank:

  

Bank of Communications, Caohejing Sub-branch

 

    Account No:

  

310066632-018004663524

 

2.5

Party B shall promptly give Party A a formal written notice of any change in its account number and be liable for any losses incurred therefrom.

 

3.

Party A’s Rights and Obligations

 

3.1

During the contract term, Party A has the right to require Party B to place advertisement designated by Party A at such channel and time as provided herein;

 

3.2

Party B shall not use in whatever form the contents of advertisement provided by Party A for any commercial purpose without Party A’s written consent. Party A exclusively owns the copyright of the video tapes provided to Party B, whether or not Party B has made any amendment or deletion;

 

2


3.3

The video tapes (demos) provided by Party A shall meet the technical standards required for placing advertisement. The contents (including words and pictures) of the advertisement shall be sound and comply with laws and regulations of the State and just customs;

 

3.4

Party A shall notify Party B of the placement schedule seven working days in advance;

 

3.5

Party A shall ensure that its advertisement will not infringe the copyright, portraiture right or any other right of a third party;

 

3.6

Party A shall pay to Party B the advertising fee hereunder in such a manner and at such time as provided herein;

 

3.7

Upon the expiration of the cooperation term, priority shall be given to Party A for the purchase of relevant advertising time hereunder. The parties shall negotiate their cooperation issues following the expiration of the contract term within three weeks before the end of the contract term.

 

4.

Party B’s Rights and Obligations

 

4.1

Party B has the right to review the video tapes (demos) submitted by Party A. If Party B considers that any contents of the advertisement is in violation of any law or regulation of the State or just customs, it shall promptly notify Party A thereof and require amendment to be made. If Party B has not raised any objection within [illegible] days after Party A has submitted the video tapes (demos) to Party B, Party B shall be deemed to have accepted the contents of the advertisement;

 

4.2

Party B shall undertake to place Party A’s advertisement at such channel and time as provided herein. The contents of the advertisement shall be consistent with those of the video tapes (demos). Party B shall not make any amendment or deletion without Party A’s written consent;

 

4.3

Party B shall place the program at such channel and time as agreed to between the parties (any delayed or earlier placement within 30 minutes will be deemed as normal). Any delayed or earlier placement within 60 minutes due to important programs or special publicity activities will also be deemed as normal, provided that Party B shall present a formal written notice issued by the TV station, in which circumstance, no compensation may be made. In case of a wrong or missed placement due to reasons attributable to Party B, Party B shall make compensation based on the principle of one additional placement for each wrong or missed one. All deductions and additional placement provided for above shall be done during the term hereof;

 

4.4

If any failure to place Party A’s advertisement is due to program adjustment of the TV station/channel or occurrence of serious political event, Party B shall give Party A a formal written notice either three working days before the proposed placement or within three working days after the proposed placement and arrange another placement at nearby time period;

 

3


4.5

Party B shall submit to Party A a placement schedule for the following week and a placement report for the previous week before each Thursday;

 

4.6

Party B has the right to require Party A to make full and timely payment of the advertising fee. If Party A fails to pay to Party B the advertising fee in a full and timely manner, Party B has the right to suspend the placement from the first date of the following calender week;

 

4.7

During the contract term, Party B may not require any increase in the advertising fee or adjustment to the advertising time periods for whatever reason without Party A’s written consent.

 

5.

Termination of this Agreement

 

5.1

Party A has the right to terminate this Agreement unilaterally if:

 

 

(1)

Party B fails to place Party A’s advertisement as required by Party A; or

 

 

(2)

Party B makes unauthorized deletion or amendment to Party A’s advertisement without Party A’s written consent.

 

5.2

Party B has the right to terminate this Agreement unilaterally if:

 

 

(1)

the contents of Party A’s advertisement are in violation of any law or regulation of the State and Party A refuses to make rectification as required by Party B; or

 

 

(2)

Party A fails to pay the advertising fee in a full and timely manner and such failure continues after Party B requires rectification.

 

5.3

Either party shall give the other a five-working-day prior written notice if it intends to terminate this Agreement.

 

5.4

Except for the above circumstances, each party shall strictly perform this Agreement and neither of them may terminate this Agreement unilaterally.

 

6.

Liability for Breach of Contract

 

6.1

Party A shall assume legal liabilities for any violation of laws or administrative regulations of the State by its advertisement;

 

6.2

Party B shall pay to Party A 1% of the total contract price of the then current month as liquidated damages in case of a wrong or missed placement of Party A’s advertisement by Party B and Party B’s refusal to make compensation as provided in Article 4.3 hereof;

 

4


6.3

If Party A delays its payment of the advertising fee without Party B’s consent, it shall pay to Party B 1% of the amount payable for every day in delay as liquidated damages;

 

6.4

In case of any other breach by either party, it shall compensate the other against any losses the other may incur therefrom.

 

7.

Dispute Resolution

Dispute arising from the performance of this Agreement shall be settled through negotiation between the parties. If no settlement could be reached, a lawsuit may be brought to the People’s Court at the place where the plaintiff is located.

 

8.

Effectiveness of this Agreement and Others

 

1.

This Agreement shall take effect after it is signed and affixed seals by the parties;

 

2.

The body text of this Agreement and Appendix 1 shall constitute the entire agreement;

 

3.

This Agreement shall be made in four counterparts and each party shall hold two of them with the same legal effect;

 

4.

None of the parties may disclose the contents of this Agreement to a third party without the consent of both parties, except that such disclosure is required by laws and regulations or a securities regulatory authority, accounting firm, auditing firm or law firm;

 

5.

Anything uncovered hereunder shall be settled between Party A and Party B through negotiation with a supplementary agreement to be entered into.

 

Party A:

  

Unicom Huasheng Telecommunication Technology Co., Ltd. (Seal)

  

Address:

  

Authorized Representative:                                 

  

Date: January 24, 2007

Party B:

  

Shanghai Acorn Advertising Broadcasting Co., Ltd. (Seal)

  

Address: 12/F Xinyin Tower, 888 Yishan Road, Shanghai

  

Authorized Representative:                                 

  

Date: January 10, 2007

 

5


Summary of First Quarter Advertisement Placement Plan of China Unicom

 

Date

  

Week

   Actual Number of
Days
   Average Daily Amount    Total Media Amount

January 1 to January 7

   One week    7    RMB [****]    RMB [****]

January 8 to January 14

   One week    7    RMB [****]    RMB [****]

January 15 to February 11

   Four weeks    28    RMB [****]    RMB [****]

February 12 to March 4

   Three weeks    21    RMB [****]    RMB [****]
               

        January to February Unicom Advertisement Placement In Total:

   RMB [****]
               


Media Placement Plan (January 1, 2007 - January 8, 2007, One Week)

 

No.

  

Media

  

Air Time/Length

  

Week

  

Broadcasting
Content

   Weekly Air
Time Length
   Unit Media
Price
   Weekly Media Cost

1

  

CCTV-7

   11:35    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 5    35    [****]    [****]

2

  

CCTV-7

   0:58-1:53    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 5    35    [****]    [****]

3

  

CCTV-11

   12:05    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 5    35    [****]    [****]

4

  

CCTV-11

   16:00    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 5    35    [****]    [****]

5

  

CCTV-11

   22:50    1/2/5/6/7/    C2 5    25    [****]    [****]

6

  

CCTV-11

   23:55    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 5    35    [****]    [****]

7

  

CCTV-11

   12:00–20:00    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C1 1    70    [****]    [****]

8

  

CCTV-Children Channel

   16:30–23:00    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C1 1    42    [****]    [****]

9

  

Phoenixtv Satellite (Film)

   11:50    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 5    35    [****]    [****]

10

  

Phoenixtv Satellite (Film)

   20:45    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 5    35    [****]    [****]

11

  

Phoenixtv Satellite (Film)

   22:40    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 5    35    [****]    [****]

12

  

Phoenixtv Satellite (Film)

   0:45    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 5    35    [****]    [****]

13

  

Xingkong Satellite TV

   16:20    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 5    35    [****]    [****]

14

  

CHANNEL V

   17:20    1/2/3/4/5/    C2 5    25    [****]    [****]

15

  

Hunan Satellite TV

   15:30    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 4    35    [****]    [****]

16

  

Hunan Satellite TV

   2:10    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 5    35    [****]    [****]

17

  

Liaoning Satellite TV

   12:00    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 5    35    [****]    [****]

18

  

Liaoning Satellite TV

   16:00    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 5    35    [****]    [****]

19

  

Shandong Satellite TV

   14:36    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 4    35    [****]    [****]

20

  

Chongqing Satellite TV

   16:52    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 5    35    [****]    [****]

21

  

Guangxi Satellite TV

   7:40    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 5    35    [****]    [****]

22

  

Jiangxi Satellite TV

   9:50    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 5    35    [****]    [****]

23

  

Jiangxi Satellite TV

   14:22    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 5    35    [****]    [****]

24

  

Guangdong Satellite TV

   17:00    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 5    35    [****]    [****]

25

  

Heilongjiang Satellite TV

   12:50    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 5    35    [****]    [****]

26

  

Hebei Satellite TV

   16:25    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 5    35    [****]    [****]

27

  

Travel Satellite TV

   16:35    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 5    35    [****]    [****]

28

  

Xinjiang Satellite TV

   18:30    1/3/4/5/6/7    C2 5    30    [****]    [****]

29

  

Shenzen Satellite TV

   7:15    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 5    35    [****]    [****]

30

  

Xizang Satellite TV

   22:50    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 5    35    [****]    [****]
                        
  

        Total:

            1067       [****]
                        


Media Placement Plan (January 8, 2007 - January 14, 2007, One Week)

 

No.

  

Media

  

Air Time/Length

  

Week

  

Broadcasting
Content

   Weekly Air Time
Length
   Unit Media
Price
  

Weekly Media

Cost

1

  

CCTV-7

   11:35    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 5    35    [****]    [****]

3

  

CCTV-11

   12:05    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 5    35    [****]    [****]

4

  

CCTV-11

   16:00    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 5    35    [****]    [****]

5

  

CCTV-11

   22:50    1/2/5/6/7/    C2 5    25    [****]    [****]

6

  

CCTV-11

   23:55    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 5    35    [****]    [****]

7

  

CCTV-11

   12:00–20:00    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C1 1    70    [****]    [****]

8

  

CCTV-Children Channel

   16:30–23:00    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C1 1    42    [****]    [****]

9

  

Phoenixtv Satellite (Film)

   11:50    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 5    35    [****]    [****]

10

  

Phoenixtv Satellite (Film)

   20:45    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 5    35    [****]    [****]

11

  

Phoenixtv Satellite (Film)

   22:40    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 5    35    [****]    [****]

12

  

Phoenixtv Satellite (Film)

   0:45    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 5    35    [****]    [****]

13

  

Xingkong Satellite TV

   16:20    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 5    35    [****]    [****]

14

  

CHANNEL V

   17:20    1/2/3/4/5/    C2 5    25    [****]    [****]

15

  

Hunan Satellite TV

   15:30    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 4    35    [****]    [****]

17

  

Liaoning Satellite TV

   12:00    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 5    35    [****]    [****]

18

  

Liaoning Satellite TV

   16:00    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 5    35    [****]    [****]

19

  

Shandong Satellite TV

   14:36    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 4    35    [****]    [****]

20

  

Chongqing Satellite TV

   16:52    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 5    35    [****]    [****]

22

  

Jiangxi Satellite TV

   9:50    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 5    35    [****]    [****]

23

  

Jiangxi Satellite TV

   14:22    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 5    35    [****]    [****]

24

  

Guangdong Satellite TV

   17:00    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 5    35    [****]    [****]

25

  

Heilongjiang Satellite TV

   12:50    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 5    35    [****]    [****]

26

  

Hebei Satellite TV

   16:25    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 5    35    [****]    [****]

27

  

Travel Satellite TV

   16:35    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 5    35    [****]    [****]

28

  

Xinjiang Satellite TV

   18:30    1/3/4/5/6/7    C2 5    30    [****]    [****]

30

  

Xizang Satellite TV

   22:50    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 5    35    [****]    [****]
                        
  

        Total

   927       [****]
                        


Media Placement Plan (January 15, 2007 - February 11, 2007, Four Weeks)

 

No.

  

Media

   Air Time/Length    Week    Broadcasting
Content
   Weekly Air Time
Length
   Unit Media
Price
  

Weekly Media

Cost

1

  

CCTV-7

   11:35    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 5    35    [****]    [****]

2

  

CCTV-11

   12:05    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 5    35    [****]    [****]

3

  

CCTV-11

   16:00    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C1 5    35    [****]    [****]

4

  

CCTV-11

   22:50    1/2/5/6/7/    C2 5    25    [****]    [****]

6

  

CCTV-11

   12:00–20:00    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C1 1    70    [****]    [****]

7

  

CCTV-Children Channel

   16:30–23:00    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C1 1    70    [****]    [****]

8

  

Phoenixtv Satellite (Film)

   11:50    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 5    35    [****]    [****]

9

  

Phoenixtv Satellite (Film)

   20:45    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C1 5    35    [****]    [****]

10

  

Phoenixtv Satellite (Film)

   22:40    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 5    35    [****]    [****]

11

  

Phoenixtv Satellite (Film)

   0:45    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C1 5    35    [****]    [****]

12

  

Xingkong Satellite TV

   16:20    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 5    35    [****]    [****]

13

  

CHANNEL V

   17:20    1/2/3/4/5/    C2 5    25    [****]    [****]

14

  

Hunan Satellite TV

   15:30    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 4    35    [****]    [****]

15

  

Liaoning Satellite TV

   12:00    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C1 4+C2 1    35    [****]    [****]

16

  

Liaoning Satellite TV

   17:00    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C1 4+C2 1    35    [****]    [****]

17

  

Shandong Satellite TV

   0:00    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 4+C1 1    35    [****]    [****]

18

  

Henan Satellite TV

   12:25    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 4+C1 1    35    [****]    [****]

19

  

Chongqing Satellite TV

   16:52    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 4+C1 1    35    [****]    [****]

20

  

Sichuan Satellite TV

   12:30    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 4+C1 1    35    [****]    [****]

22

  

Guangdong Satellite TV

   17:00    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 4+C1 1    35    [****]    [****]

23

  

Heilongjiang Satellite TV

   12:50    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 4+C1 1    35    [****]    [****]

24

  

Hebei Satellite TV

   10:30    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 4+C1 1    35    [****]    [****]

25

  

Hebei Satellite TV

   16:25    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C1 4+C2 1    35    [****]    [****]

26

  

Travel Satellite TV

   16:35    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 5    35    [****]    [****]

27

  

Xinjiang Satellite TV

   11:05    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C1 4+C2 1    35    [****]    [****]

28

  

Xinjiang Satellite TV

   16:15    1/3/4/5/6/7    C2 4+C1 1    30    [****]    [****]

29

  

Xinjiang Satellite TV

   18:30    1/3/4/5/6/7    C1 4+C2 1    30    [****]    [****]

30

  

Xizang Satellite TV

   22:50    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 4+C1 1    35    [****]    [****]
                        
  

        Total

            1020       [****]
                        


Media Placement Plan (February 12, 2007 - March 04, 2007, Three Weeks)

 

No.

  

Media

  

Air Time/Length

  

Week

  

Broadcasting
Content

  

Weekly Air Time

Length

   Unit Media
Price
   Weekly Media
Cost

1

  

CCTV-6

   12:00    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 5    35    [****]    [****]

2

  

CCTV-7

   11:35    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C1 5    35    [****]    [****]

3

  

CCTV-8

   18:00    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 4    28    [****]    [****]

4

  

CCTV-7

   23:07    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 4    28    [****]    [****]

5

  

CCTV-11

   10:40    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C1 5    35    [****]    [****]

6

  

CCTV-11

   12:05    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 5    35    [****]    [****]

7

  

CCTV-11

   16:00    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C1 5    35    [****]    [****]

8

  

CCTV-11

   22:50    1/2/5/6/7/    C2 5    25    [****]    [****]

9

  

CCTV-11

   23:55    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C1 5    35    [****]    [****]

10

  

CCTV-11

   12:00–20:00    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C1 1    105    [****]    [****]

11

  

CCTV-Children Channel

   16:30–23:00    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C1 1    70    [****]    [****]

12

  

Phoenixtv Satellite (Film)

   9:50    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 5    35    [****]    [****]

13

  

Phoenixtv Satellite (Film)

   13:20    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C1 5    35    [****]    [****]

14

  

Phoenixtv Satellite (Film)

   11:50    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 5    35    [****]    [****]

15

  

Phoenixtv Satellite (Film)

   20:45    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C1 5    35    [****]    [****]

16

  

Phoenixtv Satellite (Film)

   22:40    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 5    35    [****]    [****]

17

  

Phoenixtv Satellite (Film)

   0:45    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C1 5    35    [****]    [****]

18

  

Xingkong Satellite TV

   16:20    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 5    35    [****]    [****]

19

  

CHANNEL V

   17:20    1/2/3/4/5/    C2 5    25    [****]    [****]

20

  

Hunan Satellite TV

   15:30    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 4    28    [****]    [****]

21

  

Liaoning Satellite TV

   12:00    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 4+C1 1    35    [****]    [****]

22

  

Liaoning Satellite TV

   16:00    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C1 4+C2 1    35    [****]    [****]

23

  

Liaoning Satellite TV

   17:00    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 4+C1 1    35    [****]    [****]

24

  

Shandong Satellite TV

   0:00    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 4+C1 1    35    [****]    [****]

25

  

Henan Satellite TV

   12:25    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 4+C1 1    35    [****]    [****]

26

  

Zhejiang Satellite TV

   7:25    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C1 4+C2 1    35    [****]    [****]

27

  

Zhejiang Satellite TV

   12:55    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 4+C1 1    35    [****]    [****]

28

  

Dragon TV

   8:55    1/2/3/4/5/    C2 5    25    [****]    [****]

29

  

Dragon TV

   16:56    1/2/3/4/5/    C2 4    20    [****]    [****]

30

  

Sichuan Satellite TV

   16:11    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C1 4+C2 1    35    [****]    [****]

31

  

Sichuan Satellite TV

   12:30    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 4+C1 1    35    [****]    [****]

32

  

Jiangxi Satellite TV

   14:22    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 5+C1 5    70    [****]    [****]

33

  

Guangdong Satellite TV

   17:00    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 4+C1 1    35    [****]    [****]

34

  

Shenzhen Satellite TV

   15:00    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 4+C1 1    35    [****]    [****]

35

  

Heilongjiang Satellite TV

   12:50    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C1 4+C2 1    35    [****]    [****]

36

  

Heilongjiang Satellite TV

   23:50    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C1 4+C2 1    35    [****]    [****]

37

  

Hebei Satellite TV

   16:25    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 5+C1 5    70    [****]    [****]

38

  

Tourism Satellite TV

   11:15    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 5    35    [****]    [****]

39

  

Tourism Satellite TV

   13:15    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 5    35    [****]    [****]

40

  

Tourism Satellite TV

   16:35    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 5+C1 5    70    [****]    [****]

41

  

Shandong Education Satellite TV

   23:20    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 4+C1 1    35    [****]    [****]

42

  

Qinghai Satellite TV

   12:30    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 4+C1 1    35    [****]    [****]

43

  

Qinghai Satellite TV

   23:35    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 5+C1 5    70    [****]    [****]

44

  

Ningxia Satellite TV

   13:10    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C1 4+C2 1    35    [****]    [****]

45

  

Ningxia Satellite TV

   17:46    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 4+C1 1    35    [****]    [****]

46

  

Xinjiang Satellite TV

   11:05    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 4+C1 1    35    [****]    [****]

47

  

Xinjiang Satellite TV

   16:15    1/3/4/5/6/7    C1 4+C2 1    30    [****]    [****]

48

  

Xinjiang Satellite TV

   18:30    1/3/4/5/6/7    C2 4+C1 1    30    [****]    [****]

49

  

Xizang Satellite TV

   21:30    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 4+C1 1    35    [****]    [****]

50

  

Xizang Satellite TV

   22:50    1/2/3/4/5/6/7    C2 4+C1 1    35    [****]    [****]
                        
  

        Total

            1919       [****]
                        


Supplementary Agreement (I)

To Year 2007 Unicom Huasheng - Acorn International Strategic Cooperation Agreement

Between Unicon Huasheng and Acorn International

Contract No.: PPSY-BD-070208

Party A:     Unicon Huasheng Telecommunication Technology Co., Ltd.

Party B:     Shanghai Acorn Advertising Broadcasting Co., Ltd.

Pursuant to the Year 2007 Unicom Huasheng - Acorn International Strategic Cooperation Agreement between Party A and Party B (contract no.: PPSY-BD-070108, hereinafter referred to as the “ Original Agreement ”), the Parties have done some publicity work with respect to their joint promotion of Party A’s products. In view of the market situation at present, after friendly consultation in the spirit of cooperation, the Parties agree to comply with the following amendments to the Original Agreement:

I. Amendment Regarding Media Advertising:

1. Clause 4 of Article 1 in the Original Agreement, which states that “…three weeks from February 12 to March 4, daily amount of RMB[****] and RMB[****] in total” shall be modified and shall read as follows: “…in the three weeks from February 12 to March 4, the weekly advertising time shall be 3,125 minutes, and the weekly advertising fee shall be RMB[****], totaling [****];

2. The amended weekly media advertising plan is attached to this Supplementary Agreement.

3. In consideration of the increase in advertising time, Party A shall pay to Party B an advertising fee of RMB[****] in addition to the original advertising fee under the Original Agreement.

II. Method of Payment and Invoice

1. Method of Payment. Payments shall be paid in advance. This is to say that Party B shall invoice Party A prior to February 12, 2007, and Party A shall pay the advertising fee of [****] in full by wiring the money to the following account designated by Party B:

 

Party B’s account name:

 

        Shanghai Acorn Advertising Broadcasting Co., Ltd.

Bank:

 

        Bank of Communications, Caohejing Sub-branch

Account No:

 

        310066632-018004663524

–  Page 1 of 2  –


2. Party B shall promptly advise Party A in writing of any change of Party B’s account number. Any loss resulting therefrom shall be borne by Party B.

III. Effectiveness and Other Provisions

1. This agreement shall enter into effect after the Parties have signed their names on or affixed their seals to it. This Agreement shall have four counterparts of equal legal effect and each party shall hold two of them.

2. The main body of this agreement, as well as its attachment, supplement the Original Agreement between the Parties and they form an entire and complete document together with the Original Agreement.

3. Without the consent of both Parties, neither shall disclose the contents of this Agreement to any third party, except when required to do so by relevant laws, the relevant tax authorities, administrations for industry and commerce, and securities regulatory authorities, or the relevant auditing firms, law firms, or accounting firms.

4. In the event of any conflict between this Agreement and the Original Agreement, this Supplementary Agreement shall prevail. Matters not covered herein shall be governed by the Original Agreement.

Party A: Unicom Huasheng Telecommunication Technology Co., Ltd. (Seal)

 

Address:

 

Authorized Representative:

 

                                                                         

Date:

 

Party B: Shanghai Acorn Advertising Broadcasting Co., Ltd. (Seal)

Address:        12th Floor, Xinyin Mansion, 888 Yishan Road, Shanghai

Authorized Representative:

Date:

–  Page 2 of 2  –


Media Placement Plan (February 12, 2007 - March 04, 2007, Three Weeks)

 

No.

  

Media

  

Air Time/Length

  

Week

 

Broadcasting

Content

 

Weekly Air Time
Length

   Unit Media
Price
   Weekly Media
Cost

1

  

CCTV-6

   2:00    1/2/3/4/5/6/7   C2 5   35    [****]    [****]

3

  

CCTV-7

   11:35    1/2/3/4/5/6/7   C2 5   35    [****]    [****]

4

  

CCTV-8

   18:00    1/2/3/4/5/6/7   C2 4   28    [****]    [****]

5

  

CCTV-9

   23:07    1/2/3/4/5/6/7   C2 5   28    [****]    [****]

6

  

CCTV-11

   10:40    1/2/3/4/5/6/7   C2 5   35    [****]    [****]

7

  

CCTV-11

   12:05    1/2/3/4/5/6/7   C2 5   35    [****]    [****]

8

  

CCTV-11

   16:00    1/2/3/4/5/6/7   C2 5   35    [****]    [****]

9

  

CCTV-11

   22:50    1/2/5/6/7/   C2 5   25    [****]    [****]

10

  

CCTV-11

   23:55    1/2/3/4/5/6/7   C2 5   35    [****]    [****]

11

  

CCTV-11

   12:00–20:00    1/2/3/4/5/6/7   C2 1   105    [****]    [****]

12

  

CCTV-Children Channel

   16:30–23:00    1/2/3/4/5/6/7   C2 1   70    [****]    [****]

13

  

Phoenixtv Satellite (Film)

   9:50    1/2/3/4/5/6/7   C2 LG 5   35    [****]    [****]

14

  

Phoenixtv Satellite (Film)

   13:20    1/2/3/4/5/6/7   C2 LG 5   35    [****]    [****]

15

  

Phoenixtv Satellite (Film)

   11:50    1/2/3/4/5/6/7   C2 LG 5   35    [****]    [****]

16

  

Phoenixtv Satellite (Film)

   20:45    1/2/3/4/5/6/7   C2 LG 5   35    [****]    [****]

17

  

Phoenixtv Satellite (Film)

   22:40    1/2/3/4/5/6/7   C2 LG 5   35    [****]    [****]

18

  

Phoenixtv Satellite (Film)

   0:45    1/2/3/4/5/6/7   C2 LG 5   35    [****]    [****]

19

  

Xingkong Satellite TV

   16:20    1/2/3/4/5/6/7   C2 5   35    [****]    [****]

20

  

Sunshine Satellite TV

   9:40    1/2/3/4/5/6/7   C2 LG 5   35    [****]    [****]

21

  

Sunshine Satellite TV

   11:40    1/2/3/4/5/6/7   C2 LG 5   35    [****]    [****]

22

  

Sunshine Satellite TV

   13:50    1/2/3/4/5/6/7   C2 LG 5   35    [****]    [****]

23

  

Sunshine Satellite TV

   17:00    1/2/3/4/5/6/7   C2 LG 5   35    [****]    [****]

24

  

Jiangsu Satellite TV

   12:55    1/2/3/4/5/6/7   C2 LG 5   35    [****]    [****]

25

  

Jiangsu Satellite TV

   8:00    1/2/3/4/5/6/7   C2 LG 5   35    [****]    [****]

26

  

Hunan Satellite TV

   15:30    1/2/3/4/5/6/7   C2 LG 4   28    [****]    [****]

27

  

Hunan Satellite TV

   2:00    1/2/3/4/5/6/7   C2 LG 5   35    [****]    [****]

28

  

Liaoning Satellite TV

   12:00    1/2/3/4/5/6/7   C2 LG 5   35    [****]    [****]

29

  

Liaoning Satellite TV

   16:00    1/2/3/4/5/6/7   C2 LG 5   35    [****]    [****]

30

  

Liaoning Satellite TV

   17:00    1/2/3/4/5/6/7   C2 LG 5   35    [****]    [****]

31

  

Liaoning Satellite TV

   18:00    1/2/3/4/5/6/7   C2 LG 5   35    [****]    [****]

32

  

Liaoning Satellite TV

   19:00    1/2/3/4/5/6/7   C2 LG 5   35    [****]    [****]

33

  

Shandong Satellite TV

   0:00    1/2/3/4/5/6/7   C2 LG 5   35    [****]    [****]

34

  

Henan Satellite TV

   12:25    1/2/3/4/5/6/7   C2 LG 5   35    [****]    [****]

36

  

Zhejiang Satellite TV

   0:20    1/2/3/4/5/6/7   C2 LG 5   35    [****]    [****]

37

  

Dragon TV

   8:55    1/2/3/4/5/   C2 LG 5   25    [****]    [****]

38

  

Dragon TV

   16:56    1/2/3/4/5/   C2 LG 4   20    [****]    [****]

39

  

Dragon TV

   10:56    1/2/3/4/5/   C2 LG 4   20    [****]    [****]

40

  

Chongqing Satellite TV

   16:52    1/2/3/4/5/6/7   C2 LG 5   35    [****]    [****]

41

  

Chongqing Satellite TV

   14:00    1/2/3/4/5/6/7   C2 LG 4   28    [****]    [****]

42

  

Chongqing Satellite TV

   15:00    1/2/3/4/5/6/7   C2 LG 4   28    [****]    [****]

43

  

Sichuan Satellite TV

   16:11    1/2/3/4/5/6/7   C2 LG 5   35    [****]    [****]

44

  

Sichuan Satellite TV

   12:30    1/2/3/4/5/6/7   C2 LG 5   35    [****]    [****]

45

  

Sichuan Satellite TV

   0:21    1/2/3/4/5/6/7   C2 LG 5   35    [****]    [****]

46

  

Dongnan Satellite TV

   14:30    1/2/3/4/5/6/7   C2 LG 5   35    [****]    [****]

47

  

Jiangxi Satellite TV

   14:22    1/2/3/4/5/6/7   C2 LG 5+C2 LG 5   70    [****]    [****]

48

  

Jiangxi Satellite TV

   9:30    1/2/3/4/5/6/7   C2 LG 5+C2 LG 5   70    [****]    [****]

49

  

Jiangxi Satellite TV

   10:30    1/2/3/4/5/6/7   C2 LG 5+C2 LG 5   70    [****]    [****]

50

  

Guangdong Satellite TV

   17:00    1/2/3/4/5/6/7   C2 LG 5   35    [****]    [****]

52

  

Shenzhen Satellite TV

   15:00    1/2/3/4/5/6/7   C2 LG 5   35    [****]    [****]

53

  

Shenzhen Satellite TV

   8:20    1/2/3/4/5/6/7   C2 LG 5   35    [****]    [****]

55

  

Heilongjiang Satellite TV

   12:50    1/2/3/4/5/6/7   C2 LG 5   35    [****]    [****]

56

  

Heilongjiang Satellite TV

   23:50    1/2/3/4/5/6/7   C2 LG 5   35    [****]    [****]

57

  

Hebei Satellite TV

   16:25    1/2/3/4/5/6/7   C2 LG 5+C2 LG 5   70    [****]    [****]

58

  

Hebei Satellite TV

   23:40    1/2/3/4/5/6/8   C2 LG 5+C2 LG 5   70    [****]    [****]

59

  

Hebei Satellite TV

   10:25    1/2/3/4/5/6/8   C2 LG 5+C2 LG 5   70    [****]    [****]

60

  

Tourism Satellite TV

   11:15    1/2/3/4/5/6/7   C2 LG 5+C2 LG 5   70    [****]    [****]


No.

  

Media

  

Air Time/Length

  

Week

 

Broadcasting

Content

 

Weekly Air Time
Length

   Unit Media
Price
   Weekly Media
Cost

61

  

Tourism Satellite TV

   13:15    1/2/3/4/5/6/7   C2 LG 5+C2 LG 5   70    [****]    [****]

62

  

Tourism Satellite TV

   16:35    1/2/3/4/5/6/7   C2 LG 5+C2 LG 5   70    [****]    [****]

63

  

Hubei Satellite TV

   23:40    1/2/3/4/5/6/7   C2 LG 5   35    [****]    [****]

64

  

Qinghai Satellite TV

   12:30    1/2/3/4/5/6/7   C2 LG 5   35    [****]    [****]

65

  

Qinghai Satellite TV

   23:35    1/2/3/4/5/6/7   C2 LG 5+C2 LG 5   70    [****]    [****]

66

  

Qinghai Entertainment Satellite TV

   11:35    1/2/3/4/5/6/7   C2 LG 5+C2 LG 5   70    [****]    [****]

67

  

Qinghai Entertainment Satellite TV

   13:25    1/2/3/4/5/6/7   C2 LG 5+C2 LG 5   70    [****]    [****]

68

  

Qinghai Entertainment Satellite TV

   14:05    1/2/3/4/5/6/7   C2 LG 5+C2 LG 5   70    [****]    [****]

69

  

Ningxia Satellite TV

   13:10    1/2/3/4/5/6/7   C2 LG 5   35    [****]    [****]

70

  

Ningxia Satellite TV

   17:46    1/2/3/4/5/6/7   C2 LG 5   35    [****]    [****]

71

  

Ningxia Satellite TV

   11:53    1/2/3/4/5/6/7   C2 LG 5   35    [****]    [****]

72

  

Ningxia Satellite TV

   9:00    1/2/3/4/5/6/7   C2 LG 5   35    [****]    [****]

73

  

Xinjiang Satellite TV

   11:05    1/2/3/4/5/6/7   C2 LG 5   35    [****]    [****]

74

  

Xinjiang Satellite TV

   16:15    1/3/4/5/6/7   C2 LG 5   30    [****]    [****]

75

  

Xinjiang Satellite TV

   18:30    1/3/4/5/6/7   C2 LG 5   30    [****]    [****]

76

  

Xinjiang Satellite TV

   12:55    1/2/3/4/5/6/7   C2 LG 5   35    [****]    [****]

77

  

Xizang Satellite TV

   21:30    1/2/3/4/5/6/7   C2 LG 5   35    [****]    [****]

78

  

Xizang Satellite TV

   22:25    1/2/3/4/5/6/7   C2 LG 5   35    [****]    [****]

79

  

Xizang Satellite TV

   22:50    1/2/3/4/5/6/7   C2 LG 5   35    [****]    [****]

80

  

Zhujiang Channel

   15:43    1/2/3/4/5/6/7   C2 LG 5   35    [****]    [****]
                      
  

        Total:

          3125       [****]
                      

EXHIBIT 21.1

LIST OF SUBSIDIARIES

 

   

China DRTV, Inc., incorporated in British Virgin Islands

 

   

Beijing Acorn Youngleda Oxygen Generating Co., Ltd., incorporated in the People’s Republic of China

 

   

Shanghai An-Nai-Chi Automobile maintenance Products Co., Ltd., incorporated in the People’s Republic of China

 

   

Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., incorporated in the People’s Republic of China

 

   

Shanghai HJX Digital Technology Co., Ltd., incorporated in the People’s Republic of China

 

   

Acorn International Electronic Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., incorporated in the People’s Republic of China

 

   

Shanghai Yimeng Software Technology Co., Ltd., incorporated in the People’s Republic of China

 

   

Shanghai Acorn Network Technology Development Co., Ltd., incorporated in the People’s Republic of China

 

   

Beijing Acorn Trade Co., Ltd., incorporated in the People’s Republic of China

 

   

Shanghai Acorn Advertising Broadcasting Co., Ltd., incorporated in the People’s Republic of China

 

   

Zhuhai Sunrana Bio-tech Co., Ltd., incorporated in the People’s Republic of China

 

   

Zhuhai Acorn Electronic Technology Co., Ltd., incorporated in the People’s Republic of China

 

   

Beijing HJZX Software Technology Development Co., Ltd., incorporated in the People’s Republic of China

 

   

Zhongshan Meijin Digital Technology Co., Ltd., incorporated in the People’s Republic of China

 

   

Shanghai Acorn Enterprise Management Consulting Co., Ltd., incorporated in the People’s Republic of China

Exhibit 23.1

LOGO

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the use in this Registration Statement on Form F-1 of our report dated February 15, 2007 relating to the financial statements of Acorn International, Inc., appearing in the Prospectus, which is part of this Registration Statement, and to the Financial Statement Schedule appearing elsewhere in this Registration Statement.

We also consent to the reference to us under the headings “Summary Condensed Consolidated Combined Financial and Operational Data”, “Selected Condensed Consolidated Combined Financial and Operating Data” and “Experts” in such Prospectus.

LOGO

Shanghai, China

April 3, 2007

Exhibit 23.5

LOGO

Acorn International, Inc.

12/F, Xinyin Building

No. 888 Yishan Road

Shanghai 200233

The People’s Republic of China

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT APPRAISER

American Appraisal China Limited (“AAC”) hereby consents to the reference to AAC’s name and value conclusions for accounting purposes, with respect to its various appraisal reports addressed to the board of Acorn International, Inc. (the “Company”), in the Company’s registration statement on Form F-1 (together with any amendments thereto, the “Registration Statement”) to be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. AAC also hereby consents to the filing of this letter as an exhibit to the Registration Statement.

 

AMERICAN APPRAISAL CHINA LIMITED
  /s/ James Kwok
By:   James Kwok
Title:   Vice President
Date:   April 3, 2007

Exhibit 23.7

LOGO

Euromonitor International

3 Lim Teck Kim Road

#08-02 Singapore Technologies Building

Singapore 088934

tel +65 6429 0590

fax +65 6324 1855

www.euromonitor.com

Euromonitor International (Asia) Pte Ltd.

BY FACSIMILE AND COURIER

Acorn International Shanghai

12/F, Xinyin Building

No. 888, Yi Shan Road

Shanghai 200233

The People’s Republic of China

 

  RE: CONSENT OF EUROMONITOR INTERNATIONAL (ASIA) PTE LTD.

We understand that Acorn International, Inc. (“Acorn International”) plans to file a registration statement on Form F-1 (“Registration Statement”) with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. We hereby consent to the filing of this letter as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, and to the use therein under the headings “Prospectus Summary”, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”, “Our Industry”, and “Our Business” of our name and the data sourced from the publication of Euromonitor International (Asia) Pte Ltd.

 

Euromonitor International (Asia) Pte Ltd.
By:   /s/ ANDREW JOHN CARTER
Name:   ANDREW JOHN CARTER
Title:   DIRECTOR
Date:   2006.5.18

                        EUROMONITOR

                        INTERNATIONAL (ASIA) PTE LTD

                         3 Lim Teck Kim Road #08-02

                         Singapore Technologies Building

                         Singapore 088934

                         Tel: (65) 6429 0590 Fax: (65) 6324 1855

                         http: //www.euromonitor.com

 

 

L O N D O N     •     C H I C A G O     •     S I N G A P O R E     •     S H A N G H A I     •     V I L N I U S

Euromonitor International (Asia) Pte Ltd, registered in Singapore at the above address, is a division of Euromonitor International Plc

Exhibit 23.8

Acorn International, Inc.

Pursuant to Rule 438 of Regulation C promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, I, Denny Lee, consent to be named in the Registration Statement on Form F-1 of Acorn International, Inc. and in all amendments and supplements thereto, as a proposed member of the board of directors of Acorn International, Inc.

Dated: April 3, 2007

 

 

                /s/ Denny Lee                

[Name]

Exhibit 23.9

Acorn International, Inc.

Pursuant to Rule 438 of Regulation C promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, I, Shujun Li, consent to be named in the Registration Statement on Form F-1 of Acorn International, Inc. and in all amendments and supplements thereto, as a proposed member of the board of directors of Acorn International, Inc.

Dated: April 3, 2007

 

 

                /s/ Shujun Li                

[Name]

Exhibit 23.10

Acorn International, Inc.

Pursuant to Rule 438 of Regulation C promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, I, Ying Wu, consent to be named in the Registration Statement on Form F-1 of Acorn International, Inc. and in all amendments and supplements thereto, as a proposed member of the board of directors of Acorn International, Inc.

Dated: April 3, 2007

 

 

                /s/ Ying Wu                

[Name]

Exhibit 23.11

Acorn International, Inc.

Pursuant to Rule 438 of Regulation C promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, I, Joe Zhixiong Zhou, consent to be named in the Registration Statement on Form F-1 of Acorn International, Inc. and in all amendments and supplements thereto, as a proposed member of the board of directors of Acorn International, Inc.

Dated: April 3, 2007

 

/s/ Joe Zhixiong Zhou

Joe Zhixiong Zhou

Exhibit 99.1

ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT AND ETHICS

(September, 2006)

Acorn International, Inc. and its subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated entities (collectively, the “ Company ”) have adopted this Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the “ Code ”) as an expression of the Company’s values and to represent a framework for decision-making. The Company is committed to the highest standards of business conduct and ethics. The Company seeks to conduct its business as a good corporate citizen and to comply with all laws, rules and regulations applicable to it or the conduct of its business. The Code shall govern the relationships between the Company’s employees, including directors and officers (an “ Employee ” and, collectively, the “ Employees ”), and the Company’s customers, suppliers, shareholders, competitors, and the communities in which the Company operates.

1. Application of the Code . The Code applies to each Employee and must be strictly observed. If an Employee fails to observe the Code, he or she may face disciplinary action, up to and including termination. Therefore each Employee individually is responsible to understand the Code and to act in accordance with it. The Code is not intended to cover every applicable law, rule or regulation or to provide answers to all questions that may arise. Therefore in addition to observing the Code, an Employee must use good judgment in assessing whether any given action is ethical or otherwise constitutes good business conduct. From time to time an Employee may also be required to seek guidance from others with respect to the appropriate course of conduct in a given situation. If an Employee has any questions regarding any law, rule, regulation, or principle discussed in the Code which may govern business conduct, he or she should contact a supervisor, or the Corporate Legal Department.

2. Code Does Not Constitute an Employment Contract . The Code does not in any way constitute an employment contract or an assurance of continued employment. It is for the sole and exclusive benefit of the Company and may not be used or relied upon by any other party. The Company may modify or repeal the provisions of the Code or adopt a new Code at any time it deems appropriate, with or without notice to its Employees.

3. Conflicts of Interest .

 

3.1 Conflicts of Interest Prohibited . The Company’s policy is to prohibit conflicts of interest. A conflict of interest occurs when an Employee’s personal interest interferes, or appears to interfere, with the interests of the Company in any way. Conflicts of interest may only be waived by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “ Board ”), and will be promptly disclosed to the public to the extent required by law or applicable stock exchange requirements.

 

3.2 Identifying Conflicts of Interest . A conflict of interest can arise when an Employee or a member of his or her family takes actions or has interests that may make it difficult to perform his or her Company work objectively and effectively. Conflicts of interest can also arise when an Employee or a member of his or her family receives improper personal benefits as a result of the Employee’s position in the Company. Such conflicts


     of interest can undermine an Employee’s business judgment and responsibility to the Company and threaten the Company’s business and reputation. Accordingly, an Employee should avoid all apparent, potential, and actual conflicts of interest. Further, an Employee must communicate to the Corporate Legal Department all potential and actual conflicts of interest or material transactions or relationships that reasonably could be expected to give rise to a conflict of interest or the appearance of such a conflict of interest. The following activities all generally constitute a conflict of interest:

3.2.1 Corporate Opportunities . An Employee taking opportunities for his or her own benefit that are discovered through the use of the Company’s information, property or position; or an Employee using the Company’s information, property or position for his or her own personal gain or to compete with the Company.

3.2.2 Loans . The granting by the Company of any loans or guaranties for an Employee or for the Employee’s family members. Such activity will not be allowed without the prior written approval of the Corporate Legal Department, and if appropriate, the Board or a committee thereof. The Company will not extend, maintain or arrange for any personal loan to or for any director or executive officer (or the equivalent thereof).

3.2.3 Outside Activity . An Employee engaging in any outside activity that materially detracts from or interferes with the performance by an Employee of his or her services to the Company.

3.2.4 Outside Employment . An Employee serving as a director, representative, employee, partner, consultant or agent of, or providing services to, a company that is a supplier, customer or competitor of the Company.

3.2.5 Personal Interest . An Employee having any personal interest, whether directly or indirectly, in a transaction involving the Company.

3.2.6 Personal Investments . An Employee owning, directly or indirectly, a material amount of stock in, being a creditor of, or having another financial interest in a supplier, customer or competitor.

 

3.3 Reporting . Each Employee must report conflicts of interest to a superior who they believe is not involved in the matter giving rise to the conflict. Any Employee who has questions as to whether a conflict of interest exists after consulting the Code should contact the Corporate Legal Department for assistance in making that determination.

4. Gifts and Entertainment .

 

4.1 General Policy . The Company recognizes that the giving and receiving of gifts and entertainment is common business practice. However, gifts and entertainment should never compromise, or appear to compromise, an Employee’s ability to make objective and fair business decisions. The Company’s policy is that an Employee may give or receive gifts or entertainment to or from customers and suppliers only if the gift or entertainment could not be viewed as an inducement to any particular business decision.

 

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4.2 Giving Gifts and Entertainment . An Employee must obtain written permission from the head of his or her department before giving any gifts or entertainment on behalf of the Company. Furthermore, the Employee must ensure that the expense for such gifts or entertainment is properly recorded on the Company’s expense reports.

 

4.3 Reporting Gifts . An Employee must only accept appropriate gifts from customers or suppliers. The Company encourages Employees to submit each such gift he or she receives. However, an Employee must submit to his or her department any gift the objective market value of which exceeds RMB200.

 

4.4 Bribes, Kickbacks and Secret Commissions Prohibited . The Company’s policy is to encourage fair transactions. No Employee may give or receive any bribe, kickback, or secret commission.

5. Confidentiality . An Employee must maintain the confidentiality of all information entrusted to him or her by the Company, its suppliers, its customers and other individuals or entities related to the Company’s business. Confidential information includes any non-public information that if disclosed might be useful to the Company’s competitors or harmful to the Company, or its customers or suppliers. Confidential information includes, among other things, the Company’s customer lists and details, new product plans, new marketing platforms or strategies, computer software, trade secrets, research and development findings, manufacturing processes, or the Company’s acquisition or sale prospects. Employees in possession of confidential information must take steps to secure such information. Employees must take steps to ensure that only other Employees who have a “need to know” the confidential information in order to do their job can access it, and to avoid discussion or disclosure of confidential information in public areas (for example, in elevators, on public transportation, and on cellular phones). An Employee may only disclose confidential information when disclosure is authorized by the Company or legally required. Upon termination of employment, or at such other time as the Company may request, each Employee must return to the Company any medium containing confidential information, and may not retain duplicates. An Employee has an ongoing obligation to preserve confidential information, even after his or her termination of employment with the Company, until such time as the Company discloses such information publicly or the information otherwise becomes available to the public through no fault of the Employee.

6. Fair Dealing . Each Employee must deal fairly with each of the Company’s customers, suppliers, competitors and other Employees. Employees must not take unfair advantage of anyone through manipulation, concealment, abuse of privileged information, misrepresentation of material facts, or any other unfair-dealing practices.

7. Protection and Proper Use of Company Assets . An Employee must protect the Company’s assets and ensure their efficient use. Such assets include communication systems, information (proprietary or otherwise), material, facilities and equipment, as well as intangible assets. An Employee must not use such assets for personal profit for themselves or others. Additionally, an Employee must act with reasonable care to protect the Company’s assets from theft, loss, damage, misuse, removal and waste. Where an Employee discovers any theft, loss, damage, misuse, removal or waste of a Company asset, he or she must promptly report this to the Company. Finally, an Employee must use reasonable efforts to ensure that Company assets are used only for legitimate business purposes.

 

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8. Compliance with Laws, Rules and Regulations .

 

8.1 Generally . An Employee must comply fully with all laws, rules and regulations applying to the Company’s business and its conduct in business matters. This includes, among other things, laws applying to bribery, kickbacks, and secret commissions, copyrights, trademarks and trade secrets, information privacy, insider trading, offering or receiving gifts, employment harassment, occupational health and safety, false or misleading financial information or misuse of corporate assets. The fact that certain laws, rules or regulations are not enforced in practice, or that the violation of such laws, rules or regulations is not subject to public criticism or censure, will not excuse any illegal action by an Employee. The Company expects each Employee to understand with all laws, rules and regulations that apply to his or her position at the Company. Where an Employee has a doubt as to the legality of a given action or the proper course of conduct, that Employee must immediately consult the Corporate Legal Department. Aside from strictly legal considerations, Employees must at all times act honestly and maintain the highest standards of business conduct and ethics, consistent with the professional image of the Company.

 

8.2 Insider Trading . United States federal and state law prohibits the use of “material inside information” when trading in or recommending Company securities. In accordance with applicable United States federal and state law, no Employee may engage in transactions in Company stock (whether for his or her own account, for the Company’s account or otherwise) while in possession of material inside information (“ Insider Trading ”) relating to Acorn International, Inc. Furthermore, no Employee who is in possession of material inside information may communicate such information to third parties who may use such information in the decision to purchase or sell Company stock (“ Tipping ”). These restrictions also apply to securities of other companies if an Employee learns of material inside information in the course of his or her duties for the Company. In addition to violating Company policy, Insider Trading and Tipping are illegal. What constitutes “material inside information” is a complex legal question, but is generally considered to be information not available to the general public, which a reasonable investor contemplating a purchase of Company stock would be substantially likely to take into account in making his or her investment decision. Such information includes information relating to a stock split and other actions relating to capital structure, major management changes, contemplated acquisitions or divestitures, and information concerning earnings or other financial information. Such information continues to be “inside” information until it is disclosed to the general public. Any person who is in possession of material inside information is deemed to be an “insider.” This would include directors, officers, Employees (management and non-management), as well as spouses, friends or brokers who may have acquired such information directly or indirectly from an insider “tip.” Substantial penalties may be assessed against people who trade while in possession of material inside information and can also be imposed upon companies and so called controlling persons such as officers and directors, who fail to take appropriate steps to prevent or detect insider trading violations by their employees or subordinates. To avoid

 

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     severe consequences, Employees should review this policy before trading in securities and consult with the Corporate Legal Department if any doubts exist as to what constitutes “material inside information.”

9. Reporting Illegal or Unethical Behavior .

 

9.1 Obligation to Report Violations . Any Employee who is aware of any illegal or unethical behavior at the Company or in connection with its business, or who believes that an applicable law, rule or regulation or the Code has been violated, must promptly report the matter to the Corporate Legal Department. Furthermore, an Employee who has a concern about the Company’s accounting practices, internal controls or auditing matters, should report his or her concerns to the Corporate Legal Department. Employees should take care to report violations to a person who they believe is not involved in the matter giving rise to the violation.

 

9.2 Company to Investigate Reported Violations . The Company will investigate promptly all reports of violations and, if appropriate, remedy the violation. If legally required, the Company will also immediately report the violation to the proper governmental authority. An Employee must cooperate with the Company to ensure that violations are promptly identified and resolved.

 

9.3 Employees Who Report Violations Will Be Protected from Retaliation . The Company shall protect the confidentiality of those making reports of possible misconduct to the maximum extent possible, consistent with the requirements necessary to conduct an effective investigation and the law. In no event will the Company tolerate any retaliation against an Employee for reporting an activity that he or she in good faith believes to be a violation of any law, rule, regulation, or the Code. Any superior or other Employee intimidating or imposing sanctions on an Employee for reporting a matter will be disciplined up to and including termination.

10. Quality of Disclosure . The Company is subject to certain reporting and disclosure requirements in the United States. As a result the Company will be regularly required to report its financial results and other material information about its business to the public and to regulators. The Company’s policy is promptly to disclose accurate and complete information regarding its business, financial condition and results of operations. Each Employee must strictly comply with all applicable standards, laws, regulations and policies for accounting and financial reporting of transactions, estimates and forecasts. Inaccurate, incomplete or untimely reporting will not be tolerated and can severely damage the Company and result in legal liability. Each Employee should be on guard for, and promptly report, any possibility of inaccurate of incomplete financial reporting. Particular attention should be paid to financial results that seem inconsistent with the performance of the underlying business, transactions that do not seem to have an obvious business purpose, or and requests to circumvent ordinary review and approval procedures. The Company’s senior financial officers and other employees working in the Finance Department have a special responsibility to ensure that all of the Company’s financial disclosures are full, fair accurate, timely and understandable. Any practice or situation that might undermine this objective should be reported to the Corporate Legal Department. An Employee with information relating to questionable accounting or auditing matters may also confidentially, and anonymously if they desire, submit the information in writing to the Board’s Audit Committee.

 

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11. Responding to Improper Conduct . The Company will enforce the Code on a uniform basis for everyone, without regard to an Employee’s position within the Company. If an Employee violates the Code, he or she will be subject to disciplinary action. Supervisors and managers of a disciplined Employee may also be subject to disciplinary action for their failure to properly oversee an Employee’s conduct, or for any retaliation against an Employee who reports a violation. The Company’s response to misconduct will depend upon a number of factors including whether the improper behavior involved illegal conduct. Disciplinary action may include, but is not limited to, reprimands and warnings, probation, suspension, demotion, reassignment, reduction in salary or immediate termination. Employees should be aware that certain actions and omissions prohibited by the Code might be crimes that could lead to individual criminal prosecution and, upon conviction, to fines and imprisonment.

12. Waivers . Waivers or exceptions to the Code may only be granted in advance and only under exceptional circumstances. A waiver of the Code for any executive officer or director may be made only by the Board or a committee thereof and must be promptly disclosed to the extent required by applicable law and stock exchange requirements.

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