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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 2, 2018.

Registration No. 333-             

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM F-1

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

 

Tencent Music Entertainment Group

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

Not Applicable

(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)

 

 

 

Cayman Islands   7370   Not Applicable

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(Primary Standard Industrial

Classification Code Number)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

17/F, Malata Building, Kejizhongyi Road

Midwest District of Hi-tech Park

Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518057

the People’s Republic of China

+86-755-8601-3388

(Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Registrant’s Principal Executive Offices)

 

 

Cogency Global Inc.

10 E. 40th Street, 10th Floor

New York, NY 10016

+1 (800) 221-0102

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

 

 

Copies to:

 

James C. Lin, Esq.

Li He, Esq.

Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP

c/o 18 th Floor, The Hong Kong Club Building

3A Chater Road

Central, Hong Kong

+852 2533-3300

 

Z. Julie Gao, Esq.

Will H. Cai, Esq.

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP

c/o 42 nd Floor, Edinburgh Tower

The Landmark

15 Queen’s Road

Central, Hong Kong

+852 3740-4700

 

 

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, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  ☐

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

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

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

Emerging growth company  ☐

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

† The term “new or revised financial accounting standard” refers to any update issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board to its Accounting Standards Codification after April 5, 2012.

 

 

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

 

Title of each class of

securities to be registered

 

Proposed

maximum

aggregate
offering price (1)

  Amount of
registration fee

Class A ordinary shares, par value US$0.000083 per share (2)(3)

 

US$1,000,000,000

  US$121,200

 

 

(1)

Estimated solely for the purpose of determining the amount of registration fee in accordance with Rule 457(o) under the Securities Act of 1933.

(2)

Includes Class A ordinary shares initially offered and sold outside the United States that may be resold from time to time in the United States 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 also includes Class A ordinary shares that may be purchased by the underwriters pursuant to an over-allotment option. These Class A ordinary shares are not being registered for the purpose of sales outside the United States.

(3)

American depositary shares issuable upon deposit of the Class A ordinary shares registered hereby will be registered under a separate registration statement on Form F-6 (Registration No.333-                 ). Each American depositary share represents                Class A ordinary shares.

 

 

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

 

 

 


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The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We [and the selling shareholders] may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

Subject to completion

Preliminary Prospectus dated                 , 2018

American Depositary Shares

 

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Tencent Music Entertainment Group

Representing                 Class A Ordinary Shares

 

 

This is an initial public offering of American depositary shares, or ADSs, representing Class A ordinary shares of Tencent Music Entertainment Group.

We are offering                ADSs. [The selling shareholders identified in this prospectus are offering an additional                ADSs. We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of the ADSs being sold by the selling shareholders.] Each ADS represents                of our Class A ordinary shares, par value US$0.000083 per share.

Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for the ADSs. It is currently estimated that the initial public offering price per share will be between US$                and US$                .

Following the completion of this offering, our outstanding share capital will consist of Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares. The Pre-2018 Shareholders, including Tencent Holdings Limited, or Tencent, our controlling shareholder, will beneficially own all of our issued Class B ordinary shares and will be able to exercise         % of the total voting power of our issued and outstanding share capital immediately following the completion of this offering. Holders of Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares have the same rights except for voting and conversion rights. Each Class A ordinary share is entitled to one vote, and each Class B ordinary share is entitled to 15 votes and is convertible into one Class A ordinary share. Each Class B ordinary share is convertible into one Class A ordinary share at any time by the holder thereof, while Class A ordinary shares are not convertible into Class B ordinary shares under any circumstances. Upon any sale, transfer, assignment or disposition of any Class B ordinary shares by a holder thereof to any non-affiliate to such holder, each of such Class B ordinary shares will be automatically and immediately converted into one Class A ordinary share.

Following the completion of this offering, we will be a “controlled company” within the meaning of the [New York Stock Exchange] / [NASDAQ Global Market] corporate governance rules because Tencent will beneficially own             % of the total voting power of our then outstanding ordinary shares, assuming the underwriters do not exercise their over-allotment option, or             % of our then outstanding ordinary shares if the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full. See “Principal [and Selling] Shareholders.”

We [have applied for] listing the ADSs on the [New York Stock Exchange] / [NASDAQ Global Market] under the symbol “TME.”

 

 

See “ Risk Factors ” beginning on page 25 for factors you should consider before buying the ADSs.

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

 

     Per ADS      Total  

Public offering price

   US$                    US$                

Underwriting discounts and commissions (1)

   US$        US$    

Proceeds, before expenses, to us

   US$        US$    

 

(1)

For a description of the compensation payable to the underwriters, see “Underwriting.”

The underwriters have a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional                  ADSs from us [and certain selling shareholders] at the initial public offering price less the underwriting discounts and commissions.

The underwriters expect to deliver the ADSs against payment in U.S. dollars in New York, NY on                 , 2018.

 

 

(in alphabetical order)

 

BofA Merrill Lynch   Deutsche Bank Securities   Goldman Sachs (Asia) L.L.C.   J.P. Morgan   Morgan Stanley

 

 

 

Allen & Company LLC    BOCI    CICC    China Renaissance
Credit Suisse    HSBC    KeyBanc Capital Markets    Stifel

 

 

The date of this prospectus is                 , 2018.


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Table of Contents

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Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page  

Prospectus Summary

     1  

Our Corporate Information

     11  

Conventions Which Apply to this Prospectus

     12  

The Offering

     15  

Summary Consolidated Financial Data and Operating Data

     18  

Risk Factors

     25  

Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

     70  

Use of Proceeds

     71  

Dividend Policy

     72  

Capitalization

     73  

Dilution

     74  

Exchange Rate Information

     76  

Enforceability of Civil Liabilities

     77  

Corporate History and Structure

     79  

Our Relationship with Tencent

     86  

Selected Consolidated Financial Data

     88  

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

     93  

Industry Overview

     124  

Business

     130  

PRC Regulation

     156  

Management

     174  

Principal [and Selling] Shareholders

     186  

Related Party Transactions

     189  

Description of Share Capital

     192  

Description of American Depositary Shares

     207  

Shares Eligible for Future Sale

     215  

Taxation

     217  

Underwriting

     223  

Expenses Relating to this Offering

     233  

Legal Matters

     234  

Experts

     235  

Where You Can Find Additional Information

     236  

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements

     F-1  

We have not authorized anyone to provide any information other than that contained in this prospectus or in any free writing prospectus prepared by or on behalf of us or to which we may have referred you. We take no responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you. We and the underwriters have not authorized any other person to provide you with different or additional information. Neither we nor the underwriters are making an offer to sell the ADSs in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. This offering is being made in the United States and elsewhere solely on the basis of the information contained in this prospectus. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus is true, complete and accurate only as of the date on the front cover of this prospectus, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus or any sale of the ADSs. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since the date on the front cover of this prospectus.

Until                    , 2018 (the 25th day after the date of this prospectus), all dealers that buy, sell or trade the 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 and the related notes 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” and information contained in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” before deciding whether to buy the ADSs. Investors should note that Tencent Music Entertainment Group, our ultimate Cayman Islands holding company, does not directly own any substantive business operations in the PRC and the businesses described in this prospectus are operated through our VIEs.

Overview

Our mission is to use technology to elevate the role of music in people’s lives, by enabling them to create, enjoy, share and interact with music.

Music is a universal passion. No matter who we are, or where we come from, we all have our favorite songs, albums or artists. We love music because it can inspire, uplift, motivate and enrich our lives. Music reaches us in deeply personal ways and connects us with each other through engaging, social and fun experiences.

With over 1.4 billion people, China has a massive audience with a growing demand for music entertainment. Until recently, the music industry in China was relatively underdeveloped and highly fragmented largely due to deficiencies in copyright protection. Piracy was rampant. People didn’t see the value of paying for music. Spending on music entertainment in China has been relatively low. According to iResearch, while the recorded music market in the U.S. was more than 45 times that of China in 2017 on a per capita basis, China’s per capita spending on recorded music is expected to more than quadruple between 2017 and 2023, demonstrating tremendous growth potential.

We are pioneering the way people enjoy online music and music-centric social entertainment services. We have demonstrated that users will pay for personalized, engaging and interactive music experiences. Just as we value our users, we also respect those who create music. This is why we champion copyright protection—because unless content creators are rewarded for their creative work, there won’t be a sustainable music entertainment industry in the long run. Our scale, technology and commitment to copyright protection make us a partner of choice for artists and content owners.

Our Platform

We are the largest online music entertainment platform in China, operating the top four music mobile apps in terms of mobile MAUs in the second quarter of 2018. Our platform comprises our online music, online karaoke and music-centric live streaming services, supported by our content offerings, technology and data.

Our platform is an all-in-one music entertainment destination that allows users to seamlessly engage with music in many ways, including discovering, listening, singing, watching, performing and socializing. On our platform, social interactions such as sharing, liking, commenting, following and virtual gifting, are deeply integrated in our products and highly complementary to the core music experience, thereby enhancing our user experience, engagement and retention. As a result, we have built our platform into not just a music streaming platform, but a broad community for music fans to discover, listen, sing, watch, perform and socialize.



 

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We have worked tirelessly to build a vibrant and fast-growing music platform with the following elements:

 

   

Users. With over 800 million total unique MAUs in the second quarter of 2018, our massive user base covers the full spectrum of user demographics in China. Our users are highly engaged, with each daily active user on average spending over 70 minutes per day on our platform in the second quarter of 2018.

 

   

Products. We develop and operate a portfolio of products that are engaging, social and fun. Our products allow users to discover and listen to music, sing and perform, as well as watch music videos and live music performances in a seamless and immersive way. With different music entertainment services fully integrated into one platform, users don’t just listen to music on our platform—after listening to a song, users may be inspired to sing that song and share the performance with friends or want to watch a live performance of the same song by a popular live streaming performer.

 

   

Content. We have China’s most comprehensive library of music content, recorded and live, in both audio and video formats. We have the largest music content library with over 20 million tracks from over 200 domestic and international music labels, as of June 30, 2018. We also offer a broad range of video content, such as music videos, live and recorded concerts and music shows. In addition, hundreds of millions of users have shared their singing, short videos, live streaming of music performances, comments and music-related articles on our platform.

 

   

Data and Technology. The scale and engagement of our user base generate extensive data that we use to develop innovative products that best cater to user preferences and enhance user experience. We have also developed technology that can monitor and protect copyrighted music, which empowers our artists and content partners to promote their music and protect their creative work.

 

   

Monetization. We have innovative and multi-faceted monetization models that mainly include subscriptions, sales of digital music, virtual gifts and premium memberships. They are seamlessly integrated with our products and services in a way that enhances user experience. Our strong monetization capability supports our long-term investments in content, technology and products. It also allows us to attract more content creators and transform China’s music entertainment industry.

We have achieved growth and profitability at scale. In the six months ended June 30, 2018, our revenue reached RMB8,619 million (US$1,303 million) compared to RMB4,485 million in the same period in 2017. In the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2018, our profit for the period amounted to RMB395 million and RMB1,743 million (US$263 million), respectively. Our adjusted profit increased from RMB732 million in the six months ended June 30, 2017 to RMB2,112 million (US$320 million) in the six months ended June 30, 2018. From 2016 to 2017, our revenue increased from RMB4,361 million to RMB10,981 million (US$1,659 million). In 2016 and 2017, we reported profit for the year of RMB85 million and RMB1,319 million (US$199 million), respectively, and recorded adjusted profit for the year of RMB426 million and RMB1,904 million (US$288 million), respectively. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Non-IFRS Financial Measure.”

Tencent’s acquisition of CMC was completed on July 12, 2016. Since then, the results of operations of CMC have been consolidated with ours and had contributed to our total revenues since July 2016. For the period from January 1, 2016 to July 12, 2016, CMC’s total net revenues and net loss were RMB1,923 million (US$288 million) and RMB152 million (US$23 million), respectively. After the acquisition of CMC in July 2016, our business and the business that was previously operated by CMC both grew substantially as a result of the combined content library and sharing of operational know-how. Post-acquisition, we: (i) operated our business on a combined basis, with CMC’s business substantially integrated into our business; (ii) shared many costs and expenses, and (iii) ceased to maintain consolidated financial statements of CMC’s business on a standalone basis. For a more detailed discussion of the impact of the acquisition of CMC, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—The Effects of the Acquisition of CMC.”



 

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Market Opportunity

China’s online music pan-entertainment market mainly consists of online music services, online karaoke and music-centric live streaming, online advertising, and online music copyright operations. The market is expected to grow rapidly, supported by a secular upswing driven by strict copyright protection, increasing penetration of online music services and consumers’ increasing willingness to pay for music. It is also a highly dynamic market, which enables Chinese consumers to engage with music in many ways, including discovering, listening, singing, watching and socializing.

According to iResearch, the overall size of China’s online music pan-entertainment market reached approximately RMB33.0 billion in terms of revenue in 2017, and is expected to grow to RMB215.2 billion in 2023, representing a CAGR of 36.7% from 2017 to 2023.

Our Strengths

We have developed an innovative business model with fundamental strengths that positions us for continued leadership.

Largest online music entertainment platform in China

We are the largest online music entertainment platform in China, with over 800 million total unique MAUs in the second quarter of 2018. Our QQ Music , Kugou Music , Kuwo Music and WeSing apps are the top four music mobile apps in China by mobile MAUs in the second quarter of 2018.

Superior products creating engaging, social and fun user experience

We offer a comprehensive suite of music entertainment products to let users engage interactively with music by discovering, listening, singing, watching, performing and socializing.

 

   

Our online music services , QQ Music , Kugou Music and Kuwo Music , enable users to discover and listen to music in personalized ways. We provide a broad range of features for music discovery, including music search and recommendations, music ranking charts, playlists, official music accounts and digital releases. We also offer comprehensive music-related video content including music videos, live performances and short videos.

 

   

Our online karaoke social community , primarily WeSing , enables users to have fun by singing and interacting with friends, with most activities taking place between users already connected on Weixin/WeChat or QQ . Each day, millions of users come to our platform to share what they have sung and to discover their friends’ performances. They can also sing duets with celebrities or other users, have a karaoke party in our virtual karaoke rooms, challenge each other in online sing-offs and request songs for artists or other users to sing live. We have built WeSing into one of the largest social networks in China with over 40 billion connections between friends as of June 30, 2018. WeSing allows users to share their singing performances with friends and discover songs that others have sung through a timeline feature similar to WeChat Moments .

 

   

Our music-centric live streaming services , primarily Kugou Live and Kuwo Live , provide an interactive online stage for performers and users to showcase their talent and engage with those who are interested in their performance.

The seamless integration of music content and services across our platform enables users to immerse themselves in the music they love. Users who hear a song on our platform may be inspired to sing that song and



 

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share the performance with friends, or watch a live stream of someone performing that song. This integration not only offers a comprehensive music entertainment experience but also enables us to acquire users in a cost-effective manner by attracting users from our online music services to our social entertainment services.

China’s most comprehensive music library and strong relationships with content partners

We had over 20 million tracks licensed from over 200 domestic and international music labels, including through master distribution and licensing agreements with music labels, such as Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, Emperor Entertainment Group and China Record Group Co., Ltd., as of June 30, 2018. Our comprehensive music library caters to a broad range of user preferences, covering both popular chart-topping music and niche content across multiple genres and languages. Content owners consider us to be a partner of choice as we offer them access to China’s largest online music user base, work closely with them on copyright protection and provide them with diverse monetization opportunities through our long-term relationships.

Our music content is complemented by a vast library of user-generated content including millions of online karaoke songs, short videos, live streaming of music performances, user comments and music-related reviews and articles. This content further expands the breadth of our music content offering, enhancing our user experience and engagement. We have also created an online stage for everyday performers to become professional artists.

As a result, we have developed a virtuous cycle of value creation—our comprehensive and differentiated music content attracts more users and enhances their engagement, which in turn allows us to offer a growing and more engaged audience for our content partners, who then provide us with wider access to content on more attractive terms.

Extensive data and industry-leading technology

We combine extensive data and industry-leading technology to provide superior user experiences and drive user engagement.

Our data and powerful AI technology allow us to provide music content that best matches users’ preferences. We offer hundreds of proprietary audio settings that deliver a superior listening experience, such as our industry-leading QQ Music SuperSound , Kugou Viper and WeSing Super Voice audio settings that we developed ourselves. Our proprietary music recognition technology allows our apps to identify songs by playing a sample of a song track. Our technology also makes our products a part of everyday life, such as our QQ Music Running Station that recommends music to match a jogger’s running tempo.

We also leverage technology to help our content partners protect copyright. For example, our real-time content monitoring system scans our platform as well as other online music platforms to detect potential copyright infringement.

Innovative and proven monetization capabilities to capture the significant demand for music entertainment

Our innovative and multi-faceted monetization models allow us to drive the growth of our platform and profitability, while promoting the development of the online music industry in China. We derive revenues primarily from online music services and music-centric social entertainment services.

 

   

Online music services primarily include paid subscriptions and digital music sales. We have transformed the online music industry in China by being the first company of scale to successfully



 

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deploy a paid music model. Our paying user base grew from approximately 16.6 million in the second quarter of 2017 to 23.3 million in the second quarter of 2018. We had a paying ratio of 3.6% in the second quarter of 2018, which is still very low compared to online games and video services in China and online music services globally, indicating significant growth potential.

 

   

Music-centric social entertainment services primarily include virtual gift sales and premium memberships, both of which are seamlessly integrated into the comprehensive user experience offered by our social entertainment services. For example, users can send virtual gifts to show appreciation to those who share their karaoke or live performances, providing performers with an effective channel to interact with their fans and an attractive way to monetize their performance. Our social entertainment paying user base grew from approximately 7.1 million in the second quarter of 2017 to 9.5 million in the same period in 2018, and the paying ratio was 4.2% in the second quarter of 2018, indicating significant growth potential.

Online music services and music-centric social entertainment services and others accounted for 28.7% and 71.3%, respectively, of our revenues in 2017, and 29.6% and 70.4%, respectively, of our revenues in the first half of 2018.

Significant synergies with Tencent

We enjoy significant synergies with Tencent, our controlling shareholder, which further strengthen our competitive advantages. Tencent is a leading provider of internet value added services in China, offering a broad range of internet services, including communications and social, online games, digital content, online advertising, mobile payment, mobile utilities and other services. We benefit from unique access to Tencent’s massive user base, representing China’s largest online social community, with over one billion MAUs of Weixin and WeChat combined and 803 million MAUs of QQ in the second quarter of 2018, which facilitates the organic growth of our user base.

The integration between Tencent’s social graph and our platform enables us to deliver a superior user experience and increase user engagement. For example, the music module embedded in the QQ mobile app allows QQ users to seamlessly access QQ Music . Tencent has strategically invested in a variety of content. It has built the largest digital content platforms in online video, online literature and online music in China, developing strong synergies with each platform. For example, WeSing users can enjoy the recorded performances of their Weixin/WeChat and QQ friends and interact with them on our platform. In return, our users and their content enrich Tencent’s content ecosystem. In addition, we also benefit from opportunities to collaborate with other platforms in Tencent’s content ecosystem. For example, we have the unique opportunity to co-produce Tencent Video’s music talent shows, which enables us to promote our brands, drive user stickiness and expand our music content.

Pioneering and visionary management team

With extensive experience and leading industry knowledge, our management team are pioneers in the online music entertainment industry in China, leading product innovation, spearheading music copyright protection and building an extensive licensed online music library in China. They have built strong partnerships with industry participants and been recognized by industry and government organizations. Their success is demonstrated by our track record of strong user base growth, our sustained online music content leadership, and our success in leading the industry toward a paid music business model.



 

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Our Strategies

We seek to lead the development of a vibrant music entertainment economy in China, creating long-term value for users, artists and content partners. We intend to pursue the following strategies:

 

   

Relentlessly innovate and develop superior products;

 

   

Reinforce our content leadership;

 

   

Be the partner of choice;

 

   

Make our products ubiquitous to everyday life; and

 

   

Grow our paying user base and develop new monetization models.

Our Challenges

We face risks and uncertainties in realizing our business objectives and executing our strategies, including those relating to:

 

   

our ability to anticipate user preferences and provide online music entertainment content catering to user demands;

 

   

our dependence upon third-party licenses for lyrics, sound recordings and musical compositions;

 

   

our ability to retain existing users and attract new users;

 

   

assertions by third parties of infringement or other violations by us of their intellectual property rights;

 

   

our ability to comply with the complex license agreements to which we are a party;

 

   

our ability to obtain accurate and comprehensive information about music compositions in order to obtain necessary licenses or perform obligations under our existing license agreements;

 

   

our ability to optimize our monetization strategies;

 

   

our ability to obtain and maintain requisite licenses or permits, some of which we do not currently have, or to respond to any changes in government policies, laws or regulations;

 

   

our ability to generate sufficient revenue to be profitable or to generate positive cash flow on a sustained basis;

 

   

our ability to maintain, protect and enhance our brands; and

 

   

our ability to maintain continued and collaborative efforts of our senior management and key employees.

Corporate History and Structure

Launch of QQ Music, Kugou, Kuwo and WeSing

 

   

QQ Music : In 2003, QQ, the social network operated by Tencent, launched its online music services. In 2005, QQ Music was launched as a standalone online music service brand.

 

   

Kugou : In 2004, Kugou Music was launched. In February 2006, Guangzhou Kugou Computer Technology Co., Ltd., or Guangzhou Kugou, was incorporated in China and commenced operation of



 

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Kugou Music . In September 2012, Guangzhou Kugou commenced offering its live streaming services through Fanxing Live, which was rebranded to Kugou Live in December 2016.

 

   

Kuwo : In December 2005, Beijing Kuwo Technology Co., Ltd., or Beijing Kuwo, was incorporated in China and commenced operation of Kuwo Music . In March 2013, Beijing Kuwo launched Kuwo Live .

 

   

WeSing : In September 2014, WeSing commenced offering online karaoke services.

CMC’s Acquisition of Beijing Kuwo and Guangzhou Kugou

In June 2012, China Music Corporation, or CMC, was incorporated in the Cayman Islands.

In December 2013, CMC obtained effective control over Beijing Kuwo and its business operations in the PRC through a series of contractual arrangements between Beijing Kuwo and an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of CMC.

In April 2014, CMC, through an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary in the PRC, entered into a series of contractual arrangements with Guangzhou Kugou and its shareholders.

As a result of these contractual arrangements, CMC obtained effective control over, and became the primary beneficiary of, each of Guangzhou Kugou and Beijing Kuwo through which it operated substantially all of its online music and live streaming services in the PRC.

Combination of Tencent’s Online Music Business with CMC

Prior to July 2016, Tencent held an approximately 15.8% equity interest in CMC.

In July 2016, Tencent acquired control of CMC through a series of transactions pursuant to which (i) Tencent injected substantially all of its online music business in the PRC (which primarily included QQ Music and WeSing ) into CMC and (ii) in consideration of the foregoing, CMC issued an aggregate of 1,290,862,550 ordinary shares to a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tencent (Min River Investment Limited, or Min River). Upon the completion of these transactions, Tencent owned an approximately 61.6% equity interest of CMC and CMC became a consolidated subsidiary of Tencent.

In December 2016, CMC was renamed “Tencent Music Entertainment Group,” or TME.

Share Issuances to Music Label Partners

On October 1, 2018, we entered into share subscription agreements with each of WMG China LLC (“Warner”), an affiliate of Warner Music Group, and Sony Music Entertainment (“Sony”) pursuant to which we agreed to issue to these two strategic investors, subject to satisfaction of certain customary closing conditions, a total of 68,131,015 ordinary shares for an aggregate cash consideration of approximately US$200 million, in reliance on Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act regarding private sales of securities. The share issuances are currently expected to be consummated prior to the completion of the offering. Under the agreements, all shares held by Warner and certain shares held by Sony will be subject to a lock-up that will expire upon the earlier of the third anniversary of the completion of this offering or October 1, 2021, subject to limited exceptions. The remaining shares held by Sony will be subject to a lock-up that will expire upon the earlier of the end of six months following the completion of this offering or April 1, 2019, subject to limited exceptions. We believe that such transactions will help deepen our strategic cooperation with our major music label partners and better align our interests with theirs to create long-term value for our users and shareholders. We expect to record a share-based accounting charge upon the consummation of such share issuances in an amount equal to the excess of the fair value of the ordinary shares sold over the aggregate consideration to be received by us. We are currently in the process of assessing the fair value of our ordinary shares and the amount of the accounting charge we expect to incur as a result of these transactions. Assuming the fair value of our ordinary shares is US$             per share, the midpoint of the estimated range of the initial public offering price, the expected accounting charge would be approximately US$            . As a result of this material one-off, non-cash accounting charge, we expect to record a loss for the three months ending December 31, 2018.



 

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Contractual Arrangements and Corporate Structure

Currently, substantially all of our users and business operations are located in the PRC and we do not have plans for any significant overseas expansion, as our primary focus is the PRC online music entertainment market, which we believe possesses tremendous growth potential and attractive monetization opportunities.

We are a Cayman Islands holding company and, other than external financing, rely principally on dividends and other distributions on equity from our PRC subsidiaries for our cash requirements, including the funds necessary to pay dividends and other cash distributions to our shareholders and for services of any debt we may incur.

Current PRC laws and regulations impose certain restrictions or prohibitions on foreign ownership of companies that engage in value-added telecommunication services, internet audio-video program services and certain other businesses. The Special Administrative Measures for Entrance of Foreign Investment (Negative List) (2018 Version) provides that foreign investors are generally not allowed to own more than 50% of the equity interests in a value-added telecommunication service provider other than an e-commerce service provider, and the Provisions on the Administration of Foreign-Invested Telecommunications Enterprises (2016 Revision) require that the major foreign investor in a value-added telecommunication service provider in China must have experience in providing value-added telecommunications services overseas and maintain a good track record. In addition, foreign investors are prohibited from investing in companies engaged in certain online and culture related businesses, internet audio-visual programs businesses, internet culture businesses and radio and television program production businesses. See “PRC Regulation—Regulations on Foreign Investment Special Administrative Measures for Entrance of Foreign Investment (Negative List) (2018 Version).” We are a company incorporated in the Cayman Islands. Beijing Tencent Music, Yeelion Online and Shenzhen Ultimate Xiangyue, our PRC subsidiaries, are considered foreign-invested enterprises. To comply with the foregoing PRC laws and regulations, we primarily conduct our business in China through Guangzhou Kugou, Beijing Kuwo, Shenzhen Ultimate Music and Xizang Qiming, our VIEs and their subsidiaries in the PRC, based on a series of contractual arrangements. As a result of these contractual arrangements, we exert effective control over our VIEs and consolidate their operating results in our consolidated financial statements under IFRS. For a summary of these contractual arrangements, see “Corporate History and Structure—Contractual Arrangements with Our VIEs and Their Respective Shareholders.” These contractual arrangements may not be as effective as direct ownership in providing us with control over our VIEs. If our VIEs or their respective shareholders fail to perform their respective obligations under the contractual arrangements, we could be limited in our ability to enforce the contractual arrangements that give us effective control over our business operations in the PRC and may have to incur substantial costs and expend additional resources to enforce such arrangements. We may also have to rely on legal remedies under PRC law, including seeking specific performance or injunctive relief, and claiming damages, which we cannot assure will be effective under PRC law. For details of these and other risks associated with our VIE structure, see “Risk Factors—Risk Related to Our Corporate Structure.”



 

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The following diagram illustrates our corporate structure, including our significant subsidiaries and VIEs, immediately upon the completion of this offering.

 

LOGO

 

Notes:

(1)

Beneficial ownership percentages represent beneficial ownership of our total issued and outstanding share capital immediately after the completion of this offering, assuming the underwriters do not exercise their over-allotment option. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC. In computing the number of shares beneficially owned by a person and the percentage ownership of that person, we have included shares that the person has the right to acquire within 60 days, including through the exercise of any option, warrant, or other right or the conversion of any other security. These shares, however, are not included in the computation of the percentage ownership of any other person.

(2)

Voting power percentages represent aggregate voting power of our total issued and outstanding share capital immediately after the completion of this offering, assuming the underwriters do not exercise their over-allotment option, and are calculated by dividing the voting power beneficially owned by such person or group by the voting power of all of our issued and outstanding Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares as a single class. In respect of matters requiring a shareholder vote, each Class A ordinary share is entitled to one vote and each Class B ordinary share is entitled to 15 votes and is convertible into one Class A ordinary share at any time by the holder thereof. Class A ordinary shares are not convertible into Class B ordinary shares under any circumstances. See also “Description of Share Capital—Ordinary Shares.”

(3)

Shareholders of Xizang Qiming are Ms. Min Hu, our Chief Financial Officer, and Mr. Qihu Yang, our General Counsel, each holding 50% of its equity interests.

(4)

Shareholders of Guangzhou Kugou and their respective shareholdings and relationship with our company are as follows: (i) Linzhi Lichuang Information Technology Co., Ltd. (54.87%), an entity controlled by Tencent; (ii) Mr. Guomin Xie (9.99%), our Co-President and director; (iii) Mr. Zhongwei Qiu (9.99%), a nominee shareholder designated by affiliates of PAG Capital Limited, a minority shareholder of the Company; (iv) Shenzhen Litong Industry Investment Fund Co., Ltd. (6.77%), an entity controlled by Tencent; (v) Mr. Zhenyu Xie (6.59%), our Co-President and director; (vi) Mr. Liang Tang (2.73%), our director and a nominee shareholder designated by affiliates of China Investment Financial Holdings Fund Management Company Limited, a minority shareholder of our company; (vii) individuals and entities, including Kashi Tianshan Red Sea Venture Capital Co., Ltd. (2.94%), Mr. Jianming Dong (1.48%), Ms. Huan Hu (1.18%), Ms. Yaping Gao (1.10%), Hangzhou Yong Xuan Yong Ming Capital Investment Partnership (Limited Partnership) (0.74%) and Mr. Hanjie Xu (0.55%), as nominee shareholders designated by certain minority shareholders of our company; and (viii) Guangzhou



 

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  Lekong Investment Partnership (Limited Partnership) (1.08%), an employee equity incentive platform of Guangzhou Kugou, with Mr. Zhenyu Xie being its general partner. Guangzhou Kugou operates Kugou Music and Kugou Live .
(5)

Shareholders of Beijing Kuwo and their respective shareholdings and relationship with our company are as follows: (i) Linzhi Lichuang Information Technology Co., Ltd. (61.64%), an entity controlled by Tencent; (ii) Mr. Guomin Xie (23.02%), our Co-President and director; and (iii) Mr. Lixue Shi (15.34%), our Group Vice President. Beijing Kuwo operates Kuwo Music and Kuwo Live .

(6)

Shareholders of Shenzhen Ultimate Music and their respective shareholdings and relationship with our company are as follows: (i) Tencent Music Shenzhen (96.10%), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Guangzhou Kugou; and (ii) Mr. Xiudong Ma (1.95%) and Mr. Gang Ding (1.95%), both of whom are employees of our company.

(7)

Tencent Music Shenzhen operates QQ Music and WeSing .



 

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OUR CORPORATE INFORMATION

The principal executive offices of our main operations are located at 17/F, Malata Building, Kejizhongyi Road, Midwest District of Hi-tech Park, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518057, the People’s Republic of China. Our telephone number at this address is +86-755-8601-3388. Our registered office in the Cayman Islands is located at the office of Walkers Corporate Limited, Cayman Corporate Centre, 27 Hospital Road, George Town, Grand Cayman KY1-9008, Cayman Islands. Our agent for service of process in the United States is Cogency Global Inc., located at 10 E. 40th Street, 10th Floor, New York, N.Y. 10016.



 

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CONVENTIONS WHICH APPLY TO THIS PROSPECTUS

Unless we indicate otherwise, all information in this prospectus reflects the following:

 

   

no exercise by the underwriters of their over-allotment option to purchase up to              additional ADSs representing              Class A ordinary shares from us [and the selling shareholders]; and

Except where the context otherwise requires:

 

   

“ADSs” refers to the American depositary shares, each representing             Class A ordinary shares;

 

   

“AI” refers to artificial intelligence;

 

   

“China” or “PRC” refers to the People’s Republic of China, excluding, for the purpose of this prospectus only, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau;

 

   

“CMC” refers to China Music Corporation;

 

   

“daily active user” for a given day (i) with respect to each of our products (except WeSing ), is measured by the number of unique devices through which such product is accessed at least once during that day; and (ii) with respect to WeSing , is measured by the number of user accounts through which WeSing is accessed at least once during that day;

 

   

“HK$” or “Hong Kong dollars” refers to the legal currency of the Hong Kong SAR;

 

   

“IFRS” refers to International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board;

 

   

“MCSC” refers to the Music Copyright Society of China;

 

   

“music publishing rights” refer to, with respect to a piece of music work, the copyright of the lyricist and the composers;

 

   

“monthly ARPPU” of each of our online music services and social entertainment services for any given quarter refers to one-third of (i) the quarterly revenues of the respective services divided by (ii) the number of paying user of the respective services for that quarter;

 

   

“ordinary shares” prior to the completion of this offering refers to our ordinary shares of par value US$0.000083 per share;

 

   

“paying ratio” of our platform for a given quarter is measured by the number of paying users as a percentage of the mobile MAUs for that quarter;

 

   

“paying ratio” for a given year of a given online entertainment industry as quoted by iResearch is measured by the total number of both mobile and non-mobile users who pay for the relevant online entertainment services at least once during the year as a percentage of the total number of users of such services in the same year;

 

   

“paying users” for our online music services for any given quarter refers to the average of the number of users whose subscription packages remain active as of the last day of each month of that quarter. The number of paying users for our online music services for any given period excludes the number of users who only purchase digital music singles and albums during such period because these user purchasing patterns tend to reflect specific hit releases, which fluctuate from period to period;

 

   

“paying users” for our social entertainment services for any given quarter refers to the average of the number of paying users for each month in that quarter. The number of paying users of our social entertainment services for a given month refers to the number of users who have paid at least once for our social entertainment services (primarily through purchases of virtual gifts or premium memberships) during that month;



 

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“paying users” for CMC’s online music services for any given quarter refers to the average of the number of users whose subscription packages remain active as of the last day of each month of that quarter; the number of paying users for CMC’s online music services for any given period excludes the number of users who only purchase digital music singles and albums during such period;

 

   

“paying users” for CMC’s music-centric live streaming services for any given quarter refers to the average of the number of paying users for each month in that quarter. The number of paying users of CMC’s music-centric live streaming services for a given month refers to the number of users who have paid at least once for CMC’s music-centric live streaming services (primarily through purchases of virtual gifts or premium memberships) during that month;

 

   

“Pre-2018 Shareholders” refers to the existing shareholders of our company as of December 8, 2017 and their respective affiliates holding any ordinary shares in our company immediately prior to the completion of this offering as determined by the officers of our company, which include affiliates of Tencent, PAG Capital Limited, China Investment Financial Holdings Fund Management Company Limited, Mr. Zhenyu Xie, Mr. Guomin Xie and certain other minority shareholders of our company;

 

   

“RMB” or “Renminbi” refers to the legal currency of the People’s Republic of China;

 

   

“Spotify” refers to Spotify Technology S.A., one of our principal shareholders;

 

   

“Tencent” refers to Tencent Holdings Limited, our controlling shareholder;

 

   

“UEC” refers to United Music Entertainment Corporation;

 

   

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

 

   

“we,” “us,” “our company,” and “our” refer to Tencent Music Entertainment Group (or, where the context requires, its predecessor), its subsidiaries and, in the context of describing our operations and consolidated financial information, its VIEs; since Tencent’s acquisition of CMC was completed on July 12, 2016 (see “Corporate History and Structure” for more information), our consolidated financial information for the year ended December 31, 2016 presented and discussed in this prospectus does not include the results of operations of CMC for the period prior to the acquisition (i.e., from January 1, 2016 to July 12, 2016); and

 

   

with respect to MAU data used in this prospectus:

 

 

“mobile MAUs” or “PC MAUs” for a given month (i) with respect to each of our products (except WeSing ) is measured as the number of unique mobile or PC devices, as the case may be, through which such product is accessed at least once in that month; and (ii) with respect to WeSing , is measured as the number of user accounts through which WeSing is accessed at least once in that month;

 

 

“total unique MAUs” for a given month refers to the sum of mobile MAUs and PC MAUs, each as defined above, of QQ Music , Kugou Music , Kuwo Music and WeSing for that month; duplicate access of different products is eliminated from the calculation based on our estimates depending on product either by mobile or PC device or by user account;

 

 

“mobile MAUs” or “total unique MAUs” for a given quarter refers to the average of the monthly number of mobile MAUs or total unique MAUs, as the case may be, for the three months in that quarter;

 

 

“online music mobile MAUs” for a given month refers to the sum of mobile MAUs of our music products, namely QQ Music , Kugou Music , and Kuwo Music , for that month; duplicate access of different products by the same device is not eliminated from the calculation;

 

 

“social entertainment mobile MAUs” for a given month refers to the sum of mobile MAUs that have accessed the social entertainment services offered by (i) WeSing ; (ii) Kugou Live ; (iii) Kuwo



 

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  Live ; and (iv) the live streaming services offered on Kugou Music and Kuwo Music , for that month; duplicate access of different products by the same user account or device is not eliminated from the calculation;

 

 

our MAUs are calculated using internal company data, treating each distinguishable user account or device as a separate MAU even though some users may access our services using more than one user account or device and multiple users may access our services using the same user account or device; and

 

 

“mobile MAUs” as quoted by iResearch refers to the sum of the number of mobile devices that have accessed relevant online platforms via mobile apps in that month.

Unless otherwise noted, all translations from Renminbi to U.S. dollars and from U.S. dollars to Renminbi in this prospectus are made at RMB6.6171 to US$1.00, the exchange rates set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board on June 29, 2018, except that translation from Renminbi to U.S. dollars and from U.S. dollars to Renminbi of the historical financial information of CMC are made at RMB6.6843 to US$1.00, the exchange rate on July 12, 2016 in the City of New York for cable transfers of Renminbi as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. 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. On September 28, 2018, the noon buying rate for Renminbi was RMB6.8680 to US$1.00. In addition, unless otherwise noted, all translations from Hong Kong dollars to U.S. dollars and from U.S. dollars to Hong Kong dollars in this prospectus are made at HK$7.8463 to US$1.00, the exchange rate set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board on June 29, 2018. We make no representation that any Hong Kong dollar or U.S. dollar amounts could have been, or could be, converted into U.S. dollars or Hong Kong dollars, as the case may be, at any particular rate, the rates stated below, or at all. On September 28, 2018, the noon buying rate for Hong Kong dollars was HK$7.8259 to US$1.00.

This prospectus contains information derived from various public sources and certain information from an industry report commissioned by us and prepared by iResearch Consulting Group, or iResearch, a third-party industry research firm, to provide information regarding our industry and market position in China. Such information involves a number of assumptions and limitations, and you are cautioned not to give undue weight to these estimates. We have not independently verified the accuracy or completeness of the data contained in these industry publications and reports. The industry in which we operate is subject to a high degree of uncertainty and risk due to variety of factors, including those described in the “Risk Factors” section. These and other factors could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in these publications and reports.



 

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THE OFFERING

 

Offering price

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

 

ADSs offered by us

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

 

[ADSs offered by the selling shareholders]

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

 

The ADSs

Each ADS represents             Class A ordinary shares, par value US$0.000083 per share. The depositary will hold the Class A ordinary shares underlying the ADSs. You will have rights as provided in the deposit agreement.

 

  We do not expect to pay dividends in the foreseeable future. If, however, we declare dividends on our Class A ordinary shares, the depositary will pay you the cash dividends and other distributions it receives on our Class A ordinary shares, after deducting its fees and expenses in accordance with the terms set forth in the deposit agreement.

 

  You may turn in the ADSs to the depositary in exchange for Class A ordinary shares. The depositary will charge you fees for any exchange.

 

  We may amend or terminate the deposit agreement without your consent. If you continue to hold the ADSs after an amendment to the deposit agreement, you agree to be bound by the deposit agreement as amended.

 

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

 

Ordinary shares

We will issue             Class A ordinary shares represented by the ADSs in this offering.

 

  All share-based compensation awards, regardless of grant dates, will entitle holders to the equivalent number of Class A ordinary shares once the vesting and exercising conditions on such share-based compensation awards are met.

 

  See “Description of Share Capital.”


 

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Ordinary shares outstanding immediately after this offering

             ordinary shares, comprised of              Class A ordinary shares and              Class B ordinary shares (or              ordinary shares if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase              additional ADSs in full, comprised of              Class A ordinary shares and              Class B ordinary shares), excluding ordinary shares issuable upon the exercise of options outstanding under our share incentive plans as of the date of this prospectus.

 

Over-allotment option

We [and certain selling shareholders] have granted to the underwriters an option, which is exercisable within 30 days from the date of this prospectus, to purchase up to an aggregate of              additional ADSs.

 

Use of proceeds

We expect to receive net proceeds of approximately US$             million from this offering, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. [We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of ADSs by the selling shareholders.]

 

  We plan to use the net proceeds of this offering primarily for the following purposes: (i) approximately 40% for investment to enhance our music content offerings to improve the variety, quality and quantity of content on our platform; (ii) approximately 30% for product and service development to expand and enhance our current product and service offerings, as well as to develop new products and services to further enhance user engagement; (iii) approximately 15% for selling and marketing, including marketing and promotions to strengthen our brand and grow our paying user base; and (iv) approximately 15% for potential strategic investments and acquisitions and general corporate purposes. See “Use of Proceeds.”

 

Lock-up

[We, our directors, executive officers and existing shareholders have agreed with the underwriters, subject to certain exceptions (including an exception for the Assured Entitlement Distribution), not to sell, transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any of the ADSs or ordinary shares or securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for the ADSs or ordinary shares for a period of 180 days after the date of this prospectus. See “Shares Eligible for Future Sale” and “Underwriting” for more information.]

 

[NYSE]/[NASDAQ] trading symbol

TME

 

Payment and settlement

The underwriters expect to deliver the ADSs against payment therefor through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company on             , 2018.

 

Depositary

Bank of New York Mellon

 

Directed share program

At our request, the underwriters have reserved for sale, at the initial public offering price, up to an aggregate of              ADSs offered in



 

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this offering to our directors, officers, employees, business associates and related persons.

 

 

Taxation

For the Cayman Islands, PRC and U.S. federal income tax considerations with respect to the ownership and disposition of the ADSs, see “Taxation.”

 

Risk Factors

See “Risk Factors” and other information included in this prospectus for discussions of the risks relating to investing in the ADSs. You should carefully consider these risks before deciding to invest in the ADSs.


 

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SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA AND OPERATING DATA

The following summary consolidated statements of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, summary consolidated balance sheet data as of January 1, 2016, December 31, 2016 and 2017 and summary consolidated cash flow data for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. The following summary consolidated statements of operations data for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2018, summary consolidated balance sheet data as of June 30, 2018 and summary consolidated cash flow data for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2018 have been derived from our unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus and have been prepared on the same basis as our audited consolidated financial statements and include all adjustments, consisting only of normal and recurring adjustments, that we consider necessary for a fair statement of our financial position and operating results for the periods presented. Our consolidated financial statements are prepared and presented in accordance with IFRS. Our historical results are not necessarily indicative of results expected for future periods. Tencent’s acquisition of CMC was completed on July 12, 2016. As a result, historical results of operations of CMC before July 12, 2016 are not included in our consolidated financial statements presented in this prospectus and our historical financial information for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017 may not be directly comparable. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and Industry—Our historical financial information may not be directly comparable between different periods due to our consolidation of CMC’s financial results since July 2016, which may make it difficult for you to evaluate our business and prospects.” For a description of this acquisition, see “Corporate History and Structure” and Note 2.1 to the consolidated financial statements of Tencent Music Entertainment Group included elsewhere in this prospectus. You should read this section together with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

    For the Year Ended December 31,     For the Six Months Ended June 30,  
    2016     2017     2017     2018  
    RMB     %     RMB     US$     %     RMB     %     RMB     US$     %  
    (in millions, except for share and per share data)  

Summary Consolidated Statements of Operation Data:

                   

Revenues

                   

Online music services

    2,144       49.2       3,149       476       28.7       1,364       30.4       2,553       386       29.6  

Social entertainment services and others

    2,217       50.8       7,832       1,184       71.3       3,121       69.6       6,066       917       70.4  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

    4,361       100.0       10,981       1,659       100.0       4,485       100.0       8,619       1,303       100.0  

Cost of revenues (1)

    (3,129     (71.7     (7,171     (1,084     (65.3     (3,103     (69.2     (5,141     (777     (59.6
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

    1,232       28.3       3,810       576       34.7       1,382       30.8       3,478       526       40.4  

Operating expenses

                   

Selling and marketing expenses (1)

    (365     (8.3     (913     (138     (8.3     (298     (6.6     (738     (112     (8.6

General and administrative expenses (1)

    (783     (18.0     (1,521     (230     (13.9     (682     (15.2     (905     (137     (10.5
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

    (1,148     (26.3     (2,434     (368     (22.2     (980     (21.8     (1,643     (248     (19.1

Interest income

    32       0.7       93       14       0.9       41       0.9       100       15       1.2  

Other (losses)/gains, net

    (13     (0.3     124       19       1.1       36       0.8       12       2       0.1  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating profit

    103       2.4       1,593       241       14.5       479       10.7       1,947       294       22.6  

Share of net profit of investments accounted for using equity method

    11       0.2       4       1       0.0       (1     (0.0     (7     (1     (0.1

Fair value change on liabilities of puttable shares

    —         —         —         —         —         —         —         (17     (3     (0.2
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Profit before income tax

    114       2.6       1,597       241       14.5       478       10.7       1,923       291       22.3  

Income tax expenses

    (29     (0.7     (278     (42     (2.5     (83     (1.9     (180     (27     (2.1
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Profit for the year/period

    85       1.9       1,319       199       12.0       395       8.8       1,743       263       20.2  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings per share for profit attributable to the equity holders of the company

                   

Basic

    0.04       —         0.51       0.08       —         0.15       —         0.57       0.08       —    

Diluted

    0.04       —         0.50       0.08       —         0.15       —         0.56       0.08       —    

Shares used in calculating earnings per share

                   

Basic

    1,831,604,053       —         2,593,157,207       —         —         2,556,725,734       —         3,049,664,727       —         —    

Diluted

    1,899,419,825       —         2,639,466,412       —         —         2,603,209,173       —         3,110,040,819       —         —    


 

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Note:

(1)

Share-based compensation expenses were allocated as follows:

 

     For the Year Ended December 31,      For the Six Months Ended June 30,  
     2016      2017      2017      2018  
     RMB      RMB      US$      RMB      RMB      US$  
     (in millions)  

Cost of revenues

     10        27        4        12        11        2  

Selling and marketing expenses

     6        12        2        5        6        1  

General and administrative expenses

     154        345        52        165        218        33  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     170        384        58        182        235        36  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table presents our summary consolidated balance sheet data as of January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016 and 2017 and June 30, 2018.

 

    As of January 1,    

 

As of December 31,

   

 

As of June 30,

 
    2016     2016     2017     2018  
    RMB     RMB     RMB     US$     RMB     US$  
    (in millions)  

Summary Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:

           

Cash and cash equivalents

    —         3,071       5,174       782       9,529       1,440  

Short-term investments

    —         261       —         —         —         —    

Total current assets

    437       4,997       7,467       1,128       12,913       1,951  

Non-current assets

    282       18,538       22,533       3,405       23,034       3,481  

Total assets

    719       23,535       30,000       4,534       35,947       5,432  

Current liabilities

    263       2,523       3,527       533      
4,369
 
    660  

Non-current liabilities

    —         378       325       49      
441
 
   
67
 

Total liabilities

    263       2,901       3,852       582       4,810       727  

Equity attributable to equity holders of the company

    456       20,625       26,141       3,951       31,115       4,702  


 

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The following table presents our summary consolidated cash flow data for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017 and the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2018.

 

     For the Year Ended December 31,     For the Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2016     2017     2017     2018  
     RMB     RMB     US$     RMB     RMB     US$  
     (in millions)  

Summary Consolidated Cash Flow Data:

            

Net cash provided by operating activities

     873       2,500       378       1,930       2,056       311  

Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities

     496       (483     (73     (1,570     (573     (87

Net cash provided by financing activities

     1,712       99       15       20       2,855       431  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

     3,081       2,116       320       380       4,338       656  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year/period

     —         3,071       464       3,071       5,174       782  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Exchange (losses)/gains on cash and cash equivalents

     (10     (13     (2     (3     17       3  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year/period

     3,071       5,174       782       3,448       9,529       1,440  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 


 

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The following summary consolidated financial data of CMC for the period from January 1, 2016 to July 12, 2016 have been derived from CMC’s consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus and are prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

The following table presents CMC’s summary consolidated statement of operation for the period from January 1, 2016 to July 12, 2016.

 

     For the Period from January 1,
2016 to July 12, 2016
 
     RMB     %  
     (in millions, except for
percentage and share and per
share data)
 

Summary Consolidated Statements of Operation Data:

    

Net Revenues

    

Music-centric live streaming services

     1,454       75.6  

Online advertising

     90       4.7  

Online music services and others

     379       19.7  

Total net revenues

     1,923       100.0  

Cost of revenues

     (1,341     (69.7

Gross profit

     582       30.3  

Operating expenses

    

Sales and marketing expenses

     (199     (10.4

General and administrative expenses

     (323     (16.8

Research and development expenses

     (201     (10.5

Impairment loss of intangible assets

     (2     (0.0

Impairment loss of long-term investment

     (15     (0.8

Gain on disposal of a subsidiary

     20       1.0  

Total operating expenses

     (720     (37.5

Loss from operations

     (138 )       (7.2 )  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Interest and investment income

     6       0.3  

Other expenses, net

     (1     (0.0

Share of net income of equity investee

     4       0.2  

Loss before income tax

     (129     (6.7

Income tax expenses

     (23     (1.2
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss for the period

     (152 )       (7.9 )  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests

     6       0.3  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss attributable to the company

     (146     (7.6

Net loss per share

    

Basic

     (0.14     —    

Diluted

     (0.14     N/A  

Shares used in calculating net loss per share

    

Basic

     1,048,871,789       N/A  

Diluted

     1,041,871,789       N/A  


 

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The following table presents CMC’s summary consolidated balance sheet data as of July 12, 2016.

 

     As of July 12,
2016
 
     RMB  
     (in millions)  

Summary Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:

  

Cash and cash equivalents

     674  

Short-term investments

     633  

Total current assets

     1,793  

Non-current assets

     2,672  

Total assets

     4,465  
  

 

 

 

Current liabilities

     1,928  

Non-current liabilities

     39  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     1,967  
  

 

 

 

Equity attributable to equity holders of CMC

     2,491  
  

 

 

 

Non-controlling interests

     7  

The following table presents CMC’s summary consolidated cash flow data for the period from January 1, 2016 to July 12, 2016.

 

     For the Period from
January 1, 2016 to
July 12, 2016
 
     RMB  
     (in millions)  

Summary Consolidated Cash Flow Data:

  

Net cash provided by operating activities

     279  

Net cash used in investing activities

     (754

Net cash provided by financing activities

     629  

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     22  
  

 

 

 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

     176  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period

     498  
  

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period

     674  
  

 

 

 

Non-IFRS Financial Measure

We use adjusted profit for the year/period, which is a non-IFRS financial measure, in evaluating our operating results and for financial and operational decision-making purposes. We believe that adjusted profit for the year/period helps identify underlying trends in our business that could otherwise be distorted by the effect of certain expenses that we include in our profit for the year/period. We believe that adjusted profit for the year/period provides useful information about our results of operations, enhances the overall understanding of our past performance and future prospects and allows for greater visibility with respect to key metrics used by our management in its financial and operational decision-making.

Adjusted profit for the year/period should not be considered in isolation or construed as an alternative to operating profit, profit for the year/period or any other measure of performance or as an indicator of our operating performance. Investors are encouraged to review adjusted profit for the year/period and the reconciliation to its most directly comparable IFRS measure. Adjusted profit for the year/period presented here may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies. Other companies may calculate similarly titled measures differently, limiting their usefulness as comparative measures to our data. We



 

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encourage investors and others to review our financial information in its entirety and not rely on a single financial measure.

Adjusted profit for the year/period represents profit for the year/period excluding share-based compensation expenses, net gains from equity investments, amortization related to intangible and other assets resulting from the acquisitions of CMC and Ultimate Music, and impairment provision for investment in associates. The table below sets forth a reconciliation of our profit for the year/period to adjusted profit for the year/period for the periods indicated.

 

     For the Year Ended December 31,     For the Six Months Ended June 30,  
     2016     2017     2017      2018  
     RMB     RMB     US$     RMB      RMB     US$  
     (in millions)  

Profit for the year/period

     85       1,319       199       395        1,743       263  

Adjustments:

             

Share-based compensation expenses

     170       384       58       182        235       36  

Net gains from equity investments

     (4     (72     (11     —          (1     (0

Amortization of intangible and other assets arising from business combinations (1)

     175       271       41       155        118       18  

Impairment provision for investment in associates

     —         2       0       —          —         —    

Fair value change on liabilities of puttable shares

     —         —         —         —          17       3  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted profit for the year/period

     426       1,904       288       732        2,112       320  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Note:

(1)

Represents the amortization of identifiable assets, including intangible assets and prepayments for music content, resulting from Tencent’s acquisition of CMC in 2016 and our acquisition of Ultimate Music in 2017, net of related deferred taxes.

Key Operating Data

The following table presents our key operating data for the periods indicated.

 

    For the Three Months Ended  
    Sep. 30,
2016 (2)
    Dec. 31,
2016
    Mar. 31,
2017
    Jun. 30,
2017
    Sep. 30,
2017
    Dec. 31,
2017
    Mar. 31,
2018
    Jun. 30,
2018
 

Mobile MAUs (1) (in millions)

               

Online music mobile MAUs

    579       589       607       606       609       603       625       644  

Social entertainment mobile MAUs

    144       151       180       200       214       209       224       228  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Paying users (1) (in millions)

               

Online music services

    12.2       13.5       15.3       16.6       18.3       19.4       22.3       23.3  

Social entertainment services

    2.9       4.2       6.2       7.1       8.0       8.3       9.6       9.5  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Paying ratio (1)

               

Online music services

    2.1     2.3     2.5     2.7     3.0     3.2     3.6     3.6

Social entertainment services

    2.0     2.8     3.5     3.5     3.7     4.0     4.3     4.2
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Monthly ARPPU (1) (RMB)

               

Online music services (3)

    8.6       9.3       9.5       8.7       8.5       8.7       8.4       8.7  

Social entertainment services (4)

    100.7       99.0       74.5       81.6       90.8       101.9       99.5       111.8  

 

Notes:

(1)

For the definitions, see “Conventions which Apply to this Prospectus.”



 

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(2)

The numbers of mobile MAUs, paying users, paying ratio and monthly ARPPU for the third quarter of 2016 presented herein have taken into account the numbers of the corresponding period of both CMC and Tencent’s online music business in the PRC, without eliminating duplicates of MAUs between CMC and Tencent’s online music business in the PRC. In July 2016, Tencent acquired CMC and merged its online music business in the PRC with CMC.

(3)

The revenues used to calculate the monthly ARPPU of online music services include revenues from subscriptions only. The revenues from subscriptions for the quarters indicated were RMB315 million, RMB376 million, RMB437 million, RMB432 million, RMB467 million, RMB505 million, RMB565 million, RMB605 million, respectively.

(4)

The revenues used to calculate the monthly ARPPU of social entertainment services include revenues from social entertainment and others.



 

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RISK FACTORS

You should consider carefully all of the information in this prospectus, including the risks and uncertainties described below and the information in our consolidated financial statements and related notes, before making an investment in the ADSs. Any of the following risks and uncertainties could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. The market price of the ADSs could decline significantly as a result of any of these risks and uncertainties, and you may lose all or part of your investment.

Risks Related to Our Business and Industry

If we fail to anticipate user preferences to provide online music entertainment content catering to user demands, our ability to attract and retain users may be materially and adversely affected.

Our ability to attract and retain our users, drive user engagement and deliver a superior online music entertainment experience depends largely on our ability to continue to offer attractive content, including songs, playlists, video, lyrics, live streaming of music performances and karaoke-related content. Music that was once well-received by our users may become less attractive if user preferences evolve. The success of our business relies on our ability to anticipate changes in user preferences and industry dynamics, and respond to such changes in a timely, appropriate and cost-effective manner. If we fail to cater to the tastes and preferences of our users, or fail to deliver superior user experiences, we may suffer from reduced user traffic and engagement, and our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.

We strive to generate creative ideas for content acquisition and to source high-quality content, including both popular, mainstream content and long-tail content. Sourcing attractive content may be challenging, expensive and time consuming. We have invested and intend to continue to invest substantial resources in content acquisition. However, we may not be able to successfully source attractive content or to recover our content acquisition investments. Any deterioration in our content quality, failure to anticipate user preferences, inability to acquire attractive content, or any negative feedback of users to our existing content offerings may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results.

We depend upon third-party licenses for the content of our music offerings, and any adverse changes to, or loss of, our relationships with these music content providers may materially and adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition.

Significant portions of our music offerings are licensed from our music content partners, which include music publishers and labels, such as Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, Emperor Entertainment Group and China Record Group Co., Ltd. with whom we have entered into master distribution and licensing agreements. There is no assurance that the licenses currently available to us will continue to be available in the future at rates and on terms that are favorable, commercially reasonable or at all.

The royalty rates and other terms of these licenses may change as a result of various reasons beyond our control, such as changes in our bargaining power, changes in the industry, or changes in the law or regulatory environment. If our music content partners are no longer willing or able to license content to us on terms acceptable to us, the breadth or quality of our content offerings may be adversely affected or our content acquisition costs may increase. Likewise, increases in royalty rates or changes to other terms of our licenses may materially and adversely affect the breadth and quality of our music content offerings and may, in turn, materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

There also is no guarantee that we have all of the licenses for the music content available on our platform, as we need to obtain licenses from many copyright owners, some of whom are unknown, and there are complex legal issues such as open questions of law as to when and whether particular licenses are needed. Additionally,

 

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there is a risk that copyright owners (particularly aspiring artists), their agents, or legislative or regulatory bodies may require or attempt to require us to enter into additional license agreements with, and pay royalties to, newly defined groups of copyright owners, some of which may be difficult or impossible to identify.

Even when we are able to enter into license agreements with content partners, we cannot guarantee that such agreements will continue to be renewed indefinitely. It is also possible that such agreements will never be renewed at all. The lack of renewal, or termination, of one or more of our license agreements, or the renewal of license agreements on less favorable terms, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We may not have obtained complete licenses for certain copyrights with respect to a portion of the music content offered on our platform.

Under PRC law, to secure the rights to provide music content on the internet or for our users to download or stream music from our platform, or to provide other related online music services, we must obtain licenses from the appropriate copyright owners for one or more of the economic rights, including the music publishing and musical recording rights, among others. See “PRC Regulations—Regulations on Intellectual Property Rights—Copyright.”

We may not have complete licenses for the copyrights underlying a portion of the music content offered on our platform, and therefore we may be subject to assertions by third parties of infringement or other violations by us of their copyright in connection with such content. As of June 30, 2018, we offered over 20 million tracks on our platform, and we had licenses to both the music publishing and musical recording rights for approximately 85% of those tracks. We have sought, and will continue to seek, licenses to the remaining tracks to the extent we identify the relevant copyright owners and enter into agreements with them.

With respect to the musical compositions and lyrics we license from our content partners, including the MCSC, there is no guarantee that such content partners have the rights to license the copyright underlying all music content covered by our agreements. With respect to any musical compositions and lyrics that the MCSC is not authorized to sublicense to us, the MCSC undertakes to resolve such disputes and compensate the relevant copyright owners from infringement claims made by third-party rights owners against us for using their content on our platform. Despite such undertakings by the MCSC, there is no guarantee that we will not be subject to potential copyright infringement claims by third parties in relation to content licensed from the MCSC.

In addition, some of our license agreements with our content partners are silent on our rights to use the accompanying music for our online karaoke services, partly due to the relatively novel nature of online karaoke services and lack of industry standard on the applicable royalty arrangements. There is no guarantee that we will be able to reach agreements with content partners on license arrangements in relation to our provision of online karaoke services, and that we will not be subject to potential copyright infringement claims by third parties in relation to such services.

We allow user-generated content to be uploaded on our platform; if users have not obtained all necessary copyright licenses in connection with such uploaded content, we may be subject to potential disputes and liabilities.

We allow users to upload user-generated content on our platform, which exposes us to potential disputes and liabilities in connection with third-party copyright. When users register on our platform, they agree to our standard agreement, under which they agree not to disseminate any content infringing on third-party copyright. However, we have historically allowed users to upload music content anonymously, and our platform has, over the years, accumulated user-generated content for which users or performers may not have obtained proper and complete copyright licenses. Given the large volume of such user-generated content available on our platform, it is challenging for us to accurately identify and verify the individual users or performers that uploaded such

 

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content, the copyright status of such content, and the appropriate copyright owners from whom copyright licenses should be obtained.

Under PRC laws and regulations, online service providers, which provide storage space for users to upload works or links to other services or content, may be held liable for copyright infringement under various circumstances, including situations where the online service provider knows or should reasonably have known that the relevant content uploaded or linked to on its platform infringes upon the copyright of others and the online service provider profits from such infringing activities. For example, online service providers are subject to liability if they fail to take necessary measures, such as deletion, blocking or disconnection, after being duly notified by the legal right holders.

As an online service provider, we have adopted measures to reduce the likelihood of using, developing or making available any content without the proper licenses or necessary consents. Such measures include (i) requiring users to acknowledge and agree that they will not upload or perform content which may infringe upon others’ copyright; (ii) putting in place procedures to block users on our blacklists from uploading content; and (iii) implementing “notice and take-down” policies to be eligible for the safe harbor exemption for user-generated content. However, these measures may not be effective in preventing the unauthorized posting and use of third parties’ copyrighted content or the infringement of other third-party intellectual property rights. Specifically, it is possible that such acknowledgments and agreements by users may not be enforceable against third parties who file claims against us. Furthermore, a plaintiff may not be able to locate users who generate content that infringes on the plaintiff’s copyright and may choose to sue us instead. In addition, individual users who upload infringing content on our platform may not have sufficient resources to fully indemnify us, if at all, for any such claims. Also, such measures may fail or be considered insufficient by courts or other relevant governmental authorities. If we are not eligible for the safe harbor exemption, we may be subject to joint infringement liability with the users, and we may have to change our policies or adopt new measures to become eligible and retain eligibility for the safe harbor exemption, which could be expensive and reduce the attractiveness of our platform to users.

Assertions or allegations, even not true, that we have infringed or violated intellectual property rights could harm our business and reputation.

Third parties have asserted, and may in the future assert, that we have infringed, misappropriated or otherwise violated their copyright or other intellectual property rights, and as we face increasing competition, the possibility of intellectual property rights claims against us grows.

We have adopted robust screening processes to filter out or disable access to potentially infringing content. We have also adopted procedures to enable copyright owners to provide us with notice and evidence of alleged infringement, and are generally willing to enter into license agreements to compensate copyright owners for works distributed on our platform. However, given the volume of content available on our platform, it is not possible to identify and promptly remove all alleged infringing content that may exist. Third parties may take action against us if they believe that certain content available on our platform violates their copyright or other intellectual property rights. Moreover, while we use location-based controls and technology to prevent all or a portion of our services and content from being accessed outside of the PRC as required by certain licensing agreements with our content partners, these controls and technology may be breached and the content available on our platform may be accessed from geographic locations where such access is restricted, in which case we may be subject to potential liabilities, regardless of whether there is any fault and/or negligence involved on our part.

We have been involved in litigation based on allegations of infringement of third-party copyright due to the music content available on our platform. If we are forced to defend against any infringement or misappropriation claims, whether they are with or without merit, are settled out of court, or are determined in our favor, we may be required to expend significant time and financial resources on the defense of such claims. Furthermore, an

 

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adverse outcome of a dispute may damage our reputation, force us to adjust our business practices, or require us to pay significant damages, cease providing content that we were previously providing, enter into potentially unfavorable license agreements in order to obtain the right to use necessary content or technologies, and/or take other actions that may have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition.

We also sublicense some of our licensed music content to other platforms to diversify our revenue streams. Our agreements with such third-party platforms typically require them to comply with the terms of the license and applicable copyright laws and regulations. However, there is no guarantee that the third-party platforms that we sublicense content to will comply with the terms of our license arrangements or all applicable copyright laws and regulations. In the event of any breach or violation by such platforms, we may be held liable to the copyright owners for damages and be subject to legal proceedings as a result, in which case our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.

In addition, music, internet, technology and media companies are frequently subject to litigation based on allegations of infringement, misappropriation, or other violations of intellectual property rights. Other companies in these industries may have larger intellectual property portfolios than we do, which could make us a target for litigation as we may not be able to assert counterclaims against parties that sue us for intellectual property infringement. Furthermore, from time to time, we may introduce new products and services, which could increase our exposure to intellectual property claims from third parties. It is difficult to predict whether assertions of third-party intellectual property rights or any infringement or misappropriation claims arising from such assertions will substantially harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our license agreements are complex, impose numerous obligations upon us and may make it difficult to operate our business; any breach of such agreements could adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition.

Many of our license agreements are complex and impose numerous obligations on us, including obligations to:

 

   

calculate and make payments based on complex royalty structures that involve a number of variables, including the revenue generated and size of user base, which requires tracking usage of content on our platform that may have inaccurate or incomplete metadata necessary for such calculation;

 

   

make minimum guaranteed payments;

 

   

use reasonable efforts to achieve certain paying user conversion targets;

 

   

adopt and implement effective anti-piracy and geo-blocking measures;

 

   

monitor performance by our sublicensees of their obligations with respect to content distribution and copyright protections; and

 

   

comply with certain security and technical specifications.

Many of our license agreements grant the licensor the right to audit our compliance with the terms and conditions of such agreements. Some of our license agreements also include “most favored nations” provisions which require that certain material terms of such agreements are no less favorable than those provided to any similarly situated licensor. If triggered, these most favored nations provisions could cause our payments or other obligations under those agreements to escalate substantially. If we materially breach any of these obligations or any other obligations set forth in any of our license agreements, we could be subject to monetary penalties and our rights under such license agreements could be terminated, either of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

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Minimum guarantees required under certain of our license agreements for music content may limit our operating flexibility and may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Certain of our license agreements for music require that we make minimum guarantee payments to the copyright owners. Such minimum guarantees are not always tied to our number of users or the number of sound recordings used on our platform. Accordingly, our ability to achieve and sustain profitability and operating leverage in part depends on our ability to increase our revenue through increased sales of our music services to our users in order to maintain a healthy gross margin. The duration of our license agreements that contain minimum guarantees is typically between one to three years, but our paying users may cancel their subscriptions at any time. If our paying user growth forecasts do not meet our expectations or our sales decline significantly during the term of our license agreements, our margins may be materially and adversely affected. To the extent our revenues do not meet our expectations, our business, financial condition and results of operations also could be adversely affected as a result of such minimum guarantees. In addition, the fixed cost nature of these minimum guarantees may limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the markets in which we operate.

We rely on estimates of the market share of licensable content controlled by each content partner, as well as our own user growth and forecasted revenue, to forecast whether such minimum guarantees could be recouped against our actual content acquisition costs incurred over the duration of the license agreement. To the extent that our actual revenue and/or market share underperform relative to our expectations, leading to content acquisition costs that do not exceed such minimum guarantees, our margins may be materially and adversely affected.

If we are unable to obtain accurate and comprehensive information necessary to identify the copyright ownership of the music content offered on our platform, our ability to obtain necessary or commercially viable licenses from the copyright owners may be adversely affected, which may result in us having to remove music content from our platform, and may subject us to potential copyright infringement claims and difficulties in controlling content-related costs.

Comprehensive and accurate copyright owner information for musical compositions and musical recordings underlying our music content is sometimes unavailable to us or difficult or, in some cases, impossible for us to obtain. For example, such information may be withheld by the owners or administrators of such rights, especially with regards to user-generated content or content provided by aspiring artists. If we are unable to identify comprehensive and accurate copyright owner information for the music content offered on our platform, such as identifying which composers, publishers or collective copyright organizations own, administer, license or sublicense music works, or if we are unable to determine which music works correspond to specific musical recordings, it may be difficult for us (i) to identify the appropriate copyright owners to whom to pay royalties or from whom to obtain a license or (ii) ascertain whether the scope of a license we have obtained covers specific music works. This also may make it difficult to comply with the obligations of any agreements with those rights holders.

If we do not obtain necessary and commercially viable licenses from copyright owners, whether due to the inability to identify or verify the appropriate copyright owners or for any other reason, we may be found to have infringed on the copyright of others, potentially resulting in claims for monetary damages, government fines and penalties, or a reduction of content available to users on our platform, which would adversely affect our ability to retain and expand our user base, attract paying users for our paid music services and generate revenue from our content library. Any such inability may also involve us in expensive and protracted copyright disputes.

 

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If music copyright owners withdraw all or a portion of their music works from the MCSC, a collective copyright organization, we may have to enter into direct licensing agreements with these copyright owners, which may be time-consuming and costly, and we may not be able to reach an agreement with some copyright owners, or may have to pay higher rates than we currently pay.

We have obtained licenses from the MCSC with respect to musical composition and lyrics for a substantial portion of our music content library. We cannot guarantee that composers and lyricists in China will not withdraw all or part of their music works from the MCSC. To the extent that the MCSC has not obtained authorization to license from the relevant copyright owners, including circumstances where the copyright owners choose not to be represented by the MCSC, our ability to secure favorable licensing arrangements could be negatively affected, our content licensing cost may increase, and we may be subject to liabilities for copyright infringement. If we are unable to reach an agreement with respect to the content of any music copyright owners who withdraw all or a portion of their music works from the MCSC, or if we have to enter into direct licensing agreements with such music copyright owners at rates higher than those currently set by the MCSC for the use of music works, our ability to offer music content may be limited or our service costs may significantly increase, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The revenue model for online music entertainment services is relatively new in China and may not be effective, which may cause us to lose users and materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The revenue model for online music entertainment is relatively new in China. We have devoted substantial efforts to monetize our user base by increasing our number of paying users and cultivating our users’ willingness to pay for music. We currently generate our revenues from (i) online music services and (ii) social entertainment services and others. At a strategic level, we plan to continue to optimize our existing monetization strategies and explore new monetization opportunities. However, if these efforts fail to achieve our anticipated results, we may not be able to increase or even maintain our revenue growth. For example, we generated most of the revenue for our live streaming services from the sale of virtual gifts. Users get free access to live streaming of music performance or other types of music content but have the option to purchase virtual gifts to send to performers and other users. User demand for this service may decrease substantially or we may fail to anticipate and serve user demands effectively. In addition, while we are exploring monetization alternatives such as streaming-based subscription, we cannot guarantee that such attempts will be widely accepted by our users.

Also, in order to increase the number of our paying users and cultivate our users’ willingness to pay for music content, we will need to address a number of challenges, including:

 

   

providing consistently high-quality and user-friendly experience;

 

   

continuing to curate a catalog of engaging content;

 

   

continuing to introduce new, appealing products and services that users will pay for;

 

   

continuing to innovate and stay ahead of our competitors;

 

   

continuing to maintain and enhance the copyright protection environment; and

 

   

maintaining and building our relationships with our content providers and other industry partners.

If we fail to address any of these challenges, especially if we fail to offer high-quality music content and superior user experience to meet user preferences and demands, we may not be successful in increasing the number of our paying users and cultivating our users’ willingness to pay for music content, which could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

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Our business depends on our strong brands, and any failure to maintain, protect and enhance our brands could hurt our ability to retain or expand our user base and advertising customers.

We rely on our strong brands, principally QQ Music , Kugou , Kuwo and WeSing , to maintain our market leadership. Maintaining and enhancing our brands depends largely on our ability to continue to deliver comprehensive, high-quality content and service offerings to our users, which may not always be successful. Maintaining and enhancing our brands also depends largely on our ability to remain a leader in China’s online music entertainment market, which could be difficult and expensive. If we do not successfully maintain our strong brands, our reputation and business prospect could be harmed.

Our brands may be impaired by a number of factors, including any failure to keep pace with technological advances, slower load times for our services, a decline in the quality or breadth of our music content offerings, any failure to protect our intellectual property rights, or alleged violations by us of law and regulations or public policy. Additionally, if our content partners fail to maintain high standards, our brands could be adversely affected.

If we fail to keep up with industry trends or technological developments, our business, results of operations and financial condition may be materially and adversely affected.

The online music entertainment industry is rapidly evolving and subject to continuous technological changes. Our success will depend on our ability to keep up with the changes in technology and user behavior resulting from new developments and innovations. For example, as we provide our product and service offerings across a variety of mobile systems and devices, we are dependent on the interoperability of our services with popular mobile devices and mobile operating systems that we do not control, such as Android and iOS. If any changes in such mobile operating systems or devices degrade the functionality of our services or give preferential treatment to competitive services, the usage of our services could be adversely affected.

Technological innovations may also require substantial capital expenditures in product development as well as in modification of products, services or infrastructure. We cannot assure you that we can obtain financing to cover such expenditure. See “—We require a significant amount of capital to fund our music content acquisitions, user acquisitions and technology investments. If we cannot obtain sufficient capital, our business, financial condition and prospects may be materially and adversely affected.” If we fail to adapt our products and services to such changes in an effective and timely manner, we may suffer from decreased user traffic and user base, which, in turn, could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

China’s internet and music entertainment industries are highly regulated. Our failure to obtain and maintain requisite licenses or permits applicable or to respond to any changes in government policies, laws or regulations may materially and adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operation.

The PRC government regulates the internet industry extensively, including foreign ownership of companies in the internet industry and the licensing requirements pertaining to them. A number of regulatory authorities, such as the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the National Copyright Administration, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the State Administration of Radio and Television and the Cyberspace Administration of China, regulate different aspects of the internet industry. These governmental authorities promulgate and enforce laws and regulations that cover many aspects of the telecommunications, internet information services, copyright, internet culture, internet publishing industries and online audio-visual products services, including entry into such industries, scope of permitted business activities, licenses and permits for various business activities and foreign investments into such industries. Operators are required to obtain various government approvals, licenses and permits in connection with their provision of internet information services, internet culture services, internet publication services, online audio-visual products and other related value-added telecommunications services. If we fail to obtain and maintain approvals, licenses or

 

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permits required for our business, we could be subject to liabilities, penalties and operational disruption and our business could be materially and adversely affected.

Tencent Music Entertainment (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., or Tencent Music Shenzhen, a wholly owned subsidiary of Guangzhou Kugou, operates our online music services, QQ Music , and online karaoke business, WeSing . As of the date of this prospectus, Tencent Music Shenzhen intends to apply for a Value-added Telecommunications Business Operation License for providing online music and other commercial content via the internet, and an Online Publishing Service Permit for releasing music works for the first time via the internet. Tencent Music Shenzhen has not been subject to any legal or regulatory penalties in the past for the lack of any of these licenses. However, we cannot assure you that it can successfully obtain these licenses in a timely manner, or at all. As Tencent Music Shenzhen operates QQ Music and WeSing , an Audio and Video Service Permission, or AVSP, may be required. Tencent Music Shenzhen currently operates these two platforms as sub-domains of www.qq.com of Tencent Computer, which holds a valid AVSP for the www.qq.com domain and is controlled by our parent, Tencent. In the event Tencent Music Shenzhen is required to obtain an AVSP under its own name for operating our QQ Music and WeSing platforms, Tencent Music Shenzhen may not be eligible for an AVSP, because the current PRC laws and regulations require an applicant to be a wholly state-owned or state-controlled entity.

In addition, as of the date of this prospectus, each of Guangzhou Kugou and Beijing Kuwo plans to apply for an expansion of the permitted scope of business under their respective AVSP to cover their provision of audio and video programs through mobile network to users’ mobile device, and to apply for an Online Publishing Service Permit for their release of original music works via the internet. As of the date of this prospectus, neither of Guangzhou Kugou or Beijing Kuwo has been subject to any legal or regulatory penalties for failure to include the above-mentioned business in the permitted scope of business under their respective AVSPs or for the lack of the Online Publishing Service Permit. There is, however, no assurance that such applications will be eventually be approved in a timely manner, or at all. If any of Tencent Music Shenzhen, Guangzhou Kugou, Beijing Kuwo, our other subsidiaries, our VIEs or our VIE’s subsidiaries is found to be in violation of PRC laws and regulations regarding licenses and permits, we could be subject to legal and regulatory penalties and our business operations may not be able to continue operating in the same manner or at all, and our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

PRC laws and regulations are evolving, and there are uncertainties relating to the regulation of different aspects of the online music entertainment industry, including but not limited to exclusive licensing and sublicensing arrangements. Pursuant to an article posted on National Copyright Administration’s official website, in September 2017, the National Copyright Administration held meetings with a number of music industry players, including us, where it encouraged the relevant industry players to “avoid acquiring exclusive music copyright” and indicated that they should also not engage in activities involving “collective management of music copyright.” There is substantial uncertainty as to whether some of our current licensing arrangements may be found objectionable by the regulatory authorities in the future. In such event, we may have to revisit and modify such arrangements in a way that may cause substantial costs, and our ability to offer music content and our competitive advantages may be harmed, which may have a material and adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We operate in a relatively new and evolving market.

Many elements of our business are unique, evolving and relatively unproven. Our business and prospects primarily depend on the continuing development and growth of the online music entertainment industry as well as the live streaming industry in China, which are affected by numerous factors. For example, content quality, user experience, technological innovations, development of internet and internet-based services, regulatory environment and macroeconomic environment are important factors that affect our business and prospects. The markets for our products and services are relatively new and rapidly developing and are subject to significant challenges. In addition, our continued growth depends, in part, on our ability to respond to constant changes in

 

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the internet industry, including rapid technological evolution, continued shifts in customer demands, frequent introductions of new products and services and constant emergence of new industry standards and practices. Developing and integrating new content, products, services or infrastructure could be expensive and time-consuming, and these efforts may not yield the benefits we expect to achieve. We cannot assure you that we will succeed in any of these aspects or that these industries in China will continue to grow as rapidly as in the past. If online music or live streaming as forms of entertainment lose their popularity due to changing social trends and user preferences, or if such industries in China fail to grow as quickly as expected, our business, financial condition and results of operation may be materially and adversely affected.

We operate in a competitive industry. If we are unable to compete successfully, we may lose market share to our competitors.

We operate in a competitive industry. We face competition for users and their time and spending primarily from the online music services provided by other online music services providers in China. We also face competition from online offerings of other forms of content, including karaoke services, live streaming, radio services, literature, games and video provided by other social entertainment services providers. In particular, we are facing increasing competition from offerings of other emerging forms of content which have been growing in popularity rapidly in recent years, such as live streaming and user-generated short-form video.

We compete with our competitors based on a number of factors, such as the diversity of content, product features, social interaction features, quality of user experience, brand awareness and reputation. Some of our competitors may have greater financial, marketing or technology resources than we do, which enable them to respond more quickly to technological innovations or changes in user demands and preferences, acquire more attractive content and devote greater resources towards the development, promotion and sale of products than we can. Also, they may provide their users with content that we do not have the license to offer. If any of our competitors achieves greater market acceptance or is able to provide more attractive content offerings than we do, our user traffic and market share may decrease, which may result in a loss of users and a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We may fail to attract and retain talented and popular live streaming performers, karaoke singers and other key opinion leaders to maintain the attractiveness and level of engagement of our social entertainment services.

The engagement level of our user base as well as the quality of our social entertainment content offered on our platform are closely linked to the popularity and performance of our live streaming performers, karaoke singers and other key opinion leaders.

With respect to our live streaming services, we rely on live streaming performers to attract user traffic and drive user engagement. Although we have entered into cooperation agreements that contain exclusivity clauses with certain live streaming performers and/or their talent agencies, those live streaming performers may breach the agreement or decide not to renew their agreements upon expiration.

In addition to our most popular live streaming performers, we must continue to attract and retain talented and popular karaoke singers and other key opinion leaders in order to maintain and increase our social entertainment content offerings and ensure the sustainable growth of our online music user community. We must identify and acquire potential popular karaoke singers and other key opinion leaders and provide them with sufficient resources. However, we cannot assure you that we can continue to maintain the same level of attractiveness to such popular karaoke singers and other key opinion leaders.

If we can no longer maintain our relationships with our live streaming performers, karaoke singers and other key opinion leaders or their appeal decreases, the popularity of our platform may decline and the number of our users may decrease, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

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We cooperate with various talent agencies to manage and recruit our live streaming performers and any adverse change in our relationships could materially and adversely impact our business.

We cooperate with talent agencies to manage, organize and recruit live streaming performers on our platform. As we are an open platform that welcomes all live streaming performers to register on our websites, cooperation with talent agencies substantially increases our operation efficiency in terms of discovering, supporting and managing live streaming performers in a more organized and structured manner, and turning amateur live streaming performers to full-time ones.

We share a portion of the revenues generated from the sales of virtual gifts attributed to the performers’ live streams with live streaming performers and the talent agencies who manage these performers. If we cannot balance the interests between us, live streaming performers and the talent agencies and offer a revenue-sharing mechanism that is attractive to live streaming performers and talent agencies, we may not be able to retain their services. If other platforms offer better revenue sharing incentives to talent agencies, such talent agencies may choose to devote more of their resources to live streaming performers who stream on such other platforms, or encourage their live streaming performers to use or even enter into exclusive agreements with such other platforms, all of which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our brand image and business may be adversely impacted by misconduct by our live streaming performers and users and their misuse of our platform.

We do not have full control over how users use our platform, whether through live streaming, commenting or other forms of sharing or communication. We face the risk that our platform may be misused or abused by live streaming performers or users. We have a robust internal control system in place to review and monitor live streams and other forms of social interactions among our users and will shut down streams that are illegal or inappropriate. However, we may not be able to identify all such streams and content, or prevent all such content from being posted.

Moreover, we have limited control over the real-time behavior of our live streaming performers and users. To the extent such behavior is associated with our platform, our ability to protect our brand image and reputation may be limited. Our business and public perception of our brand may be materially and adversely affected by the misuse of our platform. In addition, in response to allegations of illegal or inappropriate activities conducted through our platform or any negative media coverage about us, PRC government authorities may intervene and hold us liable for non-compliance with PRC laws and regulations concerning the dissemination of information on the internet and subject us to administrative penalties, including confiscation of income and fines or other sanctions, such as requiring us to restrict or discontinue certain features and services. As a result, our business, financial condition and results of operation may be materially and adversely affected.

We face the risk that live streaming performers that perform on our platform may infringe upon third parties’ intellectual property rights.

Our agreements with live streaming performers and their agencies provide that content generated through our platform by live streaming performers is owned by us. Live streaming performers are prohibited from disseminating content infringing on others’ intellectual property rights. We delete content we deem unauthorized and block the account of the performers. However, we cannot guarantee that all content generated by our live streaming performers or users is legal and non-infringing, and we cannot guarantee that the online performance and/or other use of music works by the live streaming performers are authorized by the corresponding intellectual property rights owners.

As the application of existing laws and regulations to specific aspects of online music business remains relatively unclear and is still evolving, it is difficult to predict whether we will be subject to joint infringement

 

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liability if our live streaming performers or users infringe on third parties’ intellectual property rights. We rely on our ownership over the content generated by the performers and our exclusive contractual relationship with certain live streaming performers to maintain our competitiveness, but these measures may increase our risk of being liable for infringement committed by the live streaming performers or users. Furthermore, if we are determined to be jointly liable either by new regulations or court judgments, we may have to change our policies and it may materially and adversely impact on our business, financial condition and results of operation.

Failure to protect our intellectual property could substantially harm our business, operating results and financial condition.

We rely upon a combination of trade secrets, confidentiality policies, nondisclosure and other contractual arrangements and patent, copyright, software copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws to protect our intellectual property rights. Despite our efforts to protect our intellectual property rights, the steps we take in this regard might not be adequate to prevent or deter infringement or other misappropriation of our intellectual property by competitors, former employees or other third-parties.

We have filed, and may in the future file, patent applications on certain of our innovations. It is possible, however, that these innovations may not be patentable. In addition, given the cost, effort and risks associated with patent application, we may choose not to seek patent protection for some innovations. Furthermore, our patent applications may not lead to granted patents, the scope of the protection gained may be insufficient or an issued patent may be deemed invalid or unenforceable. We also cannot guarantee that any of our present or future patents or other intellectual property rights will not lapse or be invalidated, circumvented, challenged, or abandoned.

Litigation or proceedings before governmental authorities, administrative and judicial bodies may be necessary in the future to enforce our intellectual property rights and to determine the validity and scope of our rights. Our efforts to protect our intellectual property in such litigation and proceedings may be ineffective and could result in substantial costs and diversion of resources and management time, each of which could substantially harm our operating results.

While we typically require our employees, consultants and contractors who may be involved in the development of intellectual property to execute agreements assigning such intellectual property to us, we may be unsuccessful in executing or enforcing such agreements with each party that develops intellectual property that we regard as our own. In addition, such agreements may be breached. We may be forced to bring claims against the breaching third parties, or defend claims that they may bring against us related to the ownership of such intellectual property.

The content available on our platform may be found objectionable by the PRC government, which may subject us to penalties and other regulatory or administrative actions.

As an internet content provider, we are subject to PRC regulations governing internet access and the distribution of music, music videos and other forms of content over the internet. See “PRC Regulations.” These regulations prohibit internet content providers and internet publishers from posting on the internet any content that, among other things, violates PRC laws and regulations, impairs the national dignity of China or the public interest, or is obscene, superstitious, frightening, gruesome, offensive, fraudulent or defamatory. In particular, since the outset of 2018, the Chinese government has tightened its crackdown on content that it deemed to be “vulgar” offered by online and mobile live streaming and video services. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in monetary penalties, revocation of licenses to provide internet content or other licenses, suspension of the concerned platforms and reputational harm. In addition, these laws and regulations are subject to interpretation by the PRC government, and it may not be possible to determine in all cases the types of content that could cause us to be held liable for offering content that is found objectionable by the PRC government.

 

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Internet content providers may be held liable for content displayed on or linked to their online platforms that is subject to certain restrictions. We allow our users to upload user-generated content, such as music, videos, comments, reviews and other forms of content. We also make it possible for selected professional producers to make their content available to users through our official music accounts and allow them a high level of control of the content offered through our music accounts. While we have in place internal rules and procedures to monitor user-generated content on our platform, due to the massive amount of such content, we may not be able to identify, in a timely manner or at all, the content that is illegal or inappropriate or that may otherwise be found objectionable by the PRC government. Additionally, we may not be able to keep our rules and procedures abreast of changes in the PRC government’s requirements for content display. Failure to identify and prevent illegal or inappropriate content from being displayed on our platform may result in legal and administrative liability, government sanctions, loss of licenses and/or permits, or reputational harm. If the PRC regulatory authorities find any content displayed on our platform objectionable, they may require us to limit or eliminate the dissemination of such content on our platform. In the past, we have from time to time received phone calls and written notices from the relevant PRC regulatory authorities requesting us to delete or restrict certain content that the government deemed inappropriate or sensitive. Although we have not been materially penalized for our content so far, in the event that the PRC regulatory authorities find any content on our platform objectionable and impose penalties on us or take other actions against us in the future, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.

Pending or future litigation could have a material and adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

From time to time, we have been, and may in the future be, subject to lawsuits brought by our competitors, individuals, or other entities against us, in matters relating to intellectual property rights, contractual disputes and competition claims. The outcomes of actions we institute may not be successful or favorable to us. Lawsuits against us may also generate negative publicity that significantly harms our reputation, which may adversely affect our user base. In addition to the related cost, managing and defending litigation and related indemnity obligations can significantly divert our management’s attention from operating our business. We may also need to pay damages or settle lawsuits with a substantial amount of cash. As of June 30, 2018, there were 931 lawsuits pending in connection with our platform against us or our affiliates with an aggregate amount of damages sought of approximately RMB47.4 million (US$7 million). Substantially all of these lawsuits involve alleged copyright infringement on our platform. While we do not believe that any currently pending proceedings are likely to have a material adverse effect on us, if there were adverse determinations in legal proceedings against us, we could be required to pay substantial monetary damages or adjust our business practices, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our strategic focus on rapid innovation and long-term user engagement over short-term financial results may generate results of operation that do not align with investors’ expectations. If that happens, our stock price may be negatively affected.

Our business is growing and becoming more complex, and our success depends on our ability to quickly develop and launch new and innovative products and services. This business strategy could result in unintended outcomes or decisions that are poorly received by our users or partners. Our culture also prioritizes our long-term user engagement over short-term financial condition or results of operations. We frequently make decisions that may reduce our short-term revenue or profitability if we believe that the decisions will improve user experience and long-term financial performance, including our monetization strategy for transitioning our paying users base to a streaming-based online music service model. These decisions may not produce the long-term benefits that we expect, in which case our user growth and engagement, our relationships with our partners, and our business, financial condition and results of operation could be materially and adversely affected.

 

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Privacy concerns or security breaches relating to our platform could result in economic loss, damage our reputation, deter users from using our products, and expose us to legal penalties and liability.

We collect, process and store significant amounts of data concerning our users, as well as data pertaining to our business partners and employees. While we have taken reasonable steps to protect such data, techniques used to gain unauthorized access to data and systems, disable or degrade service, or sabotage systems, are constantly evolving, and we may be unable to anticipate such techniques or implement adequate preventative measures to avoid unauthorized access or other adverse impacts to such data or our systems.

Like all internet services, our service is vulnerable to software bugs, computer viruses, internet worms, break-ins, phishing attacks, attempts to overload servers with denial-of-service, or other attacks or similar disruptions from unauthorized use of our and third-party computer systems, any of which could lead to system interruptions, delays, or shutdowns, causing loss of critical data or the unauthorized access of data. Computer malware, viruses, and computer hacking and phishing attacks have become more prevalent in our industry, and we experience cyber-attacks of varying degrees on a regular basis, including hacking or attempted hacking into our user accounts and redirecting our user traffic to other internet platforms. Functions that facilitate interactivity with other internet platforms could increase the scope of access of hackers to user accounts. Though it is difficult to determine what, if any, harm may directly result from any specific interruption or attack, and to date we have been able to rectify any cyber-attacks without significant impact to our business operations, any failure to maintain performance, reliability, security and availability of our products to the satisfaction of our users may harm our reputation and our ability to retain existing users and attract new users. Although we have in place systems and processes that are designed to protect our data, prevent data loss, disable undesirable accounts and activities on our platform and prevent or detect security breaches, we cannot assure you that such measures will provide absolute security. If an actual or perceived breach of security occurs to our systems or a third party’s systems, we also could be required to expend significant resources to mitigate the breach of security and to address matters related to any such breach, including notifying users or regulators.

In addition, we are subject to various regulatory requirements relating to the security and privacy of such data, including restrictions on the collection and use of personal information of users and are required to take steps to prevent personal data from being divulged, stolen, or tampered with. Regulatory requirements regarding the protection of such data are constantly evolving and can be subject to differing interpretations or significant change, making the extent of our responsibilities in that regard uncertain. For example, the Cybersecurity Law of the PRC became effective in June 2017, but there are great uncertainties as to the interpretation and application of the law. Complying with such requirements could cause us to incur substantial expenses or require us to alter or change our practices in a manner that could harm our business.

Any failure, or perceived failure, by us to maintain the security of our user data or to comply with privacy or data security laws, regulations, policies, legal obligations, or industry standards, may result in governmental enforcement actions and investigations (including fines and penalties, or enforcement orders requiring us to cease operating in a certain way), litigation or adverse publicity. This may expose us to potential liability and may require us to expend significant resources in responding to and defending allegations and claims. Moreover, claims or allegations that we have violated laws and regulations relating to privacy and data security, or have failed to adequately protect data, may result in damage to our reputation and a loss of confidence in us by our users or our partners, and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. If the third parties we work with violate applicable laws or contractual obligations or suffer a security breach, such circumstances also may put us in breach of our obligations under privacy laws and regulations and could in turn have a material adverse effect on our business.

We depend on our senior management and highly skilled personnel. If we are unable to attract, retain and motivate a sufficient number of them, our ability to grow our business could be harmed.

We believe that our future success depend significantly on our continuing ability to attract, develop, motivate and retain our senior management and a sufficient number of experienced and skilled employees.

 

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Qualified individuals are in high demand, particularly in the online music industry, and we may have to incur significant costs to attract and retain them. Additionally, we use share-based awards to attract talented employees, and if the ADSs decline in value, we may have difficulties recruiting and retaining qualified employees.

In particular, we cannot ensure that we will be able to retain the services of our senior management and key executive officers. The loss of any key management or executive could be highly disruptive and adversely affect our business operations and future growth. Moreover, if any of these individuals joins a competitor or forms a competing business, we may lose crucial business secrets, technological know-how and other valuable resources. Although our senior management and executive officers have non-compete agreements with us, we cannot assure you that they will comply with such agreements or that we will be able to effectively enforce such agreements.

Compliance with the laws or regulations governing virtual currency may result in us having to obtain additional approvals or licenses or change our current business model.

The Circular on Strengthening the Administration of Online Game Virtual Currency or the Virtual Currency Circular, jointly issued by the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Commerce in 2009, broadly defined virtual currency as a type of virtual exchange instrument issued by internet game operation enterprises, purchased directly or indirectly by the game users by exchanging legal currency at a certain exchange rate, saved outside the game programs, stored in servers provided by the internet game operation enterprises in electronic record format and represented by specific numeric units. Virtual currency is used to exchange internet game services provided by the issuing enterprise for a designated extent and time, and is represented by several forms, such as online prepaid game cards, prepaid amounts or internet game points, and does not include game props obtained from playing online games. In addition, the Virtual Currency Circular defines “issuing enterprise” and “transaction enterprise” and stipulates that a single enterprise may not operate both types of business. Online game operators are further prohibited from distributing virtual gifts or virtual currencies to users paying cash or virtual currency through random selection methods such as lottery, gambling or prize draw. See “PRC Regulations—Regulations on Virtual Currency.”

Although we issue virtual currencies to users for cash or, in a few past cases, as a reward for users’ participation in our guessing games on our platform for them to purchase various items to be used on our live streaming and online karaoke platforms. As advised by our PRC legal advisor, our service does not constitute virtual currency transaction services because users cannot transfer or trade these currency among themselves. However, we cannot assure you that the PRC regulatory authorities will not take a view contrary to ours or consider any other aspects of our business operations involving virtual currencies constitute virtual currency transactions or otherwise be subject to the PRC regulatory regime on online games. If the PRC regulatory authorities deem any transfer or exchange on our platform to be a virtual currency transaction, then in addition to being deemed to be engaging in the issuance of virtual currency, we may also be deemed to be providing transaction platform services that enable the trading of such virtual currency. Simultaneously engaging in both of these activities is prohibited under PRC law. We may be required to cease either our virtual currency issuance activities or such deemed “transaction service” activities and may be subject to certain penalties, including mandatory corrective measures and fines. The occurrence of any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We require a significant amount of capital to fund our music content acquisitions, user acquisitions and technology investments. If we cannot obtain sufficient capital, our business, financial condition and prospects may be materially and adversely affected.

Operating our online music platforms requires significant, continuous investment in acquiring content, users and technology. Acquiring licenses to music content can be costly. Historically, we have financed our operations primarily with operating cash flows and shareholder contributions. As part of our growth strategies, we plan to

 

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continue to incur substantial capital in the future to cover, among other things, the costs to license music content and innovate our technologies, which requires us to obtain additional equity or debt financing. Our ability to obtain additional financing in the future is subject to a number of uncertainties, including those relating to:

 

   

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

 

   

general market conditions for financing activities;

 

   

macro-economic and other conditions in China and elsewhere; and

 

   

our relationship with Tencent, our controlling shareholder.

Although we expect to rely less on financing support from Tencent and rely increasingly on net cash provided by operating activities and financing through capital markets and commercial banks for our liquidity needs as our business continues to grow and after we become a public company, we cannot assure you that we will be successful in our efforts to diversify our sources of capital. If we cannot obtain sufficient capital, we may not be able to implement our growth strategies, and our business, financial condition and prospects may be materially and adversely affected.

If we fail to attract more advertisers to our platform or if advertisers are less willing to advertise with us, our business, financial condition and results of operation may be adversely affected.

Our advertising revenues depend on the overall growth of the online advertising industry in China and advertisers’ continued willingness to deploy online advertising as part of the advertised spend. In addition, advertisers may choose more established Chinese internet portals or search engines over on our platform. If the online advertising market does not continue to grow, or if we are unable to capture and retain a sufficient share of that market, our ability to grow our advertising revenues may be materially and adversely affected.

Furthermore, our key and long-term priority of optimizing user experience and satisfaction may limit our ability to significantly grow our advertising revenues. For example, in order to provide our users with an uninterrupted online music entertainment experience, we limit the amount of advertising on our streaming interface or pop-up advertisements during streaming. While this may adversely affect our operating results in the short-term, we believe it enables us to provide a superior user experience which will enable us to expand current user base and strengthen our monetization potential in the long-term. However, this philosophy of prioritizing user experience may also negatively impact our relationships with advertisers, and may not result in the long-term benefits that we expect, in which case the success of our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely.

We cannot assure you that we will be able to attract or retain direct advertisers or advertising agencies. If we fail to retain and enhance our business relationships with these advertisers or third-party advertising agencies, we may suffer from a loss of advertisers and our business and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected. If we fail to retain existing advertisers and advertising agencies or attract new direct advertisers and advertising agencies or any of our current advertising methods or promotion activities becomes less effective, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.

Our historical financial information for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017 may not be directly comparable due to our consolidation of CMC’s financial results since July 2016, which may make it difficult for you to evaluate our business and prospects.

On July 12, 2016, Tencent acquired CMC, a major online music entertainment platform in China. See “Corporate History and Structure” for more information about the acquisition. As a result of the acquisition, CMC’s operations were merged with Tencent’s QQ Music and WeSing business, and we have consolidated the financial results of CMC into ours since July 12, 2016. Therefore, our consolidated financial information for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017 may not be directly comparable with each other, which may make it difficult for you to evaluate our business and prospects.

 

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Our operating metrics are subject to inherent challenges in measurement, and real or perceived inaccuracies in those metrics may harm our reputation and our business.

We regularly review MAUs, number of paying users and other key metrics to evaluate growth trends, measure our performance and make strategic decisions. These metrics are calculated using our internal data and have not been validated by an independent third party. While these numbers are based on what we believe to be reasonable estimates of our user base for the applicable period of measurement, there are inherent challenges in measuring how our services are used across large populations in China. For example, individuals who have multiple accounts and devices registered with our platform could result in an overstatement of the number of our users. We are also subject to the risk associated with artificial manipulation of data, such as stream counts on our platform. Any errors or inaccuracies in these metrics could result in less informed business decisions and operational inefficiencies. For example, if our user base is overstated by the MAU data we track, we may fail to make the right strategic choices needed to expand our user base and achieve our growth strategies.

We are subject to payment processing risk.

Our users pay for our membership services and the music content offered on our platforms through a variety of online payment solutions. We rely on third parties to process such payments. Acceptance and processing of these payment methods are subject to certain rules and regulations and require payment of interchange and other fees. To the extent there are increases in payment processing fees, material changes in the payment network, such as delays in receiving payments from processors and/or changes in the rules or regulations concerning payment processing, our ability to provide superior use experience, including convenient payment options, may be undermined, and our revenue, operating expenses and results of operation could be adversely impacted.

Our ability to expand our user base depends in part on users being able to access our services, which may be affected by third-party interference beyond our control.

Access to our services may be affected by restrictions on the ability of our users to access websites, mobile apps and client-based desktop applications via the internet. Corporations, professional organizations and governmental agencies could block access to the internet or our online platforms as a competitive strategy or for other reasons, such as security or confidentiality concerns, or political, regulatory or compliance reasons. In any of these occurrences, users may not be able to access our services, and user engagement and monetization of our services may be adversely affected.

Additionally, we offer our mobile apps via smartphone and tablet apps stores operated by third parties. Some of these third parties are now, and others may in the future become, competitors of ours, and could stop allowing or supporting access to our mobile apps through app stores, increase access costs or change the terms of access in a way that makes our apps less desirable or harder to access. Furthermore, since the mobile devices that provide users with access to our services are not manufactured and sold by us, we cannot guarantee that such devices will perform reliably, and any faulty connection between these devices and our services may result in user dissatisfaction toward us. As a result, our brand and reputation, business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.

Negative media coverage could adversely affect our business.

Negative publicity about us or our business, shareholders, affiliates, directors, officers or other employees, as well as the industry in which we operate, can harm our operations. Such negative publicity could be related to a variety of matters, including:

 

   

alleged misconduct or other improper activities committed by our shareholders, affiliates, directors, officers and other employees;

 

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false or malicious allegations or rumors about us or our shareholders, affiliates, directors, officers and other employees;

 

   

user complaints about the quality of our products and services;

 

   

copyright infringements involving us and content offered on our platform;

 

   

security breaches of confidential user information; and

 

   

governmental and regulatory investigations or penalties resulting from our failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations.

We may also be affected by publicity relating to third party service providers. For example, in September 2018, there was negative publicity involving certain senior officers of iResearch, the industry consultant we commissioned to prepare an industry report in connection with this offering. According to a public announcement made by iResearch, certain senior officers of iResearch are cooperating with governmental investigations in China. Such publicity may raise questions as to the integrity of the industry data or opinions produced by iResearch, including the data included in iResearch’s industry report produced in connection with this offering, which we have cited in this prospectus, or otherwise have a negative impact on our reputation.

In addition to traditional media, there has been an increasing use of social media platforms and similar devices in China, including instant messaging applications, such as Weixin /WeChat , social media websites and other forms of internet-based communications that provide individuals with access to a broad audience of users and other interested persons. The availability of information on instant messaging applications and social media platforms is virtually immediate as is its impact without affording us an opportunity for redress or correction. The opportunity for dissemination of information, including inaccurate information, is seemingly limitless and readily available. Information concerning our company, shareholders, directors, officers and employees may be posted on such platforms at any time. The risks associated with any such negative publicity or incorrect information cannot be completely eliminated or mitigated and may materially harm our reputation, business, financial condition and results of operations.

Future strategic alliances or acquisitions may have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We may enter into strategic alliances, including joint ventures or equity investments, with various third parties to further our business purpose from time to time. These alliances could subject us to a number of risks, including risks associated with sharing proprietary information, non-performance by the third party and increased expenses in establishing new strategic alliances, any of which may materially and adversely affect our business. We may have limited ability to monitor or control the actions of these third parties and, to the extent any of these strategic third parties suffers negative publicity or harm to their reputation from events relating to their business, we may also suffer negative publicity or harm to our reputation by virtue of our association with any such third party.

In addition, when appropriate opportunities arise, we may acquire additional assets, products, technologies or businesses that are complementary to our existing business. In addition to possible shareholders’ approval, we may also have to obtain approvals and licenses from relevant government authorities for the acquisitions and to comply with any applicable PRC laws and regulations, which could result in increased delay and costs, and may derail our business strategy if we fail to do so. Furthermore, past and future acquisitions and the subsequent integration of new assets and businesses require significant attention from our management and could result in a diversion of resources from our existing business, which in turn could have an adverse effect on our business operations. Acquired assets or businesses may not generate the financial results we expect. Acquisitions could result in the use of substantial amounts of cash, potentially dilutive issuances of equity securities, the occurrence of significant goodwill impairment charges, amortization expenses for other intangible assets and exposure to potential unknown liabilities of the acquired business. Moreover, the costs of identifying and consummating

 

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acquisitions may be significant. Furthermore, our equity investees may generate significant losses, a portion of which will be shared by us in accordance with IFRS. Any such negative developments could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Advertisements shown on our platform may subject us to penalties and other administrative actions.

Under PRC advertising laws and regulations, we are obligated to monitor the advertising content shown on our platform to ensure that such content is true, accurate and in full compliance with applicable laws and regulations. See “PRC Regulation—Regulations on Online Advertising Services.” Violation of these laws and regulations may subject us to penalties, including fines, confiscation of our advertising income, orders to cease dissemination of the advertisements and orders to publish an announcement correcting the misleading information. A majority of the advertisements shown on our platform are provided to us by third parties. While we have implemented a combination of automated monitoring and manual review to ensure that the advertisements shown on our platform are in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, we cannot assure you that all the content contained in such advertisements is true and accurate as required by the advertising laws and regulations, especially given the uncertainty in the application of such laws and regulations. In addition, advertisers may, through illegal technology, evade our content monitoring procedures to show advertisements on our platform that do not comply with applicable laws and regulations. The inability of our systems and procedures to adequately and timely discover such evasions may subject us to regulatory penalties or administrative sanctions.

Programming errors could adversely affect our user experience and market acceptance of our content, which may materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.

Our platform or content on our platform may contain programming errors that adversely affect our user experience and market acceptance of our content. We have from time to time received user feedback pertaining to programming errors. While we generally have been able to resolve such errors in a timely manner, we cannot assure you that we will be able to detect and resolve all these programming errors effectively. Programming errors or defects may adversely affect user experience, cause users to refrain from subscribing for our services, or cause our advertising customers to reduce their use of our services, any of which could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.

We have granted, and may continue to grant, share incentives, which may result in increased share-based compensation expenses.

We have adopted various equity incentive plans, including a share incentive plan adopted in 2014 and a share option plan and a restricted share award plan adopted in 2017. We account for compensation costs for all share-based awards using a fair-value based method and recognize expenses in our consolidated statements of comprehensive loss in accordance with IFRS. Under such plans, we are authorized to grant options, stock appreciation rights, restricted shares, restricted stock units and other types of awards as the administrator of such plans may decide. The maximum aggregate number of shares that we are authorized to issue pursuant to the equity awards granted under such plans is 183,401,310 shares. As of the date of this prospectus, 13,441,261 restricted shares, and options to purchase a total of 87,665,164 ordinary shares have been granted and are outstanding, under such plans. Our share-based compensation expenses also include the share-based compensation expenses arising from awards granted under certain share incentive plans of Tencent that was allocated to us in connection with Tencent’s acquisition of CMC in July 2016. In 2016 and 2017 and the first half of 2018, we recorded RMB170 million, RMB384 million (US$58 million) and RMB235 million (US$36 million), respectively, in share-based compensation expenses. We believe the granting of share-based awards is of significant importance to our ability to attract and retain key personnel and employees, and we will continue to grant share-based awards in the future. As a result, our expenses associated with share-based compensation may increase, which may have an adverse effect on our results of operations.

 

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While we believe that we currently have adequate internal control procedures in place, we are still exposed to potential risks from legislation requiring companies to evaluate controls under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Upon completion of this offering, we will become subject to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, or Section 404, requires that we include a report from management on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting in our annual report on Form 20-F beginning with our annual report for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2019. In addition, our independent registered public accounting firm must attest to and report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2019.

Although we believe that we currently have adequate internal control procedures in place, we may fail to maintain the adequacy of our internal control over financial reporting in the future, and our independent registered public accounting firm, after conducting its own independent testing, may not certify the effectiveness of our internal control if it is not satisfied with our internal controls or the level at which our controls are documented, designed, operated or reviewed, or if it interprets the relevant requirements differently from us.

If we fail to maintain the adequacy of our internal control over financial reporting, as these standards are modified, supplemented or amended from time to time, we may not be able to conclude on an ongoing basis that we have effective internal control over financial reporting in accordance with Section 404. If we fail to achieve and maintain an effective internal control environment, we could suffer material misstatements in our financial statements and fail to meet our reporting obligations, which would likely cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information. This could in turn limit our access to capital markets, harm our results of operations, and lead to a decline in the trading price of the ADSs representing our ordinary shares. Additionally, ineffective internal control over financial reporting could expose us to increased risk of fraud or misuse of corporate assets and subject us to potential delisting from the stock exchange on which we list, regulatory investigations and civil or criminal sanctions.

Risks Related to Our Relationship with Tencent

If we are no longer able to benefit from our business cooperation with Tencent, our business may be adversely affected.

Our ultimate controlling shareholder and strategic partner, Tencent, is one of the largest internet companies in the world. Our business has benefited significantly from Tencent’s brand name and strong market position in China. In addition, we have benefited from distributing our content through Tencent’s extensive social network, which provides Tencent’s large number of users with access to our music content. We also cooperate with Tencent in a number of other areas, such as user traffic acquisition, advertising, technology, social graphs and IT infrastructure. See “Our Relationship with Tencent.” We cannot assure you that we will continue to benefit from our cooperation with Tencent and its subsidiaries in the future. To the extent we cannot maintain our cooperative relationships with Tencent on terms favorable to us or at all, we will need to source other business partners to provide services such as distribution channels, promotion services, as well as IT and payment services, and we may lose access to key strategic assets, which could result in material and adverse effects on our business and results of operations.

Any negative development in Tencent’s market position, brand recognition or financial condition may materially and adversely affect our marketing efforts and the strength of our brand.

We have benefited significantly and expect to continue to benefit significantly from Tencent’s strong brand recognition, broad user base and extensive user data, as well as Tencent’s content ecosystem, which enhances our reputation and credibility. If Tencent loses its market position, the effectiveness of our marketing efforts through our association with Tencent may be materially and adversely affected. In addition, any negative publicity

 

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associated with Tencent or any negative development with respect to Tencent’s market position, financial condition, or compliance with legal or regulatory requirements in China, will likely have an adverse impact on the effectiveness of our marketing efforts, as well as our reputation and brand.

Tencent, our controlling shareholder, has had and will continue to have effective control over the outcome of shareholder actions in our company. The interests of Tencent may not be aligned with the interests of our other shareholders and holders of the ADSs.

Immediately upon completion of this offering, Tencent will beneficially own             % of our outstanding ordinary shares, representing             % of our total voting power, assuming the underwriters do not exercise their option to purchase additional ADSs. Tencent will continue to be our controlling shareholder immediately upon completion of this offering. Tencent’s voting power gives it the power to control certain actions that require shareholder approval under Cayman Islands law, our memorandum and articles of association and [New York Stock Exchange]/[NASDAQ Global Market] requirements, including approval of mergers and other business combinations, changes to our memorandum and articles of association, the number of shares available for issuance under any share incentive plans, and the issuance of significant amounts of our ordinary shares in private placements.

Tencent’s voting control may cause transactions to occur that might not be beneficial to you as a holder of the ADSs and may prevent transactions that would be beneficial to you. For example, Tencent’s voting control may prevent a transaction involving a change of control in us, including transactions in which you as a holder of the ADSs might otherwise receive a premium for the ADSs over the then-current market price. In addition, Tencent is not prohibited from selling the controlling interest in us to a third party and may do so without your approval and without providing for a purchase of your ADSs. If Tencent is acquired, otherwise undergoes a change of control or is subject to a corporate restructuring, an acquirer, successor or other third party may be entitled to exercise the voting control and contractual rights of Tencent, and may do so in a manner that could vary significantly from that of Tencent.

We may have conflicts of interest with Tencent and, because of Tencent’s controlling ownership interest in our company, we may not be able to resolve such conflicts on terms favorable to us.

Conflict of interest may arise between Tencent and us in a number of areas relating to our ongoing relationships. Potential conflicts of interest that we have identified mainly include the following:

 

   

Agreements with Tencent . We had a master business cooperation agreement with Tencent which expired on July 12, 2018 and we then entered into a new master business cooperation agreement. See “Our Relationship with Tencent—Master Business Cooperation Agreement.” Tencent may use its control over us to prevent us from bringing a legal claim against it in the event of a contractual breach by Tencent, notwithstanding our contractual rights under the master business cooperation agreement and any other agreement we may enter into with Tencent from time to time.

 

   

Allocation of business opportunities. There may arise business opportunities in the future that both we and Tencent are interested in and which may complement each of our respective businesses. Tencent holds a large number of business interests, some of which may directly or indirectly compete with us. For example, Tencent currently owns equity stakes in certain music streaming businesses operating outside of the PRC. See also “Our Relationship with Tencent.” Tencent may decide to take up such opportunities itself, which would prevent us from taking advantage of those opportunities.

 

   

Employee recruiting and retention . We may compete with Tencent in the hiring of employees, especially computer programmers, engineers, sales and other employees with experience or an interest in the internet industry.

 

   

Sale of shares in our company . Subject to lock-up arrangements with the underwriters and applicable securities laws, Tencent may decide to sell all or a portion of the shares that it holds in our company to

 

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a third party, including to one of our competitors, thereby giving that third party substantial influence over our business and our affairs. Such a sale could be contrary to the interests of our employees or our other shareholders or holders of the ADSs.

 

   

Developing business relationships with Tencent’s competitors . We may be limited in our ability to do business with Tencent’s competitors, which may limit our ability to serve the best interests of our company and our other shareholders or holders of the ADSs.

 

   

Our directors may have conflicts of interest. Certain of our directors are also employees of Tencent. These relationships could create, or appear to create, conflicts of interest when these persons are faced with decisions with potentially different implications for Tencent and us.

Our financial contribution to Tencent was not material during the periods presented in this prospectus, and Tencent may from time to time make strategic decisions that it believes are in the best interests of its business as a whole, which may be different from the decisions that we would have made on our own. Tencent’s decisions with respect to us or our business may favor Tencent and therefore the Tencent shareholders, which may not necessarily be aligned with our interests and the interests of our other shareholders. Moreover, Tencent may make decisions, or suffer adverse trends, that may disrupt or discontinue our collaborations with Tencent or our access to Tencent’s user base. Although after we become a stand-alone public company we will have an audit committee, consisting of independent non-executive directors, to review and approve all proposed related party transactions, we may not be able to resolve all potential conflicts of interest, and even if we do so, the resolution may be less favorable to us than if we were dealing with a non-controlling shareholder.

Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure

If the PRC government finds that the agreements that establish the structure for operating some of our operations in China do not comply with PRC regulations relating to the relevant industries, or if these regulations or the interpretation of existing regulations change in the future, we could be subject to severe penalties or be forced to relinquish our interests in those operations.

Foreign investment in the value-added telecommunication services industry in China is extensively regulated and subject to numerous restrictions. The Special Administrative Measures for Entrance of Foreign Investment (Negative List) (2018 Version) provides that foreign investors are generally not allowed to own more than 50% of the equity interests in a value-added telecommunication service provider other than an e-commerce service provider, and the Provisions on the Administration of Foreign-Invested Telecommunications Enterprises (2016 Revision) requires that the major foreign investor in a value-added telecommunication service provider in China must have experience in providing value-added telecommunications services overseas and maintain a good track record. In addition, foreign investors are prohibited from investing in companies engaged in online publishing business, internet audio-visual programs business, internet culture business (except for music), and radio and television program production business. See “PRC Regulation—Regulations on Foreign Investment Special Administrative Measures for Entrance of Foreign Investment (Negative List) (2018 Version).”

We are a Cayman Islands company and our PRC subsidiaries are currently considered foreign-invested enterprises. Accordingly, none of our PRC subsidiaries is eligible to provide value-added telecommunication services or conduct other businesses which foreign-owned companies are prohibited or restricted from conducting in China. To ensure strict compliance with the PRC laws and regulations, we conduct such business activities through Guangzhou Kugou, Beijing Kuwo, Shenzhen Ultimate Music and Xizang Qiming, our consolidated variable interest entities, or VIEs, and their subsidiaries. Each of Beijing Tencent Music, Yeelion Online and Shenzhen Ultimate Xiangyue, our wholly owned subsidiaries in China, has entered into a series of contractual arrangements with our respective VIEs and their respective shareholders, which enables us to (i) exercise effective control over our VIEs; (ii) receive substantially all of the economic benefits of our VIEs; and (iii) have an exclusive option to purchase all or part of the equity interests and assets in our VIEs when and to the extent permitted by PRC laws and regulations. As a result of these contractual arrangements, we have

 

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control over and are the primary beneficiary of our VIEs and hence consolidate their operating results in our consolidated financial statements under IFRS. See “Corporate History and Structure” for details.

If the PRC government finds that our contractual arrangements do not comply with its restrictions on foreign investment in the value-added telecommunication services, or if the PRC government otherwise finds that we, our VIEs, or any of their respective subsidiaries are in violation of PRC laws or regulations or lack the necessary permits or licenses to operate our business, the relevant PRC regulatory authorities, including the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the State Administration of Radio and Television and the Ministry of Commerce, would have broad discretion in dealing with such violations or failures, including:

 

   

revoking the business licenses and/or operating licenses of such entities;

 

   

discontinuing or placing restrictions or onerous conditions on our operation through any transactions between our PRC subsidiaries and our VIEs;

 

   

imposing fines, confiscating the income from our PRC subsidiaries or our VIEs, or imposing other requirements with which we or our VIEs may not be able to comply;

 

   

requiring us to restructure our ownership structure or operations, including terminating the contractual arrangements with our VIEs and deregistering the equity pledges of our VIEs, which in turn would affect our ability to consolidate, derive economic interests from, or exert effective control over our VIEs; or

 

   

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

Any of these events could cause significant disruption to our business operations and severely damage our reputation, which would in turn materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. If occurrences of any of these events results in our inability to direct the activities of our VIEs that most significantly impact their economic performance and/or our failure to receive the economic benefits of our VIEs, we may not be able to consolidate their operating results in our consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS.

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

On January 19, 2015, the Ministry of Commerce published a discussion draft of the proposed Foreign Investment Law aiming to, upon its enactment, replace the three existing laws regulating foreign investment in China, namely, the Sino-foreign Equity Joint Venture Enterprise Law, the Sino-foreign Cooperative Joint Venture Enterprise Law and the Wholly Foreign-invested Enterprise Law, together with their implementation rules and ancillary regulations. At the same time, the Ministry of Commerce published an accompanying explanatory note of the draft Foreign Investment Law, which contains important information about the draft Foreign Investment Law, including its drafting philosophy and principles, main table of contents, plans to transition to the new legal regime and treatment of business in China controlled by foreign invested enterprises. The draft Foreign Investment Law proposes an expected PRC regulatory trend to rationalize its foreign investment regulatory regime in line with prevailing international practice and the legislative efforts to unify the corporate legal requirements for both foreign and domestic investments and, when implemented, may have a significant impact on businesses in China controlled by foreign-invested enterprises primarily through contractual arrangements, such as our business. Among other things, the draft Foreign Investment Law expands the definition of foreign investment and introduces the principle of “actual control” in determining whether a company is considered a foreign-invested enterprise. Under the draft Foreign Investment Law, variable interest entities would also be deemed as foreign-invested enterprises, if they are ultimately “controlled” by foreign investors, and be subject to restrictions on foreign investments. The Ministry of Commerce solicited comments

 

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on the draft Foreign Investment Law in 2015, but no new draft has been published since then. There is substantial uncertainty with respect to its final content, interpretation, adoption timeline and effective date, and we cannot predict how it may affect our company, our corporate structure or our corporate governance in the future if it is adopted.

We rely on contractual arrangements with our VIEs and their respective shareholders for a large portion of our business operations, which may not be as effective as direct ownership in providing operational control.

We have relied and expect to continue to rely on contractual arrangements with Guangzhou Kugou, Beijing Kuwo, Shenzhen Ultimate Music and Xizang Qiming, their respective shareholders, as well as certain of their respective subsidiaries to operate our business in China. These contractual arrangements may not be as effective as direct ownership in providing us with control over our VIEs. For example, our VIEs and their respective shareholders could breach their contractual arrangements with us by, among other things, failing to conduct their operations in an acceptable manner or taking other actions that are detrimental to our interests. The revenues contributed by our VIEs and their subsidiaries constituted substantially all of our revenues in 2016 and 2017 and the first half of 2018.

If we had direct ownership of our VIEs, we would be able to exercise our rights as a shareholder to effect changes in the board of directors of our VIEs, which in turn could implement changes, subject to any applicable fiduciary obligations, at the management and operational level. However, under the current contractual arrangements, we rely on the performance by our VIEs and their respective shareholders of their respective obligations under the contracts to exercise control over our VIEs. The shareholders of our VIEs may not act in the best interests of our company or may not perform their obligations under these contracts. Such risks exist throughout the period in which we intend to operate certain portion of our business through the contractual arrangements with our VIEs and their respective shareholders. If any dispute relating to these contracts remains unresolved, we will have to enforce our rights under these contracts through the operations of PRC law and arbitration, litigation or other legal proceedings and therefore will be subject to uncertainties in the PRC legal system. See “—Any failure by our VIEs or their respective shareholders to perform their obligations under our contractual arrangements with them would have a material and adverse effect on our business.” Therefore, our contractual arrangements with our VIEs and their respective shareholders may not be as effective in controlling our business operations as direct ownership.

Any failure by our VIEs or their respective shareholders to perform their obligations under our contractual arrangements with them would have a material and adverse effect on our business.

If our VIEs or their respective shareholders fail to perform their respective obligations under the contractual arrangements, we could be limited in our ability to enforce the contractual arrangements that give us effective control over our business operations in the PRC and may have to incur substantial costs and expend additional resources to enforce such arrangements. We may also have to rely on legal remedies under PRC law, including seeking specific performance or injunctive relief, and claiming damages, which we cannot assure will be effective under PRC law. For example, if the shareholders of our VIEs refuse to transfer their equity interest in our VIEs to our PRC subsidiaries or their designee after we exercise the purchase option pursuant to these contractual arrangements, or if they otherwise act in bad faith or otherwise fail to fulfill their contractual obligations, we may have to take legal actions to compel them to perform their contractual obligations. In addition, if any third parties claim any interest in such shareholders’ equity interests in our VIEs, our ability to exercise shareholders’ rights or foreclose the share pledges according to the contractual arrangements may be impaired. If these or other disputes between the shareholders of our VIEs and third parties were to impair our control over our VIEs, we may not be able to maintain effective control over our business operations in the PRC and thus would not be able to continue to consolidate our VIEs’ financial results, which would in turn result in a material adverse effect on our business, operations and financial condition.

 

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All the agreements under our contractual arrangements are governed by PRC law and provide for the resolution of disputes through arbitration in China. Accordingly, these contracts would be interpreted in accordance with PRC law, and any disputes would be resolved in accordance with PRC legal procedures.

All the agreements under our contractual arrangements are governed by PRC law and provide for the resolution of disputes through arbitration in China. Accordingly, these contracts would be interpreted in accordance with PRC law and any disputes would be resolved in accordance with PRC legal procedures. The legal system in the PRC is not as developed as in some other jurisdictions, such as the United States. As a result, uncertainties in the PRC legal system could limit our ability to enforce these contractual arrangements. Meanwhile, there are very few precedents and little formal guidance as to how contractual arrangements in the context of a VIE should be interpreted or enforced under PRC law. There remain significant uncertainties regarding the ultimate outcome of such arbitration should legal action become necessary. In addition, under PRC law, rulings by arbitrators are final, parties cannot appeal the arbitration results in courts, and if the losing parties fail to carry out the arbitration awards within a prescribed time limit, the prevailing parties may only enforce the arbitration awards in PRC courts through arbitration award recognition proceedings, which would require additional expenses and delay. In the event we are unable to enforce these contractual arrangements, or if we suffer significant delay or other obstacles in the process of enforcing these contractual arrangements, we may not be able to exert effective control over our VIEs, and our ability to conduct our business may be negatively affected. See “—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—Uncertainties with respect to the PRC legal system could materially and adversely affect us.”

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

Under applicable PRC laws and regulations, arrangements and transactions among related parties may be subject to audit or challenge by the PRC tax authorities within ten years after the taxable year when the transactions are conducted. We could face material and adverse tax consequences if the PRC tax authorities determine that the contractual arrangements between us and our VIEs were not entered into on an arm’s-length basis in such a way as to result in an impermissible reduction in taxes under applicable PRC laws, rules and regulations, and adjust the income of our VIEs in the form of a transfer pricing adjustment. A transfer pricing adjustment could, among other things, result in a reduction of expense deductions recorded by our VIEs for PRC tax purposes, which could in turn increase its tax liabilities without reducing our PRC subsidiary’s tax expenses. In addition, the PRC tax authorities may impose late payment fees and other penalties on our VIEs for the adjusted but unpaid taxes according to the applicable regulations. Our financial position could be materially and adversely affected if our VIEs’ tax liabilities increase or if it is required to pay late payment fees and other penalties.

The shareholders of our VIEs may have actual or potential conflicts of interest with us, which may materially and adversely affect our business and financial condition.

The shareholders of our VIEs may have actual or potential conflicts of interest with us. These shareholders may breach, or cause our VIEs to breach, or refuse to renew, the existing contractual arrangements we have with them and our VIEs, which would have a material and adverse effect on our ability to effectively control our VIEs and receive economic benefits from them. For example, the shareholders may be able to cause our agreements with our VIEs to be performed in a manner adverse to us by, among other things, failing to remit payments due under the contractual arrangements to us on a timely basis. We cannot assure you that when conflicts of interest arise any or all of these shareholders will act in the best interests of our company or such conflicts will be resolved in our favor. Currently, we do not have any arrangements to address potential conflicts of interest between these shareholders and our company. If we cannot resolve any conflict of interest or dispute between us and these shareholders, we would have to rely on legal proceedings, which could result in disruption of our business and subject us to substantial uncertainty as to the outcome of any such legal proceedings.

 

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We may lose the ability to use, or otherwise benefit from, the licenses, permits and assets held by our VIEs.

As part of our contractual arrangements with our VIEs, our VIEs hold certain assets, licenses and permits that are material to our business operations, including the Value-added Telecommunications Business Operation License, the Audio and Video Service Permission and the Online Culture Operating Permit. The contractual arrangements contain terms that specifically obligate our VIEs’ shareholders to ensure the valid existence of the VIEs and restrict the disposal of material assets of the VIEs. However, in the event the VIEs’ shareholders breach the terms of these contractual arrangements and voluntarily liquidate any of our VIEs, or any of our VIEs declares bankruptcy and all or part of its assets become subject to liens or rights of third-party creditors, or are otherwise disposed of or encumbered without our consent, we may be unable to conduct some or all of our business operations or otherwise benefit from the assets held by the VIEs, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Furthermore, under the contractual arrangements, our VIEs may not, in any manner, sell, transfer, mortgage or dispose of their material assets or legal or beneficial interests in the business without our prior consent. If any of our VIEs undergoes a voluntary or involuntary liquidation proceeding, its shareholders or unrelated third-party creditors may claim rights to some or all of the assets of the VIEs, thereby hindering our ability to operate our business as well as constrain our growth.

Risks Related to Doing Business in China

A severe or prolonged downturn in the PRC or global economy could materially and adversely affect our business and our financial condition.

The global macroeconomic environment is facing challenges. There is considerable uncertainty over the long-term effects of the expansionary monetary and fiscal policies adopted by the central banks and financial authorities of some of the world’s leading economies, including the United States and China. There have been concerns over unrest and terrorist threats in the Middle East, Europe and Africa and over the conflicts involving Ukraine, Syria and North Korea. There have also been concerns on the relationship among China and other Asian countries, which may result in or intensify potential conflicts in relation to territorial disputes, and the possibility of a trade war between the United States and China. It is unclear whether these challenges and uncertainties will be contained or resolved, and what effects they may have on the global political and economic conditions in the long term.

Economic conditions in China are sensitive to global economic conditions, changes in domestic economic and political policies and the expected or perceived overall economic growth rate in China. While the economy in China has grown significantly over the past decades, growth has been uneven, both geographically and among various sectors of the economy, and the rate of growth has been slowing in recent years. Although growth of China’s economy remained relatively stable, there is a possibility that China’s economic growth may materially decline in the near future. Any severe or prolonged slowdown in the global or PRC economy may materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

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

The PRC legal system is a civil law system based on written statutes. Unlike the common law system, prior court decisions under the civil law system may be cited for reference but have limited 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 investments in China. However, China has not developed a fully integrated legal system, and recently enacted laws and regulations may not sufficiently cover all aspects of economic activities in China. In particular, the PRC legal system is based on written statutes and prior court decisions have limited value as precedents. Since these laws and regulations are relatively new and the PRC legal system continues to rapidly evolve, the interpretations of many laws,

 

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regulations and rules may not be uniform and enforcement of these laws, regulations and rules involves uncertainties. These uncertainties may affect our judgment on the relevance of legal requirements and our ability to enforce our contractual rights or tort claims. In addition, the regulatory uncertainties may be exploited through unmerited or frivolous legal actions or threats in attempts to extract payments or benefits from us. 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 and may have a retroactive effect. As a result, we may not be aware of our violation of any of these policies and rules until sometime after the violation. In addition, any administrative and court proceedings in China may be protracted, resulting in substantial costs and diversion of resources and management attention.

In particular, PRC laws and regulations concerning the online music entertainment industry are developing and evolving. Although we have taken measures to comply with the laws and regulations that are applicable to our business operations and avoid conducting any non-compliant activities under the applicable laws and regulations, the PRC governmental authorities may promulgate new laws and regulations regulating the online music industry in the future. We cannot assure you that our practice would not be deemed to violate any new PRC laws or regulations relating to online music streaming. Moreover, developments in the online music entertainment industry may lead to changes in PRC laws, regulations and policies or in the interpretation and application of existing laws, regulations and policies that may limit or restrict online reading marketplaces like us, which could materially and adversely affect our business and operations.

The custodians or authorized users of our controlling non-tangible assets, including chops and seals, may fail to fulfill their responsibilities, or misappropriate or misuse these assets.

Under the PRC law, legal documents for corporate transactions, including agreements and contracts are executed using the chop or seal of the signing entity or with the signature of a legal representative whose designation is registered and filed with relevant PRC industry and commerce authorities.

In order to secure the use of our chops and seals, we have established internal control procedures and rules for using these chops and seals. In any event that the chops and seals are intended to be used, the responsible personnel will submit the application through our office automation system and the application will be verified and approved by authorized employees in accordance with our internal control procedures and rules. In addition, in order to maintain the physical security of our chops, we generally have them stored in secured locations accessible only to authorized employees. Although we monitor such authorized employees, the procedures may not be sufficient to prevent all instances of abuse or negligence. There is a risk that our employees could abuse their authority, for example, by entering into a contract not approved by us or seeking to gain control of one of our subsidiaries or consolidated VIEs. If any employee obtains, misuses or misappropriates our chops and seals or other controlling non-tangible assets for whatever reason, we could experience disruption to our normal business operations. We may have to take corporate or legal action, which could involve significant time and resources to resolve and divert management from our operations.

Our operations depend on the performance of the internet infrastructure and telecommunications networks in China, which are in large part operated and maintained by state-owned operators.

The successful operation of our business depends on the performance of the internet infrastructure and telecommunications networks in China. Almost all access to the internet is maintained through state-owned telecommunications operators under the administrative control and regulatory supervision of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. We have limited access to alternative networks or services in the event of disruptions, failures or other problems with China’s internet infrastructure or the telecommunications networks provided by telecommunications service providers. Internet traffic in China has experienced significant growth during the past few years. Effective bandwidth and server storage at internet data centers in large cities such as Beijing are scarce. Our platform regularly serve a large number of users. With the expansion of our business, we may be required to upgrade our technology and infrastructure to keep up with the increasing traffic on our

 

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platform. We cannot assure you that the internet infrastructure and telecommunications networks in China will be able to support the demands associated with the continued growth in internet usage. If we were unable to increase our online content and service delivering capacity accordingly, we may not be able to continuously grow our internet traffic and the adoption of our products and services may be hindered, which could adversely impact our business and our share price.

In addition, we generally have no control over the costs of the services provided by telecommunications service providers. If the prices we pay for telecommunications and internet services rise significantly, our results of operations may be materially and adversely affected. If internet access fees or other charges to internet users increase, our user traffic may decline and our business may be harmed.

Changes in China’s economic, political and social conditions as well as government policies could have a material adverse effect on our business and prospect.

Substantially all of our operations are located in China. Accordingly, our business, prospect, financial condition and results of operations may be influenced to a significant degree by political, economic and social conditions in China generally, and by continued economic growth in China as a whole. The Chinese 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. Although the Chinese government has implemented measures emphasizing the utilization of market forces for economic reform, the reduction of state ownership of productive assets and the establishment of improved corporate governance in business enterprises, a substantial portion of productive assets in China is still owned by the government. In addition, the Chinese government continues to play a significant role in regulating industry development by imposing industrial policies. The Chinese government also exercises significant control over China’s economic growth through allocating resources, controlling payment of foreign currency-denominated obligations, setting monetary policy and providing preferential treatment to particular industries or companies.

While the Chinese economy has experienced significant growth over the past decades, growth has been uneven, both geographically and among various sectors of the economy. Any adverse changes in economic conditions in China, in the policies of the Chinese government or in the laws and regulations in China could have a material adverse effect on the overall economic growth of China. Such developments could adversely affect our business and operating results, lead to a reduction in demand for our services and adversely affect our competitive position. The Chinese government has implemented various measures to encourage economic growth and guide the allocation of resources. Some of these measures may benefit the overall Chinese economy, but may have a negative effect on us. For example, our financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected by government control over capital investments or changes in tax regulations. In addition, in the past the Chinese government has implemented certain measures, including interest rate adjustment, to control the pace of economic growth. These measures may cause decreased economic activity in China. Any prolonged slowdown in the Chinese economy may reduce the demand for our services and materially and adversely affect our business and operating results.

Certain judgments obtained against us by our shareholders may not be enforceable.

We are a Cayman Islands company and substantially all of our current operations are conducted in China. In addition, most of our current directors and officers are nationals and residents of countries other than 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 United States in the event that you believe that your rights have been infringed under the U.S. federal 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.”

 

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Regulation and censorship of information disseminated over the internet in China may adversely affect our business and reputation and subject us to liability for information displayed on our website.

The PRC government has adopted regulations governing internet access and the distribution of news and other information over the internet. Under these regulations, internet content providers and internet publishers are prohibited from posting or displaying over the internet content that, among other things, violates PRC laws and regulations, impairs the national dignity of China, or is reactionary, obscene, superstitious, fraudulent or defamatory. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in the revocation of licenses to provide internet content and other licenses, and the closure of the concerned websites. The website operator may also be held liable for such censored information displayed on or linked to the websites. If our website is found to be in violation of any such requirements, we may be penalized by relevant authorities, and our operations or reputation could be adversely affected.

We may rely on dividends and other distributions on equity paid by our PRC subsidiaries to fund any cash and financing requirements we may have, and any limitation on the ability of our PRC subsidiaries to make payments to us and any tax we are required to pay could have a material and adverse effect on our ability to conduct our business.

We are a Cayman Islands holding company and, other than external financing, we rely principally on dividends and other distributions on equity from our PRC subsidiaries for our cash requirements, including the funds necessary to pay dividends and other cash distributions to our shareholders and for services of any debt we may incur. Our PRC subsidiaries’ ability to distribute dividends is based upon their distributable earnings. Current PRC regulations permit our PRC subsidiaries to pay dividends to their respective shareholders only out of their accumulated profits, if any, determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. In addition, each of our PRC subsidiaries, our VIEs and its subsidiaries is required to set aside at least 10% of its after-tax profits each year, if any, to fund a statutory reserve until such reserve reaches 50% of its registered capital. Each of our PRC subsidiaries is also required to further set aside a portion of its after-tax profits to fund the employee welfare fund, although the amount to be set aside, if any, is determined at its discretion. These reserves are not distributable as cash dividends. If our PRC subsidiaries incur debt on their own behalf in the future, the instruments governing the debt may restrict their ability to pay dividends or make other payments to us. Any limitation on the ability of our PRC subsidiaries to distribute dividends or other payments to their respective shareholders could materially and adversely limit our ability to grow, make investments or acquisitions that could be beneficial to our businesses, pay dividends or otherwise fund and conduct our business.

In addition, the Enterprise Income Tax Law and its implementation rules provide that a withholding tax rate of up to 10% will be applicable to dividends payable by Chinese companies to non-PRC resident enterprises unless otherwise exempted or reduced according to treaties or arrangements between the PRC central government and governments of other countries or regions where the non-PRC resident enterprises are incorporated.

In response to the persistent capital outflow and the RMB’s depreciation against the U.S. dollar in the fourth quarter of 2016, the People’s Bank of China and the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, or SAFE, have implemented a series of capital control measures in the subsequent months, including stricter vetting procedures for China-based companies to remit foreign currency for overseas acquisitions, dividend payments and shareholder loan repayments. For instance, the People’s Bank of China issued the Circular on Further Clarification of Relevant Matters Relating to Offshore RMB Loans Provided by Domestic Enterprises, or PBOC Circular 306, on November 22, 2016, which provides that offshore RMB loans provided by a domestic enterprise to offshore enterprises that it holds equity interests in shall not exceed 30% of the domestic enterprise’s ownership interest in the offshore enterprise. PBOC Circular 306 may constrain our PRC subsidiaries’ ability to provide offshore loans to us. The PRC government may continue to strengthen its capital controls and our PRC subsidiaries’ dividends and other distributions may be subjected to tighter scrutiny in the future. Any limitation on the ability of our PRC subsidiaries to pay dividends or make other distributions to us could materially and

 

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adversely limit our ability to grow, make investments or acquisitions that could be beneficial to our business, pay dividends, or otherwise fund and conduct our business. See also “— If we are classified as a PRC resident enterprise for PRC income tax purposes, such classification could result in unfavorable tax consequences to us and our non-PRC shareholders or ADS holders.”

Under the Enterprise Income Tax Law of the PRC and related regulations, dividends, interests, rent or royalties payable by a foreign-invested enterprise, such as our PRC subsidiaries, to any of its foreign non-resident enterprise investors, and proceeds from any such foreign enterprise investor’s disposition of assets (after deducting the net value of such assets) are subject to a 10% withholding tax, unless the foreign enterprise investor’s jurisdiction of incorporation has a tax treaty with China that provides for a reduced rate of withholding tax.

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

Any transfer of funds by us to our PRC subsidiaries, either as a shareholder loan or as an increase in registered capital, are subject to approval by or registration or filing with relevant governmental authorities in China. According to the relevant PRC regulations on foreign-invested enterprises in China, capital contributions to our PRC subsidiaries are subject to the approval of or filing with the Ministry of Commerce in its local branches and registration with a local bank authorized by SAFE. In addition, (i) any foreign loan procured by our PRC subsidiaries is required to be registered with SAFE or its local branches or filed with SAFE in its information system; and (ii) our PRC subsidiaries may not procure loans which exceed the difference between its total investment amount and registered capital or, as an alternative, only procure loans subject to the calculation approach and limitation as provided in PBOC Notice No. 9. Any medium or long-term loan to be provided by us to our VIEs must be registered with the National Development and Reform Commission and SAFE or its local branches. We may not be able to obtain these government approvals or complete such registrations on a timely basis, if at all, with respect to future capital contributions or foreign loans by us to our PRC subsidiaries. If we fail to receive such approvals or complete such registration or filing, our ability to use the proceeds of this offering and to capitalize our PRC operations may be negatively affected, which could adversely affect our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our business. There is, in effect, no statutory limit on the amount of capital contribution that we can make to our PRC subsidiaries. This is because there is no statutory limit on the amount of registered capital for our PRC subsidiaries, and we are allowed to make capital contributions to our PRC subsidiaries by subscribing for their initial registered capital and increased registered capital, provided that the PRC subsidiaries completes the relevant filing and registration procedures. With respect to loans to the PRC subsidiaries by us, (i) if the relevant PRC subsidiaries adopt the traditional foreign exchange administration mechanism, or the Current Foreign Debt Mechanism, the outstanding amount of the loans shall not exceed the difference between the total investment and the registered capital of the PRC subsidiaries; and (ii) if the relevant PRC subsidiaries adopt the foreign exchange administration mechanism as provided in Notice of the People’s Bank of China on Matters concerning the Macro-Prudential Management of Full-Covered Cross-Border Financing, or the PBOC Notice No. 9, the risk-weighted outstanding amount of the loans, which shall be calculated based on the formula provided in PBOC Notice No. 9, shall not exceed 200% of the net asset of the relevant PRC subsidiary. For example, the maximum amount of the loans that Yeelion Online, one of our PRC subsidiaries, may acquire from outside China is (i) US$10 million, under the total investment minus registered capital approach, which is calculated based on its total investment of US$30 million and registered capital of US$20 million as of June 30, 2018; and (ii) RMB1,040 million (US$157 million), under the net asset approach, calculated based on its net asset of RMB520 million (US$79 million) as of June 30, 2018 pursuant to PRC GAAP. According to the PBOC Notice No. 9, after a transition period of one year since the promulgation of PBOC Notice No. 9, the People’s Bank of China and SAFE will determine the cross-border financing administration mechanism for the foreign-invested enterprises after evaluating the overall implementation of PBOC Notice No. 9. As of the date hereof, neither the People’s Bank of China nor SAFE has promulgated and

 

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made public any further rules, regulations, notices or circulars in this regard. It is uncertain which mechanism will be adopted by the People’s Bank of China and SAFE in the future and what statutory limits will be imposed on us when providing loans to our PRC subsidiaries. Currently, our PRC subsidiaries have the flexibility to choose between the Current Foreign Debt Mechanism and the Notice No. 9 Foreign Debt Mechanism. However, if a more stringent foreign debt mechanism becomes mandatory, our ability to provide loans to our PRC subsidiaries or our consolidated affiliated entities may be significantly limited, which may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The Circular on Reforming the Administration of Foreign Exchange Settlement of Capital of Foreign-Invested Enterprises, or SAFE Circular 19, effective as of June 1, 2015, as amended by Circular of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange on Reforming and Regulating Policies on the Control over Foreign Exchange Settlement under the Capital Account, or SAFE Circular 16, effective on June 9, 2016, allows FIEs to settle their foreign exchange capital at their discretion, but continues to prohibit FIEs from using the Renminbi fund converted from their foreign exchange capitals for expenditure beyond their business scopes, and also prohibit FIEs from using such Renminbi fund to provide loans to persons other than affiliates unless otherwise permitted under its business scope. As a result, we are required to apply Renminbi funds converted from the net proceeds we received from this offering within the business scopes of our PRC subsidiaries. SAFE Circular 19 and SAFE Circular 16 may significantly limit our ability to use Renminbi converted from the net proceeds of this offering to fund the establishment of new entities in China by our VIEs or their respective subsidiaries, to invest in or acquire any other PRC companies through our PRC subsidiaries, or to establish new consolidated VIEs in China, which may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Fluctuations in exchange rates could have a material and adverse effect on our results of operations and the value of your investment.

The value of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar and other currencies may fluctuate and is affected by, among other things, changes in political and economic conditions in China and by China’s foreign exchange policies. On July 21, 2005, the PRC government changed its decade-old policy of pegging the value of the Renminbi to the U.S. dollar, and the Renminbi appreciated more than 20% against the U.S. dollar over the following three years. Between July 2008 and June 2010, this appreciation halted and the exchange rate between the Renminbi and the U.S. dollar remained within a narrow band. Since June 2010, the Renminbi has fluctuated against the U.S. dollar, at times significantly and unpredictably. On November 30, 2015, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed the regular five-year review of the basket of currencies that make up the Special Drawing Right, or the SDR, and decided that with effect from October 1, 2016, Renminbi is determined to be a freely usable currency and will be included in the SDR basket as a fifth currency, along with the U.S. dollar, the Euro, the Japanese yen and the British pound. In the fourth quarter of 2016, the Renminbi has depreciated significantly in the backdrop of a surging U.S. dollar and persistent capital outflows of China. With the development of the foreign exchange market and progress towards interest rate liberalization and Renminbi internationalization, the PRC government may in the future announce further changes to the exchange rate system and we cannot assure you that the Renminbi will not appreciate or depreciate significantly in value against the U.S. dollar in the future. It is difficult to predict how market forces or PRC or U.S. government policy may impact the exchange rate between the Renminbi and the U.S. dollar in the future.

Significant revaluation of the Renminbi may have a material and adverse effect on your investment. For example, to the extent that we need to convert U.S. dollars we receive from 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 would 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 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 amount available to us.

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exchange risk. While we may decide to enter into hedging transactions in the future, the availability and effectiveness of these hedges may be limited and we may not be able to adequately hedge our exposure or at all. In addition, our currency exchange losses may be magnified by PRC exchange control regulations that restrict our ability to convert Renminbi into foreign currency.

Foreign exchange controls may limit our ability to utilize our revenues effectively and affect the value of your investment.

The PRC government imposes foreign exchange controls on the convertibility of the Renminbi, in certain cases, the remittance of currency out of China. We receive substantially all of our revenues in Renminbi. Under our current corporate structure, our Cayman Islands holding company primarily relies on dividend payments from our PRC subsidiaries to fund any cash and financing requirements we may have. Under existing PRC foreign exchange regulations, payments of current account items, including profit distributions, interest payments and trade and service-related foreign exchange transactions, can be made in foreign currencies without prior approval of SAFE by complying with certain procedural requirements. Specifically, under the existing exchange restrictions, without prior approval of SAFE, cash generated from the operations of our PRC subsidiaries in China may be used to pay dividends to our company. However, approval from or registration with appropriate government authorities is required where Renminbi is to be converted into foreign currency and remitted out of China to pay capital expenses such as the repayment of loans denominated in foreign currencies. As a result, we need to obtain SAFE approval or registration to use cash generated from the operations of our PRC subsidiaries and VIE to pay off their respective debt in a currency other than Renminbi owed to entities outside China, or to make other capital expenditure payments outside China in a currency other than Renminbi. The PRC government may at its discretion restrict access to foreign currencies for current account transactions in the future. If the foreign exchange control system prevents us from obtaining sufficient foreign currencies to satisfy our foreign currency demands, we may not be able to pay dividends in foreign currencies to our shareholders and holders of the ADSs.

The M&A Rules and certain other PRC regulations establish complex procedures for some acquisitions of Chinese companies by foreign investors, which could make it more difficult for us to pursue growth through acquisitions in China.

The Rules on Mergers and Acquisitions of Domestic Enterprises by Foreign Investors, or the M&A Rules, adopted by six PRC regulatory agencies in 2006 and amended in 2009, and some other regulations and rules concerning mergers and acquisitions established additional procedures and requirements that could make merger and acquisition activities by foreign investors more time consuming and complex, including requirements in some instances that the Ministry of Commerce be notified in advance of any change-of-control transaction in which a foreign investor takes control of a PRC domestic enterprise. Moreover, the Anti-Monopoly Law of the PRC requires that the Ministry of Commerce be notified in advance of any transaction where the parties’ turnover in the China market and/or global market exceed certain thresholds and the buyer would obtain control of, or decisive influence over, the target as a result of the business combination. As further clarified by the Provisions of the State Council on the Threshold of Filings for Undertaking Concentrations issued by the State Council in 2008, such thresholds include: (i) the total global turnover of all operators participating in the transaction exceeds RMB10 billion in the preceding fiscal year and at least two of these operators each had a turnover of more than RMB400 million within China in the preceding fiscal year, or (ii) the total turnover within China of all the operators participating in the transaction exceeded RMB2 billion in the preceding fiscal year, and at least two of these operators each had a turnover of more than RMB400 million within China in the preceding fiscal year. There are numerous factors the Ministry of Commerce considers in determining “control” or “decisive influence,” and, depending on certain criteria, the Ministry of Commerce may conduct anti-monopoly review of transactions in respect of which it was notified. In light of the uncertainties relating to the interpretation, implementation and enforcement of the Anti-Monopoly Law of the PRC, we cannot assure you that the Ministry of Commerce will not deem our past and future acquisitions or investments to have triggered filing requirement for anti-trust review. If we are found to have violated the Anti-Monopoly Law of the PRC for

 

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failing to file the notification of concentration and request for review, we could be subject to a fine of up to RMB500,000, and the parts of the transaction causing the prohibited concentration could be ordered to be unwound, which may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

In addition, the Circular of the General Office of the State Council on the Establishment of Security Review System for the Merger and Acquisition of Domestic Enterprises by Foreign Investors that became effective in March 2011, and the Rules on Implementation of Security Review System for the Merger and Acquisition of Domestic Enterprises by Foreign Investors issued by the Ministry of Commerce that became effective in September 2011 specify that mergers and acquisitions by foreign investors that raise “national defense and security” concerns and mergers and acquisitions through which foreign investors may acquire de facto control over domestic enterprises that raise “national security” concerns are subject to strict review by the Ministry of Commerce, and the rules prohibit any activities attempting to bypass a security review, including by structuring the transaction through a proxy or contractual control arrangement. In the future, we may grow our business by acquiring complementary businesses. Complying with the requirements of the above-mentioned regulations and other relevant rules to complete such transactions could be time consuming, and any required approval processes, including obtaining approval from the Ministry of Commerce or its local counterparts may delay or inhibit our ability to complete such transactions, which could affect our ability to expand our business or maintain our market share.

PRC regulations relating to the establishment of offshore special purpose companies by PRC residents may subject our PRC resident beneficial owners or our PRC subsidiaries to liability or penalties, limit our ability to inject capital into our PRC subsidiaries, limit our PRC subsidiaries’ ability to increase their registered capital or distribute profits to us, or may otherwise adversely affect us.

SAFE promulgated the Circular on Issues Concerning the Foreign Exchange Administration over the Overseas Investment and Financing and Round-trip Investment by Domestic Residents via Special Purpose Vehicles, or SAFE Circular 37, in July 2014. SAFE Circular 37 requires PRC residents or entities to register with SAFE or its local branches in connection with their establishment or control of an offshore entity established for the purpose of overseas investment or financing with such PRC residents or entities’ legally owned assets or equity interests in domestic enterprises or offshore assets or interests. In addition, such PRC residents or entities must update their SAFE registrations when the offshore special purpose vehicle undergoes material events relating to any change of basic information (including change of such PRC citizens or residents, name and operation term), increases or decreases in investment amount, transfers or exchanges of shares, or mergers or divisions. According to the Circular of Further Simplifying and Improving the Policies of Foreign Exchange Administration Applicable to Direct Investment released in February 2015 by SAFE, local banks will examine and handle foreign exchange registration for overseas direct investment, including the initial foreign exchange registration and amendment registration, under SAFE Circular 37 from June 2015. See “PRC Regulation—Regulations on Foreign Exchange Registration of Offshore Investment by PRC Residents.”

If our shareholders who are PRC residents or entities do not complete their registration with the local SAFE branches, our PRC subsidiaries may be prohibited from distributing their profits and proceeds from any reduction in capital, share transfer or liquidation to us, and we may be restricted in our ability to contribute additional capital to our PRC subsidiaries. Moreover, failure to comply with the SAFE registration described above could result in liability under PRC laws for evasion of applicable foreign exchange restrictions.

We have notified all PRC residents or entities who directly or indirectly hold shares in our Cayman Islands holding company and who are known to us as being PRC residents to complete the foreign exchange registrations. However, we may not be informed of the identities of all the PRC residents or entities holding direct or indirect interest in our company, nor can we compel our beneficial owners to comply with SAFE registration requirements. As a result, we cannot assure you that all of our shareholders or beneficial owners who are PRC residents or entities have complied with, and will in the future make, obtain or update any applicable registrations or approvals required by, SAFE regulations. Failure by such shareholders or beneficial owners to

 

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comply with SAFE regulations, or failure by us to amend the foreign exchange registrations of our PRC subsidiaries, could subject us to fines or legal sanctions, restrict our overseas or cross-border investment activities, limit our PRC subsidiaries’ ability to make distributions or pay dividends to us or affect our ownership structure, which could adversely affect our business and prospects.

Furthermore, as these foreign exchange regulations are still relatively new and their interpretation and implementation has been constantly evolving, it is unclear how these regulations, and any future regulation concerning offshore or cross-border transactions, will be interpreted, amended and implemented by the relevant government authorities. For example, we may be subject to a more stringent review and approval process with respect to our foreign exchange activities, such as remittance of dividends and foreign currency denominated borrowings, which may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, if we decide to acquire a PRC domestic company, we cannot assure you that we or the owners of such company, as the case may be, will be able to obtain the necessary approvals or complete the necessary filings and registrations required by the foreign exchange regulations. This may restrict our ability to implement our acquisition strategy and could adversely affect our business and prospects.

Any failure to comply with PRC regulations regarding the registration requirements for employee stock incentive plans may subject the PRC plan participants or us to fines and other legal or administrative sanctions.

Pursuant to SAFE Circular 37, PRC residents who participate in share incentive plans in overseas non-publicly-listed companies may submit applications to SAFE or its local branches for the foreign exchange registration with respect to offshore special purpose companies. In the meantime, our directors, executive officers and other employees who are PRC citizens or who are non-PRC residents residing in the PRC for a continuous period of not less than one year, subject to limited exceptions, and who have been granted share-based awards by us, may follow the Circular of the SAFE on Issues Concerning the Administration of Foreign Exchange Used for Domestic Individuals’ Participation in Equity Incentive Plan of Overseas Listed Companies, promulgated by SAFE in 2012. Pursuant to the circular, PRC citizens and non-PRC citizens who reside in China for a continuous period of not less than one year who participate in any stock incentive plan of an overseas publicly listed company, subject to a few exceptions, are required to register with SAFE through a domestic qualified agent, which could be the PRC subsidiaries of such overseas listed company, and complete certain other procedures. In addition, an overseas entrusted institution must be retained to handle matters in connection with the exercise or sale of stock options and the purchase or sale of shares and interests. We, our directors, our executive officers and other employees who are PRC citizens or who reside in the PRC for a continuous period of not less than one year and who have been granted share-based awards will be subject to these regulations when our company becomes an overseas listed company upon the completion of this offering. Failure to complete the SAFE registrations may subject them to fines, and legal sanctions and may also limit our ability to contribute additional capital into our PRC subsidiaries and limit our PRC subsidiaries’ ability to distribute dividends to us. We also face regulatory uncertainties that could restrict our ability to adopt additional incentive plans for our directors, executive officers and employees under PRC law. See “Regulation—Regulations on Foreign Exchange Registration of Offshore Investment by PRC Residents—Employee Stock Incentive Plan.”

The State Administration of Taxation has issued certain circulars concerning employee share options and restricted shares. Under these circulars, our employees working in China who exercise share options or are granted restricted shares will be subject to PRC individual income tax. Our PRC subsidiaries have obligations to file documents related to employee share options or restricted shares with relevant tax authorities and to withhold individual income taxes of those employees who exercise their share options. If our employees fail to pay or we fail to withhold their income taxes according to relevant laws and regulations, we may face sanctions imposed by the tax authorities or other PRC governmental authorities. See “Regulation—Regulations on Foreign Exchange Registration of Offshore Investment by PRC Residents—Employee Stock Incentive Plan.”

 

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Our business may be negatively affected by the potential obligations to make additional social insurance and housing fund contributions.

We are required by PRC laws and regulations to pay various statutory employee benefits, including pensions, housing fund, medical insurance, work-related injury insurance, unemployment insurance and maternity insurance to designated government agencies for the benefit of our employees. The relevant government agencies may examine whether an employer has made adequate payments of the requisite statutory employee benefits, and employers who fail to make adequate payments may be subject to late payment fees, fines and/or other penalties. Certain of our PRC subsidiaries have historically failed to promptly make social insurance and housing fund contributions in full for their employees. In addition, certain of our PRC subsidiaries engage third-party human resources agencies to make social insurance and housing fund contributions for some of their employees, and there is no assurance that such third-party agencies will make such contributions in full in a timely manner, or at all. If the relevant PRC authorities determine that we shall make supplemental social insurance and housing fund contributions or that we are subject to fines and legal sanctions in relation to our failure to make social insurance and housing fund contributions in full for our employees, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected.

We may be classified as a “PRC resident enterprise” for PRC enterprise income tax purposes, which could result in unfavorable tax consequences to us and our non-PRC shareholders and ADS holders and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and the value of your investment.

Under the Enterprise Income Tax Law of the PRC and its implementation rules, an enterprise established outside of the PRC with a “de facto management body” within the PRC is considered a “resident enterprise” and will be subject to PRC enterprise income tax on its global income at the rate of 25%. The implementation rules define the term “de facto management body” as the body that exercises full and substantial control over and overall management of the business, personnel, accounts and properties of an enterprise. In April 2009, the State Administration of Taxation issued a circular, known as SAT Circular 82, which provides certain specific criteria for determining whether the “de facto management body” of a PRC-controlled enterprise that is incorporated offshore is located in China. Although this circular only applies to offshore enterprises controlled by PRC enterprises or PRC enterprise groups, not those controlled by PRC individuals or foreigners like us, the criteria set forth in the circular may reflect the State Administration of Taxation’s general position on how the “de facto management body” test should be applied in determining the tax resident status of all offshore enterprises. According to SAT Circular 82, an offshore incorporated enterprise controlled by a PRC enterprise or a PRC enterprise group will be regarded as a PRC tax resident by virtue of having its “de facto management body” in China and will be subject to PRC enterprise income tax on its global income only if all of the following conditions are met: (i) the primary location of the day-to-day operational management is in the PRC; (ii) decisions relating to the enterprise’s financial and human resource matters are made or are subject to approval by organizations or personnel in the PRC; (iii) the enterprise’s primary assets, accounting books and records, company seals, and board and shareholder resolutions, are located or maintained in the PRC; and (iv) at least 50% of voting board members or senior executives habitually reside in the PRC.

We believe none of our entities outside of China is a PRC resident enterprise for PRC tax purposes. However, the tax resident status of an enterprise is subject to determination by the PRC tax authorities and uncertainties remain with respect to the interpretation of the term “de facto management body.” As a majority of our management members are based in China, it remains unclear how the tax residency rule will apply to our case. If the PRC tax authorities determine that our company or any of our subsidiaries outside of China is a PRC resident enterprise for enterprise income tax purposes, we may be subject to PRC enterprise income on our worldwide income at the rate of 25%, which could materially reduce our net income. In addition, we will also be subject to PRC enterprise income tax reporting obligations. Furthermore, we may be required to withhold a 10% withholding tax from dividends we pay to our shareholders that are non-resident enterprises, including the holders of the ADSs. In addition, non-resident enterprise shareholders (including the ADS holders) may be subject to PRC tax at a rate of 10% on gains realized on the sale or other disposition of ADSs or ordinary shares,

 

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if such income is treated as sourced from within the PRC. Furthermore, if we are deemed a PRC resident enterprise, dividends paid to our non-PRC individual shareholders (including the ADS holders) and any gain realized on the transfer of ADSs or ordinary shares by such shareholders may be subject to PRC tax at a rate of 20% (which, in the case of dividends, may be withheld at source by us), if such gains are deemed to be from PRC sources. These rates may be reduced by an applicable tax treaty, but it is unclear whether non-PRC shareholders of our company would be able to claim the benefits of any tax treaties between their country of tax residence and the PRC in the event that we are treated as a PRC resident enterprise. Any such tax may reduce the returns on your investment in the ADSs or ordinary shares.

We face uncertainty with respect to indirect transfers of equity interests in PRC resident enterprises by their non-PRC holding companies.

On February 3, 2015, the State Administration of Taxation issued the Circular on Issues of Enterprise Income Tax on Indirect Transfers of Assets by Non-PRC Resident Enterprises, or SAT Circular 7. SAT Circular 7 extends its tax jurisdiction to transactions involving the transfer of taxable assets through offshore transfer of a foreign intermediate holding company. In addition, SAT Circular 7 has introduced safe harbors for internal group restructurings and the purchase and sale of equity through a public securities market. SAT Circular 7 also brings challenges to both foreign transferor and transferee (or other person who is obligated to pay for the transfer) of taxable assets.

On October 17, 2017, the State Administration of Taxation issued the Circular on Issues of Tax Withholding regarding Non-PRC Resident Enterprise Income Tax at Source, or SAT Circular 37, which came into effect on December 1, 2017. SAT Circular 37 further clarifies the practice and procedure of the withholding of nonresident enterprise income tax.

Where a nonresident enterprise transfers taxable assets indirectly by disposing of the equity interests of an overseas holding company, which is known as an indirect transfer, the nonresident enterprise as either transferor or transferee, or the PRC entity that directly owns the taxable assets, may report such indirect transfer to the relevant tax authority. Using a “substance over form” principle, the PRC tax authority may disregard the existence of the overseas holding company if it lacks a reasonable commercial purpose and was established for the purpose of reducing, avoiding or deferring PRC tax. As a result, gains derived from such indirect transfer may be subject to PRC enterprise income tax, and the transferee or other person who is obligated to pay for the transfer is obligated to withhold the applicable taxes, currently at a rate of 10% for the transfer of equity interests in a PRC resident enterprise. Both the transferor and the transferee may be subject to penalties under PRC tax laws if the transferee fails to withhold the taxes and the transferor fails to pay the taxes.

We face uncertainties as to the reporting and other implications of certain past and future transactions where PRC taxable assets are involved, such as offshore restructuring, sale of the shares in our offshore subsidiaries and investments. Our company may be subject to filing obligations or taxed if our company is transferor in such transactions, and may be subject to withholding obligations if our company is transferee in such transactions, under SAT Circular 7 or SAT Circular 37. For transfer of shares in our company by investors who are non-PRC resident enterprises, our PRC subsidiaries may be requested to assist in the filing under SAT Circular 7 or SAT Circular 37. As a result, we may be required to expend valuable resources to comply with SAT Circular 7 or SAT Circular 37 or to request the relevant transferors from whom we purchase taxable assets to comply with these circulars, or to establish that our company should not be taxed under these circulars, which may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

The audit report included in this prospectus is prepared by an auditor who is not inspected by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board and, as such, you are deprived of the benefits of such inspection.

Our independent registered public accounting firm that issues the audit reports included in this prospectus filed with the SEC, as an auditor of companies that are traded publicly in the United States and a firm registered

 

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with the U.S. Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, or the PCAOB, is required by the laws of the United States to undergo regular inspections by the PCAOB to assess its compliance with the laws of the United States and professional standards. Since our auditors are located in China, a jurisdiction where the PCAOB is currently unable to conduct inspections without the approval of the Chinese authorities, our auditors are not currently inspected by the PCAOB.

Inspections of other firms that the PCAOB has conducted outside of China have identified deficiencies in those firms’ audit procedures and quality control procedures, which may be addressed as part of the inspection process to improve future audit quality. The lack of PCAOB inspections in China prevents the PCAOB from regularly evaluating our auditor’ audits and its quality control procedures. As a result, investors may be deprived of the benefits of PCAOB inspections.

The inability of the PCAOB to conduct inspections of auditors in China makes it more difficult to evaluate the effectiveness of our auditors’ audit procedures or quality control procedures as compared to auditors outside of China that are subject to PCAOB inspections. Investors may lose confidence in our reported financial information and procedures and the quality of our financial statements.

Proceedings instituted by the SEC against Chinese affiliates of the “big four” accounting firms, including our independent registered public accounting firm, could result in financial statements being determined to not be in compliance with the requirements of the Exchange Act.

Starting in 2011 the Chinese affiliates of the “big four” accounting firms, including our independent registered public accounting firm, were affected by a conflict between U.S. and Chinese law. Specifically, for certain U.S.-listed companies operating and audited in mainland China, the SEC and the PCAOB sought to obtain from the Chinese firms access to their audit work papers and related documents. The firms were, however, advised and directed that under Chinese law, they could not respond directly to the U.S. regulators on those requests, and that requests by foreign regulators for access to such papers in China had to be channeled through the CSRC.

In December 2012, the SEC instituted proceedings under Rule 102(e)(1)(iii) of its Rules of Practice and also under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 against five Chinese-based accounting firms, including our independent registered public accounting firm, alleging that these firms had violated U.S. securities laws and the SEC’s rules and regulations thereunder by failing to provide to the SEC the firms’ work papers related to their audits of certain China-based companies that are publicly traded in the U.S. Rule 102(e)(1)(iii) grants the SEC the authority to deny to any person, temporarily or permanently, the ability to practice before the SEC who is found by the SEC, after notice and opportunity for a hearing, to have willfully violated any such laws or rules and regulations. On January 22, 2014, an initial administrative law decision was issued, censuring these accounting firms and suspending four of the five firms from practicing before the SEC for a period of six months. Four of these China-based accounting firms appealed to the SEC against this decision and, on February 6, 2015, each of the four China-based accounting firms agreed to a censure and to pay a fine to the SEC to settle the dispute and avoid suspension of their ability to practice before the SEC. The firms’ ability to continue to serve all their respective customers is not affected by the settlement. The settlement requires the firms to follow detailed procedures to seek to provide the SEC with access to Chinese firms’ audit documents via the China Securities Regulatory Commission. If the firms do not follow these procedures, the SEC could impose penalties such as suspensions, or it could restart the administrative proceedings. The settlement did not require the firms to admit to any violation of law and preserves the firms’ legal defenses in the event the administrative proceeding is restarted.

In the event that the SEC restarts the administrative proceedings, depending upon the final outcome, listed companies in the United States with major PRC operations may find it difficult or impossible to retain auditors in respect of their operations in the PRC, which could result in financial statements being determined to not be in compliance with the requirements of the Exchange Act, including possible delisting. Moreover, any negative

 

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news about any such future proceedings against these audit firms may cause investor uncertainty regarding China-based, U.S.-listed companies, and the market price of our ordinary shares may be adversely affected.

If our independent registered public accounting firm was denied, even temporarily, the ability to practice before the SEC and we were unable to timely find another registered public accounting firm to audit and issue an opinion on our financial statements, our financial statements could be determined not to be in compliance with the requirements of the Exchange Act. Such a determination could ultimately lead to the delisting of the ADSs from the [New York Stock Exchange]/[NASDAQ Global Market] or deregistration from the SEC, or both, which would substantially reduce or effectively terminate the trading of the ADSs in the United States.

Risks Related to the ADSs and This Offering

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

We [have applied] to list the ADSs on the [New York Stock Exchange]/[NASDAQ Global Market]. We have no current intention to seek a listing for our ordinary shares on any stock exchange. Prior to the completion of this offering, there has been no public market for the ADSs or our ordinary shares, and we cannot assure you that a liquid public market for the ADSs will develop. If an active public market for the ADSs does not develop following the completion of this offering, the market price and liquidity of the ADSs may be materially and adversely affected. The initial public offering price for the ADSs will be determined by negotiation between us and the underwriters based upon several factors, and we can provide no assurance that the trading price of the ADSs after this offering will not decline below the initial public offering price. As a result, investors in our securities may experience a significant decrease in the value of their ADSs.

The trading price of the ADSs is likely to be volatile, which could result in substantial losses to investors.

The trading price of the ADSs is likely to be volatile and could fluctuate widely due to multiple factors, some of which are beyond our control. This may happen because of broad market and industry factors, including 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. In addition to market and industry factors, the price and trading volume for the ADSs may be highly volatile for factors specific to our own operations, including the following:

 

   

variations in our revenues, operating costs and expenses, earnings and cash flow;

 

   

announcements of new investments, acquisitions, strategic partnerships or joint ventures by us or our competitors;

 

   

announcements of new products and services by us or our competitors;

 

   

changes in financial estimates by securities analysts;

 

   

detrimental adverse publicity about us, our shareholders, affiliates, directors, officers or employees, our content offerings, our business model, our services or our industry;

 

   

announcements of new regulations, rules or policies relevant for our business;

 

   

additions or departures of key personnel;

 

   

release of lock-up or other transfer restrictions on our outstanding equity securities or sales of additional equity securities; and

 

   

potential litigation or regulatory investigations.

Any of these factors may result in large and sudden changes in the volume and price at which the ADSs will trade.

 

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In the past, shareholders of public companies have often brought securities class action suits against those companies following periods of instability in the market price of their securities. If we were involved in a class action suit, it could divert a significant amount of our management’s attention and other resources from our business and operations and require us to incur significant expenses to defend the suit, which could harm our results of operations. Any such class action suit, whether or not successful, could harm our reputation and restrict our ability to raise capital in the future. In addition, if a claim is successfully made against us, we may be required to pay significant damages, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Because our initial public offering price is substantially higher than our net tangible book value per share, you will experience immediate and substantial dilution.

If you purchase ADSs in this offering, you will pay more for the ADSs than the amount paid by our existing shareholders for their ordinary shares on a per ADS basis. As a result, you will experience immediate and substantial dilution of approximately US$                 per ADS. See “Dilution” for a more complete description of how the value of your investment in the ADSs will be diluted upon the completion of this offering.

If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or reports about our business, or if they adversely change their recommendations regarding the ADSs, the market price for the ADSs and trading volume could decline.

The trading market for the ADSs will be influenced by research or reports that industry or securities analysts publish about our business. If one or more analysts who cover us downgrade the ADSs, the market price for the ADSs would likely decline. If one or more of these analysts cease to cover us or fail to regularly publish reports on us, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which in turn could cause the market price or trading volume for the ADSs to decline.

The sale or availability for sale of substantial amounts of the ADSs could adversely affect their market price.

Sales of substantial amounts of the ADSs in the public market after the completion of this offering, or the perception that these sales could occur, could adversely affect the market price of the ADSs and could materially impair our ability to raise capital through equity offerings in the future. The ADSs sold in this offering will be freely tradable without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act, and shares held by our existing shareholders may also be sold in the public market in the future subject to the restrictions in Rule 144 and Rule 701 under the Securities Act and the applicable lock-up agreements. There will be                 ADSs (representing                  Class A ordinary shares) outstanding immediately after this offering, or                  ADSs (representing                  Class A ordinary shares) if the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full. In connection with this offering, [we, our directors, executive officers and existing shareholders have agreed, subject to certain exceptions (including an exception for Assured Entitlement Distribution), not to sell any ordinary shares or ADSs for 180 days after the date of this prospectus without the prior written consent of the representatives of the underwriters, subject to certain exceptions.] However, the underwriters may release these securities from these restrictions at any time, subject to applicable regulations of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. We cannot predict what effect, if any, market sales of securities held by our significant shareholders or any other shareholder or the availability of these securities for future sale will have on the market price of the ADSs. See “Underwriting” and “Shares Eligible for Future Sale” for a more detailed description of the restrictions on selling our securities after this offering.

Techniques employed by short sellers may drive down the market price of the ADSs.

Short selling is the practice of selling securities that the seller does not own but rather has borrowed from a third party with the intention of buying identical securities back at a later date to return to the lender. The short seller hopes to profit from a decline in the value of the securities between the sale of the borrowed securities and

 

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the purchase of the replacement shares, as the short seller expects to pay less in that purchase than it received in the sale. As it is in the short seller’s interest for the price of the security to decline, many short sellers publish, or arrange for the publication of, negative opinions and allegations regarding the relevant issuer and its business prospects in order to create negative market momentum and generate profits for themselves after selling a security short. These short attacks have, in the past, led to selling of shares in the market. If we were to become the subject of any unfavorable allegations, whether such allegations are proven to be true or untrue, we could have to expend a significant amount of resources to investigate such allegations and/or defend ourselves. While we would strongly defend against any such short seller attacks, we may be constrained in the manner in which we can proceed against the relevant short seller by principles of freedom of speech, applicable state law or issues of commercial confidentiality.

Because we do not expect to pay dividends in the foreseeable future after this offering, you must rely on a price appreciation of the ADSs for a return on your investment.

We currently intend to retain most, if not all, of our available funds and any future earnings after this offering to fund the development and growth of our business. As a result, we do not expect to pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Therefore, you should not rely on an investment in the ADSs as a source for any future dividend income.

Our board of directors has complete discretion as to whether to distribute dividends, subject to certain requirements of Cayman Islands law. In addition, our shareholders may by ordinary resolution declare a dividend, but no dividend may exceed the amount recommended by our directors. Under Cayman Islands law, a Cayman Islands company may pay a dividend out of either profit or share premium account, provided that in no circumstances may a dividend be paid if this would result in the company being unable to pay its debts as they fall due in the ordinary course of business. Even if our board of directors decides to declare and pay dividends, the timing, amount and form of future dividends, if any, will depend on our future results of operations and cash flow, our capital requirements and surplus, the amount of distributions, if any, received by us from our subsidiaries, our financial condition, contractual restrictions and other factors deemed relevant by our board of directors. Accordingly, the return on your investment in the ADSs will likely depend entirely upon any future price appreciation of the ADSs. There is no guarantee that the ADSs will appreciate in value after this offering or even maintain the price at which you purchased the ADSs. You may not realize a return on your investment in the ADSs and you may even lose your entire investment in the ADSs.

The approval of the China Securities Regulatory Commission may be required in connection with this offering under PRC law.

The M&A Rules purport to require offshore special purpose vehicles that are controlled by PRC companies or individuals and that have been formed for the purpose of seeking a public listing on an overseas stock exchange through acquisitions of PRC domestic companies or assets to obtain CSRC approval prior to publicly listing their securities on an overseas stock exchange. In September 2006, the CSRC published a notice on its official website specifying documents and materials required to be submitted to it by a special purpose vehicle seeking CSRC approval of its overseas listings. The interpretation and application of the regulations remain unclear, and this offering may ultimately require approval from the CSRC. If CSRC approval is required, it is uncertain whether it would be possible for us to obtain the approval, and any failure to obtain or delay in obtaining CSRC approval for this offering would subject us to sanctions imposed by the CSRC and other PRC regulatory agencies.

Han Kun Law Offices, our PRC legal counsel, has advised us that, based on its understanding of the current PRC laws and regulations, we will not be required to submit an application to the CSRC for the approval of the listing and trading of the ADSs on the [New York Stock Exchange]/[NASDAQ Global Market] because (i) the CSRC currently has not issued any definitive rule or interpretation concerning whether offerings like ours under this prospectus are subject to this regulation; (ii) we established the PRC subsidiaries that are wholly owned

 

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foreign enterprises by means of direct investment and not through a merger or acquisition of the equity or assets of a “PRC domestic company” as such term is defined under the M&A Rules; and (iii) no explicit provision in the M&A Rules classifies the contractual arrangements between us and the VIEs as a type of acquisition transaction falling under the M&A Rules.

However, our PRC legal counsel has further advised us that there remains some uncertainty as to how the M&A Rules will be interpreted or implemented in the context of an overseas offering, and its opinions summarized above are subject to any new laws, rules and regulations or detailed implementations and interpretations in any form relating to the M&A Rules. We cannot assure you that relevant PRC government agencies, including the CSRC, would reach the same conclusion as our PRC legal counsel, and hence 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 China, limit our ability to pay dividends outside of China, limit our operating privileges in China, delay or restrict the repatriation of the proceeds from this offering into China or take other actions that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects, as well as the trading price of the 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. In addition, if the CSRC or other regulatory agencies later promulgate new rules or explanations requiring that we obtain their approvals for this offering, we may be unable to obtain a waiver of such approval requirements, if and when procedures are established to obtain such a waiver. Any uncertainties and/or negative publicity regarding such approval requirement could have a material adverse effect on the trading price of the ADSs.

Our memorandum and articles of association contain anti-takeover provisions that could have a material adverse effect on the rights of holders of our ordinary shares and the ADSs.

We have adopted an amended and restated memorandum and articles of association that will become effective immediately prior to the completion of this offering. Our new memorandum and articles of association contain provisions to limit the ability of others to acquire control of our company 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 our company in a tender offer or similar transaction. Our board of directors has the authority, without further action by our shareholders, to issue preferred shares in one or more series and to fix their designations, powers, preferences, privileges, and relative participating, optional or special rights and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions, 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, in the form of ADS or otherwise. Preferred shares could be issued quickly with terms calculated to delay or prevent a change in control of our company or make removal of management more difficult. If our board of directors decides to issue preferred shares, the price of the ADSs representing our ordinary shares may fall and the voting and other rights of the holders of our ordinary shares and the ADSs may be materially and adversely affected.

You may face difficulties in protecting your interests, and your ability to protect your rights through U.S. courts may be limited, because we are incorporated under Cayman Islands law.

We are an exempted company incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands. Our corporate affairs are governed by our memorandum and articles of association, the Companies Law (2018 Revision) of the Cayman Islands and the common law of the Cayman Islands. The rights of shareholders to take action against our directors, actions by our minority shareholders and the fiduciary duties 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

 

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from the common law of England, the decisions of whose courts are of persuasive authority, but are not binding, on a court in the Cayman Islands. The rights of our shareholders and the fiduciary duties 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 have a less developed body of securities laws than the United States. Some U.S. states, such as Delaware, have more fully developed and judicially interpreted bodies of corporate law than the Cayman Islands. In addition, Cayman Islands companies may not have standing to initiate a shareholder derivative action in a federal court of the United States.

Shareholders of Cayman Islands exempted companies like us have no general rights under Cayman Islands law to inspect corporate records or to obtain copies of lists of shareholders of these companies. Our directors have discretion under our articles of association that will become effective immediately prior to completion of this offering 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, our public shareholders may have more difficulty in protecting their interests in the face of actions taken by our management, members of the board of directors or controlling shareholders than they would as public shareholders of a company incorporated in the United States. For a discussion of significant differences between the provisions of the Companies Law (2018 Revision) of the Cayman Islands and the laws applicable to companies incorporated in the United States and their shareholders, see “Description of Share Capital—Differences in Corporate Law.”

Certain judgments obtained against us by our shareholders may not be enforceable.

We are a Cayman Islands company and substantially all of our current operations are conducted in China. In addition, most of our current directors and officers are nationals and residents of countries other than 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 United States in the event that you believe that your rights have been infringed under the U.S. federal 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.”

ADSs holders may not be entitled to a jury trial with respect to claims arising under the deposit agreement, which could result in less favorable outcomes to the plaintiff(s) in any such action.

The deposit agreement governing the ADSs representing our Class A ordinary shares provides that, to the fullest extent permitted by law, ADS holders waive the right to a jury trial for any claim they may have against us or the depositary arising out of or relating to our shares, the ADSs or the deposit agreement, including any claim under the U.S. federal securities laws.

If we or the depositary were to oppose a jury trial based on this waiver, the court would have to determine whether the waiver was enforceable based on the facts and circumstances of the case in accordance with applicable state and federal law. To our knowledge, the enforceability of a contractual pre-dispute jury trial waiver in connection with claims arising under the federal securities laws has not been finally adjudicated by the United States Supreme Court. However, we believe that a contractual pre-dispute jury trial waiver provision is generally enforceable, including under the laws of the State of New York, which govern the deposit agreement, or by a federal or state court in the City of New York, which has non-exclusive jurisdiction over matters arising under the deposit agreement. In determining whether to enforce a contractual pre-dispute jury trial waiver, courts will generally consider whether a party knowingly, intelligently and voluntarily waived the right to a jury trial. We believe that this would be the case with respect to the deposit agreement and the ADSs. It is advisable that you consult legal counsel regarding the jury waiver provision before investing in the ADSs.

 

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If you or any other holders or beneficial owners of ADSs bring a claim against us or the depositary in connection with matters arising under the deposit agreement or the ADSs, including claims under federal securities laws, you or such other holder or beneficial owner may not be entitled to a jury trial with respect to such claims, which may have the effect of limiting and discouraging lawsuits against us or the depositary. If a lawsuit is brought against us or the depositary under the deposit agreement, it may be heard only by a judge or justice of the applicable trial court, which would be conducted according to different civil procedures and may result in different outcomes than a trial by jury would have, including outcomes that could be less favorable to the plaintiff(s) in any such action.

Nevertheless, if this jury trial waiver is not permitted by applicable law, an action could proceed under the terms of the deposit agreement with a jury trial. No condition, stipulation or provision of the deposit agreement or the ADSs serves as a waiver by any holder or beneficial owner of ADSs or by us or the depositary of compliance with any substantive provision of the U.S. federal securities laws and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

The voting rights of holders of ADSs are limited by the terms of the deposit agreement, and you may not be able to exercise your right to direct the voting of the ordinary shares underlying the ADSs.

Holders of ADSs do not have the same rights as our registered shareholders. As a holder of the ADSs, you will not have any direct right to attend general meetings of our shareholders or to cast any votes at such meetings. You will only be able to exercise the voting rights which attach to the ordinary shares underlying the ADSs indirectly by giving voting instructions to the depositary in accordance with the provisions of the deposit agreement. Under the deposit agreement, you may vote only by giving voting instructions to the depositary, as holder of the ordinary shares underlying the ADSs. If we ask for your instructions, then upon receipt of your voting instructions, the depositary will try to vote the underlying ordinary shares in accordance with these instructions. If we do not instruct the depositary to ask for your instructions, the depositary may still vote in accordance with instructions you give, but it is not required to do so. You will not be able to directly exercise any right to vote with respect to the underlying ordinary shares unless you withdraw the shares and become the registered holder of such shares prior to the record date for the general meeting. When a general meeting is convened, you may not receive sufficient advance notice of the meeting to enable you to withdraw the shares underlying the ADSs and become the registered holder of such shares prior to the record date for the general meeting to allow you to attend the general meeting and to vote directly with respect to any specific matter or resolution to be considered and voted upon at the general meeting. In addition, under our post-offering articles of association that will become effective immediately prior to completion of this offering, for the purposes of determining those shareholders who are entitled to attend and vote at any general meeting, our directors may close our register of members and/or fix in advance a record date for such meeting, and such closure of our register of members or the setting of such a record date may prevent you from withdrawing the ordinary shares underlying the ADSs and becoming the registered holder of such shares prior to the record date, so that you would not be able to attend the general meeting or to vote directly. Where any matter is to be put to a vote at a general meeting, if we ask the depositary to, it will notify you of the upcoming vote and to deliver our voting materials to you. We cannot assure you that you will receive the voting material in time to ensure you can direct the depositary to vote your shares. In addition, the depositary and its agents are not responsible for failing to carry out voting instructions or for their manner of carrying out your voting instructions. This means that you may not be able to exercise your right to direct how the shares underlying the ADSs are voted and you may have no legal remedy if the shares underlying the ADSs are not voted as you requested.

Under our proposed dual-class share structure with different voting rights, holders of Class B ordinary shares will have complete control of the outcome of matters put to a vote of shareholders, which will limit your ability to influence corporate matters and could discourage others from pursuing any change of control transactions that holders of our Class A ordinary shares and the ADSs may view as beneficial.

We have adopted a dual-class share structure such that our ordinary shares will consist of Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares, which will become effective immediately upon the completion of this

 

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offering. In respect of matters requiring the votes of shareholders, each Class A ordinary share is entitled to one vote, each Class B ordinary share is entitled to 15 votes. Each Class B ordinary share is convertible into one Class A ordinary share at any time by the holder thereof, while Class A ordinary shares are not convertible into Class B ordinary shares under any circumstances. Upon any sale, transfer, assignment or disposition of any Class B ordinary shares by a holder thereof to any non-affiliate to such holder, each of such Class B ordinary shares will be automatically and immediately converted into one Class A ordinary share. There is no limit on the circumstances where holders of Class B ordinary shares may transfer or otherwise dispose of their Class B ordinary shares. We will sell Class A ordinary shares represented by the ADSs in this offering. Immediately upon the completion of this offering, the Pre-2018 Shareholders, including Tencent, our controlling shareholder, will beneficially own all of our issued Class B ordinary shares which will constitute approximately             % of our total issued and outstanding share capital and             % of the aggregate voting power of our total issued and outstanding share capital immediately upon the completion of this offering, assuming the underwriters do not exercise their over-allotment option. As a result of this dual-class share structure, the holders of our Class B ordinary shares will have complete control over the outcome of matters put to a vote of shareholders and have significant influence over our business, including decisions regarding mergers, consolidations, liquidations and the sale of all or substantially all of our assets, election of directors and other significant corporate actions. The holders of Class B ordinary shares will continue to control the outcome of a shareholder vote (i) with respect to matters requiring an ordinary resolution which requires the affirmative vote of a simple majority of shareholder votes, to the extent that the Class B ordinary shares represent at least             % of our total issued and outstanding share capital; and (ii) with respect to matters requiring a special resolution which requires the affirmative vote of no less than two-thirds of shareholder votes, to the extent that the Class B ordinary shares represent at least             % of our total issued and outstanding share capital. The holders of Class B ordinary shares may take actions that are not in the best interest of us or our other shareholders or holders of the ADSs. It may discourage, delay or prevent a change in control of our company, which could have the effect of depriving our other shareholders of the opportunity to receive a premium for their shares as part of a sale of our company and may reduce the price of the ADSs. This concentrated control will limit your ability to influence corporate matters and could discourage others from pursuing any potential merger, takeover or other change of control transactions that holders of Class A ordinary shares and ADSs may view as beneficial.

You may experience dilution of your holdings due to the inability to participate in rights offerings.

We may, from time to time, distribute rights to our shareholders, including rights to acquire securities. 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 all holders of ADSs, or are registered under the provisions of the Securities Act. The depositary may, but is not required to, attempt to sell these undistributed rights to third parties, and may allow the rights to lapse. We may be unable to 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 underlying securities or to endeavor to have a registration statement declared effective. Accordingly, holders of ADSs may be unable to participate in our rights offerings and may experience dilution of their holdings as a result.

As a company incorporated in the Cayman Islands, we are permitted to adopt certain home country practices in relation to corporate governance matters that differ significantly from the [New York Stock Exchange] [NASDAQ] corporate governance listing standards. These practices may afford less protection to shareholders than they would enjoy if we complied fully with the [New York Stock Exchange] [NASDAQ] corporate governance listing standards.

As a Cayman Islands company listed on the [New York Stock Exchange]/[NASDAQ Global Market], we are subject to [New York Stock Exchange]/[NASDAQ Global Market] corporate governance listing standards. However, [New York Stock Exchange]/[NASDAQ Global Market] rules permit a foreign private issuer like us to follow the corporate governance practices of its home country. Certain corporate governance practices in the Cayman Islands, which is our home country, may differ significantly from the [New York Stock Exchange]/

 

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[NASDAQ Global Market] corporate governance listing standards. We intend to follow Cayman Islands corporate governance practices in lieu of the corporate governance requirements of the [New York Stock Exchange]/[NASDAQ Global Market] that listed companies must have for as long as we qualify as a foreign private issuer including: (i) a majority of independent directors; (ii) a nominating/corporate governance committee composed entirely of independent directors; and (iii) a compensation committee composed entirely of independent directors. To the extent we choose to follow home country practice in the future, our shareholders may be afforded less protection than they otherwise would enjoy under [New York Stock Exchange]/[NASDAQ Global Market] corporate governance listing standards applicable to U.S. domestic issuers.

We are a foreign private issuer within the meaning of the rules under the Exchange Act, and as such we are exempt from certain provisions applicable to U.S. domestic public companies.

Because we qualify as a foreign private issuer under the Exchange Act, we are exempt from certain provisions of the securities rules and regulations in the United States that are applicable to U.S. domestic issuers, including:

 

   

the rules under the Exchange Act requiring the filing with the SEC of quarterly reports on Form 10-Q or current reports on Form 8-K;

 

   

the sections of the Exchange Act regulating the solicitation of proxies, consents or authorizations in respect of a security registered under the Exchange Act;

 

   

the sections of the Exchange Act requiring insiders to file public reports of their stock ownership and trading activities and liability for insiders who profit from trades made in a short period of time; and

 

   

the rules under Regulation FD governing selective disclosure rules of material nonpublic information.

We will be required to file an annual report on Form 20-F within four months of the end of each fiscal year. In addition, we intend to publish our results on a quarterly basis as press releases, distributed pursuant to the rules of the [New York Stock Exchange]/[NASDAQ Global Market]. Press releases relating to financial results and material events will also be furnished to the SEC on Form 6-K. However, the information we are required to file with or furnish to the SEC will be less extensive and less timely compared to that required to be filed with the SEC by U.S. domestic issuers. As a result, you may not be afforded the same protections or information that would be made available to you were you investing in a U.S. domestic issuer.

We are a “controlled company” within the meaning of the rules of the [New York Stock Exchange]/[NASDAQ Global Market] and, as a result, can rely on exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements that provide protection to shareholders of other companies.

We are a “controlled company” as defined under the rules of the [New York Stock Exchange]/[NASDAQ Global Market] since Tencent beneficially owns more than 50% of our total voting power. For so long as we remain a controlled company under this definition, we are permitted to elect to rely on certain exemptions from corporate governance rules, including:

 

   

an exemption from the rule that a majority of our board of directors must be independent directors;

 

   

an exemption from the rule that the compensation of our chief executive officer must be determined or recommended solely by independent directors; and

 

   

an exemption from the rule that our director nominees must be selected or recommended solely by independent directors.

As a result, you will not have the same protection afforded to shareholders of companies that are subject to these corporate governance requirements.

 

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There can be no assurance that we will not be a passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, for any taxable year, which could result in adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. investors in the ADSs or Class A ordinary shares.

In general, a non-U.S. corporation is a PFIC for any taxable year in which (i) 75% or more of its gross income consists of passive income; or (ii) 50% or more of the average quarterly value of its assets consists of assets that produce, or are held for the production of, passive income. For purposes of the above calculations, a non-U.S. corporation that owns, directly or indirectly, at least 25% by value of the shares of another corporation is treated as if it held its proportionate share of the assets of the other corporation and received directly its proportionate share of the income of the other corporation. Cash is a passive asset for these purposes. Based on the expected composition of our income and assets and the value of our assets, including goodwill, which is based on the expected price of the ADSs in this offering, we do not expect to be a PFIC for our current taxable year. However, it is not entirely clear how the contractual arrangements between our wholly-owned subsidiaries, our VIEs and the shareholders of our VIEs will be treated for purposes of the PFIC rules. Because the treatment of the contractual arrangements is not entirely clear, because we will hold a substantial amount of cash following this offering, and because our PFIC status for any taxable year will depend on the composition of our income and assets and the value of our assets from time to time (which may be determined, in part, by reference to the market price of the ADSs, which could be volatile), there can be no assurance that we will not be a PFIC for our current or any future taxable year. If we were a PFIC for any taxable year during which a U.S. taxpayer holds ADSs or Class A ordinary shares, certain adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences could apply to such U.S. taxpayer. See “Taxation—U.S. Federal Income Taxation—Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules.”

 

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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. 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.

You can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “likely to” or other similar expressions. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about:

 

   

general economic, political, demographic and business conditions globally and in China;

 

   

fluctuations in inflation and exchange rates in China;

 

   

our ability to implement our growth strategy;

 

   

our ability to retain, grow and engage our user base and expand our music entertainment content offering;

 

   

changes in consumer tastes and preferences;

 

   

the availability of qualified personnel and the ability to retain such personnel;

 

   

changes in content-related costs and other operating costs;

 

   

changes in government regulation and tax matters;

 

   

other factors that may affect our business, financial condition and results of operations; and

 

   

other risk factors discussed under “Risk Factors.”

You should read thoroughly this prospectus and the documents that we refer to in this prospectus with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from and worse than what we expect. Other sections of this prospectus include additional factors which could adversely impact our business and financial performance. Moreover, we operate in an evolving environment. New risk factors and uncertainties emerge from time to time and it is not possible for our management to predict all risk factors and uncertainties, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. We qualify all of our forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements.

You should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

This prospectus also contains statistical data and estimates that we obtained from industry publications and reports generated by third-party providers of market intelligence. These industry publications and reports generally indicate that the information contained therein was obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but do not guarantee the accuracy and completeness of such information. Although we believe that the publications and reports are reliable, we have not independently verified the data.

 

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USE OF PROCEEDS

We estimate that we will receive net proceeds from this offering of approximately US$                 million, or approximately US$                million if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional ADSs in full, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and the estimated offering expenses payable by us. We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of the ADSs being sold by the selling shareholders.

We plan to use the net proceeds of this offering primarily for the following purposes:

 

   

approximately 40% for investment to enhance our music content offerings to improve the variety, quality and quantity of content on our platform;

 

   

approximately 30% for product and service development to expand and enhance our current product and service offerings, as well as to develop new products and services to further enhance user engagement;

 

   

approximately 15% for selling and marketing, including marketing and promotions to strengthen our brand and grow our paying user base; and

 

   

approximately 15% for potential strategic investments and acquisitions and general corporate purposes.

If an unforeseen event occurs or business conditions change, we may use the proceeds of this offering differently than as described in this prospectus. In utilizing the proceeds from this offering, we are permitted under PRC laws and regulations to provide funding to our PRC subsidiaries only through loans or capital contributions, and to our consolidated VIEs only through loans, and only if we satisfy the applicable government registration and approval requirements. The relevant filing and registration processes for capital contributions typically take approximately eight weeks to complete. The filing and registration processes for loans typically take approximately four weeks or longer to complete. While we currently see no material obstacles to completing the filing and registration procedures with respect to future capital contributions and loans to our PRC subsidiaries or VIEs, we cannot assure you that we will be able to complete these filings and registrations on a timely basis, or at all. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—PRC regulation of loans to and direct investment in PRC entities by offshore holding companies and governmental control of currency conversion may delay or prevent us from using the proceeds of this offering to make loans or make additional capital contributions to our PRC subsidiaries, which could materially and adversely affect our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our business.” Additionally, while there is no statutory limit on the amount of capital contribution that we can make to our PRC subsidiaries, loans provided to our PRC subsidiaries and consolidated VIEs in the PRC are subject to certain statutory limits. We are able to use all of the net proceeds from this offering for investment in our PRC operations by funding our PRC subsidiaries through capital contributions which is not subject to any statutory limit on the amount under PRC laws and regulations. See “PRC Regulation—Loans by Foreign Companies to their PRC Subsidiaries.” We expect the net proceeds from this offering to be used in the PRC will be in the form of RMB and, therefore, our PRC subsidiaries and consolidated VIEs will need to convert any capital contributions or loans from U.S. dollars into Renminbi in accordance with applicable PRC laws and regulations. All of the net proceeds from this offering would be available for investment in our operations in the PRC, subject to the foregoing statutory limits on the amount of loans provided to our PRC subsidiaries and consolidated VIEs in the PRC and the laws and regulations on the conversion from U.S. dollars into Renminbi.

Pending use of the net proceeds, we intend to hold our net proceeds in short-term, interest-bearing, financial instruments or demand deposits.

 

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DIVIDEND POLICY

We currently have no plan to declare or pay any dividends in the near future on our shares or ADSs, as we currently intend to retain most, if not all, of our available funds and any future earnings to operate and expand our business.

In December 2017, our board of directors resolved to distribute 255,185,879 ordinary shares as a fully paid share dividend to all of our shareholders on a pro rata basis. After giving effect to the waiver from Spotify and Tencent to receive such share dividend, we distributed to our then existing shareholders (other than Min River Investment Limited and Spotify AB) a share dividend of a total of 88,726,036 of our ordinary shares. Subsequently, in consideration for the above-mentioned waiver from Tencent, a certain number of the ordinary shares of Spotify that we acquired in the Spotify Transactions were transferred to a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tencent for a nominal consideration of US$1, which was accounted for as a distribution to Tencent and recognized in equity.

We are a holding company incorporated in the Cayman Islands. We rely principally on dividends from our PRC subsidiaries for our cash requirements, including any payment of dividends to our shareholders. PRC regulations may restrict the ability of our PRC subsidiaries to pay dividends to us. See “Risk Factors—Risk Related to Doing Business in China—Foreign exchange control may limit our ability to utilize our revenues effectively and affect the value of your investment.”

Our board of directors has discretion as to whether to distribute dividends, subject to certain requirements of Cayman Islands law. In addition, our shareholders may by ordinary resolution declare a dividend, but no dividend may exceed the amount recommended by our board of directors. Under Cayman Islands law, a Cayman Islands company may pay a dividend out of either profit or share premium account, provided that in no circumstances may a dividend be paid if this would result in the company being unable to pay its debts as they fall due in the ordinary course of business. 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 on our ordinary shares, we will pay those dividends which are payable in respect of the Class A ordinary shares underlying the ADSs to the depositary, as the registered holder of such Class A ordinary shares, and the depositary then will pay such amounts to the ADS holders in proportion to the Class A ordinary shares underlying the ADSs held by such ADS holders, subject to the terms of the deposit agreement, including the fees and expenses payable thereunder. See “Description of American Depositary Shares.”

 

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CAPITALIZATION

The following table sets forth our capitalization as of June 30, 2018:

 

   

on an actual basis;

 

   

on a pro forma basis to reflect the re-designation of                ordinary shares as Class A ordinary shares and                ordinary shares as Class B ordinary shares, in each case on a one-for-one basis immediately prior to the completion of this offering; and

 

   

on a pro forma as adjusted basis to reflect (i) the re-designation of                ordinary shares as Class A ordinary shares and                ordinary shares as Class B ordinary shares, in each case on a one-for-one basis immediately prior to the completion of this offering; and (ii) the issuance and sale of                Class A ordinary shares in the form of ADSs by us in this offering at an initial public offering price of US$                per ADS, after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us (assuming the underwriters do not exercise their option to purchase additional ADSs).

You should read this table together with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus and the information under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

 

     As of June 30, 2018  
     Actual      Pro Forma      Pro Forma as
Adjusted (1)
 
     RMB      US$      RMB      US$      RMB      US$  
     (in thousands)  

Equity:

                 

Share capital (US$0.000083 par value; 4,800,000,000 shares authorized; 3,089,967,945 shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2018;              Class A ordinary shares and              Class B ordinary shares issued and outstanding on a pro forma basis as of June 30, 2018; (2) and              Class A ordinary shares and              Class B ordinary shares issued and outstanding on a pro forma as adjusted basis as of June 30, 2018 (unaudited))

     2        0              

Additional paid-in capital (3)

     26,348        3,982              

Other reserves

     1,793        271              

Retained earnings

     2,972        449              
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Equity attributable to equity holders of our company

     31,115        4,702              
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

     35,947        5,432              
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Notes:

(1)

The pro forma as adjusted information discussed above is illustrative only. Our additional paid-in capital, total shareholders’ equity and total capitalization following the completion of this offering are subject to adjustment based on the actual initial public offering price and other terms of this offering determined at pricing.

(2)

Includes 24,757,517 ordinary shares issued to certain investors with a lock-up period of three years; pursuant to the share subscription agreements, during such lock-up period, these investors have the right to cause us to purchase such ordinary shares at a pre-determined price.

(3)

Assuming the number of ADSs offered by us as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus remains the same, and after deduction of underwriting discounts and commissions and the estimated offering expenses payable by us, a US$1.00 change in the assumed initial public offering price of US$                per ADS would, in the case of an increase, increase and, in the case of a decrease, decrease each of additional paid-in capital, total shareholders’ equity and total capitalization by US$                million.

 

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DILUTION

If you invest in the ADSs, your interest will be diluted to the extent of the difference between the initial public offering price per ADS and our net tangible book value per ADS after this offering. Dilution results from the fact that the initial public offering price per ordinary share is substantially in excess of the net tangible book value per ordinary share attributable to the existing shareholders for our presently outstanding ordinary shares.

Our net tangible book value as of June 30, 2018 was approximately US$                per ordinary share and US$                per ADS. Net tangible book value per ordinary share represents the amount of total tangible assets, minus the amount of total liabilities and mezzanine equity, divided by the total number of ordinary shares outstanding. Dilution is determined by subtracting net tangible book value per ordinary share from the initial public offering price per ordinary share.

Without taking into account any other changes in such net tangible book value after June 30, 2018, other than to give effect to our issuance and sale of                 ADSs offered in this offering at an initial public offering price of US$                per ADS, after deduction of the underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us, our pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value as of June 30, 2018 would have been approximately US$                million, or US$                per ordinary share and US$                per ADS, to existing shareholders and an immediate dilution in net tangible book value of US$                per ordinary share, or US$                per ADS, to purchasers of ADSs in this offering.

The following table illustrates the dilution at the initial public offering price per ordinary share is US$                and all ADSs are exchanged for ordinary shares.

 

Initial public offering price per ordinary share

   US$       

Net tangible book value per ordinary share

   US$       

Pro forma net tangible book value per ordinary share as adjusted to give effect to this offering

   US$                                    

Amount of dilution in net tangible book value per ordinary share to new investors in this offering

   US$       
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Amount of dilution in net tangible book value per ADS to new investors in this offering

   US$       
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The pro forma information discussed above is illustrative only.

The following table summarizes, on a pro forma basis as of June 30, 2018, the differences between the existing shareholders and the new investors with respect to the number of ordinary shares purchased from us in this offering, the total consideration paid and the average price per ordinary share paid and per ADS before deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. The total number of ordinary shares does not include Class A ordinary shares underlying the ADSs issuable upon the exercise of the over-allotment option granted to the underwriters.

 

            Total Consideration      Average Price
Per Ordinary
Share
     Average Price
Per ADS
 
     Ordinary Shares Purchased      Amount (in
thousands of
US$)
     Percent  
     Number      Percent      US$      US$  

Existing shareholders

                 

New investors

                 

Total

                 

The discussion and tables above also assume no exercise of any options outstanding as of the date of this prospectus. The maximum aggregate number of shares that may be issued pursuant to the equity awards granted

 

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under our share incentive plans is 183,401,310 shares. As of the date of this prospectus, there are 87,665,164 ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding options under our share incentive plans. To the extent that any of these options are exercised, there will be further dilution to new investors.

 

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EXCHANGE RATE INFORMATION

Our reporting currency is the Renminbi because our business is mainly conducted in China and all of our revenues are denominated in Renminbi. 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 rate 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 are made at RMB6.6171 to US$1.00, the exchange rate set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board on June 29, 2018, except that translation from Renminbi to U.S. dollars and from U.S. dollars to Renminbi of the historical financial information of CMC are made at RMB6.6843 to US$1.00, the exchange rate on July 12, 2016 in the City of New York for cable transfers of Renminbi as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. 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 PRC 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. On September 28, 2018, the rate was RMB6.8680 to US$1.00.

The following table sets forth information concerning exchange rates between the 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.

 

     Noon Buying Rate  

Period

   Period End      Average (1)      Low      High  
     (RMB per US$1.00)  

2013

     6.0537        6.1412        6.2438        6.0537  

2014

     6.2046        6.1704        6.2591        6.0402  

2015

     6.4778        6.2869        6.4896        6.1870  

2016

     6.9430        6.6549        6.9580        6.4480  

2017

     6.5063        6.7350        6.9575        6.4773  

2018

           

April

     6.3325        6.2967        6.3340        6.2655  

May

     6.4096        6.3701        6.4175        6.3325  

June

     6.6171        6.4651        6.6235        6.3850  

July

     6.8038        6.7164        6.8102        6.6123  

August

     6.8300        6.8453        6.9330        6.8018  

September

     6.8680        6.8551        6.8880        6.8270  

 

Source: Federal Reserve Statistical Release

Notes:

(1)

Annual averages were calculated by using the average of the exchange rates on the last day of each month during the relevant year. Monthly averages are calculated by using the average of the daily rates during the relevant month.

 

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ENFORCEABILITY OF CIVIL LIABILITIES

Cayman Islands

We were incorporated in the Cayman Islands in order to enjoy the following benefits:

 

   

political and economic stability;

 

   

an effective judicial system;

 

   

a favorable tax system;

 

   

the absence of exchange control or currency restrictions; and

 

   

the availability of professional and support services.

However, certain disadvantages accompany incorporation in the Cayman Islands. These disadvantages include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

   

the Cayman Islands has a less developed body of securities laws as compared to the United States and these securities laws provide significantly less protection to investors; and

 

   

Cayman Islands companies may not have standing to sue before the federal courts of the United States.

Our constitutional documents do not contain provisions requiring that disputes, including those arising under the securities laws of the United States, between us, our officers, directors and shareholders, be arbitrated.

[Substantially all of our operations] are conducted in China, and [substantially all of our assets] are located in China. A majority of our directors and executive officers are nationals or residents of jurisdictions other than the United States and a substantial portion of their assets are located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult for a shareholder to effect service of process within the United States upon these persons, or to enforce against us or them judgments obtained in United States courts, including judgments predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the United States or any state in the United States.

We have appointed Cogency Global Inc. as our agent upon whom process may be served in any action brought against us under the securities laws of the United States.

Maples and Calder (Hong Kong) LLP, our counsel as to Cayman Islands law, has advised us that there is uncertainty as to whether the courts of the Cayman Islands would:

 

   

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

 

   

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

Maples and Calder (Hong Kong) LLP has informed us that it is uncertain whether the courts of the Cayman Islands will allow shareholders of our company to originate actions in the Cayman Islands based upon securities laws of the United States. In addition, there is uncertainty with regard to Cayman Islands law related to whether a judgment obtained from the U.S. courts under civil liability provisions of U.S. securities laws will be determined by the courts of the Cayman Islands as penal or punitive in nature. If such a determination is made, the courts of the Cayman Islands will not recognize or enforce the judgment against a Cayman Islands company, such as our company. As the courts of the Cayman Islands have yet to rule on making such a determination in relation to judgments obtained from U.S. courts under civil liability provisions of U.S. securities laws, it is uncertain whether such judgments would be enforceable in the Cayman Islands. Maples and Calder (Hong Kong) LLP has informed us that although there is no statutory enforcement in the Cayman Islands of judgments obtained in the

 

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federal or state courts of the United States (and the Cayman Islands are not a party to any treaties for the reciprocal enforcement or recognition of such judgments), a judgment obtained in such jurisdiction will be recognized and enforced in the courts of the Cayman Islands at common law, without any reexamination of the merits of the underlying dispute, by an action commenced on the foreign judgment debt in the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands, provided that such judgment (i) is given by a foreign court of competent jurisdiction, (ii) imposes on the judgment debtor a liability to pay a liquidated sum for which the judgment has been given, (iii) is final, (iv) is not in respect of taxes, a fine or a penalty, and (v) was not obtained in a manner and is not of a kind the enforcement of which is contrary to natural justice or the public policy of the Cayman Islands.

PRC

Han Kun Law Offices, our PRC legal counsel, has advised us that there is uncertainty as to whether the courts of China would:

 

   

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

 

   

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

Han Kun Law Offices has further advised us that the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments are provided for under PRC Civil Procedures Law. PRC courts may recognize and enforce foreign judgments in accordance with the requirements of PRC Civil Procedures Law based either on treaties between China and the country where the judgment is made or on reciprocity between jurisdictions. China does not have any treaties or other form of reciprocity with the United States or the Cayman Islands that provide for the reciprocal recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments. In addition, according to the PRC Civil Procedures Law, courts in the PRC will not enforce a foreign judgment against us or our directors and officers if they decide that the judgment violates the basic principles of PRC law or national sovereignty, security or public interest. As a result, it is uncertain whether and on what basis a PRC court would enforce a judgment rendered by a court in the United States or in the Cayman Islands. Under the PRC Civil Procedures Law, foreign shareholders may originate actions based on PRC law against us in the PRC, if they can establish sufficient nexus to the PRC for a PRC court to have jurisdiction, and meet other procedural requirements, including, among others, the plaintiff must have a direct interest in the case, and there must be a concrete claim, a factual basis and a cause for the suit. However, it would be difficult for foreign shareholders to establish sufficient nexus to the PRC by virtue only of holding the ADSs or our ordinary shares.

 

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CORPORATE HISTORY AND STRUCTURE

Our Major Corporate Milestones

The following chart illustrates our major business and corporate milestones:

 

LOGO

Our Corporate History

Launch of QQ Music, Kugou, Kuwo and WeSing

 

   

QQ Music : In 2003, QQ, the social network operated by Tencent, launched its online music services. In 2005, QQ Music commenced operations.

 

   

Kugou : In 2004, Kugou Music was launched. In February 2006, Guangzhou Kugou Computer Technology Co., Ltd., or Guangzhou Kugou, was incorporated in China and commenced the operations of Kugou Music . In September 2012, Guangzhou Kugou commenced offering its live streaming services through Fanxing Live, which was rebranded to Kugou Live in December 2016.

 

   

Kuwo : In December 2005, Beijing Kuwo Technology Co., Ltd., or Beijing Kuwo, was incorporated in China and commenced its operations of Kuwo Music . Beijing Kuwo and its then shareholders subsequently entered into a series of contractual arrangements with Yeelion Online Network Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd., or Yeelion Online, through which Yeelion Online acquired effective control over Beijing Kuwo. In March 2013, Beijing Kuwo launched Kuwo Live to offer live streaming services.

 

   

WeSing : In September 2014, WeSing commenced offering its online karaoke services.

CMC’s Acquisition of Guangzhou Kugou and Beijing Kuwo

In June 2012, China Music Corporation, or CMC, was incorporated in the Cayman Islands.

 

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In December 2013, CMC acquired all of the outstanding equity interests of Yeelion Online, obtaining effective control over Beijing Kuwo and its business operations in the PRC through the contractual arrangements between Beijing Kuwo and Yeelion Online and the shareholders of Beijing Kuwo.

In April 2014, CMC, through an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary in the PRC, entered into a series of contractual arrangements with Guangzhou Kugou and its shareholders.

As a result of these contractual arrangements, CMC obtained effective control over, and became the primary beneficiary of, each of Guangzhou Kugou and Beijing Kuwo through which it operated substantially all of its online music entertainment services in the PRC.

Combination of Tencent’s Online Music Business with CMC

Prior to July 2016, Tencent held an approximately 15.8% equity interests in CMC.

In July 2016, Tencent acquired control of CMC through a series of transactions pursuant to which (i) Tencent injected substantially all of its online music business in the PRC (which primarily included QQ Music and WeSing ) into CMC; and (ii) in consideration of the foregoing, CMC issued an aggregate of 1,290,862,550 ordinary shares to a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tencent, namely Min River Investment Limited, or Min River. Upon the completion of these transactions, Tencent owned an approximately 61.6% equity interests in CMC and CMC became a consolidated subsidiary of Tencent.

In December 2016, CMC was renamed “Tencent Music Entertainment Group,” or TME. Ocean Music Hong Kong was renamed “Tencent Music Entertainment Hong Kong Limited,” or TME Hong Kong; and Ocean Information was renamed “Tencent Music (Beijing) Co., Ltd.,” or Beijing Tencent Music.

Acquisition of Ultimate Music

In October 2017, we acquired 100% equity interests in Ultimate Music Inc., or Ultimate Music, a provider of online music services to smart devices. Through Ultimate Music, we provide services to smart device and automobile makers enabling them to develop their built-in music players. Through certain contractual arrangements between one of Ultimate Music’s wholly-owned subsidiaries, Shenzhen Ultimate Xiangyue Culture and Technology Co., Ltd., or Shenzhen Ultimate Xiangyue, and Shenzhen Ultimate Music Culture and Technology Co., Ltd., or Shenzhen Ultimate Music, we obtained effective control over, and became the primary beneficiary of, Shenzhen Ultimate Music.

Spotify Transactions

In December 2017, (i) we issued 282,830,698 ordinary shares to Spotify AB, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Spotify Technology S.A. (NYSE: SPOT), or Spotify, and (ii) Spotify, in exchange, issued 8,552,440 ordinary shares (after giving effect to a 40-to-one share split of Spotify’s ordinary shares) to TME Hong Kong. In connection with its acquisition of our ordinary shares, Spotify agreed not to transfer our ordinary shares for a period of three years from December 15, 2017, subject to limited exceptions described elsewhere in this prospectus. The foregoing transactions are collectively referred to as the “Spotify Transactions.” In connection with the Spotify Transactions, we entered into an investor agreement with Spotify. For details, see “Description of Share Capital—Spotify Investor Agreement.” Following the Spotify Transactions, Spotify held a minority stake in TME, and both Tencent and TME held minority stakes in Spotify. Through the Spotify Transactions, we intend to work together with Spotify to explore collaboration opportunities with a common objective to foster a vibrant music ecosystem that benefits users, artists and content owners, while benefiting from Spotify’s growth.

In addition, in connection with the Spotify Transactions, we distributed a share dividend of a total of 88,726,036 of our ordinary shares to all of our then existing shareholders other than Min River and Spotify AB,

 

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who had waived their rights to receive a share dividend in such distribution, in December 2017. In consideration of such waiver of Min River, TME Hong Kong transferred 50% of Spotify’s ordinary shares that it acquired in the Spotify Transactions to a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tencent for a nominal consideration of US$1, which was accounted for as a distribution to Tencent and recognized in equity.

We held an approximately 2.5% equity interest in Spotify following the foregoing transactions.

Recent Share Issuances

In the first quarter of 2018, we issued a total of 67,370,801 ordinary shares to certain financial and strategic investors for an aggregate consideration of approximately US$239 million and issued a total of 52,024,094 ordinary shares to our existing shareholders for an aggregate consideration of approximately US$210 million.

On October 1, 2018, we entered into share subscription agreements with each of WMG China LLC (“Warner”), an affiliate of Warner Music Group, and Sony Music Entertainment (“Sony”) pursuant to which we agreed to issue to these two strategic investors, subject to satisfaction of certain customary closing conditions, a total of 68,131,015 ordinary shares for an aggregate cash consideration of approximately US$200 million, in reliance on Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act regarding private sales of securities. The share issuances are currently expected to be consummated prior to the completion of the offering. Under the agreements, all shares held by Warner and certain shares held by Sony will be subject to a lock-up that will expire upon the earlier of the third anniversary of the completion of this offering or October 1, 2021, subject to limited exceptions. The remaining shares held by Sony will be subject to a lock-up that will expire upon the earlier of the end of six months following the completion of this offering or April 1, 2019, subject to limited exceptions. We believe that such transactions will help deepen our strategic cooperation with our major music label partners and better align our interests with theirs to create long-term value for our users and shareholders. We expect to record a share-based accounting charge upon the consummation of such share issuances in an amount equal to the excess of the fair value of the ordinary shares sold over the aggregate consideration to be received by us. We are currently in the process of assessing the fair value of our ordinary shares and the amount of the accounting charge we expect to incur as a result of these transactions. Assuming the fair value of our ordinary shares is US$             per share, the midpoint of the estimated range of the initial public offering price, the expected accounting charge would be approximately US$            . As a result of this material one-off, non-cash accounting charge, we expect to record a loss for the three months ending December 31, 2018.

In September 2018, we issued a total of 23,084,008 ordinary shares to Min River Investment Limited, PAGAC Music Holding II Limited, CICFH Culture Entertainment Group, Guomin Holdings Limited and Cityway Investments Limited and a total of 460,724 options to purchase our ordinary shares to certain individuals to acquire all the remaining interest in UEC, an investment holding company that invests in and manages a portfolio of companies in the music industry and an associate of our company.

 

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Corporate Structure

The following diagram illustrates our corporate structure, including our significant subsidiaries and VIEs, immediately upon the completion of this offering.

 

LOGO

 

Notes:

(1)

Beneficial ownership percentages represent beneficial ownership of our total issued and outstanding share capital immediately after the completion of this offering, assuming the underwriters do not exercise their over-allotment option. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC. In computing the number of shares beneficially owned by a person and the percentage ownership of that person, we have included shares that the person has the right to acquire within 60 days, including through the exercise of any option, warrant, or other right or the conversion of any other security. These shares, however, are not included in the computation of the percentage ownership of any other person.

(2)

Voting power percentages represent aggregate voting power of our total issued and outstanding share capital immediately after the completion of this offering, assuming the underwriters do not exercise their over-allotment option, and are calculated by dividing the voting power beneficially owned by such person or group by the voting power of all of our issued and outstanding Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares as a single class. In respect of matters requiring a shareholder vote, each Class A ordinary share is entitled to one vote and each Class B ordinary share is entitled to 15 votes and is convertible into one Class A ordinary share at any time by the holder thereof. Class A ordinary shares are not convertible into Class B ordinary shares under any circumstances. See also “Description of Share Capital—Ordinary Shares.”

(3)

Shareholders of Xizang Qiming are Ms. Min Hu, our Chief Financial Officer, and Mr. Qihu Yang, our General Counsel, each holding 50% of its equity interests.

(4)

Shareholders of Guangzhou Kugou and their respective shareholdings and relationship with our company are as follows: (i) Linzhi Lichuang Information Technology Co., Ltd. (54.87%), an entity controlled by Tencent; (ii) Mr. Guomin Xie (9.99%), our Co-President and director; (iii) Mr. Zhongwei Qiu (9.99%), a nominee shareholder designated by affiliates of PAG Capital Limited, a minority shareholder of our company; (iv) Shenzhen Litong Industry Investment Fund Co., Ltd. (6.77%), an entity controlled by Tencent; (v) Mr. Zhenyu Xie (6.59%), our Co-President and director; (vi) Mr. Liang Tang (2.73%), our director and a nominee shareholder designated by affiliates of China Investment Financial Holdings Fund Management Company Limited, a minority shareholder of our company; (vii) individuals and entities, including Kashi Tianshan Red Sea Venture Capital Co., Ltd. (2.94%), Mr. Jianming Dong (1.48%), Ms. Huan Hu (1.18%), Ms. Yaping Gao (1.10%), Hangzhou Yong Xuan Yong Ming Capital Investment Partnership (Limited Partnership) (0.74%) and Mr. Hanjie Xu (0.55%), as nominee shareholders designated by certain minority shareholders of our company;

 

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  and (viii) Guangzhou Lekong Investment Partnership (Limited Partnership) (1.08%), an employee equity incentive platform of Guangzhou Kugou, with Mr. Zhenyu Xie being its general partner. Guangzhou Kugou operates Kugou Music and Kugou Live .
(5)

Shareholders of Beijing Kuwo and their respective shareholdings and relationship with our company are as follows: (i) Linzhi Lichuang Information Technology Co., Ltd. (61.64%), an entity controlled by Tencent; (ii) Mr. Guomin Xie (23.02%), our Co-President and director; and (iii) Mr. Lixue Shi (15.34%), our Group Vice President. Beijing Kuwo operates Kuwo Music and Kuwo Live .

(6)

Shareholders of Shenzhen Ultimate Music and their respective shareholdings and relationship with our company are as follows: (i) Tencent Music Shenzhen (96.10%), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Guangzhou Kugou; and (ii) Mr. Xiudong Ma (1.95%) and Mr. Gang Ding (1.95%), both of whom are employees of our company.

(7)

Tencent Music Shenzhen operates QQ Music and WeSing .

Contractual Arrangements with Our VIEs and Their Respective Shareholders

Currently, substantially all of our users and business operations are located in the PRC and we do not have plans for any significant overseas expansion, as our primary focus is the PRC online music entertainment market, which we believe possesses tremendous growth potential and attractive monetization opportunities.

Current PRC laws and regulations impose certain restrictions or prohibitions on foreign ownership of companies that engage in value-added telecommunication services, internet audio-video program services and certain other businesses. The Special Administrative Measures for Entrance of Foreign Investment (Negative List) (2018 Version) provides that foreign investors are generally not allowed to own more than 50% of the equity interests in a value-added telecommunication service provider other than an e-commerce service provider, and the Provisions on the Administration of Foreign-Invested Telecommunications Enterprises (2016 Revision) require that the major foreign investor in a value-added telecommunication service provider in China must have experience in providing value-added telecommunications services overseas and maintain a good track record. In addition, foreign investors are prohibited from investing in companies engaged in certain online and culture related businesses. See “PRC Regulation—Regulations on Foreign Investment Special Administrative Measures for Entrance of Foreign Investment (Negative List) (2018 Version).” We are a company incorporated in the Cayman Islands. Beijing Tencent Music, Yeelion Online and Shenzhen Ultimate Xiangyue, our PRC subsidiaries, are considered foreign-invested enterprises. To comply with the foregoing PRC laws and regulations, we primarily conduct our business in China through Guangzhou Kugou, Beijing Kuwo, Shenzhen Ultimate Music and Xizang Qiming, our VIEs and their subsidiaries in the PRC, based on a series of contractual arrangements. As a result of these contractual arrangements, we exert effective control over our VIEs and consolidate their operating results in our consolidated financial statements under IFRS. These contractual arrangements may not be as effective as direct ownership in providing us with control over our VIEs. If our VIEs or their respective shareholders fail to perform their respective obligations under the contractual arrangements, we could be limited in our ability to enforce the contractual arrangements that give us effective control over our business operations in the PRC and may have to incur substantial costs and expend additional resources to enforce such arrangements. We may also have to rely on legal remedies under PRC law, including seeking specific performance or injunctive relief, and claiming damages, which we cannot assure will be effective under PRC law. For details of these and other risks associated with our VIE structure, see “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure.”

The following is a summary of the contractual arrangements by and among Yeelion Online, Beijing Kuwo and the shareholders of Beijing Kuwo. The contractual arrangements by and among us (through our wholly-owned PRC subsidiaries) and each of Guangzhou Kugou, Shenzhen Ultimate Music and Xizang Qiming, as well as their respective shareholders, are substantially similar to the corresponding contractual arrangements discussed below, unless otherwise indicated. In addition, the spouses of certain shareholders of Shenzhen Ultimate Music and Xizang Qiming have also signed spousal consents, the key terms of which are summarized below. For the complete text of these contractual arrangements, please see the copies filed as exhibits to the registration statement filed with the SEC of which this prospectus forms a part.

In the opinion of Han Kun Law Offices, our PRC counsel:

 

   

the ownership structures of our VIEs and our wholly-owned PRC subsidiaries, both currently and immediately after giving effect to this offering, do not and will not contravene any PRC laws or regulations currently in effect; and

 

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the contractual arrangements among our wholly-owned PRC subsidiaries, our VIEs and their respective shareholders governed by PRC laws are valid and binding upon each party to such arrangements and enforceable against each party thereto in accordance with their terms and applicable PRC laws and regulations currently in effect.

There are substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of current or future PRC laws and regulations. We have been further advised by our PRC legal counsel that if the PRC government finds that the agreements that establish the structure for operating our value-added telecommunication services, including internet audio-video program services and related business do not comply with PRC government restrictions on foreign investment in such businesses, we could be subject to severe penalties including being prohibited from continuing operations. For a description of the risks related to these contractual arrangements and our corporate structure, please see “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure.”

Equity Interests Pledge Agreement

Pursuant to the equity interests pledge agreement dated July 12, 2016 by and among Yeelion Online, Beijing Kuwo and the shareholders of Beijing Kuwo, the shareholders of Beijing Kuwo pledged all of their equity interests in Beijing Kuwo to Yeelion Online, to guarantee Beijing Kuwo’s and its shareholders’ performance of their obligations under, where applicable, the exclusive option agreement, exclusive technical service agreement, voting trust agreement and loan agreement. If Beijing Kuwo or any of its shareholders breach their contractual obligations under these agreements, Yeelion Online will be entitled to certain rights, including but not limited to the rights to auction or sell the pledged equity interests. Without the prior written consent of Yeelion Online, the shareholders of Beijing Kuwo shall not transfer the pledged equity interests, create or permit to be created any new pledge or any other security interest on the pledged equity interests.

Exclusive Option Agreement

Pursuant to the exclusive option agreement dated July 12, 2016 by and among Yeelion Online, Beijing Kuwo and the shareholders of Beijing Kuwo, the shareholders of Beijing Kuwo irrevocably granted Yeelion Online or its designated person, an exclusive option to purchase at its discretion, all or part of the equity interests held by the shareholders of Beijing Kuwo at the price agreed by the parties to the extent permitted by PRC law. Without the prior written consent of Yeelion Online, the shareholders of Beijing Kuwo shall not transfer or otherwise dispose of, or create any encumbrances or third party interests upon their equity interests in Beijing Kuwo. In addition, Beijing Kuwo irrevocably granted Yeelion Online or its designated party an exclusive option to purchase at its discretion, all or part of the assets held or entitled to be used by Beijing Kuwo, to the extent permitted under PRC law.

Exclusive Technical Service Agreement

Pursuant to the exclusive technical service agreement dated July 12, 2016 by and between Yeelion Online and Beijing Kuwo, Yeelion Online or its designated person has the sole and exclusive right to provide specified business support, technical service and consulting service to Beijing Kuwo. Beijing Kuwo agrees to accept such services and, without the prior written consent of Yeelion Online, may not accept the same or similar services provided by any third party during the term of the agreement. Beijing Kuwo agrees to pay to Yeelion Online specified service fees, which represents 90% of the annual net operating income of Beijing Kuwo together with other service fees charged for other ad hoc services provided.

Under the exclusive technical service agreements between each of Xizang Qiming and Shenzhen Ultimate Music and our applicable subsidiary, there is no specific number or percentage of service fees that our subsidiary is entitled to charge for the services provided to each such VIE. Instead, the services fee can be agreed upon by both parties by taking into account the complexity of services provided, the time consumed and seniority of staff involved and other factors.

 

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Loan Agreement

Pursuant to the loan agreement dated July 12, 2016 by and among Yeelion Online, Mr. Guomin Xie and Mr. Lixue Shi, Yeelion Online provided loans to Mr. Xie and Mr. Shi solely for the purpose of acquiring equity interests of Beijing Kuwo. Yeelion Online has the sole discretion to determine the method of repayment, including requiring Mr. Xie and Mr. Shi to transfer their equity interests in Beijing Kuwo to Yeelion Online or its designated person.

There is no such loan agreement between Shenzhen Ultimate Xiuangyue and the shareholders of Shenzhen Ultimate Music.

Voting Trust Agreement

Pursuant to the voting trust agreement dated July 12, 2016 by and among Yeelion Online, Beijing Kuwo and the shareholders of Beijing Kuwo, the shareholders of Beijing Kuwo each irrevocably granted Yeelion Online or any person designated by Yeelion Online as their attorney-in-fact to vote on their behalf on all matters of Beijing Kuwo by issuing a voting proxy.

Spousal Consents

The spouses of Mr. Qihu Yang, a shareholder of Xizang Qiming, as well as Mr. Gang Ding and Mr. Xiudong Ma, each a shareholder of Shenzhen Ultimate Music, have each signed a spousal consent letter. Under the spousal consent letter, the signing spouse unconditionally and irrevocably approved the execution by her spouse of the above-mentioned equity interests pledge agreement, exclusive option agreement and voting proxy, as applicable, and that her spouse may perform, amend or terminate such agreements without her consent. Moreover, the spouse confirmed she has no, and will not assert in the future, any rights over the equity interests in Xizang Qiming or Shenzhen Ultimate Music held by her spouse. In addition, in the event that the spouse obtains any equity interest in Xizang Qiming or Shenzhen Ultimate Music held by her spouse for any reason, she agrees to be bound by and sign any legal documents substantially similar to the contractual arrangements entered into by her spouse, as may be amended from time to time.

Hong Kong Stock Exchange Matters of Tencent

[Under Practice Note 15 of the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited, this offering is deemed a “spin-off” transaction by Tencent for which Tencent requires approval by the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. On             , 2018, the Hong Kong Stock Exchange confirmed that Tencent may proceed with the “spin-off” transaction. Pursuant to Practice Note 15, Tencent must make available to its shareholders an “assured entitlement” to a certain portion of our shares.

As our ordinary shares are not expected to be listed on any stock exchange, Tencent intends to effect the Assured Entitlement Distribution by providing to its shareholders a “distribution in specie,” or distribution of the ADSs in kind, at a ratio of one ADS for every whole multiple of             ,000 ordinary shares of Tencent held at the applicable record date for the distribution. The distribution will be made without any consideration being paid by Tencent’s shareholders. Tencent’s shareholders who are entitled to fractional ADSs, who elect to receive cash in lieu of ADSs and who are located in the United States or are U.S. persons, or are otherwise ineligible holders, will only receive cash in the Assured Entitlement Distribution.

Tencent currently intends to provide an assured entitlement with an aggregate value of approximately US$             million. The Assured Entitlement Distribution will only be made if this offering is completed.

The distribution in specie of ADSs by Tencent is not part of this offering.]

 

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OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH TENCENT

Tencent is a leading provider of internet value-added services in China, offering a broad range of internet services including communications and social, online games, digital content, online advertising, mobile payment, mobile utilities and other services. Tencent operates the largest online social community in China with over one billion MAUs of Weixin and WeChat combined and 803 million MAUs of QQ in the second quarter of 2018. Tencent uses technology to enrich the lives of internet users— Weixin , WeChat and QQ offer rich digital content, including games, video, music and literary works. Tencent was founded in Shenzhen, China in 1998. Shares of Tencent (00700.HK) are traded on the Main Board of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong.

Prior to July 2016, Tencent held an approximately 15.8% equity interest in CMC. In July 2016, through a series of transactions, Tencent became CMC’s controlling shareholder, holding an approximately 61.6% equity interest. In December 2016, CMC was renamed “Tencent Music Entertainment Group,” or TME. Tencent has remained our controlling shareholder since the completion of its acquisition of CMC and is expected to continue to control us after the completion of this offering.

We are an integral and important part of Tencent’s content ecosystem and benefit from Tencent’s brand name and strong market position in China. Historically, we cooperated with Tencent in a number of areas, such as user acquisition, advertising, technology and IT infrastructure. We enjoy synergies arising from the mutually beneficial relationship between us and Tencent, and we intend to continue to leverage this relationship in the future.

We operate our own technology, management, finance, legal and human resources functions separately from Tencent’s, and we will continue to operate independently from Tencent after we become a public company. Accordingly, any diminishment in the business synergies between Tencent and us will not by itself result in a material increase in our costs for technology, management, human resources and other support functions. We will continue to cooperate with Tencent in a number of areas in accordance with the terms of the master business cooperation agreement, including attracting user traffic to our platform from Tencent’s user base, advertising, technology, social graph and IT infrastructure.

Upon the completion of this offering, Tencent will beneficially own             % of the total voting power of our then outstanding ordinary shares. As a result, we will be a “controlled company” under the [New York Stock Exchange Listed Company Manual]/[NASDAQ Rules]. For so long as we remain a controlled company under that definition, we are permitted to elect to rely on certain exemptions from corporate governance rules, including, among others, (i) an exemption from the rule that a majority of our board of directors must be independent directors; (ii) an exemption from the rule that the compensation of our chief executive officer must be determined or recommended solely by independent directors; and (iii) an exemption from the rule that our director nominees must be selected or recommended solely by independent directors.

We are subject to certain risks associated with our relationship with Tencent, including potential conflicts of interest that may arise between Tencent and us in a number of areas. For example, Tencent currently owns equity stakes in certain other music streaming businesses operating outside of the PRC. However, we currently do not expect to compete with such businesses as its primary focus is China’s online music entertainment market which we believe possesses tremendous growth potential, and we believe that if we seek to expand our overseas operations if we determine that doing so is in the best interests of our shareholders, such decision will not be impeded by the existence of such businesses. For more information about the risks in connection with our relationship with Tencent, see “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Relationship with Tencent.”

Master Business Cooperation Agreement

We executed a master business cooperation agreement, or BCA, with Tencent on July 12, 2018. The following is a summary of the key terms of the BCA. For the complete text of the BCA, please see the English translation of the copy filed as an exhibit to the registration statement filed with the SEC of which this prospectus is a part.

 

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Pursuant to the BCA, Tencent and we agreed to cooperate with each other in various areas. Among others, the BCA states that (i) Tencent agrees to provide us with user traffic and access to its social graphs to support our platform; (ii) Tencent agrees to provide us with support for technology infrastructure on the most favored terms so long as Tencent remains our largest shareholder in terms of voting power; (iii) Tencent grants us the right to use its online advertising sales channel to sell advertisements on our platform based on an agreed revenue sharing mechanism; and (iv) in return for the traffic and other support we receive from Tencent under the BCA, we agree to share with Tencent revenues from sales of the premium memberships offered by QQ Music . Historically, the revenue that we shared with Tencent from sales of premium memberships offered by QQ Music was not material to us, and we currently do not expect such revenue to be shared with Tencent pursuant to the BCA to be material in the foreseeable future.

Until the earlier of (i) Tencent ceasing to remain our largest shareholder in terms of voting power and (ii) the fifth anniversary of the completion of this offering, Tencent agrees not to operate any independent digital audio music streaming products, any independent online karaoke products, or any digital audio music copyright businesses, in each case, within China (including Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan) (with the exception of the existing music-related business activities conducted by Tencent provided that any new functions shall be subject to the non-compete undertakings). Tencent undertook that in the event that Tencent produces any digital audio music copyright and proposes to license such copyright to a third party, it should conduct its copyright licensing business through us if we offer the same terms as such third party. Tencent and we further agreed that in the event Tencent acquires any interests in certain music label companies as set forth in the BCA, we shall have the right to acquire all such interests from Tencent at Tencent’s initial investment price in accordance with the terms and procedures set forth in the BCA.

The cooperation terms under the BCA will expire on the fifth anniversary of the date of execution. The BCA may also be terminated by mutual consent.

 

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SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

The following selected consolidated statements of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, selected consolidated balance sheet data as of January 1, 2016, December 31, 2016 and 2017 and selected consolidated cash flow data for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. The following summary consolidated statements of operations data for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2018, summary consolidated balance sheet data as of June 30, 2018 and summary consolidated cash flow data for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2018 have been derived from our unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus and have been prepared on the same basis as our audited consolidated financial statements and include all adjustments, consisting only of normal and recurring adjustments, that we consider necessary for a fair statement of our financial position and operating results for the periods presented. Our consolidated financial statements are prepared and presented in accordance with IFRS. We have not included selected financial information for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, as we qualify as an issuer that adopts IFRS as issued by the IASB for the first time and are permitted to present selected financial information for the two most recent financial years as opposed to the five most recent financial years. Our historical results are not necessarily indicative of results expected for future periods. Tencent’s acquisition of CMC was completed on July 12, 2016. As a result, historical results of operations of CMC before July 12, 2016 are not included in our consolidated financial statements presented in this prospectus and our historical financial information for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017 may not be directly comparable. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and Industry—Our historical financial information may not be directly comparable between different periods due to our consolidation of CMC’s financial results since July 2016, which may make it difficult for you to evaluate our business and prospects.” For a description of this acquisition, see “Corporate History and Structure” and Note 2.1 to the consolidated financial statements of Tencent Music Entertainment Group included elsewhere in this prospectus. You should read this section together with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

    For the Year Ended December 31,     For the Six Months Ended June 30,  
    2016     2017     2017     2018  
    RMB     %     RMB     US$     %     RMB     %     RMB     US$     %  
    (in millions, except for share and per share data)  

Selected Consolidated Statements of Operation Data:

                   

Revenues

                   

Online music services

    2,144       49.2       3,149       476       28.7       1,364       30.4       2,553       386       29.6  

Social entertainment services and others

    2,217       50.8       7,832       1,184       71.3       3,121       69.6       6,066       917       70.4  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

    4,361       100.0       10,981       1,659       100.0       4,485       100.0       8,619       1,303       100.0  

Cost of revenues (1)

    (3,129     (71.7     (7,171     (1,084     (65.3     (3,103     (69.2     (5,141     (777     (59.6
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

    1,232       28.3       3,810       576       34.7       1,382       30.8       3,478       526       40.4  

Operating expenses

                   

Selling and marketing expenses (1)

    (365     (8.3     (913     (138     (8.3     (298     (6.6     (738     (112     (8.6

General and administrative expenses (1)

    (783     (18.0     (1,521     (230     (13.9     (682     (15.2     (905     (137     (10.5
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

    (1,148     (26.3     (2,434     (368     (22.2     (980     (21.8     (1,643     (248     (19.1

Interest income

    32       0.7       93       14       0.9       41       0.9       100       15       1.2  

Other (losses)/gains, net

    (13     (0.3     124       19       1.1       36       0.8       12       2       0.1  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating profit

    103       2.4       1,593       241       14.5       479       10.7       1,947       294       22.6  

Share of net profit of investments accounted for using equity method

    11       0.2       4       1       0.0       (1     (0.0     (7     (1     (0.1

Fair value change on liabilities of puttable shares

    —         —         —         —         —         —         —         (17     (3     (0.2
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Profit before income tax

    114       2.6       1,597       241       14.5       478       10.7       1,923       291       22.3  

Income tax expenses

    (29     (0.7     (278     (42     (2.5     (83     (1.9     (180     (27     (2.1
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Profit for the year/period

    85       1.9       1,319       199       12.0       395       8.8       1,743       263       20.2  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings per share for profit attributable to the equity holders of the company

                   

Basic

    0.04       —         0.51       0.08       —         0.15       —         0.57       0.08       —    

Diluted

    0.04       —         0.50       0.08       —         0.15       —         0.56       0.08       —    

Shares used in calculating earnings per share

                   

Basic

    1,831,604,053       —         2,593,157,207       —         —         2,556,725,734       —         3,049,664,727       —         —    

Diluted

    1,899,419,825       —         2,639,466,412       —         —         2,603,209,173       —         3,110,040,819       —         —    

 

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Note:

(1)

Share-based compensation expenses were allocated as follows:

 

     For the Year Ended December 31,      For the Six Months Ended June 30,  
     2016      2017      2017      2018  
     RMB      RMB      US$      RMB      RMB      US$  
     (in millions)  

Cost of revenues

     10        27        4        12        11        2  

Selling and marketing expenses

     6        12        2        5        6        1  

General and administrative expenses

     154        345        52        165        218        33  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     170        384        58        182        235        36  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table presents our selected consolidated balance sheet data as of January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016 and 2017 and June 30, 2018.

 

    As of January 1,    

 

As of December 31,

    As of June 30,  
    2016     2016     2017     2018  
    RMB     RMB     RMB     US$     RMB     US$  
   

(in millions)

 

Selected Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:

           

Cash and cash equivalents

    —         3,071       5,174       782       9,529       1,440  

Short-term investments

    —         261       —         —         —         —    

Total current assets

    437       4,997       7,467       1,128       12,913       1,951  

Non-current assets

    282       18,538       22,533       3,405       23,034       3,481  

Total assets

    719       23,535       30,000       4,534       35,947       5,432  

Current liabilities

    263       2,523       3,527       533       4,369       660  

Non-current liabilities

    —         378       325       49       441       67  

Total liabilities

    263       2,901       3,852       582       4,810       727  

Equity attributable to equity holders of the company

    456       20,625       26,141       3,951       31,115       4,702  

The following table presents our selected consolidated cash flow data for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017 and the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2018.

 

     For the Year Ended
December 31,
    For the Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2016     2017     2017     2018  
     RMB     RMB     US$     RMB     RMB     US$  
     (in millions)  

Selected Consolidated Cash Flow Data:

        

Net cash provided by operating activities

     873       2,500       378       1,930       2,056       311  

Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities

     496       (483     (73     (1,570     (573     (87

Net cash provided by financing activities

     1,712       99       15       20       2,855       431  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

     3,081       2,116       320       380       4,338       656  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year/period

     —         3,071       464       3,071       5,174       782  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Exchange (losses)/gains on cash and cash equivalents

     (10     (13     (2     (3     17       3  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year/period

     3,071       5,174       782       3,448       9,529       1,440  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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The following selected consolidated financial statements of CMC for the period from January 1, 2016 to July 12, 2016 of CMC have been derived from CMC’s consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus and are prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

The following table presents CMC’s selected consolidated statement of operation for the period from January 1, 2016 to July 12, 2016.

 

     For the Period from January 1,
2016 to July 12, 2016
 
     RMB     %  
     (in millions, except for percentage
and share and per share data)
 

Selected Consolidated Statements of Operation Data:

    

Net Revenues

    

Music-centric live streaming services

     1,454       75.6  

Online advertising

     90       4.7  

Online music services and others

     379       19.7  

Total net revenues

     1,923       100.0  

Cost of revenues

     (1,341     (69.7

Gross profit

     582       30.3  

Operating expenses

    

Sales and marketing expenses

     (199     (10.4

General and administrative expenses

     (323     (16.8

Research and development expenses

     (201     (10.5

Impairment loss of intangible assets

     (2     (0.0

Impairment loss of long-term investment

     (15     (0.8

Gain on disposal of a subsidiary

     20       1.0  

Total operating expenses

     (720     (37.5

Loss from operations

     (138 )       (7.2 )  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Interest and investment income

     6       0.3  

Other expenses, net

     (1     (0.0

Share of net income of equity investee

     4       0.2  

Loss before income tax

     (129     (6.7

Income tax expenses

     (23     (1.2
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss for the period

     (152 )       (7.9 )  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests

     6       0.3  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss attributable to the company

     (146     (7.6

Net loss per share

    

Basic

     (0.14     —    

Diluted

     (0.14     N/A  

Shares used in calculating net loss per share

    

Basic

     1,048,871,789       N/A  

Diluted

     1,041,871,789       N/A  

 

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The following table presents CMC’s selected consolidated balance sheet data as of July 12, 2016.

 

     As of July 12,
2016
 
     RMB  
     (in millions)  

Selected Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:

  

Cash and cash equivalents

     674  

Short-term investments

     633  

Total current assets

     1,793  

Non-current assets

     2,672  

Total assets

     4,465  
  

 

 

 

Current liabilities

     1,928  

None-current liabilities

     39  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     1,967  
  

 

 

 

Equity attributable to equity holders of CMC

                 2,491  
  

 

 

 

Non-controlling interests

     7  

The following table presents CMC’s selected consolidated cash flow data for the period from January 1, 2016 to July 12, 2016.

 

     For the period from
January 1, 2016 to
July 12, 2016
 
     RMB  
     (in millions)  

Selected Consolidated Cash Flow Data:

  

Net cash provided by operating activities

     279  

Net cash used in investing activities

     (754

Net cash provided by financing activities

     629  

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     22  
  

 

 

 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

     176  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period

     498  
  

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period

                     674  
  

 

 

 

Non-IFRS Financial Measure

We use adjusted profit for the year/period, which is a non-IFRS financial measure, in evaluating our operating results and for financial and operational decision-making purposes. We believe that adjusted profit for the year/period helps identify underlying trends in our business that could otherwise be distorted by the effect of certain expenses that we include in our profit for the year/period. We believe that adjusted profit for the year/period provides useful information about our results of operations, enhances the overall understanding of our past performance and future prospects and allows for greater visibility with respect to key metrics used by our management in its financial and operational decision-making.

Adjusted profit for the year/period should not be considered in isolation or construed as an alternative to operating profit, profit for the year/period or any other measure of performance or as an indicator of our operating performance. Investors are encouraged to review adjusted profit for the year/period and the reconciliation to its most directly comparable IFRS measure. Adjusted profit for the year/period presented here may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies. Other companies may calculate similarly titled measures differently, limiting their usefulness as comparative measures to our data. We encourage investors and others to review our financial information in its entirety and not rely on a single financial measure.

 

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Adjusted profit for the year/period represents profit for the year/period excluding share-based compensation expenses, net gains from equity investments, amortization related to intangible and other assets resulting from the acquisitions of CMC and Ultimate Music, and impairment provision for investments in associates. The table below sets forth a reconciliation of our profit for the year/period to adjusted profit for the year/period for the periods indicated.

 

     For the Year Ended December 31,     For the Six Months Ended June 30,  
     2016     2017     2017      2018  
     RMB     RMB     US$     RMB      RMB     US$  
     (in millions)  

Profit for the year/period

     85       1,319       199       395        1,743       263  

Adjustments:

             

Share-based compensation expenses

     170       384       58       182        235       36  

Net gains from equity investments

     (4     (72     (11     —          (1     (0

Amortization of intangible and other assets arising from business combinations (1)

     175       271       41       155        118       18  

Impairment provision for investments in associates

     —         2       0       —          —         —    

Fair value change on liabilities of puttable shares

     —         —         —         —          17       3  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted profit for the year/period

     426       1,904       288       732        2,112       320  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Note:

(1)

Represents the amortization of identifiable assets, including intangible assets and prepayments for music content, resulting from Tencent’s acquisition of CMC in 2016 and our acquisition of Ultimate Music in 2017, net of related deferred taxes.

 

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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 Consolidated Financial Data” and our consolidated 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 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. You should note that Tencent’s acquisition of CMC was completed on July 12, 2016. As a result, the historical results of operations of CMC before July 12, 2016 are not included in our consolidated financial statements presented in this prospectus and our historical financial information for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017 may not be directly comparable. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and Industry—Our historical financial information for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017 may not be directly comparable due to our consolidation of CMC’s financial results since July 2016, which may make it difficult for you to evaluate our business and prospects.”

Overview

We are the largest online music entertainment platform in China, operating the top four music mobile apps in terms of mobile MAUs in the second quarter of 2018. Our platform comprises our online music, online karaoke and music-centric live streaming services, supported by our content offerings, technology and data. Our platform is an all-in-one music entertainment destination that allows users to seamlessly engage with music in many ways, including discovering, listening, singing, watching and socializing. On our platform, social interactions, such as sharing, liking, commenting, following and virtual gifting, are deeply integrated in our products and highly complementary to the core music experience, thereby enhancing our user experience, engagement and retention.

We had over 800 million total unique MAUs in the second quarter of 2018, covering the full spectrum of user demographics in China. Our users are highly engaged, with each daily active user on average spending over 70 minutes per day on our platform in the second quarter of 2018. Our products allow users to discover and listen to music, sing and perform, as well as watch music videos and live music performances in a seamless and immersive way.

We have China’s most comprehensive library of music content in recorded and live, audio and video formats. We have the largest music content library with over 20 million tracks from over 200 domestic and international music labels, as of June 30, 2018. We also offer a broad range of video content, such as music videos and live and recorded concerts and music shows. In addition, hundreds of millions of users have shared their singing, short videos, live streaming of music performances, comments and music-related articles on our platform.

The scale and engagement of our user base generate extensive data that we use to develop innovative products that best cater to user preferences and enhance user experience. We also have developed technology that can monitor and protect copyrighted music, which empowers our artists and content partners to promote their music and protect their creative work.

We have achieved growth and profitability at scale. In the six months ended June 30, 2018, our revenue reached RMB8,619 million (US$1,303 million) compared to RMB4,485 million in the same period in 2017. For the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2018, our profit for the period amounted to RMB395 million and RMB1,743 million (US$263 million), respectively. Our adjusted profit increased from RMB732 million in the six months ended June 30, 2017 to RMB2,112 million (US$320 million) in the six months ended June 30, 2018. From 2016 to 2017, our revenue increased from RMB4,361 million to RMB10,981 million (US$1,659 million). In 2016 and 2017, we reported profit for the year of RMB85 million and RMB1,319 million (US$199 million),

 

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respectively, and recorded adjusted profit for the year of RMB426 million and RMB1,904 million (US$288 million), respectively. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Non-IFRS Financial Measure.”

Tencent’s acquisition of CMC was completed on July 12, 2016. Since then, the results of operations of CMC have been consolidated with ours and had contributed materially to our total revenues since July 2016. For the period from January 1, 2016 to July 12, 2016, CMC’s total revenues and net loss were RMB1,923 million (US$288 million) and RMB152 million (US$23 million), respectively. For a more detailed discussion of the effects of the acquisition of CMC, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—The Effects of the Acquisition of CMC.”

On October 1, 2018, we entered into certain share subscription agreements with WMG China LLC, an affiliate of Warner Music Group, and Sony Music Entertainment pursuant to which we agreed to issue to these two strategic investors a total of 68,131,015 ordinary shares for an aggregate cash consideration of approximately US$200 million. We expect to record a share-based accounting charge upon the consummation of such share issuances in an amount equal to the excess of the fair value of the ordinary shares sold over the aggregate consideration to be received by us. Assuming the fair value of our ordinary shares is US$             per share, the midpoint of the estimated range of the initial public offering price, the expected accounting charge would be approximately US$            . As a result of this material one-off, non-cash accounting charge, we expect to record a loss for the three months ending December 31, 2018. For more information, see “Summary—Corporate History and Structure—Share Issuances to Music Label Partners.”

The Impact of the Acquisition of CMC

On July 12, 2016, Tencent acquired CMC, a major online music entertainment platform in China, through a series of transactions pursuant to which Tencent obtained a controlling interest in CMC and CMC’s operations were merged with Tencent’s QQ Music and WeSing businesses. We have consolidated the financial results of CMC into ours since July 12, 2016 upon the completion of the acquisition. See “Corporate History and Structure” for more information.

For the period from January 1, 2016 to July 12, 2016, CMC’s total revenues and net loss was RMB1,923 million (US$288 million) and RMB152 million (US$23 million), respectively. See CMC’s consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus for more information about CMC’s historical financial results. Prior to the acquisition, CMC operated a leading online music entertainment platform with a large user base and content library. For the three months ended June 30, 2016, mobile MAUs of CMC’s online music services and live streaming services were approximately 343 million and 23 million, respectively, and the number of CMC’s paying users for its online music services and live streaming services were approximately 1.4 million and 0.4 million, respectively. As of March 31, 2016, CMC’s content library included approximately 3.8 million tracks. Therefore, we believe that CMC has contributed materially to our business.

The consolidation of CMC’s businesses enlarged our user base and music content library, which we believe contributed to the substantial growth in our total revenues from 2016 to 2017. After Tencent’s acquisition of CMC in July 2016, our business and the business that was previously operated by CMC both grew substantially as a result of our combined content library and sharing of operational know-how. Post-acquisition, we: (i) operated our business on a combined basis with CMC’s business substantially integrated into our business; (ii) shared many costs and expenses, and (iii) ceased to maintain consolidated financial statements of CMC’s business on a standalone basis. Moreover, given the growth CMC’s business itself enjoyed from the merger, it would be impractical and not meaningful to quantify how much of our revenue growth was solely attributable to benefits realized from the acquisition. Similarly, while we believe that CMC’s surviving operations have been growing faster after the acquisition due to the intergration, we are not able to precisely quantify such growth because our business has been integrated.

While the consolidation of CMC has also contributed to the increase in our cost of revenues and operating expenses on an absolute basis, our operating margin has enjoyed favorable trends since the acquisition. Our operating expenses as a percentage of our total revenues decreased from 26.3% in 2016 to 22.2% in 2017, partly due to successful integration, and economies of scale achieved through the acquisition. However, we are unable

 

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to precisely quantify CMC’s contribution to our cost of revenues and operating expenses since the acquisition because many costs and expenses items, such as content licensing costs, content delivery costs and various operating expenses, are shared by the combined business.

After the acquisition, we have been operating CMC’s business as an integral part of the TME platform. Apart from the integration, the major factors that affected the historical performance of surviving CMC operations remain substantially identical to those that affect the performance of our combined platform, such as growth in user base and the number of paying users, as well as content costs. For a more detailed discussion about such factors and CMC’s impact on our historical results, see “—Specific Factors Affecting Our Results of Operations.” We expect that the integration with CMC will allow us to continue to drive the growth of the combined platform in the future. For example, the improved quality and quantity of our music content library are expected to continue to drive user base growth and paying user conversion for our combined online music business, which in turn could potentially bring more users to our social entertainment services. In terms of cost of revenues and operating expenses, we expect to continue to invest in content, sales and marketing and product development to drive the growth of our combined platform. As our integrated platform continues to grow and capitalize on the synergies with CMC, we expect our operating efficiency to continue to improve.

General Factors Affecting Our Results of Operations

Our business and results of operations are affected by a number of general factors affecting China’s online music entertainment industry, which include:

 

   

China’s overall economic growth and level of per capita disposable income;

 

   

growth in consumption of music and other entertainment content;

 

   

entertainment habits and trends, including competition between different forms of music and non-music entertainment, and changes in mobile-based consumption of digital content;

 

   

government policies and initiatives affecting China’s online music entertainment industry;

 

   

continued music copyright protection and enforcement efforts by music industry participants in China;

 

   

increasing willingness of Chinese consumers to pay for quality online music entertainment content and experiences; and

 

   

the competitive landscape in China’s online music entertainment industry.

Unfavorable changes in any of these general conditions could negatively affect demand for our services and materially and adversely affect our results of operations.

Specific Factors Affecting Our Results of Operations

Our ability to maintain and grow our user base and further increase their engagement level

We generate revenues primarily through the sales of paid music, virtual gifts and premium memberships. Therefore, our ability to generate revenues is affected by the number of our users and the level of their engagement.

We believe mobile MAUs is the key metric to measure the scale of our user base as our services are predominately accessed via mobile devices. The following table sets forth details of our mobile MAUs for the periods indicated. These figures have not been adjusted to eliminate duplicate access of different products by the same user during any given period.

 

    For the Three Months Ended  
    Sep. 30,
2016 (1)
    Dec. 31,
2016
    Mar. 31,
2017
    Jun. 30,
2017
    Sep. 30,
2017
    Dec. 31,
2017
    Mar. 31,
2018
    Jun. 30,
2018
 
    (in millions)  

Online music mobile MAUs

    579       589       607       606       609       603       625       644  

Social entertainment mobile MAUs

    144       151       180       200       214       209       224       228  

 

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Note:

(1)

The numbers of mobile MAUs for the third quarter of 2016 presented herein have taken into account the numbers of mobile MAUs for the corresponding period of both CMC and Tencent’s online music business in the PRC, without eliminating any duplicates between the MAUs of CMC and Tencent’s online music business in the PRC. In July 2016, Tencent acquired CMC and merged its online music business in the PRC with CMC, which resulted in the consolidation of CMC’s operating and financial results into ours.

We adopt a holistic approach to operating our online music services and social entertainment services to foster synergies between them. We leverage our strong product functions and content recommendation and technology capabilities to further enhance product integration between these two services. For example, we provide real-time recommendations of live streaming content based on what music our users are listening to on our online music apps. With our extensive music content library and comprehensive suite of services offerings, user engagement on our platform has steadily increased over time.

Our ability to continue to grow our user base and engagement is driven by various factors, including our ability to increase the breadth and attractiveness of our content offerings; deliver differentiated user experiences; encourage users to use multiple services across our platform; improve the social interaction features of our platform; and enhance our brand reputation. However, certain factors may cause the actual results to be materially different from our expectations. See “Risk Factors—If we fail to anticipate user preferences to provide online music entertainment content catering to user demands, our ability to attract and retain users may be materially and adversely affected.”

Our ability to increase paying ratio and strengthen our monetization capability

Our results of operations depend largely on our ability to convert our vast user base into paying users.

The table below sets forth the number of paying users, paying ratio and monthly ARPPU for our online music services and social entertainment services for the periods indicated. These figures have not been adjusted to eliminate duplicate access of different products by the same user during any given period.

 

    For the Three Months Ended  
    Sep. 30,
2016 (2)
    Dec. 31,
2016
    Mar. 31,
2017
    Jun. 30,
2017
    Sep. 30,
2017
    Dec. 31,
2017
    Mar. 31,
2018
    Jun. 30,
2018
 

Paying users (1) (in millions)

               

Online music services

    12.2       13.5       15.3       16.6       18.3       19.4       22.3       23.3  

Social entertainment services

    2.9       4.2       6.2       7.1       8.0       8.3       9.6       9.5  

Paying ratio (1)

               

Online music services

    2.1     2.3     2.5     2.7     3.0     3.2     3.6     3.6

Social entertainment services

    2.0     2.8     3.5     3.5     3.7     4.0     4.3     4.2

Monthly ARPPU (1) (RMB)

               

Online music services (3)

    8.6       9.3       9.5       8.7       8.5       8.7       8.4       8.7  

Social entertainment services (4)

    100.7       99.0       74.5       81.6       90.8       101.9       99.5       111.8  

 

Notes:

(1)

For the definitions, see “Conventions which Apply to this Prospectus.”

(2)

The numbers of paying users, paying ratio and monthly ARPPU for the third quarter of 2016 presented herein have taken into account the numbers of the corresponding period of both CMC and Tencent’s online music business in the PRC, without eliminating any duplicates between CMC and Tencent’s online music business in the PRC. In July 2016, Tencent acquired CMC and merged its online music business in the PRC with CMC.

(3)

The revenues used to calculate the monthly ARPPU of online music services include revenues from subscriptions only. The revenues from subscriptions for the quarters indicated were RMB315 million, RMB376 million, RMB437 million, RMB432 million, RMB467 million, RMB505 million, RMB565 million and RMB605 million, respectively.

(4)

The revenues used to calculate the monthly ARPPU of social entertainment services include revenues from social entertainment and others.

Our number of paying users and paying ratios generally increased in the past quarters except for slight seasonal fluctuations between the first and second quarters of 2017 and 2018. For example, the number of paying

 

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users and paying ratios for our social entertainment services declined slightly in the second quarter of 2018 primarily due to the seasonal effect associated with the winter and Chinese New Year holidays in the first quarter when our users tended to be more active on our social entertainment platforms. In addition, the annual awards ceremonies held by WeSing and Kugou Live in January 2018 also contributed to the improved user engagement during the first quarter of 2018. Historically, the monthly ARPPU of our online music services has fluctuated from quarter to quarter, which was primarily due to changes in the mix of basic subscription packages and premium memberships. The monthly ARPPU of our social entertainment services has generally been increasing for the past quarters as a result of our users becoming increasingly engaged with our live streaming and online karaoke services. This monthly ARPPU declined however, between the fourth quarter of 2016 and the first quarter of 2017, primarily due to the substantially increased popularity during this period of our online karaoke services whose users generally have a lower monthly ARPPU than users of live streaming services.

Historically, while the number of mobile MAUs, paying users and paying ratio have been increasing for both of our online music services and social entertainment services, the smaller number of mobile MAUs and paying users for our social entertainment services have generated the majority of our revenues for two reasons. First, users in China historically had a relatively lower willingness to pay for music as compared with more developed markets, and therefore we, in the past, have mainly focused on providing attractive music content and functionalities for our online music services, with a view towards cultivating users’ habits and willingness to pay in the long term. Second, as compared with online music services where users typically only pay once a month for a subscription package, our social entertainment services provide more opportunities for user interactions and thus more paid consumption scenarios that allow users to pay without any limit (e.g., through purchasing and sending virtual gifts). Nevertheless, we believe that the integration between the online music services and the social entertainment services allows us to further drive user engagement and paying user conversion for both services in the future.

Our ability to continue to monetize our user base is affected by a number of factors, such as our ability to enhance user engagement, our ability to cultivate users’ willingness to pay for online music services and social entertainment services, as well as our ability to integrate more monetization models into the overall user experience on our platform. Monetization of our user base is also affected by our ability to optimize our pricing strategy and fee models. We also seek to explore new monetization opportunities by leveraging our comprehensive content offerings, vast user base and strong relationships with music labels and other content providers. We expect the number of our paying users to continue to grow.

Our ability to continue to deliver diverse, attractive and relevant content offerings

We believe that users are attracted to our platform and choose to pay for our services primarily because of the diverse and attractive content we offer. Accordingly, we have focused our content strategies on offering a wide range of content catering to users’ tastes and preferences, as well as improving our platform, including our curation and recommendation capabilities.

We currently have the largest library of music content in China across a wide range of content formats, including songs, karaoke songs, live streaming of music performances, recorded video, as well as reviews and articles. Our continued success largely depends on our ability to stay abreast of users’ evolving needs and preferences and dynamics in the entertainment industry. We seek to identify trend-setting and potentially viral content, which in turn allows us to offer more comprehensive content.

We plan to continue to enrich our content portfolio. For example, in order to further diversify our content offerings and to capture potential opportunities in niche music markets, we intend to obtain more long-tail content, particularly those that belong to niche genres. Compared to tracks licensed from music labels, long-tail content can typically be sourced at lower costs, thereby providing us with cost-effective ways to diversify our content library.

Our ability to enhance returns on our spending on content

Our ability to enhance returns on our spending on content depends on our ability to identify new content and effectively monetize our content while maintaining our commitment to copyright protection.

 

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Our service costs mainly include content-related cost, which mainly comprise: (i) royalties paid to music labels and other content partners for music content used to support both our online music services and social entertainment services; and (ii) revenues shared with live streaming performers and their agencies which are primarily associated with our social entertainment services. Service costs have historically accounted for the majority of our cost of revenues as we have made substantial investments in building and enriching our portfolio of licensed content and attracting performers to perform on our platform.

Our results of operations and our ability to sustain profitability may also be affected by our obligations to make payments for minimum guarantee and revenue-sharing incentive royalties to the licensors under our license agreements. See “Business—Content Sourcing Arrangements” for more information about the pricing structure of our licensed content. Historically we have been primarily paying minimum guarantees to our licensors. We expect our minimum guarantee and revenue-sharing incentive royalties to increase in absolute amounts in the near term as we continue to scale up our operations.

We are committed to protecting music copyright, and our leading role in China’s music copyright protection efforts has made us a partner of choice for major domestic and international music labels and other content partners, as well as many live streaming performers and their agencies. This has helped us maintain long-term collaborative relationships with our content partners, which, in turn, enables us to source content on favorable terms.

Our cost of revenues is expected to increase in absolute amounts in the near future as we continue to expand our content offerings to cater to the evolving customer needs. We believe, however, that our collaborative relationships with content partners and our diversified monetization models enable us to maintain and enhance returns on content spending without compromising our commitment to copyright protection.

Key Components of Results of Operations

Revenues

We derive our revenues from (i) online music services; and (ii) social entertainment services and others.

The following table sets forth a breakdown of our revenues, in absolute amounts and as percentages of total revenues, for the periods indicated.

 

     For the Year Ended December 31,      For the Six Months Ended June 30,  
     2016      2017      2017      2018  
     RMB      %      RMB      US$      %      RMB      %      RMB      US$      %  
     (in millions, except for percentages)  

Revenues

                             

Online music services

     2,144        49.2        3,149        476        28.7        1,364        30.4        2,553        386        29.6  

Social entertainment services and others

     2,217        50.8        7,832        1,184        71.3        3,121        69.6        6,066        917        70.4  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total revenues

     4,361        100.0        10,981        1,659        100.0        4,485        100.0        8,619        1,303        100.0  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Online music services. We generate revenues from our online music services primarily from subscriptions, namely from paid music through sale of subscription packages for a fixed monthly fee. In 2016 and 2017 and the first half of 2018, revenue from subscriptions was RMB1,279 million, RMB1,841 million (US$278 million) and RMB1,170 million (US$177 million), respectively. In addition, we also generate revenues from: (i) selling digital music singles and albums to users on our platform; (ii) sublicensing music content licensed from content providers to other online music platforms and other third parties; (iii) offering display and performance-based advertising solutions on our platform with pricing arrangements based on various factors, including the form and

 

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size of the advertisements, level of sponsorship and popularity of the content; and (iv) providing various other music-related services, such as providing music solutions to smart device and automobile manufacturers.

Social entertainment services and others. We generate our social entertainment and other services revenues through live streaming, online karaoke, sales of music-related merchandise and certain other services. We generate revenues from live streaming and online karaoke services primarily through sales of virtual gifts. Generally, a portion of the revenues is shared with the content creators, including live streaming performers and their agents, based on an agreed-upon percentage. We also generate a small portion of the revenues from selling premium memberships to our users.

In addition, we also generate a small portion of revenues through the sales of music-related merchandise, including headsets, smart speakers and other hardware products. See “Business—Other Music Services.”

Our chief operating decision maker has determined that we have only one reportable segment.

Cost of revenues

The following table sets forth the components of our cost of revenues, in absolute amounts and as percentages of total cost of revenues, for the periods indicated.

 

     For the Year Ended December 31,      For the Six Months Ended June 30,  
     2016      2017      2017      2018  
     RMB      %      RMB      US$      %      RMB      %      RMB      US$      %  
     (in millions, except for percentages)  

Cost of revenues

                             

Service costs

     2,481        79.3        6,142        928        85.6        2,639        85.0        4,499        680        87.5  

Other cost of revenues

     648        20.7        1,029        156        14.4        464        15.0        642        97        12.5  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total cost of revenues

     3,129        100.0        7,171        1,084        100.0        3,103        100.0        5,141        777        100.0  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Our cost of revenues primarily includes service costs, which mainly comprise (i) licensing costs, which primarily consist of royalties paid to music labels and other content partners and are used to support both our online music services and social entertainment services; (ii) fees paid to content creators pursuant to revenue sharing arrangements associated with our online social entertainment services, including live streaming performers, their agencies and other users who perform on our platform; and (iii) content delivery costs relating primarily to server, cloud services and bandwidth costs paid to telecommunications carriers and other related service providers which are used to support both our online music services and social entertainment services.

Other cost of revenues also includes employee benefits expenses, advertising agency fees and others. Employee benefit expenses consist primarily of the salaries and other benefits paid to our employees supporting the operations of our platform. Advertising agency fees consist primarily of commissions paid to advertising agencies. Others mainly include fees paid to online payment gateways and costs associated with sales of music-related merchandise.

Our music content is critical to expanding our product offerings, attracting users and driving monetization for our online music services over time. Music content also drives the growth of our social entertainment services. For example, users may engage in online karaoke singing of a track that they discover through listening to music via our online music services. As such, we believe music content helps drive user engagement and monetization opportunities for our social entertainment services.

Based on these factors, we expect that our cost of revenues including, in particular, our service costs, will increase in absolute amount in the foreseeable future as we continue to acquire and offer attractive content to grow our user base and enhance engagement and returns from our content.

 

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Operating expenses

The following table sets forth a breakdown of our operating expenses, in absolute amounts and as percentages of total operating expenses, for the periods indicated.

 

     For the Year Ended December 31,      For the Six Months Ended June 30,  
     2016      2017      2017      2018  
     RMB      %      RMB      US$      %      RMB      %      RMB      US$      %  
     (in millions, except for percentages)  

Operating expenses

                             

Selling and marketing expenses

     365        31.8        913        138        37.5        298        30.4        738        112        44.9  

General and administrative expenses (1)

     783        68.2        1,521        230        62.5        682        69.6        905        137        55.1  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     1,148        100.0        2,434        368        100.0        980        100.0        1,643        248        100.0  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Note:

(1)

Includes R&D expenses of RMB449 million, RMB797 million (US$120 million), RMB374 million and RMB405 million (US$61 million) in 2016, 2017 and the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2018, respectively.

Selling and marketing expenses . Our selling and marketing expenses consist primarily of (i) branding and user acquisition costs; (ii) salaries and other benefits paid to our sales and marketing personnel; and (iii) amortization of intangible assets resulting from Tencent’s acquisition of CMC in 2016 and our acquisition of Ultimate Music in 2017. We expect our selling and marketing expenses to increase in absolute amount in the foreseeable future, as we engage in more activities to promote our brand, attract new users, convert existing users to paying users, and further increase user spending on our platform.

General and administrative expenses. Our general and administrative expenses consist primarily of (i) R&D expenses, including salaries and other benefits paid to our R&D personnel; (ii) salaries and other benefits paid to our general and administrative personnel; (iii) fees and expenses associated with the legal, accounting and other professional services; and (iv) amortization of intangible assets resulting from Tencent’s acquisition of CMC in 2016. We expect our general and administrative expenses to increase in absolute amount in the foreseeable future as we continue to introduce new products and services, improve our platform and technology to stay abreast of technological developments and innovations, expand our monetization channels, as well as to increase legal fees associated with copyright protection.

Other (losses)/gains, net

Our other (losses)/gains primarily include government grants and net foreign exchange gains/(losses). Our gains in 2017 include a gain on our step-up acquisition of Ultimate Music in 2017. We recorded other losses of RMB13 million in 2016, other gains of RMB124 million (US$19 million) in 2017 and other gains of RMB12 million (US$2 million) in the six months ended June 30, 2018.

Taxation

We had income tax expenses of RMB29 million, RMB278 million (US$42 million) and RMB180 million (US$27 million) in 2016, 2017 and the six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively. We are subject to various rates of income tax under different jurisdictions. The following summarizes major factors affecting our applicable tax rates in the Cayman Islands, Hong Kong and the PRC.

Cayman Islands

We are incorporated in the Cayman Islands. Under the current laws of the Cayman Islands, we are not subject to income, corporation or capital gains tax in the Cayman Islands.

 

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Hong Kong

Our subsidiaries in Hong Kong, including Tencent Music Entertainment Hong Kong Limited, our wholly-owned subsidiary, are subject to Hong Kong profits tax on their activities conducted in Hong Kong at a uniform tax rate of 16.5%. Under Hong Kong tax law, our subsidiaries in Hong Kong are exempted from income tax on their foreign-derived income and there is no withholding tax in Hong Kong on remittance of dividends. No provision for Hong Kong profits tax was made as we had no estimated assessable profit that was subject to Hong Kong profits tax during 2016, 2017 or the six months ended June 30, 2018.

PRC

Our subsidiaries and consolidated VIEs in China are companies incorporated under PRC law and, as such, are subject to PRC enterprise income tax on their taxable income in accordance with the relevant PRC income tax laws. Pursuant to the Enterprise Income Tax Law of the PRC, or PRC EIT Law, which became effective on January 1, 2008, a uniform 25% enterprise income tax rate is generally applicable to both foreign-invested enterprises and domestic enterprises, except where a special preferential rate applies. The enterprise income tax is calculated based on the entity’s global income as determined under PRC tax laws and accounting standards.

Guangzhou Kugou and Beijing Kuwo obtained High and New Technology Enterprise, or HNTE, status to enjoy a preferential tax rate of 15% from 2016 to 2018, while Guangzhou Fanxing Entertainment Information Technology Co., Ltd. obtained HNTE status to enjoy a preferential tax rate of 15% from 2017 to 2019, to the extent they have taxable income under the PRC EIT Law, as long as they re-apply for HNTE status every three years and meet the HNTE criteria during this three-year period. If an HNTE fails to meet the criteria for qualification as an HNTE in any year, (i) the enterprise cannot enjoy the 15% preferential tax rate in that year and must instead use the uniform 25% enterprise income tax rate and (ii) they will need to re-apply for HNTE status in 2019 or 2020.

A Software Enterprise is entitled to an income tax exemption for two years beginning with its first profitable year and a 50% reduction to a rate of 12.5% for the subsequent three years. Enterprises wishing to enjoy the status of a Software Enterprise must perform a self-assessment each year to ensure they meet the criteria for qualification and file required supporting documents with the tax authorities before using the preferential enterprise income tax rates. These enterprises will be subject to the tax authorities’ assessment each year as to whether they are entitled to use the relevant preferential treatments. If at any time during the preferential tax treatment years an enterprise uses the preferential rate but the relevant authorities determine that it fails to meet applicable criteria for qualification, the relevant authorities may revoke the enterprise’s Software Enterprise status. Yeelion Online and Tencent Music Entertainment Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. performed a self-assessment and filed required supporting documents in 2018 for Software Enterprise status to qualify the first year of income tax exemption in 2017.

We are subject to VAT at a rate of 3%, 6%, or 16% on the services we provide and related surcharges. We are also subject to surcharges on VAT payments in accordance with PRC law.

As a Cayman Islands holding company, we may receive dividends from our PRC subsidiaries through Tencent Music Entertainment Hong Kong Limited. The PRC EIT Law and its implementing rules provide that dividends paid by a PRC entity to a nonresident enterprise for income tax purposes is subject to PRC withholding tax at a rate of 10%, subject to reduction by an applicable tax treaty with China. Pursuant to the Arrangement between Mainland China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income, the withholding tax rate in respect to the payment of dividends by a PRC enterprise to a Hong Kong enterprise may be reduced to 5% from a standard rate of 10% if the Hong Kong enterprise directly holds at least 25% of the PRC enterprise. Pursuant to the Circular on Certain Issues with Respect to the Enforcement of Dividend Provisions in Tax Treaties, or SAT Circular 81, a Hong Kong resident enterprise must meet the following conditions, among others, in order to apply

 

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the reduced withholding tax rate: (i) it must be a company; (ii) it must directly own the required percentage of equity interests and voting rights in the PRC resident enterprise; and (iii) it must have directly owned such required percentage in the PRC resident enterprise throughout the 12 months prior to receiving the dividends. In August 2015, the State Administration of Taxation promulgated the Administrative Measures for Nonresident Taxpayers to Enjoy Treatment under Tax Treaties, or SAT Circular 60, which became effective on November 1, 2015. SAT Circular 60 provides that nonresident enterprises are not required to obtain pre-approval from the relevant tax authority in order to enjoy the reduced withholding tax. Instead, nonresident enterprises and their withholding agents may, by self-assessment and on confirmation that the prescribed criteria to enjoy the tax treaty benefits are met, directly apply the reduced withholding tax rate, and file necessary forms and supporting documents when performing tax filings, which will be subject to post-tax filing examinations by the relevant tax authorities. Accordingly, Tencent Music Entertainment Hong Kong Limited may be able to benefit from the 5% withholding tax rate for the dividends it receives from its PRC subsidiaries, if it satisfies the conditions prescribed under SAT Circular 81 and other relevant tax rules and regulations. However, according to SAT Circular 81 and SAT Circular 60, if the relevant tax authorities consider the transactions or arrangements we have are for the primary purpose of enjoying a favorable tax treatment, the relevant tax authorities may adjust the favorable withholding tax in the future.

If our holding company in the Cayman Islands or any of our subsidiaries outside of China were deemed to be a “resident enterprise” under the PRC EIT Law, it would be subject to enterprise income tax on its worldwide income at a rate of 25%. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—We may be classified as a ‘PRC resident enterprise’ for PRC enterprise income tax purposes, which could result in unfavorable tax consequences to us and our non-PRC shareholders and ADS holders and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and the value of your investment.”

Critical Accounting Policies, Judgments and Estimates

We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB. Preparing these financial statements in conformity with IFRS as issued by the IASB requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates and also requires us to exercise judgments in the process of applying our accounting policies. We evaluate our estimates and judgments on an ongoing basis. Our estimates are based on historical experience and various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Our actual results may differ from these estimates.

The critical accounting policies, judgments and estimates that we believe to have the most significant impact on our consolidated financial statements are described below.

Consolidation of VIEs

PRC laws and regulations prohibit or restrict foreign ownership of companies that provide internet-based business, which include activities and services provided by us. We operate our business operations in the PRC through a series of contractual arrangements entered into among the Company, our wholly-owned subsidiaries, VIEs that are legally owned by our authorized individuals (collectively, “Contractual Arrangements”). Under the Contractual Arrangements, we have power to control the management, as well as financial and operating policies of the VIEs, have the rights or exposure to variable returns from the VIEs, and have ability to use our power over the VIEs to affect the amount of our return. As a result, all these VIEs are accounted for as controlled structured entities of the Company and their financial statements have also been consolidated in our consolidated financial statements.

Revenue recognition

Revenue from online music services

Our music service revenues primarily include revenues from paid subscriptions, sales of digital music singles and albums, content sublicensing and online advertising.

 

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We provide to our users certain subscription packages which entitle paying subscribers a fixed amount of non-accumulating downloads per month and unlimited “ad-free” streaming of our full music content offerings with certain privilege features on our music platforms. The subscription fee for these packages is time-based and is collected upfront from subscribers. The terms of time-based subscriptions range from one month to twelve months. The receipt of subscription fee is initially recorded as deferred revenue. We satisfy our various performance obligations by providing services throughout the subscription period and revenue is recognized accordingly.

We also provide our users with services that allow them to purchase early release access to certain new digital music singles and albums. These singles and albums can be downloaded and streamed only through our platform. Such music singles and albums will be made available to all users to access after the initial launch period. We consider that we provide the early access to the newly launched singles and albums within our platform as opposed to providing functional intellectual property to the users. As a result, the performance obligation of providing early access is satisfied over time.

The above services can be paid directly through online payment channels or through various third party platforms. We record revenue on a gross basis according to the criteria stated in “principal agent consideration” below and recognize service fees levied by online payment channels or third party platforms (“Channel Fees”) as the cost of revenues in the same period as the related revenue is recognized.

We sublicense certain of our music content to other music platforms for a fixed period of time, typically one year, that falls within the original license period. We are obliged to replicate the licensed content library for any subsequent changes in the contents, including any new content or removal of existing content, updated by the content partners any time during the sublicense period. As a result, we determine sublicense of content as a single performance obligation. Revenues from sublicensing the content is recognized over the sublicense period. We only recognize revenue when it is highly probable that this will not result in a significant reversal of revenue when any uncertainty is resolved. We do not adjust the promised amount of consideration for the effects of any significant financing component as the sublicense period is typically one year.

Advertising revenue is primarily generated through display ads on our platforms. Advertising contracts are signed to establish the fixed price and advertising services to be provided based on cost per display (“CPD”) or cost per mille (“CPM”) arrangements. When the collectability is reasonably assured, advertising revenues from the CPD arrangements are recognized ratably over the contract period of display based on a time-based measure of progress as the performance obligation is expended evenly over the period, while revenue from the CPM arrangements are recognized based on the number of times that the advertisement has been displayed. We allocate revenue to each performance obligation on a relative stand-alone selling price basis which is determined with reference to the prices charged to customers.

We also enter into contracts with advertising agencies both third-party and controlled by Tencent, which represent us in negotiation and contracting with advertisers. We share with these advertising agencies a portion of the revenues we derive from our advertisers. Revenues are recognized on a gross or net basis based on assessment according to the criteria stated in “Principal agent consideration” below. If revenues for advertising through these advertising agencies are recorded at the gross amount, the portion remitted to advertising agencies, including any cash incentive in the form of commissions, is recorded as cost of revenues. If revenues for advertising through these advertising agencies are recorded at the net amount, cash incentives, in the form of commissions to any advertising agencies based on volume and performance, are accounted for as a reduction of revenue, based on expected performance.

Revenue from social entertainment services and others

We sell virtual gifts to users on our online karaoke and live streaming platforms. The virtual gifts are sold to users at different specified prices as pre-determined by us. The utilization of each virtual gift sold to users is

 

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considered as the performance obligation and we allocate revenue to each performance obligation on a relative stand-alone selling price basis, which are determined based on the prices charged to customers.

Virtual gifts are categorized as consumable, time-based and durable. Consumable virtual gifts are consumed upon purchase and use while time-based virtual gifts can be used for a fixed period. We do not have further obligations to the user after the virtual gifts are consumed immediately or after the stated period of time for time-based items. The revenue for the sale of consumable virtual gifts on the online streaming platforms is recognized immediately when a virtual item is consumed or, in the case of a time-based virtual item, recognized ratably over the useful life of the items, which generally do not exceed one year. We do not have further obligations to the user after the virtual gifts are consumed. We recognize the revenue for sale of durable virtual gifts on the online karaoke platform over their estimated lifespans of not longer than six months, which are determined by the management based on the expected service period derived from past experiences, given there is an implicit obligation of us to maintain the virtual gifts operated on our platform.

We may share with performers a portion of the revenues derived from the sale of the virtual gifts on the online karaoke and live streaming platforms. Revenues for the sale of virtual gifts are recorded at the gross amount while the portion remitted to performers is recorded as cost of revenues as we consider ourselves as the primary obligor in the sale of virtual gifts with the latitude in establishing prices, and the rights to determine the specifications or change the virtual gifts.

In addition to virtual item sales, we also generate revenue from online karaoke and live streaming services by selling premium memberships that provide paying users with certain privileges. The fees for these packages are time-based ranging from one month to twelve months and are collected up-front from subscribers. The receipt of subscription fee is initially recorded as deferred revenue. We satisfy our performance obligation by providing services over the subscription period and revenue is recognized ratably over the subscription period.

Principal agent consideration

We report the revenue on a gross or net basis depending on whether we are acting as a principal or an agent in a transaction. The determination of whether to report our revenues on a gross or net basis is based on an evaluation of various factors, including but not limited to whether we (i) are the primary obligor in the arrangement; (ii) have latitude in establishing the selling price; (iii) change the product or perform part of the service; and (iv) have involvement in the determination of product and service specifications.

We do not disclose the information about the remaining performance obligations as the our performance obligations have an expected duration of one year or less.

Business combination

In business combinations, we allocate the fair value of purchase consideration to the tangible assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and intangible assets acquired based on their estimated fair values. The excess of the fair value of purchase consideration over the fair values of these identifiable assets and liabilities is recorded as goodwill. Such valuations require us to make significant estimates and assumptions, especially with respect to intangible assets.

Income taxes

We are subject to income taxes in numerous jurisdictions. Judgement is required in determining the provision for income taxes. Where the final tax outcome of these matters is different from the amounts that were initially recorded, such differences will impact current income tax and deferred income tax in the period in which such determination is made.

 

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Share-based Compensation Expense and Valuation of Our Ordinary Shares

Share-based compensation relating to TME Incentive Plans

We maintain three share-based compensation plans, namely, the 2014 Share Incentive Plan (the “2014 Share Incentive Plan”) that was adopted in 2014 and the 2017 Option Plan and 2017 Restricted Share Scheme that were adopted in 2017 (together with the 2014 Share Incentive Plan, the “TME Incentive Plans”). The share-based equity awards granted under the TME Incentive Plans are measured at fair value and recognized as an expense, net of estimated forfeitures, over the vesting period, which is the period over which all of the specified vesting conditions are to be satisfied, and credited to equity. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and revised in the subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.

2014 Share Incentive Plan

The 2014 Share Incentive Plan was approved by the then board of directors of our Company in October 2014 prior to Tencent’s acquisition of CMC. As of the date of this prospectus, according to the 2014 Share Incentive Plan, 101,785,256 ordinary shares have been reserved to be issued to qualified employees, directors, non-employee directors and consultants as determined by the board of directors of our Company. The options granted pursuant to the 2014 Share Incentive Plan will be exercisable only if the option holder continues employment or provides services through each vesting date. The maximum term of any issued stock option is ten years from the grant date.

The fair values of the equity awards granted pursuant to the 2014 Share Incentive Plan were valued using the binomial model . Assumptions used in such determination of fair value are presented below.

 

     As of December 31,  
     2016     2017  

Risk free interest rate

     1.5     1.5

Expected dividend yield

     0     0

Expected volatility range

     64%-65     64%-65

Exercise multiples

     2.2-2.8       2.2-2.8  

Contractual life

     10 years       10 years  

The binomial model requires the input of highly subjective assumptions. The risk-free rate for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. The expected dividend yield was estimated based on our expected dividend policy over the expected life of the options. We make estimates of the volatility of our common stock at the date of grant based on the historical volatility of similar U.S. and Hong Kong public companies for a period equal to the expected life preceding the grant date. The exercise multiples were estimated based on the vesting and contractual terms of the awards and management’s expectation of exercise behavior of the grantees.

The following table sets forth the fair value of the options granted pursuant to the 2014 Share Incentive Plan estimated at the dates of grants indicated below with the assistance from an independent valuation firm.

 

Date of Grant

   Number of
Options Granted (1)
     Exercise Price (1)      Fair Value of
Options (1)
     Fair Value of
Ordinary Shares for
Financial
Reporting Purposes (1)
 

March 1, 2015

     7,482,654        US$0.35        US$1.93        US$2.27

March 1, 2015

     12,361,040        US$0.2664        US$1.98        US$2.27

March 1, 2015

     27,666,140        US$0.2664        US$1.99        US$2.27

March 1, 2015

     2,862,650        US$0.2664        US$1.3        US$1.56 ** 

March 1, 2015

     272,110        US$0.2664        US$2.00        US$2.27

March 1, 2015

     13,532,090        US$0.000076        US$2.27        US$2.27

March 1, 2015

     2,555,800        US$0.000076        US$1.56        US$1.56 ** 

March 30, 2015

     4,212,080        US$0.2664        US$2.00        US$2.27

 

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Date of Grant

   Number of
Options Granted (1)
     Exercise Price (1)      Fair Value of
Options (1)
     Fair Value of
Ordinary Shares for
Financial
Reporting Purposes (1)
 

July 1, 2015

     3,600,000        US$0.2664        US$1.99        US$2.27

July 1, 2015

     217,690        US$0.2664        US$2.00        US$2.27

October 1, 2015

     1,019,140        US$0.2664        US$2.00        US$2.27

December 31, 2015

     3,753,220        US$0.2664        US$2.01        US$2.27

December 31, 2015

     375,840        US$0.000076        US$2.27        US$2.27

March 1, 2016

     163,270        US$0.2664        US$1.98        US$2.27

March 1, 2016

     70,310        US$0.2664        US$1.99        US$2.27

March 1, 2016

     751,770        US$0.2664        US$2.00        US$2.27

March 1, 2016

     500,000        US$0.2664        US$2.01        US$2.27

March 31, 2016

     315,640        US$0.2664        US$2.01        US$2.27

March 31, 2016

     108,850        US$0.2664        US$1.99        US$2.27

June 1, 2016

     7,098,340        US$0.2664        US$1.99        US$2.27

June 1, 2016

     800,000        US$0.000076        US$2.27        US$2.27

June 30, 2016

     653,070        US$0.000076        US$2.27        US$2.27

June 30, 2016

     13,530,540        US$0.2664        US$2.10        US$2.27

 

Notes:

*

Represents the fair value of our company’s ordinary shares as of July 12, 2016, as the options were remeasured at the fair value as of the date of completion of Tencent’s acquisition of CMC on July 12, 2016.

**

Represents the fair value of CMC’s ordinary shares initially measured as of March 1, 2015, the date of grant; such options were not remeasured as they had been fully vested prior to the completion of Tencent’s acquisition of CMC.

(1)

In December 2017, we distributed a share dividend to certain of our shareholders. See “Dividend Policy.” In May 2018, to offset the dilution effect resulting from such share dividend, we made certain adjustments to the number of awards outstanding, the applicable exercise price and the number of shares available for issuance for future awards under our share incentive plans (the “2018 ESOP Adjustments”). The numbers of options granted and the exercise prices presented in this table have been adjusted to reflect the effect of the 2018 ESOP Adjustments. Since the 2018 ESOP Adjustments were made pursuant to the anti-dilution clause under the 2014 Share Incentive Plan, the increase in the number of options granted resulting from the 2018 ESOP Adjustments was not treated as new grants of awards and accordingly, the grant-date fair value of options and grant-date fair value of underlying ordinary shares for reporting purposes presented in this table were not adjusted. The number of ordinary shares available for issuance for future awards under the 2014 Share Incentive Plan immediately before and after the 2018 ESOP Adjustments were 57,442,193 and 62,522,802 ordinary shares, respectively. For the impact of the 2018 ESOP Adjustments on the number of outstanding awards granted pursuant to the 2014 Share Incentive Plan, see Note 18 to the condensed consolidated interim financial information for the six months ended June 30, 2018 included elsewhere in this prospectus.

2017 Option Plan and 2017 Restricted Share Scheme

Binomial model is used to measure the fair value of equity awards granted pursuant to the 2017 Option Plan and 2017 Restricted Share Scheme. The determination of the fair value is affected by the share price as well as assumptions regarding a number of complex and subjective variables, including the expected share price volatility, expected forfeiture rate, risk-free interest rates, contract life and expected dividends.

Assumptions used in such determination of fair value are presented below.

 

     As of December 31,     As of
June 30,
 
     2016     2017     2018  

Risk free interest rate

     1.6     2.1%-2.5     2.97

Expected dividend yield

     0     0     0

Expected volatility range

     55     55%-60     60

Exercise multiples

     2.8       2.2-2.8       2.8  

Contractual life

     10 years       10 years       10 years  

 

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The following table sets forth the fair value of the options granted pursuant to the 2017 Option Plan estimated at the dates of grants indicated below with the assistance from an independent valuation firm.

 

Date of Grant

   Number of
Options Granted (1)
     Exercise Price (1)      Fair Value of
Options (1)
    Fair Value of
Ordinary Shares
For Financial
Reporting
Purposes (1)
 

October 1, 2016

     2,687,126        US$2.3244      US$ 0.99     US$ 2.14  

October 1, 2016

     10,411,804        US$2.3244      US$ 1.04     US$ 2.14  

August 31, 2017

     8,767,590        US$0.2644      US$ 3.39     US$ 3.66  

December 20, 2017

     7,902,280        US$2.3244      US$ 2.78     US$ 4.04  

April 16, 2018

     1,300,000        US$4.0363      US$ 2.49     US$ 4.04  

September 3, 2018

     460,724        US$2.6909        —   (2)      US$ 6.52  

The following table sets forth the fair value of the restricted shares granted pursuant to the 2017 Restricted Share Scheme estimated at the dates of grants indicated below with the assistance from an independent valuation firm:

 

Date of Grant

   Number of
Restricted
Shares
Granted (1)
     Fair Value of
Restricted Shares (1)
     Fair Value of
Ordinary Shares
For Financial
Reporting
Purposes (1)
 

October 1, 2016

     7,806,700      US$ 2.14      US$ 2.14  

February 1, 2017

     440,970      US$ 2.14      US$ 2.14  

July 17, 2017

     473,400      US$ 3.66      US$ 3.66  

August 15, 2017

     42,150      US$ 3.66      US$ 3.66  

October 16, 2017

     387,200      US$ 3.66      US$ 3.66  

January 15, 2018

     303,590      US$ 4.04      US$ 4.04  

February 9, 2018

     50,000      US$ 4.04      US$ 4.04  

April 16, 2018

     521,460      US$ 4.04      US$ 4.04  

July 16, 2018

     638,530      US$ 4.27      US$ 4.27  

August 15, 2018

     304,570      US$ 6.52      US$ 6.52  

August 30, 2018

     2,870,170      US$ 6.52      US$ 6.52  

September 17, 2018

     140,660      US$ 6.52      US$ 6.52  

  

 

Note:

(1)

For the options and restricted shares that were granted prior to January 1, 2018, the numbers of options granted and restricted shares granted and the exercise prices presented in these tables have been adjusted to reflect the effect of the 2018 ESOP Adjustments. For more information about the 2018 ESOP Adjustments, see “—2014 Share Incentive Plan.” Since the 2018 ESOP Adjustments were made pursuant to the anti-dilution clauses under the 2017 Option Plan and the 2017 Restricted Share Scheme, the increases in the number of options granted and restricted shares granted resulting from the 2018 ESOP Adjustments was not treated as new grants of awards and accordingly, the grant-date fair value of options and restricted shares and grant-date fair value of underlying ordinary shares for reporting purposes presented in these tables were not adjusted to reflect the effect of the 2018 ESOP Adjustments. The number of ordinary shares available for issuance for future awards under the 2017 Option Plan immediately before and after the 2018 ESOP Adjustments were 34,826,662 and 37,906,988 ordinary shares, respectively. The number of restricted shares available for issuance for future awards under the 2017 Restricted Share Scheme immediately before and after the 2018 ESOP Adjustments were 40,157,263 and 43,709,066 restricted shares, respectively. For the impact of the 2018 ESOP Adjustments on the number of outstanding awards granted pursuant to the 2017 Option Plan and the 2017 Restricted Share Scheme, see Note 18 to the condensed consolidated interim financial information for the six months ended June 30, 2018 included elsewhere in this prospectus.

(2)

The fair value of options granted on September 3, 2018 is not available because no valuation was performed for these options since, as agreed between the Company and the individuals as the optionees, these options were granted solely for the purpose of satisfying the Company’s contractual obligation to issue options to these individuals and such options were forfeited immediately after the grant.

 

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Fair value of ordinary shares

Prior to our initial public offering, we were a private company with no quoted market prices for our ordinary shares. We therefore needed to make estimates of the fair value of our ordinary shares at various dates for the purpose of determining the fair value of our ordinary shares at the date of the grant of share-based compensation awards to our employees as one of the inputs into determining the grant date fair value of the award.

With the assistance of an independent valuation firm, we evaluated the use of three generally accepted valuation approaches: market, cost and income approaches to estimate the ordinary shares of our company. For the award grant dates where there were equity financing transactions with independent third parties within half year after transaction, we adopted market approach by referring to the transaction prices as the fair value indication of our ordinary share prices. For the award grant dates where there were no equity financing transactions within half year, we applied an income approach, specifically a discounted cash flow, or DCF, analysis based on our projected cash flows using management’s best estimates as of the valuation date. The income approach involves applying appropriate discount rates to estimated cash flows that are based on earnings forecasts. However, these fair values are inherently uncertain and highly subjective.

The major assumptions used in calculating the fair value of our ordinary shares using income approach include:

 

   

Discount Rates . The discount rates listed out in the table below were based on the weighted average cost of capital, which was determined based on a number of factors including risk-free rate, comparative industry risk, equity risk premium, company size and non-systemic risk factors.

 

   

Comparable Companies . In deriving the weighted average cost of capital used as the discount rates under the income approach as of August 31, 2017 and July 12, 2018, seven and eleven publicly traded companies were respectively selected for reference as our guideline companies. The guideline companies were selected based on the following criteria: (i) they operate in the digital entertainment industry and (ii) their shares are publicly traded in the renowned stock markets, namely United States, Hong Kong and Korea.

 

   

Discount for Lack of Marketability, or DLOM . DLOM was quantified by the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Under this option-pricing method, the cost of the put option, which could be used to hedge the price change before the privately held shares can be sold, was considered as a basis to determine the DLOM. The key assumptions of such model include risk-free rate, timing of a liquidity event (such as an initial public offering), and estimated volatility of our shares. The farther the valuation date is from an expected liquidity event, the higher the put option value and thus the higher the implied DLOM. The lower DLOM is used for the valuation, the higher is the determined fair value of the ordinary shares.

The determination of the equity value requires complex and subjective judgments to be made regarding prospects of the industry and the products at the valuation date, our projected financial and operating results, our unique business risks and the liquidity of our shares.

The following table sets forth the fair value of our ordinary shares estimated at different times prior to our initial public offering with the assistance from an independent valuation firm.

 

Date

   Fair Value per
Ordinary share
(US$)
    

Valuation Approach

  

DLOM

  

Discount

Rate

  

Type of Valuation

July 12, 2016

     2.27      Market Approach—weighted average of transaction price and implied fair value of non-controlling interest    N/A    N/A    Contemporaneous

 

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Date

   Fair Value per
Ordinary share
(US$)
    

Valuation Approach

  

DLOM

  

Discount

Rate

  

Type of Valuation

October 1, 2016

     2.14      Market Approach based on implied fair value of non-controlling interest from transaction price    N/A    N/A    Contemporaneous

July 31, 2017

     3.66      Income Approach—DCF    20%    14%    Retrospective using contemporaneously prepared cash flow projections

December 20, 2017

     4.04      Market Approach based on transaction price which was on a non-controlling basis    N/A    N/A    Contemporaneous

April 16, 2018

     4.04      Market Approach based on transaction price which was on a non-controlling basis    N/A    N/A    Contemporaneous

July 12, 2018

     6.52      Income Approach—DCF    5%    12%    Contemporaneous

Once a public trading market of the ADSs has been established in connection with the completion of this offering, it will no longer be necessary for us to estimate the fair value of our ordinary shares in connection with our accounting for granted share options.

Share-based compensation relating to Tencent Incentive Plans

Prior to July 2016, certain of the employees associated with Tencent’s online music business in the PRC were granted equity awards pursuant to certain share-based compensation plans of Tencent (collectively, the “Tencent Incentive Plans”). In July 2016, after Tencent acquired the control of CMC, Tencent’s online music business in the PRC, together with the associated employees, was transferred to us and, accordingly, the share-based compensation expense arising from such grants was allocated to us and recognized as share-based compensation expense in our consolidated financial statements. Equity awards granted to our employees pursuant to the Tencent Incentive Plans are measured at the grant date based on the fair value of equity instruments and are recognized as an expense over the vesting period, which is the period over which all of the specified vesting conditions are to be satisfied, and credited to “contribution from shareholder” under equity.

For share options granted to our employees under the Tencent Incentive Plans, the total amount to be expensed is determined by reference to the fair value of the share options granted by using the binomial model.

Assumptions used in such determination of fair value are presented below.

 

     As of December 31,  
     2016     2017  

Risk free interest rate

     0.69     1.39

Expected dividend yield

     0.32     0.33

Expected volatility range

     35     30

Exercise multiples

     2.5       7  

Contractual life

     7 years       7 years  

 

 

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The determination of the fair value of share options is affected by the share price as well as assumptions regarding a number of complex and subjective variables, including the expected share price volatility, expected forfeiture rate, risk-free interest rates, contract life and expected dividends. These assumptions involve inherent uncertainty. Had different assumptions and estimates been used, the resulting fair value of the share options and the resulting share-based compensation expenses could have been different.

The fair value of the awarded shares granted to our employees under the Tencent Incentive Plans was calculated based on the market price of the Tencent’s shares at the respective grant date. The expected dividends during the vesting period have been taken into account when assessing the fair value of these awarded shares. The weighted average fair value of awarded shares granted to our employees under the Tencent Incentive Plans during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017 was HK$172.56 per share (equivalent to approximately RMB144.25 per share) and HK$271.6 per share (equivalent to approximately RMB227.03 per share), respectively. No new awards were granted to our employees under the Tencent Incentive Plan during the six months ended June 30, 2018.

Results of Operations

The following table summarizes our consolidated results of operations and as percentages of total revenues for the periods presented. Tencent’s acquisition of the control of CMC was completed on July 12, 2016. For a description of this transaction, see “Corporate History and Structure.” As a result, we have consolidated the results of operations of CMC since July 12, 2016.

 

     For the Year Ended December 31,     For the Six Months Ended June 30,  
     2016     2017     2017     2018  
     RMB     %     RMB     US$     %     RMB     %     RMB     US$     %  
     (in millions, except for percentages)  

Revenues

                    

Online music services

     2,144       49.2       3,149       476       28.7       1,364       30.4       2,553       386       29.6  

Social entertainment services and others

     2,217       50.8       7,832       1,184       71.3       3,121       69.6       6,066       917       70.4  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

     4,361       100.0       10,981       1,659       100.0       4,485       100.0       8,619       1,303       100.0  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cost of revenues (1)

     (3,129     (71.7     (7,171     (1,084     (65.3     (3,103     (69.2     (5,141     (777     (59.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

     1,232       28.3       3,810       576       34.7       1,382       30.8       3,478       526       40.4  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating expenses

                    

Selling and marketing expenses (1)

     (365     (8.3     (913     (138     (8.3     (298     (6.6     (738     (112     (8.6

General and administrative expenses (1)

     (783     (18.0     (1,521     (230     (13.9     (682     (15.2     (905     (137     (10.5
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     (1,148     (26.3     (2,434     (368     (22.2     (980     (21.8     (1,643     (248     (19.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Interest income

     32       0.7       93       14       0.9       41       0.9       100       15       1.2  

Other (losses)/gains, net

     (13     (0.3     124       19       1.1       36       0.8       12       2       0.1  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating profit

     103       2.4       1,593       241       14.5       479       10.7       1,947       294       22.6  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Share of net profit of investments accounted for using equity method

     11       0.2       4       1       0.0       (1     (0.0     (7     (1     (0.1

Fair value change on liabilities of puttable shares

     —         —         —         —         —         —         —         (17     (3     (0.2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Profit before income tax

     114       2.6       1,597       241       14.5       478       10.7       1,923       291       22.3  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income tax expenses

     (29     (0.7     (278     (42     (2.5     (83     (1.9     (180     (27     (2.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Profit for the year/period

     85       1.9       1,319       199       12.0       395       8.8       1,743       263       20.2  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Note:

(1)

Share-based compensation expenses were allocated as follows:

 

     For the Year Ended December 31,      For the Six Months Ended June 30,  
     2016      2017      2017      2018  
     RMB      RMB      US$      RMB      RMB      US$  
     (in millions)  

Cost of revenues

     10        27        4        12        11        2  

Selling and marketing expenses

     6        12        2        5        6        1  

General and administrative expenses

     154        345        52        165        218        33  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     170        384        58        182        235        36  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2017

Revenues

Our revenues increased by 92.2% from RMB4,485 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 to RMB8,619 million (US$1,303 million) for the six months ended June 30, 2018.

Online music services

Our revenues generated from online music services increased by 87.2% from RMB1,364 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 to RMB2,553 million (US$386 million) for the six months ended June 30, 2018, mainly driven by (i) increased revenues from paid online music services as a result of increased paying ratio and the growth of the user base of our online music services; and (ii) increased revenues generated through sublicensing music content to third parties.

From the second quarter of 2017 to the second quarter of 2018, the mobile MAUs of our online music services grew from approximately 606 million to 644 million, and the number of paying users of our online music services grew from approximately 16.6 million to 23.3 million. During the same period, the paying ratio for our online music services grew from 2.7% to 3.6%. Specifically, the increased paying ratio of our online music services was primarily driven by the enhanced quantity and quality of our paid music content offerings and our increased promotion of paid music library to our users. The increase in our sublicensing revenues was primarily due to the increased price of licensed music content and, to a lesser extent, the increased number of sublicensing arrangements we entered into with other online music platforms in China.

Social entertainment services and others

Our revenues generated from social entertainment services and others increased by 94.4% from RMB3,121 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 to RMB6,066 million (US$917 million) for the six months ended June 30, 2018, mainly driven by an increase in the revenues generated from our online karaoke and live streaming services.

The increase in the revenues generated from online karaoke and live streaming services was mainly due to (i) increased average revenue per paying user which was attributable to the introduction of additional functions, such as virtual karaoke rooms and premium memberships on WeSing , that began to gain momentum in the second half of 2017; (ii) increased paying user ratio, driven by the enhanced willingness of users to purchase virtual gifts, primarily due to the increased number and activities of performers and the enhanced quality of the live streaming content offered on our social entertainment platform; and (iii) growth of our user base, which was driven by our efforts to deliver an integrated music entertainment experience to effectively attract users of our online music services to use our online karaoke and live streaming services.

From the second quarter of 2017 to the second quarter of 2018, the mobile MAUs of our social entertainment services grew from approximately 200 million to 228 million, and the number of paying users of our social entertainment services grew from approximately 7.1 million to 9.5 million. During the same period, the paying ratio for our social entertainment services grew from 3.5% to 4.2%.

 

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Cost of revenues

Our cost of revenues increased by 65.7% from RMB3,103 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 to RMB5,141 million (US$777 million) for the six months ended June 30, 2018, primarily driven by increases in service costs from RMB2,639 million to RMB4,499 million (US$680 million) during the same period. The increase in service costs was primarily due to the increases in license fees and revenue sharing fees. The increase in license fees was mainly attributable to increased market price of music content and increased amount of music content licensed from music labels and other content partners. The increase in revenue sharing fees reflected the increased sales of virtual gifts driven by the growth in our online karaoke and live streaming services.

The increase in other cost of revenues from RMB464 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 to RMB642 million (US$97 million) for the six months ended June 30, 2018 was primarily attributable to higher payment channel costs and higher personnel costs, which were generally in line with our revenue growth during the same period.

Gross profit

As a result of the foregoing, our gross profit increased by 151.7% from RMB1,382 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 to RMB3,478 million (US$526 million) for the six months ended June 30, 2018. During the same period, our gross margin increased from 30.8% for the six months ended June 30, 2017 to 40.4% for the six months ended June 30, 2018.

Operating expenses

Our operating expenses increased by 67.7% from RMB980 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 to RMB1,643 million (US$248 million) for the six months ended June 30, 2018.

Selling and marketing expenses

Our selling and marketing expenses increased by 147.7% from RMB298 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 to RMB738 million (US$112 million) for the six months ended June 30, 2018, which was mainly driven by increased spending to promote our brands, products and content offerings and increased spending on user acquisition channels.

General and administrative expenses

Our general and administrative expenses increased by 32.7% from RMB682 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 to RMB905 million (US$137 million) for the six months ended June 30, 2018, which was mainly attributable to (i) an increase in our employee benefit expenses in connection with our acquisition of Ultimate Music in 2017 as well as our expansion of personnel to continually improve our product innovation and technology capabilities; and (ii) the increase in professional service expenses, which mainly included legal fees incurred in connection with our copyright protection activities and professional fees incurred in connection with this offering.

Other gains, net

Our other gains, net decreased by 66.7% from RMB36 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 to RMB12 million (US$2 million) for the six months ended June 30, 2018. The change was mainly due to net foreign exchange losses of RMB15 million (US$2.3 million) for the six months ended June 30, 2018 as opposed to net foreign exchange gains of RMB19 million (US$2.9 million) for the same period of 2017 as a result of appreciation of US dollars against RMB, which was partially offset by an increase in government grants.

Operating profit

As a result of the foregoing, our operating profit increased significantly from RMB479 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 to RMB1,947 million (US$294 million) for the six months ended June 30, 2018.

Income tax expense

We had an income tax expense of RMB83 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and RMB180 million (US$27 million) for the six months ended June 30, 2018. The increase in our income tax

 

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expense from the six months ended June 30, 2017 to the same period of 2018 was mainly due to an increase in our income before income tax, partially offset by the preferential enterprise income tax rates applicable to certain of our PRC subsidiaries with Software Enterprise status. For more information about such preferential enterprise income tax rates, see “—Taxation—PRC.”

Profit for the period

As a result of the foregoing, our profit for the period increased significantly from RMB395 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 to RMB1,743 million (US$263 million) for the six months ended June 30, 2018.

Year Ended December 31, 2017 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2016

Revenues

Our revenues increased by 151.8% from RMB4,361 million in 2016 to RMB10,981 million (US$1,659 million) in 2017.

Online music services

Our revenues generated from online music services increased by 46.9% from RMB2,144 million in 2016 to RMB3,149 million (US$476 million) in 2017, mainly driven by (i) increased revenues from paid online music services as a result of higher paying ratio of our online music services, as well as an enlarged paying user base as a result of consolidation of CMC’s results; (ii) increased revenues generated through sublicensing music content to third parties; and (iii) increased revenues generated from sales of digital music singles and albums. For the three months ended June 30, 2016, the number of CMC’s online music paying users was approximately 1.4 million.

Specifically, the increased user base and paying ratio of our online music services was attributable to our continued efforts to expand our licensed music offerings and improve user experience to attract more paying users as well as to the enlarged music library resulting from consolidation of CMC’s results. As of March 31, 2016, CMC’s content library included approximately 3.8 million tracks. The increase in our sublicensing revenues was primarily due to increased price of licensed music content and, to a lesser extent, the increased number of sublicensing arrangements we entered into with other online music platforms in China.

From the fourth quarter of 2016 to the fourth quarter of 2017, the mobile MAUs of our online music services grew from approximately 589 million to 603 million, and the number of paying users of our online music services grew from approximately 13.5 million to 19.4 million. During the same period, the paying ratio for our online music services grew from 2.3% to 3.2%.

Social entertainment services and others

Our revenues generated from social entertainment services and others increased significantly by 253.3% from RMB2,217 million in 2016 to RMB7,832 million (US$1,184 million) in 2017, mainly driven by (i) an increase in the revenues generated from our online karaoke and live streaming services; and (ii) to a lesser extent, the revenues generated from our music merchandise sales and other music-related services.

Our revenues generated from online karaoke and live streaming services increased primarily due to (i) Tencent’s acquisition of CMC’s live streaming business, with approximately 0.4 million paying users for the three months ended June 30, 2016, which constitutes a majority of our current live streaming service offerings; (ii) the substantial growth in our online karaoke user base, as well as increased paying user ratio for our online karaoke services which was primarily driven by the introduction of social networking features on our WeSing mobile app; and (iii) the substantial organic growth in our live streaming user base, which was driven by our enhanced efforts to direct users of our online music services to our live streaming services.

From the fourth quarter of 2016 to the fourth quarter of 2017, the mobile MAUs of our social entertainment services grew from approximately 151 million to 209 million, and the number of paying users of our social entertainment services grew from approximately 4.2 million to 8.3 million. During the same period, the paying ratio for our social entertainment services grew from 2.8% to 4.0%.

 

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Cost of revenues

Our cost of revenues increased by 129.2% from RMB3,129 million in 2016 to RMB7,171 million (US$1,084 million) in 2017, primarily driven by increases in service costs from RMB2,481 million in 2016 to RMB6,142 million (US$928 million) in 2017.

The increase in service costs was primarily due to the increase in license fees and revenue sharing fees. The increase in license fees was mainly attributable to (i) increased music content licensed from music labels and other content partners; (ii) increased market price of music content; and (iii) increased license fees as a result of the consolidation of CMC’s results. The increase in revenue sharing fees from 2016 to 2017 was primarily driven by increased sales of virtual gifts in live streaming services as a result of consolidation of results of CMC which constitutes a majority of our current live streaming services, as well as organic growth in our online karaoke and live streaming businesses in line with revenue growth.

The increase in other cost of revenues from RMB648 million in 2016 to RMB1,029 million (US$156 million) in 2017 was primarily attributable to (i) the consolidation of CMC’s other cost of revenues after Tencent’s acquisition of CMC; and (ii) increased costs associated with sales of music-related merchandise.

Gross profit

As a result of the foregoing, our gross profit increased by 209.3% from RMB1,232 million in 2016 to RMB3,810 million (US$576 million) in 2017. Our gross margin increased from 28.3% in 2016 to 34.7% in 2017.

Operating expenses

Our operating expenses increased by 112.0% from RMB1,148 million in 2016 to RMB2,434 million (US$368 million) in 2017.

Selling and marketing expenses

Our selling and marketing expenses increased by 150.1% from RMB365 million in 2016 to RMB913 million (US$138 million) in 2017, which was mainly attributable to the fact that our selling and marketing expenses for the period beginning on January 1, 2016 up to the completion of Tencent’s acquisition of CMC on July 12, 2016 did not include CMC’s selling and marketing expenses for the same period. The increase in our selling and marketing expenses was also driven by increased branding and promotion spending to promote TME as an integrated online music entertainment brand following our consolidation of CMC’s results and the resulting increased spending on user acquisition channels, as well as increased spending on promoting our mobile apps, including through holding music events.

General and administrative expenses

Our general and administrative expenses increased by 94.3% from RMB783 million in 2016 to RMB1,521 million (US$230 million) in 2017, which was mainly attributable to the fact that our general and administrative expenses for the period beginning on January 1, 2016 up to the completion of Tencent’s acquisition of CMC on July 12, 2016 did not include CMC’s general and administrative expenses for the same period.

The increase in our general and administrative expenses was also driven by (i) an organic increase in our R&D expenses, which grew from RMB449 million in 2016 to reach RMB797 million (US$120 million) in 2017, as we expanded our R&D personnel to continually improve our product innovation and technology capabilities; (ii) the increase in the amortization of intangible assets, which was primarily because we recorded a higher amortization cost associated with the Kugou and Kuwo platforms operated by CMC in 2017 than in 2016 following our consolidation of CMC’s results of operations; (iii) the increase in professional service expenses, which mainly included legal fees incurred in connection with our copyright protection activities and accounting fees; and (iv) the increase in other general and administrative expenses, mainly including administrative fees and depreciation expenses.

 

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Other (losses)/gains, net

Our other gains, net, was RMB124 million (US$19 million) in 2017, as compared to other losses, net of RMB13 million in 2016. The change was mainly due to (i) a gain on the step-up acquisition of Ultimate Music in the amount of RMB72 million (US$11 million), (ii) increased government grants, and (iii) net foreign exchange gains.

Operating profit

As a result of the foregoing, our operating profit increased significantly from RMB103 million in 2016 to RMB1,593 million (US$241 million) in 2017.

Income tax expense

We had an income tax expense of RMB29 million in 2016 and RMB278 million (US$42 million) in 2017. Our income tax expense in 2016 and 2017 resulted from the net profit position of certain operating entities in the PRC. The increase in our income tax expense from 2016 to 2017 was mainly due to an increase in our income before income tax.

Profit for the year

As a result of the foregoing, our profit for the year increased significantly from RMB85 million in 2016 to RMB1,319 million (US$199 million) in 2017.

 

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Selected Quarterly Results of Operations

The following table sets forth our unaudited consolidated quarterly results of operation for the periods indicated. You should read the following table in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus. We have prepared the unaudited consolidated quarterly financial information on the same basis as our consolidated financial statements. The unaudited consolidated quarterly financial information includes all adjustments, consisting only of normal and recurring adjustments, that we consider necessary for a fair statement of our operating results for the quarters presented.

 

    For the Three Months Ended  
    Sep. 30,
2016
    Dec. 31,
2016
    Mar. 31,
2017
    Jun. 30,
2017
    Sep. 30,
2017
    Dec. 31,
2017
    Mar. 31,
2018
    Jun. 30,
2018
 
    (RMB in millions)  

Revenues

               

Online music services

    585       749       719       645       737       1,048       1,254       1,299  

Social entertainment services and others

    890       1,252       1,386       1,735       2,173       2,538       2,862       3,204  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

    1,475       2,001       2,105       2,380       2,910       3,586       4,116       4,503  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cost of revenues (1)

    (1,045     (1,317     (1,426     (1,677     (1,876     (2,192     (2,433     (2,708
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

    430       684       679       703       1,034       1,394       1,683       1,795  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating expenses

               

Selling and marketing expenses (1)

    (157     (164     (130     (168     (257     (358     (364     (374

General and administrative expenses (1)

    (343     (326     (326     (356     (342     (497     (446     (459
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

    (500     (490     (456     (524     (599     (855     (810     (833
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Interest income

    6       27       21       20       28       24       37       63  

Other gains/(losses), net

    3       (17     7       29       1       87       23       (11
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating profit

    (61     204       251       228       464       650       933       1,014  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Share of net profit of investments accounted for using equity method

    14       (3     —         (1     8       (3     —         (7

Fair value change on liabilities of puttable shares

    —         —         —         —         —         —         (8     (9
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Profit/(loss) before income tax

    (47     201       251       227       472       647       925       998  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income tax expenses

    2       (41     (44     (39     (82     (113     (85     (95
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Profit/(loss) for the year/period

    (45     160       207       188       390       534       840       903  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Note:

(1)

Share-based compensation expenses were allocated as follows:

 

    For the Three Months Ended  
    Sep. 30,
2016
    Dec. 31,
2016
    Mar. 31,
2017
    Jun. 30,
2017
    Sep. 30,
2017
    Dec. 31,
2017
    Mar. 31,
2018
    Jun. 30,
2018
 
    (RMB in millions)  

Cost of revenue

    4       5       6       6       4       11       7       4  

Selling and marketing expenses

    2       4       3       2       3       4       4       2  

General and administrative expenses

    63       81       84       81       51       129       121       97  

Total

    69       90       93       89       58       144       132       103  

 

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Our revenues generated from online music services continued to increase during these periods, primarily due to (i) increased revenues from paid online music services as a result of higher paying ratio of our online music services, as well as growth of our user base; (ii) increased revenues generated through sublicensing music content to third parties; (iii) increased advertising revenues; and (iv) increased revenues generated from sales of digital music singles and albums. Our revenues generated from social entertainment services and others also increased significantly during these periods, mainly driven by an increase in the revenues generated from our online karaoke and live streaming services as a result of higher paying ratio as well as growth of our user base; and, to a lesser extent, the revenues generated from our music merchandise sales and other music-related services.

The revenues generated from online music services declined in the first quarter of 2017, primarily because we generated significant sublicensing revenues in the fourth quarter of 2016. The revenues generated from online music services was higher in the first quarter of 2017 as compared to the second quarter of 2017, which was primarily due to more revenues generated from sublicensing as well as revenues from sales of new music albums released in the first quarter.

Non-IFRS Financial Measure

We use adjusted profit for the year/period, which is a non-IFRS financial measure, in evaluating our operating results and for financial and operational decision-making purposes. We believe that adjusted profit for the year/period helps identify underlying trends in our business that could otherwise be distorted by the effect of certain expenses that we include in our profit for the year/period. We believe that adjusted profit for the year/period provides useful information about our results of operations, enhances the overall understanding of our past performance and future prospects and allows for greater visibility with respect to key metrics used by our management in its financial and operational decision-making.

Adjusted profit for the year/period should not be considered in isolation or construed as an alternative to operating profit, profit for the year/period or any other measure of performance or as an indicator of our operating performance. Investors are encouraged to review adjusted profit for the year/period and the reconciliation to its most directly comparable IFRS measure. Adjusted profit for the year/period presented here may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies. Other companies may calculate similarly titled measures differently, limiting their usefulness as comparative measures to our data. We encourage investors and others to review our financial information in its entirety and not rely on a single financial measure.

 

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Adjusted profit for the year/period represents profit for the year/period excluding share-based compensation expenses, net gains from equity investments, amortization related to intangible and other assets resulting from the acquisitions of CMC and Ultimate Music and impairment provision for investment in associates. The table below sets forth a reconciliation of our profit for the year/period to adjusted profit for the year/period for the periods indicated.

 

     For the Year Ended December 31,     For the Six Months Ended June 30,  
     2016     2017     2017      2018  
     RMB     RMB     US$     RMB      RMB     US$  
     (in millions)  

Profit for the year/period

     85       1,319       199       395        1,743       263  

Adjustments:

             

Share-based compensation expenses

     170       384       58       182        235       36  

Net gains from equity investments

     (4     (72     (11     —          (1     (0

Amortization of intangible and other asset arising from business combinations (1)

     175       271       41       155        118       18  

Impairment provision for investment in associates

     —         2       0       —          —         —    

Fair value change on liabilities of puttable shares

     —         —         —         —          17       3  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted profit for the year/period

     426       1,904       288       732        2,112       320  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Note:

(1)

Represents the amortization of identifiable assets, including intangible assets and prepayments for music content, resulting from Tencent’s acquisition of CMC in 2016 and our acquisition of Ultimate Music in 2017, net of related deferred taxes.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash flows and working capital

Our principal sources of liquidity have been cash generated from operating activities and contributions from shareholders. As of June 30, 2018, we had RMB9,529 million (US$1,440 million) in cash and cash equivalents, a significant portion of which were held by our PRC subsidiaries and VIEs and their subsidiaries in China and Tencent Music Entertainment Hong Kong Limited, our wholly-owned subsidiary in Hong Kong. Our cash and cash equivalents consist primarily of bank deposits and highly liquid investments, which have original maturities of three months or less when purchased. Our cash and cash equivalents are primarily denominated in Renminbi. We believe that our current cash and anticipated cash flow from operations will be sufficient to meet our anticipated cash needs, including our cash needs for working capital and capital expenditures, for at least the next 12 months. We collect the majority of our revenues from users who pay in advance.

We intend to finance our future working capital requirements and capital expenditures from cash generated from operating activities and funds raised from financing activities, including the net proceeds we will receive from this offering. We may, however, require additional cash due to changing business conditions or other future developments, including any investments or acquisitions we may decide to pursue. If our existing cash is insufficient to meet our requirements, we may seek to issue debt or equity securities or obtain additional credit facilities. Financing may be unavailable in the amounts we need or on terms acceptable to us, if at all. Issuance of additional equity securities, including convertible debt securities, would dilute our earnings per share. The incurrence of debt would divert cash for working capital and capital expenditures to service debt obligations and could result in operating and financial covenants that restrict our operations and our ability to pay dividends to our shareholders. If we are unable to obtain additional equity or debt financing as required, our business operations and prospects may suffer.

As a holding company with no material operations of our own, we conduct our operations primarily through our PRC subsidiaries and our consolidated VIEs in China. We are permitted under PRC laws and regulations to

 

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provide funding to our PRC subsidiaries in China through capital contributions or loans, subject to the approval of government authorities and limits on the amount of capital contributions and loans. In addition, our subsidiaries in China may provide Renminbi funding to our consolidated VIEs only through entrusted loans. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—PRC regulation of loans to and direct investment in PRC entities by offshore holding companies and governmental control of currency conversion may delay or prevent us from using the proceeds of this offering to make loans to or make additional capital contributions to our PRC subsidiaries, which could materially and adversely affect our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our business” and “Use of Proceeds.” The ability of our subsidiaries in China to make dividends or other cash payments to us is subject to various restrictions under PRC laws and regulations. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—We may rely on dividends and other distributions on equity paid by our PRC subsidiaries to fund any cash and financing requirements we may have, and any limitation on the ability of our PRC subsidiaries to make payments to us could have a material and adverse effect on our ability to conduct our business” and “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—We may be classified as a ‘PRC resident enterprise’ for PRC enterprise income tax purposes, which could result in unfavorable tax consequences to us and our non-PRC shareholders and ADS holders and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and the value of your investment.”

The following table presents our selected consolidated cash flow data for the periods indicated.

 

     For the Year Ended December 31,     For the Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2016     2017     2017     2018  
     RMB     RMB     US$     RMB     RMB     US$  
     (in millions)  

Selected Consolidated Cash Flow Data:

            

Net cash provided by operating activities

     873       2,500       378       1,930       2,056       311  

Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities

     496       (483     (73     (1,570     (573     (87

Net cash provided by financing activities

     1,712       99       15       20       2,855       431  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

     3,081       2,116       320       380       4,338       656  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year/period

     —         3,071       464       3,071       5,174       782  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Exchange (losses)/gains on cash and cash equivalents

     (10     (13     (2     (3     17       3  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year/period

     3,071       5,174       782       3,448       9,529       1,440  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating activities

Net cash provided by operating activities was RMB2,056 million (US$311 million) for the six months ended June 30, 2018. The difference between our profit before income tax of RMB1,923 million (US$291 million) and the net cash provided by operating activities was mainly due to (i) the increase in operating liabilities of RMB987 million (US$149 million) largely due to our overall business growth; (ii) depreciation and amortization of RMB176 million (US$27 million); and (iii) non-cash share-based compensation expense of RMB235 million (US$36 million), partially offset by (i) the increase in operating assets of RMB1,055 million (US$159 million), which was mainly driven by our overall business growth; and (ii) income taxes paid in an amount of RMB199 million (US$30 million).

Net cash provided by operating activities increased from RMB873 million in 2016 to RMB2,500 million (US$378 million) in 2017. This increase was mainly driven by the increased revenues as our businesses continued to grow, partially offset by increased cost of revenues and operating expenses which was generally consistent with our business growth during the same period.

 

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Net cash provided by operating activities was RMB2,500 million (US$378 million) in 2017. The difference between our profit before income tax of RMB1,597 million (US$241 million) and the net cash provided by operating activities was mainly due to (i) the increase in other operating liabilities of RMB1,051 million (US$159 million) largely due to our overall business growth; (ii) depreciation and amortization of RMB379 million (US$57 million); and (iii) non-cash share-based compensation expense of RMB362 million (US$55 million), partially offset by (i) the increase in account receivables of RMB447 million (US$68 million), which was mainly driven by our overall business growth; and (ii) income taxes paid in an amount of RMB207 million (US$31 million).

Net cash provided by operating activities was RMB873 million in 2016. The difference between our profit before income tax of RMB114 million and the net cash provided by operating activities was mainly due to (i) the increase in accounts payables of RMB315 million, which was mainly due to our overall business growth; (ii) depreciation and amortization of RMB236 million; and (iii) the decrease in other operating assets of RMB193 million, which was generally due to changes in prepayments, partially offset by the increase in accounts receivables of RMB266 million. The increase in accounts receivables was largely due to our overall business growth.

Investing activities

Net cash used in investing activities was RMB573 million (US$87 million) for the six months ended June 30, 2018, which was primarily attributable to (i) our net cash payments for business combinations of RMB256 million (US$39 million); (ii) payments for financial assets and equity investments in certain companies of RMB246 million (US$37 million); and (iii) our purchases of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets of RMB47 million (US$7 million).

Net cash used in investing activities was RMB483 million (US$73 million) in 2017, which was primarily attributable to (i) settlement of pre-acquisition dividend payables of RMB591 million (US$89 million); (ii) our purchase of property, plant and equipment of RMB75 million (US$11 million); and (iii) our payment for business combination, net of cash acquired, of RMB72 million (US$11 million), in connection with our acquisition of Ultimate Music in 2017, partially offset by (i) net proceeds from short-term investments, which mainly included financial products offered by commercial banks and financial institutions in China, of RMB261 million (US$39 million); and (ii) proceeds from disposal of investments accounted for using equity method of RMB57 million (US$9 million).

Net cash provided by investing activities was RMB496 million in 2016, which was primarily attributable to (i) cash received from CMC in connection with Tencent’s acquisition of CMC of RMB676 million; and (ii) proceeds from short term investments of RMB371 million, partially offset by (i) settlement of pre-acquisition dividend payables of RMB510 million; and (ii) our purchase of property, plant and equipment of RMB41 million.

Financing activities

Net cash provided by financing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2018 was RMB2,855 million (US$431 million), which was mainly the proceeds we received from the issuance of ordinary shares of RMB2,433 million (US$368 million) and puttable shares of RMB422 million (US$64 million).

Net cash provided by financing activities in 2017 was RMB99 million (US$15 million), which was mainly the proceeds we received from the exercise of certain employee share options of RMB79 million (US$12 million).

Net cash provided by financing activities in 2016 was RMB1,712 million, which was primarily attributable to the issuance of our ordinary shares, from which we received proceeds of RMB1,901 million, and deemed return of contributions arising from the carve out of the PRC music business from Tencent for RMB189 million.

 

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Capital Expenditures

Our capital expenditures are incurred primarily in connection with purchases of property and equipment and intangible assets. Our capital expenditures were RMB41 million, RMB77 million (US$12 million) and RMB47 million (US$7 million), in 2016 and 2017 and the six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively. We intend to fund our future capital expenditures with our existing cash balance and proceeds from this offering. We will continue to make capital expenditures to meet the expected growth of our business.

Contractual Obligations

The following table sets forth our contractual obligations and commitments as of December 31, 2017.

 

     Payment Due by December 31,  
     2018      2019 and
Thereafter
     Total  
     (RMB in millions)  

Operating commitment (1)

     61        44        105  

Content royalties (2)

     1,821        3,102        4,923  

Capital commitment (3)

     4        —          4  

Investment commitment (4)

     29        23        52  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     1,915        3,169        5,084  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Notes:

(1)

Represents our future minimum commitments under non-cancelable operating arrangements, which are mainly related to leased facilities and rental of bandwidth.

(2)

Represents the minimum royalty payments associated with license agreements to which we are subject.

(3)

Represents commitments for non-cancelable agreements to leasehold improvements.

(4)

Represents commitments to acquire the equity interests in certain entities.

See “Specific Factors Affecting our Results of Operations—Our ability to enhance returns on our spending on content” for a discussion of the future trend of our content royalties.

Holding Company Structure

Tencent Music Entertainment Group is a holding company with no material operations of its own. We conduct our operations primarily through our PRC subsidiaries and our consolidated VIEs. As a result, our ability to pay dividends depends upon dividends paid by our subsidiaries which, in turn, depends on the payment of the service fees and royalty payments to our PRC subsidiaries by our consolidated VIEs in the PRC pursuant to certain contractual arrangements. See “Corporate History and Structure—Contractual Arrangements with Our VIEs and Their Respective Shareholders.” In 2016 and 2017 and the first half of 2018, the amount of such services fees and royalty payments paid to our PRC subsidiaries from our VIEs was RMB482.5 million, RMB2,535.5 million (US$383.2 million) and RMB2,839.0 million (US$429.0 million), respectively. We expect that the amounts of such service fees and royalty payments will increase in the foreseeable future as our business continues to grow. If our subsidiaries or any newly formed subsidiaries incur debt on their own behalf in the future, the instruments governing their debt may restrict their ability to pay dividends to us.

In addition, our subsidiaries in China are permitted to pay dividends to us only out of their retained earnings, if any, as determined in accordance with the Accounting Standards for Business Enterprise as promulgated by the Ministry of Finance, or PRC GAAP. In accordance with PRC company laws, our consolidated VIEs in China must make appropriations from their after-tax profit to non-distributable reserve funds including (i) statutory surplus fund and (ii) discretionary surplus fund. The appropriation to the statutory surplus fund must be at least 10% of the after-tax profits calculated in accordance with PRC GAAP. Appropriation is not required if the statutory surplus fund has reached 50% of the registered capital of our consolidated VIEs. Appropriation to discretionary surplus fund is made at the discretion of our consolidated VIEs. Pursuant to the law applicable to

 

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China’s foreign investment enterprise, our subsidiaries that are foreign investment enterprise in the PRC have to make appropriation from their after-tax profit, as determined under PRC GAAP, to reserve funds including (i) general reserve fund, (ii) enterprise expansion fund; and (iii) staff bonus and welfare fund. The appropriation to the general reserve fund must be at least 10% of the after-tax profits calculated in accordance with PRC GAAP. Appropriation is not required if the reserve fund has reached 50% of the registered capital of our subsidiary. Appropriation to the other two reserve funds are at our subsidiary’s discretion.

As an offshore holding company, we are permitted under PRC laws and regulations to provide funding from the proceeds of our offshore fund raising activities to our PRC subsidiaries only through loans or capital contributions, and to our consolidated affiliated entity only through loans, in each case subject to the satisfaction of the applicable government registration and approval requirements. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—PRC regulation of loans to and direct investment in PRC entities by offshore holding companies and governmental control of currency conversion may delay or prevent us from using the proceeds of this offering to make loans to or make additional capital contributions to our PRC subsidiaries, which could materially and adversely affect our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our business.” As a result, there is uncertainty with respect to our ability to provide prompt financial support to our PRC subsidiaries and consolidated VIEs when needed. Notwithstanding the foregoing, our PRC subsidiaries may use their own retained earnings (rather than Renminbi converted from foreign currency denominated capital) to provide financial support to our consolidated affiliated entity either through entrustment loans from our PRC subsidiaries to our consolidated VIEs or direct loans to such consolidated affiliated entity’s nominee shareholders, which would be contributed to the consolidated variable entity as capital injections. Such direct loans to the nominee shareholders would be eliminated in our consolidated financial statements against the consolidated affiliated entity’s share capital.

The table below sets forth the respective revenues contribution and assets of Tencent Music Entertainment Group and its wholly-owned subsidiaries and consolidated VIEs as of the dates and for the periods indicated:

 

     Total Revenues (1)     Total Assets  
     For the Year Ended
December 31, 2016
    For the Year Ended
December 31, 2017
    As of
December 31, 2016
    As of
December 31, 2017
 

Tencent Music Entertainment Group

     —         —         67.0     53.6

Wholly-owned subsidiaries in Hong Kong

     —         —         1.0     12.6

Wholly-owned subsidiaries in the PRC

     31.0     0.3     3.9     3.5

Consolidated VIEs

     69.0     99.7     28.1     30.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     100.0     100.0     100.0     100.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Note:

(1)

Percentages exclude inter-company transactions between Tencent Music Entertainment Group and its wholly-owned subsidiaries and the consolidated VIEs.

In 2017, our wholly-owned PRC subsidiaries only generated a minimal portion of our total revenues because substantially all of our businesses are subject to foreign investment restrictions under PRC law and therefore can only be conducted through our consolidated VIEs. In contrast, most of our assets are held by our offshore incorporated entities and wholly-owned PRC subsidiaries, mostly in the forms of goodwill and cash that do not generate revenues.

Off-Balance Sheet Commitments and Arrangements

We have not entered into any financial guarantees or other commitments to guarantee the payment obligations of any third parties. We have not entered into any derivative contracts that are indexed to our shares

 

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and classified as shareholder’s equity or that are not reflected in our consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto. Furthermore, we do not have any retained or contingent interest in assets transferred to an unconsolidated entity that serves as credit, liquidity or market risk support to such entity. We do not have any variable interest in any unconsolidated entity that provides financing, liquidity, market risk or credit support to us or engages in leasing, hedging or product development services with us.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk

Interest rate risk

Our exposure to interest rate risk primarily relates to the interest income generated by excess cash, which is mostly held in interest-bearing bank deposits. We have not used any derivative financial instruments to manage our interest risk exposure. Interest-earning instruments carry a degree of interest rate risk. We have not been exposed, nor do we anticipate being exposed, to material risks due to changes in interest rates. However, our future interest income may be lower than expected due to changes in market interest rates.

Foreign exchange risk

Substantially all of our revenues are denominated in Renminbi. The Renminbi is not freely convertible into foreign currencies for capital account transactions. The value of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar and other currencies is affected by, among other things, changes in China’s political and economic conditions and China’s foreign exchange policies. On July 21, 2005, the PRC government changed its decade-old policy of pegging the value of the RMB to the U.S. dollar, and the Renminbi appreciated more than 20% against the U.S. dollar over the following three years. Between July 2008 and June 2010, this appreciation halted and the exchange rate between the Renminbi and the U.S. dollar remained within a narrow band. Since June 2010, the RMB has fluctuated against the U.S. dollar, at times significantly and unpredictably. It is difficult to predict how market forces or PRC or U.S. government policy may impact the exchange rate between the Renminbi and the U.S. dollar in the future.

To date, we have not entered into any hedging transactions in an effort to reduce our exposure to foreign currency exchange risk.

We estimate that we will receive net proceeds of approximately US$            million from this offering, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and the estimated offering expenses payable by us, based on the initial offering price of US$             per ADS. Assuming that we convert the full amount of the net proceeds from this offering into RMB, a 10% appreciation of the U.S. dollar against the Renminbi, from a rate of RMB6.6171 to US$1.00, the rate in effect as of June 29, 2018, to a rate of RMB7.2788 to US$1.00, will result in an increase of RMB             million in our net proceeds from this offering. Conversely, a 10% depreciation of the U.S. dollar against the Renminbi, from a rate of RMB6.6171 to US$1.00, the rate in effect as of June 29, 2018, to a rate of RMB6.0155 to US$1.00, will result in a decrease of RMB             million in our net proceeds from this offering.

Inflation risk

Since our inception, inflation in China has not materially impacted our results of operations. According to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, the year-over-year percent changes in the consumer price index for December 2016 and 2017 were increases of 2.1% and 1.8%, respectively. Although we have not in the past been materially affected by inflation since our inception, we can provide no assurance that we will not be affected in the future by higher rates of inflation in China.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

For detailed discussion on recent accounting pronouncements, see Note 2.2 to the consolidated financial statements of Tencent Music Entertainment Group included elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

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INDUSTRY OVERVIEW

Certain information, including statistics and estimates, set forth in this section and elsewhere in this prospectus and all tables and graphs set forth in this section has been derived from an industry report commissioned by us and independently prepared by iResearch in connection with this offering. We believe that the sources of such information are appropriate, and we have taken reasonable care in extracting and reproducing such information. We have no reason to believe that such information is false or misleading in any material respect or that any fact has been omitted that would render such information false or misleading in any material respect. However, neither we nor any other party involved in this offering has independently verified such information, and neither we nor any other party involved in this offering makes any representation as to the accuracy or completeness of such information. Therefore, investors are cautioned not to place any undue reliance on the information, including statistics and estimates, set forth in this section or similar information included elsewhere in this prospectus.

Overview of China’s Online Music Pan-Entertainment Market

China’s music market is still at an early stage of development. According to iResearch, on a per capita basis, the recorded music market in the U.S. was more than 45 times that of China in 2017. As the consumption patterns of China’s population of 1.4 billion continue to evolve, China’s recorded music market is expected to grow rapidly and China’s per capita spending on recorded music is expected to more than quadruple between 2017 and 2023, according to iResearch, supported by a secular upswing driven by strict copyright protection, increasing penetration of online music services and consumers’ increasing willingness to pay for music, demonstrating tremendous growth potential.

Several online entertainment verticals in China have grown to similar maturity levels of monetization relative to developed markets over the past decade. According to iResearch, China became the world’s largest market for online games and the second largest market for online video, in each case as measured by revenues, in 2017. Despite the rapid growth, China’s online music services market remained small in size as compared to more developed economies. China’s online music services paying ratio was only 3.9% in 2017, according to iResearch.

In China, the paying ratio for online music services is also significantly lower than that of the other online entertainment formats, such as online video (with a paying ratio of 22.5% in 2017) and online games (with a paying ratio of 14.1% in 2017). According to iResearch, in 2017 the average daily time spent per user on online music entertainment was 53.8 minutes, which was generally in line with other forms of online entertainment; however, in 2017 the average revenue per paying user for online music was RMB110, which was substantially lower than that of the other online entertainment formats, such as online video (RMB182) and online games (RMB926). According to iResearch, in 2017 online music services had a per capita spending of RMB2.9, which is relatively lower in comparison to RMB14.8 for online video, RMB164.9 for online games and RMB34.5 for movies.

Key trends driving the growth of China’s online music pan-entertainment market include:

Improved copyright protection environment

China’s music industry has historically been hindered by rampant piracy that has resulted in a lower willingness by consumers to pay for music. For the past decade, the Chinese government has increased its efforts to improve the country’s copyright protection with a goal of encouraging the production of quality music content. Leading online music platforms have also joined such efforts by investing heavily in licensing from copyright owners and building technology to protect music copyright. The copyright protection efforts of the few leading online music platforms in China have made them the partners of choice for major music content partners.

 

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Fragmented music content providers and popularity of long-tail content

China has a more fragmented music content creation and copyright ownership landscape as compared to developed economies. In contrast to the U.S. market where the top music labels have strong market positions, China provides a more conducive environment for online music platforms. According to iResearch, in terms of the volume of tracks streamed, the top five labels in China had a combined market share of less than 30% in 2017, while the top five labels globally had a combined market share of approximately 85%.

China also has a fast growing market for long-tail, niche music content, including those that belong to niche genres, driven by an increasing demand for diversified and personalized online entertainment experiences. The market for such long-tail music content is constantly evolving, with some of them having the potential of becoming hits. Artists also benefit from innovations in online music entertainment formats, such as online karaoke, live streaming, online concerts, curated playlists and digital albums, which give them an efficient way to reach and grow their audience.

The younger generation in China, represented by Generation Z (born between 1990 and 2009), is also a key driving force of the market for long-tail entertainment content. They are generally technology savvy, creative, expressive, and willing to pay for quality content. They are also actively involved in content creation through interactive online platforms, driving both the supply and demand for long-tail music content.

Important role of online music services

The importance of online music services in China is more pronounced compared to the U.S. market, partly due to the fragmentation of content providers. Major online music services that offer a wide array of content have become an attractive platform for both established and aspiring artists, as well as other music content creators to reach target audiences efficiently. Major online music services, in turn, are able to leverage their large user base and business model innovations to build long-term, mutually beneficial partnership with content providers to reinforce their leadership.

Superior products offered by online music platforms

Online music services in China have experienced intense competition with limited ability to differentiate by content due to the widespread piracy. As a result, Chinese online music services tend to be more motivated and capable of offering engaging, social and fun products as compared to their counterparts in developed economies. Major online music platforms have continually made substantial investments in creating superior user experiences through technology and product innovations.

Innovation in music monetization models

Consumer willingness to pay for music content is growing in China and online music platforms have introduced innovative business models to capitalize on the highly social and multi-format nature of music consumption in China. Online music platforms with access to social networks have also developed innovative online karaoke products. They leverage social graph to connect users with similar music and singing interests, allowing users to express themselves through singing, sharing with friends and sending virtual gifts.

Market Size and Key Segments of China’s Online Music Pan-entertainment Market

China’s online music pan-entertainment market mainly consists of online music services, online karaoke, music-centric live streaming, online advertising, and online music copyright operations. Online music services, online karaoke and music-centric live streaming are collectively referred to as online music entertainment services. It is also a highly dynamic market which enables Chinese consumers to engage with music in many ways, including music discovering, listening, watching, singing and socializing.

 

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The overall size of China’s online music pan-entertainment market reached approximately RMB33.0 billion in terms of revenue in 2017, and is expected to grow to RMB215.2 billion in 2023, representing a CAGR of 36.7% from 2017 to 2023, according to iResearch.

Total Revenue of China Online Music Pan-Entertainment Market

 

LOGO

 

Source:

iResearch

Ranking of China Online Music Entertainment Apps by Mobile MAUs in the Second Quarter of 2018

 

LOGO

 

Source:

iResearch

Key segments of China’s online music pan-entertainment market include:

Online music services

Online music services represent paid music services in China where users pay for music through a combination of membership subscriptions and digital music purchases.

Overall market size of China’s online music services reached approximately RMB4.4 billion in terms of revenue in 2017, is expected to grow to RMB36.7 billion in 2023, representing a CAGR of 42.7% from 2017 to 2023, according to iResearch.

 

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Total Revenue of China’s Online Music Services Market

 

LOGO

 

Source:

iResearch

China’s online music services have seen strong growth momentum in recent years, driven by increasing consumer spending on membership subscriptions and digital music, which in turn was attributable to the improved copyright protection. Between 2013 and 2017, the online music paying ratio in China increased from 0.4% to 3.9% and is expected to reach 28.7% in 2023. Currently, a large portion of online music streaming services revenue are generated through the download-based fee model, where users are allowed to download a certain number of songs over a specified period. Online music platforms have been exploring paid-streaming fee models which provide significant growth potential for the industry in the near future.

Paying Ratios of China’s Online Music Services vs. Online Video

 

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Source: iResearch

Online karaoke and music-centric live streaming services

Online karaoke and music-centric live streaming has been gaining popularity in China, driven by the engaging user experiences and a large base of music talents and users who enjoy sharing their music performances with others. The overall size of China’s online karaoke and music-centric live streaming services reached approximately RMB22.0 billion in terms of revenue in 2017 and is expected to grow to RMB130.5 billion in 2023, representing a CAGR of 34.6% from 2017 to 2023, according to iResearch.

Revenues from online karaoke and music-centric live streaming services in China are generated primarily through sales of virtual gifts, as well as premium memberships that entitle paying users to various additional privileges, such as higher soundtrack resolution and additional app themes.

 

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Total Revenue of China’s Online Karaoke and Music-centric Live Streaming Market

 

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Source: iResearch

Karaoke singing has long been a popular way of enjoying music in China, and online karaoke services have accumulated a significant user base. The advent of online karaoke allows users to sing and perform, socialize in online singing communities and share their performances with friends and others who share common music interests.

According to iResearch, on a per capita basis, the U.S. offline music performance market is approximately 43 times that of China in 2017, as live performances in China have historically been less accessible. The discrepancies in music performance consumption are expected to converge, mainly driven by music-centric live streaming performances. Live streaming is an iconic phenomenon in China’s online entertainment market. Fans show appreciation primarily by sending virtual gifts to popular live streaming performers. Additionally, driven by young generations’ strong demand for interactive experience and diverse content offerings, online performances on live streaming platforms in China have increased in number and popularity, demonstrating a higher growth potential than offline live performance market.

Other online media for music content distribution

Other online media for music content distribution covers those offering music-related video, audio and news content such as short and long-form video platforms, radio platforms, news feed and utility apps (other than online music streaming service platforms and online karaoke and music-centric live streaming platforms). Advertising represents the primary monetization model for this segment.

Overall market size of China’s other online media for music content distribution reached approximately RMB4.5 billion in terms of revenue in 2017, and is expected to grow to approximately RMB34.3 billion in 2023, representing a CAGR of 40.4% from 2017 to 2023, according to iResearch. The main catalysts for growth in this segment include growing user demand for music content across different media formats and efforts undertaken by diversified online platforms to capture user mindshare with rich content offerings.

 

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Total Revenue of Other Online Media for Music Content Distribution Market

 

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Source: iResearch

Online Music Copyright Operations

Online music copyright operations is another segment with strong potential that can also unlock the value of online music content through multiple avenues. This segment involves original music copyright licensing, sublicensing of music content, licensing of music related content generated from talent shows and live performances produced by online platforms, and the adaptation of online music content in the creation of derivative entertainment products such as musicals and movies.

The overall market size of China’s online music copyright operations reached approximately RMB2.2 billion in terms of revenue in 2017 and is expected to grow to RMB13.7 billion in 2023, representing a CAGR of 36.1% from 2017 to 2023, according to iResearch.

Total Revenue of Online Music Copyright Operations Market

 

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Source: iResearch

 

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BUSINESS

Our Mission

Our mission is to use technology to elevate the role of music in people’s lives, by enabling them to create, enjoy, share and interact with music.

Overview

Music is a universal passion. No matter who we are, or where we come from, we all have our favorite songs, albums or artists. We love music because it can inspire, uplift, motivate and enrich our lives. Music reaches us in deeply personal ways and connects us with each other through engaging, social and fun experiences.

With over 1.4 billion people, China has a massive audience with a growing demand for music entertainment. Until recently, the music industry in China was relatively underdeveloped and highly fragmented largely due to deficiencies in copyright protection. Piracy was rampant. People didn’t see the value of paying for music. Spending on music entertainment in China has been relatively low. According to iResearch, while the recorded music market in the U.S. was more than 45 times that of China in 2017 on a per capita basis, China’s per capita spending on recorded music is expected to more than quadruple between 2017 and 2023, demonstrating tremendous growth potential.

We are pioneering the way people enjoy online music and music-centric social entertainment services. We have demonstrated that users will pay for personalized, engaging and interactive music experiences. Just as we value our users, we also respect those who create music. This is why we champion copyright protection—because unless content creators are rewarded for their creative work, there won’t be a sustainable music entertainment industry in the long run. Our scale, technology and commitment to copyright protection make us a partner of choice for artists and content owners.

Our Platform

We are the largest online music entertainment platform in China, operating the top four music mobile apps in terms of mobile MAUs in the second quarter of 2018. Our platform comprises our online music, online karaoke and music-centric live streaming products, supported by our content offerings, technology and data.

Our platform is an all-in-one music entertainment destination that allows users to seamlessly engage with music in many ways, including discovering, listening, singing, watching, performing and socializing. On our platform, social interactions such as sharing, liking, commenting, following and virtual gifting, are deeply integrated in our products and highly complementary to the core music experience, thereby enhancing our user experience, engagement and retention. As a result, we have built our platform into not just a music streaming platform, but a broad community for music fans to discover, listen, sing, watch, perform and socialize.

 

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LOGO

We have worked tirelessly to build a vibrant and fast-growing music platform with the following elements:

 

   

Users. With over 800 million total unique MAUs in the second quarter of 2018, our massive user base covers the full spectrum of user demographics in China. Our users are highly engaged, with each daily active user on average spending over 70 minutes per day on our platform in the second quarter of 2018.

 

   

Products. We develop and operate a portfolio of products that are engaging, social and fun. Our products allow users to discover and listen to music, sing and perform, as well as watch music videos and live music performances in a seamless and immersive way. With different music entertainment services fully integrated into one platform, users don’t just listen to music on our platform – after listening to a song, they may be inspired to sing that song and share the performance with friends or want to watch a live performance of the same song by a popular live streaming performer.

 

   

Content. We have China’s most comprehensive library of music content in recorded and live, audio and video formats. We have the largest music content library with over 20 million tracks from over 200 domestic and international music labels, as of June 30, 2018. We also offer a broad range of video content, such as music videos, live and recorded concerts and music shows. In addition, hundreds of millions of users have shared their singing, short videos, live streaming of music performances, comments and music-related articles on our platform.

 

   

Data and technology. The scale and engagement of our user base generate extensive data that we use to develop innovative products that best cater to user preferences and enhance user experience. We have also developed technology that can monitor and protect copyrighted music, which empowers our artists and content partners to promote their music and protect their creative work.

 

   

Monetization. We have innovative and multi-faceted monetization models that mainly include paid subscriptions, sales of digital music, virtual gifts and premium memberships. They are seamlessly integrated with our products and services in a way that enhances user experience. Our strong monetization capability supports our long-term investments in content, technology and products. It also allows us to attract more content creators and transform China’s music entertainment industry.

We have achieved growth and profitability at scale. In the six months ended June 30, 2018, our revenue reached RMB8,619 million (US$1,303 million) compared to RMB4,485 million in the same period in 2017. Our profit increased from RMB395 million in the six months ended June 30, 2017 to RMB1,743 million (US$263

 

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million) in the six months ended June 30, 2018. Our adjusted profit for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2018 amounted to RMB732 million and RMB2,112 million (US$320 million), respectively. From 2016 to 2017, our revenue increased from RMB4,361 million to RMB10,981 million (US$1,659 million). In 2016 and 2017, we reported profit for the year of RMB85 million and RMB1,319 million (US$199 million), respectively, and recorded adjusted profit for the year of RMB426 million and RMB1,904 million (US$288 million), respectively. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Non-IFRS Financial Measure.”

Tencent’s acquisition of CMC was completed on July 12, 2016. Since then, the results of operations of CMC have been consolidated with ours and had contributed materially to our total revenues since July 2016. For the period from January 1, 2016 to July 12, 2016, CMC’s total net revenues and net loss were RMB1,923 million (US$288 million) and RMB152 million (US$23 million), respectively. After the acquisition of CMC in July 2016, our business and the business that was previously operated by CMC both grew substantially as a result of the combined content library and sharing of operational know-how. Post-acquisition, we: (i) operated our business on a combined basis, with CMC’s business substantially integrated into our business; (ii) shared many costs and expenses, and (iii) ceased to maintain consolidated financial statements of CMC’s business on a standalone basis. For a more detailed discussion of the impact of the acquisition of CMC, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—The Effects of the Acquisition of CMC.”

Our Strengths

We have developed an innovative business model with fundamental strengths that positions us for continued leadership.

Largest online music entertainment platform in China

We are the largest online music entertainment platform in China, with over 800 million total unique MAUs in the second quarter of 2018. Our QQ Music , Kugou Music , Kuwo Music and WeSing apps are the top four music mobile apps in China by mobile MAUs in the second quarter of 2018.

Superior products creating engaging, social and fun user experience

We offer a comprehensive suite of music entertainment products to let users engage interactively with music by discovering, listening, singing, watching, performing and socializing.

 

   

Our online music services , QQ Music , Kugou Music and Kuwo Music , enable users to discover and listen to music in personalized ways. We provide a broad range of features for music discovery, including music search and recommendations, music ranking charts, playlists, official music accounts and digital releases. We also offer comprehensive music-related video content including music videos, live performances and short videos.

 

   

Our online karaoke social community , primarily WeSing , enables users to have fun by singing and interacting with friends, with most activities taking place between users already connected on Weixin/WeChat or QQ . Each day, millions of users come to our platform to share what they have sung and to discover their friends’ performances. They can also sing duets with celebrities or other users, have a karaoke party in our virtual singing rooms, challenge each other in online sing-offs and request songs for artists or other users to sing live. We have built WeSing into one of the largest social networks in China with over 40 billion connections between friends as of June 30, 2018. WeSing allows users to share their singing performances with friends and discover songs that others have sung through a timeline feature similar to WeChat Moments .

 

   

Our music-centric live streaming services , primarily Kugou Live and Kuwo Live , provide an interactive online stage for performers and users to showcase their talent and engage with those who are interested in their performance.

 

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The seamless integration of music content and services across our platform enables users to immerse themselves in the music they love. Users who hear a song on our platform may be inspired to sing that song and share the performance with friends, or watch a live stream of someone performing that song. This integration on our platform not only offers a comprehensive music entertainment experience but also enables us to acquire users in a cost-effective manner by attracting users from our online music services to social entertainment services.

China’s most comprehensive music library and strong relationships with content partners

We had over 20 million tracks licensed from over 200 domestic and international music labels, including through master distribution and licensing agreements with music labels, such as Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, Emperor Entertainment Group and China Record Group Co., Ltd., as of June 30, 2018. Our comprehensive music library caters to a broad range of user preferences, covering both popular chart-topping music and niche content across multiple genres and languages. Content owners consider us to be a partner of choice as we offer them access to China’s largest online music user base, work closely with them on copyright protection and provide them with diverse monetization opportunities through long-term relationships.

Our music content is complemented by a vast library of user-generated content including millions of online karaoke songs, short videos, live streaming of music performances, user comments and music-related reviews and articles. This content further expands the breadth of our music content offering, enhancing our user experience and engagement. We’ve also created an online stage for everyday performers to become professional artists.

As a result, we’ve developed a virtuous cycle of value creation—our comprehensive and differentiated music content attracts more users and enhances their engagement, which in turn allows us to offer a growing and more engaged audience for our content partners, who then provide us with wider access to content on more attractive terms.

Extensive data and industry-leading technology

We combine extensive data and industry-leading technology to provide superior user experiences and drive user engagement.

Our data and powerful AI technology allow us to provide music content that best matches users’ preferences. We offer hundreds of proprietary audio settings that bring superior user listening experience, such as our industry-leading QQ Music Super Sound , Kugou Viper Sound and WeSing Super Voice audio settings that we developed ourselves. Our proprietary music recognition technology allows our apps to identify songs by playing a sample of a song track. Our technology also makes our products a part of everyday life, such as our QQ Music Running Station that recommends music to match a jogger’s running tempo.

We also leverage technology to help our content partners protect copyright. For example, our real-time content monitoring system scans our platform as well as other online music platforms to detect potential copyright infringement.

Innovative and proven monetization capabilities to capture the significant demand for music entertainment

Our innovative and multi-faceted monetization models allow us to drive the growth of our platform and profitability, while promoting the development of the online music industry in China. We derive revenues primarily from online music services and music-centric social entertainment services.

 

   

Our online music services primarily include subscriptions and digital music sales. We have transformed the online music industry in China by being the first company of scale to successfully

 

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deploy a paid music model. Our paying user base grew from approximately 16.6 million in the second quarter of 2017 to 23.3 million in the second quarter of 2018. We had a paying ratio of 3.6% in the second quarter of 2018, which is still very low compared to the paying ratios of online games and video services in China and other online music services globally as quoted by iResearch, which indicates significant growth potential.

 

   

Music-centric social entertainment services primarily include virtual gift sales and premium memberships, both of which are seamlessly integrated into the comprehensive user experience offered by our social entertainment services. For example, users can send virtual gifts to show appreciation to those who share their karaoke or live performances, providing performers with an effective channel to interact with their fans and an attractive way to monetize their performance. Our social entertainment paying user base grew from approximately 7.1 million in the second quarter of 2017 to 9.5 million in the same period in 2018, and the paying ratio was 4.2% in the second quarter of 2018, demonstrating significant growth potential.

Online music services and music-centric social entertainment services accounted for 28.7% and 71.3%, respectively, of our revenues in 2017, and 29.6% and 70.4%, respectively, of our revenues in the first half of 2018.

Significant synergies with Tencent

We enjoy significant synergies with Tencent, our controlling shareholder, which further strengthen our competitive advantages. Tencent is a leading provider of internet value added services in China, offering a broad range of internet services, including communications and social, online games, digital content, online advertising, mobile payment, mobile utilities and other services. We benefit from unique access to Tencent’s massive user base, representing China’s largest online social community, with over one billion MAUs of Weixin and WeChat combined and 803 million MAUs of QQ in the second quarter of 2018, which facilitates the organic growth of our user base.

The integration between Tencent’s social graph and our platform enables us to deliver a superior user experience and increase user engagement. For example, the music module embedded in the QQ mobile app allows QQ users to seamlessly access QQ Music . Tencent has strategically invested in a variety of content. It has built the largest digital content platforms in online video, online literature, and online music in China, developing strong synergies with each platform. For example, WeSing users can enjoy the recorded performances of their Weixin/WeChat and QQ friends and interact with them on our platform. In return, our users and their content enrich Tencent’s content ecosystem. In addition, we also benefit from opportunities to collaborate with other platforms in Tencent’s content ecosystem. For example, we have the unique opportunity to co-produce Tencent Video’s music talent shows, which enables us to promote our brands, drive user stickiness and expand our music content.

Pioneering and visionary management team

With extensive experience and leading industry knowledge, our management team are pioneers in the online music entertainment industry in China, leading product innovation, spearheading music copyright protection and building an extensive licensed online music library in China. They have built strong partnerships with industry participants and been recognized by industry and government organizations. Their success is demonstrated by our track record of strong user base growth, our sustained online music content leadership, and our success in leading the industry toward a paid music business model.

Our Strategies

We seek to lead the development of a vibrant music entertainment economy in China, creating long-term value for users, artists and content partners.

 

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Relentlessly innovate and develop superior products

We aim to relentlessly innovate our products and services to further drive user engagement across our platform. We will further invest in product development to fulfill users’ evolving social and entertainment needs and develop more ways for users to discover and enjoy music, interact with each other and have fun. We will continue to enhance the personalized experience we offer to attract users and drive their engagement.

Reinforce our content leadership

We plan to expand both popular and long-tail music content offerings to reinforce our content leadership, as well as continue to widen our variety of content formats, including music talent shows, live events, music videos, short videos and podcasts. Leveraging our data and technology, we have insights into what users want, which shapes our focused content acquisition strategy and enables us to expand our content library cost-effectively. We will continue to attract more users to contribute user-generated content across different content formats.

Be the partner of choice

We strive to extend and deepen our collaboration with partners upstream and downstream in the value chain to strengthen our product offerings, enrich our content and drive user engagement. We plan to continue to work with domestic and international music labels to license music that our users love. We will continue to cooperate with producers of music talent shows to enrich our content library, attract more users and increase the user engagement. We also plan to invest alongside our content partners to explore new content formats. In addition, we intend to offer more live music events, which we believe will help cultivate aspiring artists, stimulate interactions between users and artists and lead to the cross selling of our online music services.

Make our products ubiquitous in everyday life

We want to make music a part of our users’ everyday lives, whether relaxing at home, driving or playing sports. We plan to continue to introduce great products and services that can be integrated into other smart devices such as television, smart speakers, headphones and internet connected automobiles to offer efficient and seamless music entertainment services to complement our existing mobile-based music entertainment platform.

Grow our paying user base and develop new monetization models

We aim to drive user engagement by continuing to offer a great music entertainment and social user experience. As engagement increases, we believe that monetization will follow. We’re a strong believer that users will pay to enjoy music if you make great products that offer seamless integration with other premium and interactive functions. We believe that the low paying ratios of our online music and social entertainments services represents significant potential when compared to developed markets.

We will continue to invest to grow our paying user base while exploring other monetization models that we believe are complementary to our overall user experience.

Our Value Propositions to Users, Artists and Content Partners

Through the use of technology, we allow users to discover music to enjoy by themselves or together with others. We have been an industry pioneer, focused on promoting and sustaining a healthy industry environment by rewarding content creators and rights owners for their creative work and protecting intellectual property rights. We believe our efforts to empower and encourage creativity have made us a partner of choice for artists and content partners.

We offer music fans a unique experience:

 

   

Fun and engaging .  We are an all-in-one online music entertainment destination. Our products allow users to enjoy and interact with music dynamically and in different ways. Users can discover and listen

 

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to music, sing songs and perform, as well as watch music videos and live music performances, seamlessly immersing themselves in a complete music experience. Moreover, they can enjoy the experience with friends and in a variety of different settings. For example, users listening to a song may be inspired to sing that song and share the performance with friends or be attracted to watch a live performance of the same song by a popular live streaming performer.

 

   

Content-rich . Content is the foundation of our platform. We have the largest library of music content in China across a multitude of genres and formats produced by performers ranging from professional artists to people who love to sing.

 

   

Personalized . Personalization is one of the features that users love, and it improves with increased usage. Our platform accumulates extensive data, allowing us to better understand our users’ tastes and preferences. Our proprietary technology analyzes this data to improve user engagement with content and experiences that we believe they will love to further increase user stickiness.

 

   

Social . Music fosters and encourages social interaction. Our products and services were designed with social interaction specifically in mind. We allow users to engage with their friends, other users and even performers and artists to form a strong community. Moreover, in addition to direct social interaction, we make sharing easy. Users can share what they listen to, what they create and what they think, across multiple online social channels.

We empower artists and content partners and help them create music and find their audience:

 

   

Reach . Artists and content creators can reach nearly the entire online music audience of China through our platform. As an essential partner to both professional artists and other performers, we facilitate the discovery and sharing of their music and introduce them to our music labels and content partners through our proprietary technology. We also provide a platform from which they can reach and interact with their fans.

 

   

Monetization and rights protections . We are the largest licensee of copyrighted music in China. We actively protect the value of the works of millions of content creators and reward them for their creativity. As an industry leader, we promote broader industry awareness and recognition of copyright protection. Through innovative monetization models, we help increase the value of these works over time. Content creators are motivated to continue to create and share on our platform.

 

   

Empowering content creators . We lower the barrier for people to create music, facilitating discovery of their work to audiences across China. Our curation, recommendation and marketing capabilities help bring artists and fans together. We have become a unique online stage for music performers by offering them a broad range of tools and functions to create and share music and interact with their fans.

 

   

Data and technology. Our technology and data insight help artists optimize their performance to create more unique, exciting and inspiring content that truly resonates with fans. Our analytical tools allow artists to assess data including user demographics, geographical locations and song performance data.

Our Brands and Products

We have four major product brands— QQ Music , Kugou , Kuwo and WeSing —through which we provide online music and music-centric social entertainment services to address the diverse music entertainment needs of music audiences in China.

Our products provide users with access to a comprehensive suite of service offerings, allowing them to listen, sing, watch and share music in a number of different ways and in a variety of settings. These services are fully integrated into our platform to give users a comprehensive music entertainment experience. Users can access these products through both mobile and PC as well as through in-car and smart, in-home entertainment systems.

 

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Social interactions are deeply integrated in our products and highly complementary to the core music experience. Moreover, they help generate a strong network effect across our platform that enhances our user experience, engagement and retention. As a result, we are able to encourage music listeners to become singers and performers, and vice versa. As an illustration, a user who listens to a song on QQ Music frequently sings the same song on WeSing and then shares the performance with friends on Weixin/WeChat or QQ , which in turn attracts their friends to download the WeSing app.

The following table summarizes the key attributes of our major product brands.

 

Brands

  

Key Attributes

QQ Music

   Leading online music services with nationwide popularity that offer a comprehensive music library and a broad range of music-related video content, with a focus on popular artists and leading mainstream hits for younger music fans in top-tier cities in China, providing a platform for initial and exclusive releases of digital music to promote interactions between fans and artists and develop a music fan economy centered around popular artists

Kugou

  

Pioneer and leader in online music entertainment industry with nationwide popularity and the broadest user base in China, recognized as a preferred destination for users to discover music content trending on the internet via:

 

•   Kugou Music , leading online music services offering a comprehensive set of entertainment features, with a mass market focus and strong user penetration in lower-tier cities in addition to top-tier cities

 

•   Kugou Live , a music-centric live streaming platform where users can watch live streaming of music performances, concerts, music variety shows in an interactive and engaging setting

Kuwo

  

Comprehensive online music entertainment services with a large user base in Northern China:

 

•   Kuwo Music , online music services with a focus on selected genres and segments, such as DJ mixes and children’s songs, to cater to users’ diverse tastes

 

•   Kuwo Live , a music-centric live streaming platform where users can watch live streaming of music performances, concerts, music variety shows in an interactive and engaging setting

WeSing

   Largest online karaoke social community by mobile MAUs with nationwide popularity, offering unique social networking features that enable users to express themselves by sharing their singing performances and interacting with friends, singers and other users with similar interests in various online social settings

From a content library perspective, QQ Music , Kugou Music and Kuwo Music are substantially integrated as they share access to all the tracks that we license from music labels. While QQ Music, Kugou Music and Kuwo Music are focused on different user segments with a low user overlap among themselves, we have a higher degree of user overlap between our online music services and social entertainment services as a result of the complementary nature of our products that attracts users from our online music services to our social entertainment services.

Unique Online Music Entertainment Experience

While music can be enjoyed alone, it is inherently social—it has the unique power to bring people together, creating a bond between our users when they listen, sing or watch together with their friends or other fans. This is

 

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why we have built not just a music streaming platform, but a broader community for music fans to create, share, discover, participate, connect and have fun doing it.

Our music entertainment services span a number of use cases, such as listening at home or in a vehicle, that are complementary to one another in terms of user experience and engagement. We cater to the varying needs of users through our flagship products. The following are screenshots of each of our mobile apps.

 

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Online Music Services

We deliver our online music services primarily through QQ Music , Kugou Music and Kuwo Music , each of which has attracted a large and avid user base.

Users may use basic features on QQ Music , including streaming, without logging in. To purchase subscription plans and enjoy additional features, such as creating personal playlists, users need to log into QQ Music , which requires a Weixin/Wechat or QQ account. Users may register with and access our online music services on Kugou Music and Kuwo Music using their mobile phone numbers, or through their Weixin/WeChat or QQ accounts.

 

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We make listening to music simple and fun through discovery and personalization:

 

   

Listening experience .

 

   

Personal homepage. Users have their own personal homepages where they can manage their playlists and access recently downloaded and/or streamed music content. It also provides various functions, such as following artists, purchasing subscription packages, tracking activity data and changing app themes. The following screenshots illustrate the key features of our personal homepage.

 

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Experience-enhancing music player . We offer various functions to enhance user experience, such as sound quality optimization, shuffle play, day/night modes and music caching. We have also developed hundreds of audio settings that fit different songs, environments, moods and output devices. Our cloud-based services enable users to synchronize their playlists on different devices. The following screenshot illustrates the key features of the music player on the QQ Music mobile app.

 

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Music discovery . Users can discover music through a comprehensive range of features and services we offer:

 

   

Search . Users can discover content through our powerful search engine. They can search music content across playlists, music charts, artists and genres. The following screenshots illustrate our search functions.

 

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Personalized recommendations . Using our algorithm and multi-dimensional data insights and metadata on our users’ music tastes, we recommend music to users as part of their search as well as through daily songs, new songs, music radios and users’ favorite songs based on what they listen to. Users can also customize their recommendation sources. As we expand our content library, we continue to improve our knowledge about music and our users’ preferences by refining our music metadata tagging. This allows us to further enhance our music discovery and recommendation capabilities. The following screenshots illustrate our personalized recommendation functions.

 

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Music ranking charts . Leveraging our leading position in the industry, we have compiled a variety of music ranking charts across different genres and languages that are widely recognized by fans, artists and other industry participants. Our music ranking charts help users discover the latest, trendy music and help artists increase exposure and measure success. The following screenshots illustrate examples of our music ranking charts.

 

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Playlists . We offer playlists covering a wide variety of genres, themes, languages and moods. Our playlist offerings include curated playlists created by our music editorial team, machine-generated playlists supported by our AI capabilities, and user-generated playlists. We also encourage users to create their own playlists to share, thereby further amplifying their exposure within our online music community. The following screenshots illustrate examples of our playlists.

 

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Official music accounts . Users can subscribe to their favorite official music accounts operated by both established and aspiring artists, columnists and other music industry key opinion leaders. Through their official music accounts, owners can upload and share songs, videos, literature, photos and other music-related content. The following screenshots illustrate the key features and content of our official music accounts.

 

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Social experience . Our platform delivers a superior and uniquely social music experience. Users can share their songs or playlists via Weixin/WeChat or QQ and other major social platforms. While listening to a song, users can interact with others listening to the same song by posting and exchanging comments. They can also create their own lyrics posters and share them with friends. Additionally, we provide users with various exciting ways to interact with their favorite artists, particularly in connection with digital album releases on our platform. These all enable users to stay connected with their friends through music, to discover music that is trending around them and to share music with those they care about. This in turn allows us to gain more data insight to improve music discovery and recommendations on our platform. The following screenshots illustrate the key features of our social tools.

 

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Music-centric Social Entertainment Services

We offer users simple and entertaining ways to sing, watch and socialize on our platform, whether it is with a friend, a group of friends, or other users on our platform. Our music-centric social entertainment services include online karaoke social community and live streaming of music performances.

Online Karaoke Social Community

Karaoke singing is a popular way of enjoying music in China, whether at a weekend party, a family event or a simple social gathering.

This is why we introduced our online karaoke social community in 2014—to make it easier for users to sing and have fun with friends. Our online karaoke social community is a platform for users who want a simple stage to share their love of music and singing, or a springboard to launch their careers as the stars of tomorrow.

We deliver online karaoke services primarily through WeSing , China’s largest online karaoke social community in terms of mobile MAUs in the second quarter of 2018, as well as the “Sing” functions on Kugou Music and Kuwo Music . We currently offer millions of karaoke songs covering a broad range of genres, and we continue to review and update our karaoke song library to keep it fresh, current and popular.

We currently require users to register with and access services and functions on WeSing using their Weixin/WeChat or QQ accounts, as WeSing is primarily used by users to socialize with their friends on Weixin/Wechat or QQ through music. Such linkage between WeSing and Weixin/WeChat or QQ has in turn also enriched Tencent’s content ecosystem by providing Weixin/WeChat or QQ users with convenient access to our content.

Users can sing along from our vast library of karaoke songs and share their performances, either in audio or video formats, with friends, mostly with users already connected on Weixin/WeChat or QQ . Karaoke songs recorded by users significantly augment our user-generated music content library.

The screenshots below illustrate the key features of our WeSing mobile app’s interface and functions.

 

LOGO

 

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WeSing has functions and features designed to drive user engagement, social interaction and entertainment, including:

 

   

Singing features . Users can record their karaoke songs in audio and video formats. They can not only sing along, but also sing duets with celebrities or other users and then make a complete song to share with their friends. Users also receive a system-generated assessment of their performance which helps them continue improving their singing. In addition, users may edit recordings of karaoke songs with a large selection of special audio and visual effects, or record songs at offline mini-KTV booths and share their performances online.

 

   

Singing timeline . Users can organize and display their singing performances into a timeline, which enables them to shape their music performance in a personal narrative that is organized chronologically. Users can also choose to add comments and photos to their singing timelines, and control with whom each piece of content is shared. Once a song is shared on one’s timeline, other users can give comments and likes, share the song and send virtual gifts to the singer to encourage social interactions.

 

   

Virtual karaoke rooms . Users can create virtual singing rooms and invite their friends or others to join an online karaoke party anytime and anywhere. In a singing room, users can sing and interact with each other by voice and text chatting, sending virtual gifts, rating each other’s performance and holding sing-offs for most likes and gifts.

 

   

Online singing groups . Users can discover and join a larger online singing group of people sharing common music interests. Online singing groups provide users with a great way to create online music communities, meet new like-minded friends, improve their singing performances and have fun socializing online.

 

   

Live performance . Users can stream their singing performance through interactive live streaming sessions where users can interact with others by chatting, rating each other’s performance and giving virtual gifts.

 

   

Value-added services . While users may access our basic karaoke functions free of charge, they can also purchase virtual gifts to send to their favorite singers and subscribe for premium memberships that come with value-added functions, such as higher soundtrack resolution, additional app themes and access to vocal singing tutorial programs.

Live Streaming of Music Performances

Live music performances provide a different fan experience than recorded content. They can be extremely exciting, exhilarating and engaging. Through technology, online live streaming has become a preferred entertainment alternative with huge and rapidly growing market potential to cater to millions of China’s music fans.

This motivated us to provide a forum for performers to express themselves, share their creative work and for fans to enjoy a completely different, interactive, music entertainment experience.

We offer live streaming of music performances primarily through the “Live Streaming” tab on Kugou Music , Kuwo Music and WeSing , as well as through Kugou Live and Kuwo Live . Professional artists and other performers alike can stream their singing and other performance to a vast online audience, fostering a vibrant online social music entertainment community.

We offer users the option to register with and access our live streaming services using their Weixin / WeChat or QQ accounts. Alternatively, users may also register with and access our live streaming services using their mobile phone numbers, without Weixin/ WeChat or QQ accounts.

 

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Our live streaming content features a broad range of performance categories such as singing, instrument playing and DJ performances by both professional artists and other performers.

Our live streaming platforms cultivate an engaging and interactive environment for both the live streaming performers and the audience to create, discover, socialize and have fun together, mainly featuring the following:

 

   

Music-centric . Most of our live streaming users also use our online music or online karaoke services. Our data analytics and AI technology enable us to provide recommendations of relevant live streaming content based on what our users are listening to or singing on our platform. For example, when a live streaming performer on Kugou Live performs a song, a message bubble pops up instantaneously on Kugou Music notifying users listing to the same song. This allows users to seamlessly access this performer’s live streaming sessions on Kugou Live .

 

   

Social functions. Our social functions make everyone a part of the show. Performers and users interact in various formats, such as voice & text chatting, video chatting, rating the performer’s performance and sending virtual gifts. We also rank popularity of performers by value of virtual gifts. This validates and rewards good performances and lets the user base know what others enjoy, driving user engagement and stickiness. At any time during a live streaming session, users may choose to follow the performer to receive notifications of future performances.

 

   

Sing-offs . Live streaming performers can engage in a variety of real time singing and performance contests against each other to boost their popularity and rankings. Users can vote for and send virtual gifts to their favorite performers.

 

   

Song requests . Users can request to have a favorite song performed in exchange for a virtual gift.

 

   

Music events and talent shows. To further diversify our live streaming content offerings, we live stream concerts performed by professional artists as well as music events, music variety shows and fan meetings on our live streaming platforms to allow our users to support and interact with their favorite artists through various ways including online audience voting.

Below are screenshots of live streaming sessions showing the above-mentioned features.

LOGO

 

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We encourage our live streaming performers to sing and engage in other music performance on our platform. Our live streaming platform becomes a large stage for performers to cultivate their fan base and easily access attractive revenue opportunities, enabling them to develop their artist image and pursue their goals of becoming popular artists.

Live streaming performers include aspiring performers and ordinary people who want to share their music. We also have professional artists perform on our platform to further diversify our content offering and drive user retention.

We seek to establish and maintain stable, mutually beneficial relationships with live streaming performers. In particular, as part of our content strategies, we nurture promising live streaming performers and help them grow their fan base and make a living from their performances. We provide them with performance training and promotion support to increase their exposure. Our platform further provides a unique way for live streaming performers to interactively engage with their fans and reach a larger potential fan base and to raise their profile in the industry.

For those live streaming performers who become popular, we can assist them to release new singles and albums, enriching our comprehensive music content offerings and attracting more traffic to both of our music and live streaming services, thus creating a strong network effect that drives user engagement and stickiness on our platform.

Live streaming performers are required to enter into a cooperation agreement with us. Some agreements contain provisions that require the performer to live stream exclusively on our platform, typically with a one- to three-year term. We have a revenue sharing model in which the performers (and their talent agency, if applicable) share a percentage of the virtual gift sales generated from their live streams. We also own the relevant intellectual property rights of the live streaming content they create.

Other Music Services

We offer other services to drive user traffic, deepen user engagement and increase monetization. Such services primarily include (i) sales of music-related merchandise, including Kugou M1 headset, smart speakers, WeSing karaoke microphones and Hi-Fi systems, (ii) services that help smart device and automobile makers to build and operate their branded music services on their devices and vehicles and (iii) online music event ticketing services.

Our Content

We are dedicated to building the most comprehensive and up-to-date library covering our users’ favorite music content across both genre and format.

Our Diverse Music Content Library

We offer a diverse range of professional as well as user-generated recorded and live music content across various formats. This content generally spans five different types:

 

   

Songs . Largest music library in China, with over 20 million tracks as of June 30, 2018:

 

     

Features songs performed by both established and aspiring artists in China and around the world.

 

     

Represents a variety of themes such as latest top hits, all internet hits, time favorites and movie soundtracks.

 

     

Covers a broad range of music genres, including pop, rock, indie, hip hop, R&B, classical, jazz and electronic music in various languages including Mandarin, Cantonese, English, Korean and Japanese.

 

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Categorized by listening habits, settings and moods, such as workout, travel, study and work, relaxation and many more.

 

   

Live streaming of music performances . Professional artists along with aspiring and other performers stream music and other performances in real-time to our online audiences. These live streams allow users to experience and enjoy live music performances and interact with the performers in a variety of ways. Additionally, we offer live streaming of more professionally organized online concerts and music events for more established artists.

 

   

Recorded video . Various recorded music-oriented video content, such as full-length music videos, short video clips, behind-the-scenes footage, artist interviews, music-focused variety shows and music awards shows.

 

   

Karaoke songs . Millions of online karaoke songs and the related user comments, which further expand the breadth of our music content offering, enhancing our user experience and engagement.

 

   

Reviews and articles . We supplement our music content offerings through an enormous library of reviews and articles about music, artists and fans, written or curated by our in-house editorial team. We place links in the articles to the featured music to provide users with even more choices of content.

Our Content Strategies

Partnering with Music Labels and Leading Industry Players

Currently, we focus on licensing top hits and premium content from major domestic and international music labels for a broad audience base. All the tracks that we license from music labels are generally available to users across our online music apps and, to the extent permitted by the terms of our licensing agreements with the licensors, our social entertainment products, except under certain circumstances where the artists or rights owners require us to publish their content on a specific platform or in a specific format. See “—Content Sourcing Arrangements.”

Given the reach of our platform and our ability to help users discover music, we have become one of the most preferred and effective ways for music labels and professional artists to gain exposure to and gauge the popularity of their music with their audience base. Over the years, we have developed long-term relationships with a broad range of music labels including major domestic and international labels that provide us unique opportunities to collaborate on new album releases, music events and other initiatives. For example, we collaborate with established artists and major music labels to promote and release digital albums for distribution to our massive user base.

Additionally, we are continually diversifying across content type and format on our platform. For example, given our reach and understanding of China’s music audience, we have successfully co-produced music talent shows in collaboration with third parties such as Produce 101 ( LOGO ), which premiered on Tencent Video and attracted billions of video views. These productions help reinforce our brand as a leading online music entertainment platform.

Cultivating Aspiring Artists

We are not just a platform for established artists but also one for discovering and cultivating rising music talent. We provide opportunities for newer generations of aspiring artists to fulfill their singing ambitions by supporting them in areas such as marketing, promotion, monetization and career training. We are proud to have helped promote the singing careers of many new music stars who got their start on our platform. We also work closely together with music labels to identify and cultivate aspiring artists from the large base of content creators on our platform.

 

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We identify aspiring artists through a number of different ways on our platform. On our online karaoke and live streaming platforms, we allow aspiring artists to create a personalized artist profile, reach the broadest audience in China, access attractive monetization opportunities and produce and promote their digital albums.

Additionally, we launched the “Tencent Musician Program” in 2017, an online service for selected aspiring artists to upload original music content to our platform that can be streamed and downloaded by users on our platform.

Fostering User Content Creation

To further extend the breadth of our content offerings, we allow users to upload content in the forms of karaoke songs, live streaming performance, short- and long-form videos and other formats of music-related content. This user-generated music content engages users further and enhances their experience, both as content creators and as the audience.

We promote user-generated content in similar manners as with our licensed content. We leverage our data analytics and AI technologies to recommend content generated by karaoke singers and live streaming performers to our users to help increase their exposure. We further use our proprietary music audio recognition system to identify qualified user-generated original soundtracks and make them easily accessible on our platform.

Case Studies

Lu Han ( LOGO ), a Chinese pop star, released his debut digital album “Reloaded I” exclusively on QQ Music , which broke China’s digital music sales record by selling more than 3.4 million copies. Since then, Lu Han has released seven digital albums via QQ Music with total sales of over 16.5 million copies, topping QQ Music ’s weekly best-seller chart 11 times and accumulating over 8.2 million followers. To boost Lu Han’s popularity and foster a vibrant fan economy around his fan base, we developed various online social events in connection with his album releases, including ranking of high-spending fans and holiday red packets. With the advent of music digitization, we believe that we are uniquely positioned to help established artists reach their full potential by connecting them with our highly active user base and involving them in our platform.

One prominent example of how we helped an aspiring performer reach a nationwide audience is young pop star Ada Zhuang ( LOGO ) . Ada started out as a talented singer on our live streaming platform. A few months later, she released her debut album on Kugou Music . Since then, Ada has released over 200 songs that have won numerous music awards. Her popularity continued to grow through concerts held across China. A single released by Ada in October 2015 has since then been played over three billon times on our platform. A live streaming session hosted by Ada on our platform in 2018, where she performed her debut album, recorded a peak viewership of over 100,000, and more than one million copies of the album were sold within just one month of release. She often surpassed established artists to land on top spots of Kugou ’s music ranking charts, and has amassed over 4.3 million followers on our platform, far more than her followers on any other online platforms.

Another example is Ai Chen ( LOGO ), who we identified as a talented young singer from our WeSing online karaoke social community. To date, Ai Chen has released three digital albums on our platform. More than 100,000 copies of his debut album were sold within one hour of release on WeSing , and the sales soon reached 300,000 in the next 24 hours. In the 11 months since its release, Ai Chen’s debut album had been played over 100 million times across WeSing and QQ Music . In November 2017, Ai Chen released a single on WeSing which was played over one million times within the following 24 hours. The total streams of his songs on our platform has exceeded one billion. Ai Chen currently has approximately 9.5 million followers on WeSing .

How We Generate Revenue

We generate revenue primarily from online music services and social entertainment services and others.

 

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Online Music Services

Paid Music

Currently, we offer users subscription packages across our QQ Music , Kugou Music and Kuwo Music products to download our licensed music content. Our basic subscription packages are priced at RMB8 per month for a fixed amount of downloads per month and unlimited “ad-free” streaming of our music content offerings. Users can also subscribe for our premium memberships at RMB15 per month to access a range of additional features and privileges including additional personalized app themes, more audio settings that enhance listening experiences, video downloading, unlimited playlist storage and faster streaming and download speed. Our users can also download single music titles and music albums on a paid on-demand basis. We also offer certain privileges and benefits that are only available to paying subscribers to encourage user spending and paying user conversion on our platform.

We will continue to explore alternative subscription models and products, such as streaming-based fee models, to maximize the conversion and monetization potential of our user base.

Content Sublicensing

We sublicense certain of our licensed music content to other online music platforms in accordance with the terms of the relevant master license and distribution agreements. We sublicense such music content to other online music platforms at a fixed rate typically for a term of one year, renewable by mutual agreement of both parties. Unlike the long-term master distribution agreements, we typically enter into sublicensing agreements on relatively shorter terms to preserve more flexibility to respond to market changes. From a business strategy perspective, we believe that being a content sub-licensor under our master distribution agreements with music labels allows us to continue to work closely with music labels to drive the growth and development of China’s online music entertainment industry. Specifically, it enables us to further promote copyright protection by working closely with music labels and other online music platforms, and to continue cultivating Chinese consumers’ willingness to pay for music content. Our track record in such endeavors in turn reinforces our relationship with the music labels and makes us a go-to content partner in China for distribution of their content. In addition to sublicensing fees, being an original licensee also generally raises our industry prestige and reinforces our brand image among users, which benefits our sales and marketing strategy in the long term.

Advertising

We offer various advertising services across our platform, which accounted for a small portion of our revenues for the periods presented in this prospectus. Our advertising offerings mainly include industry standard banner ads of various sizes and placements on the interfaces of our platform; and full-screen display ads that automatically appear when a user opens our mobile apps.

Social Entertainment Services and Others

Users are attracted to our online karaoke and live streaming platforms primarily by engaging music performances from our online karaoke singers and live streaming performers. We generate revenues from online karaoke and live streaming services primarily from sales of virtual gifts, including consumable, time-based and durable virtual items. Consumable virtual items are mainly used as gifts sent to online karaoke singers and live streaming performers by users as a way for them to show support and appreciation for their performance. Special visual items, such as diamond rings or cars, will be displayed on the screen when these gifts are bought from us and sent to the singers or performers. We also offer users the option to purchase virtual items which provide them with certain privileges or recognized status over a period of time, such as badges displayed for a certain period of time on the users’ profile pages. While purchasing and using these virtual gifts is not a prerequisite for using the features in our products, it provides a way for users to participate in online karaoke and live streaming, which drives user engagement and stickiness. We believe we are still at an early stage of monetization with significant potential for future growth.

 

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In addition to virtual gift sales, we also generate revenue from online karaoke and live streaming services by selling premium memberships. For online karaoke, they include higher soundtrack resolution and access to video clips of vocal tutorials. For live streaming, these privileges include enhanced status and visibility when users interact with live streaming performers and other users. In addition, selected live streaming performers can produce and sell their own digital albums through our platform if they share a portion of their revenues with us. Revenues generated on our platform are shared with our karaoke singers and live streaming performers or their agents, typically based on a percentage of the revenue generated from the sales of virtual gifts attributable to their performance.

Moreover, we generate revenues from sales of music-related merchandise, including our Kugou M1 headsets, smart speakers, WeSing karaoke microphones and Hi-Fi systems.

Branding, Marketing and Sales

The focus of our marketing efforts is to further strengthen our brands, including QQ Music , Kugou , Kuwo and WeSing , and to expand our entertainment ecosystem to connect more users, artists and content providers. We aim to deliver best-in-class entertainment content and services in order to garner strong word-of-mouth referrals and enhance our brand recognition.

We primarily rely on word-of-mouth referrals and benefit from our strong brands to attract users to our platform. We also engage in diverse marketing campaigns both online and offline to enhance brand awareness. Specifically, our marketing campaigns increase platform traffic through search engine marketing and social media. Moreover, we host or participate in various forms of music-related events and activities to further boost our brand recognition, such as cooperation with established artists, singing competitions, TV and internet music talent shows, music festivals, campus campaigns, artist tours and fan events, to enhance our brand recognition.

We continue to implement new technologies, introduce new features and tools, as well as improve user experience in order to encourage users to access our platform more frequently and for longer periods of time, and ultimately to increase their spending on our platform. We also use direct marketing tools deployed through our platform interfaces to convert our users into paying users.

Content Sourcing Arrangements

Content is the foundation of our platform. We license from, and pay royalties to, the following major rights holders to obtain the vast majority of the music content offered on our platform.

 

   

Music labels and music copyright owners

 

     

We have strong partnerships with a wide range of music labels and other copyright owners. As of June 30, 2018, we licensed musical recording rights and/or music publishing rights underlying music content on terms ranging from one to three years from over 200 domestic and international music labels, including through master distribution and licensing agreements with Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, Emperor Entertainment Group and China Record Group Co., Ltd.

 

     

We pay for music labels for licensed music content based on a minimum guaranteed licensing fee and revenue-sharing incentive royalties. Under such fee arrangements, the amounts of minimum guaranteed licensing fees and incentive royalties depend on factors including the type of content, the popularity of the performers, as well as our relationships with the licensors. Payments under the licenses are generally made in installments throughout the duration of the licenses.

 

     

We have long-term arrangements with several online music platforms in China to cross-license our respective licensable or sub-licensable rights in musical works.

 

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Individual artists . We also enter into licenses with individual artists or their agencies to bring a broader and more diverse content offering on our platform.

 

   

User-generated content . User-generated content from live streaming performers (and their agencies, if applicable) is covered by revenue-sharing arrangements. We are entitled to the intellectual property rights of the live streaming content they create. In addition, users uploading user-generated content on our platform typically agree to grant us the associated copyright of such content. For additional details concerning our copyright protection with respect to user-generated content, see “—Copyright Protection” and “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business and Industry—We allow user-generated content to be uploaded on our platform; if users have not obtained all necessary copyright licenses in connection with such uploaded content, we may be subject to potential disputes and liabilities.”

 

   

Music Copyright Society of China (the “MCSC”). We have a framework agreement with the MCSC, a music collective copyright organization in China, for an initial term of two years which automatically renews for one year upon the expiration of the initial term. The primary purpose of our agreement with the MCSC is to secure the copyright with respect to musical compositions and lyrics underlying our music content that is not covered by our licensing agreements with music labels and music copyright owners. Under such agreement, we are granted the right to distribute through the internet the musical compositions and lyrics managed by the MCSC. The current license fee we pay to the MCSC equals to a specified minimum guaranteed amount plus a percentage of revenues generated from the licensed music content (net of certain costs). In the event of any copyright dispute or claims regarding music content covered by our agreement with the MCSC, the MCSC undertakes to negotiate with, or pay compensation to, such third-party right owners.

Copyright Protection

We are committed to copyright protection and we strive to continue playing a leadership role in improving China’s music copyright environment.

We take various measures to ensure content offered on our platform does not infringe upon copyright of third parties. Once it is licensed, we closely monitor copyrighted content on our platform for compliance with the scope of the licenses and to otherwise attempt to detect and remediate infringement of third-party copyrights on our platform in a timely manner. We also seek additional contractual protection from the agreements between us and the content creators or licensors, including the MCSC. For example, we typically require the licensors to represent in the licensing agreement that they have the legitimate right to license the content and require them to indemnify us for losses arising from any claims of infringement or violation of laws and regulations. With respect to user-generated content, we also rely on the safe harbor provision for online storage service providers under PRC copyright laws and regulations, and have adopted measures intended to minimize the likelihood that we may be held liable for copyright infringement as a result of distributing user-generated content on our platform. Such measures include (i) requiring users to acknowledge and agree that they will not upload or perform content which may infringe intellectual property rights, (ii) restricting users on our blacklists from uploading content, and (iii) implementing “notice and take-down” policies to be eligible for the safe harbor exemption for user-generated content.

We also actively enforce our rights against third-party platforms that infringe upon our content rights, using a combination of human and machine monitoring to detect unauthorized use of copyrighted content on other online music platforms. More specifically:

 

   

Monitoring . Leveraging our advanced audio fingerprinting technology and massive data base, we are able to continually screen and identify infringing content displayed on third-party online music entertainment platforms in China.

 

   

Enforcement of our rights . When our system identifies an infringing use of our content on a third-party platform, our system automatically generates an alert email to our legal and copyright protection

 

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department, which promptly serves a takedown notice to the infringing platforms requesting that the infringing content be removed. Following the takedown notice, our legal and copyright protection department will review the relevant evidence and initiate the removal procedures to ensure timely removal of infringing content, and they may also file complaints with the National Copyright Administration and content providers or initiate legal proceedings.

 

   

Follow-up . Once a takedown notice is served or a legal proceeding initiated, our copyright system starts to track the relevant platforms to check if the infringing content has been timely removed.

Content Monitoring

We are committed to complying with the applicable laws and regulations regarding the provision of content through the internet. We leverage our technology to implement procedures to monitor and remove inappropriate or illegal content from our platform. Text, images and videos are screened by our content monitoring team, aided by systems that periodically filter our platform. We have also adopted various public reporting channels to identify and remove illegal or improper content. Our legal team may also take further actions to hold the content creators accountable for any illegal or inappropriate content.

We are focused on the monitoring and screening of user-generated content. We require live streaming performers and users to register on a real-name basis to upload content to our platform and require them to agree not to distribute content in violation of any third-party rights or any applicable laws or regulations. In particular, we monitor the live streaming sessions and online karaoke performances delivered on our platform using a combination of human and machine screening.

Due to the massive amount of content displayed on our platform, we may not always be able to promptly identify the content that is illegal, improper or may otherwise be found objectionable by the PRC government. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and Industry—The content available on our platform may be found objectionable by the PRC government, which may subject us to penalties and other regulatory or administrative actions.”

Other Intellectual Property

In addition to copyright in our music content, other intellectual property is also critical to our business. We rely on a combination of patent, copyright, trademark and trade secret laws in China and other jurisdictions, as well as confidentiality procedures and contractual provisions, to protect our intellectual property rights. As of June 30, 2018, we have applied for the registration of 1,646 patents, among which 635 patents have been registered with the State Intellectual Property Office. One of our patents has been recognized with the Nineteenth China Patent Award by the State Intellectual Property Office. As of the same date, we have applied for 1,588 trademarks, among which 984 had been registered with the Trademark Office of the State Administration for Industry & Commerce. We had also registered 266 software copyright with the Copyright Protection Center of the PRC. Our “ LOGO ” (Kugou) trademark has been recognized as a well-known trademark by the Beijing Higher People’s Court.

Despite our efforts to protect ourselves from infringement or misappropriation of our intellectual property rights, unauthorized parties may attempt to copy or otherwise obtain and use our intellectual property in violation of our rights. In the event of a successful claim of infringement against us, or our failure or inability to develop non-infringing intellectual property or license the infringed or similar intellectual property on a timely basis, our business could be harmed. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and Industry—Assertions by third parties of infringement or other violation by us of their intellectual property rights could harm our business, operating results and financial condition” and “—Failure to protect our intellectual property could substantially harm our business, operating results and financial condition.”

 

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Technology and Data Capabilities

Technology

We focus on continually improving our technology to deliver superior user experience and enhance our operating efficiency. Over the years, we have been innovating and improving our technologies to help users discover and enjoy content and help artists find their target audience and realize greater value.

We have a large dataset and we devote substantial resources to analyzing data in order to obtain useful insights into our users’ music entertainment and social behaviors. We believe our technology will allow us to better understand and respond to user preferences, deliver a superior user experience, and further differentiate our services from our competitors.

 

   

Search and discovery engines . We provide users with a personalized music entertainment experience by leveraging our powerful music search and discovery engines. Our advanced algorithms improve the accuracy and relevance of our search results. In addition, we have developed various user functions including machine-generated playlists and intelligent recommendations of related music content to deliver a highly personalized music discovery experience.

 

   

User-experience enhancements . We offer a variety of sounds effects to enhance our users’ listening experience. Our award-winning proprietary audio settings, such as QQ Music Super Sound , Kugou Viper Sound and WeSing Super Voice audio settings, not only bring superior sound quality and best-in-class listening experience to users, but also foster a large, growing online community for them to share user feedback about our sounds effects. In addition, we provide various special visual effects and camera filters for users recording videos on our platform. Our proprietary music recognition technology allows our apps to identify songs by listening to a sample of a track. Our technology also makes our products a part of everyday life, such as our QQ Music Running Station that recommends music to match a jogger’s running tempo.

 

   

Content monitoring . Our technology is also essential in helping our artists and label partners protect their copyright and ensuring the integrity of our platform. For example, our video recognition technology enables us to effectively monitor live streaming for content violations and copyright protection purposes. We have also developed an effective copyright infringement monitoring system that is able to detect potential copyright infringement by other music platforms or our users.

User Data Security and Privacy

We believe data security is critical to our business operation because data is the foundation of our competitive advantages. We have internal rules and policy to govern how we may use and share personal information, as well as protocols, technologies and systems in place to ensure that such information will not be accessed or disclosed improperly. Users must acknowledge the terms and conditions of the user agreement before using our products, under which they consent to our collection, use and disclosure of their data in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

From an internal policy perspective, we limit access to our servers that store our user and internal data on a “need-to-know” basis. We also adopt a data encryption system intended to ensure the secured storage and transmission of data, and prevent any unauthorized member of the public or third parties from accessing or using our data in any unauthorized manner. Furthermore, we implement comprehensive data masking of user data for the purpose of fending off potential hacking or security attacks.

Our People

Our employees are caring, talented, creative and open. Our employees love music and developing technology to allow people to interact with music in innovative ways. We believe creativity and innovation is core to our corporate culture, which allows us to attract highly talented professionals.

 

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We had 2,361, 2,406 and 2,459 full-time employees as of December 31, 2016 and 2017 and June 30, 2018, respectively. Substantially all of our employees are based in China. The following table sets forth the number of our full-time employees as of June 30, 2018.

 

Function

   Number of
employees
 

Research and development

     1,541  

Content management

     352  

Sales and marketing

     290  

Management and administration

     276  
  

 

 

 

Total

     2,459  
  

 

 

 

We enter into employment contracts with our full-time employees which contain standard confidentiality and non-compete provisions. In addition to salaries and benefits, we provide performance-based bonuses for our full-time employees and commission-based compensation for our sales and marketing force.

Under PRC law, we participate in various employee social security plans that are organized by municipal and provincial governments for our PRC-based full-time employees, including pension, unemployment insurance, work-related injury insurance, medical insurance and housing insurance. We are required under PRC law to make contributions from time to time to employee benefit plans for our PRC-based full-time employees at specified percentages of the salaries, bonuses and certain allowances of such employees, up to a maximum amount specified by the local governments in China.

We believe that we maintain a good working relationship with our employees, and we have not experienced any material labor disputes in the past. None of our employees is represented by labor unions.

Competition

We face competition for users and their time and attention primarily from NetEase Music and other online music providers in China. We also face competition from online offerings of other forms of content, including karaoke services, live streaming, radio services, literature, games and long- and short-form videos provided by other online service providers. We compete to attract, engage and retain users based on a number of factors, such as the diversity of content, product features, social interaction features, quality of user experience, brand awareness and reputation. Some of our competitors may have greater financial, marketing or technology resources than we do, which could enable them to respond more quickly to technological innovations or changes in user demands and preferences, license more attractive content, and devote greater resources towards the development, promotion and sale of products than we can. For a discussion of risks relating to competition, see “Risk Factors—Risk Related to Our Business—We operate in a competitive industry. If we are unable to compete successfully, we may lose market share to our competitors.”

Facilities

Our principal executive offices are located in Shenzhen, China. We also have offices in Beijing and Guangzhou, China. These facilities have an aggregate of approximately 29,386 square meters and currently accommodate our management headquarters, as well as most of our product development, content acquisition and management, sales and marketing, as well as general and administrative activities. Our main IT infrastructure includes internet data centers (IDC) and content delivery networks (CDN). We lease IDC facilities from major telecommunication companies in China.

We lease all of the facilities that we currently occupy. We believe that the facilities that we currently lease are adequate to meet our needs for the foreseeable future.

 

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Insurance

We do not maintain any liability insurance or property insurance policies covering our equipment and facilities for injuries, death or losses due to fire, earthquake, flood or any other disaster. Consistent with customary industry practice in China, we do not maintain business interruption insurance, nor do we maintain key-man life insurance.

Legal Proceedings

We have been and may become a party to various legal or administrative proceedings arising in the ordinary course of our business, including matters relating to copyright infringement, commercial disputes and competition. We are currently not a party to, and we are not aware of any threat of, any legal or administrative proceedings that, in the opinion of our management, are likely to have any material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flow or results of operations. See also “Risk Factors—Risk Related to Our Business and Industry—Pending or future litigation could have a material and adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.”

 

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PRC REGULATION

We are subject to a variety of PRC laws, rules and regulations across a number of aspects of our business. The following is a summary of the principal PRC laws and regulations relating to our business and operations within the territory of the PRC.

Regulations on Foreign Investment

Special Administrative Measures for Entrance of Foreign Investment (Negative List) (2018 Version)

The Special Administrative Measures for Entrance of Foreign Investment (Negative List) (2018 Version), or the Negative List, which was promulgated jointly by the Ministry of Commerce and the National Development and Reform Commission on June 28, 2018 and became effective on July 28, 2018, replaced and abolished the Guidance Catalog of Industries for Foreign Investment (2017 Revision) regulating the access of foreign investors to China. Pursuant to the Negative List, foreign investors should refrain from making investing in any of prohibited sectors specified in the Negative List, and foreign investors are required to obtain the permit for access to other sectors that are listed in the Negative List but not classified as “prohibited”.

We are a Cayman Islands company and our businesses by nature in China are mainly value-added telecommunication services and online culture services, which are restricted or prohibited for foreign investors by the Negative List. We conduct business operations that are restricted or prohibited for foreign investment through our variable interest entities, or VIEs.

Regulations on Value-Added Telecommunication Services and Internet Content Services

Licenses for Value-Added Telecommunications Services

The Telecommunications Regulations of the PRC (2016 Revision), or the Telecom Regulations, promulgated on September 25, 2000 by the State Council and most recently amended on February 6, 2016, provide a regulatory framework for telecommunications services providers in the PRC. As required by the Telecom Regulations, a commercial telecommunications service provider in the PRC shall obtain an operating license from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, or the MIIT, or its counterparts at provincial level prior to its commencement of operations.

The Telecom Regulations categorize all telecommunication businesses in the PRC as either basic or value-added. The Catalog of Telecommunications Business, or the Telecom Catalog, which was issued as an attachment to the Telecom Regulations and updated in February 21, 2003 and December 28, 2015, further categorizes value-added telecommunication services into two classes: class I value-added telecommunication services and class II value-added telecommunication services. Information services provided via cable networks, mobile networks, or internet fall within class II value-added telecommunications services.

Pursuant to the Measures on Telecommunications Business Operating Licenses (2017 Revision), or the Telecom License Measures, promulgated by the MIIT on March 1, 2009 and last amended on July 3, 2017, any approved telecommunications services provider shall conduct its business in accordance with the specifications in its license for value-added telecommunications services, or VATS License. The Telecom License Measures further prescribes types of requisite licenses for VATS Licenses together with qualifications and procedures for obtaining such VATS Licenses.

Pursuant to the Administrative Measures on Internet Information Services (2011 Revision), promulgated on September 25, 2000 and amended on January 8, 2011 by the State Council, commercial internet information services providers, which mean providers of information or services to internet users with charge, shall obtain a VATS License with the business scope of internet information services, namely the Internet Content Provider License or the ICP License, from competent government authorities before providing any commercial internet content services within the PRC.

 

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We engage in business activities that are value-added telecommunications services as defined in the Telecom Regulations and the Telecom Catalog. To comply with the relevant laws and regulations, each of Guangzhou Kugou and Beijing Kuwo holds a valid ICP License, while Tencent Music Shenzhen intends to apply for the ICP License. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and Industry—China’s internet and music entertainment industries are highly regulated. Our failure to obtain and maintain requisite licenses or permits applicable or to respond to any changes in government policies, laws or regulations may materially and adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operation.”

Restrictions on Foreign Direct Investment in Value-Added Telecommunications Services

Foreign direct investment in telecommunications companies in China is governed by the Provisions on the Administration of Foreign-Invested Telecommunications Enterprises (2016 Revision), which was promulgated on December 11, 2001 and amended on September 10, 2008 and February 6, 2016 by the State Council. The regulations require that foreign-invested value-added telecommunications enterprises in China to be established as Sino-foreign equity joint ventures and, with a few exceptions, the foreign investors may acquire up to 50% of the equity interests in such joint ventures. In addition, the major foreign investor, as defined therein, is required to demonstrate a good track record and experience in operating value-added telecommunications businesses. Moreover, foreign investors that meet these requirements must obtain approvals from the MIIT and the Ministry of Commerce, or their authorized local counterparts, which retain considerable discretion in granting approvals.

On July 13, 2006, the Ministry of Information Industry (currently known as the MIIT), or the MII, released the Circular on Strengthening the Administration of Foreign Investment in the Operation of Value-added Telecommunications Business, or the MII Circular. The MII Circular prohibits domestic telecommunications enterprises from leasing, transferring or selling telecommunications business operation licenses to foreign investors in any form, or providing any resources, sites or facilities to any foreign investor for their illegal operation of a telecommunication business in China. Furthermore, under the MII Circular, the internet domain names and registered trademarks used by a foreign-invested value-added telecommunications services operator shall be legally owned by that operator (or its shareholders). If a license holder fails to comply with the requirements in the MII Circular and cure such non-compliance, the MII or its local counterparts have the discretion to take measures against such license holders, including revoking their VATS Licenses.

Regulations on Transmitting Audio-Visual Programs through the Internet

On December 20, 2007, the MII and the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television, or the SAPPRFT, jointly issued the Administrative Provisions on the Internet Audio-Video Program Service, or the Audio-Video Program Provisions, which came into effect on January 31, 2008 and was amended on August 28, 2015. The Audio-Video Program Provisions defines “internet audio-video program services” as producing, editing and integrating audio-video programs, supplying audio-video programs to the public via the internet, and providing audio-video programs uploading and transmission services to a third party. Entities providing internet audio-video programs services must obtain an Audio and Video Service Permission, or AVSP. Applicants for the AVSP shall be state-owned or state-controlled entities unless an AVSP has been obtained prior to the effectiveness of the Audio-Video Program Provisions in accordance with the then-in-effect laws and regulations. In addition, foreign-invested enterprises are not allowed to engage in the above-mentioned services. According to the Audio-Video Program Provisions and other relevant laws and regulations, audio-video programs provided by the entities supplying internet audio-video program services shall not contain any illegal content or other content prohibited by the laws and regulations, such as any content against the basic principles in the PRC Constitution, any content that jeopardizes the sovereignty of the country or national security, and any content that disturbs social order or undermine social stability. A full copy of any audio-video program that has already been broadcasted shall be retained for at least 60 days. Movies, television programs and other media contents used as internet audio-video programs shall comply with applicable administrative regulations on programs transmitting through radio, movie and television channels. Entities providing services related to internet audio-video programs shall immediately remove the audio-video programs violating laws and regulations, keep relevant records, report to relevant authorities, and implement other regulatory requirements.

 

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The Categories of the Internet Audio-Video Program Services, or the Audio-Video Program Categories, promulgated by SAPPRFT on March 10, 2017, classifies internet audio-video programs into four categories: (I) Category I internet audio-video program service, which is carried out with a form of radio station or television station; (II) Category II internet audio-video program service, including (a) re-broadcasting service of current political news audio-video programs; (b) hosting, interviewing, reporting, and commenting service of arts, entertainment, technology, finance and economics, sports, education, and other specialized audio-video programs; (c) producing (interviewing not included) and broadcasting service of arts, entertainment, technology, finance and economics, sports, education, and other specialized audio-video programs; (d) producing and broadcasting service of internet films/dramas; (e) aggregating and broadcasting service of films, television dramas and cartoons; (f) aggregating and broadcasting service of arts, entertainment, technology, finance and economics, sports, education and other specialized audio-video programs; and (g) live audio-video broadcasting service of cultural activities of common social organizations, sport events or other organization activities; and (III) Category III internet audio-video program service, including (a) aggregating service of online audio-video content, and (b) re-broadcasting service of the audio-video programs uploaded by internet users; and (IV) Category IV internet audio-video program service, including (a) re-broadcasting of the radio or television program channels; and (b) re-broadcasting of internet audio-video program channels.

On May 27, 2016, the SAPPRFT issued the Circular on Relevant Issues Concerning Implementing the Approval Granting for Mobile Internet Audio-Video Program Services, or the Mobile Audio-Video Program Circular. The Mobile Audio-Video Program Circular provides that the mobile internet audio-video program services shall be deemed a type of internet audio-video program services. Entities approved to provide mobile internet audio-video program services may use mobile WAP websites or mobile applications to provide audio-video program services, but the types of the programs operated by such entities shall be within the permitted scope as provided in their AVSPs and the said mobile applications shall be filed with the SAPPRFT.

On November 4, 2016, the State Internet Information Office issued the Administrative Regulations on Online Live Streaming Services, or the Online Live Streaming Regulations, which came into effect on December 1, 2016. According to the Online Live Streaming Regulations, when providing internet news information services, both online live streaming service providers and online live streaming publishers must obtain the relevant licenses for providing internet news information service and may only carry out internet news information services within the scope of their AVSPs. All online live streaming service providers (whether or not providing internet news information) must take certain actions to operate their services, including establishing platforms for monitoring live streaming content.

Each of Guangzhou Kugou and Beijing Kuwo holds a valid AVSP. As their AVSPs do not include the scope of providing mobile internet audio-video program services, Guangzhou Kugou and Beijing Kuwo plan to update their respective AVSPs to address this issue. Tencent Music Shenzhen may be required to obtain an AVSP. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and Industry—China’s internet and music entertainment industries are highly regulated. Our failure to obtain and maintain requisite licenses or permits applicable or to respond to any changes in government policies, laws, or regulations may materially and adversely impact our business, financial condition, and results of operation.”

Regulations on Production and Operation of Radio and Television Programs

On July 19, 2004, the SAPPRFT promulgated the Regulations on the Administration of Production and Operation of Radio and Television Programs, or the Radio and TV Programs Regulations, which came into effect on August 20, 2004 and was amended on August 28, 2015. Pursuant to the Radio and TV Programs Regulations, entities engaging in the production of radio and television programs must obtain a License for Production and Operation of Radio and TV Programs from the SAPPRFT or its counterparts at the provincial level. Holders of such licenses must conduct their business operations strictly in compliance within the approved scope as provided in the licenses.

 

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Each of Guangzhou Kugou and Beijing Kuwo holds a valid License for Production and Operation of Radio and TV Programs as required by the Radio and TV Programs Regulations.

Regulations on Online Publication

Publishing activities in China are mainly supervised and regulated by the SAPPRFT. On February 4, 2016, the SAPPRFT and the MIIT jointly promulgated the Regulations on the Administration of Online Publishing Services, or the Online Publishing Regulations, which came into effect on March 10, 2016. The Online Publishing Regulations define “online publications” as digital works that are edited, produced, or processed to be published and provided to the public through the internet, including (a) original digital works, such as pictures, maps, games and comics; (b) digital works with content that is consistent with the type of content that, prior to being released online, typically was published in offline media such as books, newspapers, periodicals, audio-visual products and electronic publications; (c) digital works in the form of online databases compiled by selecting, arranging and compiling other types of digital works; and (d) other types of digital works identified by the SAPPRFT. In addition, foreign-invested enterprises are not allowed to engage in the foregoing services. Under the Online Publishing Regulations, internet operators distributing online publications via internet are required to obtain an Online Publishing Service Permit from the SAPPRFT.

Each of Guangzhou Kugou, Beijing Kuwo and Tencent Music Shenzhen plans to apply for the Online Publishing Service Permit.

Regulations on Internet Culture Activities

Pursuant to the Interim Administrative Provisions on Internet Culture, or the Internet Culture Provisions, promulgated by the Ministry of Culture on February 17, 2011 and amended on December 15, 2017, internet culture activities include: (i) production, reproduction, import, release or broadcasting of internet culture products (such as online music, online game, online performance and cultural products by certain technical means and copied to the internet for spreading); (ii) distribution or publication of cultural products on internet; and (iii) exhibitions, competitions and other similar activities concerning internet culture products. The Internet Culture Provisions further classifies internet cultural activities into commercial internet cultural activities and non-commercial internet cultural activities. Entities engaging in commercial internet cultural activities must apply to the relevant authorities for an Online Culture Operating Permit, while non-commercial cultural entities are only required to report to related culture administration authorities within 60 days of the establishment of such entity. If any entity engages in commercial internet culture activities without approval, the cultural administration authorities or other relevant government may order such entity to cease to operate internet culture activities as well as levying penalties including administrative warning and fines up to RMB30,000. In addition, foreign-invested enterprises are not allowed to engage in the above-mentioned services except online music. Currently, each of Guangzhou Kugou, Beijing Kuwo, Tencent Music Shenzhen and Shenzhen Ultimate Music holds a valid Online Culture Operating Permit.

Regulations on Virtual Currency

On January 25, 2007, the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of Culture, the MIIT and the GAPP jointly issued a circular regarding online gambling which has implications on the issuance and use of virtual currency. To curtail online games that involve online gambling while addressing concerns that virtual currency might be used for money laundering or illicit trade, the circular (a) prohibits online game operators from charging commissions in the form of virtual currency in connection with winning or losing of games; (b) requires online game operators to impose limits on use of virtual currency in guessing and betting games; (c) bans the conversion of virtual currency into real currency or property; and (d) prohibits services that enable game players to transfer virtual currency to other players. To comply with the relevant section of the circular that bans the conversion of virtual currency into real currency or property, in relation to online music and entertainment, our virtual currency currently can only be used by users to exchange into virtual items to be used to show support for performers or gain access to privileges and special features in the channels which are services in nature instead of “real

 

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currency or property.” Once the virtual currency is exchanged by users for virtual items or the relevant privileged services, the conversion transaction is completed and we immediately cancel the virtual item in our internal system.

In February 2007, fourteen PRC regulatory authorities jointly issued a circular to further strengthen the oversight of internet cafes and online games. In accordance with the circular, the People’s Bank of China has the authority to regulate virtual currency, including: (a) setting limits on the aggregate amount of virtual currency that can be issued by online game operators and the amount of virtual currency that can be purchased by an individual; (b) stipulating that virtual currency issued by online game operators can only be used for purchasing virtual products and services within the online games and not for purchasing tangible or physical products; (c) requiring that the price for redemption of virtual currency shall not exceed the respective original purchase price; and (d) banning the trading of virtual currency.

On June 4, 2009, the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Commerce jointly issued the Circular on Strengthening the Administration of Online Game Virtual Currency, or the Virtual Currency Circular. The Virtual Currency Circular requires businesses that (a) issue online game virtual currency (in the form of prepaid cards or pre-payment or prepaid card points), or (b) offer online game virtual currency trading services, to apply for approval from the Ministry of Culture through its provincial branches. Businesses that issue virtual currency for online games are prohibited from offering services of trading virtual currency, or vice versa. Any company that fails to file the necessary application for approval of the Ministry of Culture will be subject to sanctions, including but not limited to mandatory corrective actions and fines.

Under the Virtual Currency Circular, online games virtual currency trading service provider refers to business that provides platform services related to trading virtual game of online games among game users. The Virtual Currency Circular further requires an online game virtual currency trading service provider to comply with relevant e-commerce regulations issued by the Ministry of Commerce. According to the Guiding Opinions on Online Trading (Interim) issued by the Ministry of Commerce on March 6, 2007, online platform services are trading services provided to online buyers and sellers through a computer information system operated by the service provider. The Virtual Currency Circular regulates, among others, the amount of virtual currency a business can issue, the retention period of user records, the function of virtual currency and the return of unused virtual currency upon the termination of online services. Online game operators are prohibited from distributing virtual items or virtual currencies to players through random selection methods such as lottery, betting or lottery, and the player directly pays cash or virtual currency. Game operators are prohibited from issuing virtual currency to game players in any way other than legal tender purchases. Any business that provides online game virtual currency trading services is required to adopt technical measures to restrict the transfer of online game virtual currency among accounts of different game players. In addition, the Online Game Measures promulgated in June 2010 further provide that (i) virtual currency may only be used to purchase services and products provided by the online service provider that issues the currency; (ii) the purpose of issuing virtual currency shall not be malicious appropriation of the user’s advance payment; (iii) the storage period of online gamers’ purchase record shall not be shorter than 180 days; (iv) the types, price and total amount of virtual currency shall be filed with the cultural administration department at the provincial level. The Online Game Measures stipulate that virtual currency service providers may not provide virtual currency trading services to minors or for online games that fail to obtain the necessary approval or filings, and that such providers should keep transaction records, accounting records and other relevant information for their users for at least 180 days. On December 1, 2016, Ministry of Culture released the Circular on Regulating Online Game Operation and Strengthening Concurrent and Ex-Post Supervision, to be implemented from May 2017, which restate and introduce a series of regulatory requirements governing the online game operation, including clarifications on online game operation and operators, virtual items rules, random-event rules, user protection measures, and reiteration of Ministry of Culture’s approval and filing requirements.

Each of Guangzhou Kugou and Beijing Kuwo holds a valid Online Culture Operating Permit covering the issuance of virtual currency. We issue different virtual currencies and prepaid tokens to users on our platform for

 

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them to purchase various virtual gifts to be used in live streaming or online game platforms; however, our service does not constitute virtual currency trading services because users may not transfer or trade virtual currency among themselves.

Regulations on Online Music

On November 20, 2006, the Ministry of Culture issued the Several Opinions of the Ministry of Culture on the Development and Administration of Online Music, or the Online Music Opinions, which became effective on the same date. The Online Music Opinions provide that, among other things, an internet music service provider must obtain an Online Culture Operating Permit. On October 23, 2015, the Ministry of Culture promulgated the Circular on Further Strengthening and Improving the Content Administration of Online Music, effective as of January 1, 2016, which provides that internet culture operating entities shall report to a nationwide administrative platform the details of its self-monitoring activities on a quarterly basis.

In 2010 and 2011, the Ministry of Culture greatly intensified its regulations on online music products by issuing a series of circulars regarding online music industry, such as the Circular on Regulating the Market Order of Online Music Products and Renovating Illegal Conducts of Online Music Websites and the Circular on Investigating Illegal Online Music Websites in 2010. In addition, the Ministry of Culture issued the Circular on Clearing Illegal Online Music Products, which clarified that entities engaging in any of the following conducts will be subject to relevant penalties or sanctions imposed by the Ministry of Culture: (i) providing online music products or relevant services without obtaining corresponding qualifications; (ii) importing online music products that have not been reviewed by the Ministry of Culture; or (iii) providing domestically developed online music products that have not been filed with the Ministry of Culture.

On July 8, 2015, the National Copyright Administration issued the Circular regarding Ceasing Transmitting Unauthorized Music Products by Online Music Service Providers, which requires that (i) all unauthorized music products on the platforms of online music services providers shall be removed prior to July 31, 2015, and (ii) the National Copyright Administration investigate and punish the online music services providers who continue to transmit unauthorized music products following July 31, 2015.

Regulations on Commercial Performances

The Administrative Regulations on Commercial Performances (2016 Revision) was promulgated by the State Council and put into effect on February 6, 2016. According to these regulations, to legally engage in commercial performances, a culture and arts performance group shall have full-time performers and equipment in line with its performing business, and file an application with the culture administrative department of the people’s government at the county level for approval. To legally engage in commercial performances, a performance brokerage agency shall have three or more full-time performance brokers and funds for the relevant business, and file an application with the culture administrative department of the people’s government of a province, autonomous region or municipality directly under central government. The culture administrative department shall make a decision within 20 days from the receipt of the application whether to approve the application, and upon approval, will issue a performance permit. Anyone or any entity engaging in commercial performance activities without approval may be imposed a penalty, in addition to being ordered to cease its actions. Such penalty may include confiscation of his or its performance equipment and illegal proceeds, and a fine of 8 to 10 times of the illegal proceeds. Where there are no illegal proceeds or the illegal proceeds are less than RMB10,000, a fine of RMB50,000 to RMB100,000 will be imposed. Currently, each of Guangzhou Kugou and Beijing Kuwo holds a valid Commercial Performance License.

Regulations on Online Advertising Services

On April 24, 2015, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress enacted the Advertising Law of the PRC, or the Advertising Law, effective on September 1, 2015. The Advertising Law increases the potential legal liability of advertising services providers and strengthens regulations of false advertising. The Advertising

 

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Law sets forth certain content requirements for advertisements including, among other things, prohibitions on false or misleading content, superlative wording, socially destabilizing content or content involving obscenities, superstition, violence, discrimination or infringement of the public interest.

On July 4, 2016, the State Administration for Industry and Commerce (currently known as the State Administration for Market Regulations), or the SAIC, issued the Interim Measures on the Administration of Online Advertising, or the SAIC Interim Measures, which came into effect on September 1, 2016. The Advertising Law and the SAIC Interim Measures require that online advertisements may not affect users’ normal use of internet and internet pop-up ads must display a “close” sign prominently and ensure one-key closing of the pop-up windows. The SAIC Interim Measures provide that all online advertisements must be marked “advertisement” so that consumers can distinguish them from non-advertisement information. Moreover, the SAIC Interim Measures require that, among other things, sponsored search advertisements shall be prominently distinguished from normal research results and it is forbidden to send advertisements or advertisement links by email without the recipient’s permission or induce internet users to click on an advertisement in a deceptive manner.

Regulations on Internet Security

On December 28, 2000, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress enacted the Decision on the Protection of Internet Security, as amended on August 27, 2009, which provides that the following activities conducted through the internet are subject to criminal liabilities: (a) gaining improper entry into any of the computer information networks relating to state affairs, national defensive affairs, or cutting-edge science and technology; (b) spreading rumor, slander or other harmful information via the internet for the purpose of inciting subversion of the state political power; (c) stealing or divulging state secrets, intelligence or military secrets via internet; (d) spreading false or inappropriate commercial information; or (e) infringing on the intellectual property. The Ministry of Public Security issued the Administrative Measures on Security Protection for International Connections to Computer Information Networks on December 16, 1997 and amended it on January 8, 2011, which prohibits using internet to leak state secrets or to spread socially destabilizing content.

On December 13, 2005, the Ministry of Public Security issued the Provisions on the Technical Measures for the Protection of the Security of the internet, which requires that internet services providers shall have the function of backing up the records for at least 60 days. Also, internet services providers shall (a) set up technical measures to record and keep the information as registered by users; (b) record and keep the corresponding relation between the internet web addresses and Intranet web addresses as applied by users; (c) record and follow up the net operation and have the functions of security auditing.

On January 21, 2010, the MIIT promulgated the Administrative Measures for Communications Network Security Protection, which requires that all communication network operators including telecommunications services providers and internet domain name service providers divide their own communication networks into units. The unit category shall be classified in accordance with degree of damage to national security, economic operation, social order and public interest. In addition, the communication network operators must file the division and ratings of their communication network with MIIT or its local counterparts. If a communication network operator violates these measures, the MIIT or its local counterparts may order rectification or impose a fine up to RMB30,000 in case such violation is not duly rectified.

Regulations on Privacy Protection

On December 29, 2011, the MIIT promulgated the Several Provisions on Regulation of Order of Internet Information Service Market, which prohibit internet information service providers from collecting personal information of any user without prior consent. Internet information service providers shall explicitly inform the users of the means of collecting and processing personal information, the scope of contents, and purposes. In addition, internet information service providers shall properly keep the personal information of users, if the

 

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preserved personal information of users is divulged or may possibly be divulged, internet information service providers shall immediately take remedial measures and report any material leak to the telecommunications regulatory authority.

On December 28, 2012, the Decision on Strengthening Network Information Protection promulgated by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress emphasizes the need to protect electronic information that contains individual identification information and other private data. The decision requires internet service providers to establish and publish policies regarding the collection and use of electronic personal information and to take necessary measures to ensure the security of the information and to prevent leakage, damage or loss.

In July 2013, the MIIT promulgated the Regulations on Protection of Personal Information of Telecommunications and Internet Users, or the Regulations on Network Information Protection, effective on September 1, 2013, to enhance and enforce legal protection over user information security and privacy on the internet. The Regulations on Network Information Protection require internet operators to take various measures to ensure the privacy and confidentiality of users’ information.

Pursuant to the Ninth Amendment to the Criminal Law of the PRC issued by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress on August 29, 2015, effective on November 1, 2015, any internet service provider that fails to fulfill the obligations related to internet information security as required by applicable laws and refuses to take corrective measures, will be subject to criminal liability for (i) any large-scale dissemination of illegal information; (ii) any severe effect due to the leakage of users’ personal information; (iii) any serious loss of evidence of criminal activities; or (iv) other severe situations, and any individual or entity that (a) sells or provides personal information to others unlawfully or (b) steals or illegally obtains any personal information will be subject to criminal liability in severe situations.

On November 7, 2016, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress promulgated the Cybersecurity Law of the PRC, or the Cybersecurity Law, which came into effect on June 1, 2017. Pursuant to the Cybersecurity Law, network operators shall follow their cybersecurity obligations according to the requirements of the classified protection system for cybersecurity, including: (a) formulating internal security management systems and operating instructions, determining the persons responsible for cybersecurity, and implementing the responsibility for cybersecurity protection; (b) taking technological measures to prevent computer viruses, network attacks, network intrusions and other actions endangering cybersecurity; (c) taking technological measures to monitor and record the network operation status and cybersecurity incidents; (d) taking measures such as data classification, and back-up and encryption of important data; and (e) other obligations stipulated by laws and administrative regulations. In addition, network operators shall follow the principles of legitimacy to collect and use personal information and disclose their rules of data collection and use, clearly express the purposes, means and scope of collecting and using the information, and obtain the consent of the persons whose data is gathered.

Regulations on Infringement upon Intellectual Property Rights via Internet

The Tort Liability Law of the PRC, which was adopted by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress on December 26, 2009 and became effective on July 1, 2010, provides that (i) an online service provider should be held liable for its own tortious acts in providing online services; (ii) where an online user conducts tortious acts by utilizing online services provided by the online service provider, the infringed party has the right to request such online service provider to take necessary measures, including deleting, blocking and disconnecting the access to the infringing content promptly. If the online service provider fails to take necessary measures in a timely manner upon receipt of notice of such infringement, such online service provider will be held jointly liable with the relevant online users for the additional damages that should have not been incurred if the online service provider took proper actions; and (iii) where the online service provider is aware that online users are infringing upon the civil right or interest of third party and fail to take necessary measures, the online service provider should be jointly liable for such infringement with the online users.

 

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Regulations on Intellectual Property Rights

Copyright

China has enacted various laws and regulations relating to the protection of copyright. China is also a signatory to some major international conventions on protection of copyright and became a member of the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works, the Universal Copyright Convention in October 1992, and the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights upon its accession to the World Trade Organization in December 2001.

The Copyright Law of the PRC, adopted in 1990 and revised in 2001 and 2010, or the Copyright Law, and its implementing regulations adopted in 2002 and amended in 2011 and 2013, provide that Chinese citizens, legal persons, or other organizations will, whether published or not, enjoy copyright in their works, which include music works. Copyright will be generally conferred upon the authors, or in case of works made for hire, upon the employer of the author. Copyright holders enjoy personal and economic rights. The personal rights of a copyright holder include rights to publish works, right to be named as the author of works, right to amend the works and right to keep the works intact; while economic rights of a copyright holder include, but not limited to, reproduction right, distribution right, performance right, information network dissemination right, etc. In addition, the rights of performers with respect to their performance, rights of publishers with respect to their design of publications, rights of producers with respect to their video or audio productions, and rights of broadcasting or TV stations with respect to their broadcasting or TV programs are classified as copyright-related interest and protected by the Copyright Law. For a piece of music works, it may involve the copyright of lyricist and of composers, which are collectively referred to as the “music publishing rights” elsewhere in this prospectus, and the copyright-related interests of recording producers and of performers, which can be collectively referred to as the “musical recording rights” elsewhere in this prospectus.

The copyright holders may license other to exercise, or assign all or part of their economic rights attaching to their works. The license can be made on an exclusive or non-exclusive basis. With a few exception, an exclusive license or an assignment of copyright should be evidenced in a written contract.

Pursuant to the Copyright Law and its implementing regulations, copyright infringers are subject to various civil liabilities, such as stopping infringing activities, issuing apologies to the copyright owners and compensating the copyright owners for damages resulting from such infringement. The damages should be calculated based on actual loss or income made by an infringer.

The Provisional Measures on Voluntary Registration of Works, promulgated by the National Copyright Administration on December 31, 1994 and effective on January 1, 1995, provides for a voluntary registration system as administered by the National Copyright Administration and its local counterparts.

The Computer Software Copyright Registration Measures, or the Software Copyright Measures, promulgated by the State Council on February 20, 2002, regulates registrations of software copyright, exclusive licensing contracts for software copyright and assignment agreements. The National Copyright Administration administers software copyright registration, and the Copyright Protection Center of China is designated as the software registration authority. The Copyright Protection Center of China shall grant registration certificates to the Computer Software Copyright applicants which meet the requirements of both the Software Copyright Measures and the Computer Software Protection Regulations (2013 Revision).

The Measures for Administrative Protection of Copyright Related to Internet, which were jointly promulgated by the National Copyright Administration and the MIIT on April 29, 2005 and became effective on May 30, 2005, provide that upon receipt of an infringement notice from a legitimate copyright holder, an internet content service provider must take remedial actions immediately by removing or disabling access to the infringing content. If an internet content service provider knowingly transmits infringing content or fails to take remedial actions after receipt of a notice of infringement that harms public interest, the internet content service

 

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provider could be subject to administrative penalties, including an order to cease infringing activities, confiscation by the authorities of all income derived from the infringement activities, or payment of fines.

On May 18, 2006, the State Council promulgated the Regulations on the Protection of the Right to Network Dissemination of Information, as amended in 2013. Under these regulations, an owner of the network dissemination rights with respect to written works or audio or video recordings who believes that information storage, search or link services provided by an internet service provider infringe his or her rights may require that the internet service provider delete, or disconnect the links to, such works or recordings.

National Copyright Administration

The Copyright Law provides that holders of copyright or copyright-related rights may authorize a collective copyright management organization to exercise their copyright or copyright-related rights. Upon authorization, the collective copyright administration organization is entitled to exercise the copyright or copyright-related rights in its own name for the holders of copyright or copyright-related rights, and participate as a party in court or arbitration proceedings concerning the copyright or copyright-related rights. On December 7, 2013, the State Council promulgated the Regulations on Collective Administration of Copyright, or the Collective Administration Regulations (2013 Revision). The Collective Administration Regulations clarified that the collective copyright management organization is allowed to (i) enter into license agreement with users of copyright or copyright-related rights, (ii) charge royalty from users, (iii) pay royalty to holders of copyright or copyright-related rights, and (iv) participate in court or arbitration proceedings concerning the copyright or copyright-related rights. Pursuant to the Collective Administration Regulations, performance right, filming right, broadcasting right, rental right, information network dissemination right, reproduction right and other rights stipulated by the Copyright Law which are hard to be exercised effectively by the right holders may be collectively administrated by a collective copyright administration organization. Foreigners and stateless persons may, through an overseas collective copyright management organization having a mutual representation contract with the collective copyright management organization in China, authorize the collective copyright management organization in China to manage copyright or copyright-related rights in China. The aforesaid mutual representation contract means a contract under which the collective copyright management organization in China and its overseas peers authorize each other to conduct collective copyright administration within their respective home countries or regions. In 1992, the National Copyright Administration and Chinese Musicians Association jointly established the Music Copyright Society of China.

Trademark

According to the Trademark Law of the PRC, adopted in 1982 and subsequently amended in 1993, 2001 and 2013, as well as the Implementation Regulation of the Trademark Law of the PRC adopted by the State Council in 2002 and subsequently amended in 2014, registered trademarks are granted a term of ten years which may be renewed for consecutive ten-year periods upon request by the trademark owner. Trademark license agreements must be filed with the Trademark Office for record. Conducts that shall constitute an infringement of the exclusive right to use a registered trademark include but not limited to: using a trademark that is identical with or similar to a registered trademark on the same or similar goods without the permission of the trademark registrant, selling goods that violate the exclusive right to use a registered trademark, etc. Pursuant to the Trademark Law of the PRC, in the event of any of the foregoing acts, the infringing party will be ordered to stop the infringement immediately and may be fined; the counterfeit goods will be confiscated. The infringing party may also be held liable for the right holder’s damages, which will be equal to gains obtained by the infringing party or the losses suffered by the right holder as a result of the infringement, including reasonable expenses incurred by the right holder for stopping the infringement.

Patent

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Congress adopted the Patent Law of the PRC, and which was subsequently amended in 1992, 2000 and 2008. In addition, the State Council promulgated the Implementing Rules of the Patent Law in 2001, as amended in 2002 and 2010 respectively, pursuant to which a patentable invention and utility model must meet three conditions: novelty, inventiveness and practical applicability, and designs must be obviously different from current designs or combinations thereof. Patents cannot be granted for scientific discoveries, rules and methods for intellectual activities, methods used to diagnose or treat diseases, animal and plant breeds or substances obtained by means of nuclear transformation. A patent is valid for a term of twenty years with respect to an invention and a term of ten years with respect to a utility model or design, starting from the application date. Except under certain circumstances specifically provided by law, any third party user must obtain consent or a proper license from the patent owner to use the patent, or else the use will constitute an infringement of the rights of the patent holder.

Domain Names

In China, the administration of PRC internet domain names are mainly regulated by the MIIT, under supervision of the China Internet Network Information Center, or CNNIC. On August 24, 2017, the MIIT promulgated the Measures on Administration of Internet Domain Names, which became effective as of November 1, 2017 and replaced the Measures on Administration of Domain Names for the Chinese Internet issued by the MIIT on November 5, 2004, which adopt “first to file” rule to allocate domain names to applicants, and provide that the MIIT shall supervise the domain names services nationwide and publicize PRC’s domain name system. On May 28, 2012, the CNNIC issued a circular to authorize a domain name dispute resolution institution acknowledged by the CNNIC to decide relevant disputes. On January 1, 2018, the Circular of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology on Regulating the Use of Domain Names in Providing Internet-based Information Services issued by the MIIT became effective, which stipulated that an internet access service provider shall, pursuant to requirements stated in the Anti-Terrorism Law of the PRC and the Cybersecurity Law of the PRC, verify the identities of internet-based information service providers, and the internet access service providers shall not provide access services for those who fail to provide their real identity information.

Regulations on Taxation

Enterprise Income Tax

On March 16, 2007, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress promulgated the Enterprise Income Tax Law of the PRC which was amended on February 24, 2017 and on December 6, 2007, the State Council enacted the Implementation Regulations for the Enterprise Income Tax Law of the PRC, or collectively, the PRC EIT Law. Under the PRC EIT Law, both resident enterprises and non-resident enterprises are subject to tax in the PRC. Resident enterprises are defined as enterprises that are established in China in accordance with PRC laws, or that are established in accordance with the laws of foreign countries but are actually or in effect controlled from within the PRC. Non-resident enterprises are defined as enterprises that are organized under the laws of foreign countries and whose actual management is conducted outside the PRC, but have established institutions or premises in the PRC, or have no such established institutions or premises but have income generated from inside the PRC. Under the PRC EIT Law and relevant implementing regulations, a uniform enterprise income tax rate of 25% is applied. However, if non-resident enterprises have not formed permanent establishments or premises in the PRC, or if they have formed permanent establishment or premises in the PRC but there is no actual relationship between the relevant income derived in the PRC and the established institutions or premises set up by them, enterprise income tax is set at the rate of 10% with respect to their income sourced from inside the PRC.

Pursuant to the PRC EIT Law, the EIT tax rate of a high and new technology enterprise or HNTE, is 15%. According to the Administrative Measures for the Recognition of HNTEs, effective on January 1, 2008 and amended on January 29, 2016, for each entity accredited as HNTE, its HNTE status is valid for three years if it meets the qualifications for HNTE on a continuing basis during such period. Each of Guangzhou Kugou, Beijing Kuwo and Guangzhou Fanxing Entertainment Information Technology Co., Ltd. has been recognized as a HNTE.

 

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Value-added Tax

The Provisional Regulations of on Value-added Tax of the PRC were promulgated by the State Council on December 13, 1993 and came into effect on January 1, 1994 which were subsequently amended on November 10, 2008 and came into effect on January 1, 2009 and most recently amended on February 6, 2016. The Detailed Rules for the Implementation of Provisional Regulations of on Value-added Tax of the PRC were promulgated by the Ministry of Finance on December 25, 1993 and subsequently amended on December 15, 2008 and October 28, 2011, or collectively, VAT Law. On November 19, 2017, the State Council promulgated The Order on Abolishing the Provisional Regulations of the PRC on Business Tax and Amending the Provisional Regulations of on Value-added Tax of the PRC, or Order 691. According to the VAT Law and Order 691, all enterprises and individuals engaged in the sale of goods, the provision of processing, repair and replacement services, sales of services, intangible assets, real property and the importation of goods within the territory of the PRC are the taxpayers of VAT. The VAT rates generally applicable are simplified as 17%, 11%, 6% and 0%, and the VAT rate applicable to the small-scale taxpayers is 3%.

On April 4, 2018, the Ministry of Finance and the State Administration of Taxation issued the Circular on Adjustment of VAT Rates, which became effective as of May 1, 2018. According to the Circular on the Adjustment of VAT Rates, relevant VAT rates have been reduced from May 1, 2018, such as: (i) VAT rates of 17% and 11% applicable to the taxpayers who have VAT taxable sales activities or imported goods are adjusted to 16% and 10%, respectively; (ii) VAT rate of 11% originally applicable to the taxpayers who purchase agricultural products is adjusted to 10% and so on.

As of the date of this prospectus, our PRC subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated entities are generally subject to VAT rates of 3%, 6% or 16%.

Dividend Withholding Tax

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

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

 

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or her status of the “beneficial owner” shall submit the relevant documents to the relevant tax bureau according to the Announcement on Issuing the Measures for the Administration of Non-Resident Taxpayers’ Enjoyment of the Treatment under Tax Agreements.

Tax on Indirect Transfer

On February 3, 2015, the SAT issued the Circular on Issues of Enterprise Income Tax on Indirect Transfers of Assets by Non-PRC Resident Enterprises, or SAT Circular 7. Pursuant to SAT Circular 7, an “indirect transfer” of assets, including equity interests in a PRC resident enterprise, by non-PRC resident enterprises, may be recharacterized and treated as a direct transfer of PRC taxable assets, if such arrangement does not have a reasonable commercial purpose and was established for the purpose of avoiding payment of PRC enterprise income tax. As a result, gains derived from such indirect transfer may be subject to PRC enterprise income tax. When determining whether there is a “reasonable commercial purpose” of the transaction arrangement, features to be taken into consideration include, inter alia, whether the main value of the equity interest of the relevant offshore enterprise derives directly or indirectly from PRC taxable assets; whether the assets of the relevant offshore enterprise mainly consist of direct or indirect investment in China or if its income is mainly derived from China; and whether the offshore enterprise and its subsidiaries directly or indirectly holding PRC taxable assets have real commercial nature which is evidenced by their actual function and risk exposure. According to SAT Circular 7, where the payor fails to withhold any or sufficient tax, the transferor shall declare and pay such tax to the tax authority by itself within the statutory time limit. Late payment of applicable tax will subject the transferor to default interest. SAT Circular 7 does not apply to transactions of sale of shares by investors through a public stock exchange where such shares were acquired on a public stock exchange. On October 17, 2017, the SAT issued the Circular on Issues of Tax Withholding regarding Non-PRC Resident Enterprise Income Tax, or SAT Circular 37, which further elaborates the relevant implemental rules regarding the calculation, reporting and payment obligations of the withholding tax by the non-resident enterprises. Nonetheless, there remain uncertainties as to the interpretation and application of SAT Circular 7. SAT Circular 7 may be determined by the tax authorities to be applicable to our offshore transactions or sale of our shares or those of our offshore subsidiaries where non-resident enterprises, being the transferors, were involved.

Regulations on Foreign Exchange Registration of Offshore Investment by PRC Residents

General Rules

The core regulations governing foreign currency exchange in China are the Foreign Exchange Administration Regulations of the PRC, promulgated by the State Council in 1996 and most recently amended in August 2008, or the Foreign Exchange Regulations. Under the Foreign Exchange Regulations, payments of current account items, such as profit distributions and trade and service-related foreign exchange transactions, can be made in foreign currencies without prior approval from SAFE by complying with certain procedural requirements. By contrast, the conversion of Renminbi into other currencies and remittance of the converted foreign currency outside the PRC to pay capital expenses such as the repayment of foreign currency-denominated loans or foreign currency is to be remitted into China under the capital account or foreign currency such as a capital increase or foreign currency loans to our PRC subsidiaries, prior approval from or registration with appropriate government authorities is required.

Pursuant to the Circular of Further Improving and Adjusting Foreign Exchange Administration Policies on Foreign Direct Investment, or the SAFE Circular 59 promulgated by SAFE on November 19, 2012, which became effective on December 17, 2012 and was further amended on May 4, 2015, the opening of various special purpose foreign exchange accounts, such as pre-establishment expenses accounts, foreign exchange capital accounts and guarantee accounts, the reinvestment of Renminbi proceeds by foreign investors in the PRC, and remittance of foreign exchange profits and dividends by a foreign invested enterprise to its foreign shareholders no longer require the approval or verification of SAFE, and multiple capital accounts for the same entity may be opened in different provinces, which was not possible previously.

 

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In February 2015, SAFE promulgated the Circular of Further Simplifying and Improving the Policies of Foreign Exchange Administration Applicable to Direct Investment, or SAFE Circular 13, which became effective on June 1, 2015. The SAFE Circular 13 cancels the administrative approval requirements of foreign exchange registration of foreign direct investment and overseas direct investment, and simplifies the procedure of foreign exchange-related registration, and foreign exchange registrations of foreign direct investment and overseas direct investment will be handled by the banks designated by the foreign exchange authority instead of SAFE and its branches.

The Circular on the Reforming the Administration of Foreign Exchange Settlement of Capital of Foreign-invested Enterprises, or SAFE Circular 19 which was issued by the SAFE on March 30, 2015 and effective from June 1, 2015, allows foreign-invested enterprises, within the scope of business, to settle their foreign exchange capital on a discretionary basis according to the actual needs of their business operation and provides the procedures for foreign-invested enterprises to use Renminbi converted from foreign currency-denominated capital for equity investment.

In January 2017, SAFE promulgated the Circular on Further Improving Reform of Foreign Exchange Administration and Optimizing Genuineness and Compliance Verification, or SAFE Circular 3, which stipulates several capital control measures with respect to the outbound remittance of profit from domestic entities to offshore entities, including (i) under the principle of genuine transaction, banks shall check board resolutions regarding profit distribution, the original version of tax filing records and audited financial statements; and (ii) domestic entities shall hold income to account for previous years’ losses before remitting the profits. Further, according to SAFE Circular 3, domestic entities shall make detailed explanations of the sources of capital and utilization arrangements, and provide board resolutions, contracts and other proof when completing the registration procedures in connection with an outbound investment.

Offshore Investment

The Circular of the SAFE on Issues Concerning the Foreign Exchange Administration over the Overseas Investment and Financing and Round-trip Investment by Domestic Residents via Special Purpose Vehicles, or the SAFE Circular 37 and became effective on July 4, 2014 regulates foreign exchange matters in relation to the use of special purpose vehicles, or SPVs, by PRC residents or entities to seek offshore investment and financing or conduct round trip investment in China. Under the Circular 37, an SPV refers to offshore enterprises directly established or indirectly controlled by PRC residents for the purpose of seeking offshore equity financing or making offshore investment, using legitimate domestic or offshore assets or interests, while “round trip investment” refers to the direct investment in China by PRC residents or entities through SPVs, namely, establishing foreign-invested enterprises to obtain the ownership, control rights and management rights. SAFE Circular 37 requires that, before making contribution into an SPV, PRC residents or entities are required to register with the local SAFE branch.

Pursuant to the SAFE Circular 13, PRC residents or entities can register with qualified banks instead of SAFE or its local branch in connection with their establishment of an SPV.

An amendment to registration or subsequent filing with qualified banks by such PRC resident is also required if there is a material change with respect to the capital of the offshore company, such as any change of basic information (including change of such PRC residents, change of name and operation term of the SPV), increases or decreases in investment amount, transfers or exchanges of shares, or mergers or divisions. Failure to comply with the registration procedures set forth in SAFE Circular 37 and SAFE Circular 13, misrepresent on or failure to disclose controllers of foreign-invested enterprise that is established through round-trip investment, may result in bans on the foreign exchange activities of the relevant onshore company, including the payment of dividends and other distributions to its offshore parent or affiliates, and may also subject relevant PRC residents to penalties under the Foreign Exchange Administration Regulations of the PRC.

 

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Employee Stock Incentive Plan

SAFE issued the Circular of the SAFE on Issues Concerning the Administration of Foreign Exchange Used for Domestic Individuals’ Participation in Equity Incentive Plans of Overseas Listed Companies, or SAFE Circular 7 in 2012. Pursuant to the SAFE Circular 7, employees, directors, supervisors, and other senior officers who participate in any equity incentive plan of publicly-listed overseas companies and who are PRC citizens or non-PRC citizens residing in China for a consecutive period of no less than one year, subject to a few exceptions, are required to register with SAFE or its local branches through a domestic qualified agent, which could be a PRC subsidiary of such overseas listed companies, and complete other procedures with respect to the equity incentive plan. In addition, the PRC agent is required to amend SAFE registration with respect to the equity incentive plan if there is any material change to the equity incentive plan, the PRC agent or other material changes. The PRC agent must, on behalf of these individuals who have the right to exercise the employee share options, apply to SAFE or its local branches for an annual quota for the payment of foreign currencies in connection with these individuals’ exercise of the employee share options. Such individuals’ foreign exchange income received from the sale of stocks and dividends distributed by the overseas listed company and any other income shall be fully remitted into a collective foreign currency account in China opened and managed by the PRC subsidiaries of the overseas listed company or the PRC agent before distribution to such individuals.

We and our executive officers and other employees who are PRC citizens or non-PRC citizens residing in China for a consecutive period of not less than one year and have been granted awards will be subject to these regulations upon the completion of this offering. Failure of our PRC option holders or restricted shareholders to complete their SAFE registrations may subject us and these employees to fines and other legal sanctions.

In addition, the State Administration of Taxation has issued certain notices concerning employee share options and restricted shares. Under these notices, employees working in China who exercise share options or are granted restricted shares will be subject to PRC individual income tax. Our PRC subsidiaries are required to file documents related to employee share options or restricted shares with relevant tax authorities and to withhold individual income taxes of employees who exercise their share options or purchase restricted shares. If the employees fail to pay or the PRC subsidiaries fail to withhold their income taxes in accordance with relevant laws and regulations, the PRC subsidiaries may face sanctions imposed by the tax authorities or other PRC governmental authorities.

Loans by Foreign Companies to their PRC Subsidiaries

Loans made by foreign investors as shareholders in foreign invested enterprises established in China are considered to be foreign debts and are mainly regulated by the Regulation of the People’s Republic of China on Foreign Exchange Administration, the Interim Provisions on the Management of Foreign Debts, the Statistical Monitoring of Foreign Debts Tentative Provisions, the Detailed Rules for the Implementation of Provisional Regulations on Statistics and Supervision of External Debt, and the Administrative Measures for Registration of Foreign Debts. Pursuant to these regulations and rules, a shareholder loan in the form of foreign debt made to a PRC entity does not require the prior approval of SAFE, but such foreign debt must be registered with and recorded by SAFE or its local branches within 15 business days after entering into the foreign debt contract. Under these regulations and rules, the balance of the foreign debts of a foreign invested enterprise shall not exceed the difference between the total investment and the registered capital of the foreign invested enterprise, or Total Investment and Registered Capital Balance.

The Interim Provisions of the State Administration for Industry and Commerce on the Ratio of the Registered Capital to the Total Investment of a Sino-Foreign Equity Joint Venture Enterprise, was promulgated by SAIC on February 17, 1987 and effective on March 1, 1987. According to provisions, with respect to a sino-foreign equity join venture, the registered capital shall be (i) no less than seven-tenths of its total investment, if the total investment is US$3 million or under US$3 million; (ii) no less than one-half of its total investment, if the total investment is ranging from US$3 million to US$10 million (including US$10 million), provided that the

 

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registered capital shall not be less than US$2.1 million if the total investment is less than US$4.2 million; (iii) no less than two-fifths of its total investment, if the total investment is ranging from US$10 million to US$30 million (including US$30 million), provided that the registered capital shall not be less than US$5 million if the total investment is less than US$12.5 million; and (iv) no less than one-third of its total investment, if the total investment exceeds US$30 million, provided that the registered capital shall not be less than US$12 million if the total investment is less than US$36 million.

The Notice of the People’s Bank of China on Matters concerning the Macro-Prudential Management of Full-Covered Cross-Border Financing, or PBOC Notice No. 9, issued by the PBOC on January 11, 2017, provides that within a transition period of one year from January 11, 2017, the foreign invested enterprises may adopt the currently valid foreign debt management mechanism, or Current Foreign Debt Mechanism, or the mechanism as provided in PBOC Notice No. 9, or Notice No. 9 Foreign Debt Mechanism, at their own discretion. PBOC Notice No. 9 provides that enterprises may conduct independent cross-border financing in RMB or foreign currencies as required. According to the PBOC Notice No.9, the outstanding cross-border financing of an enterprise (the outstanding balance drawn, here and below) shall be calculated using a risk-weighted approach, or Risk-Weighted Approach, and shall not exceed the specified upper limit, namely: risk-weighted outstanding cross-border financing £ the upper limit of risk-weighted outstanding cross-border financing. Risk-weighted outstanding cross-border financing = S outstanding amount of RMB and foreign currency denominated cross-border financing × maturity risk conversion factor × type risk conversion factor + S outstanding foreign currency denominated cross-border financing × exchange rate risk conversion factor. Maturity risk conversion factor shall be 1 for medium- and long-term cross-border financing with a term of more than one year and 1.5 for short-term cross-border financing with a term of less than one year. Type risk conversion factor shall be 1 for on-balance-sheet financing and 1 for off-balance-sheet financing (contingent liabilities) for the time being. Exchange rate risk conversion factor shall be 0.5. The PBOC Notice No. 9 further provides that the upper limit of risk-weighted outstanding cross-border financing for enterprises shall be 200% of its net assets, or Net Asset Limits. Enterprises shall file with SAFE in its capital item information system after entering. As an example, the maximum amount of the loans that Yeelion Online, one of our PRC subsidiaries, may acquire from outside China is (i) US$10 million, under the total investment minus registered capital approach, which is calculated based on its total investment of US$30 million and registered capital of US$20 million as of June 30, 2018; and (ii) RMB1,040 million (US$157 million), under the net asset approach, calculated based on its net asset of RMB520 million (US$79 million) as of June 30, 2018 pursuant to PRC GAAP.

Based on the foregoing, if we provide funding to our wholly foreign owned subsidiaries through shareholder loans, the balance of such loans shall not exceed the Total Investment and Registered Capital Balance and we will need to register such loans with SAFE or its local branches in the event that the Current Foreign Debt Mechanism applies, or the balance of such loans shall be subject to the Risk-Weighted Approach and the Net Asset Limits and we will need to file the loans with SAFE in its information system in the event that the Notice No. 9 Mechanism applies. Under the PBOC Notice No. 9, after a transition period of one year from January 11, 2017, the PBOC and SAFE will determine the cross-border financing administration mechanism for the foreign-invested enterprises after evaluating the overall implementation of PBOC Notice No. 9. As of the date hereof, neither the PBOC nor SAFE has promulgated and made public any further rules, regulations, notices or circulars in this regard. It is uncertain which mechanism will be adopted by the PBOC and SAFE in the future and what statutory limits will be imposed on us when providing loans to our PRC subsidiaries.

Regulations on Employment and Social Welfare

Employment

The Labor Law of the PRC which was promulgated by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress on July 5, 1994, effective since January 1, 1995 and amended on August 27, 2009, the Labor Contract Law of the PRC which was promulgated by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress on

 

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June 29, 2007 and amended on December 28, 2012, and the Implementing Regulations of the Labor Contract Law of the PRC which was promulgated by the State Council on September 18, 2008, are the principal regulations that govern employment and labor matters in the PRC. Under the above regulations, labor relationships between employers and employees must be executed in written form, and wages shall not be lower than local standards on minimum wages and shall be paid to employees timely. In addition, employers must establish a system for labor safety and sanitation, strictly abide by state standards and provide relevant education to its employees. Employers are also prohibited from forcing employees to work above certain time limit and employers shall pay employees for overtime work in accordance to national regulations.

Social Insurance and Housing Fund

According to the Social Insurance Law of the PRC promulgated by the National People’s Congress of the PRC on October 28, 2010 and became effective on July 1, 2011, together with other relevant laws and regulations, the PRC establishes a social insurance system including basic pension insurance, basic medical insurance, occupational injury insurance, unemployment insurance and maternity insurance. Any employer shall register with the local social insurance agency within 30 days after its establishment and shall register for the employee with the local social insurance agency within 30 days after the date of hiring. An employer shall declare and make social insurance contributions in full and on time. The occupational injury insurance and maternity insurance shall be only paid by employers while the contributions of basic pension insurance, medical insurance and unemployment insurance shall be paid by both employers and employees.

According to the Regulation on the Administration of Housing Fund promulgated by the State Council on April 3, 1999 and amended on March 24, 2002, employers are required to register at the designated administrative centers, open bank accounts for depositing employees’ housing fund and make housing fund contributions for employees in the PRC. Employer who fails to make housing fund contributions may be ordered to rectify the noncompliance and pay the required contributions within a stipulated deadline.

Regulations on Anti-Monopoly

The Anti-Monopoly Law of the PRC promulgated by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, which became effective on August 1, 2008, and the Guiding Opinions of the Anti-Monopoly Bureau of the Ministry of Commerce on the Declaration of Concentration of Business Operators (2014 Revision) require that the anti-monopoly agency under the State Council shall be notified in advance of any concentration of undertaking if certain filing thresholds (i.e., during the previous fiscal year, (i) the total global turnover of all operators participating in the transaction exceeded RMB10 billion in the preceding fiscal year and at least two of these operators each had a turnover of more than RMB400 million within China in the preceding fiscal year, or (ii) the total turnover within China of all the operators participating in the concentration exceeded RMB2 billion in the preceding fiscal year, and at least two of these operators each had a turnover of more than RMB400 million within China in the preceding fiscal year) are triggered, and no concentration shall be implemented until the anti-monopoly enforcement agency clears the anti-monopoly filing.

Pursuant to the Measures for Declaration of Concentration of Business Operators and the Measures for Examination and Approval of Concentration of Business Operators promulgated by the Ministry of Commerce in November 2009, concentration refers to (i) a merger of undertakings; (ii) acquiring control over other undertakings by acquiring equities or assets; or (iii) acquisition of control over, or the possibility of exercising decisive influence on, an undertaking by contract or by any other means.

If business operators fail to comply with the mandatory declaration requirement, the anti-monopoly authority is empowered to terminate and/or unwind the transaction, dispose of relevant assets, shares or businesses within certain periods and impose fines of up to RMB500,000.

 

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Regulations on M&A and Overseas Listings

In 2006, six PRC regulatory agencies, including the China Securities Regulatory Commission, or the CSRC, jointly adopted the M&A Rules, amended in 2009. The M&A Rules purport, among other things, to require an offshore special purpose vehicles controlled by PRC companies or individuals and formed for overseas listing purposes through acquisitions of PRC domestic interest held by such PRC companies or individuals, to obtain the approval from the CSRC prior to publicly listing their securities on an overseas stock exchange. In 2006, the CSRC published a notice on its official website specifying documents and materials required to be submitted to it by the offshore special purpose vehicle seeking CSRC approval of its overseas listing. While the application of the M&A Rules remains unclear, our PRC counsel, Han Kun Law Offices, has advised us that based on its understanding of current PRC laws, rules and regulations and the M&A Rules, prior approval from the CSRC is not required under the M&A Rules for the listing and trading of the ADSs given that (i) our PRC subsidiaries were directly established by us as wholly foreign-owned enterprises and we have not acquired any equity interest or assets of a PRC domestic company owned by PRC companies or individuals as defined under the M&A Rules that are our beneficial owners after the effective date of the M&A Rules, and (ii) no provision in the M&A Rules clearly classifies the contractual arrangements as a type of transaction subject to the M&A Rules.

However, our PRC counsel has further advised us that uncertainties still exist as to how the M&A Rules will be interpreted and implemented and its opinions summarized above are subject to any new laws, rules and regulations or detailed implementations and interpretations in any form relating to the M&A Rules. If the CSRC or other PRC regulatory agencies subsequently determine that prior CSRC approval was required, we may face regulatory actions or other sanctions from the CSRC or other PRC regulatory agencies. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to the ADSs and This Offering—The approval of the China Securities Regulatory Commission may be required in connection with this offering under PRC law.”

The M&A Rules also establish procedures and requirements that could make some acquisitions of PRC companies by foreign investors more time-consuming and complex, including requirements in some instances that the Ministry of Commerce be notified in advance of any change-of-control transaction in which a foreign investor takes control of a PRC domestic enterprise. In addition, the Rules on Implementation of Security Review System for the Merger and Acquisition of Domestic Enterprises by Foreign Investors issued by the Ministry of Commerce in 2011 specify that mergers and acquisitions by foreign investors that raise “national defense and security” concerns and mergers and acquisitions through which foreign investors may acquire de facto control over domestic enterprises that raise “national security” concerns are subject to strict review by the Ministry of Commerce, and prohibit any activities attempting to bypass such security review, including by structuring the transaction through a proxy or contractual control arrangement. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—The M&A Rules and certain other PRC regulations establish complex procedures for some acquisitions of Chinese companies by foreign investors, which could make it more difficult for us to pursue growth through acquisitions in China.”

 

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MANAGEMENT

Directors and Executive Officers

The following table sets forth information regarding our directors and executive officers as of the date of this prospectus.

 

Directors and Executive Officers

   Age     

Position/Title

Tong Tao Sang

     45      Chairman

Cussion Kar Shun Pang

     44      Chief Executive Officer, Director

Zhenyu Xie

     43      Co-President, Director

Guomin Xie

     44      Co-President, Director

Tak-Wai Wong

     41      Director

Liang Tang

     40      Director

Brent Richard Irvin

     45      Director

Haifeng Lin

     42      Director

Martin Chi Ping Lau

     45      Director

Min Hu

     46      Chief Financial Officer

Tony Cheuk Tung Yip

     37      Chief Strategy Officer

Linlin Chen

     37      Group Vice President, Kugou

Dennis Tak Yeung Hau

     43      Group Vice President, QQ Music and WeSing

Lixue Shi

     44      Group Vice President, Kuwo

Andy Wai Lam Ng

     45      Group Vice President, Copyright Management

Tsai Chun Pan

     43      Group Vice President, Ultimate Music

Tong Tao Sang currently serves as the Chairman of our board of directors. Mr. Tong currently also serves as the senior executive vice president of Tencent and the president of the Social Network Group of Tencent. Starting as a technical architect, Mr. Tong led the product development of Tencent’s social network platform, Qzone. Since May 2012, Mr. Tong has been responsible for various product lines of Tencent, including the QQ messaging and Qzone social networking platforms, QQ Music and the Tencent Cloud services. Prior to joining Tencent, Mr. Tong worked for Sendmail, Inc. on the management of the product development of messaging systems. Mr. Tong also previously worked for Oracle Corporation (NYSE: ORCL). Mr. Tong received a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering from University of Michigan and a master’s degree in electrical engineering from Stanford University.

Cussion Kar Shun Pang currently serves as our Chief Executive Officer and has been a member of our board of directors since May 2014. Prior to joining us, Mr. Pang served as a corporate vice president of Tencent and has extensive experience across multiple businesses within Tencent including online games, e-commerce and social networking since 2008. Besides, Mr. Pang served as the head of QQ Music since 2014 and has extensive experience in China’s online music entertainment industry. Prior to joining Tencent, Mr. Pang worked in a number of publicly listed companies in telecommunications, internet and media industries for over a decade. Mr. Pang received a bachelor’s degree in mathematics (honors), business administration and information systems from University of Waterloo.

Zhenyu Xie currently serves as our Co-President and has been a member of our board of directors since April 2014 and is currently responsible for overseeing our Kugou business. Mr. Xie has 17 years of experience in management and operation in online music entertainment industry. He founded SoGua Music in 2001, which was the first digital music search engine in China, and then founded Kugou in 2004. Since then, he has served as the Chief Executive Officer of Kugou , in charge of product development, strategic planning and management. Mr. Xie served as a senior technical engineer from 1998 to 2001 at China Merchants Bank Co., Ltd. and received a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Sun-Yat Sen University.

Guomin Xie currently serves as our Co-President and has been a member of our board of directors since June 2012. He is currently responsible for overseeing our Kuwo business. Mr. Xie founded CMC in 2012, and

 

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had subsequently served as the Chairman of the board and the Chief Executive Director of CMC. Prior to founding CMC, Mr. Xie served as the vice president of public relations, general counsel and general manager of SINA Music, a unit of SINA Corporation (NASDAQ: SINA) since 1999. Prior to that, Mr. Xie was an attorney at Jingtian & Gongcheng, a leading PRC law firm. Mr. Xie received a bachelor of laws degree from Peking University.

Tak-Wai Wong has served as a member of our board of directors since July 2016. Mr. Wong currently serves as a managing director with PAG Asia Capital, an affiliate of Pacific Alliance Group. Mr. Wong has also been a non-executive director at Yingde Gases Group Company Limited since 2017. Between 2006 and 2010, Mr. Wong worked at the Hong Kong and Beijing offices of TPG Capital. Between 1999 and 2005, Mr. Wong worked in Morgan Stanley’s investment banking division in Hong Kong, San Francisco and Beijing. Mr. Wong received a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a bachelor’s degree in Asian studies from University of California, Berkeley.

Liang Tang has served as a member of our board of directors since April 2014. Mr. Tang currently serves as president of China Investment Financial Holdings Fund Management Company since 2014. Mr. Tang is also the chairman of China HeFei FoF, the chairman of Zhongde Yangtze Financial Holdings, a founding shareholder of the Hubei Yangtze Industrial Fund, the chairman of China Film CICFH Cinema M&A Fund co-founded with China Film Co. Ltd., the chairman of Asia Culture and Entertainment Croup. Mr. Tang had previously worked as a corporate lawyer at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, headquartered in Silicon Valley. Mr. Tang has established a number of industrial funds, and led investments in internet, entertainment, AI, new energy and environmental protection sectors. Mr. Tang received a bachelor’s degree in law from Peking University, a master’s degree in law from Yale University and Stanford University.

Brent Richard Irvin has served as a member of our board of directors since July 2016. Mr. Irvin joined Tencent in January 2010 and currently serves as a vice president and the general counsel of Tencent. Prior to that, Mr. Irvin worked as a corporate lawyer in Silicon Valley from 2003 to 2009, first at Shearman & Sterling and later at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati. Mr. Irvin received a bachelor’s degree in history from Carleton College in 1994, a master’s degree in Asian Studies from Yale University in 1995, and a juris doctorate degree from Stanford Law School in 2003.

Haifeng Lin has served as a member of our board of directors since July 2016. Mr. Lin is currently a non-executive director of China Literature Limited (HKEx: 00772). Mr. Lin has also served as general manager of the merger and acquisitions department of Tencent, since November 2010, and has been an executive director of Huayi Tencent Entertainment Company Limited (HKEx: 00419) since February 2016 and a director of Walnut Street Group Holding Limited since June 2017. From July 2003 to November 2010, Mr. Lin served as a director of Microsoft China. Prior to that, Mr. Lin worked at Nokia China from 1999 to 2001. Mr. Lin received a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Zhejiang University and a master’s degree in business administration from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Martin Chi Ping Lau has served as a member of our board of directors since July 2016. Mr. Lau joined Tencent in 2005 and currently serves as an executive director and the president of Tencent. Prior to joining Tencent, Mr. Lau worked as an executive director at Goldman Sachs (Asia) L.L.C.’s investment banking division and the Chief Operating Officer of its Telecom, Media and Technology Group. Prior to that, Mr. Lau worked at McKinsey & Company, Inc. as a management consultant. On July 28, 2011, Mr. Lau was appointed as a non-executive director of Kingsoft Corporation Limited, an Internet-based software developer, distributor and software service provider listed in Hong Kong. On March 10, 2014, Mr. Lau was appointed as a director of JD.com, Inc., an online direct sales company in China, which has been listed on NASDAQ since May 2014. On March 31, 2014, Mr. Lau was appointed as a director of Leju Holdings Limited, an online-to-offline real estate services provider in China, which has been listed on the New York Stock Exchange since April 2014. On December 29, 2017, Mr. Lau was appointed as a director of Vipshop Holdings Limited, an online discount retailer company listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Mr. Lau received a bachelor’s degree in Electrical

 

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Engineering from University of Michigan, a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University and an MBA degree from Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Northwestern University.

Min Hu currently serves as our Chief Financial Officer, in charge of our finance and corporate IT functions. Ms. Hu served various controller roles in Tencent’s business groups, including the Interactive Entertainment Group, the Mobile Internet Group, the Social Network Group and the Technology and Engineering Group from 2007 to 2016. Prior to joining Tencent, Ms. Hu served as the director of internal audit department at Huawei. Ms. Hu has more than 20 years of comprehensive experience in finance. Ms. Hu is a member of CPA Australia, China Institute of Certified Public Accountants (CICPA), and a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA). Ms. Hu received a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Foreign Trade from Xi’an Jiaotong University in China and a master’s degree in system engineering from Beijing Jiaotong University in China.

Tony Cheuk Tung Yip currently serves as our Chief Strategy Officer and is responsible for overseeing our strategic development, M&A, investments, investor relations and capital markets activities. Mr. Yip was vice president of Baidu.com Inc. (NASDAQ: BIDU) since September 2015 where he served as the chief financial officer of Baidu’s search business group and Baidu’s head of investments, mergers and acquisitions. Mr. Yip served on the board of directors of Ctrip.com International, Ltd. (NASDAQ: CTRP) from October 2015 to November 2017. Prior to that, Mr. Yip worked at Goldman Sachs since 2007 and served as a managing director in technology, media and telecom investment banking. Mr. Yip has over 16 years of experience originating, structuring and executing corporate transactions including initial public offerings, mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, corporate restructurings, and equity and debt financings. Mr. Yip obtained his bachelor of commerce degree in finance and accounting from University of Queensland in Australia.

Linlin Chen currently serves as our Group Vice President. As one of the founding members of Kugou , Ms. Chen joined Kugou in 2004, responsible for its product operations, sales and marketing, finance, legal affairs, human resources, government relations and others. Ms. Chen holds an EMBA degree from Sun-Yat Sen University. Ms. Chen is the spouse of Mr. Zhenyu Xie, our Co-President and director.

Dennis Tak Yeung Hau currently serves as our Group Vice President, in charge of QQ Music and WeSing . Prior to joining us, Mr. Hau had worked in Tencent for almost 10 years since 2007 as vice general manager of International Business Group and as general manager for Digital Music Department of Social Network Business. Before joining Tencent, Mr. Hau spent over 10 years at Oracle Corporation (NYSE: ORCL), focused on business intelligence, data analysis & research and management of BI products. Mr. Hau received an EMBA degree from Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University.

Lixue Shi currently serves as our Group Vice President, responsible for Kuwo . Prior to joining TME in November 2002, Mr. Shi served as the assistant general manager of the Online Media Group at Tencent from 2008 to 2012. Prior to that, Mr. Shi was the general manager of Business Objects North China and sales head at SAS Institute China Inc. from 2004 to 2007. Mr. Shi was a senior customer representative and a regional sales manager of IBM China Company Limited from 1998 to 2004. Mr. Shi received a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Tsinghua University.

Andy Wai Lam Ng currently serves as our Group Vice President responsible for copyright management. Mr. Ng has established strong relationships with our content partners (music labels, publishers and artists) and developed successful business strategies and models in the music industry, which transformed the ecosystem for artist development and fans engagement. Mr. Ng is currently overseeing all business affairs in global licensing as well as managing PR and promotional activities. Prior to joining Tencent, Mr. Ng worked for Nokia, PCCW Limited, American Online Inc and University of Southern California. Mr. Ng received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from University of Southern California.

Tsai Chun Pan currently serves as our Group Vice President, responsible for Ultimate Music, working closely with various smart device and automobile manufacturers. Prior to joining us, Mr. Pan worked as senior

 

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director of entertainment services for Nokia from 2005 to 2013, and in 2014 he established Ultimate Music which was acquired by TME in 2017. Mr. Pan received a bachelor’s degree in Japanese studies from SOAS, University of London and a master’s degree in marketing management from Cranfield University.

Employment Agreements and Indemnification Agreements

We have entered into employment agreements with each of our executive officers. Each of our executive officers is employed for a specified time period, which can be renewed upon both parties’ agreement before the end of the current employment term. We may terminate an executive officer’s employment for cause at any time without advance notice in certain events. We may terminate an executive officer’s employment by giving a prior written notice or by paying certain compensation. An executive officer may terminate his or her employment at any time by giving a prior written notice.

Each executive officer has agreed to hold, unless expressly consented to by us, at all times during and after the termination of his or her employment agreement, in strict confidence and not to use, any of our confidential information or the confidential information of our customers and suppliers. In addition, each executive officer has agreed to be bound by certain non-competition and non-solicitation restrictions during the term of his or her employment and for two years following the last date of employment.

We have also entered into indemnification agreements with each of our directors and executive officers. Under these agreements, we 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 a director or officer of our company.

Board of Directors

Our board of directors will consist of              directors, including              independent directors, namely             , upon the SEC’s declaration of effectiveness of our registration statement on Form F-1 to which this prospectus forms a part. A director is not required to hold any shares in our company to qualify to serve as a director. The Corporate Governance Rules of the [NYSE]/[NASDAQ] generally require that a majority of an issuer’s board of directors must consist of independent directors. However, the Corporate Governance Rules of the [NYSE]/[NASDAQ] permit foreign private issuers like us to follow “home country practice” in certain corporate governance matters. We rely on this “home country practice” exception and do not have a majority of independent directors serving on our board of directors.

A director who is in any way, whether directly or indirectly, interested in a contract or proposed contract with our company is required to declare the nature of his or her interest at a meeting of our directors. A general notice given to the directors by any director to the effect that he or she is a member, shareholder, director, partner, officer or employee of any specified company or firm and is to be regarded as interested in any contract or transaction with that company or firm shall be deemed a sufficient declaration of interest for the purposes of voting on a resolution in respect to a contract or transaction in which he/she has an interest, and after such general notice it shall not be necessary to give special notice relating to any particular transaction. A director may vote in respect of any contract or proposed contract or arrangement notwithstanding that he/she may be interested therein and if he/she does so, his/her vote shall be counted and he/she may be counted in the quorum at any meeting of the directors at which any such contract or proposed contract or arrangement is considered, subject to any separate requirement for Audit Committee approval under applicable law or the [Corporate Governance Rules of NYSE]/[Listing Rules of the NASDAQ]. Our board of directors may exercise all of the powers of our company to borrow money, to mortgage or charge its undertaking, property and uncalled capital, or any part thereof, and to issue debentures, debenture stock or other securities whenever money is borrowed or as security for any debt, liability or obligation of our company or of any third party. None of our directors has a service contract with us that provides for benefits upon termination of service as a director.

 

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Certain of our directors are also employees of Tencent. See “Risk—Risks Related to Our Relationship with Tencent—We may have conflicts of interest with Tencent and, because of Tencent’s controlling ownership interest in our company, we may not be able to resolve such conflicts on terms favorable to us.”

Committees of the Board of Directors

Prior to the completion of this offering, we intend to establish an audit committee, a compensation committee and a nominating and corporate governance committee under our board of directors. We intend to adopt a charter for each of the three committees prior to the completion of this offering. Each committee’s members and functions are described below.

Audit Committee . Our audit committee will consist of             , and is chaired by             . We have determined that              satisfy the requirements of [Section 303A of the Corporate Governance Rules of the NYSE]/[Rule 5605(a)(2) of the Listing Rules of the NASDAQ] and meet the independence standards under Rule 10A-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. We have determined that              qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert.” The audit committee oversees our accounting and financial reporting processes and the audits of the financial statements of our company. The audit committee is responsible for, among other things:

 

   

[reviewing and recommending to our board for approval, the appointment, re-appointment or removal of the independent auditor, after considering its annual performance evaluation of the independent auditor;

 

   

approving the remuneration and terms of engagement of the independent auditor and pre-approving all auditing and non-auditing services permitted to be performed by our independent auditors at least annually;

 

   

obtaining a written report from our independent auditor describing matters relating to its independence and quality control procedures;

 

   

reviewing with the independent registered public accounting firm any audit problems or difficulties and management’s response;

 

   

discussing with our independent auditor, among other things, the audits of the financial statements, including whether any material information should be disclosed, issues regarding accounting and auditing principles and practices;

 

   

reviewing and approving all proposed related party transactions, as defined in Item 404 of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act, including those to be entered into with Tencent entities;

 

   

reviewing and recommending the financial statements for inclusion within our quarterly earnings releases and to our board for inclusion in our annual reports;

 

   

discussing the annual audited financial statements with management and the independent registered public accounting firm;

 

   

reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of our accounting and internal control policies and procedures and any special steps taken to monitor and control major financial risk exposures;

 

   

at least annually, reviewing and reassessing the adequacy of the committee charter;

 

   

approving annual audit plans, and undertaking an annual performance evaluation of the internal audit function;

 

   

establishing and overseeing procedures for the handling of complaints and whistleblowing;

 

   

meeting separately and periodically with management and the independent registered public accounting firm;

 

   

monitoring compliance with our code of business conduct and ethics, including reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of our procedures to ensure proper compliance; and

 

   

reporting regularly to the board.]

 

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Compensation Committee . Our compensation committee will consist of              and is chaired by             . [We have determined that              satisfy the “independence” requirements of [Section 303A of the Corporate Governance Rules of the NYSE]/[Rule 5605(a)(2) of the Listing Rules of the NASDAQ].] The compensation committee assists the board in reviewing and approving the compensation structure, including all forms of compensation, relating to our directors and executive officers. Our chief executive officer may not be present at any committee meeting during which their compensation is deliberated upon. The compensation committee is responsible for, among other things:

 

   

[overseeing the development and implementation of compensation programs in consultation with our management;

 

   

at least annually, reviewing and approving, or recommending to the board for its approval, the compensation for our executive officers;

 

   

at least annually, reviewing and recommending to the board for determination with respect to the compensation of our non-executive directors;

 

   

at least annually, reviewing periodically and approving any incentive compensation or equity plans, programs or other similar arrangements;

 

   

reviewing executive officer and director indemnification and insurance matters;

 

   

overseeing our regulatory compliance with respect to compensation matters, including our policies on restrictions on compensation plans and loans to directors and executive officers;

 

   

at least annually, reviewing and reassessing the adequacy of the committee charter;

 

   

selecting compensation consultant, legal counsel or other adviser only after taking into consideration all factors relevant to that person’s independence from management; and

 

   

reporting regularly to the board.]

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee . Our nominating and corporate governance committee will consist of             , and is chaired by             . [We have determined that              satisfy the “independence” requirements of [Section 303A of the Corporate Governance Rules of the NYSE]/[Rule 5605(a)(2) of the Listing Rules of the NASDAQ].] The nominating and corporate governance committee assists the board in selecting individuals qualified to become our directors and in determining the composition of the board and its committees. The nominating and corporate governance committee is responsible for, among other things:

 

   

[recommending nominees to the board for election or re-election to the board, or for appointment to fill any vacancy on the board;

 

   

reviewing annually with the board the current composition of the board with regards to characteristics such as independence, knowledge, skills, experience, expertise, diversity and availability of service to us;

 

   

developing and recommending to our board such policies and procedures with respect to nomination or appointment of members of our board and chairs and members of its committees or other corporate governance matters as may be required pursuant to any SEC or [NYSE]/[NASDAQ] rules, or otherwise considered desirable and appropriate;

 

   

selecting and recommending to the board the names of directors to serve as members of the audit committee and the compensation committee, as well as of the nominating and corporate governance committee itself;

 

   

at least annually, reviewing and reassessing the adequacy of the committee charter;

 

   

developing and reviewing at least annually the corporate governance principles adopted by the board and advising the board with respect to significant developments in the law and practice of corporate governance and our compliance with such laws and practices; and

 

   

evaluating the performance and effectiveness of the board as a whole.]

 

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Duties and Functions of Directors

Under Cayman Islands law, our directors owe fiduciary duties to our company, including a duty of loyalty, a duty to act honestly and a duty to act in what they consider in good faith to be in our best interests. Our directors must also exercise their powers only for a proper purpose. Our directors also owe to our company a duty to exercise the skill they actually possess and such care and diligence that a reasonable prudent person would exercise in comparable circumstances. It was previously considered that a director need not exhibit in the performance of his duties a greater degree of skill than may reasonably be expected from a person of his knowledge and experience. However, English and Commonwealth courts have moved towards an objective standard with regard to the required skill and care and these authorities are likely to be followed in the Cayman Islands. In fulfilling their duty of care to us, our directors must ensure compliance with our memorandum and articles of association, as amended and restated from time to time, and the class rights vested thereunder in the holders of the shares. Our company has the right to seek damages if a duty owed by our directors is breached. In limited exceptional circumstances, a shareholder may have the right to seek damages in our name if a duty owed by our directors is breached. In accordance with our post-offering amended and restated articles of association, the functions and powers of our board of directors include, among others, (i) convening shareholders’ annual general meetings and reporting its work to shareholders at such meetings, (ii) declaring dividends, (iii) appointing officers and determining their terms of offices and responsibilities, and (iv) approving the transfer of shares of our company, including the registering of such shares in our register of members.

Terms of Directors and Officers

Our officers are elected by and serve at the discretion of the board. Each director is not subject to a term of office and holds office until such time as his successor takes office or until the earlier of his death, resignation or removal from office by ordinary resolution or the affirmative vote of a simple majority of the other directors present and voting at a board meeting. A director will be removed from office automatically if, among other things, the director (i) becomes bankrupt or makes any arrangement or composition with his creditors; (ii) dies or is found by our company to be of unsound mind; (iii) resigns by notice in writing to our company; (iv) is prohibited by law from being a director; or (v) is removed from office pursuant to any other provisions of our post-offering amended and restated memorandum and articles of association.

Interested Transactions

A director may, subject to any separate requirement for audit committee approval under applicable law or applicable [NYSE]/[NASDAQ] rules, vote in respect of any contract or transaction in which he or she is interested, provided that the nature of the interest of any directors in such contract or transaction is disclosed by him or her at or prior to its consideration and any vote in that matter.

Compensation of Directors and Executive Officers

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, we paid an aggregate of RMB45.6 million (US$6.9 million) in cash to our executive officers, and we did not pay any cash compensation to our non-executive directors. For share incentive grants to our directors and executive officers, see “—Share Incentive Plans.”

Share Incentive Plans

2014 Share Incentive Plan

Prior to Tencent’s acquisition of CMC, CMC adopted an employee share incentive plan on October 22, 2014, or the 2014 Share Incentive Plan. The purpose of the 2014 Share Incentive Plan is to promote the long-term success of the Company and the creation of shareholder value by offering employees, officers, directors and consultants the opportunity to share in such long-term success by acquiring a proprietary interest in the Company. Tencent’s acquisition of CMC in July 2016 constituted a “change of control” for the purpose of the

 

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2014 Share Incentive Plan in which case, pursuant to the 2014 Share Incentive Plan, all the outstanding awards granted thereunder shall be subject to applicable agreement of merger or reorganization. Pursuant to the share subscription agreement entered into by and between CMC and Min River on July 6, 2016 in connection with Tencent’s acquisition of CMC, all the outstanding awards granted under the 2014 Share Incentive Plan shall remain and continue to be subject to the original vesting schedules under such awards and shall not be accelerated.

Under the 2014 Share Incentive Plan, the maximum aggregate number of ordinary shares we are authorized to issue pursuant to all awards is 101,785,256 ordinary shares. As of the date of this prospectus, options to purchase a total of 57,496,241 ordinary shares are outstanding under the 2014 Share Incentive Plan.

The following paragraphs summarize the terms of the 2014 Share Incentive Plan.

Types of Awards . The 2014 Share Incentive Plan permits the awards of options (including incentive share options and nonstatutory share options), share appreciation rights, share grants and restricted share units, or RSUs.

Plan Administration . The 2014 Share Incentive Plan shall be administered by our board or a committee appointed by the board. Members of any such committee shall serve for such period of time as the board may determine and shall be subject to removal by the board at any time. The board may also at any time terminate the functions of the committee and reassume all powers and authority previously delegated to the committee. With respect to the awards granted to non-employee directors, the board shall administer the 2014 Share Incentive Plan.

Eligibility . Our employees, directors, non-employee directors and consultants are eligible to participate in the 2014 Share Incentive Plan.

Award Agreement . Each award under the 2014 Share Incentive Plan shall be evidenced and governed exclusively by an award agreement executed by the company and the grantees, including any amendments thereto. The provisions of the various award agreements entered into under the 2014 Share Incentive Plan need not to be identical.

Conditions of Award . The plan administrator of the 2014 Share Incentive Plan shall determine the provisions, terms, and conditions of each award including, but not limited to, the award vesting schedule, number of options or shares to be granted, exercise price and form of payment upon settlement of the award.

Acceleration of Awards upon Change in Control . The plan administrator may determine, at the time of grant or thereafter, that an award shall become vested and exercisable, in full or in part, in the event that a change in control of the Company occurs.

Protection against Dilution. In the event of a subdivision of the outstanding shares of our company, a declaration of a dividend payable in our shares, a declaration of a dividend payable in a form other than shares in an amount that has a material effect on the price of our shares, a combination or consolidation of our outstanding shares (by reclassification or otherwise) into a lesser number of shares, a recapitalization, a spin-off or a similar occurrence, the plan administrator shall make appropriate adjustments to protect the participants from dilution.

Transfer Restrictions . Except as otherwise provided in the applicable award agreement and then only to the extent such transfer is otherwise permitted by applicable laws, no awards or interest therein shall be transferred, assigned, pledged or hypothecated by the participant during his or her lifetime, whether by operation of law or otherwise, or be made subject to execution, attachment or similar process, other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution.

 

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Amendment, Suspension or Termination of the 2014 Share Incentive Plan . The 2014 Share Incentive Plan shall terminate on October 22, 2024 provided that our board may amend or terminate the 2014 Share Incentive Plan at any time and for any reason. Any such termination of the 2014 Share Incentive Plan, or any amendment thereof, shall not impair any award previously granted under the 2014 Share Incentive Plan. An amendment of the 2014 Share Incentive Plan shall be subject to the approval of our shareholders only to the extent such approval is required by applicable laws, regulations or rules.

2017 Option Plan

We adopted an employee share incentive plan, or the 2017 Option Plan, on April 15, 2017. The purpose of the 2017 Option Plan is to motivate and reward our employees and other individuals who are expected to contribute significantly to our success to perform at the highest level and to further the best interests of the Company and our shareholders. Under the 2017 Option Plan, the maximum aggregate number of ordinary shares we are authorized to issue pursuant to equity awards granted thereunder is 37,906,988 ordinary shares. As of the date of this prospectus, options to purchase a total of 30,168,923 ordinary shares are outstanding under the 2017 Option Plan, and none of such options had vested and become exercisable.

The following paragraphs summarize the terms of the 2017 Option Plan.

Types of Awards . The 2017 Option Plan permits the awards of options.

Plan Administration . The 2017 Option Plan shall be administrated by the board or the compensation committee of the board, or such other committee as may be designated by the board.

Eligibility . Any employee or any other individual who provides services to us or our affiliates as determined by the plan administrator and holders of options and other types of awards granted by a company acquired by us or with which we combine shall be eligible to be selected to receive an award under the 2017 Option Plan, to the extent an offer of an award or a receipt of such award is permitted by applicable law, stock market or exchange rules and regulations or accounting or tax rules and regulations.

Award Agreement . Each award under the 2017 Option Plan shall be evidenced and governed exclusively by an award agreement executed by the company and the participants, including any amendments thereto. The provisions of the various award agreements entered into under the 2017 Option Plan need not to be identical.

Conditions of Award . The administrator of the 2017 Option Plan shall determine the provisions, terms, and conditions of each award including, but not limited to, the types of awards, award vesting schedule, number of shares to be covered by the awards, exercise price, non-competition requirements, and term of each award.

Acceleration of Awards upon Change in Control . The plan administrator may cause an award to be canceled in consideration of the full acceleration of such award or the grant of a substitute award, in the event that a change in control of our company occurs.

Protection against Dilution. In the event of any division or other distribution (whether in the form of cash, shares or other securities), recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, repurchase or exchange of shares or other securities of the Company, issuance of warrants or other rights to purchase shares or other securities of the company, or other similar corporate transaction or event affecting the shares, or of changes in applicable laws, regulations or accounting principles, the plan distributor may make appropriate equitable adjustments to the outstanding awards as well as number and types of shares available for future awards to prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the 2017 Option Plan.

Transfer Restrictions . Except as may be permitted by the plan administrator or as specifically provided in an award agreement, no award and no right under any award shall be assignable, alienable, saleable or

 

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transferable by a grantee otherwise than by will or by designating a beneficiary following procedures approved or accepted by the plan administrator.

Amendment, Suspension or Termination of the 2017 Option Plan . Except to the extent prohibited by applicable law and unless otherwise expressly provided in an award agreement or in the 2017 Option Plan, the plan administrator may amend, alter, suspend, discontinue or terminate the Plan or any portion thereof at any time; provided, however, that no such amendment, alteration, suspension, discontinuation or termination shall be made without (i) shareholder approval if such approval is required by applicable law or the rules of the stock exchange, if any, on which the Shares are principally quoted or trade; or (ii) the consent of the affected grantee, if such action would materially and adversely affect the rights of such grantee under any outstanding Award.

2017 Restricted Share Scheme

We adopted a restricted share award scheme, or the 2017 Restricted Share Scheme, on May 17, 2017, which was amended on May 15, 2018. The purpose of the 2017 Restricted Share Scheme is to attract, motivate and reward suitable personnel with a view to achieving the objectives of increasing the value of the Company and aligning the interests of the selected personnel directly to the shareholders of the Company through ownership of equity interests. Under the 2017 Restricted Share Scheme, the maximum aggregate number of ordinary shares we are authorized to issue pursuant to all awards is 43,709,066 ordinary shares. As of the date of this prospectus, a total of 13,441,261 restricted shares are outstanding under the 2017 Restricted Share Scheme.

The following paragraphs summarize the terms of the 2017 Restricted Share Scheme.

Types of Awards . The 2017 Restricted Share Scheme permits the awards of restricted shares.

Scheme Administration . The 2017 Restricted Share Scheme shall be administrated by the board and the management committee established by the board. The board and the management committee may appoint an independent trustee to assist in the administration of the 2017 Restricted Share Scheme.

Eligibility . Any employee (whether full time or part time), executives or officers, directors (including executive, non-executive and independent non-executive directors) consultants, advisers or agents of any member of our group or any entity in which any member of our group holds an equity interest, have contributed or will contribute to the growth and development of the our group or any of our invested entity, to the extent an offer of an award or a receipt of such award is permitted by applicable law, stock market or exchange rules and regulations or accounting or tax rules and regulations.

Grant Letter . Each award under the 2017 Restricted Share Scheme shall be evidenced by a written grant letter issued by the scheme administrator. The grantees are required to confirm their acceptance of the award by returning to the scheme administrator a notice of acceptance duly executed by them within 28 days after the date of grant.

Conditions of Award . The administrator of the 2017 Restricted Share Scheme shall determine the provisions, terms, and conditions of each award including, but not limited to, vesting schedule, number of restricted shares to be granted, exercise price, and term of each award.

Protection against Dilution. In the event of any division or other distribution (whether in the form of cash, shares or other securities), recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, repurchase or exchange of shares or other securities of the Company, issuance of warrants or other rights to purchase shares or other securities of the company, or other similar corporate transaction or event affecting the shares, or of changes in applicable laws, regulations or accounting principles, the plan distributor may make appropriate equitable adjustments to the outstanding or vested awards, as well as number and types of shares available for future awards, to prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the 2017 Restricted Share Scheme.

 

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Transfer Restrictions . Any award is personal to the grantee to whom it is made and is not assignable and no grantee may in any way sell, transfer, charge, mortgage, encumber or create any interest in favor of any other person over or in relation to the restricted shares referable to him pursuant to such award under the 2017 Restricted Share Scheme.

Amendment of the 2017 Restricted Share Scheme . The 2017 Restricted Share Scheme may be amended in any respect by a resolution of the plan administrator provided that no such amendment may operate to affect adversely any subsisting rights of any grantees under the Scheme unless (i) the written consent of the relevant grantees is obtained; or (ii) the sanction of a special resolution passed at a meeting of the grantees.

Term and Termination of the 2017 Restricted Share Scheme. The 2017 Restricted Share Scheme shall remain valid and effective unless and until being terminated on the earlier of: (i) the 10th anniversary date of the date it was adopted; or such date of early termination as determined by the scheme administrator provided that such termination does not affect any subsisting rights of any grantees.

The following table summarizes, as of the date of this prospectus, the number of ordinary shares under outstanding options, restricted shares and other equity awards that we granted to our directors and executive officers.

 

     Ordinary Shares
Underlying Equity Awards
Granted (1)
     Exercise Price
(US$/Share) (1)
    

Date of Grant

  

Date of Expiration

Tong Tao Sang

     —          —       

—  

  

—  

Cussion Kar Shun Pang

     *        2.3244     

June 16, 2017 and December 20, 2017

  

June 16, 2027 and December 20, 2027

Zhenyu Xie

     *        0.2664     

June 1, 2016

  

June 1, 2026

Guomin Xie

     *        0.2664     

June 1, 2016

  

June 1, 2026

Tak-Wai Wong

     —          —       

—  

  

—  

Liang Tang

     —          —       

—  

  

—  

Brent Richard Irvin

     —          —       

—  

  

—  

Haifeng Lin

     —          —        —      —  

Martin Chi Ping Lau

     —          —        —      —  

Min Hu

     *        2.3244     

June 16, 2017 and December 20, 2017

  

June 16, 2027 and December 20, 2027

Tony Cheuk Tung Yip

     *        4.0363     

April 16, 2018

  

April 16, 2028

Linlin Chen

     *        0.2664     

August 31, 2017

  

August 31, 2027

Dennis Tak Yeung Hau

     *        2.3244     

June 16, 2017 and December 20, 2017

  

June 16, 2027 and December 20, 2027

Lixue Shi

     —          —       

—  

  

—  

Andy Wai Lam Ng

     *        2.3244     

June 16, 2017 and December 20, 2017

  

June 16, 2027 and December 20, 2027

Tsai Chun Pan

     —          —       

—  

  

—  

  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

  

 

All directors and executive officers as a group

     *       
0.2664 to
4.0363
 
 
  

Various dates from June 1, 2016 to April 16, 2018

  

Various dates from June 1, 2026 to April 16, 2028

  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

  

 

 

Notes:

*

Less than 1% of our total outstanding shares.

(1)

The number of underlying ordinary shares and exercise prices presented herein have been adjusted to reflect the effect of the 2018 ESOP Adjustments; see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting Policies, Judgments and Estimates—Share-based Compensation Expense and Valuation of Our Ordinary Shares—Share-based compensation relating to TME Incentive Plans.”

 

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As of the date of this prospectus, our employees other than members of our senior management as a group held options to purchase 62,703,764 ordinary shares, with exercise prices ranging from US$0.000076 per share to US$2.3244 per share (after giving effect to the 2018 ESOP Adjustments).

For discussions of our accounting policies and estimates for awards granted pursuant to the 2014 Share Incentive Plan, 2017 Option Plan and the 2017 Restricted Share Scheme, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting Policies, Judgments and Estimates—Share-based compensation relating to TME Incentive Plans.”

 

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PRINCIPAL [AND SELLING] SHAREHOLDERS

The following table sets forth information concerning the beneficial ownership of our ordinary shares as of the date of this prospectus by:

 

   

each of our directors and executive officers; [and]

 

   

each person known to us to beneficially own more than 5% of our ordinary shares[, and]

 

   

[the selling shareholders.]

We have adopted a dual-class ordinary share structure which will become effective immediately prior to the completion of this offering. All ordinary shares held by our shareholders other than the Pre-2018 Shareholders will be re-designated as Class A ordinary shares, and all ordinary shares held by the Pre-2018 Shareholders will be re-designated as Class B ordinary shares immediately prior to the completion of this offering.

The calculations in the table below are based on 3,115,795,813 ordinary shares outstanding as of the date of this prospectus and             ordinary shares outstanding immediately after the completion of this offering, including (i)             Class A ordinary shares to be sold by us [and the selling shareholders] in this offering in the form of ADSs, (ii)             Class A ordinary shares re-designated from ordinary shares held by our shareholders other than the Pre-2018 Shareholders, and (iii)             Class B ordinary shares re-designated from outstanding ordinary shares held by the Pre-2018 Shareholders, assuming that the underwriters do not exercise their option to purchase additional ADSs.

Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC. In computing the number of shares beneficially owned by a person and the percentage ownership of that person, we have included shares that the person has the right to acquire within 60 days, including through the exercise of any option, warrant, or other right or the conversion of any other security. These shares, however, are not included in the computation of the percentage ownership of any other person.

 

    Ordinary Shares Beneficially
Owned Prior to this Offering
    [Class A
Ordinary Shares
Being Sold in
This Offering]
  Class A Ordinary
Shares Beneficially
Owned After This

Offering
  Class B Ordinary
Shares Beneficially
Owned After This

Offering
  Voting Power
After This
Offering
 
    Number     % **     Number   %   Number   %   Number   %   % ***  

Directors and Executive Officers:†

           

Tong Tao Sang

    —         —            

Cussion Kar Shun Pang

    —         —            

Zhenyu Xie (1)

    130,408,383       4.2          

Guomin Xie (2)

    125,686,523       4.0          

Tak-Wai Wong

    —         —            

Liang Tang

    —         —            

Brent Richard Irvin

    —         —            

Haifeng Lin

    —         —            

Martin Chi Ping Lau

    —         —            

Min Hu

    —         —            

Tony Cheuk Tung Yip

    —         —            

Linlin Chen

    *       *          

Dennis Tak Yeung Hau

    —         —            

Lixue Shi

    *       *          

Andy Wai Lam Ng

    —         —            

Tsai Chun Pan

    —         —            

All directors and executive officers as a group

    262,782,946       8.4          

Principal and [Selling] Shareholders:

           

Tencent (3)

    1,809,373,608       58.1          

Spotify (4)

    282,830,698       9.1          

PAG Capital Limited (5)

    305,495,211       9.8          

China Investment Financial Holdings Fund Management Company Limited (6)

    224,313,085       7.2          

 

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Notes:

*

Less than 1% of our total outstanding shares.

**

For each person and group included in this table, percentage ownership is calculated by dividing the number of shares beneficially owned by such person or group by the sum of (i) 3,115,795,813, being the number of ordinary shares outstanding as of the date of this prospectus, and (ii) the number of ordinary shares underlying share options held by such person or group that are exercisable within 60 days after the date of this prospectus.

***

For each person and group included in this column, percentage of voting power is calculated by dividing the voting power beneficially owned by such person or group by the voting power of all of our ordinary shares as a single class.

Except for Mr. Tong Tao Sang, Mr. Brent Richard Irvin, Mr. Tak-Wai Wong, Mr. Liang Tang, Mr. Haifeng Lin and Mr. Martin Chi Ping Lau, the business address of our directors and executive officers is 17/F, Malata Building, Kejizhongyi Road, Midwest District of Hi-tech Park, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518057, China. The business address of Mr. Tong Tao Sang, Mr. Brent Richard Irvin, Mr. Haifeng Lin and Mr. Martin Chi Ping Lau is Tencent Building, Kejizhongyi Road, Hi-tech Park, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518057, China. The business address of Mr. Tak-Wai Wong is AIA Central, 1 Connaught Road Central, Hong Kong. The business address of Mr. Liang Tang is Building C08, Chuangye Road, Wuqing Development Zone, Tianjin, 301701, China.

(1)

Represents 130,408,383 ordinary shares held by Marvellous Mountain Investments Limited, a British Virgin Islands company wholly owned by Mr. Zhenyu Xie.

(2)

Represents 125,686,523 ordinary shares held by Guomin Holdings Limited, a British Virgin Islands company wholly owned by Mr. Guomin Xie.

(3)

Represents (i) 1,635,501,849 ordinary shares held by Min River Investment Limited, a company incorporated in British Virgin Islands, which is beneficially owned and controlled by Tencent; (ii) 4,955,033 ordinary shares held by Mega Wing Holding Limited, a company incorporated in the Cayman Islands and beneficially owned by Tencent; (iii) 141,415,349 ordinary shares, or 50% of the 282,830,698 ordinary shares held of record by Spotify AB; the voting power of such 141,415,349 ordinary shares held of record by Spotify AB is vested with Tencent pursuant to the Spotify Investor Agreement and the Tencent Voting Undertaking, therefore Tencent is deemed to beneficially own such ordinary shares (pursuant to the Spotify Investor Agreement, Spotify has given Tencent a sole and exclusive right to vote our securities beneficially owned by Spotify and its affiliates, while pursuant to the Tencent Voting Undertaking, Tencent is obligated to vote 50% of the securities subject to the foregoing proxy from Spotify in proportion to votes cast for and against by non-Spotify shareholders); and (iv) 27,501,377 ordinary shares held of record by certain minority shareholders of our company; the voting power of these ordinary shares is vested with Tencent and therefore Tencent may be deemed to beneficially own these ordinary shares. Tencent disclaims beneficial ownership for the foregoing securities subject to the Tencent Voting Undertaking and the foregoing 27,501,377 ordinary shares held by record by the minority shareholders. The registered address of Min River Investment Limited is P.O. Box 957, Offshore Incorporation Centre, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands. The registered address of Mega Wing Holding Limited is Maples Corporate Services Limited, PO Box 309, Ugland House, Grand Cayman, KY1-1104, Cayman Islands.

(4)

Represents 282,830,698 ordinary shares held by Spotify AB, a company incorporated in Sweden, which is beneficially owned and controlled by Spotify Technology S.A. (NYSE: SPOT). Tencent has the right to exercise the voting power over, and holds an irrevocable proxy with regard to, these ordinary shares held of record by Spotify AB pursuant to the Spotify Investor Agreement. See “Description of Share Capital—Spotify Investor Agreement.” The registered address of Spotify AB is Regeringsgatan 19, 111 53 Stockholm.

(5)

Represents (i) 244,047,346 ordinary shares held by PAGAC Music Holding II Limited, a company incorporated in Cayman Islands; (ii) 29,106,339 ordinary shares held by PAGAC Music Holding II LP, a limited partnership incorporated in Cayman Islands; (iii) 10,780,509 ordinary shares held by PAGAC Music Holding II-A LP, a limited liability partnership incorporated in Cayman Islands; and (iv) 21,561,017 ordinary shares held by PAGAC Music Holding III LP, a limited liability partnership incorporated in Cayman Islands. PAGAC Music Holding II Limited, PAGAC Music Holding II LP, PAGAC Music Holding II-A LP and PAGAC Music Holding III LP are controlled by PAG Capital Limited. The registered address of PAGAC Music Holding II Limited is Floor 4, Willow House, Cricket Square, PO Box 2804, Grand Cayman, KY1-1112, Cayman Islands. The registered address of PAGAC Music Holding II LP, PAGAC Music Holding II-A LP and PAGAC Music Holding III LP is c/o International Corporation Services Ltd., PO Box 472, 2 nd Floor, Harbour Place, 103 South Church Street, George Town, Grand Cayman KY1-1106, Cayman Islands.

(6)

Represents (i) 54,272,547 ordinary shares held by CICFH Group Limited, a company incorporated in British Virgin Islands; (ii) 38,486,189 ordinary shares held by China Investment Corporation Financial Holdings, a company incorporated in Cayman Islands; (iii) 37,425,515 ordinary shares held by CICFH Music Investment Limited, a company incorporated in British Virgin Islands; (iv) 17,688,947 ordinary shares held by Pan Asia Venture Group Limited, a company incorporated in British Virgin Islands; (v) 54,505,171 ordinary shares held by Green Technology Holdings Limited, a company incorporated in British Virgin Islands; (vi) 20,991,961 ordinary shares held by Hermitage Green Harbor Limited, a company incorporated in Hong Kong; and (vii) 942,755 ordinary shares held by CICFH Culture Entertainment Group, a company incorporated in Cayman Islands. CICFH Group Limited, China Investment Corporation Financial Holdings, CICFH Music Investment Limited, Pan Asia Venture Group Limited, Green Technology Holdings Limited, and Hermitage Green Harbor Limited and CICFH Culture Entertainment Group are beneficially owned and controlled by China Investment Financial Holdings Fund Management Company Limited. The registered address of CICFH Group Limited is Sertus Chambers, P.O. Box 905, Quastisky Building, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands. The registered address of China Investment Corporation Financial Holdings is Sertus Chambers, Governors Square, Suite # 5-204, 23 Lime Tree Bay Avenue, P.O. Box 2547, Grand Cayman, KY1-1104, Cayman Islands. The registered address of CICFH Music Investment Limited is Sertus Chambers, P.O. Box 905, Quastisky Building, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands. The registered address of Pan Asia Venture Group Limited is Sertus Chambers, P.O. Box 905, Quastisky Building, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands. The registered address of Green Technology Holdings Limited is Ritter House, Wickhams Cay II, Road Town, Tortola VG1110, British Virgin Islands. The registered address of Hermitage Green Harbor Limited is Room 1501, Grand Millennium Plaza (Lower Block), 181 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong. The registered address of CICFH Culture Entertainment Group is c/o International Corporation Services Ltd. P.O. Box 472 Harbour Place, 2 nd Floor 103 South Church Street, George Town, Grand Cayman KY1-1106, Cayman Islands.

 

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We are not aware of any arrangement that may, at a subsequent date, result in a change of control of our company. See “Description of Share Capital—History of Securities Issuances” for a description of issuances of our ordinary shares that have resulted in significant changes in ownership held by our major shareholders. Upon the completion of this offering, Tencent will remain our controlling shareholder.

 

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RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Transactions with Tencent

We have a master business cooperation agreement with Tencent since July 2016 when Tencent acquired CMC, which had expired on July 12, 2018. We then entered into a new master business cooperation agreement with Tencent, which became effective upon execution. See “Our Relationship with Tencent—Master Business Cooperation Agreement.”

In December 2017, (i) we issued 282,830,698 ordinary shares to Spotify AB (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Spotify Technology S.A., or Spotify), and (ii) Spotify, in exchange, issued 8,552,440 ordinary shares (after giving effect to a 40-to-one share split of Spotify’s ordinary shares) to TME Hong Kong. In connection with its acquisition of our ordinary shares, Spotify agreed not to transfer our ordinary shares for a period of three years from December 15, 2017, subject to limited exceptions described elsewhere in this prospectus. We held an approximately 2.5% equity interest in Spotify immediately following the Spotify Transactions. See “Corporate History and Structure.”

In connection with the Spotify Transactions, on December 15, 2017, an investor agreement was entered into by and among Spotify, TME, TME Hong Kong, Tencent and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tencent (together with TME, TME Hong Kong and Tencent, the “Tencent Investors”) and certain Spotify parties, pursuant to which Spotify’s co-founder has the sole and exclusive right to vote, in his sole and absolute discretion, any of Spotify’s securities beneficially owned by the Tencent Investors or their controlled affiliates.

For historical issuance of our securities to Tencent and its affiliates, see “Description of Share Capital—History of Securities Issuances.”

Contractual Arrangements

See “Corporate History and Structure” for a description of the contractual arrangements between our PRC subsidiaries, our VIEs and their respective shareholders.

Employment Agreements and Indemnification Agreements

See “Management—Employment Agreements and Indemnification Agreements.”

Private Placements

See “Description of Share Capital—History of Securities Issuances.”

Share Incentives

See “Management—Share Incentive Plans.”

Other Related Party Transactions

In the ordinary course of business, from time to time, we carry out transactions and enter into arrangements with related parties, none of which is considered to be material.

 

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The table below sets forth the major related parties and their relationships with us as of June 30, 2018.

 

Name of related parties

  

Relationship with the Group

Tencent and its subsidiaries other than the entities controlled by the Group (“Tencent Group”)

   The Group’s principal owner

Beijing Quku Technology Co., Ltd (“Quku”)

   The Group’s associate

Nanjing Jiyun Cultural Development Ltd. (“Jiyun”)

   The Group’s associate before May 31, 2018

United Entertainment Corporation and its subsidiaries (“UEC Group”)

   The Group’s associate

The table below sets forth our significant related party transactions for the periods indicated:

 

     For the year ended December 31,      For the six months
ended June 30,
 
     2016      2017      2017      2018  
     RMB      RMB      US$      RMB      RMB      US$  
     (in millions)  

Revenue

                 

Online music services to CMC before its acquisition (1)

     90        33        5        9        28        4  

Social entertainment services and others to Quku (2)

     15        20        3        12        5        1  

Expenses

                 

Operation expenses recharged by Tencent Group (3)

     428        493        75        243        279        42  

Advertising agency fees to Tencent Group (4)

     151        187        28        87        107        16  

Content royalties to the Group’s associates (5)

     18        45        7        16        47        7  

 

Notes:

(1)

Primarily include revenues from sublicensing content by Tencent Group to CMC prior to Tencent’s acquisition of CMC in July 2016 and the revenue from the advertising services we provide to Tencent Group.

(2)

Primarily include revenue from the provision of technical services by us to Quku.

(3)

Primarily include expenses associated with cloud services and certain administrative functions provided to us by Tencent Group.

(4)

Primarily include advertising fees paid to Tencent Group for our advertising services sold through Tencent Group.

(5)

Primarily include content royalty we paid to music labels who are our associates.

The table below sets forth the balances with our related parties as of the dates indicated.

 

     As of December 31,      As of
June 30,
 
     2016      2017      2018  
     RMB      RMB      US$      RMB      US$  
     (in millions)  

Included in accounts receivable from related parties:

              

Tencent Group

     527        651        98        744        112  

The Group’s associates

     8        8        1        10        2  

Included in prepayments, deposits and other assets from related parties:

              

Tencent Group

     1        59        9        62        9  

The Group’s associates

     17        26        4        2        0  

Included in accounts payable to related parties:

              

Tencent Group

     653        104        16        317        48  

The Group’s associates

     —          5        1        14        2  

Included in other payables and accruals to related parties:

              

Tencent Group

     94        59        9        49        7  

The Group’s associates

     15        —          —          —          —    

Outstanding balances are unsecured and are payable on demand.

 

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The table below sets forth our key management personnel compensations for the periods indicated.

 

     For the year ended December 31,      For the six months ended June 30,  
     2016      2017      2017      2018  
     RMB      RMB      US$      RMB      RMB      US$  
     (in millions)  

Short-term employee benefits

     24        46        7        23        23        3  

Share-based compensation

     54        107        16        54        109        16  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     78        153        23        77        132        20  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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DESCRIPTION OF SHARE CAPITAL

We are a Cayman Islands company and our affairs are governed by our memorandum and articles of association, as amended and restated from time to time, the Companies Law (as amended) of the Cayman Islands, which we refer to as the “Companies Law” below, and the common law of the Cayman Islands.

As of the date of this prospectus, our authorized share capital is US$398,400 divided into 4,800,000,000 ordinary shares with a par value of US$0.000083 each. As of the date of this prospectus, there are 3,115,795,813 ordinary shares issued and outstanding. All of our issued and outstanding ordinary shares are fully paid.

We plan to adopt an amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, which will become effective and replace the current fifth amended and restated memorandum and articles of association in its entirety immediately prior to the completion of this offering. Our post-offering amended and restated memorandum and articles of association will provide that, upon the completion of this offering, we will have two classes of shares, the Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares. Our authorized share capital upon completion of the offering will be US$3,984,000 divided into 4,800,000,000 Class A ordinary shares of a par value of US$0.000083 each, 4,800,000,000 Class B ordinary shares of a par value of US$0.000083 each and 38,400,000,000 ordinary shares with a par value of US$0.000083 each of such class or classes (however designated) as our board of directors may determine. All outstanding ordinary shares held, directly or indirectly, by the Pre-2018 Shareholders will be immediately and automatically re-designated or converted into Class B ordinary shares on a one-for-one basis, and all outstanding ordinary shares held by our shareholders other than the Pre-2018 Shareholders will be automatically re-designated or converted into Class A ordinary shares on a one-for-one basis immediately prior to the completion of this offering. Immediately upon the completion of this offering, we will have              Class A ordinary shares and              Class B ordinary shares outstanding, assuming the underwriters do not exercise their over-allotment option. We will issue              Class A ordinary shares in the form of ADSs in this offering. All incentive shares, including options, restricted shares and restricted share units, regardless of grant dates, will entitle holders thereof to an equivalent number of Class A ordinary shares once the vesting and exercising conditions, if applicable are met.

The following are summaries of material provisions of our post-offering amended and restated memorandum and articles of association and the Companies Law insofar as they relate to the material terms of our ordinary shares that we expect will become effective upon the completion of this offering.

Ordinary Shares

General . Our ordinary shares are divided into Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares. Holders of our Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares will have the same rights except for voting and conversion rights. All of our issued and outstanding ordinary shares are fully paid and non-assessable. Our ordinary shares are issued in registered form and are issued when registered in our register of members. We may not issue share to bearer. Our shareholders who are non-residents of the Cayman Islands may freely hold and transfer their ordinary shares.

A dual-class voting structure has been approved by our board of directors and the existing shareholders of the company in connection with their consideration and approval of our sixth amended and restated memorandum and articles of association that will become effective upon the completion of this offering. We believe that adopting a dual-class voting structure would enable us to create greater and more sustainable long-term value for our shareholders as it allows us to (i) strengthen our relationship with our long-term shareholders, including Tencent, a long-term strategic shareholder; (ii) obtain greater flexibility in exploring future equity and other financing options as well as potential M&A opportunities; and (iii) protect us from potentially disruptive takeovers. Immediately upon the completion of this offering, the holders of Class B ordinary shares will control the outcome of a shareholder vote, and assuming the underwriters do not exercise their option to purchase additional ADSs in this offering, such control will continue (i) with respect to matters requiring an ordinary

 

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resolution which requires the affirmative vote of a simple majority of shareholder votes, to the extent that the Class B ordinary shares represent at least             % of our total issued and outstanding share capital; and (ii) with respect to matters requiring a special resolution which requires the affirmative vote of no less than two-thirds of shareholder votes, to the extent that the Class B ordinary shares represent at least             % of our total issued and outstanding share capital. For risks associated with the dual-class voting structure, see “Risk Factors—Risks Related to the ADSs and This Offering—Our dual-class share structure with different voting rights will limit your ability to influence corporate matters and could discourage others from pursuing any change of control transactions that holders of our Class A ordinary shares and the ADSs may view as beneficial.”

Dividends . The holders of our ordinary shares are entitled to such dividends as may be declared by our board of directors subject to our post-offering amended and restated memorandum and articles of association and the Companies Law. In addition, our shareholders may by ordinary resolution declare a dividend, but no dividend may exceed the amount recommended by our board of directors. Our post-offering amended and restated memorandum and articles of association provides that dividends may be declared and paid out of our profits, realized or unrealized, or from any reserve set aside from profits which our board of directors determine is no longer needed. Dividends may also be declared and paid out of share premium account or any other fund or account which can be authorized for this purpose in accordance with the Companies Law. No dividend may be declared and paid unless our board of directors determine that, immediately after the payment, we will be able to pay our debts as they become due in the ordinary course of business and we have funds lawfully available for such purpose.

Re-designation . Class B ordinary shares may be converted into the same number of Class A ordinary shares by the holders thereof at any time, while Class A ordinary shares cannot be converted into Class B ordinary shares under any circumstances. Upon any sale, transfer, assignment or disposition of any Class B ordinary shares by a holder thereof to any non-affiliate to such holder, each of such Class B ordinary shares will be automatically and immediately converted into one Class A ordinary share. There is no limit on the circumstances where holders of Class B ordinary shares may transfer or otherwise dispose of their Class B ordinary shares.

Voting Rights . Holders of Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares shall, at all times, vote together as one class on all matters submitted to a vote by the members at any such general meeting. Each Class A ordinary share shall be entitled to one vote on all matters subject to a vote at general meetings of the shareholders, and each Class B ordinary share shall be entitled to 15 votes on all matters subject to a vote at general meetings of the shareholders.

A quorum required for a meeting of shareholders consists of one or more shareholders holding a majority of all votes attaching to the issued and outstanding shares entitled to vote at general meetings present in person or by proxy or, if a corporation or other non-natural person, by its duly authorized representative. As a Cayman Islands exempted company, we are not obliged by the Companies Law to call shareholders’ annual general meetings. Our post-offering memorandum and articles of association provides that we may (but are not obliged to) in each year hold a general meeting as our annual general meeting in which case we will specify the meeting as such in the notices calling it, and the annual general meeting will be held at such time and place as may be determined by our board of directors. We, however, will hold an annual shareholders’ meeting during each fiscal year, as required by the Listing Rules of the [NYSE]/[NASDAQ]. Each general meeting, other than an annual general meeting, shall be an extraordinary general meeting. Shareholders’ annual general meetings and any other general meetings of our shareholders may be called by a majority of our board of directors or our chairman of the board or upon a requisition of shareholders holding at the date of deposit of the requisition not less than one-third of the votes attaching to the issued and outstanding shares entitled to vote at general meetings, in which case our board of directors are obliged to call such meeting and to put the resolutions so requisitioned to a vote at such meeting; however, our post-offering amended and restated memorandum and articles of association does not provide our shareholders with any right to put any proposals before annual general meetings or extraordinary general meetings not called by such shareholders. Advance notice of at least seven days is required for the convening of our annual general meeting and other general meetings unless such notice is waived in accordance with our articles of association.

 

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An ordinary resolution to be passed at a meeting by the shareholders requires the affirmative vote of a simple majority of the votes attaching to the ordinary shares cast by those shareholders entitled to vote who are present in person or by proxy at a general meeting, while a special resolution also requires the affirmative vote of no less than two-thirds of the votes attaching to the ordinary shares cast by those shareholders entitled to vote who are present in person or by proxy at a general meeting. A special resolution will be required for important matters such as a change of name or making changes to our post-offering amended and restated memorandum and articles of association.

Transfer of Ordinary Shares. Subject to the restrictions in our post-offering amended and restated memorandum and articles of association as set out below, any of our shareholders may transfer all or any of its, his or her ordinary shares by an instrument of transfer in the usual or common form or any other form approved by our board of directors.

Our board of directors may, in its absolute discretion, decline to register any transfer of any ordinary share which is not fully paid up or on which we have a lien. Our board of directors may also decline to register any transfer of any ordinary share unless:

 

   

the instrument of transfer is lodged with us, accompanied by the certificate for the ordinary shares to which it relates and such other evidence as our board of directors may reasonably require to show the right of the transferor to make the transfer;

 

   

the instrument of transfer is in respect of only one class of shares;

 

   

the instrument of transfer is properly stamped, if required;

 

   

in the case of a transfer to joint holders, the number of joint holders to whom the ordinary share is to be transferred does not exceed four;

 

   

the shares are free from any lien in favor of our company; and

 

   

a fee of such maximum sum as the [NYSE]/[NASDAQ] may determine to be payable or such lesser sum as our board of directors may from time to time require is paid to us in respect thereof.

If our board of directors refuses to register a transfer it 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, after compliance with any notice required of the [NYSE]/[NASDAQ], be suspended and the register closed at such times and for such periods as our board of 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 calendar days in any year.

Liquidation. On a return of capital on winding up or otherwise (other than on conversion, redemption or purchase of ordinary shares), if the assets available for distribution amongst our shareholders shall be more than sufficient to repay the whole of the share capital at the commencement of the winding up, the surplus shall be distributed amongst our shareholders in proportion to the par value of the shares held by them at the commencement of the winding up, subject to a deduction from those shares in respect of which there are monies due, of all monies payable to our company for unpaid calls or otherwise. If our assets available for distribution are insufficient to repay all of the paid-up capital, the assets will be distributed so that the losses are borne by our shareholders in proportion to the par value of the shares held by them. Any distribution of assets or capital to a holder of ordinary share will be the same in any liquidation event.

Calls on Ordinary Shares and Forfeiture of Ordinary Shares. Our board of directors may from time to time make calls upon shareholders for any amounts unpaid on their ordinary shares in a notice served to such shareholders at least 14 calendar days prior to the specified time of payment. The ordinary shares that have been called upon and remain unpaid are subject to forfeiture.

 

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Redemption, Repurchase and Surrender of Ordinary Shares. We may issue shares on terms that such shares are subject to redemption, at our option or at the option of the holders thereof, on such terms and in such manner as may be determined, before the issue of such shares, by our board of directors. We may also repurchase any of our shares provided that the manner and terms of such purchase have been approved by our board of directors, or are otherwise authorized by our post-offering amended and restated memorandum and articles of association. Under the Companies Law, the redemption or repurchase of any share may be paid out of our profits or out of the proceeds of a fresh issue of shares made for the purpose of such redemption or repurchase, or out of capital (including share premium account and capital redemption reserve) if we can, immediately following such payment, pay our debts as they fall due in the ordinary course of business. In addition, under the Companies Law no such share may be redeemed or repurchased (i) unless it is fully paid up, (ii) if such redemption or repurchase would result in there being no shares outstanding, or (iii) if we have commenced liquidation. In addition, we may accept the surrender of any fully paid share for no consideration.

Variations of Rights of Shares. If at any time our share capital is divided into different classes or series of shares, the rights attached to any class or series of shares (unless otherwise provided by the terms of issue of the shares of that class or series), whether or not our company is being wound- up, may be varied with the consent in writing of the holders of not less than two-thirds of the issued shares of that class or series or with the sanction of a resolution passed at a separate meeting of the holders of the shares of the class or series by two-thirds of the votes cast at such a meeting. The rights conferred upon the holders of the shares of any class issued 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  with such existing class of shares.

Inspection of Books and Records. Holders of our ordinary shares have no general right under Cayman Islands law to inspect or obtain copies of our list of shareholders or our corporate records. However, we will provide our shareholders with annual audited financial statements. See “Where You Can Find Additional Information.”

Issuance of Additional Shares. Our post-offering amended and restated memorandum of association authorizes our board of directors to issue additional ordinary shares, to the extent authorized but unissued, from time to time as our board of directors shall determine.

Our post-offering amended and restated memorandum of association also 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 preferred shares without action by our shareholders to the extent authorized but unissued. Issuance of these shares may dilute the voting power of holders of ordinary shares.

Anti-Takeover Provisions. Some provisions of our post-offering amended and restated memorandum and articles of association may discourage, delay or prevent a change of control of our company or management that shareholders may consider favorable, including provisions that authorize our board of directors to issue preferred shares in one or more series and to designate the price, rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions of such preferred shares without any further vote or action by our shareholders.

However, under Cayman Islands law, our directors may only exercise the rights and powers granted to them under our post-offering memorandum and articles of association for a proper purpose and for what they believe in good faith to be in the best interests of our company.

 

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Exempted Company. We are an exempted company with limited liability under the Companies Law. The Companies Law distinguishes between ordinary resident companies and exempted companies. Any company that is registered in the Cayman Islands but conducts business mainly outside of the Cayman Islands may apply to be registered as an exempted company. The requirements for an exempted company are essentially the same as for an ordinary resident company except that an exempted company:

 

   

does not have to file an annual return of its shareholders with the Registrar of Companies;

 

   

is not required to open its register of members for inspection;

 

   

does not have to hold an annual general meeting;

 

   

may issue negotiable or bearer shares or shares with no par value;

 

   

may obtain an undertaking against the imposition of any future taxation (such undertakings are usually given for 20 years in the first instance);

 

   

may register by way of continuation in another jurisdiction and be deregistered in the Cayman Islands;

 

   

may register as a limited duration company; and

 

   

may register as a segregated portfolio company.

“Limited liability” means that the liability of each shareholder is limited to the amount unpaid by the shareholder on that shareholder’s shares of the company (except in exceptional circumstances, such as involving fraud, the establishment of an agency relationship or an illegal or improper purpose or other circumstances in which a court may be prepared to pierce or lift the corporate veil).

Register of Members

Under the Companies Law, we must keep a register of members and it should be entered therein:

 

   

the names and addresses of our members, a statement of the shares held by each member, and of the amount paid or agreed to be considered as paid, on the shares of each member;

 

   

the date on which the name of any person was entered on the register as a member; and

 

   

the date on which any person ceased to be a member.

Under the Companies Law, the register of members of our company is prima facie evidence of the matters set out therein (that is, the register of members will raise a presumption of fact on the matters referred to above unless rebutted) and a member registered in the register of members is deemed as a matter of the Companies Law to have legal title to the shares as set against its name in the register of members. Upon completion of this offering, we will perform the procedure necessary to immediately update the register of members to record and give effect to the issuance of shares by us to the depositary or its nominee. Once our register of members has been updated, the shareholders recorded in the register of members will be deemed to have legal title to the shares set against their respective names.

If the name of any person is incorrectly entered in or omitted from our register of members, or if there is any default or unnecessary delay in entering on the register the fact of any person having ceased to be a member of our company, the person or member aggrieved (or any member of our company or our company itself) may apply to the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands for an order that the register be rectified, and the court may either refuse such application or it may, if satisfied of the justice of the case, make an order for the rectification of the register.

Differences in Corporate Law

The Companies Law is derived, to a large extent, from the older Companies Acts of England, but does not follow many recent English law statutory enactments. In addition, the Companies Law differs from laws

 

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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 State of Delaware.

Mergers and Similar Arrangements. The Companies Law permits mergers and consolidations between Cayman Islands companies and between Cayman Islands companies and non-Cayman Islands companies. For these purposes, (i) “merger” means the merging of two or more constituent companies and the vesting of their undertaking, property and liabilities in one of such companies as the surviving company, and (ii) a “consolidation” means the combination of two or more constituent companies into a consolidated company and the vesting of the undertaking, property and liabilities of such companies to the consolidated company. In order to effect such a merger or consolidation, the directors of each constituent company must approve a written plan of merger or consolidation, which must then be authorized by (i) a special resolution of the shareholders of each constituent company, and (ii) such other authorization, if any, as may be specified in such constituent company’s articles of association. The written plan of merger or consolidation must be filed with the Registrar of Companies of the Cayman Islands together with a declaration as to the solvency of the consolidated or surviving company, a declaration as to the assets and liabilities of each constituent company and an undertaking that a copy of the certificate of merger or consolidation will be given to the members and creditors of each constituent company and that notification of the merger or consolidation will be published in the Cayman Islands Gazette. Court approval is not required for a merger or consolidation which is effected in compliance with these statutory procedures.

A merger between a Cayman Islands parent company and its Cayman Islands subsidiary or subsidiaries does not require authorization by a resolution of shareholders of that Cayman Islands subsidiary if a copy of the plan of merger is given to every member of that Cayman Islands subsidiary to be merged unless that member agrees otherwise. For this purpose a company is a “parent” of a subsidiary if it holds issued shares that together represent at least ninety percent (90%) of the votes at a general meeting of the subsidiary.

The consent of each holder of a fixed or floating security interest over a constituent company is required unless this requirement is waived by a court in the Cayman Islands.

Save in certain limited circumstances, a shareholder of a Cayman Islands constituent company who dissents from the merger or consolidation is entitled to payment of the fair value of its, his or her shares (which, if not agreed between the parties, will be determined by a Cayman Islands court) upon dissenting to the merger or consolidation, provided that the dissenting shareholder complies strictly with the procedures set out in the Companies Law. The exercise of dissenter rights will preclude the exercise by the dissenting shareholder of any other rights to which it, he or she might otherwise be entitled by virtue of holding shares, save for the right to seek relief on the ground that the merger or consolidation is void or unlawful.

Separate from the statutory provisions relating to mergers and consolidations, the Companies Law also contains statutory provisions that facilitate the reconstruction and amalgamation of companies by way of schemes of arrangement, provided that the arrangement is approved by a majority in number of each class of shareholders and creditors with whom the arrangement is to be made, and who must in addition represent three-fourths in value of each such class of shareholders or creditors, as the case may be, that are present and voting either in person or by proxy at a meeting, or meetings, convened for that purpose. The convening of the meetings and subsequently the arrangement must be sanctioned by the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands. While a dissenting shareholder has the right to express to the court the view that the transaction ought not to be approved, the court can be expected to approve the arrangement if it determines that:

 

   

the statutory provisions as to the required majority vote have been met;

 

   

the shareholders have been fairly represented at the meeting in question and the statutory majority are acting bona fide without coercion of the minority to promote interests adverse to those of the class;

 

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the arrangement is such that may be reasonably approved by an intelligent and honest man of that class acting in respect of his interest; and

 

   

the arrangement is not one that would more properly be sanctioned under some other provision of the Companies Law.

The Companies Law also contains a statutory power of compulsory acquisition which may facilitate the “squeeze out” of a dissenting minority shareholder upon a tender offer. When a tender offer is made and accepted by holders of 90% of the shares affected within four months, the offeror may, within a two-month period commencing on the expiration of such four-month period, require the holders of the remaining shares to transfer such shares to the offeror on the terms of the offer. An objection can be made to the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands but this is unlikely to succeed in the case of an offer which has been so approved unless there is evidence of fraud, bad faith or collusion.

If an arrangement and reconstruction by way of scheme of arrangement is thus approved and sanctioned, or if a tender offer is made and accepted, in accordance with the foregoing statutory procedures, a dissenting shareholder would have no rights comparable to appraisal rights, which would otherwise ordinarily be available to dissenting shareholders of Delaware corporations, providing rights to receive payment in cash for the judicially determined value of the shares.

Shareholders’ Suits. In principle, we will normally be the proper plaintiff to sue for a wrong done to us as a company, and as a general rule a derivative action may not be brought by a minority shareholder. However, based on English authorities, which would in all likelihood be of persuasive authority in the Cayman Islands, a Cayman Islands court can be expected to follow and apply the common law principles (namely the rule in Foss v. Harbottle and the exceptions thereto) which permit a minority shareholder to commence a class action against or derivative actions in the name of a company to challenge actions where:

 

   

the company acts or proposes to act illegally or ultra vires;

 

   

the act complained of, although not ultra vires, could only be effected duly if authorized by more than a simple majority vote that has not been obtained; and

 

   

those who control the company are perpetrating a “fraud on the minority.”

Indemnification of Directors and Executive Officers and Limitation of Liability. Cayman Islands law does not limit the extent to which a company’s memorandum and articles of association may provide for indemnification of officers and directors, except to the extent any such provision may be held by the Cayman Islands courts to be contrary to public policy, such as to provide indemnification against civil fraud or the consequences of committing a crime. Our post-offering amended and restated memorandum and articles of association provides that that we shall indemnify our officers and directors against all actions, proceedings, costs, charges, expenses, losses, damages or liabilities incurred or sustained by such directors or officers, other than by reason of such person’s dishonesty, willful default or fraud, in or about the conduct of our company’s business or affairs (including as a result of any mistake of judgment) or in the execution or discharge of his or her duties, powers, authorities or discretions, including without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, any costs, expenses, losses or liabilities incurred by such directors or officers in defending (whether successfully or otherwise) any civil proceedings concerning our company or our affairs in any court whether in the Cayman Islands or elsewhere. This standard of conduct is generally the same as permitted under the Delaware General Corporation Law for a Delaware corporation.

In addition, we have entered into indemnification agreements with our directors and executive officers that provide such persons with additional indemnification beyond that provided in our post-offering amended and restated memorandum and articles of association.

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to our directors, officers or persons controlling us under the foregoing provisions, we have been informed that in the opinion of

 

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the SEC, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.

Directors’ Fiduciary Duties. Under Delaware corporate law, a director of a Delaware corporation has a fiduciary duty to the corporation and its shareholders. This duty has two components: the duty of care and the duty of loyalty. The duty of care requires that a director act in good faith, with the care that an ordinarily prudent person would exercise under similar circumstances. Under this duty, a director must inform himself or herself of, and disclose to shareholders, all material information reasonably available regarding a significant transaction. The duty of loyalty requires that a director acts in a manner he reasonably believes to be in the best interests of the corporation. He or she must not use his or her corporate position for personal gain or advantage. This duty prohibits self-dealing by a director and mandates that the best interest of the corporation and its shareholders take precedence over any interest possessed by a director, officer or controlling shareholder and not shared by the shareholders generally. In general, actions of a director are presumed to have been made on an informed basis, in good faith and in the honest belief that the action taken was in the best interests of the corporation and its shareholders. However, this presumption may be rebutted by evidence of a breach of one of the fiduciary duties. Should such evidence be presented concerning a transaction by a director, the director must prove the procedural fairness of the transaction, and that the transaction is fair to the corporation and its shareholders.

As a matter of Cayman Islands law, a director of a Cayman Islands company is in the position of a fiduciary with respect to the company and therefore it is considered that he or she owes the following duties to the company: (i) a duty to act bona fide in the best interests of the company; (ii) a duty not to make a profit based on his or her position as director (unless the company permits him or her to do so); (iii) a duty not to put himself or herself in a position where the interests of the company conflict with his or her personal interest or his or her duty to a third party; and (iv) a duty to exercise powers for the purpose for which such powers were intended. A director of a Cayman Islands company also owes to the company a duty to act with skill and care. It was previously considered that a director need not exhibit in the performance of his or her duties a greater degree of skill than may reasonably be expected from a person of his or her knowledge and experience. However, English and Commonwealth courts have moved towards an objective standard with regard to the required skill and care and these authorities are likely to be followed in the Cayman Islands.

Shareholder Action by Written Consent. Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, a corporation may eliminate the right of shareholders to act by written consent by amendment to its certificate of incorporation. The Companies Law and our post-offering amended and restated articles of association provides that our shareholders may approve corporate matters by way of a unanimous written resolution signed by or on behalf of each shareholder who would have been entitled to vote on such matter at a general meeting without a meeting being held.

Shareholder Proposals. Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, a shareholder has the right to put any proposal before the annual meeting of shareholders, provided that it complies with the notice provisions in the governing documents. A special meeting may be called by the board of directors or any other person authorized to do so in the governing documents, but shareholders may be precluded from calling special meetings.

The Companies Law provides shareholders with only limited rights to requisition a general meeting, and does not provide shareholders with any right to put any proposal before a general meeting. However, these rights may be provided in a company’s articles of association. Our post-offering amended and restated articles of association allows any one or more of our shareholders who together hold shares which carry in aggregate not less than one-third of the total number of votes attaching to all issued and outstanding shares of our company entitled to vote at general meetings to requisition an extraordinary general meeting of our shareholders, in which case our board of directors is obliged to convene an extraordinary general meeting and to put the proposals so requisitioned to a vote at such meeting. Other than this right to requisition a shareholders’ meeting, our post-offering amended and restated articles of association does not provide our shareholders with any other right to

 

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put proposals before annual general meetings or extraordinary general meetings not called by such shareholders. As an exempted Cayman Islands company, we are not obliged by law to call shareholders’ annual general meetings.

Cumulative Voting. Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, cumulative voting for elections of directors is not permitted unless the corporation’s certificate of incorporation specifically provides for it. Cumulative voting potentially facilitates the representation of minority shareholders on a board of directors since it permits the minority shareholder to cast all the votes to which the shareholder is entitled on a single director nominee, which increases the shareholder’s voting power with respect to electing such director nominee. There are no prohibitions in relation to cumulative voting under the laws of the Cayman Islands but our post-offering amended and restated articles of association does not provide for cumulative voting. As a result, our shareholders are not afforded any less protections or rights on this issue than shareholders of a Delaware corporation.

Removal of Directors. Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, a director of a corporation with a classified board may be removed only for cause with the approval of a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote, unless the certificate of incorporation provides otherwise. Under our post-offering amended and restated articles of association, directors may be removed with or without cause, by an ordinary resolution of our shareholders. A director shall hold office until the expiration of his or her term or his or her successor shall have been elected and qualified, or until his or her office is otherwise vacated. In addition, a director’s office shall be vacated if the director (i) becomes bankrupt or makes any arrangement or composition with his or her creditors; (ii) is found to be or becomes of unsound mind or dies; (iii) resigns his or her office by notice in writing to our company; (iv) is prohibited by law from being a director; or (v) is removed from office pursuant to any other provisions of our post-offering amended and restated articles of association.

Transactions with Interested Shareholders. The Delaware General Corporation Law contains a business combination statute applicable to Delaware corporations whereby, unless the corporation has specifically elected not to be governed by such statute by amendment to its certificate of incorporation, it is prohibited from engaging in certain business combinations with an “interested shareholder” for three years following the date that such person becomes an interested shareholder. An interested shareholder generally is a person or a group who or which owns or owned 15% or more of the corporation’s outstanding voting shares within the past three years. This has the effect of limiting the ability of a potential acquirer to make a two-tiered bid for a Delaware corporation in which all shareholders would not be treated equally. The statute does not apply if, among other things, prior to the date on which such shareholder becomes an interested shareholder, the board of directors approves either the business combination or the transaction which resulted in the shareholder becoming an interested shareholder. This encourages any potential acquirer of a Delaware corporation to negotiate the terms of any acquisition transaction with the corporation’s board of directors.

Cayman Islands law has no comparable statute. As a result, we cannot avail ourselves of the types of protections afforded by the Delaware business combination statute. However, although Cayman Islands law does not regulate transactions between a company and its significant shareholders, the directors of the company are required to comply with fiduciary duties which they owe to the company under Cayman Islands laws, including the duty to ensure that, in their opinion, any such transactions must be entered into bona fide in the best interests of the company, and are entered into for a proper corporate purpose and not with the effect of constituting a fraud on the minority shareholders.

Dissolution; Winding up. Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, unless the board of directors approves the proposal to dissolve, dissolution must be approved by shareholders holding 100% of the total voting power of the corporation. Only if the dissolution is initiated by the board of directors may it be approved by a simple majority of the corporation’s outstanding shares. Delaware law allows a Delaware corporation to include in its certificate of incorporation a supermajority voting requirement in connection with dissolutions initiated by the board of directors.

 

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Under Cayman Islands law, a company may be wound up by either an order of the courts of the Cayman Islands or by a special resolution of its members or, if the company is unable to pay its debts as they fall due, by an ordinary resolution of its members. A court has authority to order winding up in a number of specified circumstances including where it is, in the opinion of the court, just and equitable to do so. Under the Companies Law and our post-offering amended and restated articles of association, our company may be dissolved, liquidated or wound up by a special resolution of our shareholders.

Variation of Rights of Shares. Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, a corporation may vary the rights of a class of shares with the approval of a majority of the outstanding shares of such class, unless the certificate of incorporation provides otherwise. Under Cayman Islands law and our post-offering amended and restated articles of association, if our share capital is divided into more than one class of shares, we may vary the rights attached to any class with the written consent of the holders of not less than two-thirds of the issued shares of that class or with the sanction of a resolution passed at a general meeting of the holders of the shares of that class by two-thirds of the votes cast at such a meeting.

Amendment of Governing Documents. Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, a corporation’s governing documents may be amended with the approval of a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote, unless the certificate of incorporation provides otherwise. Under the Companies Law and our post-offering amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, our memorandum and articles of association may only be amended by a special resolution of our shareholders.

Rights of Nonresident or Foreign Shareholders. There are no limitations imposed by our post-offering amended and restated memorandum and articles of association on the rights of nonresident or foreign shareholders to hold or exercise voting rights of our shares. In addition, there are no provisions in our post-offering amended and restated memorandum and articles of association governing the ownership threshold above which shareholder ownership must be disclosed.

History of Securities Issuances

The following is a summary of our securities issuances in the past three years.

Ordinary Shares

On May 20, 2016, we issued a total of 2,700,000 ordinary shares to Sony/ATV Music Publishing (Hong Kong) and EMI Music Publishing Group Hong Kong Limited in exchange for a total of 900,000 ordinary shares of China Publishing Corporation.

On May 21, 2016, we issued 40,255,459 ordinary shares to Baofeng Poseidon Limited for a consideration of US$97,700,000.

On July 12, 2016, we issued an aggregate of 1,290,862,550 ordinary shares to Min River Investment Limited in consideration of the execution and delivery of certain business collaboration agreement and certain transaction agreements by affiliates of Min River Investment Limited in connection with the acquisition of CMC.

In October 2016, we issued a total of 82,406,022 ordinary shares to AlanDing Holding Limited, Green Technology Holdings Limited, Best Tactic Global Limited, Cagico Technology Limited, Time Heritage Enterprises Limited, Red Earth Innovation International Company Limited, PAGAC Music Holding II Limited, Pan Asia Venture Group Limited, CICFH Group Limited, China Investment Corporation Financial Holdings, Cityway Investments Limited, Lofty Times Investments Limited, Min River Investment Limited, EMI Music Publishing Group Hong Kong Limited, Sony/ATV Music Publishing (Hong Kong), Marvellous Mountain Investments Limited (formerly known as XieZhenYu Holding Limited) and Guomin Holdings Limited for an aggregate consideration of US$200,000,000.

 

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On October 30, 2016, we issued 41,203,011 ordinary shares to CICFH Music Investment Limited for a consideration of US$100,000,000, and in connection with such issuance, issued 45,323,312 ordinary shares to Min River Investment Limited pursuant to certain anti-dilution clause as set forth in the then current shareholders agreement.

In November 2016, we issued 900,000 ordinary shares to Sony/ATV Music Publishing (Hong Kong) in consideration of the delivery of certain license agreement by and among Sony/ATV Music Publishing (Hong Kong), China Publishing Corporation and the other party thereto and issued 900,000 ordinary shares to EMI Music Publishing Group Hong Kong Limited in consideration of the delivery of certain license agreement by and among EMI Music Publishing Group Hong Kong Limited, China Publishing Corporation and the other party thereto and, in connection with such issuance, issued 1,980,000 ordinary shares to Min River Investment Limited pursuant to certain anti-dilution clause as set forth in the then current shareholders agreement.

On February 15, 2017, we issued 7,590,000 ordinary shares to Capital Star Holdings Limited in consideration of the performance by Capital Star Holdings Limited and Mr. Jiang Shan under certain agreements and, in connection with such issuance, issued 8,349,000 ordinary shares to Min River Investment Limited pursuant to certain anti-dilution clause as set forth in the then current shareholders agreement.

On May 15, 2017, we issued 3,600,000 ordinary shares to Balaena Investment Limited for a consideration of US$1,044,000.

On August 8, 2017, we issued an aggregate of 35,662,654 ordinary shares to Guomin Holdings Limited, Marvellous Mountain Investments Limited (formerly known as XieZhenYu Holding Limited), Capital Star Holdings Limited, FeiYang Holdings Limited, RamCity Investments Limited and AI Stone Limited for an aggregate of consideration of US$10,559,195.30.

On December 15, 2017, we issued 282,830,698 ordinary shares to Spotify AB, a wholly-owned Subsidiary of Spotify Technology S.A., in exchange of approximately 4.92% of the share capital of Spotify Technology S.A. on a fully diluted basis after giving effect to such issuance. On the same day, we also issued a total of 88,726,036 ordinary shares to Guomin Holdings Limited, EMI Group Limited, PAGAC Music Holding II Limited, CICFH Group Limited, China Investment Corporation Financial Holdings, Quantum Investments Limited, Brave Plus Holdings Limited, Marvellous Mountain Investments Limited (formerly known as XieZhenYu Holding Limited), AlanDing Holding Limited, Polycon Investment Limited, Green Technology Holdings Limited, Power Stream Holdings Limited, Best Tatic Global Limited, Pan Asia Venture Group Limited, Cagico Technology Limited, Qifei International Development Co. Limited, Red Earth Innovation International Company Limited, Cityway Investments Limited, Lofty Times Investments Limited, Time Heritage Enterprises Limited, EMI Music Publishing Group Hong Kong Limited, Sony/ATV Music Publishing (Hong Kong), CICFH Music Investment Limited, PAGAC Music Holding II LP, Capital Star Holdings Limited, Balaena Investment Limited, FeiYang Holdings Limited, Ramcity Investments Limited and AI Stone Limited as share dividends.

In January 2018, we issued a total of 65,869,444 ordinary shares to Coatue PE Asia IX LLC, RSV-QM Holdings Limited, SCC Growth IV Holdco A, Ltd., Internet Fund IV Pte. Ltd., Esta Investments Pte. Ltd., East Light Investment Pte Ltd, CT Entertainment Investment Limited, Tenor DF Investments, LP, CMS Technology Limited Partnership, Hundreds ANTA Fund Limited Partnership (formerly known as Hundreds TWC Fund Limited Partnership), AI SMS L.P., Hermitage Green Harbor Limited (formerly known as CICFH Glory Limited), Dan Capital I Limited Partnership, Skycus China Fund, L.P., DE Capital Limited, Cubract Ventures Limited, Eastern Eagle Investment Co., Ltd., YG Entertainment Inc., YG Plus, Inc., Emperor Entertainment Investment Limited, Interesting Development Inc., B’in Music International Limited, Huayi Brothers International Limited, Begins Studio Entertainment Limited and Remarkable Stone Culture Holdings Limited for an aggregate consideration of US$234,579,999.15.

In February 2018, we issued a total of 1,501,357 ordinary shares to Canxing International Media Limited and Social Hub Entertainment (Asia) Limited for an aggregate consideration of US$4,040,001.55.

 

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In March 2018, we issued a total of 52,024,094 ordinary shares to Min River Investment Limited, PAGAC Music Holding II Limited, PAGAC Music Holding II LP, CICFH Group Limited, China Investment Corporation Financial Holdings, CICFH Music Investment Limited, Pan Asia Venture Group Limited, Green Technology Holdings Limited, Marvellous Mountain Investments Limited (formerly known as XieZhenYu Holding Limited), Guomin Holdings Limited, Red Earth Innovation International Company Limited, Cagico Technology Limited, Time Heritage Enterprises Limited, Polycon Investment Limited, Power Stream Holdings Limited, Best Tactic Global Limited, Cityway Investments Limited, Lofty Times Investments Limited, AlanDing Holding Limited, Capital Star Holdings Limited, Brave Plus Holdings Limited, AI Stone Limited, RamCity Investments Limited, FeiYang Holdings Limited, Balaena Investments Limited, EMI Music Publishing Group Hong Kong Limited, Sony/ATV Music Publishing (Hong Kong) and Quantum Investments Limited for an aggregate consideration of US$209,984,850.62.

In connection with our acquisition in October 2017 of 100% equity interests in Ultimate Music Inc., or Ultimate, we assumed the obligation of Ultimate to issue ordinary shares to Wind Music International Corporation, Eastern Eagle Investment Co., Ltd., Interesting Development Inc. and B’in Music International Limited, and in August 2018 we issued a total of 2,743,860 ordinary shares to these entities in consideration for their performance of certain license contracts with Ultimate.

In September 2018, we issued a total of 23,084,008 ordinary shares to Min River Investment Limited, PAGAC Music Holding II Limited, CICFH Culture Entertainment Group, Guomin Holdings Limited and Cityway Investments Limited and a total of 460,724 options to purchase our ordinary shares to certain individuals to acquire all the remaining interests in UEC, an investment holding company that invests in and manages a portfolio of companies in the music industry and an associate of our company.

Option and Restricted Share Grants

We have granted options to purchase our ordinary shares and restricted shares to certain of our executive officers and employees. See “Management—Share Incentive Plans.”

Shareholders Agreement

Our currently effective third amended and restated shareholders agreement was entered into on January 8, 2018 by and among our company, our shareholders (except Spotify AB), Mr. Zhenyu Xie and Mr. Guomin Xie. On September 26, 2018, our company and certain of our shareholders entered into an amendment agreement to our third amended and restated shareholders agreement. The third amended and restated shareholders agreement, as amended by this amendment, constitutes our current shareholders agreement.

The current shareholders agreement provides for certain special rights, including right of first refusal, right of co-sale, and drag-along right and contains provisions governing the board of directors and other corporate governance matters. Those special rights, as well as the corporate governance provisions, will terminate upon the earlier of: (i) the date of the completion of this offering; and (ii) the date on which we become subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, except that the parties to the shareholders agreement shall negotiate in good faith to terminate or amend certain covenants regarding the composition of the board of directors and the management upon the earlier of the foregoing dates.

Registration Rights

Pursuant to the current shareholders agreement, we have granted certain registration rights to our shareholders, except Spotify AB, provided that no shareholder shall be entitled to exercise any such registration right after the earlier of (i) five years following the consummation of a qualified IPO; or (ii) such time as Rule 144 is available for the sale of all (and not less than all) of such shareholder’s ordinary shares (with all transfer restrictions and restrictive legends removed upon such sale) to the public during a ninety day period without registration.

 

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Set forth below is a description of the registration rights granted under the current shareholders agreement. For the purposes of such description: (i) holders means any shareholder holding registrable securities or certain party assigned by a holder, and registrable securities include, among others, any ordinary shares held by any shareholder including any ordinary shares issued as (or issuable upon the exchange, conversion or exercise of any warrant, right or other security which is issued as) a dividend or other distribution); and (ii) references to “holders” or “shareholders” do not include Spotify AB.

Demand Registration Rights. At any time upon six months following the effective date of a qualified IPO, upon a written request from the holders of at least 30% of the registrable securities then outstanding, we shall, within thirty days after the receipt thereof, give a written notice of such request to all holders and shall, use our best efforts to effect as soon as practicable, the registration under the Securities Act of all registrable securities which the holders request to be registered within 20 days after the mailing of such notice by us. If the underwriter advises the holders initiating the registration request pursuant to the demand registration rights in writing that marketing factors require a limitation on the number of shares to be underwritten, then the initiating holders shall so advise all holders of the registrable securities which would otherwise be underwritten pursuant hereto, and the amount of registrable securities that may be included in the underwriting shall be allocated among all holders thereof, including the initiating holders, in proportion (as nearly as practicable) to the amount of our registrable securities held by each holder, subject to certain limitations. If the reduction reduces the total amount of registrable securities included in such underwriting to less than 30% of the registrable securities initially requested for registration, such offering shall not be counted as a demand registration. However, we are not obligated to proceed with a demand registration, in each case subject to certain exceptions: (i) after we have effected two registrations pursuant to any exercise of demand registration rights and such registrations have been declared or ordered effective, or have been closed or withdrawn at the request of the initiating holders; (ii) during the period commencing on the date 60 days prior to the date of filing of, and ending on the date 180 days after the effective date of a company registration; or (iii) if the initiating holders propose to dispose of registrable securities that may be immediately registered on Form F-3 or Form S-3 (or any successor form that provides for short-form registration). In addition, we have the right to defer filing of a registration statement, subject to certain exceptions, for a period of more than 120 days after receipt of the request from the initiating holders if our president or chief executive officer stating that in good faith judgement of our board of directors, that the filing of a registration statement would be seriously detrimental to us and our shareholders.

Piggyback Registration Rights. If we propose to file a registration statement for a public offering of our securities, we must offer holders of our registrable securities an opportunity to include in the registration the registrable securities that the holders have requested to be registered. There shall be no limit on the number of times the holders may request registration of registrable securities pursuant to such piggyback registration rights. If the managing underwriters of any underwritten offering determine in good faith that marketing factors require a limitation on the number of shares to be underwritten, then such managing underwriters may exclude shares (including registrable securities) from the registration and the underwriting, subject to certain limitations.

Form F-3 or S-3 Registration Rights. In case we receive from holders of at least 30% of registrable securities then outstanding written requests that we effect a registration on Form F-3 or Form S-3, as the case may be, we shall, subject to certain limitations, file a registration statement on Form F-3 or Form S-3 covering the registrable securities and other securities so requested to be registered as soon as practicable after receipt of the request or requests of the holders.

Expenses of Registration. We will bear all registration expenses incurred in connection with any demand, piggyback or F-3 registration, subject to certain limitations.

Spotify Investor Agreement

On December 15, 2017, as part of the Spotify Transactions, an investor agreement (the “Spotify Investor Agreement”) was entered into by and among Tencent, Spotify, Spotify AB, a wholly-owned subsidiary of

 

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Spotify (together with Spotify and their respective controlled affiliates, the “Spotify Investors”), and us in connection with the issuance of certain number of our ordinary shares to Spotify AB. See “Corporate History and Structure—Our Corporate History—Spotify Transactions” for more information about the Spotify Transactions, including the purpose behind such transactions.

Pursuant to the Spotify Investor Agreement, the Spotify Investors agreed that (i) Tencent shall have the sole and exclusive right to vote, in its sole and absolute discretion, any of our securities beneficially owned by the Spotify Investors; and (ii) the Spotify Investors shall not vote on our securities they beneficially own unless Tencent provides explicit written instructions as to voting on such securities or Tencent provides explicit written notice that the Spotify Investors shall be permitted to vote on such securities without regard to any instructions of Tencent. The Spotify Investors also irrevocably appointed Tencent their true and lawful proxy and attorney to vote on our securities beneficially owned by them. These limitations, however, do not prevent the Spotify Investors to vote our securities they beneficially own with respect to any proposal by us to make changes to any of the contractual arrangements through which we obtain effective control over, and are able to consolidate the results of operations of, our VIEs in the PRC.

The Spotify Investors also agreed not to transfer our ordinary shares for a period of three years from December 15, 2017, subject to limited exceptions, including (i) transfers with our prior consent; (ii) transfers to certain permitted transferees; transfers pursuant to a tender offer or exchange offer recommended by our board of directors for a majority of our issued and outstanding securities; (iii) transfers pursuant to mergers, consolidations, or other business combination transactions approved by our board of directors; (iv) transfers to us or any of our subsidiaries; or (v) transfers to the extent necessary to avoid regulation as an “investment company” under the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

In addition, Spotify and Spotify AB agreed that, subject to limited exceptions, for a period of five years from December 15, 2017, unless invited to do so by our board of directors or with our written consent, neither Spotify nor Spotify AB shall, directly or indirectly or alone or in concert with any other person, engage in a number of activities, including, among other things:

 

   

acquire, offer or propose to acquire, or agree to acquire any economic interest in any of our securities;

 

   

enter into, engage in, or participate in any acquisition, merger or other business combination, recapitalization, restructuring, or other extraordinary transaction relating to us or a transaction for all or a substantial portion of our consolidated assets;

 

   

make, or in any way participate in, any “solicitation” of “proxies” to vote, or seek or propose to advise, influence or encourage any person with respect to the voting of any of our securities;

 

   

initiate, induce or attempt to induce, cooperate or collaborate with, any other person in connection with any shareholder proposal or withhold vote campaigns or any tender or exchange offer for our equity securities, any change of control of us or the convening of a meeting of shareholders;

 

   

seek or propose to influence, advise, change or control our management, board of directors, or governing instruments or policies, affairs or strategies; or

 

   

make any statement or publicly disclose any intention, plan, arrangement or other contract that is prohibited by, or inconsistent with, any of the foregoing.

Subject to limited exceptions, the Spotify Investor Agreement shall terminate upon the earlier to occur of (i) the mutual written agreement of Spotify or Spotify AB, as applicable, and us; and (ii) the date on which Spotify or Spotify AB, as applicable, and its controlled affiliates, taken together, no longer beneficially own any of our securities.

In connection with the Spotify Investor Agreement, Tencent signed a voting undertaking in which it agreed and undertook that, to the extent it exercises the rights assigned to it by the Spotify Investors in respect of the

 

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Subject Shares (as defined below) pursuant to the Spotify Investor Agreement, Tencent will vote, or cause to be voted, such shares in proportion to the votes for and against cast by holders of our securities other than the Spotify Investors. “Subject Shares” for the purpose of such voting undertaking refer to (i) 50% of the number of our ordinary shares acquired by Spotify pursuant to the Spotify Transactions, minus (ii) the number of our securities (if any) that have been transferred and no longer beneficially owned by the Spotify Investors.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES

American Depositary Shares

The Bank of New York Mellon, as depositary, will register and deliver American Depositary Shares, also referred to as ADSs. Each ADS will represent             shares (or a right to receive             shares) deposited with The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, as custodian for the depositary in Hong Kong. Each ADS will also represent any other securities, cash or other property which may be held by the depositary. The deposited shares together with any other securities, cash or other property held by the depositary are referred to as the deposited securities. The depositary’s office at which the ADSs will be administered and its principal executive office are located at 240 Greenwich Street, New York, New York 10286.

You may hold ADSs either (A) directly (i) by having an American Depositary Receipt, also referred to as an ADR, which is a certificate evidencing a specific number of ADSs, registered in your name, or (ii) by having uncertificated ADSs registered in your name, or (B) indirectly by holding a security entitlement in ADSs through your broker or other securities intermediary that is a direct or indirect participant in The Depository Trust Company, also called DTC. If you hold ADSs directly, you are a registered ADS holder, also referred to as an ADS holder. This description assumes you are an ADS holder. If you hold the ADSs indirectly, you must rely on the procedures of your broker or other securities intermediary to assert the rights of ADS holders described in this section. You should consult with your securities intermediary to find out what those procedures are.

Registered holders of uncertificated ADSs will receive statements from the depositary confirming their holdings.

As an ADS holder, we will not treat you as one of our shareholders and you will not have shareholder rights. Cayman Islands law governs shareholder rights. The depositary will be the holder of the shares underlying the ADSs. As a registered holder of ADSs, you will have ADS holder rights. A deposit agreement among us, the depositary, ADS holders and all other persons indirectly or beneficially holding ADSs sets out ADS holder rights as well as the rights and obligations of the depositary. New York law governs the deposit agreement and the ADSs.

The following is a summary of the material provisions of the deposit agreement. For more complete information, you should read the entire deposit agreement and the form of ADR. For directions on how to obtain copies of those documents, see “Where You Can Find Additional Information.”

Dividends and Other Distributions

How will you receive dividends and other distributions on the shares?

The depositary has agreed to pay or distribute to ADS holders the cash dividends or other distributions it or the custodian receives on shares or other deposited securities, upon payment or deduction of its fees and expenses. You will receive these distributions in proportion to the number of shares your ADSs represent.

Cash . The depositary will convert any cash dividend or other cash distribution we pay on the shares into U.S. dollars, if it can do so on a reasonable basis and can transfer the U.S. dollars to the United States. If that is not possible or if any government approval is needed and cannot be obtained, the deposit agreement allows the depositary to distribute the foreign currency only to those ADS holders to whom it is possible to do so. It will hold the foreign currency it cannot convert for the account of the ADS holders who have not been paid. It will not invest the foreign currency and it will not be liable for any interest.

Before making a distribution, any withholding taxes, or other governmental charges that must be paid will be deducted. See “Taxation.” The depositary will distribute only whole U.S. dollars and cents and will round fractional cents to the nearest whole cent. If the exchange rates fluctuate during a time when the depositary cannot convert the foreign currency, you may lose some of the value of the distribution.

 

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Shares . The depositary may distribute additional ADSs representing any shares we distribute as a dividend or free distribution. The depositary will only distribute whole ADSs. It will sell shares which would require it to deliver a fraction of an ADS (or ADSs representing those shares) and distribute the net proceeds in the same way as it does with cash. If the depositary does not distribute additional ADSs, the outstanding ADSs will also represent the new shares. The depositary may sell a portion of the distributed shares (or ADSs representing those shares) sufficient to pay its fees and expenses in connection with that distribution.

Rights to purchase additional shares . If we offer holders of our securities any rights to subscribe for additional shares or any other rights, the depositary may (i) exercise those rights on behalf of ADS holders, (ii) distribute those rights to ADS holders or (iii) sell those rights and distribute the net proceeds to ADS holders, in each case after deduction or upon payment of its fees and expenses. To the extent the depositary does not do any of those things, it will allow the rights to lapse. In that case, you will receive no value for them. The depositary will exercise or distribute rights only if we ask it to and provide satisfactory assurances to the depositary that it is legal to do so. If the depositary will exercise rights, it will purchase the securities to which the rights relate and distribute those securities or, in the case of shares, new ADSs representing the new shares, to subscribing ADS holders, but only if ADS holders have paid the exercise price to the depositary. U.S. securities laws may restrict the ability of the depositary to distribute rights or ADSs or other securities issued on exercise of rights to all or certain ADS holders, and the securities distributed may be subject to restrictions on transfer.

Other Distributions . The depositary will send to ADS holders anything else we distribute on deposited securities by any means it thinks is legal, fair and practical. If it cannot make the distribution in that way, the depositary has a choice. It may decide to sell what we distributed and distribute the net proceeds, in the same way as it does with cash. Or, it may decide to hold what we distributed, in which case ADSs will also represent the newly distributed property. However, the depositary is not required to distribute any securities (other than ADSs) to ADS holders unless it receives satisfactory evidence from us that it is legal to make that distribution. The depositary may sell a portion of the distributed securities or property sufficient to pay its fees and expenses in connection with that distribution. U.S. securities laws may restrict the ability of the depositary to distribute securities to all or certain ADS holders, and the securities distributed may be subject to restrictions on transfer.

The depositary is not responsible if it decides that it is unlawful or impractical to make a distribution available to any ADS holders. We have no obligation to register ADSs, shares, rights or other securities under the Securities Act. We also have no obligation to take any other action to permit the distribution of ADSs, shares, rights or anything else to ADS holders. This means that you may not receive the distributions we make on our shares or any value for them if it is illegal or impractical for us to make them available to you.

Deposit, Withdrawal and Cancellation

How are ADSs issued?

The depositary will deliver ADSs if you or your broker deposits shares or evidence of rights to receive shares with the custodian. Upon payment of its fees and expenses and of any taxes or charges, such as stamp taxes or stock transfer taxes or fees, the depositary will register the appropriate number of ADSs in the names you request and will deliver the ADSs to or upon the order of the person or persons that made the deposit.

How can ADS holders withdraw the deposited securities?

You may surrender the ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal at the depositary’s office. Upon payment of its fees and expenses and of any taxes or charges, such as stamp taxes or stock transfer taxes or fees, the depositary will deliver the shares and any other deposited securities underlying the ADSs to the ADS holder or a person the ADS holder designates at the office of the custodian. Or, at your request, risk and expense, the depositary will deliver the deposited securities at its office, if feasible. However, the depositary is not required to accept surrender of ADSs to the extent it would require delivery of a fraction of a deposited share or other security. The depositary may charge you a fee and its expenses for instructing the custodian regarding delivery of deposited securities.

 

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How do ADS holders interchange between certificated ADSs and uncertificated ADSs?

You may surrender your ADR to the depositary for the purpose of exchanging your ADR for uncertificated ADSs. The depositary will cancel that ADR and will send to the ADS holder a statement confirming that the ADS holder is the registered holder of uncertificated ADSs. Upon receipt by the depositary of a proper instruction from a registered holder of uncertificated ADSs requesting the exchange of uncertificated ADSs for certificated ADSs, the depositary will execute and deliver to the ADS holder an ADR evidencing those ADSs.

Voting Rights

How do you vote?

ADS holders may instruct the depositary how to vote the number of deposited shares their ADSs represent. If we request the depositary to solicit your voting instructions (and we are not required to do so), the depositary will notify you of a shareholders’ meeting and send or make voting materials available to you. Those materials will describe the matters to be voted on and explain how ADS holders may instruct the depositary how to vote. For instructions to be valid, they must reach the depositary by a date set by the depositary. The depositary will try, as far as practical, subject to the laws of the Cayman Islands and the provisions of our articles of association or similar documents, to vote or to have its agents vote the shares or other deposited securities as instructed by ADS holders. If we do not request the depositary to solicit your voting instructions, you can still send voting instructions, and, in that case, the depositary may try to vote as you instruct, but it is not required to do so.

Except by instructing the depositary as described above, you won’t be able to exercise voting rights unless you surrender the ADSs and withdraw the shares. However, you may not know about the meeting enough in advance to withdraw the shares. In any event, the depositary will not exercise any discretion in voting deposited securities and it will only vote or attempt to vote as instructed.

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. In addition, the depositary and its agents are not responsible for failing to carry out voting instructions or for the manner of carrying out voting instructions. This means that you may not be able to exercise voting rights and there may be nothing you can do if your shares are not voted as you requested.

In order to give you a reasonable opportunity to instruct the depositary as to the exercise of voting rights relating to Deposited Securities, if we request the Depositary to act, we agree to give the depositary notice of any such meeting and details concerning the matters to be voted upon at least 45 days in advance of the meeting date.

 

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Fees and Expenses

 

Persons depositing or withdrawing shares or ADS holders must pay:

  

For:

•  $5.00 (or less) per 100 ADSs (or portion of 100 ADSs)

  

•  Issuance of ADSs, including issuances resulting from a distribution of shares or rights or other property

  

•  Cancellation of ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal, including if the deposit agreement terminates

•  $.05 (or less) per ADS

  

•  Any cash distribution to ADS holders

•  A fee equivalent to the fee that would be payable if securities distributed to you had been shares and the shares had been deposited for issuance of ADSs

  

•  Distribution of securities distributed to holders of deposited securities (including rights) that are distributed by the depositary to ADS holders

•  $.05 (or less) per ADS per calendar year

  

•  Depositary services

•  Registration or transfer fees

  

•  Transfer and registration of shares on our share register to or from the name of the depositary or its agent when you deposit or withdraw shares

•  Expenses of the depositary

  

•  Cable and facsimile transmissions (when expressly provided in the deposit agreement)

  

•  Converting foreign currency to U.S. dollars

•  Taxes and other governmental charges the depositary or the custodian has to pay on any ADSs or shares underlying ADSs, such as stock transfer taxes, stamp duty or withholding taxes

  

•  As necessary

•  Any charges incurred by the depositary or its agents for servicing the deposited securities

  

•  As necessary

The depositary collects its fees for delivery and surrender of ADSs directly from investors depositing shares or surrendering ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal or from intermediaries acting for them. The depositary collects fees for making distributions to investors by deducting those fees from the amounts distributed or by selling a portion of distributable property to pay the fees. The depositary may collect its annual fee for depositary services by deduction from cash distributions or by directly billing investors or by charging the book-entry system accounts of participants acting for them. The depositary may collect any of its fees by deduction from any cash distribution payable (or by selling a portion of securities or other property distributable) to ADS holders that are obligated to pay those fees. The depositary may generally refuse to provide fee-attracting services until its fees for those services are paid.

From time to time, the depositary may make payments to us to reimburse us for costs and expenses generally arising out of establishment and maintenance of the ADS program, waive fees and expenses for services provided to us by the depositary or share revenue from the fees collected from ADS holders. In performing its duties under the deposit agreement, the depositary may use brokers, dealers, foreign currency dealers or other service providers that are owned by or affiliated with the depositary and that may earn or share fees, spreads or commissions.

The depositary may convert currency itself or through any of its affiliates and, in those cases, acts as principal for its own account and not as agent, advisor, broker or fiduciary on behalf of any other person and

 

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earns revenue, including, without limitation, transaction spreads, that it will retain for its own account. The revenue is based on, among other things, the difference between the exchange rate assigned to the currency conversion made under the deposit agreement and the rate that the depositary or its affiliate receives when buying or selling foreign currency for its own account. The depositary makes no representation that the exchange rate used or obtained in any currency conversion under the deposit agreement will be the most favorable rate that could be obtained at the time or that the method by which that rate will be determined will be the most favorable to ADS holders, subject to the depositary’s obligations under the deposit agreement. The methodology used to determine exchange rates used in currency conversions is available upon request.

Payment of Taxes

You will be responsible for any taxes or other governmental charges payable on the ADSs or on the deposited securities represented by any of the ADSs. The depositary may refuse to register any transfer of the ADSs or allow you to withdraw the deposited securities represented by the ADSs until those taxes or other charges are paid. It may apply payments owed to you or sell deposited securities represented by your American Depositary Shares to pay any taxes owed and you will remain liable for any deficiency. If the depositary sells deposited securities, it will, if appropriate, reduce the number of ADSs to reflect the sale and pay to ADS holders any proceeds, or send to ADS holders any property, remaining after it has paid the taxes.

Tender and Exchange Offers; Redemption, Replacement or Cancellation of Deposited Securities

The depositary will not tender deposited securities in any voluntary tender or exchange offer unless instructed to do by an ADS holder surrendering ADSs and subject to any conditions or procedures the depositary may establish.

If deposited securities are redeemed for cash in a transaction that is mandatory for the depositary as a holder of deposited securities, the depositary will call for surrender of a corresponding number of ADSs and distribute the net redemption money to the holders of called ADSs upon surrender of those ADSs.

If there is any change in the deposited securities such as a sub-division, combination or other reclassification, or any merger, consolidation, recapitalization or reorganization affecting the issuer of deposited securities in which the depositary receives new securities in exchange for or in lieu of the old deposited securities, the depositary will hold those replacement securities as deposited securities under the deposit agreement. However, if the depositary decides it would not be lawful and to hold the replacement securities because those securities could not be distributed to ADS holders or for any other reason, the depositary may instead sell the replacement securities and distribute the net proceeds upon surrender of the ADSs.

If there is a replacement of the deposited securities and the depositary will continue to hold the replacement securities, the depositary may distribute new ADSs representing the new deposited securities or ask you to surrender your outstanding ADRs in exchange for new ADRs identifying the new deposited securities.

If there are no deposited securities underlying ADSs, including if the deposited securities are cancelled, or if the deposited securities underlying ADSs have become apparently worthless, the depositary may call for surrender or of those ADSs or cancel those ADSs upon notice to the ADS holders.

Amendment and Termination

How may the deposit agreement be amended?

We may agree with the depositary to amend the deposit agreement and the ADRs without your consent for any reason. If an amendment adds or increases fees or charges, except for taxes and other governmental charges or expenses of the depositary for registration fees, facsimile costs, delivery charges or similar items, or prejudices

 

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a substantial right of ADS holders, it will not become effective for outstanding ADSs until 30 days after the depositary notifies ADS holders of the amendment. At the time an amendment becomes effective, you are considered, by continuing to hold the ADSs, to agree to the amendment and to be bound by the ADRs and the deposit agreement as amended .

How may the deposit agreement be terminated?

The depositary will initiate termination of the deposit agreement if we instruct it to do so. The depositary may initiate termination of the deposit agreement if

 

   

60 days have passed since the depositary told us it wants to resign but a successor depositary has not been appointed and accepted its appointment;

 

   

we delist the ADSs from an exchange on which they were listed and do not list the ADSs on another exchange;

 

   

we appear to be insolvent or enter insolvency proceedings

 

   

all or substantially all the value of the deposited securities has been distributed either in cash or in the form of securities;

 

   

there are no deposited securities underlying the ADSs or the underlying deposited securities have become apparently worthless; or

 

   

there has been a replacement of deposited securities.

If the deposit agreement will terminate, the depositary will notify ADS holders at least 90 days before the termination date. At any time after the termination date, the depositary may sell the deposited securities. After that, the depositary will hold the money it received on the sale, as well as any other cash it is holding under the deposit agreement, unsegregated and without liability for interest, for the pro rata benefit of the ADS holders that have not surrendered their ADSs. Normally, the depositary will sell as soon as practicable after the termination date.

After the termination date and before the depositary sells, ADS holders can still surrender their ADSs and receive delivery of deposited securities, except that the depositary may refuse to accept a surrender for the purpose of withdrawing deposited securities or reverse previously accepted surrenders of that kind if it would interfere with the selling process. The depositary may refuse to accept a surrender for the purpose of withdrawing sale proceeds until all the deposited securities have been sold. The depositary will continue to collect distributions on deposited securities, but , after the termination date, the depositary is not required to register any transfer of ADSs or distribute any dividends or other distributions on deposited securities to the ADSs holder (until they surrender their ADSs) or give any notices or perform any other duties under the deposit agreement except as described in this paragraph.

Limitations on Obligations and Liability

Limits on our obligations and the obligations of the depositary; limits on liability to holders of ADSs

The deposit agreement expressly limits our obligations and the obligations of the depositary. It also limits our liability and the liability of the depositary. We and the depositary:

 

   

are only obligated to take the actions specifically set forth in the deposit agreement without negligence or bad faith, and the depositary will not be a fiduciary or have any fiduciary duty to holders of ADSs;

 

   

are not liable if we are or it is prevented or delayed by law or by events or circumstances beyond our or its ability to prevent or counteract with reasonable care or effort from performing our or its obligations under the deposit agreement;

 

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are not liable if we or it exercises discretion permitted under the deposit agreement;

 

   

are not liable for the inability of any holder of ADSs to benefit from any distribution on deposited securities that is not made available to holders of ADSs under the terms of the deposit agreement, or for any special, consequential or punitive damages for any breach of the terms of the deposit agreement;

 

   

have no obligation to become involved in a lawsuit or other proceeding related to the ADSs or the deposit agreement on your behalf or on behalf of any other person;

 

   

are not liable for the acts or omissions of any securities depository, clearing agency or settlement system;

 

   

may rely upon any documents we believe or it believes in good faith to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper person; and

 

   

the depositary has no duty to make any determination or provide any information as to our tax status, or any liability for any tax consequences that may be incurred by ADS holders as a result of owning or holding ADSs or be liable for the inability or failure of an ADS holder to obtain the benefit of a foreign tax credit, reduced rate of withholding or refund of amounts withheld in respect of tax or any other tax benefit.

In the deposit agreement, we and the depositary agree to indemnify each other under certain circumstances.

In addition, the deposit agreement provides that each party to the deposit agreement (including each holder, beneficial owner and holder of interests in the ADSs) irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any right it may have to a trial by jury in any lawsuit or proceeding against the depositary or our company related to our shares, the ADSs or the deposit agreement. If we or the depositary were to oppose a jury trial demand based on the waiver, the court would determine whether the waiver is enforceable based on the facts and circumstances of that case in accordance with applicable law.

Requirements for Depositary Actions

Before the depositary will deliver or register a transfer of ADSs, make a distribution on ADSs, or permit withdrawal of shares, the depositary may require:

 

   

payment of stock transfer or other taxes or other governmental charges and transfer or registration fees charged by third parties for the transfer of any shares or other deposited securities;

 

   

satisfactory proof of the identity and genuineness of any signature or other information it deems necessary; and

 

   

compliance with regulations it may establish, from time to time, consistent with the deposit agreement, including presentation of transfer documents.

The depositary may refuse to deliver ADSs or register transfers of ADSs when the transfer books of the depositary or our transfer books are closed or at any time if the depositary or we think it advisable to do so.

Your Right to Receive the Shares Underlying the ADSs

ADS holders have the right to cancel their ADSs and withdraw the underlying shares at any time except:

 

   

when temporary delays arise because: (i) the depositary has closed its transfer books or we have closed our transfer books; (ii) the transfer of shares is blocked to permit voting at a shareholders’ meeting; or (iii) we are paying a dividend on our shares;

 

   

when you owe money to pay fees, taxes and similar charges; or

 

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when it is necessary to prohibit withdrawals in order to comply with any laws or governmental regulations that apply to ADSs or to the withdrawal of shares or other deposited securities.

This right of withdrawal may not be limited by any other provision of the deposit agreement.

Direct Registration System

In the deposit agreement, all parties to the deposit agreement acknowledge that the Direct Registration System, also referred to as DRS, and Profile Modification System, also referred to as Profile, will apply to the ADSs. DRS is a system administered by DTC that facilitates interchange between registered holding of uncertificated ADSs and holding of security entitlements in ADSs through DTC and a DTC participant. Profile is feature of DRS that allows a DTC participant, claiming to act on behalf of a registered holder of uncertificated ADSs, to direct the depositary to register a transfer of those ADSs to DTC or its nominee and to deliver those ADSs to the DTC account of that DTC participant without receipt by the depositary of prior authorization from the ADS holder to register that transfer.

In connection with and in accordance with the arrangements and procedures relating to DRS/Profile, the parties to the deposit agreement understand that the depositary will not determine whether the DTC participant that is claiming to be acting on behalf of an ADS holder in requesting registration of transfer and delivery as described in the paragraph above has the actual authority to act on behalf of the ADS holder (notwithstanding any requirements under the Uniform Commercial Code). In the deposit agreement, the parties agree that the depositary’s reliance on and compliance with instructions received by the depositary through the DRS/Profile system and in accordance with the deposit agreement will not constitute negligence or bad faith on the part of the depositary.

Shareholder Communications; Inspection of Register of Holders of ADSs

The depositary will make available for your inspection at its office all communications that it receives from us as a holder of deposited securities that we make generally available to holders of deposited securities. The depositary will send you copies of those communications or otherwise make those communications available to you if we ask it to. You have a right to inspect the register of holders of ADSs, but not for the purpose of contacting those holders about a matter unrelated to our business or the ADSs.

 

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SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE

Upon completion of this offering, we will have              ADSs outstanding, representing              Class A ordinary shares, or approximately         % of our outstanding ordinary shares, assuming the underwriters do not exercise their option to purchase additional ADSs. All of the ADSs sold in this offering will be freely transferable by persons other than our “affiliates” without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act. Sales of substantial amounts of the ADSs in the public market could adversely affect prevailing market prices of the ADSs. Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our Class A ordinary shares or the ADSs, and while the ADSs have been approved for listing on the [NYSE]/[NASDAQ], 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 the ADSs.

Lock-up Agreements

[We, our directors, executive officers and our existing shareholders have agreed, subject to some exceptions (including an exception for Assured Entitlement Distribution), 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 of this prospectus. After the expiration of the 180-day period, the ordinary shares or ADSs held by our directors, executive officers and our 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

All of our ordinary shares outstanding prior to this offering are “restricted shares” as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act and may be sold publicly in the United States only if they are subject to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act or pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements. Under Rule 144 as currently in effect, a person who has beneficially owned our restricted shares for at least six months is generally entitled to sell the restricted securities without registration under the Securities Act beginning 90 days after the date of this prospectus, subject to certain additional restrictions.

Our affiliates may sell within any three-month period a number of restricted shares that does not exceed the greater of the following:

 

   

1% of the then outstanding Class A ordinary shares of the same class, in the form of ADSs or otherwise, which will equal approximately             Class A ordinary shares immediately after completion of this offering, assuming the underwriters do not exercise their option to purchase additional ADSs; or

 

   

the average weekly trading volume of our Class A ordinary shares in the form of ADSs or otherwise on the [NYSE]/[NASDAQ] during the four calendar weeks preceding the date on which notice of the sale is filed with the SEC.

Affiliates who sell restricted securities under Rule 144 may not solicit orders or arrange for the solicitation of orders, and they are also subject to notice requirements and the availability of current public information about us.

Persons who are not our affiliates are only subject to one of these additional restrictions, the requirement of the availability of current public information about us, and this additional restriction does not apply if they have beneficially owned our restricted shares for more than one year.

Rule 701

In general, under Rule 701 of the Securities Act as currently in effect, each of our employees, consultants or advisors who purchases our ordinary shares from us in connection with a compensatory stock or option plan or

 

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other written agreement relating to compensation is eligible to resell such ordinary shares 90 days after we became a reporting company under the Exchange Act in reliance on Rule 144, but without compliance with some of the restrictions, including the holding period, contained in Rule 144.

Registration Rights

Upon completion of this offering, certain holders of our ordinary shares or their transferees will be entitled to request that we register their shares under the Securities Act, following the expiration of the lock-up agreements described above. See “Description of Share Capital—Registration Rights.”

 

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TAXATION

The following discussion of Cayman Islands, PRC and United States federal income tax consequences of an investment in the ADSs or Class A ordinary shares is based upon laws and relevant interpretations thereof in effect as of the date of this prospectus, all of which are subject to change. This discussion does not deal with all possible tax consequences relating to an investment in the ADSs or Class A ordinary shares, such as the tax consequences under state, local and other tax laws. To the extent that the discussion relates to matters of Cayman Islands tax law, it represents the opinion of Maples and Calder (Hong Kong) LLP, our Cayman Islands counsel. To the extent that the discussion relates to matters of PRC tax law, it represents the opinion of Han Kun Law Offices, our PRC legal counsel.

Cayman Islands Taxation

The Cayman Islands currently levies no taxes on individuals or corporations based upon profits, income, gains or appreciation, and there is no taxation in the nature of inheritance tax or estate duty. There are no other taxes likely to be material to us or holders of the ADSs or Class A ordinary shares 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. The Cayman Islands is not party to any double tax treaties that are applicable to any payments made to or by our company. There are no exchange control regulations or currency restrictions in the Cayman Islands.

Payments of dividends and capital in respect of the ADSs or Class A ordinary shares will not be subject to taxation in the Cayman Islands and no withholding will be required on the payment of a dividend or capital to any holder of the ADSs or Class A ordinary shares, nor will gains derived from the disposal of the ADSs or Class A ordinary shares be subject to Cayman Islands income or corporation tax.

People’s Republic of China Taxation

Under the PRC EIT Law, which became effective on January 1, 2008 and amended on February 24, 2017, an enterprise established outside the PRC with “de facto management bodies” within the PRC is considered a “resident enterprise” for PRC enterprise income tax purposes and is generally subject to a uniform 25% enterprise income tax rate on its worldwide income. Under the implementation rules to the PRC EIT Law, a “de facto management body” is defined as a body that has material and overall management and control over the manufacturing and business operations, personnel and human resources, finances and properties of an enterprise.

In addition, the SAT Circular 82 issued by the SAT in April 2009 specifies that certain offshore incorporated enterprises controlled by PRC enterprises or PRC enterprise groups will be classified as PRC resident enterprises if the following are located or resident in the PRC: (a) senior management personnel and departments that are responsible for daily production, operation and management; (b) financial and personnel decision making bodies; (c) key properties, accounting books, company seal, minutes of board meetings and shareholders’ meetings; and (d) half or more of the senior management or directors having voting rights. Our company is a company incorporated outside the PRC. As a holding company, its key assets are its ownership interests in its subsidiaries, and its key assets are located, and its records (including the resolutions of its board of directors and the resolutions of its shareholders) are maintained, outside the PRC. As such, we do not believe that our company meets all of the conditions above or is a PRC resident enterprise for PRC tax purposes. For the same reasons, we believe our other entities outside of China are not PRC resident enterprises either. However, the tax resident status of an enterprise is subject to determination by the PRC tax authorities and uncertainties remain with respect to the interpretation of the term “de facto management body.” There can be no assurance that the PRC government will ultimately take a view that is consistent with us. If the PRC tax authorities determine that our Cayman Islands holding company is a PRC resident enterprise for PRC enterprise income tax purposes, a number of unfavorable PRC tax consequences could follow. For example, a 10% withholding tax would be imposed on dividends we pay to our non-PRC enterprise shareholders (including the ADS holders). In addition,

 

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nonresident enterprise shareholders (including the ADS holders) may be subject to PRC tax on gains realized on the sale or other disposition of ADSs or Class A ordinary shares, if such income is treated as sourced from within the PRC. Furthermore, if we are deemed a PRC resident enterprise, dividends paid to our non-PRC individual shareholders (including the ADS holders) and any gain realized on the transfer of ADSs or Class A ordinary shares by such shareholders may be subject to PRC tax at a rate of 20% (which, in the case of dividends, may be withheld at source by us). These rates may be reduced by an applicable tax treaty, but it is unclear whether non-PRC shareholders of our company would be able to claim the benefits of any tax treaties between their country of tax residence and the PRC in the event that we are treated as a PRC resident enterprise. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—We may be classified as a ‘PRC resident enterprise’ for PRC enterprise income tax purposes, which could result in unfavorable tax consequences to us and our non-PRC shareholders and ADS holders and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and the value of your investment.”

U.S. Federal Income Taxation

The following are material U.S. federal income tax consequences to the U.S. Holders described below of owning and disposing of the ADSs or Class A ordinary shares, but this discussion does not purport to be a comprehensive description of all of the tax considerations that may be relevant to a particular person’s decision to acquire the ADSs or Class A ordinary shares.

This discussion applies only to a U.S. Holder that acquires the ADSs in this offering and holds the ADSs or Class A ordinary shares as capital assets for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In addition, it does not describe all of the tax consequences that may be relevant in light of a U.S. Holder’s particular circumstances, including the alternative minimum tax, the Medicare contribution tax on net investment income and tax consequences applicable to U.S. Holders subject to special rules, such as:

 

   

certain financial institutions;

 

   

dealers or traders in securities that use a mark-to-market method of tax accounting;

 

   

persons holding ADSs or Class A ordinary shares as part of a straddle, conversion transaction, integrated transaction or similar transaction;

 

   

persons whose functional currency for U.S. federal income tax purposes is not the U.S. dollar;

 

   

entities classified as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes and their partners;

 

   

tax-exempt entities, including “individual retirement accounts” or “Roth IRAs”;

 

   

Tencent shareholders that receive ADSs as part of the Assured Entitlement Distribution;

 

   

persons that own or are deemed to own ADSs or Class A ordinary shares representing 10% or more of our voting power or value; or

 

   

persons holding ADSs or Class A ordinary shares in connection with a trade or business outside the United States.

If a partnership (or other entity that is classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) owns ADSs or Class A ordinary shares, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner will generally depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Partnerships owning ADSs or Class A ordinary shares and their partners should consult their tax advisers as to the particular U.S. federal income tax consequences of owning and disposing of ADSs or Class A ordinary shares.

This discussion is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code, administrative pronouncements, judicial decisions, final, temporary and proposed Treasury regulations, and the income tax treaty between the United States and the PRC, or the Treaty, all as of the date hereof, any of which is subject to

 

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change, possibly with retroactive effect. This discussion is also based, in part, on representations by the depositary and assumes that each obligation under the deposit agreement and any related agreement will be performed in accordance with its terms.

As used herein, a “U.S. Holder” is a beneficial owner of the ADSs or Class A ordinary shares that is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes:

 

   

a citizen or individual resident of the United States;

 

   

a corporation, or other entity taxable as a corporation, created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state therein or the District of Columbia; or

 

   

an estate or trust the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source.

In general, a U.S. Holder who owns American depositary shares will be treated as the owner of the underlying shares represented by those ADSs for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Accordingly, no gain or loss will be recognized if a U.S. Holder exchanges ADSs for the underlying Class A ordinary shares represented by those ADSs.

The U.S. Treasury has expressed concern that parties to whom American depositary shares are released before the underlying shares are delivered to the depositary (a “pre-release”), or intermediaries in the chain of ownership between holders of American depositary shares and the issuer of the security underlying the American depositary shares, may be taking actions that are inconsistent with the claiming of foreign tax credits by holders of American depositary shares. These actions would also be inconsistent with the claiming of the favorable rates of tax, described below, applicable to dividends received by certain non-corporate holders. Accordingly, the creditability of PRC taxes, and the availability of the reduced tax rates for dividends received by certain non-corporate U.S. Holders, each described below, could be affected by actions taken by such parties or intermediaries.

U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisers concerning the U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. tax consequences of owning and disposing of ADSs or Class A ordinary shares in their particular circumstances.

Except as described below under “—Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules,” this discussion assumes that we are not, and will not become, a passive foreign investment company (a “PFIC”) for any taxable year.

Taxation of Distributions

Distributions paid on the ADSs or Class A ordinary shares, other than certain pro rata distributions of ADSs or Class A ordinary shares, will be treated as dividends to the extent paid out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. Because we do not maintain calculations of our earnings and profits under U.S. federal income tax principles, it is expected that distributions generally will be reported to U.S. Holders as dividends. Dividends will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction generally available to U.S. corporations under the Code. Subject to applicable limitations and the discussion above regarding concerns expressed by the U.S. Treasury, dividends paid to certain non-corporate U.S. Holders may be taxable at favorable rates. Non-corporate U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisers regarding the availability of these favorable rates in their particular circumstances.

Dividends will be included in a U.S. Holder’s income on the date of the U.S. Holder’s, or in the case of ADSs, the depositary’s, receipt. The amount of any dividend income paid in foreign currency will be the U.S. dollar amount calculated by reference to the spot rate in effect on the date of receipt, regardless of whether the payment is in fact converted into U.S. dollars on such date. If the dividend is converted into U.S. dollars on the date of receipt, a U.S. Holder generally should not be required to recognize foreign currency gain or loss in respect of the amount received. A U.S. Holder may have foreign currency gain or loss if the dividend is converted into U.S. dollars after the date of receipt.

 

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Dividends will be treated as foreign-source income for foreign tax credit purposes. As described in “—People’s Republic of China Taxation”, dividends paid by us may be subject to PRC withholding tax. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, the amount of the dividend income will include any amounts withheld in respect of PRC withholding tax. Subject to applicable limitations, which vary depending upon the U.S. Holder’s circumstances, and subject to the discussion above regarding concerns expressed by the U.S. Treasury, PRC taxes withheld from dividend payments (at a rate not exceeding the applicable rate provided in the Treaty in the case of a U.S. Holder that is eligible for the benefits of the Treaty) generally will be creditable against a U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability. The rules governing foreign tax credits are complex and U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisers regarding the creditability of foreign tax credits in their particular circumstances. In lieu of claiming a credit, a U.S. Holder may elect to deduct such PRC taxes in computing its taxable income, subject to applicable limitations. An election to deduct foreign taxes instead of claiming foreign tax credits must apply to all foreign taxes paid or accrued in the taxable year.

Sale or Other Taxable Disposition of ADSs or Class A Ordinary Shares

A U.S. Holder will generally recognize capital gain or loss on a sale or other taxable disposition of ADSs or Class A ordinary shares in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized on the sale or disposition and the U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the ADSs or Class A ordinary shares disposed of, in each case as determined in U.S. dollars. The gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if, at the time of the sale or disposition, the U.S. Holder has owned the ADSs or Class A ordinary shares for more than one year. Long-term capital gains recognized by non-corporate U.S. Holders may be subject to tax rates that are lower than those applicable to ordinary income. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.

As described in “—People’s Republic of China Taxation” gains on the sale of ADSs or Class A ordinary shares may be subject to PRC taxes. A U.S. Holder is entitled to use foreign tax credits to offset only the portion of its U.S. federal income tax liability that is attributable to foreign-source income. Because under the Code capital gains of U.S. persons are generally treated as U.S.-source income, this limitation may preclude a U.S. Holder from claiming a credit for all or a portion of any PRC taxes imposed on any such gains. However, U.S. Holders that are eligible for the benefits of the Treaty may be able to elect to treat the gain as PRC-source and therefore claim foreign tax credits in respect of PRC taxes on such disposition gains. U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisers regarding their eligibility for the benefits of the Treaty and the creditability of any PRC tax on disposition gains in their particular circumstances.

Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules

In general, a non-U.S. corporation is a PFIC for any taxable year in which (i) 75% or more of its gross income consists of passive income or (ii) 50% or more of the average quarterly value of its assets consists of assets that produce, or are held for the production of, passive income. For purposes of the above calculations, a non-U.S. corporation that owns, directly or indirectly, at least 25% by value of the shares of another corporation is treated as if it held its proportionate share of the assets of the other corporation and received directly its proportionate share of the income of the other corporation. Passive income generally includes dividends, interest, rents, royalties and certain gains. Cash is a passive asset for these purposes.

Based on the expected composition of our income and assets and the value of our assets, including goodwill, which is based on the expected price of the ADSs in this offering, we do not expect to be a PFIC for our current taxable year. However it is not entirely clear how the contractual arrangements between us and our VIEs will be treated for purposes of the PFIC rules, and we may be or become a PFIC if our VIEs are not treated as owned by us for these purposes. Because the treatment of our contractual arrangements with our VIES is not entirely clear, because we will hold a substantial amount of cash following this offering, and because our PFIC status for any taxable year will depend on the composition of our income and assets and the value of our assets from time to time (which may be determined, in part, by reference to the market price of the ADSs, which could be volatile), there can be no assurance that we will not be a PFIC for our current taxable year or any future taxable year.

 

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If we were a PFIC for any taxable year and any of our subsidiaries, VIEs or other companies in which we own or are treated as owning equity interests were also a PFIC (any such entity, a “Lower-tier PFIC”), U.S. Holders would be deemed to own a proportionate amount (by value) of the shares of each Lower-tier PFIC and would be subject to U.S. federal income tax according to the rules described in the subsequent paragraph on (i) certain distributions by a Lower-tier PFIC and (ii) dispositions of shares of Lower-tier PFICs, in each case as if the U.S. Holders held such shares directly, even though the U.S. Holders did not receive the proceeds of those distributions or dispositions.

In general, if we were a PFIC for any taxable year during which a U.S. Holder holds ADSs or Class A ordinary shares, gain recognized by such U.S. Holder on a sale or other disposition (including certain pledges) of its ADSs or Class A ordinary shares would be allocated ratably over that U.S. Holder’s holding period. The amounts allocated to the taxable year of the sale or disposition and to any year before we became a PFIC would be taxed as ordinary income. The amount allocated to each other taxable year would be subject to tax at the highest rate in effect for individuals or corporations, as appropriate, for that taxable year, and an interest charge would be imposed on the resulting tax liability for each such year. Furthermore, to the extent that distributions received by a U.S. Holder in any year on its ADSs or Class A ordinary shares exceed 125% of the average of the annual distributions on the ADSs or Class A ordinary shares received during the preceding three years or the U.S. Holder’s holding period, whichever is shorter, such distributions would be subject to taxation in the same manner. In addition, if we were a PFIC (or with respect to a particular U.S. Holder were treated as a PFIC) for a taxable year in which we paid a dividend or for the prior taxable year, the favorable tax rates described above with respect to dividends paid to certain non-corporate U.S. Holders would not apply.

Alternatively, if we were a PFIC and if the ADSs were “regularly traded” on a “qualified exchange,” a U.S. Holder could make a mark-to-market election that would result in tax treatment different from the general tax treatment for PFICs described in the preceding paragraph. The ADSs would be treated as “regularly traded” for any calendar year in which more than a de minimis quantity of the ADSs were traded on a qualified exchange on at least 15 days during each calendar quarter. The [New York Stock Exchange][NASDAQ Global Market], where the ADSs are expected to be listed, is a qualified exchange for this purpose. If a U.S. Holder makes the mark-to-market election, the U.S. Holder generally will recognize as ordinary income any excess of the fair market value of the ADSs at the end of each taxable year over their adjusted tax basis, and will recognize an ordinary loss in respect of any excess of the adjusted tax basis of the ADSs over their fair market value at the end of the taxable year (but only to the extent of the net amount of income previously included as a result of the mark-to-market election). If a U.S. Holder makes the election, the U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the ADSs will be adjusted to reflect the income or loss amounts recognized. Any gain recognized on the sale or other disposition of ADSs in a year in which we are a PFIC will be treated as ordinary income and any loss will be treated as an ordinary loss (but only to the extent of the net amount of income previously included as a result of the mark-to-market election, with any excess treated as capital loss). If a U.S. Holder makes the mark-to-market election, distributions paid on ADSs will be treated as discussed under “— Taxation of Distributions ” above. U.S. Holders will not be able to make a mark-to-market election with respect to our Class A ordinary shares, or with respect to any shares of a Lower-tier PFIC, because such shares will not trade on any stock exchange.

If we are a PFIC for any taxable year during which a U.S. Holder owns ADSs or Class A ordinary shares, we will generally continue to be treated as a PFIC with respect to the U.S. Holder for all succeeding years during which the U.S. Holder owns the ADSs or Class A ordinary shares, even if we cease to meet the threshold requirements for PFIC status.

If we were a PFIC for any taxable year during which a U.S. Holder owned any ADSs or Class A ordinary shares, the U.S. Holder would generally be required to file annual reports with the Internal Revenue Service. U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisers regarding the determination of whether we are a PFIC for any taxable year and the potential application of the PFIC rules to their ownership of ADSs or Class A ordinary shares.

 

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Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

Payments of dividends and sales proceeds that are made within the United States or through certain U.S.-related financial intermediaries may be subject to information reporting and backup withholding, unless (i) the U.S. Holder is a corporation or other “exempt recipient” and (ii) in the case of backup withholding, the U.S. Holder provides a correct taxpayer identification number and certifies that it is not subject to backup withholding. The amount of any backup withholding from a payment to a U.S. Holder will be allowed as a credit against the U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability and may entitle it to a refund, provided that the required information is timely furnished to the Internal Revenue Service.

 

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UNDERWRITING

We[, the selling shareholders] and the underwriters named below have entered into an underwriting agreement with respect to the ADSs being offered. Under the terms and subject to the conditions contained in the underwriting agreement, each underwriter has severally agreed to purchase the number of ADSs indicated in the following table. Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Goldman Sachs (Asia) L.L.C., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC are acting as joint bookrunners of this offering and as the representatives of the underwriters.

 

Underwriters

   Number of ADSs  

Deutsche Bank Securities Inc.

  

Goldman Sachs (Asia) L.L.C.

  

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC

  

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated

  

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC

  

Allen & Company LLC

  

BOCI Asia Limited

  

China International Capital Corporation Hong Kong Securities Limited

  

China Renaissance Securities (Hong Kong) Limited

  

Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC

  

HSBC Securities (USA) Inc.

  

KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc.

  

Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated

  
  

 

 

 

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, severally and not jointly, to take and pay for all of the ADSs offered by this prospectus if any such ADSs are taken, other than the ADSs covered by the underwriters’ option to purchase additional ADSs 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 US$             per ADS from the initial public offering price. After the initial offering of the ADSs, the offering price and other selling terms may from time to time be varied by the underwriters.

Certain of the underwriters are expected to make offers and sales both inside and outside the United States through their respective selling agents. Any offers or sales in the United States will be conducted by broker-dealers registered with the SEC. Goldman Sachs (Asia) L.L.C. will offer ADSs in the United States through its SEC-registered broker-dealer affiliate in the United States, Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC. China Renaissance Securities (Hong Kong) Limited will offer ADSs in the United States through its registered broker-dealer affiliate in the United States, China Renaissance Securities (US) Inc. Each of BOCI Asia Limited and China International Capital Corporation Hong Kong Securities Limited is not a broker-dealer registered with the SEC. Therefore, BOCI Asia Limited and China International Capital Corporation Hong Kong Securities Limited will not make any offers or sales of ADSs within the United States.

 

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The address of Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. is 60 Wall Street, 2nd Floor, New York, New York 10005, U.S.A. The address of Goldman Sachs (Asia) L.L.C. is 68th Floor, Cheung Kong Center, 2 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong. The address of J.P. Morgan Securities LLC is 383 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10179, U.S.A. The address of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated is 50 Rockefeller Plaza, NY1-050-12-01, New York, New York 10020, U.S.A. The address of Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC is 1585 Broadway, New York, New York 10036, U.S.A. The address of Allen & Company LLC is 711 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10022, U.S.A. The address of BOCI Asia Limited is 26/F Bank of China Tower, 1 Garden Road, Central, Hong Kong. The address of China International Capital Corporation Hong Kong Securities Limited is 29th Floor, One International Finance Center, 1 Harbour View Street, Central, Hong Kong. The address of China Renaissance Securities (Hong Kong) Limited is Units 8107-08, Level 81, International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon, Hong Kong. The address of Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC is 11 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10010, U.S.A. The address of HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. is 452 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10018, U.S.A. The address of KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc. is 127 Public Square, 4th Floor, Cleveland, OH 44114, U.S.A. The address of Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated is One Montgomery Street, 37th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94104 , U.S.A.

Option to Purchase Additional ADSs

We [and the selling shareholders] have granted to the underwriters an option, exercisable for 30 days after the date of this prospectus, to purchase up to an aggregate of              additional ADSs from us [and the selling shareholders] at the public offering price listed on the cover page of this prospectus, less underwriters discounts and commissions. To the extent the option is exercised, each underwriter will become severally obligated, subject to certain conditions, to purchase additional ADSs approximately proportionate to each underwriter’s initial amount reflected in the table above.

Commissions and Expenses

Total underwriting discounts and commissions to be paid to the underwriters represent         % of the total amount of the offering. The following table shows the per ADS and total underwriting discounts and commissions to be paid to the underwriters by us [and the selling shareholders]. Such amounts are shown assuming both no exercise and full exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional ADSs.

 

            Total  
     Per ADS      No exercise      Full exercise  

Public offering price

        

Discounts and commissions paid by us [and the selling shareholders]

        

The estimated offering expenses payable by us, exclusive of the underwriting discounts and commissions, are approximately US$             million, which includes legal, accounting, and printing costs and various other fees associated with the registration of our Class A ordinary shares and the ADSs. See “Expenses Relating to This Offering.”

Lock-Up Agreements

[We have agreed that, without the prior written consent of the representatives on behalf of the underwriters and subject to certain exceptions, including an exception for the Assured Entitlement Distribution, we will not, during the period ending 180 days after the date of this prospectus, (i) issue, offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, offer or issue, contract to purchase or grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, or otherwise dispose of, 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; (ii) 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; (iii) establish or increase a put equivalent position or liquidate or decrease a call

 

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equivalent position in the ordinary shares or ADSs within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act; (iv) file any registration statement with the SEC relating to the offering of any ordinary shares, ADSs or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for ordinary shares or ADSs; or (v) publicly disclose the intention to make any offer, sale, pledge, disposition or filing, in each case regardless of whether any such transaction described above is to be settled by delivery of ordinary shares, ADSs or such other securities, in cash or otherwise.

Each of our directors and executive officers, existing shareholders has agreed that, without the prior written consent of the representatives on behalf of the underwriters and subject to certain exceptions where the transferee agrees to the same restrictions and an exception for the Assured Entitlement Distribution, it will not, during the period ending 180 days after the date of this prospectus, (i) 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, (ii) enter into a transaction which would have the same effect or 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, ADSs or any of our securities that are substantially similar to the ADSs or ordinary shares or any options or warrants to purchase any of the ADSs or ordinary shares or any securities convertible into, exchangeable for or that represent the right to receive the ADSs or ordinary shares, whether now owned or hereinafter acquired, owned directly by it or with respect to which it has beneficial ownership within the rules and regulations of the SEC, whether any of these transaction is to be settled by delivery of ordinary shares or ADSs or such other securities, in cash or otherwise or (iii) publicly disclose the intention to make any such offer, sale, pledge or disposition, or enter into any such transaction, swap, hedge or other arrangement.]

Listing

We will apply to list the ADSs on the [New York Stock Exchange/NASDAQ Global Market] under the symbol “TME.”

Stabilization, Short Positions and Penalty Bids

In connection with the offering, the underwriters may purchase and sell ADSs in the open market. These transactions may include short sales in accordance with Regulation M under the Exchange Act, stabilizing transactions and purchases to cover positions created by short sales. Short sales involve the sale by the underwriters of a greater number of ADSs than they are required to purchase in the offering. “Covered” short sales are sales made in an amount not greater than the underwriters’ option to purchase additional ADSs in the offering. The underwriters may close out any covered short position by either exercising their option to purchase additional ADSs or purchasing ADSs in the open market. In determining the source of ADSs to close out the covered short position, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the price of ADSs available for purchase in the open market as compared to the price at which they may purchase additional ADSs pursuant to the option granted to them. “Naked” short sales are any sales in excess of such option. 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 if the underwriters are concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of the ADSs in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in the offering. Stabilizing transactions consist of various bids for, or purchases of, ADSs made by the underwriters in the open market prior to the completion of the offering.

The underwriters may also impose a penalty bid. This occurs when a particular underwriter repays to the underwriters a portion of the underwriting discounts and commissions received by it because the representatives have repurchased ADSs sold by, or for the account of, such underwriter in stabilizing or short covering transactions.

 

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Purchases to cover a short position and stabilizing transactions, as well as other purchases by the underwriters for their own accounts, may have the effect of preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the ADSs, and together with the imposition of the penalty bid, may stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the market price of the ADSs. As a result, the price of the ADSs may be higher than the price that otherwise might exist in the open market. If these activities are commenced, they are required to be conducted in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, and they may be discontinued at any time. These transactions may be effected on the [New York Stock Exchange/NASDAQ Global Market], the over-the-counter market or otherwise.

Neither we nor any of the underwriters make any representation or prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that the transactions described above may have on the price of the ADSs. In addition, neither we nor any of the underwriters make any representation that the representatives will engage in these transactions or that these transactions, once commenced, will not be discontinued without notice.

Electronic Distribution

A prospectus in electronic format will be made available on the websites maintained by one or more of the underwriters or one or more securities dealers. One or more of the underwriters may distribute prospectuses electronically. The underwriters may agree to allocate a number of ADSs for sale to their online brokerage account holders. ADSs to be sold pursuant to an internet distribution will be allocated on the same basis as other allocations. In addition, ADSs may be sold by the underwriters to securities dealers who resell ADSs to online brokerage account holders.

[ Directed ADS Program

At our request, the underwriters have reserved up to         % of the ADSs being offered by this prospectus (assuming exercise in full by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional ADSs) for sale at the initial public offering price to certain of our directors, executive officers, employees, business associates and members of their families. The directed ADS program will be administered by             . We do not know if these individuals will choose to purchase all or any portion of these reserved ADSs, but any purchases they do make will reduce the number of ADSs that are available to the general public. Any reserved ADSs that are not so purchased will be offered by the underwriters to the general public on the same terms as the other ADSs offered by this prospectus.]

Discretionary Sales

The underwriters do not intend sales to discretionary accounts to exceed 5% of the total number of ADSs offered by them.

Indemnification

We [and the selling shareholders] have agreed to indemnify the several underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.

Relationships

The underwriters and their respective affiliates are full service financial institutions engaged in various activities, which may include the sales and trading of securities, commercial and investment banking, advisory, investment management, investment research, principal investment, hedging, market making, financing, brokerage and other financial and non-financial activities and services. Certain of the underwriters and their respective affiliates may have, from time to time, performed, and may in the future perform, a variety of such activities and services for us and for persons or entities with relationships with us for which they received or will receive customary fees, commissions and expenses.

 

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In the ordinary course of their various business activities, the underwriters and their respective affiliates, directors, officers and employees may at any time purchase, sell or hold a broad array of investments, and actively trade securities, derivatives, loans, commodities, currencies, credit default swaps and other financial instruments for their own account and for the accounts of their customers. Such investment and trading activities may involve or relate to the assets, securities and/or instruments of us (directly, as collateral securing other obligations or otherwise) and/or persons and entities with relationships with us. The underwriters and their respective affiliates may also communicate independent investment recommendations, market color or trading ideas and/or publish or express independent research views in respect of such assets, securities or instruments. In addition, the underwriters and their respective affiliates may at any time hold, or recommend to clients that they should acquire, long and short positions in such assets, securities and instruments.

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 was determined by negotiations between us and the representatives of the underwriters. Among the factors considered in determining the initial public offering price of the ADSs, in addition to prevailing market conditions, were our historical performance, estimates of our business potential and earnings prospects, an assessment of our management and the consideration of the above factors in relation to market valuation of companies in related businesses.

An active trading market for the ADSs may not develop. It is also possible that after the offering the ADSs will not trade in the public market at or above the initial public offering price.

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 material or advertisements in connection with the ADSs may be distributed or published, in or from any country or jurisdiction except in compliance with any applicable laws, rules and regulations of any such country or jurisdiction.

Australia. This prospectus:

 

   

does not constitute a product disclosure document or a prospectus under Chapter 6D.2 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (the “Corporations Act”);

 

   

has not been, and will not be, lodged with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (“ASIC”), as a disclosure document for the purposes of the Corporations Act and does not purport to include the information required of a disclosure document under Chapter 6D.2 of the Corporations Act;

 

   

does not constitute or involve a recommendation to acquire, an offer or invitation for issue or sale, an offer or invitation to arrange the issue or sale, or an issue or sale, of interests to a “retail client” (as defined in section 761G of the Corporations Act and applicable regulations) in Australia; and

 

   

may only be provided in Australia to select investors who are able to demonstrate that they fall within one or more of the categories of investors, or Exempt Investors, available under section 708 of the Corporations Act.

The ADSs may not be directly or indirectly offered for subscription or purchased or sold, and no invitations to subscribe for or buy the ADSs may be issued, and no draft or definitive offering memorandum, advertisement or other offering material relating to any ADSs may be distributed in Australia, except where disclosure to investors is not required under Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act or is otherwise in compliance with all applicable Australian laws and regulations. By submitting an application for the ADSs, you represent and warrant to us that you are an Exempt Investor.

 

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As any offer of ADSs under this prospectus will be made without disclosure in Australia under Chapter 6D.2 of the Corporations Act, the offer of those securities for resale in Australia within 12 months may, under section 707 of the Corporations Act, require disclosure to investors under Chapter 6D.2 if none of the exemptions in section 708 applies to that resale. By applying for the ADSs you undertake to us that you will not, for a period of 12 months from the date of issue of the ADSs, offer, transfer, assign or otherwise alienate those securities to investors in Australia except in circumstances where disclosure to investors is not required under Chapter 6D.2 of the Corporations Act or where a compliant disclosure document is prepared and lodged with ASIC.

This prospectus contains general information only and does not take account of the investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any particular person. It does not contain any securities recommendations or financial product advice. Before making an investment decision, investors need to consider whether the information in this prospectus is appropriate to their needs, objectives and circumstances, and, if necessary, seek expert advice on those matters.

Canada. The ADSs may be sold only to purchasers purchasing, or deemed to be purchasing, as principal that are accredited investors, as defined in National Instrument 45-106 Prospectus Exemptions or subsection 73.3(1) of the Securities Act (Ontario), and are permitted clients, as defined in National Instrument 31-103 Registration Requirements, Exemptions and Ongoing Registrant Obligations. Any resale of the ADSs must be made in accordance with an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the prospectus requirements of applicable securities laws.

Securities legislation in certain provinces or territories of Canada may provide a purchaser with remedies for rescission or damages if this prospectus (including any amendment thereto) contains a misrepresentation, provided that the remedies for rescission or damages are exercised by the purchaser within the time limit prescribed by the securities legislation of the purchaser’s province or territory. The purchaser should refer to any applicable provisions of the securities legislation of the purchaser’s province or territory for particulars of these rights or consult with a legal advisor.

Pursuant to section 3A.3 of National Instrument 33-105 Underwriting Conflicts (NI 33-105), the underwriters are not required to comply with the disclosure requirements of NI 33-105 regarding underwriter conflicts of interest in connection with this offering.

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. ADSs or ordinary shares have not been offered or sold, and will not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, in the Cayman Islands.

Dubai International Financial Centre (“DIFC”). This prospectus relates to an Exempt Offer in accordance with the Markets Rules 2012 of the Dubai Financial Services Authority (the “DFSA”). This prospectus is intended for distribution only to persons of a type specified in the Markets Rules 2012 of the DFSA. It must not be delivered to, or relied on by, any other person. The DFSA has no responsibility for reviewing or verifying any documents in connection with Exempt Offers. The DFSA has not approved this prospectus supplement nor taken steps to verify the information set forth herein and has no responsibility for this prospectus. The securities to which this prospectus relates may be illiquid and/or subject to restrictions on their resale. Prospective purchasers of the securities offered should conduct their own due diligence on the securities. If you do not understand the contents of this prospectus you should consult an authorized financial advisor.

In relation to its use in the DIFC, this prospectus is strictly private and confidential and is being distributed to a limited number of investors and must not be provided to any person other than the original recipient, and may not be reproduced or used for any other purpose. The interests in the securities may not be offered or sold directly or indirectly to the public in the DIFC.

 

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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), with effect from and including the date on which the Prospectus Directive was implemented in that Relevant Member State (the Relevant Implementation Date), an offer of the ADSs to the public may not be made 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, with effect from and including the Relevant Implementation Date, an offer of ADSs may be made to the public in that Relevant Member State at any time:

 

   

to any legal entity which is a qualified investor as defined under the Prospectus Directive;

 

   

to fewer than 100 or, if the Relevant Member State has implemented the relevant provision of the 2010 PD Amending Directive, 150 natural or legal persons (other than qualified investors as defined in the Prospectus Directive); or

 

   

in any other circumstances falling within Article 3(2) of the Prospectus Directive,

provided that no such offer of securities described in this prospectus shall result in a requirement for the publication by us of a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Directive.

For the purposes of the above paragraph, the expression “an offer of the 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. The expression Prospectus Directive means Directive 2003/71/EC (and any amendments thereto, including the 2010 PD Amending Directive, to the extent implemented in the Relevant Member State) and includes any relevant implementing measure in each Relevant Member State, and the expression “2010 PD Amending Directive” means Directive 2010/73/EU.

Hong Kong . The ADSs may not be offered or sold by means of any document other than (i) in circumstances which do not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of the Companies Ordinance (Cap.32, Laws of Hong Kong), (ii) to “professional investors” within the meaning of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap.571, Laws of Hong Kong) and any rules promulgated thereunder, or (iii) in other circumstances which do not result in the document being a “prospectus” within the meaning of the Companies Ordinance (Cap.32, Laws of Hong Kong), and no advertisement, invitation or document relating to the ADSs may be issued or may be in the possession of any person for the purpose of issue (in each case whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere), which is directed at, or the contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the public in Hong Kong (except if permitted to do so under the laws of Hong Kong) other than with respect to ADSs which are or are intended to be disposed of only to persons outside Hong Kong or only to “professional investors” within the meaning of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571, Laws of Hong Kong) and any rules promulgated thereunder.

Japan . ADSs have not been and will not be registered under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law of Japan (Law No. 25 of 1948, as amended) and, accordingly, will not be offered or sold 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, rules 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.

Kuwait . Unless all necessary approvals from the Kuwait Ministry of Commerce and Industry required by Law No. 31/1990 “Regulating the Negotiation of Securities and Establishment of Investment Funds,” its

 

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Executive Regulations and the various Ministerial Orders issued pursuant thereto or in connection therewith, have been given in relation to the marketing and sale of the ADSs, these may not be marketed, offered for sale, nor sold in the State of Kuwait. Neither this prospectus (including any related document), nor any of the information contained therein is intended to lead to the conclusion of any contract of whatsoever nature within Kuwait.

Malaysia . No prospectus or other offering material or document in connection with the offer and sale of the ADSs has been or will be registered with the Securities Commission of Malaysia (the “Commission”) for the Commission’s approval pursuant to the Capital Markets and Services Act 2007. Accordingly, this prospectus and any other document or material in connection with the offer or sale, or invitation for subscription or purchase, of the ADSs may not be circulated or distributed, nor may the ADSs be offered or sold, or be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase, whether directly or indirectly, to persons in Malaysia other than (i) a closed end fund approved by the Commission; (ii) a holder of a Capital Markets Services Licence; (iii) a person who acquires the ADSs, as principal, if the offer is on terms that the ADSs may only be acquired at a consideration of not less than RM250,000 (or its equivalent in foreign currencies) for each transaction; (iv) an individual whose total net personal assets or total net joint assets with his or her spouse exceeds RM3 million (or its equivalent in foreign currencies), excluding the value of the primary residence of the individual; (v) an individual who has a gross annual income exceeding RM300,000 (or its equivalent in foreign currencies) per annum in the preceding twelve months; (vi) an individual who, jointly with his or her spouse, has a gross annual income of RM400,000 (or its equivalent in foreign currencies), per annum in the preceding twelve months; (vii) a corporation with total net assets exceeding RM10 million (or its equivalent in a foreign currencies) based on the last audited accounts; (viii) a partnership with total net assets exceeding RM10 million (or its equivalent in foreign currencies); (ix) a bank licensee or insurance licensee as defined in the Labuan Financial Services and Securities Act 2010; (x) an Islamic bank licensee or takaful licensee as defined in the Labuan Financial Services and Securities Act 2010; and (xi) any other person as may be specified by the Commission; provided that, in the each of the preceding categories (i) to (xi), the distribution of the ADSs is made by a holder of a Capital Markets Services Licence who carries on the business of dealing in securities. The distribution in Malaysia of this prospectus is subject to Malaysian laws. This prospectus does not constitute and may not be used for the purpose of public offering or an issue, offer for subscription or purchase, invitation to subscribe for or purchase any securities requiring the registration of a prospectus with the Commission under the Capital Markets and Services Act 2007.

People’s Republic of China . This prospectus may not be circulated or distributed in the PRC and the ADSs may not be offered or sold, and will not offer or sell to any person for re-offering or resale directly or indirectly to any resident of the PRC except pursuant to applicable laws, rules and regulations of the PRC. For the purpose of this paragraph only, the PRC does not include Taiwan and the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau.

Qatar . In the State of Qatar, the offer contained herein is made on an exclusive basis to the specifically intended recipient thereof, upon that person’s request and initiative, for personal use only and shall in no way be construed as a general offer for the sale of securities to the public or an attempt to do business as a bank, an investment company or otherwise in the State of Qatar. This prospectus and the underlying securities have not been approved or licensed by the Qatar Central Bank or the Qatar Financial Centre Regulatory Authority or any other regulator in the State of Qatar. The information contained in this prospectus shall only be shared with any third parties in Qatar on a need to know basis for the purpose of evaluating the contained offer. Any distribution of this prospectus by the recipient to third parties in Qatar beyond the terms hereof is not permitted and shall be at the liability of such recipient.

Saudi Arabia . This prospectus may not be distributed in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia except to such persons as are permitted under the Offers of Securities Regulations issued by the Capital Market Authority. The Capital Market Authority does not make any representation as to the accuracy or completeness of this prospectus, and expressly disclaims any liability whatsoever for any loss arising from, or incurred in reliance upon, any part

 

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of this prospectus. Prospective purchasers of the securities offered hereby should conduct their own due diligence on the accuracy of the information relating to the securities. If you do not understand the contents of this prospectus you should consult an authorized financial adviser.

Singapore . This prospectus or any other offering material relating to the 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, (a) the ADSs have not been, and will not be, offered or sold or made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase of such ADSs in Singapore, and (b) this prospectus or any other document or material in connection with the offer or sale, or invitation for subscription or purchase, of the ADSs have not been and will not be circulated or distributed, 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.

Where the ADSs are subscribed or purchased under Section 275 of the SFA by a relevant person which is:

 

  (a)

a corporation (which is not an accredited investor (as defined in Section 4A of the SFA)) the sole business of which is to hold investments and the entire share capital of which is owned by one or more individuals, each of whom is an accredited investor; or

 

  (b)

a trust (where the trustee is not an accredited investor) whose sole purpose is to hold investments and each beneficiary of the trust is an individual who is an accredited investor,

securities (as defined in Section 239(1) of the SFA) of that corporation or the beneficiaries’ rights and interest (howsoever described) in that trust shall not be transferred within six months after that corporation or that trust has acquired the ADSs pursuant to an offer made under Section 275 of the SFA except:

 

  (a)

to an institutional investor or to a relevant person defined in Section 275(2) of the SFA, or to any person arising from an offer referred to in Section 275(1A) or Section 276(4)(i)(B) of the SFA;

 

  (b)

where no consideration is or will be given for the transfer;

 

  (c)

where the transfer is by operation of law;

 

  (d)

as specified in Section 276(7) of the SFA; or

 

  (e)

as specified in Regulation 32 of the Securities and Futures (Offers of Investments) (Shares and Debentures) Regulations 2005 of Singapore.

Switzerland . The ADSs will not be publicly offered in Switzerland and will not be listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange, or SIX, or on any other stock exchange or regulated trading facility in Switzerland. This prospectus has been prepared without regard to the disclosure standards for issuance prospectuses under art. 652a or art. 1156 of the Swiss Code of Obligations or the disclosure standards for listing prospectuses under art. 27 ff. of the SIX Listing Rules or the listing rules of any other stock exchange or regulated trading facility in Switzerland. Neither this prospectus nor any other offering or marketing material relating to our company or the ADSs have been or will be filed with or approved by any Swiss regulatory authority. In particular, this prospectus will not be filed with, and the offer of the ADSs will not be supervised by, the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority, and the offer of the ADSs has not been and will not be authorized under the Swiss Federal Act on Collective Investment Schemes (the “CISA”). The investor protection afforded to acquirers of interests in collective investment schemes under the CISA does not extend to acquirers of the ADSs.

Taiwan . The ADSs have not been and will not be registered with the Financial Supervisory Commission of Taiwan pursuant to relevant securities laws and regulations and may not be sold, issued or offered within Taiwan through a public offering or in circumstances which constitutes an offer within the meaning of the Securities and

 

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Exchange Act of Taiwan that requires a registration or approval of the Financial Supervisory Commission of Taiwan. No person or entity in Taiwan has been authorized to offer, sell, give advice regarding or otherwise intermediate the offering and sale of the ADSs in Taiwan.

United Arab Emirates . The ADSs have not been offered or sold, and will not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, in the United Arab Emirates, except: (i) in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations of the United Arab Emirates; and (ii) through persons or corporate entities authorized and licensed to provide investment advice and/or engage in brokerage activity and/or trade in respect of foreign securities in the United Arab Emirates. The information contained in this prospectus does not constitute a public offer of securities in the United Arab Emirates in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law (Federal Law No. 8 of 1984 (as amended)) or otherwise and is not intended to be a public offer and is addressed only to persons who are sophisticated investors.

United Kingdom . This prospectus is only being distributed to and is only directed at, and any offer subsequently made may only be directed at: (i) persons who are outside the United Kingdom; (ii) investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the “Order”); or (iii) high net worth companies, and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such persons falling within (1)-(3) together being referred to as “relevant persons”). The ADSs are only available to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire the ADSs will be engaged in only with, relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this prospectus or any of its contents.

 

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EXPENSES RELATING TO THIS OFFERING

Set forth below is an itemization of the total expenses, excluding underwriting discounts and commissions, that we expect to incur in connection with this offering. With the exception of the SEC registration fee, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, or FINRA, filing fee and the [NYSE]/[NASDAQ] listing fee, all amounts are estimates.

 

SEC Registration Fee

   US$                

[NYSE]/[NASDAQ] Listing Fee

   US$    

FINRA Filing Fee

   US$    

Printing and Engraving Expenses

   US$    

Legal Fees and Expenses

   US$    

Accounting Fees and Expenses

   US$    

Miscellaneous

   US$    
  

 

 

 

Total

   US$    
  

 

 

 

 

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LEGAL MATTERS

We are being represented by Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP with respect to certain legal matters of U.S. federal securities and New York state law. Certain legal matters with respect to U.S. federal and New York State law in connection with this offering will be passed upon for the underwriters by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP. The validity of the Class A ordinary shares represented by the ADSs offered in this offering and other certain legal matters as to Cayman Islands law will be passed upon for us by Maples and Calder (Hong Kong) LLP. Legal matters as to PRC law will be passed upon for us by Han Kun Law Offices and for the underwriters by Grandall Law Firm (Shanghai). Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP may rely upon Maples and Calder (Hong Kong) LLP with respect to matters governed by Cayman Islands law and Han Kun Law Offices with respect to matters governed by PRC law. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP may rely upon Grandall Law Firm (Shanghai) with respect to matters governed by PRC law.

 

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EXPERTS

The consolidated financial statements of Tencent Music Entertainment Group as of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2017 and for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2017 included in this prospectus have been so included in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers Zhong Tian LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

The consolidated statements of China Music Corporation as of July 12, 2016 and for the period from January 1, 2016 to July 12, 2016 included in this prospectus have been so included in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers Zhong Tian LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

The registered business address of PricewaterhouseCoopers Zhong Tian LLP is 6/F DBS Bank Tower, 1318, Lu Jia Zui Ring Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China.

 

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WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

We have filed a registration statement, including relevant exhibits, with the SEC on Form F-1 under the Securities Act with respect to underlying Class A ordinary shares represented by the ADSs to be sold in this offering. We have also filed a related registration statement on Form F-6 with the SEC to register the ADSs. This prospectus, which constitutes a part of the registration statement on Form F-1, does not contain all of the information contained in the registration statement. You should read our registration statements and their exhibits and schedules for further information with respect to us and the ADSs.

Immediately upon the effectiveness of the registration statement on Form F-1 to which this prospectus is a part, 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 over the internet at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov 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.

 

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INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Tencent Music Entertainment Group

 

     Page  

Audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the Years Ended December 31, 2016 and 2017

  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     F-2  

Consolidated Income Statements for the years ended December  31, 2016 and 2017

     F-3  

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017

     F-4  

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December  31, 2017 and 2016, and January 1, 2016

     F-5  

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017

     F-6  

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017

     F-8  

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

     F-9  

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Information for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 and 2018

  

Condensed Consolidated Income Statements for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2018

     F-73  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2018

     F-74  

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December  31, 2017 and June 30, 2018

     F-75  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2018

     F-76  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2018

     F-78  

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Information

     F-79  

China Music Corporation (note)

  

Consolidated Financial Statements

  

Report of Independent Auditors

     F-103  

Consolidated Balance Sheet as of July 12, 2016

     F-104  

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Loss for the Period from January 1, 2016 to July 12, 2016

     F-106  

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the Period from January 1, 2016 to July 12, 2016

     F-107  

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the Period from January  1, 2016 to July 12, 2016

     F-108  

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

     F-109  

Note:

The audited financial statements of China Music Corporation (“CMC”) for the period from January 1, 2016 to July 12, 2016 are required to be filed under Rule 3.05 of Regulation S-X as CMC is deemed as the accounting acquiree in the reverse acquisition of CMC which was completed on July 12, 2016.

 

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Tencent Music Entertainment Group

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Tencent Music Entertainment Group and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the related consolidated income statements, and statements of comprehensive income, of changes in equity and of cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2017, including the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2017 in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.

Basis for Opinion

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits of these consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers Zhong Tian LLP

Shenzhen, the People’s Republic of China

July 6, 2018

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2018.

 

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TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS

 

          Year ended December 31,  
     Note    2016     2017  
          RMB’million     RMB’million  

Revenue from online music services

        2,144       3,149  

Revenue from social entertainment services and others

        2,217       7,832  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

   5      4,361       10,981  

Cost of revenues

        (3,129     (7,171
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

        1,232       3,810  

Selling and marketing expenses

        (365     (913

General and administrative expenses

        (783     (1,521
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

        (1,148     (2,434

Interest income

        32       93  

Other (losses)/gains, net

   5      (13     124  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating profit

        103       1,593  

Share of net profit of investments accounted for using equity method

   12      11       4  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Profit before income tax

        114       1,597  

Income tax expense

   7(a)      (29     (278
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Profit for the year

        85       1,319  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Attributable to:

       

Equity holders of the Company

        82       1,326  

Non-controlling interests

        3       (7
     

 

 

   

 

 

 
        85       1,319  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings per share for profit attributable to the equity holders of the company (in RMB per share)

       

—Basic

   8      0.04       0.51  

—Diluted

   8      0.04       0.50  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

     Year ended December 31,  
     2016      2017  
     RMB’million      RMB’million  

Profit for the year

     85        1,319  

Other comprehensive income:

     

Items that may be subsequently reclassified to profit or loss

     

Currency translation differences

     42        (143
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income for the year

     127        1,176  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Attributable to:

     

Equity holders of the Company

     124        1,183  

Non-controlling interests

     3        (7
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     127        1,176  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

          As at January 1,     As at December 31,  
     Note    2016     2016     2017  
          RMB’million     RMB’million     RMB’million  

ASSETS

         

Non-current assets

         

Property, plant and equipment

   9      3       108       127  

Intangible assets

   10      —         2,007       1,717  

Goodwill

   11      —         15,762       16,262  

Investments accounted for using equity method

   12      —         292       378  

Available-for-sale financial assets

   13      —         10       3,740  

Prepayments, deposits and other assets

   14      279       272       204  

Deferred tax assets

   7(b)      —         87       105  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
        282       18,538       22,533  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current assets

         

Inventories

        —         14       30  

Accounts receivable

   15      318       719       1,161  

Prepayments, deposits and other assets

   14      119       932       1,102  

Short-term investments

        —         261       —    

Cash and cash equivalents

   16      —         3,071       5,174  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
        437       4,997       7,467  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

        719       23,535       30,000  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

EQUITY

         

Share capital

   17      1       2       2  

Additional paid-in capital

   17      —         20,063       23,915  

Other reserves

   18      577       617       997  

(Accumulated deficits)/Retained earnings

        (122     (57     1,227  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Equity attributable to equity holders of the Company

        456       20,625       26,141  

Non-controlling interests

        —         9       7  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total equity

        456       20,634       26,148  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

         

Non-current liabilities

         

Deferred tax liabilities

   7(b)      —         350       304  

Deferred government grants

        —         28       21  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
        —         378       325  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current liabilities

         

Accounts payable

        63       998       1,045  

Other payables and accruals

   20      74       1,107       1,312  

Current tax liabilities

        —         46       192  

Deferred revenue

   21      126       372       978  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
        263       2,523       3,527  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

        263       2,901       3,852  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total equity and liabilities

        719       23,535       30,000  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

 

          Attributable to equity holders of the Company        
          Share capital     Additional
paid-in capital
    Other reserves     (Accumulated
deficits)/retained
earnings
    Total     Non-
controlling
interests
    Total equity  
          RMB’million     RMB’million     RMB’million     RMB’million     RMB’million     RMB’million     RMB’million  

Balance at January 1, 2016

      1       —         577       (122     456       —         456  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

               

Profit for the year

      —         —         —         82       82       3       85  

Currency translation differences

      —         —         42       —         42       —         42  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income for the year

      —         —         42       82       124       3       127  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Transactions with equity holders:

               

Issuance of ordinary shares for the reverse acquisition

    22(a)       1       17,992       —         —         17,993       6       17,999  

Issuance of ordinary shares

    17       —         2,071       —         —         2,071       —         2,071  

Appropriation to statutory reserve

      —         —         17       (17     —         —         —    

Deemed distribution arising from carve out of Tencent PRC Music Business

    2.1       —         —         (189     —         (189     —         (189

Share-based compensation—value of employee services

    19       —         —         170       —         170       —         170  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total transactions with equity holders at their capacity as equity holders for the year

      1       20,063       (2     (17     20,045       6       20,051  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2016

      2       20,063       617       (57     20,625       9       20,634  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

 

           Attributable to equity holders of the Company        
     Note     Share capital      Additional
paid-in capital
    Other reserves     (Accumulated
deficits)/retained
earnings
    Total     Non-
controlling
interests
    Total
equity
 
           RMB’million      RMB’million     RMB’million     RMB’million     RMB’million     RMB’million     RMB’million  

Balance at January 1, 2017

       2        20,063       617       (57     20,625       9       20,634  
    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Profit for the year

       —          —         —         1,326       1,326       (7     1,319  

Currency translation differences

       —          —         (143     —         (143     —         (143
    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income for the year

       —          —         (143     1,326       1,183       (7     1,176  
    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Transactions with equity holders:

                 

Business combination

     22(b)       —          —         99       —         99       —         99  

Appropriation to statutory reserve

       —          —         42       (42     —         —         —    

Deemed contribution arising from carve out of Tencent PRC Music Business

     2.1       —          —         20       —         20       —         20  

Issuance of ordinary shares in exchange for equity investments

     13       —          7,547       —         —         7,547       —         7,547  

Distribution to Tencent

     13, 17       —          (3,774     —         —         (3,774     —         (3,774

Issuance of ordinary shares for stock dividend

     13, 17       —          —         —         —         —         —         —    

Share-based compensation

                 

—value of employee services

     19       —          —         362       —         362       —         362  

—proceeds from shares issued

       —          79       —         —         79       —         79  

Capital contribution from non-controlling interests

       —          —         —         —         —         5       5  
    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total transactions with equity holders at their capacity as equity holders for the year

       —          3,852       523       (42     4,333       5       4,338  
    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2017

       2        23,915       997       1,227       26,141       7       26,148  
    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

            Year ended December 31,  
     Note      2016     2017  
            RMB’million     RMB’million  

Cash flows from operating activities

       

Cash generated from operations

     23(a)        908       2,614  

Interest received

        32       93  

Income taxes paid

        (67     (207
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash inflow from operating activities

        873       2,500  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities

       

New cash acquired from/(payment) for business combination

     22        676       (72

Payments for settlement of pre-acquisition dividends payables

        (510     (591

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

        (41     (75

Proceeds from short term investments

        371       261  

Proceeds from disposal of investments accounted for using equity method

        —         57  

Payments for acquisition investments accounted for using equity method

        —         (61

Purchase of intangible assets

        —         (2
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash inflow/(outflow) from investing activities

        496       (483
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities

       

Proceeds from issues of ordinary shares

     17        1,901       —    

Deemed (distribution)/contributions arising from carve out of Tencent PRC Music Business

        (189     20  

Exercise of share options

     17        —         79  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash inflow from financing activities

        1,712       99  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

        3,081       2,116  

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year

        —         3,071  

Exchange losses on cash and cash equivalents

        (10     (13
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

        3,071       5,174  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017

 

1

General information, organization and basis of preparation

 

1.1

General information

Tencent Music Entertainment Group (the “Company” or “TME”), formerly known as China Music Corporation (“CMC”), was incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands on June 6, 2012 as an exempted company with limited liability under the Companies Law (2010 Revision) of the Cayman Islands. The address of its registered office is Cricket Square, P.O. Box 2582, Grand Cayman KY1-1112, Cayman Islands. The Company is currently controlled by Tencent Holdings Limited (“Tencent”), a company incorporated in the Cayman Islands with limited liability and the shares of Tencent are listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited.

The Company, its subsidiaries, its controlled structured entities (“variable interest entities”, or “VIEs”) and their subsidiaries (“Subsidiaries of VIEs”) are collectively referred to as the “Group”. The Group is principally engaged in operating online music entertainment platforms to provide music streaming, online karaoke and live streaming services in the People’s Republic of China (“PRC”). The Company does not conduct any substantive operations of its own but conducts its primary business operations through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, VIEs and subsidiaries of VIEs in the PRC.

 

1.2

Organization and principal activities

Prior to the completion of the merger of the Company with the music business of Tencent in the PRC (“Tencent PRC Music Business”) through a reverse acquisition of the Company by Tencent PRC Music Business on July 12, 2016 as described below (the “Merger”), Tencent PRC Music Business, mainly comprise QQ Music and WeSing platforms, was operated through a number of entities controlled by Tencent while the Company prior to the Merger mainly operated two online platforms, namely Kugou and Kuwo (“CMC Music Business”). Immediately prior to the Merger, Tencent, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, Min River Investment Limited (“Min River”), held approximately 15.8% of the outstanding ordinary shares of the Company.

On July 12, 2016, the Company and Min River entered into a share subscription agreement (the “Agreement”), pursuant to which the Company conditionally agreed to issue and sell to Min River, and Min River agrees to subscribe for and purchase from the Company, an aggregate of 1,290,862,550 Ordinary Shares (the “Consideration Shares”), representing 54.4% of the outstanding ordinary shares of the Company immediately after the issuance of Consideration Shares, in exchange for Tencent PRC Music Business’s related operating assets and liabilities. Upon the completion of the Merger, Min River held approximately 61.6% of the outstanding ordinary shares of the Company. The platforms of Tencent PRC Music Business are operated under sub-domains of a domain controlled by Tencent.

The Merger is accounted for as a reverse acquisition under International Financial Reporting Standard (“IFRS”) 3 (Revised) “Business Combination” as detailed in Note 2.1, under which Tencent PRC Music Business is regarded as the accounting acquirer, and these consolidated financial statements have been presented as a continuation of the financial statements of Tencent PRC Music Business.

Immediately upon the completion of the Merger, Tencent and the Group entered into a business cooperation agreement (the “Business Cooperation Agreement”) and transferring the rights and obligations of existing contracts of Tencent PRC Music Business, which were signed by entities controlled by Tencent with other parties, to the Group.

 

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Table of Contents

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017

 

1

General information, organization and basis of preparation (Continued)

 

1.2

Organization and principal activities (Continued)

 

Pursuant to a special resolution in relation to the change of company name passing at the special general meeting of the Company on December 14, 2016, the name of the Company was changed from China Music Corporation to Tencent Music Entertainment Group with immediate effect.

As of December 31, 2016 and 2017, the Company’s significant subsidiaries, VIEs, and subsidiaries of VIEs were as follows:

 

    Place of
incorporation
    Date of
incorporation
or acquisition
    Equity
interest held
(direct or indirect)
   

Principal activities

  Note  

Subsidiaries

         

Tencent Music Entertainment Hong Kong Limited (“TME Hong Kong”) (formerly known as “Ocean Music Hong Kong Limited”)

    Hong Kong       July 2016       100  

Investment holding

and music content

distribution

    (i)  

Tencent Music (Beijing) Co., Ltd. (“TME Beijing”) (formerly known as “Ocean Interactive (Beijing) Information Technology Co., Ltd.”)

    PRC       July 2016       100  

Technical support and consulting

services

    (i)  

Yeelion Online Network Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. (“Yeelion Online”)

    PRC       July 2016       100  

Technical support and consulting

services

    (i), (ii)  

Tencent Music Entertainment Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd (“TME Tech Shenzhen”)

    PRC      
February
2017
 
 
    100   Online music and entertainment related services     (iv)  

Variable Interest Entities

         

Guangzhou Kugou Computer Technology Co., Ltd. (“Guangzhou Kugou”)

    PRC       July 2016       100   Online music and entertainment related services     (i), (ii)  

Beijing Kuwo Technology Co., Ltd.(“Beijing Kuwo”)

    PRC       July 2016       100   Online music and entertainment related services     (i), (ii)  

Subsidiaries of Variable Interest Entities

         

Tencent Music Entertainment (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd (“TME Shenzhen”)

    PRC       July 2016       100   Online music and entertainment related services     (iii)  

Notes:

  (i)

Representing the entities comprising the CMC Music Business immediately prior to the Merger completed on July 12, 2016.

 

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TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017

 

1

General information, organization and basis of preparation (Continued)

 

1.2

Organization and principal activities (Continued)

 

  (ii)

CMC Music Business acquired Yeelion Online and Guangzhou Kugou in December 2013 and April 2014, respectively. All these entities were deemed acquired by the Company on July 12, 2016 because of the Merger.

  (iii)

In July 2016, TME Shenzhen was established by the Group for the purpose of operating Tencent PRC Music Business.

  (iv)

In February 2017, TME Tech Shenzhen was established by the Group for the purpose of operating Tencent PRC Music Business.

  (v)

Apart from the significant subsidiaries, VIEs and subsidiaries of VIEs listed above, there are certain non-wholly owned subsidiaries of the Group, of which management of the Group considered that these non-wholly owned subsidiaries are not significant to the Group, accordingly, no summarized financial information of these non-wholly owned subsidiaries is presented separately.

PRC laws and regulations prohibit or restrict foreign ownership of companies that provide Internet-based business, which include activities and services provided by the Group. The Group operates its business operations in the PRC through a series of contractual arrangements entered into among the Company, wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company, VIEs that legally owned by individuals (“Nominee Shareholders”) authorized by the Group (collectively, “Contractual Arrangements”). The Contractual Arrangements including Exclusive Technology Services Agreement, Exclusive Business Cooperation Agreement, Loan Agreement, Exclusive Purchase Option Agreement, Equity Interest Pledge Agreement, and Powers of Attorney Agreement.

Under the Contractual Arrangements, the Company has the power to control the management, and financial and operating policies of the VIEs, has exposure or rights to variable returns from its involvement with the VIEs, and has the ability to use its power over the VIEs to affect the amount of the returns. As a result, all these VIEs are accounted for as consolidated structured entities of the Company and their financial statements have also been consolidated by the Company.

The Contractual Arrangements were in place prior to the Merger while have been updated at the time of the Merger. The principal terms of the Contractual Arrangements are further described below:

 

  (a)

Contractual agreements with Beijing Kuwo

Voting Trust Agreement

Pursuant to the Voting Trust Agreement, signed in July 2016, the shareholders of Beijing Kuwo each irrevocably granted Yeelion Online or any individual designated by Yeelion Online in writing as their attorney-in-fact to vote, the rights to vote on their behalf on all matters of Beijing Kuwo requiring shareholder approval under PRC laws and regulations and Beijing Kuwo’s articles of association. The term of this agreement will remain effective as long as the shareholders continue to hold equity interests in Beijing Kuwo.

Exclusive Technical Service Agreement

Pursuant to the exclusive technical service agreement between Yeelion Online and Beijing Kuwo, signed in July 2016, Yeelion Online or its designated party has the exclusive right to provide business

 

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TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017

 

1

General information, organization and basis of preparation (Continued)

 

1.2

Organization and principal activities (Continued)

 

  (a)

Contractual agreements with Beijing Kuwo (Continued)

Exclusive Technical Service Agreement (Continued)

 

support, technical services and consulting services in return for a service fee, which represents 90% of net operating income of Beijing Kuwo together with other service fees charged for other ad hoc services provided. Yeelion has the discretion to change the charge rate. During the term of the agreement, without Yeelion Online’s prior written consent, Beijing Kuwo shall not engage any third party for any of such services provided under this agreement. The term for the agreement is 20 years.

Loan Agreement

Under the loan agreement between Yeelion Online and the shareholders of Beijing Kuwo in place at the time of the Merger, Yeelion Online provided interest-free loans to the shareholders of Beijing Kuwo solely for the subscription of newly registered capital of Beijing Kuwo. Yeelion Online has the sole discretion to determine the way of repayment, including requiring the shareholders to transfer their equity shares in Beijing Kuwo to Yeelion Online according to the terms indicated in the Exclusive Share Purchase Option as aftermentioned. The term for the loan was extended to 20 years starting from July 2016.

Exclusive Option agreement

Pursuant to the exclusive purchase option agreement amongst Yeelion Online, Beijing Kuwo and its shareholders, the shareholders of Beijing Kuwo granted Yeelion Online or its designated party, an exclusive irrevocable option to purchase, all or part of the equity interests held by its shareholders, when and to the extent permitted under PRC law, at a price equal to the proportional amount of registered capital of Beijing Kuwo. Without the consent of Yeelion Online or its designated party, the shareholders of Beijing Kuwo may not transfer, donate, pledge, or otherwise dispose of their equity shareholdings in any way. In addition, the shareholders granted TME Beijing or its designated party, an exclusive irrevocable option to purchase, all or part of the assets of Beijing Kuwo at a price equal to the carrying amount of Beijing Kuwo at the time of purchase. The exclusive purchase option agreement remains effective until the options are exercised.

Equity Interest Pledge Agreement

Pursuant to the equity interest pledge agreement amongst Yeelion Online, Beijing Kuwo and its shareholders, the shareholders of Beijing Kuwo pledge all of their equity interests in Beijing Kuwo to Yeelion Online, to guarantee Beijing Kuwo and its shareholders’ performance of their obligations under exclusive purchase option agreement, exclusive business cooperation agreement, loan agreement, and powers of attorney. If Beijing Kuwo and/or any of its shareholders breach their contractual obligations under this agreement, Yeelion Online, as pledgee, will be entitled to certain rights, including the right to sell the pledged equity interests. Without Yeelion Online’s prior written consent, shareholders of Beijing Kuwo shall not transfer or assign the pledged equity interests, or create or allow any encumbrance that would prejudice Yeelion Online’s interests.

 

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Table of Contents

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017

 

1

General information, organization and basis of preparation (Continued)

 

1.2

Organization and principal activities (Continued)

 

  (a)

Contractual agreements with Beijing Kuwo (Continued)

Equity Interest Pledge Agreement (Continued)

 

During the term of this agreement, Yeelion Online is entitled to receive all of the dividends and profits paid on the pledged equity interests. The equity interest pledge will be effective upon the completion of the registration of the pledge with the competent local branch of the State Administration for Industry and Commerce (“SAIC”), and will remain effective until Beijing Kuwo and its shareholders discharge all their obligations under the Contractual Arrangements.

Capital subscription agreement

Pursuant to the capital subscription agreement amongst Beijing Kuwo and Linzhi Lichuang Information Technology Co., Ltd (“Linzhi Lichuang”), an affiliate of Tencent, signed in July 2016, Linzhi Lichuang shall provide capital to Beijing Kuwo for share subscription of Beijing Kuwo in connection with the Agreement. Linzhi Lichuang, as a shareholder of Beijing Kuwo, also signed aforementioned Contractual Agreements except for the loan agreement accordingly.

 

  (b)

Contractual agreements with Guangzhou Kugou

Agreement on authorization to exercise shareholders voting right

Pursuant to the powers of attorney agreement, signed in July 2016, the shareholders of Guangzhou Kugou each irrevocably granted TME Beijing or any individual designated by TME Beijing in writing as their attorney-in-fact to vote, the rights to vote on their behalf on all matters of Guangzhou Kugou requiring shareholder approval under PRC laws and regulations and Guangzhou Kugou’s articles of association. The term of this agreement will remain effective as long as the shareholders continue to hold equity interests in Guangzhou Kugou.

Exclusive technical service agreement

Pursuant to the exclusive technical service agreement between TME Beijing and Guangzhou Kugou, signed in July 2016, TME Beijing or its designated party has the exclusive right to provide technical and consulting services in return for a service fee, which represents 90% of net operating income of Guangzhou Kugou, together with other service fees charged for other ad hoc services provided. TME Beijing has the discretion to change the charge rate. During the term of the agreement, without TME Beijing’s prior written consent, Guangzhou Kugou shall not engage any third party for any of such services provided under this agreement. The term of this agreement is 20 years.

Loan agreement

Under the loan agreement between TME Beijing and the shareholders of Guangzhou Kugou, signed in April 2014, TME Beijing provided interest-free loans to the shareholders of Guangzhou Kugou solely for the subscription of newly registered capital of Guangzhou Kugou. The loans can be repaid only with the proceeds from the sale of all of the equity interest in Guangzhou Kugou to TME Beijing or its designated representative(s). The term of each loan is 20 years from the first withdrawal of such loan by Guangzhou Kugou’s shareholders.

 

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Table of Contents

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017

 

1

General information, organization and basis of preparation (Continued)

 

1.2

Organization and principal activities (Continued)

 

  (b)

Contractual agreements with Guangzhou Kugou (Continued)

Loan agreement (Continued)

 

Under the loan agreement between TME Beijing and the shareholders of Guangzhou Kugou, signed in April 2014, TME Beijing provided interest-free loans to the shareholders of Guangzhou Kugou solely for the subscription of newly registered capital of Guangzhou Kugou. The loans can be repaid only with the proceeds from the sale of all of the equity interest in Guangzhou Kugou to TME Beijing or its designated representative(s). The term of each loan is 20 years from the first withdrawal of such loan by Guangzhou Kugou’s shareholders.

Exclusive purchase option agreement

Pursuant to the exclusive purchase option agreement amongst TME Beijing, Guangzhou Kugou and its shareholders, the shareholders granted TME Beijing or its designated party, an exclusive irrevocable option to purchase, all or part of the equity interests held by its shareholders, when and to the extent permitted under PRC law, at a price equal to the proportional amount of registered capital of Guangzhou Kugou. Without the consent of TME Beijing or its designated party, the shareholders may not transfer, donate, pledge, or otherwise dispose of their equity shareholdings in any way. In addition, the shareholders granted TME Beijing or its designated party, an exclusive irrevocable option to purchase, all or part of the assets of Guangzhou Kugou at a price equal to the carrying amount of Guangzhou Kugou at the time of purchase. The exclusive purchase option agreement remains effective until the options are exercised.

Equity interest pledge agreement

Pursuant to the equity interest pledge agreement amongst TME Beijing, Guangzhou Kugou and its shareholders, the shareholders of Guangzhou Kugou pledge all of their equity interests in Guangzhou Kugou to TME Beijing, to guarantee Guangzhou Kugou and its shareholders’ performance of their obligations under exclusive purchase option agreement, exclusive technical service agreement, loan agreement, and powers of attorney. If Guangzhou Kugou and/or any of its shareholders breach their contractual obligations under this agreement, TME Beijing, as pledgee, will be entitled to certain rights, including the right to sell the pledged equity interests. Without TME Beijing’s prior written consent, shareholders of Guangzhou Kugou shall not transfer or assign the pledged equity interests, or create or allow any encumbrance that would prejudice TME Beijing’s interests.

During the term of this agreement, TME Beijing is entitled to receive all the dividends and profits paid on the pledged equity interests. The equity interest pledge will be effective upon the completion of the registration of the pledge with the competent local branch of the State Administration for Industry and Commerce (“SAIC”), and will remain effective until Guangzhou Kugou and its shareholders discharge all their obligations under the contractual arrangements.

Capital subscription agreement

Pursuant to the capital subscription agreement amongst Guangzhou Kugou and Linzhi Lichuang Information Technology Co., Ltd (“Linzhi Lichuang”), an affiliate of Tencent, signed in July 2016,

 

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Table of Contents

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017

 

1

General information, organization and basis of preparation (Continued)

 

1.2

Organization and principal activities (Continued)

 

  (b)

Contractual agreements with Guangzhou Kugou (Continued)

Capital subscription agreement (Continued)

 

Linzhi Lichuang shall provide capital to Guangzhou Kugou for share subscription of Guangzhou Kugou in connection with the Agreement. Linzhi Lichuang, as a shareholder of Guangzhou Kugou, also signed aforementioned Contractual Agreements except for loan agreement accordingly.

 

  (c)

Risks in relation to the VIEs

In the opinion of the Company’s management, the contractual arrangements discussed above have resulted in the Company, Yeelion Online, and TME Beijing having the power to direct activities that most significantly impact the VIEs, including appointing key management, setting up operating policies, exerting financial controls and transferring profit or assets out of the VIEs at its discretion. The Company has the power to direct activities of the VIEs and can have assets transferred out of the VIEs under its control. Therefore, the Company considers that there is no asset in any of the VIEs that can be used only to settle obligations of the VIEs, except for registered capital, capital reserve and PRC statutory reserves of the VIEs totaling RMB3,212 million and RMB3,249 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively. Currently there is no contractual arrangement that could require the Company to provide additional financial support to the VIEs. As the Company is conducting its Internet-related business mainly through the VIEs, the Company may provide such support on a discretional basis in the future, which could expose the Company to a loss. As the VIEs organized in the PRC were established as limited liability companies under PRC law, their creditors do not have recourse to the general credit of TME Beijing and Yeelion Online for the liabilities of the VIEs, and TME Beijing and Yeelion Online does not have the obligation to assume the liabilities of these VIEs.

The Company determines that the Contractual Arrangements are in compliance with PRC law and are legally enforceable. However, uncertainties in the PRC legal system could limit the Group’s ability to enforce the Contractual Arrangements.

On January 19, 2015, the Ministry of Commerce of the PRC (“MOFCOM”), released for public comment a proposed PRC law, the Draft FIE Law, that appears to include Consolidated VIEs within the scope of entities that could be considered as foreign invested enterprises, or FIEs, that would be subject to restrictions under existing PRC law on foreign investment in certain categories of industry. Specifically, the Draft FIE Law introduces the concept of “actual control” for determining whether an entity is considered to be an FIE. In addition to control through direct or indirect ownership or equity, the Draft FIE Law includes control through contractual arrangements within the definition of “actual control.” The Draft FIE Law includes provisions that would exempt from the definition of foreign invested enterprises entities where the ultimate controlling shareholders are either entities organized under PRC law or individuals who are PRC citizens. The Draft FIE Law is silent as to what type of enforcement action might be taken against existing entities that operate in restricted or prohibited industries and are not controlled by entities organized under PRC law or individuals who are PRC citizens. If the restrictions and prohibitions on foreign invested enterprises included in the Draft FIE Law are enacted and enforced in their current form, the Company’s ability to use the Contractual Arrangements and the Company’s ability to conduct business through them could be severely limited.

 

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Table of Contents

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017

 

1

General information, organization and basis of preparation (Continued)

 

1.2

Organization and principal activities (Continued)

 

  (c)

Risks in relation to the VIEs (Continued)

 

The Company’s ability to control VIEs also depends on rights provided to TME Beijing and Yeelion Online, under the powers of attorney agreement, to vote on all matters requiring shareholder approval. As noted above, the Company believes these powers of attorney agreements are legally enforceable, but they may not be as effective as direct equity ownership. In addition, if the corporate structure of the Group or the contractual arrangements between the TME Beijing or Yeelion Online, the VIEs and their respective shareholders were found to be in violation of any existing PRC laws and regulations, the relevant PRC regulatory authorities could:

 

   

revoke the Group’s business and operating licenses;

 

   

require the Group to discontinue or restrict its operations;

 

   

restrict the Group’s right to collect revenues;

 

   

block the Group’s websites;

 

   

require the Group to restructure the operations, re-apply for the necessary licenses or relocate its businesses, staff and assets;

 

   

impose additional conditions or requirements with which the Group may not be able to comply; or

 

   

take other regulatory or enforcement actions against the Group that could be harmful to the Group’s business.

The following are major financial statements amounts and balances of the Group’s VIEs and subsidiaries of VIEs as of and for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017.

 

     As at December 31,  
     2016      2017  
     RMB’million      RMB’million  

Total current assets

     2,138        6,205  

Total non-current assets

     4,480        3,872  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

     6,618        10,077  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     (1,763      (4,661

Total non-current liabilities

     (348      (304
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     (2,111      (4,965
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017

 

1

General information, organization and basis of preparation (Continued)

 

1.2

Organization and principal activities (Continued)

 

  (c)

Risks in relation to the VIEs (Continued)

 

     Year ended December 31,  
     2016      2017  
     RMB’million      RMB’million  

Total net revenues

     3,007        10,948  

Net profit

     61        340  

Net cash generated from operating activities

     842        1,763  

Net cash generated from investing activities

     570        131  

Net cash generated from financing activities

     —          —    

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

     1,412        1,894  

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the period

     —          1,412  

Cash and cash equivalents, end of the period

     1,412        3,306  

The above financial statements amounts and balances have included intercompany transactions which have be eliminated on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

As of December 31, 2016 and 2017, the total assets of Group’s VIEs were mainly consisting of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, prepayments, deposits and other current assets and intangible assets. As of December 31, 2016 and 2017, the total liabilities of VIEs were mainly consisting of accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities.

The recognized revenue-producing assets held by the Group’s VIEs include intangible assets acquired through business combination, prepaid content royalties and domain names, servers and leasehold improvements relating to office facilities. The balances of these assets as of December 31, 2016 and 2017 were included in the line of “Total non-current assets” in the table above.

The unrecognised revenue-producing assets held by the Group’s VIEs mainly consist of intellectual property, licenses, and trademarks that the Group relies on to operate its businesses.

 

2

Summary of significant accounting policies

The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated.

 

2.1

Basis of preparation

These consolidated financial statements are the first consolidated financial statements prepared by the Group in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRSs”) as issued by International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”). The consolidated financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, as modified by the revaluation of available-for-sale financial assets and short-term investments, which are carried at fair value.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRSs requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise its judgement in the process of applying the Group’s accounting policies. The areas involving a higher degree of judgement or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the consolidated financial statements are disclosed in Note 4.

 

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TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017

 

2

Summary of significant accounting policies (Continued)

 

2.1

Basis of preparation (Continued)

 

  (a)

First-time adoption of IFRSs

IFRS 1 “First-time adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards” has been applied in preparing the consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017. Since the Group become a first-time adopter later than its controlling shareholder, Tencent, therefore, the Group adopted the exemption to measure its assets and liabilities at the carrying amounts that would be included in Tencent’s consolidated financial statements. No reconciliation of the Group’s equity and profits reported under the previous accounting standards to its equity and profits under IFRSs was prepared as the Group has not issued any financial statements prior to this report.

 

  (b)

Carve out financial information of Tencent PRC Music Business

As stated in Note 1.2 above, immediately prior to the Merger, the Tencent PRC Music Business was held and operated by a number of entities controlled by Tencent, and did not exist as a separate legally constituted group. For the purpose of this report, the Tencent PRC Music Business is prepared using the carrying values of Tencent PRC Music Business from Tencent’s perspective to present the financial position and performance of the Tencent PRC Music Business on a standalone basis throughout the period from January 1, 2016 to July 12, 2016 (the “Carve-out Period”).

During the Carve-out Period, the financial information of Tencent PRC Music Business is derived from the historical accounting records of Tencent on the following basis:

 

  (i)

Income statement of the Tencent PRC Music Business for the Carve-out Period includes all revenues, related costs, expenses and charges directly generated or incurred by the Tencent PRC Music Business. Balance sheet of the Tencent PRC Music Business include the assets and liabilities that are directly related and clearly identified to the Tencent PRC Music Business.

 

  (ii)

Any funding received from/paid to Tencent and its group entities/operations other than the Tencent PRC Music Business in the Carve-out Period are treated as deemed capital contribution or return of contributions within the equity. Accounts receivables and other current assets, and accounts payable and other current liabilities received or settled by Tencent are also treated as deemed capital contribution or return of contributions within the equity.

 

  (iii)

Certain common operating and administrative expense incurred by the Tencent PRC Music Business in conjunction with other business operations of Tencent, including financial, human resources, office administration and other support functions are reallocated to the Tencent PRC Music Business primarily based on certain pre-determined charge rates per headcount of the Tencent PRC Music Business, which management believes represent a reasonable allocation methodology as these charge rates are consistent across Tencent.

 

  (iv)

The retained earnings/accumulated deficits within the equity represents the deficit or excess of total assets over total liabilities during the Carve-out Period.

The financial information for the Carve-out Period may not necessarily be indicative of the Tencent PRC Music Business’ financial position, results of operating activities or cash flows had it operated as a separate entity throughout the Carve-out Period presented or for future periods.

 

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TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017

 

2

Summary of significant accounting policies (Continued)

 

2.1

Basis of preparation (Continued)

 

  (c)

Reverse Acquisition of CMC

Under the reverse acquisition accounting, the consolidated financial statements represent the continuation of the financial statements of the Tencent PRC Music Business (being the legal acquiree and accounting acquirer) except for its capital structure, which reflect the following:

 

  (i)

the assets and liabilities of the legal acquiree (the accounting acquirer) recognized and measured at their pre-combination carrying amounts;

 

  (ii)

the assets and liabilities of the legal parent (the accounting acquiree) recognized and measured at their fair value as at July 12, 2016, the date of the reverse acquisition in accordance with IFRS 3;

 

  (iii)

the retained earnings and other equity balances of the legal acquiree before the Merger; and

 

  (iv)

the amount recognized as issued equity interests in the consolidated financial statements determined by adding the issued equity interest of the legal acquiree (the accounting acquirer) outstanding immediately before the business combination to the fair value of the legal parent (accounting acquiree) measured at fair value as at July 12, 2016. However, the equity structure reflects the equity structure of the legal parent (the accounting acquiree), including the equity interests the legal parent issued to effect the Merger. Accordingly, the equity structure of the legal acquiree (the accounting acquirer) is restated using the exchange ratio established in the acquisition agreement to reflect 1,290,862,550 shares of the legal parent (the accounting acquiree) issued in the Merger.

In applying the reverse acquisition accounting, the consideration deemed to be given by the Tencent PRC Music Business was RMB17,999 million, which is the fair value of the Company immediately prior to the Merger. The separately identifiable assets and liabilities of the accounting acquiree recognized in the consolidated statement of financial position were at their fair value as at the date of the reverse acquisition. Goodwill arising from the Merger was recognized on the same date. The results and cash flows of the accounting acquiree are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements from the date of the Merger. Further details are disclosed in Note 22(a).

 

2.2

Recent accounting pronouncements

 

  (a)

All new standards, amendments to standards and interpretations, which are mandatory for the financial year beginning January 1, 2016 and 2017, are consistently applied to the Group throughout the years presented. The adoption of these amendments does not have any significant impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Group.

 

  (b)

The Group has elected to early apply IFRS 15, “Revenue from contracts with customers” which has been applied consistently throughout the years presented. IFRS 15 replaces the previous revenue standards IAS 18 “Revenue” and IAS 11 “Construction Contracts” and related interpretations.

 

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TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017

 

2

Summary of significant accounting policies (Continued)

 

2.2

Recent accounting pronouncements (Continued)

 

  (c)

New standards, amendments and interpretations to existing standards have been issued but are not effective for the financial year beginning January 1, 2017 and have not been early adopted by the Group:

 

New standards, interpretations and amendments    Effective date  

IFRS 9, Financial Instruments

     January 1, 2018  

IFRS 16, Leases

     January 1, 2019  

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments

IFRS 9 “Financial instruments” addresses the classification, measurement and derecognition of financial assets and financial liabilities, introduces new rules for hedge accounting and a new impairment model for financial assets.

The Group has reviewed its financial assets and liabilities and is expecting the following impact from the adoption of the new standard on January 1, 2018:

Classification and measurement of financial instruments

The Group’s investments in available-for-sale financial assets to the extent of RMB10 million will be reclassified to financial assets at fair value through profit or loss, however there is no cumulative fair values change of these available-for-sale financial assets as at December 31, 2017 to be reclassified from other reserves to retained earnings on January 1, 2018. The remaining available-for-sale financial assets of the Group to the extent of RMB3,730 million will be reclassified to financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income and not recycling to income statement.

There will be no impact on the Group’s accounting for financial liabilities, as the new requirements only affect the accounting for financial liabilities that are designated at fair value through profit or loss, while the Group does not have any such liabilities.

Impairment of financial assets

The new impairment model requires the recognition of impairment provisions based on expected credit losses rather than only incurred credit losses as is the case under IAS 39. It applies to financial assets classified at amortized cost, debt instruments measured at fair value through other comprehensive income, contract assets under IFRS 15, lease receivables, loan commitments and certain financial guarantee contracts. Based on the assessments undertaken to date, the Group expects changes in the loss allowance for account receivables to be insignificant.

The new standard also introduces expanded disclosure requirements and changes in presentation. These are expected to change the nature and extent of the Group’s disclosures about its financial instruments.

IFRS 16 Leases

IFRS 16 will result in almost all leases being recognised on the statement of financial position, as the distinction between operating and finance leases is removed. Under the new standard, an asset (the right to use the leased item) and a financial liability to pay rentals are recognised. The only exceptions are short-term and low-value leases.

 

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TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017

 

2

Summary of significant accounting policies (Continued)

 

2.2

Recent accounting pronouncements (Continued)

 

The accounting for lessors will not be significantly changed. The standard will affect primarily the accounting for Group’s operating leases. The Group has just commenced its assessment and have not yet determined to what extent its commitments will result in the recognition of an asset and a liability for future payments and how this will affect the Group’s profit and classification of cash flows.

 

2.3

Principles of consolidation and equity accounting

 

  (a)

Subsidiaries

Subsidiaries are all entities (including VIEs as stated in Note 1.2 above) over which the Group has control. The Group controls an entity when the Group is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power to direct the activities of the entity. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the group. They are deconsolidated from the date that control ceases.

Intercompany transactions, balances and unrealised gains on transactions between group companies are eliminated. Unrealised losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of an impairment of the transferred asset. Accounting policies of subsidiaries have been changed where necessary to ensure consistency with the policies adopted by the Group.

Non-controlling interests in the results and equity of subsidiaries are shown separately in the consolidated income statement, statement of comprehensive income, statement of changes in equity and balance sheet, respectively.

 

  (b)

Associates

Associates are all entities over which the group has significant influence but not control or joint control. This is generally the case where the Group holds between 20% and 50% of the voting rights. Investments in associates are accounted for using the equity method of accounting (see (d) below), after initially being recognized at cost. Interests in associates are accounted for using the equity method of accounting (see (d) below), after initially being recognised at cost in the consolidated balance sheet.

 

  (c)

Joint ventures

Interests in joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method (see (d) below), after initially being recognised at cost in the consolidated balance sheet.

 

  (d)

Equity accounting

Under the equity method of accounting, the investments are initially recognised at cost and adjusted thereafter to recognise the Group’s share of the post-acquisition profits or losses of the investee in profit or loss, and the Group’s share of movements in other comprehensive income of the investee in other comprehensive income. Dividends received or receivable from associates and joint ventures are recognised as a reduction in the carrying amount of the investment.

 

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TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017

 

2

Summary of significant accounting policies (Continued)

 

2.3

Principles of consolidation and equity accounting (Continued)

 

  (d)

Equity accounting (Continued)

 

When the Group’s share of losses in an equity-accounted investment equals or exceeds its interest in the entity, including any other unsecured long-term receivables, the Group does not recognise further losses, unless it has incurred obligations or made payments on behalf of the other entity.

Unrealised gains on transactions between the group and its associates and joint ventures are eliminated to the extent of the Group’s interest in these entities. Unrealized losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of an impairment of the asset transferred. Accounting policies of equity accounted investees have been changed where necessary to ensure consistency with the policies adopted by the Group.

The carrying amount of equity-accounted investments is tested for impairment in accordance with the policy described in note 2.10 whenever there is an indication that the carrying amount may be impaired in accordance with note 2.11(e).

 

2.4

Business combinations

The acquisition method of accounting is used to account for all business combinations, regardless of whether equity instruments or other assets are acquired. The consideration transferred for the acquisition of a subsidiary comprises the:

 

   

fair values of the assets transferred

 

   

liabilities incurred to the former owners of the acquired business

 

   

equity interests issued by the group

 

   

fair value of any asset or liability resulting from a contingent consideration arrangement, and

 

   

fair value of any pre-existing equity interest in the subsidiary.

Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed in a business combination are, with limited exceptions, measured initially at their fair values at the acquisition date. The group recognises any non-controlling interest in the acquired entity on an acquisition-by-acquisition basis either at fair value or at the non-controlling interest’s proportionate share of the acquired entity’s net identifiable assets.

Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred.

The excess of the

 

   

consideration transferred,

 

   

amount of any non-controlling interest in the acquired entity, and

 

   

acquisition-date fair value of any previous equity interest in the acquired entity

over the fair value of the net identifiable assets acquired is recorded as goodwill.

If the business combination is achieved in stages, the acquisition date carrying value of the acquirer’s previously held equity interest in the acquiree is remeasured to fair value at the acquisition date. Any gains or losses arising from such remeasurement are recognized in profit or loss.

 

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TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017

 

2

Summary of significant accounting policies (Continued)

 

2.5

Segment reporting

Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision makers, who are responsible for allocating resources and assessing performance of the operating segments and making strategic decisions. The Group’s chief operating decision makers have been identified as the executive directors of the Company, who review the consolidated results of operations when making decisions about allocating resources and assessing performance of the Group as a whole.

For the purpose of internal reporting and management’s operation review, the chief operating decision-makers and management personnel do not segregate the Group’s business by product or service lines. Hence, the Group has only one operating segment. In addition, the Group does not distinguish between markets or segments for the purpose of internal reporting. As the Group’s assets and liabilities are substantially located in the PRC, substantially all revenues are earned and substantially all expenses incurred in the PRC, no geographical segments are presented.

 

2.6

Foreign currency translation

 

  (a)

Functional and presentation currency

Items included in the financial statements of each of the Group’s entities are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates (the “functional currency”). The functional currency of the Company is United States Dollars (“US$”). As the major operations of the Group are within the PRC, the Group presents its consolidated financial statements in Renminbi (“RMB”), unless otherwise stated

 

  (b)

Transactions and balances

Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rates at the dates of the transactions. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the translation of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at year end exchange rates are generally recognised in the income statement.

Foreign exchange gains and losses that relate to borrowings are presented in the income statement, within fair value change on liabilities of puttable shares. All other foreign exchange gains and losses are presented in the income statement on a net basis within other gains/losses.

 

  (c)

Group companies

The results and financial position of foreign operations (none of which has the currency of a hyperinflationary economy) that have a functional currency different from the presentation currency are translated into the presentation currency as follows:

 

   

assets and liabilities for each balance sheet presented are translated at the closing rate at the date of that balance sheet

 

   

income and expenses for each statement of profit or loss and statement of comprehensive income are translated at average exchange rates (unless this is not a reasonable approximation of the cumulative effect of the rates prevailing on the transaction dates, in which case income and expenses are translated at the dates of the transactions), and

 

   

all resulting exchange differences are recognised in other comprehensive income.

 

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Table of Contents

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017

 

2

Summary of significant accounting policies (Continued)

 

2.6

Foreign currency translation (Continued)

 

  (c)

Group companies (Continued)

 

On consolidation, exchange differences arising from the translation of any net investment in foreign entities are recognised in other comprehensive income. When a foreign operation is sold or any borrowings forming part of the net investment are repaid, the associated exchange differences are reclassified to profit or loss, as part of the gain or loss on sale.

Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on the acquisition of a foreign operation are treated as assets and liabilities of the foreign operation and translated at the closing rate. Currency translation differences arising are recognized in other comprehensive income.

 

2.7

Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation. Historical cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to the acquisition of the items

Subsequent costs are included in the asset’s carrying amount or recognized as a separate asset, as appropriate, only when it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the group and the cost of the item can be measured reliably. The carrying amount of any component accounted for as a separate asset is derecognized when replaced. All other repairs and maintenance are charged to profit or loss during the reporting period in which they are incurred.

Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method to allocate their cost or revalued amounts, net of their residual values, over their estimated useful lives or, in the case of leasehold improvements and certain leased plant and equipment, the shorter lease term as follows:

 

Servers and network equipment

   3 – 5 years

Office furniture, equipment and others

   3 – 5 years

Leasehold improvement

   Shorter of expected lives of leasehold improvements and lease term

The assets’ residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at the end of each reporting period.

An asset’s carrying amount is written down immediately to its recoverable amount if the asset’s carrying amount is greater than its estimated recoverable amount (Note 2.10).

Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing the proceeds with the carrying amount and are recognized in the income statement.

 

2.8

Goodwill

Goodwill is measured as described in Note 2.10. Goodwill on acquisitions of subsidiaries is included in intangible assets. Goodwill is not amortized but it is tested for impairment annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that it might be impaired, and is carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses. Gains and losses on the disposal of an entity include the carrying amount of goodwill relating to the entity sold.

 

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TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017

 

2

Summary of significant accounting policies (Continued)

 

2.8

Goodwill (Continued)

 

Goodwill is allocated to cash-generating units for the purpose of impairment testing. The allocation is made to those cash-generating units or groups of cash-generating units that are expected to benefit from the business combination in which the goodwill arose. The units or groups of units are identified at the lowest level at which goodwill is monitored for internal management purposes, being the operating segments.

 

2.9

Other intangible assets

 

  (a)

Domain name, trademark and Internet audio/video program transmission license

Separately acquired domain name, trademark and Internet audio/video program transmission license are shown at historical cost. These assets acquired in a business combination are recognized at fair value at the acquisition date. Domain name, trademark and Internet audio/video program transmission license have a finite useful life and are carried at cost less accumulated amortization. Amortization is calculated using the straight-line method to allocate the cost of these assets and over their respective useful live of no more than 12 years. The useful lives of these assets are the periods over which they are expected to be available for use by the Group, and the management of the Group also take into account of past experience when estimating the useful lives.

 

  (b)

Other intangible assets acquired in a business combination

Other intangible assets acquired in a business combination are recognized initially at fair value at the acquisition date and subsequently carried at the amount initially recognized less accumulated amortization and impairment loss, if any. Amortization is calculated using the straight-line method to allocate the costs of acquired intangible assets over the following estimated useful lives:

 

Online users

     1 year  

Corporate customer relationship

     3 – 4 years  

Supplier resources

     3 – 6 years  

Non-compete agreements

     4 – 5 years  

 

2.10

Impairment of non-financial assets

Goodwill and intangible assets that have an indefinite useful life are not subject to amortisation and are tested annually for impairment, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that they might be impaired. Other assets are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Impairment review on the goodwill of the Group is conducted by the management as at December 31 according to IAS 36 “Impairment of assets”. An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s fair value less costs of disposal and value in use. For the purposes of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable cash inflows which are largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets (cash-generating units). Non-financial assets other than goodwill that suffered an impairment are reviewed for possible reversal of the impairment at the end of each reporting period.

 

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TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017

 

2

Summary of significant accounting policies (Continued)

 

2.11

Investments and other financial assets

 

  (a)

Classification

The Group classifies its financial assets in the following categories: financial assets at fair value through profit or loss, loans and receivables, and available-for-sale financial assets.

The classification depends on the purpose for which the investments were acquired. Management determines the classification of its investments at initial recognition and, in the case of assets classified as held-to-maturity, re-evaluates this designation at the end of each reporting period. See Note 24 for details about each type of financial asset.

 

  (i)

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

The Group classifies financial assets at fair value through profit or loss if they are acquired principally for the purpose of selling in the short term, i.e. are held for trading. They are presented as current assets if they are expected to be sold within 12 months after the end of the reporting period; otherwise they are presented as non-current assets. The Group’s short-term investments were classified as financial assets at fair value through profit or loss.

 

  (ii)

Loans and receivables

Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market. If collection of the amounts is expected in one year or less they are classified as current assets. If not, they are presented as non-current assets. The Group’s loans and receivables comprise of trade and other receivables and cash and cash equivalents.

 

  (iii)

Available-for-sale financial assets

Investments are designated as available-for-sale financial assets if they do not have fixed maturities and fixed or determinable payments, and management intends to hold them for the medium to long-term. Financial assets that are not classified into any of the other categories (at fair value through profit or loss, loans and receivables or held-to-maturity investments) are also included in the available-for-sale category.

The financial assets are presented as non-current assets unless they mature, or management intends to dispose of them within 12 months of the end of the reporting period.

 

  (b)

Recognition and derecognition

Regular way purchases and sales of financial assets are recognized on trade-date, the date on which the group commits to purchase or sell the asset. Financial assets are derecognized when the rights to receive cash flows from the financial assets have expired or have been transferred and the group has transferred substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership.

When securities classified as available-for-sale are sold, the accumulated fair value adjustments recognized in other comprehensive income are reclassified to profit or loss as gains and losses from investment securities.

 

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TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017

 

2

Summary of significant accounting policies (Continued)

 

2.11

Investments and other financial assets (Continued)

 

  (c)

Measurement

At initial recognition, the group measures a financial asset at its fair value plus, in the case of a financial asset not at fair value through profit or loss, transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition of the financial asset. Transaction costs of financial assets carried at fair value through profit or loss are expensed in the income statement.

Loans and receivables are subsequently carried at amortized cost using the effective interest method.

Available-for-sale financial assets and financial assets at fair value through profit or loss are subsequently carried at fair value. Gains or losses arising from changes in the fair value are recognized as follows:

 

   

for “financial assets at fair value through profit or loss”—in profit or loss within other gains/losses

 

   

for “available-for-sale financial assets” that are monetary securities denominated in a foreign currency—translation differences related to changes in the amortized cost of the security are recognized in the income statement and other changes in the carrying amount are recognized in other comprehensive income

 

   

for other monetary and non-monetary securities classified as available-for-sale—in other comprehensive income.

Dividends on financial assets at fair value through profit or loss and available-for-sale equity instruments are recognized in the income statement when the Group’s right to receive payments is established.

Interest income from financial assets at fair value through profit or loss and on loans and receivables calculated using the effective interest method are recognized as interest income in the income statement.

Details on how the fair value of financial instruments is determined are disclosed in Note 3.3.

 

  (d)

Offsetting financial instruments

Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amount reported in the balance sheet where the Company currently has a legally enforceable right to offset the recognized amounts, and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or realize the asset and settle the liability simultaneously. The Company has also entered into arrangements that do not meet the criteria for offsetting but still allow for the related amounts to be set off in certain circumstances, such as bankruptcy or the termination of a contract.

 

  (e)

Impairment of financial assets

The Group assesses at the end of each reporting period whether there is objective evidence that a financial asset or group of financial assets is impaired. A financial asset or a group of financial assets is impaired and impairment losses are incurred only if there is objective evidence of impairment as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition of the asset (a ‘loss event’) and

 

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Table of Contents

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017

 

2

Summary of significant accounting policies (Continued)

 

2.11

Investments and other financial assets (Continued)

 

  (e)

Impairment of financial assets (Continued)

 

that loss event (or events) has an impact on the estimated future cash flows of the financial asset or group of financial assets that can be reliably estimated. In the case of equity investments classified as available-for-sale, a significant or prolonged decline in the fair value of the security below its cost is considered an indicator that the assets are impaired.

 

  (i)

Assets carried at amortized cost

For loans and receivables, the amount of the loss is measured as the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows (excluding future credit losses that have not been incurred) discounted at the financial asset’s original effective interest rate. The carrying amount of the asset is reduced and the amount of the loss is recognized in income statement. If a loan or held-to-maturity investment has a variable interest rate, the discount rate for measuring any impairment loss is the current effective interest rate determined under the contract. As a practical expedient, the group may measure impairment on the basis of an instrument’s fair value using an observable market price.

If, in a subsequent period, the amount of the impairment loss decreases and the decrease can be related objectively to an event occurring after the impairment was recognized (such as an improvement in the debtor’s credit rating), the reversal of the previously recognized impairment loss is recognized in income statement. Impairment testing of accounts receivable is described in Note 15.

 

  (ii)

Assets classified as available-for-sale

If there is objective evidence of impairment for available-for-sale financial assets, the cumulative loss—measured as the difference between the acquisition cost and the current fair value, less any impairment loss on that financial asset previously recognized in income statement—is removed from equity and recognized in the income statement.

Impairment losses on equity instruments that were recognized in income statement are not reversed through profit or loss in a subsequent period.

If the fair value of a debt instrument classified as available-for-sale increases in a subsequent period and the increase can be objectively related to an event occurring after the impairment loss was recognized in the income statement, the impairment loss is reversed through income statement.

 

2.12

Inventories

Inventories, mainly consisting of merchandise for sale, are primarily accounted for using the weighted average method and are stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value.

 

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TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017

 

2

Summary of significant accounting policies (Continued)

 

2.13

Accounts receivable

Accounts receivable are amounts due from customers for goods sold or services performed in the ordinary course of business. Accounts receivable is generally due for settlement within 30 to 90 days and therefore are all classified as current.

 

2.14

Short-term investments

Short-term investments are investments issued by commercial banks in the PRC with a variable interest rate indexed to performance of underlying assets. Since these investments’ maturity dates are within one year, they are classified as current assets.

 

2.15

Cash and cash equivalents

For the purpose of presentation in the statement of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents includes cash on hand, deposits held at call with financial institutions, and other short-term deposits with original maturities of three months or less.

 

2.16

Share capital

Ordinary shares are classified as equity.

Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares or options are shown in equity as a deduction, net of tax, from the proceeds.

 

2.17

Accounts and other payables

These amounts represent liabilities for goods and services provided to the Group prior to the end of financial year which are unpaid. The amounts are unsecured and are usually paid within 1 year of recognition. Accounts and other payables are presented as current liabilities unless payment is not due within 12 months after the reporting period.

 

2.18

Current and deferred income tax

The income tax expense or credit for the period is the tax payable on the current period’s taxable income based on the applicable income tax rate for each jurisdiction adjusted by changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities attributable to temporary differences and to unused tax losses.

 

  (a)

Current income tax

The current income tax charge is calculated on the basis of the tax laws enacted or substantively enacted at the end of the reporting period in the countries where the company’s subsidiaries and associates operate and generate taxable income. Management periodically evaluates positions taken in tax returns with respect to situations in which applicable tax regulation is subject to interpretation. It establishes provisions where appropriate on the basis of amounts expected to be paid to the tax authorities.

 

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TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017

 

2

Summary of significant accounting policies (Continued)

 

2.18

Current and deferred income tax (Continued)

 

  (b)

Deferred income tax

Deferred income tax is provided in full, using the liability method, on temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the consolidated financial statements. However, deferred tax liabilities are not recognized if they arise from the initial recognition of goodwill. Deferred income tax is also not accounted for if it arises from initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction other than a business combination that at the time of the transaction affects neither accounting nor taxable profit/loss. Deferred income tax is determined using tax rates (and laws) that have been enacted or substantially enacted by the end of the reporting period and are expected to apply when the related deferred income tax asset is realized or the deferred income tax liability is settled.

Deferred tax assets are recognized only if it is probable that future taxable amounts will be available to utilize those temporary differences and losses.

Deferred tax liabilities and assets are not recognized for temporary differences between the carrying amount and tax bases of investments in foreign operations where the company is able to control the timing of the reversal of the temporary differences and it is probable that the differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

 

  (c)

Offsetting

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets and liabilities and when the deferred tax balances relate to the same taxation authority. Current tax assets and tax liabilities are offset where the entity has a legally enforceable right to offset and intends either to settle on a net basis, or to realize the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

 

  (d)

Uncertain tax positions

In determining the amount of current and deferred income tax, the Group takes into account the impact of uncertain tax positions and whether additional taxes, interest or penalties may be due. This assessment relies on estimates and assumptions and may involve a series of judgments about future events. New information may become available that causes the Group to change its judgment regarding the adequacy of existing tax liabilities. Such changes to tax liabilities will impact tax expense in the period that such a determination is made.

 

2.19

Employee benefits

 

  (a)

Employee leave entitlements

Employee entitlements to annual leave are recognized when they accrue to employees. A provision is made for the estimated liability for annual leave as a result of services rendered by employees up to the end of the reporting period. Employee entitlements to sick and maternity leave are not recognized until the time of leave.

 

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TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017

 

2

Summary of significant accounting policies (Continued)

 

2.19

Employee benefits (Continued)

 

  (b)

Pension obligations

The Group participates in various defined contribution retirement benefit plans which are available to all relevant employees. These plans are generally funded through payments to schemes established by governments or trustee-administered funds. A defined contribution plan is a pension plan under which the Group pays contributions on a mandatory, contractual or voluntary basis into a separate fund. The Group has no legal or constructive obligations to pay further contributions if the fund does not hold sufficient assets to pay all employees the benefits relating to employee services in the current and prior periods. The Group’s contributions to the defined contribution plans are expensed as incurred and not reduced by contributions forfeited by those employees who leave the plan prior to vesting fully in the contributions.

 

2.20

Share-based payments

The Group operates a number of equity-settled share-based compensation plan (including share option schemes and share award schemes), under which the Group receives services from employees as consideration for equity instruments (including stock options and restricted shares units (“RSUs”)) of the Group. In addition, the controlling shareholder, Tencent, also operates certain share-based compensation plans (mainly share option schemes and share award schemes) which may cover the employees of the Group. Share awards granted to the employees of the Group are measured at the grant date based on the fair value of equity instruments and are recognized as an expense over the vesting period, which is the period over which all of the specified vesting conditions are to be satisfied, and credited to equity as “share-based compensation reserve” if it is related to equity instruments of the Company or as “contribution from ultimate holding company” if it is related to equity instruments of Tencent.

For grant of share options, the total amount to be expensed is determined by reference to the fair value of the options granted by using the binomial model. The determination of the fair value is affected by the share price as well as assumptions regarding a number of complex and subjective variables, including the expected share price volatility, expected forfeiture rate, risk-free interest rates, contract life and expected dividends. For grant of award shares, the total amount to be expensed is determined by reference to the fair value of the Company or market price of Tencent’s shares at the grant date.

Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and revised in the subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.

 

2.21

Provisions

Provisions for legal claims and service warranties are recognized when the group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events, it is probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation and the amount can be reliably estimated. Provisions are not recognized for future operating losses.

Where there are a number of similar obligations, the likelihood that an outflow will be required in settlement is determined by considering the class of obligations as a whole. A provision is recognized even if the likelihood of an outflow with respect to any one item included in the same class of obligations may be small.

 

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Table of Contents

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017

 

2

Summary of significant accounting policies (Continued)

 

2.21

Provisions (Continued)

 

Provisions are measured at the present value of management’s best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the present obligation at the end of the reporting period. The discount rate used to determine the present value is a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the liability. The increase in the provision due to the passage of time is recognized as interest expense.

 

2.22

Revenue recognition

The Group generates revenues primarily from provision of music entertainment services, such as paid music, virtual gifts sales and content sublicensing, and online advertising. Revenue is recognized when or as the control of the services or goods is transferred to the customer. Depending on the terms of the contract and the laws that apply to the contract, control of the services and goods may be transferred over time or at a point in time.

 

  (a)

Revenue from online music services

Online music services revenues primarily include revenues from paid subscriptions, sale of digital music singles and albums, content sublicensing and online advertising.

The Group provides to users certain subscription packages which entitle paying subscribers a fixed amount of non-accumulating downloads per month and unlimited “ad-free” streaming of the Group’s full music content offerings with certain privilege features on its music platforms. The subscription fee for these packages is time-based and is collected upfront from subscribers. The terms of time-based subscriptions range from one month to twelve months. The receipt of subscription fee is initially recorded as deferred revenue. The Group satisfies its various performance obligations by providing services throughout the subscription period and revenue is recognized accordingly.

The Group also provides its users to purchase early release access to certain new digital music singles and albums. These singles and albums can be downloaded and streamed only through the Group’s platform. Such music singles and albums will be made available to all users to access after the initial launch period which is generally 3 months. The Group considers that it provides the early access to the newly launched singles and albums within its platform as opposed to providing functional intellectual property to the users. As a result, the performance obligation of providing early access is satisfied over time.

The above services can be paid directly by users by way of online payment channels or through various third party platforms. The Group records revenue on gross basis according to the criteria stated in (c) below and recognizes service fees levied by online payment channels or third party platforms (“Channel Fees”) as the cost of revenues in the same period as the related revenue is recognized.

The Group sublicenses certain of the Group’s music content to other music platforms for a fixed period of time, typically one year, that falls within the original license period. The Group is obliged to replicate the licensed content library for any subsequent changes in the contents, including any new contents or removal of existing contents, updated by the contents partners any time during the sublicense period. As a result, the Group determines sublicense of contents as a single performance obligation. Revenues from sublicensing the contents is recognized over the sublicense period. The Group only recognizes revenue when it is highly probable that this will not result in a significant

 

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Table of Contents

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017

 

2

Summary of significant accounting policies (Continued)

 

2.22

Revenue recognition (Continued)

 

  (a)

Revenue from online music services (Continued)

 

reversal of revenue when any uncertainty is resolved. The Group do not adjust the promised amount of consideration for the effects of any significant financing component as the sublicense period is typically one year.

Advertising revenue is primarily generated through display ads on the Group’s platforms. Advertising contracts are signed to establish the fixed prices and advertising services to be provided based on cost per display (“CPD”) or cost per mille (“CPM”) arrangements. When the collectability is reasonably assured, advertising revenues from the CPD arrangements that are display ads for an agreed period of time, are recognized ratably over the contract period of display based on a time-based measure of progress as the performance obligation is expended evenly over the period, while revenue from the CPM arrangements are recognized based on the number of times that the advertisement has been displayed. The Group allocates revenue to each performance obligation on a relative stand-alone selling price basis which is determined with reference to the prices charged to customers.

The Group also entered into contracts with advertising agencies both third-party and controlled by Tencent, which represent the Group in negotiation and contracting with advertisers. The Group shares with these advertising agencies a portion of the revenues the Group derives from the advertisers. Revenues are recognized on a gross or net basis based on assessment according to the criteria stated in (c) below. If revenue for advertising through these advertising agencies are recorded at the gross amount, the portion remitted to advertising agencies, including any cash incentive in the form of commissions, is recorded as cost of revenues. If revenue for advertising through these advertising agencies are recorded at the net amount, cash incentives, in the form of commissions to any advertising agencies based on volume and performance, are accounted for as a reduction of revenue, based on expected performance.

 

  (b)

Revenue from social entertainment services and others

The Group offers virtual gifts to users for free or sell virtual gifts to users on the Group’s online karaoke and live streaming platforms. The virtual gifts are sold to users at different specified prices as pre-determined by the Group. The utilization of each virtual gift sold to users is considered as the performance obligation and the Group allocates revenue to each performance obligation on a relative stand-alone selling price basis, which are determined based on the prices charged to customers.

Virtual gifts are categorized as consumable, time-based and durable. Consumable items are consumed upon purchase and use while time-based items could be used for a fixed period. The Group does not have further obligations to the user after the virtual gifts are consumed immediately or after the stated period for time-based items. The revenue for the sale of consumable virtual gifts on the online streaming platforms is recognized immediately when a virtual item is consumed or, in the case of a time-based virtual item, recognized ratably over the useful life of the items, which generally does not exceed one year. The Group does not have further obligations to the user after the virtual gifts are consumed. The Group recognizes the revenue for sale of durable virtual gifts on the online karaoke platform over their estimated lifespans of not longer than six months, which are determined by the management based on the expected service period derived from past experiences, given there is an implicit obligation of the Group to maintain the virtual gifts operated on its platforms.

 

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Table of Contents

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017

 

2

Summary of significant accounting policies (Continued)

 

2.22

Revenue recognition (Continued)

 

  (b)

Revenue from social entertainment services and others (Continued)

 

The Group may share with performers a portion of the revenues derived from the sale of the virtual gifts on the online karaoke and live streaming platforms. Revenues for the sale of virtual gifts are recorded at the gross amount with the portion remitted to performers is recorded as cost of revenues as the Group considers itself the primary obligor in the sale of virtual gifts with the latitude in establishing prices, and the rights to determine the specifications or change the virtual gifts.

In addition to virtual item sales, the Group also generates revenue from online karaoke and live streaming services by selling premium memberships that provide paying users with certain privileges. The fees for these packages are time-based ranging from one month to twelve months and are collected up-front from subscribers. The receipt of subscription fee is initially recorded as deferred revenue. The Group satisfies its performance obligation by providing services over the subscription period and revenue is recognized ratably over the subscription period.

 

  (c)

Principal agent consideration

The Group reports the revenue on a gross or net basis depending on whether the Group is acting as a principal or an agent in a transaction. The determination of whether to report the revenues of the Group on a gross or net basis is based on an evaluation of whether various factors, including but not limited to whether the Group (i) is the primary obligor in the arrangement; (ii) has latitude in establishing the selling price; (iii) changes the product or performs part of the service; (iv) has involvement in the determination of product and service specifications.

The Group does not disclose the information about the remaining performance obligations as the performance obligations of the Group have an expected duration of one year or less.

 

2.23

Interest income

Interest income is recognized using the effective interest method.

 

2.24

Cost of revenues

Cost of revenues mainly consists of service costs, bandwidth and server costs, advertising agency fees, channel fees, amortization of intangible assets, salaries and benefits for operation personnel (including related share-based compensation) and others.

Service costs include royalty payments to music content providers and revenue sharing with performers on the online karaoke and live streaming platforms. Payment arrangements with music content providers are mainly calculated under pre-determined revenue sharing based on actual usage of content. Certain arrangements require the Group to pay certain non-recoupable royalty in advance. The Group expenses the non-recoupable royalty on a straight-line basis over the relevant contractual periods and accrues additional royalty costs when revenue sharing during a contractual period is expected to exceed the non-recoupable royalty amounts.

 

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Table of Contents

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017

 

2

Summary of significant accounting policies (Continued)

 

2.25

Sales and marketing expenses

Sales and marketing expenses mainly consist of advertising expenses to acquire user traffic for our online music show platforms, salaries and commissions for our sales and marketing personnel (including related share-based compensation) and intangible assets amortization. Advertising costs are included in “Sales and marketing” and are expensed when the service is received.

 

2.26

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses mainly consist of salaries and benefits for management and administrative personnel and research and development personnel (including related share-based compensation), rental and depreciation expenses related to facilities and equipment used by our research and development team, professional service expense, amortization of intangible assets, allowance for doubtful debts and other general corporate expenses. The Group recognizes research and development related costs as expense when incurred as the amount of costs qualifying for capitalization has been immaterial.

 

2.27

Government grants

Grants from the government are recognised at their fair value where there is a reasonable assurance that the grant will be received and the Group will comply with all attached conditions.

 

2.28

Leases

Leases in which a significant portion of the risks and rewards of ownership are not transferred to the group as lessee are classified as operating leases (Note 25). Payments made under operating leases (net of any incentives received from the lessor) are charged to profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the period of the lease.

 

2.29

Dividends distribution

Dividend distribution to the Company’s shareholders is recognized as a liability in the consolidated financial statements in the period in which the dividends are approved by the Company’s shareholders or directors, where appropriate.

Distribution of non-cash assets to the Company’s shareholders is recognized and measured at the fair value of the non-cash assets to be distributed. Any difference between the fair value and the carrying amount of the non-cash assets to be distributed is recognized in the income statement.

 

3

Financial risk management

 

3.1

Financial risk factors

The Group’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks: market risk (including foreign exchange risk, price risk and interest rate risk), credit risk and liquidity risk. The Group’s overall risk management strategy seeks to minimize the potential adverse effects on the financial performance of the Group. Risk management is carried out by the senior management of the Group.

 

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Table of Contents

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017

 

3

Financial risk management (Continued)

 

3.1

Financial risk factors (Continued)

 

(a)

Market risk

 

  (i)

Foreign exchange risk

The Group is exposed to foreign exchange risk arising from various currency exposures, primarily with respect to RMB and US$. Foreign exchange risk arises when future commercial transactions or recognised assets and liabilities are denominated in a currency that is not the respective functional currency of the Group’s subsidiaries. The functional currency of the Company and majority of its overseas subsidiaries is US$ whereas the functional currency of the subsidiaries which operate in the PRC is RMB. The Group currently does not hedge transactions undertaken in foreign currencies but manages its foreign exchange risk by performing regular reviews of the Group’s net foreign exchange exposures.

If RMB had strengthened/weakened by 5% against US$ with all other variables held constant, the post-tax profit would have been RMB23 million higher/lower and RMB14 million higher/lower, for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively, as a result of net foreign exchange gains/losses on translation of net monetary assets denominated in RMB/US$ which is not the functional currencies of the respective Group’s entities.

 

  (ii)   Price risk

The Group is exposed to price risk because of investments held by the Group, which are classified as available-for-sale financial assets. The Group is not exposed to commodity price risk.

The sensitivity analysis is determined based on the exposure to equity price risk of available-for-sale financial assets at the end of each reporting period. If equity prices of the respective instruments held by the Group had been 5% higher/lower, the other comprehensive income would have been approximately RMB1 million and RMB187 million higher/lower, for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively.

 

  (iii)   Interest rate risk

Other than term deposits with initial terms of over three months and cash and cash equivalents, the Group has no other significant interest-bearing assets. The directors of the Company do not anticipate there is any significant impact to interest-bearing assets resulted from the changes in interest rates, because the interest rates of these assets are not expected to change significantly.

 

(b)

Credit risk

The Group is exposed to credit risk in relation to its cash and cash deposits (including term deposits) placed with banks and financial institutions, short-term investments, as well as accounts and other receivables. The carrying amount of each class of these financial assets represents the Group’s maximum exposure to credit risk in relation to the corresponding class of financial assets.

The Group has policies in place to ensure that credit terms are granted to counterparties, including customers for contents sublicenses, advertising agencies, third parties platforms as well as entities under Tencent, with an appropriate credit history and the Group performs periodic credit evaluations of these counterparties. Management does not expect any loss arising from non-performance by these counterparties.

 

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Table of Contents

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017

 

3

Financial risk management (Continued)

 

3.1

Financial risk factors (Continued)

 

(b)

Credit risk (Continued)

 

Customers for contents sublicenses and the third parties platforms are reputable corporations with sound financial position. The credit quality of the advertising agencies are assessed on a regular basis based on historical settlement records and past experience. Provisions are made for past due balances when management considers the loss from the counterparties is likely. The Group’s historical experience in collection of receivables falls within the recorded allowances.

In addition, deposits are only placed with reputable domestic or international financial institutions. There has been no recent history of default in relation to these financial institutions.

Top five customers accounted for 30% of gross accounts receivables comprise of 12%, 12%, 3%, 2% and 1% from these top five customers. Nevertheless no single external customer amount to more than 10% of the revenue of the Group.

 

(c)

Liquidity risk

The Group aims to maintain sufficient cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments to meet financial obligations when due. Management monitors rolling forecasts of the Group’s liquidity requirements on the basis of expected cash flows and considering the maturities of financial assets and financial liabilities.

As of December 31, 2016 and 2017, the Group did not have any external borrowings and majority of its financial liabilities, mainly comprise of accounts payable and other payables and accruals, are due for settlement contractually within 12 months and the contractual undiscounted cash outflow of the Group’s financial liabilities approximates their carrying amounts included in the consolidated balance sheet.

 

3.2

Capital risk management

The Group’s objectives on managing capital are to safeguard the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern and support the sustainable growth of the Group in order to provide returns for shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders and to maintain an optimal capital structure to enhance shareholders’ value in the long term.

In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the group may adjust the amount of dividends paid to shareholders, return capital to shareholders, issue new shares or sell assets to reduce debt. In the opinion of the directors of the Company, the Group’s capital risk is low.

 

3.3

Fair value estimation

The table below analyses the Group’s financial instruments carried at fair value as of December 31, 2016 and 2017 by level of the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. Such inputs are categorized into three levels within a fair value hierarchy as follows:

 

   

Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1);

 

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Table of Contents

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017

 

3

Financial risk management (Continued)

 

3.3

Fair value estimation (Continued)

 

   

Inputs other than quoted prices included within level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (that is, as prices) or indirectly (that is, derived from prices) (level 2); and

 

   

Inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (that is, unobservable inputs) (level 3).

The Group’s financial instruments carried at fair values comprised short-term investments and available-for-sale financial assets stated in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2016 and 2017 were measured at level 2 and level 3 fair value hierarchy, respectively.

The fair value of financial instruments that are not traded in an active market is determined by using valuation techniques. These valuation techniques maximize the use of observable market data where it is available and rely as little as possible on entity specific estimates. If all significant inputs required for evaluating the fair value of a financial instrument are observable, the instrument is included in level 2. If one or more of the significant inputs are not based on observable market data, the instrument is included in level 3.

The Group performs valuation on these level 3 instruments for financial reporting purposes. The Group adopts various valuation techniques to determine the fair value of the level 3 instruments. External valuation experts may also be involved and consulted when it is necessary.

The components of the level 3 instruments mainly include investments in private investment funds and unlisted companies. As these instruments are not traded in an active market, their fair values have been determined using various applicable valuation techniques, including discounted cash flows approach and comparable transactions approach, etc. Major assumptions used in the valuation include historical financial results, assumptions about future growth rates, estimates of weighted average cost of capital (WACC), recent market transactions, discount for lack of marketability and other exposure etc. The fair value of these instruments determined by the Group requires significant judgement, including the likelihood of non-performing by the investee companies, financial performance of the investee companies, market value of comparable companies as well as discount rate, etc.

During the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, there was no transfer between level 1 and 2 for recurring fair value measurements. Movement of the available-for-sale financial assets that using level 3 measurements see the following table have been presented in Note 13.

 

4

Critical accounting estimates and judgments

The preparation of financial statements requires the use of accounting estimates which, by definition, will seldom equal the actual results. Management also needs to exercise judgement in applying the group’s accounting policies.

Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated. They are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that may have a financial impact on the entity and that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.

 

  (a)

Consolidation of VIEs

As disclosed in Note 1.2, the Group exercises control over the VIEs and has the right to recognize and receive substantially all the economic benefits through the Contractual Arrangements. The Group

 

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Table of Contents

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017

 

4

Critical accounting estimates and judgments (Continued)

 

  (a)

Consolidation of VIEs (Continued)

 

considers that it controls the VIEs not withstanding the fact that it does not hold direct equity interests in the VIEs, as it has power over the financial and operating policies of the VIEs and receive substantially all the economic benefits from the business activities of the VIEs through the Contractual Arrangements. Accordingly, all these VIEs are accounted for as controlled structured entities and their financial statements have also been consolidated by the Company.

 

  (b)

The estimates of the lifespans of durable virtual gifts

Users purchase certain durable virtual gifts on the Group’s online karaoke and live streaming platforms and the relevant revenue is recognized based on the estimated lifespans of the virtual gifts. The estimated lifespans are determined by the management based on the expected service period derived from historical data of user relationship period.

Significant judgements are required in determining the expected user relationship periods, including but not limited to historical users’ activities patterns and churn out rate. The Group has adopted a policy of assessing the estimated lifespans of virtual gifts on a regular basis whenever there is any indication of change in the expected user relationship periods. Any change in the estimates may result in the revenue being recognized on a different basis from that in prior periods.

 

  (c)

Business combination

In business combinations, the Group allocates the fair value of purchase consideration to the tangible assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and intangible assets acquired based on their estimated fair values. The excess of the fair value of purchase consideration over the fair values of these identifiable assets and liabilities is recorded as goodwill. Such valuations require management to make significant estimates and assumptions, especially with respect to intangible assets. See Note 22.

 

  (d)

Share-based compensation arrangements

The Group measures the cost of equity-settled transactions with employees and non-employees by reference to the fair value of the equity instruments at the date at which they are granted. The fair value is estimated using a model which requires the determination of the appropriate inputs. The Group has to estimate the expected yearly percentage of grantees that will stay within the Group at the end of vesting periods of the options and awarded shares (the “Expected Retention Rate”) in order to determine the amount of share-based compensation expenses charged to the consolidated income statement. The assumptions and models used for estimating the fair value of share-based payment transactions are disclosed in Note 19.

 

  (e)

Income taxes

The Group is subject to income taxes in numerous jurisdictions. Judgement is required in determining the provision for income taxes. Where the final tax outcome of these matters is different from the amounts that were initially recorded, such differences will impact current income tax and deferred income tax in the period in which such determination is made.

 

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Table of Contents

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017

 

5

Revenues and gains

 

  (a)

Revenues

During the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, revenue from subscription packages contributed RMB1,279 million and RMB1,841 million, respectively.

 

  (b)

Other (losses)/gains, net

 

     Year ended December 31,  
     2016      2017  
     RMB’million      RMB’million  

Government grants (note)

     9        30  

Impairment provision for investments in associates

     —          (2

Net foreign exchange gains/(losses)

     (23      18  

Gain on step-up acquisition arising from business combination (Note 22(b))

     —          72  

Other

     1        6  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     (13      124  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Note: There are no unfulfilled conditions or contingencies related to these subsidies.

 

6

Expense by nature

 

     Year ended December 31,  
     2016      2017  
     RMB’million      RMB’million  

Service costs (note i)

     2,481        6,142  

Advertising agency fees

     151        188  

Employee benefits expenses (note ii and note iii)

     721        1,373  

Promotion and advertising expenses

     193        660  

Operating lease rentals in respect of office buildings

     23        48  

Notes:

  (i)

Service costs mainly comprise of licensing costs, revenue sharing fees paid to content creators and content delivery costs relating primarily to server, cloud services and bandwidth costs.

  (ii)

During the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, the Group incurred expenses for the purpose of research and development of approximately RMB449 million and RMB797 million, which comprised employee benefits expenses of RMB402 million and RMB724 million, respectively.

No significant development expenses had been capitalized for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017.

  (iii)

Employee benefits expenses

 

     Year ended December 31,  
     2016      2017  
     RMB’million      RMB’million  

Wages, salaries and bonuses

     335        723  

Welfare, medical and other expenses

     184        204  

Share-based compensation expenses

     170        384  

Contribution to pension plans

     32        62  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     721        1,373  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-40


Table of Contents

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017

 

6

Expense by nature (Continued)

 

Majority of the Group’s contributions to pension plans are related to the local employees in the PRC. All local employees of the subsidiaries in the PRC participate in employee social security plans established in the PRC, which cover pension, medical and other welfare benefits. The plans are organized and administered by the governmental authorities. Except for the contributions made to these social security plans, the Group has no other material commitments owing to the employees. According to the relevant regulations, the portion of premium and welfare benefit contributions that should be borne by the companies within the Group as required by the above social security plans are principally determined based on percentages of the basic salaries of employees, subject to certain ceilings imposed. These contributions are paid to the respective labour and social welfare authorities and are expensed as incurred.

 

7

Taxation

 

(a)

Income tax expense

Income tax expense is recognized based on management’s best knowledge of the income tax rates expected for the financial year.

 

  (i)

Cayman Islands

Under the current laws of the Cayman Islands, the Company is not subject to tax on income or capital gains. Additionally, upon payment of dividends by the Company to its shareholders, no Cayman Islands withholding tax will be imposed.

 

  (ii)

Hong Kong

Under the current tax laws of Hong Kong, TME HK is subject to Hong Kong profits tax at 16.5% on its taxable income generated from the operation in Hong Kong. Dividends from TME HK is exempt from withholding tax.

 

  (iii)

PRC

Under the Corporate Income Tax (“CIT”) Law, foreign invested enterprises and domestic enterprises are subject to a unified CIT rate of 25%. In accordance with the implementation rules of the CIT Law, a qualified “High and New Technology Enterprise” (“HNTE”) is eligible for a preferential tax rate of 15% and a “Software Enterprise”(“SE”) is entitled exemption from income taxation for the first two years, counting from the year the enterprise makes profit, and reduction half for the next three years. Shenzhen Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone (“Qianhai”) receives quality support in piloting the exploration of tax reforms in the modern service industry within the framework of national tax system reform. For eligible enterprises in Qianhai, CIT shall be levied at a reduced tax rate of 15%.

Guangzhou Kugou and Beijing Kuwo have been recognized as HNTE under the CIT law by relevant government authorities entitled to preferential tax rate of 15% for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017. Guangzhou Fanxing Entertainment Information Technology Co., Ltd has been recognised as HNTE under the CIT law by relevant government authorities entitled to preferential tax rate of 15% for

 

F-41


Table of Contents

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017

 

7

Taxation (Continued)

 

(a)

Income tax expense (Continued)

 

  (iii)

PRC (Continued)

 

the year ended December 31, 2017. Yeelion Online was qualified as a SE and has enjoyed the relevant tax holiday starting from the year ended December 31, 2017 (i.e. its first profitable year). Tencent Music Entertainment Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd has been entitled to preferential tax rate of 15% as an eligible enterprise in Qianhai. The other PRC subsidiaries and Consolidated VIEs are subject to a 25% CIT rate.

The CIT Law also provides that an enterprise established under the laws of a foreign country or region but whose “de facto management body” is located in the PRC be treated as a resident enterprise for PRC tax purposes and consequently be subject to the PRC income tax at the rate of 25% for its global income. The Implementing Rules of the CIT Law merely define the location of the “de facto management body” as “the place where the exercising, in substance, of the overall management and control of the production and business operation, personnel, accounting, properties, etc., of a non-PRC company is located.” Based on a review of surrounding facts and circumstances, the Group does not believe that it is likely that its operations outside of the PRC should be considered as a resident enterprise for PRC tax purposes.

The income tax expense of the Group are analyzed as follows:

 

     Year ended December 31,  
     2016      2017  
     RMB’million      RMB’million  

Current income tax

     105        353  

Deferred income tax (note b)

     (76      (75
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total income tax expense

     29        278  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-42


Table of Contents

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017

 

7

Taxation (Continued)

 

(a)

Income tax expense (Continued)

 

  (iii)

PRC (Continued)

 

The taxation on the Group’s profit before income tax differs from the theoretical amount that would arise using the tax rate of 25% for the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, being the tax rate of the major subsidiaries of the Group before enjoying preferential tax treatments, as follows:

 

     Year ended December 31,  
     2016      2017  
     RMB’million      RMB’million  

Profit before income tax expense

     114        1,597  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Tax calculated at a tax rate of 25%

     28        399  

Effects of difference tax rates applicable to different subsidiaries of the Group

     28        (56

Effects of tax holiday on assessable profit of certain subsidiaries

            (39

Effects of preferential tax rate on assessable profit of certain subsidiaries

     (20      (161

Expense not deductible for tax purposes

     63        107  

Income not subject to tax

     (44      (10

Tax savings from additional deductions on certain research and development expenses available for PRC incorporated subsidiaries

     (5      (19

Withholding tax paid

     —          22  

Unrecognised deferred income tax assets

     36        81  

Utilization of previously unrecognised tax assets

     (48      (45

Others

     (9      (1
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     29        278  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The aggregate amount and per share effect of the tax holiday are as follows:

 

     Year ended December 31,  
     2016      2017  
     RMB’million      RMB’million  

Effects of tax holiday on assessable profit of certain subsidiaries

     —          39  

Per share effect—basic

     —          0.01  

Per share effect—diluted

     —          0.01  

The Group’s profit before tax consists of:

 

     Year ended December 31,  
     2016      2017  
     RMB’million      RMB’million  

Non-PRC

     (178      266  

PRC

     292        1,331  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     114        1,597  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-43


Table of Contents

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017

 

7

Taxation (Continued)

 

(b)

Deferred income tax

 

     As of December 31,  
     2016      2017  
     RMB’million      RMB’million  

The deferred tax assets comprise temporary differences attributable to:

     

Deferred revenue

     35        24  

Accruals

     11        45  

Deemed distribution

     36        25  

Others

     5        12  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total deferred tax assets

     87        106  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Set-off of deferred tax liabilities pursuant to set-off provisions

     —          (1
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net deferred tax assets

     87        105  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The deferred tax liabilities comprise temporary differences attributable to:

     

Intangible assets acquired in business combinations

     347        298  

Others

     3        7  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total deferred tax liabilities

     350        305  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Set-off of deferred tax liabilities pursuant to set-off provisions

     —          (1
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net deferred liabilities

     350        304  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The recovery of deferred income tax:

 

     As of December 31,  
     2016      2017  
     RMB’million      RMB’million  

Deferred tax assets:

     

to be recovered after more than 12 months

     31        26  

to be recovered within 12 months

     56        79  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     87        105  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deferred tax liabilities:

     

to be recovered after more than 12 months

     292        250  

to be recovered within 12 months

     58        54  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     350        304  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-44


Table of Contents

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017

 

7

Taxation (Continued)

 

(b)

Deferred income tax (Continued)

 

The movements of deferred income tax assets were as follows:

 

     Deferred
revenue
     Accruals      Deemed
distribution
     Others      Total  
     RMB’million      RMB’million      RMB’million  

At January 1, 2016

     —          —          —          —          —    

Credited to income statement

     31        11        —          1        43  

Recognized in equity

     —          —          36        —          36  

Business combination (Note 22)

     4        —          —          4        8  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

At December 31, 2016

     35        11        36        5        87  

Credited/(charged) to income statement

     (11      34        (11      7        19  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

At December 31, 2017

     24        45        25        12        106  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Group only recognizes deferred income tax assets for cumulative tax losses if it is probable that future taxable amounts will be available to utilize those tax losses. Management will continue to assess the recognition of deferred income tax assets in future reporting periods. As of December 31, 2016 and 2017, the Group did not recognize deferred income tax assets of RMB89 million and RMB125 million in respect of cumulative tax losses amounting to, RMB449 million and RMB496 million. These tax losses will expire from 2018 to 2022.

The movements of deferred income tax liabilities were as follows:

 

     Intangible assets      Others      Total  
     RMB’million      RMB’million      RMB’million  

At January 1, 2016

     —          —          —    

(Credited)/charged to income statement

     (36      3        (33

Business combination (Note 22)

     383        —          383  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

At December 31, 2016

     347        3        350  

(Credited)/charged to income statement

     (58      2        (56

Business combination (Note 22)

     11        —          11  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

At December 31, 2017

     300        5        305  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(c)

Uncertain tax position

The Group evaluates the level of authority for each uncertain tax position (including the potential application of interest and penalties) based on the technical merits, and measures the unrecognized benefits associated with the tax positions. As of December 31, 2016 and 2017, the Group did not have any significant unrecognized uncertain tax positions. The Group does not anticipate any significant increase to our liability for unrecognized tax benefit within the next 12 months. Interest and penalties related to income tax matters, if any, is included in income tax expense.

 

F-45


Table of Contents

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017

 

8

Earning per share

 

(a)

Basic earnings per share

Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is calculated by dividing the profit attributable to equity holders of the Company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year.

 

(b)

Diluted earnings per share

For the calculation of diluted earnings per share, net income attributable to ordinary shareholders for basic earnings per share is adjusted by the effect of dilutive securities, including share-based awards, under the treasury stock method. Potentially dilutive securities, of which the amounts are insignificant, have been excluded from the computation of diluted net income per share if their inclusion is anti-dilutive.

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income per share:

 

     Year ended December 31,  
     2016      2017  
     RMB’million      RMB’million  

Basic income per share calculation

     

Numerator:

     

Net income attributable to the Company

     82        1,326  

Denominator:

     

Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding

     1,831,604,053        2,593,157,207  

Basic net income per share attributable to the Company

     0.04        0.51  

Diluted net income per share calculation

     

Numerator:

     

Net income attributable to the Company

     82        1,326  

Denominator:

     

Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding

     1,831,604,053        2,593,157,207  

Adjustments for share options and RSU

     67,815,772        46,309,205  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Shares used in computing diluted net loss per share attributable to the Company

     1,899,419,825        2,639,466,412  

Diluted net income per share attributable to the Company

     0.04        0.50  

 

F-46


Table of Contents

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017

 

9

Property, plant and equipment

 

     Servers and
network
equipment
     Leasehold
improvement
     Office
furniture,
equipment and
others
    Total  
     RMB million      RMB million      RMB million     RMB million  

At January 1, 2016

          

Cost

     —          —          4       4  

Accumulated depreciation

     —          —          (1     (1
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net book amount

     —          —          3       3  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2016

          

Opening net book amount

     —          —          3       3  

Additions

     31        6        4       41  

Business combination (Note 22)

     52        36        8       96  

Disposals

     (1      —          (1     (2

Depreciation charge

     (17      (10      (3     (30
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Closing net book amount

     65        32        11       108  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

At December 31, 2016

          

Cost

     82        42        15       139  

Accumulated depreciation

     (17      (10      (4     (31
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net book amount

     65        32        11       108  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2017

          

Opening net book amount

     65        32        11       108  

Additions

     43        33        7       83  

Disposals

     (1      —          (1     (2

Depreciation charge

     (35      (22      (5     (62
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Closing net book amount

     72        43        12       127  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

At December 31, 2017

          

Cost

     123        75        22       220  

Accumulated depreciation

     (51      (32      (10     (93
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net book amount

     72        43        12       127  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

During the year ended December 31, 2016, depreciation of RMB15 million, RMB2 million and RMB13 million were charged to cost of revenues, selling and marketing expenses and general and administrative expenses, respectively.

During the year ended December 31, 2017, depreciation of RMB33 million, RMB2 million and RMB27 million were charged to cost of revenues, selling and marketing expenses and general and administrative expenses, respectively

 

F-47


Table of Contents

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017

 

10

Intangible assets

 

    Domain name,
trademark
and Internet
audio/video
program
transmission
license
    Supplier
resources
    Customer
relationships
    Non-compete
agreement
    Others     Total  
    RMB’million     RMB’million     RMB’million     RMB’million     RMB’million     RMB’million  

At January 1, 2016

           

Cost

    —         —         —         —         —         —    

Accumulated amortisation

    —         —         —         —         —         —    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net book amount

    —         —         —         —         —         —    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2016

           

Opening net book amount

    —         —         —         —         —         —    

Additions

    —         —         —         —         —         —    

Business combination (Note 22)

    1,340       315       235       131       192       2,213  

Amortisation charge

    (55     (23     (29     (14     (85     (206
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Closing net book amount

    1,285       292       206       117       107       2,007  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

At December 31, 2016

           

Cost

    1,340       315       235       131       197       2,218  

Accumulated amortisation

    (55     (23     (29     (14     (90     (211
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net book amount

    1,285       292       206       117       107       2,007  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2017

           

Opening net book amount

    1,285       292       206       117       107       2,007  

Additions

    —         —         —         —         4       4  

Business combination (Note 22)

    —         16       3       1       4       24  

Disposals

    —         —         —         —         (1)       (1

Amortisation charge

    (116     (49     (61     (29     (62     (317
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Closing net book amount

    1,169       259       148       89       52       1,717  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

At December 31, 2017

           

Cost

    1,340       331       238       131       81       2,121  

Accumulated amortisation

    (171     (72     (90     (42     (29     (404
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net book amount

    1,169       259       148       89       52       1,717  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

During the year ended December 31, 2016, amortization of RMB27 million, RMB109 million and RMB70 million were charged to cost of revenues, selling and marketing expenses and general and administrative expenses, respectively.

During the year ended December 31, 2017, amortization of RMB60 million, RMB109 million and RMB148 million were charged to cost of revenues, selling and marketing expenses and general and administrative expenses, respectively.

 

F-48


Table of Contents

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017

 

11

Goodwill

 

     Year ended December 31,  
     2016      2017  
     RMB’million      RMB’million  

Balance as of January 1,

     —          15,762  

Goodwill acquired (Note 22)

     15,762        500  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31,

     15,762        16,262  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Goodwill is tested for impairment on an annual basis or when there are indications the carrying amount may be impaired. In 2016 and 2017, the Group had only one operating segment, for the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill is regarded as attributable to the Group as a whole.

Value-in-use is calculated based on discounted cash flows. The discounted cash flows calculations use cash flow projections developed based on financial budgets approved by management of the Group covering a five-year period. Cash flows beyond the five-year period are extrapolated using an estimated annual growth of not more than 3%. Pre-tax discount rates of 15% adopted, which reflects market assessments of time value and the specific risks relating to the industry that the Group operates. The financial projections were determined by the management based on past performance and its expectation for market development.

No impairment is recognized for the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2017.

 

F-49


Table of Contents

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017

 

12

Investments accounted for using equity method

 

     As of December 31,  
     2016      2017  
     RMB’million      RMB’million  

Investments in associates

     282        324  

Investments in joint ventures

     10        54  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     292        378  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     As of December 31,  
     2016      2017  
     RMB’million      RMB’million  

Share of profits/(losses) of investments accounted for using equity method:

     

Associates

     12        13  

Joint ventures

     (1      (9
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     11        4  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     Year ended December 31,  
     2016      2017  
     RMB’million      RMB’million  

At beginning of the year

     —          292  

Additions

     —          89  

Business combination (Note 22)

     290        1  

Share of profit of investments accounted for using equity method

     11        4  

Disposal

     (12      —    

Impairment provision

     —          (2

Currency translation differences

     3        (6
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

At the end of the year

     292        378  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The principal associates and joint ventures of the Group are set out below:

 

Name of entity

  

Place of business/country
of incorporation

   % of ownership interest
As of December 31,
 
          2016     2017  
          %     %  

United Entertainment Corporation

   Cayman      30.00     30.00

Liquid State Limited

   Hong Kong      —         50.00

Beijing New Sound Entertainment Ltd.

   China      70.00     70.00

Beijing Quku Technology Co., Ltd.

   China      38.00     38.00

Beijing Tianhaoshengshi Entertainment Culture Co., Ltd.

   China      43.90     43.90

Shenzhen United Entertainment Equity Investment Center (Limited Partnership)

   China      —         50.00

The tables below provide summarized financial information of the Group’s investments accounted for using equity method. The information disclosed reflects the amounts presented in the financial statements of the relevant associates and joint ventures and not the Company’s share of those amounts. They have been

 

F-50


Table of Contents

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017

 

12

Investments accounted for using equity method (Continued)

 

amended to reflect adjustments made by the entity when using the equity method, including fair value adjustments and modifications for differences in accounting policies.

 

     Year ended December 31,  
     2016      2017  
     RMB’million      RMB’million  

Revenue

     260        403  

Cost of revenue

     (141      (280

Income from operations

     65        16  

Net income

     38        17  

Current assets

     709        786  

Non-current assets

     160        201  

Current liabilities

     168        200  

Non-current liabilities

     5        1  

There are no material contingent liabilities relating to the Group’s interests in the investments accounted for using equity method.

 

13

Available-for-sale financial assets

 

     As of December 31,  
     2016      2017  
     RMB’million      RMB’million  

Equity investments in unlisted securities

     10        3,740  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Movement of available-for-sale financial assets is analyzed as follows:

 

     Year ended December 31,  
     2016      2017  
     RMB’million      RMB’million  

At beginning of the year

     —          10  

Additions (note)

     —          7,547  

Business combination (Note 22)

     10        —    

Deemed distribution (note)

     —          (3,774

Currency translation differences

     —          (43
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

At the end of the year

     10        3,740  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Note:

In December 2017, the Group entered into a share subscription agreement (“Spotify Subscription Agreement”) with Spotify Technology S.A. (“Spotify”) to subscribe for 8,552,440 ordinary shares or approximately 4.92% of issued ordinary shares of Spotify, at valuation of RMB7,547 million (US$1,142 million), by issuance of 282,830,698 ordinary shares of the Company as consideration. Immediately after the completion of the subscription, the Company transferred 50% of its ordinary shares in Spotify amounting to approximately RMB3,774 million to its controlling shareholder, Tencent, as part of the distribution of stock dividend as described below.

On December 7, 2017, the board of directors of the Company resolved to offer 255,185,879 ordinary shares as fully paid stock dividend to all shareholders of the Company on a pro rata basis and after giving effect to

 

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TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017

 

13

Available-for-sale financial assets (Continued)

 

the wavier of stock dividend by Spotify and Tencent, as detailed below, 88,726,036 ordinary shares as fully paid stock dividend have been issued to the Company’s shareholders other than Spotify and Tencent. The stock dividend paid was credited to share capital at the par value of the stock dividend paid with corresponding debited to additional paid-in capital of the same amount.

Pursuant to the Spotify Subscription Agreement, Spotify has waived its right to receive any bonus shares of the Company. In consideration for the waiver to receive stock dividend by Tencent, a certain number of ordinary shares of Spotify acquired by the Company were transferred to Tencent at US$1, which are accounted for as distribution in equity within additional paid-in capital (Note 17).

 

14

Prepayments, deposits and other receivables

 

     As of December 31,  
     2016      2017  
     RMB’million      RMB’million  

Included in non-current assets

     

Prepayment for leasehold improvement

     9        —    

Prepaid content royalties

     263        191  

Others

     —          13  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     272        204  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Included in current assets

     

Prepaid content royalties

     781        831  

Value-added tax recoverable

     89        82  

Prepaid vendors deposits and other receivables

     26        39  

Prepaid promotion expenses

     —          40  

Receivable from Tencent (Note 26(b))

     1        59  

Others

     35        51  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     932        1,102  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017

 

15

Accounts receivable

 

     As of December 31,  
     2016      2017  
     RMB’million      RMB’million  

Accounts receivable

     725        1,170  

Less: provision for impairment of trade receivables

     (6      (9
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Accounts receivable, net

     719        1,161  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ageing analysis of the accounts receivables based on invoice date:

     

Up to 3 months

     679        1,123  

3 to 6 months

     36        31  

Over 6 months

     10        16  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     725        1,170  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ageing analysis of the accounts receivables that past due but not impaired:

     

Up to 6 months

     16        44  

Over 6 months

     4        7  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     20        51  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Movements in the provision for impairment of accounts receivables that are assessed for impairment collectively are as follows:

 

     As of December 31,  
     2016      2017  
     RMB’million      RMB’million  

At January 1

     —          6  

Provision for impairment recognized in income statement

     7        6  

Receivables written off during the year as uncollectible

     (1      (3
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

At December 31

     6        9  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2016 and 2017, the amounts of accounts receivables that are past due and impaired were insignificant to the Group.

 

16

Cash and cash equivalents

 

     As of December 31,  
     2016      2017  
     RMB’million      RMB’million  

Cash at bank

     3,071        3,419  

Term deposits with initial terms within three months

     —          1,755  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     3,071        5,174  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The effective interest rate of the term deposits of the Group with initial terms within three months during the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2017 was 2.56% and 2.91%.

 

F-53


Table of Contents

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017

 

17

Share capital

 

     Number of
shares
     Share capital      Additional paid-
in capital
 
     RMB’million      RMB’million  

Balance January 1, 2016

     1,290,862,550        1        —    

Issuance of ordinary shares for the reverse acquisition (Note 22(a))

     1,080,239,767        1        17,992  

Issuance of ordinary shares (note (i))

     172,712,345        —          2,071  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance December 31, 2016

     2,543,814,662        2        20,063  

Issuance of ordinary shares

     15,939,000        —          —    

Issuance of stock dividend (Note 13)

     88,726,036        —          —    

Exercise of share options

     39,262,654        —          79  

Issuance of ordinary shares in exchange for ordinary shares in an investee (note ii) (Note 13)

     282,830,698        —          7,547  

Distribution to Tencent (Note 13)

     —          —          (3,774
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance December 31, 2017

     2,970,573,050        2        23,915  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Notes:

  (i)

In November 2016, 172,712,345 ordinary shares of the Company were allotted and issued to existing shareholders for an aggregated consideration of approximately RMB1,901 million. These shares rank pari passu in all respects with the shares in issue. The excess over the par value was credited to the additional paid-in capital.

  (ii)

These shares rank pari passu in all respects with the shares in issue. The excess over the par value was credited to the additional paid-in capital.

 

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Table of Contents

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017

 

18

Other reserves

 

     Share based
compensation
reserve
     Contribution
from/
(Distribution to)
ultimate
holding
company
    PRC statutory
reserve
     Foreign
currency
translation
reserve
    Total other
reserves
 
     RMB’million      RMB’million     RMB’million      RMB’million     RMB’million  
                                  

At January 1, 2016

     —          577       —          —         577  

Other currency translation differences

     —          —         —          42       42  

Share-based compensation

     142        28       —          —         170  

Deemed distribution

     —          (189     —          —         (189

Profit appropriations to PRC statutory reserves

     —          —         17        —         17  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

At December 31, 2016

     142        416       17        42       617  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other currency translation differences

     —          —         —          (143     (143

Business combination
(Note 22(b))

     99        —         —          —         99  

Deemed contribution

     —          20       —          —         20  

Share-based compensation

     335        27       —          —         362  

Profit appropriations to PRC statutory reserves

     —          —         42        —         42  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

At December 31, 2017

     576        463       59        (101     997  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

19

Share-based compensation

 

(a)

Share-based compensation plans of the Company

The Group has adopted three share-based compensation plans, namely, the 2014 Share Incentive Plan, the 2017 Restricted Share Scheme and the 2017 Option Plan.

 

  (i)

2014 Share Incentive Plan

2014 Share Incentive Plan was approved by the then board of directors of the Company in October 2014 prior to the Reverse Acquisition. According to the 2014 Share Incentive Plan, 96,704,847 ordinary shares have been reserved to be issued to any qualified employees, directors, non-employee directors, and consultants as determined by the board of directors of the Company. The options will be exercisable only if option holder continues employment or provide services through each vesting date. The maximum term of any issued stock option is ten years from the grant date.

Some granted options follow the first category vesting schedule, one-fourth (1/4) of which shall vest and become exercisable upon the first anniversary of the date of grant and one-eighth (1/8) of which shall vest and become exercisable on each half of a year anniversary thereafter. Some granted options follow the second category vesting schedule, one-fourth (1/4) of which shall vest upon the first anniversary of the grant date and one-sixteenth (1/16) of which shall vest on each three months

 

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Table of Contents

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017

 

19

Share-based compensation (Continued)

 

(a)

Share-based compensation plans of the Company (Continued)

 

  (i)

2014 Share Incentive Plan (Continued)

 

thereafter. Under the second category vesting schedule, in the event of the Company’s completion of an Initial Public Offering (IPO) or termination of the option holder’s employment agreement by the Company without cause, the vesting schedule shall be accelerated by a one year period (which means that the whole vesting schedule shall be shortened from four years to three years). For the third category vesting schedule, all options shall vest upon the first anniversary of the grant date, and in the event of the Company’s completion of an IPO.

The option holders may elect at any time to exercise any part or all of the vested options before the expiry date.

 

     Number of
options
     Weighted-average
exercise price
     Weighted-
average grant date
fair value
 
            (US$)      (US$)  

Outstanding as of January 1, 2016

     —          —          —    

Arising from business combination

     98,821,647        0.25        2.04  

Forfeited

     2,116,800        0.29        1.98  
  

 

 

       

Outstanding as of December 31, 2016

     96,704,847        0.25        2.05  
  

 

 

       

Vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 2016

     87,734,832        0.24        2.04  

Exercisable as of December 31, 2016

     59,808,852        0.25        2.03  

Non vested as of December 31, 2016

     36,895,995        0.24        2.08  

Outstanding as of January 1, 2017

     96,704,847        0.25        2.05  

Exercised

     39,262,654        0.30        1.98  

Forfeited

     3,943,920        0.24        2.08  
  

 

 

       

Outstanding as of December 31, 2017

     53,498,273        0.21        2.09  
  

 

 

       

Vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 2017

     49,573,551        0.20        2.09  

Exercisable as of December 31, 2017

     33,196,944        0.18        2.11  

Non vested as of December 31, 2017

     20,301,329        0.26        2.06  

The fair values of employee stock options were valued using the Binomial option-pricing model. Assumptions used in the Binomial option-pricing model are presented below:

 

     As of December 31,  
     2016     2017  

Risk free interest rate

     1.5     1.5

Expected dividend yield

     0     0

Expected volatility range

     64%-65     64%-65

Exercise multiples

     2.2-2.8       2.2-2.8  

Contractual life

     10 years       10 years  

The Binomial Model requires the input of highly subjective assumptions. The risk-free rate for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of

 

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Table of Contents

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017

 

19

Share-based compensation (Continued)

 

(a)

Share-based compensation plans of the Company (Continued)

 

  (i)

2014 Share Incentive Plan (Continued)

 

grant. The expected dividend yield was estimated based on the Company’s expected dividend policy over the expected life of the options. The Company estimates the volatility of its common stock at the date of grant based on the historical volatility of similar U.S. and Hong Kong public companies for a period equal to the expected life preceding the grant date. The exercise multiples was estimated based on the vesting and contractual terms of the awards and management’s expectation of exercise behavior of the grantees.

Share options outstanding at the end of the year have the following expiry date and exercise prices:

 

Grant Date

  Expiry date     Exercise
price
    Share options
December 31, 2016
    Share options
December 31, 2017
 

March 1, 2015

    February 28, 2025       US$0.000083       2,348,099       2,348,099  

March 1, 2015

    February 28, 2025       US$0.29       2,630,000       2,630,000  

March 1, 2015

    February 28, 2025       US$0.000083       12,432,336       11,924,136  

March 1, 2015

    February 28, 2025       US$0.29       10,441,960       9,939,200  

March 1, 2015

    February 28, 2025       US$0.29       26,880,000       —    

March 1, 2015

    February 28, 2025       US$0.35       7,482,654       —    

March 30, 2015

    March 29, 2025       US$0.29       3,869,842       3,444,042  

July 1, 2015

    June 30, 2025       US$0.29       200,000       200,000  

July 1, 2015

    June 30, 2025       US$0.29       3,600,000       —    

October 1, 2015

    September 30, 2025       US$0.29       908,800       780,600  

December 31, 2015

    December 30, 2025       US$0.29       3,448,491       2,933,281  

December 31, 2015

    December 30, 2025       US$0.000083       345,300       212,000  

March 1, 2016

    February 28, 2026       US$0.29       875,000       761,000  

March 1, 2016

    February 28, 2026       US$0.29       500,000       —    

March 31, 2016

    March 30, 2026       US$0.29       390,000       340,500  

June 1, 2016

    May 30, 2026       US$0.00       800,000       —    

June 1, 2016

    May 30, 2026       US$0.29       6,521,513       6,521,513  

June 30, 2016

    June 29, 2026       US$0.000083       600,000       600,000  

June 30, 2016

    June 29, 2026       US$0.29       12,430,852       10,863,902  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

 

    96,704,847       53,498,273  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average remaining contractual life of options outstanding at end of period:

 

    7.84       7.22  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  (ii)

2017 Restricted Share Scheme and 2017 Option Plan

Followed the completion of the Reverse Acquisition, the Company have reserved certain ordinary shares to be issued to any qualified employees of Tencent PRC Music Business transferred to the Group.

In October 2016, the Group agreed to grant certain restricted shares and share options of the Company to certain employees of Tencent PRC Music Business that transferred to the Group, mutual understanding of the key terms and conditions of relevant restricted shares and share options have been

 

F-57


Table of Contents

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017

 

19

Share-based compensation (Continued)

 

(a)

Share-based compensation plans of the Company (Continued)

 

  (ii)

2017 Restricted Share Scheme and 2017 Option Plan (Continued)

 

reached between the Company and qualified employees. 7,172,472 restricted shares and 12,034,480 share options have been granted during 2016 while formal grant letters were signed subsequently in May 2017. The Group recognizes the share-based compensation expenses of these restricted shares and share options since October 2016.

Pursuant to the restricted shares agreements under 2017 Restricted Share Scheme, subject to grantee’s continued services to the Group through the applicable vesting date, some restricted shares follow the first category of vesting schedule, one-fourth(1/4) of which shall vest eighteen months after grant date, and one-fourth (1/4) every year after. Other granted restricted shares shall follow the second vesting schedule, half (1/2) shall vest six months after grant date, and the other half shall vest six months thereafter.

Movements in the number of restricted shares for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017 are as follows:

 

     Number of awarded
shares
 

Outstanding as of January 1, 2016

     —    

Granted

     7,172,472  
  

 

 

 

Outstanding as of December 31, 2016

     7,172,472  
  

 

 

 

Expected to vest as of December 31, 2016

     4,583,524  

Outstanding as of January 1, 2017

     7,172,472  

Granted

     1,234,514  

Forfeited

     265,322  
  

 

 

 

Outstanding as of December 31, 2017

     8,141,664  
  

 

 

 

Expected to vest as of December 31, 2017

     5,797,563  

The fair value of the restricted shares was calculated based on the fair value of ordinary shares of the Company. The weighted average fair value of restricted shares granted during the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2017 was US$2.14 per share (equivalent to approximately RMB13.98 per share) and US$3.26 per share (equivalent to approximately RMB21.27 per share).

 

F-58


Table of Contents

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017

 

19

Share-based compensation (Continued)

 

(a)

Share-based compensation plans of the Company (Continued)

 

  (ii)

2017 Restricted Share Scheme and 2017 Option Plan (Continued)

 

Share options granted are generally subject to a four batches vesting schedule as determined by the board of directors of the grant. One-fourth (1/4) of which shall vest nine months or eighteen months after grant date, respectively, as provided in the grant agreement, and one-fourth (1/4) of which vest upon every year thereafter. The vested options shall become exercisable in the event of the Company’s completion of an IPO.

 

     Number of
options
     Weighted-average
exercise price
     Weighted-
average grant

date fair value
 
            (US$)      (US$)  

Outstanding as of January 1, 2016

     —          —          —    

Granted

     12,034,480        2.53        1.03  
  

 

 

       

Outstanding as of December 31, 2016

     12,034,480        2.53        1.03  
  

 

 

       

Vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 2016

     7,944,083        2.53        1.03  

Exercisable as of December 31, 2016

     —          —          —    

Non vested as of December 31, 2016

     12,034,480        2.53        1.03  

Outstanding as of January 1, 2017

     12,034,480        2.53        1.03  

Granted

     15,315,256        1.35        3.10  

Forfeited

     388,350        0.29        3.39  
  

 

 

       

Outstanding as of December 31, 2017

     26,961,386        1.89        2.17  
  

 

 

       

Vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 2017

     18,362,420        1.87        2.18  

Exercisable as of December 31, 2017

     —          —          —    

Non vested as of December 31, 2017

     26,961,386        1.89        2.17  

The fair value of share options were valued using the Binomial option-pricing model. Assumptions used in the Binomial option-pricing model are presented below:

 

     As of December 31,  
     2016     2017  

Risk free interest rate

     1.6     2.1%-2.5

Expected dividend yield

     0     0

Expected volatility

     55     55%-60

Exercise multiples

     2.8       2.2-2.8  

Contractual life

     10 years       10 years  

 

F-59


Table of Contents

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017

 

19

Share-based compensation (Continued)

 

(a)

Share-based compensation plans of the Company (Continued)

 

  (ii)

2017 Restricted Share Scheme and 2017 Option Plan (Continued)

 

Share options outstanding at the end of the year have the following expiry date and exercise prices:

 

Grant Date

   Expiry date      Exercise
price
     Share options
December 31,
2016
     Share options
December 31,
2017
 

October 1, 2016

     June 15, 2027      US$ 2.53        12,034,480        12,034,480  

August 31, 2017

     August 31, 2027      US$ 0.29        —          7,666,803  

December 20, 2017

     December 20, 2027      US$ 2.53        —          7,260,103  
        

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

 

     12,034,480        26,961,386  
        

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted average remaining contractual life of options outstanding at end of period:

 

     9.75        9.21  
        

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(b)

Share-based compensation plans of Tencent

Tencent operates a number of share-based compensation plans (including share option scheme and share award scheme) covering certain employees of the Group.

Share options granted are generally subject to a four-year or five-year vesting schedule as determined by the board of directors of Tencent. Under the four-year vesting schedule, share options in general vest one-fourth (1/4) upon the first anniversary of the grant date, and one-fourth (1/4) every year after. Under the five-year vesting schedule, depending on the nature and purpose of the grant, share options in general vest one-fifth (1/5) upon the first or second anniversary of the grant date, respectively, as provided in the grant agreement, and one-fifth (1/5) every year after.

RSUs are subject to a three-year or four-year vesting schedule, and each year after the grant date, one-third (1/3) or one-fourth (1/4) shall vest accordingly.

 

F-60


Table of Contents

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017

 

19

Share-based compensation (Continued)

 

(b)

Share-based compensation plans of Tencent (Continued)

 

No outstanding share options or RSUs will be exercisable or subject to vesting after the expiry of a maximum of seven years from the date of grant. Movements in the number of share options of Tencent relevant to the Group outstanding is as follows:

 

     Number of
shares
     Average
exercise price
     Weighted-
average grant

date fair value
 
            (HK$)      (HK$)  

Outstanding as of January 1, 2016

     67,500        55.18        50.90  

Granted

     53,160        174.86        55.42  

Exercised

     35,000        54.14        51.09  
  

 

 

       

Outstanding as of December 31, 2016

     85,660        129.88        53.63  
  

 

 

       

Vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 2016

     67,803        119.12        53.52  

Exercisable as of December 31, 2016

     22,500        26.08        56.00  

Non vested as of December 31, 2016

     63,160        166.85        52.79  

 

     Number of
shares
     Average
exercise price
     Weighted-
average grant

date fair value
 
            (HK$)      (HK$)  

Outstanding as of January 1, 2017

     85,660        129.88        53.63  

Granted

     32,410        272.36        81.70  

Exercised

     32,735        64.88        53.28  
  

 

 

       

Outstanding as of December 31, 2017

     85,335        208.93        64.43  
  

 

 

       

Vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 2017

     57,795        208.52        64.25  

Exercisable as of December 31, 2017

     8,055        174.86        55.42  

Non vested as of December 31, 2017

     77,280        212.48        65.37  

The fair values of employee stock options were valued using the Binomial option-pricing model. Assumptions used in the Binomial option-pricing model are presented below:

 

     As of December 31,  
     2016     2017  

Risk free interest rate

     0.69     1.39

Expected dividend yield

     0.32     0.33

Expected volatility range

     35     30

Exercise multiples

     2.5       7  

Contractual life

     7 years       7 years  

 

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TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017

 

19

Share-based compensation (Continued)

 

(b)

Share-based compensation plans of Tencent (Continued)

 

Share options outstanding at the end of the year have the following expiry date and exercise prices:

 

Grant Date

   Expiry date      Exercise
price
     Share options
December 31, 2016
     Share options
December 31, 2017
 

July 5, 2010

     July 4, 2017      HK$ 26.08        22,500        —    

July 10, 2014

     July 9, 2021      HK$ 124.30        10,000        5,000  

July 6, 2016

     July 5, 2023      HK$ 174.86        53,160        47,925  

July 10, 2017

     July 9, 2024      HK$ 272.36        —          32,410  
        

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

 

     85,660        85,335  
        

 

 

    

 

 

 

Movements in the number of awarded shares for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017 are as follows:

 

     Year ended December 31,  
     2016      2017  
     Number of awarded shares  

Outstanding as of January 1

     797,355        731,814  

Granted

     222,800        24,503  

Lapsed

     1,707        9,013  

Vested and transferred

     286,634        316,886  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Outstanding as of December 31

     731,814        430,418  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Expected to vest as of December 31,

     658,633        361,943  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The fair value of the awarded shares was calculated based on the market price of the Tencent’s shares at the respective grant date. The expected dividends during the vesting period have been taken into account when assessing the fair value of these awarded shares.

The weighted average fair value of awarded shares granted during the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2017 was HKD172.56 per share (equivalent to approximately RMB144.25 per share) and HKD271.6 per share (equivalent to approximately RMB227.03 per share).

The outstanding awarded shares as of December 31, 2017 were divided into two to five tranches on an equal basis as at their grant dates. The first tranche can be exercised immediately or after a specified period ranging from four months to four years from the grant date, and the remaining tranches will become exercisable in each subsequent year. The optionee may elect at any time while remains an employee, to exercise any part or all of the vested options before the expiry date.

 

(c)

Expected retention rate of grantees

The Group has to estimate the expected yearly percentage of grantees that will stay within the Group at the end of vesting periods of the options and awarded shares (the “Expected Retention Rate”) in order to determine the amount of share-based compensation expenses charged to the consolidated income statement. As at December 31, 2016 and 2017, the Expected Retention Rate of the Group was assessed to be 90%.

 

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TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017

 

20

Other payables and accruals

 

     As of December 31,  
     2016      2017  
     RMB’million      RMB’million  

Dividend payable

     637        31  

Payroll payable

     209        419  

Accrued advertising and promotion expenses

     49        188  

Advances from customers

     43        69  

Investment payables

     19        303  

Other tax liabilities

     28        37  

Others

     122        265  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     1,107        1,312  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

21

Deferred revenue

Deferred revenue mainly represents service fees prepaid by customers for time-based virtual gifts, membership subscriptions, and digital music albums or single songs, for which the related services had not been rendered as at December 31, 2016 and 2017.

 

22

Business combination

 

(a)

Acquisition of CMC in 2016

As detailed in Notes 1.2 and 2.1, the Merger is accounted for as a reverse acquisition under IFRS 3 of which Tencent PRC Music Business is regarded as the accounting acquirer, whereas the CMC music business is regarded as the accounting acquiree.

As a result of the Merger, the Group is expected to increase its presence in online music industry in China. Goodwill arising from the Merger was attributable to increased presence in the online music in China, operating synergies and economies of scale expected from the combined operations of the Group and CMC. The goodwill recognized was not expected to be deductible for income tax purpose.

In applying the reverse acquisition accounting, the consideration deemed to be given by the Tencent PRC Music Business was RMB17,999 million, which is the fair value of the Company immediately prior to the Merger using income approach, the discounted cash flow model.

 

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Table of Contents

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017

 

22

Business combination (Continued)

 

(a)

Acquisition of CMC in 2016 (Continued)

 

The following table summarizes the consideration transferred and the amount of identified assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date, as well as the fair value of the non-controlling interest in CMC at the acquisition date.

 

     RMB’ million  

Purchase consideration

     17,999  

Fair value of non-controlling interest

     6  

Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed:

  

Cash and cash equivalents

     676  

Short-term investments

     632  

Accounts and other receivables

     207  

Intangible assets

     2,213  

Available-for-sale financial assets

     10  

Property, equipment and software

     96  

Prepayments, deposits and other assets

     744  

Dividend payable

     (1,251

Other payables, accruals and other current liabilities

     (640

Deferred revenue

     (26

Deferred tax liabilities

     (383

Other liabilities

     (35
  

 

 

 

Goodwill

     15,762  
  

 

 

 

The revenue and profit before income tax, without taking into account the additional amortization on intangible assets recognized at the acquisition date, of accounting acquiree, CMC that have been included in the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016 since July 12, 2016 are amounted to RMB2,474 million and RMB731 million, respectively.

The Group’s selected pro forma financial performance for the year as if the Merger had occurred at the beginning of the year is presented below:

 

    RMB’ million  
    (Unaudited)  

Revenue

    6,143  

Online music services

    2,417  

Social entertainment services and others

    3,726  

Gross profit

    1,728  

Operating profit

    58  

Profit before income tax

    73  

Profit after tax

    41  

The Group did not have any material pro forma adjustments directly attributable to the business combination included in the reported pro forma revenue and profit before income tax. These pro forma results have been prepared for comparative purposes only and do not purport to be indicative of what

 

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Table of Contents

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017

 

22

Business combination (Continued)

 

(a)

Acquisition of CMC in 2016 (Continued)

 

operating results would have been had the acquisition taken place as of the beginning of the periods presented and may not be indicative of future operating results.

Transaction costs of the acquisition of CMC were not significant and were charged to general and administrative expenses in the consolidated income statement during the year ended December 31, 2016.

 

(b)

Acquisition of Ultimate Music Inc.

In October 2017, the Group completed the acquisition of 100% ordinary shares of Ultimate Music Inc. (the “Ultimate”) of which the Group already entitled certain interest in Ultimate prior to the acquisition. Ultimate is principally engaged in online music operations.

According to the terms agreed among the sellers and the Group, the purchase consideration of the acquisition comprise of (i) an aggregate amount of approximately RMB463 million to be settled unconditionally, including cash and certain ordinary shares of the Company to be issued before June 30, 2018 (“Unconditional Consideration”), and (ii) cash of US$26 million to be paid in certain instalments in 4 years and approximately 26,543,339 or ordinary shares of the Company to be issued in several tranches in coming years, subject to certain services condition mainly from the sellers management for their continuing employment post acquisition (“Contingent Consideration”). The Contingent Consideration will be forfeited if the employment terminates, therefore, was accounted for post-acquisition employment compensation and only the unconditional consideration was accounted for as purchase consideration.

As a result of the acquisition, the Group is expected to increase its presence in online music industry in China. Goodwill arising from the acquisition was attributable to expected operating synergies as well as increase the coverage in the online music market in China. The goodwill recognized was not expected to be deductible for income tax purpose.

The following table summarizes the consideration transferred and the amount of identified assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date.

 

     RMB’million  

Purchase consideration

     463  

Fair value of existing interest in Ultimate

     72  
  

 

 

 
     535  

Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed:

  

Cash and cash equivalents

     33  

Accounts and other receivables

     9  

Intangible assets

     24  

Prepayments, deposits and other assets

     21  

Deferred revenue

     (1

Other payables and accruals

     (41

Deferred tax liabilities

     (10
  

 

 

 

Goodwill

     500  
  

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017

 

22

Business combination (Continued)

 

(b)

Acquisition of Ultimate Music Inc. (Continued)

 

The revenue and the results contributed by Ultimate to the Group for the period since the completion date were insignificant. The Group’s revenue and results for the year would not be materially different should the acquisition of Ultimate otherwise occur on January 1, 2017.

Transaction costs of the acquisition of Ultimate were not significant and were charged to general and administrative expenses in the consolidated income statement during the year ended December 31, 2017.

 

23

Cash flow information

 

(a)

Cash generated from operations

 

     2016      2017  
     RMB’million      RMB’million  

Profit before income tax

     114        1,597  

Adjustments for:

     

Depreciation and amortisation

     236        379  

Impairment of long-term investment (Note 5)

     —          2  

Provision for doubtful accounts (Note 15)

     7        6  

Non-cash employee benefits expense—share-based payments (Note 6)

     170        362  

Net gains on disposal of equity investment and step-up acquisition (Note 5)

     (4      (72

Share of profits of associates and joint ventures (Note 12)

     (11      (4

Interest income

     (13      (33

Investment income from short-term investments

     (19      (60

Net exchange differences (Note 5)

     23        (18

Increase in accounts receivables

     (266      (447

Increase in inventories

     (11      (16

Decrease/(increase) in other operating assets

     193        (137

Increase in accounts payables

     315        4  

Increase in other operating liabilities

     174        1,051  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash generated from operations

     908        2,614  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017

 

23

Cash flow information (Continued)

 

(b)

Non-cash investing and financing activities

 

     2016      2017  
     RMB’million      RMB’million  

Issuance of ordinary shares for business combinations

     17,999        —    

Issuance of ordinary shares for equity investments

     —          7,547  

Distribution to Tencent

     —          (3,774

Other payable for business combinations

     —          277  

Issuing restricted shares for business combinations

     —          149  

Settlement of dividend by issuance of shares

     138        58  

Other receivables from disposal of long term investments

     16        —    

Other payable for acquisition of investments in joint ventures

     —          46  

Issuance of ordinary shares for licensing of contents

     30        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

24

Financial instruments by category

The group holds the following financial instruments:

 

    Loans and
receivables
    Financial assets
at fair value
through profit
or loss
    Available-for-sale
financial assets
    Total  
    RMB’million     RMB’million     RMB’million     RMB’million  

Financial assets

       

As at December 31, 2016

       

Accounts receivables (Note 15)

    719       —         —         719  

Other receivables (Note 14)

    40       —         —         40  

Available-for-sale financial assets (Note 13)

    —         —         10       10  

Short-term investments

    —         261       —         261  

Cash and cash equivalents (Note 16)

    3,071       —         —         3,071  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    3,830       261       10       4,101  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

As at December 31, 2017

       

Accounts receivables (Note 15)

    1,161       —         —         1,161  

Other receivables (Note 14)

    133       —         —         133  

Available-for-sale financial assets (Note 13)

    —         —         3,740       3,740  

Cash and cash equivalents (Note 16)

    5,174       —         —         5,174  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    6,468       —         3,740       10,208  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017

 

24

Financial instruments by category (Continued)

 

     Liabilities at
amortized cost
 
     RMB’million  

Financial liabilities

  

As at December 31, 2016

  

Accounts payable

     998  

Other payables and accruals (excluding prepayment received from customers and others, staff costs, welfare accruals and other tax liabilities) (Note 20)

     827  
  

 

 

 
     1,825  
  

 

 

 

As at December 31, 2017

  

Accounts payable

     1,045  

Other payables and accruals (excluding prepayment received from customers and others, staff costs, welfare accruals and other tax liabilities) (Note 20)

     787  
  

 

 

 
     1,832  
  

 

 

 

 

25

Commitments

 

(a)

Non-cancellable operating leases

The following table summarizes future minimum commitments of the Group under non-cancelable operating arrangements, which are mainly related to leased facilities and rental of bandwidth:

 

     2016      2017  
     RMB’million      RMB’million  

Within one year

     61        61  

Later than one year but not later than five years

     77        44  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     138        105  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(b)

Contents royalty

The Group is subject to the following minimum royalty payments associated with its license agreements:

 

     2016      2017  
     RMB’million      RMB’million  

Within one year

     920        1,821  

Later than one year but not later than five years

     362        3,102  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     1,282        4,923  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Pursuant to the Business Cooperation Agreement signed upon the Merger, the Group succeeded the right and obligation of certain license agreements, which were signed by other entities controlled by Tencent Group, giving rise to the minimum royalty payments to the extent of RMB256 million and RMB73 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively.

 

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Table of Contents

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017

 

25

Commitments (Continued)

 

(c)

Capital commitments

As of December 31, 2016 and 2017, the Company had commitments for non-cancelable agreements to leasehold improvements of nil and RMB 4 million, respectively.

 

(d)

Investment commitments

As of December 31, 2016 and 2017, the Group had commitments to invest approximately nil and RMB52 million in certain entities to hold the equity interest in such entities.

 

26

Related party transactions

The table below sets forth the major related parties and their relationships with the Group as of December 31, 2017:

 

Name of related parties

  

Relationship with the Group

Tencent and its subsidiaries other than the entities controlled by the Group (“Tencent Group”)

   The Group’s principal owner

Beijing Quku Technology Co., Ltd (“Quku”)

   The Group’s associate

Nanjing Jiyun Cultural Development Ltd. (“Jiyun”)

   The Group’s associate

United Entertainment Corporation and its subsidiaries (“UEC Group”)

   The Group’s associate

Tian Hao Entertainment Cultural Ltd. (“Tian Hao”)

   The Group’s associate

 

(a)

Transactions

For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, significant related party transactions were as follows:

 

     2016      2017  
     RMB’million      RMB’million  

Revenue

     

Online music services to CMC and Tencent Group

     90        33  

Social entertainment services and others to Quku

     15        20  

Expenses

     

Operation expenses recharged by Tencent Group

     428        493  

Advertising agency fees to Tencent Group

     151        187  

Content royalties to the Group’s associates

     18        45  

 

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Table of Contents

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017

 

26

Related party transactions (Continued)

 

(b)

Balances with related parties

 

     2016      2017  
     RMB’million      RMB’million  

Included in accounts receivable from related parties:

     

Tencent Group (note)

     527        651  

The Group’s associates

     8        8  

Included in prepayments, deposits and other assets from related parties:

     

Tencent Group

     1        59  

The Group’s associates

     17        26  

Included in accounts payable to related parties:

     

Tencent Group

     653        104  

The Group’s associates

     —          5  

Included in other payables and accruals to related parties:

     

Tencent Group

     94        59  

The Group’s associates

     15        —    

Outstanding balances are unsecured and are repayable on demand.

 

  Note:

The balance is mainly arising from user payments collected through various payment channels of Tencent Group pursuant to the Business Cooperation Agreement signed upon the Merger. In addition, the balance also includes amounts arising from the Group revenue generated from music copyrights sublicensing contracts that signed by Tencent Group prior to the Merger of RMB56 million and nil as of December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively.

 

(c)

Key management personnel compensation

 

     2016      2017  
     RMB’million      RMB’million  

Short-term employee benefits

     24        46  

Share-based compensation

     54        107  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     78        153  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

27

Contingent liabilities

The Group is involved in a number of claims pending in various courts, in arbitration, or otherwise unresolved as of December 31, 2017. These claims are mainly related to alleged copyright infringement as well as routine and incidental matters to its business, among others. Adverse results in these claims may include awards of damages and may also result in, or even compel, a change in the Company’s business practices, which could impact the Company’s future financial results. The Group has made accruals of RMB76 million in “Other payables and accruals” in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2017 and recognized related expenses for the year ended December 31, 2017.

The Company is unable to estimate the reasonably possible loss or a range of reasonably possible losses for proceedings in the early stages or where there is a lack of clear or consistent interpretation of laws specific

 

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Table of Contents

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017

 

27

Contingent liabilities (Continued)

 

to the industry-specific complaints among different jurisdictions. Although the results of unsettled litigations and claims cannot be predicted with certainty, the Company does not believe that, as of December 31, 2017, there was at least a reasonable possibility that the Company may have incurred a material loss, or a material loss in excess of the accrued expenses, with respect to such loss contingencies. The losses accrued include judgments handed down by the court and out-of-court settlements after December 31, 2017, but related to cases arising on or before December 31, 2017. The Company is in the process of appealing certain judgments for which losses have been accrued. However, the ultimate timing and outcome of pending litigation is inherently uncertain. Therefore, although management considers the likelihood of a material loss for all pending claims, both asserted and unasserted, to be remote, if one or more of these legal matters were resolved against the Company in the same reporting period for amounts in excess of management’s expectations, the Company’s consolidated financial statements of a particular reporting period could be materially adversely affected.

In March 2018, the Group has reached a consensus and entered into an agreement with an independent third party in relation to certain dispute by sublicensing its music contents to that party totalling RMB185 million with license period from January 2016 to January 2018 and sublicensing from that party totalling RMB35 million for the same period. These amounts have been settled as of report date.

 

28

Events occurring after the reporting period

 

(a)

Subsequent to December 31, 2017 and up to July 6, 2018, the Company issued an aggregate of 119,394,895 ordinary shares of the Company to certain existing shareholders, financial and strategic investors for an aggregate cash proceeds of approximately US$449 million, of which certain strategic investors also agreed to license certain contents to the Group and is accounted for as a share-based compensation arrangement. The licensed contents under the share-based compensation arrangement measured at fair value by the Company of approximately US$56 million will be charged to income statement up to five years. These issuances were completed by March 2018.

 

(b)

Acquisition of a subsidiary (unaudited)

On September 1, 2018, the Company acquired all the remaining interest of an associate, United Music Entertainment Corporation (“UEC”), from Tencent, a director of the Company, other shareholders and management of UEC for a consideration of 23,084,008 ordinary shares and 460,724 share options of the Company.

 

(c)

Share Issuances to Music Label Partners (unaudited)

On October 1, 2018, the Company entered into certain share subscription agreements with each of WMG China LLC (“Warner”), an affiliate of Warner Music Group, and Sony Music Entertainment (“Sony”) pursuant to which the Company agreed to issue to these two strategic investors, subject to satisfaction of certain customary closing conditions, a total of 68,131,015 ordinary shares for an aggregate cash consideration of approximately US$200 million. Under the agreements, shares held by Warner and certain shares held by Sony will be subject to a lock-up that will expire upon the earlier of the third anniversary of the completion of the initial public offering of the Company or October 1, 2021, subject to limited exceptions. The remaining shares held by Sony will be subject to a lock-up that will expire upon the earlier of the end of six months following the completion of the initial public offering of the Company or April 1, 2019, subject to limited exceptions. Warner and Sony can request the Company to repurchase the shares held by them at their subscription price if there is no qualified IPO by the end of 2019.

 

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Table of Contents

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017

 

28

Events occurring after the reporting period (Continued)

 

(c)

Share Issuances to Music Label Partners (unaudited) (Continued)

 

The Company will record a share-based accounting charge upon the issuance of shares in October 2018 for an amount equal to the excess of the fair value of the shares, including the related terms and conditions, over the aggregate consideration to be received by the Company. The Company is currently in the process of assessing the valuation of the shares, including the related terms and conditions, and the amount of the accounting charge.

The Company expects the amount of this one-off and non-cash accounting charge to be material and the net result of the Company will be adversely affected in the three months ending December 31, 2018. Based on management’s preliminary assessment, if the fair value of the Company’s shares remains US$4.0363 per share, the latest share issue price in March 2018, there would be a charge of approximately US$75 million. Every US$5 billion increment to the total valuation of the Company as of the date of issue of such shares above this level would result in an incremental accounting charge of US$105 million over US$75 million.

 

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Table of Contents

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS

 

            Six months ended June 30,  
     Note      2017     2018  
            (Unaudited)
RMB’million
    (Unaudited)
RMB’million
 
 

Revenue from online music services

        1,364       2,553  

Revenue from social entertainment services and others

        3,121       6,066  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

     6        4,485       8,619  

Cost of revenues

        (3,103     (5,141
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

        1,382       3,478  

Selling and marketing expenses

        (298     (738

General and administrative expenses

        (682     (905
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

        (980     (1,643

Interest income

        41       100  

Other gains, net

     7        36       12  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating profit

        479       1,947  

Share of net losses of investments accounted for using equity method

     12        (1     (7

Fair value change on liabilities of puttable shares

        —         (17
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Profit before income tax

        478       1,923  

Income tax expense

     9        (83     (180
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Profit for the period

        395       1,743  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Attributable to:

       

Equity holders of the Company

        396       1,745  

Non-controlling interests

        (1     (2
     

 

 

   

 

 

 
        395       1,743  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings per share for profit attributable to the equity holders of the Company (in RMB per share)

       

—Basic

     10        0.15       0.57  

—Diluted

     10        0.15       0.56  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this condensed consolidated interim financial information.

 

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TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

     Six months ended June 30,  
     2017     2018  
     (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)  
     RMB’million     RMB’million  

Profit for the period

     395       1,743  

Other comprehensive income:

    

Item that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss

    

Fair value gains on financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income

     —         31  

Items that may be subsequently reclassified to profit or loss

    

Currency translation differences

     (40     177  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income for the period

     355       1,951  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Attributable to:

    

Equity holders of the Company

     356       1,953  

Non-controlling interests

     (1     (2
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     355       1,951  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this condensed consolidated interim financial information.

 

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TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

          As at  
     Note    December 31, 2017      June 30, 2018  
          (Audited)
RMB’million
     (Unaudited)
RMB’million
 

ASSETS

        

Non-current assets

        

Property, plant and equipment

   11      127        119  

Intangible assets

   11      1,717        1,605  

Goodwill

   11      16,262        16,289  

Investments accounted for using equity method

   12      378        356  

Available-for-sale financial assets

   5(c)      3,740        —    

Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income

   13      —          3,808  

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

        —          170  

Prepayments, deposits and other assets

   14      204        585  

Deferred tax assets

        105        102  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 
        22,533        23,034  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Current assets

        

Inventories

        30        31  

Accounts receivable

        1,161        1,431  

Prepayments, deposits and other assets

   14      1,102        1,922  

Cash and cash equivalents

   15      5,174        9,529  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 
        7,467        12,913  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

        30,000        35,947  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

EQUITY

        

Share capital

   16      2        2  

Additional paid-in capital

   16      23,915        26,348  

Other reserves

   17      997        1,793  

Retained earnings

        1,227        2,972  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Equity attributable to equity holders of the Company

        26,141        31,115  

Non-controlling interests

        7        22  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total equity

        26,148        31,137  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

        

Non-current liabilities

        

Deferred tax liabilities

        304        423  

Deferred government grants

        21        18  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 
        325        441  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Current liabilities

        

Accounts payable

        1,045        1,487  

Other payables and accruals

   19      1,312        1,531  

Current tax liabilities

        192        57  

Deferred revenue

   20      978        1,294  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 
        3,527        4,369  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

        3,852        4,810  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total equity and liabilities

        30,000        35,947  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this condensed consolidated interim financial information.

 

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TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

 

          Attributable to equity holders of the Company        
          Share capital     Additional
paid-in capital
    Other reserves     Retained
(deficits)/
earnings
    Total     Non-
controlling
interests
    Total equity  
          RMB’million     RMB’million     RMB’million     RMB’million     RMB’million     RMB’million     RMB’million  

(Unaudited)

               

Balance at January 1, 2017

      2       20,063       617       (57     20,625       9       20,634  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

               

Profit for the period

      —         —         —         396       396       (1     395  

Other comprehensive income

               

Currency translation differences

      —         —         (40     —         (40     —         (40
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income for the period

      —         —         (40     396       356       (1     355  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Transactions with equity holders:

               

Deemed distribution arising from carve out of Tencent PRC Music Business

      —         —         13       —         13       —         13  

Share-based compensation—value of employee services

    18       —         —         182       —         182       —         182  

Exercise of share options

      —         7       —         —         7       —         7  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total transactions with equity holders at their capacity as equity holders for the period

      —         7       195       —         202       —         202  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2017

      2       20,070       772       339       21,183       8       21,191  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

 

        Attributable to equity holders of the Company        
    Note   Share capital     Additional
paid-in capital
    Other reserves     Retained
earnings
    Total     Non-
controlling
interests
    Total
equity
 
        RMB’million     RMB’million     RMB’million     RMB’million     RMB’million     RMB’million     RMB’million  

(Unaudited)

               

Balance at January 1, 2018

      2       23,915       997       1,227       26,141       7       26,148  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

               

Profit for the period

      —         —         —         1,745       1,745       (2     1,743  

Other comprehensive income

               

Fair value gains on financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income

      —         —         31       —         31       —         31  

Currency translation differences

      —         —         177       —         177       —         177  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income for the period

      —         —         208       1,745       1,953       (2     1,951  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Transactions with equity holders:

               

Issuance of ordinary shares

  16     —         2,433       —         —         2,433       —         2,433  

Share-based compensation—value of employee services and business cooperation arrangements

  18 &16     —         —         588       —         588       —         588  

Business combination

      —         —         —         —         —         17       17  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total transactions with equity holders at their capacity as equity holders for the period

      —         2,433       588       —         3,021       17       3,038  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2018

      2       26,348       1,793       2,972       31,115       22       31,137  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated interim financial information.

 

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TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

            Six months ended June 30,  
     Note      2017     2018  
            (Unaudited)
RMB’million
    (Unaudited)
RMB’million
 

Cash flows from operating activities

       

Cash generated from operations

        1,996       2,187  

Interest received

        21       68  

Income taxes paid

        (87     (199
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash inflow from operating activities

        1,930       2,056  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities

       

Net cash payment for business combinations

     19        (67     (256

Payments for settlement of pre-acquisition dividends payables of CMC

        (565     (19

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

        (25     (42

Purchase of intangible assets

        —         (5

Net payments for purchase of short term investments

        (896     —    

Proceeds from disposal of investments accounted for using equity method

        17       —    

Payments for acquisition investments accounted for using equity method

        (34     (86

Payments for acquisition of investments accounted for as financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

        —         (160

Loan to a third party

        —         (5
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash outflow from investing activities

        (1,570     (573
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities

       

Proceeds from issues of ordinary shares

     16        —         2,433  

Proceeds from issues of puttable shares

     16        —         422  

Deemed contributions arising from carve out of Tencent PRC Music Business

        13       —    

Exercise of share options

     16        7       —    
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash inflow from financing activities

        20       2,855  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

        380       4,338  

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period

        3,071       5,174  

Exchange (losses)/gains on cash and cash equivalents

        (3     17  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

        3,448       9,529  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this condensed consolidated interim financial information.

 

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TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2018

 

1

General information

 

1.1

General information

Tencent Music Entertainment Group (the “Company” or “TME”), formerly known as China Music Corporation (“CMC”), was incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands on June 6, 2012 as an exempted company with limited liability under the Companies Law (2010 Revision) of the Cayman Islands. The address of its registered office is Cricket Square, P.O. Box 2582, Grand Cayman KY1-1112, Cayman Islands. The Company is controlled by Tencent Holdings Limited (“Tencent”), a company incorporated in the Cayman Islands with limited liability and the shares of Tencent are listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited.

The Company, its subsidiaries, its controlled structured entities (“Structured Entities”, “Variable Interest Entities” or “VIEs”) and their subsidiaries (“Subsidiaries of VIEs”) are collectively referred to as the “Group”. The Group is principally engaged in operating online music entertainment platforms to provide music streaming, online karaoke and live streaming services in the People’s Republic of China (“PRC”). The Company does not conduct any substantive operations of its own but conducts its primary business operations through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, VIEs and subsidiaries or VIEs in the PRC.

The condensed consolidated interim financial information comprises the consolidated statement of financial position as at June 30, 2018, the related condensed consolidated income statement, the condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity and the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows for the six-month period then ended, and a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory notes (the “Interim Financial Information”). The Interim Financial Information is presented in Renminbi (“RMB”), unless otherwise stated. The Interim Financial Information has not been audited.

 

1.2

Significant transactions

During the six months period ended June 30, 2018, the Group completed a series of ordinary shares issuance to certain existing shareholders, financial investors as well as strategic investors, details of which have been disclosed in Note 16.

 

1.3

Consolidation of VIEs

PRC laws and regulations prohibit or restrict foreign ownership of companies that provide Internet-based business, which include activities and services provided by the Group. The Group operates its business operations in the PRC through a series of contractual arrangements entered into among the Company, wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company, VIEs that legally owned by individuals (“Nominee Shareholders”) authorized by the Group (collectively, “Contractual Arrangements”). Under the Contractual Arrangements, the Company has the power to control the management, and financial and operating policies of the VIEs, has exposure or rights to variable returns from its involvement with the VIEs, and has the ability to use its power over the VIEs to affect the amount of the returns. As a result, all these VIEs are accounted for as consolidated structured entities of the Company and their financial statements have also been consolidated by the Company. There were no changes in any Contractual Arrangements during the six months ended June 30, 2018.

 

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TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2018

 

2

Basis of preparation and presentation

The Interim Financial Information has been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard (“IAS”) 34 ‘Interim Financial Reporting’ issued by the International Accounting Standards Board and should be read in conjunction with the 2016 and 2017 Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by International Accounting Standards Board (“IFRS as issued by IASB”).

 

3

Significant accounting policies

Except as described below, the accounting policies and method of computation used in the preparation of the Interim Financial Information are consistent with those used in the Annual Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by IASB under the historical cost convention, as modified by the revaluation of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss and financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income, which are carried at fair values.

Taxes on income for the interim period are accrued using the tax rates that would be applicable to expected total annual assessable profit.

 

(a)

New and amendments to standards adopted by the Group

New and amendments to the standards that effective for the financial year ending December 31, 2018 do not have a material impact on the Group’s Interim Financial Information except IFRS 9 “Financial Instruments”, details of which are set out below:

IFRS 9 “Financial instruments” addresses the classification, measurement and derecognition of financial assets and financial liabilities, introduces new rules for hedge accounting and a new impairment model for financial assets.

The Group has reviewed its financial assets and liabilities and adopted the IFRS 9 on January 1, 2018:

Classification and measurement of financial instruments

From January 1, 2018, the Group classifies its financial assets in the following categories:

 

   

those to be measured subsequently at fair value (either through other comprehensive income or through profit or loss), and

 

   

those to be measured at amortized cost.

The classification depends on the Group’s business model for managing the financial assets and the contractual terms of the cash flows.

For assets measured at fair value, gains and losses will either be recorded in profit or loss or other comprehensive income. For investments in debt instruments, this will depend on the business model in which the investment is held. For investments in equity instruments that are not held for trading, this will depend on whether the Group has made an irrevocable election at the time of initial recognition to account for the equity investment at fair value through other comprehensive income.

The Group reclassifies debt investments when and only when its business model for managing those assets changes.

 

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TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2018

 

3

Significant accounting policies (Continued)

 

(a)

New and amendments to standards adopted by the Group (Continued)

 

The effects of the reclassification upon the adoption of IFRS 9 are as below:

 

     Available-for-sale
financial assets
     Financial assets at
fair value through
other
comprehensive
income
     Financial assets
at fair value
through profit
or loss
 
     RMB’ Million      RMB’ Million      RMB’ Million  
            (Note 13)         

At December 31, 2017, as previously reported

     3,740        —          —    

Reclassification

     (3,740      3,730        10  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

At January 1, 2018

     —          3,730        10  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

There was no impact on the Group’s accounting for financial liabilities as the new requirements only affect the accounting for financial liabilities that are designated at fair value through profit or loss, while the Group does not have any such liabilities.

Impairment of financial assets

The new impairment model requires the recognition of impairment provisions based on expected credit losses rather than only incurred credit losses as is the case under IAS 39. It applies to financial assets classified at amortized cost, debt instruments measured at fair value through other comprehensive income, contract assets under IFRS 15, lease receivables, loan commitments and certain financial guarantee contracts. The changes in the loss allowance for account receivables under the new impairment model was immaterial.

 

(b)

Recent accounting pronouncements

A number of new standards and amendments to standards have not come into effect for the financial year beginning January 1, 2018, and have not been early adopted by the Group in preparing the condensed consolidated interim financial information. None of these is expected to have a significant effect on the condensed consolidated interim financial information of the Group, except IFRS 16 “Lease” as set out below:

IFRS 16 will result in almost all leases being recognized on the statement of financial position, as the distinction between operating and finance leases is removed. Under the new standard, an asset (the right to use the leased item) and a financial liability to pay rentals are recognized. The only exceptions are short-term and low-value leases.

The accounting for lessors will not be significantly changed. The standard will affect primarily the accounting for Group’s operating leases. The Group has commenced its assessment and have not yet determined to what extent its commitments will result in the recognition of an asset and a liability for future payments and how this will affect the Group’s profit and classification of cash flows.

The new standard is mandatory for financial years commencing on or after January 1, 2019.

 

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TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2018

 

4

Estimates

The preparation of the Interim Financial Information requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expense. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

In preparing the Interim Financial Information, the nature of significant judgments made by management in applying the Group’s accounting policies and the key sources of estimation uncertainty were consistent with those described in the 2016 and 2017 Financial Statements.

 

5

Financial risk management

 

(a)

Financial risk factors

The Group’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks: market risk (including foreign exchange risk, price risk and interest rate risk), credit risk and liquidity risk.

The Interim Financial Information does not include all financial risk management information and disclosures required in the annual financial statements, and should be read in conjunction with the Annual Financial Statements.

There were no changes in any material risk management policies during the six months ended June 30, 2018.

 

(b)

Capital risk management

The Group’s objectives on managing capital are to safeguard the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern and support the sustainable growth of the Group in order to provide returns for shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders and to maintain an optimal capital structure to enhance shareholders’ value in the long term.

Capital refers to equity and external debts (including borrowings and notes payable). In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Group may adjust the amount of dividends paid to shareholders, return capital to shareholders, issue new shares, repurchase the Company’s shares or raise/repay debts.

 

(c)

Fair value estimation

The table below analyzes financial instruments carried at fair value, by valuation method. The different levels have been defined as follows:

 

   

Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1).

 

   

Inputs other than quoted prices included within level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (that is, as prices) or indirectly (that is, derived from prices) (level 2).

 

   

Inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (that is, unobservable inputs) (level 3).

 

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TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2018

 

5

Financial risk management (Continued)

 

(c)

Fair value estimation (Continued)

 

The following table presents the Group’s financial assets that are measured at fair value at June 30, 2018.

 

     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3  
     RMB’million      RMB’million      RMB’million  

As at June 30, 2018

        

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

     —          —          170  

Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income

     3,808        —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

As at December 31, 2017

        

Available-for-sale financial assets (Note 13)

     —          —          3,740  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The fair value of financial instruments traded in active markets is determined based on quoted market prices at the end of the reporting period. A market is regarded as active if quoted prices are readily and regularly available from an exchange, dealer, broker, industry group, pricing service, or regulatory agency, and those prices represent actual and regularly occurring market transactions on an arm’s length basis. The quoted market price used for financial assets held by the Group is the current bid price. These instruments are included in level 1.

The fair value of financial instruments that are not traded in an active market is determined by using valuation techniques. These valuation techniques maximize the use of observable market data where it is available and rely as little as possible on entity specific estimates. If all significant inputs required for evaluating the fair value of a financial instrument are observable, the instrument is included in level 2.

If one or more of the significant inputs are not based on observable market data, the instrument is included in level 3.

The Group adopts various valuation techniques to determine the fair value of the level 3 instruments. There were no changes in valuation techniques during the period.

The components of the level 3 instruments represents investments in unlisted companies. As these instruments are not traded in an active market, their fair values have been determined using applicable valuation technique, the recent transaction approach. Major assumptions used in the valuation include recent market transactions, discount for lack of marketability and other exposure.

 

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TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2018

 

5

Financial risk management (Continued)

 

(c)

Fair value estimation (Continued)

 

The transfers between levels 1 and 3 during the period are as follows:

 

     Level 1      Level 3  
     Financial assets at fair value  
     through other comprehensive
income
     through
profit or loss
 
     RMB’million      RMB’million      RMB’million  

Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income:

        

As at January 1, 2018 upon reclassification from available-for-sale financial assets

     —          3,730        10  

Transfer upon the successful listing of the underlying investment, Spotify Technology S.A. (“Spotify”) (Note 13)

     3,730        (3,730      —    

Fair value changes

     31        —          —    

Additions

     —          —          160  

Exchange difference

     47        —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

As at June 30, 2018

     3,808        —          170  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

There is no transfer between levels 1 and 2 or levels 2 and 3 during the six months ended June 30, 2018. There was no transfer between level 1, 2 or 3 during the six months ended June 30, 2017.

 

6

Revenues

During the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2018, subscription packages contributed RMB869 million and RMB1,170 million to the revenues from online music services, respectively.

 

7

Other gains, net

 

     Six months ended June 30,  
     2017      2018  
     RMB’million      RMB’million  

Government grants (note)

     13        24  

Net foreign exchange gains/(losses)

     19        (15

Other

     4        3  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     36        12  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Note:    There are no unfulfilled conditions or contingencies related to these subsidies.

 

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TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2018

 

8

Expense by nature

 

     Six months ended June 30,  
     2017      2018  
     RMB’million      RMB’million  

Service costs (note i)

     2,639        4,499  

Advertising agency fees

     87        107  

Employee benefits expenses (note ii)

     641        849  

Promotion and advertising expenses

     159        641  

Notes:

  (i)

Service costs mainly comprise of licensing costs, revenue sharing fees paid to content creators and content delivery costs relating primarily to server, cloud services and bandwidth costs.

  (ii)

During the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2018, the Group incurred expenses for the purpose of research and development of approximately RMB374 million and RMB406 million, respectively, which comprised employee benefits expenses of RMB347 million and RMB359 million, respectively.

No significant development expenses had been capitalized for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2018.

 

9

Taxation

Income tax expense is recognized based on management’s best knowledge of the income tax rates expected for the financial year.

 

  (i)

Cayman Islands

Under the current laws of the Cayman Islands, the Company is not subject to tax on income or capital gains. Additionally, upon payment of dividends by the Company to its shareholders, no Cayman Islands withholding tax will be imposed.

 

  (ii)

Hong Kong

Under the current tax laws of Hong Kong, Tencent Music Entertainment Hong Kong Limited (“TME HK”) is subject to Hong Kong profits tax at 16.5% on its taxable income generated from the operation in Hong Kong. Dividends from TME HK is exempted from withholding tax.

 

  (iii)

PRC

Under the Corporate Income Tax (“CIT”) Law, foreign invested enterprises and domestic enterprises are subject to a unified CIT rate of 25%. In accordance with the implementation rules of the CIT Law, a qualified “High and New Technology Enterprise” (“HNTE”) is eligible for a preferential tax rate of 15% and a “Software Enterprise” (“SE”) is entitled to an exemption from income taxation for the first two years, counting from the year the enterprise makes profit, and a reduction of 50% for the next three years. Shenzhen Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone (“Qianhai”) receives quality support in piloting the exploration of tax reforms in the modern service industry within the framework of national tax system reform. For eligible enterprises in Qianhai, CIT shall be levied at a reduced tax rate of 15%.

 

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TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2018

 

9

Taxation (Continued)

 

  (iii)

PRC (Continued)

 

Guangzhou Kugou and Beijing Kuwo have been recognized as HNTE under the CIT law by the relevant government authorities and were entitled to preferential tax rate of 15% for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018. Guangzhou Fanxing Entertainment Information Technology Co., Ltd has been recognized as HNTE under the CIT law by the relevant government authorities and was entitled to preferential tax rate of 15% for the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2018. Yeelion Online was qualified as a SE and has enjoyed the relevant tax holiday starting from the year ended December 31, 2017 (i.e. its first profitable year). Tencent Music Entertainment Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. (“TME Shenzhen Technology”) has been entitled to preferential tax rate of 15% as an eligible enterprise in Qianhai. In addition, TME Shenzhen Technology was approved as a SE in 2018 and entitled the relevant preferential tax treatment since year ended December 31, 2017 (i.e. its first profitable year). Income tax for TME Shenzhen Technology has been provided for at its preferential tax treatment during the period. The other PRC subsidiaries and Consolidated VIEs are subject to a CIT rate of 25%.

The CIT Law also provides that an enterprise established under the laws of a foreign country or region but whose “de facto management body” is located in the PRC should be treated as a resident enterprise for PRC tax purposes and consequently be subject to the PRC income tax at the rate of 25% for its global income. The Implementing Rules of the CIT Law merely define the location of the “de facto management body” as “the place where the exercising, in substance, of the overall management and control of the production and business operation, personnel, accounting, properties, etc., of a non-PRC company is located.” Based on a review of surrounding facts and circumstances, the Group does not believe that it is likely that its operations outside of the PRC should be considered as a resident enterprise for PRC tax purposes.

The income tax expense of the Group for the six months ended June 30 2018 and 2017 are analyzed as follows:

 

     Six months ended June 30,  
     2017      2018  
     RMB’million      RMB’million  

Current income tax

     176        64  

Deferred income tax

     (93      116  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total income tax expense

     83        180  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

10

Earnings per share

 

(a)

Basic earnings per share

Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is calculated by dividing the profit attributable to equity holders of the Company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the period.

 

(b)

Diluted earnings per share

For the calculation of diluted earnings per share, net income attributable to ordinary shareholders for basic earnings per share is adjusted by the effect of dilutive securities, including share-based awards in respect of

 

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TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2018

 

10

Earnings per share (Continued)

 

(b)

Diluted earnings per share (Continued)

 

share options and restricted share units (“RSU”), under the treasury stock method. Potentially dilutive securities, including certain share-based awards of which the amounts are insignificant and puttable shares, have been excluded from the computation of diluted net income per share as their inclusion is anti-dilutive.

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income per share:

 

     Six months ended June 30,  
     2017      2018  
     RMB’million      RMB’million  

Earnings

     

Net income attributable to the Company

     396        1,745  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     Number of shares  

Shares

     

Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding, used in in computing basic earnings per share

     2,556,725,734        3,049,664,727  

Dilution effect—share options and RSU

     46,483,439        60,376,092  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Shares used in computing diluted earnings per share

     2,603,209,173        3,110,040,819  
     RMB      RMB  

Basic net income per share attributable to the Company

     0.15        0.57  

Diluted net income per share attributable to the Company

     0.15        0.56  

 

11

Property, plant and equipment, intangible assets and goodwill

 

     Property, plant
and equipment
     Intangible assets      Goodwill  
     RMB’million      RMB’million      RMB’million  

Net book amounts at January 1, 2017

     108        2,007        15,762  

Additions

     18        2        —    

Disposals

     (2      —          —    

Depreciation and amortization

     (30      (183      —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net book amounts at June 30, 2017

     94        1,826        15,762  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net book amounts at January 1, 2018

     127        1,717        16,262  

Additions

     31        3        —    

Business combination

     —          23        27  

Disposals

     (1      —          —    

Depreciation and amortization

     (38      (138      —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net book amounts at June 30, 2018

     119        1,605        16,289  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2018

 

12

Investments accounted for using equity method

 

     As of  
     December 31, 2017      June 30, 2018  
     RMB’million      RMB’million  

Investments in associates

     324        305  

Investments in joint ventures

     54        51  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     378        356  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Movement of investments in associates and joint ventures is analyzed as follows:

 

     Six months ended June 30,  
     2017
     2018
 
     RMB’million      RMB’million  

At beginning of the period

     292        378  

Additions

     34        47  

Share of profit of investments accounted for using equity method

     (1      (7

Disposal (note b)

     —          (50

Step-up acquisition (note a)

     —          (14

Currency translation differences

     (2      2  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

At end of the period

     323        356  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Note:   (a)    On June 1, 2018, the Group acquired 25.4% of additional equity interest in an associate at a consideration of RMB13 million, of which the Group held 40.7% equity interest (the “Step-up Acquisition”). Upon completion of the Step-up Acquisition, the associate became a non-wholly-owned subsidiary of the Group and the Group recorded a gain on Step-up Acquisition of RMB6 million for remeasuring its 40.7% equity interest held before the business combination at fair value of RMB20 million. Goodwill arising from the Step-up Acquisition of RMB27 million is not expected to be deductible for income tax purpose. The fair value of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date are insignificant to the Group. The revenue and the results contributed by the acquiree to the Group for the period since the acquisition date were insignificant. The Group’s revenue and results for the six months period would not be materially different should the Step-up Acquisition otherwise occur on January 1, 2018.
  (b)    Disposal consideration was received by the Group in 2017.

 

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TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2018

 

13

Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income

Movement of financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income is analyzed as follows:

 

     Six months ended June 30,  
     2017
     2018
 
     RMB’million      RMB’million  

Listed equity investments

     

At the beginning of the period

     —          —    

Reclassification from available-for-sale financial assets

     —          3,730  

Fair value change

     —          31  

Currency translation differences

     —          47  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

At the end of the period

     —          3,808  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Note:    The Group’s financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income represented its equity investment in Spotify. Spotify was listed on the New York Stock Exchange in April 2018.

 

14

Prepayments, deposits and other receivables

 

     As of  
     December 31, 2017      June 30, 2018  
     RMB’million      RMB’million  

Included in non-current assets

     

Prepaid content royalties

     191        585  

Others

     13         
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     204        585  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Included in current assets

     

Prepaid content royalties

     831        1,596  

Value-added tax recoverable

     82        109  

Prepaid vendors deposits and other receivables

     39        32  

Prepaid promotion expenses

     40        21  

Receivable from Tencent (Note 22)

     59        62  

Others

     51        102  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     1,102        1,922  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     1,306        2,507  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

15

Cash and cash equivalents

 

     As of  
     December 31, 2017      June 30, 2018  
     RMB’million      RMB’million  

Cash at bank

     3,419        2,159  

Term deposits with initial terms within three months

     1,755        7,370  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     5,174        9,529  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2018

 

16

Share capital

 

     Number of shares      Share capital      Additional
paid-in capital
 
            RMB’million      RMB’million  

Balance January 1, 2017

     2,543,814,662        2        20,063  

Issuance of ordinary shares

     19,539,000        —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance June 30, 2017

     2,563,353,662        2        20,063  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance January 1, 2018

     2,970,573,050        2        23,915  

Issuance of ordinary shares (i)

     94,637,378        —          2,433  

Issuance of puttable ordinary shares to strategic investors (ii)

     24,757,517        —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance June 30, 2018

     3,089,967,945        2        26,348  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Notes:

  (i)

During the six months ended June 30, 2018, 94,637,378 ordinary shares of the Company were allotted and issued to certain existing shareholders and new financial investors for an aggregated consideration of US$382 million (equivalents to approximately RMB2,433 million). These shares rank pari passu in all respects with the shares in issue. The excess over the par value was credited to the additional paid-in capital.

  (ii)

In addition, the Company also allotted and issued 24,757,517 ordinary shares of the Company to certain strategic investors for an aggregate consideration of US$123 million (equivalents to approximately RMB775 million) comprising of cash proceeds of US$67 million (equivalents to approximately RMB422 million) and business cooperation arrangements, in turn of contents cooperation, valued at approximately US$56 million (equivalents to approximately RMB353 million). These shares rank pari passu in all respects with the shares in issue except that there is a lock up period of 3 years on these shares and the holders have the right to sell their shares to the Company during the lock up period at a pre-determined price (“Put Right”). This arrangement is accounted for as compound instrument under share-based compensation arrangement with debt component, representing the holders’ right to demand payment by exercise the Put Right, which is accounted for as cash-settled share-based compensation and the residual is equity component accounted for as equity-settled share-based compensation.

The present value of the outflows of cash in relation to the Put Right of approximately US$67 million (equivalents to approximately RMB422 million) is recognized as a liability (Note 19) and subsequently measured at fair value. The residual balance of approximately US$56 million (equivalents to approximately RMB353 million) is accounted for as an equity-settled share-based compensation and recognized in equity.

 

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TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2018

 

17

Other reserves

 

     Share based
compensation
reserve
     Contribution
from ultimate
holding
company
     PRC
statutory
reserve
     Foreign
currency
translation
reserve
    Fair value
reserve of
financial assets
at fair value
through other
comprehensive
income
     Total other
reserves
 
     RMB’million      RMB’million      RMB’million      RMB’million     RMB’million      RMB’million  

At January 1, 2017

     142        416        17        42       —          617  

Other currency translation differences

     —          —          —          (40     —          (40

Share based compensation

     182        —          —          —         —          182  

Deemed distribution

     —          13        —          —         —          13  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

At June 30, 2017

     324        429        17        2       —          772  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

At January 1, 2018

     576        463        59        (101     —          997  

Other currency translation differences

     —          —          —          177       —          177  

Fair value gains on financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income

     —          —          —          —         31        31  

Share based compensation

     588        —          —          —         —          588  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance June 30, 2018

     1,164        463        59        76       31        1,793  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

18

Share based compensation

 

(a)

Share-based compensation plans of the Company

The Group has adopted three share-based compensation plans, namely, the 2014 Share Incentive Plan, the 2017 Restricted Share Scheme and the 2017 Option Plan.

 

  (i)

2014 Share Incentive Plan

2014 Share Incentive Plan was approved by the then board of directors of the Company in October 2014. According to the 2014 Share Incentive Plan, 101,785,256 ordinary shares have been reserved to be issued to any qualified employees, directors, non-employee directors, and consultants as determined by the board of directors of the Company. The options will be exercisable only if option holder continues employment or provide services through each vesting date. The maximum term of any issued stock option is ten years from the grant date.

Some granted options follow the first category vesting schedule, one-fourth (1/4) of which shall vest and become exercisable upon the first anniversary of the date of grant and one-eighth (1/8) of which shall vest and become exercisable on each half of a year anniversary thereafter. Some granted options follow the second category vesting schedule, one-fourth (1/4) of which shall vest upon the first

 

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TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2018

 

18

Share based compensation (Continued)

 

(a)

Share-based compensation plans of the Company (Continued)

 

  (i)

2014 Share Incentive Plan (Continued)

 

anniversary of the grant date and one-sixteenth (1/16) of which shall vest on each three months thereafter. Under the second category vesting schedule, in the event of the Company’s completion of an Initial Public Offering (IPO) or termination of the option holder’s employment agreement by the Company without cause, the vesting schedule shall be accelerated by a one year period (which means that the whole vesting schedule shall be shortened from four years to three years). For the third category vesting schedule, all options shall vest upon the first anniversary of the grant date, and in the event of the Company’s completion of an IPO.

The option holders may elect at any time to exercise any part or all of the vested options before the expiry date.

 

     Number of
options
     Weighted-
average exercise
price
     Weighted-
average grant
date fair value
 
            (US$)      (US$)  

Outstanding as of January 1, 2017

     96,704,847        0.25        2.05  

Exercised

     (39,262,654      0.30        1.98  

Forfeited

     (3,943,920      0.24        2.08  
  

 

 

       

Outstanding As of December 31, 2017

     53,498,273        0.21        2.09  
  

 

 

       

Vested and expected to vest As of December 31, 2017

     49,573,551        0.20        2.09  

Exercisable As of December 31, 2017

     33,196,944        0.18        2.11  

Non vested As of December 31, 2017

     20,301,329        0.26        2.06  

Outstanding as of January 1, 2018

     53,498,273        0.21        2.09  

Anti-dilution adjustments

     4,731,938        

Forfeited

     (1,030,188      0.26        2.06  
  

 

 

       

Outstanding As of June 30, 2018

     57,200,023        0.19        2.09  
  

 

 

       

Vested and expected to vest as of June 30, 2018

     54,353,227        0.19        2.09  

Exercisable As of June 30, 2018

     40,517,674        0.16        2.12  

Non vested As of June 30, 2018

     16,682,349        0.26        2.04  

No new grants during the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2018.

 

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Table of Contents

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2018

 

18

Share based compensation (Continued)

 

(a)

Share-based compensation plans of the Company (Continued)

 

  (i)

2014 Share Incentive Plan (Continued)

 

Share options outstanding at the end of the period have the following expiry date and exercise prices:

 

Grant Date

   Expiry date      Exercise
price
     Share options
December 31,
2017
     Share options
June 30, 2018
 

March 1, 2015

     February 28, 2025      US$ 0.000076        2,348,099        2,555,800  

March 1, 2015

     February 28, 2025      US$ 0.27        2,630,000        2,862,650  

March 1, 2015

     February 28, 2025      US$ 0.000076        11,924,136        12,971,340  

March 1, 2015

     February 28, 2025      US$ 0.27        9,939,200        10,698,545  

March 30, 2015

     March 29, 2025      US$ 0.27        3,444,042        3,748,650  

July 1, 2015

     June 30, 2025      US$ 0.27        200,000        75,100  

October 1, 2015

     September 30, 2025      US$ 0.27        780,600        795,295  

December 31, 2015

     December 30, 2025      US$ 0.27        2,933,281        3,090,543  

December 31, 2015

     December 30, 2025      US$ 0.000076        212,000        230,750  

March 1, 2016

     February 28, 2026      US$ 0.27        761,000        786,910  

March 31, 2016

     March 30, 2026      US$ 0.27        340,500        370,615  

June 1, 2016

     May 30, 2026      US$ 0.27        6,521,513        7,098,340  

June 30, 2016

     June 29, 2026      US$ 0.000076        600,000        653,070  

June 30, 2016

     June 29, 2026      US$ 0.27        10,863,902        11,262,415  
        

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

           53,498,273        57,200,023  
        

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted average remaining contractual life of options outstanding at end of period:

 

     7.22        6.73  
        

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (ii)

2017 Restricted Share Scheme and 2017 Option Plan

Pursuant to the RSUs agreements under 2017 Restricted Share Scheme, subject to grantee’s continued services to the Group through the applicable vesting date, some RSUs follow the first category of vesting schedule, one-fourth(1/4) of which shall vest eighteen months after grant date, and one-fourth (1/4) every year after. Other granted RSUs shall follow the second vesting schedule, half (1/2) shall vest six months after grant date, and the other half shall vest six months thereafter.

 

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TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2018

 

18

Share based compensation (Continued)

 

(a)

Share-based compensation plans of the Company (Continued)

 

  (ii)

2017 Restricted Share Scheme and 2017 Option Plan (Continued)

 

Movements in the number of RSUs for the period ended December 31, 2017 and June 30, 2018 are as follows:

 

     Number of awarded
shares
 

Outstanding as of January 1, 2017

     7,172,472  

Granted

     1,234,514  

Forfeited

     (265,322
  

 

 

 

Outstanding as of December 31, 2017

     8,141,664  
  

 

 

 

Expected to vest as of December 31, 2017

     5,797,563  

Outstanding as of January 1, 2018

     8,141,664  

Anti-dilution adjustments

     719,968  

Granted

     875,050  

Forfeited

     (86,012
  

 

 

 

Outstanding as of June 30, 2018

     9,650,670  
  

 

 

 

Expected to vest as of June 30, 2018

     7,195,441  

The fair value of the RSUs was calculated based on the fair value of ordinary shares of the Company. The weighted average fair value of RSUs granted during the year ended December 31, 2017 and six months ended June 30, 2018 was US$3.31 per share (equivalent to approximately RMB21.90 per share) and US$4.04 per share (equivalent to approximately RMB26.73 per share).

 

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Table of Contents

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2018

 

18

Share based compensation (Continued)

 

(a)

Share-based compensation plans of the Company (Continued)

 

  (ii)

2017 Restricted Share Scheme and 2017 Option Plan (Continued)

 

Share options granted are generally subject to a four batches vesting schedule as determined by the board of directors of the grant. One-fourth (1/4) of which shall vest nine months or eighteen months after grant date, respectively, as provided in the grant agreement, and one-fourth (1/4) of which vest upon every year thereafter. The vested options shall become exercisable in the event of the Company’s completion of an IPO.

 

    Number of
options
    Weighted-
average
exercise price
    Weighted-
average grant

date fair value
 
          (US$)     (US$)  

Outstanding as of January 1, 2017

    12,034,480       2.53       1.03  

Granted

    15,315,256       1.35       3.10  

Forfeited

    (388,350     0.29       3.39  
 

 

 

     

Outstanding as of December 31, 2017

    26,961,386       1.89       2.17  
 

 

 

     

Vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 2017

    18,362,420       1.87       2.18  

Exercisable as of December 31, 2017

    —         —         —    

Non vested as of December 31, 2017

    26,961,386       1.89       2.17  

Outstanding as of January 1, 2018

    26,961,386       1.89       2.17  

Anti-dilution adjustments

    2,384,714      

Granted

    1,300,000       4.04       2.49  

Forfeited

    (452,478     0.27       3.39  
 

 

 

     

Outstanding as of June 30, 2018

    30,193,622       1.86       2.17  
 

 

 

     

Vested and expected to vest as of June 30, 2018

    22,250,494       1.85       2.08  

Exercisable as of June 30, 2018

    —         —         —    

Non vested as of June 30, 2018

    30,193,622       1.86       2.17  

The fair value of share options were valued using the Binomial option-pricing model. Assumptions used in the Binomial option-pricing model are presented below:

 

     Six months ended June 30,  
     2017      2018  

Risk free interest rate

     N/A        2.97

Expected dividend yield

     N/A        0

Expected volatility

     N/A        60

Exercise multiples

     N/A        2.8  

Contractual life

     N/A        10 years  

 

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Table of Contents

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2018

 

18

Share based compensation (Continued)

 

(a)

Share-based compensation plans of the Company (Continued)

 

  (ii)

2017 Restricted Share Scheme and 2017 Option Plan (Continued)

 

Share options outstanding as at December 31, 2017 and June 30, 2018 have the following expiry date and exercise prices:

 

Grant Date

   Expiry date      Exercise
price
     Share options
December 31,
2017
     Share options
June 30, 2018
 

October 1, 2016

     June 15, 2027      US$ 2.32        12,034,480        13,098,930  

August 31, 2017

     August 31, 2027      US$ 0.27        7,666,803        7,892,412  

December 20, 2017

     December 20, 2027      US$ 2.32        7,260,103        7,902,280  

April 16, 2018

     April 16, 2028      US$ 4.04        —          1,300,000  
        

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

           26,961,386        30,193,622  
        

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted average remaining contractual life of options outstanding at end of period:

 

     9.21        8.88  
        

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(b)

Share-based compensation plans of Tencent

Tencent operates a number of share-based compensation plans (including share option scheme and share award scheme) covering certain employees of the Group.

Share options granted are generally subject to a four-year or five-year vesting schedule as determined by the board of directors of Tencent. Under the four-year vesting schedule, share options in general vest one-fourth (1/4) upon the first anniversary of the grant date, and one-fourth (1/4) every year after. Under the five-year vesting schedule, depending on the nature and purpose of the grant, share options in general vest one-fifth (1/5) upon the first or second anniversary of the grant date, respectively, as provided in the grant agreement, and one-fifth (1/5) every year after.

RSUs are subject to a three-year or four-year vesting schedule, and each year after the grant date, one-third (1/3) or one-fourth (1/4) shall vest accordingly.

 

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Table of Contents

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2018

 

18

Share based compensation (Continued)

 

(b)

Share-based compensation plans of Tencent (Continued)

 

No outstanding share options or RSUs will be exercisable or subject to vesting after the expiry of a maximum of seven years from the date of grant. Movements in the number of share options of Tencent relevant to the Group outstanding is as follows:

 

     Number of
shares
     Average
exercise price
     Weighted-
average grant

date fair value
 
            (HK$)      (HK$)  

Outstanding as of January 1, 2017

     85,660        129.88        53.63  

Granted

     32,410        271.60        81.70  

Exercised

     (32,735      64.88        53.28  
  

 

 

       

Outstanding as of December 31, 2017

     85,335        208.93        64.43  
  

 

 

       

Vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 2017

     57,795        208.52        64.25  

Exercisable as of December 31, 2017

     8,055        174.86        55.42  

Non vested as of December 31, 2017

     77,280        212.48        65.37  

 

     Number of
shares
     Average
exercise price
     Weighted-
average grant

date fair value
 
            (HK$)      (HK$)  

Outstanding as of January 1, 2018

     85,335        208.93        64.43  
  

 

 

       

Outstanding as of June 30, 2018

     85,335        208.93        64.43  
  

 

 

       

Vested and expected to vest as of June 30, 2018

     60,907        208.54        64.25  

Exercisable as of June 30, 2018

     8,055        174.86        55.42  

Non vested as of June 30, 2018

     77,280        212.48        65.37  

No new grants during the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2018.

Share options outstanding at the end of the period have the following expiry date and exercise prices:

 

Grant Date

   Expiry date      Exercise
price
     Share options
December 31, 2017
     Share options
June 30, 2018
 

July 10, 2014

     July 9, 2021      HK$ 124.30        5,000        5,000  

July 6, 2016

     July 5, 2023      HK$ 174.86        47,925        47,925  

July 10, 2017

     July 9, 2024      HK$ 272.36        32,410        32,410  
        

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

           85,335        85,335  
        

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2018

 

18

Share based compensation (Continued)

 

(b)

Share-based compensation plans of Tencent (Continued)

 

Movements in the number of awarded shares for the period ended December 31, 2017 and June 30, 2018 are as follows:

 

     Number of awarded shares  
     December 31, 2017  

Outstanding as of January 1

     731,814  

Granted

     24,503  

Lapsed

     (9,013

Vested and transferred

     (316,886
  

 

 

 

Outstanding as of December 31

     430,418  
  

 

 

 

Expected to vest as of December 31,

     361,943  
  

 

 

 
     June 30, 2018  

Outstanding as of January 1

     430,418  

Lapsed

     (1,370

Vested and transferred

     (4,219
  

 

 

 

Outstanding as of June 30

     424,829  
  

 

 

 

Expected to vest as of June 30,

     385,035  
  

 

 

 

The fair value of the awarded shares was calculated based on the market price of the Tencent’s shares at the respective grant date. The expected dividends during the vesting period have been taken into account when assessing the fair value of these awarded shares.

The weighted average fair value of awarded shares granted during the six months ended June 30, 2017 was HKD271.6 per share (equivalent to approximately RMB227.03 per share).

The outstanding awarded shares as of June 30, 2018 were divided into two to five tranches on an equal basis as at their grant dates. The first tranche can be exercised immediately or after a specified period ranging from four months to four years from the grant date, and the remaining tranches will become exercisable in each subsequent year. The optionee may elect at any time while remains an employee, to exercise any part or all of the vested options before the expiry date.

 

(c)

Expected retention rate of grantees

The Group has to estimate the expected yearly percentage of grantees that will stay within the Group at the end of vesting periods of the options and awarded shares (the “Expected Retention Rate”) in order to determine the amount of share-based compensation expenses charged to the consolidated income statement. As at December 31, 2017 and June 30, 2018, the Expected Retention Rate of the Group was assessed to be 90%.

 

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Table of Contents

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2018

 

19

Other payables and accruals

 

     As of December 31
2017
     As of June
2018
 
     RMB’million      RMB’million  

Dividend payable

     31        12  

Payroll payable

     419        385  

Accrued advertising and promotion expenses

     188        247  

Advances from customers

     69        70  

Investment payables (note)

     303        2  

Other tax liabilities

     37        48  

Present value of liability of puttable shares (Note 16(ii))

     —          458  

Others

     265        309  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     1,312        1,531  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Note:    During the six months ended June 30, 2018, purchase consideration payable of RMB247 million for acquisition of Ultimate Music Inc. in 2017 was settled.

 

20

Deferred revenue

Deferred revenue mainly represents contract liabilities in relation to service fees prepaid by customers for time-based virtual gifts, membership subscriptions, and digital music albums or single songs, for which the related services had not been rendered as at June 30, 2018.

 

21

Commitments

 

(a)

Non-cancellable operating leases

As of December 31, 2017 and June 30, 2018, future minimum commitments of the Group under non-cancelable operating arrangements are RMB105 million and RMB88 million, respectively, which are mainly related to leased facilities and rental of bandwidth.

 

(b)

Contents royalty

As of December 31, 2017 and June 30, 2018, minimum royalty payments of the Group associated with its license agreements are RMB4,923 million and RMB6,567 million, respectively.

 

(c)

Capital commitments

As of December 31, 2017 and June 30, 2018, the Company had commitments for non-cancelable agreements to leasehold improvements of RMB4 million and RMB2 million, respectively.

 

(d)

Investment commitments

As of December 31, 2017 and June 30, 2018, the Group had commitments to invest approximately RMB52 million and RMB92 million in certain entities to hold the equity interest in such entities.

 

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Table of Contents

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2018

 

22

Related party transactions

The table below sets forth the major related parties and their relationships with the Group as of June 30, 2018:

 

Name of related parties

  

Relationship with the Group

Tencent and its subsidiaries other than the entities controlled by the Group (“Tencent Group”)

   The Company’s principal owner

Beijing Quku Technology Co., Ltd (“Quku”)

   The Company’s associate

Nanjing Jiyun Cultural Development Ltd. (“Jiyun”)

   The Company’s associate, before May 31, 2018

United Entertainment Corporation and its subsidiaries (“UEC Group”)

   The Company’s associate

 

(a)

Transactions

For the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2018, significant related party transactions were as follows:

 

     Six months ended,  
     2017      2018  
     RMB’million      RMB’million  

Revenue

     

Online music services to Tencent Group

     9        28  

Social entertainment services and others to Quku

     12        5  

Expenses

     

Operation expenses recharged by Tencent Group

     243        279  

Advertising agency cost to Tencent Group

     87        107  

Content royalties to the Group’s associates

     16        47  

 

(b)

Balances with related parties

 

     As of December 31,
2017
     As of June 30,
2018
 
     RMB’million      RMB’million  

Included in accounts receivable from related parties:

     

Tencent Group (note)

     651        744  

The Group’s associates

     8        10  

Included in prepayments, deposits and other assets from related parties:

     

Tencent Group

     59        62  

The Group’s associates

     26        2  

Included in accounts payable to related parties:

     

Tencent Group

     104        317  

The Group’s associates

     5        14  

Included in other payables and accruals to related parties:

     

Tencent Group

     59        49  

The Group’s associates

     —          —    

 

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Table of Contents

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2018

 

22

Related party transactions (Continued)

 

(b)

Balances with related parties (Continued)

 

Outstanding balances are unsecured and are repayable on demand.

 

Note:

  

The balance is mainly arising from user payments collected through various payment channels of Tencent Group pursuant to the Business Cooperation Agreement signed upon between the Group and Tencent Group.

 

(c)

Key management personnel compensation

     Six months ended June 30,  
     2017      2018  
     RMB’million      RMB’million  

Short-term employee benefits

     23        23  

Share-based compensation

     54        109  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     77        132  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

23

Contingent liabilities

The Group is involved in a number of claims pending in various courts, in arbitration, or otherwise unresolved as of June 30, 2018. These claims are mainly related to alleged copyright infringement as well as routine and incidental matters to its business, among others. Adverse results in these claims may include awards of damages and may also result in, or even compel, a change in the Company’s business practices, which could impact the Company’s future financial results. The Group has made accruals within “Other payables and accruals” in the consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2018.

The Company is unable to estimate the reasonably possible loss or a range of reasonably possible losses for proceedings in the early stages or where there is a lack of clear or consistent interpretation of laws specific to the industry-specific complaints among different jurisdictions. Although the results of unsettled litigations and claims cannot be predicted with certainty, the Company does not believe that, as of June 30, 2018, there was at least a reasonable possibility that the Company may have incurred a material loss, or a material loss in excess of the accrued expenses, with respect to such loss contingencies. The losses accrued include judgments handed down by the court and out-of-court settlements after June 30, 2018, but related to cases arising on or before June 30, 2018. The Company is in the process of appealing certain judgments for which losses have been accrued. However, the ultimate timing and outcome of pending litigation is inherently uncertain. Therefore, although management considers the likelihood of a material loss for all pending claims, both asserted and unasserted, to be remote, if one or more of these legal matters were resolved against the Company in the same reporting period for amounts in excess of management’s expectations, the Company’s consolidated financial statements of a particular reporting period could be materially adversely affected.

 

24

Events occurring after the reporting period

 

  (a)

There were no material subsequent events during the period from June 30, 2018 to the approval date of this condensed consolidated interim financial information on August 15, 2018.

 

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Table of Contents

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2018

 

24

Events occurring after the reporting period (Continued)

 

  (b)

On September 1, 2018, the Company acquired all the remaining interest of an associate, United Music Entertainment Corporation (“UEC”), from Tencent, a director of the Company, other shareholders and management of UEC for a consideration of 23,084,008 ordinary shares and 460,724 share options of the Company.

 

  (c)

On October 1, 2018, the Company entered into certain share subscription agreements with each of WMG China LLC (“Warner”), an affiliate of Warner Music Group, and Sony Music Entertainment (“Sony”) pursuant to which the Company agreed to issue to these two strategic investors, subject to satisfaction of certain customary closing conditions, a total of 68,131,015 ordinary shares for an aggregate cash consideration of approximately US$200 million. Under the agreements, shares held by Warner and certain shares held by Sony will be subject to a lock-up that will expire upon the earlier of the third anniversary of the completion of the initial public offering of the Company or October 1, 2021, subject to limited exceptions. The remaining shares held by Sony will be subject to a lock-up that will expire upon the earlier of the end of six months following the completion of the initial public offering of the Company or April 1, 2019, subject to limited exceptions. Warner and Sony can request the Company to repurchase the shares held by them at their subscription price if there is no qualified IPO by the end of 2019.

The Company will record a share-based accounting charge upon the issuance of shares in October 2018 for an amount equal to the excess of the fair value of the shares, including the related terms and conditions, over the aggregate consideration to be received by the Company. The Company is currently in the process of assessing the valuation of the shares, including the related terms and conditions, and the amount of the accounting charge.

The Company expects the amount of this one-off and non-cash accounting charge to be material and the net result of the Company will be adversely affected in the three months ending December 31, 2018. Based on management’s preliminary assessment, if the fair value of the Company’s shares remains US$4.0363 per share, the latest share issue price in March 2018, there would be a charge of approximately US$75 million. Every US$5 billion increment to the total valuation of the Company as of the date of issue of such shares above this level would result in an incremental accounting charge of US$105 million over US$75 million.

 

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Table of Contents

Report of Independent Auditors

To the Board of Directors of China Music Corporation

We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of China Music Corporation and its subsidiaries (the “Company”), which comprise the consolidated balance sheet as of July 12, 2016, and the related consolidated statements of comprehensive loss, of changes in shareholders’ equity and of cash flows for the period from January 1, 2016 to July 12, 2016.

Management’s Responsibility for the Consolidated Financial Statements

Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America; this includes the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

Auditors’ Responsibility

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free from material misstatement.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. The procedures selected depend on our judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, we consider internal control relevant to the Company’s preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.

Opinion

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of China Music Corporation and its subsidiaries as of July 12, 2016, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the period from January 1, 2016 to July 12, 2016 in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers Zhong Tian LLP

Shenzhen, the People’s Republic of China

July 6, 2018

 

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Table of Contents

CHINA MUSIC CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

AS OF JULY 12, 2016

(All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data)

 

            As of July 12,  
     Note      2016      2016  
            RMB      US$  
                   (Note2(c))  

ASSETS

        

Current assets

        

Cash and cash equivalents

        674,464        100,903  

Short-term investments

        633,318        94,747  

Accounts receivable, net

        141,743        21,205  

Licensed copyrights (including amounts from a related party of RMB16,622 (US$2,487))

        172,748        25,844  

Inventories

        3,295        493  

Prepayments and other current assets

     7        167,752        25,096  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total current assets

        1,793,320        268,288  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Non-current assets

        

Property, equipment and software, net

     9        124,288        18,594  

Licensed copyrights

        79,750        11,931  

Intangible assets, net

     8        527,723        78,950  

Goodwill

        1,596,527        238,847  

Long-term investments

     5        299,704        44,837  

Prepayments and other non-current assets

     7        35,264        5,276  

Deferred tax assets, net

        8,485        1,269  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total non-current assets

        2,671,741        399,704  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL ASSETS

        4,465,061        667,992  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

        

Current liabilities

        

Accounts payable (including amounts of the Consolidated Affiliated Entities without recourse to the primary beneficiaries of RMB84,196 (US$12,596) (Note 1))

        165,485        24,756  

Advances from customers and deferred revenue (including amounts of the Consolidated Affiliated Entities without recourse to the primary beneficiaries of RMB157,687 (US$23,591)) (Note 1)

        205,628        30,763  

Income tax payable (including amounts of the Consolidated Affiliated Entities without recourse to the primary beneficiaries of RMB7,866 (US$1,177) (Note 1))

        7,866        1,177  

Dividend payables

        1,250,803        187,126  

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities (including amounts of the Consolidated Affiliated Entities without recourse to the primary beneficiaries of RMB347,359 (US$51,966) and amounts due to related parties of RMB44,851 (US$6,710) (Note 1))

     10        298,097        44,597  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

        1,927,879        288,419  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

CHINA MUSIC CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

AS OF JULY 12, 2016

(All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data)

 

            As of July 12,  
     Note      2016     2016  
            RMB     US$  
                  (Note2(c))  

Non-current liabilities

       

Deferred tax liabilities, net (including amounts of the Consolidated Affiliated Entities without recourse to the primary beneficiaries of RMB16,026 (US$2,398)) (Note 1)

        16,026       2,398  

Deferred government grants (including amounts of the Consolidated Affiliated Entities without recourse to the primary beneficiaries of RMB23,543 (US$3,522)) (Note 1)

        23,543       3,522  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total non-current liabilities

        39,569       5,920  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES

        1,967,448       294,339  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)

       

Shareholders’ equity

       

Ordinary shares ($0.000083 par value; 1,800,000,000 shares authorized, 1,080,239,767 shares issued and outstanding)

     13        555       83  

Additional paid-in capital

        3,419,723       511,605  

Statutory reserves

        15,344       2,296  

Accumulated deficit

        (989,835     (148,084

Accumulated other comprehensive income

        45,354       6,785  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

The Company’s shareholders’ equity

        2,491,141       372,685  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-controlling interests

        6,472       968  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

        2,497,613       373,653  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

        4,465,061       667,992  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are in integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

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CHINA MUSIC CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

FOR THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1, 2016 TO JULY 12, 2016

(All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data)

 

    Note     For the Period from
January 1 to July 12,
 
          2016     2016  
          RMB     US$  

Net revenues

     

Revenue from music-centric live streaming services

      1,453,977       217,521  

Revenue from online advertising

      90,273       13,505  

Revenue from online music services and others (including revenue from a related party of RMB39,925 (US$5,973)) (Note 17)

      378,459       56,620  
   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total net revenues

      1,922,709       287,646  

Cost of revenues (including cost to a related party of RMB8,005 (US$1,198)) (Note 17)

      (1,341,290     (200,663
   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

      581,419       86,983  

Operating expenses

     

Sales and marketing expenses

      (199,068     (29,781

General and administrative expenses

      (323,116     (48,341

Research and development expenses

      (201,320     (30,118

Impairment loss of intangible assets

      (2,000     (299

Impairment loss of long-term investment

    5       (15,317     (2,291

Gain on disposal of a subsidiary

    4       20,670       3,092  
   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

      (720,151     (107,738
   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss from operations

      (138,732     (20,755

Non-operating items

     

Government grant income

      13,133       1,965  

Interest expenses

      (6,080     (910

Interest and investment income

      6,026       901  

Foreign currency exchange loss, net

      (6,624     (991

Other expenses, net

      (1,362     (204

Share of net income of equity investee

      4,422       662  
   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss before income tax

      (129,217     (19,332

Income tax expense

    11       (22,644     (3,388
   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss

      (151,861     (22,720

Add: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests

      6,405       958  
   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss attributable to the Company

      (145,456     (21,762
   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss

      (151,861     (22,720

Foreign currency translation adjustment

      30,490       4,562  
   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total comprehensive loss

      (121,371     (18,158

Add: Comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interests

      6,405       958  
   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive loss attributable to the Company

      (114,966     (17,200
   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss per share

    15      

—Basic

      (0.14     (0.02

—Diluted

      (0.14     (0.02

Weighted average shares outstanding used in computing loss per share attribute to the Company’s ordinary shareholders

     

—Basic

      1,048,871,789       1,048,871,789  

—Diluted

      1,048,871,789       1,048,871,789  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

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CHINA MUSIC CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

FOR THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1, 2016 TO JULY 12, 2016

(All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data)

 

   

 

Ordinary Shares

    Additional
paid-in
capital
    Statutory
reserves
    Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income
    Accumulated
deficit
    Non-
controlling
interests
    Shareholders’
equity
 
    Shares     Amount  
          RMB     RMB     RMB     RMB     RMB     RMB     RMB  

Balances at January 1, 2016

    1,037,284,308       532       3,768,445       13,043       14,864       (842,078     12,569       2,967,375  

Net loss

    —         —         —         2,301       —         (147,757     (6,405     (151,861

Share-based compensation

    —         —         272,251       —         —         —         —         272,251  

Issuance of shares

    42,955,459       23       632,138       —         —         —         —         632,161  

Dividend declared

    —         —         (1,250,803     —         —         —         —         (1,250,803

Transactions with non-controlling interests

    —         —         (2,308     —         —         —         308       (2,000

Foreign currency translation adjustments

    —         —         —         —         30,490       —         —         30,490  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balances at July 12, 2016

    1,080,239,767       555       3,419,723       15,344       45,354       (989,835     6,472       2,497,613  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

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CHINA MUSIC CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1, 2016 TO JULY 12, 2016

(All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data)

 

     For the Period from
January 1 to July 12,
 
     2016     2016  
     RMB     US$  

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net loss

     (151,861     (22,719

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities

    

Depreciation and amortization expenses

     49,198       7,360  

Allowance for doubtful accounts

     14,261       2,134  

Loss on disposal of property and equipment

     576       86  

Gain on disposal of a subsidiary

     (20,670     (3,092

Foreign exchange loss

     6,624       991  

Share-based compensation

     273,151       40,730  

Share of net income of equity investee

     (4,422     (662

Impairment of long-term investments

     15,317       2,291  

Impairment of intangible assets

     2,000       299  

Deferred tax benefit

     (10,824     (1,619

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of assets and liabilities acquired

    

Accounts receivable

     (52,259     (7,819

Inventory

     (3,295     (493

Licensed copyrights

     (66,472     (9,944

Prepayments and other assets

     (71,719     (10,729

Accounts payable

     96,163       14,386  

Advances from customers and deferred revenue

     124,138       18,572  

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     78,856       11,932  

Income tax payable

     2,080       311  

Deferred government grants

     (2,307     (345
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash generated from operating activities

     278,535       41,670  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Acquisition of property, equipment and software

     (20,024     (2,996

Maturity of short-term investments

     3,000       449  

Purchase of short-term investments

     (632,000     (94,550

Acquisition of long-term investments

     (98,416     (14,723

Acquisition of intangible assets

     (3,274     (490

Disposal of a subsidiary, net of cash proceeds

     (2,981     (446
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

     (753,695     (112,756
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Proceeds from short-term loans

     304,000       45,480  

Principal repayments on short-term loans

     (304,000     (45,480

Issuance of ordinary shares

     631,261       94,439  

Acquisition of non-controlling interests

     (2,000     (299
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

     629,261       94,140  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     22,391       3,350  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

     176,492       26,404  

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period the period

     497,972       74,499  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period

     674,464       100,903  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

    

Cash paid for income taxes

     31,388       4,696  

Cash paid for interest expenses

     6,080       910  

Major non-cash supplemental investing and financing activities

    

Declaration of dividend

     1,250,803       187,126  

Other payables for acquisition of long-term investments

     19,198       2,872  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

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CHINA MUSIC CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1, 2016 TO JULY 12, 2016

(All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data)

 

1

ORGANIZATION AND PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES

China Music Corporation. (“CMC”, the “Company”) was incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands on June 6, 2012.

The Company, its subsidiaries, consolidated affiliated entities and their subsidiaries (“Consolidated Affiliated Entities”) are collectively referred to as the “Group”. The Group is principally engaged in operating digital music platforms to provide music and entertainment related services. The Group’s principal geographic market is in the People’s Republic of China (“PRC”). The Company does not conduct any substantive operations of its own but conducts its primary business operations through its wholly-owned subsidiaries and Consolidated Affiliated Entities in the PRC.

In connection to the transaction that Tencent Music Entertainment Group (“TME”) acquired the Group on July 12, 2016, the Group’s financial statements for the two years ended December 31, 2017 are required to be disclosed when TME files its initial registration Form F-1 with the U.S. SEC in accordance with Rule 3-05 of Regulation S-X. Since the Group’s post acquisition financial results from July 12, 2016 to December 31, 2017 have been included in TME’s consolidated financial statements, the Group’s has prepared its pre-acquisition financial statements for the period from January 1, 2016 to July 12, 2016 to satisfy the Rule 3-05 requirement. The comparative financial information are not required by Rule 3-05.

As of July 12, 2016, the Company’s significant subsidiaries and Consolidated Affiliated Entities were as follows:

 

    Place of
incorporation
    Date of
incorporation
or acquisition
    Equity
interest held
(direct or indirect)
    Principal activities

Subsidiaries

       

Ocean Music Hong Kong Limited (“Ocean Music Hong Kong”)

    Hong Kong       July 2012       100   Investment holding

Ocean Interactive (Beijing) Information Technology Co., Ltd.

    PRC       September 2012       100   Technical support and consulting services

Yeelion Online Network Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. (“Yeelion Online”)

    PRC      
Acquired in
December 2013
 
 
    100   Technical support and consulting services

R2G Limited (“R2G”)

   
Cayman
Islands
 
 
   
Acquired in
February 2014
 
 
    99.71   Investment holding

Consolidated Affiliated Entities

Variable interest entities

       

Guangzhou Kugou Computer Technology Co., Ltd. (“Guangzhou Kugou”)

    PRC      
Acquired in
April 2014
 
 
    100   Online music and entertainment related services

Beijing Kuwo Technology Co., Ltd. (“Beijing Kuwo”)

    PRC      
Acquired in
December 2013
 
 
    100   Online music and entertainment related services

 

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CHINA MUSIC CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1, 2016 TO JULY 12, 2016

(All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data)

 

1

ORGANIZATION AND PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES (Continued)

 

    Place of
incorporation
  Date of
incorporation
or acquisition
  Equity
interest held
(direct or indirect)
    Principal activities

Subsidiaries of variable interest entities

       

Ocean Interactive (Beijing) Culture Co., Ltd. (“Ocean Culture”)

  PRC   July 2012     100   Copyright agency services

Ocean Interactive (Beijing) Technology Co., Ltd. (“Ocean Technology”)

  PRC   May 2012     100   Copyright agency services

Tianjin Kuwo Technology Co., Ltd. (“Tianjin Kuwo”)

  PRC   Acquired in
December 2013
    100   Online music and entertainment related services

Rainbow Century (Beijing) Culture Media Co., Ltd. (“Rainbow”)

  PRC   Acquired in
November 2014
    80   Copyright agency services

In order to comply with PRC laws and regulations which prohibit or restrict foreign ownership of Internet content, the Group operates its platforms and provides online music, online advertising, mobile value-added services and music content sublicensing services in the PRC through the Consolidated Affiliated Entities, the PRC entities that were legally owned by individuals (“Nominee Shareholders”) authorized by the Group. The Company obtained control over the Consolidated Affiliated Entities by entering into a series of contractual arrangements with them and the Nominee Shareholders. These contractual agreements include Exclusive Technology Services Agreement, Exclusive Business Cooperation Agreement, Loan Agreement, Exclusive Purchase Option Agreement, Equity Pledge Agreement, and Powers of Attorney (“Contractual Agreements”).

As a result of these Contractual Arrangements, the Group maintains the ability to exercise effective control over the Consolidated Affiliated Entities, receive substantially all of the economic benefits and have an exclusive option to purchase all or part of the equity interests in Consolidated Affiliated Entities when and to the extent permitted by PRC law at the minimum price possible. The Group concluded that the Consolidated Affiliated Entities are Consolidated Affiliated Entities of the Group, of which the Company is the ultimate primary beneficiary. As such, the Group consolidated the financial results of Consolidated Affiliated Entities in the Group’s consolidated financial statements. Refer to Note 2(a) to the consolidated financial statements for the principles of consolidation.

The principal terms of the Contractual Agreements are further described below:

 

(a)

Contractual agreements with Beijing Kuwo

 

  Kuwo

Powers of attorney

Pursuant to the powers of attorney agreement, signed in October 2012, the shareholders of Beijing Kuwo each irrevocably granted Yeelion Online or any individual or entity designated by Yeelion Online in writing as their attorney-in-fact to vote, the rights to vote on their behalf on all matters of Beijing Kuwo requiring shareholder approval under PRC laws and regulations and Beijing Kuwo’s articles of association. This agreement will remain effective as long as the shareholders continue to hold equity interests in Beijing Kuwo.

 

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CHINA MUSIC CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1, 2016 TO JULY 12, 2016

(All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data)

 

1

ORGANIZATION AND PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES (Continued)

 

(a)

Contractual agreements with Beijing Kuwo (Continued)

 

  Exclusive

business cooperation agreement

Pursuant to the exclusive technical service agreement between Yeelion Online and Beijing Kuwo, signed in October 2012, Yeelion Online or its designated party has the exclusive right to provide business support, technical services and consulting services in return for a service fee determined according to a set formula defined in the agreement. During the term of the agreement, without Yeelion Online’s prior written consent, Beijing Kuwo shall not engage any third party for any of such services provided under this agreement. The exclusive technical service agreement remain effective unless otherwise Yeelion Online requests to terminate.

 

  Loan

agreement

Under the loan agreement between Yeelion Online and the shareholders of Beijing Kuwo, signed in October 2012, Yeelion Online provided loans to the shareholders of Beijing Kuwo solely for the subscription of new registered capital of Beijing Kuwo. Yeelion Online has the sole discretion to determine the way of repayment, including requiring the shareholders to transfer their equity shares in Beijing Kuwo to Yeelion Online according to the terms indicated in the Exclusive Share Purchase Option as aforementioned. The term for the loan is 10 years, which is renewable at an agreement by both parties.

 

  Exclusive

purchase option agreement

Pursuant to the exclusive purchase option agreement amongst Yeelion Online, Beijing Kuwo and its shareholders, signed in October 2012, the shareholders of Beijing Kuwo granted Yeelion Online or its designated party, an exclusive irrevocable option to purchase, all or part of the equity interests held by its shareholders, when and to the extent permitted under PRC law, at the higher price of (i) the lowest price then permitted by PRC law and (ii) the price equal to the proportional amount of registered capital of Beijing Kuwo. Without the consent of Yeelion Online or its designated party, the shareholders of Beijing Kuwo may not transfer, donate, pledge, or otherwise dispose of their equity shareholdings in any way. The exclusive purchase option agreement remain effective until the options are exercised.

 

  Equity

interest pledge agreement

Pursuant to the equity interest pledge agreement amongst Yeelion Online, Beijing Kuwo and its shareholders, signed in October 2012, the shareholders of Beijing Kuwo pledge all of their equity interests in Beijing Kuwo to Yeelion Online, to guarantee Beijing Kuwo and its shareholders’ performance of their obligations under exclusive purchase option agreement, exclusive business cooperation agreement, loan agreement, and powers of attorney. If Beijing Kuwo and/or any of its shareholders breach their contractual obligations under this agreement, Yeelion Online, as pledgee, will be entitled to certain rights, including the right to sell the pledged equity interests. Without Yeelion Online’s prior written consent, shareholders of Beijing Kuwo shall not transfer or assign the pledged equity interests, or create or allow any encumbrance that would prejudice Yeelion Online’s interests.

During the term of this agreement, Yeelion Online is entitled to receive all of the dividends and profits paid on the pledged equity interests. The equity interest pledge will be effective upon the completion of the registration of the pledge with the competent local branch of the State Administration for Industry and Commerce (“SAIC”), and will remain effective until Beijing Kuwo and its shareholders discharge all their obligations under the Contractual Arrangements.

 

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CHINA MUSIC CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1, 2016 TO JULY 12, 2016

(All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data)

 

1

ORGANIZATION AND PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES (Continued)

 

(b)

Contractual agreements with Guangzhou Kugou

 

  Agreement

on authorization to exercise shareholders voting right

Pursuant to the powers of attorney agreement, signed in April 2014, the shareholders of Guangzhou Kugou each irrevocably granted Ocean Information or any individual or entity designated by Ocean Information in writing as their attorney-in-fact to vote, the rights to vote on their behalf on all matters of Guangzhou Kugou requiring shareholder approval under PRC laws and regulations and Guangzhou Kugou’s articles of association. This agreement will remain effective for twenty years and both Ocean Information and Guangzhou Kugou shall complete the approval and registration of extension of their respective terms of operations three months prior to their respective expiration dates during the term of this agreement if necessary.

 

  Exclusive

technical service agreement

Pursuant to the exclusive technical service agreement between Ocean Information and Guangzhou Kugou, signed in April 2014, Ocean Information or its designated party has the exclusive right to provide technical and consulting services in return for a service fee determined according to a set formula defined in the agreement. During the term of the agreement, without Ocean Information’s prior written consent, Guangzhou Kugou shall not engage any third party for any of such services provided under this agreement. The term of this agreement is 20 years, which is renewable on as needed basis.

 

  Loan

agreement

Under the loan agreement between Ocean Information and the shareholders of Guangzhou Kugou, signed in April 2014, Ocean Information provided interest-free loans to the shareholders of Guangzhou Kugou solely for the subscription of new registered capital of Guangzhou Kugou. The loans can be repaid only with the proceeds from the sale of all of the equity interest in Guangzhou Kugou to Ocean Information or its designated representative(s). The term of each loan is 20 years from the first withdrawal of such loan by Guangzhou Kugou’s shareholders.

 

  Exclusive

purchase option agreement

Pursuant to the exclusive purchase option agreement amongst Ocean Interactive (Beijing) Information Technology Co., Ltd. (“Ocean Information”), Guangzhou Kugou and its shareholders, signed in April 2014, the shareholders granted Ocean Information or its designated party, an exclusive irrevocable option to purchase, all or part of the equity interests held by its shareholders, when and to the extent permitted under PRC law, at a price equal to the proportional amount of registered capital of Guangzhou Kugou. Without the consent of Ocean Information or its designated party, the shareholders may not transfer, donate, pledge, or otherwise dispose of their equity shareholdings in any way. In addition, the shareholders granted Ocean Information or its designated party, an exclusive irrevocable option to purchase, all or part of the assets of Guangzhou Kugou at a price equal to the carrying amount of Guangzhou Kugou at the time of purchase. The exclusive purchase option agreement remain effective until the options are exercised.

 

  Equity

interest pledge agreement

Pursuant to the equity interest pledge agreement amongst Ocean Information, Guangzhou Kugou and its shareholders, signed in April 2014, the shareholders of Guangzhou Kugou pledge all of their equity interests

 

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CHINA MUSIC CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1, 2016 TO JULY 12, 2016

(All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data)

 

1

ORGANIZATION AND PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES (Continued)

 

(b)

Contractual agreements with Guangzhou Kugou (Continued)

 

  Equity

interest pledge agreement (Continued)

 

in Guangzhou Kugou to Ocean Information, to guarantee Guangzhou Kugou and its shareholders’ performance of their obligations under exclusive purchase option agreement, exclusive technical service agreement, loan agreement, and powers of attorney. If Guangzhou Kugou and/or any of its shareholders breach their contractual obligations under this agreement, Ocean Information, as pledgee, will be entitled to certain rights, including the right to sell the pledged equity interests. Without Ocean Information’s prior written consent, shareholders of Guangzhou Kugou shall not transfer or assign the pledged equity interests, or create or allow any encumbrance that would prejudice Ocean Information’s interests.

During the term of this agreement, Ocean Information is entitled to receive all of the dividends and profits paid on the pledged equity interests. The equity interest pledge will be effective upon the completion of the registration of the pledge with the competent local branch of the State Administration for Industry and Commerce (“SAIC”), and will remain effective until Guangzhou Kugou and its shareholders discharge all their obligations under the contractual arrangements.

 

  Risks

in relation to the VIE structure

In the opinion of the Company’s management, the contractual arrangements discussed above have resulted in the Company, Yeelion Online, and Ocean Information having the power to direct activities that most significantly impact the Consolidated Affiliated Entities, including appointing key management, setting up operating policies, exerting financial controls and transferring profit or assets out of the Consolidated Affiliated Entities at its discretion. The Company has the power to direct activities of the Consolidated Affiliated Entities and can have assets transferred out of the Consolidated Affiliated Entities under its control. Therefore, the Company considers that there is no asset in any of the Consolidated Affiliated Entities that can be used only to settle obligations of the Consolidated Affiliated Entities, except for registered capital, capital reserve and PRC statutory reserves of the Consolidated Affiliated Entities totaling RMB427,915 (US$ 64,018) as of July 12, 2016.

Currently there is no contractual arrangement that could require the Company to provide additional financial support to the Consolidated Affiliated Entities. As the Company is conducting its Internet-related business mainly through the Consolidated Affiliated Entities, the Company may provide such support on a discretional basis in the future, which could expose the Company to a loss. As the Consolidated Affiliated Entities organized in the PRC were established as limited liability companies under PRC law, their creditors do not have recourse to the general credit of Ocean Information and Yeelion Online for the liabilities of the Consolidated Affiliated Entities, and Ocean Information and Yeelion Online does not have the obligation to assume the liabilities of these Consolidated Affiliated Entities.

The Company determine that the Contractual Arrangements are in compliance with PRC law and are legally enforceable. However, uncertainties in the PRC legal system could limit the Group’s ability to enforce the VIE agreements.

On January 19, 2015, the Ministry of Commerce of the PRC (“MOFCOM”), released for public comment a proposed PRC law, the Draft FIE Law, that appears to include Consolidated Affiliated Entities within the scope of entities that could be considered to be foreign invested enterprises, or FIEs, that would be subject to restrictions under existing PRC law on foreign investment in certain categories of industry. Specifically,

 

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CHINA MUSIC CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1, 2016 TO JULY 12, 2016

(All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data)

 

1

ORGANIZATION AND PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES (Continued)

 

(b)

Contractual agreements with Guangzhou Kugou (Continued)

 

  Risks

in relation to the VIE structure (Continued)

 

the Draft FIE Law introduces the concept of “actual control” for determining whether an entity is considered to be an FIE. In addition to control through direct or indirect ownership or equity, the Draft FIE Law includes control through contractual arrangements within the definition of “actual control.” If the Draft FIE Law is passed by the People’s Congress of the PRC and goes into effect in its current form, these provisions regarding control through contractual arrangements could be construed to reach our Contractual Arrangements, and as a result our PRC-organized Consolidated Affiliated Entities could become explicitly subject to the current restrictions on foreign investment in certain categories of industry. The Draft FIE Law includes provisions that would exempt from the definition of foreign invested enterprises entities where the ultimate controlling shareholders are either entities organized under PRC law or individuals who are PRC citizens. The Draft FIE Law is silent as to what type of enforcement action might be taken against existing entities that operate in restricted or prohibited industries and are not controlled by entities organized under PRC law or individuals who are PRC citizens. If the restrictions and prohibitions on foreign invested enterprises included in the Draft FIE Law are enacted and enforced in their current form, our ability to use our Contractual Arrangements and our ability to conduct business through them could be severely limited.

The Company’s ability to control Consolidated Affiliated Entities also depends on rights provided to Ocean Information and Yeelion Online, under the powers of attorney agreement, to vote on all matters requiring shareholder approval. As noted above, the Company believes these powers of attorney agreements are legally enforceable, but yet they may not be as effective as direct equity ownership. In addition, if the corporate structure of the Group or the contractual arrangements between the Ocean Information or Yeelion Online, the Consolidated Affiliated Entities and their respective shareholders were found to be in violation of any existing PRC laws and regulations, the relevant PRC regulatory authorities could:

 

   

revoke the Group’s business and operating licenses;

 

   

require the Group to discontinue or restrict its operations;

 

   

restrict the Group’s right to collect revenues;

 

   

block Group websites;

 

   

require the Group to restructure the operations, re-apply for the necessary licenses or relocate its businesses, staff and assets;

 

   

impose additional conditions or requirements with which the Group may not be able to comply; or

 

   

take other regulatory or enforcement actions against the Group that could be harmful to the Group’s business.

 

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CHINA MUSIC CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1, 2016 TO JULY 12, 2016

(All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data)

 

1

ORGANIZATION AND PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES (Continued)

 

(b)

Contractual agreements with Guangzhou Kugou (Continued)

 

  Risks

in relation to the VIE structure (Continued)

 

The following are major financial statements amounts and balances of the Group’s Consolidated Affiliated Entities for the period from January 1 to July 12, 2016 and as of July 12, 2016.

 

     As of July 12,  
     2016      2016  
     RMB      US$  

Total current assets

     980,437        141,334  

Total non-current assets

     2,457,479        354,257  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

     3,437,916        495,591  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     597,108        86,076  

Total non-current liabilities

     16,026        2,310  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     613,134        88,386  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     For the period from
January 1 to July 12,
 
     2016      2016  
     RMB      US$  

Total net revenues

     1,804,801        260,170  

Net profit

     157,774        22,744  

Net cash provided by operating activities

     552,468        79,641  

Net cash used in investing activities

     (726,116      (104,673

Net cash provided by financing activities

     —          —    

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

     (173,648      (25,032

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the period

     442,635        63,808  

Cash and cash equivalents, end of the period

     268,987        38,776  

The above financial statements amounts and balances have included intercompany transactions which have be eliminated on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

As of July 12, 2016, the total assets of Group’s Consolidated Affiliated Entities were mainly consisting of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, licensed copyrights, prepayments and other current assets, goodwill and intangible assets, and the total liabilities of Consolidated Affiliated Entities were mainly consisting of accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities.

The recognized revenue-producing assets held by the Group’s Consolidated Affiliated Entities include intangible assets acquired through business combination, purchased copyrights and domain names, servers and leasehold improvements relating to office facilities. The balances of these assets as of July 12, 2016 were included in the line of “Total non-current assets” in the table above.

The unrecognized revenue-producing assets held by the Group’s Consolidated Affiliated Entities mainly consist of intellectual property, licenses, and trademarks that the Group relies on to operate its businesses.

 

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CHINA MUSIC CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1, 2016 TO JULY 12, 2016

(All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data)

 

2

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

(a)

Basis of presentation and principles of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements of the Group have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”). The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company, its subsidiaries, Consolidated Affiliated Entities for which the Company is the primary beneficiary and has control through contracts. The results of the subsidiaries are consolidated from the date on which the Group obtained control and continue to be consolidated until the date that such control ceases. A controlling financial interest is typically determined when the Company holds a majority of the voting equity interest in an entity. However, if the Company demonstrates its ability to control the Consolidated Affiliated Entities through power to govern the activities that most significantly impact its economic performance and is obligated to absorb substantially all of the expected losses or receive substantially all the economic benefits of the Consolidated Affiliated Entities, then the entity is consolidated. All significant intercompany balances and transactions between the Company, its subsidiaries and Consolidated Affiliated Entities have been eliminated upon consolidation. The Company has included the results of operations of acquired businesses from the respective dates of acquisition.

The Group’s ability to fund operations is primarily based on its ability to generate cash from operating activities. Despite that the Group have net current liabilities of RMB134,559 (US$20,131) preliminarily as a result of the dividend declared during the period and accumulated deficit of RMB822,663 (US$123,074) as of July 12, 2016, cash flows from operating activities have been substantially improved and reported positive cash flows from operating activities of RMB278,535 (US$41,670). On July 12, 2016, the Company was acquired by TME (Note 1), which will monitor the operation of its subsidiaries and provide financial support to the Company when needed. Based on the above considerations, the Company’s consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis.

 

(b)

Use of estimates

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.

Significant accounting estimates and assumption reflected in the Group’s consolidated financial statements mainly include consolidation of Consolidated Affiliated Entities, allowance for doubtful accounts, recoverability and useful lives of long-lived assets, goodwill and intangible assets impairments, fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in business acquisition, share-based compensation, valuation allowances on deferred tax assets and income tax uncertainties. Management bases the estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities. Changes in fact and circumstance may result in revised estimates.

 

(c)

Convenience translation

Translations of amounts from Renminbi (“RMB”) into United States dollars (“US$”) are solely for the convenience of the reader and were calculated at the noon buying rate of US$1.00 to RMB6.6843 on July 12, 2016 in the City of New York for cable transfers of RMB as certified for customs purposes by the

 

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CHINA MUSIC CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1, 2016 TO JULY 12, 2016

(All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data)

 

2

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

(c)

Convenience translation (Continued)

 

Federal Reserve Bank of New York. No representation is made that the RMB amounts could have been, or could be, converted, realized or settled into US$ at that rate on July 12, 2016, or at any other rate.

 

(d)

Foreign currency translation and transactions

The Group’s reporting currency is Renminbi (“RMB”). The functional currency of the Company and Group’s entities incorporated in Hong Kong and the Cayman Islands is the United States dollars (“US$”). The functional currency of the Group’s PRC subsidiaries and Consolidated Affiliated Entities is RMB.

Transactions denominated in foreign currencies other than the functional currency are translated into the functional currency at the exchange rates prevailing on the transaction dates. The resulting exchange differences are included in “Other income, net” in the consolidated statement of comprehensive loss. Total exchange loss was RMB6,624 (US$991) for the period from January 1 to July 12, 2016.

The financial statements of the Group’s entities with functional currency other than RMB are translated from the functional currency into RMB. Assets and liabilities are translated into RMB using the applicable exchange rates at the balance sheet date. Equity accounts other than earnings generated in the current period are translated into RMB using the appropriate historical rates. Revenues, expenses, gains and losses are translated into RMB using the average exchange rates for the relevant period. The resulting foreign currency translation adjustments are recorded as a component of other comprehensive income or loss in the consolidated statement of comprehensive loss, and the accumulated foreign currency translation adjustments are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in the consolidated statement of changes in shareholders’ equity. Total foreign currency translation adjustment gain was RMB30,490 (US$4,561) for the period from January 1 to July 12, 2016.

 

(e)

Fair value measurements

Financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, net accounts receivable, accounts payable, income tax payable, and accrued expenses and other current liabilities. The carrying values of these financial instruments approximate their fair values due to their short-term maturities.

ASC subtopic 820-10 (“ASC 820-10”), Fair Value Measurements: Overall, establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:

Level 1—Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets

Level 2—Include other inputs that are directly or indirectly observable in the marketplace

Level 3—Unobservable inputs which are supported by little or no market activity

ASC 820-10 describes three main approaches to measuring the fair value of assets and liabilities: (1) market approach; (2) income approach and (3) cost approach. The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated from market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities. The income approach uses valuation techniques to convert future amounts to a single present value amount. The measurement is based on the value indicated by current market expectations about those future amounts. The cost approach is based on the amount that would currently be required to replace an asset.

 

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CHINA MUSIC CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1, 2016 TO JULY 12, 2016

(All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data)

 

2

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

(f)

Cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments

Cash and cash equivalents represent cash on hand and time deposits as well as highly liquid investments placed with banks, which are unrestricted as to withdrawal or use, and which have original maturities of three months or less and are readily convertible to known amounts of cash.

Short-term investments comprise of the time deposits as well as highly liquid investments placed with banks with original maturities longer than three months but within one year.

 

(g)

Accounts receivable, net

Accounts receivables, net is carried at realizable value. The Group considers many factors in assessing the collectability of its receivables due from its customers, such as the age of the amounts due, the customer’s payment history and credit-worthiness. An allowance for doubtful accounts is recorded in the period in which a loss is determined to be probable. Accounts receivable balances are written off after all collection efforts have been exhausted.

 

(h)

Property, equipment and software, net

Property and equipment are stated at cost, except for the software arising from the valuation in connection to business combination which were determined based on its fair value, less accumulated depreciation and impairment. Property and equipment are depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The estimated useful lives are as follows:

 

Office computer equipment

   3 years

Office furniture and equipment

   5 years

Software

   3 – 5 years

Servers and network equipment

   3 years

Motor vehicles

   5 years

Leasehold improvement

   Shorter of expected lives of leasehold improvements
and lease term

Expenditure for repair and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred, whereas the cost of renewals and betterments that extend the useful life of the assets are capitalized as additions to the related assets. Retirements, sales and disposals of assets are recorded by removing the cost and accumulated depreciation from the asset and accumulated depreciation accounts with any resulting gain or loss reflected as other gain of loss in the consolidated statement of comprehensive loss.

 

(i)

Long-term investments

The Company’s long-term investments consist of investments in privately-held companies.

For investments in entities over which the Company does not have significant influence, or investments in shares that are not ordinary shares or in-substance ordinary shares and that do not have readily determinable fair value, the cost method of accounting is used. For common-stock-equivalent equity investments over which the Company can exercise significant influence but does not own a majority equity interest or control, the equity method of accounting is used Management regularly evaluates the cost method and equity method

 

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CHINA MUSIC CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1, 2016 TO JULY 12, 2016

(All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data)

 

2

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

(i)

Long-term investments (Continued)

 

investments for other-than-temporary impairment based on performance and financial position of the investee as well as other evidence of market value. Such evaluation includes, but is not limited to, reviewing the investee’s cash position, recent financing, projected and historical financial performance, cash flow forecasts and financing needs. An impairment loss is recognized in earnings equal to the excess of the investment’s cost over its fair value at the balance sheet date of the reporting period for which the assessment is made. The fair value would then become the new cost basis of investment.

For the period from January 1 to July 12, 2016, the Group recognized impairment losses on long-term investments of RMB15,317 (US$2,291).

 

(j)

Licensed copyrights

Licensed copyrights represent the prepaid license fee related to the music contents licensed from third parties. The music contents generally include existing music contents and music contents to be provided by the content owners during the license period.

The Group has two types of licensed copyrights, 1) non-exclusive licensed copyrights and 2) exclusive licensed copyrights. With non-exclusive licensed copyrights, the Group has the right to use the copyrights for its own operations. While, with exclusive licensed copyrights, in addition to its own use, the Group also has the right to sublicense the underlying copyrights to third parties. The terms of the licenses typically range from two to three years. The cost of licensed copyrights are initially capitalized when it is prepaid and then amortized according to the pattern that the Group derives the benefit from the licensed copyrights, which is straight line over the relevant license period as the benefits of its own use or sublicensing revenue are both derived evenly throughout the period.

Licensed copyrights are carried at the lower of unamortized cost or net recoverable value. Licensed copyrights are presented on the balance sheet as current and non-current based on estimated time of usage. No impairment charges were recorded in any of the periods presented.

As of July 12, 2016, licensed copyrights have weighted-average remaining useful lives of 1.51 years.

 

(k)

Goodwill and intangible assets

 

  Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired in a business combination.

Goodwill is not depreciated or amortized but is tested for impairment on an annual basis as of October 1st, and in between annual tests when an event occurs or circumstances change that could indicate that the asset might be impaired. Commencing in September 2011, in accordance with the FASB revised guidance on “Testing of Goodwill for Impairment,” a company first has the option to assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If the company decides, as a result of its qualitative assessment, that it is more likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the quantitative impairment test is mandatory. Otherwise, no further testing is required.

 

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CHINA MUSIC CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1, 2016 TO JULY 12, 2016

(All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data)

 

2

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

(k)

Goodwill and intangible assets (Continued)

 

  Goodwill (Continued)

 

In performing the two-step quantitative impairment test, the first step compares the fair values 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 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 the purposes of evaluating goodwill impairment and does not result in an entry to adjust the value of any assets or liabilities. Application of a goodwill impairment test requires significant management judgment, including the identification of reporting units, allocation of assets, liabilities and goodwill to reporting units, and determination of the fair value of each reporting unit.

There has been no impairment of goodwill for the period from January 1 to July 12, 2016 based on the qualitative impairment test performed by the Group.

 

  Intangible

assets

The Group performs valuation of the intangible assets arising from business acquisition to determine the relative fair value to be assigned to each assets acquired. The acquired intangible assets are recognized and measured at fair value and are expensed or amortized using the straight-line approach over the assets estimated economic useful lives.

As of July 12, 2016, intangible assets have weighted-average useful lives as follows:

 

   Estimated weighted average useful lives

Online game paying users

   1.83 years

Customer relationship

   2.05 years

Supplier resources

   5.56 years

Domain name, trademark and Internet audio/video program transmission license

   indefinite

Intangible assets with definite useful lives are carried at cost less accumulated amortization.

Intangible assets with an indefinite useful life are not amortized, instead, they are tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the assets are impaired. The Company assess indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment in accordance with ASC subtopic 350-30 (“ASC 350-30”), Intangibles—Goodwill and Other: General Intangibles Other than Goodwill on October 1st of each year. The Company performs a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired based on guidance in ASU No. 2012—02, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment. If it is more likely than not the fair value of such an asset exceeds its carrying value, the Company would not need to calculate the fair value of the asset that year. However, if the Company

 

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CHINA MUSIC CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1, 2016 TO JULY 12, 2016

(All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data)

 

2

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

(k)

Goodwill and intangible assets (Continued)

 

  Intangible

assets (Continued)

 

concludes otherwise, a quantitative impairment test is performed. The quantitative impairment test consists of calculating the fair value of the asset and comparing it to the carrying amount. If the carrying amount exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss in an amount equal to that excess will be recognized. There has been no impairment charges realized on the Company’s indefinite-lived intangible assets for the period presented.

Amortization expense for the period from January 1 to July 12, 2016 was RMB18,807 (US$2,814).

 

(l)

Impairment of long-lived assets other than goodwill

Long-lived assets are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances (such as a significant adverse change to market conditions that will impact the future use of the assets) indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be fully recoverable or that the useful life is shorter than the Group had originally estimated. When these events occur, the Group evaluates the impairment for the long-lived assets by comparing the carrying value of the assets to an estimate of future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated from the use of the assets and their eventual disposition. If the sum of the expected future undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying value of the assets, the Group recognizes an impairment loss based on the excess of the carrying value of the assets over the fair value of the assets.

For the period from January 1 to July 12, 2016, the Group recognized impairment losses on intangible assets RMB2,000 (US$299).

 

(m)

Revenue recognition

The Group generates revenues primarily from music-centric live streaming services, online games, online advertising and online music services. Revenue is recognized only when the price is fixed or determinable, persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the service is performed and collectability of the related fee is reasonably assured under ASC subtopic 605-10, Revenue Recognition: Overall.

 

  Revenue

from music-centric live streaming services

The Group creates and offers virtual items to users on the Group’s live streaming platforms which the Group operates and maintains. The virtual items are offered free of charge or sold to users at different specified prices as pre-determined by the Group.

The Group shares with performers, who have entered into revenue sharing arrangements through third party agents with the Group, a portion of the revenues the Group derives from the sale of the virtual items on the live streaming. The determination of whether to record these revenues using gross or net method is based on an assessment of various factors, including but not limited to whether the Group (i) is the primary obligor in the arrangement; (ii) has latitude in establishing the selling price; (iii) changes the product or performs part of the service, (iv) has involvement in the determination of product and service specifications. The Group considers itself the primary obligor in the sale of virtual items, with the latitude in establishing prices, the rights to determine the specifications or change the virtual items. Therefore, revenues for the sale of virtual items are recorded at the gross amount of sales, and the portion remitted to performers is recorded as cost of revenues.

 

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CHINA MUSIC CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1, 2016 TO JULY 12, 2016

(All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data)

 

2

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

(m)

Revenue recognition (Continued)

 

  Revenue

from music-centric live streaming services (Continued)

 

The revenue for the sale of virtual items on the live streaming platform is recognized immediately when the virtual item is consumed or, in the case of time-based virtual items, recognized ratably over the useful life of the each virtual item, which does not exceed one year. The Group does not have further obligations to the user after the virtual items are consumed. Customers are not entitled to a refund for unconsumed virtual items or currency.

 

  Revenue

from online advertising services

Advertising contracts are signed to establish the fixed price and advertising services to be provided. Pursuant to the advertising contracts, the Group provides advertisement placements on its web pages or within its mobile apps in different formats, including but not limited to video, banners, links, logos and buttons. The Group makes a credit assessment of the customer to assess the collectability of the contract price prior to entering into contracts.

The Company provides the advertising service primarily in the forms of display advertisements through cost per day (“CPD”) and cost per mille (“CPM”) arrangements. Display advertising allow advertisers to place advertisements on particular areas of the Company’s websites or platform, in particular formats and over particular periods of time.

Advertising revenues from the CPD arrangements are recognized ratably over the contract period of display, when the collectability is reasonably assured. The Company also enters into CPM advertising arrangements with the customers, under which the Company recognizes revenues based on the number of times that the advertisement has appeared. For those contracts for which the collectability was assessed as not reasonably assured, the Group recognizes revenue only when the cash is received and all other revenue recognition criteria are met.

For contracts where the Group provides customers with advertising services that contain multiple deliverables (e.g., advertisements in different formats to be delivered over different periods of time), the Group recognizes revenue pursuant to ASC subtopic 605-25, Revenue Recognition: Multiple-Element Arrangements, as amended by ASU No. 2009-13 (“ASU 2009-13”), Multiple Deliverable Revenue Arrangements, Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements. For deliverables in multiple-element arrangements, the total consideration of the arrangements is allocated based on their relative selling price, with the selling price of each deliverable determined using vendor-specific objective evidence (“VSOE”) of selling price, third-party evidence (“TPE”) of selling price, or management’s best estimate of the selling price (“BESP”). The selling price for a deliverable must be determined using a hierarchy of (1) VSOE, (2) TPE, then (3) BESP. The Group uses VSOE to allocate the arrangement consideration as each advertising element has been sold separately.

The Group provides cash incentives in the form of commissions to certain third-party advertising agencies based on volume and performance, and accounts for such incentives as a reduction of revenue in accordance with ASC subtopic 605-50, Revenue Recognition: Customer Payments and Incentives.

 

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CHINA MUSIC CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1, 2016 TO JULY 12, 2016

(All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data)

 

2

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

(m)

Revenue recognition (Continued)

 

  Online

music services

Online music service revenues primarily include revenues from sub-licensing of its exclusive licensed copyrights and mobile value-added services. The Group recognizes revenues for sublicensing its exclusive licensed copyrights over the sublicense period as the sublicense fees are not only for the existing music contents but also for the new music contents produced by the contents owners during the sublicense period and it is impractical to bifurcate the fees between existing contents and new contents.

The Group provides music contents to telecommunication operators in connection to their mobile value-added services. The Group recognizes revenues from mobile value-added services when the music contents have been delivered to telecommunication operators, the amount attributable to the Group is fixed or determinable, and the collectability is reasonably assured. The Group consider itself as the agent to the telecommunication operators, and as a result the mobile value-added services are recognized on net basis.

 

(n)

Cost of revenues

Cost of revenues mainly consists of payments to our online music show performers, licensed music copyrights, bandwidths, share-based compensation, sales tax and surcharges, and others.

 

(o)

Sales and marketing expenses

Sales and marketing expenses mainly consist of advertising expenses to acquire user traffic for our online music show platforms, salaries and commissions for our sales and marketing personnel, intangible assets amortization and share-based compensation. Advertising costs are included in “Sales and marketing” and are expensed when the service is received. Advertising expense for the period from January 1 to July 12, 2016 was RMB21,085 (US$3,154).

 

(p)

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses mainly consist of share-based compensation, salaries and benefits for management and administrative personnel, professional service expense, allowance for doubtful debts and other general corporate expenses.

 

(q)

Research and development expenses

Research and development expenses mainly consist of salaries and benefits for research and development personnel, share-based compensation, rental and depreciation expenses related to facilities and equipments used by our research and development team. The Group recognizes research and development costs as expense when incurred as the amount of costs qualifying for capitalization has been immaterial.

 

(r)

Share-based compensation

The Group has accounted for stock options granted to employees in accordance with ASC 718 Compensation-Stock Compensation. All stock options granted to the employees are measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the stock options and are recognized as expenses using straight line method, net of estimated forfeitures, over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period.

 

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CHINA MUSIC CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1, 2016 TO JULY 12, 2016

(All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data)

 

2

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

(r)

Share-based compensation (Continued)

 

Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and revised in the subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.

The Group has accounted for stock options granted to non-employees in accordance with ASC 505-50 Equity-Based Payments to Non-Employee. Stock options granted to non-employees are recognized as compensation expenses ratably over the requisite service periods. The Group measures the cost of non-employee services received in exchange for share-based awards based on the fair value of the awards issued. The Group measures the fair value of the awards in these transactions using the fair value of underlying common shares and other measurement assumptions on the measurement date, which is determined as the earlier of the date at which a commitment for performance by the counterparty to earn the awards is reached, or the date at which the counterparty’s performance is complete. The Group measures the awards at their then-current fair values at each of the financial reporting dates, and attributes the changes in those fair values over the future services period.

The Binomial option pricing model is used to measure the fair value of stock options. The determination of the fair value is affected by the share price as well as assumptions regarding a number of complex and subjective variables, including the expected share price volatility, expected forfeiture rate, risk-free interest rates, contract life and expected dividends.

 

(s)

Employee benefits

The Group’s entities in the Mainland China participate in a government mandated, multi-employer, defined contribution plan, pursuant to which certain retirement, medical, housing and other welfare benefits are provided to employees. Chinese labor laws require the entities incorporated in the PRC to pay to the local labor bureau a monthly contribution at a stated contribution rate based on the monthly basic compensation of qualified employees. The Group has no further commitments beyond its monthly contribution. Employee social benefits included as expenses in the consolidated statement of comprehensive loss amounted to RMB46,885 (US$7,014) for the period from January 1 to July 12, 2016.

 

(t)

Government subsidies

Generally, a government grant is recognized as other income when the grant is received and the requirements associated with receipt of the grant have been complied with. If the government grant is tied to the acquisition of long-lived assets, the grant is recognized as deduction of the carrying value of the long-lived assets, when the conditions specified in the grant have been met. For the period from January 1 to July 12, 2016, the Group recorded government grant income of RMB13,133 (US$1,965).

 

(u)

Leases

Leases have been classified as either capital or operating leases. A lease is classified at the inception date as either a capital lease or an operating lease. A lease is a capital lease if any of the following conditions exist: a) ownership is transferred to the lessee by the end of the lease term, b) there is a bargain purchase option, c) the lease term is at least 75% of the property’s estimated remaining economic life or d) the present value of the minimum lease payments at the beginning of the lease term is 90% or more of the fair value of the leased property at the inception date. A capital lease is accounted for as if there was an acquisition of an

 

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CHINA MUSIC CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1, 2016 TO JULY 12, 2016

(All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data)

 

2

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

(u)

Leases (Continued)

 

asset and an incurrence of an obligation at the inception of the lease. All other leases are accounted for as operating leases. Payments made under operating leases are charged to the consolidated statement of comprehensive loss on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Group had no capital leases as of July 12, 2016. The Group leases facilities in the PRC under non-cancelable operating lease arrangements. The rental expenses was RMB13,932 (US$2,100) for the period from January 1 to July 12, 2016.

 

(v)

Income taxes

The Group follows the liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates that will be in effect in the period in which the differences are expected to reverse. The Group records a valuation allowance to offset deferred tax assets if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more-likely-than-not that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The effect of a change in tax rate is recognized in tax expense in the period that includes the enactment date of the change in tax rate.

The Group applies the provisions of ASC subtopic 740 (“ASC 740”), Accounting for Income Taxes, to account for uncertainty in income taxes. ASC 740 prescribes a recognition threshold a tax position is required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements. The Group recognizes in its consolidated financial statements the benefit of a tax position if a tax return position or future tax position is “more likely than not” to be sustained under examination based solely on the technical merits of the position. Tax positions that meet the “more likely than not” recognition threshold are measured, using a cumulative probability approach, at the largest amount of tax benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon settlement. The Group’s estimated liability for unrecognized tax benefits are periodically assessed for adequacy and may be affected by changing interpretations of laws, rulings by tax authorities, changes and or developments with respect to tax audits, and the expiration of the statute of limitations. As each audit is concluded, adjustments, if any, are recorded in the Group’s financial statements. Additionally, in future periods, changes in facts and circumstances, and new information may require the Group to adjust the recognition and measurement estimates with regard to changes in individual tax position. Changes in recognition and measurement estimates are recognized in the period which the change occurs. The Group has elected to classify interest and penalties related to an uncertain tax position, if and when required, as part of income tax expense in the consolidated statement of comprehensive loss.

 

(w)

Statutory reserves

The Group’s subsidiaries and Consolidated Affiliated Entities established in the PRC are required to make appropriations to certain non-distributable reserve funds.

In accordance with the laws applicable to the Foreign Investment Enterprises established in the PRC, the Group’s subsidiaries registered as wholly owned foreign enterprise have to make appropriations from its after-tax profit (as determined under generally accepted accounting principles in the PRC (“PRC GAAP”)) to reserve funds including general reserve fund, the enterprise expansion fund and staff bonus and welfare fund. The appropriation to the general reserve fund must be at least 10% of the after-tax profits calculated in accordance with PRC GAAP. Appropriation is not required if the general reserve fund has reached 50% of

 

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CHINA MUSIC CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1, 2016 TO JULY 12, 2016

(All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data)

 

2

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

(w)

Statutory reserves (Continued)

 

the registered capital of the company. Appropriation to the enterprise expansion fund and staff bonus and welfare fund is made at the company’s discretion.

In addition, in accordance with the PRC Company Laws, the Group’s VIEs and VIEs’ subsidiaries registered as Chinese domestic company must make appropriations from its after-tax profit as determined under the PRC GAAP to non-distributable reserve funds including statutory surplus fund and discretionary surplus fund. The appropriation to the statutory surplus fund must be at least 10% of the after-tax profits as determined under PRC GAAP. Appropriation is not required if the statutory surplus fund has reached 50% of the registered capital of the company. Appropriation to the discretionary surplus fund is made at the discretion of the company.

The use of the general reserve fund, enterprise expansion fund, statutory surplus fund and discretionary surplus fund are restricted to the offsetting of losses or increases the registered capital of the respective company. The staff bonus and welfare fund is a liability in nature and is restricted to fund payments of special bonus to employees and for the collective welfare of employees. All these reserves are not allowed to be transferred to the company in terms of cash dividends, loans or advances, nor can they be distributed except under liquidation.

For the period from January 1 to July 12, 2016, profit appropriation to statutory funds for the Group’s entities incorporated in the PRC was RMB2,301 (US$344). No appropriation to other reserves was made for the period.

 

(x)

Earnings per share

The Company computes earnings per ordinary shares in accordance with ASC subtopic 260-10 (“ASC 260-10”), Earnings Per Share: Overall. Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net loss attributable to holders of ordinary shares by the weighted-average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period.

Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders as adjusted for the effect of dilutive ordinary share equivalents, if any, by the weighted-average number of ordinary and dilutive ordinary share equivalents outstanding during the period. The dilutive effect of outstanding share-based awards is reflected in the diluted earnings per share by application of the treasury stock method. Dilutive ordinary share equivalents are excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share if their effects would be anti-dilutive.

 

(y)

Segment reporting

In accordance with ASC subtopic 280-10, Segment Reporting: Overall, the Group’s chief operating decision maker has been identified as the Chief Executive Officers, who review the consolidated results of operations when making decisions about allocating resources and assessing performance of the Group as a whole; For the purpose of internal reporting and management’s operation review, the Company’s Chief Executive Officers and management personnel do not segregate the Company’s business by product or service lines. Hence, the Group has only one operating segment. In addition, the Group does not distinguish between markets or segments for the purpose of internal reporting. As the Group’s assets and liabilities are

 

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CHINA MUSIC CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1, 2016 TO JULY 12, 2016

(All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data)

 

2

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

(y)

Segment reporting (Continued)

 

substantially located in the PRC, substantially, all revenues are earned and substantially all expense incurred in the PRC, no geographical segments are presented.

 

(z)

Comprehensive loss

Comprehensive loss is defined as the changes in equity of the Group during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances excluding transactions resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Among other disclosures, ASC 220, Comprehensive Income , requires that all items that are required to be recognized under current accounting standards as components of comprehensive loss be reported in a financial statement that is displayed with the same prominence as other financial statements. The Company’s comprehensive loss includes net loss and foreign currency translation adjustments and is presented in the consolidated statement of comprehensive loss.

 

(aa)

Recent accounting pronouncements

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, Income Taxes: Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes. ASU 2015-17 simplifies the presentation of deferred income taxes, which require the deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. ASU 2015-17 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2016. The Group has early adopted this ASU for the period ended December 31, 2015 and present the deferred tax assets and liabilities as non-current.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02 (“ASU 2016-02”), Leases. This guidance requires an entity to recognize lease liabilities and a right-of-use asset for all leases on the balance sheet and to disclose key information about the entity’s leasing arrangements. ASU 2016-02 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within that reporting period, with earlier adoption permitted. ASU 2016-02 must be adopted using a modified retrospective approach for all leases existing at, or entered into after the date of initial adoption, with an option to elect to use certain transition relief. The Group is evaluating the impact of this new standard on its financial position, results of operations, cash flows and related disclosures.    

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-07 (“ASU 2016-07”), Investments—Equity Method and Joint Ventures: Simplifying the Transition to the Equity Method of Accounting, to simplify the accounting for equity method investments, which eliminates the requirement in ASC 323 “Investments—Equity method and Joint 161 Ventures” that an entity retroactively adopts the equity method of accounting if an investment qualifies for use of the equity method as a result of an increase in the level of ownership or degree of influence. The amendments require that the equity method investor adds the cost of acquiring the additional interest in the investee to the current basis of the investor’s previously held interest and adopts the equity method of accounting as of the date the investment becomes qualified for equity method accounting. The new guidance is effective for us for the year beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Group is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this standard on its consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606).” This guidance supersedes current guidance on revenue recognition in Topic 605, “Revenue Recognition.” In

 

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CHINA MUSIC CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1, 2016 TO JULY 12, 2016

(All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data)

 

2

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

(aa)

Recent accounting pronouncements (Continued)

 

addition, there are disclosure requirements related to the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue recognition. This guidance will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim reporting periods, and will be required to be applied either retrospectively or modified retrospectively. Early application of the guidance is not permitted. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14 to defer the effective date of ASU No. 2014-09 for all entities by one year.

In 2016, the FASB and IASB issued several amendments and clarifications to the new revenue standards, including ASU 2016-08, ASU 2016-10, ASU 2016-12 and ASU 2016-20, primarily as a result of issues raised by stakeholders and discussed by the Transition Resource Group. Amendments were made to the guidance related to the principal versus agent assessment, identifying performance obligations, accounting for licenses of intellectual property, and other matters (such as the definition of completed contracts at transition, the addition of new practical expedients, and various technical corrections). As amended, the FASB’s standard is effective for public entities for the first interim period within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 (nonpublic companies have an additional year). The FASB’s standard will allow early adoption, but no earlier than the original effective date for public entities (reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016).

The company will adopt the new standard effective January 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective method. The cumulative effect of initially applying the guidance will be recognized at the date of initial application is not expected to be material and prior periods will not be retrospectively adjusted.

The Company has substantially completed the assessment and implementation work, and the main impact is the change from presentation of value-added tax (“VAT”) on a gross basis to a net basis. Under the new standard, the Group determined VAT are collected from the customers on behalf of the government and as an agent, the Group will report VAT on a net basis. Other than the change above, the Group expects revenue recognition for its major revenue streams to remain substantially consistent with the historical revenue recognition practices.

On March 30, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09 (“ASU 2016-09”), Compensation—Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which relates to the accounting for employee share-based payments. This standard addresses several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment award transactions, including: (a) income tax consequences; (b) classification of awards as either equity or liabilities; and (c) classification on the statement of cash flows. This standard will be effective for publicly-traded companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Group is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this standard on its consolidated financial statements.

The FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230), Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (a consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force), on August 26, 2016, and ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230), Restricted Cash (a consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force), on November 17, 2016. The new guidance is intended to reduce diversity in practice in how certain transactions are classified in the statement of cash flows. For public business entities, both ASUs are effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. For all other entities, the guidance is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for ASU 2016-18. Early adoption is also permitted for

 

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CHINA MUSIC CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1, 2016 TO JULY 12, 2016

(All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data)

 

2

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

(aa)

Recent accounting pronouncements (Continued)

 

ASU 2016-15 provided that all of the amendments are adopted in the same period. Both ASUs require application using a retrospective transition method. The Group believes the adoption will not have material impact on the Group cash flows and related disclosures.

In January 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business, which clarifies the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions or disposals of assets or businesses. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The standard should be applied prospectively on or after the effective date. The Group is currently evaluating the impact ASU2017-01 will have on the Groups consolidated balance sheet, results of operations, cash flows and related disclosures.

In January 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2017-04, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. The guidance removes Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, which requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation. A goodwill impairment will now be the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. The guidance should be adopted on a prospective basis for the annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Group believes the adoption will not have material impact.

In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting, which provides guidance about which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting in ASC 718. Under the new guidance, modification accounting is required only if the fair value, the vesting conditions, or the classification of the award (as equity or liability) changes as a result of the change in terms or conditions. The new guidance is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. The Group is evaluating the effects, if any, of the adoption of this guidance on the Groups consolidated balance sheet, results of operations, cash flows and related disclosures.

 

3

CONCENTRATION AND RISKS

Concentration of customers

There are no customers from whom revenue individually represent greater than 10% of the total revenues of the Group for the period from January 1 to July 12, 2016.

Concentration of credit risks

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Group to significant concentration of credit risk primarily consist of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and accounts receivable. The Group expects that there is no significant credit risk associated with cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments which were held by reputable financial institutions in the jurisdictions where the Company, its subsidiaries, the Consolidated Affiliated Entities are located. The Group believes that it is not exposed to unusual risks as these financial institutions have high credit quality.

 

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CHINA MUSIC CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1, 2016 TO JULY 12, 2016

(All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data)

 

3

CONCENTRATION AND RISKS (Continued)

Concentration of credit risks (Continued)

 

Accounts receivable are typically unsecured and denominated in RMB, derived from revenue earned from customers and agencies in the PRC, which are exposed to credit risk. The risk is mitigated by credit evaluations the Group performs on its customers and its ongoing monitoring process of outstanding balances. The Group maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts and actual losses have generally been within management’s expectations. Top five customers accounted for 42.2% of gross accounts receivable as of July 12, 2016, with 13.7% from Shanghai Jingdao Advertising Co., Ltd., and 9.2%, 7.5%, 6.7% and 5.1%, from the other four customers, respectively.

Foreign currency exchange rate risk

The Group’s exposure to foreign currency exchange rate risk primarily relates to cash and cash equivalents denominated in U.S. dollars. The functional currency of the Company is the U.S. dollar, and the reporting currency is RMB. Since July 21, 2005, the RMB has been permitted to fluctuate within a narrow and managed band against a basket of certain foreign currencies. As a result, an appreciation of RMB against the U.S. dollar would result in foreign currency translation losses when translating the cash and cash equivalents denominated in U.S. dollar into RMB.

 

4

DISPOSAL OF GUANGZHOU LECHANG SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. (“LECHANG”)

In March 2016, the Company completed the disposal of the Company’s entire equity in Lechang, a subsidiary operating online game platform, to Beijing Quku Technology Co., Ltd (“Quku”), a then independent third party, however the Group acquired 38% equity interest in Quku at a consideration of RMB10,333 (US$1,546) in April 2016. The total disposal consideration was RMB12,256 (US$1,833) and the disposal resulted in a gain of RMB20,670 (US$3,092).

The following table presents the aggregate carrying amount of the major classes of assets and liabilities disposed:

 

     RMB      US$  

Assets:

     

Cash

     15,237        2,358  

Accounts receivables

     9,924        1,485  

Prepayments and other current assets

     10,980        1,643  

Property, equipment and software, net

     9        1  

Intangible assets, net

     351        53  

Other non-current assets

     155        23  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

     36,656        5,563  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities:

     

Accounts payable

     11,623        1,739  

Advances from customers and deferred revenue

     19,481        2,914  

Income tax payable

     53        8  

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

     13,913        2,081  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     45,070        6,742  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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CHINA MUSIC CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1, 2016 TO JULY 12, 2016

(All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data)

 

5

LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS

The Company’s long-term investments consist of cost method investments and equity method investments.

 

     Cost Method
RMB
     Equity Method
RMB
     Total
RMB
 

Balance at January 1, 2016 (RMB)

     11,670        180,913        192,583  

Addition of investments

     —          117,614        117,614  

Disposal of investments

     —          (2,250      (2,250

Share in net income of investee

     —          4,422        4,422  

Exchange realignment

     —          2,652        2,652  

Impairment charges

     (1,670      (13,647      (15,317
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance at July 12, 2016 (RMB)

     10,000        289,704        299,704  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance at July 12, 2016 (US$)

     1,496        43,341        44,837  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Equity method investments

In January 2016, the Group made an investment of RMB92,060 (US$13,774) in Shenzhen United Cultural & Entertainment Investment LP (“Shenzhen United”) to acquire 42.86% of its limited partnership.

In February 2016, the Group and JYP Entertainment Corporation jointly formed Beijing Xin Sheng Entertainment Co., Ltd (“Beijing Xin Sheng”) with an investment of RMB10,500 (US$1,571), representing 70% of its ordinary shares

In April 2016, the Group made an investment of RMB10,133 (US$1,516) in Beijing Quku Technology Co., Ltd to acquire 38% of its ordinary shares. Beijing Quku is primarily engaged in online content providing activities.

Other investments under equity method consist of common stock equity investments in private companies, over which the Group considered it has significant influence.

 

6

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, NET

The following summarizes the Group’s accounts receivable as of July 12, 2016:

 

     As of July 12,  
     2016      2016  
     RMB      US$  

Accounts receivable

     147,331        22,041  

Allowance for doubtful accounts

     (5,588      (836
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Accounts receivable, net

     141,743        21,205  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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CHINA MUSIC CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1, 2016 TO JULY 12, 2016

(All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data)

 

6

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, NET (Continued)

 

The following table presents movement of the allowance for doubtful accounts:

 

     As of July 12,  
     2016      2016  
     RMB      US$  

Balance at the beginning of the period

     (21,416      (3,204

Additional provisions charged to expense

     (14,261      (2,134

Write-offs

     30,089        4,502  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance at the end of the period

     (5,588      (836
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

7

PREPAYMENTS AND OTHER ASSETS

The current and non-current portions of prepayments and other assets consist of the following:

 

     As of July 12,  
     2016      2016  
     RMB      US$  

Current portion

     

Vendor deposits

     61,126        9,145  

Deposits for licensed copyrights

     49,445        7,397  

VAT receivable

     39,779        5,951  

Rental deposits

     3,930        588  

Others

     13,472        2,015  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     167,752        25,096  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Non-current portion

     

Deposits for licensed copyrights and rental fees

     34,974        5,232  

Others

     290        44  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     35,264        5,276  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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CHINA MUSIC CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1, 2016 TO JULY 12, 2016

(All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data)

 

8

INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET

 

     As of July 12, 2016  
     Gross
Carrying
value
     Accumulated
amortization
     Net
carrying
value
     Net
carrying
value
 
     RMB      RMB      RMB      US$  

Intangible assets with definite useful years

           

Customer relationships

     41,700        (26,121      15,579        2,331  

Online game paying users

     20,800        (11,420      9,380        1,403  

Online music show platform active users

     —          —          —          —    

Supplier resources

     25,300        (6,860      18,440        2,759  

Others

     9,456        (5,232      4,224        632  

Intangible assets with indefinite useful years

           

Domain name, trademark and Internet audio/video program transmission license

     480,100        —          480,100        71,825  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Intangible assets-noncurrent

     577,356        (49,633      527,723        78,950  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Amortization expense was RMB18,807 (US$2,814) for period from January 1 to July 12, 2016. Estimated amortization expense relating to the existing intangible assets for the future years is as follows:

 

     RMB      US$  

Within 1 year

     15,386        2,302  

Between 1 and 2 years

     11,234        1,681  

Between 2 and 3 years

     6,405        958  

Between 3 and 4 years

     5,534        828  

Over 4 years

     9,064        1,356  

 

9

PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT AND SOFTWARE, NET

Property, equipment and software consist of the following:

 

     As of July 12,  
     2016      2016  
     RMB      US$  

Office computer equipment

     27,108        4,055  

Office furniture and equipment

     42,288        6,326  

Software

     51,280        7,672  

Servers and network equipment

     56,737        8,488  

Motor vehicles

     602        90  

Leasehold improvements

     49,223        7,364  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     227,238        33,995  

Less: Accumulated depreciation

     (102,950      (15,401
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     124,288        18,594  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Depreciation expense was RMB30,391(US$ 4,546) for the period from January 1 to July 12, 2016.

 

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1, 2016 TO JULY 12, 2016

(All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data)

 

10

ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER LIABILITIES

 

     As of July 12,  
     2016      2016  
     RMB      US$  

Payroll payable

     103,754        15,522  

Accrued advertising and promotion expenses

     36,086        5,399  

Tax and surcharges payable

     30,207        4,519  

Accrued copyrights cost

     25,114        3,757  

Investment payable

     19,198        2,872  

Anchor deposits

     14,236        2,130  

Accrued professional fees

     13,237        1,980  

Accrued internet connection costs

     9,290        1,390  

Interest payable

     6,392        956  

Legal cost

     2,434        364  

Online game sharing cost

     4,696        703  

Accrued sales rebates

     2,337        350  

Others

     31,116        4,655  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     298,097        44,597  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

11

TAXATION

 

(a)

Value-added tax and business tax

The Group’s revenues from online music show platform and mobile value-added services, online games and sub-licensing of music copyright are subject to VAT at 6% plus surcharges as a general VAT taxpayer.

Online advertising revenues is subject to VAT at a rate of 6% plus surcharges and cultural business construction fee.

VAT for the period from January 1 to July 12, 2016 of RMB92,889 (US$13,897), was recorded in cost of revenues in the consolidated statement of comprehensive loss.

 

(b)

Income Taxes

The Group conducts its primary business operations in the PRC. Income tax expense of the Group for the period from January 1 to July 12, 2016 consisted of:

 

     For period from
January 1 to July 12,
 
     2016      2016  
     RMB      US$  

Current income tax expense

     33,468        5,007  

Deferred income tax benefit

     (10,824      (1,619
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     22,644        3,388  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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CHINA MUSIC CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1, 2016 TO JULY 12, 2016

(All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data)

 

11

TAXATION (Continued)

 

(b)

Income Taxes (Continued)

 

  Cayman

Islands

Under the current laws of the Cayman Islands, the Company is not subject to tax on income or capital gains. Additionally, upon payment of dividends by the Company to its shareholders, no Cayman Islands withholding tax will be imposed.

 

  Hong

Kong

Under the current tax laws of Hong Kong, Ocean Music Hong Kong is subject to Hong Kong profits tax at 16.5% on its assessable profits generated from the operation in Hong Kong. Dividends from Ocean Music Hong Kong are exempt from withholding tax.

 

  PRC

Under the Corporate Income Tax (“CIT”) Law, which became effective on January 1, 2008, foreign invested enterprises and domestic enterprises are subject to a unified CIT rate of 25%. In accordance with the implementation rules of the CIT Law, a qualified “High and New Technology Enterprise” (“HNTE”) is eligible for a preferential tax rate of 15% and a “Software Enterprise”(“SE”) is entitled exemption from income taxation for the first two years, counting from the year the enterprise makes profit, and reduction half for the next three years.

Guangzhou Kugou and Beijing Kuwo have been recognized as HNTE under the CIT law by relevant government authorities in 2013 and were entitled to preferential tax rate of 15% for the period from January 1 to July 12, 2016. Yeelion Online was qualified as a SE and will enjoy the relevant tax holiday from its first profitable year. As of July 12, 2016, Yeelion Online was still in accumulative loss position.

The other PRC subsidiaries and Consolidated Affiliated Entities are subject to a 25% EIT rate.

The CIT Law also provides that an enterprise established under the laws of a foreign country or region but whose “de facto management body” is located in the PRC be treated as a resident enterprise for PRC tax purposes and consequently be subject to the PRC income tax at the rate of 25% for its global income.

The Implementing Rules of the CIT Law merely define the location of the “de facto management body” as “the place where the exercising, in substance, of the overall management and control of the production and business operation, personnel, accounting, properties, etc., of a non-PRC company is located.” Based on a review of surrounding facts and circumstances, the Group does not believe that it is likely that its operations outside of the PRC should be considered a resident enterprise for PRC tax purposes.

The Group’s income/(loss) before income taxes consists of:

 

     For the period from
January 1 to July 12,
 
     2016      2016  
     RMB      US$  

Non-PRC

     (330,240      (49,405

PRC

     201,023        30,073  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     (129,217      (19,332
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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CHINA MUSIC CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1, 2016 TO JULY 12, 2016

(All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data)

 

11

TAXATION (Continued)

 

(b)

Income Taxes (Continued)

 

  PRC (Continued)

 

The reconciliation of total tax expense of the Group computed by applying the respective statutory income tax rate to pre-tax loss is as follows:

 

     For the period from
January 1 to July 12, 2016
 

Income tax benefit at PRC statutory rate

     25

International tax rate difference

     64

Effect on tax holiday and preferential tax rate

     (16 )% 

Permanent difference

     (68 )% 

Valuation allowance

     (23 )% 

Effective tax rate

     (18 )% 

The aggregate amount and per share effect of the tax holiday are as follows:

 

     For the period from
January 1 to July 12,
 
     2016      2016  
     RMB      US$  

Tax holiday effect

     1,526        228  

Per share effect—basic

     0.001        0.00  

Per share effect—diluted

     0.001        0.00  

The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to the deferred tax asset balances and deferred tax liability balances at July 12, 2016 are as follows:

 

     As of July 12,  
     2016      2016  
     RMB      US$  

Deferred tax assets:

     

Bad debt provision

     3,463        518  

Net operating losses carried forward

     129,720        19,407  

Government grant

     3,366        502  

Deferred revenue

     3,867        579  

Others

     1,748        262  

Less: valuation allowance

     (133,679      (19,999
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deferred tax assets, net

     8,485        1,269  

Deferred tax liabilities:

     

Intangible assets arising from business combination

     16,026        2,398  

Deferred tax liabilities, net

     16,026        2,398  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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CHINA MUSIC CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1, 2016 TO JULY 12, 2016

(All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data)

 

11

TAXATION (Continued)

 

(b)

Income Taxes (Continued)

 

  PRC (Continued)

 

The movement of valuation allowance for deferred tax assets is as follows:

 

     As of July 12,  
     2016      2016  
     RMB      US$  

Valuation allowance

     

Balance at beginning of the year

     104,290        16,061  

Current period addition

     29,389        3,938  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance at the end of the year

     133,679        19,999  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Valuation allowances have been provided on the net deferred tax assets where, based on all available evidence, it was considered more likely than not that some portion or all of the recorded deferred tax assets will not be realized in future periods. Realization of the net deferred tax assets is dependent on factors including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences and adequate future taxable income, exclusive of reversing deductible temporary differences and tax loss or credit carry forwards. The Company evaluates the potential realization of deferred tax assets on an entity-by-entity basis. As of July 12, 2016, valuation allowances was provided against deferred tax assets in entities where it was determined it was more likely than not that the benefits of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

As of July 12, 2016, the Company had net operating loss available carry forwards of RMB580,113 (US$86,787) per income tax returns filed, which can be carried forward to offset future taxable income. The remaining net operating losses will expire between 2016 and 2020 if not utilized.

Uncertain tax position

The Group evaluates the level of authority for each uncertain tax position (including the potential application of interest and penalties) based on the technical merits, and measure the unrecognized benefits associated with the tax positions. As of July 12, 2016, the Group did not have any significant unrecognized uncertain tax positions. The Group does not anticipate any significant increase to our liability for unrecognized tax benefit within the next 12 months. Interest and penalties related to income tax matters, if any, is included in income tax expense.

Withholding tax on undistributed dividends

The CIT Law also imposes a withholding income tax of 10% on dividends distributed by an Foreign Investment Enterprise (“FIE”) to its immediate holding company outside of China, if such immediate holding company is considered as a non-resident enterprise without any establishment or place within China or if the received dividends have no connection with the establishment or place of such immediate holding company within China, unless such immediate holding company’s jurisdiction of incorporation has a tax treaty with China that provides for a different withholding arrangement. The Cayman Islands, where the Company incorporated, does not have such tax treaty with China. According to the arrangement between the mainland China and Hong Kong.

 

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CHINA MUSIC CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1, 2016 TO JULY 12, 2016

(All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data)

 

11

TAXATION (Continued)

 

(b)

Income Taxes (Continued)

 

  PRC (Continued)

Withholding tax on undistributed dividends (Continued)

 

Special Administrative Region on the Avoidance of Double Taxation and Prevention of Fiscal Evasion in August 2006, dividends paid by an FIE in China to its immediate holding company in Hong Kong will be subject to withholding tax at a rate of no more than 5% (if the foreign investor owns directly at least 25% of the shares of the FIE). In accordance with accounting guidance, all undistributed earnings are presumed to be transferred to the parent company and are subject to the withholding taxes. All FIEs are subject to the withholding tax from January 1, 2008.

Under U.S. GAAP, undistributed earnings are presumed to be transferred to the parent company and are subject to the withholding taxes. The presumption may be overcome if the Company has sufficient evidence to demonstrate that the undistributed dividends will be re-invested and the remittance of the dividends will be postponed indefinitely.

The Group intends to re-invest all earnings indefinitely or be subject to a significant withholding tax should its policy change to allow for earnings distribution offshore. As of July 12, 2016, the Group did not record any withholding tax on the retained earnings of its FIEs in the PRC, which amounted to RMB160,278 thousand, as the Company intends to permanently re-invest its earnings for use in the operation and expansion of its business in China.

 

12

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

(a)

Operating lease commitments

The following table summarizes future minimum commitments of the Group as of July 12, 2016 under non-cancelable operating arrangements, which are mainly related to leased facilities and rental of bandwidth:

 

     Future Minimum
Commitments Under
Non-cancelable
Agreements
 
     RMB      US$  

2017

     37,268        5,575  

2018

     29,428        4,403  

2019

     11,600        1,735  

2020

     7,053        1,055  

2021 and thereafter

     11,111        1,662  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     96,460        14,430  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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CHINA MUSIC CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1, 2016 TO JULY 12, 2016

(All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data)

 

12

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Continued)

 

(b)

Licensed copyrights commitments

The following table summarizes future minimum commitments of the Group as of July 12, 2016 under non-cancelable licensing arrangements:

 

     Future Minimum
Commitments Under
Non-cancelable
Agreements
 
     RMB      US$  

2017

     705,759        105,585  

2018

     178,738        26,740  

2019

     27,290        4,083  

2020

     13,400        2,005  

2021 and thereafter

     15,400        2,304  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     940,587        140,717  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(c)

Investment commitments

As of July 12, 2016, the Company had commitments to invest approximately RMB3,440 (US$515) in certain entities to hold the equity interest in such entities.

 

(d)

Contingencies

The Company is involved in a number of claims pending in various courts, in arbitration, or otherwise unresolved as of July 12, 2016. These claims are substantially related to alleged copyright infringement as well as routine and incidental matters to its business, among others. Adverse results in these claims may include awards of damages and may also result in, or even compel, a change in the Company’s business practices, which could impact the Company’s future financial results. The Group has accrued contingent loss of RMB183 (US$27) in the consolidated statement of comprehensive loss for the period from January 1 to July 12, 2016.

The Company is unable to estimate the reasonably possible loss or a range of reasonably possible losses for proceedings in the early stages or where there is a lack of clear or consistent interpretation of laws specific to the industry-specific complaints among different jurisdictions. Although the results of unsettled litigations and claims cannot be predicted with certainty, the Company does not believe that, as of July 12, 2016, there was at least a reasonable possibility that the Company may have incurred a material loss, or a material loss in excess of the accrued expenses, with respect to such loss contingencies. The losses accrued include judgments handed down by the court and out-of-court settlements after July 12, 2016, but related to cases arising on or before July 12, 2016. The Company is in the process of appealing certain judgments for which losses have been accrued. However, the ultimate timing and outcome of pending litigation is inherently uncertain. Therefore, although management considers the likelihood of a material loss for all pending claims, both asserted and unasserted, to be remote, if one or more of these legal matters were resolved against the Company in the same reporting period for amounts in excess of management’s expectations, the Company’s consolidated financial statements of a particular reporting period could be materially adversely affected.

 

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CHINA MUSIC CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1, 2016 TO JULY 12, 2016

(All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data)

 

13

ORDINARY SHARES

The Company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association authorizes the Company to issue 1,800,000,000 shares and 1,080,239,767 shares of US$0.000083 par value per common share were outstanding as of July 12, 2016. Each common share is entitled to one vote. The holders of common shares are also entitled to receive dividends whenever funds are legally available and when declared by the Board of Directors, which is subject to the approval by the holders of the common shares representing a majority of the aggregate voting power of all outstanding shares.

During the period from January 1 to July 12, 2016, 40,255,459 common shares were issued to Baofeng Poseiden Limited for an aggregate consideration approximate RMB 631,261 thousand (US$97,700 thousand equivalent).

 

14

NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST

In February and October 2014, the Company acquired 99.71% and 80% of equity interests of R2G and Rainbow, with the remaining 0.29% and 20% equity interest accounted for as non-controlling interest, respectively.

In August 2015, the Company set up a new subsidiary named With Faith Music Corporation (“With Faith”) and holds 51% of its equity interest. The shareholder who holds 49% equity interest in With Faith was accounted for as non-controlling interest.

 

15

LOSS PER SHARE

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net loss per share:

 

     For the period from
January 1 to July 12,
 
     2016      2016  
     RMB      US$  

Basic net loss per share:

     

Numerator:

     

Net loss attributable to the Company

     (145,456      (21,762

Denominator:

     

Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding

     1,048,871,789        1,048,871,789  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Basic loss per share attributable to the Company

     (0.14      (0.02

Diluted net loss per share calculation

     

Numerator:

     

Net loss attributable to the Company

     (145,456      (21,762

Denominator:

     

Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding

     1,048,871,789        1,048,871,789  

Shares used in computing diluted loss per share attributable to the Company

     1,048,871,789        1,048,871,789  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Diluted loss per share attributable to the Company

     (0.14      (0.02

The potentially dilutive securities that were not included in the calculation of dilutive loss per share in those periods where their inclusion would be anti-dilutive are share options of 5,465,579 for the period from January 1 to July 12, 2016.

 

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CHINA MUSIC CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1, 2016 TO JULY 12, 2016

(All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data)

 

16

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

In October 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors approved 2014 Share Incentive Plan (the “2014 Plan”). 116,400,000 ordinary shares have been reserved to be issued to any qualified employees, directors, non-employee directors, and consultants as determined by the Board. The options will be exercisable only if option holder continues employment or provide services through each vesting date. The maximum term of any issued stock option is ten years from the grant date.

Some granted options follow the first category vesting schedule, one fourth (1/4) of which shall vest and become exercisable upon the first anniversary of the date of grant and one-eighth (1/8) of which shall vest and become exercisable on each half an year anniversary thereafter. Some granted options follow the second category vesting schedule, one-fourth of which shall vest upon the first anniversary of the grant date and one-sixteenth (1/16) of which shall vest on each three months thereafter. Other options shall vest and become exercisable on the first year anniversary of the grant date.

Under the second category vesting schedule, in the event of the Company’s completion of an Initial Public Offering (IPO) or termination of the option holder’s employment agreement by the Company without cause, the vesting schedule shall be accelerated by a one year period (which means that the whole vesting schedule shall be shortened from four years to three years). 39,262,654 granted options under the second category vesting schedule shall become fully vested and exercisable in the event of change in control.

For the period from January 1 to July 12, 2016, the Company granted 17,675,326 stock options to employees. The following table summarizes the employees and non-employees stock option activities under the 2014 Plan for the period from January 1 to July 12, 2016.

 

     Number of
shares
     Weighted-
average
exercise
price
     Weighted-
average
grant date
fair value
     Weighted-
average
remaining
contractual
life
     Aggregate
intrinsic
value
 
            (US$)      (US$)      (years)      (US$)  

Outstanding as of January 1, 2016

     81,618,521        0.23        1.43        8.41        177,158  

Granted

     17,675,326        0.25        1.55        —          —    

Exercised

     —          —          —          —          —    

Forfeited

     472,200        0.29        1.29        —          —    

Outstanding as of July 12, 2016

     98,821,647        0.25        1.51        8.37        212,955  

Vested and expected to vest as of July 12, 2016

     87,612,840        0.24        1.51        8.22        188,910  

Exercisable as of July 12, 2016

     42,049,925        0.24        1.00        9.13        90,962  

Non-vested as of July 12, 2016

     56,771,722        0.25        1.36        7.80        121,993  

The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the difference between the fair value of the Company’s ordinary shares and the exercise price of the options. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant. If necessary, forfeitures are revised in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.

 

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CHINA MUSIC CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1, 2016 TO JULY 12, 2016

(All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data)

 

16

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Continued)

 

The fair values of employee stock options and non-employees stock options were valued using the Binomial option-pricing model. Assumptions used in the Binomial option-pricing model are presented below:

 

     2016  

Risk free interest rate

     1.9% – 2.4%  

Expected dividend yield

     0%  

Expected volatility range

     59% – 61%  

Exercise multiples

     2.2 – 2.8 times  

Contractual life

     10 years  

The binomial model requires the input of highly subjective assumptions. The risk-free rate for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. The expected dividend yield was estimated based on the Company’s expected dividend policy over the expected life of the options. The Company estimates the volatility of its common stock at the date of grant based on the historical volatility of similar U.S. and Hong Kong public companies for a period equal to the expected life preceding the grant date. The exercise multiples was estimated based on the vesting and contractual terms of the awards and management’s expectation of exercise behavior of the grantees.

For the period from January 1 to July 12, 2016, the compensation cost recognized for stock options granted to employees were RMB272,251(US$40,730). There was no compensation cost capitalized for the period from January 1 to July 12, 2016. As of July 12, 2016, the unamortized compensation costs related to unvested stock options granted to employees was RMB454,845(US$68,046), adjusted for estimated forfeitures, and weighted average period over which it would be recognized was 3.2 years.

For the period from January 1 to July 12, 2016, the compensation cost recognized for stock options granted to nonemployees was nil. There was no compensation cost capitalized for the period from January 1 to July 12, 2016. As of July 12, 2016, the unamortized compensation costs related to unvested stock options granted to nonemployees were nil.

No income tax benefit was recognized in the consolidated statement of comprehensive loss for share-based compensation arrangements for period from January 1 to July 12, 2016, as no tax deduction was claimed.

 

17

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The table below sets forth the major related parties and their relationships with the Group as of July 12, 2016:

 

Name of related parties

   Relationship with the Group

Shenzhen Tencent Computer Systems Company Limited (“Tencent Computer”)(a)

   Subsidiary of the Company’s
principal owner

PAGAC Music Holding II Limited (“PAG”)

   The Company’s principal owner

Tencent Technology (Shenzhen) Limited (“Tencent Shenzhen”)

   Subsidiary of the Company’s
principal owner

United Entertainment Corporation (“UEC”)

   The Company’s associate

Beijing Kubo Technology Limited (“Kubo”)

   The Company’s associate

Beijing Quku Technology CO., Ltd (“Quku”)

   The Company’s associate

 

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CHINA MUSIC CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1, 2016 TO JULY 12, 2016

(All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data)

 

17

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Continued)

 

For the period from January 1 to July 12, 2016, significant related party transactions were as follows:

 

     For the period from
January 1 to July 12,
 
     2016      2016  
     RMB      US$  

Short-term loan made by PAG

     304,000        45,480  

Repayment of short-term loan to PAG

     304,000        45,480  

Copyrights sublicense to Tencent Shenzhen

     39,925        5,973  

Platform charge to Tencent

     8,005        1,198  

Revenue from technical services from Quku

     5,446        815  

Digital album revenue sharing to Tencent Shenzhen

     3,044        455  

Promotion & marketing expense to Quku

     1,058        158  

As of July 12, 2016, material outstanding amount due from/to related parties were as follows:

 

     As at July 12,  
     2016      2016  
     RMB      US$  

Due to Quku for collected recharge

     25,653        3,838  

Due to UEC for outstanding capital injection

     19,198        2,872  

Due to Kubo for outstanding capital injection

     9,000        1,346  

Due from Quku for gaming receivable

     6,217        930  

Due to Tencent Shenzhen for sublicense of music copyrights

     3,976        595  

Due to Tencent Shenzhen for share of revenue

     2,935        439  

 

  (a)

Tencent Computer is a subsidiary of the parent company of the Company’s principal owner Min River Investment Limited, which held 15.8% of the Company’s ordinary shares as of July 12, 2016. In April 2014, the Company signed business cooperation agreement with Tencent, pursuant to which the Company and Tencent agreed to sublicense their respective music copyrights to each other at a mutually agreed price based on the same pricing principle used for transactions with third parties.

 

18

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT

As of July 12, 2016, information about inputs into the fair value measurements of the Group’s assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis in periods subsequent to their initial recognition is as follows:

 

         As of July 12,  

Financial instruments

   Fair value   2016      2016  
         RMB      US$  

Bank time deposits and short-term investments original maturity more than three months but less than one year

   Significant other
observable Inputs
(Level 2)
    632,000        94,550  

 

19

SUBSEQUENT EVENT

On July 12, 2016, the Company and Min River entered into a share subscription agreement pursuant to which the Company conditionally agreed to issue and sell to Min River, and Min River agrees to subscribe

 

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CHINA MUSIC CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1, 2016 TO JULY 12, 2016

(All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data)

 

19

SUBSEQUENT EVENT (Continued)

 

for and purchase from the Company, an aggregate of 1,290,862,550 Ordinary Shares (the “Purchased Shares”), representing 55% of the outstanding ordinary shares of the Company immediately after the issue of Purchased Shares, in exchange for Tencent PRC Music Business’s related operating assets and liabilities (the “Acquisition”). Upon the completion of the Acquisition, Min River held approximately 61.6% of the outstanding ordinary shares of the Company.

The Acquisition is accounted for as a reverse acquisition under ASC Subtopic 805-40: Reverse acquisitions, under which Tencent PRC Music Business is regarded as the accounting acquirer, whereas the Company immediately prior to the completion of the Acquisition, is regarded as the accounting acquiree.

 

20

RESTRICTED NET ASSETS

Relevant PRC laws and regulations permit payments of dividends by the subsidiaries and the Consolidated Affiliated Entities incorporated in the PRC only out of their retained earnings, if any, as determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. In addition, each of the Company’s subsidiaries and the Consolidated Affiliated Entities is required to annually appropriate 10% of net after-tax income to the statutory general reserve fund prior to payment of any dividends, unless such reserve funds have reached 50% of its respective registered capital. As a result of these and other restrictions under PRC laws and regulations, the subsidiaries and the Consolidated Affiliated Entities are restricted in their ability to transfer a portion of their net assets to the Company either in the form of dividends, loans or advances of the Group’s total consolidated net assets. As of July 12, 2016, the total restricted net assets of the Company’s subsidiaries and the Consolidated Affiliated Entities incorporated in PRC and subjected to restriction amounted to approximately RMB356,739 (US$53,370). Even though the Company currently does not require any such dividends, loans or advances from the PRC entities for working capital and other funding purposes, the Company may in the future require additional cash resources from them due to changes in business conditions, to fund future acquisitions and development, or merely to declare and pay dividends or distributions to its shareholders. Except for the above, there is no other restriction on the use of proceeds generated by the Company’s subsidiaries and the Consolidated Affiliated Entities to satisfy any obligations of the Company.

The Company performed a test on the restricted net assets of the Company’s subsidiaries and the Consolidated Affiliated Entities in accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-X Rule 4-08(a)(3), “General Notes to Financial Statements” and concluded that the restricted net assets did not exceed 25% of the consolidated net assets of the Company as of July 12, 2016.

 

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PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

ITEM 6. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE 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. Under our post-offering memorandum and articles of association, which will become effective immediately prior to the completion of this offering, to the fullest extent permissible under Cayman Islands law every director and officer of our company shall be indemnified against all actions, proceedings, costs, charges, expenses, losses, damages or liabilities incurred or sustained by him in connection with the execution or discharge of his duties, powers, authorities or discretions as a director or officer of our company, including without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, any costs, expenses, losses or liabilities incurred by him in defending (whether successfully or otherwise) any civil proceedings concerning our company or its affairs in any court whether in the Cayman Islands or elsewhere.

Pursuant to the form of indemnification agreements to be filed as Exhibit 10.1 to this Registration Statement, we will agree to indemnify our directors and executive officers against certain liabilities and expenses that they incur in connection with claims made by reason of their being a director or officer of our company.

The Underwriting Agreement, the form of which 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 of 1933, as amended, may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling us pursuant to the foregoing provisions, we have been informed that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.

ITEM 7. RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES.

During the past three years, we have issued the following securities (including options to acquire our ordinary shares) without registering the securities under the Securities Act. 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 regarding sales by an issuer in offshore transactions, pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act regarding transactions not involving a public offering and/or Rule 701 of the Securities Act. None of the transactions involved an underwriter.

 

Purchaser

   Date of
Issuance
    

Number of

Securities

  

Consideration

Ordinary Shares

        

Sony/ATV Music Publishing (Hong Kong)

     May 20, 2016      1,350,000 ordinary shares    in exchange of 450,000 ordinary shares of China Publishing Corporation

EMI Music Publishing Group Hong Kong Limited

     May 20, 2016      1,350,000 ordinary shares    in exchange of 450,000 ordinary shares of China Publishing Corporation

Baofeng Poseidon Limited

     May 21, 2016      40,255,459 ordinary shares    US$97,700,000

 

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Table of Contents

Purchaser

   Date of
Issuance
  

Number of

Securities

  

Consideration

Min River Investment Limited

   July 12, 2016    1,290,862,550 ordinary shares    the execution and delivery of certain business collaboration agreement and certain transaction agreements by affiliates of Min River Investment Limited

AlanDing Holding Limited

   October 28, 2016    397,677 ordinary shares    US$965,164.90

Green Technology Holdings Limited

   October 28, 2016    445,691 ordinary shares    US$1,081,695.22

Best Tactic Global Limited

   October 28, 2016    886,864 ordinary shares    US$2,152,425.22

Cagico Technology Limited

   October 28, 2016    945,989 ordinary shares    US$2,295,922.01

Time Heritage Enterprises Limited

   October 28, 2016    462,399 ordinary shares    US$1,122,245.65

Red Earth Innovation International Company Limited

   October 28, 2016    2,364,972 ordinary shares    US$5,739,803.82

PAGAC Music Holding II Limited

   October 28, 2016    9,337,950 ordinary shares    US$22,663,270.90

Pan Asia Venture Group Limited

   October 28, 2016    1,182,486 ordinary shares    US$2,869,901.91

CICFH Group Limited

   October 28, 2016    1,888,954 ordinary shares    US$4,584,504.76

China Investment Corporation Financial Holdings

   October 28, 2016    1,654,213 ordinary shares    US$4,014,786.69

Cityway Investments Limited

   October 28, 2016    549,115 ordinary shares    US$1,332,706

Lofty Times Investments Limited

   October 28, 2016    469,183 ordinary shares    US$1,138,710.47

Min River Investment Limited

   October 28, 2016    53,507,452 ordinary shares    US$129,862,965.60

EMI Music Publishing Group Hong Kong Limited

   October 28, 2016    46,918 ordinary shares    US$113,870.32

Sony/ATV Music Publishing (Hong Kong)

   October 28, 2016    46,918 ordinary shares    US$113,870.32

Marvellous Mountain Investments Limited (formerly known as XieZhenYu Holding Limited)

   October 29, 2016    4,741,515 ordinary shares    US$11,507,690.54

Guomin Holdings Limited

   October 29, 2016    3,477,726 ordinary shares    US$8,440,465.67

CICFH Music Investment Limited

   October 30, 2016    41,203,011 ordinary shares    US$100,000,000

Min River Investment Limited

   October 30, 2016    45,323,312 ordinary shares (issued pursuant to anti-dilution provision in the shareholders’ agreement)    N/A

 

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Table of Contents

Purchaser

   Date of
Issuance
  

Number of

Securities

  

Consideration

Sony/ATV Music Publishing (Hong Kong)

   November 1, 2016    900,000 ordinary shares    the delivery of certain license agreement by and among Sony/ATV Music Publishing (Hong Kong), China Publishing Corporation and the other parties thereto

EMI Music Publishing Group Hong Kong Limited

   November 1, 2016    900,000 ordinary shares    the delivery of certain license agreement by and among EMI Music Publishing Group Hong Kong Limited, China Publishing Corporation and the other parties thereto

Min River Investment Limited

   November 1, 2016    1,980,000 ordinary shares (issued pursuant to anti-dilution provision in the shareholders’ agreement)    N/A

Capital Star Holdings Limited

   February 15, 2017    7,590,000 ordinary shares    the performance by the Capital Star Holdings Limited and Mr. Jiang Shan under certain agreements

Min River Investment Limited

   February 15, 2017    8,349,000 ordinary shares (issued pursuant to anti-dilution provision in the shareholders’ agreement)   

N/A

Balaena Investments Limited

   May 15, 2017    3,600,000 ordinary shares    US$1,044,000

Guomin Holdings Limited

   August 8, 2017    10,186,062 ordinary shares    US$3,143,921.70

Marvellous Mountain Investments Limited (formerly known as XieZhenYu Holding Limited)

   August 8, 2017    11,336,592 ordinary shares    US$3,546,607.20

Capital Star Holdings Limited

   August 8, 2017    1,500,000 ordinary shares    US$435,000

FeiYang Holdings Limited

   August 8, 2017    3,740,000 ordinary shares    US$1,084,600

RamCity Investments Limited

   August 8, 2017    4,040,000 ordinary shares    US$939,666.40

AI Stone Limited

   August 8, 2017    4,860,000 ordinary shares    US$1,409,400

Spotify AB

   December 15, 2017    282,830,698 ordinary shares    4.91706% (on a fully diluted basis) of the share capital of Spotify Technology S.A.

Guomin Holdings Limited

   December 15, 2017    9,622,115 ordinary shares (share dividend)    N/A

EMI Group Limited

   December 15, 2017    1,992,362 ordinary shares (share dividend)    N/A

PAGAC Music Holding II Limited

   December 15, 2017    18,771,560 ordinary shares (share dividend)    N/A

CICFH Group Limited

   December 15, 2017    6,197,481 ordinary shares (share dividend)    N/A

 

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Table of Contents

Purchaser

   Date of
Issuance
  

Number of

Securities

  

Consideration

China Investment Corporation Financial Holdings

   December 15, 2017    4,273,559 ordinary shares (share dividend)    N/A

Quantum Investments Limited

   December 15, 2017    21,506 ordinary shares (share dividend)    N/A

Brave Plus Holdings Limited

   December 15, 2017    700,022 ordinary shares (share dividend)    N/A

Marvellous Mountain Investments Limited (formerly known as XieZhenYu Holding Limited)

   December 15, 2017    11,564,610 ordinary shares (share dividend)    N/A

AlanDing Holding Limited

   December 15, 2017    1,048,442 ordinary shares (share dividend)    N/A

Polycon Investment Limited

   December 15, 2017    2,082,071 ordinary shares (share dividend)    N/A

Green Technology Holdings Limited

   December 15, 2017    1,117,537 ordinary shares (share dividend)    N/A

Power Stream Holdings Limited

   December 15, 2017    1,430,144 ordinary shares (share dividend)    N/A

Best Tactic Global Limited

   December 15, 2017    2,223,748 ordinary shares (share dividend)    N/A

Pan Asia Venture Group Limited

   December 15, 2017    2,964,997 ordinary shares (share dividend)    N/A

Cagico Technology Limited

   December 15, 2017    2,246,257 ordinary shares (share dividend)    N/A

Qifei International Development Co. Limited

   December 15, 2017    4,279,620 ordinary shares (share dividend)    N/A

Red Earth Innovation International Company Limited

   December 15, 2017    5,929,994 ordinary shares (share dividend)    N/A

Cityway Investments Limited

   December 15, 2017    1,376,865 ordinary shares (share dividend)    N/A

Lofty Times Investments Limited

   December 15, 2017    1,236,963 ordinary shares (share dividend)    N/A

Time Heritage Enterprises Limited

   December 15, 2017    1,159,431 ordinary shares (share dividend)    N/A

EMI Music Publishing Group Hong Kong Limited

   December 15, 2017    203,391 ordinary shares (share dividend)    N/A

Sony/ATV Music Publishing (Hong Kong)

   December 15, 2017    203,391 ordinary shares (share dividend)    N/A

CICFH Music Investment Limited

   December 15, 2017    3,648,503 ordinary shares (share dividend)    N/A

PAGAC Music Holding II LP

   December 15, 2017    2,321,334 ordinary shares (share dividend)    N/A

Capital Star Holdings Limited

   December 15, 2017    672,090 ordinary shares (share dividend)    N/A

 

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Table of Contents

Purchaser

   Date of
Issuance
  

Number of

Securities

  

Consideration

Balaena Investments Limited

   December 15, 2017    318,778 ordinary shares (share dividend)    N/A

FeiYang Holdings Limited

   December 15, 2017    331,175 ordinary shares (share dividend)    N/A

RamCity Investments Limited

   December 15, 2017    357,740 ordinary shares (share dividend)    N/A

AI Stone Limited

   December 15, 2017    430,350 ordinary shares (share dividend)    N/A

RSV-QM Holdings Limited

   January 16, 2018    4,955,033 ordinary shares    US$19,999,999.70

Internet Fund IV Pte. Ltd.

   January 16, 2018    4,955,033 ordinary shares    US$19,999,999.70

Esta Investments Pte. Ltd.

   January 16, 2018    2,477,516 ordinary shares    US$9,999,997.83

Hundreds ANTA Fund Limited Partnership (formerly known as Hundreds TWC Fund Limited Partnership)

   January 16, 2018    2,477,517 ordinary shares    US$10,000,001.87

Skycus China Fund, L.P.

   January 16, 2018    1,238,757 ordinary shares    US$4,999,994.88

DE Capital Limited

   January 16, 2018    495,502 ordinary shares    US$1,999,994.72

Cubract Ventures Limited

   January 16, 2018    10 ordinary shares    US$40.36

Coatue PE Asia IX LLC

   January 17, 2018    4,955,033 ordinary shares    US$19,999,999.70

SCC Growth IV Holdco A, Ltd.

   January 17, 2018    4,955,033 ordinary shares    US$19,999,999.70

EAST LIGHT INVESTMENT PTE LTD

   January 17, 2018    2,477,517 ordinary shares    US$10,000,001.87

CT Entertainment Investment Limited

   January 17, 2018    2,477,517 ordinary shares    US$10,000,001.87

Tenor DF Investments, LP

   January 17, 2018    2,477,517 ordinary shares    US$10,000,001.87

CMS Technology Limited Partnership

   January 17, 2018    2,477,517 ordinary shares    US$10,000,001.87

AI SMS L.P.

   January 17, 2018    2,477,517 ordinary shares    US$10,000,001.87

Dan Capital I Limited Partnership

   January 17, 2018    1,238,748 ordinary shares    US$4,999,958.55

Emperor Entertainment Investment Limited

   January 17, 2018    1,902,709 ordinary shares    US$5,119,999.65

YG Entertainment Inc.

   January 25, 2018    3,716,229 ordinary shares    US$10,000,000.62

YG Plus, Inc.

   January 25, 2018    743,246 ordinary shares    US$2,000,000.66

Huayi Brothers International Limited

   January 25, 2018    758,111 ordinary shares    US$2,040,000.89

B’in Music International Limited

   January 26, 2018    1,564,532 ordinary shares    US$4,209,999.16

Eastern Eagle Investment Co., Ltd.

   January 26, 2018    11,148,686 ordinary shares    US$29,999,999.16

Interesting Development Inc.

   January 30, 2018    1,564,532 ordinary shares    US$4,209,999.16

Begins Studio Entertainment Limited

   January 30, 2018    371,623 ordinary shares    US$1,000,000.33

 

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Table of Contents

Purchaser

   Date of
Issuance
  

Number of

Securities

  

Consideration

Remarkable Stone Culture Holdings Limited

   January 31, 2018    1,486,492 ordinary shares    US$4,000,001.32

Hermitage Green Harbor Limited (formerly known as CICFH Glory Limited)

   January 31, 2018    2,477,517 ordinary shares    US$10,000,001.87

Canxing International Media Limited

   February 5, 2018    772,976 ordinary shares    US$2,080,001.12

Social Hub Entertainment (Asia) Limited

   February 5, 2018    728,381 ordinary shares    US$1,960,000.43

Min River Investment Limited

   March 14, 2018    31,892,669 ordinary shares    US$128,728,379.88

PAGAC Music Holding II Limited

   March 14, 2018    4,608,322 ordinary shares    US$18,600,570.09

PAGAC Music Holding II LP

   March 14, 2018    569,876 ordinary shares    US$2,300,190.50

CICFH Group Limited

   March 14, 2018    1,521,450 ordinary shares    US$6,141,028.64

China Investment Corporation Financial Holdings

   March 14, 2018    1,049,137 ordinary shares    US$4,234,631.67

CICFH Music Investment Limited

   March 14, 2018    895,689 ordinary shares    US$3,615,269.51

Pan Asia Venture Group Limited

   March 14, 2018    727,892 ordinary shares    US$2,937,990.48

Green Technology Holdings Limited

   March 14, 2018    274,349 ordinary shares    US$1,107,354.87

Marvellous Mountain Investments Limited (formerly known as XieZhenYu Holding Limited)

   March 14, 2018    2,839,053 ordinary shares    US$11,459,269.62

Guomin Holdings Limited

   March 14, 2018    2,362,180 ordinary shares    US$9,534,467.14

Red Earth Innovation International Company Limited

   March 14, 2018    1,452,048 ordinary shares    US$5,860,901.34

Cagico Technology Limited

   March 14, 2018    509,074 ordinary shares    US$2,054,775.39

Time Heritage Enterprises Limited

   March 14, 2018    262,764 ordinary shares    US$1,060,594.33

Polycon Investment Limited

   March 14, 2018    509,826 ordinary shares    US$2,057,810.68

Power Stream Holdings Limited

   March 14, 2018    324,117 ordinary shares    US$1,308,233.45

Best Tactic Global Limited

   March 14, 2018    545,919 ordinary shares    US$2,203,492.86

Cityway Investments Limited

   March 14, 2018    338,014 ordinary shares    US$1,364,325.91

Lofty Times Investments Limited

   March 14, 2018    303,668 ordinary shares    US$1,225,695.15

AlanDing Holding Limited

   March 14, 2018    257,387 ordinary shares    US$1,038,891.14

Capital Star Holdings Limited

   March 14, 2018    164,995 ordinary shares    US$665,969.32

Brave Plus Holdings Limited

   March 14, 2018    157,490 ordinary shares    US$635,676.88

AI Stone Limited

   March 14, 2018    105,649 ordinary shares    US$426,431.06

 

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Table of Contents

Purchaser

   Date of
Issuance
    

Number of

Securities

  

Consideration

RamCity Investments Limited

     March 14, 2018      87,823 ordinary shares    US$354,479.98

FeiYang Holdings Limited

     March 14, 2018      81,302 ordinary shares    US$328,159.26

Balaena Investments Limited

     March 14, 2018      78,259 ordinary shares    US$315,876.80

EMI Music Publishing Group Hong Kong Limited

     March 14, 2018      49,931 ordinary shares    US$201,536.49

Sony/ATV Music Publishing (Hong Kong)

     March 14, 2018      49,931 ordinary shares    US$201,536.49

Quantum Investments Limited

     March 14, 2018      5,280 ordinary shares    US$21,311.66

Wind Music International Corporation, Eastern Eagle Investment Co., Ltd., Interesting Development Inc. and B’in Music International Limited

     August 23, 2018      2,743,860 ordinary shares    The performance of the purchasers of certain license contracts with Ultimate Music Inc.

Min River Investment Limited, PAGAC Music Holding II Limited, CICFH Culture Entertainment Group, Guomin Holdings Limited, Cityway Investments Limited

     September 1, 2018      23,084,008 ordinary shares    All the remaining interest in United Music Entertainment Corporation, an associate of our company

Options and Restricted Share Units

        

Certain employees and other individuals

    


Between
September 28, 2015
and September 28,
2018
 
 
 
 
   Outstanding options to purchase 54,596,488 ordinary shares and 13,441,261 outstanding restricted share units    Past and future services provided by these individuals to us

[Pursuant to Practice Note 15 of the Rules Governing The Listing of Securities on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited, in connection with this offering, Tencent intends to make available to its shareholders an “assured entitlement” to a certain portion of our ordinary shares. As our ordinary shares are not expected to be listed on any stock exchange, Tencent intends to effect the Assured Entitlement Distribution by providing to its shareholders a “distribution in specie,” or distribution of the ADSs in kind, at a ratio of one ADS for every whole multiple of             ,000 ordinary shares of Tencent held at the applicable record date for the distribution. The distribution will be made without any consideration being paid by Tencent’s shareholders. Tencent’s shareholders who are entitled to fractional ADSs, who elect to receive cash in lieu of ADSs and who are located in the United States or are U.S. persons, or are otherwise ineligible holders, will only receive cash in the Assured Entitlement Distribution.

Tencent currently intends to provide an assured entitlement with an aggregate value of approximately US$             million. The Assured Entitlement Distribution will only be made if this offering is completed and does not involve an underwriter. The distribution in specie of ADSs by Tencent are not part of this offering.

We believe that the Assured Entitlement Distribution described above is exempt from registration pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Securities Act, regarding transactions not involving a public offering or in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act regarding sales by an issuer in offshore transactions.]

 

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Table of Contents

ITEM 8. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.

 

(a)

Exhibits

See Exhibit Index for a complete list of all exhibits filed as part of this registration, which Exhibit Index is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(b)

Financial Statement Schedules

Schedules have been omitted because the information required to be set forth therein is not applicable or is shown in the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto.

ITEM 9. UNDERTAKINGS.

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to provide to the underwriters at the closing specified in the underwriting agreements, certificates in such denominations and registered in such names as required by the underwriters to permit prompt delivery to each purchaser.

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the provisions described in Item 6, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that:

 

  (a)

For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrant under Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.

 

  (b)

For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

 

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Table of Contents

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit
Number
  

Description of Document

1.1*    Form of Underwriting Agreement
3.1    Fifth Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Registrant, as currently in effect
3.2    Form of Sixth Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Registrant, as effective immediately prior to the completion of this offering
4.1*    Form of the Registrant’s Specimen American Depositary Receipt (included in Exhibit 4.3)
4.2*    Registrant’s Specimen Certificate for Class A Ordinary Shares
4.3*    Form of Deposit Agreement between the Registrant, the depositary and holders of the American Depositary Shares
5.1*    Opinion of Maples and Calder (Hong Kong) LLP regarding the validity of the ordinary shares being registered
8.1*    Opinion of Maples and Calder (Hong Kong) LLP regarding certain Cayman Island tax matters (included in Exhibit 5.1)
8.2    Opinion of Han Kun Law Offices regarding certain PRC tax matters (included in Exhibit 99.2)
10.1*    Form of Indemnification Agreement with the Registrant’s directors
10.2*    Form of Employment Agreement between the Registrant and executive officers of the Registrant
10.3    The 2014 Share Incentive Plan
10.4    The 2017 Share Option Plan
10.5    The 2017 Restricted Share Award Scheme (as amended and restated)
10.6    Share Subscription Agreement by and between the Registrant and Min River Investment Limited dated October 23, 2016
10.7    Share Subscription Agreement by and between the Registrant and PAGAC Music Holding II Limited dated October 23, 2016
10.8    Share Subscription Agreement by and between the Registrant and China Investment Corporation Financial Holdings dated October 23, 2016
10.9    Share Subscription Agreement by and between the Registrant and CICFH Group Limited dated October 23, 2016
10.10    Share Subscription Agreement by and between the Registrant and Green Technology Holdings Limited dated October 23, 2016
10.11    Share Subscription Agreement by and between the Registrant and Pan Asia Venture Group Limited dated October 23, 2016
10.12    Subscription Agreement by and among the Registrant, Tencent Music Entertainment Hong Kong Limited, Spotify Technology S.A. and Spotify AB dated as of December 8, 2017
10.13    Share Transfer Agreement by and among the Registrant, Tencent Music Entertainment Hong Kong Limited and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tencent Holdings Limited dated December 8, 2017
10.14    Investor Agreement by and among the Registrant, Tencent Holdings Limited, Spotify Technology S.A. and Spotify AB dated as of December 15, 2017

 

II-9


Table of Contents
Exhibit
Number
  

Description of Document

10.15    Share Subscription Agreement by and among the Registrant, CICFH Glory Limited and certain other purchasers named therein dated January 15, 2018
10.16    Share Subscription Agreement by and among the Registrant, Min River Investment Limited and certain other purchasers named therein dated February 24, 2018
10.17    Share Subscription Agreement by and among the Registrant, PAGAC Music Holding II Limited, PAGAC Music Holding II LP and certain other purchasers named therein dated February 24, 2018
10.18    Share Subscription Agreement by and among the Registrant, China Investment Corporation Financial Holdings, CICFH Group Limited, CICFH Music Investment Limited, Green Technology Holdings Limited, Pan Asia Venture Group Limited and certain other purchasers named therein dated February 24, 2018
10.19    Share Subscription Agreement by and among the Registrant, Min River Investment Limited and certain other purchasers named therein dated March 7, 2018
10.20    Share Subscription Agreement by and among the Registrant, PAGAC Music Holding II Limited, PAGAC Music Holding II LP and certain other purchasers named therein dated March 7, 2018
10.21    Share Subscription Agreement by and among the Registrant, China Investment Corporation Financial Holdings, CICFH Group Limited, CICFH Music Investment Limited, Green Technology Holdings Limited, Pan Asia Venture Group Limited and certain other purchasers named therein dated March 7, 2018
10.22    Share Subscription Agreement by and among the Registrant, certain shareholders and option holders of United Music Entertainment Corporation and their respective affiliates named therein dated August 23, 2018
10.23    Share Transfer Agreement by and among the Registrant, PAGAC Music Holding II Limited, Quantum Investments Limited and certain other parties named therein dated August 28, 2018
10.24    Third Amended and Restated Shareholders Agreement among the Registrant, the shareholders of the Registrant and certain other parties named therein dated January 8, 2018
10.25    Amendment Agreement dated as of September 26, 2018 to the Third Amended and Restated Shareholders Agreement among the Registrant, the shareholders of the Registrant and certain other parties named therein
10.26    English translation of Equity Interests Pledge Agreement among Beijing Tencent Music, Xizang Qiming and the shareholders of Xizang Qiming dated February 8, 2018
10.27    English translation of Exclusive Option Agreement among Beijing Tencent Music, Xizang Qiming and the shareholders of Xizang Qiming dated February 8, 2018
10.28    English translation of Exclusive Technical Service Agreement between Beijing Tencent Music and Xizang Qiming dated February 8, 2018
10.29    English translation of Voting Trust Agreement granted by the shareholders of Xizang Qiming dated February 8, 2018
10.30    English translation of Spousal Consent granted by the spouse of Mr. Qihu Yang dated February 8, 2018
10.31    English translation of the Loan Agreement between Beijing Tencent Music and Ms. Min Hu dated February 8, 2018
10.32    English translation of the Loan Agreement between Beijing Tencent Music and Mr. Qihu Yang dated February 8, 2018
10.33    English translation of Equity Interests Pledge Agreement among Beijing Tencent Music, Guangzhou Kugou and the shareholders of Guangzhou Kugou dated March 26, 2018
10.34    English translation of Exclusive Option Agreement among Beijing Tencent Music, Guangzhou Kugou and the shareholders of Guangzhou Kugou dated March 26, 2018

 

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Table of Contents
Exhibit
Number
  

Description of Document

10.35    English translation of Exclusive Technical Service Agreement between Beijing Tencent Music and Guangzhou Kugou dated March 26, 2018
10.36    English translation of Voting Trust Agreement granted by the shareholders of Guangzhou Kugou dated March 26, 2018
10.37    English translation of Loan Agreement among Mr. Guomin Xie, Mr. Xiaotao Chen and Ocean Interactive (Beijing) Information Technology Co., Ltd. (currently known as Beijing Tencent Music) dated April 21, 2014
10.38    English translation of Debt Assignment and Offset Agreement among Mr. Xiaotao Chen, Mr. Zhongwei Qiu and Ocean Interactive (Beijing) Information Technology Co., Ltd. (currently known as Beijing Tencent Music) dated April 11, 2017
10.39    English translation of Spousal Consent granted by the spouse of Mr. Guomin Xie dated July 28, 2018
10.40    English translation of Spousal Consent granted by the spouse of Mr. Liang Tang dated July 25, 2018
10.41    English translation of Spousal Consent granted by the spouse of Mr. Hanjie Xu dated March 26, 2018
10.42    English translation of Spousal Consent granted by the spouse of Mr. Jianming Dong dated July 26, 2018
10.43    English translation of Spousal Consent granted by the spouse of Mr. Zhongwei Qiu dated March 26, 2018
10.44    English translation of Spousal Consent granted by the spouse of Ms. Huan Hu dated July 26, 2018
10.45    English translation of Equity Interests Pledge Agreement among Yeelion Online, Beijing Kuwo and the shareholders of Beijing Kuwo dated July 12, 2016
10.46    English translation of Exclusive Option Agreement among Yeelion Online, Beijing Kuwo and the shareholders of Beijing Kuwo dated July 12, 2016
10.47    English translation of Exclusive Technical Service Agreement between Yeelion Online and Beijing Kuwo dated July 12, 2016
10.48    English translation of Voting Trust Agreement granted by the shareholders of Beijing Kuwo dated July 12, 2016
10.49    English translation of Loan Agreement among Yeelion Online, Mr. Guomin Xie and Mr. Lixue Shi dated July 12, 2016
10.50    English translation of Spousal Consent granted by the spouse of Mr. Guomin Xie dated July 28, 2018
10.51    English translation of Equity Interests Pledge Agreement among Shenzhen Ultimate Xiangyue, Shenzhen Ultimate Music and the shareholders of Shenzhen Ultimate Music dated January 11, 2018
10.52    English translation of Exclusive Option Agreement among Shenzhen Ultimate Xiangyue, Shenzhen Ultimate Music and the shareholders of Shenzhen Ultimate Music dated January 11, 2018
10.53    English translation of Exclusive Technical Service Agreement between Shenzhen Ultimate Xiangyue and Shenzhen Ultimate Music dated January 11, 2018
10.54    English translation of Voting Trust Agreement granted by the shareholders of Shenzhen Ultimate Music dated January 11, 2018
10.55    English translation of Spousal Consent granted by the spouse of Mr. Xiudong Ma dated January 11, 2018
10.56    English translation of Spousal Consent granted by the spouse of Mr. Gang Ding dated January 11, 2018

 

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Table of Contents
Exhibit
Number
  

Description of Document

10.57    English translation of Master Business Cooperation Agreement between certain affiliates of Tencent and the Registrant dated July 12, 2018
21.1    Principal Subsidiaries and VIEs of the Registrant
23.1    Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers Zhong Tian LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, regarding the consolidated financial statements of Tencent Music Entertainment Group as of December  31, 2016 and December 31, 2017 and for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2017
23.2    Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers Zhong Tian LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, regarding the consolidated statements of China Music Corporation as of July  12, 2016 and for the period from January 1, 2016 to July 12, 2016
23.3*    Consent of Maples and Calder (Hong Kong) LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1)
23.4    Consent of Han Kun Law Offices (included in Exhibit 99.2)
24.1    Powers of Attorney (included on signature page)
99.1*    Code of Business Conduct and Ethics of the Registrant
99.2    Opinion of Han Kun Law Offices regarding certain PRC law matters
99.3    Consent of iResearch

 

*

To be filed by amendment.

 

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Signatures

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form F-1 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the PRC, on October 2, 2018.

 

Tencent Music Entertainment Group

By:

 

/s/ Cussion Kar Shun Pang

Name:

  Cussion Kar Shun Pang

Title:

  Chief Executive Officer and Director

POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints each of Cussion Kar Shun Pang and Min Hu as an attorney-in-fact with full power of substitution, for him or her in any and all capacities, to do any and all acts and all things and to execute any and all instruments which said attorney and agent may deem necessary or desirable to enable the registrant to comply with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and any rules, regulations and requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder, in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of ordinary shares of the registrant (the “Shares”), including, without limitation, the power and authority to sign the name of each of the undersigned in the capacities indicated below to the Registration Statement on Form F-1 (the “Registration Statement”) to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to such Shares, to any and all amendments or supplements to such Registration Statement, whether such amendments or supplements are filed before or after the effective date of such Registration Statement, to any related Registration Statement filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, and to any and all instruments or documents filed as part of or in connection with such Registration Statement or any and all amendments thereto, whether such amendments are filed before or after the effective date of such Registration Statement; and each of the undersigned hereby ratifies and confirms all that such attorney and agent shall do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated on October 2, 2018.

 

Signature

  

Title

/s/ Tong Tao Sang

   Chairman

Name: Tong Tao Sang

  

/s/ Cussion Kar Shun Pang

  

Chief Executive Officer, Director

(principal executive officer)

Name: Cussion Kar Shun Pang

  

/s/ Zhenyu Xie

   Co-President, Director

Name: Zhenyu Xie

  

/s/ Guomin Xie

   Co-President, Director

Name: Guomin Xie

  

/s/ Tak-Wai Wong

   Director

Name: Tak-Wai Wong

  

 

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Signature

  

Title

/s/ Liang Tang

   Director

Name: Liang Tang

  

/s/ Brent Richard Irvin

   Director

Name: Brent Richard Irvin

  

/s/ Haifeng Lin

   Director

Name: Haifeng Lin

  

/s/ Martin Chi Ping Lau

   Director

Name: Martin Chi Ping Lau

  

/s/ Min Hu

  

Chief Financial Officer

(principal financial and accounting officer)

Name: Min Hu

  

 

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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 Tencent Music Entertainment Group, has signed this registration statement or amendment thereto in New York on October 2, 2018.

 

Authorized U.S. Representative
By:  

/s/ Colleen A. De Vries

  Name: Colleen A. De Vries
  Title: Senior Vice President

 

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Exhibit 3.1

THE COMPANIES LAW (AS AMENDED)

COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES

FIFTH AMENDED AND RESTATED

MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION

OF

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP (騰訊音樂娛樂集團)

(AMENDED AND RESTATED BY SPECIAL RESOLUTION DATED SEPTEMBER 4, 2018)


Table of Contents

THE COMPANIES LAW (AS AMENDED)

COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES

FIFTH AMENDED AND RESTATED

MEMORANDUM OF ASSOCIATION

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP (騰訊音樂娛樂集團)

(AMENDED AND RESTATED BY SPECIAL RESOLUTION DATED SEPTEMBER 4, 2018)

 

1.

The name of the company is Tencent Music Entertainment Group (騰訊音樂娛樂集團) (the “ Company ”).

 

2.

The registered office of the Company shall be at the office of Walkers Corporate Limited, Cayman Corporate Centre, 27 Hospital Road, George Town, Grand Cayman KY1-9008, Cayman Islands or at such other location as the Directors may from time to time determine.

 

3.

The objects for which the Company is established are unrestricted and the Company shall have full power and authority to carry out any object not prohibited by any law as provided by Section 7(4) of the Companies Law (as amended) of the Cayman Islands (the “ Companies Law ”).

 

4.

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.

The Company will 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 section 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.

 

6.

The liability of the members and shareholders of the Company is limited to the amount, if any, unpaid on the shares respectively held by them.

 

7.

The share capital of the Company is US$398,400 divided into 4,800,000,000 shares of a nominal or par value of US$0.000083 each; provided always that, subject to the Companies Law and the Articles of Association, the Company shall have power to redeem or purchase any of its shares and to sub-divide or consolidate the said shares or any of them and to issue all or any part of its capital whether original, redeemed, increased or reduced with or without any preference, priority, special privilege or other rights or subject to any postponement of rights or to any conditions or restrictions whatsoever and so that unless the conditions of issue shall otherwise expressly provide every issue of shares whether stated to be ordinary, preference or otherwise shall be subject to the powers on the part of the Company hereinbefore provided.

 

8.

The Company may exercise the power contained in Section 206 of the Companies Law to deregister in the Cayman Islands and be registered by way of continuation in some other jurisdiction.

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

CLAUSE    PAGE  

TABLE A

     1  

INTERPRETATION

     1  

PRELIMINARY

     9  

SHARES

     10  

MODIFICATION OF RIGHTS

     10  

CERTIFICATES

     11  

FRACTIONAL SHARES

     11  

LIEN

     11  

CALLS ON SHARES

     11  

FORFEITURE OF SHARES

     12  

TRANSFER OF SHARES

     13  

RIGHT OF PARTICIPATION

     13  

RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL; OTHER TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS

     15  

RIGHT OF CO-SALE

     18  

DRAG-ALONG RIGHT

     19  

ANTI-DILUTION ISSUANCE TO TENCENT

     20  

TRANSMISSION OF SHARES

     20  

ALTERATION OF SHARE CAPITAL

     21  

REDEMPTION, PURCHASE AND SURRENDER OF SHARES

     21  

TREASURY SHARES

     22  

GENERAL MEETINGS

     22  

NOTICE OF GENERAL MEETINGS

     23  

PROCEEDINGS AT GENERAL MEETINGS

     23  

VOTES OF MEMBERS

     24  

CORPORATIONS ACTING BY REPRESENTATIVES AT MEETINGS

     27  

 

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CLAUSE    PAGE  

DIRECTORS

     27  

ALTERNATE DIRECTOR

     30  

POWERS AND DUTIES OF DIRECTORS

     31  

BORROWING POWERS OF DIRECTORS

     32  

THE SEAL

     33  

REMOVAL AND DISQUALIFICATION OF DIRECTORS

     33  

PROCEEDINGS OF DIRECTORS

     33  

DIVIDENDS

     35  

ACCOUNTS, AUDIT AND ANNUAL RETURN AND DECLARATION

     36  

CAPITALISATION OF RESERVES

     36  

SHARE PREMIUM ACCOUNT

     37  

NOTICES

     37  

INDEMNITY

     38  

NON-RECOGNITION OF TRUSTS

     39  

WINDING UP

     39  

AMENDMENT OF ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION

     39  

CLOSING OF REGISTER OR FIXING RECORD DATE

     39  

REGISTRATION BY WAY OF CONTINUATION

     40  

MERGERS AND CONSOLIDATION

     40  

DISCLOSURE

     40  

 

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COMPANIES LAW (AS AMENDED)

COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES

FIFTH AMENDED AND RESTATED

ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION

OF

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP (騰訊音樂娛樂集團)

(AMENDED AND RESTATED BY SPECIAL RESOLUTION DATED SEPTEMBER 4, 2018)

TABLE A

The Regulations contained or incorporated in Table ‘A’ in the First Schedule of the Companies Law shall not apply to Tencent Music Entertainment Group (騰訊音樂娛樂集團) (the “ Company ”) and the following Articles shall comprise the Articles of Association of the Company.

INTERPRETATION

 

1.

In these Articles the following defined terms will have the meanings ascribed to them, if not inconsistent with the subject or context:

2014 ESOP ” means the 2014 share incentive plan of the Company approved by the Board, under which 116,400,000 Ordinary Shares were originally reserved, among which 11,640,000 reserved Ordinary Shares had been canceled as of July 12, 2016 (subject to any adjustment to the number of Ordinary Shares issuable thereunder made in accordance with the terms of the 2014 ESOP).

Affiliate ” means, (i) with respect to a person that is a natural person, such person’s relatives and any other person (other than natural persons) directly or indirectly Controlled by such person, and (ii) with respect to a person that is not a natural person, as person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls, or is Controlled by, or is under common Control with, such person. For the purposes of this definition, “relative” of a person means such person’s spouse, parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, sibling, uncle, aunt, nephew, niece or great-grandparent or the spouse of such person’s child, grandchild, sibling, uncle, aunt, nephew or niece. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for purposes of these Articles, no Member shall be deemed an Affiliate of any other Member solely by reason of the existence of any rights or obligations under the Shareholders Agreement or these Articles or holding of the Company Securities by such Member and any other Member. Further, for purposes of these Articles, none of Spotify Technology S.A., Spotify AB or any of their respective Controlled Affiliates, on the one hand, and the Company, Tencent or any of their respective Affiliates, on the other hand, shall be deemed an Affiliate of the other.

Amended Control Documents ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Article 104A.

Anti-Dilution Issuance Shares ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Article 61.

Anti-Dilution Issuance to Tencent ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Article 61.

 

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Articles ” means these articles of association of the Company, as amended or substituted from time to time.

Available For Sale Target Shares ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Article 49.

Board ” means the board of directors of the Company.

Branch Register ” means any branch Register of such category or categories of Members as the Company may from time to time determine.

Chairman ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Article 76.

CIFH ” means PAGAC Music Holding II Limited, an exempted company incorporated under the Laws of the Cayman Islands.

Class ” or “ Classes ” means any class or classes of Shares as may from time to time be issued by the Company.

Companies Law ” means the Companies Law (as amended) of the Cayman Islands.

Company GC ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Article 115.

Company Securities ” means any share, share capital, registered capital, ownership interest, partnership interest, equity interest, joint venture or other ownership interest of the Company, or any option, warrant, or right to subscribe for, acquire or purchase any of the foregoing, or any other security or instrument convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for any of the foregoing, or any equity appreciation, phantom equity, equity plan or similar right with respect to the Company, or any contract of any kind for the purchase or acquisition from the Company of any of the foregoing, either directly or indirectly.

Control ” means the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct, or cause the direction of, the management and policies of a person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

Control Documents ” means a series of agreements and documents entered into by and between any wholly-owned PRC Subsidiary of the Company and VIE Affiliates and their shareholders, through which such wholly-owned PRC Subsidiary has acquired the Control and is able to consolidate the financial statements of such VIE Affiliates.

Core Business ” includes:

 

  (a)

provision of digital music service;

 

  (b)

production and sales of digital music devices;

 

  (c)

provision of online and offline music show service and other performance;

 

  (d)

production and promotion of music content;

 

  (e)

operation of music-related licensing business;

 

  (f)

other music-related business;

 

  (g)

operation, research and development of online gaming and commercial advertisement; and

 

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  (h)

other business as approved by the Board.

Co-Sale Notice ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Article 52.

Directors ” means, unless the context clearly is meant otherwise, the directors of the Company for the time being assembled as a board or as a duly appointed committee thereof, and if the context refers to one or more particular directors, then it means those one or more particular directors of the Company for the time being.

Disposition Notice ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Article 48.

Drag-Along Right ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Article 58.

Equity Financing Subscription Agreements ” means the share subscription agreements entered into by the Company and the purchasers thereunder, pursuant to which an aggregate of 119,394,895 Ordinary Shares were issued to the purchasers, the forms of which were approved by the Board on December 29, 2017.

ESOP ” means collectively, the 2014 ESOP, the 2017 Share Option Plan approved by the Board under which the maximum aggregate number of Ordinary Shares available for exercise of the options to be granted thereunder is 37,906,988 Ordinary Shares (including awards of up to 8,767,610 Ordinary Shares that had not been granted under the 2014 ESOP and have been granted under the 2017 Share Option Plan) and the 2017 Restricted Share Award Scheme approved by the Board under which the maximum aggregate number of Ordinary Shares which may be issued pursuant to all awards of restricted shares to be granted thereunder is 43,709,066 Ordinary Shares (including awards of up to 13,754,920 Ordinary Shares reserved for issuance under the Tencent ESOP).

Excluded Related Party Transaction ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Article 127A.

Existing Shareholders ” means any Shareholder as of December 8, 2017.

First Participation Notice ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Article 39(a).

Fully-Exercising ROFR Shareholders has the meaning ascribed to it in Article 48.

GMHL ” means Guomin Holdings Limited, a company limited by shares incorporated under the Laws of the British Virgin Islands.

Group Companies ” means the Company and the entities whose financial results are consolidated with those of the Company in accordance with IFRS, and each a “ Group Company ”.

IFRS ” means the International Financial Reporting Standards as published by the International Accounting Standards Board and in effect from time to time.

Issuance Obligation ” has the meaning ascribed to it in the Shareholders Agreement.

Key Management ” means Xie Zhenyu, a PRC citizen, and Xie Guomin, a PRC citizen.

Largest Financial Investor ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Article 110.

Law ” means any law, rule, constitution, code, ordinance, statute, treaty, decree, regulation, common law, order, official policy, circular, provision, administrative order, interpretation, injunction, judgment, ruling, assessment, writ or other legislative measure, in each case of any governmental authority.

 

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Major Label Subscription Agreements ” has the meaning ascribed to it in the Shareholders Agreement.

Member ” means a Person who is registered as the holder of Shares in the Register.

Memorandum of Association ” means the memorandum of association of the Company, as amended or substituted from time to time.

Music Fund ” means an investment fund formed for the purpose of making investments in music content businesses, whose limited partners include (i) Tencent or its Affiliates and (ii) the Company or another Group Company. Notwithstanding the definition of Affiliates, the parties agree that for purposes of this definition of “Music Fund”, Affiliates of Tencent shall exclude the Group Companies or any of the Group Companies’ Controlled Affiliates.

New Securities ” means any share, share capital, registered capital, ownership interest, partnership interest, equity interest, joint venture or other ownership interest of the Company, or any option, warrant, or right to subscribe for, acquire or purchase any of the foregoing, or any other security or instrument convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for any of the foregoing, or any equity appreciation, phantom equity, equity plan or similar right with respect to the Company, or any contract of any kind for the purchase or acquisition from the Company of any of the foregoing, either directly or indirectly, provided , however , that the term “ New Securities ” does not include:

 

  (a)

Ordinary Shares issued or issuable to qualified employees of the Company pursuant to the 2014 ESOP, or any options to purchase such shares;

 

  (b)

any other Company Securities issued or to be issued under the ESOP, including issuance of up to 37,000,000 Ordinary Shares (subject to subsequent adjustment for share splits, share dividends, reverse share splits, re-capitalizations and the like) in exchange for the repurchase of unexercised options granted under the ESOP;

 

  (c)

any securities issued in connection with any share dividend, distribution, share split, share consolidation, or other similar event in which the Members are otherwise entitled to participate;

 

  (d)

any shares issued upon exercise of options, warrants or other types of awards as approved by the Board;

 

  (e)

any shares issued pursuant to, or concurrently with and conditional upon, the QIPO;

 

  (f)

any securities of the Company issued or issuable pursuant to the Issuance Obligation;

 

  (g)

any Anti-Dilution Issuance Shares or any securities of the Company issued or issuable pursuant to the Anti-Dilution Issuance to Tencent;

 

  (h)

any shares reserved and issuable to any Shareholder, if applicable, pursuant to its exercise of right of participation under the Prior SHAs in relation to the transactions contemplated under the Tencent Subscription Agreement; and

 

  (i)

any shares issued under the R2G Agreement ( provided that, if any shares are issued under this clause (i), CIFH shall have returned an equivalent number of Ordinary Shares to the Company);

 

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  (j)

up to 69,844,564 Ordinary Shares issued or issuable to investors other than the Existing Shareholders and the Ordinary Shares issued or issuable pursuant to the Spotify Subscription Agreement;

 

  (k)

an aggregate of 68,131,015 Ordinary Shares to be issued to the purchasers thereunder pursuant to the Major Label Subscription Agreements; and

 

  (l)

any securities of the Company issued pursuant to the acquisition of another corporation or entity by the Company by consolidation, merger, purchase of assets, or other reorganization in a single transaction or series of related transactions, in each case, duly approved in accordance with Article 104.

Non-Tencent Shareholders ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Article 110(b).

Non-Transferring Shareholder ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Article 48.

Office ” means the registered office of the Company as required by the Companies Law.

Officers ” means the officers for the time being and from time to time of the Company.

Ordinary Resolution ” means a resolution:

 

  (a)

passed by a simple majority of the votes cast by such Members as, being entitled to do so, attend and vote in person or, where proxies are allowed, by proxy, at a general meeting of the Company and where a poll is taken regard shall be had in computing a majority to the number of votes to which each Member is entitled; or

 

  (b)

approved in writing by all of such Members entitled to vote at a general meeting of the Company in one or more instruments each signed by one or more of the Members and the effective date of the resolution so adopted shall be the date on which the instrument, or the last of such instruments, if more than one, is executed.

Ordinary Shares ” means the ordinary shares of a nominal or par value of US$0.000083 each in the share capital of the Company.

Overallotment Notice ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Article 48.

paid up ” means paid up as to the par value in respect of the issue of any Shares and includes credited as paid up.

Participation Pro Rata Share ” of any Shareholder means, the ratio of (a) the number of Ordinary Shares held by such Shareholder, to (b) the total number of Ordinary Shares then outstanding and held by all Shareholders immediately prior to the issuance of New Securities giving rise to the Right of Participation.

Person ” means any natural person, firm, company, joint venture, partnership, corporation, association or other entity (whether or not having a separate legal personality) or any of them as the context so requires, other than in respect of a Director or Officer in which circumstances Person shall mean any person or entity permitted to act as such in accordance with the laws of the Cayman Islands.

PRC ” means the People’s Republic of China and for purposes of these Articles, excludes Hong Kong, Macao Special Administrative Region and Taiwan.

Preemptive Right Participants ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Article 39(b).

 

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Principal Register ”, where the Company has established one or more Branch Registers pursuant to the Companies Law and these Articles, means the Register maintained by the Company pursuant to the Companies Law and these Articles that is not designated by the Directors as a Branch Register.

Prior SHAs ” means the Amended and Restated Shareholders Agreement dated July 12, 2016 by and among the Company and certain other parties named therein, the Amended and Restated Shareholders Agreement dated March 8, 2016 by and among the Company and certain other parties named therein, the Shareholders Agreement dated May 26, 2014 by and among the Company and certain other parties named therein, and the Amended and Restated Shareholders Agreement dated December 4, 2013 by and among the Company and certain other parties named therein.

Prospective Transferee ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Article 48.

Qualified Stock Exchange ” means the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, New York Stock Exchange, NASDAQ Stock Market, A-Share Market or such other stock exchange approved by the Board.

Qualified Transfer ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Article 44.

QIPO ” means a firm underwritten public offering of the Ordinary Shares or any equity securities in any of the Company’s Subsidiaries in the U.S., pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act, or in a similar public offering of the Ordinary Shares or any equity securities in any of the Company’s Subsidiaries in another jurisdiction which results in such shares trading publicly on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, New York Stock Exchange, NASDAQ Stock Market, A-Share Market or such other stock exchange approved by the Board (each, a “ Qualified Stock Exchange ”) where the Company meets the listing requirements of such Qualified Stock Exchange, and which, in each case, has an offering price per share that results in a post-money valuation of the Company at a minimum of US$6 billion on a fully diluted basis upon the consummation of the public offering.

R2G Agreement ” means the amended and restated share purchase and exchange agreement dated as of October 30, 2013, by and among R2G Limited, certain of its shareholders and the Company, as amended, supplemented, or otherwise modified from time to time.

Register ” means the register of Members of the Company required to be kept pursuant to the Companies Law and includes any Branch Register(s) established by the Company in accordance with the Companies Law.

Related Party ” means any shareholder, officer or director of a Group Company, or any Affiliate of any such person or of any Group Company, except for any other Group Company. Notwithstanding the definition of Affiliates, the parties agree that for purposes of this definition of “Related Party”, Affiliates of Tencent shall exclude the Group Companies or any of the Group Companies’ Controlled Affiliates.

Related Party Transaction ” means a transaction between any Group Company, on the one hand, and any Related Party, on the other hand; provided that the following transactions shall not be considered as Related Party Transaction for purposes of this Agreement: (i) any co-investment transaction by a Group Company and a Related Party in a third party; and (ii) any issuance of Company Securities to any Related Party in compliance with the provisions of these Articles.

Replacement Nominee ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Article 112.

 

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Restricted Person ” means each Person listed on Schedule B of the Shareholders Agreement and each of their respective Affiliates and any entity that a Restricted Person or any of its Affiliates directly or indirectly holds or beneficially owns at least twenty percent (20%) in ownership interest, registered capital, voting power or the decision-making power, whether though contractual arrangements or otherwise.

Right of First Refusal ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Article 47.

Right of Participation ” means the preemptive right of each Shareholder under Articles 38 through 41 to purchase such Shareholder’s Participation Pro Rata Share of all (or any part) of any New Securities that the Company may from time to time issue after the date of the Shareholders Agreement.

ROFR First Response Period ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Article 48.

ROFR Pro Rata Portion ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Article 48.

ROFR Second Response Period ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Article 48.

Sale Notice ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Article 58.

Seal ” means the common seal of the Company (if adopted) including any facsimile thereof.

Second Largest Financial Investor ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Article 110.

Second Participation Notice ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Article 39.

Secretary ” means any Person appointed by the Directors to perform any of the duties of the secretary of the Company.

Share ” means a share in the capital of the Company. All references to “Shares” herein shall be deemed to be Shares of any or all Classes as the context may require. For the avoidance of doubt in these Articles the expression “Share” shall include a fraction of a Share.

Shareholder ” means a Member of the Company other than the Spotify Investors.

Shareholders Agreement ” means the Third Amended and Restated Shareholders Agreement dated January 8, 2018 by and among the Company and certain other parties thereto, as may be further amended in accordance with the terms thereof from time to time.

Share Premium Account ” means the share premium account established in accordance with these Articles and the Companies Law.

Shortened Lock-up Triggering Event ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Article 44.

signed ” means bearing a signature or representation of a signature affixed by mechanical means.

Special Resolution ” means a special resolution of the Company passed in accordance with the Companies Law, being a resolution:

 

  (a)

passed by a majority of not less than two-thirds of the votes cast by such Members as, being entitled to do so, attend and vote in person or, where proxies are allowed, by proxy, at a general meeting of the Company of which notice specifying the intention to propose the resolution as a special resolution has been duly given and where a poll is taken regard shall be had in computing a majority to the number of votes to which each Member is entitled; or

 

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  (b)

approved in writing by all of the Members entitled to vote at a general meeting of the Company in one or more instruments each signed by one or more of the Members and the effective date of the special resolution so adopted shall be the date on which the instrument or the last of such instruments, if more than one, is executed.

Spotify Investor Agreement ” means that certain Investor Agreement dated December 15, 2017 by and among the Company, Spotify AB, Spotify Technology S.A. and Tencent Holdings Limited, as it may be amended or restated from time to time.

Spotify Investor ” has the meaning ascribed to “Investor” in the Spotify Investor Agreement.

Spotify Subscription Agreement ” means that certain Subscription Agreement, dated December 8, 2017, by and among the Company, Tencent Music Entertainment Hong Kong Limited, Spotify Technology S.A. and Spotify AB.

Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any given Person, any Person of which the given Person directly or indirectly Controls.

Target Shares ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Article 48.

Tencent ” means Min River Investment Limited, a company limited by shares incorporated under the laws of the British Virgin Islands.

Tencent Closing Date ” has the same meaning as ascribed to the definition of “Closing Date” in the Tencent Subscription Agreement.

Tencent Directors ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Article 110.

Tencent ESOP ” means the equity incentive, purchase or participation plan, employee stock option plan or similar plan of the Company to be approved by the Board, under which 13,754,920 Ordinary Shares have been reserved for issuance.

Tencent GC ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Article 115.

Tencent Subscription Agreement ” means the Share Subscription Agreement dated as of July 12, 2016 by and among the Company, Tencent and certain other parties thereto.

Tencent Transaction Documents ” has the meaning ascribed to the term “Transaction Documents” in the Tencent Subscription Agreement.

Trade Sale ” means (i) a sale, lease, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Group Companies as a whole, (ii) an exclusive licensing out of all or substantially all of the Intellectual Property of the Group Companies as a whole, (iii) any transaction (or a series of related transactions) in which a majority of the Company’s voting power or a majority of the voting power of any material Subsidiary of the Company is transferred to a third party (or multiple third parties) or to Tencent or its Affiliates (whether by share transfer or share issuance), or (iv) a merger, consolidation or other business combination of the Company or any material Subsidiary of the Company with or into any other Person.

 

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Transfer ” means, with respect to any Company Securities, (i) when used as a verb, to sell, assign, dispose of, exchange, pledge, encumber, hypothecate or otherwise transfer such Company Securities or any participation or interest therein, whether directly or indirectly (including pursuant to a derivative transaction or a transfer or new issuance of ownership interests in a direct or indirect holder of such Company Securities), or agree or commit to do any of the foregoing and (ii) when used as a noun, a direct or indirect sale, assignment, disposition, exchange, pledge, encumbrance, hypothecation, or other transfer of such Company Securities or any participation or interest therein or any agreement or commitment to do any of the foregoing.

Transferring Shareholder ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Article 48.

Treasury Shares ” means Shares that were previously issued but were purchased, redeemed, surrendered or otherwise acquired by the Company and not cancelled.

VIE Affiliates ” means collectively Beijing Kuwo Technology Co., Ltd. (北京酷我科技有限公司) and Guangzhou Kugou Computer Technology Co., Ltd. (廣州酷狗计算机科技有限公司).

 

2.

In these Articles, save where the context requires otherwise:

 

  (a)

words importing the singular number shall include the plural number and vice versa;

 

  (b)

words importing the masculine gender only shall include the feminine gender and any Person as the context may require;

 

  (c)

the word “may” shall be construed as permissive and the word “shall” shall be construed as imperative;

 

  (d)

reference to a dollar or dollars or USD (or $) and to a cent or cents is reference to dollars and cents of the United States of America;

 

  (e)

reference to a statutory enactment shall include reference to any amendment or re-enactment thereof for the time being in force;

 

  (f)

reference to any determination by the Directors shall be construed as a determination by the Directors in their sole and absolute discretion and shall be applicable either generally or in any particular case; and

 

  (g)

reference to “in writing” shall be construed as written or represented by any means reproducible in writing, including any form of print, lithograph, email, facsimile, photograph or telex or represented by any other substitute or format for storage or transmission for writing or partly one and partly another.

 

3.

Subject to the preceding Articles, any words defined in the Companies Law shall, if not inconsistent with the subject or context, bear the same meaning in these Articles.

PRELIMINARY

 

4.

The business of the Company may be commenced at any time after incorporation.

 

5.

The Office shall be at such address in the Cayman Islands as the Directors may from time to time determine. The Company may in addition establish and maintain such other offices and places of business and agencies in such places as the Directors may from time to time determine.

 

6.

The expenses incurred in the formation of the Company and in connection with the offer for subscription and issue of Shares shall be paid by the Company. Such expenses may be amortised over such period as the Directors may determine and the amount so paid shall be charged against income and/or capital in the accounts of the Company as the Directors shall determine.

 

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7.

The Directors shall keep, or cause to be kept, the Register at such place or (subject to compliance with the Companies Law and these Articles) places as the Directors may from time to time determine. In the absence of any such determination, the Register shall be kept at the Office. The Directors may keep, or cause to be kept, one or more Branch Registers as well as the Principal Register in accordance with the Companies Law, provided always that a duplicate of such Branch Register(s) shall be maintained with the Principal Register in accordance with the Companies Law.

SHARES

 

8.

Subject to Articles 103 and 104, and without prejudice to any special rights or restrictions for the time being attached to any shares or any class of shares, all Shares for the time being unissued shall be under the control of the Directors who may:

 

  (a)

issue, allot and dispose of the same to such Persons, in such manner, on such terms and having such rights and being subject to such restrictions as they may from time to time determine; and

 

  (b)

grant options with respect to such Shares and issue warrants or similar instruments with respect thereto;

 

  (c)

and, for such purposes, the Directors may reserve an appropriate number of Shares for the time being unissued.

 

9.

Subject to Articles 103 and 104, the Members by Special Resolution may authorise the division of Shares into any number of Classes and sub-classes and the different Classes and sub-classes shall be authorised, established and designated (or re-designated as the case may be) and the variations in the relative rights (including, without limitation, voting, dividend and redemption rights), restrictions, preferences, privileges and payment obligations as between the different Classes (if any) may be fixed and determined by the Members by Special Resolution.

 

10.

The Company may insofar as may be permitted by law, pay a commission to any Person in consideration of his subscribing or agreeing to subscribe whether absolutely or conditionally for any Shares. Such commissions may be satisfied by the payment of cash or the lodgement of fully or partly paid-up Shares or partly in one way and partly in the other. The Company may also pay such brokerage as may be lawful on any issue of Shares.

 

11.

The Directors may refuse to accept any application for Shares, and may accept any application in whole or in part, for any reason or for no reason.

MODIFICATION OF RIGHTS

 

12.

Whenever the capital of the Company is divided into different Classes, the rights attached to any such Class may, subject to any rights or restrictions for the time being attached to any Class, only be materially adversely varied or abrogated with the consent in writing of the holders of not less than two-thirds of the issued Shares of the relevant Class, or with the sanction of a resolution passed at a separate meeting of the holders of the Shares of such Class by two-thirds of the votes cast at such a meeting. To every such separate meeting all the provisions of these Articles relating to general meetings of the Company or to the proceedings thereat shall, mutatis mutandis , apply, except that the necessary quorum shall be one or more Persons at least holding or representing by proxy one-third in nominal or par value amount of the issued Shares of the relevant Class (but so that if at any adjourned meeting of such holders a quorum as above defined is not present, those Members who are present shall form a quorum) and that, subject to any rights or restrictions for the time being attached to the Shares of that Class, every Member of the Class shall on a poll have one vote for each Share of the Class held by him.

 

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13.

The rights conferred upon the holders of the Shares of any Class issued with preferred or other rights shall not, subject to any rights or restrictions for the time being attached to the Shares of that Class, be deemed to be materially adversely varied or abrogated by, inter alia , the creation, allotment or issue of further Shares ranking pari passu with or subsequent to them or the redemption or purchase of any Shares of any Class by the Company.

CERTIFICATES

 

14.

No Person shall be entitled to a certificate for any or all of his Shares, unless the Directors shall determine otherwise.

FRACTIONAL SHARES

 

15.

The Directors may issue fractions of a Share and, if so issued, a fraction of a Share shall be subject to and carry the corresponding fraction of liabilities (whether with respect to nominal or par value, premium, contributions, calls or otherwise), limitations, preferences, privileges, qualifications, restrictions, rights (including, without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, voting and participation rights) and other attributes of a whole Share. If more than one fraction of a Share of the same Class is issued to or acquired by the same Member such fractions shall be accumulated.

LIEN

 

16.

The Company has a first and paramount lien on every Share (whether or not fully paid) for all amounts (whether presently payable or not) payable at a fixed time or called in respect of that Share. The Company also has a first and paramount lien on every Share (whether or not fully paid) registered in the name of a Person indebted or under liability to the Company (whether he is the sole registered holder of a Share or one of two or more joint holders) for all amounts owing by him or his estate to the Company (whether or not presently payable). The Directors may at any time declare a Share to be wholly or in part exempt from the provisions of this Article. The Company’s lien on a Share extends to any amount payable in respect of it.

 

17.

The Company may sell, in such manner as the Directors may determine, any Share on which the Company has a lien, but no sale shall be made unless an amount in respect of which the lien exists is presently payable nor until the expiration of fourteen days after a notice in writing, demanding payment of such part of the amount in respect of which the lien exists as is presently payable, has been given to the registered holder for the time being of the Share, or the Persons entitled thereto by reason of his death or bankruptcy.

 

18.

For giving effect to any such sale the Directors may authorise some Person to transfer the Shares sold to the purchaser thereof. The purchaser shall be registered as the holder of the Shares comprised in any such transfer 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 in reference to the sale.

 

19.

The proceeds of the sale after deduction of expenses, fees and commission incurred by the Company shall be received by the Company and applied in payment of such part of the amount in respect of which the lien exists as is presently payable, and the residue shall (subject to a like lien for sums not presently payable as existed upon the Shares prior to the sale) be paid to the Person entitled to the Shares immediately prior to the sale.

CALLS ON SHARES

 

20.

The Directors may from time to time make calls upon the Members in respect of any moneys unpaid on their Shares, and each Member shall (subject to receiving at least fourteen days’ notice specifying the time or times of payment) pay to the Company at the time or times so specified the amount called on such Shares.

 

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21.

The joint holders of a Share shall be jointly and severally liable to pay calls in respect thereof.

 

22.

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 upon the sum at the rate of eight percent per annum from the day appointed for the payment thereof to the time of the actual payment, but the Directors shall be at liberty to waive payment of that interest wholly or in part.

 

23.

The provisions of these Articles as to the liability of joint holders and as to payment of interest 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 amount of the Share, or by way of premium, as if the same had become payable by virtue of a call duly made and notified.

 

24.

The Directors may make arrangements on the issue of partly paid Shares for a difference between the Members, or the particular Shares, in the amount of calls to be paid and in the times of payment.

 

25.

The Directors may, if they think fit, receive from any Member willing to advance the same all or any part of the moneys uncalled and unpaid upon any partly paid Shares held by him, and upon all or any of the moneys so advanced may (until the same would, but for such advance, become presently payable) pay interest at such rate (not exceeding without the sanction of an Ordinary Resolution, eight percent per annum) as may be agreed upon between the Member paying the sum in advance and the Directors.

FORFEITURE OF SHARES

 

26.

If a Member fails to pay any call or instalment of a call in respect of any Shares on the day appointed for payment, the Directors may, at any time thereafter during such time as any part of such call or instalment remains unpaid, serve a notice on him requiring payment of so much of the call or instalment as is unpaid, together with any interest which may have accrued.

 

27.

The notice shall name a further day (not earlier than the expiration of fourteen days from the date of the notice) on or before which the payment required by the notice is to be made, and shall state that in the event of non-payment at or before the time appointed the Shares in respect of which the call was made will be liable to be forfeited.

 

28.

If the requirements of any such notice as aforesaid are not complied with, any Share in respect of which the notice has been given may at any time thereafter, before the payment required by notice has been made, be forfeited by a resolution of the Directors to that effect.

 

29.

A forfeited Share may be sold or otherwise disposed of on such terms and in such manner as the Directors think fit, and at any time before a sale or disposition the forfeiture may be cancelled on such terms as the Directors think fit.

 

30.

A Person whose Shares have been forfeited shall cease to be a Member in respect of the forfeited Shares, but shall, notwithstanding, remain liable to pay to the Company all moneys which at the date of forfeiture were payable by him to the Company in respect of the Shares forfeited, but his liability shall cease if and when the Company receives payment in full of the amount unpaid on the Shares forfeited.

 

31.

A statutory declaration in writing that the declarant is a Director, and that a Share has been duly forfeited on a date stated in the declaration, shall be conclusive evidence of the facts in the declaration as against all Persons claiming to be entitled to the Share.

 

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32.

The Company may receive the consideration, if any, given for a Share on any sale or disposition thereof pursuant to the provisions of these Articles as to forfeiture and may execute a transfer of the Share in favour of the Person to whom the Share is sold or disposed of and that Person shall be registered as the holder of the Share, and shall not be bound to see to the application of the purchase money, if any, nor shall his title to the Shares be affected by any irregularity or invalidity in the proceedings in reference to the disposition or sale.

 

33.

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 due and payable, whether on account of the amount of the Share, or by way of premium, as if the same had been payable by virtue of a call duly made and notified.

 

33A.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Articles 16 through 33 shall not apply to the Ordinary Shares issued to Spotify AB pursuant to the Spotify Subscription Agreement.

TRANSFER OF SHARES

 

34.

The instrument of transfer of any Share shall be in any usual or common form or such other form as the Directors may determine and be executed by or on behalf of the transferor and if in respect of a nil or partly paid up Share, or if so required by the Directors, shall also be executed on behalf of the transferee and shall be accompanied by the certificate (if any) of the Shares to which it relates and such other evidence as the Directors may reasonably require to show the right of the transferor to make the transfer. The transferor shall be deemed to remain a Member until the name of the transferee is entered in the Register in respect of the relevant Shares.

 

35.

Subject to the terms of issue thereof, the Directors may determine to decline to register any transfer of Shares without assigning any reason therefor, provided that the Directors shall not decline to register any transfer of Shares expressly permitted by or made in compliance with the Shareholders Agreement or the Spotify Investor Agreement. If the Board refuses to register a transfer of any share, it shall, within ten days after the date on which the transfer was lodged with the Company, send to each of the transferor and transferee notice of the refusal.

 

36.

The registration of transfers may be suspended at such times and for such periods as the Directors may from time to time determine, provided that the Directors shall not suspend the registration of transfers of Shares in violation of the Spotify Investor Agreement. If the Board has suspended registrations of transfers of shares, it shall, within ten days after the date on which any transfer is lodged with the Company, send to each of the transferor and transferee notice of such suspension.

 

37.

All instruments of transfer that are registered shall be retained by the Company, but any instrument of transfer that the Directors decline to register shall (except in any case of fraud) be returned to the Person depositing the same.

RIGHT OF PARTICIPATION

 

38.

Each Shareholder shall have the Right of Participation to purchase its Participation Pro Rata Share of any New Securities that the Company may from time to time issue after the date of the Shareholders Agreement, provided that the Shareholder exercising the Right of Participation must undertake to the Company and the other Shareholders that it purchases the New Securities entirely for its own account, and not as a nominee holder for any third party.

 

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39.

Procedures.

(a) First Participation Notice . In the event that the Company proposes to issue New Securities, it shall give to each Shareholder a written notice (the “ First Participation Notice ”), describing the amount and type of New Securities, the price and the general terms upon which the Company proposes to issue such New Securities. Each Shareholder shall have the right to purchase all or a portion of such Shareholder’s Participation Pro Rata Share of such New Securities for the price and upon the terms and conditions specified in the First Participation Notice by giving a written notice to the Company within twenty (20) days from the date of receipt of such First Participation Notice and stating therein the quantity of New Securities to be purchased by such Shareholder (not to exceed its Participation Pro Rata Share of such New Securities). If any Shareholder fails to so notify in writing within such twenty (20) day period to purchase its full Participation Pro Rata Share of the New Securities, such Shareholder shall forfeit the right hereunder to purchase that part of its Participation Pro Rata Share of such New Securities that it did not elect to purchase but without prejudice to participating in any future or other offerings of New Securities.

(b) Second Participation Notice; Oversubscription . If any Shareholder does not exercise in full its Right of Participation within the above twenty (20) day period, the Company shall promptly give a written notice (the “ Second Participation Notice ”) to each of the Shareholders who has exercised in full its Right of Participation in accordance with Article 39(a) above (the “ Preemptive Right Participants ”). Each Preemptive Right Participant shall have ten (10) days from the date of receipt of the Second Participation Notice to notify the Company of its desire to purchase more than its Participation Pro Rata Share of the New Securities, stating the number of the additional New Securities it proposes to buy. If, as a result thereof, such oversubscription exceeds the total number of the remaining New Securities available for purchase, each oversubscribing Preemptive Right Participant will be cut back by the Company with respect to its oversubscription to that number of remaining New Securities equal to the lesser of (x) the number of the additional New Securities such oversubscribing Preemptive Right Participant proposed to buy, and (y) the product obtained by multiplying (i) the number of the remaining New Securities available for subscription by (ii) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of Ordinary Shares held by such oversubscribing Preemptive Right Participant and the denominator of which is the total number of Ordinary Shares held by all the oversubscribing Preemptive Right Participants. Each Preemptive Right Participant shall be obligated to buy such number of New Securities as determined by the Company pursuant to this Article 39(b).

(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in these Articles or the Shareholders Agreement, the Company shall have the right to consummate an issuance of New Securities at any time with one or more Shareholders who have exercised their Right of Participation and are able to consummate such issuance before the expiration of the periods contemplated in Articles 39(a) and 39(b); provided that (i) such Shareholders shall not be entitled to acquire more New Securities than they would have been entitled to acquire if such periods had lapsed in full, and (ii) each other Shareholder shall continue to be entitled to acquire the same number of New Securities during such periods contemplated above as such Shareholder would have been entitled to acquire if the Company had not consummated any issuances before such periods had lapsed in full.

 

40.

Upon the expiration of a ten (10) day period from the date of the Second Participation Notice, or the twenty (20) day period from the date of the First Participation Notice (if no Shareholder exercises its Right of Participation within such 20-day period), the Company shall have ninety (90) days thereafter to sell the New Securities described in the First Participation Notice (with respect to which the Rights of Participation hereunder were not exercised) at the same or higher price and on terms not more favorable to the purchasers thereof than those specified in the First Participation Notice. In the event that the Company has not issued and sold such New Securities within such ninety (90) day period, the Company shall not thereafter issue or sell any such New Securities without again first offering such New Securities to the Shareholders pursuant to these Articles 38 through 41.

 

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41.

The Company shall not be obligated to consummate any proposed issuance of New Securities, nor be liable to any Shareholder if the Company has not consummated any proposed issuance of New Securities pursuant to these Articles 38 through 41 for whatever reason, regardless of whether it shall have delivered a First Participation Notice or received any exercise notice in respect of such proposed issuance ( provided that in such case the Company shall use its best efforts to consummate the issuance of New Securities to the Shareholders that have delivered such exercise notice).

RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL; OTHER TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS

 

42.

For so long as there are Company Securities issued and outstanding, none of the Shareholders shall directly or indirectly Transfer any Company Securities in contravention of these Articles. Such restrictions, however, shall not be applicable to any Transfer of the Company Securities (a) to an Affiliate of such Shareholder, (b) to a custodian or a trustee, including a trustee of a voting trust, or partnership solely for the account and benefit of a Shareholder, (c) among the Shareholders, (d) by CIFH to certain designees of shareholders of R2G Limited of up to a certain number of Ordinary Shares, in one or more transactions, as an alternative method to achieve the economic purpose contemplated by the R2G Agreement (in which case (i) the Company shall pay to CIFH on behalf of the relevant recipients of such shares at an agreed per share dollar amount (with the number of Ordinary Shares to be transferred and the per share dollar amount to be paid subject to adjustment in accordance with the terms of the R2G Agreement), as if the Company had repurchased such shares from CIFH and re-issued the same to the relevant shareholders of R2G Limited and (ii) the Company’s right to issue an equivalent number of shares under (i) of the definition of “New Securities” shall forfeit), (e) by the designees of shareholders of R2G Limited by way of waiving or non-exercising their right to receive any shares under the above (d) in exchange for cash consideration payable by CIFH, (f) to the Company in connection with the exercise of any put right of such Shareholder as set forth in the applicable Major Label Subscription Agreements or Equity Financing Subscription Agreements, or (g) by a Shareholder pursuant to the registration statement filed by the Company in connection with the QIPO, provided that in each case of (a), (b), (c) and (d), each such transferee or assignee, prior to the completion of the Transfer shall have executed documents fully and unconditionally assuming all of the obligations of such Shareholder under the Shareholders Agreement with respect to the Transferred Company Securities; provided , further , that in the case of (a), if such transferee at any time ceases to be an Affiliate of such Shareholder, such transferee shall, prior to its ceasing to be an Affiliate of such Shareholder, Transfer such Company Securities back to such Shareholder. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no Transfer of the Company Securities shall be made unless it is in compliance with any and all other restrictions on Transfer as may be provided in the applicable Major Label Subscription Agreements or Equity Financing Subscription Agreements or restrictions otherwise agreed between the Company and the applicable Shareholder.

 

43.

[Reserved.]

 

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44.

Notwithstanding anything otherwise provided in the Shareholders Agreement or these Articles, without the prior written consent of Tencent, (i) at any time during the first three (3) years after the Tencent Closing Date, each of the Key Management will not, Transfer, directly or indirectly, any Company Securities that are in excess of thirty percent (30%) of the aggregate Company Securities held or beneficially owned by such Key Management (subject to subsequent adjustment for share splits, share dividends, reverse share splits, re-capitalizations and the like) as of the Tencent Closing Date, whether in a single transaction or a series of transactions; and (ii) at any time during each one-year period for the three (3) years after the third (3 rd ) anniversary of the Tencent Closing Date, each of the Key Management will not, Transfer, directly or indirectly, any Company Securities that are in excess of one-third (1/3) of the aggregate remaining Company Securities held or beneficially owned by such Key Management (subject to subsequent adjustment for share splits, share dividends, reverse share splits, re-capitalizations and the like) as of the third (3 rd ) anniversary of the Tencent Closing Date, whether in a single transaction or a series of transactions; provided that with respect to any Key Management, if at any time during the four-year period after the Tencent Closing Date, (x) such Key Management has been removed as officer and employee of all Group Companies and all the employment agreements with such Key Management have been terminated by all Group Companies, or (y) such Key Management becomes a key executive of the general partner of the Music Fund (for the avoidance of doubt, once such Key Management becomes a key executive of the general partner of the Music Fund, such Key Management should have resigned and no longer been a director, officer or employee of any Group Company) (either (x) or (y), the “ Shortened Lock-up Triggering Event ”), then upon the resignation by such Key Management as directors of all Group Companies, the above Key Management lock-up provision shall be replaced by the following: without the prior written consent of Tencent, at any time during each one-year period for the two (2) years after the Shortened Lock-up Triggering Event, each of the Key Management will not, Transfer, directly or indirectly, any Company Securities that are in excess of one-half (1/2) of the aggregate Company Securities held or beneficially owned by such Key Management (subject to subsequent adjustment for share splits, share dividends, reverse share splits, re-capitalizations and the like) as of the Shortened Lock-up Triggering Event, whether in a single transaction or a series of transactions (any Transfer made as permitted pursuant to this proviso shall be a “ Qualified Transfer ”); provided further that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Article 42, any proposed Transfer of Company Securities held or beneficially owned by such Key Management that is a Qualified Transfer (including any Transfer made by such Key Management’s Affiliates or permitted transferees) to any person (including to any other Shareholder) shall comply with, and be subject to the Right of First Refusal of each Shareholder in accordance with the respective provisions under these Articles 42 through 51. The lock-up contemplated under this Article 44 shall terminate upon the earliest of (i) the second (2 nd ) anniversary of the Shortened Lock-up Triggering Event (only if the Shortened Lock-up Triggering Event is applicable); (ii) the sixth (6 th ) anniversary of the Tencent Closing Date; and (iii) six months after the consummation of a QIPO .

 

45.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the Shareholders Agreement or these Articles, without the prior written consent of Tencent, none of the Shareholders other than Tencent shall Transfer, directly or indirectly, any Company Securities held or beneficially owned by it to any Restricted Person.

 

46.

[Reserved.]

 

47.

Grant of Right of First Refusal. Subject to the Drag-Along Right as set forth in Articles 58 through 60 below, each of the Shareholders is hereby granted a right of first refusal (the “ Right of First Refusal ”), exercisable in connection with any proposed Transfer of the Company Securities held by any other Shareholder, provided that the Shareholder exercising such Right of First Refusal must undertake to the Company and the other Shareholders that it purchases such Company Securities entirely for its own account, and not as a nominee holder for any third party. These Articles 42 through 51 shall not apply to any of the permitted Transfers under Article 42.

 

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48.

In the event a Shareholder (the “ Transferring Shareholder ”) desires to accept a bona fide offer from a third party (other than the Restricted Persons) (the “ Prospective Transferee ”) for any or all of the Company Securities then held by such Transferring Shareholder (the Company Securities subject to such offer to be hereinafter called the “ Target Shares ”), the Transferring Shareholder shall promptly (i) deliver to each of the other Shareholders (the “ Non-Transferring Shareholders ”) a written notice (the “ Disposition Notice ”) describing the terms and conditions of the offer, including the purchase price and the identity of the Prospective Transferee; and (ii) provide satisfactory proof that the disposition of the Target Shares to such Prospective Transferee would not be in contravention of the provisions set forth in these Articles 42 through 51. Each Non-Transferring Shareholder may exercise the Right of First Refusal and, thereby, purchase all or any part of its ROFR Pro Rata Portion (as defined below and with any re-allotments as provided below) of the Target Shares at the same price and subject to the same material terms and conditions as described in the Disposition Notice, by notifying the Transferring Shareholder in writing within thirty (30) days after receiving the Disposition Notice (the “ ROFR First Response Period ”) as to the number of such Target Shares that it wishes to purchase. No Shareholder shall have a right to purchase any of the Target Shares unless it exercises its Right of First Refusal within the ROFR First Response Period. If any Prospective Transferee has offered to pay for any Target Shares with property, services or any other non-cash consideration, the Non-Transferring Shareholders shall nevertheless have the right to pay for such Target Shares with cash in an amount equal to the fair market value of the non-cash consideration offered by the Prospective Transferee in question, where the fair market value of such non-cash consideration shall be conclusively determined in good faith by the Board. For purposes of this Article 48, the term “ ROFR Pro Rata Portion ” means that number of Company Securities equal to the product obtained by multiplying (i) the aggregate number of Target Shares covered by the Disposition Notice by (ii) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of Company Securities held by such Non-Transferring Shareholder (assuming the conversion of all securities convertible into Ordinary Shares and exercise of all warrants, options and other securities exercisable for Ordinary Shares) at the time of the sale or transfer and the denominator of which is the total number of Company Securities held by all Non-Transferring Shareholders (assuming the conversion of all securities convertible into Ordinary Shares and exercise of all warrants, options and other securities exercisable for Ordinary Shares). If any Non-Transferring Shareholder fails to notify the Transferring Shareholder of such Non-Transferring Shareholder’s exercise of its Right of First Refusal, or, if any Non-Transferring Shareholder notifies the Transferring Shareholder that such Non-Transferring Shareholder will only partially exercise its Right of First Refusal, in each case within the ROFR First Response Period, then the Transferring Shareholder shall, as soon as possible but in any event within two (2) days after the expiration of the ROFR First Response Period, give a written notice (the “ Overallotment Notice ”) to each Non-Transferring Shareholder who has elected to exercise in full its ROFR Pro Rata Portion of the Target Shares (the “ Fully- Exercising ROFR Shareholders ”) specifying the Target Shares that are still available to be purchased by the Fully-Exercising ROFR Shareholders. Such Overallotment Notice may be made by telephone if confirmed in writing within two (2) days. The Fully-Exercising ROFR Shareholders shall have a right of overallotment, exercisable within five (5) days upon receiving the Overallotment Notice (the “ ROFR Second Response Period ”), to buy up to all of the unsold Target Shares, or if more than one Fully-Exercising ROFR Shareholders exercise their overallotment right, the number of unsold Target Shares to be purchased by each Fully-Exercising ROFR Shareholder shall be reduced, to the extent necessary, to such number based on the number of Company Securities held by each Fully-Exercising ROFR Shareholder who has exercised its overallotment right (assuming the conversion of all securities convertible into Ordinary Shares and exercise of all warrants, options and other securities exercisable for Ordinary Shares) divided by the number of Company Securities held by all Fully-Exercising ROFR Shareholders who have exercised their overallotment right (assuming the conversion of all securities convertible into Ordinary Shares and exercise of all warrants, options and other securities exercisable for Ordinary Shares).

 

49.

If, after applying the procedure set forth in Article 48, there are still Target Shares not yet been purchased by the Non-Transferring Shareholders (such shares, the “ Available For Sale Target Shares ”), the Transferring Shareholder shall have a period of ninety (90) days thereafter to sell or otherwise dispose of such Available For Sale Target Shares, subject to the provisions of Articles 52 through 57 set forth below, to the Prospective Transferee(s) identified in the Disposition Notice, upon terms and conditions (including the purchase price) no more favorable to such Prospective Transferee(s) than those specified in the Disposition Notice. If the Transferring Shareholder has not completed the sale or disposition of the Available For Sale Target Shares within the specified ninety (90) day period, the Non-Transferring Shareholders’ Right of First Refusal hereunder shall once again apply to the transfer of the Available For Sale Target Shares.

 

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50.

In the event of any share dividend, share split, sub-division or consolidation of shares, recapitalization or other transaction affecting the Company’s outstanding Company Securities as a class effected without receipt of consideration, then any new, substituted or additional securities or other property that is by reason of such transaction distributed with respect to the Company Securities shall be immediately subject to the Non-Transferring Shareholders’ Right of First Refusal hereunder.

 

51.

Payment of the purchase price for the Target Shares (or a portion thereof, as applicable) shall be made at the time as agreed between the Transferring Shareholder and each of the Non-Transferring Shareholders that has elected to exercise the Right of First Refusal, provided that such time shall not be later than the closing time specified in the Disposition Notice, unless otherwise agreed by the Transferring Shareholder and the relevant Non-Transferring Shareholders. Payment of the purchase price shall be made by wire transfer or check as directed by the Transferring Shareholder against delivery of the Target Shares to be purchased (or a portion thereof, as applicable).

 

51A.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in these Articles, Articles 42 through 51 shall not apply to the Ordinary Shares issued to Spotify AB pursuant to the Spotify Subscription Agreement.

RIGHT OF CO-SALE

 

52.

Subject to Articles 42 through 51 above, and to the extent that (i) there are Available For Sale Target Shares, and (ii) the sale of Available For Sale Target Shares would result in a third party other than Tencent owning at least 50% of the total share capital of the Company on a fully diluted basis, each Non-Transferring Shareholder shall have the right, exercisable upon written notice (the “ Co-Sale Notice ”) delivered to the Transferring Shareholder within ten (10) days after the expiration of the ROFR Second Response Period or, if none of the Non-Transferring Shareholders have exercised their Right of First Refusal within the ROFR First Response Period, within ten (10) days after the expiration of the ROFR First Response Period, to participate in the sale of the Available For Sale Target Shares on the terms and conditions as set forth in Article 53 below.

 

53.

Each Non-Transferring Shareholder may participate in the proposed sale and sell that number of Company Securities not to exceed the number of shares calculated by multiplying the aggregate number of the Available For Sale Target Shares by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of Company Securities held by such Non-Transferring Shareholder (assuming the conversion of all securities convertible into Ordinary Shares and exercise of all warrants, options and other securities exercisable for Ordinary Shares) at the time of the Co-Sale Notice and the denominator of which is the sum of (A) the aggregate number of Company Securities held by all Shareholders exercising the co-sale right hereunder plus (B) the number of the Company Securities held by the Transferring Shareholder (assuming the conversion of all securities convertible into Ordinary Shares and exercise of all warrants, options and other securities exercisable for Ordinary Shares), and the Company Securities that can be sold by the Transferring Shareholder to the Prospective Transferee shall be correspondingly reduced.

 

54.

The Non-Transferring Shareholders shall effect their participation in the proposed sale by promptly delivering to the Transferring Shareholder an instrument of transfer, together with one or more certificates that represent the number of Company Securities that the Non-Transferring Shareholder elects to sell.

 

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55.

The Transferring Shareholder shall deliver to the Company the instrument(s) of transfer and share certificate(s) in respect of the transfer of any Company Securities pursuant to Article 54 promptly upon receipt of the same. Upon receipt of the instrument(s) of transfer and share certificate(s) referred to above from the Transferring Shareholder, the Company shall register such transfer and make the appropriate entries on the register of members of the Company to reflect such transfer, and the Transferring Shareholder shall concurrently therewith remit to the Company for delivery to each of the Non-Transferring Shareholders that portion of the sale proceeds to which such Non-Transferring Shareholder is entitled by reason of its participation in such transfer. To the extent that any Prospective Transferee prohibits such assignment or otherwise refuses to purchase Company Securities from a Non-Transferring Shareholder exercising its right of co-sale hereunder, the Transferring Shareholder shall not sell to such Prospective Transferee any Company Securities unless and until, simultaneously with such sale, the Prospective Transferee shall purchase from such Non-Transferring Shareholder the Company Securities that such Non-Transferring Shareholder is entitled to sell under these Articles 52 through 57.

 

56.

The exercise or non-exercise of the right of co-sale by the Non-Transferring Shareholders hereunder shall not adversely affect their right to participate in subsequent sales of Company Securities subject to Article 52.

 

57.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, these Articles 52 through 57 shall not apply to any transfer permitted under Article 42.

DRAG-ALONG RIGHT

 

58.

Subject to Article 60, at any time prior to an initial public offering of the Company’s Shares on a Qualified Stock Exchange, if Tencent proposes a Trade Sale at an equity valuation of the Company of not less than US$6 billion on a fully diluted basis, and:

 

  (a)

in the event that such proposed Trade Sale is to a bona fide third party (other than Tencent or any Affiliate of Tencent), such Trade Sale has been approved by (x) no less than 75% of the Board, and (y) Members holding no less than 75% of the issued and outstanding Ordinary Shares of the Company; or

 

  (b)

in the event that such proposed Trade Sale is to Tencent or any Affiliate of Tencent, such Trade Sale has been approved by Members holding no less than 66.7% of the issued and outstanding Ordinary Shares of the Company (other than any Ordinary Shares held by Tencent or any of its Affiliates),

then upon a written request from Tencent, each of the other Shareholders shall (i) vote all voting Company Securities held by them in favour of the Trade Sale and cause each Director designated by it to vote in favour of the Trade Sale, (ii) refrain from exercising any dissenters’ rights or rights of appraisal under applicable Law at any time with respect to the Trade Sale, (iii) execute and deliver all related documentation and take such other action in support of the Trade Sale as shall reasonably be requested by Tencent or the Company, and (iv) if the Trade Sale is structured as a transfer of Ordinary Shares or other Company Securities, transfer all of the Ordinary Shares or other Company Securities to the third party to consummate the Trade Sale (the “ Drag-Along Right ”). When exercising the Drag-Along Right, Tencent shall send written notice (the “ Sale Notice ”) to all other Shareholders with copy to the Company specifying the names of the purchaser(s), the nature of the Trade Sale, the consideration payable per share or the total consideration payable and a summary of the material terms and conditions of such transaction. Upon receipt of a Sale Notice, all other Shareholders shall be obligated to consummate such Trade Sale in accordance with this Article 58. Notwithstanding the definition of Affiliates, for purposes of this Article 58, Affiliates of Tencent shall exclude the Group Companies or any of the Group Companies’ Controlled Affiliates.

 

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59.

In the event that any other Shareholder fails for any reason to take any of the foregoing actions specified in Article 58 after reasonable notice thereof, such Shareholder hereby grants an irrevocable power of attorney and proxy to any Director approving the Trade Sale to take all necessary actions and execute and deliver all documents deemed by such Director to be reasonably necessary to effectuate the terms hereof. None of the transfer restrictions set forth in Articles 42 through 51 or Articles 52 through 57 shall apply in connection with the Trade Sale proposed by Tencent pursuant to Article 58, notwithstanding anything contained to the contrary herein. The power of attorney granted hereby is intended to secure an interest in property and, in addition, the obligations of each relevant Shareholder under these Articles, and shall be irrevocable.

 

60.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, without the prior written consent of Tencent, no Trade Sale shall be effected, or be permitted to be effected, to any Restricted Person.

ANTI-DILUTION ISSUANCE TO TENCENT

 

61.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, (i) concurrently with or before the issuance, delivery or sale of any Company Securities by the Company to any Person (other than Tencent) in connection with any Issuance Obligation, the Company shall unconditionally issue, at no consideration, to Tencent such number of Ordinary Shares that equals to the result of (x) 110%, multiplied by (y) the same number of the Company Securities proposed to be issued, delivered or sold by the Company in connection with such Issuance Obligations (the “ Anti-Dilution Issuance to Tencent ”, and such Ordinary Shares issuable to Tencent, the “ Anti-Dilution Issuance Shares ”); and (ii) all consideration received by the Company as a result of the issuance, delivery or sale of any Company Securities to any Person in connection with any Issuance Obligation shall be distributed or otherwise allocated to all the shareholders of the Company immediately prior to July 12, 2016 (including Tencent) ratably in proportion to the number of Ordinary Shares held by such shareholder in the Company immediately prior to July 12, 2016. The Company and each Shareholder shall take all necessary actions to give effect to and consummate the Anti-Dilution Issuance to Tencent in accordance with the foregoing provisions, and any Anti-Dilution Issuance Shares, when issued and delivered to Tencent, shall be deemed fully paid, duly issued and non-assessable. In the event that the Company receives a request from any Person for the issuance, delivery or sale by the Company of any Company Securities to such Person in connection with the Issuance Obligation, the Board shall ascertain, and if any director of the Company reasonably objects to such request with good faith basis for such objection, use reasonable efforts to take all necessary actions to contest the validity of such request before the issuance, delivery or sale by the Company of any Company Securities to such Person. The obligation of the Company with respect to the Anti-Dilution Issuance to Tencent under this Article 61 shall terminate and be of no further force or effect upon the earlier of (i) immediately prior to the consummation of a QIPO, or (ii) the date when the Company becomes subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act or analogous reporting requirements in an alternative listing jurisdiction.

TRANSMISSION OF SHARES

 

62.

The legal personal representative of a deceased sole holder of a Share shall be the only Person recognised by the Company as having any title to the Share. In the case of a Share registered in the name of two or more holders, the survivors or survivor, or the legal personal representatives of the deceased holder of the Share, shall be the only Person recognised by the Company as having any title to the Share.

 

63.

Any Person becoming entitled to a Share in consequence of the death or bankruptcy of a Member shall upon such evidence being produced as may from time to time be required by the Directors, have the right either to be registered as a Member in respect of the Share or, instead of being registered himself, to make such transfer of the Share as the deceased or bankrupt Person could have made; but the Directors shall, in either case, have the same right to decline or suspend registration as they would have had in the case of a transfer of the Share by the deceased or bankrupt Person before the death or bankruptcy.

 

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64.

A Person becoming entitled to a Share by reason of the death or bankruptcy of a Member shall be entitled to the same dividends and other advantages to which he would be entitled if he were the registered Member, except that he shall not, before being registered as a Member in respect of the Share, be entitled in respect of it to exercise any right conferred by membership in relation to meetings of the Company.

ALTERATION OF SHARE CAPITAL

 

65.

Subject to Article 104, the Company may from time to time by Ordinary Resolution increase the share capital by such sum, to be divided into Shares of such Classes and amount, as the resolution shall prescribe.

 

66.

The Company may by Ordinary Resolution:

 

  (a)

consolidate and divide all or any of its share capital into Shares of a larger amount than its existing Shares;

 

  (b)

convert all or any of its paid up Shares into stock and reconvert that stock into paid up Shares of any denomination;

 

  (c)

subdivide its existing Shares, or any of them into Shares of a smaller amount provided that in the subdivision the proportion between the amount paid and the amount, if any, unpaid on each reduced Share shall be the same as it was in case of the Share from which the reduced Share is derived; and

 

  (d)

Subject to Article 104, cancel any Shares that, 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.

 

67.

Subject to Article 104, the Company may by Special Resolution reduce its share capital and any capital redemption reserve in any manner authorised by law.

REDEMPTION, PURCHASE AND SURRENDER OF SHARES

 

68.

Subject to the Companies Law and Article 104, the Company may:

 

  (a)

issue Shares on terms that they are to be redeemed or are liable to be redeemed at the option of the Company or the Member on such terms and in such manner as the Directors may determine;

 

  (b)

purchase its own Shares (including any redeemable Shares) (i) on such terms and in such manner as the Directors may determine and agree with the Member or (ii) upon authorisation by a Special Resolution of Members on such terms and in such manner as specified in the Special Resolution in connection with the adoption by the Company of a tiered or dual-class voting structure as may be provided for by the Memorandum of Association and the Articles and the conversion of Shares into different Classes under such structure; provided that the Company shall not act with respect to the Shares issued pursuant to the Spotify Subscription Agreement in violation of the Spotify Investor Agreement;

 

  (c)

make a payment in respect of the redemption or purchase of its own Shares in any manner authorised by the Companies Law, including out of its capital; and

 

  (d)

accept the surrender for no consideration of any paid up Share (including any redeemable Share) on such terms and in such manner as the Directors may determine.

 

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69.

Any Share in respect of which notice of redemption has been given shall not be entitled to participate in the profits of the Company in respect of the period after the date specified as the date of redemption in the notice of redemption.

 

70.

The redemption, purchase or surrender of any Share shall not be deemed to give rise to the redemption, purchase or surrender of any other Share.

 

71.

The Directors may when making payments in respect of redemption or purchase of Shares, if authorised by the terms of issue of the Shares being redeemed or purchased or with the agreement of the holder of such Shares, make such payment either in cash or in specie including, without limitation, interests in a special purpose vehicle holding assets of the Company or holding entitlement to the proceeds of assets held by the Company or in a liquidating structure.

TREASURY SHARES

 

72.

Shares that the Company purchases, redeems or acquires (by way of surrender or otherwise) may, at the option of the Company, be cancelled immediately or held as Treasury Shares in accordance with the Companies Law. In the event that the Directors do not specify that the relevant Shares are to be held as Treasury Shares, such Shares shall be cancelled.

 

73.

No dividend may be declared or paid, and no other distribution (whether in cash or otherwise) of the Company’s assets (including any distribution of assets to members on a winding up) may be declared or paid in respect of a Treasury Share.

 

74.

The Company shall be entered in the Register as the holder of the Treasury Shares provided that:

 

  (a)

the Company shall not be treated as a member for any purpose and shall not exercise any right in respect of the Treasury Shares, and any purported exercise of such a right shall be void;

 

  (b)

a Treasury Share shall not be voted, directly or indirectly, at any meeting of the Company and shall not be counted in determining the total number of issued shares at any given time, whether for the purposes of these Articles or the Companies Law, save that an allotment of Shares as fully paid bonus shares in respect of a Treasury Share is permitted and Shares allotted as fully paid bonus shares in respect of a treasury share shall be treated as Treasury Shares.

 

75.

Treasury Shares may be disposed of by the Company on such terms and conditions as determined by the Directors.

GENERAL MEETINGS

 

76.

The Company may hold an annual general meeting and shall specify the meeting as such in the notices calling it. An annual general meeting of the Company shall be held at such time and place as may be determined by the Board. 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. The Chairman of the Board (the “ Chairman ”) or any two Directors may, whenever they think fit, convene a general meeting of the Company.

 

77.

The Directors may cancel or postpone any duly convened general meeting at any time prior to such meeting, except for general meetings requisitioned by the Members in accordance with these Articles, for any reason or for no reason at any time prior to the time for holding such meeting or, if the meeting is adjourned, the time for holding such adjourned meeting. The Directors shall give Members notice in writing of any cancellation or postponement. A postponement may be for a stated period of any length or indefinitely as the Directors may determine.

 

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78.

General meetings shall also be convened on the requisition in writing of any Member or Members entitled to attend and vote at general meetings of the Company holding at least five percent of the paid up voting share capital of the Company deposited at the Office specifying the objects of the meeting by notice given no later than 21 days from the date of deposit of the requisition signed by the requisitionists, and if the Directors do not convene such meeting for a date not later than 21 days after the date of such deposit, the requisitionists themselves may convene the general meeting in the same manner, as nearly as possible, as that in which general meetings may be convened by the Directors, and all reasonable expenses incurred by the requisitionists as a result of the failure of the Directors to convene the general meeting shall be reimbursed to them by the Company.

 

79.

If at any time there are no Directors, any two Members entitled to vote at general meetings of the Company holding at least fifteen percent of the paid up voting share capital of the Company (or if there is only one Member then that Member) may convene a general meeting in the same manner as nearly as possible as that in which general meetings may be convened by the Directors.

NOTICE OF GENERAL MEETINGS

 

80.

At least five calendar days’ notice in writing counting from the date service is deemed to take place as provided in these Articles specifying the place, the day and the hour of the meeting and the general nature of the business, shall be given in the manner hereinafter provided or in such other manner (if any) as may be prescribed by the Company by Ordinary Resolution to such Persons as are, under these Articles, entitled to receive such notices from the Company, but with the consent of the Members holding at least 90% of the then total issued and outstanding Ordinary Shares and are entitled to receive notice of some particular meeting and attend and vote thereat, that meeting may be convened by such shorter notice or without notice and in such manner as those Members may think fit.

 

81.

The accidental omission to give notice of a meeting to or the non-receipt of a notice of a meeting by any Member shall not invalidate the proceedings at any meeting.

PROCEEDINGS AT GENERAL MEETINGS

 

82.

Subject to the Companies Law and to these Articles, any resolution at any general meeting shall be decided by Ordinary Resolution.

 

83.

No business shall be transacted at any general meeting unless a quorum of Members is present at the time when the meeting proceeds to business. Save as otherwise provided by these Articles, two or more Members holding at least 66.7% of the paid up voting share capital of the Company present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote at that meeting shall form a quorum.

 

84.

If within half an hour from the time appointed for the meeting a quorum is not present, it shall stand adjourned to the fifth (5th) following calendar day at the same time and place (or to such other time or such other place as the Directors may determine) and at such adjourned meeting, two or more Members holding at least 50% of the paid up voting share capital of the Company present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote at that adjourned meeting shall form a quorum. If within half an hour from the time appointed for the adjourned meeting such quorum is not present, the meeting shall be dissolved.

 

85.

If the Directors wish to make this facility available for a specific general meeting or all general meetings of the Company, participation in any general meeting of the Company may be by means of a telephone or similar communication equipment by way of which all Persons participating in such meeting can communicate with each other and such participation shall be deemed to constitute presence in person at the meeting.

 

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86.

The Chairman shall preside as chairman at every general meeting of the Company.

 

87.

If there is no such Chairman, or if at any general meeting he is not present within fifteen minutes after the time appointed for holding the meeting or is unwilling to act as chairman, any Director or Person nominated by the Directors shall preside as chairman, failing which the Members present in person or by proxy shall choose any Person present to be chairman of that meeting.

 

88.

The chairman may adjourn a meeting from time to time and from place to place either:

 

  (a)

with the consent of any general meeting at which a quorum is present (and shall if so directed by the meeting); or

 

  (b)

without the consent of such meeting if, in his sole opinion, he considers it necessary to do so to:

 

  (i)

secure the orderly conduct or proceedings of the meeting; or

 

  (ii)

give all persons present in person or by proxy and having the right to speak and / or vote at such meeting, the ability to do so,

but no business shall be transacted at any adjourned meeting other than the business left unfinished at the meeting from which the adjournment took place. When a meeting, or adjourned meeting, is adjourned for fourteen days or more, notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given in the manner provided for the original meeting. Save as aforesaid, it shall not be necessary to give any notice of an adjournment or of the business to be transacted at an adjourned meeting.

 

89.

At any general meeting a resolution put to the vote of the meeting shall be decided on a show of hands, unless a poll is (before or on the declaration of the result of the show of hands) demanded by the chairman or one or more Members present in person or by proxy entitled to vote, and unless a poll is so demanded, a declaration by the chairman that a resolution 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 the book of the proceedings of the Company, shall be conclusive evidence of the fact, without proof of the number or proportion of the votes recorded in favour of, or against, that resolution.

 

90.

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

 

91.

[Reserved.]

 

92.

A poll demanded on the election of a chairman of the meeting or on a question of adjournment shall be taken forthwith. A poll demanded on any other question shall be taken at such time as the chairman of the meeting directs.

VOTES OF MEMBERS

 

93.

Subject to these Articles and any rights and restrictions for the time being attached to any Share, on a show of hands every Member present in person and every Person representing a Member by proxy shall, at a general meeting of the Company, each have one vote and on a poll every Member and every Person representing a Member by proxy shall have one vote for each Share of which he or the Person represented by proxy is the holder.

 

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94.

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.

 

95.

A Member of unsound mind, or in respect of whom an order has been made by any court having jurisdiction in lunacy, may vote in respect of Shares carrying the right to vote held by him, whether on a show of hands or on a poll, by his committee, or other Person in the nature of a committee appointed by that court, and any such committee or other Person, may vote in respect of such Shares by proxy.

 

96.

No Member shall be entitled to vote at any general meeting of the Company unless all calls, if any, or other sums presently payable by him in respect of Shares carrying the right to vote held by him have been paid.

 

97.

On a poll votes may be given either personally or by proxy.

 

98.

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 Seal or under the hand of an Officer or attorney duly authorised. A proxy need not be a Member.

 

99.

An instrument appointing a proxy may be in any usual or common form or such other form as the Directors may approve.

 

100.

The instrument appointing a proxy shall be deposited at the Office or at such other place as is specified for that purpose in the notice convening the meeting no later than the time for holding the meeting or, if the meeting is adjourned, the time for holding such adjourned meeting.

 

101.

The instrument appointing a proxy shall be deemed to confer authority to demand or join in demanding a poll.

 

102.

A resolution in writing signed by all the Members for the time being entitled to receive notice of and to attend and vote at general meetings of the Company (or being corporations by their duly authorised representatives) shall be as valid and effective as if the same had been passed at a general meeting of the Company duly convened and held.

 

103.

The Company shall not sell or issue any New Securities without first obtaining the approval (by vote or written consent, as provided by applicable Laws or the Articles) of the Shareholders holding at least 66.7% of the then total issued and outstanding Ordinary Shares held by all Shareholders. The Company shall not sell or issue any New Securities at a purchase price that has a pre-money valuation of the Company of less than US$6 billion without first obtaining the approval (by vote or written consent, as provided by applicable Laws or the Articles) of the Shareholders holding at least 90% of the then total issued and outstanding Ordinary Shares held by all Shareholders.

 

104.

Without prejudice to Article 103 above, the Company shall not, and shall not permit any other applicable Group Company to, except as expressly permitted under these Articles or the Shareholders Agreement or in connection with any put right of a Shareholder as set forth in the applicable Major Label Subscription Agreements or Equity Financing Subscription Agreements, carry out any of the following actions involving itself or any of its Subsidiaries as applicable without first obtaining the approval (by vote or written consent, as provided by applicable Laws or the Articles) of the Shareholders holding at least 66.7% of the then total issued and outstanding Ordinary Shares held by all Shareholders:

 

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  (a)

altering or changing the rights, or privileges of the Ordinary Shares or creating (by reclassification or otherwise) any new class or series of shares having rights, preferences or privileges senior to or on a parity with the Ordinary Shares;

 

  (b)

reclassifying any outstanding Ordinary Shares into shares having rights, preferences or privileges with respect to dividends or assets senior to or on a parity with the Ordinary Shares;

 

  (c)

declaring or paying any dividend or distribution or otherwise redeeming or repurchasing any issued and outstanding shares of the Company;

 

  (d)

making any acquisition, sale of control or assets, merger, consolidation, joint venture or partnership arrangements exceeding the materiality threshold established by the Board from time to time, except pursuant to the exercise of the Drag-Along Right;

 

  (e)

effecting an increase or reduction of the authorised share capital, split-off, spin-off, dissolution, liquidation, winding-up or bankruptcy of the Company or any material Subsidiary thereof (for the avoidance of doubt, issuance of any securities under the exceptional proviso of the definition of “New Securities” shall not be subject to such approvals);

 

  (f)

selling, mortgaging, pledging, leasing, transferring, incurring a lien on or otherwise disposing of substantially all of its assets or any of the assets which are outside the ordinary course of business of the Company and exceeding the materiality threshold established by the Board from time to time;

 

  (g)

making any material changes to or engaging in any business materially different from the Core Business, or ceasing any material existing business line or activities of the Company;

 

  (h)

incurring any material indebtedness or assuming any material financial obligation exceeding the materiality threshold established by the Board from time to time and outside the ordinary course of business of the Company;

 

  (i)

making any capital expenditures or investment in any other company exceeding US$400,000,000 or such other materiality threshold established by the Board from time to time;

 

  (j)

creating any encumbrance over the whole or part of the share capital, undertaking, material property or material assets of the Company or any material Subsidiary thereof, other than as permitted by the annual budget or the business and financial plan approved by the Board;

 

  (k)

increasing or decreasing the authorised size of the Board; or

 

  (l)

amending or waiving any provision of the Articles in a manner that would alter or change the rights, preferences or privileges of the Ordinary Shares.

 

104A.

Unless expressly permitted or required under these Articles, the Company shall not, and shall not permit any other applicable Group Company to, make any changes to any of the Control Documents including any transfer or assignment of any party’s rights and obligations under any of the Control Documents and any appointment of representatives, specified persons or proxies under the Control Documents, except as contemplated by the Tencent Transaction Documents, without first obtaining the approval (by vote or written consent, as provided by applicable Laws or the Articles) of the Members holding at least 66.7% of the then total issued and outstanding Ordinary Shares. Prior to the earlier of (x) the completion of a QIPO or (y) the date when the Company becomes subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act or analogous reporting requirements in an alternative listing jurisdiction:

 

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  (a)

the Company and the Shareholders shall, and shall cause the other applicable Group Companies and their respective Controlled Affiliates or nominee shareholders to, take all actions necessary or desirable in order to amend the Control Agreements in form and substance approved by Tencent (“ Amended Control Documents ”), such that following the entry of the Amended Control Documents by the respective parties thereto, (i) the registered capital of each of the VIE Affiliates shall be held in the manner as provided in the Amended Control Documents; and (ii) the Company, indirectly through its Subsidiary, shall continue to exercise control over the economic interest in, and the operations of, the VIE Affiliates, such that the financial statements of the VIE Affiliates can be consolidated with those of the other applicable Group Companies in accordance with the U.S. GAAP;

 

  (b)

in the event that the shareholding percentages of the Shareholders in the Company have changed, at the request of the Company, the Shareholders shall, and shall cause the other applicable Group Companies and their respective Controlled Affiliates or nominee shareholders to, take all actions necessary or desirable to adjust the corresponding shareholding percentages in each of the VIE Affiliates in a tax efficient manner, such that the shareholding percentages in each of the VIE Affiliates shall be consistent with those in the Company.

 

105.

Without prejudice to Article 104 above, the Company shall not, and shall not permit any other Group Company to, carry out any of the following actions involving itself or any of its Subsidiaries without first obtaining the prior written approval of Tencent:

 

  (a)

any merger, consolidation, transfer of shares or other form of restructuring of the Company involving a Restricted Person;

 

  (b)

any sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Group Companies to a Restricted Person;

 

  (c)

any issuance of New Securities by the Company to any Restricted Person;

 

  (d)

entering into any joint venture or partnership arrangement with a Restricted Person; or

 

  (e)

engaging in any business other than the Core Business.

CORPORATIONS ACTING BY REPRESENTATIVES AT MEETINGS

 

106.

Any corporation which is a Member or a Director 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 of any meeting of holders of a Class or of the Directors or of a committee of Directors, and the Person so authorised shall be entitled to exercise the same powers on behalf of the corporation which he represents as that corporation could exercise if it were an individual Member or Director.

DIRECTORS

 

107.

The authorised number of Directors of the Company shall be nine (9) and the term of a Director shall be three (3) years.

 

108.

The remuneration of the Directors may be determined by the Directors or by Ordinary Resolution.

 

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109.

There shall be no shareholding qualification for Directors unless determined otherwise by Ordinary Resolution.

 

110.

Each Member shall be entitled to vote on all matters relating to the election of the Directors of the Company; provided that the rights of the Spotify Investors under Articles 107 through 115 shall in all cases be subject to the Spotify Investor Agreement. On all matters relating to the election of one or more Directors of the Company, each Shareholder shall vote at the shareholders meetings, or give written consents with respect to all their Ordinary Shares, to elect Directors to the Board in the following manner:

 

  (a)

(v) five (5) Directors shall be appointed by Tencent and its Affiliates (the “ Tencent Directors ”) by notice in writing to the Company as long as Tencent and its Affiliates directly or indirectly hold no less than 50% of the Company’s issued and outstanding share capital; (w) four (4) Directors shall be appointed by Tencent and its Affiliates by notice in writing to the Company as long as Tencent and its Affiliates directly or indirectly hold 35% or more than 35% but less than 50% of the Company’s issued and outstanding share capital; (x) three (3) Directors shall be appointed by Tencent and its Affiliates by notice in writing to the Company as long as Tencent and its Affiliates directly or indirectly hold 25% or more than 25% but less than 35% of the Company’s issued and outstanding share capital; (y) two (2) Directors shall be appointed by Tencent and its Affiliates by notice in writing to the Company as long as Tencent and its Affiliates directly or indirectly hold 10% or more than 10% but less than 25% of the Company’s issued and outstanding share capital; and (z) one (1) Director shall be appointed by Tencent and its Affiliates by notice in writing to the Company as long as Tencent and its Affiliates directly or indirectly hold 5% or more than 5% but less than 10% of the Company’s issued and outstanding share capital. For the avoidance of doubt, subclauses (v), (w), (x), (y) and (z) are mutually exclusive;

 

  (b)

(w) four (4) Directors shall be appointed by all Shareholders other than Tencent and its Affiliates (such other Shareholders, the “ Non-Tencent Shareholders ”) to the Company as long as the holders of Ordinary Shares other than Tencent and its Affiliates collectively hold not less than 35% of the Company’s issued and outstanding share capital; (x) three (3) Directors shall be appointed by all Non-Tencent Shareholders by notice in writing to the Company as long as the holders of Ordinary Shares other than Tencent and its Affiliates collectively hold 25% or more than 25% but less than 35% of the Company’s issued and outstanding share capital; (y) two (2) Directors shall be appointed by all Non-Tencent Shareholders by notice in writing to the Company as long as the holders of Ordinary Shares other than Tencent and its Affiliates collectively hold 10% or more than 10% but less than 25% of the Company’s issued and outstanding share capital; and (z) one (1) Director shall be appointed by all Non-Tencent Shareholders by notice in writing to the Company as long as the holders of Ordinary Shares other than Tencent and its Affiliates collectively hold 5% or more than 5% but less than 10% of the Company’s issued and outstanding share capital. For the avoidance of doubt, subclauses (w), (x), (y) and (z) are mutually exclusive. In the event that subclause (w) applies, the four (4) Directors shall be appointed as follows: (i) each Key Management shall be a Director as long as (A) such Key Management continues to hold not less than 70% of the Ordinary Shares held by such Key Management as of July 12, 2016; and (B) such Key Management remains as an officer or employee of any Group Company and complies with the provisions under Article 116 hereof (for the avoidance of doubt, (A) the failure of any one Key Management to meet the foregoing qualification requirements will not result in the other Key Management forfeiting his right to serve as a Director of the Company if the other Key Management satisfies the foregoing qualification requirements; and (B) upon the occurrence of any Shortened Lock-up Triggering Event with respect to any Key Management, such Key Management’s right to serve as a director of the Company shall be immediately forfeited); and (ii) the remaining two (2) Directors shall be appointed by the Shareholders holding the largest and the second largest portion of the Company’s share capital, other than Tencent, the Key Management and, for the avoidance of doubt, the Spotify Investors, respectively (such Shareholder holding the largest portion, the “ Largest Financial Investor ”; and such Shareholder holding the second largest portion, the “ Second Largest Financial Investor ”) by notice in writing, as long as the Largest Financial Investor and the Second Largest Financial Investor each holds not less than 5% of the Company’s issued and outstanding share capital (for the avoidance of doubt, the failure of the Largest Financial Investor to meet the foregoing qualification requirement will not result in the Second Largest Financial Investor forfeiting its right to appoint a director of the Company if the Second Largest Financial Investor satisfies the foregoing qualification requirement, and vice versa); provided that if (i) any one of the Key Management fails to satisfy the qualification requirements as described in this Article 110(b) for him to serve as a Director to the Board or loses the director seat upon the occurrence of any Shortened Lock-up Triggering Event, or (ii) either the Largest Financial Investor or the Second Largest Financial Investor holds less than 5% of the Company’s issued and outstanding share capital, the Non-Tencent Shareholders shall hold a special meeting to fill the vacancy of the Board as a result thereof, and any Shareholder who has obtained the highest vote at such special meeting shall have the right to appoint one (1) Director to fill in such vacant Director seat. In the event that subclause (x), (y) or (z) applies, the Non-Tencent Shareholders shall hold a special meeting, on which meeting each Non-Tencent Shareholder has the right to nominate three (3), two (2) or one (1) candidates, as applicable, and the candidate(s) who have received the highest votes of the Non-Tencent Shareholders at such special meeting shall serve as the three (3), two (2) or one (1) directors, as applicable;

 

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  (c)

one of the Tencent Directors shall be the Chairman of the Board as long as Tencent holds not less than 35% of the Company’s issued and outstanding share capital; and

 

  (d)

each Shareholder shall vote in favour of the appointee as indicated above to ensure that any such appointment, of a Director appointed pursuant to this Article 110 shall be made in accordance with this Article 110 as soon as practicable after the relevant notice in writing is delivered to the Company.

Notwithstanding the definition of Affiliates, for purposes of this Article 110, Affiliates of Tencent shall exclude the Group Companies or any of the Group Companies’ Controlled Affiliates.

 

111.

Each Shareholder shall have the right to require the removal or replacement of a Director appointed by it at any time. Each Shareholder agrees that, if at any time it is then entitled to vote for the removal of Directors from the Board, it shall not vote any of its Ordinary Shares or execute proxies or written consents, as the case may be, in favour of the removal of any Director who shall have been designated pursuant to Article 110 or Article 112, unless the person or persons entitled to appoint such Director pursuant to Article 110 shall have consented to such removal in writing; provided that, if the person or persons entitled to appoint any Director pursuant to Article 110 shall request in writing the removal, with or without cause, of such Director, each Shareholder shall vote all of its Ordinary Shares or execute proxies or written consents, as the case may be, in favour of such removal.

 

112.

If, as a result of death, disability, retirement, resignation, removal or otherwise, there shall exist or occur any vacancy on the Board:

 

  (a)

the person or persons entitled under Article 110 to designate such Director whose death, disability, retirement, resignation or removal resulted in such vacancy, subject to the provisions of Article 110, shall have the exclusive right to designate another individual (the “ Replacement Nominee ”) to fill such vacancy and serve as a Director on the Board; and

 

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  (b)

subject to Article 110, each Shareholder agrees that if it is then entitled to vote for the election of Directors to the Board, it shall vote all of its Ordinary Shares, or execute proxies or written consents, as the case may be, in order to ensure that the Replacement Nominee be elected to the Board.

 

113.

The Board may establish such committees with such powers as may be permitted by applicable Law and the Articles; provided that any such committees shall be subject to the direction of and any policies adopted by the Board. Unless otherwise prohibited by applicable Law, as long as Tencent directly or indirectly holds no less than 50% of the Company’s issued and outstanding share capital, at least a majority of the members of each such committee shall be the Tencent Directors.

 

114.

The Company and the Shareholders shall, unless otherwise prohibited by applicable Law, and to the extent agreed by the relevant Directors, cause the board of directors of each other Group Company to consist of the same persons as those Directors then on the Board.

 

115.

Each Shareholder shall cause the Directors appointed by it to vote at the Board meetings to ensure that the candidates nominated by Tencent be appointed as the chief executive officer, the chief financial officer and the general counsel of the Company. The chief financial officer of the Company and the general counsel of the Company shall report to the chief executive officer of the Company. The chief financial officer of Tencent Holdings Limited shall have the consultation right to discuss and consult with the chief financial officer of the Company regarding the business, operations, affairs, finances and accounts of the Group Companies and to examine the books of account and records of the Group Companies at any time. The chief financial officer of the Company shall work closely with the chief financial officer of Tencent Holdings Limited to ensure compliance with the requirement of Tencent Holdings Limited regarding the treasury and financing policies of Tencent Holdings Limited, and those financial policies related to compliance under the rules of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited. The general counsel of the Company (the “ Company GC ”) will work closely with the general counsel of Tencent Holdings Limited (the “ Tencent GC ”) so as to ensure full compliance with all applicable requirements of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited, and the Tencent GC shall have the right to discuss and consult with the Company GC regarding the Company’s legal function and legal strategy, including without limitation matters relating to litigation, intellectual property and regulatory compliance. The remaining senior management members of the Company shall be proposed by the chief executive officer of the Company and appointed by the Board.

 

116.

Each Key Management shall, for so long as he remains an officer or employee of any Group Company, manage the affairs of the Group Companies on a full time basis and be fully devoted to developing and operating the business of the Group Companies and will not pursue any other business or investment interests, or any other opportunities outside of the Group Companies.

ALTERNATE DIRECTOR

 

117.

Any Director may in writing appoint another Person to be his alternate and, save to the extent provided otherwise in the form of appointment, such alternate shall have authority to sign written resolutions on behalf of the appointing Director, but shall not be authorised to sign such written resolutions where they have been signed by the appointing Director, and to act in such Director’s place at any meeting of the Directors. Every such alternate shall be entitled to attend and vote at meetings of the Directors as the alternate of the Director appointing him and where he is a Director to have a separate vote in addition to his own vote. A Director may at any time in writing revoke the appointment of an alternate appointed by him. Such alternate shall not be an Officer solely as a result of his appointment as an alternate other than in respect of such times as the alternate acts as a Director. The remuneration of such alternate shall be payable out of the remuneration of the Director appointing him and the proportion thereof shall be agreed between them.

 

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POWERS AND DUTIES OF DIRECTORS

 

118.

Subject to the Companies Law, these Articles and to any resolutions passed in a general meeting, the business of the Company shall be managed by the Directors, who may pay all expenses incurred in setting up and registering the Company and may exercise all powers of the Company. No resolution passed by the Company in general meeting shall invalidate any prior act of the Directors that would have been valid if that resolution had not been passed.

 

119.

Subject to Article 110, the Directors may from time to time appoint any Person, whether or not a Director to hold such office in the Company as the Directors may think necessary for the administration of the Company, including but not limited to, the office of president, one or more vice-presidents, treasurer, assistant treasurer, manager or controller, and for such term and at such remuneration (whether by way of salary or commission or participation in profits or partly in one way and partly in another), and with such powers and duties as the Directors may think fit. Any Person so appointed by the Directors may be removed by the Directors or by the Company by Ordinary Resolution. The Directors may also appoint one or more of their number to the office of managing Director upon like terms, but any such appointment shall ipso facto terminate if any managing Director ceases from any cause to be a Director, or if the Company by Ordinary Resolution resolves that his tenure of office be terminated.

 

120.

The Directors may appoint any Person to be a Secretary (and if need be an assistant Secretary or assistant Secretaries) who shall hold office for such term, at such remuneration and upon such conditions and with such powers as they think fit. Any Secretary or assistant Secretary so appointed by the Directors may be removed by the Directors or by the Company by Ordinary Resolution.

 

121.

Subject to Article 113, the Directors may delegate any of their powers to committees; any committee so formed shall in the exercise of the powers so delegated conform to any regulations that may be imposed on it by the Directors.

 

122.

The Directors may from time to time and at any time by power of attorney (whether under Seal or under hand) or otherwise appoint any company, firm or Person or body of Persons, whether nominated directly or indirectly by the Directors, to be the attorney or attorneys or authorised signatory (any such person being an “ Attorney ” or “ Authorised Signatory ”, respectively) of the Company for such purposes and with such powers, authorities and discretion (not exceeding those vested in or exercisable by the Directors under these Articles) and for such period and subject to such conditions as they may think fit, and any such power of attorney or other appointment may contain such provisions for the protection and convenience of Persons dealing with any such Attorney or Authorised Signatory as the Directors may think fit, and may also authorise any such Attorney or Authorised Signatory to delegate all or any of the powers, authorities and discretion vested in him.

 

123.

The Directors may from time to time provide for the management of the affairs of the Company in such manner as they shall think fit and the provisions contained in the three next following Articles shall not limit the general powers conferred by this Article.

 

124.

The Directors from time to time and at any time may establish any local boards or agencies for managing any of the affairs of the Company and may appoint any Person to be a member of such local boards and may appoint any managers or agents of the Company and may fix the remuneration of any such Person.

 

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125.

The Directors from time to time and at any time may delegate to any such local board, manager or agent any of the powers, authorities and discretions for the time being vested in the Directors and may authorise the members for the time being of any such local board, or any of them to fill any vacancies therein and to act notwithstanding vacancies and any such appointment or delegation may be made on such terms and subject to such conditions as the Directors may think fit and the Directors may at any time remove any Person so appointed and may annul or vary any such delegation, but no Person dealing in good faith and without notice of any such annulment or variation shall be affected thereby.

 

126.

Any such delegates as aforesaid may be authorised by the Directors to sub-delegate all or any of the powers, authorities, and discretion for the time being vested in them.

 

127.

The Directors may agree with a Member to waive or modify the terms applicable to such Member’s subscription for Shares without obtaining the consent of any other Member; provided that such waiver or modification does not amount to a variation or abrogation of the rights attaching to the Shares of such other Members.

 

127A.

Without limiting any other provision of the Shareholders Agreement and these Articles, prior to earlier of (x) the completion of a QIPO or (y) the date when the Company becomes subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act or analogous reporting requirements in an alternative listing jurisdiction, other than as expressly provided in the Shareholders Agreement, these Articles, the Tencent Transaction Documents, the Spotify Subscription Agreement, the Major Label Subscription Agreements, the Equity Financing Subscription Agreements or the other agreements, documents or instruments executed and delivered in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Spotify Subscription Agreement, the Major Label Subscription Agreements or the Equity Financing Subscription Agreements, and except for all the existing Related Party Transactions as of the date of the Shareholders Agreement (each, an “ Excluded Related Party Transaction ”), (i) any Related Party Transaction that involves a transaction value in excess of RMB35,000,000 individually or RMB150,000,000 in the aggregate during any twelve (12)-month period shall be approved by at least 50% of the directors who are not interested in such Related Party Transaction before any Group Company may carry out or agree to carry out such Related Party Transaction; (ii) the Company shall provide a semi-annual written report to all directors of all the Related Party Transactions which the Company or other Group Companies entered into during the past six months (other than any Related Party Transaction approved pursuant to clause (i) as described above and any Excluded Related Party Transaction) setting out material terms and conditions of such Related Party Transactions in reasonable detail. A majority of the directors of the Company who are not interested in a Related Party Transaction (a) may request the management of the Company to provide any further information on such Related Party Transaction, (b) may oppose such Related Party Transaction (other than any Related Party Transaction approved pursuant to clause (i) as described above and any Excluded Related Party Transaction), and (c) shall have the right to give direction to the Company to terminate such Related Party Transaction if such non-interested directors determine in good faith and consistent with their fiduciary duties that such Related Party Transaction is not on arm’s length basis and is not in the best interest of the Company, upon receipt of which direction the Company shall, and the Members shall procure the Company to, take all necessary actions to terminate such Related Party Transaction.

BORROWING POWERS OF DIRECTORS

 

128.

The Directors may 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, or to otherwise provide for a security interest to be taken in such undertaking, property or uncalled capital, and to issue debentures, debenture stock and other securities whenever money is borrowed or as security for any debt, liability or obligation of the Company or of any third party.

 

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THE SEAL

 

129.

The Seal shall not be affixed to any instrument except by the authority of a resolution of the Directors provided always that such authority may be given prior to or after the affixing of the Seal and if given after may be in general form confirming a number of affixings of the Seal. The Seal shall be affixed in the presence of a Director or a Secretary (or an assistant Secretary) or in the presence of any one or more Persons as the Directors may appoint for the purpose and every Person as aforesaid shall sign every instrument to which the Seal is so affixed in their presence.

 

130.

The Company may maintain a facsimile of the Seal in such countries or places as the Directors may appoint and such facsimile Seal shall not be affixed to any instrument except by the authority of a resolution of the Directors provided always that such authority may be given prior to or after the affixing of such facsimile Seal and if given after may be in general form confirming a number of affixings of such facsimile Seal. The facsimile Seal shall be affixed in the presence of such Person or Persons as the Directors shall for this purpose appoint and such Person or Persons as aforesaid shall sign every instrument to which the facsimile Seal is so affixed in their presence and such affixing of the facsimile Seal and signing as aforesaid shall have the same meaning and effect as if the Seal had been affixed in the presence of and the instrument signed by a Director or a Secretary (or an assistant Secretary) or in the presence of any one or more Persons as the Directors may appoint for the purpose.

 

131.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Secretary or any assistant Secretary shall have the authority to affix the Seal, or the facsimile Seal, to any instrument for the purposes of attesting authenticity of the matter contained therein but which does not create any obligation binding on the Company.

REMOVAL AND DISQUALIFICATION OF DIRECTORS

 

132.

Any Member may from time to time remove any Director appointed by such Member by serving a ten (10) day advance notice to the Company.

 

133.

Subject to Articles 111, 112 and 132, the office of Director shall be vacated, if the Director:

 

  (a)

becomes bankrupt or makes any arrangement or composition with his creditors;

 

  (b)

dies or is found to be or becomes of unsound mind;

 

  (c)

resigns his office by notice in writing to the Company; or

 

  (d)

is removed from office pursuant to any other provision of these Articles.

PROCEEDINGS OF DIRECTORS

 

134.

The Directors may meet together (either within or outside the Cayman Islands) for the despatch of business, adjourn, and otherwise regulate their meetings and proceedings as they think fit. Questions arising at any meeting shall be decided by a majority of votes of the Directors present at the meeting. A Director may, and a Secretary or assistant Secretary on the requisition of a Director shall, at any time summon a meeting of the Directors. Notice of a Board meeting shall be given five calendar days prior to the meeting counting from the date service is deemed to take place as provided in these Articles. Notice of a Board meeting shall be deemed to be duly given to a Director if it is given to such Director verbally (including in person or by telephone) or otherwise communicated or sent to such Director by post, electronic means or other mode of representing words in a visible form at such Director’s last known address or in accordance with any other instructions given by such Director to the Company for this purpose.

 

135.

A Director may participate in any meeting of the Directors, or of any committee appointed by the Directors of which such Director is a member, by means of telephone or similar communication equipment by way of which all Persons participating in such meeting can communicate with each other and such participation shall be deemed to constitute presence in person at the meeting.

 

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136.

The quorum necessary for the transaction of the business of the Directors at a board meeting shall be seven (7) Directors; provided that if the quorum is not present within half an hour from the time appointed for such meeting, such meeting shall be adjourned to the fifth (5th) following calendar day at the same time and place (or to such other time or such other place as the directors may determine) and at such adjourned meeting, the quorum necessary for the transaction of the business of the Directors at such adjourned board meeting shall be five (5) Directors. If within half an hour from the time appointed for the adjourned meeting such quorum is not present, the meeting shall be dissolved. A Director represented by an alternate Director at any meeting shall be deemed to be present for the purposes of determining whether or not a quorum is present.

 

137.

A Director who is in any way, whether directly or indirectly, interested in a contract or proposed contract with the Company shall declare the nature of his interest at a meeting of the Directors. A general notice given to the Directors by any Director to the effect that he is to be regarded as interested in any contract or other arrangement which may thereafter be made with that company or firm shall be deemed a sufficient declaration of interest in regard to any contract so made. A Director may vote in respect of any contract or proposed contract or arrangement notwithstanding that he may be interested therein and if he does so his vote shall be counted and he may be counted in the quorum at any meeting of the Directors at which any such contract or proposed contract or arrangement shall come before the meeting for consideration.

 

138.

A Director may hold any other office or place of profit under the Company (other than the office of auditor) in conjunction with his office of Director for such period and on such terms (as to remuneration and otherwise) as the Directors may determine and no Director or intending Director shall be disqualified by his office from contracting with the Company either with regard to his tenure of any such other office or place of profit or as vendor, purchaser or otherwise, nor shall any such contract or arrangement entered into by or on behalf of the Company in which any Director is in any way interested, be liable to be avoided, nor shall any Director so contracting or being so interested be liable to account to the Company for any profit realised by any such contract or arrangement by reason of such Director holding that office or of the fiduciary relation thereby established. A Director, notwithstanding his interest, may be counted in the quorum present at any meeting of the Directors whereat he or any other Director is appointed to hold any such office or place of profit under the Company or whereat the terms of any such appointment are arranged and he may vote on any such appointment or arrangement.

 

139.

Any Director may act by himself or his firm in a professional capacity for the Company, and he or his firm shall be entitled to remuneration for professional services as if he were not a Director; provided that nothing herein contained shall authorise a Director or his firm to act as auditor to the Company.

 

140.

The Directors shall cause minutes to be made in books or loose-leaf folders provided for the purpose of recording:

 

  (a)

all appointments of Officers made by the Directors;

 

  (b)

the names of the Directors present at each meeting of the Directors and of any committee of the Directors; and

 

  (c)

all resolutions and proceedings at all meetings of the Company, and of the Directors and of committees of Directors.

 

141.

When the chairman of a meeting of the Directors signs the minutes of such meeting the same shall be deemed to have been duly held notwithstanding that all the Directors have not actually come together or that there may have been a technical defect in the proceedings.

 

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142.

A resolution in writing signed by all the Directors or all the members of a committee of Directors entitled to receive notice of a meeting of Directors or committee of Directors, as the case may be (an alternate Director, subject as provided otherwise in the terms of appointment of the alternate Director, being entitled to sign such a resolution on behalf of his appointer), shall be as valid and effectual as if it had been passed at a duly called and constituted meeting of Directors or committee of Directors, as the case may be. When signed a resolution may consist of several documents each signed by one or more of the Directors or his duly appointed alternate.

 

143.

The Chairman shall preside as chairman at every board meeting of the Company. If there is no such Chairman, or if at any meeting the Chairman is not present within fifteen minutes after the time appointed for holding the meeting, the Directors present may choose one of their number to be chairman of the meeting.

 

144.

Subject to any regulations imposed on it by the Directors, a committee appointed by the Directors may elect a chairman of its meetings. If no such chairman is elected, or if at any meeting the chairman is not present within fifteen minutes after the time appointed for holding the meeting, the committee members present may choose one of their number to be chairman of the meeting.

 

145.

A committee appointed by the Directors may meet and adjourn as it thinks proper. Subject to any regulations imposed on it by the Directors, questions arising at any meeting shall be determined by a majority of votes of the committee members present.

 

146.

All acts done by any meeting of the Directors or of a committee of Directors, 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 such 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.

DIVIDENDS

 

147.

Subject to any rights and restrictions for the time being attached to any Shares, or as otherwise provided for in the Companies Law and these Articles, the Directors may from time to time declare dividends (including interim dividends) and other distributions on Shares in issue and authorise payment of the same out of the funds of the Company lawfully available therefor.

 

148.

Subject to any rights and restrictions for the time being attached to any Shares and to Article 104, the Company by Ordinary Resolution may declare dividends, but no dividend shall exceed the amount recommended by the Directors.

 

149.

The Directors may determine, before recommending or declaring any dividend, to set aside out of the funds legally available for distribution such sums as they think proper as a reserve or reserves which shall be applicable for meeting contingencies, or for equalising dividends or for any other purpose to which those funds may be properly applied and pending such application may, at the determination of the Directors, either be employed in the business of the Company or be invested in such investments as the Directors may from time to time think fit.

 

150.

Any dividend may be paid in any manner as the Directors may determine. If paid by cheque it will be sent through the post to the registered address of the Member or Person entitled thereto, or in the case of joint holders, to any one of such joint holders at his registered address or to such Person and such address as the Member or Person entitled, or such joint holders as the case may be, may direct. Every such cheque shall be made payable to the order of the Person to whom it is sent or to the order of such other Person as the Member or Person entitled, or such joint holders as the case may be, may direct.

 

151.

The Directors when paying dividends to the Members in accordance with the foregoing provisions of these Articles may make such payment either in cash or in specie and may determine the extent to which amounts may be withheld therefrom (including, without limitation, any taxes, fees, expenses or other liabilities for which a Member (or the Company, as a result of any action or inaction of the Member) is liable).

 

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152.

Subject to any rights and restrictions for the time being attached to any Shares, all dividends shall be declared and paid according to the amounts paid up on the Shares, but if and for so long as nothing is paid up on any of the Shares dividends may be declared and paid according to the par value of the Shares.

 

153.

If several Persons are registered as joint holders of any Share, any of them may give effectual receipts for any dividend or other moneys payable on or in respect of the Share.

 

154.

No dividend shall bear interest against the Company.

ACCOUNTS, AUDIT AND ANNUAL RETURN AND DECLARATION

 

155.

The books of account relating to the Company’s affairs shall be kept in such manner as may be determined from time to time by the Directors.

 

156.

The books of account shall be kept at the Office, or at such other place or places as the Directors think fit, and shall always be open to the inspection of the Directors.

 

157.

The Directors may from time to time determine whether and to what extent and at what times and places and under what conditions or regulations the accounts and books of the Company or any of them shall be open to the inspection of Members not being Directors, and no Member (not being a Director) shall have any right of inspecting any account or book or document of the Company except as conferred by law or authorised by the Directors or by Ordinary Resolution.

 

158.

The accounts relating to the Company’s affairs shall only be audited if the Directors so determine, in which case the financial year end and the accounting principles will be determined by the Directors.

 

159.

The Directors in each year shall prepare, or cause to be prepared, an annual return and declaration setting forth the particulars required by the Companies Law and deliver a copy thereof to the Registrar of Companies in the Cayman Islands.

CAPITALISATION OF RESERVES

 

160.

Subject to the Companies Law and these Articles, the Directors may:

 

  (a)

resolve to capitalise an amount standing to the credit of reserves (including a Share Premium Account, capital redemption reserve and profit and loss account), whether or not available for distribution;

 

  (b)

appropriate the sum resolved to be capitalised to the Members in proportion to the nominal amount of Shares (whether or not fully paid) held by them respectively and apply that sum on their behalf in or towards:

 

  (i)

paying up the amounts (if any) for the time being unpaid on Shares held by them respectively, or

 

  (ii)

paying up in full unissued Shares or debentures of a nominal amount equal to that sum,

and allot the Shares or debentures, credited as fully paid, to the Members (or as they may direct) in those proportions, or partly in one way and partly in the other, but the Share Premium Account, the capital redemption reserve and profits which are not available for distribution may, for the purposes of this Article, only be applied in paying up unissued Shares to be allotted to Members credited as fully paid;

 

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  (c)

make any arrangements they think fit to resolve a difficulty arising in the distribution of a capitalised reserve and in particular, without limitation, where Shares or debentures become distributable in fractions the Directors may deal with the fractions as they think fit;

 

  (d)

authorise a Person to enter (on behalf of all the Members concerned) into an agreement with the Company providing for either:

 

  (i)

the allotment to the Members respectively, credited as fully paid, of Shares or debentures to which they may be entitled on the capitalisation, or

 

  (ii)

the payment by the Company on behalf of the Members (by the application of their respective proportions of the reserves resolved to be capitalised) of the amounts or part of the amounts remaining unpaid on their existing Shares,

and any such agreement made under this authority being effective and binding on all those Members; and

 

  (e)

generally do all acts and things required to give effect to any of the actions contemplated by this Article.

SHARE PREMIUM ACCOUNT

 

161.

The Directors shall in accordance with the Companies Law establish a 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.

 

162.

There shall be debited to any Share Premium Account on the redemption or purchase of a Share the difference between the nominal value of such Share and the redemption or purchase price provided always that at the determination of the Directors such sum may be paid out of the profits of the Company or, if permitted by the Companies Law, out of capital.

NOTICES

 

163.

Any notice or document may be served by the Company or by the Person entitled to give notice to any Member either personally, or by posting it airmail or air courier service in a prepaid letter addressed to such Member at his address as appearing in the Register, or by electronic mail to any electronic mail address such Member may have specified in writing for the purpose of such service of notices, or by facsimile should the Directors deem it appropriate. 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 in respect of the joint holding, and notice so given shall be sufficient notice to all the joint holders.

 

164.

Any Member present, either personally or by proxy, at any meeting of the Company shall for all purposes be deemed to have received due notice of such meeting and, where requisite, of the purposes for which such meeting was convened.

 

165.

Any notice or other document, if served by:

 

  (a)

post, shall be deemed to have been served five clear days after the time when the letter containing the same is posted;

 

37


Table of Contents
  (b)

facsimile, shall be deemed to have been served upon production by the transmitting facsimile machine of a report confirming transmission of the facsimile in full to the facsimile number of the recipient;

 

  (c)

recognised courier service, shall be deemed to have been served 48 hours after the time when the letter containing the same is delivered to the courier service; or

 

  (d)

electronic mail, shall be deemed to have been served immediately upon the time of the transmission by electronic mail.

 

  (e)

In proving service by post or courier service it shall be sufficient to prove that the letter containing the notice or documents was properly addressed and duly posted or delivered to the courier service.

 

166.

Any notice or document delivered or sent in accordance with the terms of these Articles shall notwithstanding that such Member be then dead or bankrupt, and whether or not the Company has notice of his death or bankruptcy, be deemed to have been duly served 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 of the notice or document, have been removed from the Register as the holder of the Share, and such service shall for all purposes be deemed a sufficient service of such notice or document on all Persons interested (whether jointly with or as claiming through or under him) in the Share.

 

167.

Notice of every general meeting of the Company shall be given to:

 

  (a)

all Members holding Shares with the right to receive notice and who have supplied to the Company an address for the giving of notices to them; and

 

  (b)

every Person entitled to a Share in consequence of the death or bankruptcy of a Member, who but for his death or bankruptcy would be entitled to receive notice of the meeting.

No other Person shall be entitled to receive notices of general meetings.

INDEMNITY

 

168.

Every Director (including for the purposes of this Article any alternate Director appointed pursuant to the provisions of these Articles), Secretary, assistant Secretary, or other Officer (but not including the Company’s auditors) and the personal representatives of the same (each an “ Indemnified Person ”) shall be indemnified and secured harmless against all actions, proceedings, costs, charges, expenses, losses, damages or liabilities incurred or sustained by such Indemnified Person, other than by reason of such Indemnified Person’s own dishonesty, wilful default or fraud as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction, in or about the conduct of the Company’s business or affairs (including as a result of any mistake of judgment) or in the execution or discharge of his duties, powers, authorities or discretions, including without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, any costs, expenses, losses or liabilities incurred by such Indemnified Person in defending (whether successfully or otherwise) any civil proceedings concerning the Company or its affairs in any court whether in the Cayman Islands or elsewhere.

 

169.

No Indemnified Person shall be liable:

 

  (a)

for the acts, receipts, neglects, defaults or omissions of any other Director or Officer or agent of the Company; or

 

  (b)

for any loss on account of defect of title to any property of the Company; or

 

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  (c)

on account of the insufficiency of any security in or upon which any money of the Company shall be invested; or

 

  (d)

for any loss incurred through any bank, broker or other similar Person; or

 

  (e)

for any loss occasioned by any negligence, default, breach of duty, breach of trust, error of judgement or oversight on such Indemnified Person’s part; or

 

  (f)

for any loss, damage or misfortune whatsoever which may happen in or arise from the execution or discharge of the duties, powers, authorities, or discretions of such Indemnified Person’s office or in relation thereto;

unless the same shall happen through such Indemnified Person’s own dishonesty, wilful default or fraud as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction.

NON-RECOGNITION OF TRUSTS

 

170.

Subject to the proviso hereto, no Person shall be recognised by the Company as holding any Share upon any trust and the Company shall not, unless required by law, 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 (except only as otherwise provided by these Articles or as the Companies Law requires) any other right in respect of any Share except an absolute right to the entirety thereof in each Member registered in the Register, provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall be entitled to recognise any such interests as shall be determined by the Directors.

WINDING UP

 

171.

If the Company shall be wound up the liquidator shall apply the assets of the Company in such manner and order as he thinks fit in satisfaction of creditors’ claims.

 

172.

If the Company shall be wound up, the liquidator may, with the sanction of a Special Resolution divide amongst the Members in specie or 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. The liquidator may, with the like sanction, vest the whole or any part of such assets in trustees upon such trusts for the benefit of the Members as the liquidator, with the like sanction shall think fit, but so that no Member shall be compelled to accept any assets whereon there is any liability.

AMENDMENT OF ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION

 

173.

Subject to the Companies Law and the rights attaching to the various Classes and subject to Article 104, the Company may at any time and from time to time by Special Resolution alter or amend these Articles in whole or in part.

CLOSING OF REGISTER OR FIXING RECORD DATE

 

174.

For the purpose of determining those Members that are entitled to receive notice of, attend or vote at any meeting of Members or any adjournment thereof, or those Members that are entitled to receive payment of any dividend, or in order to make a determination as to who is a Member for any other purpose, the Directors may provide that the Register shall be closed for transfers for a stated period which shall not exceed in any case 40 days. If the Register shall be so closed for the purpose of determining those Members that are entitled to receive notice of, attend or vote at a meeting of Members the Register shall be so closed for at least ten days immediately preceding such meeting and the record date for such determination shall be the date of the closure of the Register.

 

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175.

In lieu of or apart from closing the Register, the Directors may fix in advance a date as the record date for any such determination of those Members that are entitled to receive notice of, attend or vote at a meeting of the Members and for the purpose of determining those Members that are entitled to receive payment of any dividend the Directors may, at or within 90 days prior to the date of declaration of such dividend, fix a subsequent date as the record date for such determination.

 

176.

If the Register is not so closed and no record date is fixed for the determination of those Members entitled to receive notice of, attend or vote at a meeting of Members or those Members that are entitled to receive payment of a dividend, the date on which notice of the meeting is posted or the date on which the resolution of the Directors declaring such dividend is adopted, as the case may be, shall be the record date for such determination of Members. When a determination of those Members that are entitled to receive notice of, attend or vote at a meeting of Members has been made as provided in this Article, such determination shall apply to any adjournment thereof.

REGISTRATION BY WAY OF CONTINUATION

 

177.

The Company may by Special Resolution resolve to be registered by way of continuation in a jurisdiction outside the Cayman Islands or such other jurisdiction in which it is for the time being incorporated, registered or existing. In furtherance of a resolution adopted pursuant to this Article, the Directors may cause an application to be made to the Registrar of Companies to deregister the Company in the Cayman Islands or such other jurisdiction in which it is for the time being incorporated, registered or existing and may cause all such further steps as they consider appropriate to be taken to effect the transfer by way of continuation of the Company.

MERGERS AND CONSOLIDATION

 

178.

The Company may merge or consolidate in accordance with the Companies Law and these Articles.

 

179.

Subject to Articles 104 and 105, to the extent required by the Companies Law, the Company may by Special Resolution resolve to merge or consolidate the Company.

DISCLOSURE

 

180.

The Directors, or any authorised service providers (including the Officers, the Secretary and the registered office agent of the Company), shall be entitled to disclose to any regulatory or judicial authority, or to any stock exchange on which the Shares may from time to time be listed, any information regarding the affairs of the Company including, without limitation, information contained in the Register and books of the Company.

 

40

Exhibit 3.2

THE COMPANIES LAW (2018 REVISION)

OF THE CAYMAN ISLANDS

COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES

SIXTH AMENDED AND RESTATED

MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES

OF

ASSOCIATION

OF

 

 

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP (腾讯音乐娱乐集团)

 

 

(Adopted pursuant to a special resolution passed on September 4, 2018, and effective immediately prior to the completion of the Company’s initial public offering of ADSs representing its Class A Ordinary Shares)


THE COMPANIES LAW (2018 REVISION)

OF THE CAYMAN ISLANDS

COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES

SIXTH AMENDED AND RESTATED

MEMORANDUM OF ASSOCIATION

OF

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP (腾讯音乐娱乐集团)

(Adopted pursuant to a special resolution passed on September 4, 2018, and effective immediately prior to the completion of the Company’s initial public offering of ADSs representing its Class A Ordinary Shares)

 

1.

The name of the Company is Tencent Music Entertainment Group (腾讯音乐娱乐集团).

 

2.

The registered office of the Company shall be at the offices of Walkers Corporate Limited, Cayman Corporate Centre, 27 Hospital Road, George Town, Grand Cayman KY1-9008, Cayman Islands or at such other location as the Directors may from time to time determine.

 

3.

The objects for which the Company is established are unrestricted and the Company shall have full power and authority to carry out any object not prohibited by the Companies Law (2018 Revision) or as the same may be revised from time to time, or any other law of the Cayman Islands.

 

4.

The liability of each Member is limited to the amount from time to time unpaid on such Member’s Shares.

 

5.

The authorized share capital of the Company is US$3,984,000 divided into 48,000,000,000 shares of par value of US$0.000083 each; comprising (a) 4,800,000,000 Class A Ordinary Shares of par value of US$0.000083 each; (b) 4,800,000,000 Class B Ordinary Shares of par value of US$0.000083 each; and (c) 38,400,000,000 shares of US$0.000083 each of such Class or Classes (however designated) as the Board may determine in accordance with these Articles. Subject to the Statute and these Articles, the Company shall have power to redeem or purchase any of its Shares and to increase or reduce its authorized share capital and to sub-divide or consolidate the said Shares or any of them and to issue all or any part of its capital whether original, redeemed, increased or reduced with or without any preference, priority, special privilege or other rights or subject to any postponement of rights or to any conditions or restrictions whatsoever and so that unless the conditions of issue shall otherwise expressly provide every issue of shares whether stated to be ordinary, preference or otherwise shall be subject to the powers on the part of the Company hereinbefore provided.

 

2


6.

The Company has power to register by way of continuation as a body corporate limited by shares under the laws of any jurisdiction outside the Cayman Islands and to be deregistered in the Cayman Islands.

 

7.

Capitalized terms that are not defined in this Memorandum of Association bear the same meaning as those given in the Articles of Association of the Company.

 

3


THE COMPANIES LAW (2018 REVISION)

OF THE CAYMAN ISLANDS

COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES

SIXTH AMENDED AND RESTATED

ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION

OF

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP (腾讯音乐娱乐集团)

(Adopted pursuant to a special resolution passed on September 4, 2018, and effective immediately prior to the completion of the Company’s initial public offering of ADSs representing its Class A Ordinary Shares)

INTERPRETATION

 

1.

In these Articles Table A in the First Schedule to the Statute does not apply and, unless there is something in the subject or context inconsistent therewith:

 

“ADS”    means an American Depositary Share representing the Company’s Class A Ordinary Shares;
“Affiliate”    (i) with respect to a person that is a natural person, such person’s relatives and any other person (other than natural persons) directly or indirectly Controlled by such person, and (ii) with respect to a person that is not a natural person, as person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls, or is Controlled by, or is under common Control with, such person. For the purposes of this definition, “relative” of a person means such person’s spouse, parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, sibling, uncle, aunt, nephew, niece or great-grandparent or the spouse of such person’s child, grandchild, sibling, uncle, aunt, nephew or niece. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for purposes of these Articles, no Member shall be deemed an Affiliate of any other Member solely by reason of the existence of any rights or obligations under these Articles or holding of the Company Securities by such Member and any other Member;

 

1


“Articles”    means these articles of association of the Company, as amended and altered from time to time by Special Resolutions;
“Audit Committee”    means the audit committee of the Company formed by the Board pursuant to Article 138 hereof, or any successor audit committee;
“Auditor”    means the person for the time being performing the duties of auditor of the Company (if any);
“Board”    means the board of directors of the Company;
“Business Day”    means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banking institutions in Hong Kong, New York, Singapore, the Cayman Islands or the PRC are authorized or required by Law or executive order to close;
“Chairman”    means the chairman of the Board;
“Class” or “Classes”    means any class or classes of Shares as may from time to time be issued by the Company;
“Class A Ordinary Share”    a class A ordinary share of par value US$0.000083 each in the share capital of the Company having the rights set out in these Articles;
“Class B Ordinary Share”    a class B ordinary share of par value US$0.000083 each in the share capital of the Company having the rights set out in these Articles;
“Commission”    means the Securities and Exchange Commission of the United States of America or any other federal agency for the time being administering the Securities Act;
“Company”    means Tencent Music Entertainment Group (腾讯音乐娱乐集团), a Cayman Islands exempted company;
“Company Securities”    means any share, share capital, registered capital, ownership interest, partnership interest, equity interest, joint venture or other ownership interest of the Company, or any option, warrant, or right to subscribe for, acquire or purchase any of the foregoing, or any other security or instrument convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for any of the foregoing, or any equity appreciation, phantom equity, equity plan or similar right with respect to the Company, or any contract of any kind for the purchase or acquisition from the Company of any of the foregoing, either directly or indirectly;

 

2


“Company’s Website”    means the main corporate/investor relations website of the Company, the address or domain name of which has been disclosed in any registration statement filed by the Company in connection or which has otherwise been notified to Members;
“Control”    means, as used with respect to any Person, the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; the terms “Controlled by” and “under common Control with” shall have correlative meanings;
“Designated Stock Exchange”    means the stock exchange in the United States on which any Shares or ADSs are listed for trading;
“Designated Stock Exchange Rules”    means the relevant code, rules and regulations, as amended, from time to time, applicable as a result of the original and continued listing of any Shares or ADSs on the Designated Stock Exchange;
“Directors”    means the directors for the time being of the Company;
“Electronic Transactions Law”    means the Electronic Transactions Law (2003 Revision) of the Cayman Islands and any statutory amendment or re-enactment thereof;
“Group Companies”    means the Company and the entities whose financial results are consolidated with those of the Company in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board;
“Government Authority”    means any nation or government or any province or state or any other political subdivision thereof, or any entity, authority or body exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of or pertaining to government, including any government authority, agency, department, board, commission or instrumentality or any political subdivision thereof, any court, tribunal or arbitrator, and any self-regulatory organization or national or international stock exchange on which the securities of the applicable Party or its Affiliates are listed;

 

3


“Law”    means any law, rule, constitution, code, ordinance, statute, treaty, decree, regulation, common law, order, official policy, circular, provision, administrative order, interpretation, injunction, judgment, ruling, assessment, writ or other legislative measure, in each case of any governmental authority;
“Lien”    means any encumbrance, right, interest or restriction, including any mortgage, judgment lien, materialman’s lien, mechanic’s lien, other lien (statutory or otherwise), charge, security interest, pledge, hypothecation, encroachment, easement, title defect, title retention agreement, voting trust agreement, right of pre-emption, right of first refusal, claim, option, limitation, forfeiture, penalty, equity, adverse interest or other third party right or security interest of any kind or an agreement, arrangement or obligation to create any of the foregoing;
“Member”    has the same meaning as in the Statute;
“Memorandum”    means the memorandum of association of the Company or as amended and altered from time to time by Special Resolutions;
“Officers”    means the officers for the time being and from time to time of the Company;
“Ordinary Resolution”    means a resolution passed by a simple majority of the votes cast by the Members as, being entitled to do so, vote in person or, where proxies are allowed, by proxy at a general meeting, and includes a unanimous written resolution. In computing the majority when a poll is demanded regard shall be had to the number of votes to which each Member is entitled by these Articles;

 

4


“Ordinary Shares”    means the Class A Ordinary Shares and the Class B Ordinary Shares, collectively;
“Person”    means any natural person, firm, company, joint venture, partnership, corporation, association or other entity (whether or not having a separate legal personality) or any of them as the context so requires, other than in respect of a Director or Officer in which circumstances Person shall mean any person or entity permitted to act as such in accordance with the laws of the Cayman Islands;
“PRC”    means the People’s Republic of China, excluding, for purposes of these Articles, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan;
“Register of Members”    means the register maintained in accordance with the Statute and includes (except where otherwise stated) any duplicate Register of Members;
“Registered Office”    means the registered office for the time being of the Company;
“Seal”    means the common seal of the Company and includes every duplicate seal;
“Securities Act”    means the Securities Act of 1933 of the United States of America, as amended, or any similar federal statute and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder, all as the same shall be in effect at the time;
“Secretary”    means any Person appointed by the Directors to perform any of the duties of the secretary of the Company;
“Share” and “Shares”    means a share in the capital of the Company, and includes an Ordinary Share. All references to “Shares” herein shall be deemed to be Shares of any or all Classes as the context may require. For the avoidance of doubt, in these Articles the expression “Share” shall include a fraction of a Share;
“Share Premium Account”    means the share premium account established in accordance with these Articles and the Statute;

 

5


“Special Resolution”    has the same meaning as in the Statute, and includes a unanimous written resolution;
“Subsidiary”    means, with respect to any given Person, any Person of which the given Person directly or indirectly Controls;
“Statute”    means the Companies Law (2018 Revision) of the Cayman Islands, as amended;
“Tencent”    means Min River Investment Limited, a company incorporated under the laws of the British Virgin Islands, and its Affiliates;
“US$”    means the lawful money of the United States of America; and
“United States”    means the United States of America, its territories, its possessions and all areas subject to its jurisdiction.

 

2.

In these Articles:

 

  2.1.

words importing the singular number include the plural number and vice versa;

 

  2.2.

words importing the masculine gender include the feminine gender;

 

  2.3.

words importing persons include corporations;

 

  2.4.

references to provisions of any law or regulation shall be construed as references to those provisions as amended, modified, re-enacted or replaced from time to time;

 

  2.5.

the word “including” or any variation thereof means (unless the context of its usage otherwise requires) “including, without limitation” and shall not be construed to limit any general statement that it follows to the specific or similar items or matters immediately following it;

 

  2.6.

when calculating the period of time before which, within which or following which any act is to be done or step taken pursuant to these Articles, the date that is the reference date in calculating such period shall be excluded;

 

  2.7.

references to “writing,” “written” and comparable expressions include any mode of reproducing words in a legible and nontransitory form including emails and faxes, provided the sender complies with the provision of Article 166;

 

6


  2.8.

if any payment hereunder would have been, but for this Article, due and payable on a date that is not a Business Day, then such payment shall instead be due and payable on the first Business Day after such date;

 

  2.9.

headings are inserted for reference only and shall be ignored in construing these Articles; and

 

  2.10.

Sections 8 and 19(3) of the Electronic Transactions Law shall not apply.

SHARE CAPITAL

 

1.

The authorized share capital of the Company is US$3,984,000 divided into 48,000,000,000 shares of par value of US$0.000083 each; comprising (a) 4,800,000,000 Class A Ordinary Shares of par value of US$0.000083 each; (b) 4,800,000,000 Class B Ordinary Shares of par value of US$0.000083 each; and (c) 38,400,000,000 shares of US$0.000083 each of such Class or Classes (however designated) as the Board may determine in accordance with these Articles.

 

2.

Subject to the Statute, the Memorandum and these Articles and, where applicable, Designated Stock Exchange Rules and/or the rules of 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.

SHARES

 

3.

Subject to the Law, these Articles and, where applicable, the Designated Stock Exchange Rules (and to any direction that may be given by the Company in general meeting) and without prejudice to any rights attached to any existing Shares, the Directors may in their absolute discretion and without the approval of the Members, cause the Company to:

 

  (a).

allot, issue, grant options over or otherwise dispose of Shares (including fractions of a Share) with or without preferred, deferred or other rights or restrictions, whether in regard to dividend, voting, return of capital or otherwise and to such persons, to Such Persons, at such times and on such other terms as they think proper;

 

  (b).

grant rights over Shares or other securities to be issued in one or more classes or series as they deem necessary or appropriate and determine the designations, powers, preferences, privileges and other rights attaching to such Shares or securities, including dividend rights, voting rights, conversion rights, terms of redemption and liquidation preferences, any or all of which may be greater than the powers, preferences, privileges and rights associated with the then issued and outstanding Shares, at such times and on such other terms as they think proper; and

 

  (c).

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.

 

7


4.

The Directors may authorise the division of Shares into any number of Classes and the different Classes shall be authorized, established and designated (or re-designated as the case may be) and the variations in the relative rights (including, without limitation, voting, dividend and redemption rights), restrictions, preferences, privileges and payment obligations as between the different Classes (if any) may be fixed and determined by the Directors or by a Special Resolution. The Directors may issue from time to time, out of the authorized share capital of the Company, preferred shares with such preferred or other rights, all or any of which may be greater than the rights of Ordinary Shares, at such time and on such terms as they may think appropriate in their absolute discretion and without approval of the Members; provided, however, before any preferred shares of any such series are issued, the Directors may by resolution of Directors determine, with respect to any series of preferred shares, the terms and rights of that series, including:

 

  (a).

the designation of such series, the number of preferred shares to constitute such series and the subscription price thereof if different from the par value thereof;

 

  (b).

whether the preferred shares of such series shall have voting rights, in addition to any voting rights provided by law, and, if so, the terms of such voting rights, which may be general or limited;

 

  (c).

the dividends, if any, payable on such series, whether any such dividends shall be cumulative, and, if so, from what dates, the conditions and dates upon which such dividends shall be payable, and the preference or relation which such dividends shall bear to the dividends payable on any shares of any other class or any other series of shares;

 

  (d).

whether the preferred shares of such series shall be subject to redemption by the Company, and, if so, the times, prices and other conditions of such redemption;

 

  (e).

whether the preferred shares of such series shall have any rights to receive any part of the assets available for distribution amongst the Members upon the liquidation of the Company, and, if so, the terms of such liquidation preference, and the relation which such liquidation preference shall bear to the entitlements of the holders of shares of any other class or any other series of shares;

 

  (f).

whether the preferred shares of such series shall be subject to the operation of a retirement or sinking fund and, if so, the extent to and manner in which any such retirement or sinking fund shall be applied to the purchase or redemption of the preferred shares of such series for retirement or other corporate purposes and the terms and provisions relative to the operation thereof;

 

  (g).

whether the preferred shares of such series shall be convertible into, or exchangeable for, shares of any other class or any other series of preferred shares or any other securities and, if so, the price or prices or the rate or rates of conversion or exchange and the method, if any, of adjusting the same, and any other terms and conditions of conversion or exchange;

 

8


  (h).

the limitations and restrictions, if any, to be effective while any preferred shares of such series are outstanding upon the payment of dividends or the making of other distributions on, and upon the purchase, redemption or other acquisition by the Company of, the existing shares or shares of any other class of shares or any other series of preferred shares;

 

  (i).

the conditions or restrictions, if any, upon the creation of indebtedness of the Company or upon the issue of any additional shares, including additional shares of such series or of any other class of shares or any other series of preferred shares; and

 

  (j).

any other powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional and other special rights, and any qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof;

and, for such purposes, the Directors may reserve an appropriate number of Shares for the time being unissued.

 

5.

Neither the Company nor the Board shall be obliged, when making or granting any allotment of, offer of, option over or disposal of shares, to make, or make available, any such allotment, offer, option or shares to Members or others with registered addresses in any particular territory or territories being a territory or territories where, in the absence of a registration statement or other special formalities, this would or might, in the opinion of the Board, be unlawful or impracticable. Members affected as a result of the foregoing sentence shall not be, or be deemed to be, a separate class of members for any purpose whatsoever. Except as otherwise expressly provided in the resolution or resolutions providing for the establishment of any class or series of preferred shares, no vote of the holders of preferred shares of or ordinary shares shall be a prerequisite to the issuance of any shares of any class or series of the preferred shares authorized by and complying with the conditions of the Memorandum and these Articles.

 

6.

The Company shall not issue Shares to bearer.

 

7.

The Company may in connection with the issue of any shares exercise all powers of paying commissions and brokerage conferred or permitted by the Law. Such commissions and brokerage may be satisfied by the payment of cash or the lodgement of fully or partly paid-up Shares or partly in one way and partly in the other.

 

8.

The Directors may refuse to accept any application for Shares, and may accept any application in whole or in part, for any reason or for no reason.

FRACTIONAL SHARES

 

9.

The Directors may issue fractions of a Share and, if so issued, a fraction of a Share shall be subject to and carry the corresponding fraction of liabilities (whether with respect to nominal or par value, premium, contributions, calls or otherwise), limitations, preferences, privileges, qualifications, restrictions, rights (including, without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, voting and participation rights) and other attributes of a whole Share. If more than one fraction of a Share of the same Class is issued to or acquired by the same Member such fractions shall be accumulated.

 

9


REGISTER OF MEMBERS

 

10.

The Company shall maintain or cause to be maintained the Register of Members in accordance with the Statute.

CLOSING REGISTER OF MEMBERS OR FIXING RECORD DATE

 

11.

For the purpose of determining Members entitled to notice of, or to vote at any meeting of Members or any adjournment thereof, or Members entitled to receive payment of any dividend, or in order to make a determination of Members for any other purpose, the Directors may provide that the Register of Members shall be closed for transfers for a stated period which shall not in any case exceed forty (40) calendar days. If the Register of Members shall be closed for the purpose of determining Members entitled to notice of, or to vote at, a meeting of Members, the Register of Members shall be closed for at least ten (10) calendar days immediately preceding the meeting and the record date for such determination shall be the date of closure of the Register of Members.

 

12.

In lieu of, or apart from, closing the Register of Members, the Directors may fix in advance or arrears a date as the record date for any such determination of Members entitled to notice of, or to vote at any meeting of the Members or any adjournment thereof, or for the purpose of determining the Members entitled to receive payment of any dividend or in order to make a determination of Members for any other purpose.

 

13.

If the Register of Members is not so closed and no record date is fixed for the determination of Members entitled to notice of, or to vote at, a meeting of Members or Members entitled to receive payment of a dividend, the date on which notice of the meeting is sent or the date on which the resolution of the Directors declaring such dividend is adopted, as the case may be, shall be the record date for such determination of Members. When a determination of Members entitled to vote at any meeting of Members has been made as provided in this Article, such determination shall apply to any adjournment thereof.

SHARE CERTIFICATES

 

14.

A Member shall only be entitled to a share certificate if the Directors resolve that share certificates shall be issued. Share certificates representing Shares, if any, shall be in such form as the Directors may determine. Share certificates shall be signed by one or more Directors or other person authorized by the Directors. The Directors may authorize certificates to be issued with the authorized signature(s) affixed by mechanical process. All certificates for Shares shall be consecutively numbered or otherwise identified and shall specify the Shares to which they relate. All certificates surrendered to the Company for transfer shall be cancelled and, subject to these Articles, no new certificate shall be issued until the former certificate representing a like number of relevant Shares shall have been surrendered and cancelled.

 

15.

No certificate shall be issued representing shares of more than one class.

 

16.

The Company shall not be bound to issue more than one certificate for Shares held jointly by more than one person and delivery of a certificate to one joint holder shall be a sufficient delivery to all of them. In the event that Shares are held jointly by several persons, any request may be made by any one of the joint holders and if so made shall be binding on all of the joint holders.

 

10


17.

Every share certificate of the Company shall bear legends required under the applicable laws, including the Securities Act.

 

18.

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.

 

19.

(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.

 

20.

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, subject to delivery up of the old certificate or (if alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed) compliance with such conditions as to evidence and indemnity and the payment of out-of-pocket expenses of the Company in connection with the request as the Directors may think fit.

REDEMPTION

 

21.

Subject to the provisions of the Statute and these Articles, the Directors may:

 

  (a).

issue Shares that are to be redeemed or are liable to be redeemed at the option of the Member or the Company. The redemption of Shares shall be effected in such manner and upon such terms as may be determined, before the issue of such Shares, by the Board;

 

  (b).

purchase its own Shares (including any redeemable Shares) in such manner and upon such terms as have been approved by the Board, or are otherwise authorized by these Articles; and

 

  (c).

make a payment in respect of the redemption or purchase of its own Shares in any manner permitted by the Statute, including out of capital.

 

22.

The purchase of any Share shall not oblige the Company to purchase any other Share other than as may be required pursuant to applicable law and any other contractual obligations of the Company.

 

11


23.

The holder of the Shares being purchased shall be bound to deliver up to the Company the certificate(s) (if any) thereof for cancellation and thereupon the Company shall pay to him the purchase or redemption monies or consideration in respect thereof.

 

24.

The Directors may accept the surrender for no consideration of any fully paid Share.

TREASURY SHARES

 

25.

The Directors may, prior to the purchase, redemption or surrender of any Share, determine that such Share shall be held as a Treasury Share. The Directors may determine to cancel a Treasury Share or transfer a Treasury Share on such terms as they think proper (including, without limitation, for nil consideration).

NON RECOGNITION OF TRUSTS

 

26.

The Company shall not be bound by or compelled to recognize in any way (even when notified) any equitable, contingent, future or partial interest in any Share, or (except only as is otherwise provided by these Articles or the Statute) any other rights in respect of any Share other than an absolute right to the entirety thereof in the registered holder.

LIEN

 

27.

The Company has a first and paramount lien on every Share (whether or not fully paid) for all amounts (whether presently payable or not) payable at a fixed time or called in respect of that Share. The Company also has a first and paramount lien on every Share (whether or not fully paid) registered in the name of a Person indebted or under liability to the Company (whether he is the sole registered holder of a Share or one of two or more joint holders) for all amounts owing by him or his estate to the Company (whether or not presently payable). The Directors may at any time declare a Share to be wholly or in part exempt from the provisions of this Article. The Company’s lien on a Share extends to any amount payable in respect of it, including but not limited to dividends.

 

28.

The Company may sell, in such manner as the Directors may determine, any Share on which the Company has a lien, but no sale shall be made unless an amount in respect of which the lien exists is presently payable nor until the expiration of fourteen (14) calendar days after a notice in writing, demanding payment of such part of the amount in respect of which the lien exists as is presently payable, has been given to the registered holder for the time being of the Share, or the Persons entitled thereto by reason of his death or bankruptcy.

 

29.

For giving effect to any such sale the Directors may authorise a Person to transfer the Shares sold to the purchaser thereof. The purchaser shall be registered as the holder of the Shares comprised in any such transfer 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 in reference to the sale.

 

30.

The proceeds of the sale after deduction of expenses, fees and commission incurred by the Company shall be received by the Company and applied in payment of such part of the amount in respect of which the lien exists as is presently payable, and the residue shall (subject to a like lien for sums not presently payable as existed upon the Shares prior to the sale) be paid to the Person entitled to the Shares immediately prior to the sale.

 

12


CALLS ON SHARES

 

31.

The Directors may from time to time make calls upon the Members in respect of any moneys unpaid on their Shares, and each Member shall (subject to receiving at least fourteen (14) calendar days’ notice specifying the time or times of payment) pay to the Company at the time or times so specified the amount called on such Shares. A call shall be deemed to have been made at the time when the resolution of the Directors authorising such call was passed.

 

32.

The joint holders of a Share shall be jointly and severally liable to pay calls in respect thereof.

 

33.

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 upon the sum at the rate of eight percent per annum from the day appointed for the payment thereof to the time of the actual payment, but the Directors shall be at liberty to waive payment of that interest wholly or in part.

 

34.

The provisions of these Articles as to the liability of joint holders and as to payment of interest 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 amount of the Share, or by way of premium, as if the same had become payable by virtue of a call duly made and notified.

 

35.

The Directors may make arrangements with respect to the issue of partly paid Shares for a difference between the Members, or the particular Shares, in the amount of calls to be paid and in the times of payment.

 

36.

The Directors may, if they think fit, receive from any Member willing to advance the same all or any part of the moneys uncalled and unpaid upon any partly paid Shares held by him, and upon all or any of the moneys so advanced may (until the same would, but for such advance, become presently payable) pay interest at such rate (not exceeding without the sanction of an Ordinary Resolution, eight percent per annum) as may be agreed upon between the Member paying the sum in advance and the Directors.

FORFEITURE OF SHARES

 

37.

If a Member fails to pay any call or instalment of a call in respect of any Shares on the day appointed for payment, the Directors may, at any time thereafter during such time as any part of such call or instalment remains unpaid, serve a notice on him requiring payment of so much of the call or instalment as is unpaid, together with any interest which may have accrued.

 

38.

The notice shall name a further day (not earlier than the expiration of fourteen (14) calendar days from the date of the notice) on or before which the payment required by the notice is to be made, and shall state that in the event of non-payment at or before the time appointed the Shares in respect of which the call was made will be liable to be forfeited.

 

13


39.

If the requirements of any such notice as aforesaid are not complied with, any Share in respect of which the notice has been given may at any time thereafter, before the payment required by notice has been made, be forfeited by a resolution of the Directors to that effect.

 

40.

A forfeited Share may be sold or otherwise disposed of on such terms and in such manner as the Directors think fit, and at any time before a sale or disposition the forfeiture may be cancelled on such terms as the Directors think fit.

 

41.

A Person whose Shares have been forfeited shall cease to be a Member in respect of the forfeited Shares, but shall, notwithstanding, remain liable to pay to the Company all moneys which at the date of forfeiture were payable by him to the Company in respect of the Shares forfeited, but his liability shall cease if and when the Company receives payment in full of the amount unpaid on the Shares forfeited.

 

42.

A statutory declaration in writing that the declarant is a Director, and that a Share has been duly forfeited on a date stated in the declaration, shall be conclusive evidence of the facts in the declaration as against all Persons claiming to be entitled to the Share.

 

43.

The Company may receive the consideration, if any, given for a Share on any sale or disposition thereof pursuant to the provisions of these Articles as to forfeiture and may execute a transfer of the Share in favour of the Person to whom the Share is sold or disposed of and that Person shall be registered as the holder of the Share, and shall not be bound to see to the application of the purchase money, if any, nor shall his title to the Shares be affected by any irregularity or invalidity in the proceedings in reference to the disposition or sale.

 

44.

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 due and payable, whether on account of the amount of the Share, or by way of premium, as if the same had been payable by virtue of a call duly made and notified.

TRANSFER OF SHARES

 

45.

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 a central depository 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.

 

46.

The instrument of transfer of any Share shall be in writing and in any usual or common form or such other form as the Directors may, in their absolute discretion, approve and be executed by or on behalf of the transferor and if in respect of a nil or partly paid up Share, or if so required by the Directors, shall also be executed on behalf of the transferee and shall be accompanied by the certificate (if any) of the Shares to which it relates and such other evidence as the Directors may reasonably require to show the right of the transferor to make the transfer. The transferor shall be deemed to remain a Member until the name of the transferee is entered in the Register of Members in respect of the relevant Shares.

 

14


47.

The Board may, in its absolute discretion, and without giving any reason therefor, refuse to register a transfer of any share to a person of whom it does not approve, including any share issued under any share incentive scheme upon which a restriction on transfer imposed thereby still subsists.

 

48.

The Directors may in their absolute discretion decline to register any transfer of Shares which is not fully paid up or on which the Company has a lien. The Directors may also decline to register any transfer of any Share unless:

 

  (a).

the instrument of transfer is lodged with the Company, accompanied by the certificate for the Shares to which it relates and such other evidence as the Board may reasonably require to show the right of the transferor to make the transfer;

 

  (b).

the instrument of transfer is in respect of only one Class of Shares;

 

  (c).

the instrument of transfer is properly stamped, if required;

 

  (d).

in the case of a transfer to joint holders, the number of joint holders to whom the Share is to be transferred does not exceed four; and

 

  (e).

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.

 

49.

The registration of transfers may, after compliance with any notice required by the Designated Stock Exchange Rules, be suspended and the Register of Members closed at such times and for such periods as the Directors may, in their absolute discretion, from time to time determine, provided always that such registration of transfer shall not be suspended nor the Register of Members closed for more than thirty (30) calendar days in any calendar year.

 

50.

All instruments of transfer that are registered shall be retained by the Company. If the Directors refuse to register a transfer of any Shares, they shall within two calendar months after the date on which the instrument of transfer was lodged with the Company send notice of the refusal to each of the transferor and the transferee.

TRANSMISSION OF SHARES

 

51.

If a Member dies, the survivor or survivors where he was a joint holder, and his legal personal representatives where he was a sole holder, shall be the only persons recognized by the Company as having any title to his interest. The estate of a deceased Member is not thereby released from any liability in respect of any Share, which had been jointly held by him. Any person becoming entitled to a Share in consequence of the death or bankruptcy or liquidation or dissolution of a Member (or in any other way than by transfer) may, upon such evidence being produced as may from time to time be required by the Directors, elect either to become the holder of the Share or to have some person nominated by him as the transferee. If he elects to become the holder, he shall give notice to the Company to that effect, but the Directors shall, in either case, have the same right to decline or suspend registration as they would have had in the case of a transfer of the Share by that Member before the death or bankruptcy or liquidation or dissolution of that Member, as the case may be.

 

15


52.

If the person so becoming entitled shall elect to be registered himself as holder, he shall deliver or send to the Company a notice in writing signed by him stating that he so elects.

 

53.

A person becoming entitled to a Share by reason of the death or bankruptcy or liquidation or dissolution of a Member (or in any other case than by transfer) 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, he shall not, before being registered as a Member in respect of the Share, be entitled in respect of it to exercise any right conferred by membership in relation to meetings of the Company and the Directors may at any time give notice requiring any such person to elect either to be registered himself or to have some other person nominated by him become the holder of the Share (but the Directors shall, in either case, have the same right to decline or suspend registration as they would have had in the case of a transfer of the Share by the relevant Member before the death or bankruptcy or liquidation or dissolution of such Member or in any other case than by transfer, as the case may be). If the notice is not complied with within ninety (90) calendar days, the Directors may thereafter withhold payment of all dividends, bonuses or other monies payable in respect of the Share until the requirements of the notice have been complied with.

AMENDMENTS OF MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION AND ALTERATION OF CAPITAL

 

54.

Subject to the provisions of the Statute and the provisions of these Articles, the Company may from time to time by Ordinary Resolution:

 

  (a).

increase the share capital by such sum, to be divided into Shares of such Classes and amount, as the resolution shall prescribe and with such rights, priorities and privileges annexed thereto, as the Company in general meeting may determine;

 

  (b).

consolidate and divide all or any of its share capital into Shares of larger amount than its existing Shares;

 

  (c).

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 as, in the absence of any such determination by the Company in general meeting, the Directors may determine, provided always that, for the avoidance of doubt, where a Class of Shares has been authorized by the Company, no resolution of the Company in general meeting is required for the issuance of Shares of that Class and the Directors may issue Shares of that Class and determine such rights, privileges, conditions or restrictions attaching thereto as aforesaid, and further provided that where the Company issues shares which do not carry voting rights, the words “non-voting” shall appear in the designation of such Shares and where the equity capital includes shares with different voting rights, the designation of each Class of Shares, other than those with the most favorable voting rights, must include the words “restricted voting” or “limited voting”;

 

16


  (d).

subdivide its Shares, or any of them, into Shares of smaller amount than is fixed by the Memorandum or into Shares without par value (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; and

 

  (e).

cancel any Shares that 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.

 

55.

All new Shares created in accordance with the provisions of the preceding Article shall be subject to the same provisions of the Articles with reference to the payment of calls, Liens, transfer, transmission, forfeiture and otherwise as the Shares in the original share capital. The Board may settle as they consider expedient any difficulty which arises in relation to any consolidation and division under the 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.

 

56.

Subject to the provisions of the Statute and the provisions of these Articles, the Company may from time to time by Special Resolution:

 

  (a).

change its name;

 

  (b).

alter, amend or add to these Articles;

 

  (c).

alter or add to the Memorandum with respect to any objects, powers or other matters specified therein; and

 

  (d).

reduce its share capital and any capital redemption reserve fund in any manner authorized by Law.

SHARE RIGHTS

 

57.

Subject to the provisions of applicable Law, Designated Stock Exchange Rules, the Memorandum and these Articles and to any special rights conferred on the holders of any Shares or class of Shares, 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.

 

17


58.

Subject to the provisions of applicable Law and these Articles, any preferred shares may be issued or converted into shares that, at a determinable date or at the option of the Company or the holder if so authorized by the Memorandum, are liable to be redeemed on such terms and in such manner as the Directors before the issue or conversion may 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 Law.

 

59.

The rights and restrictions attaching to the Ordinary Shares are as follows:

 

  (a).

Income

Holders of Ordinary Shares shall be entitled to such dividends as the Directors may in their absolute discretion lawfully declare from time to time.

 

  (b).

Capital

Holders of Ordinary Shares shall be entitled to a return of capital on liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company (other than on a conversion, redemption or purchase of shares, or an equity financing or series of financings that do not constitute the sale of all or substantially all of the shares of the Company).

 

  (c).

Attendance at General and Special Meetings and Voting

Holders of Ordinary Shares have the right to receive notice of, attend, speak and vote at general and special meetings of the Company. Holders of Class A Ordinary Shares and Class B Ordinary Shares shall, at all times, vote together as one class on all matters submitted to a vote by the Members. Each Class A Ordinary Share shall be entitled to one (1) vote on all matters subject to vote at general and special meetings of the Company and each Class B Ordinary Share shall be entitled to fifteen (15) votes on all matters subject to vote at general and special meetings of the Company.

 

  (d).

Conversion

 

  (i)

Each Class B Ordinary Share is convertible into one (1) Class A Ordinary Share at any time by the holder thereof. The right to convert shall be exercisable by the holder of the Class B Ordinary Share delivering a written notice to the Company that such holder elects to convert a specified number of Class B Ordinary Shares into Class A Ordinary Shares. In no event shall Class A Ordinary Shares be convertible into Class B Ordinary Shares.

 

  (ii)

Upon:

 

18


(A) any sale, transfer, assignment or disposition of Class B Ordinary Shares by a holder thereof to any person or entity which is not an Affiliate of such holder, or

(B) a change of beneficial ownership of any Class B Ordinary Shares as a result of which any Person who is not an Affiliate of the registered holders of such Ordinary Shares becomes a beneficial owner of such Ordinary Shares,

such Class B Ordinary Shares shall be automatically and immediately converted into an equal number of Class A Ordinary Shares.

For the avoidance of doubt, (i) a sale, transfer, assignment or disposition shall be effective upon the Company’s registration of such sale, transfer, assignment or disposition in the Register of Members; (ii) the creation of any pledge, charge, encumbrance or other third party right of whatever description on any Class B Ordinary Shares to secure any contractual or legal obligations shall not be deemed as a sale, transfer, assignment or disposition unless and until any such pledge, charge, encumbrance or other third party right is enforced and results in the third party who is not an Affiliate of the relevant Member becoming a beneficial owner of the relevant Class B Ordinary Shares, in which case all the related Class B Ordinary Shares shall be automatically and immediately converted into the same number of Class A Ordinary Shares, and (iii) the termination of directorship on the Board or employment as an executive officer with the Company of any holder of any Class B Ordinary Shares shall not trigger the automatic conversion contemplated under this Article 59(d).

 

  (iii)

For purposes of this Article 59, “beneficial ownership” shall have the meaning defined in Rule 13d-3 under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

  (iv)

Any conversion of Class B Ordinary Shares into Class A Ordinary Shares pursuant to this Article shall be effected by means of the re-designation and re-classification of the relevant Class B Ordinary Share as a Class A Ordinary Share together with such rights and restrictions and which shall rank pari passu is all respects with the Class A Ordinary Shares then in issue. Such conversion shall become effective forthwith upon entries being made in the Register of Members to record the re-designation and re-classification of the relevant Class B Ordinary Shares as Class A Ordinary Shares.

 

  (v)

Upon conversion, the Company shall allot and issue the relevant Class A Ordinary Shares to the converting Member, enter or procure the entry of the name of the relevant holder of Class B Ordinary Shares, as the holder of the relevant number of Class A Ordinary Shares resulting from the conversion of the Class B Ordinary Shares, in, and make any other necessary and consequential changes to, the Register of Members and shall procure that certificates in respect of the relevant Class A Ordinary Shares, together with a new certificate for any unconverted Class B Ordinary Shares, comprised in the certificate(s) surrendered by the holder of the Class B Ordinary Shares are issued to the holders of the Class A Ordinary Shares and Class B Ordinary Shares.

 

19


  (vi)

Save and except for voting rights and conversion rights as set out in this Article 59(c) and (d), Class A Ordinary Shares and Class B Ordinary Shares shall rank pari passu and shall have the same rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions.

VARIATION OF RIGHTS OF SHARES

 

60.

Whenever the capital of the Company is divided into different Classes, the rights attached to any such Class may, subject to any rights or restrictions for the time being attached to any Class, only be materially adversely varied or abrogated with the consent in writing of the holders of not less than two-thirds of the issued Shares of the relevant Class, or with the sanction of a resolution passed at a separate meeting of the holders of the Shares of such Class by two-thirds of the votes cast at such a meeting. To every such separate meeting all the provisions of these Articles relating to general meetings of the Company or to the proceedings thereat shall, mutatis mutandis, apply, except that the necessary quorum shall be one or more Persons at least holding or representing by proxy one-third of the voting power of the issued Shares of the relevant Class and that, subject to any rights or restrictions for the time being attached to the Shares of that Class, every Member of the Class shall on a poll have one vote for each Share of the Class held by him.

 

61.

The rights conferred upon the holders of the Shares of any Class issued with preferred or other rights shall not, subject to any rights or restrictions for the time being attached to the Shares of that Class, be deemed to be materially adversely varied or abrogated by, inter alia , the creation, allotment or issue of further Shares ranking pari passu with or subsequent to them or the redemption or purchase of any Shares of any Class by the Company.

REGISTERED OFFICE

 

62.

Subject to the provisions of the Statute, the Company may by resolution of the Directors change the location of its Registered Office.

GENERAL MEETINGS

 

63.

All general meetings other than annual general meetings shall be called extraordinary general meetings.

 

64.

The Company may, but shall not (unless required by the Statute) be obliged to hold a general meeting in each calendar year as its annual general meeting and shall specify the meeting as such in the notices calling it. The annual general meeting shall be held at such time and place as the Directors shall appoint. At these meetings the report of the Directors (if any) shall be presented.

 

65.

The Chairman or a majority of the Directors may call general meetings, and they shall on a Member’s requisition forthwith proceed to convene an extraordinary general meeting of the Company.

 

66.

A Members’ requisition is a requisition of Members of the Company holding at the date of deposit of the requisition in the aggregate not less than one-third (1/3) of all votes attaching to all issued and outstanding Shares entitled to vote at general meetings of the Company as at the date of the deposit.

 

20


67.

The requisition must state the objects of the meeting and must be signed by the requisitionists and deposited at the Registered Office, and may consist of several documents in like form each signed by one or more requisitionists.

 

68.

If there are no Directors as at the date of the deposit of a Members’ requisition, or if the Directors do not within twenty-one (21) calendar days from the date of the deposit of such requisition duly proceed to convene a general meeting to be held within a further twenty-one (21) calendar days, the requisitionists themselves may convene the general meeting and all reasonable expenses incurred by the requisitionists as a result of the failure of the Directors to convene the general meeting shall be reimbursed to them by the Company, but any meeting so convened shall not be held after the expiration of three calendar months after the expiration of the said twenty-one (21) calendar days.

 

69.

A general meeting convened as aforesaid by requisitionists shall be convened in the same manner as nearly as possible as that in which general meetings are to be convened by Directors.

NOTICE OF GENERAL MEETINGS

 

70.

At least seven (7) calendar days’ notice in writing counting from the date service is deemed to take place as provided in these Articles and excluding the proposed date of the meeting shall be given of any general meeting, specifying the place, the day and the hour of the meeting and the general nature of the business and shall be given in the manner hereinafter mentioned or in such other manner if any as may be prescribed by the Company, provided that a general meeting of the Company shall, whether or not the notice specified in this regulation has been given and whether or not the provisions of the Articles regarding general meetings have been complied with, be deemed to have been duly convened if it is so agreed:

 

  (a).

in the case of an annual general meeting, by all the Members (or their proxies) entitled to attend and vote thereat; and

 

  (b).

in the case of an extraordinary general meeting, by a majority in number of the Members (or their proxies) having a right to attend and vote at the meeting, being a majority together holding not less than two-thirds (2/3rd) in voting rights of the Shares giving that right.

 

71.

The accidental omission to give notice of a general meeting to, or the non-receipt of notice of a meeting by, any Person entitled to receive notice shall not invalidate the proceedings at any meeting.

PROCEEDINGS AT GENERAL MEETINGS

 

72.

No business shall be transacted at any general meeting unless a quorum is present at the time when the meeting proceeds to business. The holder(s) of Shares which carry a majority of all votes attaching to all Shares in issue and entitled to vote at such general meeting, present in person or by proxy or, if a corporate or other non-natural person, by its duly authorised representative, shall constitute a quorum; unless the Company has only one Member entitled to vote at such general meeting in which case the quorum shall be that one Member present in person or by proxy or (in the case of a corporation or other non-natural person) by a duly authorized representative or proxy.

 

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73.

A person may participate at a general meeting by telephone or other similar communications equipment by means of which all the persons participating in such meeting can communicate with each other. Participation by a person in a general meeting in this manner is treated as presence in person at that meeting.

 

74.

A resolution (including a Special Resolution) in writing (in one or more counterparts) signed by all Members for the time being entitled to receive notice of and to attend and vote at general meetings (or, being corporations, signed by their duly authorized representatives) shall be as valid and effective as if the resolution had been passed at a general meeting of the Company duly convened and held.

 

75.

If within half an hour from the time appointed for the meeting a quorum is not present, it shall stand adjourned to the fifth (5th) following calendar day at the same time and place (or to such other time or such other place as the Directors may determine) and at such adjourned meeting, two or more Members holding at least 50% of the issued and outstanding share capital of the Company present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote at that adjourned meeting shall form a quorum. If within half an hour from the time appointed for the adjourned meeting such quorum is not present, the meeting shall be dissolved.

 

76.

The chairman, if any, of the Board shall preside as chairman at every general meeting of the Company, or if there is no such chairman, or if he shall not be present within fifteen (15) minutes after the time appointed for the holding of the meeting, or is unwilling to act, the Directors present shall elect one of their number to be chairman of the meeting.

 

77.

If no Director is willing to act as chairman or if no Director is present within fifteen (15) minutes after the time appointed for holding the meeting, the Members present shall choose one of their number to be chairman of the meeting.

 

78.

The chairman may, with the consent of a meeting at which a quorum is present (and shall if so directed by the meeting), 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 left unfinished at the meeting from which the adjournment took place. When a general meeting is adjourned for thirty (30) calendar days or more, notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given as in the case of an original meeting. Otherwise it shall not be necessary to give any such notice.

 

79.

A resolution put to the vote of the meeting shall be decided on the vote of the requisite majority pursuant to a poll of the Members. Unless otherwise required by the Statute or these Articles, such requisite majority shall be a simple majority of votes that are able to be cast.

 

80.

The Directors may cancel or postpone any duly convened general meeting at any time prior to such meeting, except for general meetings requisitioned by the Members in accordance with these Articles, for any reason or for no reason, upon notice in writing to Members. A postponement may be for a stated period of any length or indefinitely as the Directors may determine. Notice of the business to be transacted at such postponed general meeting shall not be required. If a general meeting is postponed in accordance with this Article, the appointment of a proxy will be valid if it is received as required by the Articles not less than 48 hours before the time appointed for holding the postponed meeting.

 

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VOTES OF MEMBERS

 

81.

Subject to any rights and restrictions for the time being attached to any Share, every Member present in person or by proxy (or, if a corporation or other non-natural person, by its duly authorized representative or proxy) shall, at a general or special meeting of the Company, have one (1) vote for each Class A Ordinary Share and fifteen (15) votes for each Class B Ordinary Share, in each case of which he is the holder.

 

82.

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.

 

83.

A Member of unsound mind, or in respect of whom an order has been made by any court having jurisdiction in lunacy, may vote in respect of Shares carrying the right to vote held by him, whether on a show of hands or on a poll, by his committee, or other Person in the nature of a committee appointed by that court, and any such committee or other Person, may vote in respect of such Shares by proxy.

 

84.

No Member shall be entitled to vote at any general meeting of the Company unless all calls, if any, or other sums presently payable by him in respect of Shares carrying the right to vote held by him have been paid.

 

85.

On a poll votes may be given either personally or by proxy.

 

86.

A resolution in writing signed by all the Members for the time being entitled to receive notice of and to attend and vote at general meetings of the Company (or being corporations by their duly authorised representatives) shall be as valid and effective as if the same had been passed at a general meeting of the Company duly convened and held.

PROXIES

 

87.

The instrument appointing a proxy shall be in writing, be executed under the hand of the appointor or of his attorney duly authorized in writing, or, if the appointor is a corporation, under the hand of an officer or attorney duly authorized for that purpose. A proxy need not be a Member of the Company.

 

88.

The instrument appointing a proxy shall be deposited at the Registered Office or at such other place as is specified for that purpose in the notice convening the meeting, or in any instrument of proxy sent out by the Company:

 

23


  (a).

not less than forty-eight (48) hours before the time for holding the meeting or adjourned meeting at which the person named in the instrument proposes to vote; or

 

  (b).

in the case of a poll taken more than forty-eight (48) hours after it is demanded, be deposited as aforesaid after the poll has been demanded and not less than twenty-four (24) hours before the time appointed for the taking of the poll; or

 

  (c).

where the poll is not taken forthwith but is taken not more than forty-eight (48) hours after it was demanded be delivered at the meeting at which the poll was demanded to the chairman or to the secretary or to any director;

provided that the Directors may in the notice convening the meeting, or in an instrument of proxy sent out by the Company, direct that the instrument appointing a proxy may be deposited (no later than the time for holding the meeting or adjourned meeting) at the Registered Office or at such other place as is specified for that purpose in the notice convening the meeting, or in any instrument of proxy sent out by the Company. The chairman may in any event at his discretion direct that an instrument of proxy shall be deemed to have been duly deposited. An instrument of proxy that is not deposited in the manner permitted shall be invalid.

 

89.

An instrument appointing a proxy may be in any usual or common form or such other form as the Directors may approve and may be expressed to be for a particular meeting or any adjournment thereof or generally until revoked. An instrument appointing a proxy shall be deemed to confer authority to demand or join or concur in demanding a poll.

 

90.

Votes 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 proxy or of the authority under which the proxy was executed, or the transfer of the Share in respect of which the proxy is given unless notice in writing of such death, insanity, revocation or transfer was received by the Company at the Registered Office before the commencement of the general meeting, or adjourned meeting at which it is sought to use the proxy.

CORPORATIONS ACTING BY REPRESENTATIVES

 

91.

Any corporation or other non-natural person which is a Member or a Director may in accordance with its constitutional documents, or in the absence of such provision by resolution of its directors or other governing body, authorize such person as it thinks fit to act as its representative at any meeting of the Company or of any meeting of holders of a Class or of the Directors or of a committee of Directors, and the person so authorized shall be entitled to exercise the same powers on behalf of the corporation which he represents as that corporation could exercise if it were an individual Member or Director.

SHARES THAT MAY NOT BE VOTED

 

24


92.

Shares in the Company that are beneficially owned by the Company shall not be voted, directly or indirectly, at any meeting and shall not be counted in determining the total number of outstanding Shares at any given time.

DEPOSITARY AND CLEARING HOUSES

 

93.

If a recognised clearing house (or its nominee(s)) or depositary (or its nominee(s)) is a Member of the Company it may, by resolution of its directors or other governing body or by power of attorney, authorise such Person(s) as it thinks fit to act as its representative(s) at any general meeting of the Company or of any Class of Members 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 so authorized pursuant to this Article shall be entitled to exercise the same powers on behalf of the recognised clearing house (or its nominee(s)) or depositary (or its nominee(s)) which he represents as that recognised clearing house (or its nominee(s)) or depositary (or its nominee(s)) could exercise if it were an individual Member holding the number and Class of Shares specified in such authorization.

DIRECTORS

 

94.

Unless otherwise determined by an Ordinary Resolution, the authorised number of Directors shall not be less than one (1) Director and there shall be no maximum number of Directors.

 

95.

The Board shall have a Chairman elected and appointed by a majority of the Directors then in office. The period for which the Chairman will hold office will also be determined by a majority of all of the Directors then in office. The Chairman shall preside as chairman at every meeting of the Board, save and except that if the Chairman is not present at a meeting of the Board within fifteen minutes after the time appointed for holding the same, or if the Chairman is unable or unwilling to act as the chairman of a meeting of the Board, the attending Directors may choose one of their number to be the chairman of the meeting.

 

96.

The Company may by Ordinary Resolution appoint any person to be a Director.

 

97.

The Board may, by the affirmative vote of a simple majority of the remaining Directors present and voting at a Board meeting, appoint any person as a Director, to fill a casual vacancy on the Board or as an addition to the existing Board.

 

98.

A Director shall hold office until the expiration of his or her term or his or her successor shall have been elected and qualified, or until his or her office is otherwise vacated.

 

99.

A Director shall not be required to hold any Shares in the Company by way of qualification. A Director who is not a Member of the Company shall nevertheless be entitled to attend and speak at general meetings.

 

100.

A Director may be removed from office by Ordinary Resolution of the Company or the affirmative vote of a simple majority of the other Directors present and voting at a Board meeting, notwithstanding anything in these Articles or in any agreement between the Company and such Director (but without prejudice to any claim for damages under such agreement). A vacancy on the Board created by the removal of a Director under the previous sentence may be filled by Ordinary Resolution or by the affirmative vote of a simple majority of the remaining Directors present and voting at a Board meeting. The notice of any meeting at which a resolution to remove a Director shall be proposed or voted upon must contain a statement of the intention to remove that Director and such notice must be served on that Director not less than five (5) calendar days before the meeting. Such Director is entitled to attend the meeting and be heard on the motion for his removal.

 

25


101.

The remuneration of the Directors may be determined by the Board or by a committee designated by the Board.

 

102.

The Directors shall be entitled to be paid their travelling, hotel and other expenses properly incurred by them in going to, attending and returning from meetings of the Directors, or any committee of the Directors, or general meetings of the Company, or otherwise in connection with the business of the Company, or to receive such fixed allowance in respect thereof as may be determined by the Directors from time to time, or a combination partly of one such method and partly the other.

 

103.

Subject to applicable Law, Designated Stock Exchange Rules and the Articles, the Board may establish any committee of the Board as the Board shall deem appropriate from time to time, and committees of the Board shall have the rights, powers and privileges granted to such committees by the Board from time to time.

 

104.

The Company and the Members shall, unless otherwise prohibited by applicable Law, and to the extent agreed by the relevant Directors, cause the board of directors of each other Group Company to consist of the same persons as those Directors then on the Board.

POWERS AND DUTIES OF DIRECTORS

 

105.

Subject to the provisions of the Statute and the Memorandum and these Articles, the business and affairs of the Company shall be conducted as directed by the Board. The Board shall have all such powers and authorities, and may do all such acts and things, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable Law, the Memorandum and these Articles. No resolution passed by the Company in general meeting shall invalidate any prior act of the Directors that would have been valid if that resolution had not been passed.

 

106.

The Board may, from time to time, and except as required by applicable Law or Designated Stock Exchange Rules, adopt, institute, amend, modify or revoke the corporate governance policies or initiatives of the Company and determine on various corporate governance related matters of the Company as the Board shall determine by resolution of Directors from time to time.

 

107.

Subject to these Articles, the Directors may from time to time appoint any natural person or corporation, whether or not a Director to hold such office in the Company as the Directors may think necessary for the administration of the Company, including but not limited to, chief executive officer, one or more other executive officers, one or more vice-presidents, treasurer, assistant treasurer, manager or controller, and for such term and at such remuneration (whether by way of salary or commission or participation in profits or partly in one way and partly in another), and with such powers and duties as the Directors may think fit. Any natural person or corporation so appointed by the Directors may be removed by the Directors. The Directors may also appoint one or more of their number to the office of managing director upon like terms, but any such appointment shall ipso facto terminate if any managing director ceases for any cause to be a Director, or if the Company by Ordinary Resolution resolves that his tenure of office be terminated.

 

26


108.

The Directors may appoint any natural person or corporation to be a Secretary (and if need be an assistant Secretary or assistant Secretaries) who shall hold office for such term, at such remuneration and upon such conditions and with such powers as they think fit. Any Secretary or assistant Secretary so appointed by the Directors may be removed by the Directors.

 

109.

The Directors may from time to time and at any time by power of attorney (whether under Seal or under hand) or otherwise appoint any company, firm or Person or body of Persons, whether nominated directly or indirectly by the Directors, to be the attorney or attorneys or authorized signatory (any such person being an “Attorney” or “Authorized Signatory”, respectively) of the Company for such purposes and with such powers, authorities and discretion (not exceeding those vested in or exercisable by the Directors under these Articles) and for such period and subject to such conditions as they may think fit, and any such power of attorney or other appointment may contain such provisions for the protection and convenience of Persons dealing with any such Attorney or Authorized Signatory as the Directors may think fit, and may also authorise any such Attorney or Authorized Signatory to delegate all or any of the powers, authorities and discretion vested in him.

 

110.

The Directors may from time to time provide for the management of the affairs of the Company in such manner as they shall think fit and the provisions contained in the three next following Articles shall not limit the general powers conferred by this Article.

 

111.

The Directors from time to time and at any time may establish any committees, local boards or agencies for managing any of the affairs of the Company and may appoint any natural person or corporation to be a member of such committees or local boards and may appoint any managers or agents of the Company and may fix the remuneration of any such natural person or corporation.

 

112.

The Directors from time to time and at any time may delegate to any such committee, local board, manager or agent any of the powers, authorities and discretions for the time being vested in the Directors and may authorise the members for the time being of any such local board, or any of them to fill any vacancies therein and to act notwithstanding vacancies and any such appointment or delegation may be made on such terms and subject to such conditions as the Directors may think fit and the Directors may at any time remove any natural person or corporation so appointed and may annul or vary any such delegation, but no Person dealing in good faith and without notice of any such annulment or variation shall be affected thereby.

 

113.

Any such delegates as aforesaid may be authorized by the Directors to sub-delegate all or any of the powers, authorities, and discretion for the time being vested in them.

 

27


BORROWING POWERS OF DIRECTORS

 

114.

The Directors may from time to time at their discretion exercise all the powers of the Company to borrow money, to mortgage or charge all or any part of its undertaking, property and assets (present and future) and uncalled capital, and to issue debentures, bonds and other securities, whenever money is borrowed or as security for any debt, liability or obligation of the Company or of any third party.

DISQUALIFICATION OF DIRECTORS

 

115.

The office of a Director shall be vacated if:

 

  (a).

he gives notice in writing to the Company that he resigns the office of Director;

 

  (b).

he dies, becomes bankrupt or makes any arrangement or composition with his creditors generally;

 

  (c).

he is prohibited by any applicable Law or Designated Stock Exchange Rules from being a Director;

 

  (d).

he is found to be or becomes of unsound mind; or

 

  (e).

he is removed from office pursuant to any other provision of these Articles.

MEETINGS OF THE BOARD

 

116.

The Board shall meet at such times and in such places as the Board shall designate from time to time. A Director may, and a Secretary or assistant Secretary on the requisition of a Director shall, at any time summon a meeting of the Directors. Notice of a Board meeting shall be given five (5) calendar days prior to the meeting counting from the date service is deemed to take place as provided in these Articles and excluding the proposed date of the Board meeting. Subject to these Articles, questions arising at any meeting shall be decided by a majority of votes of the Directors present at a meeting at which there is a quorum, with each having one (1) vote and in the case of an equality of votes the resolution shall fail.

 

117.

A Director may participate in any meeting of the Board or of any committee of the Board by means of video conference, teleconference or other similar communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other and such participation shall constitute such Director’s presence in person at the meeting.

 

118.

The quorum necessary for the transaction of the business of the Board may be fixed by the Directors, and unless so fixed, the quorum shall be a majority of Directors then in office and a majority of the Directors appointed by Tencent. A Director represented by proxy or by an alternate Director at any meeting shall be deemed to be present for the purposes of determining whether or not a quorum is present.

 

119.

If a quorum is not present at any duly called meeting, such meeting may be adjourned to a time no earlier than forty-eight (48) hours after written notice of such adjournment has been given to the Directors. The Directors present at such adjourned meeting shall constitute a quorum, provided that the Directors present at such adjourned meeting may only discuss and/or approve the matters as described in the meeting notice delivered to the Directors in accordance with Article 116.

 

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120.

A resolution in writing (in one or more counterparts), signed by all the Directors or all the members of a committee of Directors entitled to receive notice of a meeting of Directors or committee of Directors, as the case may be (an alternate Director, subject as provided otherwise in the terms of appointment of the alternate Director, being entitled to sign such a resolution on behalf of his appointer), shall be as valid and effectual as if it had been passed at a meeting of the Directors or committee, as the case may be, duly convened and held. When signed a resolution may consist of several documents each signed by one or more of the Directors or his duly appointed alternate.

 

121.

Subject to any regulations imposed on it by the Directors, a committee appointed by the Directors may elect a chairman of its meetings. If no such chairman is elected, or if at any meeting the chairman is not present within fifteen (15) minutes after the time appointed for holding the meeting, the committee members present may choose one of their number to be chairman of the meeting.

 

122.

A committee appointed by the Directors may meet and adjourn as it thinks proper. Subject to any regulations imposed on it by the Directors, questions arising at any meeting shall be determined by a majority of votes of the committee members present and in case of an equality of votes the chairman shall have a second or casting vote.

 

123.

All acts done by any meeting of the Directors or of a committee of Directors, 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 such 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.

 

124.

The Company shall pay all fees, charges and expenses (including travel and related expenses) incurred by each Director in connection with: (i) attending the meetings of the Board and all committees thereof (if any) and (ii) conducting any other Company business requested by the Company.

PRESUMPTION OF ASSENT

 

125.

A Director who is present at a meeting of the Board at which action on any Company matter is taken shall be presumed to have assented to the action taken unless his dissent shall be entered in the minutes of the meeting or unless he shall file his written dissent from such action with the person acting as the chairman or secretary of the meeting before the adjournment thereof or shall forward such dissent by registered post to such person immediately after the adjournment of the meeting. Such right to dissent shall not apply to a Director who voted in favor of such action.

DIRECTORS’ INTERESTS

 

126.

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;

 

29


  (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 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 in the rules of the Designated Stock Exchange 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.

 

127.

Subject to applicable 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 129 herein. Any such transaction that would reasonably be likely to affect a Director’s status as an “Independent Director”, or that would constitute a “related party transaction” as defined by Item 7 of Form 20F promulgated by the Commission, shall require the approval of the Audit Committee.

 

30


128.

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.

 

129.

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 Designated Stock Exchange Rules, 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 at such meeting.

MINUTES

 

130.

The Directors shall cause minutes to be made for the purpose of all appointments of officers made by the Directors, all proceedings at meetings of the Company or the holders of any Class of Shares and of the Directors, and of committees of Directors including the names of the Directors or alternate Directors present at each meeting.

 

131.

When the chairman of a meeting of the Directors signs the minutes of such meeting the same shall be deemed to have been duly held notwithstanding that all the Directors have not actually come together or that there may have been a technical defect in the proceedings.

ALTERNATE DIRECTORS

 

132.

Any Director (other than an alternate Director) may by writing appoint any other Director, or any other person willing to act, to be an alternate Director and by writing may remove from office an alternate Director so appointed by him.

 

31


133.

An alternate Director shall be entitled to receive notice of all meetings of Directors and of all meetings of committees of Directors of which his appointor is a member, to attend and vote at every such meeting at which the Director appointing him is not personally present, and generally to perform all the functions of his appointor as a Director in his absence.

 

134.

An alternate Director shall cease to be an alternate Director if his appointor ceases to be a Director.

 

135.

Any appointment or removal of an alternate Director shall be by notice to the Company signed by the Director making or revoking the appointment or in any other manner approved by the Directors.

 

136.

An alternate Director shall be deemed for all purposes to be a Director and shall alone be responsible for his own acts and defaults and shall not be deemed to be the agent of the Director appointing him.

AUDIT COMMITTEE

 

137.

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 charter of the Audit Committee, the Designated Stock Exchange Rules and the rules and regulations of the Commission.

NO MINIMUM SHAREHOLDING

 

138.

The Company in general meeting may fix a minimum shareholding required to be held by a Director, but unless and until such a shareholding qualification is fixed, a Director is not required to hold Shares.

SEAL

 

139.

The Company may, if the Directors so determine, have a Seal. The Seal shall only be used by the authority of the Directors or of a committee of the Directors authorized by the Directors. Every instrument to which the Seal has been affixed shall be signed by at least one person who shall be either a Director or some officer or other person appointed by the Directors for the purpose.

 

140.

The Company may have for use in any place or places outside the Cayman Islands a duplicate Seal or Seals each of which shall be a facsimile of the common Seal of the Company and, if the Directors so determine, with the addition on its face of the name of every place where it is to be used.

 

141.

A Director or officer, representative or attorney of the Company may without further authority of the Directors affix the Seal over his signature alone to any document of the Company required to be authenticated by him under seal or to be filed with the Registrar of Companies in the Cayman Islands or elsewhere wheresoever.

 

32


DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND RESERVE

 

142.

Subject to the Statute and these Articles any rights and restrictions for the time being attached to any Shares, the Directors may from time to time declare dividends (including interim dividends) and other distributions on Shares in issue and authorize payment of the dividends or distributions out of the funds of the Company lawfully available therefor. No dividend or distribution shall be paid except out of the realized or unrealized profits of the Company, or out of the share premium account or as otherwise permitted by the Statute.

 

143.

Except as otherwise provided by the rights attached to Shares, all dividends shall be declared and paid according to the par value of the Shares that a Member holds. If any Share is issued on terms providing that it shall rank for dividend as from a particular date, that Share shall rank for dividend accordingly.

 

144.

The Directors may deduct from any dividend or distribution payable to any Member all sums of money (if any) then payable by him to the Company on account of calls or otherwise.

 

145.

The Directors may declare that any dividend or distribution be paid wholly or partly by the distribution of specific assets and in particular of shares, debentures, or securities of any other company or in any one or more of such ways and where any difficulty arises in regard to such distribution, the Directors may settle the same as they think expedient and in particular may issue fractional Shares and 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 basis of the value so fixed in order to adjust the rights of all Members and may vest any such specific assets in trustees as may seem expedient to the Directors.

 

146.

Any dividend, distribution, interest or other monies payable in cash in respect of Shares may be paid by wire transfer to the holder or by cheque or warrant sent through the post directed to the registered address of the holder or, in the case of joint holders, to the registered address of the holder who is first named on the Register of Members or to such person and to such address as such holder or joint holders may in writing direct. Every such cheque or warrant shall be made payable to the order of the person to whom it is sent. Any one of three or more joint holders may give effectual receipts for any dividends, bonuses, or other monies payable in respect of the Share held by them as joint holders.

 

147.

If several Persons are registered as joint holders of any Share, any of them may give effective receipts for any dividend or other moneys payable on or in respect of the Share.

 

148.

No dividend or distribution shall bear interest against the Company.

 

149.

Any dividend which cannot be paid to a Member and/or which remains unclaimed after six (6) months from the date of declaration of such dividend may, in the discretion of the Directors, be paid into a separate account in the Company’s name, provided that the Company shall not be constituted as a trustee in respect of that account and the dividend shall remain as a debt due to the Member. Any dividend which remains unclaimed after a period of six (6) years from the date of declaration of such dividend shall be forfeited and shall revert to the Company.

 

33


CAPITALIZATION

 

150.

Subject to applicable Law, the Directors may:

 

  (a).

resolve to capitalise any sum standing to the credit of any of the Company’s reserve accounts or funds (including the Share Premium Account and capital redemption reserve fund) or any sum standing to the credit of the profit and loss account or otherwise available for distribution;

 

  (b).

appropriate the sum resolved to be capitalised to the Members in proportion to the nominal amount of Shares (whether or not fully paid) held by them respectively and apply that sum on their behalf in or towards:

 

  (i)

paying up the amounts (if any) for the time being unpaid on Shares held by them respectively, or

 

  (ii)

paying up in full unissued Shares or debentures of a nominal amount equal to that sum,

and allot the Shares or debentures, credited as fully paid, to the Members (or as they may direct) in those proportions, or partly in one way and partly in the other, but the Share Premium Account, the capital redemption reserve and profits which are not available for distribution may, for the purposes of this Article, only be applied in paying up unissued Shares to be allotted to Members credited as fully paid;

 

  (c).

make any arrangements they think fit to resolve a difficulty arising in the distribution of a capitalised reserve and in particular, without limitation, where Shares or debentures become distributable in fractions the Directors may deal with the fractions as they think fit;

 

  (d).

authorise a Person to enter (on behalf of all the Members concerned) into an agreement with the Company providing for either:

 

  (i)

the allotment to the Members respectively, credited as fully paid, of Shares or debentures to which they may be entitled on the capitalisation, or

 

  (ii)

the payment by the Company on behalf of the Members (by the application of their respective proportions of the reserves resolved to be capitalised) of the amounts or part of the amounts remaining unpaid on their existing Shares,

and any such agreement made under this authority being effective and binding on all those Members; and

 

  (e).

generally do all acts and things required to give effect to the resolution.

 

34


151.

Notwithstanding any provisions in these Articles, the Directors may resolve to capitalise any sum standing to the credit of any of the Company’s reserve accounts or funds (including the Share Premium Account and capital redemption reserve fund) or any sum standing to the credit of the profit and loss account or otherwise available for distribution by applying such sum in paying up in full unissued Shares to be allotted and issued to:

 

  (a).

employees (including Directors) or service providers of the Company or its Affiliates upon exercise or vesting of any options or awards granted under any share incentive scheme or employee benefit scheme or other arrangement which relates to such persons that has been adopted or approved by the Directors or the Members;

 

  (b).

any trustee of any trust or administrator of any share incentive scheme or employee benefit scheme to whom shares are to be allotted and issued by the Company in connection with the operation of any share incentive scheme or employee benefit scheme or other arrangement which relates to such persons that has been adopted or approved by the Directors or Members; or

 

  (c).

any depositary of the Company for the purposes of the issue, allotment and delivery by the depositary of ADSs to employees (including Directors) or service providers of the Company or its Affiliates upon exercise or vesting of any options or awards granted under any share incentive scheme or employee benefit scheme or other arrangement which relates to such persons that has been adopted or approved by the Directors or the Members.

BOOKS OF ACCOUNT

 

152.

The Directors shall cause proper books of account to be kept with respect to all sums of money received and expended by the Company and the matters in respect of which the receipt or expenditure takes place, all sales and purchases of goods by the Company and the assets and liabilities of the Company. Proper books shall not be deemed to be kept if there are not kept such books of account as are necessary to give a true and fair view of the state of the Company’s affairs and to explain its transactions.

 

153.

The Directors shall from time to time determine whether and to what extent and at what times and places and under what conditions or regulations the accounts and books of the Company or any of them shall be open to the inspection of Members not being Directors and no Member (not being a Director) shall have any right of inspecting any account or book or document of the Company except as conferred by the Statute or authorized by the Directors or by the Company in general meeting.

 

154.

The Directors may from time to time cause to be prepared and to be laid before the Company in general meeting profit and loss accounts, balance sheets, group accounts (if any) and such other reports and accounts as may be required by the Law.

AUDIT

 

155.

Subject to applicable Law and Designated Stock Exchange Rules, the Directors may appoint an Auditor of the Company who shall hold office until removed from office by a resolution of the Directors.

 

35


156.

The remuneration of the Auditor shall be determined by the Audit Committee or, in the absence of such an Audit Committee, by the Board.

 

157.

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.

 

158.

Auditors of the Company shall have a right of access at all times to the books and accounts and vouchers of the Company and shall be entitled to require from the Directors and officers of the Company such information and explanation as may be necessary for the performance of the duties of the Auditors.

 

159.

Auditors shall, if so required by the Directors, make a report on the accounts of the Company during their tenure of office at the next annual general meeting following their appointment and at any time during their term of office upon request of the Directors or any general meeting of the Members.

 

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 Audit Committee. 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.

SHARE PREMIUM ACCOUNT

 

161.

The Directors shall in accordance with the Statute establish a 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.

 

162.

There shall be debited to any Share Premium Account on the redemption or purchase of a Share the difference between the nominal value of such Share and the redemption or purchase price provided always that at the discretion of the Directors such sum may be paid out of the profits of the Company or, if permitted by the Statute, out of capital.

NOTICES

 

163.

Any notice or document may be served by the Company or by the Person entitled to give notice to any Member either personally, or by posting it airmail or air courier service in a prepaid letter addressed to such Member at his address as appearing in the Register, or by electronic mail to any electronic mail address such Member may have specified in writing for the purpose of such service of notices, or by facsimile should the Directors deem it appropriate. 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 in respect of the joint holding, and notice so given shall be sufficient notice to all the joint holders.

 

36


164.

Any Member present, either personally or by proxy, at any meeting of the Company shall for all purposes be deemed to have received due notice of such meeting and, where requisite, of the purposes for which such meeting was convened.

 

165.

Any notice or other document, if served by:

 

  (a).

post, shall be deemed to have been served five (5) calendar days after the time when the letter containing the same is posted;

 

  (b).

facsimile, shall be deemed to have been served upon production by the transmitting facsimile machine of a report confirming transmission of the facsimile in full to the facsimile number of the recipient;

 

  (c).

recognised courier service, shall be deemed to have been served 48 hours after the time when the letter containing the same is delivered to the courier service; or

 

  (d).

electronic mail, shall be deemed to have been served immediately upon the time of the transmission by electronic mail.

 

  (e).

In proving service by post or courier service it shall be sufficient to prove that the letter containing the notice or documents was properly addressed and duly posted or delivered to the courier service.

 

166.

Any notice or document delivered or sent in accordance with the terms of these Articles shall notwithstanding that such Member be then dead or bankrupt, and whether or not the Company has notice of his death or bankruptcy, be deemed to have been duly served 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 of the notice or document, have been removed from the Register as the holder of the Share, and such service shall for all purposes be deemed a sufficient service of such notice or document on all Persons interested (whether jointly with or as claiming through or under him) in the Share.

 

167.

Notice of every general meeting of the Company shall be given to:

 

  (a).

all Members holding Shares with the right to receive notice and who have supplied to the Company an address for the giving of notices to them; and

 

  (b).

every Person entitled to a Share in consequence of the death or bankruptcy of a Member, who but for his death or bankruptcy would be entitled to receive notice of the meeting.

 

168.

No other Person shall be entitled to receive notices of general meetings.

 

37


INFORMATION

 

169.

No Member shall be entitled to require discovery of any information in respect of any detail of the Company’s trading or any information 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 Board would not be in the interests of the Members of the Company to communicate to the public.

 

170.

The Board shall be entitled to release or disclose any information in its possession, custody or control regarding the Company or its affairs to any of its Members including, without limitation, information contained in the Register and transfer books of the Company.

WINDING UP

 

171.

If the Company shall be wound up, the liquidator may, with the sanction of a Special Resolution and any other sanction required by the Statute, divide amongst the Members in species 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 that purpose value any assets and determine how the 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 trustees upon such trusts for the benefit of the Members as the liquidator, with the like sanction, shall think fit, but so that no Member shall be compelled to accept any asset upon which there is a liability.

 

172.

If the Company shall be wound up, and the assets available for distribution amongst the Members shall be insufficient to repay the whole of the share capital, such assets shall be distributed so that, as nearly as may be, the losses shall be borne by the Members in proportion to the par value of the Shares held by them. If in a winding up the assets available for distribution amongst the Members shall be more than sufficient to repay the whole of the share capital at the commencement of the winding up, the surplus shall be distributed amongst the Members in proportion to the par value of the Shares held by them at the commencement of the winding up subject to a deduction from those Shares in respect of which there are monies due, of all monies payable to the Company for unpaid calls or otherwise. This Article is without prejudice to the rights of the holders of Shares issued upon special terms and conditions.

INDEMNITY

 

173.

Every Director (including for the purposes of this Article any alternate Director appointed pursuant to the provisions of these Articles), Secretary, assistant Secretary, or other Officer (but not including the Company’s auditors) and the personal representatives of the same (each an “ Indemnified Person ”) shall be indemnified and secured harmless against all actions, proceedings, costs, charges, expenses, losses, damages or liabilities incurred or sustained by such Indemnified Person, other than by reason of such Indemnified Person’s own dishonesty, willful default or fraud as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction, in or about the conduct of the Company’s business or affairs (including as a result of any mistake of judgment) or in the execution or discharge of his duties, powers, authorities or discretions, including without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, any costs, expenses, losses or liabilities incurred by such Indemnified Person in defending (whether successfully or otherwise) any civil proceedings concerning the Company or its affairs in any court whether in the Cayman Islands or elsewhere.

 

38


174.

No Indemnified Person shall be liable:

 

  (a).

for the acts, receipts, neglects, defaults or omissions of any other Director or Officer or agent of the Company; or

 

  (b).

for any loss on account of defect of title to any property of the Company; or

 

  (c).

on account of the insufficiency of any security in or upon which any money of the Company shall be invested; or

 

  (d).

for any loss incurred through any bank, broker or other similar Person; or

 

  (e).

for any loss occasioned by any negligence, default, breach of duty, breach of trust, error of judgement or

 

  (f).

oversight on such Indemnified Person’s part; or

 

  (g).

for any loss, damage or misfortune whatsoever which may happen in or arise from the execution or discharge of the duties, powers, authorities, or discretions of such Indemnified Person’s office or in relation thereto;

unless the same shall happen through such Indemnified Person’s own dishonesty, willful default or fraud.

FISCAL YEAR

 

175.

The fiscal year of the Company shall be determined by the Board from time to time.

DISCLOSURE

 

176.

The Directors, or any service providers (including the officers, the Secretary and the registered office agent of the Company) specifically authorized by the Directors, shall be entitled to disclose to any regulatory or judicial authority or to the Designated Stock Exchange any information regarding the affairs of the Company including without limitation information contained in the Register and books of the Company.

TRANSFER BY WAY OF CONTINUATION

 

177.

The Company may by Special Resolution resolve to be registered by way of continuation in a jurisdiction outside the Cayman Islands or such other jurisdiction in which it is for the time being incorporated, registered or existing. In furtherance of a resolution adopted pursuant to this Article, the Directors may cause an application to be made to the Registrar of Companies to deregister the Company in the Cayman Islands or such other jurisdiction in which it is for the time being incorporated, registered or existing and may cause all such further steps as they consider appropriate to be taken to effect the transfer by way of continuation of the Company.

 

39


MERGERS AND CONSOLIDATIONS

 

178.

The Company shall have the power to merge or consolidate with one or more other constituent companies (as defined in the Statute) upon such terms as the Directors may determine and (to the extent required by the Statute) with the approval of a Special Resolution.

 

40

Exhibit 10.3

CHINA MUSIC CORPORATION

2014 SHARE INCENTIVE PLAN


     Page  
SECTION 1.       INTRODUCTION      1  
SECTION 2.       DEFINITIONS      1  
  (a)    “Affiliate”      1  
  (b)    “Applicable Laws”      1  
  (c)    “Award”      1  
  (d)    “Award Agreement”      1  
  (e)    “Board”      1  
  (f)    “Cashless Exercise”      1  
  (g)    “Cause”      2  
  (h)    “Change in Control”      2  
  (i)    “Code”      2  
  (j)    “Committee”      3  
  (k)    “Company”      3  
  (l)    “Consultant”      3  
  (m)    “Director”      3  
  (n)    “Disability”      3  
  (o)    “Employee”      3  
  (p)    “Exchange Act”      3  
  (q)    “Exercise Price”      3  
  (r)    “Fair Market Value”      3  
  (s)    “Fiscal Year”      4  
  (t)    “Grant Date”      4  
  (u)    “Incentive Share Option”      4  
  (v)    “Non-Employee Director”      4  
  (w)    “Nonstatutory Share Option”      4  
  (x)    “Option”      4  
  (y)    “Optionee”      4  
  (z)    “Ordinary Shares”      4  
  (aa)    “Parent”      4  
  (bb)    “Participant”      4  
  (cc)    “Performance Goals”      4  
  (dd)    “Performance Period”      4  
  (ee)    “Plan”      4  

 

i


     Page  
  (ff)    “Re-Price”      5  
  (gg)    “Restricted Share Unit”      5  
  (hh)    “Restricted Share Unit Agreement”      5  
  (ii)    “SAR Agreement”      5  
  (jj)    “SEC”      5  
  (kk)    “Section 16 Persons”      5  
  (ll)    “Securities Act”      5  
  (mm)    “Service”      5  
  (nn)    “Share”      5  
  (oo)    “Share Appreciation Right”      5  
  (pp)    “Share Grant”      5  
  (qq)    “Share Grant Agreement”      5  
  (rr)    “Share Option Agreement”      5  
  (ss)    “Subsidiary”      6  
  (tt)    “10-Percent Shareholder”      6  
SECTION 3.       ADMINISTRATION      6  
  (a)    Committee Composition      6  
  (b)    Authority of the Committee      6  
  (c)    Indemnification      7  
SECTION 4.       GENERAL      7  
  (a)    General Eligibility      7  
  (b)    Incentive Share Options      7  
  (c)    Restrictions on Shares      7  
  (d)    Beneficiaries      8  
  (e)    No Rights as a Shareholder      8  
  (f)    Termination of Service      8  
SECTION 5.       SHARES SUBJECT TO PLAN AND SHARE LIMITS      9  
  (a)    Basic Limitation      9  
  (b)    Share Count      9  
  (c)    Dividend Equivalents      9  
  (d)    Limits on Share Grants and Restricted Share Units      9  
SECTION 6.       TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF OPTIONS      9  
  (a)    Share Option Agreement      9  

 

ii


     Page  
  (b)    Number of Shares      9  
  (c)    Exercise Price      9  
  (d)    Exercisability and Term      9  
  (e)    Method of Exercise      10  
  (f)    Payment for Option Shares      10  
  (g)    Modifications or Assumption of Options; No Re-Pricing      10  
  (h)    Assignment or Transfer of Options      10  
SECTION 7.       TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SHARE APPRECIATION RIGHTS      11  
  (a)    SAR Agreement      11  
  (b)    Number of Shares      11  
  (c)    Exercise Price      11  
  (d)    Exercisability and Term      11  
  (e)    Exercise of SARs      11  
  (f)    Modification or Assumption of SARs; No Re-Pricing      11  
  (g)    Assignment or Transfer of SARs      12  
SECTION 8.       TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR SHARE GRANTS.      12  
  (a)    Time, Amount and Form of Awards      12  
  (b)    Share Grant Agreement      12  
  (c)    Payment for Share Grants      12  
  (d)    Vesting Conditions      12  
  (e)    Assignment or Transfer of Share Grants      12  
  (f)    Voting and Dividend Rights      12  
  (g)    Modification or Assumption of Share Grants      13  
SECTION 9.       TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF RESTRICTED SHARE UNITS      13  
  (a)    Restricted Share Unit Agreement      13  
  (b)    Number of Shares      13  
  (c)    Payment for Restricted Share Units      13  
  (d)    Vesting Conditions      13  
  (e)    Form and Time of Settlement of Restricted Share Units      13  
  (f)    Voting and Dividend Rights      13  
  (g)    Creditors’ Rights      14  
  (h)    Modification or Assumption of Restricted Share Units      14  
  (i)    Assignment or Transfer of Restricted Share Units      14  

 

iii


     Page  
SECTION 10.       PROTECTION AGAINST DILUTION      14  
  (a)    Adjustments      14  
  (b)    Participant Rights      14  
  (c)    Fractional Shares      15  
SECTION 11.       EFFECT OF A CHANGE IN CONTROL      15  
  (a)    Change in Control      15  
  (b)    Acceleration      15  
  (c)    Dissolution      15  
SECTION 12.       LIMITATIONS ON RIGHTS      15  
  (a)    Participant Rights      15  
  (b)    Shareholders’ Rights      16  
  (c)    Regulatory Requirements      16  
SECTION 13.       WITHHOLDING TAXES      16  
  (a)    General      16  
  (b)    Share Withholding      16  
SECTION 14.       DURATION AND AMENDMENTS      16  
  (a)    Term of the Plan      16  
  (b)    Right to Amend or Terminate the Plan      16  

 

iv


CHINA MUSIC CORPORATION

2014 SHARE INCENTIVE PLAN

SECTION 1.     INTRODUCTION .

On August 15 th , 2014 the Board adopted this 2014 Share Incentive Plan which shall become effective upon its approval by the Company’s shareholders (the “Effective Date”).

The purpose of this Plan is to promote the long-term success of the Company and the creation of shareholder value by offering Participants the opportunity to share in such long-term success by acquiring a proprietary interest in the Company.

The Plan seeks to achieve this purpose by providing for discretionary long-term incentive Awards in the form of Options (which may be Incentive Share Options or Nonstatutory Share Options), Share Appreciation Rights, Share Grants and Restricted Share Units.

The Plan shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, Cayman law (except its choice-of-law provisions). Capitalized terms shall have the meaning provided in Section 2 unless otherwise provided in this Plan or any related Award Agreement.

SECTION 2.     DEFINITIONS .

(a)    “Affiliate” means any entity other than a Subsidiary, if the Company and/or one or more Subsidiaries own not less than 50% of such entity.

(b)    “Applicable Laws” means all applicable laws, rules, regulations and requirements relating to the administration of share plans, including, but not limited to, all applicable Cayman laws, the laws of the People’s Republic of China, U.S. federal and state laws, the rules and regulations of any stock exchange or quotation system on which the Ordinary Shares are listed or quoted, and the applicable laws, rules, regulations or requirements of any foreign country or jurisdiction where Awards are, or will be, granted under the Plan or where Participants reside or provide services, as such laws, rules, regulations and requirements shall be in place from time to time.

(c)    “Award” means an Option, SAR, Share Grant or Restricted Share Unit.

(d)    “Award Agreement” means any Share Option Agreement, SAR Agreement, Share Grant Agreement or Restricted Share Unit Agreement.

(e)    “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company, as constituted from time to time.

(f)    “Cashless Exercise” means, to the extent that a Share Option Agreement so provides and as permitted by Applicable Laws, a program approved by the Committee in which payment of the aggregate Exercise Price and/or satisfaction of any applicable tax withholding obligations may be made all or in part by delivery (on a form prescribed by the Committee) of an irrevocable direction to a securities broker to sell Shares subject to an Option and to deliver all or part of the sale proceeds to the Company.


(g)    “Cause” means, except as may otherwise be provided in a Participant’s employment agreement, Award Agreement, or other written agreement, (i) Participant’s willful failure to perform his or her duties and responsibilities to the Company or material violation of a written Company policy; (ii) Participant’s commission of any act of fraud, embezzlement, dishonesty or any other willful misconduct that has caused or is reasonably expected to result in material injury to the Company; (iii) unauthorized use or disclosure by Participant of any proprietary information or trade secrets of the Company or any other party to whom the Participant owes an obligation of nondisclosure as a result of his or her relationship with the Company; (iv) Participant’s willful breach of any of his or her obligations under any written agreement or covenant with the Company or (v) Participant’s nonpayment of an obligation to the Company; (vi) Participant’s breach of fiduciary duty or deliberate disregard of Company rules resulting in loss, damage or injury to the Company; (vii) Participant’s conduct constituting unfair competition; (viii) Participant’s conduct which induces any Company customer to breach a contract with the Company; and (ix) conduct which induces any principal for whom the Company acts as agent to terminate such agency relationship. The determination as to whether a Participant is being terminated for Cause shall be made in good faith by the Committee and shall be conclusive and binding on the Participant. The foregoing definition does not in any way limit the Company’s ability to terminate a Participant’s Service at any time as provided in Section 12(a), and the term “Company” will be interpreted to include any Subsidiary, Parent, Affiliate, or any successor thereto, if appropriate.

(h)    “Change in Control” means the consummation of any of the following transactions:

(i)    The sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets;

(ii)    The merger of the Company with or into another corporation in which securities possessing more than 50% of the total combined voting power of the Company are transferred to a person or persons different from the persons holding those securities immediately prior to such transaction; or

(iii)    The acquisition, directly or indirectly, by any person or related group of persons (other than the Company or a person that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, the Company) of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act) of securities of the Company representing more than 50% of the total combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities. For purposes of this paragraph, the term “person” shall not include: (1) a trustee of other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company, a Subsidiary or an Affiliate; or (2) corporation or other entity owned directly or indirectly by the shareholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the Ordinary Shares.

A transaction shall not constitute a Change in Control if its sole purpose is to change the place of the Company’s incorporation or to create a holding company that will be owned in substantially the same proportions by the persons who held the Company’s securities immediately before such transactions.

(i)    “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations and interpretations promulgated thereunder.

 

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(j)    “Committee” means a committee described in Section 3.

(k)    “Company” means China Music Corporation, a Cayman Islands corporation.

(l)    “Consultant” means an individual who provides bona fide services to the Company, a Parent, a Subsidiary or an Affiliate, other than as an Employee, Director or Non-Employee Director.

(m)    “Director” means a member of the Board who is also an Employee.

(n)    “Disability” means that the Participant is classified as disabled under the long-term disability policy of the Company or, if no such policy applies, the Participant is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.

(o)    “Employee” means any individual who is an employee of the Company, a Parent, a Subsidiary or an Affiliate.

(p)    “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

(q)    “Exercise Price” means, in the case of an Option, the amount for which a Share may be purchased upon exercise of such Option, as specified in the applicable Share Option Agreement. “Exercise Price,” in the case of a SAR, means an amount, as specified in the applicable SAR Agreement, which is subtracted from the Fair Market Value in determining the amount payable upon exercise of such SAR.

(r)    “Fair Market Value” means the market price of a Share as determined in good faith by the Committee. Such determination shall be conclusive and binding on all persons. The Fair Market Value shall be determined by the following:

(i)    if the Shares are admitted to trading on any established national stock exchange or market system, including without limitation NASDAQ, on the date in question, then the Fair Market Value shall be equal to the closing sales price for such Shares as quoted on such national exchange or system on such date; or

(ii)    if the Shares are admitted to quotation on NASDAQ or are regularly quoted by a recognized securities dealer but selling prices are not reported on the date in question, then the Fair Market Value shall be equal to the mean between the bid and asked prices of the Shares reported for such date.

In each case, the applicable price shall be the price reported in such source as the Committee deems reliable; provided, however, that if there is no such reported price for the Shares for the date in question, then the Fair Market Value shall be equal to the price reported on the last preceding date for which such price exists. If neither (i) or (ii) are applicable, then the Fair Market Value shall be determined by the Committee in good faith on such basis as it deems appropriate.

 

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(s)    “Fiscal Year” means the Company’s fiscal year.

(t)    “Grant Date” means the grant effective date of an Award.

(u)    “Incentive Share Option” or “ISO” means an incentive stock option described in Code Section 422.

(v)    “Non-Employee Director” means a member of the Board who is not an Employee.

(w)    “Nonstatutory Share Option” or “NSO” means a share option that is not an ISO.

(x)    “Option” means an ISO or NSO granted under the Plan entitling the Optionee to purchase Shares.

(y)    “Optionee” means an individual, estate or other entity that holds an Option.

(z)    “Ordinary Shares” means the Company’s ordinary shares.

(aa)    “Parent” means any corporation (other than the Company) in an unbroken chain of corporations ending with the Company, if each of the corporations other than the Company owns share possessing 50% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of shares in one of the other corporations in such chain. A corporation that attains the status of a Parent on a date after the adoption of the Plan shall be considered a Parent commencing as of such date.

(bb)    “Participant” means an Employee, Director, Non-Employee Director or Consultant who has been selected by the Committee to receive an Award under the Plan or any individual, estate or other entity that holds an Award.

(cc)    “Performance Goals” means one or more objective measurable performance goals established by the Committee with respect to a Performance Period based upon one or more factors, including: (i) operating income; (ii) earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization; (iii) earnings; (iv) cash flow; (v) market share; (vi) sales or revenue; (vii) expenses; (viii) cost of goods sold; (ix) profit/loss or profit margin; (x) working capital; (xi) return on equity or assets; (xii) earnings per share; (xiii) economic value added; (xiv) price/earnings ratio; (xv) debt or debt-to-equity; (xvi) accounts receivable; (xvii) writeoffs; (xviii) cash; (xix) assets; (xx) liquidity; (xxi) operations; (xxii) intellectual property (e.g., patents); (xxiii) product development; (xxiv) regulatory activity; (xxv) manufacturing, production or inventory; (xxvi) mergers and acquisitions or divestitures; and/or (xxvii) financings, each with respect to the Company and/or one or more of its Parent, Subsidiaries, Affiliates or operating units.

(dd)    “Performance Period” means any period not exceeding 60 months as determined by the Committee, in its sole discretion. The Committee may establish different Performance Periods for different Participants, and the Committee may establish concurrent or overlapping Performance Periods.

(ee)    “Plan” means this China Music Corporation 2014 Share Incentive Plan as it may be amended from time to time.

 

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(ff)    “Re-Price” means that the Company has lowered or reduced the Exercise Price of outstanding Options and/or outstanding SARs for any Participant(s) whether through amendment, cancellation or replacement grants, or any other means.

(gg)    “Restricted Share Unit” means a bookkeeping entry representing the equivalent of one Share awarded under the Plan.

(hh)    “Restricted Share Unit Agreement” means the agreement described in Section 9 evidencing a Restricted Share Unit.

(ii)    “SAR Agreement” means the agreement described in Section 7 evidencing a Share Appreciation Right.

(jj)    “SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

(kk)    “Section 16 Persons” means those officers, directors or other persons who are subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act.

(ll)    “Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

(mm)    “Service” means service as an Employee, Director, Non-Employee Director or Consultant. A Participant’s Service does not terminate if he or she is an Employee and goes on a bona fide leave of absence that was approved by the Company in writing and the terms of the leave provide for continued service crediting, or when continued service crediting is required by Applicable Laws. However, for purposes of determining whether an Option is entitled to continuing ISO status, an Employee’s Service will be treated as terminating 90 days after such Employee went on leave, unless such Employee’s right to return to active work is guaranteed by law or by a contract. Service terminates in any event when the approved leave ends, unless such Employee immediately returns to active work. Further, unless otherwise determined by the Committee, a Participant’s Service will not terminate merely because of a change in the capacity in which the Participant provides service to the Company, a Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate, or a transfer between entities (the Company or any Parent, Subsidiary, or Affiliate); provided that there is no interruption or other termination of Service.

(nn)    “Share” means one share of Ordinary Shares.

(oo)    “Share Appreciation Right” or “SAR” means a share appreciation right awarded under the Plan.

(pp)    “Share Grant” means Shares awarded under the Plan.

(qq)    “Share Grant Agreement” means the agreement described in Section 8 evidencing a Share Grant.

(rr)    “Share Option Agreement” means the agreement described in Section 6 evidencing an Option.

 

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(ss)    “Subsidiary” means any corporation (other than the Company) in an unbroken chain of corporations beginning with the Company, if each of the corporations other than the last corporation in the unbroken chain owns shares possessing 50% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of shares in one of the other corporations in such chain. A corporation that attains the status of a Subsidiary on a date after the adoption of the Plan shall be considered a Subsidiary commencing as of such date.

(tt)    “10-Percent Shareholder” means an individual who owns more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of outstanding shares of the Company, its Parent or any of its Subsidiaries. In determining share ownership, the attribution rules of Code Section 424(d) shall be applied.

SECTION 3.     ADMINISTRATION .

(a)    Committee Composition. The Board or a Committee appointed by the Board shall administer the Plan. The Committee shall generally have membership composition which enables Awards to Section 16 Persons to qualify as exempt from liability under Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act. However, the Board may also appoint one or more separate Committees, each composed of one or more directors of the Company who need not qualify under Rule 16b-3, that may administer the Plan with respect to Participants who are not Section 16 Persons, respectively, may grant Awards under the Plan to such Participants and may determine all terms of such Awards. Members of any such Committee shall serve for such period of time as the Board may determine and shall be subject to removal by the Board at any time. The Board may also at any time terminate the functions of the Committee and reassume all powers and authority previously delegated to the Committee.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board shall administer the Plan with respect to all Awards granted to Non-Employee Directors.

The Board and any Committee appointed to administer the plan is referred to herein as the “Committee”.

(b)    Authority of the Committee. Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall have the full authority, in its sole discretion, to take any actions it deems necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan. Such actions shall include:

 

  (i)

selecting Participants who are to receive Awards under the Plan;

 

  (ii)

determining the Fair Market Value;

 

  (iii)

determining the type, number, Grant Date, vesting requirements and other features and conditions of such Awards;

 

  (iv)

approving the forms of agreements to be used under the Plan;

 

  (v)

amending any outstanding Awards;

 

  (vi)

accelerating the vesting, or extending the post-termination exercise term, of Awards at any time and under such terms and conditions as it deems appropriate;

 

  (vii)

interpreting the Plan and any Award Agreement;

 

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  (viii)

correcting any defect, supplying any omission or reconciling any inconsistency in the Plan or any Award Agreement;

 

  (ix)

adopting such rules or guidelines as it deems appropriate to implement the Plan;

 

  (x)

authorizing any person to execute on behalf of the Company any instrument required to effect the grant of an Award previously authorized by the Committee;

 

  (xi)

making all other decisions relating to the operation of the Plan; and

 

  (xii)

adopting such plans or subplans as may be deemed necessary or appropriate to comply with the laws of certain countries, allow for tax-preferred treatment of the Awards or otherwise provide for the participation by Participants who reside in such countries.

The Committee’s determinations under the Plan shall be final and binding on all persons.

(c)    Indemnification. To the maximum extent permitted by Applicable Laws, each member of the Committee shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Company against and from (i) any loss, cost, liability, or expense that may be imposed upon or reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with or resulting from any claim, action, suit, or proceeding to which he or she may be a party or in which he or she may be involved by reason of any action taken or failure to act under the Plan or any Award Agreement, and (ii) from any and all amounts paid by him or her in settlement thereof, with the Company’s approval, or paid by him or her in satisfaction of any judgment in any such claim, action, suit, or proceeding against him or her, provided he or she shall give the Company an opportunity, at its own expense, to handle and defend the same before he or she undertakes to handle and defend it on his or her own behalf. The foregoing right of indemnification shall not be exclusive of any other rights of indemnification to which such persons may be entitled to by contract, as a matter of law, or otherwise, or under any power that the Company may have to indemnify them or hold them harmless.

SECTION 4.     GENERAL .

(a)    General Eligibility. Only Employees, Directors, Non-Employee Directors and Consultants shall be eligible to participate in the Plan.

(b)    Incentive Share Options. Only Participants who are Employees of the Company, a Parent or a Subsidiary shall be eligible for the grant of ISOs. In addition, a Participant who is a 10-Percent Shareholder shall not be eligible for the grant of an ISO unless the requirements set forth in Code Section 422(c)(5) are satisfied.

(c)    Restrictions on Shares. Any Shares issued pursuant to an Award shall be subject to such rights of repurchase, rights of first refusal and other transfer restrictions as the Committee may determine, in its sole discretion. Such restrictions shall apply in addition to any restrictions that may apply to holders of Shares generally and shall also comply to the extent necessary with Applicable Laws. In no event shall the Company be required to issue fractional Shares under this Plan.

 

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(d)    Beneficiaries. Unless stated otherwise in an Award Agreement and then only to the extent permitted by and enforceable under Applicable Laws, a Participant may designate one or more beneficiaries with respect to an Award by timely filing the prescribed form with the Company or the Company’s designee. A beneficiary designation may be changed by filing the prescribed form with the Company (or the Company’s designee) at any time before the Participant’s death. If no beneficiary was designated or if no designated beneficiary survives the Participant, then after a Participant’s death any vested Award(s) shall be transferred or distributed to the Participant’s estate or to such other person as the Company may designate.

(e)    No Rights as a Shareholder. A Participant, or a transferee of a Participant, shall have no rights as a shareholder with respect to any Ordinary Shares covered by an Award until such person has satisfied all of the terms and conditions to receive such Ordinary Shares, has satisfied any applicable withholding or tax obligations relating to the Award and the Shares have been issued (as evidenced by an appropriate entry on the books of the Company or a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company).

(f)    Termination of Service. Unless the applicable Award Agreement or, with respect to a Participant who resides in the U.S., the applicable employment agreement provides otherwise, the following rules shall govern the vesting, exercisability and term of outstanding Awards held by a Participant in the event of termination of such Participant’s Service (in all cases subject to the maximum term of the Option and/or SAR as applicable): (i) upon termination of Service for any reason, the unvested portions of any outstanding Restricted Share Units or Share Grants shall be immediately forfeited without consideration; (ii) if Service is terminated for Cause, then all unexercised Options and/or SARs, unvested portions of Restricted Share Units and unvested portions of Share Grants shall terminate and be forfeited immediately without consideration; (iii)if Service is terminated for any reason other than for Cause, death or Disability, then the vested portion of the Participant’s then-outstanding Options and/or SARs may be exercised by such Participant or his or her personal representative within ninety (90) days after the date of such termination and the unvested portions of any such Awards shall be forfeited without consideration at the end of such period; or (iv) if Service is terminated due to death or Disability, the vested portion of the Participant’s then-outstanding Options and/or SARs may be exercised within six (6) months after the date of such termination and the unvested portions of any such Awards shall be forfeited without consideration at the end of such period.

(g)    Violation of Non-Competition Obligation . Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Participant breach any obligations in relation to non-competition under any written agreement or covenant with the Company before or/and after his/her termination of service, then all Options and/or SARs, unvested portions of Restricted Share Units and unvested portions of Share Grants shall terminate and be forfeited immediately without consideration, and the Committee may, in its sole discretion, require all shares and rights benefits and interests of the shares in relation to the exercised Options and/or SARs, vested portions of Restricted Share Units and vested portions of Share Grants shall be returned to the Company without consideration. For avoidance of any doubt, the term “Company” shall include any Subsidiary, Parent, Affiliate, or ay successor thereto, if appropriate.

 

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SECTION 5.     SHARES SUBJECT TO PLAN AND SHARE LIMITS .

(a)    Basic Limitation. The shares issuable under the Plan shall be authorized, but unissued, or reacquired Shares. The aggregate number of Shares reserved for Awards under the Plan shall be stipulated in the relevant Board resolution, subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 10.

(b)    Share Count. Shares issued pursuant to Awards will count against the Shares available for issuance under the Plan as one (1) Share for every one (1) Share issued in connection with the Award. The total number of Shares subject to SARs that are settled in Shares shall be counted in full against the number of Shares available for issuance under the Plan, regardless of the number of Shares actually issued upon settlement of the SARs. If Awards are settled in cash, the Shares that would have been delivered had there been no cash settlement shall not be counted against the Shares available for issuance under the Plan. If Awards are forfeited or are terminated for any reason before vesting or being exercised, then the Shares underlying such Awards shall again become available for Awards under the Plan. For purposes of clarity, no Shares withheld pursuant to Section 13(b) shall again become available for Awards under the Plan.

(c)    Dividend Equivalents. Any dividend equivalents distributed under the Plan shall not reduce the number of Shares available for Awards.

SECTION 6.      TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF OPTIONS.

(a)    Share Option Agreement. Each Option granted under the Plan shall be evidenced and governed exclusively by a Share Option Agreement between the Optionee and the Company. Such Option shall be subject to all applicable terms and conditions of the Plan and may be subject to any other terms and conditions that are not inconsistent with the Plan and that the Committee deems appropriate for inclusion in a Share Option Agreement. The provisions of the various Share Option Agreements entered into under the Plan need not be identical. The Share Option Agreement shall specify whether the Option is an ISO or an NSO.

(b)    Number of Shares. Each Share Option Agreement shall specify the number of Shares that are subject to the Option, which number is subject to adjustment in accordance with Section 10.

(c)    Exercise Price. Each Share Option Agreement shall specify the Option’s Exercise Price which shall be established by the Committee and is subject to adjustment in accordance with Section 10.

(d)    Exercisability and Term. Each Share Option Agreement shall specify the date when all or any installment of the Option is to become exercisable and may include performance conditions or Performance Goals. The Share Option Agreement shall also specify the maximum term of the Option; provided that the maximum term of an Option shall in no event exceed seven (7) years from the Grant Date. A Share Option Agreement may provide for accelerated vesting in the event of the Participant’s death, Disability or other events. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan or the Share Option Agreement, no Option can be exercised after the expiration date provided in the applicable Share Option Agreement. Notwithstanding the forgoing, before the Shares are listed or admitted to trade on the NASDAQ or other national securities exchange(the “Listing”), upon exercise of Options, the Participant (or any person having the right to exercise the Option after Participant’s death) shall receive cash from the Company instead of Share in the sole discretion of the Committee. The amount of cash received upon exercise of Options before the Listing shall, in the aggregate, be equal to the amount by which the Fair Market Value (on the date of surrender) of the Shares subject to the Options exceeds the Exercise Price of the Shares.

 

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(e)    Method of Exercise. An Option may be exercised, in whole or in part, by giving written notice of exercise to the Company (or, subject to Applicable Laws and if the Company permits, by electronic or voice methods) of the number of Shares to be purchased. Such notice shall be accompanied by payment in full of the aggregate Exercise Price, plus any required withholdings (unless satisfactory arrangements have been made to satisfy such withholdings). The Company reserves the right to delay issuance of the Shares if such payments are not satisfactory.

(f)    Payment for Option Shares. The Exercise Price of an Option shall be paid in cash at the time of exercise, except as follows and if so provided for in the applicable Share Option Agreement:

(i)    Surrender of Share. Payment of all or a part of the Exercise Price may be made with Shares which have already been owned by the Optionee; provided that the Committee may, in its sole discretion, require that Shares tendered for payment be previously held by the Optionee for a minimum duration (e.g., to avoid financial accounting charges to the Company’s earnings).

(ii)    Cashless Exercise. Payment of all or a part of the Exercise Price may be made through Cashless Exercise.

(iii)    Other Forms of Payment. Payment may be made in any other form that is consistent with Applicable Laws, regulations and rules and approved by the Committee.

In the case of an ISO granted under the Plan, except to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws, payment shall be made only pursuant to the express provisions of the applicable Share Option Agreement. In the case of an NSO granted under the Plan, the Committee may, in its discretion at any time, accept payment in any form(s) described in this Section 6(f).

(g)    Modifications or Assumption of Options; No Re-Pricing. Within the limitations of the Plan, the Committee may modify, extend or assume outstanding options or may accept the cancellation of outstanding options (whether granted by the Company or by another issuer) in return for the grant of new Options for the same or a different number of Shares and at the same or a different Exercise Price. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence or anything to the contrary, no modification of an Option shall, without the consent of the Optionee, impair his or her rights or obligations under such Option and, unless there is approval by the Company shareholders, the Committee may not Re-Price outstanding Options.

(h)    Assignment or Transfer of Options. Except as otherwise provided in the applicable Share Option Agreement and then only to the extent such transfer is otherwise permitted by Applicable Laws and is not a transfer for value (unless such transfer for value is approved in advance by the Company’s shareholders), no Option or interest therein shall be transferred, assigned, pledged or hypothecated by the Optionee during his or her lifetime, whether by operation of law or otherwise, or be made subject to execution, attachment or similar process, other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution and an Option may be exercised during the lifetime of the Optionee only or by the guardian or legal representative of the Optionee.

 

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SECTION 7.     TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SHARE APPRECIATION RIGHTS .

(a)    SAR Agreement. Each SAR granted under the Plan shall be evidenced by a SAR Agreement between the Participant and the Company. Such SAR shall be subject to all applicable terms of the Plan and may be subject to any other terms that are not inconsistent with the Plan. A SAR Agreement may provide for a maximum limit on the amount of any payout notwithstanding the Fair Market Value on the date of exercise of the SAR. The provisions of the various SAR Agreements entered into under the Plan need not be identical. SARs may be granted in consideration of a reduction in the Participant’s compensation.

(b)    Number of Shares. Each SAR Agreement shall specify the number of Shares to which the SAR pertains, which number is subject to adjustment in accordance with Section 10.

(c)    Exercise Price. Each SAR Agreement shall specify the Exercise Price, which is subject to adjustment in accordance with Section 10. A SAR Agreement may specify an Exercise Price that varies in accordance with a predetermined formula while the SAR is outstanding.

(d)    Exercisability and Term. Each SAR Agreement shall specify the date when all or any installment of the SAR is to become exercisable and may include performance conditions or Performance Goals. The SAR Agreement shall also specify the maximum term of the SAR which shall not exceed seven (7) years from the Grant Date. A SAR Agreement may provide for accelerated exercisability in the event of the Participant’s death, Disability or other events. SARs may be awarded in combination with Options or Share Grants, and such an Award shall provide that the SARs will not be exercisable unless the related Options or Share Grants are forfeited. A SAR may be included in an ISO only at the time of grant but may be included in an NSO at the time of grant or at any subsequent time, but not later than six (6) months before the expiration of such NSO. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan or the SAR Agreement, no SAR can be exercised after the expiration date provided in the applicable SAR Agreement.

(e)    Exercise of SARs. Upon exercise of a SAR, the Participant (or any person having the right to exercise the SAR after Participant’s death) shall receive from the Company (i) Shares, (ii) cash or (iii) any combination of Shares and cash, as the Committee shall determine at the time of grant of the SAR, in its sole discretion. The amount of cash and/or the Fair Market Value of Shares received upon exercise of SARs shall, in the aggregate, be equal to the amount by which the Fair Market Value (on the date of surrender) of the Shares subject to the SARs exceeds the Exercise Price of the Shares.

(f)    Modification or Assumption of SARs; No Re-Pricing. Within the limitations of the Plan, the Committee may modify, extend or assume outstanding SARs or may accept the cancellation of outstanding share appreciation rights (including share appreciation rights granted by another issuer) in return for the grant of new SARs for the same or a different number of Shares and at the same or a different Exercise Price. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence or anything to the contrary, no modification of a SAR shall, without the consent of the Participant, impair his or her rights or obligations under such SAR and, unless there is approval by the Company shareholders, the Committee may not Re-Price outstanding SARs.

 

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(g)    Assignment or Transfer of SARs. Except as otherwise provided in the applicable SAR Agreement and then only to the extent such transfer is otherwise permitted by Applicable Laws and is not a transfer for value (unless such transfer for value is approved in advance by the Company’s shareholders), no SAR or interest therein shall be transferred, assigned, pledged or hypothecated by the Participant during his or her lifetime, whether by operation of law or otherwise, or be made subject to execution, attachment or similar process, other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution and a SAR may be exercised during the lifetime of the Participant only or by the guardian or legal representative of the Participant.

SECTION 8.     TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR SHARE GRANTS .

(a)    Time, Amount and Form of Awards. Awards under this Section 8 may be granted in the form of a Share Grant. A Share Grant may be awarded in combination with NSOs, and such an Award may provide that the Share Grant will be forfeited in the event that the related NSOs are exercised.

(b)    Share Grant Agreement. Each Share Grant awarded under the Plan shall be evidenced and governed exclusively by a Share Grant Agreement between the Participant and the Company. Each Share Grant shall be subject to all applicable terms and conditions of the Plan and may be subject to any other terms and conditions that are not inconsistent with the Plan that the Committee deems appropriate for inclusion in the applicable Share Grant Agreement. The provisions of the Share Grant Agreements entered into under the Plan need not be identical.

(c)    Payment for Share Grants. Share Grants may be issued with or without cash consideration under the Plan.

(d)    Vesting Conditions. The Committee shall determine the vesting schedule of each Share Grant. Vesting shall occur, in full or in installments, upon satisfaction of the conditions specified in the Share Grant Agreement which may include performance conditions or Performance Goals. A Share Grant Agreement may provide for accelerated vesting in the event of the Participant’s death, Disability, or other events.

(e)    Assignment or Transfer of Share Grants. Except as otherwise provided in the applicable Share Grant Agreement and then only to the extent such transfer is otherwise permitted by Applicable Laws, no unvested Share Grant or interest therein shall be transferred, assigned, pledged or hypothecated by the Participant during his or her lifetime, whether by operation of law or otherwise, or be made subject to execution, attachment or similar process, other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution.

(f)    Voting and Dividend Rights. The holder of a Share Grant awarded under the Plan shall have the same voting, dividend and other rights as the Company’s other shareholders. A Share Grant Agreement may require that the holder of such Share Grant invest any cash dividends received in additional Shares subject to the Share Grant. Such additional Shares and any Shares received as a dividend pursuant to the Share Grant shall be subject to the same conditions and restrictions as the Share Grant with respect to which the dividends were paid. Such additional Shares subject to the Share Grant shall not reduce the number of Shares available for issuance under Section 5.

 

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(g)    Modification or Assumption of Share Grants. Within the limitations of the Plan, the Committee may modify or assume outstanding Share Grants or may accept the cancellation of outstanding share grants (including share granted by another issuer) in return for the grant of new Share Grants for the same or a different number of Shares. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence or anything to the contrary, no modification of a Share Grant shall, without the consent of the Participant, impair his or her rights or obligations under such Share Grant.

SECTION 9.     TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF RESTRICTED SHARE UNITS .

(a)    Restricted Share Unit Agreement. Each Restricted Share Unit granted under the Plan shall be evidenced by a Restricted Share Unit Agreement between the Participant and the Company. Such Restricted Share Units shall be subject to all applicable terms of the Plan and may be subject to any other terms that are not inconsistent with the Plan. The provisions of the various Restricted Share Unit Agreements entered into under the Plan need not be identical. Restricted Share Units may be granted in consideration of a reduction in the Participant’s other compensation.

(b)    Number of Shares. Each Restricted Share Unit Agreement shall specify the number of Shares to which the Restricted Share Unit pertains, which number is subject to adjustment in accordance with Section 10.

(c)    Payment for Restricted Share Units. To the extent that an Award is granted in the form of Restricted Share Units, no cash consideration shall be required of the Award recipients.

(d)    Vesting Conditions. The Committee shall determine the vesting schedule of each Restricted Share Unit. Vesting shall occur, in full or in installments, upon satisfaction of the conditions specified in the Restricted Share Unit Agreement which may include performance conditions or Performance Goals. A Restricted Share Unit Agreement may provide for accelerated vesting in the event of the Participant’s death, Disability, or other events.

(e)    Form and Time of Settlement of Restricted Share Units. Settlement of vested Restricted Share Units may be made in the form of (i) cash, (ii) Shares or (iii) any combination of both, as determined by the Committee at the time of the grant of the Restricted Share Units, in its sole discretion. Vested Restricted Share Units may be settled in a lump sum or in installments. The distribution may occur or commence when the vesting conditions applicable to the Restricted Share Units have been satisfied or have lapsed, or it may be deferred, in accordance with Applicable Laws, to any later date. The amount of a deferred distribution may be increased by an interest factor or by dividend equivalents.

(f)    Voting and Dividend Rights. The holders of Restricted Share Units shall have no voting rights. Prior to settlement or forfeiture, any Restricted Share Unit awarded under the Plan may, at the Committee’s discretion, carry with it a right to dividend equivalents. Such right entitles the holder to be credited with an amount equal to all cash dividends paid on one Share while the Restricted Share Unit is outstanding. Dividend equivalents may be converted into additional Restricted Share Units. Settlement of dividend equivalents may be made in the form of cash, in the form of Shares, or in a combination of both. Prior to distribution, any dividend equivalents which are not paid shall be subject to the same conditions and restrictions as the Restricted Share Units to which they attach.

 

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(g)    Creditors’ Rights. A holder of Restricted Share Units shall have no rights other than those of a general creditor of the Company. Restricted Share Units represent an unfunded and unsecured obligation of the Company, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable Restricted Share Unit Agreement.

(h)    Modification or Assumption of Restricted Share Units. Within the limitations of the Plan, the Committee may modify or assume outstanding Restricted Share Units or may accept the cancellation of outstanding restricted share units (including restricted share units granted by another issuer) in return for the grant of new Restricted Share Units for the same or a different number of Shares. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence or anything to the contrary, no modification of a Restricted Share Unit shall, without the consent of the Participant, impair his or her rights or obligations under such Restricted Share Unit.

(i)    Assignment or Transfer of Restricted Share Units. Except as otherwise provided in the applicable Restricted Share Unit Agreement and then only to the extent such transfer is otherwise permitted by Applicable Laws and is not a transfer for value (unless such transfer for value is approved in advance by the Company’s shareholders), no Restricted Share Unit or interest therein shall be transferred, assigned, pledged or hypothecated by the Participant during his or her lifetime, whether by operation of law or otherwise, or be made subject to execution, attachment or similar process, other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution.

SECTION 10.     PROTECTION AGAINST DILUTION .

(a)    Adjustments. In the event of a subdivision of the outstanding Shares, a declaration of a dividend payable in Shares, a declaration of a dividend payable in a form other than Shares in an amount that has a material effect on the price of Shares, a combination or consolidation of the outstanding Shares (by reclassification or otherwise) into a lesser number of Shares, a recapitalization, a spin-off or a similar occurrence, the Committee shall make appropriate adjustments in one or more of:

(i)    the number of Shares and the kind of shares or securities available for future Awards under Section 5;

(ii)    the limits on Share Grants and Restricted Share Units specified in Section 5(d);

(iii)    the number of Shares and the kind of shares or securities covered by each outstanding Award; or

(iv)    the Exercise Price under each outstanding Option or SAR.

(b)    Participant Rights. Except as provided in this Section 10, a Participant shall have no rights by reason of any issue by the Company of shares of any class or securities convertible into shares of any class, any subdivision or consolidation of shares of any class, the payment of any share dividend or any other increase or decrease in the number of shares of any class. If by reason of an adjustment pursuant to this Section 10 a Participant’s Award covers additional or different shares or securities, then such additional or different shares and the Award in respect thereof shall be subject to all of the terms, conditions and restrictions which were applicable to the Award and the Shares subject to the Award prior to such adjustment.

 

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(c)    Fractional Shares. Any adjustment of Shares pursuant to this Section 10 shall be rounded down to the nearest whole number of Shares. Under no circumstances shall the Company be required to authorize or issue fractional shares and no consideration shall be provided as a result of any fractional shares not being issued or authorized.

SECTION 11.     EFFECT OF A CHANGE IN CONTROL .

(a)    Change in Control. In the event that the Company is a party to a Change in Control, outstanding Awards shall be subject to the applicable agreement of merger or reorganization. Such agreement may provide, without limitation, for the assumption of outstanding Awards by the surviving corporation or its parent, for their continuation by the Company (if the Company is a surviving corporation), for accelerated vesting or for their cancellation with or without consideration, in all cases without the consent of the Participant.

(b)    Acceleration. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee may determine, at the time of grant of an Award or thereafter, that such Award shall become vested and exercisable, in full or in part, in the event that the Company is a party to a Change in Control.

(c)    Dissolution. To the extent not previously exercised or settled, Options, SARs and Restricted Share Units shall terminate immediately prior to the dissolution or liquidation of the Company.

SECTION 12.     LIMITATIONS ON RIGHTS .

(a)    Participant Rights. A Participant’s rights, if any, in respect of or in connection with any Award is derived solely from the discretionary decision of the Company to permit the individual to participate in the Plan and to benefit from a discretionary Award. By accepting an Award under the Plan, a Participant expressly acknowledges that there is no obligation on the part of the Company to continue the Plan and/or grant any additional Awards. Any Award granted hereunder is not intended to be compensation of a continuing or recurring nature, or part of a Participant’s normal or expected compensation, and in no way represents any portion of a Participant’s salary, compensation, or other remuneration for purposes of pension benefits, severance, redundancy, resignation or any other purpose.

Neither the Plan nor any Award granted under the Plan shall be deemed to give any individual a right to remain an employee, consultant or director of the Company, a Parent, a Subsidiary or an Affiliate. The Company and its Parent, Subsidiaries and Affiliates reserve the right to terminate the Service of any person at any time, and for any reason, subject to Applicable Laws, and any applicable written employment agreement (if any), and such terminated person shall be deemed irrevocably to have waived any claim to damages or specific performance for breach of contract or dismissal, compensation for loss of office, tort or otherwise with respect to the Plan or any outstanding Award that is forfeited and/or is terminated by its terms or to any future Award.

 

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(b)    Shareholders’ Rights. Except as provided in Section 9(f), a Participant shall have no dividend rights, voting rights or other rights as a shareholder with respect to any Shares covered by his or her Award prior to the issuance of such Shares (as evidenced by an appropriate entry on the books of the Company or a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company). No adjustment shall be made for cash dividends or other rights for which the record date is prior to the date when such Shares are issued, except as expressly provided in Sections 9(f) and 10.

(c)    Regulatory Requirements. Any other provision of the Plan notwithstanding, the obligation of the Company to issue Shares or other securities under the Plan shall be subject to all Applicable Laws and such approval by any regulatory body as may be required. The Company reserves the right to restrict, in whole or in part, the delivery of Shares or other securities pursuant to any Award prior to the satisfaction of all legal requirements relating to the issuance of such Shares or other securities, to their registration, qualification or listing or to an exemption from registration, qualification or listing.

SECTION 13.     WITHHOLDING TAXES .

(a)    General. A Participant shall make arrangements satisfactory to the Company for the satisfaction of any withholding tax obligations that arise in connection with his or her Award. The Company shall have the right to deduct from any amount payable under the Plan, including delivery of Shares to be made pursuant to an Award granted under the Plan, all federal, state, city, local or foreign taxes of any kind required by law to be withheld with respect to such payment and the Company may take any such actions as may be necessary in the opinion of the Company to satisfy all obligations for the payment of such taxes. The Company shall not be required to issue any Shares or make any cash payment under the Plan until such obligations are satisfied.

(b)    Share Withholding. The Committee may permit a Participant to satisfy all or part of his or her withholding or income tax obligations by Cashless Exercise, by having the Company withhold all or a portion of any Shares that otherwise would be issued to him or her or by surrendering all or a portion of any Shares that he or she previously acquired; provided that Shares withheld or previously owned Shares that are tendered shall not exceed the amount necessary to satisfy the Company’s tax withholding obligations at the minimum statutory withholding rates, including, but not limited to, U.S. federal and state income taxes, payroll taxes and foreign taxes, if applicable, unless the previously owned Shares have been held for the minimum duration necessary to avoid financial accounting charges under applicable accounting guidance or as otherwise permitted by the Committee in its sole and absolute discretion. Any payment of taxes by assigning Shares to the Company may be subject to restrictions, including, but not limited to, any restrictions required by rules of the SEC. If any Shares are used to satisfy withholding taxes, such Shares shall be valued based on the Fair Market Value thereof on the date when the withholding for taxes is required to be made.

SECTION 14.     DURATION AND AMENDMENTS .

(a)    Term of the Plan. The Plan shall terminate on August 15 th , 2024 and may be terminated on any earlier date pursuant to this Section 14.

(b)    Right to Amend or Terminate the Plan. The Board may amend or terminate the Plan at any time and for any reason. Any such termination of the Plan, or any amendment thereof, shall not impair any Award previously granted under the Plan. No Awards shall be granted under the Plan after the Plan’s termination. An amendment of the Plan shall be subject to the approval of the Company’s shareholders only to the extent such approval is required by Applicable Laws, regulations or rules.

 

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Exhibit 10.4

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

( 腾讯音乐娱乐集团 )

2017 SHARE OPTION PLAN

SECTION  1.      Purpose . The purpose of the Tencent Music Entertainment Group ( 腾讯音乐娱乐集团 ) 2017 Share Option Plan (the “ Plan ”) is to motivate and reward those employees and other individuals who are expected to contribute significantly to the success of Tencent Music Entertainment Group ( 腾讯音乐娱乐集团 ) (together with its subsidiaries, the “ Company ”) to perform at the highest level and to further the best interests of the Company and its shareholders.

SECTION  2.      Definitions . As used in the Plan, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:

(a)    “ Affiliate ” means (i) any entity that, directly or indirectly, is controlled by the Company; (ii) any entity in which the Company, directly or indirectly, has a significant equity interest, in each case as determined by the Committee.

(b)    “ Articles of Association ” means the articles of association of the Company in force from time to time.

(c)    “ associates ” has the meaning ascribed to it in the Hong Kong Listing Rules.

(d)    “ Award ” means any Option granted under the Plan.

(e)    “ Award Agreement ” means any agreement, contract or other instrument or document evidencing any Award granted under the Plan, which may, but need not, be executed or acknowledged by a Participant.

(f)    “ Beneficial Owner ” has the meaning ascribed to such term in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act.

(g)    “ Beneficiary ” means a person entitled to receive payments or other benefits or exercise rights that are available under the Plan in the event of the Participant’s death. If no such person is named by a Participant, or if no Beneficiary designated by such Participant is eligible to receive payments or other benefits or exercise rights that are available under the Plan at the Participant’s death, such Participant’s Beneficiary shall be such Participant’s estate.

(h)    “ Board ” means the board of directors of the Company.

(i)    “ Cause ” means, with respect to any Participant, “ cause ” as defined in such Participant’s Employment Agreement, if any, or if not so defined, except as otherwise provided in such Participant’s Award Agreement, such Participant’s:

(i)    dishonesty or serious misconduct, whether or not in connection with his employment; willful disobedience or non-compliance with the terms of his employment, agency or consultancy contract with any member of the group or any invested entity or any lawful orders or instructions given by the any member of the group or any invested entity as the case may be;


(ii)    incompetence or negligence in the performance of his duties;; or

(iii)    doing anything in the conclusive opinion of the Committee adversely affects his ability to perform his duties properly or bring the Company or the group or any invested entity into disrepute.

(j)    “ Change of Control ” means the occurrence of any one or more of the following events:

(i)    any Person, other than an employee benefit plan or trust maintained by the Company, becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing more than 50% of the combined voting power of the Company’s outstanding securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors;

(ii)    at any time during a period of 12 consecutive months, individuals who at the beginning of such period constituted the Board and any new member of the Board whose election or nomination for election was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then still in office who either were directors at the beginning of such period or whose election or nomination for election was so approved, cease for any reason to constitute a majority of members of the Board;

(iii)    the consummation of (A) a merger or consolidation of the Company or any of its subsidiaries with any other corporation or entity, other than a merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior to such merger or consolidation continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity or, if applicable, the ultimate parent thereof) at least 50% of the combined voting power and total fair market value of the securities of the Company or such surviving entity or parent outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation, or (B) any sale, lease, exchange or other transfer to any Person of assets of the Company and/or any of its subsidiaries, in one transaction or a series of related transactions, having an aggregate fair market value of more than 50% of the fair market value of the Company and its subsidiaries (the “ Company Value ”) immediately prior to such transaction(s); or

(iv)    any analogous situation as determined by the Committee solely at its discretion;

provided that, in the case of each of (i), (ii) and (iii), except as otherwise provided in the applicable Award Agreement, a Change of Control shall not be deemed to have occurred until the Committee has determined by resolution of the Committee that such event has occurred.

 

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(k)    “ Code ” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, and the rules, regulations and guidance thereunder. Any reference to a provision in the Code shall include any successor provision thereto.

(l)    “ Committee ” means the compensation committee of the Board or such other committee as may be designated by the Board. If the Board does not designate the Committee, references herein to the “Committee” shall refer to the Board.

(m)    “ Companies Ordinance ” means the Companies Ordinance (Chapter 622 of the Laws of Hong Kong) as amended from time to time.

(n)    “ Director ” means any member of the Company’s Board of Directors.

(o)    “ Disability ” means, with respect to any Participant, “disability” as defined in such Participant’s Employment Agreement, if any, or if not so defined, except as otherwise provided in such Participant’s Award Agreement:

(i)    a permanent and total disability that entitles the Participant to disability income payments under any long-term disability plan or policy provided by the Company under which the Participant is covered, as such plan or policy is then in effect; or

(ii)    if the Participant is not covered under a long-term disability plan or policy provided by the Company at such time for whatever reason, then the term “Disability” means that the Participant is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted, or can be expected to last, for a continuous period of not less than 12 months. In this case, the existence of any such Disability will be certified by a physician acceptable to the Company.

(p)    “ Effective Date ” means the later of (i) the date on which the Plan is adopted by the Board, (ii) the date on which the Plan is approved and adopted by the shareholders of the Company and (iii) the date on which the Plan is approved and adopted by the shareholders of Tencent in a general meeting pursuant to the Hong Kong Listing Rules.

(q)    “ Eligible Participant ” has the meaning ascribed to it under Section 3(a) of this Plan.

(r)    “ Employee ” means any person employed by the Company or any Affiliate, with the status of employment determined based upon such factors as are deemed appropriate by the Committee in its discretion, subject to applicable law.

(s)    “ Employment Agreement ” means any employment, severance, consulting or similar agreement between the Company or any of its Affiliates and a Participant.

 

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(t)    “ Exchange Act ” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time, and the rules, regulations and guidance thereunder. Any reference to a provision in the Exchange Act shall include any successor provision thereto.

(u)    “ Fair Market Value ” means (i) with respect to Shares, the closing price of a Share as stated in the daily quotations sheet of the principal stock market or exchange on which the Shares are quoted or traded, or if Shares are not so quoted or traded, fair market value of a Share as determined by the Committee, and (ii) with respect to any property other than Shares, the fair market value of such property determined by such methods or procedures as shall be established from time to time by the Committee.

(v)    “ Hong Kong means the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China.

(w)    “ Hong Kong Listing Rules ” means the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited as may be amended from time to time.

(x)    “ Hong Kong Stock Exchange ” means The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited.

(y)    “ HK$ ” means Hong Kong dollars.

(z)    “ Intrinsic Value ” with respect to an Option Award means (i) the excess, if any, of the price or implied price per Share in a Change of Control or other event over (ii) the exercise or hurdle price of such Award multiplied by (iii) the number of Shares covered by such Award.

(aa)    “ Option ” means an option representing the right to purchase Shares from the Company, granted pursuant to Section 6 .

(bb)    “ Participant ” means the recipient of an Award granted under the Plan.

(cc)    “ Person ” has the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act and used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) thereof, including “group” as defined in Section 13(d) thereof.

(dd)    “ Qualified IPO ” means the listing of Shares resulting from a firm underwritten public offering of the Shares in the U.S. or in a similar listing of the Shares in another jurisdiction which results in such shares trading publicly on any Qualified Stock Exchange where the Company meets the listing requirements of such Qualified Stock Exchange.

(ee)    “ Qualified Stock Exchange ” means the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, New York Stock Exchange, NASDAQ Stock Market, A-Share Market or such other stock exchange approved by the Board.

 

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(ff)    “ Retirement ” means the Participant’s retirement following reaching the retirement age as established by the legislation in force in the jurisdiction of the Participant’s principal place of employment or as otherwise determined under Company policy.

(gg)    “ Shares ” means ordinary shares in the capital of the Company, par value US$0.000083 per share.

(hh)    “ substantial shareholder ” has the meaning ascribed to it in the Hong Kong Listing Rules.

(ii)    “ Substitute Award ” means an Award granted in assumption of, or in substitution for, an outstanding award previously granted by a company or other business acquired by the Company or with which the Company combines.

(jj)    “ Tencent ” means Tencent Holdings Limited, the controlling shareholder (as defined under the Hong Kong Listing Rules) of the Company, and whose shares are listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

(kk)    “ Termination of Service ” means, in the case of a Participant who is an employee of the Company or an Affiliate, cessation of the employment relationship such that the Participant is no longer an employee of the Company or Affiliate, or, in the case of a Participant who is an independent contractor or other service provider, the date the performance of services for the Company or an Affiliate has ended; provided , however , that in the case of an employee, the transfer of employment from the Company to an Affiliate, from an Affiliate to the Company, from one Affiliate to another Affiliate or, unless the Committee determines otherwise, the cessation of employee status but the continuation of the performance of services for the Company or an Affiliate as a Director of the Board or an independent contractor shall not be deemed a cessation of service that would constitute a Termination of Service; provided , further , that a Termination of Service will be deemed to occur for a Participant employed by an Affiliate when an Affiliate ceases to be an Affiliate unless such Participant’s employment continues with the Company or another Affiliate.

SECTION  3.      Eligibility .

(a)    Any Employee or any other individual who provides services to the Company or any Affiliate as determined by the Committee shall be eligible to be selected to receive an Award under the Plan (an “ Eligible Participant ”), to the extent an offer of an Award or a receipt of such Award is permitted by applicable law, stock market or exchange rules and regulations or accounting or tax rules and regulations.

(b)    Holders of options and other types of awards granted by a company acquired by the Company or with which the Company combines are eligible for grants of Substitute Awards under the Plan to the extent permitted under applicable regulations of any stock exchange on which the Company is listed.

 

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SECTION  4.      Administration .

(a)     Administration of the Plan . The Plan shall be administered by the Committee. All decisions of the Committee shall be final, conclusive and binding upon all parties, including the Company and Participants and any Beneficiaries thereof. The Committee may issue rules and regulations for administration of the Plan. It shall meet at such times and places as it may determine.

(b)     Composition of Committee . Subject to applicable law, the Board may designate one or more Directors as alternate members of the Committee who may replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of the Committee. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Committee may delegate to one or more officers of the Company the authority to grant Options, and the Committee may delegate to another committee of the Board (which may consist of solely one Director) the authority to grant all types of Awards, in accordance with the law.

(c)     Authority of Committee . Subject to the terms of the Plan and applicable law, the Committee (or its delegate) shall have full power and authority to:

(i) designate Participants;

(ii) determine the type or types of Awards (including Substitute Awards) to be granted to each Participant under the Plan, provided that the Committee shall not grant any proposed grantee an Option (A) if a prospectus is required to be issued in connection with such grant under the Companies Ordinance or any other applicable laws or (B) after a price sensitive event has occurred or a price sensitive matter has been the subject of a decision, until such price sensitive information has been published in the newspaper or during the period commencing one month immediately preceding the earlier of the date of the Board meeting for approval of the Company’s results for any year, half year, quarterly or any other interim period and the deadline for the Company to publish an announcement of its results for any year, half year, quarterly or any other interim period;

(iii) determine the number of Shares to be covered by (or with respect to which payments, rights or other matters are to be calculated in connection with) Awards, which shall not in aggregate exceed 10% of the issued share capital of the Company in issue as at the date of the approval of the Plan;

(iv) determine the terms and conditions of any Award including any performance criteria to be satisfied by the grantee and/or the Company before an Option can be granted or exercised;

(v) determine whether, to what extent and under what circumstances Awards may be settled or exercised in cash, Shares, other Awards, other property, net settlement, or any combination thereof, or canceled, forfeited or suspended, and the method or methods by which Awards may be settled, exercised, canceled, forfeited or suspended;

 

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(vi) determine whether, to what extent and under what circumstances cash, Shares, other Awards, other property and other amounts payable with respect to an Award under the Plan shall be deferred either automatically or at the election of the holder thereof or of the Committee;

(vii) interpret and administer the Plan and any instrument or agreement relating to, or Award made under, the Plan;

(viii) establish, amend, suspend or waive such rules and regulations and appoint such agents, trustees, brokers, depositories and advisors and determine such terms of their engagement as it shall deem appropriate for the proper administration of the Plan and due compliance with applicable law, stock market or exchange rules and regulations or accounting or tax rules and regulations; and

(ix) make any other determination and take any other action that the Committee deems necessary or desirable for the administration of the Plan and due compliance with applicable law, stock market or exchange rules and regulations or accounting or tax rules and regulations.

(d)     Restrictive Covenants . The Committee may impose restrictions on any Award with respect to non-competition, confidentiality and any other events that it considers to be detrimental to the Company, and impose other restrictive covenants as it deems necessary or appropriate in its sole discretion. In the event that these restrictions are breached, the Committee may request the grantees to return all benefits made available to them under the Plan and such grantees shall ceased to be entitled to potential benefits intended to be made available to them under the Plan.

SECTION  5.      Shares Available for Awards .

(a)    The maximum number of Shares available for issuance upon exercise of Options to be granted under the Plan (including Substitute Awards) is 34,826,662, being not more than 10% of the total number of Shares of the Company in issue as at the Effective Date. Options lapsed in accordance with the terms of the Plan will not be counted for the purpose of calculating the 10% limit. Shareholders of Tencent in general meeting (and the shareholders of the Company, to the extent that approval by the shareholders of the Company is required under any applicable law or stock market or exchange rules and regulations) may “refresh” the 10% limit under the Plan. However, the total number of Shares which may be issued upon exercise of all Options to be granted under the Plan and any other share option plans of the Company under the limits as “refreshed” must not exceed 10% of the relevant class of Shares in issue as at the date of approval of the limit. Options previously granted under the Plan and any other share option plans (including those outstanding, cancelled, lapsed in accordance with the Plan or exercised Options) will not be counted for the purpose of calculating the limit as “refreshed”. The maximum number of Shares which may be issued upon exercise of all outstanding Options granted and yet to be exercised under the Plan and any other options granted and yet to be exercised under any other option plan shall not exceed 30% of the issued share capital of the Company from time to time.

 

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(b)    No Option may be granted to any one person such that the total number of Shares issued and to be issued upon exercise of Options granted and to be granted to such person in any 12-month period up to the date of the latest grant exceeds 1% of the issued share capital of the Company from time to time unless the Company obtains the approval of shareholders of Tencent (and/or the shareholders of the Company after the Shares are listed on a Qualified Stock Exchange, as applicable) in general meeting in accordance with Rule 17.03(4) of the Hong Kong Listing Rules.

(c)    After the Shares are listed on a Qualified Stock Exchange, in addition to the requirements outlined in Section 5(a) and (b) above, the independent non-executive Directors of the Company (excluding any independent non-executive Director of the Company who is a grantee or Participant of the Award), will be required to approve each grant of Options to a Director, chief executive or substantial shareholder of the Company or any of their respective associates. Where any grant of options to a substantial shareholder or an independent non-executive Director of the Company, or any of its respective associates, would result in the Shares issued and to be issued upon exercise of all Options already granted and to be granted (including Options exercised, cancelled and outstanding) to such person in the 12-month period up to and including the date of such grant, (i) representing in aggregate over 0.1% of the relevant class of Shares in issue; and (ii) (where the Shares are listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange), having an aggregate value, based on the closing price of the securities at the date of each grant, in excess of HK$5 million, such further grant of options must be approved by shareholders of the Company.

(d)    The exercise of any Option shall be subject to the Shareholders of the Company in general meeting approving any necessary increase in the authorized share capital of the Company. Subject thereto, the Board shall make available sufficient authorised but unissued share capital of the Company to meet subsisting requirements on the exercise of Options.

(e)    Any Shares subject to an Award (other than a Substitute Award), that expires, is canceled, forfeited or otherwise terminates without the delivery of such Shares, including (i) the number of Shares surrendered or withheld in payment of any grant, purchase, exercise or hurdle price of an Award or taxes related to an Award (other than Shares already issued and surrendered for payment of taxes) and (ii) any Shares subject to an Award to the extent that Award is settled without the issuance of Shares, shall again be, or shall become, available for issuance under the Plan.

 

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(f)    In the event that the Committee determines that, as a result of any dividend or other distribution (whether in the form of cash, Shares or other securities), recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, repurchase or exchange of Shares or other securities of the Company, issuance of warrants or other rights to purchase Shares or other securities of the Company, issuance of Shares pursuant to the anti-dilution provisions of securities of the Company, or other similar corporate transaction or event affecting the Shares, or of changes in applicable laws, regulations or accounting principles, an adjustment is appropriate in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the Plan, then the Committee shall adjust equitably, and in accordance with Chapter 17 of the Listing Rules, any or all of:

(i)    the number and type of Shares (or other securities) which thereafter may be made the subject of Awards, including the aggregate limit specified in S ection 5(a) ;

(ii)    the number and type of Shares (or other securities) subject to outstanding Awards; and

(iii)    the grant, purchase, exercise or hurdle price with respect to any Award or, if deemed appropriate, make provision for a cash payment to the holder of an outstanding Award;

provided , however , that the number of Shares subject to any Award denominated in Shares shall always be a whole number.

(g)    Any Shares delivered pursuant to an Award may consist, in whole or in part, of authorized and unissued Shares or Shares acquired by the Company.

SECTION  6.      Options . The Committee is authorized to grant Options to Participants with the following terms and conditions and with such additional terms and conditions, in either case not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan, as the Committee shall determine:

(a)    The exercise price per Share under an Option shall be determined by the Committee at the time of grant; provided , however , after the shares of the Company are listed a Qualified Stock Exchange, that such exercise price shall be at least the higher of (i) the nominal value of a Share; (ii) the Fair Market Value of a Share of such Option on the date of grant; and (iii) the average Fair Market Value of a Share of such Option for the five business days immediately preceding the date of grant. In the event that the Company has resolved to seek a separate listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange or any other stock exchange, the exercise price for options granted thereafter and up to the listing date shall not be lower than the new issue price (if any). In particular, any Options granted during the period commencing six (6) months before the lodgment of the listing application and up to the listing date of the Company shall not be lower than the new issue price. A grantee of an Option shall not have any voting rights, rights to dividends or other rights of a shareholder with respect to Shares subject to the Option until the grantee has exercised the Option and the Company has issued Shares to the grantee.

(b)    The term of each Option shall be fixed by the Committee but shall not exceed 10 years from the date of grant of such Option.

 

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(c)    Subject to any early vesting of Options pursuant to Section 6(d)(v), (vi) or (vii), the Committee shall determine the time or times at which an Option becomes vested and exercisable in whole or in part. The Committee may specify in an Award Agreement that an Option with an exercise price that is lower than the closing market price of the Shares on a reference date determined by the Committee, shall be automatically exercised on its expiration date as specified in the Award Agreement.

(d)    Subject as hereinafter provided in the Plan and to any conditions specified by the Committee pursuant to Section 4(c), Section 4(d) and this Section 6, in particular, always subject to Section 6(c), the Participant (or, if applicable, the Participant’s nominee under Section 9(d) on the Participant’s behalf, or where permitted under Section 6(d)(iv), the Participant’s legal personal representative(s)/ Beneficiary(ies) under Section 9(e)) may exercise his Option at any time or times during the Option Period provided always that, except as otherwise set forth in the applicable Award Agreement, any Option shall only be exercisable upon the earlier of (i) a Qualified IPO and (ii) a Change of Control, and:

 

  (i)

where the Participant is an Employee, in the event of the Participant ceasing to be an Employee for any reason other than his death or the termination of his employment on one or more of the grounds specified in Section 6(d)(ii) or Section 7(d), the Participant (or, if applicable, the Participant’s nominee under Section 9(d) on the Participant’s behalf) may exercise the Option up to the Participant’s entitlement at the date of cessation of his employment (to the extent not already exercised) within the period of three months following the date of such cessation, which date shall be his last actual working day with the Company or any of its relevant Affiliate, whether salary is paid in lieu of notice or not;

 

  (ii)

where the Participant is an Employee, in the event of the Participant ceasing to be an Employee by reason of ill-health, injury or Disability not attributable to his own misconduct or redundancy (as defined under applicable laws), Retirement, agreement with the Committee or transfer of business in relation to which the Employee was engaged to a company outside the Company and any of its subsidiaries and none of the events which would be a ground for termination of his employment under Clause Section 7(d) has occurred, the Participant (or, if applicable, the Participant’s nominee under Section 9(d) on the Participant’s behalf) may exercise the Option up to his entitlement at the date of cessation of his employment (to the extent not already exercised) within the period of three months following the date of such cessation, which date shall be his last actual working day with the Company or any Affiliate, whether salary is paid in lieu of notice or not;

 

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  (iii)

in the case: (a) where the Participant is a third party service provider/any other individual who provides services to the Company or any Affiliate under a fixed term contract, if the Participant ceases to be a third party service provider by reason of termination or expiry of the term of the relevant fixed term contract without any extension or renewal by the Company or its Affiliate for reasons other than (1) on one or more of the grounds specified in Section 7(d) or (2) on his death, or (b) where the Participant is a third party service provider not under any fixed term contract, if the Participant ceases to be a third party service provider by reason of the Participant ceasing to provide any further advisory or consultancy or other kind of services, support, assistance or contribution to the Company or its relevant Affiliates as may be determined by the Committee and notified to such third party service provider in writing within three months after the provision of its last services, support, assistance or contribution to the Company or its relevant Affiliates for reasons other than (1) on one or more of the grounds specified in Section 7(d) or (2) on his death, the Participant (or, if applicable, the Participant’s nominee under Section 9(d) on the Participant’s behalf) may exercise the Option up to his entitlement at the date of cessation (to the extent he is entitled to exercise at the date of cessation but not already exercised) within the period of three months (or such other period as the Committee may determine) following the date of such cessation, which date shall, in the case of (i) above, be the date of expiry of the relevant fixed term contract or, in the case of (ii) above, be the date of the written notification to the third party service provider;

 

  (iv)

where the Participant is an Employee or a third party service provider, in the event of the death of the Participant and none of the events specified in Section 7(d) has occurred, the legal personal representative(s) / Beneficiary of the Participant under Section 9(e) shall be entitled within a period of twelve months from the date of death (or such other period as the Committee may determine) to exercise the Option up to his entitlement (to the extent not already exercised);

 

  (v)

whereby if a general offer (whether by way of takeover offer, share repurchase offer or scheme of arrangement or otherwise in like manner) is made to all the holders of the Shares (or all such holders other than the offeror and/or any person controlled by the offeror and/or any person acting in association or concert with the offeror) and unless otherwise determined by the Committee : (i) in case of a scheme of arrangement, if the arrangement is formally proposed to the holders of the Shares or (ii) in any other case, if such offer becomes or is declared unconditional prior to the expiry of the Option, the grantee shall be entitled to exercise his Option (to the extent not already exercised) to its full extent or to the extent specified in the grantee’s notice to the Company in exercise of his Option at any time thereafter and up to (i) in case of a scheme of arrangement, 3:00 p.m. (Hong Kong time) of the record date for entitlements under such scheme of arrangement or (ii) in any other case, the close of such offer (or any revised offer). For the avoidance of doubt, the grantee may not exercise any of his Option thereafter. Subject to the above, an Option will lapse automatically (to the extent not exercised) on the date on which (i) in case of a scheme of arrangement, the offer extended to all grantees in relation to the Options arising from such scheme of arrangement becoming effective closed or (ii) in any other case, such offer (or any revised offer) closed;

 

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  (vi)

if a general offer (whether by way of take-over offer, share repurchase offer or plan of arrangement or otherwise in like manner) is made to all the holders of Shares (or all such holders other than the offeror and/or any person controlled by the offeror and/or any person acting in association or in concert with the offeror) the Company shall use its best endeavours to procure that such offer is extended to all the Participants (or, if applicable, the Participant’s nominee under Section 9(d) on the Participant’s behalf, or where permitted under Section 6(d)(iv), the Participant’s legal personal representative(s) /Beneficiary(ies) under Section 9(e)) (on the same terms mutatis mutandis, and assuming that they will become, by the exercise in full of the Options granted to them, shareholders of the Company);

 

  (vii)

in the event of an effective resolution being passed for the voluntary winding-up dissolution or liquidation of the Company or an order of the court being made for the dissolution or liquidation of the Company, notice thereof shall be given by the Company to Participant (or, if applicable, the Participant’s nominee under Section 9(d) on the Participant’s behalf, or where permitted under Section 6(d)(iv), the Participant’s legal personal representative(s)/ Beneficiary(ies) under Section 9(e)) with Options outstanding in full or in part at such date. If a Participant immediately prior to such event had any such outstanding Option, the Participant (or, if applicable, the Participant’s nominee under Section 9(d) on the Participant’s behalf, or where permitted under Section 6(d)(iv), the Participant’s legal personal representative(s)/ Beneficiary(ies) under Section 9(e)) may by notice in writing to the Company within 30 days after the date of such resolution elect to be treated as if the Option (to the extent not already exercised) had been exercised immediately before the passing of such resolution either up to his entitlement or to the extent specified in the notice, such notice to be accompanied by a remittance for the full amount of the aggregate exercise price for the Shares in respect of which the notice is given, whereupon the Participant will be entitled to receive out of the assets available in the liquidation pari passu with the holders of Shares such sum as would have been received in respect of the Shares the subject of such election;

 

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  (viii)

if a compromise or arrangement between the Company and its members or creditors is proposed for the purposes of or in connection with a plan for the reconstruction of the Company or its amalgamation with any other company or companies, unless otherwise directed by the Committee, the Company shall give notice thereof to all Participants (or, if applicable, the Participant’s nominee under Section 9(d) on the Participant’s behalf, or where permitted under Section 6(d)(iv) the Participant’s legal personal representative(s)/ Beneficiary(ies) under Section 9(e)) (together with a notice of the existence of the provisions of this Section) on the same date as it despatches to each member or creditor of the Company a notice summoning the meeting to consider such a compromise or arrangement, and thereupon each Participant (or, if applicable, the Participant’s nominee under Section 9(d) on the Participant’s behalf, or where permitted under Section 6(d)(iv), the Participant’s legal personal representative(s) / Beneficiary(ies) under Section 9(e)) shall be entitled to exercise the Option up to his entitlement at any time prior to 12:00 noon on the day immediately preceding the date of the meeting directed to be convened by the court for the purposes of considering such compromise or arrangement.

With effect from the date of such meeting, the rights of all Participants (or, if applicable, the Participant’s nominee under Section 9(d) on the Participant’s behalf, or where permitted under Section 6(d)(iv) the Participant’s legal personal representative(s) / Beneficiary(ies) under Section 9(e)) to exercise their respective Options shall forthwith be suspended. Upon such compromise or arrangement becoming effective, all Options shall, to the extent that they have not been exercised, lapse and terminate.

The Directors of the Company shall endeavour to procure that the Shares issued as a result of the exercise of Options under this Section 6(d)(vii) shall for the purposes of such compromise or arrangement form part of the issued share capital of the Company on the effective date thereof and that such Shares shall in all respects be subject to such compromise or arrangement. If for any reason such compromise or arrangement is not approved by the court (whether upon the terms presented to the court or upon any other terms as may be approved by such court) the rights of Participants (or, if applicable, the Participant’s nominee under Section 9(d) on the Participant’s behalf, or where permitted under Section 6(d)(iv) the Participant’s legal personal representative(s) / Beneficiary(ies) under Section 9(e)) to exercise their respective Options shall with effect from the date of the making of the order by the court be restored in full and shall thereupon become exercisable (but subject to the other terms of the Plan) as if such compromise or arrangement had not been proposed by the Company and no claim shall lie against the Company or any of its officers for any loss or damage sustained by any Participant (or, if applicable, the Participant’s nominee under Section 9(d) on the Participant’s behalf, or where permitted under Section 6(d)(iv) the Participant’s legal personal representative(s) / Beneficiary(ies) under Section 9(e)) as a result of the aforesaid suspension.

(e)    The Committee shall determine the method or methods by which, and the form or forms, including cash, Shares, other Awards, other property, net settlement, broker assisted cashless exercise or any combination thereof, having a Fair Market Value on the exercise date equal to the exercise price of the Shares as to which the Option shall be exercised, in which payment of the exercise price with respect thereto may be made or deemed to have been made.

 

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(f)    For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of the various Award Agreements entered into under the Plan need not be identical.

SECTION  7.      Lapse of Options. An Option shall lapse automatically and not be exercisable (to the extent not already exercised) on the earliest of:

 

  (a)

the expiry of the term of the Options referred to in Section 6(c);

 

  (b)

the expiry of any of the periods referred to in Section 6(d)(i) – (vi);

 

  (c)

Subject to Section 6(d)(vii), the date of consummation of the winding-up, dissolution or liquidation of the Company;

 

  (d)

the date on which, (i) where the Participant is an Employee, the Participant ceases to be an Employee by reason of Cause or by reason of the summary termination of his employment on any one or more of the grounds that he has been guilty of misconduct, or has been convicted of any criminal offence involving his integrity or honesty or (if so determined by the Committee) on any other ground on which an employer would be entitled to summarily terminate his employment at common law or pursuant to any applicable laws or under the Participant’s Employment Agreement with the Company or its relevant Affiliate]; or (ii) where the Participant is any other individual who provides services to the Company or any Affiliate, and is under any contract with the Company or its relevant Affiliates, such contract is terminated by reason of breach of contract on the part of such individual; or (iii) where the Participant is any other individual who provides services to the Company or any Affiliate, the Participant appears either to be unable to pay or have no reasonable prospect to be able to pay debts, or has become insolvent, or has made any arrangement (including a voluntary arrangement) or composition with his creditors generally, or ceases or threatens to cease to carry on his business, or is bankrupted, or has been convicted of any criminal offence involving integrity or honesty;

 

  (e)

the date on which the Participant commits a breach of Section 9(d); or

 

  (f)

the date on which certain circumstances as provided in the related Award Agreement or otherwise agreed upon between the Company and the Participant are satisfied.

SECTION  8.      Effect of Termination of Service or a Change of Control on Awards .

(a)    The Committee may provide, by rule or regulation or in any Award Agreement, or may determine in any individual case, the circumstances in which, and the extent to which, an Award may be exercised, settled, vested, paid or forfeited, including by way of repurchase by the Company, in the event of a Participant’s Termination of Service prior to the exercise or settlement of such Award.

 

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(b)    The Committee may set forth the treatment of an Award upon a Change of Control in the applicable Award Agreement.

(c)    Except as otherwise provided in the applicable Award Agreement, upon a Change of Control, a merger or consolidation involving the Company or any other event with respect to which the Committee deems it appropriate, the Committee may cause an Award to be canceled in consideration of (i) the full acceleration of such Award and either (A) a period of at least ten days prior to the effective date of such Change of Control to exercise the Award or (B) a payment in cash or other consideration to the Participant who holds such Award in an amount equal to the Intrinsic Value of such Award (which may be equal to but not less than zero), which, if in excess of zero, shall be payable upon the effective date of such Change of Control, merger, consolidation or other event or (ii) a substitute award (which immediately upon grant shall have an Intrinsic Value equal to the Intrinsic Value of such Award).

SECTION  9.      General Provisions Applicable to Awards .

(a)    Awards shall be granted for such cash or other consideration, if any, as the Committee determines; provided that in no event shall Awards be issued for less than such minimal consideration as may be required by applicable law.

(b)    Awards may, in the discretion of the Committee, be granted either alone or in addition to or in tandem with any other Award or any award granted under any other plan of the Company. Awards granted in addition to or in tandem with other Awards, or in addition to or in tandem with awards granted under any other plan of the Company, may be granted either at the same time as or at a different time from the grant of such other Awards or awards.

(c)    Subject to the terms of the Plan, payments or transfers to be made by the Company upon the grant, exercise or settlement of an Award may be made in the form of cash, Shares, other Awards, other property, net settlement, or any combination thereof, as determined by the Committee in its discretion at the time of grant, and may be made in a single payment or transfer, in installments or on a deferred basis, in each case in accordance with rules and procedures established by the Committee. Such rules and procedures may include provisions for the payment or crediting of reasonable interest on installment or deferred payments or the grant or crediting of dividend equivalents in respect of installment or deferred payments.

(d)    Except as may be permitted by the Committee or as specifically provided in an Award Agreement, (i) no Award and no right under any Award shall be assignable, alienable, saleable or transferable by a Participant otherwise than by will or pursuant to Section 9(e) and (ii) during a Participant’s lifetime, each Award, and each right under any Award, shall be exercisable only by such Participant or, if permissible under applicable law, by such Participant’s guardian or legal representative. The provisions of this Section 9(d) shall not apply to any Award that has been fully exercised or settled, as the case may be, and shall not preclude forfeiture of an Award in accordance with the terms thereof.

 

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(e)    A Participant may designate a Beneficiary or change a previous Beneficiary designation at such times prescribed by the Committee, in its sole discretion, by using forms and following procedures approved or accepted by the Committee for that purpose.

SECTION  10.      Amendments and Termination .

(a)     Amendment or Termination of Plan . Except to the extent prohibited by applicable law and unless otherwise expressly provided in an Award Agreement or in the Plan, the Committee may amend, alter, suspend, discontinue or terminate the Plan or any portion thereof at any time; provided , however , that no such amendment, alteration, suspension, discontinuation or termination shall be made without (i) shareholder approval if such approval is required by applicable law or the rules of the stock market or exchange, if any, on which the Shares are principally quoted or traded (in particular, the Hong Kong Listing Rules, under which the Committee may not alter any provisions of the Plan relating to matters set out in Rule 17.03, including, without limitation, Sections 1, 5, 6, 7, 13 and 14 and the definitions of Employee and Participant to the advantage of Participants or proposed grantees and may not alter terms and conditions of the Plan which are of a material nature prior approval of the shareholders of Tencent (and/or the shareholders of the Company after Shares are listed on a Qualified Stock Exchange, as applicable). Furthermore, any change to the authority of the Directors, the Committee or Plan administrators in relation to any alteration to the terms of the Plan shall not be made except with the prior approval of the shareholders of Tencent in general meeting (and/or the shareholders of the Company after Shares are listed on a Qualified Stock Exchange, as applicable)) or (ii) the consent of the affected Participant, if such action would materially adversely affect the rights of such Participant under any outstanding Award, except (x) to the extent any such amendment, alteration, suspension, discontinuance or termination is made to cause the Plan to comply with applicable law, stock market or exchange rules and regulations or accounting or tax rules and regulations or (y) to impose any “clawback” or recoupment provisions on any Awards in accordance with Section 14 of the Plan. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Plan, the Committee may amend the Plan, or create sub-plans, in such manner as may be necessary to enable the Plan to achieve its stated purposes in any jurisdiction in a tax-efficient manner and in compliance with local rules and regulations, including chapter 17 of the Hong Kong Listing Rules. The Committee may correct any defect, supply any omission or reconcile any inconsistency in the Plan or any Award in the manner and to the extent it shall deem desirable to carry the Plan into effect. In the event that the Plan is terminated, no further Options will be offered but the provisions of the Plan shall remain in full force in all other respects. All Awards granted prior to such termination shall continue to be valid and exercisable in accordance with the terms of the Plan.

(b)     Dissolution or Liquidation . Subject to Section 6(d)(vii), in the event of the dissolution or liquidation of the Company, each Award will terminate immediately upon the consummation of such action, unless otherwise determined by the Committee. The Shares to be allotted upon the exercise of an Option will be subject to all the provisions of the Articles of Association and will rank pari passu with the fully paid Shares in issue on the date the name of the Participant is registered on the register of members of the Company and accordingly will entitle each Participant to participate in all dividends and other distributions paid or made on or after the date the name of the Participant is registered on the register of members of the Company other than any dividend or other distribution previously declared or recommended or resolved to be paid or made if the record date thereof shall be before the date of allotment.

 

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(c)     Terms of Awards . The Committee may, subject to prior approval from shareholders of Tencent (and the shareholders of the Company, in the event that approval by the shareholders of the Company is required under any applicable law or stock market or exchange rules and regulations), waive any conditions or rights under, amend any terms of, or amend, alter, suspend, discontinue or terminate any Award theretofore granted, prospectively or retroactively, without the consent of any relevant Participant or holder or Beneficiary of an Award (except where the alterations take effect automatically under the existing terms of the Plan); provided , however , that no such action shall materially adversely affect the rights of any affected Participant or holder or Beneficiary under any Award theretofore granted under the Plan, except (x) to the extent any such action is made to cause the Plan to comply with applicable law, stock market or exchange rules and regulations or accounting or tax rules and regulations, or (y) to impose any “clawback” or recoupment provisions on any Awards in accordance with Section 14 of the Plan. The Committee shall be authorized to make adjustments in the terms and conditions of, and the criteria included in, Awards in recognition of events (including the events described in Section 5(c)) affecting the Company, or the financial statements of the Company, or of changes in applicable laws, regulations or accounting principles, whenever the Committee determines that such adjustments are appropriate in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the Plan.

SECTION  11.      Miscellaneous .

(a)    No employee, Participant or other person shall have any claim to be granted any Award under the Plan, and there is no obligation for uniformity of treatment of employees, Participants or holders or Beneficiaries of Awards under the Plan. The terms and conditions of Awards need not be the same with respect to each recipient. Any Award granted under the Plan shall be a one-time Award that does not constitute a promise of future grants. The Company, in its sole discretion, maintains the right to make available future grants under the Plan.

(b)    The grant of an Award shall not be construed as giving a Participant the right to be retained in the employ of, or to continue to provide services to, the Company or any Affiliate. Further, the Company or the applicable Affiliate may at any time dismiss a Participant, free from any liability, or any claim under the Plan, unless otherwise expressly provided in the Plan or in any Award Agreement or in any other agreement binding the parties. The receipt of any Award under the Plan is not intended to confer any rights on the receiving Participant except as set forth in the applicable Award Agreement.

(c)    Nothing contained in the Plan shall prevent the Company from adopting or continuing in effect other or additional compensation arrangements, and such arrangements may be either generally applicable or applicable only in specific cases.

 

17


(d)    The Company shall be authorized to withhold from any Award granted or any payment due or transfer made under any Award or under the Plan or from any compensation or other amount owing to a Participant the amount (in cash, Shares, other Awards, other property, net settlement, or any combination thereof) of applicable social security contributions, withholding taxes, source taxes and/or any other applicable taxes and contributions due in respect of an Award, its exercise or settlement or any payment or transfer under such Award or under the Plan and to take such other action (including providing for elective payment of such amounts in cash or Shares by such Participant) as may be necessary in the opinion of the Company to satisfy all obligations for the payment of such taxes; provided that if the Committee allows the withholding or surrender of Shares to satisfy a Participant’s social security contributions, withholding taxes, source taxes and/or any other applicable taxes and contributions, the Company shall not allow Shares to be withheld in an amount that exceeds the minimum statutory withholding rates for applicable tax purposes, including payroll taxes.

(e)    If any provision of the Plan or any Award Agreement is or becomes or is deemed to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, or as to any person or Award, or would disqualify the Plan or any Award under any law deemed applicable by the Committee, such provision shall be construed or deemed amended to conform to applicable laws, or if it cannot be so construed or deemed amended without, in the determination of the Committee, materially altering the intent of the Plan or the Award Agreement, such provision shall be stricken as to such jurisdiction, person or Award, and the remainder of the Plan and any such Award Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

(f)    Neither the Plan nor any Award shall create or be construed to create a trust or separate fund of any kind or a fiduciary relationship between the Company and a Participant or any other person. To the extent that any person acquires a right to receive payments from the Company pursuant to an Award, such right shall be no greater than the right of any unsecured general creditor of the Company.

(g)    No fractional Shares shall be issued or delivered pursuant to the Plan or any Award, and the Committee shall determine whether cash or other securities shall be paid or transferred in lieu of any fractional Shares, or whether such fractional Shares or any rights thereto shall be canceled, terminated or otherwise eliminated.

SECTION  12.      Effective Date of the Plan. The Plan shall be effective as of the Effective Date.

SECTION  13.      Term of the Plan . No Award shall be granted under the Plan after the earliest to occur of (i) the tenth year anniversary of the Effective Date; (ii) the maximum number of Shares available for issuance under the Plan have been issued; or (iii) the Board terminates the Plan in accordance with Section 10(a) . However, unless otherwise expressly provided in the Plan or in an applicable Award Agreement, any Award theretofore granted may extend beyond such date, and the authority of the Committee to amend, alter, adjust, suspend, discontinue or terminate any such Award, or to waive any conditions or rights under any such Award, and the authority of the Board to amend the Plan, shall extend beyond such date.

 

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SECTION  14.      Cancellation or “Clawback” of Awards. The Company may, to the extent permitted by applicable law and stock exchange rules or by any applicable Company policy or arrangement, and shall, to the extent required, cancel or require reimbursement of any Awards which are granted to but not exercised by a Participant. Any Participant whose Awards are cancelled may be granted new Options in accordance with the provisions of the Plan provided that there are available unissued options and within the limit specified in Section 5.

SECTION  15.      Section 409A of the Code . In the case any Participant is subject to U.S. taxation, with respect to Awards subject to Section 409A of the Code (“ Section  409A ”), the Plan is intended to comply with the requirements of Section 409A and the regulations thereunder, and the provisions of the Plan and any Award Agreement shall be interpreted in a manner that satisfies the requirements of Section 409A, and the Plan shall be operated accordingly. If any provision of the Plan or any term or condition of any Award would otherwise frustrate or conflict with this intent, the provision, term or condition will be interpreted and deemed amended so as to avoid this conflict. Notwithstanding anything else in the Plan, if the Board considers a Participant to be a “specified employee” under Section 409A at the time of such Participant’s “separation from service” (as defined in Section 409A) and the amount hereunder is “deferred compensation” subject to Section 409A, any distribution that otherwise would be made to such Participant with respect to this Award as a result of such termination shall not be made until the date that is six months after such separation from service, except to the extent that earlier distribution would not result in such Participant’s incurring interest or additional tax under Section 409A.

SECTION  16.      Disputes . Any dispute arising in connection with the Plan (whether as to the number of Shares the subject of an Option, the amount of the exercise price or otherwise) shall be referred to the decision of the auditors of the Company who shall act as experts and not as arbitrators. The Committee shall have the final right to adjudicate any disputes in connection with the Plan and whose decision shall be final and binding on the parties of the dispute.

SECTION  17.      Governing Law . The Plan and each Award Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the Cayman Islands, without application of the conflicts of law principles thereof.

 

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Exhibit 10.5

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

 

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED

RULES OF 2017 RESTRICTED SHARE AWARD SCHEME

 

 


1.

DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION

 

  (A)

In the Rules, unless the context otherwise requires, the following words and expressions have the meaning shown opposite to them below:

 

“Acceptance Period”    has the meaning ascribed to such term in Clause 5.3(A);
“Additional Shares”    has the meaning ascribed to such term in Clause 5.6(B);
“Account”    the bank account opened in the name of the Committee (or its designated person or entity), managed by the Committee, and operated solely for the purposes of operating the Scheme, which is held on trust for the benefit of Selected Participant and can be funded by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries;
“Adoption Date”    17 May 2017, being the date on which the Scheme is adopted by the Company;
“Articles”    the articles of association of the Company as amended from time to time;
“Award”    an award of Restricted Shares by the Committee pursuant to Clause 5 to a Selected Participant and will not include any options to purchase Shares;
“Awarded Amount”    in respect of a Selected Participant, either (i) the closing price of the Shares as quoted on a Qualified Stock Exchange as at the Grant Date after a Qualified IPO has taken place, or (ii) the grant price per Share specified in the Grant Letter before a Qualified IPO takes place; in either case, multiplied by the number of the Restricted Shares comprised in the Award;
“Board”    the board of directors of the Company or management of the Company authorized by the board of directors of the Company;
“Business Day”    a day (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays) on which a Qualified Stock Exchange is open for trading after the occurrence of a Qualified IPO and on which banks are open for normal banking business in Hong Kong, U.S. and the PRC;
“Call Option”    has the meaning ascribed to such term in Clause 5.5(A);

 

1


“Change of Control”   

means the occurrence of any one or more of the following events:

 

(i.)  any person, other than an employee benefit plan or trust maintained by the Company, becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing more than 50% of the combined voting power of the Company’s outstanding securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors;

 

(ii.) at any time during a period of 12 consecutive months, individuals who at the beginning of such period constituted the Board and any new member of the Board whose election or nomination for election was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then still in office who either were directors at the beginning of such period or whose election or nomination for election was so approved, cease for any reason to constitute a majority of members of the Board; or

 

(iii.) the consummation of (a) a merger or consolidation of the Company or any of its subsidiaries with any other corporation or entity, other than a merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior to such merger or consolidation continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity or, if applicable, the ultimate parent thereof) at least 50% of the combined voting power and total fair market value of the securities of the Company or such surviving entity or parent outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation, or (b) any sale, lease, exchange or other transfer to any person of assets of the Company and/or any of its subsidiaries, in one transaction or a series of related transactions, having an aggregate fair market value of more than 50% of the fair market value of the Company and its subsidiaries (the “ Company Value ”) immediately prior to such transaction(s);

 

2


  

(iv.) any analogous situation as determined by the Committee solely at its discretion, provided that , in the case of each of (i.), (ii.) and (iii.), a Change of Control shall not be deemed to have occurred until the Committee has determined by resolution of the Committee that such event has occurred, provided further that change of control will not occur for purposes of awards that are subject to Section 409A of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986 unless the event also constitutes a change of control under 409A of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986;

“Committee”    the management committee of the Company established by the Board;
“Company”    Tencent Music Entertainment Group, a limited liability company organized and existing under the laws of the Cayman Islands;
“Control”    means the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct, or cause the direction of, the management and policies of a person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise;
“Disability”   

means, with respect to any Selected Participant, “disability” as defined in such Selected Participant’s Employment Agreement, if any, or if not so defined:

 

(i.)  a permanent and total disability that entitles the Selected Participant to disability income payments under any long-term disability plan or policy provided by the Company under which the Selected Participant is covered, as such plan or policy is then in effect; or

 

(ii.) if the Selected Participant is not covered under a long-term disability plan or policy provided by the Company at such time for whatever reason, then the term “Disability” means that the Selected Participant is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted, or can be expected to last, for a continuous period of not less than 12 months. In this case, the existence of any such Disability will be certified by a physician acceptable to the Company;

 

3


“Employee”    an employee of any member of the Group or of any Invested Entity;
“Employment Agreement”    means any employment, severance, consulting or similar agreement between the Company or any of its Affiliates and a Selected Participant;
“Eligible Persons”    any Employee (whether full time or part time), executives or officers, directors (including executive, non-executive and independent non-executive directors) of any member of the Group or any Invested Entity and any consultant, adviser or agent of any member of the Group or of any Invested Entity, have contributed or will contribute to the growth and development of the Group or any Invested Entity;
“Excluded Person”    any Eligible Person who is resident in a place where the award of the Restricted Shares and/or the vesting and transfer of the Restricted Shares pursuant to the terms of the Scheme is not permitted under the laws and regulations of such place or where in the view of the Committee, compliance with applicable laws and regulations in such place makes it necessary or expedient to exclude such Eligible Person;
“Fair Market Value”    the fair market value of the Company as reasonably determined by the Committee in good faith;
“Grant Date”    in relation to any Restricted Share, the date on which the Restricted Share is, was or is to be granted;
“Grant Letter”    has the meaning ascribed to such term in Clause 5.3(A);
“Grant Shares”    has the meaning ascribed to such term in Clause 5.2(A);
“Group”    the Company and its Subsidiaries;
“Holding Period”    has the meaning ascribed to such term in Clause 5.4.2(D);
“Hong Kong”    the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the PRC;
“Hong Kong Stock Exchange”    The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited;

 

4


“Invested Entity”    any entity in which any member of the Group holds an equity interest;
“Non-competition Deed”    means any non-competition deed entered into between Tencent or any member of the Group on the one hand and a Selected Participant on the other hand;
“Option Exercise Date”    has the meaning ascribed to such term in Clause 5.5(B);
“Option Exercise Notice”    has the meaning ascribed to such term in Clause 5.5(B);
“PRC”    means the People’s Republic of China, excluding, for the purpose of this document, Hong Kong, Macau Special Administrative Region of the PRC and Taiwan;
“Qualified IPO”    means the listing of Shares resulting from a firm underwritten public offering of the Shares in the U.S. or in a similar listing of the Shares in another jurisdiction which results in such shares trading publicly on any Qualified Stock Exchange where the Company meets the listing requirements of such Qualified Stock Exchange;
“Qualified Stock Exchange”    means the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, New York Stock Exchange, NASDAQ Stock Market, A-Share Market or such other stock exchange approved by the Board;
“Reference Amount”    has the meaning ascribed to such term in Clause 5.3(B);
“Residual Cash”    in respect of a Selected Participant, being cash remaining in the Account managed by the Committee in respect of his Award (including interest income derived from deposits maintained with licensed banks in the relevant jurisdiction) which has not been applied in the acquisition or subscription of his Restricted Shares;
“Restricted Shares”    in respect of a Selected Participant, such number of Shares determined by the Committee and (i) issued by the Company to the Selected Participant, or (ii) purchased by the Committee from existing shareholders of the Company;

 

5


“Rules”    the rules of the Scheme adopted by the Board on the Adoption Date;
“Scheme”    the 2017 restricted share award scheme constituted by the Rules as amended from time to time;
“Selected Participant”    any Eligible Persons (including Tencent Transfer Employees) selected by the Committee in accordance with the terms of this Scheme;
“Senior Management”    senior management of the Company as determined by the Committee from time to time;
“Shares”    ordinary shares of US$0.000083 each in the capital of the Company (or of such other nominal amount as results from a sub-division, consolidation, reclassification or reconstruction of the share capital of the Company from time to time) in the capital of the Company;
“Subsidiary”    with respect to any given person, any person of which the given person directly or indirectly Controls and “Subsidiaries” are construed accordingly;
“Tencent”    Tencent Holdings Limited, a limited liability company organized and existing under the laws of the Cayman Islands and whose shares are listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange;
“Tencent RSU”    means the restricted share units of Tencent that are issued under the Tencent RSU Scheme;
“Tencent RSU Scheme”    means the restricted share units scheme of Tencent effective on 13 November 2013, as amended from time to time;
“Tencent Shares”    means the ordinary shares of Tencent;
“Tencent Transfer Employees”    has the meaning ascribed to such term in Clause 5.2(A)(2);
“Total Lapse”    has the meaning ascribed to such term in Clause 5.4.1(C);
“Unaccepted Shares”    such Shares pursuant to a grant which are not accepted by the Selected Participant;
“Untransferred Shares”    has the meaning ascribed to such term in Clause 5.4.1(D);

 

6


“Unvested Shares”    such Shares which do not vest in Selected Participants and have been or will be forfeited;
“U.S.”    United States of America, its territories, its possessions and all areas subject to its jurisdiction;
“Value Guarantee Restricted Shares”    means the number of Restricted Shares as specified in the initial Grant Letter in relation to a particular Tencent Transfer Employee;
“Vesting Date”    has the meaning ascribed to such term in Clause 5.4.2(A) or otherwise agreed by the Committee pursuant to the Rules.

 

  (B)

In the Rules, unless where the context otherwise requires:

 

  (i)

the headings are inserted for convenience only and do not limit, vary, extend or otherwise affect the construction of any provision of the Rules;

 

  (ii)

references to Clauses are references to clauses of the Rules;

 

  (iii)

references, express or implied, to any statute or statutory provision or the rules of any Qualified Stock Exchange are construed as references to such statute, statutory provision or rules as respectively amended, consolidated or re-enacted, or as its operation is modified from time to time by any other statute or statutory provision (whether with or without modification and whether before or after the date hereof), and includes any subsidiary legislation enacted under the relevant statute, provision or rule;

 

  (iv)

expressions in the singular include the plural and vice versa ;

 

  (v)

expressions in any gender include other genders;

 

  (vi)

a reference to any enactment is construed as a reference to that enactment as from time to time amended, extended or re-enacted; and

 

  (vii)

references to persons include bodies corporate, corporations, partnerships, sole proprietorships, organizations, associations, enterprises, branches and entities of any other kind.

 

  (C)

In construing the Rules:

 

  (i)

the rule known as the ejusdem generis rule does not apply and, accordingly, general words introduced by the word “other” do not be given a restrictive meaning by reason of the fact that they are preceded by words indicating a particular class of acts, matters or things; and

 

  (ii)

general words do not be given a restrictive meaning by reason of the fact that they are followed by particular examples intended to be embraced by the general words.

 

7


2.

PURPOSES AND OBJECTIVES

 

  (A)

The specific objectives of the Scheme are to:

 

  (i)

recognize the contributions by certain Selected Participants with an opportunity to acquire a proprietary interest in the Company;

 

  (ii)

encourage and retain such individuals for the continual operation and development of the Group;

 

  (iii)

provide additional incentives for them to achieve performance goals;

 

  (iv)

attract suitable personnel for further development of the Group; and

 

  (v)

motivate the Selected Participants to maximize the value of the Company for the benefits of both the Selected Participants and the Company,

with a view to achieving the objectives of increasing the value of the Group and aligning the interests of the Selected Participants directly to the shareholders of the Company through ownership of Shares.

 

  (B)

This Scheme sets out the terms and conditions upon which the incentive arrangement for the Selected Participants operates.

 

3.

DURATION

Without prejudicing the subsisting rights of any Selected Participant, subject to any early termination as may be determined by the Committee pursuant to Clause 11, the Scheme remains valid and effective from the Adoption Date until the tenth (10 th ) anniversary of the Adoption Date (17 May 2017), after which period no further Awards will be granted, but the provisions of this Scheme will in all other respects remain in full force and effect and Awards that are granted from the Adoption Date until the tenth (10 th ) anniversary of the Adoption Date may continue to be exercisable in accordance with their terms of issue.

 

4.

ADMINISTRATION

 

  (A)

The Board and the Committee administrate the Scheme in accordance with the Rules.

 

  (B)

The Board or the Committee may, at its sole discretion, appoint a trustee who is independent to the Company to assist in the administration of the Scheme.

 

  (C)

Without prejudice to Clause 10(A), the Board or the Committee has the power from time to time to make or vary regulations for the administration and operation of this Scheme.

 

  (D)

Unless otherwise specified in the Rules, the decision of the Board regarding the administration, operation and variations of the Scheme is final and binding on all parties, provided that such decisions are not inconsistent with the provisions of this Scheme.

 

8


5.

OPERATION OF SCHEME

 

5.1.

Grant of Restricted Shares to Selected Participants

 

  (A)

Subject to provisions of the Rules, the Committee may, from time to time, at its absolute discretion select any Eligible Person (other than any Excluded Person) to be a Selected Participant and grant to such Selected Participant Restricted Shares. Participation in the Scheme is limited to Eligible Persons only.

 

  (B)

The Committee is entitled, in its absolute discretion, to impose any conditions (including but not limited to a period of continued service within the Group after the Grant Date), with respect to the entitlement of the Selected Participant to the Award and the Committee will inform such Selected Participant the relevant conditions and the number of the Grant Shares. An Award certificate setting out, among other things, the number of the Grant Shares, the terms, conditions, restrictions, vesting schedule, grant price per Grant Share (as applicable) and performance conditions of such Award, will be given to the Selected Participant for each Award.

 

  (C)

Where a Qualified IPO has taken place, no Award may be made by the Committee to any Selected Participant:

 

  (1)

where the Company has, or reasonably believes there is, material non-public information or inside information that must be disclosed under the applicable laws and regulations, until such information has been published on website of the Company and the relevant Qualified Stock Exchange; or

 

  (2)

within any black-out period or equivalent period of time restricting and/or prohibiting the dealing of Shares by Employees before the publication of financial statements of the Company as provided in the rules of the applicable Qualified Stock Exchange; or

 

  (3)

in any other circumstances where dealings by Selected Participant (including directors of any member of the Group) are prohibited under any applicable law or regulation or where the requisite approval from any applicable regulatory authorities has not been granted.

 

5.2.

Criteria for Determining Selected Participants

 

  (A)

Subject to Clauses 5.1(C) and 7, the Committee may:

 

  (1)

select the Selected Participants and determine the number of Restricted Shares to be granted (the “ Grant Shares ”) to any Selected Participant (excluding any Excluded Person); or

 

9


  (2)

select employees of Tencent who have agreed to transfer his or her employment to members of the Group, including the Company (the “ Tencent Transfer Employees ”) and determine the number of Grant Shares and monetary value per such Grant Shares.

 

  (B)

In determining the number of Grant Shares for a Selected Participant, the Committee may take into consideration matters including, but without limitation to,

 

  (1)

the present contribution and expected contribution of the relevant Selected Participant to the profits of the Group;

 

  (2)

the rank and performance of the relevant Selected Participant;

 

  (3)

the general financial condition of the Group;

 

  (4)

the Group’s overall business objectives and future development plan; and

 

  (5)

any other matter which the Committee considers relevant.

 

5.3.

Subscription or Purchase of Shares

 

  (A)

After the Committee has determined the number of Grant Shares, the grant price per Grant Share (if applicable) and the Selected Participants, it will notify the Selected Participants on the Grant Date in writing together with the Award certificate (the “ Grant Letter ”). Upon receipt of the Grant Letter, the Selected Participants are required to confirm their acceptance of the Award by returning to the Committee a notice of acceptance duly executed by them within twenty eight (28) days after the Grant Date (the “ Acceptance Period ”). If any Selected Participant fails to return the notice of acceptance upon the expiration of the Acceptance Period to the Company, the Award automatically lapses forthwith and the Shares pursuant to the Award will become Unaccepted Shares which will be dealt with in accordance with Clause 6.

 

  (B)

The Committee may at any time at its discretion, in respect of each Selected Participant and after having regard to the requirements under Clause 5.1(C), cause to be paid the reference amount from the Company’s resources or any Subsidiary’s resources into the Account for the relevant Selected Participant for the purchase and/or subscription of the Restricted Shares as soon as reasonably practicable after the Grant Date (the “ Reference Amount ”). The Reference Amount is the sum of:

 

  (1)

the Awarded Amount;

 

  (2)

the related purchase expenses (including but not limited to any applicable brokerage fee, stamp duty, transaction levy, and stock exchange trading fee); and

 

  (3)

such other necessary expenses required for the completion of the purchase of all the Grant Shares.

 

10


  (C)

In respect of the purchase and/or subscription of the Restricted Shares for a Selected Participant, the Committee will as soon as reasonably practicable after the Grant Date determine the Reference Amount towards the purchase and/or subscription of Restricted Shares as the case may be at its sole discretion, subject to Clause 5.3(D) below.

 

  (D)

Without prejudicing to Clause 5.3(B), whether the Restricted Shares are to be purchased or subscribed for is determined by the Committee having regards to, among other things, the financial position of the Company, the cash position of the Company and, if the Shares are listed on a Qualified Stock Exchange, the market price of the Shares at the relevant time.

 

  (1)

In case of subscribing for new Shares that are to be listed on a Qualified Stock Exchange, the Company must comply with the applicable rules of the relevant Qualified Stock Exchange and must apply for the necessary listing approval on each occasion before issue of the relevant Restricted Shares.

 

  (2)

In case where the Restricted Shares will be purchased from existing shareholders of the Company, within fourteen (14) Business Days (or such longer period as the Committee may determine from time to time) of determining the Reference Amount, the Committee will apply the same towards the purchase of Shares from other shareholders of the Company or from the market. If the Reference Amount paid or caused to be paid is not sufficient to purchase all the necessary Shares to cover the Grant Shares, the Committee shall grant additional funds so as to acquire the number of Restricted Shares as determined by the Committee under this Clause 5.3(D).

 

  (E)

Upon instruction of the Committee, any Residual Cash provided for a Selected Participant will be promptly returned to the Company forthwith after completion of the purchase and/or subscription of all the Restricted Shares comprised in the Award. The Committee or its designated persons or entities will hold any Shares so purchased in accordance with the terms of the Rules.

 

  (F)

Without prejudice to Clause 5.4.2(D), the Restricted Shares so purchased and/or subscribed for will, subject to the receipt by the Committee of the properly executed transfer documents as prescribed by the Committee, be transferred to and/or issued in the name of the Selected Participant in accordance with Clause 5.4.2.

 

  (G)

Save for the arrangements described in Clause 5.4.2(D), the Grant Shares transferred pursuant to this Scheme will be subject to all the provisions of the Articles for the time being in force and will rank pari passu in all respects with the existing fully paid Shares in issue on the date on which those Grant Shares are transferred to and/or issued in the name of the Selected Participant and accordingly will entitle the holders of such Grant Shares to participate in all dividends or other distributions paid or made on or after the date on which Grant Shares are transferred to and/or issued in the name of the Selected Participant other than any dividends or distributions previously declared or recommended or resolved to be paid or made if the record date thereof will be before the date on which the Grant Shares are transferred to and/or issued in the name of the Selected Participant.

 

11


5.4.

Vesting

 

5.4.1

Vesting Condition

 

  (A)

Subject to Clause 5.4.3, the vesting of the Restricted Shares is subject to the Selected Participant remaining, at all times after the Grant Date and on the Vesting Date, an Eligible Person. For the purpose of this Clause, a Selected Participant is regarded as remaining as a Selected Participant notwithstanding that he ceases to hold a position of employment or office with or be an agent or consultant of the Company or a Subsidiary, if at the same time he takes up a different position of employment and/or office with, or continues to be an agent or consultant of another Subsidiary as the case may be.

 

  (B)

A Selected Participant ceases to be an Eligible Person for the purpose of Clause 5.4.1(A) if:

(1)    the Selected Participant’s service or employment with the Group has been terminated by any member of the Group or any Invested Entity for cause. For the purposes of this Clause and all other relevant provisions under the Rules (if any) relating to termination for cause, “cause” means:

 

  (i)

dishonesty or serious misconduct, whether or not in connection with his employment; willful disobedience or non-compliance with the terms of his employment, agency or consultancy contract with any member of the Group or any Invested Entity or any lawful orders or instructions given by the any member of the Group or any Invested Entity as the case may be;

 

  (ii)

incompetence or negligence in the performance of his duties; or

 

  (iii)

doing anything in the conclusive opinion of the Committee adversely affects his ability to perform his duties properly or bring the Company or the Group or any Invested Entity into disrepute;

 

  (2)

the Selected Participant has been convicted for any criminal offence involving his integrity or honesty; or

 

  (3)

the Selected Participant has been charged, convicted or held liable for any offence under the relevant securities laws under any applicable laws or regulations in force from time to time.

 

12


Total Lapse Cases

 

  (C)

Subject to Clause 5.4.3, in the event that prior to or on the Vesting Date in respect of a Selected Participant,

 

  (1)

the relevant Selected Participant ceases to be an Eligible Person,

 

  (2)

a Selected Participant who is found to be an Excluded Person; or

 

  (3)

an order for the winding-up of the Company is made or a resolution is passed for the voluntary winding-up of the Company (otherwise than for the purposes of, and followed by, an amalgamation or reconstruction in such circumstances that substantially the whole of the undertaking, assets and liabilities of the Company pass to a successor company) (each of these, an event of “ Total Lapse ”),

the Award will automatically lapse forthwith and the Restricted Shares will not vest on the relevant Vesting Date and the relevant Reference Amount so paid by the Company under Clause 5.3(B) will be taken out of the Account and returned to the Company immediately. In such case, the relevant Restricted Shares will not be counted for the purpose of the Scheme limit in Clause 7. However, all vested Restricted Shares can still be held by the Selected Participant or transferred to the Selected Participant upon the occurrence of a Qualified IPO or any other events the Committee may determine from time to time, in accordance with Clause 5.4.2.

Defected Employees

 

  (D)

Subject to Clause 5.4.3, in the event that prior to or on the Vesting Date in respect of a Selected Participant,

 

  (1)

the Selected Participant has breached any provisions of the Non-competition Deed or any other relevant non-compete undertaking;

 

  (2)

the Selected Participant has violated any relevant policy(ies) of the Company; or

 

  (3)

any other event(s) which could be detrimental to the interest of the Company or Tencent or their respective shareholders as determined by the Committee,

the following will take place:

(i) the Award granted to such Selected Participant will automatically lapse forthwith, accordingly the unvested Restricted Shares will not vest on the relevant Vesting Date,

(ii) all vested Restricted Shares will no longer be transferred to the Selected Participant in accordance with Clause 5.4.2(D) (the “ Untransferred Shares ”) and will be returned to the Committee;

(iii) any Reference Amount so paid by the Company under Clause 5.3(B) will be taken out of the Account and returned to the Company immediately. In such case, the relevant Restricted Shares will not be counted for the purpose of the Scheme limit in Clause 7; and

 

13


(iv) such Selected Participant shall be held by the Company to account for any profit arising out of dealing in any Restricted Shares that has been transferred to the Selected Participant in accordance with Clause 5.4.2(D).

Terminated Employees

 

  (E)

Unless the Committee decides otherwise at its sole discretion, if the Selected Participant’s employment or service with the Group is terminated for any reason other than for the reasons provided for under Clause 5.4.1(B) (including by reason of resignation, summary dismissal, non-renewal of the employment or service agreement upon its expiration, retires by agreement with a member of the Group at any time prior to or on the Vesting Date for any reason other than those set out under Clause 5.4.1(B)), any unvested Restricted Shares in respect of such Selected Participant will automatically lapse with effect from the date on which the Selected Participant’s employment or service is terminated. However, all vested Restricted Shares can still be held by the Selected Participant or transferred to the Selected Participant upon the occurrence of a Qualified IPO and any other events as the Committee may determine from time to time, in accordance with Clause 5.4.2(D).

 

  (F)

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Scheme (but subject to any applicable laws), the Committee is at liberty to waive the vesting condition referred to in this Clause 5.4.1.

 

5.4.2

Vesting of Restricted Shares

 

  (A)

Subject to Clauses 5.4.2 and 5.4.3, any Share held by the Committee on behalf of a Selected Participant pursuant to the provisions of the Rules vests in such Selected Participant in accordance with the vesting schedule (if any) as set out in the Grant Letter (for this purpose, the date or each such date on which the Grant Shares are to vest is referred to as a “ Vesting Date ”).

 

  (B)

In order for the Award to vest and barring unforeseen circumstances, the Committee is to receive duly executed transfer documents and any undertakings as prescribed by the Committee within twenty eight(28) days of the Vesting Date.

 

  (C)

In the event that the Committee does not receive the transfer documents or undertakings from a Selected Participant (or his legal representative or lawful successor as the case may be) within the prescribed period, the Shares which would have otherwise vested in such Selected Participant will be automatically forfeited forthwith and become Unvested Shares for the purpose of the Scheme and be dealt with in accordance with Clause 6.

 

14


  (D)

The Committee shall hold vested Restricted Shares, subject to the receipt by the Committee of the transfer documents referred to in Clause 5.4.2(B) from the Selected Participant, from the Vesting Date until the date of Qualified IPO or the occurrence of other events as determined by the Committee (the “ Holding Period ”) on trust for the Selected Participant in accordance with the Rules. During the Holding Period, the Committee shall not exercise any voting rights ascribed to such vested Restricted Shares and will hold any economic interests (such as dividend or other distribution) on trust for the Selected Participants. Upon or after the occurrence of a Qualified IPO, the Committee will transfer the Restricted Shares (together with any economic interests accrued) to the relevant Selected Participants as soon as reasonably practicable after the date of such Qualified IPO or upon receipt by the Committee of the transfer documents referred to in Clause 5.4.2(B) from the Selected Participant.

 

  (E)

In relation to termination of employment of Selected Participants (including Senior Management) in accordance with Clause 5.4.1(E) before the occurrence of a Qualified IPO, the Committee will, unless otherwise determined by the Committee to pay such Selected Participants in cash, continue to hold the vested Restricted Shares for the Selected Participants in accordance with Clause 5.4.2. In the event that the Committee decides to pay such Selected Participants in cash, the amount of cash will be equivalent to the Fair Market Value of the number of vested Restricted Shares, with such cash payments to be made to an account of the Selected Participants as soon as reasonably practicable.

 

5.4.3

Vesting upon Death and Disability

 

  (A)

In respect of a Selected Participant who dies or is disabled at any time prior to or on the Vesting Date, the relevant Award shall lapse and accordingly all unvested Restricted Shares shall not vest upon Vesting Date. However, subject to Clause 5.4.2(D), the legal personal representatives shall continue to hold Restricted Shares that have vested before the date of death or Disability.

 

  (B)

If the Award would otherwise become bona vacantia , the Award are deemed to be cancelled and the Awarded Amount ceases to be applicable in subscription and/or purchase of the Shares, and the entire Reference Amount attributable to the relevant Selected Participant will be taken out of the Account and returned to the Company immediately. In such event, none of the Selected Participants (or his legal representative or lawful successor as the case may be) shall have any claim against the Company in respect of the Award. In such case, the relevant Restricted Shares will not be counted for the purpose of the Scheme limit in Clause 7.

 

  (C)

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event of the death of Selected Participant who is a U.S. taxpayer, any relevant Restricted Shares of such Selected Participant that vest pursuant to this Clause 5.4.3, shall be transferred to the beneficiary or other legal representative of such deceased Selected Participant on the earlier to occur of a Qualified IPO or a Change of Control.

 

5.5.

Call Option

 

  (A)

For Value Guarantee Restricted Shares that have been vested in accordance with Clause 5.4.1 or Clause 5.4.3, the Committee has the right to invite the Tencent Transfer Employees (or their legal personal representatives) to sell such Value Guarantee Restricted Shares to the Company at the corresponding Reference Amount (the “ Call Option ”).

 

15


  (B)

To exercise the Call Option, the Committee must notify the Tencent Transfer Employees (or their legal personal representative) in writing (the “ Option Exercise Notice ”) at least seven (7) Business Days before the intended date of exercise (the “ Option Exercise Date ”). The Option Exercise Notice shall invite the Tencent Transfer Employees to confirm their acceptance of the Call Option not less than three (3) Business Days before the Option Exercise Date and also request for the bank account and securities account details of Tencent Transfer Employee. For the avoidance of doubt, Call Options that are unaccepted by the Tencent Transfer Employees will not be exercised by the Company and will lapse forthwith.

 

  (C)

At the sole discretion of the Committee, the repurchase described in Clause 5.5(A) above can be made either in cash or the number of immediately vested Tencent RSUs (taking into account of all applicable brokerage, stamp duty, trading fees and levies) that could be purchased by the relevant Reference Amount using the closing price of Tencent Shares quoted on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on the day before the date of the Option Exercise Date.

 

  (D)

Upon issuing the Option Exercise Notice, the Committee shall inform the Tencent Transfer Employee the choice of the consideration of the repurchase within seven (7) Business Days and shall further cause to be transferred either cash or immediately vested Tencent RSUs to the designated bank or securities account of the Tencent Transfer Employee within fourteen (14) Business Days (or such longer period as the Committee may determine from time to time) from the date of the Option Exercise Notice.

 

  (E)

The Call Option shall lapse forthwith upon the occurrence of:

 

  (1)

a Qualified IPO;

 

  (2)

a Change of Control; or

 

  (3)

any other material events as determined by the Committee,

whichever is earlier.

 

5.6.

Cash and Non Cash Income

 

  (A)

All cash, non-cash income or sale proceeds of non-cash and non-scrip distributions declared in respect of a Share (whether held as Grant Share, Unaccepted Share, Additional Share or Unvested Share) form part of the fund of the Committee.

 

  (B)

The Committee may apply the fund of the Committee in Clause 5.6(A):

(i) to pay the fees, costs and expenses of the Committee in relation to the administration of the Scheme, including without limitation, fees of any trustee or third party professionals; and

(ii) to purchase the maximum number of Shares (the “ Additional Shares ”) on the Purchase Date (as defined below).

 

16


  (C)

The Committee holds such Additional Shares and all income derived from them for the benefit of all or one or more of the Participants.

 

  (D)

The Additional Shares (if granted) are subject to the same vesting condition and vesting schedule as they apply to any Grant Shares.

 

  (E)

For the purpose of this Clause 5.6, “ Purchase Date ” means any Business Day on which the Committee purchases any Additional Shares.

 

5.7.

Restrictions and Limitations

 

  (A)

Any Award is personal to the Selected Participant to whom it is made and is not assignable and no Selected Participant may in any way sell, transfer, charge, mortgage, encumber or create any interest in favor of any other person over or in relation to either the Awarded Amount, the Reference Amount or the Restricted Shares referable to him pursuant to such Award or the Unaccepted Shares, Additional Shares or any of the Unvested Shares under the Scheme.

 

  (B)

Without prejudice to the arrangement described in Clause 5.4.2(D), a Selected Participant may not have any interest or rights (including the right to receive dividend) in the Restricted Shares which are attributed to him until such Restricted Shares have been vested as Shares in accordance with the provisions set out in Clause 5.4.2.

 

  (C)

A Selected Participant has no rights in the Residual Cash.

 

  (D)

The Committee does not exercise any voting rights in respect of any Shares held for any Selected Participant (including but not limited to Grant Shares, Unaccepted Shares, Untransferred Shares, Additional Shares, Unvested Shares, any bonus Shares and scrip Shares and Share held in the Holding Period).

 

  (E)

No instructions may be given by a Selected Participant to the Committee in respect of the Restricted Shares that have not vested, and such other properties of the Account managed by the Committee.

 

  (F)

The Committee may not subscribe for any new Shares pertaining to either (a) an open offer of new securities; or (b) any rights issue issued in respect of any Shares held by the Selected Participant. In the event of a rights issue, the Committee will sell any nil-paid rights allotted to it. The net proceeds from the sale of such rights are held as cash income of the Committee and are first applied to fees, costs and expenses incurred by the Committee in the administration of the Scheme and then to the any Selected Participant subject to the Committee’s discretion.

 

  (G)

The Committee may at all times have the discretion to decide whether to receive scrip dividend or in cash.

 

17


5.8.

Compliance

In respect of the administration of the Scheme, the Company complies with all applicable disclosure regulations including without limitation those imposed by the rules of any Qualified Stock Exchange from time to time.

 

6.

UNACCEPTED, UNVESTED AND UNTRANSFERRED SHARES

 

  (A)

Where Shares, referable to a Selected Participant,

 

  (1)

are not accepted by such Selected Participant within the stipulated time in accordance with Clause 5.3(A) and become Unaccepted Shares in accordance with Clause 5.3(A); or

 

  (2)

do not vest in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Rules and become Unvested Shares; or

 

  (3)

are vested but are not transferred to a Selected Participant pursuant to Clause 5.4.1(D),

the Committee may hold such Unaccepted Shares or Unvested Shares or Untransferred Shares and all income derived from them for the benefit of all or one or more of the Eligible Persons, as the Committee in its discretion may at any time grant to any Selected Participant.

 

  (B)

All Unaccepted Shares or Unvested Shares or Untransferred Share, when granted, are subject to the same vesting condition and vesting schedule as they apply to any Grant Shares.

 

7.

SCHEME LIMITS

 

  (A)

The Committee may not make any further Award which will result in the nominal value of the Shares awarded by the Committee under the Scheme exceeding ten (10) percent of the issued share capital of the Company as at the Adoption Date.

 

  (B)

The maximum number of Shares which may be awarded to any one Selected Participant under the Scheme may not exceed one (1) percent of the issued share capital of the Company as at the Adoption Date.

 

8.

WITHHOLDING

 

  (A)

The Company or any Subsidiary may be entitled to withhold, and any Selected Participant may be obliged to pay, the amount of any tax and/or social security contributions attributable to or payable in connection with the grant of the Restricted Shares and any excluded expenses pursuant to Clause 12(B).

 

  (B)

The Committee may establish appropriate procedures to provide for any such payment so as to ensure that the Company or any Subsidiary receive advice concerning the occurrence of any event which may create, or affect the timing or amount of, any obligation to pay or withhold any such taxes or social security contributions or which may make available to the Company or such Subsidiary any tax deduction resulting from the occurrence of such event.

 

18


  (C)

The Company or any Subsidiary may, by notice to the Selected Participant and subject to any rules as the Committee may adopt, require that the Selected Participant pay at the time of the Award an amount estimated by the Company or any Subsidiary to cover all or a portion of the tax and/or social security contributions attributable to or payable in connection with the Award.

 

9.

DISPUTES

Any dispute arising in connection with the Scheme is referred to the decision of the Committee who acts as experts and not as arbitrators and whose decision is final and binding.

 

10.

AMENDMENT

 

  (A)

The Scheme may be amended in any respect by a resolution of the Committee provided that no such amendment may operate to affect adversely any subsisting rights of any Selected Participant under the Scheme unless:

 

  (i)

the written consent of the relevant Selected Participants is obtained; or

 

  (ii)

the sanction of a special resolution passed at a meeting of the Selected Participants.

 

  (B)

For any such meeting of Selected Participants referred to in Clause 10(A) all the provisions of the Articles as to general meetings of the Company apply mutatis mutandis except that:

 

  (i)

not less than five (5) Business Days’ notice of such meeting is given;

 

  (ii)

a quorum at any such meeting is two Selected Participants present in person or by proxy;

 

  (iii)

every Selected Participant present in person or by proxy at any such meeting is entitled on a show of hands to one vote, and on a poll, to one vote for each Awarded Share proposed to be awarded to him;

 

  (iv)

any Selected Participant present in person or by proxy may demand a poll; and

 

  (v)

if any such meeting is adjourned for want of a quorum, such adjournment will be to such date and time, not being less than five (5) or more than ten (10) Business Days, and to such place as may be appointed by the chairman of the meeting. At any adjourned meeting those Selected Participants who are then present in person or by proxy form a quorum and at least five (5) Business Days’ notice of any adjourned meeting is given in the same manner as for an original meeting and such notice states that those Selected Participants who are then present in person or by proxy forms a quorum.

 

  (C)

In respect of any proposed amendment in relation to the advantage of the Selected Participants, such proposed amendment is approved by the shareholders of the Company in general meeting if required by any rules of Qualified Stock Exchange or under applicable laws.

 

19


  (D)

In the event that the Committee determines that, as a result of any dividend or other distribution (whether in the form of cash, Shares or other securities), recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, repurchase or exchange of Shares or other securities of the Company, issuance of warrants or other rights to purchase Shares or other securities of the Company, issuance of Shares pursuant to the anti-dilution provisions of securities of the Company, or other similar corporate transaction or event affecting the Shares, or of changes in applicable laws, regulations or accounting principles, an adjustment is appropriate in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the Scheme, then the Committee shall equitably adjust (i) Awards outstanding under the Scheme, including, without limitation, the number of Grant Shares and grant price per Grant Share (as applicable), and (ii) the number of vested Restricted Shares held in trust for Selected Participants (to the extent such vested Restricted Shares are not treated consistently with the treatment of Shares in connection with any transaction described in this subsection) and (iii) the maximum number of Shares that may be awarded under this Scheme.

 

11.

TERMINATION

 

  (A)

The Scheme commences on the Adoption Date and remains valid and effective unless and until being terminated on the earlier of:

 

  (i)

the tenth (10 th ) anniversary date of the Adoption Date; or

 

  (ii)

such date of early termination as determined by the Committee provided that such termination does not affect any subsisting rights of any Selected Participant.

 

  (B)

Upon termination, no further Restricted Shares may be granted. The Committee will notify the Selected Participant of such termination.

 

  (C)

The Committee will, within twenty one (21) Business Days of the date of termination of the Scheme, vest all Restricted Shares which, as of the date of such termination are unvested and have not previously lapsed pursuant to Clauses 5.4.1(C), (D) or (E), and transfer such vested Restricted Shares to the relevant Selected Participants.

 

  (D)

In the event of termination of the Scheme, after all Restricted Shares granted under the Scheme have either previously lapsed or have vested and been transferred to the relevant Selected Participants, the Residual Cash and such other funds remaining in the Account (after making appropriate deductions in respect of all disposal costs, liabilities and expenses) will be remitted to the Company forthwith.

 

20


  (E)

For the avoidance of doubt, the temporary suspension of the granting of any Award is not construed as a decision to terminate the operation of the Scheme.

 

12.

MISCELLANEOUS

 

  (A)

The Scheme does not form part of any contract of employment or contract for services (as the case may be) between the Company or any Subsidiary and any Eligible Person, and the rights and obligations of any Eligible Person under the terms of his office or employment are not affected by his participation in the Scheme or any right which he may have to participate in it and the Scheme affords such Eligible Person no additional rights to compensation or damages in consequence of the termination of such office or employment for any reason.

 

  (B)

The Company bears the costs of establishing and administering the Scheme, including, for the avoidance of doubt, costs arising from communication as referred to in Clause 12(D), expenses incurred in the purchase or subscription of Shares and stamp duty and normal registration fees in respect of the transfer of Shares to Selected Participants on the relevant Vesting Date. For the avoidance of doubt, the Company is not liable for any tax or expenses of such other nature payable on the part of any Eligible Person or the Committee in respect of any sale, purchase, vesting or transfer of Shares.

 

  (C)

Save as specifically provided in the Rules, the Scheme does not confer on any person any legal or equitable rights (other than those constituting and attaching to the Restricted Shares themselves) against the Company directly or indirectly or give rise to any cause of action at law or in equity against the Company.

 

  (D)

Any notice or other communication between the Company and any Eligible Person may be given by sending the same by prepaid post or by personal delivery to, in the case of the Company, its head office and principal place of business in Hong Kong or such other address as notified to the Eligible Person from time to time and in the case of an Eligible Person, his address in Hong Kong as notified to the Company from time to time.

 

  (E)

Any notice or other communication served by post is be deemed to have been served twenty four (24) hours after the same was put in the post.

 

  (F)

The Company is not be responsible for any failure by any Eligible Person to obtain any consent or approval required for such Eligible Person to participate in the Scheme as a Selected Participant or for any tax, duty, expenses, fees or any other liability to which he may become subject as a result of his participation in the Scheme.

 

  (G)

Each provision of the Rules is a separate provision and is severally enforceable as such and in the event of any provision or provisions being or becoming unenforceable in whole or in part. To the extent that any provision or provisions are unenforceable, they are deemed to be deleted from the Rules, and any such deletion do not affect the enforceability of the Rules as remain not so deleted.

 

21


  (H)

The Company discloses details of the Award under the Scheme in its annual report to the extent appropriate after the occurrence of a Qualified IPO.

 

  (I)

Tencent RSUs referenced in these Rules shall be issued in accordance with the rules of the Tencent RSU Scheme.

 

  (J)

In the event of a Qualified IPO on the A-Share Market, the Committee shall replace the granted Restricted Shares with equivalent number of equity securities in the PRC incorporated entity seeking listing in a manner as determined in its sole discretion. Such equity securities so issued shall be governed by these Rules.

 

13.

GOVERNING LAW

 

  (A)

The Scheme operates subject to the Articles and any applicable law to which the Company is subject.

 

  (B)

The Scheme is governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Cayman Islands.

 

22

Exhibit 10.6

SHARE SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT

Dated October 23, 2016

by and between

China Music Corporation

and

Min River Investment Limited


SHARE SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT

THIS SHARE SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is made and entered into as of October 23, 2016 by and between:

 

  1.

China Music Corporation, an exempted company incorporated under the Laws of the Cayman Islands (the “ Company ”); and

 

  2.

Min River Investment Limited, a company incorporated under the Laws of the British Virgin Islands (the “ Purchaser ”).

RECITALS

A.    The Company desires to issue and sell to the Purchaser, and the Purchaser desires to subscribe and purchase from the Company, an aggregate of 53,507,452 ordinary shares, par value US$0.000083 per share, of the Company (the “ Ordinary Shares ”) pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

B.    The Parties desire to enter into this Agreement and make the respective representations, warranties, covenants and agreements set forth herein on the terms and conditions set forth herein.

AGREEMENT

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing recitals, the mutual promises hereinafter set forth, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

1.     DEFINITIONS

In this Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires, the following words and expressions have the meanings as follows:

Action ” means any action, suit, proceeding, claim, arbitration, investigation, charge, complaint or petition, whether administrative, civil or criminal, whether at Law or in equity, and whether or not before any mediator, arbitrator or Governmental Authority.

Affiliate ” means, (i) with respect to a Person that is a natural person, such Person’s relatives and any other Person (other than natural persons) directly or indirectly Controlled by such Person, and (ii) with respect to a Person that is not a natural person, a Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls, or is Controlled by, or is under common Control with, such Person. For the purposes of this definition, “relative” of a Person means such Person’s spouse, parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, sibling, uncle, aunt, nephew, niece or great-grandparent or the spouse of such Person’s child, grandchild, sibling, uncle, aunt, nephew or niece. Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither the Company nor any of its Controlled Affiliates shall be deemed an Affiliate of the Purchaser, and the Purchaser shall not be deemed an Affiliate of the Company or any of its Controlled Affiliates.

Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Approval ” means any approval, authorization, release, order, consent, license or permit required to be obtained from, or any registration, qualification, designation, declaration, filing, notice, statement or other communication required to be filed with or delivered to, any Governmental Authority or any other Person.


Arbitration Notice ” has the meaning set forth in Section  10.13 .

Bankruptcy and Equity Exception ” has the meaning set forth in Section  4.2 .

Board ” means the board of directors.

Business Day ” means a day (other than a Saturday or a Sunday) that the banks in New York, Hong Kong, the PRC, or the Cayman Islands are generally open for business.

Charter Document ” means, with respect to a particular legal entity, the articles of incorporation, certificate of incorporation, formation or registration (including, if applicable, certificates of change of name), memorandum of association, articles of association, bylaws, articles of organization, limited liability company agreement, trust deed, trust instrument, operating agreement, joint venture agreement, business license, or similar or other constitutive, governing, or charter documents, or equivalent documents, of such entity

Closing ” has the meaning set forth in Section  3 .

Closing Date ” has the meaning set forth in Section  3 .

Company ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Contracts ” means legally binding contracts, agreements, engagements, purchase orders, commitments, understandings, indentures, notes, bonds, loans, instruments, leases, mortgages, franchises, licenses or any other contractual arrangements or obligations, which are currently subsisting and not terminated or completed (with each of such Contracts being referred to as a “ Contract ”).

Control ” means the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct, or cause the direction of, the management and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

Dispute ” has the meaning set forth in Section  10.13 .

Financing Transaction ” has the meaning set forth in Section  4.7 .

Governmental Authorities ” means any nation, government, province, state, or any entity, authority or body exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory, foreign exchange or administrative functions of or pertaining to government, including any government authority, agency, department, board, commission or instrumentality of any government or any political subdivision thereof, court, tribunal, arbitrator, the governing body of any securities exchange, and self-regulatory organization, in each case having competent jurisdiction (with each of such Governmental Authorities being referred to as a “ Governmental Authority ”).

HKIAC ” has the meaning set forth in Section  10.13 .

HKIAC Rules ” has the meaning set forth in Section  10.13 .

 

2


Hong Kong ” means the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China.

Indemnified Persons ” means any Party (other than the Indemnifying Party), its Affiliates, their respective officers, directors, agents, employees, trustees, attorneys and representatives.

Indemnifying Party ” has the meaning set forth in Section  8.2 .

Law ” means any law, rule, constitution, code, ordinance, statute, treaty, decree, regulation, common law, order, official policy, circular, provision, administrative order, interpretation, injunction, judgment, ruling, assessment, writ or other legislative measure, in each case of any Governmental Authority.

Lien ” means

 

  (a)

any mortgage, charge, lien, pledge or other encumbrance securing any obligation of any Person;

 

  (b)

any option, right to acquire, right of pre-emption, right of set-off or other arrangement under which money or claims to, or for the benefit of, any Person may be applied or set off so as to effect discharge of any sum owed or payable to any Person; or

 

  (c)

any equity, assignment, hypothecation, title retention, claim, restriction, power of sale or other type of preferential arrangement the effect of which is to give a creditor in respect of indebtedness a preferential position in relation to any asset of a Person on any insolvency proceeding of that Person.

Losses ” means any and all losses, claims, Actions, damages, liabilities and expenses (joint or several), including attorneys’ fees and disbursements and all other expenses incurred in investigating, preparing, compromising or defending against any such litigation, commenced or threatened, or any claim whatsoever and all amounts paid in settlement of any such claim or litigation, to which any of the Indemnified Persons may become subject.

Material Contracts ” means Contracts that are material to the conduct of the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries as a whole. For clarification, any Contract that has been fully performed or has ceased to be effective as of the date hereof shall not deemed to be a Material Contract.

Ordinary Shares ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

Other Agreements ” has the meaning set forth in Section  4.8 .

Parties ” means the named parties to this Agreement and their respective successors and permitted assigns (with each of such Parties being referred to as a “ Party ”).

Person ” means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited partnership, proprietorship, association, limited liability company, firm, trust, estate or other enterprise, entity or legal person.

 

3


PRC ” means the People’s Republic of China and for purposes of this Agreement, excludes Hong Kong, Macao Special Administrative Region and Taiwan.

Purchase Price ” has the meaning set forth in Section  2 .

Purchased Shares ” has the meaning set forth in Section  2 .

Purchaser ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Purchaser Termination Fee ” has the meaning set forth in Section  9.3 .

SAFE ” means the State Administration of Foreign Exchange of the PRC and its local branches.

Securities Act ” means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Selection Period ” has the meaning set forth in Section  10.13 .

Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any given Person, any Person of which the given Person, directly or indirectly, Controls, including but not limited through the ownership of more than 50% of the issued and outstanding share capital, voting interests or registered capital.

US$ ” or “ U.S. dollars ” means United States Dollars, the lawful currency of the United States of America.

2.     PURCHASE AND SALE . Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Company hereby agrees to issue and sell to the Purchaser, and the Purchaser hereby agrees to subscribe for and purchase from the Company, at the Closing, an aggregate of 53,507,452 Ordinary Shares (the “ Purchased Shares ”) at an aggregate purchase price of US$129,862,965.60 in cash (the “ Purchase Price ”).

3.     CLOSINGS; CLOSING DELIVERIES . The consummation of the sale and issuance of the Purchased Shares pursuant to Section  2 of this Agreement (the “ Closing ”) shall take place remotely via the exchange of documents and signatures on the fifth (5 th ) Business Day after the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in Sections  6 and 7 (other than those conditions to be satisfied at the Closing, but subject to the satisfaction or waiver thereof at the Closing) or at such other time and place as the Company and the Purchaser may mutually agree upon in writing (the date on which the Closing occurs, the “ Closing Date ”).

3.1     Deliveries by the Company at the Closing . At the Closing, in addition to any items the delivery of which is made an express condition to the Purchaser’s obligations at the Closing pursuant to Section  6 , the Company shall deliver to the Purchaser (A) a copy of the updated register of members of the Company or an extract of the relevant portion thereof showing the Purchaser as the holder of the Purchased Shares, certified by the registered agent of the Company as a true and complete copy as of the Closing Date, (B) a copy of a share certificate issued in the name of the Purchaser evidencing the ownership by the Purchaser of the Purchased Shares (the original duly executed copy of which shall be delivered to the Purchaser within two (2) Business Days after the Closing) and (C) a certificate of good standing of the Company, dated as of a reasonably recent date, issued by the Registrar of Companies of the Cayman Islands.

 

4


3.2     Deliveries by the Purchaser at the Closing . At the Closing, the Purchaser shall, in consideration for the Purchased Shares issued by the Company under Section  2 , pay the Purchase Price in cash by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account designated by the Company in writing at least two (2) Business Days prior to the Closing Date.

4.     REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY

The Company hereby represents and warrants to the Purchaser that the following statements are true and correct as of the date of this Agreement and will be true and correct as of the Closing (except as to any representations and warranties that specifically relate to a specific date, and then as of such specific date).

4.1     Organization, Standing and Qualification .

(a)    The Company is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the Cayman Islands and has all requisite power and authority to perform its obligations under this Agreement.

(b)    The Company is not in, nor is it anticipated to enter into, liquidation, dissolution, bankruptcy, insolvency or winding-up.

4.2     Capitalization . The fully diluted share capital and cap table of the Company immediately prior to and after the Closing (including the amount of share capital, the type and number of the authorized share capital and of the issued and outstanding share capital, par value of each type of shares and list of shareholders) are each set forth in Schedule A attached hereto.

4.3     Due Authorization . All corporate actions on the part of the Company necessary for (i) the authorization, execution and delivery of, and the performance of all of its obligations under, this Agreement, and (ii) the authorization, issuance, reservation for issuance and delivery of all of the Purchased Shares have been taken or will be taken prior to the Closing. The Company has the requisite power, capacity and authority to enter into, execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform all the obligations to be performed by it hereunder. This Agreement has been, or will be on or prior to the Closing Date, duly executed and delivered by the Company and, when executed and delivered, constitutes valid and legally binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, except (i) as limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, and other Laws of general application affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights generally (the “ Bankruptcy and Equity Exception ”), and (ii) as limited by Laws relating to the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief, or other equitable remedies.

4.4     Consents and Approvals . Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, no Approval is required to be obtained or made by or with respect to the Company in connection with the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby by the Company.

 

5


4.5     Valid Issuance . The Purchased Shares, when issued, delivered and paid for in accordance with the terms of this Agreement for the consideration expressed herein, will be duly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable, free of any Liens (except for restrictions on transfer under applicable Laws and under the Charter Documents of the Company).

4.6     No Violation . Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement nor the full performance of its obligations by the Company hereunder will (a) violate any applicable Law to which the Company is subject, (b) conflict with, result in a violation or breach of, or constitute a default under, result in the acceleration of or create in any party the right to accelerate, terminate or cancel any Material Contract by which the Company is bound, or (c) violate any Charter Documents of the Company.

4.7     Same Form of Agreement . Each share subscription agreement or similar agreement that the Company signs, is signing and will sign with each purchaser in this round of financing as described in the First Participation Notice issued by the Company on or around September 12, 2016 (the “ Financing Transaction ”) is on the same form and based on the same terms and conditions.

4.8     No Side Letter . There are no agreements, understandings or other arrangements (whether written or oral) being entered into or to be entered into by the Company or any of its Affiliates with any purchaser in respect of the Financing Transaction (the “ Other Agreements ”) other than those that have been furnished or otherwise made available to the Purchaser on or before the date hereof. The copies of the Other Agreements that have been furnished or otherwise made available to the Purchaser are true and correct and are in final form.

5.     REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE PURCHASER

The Purchaser hereby represents and warrants to the Company that the following statements are true and correct as of the date of this Agreement and will be true and correct as of the Closing (except as to any representations and warranties that specifically relate to a specific date, and then as of such specific date).

5.1     Organization; Standing and Qualification .

(a)    The Purchaser (i) is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the place of its incorporation or establishment, and (ii) has all requisite power and authority to own the Purchased Shares.

(b)    The Purchaser is not in, nor is it anticipated to enter into, liquidation, dissolution, bankruptcy, insolvency or winding-up.

5.2     Due Authorization . The Purchaser has the requisite power, authority and capacity to enter into this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder. The execution, delivery and performance by the Purchaser of this Agreement have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of the Purchaser. This Agreement, when executed and delivered by the Purchaser, will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Purchaser, enforceable against the Purchaser in accordance with its terms, except (i) as limited by the Bankruptcy and Equity Exception and (ii) as limited by Laws relating to the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief or other equitable remedies.

 

6


5.3     Purchase for Own Account . The Purchased Shares will be acquired for the Purchaser’s own account, not as a nominee or agent and not with a view to or in connection with the sale or distribution of any part thereof.

5.4     Exempt from Registration; Restricted Securities . The Purchaser understands that the Purchased Shares will not be registered under the Securities Act or registered or listed publicly pursuant to any other applicable securities laws and regulations, on the ground that the sale provided for in this Agreement is exempt from registration under the Securities Act or the registration or listing requirements of any other applicable securities laws and regulations. The Purchaser understands that the Purchased Shares are restricted securities within the meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act; that the Purchased Shares are not registered or listed publicly and must be held indefinitely unless they are subsequently registered or listed publicly or an exemption from such registration or listing is available.

5.5     Consents and Approvals . Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, no Approval is required to be obtained or made by or with respect to the Purchaser in connection with the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement, or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, by the Purchaser.

5.6     No Violation . Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement nor the full performance of its obligations by the Purchaser hereunder will (a) violate any applicable Law to which the Purchaser is subject, (b) conflict with, result in a violation or breach of, or constitute a default under, result in the acceleration of or create in any party the right to accelerate, terminate or cancel any material Contract by which the Purchaser is bound, or (c) violate any Charter Document of the Purchaser.

5.7     Sufficient Fund . Immediately prior to the Closing, the Purchaser will possess sufficient and immediately available funds to consummate the transaction contemplated under this Agreement.

6.    CONDITIONS TO PURCHASER’S OBLIGATIONS AT CLOSING

The obligations of the Purchaser to consummate the transactions under Section 2 are subject to the fulfillment, to the satisfaction of the Purchaser on or prior to the Closing, or waiver by the Purchaser, of the following conditions:

6.1     Representations and Warranties True and Correct. The representations and warranties set forth in Section  4 shall be true and correct when made, and shall be true and correct as of the Closing Date with the same force and effect as if they have been made on and as of the Closing.

6.2     Performance of Obligations. The Company shall have performed and complied with all agreements, obligations and conditions contained in this Agreement that are required to be performed or complied with by it on or before the Closing.

6.3     Proceedings and Documents. All corporate and other proceedings in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, including shareholder resolutions and Board resolutions of the Company, and all documents and instruments incident to such transactions shall have been duly completed or obtained and effective as of the Closing.

 

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6.4     Approvals, Consents and Waivers. The Company shall have obtained any and all Approvals and waivers necessary for the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, each of which shall be in full force and effect as of the Closing.

6.5     Closing Certificate . The Company shall deliver to the Purchaser a certificate, dated as of the Closing Date, signed by one of its directors or senior executive officers, certifying that the conditions specified in Sections 6.1 through 6.4 have been fulfilled.

7.     CONDITIONS TO COMPANY S OBLIGATIONS AT THE CLOSING

The obligations of the Company to consummate the transactions under Section  2 are subject to the fulfillment, to the satisfaction of the Company on or prior to the Closing, or waiver by the Company, of the following conditions:

7.1     Representations and Warranties True and Correct . The representations and warranties of the Purchaser contained in Section  5 shall be true and correct when made, and shall be true and correct as of the Closing Date with the same force and effect as if they have been made on and as of the Closing.

7.2     Performance of Obligations . The Purchaser shall have performed and complied with all agreements, obligations and conditions contained in this Agreement that are required to be performed or complied with by it on or before the Closing.

7.3     Proceedings and Documents. All corporate and other proceedings in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and all documents and instruments incident to such transactions shall have been duly completed or obtained and effective as of the Closing.

7.4     Approvals, Consents and Waivers. The Purchaser shall have obtained any and all Approvals and waivers necessary for the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, each of which shall be in full force and effect as of the Closing.

8.     INDEMNITY

8.1     Survival . The representations and warranties of each Party contained in this Agreement shall survive the Closing until the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations under applicable Laws. The covenants and agreements of each Party set forth in this Agreement shall survive the Closing until fully discharged in accordance with their terms, except for those covenants and agreements which shall be complied with or discharged prior to the Closing in accordance with their terms.

8.2     Indemnification . To the fullest extent permitted by Laws, each Party, as applicable (the “ Indemnifying Party ”) shall indemnify and hold harmless each Indemnified Person, from and against any and all Losses, as incurred, insofar as such Losses arise out of or are based upon:

(a)    any inaccuracy in or breach of any representations or warranties made by such Indemnifying Party in this Agreement; or

 

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(b)    the violation or nonperformance, partial or total, of any obligation or covenant of such Indemnifying Party contained in this Agreement.

In no event shall any Indemnifying Party be obligated to indemnify an Indemnified Person for Losses resulting directly and solely from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnified Person.

8.3     Reliance . The Company and the Purchaser agree that (i) the Company has entered into this Agreement and agreed to the issuance and allotment of the Purchased Shares to the Purchaser hereunder in reliance on the representations and warranties, and covenants and agreements, made by the Purchaser in this Agreement; and (ii) the Purchaser has entered into this Agreement and agreed to subscribe for the Purchased Shares in reliance on the representations and warranties, and covenants and agreements, made by the Company in this Agreement.

8.4     Procedure . Each Indemnified Person will notify the Indemnifying Party in writing of any Action against such Indemnified Person in respect of which the Indemnifying Party is or may be obligated to provide indemnification hereunder promptly after the receipt of notice or knowledge of the commencement thereof. The failure of any Indemnified Person to notify the Indemnifying Party shall not relieve the Indemnifying Party from any liability or obligation which it may have to such Indemnified Person under this Section  8.4 or otherwise unless the failure to so notify results in the forfeiture by the Indemnifying Party of substantial rights and defenses and will not in any event relieve the Indemnifying Party from any obligations other than the indemnification provided for herein. The Indemnifying Party will have the right to participate in, and, to the extent the Indemnifying Party so desires, to assume the defense thereof, with counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Person. However, the Indemnified Person will have the right to retain separate counsel and to participate in the defense thereof, with the reasonable documented fees and expenses of such counsel to be paid by the Indemnifying Party if representation of such Indemnified Person by the counsel retained by the Indemnifying Party would be, in the Indemnified Person’s view, inappropriate due to actual or potential differing interests between such Indemnified Person and any other party represented by such counsel in such proceeding. The Indemnifying Party will be responsible for the expenses of such defense even if the Indemnifying Party does not elect to assume such defense. The Indemnifying Party shall not, except with the consent of the Indemnified Person, consent to the entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement which does not include as a term thereof the unconditional release of the Indemnified Person of all liability in respect of such claim or litigation.

8.5     Indemnification Non-Exclusive . The foregoing indemnification provisions are in addition to, and not in derogation of, any contractual, statutory, equitable or common-law remedy any Party or Indemnified Person may otherwise have.

8.6     Limitation on Liabilities . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the total aggregate liability of any Party for any claims under this Section  8 in respect of the representations, warranties, covenants and agreements made by such Party in or pursuant to this Agreement shall not exceed the Purchase Price.

 

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9.    TERMINATION

9.1     Termination . At any time prior to the Closing, this Agreement may be terminated:

(a)    by the mutual written consent of the Parties;

(b)    by either the Purchaser or the Company if the Closing has not been consummated by November 30, 2016;

(c)    by either the Company, on the one hand, or the Purchaser, on the other hand, by written notice to the other if there has been a material misrepresentation or material breach of a covenant or agreement contained in this Agreement on the part of the Purchaser or the Company, as applicable, and such breach, if curable, has not been cured within fourteen (14) days of such notice; or

(d)    by the Company by written notice to the Purchaser if (i) all of the conditions set forth in Section  6 (other than those conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied by action taken at the Closing) have been satisfied, (ii) the Company has irrevocably confirmed by notice to the Purchaser that all conditions set forth in Section  7 (other than those conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied by action taken at the Closing) have been satisfied or that it is willing to waive any unsatisfied conditions in Section  7 and (iii) the Purchaser fails to complete the Closing within ten (10) Business Days after the delivery of such notice.

9.2     Effect of Termination . If this Agreement is terminated in accordance with Section  9.1 , this Agreement shall become void and have no effect, and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be abandoned without further action by the Parties and there shall be no liability on the part of any Party, except that the provisions of Section  1 , Section  8 , this Section  9 and Section  10 shall survive the termination of this Agreement; provided that such termination shall not release any Party from any liability that has already accrued as of the effective date of such termination, and shall not constitute a waiver or release of, or otherwise be deemed to prejudice or adversely affect, any rights, remedies or claims, whether for damages or otherwise, which a Party may have under this Agreement or applicable Laws or which may arise out of or in connection with such termination.

9.3     Fees Following Termination . In the event that:

(a)    (i) this Agreement is terminated by either the Purchaser or the Company pursuant to Section  9.1(b) , (ii) at the time of such termination, any of the conditions set forth in Section  7.3 or 7.4 shall not have been satisfied and such non-satisfaction is not the result of the breach by the Company of any of its representations, warranties, covenants or other agreements hereunder, and (iii) the Company has confirmed in writing to the Purchaser that each of the conditions set forth in Section  6 would be satisfied if the Closing were to occur immediately prior to such termination; or

(b)    this Agreement is terminated by the Company pursuant to Section  9.1(c) or Section  9.1(d) ;

then the Purchaser shall as promptly as practicable, but in no event later than ten (10) Business Days following such termination, pay, or cause to be paid, to the Company a termination fee in an amount in U.S. dollars equal to US$2,597,259.31 (the “ Purchaser Termination Fee ”).

 

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9.4     Integral Part of the Proposed Transaction . The Purchaser acknowledges that (i) the agreement contained in Section  9.3 is an integral part of the transactions templated by this Agreement, (ii) the damages resulting from termination of this Agreement under circumstances where a Purchaser Termination Fee is payable are uncertain and incapable of accurate calculation and therefore, the amounts payable pursuant to Section  9.3 are not a penalty but rather constitute amounts akin to liquidated damage in a reasonable amount that will compensate the Company for the efforts and resources expended and opportunities foregone while negotiating this Agreement and in reliance on this Agreement and on the expectation of the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and (iii) without Section  9.3 , the Company will not have entered into this Agreement. In the event that the Purchaser fails to promptly pay any amount due under Section  9.3 , the Purchaser shall pay to the Company all reasonable fees, costs and expenses of enforcement (including reasonable attorney’s fees and reasonable expenses incurred in connection with any Action initiated by the Company), together with interest on such amount at the annual rate of five percent (5%) plus the prime lending rate as published in The Wall Street Journal, in effect on the date such payment was required to be made through the date such payment was actually received, or such lesser rate as is the maximum permitted by applicable Law.

10.    MISCELLANEOUS

10.1     Reserved .

10.2     Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed exclusively in accordance with the Laws of Hong Kong without giving effect to any choice of law rule that would cause the application of the Laws of any jurisdiction other than the Laws of Hong Kong to the rights and duties of the Parties hereunder.

10.3     Successors and Assigns . Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, the provisions hereof shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding upon, the successors, assigns, heirs, executors and administrators of the Parties. This Agreement and the rights and obligations therein may not be assigned by any Party without the written consent of the other Parties.

10.4     Entire Agreement . This Agreement, including the schedules and exhibits hereto, which are hereby expressly incorporated herein by this reference, constitute the entire understanding and agreement among the Parties with regard to the subjects hereof and thereof.

10.5     Notices . Any notice, request, instruction or other document to be given hereunder by any Party to the other Party hereto shall be in writing and delivered personally or sent by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid and return receipt requested, or by e-mail or facsimile to the applicable Party at the addresses set forth next to each Party’s name on Schedule B attached hereto, or at such address or to the attention of such other person as the recipient party has specified by prior written notice to the sending party. Any notice, request, instruction or other document given as provided above shall be deemed given to the receiving party upon actual receipt, if delivered personally; seven (7) Business Days after deposit in the mail, if sent by registered or certified mail; upon confirmation of successful transmission, if sent by e-mail or facsimile; or three (3) Business Days after deposit with an overnight courier, if sent by an overnight courier. A Party may change or supplement the addresses given above, or designate additional addresses, for purposes of this Section  10.5 by giving, the other Parties written notice of the new address in the manner set forth above.

 

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10.6     Amendments . Any term of this Agreement may be amended only with the written consents of the Company and the Purchaser.

10.7     Delays or Omissions; Waivers . No delay or omission to exercise any right, power or remedy accruing to any Party, upon any breach or default of any Party under this Agreement, shall impair any such right, power or remedy of such Party nor shall it be construed to be a waiver of any such breach or default, or an acquiescence therein, or of any similar breach of default thereafter occurring; nor shall any waiver of any other breach or default theretofore or thereafter occurring. Any waiver by any Party of any condition or breach of default under this Agreement must be in writing and shall be effective only to the extent specifically set forth in such writing. All remedies, either under this Agreement or by Laws or otherwise afforded to any Party shall be cumulative and not alternative.

10.8     Interpretation; Titles and Subtitles . This Agreement shall be construed according to its fair language. The rule of construction to the effect that ambiguities are to be resolved against the drafting Party shall not be employed in interpreting this Agreement. The titles of the sections and subsections of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and are not to be considered in construing this Agreement. Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, all references to sections and schedules herein are to sections and schedules of this Agreement. Unless a provision hereof expressly provides otherwise: (i) the term “or” is not exclusive; (ii) the terms “herein”, “hereof”, and other similar words refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular section, subsection, paragraph, clause, or other subdivision; (iii) the masculine, feminine, and neuter genders will each be deemed to include the others; and (iv) whenever the words “include,” “includes” or “including” are used in this Agreement, they shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation.”

10.9     Counterparts; Effectiveness . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one instrument. This Agreement shall become effective when each Party shall have signed a counterpart.

10.10     Severability . If any provision of this Agreement is found to be invalid or unenforceable, then such provision shall be construed, to the extent feasible, so as to render the provision enforceable and to provide for the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby on substantially the same terms as originally set forth herein, and if no feasible interpretation would save such provision, it shall be severed from the remainder of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect unless the severed provision is essential to the rights or benefits intended by the Parties. In such event, the Parties shall use reasonable best efforts to negotiate, in good faith, a substitute, valid and enforceable provision or agreement which most nearly affects the Parties’ intent in entering into this Agreement.

 

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10.11     Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure . Each Party shall keep this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby confidential, and shall not disclose to any third party without the prior written consent of the other Parties, provided, that each Party may make disclosure to its shareholders, directors, officers, Affiliates, advisors and other representatives, on a need to know basis, or other otherwise as required by applicable Law.

10.12     Further Assurances . Each Party shall from time to time and at all times hereafter uses reasonable efforts to make, do, execute, or cause or procure to be made, done and executed such further acts, deeds, conveyances, consents and assurances without further consideration, which may reasonably be required to effect the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

10.13     Dispute Resolution . Any dispute, controversy or claim (each, a “ Dispute ”) arising out of or relating to this Agreement, or the interpretation, breach, termination, validity or invalidity thereof, shall be referred to arbitration upon the demand of either party to the dispute with notice (the “ Arbitration Notice ”) to the other. The Dispute shall be settled by arbitration in Hong Kong by the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (the “ HKIAC ”) in accordance with the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre Administered Arbitration Rules (the “ HKIAC Rules ”) in force at the time when the Arbitration Notice is submitted. The seat of arbitration shall be Hong Kong. There shall be three (3) arbitrators. The complainant and the respondent to such dispute shall each select one arbitrator within thirty (30) days after giving or receiving the demand for arbitration (the “ Selection Period ”). Such arbitrators shall be freely selected, and the parties shall not be limited in their selection to any prescribed list. The chairman of the HKIAC shall select the third arbitrator. If either party to the arbitration fails to appoint an arbitrator with the Selection Period, the relevant appointment shall be made by the chairman of the HKIAC. The arbitral proceedings shall be conducted in English. To the extent that the HKIAC Rules are in conflict with the provisions of this Section  10.13 , including the provisions concerning the appointment of the arbitrators, this Section  10.13 shall prevail. Each party to the arbitration shall cooperate with each other party to the arbitration in making full disclosure of and providing complete access to all information and documents requested by such other party in connection with such arbitral proceedings, subject only to any confidentiality obligations binding on such party. The award of the arbitral tribunal shall be final and binding upon the parties thereto, and the prevailing party may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for enforcement of such award. Any party to the Dispute shall be entitled to seek preliminary injunctive relief, if possible, from any court of competent jurisdiction pending the constitution of the arbitral tribunal. During the course of the arbitral tribunal’s adjudication of the Dispute, this Agreement shall continue to be performed except with respect to the part in dispute and under adjudication.

10.14     Expenses . Each Party shall bear its own costs and expenses in connection with the negotiation, execution and delivery of this Agreement.

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused their respective duly authorized representatives to execute this Agreement as of the date and year first above written.

 

Purchaser:
Min River Investment Limited
By:  

/s/ Ma Huateng

Name:   Ma Huateng
Title:  

[ Signature Page to Share Subscription Agreement ]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused their respective duly authorized representatives to execute this Agreement as of the date and year first above written.

 

Company:
China Music Corporation
By:  

/s/ Tong Tao Sang

Name:   TONG TAO SANG
Title:   Chairman

[ Signature Page to Share Subscription Agreement ]

Exhibit 10.7

SHARE SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT

Dated October 23, 2016

by and between

China Music Corporation

and

PAGAC Music Holding II Limited


SHARE SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT

THIS SHARE SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is made and entered into as of October 23, 2016 by and between:

 

  1.

China Music Corporation, an exempted company incorporated under the Laws of the Cayman Islands (the “ Company ”); and

 

  2.

PAGAC Music Holding II Limited, a company incorporated under the Laws of the Cayman Islands (the “ Purchaser ”).

RECITALS

A.    The Company desires to issue and sell to the Purchaser, and the Purchaser desires to subscribe and purchase from the Company, an aggregate of 9,337,950 ordinary shares, par value US$0.000083 per share, of the Company (the “ Ordinary Shares ”) pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

B.    The Parties desire to enter into this Agreement and make the respective representations, warranties, covenants and agreements set forth herein on the terms and conditions set forth herein.

AGREEMENT

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing recitals, the mutual promises hereinafter set forth, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

1.     DEFINITIONS

In this Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires, the following words and expressions have the meanings as follows:

Action ” means any action, suit, proceeding, claim, arbitration, investigation, charge, complaint or petition, whether administrative, civil or criminal, whether at Law or in equity, and whether or not before any mediator, arbitrator or Governmental Authority.

Affiliate ” means, (i) with respect to a Person that is a natural person, such Person’s relatives and any other Person (other than natural persons) directly or indirectly Controlled by such Person, and (ii) with respect to a Person that is not a natural person, a Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls, or is Controlled by, or is under common Control with, such Person. For the purposes of this definition, “relative” of a Person means such Person’s spouse, parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, sibling, uncle, aunt, nephew, niece or great-grandparent or the spouse of such Person’s child, grandchild, sibling, uncle, aunt, nephew or niece. Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither the Company nor any of its Controlled Affiliates shall be deemed an Affiliate of the Purchaser, and the Purchaser shall not be deemed an Affiliate of the Company or any of its Controlled Affiliates.

Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Approval ” means any approval, authorization, release, order, consent, license or permit required to be obtained from, or any registration, qualification, designation, declaration, filing, notice, statement or other communication required to be filed with or delivered to, any Governmental Authority or any other Person.


Arbitration Notice ” has the meaning set forth in Section  10.13 .

Bankruptcy and Equity Exception ” has the meaning set forth in Section  4.2 .

Board ” means the board of directors.

Business Day ” means a day (other than a Saturday or a Sunday) that the banks in New York, Hong Kong, the PRC, or the Cayman Islands are generally open for business.

Charter Document ” means, with respect to a particular legal entity, the articles of incorporation, certificate of incorporation, formation or registration (including, if applicable, certificates of change of name), memorandum of association, articles of association, bylaws, articles of organization, limited liability company agreement, trust deed, trust instrument, operating agreement, joint venture agreement, business license, or similar or other constitutive, governing, or charter documents, or equivalent documents, of such entity

Closing ” has the meaning set forth in Section  3 .

Closing Date ” has the meaning set forth in Section  3 .

Company ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Contracts ” means legally binding contracts, agreements, engagements, purchase orders, commitments, understandings, indentures, notes, bonds, loans, instruments, leases, mortgages, franchises, licenses or any other contractual arrangements or obligations, which are currently subsisting and not terminated or completed (with each of such Contracts being referred to as a “ Contract ”).

Control ” means the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct, or cause the direction of, the management and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

Dispute ” has the meaning set forth in Section  10.13 .

Financing Transaction ” has the meaning set forth in Section  4.7 .

Governmental Authorities ” means any nation, government, province, state, or any entity, authority or body exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory, foreign exchange or administrative functions of or pertaining to government, including any government authority, agency, department, board, commission or instrumentality of any government or any political subdivision thereof, court, tribunal, arbitrator, the governing body of any securities exchange, and self-regulatory organization, in each case having competent jurisdiction (with each of such Governmental Authorities being referred to as a “ Governmental Authority ”).

HKIAC ” has the meaning set forth in Section  10.13 .

HKIAC Rules ” has the meaning set forth in Section  10.13 .

 

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Hong Kong ” means the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China.

Indemnified Persons ” means any Party (other than the Indemnifying Party), its Affiliates, their respective officers, directors, agents, employees, trustees, attorneys and representatives.

Indemnifying Party ” has the meaning set forth in Section  8.2 .

Law ” means any law, rule, constitution, code, ordinance, statute, treaty, decree, regulation, common law, order, official policy, circular, provision, administrative order, interpretation, injunction, judgment, ruling, assessment, writ or other legislative measure, in each case of any Governmental Authority.

Lien ” means

 

  (a)

any mortgage, charge, lien, pledge or other encumbrance securing any obligation of any Person;

 

  (b)

any option, right to acquire, right of pre-emption, right of set-off or other arrangement under which money or claims to, or for the benefit of, any Person may be applied or set off so as to effect discharge of any sum owed or payable to any Person; or

 

  (c)

any equity, assignment, hypothecation, title retention, claim, restriction, power of sale or other type of preferential arrangement the effect of which is to give a creditor in respect of indebtedness a preferential position in relation to any asset of a Person on any insolvency proceeding of that Person.

Losses ” means any and all losses, claims, Actions, damages, liabilities and expenses (joint or several), including attorneys’ fees and disbursements and all other expenses incurred in investigating, preparing, compromising or defending against any such litigation, commenced or threatened, or any claim whatsoever and all amounts paid in settlement of any such claim or litigation, to which any of the Indemnified Persons may become subject.

Material Contracts ” means Contracts that are material to the conduct of the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries as a whole. For clarification, any Contract that has been fully performed or has ceased to be effective as of the date hereof shall not deemed to be a Material Contract.

Ordinary Shares ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

Other Agreements ” has the meaning set forth in Section  4.8 .

Parties ” means the named parties to this Agreement and their respective successors and permitted assigns (with each of such Parties being referred to as a “ Party ”).

Person ” means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited partnership, proprietorship, association, limited liability company, firm, trust, estate or other enterprise, entity or legal person.

 

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PRC ” means the People’s Republic of China and for purposes of this Agreement, excludes Hong Kong, Macao Special Administrative Region and Taiwan.

Purchase Price ” has the meaning set forth in Section  2 .

Purchased Shares ” has the meaning set forth in Section  2 .

Purchaser ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Purchaser Termination Fee ” has the meaning set forth in Section  9.3 .

SAFE ” means the State Administration of Foreign Exchange of the PRC and its local branches.

Securities Act ” means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Selection Period ” has the meaning set forth in Section  10.13 .

Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any given Person, any Person of which the given Person, directly or indirectly, Controls, including but not limited through the ownership of more than 50% of the issued and outstanding share capital, voting interests or registered capital.

US$ ” or “ U.S. dollars ” means United States Dollars, the lawful currency of the United States of America.

2.     PURCHASE AND SALE . Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Company hereby agrees to issue and sell to the Purchaser, and the Purchaser hereby agrees to subscribe for and purchase from the Company, at the Closing, an aggregate of 9,337,950 Ordinary Shares (the “ Purchased Shares ”) at an aggregate purchase price of US$22,663,270.90 in cash (the “ Purchase Price ”).

3.     CLOSINGS; CLOSING DELIVERIES . The consummation of the sale and issuance of the Purchased Shares pursuant to Section  2 of this Agreement (the “ Closing ”) shall take place remotely via the exchange of documents and signatures on the fifth (5 th ) Business Day after the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in Sections  6 and 7 (other than those conditions to be satisfied at the Closing, but subject to the satisfaction or waiver thereof at the Closing) or at such other time and place as the Company and the Purchaser may mutually agree upon in writing (the date on which the Closing occurs, the “ Closing Date ”).

3.1     Deliveries by the Company at the Closing . At the Closing, in addition to any items the delivery of which is made an express condition to the Purchaser’s obligations at the Closing pursuant to Section  6 , the Company shall deliver to the Purchaser (A) a copy of the updated register of members of the Company or an extract of the relevant portion thereof showing the Purchaser as the holder of the Purchased Shares, certified by the registered agent of the Company as a true and complete copy as of the Closing Date, (B) a copy of a share certificate issued in the name of the Purchaser evidencing the ownership by the Purchaser of the Purchased Shares (the original duly executed copy of which shall be delivered to the Purchaser within two (2) Business Days after the Closing) and (C) a certificate of good standing of the Company, dated as of a reasonably recent date, issued by the Registrar of Companies of the Cayman Islands.

 

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3.2     Deliveries by the Purchaser at the Closing . At the Closing, the Purchaser shall, in consideration for the Purchased Shares issued by the Company under Section  2 , pay the Purchase Price in cash by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account designated by the Company in writing at least two (2) Business Days prior to the Closing Date.

4.     REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY

The Company hereby represents and warrants to the Purchaser that the following statements are true and correct as of the date of this Agreement and will be true and correct as of the Closing (except as to any representations and warranties that specifically relate to a specific date, and then as of such specific date).

4.1     Organization, Standing and Qualification .

(a)    The Company is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the Cayman Islands and has all requisite power and authority to perform its obligations under this Agreement.

(b)    The Company is not in, nor is it anticipated to enter into, liquidation, dissolution, bankruptcy, insolvency or winding-up.

4.2     Capitalization . The fully diluted share capital and cap table of the Company immediately prior to and after the Closing (including the amount of share capital, the type and number of the authorized share capital and of the issued and outstanding share capital, par value of each type of shares and list of shareholders) are each set forth in Schedule A attached hereto.

4.3     Due Authorization . All corporate actions on the part of the Company necessary for (i) the authorization, execution and delivery of, and the performance of all of its obligations under, this Agreement, and (ii) the authorization, issuance, reservation for issuance and delivery of all of the Purchased Shares have been taken or will be taken prior to the Closing. The Company has the requisite power, capacity and authority to enter into, execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform all the obligations to be performed by it hereunder. This Agreement has been, or will be on or prior to the Closing Date, duly executed and delivered by the Company and, when executed and delivered, constitutes valid and legally binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, except (i) as limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, and other Laws of general application affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights generally (the “ Bankruptcy and Equity Exception ”), and (ii) as limited by Laws relating to the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief, or other equitable remedies.

4.4     Consents and Approvals . Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, no Approval is required to be obtained or made by or with respect to the Company in connection with the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby by the Company.

 

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4.5     Valid Issuance . The Purchased Shares, when issued, delivered and paid for in accordance with the terms of this Agreement for the consideration expressed herein, will be duly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable, free of any Liens (except for restrictions on transfer under applicable Laws and under the Charter Documents of the Company).

4.6     No Violation . Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement nor the full performance of its obligations by the Company hereunder will (a) violate any applicable Law to which the Company is subject, (b) conflict with, result in a violation or breach of, or constitute a default under, result in the acceleration of or create in any party the right to accelerate, terminate or cancel any Material Contract by which the Company is bound, or (c) violate any Charter Documents of the Company.

4.7     Same Form of Agreement . Each share subscription agreement or similar agreement that the Company signs, is signing and will sign with each purchaser in this round of financing as described in the First Participation Notice issued by the Company on or around September 12, 2016 (the “ Financing Transaction ”) is on the same form and based on the same terms and conditions.

4.8     No Side Letter . There are no agreements, understandings or other arrangements (whether written or oral) being entered into or to be entered into by the Company or any of its Affiliates with any purchaser in respect of the Financing Transaction (the “ Other Agreements ”) other than those that have been furnished or otherwise made available to the Purchaser on or before the date hereof. The copies of the Other Agreements that have been furnished or otherwise made available to the Purchaser are true and correct and are in final form.

5.     REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE PURCHASER

The Purchaser hereby represents and warrants to the Company that the following statements are true and correct as of the date of this Agreement and will be true and correct as of the Closing (except as to any representations and warranties that specifically relate to a specific date, and then as of such specific date).

5.1     Organization; Standing and Qualification .

(a)    The Purchaser (i) is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the place of its incorporation or establishment, and (ii) has all requisite power and authority to own the Purchased Shares.

(b)    The Purchaser is not in, nor is it anticipated to enter into, liquidation, dissolution, bankruptcy, insolvency or winding-up.

5.2     Due Authorization . The Purchaser has the requisite power, authority and capacity to enter into this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder. The execution, delivery and performance by the Purchaser of this Agreement have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of the Purchaser. This Agreement, when executed and delivered by the Purchaser, will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Purchaser, enforceable against the Purchaser in accordance with its terms, except (i) as limited by the Bankruptcy and Equity Exception and (ii) as limited by Laws relating to the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief or other equitable remedies.

 

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5.3     Purchase for Own Account . The Purchased Shares will be acquired for the Purchaser’s own account, not as a nominee or agent and not with a view to or in connection with the sale or distribution of any part thereof.

5.4     Exempt from Registration; Restricted Securities . The Purchaser understands that the Purchased Shares will not be registered under the Securities Act or registered or listed publicly pursuant to any other applicable securities laws and regulations, on the ground that the sale provided for in this Agreement is exempt from registration under the Securities Act or the registration or listing requirements of any other applicable securities laws and regulations. The Purchaser understands that the Purchased Shares are restricted securities within the meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act; that the Purchased Shares are not registered or listed publicly and must be held indefinitely unless they are subsequently registered or listed publicly or an exemption from such registration or listing is available.

5.5     Consents and Approvals . Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, no Approval is required to be obtained or made by or with respect to the Purchaser in connection with the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement, or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, by the Purchaser.

5.6     No Violation . Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement nor the full performance of its obligations by the Purchaser hereunder will (a) violate any applicable Law to which the Purchaser is subject, (b) conflict with, result in a violation or breach of, or constitute a default under, result in the acceleration of or create in any party the right to accelerate, terminate or cancel any material Contract by which the Purchaser is bound, or (c) violate any Charter Document of the Purchaser.

5.7     Sufficient Fund . Immediately prior to the Closing, the Purchaser will possess sufficient and immediately available funds to consummate the transaction contemplated under this Agreement.

6.    CONDITIONS TO PURCHASER’S OBLIGATIONS AT CLOSING

The obligations of the Purchaser to consummate the transactions under Section 2 are subject to the fulfillment, to the satisfaction of the Purchaser on or prior to the Closing, or waiver by the Purchaser, of the following conditions:

6.1     Representations and Warranties True and Correct. The representations and warranties set forth in Section  4 shall be true and correct when made, and shall be true and correct as of the Closing Date with the same force and effect as if they have been made on and as of the Closing.

6.2     Performance of Obligations. The Company shall have performed and complied with all agreements, obligations and conditions contained in this Agreement that are required to be performed or complied with by it on or before the Closing.

6.3     Proceedings and Documents. All corporate and other proceedings in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, including shareholder resolutions and Board resolutions of the Company, and all documents and instruments incident to such transactions shall have been duly completed or obtained and effective as of the Closing.

 

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6.4     Approvals, Consents and Waivers. The Company shall have obtained any and all Approvals and waivers necessary for the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, each of which shall be in full force and effect as of the Closing.

6.5     Closing Certificate . The Company shall deliver to the Purchaser a certificate, dated as of the Closing Date, signed by one of its directors or senior executive officers, certifying that the conditions specified in Sections 6.1 through 6.4 have been fulfilled.

7.     CONDITIONS TO COMPANY S OBLIGATIONS AT THE CLOSING

The obligations of the Company to consummate the transactions under Section  2 are subject to the fulfillment, to the satisfaction of the Company on or prior to the Closing, or waiver by the Company, of the following conditions:

7.1     Representations and Warranties True and Correct . The representations and warranties of the Purchaser contained in Section  5 shall be true and correct when made, and shall be true and correct as of the Closing Date with the same force and effect as if they have been made on and as of the Closing.

7.2     Performance of Obligations . The Purchaser shall have performed and complied with all agreements, obligations and conditions contained in this Agreement that are required to be performed or complied with by it on or before the Closing.

7.3     Proceedings and Documents. All corporate and other proceedings in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and all documents and instruments incident to such transactions shall have been duly completed or obtained and effective as of the Closing.

7.4     Approvals, Consents and Waivers. The Purchaser shall have obtained any and all Approvals and waivers necessary for the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, each of which shall be in full force and effect as of the Closing.

8.     INDEMNITY

8.1     Survival . The representations and warranties of each Party contained in this Agreement shall survive the Closing until the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations under applicable Laws. The covenants and agreements of each Party set forth in this Agreement shall survive the Closing until fully discharged in accordance with their terms, except for those covenants and agreements which shall be complied with or discharged prior to the Closing in accordance with their terms.

 

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8.2     Indemnification . To the fullest extent permitted by Laws, each Party, as applicable (the “ Indemnifying Party ”) shall indemnify and hold harmless each Indemnified Person, from and against any and all Losses, as incurred, insofar as such Losses arise out of or are based upon:

(a)    any inaccuracy in or breach of any representations or warranties made by such Indemnifying Party in this Agreement; or

(b)    the violation or nonperformance, partial or total, of any obligation or covenant of such Indemnifying Party contained in this Agreement.

In no event shall any Indemnifying Party be obligated to indemnify an Indemnified Person for Losses resulting directly and solely from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnified Person.

8.3     Reliance . The Company and the Purchaser agree that (i) the Company has entered into this Agreement and agreed to the issuance and allotment of the Purchased Shares to the Purchaser hereunder in reliance on the representations and warranties, and covenants and agreements, made by the Purchaser in this Agreement; and (ii) the Purchaser has entered into this Agreement and agreed to subscribe for the Purchased Shares in reliance on the representations and warranties, and covenants and agreements, made by the Company in this Agreement.

8.4     Procedure . Each Indemnified Person will notify the Indemnifying Party in writing of any Action against such Indemnified Person in respect of which the Indemnifying Party is or may be obligated to provide indemnification hereunder promptly after the receipt of notice or knowledge of the commencement thereof. The failure of any Indemnified Person to notify the Indemnifying Party shall not relieve the Indemnifying Party from any liability or obligation which it may have to such Indemnified Person under this Section  8.4 or otherwise unless the failure to so notify results in the forfeiture by the Indemnifying Party of substantial rights and defenses and will not in any event relieve the Indemnifying Party from any obligations other than the indemnification provided for herein. The Indemnifying Party will have the right to participate in, and, to the extent the Indemnifying Party so desires, to assume the defense thereof, with counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Person. However, the Indemnified Person will have the right to retain separate counsel and to participate in the defense thereof, with the reasonable documented fees and expenses of such counsel to be paid by the Indemnifying Party if representation of such Indemnified Person by the counsel retained by the Indemnifying Party would be, in the Indemnified Person’s view, inappropriate due to actual or potential differing interests between such Indemnified Person and any other party represented by such counsel in such proceeding. The Indemnifying Party will be responsible for the expenses of such defense even if the Indemnifying Party does not elect to assume such defense. The Indemnifying Party shall not, except with the consent of the Indemnified Person, consent to the entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement which does not include as a term thereof the unconditional release of the Indemnified Person of all liability in respect of such claim or litigation.

8.5     Indemnification Non-Exclusive . The foregoing indemnification provisions are in addition to, and not in derogation of, any contractual, statutory, equitable or common-law remedy any Party or Indemnified Person may otherwise have.

8.6     Limitation on Liabilities . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the total aggregate liability of any Party for any claims under this Section  8 in respect of the representations, warranties, covenants and agreements made by such Party in or pursuant to this Agreement shall not exceed the Purchase Price.

 

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9.    TERMINATION

9.1     Termination . At any time prior to the Closing, this Agreement may be terminated:

(a)    by the mutual written consent of the Parties;

(b)    by either the Purchaser or the Company if the Closing has not been consummated by November 30, 2016;

(c)    by either the Company, on the one hand, or the Purchaser, on the other hand, by written notice to the other if there has been a material misrepresentation or material breach of a covenant or agreement contained in this Agreement on the part of the Purchaser or the Company, as applicable, and such breach, if curable, has not been cured within fourteen (14) days of such notice; or

(d)    by the Company by written notice to the Purchaser if (i) all of the conditions set forth in Section  6 (other than those conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied by action taken at the Closing) have been satisfied, (ii) the Company has irrevocably confirmed by notice to the Purchaser that all conditions set forth in Section  7 (other than those conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied by action taken at the Closing) have been satisfied or that it is willing to waive any unsatisfied conditions in Section  7 and (iii) the Purchaser fails to complete the Closing within ten (10) Business Days after the delivery of such notice.

9.2     Effect of Termination . If this Agreement is terminated in accordance with Section  9.1 , this Agreement shall become void and have no effect, and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be abandoned without further action by the Parties and there shall be no liability on the part of any Party, except that the provisions of Section  1 , Section  8 , this Section  9 and Section  10 shall survive the termination of this Agreement; provided that such termination shall not release any Party from any liability that has already accrued as of the effective date of such termination, and shall not constitute a waiver or release of, or otherwise be deemed to prejudice or adversely affect, any rights, remedies or claims, whether for damages or otherwise, which a Party may have under this Agreement or applicable Laws or which may arise out of or in connection with such termination.

9.3     Fees Following Termination . In the event that:

(a)    (i) this Agreement is terminated by either the Purchaser or the Company pursuant to Section  9.1(b) , (ii) at the time of such termination, any of the conditions set forth in Section  7.3 or 7.4 shall not have been satisfied and such non-satisfaction is not the result of the breach by the Company of any of its representations, warranties, covenants or other agreements hereunder, and (iii) the Company has confirmed in writing to the Purchaser that each of the conditions set forth in Section  6 would be satisfied if the Closing were to occur immediately prior to such termination; or

(b)    this Agreement is terminated by the Company pursuant to Section  9.1(c) or Section  9.1(d) ;

then the Purchaser shall as promptly as practicable, but in no event later than ten (10) Business Days following such termination, pay, or cause to be paid, to the Company a termination fee in an amount in U.S. dollars equal to US$453,265.42 (the “ Purchaser Termination Fee ”).

 

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9.4     Integral Part of the Proposed Transaction . The Purchaser acknowledges that (i) the agreement contained in Section  9.3 is an integral part of the transactions templated by this Agreement, (ii) the damages resulting from termination of this Agreement under circumstances where a Purchaser Termination Fee is payable are uncertain and incapable of accurate calculation and therefore, the amounts payable pursuant to Section  9.3 are not a penalty but rather constitute amounts akin to liquidated damage in a reasonable amount that will compensate the Company for the efforts and resources expended and opportunities foregone while negotiating this Agreement and in reliance on this Agreement and on the expectation of the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and (iii) without Section  9.3 , the Company will not have entered into this Agreement. In the event that the Purchaser fails to promptly pay any amount due under Section  9.3 , the Purchaser shall pay to the Company all reasonable fees, costs and expenses of enforcement (including reasonable attorney’s fees and reasonable expenses incurred in connection with any Action initiated by the Company), together with interest on such amount at the annual rate of five percent (5%) plus the prime lending rate as published in The Wall Street Journal, in effect on the date such payment was required to be made through the date such payment was actually received, or such lesser rate as is the maximum permitted by applicable Law.

10.    MISCELLANEOUS

10.1     Reserved .

10.2     Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed exclusively in accordance with the Laws of Hong Kong without giving effect to any choice of law rule that would cause the application of the Laws of any jurisdiction other than the Laws of Hong Kong to the rights and duties of the Parties hereunder.

10.3     Successors and Assigns . Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, the provisions hereof shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding upon, the successors, assigns, heirs, executors and administrators of the Parties. This Agreement and the rights and obligations therein may not be assigned by any Party without the written consent of the other Parties.

10.4     Entire Agreement . This Agreement, including the schedules and exhibits hereto, which are hereby expressly incorporated herein by this reference, constitute the entire understanding and agreement among the Parties with regard to the subjects hereof and thereof.

10.5     Notices . Any notice, request, instruction or other document to be given hereunder by any Party to the other Party hereto shall be in writing and delivered personally or sent by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid and return receipt requested, or by e-mail or facsimile to the applicable Party at the addresses set forth next to each Party’s name on Schedule B attached hereto, or at such address or to the attention of such other person as the recipient party has specified by prior written notice to the sending party. Any notice, request, instruction or other document given as provided above shall be deemed given to the receiving party upon actual receipt, if delivered personally; seven (7) Business Days after deposit in the mail, if sent by registered or certified mail; upon confirmation of successful transmission, if sent by e-mail or facsimile; or three (3) Business Days after deposit with an overnight courier, if sent by an overnight courier. A Party may change or supplement the addresses given above, or designate additional addresses, for purposes of this Section  10.5 by giving, the other Parties written notice of the new address in the manner set forth above.

 

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10.6     Amendments . Any term of this Agreement may be amended only with the written consents of the Company and the Purchaser.

10.7     Delays or Omissions; Waivers . No delay or omission to exercise any right, power or remedy accruing to any Party, upon any breach or default of any Party under this Agreement, shall impair any such right, power or remedy of such Party nor shall it be construed to be a waiver of any such breach or default, or an acquiescence therein, or of any similar breach of default thereafter occurring; nor shall any waiver of any other breach or default theretofore or thereafter occurring. Any waiver by any Party of any condition or breach of default under this Agreement must be in writing and shall be effective only to the extent specifically set forth in such writing. All remedies, either under this Agreement or by Laws or otherwise afforded to any Party shall be cumulative and not alternative.

10.8     Interpretation; Titles and Subtitles . This Agreement shall be construed according to its fair language. The rule of construction to the effect that ambiguities are to be resolved against the drafting Party shall not be employed in interpreting this Agreement. The titles of the sections and subsections of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and are not to be considered in construing this Agreement. Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, all references to sections and schedules herein are to sections and schedules of this Agreement. Unless a provision hereof expressly provides otherwise: (i) the term “or” is not exclusive; (ii) the terms “herein”, “hereof”, and other similar words refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular section, subsection, paragraph, clause, or other subdivision; (iii) the masculine, feminine, and neuter genders will each be deemed to include the others; and (iv) whenever the words “include,” “includes” or “including” are used in this Agreement, they shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation.”

10.9     Counterparts; Effectiveness . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one instrument. This Agreement shall become effective when each Party shall have signed a counterpart.

10.10     Severability . If any provision of this Agreement is found to be invalid or unenforceable, then such provision shall be construed, to the extent feasible, so as to render the provision enforceable and to provide for the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby on substantially the same terms as originally set forth herein, and if no feasible interpretation would save such provision, it shall be severed from the remainder of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect unless the severed provision is essential to the rights or benefits intended by the Parties. In such event, the Parties shall use reasonable best efforts to negotiate, in good faith, a substitute, valid and enforceable provision or agreement which most nearly affects the Parties’ intent in entering into this Agreement.

 

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10.11     Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure . Each Party shall keep this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby confidential, and shall not disclose to any third party without the prior written consent of the other Parties, provided, that each Party may make disclosure to its shareholders, directors, officers, Affiliates, advisors and other representatives, on a need to know basis, or other otherwise as required by applicable Law.

10.12     Further Assurances . Each Party shall from time to time and at all times hereafter uses reasonable efforts to make, do, execute, or cause or procure to be made, done and executed such further acts, deeds, conveyances, consents and assurances without further consideration, which may reasonably be required to effect the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

10.13     Dispute Resolution . Any dispute, controversy or claim (each, a “ Dispute ”) arising out of or relating to this Agreement, or the interpretation, breach, termination, validity or invalidity thereof, shall be referred to arbitration upon the demand of either party to the dispute with notice (the “ Arbitration Notice ”) to the other. The Dispute shall be settled by arbitration in Hong Kong by the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (the “ HKIAC ”) in accordance with the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre Administered Arbitration Rules (the “ HKIAC Rules ”) in force at the time when the Arbitration Notice is submitted. The seat of arbitration shall be Hong Kong. There shall be three (3) arbitrators. The complainant and the respondent to such dispute shall each select one arbitrator within thirty (30) days after giving or receiving the demand for arbitration (the “ Selection Period ”). Such arbitrators shall be freely selected, and the parties shall not be limited in their selection to any prescribed list. The chairman of the HKIAC shall select the third arbitrator. If either party to the arbitration fails to appoint an arbitrator with the Selection Period, the relevant appointment shall be made by the chairman of the HKIAC. The arbitral proceedings shall be conducted in English. To the extent that the HKIAC Rules are in conflict with the provisions of this Section  10.13 , including the provisions concerning the appointment of the arbitrators, this Section  10.13 shall prevail. Each party to the arbitration shall cooperate with each other party to the arbitration in making full disclosure of and providing complete access to all information and documents requested by such other party in connection with such arbitral proceedings, subject only to any confidentiality obligations binding on such party. The award of the arbitral tribunal shall be final and binding upon the parties thereto, and the prevailing party may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for enforcement of such award. Any party to the Dispute shall be entitled to seek preliminary injunctive relief, if possible, from any court of competent jurisdiction pending the constitution of the arbitral tribunal. During the course of the arbitral tribunal’s adjudication of the Dispute, this Agreement shall continue to be performed except with respect to the part in dispute and under adjudication.

10.14     Expenses . Each Party shall bear its own costs and expenses in connection with the negotiation, execution and delivery of this Agreement.

— REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK -

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused their respective duly authorized representatives to execute this Agreement as of the date and year first above written.

 

Purchaser:
PAGAC Music Holding II Limited
By:  

/s/ Wong Tak-Wai

Name:   Wong Tak-Wai
Title:  

[ Signature Page to Share Subscription Agreement ]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused their respective duly authorized representatives to execute this Agreement as of the date and year first above written.

 

Company:

China Music Corporation

By:

 

/s/ Tong Tao Sang

Name:

  TONG TAO SANG

Title:

  Chairman

[ Signature Page to Share Subscription Agreement ]

Exhibit 10.8

SHARE SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT

Dated October 23, 2016

by and between

China Music Corporation

and

China Investment Corporation Financial Holdings


SHARE SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT

THIS SHARE SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is made and entered into as of October 23, 2016 by and between:

 

  1.

China Music Corporation, an exempted company incorporated under the Laws of the Cayman Islands (the “ Company ”); and

 

  2.

China Investment Corporation Financial Holdings, an exempted company incorporated under the Laws of the Cayman Islands (the “ Purchaser ”).

RECITALS

A.    The Company desires to issue and sell to the Purchaser, and the Purchaser desires to subscribe and purchase from the Company, an aggregate of 1,654,213 ordinary shares, par value US$0.000083 per share, of the Company (the “ Ordinary Shares ”) pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

B.    The Parties desire to enter into this Agreement and make the respective representations, warranties, covenants and agreements set forth herein on the terms and conditions set forth herein.

AGREEMENT

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing recitals, the mutual promises hereinafter set forth, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

1.     DEFINITIONS

In this Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires, the following words and expressions have the meanings as follows:

Action ” means any action, suit, proceeding, claim, arbitration, investigation, charge, complaint or petition, whether administrative, civil or criminal, whether at Law or in equity, and whether or not before any mediator, arbitrator or Governmental Authority.

Affiliate ” means, (i) with respect to a Person that is a natural person, such Person’s relatives and any other Person (other than natural persons) directly or indirectly Controlled by such Person, and (ii) with respect to a Person that is not a natural person, a Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls, or is Controlled by, or is under common Control with, such Person. For the purposes of this definition, “relative” of a Person means such Person’s spouse, parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, sibling, uncle, aunt, nephew, niece or great-grandparent or the spouse of such Person’s child, grandchild, sibling, uncle, aunt, nephew or niece. Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither the Company nor any of its Controlled Affiliates shall be deemed an Affiliate of the Purchaser, and the Purchaser shall not be deemed an Affiliate of the Company or any of its Controlled Affiliates.

Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Approval ” means any approval, authorization, release, order, consent, license or permit required to be obtained from, or any registration, qualification, designation, declaration, filing, notice, statement or other communication required to be filed with or delivered to, any Governmental Authority or any other Person.


Arbitration Notice ” has the meaning set forth in Section  10.13 .

Bankruptcy and Equity Exception ” has the meaning set forth in Section  4.2 .

Board ” means the board of directors.

Business Day ” means a day (other than a Saturday or a Sunday) that the banks in New York, Hong Kong, the PRC, or the Cayman Islands are generally open for business.

Charter Document ” means, with respect to a particular legal entity, the articles of incorporation, certificate of incorporation, formation or registration (including, if applicable, certificates of change of name), memorandum of association, articles of association, bylaws, articles of organization, limited liability company agreement, trust deed, trust instrument, operating agreement, joint venture agreement, business license, or similar or other constitutive, governing, or charter documents, or equivalent documents, of such entity

Closing ” has the meaning set forth in Section  3 .

Closing Date ” has the meaning set forth in Section  3 .

Company ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Contracts ” means legally binding contracts, agreements, engagements, purchase orders, commitments, understandings, indentures, notes, bonds, loans, instruments, leases, mortgages, franchises, licenses or any other contractual arrangements or obligations, which are currently subsisting and not terminated or completed (with each of such Contracts being referred to as a “ Contract ”).

Control ” means the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct, or cause the direction of, the management and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

Dispute ” has the meaning set forth in Section  10.13 .

Financing Transaction ” has the meaning set forth in Section  4.7 .

Governmental Authorities ” means any nation, government, province, state, or any entity, authority or body exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory, foreign exchange or administrative functions of or pertaining to government, including any government authority, agency, department, board, commission or instrumentality of any government or any political subdivision thereof, court, tribunal, arbitrator, the governing body of any securities exchange, and self-regulatory organization, in each case having competent jurisdiction (with each of such Governmental Authorities being referred to as a “ Governmental Authority ”).

HKIAC ” has the meaning set forth in Section  10.13 .

HKIAC Rules ” has the meaning set forth in Section  10.13 .

 

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Hong Kong ” means the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China.

Indemnified Persons ” means any Party (other than the Indemnifying Party), its Affiliates, their respective officers, directors, agents, employees, trustees, attorneys and representatives.

Indemnifying Party ” has the meaning set forth in Section  8.2 .

Law ” means any law, rule, constitution, code, ordinance, statute, treaty, decree, regulation, common law, order, official policy, circular, provision, administrative order, interpretation, injunction, judgment, ruling, assessment, writ or other legislative measure, in each case of any Governmental Authority.

Lien ” means

 

  (a)

any mortgage, charge, lien, pledge or other encumbrance securing any obligation of any Person;

 

  (b)

any option, right to acquire, right of pre-emption, right of set-off or other arrangement under which money or claims to, or for the benefit of, any Person may be applied or set off so as to effect discharge of any sum owed or payable to any Person; or

 

  (c)

any equity, assignment, hypothecation, title retention, claim, restriction, power of sale or other type of preferential arrangement the effect of which is to give a creditor in respect of indebtedness a preferential position in relation to any asset of a Person on any insolvency proceeding of that Person.

Losses ” means any and all losses, claims, Actions, damages, liabilities and expenses (joint or several), including attorneys’ fees and disbursements and all other expenses incurred in investigating, preparing, compromising or defending against any such litigation, commenced or threatened, or any claim whatsoever and all amounts paid in settlement of any such claim or litigation, to which any of the Indemnified Persons may become subject.

Material Contracts ” means Contracts that are material to the conduct of the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries as a whole. For clarification, any Contract that has been fully performed or has ceased to be effective as of the date hereof shall not deemed to be a Material Contract.

Ordinary Shares ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

Other Agreements ” has the meaning set forth in Section  4.8 .

Parties ” means the named parties to this Agreement and their respective successors and permitted assigns (with each of such Parties being referred to as a “ Party ”).

Person ” means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited partnership, proprietorship, association, limited liability company, firm, trust, estate or other enterprise, entity or legal person.

 

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PRC ” means the People’s Republic of China and for purposes of this Agreement, excludes Hong Kong, Macao Special Administrative Region and Taiwan.

Purchase Price ” has the meaning set forth in Section  2 .

Purchased Shares ” has the meaning set forth in Section  2 .

Purchaser ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Purchaser Termination Fee ” has the meaning set forth in Section  9.3 .

SAFE ” means the State Administration of Foreign Exchange of the PRC and its local branches.

Securities Act ” means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Selection Period ” has the meaning set forth in Section  10.13 .

Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any given Person, any Person of which the given Person, directly or indirectly, Controls, including but not limited through the ownership of more than 50% of the issued and outstanding share capital, voting interests or registered capital.

US$ ” or “ U.S. dollars ” means United States Dollars, the lawful currency of the United States of America.

2.     PURCHASE AND SALE . Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Company hereby agrees to issue and sell to the Purchaser, and the Purchaser hereby agrees to subscribe for and purchase from the Company, at the Closing, an aggregate of 1,654,213 Ordinary Shares (the “ Purchased Shares ”) at an aggregate purchase price of US$4,014,786.69 in cash (the “ Purchase Price ”).

3.     CLOSINGS; CLOSING DELIVERIES . The consummation of the sale and issuance of the Purchased Shares pursuant to Section  2 of this Agreement (the “ Closing ”) shall take place remotely via the exchange of documents and signatures on the fifth (5 th ) Business Day after the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in Sections  6 and 7 (other than those conditions to be satisfied at the Closing, but subject to the satisfaction or waiver thereof at the Closing) or at such other time and place as the Company and the Purchaser may mutually agree upon in writing (the date on which the Closing occurs, the “ Closing Date ”).

3.1     Deliveries by the Company at the Closing . At the Closing, in addition to any items the delivery of which is made an express condition to the Purchaser’s obligations at the Closing pursuant to Section  6 , the Company shall deliver to the Purchaser (A) a copy of the updated register of members of the Company or an extract of the relevant portion thereof showing the Purchaser as the holder of the Purchased Shares, certified by the registered agent of the Company as a true and complete copy as of the Closing Date, (B) a copy of a share certificate issued in the name of the Purchaser evidencing the ownership by the Purchaser of the Purchased Shares (the original duly executed copy of which shall be delivered to the Purchaser within two (2) Business Days after the Closing) and (C) a certificate of good standing of the Company, dated as of a reasonably recent date, issued by the Registrar of Companies of the Cayman Islands.

 

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3.2     Deliveries by the Purchaser at the Closing . At the Closing, the Purchaser shall, in consideration for the Purchased Shares issued by the Company under Section  2 , pay the Purchase Price in cash by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account designated by the Company in writing at least two (2) Business Days prior to the Closing Date.

4.     REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY

The Company hereby represents and warrants to the Purchaser that the following statements are true and correct as of the date of this Agreement and will be true and correct as of the Closing (except as to any representations and warranties that specifically relate to a specific date, and then as of such specific date).

4.1     Organization, Standing and Qualification .

(a)    The Company is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the Cayman Islands and has all requisite power and authority to perform its obligations under this Agreement.

(b)    The Company is not in, nor is it anticipated to enter into, liquidation, dissolution, bankruptcy, insolvency or winding-up.

4.2     Capitalization . The fully diluted share capital and cap table of the Company immediately prior to and after the Closing (including the amount of share capital, the type and number of the authorized share capital and of the issued and outstanding share capital, par value of each type of shares and list of shareholders) are each set forth in Schedule A attached hereto.

4.3     Due Authorization . All corporate actions on the part of the Company necessary for (i) the authorization, execution and delivery of, and the performance of all of its obligations under, this Agreement, and (ii) the authorization, issuance, reservation for issuance and delivery of all of the Purchased Shares have been taken or will be taken prior to the Closing. The Company has the requisite power, capacity and authority to enter into, execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform all the obligations to be performed by it hereunder. This Agreement has been, or will be on or prior to the Closing Date, duly executed and delivered by the Company and, when executed and delivered, constitutes valid and legally binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, except (i) as limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, and other Laws of general application affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights generally (the “ Bankruptcy and Equity Exception ”), and (ii) as limited by Laws relating to the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief, or other equitable remedies.

4.4     Consents and Approvals . Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, no Approval is required to be obtained or made by or with respect to the Company in connection with the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby by the Company.

 

5


4.5     Valid Issuance . The Purchased Shares, when issued, delivered and paid for in accordance with the terms of this Agreement for the consideration expressed herein, will be duly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable, free of any Liens (except for restrictions on transfer under applicable Laws and under the Charter Documents of the Company).

4.6     No Violation . Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement nor the full performance of its obligations by the Company hereunder will (a) violate any applicable Law to which the Company is subject, (b) conflict with, result in a violation or breach of, or constitute a default under, result in the acceleration of or create in any party the right to accelerate, terminate or cancel any Material Contract by which the Company is bound, or (c) violate any Charter Documents of the Company.

4.7     Same Form of Agreement . Each share subscription agreement or similar agreement that the Company signs, is signing and will sign with each purchaser in this round of financing as described in the First Participation Notice issued by the Company on or around September 12, 2016 (the “ Financing Transaction ”) is on the same form and based on the same terms and conditions.

4.8     No Side Letter . There are no agreements, understandings or other arrangements (whether written or oral) being entered into or to be entered into by the Company or any of its Affiliates with any purchaser in respect of the Financing Transaction (the “ Other Agreements ”) other than those that have been furnished or otherwise made available to the Purchaser on or before the date hereof. The copies of the Other Agreements that have been furnished or otherwise made available to the Purchaser are true and correct and are in final form.

5.     REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE PURCHASER

The Purchaser hereby represents and warrants to the Company that the following statements are true and correct as of the date of this Agreement and will be true and correct as of the Closing (except as to any representations and warranties that specifically relate to a specific date, and then as of such specific date).

5.1     Organization; Standing and Qualification .

(a)    The Purchaser (i) is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the place of its incorporation or establishment, and (ii) has all requisite power and authority to own the Purchased Shares.

(b)    The Purchaser is not in, nor is it anticipated to enter into, liquidation, dissolution, bankruptcy, insolvency or winding-up.

5.2     Due Authorization . The Purchaser has the requisite power, authority and capacity to enter into this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder. The execution, delivery and performance by the Purchaser of this Agreement have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of the Purchaser. This Agreement, when executed and delivered by the Purchaser, will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Purchaser, enforceable against the Purchaser in accordance with its terms, except (i) as limited by the Bankruptcy and Equity Exception and (ii) as limited by Laws relating to the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief or other equitable remedies.

 

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5.3     Purchase for Own Account . The Purchased Shares will be acquired for the Purchaser’s own account, not as a nominee or agent and not with a view to or in connection with the sale or distribution of any part thereof.

5.4     Exempt from Registration; Restricted Securities . The Purchaser understands that the Purchased Shares will not be registered under the Securities Act or registered or listed publicly pursuant to any other applicable securities laws and regulations, on the ground that the sale provided for in this Agreement is exempt from registration under the Securities Act or the registration or listing requirements of any other applicable securities laws and regulations. The Purchaser understands that the Purchased Shares are restricted securities within the meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act; that the Purchased Shares are not registered or listed publicly and must be held indefinitely unless they are subsequently registered or listed publicly or an exemption from such registration or listing is available.

5.5     Consents and Approvals . Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, no Approval is required to be obtained or made by or with respect to the Purchaser in connection with the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement, or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, by the Purchaser.

5.6     No Violation . Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement nor the full performance of its obligations by the Purchaser hereunder will (a) violate any applicable Law to which the Purchaser is subject, (b) conflict with, result in a violation or breach of, or constitute a default under, result in the acceleration of or create in any party the right to accelerate, terminate or cancel any material Contract by which the Purchaser is bound, or (c) violate any Charter Document of the Purchaser.

5.7     Sufficient Fund . Immediately prior to the Closing, the Purchaser will possess sufficient and immediately available funds to consummate the transaction contemplated under this Agreement.

6.    CONDITIONS TO PURCHASER’S OBLIGATIONS AT CLOSING

The obligations of the Purchaser to consummate the transactions under Section 2 are subject to the fulfillment, to the satisfaction of the Purchaser on or prior to the Closing, or waiver by the Purchaser, of the following conditions:

6.1     Representations and Warranties True and Correct. The representations and warranties set forth in Section  4 shall be true and correct when made, and shall be true and correct as of the Closing Date with the same force and effect as if they have been made on and as of the Closing.

6.2     Performance of Obligations. The Company shall have performed and complied with all agreements, obligations and conditions contained in this Agreement that are required to be performed or complied with by it on or before the Closing.

6.3     Proceedings and Documents. All corporate and other proceedings in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, including shareholder resolutions and Board resolutions of the Company, and all documents and instruments incident to such transactions shall have been duly completed or obtained and effective as of the Closing.

 

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6.4     Approvals, Consents and Waivers. The Company shall have obtained any and all Approvals and waivers necessary for the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, each of which shall be in full force and effect as of the Closing.

6.5     Closing Certificate . The Company shall deliver to the Purchaser a certificate, dated as of the Closing Date, signed by one of its directors or senior executive officers, certifying that the conditions specified in Sections 6.1 through 6.4 have been fulfilled.

7.     CONDITIONS TO COMPANY S OBLIGATIONS AT THE CLOSING

The obligations of the Company to consummate the transactions under Section  2 are subject to the fulfillment, to the satisfaction of the Company on or prior to the Closing, or waiver by the Company, of the following conditions:

7.1     Representations and Warranties True and Correct . The representations and warranties of the Purchaser contained in Section  5 shall be true and correct when made, and shall be true and correct as of the Closing Date with the same force and effect as if they have been made on and as of the Closing.

7.2     Performance of Obligations . The Purchaser shall have performed and complied with all agreements, obligations and conditions contained in this Agreement that are required to be performed or complied with by it on or before the Closing.

7.3     Proceedings and Documents. All corporate and other proceedings in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and all documents and instruments incident to such transactions shall have been duly completed or obtained and effective as of the Closing.

7.4     Approvals, Consents and Waivers. The Purchaser shall have obtained any and all Approvals and waivers necessary for the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, each of which shall be in full force and effect as of the Closing.

8.     INDEMNITY

8.1     Survival . The representations and warranties of each Party contained in this Agreement shall survive the Closing until the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations under applicable Laws. The covenants and agreements of each Party set forth in this Agreement shall survive the Closing until fully discharged in accordance with their terms, except for those covenants and agreements which shall be complied with or discharged prior to the Closing in accordance with their terms.

8.2     Indemnification . To the fullest extent permitted by Laws, each Party, as applicable (the “ Indemnifying Party ”) shall indemnify and hold harmless each Indemnified Person, from and against any and all Losses, as incurred, insofar as such Losses arise out of or are based upon:

(a)    any inaccuracy in or breach of any representations or warranties made by such Indemnifying Party in this Agreement; or

 

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(b)    the violation or nonperformance, partial or total, of any obligation or covenant of such Indemnifying Party contained in this Agreement.

In no event shall any Indemnifying Party be obligated to indemnify an Indemnified Person for Losses resulting directly and solely from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnified Person.

8.3     Reliance . The Company and the Purchaser agree that (i) the Company has entered into this Agreement and agreed to the issuance and allotment of the Purchased Shares to the Purchaser hereunder in reliance on the representations and warranties, and covenants and agreements, made by the Purchaser in this Agreement; and (ii) the Purchaser has entered into this Agreement and agreed to subscribe for the Purchased Shares in reliance on the representations and warranties, and covenants and agreements, made by the Company in this Agreement.

8.4     Procedure . Each Indemnified Person will notify the Indemnifying Party in writing of any Action against such Indemnified Person in respect of which the Indemnifying Party is or may be obligated to provide indemnification hereunder promptly after the receipt of notice or knowledge of the commencement thereof. The failure of any Indemnified Person to notify the Indemnifying Party shall not relieve the Indemnifying Party from any liability or obligation which it may have to such Indemnified Person under this Section  8.4 or otherwise unless the failure to so notify results in the forfeiture by the Indemnifying Party of substantial rights and defenses and will not in any event relieve the Indemnifying Party from any obligations other than the indemnification provided for herein. The Indemnifying Party will have the right to participate in, and, to the extent the Indemnifying Party so desires, to assume the defense thereof, with counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Person. However, the Indemnified Person will have the right to retain separate counsel and to participate in the defense thereof, with the reasonable documented fees and expenses of such counsel to be paid by the Indemnifying Party if representation of such Indemnified Person by the counsel retained by the Indemnifying Party would be, in the Indemnified Person’s view, inappropriate due to actual or potential differing interests between such Indemnified Person and any other party represented by such counsel in such proceeding. The Indemnifying Party will be responsible for the expenses of such defense even if the Indemnifying Party does not elect to assume such defense. The Indemnifying Party shall not, except with the consent of the Indemnified Person, consent to the entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement which does not include as a term thereof the unconditional release of the Indemnified Person of all liability in respect of such claim or litigation.

8.5     Indemnification Non-Exclusive . The foregoing indemnification provisions are in addition to, and not in derogation of, any contractual, statutory, equitable or common-law remedy any Party or Indemnified Person may otherwise have.

8.6     Limitation on Liabilities . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the total aggregate liability of any Party for any claims under this Section  8 in respect of the representations, warranties, covenants and agreements made by such Party in or pursuant to this Agreement shall not exceed the Purchase Price.

 

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9.    TERMINATION

9.1     Termination . At any time prior to the Closing, this Agreement may be terminated:

(a)    by the mutual written consent of the Parties;

(b)    by either the Purchaser or the Company if the Closing has not been consummated by November 30, 2016;

(c)    by either the Company, on the one hand, or the Purchaser, on the other hand, by written notice to the other if there has been a material misrepresentation or material breach of a covenant or agreement contained in this Agreement on the part of the Purchaser or the Company, as applicable, and such breach, if curable, has not been cured within fourteen (14) days of such notice; or

(d)    by the Company by written notice to the Purchaser if (i) all of the conditions set forth in Section  6 (other than those conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied by action taken at the Closing) have been satisfied, (ii) the Company has irrevocably confirmed by notice to the Purchaser that all conditions set forth in Section  7 (other than those conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied by action taken at the Closing) have been satisfied or that it is willing to waive any unsatisfied conditions in Section  7 and (iii) the Purchaser fails to complete the Closing within ten (10) Business Days after the delivery of such notice.

9.2     Effect of Termination . If this Agreement is terminated in accordance with Section  9.1 , this Agreement shall become void and have no effect, and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be abandoned without further action by the Parties and there shall be no liability on the part of any Party, except that the provisions of Section  1 , Section  8 , this Section  9 and Section  10 shall survive the termination of this Agreement; provided that such termination shall not release any Party from any liability that has already accrued as of the effective date of such termination, and shall not constitute a waiver or release of, or otherwise be deemed to prejudice or adversely affect, any rights, remedies or claims, whether for damages or otherwise, which a Party may have under this Agreement or applicable Laws or which may arise out of or in connection with such termination.

9.3     Fees Following Termination . In the event that:

(a)    (i) this Agreement is terminated by either the Purchaser or the Company pursuant to Section  9.1(b) , (ii) at the time of such termination, any of the conditions set forth in Section  7.3 or 7.4 shall not have been satisfied and such non-satisfaction is not the result of the breach by the Company of any of its representations, warranties, covenants or other agreements hereunder, and (iii) the Company has confirmed in writing to the Purchaser that each of the conditions set forth in Section  6 would be satisfied if the Closing were to occur immediately prior to such termination; or

(b)    this Agreement is terminated by the Company pursuant to Section  9.1(c) or Section  9.1(d) ;

then the Purchaser shall as promptly as practicable, but in no event later than ten (10) Business Days following such termination, pay, or cause to be paid, to the Company a termination fee in an amount in U.S. dollars equal to US$80,295.73 (the “ Purchaser Termination Fee ”).

 

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9.4     Integral Part of the Proposed Transaction . The Purchaser acknowledges that (i) the agreement contained in Section  9.3 is an integral part of the transactions templated by this Agreement, (ii) the damages resulting from termination of this Agreement under circumstances where a Purchaser Termination Fee is payable are uncertain and incapable of accurate calculation and therefore, the amounts payable pursuant to Section  9.3 are not a penalty but rather constitute amounts akin to liquidated damage in a reasonable amount that will compensate the Company for the efforts and resources expended and opportunities foregone while negotiating this Agreement and in reliance on this Agreement and on the expectation of the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and (iii) without Section  9.3 , the Company will not have entered into this Agreement. In the event that the Purchaser fails to promptly pay any amount due under Section  9.3 , the Purchaser shall pay to the Company all reasonable fees, costs and expenses of enforcement (including reasonable attorney’s fees and reasonable expenses incurred in connection with any Action initiated by the Company), together with interest on such amount at the annual rate of five percent (5%) plus the prime lending rate as published in The Wall Street Journal, in effect on the date such payment was required to be made through the date such payment was actually received, or such lesser rate as is the maximum permitted by applicable Law.

10.    MISCELLANEOUS

10.1     Reserved .

10.2     Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed exclusively in accordance with the Laws of Hong Kong without giving effect to any choice of law rule that would cause the application of the Laws of any jurisdiction other than the Laws of Hong Kong to the rights and duties of the Parties hereunder.

10.3     Successors and Assigns . Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, the provisions hereof shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding upon, the successors, assigns, heirs, executors and administrators of the Parties. This Agreement and the rights and obligations therein may not be assigned by any Party without the written consent of the other Parties.

10.4     Entire Agreement . This Agreement, including the schedules and exhibits hereto, which are hereby expressly incorporated herein by this reference, constitute the entire understanding and agreement among the Parties with regard to the subjects hereof and thereof.

10.5     Notices . Any notice, request, instruction or other document to be given hereunder by any Party to the other Party hereto shall be in writing and delivered personally or sent by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid and return receipt requested, or by e-mail or facsimile to the applicable Party at the addresses set forth next to each Party’s name on Schedule B attached hereto, or at such address or to the attention of such other person as the recipient party has specified by prior written notice to the sending party. Any notice, request, instruction or other document given as provided above shall be deemed given to the receiving party upon actual receipt, if delivered personally; seven (7) Business Days after deposit in the mail, if sent by registered or certified mail; upon confirmation of successful transmission, if sent by e-mail or facsimile; or three (3) Business Days after deposit with an overnight courier, if sent by an overnight courier. A Party may change or supplement the addresses given above, or designate additional addresses, for purposes of this Section  10.5 by giving, the other Parties written notice of the new address in the manner set forth above.

 

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10.6     Amendments . Any term of this Agreement may be amended only with the written consents of the Company and the Purchaser.

10.7     Delays or Omissions; Waivers . No delay or omission to exercise any right, power or remedy accruing to any Party, upon any breach or default of any Party under this Agreement, shall impair any such right, power or remedy of such Party nor shall it be construed to be a waiver of any such breach or default, or an acquiescence therein, or of any similar breach of default thereafter occurring; nor shall any waiver of any other breach or default theretofore or thereafter occurring. Any waiver by any Party of any condition or breach of default under this Agreement must be in writing and shall be effective only to the extent specifically set forth in such writing. All remedies, either under this Agreement or by Laws or otherwise afforded to any Party shall be cumulative and not alternative.

10.8     Interpretation; Titles and Subtitles . This Agreement shall be construed according to its fair language. The rule of construction to the effect that ambiguities are to be resolved against the drafting Party shall not be employed in interpreting this Agreement. The titles of the sections and subsections of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and are not to be considered in construing this Agreement. Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, all references to sections and schedules herein are to sections and schedules of this Agreement. Unless a provision hereof expressly provides otherwise: (i) the term “or” is not exclusive; (ii) the terms “herein”, “hereof”, and other similar words refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular section, subsection, paragraph, clause, or other subdivision; (iii) the masculine, feminine, and neuter genders will each be deemed to include the others; and (iv) whenever the words “include,” “includes” or “including” are used in this Agreement, they shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation.”

10.9     Counterparts; Effectiveness . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one instrument. This Agreement shall become effective when each Party shall have signed a counterpart.

10.10     Severability . If any provision of this Agreement is found to be invalid or unenforceable, then such provision shall be construed, to the extent feasible, so as to render the provision enforceable and to provide for the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby on substantially the same terms as originally set forth herein, and if no feasible interpretation would save such provision, it shall be severed from the remainder of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect unless the severed provision is essential to the rights or benefits intended by the Parties. In such event, the Parties shall use reasonable best efforts to negotiate, in good faith, a substitute, valid and enforceable provision or agreement which most nearly affects the Parties’ intent in entering into this Agreement.

 

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10.11     Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure . Each Party shall keep this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby confidential, and shall not disclose to any third party without the prior written consent of the other Parties, provided, that each Party may make disclosure to its shareholders, directors, officers, Affiliates, advisors and other representatives, on a need to know basis, or other otherwise as required by applicable Law.

10.12     Further Assurances . Each Party shall from time to time and at all times hereafter uses reasonable efforts to make, do, execute, or cause or procure to be made, done and executed such further acts, deeds, conveyances, consents and assurances without further consideration, which may reasonably be required to effect the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

10.13     Dispute Resolution . Any dispute, controversy or claim (each, a “ Dispute ”) arising out of or relating to this Agreement, or the interpretation, breach, termination, validity or invalidity thereof, shall be referred to arbitration upon the demand of either party to the dispute with notice (the “ Arbitration Notice ”) to the other. The Dispute shall be settled by arbitration in Hong Kong by the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (the “ HKIAC ”) in accordance with the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre Administered Arbitration Rules (the “ HKIAC Rules ”) in force at the time when the Arbitration Notice is submitted. The seat of arbitration shall be Hong Kong. There shall be three (3) arbitrators. The complainant and the respondent to such dispute shall each select one arbitrator within thirty (30) days after giving or receiving the demand for arbitration (the “ Selection Period ”). Such arbitrators shall be freely selected, and the parties shall not be limited in their selection to any prescribed list. The chairman of the HKIAC shall select the third arbitrator. If either party to the arbitration fails to appoint an arbitrator with the Selection Period, the relevant appointment shall be made by the chairman of the HKIAC. The arbitral proceedings shall be conducted in English. To the extent that the HKIAC Rules are in conflict with the provisions of this Section  10.13 , including the provisions concerning the appointment of the arbitrators, this Section  10.13 shall prevail. Each party to the arbitration shall cooperate with each other party to the arbitration in making full disclosure of and providing complete access to all information and documents requested by such other party in connection with such arbitral proceedings, subject only to any confidentiality obligations binding on such party. The award of the arbitral tribunal shall be final and binding upon the parties thereto, and the prevailing party may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for enforcement of such award. Any party to the Dispute shall be entitled to seek preliminary injunctive relief, if possible, from any court of competent jurisdiction pending the constitution of the arbitral tribunal. During the course of the arbitral tribunal’s adjudication of the Dispute, this Agreement shall continue to be performed except with respect to the part in dispute and under adjudication.

10.14     Expenses . Each Party shall bear its own costs and expenses in connection with the negotiation, execution and delivery of this Agreement.

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused their respective duly authorized representatives to execute this Agreement as of the date and year first above written.

 

Purchaser:

China Investment Corporation

Financial Holdings

By:  

/s/ Tang Liang

Name:   Tang Liang
Title:  

[ Signature Page to Share Subscription Agreement ]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused their respective duly authorized representatives to execute this Agreement as of the date and year first above written.

 

Company:
China Music Corporation
By:  

/s/ Tong Tao Sang

Name:   TONG TAO SANG
Title:   Chairman

[ Signature Page to Share Subscription Agreement ]

Exhibit 10.9

SHARE SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT

Dated October 23, 2016

by and between

China Music Corporation

and

CICFH Group Limited


SHARE SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT

THIS SHARE SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is made and entered into as of October 23, 2016 by and between:

 

  1.

China Music Corporation, an exempted company incorporated under the Laws of the Cayman Islands (the “ Company ”); and

 

  2.

CICFH Group Limited, a company incorporated under the Laws of the British Virgin Islands (the “ Purchaser ”).

RECITALS

A.    The Company desires to issue and sell to the Purchaser, and the Purchaser desires to subscribe and purchase from the Company, an aggregate of 1,888,954 ordinary shares, par value US$0.000083 per share, of the Company (the “ Ordinary Shares ”) pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

B.    The Parties desire to enter into this Agreement and make the respective representations, warranties, covenants and agreements set forth herein on the terms and conditions set forth herein.

AGREEMENT

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing recitals, the mutual promises hereinafter set forth, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

1.     DEFINITIONS

In this Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires, the following words and expressions have the meanings as follows:

Action ” means any action, suit, proceeding, claim, arbitration, investigation, charge, complaint or petition, whether administrative, civil or criminal, whether at Law or in equity, and whether or not before any mediator, arbitrator or Governmental Authority.

Affiliate ” means, (i) with respect to a Person that is a natural person, such Person’s relatives and any other Person (other than natural persons) directly or indirectly Controlled by such Person, and (ii) with respect to a Person that is not a natural person, a Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls, or is Controlled by, or is under common Control with, such Person. For the purposes of this definition, “relative” of a Person means such Person’s spouse, parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, sibling, uncle, aunt, nephew, niece or great-grandparent or the spouse of such Person’s child, grandchild, sibling, uncle, aunt, nephew or niece. Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither the Company nor any of its Controlled Affiliates shall be deemed an Affiliate of the Purchaser, and the Purchaser shall not be deemed an Affiliate of the Company or any of its Controlled Affiliates.

Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Approval ” means any approval, authorization, release, order, consent, license or permit required to be obtained from, or any registration, qualification, designation, declaration, filing, notice, statement or other communication required to be filed with or delivered to, any Governmental Authority or any other Person.


Arbitration Notice ” has the meaning set forth in Section  10.13 .

Bankruptcy and Equity Exception ” has the meaning set forth in Section  4.2 .

Board ” means the board of directors.

Business Day ” means a day (other than a Saturday or a Sunday) that the banks in New York, Hong Kong, the PRC, or the Cayman Islands are generally open for business.

Charter Document ” means, with respect to a particular legal entity, the articles of incorporation, certificate of incorporation, formation or registration (including, if applicable, certificates of change of name), memorandum of association, articles of association, bylaws, articles of organization, limited liability company agreement, trust deed, trust instrument, operating agreement, joint venture agreement, business license, or similar or other constitutive, governing, or charter documents, or equivalent documents, of such entity

Closing ” has the meaning set forth in Section  3 .

Closing Date ” has the meaning set forth in Section  3 .

Company ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Contracts ” means legally binding contracts, agreements, engagements, purchase orders, commitments, understandings, indentures, notes, bonds, loans, instruments, leases, mortgages, franchises, licenses or any other contractual arrangements or obligations, which are currently subsisting and not terminated or completed (with each of such Contracts being referred to as a “ Contract ”).

Control ” means the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct, or cause the direction of, the management and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

Dispute ” has the meaning set forth in Section  10.13 .

Financing Transaction ” has the meaning set forth in Section  4.7 .

Governmental Authorities ” means any nation, government, province, state, or any entity, authority or body exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory, foreign exchange or administrative functions of or pertaining to government, including any government authority, agency, department, board, commission or instrumentality of any government or any political subdivision thereof, court, tribunal, arbitrator, the governing body of any securities exchange, and self-regulatory organization, in each case having competent jurisdiction (with each of such Governmental Authorities being referred to as a “ Governmental Authority ”).

HKIAC ” has the meaning set forth in Section  10.13 .

HKIAC Rules ” has the meaning set forth in Section  10.13 .

 

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Hong Kong ” means the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China.

Indemnified Persons ” means any Party (other than the Indemnifying Party), its Affiliates, their respective officers, directors, agents, employees, trustees, attorneys and representatives.

Indemnifying Party ” has the meaning set forth in Section  8.2 .

Law ” means any law, rule, constitution, code, ordinance, statute, treaty, decree, regulation, common law, order, official policy, circular, provision, administrative order, interpretation, injunction, judgment, ruling, assessment, writ or other legislative measure, in each case of any Governmental Authority.

Lien ” means

 

  (a)

any mortgage, charge, lien, pledge or other encumbrance securing any obligation of any Person;

 

  (b)

any option, right to acquire, right of pre-emption, right of set-off or other arrangement under which money or claims to, or for the benefit of, any Person may be applied or set off so as to effect discharge of any sum owed or payable to any Person; or

 

  (c)

any equity, assignment, hypothecation, title retention, claim, restriction, power of sale or other type of preferential arrangement the effect of which is to give a creditor in respect of indebtedness a preferential position in relation to any asset of a Person on any insolvency proceeding of that Person.

Losses ” means any and all losses, claims, Actions, damages, liabilities and expenses (joint or several), including attorneys’ fees and disbursements and all other expenses incurred in investigating, preparing, compromising or defending against any such litigation, commenced or threatened, or any claim whatsoever and all amounts paid in settlement of any such claim or litigation, to which any of the Indemnified Persons may become subject.

Material Contracts ” means Contracts that are material to the conduct of the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries as a whole. For clarification, any Contract that has been fully performed or has ceased to be effective as of the date hereof shall not deemed to be a Material Contract.

Ordinary Shares ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

Other Agreements ” has the meaning set forth in Section  4.8 .

Parties ” means the named parties to this Agreement and their respective successors and permitted assigns (with each of such Parties being referred to as a “ Party ”).

Person ” means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited partnership, proprietorship, association, limited liability company, firm, trust, estate or other enterprise, entity or legal person.

 

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PRC ” means the People’s Republic of China and for purposes of this Agreement, excludes Hong Kong, Macao Special Administrative Region and Taiwan.

Purchase Price ” has the meaning set forth in Section  2 .

Purchased Shares ” has the meaning set forth in Section  2 .

Purchaser ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Purchaser Termination Fee ” has the meaning set forth in Section  9.3 .

SAFE ” means the State Administration of Foreign Exchange of the PRC and its local branches.

Securities Act ” means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Selection Period ” has the meaning set forth in Section  10.13 .

Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any given Person, any Person of which the given Person, directly or indirectly, Controls, including but not limited through the ownership of more than 50% of the issued and outstanding share capital, voting interests or registered capital.

US$ ” or “ U.S. dollars ” means United States Dollars, the lawful currency of the United States of America.

2.     PURCHASE AND SALE . Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Company hereby agrees to issue and sell to the Purchaser, and the Purchaser hereby agrees to subscribe for and purchase from the Company, at the Closing, an aggregate of 1,888,954 Ordinary Shares (the “ Purchased Shares ”) at an aggregate purchase price of US$4,584,504.76 in cash (the “ Purchase Price ”).

3.     CLOSINGS; CLOSING DELIVERIES . The consummation of the sale and issuance of the Purchased Shares pursuant to Section  2 of this Agreement (the “ Closing ”) shall take place remotely via the exchange of documents and signatures on the fifth (5 th ) Business Day after the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in Sections  6 and 7 (other than those conditions to be satisfied at the Closing, but subject to the satisfaction or waiver thereof at the Closing) or at such other time and place as the Company and the Purchaser may mutually agree upon in writing (the date on which the Closing occurs, the “ Closing Date ”).

3.1     Deliveries by the Company at the Closing . At the Closing, in addition to any items the delivery of which is made an express condition to the Purchaser’s obligations at the Closing pursuant to Section  6 , the Company shall deliver to the Purchaser (A) a copy of the updated register of members of the Company or an extract of the relevant portion thereof showing the Purchaser as the holder of the Purchased Shares, certified by the registered agent of the Company as a true and complete copy as of the Closing Date, (B) a copy of a share certificate issued in the name of the Purchaser evidencing the ownership by the Purchaser of the Purchased Shares (the original duly executed copy of which shall be delivered to the Purchaser within two (2) Business Days after the Closing) and (C) a certificate of good standing of the Company, dated as of a reasonably recent date, issued by the Registrar of Companies of the Cayman Islands.

 

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3.2     Deliveries by the Purchaser at the Closing . At the Closing, the Purchaser shall, in consideration for the Purchased Shares issued by the Company under Section  2 , pay the Purchase Price in cash by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account designated by the Company in writing at least two (2) Business Days prior to the Closing Date.

4.     REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY

The Company hereby represents and warrants to the Purchaser that the following statements are true and correct as of the date of this Agreement and will be true and correct as of the Closing (except as to any representations and warranties that specifically relate to a specific date, and then as of such specific date).

4.1     Organization, Standing and Qualification .

(a)    The Company is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the Cayman Islands and has all requisite power and authority to perform its obligations under this Agreement.

(b)    The Company is not in, nor is it anticipated to enter into, liquidation, dissolution, bankruptcy, insolvency or winding-up.

4.2     Capitalization . The fully diluted share capital and cap table of the Company immediately prior to and after the Closing (including the amount of share capital, the type and number of the authorized share capital and of the issued and outstanding share capital, par value of each type of shares and list of shareholders) are each set forth in Schedule A attached hereto.

4.3     Due Authorization . All corporate actions on the part of the Company necessary for (i) the authorization, execution and delivery of, and the performance of all of its obligations under, this Agreement, and (ii) the authorization, issuance, reservation for issuance and delivery of all of the Purchased Shares have been taken or will be taken prior to the Closing. The Company has the requisite power, capacity and authority to enter into, execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform all the obligations to be performed by it hereunder. This Agreement has been, or will be on or prior to the Closing Date, duly executed and delivered by the Company and, when executed and delivered, constitutes valid and legally binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, except (i) as limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, and other Laws of general application affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights generally (the “ Bankruptcy and Equity Exception ”), and (ii) as limited by Laws relating to the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief, or other equitable remedies.

4.4     Consents and Approvals . Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, no Approval is required to be obtained or made by or with respect to the Company in connection with the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby by the Company.

 

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4.5     Valid Issuance . The Purchased Shares, when issued, delivered and paid for in accordance with the terms of this Agreement for the consideration expressed herein, will be duly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable, free of any Liens (except for restrictions on transfer under applicable Laws and under the Charter Documents of the Company).

4.6     No Violation . Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement nor the full performance of its obligations by the Company hereunder will (a) violate any applicable Law to which the Company is subject, (b) conflict with, result in a violation or breach of, or constitute a default under, result in the acceleration of or create in any party the right to accelerate, terminate or cancel any Material Contract by which the Company is bound, or (c) violate any Charter Documents of the Company.

4.7     Same Form of Agreement . Each share subscription agreement or similar agreement that the Company signs, is signing and will sign with each purchaser in this round of financing as described in the First Participation Notice issued by the Company on or around September 12, 2016 (the “ Financing Transaction ”) is on the same form and based on the same terms and conditions.

4.8     No Side Letter . There are no agreements, understandings or other arrangements (whether written or oral) being entered into or to be entered into by the Company or any of its Affiliates with any purchaser in respect of the Financing Transaction (the “ Other Agreements ”) other than those that have been furnished or otherwise made available to the Purchaser on or before the date hereof. The copies of the Other Agreements that have been furnished or otherwise made available to the Purchaser are true and correct and are in final form.

5.     REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE PURCHASER

The Purchaser hereby represents and warrants to the Company that the following statements are true and correct as of the date of this Agreement and will be true and correct as of the Closing (except as to any representations and warranties that specifically relate to a specific date, and then as of such specific date).

5.1     Organization; Standing and Qualification .

(a)    The Purchaser (i) is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the place of its incorporation or establishment, and (ii) has all requisite power and authority to own the Purchased Shares.

(b)    The Purchaser is not in, nor is it anticipated to enter into, liquidation, dissolution, bankruptcy, insolvency or winding-up.

5.2     Due Authorization . The Purchaser has the requisite power, authority and capacity to enter into this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder. The execution, delivery and performance by the Purchaser of this Agreement have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of the Purchaser. This Agreement, when executed and delivered by the Purchaser, will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Purchaser, enforceable against the Purchaser in accordance with its terms, except (i) as limited by the Bankruptcy and Equity Exception and (ii) as limited by Laws relating to the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief or other equitable remedies.

 

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5.3     Purchase for Own Account . The Purchased Shares will be acquired for the Purchaser’s own account, not as a nominee or agent and not with a view to or in connection with the sale or distribution of any part thereof.

5.4     Exempt from Registration; Restricted Securities . The Purchaser understands that the Purchased Shares will not be registered under the Securities Act or registered or listed publicly pursuant to any other applicable securities laws and regulations, on the ground that the sale provided for in this Agreement is exempt from registration under the Securities Act or the registration or listing requirements of any other applicable securities laws and regulations. The Purchaser understands that the Purchased Shares are restricted securities within the meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act; that the Purchased Shares are not registered or listed publicly and must be held indefinitely unless they are subsequently registered or listed publicly or an exemption from such registration or listing is available.

5.5     Consents and Approvals . Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, no Approval is required to be obtained or made by or with respect to the Purchaser in connection with the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement, or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, by the Purchaser.

5.6     No Violation . Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement nor the full performance of its obligations by the Purchaser hereunder will (a) violate any applicable Law to which the Purchaser is subject, (b) conflict with, result in a violation or breach of, or constitute a default under, result in the acceleration of or create in any party the right to accelerate, terminate or cancel any material Contract by which the Purchaser is bound, or (c) violate any Charter Document of the Purchaser.

5.7     Sufficient Fund . Immediately prior to the Closing, the Purchaser will possess sufficient and immediately available funds to consummate the transaction contemplated under this Agreement.

6.    CONDITIONS TO PURCHASER’S OBLIGATIONS AT CLOSING

The obligations of the Purchaser to consummate the transactions under Section 2 are subject to the fulfillment, to the satisfaction of the Purchaser on or prior to the Closing, or waiver by the Purchaser, of the following conditions:

6.1     Representations and Warranties True and Correct. The representations and warranties set forth in Section  4 shall be true and correct when made, and shall be true and correct as of the Closing Date with the same force and effect as if they have been made on and as of the Closing.

6.2     Performance of Obligations. The Company shall have performed and complied with all agreements, obligations and conditions contained in this Agreement that are required to be performed or complied with by it on or before the Closing.

6.3     Proceedings and Documents. All corporate and other proceedings in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, including shareholder resolutions and Board resolutions of the Company, and all documents and instruments incident to such transactions shall have been duly completed or obtained and effective as of the Closing.

 

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6.4     Approvals, Consents and Waivers. The Company shall have obtained any and all Approvals and waivers necessary for the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, each of which shall be in full force and effect as of the Closing.

6.5     Closing Certificate . The Company shall deliver to the Purchaser a certificate, dated as of the Closing Date, signed by one of its directors or senior executive officers, certifying that the conditions specified in Sections 6.1 through 6.4 have been fulfilled.

7.     CONDITIONS TO COMPANY S OBLIGATIONS AT THE CLOSING

The obligations of the Company to consummate the transactions under Section  2 are subject to the fulfillment, to the satisfaction of the Company on or prior to the Closing, or waiver by the Company, of the following conditions:

7.1     Representations and Warranties True and Correct . The representations and warranties of the Purchaser contained in Section  5 shall be true and correct when made, and shall be true and correct as of the Closing Date with the same force and effect as if they have been made on and as of the Closing.

7.2     Performance of Obligations . The Purchaser shall have performed and complied with all agreements, obligations and conditions contained in this Agreement that are required to be performed or complied with by it on or before the Closing.

7.3     Proceedings and Documents. All corporate and other proceedings in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and all documents and instruments incident to such transactions shall have been duly completed or obtained and effective as of the Closing.

7.4     Approvals, Consents and Waivers. The Purchaser shall have obtained any and all Approvals and waivers necessary for the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, each of which shall be in full force and effect as of the Closing.

8.     INDEMNITY

8.1     Survival . The representations and warranties of each Party contained in this Agreement shall survive the Closing until the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations under applicable Laws. The covenants and agreements of each Party set forth in this Agreement shall survive the Closing until fully discharged in accordance with their terms, except for those covenants and agreements which shall be complied with or discharged prior to the Closing in accordance with their terms.

 

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8.2     Indemnification . To the fullest extent permitted by Laws, each Party, as applicable (the “ Indemnifying Party ”) shall indemnify and hold harmless each Indemnified Person, from and against any and all Losses, as incurred, insofar as such Losses arise out of or are based upon:

(a)    any inaccuracy in or breach of any representations or warranties made by such Indemnifying Party in this Agreement; or

(b)    the violation or nonperformance, partial or total, of any obligation or covenant of such Indemnifying Party contained in this Agreement.

In no event shall any Indemnifying Party be obligated to indemnify an Indemnified Person for Losses resulting directly and solely from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnified Person.

8.3     Reliance . The Company and the Purchaser agree that (i) the Company has entered into this Agreement and agreed to the issuance and allotment of the Purchased Shares to the Purchaser hereunder in reliance on the representations and warranties, and covenants and agreements, made by the Purchaser in this Agreement; and (ii) the Purchaser has entered into this Agreement and agreed to subscribe for the Purchased Shares in reliance on the representations and warranties, and covenants and agreements, made by the Company in this Agreement.

8.4     Procedure . Each Indemnified Person will notify the Indemnifying Party in writing of any Action against such Indemnified Person in respect of which the Indemnifying Party is or may be obligated to provide indemnification hereunder promptly after the receipt of notice or knowledge of the commencement thereof. The failure of any Indemnified Person to notify the Indemnifying Party shall not relieve the Indemnifying Party from any liability or obligation which it may have to such Indemnified Person under this Section  8.4 or otherwise unless the failure to so notify results in the forfeiture by the Indemnifying Party of substantial rights and defenses and will not in any event relieve the Indemnifying Party from any obligations other than the indemnification provided for herein. The Indemnifying Party will have the right to participate in, and, to the extent the Indemnifying Party so desires, to assume the defense thereof, with counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Person. However, the Indemnified Person will have the right to retain separate counsel and to participate in the defense thereof, with the reasonable documented fees and expenses of such counsel to be paid by the Indemnifying Party if representation of such Indemnified Person by the counsel retained by the Indemnifying Party would be, in the Indemnified Person’s view, inappropriate due to actual or potential differing interests between such Indemnified Person and any other party represented by such counsel in such proceeding. The Indemnifying Party will be responsible for the expenses of such defense even if the Indemnifying Party does not elect to assume such defense. The Indemnifying Party shall not, except with the consent of the Indemnified Person, consent to the entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement which does not include as a term thereof the unconditional release of the Indemnified Person of all liability in respect of such claim or litigation.

8.5     Indemnification Non-Exclusive . The foregoing indemnification provisions are in addition to, and not in derogation of, any contractual, statutory, equitable or common-law remedy any Party or Indemnified Person may otherwise have.

8.6     Limitation on Liabilities . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the total aggregate liability of any Party for any claims under this Section  8 in respect of the representations, warranties, covenants and agreements made by such Party in or pursuant to this Agreement shall not exceed the Purchase Price.

 

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9.    TERMINATION

9.1     Termination . At any time prior to the Closing, this Agreement may be terminated:

(a)    by the mutual written consent of the Parties;

(b)    by either the Purchaser or the Company if the Closing has not been consummated by November 30, 2016;

(c)    by either the Company, on the one hand, or the Purchaser, on the other hand, by written notice to the other if there has been a material misrepresentation or material breach of a covenant or agreement contained in this Agreement on the part of the Purchaser or the Company, as applicable, and such breach, if curable, has not been cured within fourteen (14) days of such notice; or

(d)    by the Company by written notice to the Purchaser if (i) all of the conditions set forth in Section  6 (other than those conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied by action taken at the Closing) have been satisfied, (ii) the Company has irrevocably confirmed by notice to the Purchaser that all conditions set forth in Section  7 (other than those conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied by action taken at the Closing) have been satisfied or that it is willing to waive any unsatisfied conditions in Section  7 and (iii) the Purchaser fails to complete the Closing within ten (10) Business Days after the delivery of such notice.

9.2     Effect of Termination . If this Agreement is terminated in accordance with Section  9.1 , this Agreement shall become void and have no effect, and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be abandoned without further action by the Parties and there shall be no liability on the part of any Party, except that the provisions of Section  1 , Section  8 , this Section  9 and Section  10 shall survive the termination of this Agreement; provided that such termination shall not release any Party from any liability that has already accrued as of the effective date of such termination, and shall not constitute a waiver or release of, or otherwise be deemed to prejudice or adversely affect, any rights, remedies or claims, whether for damages or otherwise, which a Party may have under this Agreement or applicable Laws or which may arise out of or in connection with such termination.

9.3     Fees Following Termination . In the event that:

(a)    (i) this Agreement is terminated by either the Purchaser or the Company pursuant to Section  9.1(b) , (ii) at the time of such termination, any of the conditions set forth in Section  7.3 or 7.4 shall not have been satisfied and such non-satisfaction is not the result of the breach by the Company of any of its representations, warranties, covenants or other agreements hereunder, and (iii) the Company has confirmed in writing to the Purchaser that each of the conditions set forth in Section  6 would be satisfied if the Closing were to occur immediately prior to such termination; or

(b)    this Agreement is terminated by the Company pursuant to Section  9.1(c) or Section  9.1(d) ;

then the Purchaser shall as promptly as practicable, but in no event later than ten (10) Business Days following such termination, pay, or cause to be paid, to the Company a termination fee in an amount in U.S. dollars equal to US$91,690.10 (the “ Purchaser Termination Fee ”).

 

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9.4     Integral Part of the Proposed Transaction . The Purchaser acknowledges that (i) the agreement contained in Section  9.3 is an integral part of the transactions templated by this Agreement, (ii) the damages resulting from termination of this Agreement under circumstances where a Purchaser Termination Fee is payable are uncertain and incapable of accurate calculation and therefore, the amounts payable pursuant to Section  9.3 are not a penalty but rather constitute amounts akin to liquidated damage in a reasonable amount that will compensate the Company for the efforts and resources expended and opportunities foregone while negotiating this Agreement and in reliance on this Agreement and on the expectation of the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and (iii) without Section  9.3 , the Company will not have entered into this Agreement. In the event that the Purchaser fails to promptly pay any amount due under Section  9.3 , the Purchaser shall pay to the Company all reasonable fees, costs and expenses of enforcement (including reasonable attorney’s fees and reasonable expenses incurred in connection with any Action initiated by the Company), together with interest on such amount at the annual rate of five percent (5%) plus the prime lending rate as published in The Wall Street Journal, in effect on the date such payment was required to be made through the date such payment was actually received, or such lesser rate as is the maximum permitted by applicable Law.

10.    MISCELLANEOUS

10.1     Reserved .

10.2     Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed exclusively in accordance with the Laws of Hong Kong without giving effect to any choice of law rule that would cause the application of the Laws of any jurisdiction other than the Laws of Hong Kong to the rights and duties of the Parties hereunder.

10.3     Successors and Assigns . Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, the provisions hereof shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding upon, the successors, assigns, heirs, executors and administrators of the Parties. This Agreement and the rights and obligations therein may not be assigned by any Party without the written consent of the other Parties.

10.4     Entire Agreement . This Agreement, including the schedules and exhibits hereto, which are hereby expressly incorporated herein by this reference, constitute the entire understanding and agreement among the Parties with regard to the subjects hereof and thereof.

10.5     Notices . Any notice, request, instruction or other document to be given hereunder by any Party to the other Party hereto shall be in writing and delivered personally or sent by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid and return receipt requested, or by e-mail or facsimile to the applicable Party at the addresses set forth next to each Party’s name on Schedule B attached hereto, or at such address or to the attention of such other person as the recipient party has specified by prior written notice to the sending party. Any notice, request, instruction or other document given as provided above shall be deemed given to the receiving party upon actual receipt, if delivered personally; seven (7) Business Days after deposit in the mail, if sent by registered or certified mail; upon confirmation of successful transmission, if sent by e-mail or facsimile; or three (3) Business Days after deposit with an overnight courier, if sent by an overnight courier. A Party may change or supplement the addresses given above, or designate additional addresses, for purposes of this Section  10.5 by giving, the other Parties written notice of the new address in the manner set forth above.

 

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10.6     Amendments . Any term of this Agreement may be amended only with the written consents of the Company and the Purchaser.

10.7     Delays or Omissions; Waivers . No delay or omission to exercise any right, power or remedy accruing to any Party, upon any breach or default of any Party under this Agreement, shall impair any such right, power or remedy of such Party nor shall it be construed to be a waiver of any such breach or default, or an acquiescence therein, or of any similar breach of default thereafter occurring; nor shall any waiver of any other breach or default theretofore or thereafter occurring. Any waiver by any Party of any condition or breach of default under this Agreement must be in writing and shall be effective only to the extent specifically set forth in such writing. All remedies, either under this Agreement or by Laws or otherwise afforded to any Party shall be cumulative and not alternative.

10.8     Interpretation; Titles and Subtitles . This Agreement shall be construed according to its fair language. The rule of construction to the effect that ambiguities are to be resolved against the drafting Party shall not be employed in interpreting this Agreement. The titles of the sections and subsections of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and are not to be considered in construing this Agreement. Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, all references to sections and schedules herein are to sections and schedules of this Agreement. Unless a provision hereof expressly provides otherwise: (i) the term “or” is not exclusive; (ii) the terms “herein”, “hereof”, and other similar words refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular section, subsection, paragraph, clause, or other subdivision; (iii) the masculine, feminine, and neuter genders will each be deemed to include the others; and (iv) whenever the words “include,” “includes” or “including” are used in this Agreement, they shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation.”

10.9     Counterparts; Effectiveness . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one instrument. This Agreement shall become effective when each Party shall have signed a counterpart.

10.10     Severability . If any provision of this Agreement is found to be invalid or unenforceable, then such provision shall be construed, to the extent feasible, so as to render the provision enforceable and to provide for the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby on substantially the same terms as originally set forth herein, and if no feasible interpretation would save such provision, it shall be severed from the remainder of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect unless the severed provision is essential to the rights or benefits intended by the Parties. In such event, the Parties shall use reasonable best efforts to negotiate, in good faith, a substitute, valid and enforceable provision or agreement which most nearly affects the Parties’ intent in entering into this Agreement.

 

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10.11     Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure . Each Party shall keep this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby confidential, and shall not disclose to any third party without the prior written consent of the other Parties, provided, that each Party may make disclosure to its shareholders, directors, officers, Affiliates, advisors and other representatives, on a need to know basis, or other otherwise as required by applicable Law.

10.12     Further Assurances . Each Party shall from time to time and at all times hereafter uses reasonable efforts to make, do, execute, or cause or procure to be made, done and executed such further acts, deeds, conveyances, consents and assurances without further consideration, which may reasonably be required to effect the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

10.13     Dispute Resolution . Any dispute, controversy or claim (each, a “ Dispute ”) arising out of or relating to this Agreement, or the interpretation, breach, termination, validity or invalidity thereof, shall be referred to arbitration upon the demand of either party to the dispute with notice (the “ Arbitration Notice ”) to the other. The Dispute shall be settled by arbitration in Hong Kong by the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (the “ HKIAC ”) in accordance with the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre Administered Arbitration Rules (the “ HKIAC Rules ”) in force at the time when the Arbitration Notice is submitted. The seat of arbitration shall be Hong Kong. There shall be three (3) arbitrators. The complainant and the respondent to such dispute shall each select one arbitrator within thirty (30) days after giving or receiving the demand for arbitration (the “ Selection Period ”). Such arbitrators shall be freely selected, and the parties shall not be limited in their selection to any prescribed list. The chairman of the HKIAC shall select the third arbitrator. If either party to the arbitration fails to appoint an arbitrator with the Selection Period, the relevant appointment shall be made by the chairman of the HKIAC. The arbitral proceedings shall be conducted in English. To the extent that the HKIAC Rules are in conflict with the provisions of this Section  10.13 , including the provisions concerning the appointment of the arbitrators, this Section  10.13 shall prevail. Each party to the arbitration shall cooperate with each other party to the arbitration in making full disclosure of and providing complete access to all information and documents requested by such other party in connection with such arbitral proceedings, subject only to any confidentiality obligations binding on such party. The award of the arbitral tribunal shall be final and binding upon the parties thereto, and the prevailing party may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for enforcement of such award. Any party to the Dispute shall be entitled to seek preliminary injunctive relief, if possible, from any court of competent jurisdiction pending the constitution of the arbitral tribunal. During the course of the arbitral tribunal’s adjudication of the Dispute, this Agreement shall continue to be performed except with respect to the part in dispute and under adjudication.

10.14     Expenses . Each Party shall bear its own costs and expenses in connection with the negotiation, execution and delivery of this Agreement.

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused their respective duly authorized representatives to execute this Agreement as of the date and year first above written.

 

Purchaser:

CICFH Group Limited

By:

 

/s/ Tang Liang

Name:   Tang Liang
Title:    

[ Signature Page to Share Subscription Agreement ]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused their respective duly authorized representatives to execute this Agreement as of the date and year first above written.

 

Company:

China Music Corporation

By:

 

/s/ Tong Tao Sang

Name:   TONG TAO SANG
Title:   Chairman

[ Signature Page to Share Subscription Agreement ]

Exhibit 10.10

SHARE SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT

Dated October 23, 2016

by and between

China Music Corporation

and

Green Technology Holdings Limited


SHARE SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT

THIS SHARE SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is made and entered into as of October 23, 2016 by and between:

 

  1.

China Music Corporation, an exempted company incorporated under the Laws of the Cayman Islands (the “ Company ”); and

 

  2.

Green Technology Holdings Limited, a company incorporated under the Laws of the British Virgin Islands (the “ Purchaser ”).

RECITALS

A.    The Company desires to issue and sell to the Purchaser, and the Purchaser desires to subscribe and purchase from the Company, an aggregate of 445,691 ordinary shares, par value US$0.000083 per share, of the Company (the “ Ordinary Shares ”) pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

B.    The Parties desire to enter into this Agreement and make the respective representations, warranties, covenants and agreements set forth herein on the terms and conditions set forth herein.

AGREEMENT

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing recitals, the mutual promises hereinafter set forth, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

1.     DEFINITIONS

In this Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires, the following words and expressions have the meanings as follows:

Action ” means any action, suit, proceeding, claim, arbitration, investigation, charge, complaint or petition, whether administrative, civil or criminal, whether at Law or in equity, and whether or not before any mediator, arbitrator or Governmental Authority.

Affiliate ” means, (i) with respect to a Person that is a natural person, such Person’s relatives and any other Person (other than natural persons) directly or indirectly Controlled by such Person, and (ii) with respect to a Person that is not a natural person, a Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls, or is Controlled by, or is under common Control with, such Person. For the purposes of this definition, “relative” of a Person means such Person’s spouse, parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, sibling, uncle, aunt, nephew, niece or great-grandparent or the spouse of such Person’s child, grandchild, sibling, uncle, aunt, nephew or niece. Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither the Company nor any of its Controlled Affiliates shall be deemed an Affiliate of the Purchaser, and the Purchaser shall not be deemed an Affiliate of the Company or any of its Controlled Affiliates.

Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Approval ” means any approval, authorization, release, order, consent, license or permit required to be obtained from, or any registration, qualification, designation, declaration, filing, notice, statement or other communication required to be filed with or delivered to, any Governmental Authority or any other Person.


Arbitration Notice ” has the meaning set forth in Section  10.13 .

Bankruptcy and Equity Exception ” has the meaning set forth in Section  4.2 .

Board ” means the board of directors.

Business Day ” means a day (other than a Saturday or a Sunday) that the banks in New York, Hong Kong, the PRC, or the Cayman Islands are generally open for business.

Charter Document ” means, with respect to a particular legal entity, the articles of incorporation, certificate of incorporation, formation or registration (including, if applicable, certificates of change of name), memorandum of association, articles of association, bylaws, articles of organization, limited liability company agreement, trust deed, trust instrument, operating agreement, joint venture agreement, business license, or similar or other constitutive, governing, or charter documents, or equivalent documents, of such entity

Closing ” has the meaning set forth in Section  3 .

Closing Date ” has the meaning set forth in Section  3 .

Company ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Contracts ” means legally binding contracts, agreements, engagements, purchase orders, commitments, understandings, indentures, notes, bonds, loans, instruments, leases, mortgages, franchises, licenses or any other contractual arrangements or obligations, which are currently subsisting and not terminated or completed (with each of such Contracts being referred to as a “ Contract ”).

Control ” means the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct, or cause the direction of, the management and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

Dispute ” has the meaning set forth in Section  10.13 .

Financing Transaction ” has the meaning set forth in Section  4.7 .

Governmental Authorities ” means any nation, government, province, state, or any entity, authority or body exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory, foreign exchange or administrative functions of or pertaining to government, including any government authority, agency, department, board, commission or instrumentality of any government or any political subdivision thereof, court, tribunal, arbitrator, the governing body of any securities exchange, and self-regulatory organization, in each case having competent jurisdiction (with each of such Governmental Authorities being referred to as a “ Governmental Authority ”).

HKIAC ” has the meaning set forth in Section  10.13 .

HKIAC Rules ” has the meaning set forth in Section  10.13 .

 

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Hong Kong ” means the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China.

Indemnified Persons ” means any Party (other than the Indemnifying Party), its Affiliates, their respective officers, directors, agents, employees, trustees, attorneys and representatives.

Indemnifying Party ” has the meaning set forth in Section  8.2 .

Law ” means any law, rule, constitution, code, ordinance, statute, treaty, decree, regulation, common law, order, official policy, circular, provision, administrative order, interpretation, injunction, judgment, ruling, assessment, writ or other legislative measure, in each case of any Governmental Authority.

Lien ” means

 

  (a)

any mortgage, charge, lien, pledge or other encumbrance securing any obligation of any Person;

 

  (b)

any option, right to acquire, right of pre-emption, right of set-off or other arrangement under which money or claims to, or for the benefit of, any Person may be applied or set off so as to effect discharge of any sum owed or payable to any Person; or

 

  (c)

any equity, assignment, hypothecation, title retention, claim, restriction, power of sale or other type of preferential arrangement the effect of which is to give a creditor in respect of indebtedness a preferential position in relation to any asset of a Person on any insolvency proceeding of that Person.

Losses ” means any and all losses, claims, Actions, damages, liabilities and expenses (joint or several), including attorneys’ fees and disbursements and all other expenses incurred in investigating, preparing, compromising or defending against any such litigation, commenced or threatened, or any claim whatsoever and all amounts paid in settlement of any such claim or litigation, to which any of the Indemnified Persons may become subject.

Material Contracts ” means Contracts that are material to the conduct of the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries as a whole. For clarification, any Contract that has been fully performed or has ceased to be effective as of the date hereof shall not deemed to be a Material Contract.

Ordinary Shares ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

Other Agreements ” has the meaning set forth in Section  4.8 .

Parties ” means the named parties to this Agreement and their respective successors and permitted assigns (with each of such Parties being referred to as a “ Party ”).

Person ” means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited partnership, proprietorship, association, limited liability company, firm, trust, estate or other enterprise, entity or legal person.

 

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PRC ” means the People’s Republic of China and for purposes of this Agreement, excludes Hong Kong, Macao Special Administrative Region and Taiwan.

Purchase Price ” has the meaning set forth in Section  2 .

Purchased Shares ” has the meaning set forth in Section  2 .

Purchaser ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Purchaser Termination Fee ” has the meaning set forth in Section  9.3 .

SAFE ” means the State Administration of Foreign Exchange of the PRC and its local branches.

Securities Act ” means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Selection Period ” has the meaning set forth in Section  10.13 .

Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any given Person, any Person of which the given Person, directly or indirectly, Controls, including but not limited through the ownership of more than 50% of the issued and outstanding share capital, voting interests or registered capital.

US$ ” or “ U.S. dollars ” means United States Dollars, the lawful currency of the United States of America.

2.     PURCHASE AND SALE . Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Company hereby agrees to issue and sell to the Purchaser, and the Purchaser hereby agrees to subscribe for and purchase from the Company, at the Closing, an aggregate of 445,691 Ordinary Shares (the “ Purchased Shares ”) at an aggregate purchase price of US$1,081,695.22 in cash (the “ Purchase Price ”).

3.     CLOSINGS; CLOSING DELIVERIES . The consummation of the sale and issuance of the Purchased Shares pursuant to Section  2 of this Agreement (the “ Closing ”) shall take place remotely via the exchange of documents and signatures on the fifth (5 th ) Business Day after the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in Sections  6 and 7 (other than those conditions to be satisfied at the Closing, but subject to the satisfaction or waiver thereof at the Closing) or at such other time and place as the Company and the Purchaser may mutually agree upon in writing (the date on which the Closing occurs, the “ Closing Date ”).

3.1     Deliveries by the Company at the Closing . At the Closing, in addition to any items the delivery of which is made an express condition to the Purchaser’s obligations at the Closing pursuant to Section  6 , the Company shall deliver to the Purchaser (A) a copy of the updated register of members of the Company or an extract of the relevant portion thereof showing the Purchaser as the holder of the Purchased Shares, certified by the registered agent of the Company as a true and complete copy as of the Closing Date, (B) a copy of a share certificate issued in the name of the Purchaser evidencing the ownership by the Purchaser of the Purchased Shares (the original duly executed copy of which shall be delivered to the Purchaser within two (2) Business Days after the Closing) and (C) a certificate of good standing of the Company, dated as of a reasonably recent date, issued by the Registrar of Companies of the Cayman Islands.

 

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3.2     Deliveries by the Purchaser at the Closing . At the Closing, the Purchaser shall, in consideration for the Purchased Shares issued by the Company under Section  2 , pay the Purchase Price in cash by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account designated by the Company in writing at least two (2) Business Days prior to the Closing Date.

4.     REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY

The Company hereby represents and warrants to the Purchaser that the following statements are true and correct as of the date of this Agreement and will be true and correct as of the Closing (except as to any representations and warranties that specifically relate to a specific date, and then as of such specific date).

4.1     Organization, Standing and Qualification .

(a)    The Company is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the Cayman Islands and has all requisite power and authority to perform its obligations under this Agreement.

(b)    The Company is not in, nor is it anticipated to enter into, liquidation, dissolution, bankruptcy, insolvency or winding-up.

4.2     Capitalization . The fully diluted share capital and cap table of the Company immediately prior to and after the Closing (including the amount of share capital, the type and number of the authorized share capital and of the issued and outstanding share capital, par value of each type of shares and list of shareholders) are each set forth in Schedule A attached hereto.

4.3     Due Authorization . All corporate actions on the part of the Company necessary for (i) the authorization, execution and delivery of, and the performance of all of its obligations under, this Agreement, and (ii) the authorization, issuance, reservation for issuance and delivery of all of the Purchased Shares have been taken or will be taken prior to the Closing. The Company has the requisite power, capacity and authority to enter into, execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform all the obligations to be performed by it hereunder. This Agreement has been, or will be on or prior to the Closing Date, duly executed and delivered by the Company and, when executed and delivered, constitutes valid and legally binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, except (i) as limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, and other Laws of general application affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights generally (the “ Bankruptcy and Equity Exception ”), and (ii) as limited by Laws relating to the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief, or other equitable remedies.

4.4     Consents and Approvals . Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, no Approval is required to be obtained or made by or with respect to the Company in connection with the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby by the Company.

 

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4.5     Valid Issuance . The Purchased Shares, when issued, delivered and paid for in accordance with the terms of this Agreement for the consideration expressed herein, will be duly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable, free of any Liens (except for restrictions on transfer under applicable Laws and under the Charter Documents of the Company).

4.6     No Violation . Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement nor the full performance of its obligations by the Company hereunder will (a) violate any applicable Law to which the Company is subject, (b) conflict with, result in a violation or breach of, or constitute a default under, result in the acceleration of or create in any party the right to accelerate, terminate or cancel any Material Contract by which the Company is bound, or (c) violate any Charter Documents of the Company.

4.7     Same Form of Agreement . Each share subscription agreement or similar agreement that the Company signs, is signing and will sign with each purchaser in this round of financing as described in the First Participation Notice issued by the Company on or around September 12, 2016 (the “ Financing Transaction ”) is on the same form and based on the same terms and conditions.

4.8     No Side Letter . There are no agreements, understandings or other arrangements (whether written or oral) being entered into or to be entered into by the Company or any of its Affiliates with any purchaser in respect of the Financing Transaction (the “ Other Agreements ”) other than those that have been furnished or otherwise made available to the Purchaser on or before the date hereof. The copies of the Other Agreements that have been furnished or otherwise made available to the Purchaser are true and correct and are in final form.

5.     REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE PURCHASER

The Purchaser hereby represents and warrants to the Company that the following statements are true and correct as of the date of this Agreement and will be true and correct as of the Closing (except as to any representations and warranties that specifically relate to a specific date, and then as of such specific date).

5.1     Organization; Standing and Qualification .

(a)    The Purchaser (i) is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the place of its incorporation or establishment, and (ii) has all requisite power and authority to own the Purchased Shares.

(b)    The Purchaser is not in, nor is it anticipated to enter into, liquidation, dissolution, bankruptcy, insolvency or winding-up.

5.2     Due Authorization . The Purchaser has the requisite power, authority and capacity to enter into this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder. The execution, delivery and performance by the Purchaser of this Agreement have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of the Purchaser. This Agreement, when executed and delivered by the Purchaser, will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Purchaser, enforceable against the Purchaser in accordance with its terms, except (i) as limited by the Bankruptcy and Equity Exception and (ii) as limited by Laws relating to the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief or other equitable remedies.

 

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5.3     Purchase for Own Account . The Purchased Shares will be acquired for the Purchaser’s own account, not as a nominee or agent and not with a view to or in connection with the sale or distribution of any part thereof.

5.4     Exempt from Registration; Restricted Securities . The Purchaser understands that the Purchased Shares will not be registered under the Securities Act or registered or listed publicly pursuant to any other applicable securities laws and regulations, on the ground that the sale provided for in this Agreement is exempt from registration under the Securities Act or the registration or listing requirements of any other applicable securities laws and regulations. The Purchaser understands that the Purchased Shares are restricted securities within the meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act; that the Purchased Shares are not registered or listed publicly and must be held indefinitely unless they are subsequently registered or listed publicly or an exemption from such registration or listing is available.

5.5     Consents and Approvals . Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, no Approval is required to be obtained or made by or with respect to the Purchaser in connection with the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement, or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, by the Purchaser.

5.6     No Violation . Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement nor the full performance of its obligations by the Purchaser hereunder will (a) violate any applicable Law to which the Purchaser is subject, (b) conflict with, result in a violation or breach of, or constitute a default under, result in the acceleration of or create in any party the right to accelerate, terminate or cancel any material Contract by which the Purchaser is bound, or (c) violate any Charter Document of the Purchaser.

5.7     Sufficient Fund . Immediately prior to the Closing, the Purchaser will possess sufficient and immediately available funds to consummate the transaction contemplated under this Agreement.

6.    CONDITIONS TO PURCHASER’S OBLIGATIONS AT CLOSING

The obligations of the Purchaser to consummate the transactions under Section 2 are subject to the fulfillment, to the satisfaction of the Purchaser on or prior to the Closing, or waiver by the Purchaser, of the following conditions:

6.1     Representations and Warranties True and Correct. The representations and warranties set forth in Section  4 shall be true and correct when made, and shall be true and correct as of the Closing Date with the same force and effect as if they have been made on and as of the Closing.

6.2     Performance of Obligations. The Company shall have performed and complied with all agreements, obligations and conditions contained in this Agreement that are required to be performed or complied with by it on or before the Closing.

6.3     Proceedings and Documents. All corporate and other proceedings in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, including shareholder resolutions and Board resolutions of the Company, and all documents and instruments incident to such transactions shall have been duly completed or obtained and effective as of the Closing.

 

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6.4     Approvals, Consents and Waivers. The Company shall have obtained any and all Approvals and waivers necessary for the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, each of which shall be in full force and effect as of the Closing.

6.5     Closing Certificate . The Company shall deliver to the Purchaser a certificate, dated as of the Closing Date, signed by one of its directors or senior executive officers, certifying that the conditions specified in Sections 6.1 through 6.4 have been fulfilled.

7.     CONDITIONS TO COMPANY S OBLIGATIONS AT THE CLOSING

The obligations of the Company to consummate the transactions under Section  2 are subject to the fulfillment, to the satisfaction of the Company on or prior to the Closing, or waiver by the Company, of the following conditions:

7.1     Representations and Warranties True and Correct . The representations and warranties of the Purchaser contained in Section  5 shall be true and correct when made, and shall be true and correct as of the Closing Date with the same force and effect as if they have been made on and as of the Closing.

7.2     Performance of Obligations . The Purchaser shall have performed and complied with all agreements, obligations and conditions contained in this Agreement that are required to be performed or complied with by it on or before the Closing.

7.3     Proceedings and Documents. All corporate and other proceedings in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and all documents and instruments incident to such transactions shall have been duly completed or obtained and effective as of the Closing.

7.4     Approvals, Consents and Waivers. The Purchaser shall have obtained any and all Approvals and waivers necessary for the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, each of which shall be in full force and effect as of the Closing.

8.     INDEMNITY

8.1     Survival . The representations and warranties of each Party contained in this Agreement shall survive the Closing until the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations under applicable Laws. The covenants and agreements of each Party set forth in this Agreement shall survive the Closing until fully discharged in accordance with their terms, except for those covenants and agreements which shall be complied with or discharged prior to the Closing in accordance with their terms.

 

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8.2     Indemnification . To the fullest extent permitted by Laws, each Party, as applicable (the “ Indemnifying Party ”) shall indemnify and hold harmless each Indemnified Person, from and against any and all Losses, as incurred, insofar as such Losses arise out of or are based upon:

(a)    any inaccuracy in or breach of any representations or warranties made by such Indemnifying Party in this Agreement; or

(b)    the violation or nonperformance, partial or total, of any obligation or covenant of such Indemnifying Party contained in this Agreement.

In no event shall any Indemnifying Party be obligated to indemnify an Indemnified Person for Losses resulting directly and solely from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnified Person.

8.3     Reliance . The Company and the Purchaser agree that (i) the Company has entered into this Agreement and agreed to the issuance and allotment of the Purchased Shares to the Purchaser hereunder in reliance on the representations and warranties, and covenants and agreements, made by the Purchaser in this Agreement; and (ii) the Purchaser has entered into this Agreement and agreed to subscribe for the Purchased Shares in reliance on the representations and warranties, and covenants and agreements, made by the Company in this Agreement.

8.4     Procedure . Each Indemnified Person will notify the Indemnifying Party in writing of any Action against such Indemnified Person in respect of which the Indemnifying Party is or may be obligated to provide indemnification hereunder promptly after the receipt of notice or knowledge of the commencement thereof. The failure of any Indemnified Person to notify the Indemnifying Party shall not relieve the Indemnifying Party from any liability or obligation which it may have to such Indemnified Person under this Section  8.4 or otherwise unless the failure to so notify results in the forfeiture by the Indemnifying Party of substantial rights and defenses and will not in any event relieve the Indemnifying Party from any obligations other than the indemnification provided for herein. The Indemnifying Party will have the right to participate in, and, to the extent the Indemnifying Party so desires, to assume the defense thereof, with counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Person. However, the Indemnified Person will have the right to retain separate counsel and to participate in the defense thereof, with the reasonable documented fees and expenses of such counsel to be paid by the Indemnifying Party if representation of such Indemnified Person by the counsel retained by the Indemnifying Party would be, in the Indemnified Person’s view, inappropriate due to actual or potential differing interests between such Indemnified Person and any other party represented by such counsel in such proceeding. The Indemnifying Party will be responsible for the expenses of such defense even if the Indemnifying Party does not elect to assume such defense. The Indemnifying Party shall not, except with the consent of the Indemnified Person, consent to the entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement which does not include as a term thereof the unconditional release of the Indemnified Person of all liability in respect of such claim or litigation.

8.5     Indemnification Non-Exclusive . The foregoing indemnification provisions are in addition to, and not in derogation of, any contractual, statutory, equitable or common-law remedy any Party or Indemnified Person may otherwise have.

8.6     Limitation on Liabilities . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the total aggregate liability of any Party for any claims under this Section  8 in respect of the representations, warranties, covenants and agreements made by such Party in or pursuant to this Agreement shall not exceed the Purchase Price.

 

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9.    TERMINATION

9.1     Termination . At any time prior to the Closing, this Agreement may be terminated:

(a)    by the mutual written consent of the Parties;

(b)    by either the Purchaser or the Company if the Closing has not been consummated by November 30, 2016;

(c)    by either the Company, on the one hand, or the Purchaser, on the other hand, by written notice to the other if there has been a material misrepresentation or material breach of a covenant or agreement contained in this Agreement on the part of the Purchaser or the Company, as applicable, and such breach, if curable, has not been cured within fourteen (14) days of such notice; or

(d)    by the Company by written notice to the Purchaser if (i) all of the conditions set forth in Section  6 (other than those conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied by action taken at the Closing) have been satisfied, (ii) the Company has irrevocably confirmed by notice to the Purchaser that all conditions set forth in Section  7 (other than those conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied by action taken at the Closing) have been satisfied or that it is willing to waive any unsatisfied conditions in Section  7 and (iii) the Purchaser fails to complete the Closing within ten (10) Business Days after the delivery of such notice.

9.2     Effect of Termination . If this Agreement is terminated in accordance with Section  9.1 , this Agreement shall become void and have no effect, and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be abandoned without further action by the Parties and there shall be no liability on the part of any Party, except that the provisions of Section  1 , Section  8 , this Section  9 and Section  10 shall survive the termination of this Agreement; provided that such termination shall not release any Party from any liability that has already accrued as of the effective date of such termination, and shall not constitute a waiver or release of, or otherwise be deemed to prejudice or adversely affect, any rights, remedies or claims, whether for damages or otherwise, which a Party may have under this Agreement or applicable Laws or which may arise out of or in connection with such termination.

9.3     Fees Following Termination . In the event that:

(a)    (i) this Agreement is terminated by either the Purchaser or the Company pursuant to Section  9.1(b) , (ii) at the time of such termination, any of the conditions set forth in Section  7.3 or 7.4 shall not have been satisfied and such non-satisfaction is not the result of the breach by the Company of any of its representations, warranties, covenants or other agreements hereunder, and (iii) the Company has confirmed in writing to the Purchaser that each of the conditions set forth in Section  6 would be satisfied if the Closing were to occur immediately prior to such termination; or

(b)    this Agreement is terminated by the Company pursuant to Section  9.1(c) or Section  9.1(d) ;

then the Purchaser shall as promptly as practicable, but in no event later than ten (10) Business Days following such termination, pay, or cause to be paid, to the Company a termination fee in an amount in U.S. dollars equal to US$21,633.90 (the “ Purchaser Termination Fee ”).

 

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9.4     Integral Part of the Proposed Transaction . The Purchaser acknowledges that (i) the agreement contained in Section  9.3 is an integral part of the transactions templated by this Agreement, (ii) the damages resulting from termination of this Agreement under circumstances where a Purchaser Termination Fee is payable are uncertain and incapable of accurate calculation and therefore, the amounts payable pursuant to Section  9.3 are not a penalty but rather constitute amounts akin to liquidated damage in a reasonable amount that will compensate the Company for the efforts and resources expended and opportunities foregone while negotiating this Agreement and in reliance on this Agreement and on the expectation of the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and (iii) without Section  9.3 , the Company will not have entered into this Agreement. In the event that the Purchaser fails to promptly pay any amount due under Section  9.3 , the Purchaser shall pay to the Company all reasonable fees, costs and expenses of enforcement (including reasonable attorney’s fees and reasonable expenses incurred in connection with any Action initiated by the Company), together with interest on such amount at the annual rate of five percent (5%) plus the prime lending rate as published in The Wall Street Journal, in effect on the date such payment was required to be made through the date such payment was actually received, or such lesser rate as is the maximum permitted by applicable Law.

10.    MISCELLANEOUS

10.1     Reserved .

10.2     Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed exclusively in accordance with the Laws of Hong Kong without giving effect to any choice of law rule that would cause the application of the Laws of any jurisdiction other than the Laws of Hong Kong to the rights and duties of the Parties hereunder.

10.3     Successors and Assigns . Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, the provisions hereof shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding upon, the successors, assigns, heirs, executors and administrators of the Parties. This Agreement and the rights and obligations therein may not be assigned by any Party without the written consent of the other Parties.

10.4     Entire Agreement . This Agreement, including the schedules and exhibits hereto, which are hereby expressly incorporated herein by this reference, constitute the entire understanding and agreement among the Parties with regard to the subjects hereof and thereof.

10.5     Notices . Any notice, request, instruction or other document to be given hereunder by any Party to the other Party hereto shall be in writing and delivered personally or sent by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid and return receipt requested, or by e-mail or facsimile to the applicable Party at the addresses set forth next to each Party’s name on Schedule B attached hereto, or at such address or to the attention of such other person as the recipient party has specified by prior written notice to the sending party. Any notice, request, instruction or other document given as provided above shall be deemed given to the receiving party upon actual receipt, if delivered personally; seven (7) Business Days after deposit in the mail, if sent by registered or certified mail; upon confirmation of successful transmission, if sent by e-mail or facsimile; or three (3) Business Days after deposit with an overnight courier, if sent by an overnight courier. A Party may change or supplement the addresses given above, or designate additional addresses, for purposes of this Section  10.5 by giving, the other Parties written notice of the new address in the manner set forth above.

 

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10.6     Amendments . Any term of this Agreement may be amended only with the written consents of the Company and the Purchaser.

10.7     Delays or Omissions; Waivers . No delay or omission to exercise any right, power or remedy accruing to any Party, upon any breach or default of any Party under this Agreement, shall impair any such right, power or remedy of such Party nor shall it be construed to be a waiver of any such breach or default, or an acquiescence therein, or of any similar breach of default thereafter occurring; nor shall any waiver of any other breach or default theretofore or thereafter occurring. Any waiver by any Party of any condition or breach of default under this Agreement must be in writing and shall be effective only to the extent specifically set forth in such writing. All remedies, either under this Agreement or by Laws or otherwise afforded to any Party shall be cumulative and not alternative.

10.8     Interpretation; Titles and Subtitles . This Agreement shall be construed according to its fair language. The rule of construction to the effect that ambiguities are to be resolved against the drafting Party shall not be employed in interpreting this Agreement. The titles of the sections and subsections of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and are not to be considered in construing this Agreement. Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, all references to sections and schedules herein are to sections and schedules of this Agreement. Unless a provision hereof expressly provides otherwise: (i) the term “or” is not exclusive; (ii) the terms “herein”, “hereof”, and other similar words refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular section, subsection, paragraph, clause, or other subdivision; (iii) the masculine, feminine, and neuter genders will each be deemed to include the others; and (iv) whenever the words “include,” “includes” or “including” are used in this Agreement, they shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation.”

10.9     Counterparts; Effectiveness . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one instrument. This Agreement shall become effective when each Party shall have signed a counterpart.

10.10     Severability . If any provision of this Agreement is found to be invalid or unenforceable, then such provision shall be construed, to the extent feasible, so as to render the provision enforceable and to provide for the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby on substantially the same terms as originally set forth herein, and if no feasible interpretation would save such provision, it shall be severed from the remainder of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect unless the severed provision is essential to the rights or benefits intended by the Parties. In such event, the Parties shall use reasonable best efforts to negotiate, in good faith, a substitute, valid and enforceable provision or agreement which most nearly affects the Parties’ intent in entering into this Agreement.

 

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10.11     Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure . Each Party shall keep this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby confidential, and shall not disclose to any third party without the prior written consent of the other Parties, provided, that each Party may make disclosure to its shareholders, directors, officers, Affiliates, advisors and other representatives, on a need to know basis, or other otherwise as required by applicable Law.

10.12     Further Assurances . Each Party shall from time to time and at all times hereafter uses reasonable efforts to make, do, execute, or cause or procure to be made, done and executed such further acts, deeds, conveyances, consents and assurances without further consideration, which may reasonably be required to effect the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

10.13     Dispute Resolution . Any dispute, controversy or claim (each, a “ Dispute ”) arising out of or relating to this Agreement, or the interpretation, breach, termination, validity or invalidity thereof, shall be referred to arbitration upon the demand of either party to the dispute with notice (the “ Arbitration Notice ”) to the other. The Dispute shall be settled by arbitration in Hong Kong by the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (the “ HKIAC ”) in accordance with the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre Administered Arbitration Rules (the “ HKIAC Rules ”) in force at the time when the Arbitration Notice is submitted. The seat of arbitration shall be Hong Kong. There shall be three (3) arbitrators. The complainant and the respondent to such dispute shall each select one arbitrator within thirty (30) days after giving or receiving the demand for arbitration (the “ Selection Period ”). Such arbitrators shall be freely selected, and the parties shall not be limited in their selection to any prescribed list. The chairman of the HKIAC shall select the third arbitrator. If either party to the arbitration fails to appoint an arbitrator with the Selection Period, the relevant appointment shall be made by the chairman of the HKIAC. The arbitral proceedings shall be conducted in English. To the extent that the HKIAC Rules are in conflict with the provisions of this Section  10.13 , including the provisions concerning the appointment of the arbitrators, this Section  10.13 shall prevail. Each party to the arbitration shall cooperate with each other party to the arbitration in making full disclosure of and providing complete access to all information and documents requested by such other party in connection with such arbitral proceedings, subject only to any confidentiality obligations binding on such party. The award of the arbitral tribunal shall be final and binding upon the parties thereto, and the prevailing party may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for enforcement of such award. Any party to the Dispute shall be entitled to seek preliminary injunctive relief, if possible, from any court of competent jurisdiction pending the constitution of the arbitral tribunal. During the course of the arbitral tribunal’s adjudication of the Dispute, this Agreement shall continue to be performed except with respect to the part in dispute and under adjudication.

10.14     Expenses . Each Party shall bear its own costs and expenses in connection with the negotiation, execution and delivery of this Agreement.

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused their respective duly authorized representatives to execute this Agreement as of the date and year first above written.

 

Purchaser:
Green Technology Holdings Limited
By:  

/s/ Zhou Jiamin

Name:   Zhou Jiamin
Title:  

 

[ Signature Page to Share Subscription Agreement ]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused their respective duly authorized representatives to execute this Agreement as of the date and year first above written.

 

Company:
China Music Corporation
By:  

/s/ Tong Tao Sang

Name:   TONG TAO SANG
Title:   Chairman

 

[ Signature Page to Share Subscription Agreement ]

Exhibit 10.11

SHARE SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT

Dated October 23, 2016

by and between

China Music Corporation

and

Pan Asia Venture Group Limited


SHARE SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT

THIS SHARE SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is made and entered into as of October 23, 2016 by and between:

 

  1.

China Music Corporation, an exempted company incorporated under the Laws of the Cayman Islands (the “ Company ”); and

 

  2.

Pan Asia Venture Group Limited , a company incorporated under the Laws of the British Virgin Islands (the “ Purchaser ”).

RECITALS

A.    The Company desires to issue and sell to the Purchaser, and the Purchaser desires to subscribe and purchase from the Company, an aggregate of 1,182,486 ordinary shares, par value US$0.000083 per share, of the Company (the “ Ordinary Shares ”) pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

B.    The Parties desire to enter into this Agreement and make the respective representations, warranties, covenants and agreements set forth herein on the terms and conditions set forth herein.

AGREEMENT

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing recitals, the mutual promises hereinafter set forth, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

1.     DEFINITIONS

In this Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires, the following words and expressions have the meanings as follows:

Action ” means any action, suit, proceeding, claim, arbitration, investigation, charge, complaint or petition, whether administrative, civil or criminal, whether at Law or in equity, and whether or not before any mediator, arbitrator or Governmental Authority.

Affiliate ” means, (i) with respect to a Person that is a natural person, such Person’s relatives and any other Person (other than natural persons) directly or indirectly Controlled by such Person, and (ii) with respect to a Person that is not a natural person, a Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls, or is Controlled by, or is under common Control with, such Person. For the purposes of this definition, “relative” of a Person means such Person’s spouse, parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, sibling, uncle, aunt, nephew, niece or great-grandparent or the spouse of such Person’s child, grandchild, sibling, uncle, aunt, nephew or niece. Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither the Company nor any of its Controlled Affiliates shall be deemed an Affiliate of the Purchaser, and the Purchaser shall not be deemed an Affiliate of the Company or any of its Controlled Affiliates.

Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Approval ” means any approval, authorization, release, order, consent, license or permit required to be obtained from, or any registration, qualification, designation, declaration, filing, notice, statement or other communication required to be filed with or delivered to, any Governmental Authority or any other Person.


Arbitration Notice ” has the meaning set forth in Section  10.13 .

Bankruptcy and Equity Exception ” has the meaning set forth in Section  4.2 .

Board ” means the board of directors.

Business Day ” means a day (other than a Saturday or a Sunday) that the banks in New York, Hong Kong, the PRC, or the Cayman Islands are generally open for business.

Charter Document ” means, with respect to a particular legal entity, the articles of incorporation, certificate of incorporation, formation or registration (including, if applicable, certificates of change of name), memorandum of association, articles of association, bylaws, articles of organization, limited liability company agreement, trust deed, trust instrument, operating agreement, joint venture agreement, business license, or similar or other constitutive, governing, or charter documents, or equivalent documents, of such entity

Closing ” has the meaning set forth in Section  3 .

Closing Date ” has the meaning set forth in Section  3 .

Company ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Contracts ” means legally binding contracts, agreements, engagements, purchase orders, commitments, understandings, indentures, notes, bonds, loans, instruments, leases, mortgages, franchises, licenses or any other contractual arrangements or obligations, which are currently subsisting and not terminated or completed (with each of such Contracts being referred to as a “ Contract ”).

Control ” means the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct, or cause the direction of, the management and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

Dispute ” has the meaning set forth in Section  10.13 .

Financing Transaction ” has the meaning set forth in Section  4.7 .

Governmental Authorities ” means any nation, government, province, state, or any entity, authority or body exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory, foreign exchange or administrative functions of or pertaining to government, including any government authority, agency, department, board, commission or instrumentality of any government or any political subdivision thereof, court, tribunal, arbitrator, the governing body of any securities exchange, and self-regulatory organization, in each case having competent jurisdiction (with each of such Governmental Authorities being referred to as a “ Governmental Authority ”).

HKIAC ” has the meaning set forth in Section  10.13 .

HKIAC Rules ” has the meaning set forth in Section  10.13 .

 

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Hong Kong ” means the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China.

Indemnified Persons ” means any Party (other than the Indemnifying Party), its Affiliates, their respective officers, directors, agents, employees, trustees, attorneys and representatives.

Indemnifying Party ” has the meaning set forth in Section  8.2 .

Law ” means any law, rule, constitution, code, ordinance, statute, treaty, decree, regulation, common law, order, official policy, circular, provision, administrative order, interpretation, injunction, judgment, ruling, assessment, writ or other legislative measure, in each case of any Governmental Authority.

Lien ” means

 

  (a)

any mortgage, charge, lien, pledge or other encumbrance securing any obligation of any Person;

 

  (b)

any option, right to acquire, right of pre-emption, right of set-off or other arrangement under which money or claims to, or for the benefit of, any Person may be applied or set off so as to effect discharge of any sum owed or payable to any Person; or

 

  (c)

any equity, assignment, hypothecation, title retention, claim, restriction, power of sale or other type of preferential arrangement the effect of which is to give a creditor in respect of indebtedness a preferential position in relation to any asset of a Person on any insolvency proceeding of that Person.

Losses ” means any and all losses, claims, Actions, damages, liabilities and expenses (joint or several), including attorneys’ fees and disbursements and all other expenses incurred in investigating, preparing, compromising or defending against any such litigation, commenced or threatened, or any claim whatsoever and all amounts paid in settlement of any such claim or litigation, to which any of the Indemnified Persons may become subject.

Material Contracts ” means Contracts that are material to the conduct of the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries as a whole. For clarification, any Contract that has been fully performed or has ceased to be effective as of the date hereof shall not deemed to be a Material Contract.

Ordinary Shares ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

Other Agreements ” has the meaning set forth in Section  4.8 .

Parties ” means the named parties to this Agreement and their respective successors and permitted assigns (with each of such Parties being referred to as a “ Party ”).

Person ” means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited partnership, proprietorship, association, limited liability company, firm, trust, estate or other enterprise, entity or legal person.

 

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PRC ” means the People’s Republic of China and for purposes of this Agreement, excludes Hong Kong, Macao Special Administrative Region and Taiwan.

Purchase Price ” has the meaning set forth in Section  2 .

Purchased Shares ” has the meaning set forth in Section  2 .

Purchaser ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Purchaser Termination Fee ” has the meaning set forth in Section  9.3 .

SAFE ” means the State Administration of Foreign Exchange of the PRC and its local branches.

Securities Act ” means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Selection Period ” has the meaning set forth in Section  10.13 .

Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any given Person, any Person of which the given Person, directly or indirectly, Controls, including but not limited through the ownership of more than 50% of the issued and outstanding share capital, voting interests or registered capital.

US$ ” or “ U.S. dollars ” means United States Dollars, the lawful currency of the United States of America.

2.     PURCHASE AND SALE . Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Company hereby agrees to issue and sell to the Purchaser, and the Purchaser hereby agrees to subscribe for and purchase from the Company, at the Closing, an aggregate of 1,182,486 Ordinary Shares (the “ Purchased Shares ”) at an aggregate purchase price of US$2,869,901.91 in cash (the “ Purchase Price ”).

3.     CLOSINGS; CLOSING DELIVERIES . The consummation of the sale and issuance of the Purchased Shares pursuant to Section  2 of this Agreement (the “ Closing ”) shall take place remotely via the exchange of documents and signatures on the fifth (5 th ) Business Day after the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in Sections  6 and 7 (other than those conditions to be satisfied at the Closing, but subject to the satisfaction or waiver thereof at the Closing) or at such other time and place as the Company and the Purchaser may mutually agree upon in writing (the date on which the Closing occurs, the “ Closing Date ”).

3.1     Deliveries by the Company at the Closing . At the Closing, in addition to any items the delivery of which is made an express condition to the Purchaser’s obligations at the Closing pursuant to Section  6 , the Company shall deliver to the Purchaser (A) a copy of the updated register of members of the Company or an extract of the relevant portion thereof showing the Purchaser as the holder of the Purchased Shares, certified by the registered agent of the Company as a true and complete copy as of the Closing Date, (B) a copy of a share certificate issued in the name of the Purchaser evidencing the ownership by the Purchaser of the Purchased Shares (the original duly executed copy of which shall be delivered to the Purchaser within two (2) Business Days after the Closing) and (C) a certificate of good standing of the Company, dated as of a reasonably recent date, issued by the Registrar of Companies of the Cayman Islands.

 

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3.2     Deliveries by the Purchaser at the Closing . At the Closing, the Purchaser shall, in consideration for the Purchased Shares issued by the Company under Section  2 , pay the Purchase Price in cash by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account designated by the Company in writing at least two (2) Business Days prior to the Closing Date.

4.     REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY

The Company hereby represents and warrants to the Purchaser that the following statements are true and correct as of the date of this Agreement and will be true and correct as of the Closing (except as to any representations and warranties that specifically relate to a specific date, and then as of such specific date).

4.1     Organization, Standing and Qualification .

(a)    The Company is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the Cayman Islands and has all requisite power and authority to perform its obligations under this Agreement.

(b)    The Company is not in, nor is it anticipated to enter into, liquidation, dissolution, bankruptcy, insolvency or winding-up.

4.2     Capitalization . The fully diluted share capital and cap table of the Company immediately prior to and after the Closing (including the amount of share capital, the type and number of the authorized share capital and of the issued and outstanding share capital, par value of each type of shares and list of shareholders) are each set forth in Schedule A attached hereto.

4.3     Due Authorization . All corporate actions on the part of the Company necessary for (i) the authorization, execution and delivery of, and the performance of all of its obligations under, this Agreement, and (ii) the authorization, issuance, reservation for issuance and delivery of all of the Purchased Shares have been taken or will be taken prior to the Closing. The Company has the requisite power, capacity and authority to enter into, execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform all the obligations to be performed by it hereunder. This Agreement has been, or will be on or prior to the Closing Date, duly executed and delivered by the Company and, when executed and delivered, constitutes valid and legally binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, except (i) as limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, and other Laws of general application affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights generally (the “ Bankruptcy and Equity Exception ”), and (ii) as limited by Laws relating to the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief, or other equitable remedies.

4.4     Consents and Approvals . Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, no Approval is required to be obtained or made by or with respect to the Company in connection with the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby by the Company.

 

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4.5     Valid Issuance . The Purchased Shares, when issued, delivered and paid for in accordance with the terms of this Agreement for the consideration expressed herein, will be duly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable, free of any Liens (except for restrictions on transfer under applicable Laws and under the Charter Documents of the Company).

4.6     No Violation . Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement nor the full performance of its obligations by the Company hereunder will (a) violate any applicable Law to which the Company is subject, (b) conflict with, result in a violation or breach of, or constitute a default under, result in the acceleration of or create in any party the right to accelerate, terminate or cancel any Material Contract by which the Company is bound, or (c) violate any Charter Documents of the Company.

4.7     Same Form of Agreement . Each share subscription agreement or similar agreement that the Company signs, is signing and will sign with each purchaser in this round of financing as described in the First Participation Notice issued by the Company on or around September 12, 2016 (the “ Financing Transaction ”) is on the same form and based on the same terms and conditions.

4.8     No Side Letter . There are no agreements, understandings or other arrangements (whether written or oral) being entered into or to be entered into by the Company or any of its Affiliates with any purchaser in respect of the Financing Transaction (the “ Other Agreements ”) other than those that have been furnished or otherwise made available to the Purchaser on or before the date hereof. The copies of the Other Agreements that have been furnished or otherwise made available to the Purchaser are true and correct and are in final form.

5.     REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE PURCHASER

The Purchaser hereby represents and warrants to the Company that the following statements are true and correct as of the date of this Agreement and will be true and correct as of the Closing (except as to any representations and warranties that specifically relate to a specific date, and then as of such specific date).

5.1     Organization; Standing and Qualification .

(a)    The Purchaser (i) is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the place of its incorporation or establishment, and (ii) has all requisite power and authority to own the Purchased Shares.

(b)    The Purchaser is not in, nor is it anticipated to enter into, liquidation, dissolution, bankruptcy, insolvency or winding-up.

5.2     Due Authorization . The Purchaser has the requisite power, authority and capacity to enter into this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder. The execution, delivery and performance by the Purchaser of this Agreement have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of the Purchaser. This Agreement, when executed and delivered by the Purchaser, will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Purchaser, enforceable against the Purchaser in accordance with its terms, except (i) as limited by the Bankruptcy and Equity Exception and (ii) as limited by Laws relating to the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief or other equitable remedies.

 

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5.3     Purchase for Own Account . The Purchased Shares will be acquired for the Purchaser’s own account, not as a nominee or agent and not with a view to or in connection with the sale or distribution of any part thereof.

5.4     Exempt from Registration; Restricted Securities . The Purchaser understands that the Purchased Shares will not be registered under the Securities Act or registered or listed publicly pursuant to any other applicable securities laws and regulations, on the ground that the sale provided for in this Agreement is exempt from registration under the Securities Act or the registration or listing requirements of any other applicable securities laws and regulations. The Purchaser understands that the Purchased Shares are restricted securities within the meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act; that the Purchased Shares are not registered or listed publicly and must be held indefinitely unless they are subsequently registered or listed publicly or an exemption from such registration or listing is available.

5.5     Consents and Approvals . Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, no Approval is required to be obtained or made by or with respect to the Purchaser in connection with the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement, or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, by the Purchaser.

5.6     No Violation . Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement nor the full performance of its obligations by the Purchaser hereunder will (a) violate any applicable Law to which the Purchaser is subject, (b) conflict with, result in a violation or breach of, or constitute a default under, result in the acceleration of or create in any party the right to accelerate, terminate or cancel any material Contract by which the Purchaser is bound, or (c) violate any Charter Document of the Purchaser.

5.7     Sufficient Fund . Immediately prior to the Closing, the Purchaser will possess sufficient and immediately available funds to consummate the transaction contemplated under this Agreement.

6.    CONDITIONS TO PURCHASER’S OBLIGATIONS AT CLOSING

The obligations of the Purchaser to consummate the transactions under Section 2 are subject to the fulfillment, to the satisfaction of the Purchaser on or prior to the Closing, or waiver by the Purchaser, of the following conditions:

6.1     Representations and Warranties True and Correct. The representations and warranties set forth in Section  4 shall be true and correct when made, and shall be true and correct as of the Closing Date with the same force and effect as if they have been made on and as of the Closing.

6.2     Performance of Obligations. The Company shall have performed and complied with all agreements, obligations and conditions contained in this Agreement that are required to be performed or complied with by it on or before the Closing.

6.3     Proceedings and Documents. All corporate and other proceedings in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, including shareholder resolutions and Board resolutions of the Company, and all documents and instruments incident to such transactions shall have been duly completed or obtained and effective as of the Closing.

 

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6.4     Approvals, Consents and Waivers. The Company shall have obtained any and all Approvals and waivers necessary for the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, each of which shall be in full force and effect as of the Closing.

6.5     Closing Certificate . The Company shall deliver to the Purchaser a certificate, dated as of the Closing Date, signed by one of its directors or senior executive officers, certifying that the conditions specified in Sections 6.1 through 6.4 have been fulfilled.

7.     CONDITIONS TO COMPANY S OBLIGATIONS AT THE CLOSING

The obligations of the Company to consummate the transactions under Section  2 are subject to the fulfillment, to the satisfaction of the Company on or prior to the Closing, or waiver by the Company, of the following conditions:

7.1     Representations and Warranties True and Correct . The representations and warranties of the Purchaser contained in Section  5 shall be true and correct when made, and shall be true and correct as of the Closing Date with the same force and effect as if they have been made on and as of the Closing.

7.2     Performance of Obligations . The Purchaser shall have performed and complied with all agreements, obligations and conditions contained in this Agreement that are required to be performed or complied with by it on or before the Closing.

7.3     Proceedings and Documents. All corporate and other proceedings in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and all documents and instruments incident to such transactions shall have been duly completed or obtained and effective as of the Closing.

7.4     Approvals, Consents and Waivers. The Purchaser shall have obtained any and all Approvals and waivers necessary for the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, each of which shall be in full force and effect as of the Closing.

8.     INDEMNITY

8.1     Survival . The representations and warranties of each Party contained in this Agreement shall survive the Closing until the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations under applicable Laws. The covenants and agreements of each Party set forth in this Agreement shall survive the Closing until fully discharged in accordance with their terms, except for those covenants and agreements which shall be complied with or discharged prior to the Closing in accordance with their terms.

 

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8.2     Indemnification . To the fullest extent permitted by Laws, each Party, as applicable (the “ Indemnifying Party ”) shall indemnify and hold harmless each Indemnified Person, from and against any and all Losses, as incurred, insofar as such Losses arise out of or are based upon:

(a)    any inaccuracy in or breach of any representations or warranties made by such Indemnifying Party in this Agreement; or

(b)    the violation or nonperformance, partial or total, of any obligation or covenant of such Indemnifying Party contained in this Agreement.

In no event shall any Indemnifying Party be obligated to indemnify an Indemnified Person for Losses resulting directly and solely from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnified Person.

8.3     Reliance . The Company and the Purchaser agree that (i) the Company has entered into this Agreement and agreed to the issuance and allotment of the Purchased Shares to the Purchaser hereunder in reliance on the representations and warranties, and covenants and agreements, made by the Purchaser in this Agreement; and (ii) the Purchaser has entered into this Agreement and agreed to subscribe for the Purchased Shares in reliance on the representations and warranties, and covenants and agreements, made by the Company in this Agreement.

8.4     Procedure . Each Indemnified Person will notify the Indemnifying Party in writing of any Action against such Indemnified Person in respect of which the Indemnifying Party is or may be obligated to provide indemnification hereunder promptly after the receipt of notice or knowledge of the commencement thereof. The failure of any Indemnified Person to notify the Indemnifying Party shall not relieve the Indemnifying Party from any liability or obligation which it may have to such Indemnified Person under this Section  8.4 or otherwise unless the failure to so notify results in the forfeiture by the Indemnifying Party of substantial rights and defenses and will not in any event relieve the Indemnifying Party from any obligations other than the indemnification provided for herein. The Indemnifying Party will have the right to participate in, and, to the extent the Indemnifying Party so desires, to assume the defense thereof, with counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Person. However, the Indemnified Person will have the right to retain separate counsel and to participate in the defense thereof, with the reasonable documented fees and expenses of such counsel to be paid by the Indemnifying Party if representation of such Indemnified Person by the counsel retained by the Indemnifying Party would be, in the Indemnified Person’s view, inappropriate due to actual or potential differing interests between such Indemnified Person and any other party represented by such counsel in such proceeding. The Indemnifying Party will be responsible for the expenses of such defense even if the Indemnifying Party does not elect to assume such defense. The Indemnifying Party shall not, except with the consent of the Indemnified Person, consent to the entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement which does not include as a term thereof the unconditional release of the Indemnified Person of all liability in respect of such claim or litigation.

8.5     Indemnification Non-Exclusive . The foregoing indemnification provisions are in addition to, and not in derogation of, any contractual, statutory, equitable or common-law remedy any Party or Indemnified Person may otherwise have.

8.6     Limitation on Liabilities . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the total aggregate liability of any Party for any claims under this Section  8 in respect of the representations, warranties, covenants and agreements made by such Party in or pursuant to this Agreement shall not exceed the Purchase Price.

 

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9.    TERMINATION

9.1     Termination . At any time prior to the Closing, this Agreement may be terminated:

(a)    by the mutual written consent of the Parties;

(b)    by either the Purchaser or the Company if the Closing has not been consummated by November 30, 2016;

(c)    by either the Company, on the one hand, or the Purchaser, on the other hand, by written notice to the other if there has been a material misrepresentation or material breach of a covenant or agreement contained in this Agreement on the part of the Purchaser or the Company, as applicable, and such breach, if curable, has not been cured within fourteen (14) days of such notice; or

(d)    by the Company by written notice to the Purchaser if (i) all of the conditions set forth in Section  6 (other than those conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied by action taken at the Closing) have been satisfied, (ii) the Company has irrevocably confirmed by notice to the Purchaser that all conditions set forth in Section  7 (other than those conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied by action taken at the Closing) have been satisfied or that it is willing to waive any unsatisfied conditions in Section  7 and (iii) the Purchaser fails to complete the Closing within ten (10) Business Days after the delivery of such notice.

9.2     Effect of Termination . If this Agreement is terminated in accordance with Section  9.1 , this Agreement shall become void and have no effect, and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be abandoned without further action by the Parties and there shall be no liability on the part of any Party, except that the provisions of Section  1 , Section  8 , this Section  9 and Section  10 shall survive the termination of this Agreement; provided that such termination shall not release any Party from any liability that has already accrued as of the effective date of such termination, and shall not constitute a waiver or release of, or otherwise be deemed to prejudice or adversely affect, any rights, remedies or claims, whether for damages or otherwise, which a Party may have under this Agreement or applicable Laws or which may arise out of or in connection with such termination.

9.3     Fees Following Termination . In the event that:

(a)    (i) this Agreement is terminated by either the Purchaser or the Company pursuant to Section  9.1(b) , (ii) at the time of such termination, any of the conditions set forth in Section  7.3 or 7.4 shall not have been satisfied and such non-satisfaction is not the result of the breach by the Company of any of its representations, warranties, covenants or other agreements hereunder, and (iii) the Company has confirmed in writing to the Purchaser that each of the conditions set forth in Section  6 would be satisfied if the Closing were to occur immediately prior to such termination; or

(b)    this Agreement is terminated by the Company pursuant to Section  9.1(c) or Section  9.1(d) ;

then the Purchaser shall as promptly as practicable, but in no event later than ten (10) Business Days following such termination, pay, or cause to be paid, to the Company a termination fee in an amount in U.S. dollars equal to US$57,398.04 (the “ Purchaser Termination Fee ”).

 

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9.4     Integral Part of the Proposed Transaction . The Purchaser acknowledges that (i) the agreement contained in Section  9.3 is an integral part of the transactions templated by this Agreement, (ii) the damages resulting from termination of this Agreement under circumstances where a Purchaser Termination Fee is payable are uncertain and incapable of accurate calculation and therefore, the amounts payable pursuant to Section  9.3 are not a penalty but rather constitute amounts akin to liquidated damage in a reasonable amount that will compensate the Company for the efforts and resources expended and opportunities foregone while negotiating this Agreement and in reliance on this Agreement and on the expectation of the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and (iii) without Section  9.3 , the Company will not have entered into this Agreement. In the event that the Purchaser fails to promptly pay any amount due under Section  9.3 , the Purchaser shall pay to the Company all reasonable fees, costs and expenses of enforcement (including reasonable attorney’s fees and reasonable expenses incurred in connection with any Action initiated by the Company), together with interest on such amount at the annual rate of five percent (5%) plus the prime lending rate as published in The Wall Street Journal, in effect on the date such payment was required to be made through the date such payment was actually received, or such lesser rate as is the maximum permitted by applicable Law.

10.    MISCELLANEOUS

10.1     Reserved .

10.2     Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed exclusively in accordance with the Laws of Hong Kong without giving effect to any choice of law rule that would cause the application of the Laws of any jurisdiction other than the Laws of Hong Kong to the rights and duties of the Parties hereunder.

10.3     Successors and Assigns . Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, the provisions hereof shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding upon, the successors, assigns, heirs, executors and administrators of the Parties. This Agreement and the rights and obligations therein may not be assigned by any Party without the written consent of the other Parties.

10.4     Entire Agreement . This Agreement, including the schedules and exhibits hereto, which are hereby expressly incorporated herein by this reference, constitute the entire understanding and agreement among the Parties with regard to the subjects hereof and thereof.

10.5     Notices . Any notice, request, instruction or other document to be given hereunder by any Party to the other Party hereto shall be in writing and delivered personally or sent by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid and return receipt requested, or by e-mail or facsimile to the applicable Party at the addresses set forth next to each Party’s name on Schedule B attached hereto, or at such address or to the attention of such other person as the recipient party has specified by prior written notice to the sending party. Any notice, request, instruction or other document given as provided above shall be deemed given to the receiving party upon actual receipt, if delivered personally; seven (7) Business Days after deposit in the mail, if sent by registered or certified mail; upon confirmation of successful transmission, if sent by e-mail or facsimile; or three (3) Business Days after deposit with an overnight courier, if sent by an overnight courier. A Party may change or supplement the addresses given above, or designate additional addresses, for purposes of this Section  10.5 by giving, the other Parties written notice of the new address in the manner set forth above.

 

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10.6     Amendments . Any term of this Agreement may be amended only with the written consents of the Company and the Purchaser.

10.7     Delays or Omissions; Waivers . No delay or omission to exercise any right, power or remedy accruing to any Party, upon any breach or default of any Party under this Agreement, shall impair any such right, power or remedy of such Party nor shall it be construed to be a waiver of any such breach or default, or an acquiescence therein, or of any similar breach of default thereafter occurring; nor shall any waiver of any other breach or default theretofore or thereafter occurring. Any waiver by any Party of any condition or breach of default under this Agreement must be in writing and shall be effective only to the extent specifically set forth in such writing. All remedies, either under this Agreement or by Laws or otherwise afforded to any Party shall be cumulative and not alternative.

10.8     Interpretation; Titles and Subtitles . This Agreement shall be construed according to its fair language. The rule of construction to the effect that ambiguities are to be resolved against the drafting Party shall not be employed in interpreting this Agreement. The titles of the sections and subsections of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and are not to be considered in construing this Agreement. Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, all references to sections and schedules herein are to sections and schedules of this Agreement. Unless a provision hereof expressly provides otherwise: (i) the term “or” is not exclusive; (ii) the terms “herein”, “hereof”, and other similar words refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular section, subsection, paragraph, clause, or other subdivision; (iii) the masculine, feminine, and neuter genders will each be deemed to include the others; and (iv) whenever the words “include,” “includes” or “including” are used in this Agreement, they shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation.”

10.9     Counterparts; Effectiveness . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one instrument. This Agreement shall become effective when each Party shall have signed a counterpart.

10.10     Severability . If any provision of this Agreement is found to be invalid or unenforceable, then such provision shall be construed, to the extent feasible, so as to render the provision enforceable and to provide for the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby on substantially the same terms as originally set forth herein, and if no feasible interpretation would save such provision, it shall be severed from the remainder of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect unless the severed provision is essential to the rights or benefits intended by the Parties. In such event, the Parties shall use reasonable best efforts to negotiate, in good faith, a substitute, valid and enforceable provision or agreement which most nearly affects the Parties’ intent in entering into this Agreement.

 

12


10.11     Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure . Each Party shall keep this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby confidential, and shall not disclose to any third party without the prior written consent of the other Parties, provided, that each Party may make disclosure to its shareholders, directors, officers, Affiliates, advisors and other representatives, on a need to know basis, or other otherwise as required by applicable Law.

10.12     Further Assurances . Each Party shall from time to time and at all times hereafter uses reasonable efforts to make, do, execute, or cause or procure to be made, done and executed such further acts, deeds, conveyances, consents and assurances without further consideration, which may reasonably be required to effect the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

10.13     Dispute Resolution . Any dispute, controversy or claim (each, a “ Dispute ”) arising out of or relating to this Agreement, or the interpretation, breach, termination, validity or invalidity thereof, shall be referred to arbitration upon the demand of either party to the dispute with notice (the “ Arbitration Notice ”) to the other. The Dispute shall be settled by arbitration in Hong Kong by the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (the “ HKIAC ”) in accordance with the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre Administered Arbitration Rules (the “ HKIAC Rules ”) in force at the time when the Arbitration Notice is submitted. The seat of arbitration shall be Hong Kong. There shall be three (3) arbitrators. The complainant and the respondent to such dispute shall each select one arbitrator within thirty (30) days after giving or receiving the demand for arbitration (the “ Selection Period ”). Such arbitrators shall be freely selected, and the parties shall not be limited in their selection to any prescribed list. The chairman of the HKIAC shall select the third arbitrator. If either party to the arbitration fails to appoint an arbitrator with the Selection Period, the relevant appointment shall be made by the chairman of the HKIAC. The arbitral proceedings shall be conducted in English. To the extent that the HKIAC Rules are in conflict with the provisions of this Section  10.13 , including the provisions concerning the appointment of the arbitrators, this Section  10.13 shall prevail. Each party to the arbitration shall cooperate with each other party to the arbitration in making full disclosure of and providing complete access to all information and documents requested by such other party in connection with such arbitral proceedings, subject only to any confidentiality obligations binding on such party. The award of the arbitral tribunal shall be final and binding upon the parties thereto, and the prevailing party may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for enforcement of such award. Any party to the Dispute shall be entitled to seek preliminary injunctive relief, if possible, from any court of competent jurisdiction pending the constitution of the arbitral tribunal. During the course of the arbitral tribunal’s adjudication of the Dispute, this Agreement shall continue to be performed except with respect to the part in dispute and under adjudication.

10.14     Expenses . Each Party shall bear its own costs and expenses in connection with the negotiation, execution and delivery of this Agreement.

— REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK -

 

13


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused their respective duly authorized representatives to execute this Agreement as of the date and year first above written.

 

Purchaser:
Pan Asia Venture Group Limited
By:  

/s/ Tang Liang

Name:   Tang Liang
Title:  

 

[ Signature Page to Share Subscription Agreement ]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused their respective duly authorized representatives to execute this Agreement as of the date and year first above written.

 

Company:

China Music Corporation
By:  

/s/ Tong Tao Sang

Name:  

TONG TAO SANG

Title:  

Chairman

 

[ Signature Page to Share Subscription Agreement ]

Exhibit 10.12

EXECUTION VERSION

SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT

by and among

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP,

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT HONG KONG LIMITED,

SPOTIFY TECHNOLOGY S.A.

and

SPOTIFY AB

DATED AS OF DECEMBER 8, 2017


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          Page  

Article I Definitions

     2  

Article II Issuance and Subscription of Shares

     11  

SECTION 2.01

  

Issuance and Subscription of Acquired TME Shares

     11  

SECTION 2.02

  

Issuance and Subscription of Acquired Spotify Shares

     12  

SECTION 2.03

  

Closing

     12  

SECTION 2.04

  

Closing Deliverables

     12  

SECTION 2.05

  

Issuance of Top-Up TME Shares

     14  

Article III Representations and Warranties of TME

     15  

SECTION 3.01

  

Corporate Organization

     15  

SECTION 3.02

  

Authority

     15  

SECTION 3.03

  

Capitalization

     16  

SECTION 3.04

  

No Governmental Authorization; Non-Contravention

     18  

SECTION 3.05

  

Control Documents

     18  

SECTION 3.06

  

TME Financial Statements

     19  

SECTION 3.07

  

Intellectual Property

     20  

SECTION 3.08

  

Litigation

     22  

SECTION 3.09

  

Real Property

     22  

SECTION 3.10

  

Compliance with Laws and Permits

     22  

SECTION 3.11

  

Tax Representations

     22  

SECTION 3.12

  

Sufficiency of Assets

     23  

SECTION 3.13

  

Employment Matters

     23  

SECTION 3.14

  

Transaction with Affiliates

     23  

SECTION 3.15

  

Anticorruption Compliance

     23  

SECTION 3.16

  

Compliance with Sanctions Laws

     24  

SECTION 3.17

  

Securities Matters

     24  

SECTION 3.18

  

Investment Company

     24  

SECTION 3.19

  

Brokers

     25  

SECTION 3.20

  

Non-Reliance on Estimates

     25  

SECTION 3.21

  

No Other Representations or Warranties

     25  

Article IV Representations and Warranties of Spotify

     25  

SECTION 4.01

  

Corporate Organization

     25  

SECTION 4.02

  

Authority

     26  

SECTION 4.03

  

Capitalization

     26  

SECTION 4.04

  

No Governmental Authorization; Non-Contravention

     28  

SECTION 4.05

  

Spotify Financial Statements

     28  

SECTION 4.06

  

Intellectual Property

     28  

SECTION 4.07

  

Litigation

     30  

SECTION 4.08

  

Real Property

     30  

 

i


SECTION 4.09

  

Compliance with Laws and Permits

     30  

SECTION 4.10

  

Tax Representations

     31  

SECTION 4.11

  

Employment Matters

     31  

SECTION 4.12

  

Sufficiency of Assets

     31  

SECTION 4.13

  

Transaction with Affiliates

     31  

SECTION 4.14

  

Anticorruption Compliance

     32  

SECTION 4.15

  

Compliance with Sanctions Laws

     32  

SECTION 4.16

  

Securities Matters

     33  

SECTION 4.17

  

Investment Company

     33  

SECTION 4.18

  

Brokers

     33  

SECTION 4.19

  

Non-Reliance on Estimates

     33  

SECTION 4.20

  

No Other Representations or Warranties

     33  

Article V Covenants

     34  

SECTION 5.01

  

Conduct of Business of TME Prior to Closing

     34  

SECTION 5.02

  

Conduct of Business of Spotify Prior to Closing

     34  

SECTION 5.03

  

TME Shareholders Meeting

     34  

SECTION 5.04

  

Reasonable Best Efforts

     35  

SECTION 5.05

  

Shareholders Agreement

     35  

SECTION 5.06

  

Confidentiality

     35  

SECTION 5.07

  

Tencent Hong Kong Secondary Purchase

     35  

SECTION 5.08

  

TME Equity Offering and TME Shares Distribution

     36  

Article VI Conditions to Closing

     36  

SECTION 6.01

  

Conditions to Obligations of Each Party

     36  

SECTION 6.02

  

Conditions to Obligations of the TME Parties

     37  

SECTION 6.03

  

Conditions to Obligations of the Spotify Parties

     38  

Article VII Indemnification

     38  

SECTION 7.01

  

Survival

     38  

SECTION 7.02

  

Indemnification

     39  

SECTION 7.03

  

Limitations on Indemnification

     40  

SECTION 7.04

  

Claims Procedure

     41  

SECTION 7.05

  

Satisfaction of Indemnification Obligations

     43  

SECTION 7.06

  

Tax Treatment of Indemnification

     44  

SECTION 7.07

  

Exclusive Remedy

     44  

SECTION 7.08

  

Contingent Liabilities

     45  

SECTION 7.09

  

No Waiver of Contractual Representations and Warranties

     45  

SECTION 7.10

  

No Duplication

     45  

SECTION 7.11

  

No Offset

     45  

Article VIII TERMINATION

     45  

SECTION 8.01

  

Termination

     45  

SECTION 8.02

  

Effect of Termination

     46  

 

ii


Article IX Miscellaneous

     47  

SECTION 9.01

  

Expenses and Taxes

     47  

SECTION 9.02

  

Publicity

     47  

SECTION 9.03

  

Amendment

     47  

SECTION 9.04

  

Notices

     47  

SECTION 9.05

  

Waivers

     48  

SECTION 9.06

  

Successors and Assignment

     48  

SECTION 9.07

  

No Third-Party Beneficiaries

     48  

SECTION 9.08

  

Severability

     49  

SECTION 9.09

  

Entire Understanding

     49  

SECTION 9.10

  

Governing Law

     49  

SECTION 9.11

  

Arbitration

     49  

SECTION 9.12

  

Counterparts

     49  

SECTION 9.13

  

Titles and Subtitles

     50  

SECTION 9.14

  

Specific Performance

     50  

SECTION 9.15

  

Interpretation

     50  

SECTION 9.16

  

Changes in Capital Stock

     51  

 

iii


EXHIBITS

 

EXHIBIT A    Form of Spotify Investor Agreement
EXHIBIT B    Form of TME Investor Agreement
EXHIBIT C    Form of Restated Articles
EXHIBIT D    Form of Shareholders Agreement
EXHIBIT E    Form of Cayman Islands Counsel Legal Opinion
EXHIBIT F    Form of Closing Certificate of TME
EXHIBIT G    Form of Luxembourg Counsel Legal Opinion
EXHIBIT H    Form of Closing Certificate of Spotify

 

iv


Index of Defined Terms

 

2015&2016 TME Financial Statements

     19  

Acquired Spotify Shares

     12  

Acquired TME Shares

     11  

Affiliate

     2  

Agreement

     1  

Anticorruption Laws

     2  

Audited Spotify Financial Statements

     28  

Basket

     39  

beneficial owner

     2  

beneficial ownership

     2  

beneficially own

     2  

Beneficiary Certificates

     3  

Business Day

     3  

Change in Recommendation

     34  

Closing

     12  

Closing Date

     12  

Confidentiality Agreement

     35  

Contract

     3  

Control Document

     18  

Control Documents

     18  

Convertible Notes

     3  

De Minimis Amount

     39  

Direct Claim

     42  

Effect

     8  

Enforceability Limitations

     15  

EUR or €

     3  

Exchange Act

     3  

Expert

     43  

Fully Diluted

     3  

Fundamental Representations

     38  

Governing Documents

     4  

Government Official

     4  

Governmental Body

     5  

Governmental Consent

     17  

ICC

     48  

IFRS

     5  

Indemnified Party

     5  

Indemnifying Party

     5  

Injunction

     36  

Intellectual Property Rights

     5  

Interim TME Financial Statements

     19  

Knowledge of Spotify

     5  

Knowledge of TME

     5  

Law

     5  

Lien

     5  

Losses

     5  

Losses Estimate

     42  

OFAC

     6  

OFAC Sanctioned Person

     6  

OFAC Sanctions

     6  

Open Source Software

     6  

Order

     6  

Ordinary Course of Business

     6  

Other Transaction Agreements

     1  

Participation Rights Issuance

     14  

Parties

     1  

Party

     1  

Per Share Value

     43  

Per TME Share Price

     11  

Permits

     6  

Permitted Lien

     6  

Person or person

     7  

PRC

     7  

Related Party

     7  

Representatives

     7  

Required Shareholder Approval

     7  

Required Shareholders

     8  

Restated Articles

     8  

S InSpotify Indemnified Party

     38  

SAFE

     22  

SDN List

     6  

Secretary

     6  

Securities Act

     8  

Shareholders Agreement

     8  

Significant Subsidiary

     8  

Spotify

     1  

Spotify AB

     1  

Spotify Agent

     31  

Spotify Business

     8  

Spotify Disclosure Letter

     25  

Spotify Financial Statements

     28  

Spotify Group Companies

     8  

Spotify Investor Agreement

     1  

Spotify Material Adverse Effect

     8  

Spotify Parties

     1  

Spotify Securities

     9  

Spotify Shares

     9  

Spotify Shares Issuance

     12  

Spotify Shares Purchase Price

     12  

Spotify Termination Date

     45  

Spotify Top-Up Options

     9  

Subsidiary

     9  

Tax

     9  

Tax Benefit

     40  
 

 

v


Tax Return

     10  

Taxes

     9  

Taxing Authority

     10  

Tencent Hong Kong

     2  

Tencent Hong Kong Secondary Purchase

     2  

Third Party Claim

     41  

TME

     1  

TME Agent

     23  

TME Board Recommendation

     15  

TME Business

     10  

TME Disclosure Letter

     14  

TME Equity Offering

     10  

TME Financial Statements

     19  

TME Group Companies

     10  

TME Hong Kong

     1  

TME Indemnified Party

     39  

TME Investor Agreement

     1  

TME Label Agreements

     10  

TME Material Adverse Effect

     10  

TME Parties

     1  

TME Securities

     10  

TME Shareholders Meeting

     34  

TME Shares

     11  

TME Shares Issuance

     11  

TME Shares Purchase Price

     11  

TME Termination Date

     45  

Top-Up TME Shares

     14  

U.S. Dollars or $

     11  

U.S. GAAP

     11  

U.S. Person

     11  

Unaudited Spotify Financial Statements

     28  

Voting Agreement

     1  

Willful Breach

     11  
 

 

vi


SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT

This SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is made as of December 8, 2017, by and among Tencent Music Entertainment Group, an exempted company with limited liability incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands (“ TME ”), Tencent Music Entertainment Hong Kong Limited, a company incorporated under the laws of Hong Kong and a wholly-owned Subsidiary of TME (“ TME Hong Kong ” and, together with TME, the “ TME Parties ”), Spotify Technology S.A., a public limited company ( soci é t é anonyme ) incorporated under the laws of Luxembourg, having its registered office at 42-44 avenue de la Gare, L-1610 Luxembourg, and registered with the Luxembourg Trade and Companies Register under number B 123 052 (“ Spotify ”), and Spotify AB, a corporation incorporated under the laws of Sweden and a wholly-owned Subsidiary of Spotify (“ Spotify AB ” and, together with Spotify, the “ Spotify Parties ”). Each of the TME Parties and the Spotify Parties is sometimes referred to herein, individually, as a “ Party ” and, collectively with the other Parties, as the “ Parties .”

RECITALS

WHEREAS, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, TME desires to issue to Spotify AB, and Spotify AB desires to subscribe for, the Acquired TME Shares;

WHEREAS, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, Spotify desires to issue to TME Hong Kong, and TME Hong Kong desires to subscribe for, the Acquired Spotify Shares;

WHEREAS, upon consummation of the issuance by TME to Spotify AB of the Acquired TME Shares, the Parties intend to enter into an Investor Agreement in the form attached as Exhibit A hereto (the “ Spotify Investor Agreement ”), which sets out the Parties’ respective rights and obligations with respect to Spotify AB’s investment in TME;

WHEREAS, upon consummation of the issuance by Spotify to TME Hong Kong of the Acquired Spotify Shares, the Parties intend to enter into an Investor Agreement in the form attached as Exhibit B hereto (the “ TME Investor Agreement ”), which sets out the Parties’ respective rights and obligations with respect to TME Hong Kong’s investment in Spotify;

WHEREAS, concurrently with the execution of this Agreement, Spotify has entered into a Voting and Support Agreement, dated as of the date hereof (the “ Voting Agreement ” and, together with the Spotify Investor Agreement and the TME Investor Agreement, the “ Other Transaction Agreements ”), with TME and certain shareholders of TME, pursuant to which, subject to the terms thereof, the shareholders of TME which are parties thereto have agreed, among other things to vote the TME Shares held by them in favor of the approval of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby and the adoption of the Restated Articles and to execute and deliver the Shareholders Agreement;


WHEREAS, in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, TME intends to declare a distribution to its existing shareholders of a total of 255,185,879 TME Shares (the “ TME Shares Distribution ”) and, after giving effect to the waiver by Min River Investment Limited (“ Min River ”) and Spotify AB of their respective rights to participate in the TME Shares Distribution, intends to distribute a total of 88,726,036 TME Shares to the shareholders of TME (other than Min River and Spotify AB) in the TME Shares Distribution (the “ Distribution to Other Shareholders ”);

WHEREAS, following the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, TME Hong Kong will transfer to Image Frame Investment (HK) Limited, a company incorporated under the laws of Hong Kong and a wholly-owned Subsidiary of Tencent Holdings Limited (“ Tencent Hong Kong ”), a certain portion of the Acquired Spotify Shares; and

WHEREAS, in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, Tencent Hong Kong intends to purchase from one or more holders of the Convertible Notes additional Spotify Shares, which will be issued to such holder(s) upon conversion of, or in exchange for, a portion of the Convertible Notes held by such holder(s) (such purchase, the “ Tencent Hong Kong Secondary Purchase ”).

NOW THEREFORE , in consideration of the mutual representations, warranties, agreements and covenants contained herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

Article I

DEFINITIONS

For purposes of this Agreement, capitalized terms used herein but not defined elsewhere in this Agreement shall have the meanings set forth in this Article  I .

Affiliate ” of any Person shall mean, as of any date, any Person that, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with such first Person. For purposes of this Agreement, a Person shall be deemed to “control” another Person if such first Person possesses, directly or indirectly, the power to direct, or cause the direction of, the management and policies of such other Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise. For the avoidance of doubt, for purposes of this Agreement, (i) none of the Spotify Parties or any of their respective Affiliates shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of the TME Parties or any of their respective Affiliates, and (ii) none of the TME Parties or any of their respective Affiliates shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of the Spotify Parties or any of their respective Affiliates.

Anticorruption Laws ” shall mean Laws governing bribery and corruption, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended (15 U.S.C. §§ 78a et seq. (1997 and 2000)), the UK Bribery Act 2010 and the anti-bribery and anticorruption Laws in the PRC (including the Criminal Law and Anti-Unfair Competition Law of the PRC).

beneficial owner ” and words of similar import (including “ beneficially own ” and “ beneficial ownership ”) shall have the meaning assigned to such terms in Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act (or any comparable successor rule thereto).

 

2


Beneficiary Certificates ” shall mean any beneficiary certificates issued or to be issued by Spotify pursuant to the articles of association of Spotify and giving the holder(s) thereof additional voting power (without any economic rights attached thereto) in Spotify.

Business Day ” shall mean any day of the year other than (i) any Saturday or Sunday or (ii) any other day on which banks located in New York City, New York, United States of America, London, United Kingdom, Stockholm, Sweden, Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Hong Kong S.A.R., Shenzhen, PRC or the Cayman Islands are closed for business.

Contract ” shall mean any written or, if binding, oral contract, lease, easement, license, contract, commitment, agreement, arrangement or understanding (other than any Permits).

Convertible Notes ” shall mean the Convertible Senior Notes issued by Spotify on April 1, 2016 with an aggregate original principal amount of US$1 billion.

EUR ” or “ ” shall mean the currency of the European Union.

Exchange Act ” shall mean the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

3


Fully Diluted ” shall mean, with respect to the share capital of TME or Spotify, as applicable, the sum of (i) all shares of capital stock of such Person issued and outstanding as of the Closing, plus (ii) all shares of capital stock of such Person issuable upon exercise of all options, warrants and other rights to purchase or otherwise acquire shares of capital stock of such Person granted, issued and outstanding as of the Closing, plus (iii) all shares of capital stock issuable upon conversion, exchange or exercise of any securities of such Person that are convertible into, exchangeable or exercisable for shares of capital stock of such Person granted, issued and outstanding as of the Closing, and plus (iv) all restricted shares of such Person granted, issued and outstanding as of the Closing; provided , however , that (A) with respect to any convertible debt securities of such Person, the shares of capital stock issuable upon conversion of such securities shall be included in the calculation of the Fully Diluted share capital of such Person if the price per share of capital stock of such Person into which such securities are convertible as of the Closing (regardless of whether such securities are convertible at that time) is greater than or equal to the applicable conversion price of such securities, in which case the number of shares of capital stock to be included in the calculation of the Fully Diluted share capital of such Person in respect of such convertible debt securities will be calculated by dividing the total principal amount (plus any accrued payment-in-kind interest) of such securities by the applicable conversion price and (B) with respect to any options or warrants of such Person, the number of shares of capital stock of such Person to be included in the calculation of the Fully Diluted share capital in respect of such options or warrants shall be the product of (x) a fraction, the numerator of which is the excess (if any) of the price per share of capital stock of such Person as of the Closing over the weighted average exercise price per share of capital stock of such Person as of the Closing for all such options and warrants (regardless of whether such options and/or warrants are exercisable at that time), and the denominator of which is the price per share of capital stock of such Person as of the Closing and (y) the total number of shares of capital stock of such Person issuable upon exercise of all such options and warrants; provided , further , that with respect to Spotify, neither the Spotify Top-Up Options, nor the Convertible Notes (including any accrued payment-in-kind interest), nor any Beneficiary Certificates shall be included for purposes of calculating the Fully Diluted share capital of Spotify. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, solely for the purposes of the calculation of the Fully Diluted share capital of Spotify as of the Closing, the price per share of capital stock of Spotify as of the Closing and the number of Acquired Spotify Shares under this Agreement, the Spotify Shares Purchase Price shall be equal to the TME Shares Purchase Price. For purposes of this definition, (1) the price per share of capital stock of TME as of the Closing shall be equal to the Per TME Share Price and (2) the price per share of capital stock of Spotify as of the Closing shall be calculated by dividing the Spotify Shares Purchase Price by the total number of Acquired Spotify Shares. For illustrative purposes, Article  I of each of the TME Disclosure Letter and the Spotify Disclosure Letter sets forth an agreed sample calculation, as of the dates specified therein, of the Fully Diluted share capital of TME, the number of Acquired TME Shares, the Fully Diluted share capital of Spotify, the number of the Acquired Spotify Shares and the price per share of capital stock of Spotify; provided , that such sample calculation is provided for reference only and shall not constitute any representation, warranty or covenant of any Party (for the avoidance of doubt, such sample calculation in Article I of the respective disclosure letters is intended solely to assist the Parties in calculating any of the foregoing amounts at the time of Closing and shall not be deemed to supplement, modify or supersede any of the provisions of this Agreement, including Article  II ). For purposes of calculating the Fully Diluted share capital of TME under this Agreement (including, as of the dates specified therein, in the sample calculation and as of the Closing), the Parties agree that the total number of shares of capital stock of TME to be included in the calculation of the Fully Diluted share capital of TME with respect to the options referred to as “Ultimate Options” in Article  I of each of the TME Disclosure Letter and the Spotify Disclosure Letter shall be 8,589,474, which number is based on the good faith estimate of TME as of the date hereof; provided , however , that if, as of the Closing, the total number of shares of capital stock of TME issuable upon exercise of such Ultimate Options exceeds 10,736,843, then the total number of shares of capital stock of TME to be included in the calculation of the Fully Diluted share capital of TME with respect to such Ultimate Options shall be determined in accordance with clause (B) of this definition of “Fully Diluted” (it being understood and agreed that (x) the number of shares of capital stock of TME issuable upon exercise of such Ultimate Options as finally determined pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Contracts relating to such Ultimate Options may not be 8,589,474 but will also not exceed 10,736,843, and (y) in the event that the finally determined number of shares of capital stock of TME issuable upon exercise of such Ultimate Options is not 8,589,474, so long as such number does not exceed 10,736,843, neither the number of the Acquired TME Shares nor the number of the Acquired Spotify Shares, in each case, as finally determined as of the Closing Date, shall change, and no Party shall incur any liability under this Agreement, as a result of such difference).

Governing Documents ” of any Person shall mean the memorandum of association, articles of association, articles of organization, business license, certificate of incorporation or formation or organization, bylaws, partnership agreement, limited partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement or other operating agreement, shareholders’ agreement or other similar governing documents of such Person or relating to the shares of capital stock of such Person.

 

4


Government Official ” shall mean any current or former official, officer, employee or representative, or any Person acting in an official capacity for or on behalf, of any Governmental Body or any political party, or any candidate for political office.

Governmental Body ” shall mean any foreign, domestic, multinational, federal, territorial, state or local government or governmental authority, quasi-governmental authority, government owned or government controlled (in whole or in part) enterprise, public international organization (such as the United Nations or the Red Cross), regulatory body, court, tribunal, commission, board, bureau, agency, instrumentality, or any regulatory, administrative or other department, or agency, or any political or other subdivision of any of the foregoing.

IFRS ” shall mean the International Financial Reporting Standards promulgated by the International Accounting Standards Board as in effect from time to time.

Indemnified Party ” shall mean either a Spotify Indemnified Party or a TME Indemnified Party, as the context requires.

Indemnifying Party ” shall mean either TME or Spotify, as the context requires.

Intellectual Property Rights ” shall mean inventions, patents, trade secrets, copyrights (including copyright in software), trademarks, service marks and domain names, in each case, whether registered or unregistered.

Knowledge of Spotify ” shall mean the actual knowledge of Daniel Ek and Barry McCarthy, after due inquiry with the relevant individuals with respect to the matters in question.

Knowledge of TME ” shall mean the actual knowledge of Kar Shun Cussion Pang, James Gordon Mitchell, Min Hu, and Brent Richard Irvin, after due inquiry with the relevant individuals with respect to the matters in question.

Law ” shall mean any law, statute, code, regulation, ordinance or rule, in each case, enacted or promulgated by any Governmental Body, or any Order or other legally enforceable requirement of a Governmental Body, in each case, as amended, restated, supplemented or modified from time to time.

Lien ” shall mean any mortgage, lien, deed of trust, pledge, charge, hypothecation, security interest, easement, encumbrance, encroachment, servitude, option, right of first refusal, right of first offer, adverse ownership claim, restriction on transfer of title or voting or similar restrictions, whether imposed by Contract, Law, equity or otherwise, except for (i) restrictions on transfer generally arising under applicable securities Laws, (ii) with respect to any Lien on the Acquired TME Shares, the Top-Up TME Shares or Acquired Spotify Shares, as applicable, the restrictions set forth in the Spotify Investor Agreement and the TME Investor Agreement, respectively, and (iii) Permitted Liens.

 

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Losses ” shall mean any and all damages, losses, liabilities, obligations, responsibilities, encumbrances, penalties, payments, judgments, awards, settlements, claims, demands, taxes, assessments, fines, interest, costs, fees and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and disbursements and all amounts paid in investigation, preparation, defense, settlement or collection of any of the foregoing); provided , however , that Losses shall not include punitive or exemplary damages or any incidental or consequential damages, lost profits or other similar damages or losses, except to the extent such damages or losses are awarded to or recovered by a third party in connection with a Third Party Claim; provided , further , that Losses shall not be limited to matters asserted by third parties against any Person entitled to be indemnified pursuant to Article  VII , but shall include any and all Losses incurred or suffered by such Person in the absence of a Third Party Claim and shall take into account such Person’s ownership or investment in TME or Spotify, as applicable, including any Loss or diminution in value thereof (it being understood that such Person shall be precluded from seeking to argue that the amount of Losses indemnifiable hereunder shall be subject to the application of a multiple of any relevant financial measure).

OFAC Sanctioned Person ” shall mean any government, country, corporation or other entity, group or individual with whom or which the OFAC Sanctions prohibit a U.S. Person from engaging in transactions, and includes any individual or corporation or other entity that appears on the current OFAC list of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (the “ SDN List ”). For ease of reference, and not by way of limitation, OFAC Sanctioned Persons other than governments and countries can be found on the SDN List on OFAC’s website at www.treas.gov/offices/enforcement/ofac/sdn.

OFAC Sanctions ” shall mean any sanctions program administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury (“ OFAC ”) under authority delegated to the Secretary of the Treasury (the “ Secretary ”) by the President of the United States or provided to the Secretary by statute, and any order or license issued by, or under authority delegated by, the President or provided to the Secretary by statute in connection with a sanctions program thus administered by OFAC. For ease of reference, and not by way of limitation, OFAC Sanctions programs are described on OFAC’s website at www.treas.gov/ofac.

Open Source Software ” shall mean software that is distributed as “free software,” “open source software,” “copy left,” or under substantially similar licensing and distribution terms (including the GNU General Public License (GPL), GNU Lesser General Public License (LGPL), Mozilla Public License (MPL), Common Public License (CPL), BSD Licenses, MIT and Apache Licenses.

Order ” shall mean any award, decision, decree, injunction, judgment, order, ruling, subpoena, or verdict entered, issued, made, entered into or rendered by any Governmental Body.

Ordinary Course of Business ” shall mean the ordinary course of business for a business such as the Spotify Business or the TME Business, as applicable.

Permits ” shall mean licenses, concessions, authorizations, certificates, variances, permits, approvals, franchises, exemptions, clearances, consents, authorizations and other rights issued by any Governmental Body.

 

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Permitted Lien ” shall mean, with respect to any Person, (i) Liens for which (and to the extent) adequate reserves (as determined in accordance with the accounting principles and standards applicable to such Person) have been established on the latest balance sheet of such Person included in the Interim TME Financial Statements or the Unaudited Spotify Financial Statements, as applicable; (ii) Liens imposed by any Governmental Body for taxes not yet due and payable or that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which adequate reserves (as determined in accordance with the accounting principles and standards applicable to such Person) have been established on the latest balance sheet of such Person included in the Interim TME Financial Statements or the Unaudited Spotify Financial Statements, as applicable, (iii) Liens with respect to any leased or owned real property which does not, or will not, individually or in the aggregate, materially interfere with the use or ownership of such real property, (iv) Liens incurred in connection with hedging and similar arrangements in the Ordinary Course of Business, (v) Liens incurred by such Person in connection with pledges or deposits in respect of workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance and other social security legislation in the Ordinary Course of Business of such Person, (vi) deposits by such Person to secure the performance of bids, trade contracts, leases, statutory obligations, surety and appeal bonds, performance bonds and other obligations of a like nature incurred in the Ordinary Course of Business of such Person, (vii) Liens incurred by such Person securing obligations or liabilities of such Person which do not impair the continued use of the assets, rights or properties of such Person and (viii) Liens imposed by, or arising under, the Control Documents.

Person ” or “ person ” shall mean any individual, corporation, business trust, proprietorship, firm, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, limited liability company, trust, association, joint venture, Governmental Body or other entity.

PRC ” shall mean the People’s Republic of China, and for the purposes of this Agreement, excluding the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Macau Special Administrative Region and Taiwan.

Related Party ” shall mean (i) with respect to Spotify, (A) any Affiliate of Spotify (other any Subsidiary of Spotify), (B) any equityholder who holds more than five percent (5%) of the equity interests of, or any officer, employee, manager or director of, any Affiliate of Spotify (other than any Subsidiary of Spotify), (C) any equityholder (other than Spotify or any of its Subsidiaries) who holds more than five percent (5%) of the equity interests in, or any officer, employee, manager or director of, any of the Spotify Group Companies or (D) any immediate family member of any of the foregoing and (ii) with respect to TME, (A) any Affiliate of TME (other any Subsidiary of TME), (B) any equityholder who holds more than five percent (5%) of the equity interests of, or any officer, employee, manager or director of, any Affiliate of TME (other than any Subsidiary of TME), (C) any equityholder (other than TME or any of its Subsidiaries) who holds more than five percent (5%) of the equity interests in, or any officer, employee, manager or director of, any of the TME Group Companies or (D) any immediate family member of any of the foregoing.

Representatives ” shall mean, with respect to any Person, such Person’s directors, managers, officers, employees and advisors (including financial advisors, attorneys, accountants and consultants); provided , however , that for the avoidance of doubt (i) a shareholder, member, partner or other equity holder of such Person or (ii) a music record label or other music rights holder, in each case, shall not be deemed, and shall not constitute, a “Representative” for purposes of this Agreement.

 

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Required Shareholder Approval ” shall mean (i) the approval (by vote or written consent) of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby by the holders of at least sixty-six and seven-tenths percent (66.7%) of the issued and outstanding TME Shares and (ii) the adoption of the Restated Articles by special resolution in accordance with the Governing Documents of TME.

Required Shareholders ” shall mean the holders of at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the issued and outstanding TME Shares (which holders must include Min River).

Restated Articles ” shall mean the Third Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association of TME, substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C , to be adopted by the shareholders of TME on or prior to the Closing Date (it being understood and agreed that the Restated Articles adopted by the shareholders of TME can be different from the form of Exhibit C attached hereto so long as such changes do not adversely affect the rights and obligations of any Spotify Party relative to the Restated Articles in the form of Exhibit C attached hereto or under the Other Transaction Agreements).

Securities Act ” shall mean the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

Shareholders Agreement ” shall mean the Second Amended and Restated Shareholders Agreement, substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit D, to be entered into by TME and the other parties thereto on or prior to the Closing Date (it being understood and agreed that the Shareholders Agreement entered into by TME and the other parties can be different from the form of Exhibit D attached hereto so long as such changes do not adversely affect the rights and obligations of any Spotify Party relative to the Shareholders Agreement in the form of Exhibit D attached hereto or under the Other Transaction Agreements).

Significant Subsidiary ” shall mean, as of the date of determination, (i) with respect to Spotify, any Subsidiary of Spotify whose total consolidated assets or total consolidated revenue as of the latest quarterly or year-end financial statements are greater than ten percent (10%) of the total assets or ten percent (10%) of the total revenue, as applicable, of Spotify and its Subsidiaries, taken together, at such date, determined in accordance with IFRS and (ii) with respect to TME, any Subsidiary of TME whose total consolidated assets or total consolidated revenue as of the latest quarterly or year-end financial statements are greater than ten percent (10%) of the total assets or ten percent (10%) of the total revenue, as applicable, of TME and its Subsidiaries, taken together, at such date, determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

Spotify Business ” shall mean the business of the Spotify Group Companies, as conducted or as proposed to be conducted, in each case, as of the date hereof.

Spotify Group Companies ” shall mean Spotify and its Significant Subsidiaries. Section  1 of the Spotify Disclosure Letter sets forth a complete list of the Spotify Group Companies as of the date of hereof.

 

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Spotify Material Adverse Effect ” shall mean any event, circumstance, occurrence, fact, condition, change, development or effect (each, an “ Effect ”) that, individually or together with any Effect(s), has had or would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the business, assets (including intangible assets), liabilities, financial condition, or results of operations of the Spotify Group Companies, taken as a whole, but excluding any Effect arising from (i) general changes in market or industry conditions or the economic or competitive environment in which any Spotify Group Company operates; provided , that any Effect set forth in clause (i) may be taken into account in determining whether a Spotify Material Adverse Effect has occurred if and to the extent such Effect, individually or in the aggregate, has or would reasonably be expected to have a materially disproportionate impact on the Spotify Group Companies, taken as a whole, relative to the other participants in the industries in which the Spotify Group Companies conduct their businesses, or (ii) the first listing of equity securities of Spotify (or a holding company or any Spotify Group Company) on an internationally recognized stock exchange or similar market place of recognized national standing (excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, private secondary markets or similar).

Spotify Securities ” shall mean shares of capital stock of Spotify, warrants, options, convertible securities, exchangeable securities or similar rights or instruments of Spotify exercisable, exchangeable or convertible into, or requiring the issuance, allotment or delivery of shares of capital stock of Spotify or granting other rights in respect of shares of capital stock of Spotify, including the Spotify Shares.

Spotify Shares ” shall mean the common shares, €0.025 par value per share, of Spotify.

Spotify Top-Up Options ” shall mean options outstanding as of the date hereof to subscribe for additional Spotify Shares granted (i) together with the issuance of Spotify Shares to certain shareholders of Spotify on December 13, 2012, (ii) together with the issuance of Spotify Shares to certain shareholders of Spotify on December 19, 2013 or January 17, 2014, (iii) together with the issuance of Spotify Shares to certain Persons on April 28, 2015, (iv) together with the issuance of Spotify Shares to certain Persons on June 10, 2015, (v) together with the issuance of Spotify Shares to certain Persons on June 24, 2015, (vi) together with the issuance of Spotify Shares to certain Persons on July 15, 2015; and in each case, together with the related offering of Spotify Shares to the current shareholders of Spotify and, in each case, on the terms and conditions set forth in the form option agreements provided to TME prior to the date hereof and the terms set forth on Section  4.03(a) and Section  4.03(e) of the Spotify Disclosure Letter.

Subsidiary ” shall mean, with respect to any Person, any other Person, whether incorporated or unincorporated, (i) of which more than fifty percent (50%) of either the equity interests in, or the voting control of, such other Person is, directly or indirectly through Subsidiaries or otherwise, beneficially owned by such first Person (including through a “variable interest entity” or similar arrangement), (ii) of which such first Person is the general partner or managing member, or (iii) whose financial results are consolidated with the net revenues of such first Person and are recorded on the books of such first Person for financial reporting purposes in accordance with applicable accounting standards.

 

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Tax ” or “ Taxes ” shall mean any tax, customs, levies, duties, charges, governmental fee or other like assessment or charge of any kind whatsoever together with any interest, surcharges, penalty, addition to tax or additional amount imposed by any Taxing Authority responsible for the imposition of any such tax.

Tax Return ” shall mean all returns, declarations, reports, statements, estimates, information statements and other forms and documents (including all schedules, exhibits, and other attachments thereto and amendments thereof) required to be filed with any Taxing Authority in connection with the calculation, determination, assessment or collection of, any Taxes.

Taxing Authority ” shall mean any Governmental Body having jurisdiction over the assessment, determination, collection or other imposition of any Tax.

TME Business ” shall mean the business of the TME Group Companies, as conducted or as proposed to be conducted, in each case, as of the date hereof.

TME Equity Offering ” shall mean the equity financing proposed by TME on or around the date hereof with respect to an issuance of up to 119,394,895 TME Shares by TME (excluding the Acquired TME Shares).

TME Group Companies ” shall mean TME and its Significant Subsidiaries. Section  1 of the TME Disclosure Letter sets forth a complete list of the TME Group Companies as of the date hereof.

TME Label Agreements ” shall mean each of (i) Music Services Cooperation Agreement, dated as of October 18, 2016, by and between TME Hong Kong and Warner Music China (Hong Kong) Limited and (ii) 2016 Term Sheet (Digital Content Collaboration Arrangement – for Mainland China), dated as of September 13, 2016 and as amended on December 5, 2017, by and between Tencent Music Entertainment (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. and Beijing Starbright Technical Services Company Limited.

TME Material Adverse Effect ” shall mean any Effect that, individually or together with any Effect(s), has had or would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the business, assets (including intangible assets), liabilities, financial condition, or results of operations of the TME Group Companies, taken as a whole, but excluding any effect arising from (i) general changes in market or industry conditions or the economic or competitive environment in which any TME Group Company operates; provided , that any Effect set forth in clause (i) may be taken into account in determining whether a TME Material Adverse Effect has occurred if and to the extent such Effect, individually or in the aggregate, has or would reasonably be expected to have a materially disproportionate impact on the TME Group Companies, taken as a whole, relative to the other participants in the industries in which the TME Group Companies conduct their businesses, or (ii) the first listing of equity securities of TME (or a holding company or any TME Group Company) on an internationally recognized stock exchange or similar market place of recognized national standing (excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, private secondary markets or similar).

 

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TME Securities ” shall mean shares of capital stock of TME, warrants, options, convertible securities, exchangeable securities or similar rights or instruments of TME exercisable, exchangeable or convertible into, or requiring the issuance, allotment or delivery of shares of capital stock of TME or granting other rights in respect of shares of capital stock of TME, including the TME Shares.

TME Shares ” shall mean the ordinary shares, $0.000083 par value per share, of TME.

U.S. Dollars ” or “ $ ” shall mean the currency of the United States of America.

U.S. GAAP ” shall mean generally accepted accounting principles in the United States as in effect from time to time, consistently applied.

U.S. Person ” shall mean any U.S. citizen, permanent resident alien, or entity organized under the laws of the United States (including foreign branches), except that with respect to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations, “U.S. Person” shall also mean any corporation or other entity that is owned or controlled by a U.S. citizen, permanent resident alien, or entity organized under the laws of the United States, without regard to where it is organized or doing business.

Willful Breach ” shall mean a material breach of this Agreement which has resulted from either (i) intentional fraud or (ii) a deliberate act or a deliberate failure to act with actual knowledge at the time of such act or failure to act that the act or failure to act constituted, would or would reasonably be expected to result in, a material breach of this Agreement.

Article II

ISSUANCE AND SUBSCRIPTION OF SHARES

SECTION 2.01     Issuance and Subscription of Acquired TME Shares .

(a)    Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, at the Closing, TME shall issue to Spotify AB, and Spotify AB shall subscribe for, a number of duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable TME Shares that represents, as of the Closing, 8.91616% of the Fully Diluted share capital of TME after giving effect to such issuance and assuming the consummation of the issuance pursuant to the TME Equity Offering and the Distribution to Other Shareholders of an aggregate of 208,120,931 TME Shares, free and clear of all Liens and Permitted Liens (the “ Acquired TME Shares ”).

(b)    In consideration for the Acquired TME Shares and any Top-Up TME Shares that may be issued in accordance with Section  2.05 , at the Closing, Spotify AB shall pay, in the manner set forth in Section  2.04(c) , TME an aggregate amount in cash (the “ TME Shares Purchase Price ”) equal to the product of (i) the total number of the Acquired TME Shares and (ii) $4.0363, representing the cash purchase price per Acquired TME Share (the “ Per TME Share Price ”); provided , that in no event shall the TME Shares Purchase Price exceed $1,200,000,000 provided , further , that the TME Shares Purchase Price shall not change regardless of whether any Top-Up TME Shares are issuable or issued in accordance with Section  2.05 .

 

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(c)    The issuance by TME, and the subscription by Spotify AB, of the Acquired TME Shares pursuant to this Section  2.01 shall be referred to herein as the “ TME Shares Issuance .”

SECTION 2.02     Issuance and Subscription of Acquired Spotify Shares .

(a)    Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, at the Closing, Spotify shall issue to TME Hong Kong, and TME Hong Kong shall subscribe for, a number of duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable Spotify Shares that represents, as of the Closing, 4.91706% of the Fully Diluted share capital of Spotify after giving effect to such issuance, free and clear of all Liens and Permitted Liens (the “ Acquired Spotify Shares ”).

(b)    In consideration for the Acquired Spotify Shares, at the Closing, TME Hong Kong shall pay, in the manner set forth in Section  2.04(c) , Spotify an aggregate amount in cash (the “ Spotify Shares Purchase Price ) equal to the TME Shares Purchase Price. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Agreement, in no event shall the purchase price per Acquired Spotify Share implied by the Spotify Shares Purchase Price be less than the par value per Acquired Spotify Share.

(c)    The issuance by Spotify, and the subscription by TME Hong Kong, of the Acquired Spotify Shares pursuant to this Section  2.02 shall be referred to herein as the “ Spotify Shares Issuance .”

SECTION 2.03     Closing The consummation of the TME Shares Issuance and the Spotify Shares Issuance (the “ Closing ”) shall take place on the first Business Day after satisfaction or, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, waiver by the applicable Party of all of the conditions set forth in Article  VI (other than those conditions that, by their nature, are to be satisfied at the Closing) or such other date, time(s) or place(s) as the Parties shall mutually agree in writing or as required by applicable Law. For the avoidance of doubt, the consummation of the TME Shares Issuance and the Spotify Shares Issuance shall be deemed to have occurred simultaneously, and the Closing shall not occur if any Party fails to deliver any of the items, agreements, documents or other instruments required under Section  2.04 , unless waived in writing by the Party entitled to receive such items, agreements, documents or other instruments. The date on which the Closing actually occurs is referred to herein as the “ Closing Date ”.

SECTION 2.04     Closing Deliverables .

(a)    At the Closing, TME shall deliver (or cause to be delivered) to Spotify AB all of the following:

(i)    an excerpt from the register of members of TME, evidencing Spotify AB’s ownership of the Acquired TME Shares, certified by the registered office provider of TME;

(ii)    a written opinion of the Cayman Islands counsel to TME, dated as of the Closing Date and addressed to Spotify AB in the form attached hereto as Exhibit E;

 

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(iii)    a certificate, dated as of the Closing Date, duly executed by a duly authorized representative of TME and addressed to Spotify AB in the form attached hereto as Exhibit F;

(iv)    the TME Investor Agreement, duly executed by TME Hong Kong, TME, Tencent Hong Kong and Tencent;

(v)    the Spotify Investor Agreement, duly executed by TME and Tencent; and

(vi)    such other documents and instruments as the Parties shall deem reasonably necessary to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.

(b)    At the Closing, Spotify shall deliver (or cause to be delivered) to TME Hong Kong all of the following:

(i)    an excerpt from the shareholders’ register of Spotify evidencing the registration of TME Hong Kong’s ownership of the Acquired Spotify Shares, certified by representatives of Arendt & Medernach SA or of LWM S.A., in their respective capacities as counsel to Spotify or registered office provider of Spotify, in each case, in Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg;

(ii)    a written opinion of Luxembourg counsel to Spotify, dated as of the Closing Date and addressed to TME Hong Kong in the form attached hereto as Exhibit G;

(iii)    a certificate, dated as of the Closing Date, duly executed by a duly authorized representative of Spotify and addressed to TME Hong Kong in the form attached hereto as Exhibit H;

(iv)    the TME Investor Agreement, duly executed by Spotify, D.G.E. Investments LTD and Rosello Company Limited;

(v)    the Spotify Investor Agreement, duly executed by Spotify and Spotify AB; and

(vi)    such other documents and instruments as the Parties shall deem reasonably necessary to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.

(c)    The Parties hereby agree that, at the Closing, the TME Shares Purchase Price shall be paid and delivered by Spotify AB to TME, and the Spotify Shares Purchase Price shall be paid and delivered by TME Hong Kong to Spotify, by causing the TME Parties to instruct and direct (and TME Parties hereby so instruct and direct) Spotify AB to pay and deliver an aggregate amount in cash equal to the TME Shares Purchase Price to Spotify by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account designated by Spotify, which payment shall be deemed to have been made:

(i)     first , by Spotify AB to TME in full satisfaction of the TME Shares Purchase Price;

 

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(ii)     secondly , by TME to TME Hong Kong as a capital contribution, a shareholder loan or a combination thereof; and

(iii)     thirdly , by TME Hong Kong to Spotify in full satisfaction of the Spotify Shares Purchase Price.

SECTION 2.05     Issuance of Top-Up TME Shares If following the Closing, as a result of the TME Equity Offering, TME is required, pursuant to the exercise of contractual participation or similar rights (including any “most-favored nation” rights triggered by the TME Equity Offering), in each case, contained in any TME Label Agreement by any party thereto prior to the later of (i) the date that is six (6) months after the Closing Date and (ii) the date that is one month prior to the completion of the first listing of equity securities of TME (or a holding company or any TME Group Company) on an internationally recognized stock exchange or similar market place of recognized national standing (excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, private secondary markets or similar), to issue, and if TME so issues, any TME Shares under any TME Label Agreement (each such issuance, a “ Participation Rights Issuance ”), TME shall substantially concurrently with such Participation Rights Issuance issue to Spotify AB that number of additional TME Shares (the “ Top-Up TME Shares ”) (if any) that, together with the Acquired TME Shares and the aggregate number of Top-Up TME Shares previously issued to Spotify AB pursuant to this Section  2.05 (if any), would represent 8.91616% of the Fully Diluted share capital of TME as of the Closing (after giving effect to such issuance, the issuance(s) of Top-Up TME Shares previously issued to Spotify AB pursuant to this Section  2.05 , the TME Shares Issuance and assuming the consummation of the Participation Rights Issuance and the issuance pursuant to the TME Equity Offering and the Distribution to Other Shareholders of an aggregate of 208,120,931 TME Shares); provided , that TME shall not be required to issue Top-Up TME Shares to the extent the aggregate number of the TME Shares issued pursuant to the TME Equity Offering, the Distribution to Other Shareholders and any Participation Rights Issuances is less than 208,120,931 TME Shares (the “ TME Issuance Cap ”) but shall be required to issue Top-Up TME Shares in respect of any TME Shares issued pursuant to a Participation Rights Issuance if (and solely to the extent that), after giving effect to such Participation Rights Issuance, the total number of TME Shares issued pursuant to the TME Equity Offering, Distribution to Other Shareholders and any Participation Rights Issuances exceeds the TME Issuance Cap; provided , further, that any issuance of TME Shares pursuant to the TME Equity Offering shall not constitute a Participation Right Issuance. Upon the issuance of the Top-Up TME Shares, TME shall deliver to Spotify AB an excerpt from the register of members of TME, evidencing Spotify AB’s ownership of the Top-Up TME Shares, certified by the registered office provider of TME.

 

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Article III

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF TME

Except as set forth in the correspondingly numbered Sections of the TME Disclosure Letter delivered in connection with this Agreement (the “ TME Disclosure Letter ”) ( provided , however , that disclosure of any fact or item in the TME Disclosure Letter shall, should the existence of such fact or item be relevant to any other Section of this Article  III , be deemed disclosed with respect to such other Section of this Article  III , but only to the extent that such relevance is reasonably apparent on the face of such disclosure), TME hereby represents and warrants to the Spotify Parties as follows:

SECTION 3.01     Corporate Organization .

(a)    Each TME Group Company is duly organized, validly existing and, where applicable, in good standing under the Laws of its jurisdiction of organization and has all requisite company power and authority to own, lease, operate or otherwise use its assets, rights and properties and to conduct its business as it is currently conducted.

(b)     Section  3.01(b) of the TME Disclosure Letter sets forth a true, complete and correct list of each Governing Document of TME to which Spotify or Spotify AB will become subject upon the consummation of the TME Shares Issuance. A true, correct and complete copy of each Governing Document set forth in Section  3.01(b) of the TME Disclosure Letter has been made available to the Spotify Parties by TME.

(c)    None of the TME Group Companies has filed (or has had filed against it) any petition for its winding-up, is insolvent under the Laws of its jurisdiction of organization, or has made any assignment in favour of its creditors, nor has any petition for receivership or any administration order been presented in respect of such TME Group Company. None of the TME Group Companies has initiated any proceedings with respect to a compromise or arrangement with its creditors or for its dissolution, liquidation or reorganization or the winding-up or cessation of the business currently conducted. No receiver or administrative receiver or liquidator has been appointed in respect of any TME Group Company or any of its material properties, rights or assets.

SECTION 3.02     Authority . Each of the TME Parties has all requisite power and authority to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and the Other Transaction Agreements, and subject to receipt of the Required Shareholder Approval and the execution and delivery of the Shareholders Agreement by the Required Shareholders, to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Other Transaction Agreements, the performance by each of the TME Parties of its obligations hereunder and thereunder and the consummation by each of the TME Parties of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby have been duly and validly authorized and approved by all necessary corporate and other similar actions on the part of each TME Party (including by the board of directors or similar governing body of such TME Party), and no other corporate or other similar action or proceedings on the part of either TME Party is necessary to authorize and approve the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the Other Transaction Agreements or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, subject to receipt of the Required Shareholder Approval and the execution and delivery of the Shareholders Agreement by the Required Shareholders. This Agreement has been, and the Other Transaction Agreements will be, duly and validly executed and delivered by each TME Party, and when executed and delivered by such TME Party (assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by the other parties hereto or thereto), constitute valid and binding obligations of such TME Party, enforceable against such TME Party in accordance with their respective terms, except as enforcement may be limited by (i) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, reorganization or similar Laws in effect which affect creditors’ rights generally or (ii) principles of equity including legal or equitable limitations on the availability of specific remedies (such limitations in the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii), the “ Enforceability Limitations ”). The board of directors of TME has resolved to recommend the approval of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby and the adoption of the Restated Articles to the shareholders of TME (the “ TME Board Recommendation ”). The Voting Agreement has been executed and delivered by holders (which holders shall include Min River) of at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the issued and outstanding TME Shares as of the date hereof.

 

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SECTION 3.03     Capitalization .

(a)     Section  3.03(a) of the TME Disclosure Letter sets forth, as of the date hereof, the issued share capital of TME, the number of issued and outstanding TME Securities and, on a collective basis for certain categories of holders of TME Securities, the ownership thereof; provided , however , that the representations set forth in this Section  3.03(a) shall not apply to any Contracts between shareholders to which TME is not a party. TME has no class of shares of capital stock authorized other than the TME Shares. The maximum number of shares of capital stock of TME issuable upon the exercise of the options referred to as “Ultimate Options” in Article  I of the TME Disclosure Letter is 10,736,843. The maximum number of TME Shares to be issued pursuant to the TME Equity Offering and the Distribution to Other Shareholders is 208,120,931. In the TME Equity Offering, (i) the price per TME Share offered to any music label right holder, singer or artist will not be lower than US$2.6909 and (ii) the price per TME Share offered to any other investor will not be lower than US$4.0363; provided that the number of TME Shares to be issued in the TME Equity Offering at a price less than $4.0363 will not exceed 50% of the aggregate number of TME Shares issued in the TME Equity Offering. On the date of this Agreement, TME has received from Min River an executed copy of a waiver (the “ Min River Waiver ”) by Min River (a copy of which has been provided to Spotify), effective as of the Closing, of Min River’s right to receive TME Shares in the TME Shares Distribution pursuant to the terms of such waiver.

(b)    The shares of the TME Group Companies other than TME are owned as set forth in Section  3.03(b) of the TME Disclosure Letter. All shares of the TME Group Companies have been duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid and, where applicable, non-assessable.

(c)    The shares of the TME Group Companies (other than TME) are not subject to any Lien, there is no Contract to give or create any Lien in respect of any shares of any TME Group Company (other than TME), and no claim has been made by any Person to hold or be entitled to any Lien in respect of any shares of any TME Group Company (other than TME). The material properties, rights and assets of the TME Group Companies are not subject to any Liens, there is no Contract to give or create any Lien in respect of the material properties, rights and assets of the TME Group Companies, and no claim has been made by any Person (including by any Person entitled to Liens arising by operation of Law) to hold or be entitled to any Lien in respect of the material properties, rights and assets of the TME Group Companies.

 

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(d)    No TME Group Company has any indebtedness, financial liabilities or financial obligations of any nature, except for indebtedness, financial liabilities or financial obligations (i) reflected or reserved in the TME Financial Statements, (ii) incurred after September 30, 2017 in the Ordinary Course of Business, or (iii) that would not constitute a TME Material Adverse Effect.

(e)    Except as disclosed in Section  3.03(e) of the TME Disclosure Letter or as contemplated by the TME Shares Distribution and the waiver as described in Section  3.03(a) , there are no Contracts of any character whatsoever relating to, or securities or rights convertible or exchangeable for, or calling for, the issuance, allotment or delivery of any TME Securities or any securities in any TME Group Company or rights to exercise voting rights or any other similar right, which bind any TME Group Company.

(f)    The Acquired TME Shares will, when issued to Spotify AB at the Closing pursuant to this Agreement, (i) have been duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and, where applicable, non-assessable and (ii) represent 8.91616% of the Fully Diluted share capital of TME as of the Closing after giving effect to the TME Shares Issuance and assuming the consummation of the issuance pursuant to the TME Equity Offering and the Distribution to Other Shareholders of an aggregate of 208,120,931 TME Shares. Upon the entry of Spotify AB as holder of the Acquired TME Shares in TME’s register of members in the manner contemplated by Section  2.04 , Spotify AB will be the legal owner of, and have good, valid and marketable title to, the Acquired TME Shares, free and clear of all Liens and Permitted Liens.

(g)    TME Hong Kong is a wholly owned Subsidiary of TME and no Person other than TME owns any capital stock of TME Hong Kong.

(h)    The Top-Up TME Shares (if any) will, when issued to Spotify AB pursuant to this Agreement, (i) have been duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and, where applicable, non-assessable and (ii) together with the Acquired TME Shares and the aggregate number of Top-Up TME Shares previously issued to Spotify AB pursuant to Section  2.05 (if any), represent 8.91616% of the Fully Diluted share capital of TME as of the Closing (after giving effect to the issuance of Top-Up TME Shares, the Participation Rights Issuance(s), the TME Shares Issuance and assuming the consummation of the issuance pursuant to the TME Equity Offering and the Distribution to Other Shareholders of an aggregate of 208,120,931 TME Shares). Upon the entry of Spotify AB as holder of the Top-Up TME Shares in TME’s register of members in the manner contemplated by Section  2.05 , Spotify AB will be the legal owner of, and have good, valid and marketable title to, the Top-Up TME Shares, free and clear of all Liens and Permitted Liens.

(i)    Except as disclosed in Section  3.03(i) of the TME Disclosure Letter, no anti-dilution right, pre-emptive right, right of participation, right of first refusal, right of first offer or similar right of any Person will become exercisable as a result of (i) the TME Shares Issuance, (ii) the Distribution to Other Shareholders or (iii) the TME Equity Offering.

 

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SECTION 3.04     No Governmental Authorization ; Non-Contravention .

(a)    No consent, permit, approval or authorization or action by or in respect of, or notice, filing or registration with, any Governmental Body (a “ Governmental Consent ”) is or will be required in connection with the execution, delivery and performance by the TME Parties of this Agreement and the Other Transaction Agreements and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, except for such Governmental Consents the failure of which to obtain, make or give does not constitute a TME Material Adverse Effect.

(b)    Assuming receipt of the Required Shareholder Approval and the execution and delivery of the Shareholders Agreement, the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the Other Transaction Agreements by the TME Parties and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby do not and will not (i) conflict with, violate or result in a breach of any provision of the Governing Documents of either TME Party, (ii) violate or constitute a breach of or default (with notice or lapse of time, or both), permit termination, modification or acceleration, or cause the forfeiture of any right, under any provision of any material Contract by which any TME Group Company is bound or to which any TME Group Company is subject, or (iii) conflict with or violate any Law applicable to any TME Group Company, or by which any of its properties, rights or assets are bound or affected, or result in the creation of, or require the creation of, any Lien upon any properties, rights or assets of any TME Group Company, except, in the case of clauses (ii) and (iii), for any such items that would not constitute a TME Material Adverse Effect.

SECTION 3.05     Control Documents .

(a)     Section  3.05(a) of the TME Disclosure Letter sets forth a true, complete and correct list of all Contracts that enable TME to effect control over, and consolidate with its financial statements the financial statements of, all of the Subsidiaries of TME of which TME does not, directly or indirectly, own of record any shares of capital stock, equity interests or partnership interests (each, a “ Control Document ” and collectively, the “ Control Documents ”).

(b)    The execution, delivery and performance by the TME Parties of this Agreement and the Other Transaction Agreements and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby do not and will not conflict with, constitute a default under, or violate, any of the Control Documents.

(c)    Each party to the Control Documents had, when each such Control Document was executed and delivered, all requisite power and authority to execute, deliver and perform each Control Document and to consummate the transactions contemplated thereby. The execution and delivery of each Control Document, the performance of the applicable obligations thereunder and the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby were, prior to the execution and delivery thereof, duly and validly authorized and approved by all necessary corporate and other similar actions on the part of each party to such Control Document, and no other corporate or other similar action or proceedings on the part of any party to such Control Document was necessary to authorize and approve the execution, delivery and performance of such Control Document or the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby. Each Control Document has been duly and validly executed and delivered by such party and constitutes a valid and binding obligation of such party.

 

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(d)    None of the TME Parties has received any written, or to the Knowledge of TME, any oral inquiries, notifications or any other form of official correspondence from any Governmental Body challenging or questioning the legality or enforceability of any of the Control Documents. There are no disputes, disagreements, claims or any proceedings of any nature brought by any Governmental Body or any other Person, pending or, to the Knowledge of TME, threatened against or affecting any of the TME Group Companies that challenge the validity or enforceability of any Control Document

(e)    To the Knowledge of TME, no party to any Control Document has materially breached, or is in material breach of or material default under, any of the terms or provisions of such Control Document. To the Knowledge of TME, none of the parties to any Control Document has sent or received any written communication regarding the termination of, or the intention not to renew, any Control Document, and no such termination or non-renewal has been threatened by any of the parties to such Control Document.

SECTION 3.06     TME Financial Statements .

(a)     Section  3.06(a) of the TME Disclosure Letter includes true, complete and correct copies of the unaudited consolidated balance sheets of TME as of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 and the related statements of comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the years then ended (including the related notes and schedules thereto, the “ 2015&2016 TME Financial Statements ”). The 2015&2016 TME Financial Statements (i) have been prepared in accordance with the books and records of TME and its Subsidiaries, (ii) were prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP consistently applied, except as otherwise set forth in the notes thereto and (iii) fairly present, in all material respects, the financial position of TME and its Subsidiaries as of the respective dates thereof and for the respective periods indicated therein, subject to normal recurring year-end audit adjustments, the effects of which are not, individually or in the aggregate, material.

(b)     Section  3.06(b) of the TME Disclosure Letter includes true, complete and correct copies of the unaudited consolidated balance sheets of TME as of September 30, 2017 and the related statements of operations and cash flows for the nine (9) months ended September 30, 2017 (the “ Interim TME Financial Statements and, together with the 2015&2016 TME Financial Statements, including the related notes and schedules thereto, the “ TME Financial Statements ”). The Interim TME Financial Statements have been prepared in good faith on the basis of the TME Group Companies’ books of accounts without the intention to deceive or mislead.

(c)    TME maintains a system of internal controls over financial reporting accounting controls sufficient, in all material respects, to provide reasonable assurance (i) that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, (ii) that receipts and expenditures of TME are being made in accordance with authorization of management and directors of TME, and (iii) regarding prevention or detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of TME’s assets that could have a material effect on its financial statements.

 

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(d)    There are no liabilities or obligations of any nature (whether known or unknown, accrued or fixed, absolute or contingent, matured or unmatured, determined or determinable, or as guarantor or otherwise) of the TME Group Companies required to be reflected on (or disclosed in the notes to) a balance sheet of TME prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP other than any such liabilities, or obligations which (i) are adequately reflected or reserved against in the TME Financial Statements (or the notes thereto), (ii) have been incurred in the Ordinary Course of Business since September 30, 2017, (iii) have not had, and would not be reasonably expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a TME Material Adverse Effect or (iv) arise out of or in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby (excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, the TME Equity Offering and the Tencent Hong Kong Secondary Purchase).

(e)    Since December 31, 2016, (i) TME Business has been conducted in the Ordinary Course of Business in all material respects, and (ii) there has not been any TME Material Adverse Effect.

SECTION 3.07     Intellectual Property .

(a)    To the Knowledge of TME, the TME Group Companies own or have a valid right to use all Intellectual Property Rights, database rights, and design rights required for the TME Business as currently conducted, except as would not constitute a TME Material Adverse Effect.

(b)    As of the date hereof, (i) all of the registered Intellectual Property Rights owned by the TME Group Companies are in full force and effect and there are no defects in the TME Group Companies’ title to, or right to use, any such registered Intellectual Property Rights and (ii) other than licenses granted by the TME Group Companies, there are no Liens (or obligations to grant Liens) on the Intellectual Property Rights owned by the TME Group Companies, except, in the case of clauses (i) and (ii), as would not constitute a TME Material Adverse Effect.

(c)    Subject to intra-group licenses and except in accordance with the Contracts set forth in Section  3.07(c) of the TME Disclosure Letter or in the Ordinary Course of Business, no TME Group Company has granted any material licenses or assignments under or in respect of any Intellectual Property Rights, database rights, or design rights owned by such TME Group Company.

(d)    To the Knowledge of TME, there is no unauthorized use of any Intellectual Property Rights, database rights, or design rights owned by any TME Group Company that infringes, misappropriates, invalidates or dilutes any right comprised in such Intellectual Property Rights, database rights, or design rights to the extent of having a TME Material Adverse Effect. None of the TME Group Companies has received any written notice of the alleged infringement, misappropriation of or conflict with any Intellectual Property Rights, database rights, design rights or moral rights owned by any third party, except for notices involving matters that, if they were resolved unfavorably to any TME Group Company, would not constitute a TME Material Adverse Effect.

 

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(e)    Each TME Group Company has taken reasonable steps in accordance with industry standard practices to protect the security of its trade secrets and its software, databases, systems, networks, and Internet sites and information stored or contained therein or transmitted thereby from unauthorized or improper access. To the Knowledge of TME, there has been no unauthorized or improper access to or use of the foregoing that constitutes a TME Material Adverse Effect.

(f)    There has been no material interruption that constituted a TME Material Adverse Effect at any time during the twenty-four (24) months prior to the date hereof as a result of any defect relating to any information technology systems or applications (including the technical platform and client software) required for the TME Business as currently conducted.

(g)    To the Knowledge of TME, all of the source code for any proprietary software necessary to operate the material information technology systems and applications that the TME Group Companies have developed (including the technical platform and all of the client software) is in the possession or control of the TME Group Companies. To the Knowledge of TME, there are no material escrow arrangements with respect to such source code other than those that have been made available to the Spotify Parties.

(h)    The TME Group Companies take commercially reasonable efforts designed to ensure that no Open Source Software has been combined with software developed by or for the TME Group Companies (either by employees or independent contractors) and licensed, conveyed or made available by the TME Business in a way that requires that such software be, in a manner that constitutes a TME Material Adverse Effect, (i) disclosed or distributed in source code form, (ii) licensed for the purpose of making derivative works, (iii) redistributable at no charge or (iv) to the Knowledge of TME, otherwise licensed or distributed.

(i)    Except as would not constitute a TME Material Adverse Effect, (i) to the Knowledge of TME, the TME Group Companies have complied with all applicable Laws relating to privacy and data security, and with their published privacy policies in effect at the time, with respect to the collection, use, disclosure and transfer of personally identifiable information, (ii) the TME Group Companies use commercially reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect personally identifiable information against unauthorized access, disclosure, use, modification or other misuse or misappropriation, and (iii) to the Knowledge of TME, there has been no unauthorized or accidental access, acquisition, disclosure, intrusion or breach of security of personally identifiable information maintained by or on behalf of the TME Group Companies that has not been reported to the affected individuals or any Governmental Body if such reporting was required by any applicable Laws relating to privacy or security personally identifiable information, nor are there any currently pending or outstanding complaints, notices to, or claims asserted by any Person (including any Governmental Body) regarding the collection, use, transmission, disclosure or sharing of personally identifiable information by the TME Group Companies.

(j)    This Section  3.07 and Section  3.08 constitute the sole and exclusive representations and warranties of the TME Group Companies with respect to the infringement, violation or misappropriation of or conflict with any third-party Intellectual Property Rights.

 

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SECTION 3.08     Litigation . None of the TME Group Companies is engaged in any ongoing litigation or arbitration proceedings, whether as plaintiffs or defendants, which, if decided against the applicable TME Group Company, would constitute a TME Material Adverse Effect.

SECTION 3.09     Real Property . No TME Group Company has ever owned any real property.

SECTION 3.10     Compliance with Laws and Permits .

(a)    All material Permits necessary to enable the TME Group Companies to conduct the TME Business have been obtained and are valid and subsisting and each TME Group Company has in all material respects complied with all such Permits.

(b)    Each TME Group Company has, to the Knowledge of TME, conducted its business in compliance in all material respects with all applicable Laws.

(c)    Without limiting the generality of Section  3.10(a) and Section  3.10(b) , except as disclosed in Section  3.10(c) of the TME Disclosure Letter, to the Knowledge of TME, each record or beneficial direct or indirect holder of shares of capital stock of TME who is a resident of the PRC, if any, has completed and maintained all required registrations with, and obtained all required approvals from, the applicable Governmental Body of the PRC in connection with his or her ownership or holding of securities of TME, including completing the registration and filing (including any amendment thereto) with the competent State Administration of Foreign Exchange (the “ SAFE ”) pursuant to the Circular of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange on Relevant Issues relating to the Administration of Foreign Exchange concerning Fund Raising Outbound Investment and Round-Trip Investment through Offshore Special Purpose Vehicles by Domestic Residents ( 家外 管理局 于境 居民通 特殊目的公司境外投融 及返程投 管理有 问题 的通知 ( 汇发 [2014]37 )) and its implementing, supplemental or replacement rules issued from time to time by the SAFE and other Governmental Bodies of the PRC.

SECTION 3.11     Tax Representations .

(a)    All material Tax Returns required to be filed by, or on behalf of, any TME Group Company have been filed with the appropriate Taxing Authorities in all jurisdictions in which such Tax Returns are required to be filed, and all such Tax Returns were, at the time of such filing, in material compliance with all applicable Laws.

(b)    To the Knowledge of TME, all Taxes assessed, which have become due and payable by the TME Group Companies, irrespective of the period to which they relate, prior to the date hereof, have been fully and timely paid (subject to any applicable extensions or grace periods) or adequate provisions for such Taxes have been made on the latest balance sheet included in the Interim TME Financial Statements.

 

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(c)    No TME Group Company has received any written notice from any Taxing Authority in a jurisdiction in which such TME Group Company does not file Tax Returns to the effect that it is or may be subject to taxation by, or required to file any Tax Return in, such jurisdiction.

(d)    Each TME Group Company which is required to be registered is registered for the purposes of VAT in each jurisdiction in which it is required to be registered, has complied in all material respects with all legislation concerning VAT and has made and kept up to date records, invoices and other documents appropriate for the purposes of such legislation.

SECTION 3.12     Sufficiency of Assets . The properties, rights and assets (tangible and intangible and including, without limitation, licensed rights) of the TME Group Companies are, and as of the Closing will be, all of the properties, rights and assets (tangible and intangible) necessary and sufficient to conduct and operate the TME Business substantially in the manner conducted as of the date hereof and as it will be conducted as of the Closing Date in all material respects.

SECTION 3.13     Employment Matters . No labor dispute exists or, to the Knowledge of TME, is threatened with respect to any of the employees of the TME Group Companies which would constitute a TME Material Adverse Effect. The TME Group Companies are in compliance, and have complied, with all applicable Laws relating to employment and employment practices, terms and conditions of employment, and collective bargaining, except where the failure to be in compliance does not constitute a TME Material Adverse Effect.

SECTION 3.14     Transaction with Affiliates . There is no Contract other than on arm’s length terms between any of the TME Group Companies, on the one hand, and any Related Party of TME, on the other hand.

SECTION 3.15     Anticorruption Compliance . In the past five (5) years, TME and, to the Knowledge of TME, its controlled Affiliates and their respective directors, managers, officers, employees, agents and all other Persons acting for or on behalf of TME or any of its controlled Affiliates (each, a “ TME Agent ”) have not taken any action in violation of any applicable Anticorruption Laws which would reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to be material to the TME Group Companies, taken as a whole. In the past five (5) years, none of TME or, to the Knowledge of TME, any of its controlled Affiliates, or any of their respective directors, managers, officers, employees, agents or other Persons acting for or on behalf of TME or any of its controlled Affiliates has, directly or indirectly, (i) offered, paid, promised to pay, or authorized the payment of any money, or offered, given, promised to give, or authorized the giving of anything of value, to any Government Official or to any Person under circumstances where TME or any TME Agent knew or had reason to believe that all or a portion of such money or thing of value would be offered, given, or promised, directly or indirectly, to any Government Official, in each case for the purpose of (A) improperly influencing any act or decision of such Government Official in his or her official capacity; (B) improperly inducing such Government Official to perform or omit to perform any activity related to his or her legal duties; (C) securing any improper advantage; or (D) improperly inducing such Government Official to influence or affect any act or decision of any Governmental Body, in each case, in order to assist TME or any TME Agent in obtaining or retaining business for or with, or in directing business to, TME or any other Person; (ii) used any corporate funds or assets for unlawful contributions, gifts, entertainment, expenses or other unlawful conduct relating to political activity; (iii) made, offered, promised, authorized, solicited, or received any bribe, rebate, payoff, influence payment, kickback or other similar payment, whether directly or indirectly, to or from any private commercial entity for the purpose of gaining an improper business advantage in violation of applicable Anticorruption Laws; or (iv) taken any action that would constitute a violation of, or cause TME to be in violation of, or failed to take any action in violation of, any applicable Anticorruption Law. In the past five (5) years, none of TME or, to the Knowledge of TME, any of TME’s controlled Affiliates or any of their respective directors, managers, officers, employees or agents have received any written notices alleging any violation of any applicable Anticorruption Law or conducted any internal investigations with respect to any actual or alleged violation of any applicable Anticorruption Law which would reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to be material to the TME Group Companies, taken as a whole.

 

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SECTION 3.16     Compliance with Sanctions Laws . In the past five (5) years, none of TME or any of TME’s Subsidiaries or, to the Knowledge of TME, any of their respective directors, managers, officers, employees, agents or other third parties acting on behalf of TME or any of TME’s Subsidiaries has taken any action or made any omission in violation of any applicable Law relating to (A) economic sanctions or embargoes, including any applicable OFAC Sanctions or (B) money laundering or (C) terrorism, in each of cases (A) through (C), which action or omission would reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to be material to the TME Group Companies, taken as a whole. None of TME or any of TME’s Subsidiaries is (A) an OFAC Sanctioned Person or (B) a Person that is subject to any sanctions of the European Union, the PRC or the Cayman Islands by Order of Her Majesty in Council. Neither TME nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any notice, and no proceeding or claim is pending or, to the Knowledge of TME, threatened, alleging that TME or any of TME’s Subsidiaries is not, or has not been in the past five (5) years, in compliance with the Laws referred to in the immediately preceding sentence.

SECTION 3.17     Securities Matters . The Acquired Spotify Shares are being acquired by TME Hong Kong for its own account and not with a view to, or for the offer or sale in connection with, any public distribution or sale, within the meaning of the Securities Act, of the Acquired Spotify Shares or any interest therein. TME Hong Kong has sufficient knowledge and experience in financial and business matters to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of its investment in the Acquired Spotify Shares, and TME Hong Kong is capable of bearing the economic risks of such investment, including a complete loss of its investment in the Acquired Spotify Shares. TME acknowledges that the Acquired Spotify Shares have not been registered under the Securities Act or any other applicable securities Laws and understands and agrees that TME Hong Kong may not sell or dispose of any of the Acquired Spotify Shares, except pursuant to a registered offering in compliance with, or in a transaction exempt from, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and any other applicable securities Laws.

SECTION 3.18     Investment Company .    TME is not an “Investment Company” or directly or indirectly controlled by or acting on behalf of any Person which is an “Investment Company” within the meaning of the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

 

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SECTION 3.19     Brokers . Except as set forth on Section  3.19 of the TME Disclosure Letter, no broker, finder or investment banker is entitled to any brokerage, finder’s or other fee or commission in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of any TME Group Company.

SECTION 3.20     Non-Reliance on Estimates . The Spotify Parties have made available to the TME Parties, and may continue to make available, certain estimates, projections and other forecasts for the business of Spotify and certain plan and budget information. Without limiting the representations and warranties set forth in Article  IV in any respect, each TME Party acknowledges and agrees that (i) these estimates, projections, forecasts, plans and budgets and the assumptions on which they are based were prepared for specific purposes and may vary significantly from each other, (ii) there are uncertainties inherent in attempting to make such estimates, projections, forecasts, plans and budgets, (iii) the TME Parties are taking full responsibility for making their own evaluation of the adequacy and accuracy of all estimates, projections, forecasts, plans and budgets so furnished to them (including the reasonableness of the assumptions underlying such estimates, projections, forecasts, plans and budgets), (iv) neither TME Party is relying on any estimates, projections, forecasts, plans or budgets furnished by any Spotify Group Company or its Affiliates and their respective Representatives or the accuracy or completeness thereof, and (v) each TME Party shall not, and shall cause its Affiliates and their respective Representatives not to, hold any such Person liable with respect thereto, except as set forth in this Agreement.

SECTION 3.21     No Other Representations or Warranties . Each TME Party acknowledges that, except for the representations and warranties of Spotify contained in Article  IV , the Spotify Parties are not making and have not made, and no other Person is making or has made on behalf of any Spotify Party, any express or implied representation or warranty in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, and any such other representations and warranties are expressly disclaimed.

Article IV

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SPOTIFY

Except as set forth in the correspondingly numbered Sections of the Spotify Disclosure Letter delivered in connection with this Agreement (the “ Spotify Disclosure Letter ”) ( provided , however , that disclosure of any fact or item in the Spotify Disclosure Letter shall, should the existence of such fact or item be relevant to any other Section of this Article  IV , be deemed disclosed with respect to such other Section of this Article  IV , but only to the extent that such relevance is reasonably apparent on the face of such disclosure), Spotify hereby represents and warrants to the TME Parties as follows:

SECTION 4.01     Corporate Organization .

(a)    Each Spotify Group Company is duly organized, validly existing and, where applicable, in good standing under the Laws of its jurisdiction of organization and has all requisite company power and authority to own, lease, operate or otherwise use its assets, rights and properties and to conduct its business as it is currently conducted.

 

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(b)     Section  4.01(b) of the Spotify Disclosure Letter sets forth a true, complete and correct list of each Governing Document of Spotify to which TME or TME Hong Kong will become subject upon the consummation of the Spotify Shares Issuance. A true, correct and complete copy of each Governing Document set forth in Section  4.01(b) of the TME Disclosure Letter has been made available to the TME Parties by Spotify.

(c)    None of the Spotify Group Companies has filed (or has had filed against it) any petition for its winding-up, is insolvent under the Laws of its jurisdiction of organization, or has made any assignment in favour of its creditors, nor has any petition for receivership or any administration order been presented in respect of such Spotify Group Company. None of the Spotify Group Companies has initiated any proceedings with respect to a compromise or arrangement with its creditors or for its dissolution, liquidation or reorganization or the winding-up or cessation of the business currently conducted. No receiver or administrative receiver or liquidator has been appointed in respect of any Spotify Group Company or any of its material properties, rights or assets.

SECTION 4.02     Authority . Each of the Spotify Parties has all requisite power and authority to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and the Other Transaction Agreements and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Other Transaction Agreements, the performance by each of the Spotify Parties of its obligations hereunder and thereunder and the consummation by each of the Spotify Parties of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby have been duly and validly authorized and approved by all necessary corporate and other similar actions on the part of each Spotify Party (including by the board of directors or similar governing body of such Spotify Party), and no other corporate or other similar action or proceedings on the part of either Spotify Party is necessary to authorize and approve the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the Other Transaction Agreements or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. This Agreement has been, and the Other Transaction Agreements will be, duly and validly executed and delivered by each Spotify Party, and when executed and delivered by such Spotify Party (assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by the other parties hereto or thereto), constitute valid and binding obligations of such Spotify Party, enforceable against such Spotify Party in accordance with their respective terms, except as enforcement may be limited by the Enforceability Limitations.

SECTION 4.03     Capitalization .

(a)     Section  4.03(a) of the Spotify Disclosure Letter sets forth, as of November 13, 2017, the issued share capital of Spotify, the number of issued and outstanding Spotify Securities and, on a collective basis for certain categories of holders of Spotify Securities, the ownership thereof; provided , however , that the representations set forth in this Section  4.03(a) shall not apply to any Contracts between shareholders to which Spotify is not a party. Spotify has no class of shares of capital stock authorized other than the Spotify Shares.

(b)    The shares of the Spotify Group Companies other than Spotify are owned as set forth in Section  4.03(b) of the Spotify Disclosure Letter. All shares of the Spotify Group Companies have been duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid and, where applicable, non-assessable.

 

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(c)    The shares of the Spotify Group Companies (other than Spotify) are not subject to any Lien, there is no Contract to give or create any Lien in respect of any shares of any Spotify Group Company (other than Spotify), and no claim has been made by any Person to hold or be entitled to any Lien in respect of any shares of any Spotify Group Company (other than Spotify). The material properties, rights and assets of the Spotify Group Companies are not subject to any Liens, there is no Contract to give or create any Lien in respect of the material properties, rights and assets of the Spotify Group Companies, and no claim has been made by any Person (including by any Person entitled to Liens arising by operation of Law) to hold or be entitled to any Lien in respect of the material properties, rights and assets the Spotify Group Companies.

(d)    No Spotify Group Company has any indebtedness, financial liabilities or financial obligations of any nature, except for indebtedness, financial liabilities or financial obligations (i) reflected or reserved in the Spotify Financial Statements, or (ii) incurred after September 30, 2017 in the Ordinary Course of Business, or (iii) that would not constitute a Spotify Material Adverse Effect.

(e)    Except as disclosed in Section  4.03(e) of the Spotify Disclosure Letter, there are no Contracts of any character whatsoever relating to, or securities or rights convertible or exchangeable for, or calling for, the issuance, allotment or delivery of any Spotify Securities or any securities in any Spotify Group Company or rights to exercise voting rights or any other similar right, which bind any Spotify Group Company.

(f)    The Acquired Spotify Shares will, when issued to TME Hong Kong at the Closing pursuant to this Agreement, (i) have been duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and, where applicable, non-assessable and (ii) represent 4.91706% of the Fully Diluted share capital of Spotify as of the Closing after giving effect to the issuance of the Acquired Spotify Shares. Upon the entry of TME Hong Kong as holder of the Acquired Spotify Shares in the shareholders’ register of Spotify in the manner contemplated by Section  2.04 , TME Hong Kong will be the legal owner of, and have good, valid and marketable title to, the Acquired Spotify Shares, free and clear of all Liens and Permitted Liens.

(g)    Spotify AB is a wholly owned Subsidiary of Spotify and no Person other than Spotify owns any capital stock of Spotify AB.

(h)    No anti-dilution right, pre-emptive right, right of participation, right of first refusal, right of first offer or similar right of any Person will become exercisable as a result of (i) the Spotify Shares Issuance, (ii) the issuance of Spotify Shares upon the conversion or exchange, as applicable, of the Convertible Notes in connection with the Tencent Hong Kong Secondary Purchase, or (iii) the issuance of a total of 11,786 Spotify Shares in connection with an acquisition identified to TME prior to the date hereof, except, in the case of clause (i), as set forth in Section  4.03(h) of the Spotify Disclosure Letter.

 

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SECTION 4.04     No Governmental Authorization ; Non-Contravention .

(a)    No Governmental Consent is or will be required in connection with the execution, delivery and performance by the Spotify Parties of this Agreement and the Other Transaction Agreements and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, except for such Governmental Consents the failure of which to obtain, make or give does not constitute a Spotify Material Adverse Effect.

(b)    The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the Other Transaction Agreements by the Spotify Parties and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby do not and will not (i) conflict with, violate or result in a breach of any provision of the Governing Documents of either Spotify Party, (ii) violate or constitute a breach of or default (with notice or lapse of time, or both), permit termination, modification or acceleration, or cause the forfeiture of any right, under any provision of any material Contract by which any Spotify Group Company is bound or to which any Spotify Group Company is subject, or (iii) conflict with or violate any Law applicable to any Spotify Group Company, or by which any of its properties, rights or assets are bound or affected, or result in the creation of, or require the creation of, any Lien upon any properties, rights or assets of any Spotify Group Company, except, in the case of clauses (ii) and (iii), for any such items that would not constitute a Spotify Material Adverse Effect.

SECTION 4.05     Spotify Financial Statements .

(a)     Section  4.05(a) of the Spotify Disclosure Letter includes true, complete and correct copies of the audited consolidated statement of financial position of Spotify as of December 31, 2016 and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in equity and cash flow for the year then ended (the “ Audited Spotify Financial Statements ”). The Audited Spotify Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with applicable Laws and applicable IFRS as in effect as of December 31, 2016, and fairly present, in all material respects, the financial position and results of operations of the Spotify Group Companies as of and for the period ending on December 31, 2016.

(b)     Section  4.05(b) of the Spotify Disclosure Letter includes true, complete and correct copies of the unaudited consolidated statement of financial position of Spotify as of September 30, 2017 and the related consolidated statements of operations and cash flow for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 (the “ Unaudited Spotify Financial Statements ” and, together with the Audited Spotify Financial Statements, including the related notes and schedules thereto, the “ Spotify Financial Statements ”). The Unaudited Spotify Financial Statements have been prepared in good faith on the basis of the Spotify Group Companies’ books of accounts without the intention to deceive or mislead.

(c)    Since December 31, 2016, (i) the Spotify Business has been conducted in the Ordinary Course of Business in all material respects, and (ii) there has not been any Spotify Material Adverse Effect.

SECTION 4.06     Intellectual Property .

(a)    To the Knowledge of Spotify, the Spotify Group Companies own or have a valid right to use all Intellectual Property Rights, database rights, and design rights required for the Spotify Business as currently conducted, except as would not constitute a Spotify Material Adverse Effect.

 

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(b)    As of the date hereof, (i) all of the registered Intellectual Property Rights owned by the Spotify Group Companies are in full force and effect and there are no defects in the Spotify Group Companies’ title to, or right to use, any such registered Intellectual Property Rights and (ii) other than licenses granted by the Spotify Group Companies, there are no Liens (or obligations to grant Liens) on the Intellectual Property Rights owned by the Spotify Group Companies, except, in the case of clauses (i) and (ii), as would not constitute a Spotify Material Adverse Effect.

(c)    Subject to intra-group licenses and except in accordance with the Contracts set forth in Section  4.06(c) of the Spotify Disclosure Letter or in the Ordinary Course of Business, no Spotify Group Company has granted any material licenses or assignments under or in respect of any Intellectual Property Rights, database rights, or design rights owned by such Spotify Group Company.

(d)    To the Knowledge of Spotify, there is no unauthorized use of any Intellectual Property Rights, database rights, or design rights owned by any Spotify Group Company that infringes, misappropriates, invalidates or dilutes any right comprised in such Intellectual Property Rights, database rights, or design rights to the extent of having a Spotify Material Adverse Effect. None of the Spotify Group Companies has received any written notice of the alleged infringement, misappropriation of or conflict with any Intellectual Property Rights, database rights, design rights or moral rights owned by any third party, except for notices involving matters that, if they were resolved unfavorably to any Spotify Group Company, would not constitute a Spotify Material Adverse Effect.

(e)    Each Spotify Group Company has taken reasonable steps in accordance with industry standard practices to protect the security of its trade secrets and its software, databases, systems, networks, and Internet sites and information stored or contained therein or transmitted thereby from unauthorized or improper access. To the Knowledge of Spotify, there has been no unauthorized or improper access to or use of the foregoing that constitutes a Spotify Material Adverse Effect.

(f)    There has been no material interruption that constituted a Spotify Material Adverse Effect at any time during the twenty-four (24) months prior to the date hereof as a result of any defect relating to any information technology systems or applications (including the technical platform and client software) required for the Spotify Business as currently conducted.

(g)    To the Knowledge of Spotify, all of the source code for any proprietary software necessary to operate the material information technology systems and applications that the Spotify Group Companies have developed (including the technical platform and all of the client software) is in the possession or control of the Spotify Group Companies. To the Knowledge of Spotify, there are no material escrow arrangements with respect to such source code other than those that have been made available to the TME Parties.

 

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(h)    The Spotify Group Companies take commercially reasonable efforts designed to ensure that no Open Source Software has been combined with software developed by or for the Spotify Group Companies (either by employees or independent contractors) and licensed, conveyed or made available by the Spotify Business in a way that requires that such software be, in a manner that constitutes a Spotify Material Adverse Effect, (i) disclosed or distributed in source code form, (ii) licensed for the purpose of making derivative works, (iii) redistributable at no charge or (iv) to the Knowledge of Spotify, otherwise licensed or distributed.

(i)    Except as would not constitute a Spotify Material Adverse Effect, (i) to the Knowledge of Spotify, the Spotify Group Companies have complied with all applicable Laws relating to privacy and data security, and with their published privacy policies in effect at the time, with respect to the collection, use, disclosure and transfer of personally identifiable information, (ii) the Spotify Group Companies use commercially reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect personally identifiable information against unauthorized access, disclosure, use, modification or other misuse or misappropriation, and (iii) to the Knowledge of Spotify, there has been no unauthorized or accidental access, acquisition, disclosure, intrusion or breach of security of personally identifiable information maintained by or on behalf of the Spotify Group Companies that has not been reported to the affected individuals or any Governmental Body if such reporting was required by any applicable Laws relating to privacy or security personally identifiable information, nor are there any currently pending or outstanding complaints, notices to, or claims asserted by any Person (including any Governmental Body) regarding the collection, use, transmission, disclosure or sharing of personally identifiable information by the Spotify Group Companies.

(j)    This Section  4.06 and Section  4.07 constitute the sole and exclusive representations and warranties of the Spotify Group Companies with respect to the infringement, violation or misappropriation of or conflict with any third-party Intellectual Property Rights.

SECTION 4.07     Litigation . None of the Spotify Group Companies is engaged in any ongoing litigation or arbitration proceedings, whether as plaintiffs or defendants, which, if decided against the applicable Spotify Group Company, would constitute a Spotify Material Adverse Effect.

SECTION 4.08     Real Property . No Spotify Group Company has ever owned any real property.

SECTION 4.09     Compliance with Laws and Permits .

(a)    All material Permits necessary to enable the Spotify Group Companies to conduct the Spotify Business have been obtained and are valid and subsisting and each Spotify Group Company has in all material respects complied with all such Permits.

(b)    Each Spotify Group Company has, to the Knowledge of Spotify, conducted its business in compliance in all material respects with all applicable Laws.

 

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SECTION 4.10     Tax Representations .

(a)    All material Tax Returns required to be filed by, or on behalf of, any Spotify Group Company have been filed with the appropriate Taxing Authorities in all jurisdictions in which such Tax Returns are required to be filed, and all such Tax Returns were, at the time of such filing, in material compliance with all applicable Laws.

(b)    To the Knowledge of Spotify, all Taxes assessed, which have become due and payable by the Spotify Group Companies, irrespective of the period to which they relate, prior to the date hereof, have been fully and timely paid (subject to any applicable extensions or grace periods) or adequate provisions for such Taxes have been made on the balance sheet included in the Unaudited Spotify Financial Statements.

(c)    No Spotify Group Company has received any written notice from any Taxing Authority in a jurisdiction in which such Spotify Group Company does not file Tax Returns to the effect that it is or may be subject to taxation by, or required to file any Tax Return in, such jurisdiction.

(d)    Each Spotify Group Company which is required to be registered is registered for the purposes of VAT in each jurisdiction in which it is required to be registered, has complied in all material respects with all legislation concerning VAT and has made and kept up to date records, invoices and other documents appropriate for the purposes of such legislation.

SECTION 4.11     Employment Matters . No labor dispute exists, or to the Knowledge of Spotify, is threatened with respect to any of the employees of the Spotify Group Companies which would constitute a Spotify Material Adverse Effect. The Spotify Group Companies are in compliance, and have complied, with all applicable Laws relating to employment and employment practices, terms and conditions of employment, and collective bargaining, except where the failure to be in compliance does not constitute a Spotify Material Adverse Effect.

SECTION 4.12     Sufficiency of Assets . The properties, rights and assets (tangible and intangible and including without limitation, licensed rights) of the Spotify Group Companies are, and as of the Closing will be, all of the properties, rights and assets (tangible and intangible) necessary and sufficient to conduct and operate the Spotify Business substantially in the manner conducted as of the date hereof and as it will be conducted as of the Closing Date in all material respects.

SECTION 4.13     Transaction with Affiliates . There is no Contract other than on arm’s length terms between any of the Spotify Group Companies, on the one hand, and any Related Party of Spotify, on the other hand.

 

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SECTION 4.14     Anticorruption Compliance . In the past five (5) years, Spotify and, to the Knowledge of Spotify, its controlled Affiliates and their respective directors, managers, officers, employees, agents and all other Persons acting for or on behalf of Spotify or any of its controlled Affiliates (each, a “ Spotify Agent ”) have not taken any action in violation of any applicable Anticorruption Laws which would reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to be material to the Spotify Group Companies, taken as a whole. In the past five (5) years, none of Spotify or, to the Knowledge of Spotify, any of its controlled Affiliates or any of their respective directors, managers, officers, employees, agents or other Persons acting for or on behalf of Spotify or any of its controlled Affiliates has, directly or indirectly, (i) offered, paid, promised to pay, or authorized the payment of any money, or offered, given, promised to give, or authorized the giving of anything of value, to any Government Official or to any Person under circumstances where Spotify or any Spotify Agent knew or had reason to believe that all or a portion of such money or thing of value would be offered, given, or promised, directly or indirectly, to any Government Official, in each case for the purpose of (A) improperly influencing any act or decision of such Government Official in his or her official capacity; (B) improperly inducing such Government Official to perform or omit to perform any activity related to his or her legal duties; (C) securing any improper advantage; or (D) improperly inducing such Government Official to influence or affect any act or decision of any Governmental Body, in each case, in order to assist Spotify or any Spotify Agent in obtaining or retaining business for or with, or in directing business to, Spotify or any other Person; (ii) used any corporate funds or assets for unlawful contributions, gifts, entertainment, expenses or other unlawful conduct relating to political activity; (iii) made, offered, promised, authorized, solicited, or received any bribe, rebate, payoff, influence payment, kickback or other similar payment, whether directly or indirectly, to or from any private commercial entity for the purpose of gaining an improper business advantage in violation of applicable Anticorruption Laws; or (iv) taken any action that would constitute a violation of, or cause Spotify to be in violation of, or failed to take any action in violation of, any applicable Anticorruption Law. In the past five (5) years, none of Spotify or, to the Knowledge of Spotify, any of Spotify’s controlled Affiliates or any of their respective directors, managers, officers, employees or agents have received any written notices alleging any violation of any applicable Anticorruption Law or conducted any internal investigations with respect to any actual or alleged violation of any applicable Anticorruption Law which would reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to be material to the Spotify Group Companies, taken as a whole.

SECTION 4.15     Compliance with Sanctions Laws . In the past five (5) years, none of Spotify or any of Spotify’s Subsidiaries or, to the Knowledge of Spotify, any of their respective directors, managers, officers, employees, agents or other third parties acting on behalf of Spotify or any of Spotify’s Subsidiaries has taken any action or made any omission in violation of any applicable Law relating to (A) economic sanctions or embargoes, including any applicable OFAC Sanctions or (B) money laundering or (C) terrorism, in each of cases (A) through (C), which action or omission would reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to be material to the Spotify Group Companies, taken as a whole. None of Spotify or any of Spotify’s Subsidiaries is (A) an OFAC Sanctioned Person or (B) a Person that is subject to any sanctions of the European Union, the PRC or the Cayman Islands by Order of Her Majesty in Council. Neither Spotify nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any notice, and no proceeding or claim is pending or, to the Knowledge of Spotify, threatened, alleging that Spotify or any of Spotify’s Subsidiaries is not, or has not been in the past five (5) years, in compliance with the Laws referred to in the immediately preceding sentence.

 

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SECTION 4.16     Securities Matters . The Acquired TME Shares and the Top-Up TME Shares (if any) are being acquired by Spotify AB for its own account and not with a view to, or for the offer or sale in connection with, any public distribution or sale, within the meaning of the Securities Act, of the Acquired TME Shares and the Top-Up TME Shares (if any) or any interest therein. Spotify AB has sufficient knowledge and experience in financial and business matters to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of its investment in the Acquired TME Shares and the Top-Up TME Shares (if any), and Spotify AB is capable of bearing the economic risks of such investment, including a complete loss of its investment in the Acquired TME Shares and the Top-Up TME Shares (if any). Spotify acknowledges that the Acquired TME Shares and the Top-Up TME Shares (if any) have not been registered under the Securities Act or any other applicable securities Laws and understands and agrees that Spotify AB may not sell or dispose of any of the Acquired TME Shares and the Top-Up TME Shares (if any), except pursuant to a registered offering in compliance with, or in a transaction exempt from, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and any other applicable securities Laws.

SECTION 4.17     Investment Company . Spotify is not an “Investment Company” or directly or indirectly controlled by or acting on behalf of any Person which is an “Investment Company” within the meaning of the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

SECTION 4.18     Brokers . Except as set forth on Section  4.18 of the Spotify Disclosure Letter, no broker, finder or investment banker is entitled to any brokerage, finder’s or other fee or commission in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of any Spotify Group Company.

SECTION 4.19     Non-Reliance on Estimates . The TME Parties have made available to the Spotify Parties, and may continue to make available, certain estimates, projections and other forecasts for the business of TME and certain plan and budget information. Without limiting the representations and warranties set forth in Article  III in any respect, each Spotify Party acknowledges and agrees that (i) these estimates, projections, forecasts, plans and budgets and the assumptions on which they are based were prepared for specific purposes and may vary significantly from each other, (ii) there are uncertainties inherent in attempting to make such estimates, projections, forecasts, plans and budgets, (iii) the Spotify Parties are taking full responsibility for making their own evaluation of the adequacy and accuracy of all estimates, projections, forecasts, plans and budgets so furnished to them (including the reasonableness of the assumptions underlying such estimates, projections, forecasts, plans and budgets), (iv) neither Spotify Party is relying on any estimates, projections, forecasts, plans or budgets furnished by any TME Group Company or its Affiliates and their respective Representatives or the accuracy or completeness thereof, and (v) each Spotify Party shall not, and shall cause its Affiliates and their respective Representatives not to, hold any such Person liable with respect thereto, except as set forth in this Agreement.

SECTION 4.20     No Other Representations or Warranties . Each Spotify Party acknowledges that, except for the representations and warranties of TME contained in Article  III , the TME Parties are not making and have not made, and no other Person is making or has made on behalf of any TME Party, any express or implied representation or warranty in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, and any such other representations and warranties are expressly disclaimed.

 

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Article V

COVENANTS

SECTION 5.01     Conduct of Business of TME Prior to Closing . Except as (i) required by applicable Law, (ii) expressly required or permitted by this Agreement, (iii) set forth in Section  5.01 of the TME Disclosure Letter or (iv) otherwise consented to in writing by Spotify, from the date hereof until the earlier of (A) the termination of this Agreement in accordance with its terms and (B) the Closing, TME shall, and shall cause each TME Group Company to, conduct the TME Business in the Ordinary Course of Business in all material respects. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, from the date hereof until the earlier of (x) the termination of this Agreement in accordance with its terms and (y) the Closing, TME shall not offer, sell or issue any TME Securities other than in connection with transactions reallocating TME Shares outstanding between holders of options to purchase TME Shares and holders of TME Shares that do not change the number of TME Shares outstanding as of the date of this Agreement; provided , that such transactions shall not prevent or materially delay the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Other Transaction Agreements; provided , further , that TME shall not effect any such transaction that, at any time prior to the receipt of the Required Shareholder Approval, would result in the shareholders of TME which are parties to the Voting Agreement no longer owning at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the then issued and outstanding TME Shares.

SECTION 5.02     Conduct of Business of Spotify Prior to Closing . Except as (i) required by applicable Law, (ii) expressly required or permitted by this Agreement, (iii) set forth in Section  5.02 of the Spotify Disclosure Letter or (iv) otherwise consented to in writing by TME, from the date hereof until the earlier of (A) the termination of this Agreement in accordance with its terms and (B) the Closing, Spotify shall, and shall cause each Spotify Group Company to, conduct the Spotify Business in the Ordinary Course of Business in all material respects. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, from the date hereof until the earlier of (x) the termination of this Agreement in accordance with its terms and (y) the Closing, Spotify shall not offer, sell or issue any Spotify Securities other than (1) Spotify Shares upon the exercise of options to purchase Spotify Shares that have been granted and are issued and outstanding as of the date hereof and are set forth in item 3 of Annex 4.03(a) of the Spotify Disclosure Letter or (2) in the Ordinary Course of Business; provided, that such offering, sale or issuance of Spotify Securities shall not prevent or materially delay the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Other Transaction Agreements.

SECTION 5.03     TME Shareholders Meeting .

(a)    TME shall, in accordance with its applicable Governing Documents, duly call and give notice of, and convene as promptly as practicable following the date of this Agreement, a meeting of its shareholders for the purpose of obtaining the Required Shareholder Approval (the “ TME Shareholders Meeting ”). TME shall (i) include the TME Board Recommendation in the meeting notice, (ii) recommend at the TME Shareholders Meeting that the shareholders of TME approve this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby and adopt the Restated Articles and (iii) use its reasonable best efforts to obtain and solicit the Required Shareholder Approval.

 

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(b)    Subject to applicable fiduciary duties, the board of directors of TME shall not (i) withdraw, qualify or modify, in any manner adverse to any Spotify Party, the TME Board Recommendation, (ii) authorize, approve, recommend or otherwise declare advisable any proposal or action that could reasonably be expected to interfere, prevent or materially delay the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Other Transaction Agreements, or (iii) fail to include the TME Board Recommendation in the meeting notice for the TME Shareholders Meeting (each of the actions referred to in clauses (i) through (iii) above, a “ Change in Recommendation ”). Notwithstanding any Change in Recommendation, unless this Agreement has been terminated in accordance with its terms, TME shall submit the approval of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby and the adoption of the Restated Articles for a vote by the shareholders of TME at the TME Shareholders Meeting.

SECTION 5.04     Reasonable Best Efforts . During the period from the date of this Agreement until the earlier of (i) the termination of this Agreement in accordance with its terms and (ii) the Closing, each of the TME Parties and the Spotify Parties shall (and each of TME and Spotify shall cause their respective Subsidiaries to) (A) use its reasonable best efforts to do or cause to be done, and to assist and cooperate with the other Parties in doing, all things necessary and reasonably advisable under applicable Laws or otherwise to consummate and make effective (and in any event prior to the Spotify Termination Date) the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Other Transaction Agreements on a timely basis, including using reasonable best efforts to give such notices and obtain all other authorizations, consents, orders and approvals of all Governmental Bodies and other third parties that may become necessary to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Other Transaction Agreements and (B) not take any action that could reasonably be expected to interfere, prevent or materially delay the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Other Transaction Agreements.

SECTION 5.05     Shareholders Agreement . Prior to the Closing, TME shall cause the Shareholders Agreement to be executed and delivered by the Required Shareholders.

SECTION 5.06     Confidentiality . The Parties hereby agree and acknowledge that that certain letter agreement, dated July 17, 2017, by and among Spotify, Spotify AB, TME and Tencent Holdings Limited (as amended on November 9, 2017, the “ Confidentiality Agreement ”) shall hereby be amended to continue in full force and effect until the earlier of the Closing and the termination of this Agreement in accordance with Section  8.01 , at which time (i) if this Agreement shall have been terminated, the Confidentiality Agreement shall continue in full force and effect in accordance with its terms and (ii) if the Closing shall have occurred, the Confidentiality Agreement shall automatically terminate except with respect to the parties’ non-disclosure obligations set forth therein, which shall continue in full force and effect until the second (2 nd ) anniversary of this Agreement.

SECTION 5.07     Tencent Hong Kong Secondary Purchase . As of the date hereof, the board of directors of Spotify shall have approved the amendment or exchange of one or more of the Convertible Notes to permit the conversion of a portion thereof into, or the exchange of a portion thereof for, at least 120,000 Spotify Shares to be issued to the holder(s) of such Convertible Notes for purposes of consummating the Tencent Hong Kong Secondary Purchase. Spotify hereby agrees, subject to, and concurrently with, the consummation of the Tencent Hong Kong Secondary Purchase, to (i) amend one or more of the Convertible Notes to permit the conversion of the applicable portion thereof into, or exchange the applicable portion of the Convertible Notes for, at least 120,000 Spotify Shares to be issued to the holder(s) of such Convertible Notes for purposes of consummating the Tencent Hong Kong Secondary Purchase, (ii) issue the number of Spotify Shares into or for which the applicable portion of the Convertible Notes was converted or exchanged and (iii) update the shareholders’ register of Spotify to reflect the issuance of such Spotify Shares upon such conversion or exchange. Upon the consummation of the Tencent Hong Kong Secondary Purchase, Spotify shall update the shareholders’ register of Spotify to reflect the transfer of the Spotify Shares into or for which the applicable portion of the Convertible Notes was converted or exchanged by the holder of such Convertible Notes to Tencent Hong Kong pursuant to the Tencent Hong Kong Secondary Purchase. Without limiting the foregoing, Spotify shall use its reasonable best efforts to assist and cooperate with Tencent Hong Kong to consummate the Tencent Hong Kong Secondary Purchase.

 

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SECTION 5.08     TME Equity Offering and TME Shares Distribution .

(a)    Spotify AB hereby irrevocably waives, effective as of the Closing and conditioned on the effectiveness of the Min River Waiver, any right that it may have to receive TME Shares pursuant to the TME Shares Distribution (or any other distribution, right, consideration or asset in lieu thereof); provided that such waiver shall be exclusively limited to Spotify AB’s right to receive TME Shares in the TME Shares Distribution and shall in no event apply to any subsequent or other dividends or other distributions declared, paid or made by TME. TME shall not distribute or issue to any shareholder or any other Person in connection with the TME Shares Distribution any of the TME Shares otherwise distributable to (i) Min River in the absence of the Min River Waiver or (ii) Spotify AB in the absence of the waiver set forth in this Section  5.08(a) .

(b)    TME shall consummate the Distribution to Other Shareholders promptly following the Closing.

(c)    Immediately following the Closing, TME Hong Kong shall transfer to Tencent Hong Kong 50% of the Acquired Spotify Shares pursuant to, and TME and TME Hong Kong shall otherwise fully perform their obligations under, the share transfer agreement between TME, TME Hong Kong and Tencent Hong Kong (an executed copy of which has been provided to Spotify). Spotify hereby consents to such transfer and waives any notice requirement, including under Section 2.04 of the TME Investor Agreement, with respect to such transfer. Spotify shall update its shareholders’ register to reflect such transfer upon notice of its consummation.

Article VI

CONDITIONS TO CLOSING

SECTION 6.01     Conditions to Obligations of Each Party . The respective obligations of each Party to consummate the TME Shares Issuance and the Spotify Shares Issuance shall be subject to the satisfaction or waiver (to the extent permitted by applicable Law) by each Party, at or prior to the Closing, of each of the following conditions:

(a)    No Governmental Body shall have enacted, issued, promulgated, enforced or entered any Law which is then in effect (whether temporary, preliminary or permanent) and has the effect of enjoining, restraining, prohibiting or otherwise making the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement illegal (an “ Injunction ”).

 

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(b)    The Required Shareholder Approval shall have been obtained.

(c)    The Restated Articles shall have been duly adopted by TME and shall be in full force and effect as of the Closing.

(d)    The Shareholders Agreement shall have been duly executed and delivered by the Required Shareholders and shall be in full force and effect as of the Closing.

SECTION 6.02     Conditions to Obligations of the TME Parties . The obligations of the TME Parties to consummate the TME Shares Issuance and the Spotify Shares Issuance shall be subject to the satisfaction or, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, waiver by TME, at or prior to the Closing, of each of the following additional conditions:

(a)    (i) The representations and warranties of Spotify contained in Section  4.01 , Section  4.02 , Section  4.03(a) , Section  4.03(f) , Section  4.03(g) , Section  4.05(c) and Section  4.18 shall be true and correct in all respects as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date (except for such representations and warranties set forth therein that expressly speak as of a specified date, in which case such representations and warranties shall be true and correct in all respects as of such specified date), and (ii) the other representations and warranties of Spotify contained in Article  IV (A) that are qualified by materiality, Spotify Material Adverse Effect or similar materiality qualification contained therein shall be true and correct in all respects, and (B) that are not qualified by materiality, Spotify Material Adverse Effect or similar materiality qualification contained therein, shall be true and correct in all material respects, in each case of clauses (A) and (B), as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date (except for such representations and warranties set forth therein that expressly speak as of a specified date, in which case such representations and warranties shall be, in the case of clause (A), true and correct in all respects and, in the case of clause (B), true and correct in all material respects, in each case as of such specified date). TME shall have received a certificate, dated as of the Closing Date, signed by an authorized representative of Spotify to the foregoing effect.

(b)    The Spotify Parties shall have performed and complied in all material respects with all agreements, covenants and obligations contained in this Agreement that are required to be performed or complied with by them at or prior to the Closing. TME shall have received a certificate, dated as of the Closing Date, signed by an authorized representative of Spotify to the foregoing effect.

 

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SECTION 6.03     Conditions to Obligations of the Spotify Parties . The obligations of the Spotify Parties to consummate the TME Shares Issuance and the Spotify Shares Issuance shall be subject to the satisfaction or, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, waiver by Spotify, at or prior to the Closing, of each of the following additional conditions:

(a)    (i) The representations and warranties of TME contained in Section  3.01 , Section  3.02 , Section  3.03(a) , Section  3.03(f) , Section  3.03(g) , Section  3.03(h) , Section  3.06(e) and Section  3.19 shall be true and correct in all respects as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date (except for such representations and warranties set forth therein that expressly speak as of a specified date, in which case such representations and warranties shall be true and correct in all respects as of such specified date), and (ii) the other representations and warranties of TME contained in Article  III (A) that are qualified by materiality, TME Material Adverse Effect or similar materiality qualification contained therein shall be true and correct in all respects, and (B) that are not qualified by materiality, TME Material Adverse Effect or similar materiality qualification contained therein shall be true and correct in all material respects, in each case of clauses (A) and (B), as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date (except for such representations and warranties set forth therein that expressly speak as of a specified date, in which case such representations and warranties shall be, in the case of clause (A), true and correct in all respects and, in the case of clause (B), true and correct in all material respects, in each case as of such specified date). Spotify shall have received a certificate, dated as of the Closing Date, signed by an authorized representative of TME to the foregoing effect.

(b)    The TME Parties shall have performed and complied in all material respects with all agreements, covenants and obligations contained in this Agreement that are required to be performed or complied with by them at or prior to the Closing. Spotify shall have received a certificate, dated as of the Closing Date, signed by an authorized representative of TME to the foregoing effect.

Article VII

INDEMNIFICATION

SECTION 7.01     Survival .

(a)    The representations and warranties set forth in Article  III and in Article  IV shall survive the Closing for a period of eighteen (18) months following the Closing; provided , however , that the representations and warranties set forth in Section  3.01 ( Corporate Organization ), Section  3.02 ( Authority ), Section  3.03(a) ( Capitalization ), Section  3.03(f) ( Title to Acquired TME Shares ), Section  3.03(h) ( Title to Top-Up TME Shares ), Section  4.01 ( Corporate Organization ), Section  4.02 ( Authority ), Section  4.03(a) ( Capitalization ) and Section  4.03(f) ( Title to Acquired Spotify Shares ) (collectively, the “ Fundamental Representations ”) shall each survive indefinitely.

(b)    All covenants and agreements of the Parties made in this Agreement which by their terms are required to be performed, in whole or in part, by such Person following the date of this Agreement shall each survive in accordance with their respective terms, and any claims for indemnification in respect of any breach of such covenants or agreements shall each survive the date of this Agreement until the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations (as that may have been extended).

 

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(c)    The Parties agree that (i) in this Article  VII they intend to shorten, in the case of the limited survival periods specified in this Section  7.01 , the applicable statute of limitations period with respect to certain claims, (ii) notices for claims in respect of a breach of a representation, warranty, covenant or agreement must be delivered prior to the expiration of the applicable survival period specified in this Section  7.01 for such representation, warranty, covenant or agreement and (iii) any claims for indemnification for which notice is not timely made for purposes of this Article  VII shall be expressly barred and are hereby waived; provided that, if any claim for indemnification asserted within any such survival period as herein provided shall have been timely made for purposes of this Article  VII , the representation, warranty, covenant or agreement that is the subject of such claim, to the extent of such claim only, shall survive until such claim has been fully and finally resolved in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

SECTION 7.02     Indemnification .

(a)    Subject to the provisions of this Article  VII , from and after the Closing TME shall, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Spotify Parties, their respective Affiliates and their and their respective Affiliates’ respective officers, directors, equity holders, employees, agents, attorneys and other representatives and their respective successors and permitted assigns (each, an “ Spotify Indemnified Party ”) from and against, and reimburse each Spotify Indemnified Party for, any and all Losses actually incurred or suffered by any Spotify Indemnified Party to the extent arising out of any of the following, without duplication:

(i)    any breach of any representation or warranty made by TME in this Agreement or in any certificate delivered by TME pursuant to Section  6.03(a) ; and

(ii)    any breach of, or failure by, the TME Parties to perform, any of their respective covenants, agreements or obligations set forth in this Agreement.

(b)    Subject to the provisions of this Article  VII , from and after the Closing Spotify shall, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, indemnify, defend and hold harmless the TME Parties, their respective Affiliates and their and their respective Affiliates’ respective officers, directors, equity holders, employees, agents, attorneys and other representatives and their respective successors and permitted assigns (each, an “ TME Indemnified Party ”) from and against, and reimburse each TME Indemnified Party for, any and all Losses actually incurred or suffered by any TME Indemnified Party to the extent arising out of any of the following, without duplication:

(i)    any breach of any representation or warranty made by Spotify in this Agreement or in any certificate delivered by Spotify pursuant Section  6.02(a) ; and

(ii)    any breach of, or failure by, the Spotify Parties to perform, any of their respective covenants, agreements or obligations set forth in this Agreement.

 

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SECTION 7.03     Limitations on Indemnification .

(a)    No individual claim (or series of related claims arising from substantially the same underlying facts, events or circumstances) pursuant to Section  7.02(a)(i) or Section  7.02(b)(i) by a Spotify Indemnified Party or TME Indemnified Party, as applicable, may be asserted (and no Spotify Indemnified Party or TME Indemnified Party shall be entitled to indemnification with respect to any such claim (or series of related claims arising from substantially the same underlying facts, events or circumstances)) unless the aggregate amount of Losses that would be payable with respect to such claim (or series of related claims arising from substantially the same underlying facts, events or circumstances) exceeds an amount equal to $500,000 (the “ De Minimis Amount ”), and any such individual claim (or series of related claims arising from substantially the same underlying facts, events or circumstances) for amounts less than the De Minimis Amount shall not be applied to or considered for purposes of determining whether the Basket has been satisfied or whether any of the caps set forth in this Section  7.03 have been satisfied.

(b)    Except in the case of a breach of any Fundamental Representation, no Indemnifying Party shall have any liability or obligation to any Spotify Indemnified Party or TME Indemnified Party, as applicable, under Section  7.02(a)(i) or Section  7.02(b)(i) unless and until the aggregate Losses incurred by all Spotify Indemnified Parties or TME Indemnified Parties, as applicable, thereunder exceed $12,000,000 (the “ Basket ”), in which case, any Indemnified Party shall be entitled to make a claim against the Indemnifying Party for any Losses from dollar one (but, for the avoidance of doubt, excluding any claims or series of related claims arising from substantially the same underlying facts, events or circumstances that do not exceed the De Minimis Amount).

(c)    The maximum aggregate liability of (i) TME to any Spotify Indemnified Party under Section  7.02(a)(i) (other than for breaches of the Fundamental Representations) and (ii) Spotify to any TME Indemnified Party under Section  7.02(b)(i) (other than for any breaches of the Fundamental Representations), in each case, shall be an amount equal to $500,000,000.

(d)    Without limiting Section  7.03(c) , the maximum aggregate liability of (i) TME to any Spotify Indemnified Party under Section  7.02(a) and (ii) Spotify to any TME Indemnified Party under Section  7.02(b) , in each case, shall be an amount equal to the TME Shares Purchase Price.

(e)    For purposes of applying the indemnification remedies provided in this Article  VII , when calculating the amount of any Losses relating thereto, in each case, the representations and warranties made by the Indemnifying Party in this Agreement shall be considered and applied without regard to any reference as to materiality, TME Material Adverse Effect, Spotify Material Adverse Effect or similar materiality qualifications set forth therein.

(f)    The amount for which any Indemnifying Party shall be liable with respect to any Loss incurred by any Indemnified Party shall be reduced (i) to the extent that such Indemnified Party shall theretofore have actually realized any proceeds (net of any costs or expenses expended by such Indemnified Party in seeking such proceeds, including the present value of any increases in insurance premiums) recovered from third parties (including insurers) with respect to such Loss or any of the events, conditions, facts or circumstances resulting in such Loss and (ii) by the amount of any net Tax Benefit realized by such Indemnified Party ( provided , however , that such Tax Benefit is actually recognized in the tax year prior to or in which the Loss is incurred). If an Indemnified Party shall have received or shall have had paid on its behalf an indemnity payment with respect to a Loss pursuant to this Article  VII and shall subsequently receive, directly or indirectly, such proceeds, then such Indemnified Party shall promptly (and in any event within five (5) Business Days after receipt of such proceeds) pay to the Indemnifying Party the net amount of such proceeds or, if less, the amount of the indemnity payment that such Indemnified Party received or has had paid on its behalf pursuant to this Article  VII . The Indemnified Party shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to recover under insurance policies or indemnity, contribution or other similar agreements other than this Agreement for any Losses to the same extent such Party would if such Losses were not subject to indemnification, compensation or reimbursement hereunder.

 

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(g)    An Indemnified Party shall be deemed to recognize a “ Tax Benefit ” with respect to a taxable year only if, and to the extent that, such Indemnified Party’s liability for income taxes in such taxable year, calculated by excluding any tax deductions or tax credits attributable to the Loss with respect to which it has been indemnified, exceeds the Indemnified Party’s actual liability for income taxes in such taxable year.

(h)    For purposes of applying the indemnification remedies provided in this Article  VII , a breach of any representation or warranty made by TME or Spotify shall not give rise to any indemnification claim hereunder to the extent, in the case of a breach of a representation or warranty made on the date of this Agreement, such breach results solely from the enactment of any Tax Law with retroactive effect after the date hereof and, in the case of a breach of a representation or warranty made as of the Closing Date, such breach results solely from the enactment of any Tax Law with retroactive effect after the Closing Date.

SECTION 7.04     Claims Procedure .

(a)     Notification by the Indemnified Party . If any Indemnified Party becomes aware of any fact, matter or circumstance that may give rise to a claim for indemnification under this Article  VII , the Indemnified Party shall (at its own expense) as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter notify the Indemnifying Party in writing of any claim in respect of which indemnity may be sought under this Article  VII , including any pending or threatened claim or demand by a third party that the Indemnified Party has determined has given or could reasonably give rise to a right of indemnification under this Agreement (each, a “ Third Party Claim ”), setting out in reasonable detail the provisions under this Agreement on which such claim is based, the basis thereof (including, where the claim is the result of a Third Party Claim, reasonably available evidence of the Third Party Claim) and setting out in reasonable detail its estimate of the amount of Losses to the extent known and quantifiable which are, or are to be, the subject of the claim; provided , that the failure to provide such notice shall not release the Indemnifying Party from any of its obligations under this Article  VII except to the extent that the Indemnifying Party is actually prejudiced by such failure.

(b)     Cooperation by the Indemnified Party . The Indemnified Party shall reasonably cooperate with and assist the Indemnifying Party in determining the validity of any claim for indemnity by the Indemnified Party and in defending against a Third Party Claim, if the Indemnifying Party elects to assume the defense pursuant to Section  7.04(c) , at the Indemnifying Party’s expense.

 

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(c)     Assumption of Defense of a Third Party Claim . Upon receipt of a written notice of a claim for indemnity from an Indemnified Party pursuant to Section  7.04(a) in respect of a Third Party Claim, the Indemnifying Party may, by notice to the Indemnified Party delivered within fifteen (15) Business Days of the receipt of such notice of such Third Party Claim (or such lesser number of days set forth in such notice as may be required by court proceedings in the event of a litigated matter), assume the defense and control of any Third Party Claim, with its own counsel (reasonably acceptable to the Indemnified Party) and at its own expense, but shall allow the Indemnified Party a reasonable opportunity to participate in the defense of such Third Party Claim with its own counsel and at its own expense; provided , that notwithstanding the foregoing, the Indemnified Party shall be entitled to retain or assume, as applicable, the defense and control of any Third Party Claim and hire its own counsel (and the reasonable fees and expenses of such counsel shall be borne by the Indemnifying Party) if (i) after assuming the defense and control of such Third Party Claim, the Indemnifying Party fails to actively and diligently pursue such Third Party Claim (after the Indemnified Party has notified the Indemnifying Party of such failure and the Indemnifying Party does not cure such failure within twenty (20) Business Days following receipt of such notice) or the Indemnifying Party withdraws from such defense or (ii) such Third Party Claim does not involve only monetary damages, is a criminal or quasi-criminal action or seeks any material injunction or other material equitable relief against any Indemnified Party; provided , further , that if the Indemnifying Party and the Indemnified Party are both named parties to the proceedings and, in the reasonable judgment of counsel to the Indemnified Party, the representation of both parties by the same counsel would be inappropriate due to actual or potential differing interests between them, then the Indemnified Party shall be entitled to participate in the defense with one separate counsel (and one additional separate local counsel in each applicable jurisdiction) at the expense of the Indemnifying Party. The Indemnifying Party shall not, without the prior written consent of the Indemnified Party consent to a settlement, compromise or discharge of, or the entry of any judgment arising from, any Third Party Claim, unless such settlement, compromise, discharge or entry of any judgment only involves the payment of monetary damages and does not involve any finding or admission of any violation of Law or admission of any wrongdoing by the Indemnified Party and does not involve injunctive or other equitable relief, and the Indemnifying Party shall obtain, as a condition of any settlement, compromise, discharge, entry of judgment (if applicable), or other resolution, a complete and unconditional release of each Indemnified Party from any and all liabilities in respect of such Third Party Claim.

(d)    The Indemnified Party shall not settle, compromise or consent to the entry of any judgment with respect to any claim or demand for which it is seeking indemnification from the Indemnifying Party hereunder or admit to any liability with respect to such claim or demand without the prior written consent of the Indemnifying Party (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed).

 

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(e)     Direct Claims . Any action by an Indemnified Party on account of any Losses which do not result from a Third Party Claim (a “ Direct Claim ”) shall be asserted by the Indemnified Party giving the Indemnifying Party reasonably prompt written notice thereof, but in any event not later than sixty (60) days after the Indemnified Party becomes aware of such Direct Claim; provided that the failure to provide such notice shall not release the Indemnifying Party from any of its obligations under this Article  VII except to the extent that the Indemnifying Party is actually prejudiced by such failure. Such notice by the Indemnified Party shall describe the Direct Claim in reasonable detail, the basis thereof and set forth the estimated amount, if reasonably obtainable and quantifiable, of the Losses that have been or may be suffered by the Indemnified Party (the “ Losses Estimate ”). The Indemnifying Party shall have thirty (30) days after the receipt of such notice to respond in writing to such Direct Claim. If the Indemnifying Party does not so respond within such thirty (30) day period, the Indemnifying Party shall be deemed to have accepted such claim, in which case the Indemnifying Party shall be obligated to pay the Indemnified Party for such Direct Claim. If the Indemnifying Party contests the payment of the Losses Estimate, then the Indemnifying Party and the Indemnified Party shall use good faith efforts to arrive at a mutually acceptable resolution of such dispute within the next thirty (30) days. If a mutually acceptable resolution cannot be reached between the Indemnifying Party and the Indemnified Party within such 30-day period, then the applicable Person shall thereupon be entitled to pursue such remedies as may be available to it under this Agreement. Upon a reasonable request by the Indemnifying Party, each Indemnified Party seeking indemnification hereunder in respect of any Direct Claim hereby agrees to consult with the Indemnifying Party and use commercially reasonable efforts to take actions reasonably requested by the Indemnifying Party in order to attempt to reduce the amount of Losses in respect of such Direct Claim; provided , that any costs, expenses or fees incurred in connection therewith shall be deemed to be Losses.

SECTION 7.05     Satisfaction of Indemnification Obligations .

(a)    Upon the final determination of the Indemnifying Party’s obligation to indemnify any Indemnified Party for any Losses pursuant to this Article  VII , the Indemnifying Party shall be required, at the sole and exclusive election of Spotify (if TME is the Indemnifying Party) or TME (if Spotify is the Indemnifying Party), to either (i) make a cash payment to the Indemnified Party (or another Person designated by Spotify or TME, as applicable, in its sole and absolute discretion) by wire transfer of immediately available funds or (ii)(A) if TME is the Indemnifying Party, cause TME Hong Kong to sell, transfer, assign, convey and deliver to Spotify (or another Person designated by Spotify in its sole and absolute discretion) all or a portion of any Spotify Securities owned beneficially or of record by the Indemnifying Party or its controlled Affiliates in exchange and as consideration for the satisfaction of TME’s indemnification obligation for such Losses and (B) if Spotify is the Indemnifying Party, cause Spotify AB to sell, transfer, assign, convey and deliver to TME (or another Person designated by TME in its sole and absolute discretion) all or a portion of any TME Securities owned beneficially or of record by the Indemnifying Party or its controlled Affiliates in exchange and as consideration for the satisfaction of Spotify’s indemnification obligation for such Losses (it being understood that the Indemnified Party shall have the right to elect to have its Losses indemnified by a cash payment, the sale, transfer, assignment, conveyance and delivery of Spotify Securities or TME Securities, as applicable, or a combination thereof, in each case, to satisfy the aggregate amount of Losses that the Indemnified Party is entitled to be indemnified for hereunder).

 

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(b)    For purposes of this Section  7.05 , the number of Spotify Securities or TME Securities, as applicable, to be sold, transferred, assigned, conveyed and delivered to Spotify and TME, respectively, shall be calculated by dividing (i) the amount of the Indemnified Party’s Losses for which it is finally determined the Indemnified Party is entitled to indemnification under Section  7.02 and with respect to which the Indemnified Party has elected to repurchase Spotify Securities or TME Securities, as applicable, from the Indemnifying Party, by (ii)(A) if the Spotify Securities or TME Securities, as applicable, are publicly traded on a national securities exchange in the United States or a non-U.S. securities exchange, the volume weighted average of the price per Spotify Security or TME Security, as applicable, for the ninety (90) trading days ending on (and including) the trading day prior to the day of the final determination of the applicable indemnification claim in accordance with this Section  7.05 , as obtained from Bloomberg L.P. (or, if not reported therein, from another authoritative source) and (B) if the Spotify Securities or TME Securities, as applicable, are not so publicly traded, the per share value of the Spotify Securities or TME Securities, as applicable (the “ Per Share Value ”) as of the day prior to the day of the final determination of the applicable Indemnifying Party’s obligation to indemnify any Indemnified Party for any Losses pursuant to this Article  VII , determined by an internationally recognized valuation firm that is independent from the Indemnifying Party and the Indemnified Party and that shall be selected by the Indemnified Party and reasonably acceptable to the Indemnifying Party (the “ Expert ”), which determination shall, absent manifest error, be conclusive, final, non-appealable and binding upon the Indemnifying Party and the Indemnified Party. The Indemnifying Party shall bear the fees and expenses of the Expert, and such fees and expenses shall be added to the amount of the Indemnified Party’s Losses referred to in the foregoing clause (i) for purposes of determining the number of Spotify Securities or TME Securities, as applicable, to be sold, transferred, assigned, conveyed and delivered to the Indemnified Party pursuant to this Section  7.05 . The Indemnifying Party and the Indemnified Party shall provide reasonable cooperation to the Expert in determining the Per Share Value pursuant to this Section  7.05 . Any sale, transfer, assignment, conveyance and delivery of any Spotify Securities or TME Securities, as applicable, under this Agreement shall be consummated promptly and in any event no later than ten (10) Business Days after the later of (x) the applicable claim for indemnification has been finally determined and (y) if applicable, the determination of the Per Share Value by the Expert.

(c)    Any claim, action, suit, arbitration or proceeding by or before any Governmental Body and the liability for and amount of damages therefor, shall be deemed to be “finally determined” for purposes of this Article  VII when the Parties have so determined by mutual agreement or, if disputed, when a final non-appealable Order has been entered into with respect to such claim, action, suit, arbitration or proceeding.

SECTION 7.06     Tax Treatment of Indemnification . The Parties agree to treat any indemnification made pursuant to this Article  VII as an adjustment to the TME Shares Purchase Price or the Spotify Shares Purchase Price, as applicable, unless otherwise required by applicable Law.

SECTION 7.07     Exclusive Remed y . From and after the Closing, except in the case of a Willful Breach, the Parties hereby acknowledge and agree that, (i) the indemnification provisions of this Article  VII shall be the sole and exclusive remedies of the Indemnified Parties with respect to any and all Losses arising from this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, (ii) except as set forth in, and without limiting the provisions of, this Article  VII and Section  9.14 ( Specific Performance ), neither TME Parties nor the Spotify Parties shall be liable or responsible in any manner whatsoever (whether for indemnification or otherwise) to any Indemnified Party for any breach of any representation or warranty of TME or Spotify made in this Agreement or any breach, nonfulfillment or default in the performance of any covenant or agreement of the TME Parties or the Spotify Parties in this Agreement and (iii) anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, no breach of any representation or warranty of TME or Spotify made in this Agreement, or breach, nonfulfillment or default in the performance of any covenant or agreement of the TME Parties or the Spotify Parties in this Agreement shall give rise to any right on the part of any Indemnified Party, after the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Other Transaction Agreements, to rescind this Agreement, any of the Other Transaction Agreements or any of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby or to any further indemnification rights or monetary claims of any nature whatsoever in respect thereof (whether by contract, common law, Law or otherwise), all of which the Parties hereby waive. Nothing in this Section  7.07 shall limit any Party’s right to seek and obtain any equitable relief to which such Party may be entitled pursuant to Section  9.14 ( Specific Performance ).

 

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SECTION 7.08     Contingent Liabilities . No Indemnifying Party shall be liable under this Article  VII in respect of any Loss which is contingent unless and until such contingent Loss becomes an actual liability and is due and payable; provided , that a notice of a Third Party Claim or Direct Claim may be delivered hereunder prior thereto.

SECTION 7.09     No Waiver of Contractual Representations and Warranties . The Parties agree that the Indemnified Parties’ rights to indemnification under this Article  VII for the representations and warranties set forth herein are part of the basis of the bargain contemplated by this Agreement, and the Indemnified Parties’ rights to indemnification shall not be affected or waived in any respect by virtue of (and the Spotify Parties and the TME Parties shall be deemed to have relied upon the representations and warranties set forth herein notwithstanding) any knowledge on the part of the Spotify Parties of any inaccuracy of any of the representations or warranties of TME and on the part of the TME Parties of any inaccuracy of any of the representations or warranties of Spotify, in each case, set forth in this Agreement, regardless of whether such knowledge was obtained through such Party’s own investigation or through disclosure by the other Party or any other Person, and regardless of whether such knowledge was obtained before or after execution and delivery of this Agreement.

SECTION 7.10     No Duplication . Any Losses subject to indemnification hereunder shall be determined without duplication of recovery by reason of the state of facts giving rise to such Losses.

SECTION 7.11     No Offset . No Indemnifying Party shall have any right to set off any payment due under this Agreement or any other agreement by or among the Parties (or their respective Affiliates) against any other payments to be made pursuant to this Agreement, any such other agreement or otherwise.

Article VIII

TERMINATION

SECTION 8.01     Termination . This Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Closing:

(a)    by the mutual written consent of the Parties;

 

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(b)    by either TME by written notice to Spotify or by Spotify by written notice to TME, in the event that any Governmental Body having competent jurisdiction shall have enacted, issued, promulgated, enforced or entered any Injunction which shall have become final and non-appealable;

(c)    by either TME by written notice to Spotify or by Spotify by written notice to TME, in the event that the Required Shareholder Approval shall not have been obtained at the TME Shareholders Meeting;

(d)    by Spotify by written notice to TME, in the event that the Closing shall not have occurred on or before December 19, 2017 (New York time) (the “ Spotify Termination Date ”); provided , that the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section  8.01(d) shall not be available to Spotify if any Spotify Party’s breach of, or failure to fulfill, any of its obligations under this Agreement has been the primary cause of, or primarily resulted in, the failure to consummate the Closing by the Spotify Termination Date;

(e)    by TME by written notice to Spotify, in the event that the Closing shall not have occurred on or before January 8, 2018 (New York time) (the “ TME Termination Date ”); provided, that the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section  8.01(e) shall not be available to TME if any TME Party’s breach of, or failure to fulfill, any of its obligations under this Agreement has been the primary cause of, or primarily resulted in, the failure to consummate the Closing by the TME Termination Date;

(f)    by TME by written notice to Spotify, if (i) any Spotify Party shall have breached any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement set forth in this Agreement, and (ii) such breach would cause any of the conditions set forth in Section  6.02 not to be satisfied; provided , however , that TME shall not have the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section  8.01(f) if any TME Party is then in material breach of this Agreement that would result in any of the conditions set forth in Section  6.03 not to be satisfied; or

(g)    by Spotify by written notice to TME, if (i) any TME Party shall have breached any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement set forth in this Agreement, and (ii) such breach would cause any of the conditions set forth in Section  6.03 not to be satisfied; provided , however , that Spotify shall not have the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section  8.01(g) if any TME Party is then in material breach of this Agreement that would result in any of the conditions set forth in Section  6.02 not to be satisfied.

SECTION 8.02     Effect of Termination . In the event of termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section  8.01 , this Agreement shall forthwith become void and there shall be no liability under this Agreement on the part of any Party except that nothing herein shall relieve any Party from liability for any Willful Breach of this Agreement that occurred before such termination and the terms of this Section  8.02 , Section  5.06 ( Confidentiality ) and Article  IX ( Miscellaneous ) shall survive any such termination.

 

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Article IX

MISCELLANEOUS

SECTION 9.01     Expenses and Taxes . Each Party shall bear its own costs and expenses incurred in connection with the negotiation, execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby. Each Party shall bear its own Taxes assessed or incurred in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement in accordance with applicable Laws.

SECTION 9.02     Publicity . Any initial press release or releases made by, or caused to be made by, any Party with respect to the execution and delivery of this Agreement shall be jointly agreed upon by the Parties. Following such initial press release or releases, neither Party shall make, or cause to be made, any additional press release or public announcement in respect of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other Parties, except to the extent required by applicable Law (including applicable securities Laws) or applicable securities exchange regulation; provided , however , that the Parties may make any press release or other public announcement (including to analysts, investors or other attending industry conferences or analyst or investor conference calls) to the extent that such release or announcement contains no information in respect of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement other than information in respect of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement previously publicly disclosed in accordance with this Section  9.02 and is otherwise consistent in all material respects with previous statements made by the Parties in accordance with this Section  9.02 .

SECTION 9.03     Amendment . This Agreement may be amended, modified or supplemented only by an agreement in writing executed by all of the Parties.

SECTION 9.04     Notices . Unless otherwise provided herein, all notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed given and received if transmitted by electronic mail (with confirmation of receipt by the recipient, which confirmation shall be promptly delivered by the recipient if so requested by the sender in the applicable notice or other communication), on the Business Day after the date on which such notice is sent 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 TME or TME Hong Kong, to:

Tencent Music Entertainment Group

7F, China Technology Trade Center

NO.66 North 4th Ring West Road

Hai Dian District, Beijing

P.R.China 100080

Attention:        Hsiang Zhao

E-mail:            [             ]

 

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with a copy (which copy alone shall not constitute notice) to:

Davis Polk & Wardwell

The Hong Kong Club Building

3A Chater Road, 18/F

Hong Kong

Attention:    Miranda So

Email:          [            ]

 

  (b)

If to Spotify or Spotify AB, to:

Spotify AB

attn. Corporate Legal

Birger Jarlsgatan 61

113 56 Stockholm

Sweden

[            ]

with a copy (which copy alone shall not constitute notice) to:

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP

425 Lexington Avenue

New York, New York 10017

Attention:    Alan M. Klein

                    Sebastian Tiller

E-mail:        [             ]

                    [             ]

SECTION 9.05     Waivers . Any Party may waive in whole or in part any benefit or right provided to it under this Agreement, such waiver being effective only if contained in a writing executed by the waiving Party. The failure of a Party at any time or times to require performance of any provision hereof shall in no manner affect its right at a later time to enforce the same. No waiver by a Party of any condition or of any breach of any term, covenant, representation or warranty contained in this Agreement shall be effective unless in writing, and no waiver in any one or more instances shall be deemed to be a further or continuing waiver of any such condition or breach in other instances or a waiver of any other condition or breach of any other term, covenant, representation or warranty.

SECTION 9.06     Successors and Assign ment . This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective permitted successors and assigns. Neither this Agreement, nor any of the rights, interests or obligations hereunder shall be assigned by any of the Parties, in whole or in part (whether by operation of law or otherwise), without the prior written consent of the other Parties, and any attempt to make any such assignment without such consent shall be null and void.

SECTION 9.07     No Third-Party Beneficiaries . Except as otherwise expressly provided in Article  VII with respect to the Indemnified Parties (which shall be express third party beneficiaries with respect to Article  VII ), this Agreement is solely for the benefit of the Parties and no provision of this Agreement shall be deemed to confer upon any other Person any remedy, claim, liability, reimbursement, cause of action or other right.

 

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SECTION 9.08     Severability . If any provision of this Agreement shall be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality or enforceability of the other provisions hereof shall not be affected thereby, and there shall be deemed substituted for the provision at issue a valid, legal and enforceable provision as similar as possible to the provision at issue.

SECTION 9.09     Entire Understanding . This Agreement (including the TME Disclosure Letter and the Spotify Disclosure Letter), the Confidentiality Agreement and the Other Transaction Agreements set forth the sole and entire agreement and understanding of the Parties with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby and all inducements to the making of this Agreement relied upon by the Parties and supersede any and all prior representations, warranties, agreements, arrangements and understandings, both written and oral, among the Parties relating to the subject matter of this Agreement, the Confidentiality Agreement and the Other Transaction Agreements (including that certain non-binding term sheet, dated August 21, 2017, by and among the Parties).

SECTION 9.10     Governing Law . Except to the extent that mandatory provisions of the Laws of Luxembourg are applicable, this Agreement and its enforcement, and any controversy arising out of or relating to the making or performance of this Agreement, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of the State of New York, without regard to New York’s principles of conflicts of law.

SECTION 9.11     Arbitration . All disputes, controversies or claims arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall be resolved by final and binding arbitration in accordance with the Rules of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce (the “ ICC ”) by three (3) arbitrators appointed in accordance with the Rules of Arbitration of the ICC. The claimant(s) shall nominate one (1) arbitrator in the request for arbitration. The respondent(s) shall nominate one (1) arbitrator in the answer to the request. The two (2) arbitrators nominated by the claimant and the respondent may be nationals of any country. The two (2) party-nominated arbitrators shall then attempt to agree, in consultation with the claimant(s) and the respondent(s), upon the nomination of a third (3 rd ) arbitrator to act as president of the tribunal. If the third (3 rd ) arbitrator has not been nominated within thirty (30) days of the date of the appointment of the second (2 nd ) arbitrator, the third (3 rd ) arbitrator shall be nominated by the ICC International Court of Arbitration. The third (3 rd ) arbitrator and president of the tribunal shall not be a national of the PRC or Sweden. The place of arbitration shall be Wilmington, Delaware, United States of America. The language of the arbitration shall be English.

SECTION 9.12     Counterparts . Each of this Agreement and the Other Transaction Agreements may be executed (including by e-mail delivery of a portable document format (“.pdf”) file) in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same original instrument.

 

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SECTION 9.13     Titles and Subtitles . The titles and subtitles used in this Agreement are used for convenience only and are not to be considered in construing or interpreting this Agreement.

SECTION 9.14     Specific Performance . The Parties recognize, acknowledge and agree that the breach or violation of this Agreement by a Party would cause irreparable damage to the other Party and that none of the Parties has an adequate remedy at Law. Unless and until this Agreement has been terminated in accordance with its terms, each Party shall therefore be entitled, in addition to any other remedies that may be available, to obtain specific performance of the terms of this Agreement, and appropriate injunctive relief may be applied for and granted in connection therewith. A Party seeking an order or injunction to prevent breaches of this Agreement or to enforce specifically the terms and provisions hereof shall not be required to provide, furnish or post any bond or other security in connection with or as a condition to obtaining any such order or injunction, and each Party hereby irrevocably waives any right it may have to require the provision, furnishing or posting of any such bond or other security. If any action is brought by any Party to enforce this Agreement, the other Parties shall waive the defense that there is an adequate remedy at Law.

SECTION 9.15     Interpretation .

(a)    The table of contents and headings preceding the text of articles and sections included in this Agreement and the headings to schedules and exhibits attached to this Agreement are for convenience only and shall not be deemed part of this Agreement or be given any effect in interpreting this Agreement. All exhibits and schedules annexed hereto or referred to herein are hereby incorporated in and made a part of this Agreement as if set forth in full herein and any capitalized terms used in any exhibit or schedule to this Agreement but not otherwise defined therein shall have the meaning as defined in this Agreement. The use of the masculine, feminine or neuter gender or the singular or plural form of words herein shall not limit any provision of this Agreement. The terms as set forth in this Agreement have been arrived at after mutual negotiation with the advice of counsel and, therefore, it is the intention of the Parties that its terms may not be construed against any of the Parties by reason of the fact that it was prepared by one of the Parties. Reference to any Person includes such Person’s successors and assigns to the extent such successors and assigns are permitted by the terms of any applicable agreement, and reference to a Person in a particular capacity excludes such Person in any other capacity or individually. Reference to any agreement (including this Agreement), document or instrument means such agreement, document or instrument as amended or modified and in effect from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof and, if applicable, the terms hereof. The words “hereof,” “herein”, “hereby”, “hereto” and “hereunder” shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement. All references to documents or other materials that were delivered, provided or made available to any Party shall include any such document or material (i) posted to, as applicable, (A) the virtual data room hosted by Intralinks, to which TME has provided access for review by the Spotify Parties or (B) the virtual data room hosted by Merrill Datasite, to which the Spotify Parties have provided access for review by the TME Parties, in each case, prior to the date hereof, or (ii) otherwise made available to such Party or any of its Representatives (electronically or otherwise) prior to the date hereof. All references to “Section”, “Sections”, “Article”, “Articles”, “Exhibit” or “Exhibits” refer to the corresponding Section, Sections, Article, Articles, Exhibit or Exhibits of this Agreement. The word “including” shall mean “including without limitation”. “Extent” in the phrase “to the extent” shall mean the degree to which a subject or other item extends and shall not simply mean “if”. The word “or” is used in the inclusive sense of “and/or”. All words used in this Agreement will be construed to be of such gender or number as the circumstances require. All reference to any Law means such Law as amended from time to time and shall include any successor legislation thereto and any rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

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(b)    Neither the specification of any dollar amount in any representation or warranty contained in this Agreement nor the inclusion of any specific fact or item in the TME Disclosure Letter or the Spotify Disclosure Letter is intended or will be deemed to imply that such amount, or higher or lower amounts, or the fact or item so included or other facts or items, are or are not material. Unless this Agreement specifically provides otherwise, neither the specification of any fact, item or matter in any representation or warranty contained in this Agreement nor the inclusion of any specific fact, item or matter in the TME Disclosure Letter or the Spotify Disclosure Letter is intended or will be deemed to imply that such fact, item or matter, or other facts, items or matters, are or are not in the Ordinary Course of Business. The inclusion of any fact or item in the TME Disclosure Letter or the Spotify Disclosure Letter shall not constitute, or be deemed to be, an admission by any Party to any third party of any fact, item or matter whatsoever (including any violation, noncompliance with, or liability or obligation under, applicable Law, other requirement or breach of Contract). Certain facts, items and matters disclosed in the TME Disclosure Letter and the Spotify Disclosure Letter have been disclosed for informational purposes only. No general disclosure in any particular Section in the TME Disclosure Letter or the Spotify Disclosure Letter shall be limited by any more specific disclosure in either that particular Section or any other Section of the TME Disclosure Letter or the Spotify Disclosure Letter, respectively, unless a contrary intention is expressly stated.

(c)    The Parties agree that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or the TME Disclosure Letter, the information set forth in the TME Disclosure Letter under the heading of “Section 5.18 of the Spotify Investor Agreement” (i) is provided therein solely for the purpose of Section 5.18 of the Spotify Investor Agreement, (ii) shall not be deemed as any representation or warranty made by any TME Party or disclosure by any TME Party pursuant to this Agreement, and (iii) no TME Party shall have any indemnification obligation pursuant to Article VII with respect to any information set forth in the TME Disclosure Letter under the heading of “Section 5.18 of the Spotify Investor Agreement” or “Annex 5.18 of the Spotify Investor Agreement” solely by reason of the inclusion of such information under such heading.

SECTION 9.16     Changes in Capital Stock . Wherever in this Agreement there is a reference to a specific number of Spotify Shares or TME Shares, then upon the occurrence of any stock split, stock dividend or distribution (excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, the TME Shares Distribution), or any change in the capital stock of Spotify or TME, as applicable, by reason of any split-up, reverse stock split, recapitalization, combination, reclassification, exchange of shares or the like with an effective or record date from the date hereof until the Closing, the specific number of such shares so referenced in this Agreement shall be proportionately adjusted to reflect effect on the Spotify Shares or TME Shares by such events.

 

51


[ Remainder of page intentionally left blank. ]

 

52


IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the Parties have duly executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

Tencent Music Entertainment Group

(腾讯音乐娱乐集团)

By:

 

/s/ PANG Kar Shun Cussion

Name:

  PANG Kar Shun Cussion

Title:

  Director

Tencent Music Entertainment Hong Kong Limited

By:

 

/s/ PANG Kar Shun Cussion

Name:

  PANG Kar Shun Cussion

Title:

  Authorized Signatory

Spotify Technology S.A.

By:

 

/s/ Peter Grandelius

Name:

  Peter Grandelius

Title:

  Authorized Signatory and Associate General Counsel

Spotify AB

By:

 

/s/ Peter Grandelius

Name:

  Peter Grandelius

Title:

  Authorized Signatory and Associate General Counsel

[ Signature Page to Share Subscription Agreement ]

Exhibit 10.13

CONFIDENTIAL

Execution Version

SHARE TRANSFER AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”), dated as of December 8, 2017 by and between Tencent Music Entertainment Group, an exempted company with limited liability incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands (“ TME ”), Tencent Music Entertainment Hong Kong Limited, a company incorporated under the laws of Hong Kong and a wholly-owned Subsidiary of TME (“ TME Hong Kong ” and, together with TME, the “ TME Parties ”), and Image Frame Investment (HK) Limited, a company incorporated under the laws of Hong Kong and a wholly-owned Subsidiary of Tencent Holdings Limited (“ Tencent Hong Kong ”).

RECITALS

WHEREAS, concurrently with the execution of this Agreement, TME, TME Hong Kong, Spotify Technology S.A., a public limited company (société anonyme) incorporated under the laws of Luxembourg (“ Spotify ”), and a wholly-owned Subsidiary of Spotify are entering into a Subscription Agreement, dated as of the date hereof (the “ Subscription Agreement ”; capitalized terms used herein but not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Subscription Agreement), pursuant to which and subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein, among other things, TME Hong Kong has agreed to subscribe for certain common shares of Spotify;

WHEREAS, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, TME wishes to cause TME Hong Kong to, and TME Hong Kong wishes to, transfer to Tencent Hong Kong, and Tencent Hong Kong wishes to acquire, certain common shares of Spotify.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants and agreements contained herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

C LOSING ; S HARE T RANSFER

Section 1.01.     Share Transfer . (a) Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, at the Closing, TME agrees to cause TME Hong Kong to, and TME Hong Kong agrees to, transfer, assign and convey 50% of the Acquired Spotify Shares, rounded up to the nearest whole number (the “ Spotify Transfer Shares ”), to Tencent Hong Kong, free and clear of all Liens, in consideration for US$1 (the “ Transfer ”).

Section 1.02.     Closing . (a) The closing of the Transfer (the “ Closing ”) shall take place by electronic exchange of documents concurrently with or immediately following the Subscription Agreement Closing; provided , that if the conditions set forth in Article V are not satisfied or waived at such time, the Closing shall take place as soon as possible, but no later than the tenth (10th) Business Day, after satisfaction or waiver by the applicable party of all of the conditions set forth in Article V (other than those conditions that, by their nature, are to be satisfied at the Closing), or at such other time and place as the parties hereto may mutually agree. The date on which the Closing occurs is referred to herein as the “ Closing Date .”

(b)    The “ Subscription Agreement Closing ” means the “Closing” under the Subscription Agreement.


(c)    At the Closing, TME and TME Hong Kong shall deliver to Tencent Hong Kong (i) if required, an executed copy of a customary instrument of transfer of all of TME Hong Kong’s right, title and interest in and to the Spotify Transfer Shares and (ii) an excerpt from the shareholders’ register of Spotify evidencing the registration of Tencent Hong Kong’s ownership of the Spotify Transfer Shares.

(d)    At the Closing, the Tencent Hong Kong shall deliver to TME Hong Kong US$1.

ARTICLE II

R EPRESENTATIONS AND W ARRANTIES OF TME P ARTIES

Each TME Party hereby, jointly and severally, represents and warrants to Tencent Hong Kong as of the date hereof and as of the Closing as follows:

Section 2.01.     Organization . Each TME Party is a company duly formed, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of jurisdiction of organization, and has all requisite power and authority to conduct its business as it is now being conducted.

Section 2.02.     Authority; Binding Effect . Each TME Party has all requisite power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement, to perform its obligations hereunder and to consummate the Transfer. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement, and the consummation of the Transfer, have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of each TME Party, and no other action on the part of any TME Party is required to authorize its execution, delivery and performance hereof, and the consummation of the Transfer. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the TME Parties and, assuming that this Agreement is a valid and binding obligation of Tencent Hong Kong, constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of the TME Parties, enforceable against the TME Parties in accordance with its terms, except to the extent enforcement may be subject to (a) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and other similar Laws affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and (b) equitable limitations on the availability of specific remedies (whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at Law).

Section 2.03.     Title to Spotify Transfer Shares; Conveyance . Assuming the valid issuance of the Acquired Spotify Shares by Spotify to TME Hong Kong at the Subscription Agreement Closing pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Subscription Agreement, TME Hong Kong will be until immediately prior to the Closing, be the record and beneficial owner of the Spotify Transfer Shares, and have good and valid title to the Spotify Transfer Shares, free and clear of all Liens. At the Closing, TME Hong Kong will transfer to Tencent Hong Kong good and valid title to the Spotify Transfer Shares, free and clear of all Liens.

Section 2.04.     No Violation; Consents and Approvals . (a) The execution and delivery of this Agreement by the TME Parties and the consummation by the TME Parties of the Transfer will not (i) conflict with or violate the organizational documents of TME or any of its Subsidiaries (assuming the approval of the Transfer by TME shareholders holding at least 66.7% of the issued and outstanding TME Shares), (ii) conflict with or violate any Laws applicable to TME or any of its Subsidiaries or by or to which its properties or assets are bound or are subject, or (iii) result in any breach of, constitute a default (or an event that with notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute a default) under, or give to others any right of termination, amendment, acceleration or cancellation of, or require payment under, or result in the creation of a Lien on any of the properties or assets of TME or any of its Subsidiaries under, any material Contract to which TME or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by or to which its properties or assets are bound or subject, in each case that would impair any TME Party’s ability to perform its obligations hereunder or to consummate the Transfer.

 

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(b)    The execution and delivery of this Agreement by the TME Parties does not, and the performance by the TME Parties of this Agreement and the consummation of the Transfer will not, require any TME Party to make any filing with, obtain any permit, authorization, consent or approval of, or given any notice to (“ Consents ”), any Governmental Body, or any third party.

Section 2.05.     Brokers . Neither TME nor any of its Subsidiaries has entered into any agreement or arrangement entitling any agent, broker, investment banker, financial advisor or other firm or Person to any brokers’ or finders’ fee or any other commission or similar fee in connection with the Transfer.

ARTICLE III

R EPRESENTATIONS AND W ARRANTIES OF T ENCENT H ONG K ONG

Tencent Hong Kong hereby represents and warrants to the TME Parties as of the date hereof and as of the Closing as follows:

Section 3.01.     Organization . Tencent Hong Kong is a company duly formed, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation, and has all requisite power and authority to conduct its business as it is now being conducted.

Section 3.02.     Authority; Binding Effect . Tencent Hong Kong has all requisite power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement, to perform its obligations hereunder and to consummate the Transfer. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the Transfer have been duly authorized by all necessary company action on the part of Tencent Hong Kong, and no other company action on the part of Tencent Hong Kong is required to authorize its execution, delivery and performance hereof, or its consummation of the Transfer. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Tencent Hong Kong and, assuming that this Agreement is a valid and binding obligation of each of the other parties hereto, constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of Tencent Hong Kong, enforceable against Tencent Hong Kong in accordance with its terms, except to the extent enforcement may be subject to (i) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and other similar Laws affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and (ii) equitable limitations on the availability of specific remedies (whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at Law).

Section 3.03.     No Violation, Consents and Approvals . (a) The execution and delivery of this Agreement by Tencent Hong Kong does not, and the performance of this Agreement by Tencent Hong Kong and the consummation of the Transfer will not, (i) conflict with or violate the organizational documents of Tencent Hong Kong, (ii) conflict with or violate any Laws applicable to Tencent Hong Kong or by or to which any of its properties or assets are bound or subject, or (iii) assuming receipt of the approval referred to in Section 2.04, result in any breach of, constitute a default (or an event that with notice or lapse of time or both would constitute a material default) under, or give to others any right of termination, amendment, acceleration or cancellation of, or require payment under, or result in the creation of a Lien on any of the properties or assets of Tencent Hong Kong under, any material Contract to which Tencent Hong Kong is a party or by or to which Tencent Hong Kong or any of its properties or assets are bound or subject, in each case that would impair Tencent Hong Kong’s ability to perform its obligations hereunder or to consummate the Transfer.

 

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(b)    The execution and delivery of this Agreement by Tencent Hong Kong does not, and the performance by Tencent Hong Kong of this Agreement and the consummation of the Transfer will not, require Tencent Hong Kong to obtain any Consents from any Governmental Body or any third party.

Section 3.04.     Nature of Investment . (a) Tencent Hong Kong is acquiring the Spotify Transfer Shares as principal for their own account for investment purposes only and not with a view to distributing or reselling the Spotify Transfer Shares.

(b)    Tencent Hong Kong is an “accredited investor” as defined in Rule 501(a) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (the “ Securities Act ”). Tencent Hong Kong, either alone or together with its representatives, have such knowledge, sophistication and experience in business and financial matters so as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of the investment in the Spotify Transfer Shares and have so evaluated the merits and risks of such investment. Tencent Hong Kong is able to bear the economic risk of an investment in the Spotify Transfer Shares and, at the present time, is able to afford a complete loss of such investment.

(c)    Tencent Hong Kong is not purchasing the Spotify Transfer Shares as a result of any advertisement, article, notice or other communication regarding the Spotify Transfer Shares published in any newspaper, magazine or similar media or broadcast over television or radio or presented at any seminar or any other general solicitation or general advertisement.

(d)    Tencent Hong Kong understands and acknowledges that (i) the Spotify Transfer Shares are being offered and sold without registration under the Securities Act in a private placement that is exempt from the registration provisions of the Securities Act, (ii) the availability of such exemption depends in part on, and TME will rely upon the accuracy and truthfulness of, the foregoing representations and Tencent Hong Kong hereby consents to such reliance, and (iii) the Spotify Transfer Shares are “restricted securities” for purposes of the Securities Act and rules thereunder and may not be resold without registration under the Securities Act or an exemption therefrom, and the certificates representing such shares will bear a restrictive legend to such effect.

Section 3.05.     Brokers . Tencent Hong Kong has not entered into any agreement or arrangement entitling any agent, broker, investment banker, financial advisor or other firm or Person to any brokers’ or finders’ fee or any other commission or similar fee in connection with the Transfer that would be payable by TME or any of its Subsidiaries.

ARTICLE IV

C OVENANTS

Section 4.01.     Reasonable Best Efforts . Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, the parties hereto agree to use reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions, and to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary, proper or advisable under applicable Laws to consummate and make effective the Transfer as promptly as practicable. In furtherance of the foregoing, at or prior to the Closing, the parties agree to execute and deliver such other documents, certificates, agreements and other writings and to take such other actions as may be reasonably necessary in order to consummate or implement expeditiously the Transfer.

 

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Section 4.02.     Further Assurances . In case at any time after the Closing any further action is necessary to carry out the purposes of this Agreement or the Transfer, each of the parties will take such further action (including the execution and delivery of such further instruments and documents) as the other party may reasonably request.

Section 4.03.     Certain Indemnification Matters . (a) If TME has, receives or becomes aware of any claim, or threatened or potential claim, for indemnification under Article VII of the Subscription Agreement, TME shall promptly notify Tencent Hong Kong and cooperate with Tencent Hong Kong in connection therewith, including to maximize the joint recovery of TME and Tencent Hong Kong in any claim against Spotify, and shall pay to Tencent Hong Kong the product of (i) the total recovery received by TME under the Subscription Agreement multiplied by (ii) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of the Spotify Transfer Shares and the denominator of which is the number of the Acquired Spotify Shares.

(b)    If TME is entitled under Section 7.05(a) of the Subscription Agreement to elect the manner in which Spotify must satisfy its indemnification obligations, TME shall not make such election without consulting with Tencent Hong Kong and obtaining Tencent Hong Kong’s prior written consent to such election.

ARTICLE V

C LOSING C ONDITIONS

Section 5.01.     Mutual Conditions to the Obligations of the Parties . The respective obligations of each party hereto to consummate the Transfer are subject to the satisfaction or, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, waiver, at or prior to the Closing, of the following condition:

(a)     No Injunctions or Legal Prohibitions . No temporary restraining order, preliminary or permanent injunction or other judgment, order or decree issued by a court of competent jurisdiction which prevents the consummation of the Transfer shall have been issued after the date hereof and remain in effect, and no statute, rule or regulation shall have been enacted, promulgated or enforced by any Governmental Body after the date hereof which makes the consummation of the Transfer illegal; provided , that the parties hereto shall use their reasonable best efforts to have any temporary or preliminary order or injunction lifted.

(b)     Subscription Agreement Closing . The Subscription Agreement Closing shall have occurred in accordance with the Subscription Agreement, and TME Hong Kong shall have been duly issued the Acquired Spotify Shares by Spotify.

(c)     Notice of Transfer . TME shall have given Spotify notice pursuant to the TME Investor Agreement of the transfer of the Spotify Transfer Shares contemplated by this Agreement, and the notice period under Section 2.04 of the TME Investor Agreement shall have lapsed or shall have been waived by Spotify.

(d)     Shareholder Approval . The required approval of the shareholders of TME with respect to this Agreement and the Transfer shall have been obtained in accordance with the Restated Articles and the Shareholders Agreement.

 

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Section 5.02.     Conditions to the Obligations of Tencent Hong Kong . The obligation of Tencent Hong Kong to consummate the Transfer is subject to the satisfaction at or prior to the Closing of the following conditions (unless waived by Tencent Hong Kong):

(a)     Representations and Warranties . The representations and warranties of the TME Parties contained in Article II that are qualified as to materiality shall be true and correct in all respects, and such representations and warranties that are not so qualified shall be true and correct in all material respects, in each case, as of the date when made and at and as of the Closing Date, as though such representations and warranties were made at and as of such date.

(b)     Performance . The TME Parties shall have performed and complied with, in all material respects, all covenants and agreements required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by the TME Parties on or prior to the Closing Date.

Section 5.03.     Conditions to the Obligations of the TME Parties . The obligation of the TME Parties to consummate the Transfer is subject to the satisfaction at or prior to the Closing of the following conditions (unless waived by TME):

(a)     Representations and Warranties . The representations and warranties of Tencent Hong Kong contained in Article III that are qualified as to materiality shall be true and correct in all respects, and such representations and warranties as are not so qualified shall be true and correct in all material respects, as of the date when made and at and as of the Closing Date, as though such representations and warranties were made at and as of such date.

(b)     Performance . Tencent Hong Kong shall have performed and complied with, in all material respects, all agreements, conditions, covenants and obligations required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by Tencent Hong Kong on or prior to the Closing Date.

ARTICLE VI

T ERMINATION

Section 6.01.     Termination . This Agreement may be terminated and the Transfer may be abandoned at any time prior to the Closing:

(a)    by mutual written agreement of Tencent Hong Kong and TME;

(b)    at any time on or after January 31, 2018 (the “ Termination Date ”), by Tencent Hong Kong, on the one hand, or by TME, on the other hand, by giving written notice of such termination to the other party or parties, if the Closing shall not have occurred on or prior to the Termination Date and if the failure to consummate the Closing by the Termination Date is not the result of any breach of this Agreement by the party or parties seeking to terminate this Agreement; or

(c)    automatically upon the effective termination of the Subscription Agreement in accordance with its terms.

Section 6.02.     Effect of Termination . In the event of the termination of this Agreement in accordance with Section 6.01 hereof, this Agreement shall thereafter become void and have no effect and the Transfer shall be abandoned, and no party hereto shall have any liability to the other party hereto or their respective affiliates, directors, officers or employees, except for the obligations of the parties hereto contained in this Section 6.02 and the provisions of Article VII, and except that nothing herein will limit or restrict the rights or remedies of any party hereto against the other parties for any willful and material breach of this Agreement arising prior to termination.

 

6


ARTICLE VII

M ISCELLANEOUS

Section 7.01.     Notices . All notices, demands or other communications hereunder shall be deemed to have been duly given and made if in writing and if served by personal delivery upon the party for whom it is intended, if delivered by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, or by a national courier service, or if sent by facsimile (with receipt of confirmation of delivery), to the person at the address set forth below, or such other address as may be designated in writing hereafter, in the same manner, by such person:

To any TME Party:

Tencent Music Entertainment Group

7F, China Technology Trade Center

NO.66 North 4th Ring West Road

Hai Dian District, Beijing

P.R.China 100080

Attention:    Hsiang Zhao

E-mail:        [             ]

To Tencent Hong Kong:

c/o Tencent Holdings Limited

Level 29, Three Pacific Place

1 Queen’s Road East

Wanchai, Hong Kong

Attention: Compliance and Exchange Department

Email: [            ]

With a copy to (which shall not constitute notice):

Tencent Building, Keji Zhongyi Avenue

Hi-tech Park, Nanshan District

Shenzhen 518057, PRC

Attention: Mergers and Acquisitions Department

Email: [            ]

and

Davis Polk & Wardwell

The Hong Kong Club Building

3A Chater Road, 18/F

Hong Kong

 

7


Attn:   Miranda So

Fax:    852 2533 1773

Email: [                    ]

Any such notification shall be deemed delivered (i) upon receipt, if delivered personally, (ii) on the next business day, if sent by national courier service for next business day delivery or (iii) the business day on which confirmation of delivery is received, if sent by facsimile.

Section 7.02.     Extension; Amendment; Waiver . At any time prior to the Closing Date, either party may extend the time for performance of any of the obligations or other acts of the other party. Neither this Agreement nor any provision hereof may be amended or waived other than by a written instrument (including a writing evidenced by e-mail) signed, in the case of an amendment, by all of the parties hereto, or in the case of a waiver, by the party against whom the waiver is to be effective. No failure or delay by any party in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof nor shall any single or partial exercise thereof preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege.

Section 7.03.     Time of Essence . Each of the parties hereto hereby agrees that, with regard to all dates and time periods set forth in this Agreement, time is of the essence.

Section 7.04.     Assignment . No party to this Agreement may assign any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other parties hereto; provided, however , that Tencent Hong Kong may assign its rights or obligations with respect to the Spotify Transfer Shares to any Affiliate of Tencent Hong Kong.

Section 7.05.     Entire Agreement . This Agreement and the agreements referenced herein contain the entire agreement among the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, oral or written, with respect to such matters.

Section 7.06.     Parties in Interest . This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns. Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to confer upon any Person other than the parties hereto, or their respective successors or permitted assigns, any rights or remedies under or by reason of this Agreement.

Section 7.07.     Expenses . Whether or not the Transfer is consummated, all costs and expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement and the Transfer shall be borne by the party incurring such expenses.

Section 7.08.     Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the Laws of Hong Kong, without giving effect to the conflicts of law principles thereof.

Section 7.09.     Disputes . Any dispute, controversy or claim arising out of, or in connection with, this Agreement shall be referred to and finally resolved by arbitration administered by the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC) under the HKIAC Administered Arbitration Rules in force when the notice of arbitration is submitted. The arbitration tribunal shall consist of three arbitrators to be appointed according to the HKIAC Administered Arbitration Rules. The seat and place of the arbitration shall be Hong Kong and the language of the arbitration shall be English.

 

8


Section 7.10.     Severability . If any provision of this Agreement shall be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality or enforceability of the other provisions hereof shall not be affected thereby, and there shall be deemed substituted for the provision at issue a valid, legal and enforceable provision as similar as possible to the provision at issue.

Section 7.11.     Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts (including by means of e-mail), each of which shall be deemed an original, and all of which shall constitute one and the same agreement.

Section 7.12.     Descriptive Headings; Interpretation .

(a)    The heading references herein and in the table of contents hereto are for convenience purposes only, do not constitute a part of this Agreement and shall not be deemed to limit or affect any of the provisions hereof.

(b)    The words “ hereof ”, “ herein ”, “ hereto ” and “ hereunder ” and words of similar import, when used in this Agreement, shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement.

(c)    The word “ including ” shall mean including, without limitation, and the words “ include ” and “ includes ” shall have corresponding meanings.

(d)    “ Liens ” means mean any mortgage, lien, deed of trust, pledge, charge, hypothecation, security interest, easement, encumbrance, encroachment, servitude, option, right of first refusal, right of first offer, adverse ownership claim, restriction on transfer of title or voting or similar restrictions, whether imposed by Contract, Law, equity or otherwise, except for (i) restrictions on transfer generally arising under applicable securities Laws and (ii) with respect to any Lien on the Spotify Transfer Shares, the restrictions set forth in the TME Investor Agreement and the articles of association of Spotify.

(e)    The terms defined in the singular shall have a comparable meaning when used in the plural, and vice versa.

Section 7.13.     No Construction Against Draftsperson . The parties have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement. In the event an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement shall be construed as if drafted jointly by the parties, and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring any party by virtue of the authorship of any of the provisions of this Agreement.

Section 7.14.     Specific Performance . The parties recognize, acknowledge and agree that the breach or violation of this Agreement by a party would cause irreparable damage to the other party or parties and that none of the parties has an adequate remedy at Law. Each party shall therefore be entitled, in addition to any other remedies that may be available, to obtain specific performance of the terms of this Agreement, and appropriate injunctive relief may be applied for and granted in connection therewith. A party seeking an order or injunction to prevent breaches of this Agreement or to enforce specifically the terms and provisions hereof shall not be required to provide, furnish or post any bond or other security in connection with or as a condition to obtaining any such order or injunction, and each party hereby irrevocably waives any right it may have to require the provision, furnishing or posting of any such bond or other security. If any action is brought by any party to enforce this Agreement, the other parties shall waive the defense that there is an adequate remedy at Law.

[ Signature Pages Follow ]

 

9


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed or caused this Agreement to be executed as of the date first written above.

 

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP
By:  

/s/ PANG Kar Shun Cussion

Name:   PANG Kar Shun Cussion
Title:   Authorized Signatory

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT

HONG KONG LIMITED

By:  

/s/ PANG Kar Shun Cussion

Name:   PANG Kar Shun Cussion
Title:   Authorized Signatory
IMAGE FRAME INVESTMENT (HK) LIMITED
By:  

/s/ Ma Huateng

Name:   Ma Huateng
Title:   Authorized Signatory

[Signature Page to Share Transfer Agreement]

Exhibit 10.14

STRICTLY PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL

EXECUTION VERSION

INVESTOR AGREEMENT

among

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP,

TENCENT HOLDINGS LIMITED,

SPOTIFY AB

and

SPOTIFY TECHNOLOGY S.A.

DATED AS OF DECEMBER 15, 2017


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          Page  

ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS

     1  

SECTION 1.01

  

Certain Defined Terms

     1  

SECTION 1.02

  

Other Definitional Provisions; Interpretation

     6  

ARTICLE II TRANSFER OF TME SECURITIES

     7  

SECTION 2.01

  

General Transfer Restrictions

     7  

SECTION 2.02

  

Restrictions on Transfer

     7  

SECTION 2.03

  

Joinder to Investor Agreement

     9  

SECTION 2.04

  

Notice of Transfer

     10  

SECTION 2.05

  

Legends

     10  

SECTION 2.06

  

Lock-Up Agreements

     11  

SECTION 2.07

  

Drag-Along Right

     11  

SECTION 2.08

  

Delay of Transfer

     12  

ARTICLE III STANDSTILL; VOTING

     13  

SECTION 3.01

  

Standstill Covenant

     13  

SECTION 3.02

  

Voting Agreement

     15  

ARTICLE IV CERTAIN GOVERNANCE MATTERS

     17  

SECTION 4.01

  

Information Rights

     17  

SECTION 4.02

  

Potential Business Opportunities

     17  

SECTION 4.03

  

Anti-Bribery Covenants

     18  

SECTION 4.04

  

Sanctions Covenant

     18  

ARTICLE V GENERAL PROVISIONS

     18  

SECTION 5.01

  

Confidentiality

     18  

SECTION 5.02

  

Amendment

     19  

SECTION 5.03

  

Notices

     19  

SECTION 5.04

  

Waivers

     20  

SECTION 5.05

  

Successors and Assignment

     21  

SECTION 5.06

  

No Third-Party Beneficiaries

     21  

SECTION 5.07

  

Severability

     21  

SECTION 5.08

  

Entire Understanding

     21  

SECTION 5.09

  

Governing Documents; Other Shareholder Agreements

     21  

SECTION 5.10

  

Waiver of Separate Shareholder Class Rights

     21  

SECTION 5.11

  

Dual-Class Structure

     22  

SECTION 5.12

  

Governing Law

     23  

SECTION 5.13

  

Arbitration

     23  

SECTION 5.14

  

Counterparts

     23  

 

i


          Page  

SECTION 5.15

  

Specific Performance

     24  

SECTION 5.16

  

Termination

     24  

SECTION 5.17

  

Other Agreements

     24  

SECTION 5.18

  

Representations

     24  

 

ii


Index of Defined Terms

 

Affiliate

     1  

Agreement

     1  

Anticorruption Laws

     1  

beneficial owner

     2  

beneficial ownership

     2  

beneficially own

     2  

Board

     2  

Brokerage Transaction

     9  

Business Day

     2  

Company

     1  

Company Articles

     2  

Competing Business

     2  

Confidential Information

     2  

Derivative Security

     2  

Drag-Along Right

     12  

Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation

     22  

Effective Event

     22  

Eligible Fund

     3  

Exchange Act

     3  

Foreign or State Act

     9  

Founder Transfer

     9  

Fully Diluted

     3  

ICC

     23  

Identified Person

     17  

Institutional Fund

     4  

Investor

     4  

Investor Shares

     22  

IPO

     4  

Law

     4  

Lock-Up Period

     8  

Music Business

     4  

OFAC

     4  

OFAC Sanctioned Person

     4  

OFAC Sanctions

     4  

Parent

     1  

Permitted Transferee

     5  

Person or person

     5  

Potential Business Opportunity

     17  

Prohibited Person

     5  

Prohibited Person List

     5  

Qualified Transfer

     8  

Representatives

     5  

Rights Holder

     5  

Sale Notice

     12  

SDN List

     4  

Secretary

     5  

Securities Act

     5  

Shareholder

     1  

Standstill Cap

     15  

Standstill Period

     13  

Strategic Investor

     5  

Subscription Agreement

     1  

Subsidiary

     5  

Tencent

     1  

TME Investor Agreement

     5  

TME Securities

     5  

TME Shares

     1  

Total Voting Power

     6  

Trade Sale

     6  

Transfer

     6  

Transferee

     6  

VIE

     6  
 

 

iii


INVESTOR AGREEMENT

INVESTOR AGREEMENT, dated as of December 15, 2017 (this “ Agreement ”), among Tencent Music Entertainment Group, an exempted company incorporated with limited liability under the laws of the Cayman Islands (the “ Company ”), Tencent Holdings Limited, an exempted company incorporated with limited liability under the laws of the Cayman Islands (“ Tencent ”), Spotify AB, a corporation incorporated under the laws of Sweden (the “ Shareholder ”), and Spotify Technology S.A., a public limited company ( société anonyme ) incorporated under the laws of Luxembourg, having its registered office at 42-44 avenue de la Gare, L-1610 Luxembourg, and registered with the Luxembourg Trade and Companies Register under number B 123 052 (“ Parent ”), and any other Person that becomes a party to this Agreement pursuant to Article  II .

BACKGROUND

On the date hereof, the Company issued 282,830,698 ordinary shares, $0.000083 par value per share, of the Company (the “ TME Shares ”) to the Shareholder pursuant to that certain Subscription Agreement, dated as of December 8, 2017, by and among the Company, Tencent Music Entertainment Hong Kong Limited, a company incorporated under the laws of Hong Kong, Parent and the Shareholder (the “ Subscription Agreement ”).

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the respective covenants and agreements set forth herein, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows.

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

SECTION 1.01     Certain Defined Terms . Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Subscription Agreement. As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

Affiliate ” of any Person shall mean, as of any date, any Person that, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with such first Person. For purposes of this Agreement, a Person shall be deemed to “control” another Person if such first Person possesses, directly or indirectly, the power to direct, or cause the direction of, the management and policies of such other Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise. For the avoidance of doubt, for purposes of this Agreement, (i) none of the Investors or any of their respective controlled Affiliates shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of the Company or Tencent or any of their respective Affiliates, and (ii) none of the Company, Tencent or any of their respective Affiliates shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of the Investors or any of their respective controlled Affiliates.

Anticorruption Laws ” shall mean Laws governing bribery and corruption, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended (15 U.S.C. §§ 78a et seq. (1997 and 2000)), the UK Bribery Act 2010 and the anti-bribery and anticorruption Laws in the PRC (including the Criminal Law and Anti-Unfair Competition Law of the PRC).


beneficial owner ” and words of similar import (including “ beneficially own ” and “ beneficial ownership ”) shall have the meaning assigned to such terms in Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act (or any comparable successor rule thereto).

Board ” shall mean the board of directors or similar governing body of the Company.

Business Day ” shall mean any day of the year other than (i) any Saturday or Sunday or (ii) any other day on which banks located in New York City, New York, United States of America, London, United Kingdom, Stockholm, Sweden, Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Hong Kong S.A.R., Shenzhen, PRC or the Cayman Islands are closed for business.

Company Articles ” shall mean the Third Amended and Restated Articles of Association of the Company as adopted by the shareholders of the Company on December 14, 2017, as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with its terms.

Competing Business ” shall mean any activities that are in direct and material competition with the business activities of the Company and its Subsidiaries. Direct competition shall include offering digital music service businesses and the accompanying music copyrights administration business, including streaming, downloading, radio, online live broadcasts, karaoke and other music-related services across all screens and terminals, including mobile phones, personal computers, television and other multi-media platforms.

Confidential Information ” shall mean all confidential and proprietary information (irrespective of the form of communication and whatever the form or storage medium and including any copies or reproductions thereof) obtained by or on behalf of the Investors or their respective controlled Affiliates or any Identified Persons from the Company or its Affiliates or their respective Representatives, through the ownership of any TME Securities or the Investors’ rights pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise, other than information which: (i) at the time of disclosure was, or thereafter becomes, available to the Investors, their respective controlled Affiliates or their respective Representatives; provided , that such information was not known by the Investors, their respective controlled Affiliates or their respective Representatives to have been obtained from a Person in violation of any obligation of confidentiality to the Company; (ii) at the time of disclosure was, or thereafter becomes, generally available to the public other than directly or indirectly as a result of a disclosure by the Investors, their respective controlled Affiliates or any of their respective Representatives in violation of this Agreement; or (iii) is or was generated independently by the Investors, their respective controlled Affiliates or any of their respective Representatives without reference to such information and without violating the confidentiality provisions of this Agreement.

Derivative Security ” shall mean, with respect to any Person, any right, option, other security or derivative position that has an exercise, exchange or conversion privilege or a settlement payment or mechanism at a price related to, or a value determined in whole or in part with reference to or derived in whole or in part from, the value of any securities, bank debt or other obligations of such Person or any of its Subsidiaries.

 

2


Eligible Fund ” shall mean, with respect to any Person, any investment fund or asset management vehicle (which may, for the avoidance of doubt, be a hedge fund, venture capital fund or private equity fund) that (i) engages in the types of activities restricted by Section  3.01 or other investment activities, in each case, in the ordinary course of its business, (ii) does not control, is not controlled by, and is not under common control or joint control with, directly or indirectly, such Person (and neither such Person nor any of its Affiliates has the power to (A) vote, or direct the voting of, or the power to dispose, or to direct the disposition of, the securities and other assets of such fund or vehicle, (B) invest, or direct the investment of, the funds of such fund or vehicle or (C) otherwise influence or direct the actions and operations of such fund or vehicle, including with respect to the amount, form and timing of any distributions), and (iii) is not in the possession of any Confidential Information provided by such Person.

Exchange Act ” shall mean the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

Fully Diluted ” shall mean, with respect to the share capital of the Company, the sum of (i) all shares of capital stock of the Company issued and outstanding as of such date, plus (ii) all shares of capital stock of the Company issuable upon exercise of all options, warrants and other rights to purchase or otherwise acquire shares of capital stock of the Company granted, issued and outstanding as of such date, plus (iii) all shares of capital stock issuable upon conversion, exchange or exercise of any securities of the Company that are convertible into, exchangeable or exercisable for shares of capital stock of the Company granted, issued and outstanding as of such date, and plus (iv) all restricted shares of the Company granted, issued and outstanding as of such date; provided , however , that (A) with respect to any convertible debt securities of the Company, the shares of capital stock issuable upon conversion of such securities shall be included in the calculation of the Fully Diluted share capital of the Company if the price per share of capital stock of the Company into which such securities are convertible as of such date (regardless of whether such securities are convertible at that time) is greater than or equal to the applicable conversion price of such securities, in which case the number of shares of capital stock to be included in the calculation of the Fully Diluted share capital of the Company in respect of such convertible debt securities will be calculated by dividing the total principal amount (plus any accrued payment-in-kind interest) of such securities by the applicable conversion price and (B) with respect to any options or warrants of the Company, the number of shares of capital stock of the Company to be included in the calculation of the Fully Diluted share capital in respect of such options or warrants shall be the product of (x) a fraction, the numerator of which is the excess (if any) of the price per share of capital stock of the Company as of such date over the weighted average exercise price per share of capital stock of the Company as of such date for all such options and warrants (regardless of whether such options and/or warrants are exercisable at that time), and the denominator of which is the price per share of capital stock of the Company as of such date and (y) the total number of shares of capital stock of the Company issuable upon exercise of all such options and warrants. For purposes of this definition, the price per share of the capital stock of the Company shall be determined (1) if such shares are publicly traded on a national securities exchange in the United States or a non-U.S. securities exchange, the volume weighted average of the price per share for the ninety (90) trading days ending on (and including) the last trading day prior to the first day of the calendar month in which the Fully Diluted share capital is determined, as obtained from Bloomberg L.P. (or, if not reported therein, from another authoritative source) and (2) if such shares are not so publicly traded, the price per share determined by an internationally recognized valuation firm that is independent from the Company, the Investors and their respective controlled Affiliates and that is mutually selected by the Company and Parent.

 

3


Institutional Fund ” shall mean any investment fund or asset management vehicle (which may, for the avoidance of doubt, be a hedge fund, venture capital fund or private equity fund) that (i) engages in the investment activities in the ordinary course of its business, and (ii) does not control, is not controlled by, and is not under common control or joint control with, directly or indirectly, any Prohibited Person (and neither any Prohibited Person nor any of its Affiliates has the power to (A) vote, or direct the voting of, or the power to dispose, or to direct the disposition of, the securities and other assets held by such fund or vehicle, (B) invest, or direct the investment of, the funds of such fund or vehicle or (C) otherwise influence or direct the actions and operations of such fund or vehicle, including with respect to the amount, form and timing of any distributions).

Investor ” shall mean any of (i) Parent and the Shareholder to the extent it beneficially owns any TME Securities and (ii) each of their respective Transferees that beneficially own any TME Securities and that have executed and delivered to the Company a joinder agreement to be bound by the provisions of this Agreement pursuant to Section  2.03 .

IPO ” shall mean the first listing of equity securities of the Company (or a holding company or any other TME Group Company that holds all or substantially all of the assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis) on an internationally recognized stock exchange or similar marketplace of recognized national standing (excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, private secondary markets or similar), including the direct listing without conducting a concurrent offering.

Law ” shall mean any law, statute, code, regulation, ordinance or rule, in each case, enacted or promulgated by any Governmental Body, or any Order or other legally enforceable requirement of a Governmental Body, in each case, as amended, restated, supplemented or modified from time to time.

Music Business ” shall mean (i) digital music service businesses, including streaming, downloading, radio, online live broadcasts, karaoke and other music-related services across all screens and terminals, including mobile phones, personal computers, television and other multi-media platforms or (ii) any music copyrights administration business.

OFAC Sanctioned Person ” shall mean any government, country, corporation or other entity, group or individual with whom or which the OFAC Sanctions prohibit a U.S. Person from engaging in transactions, and includes any individual or corporation or other entity that appears on the current OFAC list of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (the “ SDN List ”). For ease of reference, and not by way of limitation, OFAC Sanctioned Persons other than governments and countries can be found on the SDN List on OFAC’s website at www.treas.gov/offices/enforcement/ofac/sdn.

OFAC Sanctions ” shall mean any sanctions program administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury (“ OFAC ”) under authority delegated to the Secretary of the Treasury (the “ Secretary ”) by the President of the United States or provided to the Secretary by statute, and any order or license issued by, or under authority delegated by, the President or provided to the Secretary by statute in connection with a sanctions program thus administered by OFAC. For ease of reference, and not by way of limitation, OFAC Sanctions programs are described on OFAC’s website at www.treas.gov/ofac.

 

4


Permitted Transferee ” of any Person shall mean any Affiliate of such Person.

Person ” or “ person ” shall mean any individual, corporation, business trust, proprietorship, firm, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, limited liability company, trust, association, joint venture, Governmental Body or other entity.

Prohibited Person ” shall mean (i) each Person listed in Schedule I attached hereto (the “ Prohibited Person List ”), which list may be updated pursuant to Section  2.02(c) , and (ii) any Affiliate of each of the foregoing Persons.

Representatives ” shall mean, with respect to any Person, such Person’s directors, managers, officers, employees and advisors (including financial advisors, attorneys, accountants and consultants); provided , however , that for the avoidance of doubt (i) a shareholder, member, partner or other equity holder of such Person or (ii) a music record label or other rights holder, in each case, shall not be deemed, and shall not constitute, a “Representative” for purposes of this Agreement.

Rights Holder ” shall mean (i) each Person listed in Schedule II attached hereto and (ii) any Affiliate of each of the foregoing Persons.

Securities Act ” shall mean the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

Strategic Investor ” shall mean (i) each Person listed in Schedule III attached hereto and (ii) any Affiliate of each of the foregoing Persons; provided , that a “Strategic Investor” shall not include any Eligible Fund in which such Person makes or holds a bona fide investment.

Subsidiary ” shall mean, with respect to any Person, any other Person, whether incorporated or unincorporated, (i) of which more than fifty percent (50%) of either the equity interests in, or the voting control of, such other Person is, directly or indirectly through Subsidiaries or otherwise, beneficially owned by such first Person, (ii) of which such first Person is the general partner or managing member, (iii) which is a VIE of such first Person or (iv) which is a Subsidiary of any VIE of such first Person.

TME Investor Agreement ” shall mean that certain investor agreement, dated as of the date hereof, by and among the Company, Tencent Music Entertainment Hong Kong Limited, Tencent, Image Frame Investment (HK) Limited, Parent and the other parties thereto.

TME Securities ” shall mean shares of capital stock of the Company, warrants, options, convertible securities, exchangeable securities or similar rights or instruments of the Company exercisable, exchangeable or convertible into, or requiring the issuance, allotment or delivery of shares of capital stock of the Company, including the TME Shares. For purposes of this Agreement, each option to purchase TME Securities shall be considered a TME Security only together with the TME Securities underlying such option, and such option and the underlying TME Securities shall be considered one single TME Security.

 

5


Total Voting Power ” shall mean the total number of votes entitled to be cast generally in the election of the members of the Board represented by the TME Securities.

Trade Sale ” shall have the meaning set forth in the Company Articles.

Transfer ” shall mean (with its cognates having corresponding meanings), with respect to any securities, (i) any sale, exchange, transfer, redemption, grant, pledge, hypothecation or other disposition, whether voluntary or involuntary, and whether or not for value, of any of such securities, or any securities, options, warrants or rights convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for, or for the purchase or other acquisition of, or otherwise with respect to, any of such securities or any contract or other binding arrangement or understanding (in each case, whether written or oral) to take any of the foregoing actions or (ii) entering into any swap or other agreement, arrangement or understanding, whether or not in writing, that, directly or indirectly, transfers, conveys or otherwise disposes of, in whole or in part, any of the economic or other risks or consequences of ownership of any of such securities, including short sales of applicable securities, option transactions with respect to securities, use of equity or other derivative financial instruments relating to such securities and other hedging arrangements with respect to such securities, whether any such transaction described in clause (i) or (ii) above is to be settled by delivery of such securities, other securities, cash or otherwise; provided , however, that any such sale, exchange, transfer, redemption, grant, pledge, hypothecation or other disposition referred to in clause (i) of, or any of the agreements, arrangements or understandings referred to in clause (ii) in respect of, the securities of any Person that beneficially owns any TME Securities (including any shares or other securities of Parent) shall not constitute a “Transfer” of TME Securities for purposes of this Agreement (and shall not be subject to any of the restrictions set forth in Article  II ), except that the transfer of any shares or other securities of the Shareholder shall constitute a “Transfer” of TME Securities for purposes of this Agreement (and such transfer shall be subject to the restrictions set forth in Article  II ) if, at the time of such transfer, the Shareholder and its Subsidiaries do not own or otherwise hold all or substantially all of the assets of Parent.

Transferee ” shall mean a Person that receives a Transfer.

VIE ” shall mean, with respect to any Person, any other Person (i) over which such first Person can effect direct or indirect control through direct or indirect contractual arrangements and (ii) whose financial results are consolidated with the net revenues of such first Person and are recorded on the books of such first Person for financial reporting purposes in accordance with the accounting standards applicable to such first Person.

SECTION 1.02     Other Definitional Provisions; Interpretation . The table of contents and headings preceding the text of articles and sections included in this Agreement and the headings to schedules and exhibits attached to this Agreement are for convenience only and shall not be deemed part of this Agreement or be given any effect in interpreting this Agreement. All exhibits and schedules annexed hereto or referred to herein are hereby incorporated in and made a part of this Agreement as if set forth in full herein. The use of the masculine, feminine or neuter gender or the singular or plural form of words herein shall not limit any provision of this Agreement. The terms as set forth in this Agreement have been arrived at after mutual negotiation with the advice of counsel and, therefore, it is the intention of the parties hereto that its terms may not be construed against any of the parties hereto by reason of the fact that it was prepared by one of the parties hereto. Reference to any Person includes such Person’s successors (including by operation of law) and assigns to the extent such successors and assigns are permitted by the terms of any applicable agreement, and reference to a Person in a particular capacity excludes such Person in any other capacity or individually. Reference to any agreement (including this Agreement), document or instrument means such agreement, document or instrument as amended or modified and in effect from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof and, if applicable, the terms hereof. All references to “Section,” “Sections,” “Article,” “Articles,” “Exhibit” or “Exhibits” refer to the corresponding Section, Sections, Article, Articles, Exhibit or Exhibits of this Agreement. The word “including” shall mean “including without limitation.” The words “hereof,” “herein” and “hereunder” and words of similar import when used in this Agreement shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement. “Extent” in the phrase to “to the extent” shall mean the degree to which a subject or other item extends and shall not simply mean “if”. The word “or” is used in the inclusive sense of “and/or”. All references to any Law means such Law as amended from time to time and shall include any successor legislation thereto and any rules and regulations promulgated therein.

 

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ARTICLE II

TRANSFER OF TME SECURITIES

SECTION 2.01     General Transfer Restrictions . The right of the Investors and any of their respective controlled Affiliates to Transfer any TME Securities they beneficially own is subject to the restrictions set forth in this Article  II , and no Transfer of such TME Securities by the Investors or any of their respective controlled Affiliates may be effected except in compliance with this Article  II . Any attempted Transfer in violation of this Agreement shall be null and void ab initio and of no effect, regardless of whether the purported Transferee has any actual or constructive knowledge of the Transfer restrictions set forth in this Agreement. Any purported Transfer in violation of this Agreement shall not be recorded (and the Company will instruct its transfer agent, registered office and other third parties not to record such purported Transfer) in the register of members of the Company or result in the treatment of any purported Transferee of such TME Securities as the owner of such TME Securities for any purpose.

SECTION 2.02     Restrictions on Transfer .

(a)     Restrictions During Lock -Up Period . During the period beginning on the date hereof and ending on the earlier of (i) the third (3 rd ) anniversary of the date hereof and (ii) the first date after the date hereof on which the number of TME Securities collectively beneficially owned by a Strategic Investor and its Affiliates exceeds the number of TME Securities then collectively beneficially owned by the Investors and their respective controlled Affiliates (such period, the “ Lock-Up Period ”), the Investors shall not, and the Investors shall cause their respective controlled Affiliates not to, Transfer any TME Securities beneficially owned by them, except:

(i)    with the prior written consent of the Company (acting through its Board or a designated committee thereof);

 

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(ii)    to a Permitted Transferee, subject to compliance with Section  2.03 ; provided , that, (A) if such Person ceases to be a Permitted Transferee during the Lock-Up Period, then the applicable Investor shall cause, and shall cause its controlled Affiliates to cause, such Person to, and such Person shall, Transfer such TME Securities back to such Investor or its controlled Affiliates or (B) if such Person ceases to be a Permitted Transferee after the expiration of the Lock-Up Period and a Transfer of TME Securities to such Person at that time would be prohibited by Section  2.02(b) , then the applicable Investor shall cause, and shall cause its controlled Affiliates to cause, such Person to, and such Person shall, Transfer such TME Securities back to such Investor or its controlled Affiliates;

(iii)    pursuant to (A) a tender offer or exchange offer for at least a majority of the issued and outstanding TME Securities if the Board has affirmatively recommended to the holders of the issued and outstanding TME Securities that such holders tender their TME Securities into such tender or exchange offer and if the Board has not publicly withdrawn or changed such recommendation or (B) a merger, consolidation or other business combination transaction which has been approved by the Board (each, a “ Qualified Transfer ”);

(iv)    to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; or

(v)    to the extent necessary to avoid regulation as an “investment company” under the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

For purposes of this Section  2.02(a) , the number of TME Securities beneficially owned by the Investors and their respective controlled Affiliates shall be determined without regard to the provisions set forth in Section  3.02 .

(b)    Notwithstanding anything in this Article  II to the contrary and irrespective of the expiration of the Lock-Up Period, for so long as the Investors or any of their respective controlled Affiliates beneficially own any TME Securities, the Investors shall not, and the Investors shall cause their respective controlled Affiliates not to, Transfer any TME Securities beneficially owned by them to (i) any Prohibited Person, (ii) any Rights Holder or (iii) any Transferee if, after giving effect to the proposed Transfer, the proposed Transferee would beneficially own TME Securities representing, in the aggregate, five percent (5%) or more of the Total Voting Power or five percent (5%) or more of the total issued and outstanding share capital of the Company; provided , that nothing in this Section  2.02(b) (but without limiting any of the other provisions of this Article  II ) shall prohibit any Transfer of TME Securities (w) to a Permitted Transferee, subject to compliance with Section  2.03 ; provided , that if such Person ceases to be a Permitted Transferee and a Transfer of TME Securities to such Person at that time would be prohibited by this Section  2.02(b) , then the applicable Investor shall cause, and shall cause its controlled Affiliates to cause, such Person to, and such Person shall, Transfer such TME Securities back to such Investor or its controlled Affiliates, (x) if such Transfer (and the Transferee in such Transfer) is consented to in writing by the Board or a designated committee thereof; (y) pursuant to a Qualified Transfer; or (z) through open market brokerage transactions where the identity of the purchaser is unknown (and, for the avoidance of doubt, the Investors shall have no duty of inquiry in connection with such brokerage transactions) (such transaction, a “ Brokerage Transaction ”); provided , further , that nothing in Section  2.02(b)(iii) (but without limiting any of the other provisions of this Article  II ) shall prohibit any Transfer of TME Securities to Tencent or any of its controlled Affiliates (such transaction, a “ Founder Transfer ”). The Company shall provide in writing to the Shareholder, upon the Shareholder’s written request (which written request may be made by the Shareholder no more frequently than once each fiscal quarter), the aggregate number of TME Securities representing the Total Voting Power and the aggregate number of issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company as of a recent date (without disclosing the identity of any holders thereof), and the Investors shall be entitled to rely upon the most recently received such notice from the Company for all purposes of calculating the Total Voting Power and total issued and outstanding share capital of the Company under this Agreement. For the purposes of ensuring that a proposed Transfer is not in violation of the restrictions in Section  2.02(b)(iii) , the Investors shall be entitled to rely upon (1) reports of beneficial ownership of such Transferee that are publicly filed or available or (2) if such reports are not publicly filed or available, after due inquiry, the representation made by the relevant Transferee with respect to the total number of votes and total number of outstanding shares of the Company owned by such Transferee before such proposed Transfer.

 

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(c)    The Company may amend the Prohibited Person List following the date hereof to add or remove any Person to or from the Prohibited Person List, each such amendment to be effective upon delivery of written notice thereof to the Investors; provided that (i) any Person so added to the Prohibited Person List must be a Person that, directly or indirectly, conducts a Competing Business as determined in good faith by the Company, and (ii) the Company may not amend the Prohibited Person List more than once during any twelve (12) month period; provided , further , that any Institutional Fund which makes an investment in any Person that, directly or indirectly, conducts a Competing Business shall not be a Prohibited Person and shall not be included in the Prohibited Person List.

(d)    Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, no Transfer of TME Securities otherwise permitted by this Agreement shall be made unless such Transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act or any other applicable securities Laws of any foreign, federal, state, local or other jurisdiction (a “ Foreign or State Act ”).

SECTION 2.03     Joinder to Investor Agreement . Each Investor shall (and shall cause its controlled Affiliates who beneficially own any TME Securities to), prior to the Transfer of any TME Securities to any Permitted Transferee (other than in a Transfer that is a Qualified Transfer, a Brokerage Transaction or a Founder Transfer) and as a condition thereto, cause such Permitted Transferee to execute and deliver to the Company a joinder agreement in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Company, pursuant to which such Permitted Transferee agrees to be bound by the provisions of this Agreement. Without limiting the provisions in the immediately preceding sentence, (i) until the completion of the IPO of the Company, each Investor shall, prior to the Transfer of any TME Securities to any Transferee in accordance with the other provisions of this Article  II (other than in a Transfer that is a Transfer of any TME Securities to the Company, a Qualified Transfer, a Brokerage Transaction or a Founder Transfer) and as a condition thereto, cause such Transferee to execute and deliver to the Company a joinder agreement in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Company, pursuant to which such Transferee agrees to be bound by this Article  II , Section  3.02 , Section  4.01 and Article  V , and (ii) after the completion of the IPO of the Company, each Investor shall, prior to the Transfer of any TME Securities to any Transferee in accordance with the other provisions of this Article  II (other than in a Transfer that is a Transfer of any TME Securities to the Company, a Qualified Transfer, a Brokerage Transaction or a Founder Transfer) and as a condition thereto, cause such Transferee to execute and deliver to the Company a joinder agreement in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Company, pursuant to which such Transferee agrees to be bound by this Article  II (other than Section  2.02(a) and Section  2.07 ) and Article  V .

 

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SECTION 2.04     Notice of Transfer . Prior to Transferring any TME Securities in accordance with the provisions set forth in this Article  II (other than in a Transfer that is a Transfer of any TME Securities to the Company, a Qualified Transfer, a Founder Transfer or, after the IPO of the Company, a Brokerage Transaction), an Investor or its controlled Affiliate, as applicable, shall, no later than five (5) Business Days prior to the consummation of such Transfer, deliver a written notice thereof to the Company.

SECTION 2.05     Legends . With respect to the Investors or any of their respective controlled Affiliates who beneficially own any TME Securities, each certificate for TME Securities, if any, shall bear a legend or legends (and appropriate comparable notations or other arrangements will be made with respect to any uncertificated shares in the Company’s register of members or other books and records) referencing restrictions on Transfer of such TME Securities under the Securities Act, any applicable Foreign or State Act and this Agreement, which legend shall state in substance:

“THE SECURITIES EVIDENCED BY THIS CERTIFICATE MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD, TRANSFERRED, PLEDGED, HYPOTHECATED OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF, EXCEPT IN COMPLIANCE WITH (I) THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, AND (II) ANY OTHER APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY FOREIGN, FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL OR OTHER JURISDICTION.

THE SECURITIES EVIDENCED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER SET FORTH IN THE INVESTOR AGREEMENT DATED AS OF DECEMBER 15, 2017, BY AND AMONG THE COMPANY AND THE OTHER PARTIES THERETO (A COPY OF WHICH IS ON FILE WITH THE SECRETARY OF THE COMPANY).”

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the holder of any certificate(s) for TME Securities shall be entitled to receive from the Company new certificates for a like number of TME Securities not bearing such legend (or the elimination or termination of such notations or arrangements) upon the request of such holder (i) at such time as such restrictions are no longer applicable and (ii) with respect to the restriction on Transfer of such TME Securities under the Securities Act or any other applicable Foreign or State Act, at the reasonable request of the Company, upon the delivery to the Company of an opinion of counsel to such holder, which opinion is reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Company and its counsel, that the restriction referenced in such legend (or such notations or arrangements) is no longer required in order to ensure compliance with the Securities Act or any such other applicable Foreign or State Act.

 

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SECTION 2.06     Lock-Up Agreements . In connection with any underwritten public offering by the Company of any TME Securities pursuant to an effective registration statement pursuant to the Securities Act or a prospectus or equivalent disclosure document pursuant to any Foreign and State Act (including in connection with an IPO of the Company), the Investors shall, and the Investors shall cause their respective controlled Affiliates that beneficially own any TME Securities to, enter into customary agreements restricting the public sale or distribution of equity securities of the Company (including sales pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act) if and to the extent required in writing by the lead managing underwriter(s) with respect to such underwritten public offering; provided , however , that the Investors and their respective controlled Affiliates shall not be required to enter into any such agreement covering a period that would end later than one hundred and eighty (180) days after the date of the final prospectus relating to an IPO of the Company or ninety (90) days after the date of the final prospectus relating to any such underwritten public offering other than an IPO of the Company; provided , further , that notwithstanding the foregoing any restrictions in such agreement shall not apply to Transfers to Permitted Transferees (subject to compliance with Section  2.03 ). The foregoing provisions of this Section  2.06 shall be applicable to the Investors only if (i) in the case of an IPO of the Company, all officers and directors of the Company and all shareholders owning, in the aggregate, more than fifty percent (50%) of the Total Voting Power or fifty percent (50%) of the total issued and outstanding share capital of the Company are subject to the same restrictions, or (ii) in the case of any underwriting public offering of the Company other than an IPO, all officers and directors of the Company are subject to the same restrictions.

SECTION 2.07     Drag-Along Right .

(a)    Notwithstanding anything contained in this Article  II to the contrary, at any time prior to an IPO of the Company, if Tencent proposes a Trade Sale and:

(i)    in the event such proposed Trade Sale is to a bona fide third party (other than Tencent or any Affiliate of Tencent), such Trade Sale has been approved by (x) no less than 75% of the Board and (y) no less than 75% of the issued and outstanding TME Shares; or

(ii)    in the event that such proposed Trade Sale is to Tencent or any Affiliate of Tencent, such Trade Sale has been approved by the holders of no less than 66.7% of the issued and outstanding TME Shares (other than any TME Shares held directly or indirectly by Tencent or any of its Affiliates),

 

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then, upon the written request from Tencent, the Investors shall, and the Investors shall cause their respective controlled Affiliates who beneficially own any TME Shares to, (A) vote all voting TME Securities held by them in favor of the Trade Sale, (B) refrain from exercising any dissenters’ rights or rights of appraisal under applicable Law at any time with respect to the Trade Sale, (C) execute and deliver all related documentation and take such other action in support of the Trade Sale as shall reasonably be requested by Tencent or the Company, and (D) if the Trade Sale is structured as a transfer of TME Shares or other TME Securities, transfer a pro rata portion of their TME Shares or other TME Securities (calculated by multiplying (1) the total number of TME Shares or other TME Securities collectively beneficially owned by the Investors and their controlled Affiliates and (2) a fraction, the numerator of which is the total number of TME Shares or other TME Securities proposed to be transferred in connection with such Trade Sale, and the denominator of which is the total number of outstanding TME Shares or other TME Securities (other than, in the case of Section  2.07(a)(ii) , the total number of TME Shares or other TME Securities collectively beneficially owned by Tencent and its Affiliates) to consummate the Trade Sale (such right, the “ Drag-Along Right ”). When exercising the Drag-Along Right, Tencent shall send written notice (the “ Sale Notice ”) to the Investors with copy to the Company specifying the names of the purchaser(s), the nature of the Trade Sale, the consideration payable per share or the total consideration payable and a summary of the material terms and conditions of such transaction. Upon receipt of a Sale Notice, the Investors and their respective controlled Affiliates who beneficially own any TME Shares shall be obligated to consummate such Trade Sale in accordance with this Section  2.07 ; provided , that, in connection with such Trade Sale, the consideration to be received by the Investors and their respective controlled Affiliates in exchange for their TME Shares and other TME Securities shall be based on the same per share price as the consideration to be received by Tencent and its Affiliates and shall be paid in the same form as the consideration to be paid to Tencent and its Affiliates in such Trade Sale. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, the parties hereto hereby agree that, for purposes of this Section  2.07 , Affiliates of Tencent shall exclude the TME Group Companies or any of the TME Group Companies’ controlled Affiliates.

(b)    In the event that any Investor fails for any reason to take any of the foregoing actions specified in this Section  2.07 , after reasonable notice thereof, the Investors hereby grant, on behalf of themselves and on behalf each of their respective controlled Affiliates who beneficially own any TME Securities, an irrevocable power of attorney and proxy to any director approving the Trade Sale to take all necessary actions and execute and deliver all documents deemed by such director to be reasonably necessary to effectuate the terms hereof. The power of attorney granted hereby is intended to secure an interest in property and, in addition, the obligations of each Investor and its controlled Affiliates who beneficially own any TME Shares under this Agreement, and shall be irrevocable.

(c)    Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, without the prior written consent of Tencent, no Trade Sale shall be effected, or be permitted to be effected, to any Prohibited Person.

SECTION 2.08     Delay of Transfer . The Company shall not incur any liability to the Investors, any of their respective controlled Affiliates or any other Person for any delay in recognizing any Transfer of TME Securities if the Company in good faith reasonably determines that such Transfer may have been or would be in violation in any material respect of the provisions of the Securities Act, any applicable Foreign or State Act or this Agreement. Without limiting any of the other provisions of this Article  II , the Company shall not exercise its power to suspend registration of Transfer of TME Securities by any Investor or its controlled Affiliates pursuant to Article 36 of the Company Articles, except to the extent the Board determines in good faith after consultation with its outside counsel that such Transfer would, if consummated, result in a violation by the Company of applicable Laws.

 

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ARTICLE III

STANDSTILL; VOTING

SECTION 3.01     Standstill Covenant .

(a)    Except in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Subscription Agreement, during the period beginning on the date hereof and ending on the earlier of (i) the fifth (5 th ) anniversary of the date hereof and (ii) the first date after the date hereof on which the number of TME Securities collectively beneficially owned by a Strategic Investor and its Affiliates exceeds the number of TME Securities then collectively beneficially owned by the Investors and their respective controlled Affiliates (such period, the “ Standstill Period ”), none of Parent or the Shareholder shall, and each of Parent and the Shareholder shall cause its controlled Affiliates and its controlled Affiliates’ Representatives (and with respect to such Representatives that are not directors, officers, managers or employees of Parent or the Shareholder or any of their respective controlled Affiliates, only to the extent such Representatives are acting on behalf, or at the behest, of Parent or the Shareholder or any of their respective controlled Affiliates) not to, directly or indirectly or alone or in concert with any other Person, unless invited to do so by the Board or with the prior written consent of the Company:

(i)    acquire, offer or propose to acquire, or agree to acquire, by purchase or otherwise (other than as a result of a stock dividend, capitalization of profits, stock split or subdivision of any TME Securities beneficially owned by Parent, the Shareholder and their respective controlled Affiliates) (A) any economic interest in, or any direct or indirect right to direct the voting or disposition of, any TME Securities or other securities (including any Derivative Securities) of the Company, whether or not any of the foregoing would give rise to beneficial ownership and, in each case, whether or not any of the foregoing is acquired or otherwise obtained by means of borrowing of securities or operation of any Derivative Security or (B) except in the ordinary course of business, any consolidated assets or indebtedness of the Company;

(ii)    enter into, agree, offer, or propose to enter into (whether publicly or otherwise), effect, engage in, or participate in, any acquisition transaction, merger or other business combination, recapitalization, restructuring, liquidation, dissolution, share exchange, sale, disposition, purchase, acquisition or other extraordinary transaction relating to the Company or a transaction for all or a substantial portion of the consolidated assets of the Company or any of its businesses;

 

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(iii)    make, or in any way participate in, any “solicitation” of “proxies” (as such terms are defined in Rule 14a-1 under the Exchange Act, disregarding clause (iv) of Rule 14a-1(1)(2) under the Exchange Act and including any otherwise exempt solicitation pursuant to Rule 14a-2(b) under the Exchange Act) to vote, or seek or propose to advise, influence or encourage any Person with respect to the voting of, any TME Securities on any matter, or demand a copy of the Company’s register of members or other books and records;

(iv)    initiate, induce or attempt to induce, cooperate or collaborate with, any other Person in connection with any shareholder proposal or withhold vote campaigns or any tender or exchange offer for equity securities of the Company, any change of control of the Company or the convening of a meeting of the Company’s shareholders;

(v)    except as contemplated under Section  3.02 , form, join or in any way participate in a “group” (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) with respect to any TME Securities or in connection with (or otherwise act in concert with any Person in connection with) the matters that are the subject of this Section  3.01 with any Person (other than Parent or the Shareholder, as applicable, and their respective controlled Affiliates);

(vi)    seek or propose to influence, advise, change or control the management, Board, governing instruments or policies, affairs or strategies of the Company;

(vii)    bring any action or otherwise act to contest the validity of this Section  3.01 ;

(viii)    advise, knowingly assist, knowingly encourage or knowingly act as a financing source for or otherwise invest in any Person in connection with, or enter into any discussions, negotiations, arrangements or understandings with any Person with respect to, any of the foregoing clauses (i) through (vii) of this Section  3.01(a) or propose any of such activities to any Person;

(ix)    publicly request or otherwise publicly seek to amend or waive any provision of this Section  3.01 , provided , that Parent, the Shareholder and their respective controlled Affiliates may make such request or proposal privately to the Board (which request or proposal the Board can accept or reject in its sole discretion) that is made in a manner that is not intended to and would not reasonably be likely to result in the Company being required to make any public disclosure or other public announcement related to such request or proposal; and

(x)    make any statement or publicly disclose any intention, plan, arrangement or other contract that is prohibited by, or inconsistent with, any of the foregoing;

provided , however , that (A) any Transfer of TME Securities shall not constitute a breach of this Section  3.01(a) so long as Parent, the Shareholder and their respective controlled Affiliates comply with Article  II (if applicable); and (B) if the TME Securities beneficially owned by Parent, the Shareholder and their respective controlled Affiliates collectively represent less than ten percent (10%) of the then Fully Diluted share capital of the Company, an acquisition by Parent, the Shareholder or their respective controlled Affiliates during the Standstill Period of up to that number of additional TME Securities that, together with the TME Securities beneficially owned collectively by Parent, the Shareholder and their respective controlled Affiliates immediately prior to such acquisition, would not collectively represent more than ten percent (10%) of the then Fully Diluted share capital of the Company (the “ Standstill Cap ”) shall not constitute a breach of this Section  3.01(a) . The Company shall provide in writing to the Shareholder, upon the Shareholder’s written request (which written request may be made by the Shareholder no more frequently than once each fiscal quarter), the total number of TME Securities representing the Fully Diluted share capital as of a recent date (without disclosing the identity of any holders of TME Securities), and Parent and the Shareholder shall be entitled to rely upon the most recently received such notice from the Company for all purposes of the preceding proviso. For the avoidance of doubt, if the TME Securities beneficially owned by Parent, the Shareholder and their respective controlled Affiliates exceed the Standstill Cap due to the decrease in the total number of TME Securities as a result of any share repurchase, share buyback or share redemption by the Company, Parent, the Shareholder and their respective controlled Affiliates are not required to reduce their beneficial ownership of TME Securities.

 

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For purposes of this Section  3.01(a) , the number of TME Securities beneficially owned by Parent, the Shareholder and their respective controlled Affiliates shall be determined without regard to the provisions set forth in Section  3.02 .

(b)    Nothing contained in this Section  3.01 shall restrict the right of Parent, the Shareholder, their respective controlled Affiliates or any other Person (i) to make or continue to hold bona fide investments in any Eligible Fund that holds or acquires any TME Securities or other securities (including any Derivative Securities) of the Company or otherwise engages in any of the activities otherwise restricted by this Section  3.01 , so long as the investment in such Eligible Fund is made and held by such Person for investment purposes only and is not made or held for the purpose of engaging in or facilitating, or for the purpose of assisting or encouraging the Person(s) controlling such Eligible Fund to engage in or facilitate, any of the activities restricted by this Section  3.01 in any manner with respect to the Company or (ii) to acquire any TME Securities or other securities (including any Derivative Securities) of the Company pursuant to a bona fide distribution-in-kind by any Eligible Fund to all of its investors (including Parent, the Shareholder, their respective controlled Affiliates or such other Person) on a pro rata basis.

SECTION 3.02     Voting Agreement .

(a)    Except as expressly provided for herein, the Investors hereby agree on behalf of themselves and on behalf of their respective controlled Affiliates that beneficially own any TME Securities that Tencent shall have the sole and exclusive right to vote, in its sole and absolute discretion, any TME Securities beneficially owned by the Investors and any of their respective controlled Affiliates on all proposals, resolutions and other matters for which a vote, consent or other approval (including by written consent) of the holders of TME Securities is sought or upon which such holders are otherwise entitled to vote or consent.

(b)    The Investors hereby agree on behalf of themselves and on behalf of their respective controlled Affiliates that beneficially own any TME Securities that, unless Tencent provides explicit written instructions to vote the TME Securities beneficially owned by the Investors or any of their respective controlled Affiliates or Tencent provides explicit written notice that the Investors and their respective controlled Affiliates shall be permitted to vote their TME Securities in their respective sole discretion without regard to any instructions of Tencent, the Investors shall not, and the Investors shall cause their respective controlled Affiliates not to, vote, or cause to be voted, or vote, consent or approve in any other circumstances, in which such vote, consent or other approval (including a written consent) is sought from the holders of TME Securities, any of the TME Securities beneficially owned by them (in person, by proxy or action by written consent).

 

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(c)    The Investors, on behalf of themselves and on behalf of their respective controlled Affiliates that beneficially own any TME Securities, hereby irrevocably appoint Tencent their true and lawful proxy and attorney with the power to act alone and with full power of substitution and re-substitution, to vote or act by written consent with respect to all TME Securities beneficially owned by them in accordance with this Section  3.02 and to execute all appropriate instruments consistent with this Agreement on behalf of the Investors and their respective controlled Affiliates. The proxy and power granted by the Investors and their respective controlled Affiliates are irrevocable and coupled with an interest and are given to secure the performance of their obligations under this Section  3.02 . Tencent shall not be liable for any error of judgment nor for any act done or omitted, nor for any mistake of fact or law nor for anything which Tencent may do or refrain from doing in good faith, nor shall Tencent have any accountability hereunder, except for its own bad faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct. If and to the extent reasonably requested by Tencent, the Investors shall issue a separate power of attorney in the name of Tencent or any director, officer or internal or external legal counsel of Tencent, or any other representative acting on behalf of and in accordance with the instructions of Tencent, in each case duly appointed and authorized to exercise the rights assigned to Tencent under this Section  3.02 , to govern the exercise of rights assigned to Tencent under this Section  3.02 .

(d)    Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions set forth in Section  3.02(a) through (c)  shall not apply, and the Investors and their respective controlled Affiliates that beneficially own any TME Securities shall have the right to vote their TME Securities in their sole and absolute discretion, with respect to any proposal by the Company to make changes to any of the Control Documents (as such term is defined in the Company Articles) that is the subject of a shareholder vote, including any transfer or assignment of any party’s rights and obligations under any of the Control Documents and any appointment of representatives, specified persons or proxies under the Control Documents.

(e)    The provisions of this Section  3.02 shall terminate upon the earliest to occur of: (i) the mutual written agreement of the Company and the Shareholder, (ii) the time at which the Company ceases to be directly or indirectly controlled by Tencent (it being understood that solely for purposes of determining such direct or indirect control by Tencent, Tencent shall be deemed to have full and exclusive control of all TME Securities then subject to the proxy and power granted under this Section  3.02 ) and (iii) the tenth (10 th ) anniversary of the date of this Agreement.

 

16


ARTICLE IV

CERTAIN GOVERNANCE MATTERS

SECTION 4.01     Information Rights . Prior to the completion of the IPO of the Company, upon written request of the Investors, the Company shall, subject to Section  5.01 , deliver to the Investors the information set forth below:

(a)    as soon as practicable, but in any event within hundred and twenty (120) days after the end of each fiscal year of the Company, an unaudited income statement for such fiscal year, an unaudited balance sheet of the Company and unaudited statement of shareholder’s equity as of the end of such fiscal year, and an unaudited statement of cash flows for such fiscal year, such year-end financial reports to be in reasonable detail, on a consolidated basis, prepared in accordance with IFRS or U.S. GAAP; and

(b)    as soon as practicable, but in any event within fifty (50) days after the end of each of the first three (3) fiscal quarters of each fiscal year of the Company, an unaudited quarterly management account on a consolidated basis, prepared in accordance with IFRS or U.S. GAAP applied on a consistent basis.

SECTION 4.02     Potential Business Opportunities . To the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, (i) Parent, the Shareholder, their respective controlled Affiliates and their respective managers, directors, officers, employees and/or other representatives (each of the foregoing Persons (other than Parent, the Shareholder and their respective controlled Affiliates), an “ Identified Person ”) shall have the right to, and shall have no duty (contractual or otherwise) to, directly or indirectly, engage in the same or similar business activities or lines of business as the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, on their own account, or in partnership with, or as a manager, director, officer, employee or shareholder of any other Person, including those lines of business deemed to be competing with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (ii) the Company, on behalf of itself, its Subsidiaries and its and their respective shareholders, hereby renounces any interest or expectancy of the Company and its Subsidiaries in, or in being offered an opportunity to participate in, any business opportunity that may from time to time be presented to Parent, the Shareholder, their respective controlled Affiliates or any Identified Person, even if the opportunity is one that the Company or its Subsidiaries might reasonably be deemed to have pursued or had the ability or desire to pursue if granted the opportunity to do so (a “ Potential Business Opportunity ”), and none of the Company or its shareholders or any of its Subsidiaries or their shareholders shall have any rights in and to any Potential Business Opportunity of Parent, the Shareholder, their respective controlled Affiliates or any Identified Persons or the income or profits derived therefrom, (iii) Parent, the Shareholder, their respective controlled Affiliates and the Identified Persons may do business with any potential artist, subscriber, music label or other business relationships of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and (iv) neither Parent, the Shareholder, their respective controlled Affiliates nor any Identified Person shall have any duty to communicate or offer any Potential Business Opportunity to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or shall be liable to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective members, partners, shareholders or other equity holders for breach of any duty (fiduciary, contractual or otherwise) by reason of the fact that Parent, the Shareholder, their respective controlled Affiliates or such Identified Person pursue or acquire such Potential Business Opportunity, direct such business opportunity to another Person or fail to present such business opportunity, or information regarding such business opportunity, to the Company or its Subsidiaries, unless, in each case of clauses (ii) and (iv), Parent, the Shareholder, their respective controlled Affiliates or such Identified Person first learn about such Potential Business Opportunity in any Confidential Information.

 

17


SECTION 4.03     Anti-Bribery Covenants . The Company hereby agrees that it shall not, and shall use reasonable good faith efforts to cause its controlled Affiliates and its and its controlled Affiliates’ officers, directors, employees, agents and other persons acting for or on behalf of the Company or its controlled Affiliates not to, (i) offer, pay, promise to pay, or authorize the payment of any money, or offer, give, promise to give, or authorize the giving of anything of value, to any Government Official or to any Person in violation of applicable Anticorruption Laws; (ii) use any corporate funds or assets for unlawful contributions, gifts, entertainment, expenses or other unlawful conduct relating to political activity; (iii) make, offer, promise, authorize, solicit or receive any bribe, rebate, payoff, influence payment, kickback or other similar improper payment, whether directly or indirectly, to or from any private commercial entity for the purpose of gaining an improper business advantage in violation of applicable Anticorruption Laws; or (iv) take any action that would constitute a violation of, or cause the Company to be in violation of, or fail to take any action in violation of, any applicable Anticorruption Laws, in each of cases (i) through (iv), which conduct would reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to be material to the TME Group Companies, taken as a whole.

SECTION 4.04     Sanctions Covenant . The Company agrees that it shall not, shall cause its controlled Affiliates not to, and instruct any of its or their respective officers, directors, employees, and agents not to, use or cause to be used any funds of the Company for the purpose of funding, financing or facilitating any unlawful activities, business or transaction of or with (i) any OFAC Sanctioned Person, (ii) a Person that is subject to any sanctions of the European Union, the PRC or the Cayman Islands by Order of Her Majesty in Council or (iii) otherwise operate in any manner that would cause the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to be in violation of OFAC Sanctions or any sanctions of the European Union, the PRC or the Cayman Islands.

ARTICLE V

GENERAL PROVISIONS

SECTION 5.01     Confidentiality . During the period beginning on the date hereof and ending on the second (2 nd ) anniversary of the termination of this Agreement, each Investor shall, and each Investor shall cause its controlled Affiliates to, keep all Confidential Information strictly confidential and not disclose any Confidential Information, in whole or in part, in any manner whatsoever; provided that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, Confidential Information may be disclosed by the Investors and their respective controlled Affiliates (i) to their respective Representatives and Affiliates, in each case, to the extent such Representative or Affiliate needs to be provided such Confidential Information to assist the Investors and their respective controlled Affiliates in evaluating or reviewing their investment in the Company ( provided , that (A) such Representative or Affiliate is subject to an obligation to keep such information confidential on terms at least as favorable to the Company as this Section  5.01 and (B) the Investors and their respective controlled Affiliates shall be responsible for any breach of this Section  5.01 by any of their respective Representatives or Affiliates), (ii) at any time following the expiration of the Lock-Up Period, to a prospective Transferee who is subject to an obligation to keep such information confidential on terms at least as favorable to the Company as this Section  5.01 ( provided , that the Investors and their respective controlled Affiliates shall be responsible for any breach of this Section  5.01 by such prospective Transferee) and (iii) if any of the Investors or any of their respective controlled Affiliates, as applicable, has received advice from its outside counsel that it is legally required to make such disclosure to comply with applicable Law; provided , that prior to making such disclosure pursuant to this clause (iii), such Person shall, to the extent legally permissible, promptly notify the Company of such request or requirement and use its reasonable best efforts to preserve the confidentiality of the Confidential Information, including consulting with the Company regarding such disclosure and, if reasonably requested by the Company, assist the Company, at the Company’s sole cost and expense, in seeking a protective order to prevent the requested disclosure; and provided , further , that such Person may disclose only that portion of the Confidential Information that is, based on the advice of its outside counsel, legally required or requested to be disclosed.

 

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SECTION 5.02     Amendment . This Agreement may be amended, modified or supplemented only by an agreement in writing executed by all of the parties hereto.

SECTION 5.03     Notices . Unless otherwise provided herein, all notices and other communications hereunder shall be in the English language and writing and shall be deemed given and received if transmitted by electronic mail (with confirmation of receipt by the recipient, which confirmation shall be promptly delivered by the recipient if so requested by the sender in the applicable notice or other communication), on the Business Day after the date on which such notice is sent to the parties hereto at the following addresses (or at such other address for a party hereto as shall be specified by like notice):

 

  (a)

If to the Company, to:

Tencent Music Entertainment Group

7F, China Technology Trade Center

NO.66 North 4th Ring West Road

Hai Dian District, Beijing

P.R.China 100080

Attention:        Hsiang Zhao

E-mail:            [                     ]

with a copy (which copy alone shall not constitute notice) to:

Davis Polk & Wardwell

The Hong Kong Club Building

3A Chater Road, 18/F

Hong Kong

Attention:        Miranda So

E-mail:            [                     ]

 

19


  (b)

If to Tencent, to:

c/o Tencent Holdings Limited

Level 29, Three Pacific Place

1 Queen’s Road East

Wanchai, Hong Kong

Attention:        Compliance and Transactions Department

Email:              [                     ]

with a copy (which copy alone shall not constitute notice) to:

Tencent Building, Keji Zhongyi Avenue

Hi-tech Park, Nanshan District

Shenzhen 518057, PRC

Attention:        Mergers and Acquisitions Department

Email:              [                     ]

and

Davis Polk & Wardwell

The Hong Kong Club Building

3A Chater Road, 18/F

Hong Kong

Attention:        Miranda So

E-mail:            [                     ]

 

  (c)

If to Parent or the Shareholder, to:

Spotify AB

attn. Corporate Legal

Birger Jarlsgatan 61

113 56 Stockholm

Sweden

[                    ]

with a copy (which copy alone shall not constitute notice) to:

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP

425 Lexington Avenue

New York, New York 10017

Attention:        Alan M. Klein

                         Sebastian Tiller

E-mail:            [                     ]

                         [                    ]

SECTION 5.04     Waivers . Any party hereto may waive in whole or in part any benefit or right provided to it under this Agreement, such waiver being effective only if contained in a writing executed by the waiving party. The failure of a party hereto at any time or times to require performance of any provision hereof shall in no manner affect its right at a later time to enforce the same. No waiver by a party hereto of any condition or of any breach of any term or covenant contained in this Agreement shall be effective unless in writing, and no waiver in any one or more instances shall be deemed to be a further or continuing waiver of any such condition or breach in other instances or a waiver of any other condition or breach of any other term or covenant.

 

20


SECTION 5.05     Successors and Assignment . Except as expressly provided in Section  2.03 , neither this Agreement, nor any of the rights, interests or obligations hereunder shall be assigned by any of the parties hereto, in whole or in part (whether by operation of law or otherwise), without the prior written consent of the other parties hereto, and any attempt to make any such assignment without such consent shall be null and void. Subject to the immediately preceding sentence, this Agreement will be binding upon, inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by, the parties hereto and their respective permitted successors and assigns.

SECTION 5.06     No Third-Party Beneficiaries . This Agreement is solely for the benefit of the parties to this Agreement and no provision of this Agreement shall be deemed to confer upon any other Person any remedy, claim, liability, reimbursement, cause of action or other right.

SECTION 5.07     Severability . If any provision of this Agreement shall be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality or enforceability of the other provisions hereof shall not be affected thereby, and there shall be deemed substituted for the provision at issue a valid, legal and enforceable provision as similar as possible to the provision at issue.

SECTION 5.08     Entire Understanding . This Agreement, together with the Subscription Agreement, sets forth the sole and entire agreement and understanding of the parties hereto with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby and all inducements to the making of this Agreement relied upon by the parties hereto and supersedes any and all prior representations, warranties, agreements, arrangements and understandings, both written and oral, among the parties hereto relating to the subject matter hereof (including that certain non-binding term sheet, dated August 21, 2017, by and among the parties hereto).

SECTION 5.09     Governing Documents; Other Shareholder Agreements . The parties hereto hereby acknowledge that the Investors and their respective controlled Affiliates may, in respect of the TME Securities they beneficially own, be or become party or subject to other Governing Documents of the Company, and the Investors shall, and the Investors shall cause their respective controlled Affiliates to, comply with the provisions of this Agreement (it being understood that the exercise by the Investors or any of their respective controlled Affiliates of any rights under such other Governing Documents shall at all times be subject to compliance with the provisions set forth herein). The Company shall not adopt or enter into any Governing Document with any Person with respect to, directly or indirectly, any TME Securities which would prevent the Company from complying with the provisions of this Agreement.

SECTION 5.10     Waiver of Separate Shareholder Class  Rights . The Investors acknowledge and agree that, to the extent that there may be any inconsistency found or asserted between this Agreement and the Governing Documents of the Company in respect of the rights and obligations attaching to the TME Shares beneficially owned by the Investors and their respective controlled Affiliates (the “ Investor Shares ”) as against any or all other TME Shares, unless otherwise requested or permitted by the Company in writing, (i) the Investors shall not, and shall cause their respective controlled Affiliates not to, in any way and for any purpose, (A) claim that any such inconsistency has the effect of rendering any or all of the Investor Shares as being in a separate class of shares in the Company from the other TME Shares; or (B) request that the Company acknowledges that the Investor Shares are in a separate class of shares from the other TME Shares or seek its consent as a holder of a separate class of shares in the Company from the other TME Shares in relation to any matter that may require the vote or consent of the holders of TME Shares; and (ii) the Investors shall not, and shall cause their respective controlled Affiliates not to, in any way and for any purpose vote or attempt to vote any or all of the Investor Shares in a separate shareholder class meeting or by way of a written resolution of holder(s) of a separate class of shares from other TME Shares in respect of any matter that may require the vote or consent of the holders of TME Shares.

 

21


SECTION 5.11     Dual-Class Structure .

(a)    Each Investor, on behalf of itself and its Affiliates, acknowledges and agrees that (i) the Company may adopt a dual-class share structure such that its share capital will include Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares at any time at or prior to the completion of an IPO of the Company (the “ Effective Event ”); (ii) in connection with such adoption of a dual-class share structure, (x) the Investor Shares and any other shares of the Company that are owned by such Investor or any of its controlled Affiliates (whether as a result of any subscription of new shares by, or any Transfer by another holder of shares to, such Investor or any of its controlled Affiliates, or otherwise) immediately prior to the Effective Event may, if determined by the board of directors of the Company, be designated as Class A ordinary shares upon the Effective Event, (y) any shares of the Company issued and sold in the IPO may, if determined by the Board, be designated as Class A ordinary shares, and (z) all or a portion of the TME Securities that are owned by any Person that is a shareholder of the Company as of the date of the Subscription Agreement or any of its Affiliates or any other Person as may be designated by the Company (whether as a result of any subscription of new shares by, or any Transfer by another holder of shares to, such holder, its Affiliates or such other Person, or otherwise) immediately prior to the Effective Event may, if determined by the board of directors of the Company, be designated as Class B ordinary shares upon the Effective Event; (iii) each Class A ordinary share will be entitled to one vote and each Class B ordinary share will be entitled to up to fifteen (15) votes on all matters to be voted upon by or otherwise requiring the consent of the Company’s shareholders; and (iv) Class B ordinary shares will automatically and immediately convert into an equal number of Class A ordinary shares upon the occurrence of any transfer of such Class B ordinary shares by the holder thereof or an Affiliate of such holder to any Person that is not an Affiliate of such holder, or any other event that may be designated by the Company (the matters described in (i) through (iv) above being referred to as the “ Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation ”).

(b)    Each Investor, on behalf of itself and its controlled Affiliates, hereby unconditionally and irrevocably (i) consents to the Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation, including without limitation for all purposes under the Governing Documents of the Company; (ii) waives any veto rights and all similar rights (whether arising at contract or in law or otherwise) in respect of the Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation; (iii) subject to Section  3.02 , agrees to vote, or cause to be voted, the TME Securities or any other shares of the Company that are beneficially owned by such Investor or its controlled Affiliates from time to time and at any time after the date of this Agreement and until the Effective Event, (A) in favor of, and (B) against any action, proposal, transaction or agreement that could reasonably be expected to impede, interfere with, delay, discourage, adversely affect or inhibit, the Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation and adoption of any amendment to the Company Articles to reflect the Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation and other changes as necessary in facilitation of an IPO of the Company, at every meeting (or in connection with any action by written consent) of the Company’s shareholders at which such matters are considered and at any adjournment or postponement thereof; and (iv) agrees to promptly execute, deliver or enter into any other agreement, document, consent, approval or instrument, and take any other actions, which may be reasonably necessary or advisable to effect the Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation.

 

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(c)    Other than to effectuate the Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation as provided in Section  5.11(a) and Section  5.11(b) , the Company shall not exercise its right to purchase or redeem (for the purposes of Section 37 of the Companies Law of the Cayman Islands (as amended)) the TME Shares owned by any Investor or its controlled Affiliates pursuant to the Company Articles without the prior written consent of such Investor.

SECTION 5.12     Governing Law . This Agreement and its enforcement, and any controversy arising out of or relating to the making or performance of this Agreement, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of the State of New York, without regard to New York’s principles of conflicts of law.

SECTION 5.13     Arbitration . All disputes, controversies or claims arising out of or in connection with this Agreement and any and all claims arising out of or in connection with it, including any extra-contractual claims shall be resolved by final and binding arbitration in accordance with the Rules of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce (the “ ICC ”) by three (3) arbitrators appointed in accordance with the Rules of Arbitration of the ICC. The claimant(s) shall nominate one (1) arbitrator in the request for arbitration. The respondent(s) shall nominate one (1) arbitrator in the answer to the request. The two (2) arbitrators nominated by the claimant and the respondent may be nationals of any country. The two (2) party-nominated arbitrators shall then attempt to agree, in consultation with the claimant(s) and the respondent(s), upon the nomination of a third (3 rd ) arbitrator to act as president of the tribunal. If the third (3 rd ) arbitrator has not been nominated within thirty (30) days of the date of the appointment of the second (2 nd ) arbitrator, the third (3 rd ) arbitrator shall be nominated by the ICC International Court of Arbitration. The third (3 rd ) arbitrator and president of the tribunal shall not be a national of the PRC or Sweden. The place of arbitration shall be Wilmington, Delaware, United States of America. The language of the arbitration shall be English.

SECTION 5.14     Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed (including by e-mail delivery of a portable document format (“.pdf”) file) in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same original instrument.

 

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SECTION 5.15     Specific Performance . The parties hereto hereby recognize, acknowledge and agree that the breach or violation of this Agreement by a party hereto would cause irreparable damage to the other parties hereto and that none of the parties hereto has an adequate remedy at Law. Each party hereto shall therefore be entitled, in addition to any other remedies that may be available, to obtain specific performance of the terms of this Agreement, and appropriate injunctive relief may be applied for and granted in connection therewith. Any party hereto seeking an order or injunction to prevent breaches of this Agreement or to enforce specifically the terms and provisions hereof shall not be required to provide, furnish or post any bond or other security in connection with or as a condition to obtaining any such order or injunction, and each party hereto hereby irrevocably waives any right it may have to require the provision, furnishing or posting of any such bond or other security. If any action is brought by any party hereto to enforce this Agreement, the other parties hereto shall waive the defense that there is an adequate remedy at Law.

SECTION 5.16     Termination . Except for Section  2.02(a) , Section  3.01 and Section  3.02 (which shall expire in accordance with their respective terms), this Agreement shall terminate and be of no further force and effect as to Parent or the Shareholder and their respective controlled Affiliates upon the earlier to occur of (i) the mutual written agreement of Parent or the Shareholder, as applicable, and the Company and (ii) the date on which Parent or the Shareholder, as applicable, and its controlled Affiliates, taken together, no longer beneficially own any TME Securities, except that, in each case, the provisions set forth in this Article  V shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

SECTION 5.17     Other Agreements . Neither Parent nor the Shareholder shall, and each of Parent and the Shareholder shall cause its controlled Affiliates not to, enter into any agreement of any kind with any Person with respect to, directly or indirectly, any TME Securities which is inconsistent with the provisions of this Agreement.

SECTION 5.18     Representations . Tencent hereby represents and warrants to Parent that, as of the date hereof, (i) except as set forth in Section  5.18 of the TME Disclosure Letter, none of Tencent or any of its Subsidiaries (other than the Company and its Subsidiaries) (A) conducts or otherwise operates any Music Business, (B) beneficially owns more than 2.5% of the outstanding capital stock or other equity interests of any Person that, directly or, to the Knowledge of TME, indirectly, primarily conducts or otherwise primarily operates any Music Business (other than any indirect ownership of the outstanding capital stock or other equity interests of any such Person through bona fide investments in any Eligible Fund) or (C) beneficially owns any outstanding capital stock or other equity interests of any of the Persons set forth in Section  5.18(i)(C) of the TME Disclosure Letter (other than the indirect ownership of any outstanding capital stock or other equity interests of any such Person through bona fide investments in any Eligible Fund) and (ii)  Section 5.18 of the TME Disclosure Letter sets out the categories of assets, rights or properties owned by Tencent or any of its Subsidiaries (other than the Company and its Subsidiaries) and licensed to or used by the Company and its Subsidiaries to conduct their Music Business, except for such assets, rights or properties that, individually or in the aggregate, are not material to such Music Business.

[ The remainder of this page is intentionally left blank. ]

 

24


IN WITNESS WHEREOF , each of the following parties hereto has caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered in its name and on its behalf, all as of the day and year first above written.

 

Tencent Music Entertainment Group

 

(腾讯音乐娱乐集团)

By:  

/s/ PANG Kar Shun Cussion

Name:   PANG Kar Shun Cussion
Title:   Director
Tencent Holdings Limited
By:  

/s/ Huateng Ma

Name:   Huateng Ma
Title:   Authorized Signatory
SPOTIFY TECHNOLOGY S.A.
By:  

/s/ Peter Grandelius

Name:   Peter Grandelius
Title:   Authorized Signatory and Associate General Counsel
SPOTIFY AB
By:  

/s/ Peter Grandelius

Name:   Peter Grandelius
Title:   Authorized Signatory and Associate General Counsel

[ Signature Page to Investor Agreement (Investment in TME) ]

Exhibit 10.15

EXECUTION VERSION

SHARE SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT

Dated January 15, 2018

by and between

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

( 腾讯音乐娱乐集团 )

and

THE PURCHASERS HEREUNDER


SHARE SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT

THIS SHARE SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is made and entered into on January 15, 2018 by and between:

(a) Tencent Music Entertainment Group ( 腾讯音乐娱乐集团 ), an exempted company incorporated under the Laws of the Cayman Islands (the “ Company ”); and

(b) each of the investors listed on Schedule A attached hereto and any other investor who shall become Parties to this Agreement after the date hereof in accordance with Section 2.1 (each, a “ Purchaser ” and collectively, the “ Purchasers ”).

RECITALS

 

A.

The Company desires to issue and sell to each Purchaser, and each Purchaser desires to subscribe for and purchase from the Company, a certain number of the ordinary shares, par value US$0.000083 per share, of the Company (the “ Ordinary Shares ”), on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement; and

 

B.

The Parties desire to enter into this Agreement and make the respective representations, warranties, covenants and agreements set forth herein on the terms and conditions set forth herein.

AGREEMENT

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing recitals, the mutual promises hereinafter set forth, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

 

1.

DEFINITIONS

In this Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires, the following words and expressions have the meanings as follows:

Action ” means any litigation or arbitration proceeding.

Affiliate ” means, (i) with respect to a Person that is a natural person, such Person’s relatives and any other Person (other than natural persons) directly or indirectly Controlled by such Person, and (ii) with respect to a Person that is not a natural person, a Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls, or is Controlled by, or is under common Control with, such Person. For the purposes of this definition, “relative” of a Person means such Person’s spouse, parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, sibling, uncle, aunt, nephew, niece or great-grandparent or the spouse of such Person’s child, grandchild, sibling, uncle, aunt, nephew or niece.


Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Applicable Basket ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.2(a).

Applicable Cap ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.2(a).

Approval ” means any approval, consent, waiver, license or permit required to be obtained from, or any registration or qualification required to be filed with or delivered to, any Governmental Authority or any other Person.

Arbitration Notice ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.15.

Attorney ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.4(c).

Balance Sheet Date ” means June 30, 2017.

Bankruptcy and Equity Exception ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.4.

Board ” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

Business Day ” means a day (other than a Saturday or a Sunday) that the banks in New York, Hong Kong, the PRC, and the Cayman Islands are generally open for business.

Closing ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2.

Closing Date ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2.

Company ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Company Indemnitee ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.2(b).

Confidential Information ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.3(a).

Contracts ” means legally binding contracts, agreements, commitments, understandings, instruments, or any other contractual arrangements or obligations, which are currently subsisting and not terminated or completed (with each of such Contracts being referred to as a “ Contract ”).

Control ” means the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct, or cause the direction of, the management and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

Control Documents ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3.

De Minimis Claim Threshold ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.2(a).

 

-2-


Disclosure Schedule ” means the disclosure schedule delivered by the Company to each Purchaser on the date hereof.

Dispute ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.15.

Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.4(a).

Effective Event ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.4(a).

ESOP ” means collectively, the 2014 Share Incentive Plan, the 2017 Share Option Plan and the 2017 Restricted Share Award Scheme of the Company.

Fair Market Value ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.5(a)(i).

Financial Statements ” means the management account of consolidated income statements of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2016 and for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2017 and June 30, 2017.

Financing Shares ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.3.

Governmental Authorities ” means any nation, government, province, state, or any entity, authority or body exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of or pertaining to government, including any government authority, agency, department, board, commission or instrumentality of any government or any political subdivision thereof, court, tribunal, arbitrator, the governing body of any securities exchange, and self-regulatory organization, in each case having competent jurisdiction (with each of such Governmental Authorities being referred to as a “ Governmental Authority ”).

Group Companies ” means the Company and its Subsidiaries.

HKIAC ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.15.

HKIAC Rules ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.15.

Hong Kong ” means the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China.

Indemnified Party ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.3.

Indemnifying Party ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.3.

IPO ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1.

Knowledge of the Company ” means the actual knowledge of the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer and the General Counsel of the Company as of the date of this Agreement.

 

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Law ” means any law, rule, constitution, code, ordinance, statute, treaty, decree, regulation, common law, order, official policy, circular, provision, administrative order, interpretation, injunction, judgment, ruling, assessment, writ or other legislative measure, in each case of any Governmental Authority.

Lien ” means, with respect to any property or asset, any mortgage, charge, lien, pledge, charge, security interest or encumbrance in respect of such property or asset.

Liquidated Damages ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.5(b).

Losses ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.2(a).

Material Adverse Effect ” means any event, circumstance, occurrence or change that (a) prevents or materially alters the ability of the Company to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, or (b) has a material adverse effect on the business, assets or financial condition of the Group Companies, taken as a whole, provided , however , that in determining whether a Material Adverse Effect has occurred, there shall be excluded any effect on the Group Companies to the extent relating to, resulting from or arising in connection with (i) any action required to be taken pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement or any other Transaction Documents or taken at the written direction of a Purchaser or any of its Affiliates, (ii) any event or circumstance arising out of or relating to any matter disclosed in the Disclosure Schedule, (iii) the issuance of any Financing Shares, or any arrangement, agreement or understanding entered into or any actions taken in connection therewith, (iv) changes affecting the industry in which the Group Companies operate, the economy or financial, credit or securities markets or political conditions generally in the PRC or any other market where the Group Companies have operations or sales generally (including any change relating to, resulting from or arising in connection with any outbreak or escalation of war, terrorism or other conflict); (v) changes in accounting requirements or principles or any change in applicable Law or the interpretation or enforcement thereof, (vi) any acts of, or on behalf of, a Purchaser or its Affiliates, including any change relating to, resulting from or arising in connection with any breach of this Agreement or any other Transaction Documents by a Purchaser; (vii) something consented to in writing by a Purchaser or its Affiliates, or (viii) the announcement, pendency or consummation of this Agreement, any other Transaction Documents or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any other Transaction Documents (including, in the case of clause (viii), any reduction in users or sales, any disruption in user, licensor, distributor, partner or similar relationships or any loss of employees).

Material Contracts ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.9(a).

Material Subsidiary ” has the meaning set forth in Schedule B .

Order ” means any injunction, judgment, order, decree, stipulation or determination by or with any Governmental Authority.

Ordinary Shares ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

 

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Parties ” means the named parties to this Agreement and their respective successors and permitted assigns (with each of such Parties being referred to as a “ Party ”).

Person ” means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited partnership, proprietorship, association, limited liability company, firm, trust, estate or other enterprise, entity or legal person.

PRC ” means the People’s Republic of China and for purposes of this Agreement, excludes Hong Kong, Macao Special Administrative Region and Taiwan.

Purchased Shares ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1.

Purchaser ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Purchasers ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Purchaser Indemnitee ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.2(a).

Purchaser Owned Shares ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.4(b)(iii).

Related Party ” means any shareholder, officer or director of any Group Company, or any Affiliate of any such Person or of any Group Company, except for the Group Companies.

Representatives ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.3(a).

Restated Articles ” means the Fourth Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company adopted on or around January 8, 2018.

Securities Act ” means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Selection Period ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.15.

Shareholders Agreement ” means the Third Amended and Restated Shareholders Agreement of the Company entered into on or around January 8, 2018 by and among the Company and other parties named therein.

Subscription Price ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1.

Subsidiary ” means companies whose financial results are consolidated with those of the Company in accordance with the generally accepted accounting principles in the United States.

Tax Return ” means any return, report or statement showing Taxes, used to pay Taxes, or required to be filed with respect to any Tax.

 

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Taxes ” means (i) in the PRC: (a) any national, provincial, municipal or local taxes, charges, fees, levies or other assessments, (b) all interest, penalties or additional amounts imposed by any Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over the assessment, determination, collection or other imposition of any items described in clause (a) above in connection therewith, and (ii) in any jurisdiction other than the PRC: all similar liabilities as described in clause (i) above.

Transaction Documents ” means this Agreement, the Shareholders Agreement, the Restated Articles, and any other agreement, document or instrument executed and delivered in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

Transfer ” means (i) when used as a verb, to sell, assign, dispose of, exchange, pledge, encumber, hypothecate or otherwise transfer any Ordinary Shares or other securities of the Company or any participation or interest therein, whether directly or indirectly (including pursuant to a derivative transaction or a transfer or new issuance of ownership interests in a direct or indirect holder of such Ordinary Shares or other securities of the Company), or agree or commit to do any of the foregoing and (ii) when used as a noun, a direct or indirect sale, assignment, disposition, exchange, pledge, encumbrance, hypothecation, or other transfer of such Ordinary Shares or other securities of the Company or any participation or interest therein or any agreement or commitment to do any of the foregoing.

US$ ” means United States Dollars, the lawful currency of the U.S.

 

2.

PURCHASE AND SALE

2.1. Purchase and Sale of Ordinary Shares . Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Company hereby agrees to issue and sell to each Purchaser, and each Purchaser agrees to subscribe for and purchase from the Company, at the Closing with respect to such Purchaser, that number of Ordinary Shares set forth opposite such Purchaser’s name on Schedule A attached hereto (the “ Purchased Shares ”) at a purchase price of US$4.0363 per Ordinary Share. The aggregate subscription price for the Purchased Shares of each Purchaser (the “ Subscription Price ”) is set forth opposite such Purchaser’s name on Schedule A and shall be paid in cash as provided in Section 2.3(a). Within thirty (30) days after the date of this Agreement, with the consent of the Company, one or more Purchasers may become party to this Agreement by executing a counterpart signature page after which the total number of Purchased Shares and the total Subscription Price on Schedule A to this Agreement will be amended to reflect the Purchased Shares of such Purchaser and such Purchaser shall become obligated to close at the Closing in respect of such Purchaser in accordance with the terms hereof.

 

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2.2. Closing . The closing of the purchase and sale of the Purchased Shares contemplated under Section 2.1 (the “ Closing ”) with respect to each Purchaser shall take place remotely via the exchange of documents and signatures on the next Business Day after satisfaction or waiver (to the extent permissible by the Party entitled to such conditions) of the conditions set forth in Section 6 (other than those conditions to be satisfied at the Closing, but subject to the satisfaction or waiver thereof at the Closing) with respect to such Purchaser, or at such other time or place as the Company and such Purchaser may agree in writing (with respect to each Purchaser, the date on which the Closing occurs, the “ Closing Date ”). For the avoidance of doubt, the Company shall have the discretion to consummate a Closing with one or more Purchasers, and the Closings of the transactions with different Purchasers are not conditional upon each other.

 

  2.3.

Deliveries .

(a) At the Closing in respect of a Purchaser, such Purchaser shall (i) pay the Subscription Price by wire transfer of immediately available funds in U.S. dollars to the Company’s bank account set forth in Schedule E hereto, and (ii) deliver a copy of the Shareholders Agreement or a joinder to the Shareholders Agreement, as applicable, duly executed by such Purchaser.

(b) At the Closing in respect of a Purchaser, against payment of the Subscription Price by such Purchaser, the Company shall update the register of members to reflect the issuance to such Purchaser of its Purchased Shares and shall provide a copy of an extract of the relevant portion of the updated register of members reflecting such issuance to such Purchaser of its Purchased Shares. As soon as reasonably practicable after the Closing, the Company will deliver to such Purchaser a copy of the share certificate issued in the name of such Purchaser representing its Purchased Shares, if requested by such Purchaser.

 

3.

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY

Except as set forth in the Disclosure Schedule, the Company hereby represents and warrants to each Purchaser that as of the date of this Agreement and as of the applicable Closing Date in respect of such Purchaser:

 

  3.1.

Organization, Standing and Qualification .

(a) Each of the Company and its Material Subsidiaries is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing (to the extent such concept is recognized) under the Laws of its jurisdiction of organization and has all requisite corporate power and authority to own its properties and assets and to carry on its business as presently conducted in all material respects. Each of the Company and its Material Subsidiaries is qualified to do business in each other jurisdiction in which it is currently transacting business, except for those jurisdictions where failure to be so qualified would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

(b) None of the Company or its Material Subsidiaries has filed (or has had filed against it) any petition for its liquidation, dissolution, bankruptcy or winding-up, or is insolvent under the Laws of its jurisdiction of organization.

 

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  3.2.

Capitalization .

(a) The summary table of the issued and outstanding share capital (which does not include the identification of each individual shareholder or recipient of an award under the ESOP or the identification of all shareholders holding less than 2% of the total number of the issued and outstanding Ordinary Shares) of the Company as of the date of this Agreement and, to the Knowledge of the Company as of the date of this Agreement, immediately prior to the issuance of any Financing Shares is set forth in Section 3.2(a) of the Disclosure Schedule. Assuming the consummation of the issuance of all Financing Shares, there will be a total of 3,089,967,945 issued and outstanding Ordinary Shares of the Company and 132,426,118 Ordinary Shares reserved for issuance pursuant to the grant, exercise or vesting of options or other types of awards granted or to be granted under the ESOP.

(b) Except (i) as contemplated under the Transaction Documents, (ii) as set forth in Section 3.2(b) of the Disclosure Schedule, (iii) the shares underlying awards issued under the ESOP and (iv) the Financing Shares, there are no outstanding options, warrants, convertible securities or other rights, agreements, arrangements or commitments of any kind to which the Company is a party or by which it is bound obligating the Company (i) to issue, deliver or sell, or refrain from issuing, delivering or selling, any shares of the Company, or to grant, extend or enter into any such option, right or agreement, or (ii) to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire, or to refrain from repurchasing, redeeming or otherwise acquiring, any shares of the Company, or to grant, extend or enter into any such option, right or agreement.

(c) Except as set forth in this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents and except as required under applicable Laws, no outstanding shares of the Company are subject to any preemptive rights, rights of first refusal, or other rights to purchase such shares of the Company (whether in favor of the Company or any other Person).

3.3. Group Structure . Section 3.3 of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth a complete and accurate structure chart showing the Company and all Material Subsidiaries, and indicating the ownership and Control relationships among the Company and its Material Subsidiaries, and the jurisdiction in which the Company and each of its Material Subsidiaries was organized. There are no Liens on any shares or equity interests owned by the Company in any Material Subsidiary or any arrangements or obligations to create such Liens, except for any transfer restrictions under applicable Laws or as provided in the Transaction Documents or the Contracts that enable the Company to effect control over and consolidate with its financial results the financial results of those Material Subsidiaries of which the Company does not, directly or indirect, hold of record any shares of capital stock, equity interests or partnership interests (the “ Control Documents ”).

 

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3.4. Due Authorization . As of the date of this Agreement, all corporate actions on the part of the Company necessary for (i) the authorization, execution and delivery of, and the performance of all of its obligations under, this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents and (ii) the authorization, issuance and delivery of the Purchased Shares of such Purchaser have been taken. The Company has the requisite corporate power, capacity and authority to enter into, execute and deliver this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents and to perform all the obligations to be performed by it hereunder and thereunder. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Company. Assuming due authorization, execution and delivery of the other parties hereto and thereto, this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, when executed and delivered by the Company, will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, subject, as to enforcement of remedies, to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, reorganization and similar Laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and to general equitable principles (the “ Bankruptcy and Equity Exception ”).

3.5. Consents and Approvals . Assuming the accuracy of the representations made by each Purchaser in Section 4, except as expressly provided in this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, no Approval is required to be obtained or made by or with respect to the Company in connection with the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents by the Company, or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby by the Company, except for any such Approvals as to which the failure to obtain or make would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

3.6. Valid Issuance . The Purchased Shares, when issued, sold and delivered in accordance with the terms of this Agreement for the consideration expressed herein, will be duly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable, free from any Liens (except for any restrictions on transfer under applicable Laws and under the Transaction Documents and any Liens created or imposed by such Purchaser).

3.7. No Violation . Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents nor the full performance of its obligations by the Company hereunder or thereunder will (a) violate any applicable Law to which the Company is subject, (b) conflict with, result in a violation or breach of, or constitute a default under, result in the acceleration of or create in any party the right to accelerate, terminate or cancel any Material Contract by which the Company is bound, or (c) violate the Restated Articles of the Company, in each case, except as would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

3.8. Financial Statements . The Company has delivered to the Purchaser on the date hereof a copy of the Financial Statements. The Financial Statements (i) have been prepared in accordance with the books and records of the Group Companies, (ii) were prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and practices, applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods involved, except as set forth in the notes thereto, and (iii) fairly present in all material respects the results of operations of the Group Companies on a consolidated basis for the respective periods indicated therein, subject to any notes thereto and normal recurring year-end audit adjustments.

 

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  3.9.

Material Contracts .

(a) Except for the Control Documents or as set forth in Section 3.9(a) of the Disclosure Schedule, each of the Group Companies is not a party to or bound by:

(i) any Contract that contains a put, call or similar right pursuant to which the Company could be required to purchase or sell, as applicable, any assets that are material to the Group Companies, taken as a whole; or

(ii) any Contract under which the Company is obligated to sell, issue, grant, exercise, award, purchase, repurchase or redeem any shares of the Company, except for those under the ESOP and those relating to the issuance of the Financing Shares.

Each such Contract described above is referred to herein as a “ Material Contract .” For clarification, any Contract that is no longer effective as of the date hereof shall not be deemed to be a Material Contract.

(b) Except as would not have a Material Adverse Effect, each of the Group Companies is not in breach or violation of, or default under, any Material Contract.

3.10. Litigation . Except as would not have a Material Adverse Effect or as set forth in Section 3.10 of the Disclosure Schedule:

(a) there is no Action pending against the Group Companies; and

(b) none of the Group Companies is a party or is subject to the provisions of any Order.

3.11. Compliance . Except as set forth in Section 3.11 of the Disclosure Schedule and as would not have a Material Adverse Effect, (i) the Company and its Material Subsidiaries are in compliance with all applicable Laws, and (ii) the Company and its Material Subsidiaries have all Approvals necessary for the conduct of their respective business and are in compliance thereof.

3.12. Activities Since Balance Sheet Date . Since the Balance Sheet Date, except as contemplated hereunder or under any other Transaction Document or as set forth in Section 3.12 of the Disclosure Schedule, (i) the Company and its Material Subsidiaries have operated their respective business in the ordinary course of business in all material respects and (ii) there has not been any Material Adverse Effect.

 

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  3.13.

Tax Matters .

(a) Each of the Company and its Material Subsidiaries has duly and timely filed all Tax Returns required to have been filed by it, except to the extent that any failure to do so would not have a Material Adverse Effect, and all such Tax Returns were, at the time of such filing, in compliance with applicable Laws in all material respects.

(b) Each of the Company and its Material Subsidiaries has timely paid, or has made adequate provisions for, all Taxes assessed which are due and payable (whether or not shown on any Tax Return), except to the extent that any failure to do so would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

3.14. Related Party Transactions . To the Knowledge of the Company, there is no material Contract other than on arm’s length terms between a Related Party, on the one hand, and the Company and its Material Subsidiaries, on the other hand, except for such Contract that is between the Company and any of its Material Subsidiaries or between the Company’s Material Subsidiaries.

3.15. Employee Matters . Except as set forth in Section 3.15 of the Disclosure Schedule and as would not have a Material Adverse Effect, (i) each of the Company and its Material Subsidiaries is in compliance with all applicable Laws respecting employment, employment practices and terms and conditions of employment, including without limitation the applicable PRC Laws pertaining to welfare funds, social benefits, medical benefits, insurance, retirement benefits and pensions; (ii) no labor dispute exists, or to the Knowledge of the Company, is threatened with respect to any of the employees of the Company or any of its Material Subsidiaries.

3.16. Finders’ Fees. There is no investment banker, broker, finder or other intermediary that has been retained by or is authorized to act on behalf of any the Company or its Affiliates who might be entitled to any fee or commission payable by such Purchaser in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

3.17. No More Favorable Terms . The Subscription Price per Ordinary Share at which such Purchaser will subscribe for and purchase its Purchased Shares under this Agreement is no less favorable than that at which any other Purchaser will subscribe for and purchase its Purchased Shares under this Agreement.

 

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4.

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF EACH PURCHASER

Each Purchaser hereby represents and warrants to the Company, in respect of itself, as of the date of this Agreement and as of the applicable Closing Date in respect of such Purchaser:

 

  4.1.

Organization; Standing and Qualification .

(a) Such Purchaser is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing (to the extent such concept is recognized) under the Laws of its jurisdiction of organization and has all requisite corporate power and authority to carry on its business as presently conducted in all material respects.

(b) Such Purchaser has not filed (or has had filed against it) any petition for its liquidation, dissolution, bankruptcy or winding-up, or is insolvent under the Laws of its jurisdiction of organization.

4.2. Due Authorization . Such Purchaser has all requisite power, authority and capacity to enter into this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents and to perform its obligations hereunder and thereunder. The execution, delivery and performance by such Purchaser of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of such Purchaser. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by such Purchaser. Assuming due authorization, execution and delivery of the other parties hereto and thereto, this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, when executed and delivered by such Purchaser, will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of such Purchaser, enforceable against such Purchaser in accordance with its terms and subject, as to enforcement of remedies, to the Bankruptcy and Equity Exception.

4.3. Purchase for Own Account . The Purchased Shares of such Purchaser are being acquired for investment for such Purchaser’s own account, not as a nominee or agent of any Person other than such Purchaser, and not with a view to, or for sale in connection with, any distribution of any part thereof, and that such Purchaser has no present intention of selling, granting any participation in or otherwise distributing the same to any Person. Such Purchaser does not presently have any contract, undertaking, agreement or arrangement with any Person to sell, transfer or grant participations to such Person or to any third Person, with respect to any of its Purchased Shares.

4.4. Exempt from Registration; Restricted Securities . Such Purchaser understands that its Purchased Shares will not be registered under the Securities Act or registered or listed publicly pursuant to any other applicable securities Laws, on the ground that the sale provided for in this Agreement is exempt from registration under the Securities Act or the registration or listing requirements of any other applicable securities Laws. Such Purchaser understands that its Purchased Shares are restricted securities within the meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act and that its Purchased Shares are not registered or listed publicly and must be held indefinitely unless they are subsequently registered or listed publicly or an exemption from such registration or listing is available.

 

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4.5. Status of Purchaser . Such Purchaser is (a) an accredited investor as defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act and/or (b) is not a “U.S. person” within the meaning of Regulation S under the Securities Act and is acquiring its Purchased Shares in an offshore transaction under Rule 903 of Regulation S under the Securities Act. Such Purchaser (i) has sufficient knowledge and experience in financial and business matters to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks involved in purchasing its Purchased Shares and (ii) is capable of bearing the economic risk of its investment. Such Purchaser has undertaken such investigation and has been provided with and has evaluated such documents and information as it has deemed necessary or appropriate for making an informed and intelligent decision with respect to the purchase of its Purchased Shares and the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents.

4.6. Consents and Approvals . Except for any Approval that has been obtained or made by such Purchaser and provided to the Company as of the date of this Agreement, no Approval is required to be obtained or made by or with respect to such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates in connection with the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents by such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates that is a party to any Transaction Document, or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby by such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates.

4.7. No Violation . Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement or any of the other Transaction Documents nor the full performance of its obligations by such Purchaser hereunder or thereunder will (a) violate any applicable Law to which such Purchaser is subject, or (b) violate any constitutive documents of such Purchaser, in each case, except as would not materially affect such Purchaser’s ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents and consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.

4.8. Litigation . There is no Action pending or, to the knowledge of such Purchaser, threatened against or affecting such Purchaser before any court or arbitrator or any Governmental Authority, and such Purchaser is not a party or subject to the provisions of any Order, which in any manner challenges or seeks to prevent, enjoin, alter or materially delay the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

4.9. Financing . Such Purchaser has sufficient cash, available lines of credit or other sources of immediately available funds to enable it to make payment of the Subscription Price and any other amounts to be paid by it under this Agreement.

4.10. Finders’ Fees. There is no investment banker, broker, finder or other intermediary that has been retained by or is authorized to act on behalf of such Purchaser, any of its Affiliates or their respective directors, officers, employees or equity holders and might be entitled to any fee or commission payable by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

4.11. No Other Representations . Such Purchaser acknowledges that, except for the representations and warranties of the Company contained in Section 3, the Company is not making and has not made, and no other Person is making or has made on behalf of the Company, any express or implied representation or warranty in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, and any such other representations and warranties are expressly disclaimed.

 

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5.

COVENANTS

5.1. Further Assurances . Each Party shall from time to time and at all times hereafter uses reasonable best efforts to make, do, execute, or cause or procure to be made, done and executed such further acts, deeds, conveyances, consents and assurances without further consideration, which may reasonably be required or advisable to effect the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents.

5.2. Approvals, Consents and Waivers . Without limiting the generality of Section 5.1, prior to the Closing, each Purchaser shall, and shall cause all of its Affiliates to, take all actions necessary to obtain or make all Approvals, if any, of Governmental Authorities and other Persons which are to be obtained or made by such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates and are necessary in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents. In the event that the Company waives the condition set forth in Section 6.3(c) at the Closing, each Purchaser shall, and shall ensure that all of its Affiliates, within one (1) month or such other time period after the Closing as may be reasonably required by the Company, obtain or make any and all Approvals necessary for the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents which have not been obtained or made as of the Closing.

 

  5.3.

Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure .

(a) Prior to the Closing Date or after any termination of this Agreement, each Party shall hold, and shall cause its Affiliates to which it has provided any Confidential Information and the respective officers, directors, members, limited partners, employees, accountants, counsel, consultants, advisors and agents of such Party and such Affiliates (collectively, the “ Representatives ”) to hold, in confidence, unless otherwise approved in writing by the Party to which the Confidential Information pertains, legally compelled by judicial or administrative process or by other requirements of any applicable Laws (including, without limitation, pursuant to securities laws or regulations and applicable securities exchange rules) or requested by any Governmental Authority having competent jurisdiction, all documents and information concerning the Company or any Subsidiary furnished to such Party or its Representatives in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents (the “ Confidential Information ”), including the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the other Transaction Documents and all exhibits and schedules attached to such agreements, including their existence, and the identity of each party thereto, except to the extent that such information can be shown to have been (i) previously known on a non-confidential basis by such Purchaser, (ii) in the public domain through no fault of such Purchaser or (iii) later lawfully acquired by such Purchaser from sources other than the Company; provided that a Party may disclose such information to its Representatives who need to know such information for the purpose of consummating the transactions contemplated by this Agreement so long as such Representatives are informed by such Purchaser of the confidential nature of such information and have entered into a nonuse and nondisclosure agreement that covers the Confidential Information (or are otherwise subject to similar confidentiality obligations) prior to the disclosure of such Confidential Information to such Representatives; provided , further , without the Company’s prior written consent, in no event shall any Purchaser disclose, or permit any of its Affiliates to disclose, to any non-Affiliate of such Purchaser that is a member, limited partner or other equity interest holder of such Purchaser or such Purchaser’s Affiliates, any Confidential Information other than the name and valuation of the Company and such Purchaser’s Subscription Price and its shareholding percentage in the Company.

 

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(b) Each Party shall be responsible for any failure to treat such information confidentially by its Representatives. If this Agreement is terminated in respect of any Purchaser, such Purchaser will, and will cause its Representatives to, destroy or deliver to the Company, upon request, all documents and other materials, and all copies thereof, obtained by such Purchaser or its Representatives or on their behalf from the Company or any Subsidiary in connection with this Agreement that are subject to such confidence.

(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, each Purchaser hereby consents to the disclosure by the Company or its Affiliates of the existence of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents in a press release or announcement that may be issued by the Company or its Affiliates; provided , that such press release or announcement shall not name or otherwise identify any Purchaser without such Purchaser’s consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.

(d) The provisions of this Section 5.3 shall be in addition to, and not in substitution for, the provisions of any separate nondisclosure agreement executed by the Company and any Purchaser or its Affiliate in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby prior to the date of this Agreement; provided that in the event of a conflict between the terms of any such separate nondisclosure agreement and this Section 5.3, the terms of this Section 5.3 shall prevail.

5.4. No Use of Company or Purchaser Name . Except for any permitted disclosure of the name or other information pertaining to a Party made in accordance with Section 5.3(a) or 5.3(c),

(a) without the prior written consent of the Company, none of the Purchasers or their respective Representatives shall be entitled to use, publish or reproduce the name, trademarks, trade names, domain names, service marks, business names, or logos of the Company or its Affiliates, including without limitation “Tencent”, “ 腾讯 ”, “Tencent Music”, “ 腾讯音乐 ”, “QQ Music”, “Kugou”, “Kuwo”, or any similar name, trademark or logo in any discussion, documents or materials, including without limitation for marketing or other purposes; and

 

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(b) without the prior written consent of a Purchaser, none of the Company or its Representatives shall be entitled to use, publish or reproduce the name, trademarks, trade names, domain names, service marks, business names, or logos of such Purchaser or its Affiliates in any discussion, documents or materials, including without limitation for marketing or other purposes.

5.5. IPO . Each Purchaser hereby agrees that, after the Closing, it shall, and shall cause its Affiliates to, take any and all reasonable actions to facilitate an IPO of the Company as may be requested by the Company and/or the lead underwriter(s) of an IPO. The obligations of each Purchaser and its Affiliates under this Section 5.5 shall be additional to, and not in substitution for, any other obligations of such Purchaser or its Affiliates under the Transaction Documents in relation to an IPO.

 

6.

CONDITIONS TO CLOSING

6.1. Condition to Obligations of Purchasers and Company . The obligations of each Purchaser and the Company to consummate the Closing are subject to the satisfaction or waiver, at or prior to the Closing, of the following condition:

(a) No Injunctions or Legal Prohibitions . No provision of applicable Laws, and no Order, shall prohibit the consummation of the Closing.

6.2. Conditions to Obligations of Purchasers . The obligations of each Purchaser under this Agreement to consummate the Closing are subject to the satisfaction or waiver by such Purchaser, at or prior to the Closing, of each of the following conditions:

(a) Representations and Warranties True and Correct . The representations and warranties of the Company set forth in Section 3 (A) that are qualified by Material Adverse Effect shall be true and correct at and as of the Closing, and (B) that are not qualified by Material Adverse Effect shall be true and correct at and as of the Closing with only exceptions as would not in the aggregate have a Material Adverse Effect.

(b) Performance . The Company shall have performed and complied in all material respects with all covenants, agreements, obligations and conditions contained in this Agreement that are required to be performed or complied with by it on or before the Closing.

 

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6.3. Conditions to Obligations of Company . The obligations of the Company under this Agreement to consummate the Closing in respect of each Purchaser are subject to the satisfaction or waiver by the Company, at or prior to the Closing, of each of the following conditions:

(a) Representations and Warranties True and Correct . The representations and warranties of such Purchaser set forth in Section 4 (A) that are qualified by materiality shall be true and correct at and as of the Closing, and (B) that are not qualified by materiality shall be true and correct in all material respects at and as of the Closing.

(b) Performance . Such Purchaser shall have performed and complied in all material respects with all covenants, agreements, obligations and conditions contained in this Agreement that are required to be performed or complied with by it on or before the Closing.

(c) Approvals, Consents and Waivers . Such Purchaser and all of its Affiliates shall have obtained or made any and all Approvals necessary for the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, each of which shall be in full force and effect as of the Closing, and in each case, in proper form and without imposing or proposing the imposition of any terms or conditions which, individually or in the aggregate, could be reasonably expected to materially impair the ability of such Purchaser to consummate, or prevent or materially delay, the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents.

 

7.

REMEDIES; INDEMNITY

7.1. Survival . The representations and warranties of the Company and each Purchaser contained in this Agreement shall survive the Closing until the earlier of (i) the consummation of a public offering and/or listing of the shares of the Company (an “ IPO ”), or (ii) the end of a period of eighteen (18) months after the Closing. The covenants and agreements of the Company and each Purchaser set forth in this Agreement shall survive the Closing until fully discharged in accordance with their terms, except for those covenants and agreements which shall be complied with or discharged prior to the Closing in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

 

  7.2.

Indemnification .

(a) Effective at and after the Closing, subject to the other provisions of this Section 7.2(a) and Schedule  C , the Company shall indemnify and hold harmless each Purchaser and its Affiliates (each, a “ Purchaser Indemnitee ”) against any losses, liabilities, damages and expenses, including reasonable advisor’s fees and other reasonable expenses of investigation and defense of any of the foregoing (“ Losses ”), actually suffered by such Purchaser Indemnitee arising out of (i) any misrepresentation or breach of warranty made by the Company in this Agreement; and (ii) any breach or violation of, or failure to perform, any covenants or agreements made by or on behalf of, or to be performed by, the Company in this Agreement; provided that the Company shall not be liable under this Section 7.2(a) to any Purchaser Indemnitee in respect of any Purchaser (i) for any diminution in value of the Purchased Shares, (ii) for any and all Losses arising out of any individual claim (or a series of claims arising from substantially identical facts or circumstances) where the Loss relating thereto is less than US$500,000.00 (the “ De Minimis Claim Threshold ”), or (iii) in respect of each individual claim where the Loss relating thereto is equal to or greater than the De Minimis Claim Threshold, unless the aggregate amount of all Losses by the Purchaser Indemnitees of such Purchaser in respect of claims that exceed the De Minimis Claim Threshold exceeds 5% of the Subscription Price (the “ Applicable Basket ”) of such Purchaser and then only to the extent of such excess; provided further , that the maximum aggregate liability of the Company under this Section 7.2(a) to all Purchaser Indemnitees in respect of a Purchaser shall not exceed an amount equal to 30% of the Subscription Price (the “ Applicable Cap ”) of such Purchaser.

 

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(b) Effective at and after the Closing, subject to the other provisions of this Section 7.2(b) and Schedule  C , each Purchaser shall indemnify and hold harmless the Company and its Affiliates (each, a “ Company Indemnitee ”) against any Losses actually suffered by such Company Indemnitee arising out of (i) any misrepresentation or breach of warranty made by such Purchaser in this Agreement (other than in the case of any breach of Section 4.3, in which case Section 7.5 shall apply); and (ii) any breach or violation of, or failure to perform, any covenants or agreements made by or on behalf of, or to be performed by, such Purchaser in this Agreement; provided that no Purchaser shall be liable under this Section 7.2(b) to any Company Indemnitee (i) for any and all Losses arising out of any individual claim (or a series of claims arising from substantially identical facts or circumstances) where the Loss relating thereto is less than the De Minimis Claim Threshold, or (iii) in respect of each individual claim where the Loss relating thereto is equal to or greater than the De Minimis Claim Threshold, unless the aggregate amount of all Losses by the Company Indemnitees in respect of claims that exceed the De Minimis Claim Threshold exceeds the Applicable Basket of such Purchaser and then only to the extent of such excess; provided further , that the maximum aggregate liability of any Purchaser under this Section 7.2(b) to all Company Indemnitees shall not exceed an amount equal to the Applicable Cap of such Purchaser.

7.3. Procedure . Any Party seeking indemnification under this Section 7 (an “ Indemnified Party ”) shall notify the Party from whom indemnification is being sought (an “ Indemnifying Party ”) in writing of any Action against such Indemnified Party in respect of which any Indemnifying Party is or may be obligated to provide indemnification hereunder promptly after the receipt of notice or knowledge of the commencement thereof. Such notice shall set forth in reasonable detail such claim and the basis for indemnification (taking into account the information then available to the Indemnified Party). The failure to so notify an Indemnifying Party shall relieve the Indemnifying Party of its obligations hereunder to the extent such failure shall have adversely prejudiced such Indemnifying Party.

 

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7.4. Exclusive Remedy . Notwithstanding any other provision contained herein, from and after the Closing, this Section 7 shall be the sole and exclusive remedy of the Parties for any claim arising out of any misrepresentation, breach of warranty, covenant or other agreement (other than those contained in Sections 4.3, 5.3, 5.4, 9.3, 9.4 and 9.5) or other claim arising out of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, except that no limitation or exceptions with respect to the obligations or liabilities on the Company or any Purchaser provided in the foregoing sub-sections under this Section 7 or Schedule C , shall apply to a Loss incurred by any Company Indemnitee or Purchaser Indemnitee, as applicable, arising due to the fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation of such Purchaser or the Company, as applicable.

 

  7.5.

Remedies for Breach of Section  4.3 .

(a) In the event that the Company reasonably believes that there is a breach by any Purchaser of any of its representations and warranties in Section 4.3, the Company may, at its option, provide a written notice to such Purchaser describing the basis for such belief of the Company. Each Purchaser hereby agrees that, upon delivery of such notice and unless such Purchaser has provided proof to the satisfaction of the Company that there is not and has not been any breach by such Purchaser of Section 4.3, the Company has the right to elect to, in its sole and absolute discretion and at any time:

(i) redeem all or a portion of the Purchased Shares of such Purchaser at a redemption price per Ordinary Share equal to the lower of the Fair Market Value per Ordinary Share or US$3.22904 (which represents a 20% discount to the per Ordinary Share Subscription Price under this Agreement), as appropriately adjusted for any share dividends, combinations, reclassifications, splits or other similar events with respect to the Ordinary Shares. For purposes of this paragraph (i), “ Fair Market Value ” means (A) upon the Company’s IPO, the average reported closing price of an Ordinary Share on their principal trading market for the three trading days immediately prior to the date of the redemption; or (B) prior to the Company’s IPO, the fair market value on the date of redemption as determined by the board of directors of the Company in good faith;

(ii) refuse to recognize any Transfer of the Purchased Shares or any other shares of the Company owned by such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates in the register of members of the Company without assigning any reason therefor; and/or

(iii) to the extent permitted by applicable Laws, refuse to (A) declare or pay any dividend or other distribution of the Company’s assets or otherwise recognize the economic interests or benefits in respect of the Purchased Shares and any other shares of the Company owned by such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates; and (B) treat such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates owning shares in the Company as a member or shareholder of the Company, recognize the vote by such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates, or count such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates in determining the total number of issued shares at any time, for purposes of the Restated Articles or the Shareholders Agreement or for any other purposes, in each case, in respect of the Purchased Shares and any other shares of the Company owned by such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates.

 

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(b) Notwithstanding Subsection (a), in the event that the Company ( x ) reasonably believes that there is any breach by a Purchaser of any of its representations and warranties in Section 4.3 and ( y ) determines that the actions which may be taken pursuant to clauses (i) through (iii) in Subsection (a) would not adequately compensate the Company compared to the harm caused by such Purchaser’s breach of Section 4.3, upon written notice by the Company, such Purchaser shall pay to the Company an amount equal to 100% of the Subscription Price of such Purchaser (the “ Liquidated Damages ”). The Parties intend that the Liquidated Damages constitute compensation, and not a penalty. The Parties acknowledge and agree that the Company’s harm caused by a breach of Section 4.3 would be impossible or very difficult to be accurately estimated at the time of the execution and delivery of this Agreement, and that the Liquidated Damages are a reasonable estimate of the anticipated or actual harm that might arise from such breach.

 

8.

TERMINATION

8.1. Grounds for Termination . This Agreement may be terminated, in respect of any Purchaser, at any time prior to the applicable Closing in respect of such Purchaser:

(a) by mutual written agreement of the Company and such Purchaser; or

(b) by either the Company or such Purchaser if the Closing shall not have been consummated on or before January 31, 2018; provided that the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Subsection (b) shall not be available to any Party who has failed to perform any of its covenants or obligations or breached any of its representations, warranties or agreements contained in this Agreement (in the case of the Company, in respect of such Purchaser) if such failure or breach has been the primary cause of, or primarily resulted in, the failure to consummate the Closing in respect of such Purchaser by such date.

The Party desiring to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 8.1(a) or 8.1(b) shall give notice of such termination to the other Party.

8.2. Effect of Termination . If this Agreement is terminated in respect of a Purchaser as permitted by Section 8.1, such termination shall be without liability of the Company or the Purchaser with respect to which such termination is effective (or any shareholder, director, officer, employee, agent, consultant or representative of such Party) to the applicable Purchaser or the Company, as applicable; provided that if such termination shall result from the willful (i) failure of a Party to fulfill a condition to the performance of the obligations of the other Party, (ii) failure to perform a covenant of this Agreement or (iii) breach by a Party hereto of any representation or warranty or agreement contained herein, such Party shall be fully liable for any and all Losses incurred or suffered by the other Parties as a result of such failure or breach. The provisions of Sections 5.3, 5.4, 8.2, 9.1, 9.15 and 9.16 shall survive any termination hereof pursuant to Section 8.1.

 

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9.

MISCELLANEOUS

9.1. Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed exclusively in accordance with the Laws of Hong Kong without giving effect to any choice of law rule that would cause the application of the Laws of any jurisdiction other than the Laws of Hong Kong to the rights and duties of the Parties hereunder.

9.2. Disclosure Schedule . The Company has set forth information on the Disclosure Schedule in a section thereof that corresponds to the section of this Agreement to which it relates. A matter set forth in one section of the Disclosure Schedule need not be set forth in any other section so long as its relevance to such other section of the Disclosure Schedule or section of the Agreement is reasonably apparent on the face of the information disclosed therein to the Person to which such disclosure is being made. The parties acknowledge and agree that the Disclosure Schedule may include certain items and information solely for informational purposes for the convenience of the Purchasers and that the disclosure by the Company of any matter in the Disclosure Schedule shall not be deemed to constitute an acknowledgment by the Company that the matter is required to be disclosed by the terms of this Agreement or that the matter is material.

9.3. Consent to Issuance of Financing Shares. By executing this Agreement, each Purchaser hereby acknowledges that, on or around the date of this Agreement, the Company has proposed (but is not obligated) to issue up to 119,394,895 Ordinary Shares in the aggregate to the Purchasers and one or more other Persons (the “ Financing Shares ”). Each Purchaser hereby irrevocably and unconditionally consents to, and waives any pre-emptive rights, notice rights, rights of participation, veto rights and all similar rights (whether arising at contract or in law), including without the limitation the right of participation it may have upon the Closing under the Shareholders Agreement and the Restated Articles, in respect of, the issuance of the Financing Shares, and any documents entered into and actions taken in connection therewith.

 

  9.4.

Agreements Relating to Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation .

(a) Each Purchaser, on behalf of itself and its Affiliates, acknowledges and agrees that:

(i) the Company’s Board may, at any time at or prior to the completion of an IPO of the Company, adopt a dual-class share structure such that its share capital will include Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares upon the completion of the IPO (the “ Effective Event ”);

 

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(ii) in connection with such adoption of a dual-class share structure, (A) the Purchased Shares and any other shares of the Company that are owned by such Purchaser, any of its Affiliates or any other Person as may be designated by the Company (whether as a result of any subscription of new shares by, or any Transfer by another holder of shares to, such Purchaser, any of its Affiliates or such other Person, or otherwise) immediately prior to the Effective Event may, if determined by the Board, be designated as Class A ordinary shares upon the Effective Event; (B) any shares of the Company that will be issued and sold in the IPO will be designated as Class A ordinary shares; and (C) all or a portion of the shares of the Company that are owned by any existing holder of Ordinary Shares of the Company as of December 8, 2017 or any of its Affiliates or any other Person as may be designated by the Company (whether as a result of any subscription of new shares by, or any Transfer by another holder of shares to, such holder, its Affiliates or such other Person, or otherwise) immediately prior to the Effective Event may, if determined by the Board, be designated as Class B ordinary shares upon the Effective Event;

(iii) each Class A ordinary share will be entitled to one (1) vote and each Class B ordinary share will be entitled to up to fifteen (15) votes on all matters to be voted upon by or otherwise requiring the consent of the Company’s shareholders;

(iv) Class B ordinary shares will automatically and immediately convert into an equal number of Class A ordinary shares upon the occurrence of any transfer of such Class B ordinary shares by the holder thereof or an Affiliate of such holder to any Person that is not an Affiliate of such holder, or any other event that may be designated by the Company; and

(v) any re-designation or conversion described in this Section 9.4 may be effected by way of a repurchase by the Company of all such shares to be re-designated or converted in exchange for the issuance by the Company to the relevant shareholder(s) in the Company of the relevant number of fully paid new shares in the Company, and each Purchaser, on behalf of itself and its Affiliates, hereby unconditionally and irrevocably agrees that such Purchaser’s execution of this Agreement shall constitute its consent to the repurchase of all of its shares in the Company in connection with the matters described in paragraphs (i) through (v) for the purposes of the Restated Articles of the Company, as may be amended from time to time.

The matters described in (i) through (v) above shall be referred to as the “ Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation .”

(b) Each Purchaser, on behalf of itself and its Affiliates, hereby unconditionally and irrevocably:

(i) consents to the Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation, including without limitation for all purposes under the Shareholders Agreement, as may be amended from time to time, and the Restated Articles, as may be amended from time to time;

 

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(ii) waives any veto rights and all similar rights (whether arising at contract or in law or otherwise) in respect of the Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation;

(iii) agrees to vote, or cause to be voted, the Purchased Shares or any other shares in the Company that are owned by such Purchaser or its Affiliates from time to time and at any time after the date of this Agreement (the “ Purchaser Owned Shares ”), at every meeting (or in connection with any action by written consent) of the Company’s shareholders at which such matters are considered and at any adjournment or postponement thereof prior to the Effective Event, (A) in favor of, and (B) against any action, proposal, transaction or agreement that could reasonably be expected to impede, interfere with, delay, discourage, adversely affect or inhibit, the Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation and the adoption of any amendment to the Articles of the Company to reflect the Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation and other changes as necessary or appropriate to facilitate an IPO of the Company; and

(iv) agrees to promptly execute, deliver and enter into any other agreement, document, consent, approval or instrument, and take any other actions, which may be reasonably necessary or advisable to effect the Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation and the adoption of any amendment to the Articles of the Company to reflect the Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation and other changes as necessary or appropriate to facilitate an IPO of the Company.

(c) Each Purchaser, on behalf of itself and its Affiliates, hereby irrevocably makes, constitutes and appoints each of the Chairman of Board of Directors and the Chief Executive Officer of the Company from time to time a true and lawful proxy and attorney-in-fact (each, an “ Attorney ”) of such Purchaser and any of its Affiliates owning any Purchaser Owned Shares, with full power and authority, in the name and on behalf of such Purchaser and its Affiliates, (i) to exercise their voting rights with respect to all of the Purchaser Owned Shares in accordance with Sections 9.4(b)(iii) and (b)(iv) in any vote of the Company’s shareholders or proposed action by written consent by the Company’s shareholders, and (ii) to make, execute and deliver all resolutions, consents and other writings and to do such things and to take such actions in each case to the extent the applicable Attorney considers necessary to exercise the voting rights of such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates pursuant to clause (i) above, as fully as could such Purchaser or its Affiliate, as applicable, if personally present and acting. The above proxy and power of attorney is given to secure the performance of the duties of each Purchaser and its Affiliates under Section 9.4(b)(iii) and (b)(iv). Each Purchaser shall, and shall procure its Affiliates, take such further action or execute such other instruments as may be necessary to effectuate the intent of this proxy. The power of attorney granted by each Purchaser and its Affiliates herein is a durable power of attorney and shall survive the dissolution, bankruptcy, death or incapacity of such Purchaser and any of its Affiliates. The above proxy and power of attorney from each Purchaser and its Affiliates to the Attorneys is coupled with an interest and is irrevocable and continuously effective during the period from the date of this Agreement until the earlier of (i) the first date on which such Purchaser and its Affiliates no longer own any Purchaser Owned Shares or (ii) the Effective Event.

 

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(d) Each Purchaser further acknowledges and agrees that, prior to the Effective Event, unless otherwise requested or permitted by the Company in writing, (i) such Purchaser shall not, and shall procure that its Affiliates do not, in any way and for any purpose, (A) claim that any or all of the Purchaser Owned Shares, are of a separate class of shares in the Company, individually or collectively with any shares in the Company held by any other Person, from the other Ordinary Shares; or (B) request that the Company acknowledge that the Purchaser Owned Shares are in a separate class of shares or seek its consent as a holder of a separate class of shares in the Company, individually or collectively with any shares in the Company held by any other Person, from the other Ordinary Shares, in relation to any matter to be voted upon or otherwise requiring the consent of any of the Company’s shareholders; and (ii) such Purchaser shall not, and shall procure that its Affiliates do not, in any way and for any purpose vote or attempt to vote any or all of the Purchaser Owned Shares in a separate shareholder class meeting or by way of a written resolution of holder(s) of a separate class of shares, individually or collectively with any shares held by any other Person, from the other Ordinary Shares, in respect of any matter to be voted upon or otherwise requiring the consent of any of the Company’s shareholders.

9.5. Transfer . Without prejudice to any other restriction on Transfer applicable to the Purchaser Owned Shares, prior to the Effective Event, each Purchaser shall not, and shall procure its Affiliates do not, directly or indirectly, Transfer any Purchaser Owned Shares unless the transferee of such proposed Transfer (except for any transferee otherwise designated by the Company) duly executes and delivers to the Company an agreement in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Company pursuant to which such transferee shall agree to be bound by Sections 9.1, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.10 and 9.15 as if it were a Purchaser hereunder, after which, in the event of any amendment to Section 9.1, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.10 or 9.15 of this Agreement, such transferee shall be deemed the “Purchaser” in respect of the Purchaser Owned Shares subject to such Transfer in lieu of the Transferring Purchaser for purposes of Section 9.10.

9.6. Successors and Assigns . Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, the provisions hereof shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding upon, the successors, permitted assigns, heirs, executors and administrators of the Parties. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, this Agreement and the rights and obligations herein may not be assigned by any Party without the written consent of the other Parties.

 

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9.7. Entire Agreement . This Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, including the schedules and exhibits hereto and thereto, which are hereby expressly incorporated herein by this reference, constitute the entire understanding and agreement among the Parties with regard to the subjects hereof and thereof.

9.8. Parties in Interest . Except as expressly provided elsewhere in this Agreement, a person who is not a Party to this Agreement shall not have any rights under the Contracts (Right of Third Parties) Ordinance (Chapter 623, Laws of Hong Kong) to enforce any terms of this Agreement. This does not affect any right or remedy of a third party which exists, or is available, apart from the Contracts (Right of Third Parties) Ordinance.

9.9. Notices . Except as may be otherwise provided herein, all notices, requests, waivers and other communications made pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be conclusively deemed to have been duly given (a) when hand delivered to the other Parties, upon delivery; (b) when sent by facsimile at the number set forth in Schedule D , upon receipt of confirmation of error-free transmission; (c) seven Business Days after deposit in the mail as air mail or certified mail, receipt requested, postage prepaid and addressed to the other Parties as set forth in Schedule D ; or (d) three Business Days after deposit with an overnight delivery service, postage prepaid, addressed to the Parties as set forth in Schedule D with next business-day delivery guaranteed, provided that the sending Party receives a confirmation of delivery from the delivery service provider. Each Party making a communication hereunder by facsimile shall promptly confirm by telephone to the Party to whom such communication was addressed each communication made by it by facsimile pursuant hereto but the absence of such confirmation shall not affect the validity of any such communication. A Party may change or supplement the addresses given above, or designate additional addresses, for purposes of this Section 9.9 by giving, the other Parties written notice of the new address in the manner set forth above.

9.10. Amendments . Subject to Section 9.5, any term of this Agreement may be amended (i) as such term applies between the Company and any Purchaser, with the written consents of both the Company and such Purchaser (and without the consent or approval of any other Purchaser), or (ii) with the written consents of the Company and the Purchasers of a majority of the total number of Purchased Shares of all the Purchasers in respect of which this Agreement has not been terminated pursuant to Section 8.1(a) or 8.1(b); provided , however , that in the case of clause (ii) above, (x) no amendment to the number of Purchased Shares and the Subscription Price in respect of a Purchaser may be effected without the written consent of such Purchaser, and (y) no amendment that would materially and adversely affect any Purchaser in a manner that is disparate from the manner in which it affects any other Purchaser may be effected without the written consent of such Purchaser that would be materially and adversely affected in such disparate manner; provided , further , that one or more Purchasers may become Parties to this Agreement after the date of this Agreement in accordance with Section 2.1 without any consent or approval of any other Purchaser. Any amendment effected in accordance with clause (ii) of the foregoing sentence shall be binding upon the Company and all the Purchasers (and to the extent provided for in Section 9.5, any and all permitted transferees of the Purchaser Owned Shares as if it were a Purchaser hereunder).

 

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9.11. Delays or Omissions; Waivers . No delay or omission to exercise any right, power or remedy accruing to any Party, upon any breach or default of any Party under this Agreement, shall impair any such right, power or remedy of such Party nor shall it be construed to be a waiver of any such breach or default, or an acquiescence therein, or of any similar breach of default thereafter occurring; nor shall any waiver of any other breach or default theretofore or thereafter occurring. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, any Party may waive any of its rights under this Agreement without obtaining the consent of any other Party. Any waiver by any Party of any condition or breach of default under this Agreement must be in writing and shall be effective only to the extent specifically set forth in such writing. All remedies, either under this Agreement or by Laws or otherwise afforded to any Party shall be cumulative and not alternative.

9.12. Interpretation; Titles and Subtitles . This Agreement shall be construed according to its fair language. The rule of construction to the effect that ambiguities are to be resolved against the drafting Party shall not be employed in interpreting this Agreement. The titles of the sections and subsections of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and are not to be considered in construing this Agreement. Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, all references to sections and schedules herein are to sections and schedules of this Agreement. Unless a provision hereof expressly provides otherwise: (i) the term “or” is not exclusive; (ii) the terms “herein”, “hereof”, and other similar words refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular section, subsection, paragraph, clause, or other subdivision; (iii) the masculine, feminine, and neuter genders will each be deemed to include the others; and (iv) whenever the words “include”, “includes” or “including” are used in this Agreement, they shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation.”

9.13. Counterparts; Effectiveness . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one instrument. This Agreement shall become effective (i) with respect to the Company and each Purchaser as of the date of this Agreement, upon such Party’s due execution and delivery of this Agreement and (ii) with respect to each Purchaser who shall become a Party after the date of this Agreement in accordance with the last sentence of Section 2.1, such Purchaser’s due execution and delivery to the Company of a counterpart signature page to this Agreement.

9.14. Severability . If any provision of this Agreement is found to be invalid or unenforceable, then such provision shall be construed, to the extent feasible, so as to render the provision enforceable and to provide for the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby on substantially the same terms as originally set forth herein, and if no feasible interpretation would save such provision, it shall be severed from the remainder of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect unless the severed provision is essential to the rights or benefits intended by the Parties. In such event, the Parties shall use best efforts to negotiate, in good faith, a substitute, valid and enforceable provision or agreement which most nearly affects the Parties’ intent in entering into this Agreement.

 

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9.15. Dispute Resolution . Any dispute, controversy or claim (each, a “ Dispute ”) arising out of or relating to this Agreement, or the interpretation, breach, termination, validity or invalidity thereof, shall be referred to arbitration upon the demand of either party to the dispute with notice (the “ Arbitration Notice ”) to the other. The Dispute shall be settled by arbitration in Hong Kong by the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (the “ HKIAC ”) in accordance with the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre Administered Arbitration Rules (the “ HKIAC Rules ”) in force at the time when the Arbitration Notice is submitted. The seat of arbitration shall be Hong Kong. There shall be three (3) arbitrators. The complainant and the respondent to such dispute shall each select one arbitrator within thirty (30) days after giving or receiving the demand for arbitration (the “ Selection Period ”). Such arbitrators shall be freely selected, and the parties shall not be limited in their selection to any prescribed list. The chairman of the HKIAC shall select the third arbitrator. If either party to the arbitration fails to appoint an arbitrator with the Selection Period, the relevant appointment shall be made by the chairman of the HKIAC. The arbitral proceedings shall be conducted in English. To the extent that the HKIAC Rules are in conflict with the provisions of this Section 9.15, including the provisions concerning the appointment of the arbitrators, this Section 9.15 shall prevail. Each party to the arbitration shall cooperate with each other party to the arbitration in making full disclosure of and providing complete access to all information and documents requested by such other party in connection with such arbitral proceedings, subject only to any confidentiality obligations binding on such party. The award of the arbitral tribunal shall be final and binding upon the parties thereto, and the prevailing party may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for enforcement of such award. Any party to the Dispute shall be entitled to seek preliminary injunctive relief, if possible, from any court of competent jurisdiction pending the constitution of the arbitral tribunal. During the course of the arbitral tribunal’s adjudication of the Dispute, this Agreement shall continue to be performed except with respect to the part in dispute and under adjudication.

9.16. Expenses . Each Party shall bear its own costs and expenses in connection with the negotiation, execution and delivery of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents.

— REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK —

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered as a deed as of the date first above written.

 

EXECUTED and DELIVERED

as a deed by and in the name of

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

( 腾讯音乐娱乐集团 )

by its duly authorised attorney

in the presence of :

 

)

)

)

)

)

   LOGO

 

/s/ Zou Wenting

  

/s/ Cussion Pang

Signature of Witness    Signature of authorised attorney
Name of Witness: Zou Wenting   
Address:   

17F, Malata building, No.9998 Shennan road

Nanshan district, Shenzhen, 518057, China

[Signature Page to Share Subscription Agreement]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered as a deed as of the date first above written.

 

EXECUTED and DELIVERED

as a deed by and in the name of

CICFH GLORY LIMITED

by its duly authorised attorney

in the presence of :

 

)

)

)

)

   LOGO
    

For and on behalf of

CICFH Glory Limited

/s/ Ma Jie

    

/s/ Li Sha

Signature of Witness      Signature of authorised attorney
Name of Witness: Ma Jie     
Address: 24 Liuyin Street, Xicheng District, Beijing     

[ Signature Page to Share Subscription Agreement ]


SCHEDULE A

Schedule of Purchasers

 

Name of Purchaser as of the Date of the Agreement

   Number of
Purchased Shares
     Subscription
Price
 

CICFH Glory Limited

     2,477,517        US$10,000,001.87  

[REDACTED]

     

 

Total Number of Purchased Shares

  

Total Subscription Price

42,613,284

   US$172,000,038.60

Exhibit 10.16

EXECUTION VERSION

CONFIDENTIAL

SHARE SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT

Dated February 24, 2018

by and between

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

( 腾讯音乐娱乐集团 )

and

THE PURCHASERS HEREUNDER


SHARE SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT

THIS SHARE SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is made and entered into on February 24, 2018 by and between:

(a) Tencent Music Entertainment Group ( 腾讯音乐娱乐集团 ), an exempted company incorporated under the Laws of the Cayman Islands (the “ Company ”); and

(b) each of the investors listed on Schedule A attached hereto and any other investor who shall become Parties to this Agreement after the date hereof in accordance with Section 2.1 (each, a “ Purchaser ” and collectively, the “ Purchasers ”).

RECITALS

 

A.

The Company desires to issue and sell to each Purchaser, and each Purchaser desires to subscribe for and purchase from the Company, a certain number of the ordinary shares, par value US$0.000083 per share, of the Company (the “ Ordinary Shares ”), on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement; and

 

B.

The Parties desire to enter into this Agreement and make the respective representations, warranties, covenants and agreements set forth herein on the terms and conditions set forth herein.

AGREEMENT

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing recitals, the mutual promises hereinafter set forth, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

 

1.

DEFINITIONS

In this Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires, the following words and expressions have the meanings as follows:

Action ” means any litigation or arbitration proceeding.

Affiliate ” means, (i) with respect to a Person that is a natural person, such Person’s relatives and any other Person (other than natural persons) directly or indirectly Controlled by such Person, and (ii) with respect to a Person that is not a natural person, a Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls, or is Controlled by, or is under common Control with, such Person. For the purposes of this definition, “relative” of a Person means such Person’s spouse, parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, sibling, uncle, aunt, nephew, niece or great-grandparent or the spouse of such Person’s child, grandchild, sibling, uncle, aunt, nephew or niece.


Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Applicable Basket ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.2(a).

Applicable Cap ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.2(a).

Approval ” means any approval, consent, waiver, license or permit required to be obtained from, or any registration or qualification required to be filed with or delivered to, any Governmental Authority or any other Person.

Arbitration Notice ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.13.

Attorney ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.2(c).

Bankruptcy and Equity Exception ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3.

Board ” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

Business Day ” means a day (other than a Saturday or a Sunday) that the banks in New York, Hong Kong, the PRC, and the Cayman Islands are generally open for business.

Closing ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2.

Closing Date ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2.

Company ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Company Indemnitee ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.2(b).

Control ” means the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct, or cause the direction of, the management and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

De Minimis Claim Threshold ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.2(a).

Dispute ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.13.

Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.2(a).

Effective Event ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.2(a)(i).

ESOP ” means collectively, the 2014 Share Incentive Plan, the 2017 Share Option Plan and the 2017 Restricted Share Award Scheme of the Company.

Existing Shareholder ” means any Person that is a holder of Ordinary Shares as of December 8, 2017.

 

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Fair Market Value ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.5(a)(i).

Governmental Authorities ” means any nation, government, province, state, or any entity, authority or body exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of or pertaining to government, including any government authority, agency, department, board, commission or instrumentality of any government or any political subdivision thereof, court, tribunal, arbitrator, the governing body of any securities exchange, and self-regulatory organization, in each case having competent jurisdiction (with each of such Governmental Authorities being referred to as a “ Governmental Authority ”).

HKIAC ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.13.

HKIAC Rules ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.13.

Hong Kong ” means the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China.

Indemnified Party ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.3.

Indemnifying Party ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.3.

IPO ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1.

Knowledge of the Company ” means the actual knowledge of the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer and the General Counsel of the Company as of the date of this Agreement.

Law ” means any law, rule, constitution, code, ordinance, statute, treaty, decree, regulation, common law, order, official policy, circular, provision, administrative order, interpretation, injunction, judgment, ruling, assessment, writ or other legislative measure, in each case of any Governmental Authority.

Lien ” means, with respect to any property or asset, any mortgage, charge, lien, pledge, charge, security interest or encumbrance in respect of such property or asset.

Liquidated Damages ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.5(b).

Losses ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.2(a).

Order ” means any injunction, judgment, order, decree, stipulation or determination by or with any Governmental Authority.

Ordinary Shares ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

Parties ” means the named parties to this Agreement and their respective successors and permitted assigns (with each of such Parties being referred to as a “ Party ”).

 

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Person ” means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited partnership, proprietorship, association, limited liability company, firm, trust, estate or other enterprise, entity or legal person.

PRC ” means the People’s Republic of China and for purposes of this Agreement, excludes Hong Kong, Macao Special Administrative Region and Taiwan.

Purchased Shares ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1.

Purchaser ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Purchasers ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Purchaser Indemnitee ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.2(a).

Purchaser Representatives ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.3(a).

Purchaser Owned Shares ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.2(b)(iii).

Restated Articles ” means the Fourth Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company adopted on or around January 8, 2018.

Right of Participation ” has the meaning ascribed to it in the Shareholders Agreement and the Restated Articles.

Securities Act ” means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Selection Period ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.13.

Shareholder ” has the meaning ascribed to it in the Shareholders Agreement.

Shareholders Agreement ” means the Third Amended and Restated Shareholders Agreement of the Company entered into on or around January 8, 2018 by and among the Company and other parties named therein.

Subscription Price ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1.

Subsidiary ” means companies whose financial results are consolidated with those of the Company in accordance with the generally accepted accounting principles in the United States.

Taxes ” means (i) in the PRC: (a) any national, provincial, municipal or local taxes, charges, fees, levies or other assessments, (b) all interest, penalties or additional amounts imposed by any Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over the assessment, determination, collection or other imposition of any items described in clause (a) above in connection therewith, and (ii) in any jurisdiction other than the PRC: all similar liabilities as described in clause (i) above.

 

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Tencent ” means Min River Investment Limited.

Transaction Documents ” means this Agreement, the Shareholders Agreement, the Restated Articles, and any other agreement, document or instrument executed and delivered in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

Transfer ” means (i) when used as a verb, to sell, assign, dispose of, exchange, pledge, encumber, hypothecate or otherwise transfer any Ordinary Shares or other securities of the Company or any participation or interest therein, whether directly or indirectly (including pursuant to a derivative transaction or a transfer or new issuance of ownership interests in a direct or indirect holder of such Ordinary Shares or other securities of the Company), or agree or commit to do any of the foregoing and (ii) when used as a noun, a direct or indirect sale, assignment, disposition, exchange, pledge, encumbrance, hypothecation, or other transfer of such Ordinary Shares or other securities of the Company or any participation or interest therein or any agreement or commitment to do any of the foregoing.

US$ ” means United States Dollars, the lawful currency of the U.S.

 

2.

PURCHASE AND SALE

2.1. Purchase and Sale of Ordinary Shares . Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Company hereby agrees to issue and sell to each Purchaser, and each Purchaser agrees to subscribe for and purchase from the Company, at the Closing with respect to such Purchaser, that number of Ordinary Shares set forth opposite such Purchaser’s name on Schedule A attached hereto (the “ Purchased Shares ”) at a purchase price of US$4.0363 per Ordinary Share. The aggregate subscription price for the Purchased Shares of each Purchaser (the “ Subscription Price ”) is set forth opposite such Purchaser’s name on Schedule A and shall be paid in cash as provided in Section 2.3(a). Schedule A shall be updated from time to time as any Shareholder of the Company validly exercises its Right of Participation in connection with the issuance of the Purchased Shares under this Agreement and as any Purchaser validly exercises its right to oversubscription in connection with such issuance, if applicable.

2.2. Closing . The closing of the purchase and sale of the Purchased Shares contemplated under Section 2.1 (the “ Closing ”) with respect to each Purchaser shall take place remotely via the exchange of documents and signatures on the next Business Day after satisfaction or waiver (to the extent permissible by the Party entitled to such conditions) of the conditions set forth in Section 6 (other than those conditions to be satisfied at the Closing, but subject to the satisfaction or waiver thereof at the Closing) with respect to such Purchaser, or at such other time or place as the Company and such Purchaser may agree in writing (with respect to each Purchaser, the date on which the Closing occurs, the “ Closing Date ”). For the avoidance of doubt, the Company shall have the discretion to consummate a Closing with one or more Purchasers, and the Closings of the transactions with different Purchasers are not conditional upon each other.

 

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2.3. Deliveries .

(a) At the Closing in respect of a Purchaser, such Purchaser shall pay the Subscription Price by wire transfer of immediately available funds in U.S. dollars to the Company’s bank account set forth in Schedule E hereto.

(b) At the Closing in respect of a Purchaser, the Company shall, against payment of the Subscription Price by such Purchaser, update the register of members to reflect the issuance to such Purchaser of its Purchased Shares and shall provide a copy of an extract of the relevant portion of the updated register of members reflecting such issuance to such Purchaser of its Purchased Shares. As soon as reasonably practicable after the Closing, the Company will deliver to such Purchaser a copy of the share certificate issued in the name of such Purchaser representing its Purchased Shares, if requested by such Purchaser.

 

3.

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY

The Company hereby represents and warrants to each Purchaser that as of the date of this Agreement and as of the applicable Closing Date in respect of such Purchaser:

3.1. Organization, Standing and Qualification .

(a) The Company is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing (to the extent such concept is recognized) under the Laws of its jurisdiction of organization and has all requisite corporate power and authority to own its properties and assets and to carry on its business as presently conducted in all material respects.

(b) The Company has not filed (or has had filed against it) any petition for its liquidation, dissolution, bankruptcy or winding-up, or is insolvent under the Laws of its jurisdiction of organization.

3.2. Capitalization . The summary table of the issued and outstanding share capital (which does not include the identification of each individual shareholder or recipient of an award under the ESOP or the identification of each shareholder holding less than 2% of the total number of the issued and outstanding Ordinary Shares) of the Company as of January 8, 2018 is set forth in Schedule B to this Agreement.

 

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3.3. Due Authorization . As of the date of this Agreement, all corporate actions on the part of the Company necessary for (i) the authorization, execution and delivery of, and the performance of all of its obligations under, this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents and (ii) the authorization, issuance and delivery of the Purchased Shares of such Purchaser have been taken. The Company has the requisite corporate power, capacity and authority to enter into, execute and deliver this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents and to perform all the obligations to be performed by it hereunder and thereunder. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Company. Assuming due authorization, execution and delivery of the other parties hereto and thereto, this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, when executed and delivered by the Company, will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, subject, as to enforcement of remedies, to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, reorganization and similar Laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and to general equitable principles (the “ Bankruptcy and Equity Exception ”).

3.4. Consents and Approvals . Assuming the accuracy of the representations made by each Purchaser in Section 4, except as expressly provided in this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, no Approval is required to be obtained or made by or with respect to the Company in connection with the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents by the Company, or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby by the Company, except for any such Approvals as to which the failure to obtain or make would not materially impair the Company’s ability to perform its obligations hereunder or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.

3.5. Valid Issuance . The Purchased Shares of such Purchaser, when issued, sold and delivered in accordance with the terms of this Agreement for the consideration expressed herein, will be duly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable, free from any Liens (except for any restrictions on transfer under applicable Laws and under the Transaction Documents and any Liens created or imposed by such Purchaser).

3.6. No Violation . Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents nor the full performance of its obligations by the Company hereunder or thereunder will (a) violate any applicable Law to which the Company is subject, or (b) violate the Restated Articles of the Company, in each case, except as would not materially impair the Company’s ability to perform its obligations hereunder or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.

3.7. Litigation . There is no Action pending against the Company, and the Company is not a party or subject to the provisions of any Order, which in any manner challenges or seeks to prevent, enjoin, alter or delay the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

3.8. Finders’ Fees. There is no investment banker, broker, finder or other intermediary that has been retained by or is authorized to act on behalf of any the Company or its Affiliates who might be entitled to any fee or commission payable by such Purchaser in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

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4.

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF EACH PURCHASER

Each Purchaser hereby represents and warrants to the Company, in respect of itself, as of the date of this Agreement and as of the applicable Closing Date in respect of such Purchaser:

4.1. Organization; Standing and Qualification.

(a) Such Purchaser is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing (to the extent such concept is recognized) under the Laws of its jurisdiction of organization and has all requisite corporate power and authority to carry on its business as presently conducted in all material respects.

(b) Such Purchaser has not filed (or has had filed against it) any petition for its liquidation, dissolution, bankruptcy or winding-up, or is insolvent under the Laws of its jurisdiction of organization.

4.2. Due Authorization . Such Purchaser has all requisite power, authority and capacity to enter into this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents and to perform its obligations hereunder and thereunder. The execution, delivery and performance by such Purchaser of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of such Purchaser. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by such Purchaser. Assuming due authorization, execution and delivery of the other parties hereto and thereto, this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, when executed and delivered by such Purchaser, will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of such Purchaser, enforceable against such Purchaser in accordance with its terms and subject, as to enforcement of remedies, to the Bankruptcy and Equity Exception.

4.3. Purchase for Own Account . The Purchased Shares of such Purchaser are being acquired for investment for such Purchaser’s own account, not as a nominee or agent of any Person other than such Purchaser, and not with a view to, or for sale in connection with, any distribution of any part thereof, and that such Purchaser has no present intention of selling, granting any participation in or otherwise distributing the same to any Person. Such Purchaser does not presently have any contract, undertaking, agreement or arrangement with any Person to sell, transfer or grant participations to such Person or to any third Person, with respect to any of its Purchased Shares.

4.4. Exempt from Registration; Restricted Securities . Such Purchaser understands that its Purchased Shares will not be registered under the Securities Act or registered or listed publicly pursuant to any other applicable securities Laws, on the ground that the sale provided for in this Agreement is exempt from registration under the Securities Act or the registration or listing requirements of any other applicable securities Laws. Such Purchaser understands that its Purchased Shares are restricted securities within the meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act and that its Purchased Shares are not registered or listed publicly and must be held indefinitely unless they are subsequently registered or listed publicly or an exemption from such registration or listing is available.

 

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4.5. Status of Purchaser . Such Purchaser is (a) an accredited investor as defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act and/or (b) is not a “U.S. person” within the meaning of Regulation S under the Securities Act and is acquiring its Purchased Shares in an offshore transaction under Rule 903 of Regulation S under the Securities Act. Such Purchaser (i) has sufficient knowledge and experience in financial and business matters to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks involved in purchasing its Purchased Shares and (ii) is capable of bearing the economic risk of its investment. Such Purchaser has undertaken such investigation and has been provided with and has evaluated such documents and information as it has deemed necessary or appropriate for making an informed and intelligent decision with respect to the purchase of the Purchased Shares and the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents.

4.6. Consents and Approvals . Except for any Approval that has been obtained or made by such Purchaser and provided to the Company as of the date of this Agreement, no Approval is required to be obtained or made by or with respect to such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates in connection with the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents by such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates that is a party to any Transaction Document, or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby by such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates.

4.7. No Violation . Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement or any of the other Transaction Documents nor the full performance of its obligations by such Purchaser hereunder or thereunder will (a) violate any applicable Law to which such Purchaser is subject, or (b) violate any constitutive documents of such Purchaser, in each case, except as would not materially affect such Purchaser’s ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents and consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.

4.8. Litigation . There is no Action pending or, to the knowledge of such Purchaser, threatened against or affecting such Purchaser before any court or arbitrator or any Governmental Authority, and such Purchaser is not a party or subject to the provisions of any Order, which in any manner challenges or seeks to prevent, enjoin, alter or delay the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

4.9. Financing . Such Purchaser has sufficient cash, available lines of credit or other sources of immediately available funds to enable it to make payment of the Subscription Price and any other amounts to be paid by it under this Agreement.

4.10. Finders’ Fees. There is no investment banker, broker, finder or other intermediary that has been retained by or is authorized to act on behalf of such Purchaser, any of its Affiliates or their respective directors, officers, employees or equity holders and might be entitled to any fee or commission payable by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

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4.11. No Other Representations . Such Purchaser acknowledges that, except for the representations and warranties of the Company contained in Section 3, the Company is not making and has not made, and no other Person is making or has made on behalf of the Company, any express or implied representation or warranty in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, and any such other representations and warranties are expressly disclaimed.

 

5.

COVENANTS

5.1. Further Assurances . Each Party shall from time to time and at all times hereafter uses reasonable best efforts to make, do, execute, or cause or procure to be made, done and executed such further acts, deeds, conveyances, consents and assurances without further consideration, which may reasonably be required or advisable to effect the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents.

5.2. Approvals, Consents and Waivers. Without limiting the generality of Section 5.1, prior to the Closing, each Purchaser shall, and shall cause all of its Affiliates to, take all actions necessary to obtain or make all Approvals, if any, of Governmental Authorities and other Persons which are to be obtained or made by such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates and are necessary in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents. In the event that the Company waives the condition set forth in Section 6.3(c) at the Closing, each Purchaser shall, and shall ensure that all of its Affiliates, within one (1) month or such other time period after the Closing as may be reasonably required by the Company, obtain or make any and all Approvals necessary for the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents which have not been obtained or made as of the Closing.

5.3. Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure .

(a) Prior to the Closing Date or after any termination of this Agreement, each Purchaser shall hold, and shall cause its Affiliates and the respective officers, directors, employees, accountants, counsel, consultants, advisors and agents of such Purchaser and its Affiliates (collectively, the “ Purchaser Representatives ”) to hold, in confidence, unless compelled to disclose by judicial or administrative process or by other requirements of any applicable Laws (including, without limitation, pursuant to securities laws or regulations and applicable securities exchange rules) or requested by any Governmental Authority having competent jurisdiction, all documents and information concerning the Company or any Subsidiary furnished to such Purchaser or its Purchaser Representatives in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, including the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the other Transaction Documents and all exhibits and schedules attached to such agreements, including their existence, and the identity of each party thereto, except to the extent that such information can be shown to have been (i) previously known on a non-confidential basis by such Purchaser, (ii) in the public domain through no fault of such Purchaser or (iii) later lawfully acquired by such Purchaser from sources other than the Company; provided that a Purchaser may disclose such information to its Purchaser Representatives who need to know such information for the purpose of evaluating, negotiating or consummating the transactions contemplated by this Agreement so long as such Purchaser Representatives are informed by such Purchaser of the confidential nature of such information and are directed by such Purchaser to treat such information confidentially. Each Purchaser shall be responsible for any failure to treat such information confidentially by its Purchaser Representatives. If this Agreement is terminated in respect of any Purchaser, such Purchaser will, and will cause its Purchaser Representatives to, destroy or deliver to the Company, upon request, all documents and other materials, and all copies thereof, obtained by such Purchaser or its Purchaser Representatives or on their behalf from the Company or any Subsidiary in connection with this Agreement that are subject to such confidence.

 

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(b) The provisions of this Section 5.3 shall be in addition to, and not in substitution for, the provisions of any separate nondisclosure agreement executed by any of the Parties with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby.

5.4. No Use of Company Name . Without the prior written consent of the Company, none of the Purchasers or the Purchaser Representatives (other than Tencent or any Affiliate of Tencent that is a Purchaser and their respective Purchaser Representatives) shall be entitled to use, publish or reproduce the name, trademarks, trade names, domain names, service marks, business names, or logos of the Company or its Affiliates, including without limitation “Tencent”, “ 腾讯 ”, “Tencent Music”, “ 腾讯音乐 ”, “QQ Music”, “Kugou”, “Kuwo”, or any similar name, trademark or logo in any discussion, documents or materials, including without limitation for marketing or other purposes.

5.5. IPO . Each Purchaser hereby agrees that, after the Closing, it shall, and shall cause its Affiliates to, take any and all reasonable actions to facilitate an IPO of the Company as may be requested by the Company and/or the lead underwriter(s) of an IPO, including without limitation, cooperating in due diligence in connection therewith. The obligations of each Purchaser and its Affiliates under this Section 5.5 shall be additional to, and not in substitution for, any other obligations of such Purchaser or its Affiliates under the Transaction Documents in relation to an IPO.

5.6. Joinder to Shareholders Agreement . In the event that a Purchaser or any of its Affiliates that is an Existing Shareholder is not a party to the Shareholders Agreement prior to the execution and delivery of this Agreement, (a) such Purchaser, on behalf of itself and any such Affiliate, hereby agrees to be bound by the Shareholders Agreement as a Shareholder thereunder, subject to all of the restrictions, conditions and obligations, and entitled to all the rights and privileges, applicable to a Shareholder thereunder; and (b) upon request by the Company, such Purchaser shall, and shall procure such Affiliate of such Purchaser, promptly deliver a joinder to the Shareholders Agreement in the form attached as Exhibit A thereto duly executed by such Purchaser or Affiliate, as applicable.

 

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6.

CONDITIONS TO CLOSING

6.1. Conditions to Obligations of Purchasers and Company . The obligations of each Purchaser and the Company to consummate the Closing are subject to the satisfaction or waiver, at or prior to the Closing, of the following condition:

(a) No Injunctions or Legal Prohibitions . No provision of applicable Laws, and no Order, shall prohibit the consummation of the Closing.

6.2. Conditions to Obligations of Purchasers . The obligations of each Purchaser under this Agreement to consummate the Closing are subject to the satisfaction or waiver by such Purchaser, at or prior to the Closing, of each of the following conditions:

(a) Representations and Warranties True and Correct . The representations and warranties of the Company set forth in Section 3 shall be true and correct at and as of the Closing, with only exceptions as would not in the aggregate materially impair the Company’s ability to perform its obligations hereunder or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.

(b) Performance . The Company shall have performed and complied in all material respects with all covenants, agreements, obligations and conditions contained in this Agreement that are required to be performed or complied with by it on or before the Closing.

6.3. Conditions to Obligations of Company . The obligations of the Company under this Agreement to consummate the Closing in respect of each Purchaser are subject to the satisfaction or waiver by the Company, at or prior to the Closing, of each of the following conditions:

(a) Representations and Warranties True and Correct . The representations and warranties of such Purchaser set forth in Section 4 shall be true and correct in all material respects at and as of the Closing.

(b) Performance . Such Purchaser shall have performed and complied in all material respects with all covenants, agreements, obligations and conditions contained in this Agreement that are required to be performed or complied with by it on or before the Closing.

 

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(c) Approvals, Consents and Waivers. Such Purchaser and all of its Affiliates shall have obtained or made any and all Approvals necessary for the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, each of which shall be in full force and effect as of the Closing, and in each case, in proper form and without imposing or proposing the imposition of any terms or conditions which, individually or in the aggregate, could be reasonably expected to materially impair the ability of such Purchaser to consummate, or prevent or materially delay, the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents.

(d) Closing Certificate . Such Purchaser shall have delivered to the Company a certificate, dated as of the Closing Date, signed by a duly authorized director or officer of such Purchaser, certifying as to the satisfaction of the conditions specified in sub-sections (a), (b) and (c) above.

 

7.

REMEDIES; INDEMNITY

7.1. Survival . The representations and warranties of the Company and each Purchaser contained in this Agreement shall survive the Closing until the earlier of (i) the consummation of a public offering and/or listing of the shares of the Company (an “ IPO ”), or (ii) the end of a period of twelve (12) months after the Closing. The covenants and agreements of the Company and each Purchaser set forth in this Agreement shall survive the Closing until fully discharged in accordance with their terms, except for those covenants and agreements which shall be complied with or discharged prior to the Closing in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

7.2. Indemnification .

(a) Effective at and after the Closing, subject to the other provisions of this Section 7.2(a) and Schedule  C , the Company shall indemnify and hold harmless each Purchaser and its Affiliates (each, a “ Purchaser Indemnitee ”) against any losses, liabilities, damages and expenses, including reasonable advisor’s fees and other reasonable expenses of investigation and defense of any of the foregoing (“ Losses ”), actually suffered by such Purchaser Indemnitee arising out of (i) any misrepresentation or breach of warranty made by the Company in this Agreement; and (ii) any breach or violation of, or failure to perform, any covenants or agreements made by or on behalf of, or to be performed by, the Company in this Agreement; provided that the Company shall not be liable under this Section 7.2(a) to any Purchaser Indemnitee in respect of any Purchaser (i) for any diminution in value of the Purchased Shares, (ii) for any and all Losses arising out of any individual claim (or a series of claims arising from substantially identical facts or circumstances) where the Loss relating thereto is less than US$500,000.00 (the “ De Minimis Claim Threshold ”), or (iii) in respect of each individual claim where the Loss relating thereto is equal to or greater than the De Minimis Claim Threshold, unless the aggregate amount of all Losses by the Purchaser Indemnitees of such Purchaser in respect of claims that exceed the De Minimis Claim Threshold exceeds 5% of the Subscription Price (the “ Applicable Basket ”) of such Purchaser and then only to the extent of such excess; provided further , that the maximum aggregate liability of the Company under this Section 7.2(a) to all Purchaser Indemnitees in respect of a Purchaser shall not exceed an amount equal to 30% of the Subscription Price (the “ Applicable Cap ”) of such Purchaser.

 

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(b) Effective at and after the Closing, subject to the other provisions of this Section 7.2(b) and Schedule  C , each Purchaser shall indemnify and hold harmless the Company and its Affiliates (each, a “ Company Indemnitee ”) against any Losses actually suffered by such Company Indemnitee arising out of (i) any misrepresentation or breach of warranty made by such Purchaser in this Agreement (other than in the case of any breach of Section 4.3, in which case Section 7.5 shall apply); and (ii) any breach or violation of, or failure to perform, any covenants or agreements made by or on behalf of, or to be performed by, such Purchaser in this Agreement; provided that no Purchaser shall be liable under this Section 7.2(b) to any Company Indemnitee (i) for any and all Losses arising out of any individual claim (or a series of claims arising from substantially identical facts or circumstances) where the Loss relating thereto is less than the De Minimis Claim Threshold, or (iii) in respect of each individual claim where the Loss relating thereto is equal to or greater than the De Minimis Claim Threshold, unless the aggregate amount of all Losses by the Company Indemnitees in respect of claims that exceed the De Minimis Claim Threshold exceeds the Applicable Basket of such Purchaser and then only to the extent of such excess; provided further , that the maximum aggregate liability of any Purchaser under this Section 7.2(b) to all Company Indemnitees shall not exceed an amount equal to the Applicable Cap of such Purchaser.

7.3. Procedure . Any Party seeking indemnification under this Section 7 (an “ Indemnified Party ”) shall notify the Party from whom indemnification is being sought (an “ Indemnifying Party ”) in writing of any Action against such Indemnified Party in respect of which any Indemnifying Party is or may be obligated to provide indemnification hereunder promptly after the receipt of notice or knowledge of the commencement thereof. Such notice shall set forth in reasonable detail such claim and the basis for indemnification (taking into account the information then available to the Indemnified Party). The failure to so notify an Indemnifying Party shall relieve the Indemnifying Party of its obligations hereunder to the extent such failure shall have adversely prejudiced such Indemnifying Party.

7.4. Exclusive Remedy . Notwithstanding any other provision contained herein, from and after the Closing, this Section 7 shall be the sole and exclusive remedy of the Parties for any claim arising out of any misrepresentation, breach of warranty, covenant or other agreement (other than those contained in Sections 4.3, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 9.2 and 9.3) or other claim arising out of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, except that no limitation or exceptions with respect to the obligations or liabilities on the Company or any Purchaser provided in the foregoing sub-sections under this Section 7 or Schedule C , shall apply to a Loss incurred by any Company Indemnitee or Purchaser Indemnitee, as applicable, arising due to the fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation of such Purchaser or the Company, as applicable.

 

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7.5. Remedies for Breach of Section  4.3 .

(a) In the event that the Company reasonably believes that there is a breach by any Purchaser of any of its representations and warranties in Section 4.3, the Company may, at its option, provide a written notice to such Purchaser describing the basis for such belief of the Company. Each Purchaser hereby agrees that, upon delivery of such notice and unless such Purchaser has provided proof to the satisfaction of the Company that there is not and has not been any breach by such Purchaser of Section 4.3, the Company has the right to elect to, in its sole and absolute discretion and at any time:

(i) redeem all or a portion of the Purchased Shares of such Purchaser at a redemption price per Ordinary Share equal to the lower of the Fair Market Value per Ordinary Share or US$3.22904 (which represents a 20% discount to the per Ordinary Share Subscription Price under this Agreement), as appropriately adjusted for any share dividends, combinations, reclassifications, splits or other similar events with respect to the Ordinary Shares. For purposes of this Section 7.5(a)(i), “ Fair Market Value ” means (A) upon the Company’s IPO, the average reported closing price of an Ordinary Share on their principal trading market for the three trading days immediately prior to the date of the redemption; or (B) prior to the Company’s IPO, the fair market value on the date of redemption as determined by the board of directors of the Company in good faith;

(ii) refuse to recognize any Transfer of the Purchased Shares or any other shares of the Company owned by such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates in the register of members of the Company without assigning any reason therefor; and/or

(iii) to the extent permitted by applicable Laws, refuse to (A) declare or pay any dividend or other distribution of the Company’s assets or otherwise recognize the economic interests or benefits in respect of the Purchased Shares and any other shares of the Company owned by such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates; and (B) treat such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates owning shares in the Company as a member or shareholder of the Company, recognize the vote by such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates, or count such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates in determining the total number of issued shares at any time, for purposes of the Restated Articles or the Shareholders Agreement or for any other purposes, in each case, in respect of the Purchased Shares and any other shares of the Company owned by such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates.

 

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(b) Notwithstanding Section 7.5(a), in the event that the Company ( x ) reasonably believes that there is any breach by a Purchaser of any of its representations and warranties in Section 4.3 and ( y ) determines that the actions which may be taken pursuant to clauses (i) through (iii) in Section 7.5(a) would not adequately compensate the Company compared to the harm caused by such Purchaser’s breach of Section 4.3, upon written notice by the Company, such Purchaser shall pay to the Company an amount equal to 100% of the Subscription Price of such Purchaser (the “ Liquidated Damages ”). The Parties intend that the Liquidated Damages constitute compensation, and not a penalty. The Parties acknowledge and agree that the Company’s harm caused by a breach of Section 4.3 would be impossible or very difficult to be accurately estimated at the time of the execution and delivery of this Agreement, and that the Liquidated Damages are a reasonable estimate of the anticipated or actual harm that might arise from such breach.

 

8.

TERMINATION

8.1. Grounds for Termination . This Agreement may be terminated, in respect of any Purchaser, at any time prior to the applicable Closing in respect of such Purchaser:

(a) by mutual written agreement of the Company and such Purchaser; or

(b) by the Company if the Closing shall not have been consummated on or before February 28, 2018.

The Party desiring to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 8.1(a) or 8.1(b) shall give notice of such termination to the other Party.

8.2. Effect of Termination . If this Agreement is terminated in respect of a Purchaser as permitted by Section 8.1, such termination shall be without liability of the Company or the Purchaser with respect to which such termination is effective (or any shareholder, director, officer, employee, agent, consultant or representative of such Party) to the applicable Purchaser or the Company, as applicable; provided that if such termination shall result from the willful (i) failure of a Party to fulfill a condition to the performance of the obligations of the other Party, (ii) failure to perform a covenant of this Agreement or (iii) breach by a Party hereto of any representation or warranty or agreement contained herein, such Party shall be fully liable for any and all Losses incurred or suffered by the other Parties as a result of such failure or breach. The provisions of Sections 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 8.2, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.13 and 9.14 shall survive any termination hereof pursuant to Section 8.1.

 

9.

MISCELLANEOUS

9.1. Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed exclusively in accordance with the Laws of Hong Kong without giving effect to any choice of law rule that would cause the application of the Laws of any jurisdiction other than the Laws of Hong Kong to the rights and duties of the Parties hereunder.

 

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9.2. Agreements Relating to Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation .

(a) Each Purchaser, on behalf of itself and its Affiliates, agrees that:

(i) the Company may, at any time at or prior to the completion of an IPO of the Company, adopt a dual-class share structure such that its share capital will include Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares upon the completion of the IPO (the “ Effective Event ”),

(ii) in connection with such adoption of a dual-class share structure, the Board may determine that:

(A) the shares of the Company that are owned immediately prior to the Effective Event by any Person that is not an Existing Shareholder may, if determined by the Board, be designated as Class A ordinary shares;

(B) any shares of the Company that will be issued and sold in the IPO will be designated as Class A ordinary shares; and

(C) all of the shares of the Company that are owned by any Existing Shareholder or any of its Affiliates (whether as a result of any subscription of new shares by, or any Transfer by another holder of shares to, such Existing Shareholder or its Affiliates, or otherwise) immediately prior to the Effective Event will be designated as Class B ordinary shares;

(iii) each Class A ordinary share will be entitled to one (1) vote and each Class B ordinary share will be entitled to fifteen (15) votes on all matters to be voted upon by or otherwise requiring the consent of the Company’s shareholders;

(iv) Class B ordinary shares will automatically and immediately convert into an equal number of Class A ordinary shares upon the occurrence of any transfer of such Class B ordinary shares by the holder thereof or an Affiliate of such holder to any Person that is not an Affiliate of such holder, or any other event that may be designated by the Company; and

(v) any re-designation or conversion described in this Section 9.2 may be effected by way of a repurchase by the Company of all such shares to be re-designated or converted in exchange for the issuance by the Company to the relevant shareholder(s) in the Company of the relevant number of fully paid new shares in the Company, and each Purchaser, on behalf of itself and its Affiliates, hereby unconditionally and irrevocably agrees that such Purchaser’s execution of this Agreement shall constitute its consent to the repurchase of all of its shares in the Company in connection with the matters described in paragraphs (i) through (v) for the purposes of the Restated Articles of the Company, as may be amended from time to time.

 

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The matters described in paragraphs (i) through (v) above shall be referred to as the “ Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation .”

(b) Each Purchaser, on behalf of itself and its Affiliates, hereby unconditionally and irrevocably:

(i) consents to the Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation, including without limitation for all purposes under the Shareholders Agreement, as may be amended from time to time, and the Restated Articles, as may be amended from time to time;

(ii) waives any veto rights and all similar rights (whether arising at contract or in law or otherwise) in respect of the Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation;

(iii) agrees to vote, or cause to be voted, the Purchased Shares or any other shares in the Company that are owned by such Purchaser or its Affiliates from time to time and at any time after the date of this Agreement (the “ Purchaser Owned Shares ”), at every meeting (or in connection with any action by written consent) of the Company’s shareholders at which such matters are considered and at any adjournment or postponement thereof prior to the Effective Event, (A) in favor of, and (B) against any action, proposal, transaction or agreement that could reasonably be expected to impede, interfere with, delay, discourage, adversely affect or inhibit, the Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation and the adoption of any amendment to the Articles of the Company to reflect the Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation and other changes as necessary or appropriate to facilitate an IPO of the Company;

(iv) agrees to cause any director designated by such Purchaser and/or its Affiliates pursuant to the Shareholders Agreement to vote, at every meeting of the Company’s Board at which such matters are considered and at any adjournment or postponement thereof (or execute and deliver any unanimous written resolution of the Board), (A) in favor of, and (B) against any action, proposal, transaction or agreement that could reasonably be expected to impede, interfere with, delay, discourage, adversely affect or inhibit, the Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation and the adoption of any amendment to the Articles of the Company to reflect the Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation and other changes as necessary or appropriate to facilitate an IPO of the Company; and

(v) agrees to promptly execute, deliver or enter into any other agreement, document, consent, approval or instrument, and take any other actions, which may be reasonably necessary or advisable to effect the Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation and the adoption of any amendment to the Articles of the Company to reflect the Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation and other changes as necessary or appropriate to facilitate an IPO of the Company.

 

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(c) Each Purchaser, on behalf of itself and its Affiliates, irrevocably makes, constitutes and appoints each of the Chairman of Board of Directors and the Chief Executive Officer of the Company from time to time a true and lawful proxy and attorney-in-fact (each, an “ Attorney ”) of such Purchaser and any of its Affiliates owning any Purchaser Owned Shares, with full power and authority, in the name and on behalf of such Purchaser and its Affiliates, (i) to exercise their voting rights with respect to all of the Purchaser Owned Shares in accordance with Subsections (b)(iii) and (b)(v) above in any vote of the Company’s shareholders or proposed action by written consent by the Company’s shareholders, and (ii) to make, execute and deliver all resolutions, consents and other writings and to do such things and to take such actions in each case to the extent the applicable Attorney considers necessary to exercise the voting rights of such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates pursuant to clause (i) above, as fully as could such Purchaser or its Affiliate, as applicable, if personally present and acting. The above proxy and power of attorney is given to secure the performance of the duties of each Purchaser and its Affiliates under Subsections (b)(iii) and (b)(v) above. Each Purchaser shall, and shall procure its Affiliates, take such further action or execute such other instruments as may be necessary to effectuate the intent of this proxy. The power of attorney granted by each Purchaser and its Affiliates herein is a durable power of attorney and shall survive the dissolution, bankruptcy, death or incapacity of such Purchaser and any of its Affiliates. The above proxy and power of attorney from each Purchaser and its Affiliates to the Attorneys is coupled with an interest and is irrevocable and continuously effective during the period from the date hereof until the earlier of (i) the first date on which such Purchaser and its Affiliates no longer own any Purchaser Owned Shares or (ii) the Effective Event.

(d) Each Purchaser further acknowledges and agrees that, prior to the Effective Event, unless otherwise requested or permitted by the Company in writing, (i) such Purchaser shall not, and shall procure that its Affiliates do not, in any way and for any purpose, (A) claim that any or all of the Purchaser Owned Shares, are of a separate class of shares in the Company, individually or collectively with any shares in the Company held by any other Person, from the other Ordinary Shares; or (B) request that the Company acknowledge that the Purchaser Owned Shares are in a separate class of shares or seek its consent as a holder of a separate class of shares in the Company, individually or collectively with any shares in the Company held by any other Person, from the other Ordinary Shares, in relation to any matter to be voted upon or otherwise requiring the consent of any of the Company’s shareholders; and (ii) such Purchaser shall not, and shall procure that its Affiliates do not, in any way and for any purpose vote or attempt to vote any or all of the Purchaser Owned Shares in a separate shareholder class meeting or by way of a written resolution of holder(s) of a separate class of shares, individually or collectively with any shares held by any other Person, from the other Ordinary Shares, in respect of any matter to be voted upon or otherwise requiring the consent of any of the Company’s shareholders.

 

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(e) For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 9.2 does not obligate the Company to implement a dual-class share structure on terms specified in Section 9.2(a). The parties hereby acknowledge and agree that the final terms of any dual-class share structure adopted by the Company shall be as determined by the Board and as approved by the requisite shareholders under applicable Laws and any applicable provisions of the Restated Articles and the Shareholders Agreement, and such terms may be different from those specified in Section 9.2(a).

9.3. Transfer . Without prejudice to any other restriction on Transfer applicable to the Purchaser Owned Shares, each Purchaser shall not, and shall procure its Affiliates do not, directly or indirectly, Transfer any Purchaser Owned Shares unless the transferee of such proposed Transfer (except for any transferee otherwise designated by the Company) duly executes and delivers to the Company an agreement in a form satisfactory to the Company pursuant to which such transferee shall agree to be bound by Sections 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.8 and 9.13 as if it were a Purchaser hereunder. After a Transfer of any Purchaser Owned Shares in accordance with the foregoing sentence, in the event of any amendment to Section 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.8 or 9.13 of this Agreement, such transferee shall be deemed the “Purchaser” in respect of the Purchaser Owned Shares subject to such Transfer in lieu of the Transferring Purchaser for purposes of Section 9.8.

9.4. Successors and Assigns . Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, the provisions hereof shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding upon, the successors, permitted assigns, heirs, executors and administrators of the Parties. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, this Agreement and the rights and obligations herein may not be assigned by any Party without the written consent of the other Parties.

9.5. Entire Agreement . This Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, including the schedules and exhibits hereto and thereto, which are hereby expressly incorporated herein by this reference, constitute the entire understanding and agreement among the Parties with regard to the subjects hereof and thereof.

9.6. Parties in Interest . Except as expressly provided elsewhere in this Agreement, a person who is not a Party to this Agreement shall not have any rights under the Contracts (Right of Third Parties) Ordinance (Chapter 623, Laws of Hong Kong) to enforce any terms of this Agreement. This does not affect any right or remedy of a third party which exists, or is available, apart from the Contracts (Right of Third Parties) Ordinance.

 

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9.7. Notices . Except as may be otherwise provided herein, all notices, requests, waivers and other communications made pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be conclusively deemed to have been duly given (a) when hand delivered to the other Parties, upon delivery; (b) when sent by facsimile at the number set forth in Schedule D , upon receipt of confirmation of error-free transmission; (c) seven Business Days after deposit in the mail as air mail or certified mail, receipt requested, postage prepaid and addressed to the other Parties as set forth in Schedule D ; or (d) three Business Days after deposit with an overnight delivery service, postage prepaid, addressed to the Parties as set forth in Schedule D with next business-day delivery guaranteed, provided that the sending Party receives a confirmation of delivery from the delivery service provider. Each Party making a communication hereunder by facsimile shall promptly confirm by telephone to the Party to whom such communication was addressed each communication made by it by facsimile pursuant hereto but the absence of such confirmation shall not affect the validity of any such communication. A Party may change or supplement the addresses given above, or designate additional addresses, for purposes of this Section 9.7 by giving, the other Parties written notice of the new address in the manner set forth above.

9.8. Amendments . Subject to Section 9.3, any term of this Agreement may be amended (i) as such term applies between the Company and any Purchaser, with the written consents of both the Company and such Purchaser (and without the consent or approval of any other Purchaser), or (ii) with the written consents of the Company and the Purchasers of a majority of the total number of Purchased Shares of all the Purchasers in respect of which this Agreement has not been terminated pursuant to Section 8.1(a) or 8.1(b); provided, however , that the number of Purchased Shares and the Subscription Price in respect of a Purchaser may not be amended without the consent of such Purchaser; provided further , that one or more Purchasers may become Parties to this Agreement after the date of this Agreement in accordance with Section 2.1 without any consent or approval of any other Purchaser. Any amendment effected in accordance with clause (ii) of the foregoing sentence shall be binding upon the Company and all the Purchasers (and to the extent provided for in Section 9.3, any and all permitted transferees of the Purchaser Owned Shares as if it were a Purchaser hereunder).

9.9. Delays or Omissions; Waivers . No delay or omission to exercise any right, power or remedy accruing to any Party, upon any breach or default of any Party under this Agreement, shall impair any such right, power or remedy of such Party nor shall it be construed to be a waiver of any such breach or default, or an acquiescence therein, or of any similar breach of default thereafter occurring; nor shall any waiver of any other breach or default theretofore or thereafter occurring. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, any Party may waive any of its rights under this Agreement without obtaining the consent of any other Party. Any waiver by any Party of any condition or breach of default under this Agreement must be in writing and shall be effective only to the extent specifically set forth in such writing. All remedies, either under this Agreement or by Laws or otherwise afforded to any Party shall be cumulative and not alternative.

 

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9.10. Interpretation; Titles and Subtitles . This Agreement shall be construed according to its fair language. The rule of construction to the effect that ambiguities are to be resolved against the drafting Party shall not be employed in interpreting this Agreement. The titles of the sections and subsections of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and are not to be considered in construing this Agreement. Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, all references to sections and schedules herein are to sections and schedules of this Agreement. Unless a provision hereof expressly provides otherwise: (i) the term “or” is not exclusive; (ii) the terms “herein”, “hereof”, and other similar words refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular section, subsection, paragraph, clause, or other subdivision; (iii) the masculine, feminine, and neuter genders will each be deemed to include the others; and (iv) whenever the words “include”, “includes” or “including” are used in this Agreement, they shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation.”

9.11. Counterparts; Effectiveness . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one instrument. This Agreement shall become effective (i) with respect to each Party that becomes party to this Agreement as of the date of this Agreement, upon such Party’s due execution and delivery of this Agreement and (ii) with respect to each Purchaser who shall become a Party after the date of this Agreement in accordance with the last sentence of Section 2.1, such Purchaser’s due execution and delivery to the Company of a counterpart signature page to this Agreement.

9.12. Severability . If any provision of this Agreement is found to be invalid or unenforceable, then such provision shall be construed, to the extent feasible, so as to render the provision enforceable and to provide for the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby on substantially the same terms as originally set forth herein, and if no feasible interpretation would save such provision, it shall be severed from the remainder of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect unless the severed provision is essential to the rights or benefits intended by the Parties. In such event, the Parties shall use best efforts to negotiate, in good faith, a substitute, valid and enforceable provision or agreement which most nearly affects the Parties’ intent in entering into this Agreement.

 

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9.13. Dispute Resolution . Any dispute, controversy or claim (each, a “ Dispute ”) arising out of or relating to this Agreement, or the interpretation, breach, termination, validity or invalidity thereof, shall be referred to arbitration upon the demand of either party to the dispute with notice (the “ Arbitration Notice ”) to the other. The Dispute shall be settled by arbitration in Hong Kong by the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (the “ HKIAC ”) in accordance with the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre Administered Arbitration Rules (the “ HKIAC Rules ”) in force at the time when the Arbitration Notice is submitted. The seat of arbitration shall be Hong Kong. There shall be three (3) arbitrators. The complainant and the respondent to such dispute shall each select one arbitrator within thirty (30) days after giving or receiving the demand for arbitration (the “ Selection Period ”). Such arbitrators shall be freely selected, and the parties shall not be limited in their selection to any prescribed list. The chairman of the HKIAC shall select the third arbitrator. If either party to the arbitration fails to appoint an arbitrator with the Selection Period, the relevant appointment shall be made by the chairman of the HKIAC. The arbitral proceedings shall be conducted in English. To the extent that the HKIAC Rules are in conflict with the provisions of this Section 9.13, including the provisions concerning the appointment of the arbitrators, this Section 9.13 shall prevail. Each party to the arbitration shall cooperate with each other party to the arbitration in making full disclosure of and providing complete access to all information and documents requested by such other party in connection with such arbitral proceedings, subject only to any confidentiality obligations binding on such party. The award of the arbitral tribunal shall be final and binding upon the parties thereto, and the prevailing party may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for enforcement of such award. Any party to the Dispute shall be entitled to seek preliminary injunctive relief, if possible, from any court of competent jurisdiction pending the constitution of the arbitral tribunal. During the course of the arbitral tribunal’s adjudication of the Dispute, this Agreement shall continue to be performed except with respect to the part in dispute and under adjudication.

9.14. Expenses . Each Party shall bear its own costs and expenses in connection with the negotiation, execution and delivery of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents.

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered as a deed as of the date first above written.

 

EXECUTED and DELIVERED

as a deed by and in the name of

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

( 腾讯音乐娱乐集团 )

by its duly authorised attorney

in the presence of :

 

)

)

)

)

)

   LOGO

 

/s/ Zou Wenting

    

/s/ Cussion Pang

Signature of Witness      Signature of authorised attorney
Name of Witness: Zou Wenting     
Address:     

17F, Malata building, No.9998 Shennan road

Nanshan district, Shenzhen, 518057, China

[Signature Page to Share Subscription Agreement]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered as a deed as of the date first above written.

 

EXECUTED, SEALED and DELIVERED

as a deed by and in the name of

MIN RIVER INVESTMENT LIMITED

by its duly authorised attorney

in the presence of :

 

)

)

)

)

   LOGO

 

/s/ Yan Qianwen

    

/s/ Ma Huateng

Signature of Witness      Signature of authorised attorney
Name of Witness: Yan Qianwen     
Address:     

38/F, Tencent Building, Kejizhongyi Avenue, Hi-tech Park

Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518057, China

[ Signature Page to Share Subscription Agreement ]


SCHEDULE A

Schedule of Purchasers

 

Name of Purchaser as of the Date of the Agreement

   Number of
Purchased Shares
     Subscription
Price
 

Min River Investment Limited

     30,340,959        US$122,465,212.81  

[REDACTED]

     

 

Total Number of Purchased Shares

   Total Subscription Price

49,550,331

   US$200,000,001.02

Exhibit 10.17

EXECUTION VERSION

CONFIDENTIAL

SHARE SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT

Dated February 24, 2018

by and between

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

( 腾讯音乐娱乐集团 )

and

THE PURCHASERS HEREUNDER


SHARE SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT

THIS SHARE SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is made and entered into on February 24, 2018 by and between:

(a) Tencent Music Entertainment Group ( 腾讯音乐娱乐集团 ), an exempted company incorporated under the Laws of the Cayman Islands (the “ Company ”); and

(b) each of the investors listed on Schedule A attached hereto and any other investor who shall become Parties to this Agreement after the date hereof in accordance with Section 2.1 (each, a “ Purchaser ” and collectively, the “ Purchasers ”).

RECITALS

 

A.

The Company desires to issue and sell to each Purchaser, and each Purchaser desires to subscribe for and purchase from the Company, a certain number of the ordinary shares, par value US$0.000083 per share, of the Company (the “ Ordinary Shares ”), on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement; and

 

B.

The Parties desire to enter into this Agreement and make the respective representations, warranties, covenants and agreements set forth herein on the terms and conditions set forth herein.

AGREEMENT

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing recitals, the mutual promises hereinafter set forth, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

 

1.

DEFINITIONS

In this Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires, the following words and expressions have the meanings as follows:

Action ” means any litigation or arbitration proceeding.

Affiliate ” means, (i) with respect to a Person that is a natural person, such Person’s relatives and any other Person (other than natural persons) directly or indirectly Controlled by such Person, and (ii) with respect to a Person that is not a natural person, a Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls, or is Controlled by, or is under common Control with, such Person. For the purposes of this definition, “relative” of a Person means such Person’s spouse, parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, sibling, uncle, aunt, nephew, niece or great-grandparent or the spouse of such Person’s child, grandchild, sibling, uncle, aunt, nephew or niece.


Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Applicable Basket ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.2(a).

Applicable Cap ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.2(a).

Approval ” means any approval, consent, waiver, license or permit required to be obtained from, or any registration or qualification required to be filed with or delivered to, any Governmental Authority or any other Person.

Arbitration Notice ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.13.

Attorney ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.2(c).

Bankruptcy and Equity Exception ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3.

Board ” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

Business Day ” means a day (other than a Saturday or a Sunday) that the banks in New York, Hong Kong, the PRC, and the Cayman Islands are generally open for business.

Closing ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2.

Closing Date ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2.

Company ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Company Indemnitee ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.2(b).

Control ” means the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct, or cause the direction of, the management and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

De Minimis Claim Threshold ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.2(a).

Dispute ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.13.

Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.2(a).

Effective Event ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.2(a)(i).

ESOP ” means collectively, the 2014 Share Incentive Plan, the 2017 Share Option Plan and the 2017 Restricted Share Award Scheme of the Company.

Existing Shareholder ” means any Person that is a holder of Ordinary Shares as of December 8, 2017.

 

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Fair Market Value ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.5(a)(i).

Governmental Authorities ” means any nation, government, province, state, or any entity, authority or body exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of or pertaining to government, including any government authority, agency, department, board, commission or instrumentality of any government or any political subdivision thereof, court, tribunal, arbitrator, the governing body of any securities exchange, and self-regulatory organization, in each case having competent jurisdiction (with each of such Governmental Authorities being referred to as a “ Governmental Authority ”).

HKIAC ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.13.

HKIAC Rules ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.13.

Hong Kong ” means the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China.

Indemnified Party ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.3.

Indemnifying Party ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.3.

IPO ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1.

Knowledge of the Company ” means the actual knowledge of the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer and the General Counsel of the Company as of the date of this Agreement.

Law ” means any law, rule, constitution, code, ordinance, statute, treaty, decree, regulation, common law, order, official policy, circular, provision, administrative order, interpretation, injunction, judgment, ruling, assessment, writ or other legislative measure, in each case of any Governmental Authority.

Lien ” means, with respect to any property or asset, any mortgage, charge, lien, pledge, charge, security interest or encumbrance in respect of such property or asset.

Liquidated Damages ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.5(b).

Losses ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.2(a).

Order ” means any injunction, judgment, order, decree, stipulation or determination by or with any Governmental Authority.

Ordinary Shares ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

Parties ” means the named parties to this Agreement and their respective successors and permitted assigns (with each of such Parties being referred to as a “ Party ”).

 

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Person ” means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited partnership, proprietorship, association, limited liability company, firm, trust, estate or other enterprise, entity or legal person.

PRC ” means the People’s Republic of China and for purposes of this Agreement, excludes Hong Kong, Macao Special Administrative Region and Taiwan.

Purchased Shares ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1.

Purchaser ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Purchasers ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Purchaser Indemnitee ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.2(a).

Purchaser Representatives ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.3(a).

Purchaser Owned Shares ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.2(b)(iii).

Restated Articles ” means the Fourth Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company adopted on or around January 8, 2018.

Right of Participation ” has the meaning ascribed to it in the Shareholders Agreement and the Restated Articles.

Securities Act ” means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Selection Period ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.13.

Shareholder ” has the meaning ascribed to it in the Shareholders Agreement.

Shareholders Agreement ” means the Third Amended and Restated Shareholders Agreement of the Company entered into on or around January 8, 2018 by and among the Company and other parties named therein.

Subscription Price ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1.

Subsidiary ” means companies whose financial results are consolidated with those of the Company in accordance with the generally accepted accounting principles in the United States.

Taxes ” means (i) in the PRC: (a) any national, provincial, municipal or local taxes, charges, fees, levies or other assessments, (b) all interest, penalties or additional amounts imposed by any Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over the assessment, determination, collection or other imposition of any items described in clause (a) above in connection therewith, and (ii) in any jurisdiction other than the PRC: all similar liabilities as described in clause (i) above.

 

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Tencent ” means Min River Investment Limited.

Transaction Documents ” means this Agreement, the Shareholders Agreement, the Restated Articles, and any other agreement, document or instrument executed and delivered in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

Transfer ” means (i) when used as a verb, to sell, assign, dispose of, exchange, pledge, encumber, hypothecate or otherwise transfer any Ordinary Shares or other securities of the Company or any participation or interest therein, whether directly or indirectly (including pursuant to a derivative transaction or a transfer or new issuance of ownership interests in a direct or indirect holder of such Ordinary Shares or other securities of the Company), or agree or commit to do any of the foregoing and (ii) when used as a noun, a direct or indirect sale, assignment, disposition, exchange, pledge, encumbrance, hypothecation, or other transfer of such Ordinary Shares or other securities of the Company or any participation or interest therein or any agreement or commitment to do any of the foregoing.

US$ ” means United States Dollars, the lawful currency of the U.S.

 

2.

PURCHASE AND SALE

2.1. Purchase and Sale of Ordinary Shares . Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Company hereby agrees to issue and sell to each Purchaser, and each Purchaser agrees to subscribe for and purchase from the Company, at the Closing with respect to such Purchaser, that number of Ordinary Shares set forth opposite such Purchaser’s name on Schedule A attached hereto (the “ Purchased Shares ”) at a purchase price of US$4.0363 per Ordinary Share. The aggregate subscription price for the Purchased Shares of each Purchaser (the “ Subscription Price ”) is set forth opposite such Purchaser’s name on Schedule A and shall be paid in cash as provided in Section 2.3(a). Schedule A shall be updated from time to time as any Shareholder of the Company validly exercises its Right of Participation in connection with the issuance of the Purchased Shares under this Agreement and as any Purchaser validly exercises its right to oversubscription in connection with such issuance, if applicable.

2.2. Closing . The closing of the purchase and sale of the Purchased Shares contemplated under Section 2.1 (the “ Closing ”) with respect to each Purchaser shall take place remotely via the exchange of documents and signatures on the next Business Day after satisfaction or waiver (to the extent permissible by the Party entitled to such conditions) of the conditions set forth in Section 6 (other than those conditions to be satisfied at the Closing, but subject to the satisfaction or waiver thereof at the Closing) with respect to such Purchaser, or at such other time or place as the Company and such Purchaser may agree in writing (with respect to each Purchaser, the date on which the Closing occurs, the “ Closing Date ”). For the avoidance of doubt, the Company shall have the discretion to consummate a Closing with one or more Purchasers, and the Closings of the transactions with different Purchasers are not conditional upon each other.

 

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2.3. Deliveries .

(a) At the Closing in respect of a Purchaser, such Purchaser shall pay the Subscription Price by wire transfer of immediately available funds in U.S. dollars to the Company’s bank account set forth in Schedule E hereto.

(b) At the Closing in respect of a Purchaser, the Company shall, against payment of the Subscription Price by such Purchaser, update the register of members to reflect the issuance to such Purchaser of its Purchased Shares and shall provide a copy of an extract of the relevant portion of the updated register of members reflecting such issuance to such Purchaser of its Purchased Shares. As soon as reasonably practicable after the Closing, the Company will deliver to such Purchaser a copy of the share certificate issued in the name of such Purchaser representing its Purchased Shares, if requested by such Purchaser.

 

3.

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY

The Company hereby represents and warrants to each Purchaser that as of the date of this Agreement and as of the applicable Closing Date in respect of such Purchaser:

3.1. Organization, Standing and Qualification .

(a) The Company is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing (to the extent such concept is recognized) under the Laws of its jurisdiction of organization and has all requisite corporate power and authority to own its properties and assets and to carry on its business as presently conducted in all material respects.

(b) The Company has not filed (or has had filed against it) any petition for its liquidation, dissolution, bankruptcy or winding-up, or is insolvent under the Laws of its jurisdiction of organization.

3.2. Capitalization . The summary table of the issued and outstanding share capital (which does not include the identification of each individual shareholder or recipient of an award under the ESOP or the identification of each shareholder holding less than 2% of the total number of the issued and outstanding Ordinary Shares) of the Company as of January 8, 2018 is set forth in Schedule B to this Agreement.

 

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3.3. Due Authorization . As of the date of this Agreement, all corporate actions on the part of the Company necessary for (i) the authorization, execution and delivery of, and the performance of all of its obligations under, this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents and (ii) the authorization, issuance and delivery of the Purchased Shares of such Purchaser have been taken. The Company has the requisite corporate power, capacity and authority to enter into, execute and deliver this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents and to perform all the obligations to be performed by it hereunder and thereunder. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Company. Assuming due authorization, execution and delivery of the other parties hereto and thereto, this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, when executed and delivered by the Company, will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, subject, as to enforcement of remedies, to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, reorganization and similar Laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and to general equitable principles (the “ Bankruptcy and Equity Exception ”).

3.4. Consents and Approvals . Assuming the accuracy of the representations made by each Purchaser in Section 4, except as expressly provided in this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, no Approval is required to be obtained or made by or with respect to the Company in connection with the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents by the Company, or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby by the Company, except for any such Approvals as to which the failure to obtain or make would not materially impair the Company’s ability to perform its obligations hereunder or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.

3.5. Valid Issuance . The Purchased Shares of such Purchaser, when issued, sold and delivered in accordance with the terms of this Agreement for the consideration expressed herein, will be duly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable, free from any Liens (except for any restrictions on transfer under applicable Laws and under the Transaction Documents and any Liens created or imposed by such Purchaser).

3.6. No Violation . Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents nor the full performance of its obligations by the Company hereunder or thereunder will (a) violate any applicable Law to which the Company is subject, or (b) violate the Restated Articles of the Company, in each case, except as would not materially impair the Company’s ability to perform its obligations hereunder or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.

3.7. Litigation . There is no Action pending against the Company, and the Company is not a party or subject to the provisions of any Order, which in any manner challenges or seeks to prevent, enjoin, alter or delay the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

3.8. Finders’ Fees. There is no investment banker, broker, finder or other intermediary that has been retained by or is authorized to act on behalf of any the Company or its Affiliates who might be entitled to any fee or commission payable by such Purchaser in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

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4.

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF EACH PURCHASER

Each Purchaser hereby represents and warrants to the Company, in respect of itself, as of the date of this Agreement and as of the applicable Closing Date in respect of such Purchaser:

4.1. Organization; Standing and Qualification.

(a) Such Purchaser is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing (to the extent such concept is recognized) under the Laws of its jurisdiction of organization and has all requisite corporate power and authority to carry on its business as presently conducted in all material respects.

(b) Such Purchaser has not filed (or has had filed against it) any petition for its liquidation, dissolution, bankruptcy or winding-up, or is insolvent under the Laws of its jurisdiction of organization.

4.2. Due Authorization . Such Purchaser has all requisite power, authority and capacity to enter into this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents and to perform its obligations hereunder and thereunder. The execution, delivery and performance by such Purchaser of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of such Purchaser. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by such Purchaser. Assuming due authorization, execution and delivery of the other parties hereto and thereto, this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, when executed and delivered by such Purchaser, will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of such Purchaser, enforceable against such Purchaser in accordance with its terms and subject, as to enforcement of remedies, to the Bankruptcy and Equity Exception.

4.3. Purchase for Own Account . The Purchased Shares of such Purchaser are being acquired for investment for such Purchaser’s own account, not as a nominee or agent of any Person other than such Purchaser, and not with a view to, or for sale in connection with, any distribution of any part thereof, and that such Purchaser has no present intention of selling, granting any participation in or otherwise distributing the same to any Person. Such Purchaser does not presently have any contract, undertaking, agreement or arrangement with any Person to sell, transfer or grant participations to such Person or to any third Person, with respect to any of its Purchased Shares.

4.4. Exempt from Registration; Restricted Securities . Such Purchaser understands that its Purchased Shares will not be registered under the Securities Act or registered or listed publicly pursuant to any other applicable securities Laws, on the ground that the sale provided for in this Agreement is exempt from registration under the Securities Act or the registration or listing requirements of any other applicable securities Laws. Such Purchaser understands that its Purchased Shares are restricted securities within the meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act and that its Purchased Shares are not registered or listed publicly and must be held indefinitely unless they are subsequently registered or listed publicly or an exemption from such registration or listing is available.

 

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4.5. Status of Purchaser . Such Purchaser is (a) an accredited investor as defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act and/or (b) is not a “U.S. person” within the meaning of Regulation S under the Securities Act and is acquiring its Purchased Shares in an offshore transaction under Rule 903 of Regulation S under the Securities Act. Such Purchaser (i) has sufficient knowledge and experience in financial and business matters to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks involved in purchasing its Purchased Shares and (ii) is capable of bearing the economic risk of its investment. Such Purchaser has undertaken such investigation and has been provided with and has evaluated such documents and information as it has deemed necessary or appropriate for making an informed and intelligent decision with respect to the purchase of the Purchased Shares and the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents.

4.6. Consents and Approvals . Except for any Approval that has been obtained or made by such Purchaser and provided to the Company as of the date of this Agreement, no Approval is required to be obtained or made by or with respect to such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates in connection with the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents by such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates that is a party to any Transaction Document, or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby by such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates.

4.7. No Violation . Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement or any of the other Transaction Documents nor the full performance of its obligations by such Purchaser hereunder or thereunder will (a) violate any applicable Law to which such Purchaser is subject, or (b) violate any constitutive documents of such Purchaser, in each case, except as would not materially affect such Purchaser’s ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents and consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.

4.8. Litigation . There is no Action pending or, to the knowledge of such Purchaser, threatened against or affecting such Purchaser before any court or arbitrator or any Governmental Authority, and such Purchaser is not a party or subject to the provisions of any Order, which in any manner challenges or seeks to prevent, enjoin, alter or delay the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

4.9. Financing . Such Purchaser has sufficient cash, available lines of credit or other sources of immediately available funds to enable it to make payment of the Subscription Price and any other amounts to be paid by it under this Agreement.

4.10. Finders’ Fees. There is no investment banker, broker, finder or other intermediary that has been retained by or is authorized to act on behalf of such Purchaser, any of its Affiliates or their respective directors, officers, employees or equity holders and might be entitled to any fee or commission payable by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

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4.11. No Other Representations . Such Purchaser acknowledges that, except for the representations and warranties of the Company contained in Section 3, the Company is not making and has not made, and no other Person is making or has made on behalf of the Company, any express or implied representation or warranty in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, and any such other representations and warranties are expressly disclaimed.

 

5.

COVENANTS

5.1. Further Assurances . Each Party shall from time to time and at all times hereafter uses reasonable best efforts to make, do, execute, or cause or procure to be made, done and executed such further acts, deeds, conveyances, consents and assurances without further consideration, which may reasonably be required or advisable to effect the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents.

5.2. Approvals, Consents and Waivers. Without limiting the generality of Section 5.1, prior to the Closing, each Purchaser shall, and shall cause all of its Affiliates to, take all actions necessary to obtain or make all Approvals, if any, of Governmental Authorities and other Persons which are to be obtained or made by such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates and are necessary in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents. In the event that the Company waives the condition set forth in Section 6.3(c) at the Closing, each Purchaser shall, and shall ensure that all of its Affiliates, within one (1) month or such other time period after the Closing as may be reasonably required by the Company, obtain or make any and all Approvals necessary for the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents which have not been obtained or made as of the Closing.

5.3. Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure .

(a) Prior to the Closing Date or after any termination of this Agreement, each Purchaser shall hold, and shall cause its Affiliates and the respective officers, directors, employees, accountants, counsel, consultants, advisors and agents of such Purchaser and its Affiliates (collectively, the “ Purchaser Representatives ”) to hold, in confidence, unless compelled to disclose by judicial or administrative process or by other requirements of any applicable Laws (including, without limitation, pursuant to securities laws or regulations and applicable securities exchange rules) or requested by any Governmental Authority having competent jurisdiction, all documents and information concerning the Company or any Subsidiary furnished to such Purchaser or its Purchaser Representatives in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, including the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the other Transaction Documents and all exhibits and schedules attached to such agreements, including their existence, and the identity of each party thereto, except to the extent that such information can be shown to have been (i) previously known on a non-confidential basis by such Purchaser, (ii) in the public domain through no fault of such Purchaser or (iii) later lawfully acquired by such Purchaser from sources other than the Company; provided that a Purchaser may disclose such information to its Purchaser Representatives who need to know such information for the purpose of evaluating, negotiating or consummating the transactions contemplated by this Agreement so long as such Purchaser Representatives are informed by such Purchaser of the confidential nature of such information and are directed by such Purchaser to treat such information confidentially. Each Purchaser shall be responsible for any failure to treat such information confidentially by its Purchaser Representatives. If this Agreement is terminated in respect of any Purchaser, such Purchaser will, and will cause its Purchaser Representatives to, destroy or deliver to the Company, upon request, all documents and other materials, and all copies thereof, obtained by such Purchaser or its Purchaser Representatives or on their behalf from the Company or any Subsidiary in connection with this Agreement that are subject to such confidence.

 

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(b) The provisions of this Section 5.3 shall be in addition to, and not in substitution for, the provisions of any separate nondisclosure agreement executed by any of the Parties with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby.

5.4. No Use of Company Name . Without the prior written consent of the Company, none of the Purchasers or the Purchaser Representatives (other than Tencent or any Affiliate of Tencent that is a Purchaser and their respective Purchaser Representatives) shall be entitled to use, publish or reproduce the name, trademarks, trade names, domain names, service marks, business names, or logos of the Company or its Affiliates, including without limitation “Tencent”, “ 腾讯 ”, “Tencent Music”, “ 腾讯音乐 ”, “QQ Music”, “Kugou”, “Kuwo”, or any similar name, trademark or logo in any discussion, documents or materials, including without limitation for marketing or other purposes.

5.5. IPO . Each Purchaser hereby agrees that, after the Closing, it shall, and shall cause its Affiliates to, take any and all reasonable actions to facilitate an IPO of the Company as may be requested by the Company and/or the lead underwriter(s) of an IPO, including without limitation, cooperating in due diligence in connection therewith. The obligations of each Purchaser and its Affiliates under this Section 5.5 shall be additional to, and not in substitution for, any other obligations of such Purchaser or its Affiliates under the Transaction Documents in relation to an IPO.

5.6. Joinder to Shareholders Agreement . In the event that a Purchaser or any of its Affiliates that is an Existing Shareholder is not a party to the Shareholders Agreement prior to the execution and delivery of this Agreement, (a) such Purchaser, on behalf of itself and any such Affiliate, hereby agrees to be bound by the Shareholders Agreement as a Shareholder thereunder, subject to all of the restrictions, conditions and obligations, and entitled to all the rights and privileges, applicable to a Shareholder thereunder; and (b) upon request by the Company, such Purchaser shall, and shall procure such Affiliate of such Purchaser, promptly deliver a joinder to the Shareholders Agreement in the form attached as Exhibit A thereto duly executed by such Purchaser or Affiliate, as applicable.

 

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6.

CONDITIONS TO CLOSING

6.1. Conditions to Obligations of Purchasers and Company . The obligations of each Purchaser and the Company to consummate the Closing are subject to the satisfaction or waiver, at or prior to the Closing, of the following condition:

(a) No Injunctions or Legal Prohibitions . No provision of applicable Laws, and no Order, shall prohibit the consummation of the Closing.

6.2. Conditions to Obligations of Purchasers . The obligations of each Purchaser under this Agreement to consummate the Closing are subject to the satisfaction or waiver by such Purchaser, at or prior to the Closing, of each of the following conditions:

(a) Representations and Warranties True and Correct . The representations and warranties of the Company set forth in Section 3 shall be true and correct at and as of the Closing, with only exceptions as would not in the aggregate materially impair the Company’s ability to perform its obligations hereunder or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.

(b) Performance . The Company shall have performed and complied in all material respects with all covenants, agreements, obligations and conditions contained in this Agreement that are required to be performed or complied with by it on or before the Closing.

6.3. Conditions to Obligations of Company . The obligations of the Company under this Agreement to consummate the Closing in respect of each Purchaser are subject to the satisfaction or waiver by the Company, at or prior to the Closing, of each of the following conditions:

(a) Representations and Warranties True and Correct . The representations and warranties of such Purchaser set forth in Section 4 shall be true and correct in all material respects at and as of the Closing.

(b) Performance . Such Purchaser shall have performed and complied in all material respects with all covenants, agreements, obligations and conditions contained in this Agreement that are required to be performed or complied with by it on or before the Closing.

 

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(c) Approvals, Consents and Waivers. Such Purchaser and all of its Affiliates shall have obtained or made any and all Approvals necessary for the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, each of which shall be in full force and effect as of the Closing, and in each case, in proper form and without imposing or proposing the imposition of any terms or conditions which, individually or in the aggregate, could be reasonably expected to materially impair the ability of such Purchaser to consummate, or prevent or materially delay, the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents.

(d) Closing Certificate . Such Purchaser shall have delivered to the Company a certificate, dated as of the Closing Date, signed by a duly authorized director or officer of such Purchaser, certifying as to the satisfaction of the conditions specified in sub-sections (a), (b) and (c) above.

 

7.

REMEDIES; INDEMNITY

7.1. Survival . The representations and warranties of the Company and each Purchaser contained in this Agreement shall survive the Closing until the earlier of (i) the consummation of a public offering and/or listing of the shares of the Company (an “ IPO ”), or (ii) the end of a period of twelve (12) months after the Closing. The covenants and agreements of the Company and each Purchaser set forth in this Agreement shall survive the Closing until fully discharged in accordance with their terms, except for those covenants and agreements which shall be complied with or discharged prior to the Closing in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

7.2. Indemnification .

(a) Effective at and after the Closing, subject to the other provisions of this Section 7.2(a) and Schedule  C , the Company shall indemnify and hold harmless each Purchaser and its Affiliates (each, a “ Purchaser Indemnitee ”) against any losses, liabilities, damages and expenses, including reasonable advisor’s fees and other reasonable expenses of investigation and defense of any of the foregoing (“ Losses ”), actually suffered by such Purchaser Indemnitee arising out of (i) any misrepresentation or breach of warranty made by the Company in this Agreement; and (ii) any breach or violation of, or failure to perform, any covenants or agreements made by or on behalf of, or to be performed by, the Company in this Agreement; provided that the Company shall not be liable under this Section 7.2(a) to any Purchaser Indemnitee in respect of any Purchaser (i) for any diminution in value of the Purchased Shares, (ii) for any and all Losses arising out of any individual claim (or a series of claims arising from substantially identical facts or circumstances) where the Loss relating thereto is less than US$500,000.00 (the “ De Minimis Claim Threshold ”), or (iii) in respect of each individual claim where the Loss relating thereto is equal to or greater than the De Minimis Claim Threshold, unless the aggregate amount of all Losses by the Purchaser Indemnitees of such Purchaser in respect of claims that exceed the De Minimis Claim Threshold exceeds 5% of the Subscription Price (the “ Applicable Basket ”) of such Purchaser and then only to the extent of such excess; provided further , that the maximum aggregate liability of the Company under this Section 7.2(a) to all Purchaser Indemnitees in respect of a Purchaser shall not exceed an amount equal to 30% of the Subscription Price (the “ Applicable Cap ”) of such Purchaser.

 

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(b) Effective at and after the Closing, subject to the other provisions of this Section 7.2(b) and Schedule  C , each Purchaser shall indemnify and hold harmless the Company and its Affiliates (each, a “ Company Indemnitee ”) against any Losses actually suffered by such Company Indemnitee arising out of (i) any misrepresentation or breach of warranty made by such Purchaser in this Agreement (other than in the case of any breach of Section 4.3, in which case Section 7.5 shall apply); and (ii) any breach or violation of, or failure to perform, any covenants or agreements made by or on behalf of, or to be performed by, such Purchaser in this Agreement; provided that no Purchaser shall be liable under this Section 7.2(b) to any Company Indemnitee (i) for any and all Losses arising out of any individual claim (or a series of claims arising from substantially identical facts or circumstances) where the Loss relating thereto is less than the De Minimis Claim Threshold, or (iii) in respect of each individual claim where the Loss relating thereto is equal to or greater than the De Minimis Claim Threshold, unless the aggregate amount of all Losses by the Company Indemnitees in respect of claims that exceed the De Minimis Claim Threshold exceeds the Applicable Basket of such Purchaser and then only to the extent of such excess; provided further , that the maximum aggregate liability of any Purchaser under this Section 7.2(b) to all Company Indemnitees shall not exceed an amount equal to the Applicable Cap of such Purchaser.

7.3. Procedure . Any Party seeking indemnification under this Section 7 (an “ Indemnified Party ”) shall notify the Party from whom indemnification is being sought (an “ Indemnifying Party ”) in writing of any Action against such Indemnified Party in respect of which any Indemnifying Party is or may be obligated to provide indemnification hereunder promptly after the receipt of notice or knowledge of the commencement thereof. Such notice shall set forth in reasonable detail such claim and the basis for indemnification (taking into account the information then available to the Indemnified Party). The failure to so notify an Indemnifying Party shall relieve the Indemnifying Party of its obligations hereunder to the extent such failure shall have adversely prejudiced such Indemnifying Party.

7.4. Exclusive Remedy . Notwithstanding any other provision contained herein, from and after the Closing, this Section 7 shall be the sole and exclusive remedy of the Parties for any claim arising out of any misrepresentation, breach of warranty, covenant or other agreement (other than those contained in Sections 4.3, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 9.2 and 9.3) or other claim arising out of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, except that no limitation or exceptions with respect to the obligations or liabilities on the Company or any Purchaser provided in the foregoing sub-sections under this Section 7 or Schedule C , shall apply to a Loss incurred by any Company Indemnitee or Purchaser Indemnitee, as applicable, arising due to the fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation of such Purchaser or the Company, as applicable.

 

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7.5. Remedies for Breach of Section  4.3 .

(a) In the event that the Company reasonably believes that there is a breach by any Purchaser of any of its representations and warranties in Section 4.3, the Company may, at its option, provide a written notice to such Purchaser describing the basis for such belief of the Company. Each Purchaser hereby agrees that, upon delivery of such notice and unless such Purchaser has provided proof to the satisfaction of the Company that there is not and has not been any breach by such Purchaser of Section 4.3, the Company has the right to elect to, in its sole and absolute discretion and at any time:

(i) redeem all or a portion of the Purchased Shares of such Purchaser at a redemption price per Ordinary Share equal to the lower of the Fair Market Value per Ordinary Share or US$3.22904 (which represents a 20% discount to the per Ordinary Share Subscription Price under this Agreement), as appropriately adjusted for any share dividends, combinations, reclassifications, splits or other similar events with respect to the Ordinary Shares. For purposes of this Section 7.5(a)(i), “ Fair Market Value ” means (A) upon the Company’s IPO, the average reported closing price of an Ordinary Share on their principal trading market for the three trading days immediately prior to the date of the redemption; or (B) prior to the Company’s IPO, the fair market value on the date of redemption as determined by the board of directors of the Company in good faith;

(ii) refuse to recognize any Transfer of the Purchased Shares or any other shares of the Company owned by such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates in the register of members of the Company without assigning any reason therefor; and/or

(iii) to the extent permitted by applicable Laws, refuse to (A) declare or pay any dividend or other distribution of the Company’s assets or otherwise recognize the economic interests or benefits in respect of the Purchased Shares and any other shares of the Company owned by such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates; and (B) treat such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates owning shares in the Company as a member or shareholder of the Company, recognize the vote by such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates, or count such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates in determining the total number of issued shares at any time, for purposes of the Restated Articles or the Shareholders Agreement or for any other purposes, in each case, in respect of the Purchased Shares and any other shares of the Company owned by such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates.

 

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(b) Notwithstanding Section 7.5(a), in the event that the Company ( x ) reasonably believes that there is any breach by a Purchaser of any of its representations and warranties in Section 4.3 and ( y ) determines that the actions which may be taken pursuant to clauses (i) through (iii) in Section 7.5(a) would not adequately compensate the Company compared to the harm caused by such Purchaser’s breach of Section 4.3, upon written notice by the Company, such Purchaser shall pay to the Company an amount equal to 100% of the Subscription Price of such Purchaser (the “ Liquidated Damages ”). The Parties intend that the Liquidated Damages constitute compensation, and not a penalty. The Parties acknowledge and agree that the Company’s harm caused by a breach of Section 4.3 would be impossible or very difficult to be accurately estimated at the time of the execution and delivery of this Agreement, and that the Liquidated Damages are a reasonable estimate of the anticipated or actual harm that might arise from such breach.

 

8.

TERMINATION

8.1. Grounds for Termination . This Agreement may be terminated, in respect of any Purchaser, at any time prior to the applicable Closing in respect of such Purchaser:

(a) by mutual written agreement of the Company and such Purchaser; or

(b) by the Company if the Closing shall not have been consummated on or before February 28, 2018.

The Party desiring to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 8.1(a) or 8.1(b) shall give notice of such termination to the other Party.

8.2. Effect of Termination . If this Agreement is terminated in respect of a Purchaser as permitted by Section 8.1, such termination shall be without liability of the Company or the Purchaser with respect to which such termination is effective (or any shareholder, director, officer, employee, agent, consultant or representative of such Party) to the applicable Purchaser or the Company, as applicable; provided that if such termination shall result from the willful (i) failure of a Party to fulfill a condition to the performance of the obligations of the other Party, (ii) failure to perform a covenant of this Agreement or (iii) breach by a Party hereto of any representation or warranty or agreement contained herein, such Party shall be fully liable for any and all Losses incurred or suffered by the other Parties as a result of such failure or breach. The provisions of Sections 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 8.2, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.13 and 9.14 shall survive any termination hereof pursuant to Section 8.1.

 

9.

MISCELLANEOUS

9.1. Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed exclusively in accordance with the Laws of Hong Kong without giving effect to any choice of law rule that would cause the application of the Laws of any jurisdiction other than the Laws of Hong Kong to the rights and duties of the Parties hereunder.

 

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9.2. Agreements Relating to Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation .

(a) Each Purchaser, on behalf of itself and its Affiliates, agrees that:

(i) the Company may, at any time at or prior to the completion of an IPO of the Company, adopt a dual-class share structure such that its share capital will include Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares upon the completion of the IPO (the “ Effective Event ”),

(ii) in connection with such adoption of a dual-class share structure, the Board may determine that:

(A) the shares of the Company that are owned immediately prior to the Effective Event by any Person that is not an Existing Shareholder may, if determined by the Board, be designated as Class A ordinary shares;

(B) any shares of the Company that will be issued and sold in the IPO will be designated as Class A ordinary shares; and

(C) all of the shares of the Company that are owned by any Existing Shareholder or any of its Affiliates (whether as a result of any subscription of new shares by, or any Transfer by another holder of shares to, such Existing Shareholder or its Affiliates, or otherwise) immediately prior to the Effective Event will be designated as Class B ordinary shares;

(iii) each Class A ordinary share will be entitled to one (1) vote and each Class B ordinary share will be entitled to fifteen (15) votes on all matters to be voted upon by or otherwise requiring the consent of the Company’s shareholders;

(iv) Class B ordinary shares will automatically and immediately convert into an equal number of Class A ordinary shares upon the occurrence of any transfer of such Class B ordinary shares by the holder thereof or an Affiliate of such holder to any Person that is not an Affiliate of such holder, or any other event that may be designated by the Company; and

(v) any re-designation or conversion described in this Section 9.2 may be effected by way of a repurchase by the Company of all such shares to be re-designated or converted in exchange for the issuance by the Company to the relevant shareholder(s) in the Company of the relevant number of fully paid new shares in the Company, and each Purchaser, on behalf of itself and its Affiliates, hereby unconditionally and irrevocably agrees that such Purchaser’s execution of this Agreement shall constitute its consent to the repurchase of all of its shares in the Company in connection with the matters described in paragraphs (i) through (v) for the purposes of the Restated Articles of the Company, as may be amended from time to time.

 

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The matters described in paragraphs (i) through (v) above shall be referred to as the “ Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation .”

(b) Each Purchaser, on behalf of itself and its Affiliates, hereby unconditionally and irrevocably:

(i) consents to the Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation, including without limitation for all purposes under the Shareholders Agreement, as may be amended from time to time, and the Restated Articles, as may be amended from time to time;

(ii) waives any veto rights and all similar rights (whether arising at contract or in law or otherwise) in respect of the Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation;

(iii) agrees to vote, or cause to be voted, the Purchased Shares or any other shares in the Company that are owned by such Purchaser or its Affiliates from time to time and at any time after the date of this Agreement (the “ Purchaser Owned Shares ”), at every meeting (or in connection with any action by written consent) of the Company’s shareholders at which such matters are considered and at any adjournment or postponement thereof prior to the Effective Event, (A) in favor of, and (B) against any action, proposal, transaction or agreement that could reasonably be expected to impede, interfere with, delay, discourage, adversely affect or inhibit, the Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation and the adoption of any amendment to the Articles of the Company to reflect the Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation and other changes as necessary or appropriate to facilitate an IPO of the Company;

(iv) agrees to cause any director designated by such Purchaser and/or its Affiliates pursuant to the Shareholders Agreement to vote, at every meeting of the Company’s Board at which such matters are considered and at any adjournment or postponement thereof (or execute and deliver any unanimous written resolution of the Board), (A) in favor of, and (B) against any action, proposal, transaction or agreement that could reasonably be expected to impede, interfere with, delay, discourage, adversely affect or inhibit, the Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation and the adoption of any amendment to the Articles of the Company to reflect the Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation and other changes as necessary or appropriate to facilitate an IPO of the Company; and

(v) agrees to promptly execute, deliver or enter into any other agreement, document, consent, approval or instrument, and take any other actions, which may be reasonably necessary or advisable to effect the Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation and the adoption of any amendment to the Articles of the Company to reflect the Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation and other changes as necessary or appropriate to facilitate an IPO of the Company.

 

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(c) Each Purchaser, on behalf of itself and its Affiliates, irrevocably makes, constitutes and appoints each of the Chairman of Board of Directors and the Chief Executive Officer of the Company from time to time a true and lawful proxy and attorney-in-fact (each, an “ Attorney ”) of such Purchaser and any of its Affiliates owning any Purchaser Owned Shares, with full power and authority, in the name and on behalf of such Purchaser and its Affiliates, (i) to exercise their voting rights with respect to all of the Purchaser Owned Shares in accordance with Subsections (b)(iii) and (b)(v) above in any vote of the Company’s shareholders or proposed action by written consent by the Company’s shareholders, and (ii) to make, execute and deliver all resolutions, consents and other writings and to do such things and to take such actions in each case to the extent the applicable Attorney considers necessary to exercise the voting rights of such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates pursuant to clause (i) above, as fully as could such Purchaser or its Affiliate, as applicable, if personally present and acting. The above proxy and power of attorney is given to secure the performance of the duties of each Purchaser and its Affiliates under Subsections (b)(iii) and (b)(v) above. Each Purchaser shall, and shall procure its Affiliates, take such further action or execute such other instruments as may be necessary to effectuate the intent of this proxy. The power of attorney granted by each Purchaser and its Affiliates herein is a durable power of attorney and shall survive the dissolution, bankruptcy, death or incapacity of such Purchaser and any of its Affiliates. The above proxy and power of attorney from each Purchaser and its Affiliates to the Attorneys is coupled with an interest and is irrevocable and continuously effective during the period from the date hereof until the earlier of (i) the first date on which such Purchaser and its Affiliates no longer own any Purchaser Owned Shares or (ii) the Effective Event.

(d) Each Purchaser further acknowledges and agrees that, prior to the Effective Event, unless otherwise requested or permitted by the Company in writing, (i) such Purchaser shall not, and shall procure that its Affiliates do not, in any way and for any purpose, (A) claim that any or all of the Purchaser Owned Shares, are of a separate class of shares in the Company, individually or collectively with any shares in the Company held by any other Person, from the other Ordinary Shares; or (B) request that the Company acknowledge that the Purchaser Owned Shares are in a separate class of shares or seek its consent as a holder of a separate class of shares in the Company, individually or collectively with any shares in the Company held by any other Person, from the other Ordinary Shares, in relation to any matter to be voted upon or otherwise requiring the consent of any of the Company’s shareholders; and (ii) such Purchaser shall not, and shall procure that its Affiliates do not, in any way and for any purpose vote or attempt to vote any or all of the Purchaser Owned Shares in a separate shareholder class meeting or by way of a written resolution of holder(s) of a separate class of shares, individually or collectively with any shares held by any other Person, from the other Ordinary Shares, in respect of any matter to be voted upon or otherwise requiring the consent of any of the Company’s shareholders.

 

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(e) For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 9.2 does not obligate the Company to implement a dual-class share structure on terms specified in Section 9.2(a). The parties hereby acknowledge and agree that the final terms of any dual-class share structure adopted by the Company shall be as determined by the Board and as approved by the requisite shareholders under applicable Laws and any applicable provisions of the Restated Articles and the Shareholders Agreement, and such terms may be different from those specified in Section 9.2(a).

9.3. Transfer . Without prejudice to any other restriction on Transfer applicable to the Purchaser Owned Shares, each Purchaser shall not, and shall procure its Affiliates do not, directly or indirectly, Transfer any Purchaser Owned Shares unless the transferee of such proposed Transfer (except for any transferee otherwise designated by the Company) duly executes and delivers to the Company an agreement in a form satisfactory to the Company pursuant to which such transferee shall agree to be bound by Sections 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.8 and 9.13 as if it were a Purchaser hereunder. After a Transfer of any Purchaser Owned Shares in accordance with the foregoing sentence, in the event of any amendment to Section 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.8 or 9.13 of this Agreement, such transferee shall be deemed the “Purchaser” in respect of the Purchaser Owned Shares subject to such Transfer in lieu of the Transferring Purchaser for purposes of Section 9.8.

9.4. Successors and Assigns . Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, the provisions hereof shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding upon, the successors, permitted assigns, heirs, executors and administrators of the Parties. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, this Agreement and the rights and obligations herein may not be assigned by any Party without the written consent of the other Parties.

9.5. Entire Agreement . This Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, including the schedules and exhibits hereto and thereto, which are hereby expressly incorporated herein by this reference, constitute the entire understanding and agreement among the Parties with regard to the subjects hereof and thereof.

9.6. Parties in Interest . Except as expressly provided elsewhere in this Agreement, a person who is not a Party to this Agreement shall not have any rights under the Contracts (Right of Third Parties) Ordinance (Chapter 623, Laws of Hong Kong) to enforce any terms of this Agreement. This does not affect any right or remedy of a third party which exists, or is available, apart from the Contracts (Right of Third Parties) Ordinance.

 

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9.7. Notices . Except as may be otherwise provided herein, all notices, requests, waivers and other communications made pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be conclusively deemed to have been duly given (a) when hand delivered to the other Parties, upon delivery; (b) when sent by facsimile at the number set forth in Schedule D , upon receipt of confirmation of error-free transmission; (c) seven Business Days after deposit in the mail as air mail or certified mail, receipt requested, postage prepaid and addressed to the other Parties as set forth in Schedule D ; or (d) three Business Days after deposit with an overnight delivery service, postage prepaid, addressed to the Parties as set forth in Schedule D with next business-day delivery guaranteed, provided that the sending Party receives a confirmation of delivery from the delivery service provider. Each Party making a communication hereunder by facsimile shall promptly confirm by telephone to the Party to whom such communication was addressed each communication made by it by facsimile pursuant hereto but the absence of such confirmation shall not affect the validity of any such communication. A Party may change or supplement the addresses given above, or designate additional addresses, for purposes of this Section 9.7 by giving, the other Parties written notice of the new address in the manner set forth above.

9.8. Amendments . Subject to Section 9.3, any term of this Agreement may be amended (i) as such term applies between the Company and any Purchaser, with the written consents of both the Company and such Purchaser (and without the consent or approval of any other Purchaser), or (ii) with the written consents of the Company and the Purchasers of a majority of the total number of Purchased Shares of all the Purchasers in respect of which this Agreement has not been terminated pursuant to Section 8.1(a) or 8.1(b); provided, however , that the number of Purchased Shares and the Subscription Price in respect of a Purchaser may not be amended without the consent of such Purchaser; provided further , that one or more Purchasers may become Parties to this Agreement after the date of this Agreement in accordance with Section 2.1 without any consent or approval of any other Purchaser. Any amendment effected in accordance with clause (ii) of the foregoing sentence shall be binding upon the Company and all the Purchasers (and to the extent provided for in Section 9.3, any and all permitted transferees of the Purchaser Owned Shares as if it were a Purchaser hereunder).

9.9. Delays or Omissions; Waivers . No delay or omission to exercise any right, power or remedy accruing to any Party, upon any breach or default of any Party under this Agreement, shall impair any such right, power or remedy of such Party nor shall it be construed to be a waiver of any such breach or default, or an acquiescence therein, or of any similar breach of default thereafter occurring; nor shall any waiver of any other breach or default theretofore or thereafter occurring. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, any Party may waive any of its rights under this Agreement without obtaining the consent of any other Party. Any waiver by any Party of any condition or breach of default under this Agreement must be in writing and shall be effective only to the extent specifically set forth in such writing. All remedies, either under this Agreement or by Laws or otherwise afforded to any Party shall be cumulative and not alternative.

 

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9.10. Interpretation; Titles and Subtitles . This Agreement shall be construed according to its fair language. The rule of construction to the effect that ambiguities are to be resolved against the drafting Party shall not be employed in interpreting this Agreement. The titles of the sections and subsections of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and are not to be considered in construing this Agreement. Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, all references to sections and schedules herein are to sections and schedules of this Agreement. Unless a provision hereof expressly provides otherwise: (i) the term “or” is not exclusive; (ii) the terms “herein”, “hereof”, and other similar words refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular section, subsection, paragraph, clause, or other subdivision; (iii) the masculine, feminine, and neuter genders will each be deemed to include the others; and (iv) whenever the words “include”, “includes” or “including” are used in this Agreement, they shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation.”

9.11. Counterparts; Effectiveness . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one instrument. This Agreement shall become effective (i) with respect to each Party that becomes party to this Agreement as of the date of this Agreement, upon such Party’s due execution and delivery of this Agreement and (ii) with respect to each Purchaser who shall become a Party after the date of this Agreement in accordance with the last sentence of Section 2.1, such Purchaser’s due execution and delivery to the Company of a counterpart signature page to this Agreement.

9.12. Severability . If any provision of this Agreement is found to be invalid or unenforceable, then such provision shall be construed, to the extent feasible, so as to render the provision enforceable and to provide for the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby on substantially the same terms as originally set forth herein, and if no feasible interpretation would save such provision, it shall be severed from the remainder of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect unless the severed provision is essential to the rights or benefits intended by the Parties. In such event, the Parties shall use best efforts to negotiate, in good faith, a substitute, valid and enforceable provision or agreement which most nearly affects the Parties’ intent in entering into this Agreement.

 

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9.13. Dispute Resolution . Any dispute, controversy or claim (each, a “ Dispute ”) arising out of or relating to this Agreement, or the interpretation, breach, termination, validity or invalidity thereof, shall be referred to arbitration upon the demand of either party to the dispute with notice (the “ Arbitration Notice ”) to the other. The Dispute shall be settled by arbitration in Hong Kong by the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (the “ HKIAC ”) in accordance with the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre Administered Arbitration Rules (the “ HKIAC Rules ”) in force at the time when the Arbitration Notice is submitted. The seat of arbitration shall be Hong Kong. There shall be three (3) arbitrators. The complainant and the respondent to such dispute shall each select one arbitrator within thirty (30) days after giving or receiving the demand for arbitration (the “ Selection Period ”). Such arbitrators shall be freely selected, and the parties shall not be limited in their selection to any prescribed list. The chairman of the HKIAC shall select the third arbitrator. If either party to the arbitration fails to appoint an arbitrator with the Selection Period, the relevant appointment shall be made by the chairman of the HKIAC. The arbitral proceedings shall be conducted in English. To the extent that the HKIAC Rules are in conflict with the provisions of this Section 9.13, including the provisions concerning the appointment of the arbitrators, this Section 9.13 shall prevail. Each party to the arbitration shall cooperate with each other party to the arbitration in making full disclosure of and providing complete access to all information and documents requested by such other party in connection with such arbitral proceedings, subject only to any confidentiality obligations binding on such party. The award of the arbitral tribunal shall be final and binding upon the parties thereto, and the prevailing party may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for enforcement of such award. Any party to the Dispute shall be entitled to seek preliminary injunctive relief, if possible, from any court of competent jurisdiction pending the constitution of the arbitral tribunal. During the course of the arbitral tribunal’s adjudication of the Dispute, this Agreement shall continue to be performed except with respect to the part in dispute and under adjudication.

9.14. Expenses . Each Party shall bear its own costs and expenses in connection with the negotiation, execution and delivery of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents.

— REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK —

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered as a deed as of the date first above written.

 

EXECUTED and DELIVERED

as a deed by and in the name of

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

( 腾讯音乐娱乐集团 )

by its duly authorised attorney

in the presence of :

 

)

)

)

)

)

   LOGO

 

/s/ Zou Wenting

    

/s/ Cussion Pang

Signature of Witness      Signature of authorised attorney
Name of Witness: Zou Wenting     
Address:     

17F, Malata building, No.9998 Shennan road

Nanshan district, Shenzhen, 518057, China

[Signature Page to Share Subscription Agreement]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered as a deed as of the date first above written.

 

EXECUTED, SEALED and DELIVERED

as a deed by and in the name of

PAGAC MUSIC HOLDING II LIMITED

by its duly authorised attorney

in the presence of :

 

)

)

)

)

)

   LOGO

 

/s/ Ma, Yan Jun

    

/s/ Wong Tak-Wai

Signature of Witness      Signature of authorised attorney
Name of Witness: Ma, Yan Jun     
Address: Unit 4703-05, Tower 2, Plaza 66, 1366 Nanjing Road, Shanghai     

[ Signature Page to Share Subscription Agreement ]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered as a deed as of the date first above written.

 

EXECUTED, SEALED and DELIVERED

as a deed by and in the name of

PAGAC MUSIC HOLDING II LP

by its duly authorised attorney

in the presence of :

 

  

)

)

)

)

)

   LOGO

 

/s/ Tamara Williams

    

/s/ Noel Walsh

Signature of Witness      Signature of authorised attorney
     Noel Walsh
Name of Witness: Tamara Williams      Director, PAGAC Music Holding GP II
Address: 13 Castle Street, St Helier,      Limited as General Partner to PAGAC
               Jersey JE4 5UT      Music Holding II LP

[ Signature Page to Share Subscription Agreement ]


SCHEDULE A

Schedule of Purchasers

 

Name of Purchaser as of the Date of the Agreement

   Number of
Purchased Shares
     Subscription
Price
 

PAGAC Music Holding II Limited

     4,384,108      US$ 17,695,575.12  

[REDACTED]

     

 

Total Number of Purchased Shares

  

Total Subscription Price

49,550,331

   US$200,000,001.02


SCHEDULE A

Schedule of Purchasers

 

Name of Purchaser as of the Date of the Agreement

   Number of
Purchased Shares
     Subscription
Price
 

PAGAC Music Holding II LP

     542,149      US$ 2,188,276.01  

[REDACTED]

     

 

Total Number of Purchased Shares

  

Total Subscription Price

49,550,331

   US$200,000,001.02

Exhibit 10.18

EXECUTION VERSION

CONFIDENTIAL

SHARE SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT

Dated February 24, 2018

by and between

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

( 腾讯音乐娱乐集团 )

and

THE PURCHASERS HEREUNDER


SHARE SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT

THIS SHARE SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is made and entered into on February 24, 2018 by and between:

(a) Tencent Music Entertainment Group ( 腾讯音乐娱乐集团 ), an exempted company incorporated under the Laws of the Cayman Islands (the “ Company ”); and

(b) each of the investors listed on Schedule A attached hereto and any other investor who shall become Parties to this Agreement after the date hereof in accordance with Section 2.1 (each, a “ Purchaser ” and collectively, the “ Purchasers ”).

RECITALS

 

A.

The Company desires to issue and sell to each Purchaser, and each Purchaser desires to subscribe for and purchase from the Company, a certain number of the ordinary shares, par value US$0.000083 per share, of the Company (the “ Ordinary Shares ”), on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement; and

 

B.

The Parties desire to enter into this Agreement and make the respective representations, warranties, covenants and agreements set forth herein on the terms and conditions set forth herein.

AGREEMENT

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing recitals, the mutual promises hereinafter set forth, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

 

1.

DEFINITIONS

In this Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires, the following words and expressions have the meanings as follows:

Action ” means any litigation or arbitration proceeding.

Affiliate ” means, (i) with respect to a Person that is a natural person, such Person’s relatives and any other Person (other than natural persons) directly or indirectly Controlled by such Person, and (ii) with respect to a Person that is not a natural person, a Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls, or is Controlled by, or is under common Control with, such Person. For the purposes of this definition, “relative” of a Person means such Person’s spouse, parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, sibling, uncle, aunt, nephew, niece or great-grandparent or the spouse of such Person’s child, grandchild, sibling, uncle, aunt, nephew or niece.


Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Applicable Basket ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.2(a).

Applicable Cap ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.2(a).

Approval ” means any approval, consent, waiver, license or permit required to be obtained from, or any registration or qualification required to be filed with or delivered to, any Governmental Authority or any other Person.

Arbitration Notice ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.13.

Attorney ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.2(c).

Bankruptcy and Equity Exception ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3.

Board ” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

Business Day ” means a day (other than a Saturday or a Sunday) that the banks in New York, Hong Kong, the PRC, and the Cayman Islands are generally open for business.

Closing ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2.

Closing Date ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2.

Company ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Company Indemnitee ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.2(b).

Control ” means the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct, or cause the direction of, the management and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

De Minimis Claim Threshold ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.2(a).

Dispute ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.13.

Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.2(a).

Effective Event ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.2(a)(i).

ESOP ” means collectively, the 2014 Share Incentive Plan, the 2017 Share Option Plan and the 2017 Restricted Share Award Scheme of the Company.

Existing Shareholder ” means any Person that is a holder of Ordinary Shares as of December 8, 2017.

 

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Fair Market Value ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.5(a)(i).

Governmental Authorities ” means any nation, government, province, state, or any entity, authority or body exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of or pertaining to government, including any government authority, agency, department, board, commission or instrumentality of any government or any political subdivision thereof, court, tribunal, arbitrator, the governing body of any securities exchange, and self-regulatory organization, in each case having competent jurisdiction (with each of such Governmental Authorities being referred to as a “ Governmental Authority ”).

HKIAC ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.13.

HKIAC Rules ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.13.

Hong Kong ” means the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China.

Indemnified Party ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.3.

Indemnifying Party ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.3.

IPO ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1.

Knowledge of the Company ” means the actual knowledge of the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer and the General Counsel of the Company as of the date of this Agreement.

Law ” means any law, rule, constitution, code, ordinance, statute, treaty, decree, regulation, common law, order, official policy, circular, provision, administrative order, interpretation, injunction, judgment, ruling, assessment, writ or other legislative measure, in each case of any Governmental Authority.

Lien ” means, with respect to any property or asset, any mortgage, charge, lien, pledge, charge, security interest or encumbrance in respect of such property or asset.

Liquidated Damages ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.5(b).

Losses ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.2(a).

Order ” means any injunction, judgment, order, decree, stipulation or determination by or with any Governmental Authority.

Ordinary Shares ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

Parties ” means the named parties to this Agreement and their respective successors and permitted assigns (with each of such Parties being referred to as a “ Party ”).

 

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Person ” means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited partnership, proprietorship, association, limited liability company, firm, trust, estate or other enterprise, entity or legal person.

PRC ” means the People’s Republic of China and for purposes of this Agreement, excludes Hong Kong, Macao Special Administrative Region and Taiwan.

Purchased Shares ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1.

Purchaser ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Purchasers ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Purchaser Indemnitee ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.2(a).

Purchaser Representatives ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.3(a).

Purchaser Owned Shares ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.2(b)(iii).

Restated Articles ” means the Fourth Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company adopted on or around January 8, 2018.

Right of Participation ” has the meaning ascribed to it in the Shareholders Agreement and the Restated Articles.

Securities Act ” means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Selection Period ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.13.

Shareholder ” has the meaning ascribed to it in the Shareholders Agreement.

Shareholders Agreement ” means the Third Amended and Restated Shareholders Agreement of the Company entered into on or around January 8, 2018 by and among the Company and other parties named therein.

Subscription Price ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1.

Subsidiary ” means companies whose financial results are consolidated with those of the Company in accordance with the generally accepted accounting principles in the United States.

Taxes ” means (i) in the PRC: (a) any national, provincial, municipal or local taxes, charges, fees, levies or other assessments, (b) all interest, penalties or additional amounts imposed by any Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over the assessment, determination, collection or other imposition of any items described in clause (a) above in connection therewith, and (ii) in any jurisdiction other than the PRC: all similar liabilities as described in clause (i) above.

 

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Tencent ” means Min River Investment Limited.

Transaction Documents ” means this Agreement, the Shareholders Agreement, the Restated Articles, and any other agreement, document or instrument executed and delivered in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

Transfer ” means (i) when used as a verb, to sell, assign, dispose of, exchange, pledge, encumber, hypothecate or otherwise transfer any Ordinary Shares or other securities of the Company or any participation or interest therein, whether directly or indirectly (including pursuant to a derivative transaction or a transfer or new issuance of ownership interests in a direct or indirect holder of such Ordinary Shares or other securities of the Company), or agree or commit to do any of the foregoing and (ii) when used as a noun, a direct or indirect sale, assignment, disposition, exchange, pledge, encumbrance, hypothecation, or other transfer of such Ordinary Shares or other securities of the Company or any participation or interest therein or any agreement or commitment to do any of the foregoing.

US$ ” means United States Dollars, the lawful currency of the U.S.

 

2.

PURCHASE AND SALE

2.1. Purchase and Sale of Ordinary Shares . Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Company hereby agrees to issue and sell to each Purchaser, and each Purchaser agrees to subscribe for and purchase from the Company, at the Closing with respect to such Purchaser, that number of Ordinary Shares set forth opposite such Purchaser’s name on Schedule A attached hereto (the “ Purchased Shares ”) at a purchase price of US$4.0363 per Ordinary Share. The aggregate subscription price for the Purchased Shares of each Purchaser (the “ Subscription Price ”) is set forth opposite such Purchaser’s name on Schedule A and shall be paid in cash as provided in Section 2.3(a). Schedule A shall be updated from time to time as any Shareholder of the Company validly exercises its Right of Participation in connection with the issuance of the Purchased Shares under this Agreement and as any Purchaser validly exercises its right to oversubscription in connection with such issuance, if applicable.

2.2. Closing . The closing of the purchase and sale of the Purchased Shares contemplated under Section 2.1 (the “ Closing ”) with respect to each Purchaser shall take place remotely via the exchange of documents and signatures on the next Business Day after satisfaction or waiver (to the extent permissible by the Party entitled to such conditions) of the conditions set forth in Section 6 (other than those conditions to be satisfied at the Closing, but subject to the satisfaction or waiver thereof at the Closing) with respect to such Purchaser, or at such other time or place as the Company and such Purchaser may agree in writing (with respect to each Purchaser, the date on which the Closing occurs, the “ Closing Date ”). For the avoidance of doubt, the Company shall have the discretion to consummate a Closing with one or more Purchasers, and the Closings of the transactions with different Purchasers are not conditional upon each other.

 

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2.3. Deliveries .

(a) At the Closing in respect of a Purchaser, such Purchaser shall pay the Subscription Price by wire transfer of immediately available funds in U.S. dollars to the Company’s bank account set forth in Schedule E hereto.

(b) At the Closing in respect of a Purchaser, the Company shall, against payment of the Subscription Price by such Purchaser, update the register of members to reflect the issuance to such Purchaser of its Purchased Shares and shall provide a copy of an extract of the relevant portion of the updated register of members reflecting such issuance to such Purchaser of its Purchased Shares. As soon as reasonably practicable after the Closing, the Company will deliver to such Purchaser a copy of the share certificate issued in the name of such Purchaser representing its Purchased Shares, if requested by such Purchaser.

 

3.

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY

The Company hereby represents and warrants to each Purchaser that as of the date of this Agreement and as of the applicable Closing Date in respect of such Purchaser:

3.1. Organization, Standing and Qualification .

(a) The Company is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing (to the extent such concept is recognized) under the Laws of its jurisdiction of organization and has all requisite corporate power and authority to own its properties and assets and to carry on its business as presently conducted in all material respects.

(b) The Company has not filed (or has had filed against it) any petition for its liquidation, dissolution, bankruptcy or winding-up, or is insolvent under the Laws of its jurisdiction of organization.

3.2. Capitalization . The summary table of the issued and outstanding share capital (which does not include the identification of each individual shareholder or recipient of an award under the ESOP or the identification of each shareholder holding less than 2% of the total number of the issued and outstanding Ordinary Shares) of the Company as of January 8, 2018 is set forth in Schedule B to this Agreement.

 

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3.3. Due Authorization . As of the date of this Agreement, all corporate actions on the part of the Company necessary for (i) the authorization, execution and delivery of, and the performance of all of its obligations under, this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents and (ii) the authorization, issuance and delivery of the Purchased Shares of such Purchaser have been taken. The Company has the requisite corporate power, capacity and authority to enter into, execute and deliver this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents and to perform all the obligations to be performed by it hereunder and thereunder. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Company. Assuming due authorization, execution and delivery of the other parties hereto and thereto, this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, when executed and delivered by the Company, will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, subject, as to enforcement of remedies, to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, reorganization and similar Laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and to general equitable principles (the “ Bankruptcy and Equity Exception ”).

3.4. Consents and Approvals . Assuming the accuracy of the representations made by each Purchaser in Section 4, except as expressly provided in this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, no Approval is required to be obtained or made by or with respect to the Company in connection with the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents by the Company, or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby by the Company, except for any such Approvals as to which the failure to obtain or make would not materially impair the Company’s ability to perform its obligations hereunder or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.

3.5. Valid Issuance . The Purchased Shares of such Purchaser, when issued, sold and delivered in accordance with the terms of this Agreement for the consideration expressed herein, will be duly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable, free from any Liens (except for any restrictions on transfer under applicable Laws and under the Transaction Documents and any Liens created or imposed by such Purchaser).

3.6. No Violation . Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents nor the full performance of its obligations by the Company hereunder or thereunder will (a) violate any applicable Law to which the Company is subject, or (b) violate the Restated Articles of the Company, in each case, except as would not materially impair the Company’s ability to perform its obligations hereunder or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.

3.7. Litigation . There is no Action pending against the Company, and the Company is not a party or subject to the provisions of any Order, which in any manner challenges or seeks to prevent, enjoin, alter or delay the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

3.8. Finders’ Fees. There is no investment banker, broker, finder or other intermediary that has been retained by or is authorized to act on behalf of any the Company or its Affiliates who might be entitled to any fee or commission payable by such Purchaser in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

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4.

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF EACH PURCHASER

Each Purchaser hereby represents and warrants to the Company, in respect of itself, as of the date of this Agreement and as of the applicable Closing Date in respect of such Purchaser:

4.1. Organization; Standing and Qualification.

(a) Such Purchaser is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing (to the extent such concept is recognized) under the Laws of its jurisdiction of organization and has all requisite corporate power and authority to carry on its business as presently conducted in all material respects.

(b) Such Purchaser has not filed (or has had filed against it) any petition for its liquidation, dissolution, bankruptcy or winding-up, or is insolvent under the Laws of its jurisdiction of organization.

4.2. Due Authorization . Such Purchaser has all requisite power, authority and capacity to enter into this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents and to perform its obligations hereunder and thereunder. The execution, delivery and performance by such Purchaser of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of such Purchaser. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by such Purchaser. Assuming due authorization, execution and delivery of the other parties hereto and thereto, this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, when executed and delivered by such Purchaser, will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of such Purchaser, enforceable against such Purchaser in accordance with its terms and subject, as to enforcement of remedies, to the Bankruptcy and Equity Exception.

4.3. Purchase for Own Account . The Purchased Shares of such Purchaser are being acquired for investment for such Purchaser’s own account, not as a nominee or agent of any Person other than such Purchaser, and not with a view to, or for sale in connection with, any distribution of any part thereof, and that such Purchaser has no present intention of selling, granting any participation in or otherwise distributing the same to any Person. Such Purchaser does not presently have any contract, undertaking, agreement or arrangement with any Person to sell, transfer or grant participations to such Person or to any third Person, with respect to any of its Purchased Shares.

4.4. Exempt from Registration; Restricted Securities . Such Purchaser understands that its Purchased Shares will not be registered under the Securities Act or registered or listed publicly pursuant to any other applicable securities Laws, on the ground that the sale provided for in this Agreement is exempt from registration under the Securities Act or the registration or listing requirements of any other applicable securities Laws. Such Purchaser understands that its Purchased Shares are restricted securities within the meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act and that its Purchased Shares are not registered or listed publicly and must be held indefinitely unless they are subsequently registered or listed publicly or an exemption from such registration or listing is available.

 

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4.5. Status of Purchaser . Such Purchaser is (a) an accredited investor as defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act and/or (b) is not a “U.S. person” within the meaning of Regulation S under the Securities Act and is acquiring its Purchased Shares in an offshore transaction under Rule 903 of Regulation S under the Securities Act. Such Purchaser (i) has sufficient knowledge and experience in financial and business matters to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks involved in purchasing its Purchased Shares and (ii) is capable of bearing the economic risk of its investment. Such Purchaser has undertaken such investigation and has been provided with and has evaluated such documents and information as it has deemed necessary or appropriate for making an informed and intelligent decision with respect to the purchase of the Purchased Shares and the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents.

4.6. Consents and Approvals . Except for any Approval that has been obtained or made by such Purchaser and provided to the Company as of the date of this Agreement, no Approval is required to be obtained or made by or with respect to such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates in connection with the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents by such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates that is a party to any Transaction Document, or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby by such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates.

4.7. No Violation . Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement or any of the other Transaction Documents nor the full performance of its obligations by such Purchaser hereunder or thereunder will (a) violate any applicable Law to which such Purchaser is subject, or (b) violate any constitutive documents of such Purchaser, in each case, except as would not materially affect such Purchaser’s ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents and consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.

4.8. Litigation . There is no Action pending or, to the knowledge of such Purchaser, threatened against or affecting such Purchaser before any court or arbitrator or any Governmental Authority, and such Purchaser is not a party or subject to the provisions of any Order, which in any manner challenges or seeks to prevent, enjoin, alter or delay the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

4.9. Financing . Such Purchaser has sufficient cash, available lines of credit or other sources of immediately available funds to enable it to make payment of the Subscription Price and any other amounts to be paid by it under this Agreement.

4.10. Finders’ Fees. There is no investment banker, broker, finder or other intermediary that has been retained by or is authorized to act on behalf of such Purchaser, any of its Affiliates or their respective directors, officers, employees or equity holders and might be entitled to any fee or commission payable by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

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4.11. No Other Representations . Such Purchaser acknowledges that, except for the representations and warranties of the Company contained in Section 3, the Company is not making and has not made, and no other Person is making or has made on behalf of the Company, any express or implied representation or warranty in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, and any such other representations and warranties are expressly disclaimed.

 

5.

COVENANTS

5.1. Further Assurances . Each Party shall from time to time and at all times hereafter uses reasonable best efforts to make, do, execute, or cause or procure to be made, done and executed such further acts, deeds, conveyances, consents and assurances without further consideration, which may reasonably be required or advisable to effect the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents.

5.2. Approvals, Consents and Waivers. Without limiting the generality of Section 5.1, prior to the Closing, each Purchaser shall, and shall cause all of its Affiliates to, take all actions necessary to obtain or make all Approvals, if any, of Governmental Authorities and other Persons which are to be obtained or made by such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates and are necessary in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents. In the event that the Company waives the condition set forth in Section 6.3(c) at the Closing, each Purchaser shall, and shall ensure that all of its Affiliates, within one (1) month or such other time period after the Closing as may be reasonably required by the Company, obtain or make any and all Approvals necessary for the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents which have not been obtained or made as of the Closing.

 

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5.3. Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure .

(a) Prior to the Closing Date or after any termination of this Agreement, each Purchaser shall hold, and shall cause its Affiliates and the respective officers, directors, employees, accountants, counsel, consultants, advisors and agents of such Purchaser and its Affiliates (collectively, the “ Purchaser Representatives ”) to hold, in confidence, unless compelled to disclose by judicial or administrative process or by other requirements of any applicable Laws (including, without limitation, pursuant to securities laws or regulations and applicable securities exchange rules) or requested by any Governmental Authority having competent jurisdiction, all documents and information concerning the Company or any Subsidiary furnished to such Purchaser or its Purchaser Representatives in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, including the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the other Transaction Documents and all exhibits and schedules attached to such agreements, including their existence, and the identity of each party thereto, except to the extent that such information can be shown to have been (i) previously known on a non-confidential basis by such Purchaser, (ii) in the public domain through no fault of such Purchaser or (iii) later lawfully acquired by such Purchaser from sources other than the Company; provided that a Purchaser may disclose such information to its Purchaser Representatives who need to know such information for the purpose of evaluating, negotiating or consummating the transactions contemplated by this Agreement so long as such Purchaser Representatives are informed by such Purchaser of the confidential nature of such information and are directed by such Purchaser to treat such information confidentially. Each Purchaser shall be responsible for any failure to treat such information confidentially by its Purchaser Representatives. If this Agreement is terminated in respect of any Purchaser, such Purchaser will, and will cause its Purchaser Representatives to, destroy or deliver to the Company, upon request, all documents and other materials, and all copies thereof, obtained by such Purchaser or its Purchaser Representatives or on their behalf from the Company or any Subsidiary in connection with this Agreement that are subject to such confidence.

(b) The provisions of this Section 5.3 shall be in addition to, and not in substitution for, the provisions of any separate nondisclosure agreement executed by any of the Parties with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby.

5.4. No Use of Company Name . Without the prior written consent of the Company, none of the Purchasers or the Purchaser Representatives (other than Tencent or any Affiliate of Tencent that is a Purchaser and their respective Purchaser Representatives) shall be entitled to use, publish or reproduce the name, trademarks, trade names, domain names, service marks, business names, or logos of the Company or its Affiliates, including without limitation “Tencent”, “ 腾讯 ”, “Tencent Music”, “ 腾讯音乐 ”, “QQ Music”, “Kugou”, “Kuwo”, or any similar name, trademark or logo in any discussion, documents or materials, including without limitation for marketing or other purposes.

5.5. IPO . Each Purchaser hereby agrees that, after the Closing, it shall, and shall cause its Affiliates to, take any and all reasonable actions to facilitate an IPO of the Company as may be requested by the Company and/or the lead underwriter(s) of an IPO, including without limitation, cooperating in due diligence in connection therewith. The obligations of each Purchaser and its Affiliates under this Section 5.5 shall be additional to, and not in substitution for, any other obligations of such Purchaser or its Affiliates under the Transaction Documents in relation to an IPO.

5.6. Joinder to Shareholders Agreement . In the event that a Purchaser or any of its Affiliates that is an Existing Shareholder is not a party to the Shareholders Agreement prior to the execution and delivery of this Agreement, (a) such Purchaser, on behalf of itself and any such Affiliate, hereby agrees to be bound by the Shareholders Agreement as a Shareholder thereunder, subject to all of the restrictions, conditions and obligations, and entitled to all the rights and privileges, applicable to a Shareholder thereunder; and (b) upon request by the Company, such Purchaser shall, and shall procure such Affiliate of such Purchaser, promptly deliver a joinder to the Shareholders Agreement in the form attached as Exhibit A thereto duly executed by such Purchaser or Affiliate, as applicable.

 

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6.

CONDITIONS TO CLOSING

6.1. Conditions to Obligations of Purchasers and Company . The obligations of each Purchaser and the Company to consummate the Closing are subject to the satisfaction or waiver, at or prior to the Closing, of the following condition:

(a) No Injunctions or Legal Prohibitions . No provision of applicable Laws, and no Order, shall prohibit the consummation of the Closing.

6.2. Conditions to Obligations of Purchasers . The obligations of each Purchaser under this Agreement to consummate the Closing are subject to the satisfaction or waiver by such Purchaser, at or prior to the Closing, of each of the following conditions:

(a) Representations and Warranties True and Correct . The representations and warranties of the Company set forth in Section 3 shall be true and correct at and as of the Closing, with only exceptions as would not in the aggregate materially impair the Company’s ability to perform its obligations hereunder or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.

(b) Performance . The Company shall have performed and complied in all material respects with all covenants, agreements, obligations and conditions contained in this Agreement that are required to be performed or complied with by it on or before the Closing.

6.3. Conditions to Obligations of Company . The obligations of the Company under this Agreement to consummate the Closing in respect of each Purchaser are subject to the satisfaction or waiver by the Company, at or prior to the Closing, of each of the following conditions:

(a) Representations and Warranties True and Correct . The representations and warranties of such Purchaser set forth in Section 4 shall be true and correct in all material respects at and as of the Closing.

(b) Performance . Such Purchaser shall have performed and complied in all material respects with all covenants, agreements, obligations and conditions contained in this Agreement that are required to be performed or complied with by it on or before the Closing.

 

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(c) Approvals, Consents and Waivers. Such Purchaser and all of its Affiliates shall have obtained or made any and all Approvals necessary for the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, each of which shall be in full force and effect as of the Closing, and in each case, in proper form and without imposing or proposing the imposition of any terms or conditions which, individually or in the aggregate, could be reasonably expected to materially impair the ability of such Purchaser to consummate, or prevent or materially delay, the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents.

(d) Closing Certificate . Such Purchaser shall have delivered to the Company a certificate, dated as of the Closing Date, signed by a duly authorized director or officer of such Purchaser, certifying as to the satisfaction of the conditions specified in sub-sections (a), (b) and (c) above.

 

7.

REMEDIES; INDEMNITY

7.1. Survival . The representations and warranties of the Company and each Purchaser contained in this Agreement shall survive the Closing until the earlier of (i) the consummation of a public offering and/or listing of the shares of the Company (an “ IPO ”), or (ii) the end of a period of twelve (12) months after the Closing. The covenants and agreements of the Company and each Purchaser set forth in this Agreement shall survive the Closing until fully discharged in accordance with their terms, except for those covenants and agreements which shall be complied with or discharged prior to the Closing in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

7.2. Indemnification .

(a) Effective at and after the Closing, subject to the other provisions of this Section 7.2(a) and Schedule  C , the Company shall indemnify and hold harmless each Purchaser and its Affiliates (each, a “ Purchaser Indemnitee ”) against any losses, liabilities, damages and expenses, including reasonable advisor’s fees and other reasonable expenses of investigation and defense of any of the foregoing (“ Losses ”), actually suffered by such Purchaser Indemnitee arising out of (i) any misrepresentation or breach of warranty made by the Company in this Agreement; and (ii) any breach or violation of, or failure to perform, any covenants or agreements made by or on behalf of, or to be performed by, the Company in this Agreement; provided that the Company shall not be liable under this Section 7.2(a) to any Purchaser Indemnitee in respect of any Purchaser (i) for any diminution in value of the Purchased Shares, (ii) for any and all Losses arising out of any individual claim (or a series of claims arising from substantially identical facts or circumstances) where the Loss relating thereto is less than US$500,000.00 (the “ De Minimis Claim Threshold ”), or (iii) in respect of each individual claim where the Loss relating thereto is equal to or greater than the De Minimis Claim Threshold, unless the aggregate amount of all Losses by the Purchaser Indemnitees of such Purchaser in respect of claims that exceed the De Minimis Claim Threshold exceeds 5% of the Subscription Price (the “ Applicable Basket ”) of such Purchaser and then only to the extent of such excess; provided further , that the maximum aggregate liability of the Company under this Section 7.2(a) to all Purchaser Indemnitees in respect of a Purchaser shall not exceed an amount equal to 30% of the Subscription Price (the “ Applicable Cap ”) of such Purchaser.

 

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(b) Effective at and after the Closing, subject to the other provisions of this Section 7.2(b) and Schedule  C , each Purchaser shall indemnify and hold harmless the Company and its Affiliates (each, a “ Company Indemnitee ”) against any Losses actually suffered by such Company Indemnitee arising out of (i) any misrepresentation or breach of warranty made by such Purchaser in this Agreement (other than in the case of any breach of Section 4.3, in which case Section 7.5 shall apply); and (ii) any breach or violation of, or failure to perform, any covenants or agreements made by or on behalf of, or to be performed by, such Purchaser in this Agreement; provided that no Purchaser shall be liable under this Section 7.2(b) to any Company Indemnitee (i) for any and all Losses arising out of any individual claim (or a series of claims arising from substantially identical facts or circumstances) where the Loss relating thereto is less than the De Minimis Claim Threshold, or (iii) in respect of each individual claim where the Loss relating thereto is equal to or greater than the De Minimis Claim Threshold, unless the aggregate amount of all Losses by the Company Indemnitees in respect of claims that exceed the De Minimis Claim Threshold exceeds the Applicable Basket of such Purchaser and then only to the extent of such excess; provided further , that the maximum aggregate liability of any Purchaser under this Section 7.2(b) to all Company Indemnitees shall not exceed an amount equal to the Applicable Cap of such Purchaser.

7.3. Procedure . Any Party seeking indemnification under this Section 7 (an “ Indemnified Party ”) shall notify the Party from whom indemnification is being sought (an “ Indemnifying Party ”) in writing of any Action against such Indemnified Party in respect of which any Indemnifying Party is or may be obligated to provide indemnification hereunder promptly after the receipt of notice or knowledge of the commencement thereof. Such notice shall set forth in reasonable detail such claim and the basis for indemnification (taking into account the information then available to the Indemnified Party). The failure to so notify an Indemnifying Party shall relieve the Indemnifying Party of its obligations hereunder to the extent such failure shall have adversely prejudiced such Indemnifying Party.

7.4. Exclusive Remedy . Notwithstanding any other provision contained herein, from and after the Closing, this Section 7 shall be the sole and exclusive remedy of the Parties for any claim arising out of any misrepresentation, breach of warranty, covenant or other agreement (other than those contained in Sections 4.3, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 9.2 and 9.3) or other claim arising out of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, except that no limitation or exceptions with respect to the obligations or liabilities on the Company or any Purchaser provided in the foregoing sub-sections under this Section 7 or Schedule C , shall apply to a Loss incurred by any Company Indemnitee or Purchaser Indemnitee, as applicable, arising due to the fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation of such Purchaser or the Company, as applicable.

 

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7.5. Remedies for Breach of Section  4.3 .

(a) In the event that the Company reasonably believes that there is a breach by any Purchaser of any of its representations and warranties in Section 4.3, the Company may, at its option, provide a written notice to such Purchaser describing the basis for such belief of the Company. Each Purchaser hereby agrees that, upon delivery of such notice and unless such Purchaser has provided proof to the satisfaction of the Company that there is not and has not been any breach by such Purchaser of Section 4.3, the Company has the right to elect to, in its sole and absolute discretion and at any time:

(i) redeem all or a portion of the Purchased Shares of such Purchaser at a redemption price per Ordinary Share equal to the lower of the Fair Market Value per Ordinary Share or US$3.22904 (which represents a 20% discount to the per Ordinary Share Subscription Price under this Agreement), as appropriately adjusted for any share dividends, combinations, reclassifications, splits or other similar events with respect to the Ordinary Shares. For purposes of this Section 7.5(a)(i), “ Fair Market Value ” means (A) upon the Company’s IPO, the average reported closing price of an Ordinary Share on their principal trading market for the three trading days immediately prior to the date of the redemption; or (B) prior to the Company’s IPO, the fair market value on the date of redemption as determined by the board of directors of the Company in good faith;

(ii) refuse to recognize any Transfer of the Purchased Shares or any other shares of the Company owned by such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates in the register of members of the Company without assigning any reason therefor; and/or

(iii) to the extent permitted by applicable Laws, refuse to (A) declare or pay any dividend or other distribution of the Company’s assets or otherwise recognize the economic interests or benefits in respect of the Purchased Shares and any other shares of the Company owned by such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates; and (B) treat such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates owning shares in the Company as a member or shareholder of the Company, recognize the vote by such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates, or count such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates in determining the total number of issued shares at any time, for purposes of the Restated Articles or the Shareholders Agreement or for any other purposes, in each case, in respect of the Purchased Shares and any other shares of the Company owned by such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates.

(b) Notwithstanding Section 7.5(a), in the event that the Company ( x ) reasonably believes that there is any breach by a Purchaser of any of its representations and warranties in Section 4.3 and ( y ) determines that the actions which may be taken pursuant to clauses (i) through (iii) in Section 7.5(a) would not adequately compensate the Company compared to the harm caused by such Purchaser’s breach of Section 4.3, upon written notice by the Company, such Purchaser shall pay to the Company an amount equal to 100% of the Subscription Price of such Purchaser (the “ Liquidated Damages ”). The Parties intend that the Liquidated Damages constitute compensation, and not a penalty. The Parties acknowledge and agree that the Company’s harm caused by a breach of Section 4.3 would be impossible or very difficult to be accurately estimated at the time of the execution and delivery of this Agreement, and that the Liquidated Damages are a reasonable estimate of the anticipated or actual harm that might arise from such breach.

 

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8.

TERMINATION

8.1. Grounds for Termination . This Agreement may be terminated, in respect of any Purchaser, at any time prior to the applicable Closing in respect of such Purchaser:

(a) by mutual written agreement of the Company and such Purchaser; or

(b) by the Company if the Closing shall not have been consummated on or before February 28, 2018.

The Party desiring to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 8.1(a) or 8.1(b) shall give notice of such termination to the other Party.

8.2. Effect of Termination . If this Agreement is terminated in respect of a Purchaser as permitted by Section 8.1, such termination shall be without liability of the Company or the Purchaser with respect to which such termination is effective (or any shareholder, director, officer, employee, agent, consultant or representative of such Party) to the applicable Purchaser or the Company, as applicable; provided that if such termination shall result from the willful (i) failure of a Party to fulfill a condition to the performance of the obligations of the other Party, (ii) failure to perform a covenant of this Agreement or (iii) breach by a Party hereto of any representation or warranty or agreement contained herein, such Party shall be fully liable for any and all Losses incurred or suffered by the other Parties as a result of such failure or breach. The provisions of Sections 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 8.2, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.13 and 9.14 shall survive any termination hereof pursuant to Section 8.1.

 

9.

MISCELLANEOUS

9.1. Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed exclusively in accordance with the Laws of Hong Kong without giving effect to any choice of law rule that would cause the application of the Laws of any jurisdiction other than the Laws of Hong Kong to the rights and duties of the Parties hereunder.

 

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9.2. Agreements Relating to Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation .

(a) Each Purchaser, on behalf of itself and its Affiliates, agrees that:

(i) the Company may, at any time at or prior to the completion of an IPO of the Company, adopt a dual-class share structure such that its share capital will include Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares upon the completion of the IPO (the “ Effective Event ”),

(ii) in connection with such adoption of a dual-class share structure, the Board may determine that:

(A) the shares of the Company that are owned immediately prior to the Effective Event by any Person that is not an Existing Shareholder may, if determined by the Board, be designated as Class A ordinary shares;

(B) any shares of the Company that will be issued and sold in the IPO will be designated as Class A ordinary shares; and

(C) all of the shares of the Company that are owned by any Existing Shareholder or any of its Affiliates (whether as a result of any subscription of new shares by, or any Transfer by another holder of shares to, such Existing Shareholder or its Affiliates, or otherwise) immediately prior to the Effective Event will be designated as Class B ordinary shares;

(iii) each Class A ordinary share will be entitled to one (1) vote and each Class B ordinary share will be entitled to fifteen (15) votes on all matters to be voted upon by or otherwise requiring the consent of the Company’s shareholders;

(iv) Class B ordinary shares will automatically and immediately convert into an equal number of Class A ordinary shares upon the occurrence of any transfer of such Class B ordinary shares by the holder thereof or an Affiliate of such holder to any Person that is not an Affiliate of such holder, or any other event that may be designated by the Company; and

(v) any re-designation or conversion described in this Section 9.2 may be effected by way of a repurchase by the Company of all such shares to be re-designated or converted in exchange for the issuance by the Company to the relevant shareholder(s) in the Company of the relevant number of fully paid new shares in the Company, and each Purchaser, on behalf of itself and its Affiliates, hereby unconditionally and irrevocably agrees that such Purchaser’s execution of this Agreement shall constitute its consent to the repurchase of all of its shares in the Company in connection with the matters described in paragraphs (i) through (v) for the purposes of the Restated Articles of the Company, as may be amended from time to time.

 

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The matters described in paragraphs (i) through (v) above shall be referred to as the “ Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation .”

(b) Each Purchaser, on behalf of itself and its Affiliates, hereby unconditionally and irrevocably:

(i) consents to the Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation, including without limitation for all purposes under the Shareholders Agreement, as may be amended from time to time, and the Restated Articles, as may be amended from time to time;

(ii) waives any veto rights and all similar rights (whether arising at contract or in law or otherwise) in respect of the Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation;

(iii) agrees to vote, or cause to be voted, the Purchased Shares or any other shares in the Company that are owned by such Purchaser or its Affiliates from time to time and at any time after the date of this Agreement (the “ Purchaser Owned Shares ”), at every meeting (or in connection with any action by written consent) of the Company’s shareholders at which such matters are considered and at any adjournment or postponement thereof prior to the Effective Event, (A) in favor of, and (B) against any action, proposal, transaction or agreement that could reasonably be expected to impede, interfere with, delay, discourage, adversely affect or inhibit, the Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation and the adoption of any amendment to the Articles of the Company to reflect the Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation and other changes as necessary or appropriate to facilitate an IPO of the Company;

(iv) agrees to cause any director designated by such Purchaser and/or its Affiliates pursuant to the Shareholders Agreement to vote, at every meeting of the Company’s Board at which such matters are considered and at any adjournment or postponement thereof (or execute and deliver any unanimous written resolution of the Board), (A) in favor of, and (B) against any action, proposal, transaction or agreement that could reasonably be expected to impede, interfere with, delay, discourage, adversely affect or inhibit, the Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation and the adoption of any amendment to the Articles of the Company to reflect the Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation and other changes as necessary or appropriate to facilitate an IPO of the Company; and

(v) agrees to promptly execute, deliver or enter into any other agreement, document, consent, approval or instrument, and take any other actions, which may be reasonably necessary or advisable to effect the Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation and the adoption of any amendment to the Articles of the Company to reflect the Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation and other changes as necessary or appropriate to facilitate an IPO of the Company.

 

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(c) Each Purchaser, on behalf of itself and its Affiliates, irrevocably makes, constitutes and appoints each of the Chairman of Board of Directors and the Chief Executive Officer of the Company from time to time a true and lawful proxy and attorney-in-fact (each, an “ Attorney ”) of such Purchaser and any of its Affiliates owning any Purchaser Owned Shares, with full power and authority, in the name and on behalf of such Purchaser and its Affiliates, (i) to exercise their voting rights with respect to all of the Purchaser Owned Shares in accordance with Subsections (b)(iii) and (b)(v) above in any vote of the Company’s shareholders or proposed action by written consent by the Company’s shareholders, and (ii) to make, execute and deliver all resolutions, consents and other writings and to do such things and to take such actions in each case to the extent the applicable Attorney considers necessary to exercise the voting rights of such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates pursuant to clause (i) above, as fully as could such Purchaser or its Affiliate, as applicable, if personally present and acting. The above proxy and power of attorney is given to secure the performance of the duties of each Purchaser and its Affiliates under Subsections (b)(iii) and (b)(v) above. Each Purchaser shall, and shall procure its Affiliates, take such further action or execute such other instruments as may be necessary to effectuate the intent of this proxy. The power of attorney granted by each Purchaser and its Affiliates herein is a durable power of attorney and shall survive the dissolution, bankruptcy, death or incapacity of such Purchaser and any of its Affiliates. The above proxy and power of attorney from each Purchaser and its Affiliates to the Attorneys is coupled with an interest and is irrevocable and continuously effective during the period from the date hereof until the earlier of (i) the first date on which such Purchaser and its Affiliates no longer own any Purchaser Owned Shares or (ii) the Effective Event.

(d) Each Purchaser further acknowledges and agrees that, prior to the Effective Event, unless otherwise requested or permitted by the Company in writing, (i) such Purchaser shall not, and shall procure that its Affiliates do not, in any way and for any purpose, (A) claim that any or all of the Purchaser Owned Shares, are of a separate class of shares in the Company, individually or collectively with any shares in the Company held by any other Person, from the other Ordinary Shares; or (B) request that the Company acknowledge that the Purchaser Owned Shares are in a separate class of shares or seek its consent as a holder of a separate class of shares in the Company, individually or collectively with any shares in the Company held by any other Person, from the other Ordinary Shares, in relation to any matter to be voted upon or otherwise requiring the consent of any of the Company’s shareholders; and (ii) such Purchaser shall not, and shall procure that its Affiliates do not, in any way and for any purpose vote or attempt to vote any or all of the Purchaser Owned Shares in a separate shareholder class meeting or by way of a written resolution of holder(s) of a separate class of shares, individually or collectively with any shares held by any other Person, from the other Ordinary Shares, in respect of any matter to be voted upon or otherwise requiring the consent of any of the Company’s shareholders.

 

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(e) For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 9.2 does not obligate the Company to implement a dual-class share structure on terms specified in Section 9.2(a). The parties hereby acknowledge and agree that the final terms of any dual-class share structure adopted by the Company shall be as determined by the Board and as approved by the requisite shareholders under applicable Laws and any applicable provisions of the Restated Articles and the Shareholders Agreement, and such terms may be different from those specified in Section 9.2(a).

9.3. Transfer . Without prejudice to any other restriction on Transfer applicable to the Purchaser Owned Shares, each Purchaser shall not, and shall procure its Affiliates do not, directly or indirectly, Transfer any Purchaser Owned Shares unless the transferee of such proposed Transfer (except for any transferee otherwise designated by the Company) duly executes and delivers to the Company an agreement in a form satisfactory to the Company pursuant to which such transferee shall agree to be bound by Sections 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.8 and 9.13 as if it were a Purchaser hereunder. After a Transfer of any Purchaser Owned Shares in accordance with the foregoing sentence, in the event of any amendment to Section 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.8 or 9.13 of this Agreement, such transferee shall be deemed the “Purchaser” in respect of the Purchaser Owned Shares subject to such Transfer in lieu of the Transferring Purchaser for purposes of Section 9.8.

9.4. Successors and Assigns . Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, the provisions hereof shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding upon, the successors, permitted assigns, heirs, executors and administrators of the Parties. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, this Agreement and the rights and obligations herein may not be assigned by any Party without the written consent of the other Parties.

9.5. Entire Agreement . This Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, including the schedules and exhibits hereto and thereto, which are hereby expressly incorporated herein by this reference, constitute the entire understanding and agreement among the Parties with regard to the subjects hereof and thereof.

9.6. Parties in Interest . Except as expressly provided elsewhere in this Agreement, a person who is not a Party to this Agreement shall not have any rights under the Contracts (Right of Third Parties) Ordinance (Chapter 623, Laws of Hong Kong) to enforce any terms of this Agreement. This does not affect any right or remedy of a third party which exists, or is available, apart from the Contracts (Right of Third Parties) Ordinance.

9.7. Notices . Except as may be otherwise provided herein, all notices, requests, waivers and other communications made pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be conclusively deemed to have been duly given (a) when hand delivered to the other Parties, upon delivery; (b) when sent by facsimile at the number set forth in Schedule D , upon receipt of confirmation of error-free transmission; (c) seven Business Days after deposit in the mail as air mail or certified mail, receipt requested, postage prepaid and addressed to the other Parties as set forth in Schedule D ; or (d) three Business Days after deposit with an overnight delivery service, postage prepaid, addressed to the Parties as set forth in Schedule D with next business-day delivery guaranteed, provided that the sending Party receives a confirmation of delivery from the delivery service provider. Each Party making a communication hereunder by facsimile shall promptly confirm by telephone to the Party to whom such communication was addressed each communication made by it by facsimile pursuant hereto but the absence of such confirmation shall not affect the validity of any such communication. A Party may change or supplement the addresses given above, or designate additional addresses, for purposes of this Section 9.7 by giving, the other Parties written notice of the new address in the manner set forth above.

 

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9.8. Amendments . Subject to Section 9.3, any term of this Agreement may be amended (i) as such term applies between the Company and any Purchaser, with the written consents of both the Company and such Purchaser (and without the consent or approval of any other Purchaser), or (ii) with the written consents of the Company and the Purchasers of a majority of the total number of Purchased Shares of all the Purchasers in respect of which this Agreement has not been terminated pursuant to Section 8.1(a) or 8.1(b); provided, however , that the number of Purchased Shares and the Subscription Price in respect of a Purchaser may not be amended without the consent of such Purchaser; provided further , that one or more Purchasers may become Parties to this Agreement after the date of this Agreement in accordance with Section 2.1 without any consent or approval of any other Purchaser. Any amendment effected in accordance with clause (ii) of the foregoing sentence shall be binding upon the Company and all the Purchasers (and to the extent provided for in Section 9.3, any and all permitted transferees of the Purchaser Owned Shares as if it were a Purchaser hereunder).

9.9. Delays or Omissions; Waivers . No delay or omission to exercise any right, power or remedy accruing to any Party, upon any breach or default of any Party under this Agreement, shall impair any such right, power or remedy of such Party nor shall it be construed to be a waiver of any such breach or default, or an acquiescence therein, or of any similar breach of default thereafter occurring; nor shall any waiver of any other breach or default theretofore or thereafter occurring. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, any Party may waive any of its rights under this Agreement without obtaining the consent of any other Party. Any waiver by any Party of any condition or breach of default under this Agreement must be in writing and shall be effective only to the extent specifically set forth in such writing. All remedies, either under this Agreement or by Laws or otherwise afforded to any Party shall be cumulative and not alternative.

9.10. Interpretation; Titles and Subtitles . This Agreement shall be construed according to its fair language. The rule of construction to the effect that ambiguities are to be resolved against the drafting Party shall not be employed in interpreting this Agreement. The titles of the sections and subsections of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and are not to be considered in construing this Agreement. Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, all references to sections and schedules herein are to sections and schedules of this Agreement. Unless a provision hereof expressly provides otherwise: (i) the term “or” is not exclusive; (ii) the terms “herein”, “hereof”, and other similar words refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular section, subsection, paragraph, clause, or other subdivision; (iii) the masculine, feminine, and neuter genders will each be deemed to include the others; and (iv) whenever the words “include”, “includes” or “including” are used in this Agreement, they shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation.”

 

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9.11. Counterparts; Effectiveness . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one instrument. This Agreement shall become effective (i) with respect to each Party that becomes party to this Agreement as of the date of this Agreement, upon such Party’s due execution and delivery of this Agreement and (ii) with respect to each Purchaser who shall become a Party after the date of this Agreement in accordance with the last sentence of Section 2.1, such Purchaser’s due execution and delivery to the Company of a counterpart signature page to this Agreement.

9.12. Severability . If any provision of this Agreement is found to be invalid or unenforceable, then such provision shall be construed, to the extent feasible, so as to render the provision enforceable and to provide for the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby on substantially the same terms as originally set forth herein, and if no feasible interpretation would save such provision, it shall be severed from the remainder of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect unless the severed provision is essential to the rights or benefits intended by the Parties. In such event, the Parties shall use best efforts to negotiate, in good faith, a substitute, valid and enforceable provision or agreement which most nearly affects the Parties’ intent in entering into this Agreement.

9.13. Dispute Resolution . Any dispute, controversy or claim (each, a “ Dispute ”) arising out of or relating to this Agreement, or the interpretation, breach, termination, validity or invalidity thereof, shall be referred to arbitration upon the demand of either party to the dispute with notice (the “ Arbitration Notice ”) to the other. The Dispute shall be settled by arbitration in Hong Kong by the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (the “ HKIAC ”) in accordance with the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre Administered Arbitration Rules (the “ HKIAC Rules ”) in force at the time when the Arbitration Notice is submitted. The seat of arbitration shall be Hong Kong. There shall be three (3) arbitrators. The complainant and the respondent to such dispute shall each select one arbitrator within thirty (30) days after giving or receiving the demand for arbitration (the “ Selection Period ”). Such arbitrators shall be freely selected, and the parties shall not be limited in their selection to any prescribed list. The chairman of the HKIAC shall select the third arbitrator. If either party to the arbitration fails to appoint an arbitrator with the Selection Period, the relevant appointment shall be made by the chairman of the HKIAC. The arbitral proceedings shall be conducted in English. To the extent that the HKIAC Rules are in conflict with the provisions of this Section 9.13, including the provisions concerning the appointment of the arbitrators, this Section 9.13 shall prevail. Each party to the arbitration shall cooperate with each other party to the arbitration in making full disclosure of and providing complete access to all information and documents requested by such other party in connection with such arbitral proceedings, subject only to any confidentiality obligations binding on such party. The award of the arbitral tribunal shall be final and binding upon the parties thereto, and the prevailing party may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for enforcement of such award. Any party to the Dispute shall be entitled to seek preliminary injunctive relief, if possible, from any court of competent jurisdiction pending the constitution of the arbitral tribunal. During the course of the arbitral tribunal’s adjudication of the Dispute, this Agreement shall continue to be performed except with respect to the part in dispute and under adjudication.

9.14. Expenses . Each Party shall bear its own costs and expenses in connection with the negotiation, execution and delivery of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents.

— REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK —

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered as a deed as of the date first above written.

 

EXECUTED and DELIVERED

as a deed by and in the name of

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

( 腾讯音乐娱乐集团 )

by its duly authorised attorney

in the presence of :

 

    

)

)

)

)

)

   LOGO  

 

/s/ Zou Wenting

   

/s/ Cussion Pang

 
Signature of Witness     Signature of authorised attorney  
Name of Witness: Zou Wenting      
Address:      

17F, Malata building, No.9998 Shennan road

Nanshan district, Shenzhen, 518057, China

[ Signature Page to Share Subscription Agreement ]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered as a deed as of the date first above written.

 

EXECUTED and DELIVERED

as a deed by and in the name of

China Investment Corporation Financial Holdings

by its duly authorised attorney

in the presence of :

 

    

)

)

)

)

)

   LOGO

 

   

For and on behalf of

China Investment Corporation Financial Holdings

 

/s/ Ma Jie

   

/s/ Tang Liang

 
Signature of Witness     Signature of authorised attorney  
Name of Witness: Ma Jie      
Address: 24 Liuyin Street, Xicheng District, Beijing    

[ Signature Page to Share Subscription Agreement ]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered as a deed as of the date first above written.

 

EXECUTED and DELIVERED

as a deed by and in the name of

CICFH Group Limited

by its duly authorised attorney

in the presence of :

 

)

)

)

)

)

   LOGO

 

    

For and on behalf of

CICFH Group Limited

/s/ Ma Jie

    

/s/ Tang Liang

Signature of Witness      Signature of authorised attorney
Name of Witness: Ma Jie     
Address: 24 Liuyin Street, Xicheng District, Beijing     

[ Signature Page to Share Subscription Agreement ]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered as a deed as of the date first above written.

 

EXECUTED and DELIVERED

as a deed by and in the name of

CICFH Music Investment Limited

by its duly authorised attorney

in the presence of :

 

)

)

)

)

)

   LOGO

 

    

For and on behalf of

CICFH Music Investment Limited

/s/ Ma Jie

    

/s/ Tang Liang

Signature of Witness      Signature of authorised attorney
Name of Witness: Ma Jie     
Address: 24 Liuyin Street, Xicheng District, Beijing     

[ Signature Page to Share Subscription Agreement ]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered as a deed as of the date first above written.

 

EXECUTED and DELIVERED

as a deed by and in the name of

Green Technology Holdings Limited

by its duly authorised attorney

in the presence of :

 

  

)

)

)

)

)

   LOGO

 

    

For and on behalf of

Green Technology Holdings Limited

绿色科技控股有限公司

/s/ Ma Jie

    

/s/ Zhou Jiamin

Signature of Witness      Signature of authorised attorney
Name of Witness: Ma Jie     
Address: 24 Liuyin Street, Xicheng District, Beijing     

[ Signature Page to Share Subscription Agreement ]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered as a deed as of the date first above written.

 

EXECUTED and DELIVERED

as a deed by and in the name of

Pan Asia Venture Group Limited

by its duly authorised attorney

in the presence of :

 

)

)

)

)

)

   LOGO
    

For and on behalf of

Pan Asia Venture Group Limited

/s/ Ma Jie

    

/s/ Tang Liang

Signature of Witness      Signature of authorised attorney
Name of Witness: Ma Jie     
Address: 24 Liuyin Street, Xicheng District, Beijing     

[ Signature Page to Share Subscription Agreement ]


SCHEDULE A

Schedule of Purchasers

 

Name of Purchaser as of the Date of the Agreement

   Number of
Purchased Shares
     Subscription
Price
 

China Investment Corporation Financial Holdings

     998,092        US$4,028,598.74  

[REDACTED]

     

 

Total Number of Purchased Shares

  

Total Subscription Price

49,550,331

   US$200,000,001.02


SCHEDULE A

Schedule of Purchasers

 

Name of Purchaser as of the Date of the Agreement

   Number of
Purchased Shares
     Subscription
Price
 

CICFH Group Limited

     1,447,425        US$5,842,241.53  

[REDACTED]

     

 

Total Number of Purchased Shares

  

Total Subscription Price

49,550,331

   US$200,000,001.02


SCHEDULE A

Schedule of Purchasers

 

Name of Purchaser as of the Date of the Agreement

   Number of
Purchased Shares
     Subscription
Price
 

CICFH Music Investment Limited

     852,110        US$3,439,371.59  

[REDACTED]

     

 

Total Number of Purchased Shares

  

Total Subscription Price

49,550,331

   US$200,000,001.02


SCHEDULE A

Schedule of Purchasers

 

Name of Purchaser as of the Date of the Agreement

   Number of
Purchased Shares
     Subscription
Price
 
Green Technology Holdings Limited 綠色 科技控股有限公司      261,001        US$1,053,478.34  

[REDACTED]

     

 

Total Number of Purchased Shares

  

Total Subscription Price

49,550,331

   US$200,000,001.02


SCHEDULE A

Schedule of Purchasers

 

Name of Purchaser as of the Date of the Agreement

   Number of
Purchased Shares
     Subscription
Price
 
Pan Asia Venture Group Limited      692,477        US$2,795,044.92  

[REDACTED]

     

 

Total Number of Purchased Shares

  

Total Subscription Price

49,550,331

   US$200,000,001.02

Exhibit 10.19

EXECUTION VERSION

CONFIDENTIAL

SHARE SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT

Dated March 7, 2018

by and between

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

( 腾讯音乐娱乐集团 )

and

THE PURCHASERS HEREUNDER


SHARE SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT

THIS SHARE SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is made and entered into on March 7, 2018 by and between:

(a) Tencent Music Entertainment Group ( 腾讯音乐娱乐集团 ), an exempted company incorporated under the Laws of the Cayman Islands (the “ Company ”); and

(b) each of the investors listed on Schedule A attached hereto and any other investor who shall become Parties to this Agreement after the date hereof in accordance with Section 2.1 (each, a “ Purchaser ” and collectively, the “ Purchasers ”).

RECITALS

 

A.

The Company desires to issue and sell to each Purchaser, and each Purchaser desires to subscribe for and purchase from the Company, a certain number of the ordinary shares, par value US$0.000083 per share, of the Company (the “ Ordinary Shares ”), on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement; and

 

B.

The Parties desire to enter into this Agreement and make the respective representations, warranties, covenants and agreements set forth herein on the terms and conditions set forth herein.

AGREEMENT

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing recitals, the mutual promises hereinafter set forth, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

 

1.

DEFINITIONS

In this Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires, the following words and expressions have the meanings as follows:

Action ” means any litigation or arbitration proceeding.

Affiliate ” means, (i) with respect to a Person that is a natural person, such Person’s relatives and any other Person (other than natural persons) directly or indirectly Controlled by such Person, and (ii) with respect to a Person that is not a natural person, a Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls, or is Controlled by, or is under common Control with, such Person. For the purposes of this definition, “relative” of a Person means such Person’s spouse, parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, sibling, uncle, aunt, nephew, niece or great-grandparent or the spouse of such Person’s child, grandchild, sibling, uncle, aunt, nephew or niece.


Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Applicable Basket ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.2(a).

Applicable Cap ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.2(a).

Approval ” means any approval, consent, waiver, license or permit required to be obtained from, or any registration or qualification required to be filed with or delivered to, any Governmental Authority or any other Person.

Arbitration Notice ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.13.

Attorney ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.2(c).

Bankruptcy and Equity Exception ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3.

Board ” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

Business Day ” means a day (other than a Saturday or a Sunday) that the banks in New York, Hong Kong, the PRC, and the Cayman Islands are generally open for business.

Closing ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2.

Closing Date ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2.

Company ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Company Indemnitee ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.2(b).

Control ” means the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct, or cause the direction of, the management and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

De Minimis Claim Threshold ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.2(a).

Dispute ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.13.

Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.2(a).

Effective Event ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.2(a)(i).

ESOP ” means collectively, the 2014 Share Incentive Plan, the 2017 Share Option Plan and the 2017 Restricted Share Award Scheme of the Company.

Existing Shareholder ” means any Person that is a holder of Ordinary Shares as of December 8, 2017.

 

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Fair Market Value ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.5(a)(i).

Governmental Authorities ” means any nation, government, province, state, or any entity, authority or body exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of or pertaining to government, including any government authority, agency, department, board, commission or instrumentality of any government or any political subdivision thereof, court, tribunal, arbitrator, the governing body of any securities exchange, and self-regulatory organization, in each case having competent jurisdiction (with each of such Governmental Authorities being referred to as a “ Governmental Authority ”).

HKIAC ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.13.

HKIAC Rules ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.13.

Hong Kong ” means the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China.

Indemnified Party ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.3.

Indemnifying Party ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.3.

IPO ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1.

Knowledge of the Company ” means the actual knowledge of the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer and the General Counsel of the Company as of the date of this Agreement.

Law ” means any law, rule, constitution, code, ordinance, statute, treaty, decree, regulation, common law, order, official policy, circular, provision, administrative order, interpretation, injunction, judgment, ruling, assessment, writ or other legislative measure, in each case of any Governmental Authority.

Lien ” means, with respect to any property or asset, any mortgage, charge, lien, pledge, charge, security interest or encumbrance in respect of such property or asset.

Liquidated Damages ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.5(b).

Losses ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.2(a).

Order ” means any injunction, judgment, order, decree, stipulation or determination by or with any Governmental Authority.

Ordinary Shares ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

Parties ” means the named parties to this Agreement and their respective successors and permitted assigns (with each of such Parties being referred to as a “ Party ”).

 

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Person ” means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited partnership, proprietorship, association, limited liability company, firm, trust, estate or other enterprise, entity or legal person.

PRC ” means the People’s Republic of China and for purposes of this Agreement, excludes Hong Kong, Macao Special Administrative Region and Taiwan.

Purchased Shares ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1.

Purchaser ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Purchasers ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Purchaser Indemnitee ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.2(a).

Purchaser Representatives ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.3(a).

Purchaser Owned Shares ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.2(b)(iii).

Restated Articles ” means the Fourth Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company adopted on or around January 8, 2018.

Right of Participation ” has the meaning ascribed to it in the Shareholders Agreement and the Restated Articles.

Securities Act ” means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Selection Period ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.13.

Shareholder ” has the meaning ascribed to it in the Shareholders Agreement.

Shareholders Agreement ” means the Third Amended and Restated Shareholders Agreement of the Company entered into on or around January 8, 2018 by and among the Company and other parties named therein.

Subscription Price ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1.

Subsidiary ” means companies whose financial results are consolidated with those of the Company in accordance with the generally accepted accounting principles in the United States.

Taxes ” means (i) in the PRC: (a) any national, provincial, municipal or local taxes, charges, fees, levies or other assessments, (b) all interest, penalties or additional amounts imposed by any Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over the assessment, determination, collection or other imposition of any items described in clause (a) above in connection therewith, and (ii) in any jurisdiction other than the PRC: all similar liabilities as described in clause (i) above.

 

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Tencent ” means Min River Investment Limited.

Transaction Documents ” means this Agreement, the Shareholders Agreement, the Restated Articles, and any other agreement, document or instrument executed and delivered in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

Transfer ” means (i) when used as a verb, to sell, assign, dispose of, exchange, pledge, encumber, hypothecate or otherwise transfer any Ordinary Shares or other securities of the Company or any participation or interest therein, whether directly or indirectly (including pursuant to a derivative transaction or a transfer or new issuance of ownership interests in a direct or indirect holder of such Ordinary Shares or other securities of the Company), or agree or commit to do any of the foregoing and (ii) when used as a noun, a direct or indirect sale, assignment, disposition, exchange, pledge, encumbrance, hypothecation, or other transfer of such Ordinary Shares or other securities of the Company or any participation or interest therein or any agreement or commitment to do any of the foregoing.

US$ ” means United States Dollars, the lawful currency of the U.S.

 

2.

PURCHASE AND SALE

2.1. Purchase and Sale of Ordinary Shares . Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Company hereby agrees to issue and sell to each Purchaser, and each Purchaser agrees to subscribe for and purchase from the Company, at the Closing with respect to such Purchaser, that number of Ordinary Shares set forth opposite such Purchaser’s name on Schedule A attached hereto (the “ Purchased Shares ”) at a purchase price of US$4.0363 per Ordinary Share. The aggregate subscription price for the Purchased Shares of each Purchaser (the “ Subscription Price ”) is set forth opposite such Purchaser’s name on Schedule A and shall be paid in cash as provided in Section 2.3(a). Schedule A shall be updated from time to time as any Shareholder of the Company validly exercises its Right of Participation in connection with the issuance of the Purchased Shares under this Agreement and as any Purchaser validly exercises its right to oversubscription in connection with such issuance, if applicable.

2.2. Closing . The closing of the purchase and sale of the Purchased Shares contemplated under Section 2.1 (the “ Closing ”) with respect to each Purchaser shall take place remotely via the exchange of documents and signatures on the next Business Day after satisfaction or waiver (to the extent permissible by the Party entitled to such conditions) of the conditions set forth in Section 6 (other than those conditions to be satisfied at the Closing, but subject to the satisfaction or waiver thereof at the Closing) with respect to such Purchaser, or at such other time or place as the Company and such Purchaser may agree in writing (with respect to each Purchaser, the date on which the Closing occurs, the “ Closing Date ”). For the avoidance of doubt, the Company shall have the discretion to consummate a Closing with one or more Purchasers, and the Closings of the transactions with different Purchasers are not conditional upon each other.

 

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2.3. Deliveries .

(a) At the Closing in respect of a Purchaser, such Purchaser shall pay the Subscription Price by wire transfer of immediately available funds in U.S. dollars to the Company’s bank account set forth in Schedule E hereto.

(b) At the Closing in respect of a Purchaser, the Company shall, against payment of the Subscription Price by such Purchaser, update the register of members to reflect the issuance to such Purchaser of its Purchased Shares and shall provide a copy of an extract of the relevant portion of the updated register of members reflecting such issuance to such Purchaser of its Purchased Shares. As soon as reasonably practicable after the Closing, the Company will deliver to such Purchaser a copy of the share certificate issued in the name of such Purchaser representing its Purchased Shares, if requested by such Purchaser.

 

3.

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY

The Company hereby represents and warrants to each Purchaser that as of the date of this Agreement and as of the applicable Closing Date in respect of such Purchaser:

3.1. Organization, Standing and Qualification .

(a) The Company is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing (to the extent such concept is recognized) under the Laws of its jurisdiction of organization and has all requisite corporate power and authority to own its properties and assets and to carry on its business as presently conducted in all material respects.

(b) The Company has not filed (or has had filed against it) any petition for its liquidation, dissolution, bankruptcy or winding-up, or is insolvent under the Laws of its jurisdiction of organization.

3.2. Capitalization . The summary table of the issued and outstanding share capital (which does not include the identification of each individual shareholder or recipient of an award under the ESOP or the identification of each shareholder holding less than 2% of the total number of the issued and outstanding Ordinary Shares) of the Company as of January 8, 2018 is set forth in Schedule B to this Agreement.

 

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3.3. Due Authorization . As of the date of this Agreement, all corporate actions on the part of the Company necessary for (i) the authorization, execution and delivery of, and the performance of all of its obligations under, this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents and (ii) the authorization, issuance and delivery of the Purchased Shares of such Purchaser have been taken. The Company has the requisite corporate power, capacity and authority to enter into, execute and deliver this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents and to perform all the obligations to be performed by it hereunder and thereunder. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Company. Assuming due authorization, execution and delivery of the other parties hereto and thereto, this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, when executed and delivered by the Company, will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, subject, as to enforcement of remedies, to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, reorganization and similar Laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and to general equitable principles (the “ Bankruptcy and Equity Exception ”).

3.4. Consents and Approvals . Assuming the accuracy of the representations made by each Purchaser in Section 4, except as expressly provided in this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, no Approval is required to be obtained or made by or with respect to the Company in connection with the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents by the Company, or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby by the Company, except for any such Approvals as to which the failure to obtain or make would not materially impair the Company’s ability to perform its obligations hereunder or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.

3.5. Valid Issuance . The Purchased Shares of such Purchaser, when issued, sold and delivered in accordance with the terms of this Agreement for the consideration expressed herein, will be duly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable, free from any Liens (except for any restrictions on transfer under applicable Laws and under the Transaction Documents and any Liens created or imposed by such Purchaser).

3.6. No Violation . Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents nor the full performance of its obligations by the Company hereunder or thereunder will (a) violate any applicable Law to which the Company is subject, or (b) violate the Restated Articles of the Company, in each case, except as would not materially impair the Company’s ability to perform its obligations hereunder or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.

3.7. Litigation . There is no Action pending against the Company, and the Company is not a party or subject to the provisions of any Order, which in any manner challenges or seeks to prevent, enjoin, alter or delay the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

3.8. Finders’ Fees. There is no investment banker, broker, finder or other intermediary that has been retained by or is authorized to act on behalf of any the Company or its Affiliates who might be entitled to any fee or commission payable by such Purchaser in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

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4.

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF EACH PURCHASER

Each Purchaser hereby represents and warrants to the Company, in respect of itself, as of the date of this Agreement and as of the applicable Closing Date in respect of such Purchaser:

4.1. Organization; Standing and Qualification.

(a) Such Purchaser is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing (to the extent such concept is recognized) under the Laws of its jurisdiction of organization and has all requisite corporate power and authority to carry on its business as presently conducted in all material respects.

(b) Such Purchaser has not filed (or has had filed against it) any petition for its liquidation, dissolution, bankruptcy or winding-up, or is insolvent under the Laws of its jurisdiction of organization.

4.2. Due Authorization . Such Purchaser has all requisite power, authority and capacity to enter into this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents and to perform its obligations hereunder and thereunder. The execution, delivery and performance by such Purchaser of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of such Purchaser. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by such Purchaser. Assuming due authorization, execution and delivery of the other parties hereto and thereto, this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, when executed and delivered by such Purchaser, will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of such Purchaser, enforceable against such Purchaser in accordance with its terms and subject, as to enforcement of remedies, to the Bankruptcy and Equity Exception.

4.3. Purchase for Own Account . The Purchased Shares of such Purchaser are being acquired for investment for such Purchaser’s own account, not as a nominee or agent of any Person other than such Purchaser, and not with a view to, or for sale in connection with, any distribution of any part thereof, and that such Purchaser has no present intention of selling, granting any participation in or otherwise distributing the same to any Person. Such Purchaser does not presently have any contract, undertaking, agreement or arrangement with any Person to sell, transfer or grant participations to such Person or to any third Person, with respect to any of its Purchased Shares.

4.4. Exempt from Registration; Restricted Securities . Such Purchaser understands that its Purchased Shares will not be registered under the Securities Act or registered or listed publicly pursuant to any other applicable securities Laws, on the ground that the sale provided for in this Agreement is exempt from registration under the Securities Act or the registration or listing requirements of any other applicable securities Laws. Such Purchaser understands that its Purchased Shares are restricted securities within the meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act and that its Purchased Shares are not registered or listed publicly and must be held indefinitely unless they are subsequently registered or listed publicly or an exemption from such registration or listing is available.

 

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4.5. Status of Purchaser . Such Purchaser is (a) an accredited investor as defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act and/or (b) is not a “U.S. person” within the meaning of Regulation S under the Securities Act and is acquiring its Purchased Shares in an offshore transaction under Rule 903 of Regulation S under the Securities Act. Such Purchaser (i) has sufficient knowledge and experience in financial and business matters to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks involved in purchasing its Purchased Shares and (ii) is capable of bearing the economic risk of its investment. Such Purchaser has undertaken such investigation and has been provided with and has evaluated such documents and information as it has deemed necessary or appropriate for making an informed and intelligent decision with respect to the purchase of the Purchased Shares and the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents.

4.6. Consents and Approvals . Except for any Approval that has been obtained or made by such Purchaser and provided to the Company as of the date of this Agreement, no Approval is required to be obtained or made by or with respect to such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates in connection with the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents by such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates that is a party to any Transaction Document, or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby by such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates.

4.7. No Violation . Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement or any of the other Transaction Documents nor the full performance of its obligations by such Purchaser hereunder or thereunder will (a) violate any applicable Law to which such Purchaser is subject, or (b) violate any constitutive documents of such Purchaser, in each case, except as would not materially affect such Purchaser’s ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents and consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.

4.8. Litigation . There is no Action pending or, to the knowledge of such Purchaser, threatened against or affecting such Purchaser before any court or arbitrator or any Governmental Authority, and such Purchaser is not a party or subject to the provisions of any Order, which in any manner challenges or seeks to prevent, enjoin, alter or delay the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

4.9. Financing . Such Purchaser has sufficient cash, available lines of credit or other sources of immediately available funds to enable it to make payment of the Subscription Price and any other amounts to be paid by it under this Agreement.

4.10. Finders’ Fees. There is no investment banker, broker, finder or other intermediary that has been retained by or is authorized to act on behalf of such Purchaser, any of its Affiliates or their respective directors, officers, employees or equity holders and might be entitled to any fee or commission payable by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

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4.11. No Other Representations . Such Purchaser acknowledges that, except for the representations and warranties of the Company contained in Section 3, the Company is not making and has not made, and no other Person is making or has made on behalf of the Company, any express or implied representation or warranty in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, and any such other representations and warranties are expressly disclaimed.

 

5.

COVENANTS

5.1. Further Assurances . Each Party shall from time to time and at all times hereafter uses reasonable best efforts to make, do, execute, or cause or procure to be made, done and executed such further acts, deeds, conveyances, consents and assurances without further consideration, which may reasonably be required or advisable to effect the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents.

5.2. Approvals, Consents and Waivers. Without limiting the generality of Section 5.1, prior to the Closing, each Purchaser shall, and shall cause all of its Affiliates to, take all actions necessary to obtain or make all Approvals, if any, of Governmental Authorities and other Persons which are to be obtained or made by such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates and are necessary in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents. In the event that the Company waives the condition set forth in Section 6.3(c) at the Closing, each Purchaser shall, and shall ensure that all of its Affiliates, within one (1) month or such other time period after the Closing as may be reasonably required by the Company, obtain or make any and all Approvals necessary for the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents which have not been obtained or made as of the Closing.

 

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5.3. Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure .

(a) Prior to the Closing Date or after any termination of this Agreement, each Purchaser shall hold, and shall cause its Affiliates and the respective officers, directors, employees, accountants, counsel, consultants, advisors and agents of such Purchaser and its Affiliates (collectively, the “ Purchaser Representatives ”) to hold, in confidence, unless compelled to disclose by judicial or administrative process or by other requirements of any applicable Laws (including, without limitation, pursuant to securities laws or regulations and applicable securities exchange rules) or requested by any Governmental Authority having competent jurisdiction, all documents and information concerning the Company or any Subsidiary furnished to such Purchaser or its Purchaser Representatives in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, including the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the other Transaction Documents and all exhibits and schedules attached to such agreements, including their existence, and the identity of each party thereto, except to the extent that such information can be shown to have been (i) previously known on a non-confidential basis by such Purchaser, (ii) in the public domain through no fault of such Purchaser or (iii) later lawfully acquired by such Purchaser from sources other than the Company; provided that a Purchaser may disclose such information to its Purchaser Representatives who need to know such information for the purpose of evaluating, negotiating or consummating the transactions contemplated by this Agreement so long as such Purchaser Representatives are informed by such Purchaser of the confidential nature of such information and are directed by such Purchaser to treat such information confidentially. Each Purchaser shall be responsible for any failure to treat such information confidentially by its Purchaser Representatives. If this Agreement is terminated in respect of any Purchaser, such Purchaser will, and will cause its Purchaser Representatives to, destroy or deliver to the Company, upon request, all documents and other materials, and all copies thereof, obtained by such Purchaser or its Purchaser Representatives or on their behalf from the Company or any Subsidiary in connection with this Agreement that are subject to such confidence.

(b) The provisions of this Section 5.3 shall be in addition to, and not in substitution for, the provisions of any separate nondisclosure agreement executed by any of the Parties with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby.

5.4. No Use of Company Name . Without the prior written consent of the Company, none of the Purchasers or the Purchaser Representatives (other than Tencent or any Affiliate of Tencent that is a Purchaser and their respective Purchaser Representatives) shall be entitled to use, publish or reproduce the name, trademarks, trade names, domain names, service marks, business names, or logos of the Company or its Affiliates, including without limitation “Tencent”, “ 腾讯 ”, “Tencent Music”, “ 腾讯音乐 ”, “QQ Music”, “Kugou”, “Kuwo”, or any similar name, trademark or logo in any discussion, documents or materials, including without limitation for marketing or other purposes.

5.5. IPO . Each Purchaser hereby agrees that, after the Closing, it shall, and shall cause its Affiliates to, take any and all reasonable actions to facilitate an IPO of the Company as may be requested by the Company and/or the lead underwriter(s) of an IPO, including without limitation, cooperating in due diligence in connection therewith. The obligations of each Purchaser and its Affiliates under this Section 5.5 shall be additional to, and not in substitution for, any other obligations of such Purchaser or its Affiliates under the Transaction Documents in relation to an IPO.

5.6. Joinder to Shareholders Agreement . In the event that a Purchaser or any of its Affiliates that is an Existing Shareholder is not a party to the Shareholders Agreement prior to the execution and delivery of this Agreement, (a) such Purchaser, on behalf of itself and any such Affiliate, hereby agrees to be bound by the Shareholders Agreement as a Shareholder thereunder, subject to all of the restrictions, conditions and obligations, and entitled to all the rights and privileges, applicable to a Shareholder thereunder; and (b) upon request by the Company, such Purchaser shall, and shall procure such Affiliate of such Purchaser, promptly deliver a joinder to the Shareholders Agreement in the form attached as Exhibit A thereto duly executed by such Purchaser or Affiliate, as applicable.

 

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6.

CONDITIONS TO CLOSING

6.1. Conditions to Obligations of Purchasers and Company . The obligations of each Purchaser and the Company to consummate the Closing are subject to the satisfaction or waiver, at or prior to the Closing, of the following condition:

(a) No Injunctions or Legal Prohibitions . No provision of applicable Laws, and no Order, shall prohibit the consummation of the Closing.

6.2. Conditions to Obligations of Purchasers . The obligations of each Purchaser under this Agreement to consummate the Closing are subject to the satisfaction or waiver by such Purchaser, at or prior to the Closing, of each of the following conditions:

(a) Representations and Warranties True and Correct . The representations and warranties of the Company set forth in Section 3 shall be true and correct at and as of the Closing, with only exceptions as would not in the aggregate materially impair the Company’s ability to perform its obligations hereunder or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.

(b) Performance . The Company shall have performed and complied in all material respects with all covenants, agreements, obligations and conditions contained in this Agreement that are required to be performed or complied with by it on or before the Closing.

6.3. Conditions to Obligations of Company . The obligations of the Company under this Agreement to consummate the Closing in respect of each Purchaser are subject to the satisfaction or waiver by the Company, at or prior to the Closing, of each of the following conditions:

(a) Representations and Warranties True and Correct . The representations and warranties of such Purchaser set forth in Section 4 shall be true and correct in all material respects at and as of the Closing.

(b) Performance . Such Purchaser shall have performed and complied in all material respects with all covenants, agreements, obligations and conditions contained in this Agreement that are required to be performed or complied with by it on or before the Closing.

 

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(c) Approvals, Consents and Waivers. Such Purchaser and all of its Affiliates shall have obtained or made any and all Approvals necessary for the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, each of which shall be in full force and effect as of the Closing, and in each case, in proper form and without imposing or proposing the imposition of any terms or conditions which, individually or in the aggregate, could be reasonably expected to materially impair the ability of such Purchaser to consummate, or prevent or materially delay, the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents.

(d) Closing Certificate . Such Purchaser shall have delivered to the Company a certificate, dated as of the Closing Date, signed by a duly authorized director or officer of such Purchaser, certifying as to the satisfaction of the conditions specified in sub-sections (a), (b) and (c) above.

 

7.

REMEDIES; INDEMNITY

7.1. Survival . The representations and warranties of the Company and each Purchaser contained in this Agreement shall survive the Closing until the earlier of (i) the consummation of a public offering and/or listing of the shares of the Company (an “ IPO ”), or (ii) the end of a period of twelve (12) months after the Closing. The covenants and agreements of the Company and each Purchaser set forth in this Agreement shall survive the Closing until fully discharged in accordance with their terms, except for those covenants and agreements which shall be complied with or discharged prior to the Closing in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

7.2. Indemnification .

(a) Effective at and after the Closing, subject to the other provisions of this Section 7.2(a) and Schedule  C , the Company shall indemnify and hold harmless each Purchaser and its Affiliates (each, a “ Purchaser Indemnitee ”) against any losses, liabilities, damages and expenses, including reasonable advisor’s fees and other reasonable expenses of investigation and defense of any of the foregoing (“ Losses ”), actually suffered by such Purchaser Indemnitee arising out of (i) any misrepresentation or breach of warranty made by the Company in this Agreement; and (ii) any breach or violation of, or failure to perform, any covenants or agreements made by or on behalf of, or to be performed by, the Company in this Agreement; provided that the Company shall not be liable under this Section 7.2(a) to any Purchaser Indemnitee in respect of any Purchaser (i) for any diminution in value of the Purchased Shares, (ii) for any and all Losses arising out of any individual claim (or a series of claims arising from substantially identical facts or circumstances) where the Loss relating thereto is less than US$500,000.00 (the “ De Minimis Claim Threshold ”), or (iii) in respect of each individual claim where the Loss relating thereto is equal to or greater than the De Minimis Claim Threshold, unless the aggregate amount of all Losses by the Purchaser Indemnitees of such Purchaser in respect of claims that exceed the De Minimis Claim Threshold exceeds 5% of the Subscription Price (the “ Applicable Basket ”) of such Purchaser and then only to the extent of such excess; provided further , that the maximum aggregate liability of the Company under this Section 7.2(a) to all Purchaser Indemnitees in respect of a Purchaser shall not exceed an amount equal to 30% of the Subscription Price (the “ Applicable Cap ”) of such Purchaser.

 

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(b) Effective at and after the Closing, subject to the other provisions of this Section 7.2(b) and Schedule  C , each Purchaser shall indemnify and hold harmless the Company and its Affiliates (each, a “ Company Indemnitee ”) against any Losses actually suffered by such Company Indemnitee arising out of (i) any misrepresentation or breach of warranty made by such Purchaser in this Agreement (other than in the case of any breach of Section 4.3, in which case Section 7.5 shall apply); and (ii) any breach or violation of, or failure to perform, any covenants or agreements made by or on behalf of, or to be performed by, such Purchaser in this Agreement; provided that no Purchaser shall be liable under this Section 7.2(b) to any Company Indemnitee (i) for any and all Losses arising out of any individual claim (or a series of claims arising from substantially identical facts or circumstances) where the Loss relating thereto is less than the De Minimis Claim Threshold, or (iii) in respect of each individual claim where the Loss relating thereto is equal to or greater than the De Minimis Claim Threshold, unless the aggregate amount of all Losses by the Company Indemnitees in respect of claims that exceed the De Minimis Claim Threshold exceeds the Applicable Basket of such Purchaser and then only to the extent of such excess; provided further , that the maximum aggregate liability of any Purchaser under this Section 7.2(b) to all Company Indemnitees shall not exceed an amount equal to the Applicable Cap of such Purchaser.

7.3. Procedure . Any Party seeking indemnification under this Section 7 (an “ Indemnified Party ”) shall notify the Party from whom indemnification is being sought (an “ Indemnifying Party ”) in writing of any Action against such Indemnified Party in respect of which any Indemnifying Party is or may be obligated to provide indemnification hereunder promptly after the receipt of notice or knowledge of the commencement thereof. Such notice shall set forth in reasonable detail such claim and the basis for indemnification (taking into account the information then available to the Indemnified Party). The failure to so notify an Indemnifying Party shall relieve the Indemnifying Party of its obligations hereunder to the extent such failure shall have adversely prejudiced such Indemnifying Party.

7.4. Exclusive Remedy . Notwithstanding any other provision contained herein, from and after the Closing, this Section 7 shall be the sole and exclusive remedy of the Parties for any claim arising out of any misrepresentation, breach of warranty, covenant or other agreement (other than those contained in Sections 4.3, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 9.2 and 9.3) or other claim arising out of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, except that no limitation or exceptions with respect to the obligations or liabilities on the Company or any Purchaser provided in the foregoing sub-sections under this Section 7 or Schedule C , shall apply to a Loss incurred by any Company Indemnitee or Purchaser Indemnitee, as applicable, arising due to the fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation of such Purchaser or the Company, as applicable.

 

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7.5. Remedies for Breach of Section  4.3 .

(a) In the event that the Company reasonably believes that there is a breach by any Purchaser of any of its representations and warranties in Section 4.3, the Company may, at its option, provide a written notice to such Purchaser describing the basis for such belief of the Company. Each Purchaser hereby agrees that, upon delivery of such notice and unless such Purchaser has provided proof to the satisfaction of the Company that there is not and has not been any breach by such Purchaser of Section 4.3, the Company has the right to elect to, in its sole and absolute discretion and at any time:

(i) redeem all or a portion of the Purchased Shares of such Purchaser at a redemption price per Ordinary Share equal to the lower of the Fair Market Value per Ordinary Share or US$3.22904 (which represents a 20% discount to the per Ordinary Share Subscription Price under this Agreement), as appropriately adjusted for any share dividends, combinations, reclassifications, splits or other similar events with respect to the Ordinary Shares. For purposes of this Section 7.5(a)(i), “ Fair Market Value ” means (A) upon the Company’s IPO, the average reported closing price of an Ordinary Share on their principal trading market for the three trading days immediately prior to the date of the redemption; or (B) prior to the Company’s IPO, the fair market value on the date of redemption as determined by the board of directors of the Company in good faith;

(ii) refuse to recognize any Transfer of the Purchased Shares or any other shares of the Company owned by such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates in the register of members of the Company without assigning any reason therefor; and/or

(iii) to the extent permitted by applicable Laws, refuse to (A) declare or pay any dividend or other distribution of the Company’s assets or otherwise recognize the economic interests or benefits in respect of the Purchased Shares and any other shares of the Company owned by such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates; and (B) treat such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates owning shares in the Company as a member or shareholder of the Company, recognize the vote by such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates, or count such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates in determining the total number of issued shares at any time, for purposes of the Restated Articles or the Shareholders Agreement or for any other purposes, in each case, in respect of the Purchased Shares and any other shares of the Company owned by such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates.

(b) Notwithstanding Section 7.5(a), in the event that the Company ( x ) reasonably believes that there is any breach by a Purchaser of any of its representations and warranties in Section 4.3 and ( y ) determines that the actions which may be taken pursuant to clauses (i) through (iii) in Section 7.5(a) would not adequately compensate the Company compared to the harm caused by such Purchaser’s breach of Section 4.3, upon written notice by the Company, such Purchaser shall pay to the Company an amount equal to 100% of the Subscription Price of such Purchaser (the “ Liquidated Damages ”). The Parties intend that the Liquidated Damages constitute compensation, and not a penalty. The Parties acknowledge and agree that the Company’s harm caused by a breach of Section 4.3 would be impossible or very difficult to be accurately estimated at the time of the execution and delivery of this Agreement, and that the Liquidated Damages are a reasonable estimate of the anticipated or actual harm that might arise from such breach.

 

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8.

TERMINATION

8.1. Grounds for Termination . This Agreement may be terminated, in respect of any Purchaser, at any time prior to the applicable Closing in respect of such Purchaser:

(a) by mutual written agreement of the Company and such Purchaser; or

(b) by the Company if the Closing shall not have been consummated on or before March 10, 2018.

The Party desiring to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 8.1(a) or 8.1(b) shall give notice of such termination to the other Party.

8.2. Effect of Termination . If this Agreement is terminated in respect of a Purchaser as permitted by Section 8.1, such termination shall be without liability of the Company or the Purchaser with respect to which such termination is effective (or any shareholder, director, officer, employee, agent, consultant or representative of such Party) to the applicable Purchaser or the Company, as applicable; provided that if such termination shall result from the willful (i) failure of a Party to fulfill a condition to the performance of the obligations of the other Party, (ii) failure to perform a covenant of this Agreement or (iii) breach by a Party hereto of any representation or warranty or agreement contained herein, such Party shall be fully liable for any and all Losses incurred or suffered by the other Parties as a result of such failure or breach. The provisions of Sections 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 8.2, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.13 and 9.14 shall survive any termination hereof pursuant to Section 8.1.

 

9.

MISCELLANEOUS

9.1. Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed exclusively in accordance with the Laws of Hong Kong without giving effect to any choice of law rule that would cause the application of the Laws of any jurisdiction other than the Laws of Hong Kong to the rights and duties of the Parties hereunder.

 

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9.2. Agreements Relating to Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation .

(a) Each Purchaser, on behalf of itself and its Affiliates, agrees that:

(i) the Company may, at any time at or prior to the completion of an IPO of the Company, adopt a dual-class share structure such that its share capital will include Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares upon the completion of the IPO (the “ Effective Event ”),

(ii) in connection with such adoption of a dual-class share structure, the Board may determine that:

(A) the shares of the Company that are owned immediately prior to the Effective Event by any Person that is not an Existing Shareholder may, if determined by the Board, be designated as Class A ordinary shares;

(B) any shares of the Company that will be issued and sold in the IPO will be designated as Class A ordinary shares; and

(C) all of the shares of the Company that are owned by any Existing Shareholder or any of its Affiliates (whether as a result of any subscription of new shares by, or any Transfer by another holder of shares to, such Existing Shareholder or its Affiliates, or otherwise) immediately prior to the Effective Event will be designated as Class B ordinary shares;

(iii) each Class A ordinary share will be entitled to one (1) vote and each Class B ordinary share will be entitled to fifteen (15) votes on all matters to be voted upon by or otherwise requiring the consent of the Company’s shareholders;

(iv) Class B ordinary shares will automatically and immediately convert into an equal number of Class A ordinary shares upon the occurrence of any transfer of such Class B ordinary shares by the holder thereof or an Affiliate of such holder to any Person that is not an Affiliate of such holder, or any other event that may be designated by the Company; and

(v) any re-designation or conversion described in this Section 9.2 may be effected by way of a repurchase by the Company of all such shares to be re-designated or converted in exchange for the issuance by the Company to the relevant shareholder(s) in the Company of the relevant number of fully paid new shares in the Company, and each Purchaser, on behalf of itself and its Affiliates, hereby unconditionally and irrevocably agrees that such Purchaser’s execution of this Agreement shall constitute its consent to the repurchase of all of its shares in the Company in connection with the matters described in paragraphs (i) through (v) for the purposes of the Restated Articles of the Company, as may be amended from time to time.

 

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The matters described in paragraphs (i) through (v) above shall be referred to as the “ Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation .”

(b) Each Purchaser, on behalf of itself and its Affiliates, hereby unconditionally and irrevocably:

(i) consents to the Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation, including without limitation for all purposes under the Shareholders Agreement, as may be amended from time to time, and the Restated Articles, as may be amended from time to time;

(ii) waives any veto rights and all similar rights (whether arising at contract or in law or otherwise) in respect of the Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation;

(iii) agrees to vote, or cause to be voted, the Purchased Shares or any other shares in the Company that are owned by such Purchaser or its Affiliates from time to time and at any time after the date of this Agreement (the “ Purchaser Owned Shares ”), at every meeting (or in connection with any action by written consent) of the Company’s shareholders at which such matters are considered and at any adjournment or postponement thereof prior to the Effective Event, (A) in favor of, and (B) against any action, proposal, transaction or agreement that could reasonably be expected to impede, interfere with, delay, discourage, adversely affect or inhibit, the Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation and the adoption of any amendment to the Articles of the Company to reflect the Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation and other changes as necessary or appropriate to facilitate an IPO of the Company;

(iv) agrees to cause any director designated by such Purchaser and/or its Affiliates pursuant to the Shareholders Agreement to vote, at every meeting of the Company’s Board at which such matters are considered and at any adjournment or postponement thereof (or execute and deliver any unanimous written resolution of the Board), (A) in favor of, and (B) against any action, proposal, transaction or agreement that could reasonably be expected to impede, interfere with, delay, discourage, adversely affect or inhibit, the Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation and the adoption of any amendment to the Articles of the Company to reflect the Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation and other changes as necessary or appropriate to facilitate an IPO of the Company; and

(v) agrees to promptly execute, deliver or enter into any other agreement, document, consent, approval or instrument, and take any other actions, which may be reasonably necessary or advisable to effect the Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation and the adoption of any amendment to the Articles of the Company to reflect the Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation and other changes as necessary or appropriate to facilitate an IPO of the Company.

 

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(c) Each Purchaser, on behalf of itself and its Affiliates, irrevocably makes, constitutes and appoints each of the Chairman of Board of Directors and the Chief Executive Officer of the Company from time to time a true and lawful proxy and attorney-in-fact (each, an “ Attorney ”) of such Purchaser and any of its Affiliates owning any Purchaser Owned Shares, with full power and authority, in the name and on behalf of such Purchaser and its Affiliates, (i) to exercise their voting rights with respect to all of the Purchaser Owned Shares in accordance with Subsections (b)(iii) and (b)(v) above in any vote of the Company’s shareholders or proposed action by written consent by the Company’s shareholders, and (ii) to make, execute and deliver all resolutions, consents and other writings and to do such things and to take such actions in each case to the extent the applicable Attorney considers necessary to exercise the voting rights of such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates pursuant to clause (i) above, as fully as could such Purchaser or its Affiliate, as applicable, if personally present and acting. The above proxy and power of attorney is given to secure the performance of the duties of each Purchaser and its Affiliates under Subsections (b)(iii) and (b)(v) above. Each Purchaser shall, and shall procure its Affiliates, take such further action or execute such other instruments as may be necessary to effectuate the intent of this proxy. The power of attorney granted by each Purchaser and its Affiliates herein is a durable power of attorney and shall survive the dissolution, bankruptcy, death or incapacity of such Purchaser and any of its Affiliates. The above proxy and power of attorney from each Purchaser and its Affiliates to the Attorneys is coupled with an interest and is irrevocable and continuously effective during the period from the date hereof until the earlier of (i) the first date on which such Purchaser and its Affiliates no longer own any Purchaser Owned Shares or (ii) the Effective Event.

(d) Each Purchaser further acknowledges and agrees that, prior to the Effective Event, unless otherwise requested or permitted by the Company in writing, (i) such Purchaser shall not, and shall procure that its Affiliates do not, in any way and for any purpose, (A) claim that any or all of the Purchaser Owned Shares, are of a separate class of shares in the Company, individually or collectively with any shares in the Company held by any other Person, from the other Ordinary Shares; or (B) request that the Company acknowledge that the Purchaser Owned Shares are in a separate class of shares or seek its consent as a holder of a separate class of shares in the Company, individually or collectively with any shares in the Company held by any other Person, from the other Ordinary Shares, in relation to any matter to be voted upon or otherwise requiring the consent of any of the Company’s shareholders; and (ii) such Purchaser shall not, and shall procure that its Affiliates do not, in any way and for any purpose vote or attempt to vote any or all of the Purchaser Owned Shares in a separate shareholder class meeting or by way of a written resolution of holder(s) of a separate class of shares, individually or collectively with any shares held by any other Person, from the other Ordinary Shares, in respect of any matter to be voted upon or otherwise requiring the consent of any of the Company’s shareholders.

 

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(e) For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 9.2 does not obligate the Company to implement a dual-class share structure on terms specified in Section 9.2(a). The parties hereby acknowledge and agree that the final terms of any dual-class share structure adopted by the Company shall be as determined by the Board and as approved by the requisite shareholders under applicable Laws and any applicable provisions of the Restated Articles and the Shareholders Agreement, and such terms may be different from those specified in Section 9.2(a).

9.3. Transfer . Without prejudice to any other restriction on Transfer applicable to the Purchaser Owned Shares, each Purchaser shall not, and shall procure its Affiliates do not, directly or indirectly, Transfer any Purchaser Owned Shares unless the transferee of such proposed Transfer (except for any transferee otherwise designated by the Company) duly executes and delivers to the Company an agreement in a form satisfactory to the Company pursuant to which such transferee shall agree to be bound by Sections 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.8 and 9.13 as if it were a Purchaser hereunder. After a Transfer of any Purchaser Owned Shares in accordance with the foregoing sentence, in the event of any amendment to Section 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.8 or 9.13 of this Agreement, such transferee shall be deemed the “Purchaser” in respect of the Purchaser Owned Shares subject to such Transfer in lieu of the Transferring Purchaser for purposes of Section 9.8.

9.4. Successors and Assigns . Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, the provisions hereof shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding upon, the successors, permitted assigns, heirs, executors and administrators of the Parties. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, this Agreement and the rights and obligations herein may not be assigned by any Party without the written consent of the other Parties.

9.5. Entire Agreement . This Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, including the schedules and exhibits hereto and thereto, which are hereby expressly incorporated herein by this reference, constitute the entire understanding and agreement among the Parties with regard to the subjects hereof and thereof.

9.6. Parties in Interest . Except as expressly provided elsewhere in this Agreement, a person who is not a Party to this Agreement shall not have any rights under the Contracts (Right of Third Parties) Ordinance (Chapter 623, Laws of Hong Kong) to enforce any terms of this Agreement. This does not affect any right or remedy of a third party which exists, or is available, apart from the Contracts (Right of Third Parties) Ordinance.

9.7. Notices . Except as may be otherwise provided herein, all notices, requests, waivers and other communications made pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be conclusively deemed to have been duly given (a) when hand delivered to the other Parties, upon delivery; (b) when sent by facsimile at the number set forth in Schedule D , upon receipt of confirmation of error-free transmission; (c) seven Business Days after deposit in the mail as air mail or certified mail, receipt requested, postage prepaid and addressed to the other Parties as set forth in Schedule D ; or (d) three Business Days after deposit with an overnight delivery service, postage prepaid, addressed to the Parties as set forth in Schedule D with next business-day delivery guaranteed, provided that the sending Party receives a confirmation of delivery from the delivery service provider. Each Party making a communication hereunder by facsimile shall promptly confirm by telephone to the Party to whom such communication was addressed each communication made by it by facsimile pursuant hereto but the absence of such confirmation shall not affect the validity of any such communication. A Party may change or supplement the addresses given above, or designate additional addresses, for purposes of this Section 9.7 by giving, the other Parties written notice of the new address in the manner set forth above.

 

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9.8. Amendments . Subject to Section 9.3, any term of this Agreement may be amended (i) as such term applies between the Company and any Purchaser, with the written consents of both the Company and such Purchaser (and without the consent or approval of any other Purchaser), or (ii) with the written consents of the Company and the Purchasers of a majority of the total number of Purchased Shares of all the Purchasers in respect of which this Agreement has not been terminated pursuant to Section 8.1(a) or 8.1(b); provided, however , that the number of Purchased Shares and the Subscription Price in respect of a Purchaser may not be amended without the consent of such Purchaser; provided further , that one or more Purchasers may become Parties to this Agreement after the date of this Agreement in accordance with Section 2.1 without any consent or approval of any other Purchaser. Any amendment effected in accordance with clause (ii) of the foregoing sentence shall be binding upon the Company and all the Purchasers (and to the extent provided for in Section 9.3, any and all permitted transferees of the Purchaser Owned Shares as if it were a Purchaser hereunder).

9.9. Delays or Omissions; Waivers . No delay or omission to exercise any right, power or remedy accruing to any Party, upon any breach or default of any Party under this Agreement, shall impair any such right, power or remedy of such Party nor shall it be construed to be a waiver of any such breach or default, or an acquiescence therein, or of any similar breach of default thereafter occurring; nor shall any waiver of any other breach or default theretofore or thereafter occurring. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, any Party may waive any of its rights under this Agreement without obtaining the consent of any other Party. Any waiver by any Party of any condition or breach of default under this Agreement must be in writing and shall be effective only to the extent specifically set forth in such writing. All remedies, either under this Agreement or by Laws or otherwise afforded to any Party shall be cumulative and not alternative.

9.10. Interpretation; Titles and Subtitles . This Agreement shall be construed according to its fair language. The rule of construction to the effect that ambiguities are to be resolved against the drafting Party shall not be employed in interpreting this Agreement. The titles of the sections and subsections of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and are not to be considered in construing this Agreement. Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, all references to sections and schedules herein are to sections and schedules of this Agreement. Unless a provision hereof expressly provides otherwise: (i) the term “or” is not exclusive; (ii) the terms “herein”, “hereof”, and other similar words refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular section, subsection, paragraph, clause, or other subdivision; (iii) the masculine, feminine, and neuter genders will each be deemed to include the others; and (iv) whenever the words “include”, “includes” or “including” are used in this Agreement, they shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation.”

 

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9.11. Counterparts; Effectiveness . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one instrument. This Agreement shall become effective (i) with respect to each Party that becomes party to this Agreement as of the date of this Agreement, upon such Party’s due execution and delivery of this Agreement and (ii) with respect to each Purchaser who shall become a Party after the date of this Agreement in accordance with the last sentence of Section 2.1, such Purchaser’s due execution and delivery to the Company of a counterpart signature page to this Agreement.

9.12. Severability . If any provision of this Agreement is found to be invalid or unenforceable, then such provision shall be construed, to the extent feasible, so as to render the provision enforceable and to provide for the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby on substantially the same terms as originally set forth herein, and if no feasible interpretation would save such provision, it shall be severed from the remainder of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect unless the severed provision is essential to the rights or benefits intended by the Parties. In such event, the Parties shall use best efforts to negotiate, in good faith, a substitute, valid and enforceable provision or agreement which most nearly affects the Parties’ intent in entering into this Agreement.

9.13. Dispute Resolution . Any dispute, controversy or claim (each, a “ Dispute ”) arising out of or relating to this Agreement, or the interpretation, breach, termination, validity or invalidity thereof, shall be referred to arbitration upon the demand of either party to the dispute with notice (the “ Arbitration Notice ”) to the other. The Dispute shall be settled by arbitration in Hong Kong by the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (the “ HKIAC ”) in accordance with the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre Administered Arbitration Rules (the “ HKIAC Rules ”) in force at the time when the Arbitration Notice is submitted. The seat of arbitration shall be Hong Kong. There shall be three (3) arbitrators. The complainant and the respondent to such dispute shall each select one arbitrator within thirty (30) days after giving or receiving the demand for arbitration (the “ Selection Period ”). Such arbitrators shall be freely selected, and the parties shall not be limited in their selection to any prescribed list. The chairman of the HKIAC shall select the third arbitrator. If either party to the arbitration fails to appoint an arbitrator with the Selection Period, the relevant appointment shall be made by the chairman of the HKIAC. The arbitral proceedings shall be conducted in English. To the extent that the HKIAC Rules are in conflict with the provisions of this Section 9.13, including the provisions concerning the appointment of the arbitrators, this Section 9.13 shall prevail. Each party to the arbitration shall cooperate with each other party to the arbitration in making full disclosure of and providing complete access to all information and documents requested by such other party in connection with such arbitral proceedings, subject only to any confidentiality obligations binding on such party. The award of the arbitral tribunal shall be final and binding upon the parties thereto, and the prevailing party may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for enforcement of such award. Any party to the Dispute shall be entitled to seek preliminary injunctive relief, if possible, from any court of competent jurisdiction pending the constitution of the arbitral tribunal. During the course of the arbitral tribunal’s adjudication of the Dispute, this Agreement shall continue to be performed except with respect to the part in dispute and under adjudication.

9.14. Expenses . Each Party shall bear its own costs and expenses in connection with the negotiation, execution and delivery of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents.

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered as a deed as of the date first above written.

 

EXECUTED and DELIVERED

as a deed by and in the name of

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

( 腾讯音乐娱乐集团 )

by its duly authorised attorney

in the presence of :

 

    

)

)

)

)

)

   LOGO  

 

/s/ Zou Wenting

   

/s/ Cussion Pang

 
Signature of Witness     Signature of authorised attorney  
Name of Witness: Zou Wenting      
Address:      

17F, Malata building, No.9998 Shennan road

Nanshan district, Shenzhen, 518057, China

[ Signature Page to Share Subscription Agreement ]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered as a deed as of the date first above written.

 

EXECUTED, SEALED and DELIVERED

as a deed by and in the name of

MIN RIVER INVESTMENT LIMITED

by its duly authorised attorney

in the presence of :

 

    

)

)

)

)

   LOGO  

 

/s/ Yan Qian Wen

   

/s/ Ma Huateng

 
Signature of Witness     Signature of authorised attorney  
Name of Witness: Yan Qian Wen      
Address:      

38/F, Tencent Building, Kejizhongyi Avenue, Hi-tech Park

Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518057, China

[ Signature Page to Share Subscription Agreement ]


SCHEDULE A

Schedule of Purchasers

 

Name of Purchaser as of the Date of the Agreement

   Number of
Purchased Shares
     Subscription
Price
 

Min River Investment Limited

     1,551,710        US$6,263,167.07  

[REDACTED]

     

 

Total Number of Purchased Shares

  

Total Subscription Price

2,473,763

   US$9,984,849.60

Exhibit 10.20

EXECUTION VERSION

CONFIDENTIAL

SHARE SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT

Dated March 7, 2018

by and between

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

( 腾讯音乐娱乐集团 )

and

THE PURCHASERS HEREUNDER


SHARE SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT

THIS SHARE SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is made and entered into on March 7, 2018 by and between:

(a) Tencent Music Entertainment Group ( 腾讯音乐娱乐集团 ), an exempted company incorporated under the Laws of the Cayman Islands (the “ Company ”); and

(b) each of the investors listed on Schedule A attached hereto and any other investor who shall become Parties to this Agreement after the date hereof in accordance with Section 2.1 (each, a “ Purchaser ” and collectively, the “ Purchasers ”).

RECITALS

 

A.

The Company desires to issue and sell to each Purchaser, and each Purchaser desires to subscribe for and purchase from the Company, a certain number of the ordinary shares, par value US$0.000083 per share, of the Company (the “ Ordinary Shares ”), on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement; and

 

B.

The Parties desire to enter into this Agreement and make the respective representations, warranties, covenants and agreements set forth herein on the terms and conditions set forth herein.

AGREEMENT

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing recitals, the mutual promises hereinafter set forth, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

 

1.

DEFINITIONS

In this Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires, the following words and expressions have the meanings as follows:

Action ” means any litigation or arbitration proceeding.

Affiliate ” means, (i) with respect to a Person that is a natural person, such Person’s relatives and any other Person (other than natural persons) directly or indirectly Controlled by such Person, and (ii) with respect to a Person that is not a natural person, a Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls, or is Controlled by, or is under common Control with, such Person. For the purposes of this definition, “relative” of a Person means such Person’s spouse, parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, sibling, uncle, aunt, nephew, niece or great-grandparent or the spouse of such Person’s child, grandchild, sibling, uncle, aunt, nephew or niece.


Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Applicable Basket ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.2(a).

Applicable Cap ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.2(a).

Approval ” means any approval, consent, waiver, license or permit required to be obtained from, or any registration or qualification required to be filed with or delivered to, any Governmental Authority or any other Person.

Arbitration Notice ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.13.

Attorney ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.2(c).

Bankruptcy and Equity Exception ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3.

Board ” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

Business Day ” means a day (other than a Saturday or a Sunday) that the banks in New York, Hong Kong, the PRC, and the Cayman Islands are generally open for business.

Closing ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2.

Closing Date ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2.

Company ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Company Indemnitee ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.2(b).

Control ” means the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct, or cause the direction of, the management and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

De Minimis Claim Threshold ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.2(a).

Dispute ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.13.

Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.2(a).

Effective Event ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.2(a)(i).

ESOP ” means collectively, the 2014 Share Incentive Plan, the 2017 Share Option Plan and the 2017 Restricted Share Award Scheme of the Company.

Existing Shareholder ” means any Person that is a holder of Ordinary Shares as of December 8, 2017.

 

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Fair Market Value ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.5(a)(i).

Governmental Authorities ” means any nation, government, province, state, or any entity, authority or body exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of or pertaining to government, including any government authority, agency, department, board, commission or instrumentality of any government or any political subdivision thereof, court, tribunal, arbitrator, the governing body of any securities exchange, and self-regulatory organization, in each case having competent jurisdiction (with each of such Governmental Authorities being referred to as a “ Governmental Authority ”).

HKIAC ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.13.

HKIAC Rules ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.13.

Hong Kong ” means the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China.

Indemnified Party ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.3.

Indemnifying Party ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.3.

IPO ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1.

Knowledge of the Company ” means the actual knowledge of the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer and the General Counsel of the Company as of the date of this Agreement.

Law ” means any law, rule, constitution, code, ordinance, statute, treaty, decree, regulation, common law, order, official policy, circular, provision, administrative order, interpretation, injunction, judgment, ruling, assessment, writ or other legislative measure, in each case of any Governmental Authority.

Lien ” means, with respect to any property or asset, any mortgage, charge, lien, pledge, charge, security interest or encumbrance in respect of such property or asset.

Liquidated Damages ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.5(b).

Losses ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.2(a).

Order ” means any injunction, judgment, order, decree, stipulation or determination by or with any Governmental Authority.

Ordinary Shares ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

Parties ” means the named parties to this Agreement and their respective successors and permitted assigns (with each of such Parties being referred to as a “ Party ”).

 

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Person ” means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited partnership, proprietorship, association, limited liability company, firm, trust, estate or other enterprise, entity or legal person.

PRC ” means the People’s Republic of China and for purposes of this Agreement, excludes Hong Kong, Macao Special Administrative Region and Taiwan.

Purchased Shares ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1.

Purchaser ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Purchasers ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Purchaser Indemnitee ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.2(a).

Purchaser Representatives ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.3(a).

Purchaser Owned Shares ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.2(b)(iii).

Restated Articles ” means the Fourth Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company adopted on or around January 8, 2018.

Right of Participation ” has the meaning ascribed to it in the Shareholders Agreement and the Restated Articles.

Securities Act ” means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Selection Period ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.13.

Shareholder ” has the meaning ascribed to it in the Shareholders Agreement.

Shareholders Agreement ” means the Third Amended and Restated Shareholders Agreement of the Company entered into on or around January 8, 2018 by and among the Company and other parties named therein.

Subscription Price ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1.

Subsidiary ” means companies whose financial results are consolidated with those of the Company in accordance with the generally accepted accounting principles in the United States.

Taxes ” means (i) in the PRC: (a) any national, provincial, municipal or local taxes, charges, fees, levies or other assessments, (b) all interest, penalties or additional amounts imposed by any Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over the assessment, determination, collection or other imposition of any items described in clause (a) above in connection therewith, and (ii) in any jurisdiction other than the PRC: all similar liabilities as described in clause (i) above.

 

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Tencent ” means Min River Investment Limited.

Transaction Documents ” means this Agreement, the Shareholders Agreement, the Restated Articles, and any other agreement, document or instrument executed and delivered in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

Transfer ” means (i) when used as a verb, to sell, assign, dispose of, exchange, pledge, encumber, hypothecate or otherwise transfer any Ordinary Shares or other securities of the Company or any participation or interest therein, whether directly or indirectly (including pursuant to a derivative transaction or a transfer or new issuance of ownership interests in a direct or indirect holder of such Ordinary Shares or other securities of the Company), or agree or commit to do any of the foregoing and (ii) when used as a noun, a direct or indirect sale, assignment, disposition, exchange, pledge, encumbrance, hypothecation, or other transfer of such Ordinary Shares or other securities of the Company or any participation or interest therein or any agreement or commitment to do any of the foregoing.

US$ ” means United States Dollars, the lawful currency of the U.S.

 

2.

PURCHASE AND SALE

2.1. Purchase and Sale of Ordinary Shares . Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Company hereby agrees to issue and sell to each Purchaser, and each Purchaser agrees to subscribe for and purchase from the Company, at the Closing with respect to such Purchaser, that number of Ordinary Shares set forth opposite such Purchaser’s name on Schedule A attached hereto (the “ Purchased Shares ”) at a purchase price of US$4.0363 per Ordinary Share. The aggregate subscription price for the Purchased Shares of each Purchaser (the “ Subscription Price ”) is set forth opposite such Purchaser’s name on Schedule A and shall be paid in cash as provided in Section 2.3(a). Schedule A shall be updated from time to time as any Shareholder of the Company validly exercises its Right of Participation in connection with the issuance of the Purchased Shares under this Agreement and as any Purchaser validly exercises its right to oversubscription in connection with such issuance, if applicable.

2.2. Closing . The closing of the purchase and sale of the Purchased Shares contemplated under Section 2.1 (the “ Closing ”) with respect to each Purchaser shall take place remotely via the exchange of documents and signatures on the next Business Day after satisfaction or waiver (to the extent permissible by the Party entitled to such conditions) of the conditions set forth in Section 6 (other than those conditions to be satisfied at the Closing, but subject to the satisfaction or waiver thereof at the Closing) with respect to such Purchaser, or at such other time or place as the Company and such Purchaser may agree in writing (with respect to each Purchaser, the date on which the Closing occurs, the “ Closing Date ”). For the avoidance of doubt, the Company shall have the discretion to consummate a Closing with one or more Purchasers, and the Closings of the transactions with different Purchasers are not conditional upon each other.

 

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2.3. Deliveries .

(a) At the Closing in respect of a Purchaser, such Purchaser shall pay the Subscription Price by wire transfer of immediately available funds in U.S. dollars to the Company’s bank account set forth in Schedule E hereto.

(b) At the Closing in respect of a Purchaser, the Company shall, against payment of the Subscription Price by such Purchaser, update the register of members to reflect the issuance to such Purchaser of its Purchased Shares and shall provide a copy of an extract of the relevant portion of the updated register of members reflecting such issuance to such Purchaser of its Purchased Shares. As soon as reasonably practicable after the Closing, the Company will deliver to such Purchaser a copy of the share certificate issued in the name of such Purchaser representing its Purchased Shares, if requested by such Purchaser.

 

3.

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY

The Company hereby represents and warrants to each Purchaser that as of the date of this Agreement and as of the applicable Closing Date in respect of such Purchaser:

3.1. Organization, Standing and Qualification .

(a) The Company is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing (to the extent such concept is recognized) under the Laws of its jurisdiction of organization and has all requisite corporate power and authority to own its properties and assets and to carry on its business as presently conducted in all material respects.

(b) The Company has not filed (or has had filed against it) any petition for its liquidation, dissolution, bankruptcy or winding-up, or is insolvent under the Laws of its jurisdiction of organization.

3.2. Capitalization . The summary table of the issued and outstanding share capital (which does not include the identification of each individual shareholder or recipient of an award under the ESOP or the identification of each shareholder holding less than 2% of the total number of the issued and outstanding Ordinary Shares) of the Company as of January 8, 2018 is set forth in Schedule B to this Agreement.

 

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3.3. Due Authorization . As of the date of this Agreement, all corporate actions on the part of the Company necessary for (i) the authorization, execution and delivery of, and the performance of all of its obligations under, this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents and (ii) the authorization, issuance and delivery of the Purchased Shares of such Purchaser have been taken. The Company has the requisite corporate power, capacity and authority to enter into, execute and deliver this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents and to perform all the obligations to be performed by it hereunder and thereunder. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Company. Assuming due authorization, execution and delivery of the other parties hereto and thereto, this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, when executed and delivered by the Company, will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, subject, as to enforcement of remedies, to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, reorganization and similar Laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and to general equitable principles (the “ Bankruptcy and Equity Exception ”).

3.4. Consents and Approvals . Assuming the accuracy of the representations made by each Purchaser in Section 4, except as expressly provided in this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, no Approval is required to be obtained or made by or with respect to the Company in connection with the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents by the Company, or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby by the Company, except for any such Approvals as to which the failure to obtain or make would not materially impair the Company’s ability to perform its obligations hereunder or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.

3.5. Valid Issuance . The Purchased Shares of such Purchaser, when issued, sold and delivered in accordance with the terms of this Agreement for the consideration expressed herein, will be duly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable, free from any Liens (except for any restrictions on transfer under applicable Laws and under the Transaction Documents and any Liens created or imposed by such Purchaser).

3.6. No Violation . Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents nor the full performance of its obligations by the Company hereunder or thereunder will (a) violate any applicable Law to which the Company is subject, or (b) violate the Restated Articles of the Company, in each case, except as would not materially impair the Company’s ability to perform its obligations hereunder or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.

3.7. Litigation . There is no Action pending against the Company, and the Company is not a party or subject to the provisions of any Order, which in any manner challenges or seeks to prevent, enjoin, alter or delay the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

3.8. Finders’ Fees. There is no investment banker, broker, finder or other intermediary that has been retained by or is authorized to act on behalf of any the Company or its Affiliates who might be entitled to any fee or commission payable by such Purchaser in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

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4.

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF EACH PURCHASER

Each Purchaser hereby represents and warrants to the Company, in respect of itself, as of the date of this Agreement and as of the applicable Closing Date in respect of such Purchaser:

4.1. Organization; Standing and Qualification.

(a) Such Purchaser is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing (to the extent such concept is recognized) under the Laws of its jurisdiction of organization and has all requisite corporate power and authority to carry on its business as presently conducted in all material respects.

(b) Such Purchaser has not filed (or has had filed against it) any petition for its liquidation, dissolution, bankruptcy or winding-up, or is insolvent under the Laws of its jurisdiction of organization.

4.2. Due Authorization . Such Purchaser has all requisite power, authority and capacity to enter into this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents and to perform its obligations hereunder and thereunder. The execution, delivery and performance by such Purchaser of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of such Purchaser. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by such Purchaser. Assuming due authorization, execution and delivery of the other parties hereto and thereto, this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, when executed and delivered by such Purchaser, will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of such Purchaser, enforceable against such Purchaser in accordance with its terms and subject, as to enforcement of remedies, to the Bankruptcy and Equity Exception.

4.3. Purchase for Own Account . The Purchased Shares of such Purchaser are being acquired for investment for such Purchaser’s own account, not as a nominee or agent of any Person other than such Purchaser, and not with a view to, or for sale in connection with, any distribution of any part thereof, and that such Purchaser has no present intention of selling, granting any participation in or otherwise distributing the same to any Person. Such Purchaser does not presently have any contract, undertaking, agreement or arrangement with any Person to sell, transfer or grant participations to such Person or to any third Person, with respect to any of its Purchased Shares.

4.4. Exempt from Registration; Restricted Securities . Such Purchaser understands that its Purchased Shares will not be registered under the Securities Act or registered or listed publicly pursuant to any other applicable securities Laws, on the ground that the sale provided for in this Agreement is exempt from registration under the Securities Act or the registration or listing requirements of any other applicable securities Laws. Such Purchaser understands that its Purchased Shares are restricted securities within the meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act and that its Purchased Shares are not registered or listed publicly and must be held indefinitely unless they are subsequently registered or listed publicly or an exemption from such registration or listing is available.

 

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4.5. Status of Purchaser . Such Purchaser is (a) an accredited investor as defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act and/or (b) is not a “U.S. person” within the meaning of Regulation S under the Securities Act and is acquiring its Purchased Shares in an offshore transaction under Rule 903 of Regulation S under the Securities Act. Such Purchaser (i) has sufficient knowledge and experience in financial and business matters to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks involved in purchasing its Purchased Shares and (ii) is capable of bearing the economic risk of its investment. Such Purchaser has undertaken such investigation and has been provided with and has evaluated such documents and information as it has deemed necessary or appropriate for making an informed and intelligent decision with respect to the purchase of the Purchased Shares and the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents.

4.6. Consents and Approvals . Except for any Approval that has been obtained or made by such Purchaser and provided to the Company as of the date of this Agreement, no Approval is required to be obtained or made by or with respect to such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates in connection with the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents by such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates that is a party to any Transaction Document, or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby by such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates.

4.7. No Violation . Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement or any of the other Transaction Documents nor the full performance of its obligations by such Purchaser hereunder or thereunder will (a) violate any applicable Law to which such Purchaser is subject, or (b) violate any constitutive documents of such Purchaser, in each case, except as would not materially affect such Purchaser’s ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents and consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.

4.8. Litigation . There is no Action pending or, to the knowledge of such Purchaser, threatened against or affecting such Purchaser before any court or arbitrator or any Governmental Authority, and such Purchaser is not a party or subject to the provisions of any Order, which in any manner challenges or seeks to prevent, enjoin, alter or delay the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

4.9. Financing . Such Purchaser has sufficient cash, available lines of credit or other sources of immediately available funds to enable it to make payment of the Subscription Price and any other amounts to be paid by it under this Agreement.

4.10. Finders’ Fees. There is no investment banker, broker, finder or other intermediary that has been retained by or is authorized to act on behalf of such Purchaser, any of its Affiliates or their respective directors, officers, employees or equity holders and might be entitled to any fee or commission payable by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

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4.11. No Other Representations . Such Purchaser acknowledges that, except for the representations and warranties of the Company contained in Section 3, the Company is not making and has not made, and no other Person is making or has made on behalf of the Company, any express or implied representation or warranty in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, and any such other representations and warranties are expressly disclaimed.

 

5.

COVENANTS

5.1. Further Assurances . Each Party shall from time to time and at all times hereafter uses reasonable best efforts to make, do, execute, or cause or procure to be made, done and executed such further acts, deeds, conveyances, consents and assurances without further consideration, which may reasonably be required or advisable to effect the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents.

5.2. Approvals, Consents and Waivers. Without limiting the generality of Section 5.1, prior to the Closing, each Purchaser shall, and shall cause all of its Affiliates to, take all actions necessary to obtain or make all Approvals, if any, of Governmental Authorities and other Persons which are to be obtained or made by such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates and are necessary in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents. In the event that the Company waives the condition set forth in Section 6.3(c) at the Closing, each Purchaser shall, and shall ensure that all of its Affiliates, within one (1) month or such other time period after the Closing as may be reasonably required by the Company, obtain or make any and all Approvals necessary for the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents which have not been obtained or made as of the Closing.

 

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5.3. Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure .

(a) Prior to the Closing Date or after any termination of this Agreement, each Purchaser shall hold, and shall cause its Affiliates and the respective officers, directors, employees, accountants, counsel, consultants, advisors and agents of such Purchaser and its Affiliates (collectively, the “ Purchaser Representatives ”) to hold, in confidence, unless compelled to disclose by judicial or administrative process or by other requirements of any applicable Laws (including, without limitation, pursuant to securities laws or regulations and applicable securities exchange rules) or requested by any Governmental Authority having competent jurisdiction, all documents and information concerning the Company or any Subsidiary furnished to such Purchaser or its Purchaser Representatives in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, including the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the other Transaction Documents and all exhibits and schedules attached to such agreements, including their existence, and the identity of each party thereto, except to the extent that such information can be shown to have been (i) previously known on a non-confidential basis by such Purchaser, (ii) in the public domain through no fault of such Purchaser or (iii) later lawfully acquired by such Purchaser from sources other than the Company; provided that a Purchaser may disclose such information to its Purchaser Representatives who need to know such information for the purpose of evaluating, negotiating or consummating the transactions contemplated by this Agreement so long as such Purchaser Representatives are informed by such Purchaser of the confidential nature of such information and are directed by such Purchaser to treat such information confidentially. Each Purchaser shall be responsible for any failure to treat such information confidentially by its Purchaser Representatives. If this Agreement is terminated in respect of any Purchaser, such Purchaser will, and will cause its Purchaser Representatives to, destroy or deliver to the Company, upon request, all documents and other materials, and all copies thereof, obtained by such Purchaser or its Purchaser Representatives or on their behalf from the Company or any Subsidiary in connection with this Agreement that are subject to such confidence.

(b) The provisions of this Section 5.3 shall be in addition to, and not in substitution for, the provisions of any separate nondisclosure agreement executed by any of the Parties with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby.

5.4. No Use of Company Name . Without the prior written consent of the Company, none of the Purchasers or the Purchaser Representatives (other than Tencent or any Affiliate of Tencent that is a Purchaser and their respective Purchaser Representatives) shall be entitled to use, publish or reproduce the name, trademarks, trade names, domain names, service marks, business names, or logos of the Company or its Affiliates, including without limitation “Tencent”, “ 腾讯 ”, “Tencent Music”, “ 腾讯音乐 ”, “QQ Music”, “Kugou”, “Kuwo”, or any similar name, trademark or logo in any discussion, documents or materials, including without limitation for marketing or other purposes.

5.5. IPO . Each Purchaser hereby agrees that, after the Closing, it shall, and shall cause its Affiliates to, take any and all reasonable actions to facilitate an IPO of the Company as may be requested by the Company and/or the lead underwriter(s) of an IPO, including without limitation, cooperating in due diligence in connection therewith. The obligations of each Purchaser and its Affiliates under this Section 5.5 shall be additional to, and not in substitution for, any other obligations of such Purchaser or its Affiliates under the Transaction Documents in relation to an IPO.

5.6. Joinder to Shareholders Agreement . In the event that a Purchaser or any of its Affiliates that is an Existing Shareholder is not a party to the Shareholders Agreement prior to the execution and delivery of this Agreement, (a) such Purchaser, on behalf of itself and any such Affiliate, hereby agrees to be bound by the Shareholders Agreement as a Shareholder thereunder, subject to all of the restrictions, conditions and obligations, and entitled to all the rights and privileges, applicable to a Shareholder thereunder; and (b) upon request by the Company, such Purchaser shall, and shall procure such Affiliate of such Purchaser, promptly deliver a joinder to the Shareholders Agreement in the form attached as Exhibit A thereto duly executed by such Purchaser or Affiliate, as applicable.

 

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6.

CONDITIONS TO CLOSING

6.1. Conditions to Obligations of Purchasers and Company . The obligations of each Purchaser and the Company to consummate the Closing are subject to the satisfaction or waiver, at or prior to the Closing, of the following condition:

(a) No Injunctions or Legal Prohibitions . No provision of applicable Laws, and no Order, shall prohibit the consummation of the Closing.

6.2. Conditions to Obligations of Purchasers . The obligations of each Purchaser under this Agreement to consummate the Closing are subject to the satisfaction or waiver by such Purchaser, at or prior to the Closing, of each of the following conditions:

(a) Representations and Warranties True and Correct . The representations and warranties of the Company set forth in Section 3 shall be true and correct at and as of the Closing, with only exceptions as would not in the aggregate materially impair the Company’s ability to perform its obligations hereunder or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.

(b) Performance . The Company shall have performed and complied in all material respects with all covenants, agreements, obligations and conditions contained in this Agreement that are required to be performed or complied with by it on or before the Closing.

6.3. Conditions to Obligations of Company . The obligations of the Company under this Agreement to consummate the Closing in respect of each Purchaser are subject to the satisfaction or waiver by the Company, at or prior to the Closing, of each of the following conditions:

(a) Representations and Warranties True and Correct . The representations and warranties of such Purchaser set forth in Section 4 shall be true and correct in all material respects at and as of the Closing.

(b) Performance . Such Purchaser shall have performed and complied in all material respects with all covenants, agreements, obligations and conditions contained in this Agreement that are required to be performed or complied with by it on or before the Closing.

 

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(c) Approvals, Consents and Waivers. Such Purchaser and all of its Affiliates shall have obtained or made any and all Approvals necessary for the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, each of which shall be in full force and effect as of the Closing, and in each case, in proper form and without imposing or proposing the imposition of any terms or conditions which, individually or in the aggregate, could be reasonably expected to materially impair the ability of such Purchaser to consummate, or prevent or materially delay, the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents.

(d) Closing Certificate . Such Purchaser shall have delivered to the Company a certificate, dated as of the Closing Date, signed by a duly authorized director or officer of such Purchaser, certifying as to the satisfaction of the conditions specified in sub-sections (a), (b) and (c) above.

 

7.

REMEDIES; INDEMNITY

7.1. Survival . The representations and warranties of the Company and each Purchaser contained in this Agreement shall survive the Closing until the earlier of (i) the consummation of a public offering and/or listing of the shares of the Company (an “ IPO ”), or (ii) the end of a period of twelve (12) months after the Closing. The covenants and agreements of the Company and each Purchaser set forth in this Agreement shall survive the Closing until fully discharged in accordance with their terms, except for those covenants and agreements which shall be complied with or discharged prior to the Closing in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

7.2. Indemnification .

(a) Effective at and after the Closing, subject to the other provisions of this Section 7.2(a) and Schedule  C , the Company shall indemnify and hold harmless each Purchaser and its Affiliates (each, a “ Purchaser Indemnitee ”) against any losses, liabilities, damages and expenses, including reasonable advisor’s fees and other reasonable expenses of investigation and defense of any of the foregoing (“ Losses ”), actually suffered by such Purchaser Indemnitee arising out of (i) any misrepresentation or breach of warranty made by the Company in this Agreement; and (ii) any breach or violation of, or failure to perform, any covenants or agreements made by or on behalf of, or to be performed by, the Company in this Agreement; provided that the Company shall not be liable under this Section 7.2(a) to any Purchaser Indemnitee in respect of any Purchaser (i) for any diminution in value of the Purchased Shares, (ii) for any and all Losses arising out of any individual claim (or a series of claims arising from substantially identical facts or circumstances) where the Loss relating thereto is less than US$500,000.00 (the “ De Minimis Claim Threshold ”), or (iii) in respect of each individual claim where the Loss relating thereto is equal to or greater than the De Minimis Claim Threshold, unless the aggregate amount of all Losses by the Purchaser Indemnitees of such Purchaser in respect of claims that exceed the De Minimis Claim Threshold exceeds 5% of the Subscription Price (the “ Applicable Basket ”) of such Purchaser and then only to the extent of such excess; provided further , that the maximum aggregate liability of the Company under this Section 7.2(a) to all Purchaser Indemnitees in respect of a Purchaser shall not exceed an amount equal to 30% of the Subscription Price (the “ Applicable Cap ”) of such Purchaser.

 

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(b) Effective at and after the Closing, subject to the other provisions of this Section 7.2(b) and Schedule  C , each Purchaser shall indemnify and hold harmless the Company and its Affiliates (each, a “ Company Indemnitee ”) against any Losses actually suffered by such Company Indemnitee arising out of (i) any misrepresentation or breach of warranty made by such Purchaser in this Agreement (other than in the case of any breach of Section 4.3, in which case Section 7.5 shall apply); and (ii) any breach or violation of, or failure to perform, any covenants or agreements made by or on behalf of, or to be performed by, such Purchaser in this Agreement; provided that no Purchaser shall be liable under this Section 7.2(b) to any Company Indemnitee (i) for any and all Losses arising out of any individual claim (or a series of claims arising from substantially identical facts or circumstances) where the Loss relating thereto is less than the De Minimis Claim Threshold, or (iii) in respect of each individual claim where the Loss relating thereto is equal to or greater than the De Minimis Claim Threshold, unless the aggregate amount of all Losses by the Company Indemnitees in respect of claims that exceed the De Minimis Claim Threshold exceeds the Applicable Basket of such Purchaser and then only to the extent of such excess; provided further , that the maximum aggregate liability of any Purchaser under this Section 7.2(b) to all Company Indemnitees shall not exceed an amount equal to the Applicable Cap of such Purchaser.

7.3. Procedure . Any Party seeking indemnification under this Section 7 (an “ Indemnified Party ”) shall notify the Party from whom indemnification is being sought (an “ Indemnifying Party ”) in writing of any Action against such Indemnified Party in respect of which any Indemnifying Party is or may be obligated to provide indemnification hereunder promptly after the receipt of notice or knowledge of the commencement thereof. Such notice shall set forth in reasonable detail such claim and the basis for indemnification (taking into account the information then available to the Indemnified Party). The failure to so notify an Indemnifying Party shall relieve the Indemnifying Party of its obligations hereunder to the extent such failure shall have adversely prejudiced such Indemnifying Party.

7.4. Exclusive Remedy . Notwithstanding any other provision contained herein, from and after the Closing, this Section 7 shall be the sole and exclusive remedy of the Parties for any claim arising out of any misrepresentation, breach of warranty, covenant or other agreement (other than those contained in Sections 4.3, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 9.2 and 9.3) or other claim arising out of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, except that no limitation or exceptions with respect to the obligations or liabilities on the Company or any Purchaser provided in the foregoing sub-sections under this Section 7 or Schedule C , shall apply to a Loss incurred by any Company Indemnitee or Purchaser Indemnitee, as applicable, arising due to the fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation of such Purchaser or the Company, as applicable.

 

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7.5. Remedies for Breach of Section  4.3 .

(a) In the event that the Company reasonably believes that there is a breach by any Purchaser of any of its representations and warranties in Section 4.3, the Company may, at its option, provide a written notice to such Purchaser describing the basis for such belief of the Company. Each Purchaser hereby agrees that, upon delivery of such notice and unless such Purchaser has provided proof to the satisfaction of the Company that there is not and has not been any breach by such Purchaser of Section 4.3, the Company has the right to elect to, in its sole and absolute discretion and at any time:

(i) redeem all or a portion of the Purchased Shares of such Purchaser at a redemption price per Ordinary Share equal to the lower of the Fair Market Value per Ordinary Share or US$3.22904 (which represents a 20% discount to the per Ordinary Share Subscription Price under this Agreement), as appropriately adjusted for any share dividends, combinations, reclassifications, splits or other similar events with respect to the Ordinary Shares. For purposes of this Section 7.5(a)(i), “ Fair Market Value ” means (A) upon the Company’s IPO, the average reported closing price of an Ordinary Share on their principal trading market for the three trading days immediately prior to the date of the redemption; or (B) prior to the Company’s IPO, the fair market value on the date of redemption as determined by the board of directors of the Company in good faith;

(ii) refuse to recognize any Transfer of the Purchased Shares or any other shares of the Company owned by such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates in the register of members of the Company without assigning any reason therefor; and/or

(iii) to the extent permitted by applicable Laws, refuse to (A) declare or pay any dividend or other distribution of the Company’s assets or otherwise recognize the economic interests or benefits in respect of the Purchased Shares and any other shares of the Company owned by such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates; and (B) treat such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates owning shares in the Company as a member or shareholder of the Company, recognize the vote by such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates, or count such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates in determining the total number of issued shares at any time, for purposes of the Restated Articles or the Shareholders Agreement or for any other purposes, in each case, in respect of the Purchased Shares and any other shares of the Company owned by such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates.

(b) Notwithstanding Section 7.5(a), in the event that the Company ( x ) reasonably believes that there is any breach by a Purchaser of any of its representations and warranties in Section 4.3 and ( y ) determines that the actions which may be taken pursuant to clauses (i) through (iii) in Section 7.5(a) would not adequately compensate the Company compared to the harm caused by such Purchaser’s breach of Section 4.3, upon written notice by the Company, such Purchaser shall pay to the Company an amount equal to 100% of the Subscription Price of such Purchaser (the “ Liquidated Damages ”). The Parties intend that the Liquidated Damages constitute compensation, and not a penalty. The Parties acknowledge and agree that the Company’s harm caused by a breach of Section 4.3 would be impossible or very difficult to be accurately estimated at the time of the execution and delivery of this Agreement, and that the Liquidated Damages are a reasonable estimate of the anticipated or actual harm that might arise from such breach.

 

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8.

TERMINATION

8.1. Grounds for Termination . This Agreement may be terminated, in respect of any Purchaser, at any time prior to the applicable Closing in respect of such Purchaser:

(a) by mutual written agreement of the Company and such Purchaser; or

(b) by the Company if the Closing shall not have been consummated on or before March 10, 2018.

The Party desiring to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 8.1(a) or 8.1(b) shall give notice of such termination to the other Party.

8.2. Effect of Termination . If this Agreement is terminated in respect of a Purchaser as permitted by Section 8.1, such termination shall be without liability of the Company or the Purchaser with respect to which such termination is effective (or any shareholder, director, officer, employee, agent, consultant or representative of such Party) to the applicable Purchaser or the Company, as applicable; provided that if such termination shall result from the willful (i) failure of a Party to fulfill a condition to the performance of the obligations of the other Party, (ii) failure to perform a covenant of this Agreement or (iii) breach by a Party hereto of any representation or warranty or agreement contained herein, such Party shall be fully liable for any and all Losses incurred or suffered by the other Parties as a result of such failure or breach. The provisions of Sections 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 8.2, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.13 and 9.14 shall survive any termination hereof pursuant to Section 8.1.

 

9.

MISCELLANEOUS

9.1. Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed exclusively in accordance with the Laws of Hong Kong without giving effect to any choice of law rule that would cause the application of the Laws of any jurisdiction other than the Laws of Hong Kong to the rights and duties of the Parties hereunder.

 

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9.2. Agreements Relating to Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation .

(a) Each Purchaser, on behalf of itself and its Affiliates, agrees that:

(i) the Company may, at any time at or prior to the completion of an IPO of the Company, adopt a dual-class share structure such that its share capital will include Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares upon the completion of the IPO (the “ Effective Event ”),

(ii) in connection with such adoption of a dual-class share structure, the Board may determine that:

(A) the shares of the Company that are owned immediately prior to the Effective Event by any Person that is not an Existing Shareholder may, if determined by the Board, be designated as Class A ordinary shares;

(B) any shares of the Company that will be issued and sold in the IPO will be designated as Class A ordinary shares; and

(C) all of the shares of the Company that are owned by any Existing Shareholder or any of its Affiliates (whether as a result of any subscription of new shares by, or any Transfer by another holder of shares to, such Existing Shareholder or its Affiliates, or otherwise) immediately prior to the Effective Event will be designated as Class B ordinary shares;

(iii) each Class A ordinary share will be entitled to one (1) vote and each Class B ordinary share will be entitled to fifteen (15) votes on all matters to be voted upon by or otherwise requiring the consent of the Company’s shareholders;

(iv) Class B ordinary shares will automatically and immediately convert into an equal number of Class A ordinary shares upon the occurrence of any transfer of such Class B ordinary shares by the holder thereof or an Affiliate of such holder to any Person that is not an Affiliate of such holder, or any other event that may be designated by the Company; and

(v) any re-designation or conversion described in this Section 9.2 may be effected by way of a repurchase by the Company of all such shares to be re-designated or converted in exchange for the issuance by the Company to the relevant shareholder(s) in the Company of the relevant number of fully paid new shares in the Company, and each Purchaser, on behalf of itself and its Affiliates, hereby unconditionally and irrevocably agrees that such Purchaser’s execution of this Agreement shall constitute its consent to the repurchase of all of its shares in the Company in connection with the matters described in paragraphs (i) through (v) for the purposes of the Restated Articles of the Company, as may be amended from time to time.

 

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The matters described in paragraphs (i) through (v) above shall be referred to as the “ Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation .”

(b) Each Purchaser, on behalf of itself and its Affiliates, hereby unconditionally and irrevocably:

(i) consents to the Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation, including without limitation for all purposes under the Shareholders Agreement, as may be amended from time to time, and the Restated Articles, as may be amended from time to time;

(ii) waives any veto rights and all similar rights (whether arising at contract or in law or otherwise) in respect of the Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation;

(iii) agrees to vote, or cause to be voted, the Purchased Shares or any other shares in the Company that are owned by such Purchaser or its Affiliates from time to time and at any time after the date of this Agreement (the “ Purchaser Owned Shares ”), at every meeting (or in connection with any action by written consent) of the Company’s shareholders at which such matters are considered and at any adjournment or postponement thereof prior to the Effective Event, (A) in favor of, and (B) against any action, proposal, transaction or agreement that could reasonably be expected to impede, interfere with, delay, discourage, adversely affect or inhibit, the Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation and the adoption of any amendment to the Articles of the Company to reflect the Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation and other changes as necessary or appropriate to facilitate an IPO of the Company;

(iv) agrees to cause any director designated by such Purchaser and/or its Affiliates pursuant to the Shareholders Agreement to vote, at every meeting of the Company’s Board at which such matters are considered and at any adjournment or postponement thereof (or execute and deliver any unanimous written resolution of the Board), (A) in favor of, and (B) against any action, proposal, transaction or agreement that could reasonably be expected to impede, interfere with, delay, discourage, adversely affect or inhibit, the Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation and the adoption of any amendment to the Articles of the Company to reflect the Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation and other changes as necessary or appropriate to facilitate an IPO of the Company; and

(v) agrees to promptly execute, deliver or enter into any other agreement, document, consent, approval or instrument, and take any other actions, which may be reasonably necessary or advisable to effect the Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation and the adoption of any amendment to the Articles of the Company to reflect the Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation and other changes as necessary or appropriate to facilitate an IPO of the Company.

 

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(c) Each Purchaser, on behalf of itself and its Affiliates, irrevocably makes, constitutes and appoints each of the Chairman of Board of Directors and the Chief Executive Officer of the Company from time to time a true and lawful proxy and attorney-in-fact (each, an “ Attorney ”) of such Purchaser and any of its Affiliates owning any Purchaser Owned Shares, with full power and authority, in the name and on behalf of such Purchaser and its Affiliates, (i) to exercise their voting rights with respect to all of the Purchaser Owned Shares in accordance with Subsections (b)(iii) and (b)(v) above in any vote of the Company’s shareholders or proposed action by written consent by the Company’s shareholders, and (ii) to make, execute and deliver all resolutions, consents and other writings and to do such things and to take such actions in each case to the extent the applicable Attorney considers necessary to exercise the voting rights of such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates pursuant to clause (i) above, as fully as could such Purchaser or its Affiliate, as applicable, if personally present and acting. The above proxy and power of attorney is given to secure the performance of the duties of each Purchaser and its Affiliates under Subsections (b)(iii) and (b)(v) above. Each Purchaser shall, and shall procure its Affiliates, take such further action or execute such other instruments as may be necessary to effectuate the intent of this proxy. The power of attorney granted by each Purchaser and its Affiliates herein is a durable power of attorney and shall survive the dissolution, bankruptcy, death or incapacity of such Purchaser and any of its Affiliates. The above proxy and power of attorney from each Purchaser and its Affiliates to the Attorneys is coupled with an interest and is irrevocable and continuously effective during the period from the date hereof until the earlier of (i) the first date on which such Purchaser and its Affiliates no longer own any Purchaser Owned Shares or (ii) the Effective Event.

(d) Each Purchaser further acknowledges and agrees that, prior to the Effective Event, unless otherwise requested or permitted by the Company in writing, (i) such Purchaser shall not, and shall procure that its Affiliates do not, in any way and for any purpose, (A) claim that any or all of the Purchaser Owned Shares, are of a separate class of shares in the Company, individually or collectively with any shares in the Company held by any other Person, from the other Ordinary Shares; or (B) request that the Company acknowledge that the Purchaser Owned Shares are in a separate class of shares or seek its consent as a holder of a separate class of shares in the Company, individually or collectively with any shares in the Company held by any other Person, from the other Ordinary Shares, in relation to any matter to be voted upon or otherwise requiring the consent of any of the Company’s shareholders; and (ii) such Purchaser shall not, and shall procure that its Affiliates do not, in any way and for any purpose vote or attempt to vote any or all of the Purchaser Owned Shares in a separate shareholder class meeting or by way of a written resolution of holder(s) of a separate class of shares, individually or collectively with any shares held by any other Person, from the other Ordinary Shares, in respect of any matter to be voted upon or otherwise requiring the consent of any of the Company’s shareholders.

 

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(e) For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 9.2 does not obligate the Company to implement a dual-class share structure on terms specified in Section 9.2(a). The parties hereby acknowledge and agree that the final terms of any dual-class share structure adopted by the Company shall be as determined by the Board and as approved by the requisite shareholders under applicable Laws and any applicable provisions of the Restated Articles and the Shareholders Agreement, and such terms may be different from those specified in Section 9.2(a).

9.3. Transfer . Without prejudice to any other restriction on Transfer applicable to the Purchaser Owned Shares, each Purchaser shall not, and shall procure its Affiliates do not, directly or indirectly, Transfer any Purchaser Owned Shares unless the transferee of such proposed Transfer (except for any transferee otherwise designated by the Company) duly executes and delivers to the Company an agreement in a form satisfactory to the Company pursuant to which such transferee shall agree to be bound by Sections 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.8 and 9.13 as if it were a Purchaser hereunder. After a Transfer of any Purchaser Owned Shares in accordance with the foregoing sentence, in the event of any amendment to Section 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.8 or 9.13 of this Agreement, such transferee shall be deemed the “Purchaser” in respect of the Purchaser Owned Shares subject to such Transfer in lieu of the Transferring Purchaser for purposes of Section 9.8.

9.4. Successors and Assigns . Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, the provisions hereof shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding upon, the successors, permitted assigns, heirs, executors and administrators of the Parties. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, this Agreement and the rights and obligations herein may not be assigned by any Party without the written consent of the other Parties.

9.5. Entire Agreement . This Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, including the schedules and exhibits hereto and thereto, which are hereby expressly incorporated herein by this reference, constitute the entire understanding and agreement among the Parties with regard to the subjects hereof and thereof.

9.6. Parties in Interest . Except as expressly provided elsewhere in this Agreement, a person who is not a Party to this Agreement shall not have any rights under the Contracts (Right of Third Parties) Ordinance (Chapter 623, Laws of Hong Kong) to enforce any terms of this Agreement. This does not affect any right or remedy of a third party which exists, or is available, apart from the Contracts (Right of Third Parties) Ordinance.

9.7. Notices . Except as may be otherwise provided herein, all notices, requests, waivers and other communications made pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be conclusively deemed to have been duly given (a) when hand delivered to the other Parties, upon delivery; (b) when sent by facsimile at the number set forth in Schedule D , upon receipt of confirmation of error-free transmission; (c) seven Business Days after deposit in the mail as air mail or certified mail, receipt requested, postage prepaid and addressed to the other Parties as set forth in Schedule D ; or (d) three Business Days after deposit with an overnight delivery service, postage prepaid, addressed to the Parties as set forth in Schedule D with next business-day delivery guaranteed, provided that the sending Party receives a confirmation of delivery from the delivery service provider. Each Party making a communication hereunder by facsimile shall promptly confirm by telephone to the Party to whom such communication was addressed each communication made by it by facsimile pursuant hereto but the absence of such confirmation shall not affect the validity of any such communication. A Party may change or supplement the addresses given above, or designate additional addresses, for purposes of this Section 9.7 by giving, the other Parties written notice of the new address in the manner set forth above.

 

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9.8. Amendments . Subject to Section 9.3, any term of this Agreement may be amended (i) as such term applies between the Company and any Purchaser, with the written consents of both the Company and such Purchaser (and without the consent or approval of any other Purchaser), or (ii) with the written consents of the Company and the Purchasers of a majority of the total number of Purchased Shares of all the Purchasers in respect of which this Agreement has not been terminated pursuant to Section 8.1(a) or 8.1(b); provided, however , that the number of Purchased Shares and the Subscription Price in respect of a Purchaser may not be amended without the consent of such Purchaser; provided further , that one or more Purchasers may become Parties to this Agreement after the date of this Agreement in accordance with Section 2.1 without any consent or approval of any other Purchaser. Any amendment effected in accordance with clause (ii) of the foregoing sentence shall be binding upon the Company and all the Purchasers (and to the extent provided for in Section 9.3, any and all permitted transferees of the Purchaser Owned Shares as if it were a Purchaser hereunder).

9.9. Delays or Omissions; Waivers . No delay or omission to exercise any right, power or remedy accruing to any Party, upon any breach or default of any Party under this Agreement, shall impair any such right, power or remedy of such Party nor shall it be construed to be a waiver of any such breach or default, or an acquiescence therein, or of any similar breach of default thereafter occurring; nor shall any waiver of any other breach or default theretofore or thereafter occurring. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, any Party may waive any of its rights under this Agreement without obtaining the consent of any other Party. Any waiver by any Party of any condition or breach of default under this Agreement must be in writing and shall be effective only to the extent specifically set forth in such writing. All remedies, either under this Agreement or by Laws or otherwise afforded to any Party shall be cumulative and not alternative.

9.10. Interpretation; Titles and Subtitles . This Agreement shall be construed according to its fair language. The rule of construction to the effect that ambiguities are to be resolved against the drafting Party shall not be employed in interpreting this Agreement. The titles of the sections and subsections of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and are not to be considered in construing this Agreement. Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, all references to sections and schedules herein are to sections and schedules of this Agreement. Unless a provision hereof expressly provides otherwise: (i) the term “or” is not exclusive; (ii) the terms “herein”, “hereof”, and other similar words refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular section, subsection, paragraph, clause, or other subdivision; (iii) the masculine, feminine, and neuter genders will each be deemed to include the others; and (iv) whenever the words “include”, “includes” or “including” are used in this Agreement, they shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation.”

 

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9.11. Counterparts; Effectiveness . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one instrument. This Agreement shall become effective (i) with respect to each Party that becomes party to this Agreement as of the date of this Agreement, upon such Party’s due execution and delivery of this Agreement and (ii) with respect to each Purchaser who shall become a Party after the date of this Agreement in accordance with the last sentence of Section 2.1, such Purchaser’s due execution and delivery to the Company of a counterpart signature page to this Agreement.

9.12. Severability . If any provision of this Agreement is found to be invalid or unenforceable, then such provision shall be construed, to the extent feasible, so as to render the provision enforceable and to provide for the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby on substantially the same terms as originally set forth herein, and if no feasible interpretation would save such provision, it shall be severed from the remainder of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect unless the severed provision is essential to the rights or benefits intended by the Parties. In such event, the Parties shall use best efforts to negotiate, in good faith, a substitute, valid and enforceable provision or agreement which most nearly affects the Parties’ intent in entering into this Agreement.

9.13. Dispute Resolution . Any dispute, controversy or claim (each, a “ Dispute ”) arising out of or relating to this Agreement, or the interpretation, breach, termination, validity or invalidity thereof, shall be referred to arbitration upon the demand of either party to the dispute with notice (the “ Arbitration Notice ”) to the other. The Dispute shall be settled by arbitration in Hong Kong by the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (the “ HKIAC ”) in accordance with the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre Administered Arbitration Rules (the “ HKIAC Rules ”) in force at the time when the Arbitration Notice is submitted. The seat of arbitration shall be Hong Kong. There shall be three (3) arbitrators. The complainant and the respondent to such dispute shall each select one arbitrator within thirty (30) days after giving or receiving the demand for arbitration (the “ Selection Period ”). Such arbitrators shall be freely selected, and the parties shall not be limited in their selection to any prescribed list. The chairman of the HKIAC shall select the third arbitrator. If either party to the arbitration fails to appoint an arbitrator with the Selection Period, the relevant appointment shall be made by the chairman of the HKIAC. The arbitral proceedings shall be conducted in English. To the extent that the HKIAC Rules are in conflict with the provisions of this Section 9.13, including the provisions concerning the appointment of the arbitrators, this Section 9.13 shall prevail. Each party to the arbitration shall cooperate with each other party to the arbitration in making full disclosure of and providing complete access to all information and documents requested by such other party in connection with such arbitral proceedings, subject only to any confidentiality obligations binding on such party. The award of the arbitral tribunal shall be final and binding upon the parties thereto, and the prevailing party may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for enforcement of such award. Any party to the Dispute shall be entitled to seek preliminary injunctive relief, if possible, from any court of competent jurisdiction pending the constitution of the arbitral tribunal. During the course of the arbitral tribunal’s adjudication of the Dispute, this Agreement shall continue to be performed except with respect to the part in dispute and under adjudication.

9.14. Expenses . Each Party shall bear its own costs and expenses in connection with the negotiation, execution and delivery of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents.

— REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK —

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered as a deed as of the date first above written.

 

EXECUTED and DELIVERED

as a deed by and in the name of

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

( 腾讯音乐娱乐集团 )

by its duly authorised attorney

in the presence of :

 

    

)

)

)

)

)

   LOGO  

 

/s/ Zou Wenting

   

/s/ Cussion Pang

 
Signature of Witness     Signature of authorised attorney  
Name of Witness: Zou Wenting      
Address:      

17F, Malata building, No.9998 Shennan road

Nanshan district, Shenzhen, 518057, China

[ Signature Page to Share Subscription Agreement ]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered as a deed as of the date first above written.

 

EXECUTED, SEALED and DELIVERED

as a deed by and in the name of

PAGAC MUSIC HOLDING II LIMITED

by its duly authorised attorney

in the presence of :

 

    

)

)

)

)

)

   LOGO  

 

/s/ Ma, Yan Jun

   

/s/ Wong Tak-Wai

 
Signature of Witness     Signature of authorised attorney  
Name of Witness: Ma, Yan Jun      
Address: Unit 4703-05, Tower 2, Plaza 66, 1366 Nanjing Road, Shanghai  

[ Signature Page to Share Subscription Agreement ]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered as a deed as of the date first above written.

 

EXECUTED, SEALED and DELIVERED

as a deed by and in the name of

PAGAC MUSIC HOLDING II LP

by its duly authorised attorney

in the presence of :

 

    

)

)

)

)

)

   LOGO  

 

/s/ Tamara Williams

   

/s/ Noel Walsh

 
Signature of Witness     Signature of authorised attorney  
    Noel Walsh  
Name of Witness: Tamara Williams     Director, PAGAC Music Holding GP II  
Address: 13 Castle Street, St Helier,     Limited as General Partner to PAGAC  
                Jersey JE4 5UT     Music Holding II LP  

 

[ Signature Page to Share Subscription Agreement ]


SCHEDULE A

Schedule of Purchasers

 

Name of Purchaser as of the Date of the Agreement

   Number of
Purchased Shares
     Subscription
Price
 

PAGAC Music Holding II Limited

     224,214      US$ 904,994.97  

[REDACTED]

     

 

Total Number of Purchased Shares

  

Total Subscription Price

2,473,763

   US$9,984,849.60


SCHEDULE A

Schedule of Purchasers

 

Name of Purchaser as of the Date of the Agreement

   Number of
Purchased Shares
     Subscription
Price
 

PAGAC Music Holding II LP

     27,727      US$ 111,914.49  

[REDACTED]

     

 

Total Number of Purchased Shares

  

Total Subscription Price

2,473,763

   US$9,984,849.60

Exhibit 10.21

EXECUTION VERSION

CONFIDENTIAL

SHARE SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT

Dated March 7, 2018

by and between

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

( 腾讯音乐娱乐集团 )

and

THE PURCHASERS HEREUNDER


SHARE SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT

THIS SHARE SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is made and entered into on March 7, 2018 by and between:

(a) Tencent Music Entertainment Group ( 腾讯音乐娱乐集团 ), an exempted company incorporated under the Laws of the Cayman Islands (the “ Company ”); and

(b) each of the investors listed on Schedule A attached hereto and any other investor who shall become Parties to this Agreement after the date hereof in accordance with Section 2.1 (each, a “ Purchaser ” and collectively, the “ Purchasers ”).

RECITALS

 

A.

The Company desires to issue and sell to each Purchaser, and each Purchaser desires to subscribe for and purchase from the Company, a certain number of the ordinary shares, par value US$0.000083 per share, of the Company (the “ Ordinary Shares ”), on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement; and

 

B.

The Parties desire to enter into this Agreement and make the respective representations, warranties, covenants and agreements set forth herein on the terms and conditions set forth herein.

AGREEMENT

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing recitals, the mutual promises hereinafter set forth, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

 

1.

DEFINITIONS

In this Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires, the following words and expressions have the meanings as follows:

Action ” means any litigation or arbitration proceeding.

Affiliate ” means, (i) with respect to a Person that is a natural person, such Person’s relatives and any other Person (other than natural persons) directly or indirectly Controlled by such Person, and (ii) with respect to a Person that is not a natural person, a Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls, or is Controlled by, or is under common Control with, such Person. For the purposes of this definition, “relative” of a Person means such Person’s spouse, parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, sibling, uncle, aunt, nephew, niece or great-grandparent or the spouse of such Person’s child, grandchild, sibling, uncle, aunt, nephew or niece.


Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Applicable Basket ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.2(a).

Applicable Cap ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.2(a).

Approval ” means any approval, consent, waiver, license or permit required to be obtained from, or any registration or qualification required to be filed with or delivered to, any Governmental Authority or any other Person.

Arbitration Notice ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.13.

Attorney ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.2(c).

Bankruptcy and Equity Exception ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3.

Board ” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

Business Day ” means a day (other than a Saturday or a Sunday) that the banks in New York, Hong Kong, the PRC, and the Cayman Islands are generally open for business.

Closing ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2.

Closing Date ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2.

Company ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Company Indemnitee ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.2(b).

Control ” means the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct, or cause the direction of, the management and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

De Minimis Claim Threshold ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.2(a).

Dispute ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.13.

Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.2(a).

Effective Event ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.2(a)(i).

ESOP ” means collectively, the 2014 Share Incentive Plan, the 2017 Share Option Plan and the 2017 Restricted Share Award Scheme of the Company.

Existing Shareholder ” means any Person that is a holder of Ordinary Shares as of December 8, 2017.

 

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Fair Market Value ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.5(a)(i).

Governmental Authorities ” means any nation, government, province, state, or any entity, authority or body exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of or pertaining to government, including any government authority, agency, department, board, commission or instrumentality of any government or any political subdivision thereof, court, tribunal, arbitrator, the governing body of any securities exchange, and self-regulatory organization, in each case having competent jurisdiction (with each of such Governmental Authorities being referred to as a “ Governmental Authority ”).

HKIAC ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.13.

HKIAC Rules ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.13.

Hong Kong ” means the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China.

Indemnified Party ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.3.

Indemnifying Party ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.3.

IPO ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1.

Knowledge of the Company ” means the actual knowledge of the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer and the General Counsel of the Company as of the date of this Agreement.

Law ” means any law, rule, constitution, code, ordinance, statute, treaty, decree, regulation, common law, order, official policy, circular, provision, administrative order, interpretation, injunction, judgment, ruling, assessment, writ or other legislative measure, in each case of any Governmental Authority.

Lien ” means, with respect to any property or asset, any mortgage, charge, lien, pledge, charge, security interest or encumbrance in respect of such property or asset.

Liquidated Damages ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.5(b).

Losses ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.2(a).

Order ” means any injunction, judgment, order, decree, stipulation or determination by or with any Governmental Authority.

Ordinary Shares ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

Parties ” means the named parties to this Agreement and their respective successors and permitted assigns (with each of such Parties being referred to as a “ Party ”).

 

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Person ” means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited partnership, proprietorship, association, limited liability company, firm, trust, estate or other enterprise, entity or legal person.

PRC ” means the People’s Republic of China and for purposes of this Agreement, excludes Hong Kong, Macao Special Administrative Region and Taiwan.

Purchased Shares ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1.

Purchaser ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Purchasers ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Purchaser Indemnitee ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.2(a).

Purchaser Representatives ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.3(a).

Purchaser Owned Shares ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.2(b)(iii).

Restated Articles ” means the Fourth Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company adopted on or around January 8, 2018.

Right of Participation ” has the meaning ascribed to it in the Shareholders Agreement and the Restated Articles.

Securities Act ” means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Selection Period ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.13.

Shareholder ” has the meaning ascribed to it in the Shareholders Agreement.

Shareholders Agreement ” means the Third Amended and Restated Shareholders Agreement of the Company entered into on or around January 8, 2018 by and among the Company and other parties named therein.

Subscription Price ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1.

Subsidiary ” means companies whose financial results are consolidated with those of the Company in accordance with the generally accepted accounting principles in the United States.

Taxes ” means (i) in the PRC: (a) any national, provincial, municipal or local taxes, charges, fees, levies or other assessments, (b) all interest, penalties or additional amounts imposed by any Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over the assessment, determination, collection or other imposition of any items described in clause (a) above in connection therewith, and (ii) in any jurisdiction other than the PRC: all similar liabilities as described in clause (i) above.

 

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Tencent ” means Min River Investment Limited.

Transaction Documents ” means this Agreement, the Shareholders Agreement, the Restated Articles, and any other agreement, document or instrument executed and delivered in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

Transfer ” means (i) when used as a verb, to sell, assign, dispose of, exchange, pledge, encumber, hypothecate or otherwise transfer any Ordinary Shares or other securities of the Company or any participation or interest therein, whether directly or indirectly (including pursuant to a derivative transaction or a transfer or new issuance of ownership interests in a direct or indirect holder of such Ordinary Shares or other securities of the Company), or agree or commit to do any of the foregoing and (ii) when used as a noun, a direct or indirect sale, assignment, disposition, exchange, pledge, encumbrance, hypothecation, or other transfer of such Ordinary Shares or other securities of the Company or any participation or interest therein or any agreement or commitment to do any of the foregoing.

US$ ” means United States Dollars, the lawful currency of the U.S.

 

2.

PURCHASE AND SALE

2.1. Purchase and Sale of Ordinary Shares . Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Company hereby agrees to issue and sell to each Purchaser, and each Purchaser agrees to subscribe for and purchase from the Company, at the Closing with respect to such Purchaser, that number of Ordinary Shares set forth opposite such Purchaser’s name on Schedule A attached hereto (the “ Purchased Shares ”) at a purchase price of US$4.0363 per Ordinary Share. The aggregate subscription price for the Purchased Shares of each Purchaser (the “ Subscription Price ”) is set forth opposite such Purchaser’s name on Schedule A and shall be paid in cash as provided in Section 2.3(a). Schedule A shall be updated from time to time as any Shareholder of the Company validly exercises its Right of Participation in connection with the issuance of the Purchased Shares under this Agreement and as any Purchaser validly exercises its right to oversubscription in connection with such issuance, if applicable.

2.2. Closing . The closing of the purchase and sale of the Purchased Shares contemplated under Section 2.1 (the “ Closing ”) with respect to each Purchaser shall take place remotely via the exchange of documents and signatures on the next Business Day after satisfaction or waiver (to the extent permissible by the Party entitled to such conditions) of the conditions set forth in Section 6 (other than those conditions to be satisfied at the Closing, but subject to the satisfaction or waiver thereof at the Closing) with respect to such Purchaser, or at such other time or place as the Company and such Purchaser may agree in writing (with respect to each Purchaser, the date on which the Closing occurs, the “ Closing Date ”). For the avoidance of doubt, the Company shall have the discretion to consummate a Closing with one or more Purchasers, and the Closings of the transactions with different Purchasers are not conditional upon each other.

 

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2.3. Deliveries .

(a) At the Closing in respect of a Purchaser, such Purchaser shall pay the Subscription Price by wire transfer of immediately available funds in U.S. dollars to the Company’s bank account set forth in Schedule E hereto.

(b) At the Closing in respect of a Purchaser, the Company shall, against payment of the Subscription Price by such Purchaser, update the register of members to reflect the issuance to such Purchaser of its Purchased Shares and shall provide a copy of an extract of the relevant portion of the updated register of members reflecting such issuance to such Purchaser of its Purchased Shares. As soon as reasonably practicable after the Closing, the Company will deliver to such Purchaser a copy of the share certificate issued in the name of such Purchaser representing its Purchased Shares, if requested by such Purchaser.

 

3.

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY

The Company hereby represents and warrants to each Purchaser that as of the date of this Agreement and as of the applicable Closing Date in respect of such Purchaser:

3.1. Organization, Standing and Qualification .

(a) The Company is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing (to the extent such concept is recognized) under the Laws of its jurisdiction of organization and has all requisite corporate power and authority to own its properties and assets and to carry on its business as presently conducted in all material respects.

(b) The Company has not filed (or has had filed against it) any petition for its liquidation, dissolution, bankruptcy or winding-up, or is insolvent under the Laws of its jurisdiction of organization.

3.2. Capitalization . The summary table of the issued and outstanding share capital (which does not include the identification of each individual shareholder or recipient of an award under the ESOP or the identification of each shareholder holding less than 2% of the total number of the issued and outstanding Ordinary Shares) of the Company as of January 8, 2018 is set forth in Schedule B to this Agreement.

 

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3.3. Due Authorization . As of the date of this Agreement, all corporate actions on the part of the Company necessary for (i) the authorization, execution and delivery of, and the performance of all of its obligations under, this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents and (ii) the authorization, issuance and delivery of the Purchased Shares of such Purchaser have been taken. The Company has the requisite corporate power, capacity and authority to enter into, execute and deliver this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents and to perform all the obligations to be performed by it hereunder and thereunder. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Company. Assuming due authorization, execution and delivery of the other parties hereto and thereto, this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, when executed and delivered by the Company, will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, subject, as to enforcement of remedies, to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, reorganization and similar Laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and to general equitable principles (the “ Bankruptcy and Equity Exception ”).

3.4. Consents and Approvals . Assuming the accuracy of the representations made by each Purchaser in Section 4, except as expressly provided in this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, no Approval is required to be obtained or made by or with respect to the Company in connection with the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents by the Company, or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby by the Company, except for any such Approvals as to which the failure to obtain or make would not materially impair the Company’s ability to perform its obligations hereunder or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.

3.5. Valid Issuance . The Purchased Shares of such Purchaser, when issued, sold and delivered in accordance with the terms of this Agreement for the consideration expressed herein, will be duly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable, free from any Liens (except for any restrictions on transfer under applicable Laws and under the Transaction Documents and any Liens created or imposed by such Purchaser).

3.6. No Violation . Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents nor the full performance of its obligations by the Company hereunder or thereunder will (a) violate any applicable Law to which the Company is subject, or (b) violate the Restated Articles of the Company, in each case, except as would not materially impair the Company’s ability to perform its obligations hereunder or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.

3.7. Litigation . There is no Action pending against the Company, and the Company is not a party or subject to the provisions of any Order, which in any manner challenges or seeks to prevent, enjoin, alter or delay the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

3.8. Finders’ Fees. There is no investment banker, broker, finder or other intermediary that has been retained by or is authorized to act on behalf of any the Company or its Affiliates who might be entitled to any fee or commission payable by such Purchaser in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

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4.

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF EACH PURCHASER

Each Purchaser hereby represents and warrants to the Company, in respect of itself, as of the date of this Agreement and as of the applicable Closing Date in respect of such Purchaser:

4.1. Organization; Standing and Qualification.

(a) Such Purchaser is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing (to the extent such concept is recognized) under the Laws of its jurisdiction of organization and has all requisite corporate power and authority to carry on its business as presently conducted in all material respects.

(b) Such Purchaser has not filed (or has had filed against it) any petition for its liquidation, dissolution, bankruptcy or winding-up, or is insolvent under the Laws of its jurisdiction of organization.

4.2. Due Authorization . Such Purchaser has all requisite power, authority and capacity to enter into this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents and to perform its obligations hereunder and thereunder. The execution, delivery and performance by such Purchaser of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of such Purchaser. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by such Purchaser. Assuming due authorization, execution and delivery of the other parties hereto and thereto, this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, when executed and delivered by such Purchaser, will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of such Purchaser, enforceable against such Purchaser in accordance with its terms and subject, as to enforcement of remedies, to the Bankruptcy and Equity Exception.

4.3. Purchase for Own Account . The Purchased Shares of such Purchaser are being acquired for investment for such Purchaser’s own account, not as a nominee or agent of any Person other than such Purchaser, and not with a view to, or for sale in connection with, any distribution of any part thereof, and that such Purchaser has no present intention of selling, granting any participation in or otherwise distributing the same to any Person. Such Purchaser does not presently have any contract, undertaking, agreement or arrangement with any Person to sell, transfer or grant participations to such Person or to any third Person, with respect to any of its Purchased Shares.

4.4. Exempt from Registration; Restricted Securities . Such Purchaser understands that its Purchased Shares will not be registered under the Securities Act or registered or listed publicly pursuant to any other applicable securities Laws, on the ground that the sale provided for in this Agreement is exempt from registration under the Securities Act or the registration or listing requirements of any other applicable securities Laws. Such Purchaser understands that its Purchased Shares are restricted securities within the meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act and that its Purchased Shares are not registered or listed publicly and must be held indefinitely unless they are subsequently registered or listed publicly or an exemption from such registration or listing is available.

 

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4.5. Status of Purchaser . Such Purchaser is (a) an accredited investor as defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act and/or (b) is not a “U.S. person” within the meaning of Regulation S under the Securities Act and is acquiring its Purchased Shares in an offshore transaction under Rule 903 of Regulation S under the Securities Act. Such Purchaser (i) has sufficient knowledge and experience in financial and business matters to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks involved in purchasing its Purchased Shares and (ii) is capable of bearing the economic risk of its investment. Such Purchaser has undertaken such investigation and has been provided with and has evaluated such documents and information as it has deemed necessary or appropriate for making an informed and intelligent decision with respect to the purchase of the Purchased Shares and the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents.

4.6. Consents and Approvals . Except for any Approval that has been obtained or made by such Purchaser and provided to the Company as of the date of this Agreement, no Approval is required to be obtained or made by or with respect to such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates in connection with the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents by such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates that is a party to any Transaction Document, or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby by such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates.

4.7. No Violation . Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement or any of the other Transaction Documents nor the full performance of its obligations by such Purchaser hereunder or thereunder will (a) violate any applicable Law to which such Purchaser is subject, or (b) violate any constitutive documents of such Purchaser, in each case, except as would not materially affect such Purchaser’s ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents and consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.

4.8. Litigation . There is no Action pending or, to the knowledge of such Purchaser, threatened against or affecting such Purchaser before any court or arbitrator or any Governmental Authority, and such Purchaser is not a party or subject to the provisions of any Order, which in any manner challenges or seeks to prevent, enjoin, alter or delay the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

4.9. Financing . Such Purchaser has sufficient cash, available lines of credit or other sources of immediately available funds to enable it to make payment of the Subscription Price and any other amounts to be paid by it under this Agreement.

4.10. Finders’ Fees. There is no investment banker, broker, finder or other intermediary that has been retained by or is authorized to act on behalf of such Purchaser, any of its Affiliates or their respective directors, officers, employees or equity holders and might be entitled to any fee or commission payable by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

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4.11. No Other Representations . Such Purchaser acknowledges that, except for the representations and warranties of the Company contained in Section 3, the Company is not making and has not made, and no other Person is making or has made on behalf of the Company, any express or implied representation or warranty in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, and any such other representations and warranties are expressly disclaimed.

 

5.

COVENANTS

5.1. Further Assurances . Each Party shall from time to time and at all times hereafter uses reasonable best efforts to make, do, execute, or cause or procure to be made, done and executed such further acts, deeds, conveyances, consents and assurances without further consideration, which may reasonably be required or advisable to effect the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents.

5.2. Approvals, Consents and Waivers. Without limiting the generality of Section 5.1, prior to the Closing, each Purchaser shall, and shall cause all of its Affiliates to, take all actions necessary to obtain or make all Approvals, if any, of Governmental Authorities and other Persons which are to be obtained or made by such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates and are necessary in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents. In the event that the Company waives the condition set forth in Section 6.3(c) at the Closing, each Purchaser shall, and shall ensure that all of its Affiliates, within one (1) month or such other time period after the Closing as may be reasonably required by the Company, obtain or make any and all Approvals necessary for the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents which have not been obtained or made as of the Closing.

 

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5.3. Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure .

(a) Prior to the Closing Date or after any termination of this Agreement, each Purchaser shall hold, and shall cause its Affiliates and the respective officers, directors, employees, accountants, counsel, consultants, advisors and agents of such Purchaser and its Affiliates (collectively, the “ Purchaser Representatives ”) to hold, in confidence, unless compelled to disclose by judicial or administrative process or by other requirements of any applicable Laws (including, without limitation, pursuant to securities laws or regulations and applicable securities exchange rules) or requested by any Governmental Authority having competent jurisdiction, all documents and information concerning the Company or any Subsidiary furnished to such Purchaser or its Purchaser Representatives in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, including the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the other Transaction Documents and all exhibits and schedules attached to such agreements, including their existence, and the identity of each party thereto, except to the extent that such information can be shown to have been (i) previously known on a non-confidential basis by such Purchaser, (ii) in the public domain through no fault of such Purchaser or (iii) later lawfully acquired by such Purchaser from sources other than the Company; provided that a Purchaser may disclose such information to its Purchaser Representatives who need to know such information for the purpose of evaluating, negotiating or consummating the transactions contemplated by this Agreement so long as such Purchaser Representatives are informed by such Purchaser of the confidential nature of such information and are directed by such Purchaser to treat such information confidentially. Each Purchaser shall be responsible for any failure to treat such information confidentially by its Purchaser Representatives. If this Agreement is terminated in respect of any Purchaser, such Purchaser will, and will cause its Purchaser Representatives to, destroy or deliver to the Company, upon request, all documents and other materials, and all copies thereof, obtained by such Purchaser or its Purchaser Representatives or on their behalf from the Company or any Subsidiary in connection with this Agreement that are subject to such confidence.

(b) The provisions of this Section 5.3 shall be in addition to, and not in substitution for, the provisions of any separate nondisclosure agreement executed by any of the Parties with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby.

5.4. No Use of Company Name . Without the prior written consent of the Company, none of the Purchasers or the Purchaser Representatives (other than Tencent or any Affiliate of Tencent that is a Purchaser and their respective Purchaser Representatives) shall be entitled to use, publish or reproduce the name, trademarks, trade names, domain names, service marks, business names, or logos of the Company or its Affiliates, including without limitation “Tencent”, “ 腾讯 ”, “Tencent Music”, “ 腾讯音乐 ”, “QQ Music”, “Kugou”, “Kuwo”, or any similar name, trademark or logo in any discussion, documents or materials, including without limitation for marketing or other purposes.

5.5. IPO . Each Purchaser hereby agrees that, after the Closing, it shall, and shall cause its Affiliates to, take any and all reasonable actions to facilitate an IPO of the Company as may be requested by the Company and/or the lead underwriter(s) of an IPO, including without limitation, cooperating in due diligence in connection therewith. The obligations of each Purchaser and its Affiliates under this Section 5.5 shall be additional to, and not in substitution for, any other obligations of such Purchaser or its Affiliates under the Transaction Documents in relation to an IPO.

5.6. Joinder to Shareholders Agreement . In the event that a Purchaser or any of its Affiliates that is an Existing Shareholder is not a party to the Shareholders Agreement prior to the execution and delivery of this Agreement, (a) such Purchaser, on behalf of itself and any such Affiliate, hereby agrees to be bound by the Shareholders Agreement as a Shareholder thereunder, subject to all of the restrictions, conditions and obligations, and entitled to all the rights and privileges, applicable to a Shareholder thereunder; and (b) upon request by the Company, such Purchaser shall, and shall procure such Affiliate of such Purchaser, promptly deliver a joinder to the Shareholders Agreement in the form attached as Exhibit A thereto duly executed by such Purchaser or Affiliate, as applicable.

 

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6.

CONDITIONS TO CLOSING

6.1. Conditions to Obligations of Purchasers and Company . The obligations of each Purchaser and the Company to consummate the Closing are subject to the satisfaction or waiver, at or prior to the Closing, of the following condition:

(a) No Injunctions or Legal Prohibitions . No provision of applicable Laws, and no Order, shall prohibit the consummation of the Closing.

6.2. Conditions to Obligations of Purchasers . The obligations of each Purchaser under this Agreement to consummate the Closing are subject to the satisfaction or waiver by such Purchaser, at or prior to the Closing, of each of the following conditions:

(a) Representations and Warranties True and Correct . The representations and warranties of the Company set forth in Section 3 shall be true and correct at and as of the Closing, with only exceptions as would not in the aggregate materially impair the Company’s ability to perform its obligations hereunder or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.

(b) Performance . The Company shall have performed and complied in all material respects with all covenants, agreements, obligations and conditions contained in this Agreement that are required to be performed or complied with by it on or before the Closing.

6.3. Conditions to Obligations of Company . The obligations of the Company under this Agreement to consummate the Closing in respect of each Purchaser are subject to the satisfaction or waiver by the Company, at or prior to the Closing, of each of the following conditions:

(a) Representations and Warranties True and Correct . The representations and warranties of such Purchaser set forth in Section 4 shall be true and correct in all material respects at and as of the Closing.

(b) Performance . Such Purchaser shall have performed and complied in all material respects with all covenants, agreements, obligations and conditions contained in this Agreement that are required to be performed or complied with by it on or before the Closing.

 

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(c) Approvals, Consents and Waivers. Such Purchaser and all of its Affiliates shall have obtained or made any and all Approvals necessary for the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, each of which shall be in full force and effect as of the Closing, and in each case, in proper form and without imposing or proposing the imposition of any terms or conditions which, individually or in the aggregate, could be reasonably expected to materially impair the ability of such Purchaser to consummate, or prevent or materially delay, the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents.

(d) Closing Certificate . Such Purchaser shall have delivered to the Company a certificate, dated as of the Closing Date, signed by a duly authorized director or officer of such Purchaser, certifying as to the satisfaction of the conditions specified in sub-sections (a), (b) and (c) above.

 

7.

REMEDIES; INDEMNITY

7.1. Survival . The representations and warranties of the Company and each Purchaser contained in this Agreement shall survive the Closing until the earlier of (i) the consummation of a public offering and/or listing of the shares of the Company (an “ IPO ”), or (ii) the end of a period of twelve (12) months after the Closing. The covenants and agreements of the Company and each Purchaser set forth in this Agreement shall survive the Closing until fully discharged in accordance with their terms, except for those covenants and agreements which shall be complied with or discharged prior to the Closing in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

7.2. Indemnification .

(a) Effective at and after the Closing, subject to the other provisions of this Section 7.2(a) and Schedule  C , the Company shall indemnify and hold harmless each Purchaser and its Affiliates (each, a “ Purchaser Indemnitee ”) against any losses, liabilities, damages and expenses, including reasonable advisor’s fees and other reasonable expenses of investigation and defense of any of the foregoing (“ Losses ”), actually suffered by such Purchaser Indemnitee arising out of (i) any misrepresentation or breach of warranty made by the Company in this Agreement; and (ii) any breach or violation of, or failure to perform, any covenants or agreements made by or on behalf of, or to be performed by, the Company in this Agreement; provided that the Company shall not be liable under this Section 7.2(a) to any Purchaser Indemnitee in respect of any Purchaser (i) for any diminution in value of the Purchased Shares, (ii) for any and all Losses arising out of any individual claim (or a series of claims arising from substantially identical facts or circumstances) where the Loss relating thereto is less than US$500,000.00 (the “ De Minimis Claim Threshold ”), or (iii) in respect of each individual claim where the Loss relating thereto is equal to or greater than the De Minimis Claim Threshold, unless the aggregate amount of all Losses by the Purchaser Indemnitees of such Purchaser in respect of claims that exceed the De Minimis Claim Threshold exceeds 5% of the Subscription Price (the “ Applicable Basket ”) of such Purchaser and then only to the extent of such excess; provided further , that the maximum aggregate liability of the Company under this Section 7.2(a) to all Purchaser Indemnitees in respect of a Purchaser shall not exceed an amount equal to 30% of the Subscription Price (the “ Applicable Cap ”) of such Purchaser.

 

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(b) Effective at and after the Closing, subject to the other provisions of this Section 7.2(b) and Schedule  C , each Purchaser shall indemnify and hold harmless the Company and its Affiliates (each, a “ Company Indemnitee ”) against any Losses actually suffered by such Company Indemnitee arising out of (i) any misrepresentation or breach of warranty made by such Purchaser in this Agreement (other than in the case of any breach of Section 4.3, in which case Section 7.5 shall apply); and (ii) any breach or violation of, or failure to perform, any covenants or agreements made by or on behalf of, or to be performed by, such Purchaser in this Agreement; provided that no Purchaser shall be liable under this Section 7.2(b) to any Company Indemnitee (i) for any and all Losses arising out of any individual claim (or a series of claims arising from substantially identical facts or circumstances) where the Loss relating thereto is less than the De Minimis Claim Threshold, or (iii) in respect of each individual claim where the Loss relating thereto is equal to or greater than the De Minimis Claim Threshold, unless the aggregate amount of all Losses by the Company Indemnitees in respect of claims that exceed the De Minimis Claim Threshold exceeds the Applicable Basket of such Purchaser and then only to the extent of such excess; provided further , that the maximum aggregate liability of any Purchaser under this Section 7.2(b) to all Company Indemnitees shall not exceed an amount equal to the Applicable Cap of such Purchaser.

7.3. Procedure . Any Party seeking indemnification under this Section 7 (an “ Indemnified Party ”) shall notify the Party from whom indemnification is being sought (an “ Indemnifying Party ”) in writing of any Action against such Indemnified Party in respect of which any Indemnifying Party is or may be obligated to provide indemnification hereunder promptly after the receipt of notice or knowledge of the commencement thereof. Such notice shall set forth in reasonable detail such claim and the basis for indemnification (taking into account the information then available to the Indemnified Party). The failure to so notify an Indemnifying Party shall relieve the Indemnifying Party of its obligations hereunder to the extent such failure shall have adversely prejudiced such Indemnifying Party.

7.4. Exclusive Remedy . Notwithstanding any other provision contained herein, from and after the Closing, this Section 7 shall be the sole and exclusive remedy of the Parties for any claim arising out of any misrepresentation, breach of warranty, covenant or other agreement (other than those contained in Sections 4.3, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 9.2 and 9.3) or other claim arising out of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, except that no limitation or exceptions with respect to the obligations or liabilities on the Company or any Purchaser provided in the foregoing sub-sections under this Section 7 or Schedule C , shall apply to a Loss incurred by any Company Indemnitee or Purchaser Indemnitee, as applicable, arising due to the fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation of such Purchaser or the Company, as applicable.

 

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7.5. Remedies for Breach of Section  4.3 .

(a) In the event that the Company reasonably believes that there is a breach by any Purchaser of any of its representations and warranties in Section 4.3, the Company may, at its option, provide a written notice to such Purchaser describing the basis for such belief of the Company. Each Purchaser hereby agrees that, upon delivery of such notice and unless such Purchaser has provided proof to the satisfaction of the Company that there is not and has not been any breach by such Purchaser of Section 4.3, the Company has the right to elect to, in its sole and absolute discretion and at any time:

(i) redeem all or a portion of the Purchased Shares of such Purchaser at a redemption price per Ordinary Share equal to the lower of the Fair Market Value per Ordinary Share or US$3.22904 (which represents a 20% discount to the per Ordinary Share Subscription Price under this Agreement), as appropriately adjusted for any share dividends, combinations, reclassifications, splits or other similar events with respect to the Ordinary Shares. For purposes of this Section 7.5(a)(i), “ Fair Market Value ” means (A) upon the Company’s IPO, the average reported closing price of an Ordinary Share on their principal trading market for the three trading days immediately prior to the date of the redemption; or (B) prior to the Company’s IPO, the fair market value on the date of redemption as determined by the board of directors of the Company in good faith;

(ii) refuse to recognize any Transfer of the Purchased Shares or any other shares of the Company owned by such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates in the register of members of the Company without assigning any reason therefor; and/or

(iii) to the extent permitted by applicable Laws, refuse to (A) declare or pay any dividend or other distribution of the Company’s assets or otherwise recognize the economic interests or benefits in respect of the Purchased Shares and any other shares of the Company owned by such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates; and (B) treat such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates owning shares in the Company as a member or shareholder of the Company, recognize the vote by such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates, or count such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates in determining the total number of issued shares at any time, for purposes of the Restated Articles or the Shareholders Agreement or for any other purposes, in each case, in respect of the Purchased Shares and any other shares of the Company owned by such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates.

(b) Notwithstanding Section 7.5(a), in the event that the Company ( x ) reasonably believes that there is any breach by a Purchaser of any of its representations and warranties in Section 4.3 and ( y ) determines that the actions which may be taken pursuant to clauses (i) through (iii) in Section 7.5(a) would not adequately compensate the Company compared to the harm caused by such Purchaser’s breach of Section 4.3, upon written notice by the Company, such Purchaser shall pay to the Company an amount equal to 100% of the Subscription Price of such Purchaser (the “ Liquidated Damages ”). The Parties intend that the Liquidated Damages constitute compensation, and not a penalty. The Parties acknowledge and agree that the Company’s harm caused by a breach of Section 4.3 would be impossible or very difficult to be accurately estimated at the time of the execution and delivery of this Agreement, and that the Liquidated Damages are a reasonable estimate of the anticipated or actual harm that might arise from such breach.

 

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8.

TERMINATION

8.1. Grounds for Termination . This Agreement may be terminated, in respect of any Purchaser, at any time prior to the applicable Closing in respect of such Purchaser:

(a) by mutual written agreement of the Company and such Purchaser; or

(b) by the Company if the Closing shall not have been consummated on or before March 10, 2018.

The Party desiring to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 8.1(a) or 8.1(b) shall give notice of such termination to the other Party.

8.2. Effect of Termination . If this Agreement is terminated in respect of a Purchaser as permitted by Section 8.1, such termination shall be without liability of the Company or the Purchaser with respect to which such termination is effective (or any shareholder, director, officer, employee, agent, consultant or representative of such Party) to the applicable Purchaser or the Company, as applicable; provided that if such termination shall result from the willful (i) failure of a Party to fulfill a condition to the performance of the obligations of the other Party, (ii) failure to perform a covenant of this Agreement or (iii) breach by a Party hereto of any representation or warranty or agreement contained herein, such Party shall be fully liable for any and all Losses incurred or suffered by the other Parties as a result of such failure or breach. The provisions of Sections 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 8.2, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.13 and 9.14 shall survive any termination hereof pursuant to Section 8.1.

 

9.

MISCELLANEOUS

9.1. Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed exclusively in accordance with the Laws of Hong Kong without giving effect to any choice of law rule that would cause the application of the Laws of any jurisdiction other than the Laws of Hong Kong to the rights and duties of the Parties hereunder.

 

-16-


9.2. Agreements Relating to Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation .

(a) Each Purchaser, on behalf of itself and its Affiliates, agrees that:

(i) the Company may, at any time at or prior to the completion of an IPO of the Company, adopt a dual-class share structure such that its share capital will include Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares upon the completion of the IPO (the “ Effective Event ”),

(ii) in connection with such adoption of a dual-class share structure, the Board may determine that:

(A) the shares of the Company that are owned immediately prior to the Effective Event by any Person that is not an Existing Shareholder may, if determined by the Board, be designated as Class A ordinary shares;

(B) any shares of the Company that will be issued and sold in the IPO will be designated as Class A ordinary shares; and

(C) all of the shares of the Company that are owned by any Existing Shareholder or any of its Affiliates (whether as a result of any subscription of new shares by, or any Transfer by another holder of shares to, such Existing Shareholder or its Affiliates, or otherwise) immediately prior to the Effective Event will be designated as Class B ordinary shares;

(iii) each Class A ordinary share will be entitled to one (1) vote and each Class B ordinary share will be entitled to fifteen (15) votes on all matters to be voted upon by or otherwise requiring the consent of the Company’s shareholders;

(iv) Class B ordinary shares will automatically and immediately convert into an equal number of Class A ordinary shares upon the occurrence of any transfer of such Class B ordinary shares by the holder thereof or an Affiliate of such holder to any Person that is not an Affiliate of such holder, or any other event that may be designated by the Company; and

(v) any re-designation or conversion described in this Section 9.2 may be effected by way of a repurchase by the Company of all such shares to be re-designated or converted in exchange for the issuance by the Company to the relevant shareholder(s) in the Company of the relevant number of fully paid new shares in the Company, and each Purchaser, on behalf of itself and its Affiliates, hereby unconditionally and irrevocably agrees that such Purchaser’s execution of this Agreement shall constitute its consent to the repurchase of all of its shares in the Company in connection with the matters described in paragraphs (i) through (v) for the purposes of the Restated Articles of the Company, as may be amended from time to time.

 

-17-


The matters described in paragraphs (i) through (v) above shall be referred to as the “ Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation .”

(b) Each Purchaser, on behalf of itself and its Affiliates, hereby unconditionally and irrevocably:

(i) consents to the Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation, including without limitation for all purposes under the Shareholders Agreement, as may be amended from time to time, and the Restated Articles, as may be amended from time to time;

(ii) waives any veto rights and all similar rights (whether arising at contract or in law or otherwise) in respect of the Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation;

(iii) agrees to vote, or cause to be voted, the Purchased Shares or any other shares in the Company that are owned by such Purchaser or its Affiliates from time to time and at any time after the date of this Agreement (the “ Purchaser Owned Shares ”), at every meeting (or in connection with any action by written consent) of the Company’s shareholders at which such matters are considered and at any adjournment or postponement thereof prior to the Effective Event, (A) in favor of, and (B) against any action, proposal, transaction or agreement that could reasonably be expected to impede, interfere with, delay, discourage, adversely affect or inhibit, the Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation and the adoption of any amendment to the Articles of the Company to reflect the Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation and other changes as necessary or appropriate to facilitate an IPO of the Company;

(iv) agrees to cause any director designated by such Purchaser and/or its Affiliates pursuant to the Shareholders Agreement to vote, at every meeting of the Company’s Board at which such matters are considered and at any adjournment or postponement thereof (or execute and deliver any unanimous written resolution of the Board), (A) in favor of, and (B) against any action, proposal, transaction or agreement that could reasonably be expected to impede, interfere with, delay, discourage, adversely affect or inhibit, the Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation and the adoption of any amendment to the Articles of the Company to reflect the Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation and other changes as necessary or appropriate to facilitate an IPO of the Company; and

(v) agrees to promptly execute, deliver or enter into any other agreement, document, consent, approval or instrument, and take any other actions, which may be reasonably necessary or advisable to effect the Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation and the adoption of any amendment to the Articles of the Company to reflect the Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation and other changes as necessary or appropriate to facilitate an IPO of the Company.

 

-18-


(c) Each Purchaser, on behalf of itself and its Affiliates, irrevocably makes, constitutes and appoints each of the Chairman of Board of Directors and the Chief Executive Officer of the Company from time to time a true and lawful proxy and attorney-in-fact (each, an “ Attorney ”) of such Purchaser and any of its Affiliates owning any Purchaser Owned Shares, with full power and authority, in the name and on behalf of such Purchaser and its Affiliates, (i) to exercise their voting rights with respect to all of the Purchaser Owned Shares in accordance with Subsections (b)(iii) and (b)(v) above in any vote of the Company’s shareholders or proposed action by written consent by the Company’s shareholders, and (ii) to make, execute and deliver all resolutions, consents and other writings and to do such things and to take such actions in each case to the extent the applicable Attorney considers necessary to exercise the voting rights of such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates pursuant to clause (i) above, as fully as could such Purchaser or its Affiliate, as applicable, if personally present and acting. The above proxy and power of attorney is given to secure the performance of the duties of each Purchaser and its Affiliates under Subsections (b)(iii) and (b)(v) above. Each Purchaser shall, and shall procure its Affiliates, take such further action or execute such other instruments as may be necessary to effectuate the intent of this proxy. The power of attorney granted by each Purchaser and its Affiliates herein is a durable power of attorney and shall survive the dissolution, bankruptcy, death or incapacity of such Purchaser and any of its Affiliates. The above proxy and power of attorney from each Purchaser and its Affiliates to the Attorneys is coupled with an interest and is irrevocable and continuously effective during the period from the date hereof until the earlier of (i) the first date on which such Purchaser and its Affiliates no longer own any Purchaser Owned Shares or (ii) the Effective Event.

(d) Each Purchaser further acknowledges and agrees that, prior to the Effective Event, unless otherwise requested or permitted by the Company in writing, (i) such Purchaser shall not, and shall procure that its Affiliates do not, in any way and for any purpose, (A) claim that any or all of the Purchaser Owned Shares, are of a separate class of shares in the Company, individually or collectively with any shares in the Company held by any other Person, from the other Ordinary Shares; or (B) request that the Company acknowledge that the Purchaser Owned Shares are in a separate class of shares or seek its consent as a holder of a separate class of shares in the Company, individually or collectively with any shares in the Company held by any other Person, from the other Ordinary Shares, in relation to any matter to be voted upon or otherwise requiring the consent of any of the Company’s shareholders; and (ii) such Purchaser shall not, and shall procure that its Affiliates do not, in any way and for any purpose vote or attempt to vote any or all of the Purchaser Owned Shares in a separate shareholder class meeting or by way of a written resolution of holder(s) of a separate class of shares, individually or collectively with any shares held by any other Person, from the other Ordinary Shares, in respect of any matter to be voted upon or otherwise requiring the consent of any of the Company’s shareholders.

 

-19-


(e) For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 9.2 does not obligate the Company to implement a dual-class share structure on terms specified in Section 9.2(a). The parties hereby acknowledge and agree that the final terms of any dual-class share structure adopted by the Company shall be as determined by the Board and as approved by the requisite shareholders under applicable Laws and any applicable provisions of the Restated Articles and the Shareholders Agreement, and such terms may be different from those specified in Section 9.2(a).

9.3. Transfer . Without prejudice to any other restriction on Transfer applicable to the Purchaser Owned Shares, each Purchaser shall not, and shall procure its Affiliates do not, directly or indirectly, Transfer any Purchaser Owned Shares unless the transferee of such proposed Transfer (except for any transferee otherwise designated by the Company) duly executes and delivers to the Company an agreement in a form satisfactory to the Company pursuant to which such transferee shall agree to be bound by Sections 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.8 and 9.13 as if it were a Purchaser hereunder. After a Transfer of any Purchaser Owned Shares in accordance with the foregoing sentence, in the event of any amendment to Section 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.8 or 9.13 of this Agreement, such transferee shall be deemed the “Purchaser” in respect of the Purchaser Owned Shares subject to such Transfer in lieu of the Transferring Purchaser for purposes of Section 9.8.

9.4. Successors and Assigns . Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, the provisions hereof shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding upon, the successors, permitted assigns, heirs, executors and administrators of the Parties. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, this Agreement and the rights and obligations herein may not be assigned by any Party without the written consent of the other Parties.

9.5. Entire Agreement . This Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, including the schedules and exhibits hereto and thereto, which are hereby expressly incorporated herein by this reference, constitute the entire understanding and agreement among the Parties with regard to the subjects hereof and thereof.

9.6. Parties in Interest . Except as expressly provided elsewhere in this Agreement, a person who is not a Party to this Agreement shall not have any rights under the Contracts (Right of Third Parties) Ordinance (Chapter 623, Laws of Hong Kong) to enforce any terms of this Agreement. This does not affect any right or remedy of a third party which exists, or is available, apart from the Contracts (Right of Third Parties) Ordinance.

9.7. Notices . Except as may be otherwise provided herein, all notices, requests, waivers and other communications made pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be conclusively deemed to have been duly given (a) when hand delivered to the other Parties, upon delivery; (b) when sent by facsimile at the number set forth in Schedule D , upon receipt of confirmation of error-free transmission; (c) seven Business Days after deposit in the mail as air mail or certified mail, receipt requested, postage prepaid and addressed to the other Parties as set forth in Schedule D ; or (d) three Business Days after deposit with an overnight delivery service, postage prepaid, addressed to the Parties as set forth in Schedule D with next business-day delivery guaranteed, provided that the sending Party receives a confirmation of delivery from the delivery service provider. Each Party making a communication hereunder by facsimile shall promptly confirm by telephone to the Party to whom such communication was addressed each communication made by it by facsimile pursuant hereto but the absence of such confirmation shall not affect the validity of any such communication. A Party may change or supplement the addresses given above, or designate additional addresses, for purposes of this Section 9.7 by giving, the other Parties written notice of the new address in the manner set forth above.

 

-20-


9.8. Amendments . Subject to Section 9.3, any term of this Agreement may be amended (i) as such term applies between the Company and any Purchaser, with the written consents of both the Company and such Purchaser (and without the consent or approval of any other Purchaser), or (ii) with the written consents of the Company and the Purchasers of a majority of the total number of Purchased Shares of all the Purchasers in respect of which this Agreement has not been terminated pursuant to Section 8.1(a) or 8.1(b); provided, however , that the number of Purchased Shares and the Subscription Price in respect of a Purchaser may not be amended without the consent of such Purchaser; provided further , that one or more Purchasers may become Parties to this Agreement after the date of this Agreement in accordance with Section 2.1 without any consent or approval of any other Purchaser. Any amendment effected in accordance with clause (ii) of the foregoing sentence shall be binding upon the Company and all the Purchasers (and to the extent provided for in Section 9.3, any and all permitted transferees of the Purchaser Owned Shares as if it were a Purchaser hereunder).

9.9. Delays or Omissions; Waivers . No delay or omission to exercise any right, power or remedy accruing to any Party, upon any breach or default of any Party under this Agreement, shall impair any such right, power or remedy of such Party nor shall it be construed to be a waiver of any such breach or default, or an acquiescence therein, or of any similar breach of default thereafter occurring; nor shall any waiver of any other breach or default theretofore or thereafter occurring. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, any Party may waive any of its rights under this Agreement without obtaining the consent of any other Party. Any waiver by any Party of any condition or breach of default under this Agreement must be in writing and shall be effective only to the extent specifically set forth in such writing. All remedies, either under this Agreement or by Laws or otherwise afforded to any Party shall be cumulative and not alternative.

9.10. Interpretation; Titles and Subtitles . This Agreement shall be construed according to its fair language. The rule of construction to the effect that ambiguities are to be resolved against the drafting Party shall not be employed in interpreting this Agreement. The titles of the sections and subsections of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and are not to be considered in construing this Agreement. Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, all references to sections and schedules herein are to sections and schedules of this Agreement. Unless a provision hereof expressly provides otherwise: (i) the term “or” is not exclusive; (ii) the terms “herein”, “hereof”, and other similar words refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular section, subsection, paragraph, clause, or other subdivision; (iii) the masculine, feminine, and neuter genders will each be deemed to include the others; and (iv) whenever the words “include”, “includes” or “including” are used in this Agreement, they shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation.”

 

-21-


9.11. Counterparts; Effectiveness . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one instrument. This Agreement shall become effective (i) with respect to each Party that becomes party to this Agreement as of the date of this Agreement, upon such Party’s due execution and delivery of this Agreement and (ii) with respect to each Purchaser who shall become a Party after the date of this Agreement in accordance with the last sentence of Section 2.1, such Purchaser’s due execution and delivery to the Company of a counterpart signature page to this Agreement.

9.12. Severability . If any provision of this Agreement is found to be invalid or unenforceable, then such provision shall be construed, to the extent feasible, so as to render the provision enforceable and to provide for the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby on substantially the same terms as originally set forth herein, and if no feasible interpretation would save such provision, it shall be severed from the remainder of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect unless the severed provision is essential to the rights or benefits intended by the Parties. In such event, the Parties shall use best efforts to negotiate, in good faith, a substitute, valid and enforceable provision or agreement which most nearly affects the Parties’ intent in entering into this Agreement.

9.13. Dispute Resolution . Any dispute, controversy or claim (each, a “ Dispute ”) arising out of or relating to this Agreement, or the interpretation, breach, termination, validity or invalidity thereof, shall be referred to arbitration upon the demand of either party to the dispute with notice (the “ Arbitration Notice ”) to the other. The Dispute shall be settled by arbitration in Hong Kong by the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (the “ HKIAC ”) in accordance with the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre Administered Arbitration Rules (the “ HKIAC Rules ”) in force at the time when the Arbitration Notice is submitted. The seat of arbitration shall be Hong Kong. There shall be three (3) arbitrators. The complainant and the respondent to such dispute shall each select one arbitrator within thirty (30) days after giving or receiving the demand for arbitration (the “ Selection Period ”). Such arbitrators shall be freely selected, and the parties shall not be limited in their selection to any prescribed list. The chairman of the HKIAC shall select the third arbitrator. If either party to the arbitration fails to appoint an arbitrator with the Selection Period, the relevant appointment shall be made by the chairman of the HKIAC. The arbitral proceedings shall be conducted in English. To the extent that the HKIAC Rules are in conflict with the provisions of this Section 9.13, including the provisions concerning the appointment of the arbitrators, this Section 9.13 shall prevail. Each party to the arbitration shall cooperate with each other party to the arbitration in making full disclosure of and providing complete access to all information and documents requested by such other party in connection with such arbitral proceedings, subject only to any confidentiality obligations binding on such party. The award of the arbitral tribunal shall be final and binding upon the parties thereto, and the prevailing party may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for enforcement of such award. Any party to the Dispute shall be entitled to seek preliminary injunctive relief, if possible, from any court of competent jurisdiction pending the constitution of the arbitral tribunal. During the course of the arbitral tribunal’s adjudication of the Dispute, this Agreement shall continue to be performed except with respect to the part in dispute and under adjudication.

9.14. Expenses . Each Party shall bear its own costs and expenses in connection with the negotiation, execution and delivery of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents.

— REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK —

 

-22-


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered as a deed as of the date first above written.

 

EXECUTED and DELIVERED

as a deed by and in the name of

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

( 腾讯音乐娱乐集团 )

by its duly authorised attorney

in the presence of :

 

    

)

)

)

)

)

   LOGO  

 

/s/ Zou Wenting

   

/s/ Cussion Pang

 
Signature of Witness     Signature of authorised attorney  
Name of Witness: Zou Wenting      
Address:      

17F, Malata building, No.9998 Shennan road

Nanshan district, Shenzhen, 518057, China

[ Signature Page to Share Subscription Agreement ]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered as a deed as of the date first above written.

 

EXECUTED and DELIVERED

as a deed by and in the name of

China Investment Corporation Financial Holdings

by its duly authorised attorney

in the presence of :

 

    

)

)

)

)

)

   LOGO  

 

   

For and on behalf of

China Investment Corporation Financial Holdings

 

/s/ Ma Jie

   

/s/ Tang Liang

 
Signature of Witness     Signature of authorised attorney  
Name of Witness: Ma Jie      
Address: 24 Liuyin Street, Xicheng District, Beijing      

[ Signature Page to Share Subscription Agreement ]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered as a deed as of the date first above written.

 

EXECUTED and DELIVERED

as a deed by and in the name of

CICFH Group Limited

by its duly authorised attorney

in the presence of :

 

    

)

)

)

)

)

   LOGO

 

   

For and on behalf of

CICFH Group Limited

/s/ Ma Jie

   

/s/ Tang Liang

Signature of Witness     Signature of authorised attorney
Name of Witness: Ma Jie    
Address: 24 Liuyin Street, Xicheng District, Beijing    

[ Signature Page to Share Subscription Agreement ]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered as a deed as of the date first above written.

 

EXECUTED and DELIVERED

as a deed by and in the name of

CICFH Music Investment Limited

by its duly authorised attorney

in the presence of :

 

  

)

)

)

)

)

   LOGO

 

   

For and on behalf of

CICFH Music Investment Limited

 

/s/ Ma Jie

   

/s/ Tang Liang

 
Signature of Witness     Signature of authorised attorney  
Name of Witness: Ma Jie      
Address: 24 Liuyin Street, Xicheng District, Beijing      

[ Signature Page to Share Subscription Agreement ]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered as a deed as of the date first above written.

 

EXECUTED and DELIVERED

as a deed by and in the name of

Green Technology Holdings Limited

by its duly authorised attorney

in the presence of :

 

    

)

)

)

)

)

   LOGO

 

   

For and on behalf of

Green Technology Holdings Limited

/s/ Ma Jie

   

/s/ Zhou Jiamin

Signature of Witness     Signature of authorised attorney
Name of Witness: Ma Jie    
Address: 24 Liuyin Street, Xicheng District, Beijing  

[ Signature Page to Share Subscription Agreement ]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered as a deed as of the date first above written.

 

EXECUTED and DELIVERED

as a deed by and in the name of

Pan Asia Venture Group Limited

by its duly authorised attorney

in the presence of :

 

    

)

)

)

)

)

   LOGO  

 

   

For and on behalf of

Pan Asia Venture Group Limited

 

/s/ Ma Jie

   

/s/ Tang Liang

 
Signature of Witness     Signature of authorised attorney  
Name of Witness: Ma Jie      
Address: 24 Liuyin Street, Xicheng District, Beijing      

[ Signature Page to Share Subscription Agreement ]


SCHEDULE A

Schedule of Purchasers

 

Name of Purchaser as of the Date of the Agreement

   Number of
Purchased Shares
     Subscription
Price
 

China Investment Corporation Financial Holdings

     51,045        US$206,032.93  

[REDACTED]

     

 

Total Number of Purchased Shares

  

Total Subscription Price

2,473,763

   US$9,984,849.60


SCHEDULE A

Schedule of Purchasers

 

Name of Purchaser as of the Date of the Agreement

   Number of
Purchased Shares
     Subscription
Price
 

CICFH Group Limited

     74,025        US$298,787.11  

[REDACTED]

     

 

Total Number of Purchased Shares

  

Total Subscription Price

2,473,763

   US$9,984,849.60


SCHEDULE A

Schedule of Purchasers

 

Name of Purchaser as of the Date of the Agreement

   Number of
Purchased Shares
     Subscription
Price
 

CICFH Music Investment Limited

     43,579        US$175,897.92  

[REDACTED]

     

 

Total Number of Purchased Shares

  

Total Subscription Price

2,473,763

   US$9,984,849.60


SCHEDULE A

Schedule of Purchasers

 

Name of Purchaser as of the Date of the Agreement

   Number of
Purchased Shares
     Subscription
Price
 

Green Technology Holdings Limited 綠色 科技控股有限公司

     13,348        US$53,876.53  

[REDACTED]

     

 

Total Number of Purchased Shares

  

Total Subscription Price

2,473,763

   US$9,984,849.60


SCHEDULE A

Schedule of Purchasers

 

Name of Purchaser as of the Date of the Agreement

   Number of
Purchased Shares
     Subscription
Price
 

Pan Asia Venture Group Limited

     35,415        US$142,945.56  

[REDACTED]

     

 

Total Number of Purchased Shares

  

Total Subscription Price

2,473,763

   US$9,984,849.60

Exhibit 10.22

EXECUTION VERSION

SHARE SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT

Dated August 23, 2018

by and among

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

(騰訊音樂娛樂集團),

THE CAYMANCO SHAREHOLDERS AND THE CAYMANCO

SHAREHOLDER AFFILIATES LISTED ON SCHEDULE A-1

and

THE UEC OPTION HOLDERS AND THE UEC OPTION HOLDER

AFFILIATES LISTED ON SCHEDULE A-2


SHARE SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT

This SHARE SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is made and entered into on August 23, 2018 by and among:

(a) Tencent Music Entertainment Group ( 騰訊音樂娛樂集團 ), an exempted company with limited liability incorporated under the Laws of the Cayman Islands (the “ Company ”);

(b) the Persons listed on Schedule A-1 attached hereto (each, a “ CaymanCo Shareholder ” and collectively, the “ CaymanCo Shareholders ”);

(c) the respective affiliates of the CaymanCo Shareholders listed on Schedule A-1 attached hereto (each, a “ CaymanCo Shareholder Affiliate ” and collectively, the “ CaymanCo Shareholder Affiliates ”);

(d) the holders of UEC Options listed on Schedule A-2 attached hereto (each, a “ UEC Option Holder ” and collectively, the “ UEC Option Holders ”); and

(e) the respective affiliates of the UEC Option Holders listed on Schedule A-2 attached hereto (each, a “ UEC Option Holder Affiliate ” and collectively, the “ UEC Option Holder Affiliates ”).

RECITALS

 

A.

Each CaymanCo Shareholder is the record and beneficial owner of a certain number of ordinary shares, par value US$1 per share (the “ CaymanCo Shares ”), of United Music Entertainment Corporation, an exempted company with limited liability incorporated under the Laws of the Cayman Islands (“ CaymanCo ”);

 

B.

The Company desires to issue and sell to each CaymanCo Shareholder a certain number of ordinary shares, par value US$0.000083 per share, of the Company (the “ Company Shares ”), in exchange for the CaymanCo Shares of the CaymanCo Shareholders, cash payments by the CaymanCo Shareholders and the transfer of the Onshore Investment Assets (as defined below), on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement;

 

C.

Each UEC Option Holder is the record and beneficial owner of a certain number of UEC Options, and in exchange for the termination of all of the UEC Options at the Closing, the Company desires to issue a certain number of Company Shares and grant a certain number of Company Options to each UEC Option Holder, on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement;

 

D.

Upon the Closing under this Agreement, the Company will become the record and beneficial owner of all of the CaymanCo Shares and there will not be any outstanding UEC Options; and


E.

Prior to the execution of this Agreement, the Company, the CaymanCo Shareholders, UEC and the other parties thereto entered into a restructuring framework agreement dated as of July 25, 2018 (the “ Restructuring Framework Agreement ”), pursuant to which, among other things, (i) the CaymanCo Shareholders and the Company established CaymanCo, with each of the CaymanCo Shareholders and the Company holding the same percentage of equity interest in CaymanCo as its respective percentage of equity ownership in UEC; (ii) UEC transferred all of its assets, including all of the equity interest owned by UEC in Sino Music Group (HK) Limited 神州音樂集團(香港)有限公司 , a private company limited by shares incorporated in Hong Kong (“ Sino Music ”), to CaymanCo; (iii) the shareholders of OpCo transferred all of the outstanding shares of OpCo held by them to Gu Dejun ( 顧德峻 ) and Yang Qihu ( 楊奇虎 ),who hold 50% and 50% of the outstanding shares in OpCo respectively; (iv) following the Closing under this Agreement, OpCo will purchase all of the assets relating to the operation of UEC’s business in the PRC and equity interests in certain PRC entities (collectively, the “ Onshore Investment Assets ”), pursuant to certain asset purchase agreement, equity transfer agreement and other agreements between Opco and the other parties thereto; and (v) following the Closing under this Agreement, CaymanCo will establish a variable interest entity structure to obtain effective control over OpCo with a series of contractual arrangements (collectively with the other transactions contemplated by the Restructuring Framework Agreement, the “ Restructuring Transactions ”).

AGREEMENT

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing recitals, the mutual promises hereinafter set forth, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE 1

DEFINITIONS

Section 1.01. Definitions . In this Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires, the following words and expressions have the meanings as follows:

Action ” means any litigation or arbitration proceeding.

Affiliate ” means, (i) with respect to a Person that is a natural person, such Person’s relatives and any other Person (other than natural persons) directly or indirectly Controlled by such Person, and (ii) with respect to a Person that is not a natural person, a Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls, or is Controlled by, or is under common Control with, such Person; provided that for purposes of this Agreement, none of the Company or its Subsidiaries shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of any Purchaser or any of their respective Affiliates, and none of the Purchasers or their respective Affiliates shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. For the purposes of this definition, “ relative ” of a Person means such Person’s spouse, parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, sibling, uncle, aunt, nephew, niece or great-grandparent or the spouse of such Person’s child, grandchild, sibling, uncle, aunt, nephew or niece.

Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

 

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Applicable Basket ” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.02(a).

Applicable Cap ” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.02(a).

Approval ” means any approval, consent, waiver, license or permit required to be obtained from, or any registration or qualification required to be filed with or delivered to, any Governmental Authority or any other Person.

Arbitration Notice ” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.13.

Attorney ” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.02(c).

Bankruptcy and Equity Exception ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.03.

Board ” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

Business Day ” means a day (other than a Saturday or a Sunday) that the banks in New York, Hong Kong, the PRC, and the Cayman Islands are generally open for business.

CaymanCo ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

CaymanCo Shares ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

CaymanCo Shareholder ” and “ CaymanCo Shareholders ” have the meanings set forth in the recitals.

CaymanCo Shareholder Affiliate ” and “ CaymanCo Shareholder Affiliates ” have the meanings set forth in the recitals.

Closing ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.02.

Closing Date ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.02.

Company ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Company Indemnitee ” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.02(b).

Company Options ” means the options to be granted by the Company hereunder to the UEC Option Holders to purchase the Company Shares at an exercise price of US$2.6909 per Company Share and subject to the terms of the 2017 Share Option Plan of the Company and any applicable award agreement thereunder between the Company and any UEC Option Holder.

Company Shares ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

Control ” means the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct, or cause the direction of, the management and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

De Minimis Claim Threshold ” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.02(a).

 

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Dispute ” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.13.

Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation ” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.02(a).

Effective Event ” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.02(a)(i).

ESOP ” means collectively, the 2014 Share Incentive Plan, the 2017 Share Option Plan and the 2017 Restricted Share Award Scheme of the Company.

Existing Shareholder ” means any Person that is a holder of Company Shares as of December 8, 2017.

Fair Market Value ” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.05(a)(i).

Governmental Authorities ” means any nation, government, province, state, or any entity, authority or body exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of or pertaining to government, including any government authority, agency, department, board, commission or instrumentality of any government or any political subdivision thereof, court, tribunal, arbitrator, the governing body of any securities exchange, and self-regulatory organization, in each case having competent jurisdiction (with each of such Governmental Authorities being referred to as a “ Governmental Authority ”).

HKIAC ” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.13.

HKIAC Rules ” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.13.

Hong Kong ” means the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China.

Indemnified Party ” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.03.

Indemnifying Party ” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.03.

IPO ” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.01.

Law ” means any law, rule, constitution, code, ordinance, statute, treaty, decree, regulation, common law, order, official policy, circular, provision, administrative order, interpretation, injunction, judgment, ruling, assessment, writ or other legislative measure, in each case of any Governmental Authority.

Lien ” means, with respect to any property or asset, any mortgage, charge, lien, pledge, charge, security interest or encumbrance in respect of such property or asset.

Liquidated Damages ” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.05(b).

Losses ” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.02(a).

Onshore Investment Assets ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

 

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Order ” means any injunction, judgment, order, decree, stipulation or determination by or with any Governmental Authority.

OpCo ” means 聯合文娛(深圳)有限公司 , a company organized in the PRC.

PAG ” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.06(c).

Parties ” means the named parties to this Agreement and their respective successors and permitted assigns (with each of such Parties being referred to as a “ Party ”).

Person ” means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited partnership, proprietorship, association, limited liability company, firm, trust, estate or other enterprise, entity or legal person.

PRC ” means the People’s Republic of China and for purposes of this Agreement, excludes Hong Kong, Macao Special Administrative Region and Taiwan.

Purchasers ” means collectively the CaymanCo Shareholders, the CaymanCo Shareholder Affiliates, the UEC Option Holders and the UEC Option Holder Affiliates (with each of the Purchasers being referred to as a “ Purchaser ”).

Purchaser Indemnitee ” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.02(a).

Purchaser Owned Shares ” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.02(b)(iii).

Recipient ” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.03.

Representatives ” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.03(a).

Restated Articles ” means the Fourth Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company adopted on January 8, 2018.

Restructuring Framework Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

Restructuring Transactions ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

Securities Act ” means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Selection Period ” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.13.

Shareholder ” has the meaning ascribed to it in the Shareholders Agreement.

Shareholders Agreement ” means the Third Amended and Restated Shareholders Agreement of the Company entered into on January 8, 2018 by and among the Company and other parties named therein.

Sino Music ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

 

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Subscription Shares ” means, with respect to each Purchaser, the Company Shares to be issued and sold to such Purchaser at the Closing pursuant to Section 2.01.

Subsidiary ” means companies whose financial results are consolidated with those of the Company in accordance with the generally accepted accounting principles in the United States.

Taxes ” means (i) in the PRC: (a) any national, provincial, municipal or local taxes, charges, fees, levies or other assessments, (b) all interest, penalties or additional amounts imposed by any Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over the assessment, determination, collection or other imposition of any items described in clause (a) above in connection therewith, and (ii) in any jurisdiction other than the PRC: all similar liabilities as described in clause (i) above.

Tencent ” means Tencent Holdings Limited or any of its controlled Affiliates, which shall, for the avoidance of doubt, include Yangcheng Lake Investment Limited and Min River Investment Limited.

Total Subscription Price ” means, with respect to each Purchaser, the product of (i) US$2.6909 per Company Share and (ii) the number of Subscription Shares to be issued and sold to such Purchaser under Section 2.01.

Transaction Documents ” means this Agreement, the Restructuring Framework Agreement, the Shareholders Agreement (or any Joinder Agreement thereto, as applicable), the applicable option award agreement with respect to the Company Options to be granted to a UEC Option Holder, and any other agreement, document or instrument executed and delivered in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Restructuring Framework Agreement.

Transfer ” means (i) when used as a verb, to sell, assign, dispose of, exchange, pledge, encumber, hypothecate or otherwise transfer any Company Shares or other securities of the Company or any participation or interest therein, whether directly or indirectly (including pursuant to a derivative transaction or a transfer or new issuance of ownership interests in a direct or indirect holder of such Company Shares or other securities of the Company), or agree or commit to do any of the foregoing and (ii) when used as a noun, a direct or indirect sale, assignment, disposition, exchange, pledge, encumbrance, hypothecation, or other transfer of such Company Shares or other securities of the Company or any participation or interest therein or any agreement or commitment to do any of the foregoing.

UEC ” means United Entertainment Corporation, an exempted company with limited liability incorporated under the Laws of the Cayman Islands.

UEC Option Holder ” and “ UEC Option Holders ” have the meanings set forth in the recitals.

UEC Option Holder Affiliate ” and “ UEC Option Holder Affiliates ” have the meanings set forth in the recitals.

 

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UEC Options ” means the options to purchase UEC Shares under any employee stock option or compensation plan, option agreement or arrangement of UEC.

US$ ” means United States Dollars, the lawful currency of the United States.

ARTICLE 2

PURCHASE AND SALE

Section 2.01. Purchase and Sale . (a) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, at the Closing, the Company agrees to issue and sell to each CaymanCo Shareholder that number of Subscription Shares set forth opposite such CaymanCo Shareholder’s name on Schedule A-1 , and each CaymanCo Shareholder agrees to (i) sell to the Company that number of CaymanCo Shares set forth opposite such CaymanCo Shareholder’s name on Schedule A-1 and (ii) pay, or cause to be paid, to the Company that amount in cash set forth opposite such CaymanCo Shareholder’s name on Schedule  A-1 .

(b) Each CaymanCo Shareholder hereby agrees that the Company’s obligation to issue Subscription Shares to such CaymanCo Shareholder at the Closing under Section 2.01(a) shall be satisfied by issuing (and each CaymanCo Shareholder hereby instructs and directs the Company to issue) its Subscription Shares to the applicable CaymanCo Shareholder Affiliate set forth opposite such CaymanCo Shareholder’s name on Schedule A-1 at the Closing. Each CaymanCo Shareholder and its CaymanCo Shareholder Affiliate hereby agree that such CaymanCo Shareholder has designated its CaymanCo Shareholder Affiliate as the Person subscribing for the Subscription Shares for the purposes of Section 1.7 of the Restructuring Framework Agreement.

(c) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, each UEC Option Holder agrees that at the Closing, all of the UEC Options of each UEC Option Holder then issued and outstanding shall terminate and become the right to receive Subscription Shares and Company Options in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, and the Company agrees to (i) issue and sell to each UEC Option Holder that number of Subscription Shares set forth opposite such UEC Option Holder’s name on Schedule A-2 at the Closing and (ii) grant each UEC Option Holder that number of Company Options set forth opposite such UEC Option Holder’s name on Schedule A-2 at or after the Closing.

(d) Each UEC Option Holder hereby agrees that the Company’s obligation to issue Subscription Shares to such UEC Option Holder at the Closing under Section 2.01(c)(i) shall be satisfied by issuing (and each UEC Option Holder hereby instructs and directs the Company to issue) the Subscription Shares to the applicable UEC Option Holder Affiliate set forth opposite such UEC Option Holder’s name on Schedule A-2 at the Closing.

 

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Section 2.02. Closing . The closing of the transactions contemplated under Section 2.01 (the “ Closing ”) shall take place remotely via the exchange of documents and signatures on the fifth (5th) Business Day after satisfaction or waiver (to the extent permissible by the Party entitled to such conditions) of the conditions set forth in Article 7 (other than those conditions to be satisfied at the Closing, but subject to the satisfaction or waiver thereof at the Closing), or at such other time or place as the Company and the Purchasers may agree in writing (the date on which the Closing occurs, the “ Closing Date ”). For the avoidance of doubt, if any Purchaser fails to consummate the Closing as required by this Agreement, or fails to satisfy any condition to such Purchaser’s obligations to consummate the Closing, (i) no other Purchaser shall be relieved of its obligation to perform this Agreement in accordance with its terms and (ii) the Company may proceed to consummate the Closing with one or more of the Purchasers other than such failing Purchaser in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

Section 2.03. Deliveries . (a) At the Closing, each CaymanCo Shareholder shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the Company:

(i) if required, an instrument of transfer duly executed by such CaymanCo Shareholder with respect to all of the CaymanCo Shares of such CaymanCo Shareholder in favor of the Company, substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A to this Agreement;

(ii) an extract of the register of members of CaymanCo evidencing the transfer of the CaymanCo Shares of such CaymanCo Shareholder to the Company, certified by the registered office provider of CaymanCo;

(iii) the applicable cash amount set forth on Schedule A-1 by wire transfer of immediately available funds in U.S. dollars to the Company’s bank account set forth in Schedule E hereto; and

(iv) if the CaymanCo Shareholder Affiliate of such CaymanCo Shareholder is not a “Shareholder” (as defined therein) under the Shareholders Agreement prior to the Closing, a copy of the Joinder Agreement to the Shareholders Agreement duly executed by the CaymanCo Shareholder Affiliate of such CaymanCo Shareholder.

(b) At the Closing, each UEC Option Holder shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the Company a copy of the Joinder Agreement to the Shareholders Agreement duly executed by the UEC Option Holder Affiliate of such UEC Option Holder, if the UEC Option Holder Affiliate of such UEC Option Holder is not a “Shareholder” (as defined therein) under the Shareholders Agreement prior to the Closing.

(c) At the Closing, the Company shall deliver to each Purchaser that is a CaymanCo Shareholder Affiliate or UEC Option Holder Affiliate a copy of an extract of the relevant portion of the updated register of members reflecting the issuance to such Purchaser of its Subscription Shares set forth on Schedule A-1 and Schedule A-2 .

(d) As soon as reasonably practicable after the Closing, the Company will:

(i) provide a copy of an extract of the relevant portion of the updated register of members reflecting such issuance of the Subscription Shares, certified by the registered office provider of the Company; and

 

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(ii) if requested by such CaymanCo Shareholder or UEC Option Holder Affiliate, deliver to such CaymanCo Shareholder or UEC Option Holder Affiliate the original share certificate issued in its name representing its Subscription Shares.

(e) At such time at or after the Closing as determined by the Company (but no later than one (1) month after the Closing unless otherwise agreed by the Company and the relevant UEC Option Holder), the Company shall grant each UEC Option Holder that number of Company Options set forth opposite such UEC Option Holder’s name on Schedule A-2 , subject to compliance with the terms of the 2017 Share Option Plan of the Company. In connection with such grant of Company Options, each UEC Option Holder agrees that he shall execute and deliver to the Company a copy of an option award agreement in such form as required under the 2017 Share Option Plan with respect to the applicable number of Company Options set forth opposite such UEC Option Holder’s name on Schedule A-2 .

ARTICLE 3

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY

The Company hereby represents and warrants to each Purchaser that as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date:

Section 3.01. Organization, Standing and Qualification . (a) The Company is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing (to the extent such concept is recognized) under the Laws of its jurisdiction of organization and has all requisite corporate power and authority to own its properties and assets and to carry on its business as presently conducted in all material respects.

(b) The Company has neither filed, nor has had filed against it, any petition for its liquidation, dissolution, bankruptcy or winding-up, and is not insolvent under the Laws of its jurisdiction of organization.

Section 3.02. Capitalization . The summary table of the issued and outstanding share capital (which does not include the identification of each individual shareholder or recipient of an award under the ESOP or the identification of each shareholder holding less than 2% of the total number of the issued and outstanding Ordinary Shares) of the Company as of August 21, 2018 is set forth in Schedule B to this Agreement.

Section 3.03. Due Authorization . As of the date of this Agreement, all corporate actions on the part of the Company necessary for (i) the authorization, execution and delivery of, and the performance of all of its obligations under, the Transaction Documents to which the Company is a party and (ii) the authorization, issuance and delivery of the Subscription Shares of such Purchaser have been taken. The Company has the requisite corporate power, capacity and authority to enter into, execute and deliver the Transaction Documents to which the Company is a party and to perform all the obligations to be performed by it thereunder. This Agreement has been, and the other Transaction Documents to which the Company is a party has been or will be, duly executed and delivered by the Company. Assuming due authorization, execution and delivery of the other parties thereto, the Transaction Documents to which the Company is a party, when executed and delivered by the Company, will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms, subject, as to enforcement of remedies, to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, reorganization and similar Laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and to general equitable principles (the “ Bankruptcy and Equity Exception ”).

 

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Section 3.04. Consents and Approvals . Assuming the accuracy of the representations made by each Purchaser in Article 4, except as expressly provided in this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, no Approval is required to be obtained or made by or with respect to the Company in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by the Company of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which the Company is a party, or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby by the Company, except for any such Approvals as to which the failure to obtain or make would not materially impair the Company’s ability to perform its obligations under the Transaction Documents or to consummate the transactions contemplated thereby.

Section 3.05. Valid Issuance . The Subscription Shares of such Purchaser, when issued, sold and delivered in accordance with the terms of this Agreement for the consideration expressed herein, will be duly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable, and free and clear of any Liens (except for any restrictions on transfer under applicable Laws and under the Transaction Documents and any Liens created or imposed by such Purchaser).

Section 3.06. No Violation . Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents to which the Company is a party nor the full performance of its obligations by the Company hereunder or thereunder will (a) violate any applicable Law to which the Company is subject, or (b) violate the Restated Articles of the Company, in each case, except as would not materially impair the Company’s ability to perform its obligations under the Transaction Documents or to consummate the transactions contemplated thereby.

Section 3.07. Litigation . There is no Action pending against the Company, and the Company is not a party or subject to the provisions of any Order, which in any manner challenges or seeks to prevent, enjoin, alter or delay the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents.

Section 3.08. Finders’ Fees . There is no investment banker, broker, finder or other intermediary that has been retained by or is authorized to act on behalf of any the Company or its Affiliates who might be entitled to any fee or commission payable by such Purchaser in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents.

Section 3.09. No Other Representations . The Company acknowledges that, except for the representations and warranties of the Purchasers or their respective Affiliates contained in Article 4 and Article 5 of this Agreement and in the Restructuring Framework Agreement, none of the Purchasers is making or has made, and no other Person is making or has made on behalf of any Purchaser, any express or limited representation or warranty in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, and any such other representations or warranties are expressly disclaimed.

 

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ARTICLE 4

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF EACH CAYMANCO SHAREHOLDER AND EACH CAYMANCO SHAREHOLDER AFFILIATE

Each CaymanCo Shareholder hereby, severally and not jointly, represents and warrants to the Company, in respect of itself and its CaymanCo Shareholder Affiliate, as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date, and each CaymanCo Shareholder Affiliate hereby, severally and not jointly, represents and warrants to the Company, on behalf of itself and its affiliated CaymanCo Shareholder, as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date:

Section 4.01. Organization; Standing and Qualification . (a) Each of such CaymanCo Shareholder and such CaymanCo Shareholder Affiliate is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing (to the extent such concept is recognized) under the Laws of its jurisdiction of organization and has all requisite corporate power and authority to carry on its business as presently conducted in all material respects.

(b) Each of such CaymanCo Shareholder and such CaymanCo Shareholder Affiliate has neither filed, nor has had filed against it, any petition for its liquidation, dissolution, bankruptcy or winding-up, and is not insolvent under the Laws of its jurisdiction of organization.

Section 4.02. Due Authorization . Each of such CaymanCo Shareholder and such CaymanCo Shareholder Affiliate has all requisite power, authority and capacity to enter into the Transaction Documents to which such CaymanCo Shareholder or CaymanCo Shareholder Affiliate, as applicable, is a party and to perform its obligations thereunder. The execution, delivery and performance by each of such CaymanCo Shareholder and such CaymanCo Shareholder Affiliate of the Transaction Documents to which it is a party have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of such CaymanCo Shareholder or such CaymanCo Shareholder Affiliate, as applicable. This Agreement has been, and the other Transaction Document to which each of such CaymanCo Shareholder and such CaymanCo Shareholder Affiliate is a party will be, duly executed and delivered by such CaymanCo Shareholder or such CaymanCo Shareholder Affiliate, as applicable. Assuming due authorization, execution and delivery of the other parties hereto and thereto, this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which such CaymanCo Shareholder or such CaymanCo Shareholder Affiliate is a party, when executed and delivered by it, will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of such CaymanCo Shareholder or such CaymanCo Shareholder Affiliate, as applicable, enforceable against it in accordance with its and their terms and subject, as to enforcement of remedies, to the Bankruptcy and Equity Exception.

Section 4.03. Valid Title; Capitalization . Such CaymanCo Shareholder is the record and beneficial owner of the CaymanCo Shares set forth opposite such CaymanCo Shareholder’s name on Schedule A-1 , free and clear of any Lien, and will transfer and deliver to the Company at the Closing valid title to such CaymanCo Shares free and clear of any Lien. Except for any CaymanCo Shares set forth on Schedule A-1 or any CaymanCo Shares held by the Company, there are no outstanding (i) CaymanCo Shares or other equity interest or voting securities of CaymanCo, (ii) securities of CaymanCo convertible into or exchangeable for CaymanCo Shares or other equity interest or voting securities of CaymanCo, or (iii) options or other rights to acquire from CaymanCo, or other obligation of CaymanCo to issue, any capital stock, voting securities or securities convertible into or exchangeable for capital stock or voting securities of CaymanCo. Upon the consummation of the transactions under Section 2.01 by all of the CaymanCo Shareholders, the Company will be the record and beneficial owner of all of the outstanding CaymanCo Shares.

 

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Section 4.04. Purchase for Own Account . The Subscription Shares of such CaymanCo Shareholder are being acquired for investment for its CaymanCo Shareholder Affiliate’s own account, not as a nominee or agent of any Person other than such CaymanCo Shareholder Affiliate, and not with a view to, or for sale in connection with, any distribution of any part thereof, and that neither such CaymanCo Shareholder nor its CaymanCo Shareholder Affiliate has any present intention of selling, granting any participation in or otherwise distributing the same to any Person. Neither such CaymanCo Shareholder nor its CaymanCo Shareholder Affiliate presently has any contract, undertaking, agreement or arrangement with any Person to sell, transfer or grant participations to such Person or to any third Person, with respect to any of its Subscription Shares.

Section 4.05. Exempt from Registration; Restricted Securities . Each of such CaymanCo Shareholder and its CaymanCo Shareholder Affiliate understands that its Subscription Shares will not be registered under the Securities Act or registered or listed publicly pursuant to any other applicable securities Laws, on the ground that the sale provided for in this Agreement is exempt from registration under the Securities Act or the registration or listing requirements of any other applicable securities Laws. Each of such CaymanCo Shareholder and its CaymanCo Shareholder Affiliate understands that its Subscription Shares are restricted securities within the meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act and that its Subscription Shares are not registered or listed publicly and must be held indefinitely unless they are subsequently registered or listed publicly or an exemption from such registration or listing is available.

Section 4.06. Status of CaymanCo Shareholder . Each of such CaymanCo Shareholder and its CaymanCo Shareholder Affiliate (a) is an accredited investor as defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act and/or (b) is not a “ U.S. person ” within the meaning of Regulation S under the Securities Act, and is acquiring its Subscription Shares in an offshore transaction under Rule 903 of Regulation S under the Securities Act. Each of such CaymanCo Shareholder and its CaymanCo Shareholder Affiliate (i) has sufficient knowledge and experience in financial and business matters to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks involved in purchasing its Subscription Shares and (ii) is capable of bearing the economic risk of its investment. Each of such CaymanCo Shareholder and its CaymanCo Shareholder Affiliate has undertaken such investigation and has been provided with and has evaluated such documents and information as it has deemed necessary or appropriate for making an informed and intelligent decision with respect to the purchase of the Subscription Shares and the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents.

 

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Section 4.07. Consents and Approvals . Except for any Approval that has been obtained or made by such CaymanCo Shareholder or its CaymanCo Shareholder Affiliate and provided to the Company as of the date of this Agreement, no Approval is required to be obtained or made by or with respect to such CaymanCo Shareholder or any of its Affiliates in connection with the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents by such CaymanCo Shareholder or any of its Affiliates that is a party to any Transaction Document, or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby by such CaymanCo Shareholder or any of its Affiliates.

Section 4.08. No Violation . Neither the execution and delivery of any of the Transaction Documents to which such CaymanCo Shareholder or its CaymanCo Shareholder Affiliate is a party nor the full performance of its obligations by such CaymanCo Shareholder or its CaymanCo Shareholder Affiliate thereunder will (a) violate any applicable Law to which such CaymanCo Shareholder or its CaymanCo Shareholder Affiliate is subject, or (b) violate any constitutive documents of such CaymanCo Shareholder or its CaymanCo Shareholder Affiliate, in each case, except as would not materially affect such CaymanCo Shareholder’s or its CaymanCo Shareholder Affiliate’s ability to perform its obligations under the Transaction Documents to which it is a party, as applicable, or to consummate the transactions contemplated thereby.

Section 4.09. Litigation . There is no Action pending or, to the knowledge of such CaymanCo Shareholder or its CaymanCo Shareholder Affiliate, threatened against or affecting any such CaymanCo Shareholder or any of its Affiliates before any court or arbitrator or any Governmental Authority, and neither such CaymanCo Shareholder nor any of its Affiliates is a party or subject to the provisions of any Order, which in any manner challenges or seeks to prevent, enjoin, alter or delay the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents.

Section 4.10. Finders’ Fees . There is no investment banker, broker, finder or other intermediary that has been retained by or is authorized to act on behalf of such CaymanCo Shareholder, any of its Affiliates or the respective directors, officers, employees or equity holders of any of the foregoing and might be entitled to any fee or commission payable by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents.

Section 4.11. Financing . Such CaymanCo Shareholder has or will have sufficient cash, available lines of credit or other sources of immediately available funds to enable it to make the required cash payment at the Closing and any other amounts to be paid by it under this Agreement.

Section 4.12. No Other Representations . Each of such CaymanCo Shareholder and such CaymanCo Shareholder Affiliate acknowledges that, except for the representations and warranties of the Company contained in Article 3 and in the Restructuring Framework Agreement, the Company is not making and has not made, and no other Person is making or has made on behalf of the Company, any express or implied representation or warranty in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, and any such other representations and warranties are expressly disclaimed.

 

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ARTICLE 5

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF EACH UEC OPTION HOLDER AND EACH UEC OPTION HOLDER AFFILIATE

Each UEC Option Holder hereby, severally and not jointly, represents and warrants to the Company, on behalf of himself and his UEC Option Holder Affiliate, as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date, and each UEC Option Holder Affiliate hereby, severally and not jointly, represents and warrants to the Company, on behalf of itself and its affiliated UEC Option Holder, as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date:

Section 5.01. Organization; Standing and Qualification . (a) Such UEC Option Holder Affiliate is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing (to the extent such concept is recognized) under the Laws of its jurisdiction of organization and has all requisite corporate power and authority to carry on its business as presently conducted in all material respects.

(b) Such UEC Option Holder Affiliate has not filed (or has had filed against it) any petition for its liquidation, dissolution, bankruptcy or winding-up, and is not insolvent under the Laws of its jurisdiction of organization.

(c) Such UEC Option Holder is the sole record and beneficial owner of all of the outstanding share capital, voting securities or equity interest of his UEC Option Holder Affiliate.

Section 5.02. Due Authorization . Each of such UEC Option Holder and his UEC Option Holder Affiliate has all requisite power, authority and capacity to enter into the Transaction Documents to which such UEC Option Holder or UEC Option Holder Affiliate, as applicable, is a party and to perform his or its obligations thereunder. The execution, delivery and performance by his UEC Option Holder Affiliate of the Transaction Documents to which such UEC Option Holder Affiliate is a party have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of such UEC Option Holder Affiliate. This Agreement has been, and the other Transaction Document to which such UEC Option Holder or his UEC Option Holder Affiliate is a party will be, duly executed and delivered by such UEC Option Holder and his UEC Option Holder Affiliate, as applicable. Assuming due authorization, execution and delivery of the other parties hereto and thereto, this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which UEC Option Holder or his UEC Option Holder Affiliate is a party, when executed and delivered by him or it, as applicable, will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of such UEC Option Holder or its UEC Option Holder Affiliate, enforceable against his or it in accordance with their terms and subject, as to enforcement of remedies, to the Bankruptcy and Equity Exception.

Section 5.03. Valid Title . Such UEC Option Holder is the record and beneficial owner of the UEC Options set forth opposite such UEC Option Holder’s name on Schedule A-2 , free and clear of any Lien. At the Closing, all of the UEC Options will have duly terminated in accordance with the terms thereof and shall be of no further force or effect except for the UEC Option Holders’ right to receive the Subscription Shares and Company Options as provided under Article 2 this Agreement.

 

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Section 5.04. Purchase for Own Account . The Subscription Shares of such UEC Option Holder are being acquired for investment for his UEC Option Holder Affiliate’s own account, not as a nominee or agent of any Person other than his UEC Option Holder Affiliate, and not with a view to, or for sale in connection with, any distribution of any part thereof, and that neither such UEC Option Holder nor his UEC Option Holder Affiliate has any present intention of selling, granting any participation in or otherwise distributing the same to any Person. Neither such UEC Option Holder nor his UEC Option Holder Affiliate presently has any contract, undertaking, agreement or arrangement with any Person to sell, transfer or grant participations to such Person or to any third Person, with respect to any of his Subscription Shares.

Section 5.05. Exempt from Registration; Restricted Securities . Such UEC Option Holder understands that his Subscription Shares will not be registered under the Securities Act or registered or listed publicly pursuant to any other applicable securities Laws, on the ground that the sale provided for in this Agreement is exempt from registration under the Securities Act or the registration or listing requirements of any other applicable securities Laws. Such UEC Option Holder understands that his Subscription Shares are restricted securities within the meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act and that his Subscription Shares are not registered or listed publicly and must be held indefinitely unless they are subsequently registered or listed publicly or an exemption from such registration or listing is available.

Section 5.06. Status of UEC Option Holder . Each of such UEC Option Holder and his UEC Option Holder Affiliate is (a) an accredited investor as defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act and/or (b) is not a “ U.S. person ” within the meaning of Regulation S under the Securities Act and is acquiring the Subscription Shares in an offshore transaction under Rule 903 of Regulation S under the Securities Act. Such UEC Option Holder (i) has sufficient knowledge and experience in financial and business matters to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks involved in purchasing his Subscription Shares and (ii) is capable of bearing the economic risk of its investment. Such UEC Option Holder has undertaken such investigation and has been provided with and has evaluated such documents and information as he has deemed necessary or appropriate for making an informed and intelligent decision with respect to the purchase of the Subscription Shares and the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents.

Section 5.07. Consents and Approvals . Except for any Approval that has been obtained or made by such UEC Option Holder and provided to the Company as of the date of this Agreement, no Approval is required to be obtained or made by or with respect to such UEC Option Holder or any of its Affiliates in connection with the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents by such UEC Option Holder or any of its Affiliates that is a party to any Transaction Document, or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby by such UEC Option Holder or any of its Affiliates.

 

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Section 5.08. No Violation . Neither the execution and delivery of any of the Transaction Documents to which such UEC Option Holder or his UEC Option Holder Affiliate is a party nor the full performance of their respective obligations by such UEC Option Holder or his UEC Option Holder Affiliate thereunder will (a) violate any applicable Law to which such UEC Option Holder or his UEC Option Holder Affiliate is subject, or (b) violate any constitutive documents of his UEC Option Holder Affiliate, in each case, except as would not materially affect the ability of such UEC Option Holder or his UEC Option Holder Affiliate to perform their respective obligations under the Transaction Documents to which it is a party, as applicable, and consummate the transactions contemplated thereby.

Section 5.09. Litigation . There is no Action pending or, to the knowledge of such UEC Option Holder, threatened against or affecting such UEC Option Holder or any of its Affiliates before any court or arbitrator or any Governmental Authority, and neither such UEC Option Holder nor any of its Affiliates is a party or subject to the provisions of any Order, which in any manner challenges or seeks to prevent, enjoin, alter or delay the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents.

Section 5.10. Finders’ Fees . There is no investment banker, broker, finder or other intermediary that has been retained by or is authorized to act on behalf of such UEC Option Holder, any of its Affiliates or the respective directors, officers, employees or equity holders of any of the foregoing and might be entitled to any fee or commission payable by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents.

Section 5.11. No Other Representations . Such UEC Option Holder acknowledges that, except for the representations and warranties of the Company contained in Article 3 and in the Restructuring Framework Agreement, the Company is not making and has not made, and no other Person is making or has made on behalf of the Company, any express or implied representation or warranty in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, and any such other representations and warranties are expressly disclaimed.

ARTICLE 6

COVENANTS AND AGREEMENTS

Section 6.01. Further Assurances . The Company and each Purchaser shall, and each Purchaser shall cause its Affiliates to, from time to time and at all times hereafter use reasonable best efforts to make, do, execute, or cause or procure to be made, done and executed such further acts, deeds, conveyances, consents and assurances without further consideration, which may reasonably be required or advisable to effect the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents. Each Purchaser further covenants and agrees with the Company that such Purchaser shall cause its Affiliates to fully perform, satisfy and discharge each covenant and agreement of its Affiliates in the Transaction Documents and consummate the Restructuring Transactions in accordance with the terms thereof.

 

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Section 6.02. Approvals, Consents and Waivers . Without limiting the generality of Section 6.01, prior to the Closing, each Purchaser shall, and shall cause all of its Affiliates to, take all actions necessary to obtain or make all Approvals, if any, of Governmental Authorities and other Persons which are to be obtained or made by such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates and are necessary in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents. In the event that the Company waives the condition set forth in Section 7.03(c) at the Closing, each Purchaser shall, and shall ensure that all of its Affiliates, within one (1) month or such other time period after the Closing as may be reasonably required by the Company, obtain or make any and all Approvals necessary for the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents which have not been obtained or made as of the Closing.

Section 6.03. Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure . (a) Prior to the Closing Date or after any termination of this Agreement, each Party (the “ Recipient ”) shall hold, and shall cause its Affiliates and the respective officers, directors, employees, accountants, counsel, consultants, advisors and agents of such Recipient and its Affiliates (collectively, the “ Representatives ”) to hold, in confidence, unless compelled to disclose by judicial or administrative process or by other requirements of any applicable Laws (including, without limitation, pursuant to securities laws or regulations and applicable securities exchange rules) or requested by any Governmental Authority having competent jurisdiction, all documents and information concerning any other Party furnished to the Recipient or its Representatives in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, including the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the other Transaction Documents and all exhibits and schedules attached to such agreements, including their existence, and the identity of each party thereto, except to the extent that such information can be shown to have been (i) previously known on a non-confidential basis by such Recipient, (ii) in the public domain through no fault of such Recipient or (iii) later lawfully acquired by such Recipient from sources other than the other Parties; provided that a Recipient may disclose such information to its Representatives who need to know such information for the purpose of evaluating, negotiating or consummating the transactions contemplated by this Agreement so long as such Representatives are informed by such Recipient of the confidential nature of such information and are directed by such Recipient to treat such information confidentially. Each Recipient shall be responsible for any failure to treat such information confidentially by its Representatives. If this Agreement is terminated in respect of any Purchaser, such Purchaser will, and will cause its Representatives to, destroy or deliver to the Company, upon request, all documents and other materials, and all copies thereof, obtained by such Purchaser or its Representatives or on their behalf from the Company or any Subsidiary in connection with this Agreement that are subject to such confidence.

(b) The provisions of this Section 6.03 shall be in addition to, and not in substitution for, the provisions of any separate nondisclosure agreement executed by any of the Parties with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby.

Section 6.04. No Use of Company Name . Without the prior written consent of the Company and (with respect to any name, mark or logo of Tencent) Tencent, none of the Purchasers or their respective Representatives (other than Tencent or any Affiliate of Tencent that is a Purchaser hereunder and their respective Representatives) shall be entitled to use, publish or reproduce the name, trademarks, trade names, domain names, service marks, business names, or logos of the Company or its Affiliates, including without limitation “Tencent”, “ 騰訊 ”, “Tencent Music”, “ 騰訊 音樂 ”, “QQ Music”, “Kugou”, “Kuwo”, or any similar name, trademark or logo in any discussion, documents or materials, including without limitation for marketing or other purposes.

 

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Section 6.05. IPO . Each Purchaser hereby agrees that, after the Closing, it shall, and shall cause its Affiliates to, take any and all reasonable actions to facilitate an IPO of the Company as may be requested by the Company and/or the lead underwriter(s) of an IPO, including without limitation, cooperating in due diligence in connection therewith. The obligations of each Purchaser and its Affiliates under this Section 6.05 shall be additional to, and not in substitution for, any other obligations of such Purchaser or its Affiliates under the Transaction Documents in relation to an IPO.

Section 6.06. Related Party Transactions; Intercompany Accounts . (a) At or prior to the Closing, except as contemplated in the Transaction Documents, each Purchaser shall, and shall cause its Affiliates to, take all such action as may be necessary to cause all contracts, agreements, plans, arrangements or commitments between such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates, on the one hand, and UEC, CaymanCo, OpCo or their respective controlled Affiliates, on the other hand, to be terminated without any penalty, cost or consideration to be payable or incurred by any of UEC, CaymanCo, OpCo or their respective controlled Affiliates and all payments thereunder to be made prior to the Closing and for the parties thereto to release and waive any and all claims that any of them may have thereunder as of the Closing. Each Purchaser hereby represents and warrants that, except as contemplated in the Transaction Documents, there will not be as of the Closing any contract, agreement, plan, arrangement or commitment between such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates, on the one hand, and UEC, CaymanCo, OpCo or their respective controlled Affiliates, on the other hand.

(b) Each Purchaser, on behalf of itself and its Affiliates, hereby agrees that all balances, payables and other amounts due or outstanding between such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates, on the one hand, and UEC, CaymanCo, OpCo or their respective controlled Affiliates, on the other hand, shall be deemed settled and extinguished in full as of the Closing, except as arising under any Transaction Document. Each Purchaser hereby represents and warrants that, except as contemplated in the Transaction Documents, there will not be as of the Closing any balances, payables or other amounts due or outstanding between such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates, on the one hand, and UEC, CaymanCo, OpCo or their respective controlled Affiliates, on the other hand.

(c) Without limiting Section 6.06(a) and (b) above, PAGAC Music Holding III Limited (“ PAG ”) hereby represents and warrants to the Company and the other Purchasers that the Nominee Agreement dated June 17, 2015 by and between PAG and UEC has duly terminated in accordance with its terms prior to the date of this Agreement without any penalty, cost or consideration to be payable or incurred by any of UEC, CaymanCo, OpCo or their respective controlled Affiliates.

Section 6.07. Termination of UEC Options . At or prior to the Closing, the Purchasers shall take, and cause UEC to take, any and all actions necessary to (i) cancel all UEC Options and other share incentive awards that are outstanding and unexercised, and (ii) terminate any employee stock option or compensation plan, option agreement or arrangement of UEC.

 

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ARTICLE 7

CONDITIONS TO CLOSING

Section 7.01. Conditions to Obligations of Purchasers and Company . The obligations of each Purchaser and the Company to consummate the Closing are subject to the satisfaction or waiver, at or prior to the Closing, of the following condition:

(a) No Injunctions or Legal Prohibitions . No provision of applicable Laws, and no Order, shall prohibit the consummation of the Closing.

(b) Restructuring Transactions . All of the Restructuring Transactions required to be consummated at or prior to the Closing pursuant to the Restructuring Framework Agreement (including Sections 1.1 through 1.6 thereof) and the other Transaction Documents shall have been consummated in accordance with the terms thereof. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Hwang Chia-Chin and any other Person holding any shares or other equity interests in Sino Music (other than UEC) shall have duly executed and delivered to CaymanCo a consent and waiver of right of first refusal or any other right that such Person may have with respect to the transfer of UEC’s shares in Sino Music to CaymanCo as contemplated by the Restructuring Framework Agreement, which shall be in form and substance satisfactory to the Company.

Section 7.02. Conditions to Obligations of Purchasers . The obligations of each Purchaser under this Agreement to consummate the Closing are subject to the satisfaction or waiver by such Purchaser, at or prior to the Closing, of each of the following conditions:

(a) Representations and Warranties True and Correct . The representations and warranties of the Company set forth in Article 3 shall be true and correct in all material respects at and as of the Closing.

(b) Performance . The Company shall have performed and complied in all material respects with all covenants, agreements, obligations and conditions contained in this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents that are required to be performed or complied with by it on or before the Closing.

(c) Approvals, Consents and Waivers . The Company shall have obtained or made any and all Approvals necessary for the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, each of which shall be in full force and effect as of the Closing, and in each case, in proper form and without imposing or proposing the imposition of any terms or conditions which, individually or in the aggregate, could be reasonably expected to materially impair the Company’s ability to consummate, or prevent or materially delay, the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents.

 

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Section 7.03. Conditions to Obligations of Company . The obligations of the Company under this Agreement to consummate the Closing are subject to the satisfaction or waiver by the Company, at or prior to the Closing, of each of the following conditions:

(a) Representations and Warranties True and Correc t. The representations and warranties of each Purchaser set forth in Article 4 or Article 5, as applicable, shall be true and correct in all material respects at and as of the Closing.

(b) Performance . Each Purchaser and all of its Affiliates shall have performed and complied in all material respects with all covenants, agreements, obligations and conditions contained in this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents that are required to be performed or complied with by it or its Affiliates on or before the Closing.

(c) Approvals, Consents and Waivers . Each Purchaser and all of their respective Affiliates shall have obtained or made any and all Approvals necessary for the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, each of which shall be in full force and effect as of the Closing, and in each case, in proper form and without imposing or proposing the imposition of any terms or conditions which, individually or in the aggregate, could be reasonably expected to materially impair the ability of any Purchaser or any of its Affiliates to consummate, or prevent or materially delay, the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents.

ARTICLE 8

REMEDIES; INDEMNITY

Section 8.01. Survival . The representations and warranties of the Company and each Purchaser contained in this Agreement shall survive the Closing until the earlier of (i) the consummation of a public offering and/or listing of the shares of the Company (an “ IPO ”), or (ii) the end of a period of twelve (12) months after the Closing. The covenants and agreements of the Company and each Purchaser set forth in this Agreement shall survive the Closing until fully discharged in accordance with their terms, except for those covenants and agreements which shall be complied with or discharged prior to the Closing in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

Section 8.02. Indemnification . (a) Effective at and after the Closing, subject to the other provisions of this Section 8.02(a) and Schedule C , the Company shall indemnify and hold harmless each Purchaser and its Affiliates (each, a “ Purchaser Indemnitee ”) against any losses, liabilities, damages and expenses, including reasonable advisor’s fees and other reasonable expenses of investigation and defense of any of the foregoing (“ Losses ”), actually suffered by such Purchaser Indemnitee arising out of (i) any misrepresentation or breach of warranty made by the Company in this Agreement; and (ii) any breach or violation of, or failure to perform, any covenants or agreements made by or on behalf of, or to be performed by, the Company in this Agreement; provided that the Company shall not be liable under this Section 8.02(a) to any Purchaser Indemnitee in respect of any Purchaser (x) for any diminution in value of the Subscription Shares, (y) for any and all Losses arising out of any individual claim (or a series of claims arising from substantially identical facts or circumstances) where the Loss relating thereto is less than US$500,000.00 (the “ De Minimis Claim Threshold ”), or (z) in respect of each individual claim where the Loss relating thereto is equal to or greater than the De Minimis Claim Threshold, unless the aggregate amount of all Losses by the Purchaser Indemnitees of such Purchaser in respect of claims that exceed the De Minimis Claim Threshold exceeds 5% of the Total Subscription Price (the “ Applicable Basket ”) of such Purchaser and then only to the extent of such excess; provided further , that the maximum aggregate liability of the Company under this Section 8.02(a) to all Purchaser Indemnitees in respect of a Purchaser shall not exceed an amount equal to 30% of the Total Subscription Price (the “ Applicable Cap ”) of such Purchaser.

 

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(b) Effective at and after the Closing, subject to the other provisions of this Section 8.02(b) and Schedule C , each Purchaser shall indemnify and hold harmless the Company and its Affiliates (each, a “ Company Indemnitee ”) against any Losses actually suffered by such Company Indemnitee arising out of (i) any misrepresentation or breach of warranty made by such Purchaser in this Agreement (other than in the case of any breach of Section 4.04 or Section 5.04, as applicable, in which case Section 8.05 shall apply); and (ii) any breach or violation of, or failure to perform, any covenants or agreements made by or on behalf of, or to be performed by, such Purchaser in this Agreement; provided that no Purchaser shall be liable under this Section 8.02(b) to any Company Indemnitee (x) for any and all Losses arising out of any individual claim (or a series of claims arising from substantially identical facts or circumstances) where the Loss relating thereto is less than the De Minimis Claim Threshold, or (y) in respect of each individual claim where the Loss relating thereto is equal to or greater than the De Minimis Claim Threshold, unless the aggregate amount of all Losses by the Company Indemnitees in respect of claims that exceed the De Minimis Claim Threshold exceeds the Applicable Basket of such Purchaser and then only to the extent of such excess; provided further , that the maximum aggregate liability of any Purchaser under this Section 8.02(b) to all Company Indemnitees shall not exceed an amount equal to the Applicable Cap of such Purchaser.

Section 8.03. Procedure . Any Party seeking indemnification under this Article 8 (an “ Indemnified Party ”) shall notify the Party from whom indemnification is being sought (an “ Indemnifying Party ”) in writing of any Action against such Indemnified Party in respect of which any Indemnifying Party is or may be obligated to provide indemnification hereunder promptly after the receipt of notice or knowledge of the commencement thereof. Such notice shall set forth in reasonable detail such claim and the basis for indemnification (taking into account the information then available to the Indemnified Party). The failure to so notify an Indemnifying Party shall relieve the Indemnifying Party of its obligations hereunder to the extent such failure shall have adversely prejudiced such Indemnifying Party.

Section 8.04. Exclusive Remedy . Notwithstanding any other provision contained herein, from and after the Closing, this Article 8 shall be the sole and exclusive remedy of the Parties for any claim arising out of any misrepresentation, breach of warranty, covenant or other agreement (other than those contained in Sections 4.04, 5.04, 6.02, 6.03, 6.04, 6.05, 10.02 and 10.03) or other claim arising out of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, except that no limitation or exceptions with respect to the obligations or liabilities on the Company or any Purchaser provided in the foregoing sub-sections under this Article 8 or Schedule C , shall apply to a Loss incurred by any Company Indemnitee or Purchaser Indemnitee, as applicable, arising due to the fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation of such Purchaser or the Company, as applicable.

 

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Section 8.05. Remedies for Breach of Section  4.04 or 5.04 . (a) In the event that the Company reasonably believes that there is a breach by any Purchaser of any of its representations and warranties in Section 4.04 or 5.04, the Company may, at its option, provide a written notice to such Purchaser describing the basis for such belief of the Company. Each Purchaser hereby agrees that, upon delivery of such notice and unless such Purchaser has provided proof to the satisfaction of the Company that there is not and has not been any breach by such Purchaser of Section 4.04 or 5.04, the Company has the right to elect to, in its sole and absolute discretion and at any time:

(i) redeem all or a portion of the Subscription Shares of such Purchaser at a redemption price per Company Share equal to the lower of the Fair Market Value per Company Share or US$2.15272 (which represents a 20% discount to the per Company Share subscription price under this Agreement), as appropriately adjusted for any share dividends, combinations, reclassifications, splits or other similar events with respect to the Company Shares. For purposes of this Section 8.05(a)(i), “ Fair Market Value ” means (A) upon the Company’s IPO, the average reported closing price of a Company Share on their principal trading market for the three trading days immediately prior to the date of the redemption; or (B) prior to the Company’s IPO, the fair market value on the date of redemption as determined by the board of directors of the Company in good faith;

(ii) refuse to recognize any Transfer of the Purchaser Owned Shares of such Purchaser in the register of members of the Company without assigning any reason therefor; and/or

(iii) to the extent permitted by applicable Laws, refuse to (A) declare or pay any dividend or other distribution of the Company’s assets or otherwise recognize the economic interests or benefits in respect of the Purchaser Owned Shares of such Purchaser; and (B) treat such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates owning shares in the Company as a member or shareholder of the Company, recognize the vote by such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates, or count such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates in determining the total number of issued shares at any time, for purposes of the Restated Articles or the Shareholders Agreement or for any other purposes, in each case, in respect of any Purchaser Owned Shares of such Purchaser.

(b) Notwithstanding Section 8.05(a), in the event that the Company (x) reasonably believes that there is any breach by a Purchaser of any of its representations and warranties in Section 4.04 or 5.04, as applicable, and (y) determines that the actions which may be taken pursuant to clauses (i) through (iii) in Section 8.05(a) would not adequately compensate the Company compared to the harm caused by such Purchaser’s breach of Section 4.04 or 5.04, upon written notice by the Company, such Purchaser shall pay to the Company an amount equal to 100% of the Total Subscription Price of such Purchaser (the “ Liquidated Damages ”). The Parties intend that the Liquidated Damages constitute compensation, and not a penalty. The Parties acknowledge and agree that the Company’s harm caused by a breach of Section 4.04 or 5.04 would be impossible or very difficult to be accurately estimated at the time of the execution and delivery of this Agreement, and that the Liquidated Damages are a reasonable estimate of the anticipated or actual harm that might arise from such breach.

 

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ARTICLE 9

TERMINATION

Section 9.01. Grounds for Termination . This Agreement may be terminated, in respect of any Purchaser, at any time prior to the Closing in respect of such Purchaser:

(a) by mutual written agreement of the Company and such Purchaser;

(b) by the Company or such Purchaser if the Closing in respect of such Purchaser shall not have been consummated on or before January 25, 2019; or

(c) upon the termination of the Restructuring Framework Agreement in accordance with the terms thereof.

The Party desiring to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 9.01(a) or Section 9.01(b) shall give notice of such termination to the other Party.

Section 9.02. Effect of Termination . If this Agreement is terminated in respect of a Purchaser as permitted by Section 9.01, such termination shall be without liability of the Company or the Purchaser with respect to which such termination is effective (or any shareholder, director, officer, employee, agent, consultant or representative of such Party) to the applicable Purchaser or the Company, as applicable; provided that if such termination shall result from the willful (i) failure of a Party to fulfill a condition to the performance of the obligations of the other Party, (ii) failure to perform a covenant of this Agreement or (iii) breach by a Party hereto of any representation or warranty or agreement contained herein, such Party shall be fully liable for any and all Losses incurred or suffered by the other Parties as a result of such failure or breach. The provisions of Sections 6.03, 6.04, 6.05, 9.02, 10.01, 10.02, 10.03, 10.13 and 10.14 shall survive any termination hereof pursuant to Section 9.01.

ARTICLE 10

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 10.01. Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed exclusively in accordance with the Laws of Hong Kong without giving effect to any choice of law rule that would cause the application of the Laws of any jurisdiction other than the Laws of Hong Kong to the rights and duties of the Parties hereunder.

Section 10.02. Agreements Relating to Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation . (a) Each Purchaser, on behalf of itself and its Affiliates, agrees that:

(i) the Company may, at any time at or prior to the completion of an IPO of the Company, adopt a dual-class share structure such that its share capital will include Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares upon the completion of the IPO (the “ Effective Event ”),

(ii) in connection with such adoption of a dual-class share structure, the Board may determine that:

 

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(A) the shares of the Company that are owned immediately prior to the Effective Event by any Person that is not an Existing Shareholder may, if determined by the Board, be designated as Class A ordinary shares;

(B) any shares of the Company that will be issued and sold in the IPO will be designated as Class A ordinary shares; and

(C) all of the shares of the Company that are owned by any Existing Shareholder or any of its Affiliates (whether as a result of any subscription of new shares by, or any Transfer by another holder of shares to, such Existing Shareholder or its Affiliates, or otherwise) immediately prior to the Effective Event will be designated as Class B ordinary shares;

(iii) each Class A ordinary share will be entitled to one (1) vote and each Class B ordinary share will be entitled to fifteen (15) votes on all matters to be voted upon by or otherwise requiring the consent of the Company’s shareholders;

(iv) Class B ordinary shares will automatically and immediately convert into an equal number of Class A ordinary shares upon the occurrence of any transfer of such Class B ordinary shares by the holder thereof or an Affiliate of such holder to any Person that is not an Affiliate of such holder, or any other event that may be designated by the Company; and

(v) any re-designation or conversion described in this Section 10.02 may be effected by way of a repurchase by the Company of all such shares to be re-designated or converted in exchange for the issuance by the Company to the relevant shareholder(s) in the Company of the relevant number of fully paid new shares in the Company, and each Purchaser, on behalf of itself and its Affiliates, hereby unconditionally and irrevocably agrees that such Purchaser’s execution of this Agreement shall constitute its consent to the repurchase of all of its shares in the Company in connection with the matters described in paragraphs (i) through (v) for the purposes of the Restated Articles of the Company, as may be amended from time to time.

The matters described in paragraphs (i) through (v) above shall be referred to as the “ Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation.

(b) Each Purchaser, on behalf of itself and its Affiliates, hereby unconditionally and irrevocably:

(i) consents to the Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation, including without limitation for all purposes under the Shareholders Agreement, as may be amended from time to time, and the Restated Articles, as may be amended from time to time;

(ii) waives any veto rights and all similar rights (whether arising at contract or in law or otherwise) in respect of the Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation;

 

24


(iii) agrees to vote, or cause to be voted, the Subscription Shares or any other shares in the Company that are owned by such Purchaser or its Affiliates from time to time and at any time after the date of this Agreement (the “ Purchaser Owned Shares ”), at every meeting (or in connection with any action by written consent) of the Company’s shareholders at which such matters are considered and at any adjournment or postponement thereof prior to the Effective Event, (A) in favor of, and (B) against any action, proposal, transaction or agreement that could reasonably be expected to impede, interfere with, delay, discourage, adversely affect or inhibit, the Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation and the adoption of any amendment to the Articles of the Company to reflect the Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation and other changes as necessary or appropriate to facilitate an IPO of the Company;

(iv) agrees to cause any director designated by such Purchaser and/or its Affiliates pursuant to the Shareholders Agreement to vote, at every meeting of the Company’s Board at which such matters are considered and at any adjournment or postponement thereof (or execute and deliver any unanimous written resolution of the Board), (A) in favor of, and (B) against any action, proposal, transaction or agreement that could reasonably be expected to impede, interfere with, delay, discourage, adversely affect or inhibit, the Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation and the adoption of any amendment to the Articles of the Company to reflect the Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation and other changes as necessary or appropriate to facilitate an IPO of the Company; and

(v) agrees to promptly execute, deliver or enter into any other agreement, document, consent, approval or instrument, and take any other actions, which may be reasonably necessary or advisable to effect the Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation and the adoption of any amendment to the Articles of the Company to reflect the Dual-Class Structure and Re-Designation and other changes as necessary or appropriate to facilitate an IPO of the Company.

(c) Each Purchaser, on behalf of itself and its Affiliates, irrevocably makes, constitutes and appoints each of the Chairman of Board of Directors and the Chief Executive Officer of the Company from time to time a true and lawful proxy and attorney-in-fact (each, an “ Attorney ”) of such Purchaser and any of its Affiliates owning any Purchaser Owned Shares, with full power and authority, in the name and on behalf of such Purchaser and its Affiliates, (i) to exercise their voting rights with respect to all of the Purchaser Owned Shares in accordance with Subsections (b)(iii) and (b)(v) above in any vote of the Company’s shareholders or proposed action by written consent by the Company’s shareholders, and (ii) to make, execute and deliver all resolutions, consents and other writings and to do such things and to take such actions in each case to the extent the applicable Attorney considers necessary to exercise the voting rights of such Purchaser or any of its Affiliates pursuant to clause (i) above, as fully as could such Purchaser or its Affiliate, as applicable, if personally present and acting. The above proxy and power of attorney is given to secure the performance of the duties of each Purchaser and its Affiliates under Subsections (b) (iii) and (b)(v) above. Each Purchaser shall, and shall procure its Affiliates, take such further action or execute such other instruments as may be necessary to effectuate the intent of this proxy. The power of attorney granted by each Purchaser and its Affiliates herein is a durable power of attorney and shall survive the dissolution, bankruptcy, death or incapacity of such Purchaser and any of its Affiliates. The above proxy and power of attorney from each Purchaser and its Affiliates to the Attorneys is coupled with an interest and is irrevocable and continuously effective during the period from the date hereof until the earlier of (i) the first date on which such Purchaser and its Affiliates no longer own any Purchaser Owned Shares or (ii) the Effective Event.

 

25


(d) Each Purchaser further acknowledges and agrees that, prior to the Effective Event, unless otherwise requested or permitted by the Company in writing, (i) such Purchaser shall not, and shall procure that its Affiliates do not, in any way and for any purpose, (A) claim that any or all of the Purchaser Owned Shares, are of a separate class of shares in the Company, individually or collectively with any shares in the Company held by any other Person, from the other Company Shares; or (B) request that the Company acknowledge that the Purchaser Owned Shares are in a separate class of shares or seek its consent as a holder of a separate class of shares in the Company, individually or collectively with any shares in the Company held by any other Person, from the other Company Shares, in relation to any matter to be voted upon or otherwise requiring the consent of any of the Company’s shareholders; and (ii) such Purchaser shall not, and shall procure that its Affiliates do not, in any way and for any purpose vote or attempt to vote any or all of the Purchaser Owned Shares in a separate shareholder class meeting or by way of a written resolution of holder(s) of a separate class of shares, individually or collectively with any shares held by any other Person, from the other Company Shares, in respect of any matter to be voted upon or otherwise requiring the consent of any of the Company’s shareholders.

(e) For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 10.02 does not obligate the Company to implement a dual-class share structure on terms specified in Section 10.02(a). The Parties hereby acknowledge and agree that the final terms of any dual-class share structure adopted by the Company shall be as determined by the Board and as approved by the requisite shareholders under applicable Laws and any applicable provisions of the Restated Articles and the Shareholders Agreement, and such terms may be different from those specified in Section 10.02(a).

Section 10.03. Transfer . Without prejudice to any other restriction on Transfer applicable to the Purchaser Owned Shares, each Purchaser shall not, and shall procure its Affiliates do not, directly or indirectly, Transfer any Purchaser Owned Shares unless the transferee of such proposed Transfer (except for any transferee otherwise designated by the Company) duly executes and delivers to the Company an agreement in a form satisfactory to the Company pursuant to which such transferee shall agree to be bound by Sections 10.01, 10.02, 10.03, 10.08 and 10.13 as if it were a Purchaser hereunder. After a Transfer of any Purchaser Owned Shares in accordance with the foregoing sentence, in the event of any amendment to Section 10.01, 10.02, 10.03, 10.08 or 10.13 of this Agreement, such transferee shall be deemed the “Purchaser” in respect of the Purchaser Owned Shares subject to such Transfer in lieu of the Transferring Purchaser for purposes of Section 10.08.

 

26


Section 10.04. Successors and Assigns . Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, the provisions hereof shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding upon, the successors, permitted assigns, heirs, executors and administrators of the Parties. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, this Agreement and the rights and obligations herein of a Purchaser may not be assigned by such Purchaser without the prior written consent of the Company, and the rights and obligations herein of the Company in respect of a Purchaser may not be assigned by the Company without the prior written consent of such Purchaser.

Section 10.05. Entire Agreement . This Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, including the schedules and exhibits hereto and thereto, which are hereby expressly incorporated herein by this reference, constitute the entire understanding and agreement among the Parties with regard to the subjects hereof and thereof.

Section 10.06. Parties in Interest . Except as expressly provided elsewhere in this Agreement, a person who is not a Party to this Agreement shall not have any rights under the Contracts (Right of Third Parties) Ordinance (Chapter 623, Laws of Hong Kong) to enforce any terms of this Agreement. This does not affect any right or remedy of a third party which exists, or is available, apart from the Contracts (Right of Third Parties) Ordinance.

Section 10.07. Notices . Except as may be otherwise provided herein, all notices, requests, waivers and other communications made pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be conclusively deemed to have been duly given (a) when hand delivered to the other Parties, upon delivery; (b) when sent by facsimile at the number set forth in Schedule D , upon receipt of confirmation of error-free transmission; (c) seven (7) Business Days after deposit in the mail as air mail or certified mail, receipt requested, postage prepaid and addressed to the other Parties as set forth in Schedule D ; or (d) three (3) Business Days after deposit with an overnight delivery service, postage prepaid, addressed to the Parties as set forth in Schedule D with next business-day delivery guaranteed, provided that the sending Party receives a confirmation of delivery from the delivery service provider. Each Party making a communication hereunder by facsimile shall promptly confirm by telephone to the Party to whom such communication was addressed each communication made by it by facsimile pursuant hereto but the absence of such confirmation shall not affect the validity of any such communication. A Party may change or supplement the addresses given above, or designate additional addresses, for purposes of this Section 10.07 by giving, the other Parties written notice of the new address in the manner set forth above.

Section 10.08. Amendments . Subject to Section 10.03, any term of this Agreement may be amended (i) with the written consent of each Party or (ii) as such term applies between the Company and any Purchaser, with the written consents of both the Company and such Purchaser (and without the consent or approval of any other Purchaser).

 

27


Section 10.09. Delays or Omissions; Waivers . No delay or omission to exercise any right, power or remedy accruing to any Party, upon any breach or default of any Party under this Agreement, shall impair any such right, power or remedy of such Party nor shall it be construed to be a waiver of any such breach or default, or an acquiescence therein, or of any similar breach of default thereafter occurring; nor shall any waiver of any other breach or default theretofore or thereafter occurring. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, any Party may waive any of its rights under this Agreement without obtaining the consent of any other Party. Any waiver by any Party of any condition or breach of default under this Agreement must be in writing and shall be effective only to the extent specifically set forth in such writing. All remedies, either under this Agreement or by Laws or otherwise afforded to any Party shall be cumulative and not alternative.

Section 10.10. Interpretation; Titles and Subtitles . This Agreement shall be construed according to its fair language. The rule of construction to the effect that ambiguities are to be resolved against the drafting Party shall not be employed in interpreting this Agreement. The titles of the sections and subsections of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and are not to be considered in construing this Agreement. Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, all references to sections and schedules herein are to sections and schedules of this Agreement. Unless a provision hereof expressly provides otherwise: (i) the term “or” is not exclusive; (ii) the terms “herein”, “hereof”, and other similar words refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular section, subsection, paragraph, clause, or other subdivision; (iii) the masculine, feminine, and neuter genders will each be deemed to include the others; and (iv) whenever the words “include”, “includes” or “including” are used in this Agreement, they shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation.”

Section 10.11. Counterparts; Effectiveness . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one instrument. This Agreement shall become effective with respect to each Party, upon all Parties’ due execution and delivery of this Agreement.

Section 10.12. Severability . If any provision of this Agreement is found to be invalid or unenforceable, then such provision shall be construed, to the extent feasible, so as to render the provision enforceable and to provide for the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby on substantially the same terms as originally set forth herein, and if no feasible interpretation would save such provision, it shall be severed from the remainder of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect unless the severed provision is essential to the rights or benefits intended by the Parties. In such event, the Parties shall use best efforts to negotiate, in good faith, a substitute, valid and enforceable provision or agreement which most nearly affects the Parties’ intent in entering into this Agreement.

 

28


Section 10.13. Dispute Resolution . Any dispute, controversy or claim (each, a “ Dispute ”) arising out of or relating to this Agreement, or the interpretation, breach, termination, validity or invalidity thereof, shall be referred to arbitration upon the demand of either party to the dispute with notice (the “ Arbitration Notice ”) to the other. The Dispute shall be settled by arbitration in Hong Kong by the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (the “ HKIAC ”) in accordance with the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre Administered Arbitration Rules (the “ HKIAC Rules ”) in force at the time when the Arbitration Notice is submitted. The seat of arbitration shall be Hong Kong. There shall be three (3) arbitrators. The complainant and the respondent to such dispute shall each select one (1) arbitrator within thirty (30) days after giving or receiving the demand for arbitration (the “ Selection Period ”). Such arbitrators shall be freely selected, and the parties shall not be limited in their selection to any prescribed list. The chairman of the HKIAC shall select the third (3 rd ) arbitrator. If either party to the arbitration fails to appoint an arbitrator with the Selection Period, the relevant appointment shall be made by the chairman of the HKIAC. The arbitral proceedings shall be conducted in English. To the extent that the HKIAC Rules are in conflict with the provisions of this Section 10.13, including the provisions concerning the appointment of the arbitrators, this Section 10.13 shall prevail. Each party to the arbitration shall cooperate with each other party to the arbitration in making full disclosure of and providing complete access to all information and documents requested by such other party in connection with such arbitral proceedings, subject only to any confidentiality obligations binding on such party. The award of the arbitral tribunal shall be final and binding upon the parties thereto, and the prevailing party may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for enforcement of such award. Any party to the Dispute shall be entitled to seek preliminary injunctive relief, if possible, from any court of competent jurisdiction pending the constitution of the arbitral tribunal. During the course of the arbitral tribunal’s adjudication of the Dispute, this Agreement shall continue to be performed except with respect to the part in dispute and under adjudication.

Section 10.14. Expenses . Each Party shall bear its own costs and expenses in connection with the negotiation, execution and delivery of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents.

— REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK —

 

29


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered as a deed as of the date first above written.

 

EXECUTED and DELIVERED    

 

                         LOGO

 
as a deed by and in the name of    
TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP  

)

 
( 騰訊音樂娛樂集團 )  

)

 
by its duly authorised attorney  

)

 
in the presence of:  

)

 
 

)

 

 

/s/ Zou Wenting

   

/s/ Cussion Pang

Signature of Witness     Signature of authorised attorney

 

Name of Witness: Zou Wenting

Address: 17F, Malata Building,

Kejizhongyi Road, Nanshan

District, Shenzhen, 518057, P.R.

China

   

[ Signature Page to Share Subscription Agreement ]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered as a deed as of the date first above written.

 

EXECUTED and DELIVERED    

 

LOGO      LOGO

 
as a deed by and in the name of    
YANGCHENG LAKE INVESTMENT LIMITED  

)

 
by its duly authorised attorney  

)

 
in the presence of:  

)

 
 

)

 

 

/s/ Jiang Hong

   

/s/ Ma Huateng

Signature of Witness     Signature of authorised attorney

 

Name of Witness: Jiang Hong

   

[ Signature Page to Share Subscription Agreement ]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered as a deed as of the date first above written.

 

EXECUTED and DELIVERED    

 

         LOGO      LOGO

 
as a deed by and in the name of    
MIN RIVER INVESTMENT LIMITED  

)

 
by its duly authorised attorney  

)

 
in the presence of:  

)

 
 

)

 

 

/s/ Jiang Hong

   

/s/ Ma Huateng

Signature of Witness     Signature of authorised attorney

 

Name of Witness: Jiang Hong

   

[ Signature Page to Share Subscription Agreement ]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered as a deed as of the date first above written.

 

EXECUTED and DELIVERED

as a deed by and in the name of

PAGAC MUSIC HOLDING III LIMITED

by its duly authorised attorney

in the presence of:

 

)

)

)

 

             LOGO

 

)

 

/s/ Cai Xiaoli

   

/s/ Wong Tak Wai

Signature of Witness

    Signature of authorised attorney

Name of Witness: Cai Xiaoli

   

Address: Room 4701-05, Tower 2,

Plaza 66, No.1366 Nnajing Road

(West), Shanghai, 200040, China

   

[ Signature Page to Share Subscription Agreement ]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered as a deed as of the date first above written.

 

EXECUTED and DELIVERED

as a deed by and in the name of

PAGAC MUSIC HOLDING II LIMITED

by its duly authorised attorney

in the presence of:

 

)

)

)

 

             LOGO

 

)

 

/s/ Cai Xiaoli

   

/s/ Wong Tak Wai

Signature of Witness

    Signature of authorised attorney

Name of Witness: Cai Xiaoli

   

Address: Room 4701-05, Tower 2,

Plaza 66, No.1366 Nnajing Road

(West), Shanghai, 200040, China

   

[ Signature Page to Share Subscription Agreement ]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered as a deed as of the date first above written.

 

EXECUTED and DELIVERED

as a deed by and in the name of

PROFIT GAIN ENTERPRISES GROUP

LIMITED

by its duly authorised attorney

in the presence of:

 

)

)

)

)

 

             LOGO

/s/ Ma Jie

   

/s/ Li Sha

Signature of Witness

    Signature of authorised attorney

Name of Witness: Ma Jie

   

Address: 24 Linyin Street,

Xicheng District, Beijing

   

For and on behalf of PROFIT

GAIN ENTERPRISES GROUP

LIMITED

[ Signature Page to Share Subscription Agreement ]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered as a deed as of the date first above written.

 

EXECUTED and DELIVERED

as a deed by and in the name of

CICFH CULTURE ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

by its duly authorised attorney

in the presence of:

    

 

)

)

)

)

               LOGO

/s/ Xie Yi

   

/s/ Ma Jie

Signature of Witness

    Signature of authorised attorney

Name of Witness: Xie Yi

   

Address: 24 Linyin Street,

Xicheng District, Beijing

   

For and onbehalf of CICFH

Culture Entertainment Group

[ Signature Page to Share Subscription Agreement ]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered as a deed as of the date first above written.

 

SIGNED, SEALED and DELIVERED by

 

    

)

)

)

)

               LOGO

/s/ Xie Guomin

   
謝國民    

XIE GUOMIN

 

in the presence of:

   

/s/ Ye Haoran

   
Signature of Witness    
Name of Witness: Ye Haoran    

Address: #1603, Tower 2, China

Central Place, Chaoyang District,

Beijing, China

   

[ Signature Page to Share Subscription Agreement ]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered as a deed as of the date first above written.

 

SIGNED, SEALED and DELIVERED by  

    

)

)

)

)

               LOGO

/s/ Liang Lei

   
梁磊    

LIANG LEI

 

in the presence of:

   

/s/ Ye Haoran

   
Signature of Witness    
Name of Witness: Ye Haoran    

Address: #1603, Tower 2, China

Central Place, Chaoyang District,

Beijing, China

   

[ Signature Page to Share Subscription Agreement ]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered as a deed as of the date first above written.

 

EXECUTED and DELIVERED

as a deed by and in the name of

GUOMIN HOLDINGS LIMITED

by its duly authorised attorney

in the presence of:

    

 

)

)

)

)

               LOGO

/s/ Ye Haoran

   

/s/ Xie Guomin

Signature of Witness     Signature of authorised attorney
Name of Witness: Ye Haoran    

Address: #1603, Tower 2, China

Central Place, Chaoyang District,

Beijing, China

   

 

2


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered as a deed as of the date first above written.

 

EXECUTED and DELIVERED

as a deed by and in the name of

CITYWAY INVESTMENTS LIMITED

by its duly authorised attorney

in the presence of:

    

 

)

)

)

)

               LOGO

/s/ Ye Haoran

   

/s/ Tai Lo

Signature of Witness     Signature of authorised attorney
Name of Witness: Ye Haoran    

Address: #1603, Tower 2, China

Central Place, Chaoyang District,

Beijing, China

   

[ Signature Page to Share Subscription Agreement ]

Exhibit 10.23

Execution Version

SHARE TRANSFER AGREEMENT

This SHARE TRANSFER AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”), dated as of August 28, 2018 by and among:

(A) PAGAC Music Holding II Limited (formerly known as China Investment Financial Holdings, Corp.), an exempted company with limited liability incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands (“ PAG ”);

(B) Quantum Investments Limited, a company limited by shares incorporated under the laws of the Republic of Mauritius (“ Quantum ”);

(C) Tencent Music Entertainment Group ( 騰訊音樂娛樂集團 ), an exempted company with limited liability incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands (“ TME ”); and

(D) the Persons listed on Schedule I attached hereto (the “ Quantum Shareholders ” and collectively with Quantum, the “ Quantum Parties ”).

RECITALS

WHEREAS, TME, R2G Limited, an exempted company with limited liability incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands and a subsidiary of TME (“ R2G ”), the Quantum Parties and certain other parties thereto entered into a share purchase and exchange agreement dated as of October 30, 2013 (as amended and supplemented from time to time, including as amended on January 26, 2014, the “ R2G Agreement ”);

WHEREAS, pursuant to the R2G Agreement, TME acquired all of the then outstanding equity interest in R2G, in exchange for which, among other things, TME will issue certain ordinary shares, par value US$0.000083 per share, of TME (the “ Ordinary Shares ”) to Quantum in six annual installments (subject to any adjustments in accordance with the terms of the R2G Agreement), among which four installments of 121,437 Ordinary Shares each remained issuable prior to the execution and delivery of this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, the par value and the numbers of the Ordinary Shares referred to in this Agreement have reflected a 3-for-1 share split effected by TME on January 30, 2015;

WHEREAS, TME, PAG and certain other parties thereto entered into a share subscription agreement dated as of October 30, 2013 (the “ PAG Agreement ”), pursuant to which, in the event that TME is required to issue any Ordinary Shares to the former equity holders of R2G pursuant to the R2G Agreement, TME has the right to repurchase from PAG the corresponding number of Ordinary Shares, and PAG is obligated to sell to TME such Ordinary Shares, at a purchase price of US$1/3 per share (after giving effect to the 3-for-1 share split effected by TME on January 30, 2015);

WHEREAS, the parties hereto now wish to consummate the issuance of all of the remaining 485,748 Ordinary Shares to Quantum in full satisfaction of all of TME’s remaining obligations to issue Ordinary Shares to the Quantum Parties under the R2G Agreement;

WHEREAS, the parties hereto wish to effect the above-described issuance by a transfer from PAG to Quantum, and acquisition by Quantum from PAG, of 485,748 Ordinary Shares (the “ Transfer Shares ”) and a concurrent payment of US$161,916.00 in cash by TME to PAG in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.


NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants and agreements contained herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

CLOSING; SHARE TRANSFER

Section 1.01. Share Transfer . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the R2G Agreement and the PAG Agreement, the parties hereto agree that the relevant issuance obligations and the relevant repurchase obligations thereunder shall be restructured and consummated as follows at the Closing:

(a) PAG shall transfer, assign and convey all of the Transfer Shares to Quantum, free and clear of all Liens; and

(b) TME shall pay, or cause to be paid, to PAG an amount equal to US$161,916.00 in cash.

Upon the consummation of the transactions described in this Section 1.01, all of the issuance obligations under the R2G Agreement and the repurchase obligations with respect to the Transferred Shares under the PAG Agreement shall be deemed to have been fully discharged.

Section 1.02. Closing . (a) The closing of the transactions described in Section 1.01 (the “ Closing ”) shall take place by electronic exchange of documents concurrently with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, or at such other time and place as the parties hereto may mutually agree. The date on which the Closing occurs is referred to herein as the “ Closing Date .”

(b) At the Closing, PAG shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, (i) to each of Quantum and TME a copy of an instrument of transfer in a form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “ Instrument of Transfer ”) of all of PAG’s right, title and interest in and to the Transfer Shares duly executed by PAG; and (ii) to TME its original share certificates evidencing the Transfer Shares.

(c) At the Closing, Quantum shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, to each of PAG and TME the Instrument of Transfer duly executed by Quantum.

(d) At the Closing, TME shall (i) pay, or cause to be paid, to PAG a cash amount of US$161,916.00 by electronic transfer of immediately available funds to a bank account designated in writing by PAG to TME no later than five (5) Business Days prior to the Closing Date; and (ii) provide any instruction or other document as required by the registered office provider of TME to update the register of members of TME to reflect the transfer of the Transfer Shares from PAG to Quantum. TME will provide Quantum with a copy of an extract from the register of members of TME evidencing the ownership by Quantum of the Transfer Shares as soon as reasonably practicable after such extract becomes available after the Closing. TME will provide PAG with a copy of an extract from the register of members of TME and, if applicable, any replacement share certificate in respect of the share certificate delivered by PAG under Section 1.02(b)(ii) above, in each case evidencing PAG’s ownership of Ordinary Shares after taking into account the transfer of the Transferred Shares.

 

2


ARTICLE II

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PAG

PAG hereby represents and warrants to Quantum and TME as of the date hereof and as of the Closing as follows:

Section 2.01. Organization . PAG is an entity duly formed, validly existing and in good standing (to the extent that such concept is recognized) under the laws of jurisdiction of organization, and has all requisite power and authority to conduct its business as it is now being conducted.

Section 2.02. Authority; Binding Effect . PAG has all requisite corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement, to perform its obligations hereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of PAG, and no other corporate action on the part of PAG is required to authorize its execution, delivery and performance hereof, or its consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by PAG and, assuming that this Agreement is a valid and binding obligation of each other party hereto, constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of PAG, enforceable against PAG in accordance with its terms, except to the extent enforcement may be subject to (i) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and other similar Laws affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and (ii) equitable limitations on the availability of specific remedies (whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).

Section 2.03. Title to Transfer Shares; Conveyance . PAG is the record and beneficial owner of the Transfer Shares, and has good and valid title to the Transfer Shares, free and clear of any Lien. At the Closing, PAG will transfer to Quantum good and valid title to the Transfer Shares, free and clear of any Lien.

Section 2.04. No Violation; Consents and Approvals . (a) The execution and delivery of this Agreement by PAG does not, and the performance of this Agreement by PAG and the consummation by PAG of the transactions contemplated hereby will not, (i) conflict with or violate the organizational documents of PAG, (ii) conflict with or violate any Laws applicable to PAG or by or to which its properties or assets are bound or are subject, or (iii) result in any breach of, constitute a default (or an event that with notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute a default) under, or give to others any right of termination, amendment, acceleration or cancellation of, or require payment under, or result in the creation of a Lien on any of the properties or assets of PAG under, any material Contract to which PAG is a party or by or to which its properties or assets are bound or subject, in each case that would impair PAG’s ability to perform its obligations hereunder or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.

(b) The execution and delivery of this Agreement by PAG does not, and the performance by PAG of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will not, require PAG to make any filing with, obtain any permit, authorization, consent or approval of, or given any notice to (“ Consents ”), any Governmental Authority or any third party.

 

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Section 2.05. Brokers . PAG has not entered into any agreement or arrangement entitling any agent, broker, investment banker, financial advisor or other firm or Person to any brokers’ or finders’ fee or any other commission or similar fee in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby whose fees, commissions or expenses would be payable by Quantum or TME.

ARTICLE III

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE QUANTUM PARTIES

Each of the Quantum Parties hereby, severally and not jointly, represents and warrants to PAG and TME as of the date hereof and as of the Closing as follows:

Section 3.01. Organization . Such Quantum Party, if not a natural person, is a company duly formed, validly existing and in good standing (to the extent that such concept is recognized) under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation, and has all requisite power and authority to conduct its business as it is now being conducted.

Section 3.02. Authority; Binding Effect . Such Quantum Party has all requisite corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement, to perform its obligations hereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. If such Quantum Party is not a natural person, the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of such Quantum Party, and no other corporate action on the part of such Quantum Party is required to authorize its execution, delivery and performance hereof, or its consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by such Quantum Party and, assuming that this Agreement is a valid and binding obligation of each of the other parties hereto, constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of such Quantum Party, enforceable against such Quantum Party in accordance with its terms, except to the extent enforcement may be subject to (i) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and other similar Laws affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and (ii) equitable limitations on the availability of specific remedies (whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).

Section 3.03. No Violation, Consents and Approvals . (a) The execution and delivery of this Agreement by such Quantum Party does not, and the performance of this Agreement by such Quantum Party and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will not, (i) conflict with or violate the organizational documents of such Quantum Party, if applicable, (ii) conflict with or violate any Laws applicable to such Quantum Party or by or to which any of its properties or assets are bound or subject, or (iii) result in any breach of, constitute a default (or an event that with notice or lapse of time or both would constitute a material default) under, or give to others any right of termination, amendment, acceleration or cancellation of, or require payment under, or result in the creation of a Lien on any of the properties or assets of such Quantum Party under, any material Contract to which such Quantum Party is a party or by or to which such Quantum Party or any of its properties or assets are bound or subject, in each case that would impair such Quantum Party’s ability to perform its obligations hereunder or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

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(b) The execution and delivery of this Agreement by such Quantum Party does not, and the performance by such Quantum Party of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will not, require such Quantum Party to obtain any Consents from any Governmental Authority or any third party.

Section 3.04. Nature of Investment . (a) Such Quantum Party is acquiring the Transfer Shares or the beneficial ownership therein, directly or indirectly through Quantum, as principal for their own account for investment purposes only and not with a view to distributing or reselling any of the Transfer Shares.

(b) Such Quantum Party (i) is an “accredited investor” as defined in Rule 501(a) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (the “ Securities Act ”) and/or (ii) is not a “U.S. person” within the meaning of such term under Regulation S under the Securities Act. Such Quantum Party, either alone or together with its representatives, has such knowledge, sophistication and experience in business and financial matters so as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of the investment in the Transfer Shares and has so evaluated the merits and risks of such investment. Such Quantum Party is able to bear the economic risk of an investment in the Transfer Shares and is able to afford a complete loss of such investment. Such Quantum Party has undertaken such investigation and has been provided with and has evaluated such documents and information as such Quantum Party has deemed necessary or appropriate for making an informed and intelligent decision with respect to the acquisition of the Transfer Shares and the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement.

(c) Such Quantum Party is not acquiring the Transfer Shares or any beneficial ownership therein as a result of any advertisement, article, notice or other communication regarding the Transfer Shares published in any newspaper, magazine or similar media or broadcast over television or radio or presented at any seminar or any other general solicitation or general advertisement.

(d) Such Quantum Party understands and acknowledges that (i) the Transfer Shares are being transferred without registration under the Securities Act in a private placement that is exempt from the registration provisions of the Securities Act, (ii) the availability of such exemption depends in part on, and PAG and TME will rely upon the accuracy and truthfulness of, the foregoing representations and such Quantum Party hereby consents to such reliance, and (iii) the Transfer Shares are “restricted securities” for purposes of the Securities Act and rules thereunder and may not be resold without registration under the Securities Act or an exemption therefrom, and the certificates representing such shares will bear a restrictive legend to such effect.

Section 3.05. Brokers . Such Quantum Party has not entered into any agreement or arrangement entitling any agent, broker, investment banker, financial advisor or other firm or Person to any brokers’ or finders’ fee or any other commission or similar fee in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement that would be payable by PAG, TME or any of their respective Affiliates.

Section 3.06. No Other Representations . Such Quantum Party is not relying (and such Quantum Party has not relied) on any express or implied representations or warranties of any nature (including as to the accuracy or completeness of any information provided to any Quantum Party) made by or on behalf of, or imputed to PAG or TME, except as expressly set forth in this Agreement. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, such Quantum Party acknowledges that neither PAG nor TME makes any representation or warranty with respect to any information or documents made available to any Quantum or its counsel, accountants or advisors with respect to TME, its Affiliates or their respective businesses or operations (including as to the accuracy and completeness of any such information), except as expressly set forth in this Agreement.

 

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ARTICLE IV

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF TME

TME hereby represents and warrants to PAG and Quantum as of the date hereof and as of the Closing as follows:

Section 4.01. Organization . TME is a company duly formed, validly existing and in good standing (to the extent that such concept is recognized) under the laws of jurisdiction of organization, and has all requisite power and authority to conduct its business as it is now being conducted.

Section 4.02. Authority; Binding Effect . TME has all requisite power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement, to perform its obligations hereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of TME, and no other action on the part of TME is required to authorize its execution, delivery and performance hereof, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by TME and, assuming that this Agreement is a valid and binding obligation of each party other than TME, constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of TME, enforceable against TME in accordance with its terms, except to the extent enforcement may be subject to (a) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and other similar Laws affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and (b) equitable limitations on the availability of specific remedies (whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).

Section 4.03. No Violation; Consents and Approvals . (a) The execution and delivery of this Agreement by TME does not, and the performance of this Agreement and the consummation by TME of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will not, (i) conflict with or violate the organizational documents of TME, (ii) conflict with or violate any Laws applicable to TME or by or to which its properties or assets are bound or are subject, or (iii) result in any breach of, constitute a default (or an event that with notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute a default) under, or give to others any right of termination, amendment, acceleration or cancellation of, or require payment under, or result in the creation of a Lien on any of the properties or assets of TME under, any material Contract to which TME is a party or by or to which its properties or assets are bound or subject, in each case that would impair TME’s ability to perform its obligations hereunder or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.

(b) The execution and delivery of this Agreement by TME does not, and the performance by TME of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will not, require TME to obtain any Consents from any Governmental Authority or any third party.

 

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Section 4.04. Brokers . TME has not entered into any agreement or arrangement entitling any agent, broker, investment banker, financial advisor or other firm or Person to any brokers’ or finders’ fee or any other commission or similar fee in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby whose fees, commissions or expenses would be payable by PAG or Quantum.

ARTICLE V

COVENANTS

Section 5.01. Reasonable Best Efforts . Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, the parties hereto agree to use reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions, and to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary, proper or advisable under applicable Laws to consummate and make effective the Transfer as promptly as practicable. In furtherance of the foregoing, at or prior to the Closing, the parties agree to execute and deliver such other documents, certificates, agreements and other writings and to take such other actions as may be reasonably necessary in order to consummate or implement expeditiously the transactions contemplated hereby.

Section 5.02. Material Information . Each party hereto acknowledges that the other parties may have access to and may possess material nonpublic information now or in the future regarding TME and its Affiliates (“ Excluded Information ”) and agrees that no other party shall have any obligation to disclose such information. None of the parties hereto or any of the respective current or future directors, officers, employees, general or limited partners, members, investors, advisors, representatives or Affiliates of the parties hereto or of any of the foregoing and all successors and assigns thereto (each, a “ Released Party ”) shall have any liability to any other party, and each party to the fullest extent of the Law waives and releases any claims, liabilities, causes of action, whether known or unknown, that it might have against any other party and/or any of its Released Parties, whether under applicable securities Laws or otherwise, to the extent arising from or in connection with the existence, possession or nondisclosure of Excluded Information in connection with the purchase of the Transfer Shares and the transactions contemplated by hereby.

Section 5.03. Further Assurances . In case at any time after the Closing any further action is necessary to carry out the purposes of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, each of the parties hereto will take such further action (including the execution and delivery of such further instruments and documents) as the other party may reasonably request.

Section 5.04. Public Announcements . None of the parties hereto shall issue any press release or make any public statement (including filing this Agreement or disclosing the terms hereof publicly with any Governmental Authority) with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby or this Agreement prior to obtaining the approval of the other parties, except for any press release or public statement the making of which is required by applicable Law or any disclosures required by applicable securities Laws or securities exchange rules; provided that a party making any such press release, public statement or other disclosure shall, to the extent permitted by applicable Law or securities exchange rules, give the other parties hereto reasonable advance notice and consult with the other parties prior to the making of any such disclosure and in any event shall use its reasonable best efforts to minimize such disclosure.

 

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Section 5.05. Confidentiality . From the date of this Agreement, each party hereby agrees that it will, and will cause its Affiliates and its and their respective representatives to hold in strict confidence the terms and conditions of this Agreement, all exhibits and schedules attached hereto and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including their existence, and all non-public records, books, contracts, instruments, computer data and other data and information, whether in written, verbal, graphic, electronic or any other form, provided by the other parties and their respective representatives (except to the extent that such information has been (a) already in such party’s possession prior to the disclosure or obtained by such party from a source other than any other party or its representatives; provided that, to such party’s knowledge, such source is not prohibited from disclosing such information to such party or its representatives by a contractual, legal or fiduciary obligation to any other party or its representatives, (b) in the public domain through no breach of the confidentiality obligations under this Agreement by such party, or (c) independently developed by such party or on its behalf) (the “ Confidential Information ”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, each party may disclose the Confidential Information (i) to its affiliates and its and their respective representatives so long as such persons are subject to appropriate nondisclosure obligations, (ii) as required by applicable Law (including securities Laws and applicable securities exchanges rules) or requests or requirements from any governmental authority or other applicable judicial or governmental order (but subject to the limitations on public disclosure in Section 5.04), or in connection with any enforcement of, or dispute with respect to or arising out of, this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, or (iii) with the prior written consent of the other parties.

Section 5.06. Waiver; Release . (a) By executing this Agreement, each Quantum Party hereby (i) acknowledges that each of TME, R2G and PAG has duly performed their respective obligations with respect to the payment of acquisition consideration (in the form of cash, shares or otherwise) to the Quantum Parties under the R2G Agreement in accordance with the terms thereof; (ii) waives and releases each of TME, R2G, PAG and their respective Affiliates from any and all actions, causes of action, suits, disputes, indebtedness, sums of money, accounts, liabilities, obligations, specialties, covenants, rights, controversies, agreements, promises, damages, losses, judgments, claims and demands (each, a “ Released Claim ”), which such Quantum Party ever had, now has or hereafter may have against any of TME, R2G, PAG or their respective Affiliates for or by reason of any matter or cause that existed at or prior to the Closing arising out of or relating to the R2G Agreement, any agreement, commitment or arrangement entered into in connection therewith, or the issuance or transfer of the Transferred Shares to such Quantum Party, any interest, title or right therein, or any Quantum Party’s entitlement to such Transferred Shares; (iii) agrees not to bring, join or otherwise participate in any such Released Claim against any of TME, R2G, PAG or their respective Affiliates; and (iv) waives any right of participation, preemptive right, notice or veto right, or other similar rights, contractual or otherwise, that it may have by virtue of holding the Transferred Shares or any other Ordinary Shares in respect of any transaction completed by TME or any of its Controlled Affiliates prior to the execution and delivery of this Agreement, including those referenced or contemplated in TME’s shareholders agreement, as amended and restated from time to time.

(b) By executing this Agreement and subject to the consummation of the transactions contemplated in Article I, PAG hereby waives and releases TME, R2G and their respective Affiliates from any Released Claim that PAG may have for or by reason of any matter or cause that existed at or prior to the Closing arising out of or relating to the repurchase or transfer of the Transferred Shares from PAG, or PAG’s entitlement, interest or right in or to such Transferred Shares.

 

8


(c) By executing this Agreement and subject to the consummation of the transactions contemplated in Article I, TME hereby (i) acknowledges and confirms that all obligations of PAG in connection with the repurchase of Ordinary Shares under Section 2.2(b) of the PAG Agreement as a result of any obligations to issue Ordinary Shares to the Quantum Parties pursuant to the R2G Agreement are duly performed and completed in full, and (ii) waives and releases PAG and its Affiliates from any Released Claim that TME may have for or by reason of any matter or cause that existed at or prior to the Closing arising out of or relating to such obligations.

(d) The parties hereto also agree that, upon the Closing, the R2G Agreement shall automatically and immediately terminate and be of no further force and effect thereafter as between or among the parties hereto.

ARTICLE VI

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 6.01. Notices . All notices, demands or other communications hereunder shall be deemed to have been duly given and made if in writing and if served by personal delivery upon the party for whom it is intended, if delivered by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, or by a national courier service, or if sent by facsimile (with receipt of confirmation of delivery) and by e-mail transmission (so long as a receipt of such e-mail is requested and received), to the person at the address set forth below, or such other address as may be designated in writing hereafter, in the same manner, by such person:

To PAG:

Address 15/F, AIA Central, 1 Connaught Road Central, Central, Hong Kong

Attention: Jon Lewis

Facsimile No.: [                ]

E-mail: [                ]

To any Quantum Party:

7-1-602, Cuiyi Palace, #3 Yaojiayuan Dongli, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100123

Attention: Scarlet Dai Li

E-mail: [                ]

To TME:

Tencent Music Entertainment Group

7F, China Technology Trade Center

No. 66 North 4th Ring West Road

Hai Dian District, Beijing

P.R. China 100080

Attention: Hsiang Zhao

E-mail: [                ]

 

9


with a copy to (which shall not constitute notice):

Davis Polk & Wardwell

The Hong Kong Club Building

3A Chater Road, 18/F

Hong Kong

Attention: Miranda So

Fax: [                ]

Email: [                ]

Any such notification shall be deemed delivered (i) upon receipt, if delivered personally, (ii) on the next business day, if sent by national courier service for next business day delivery, (iii) the business day on which confirmation of delivery is received, if sent by facsimile, or (iv) if sent by e-mail on the date of receipt by the recipient thereof if received prior to 5 p.m. in the place of receipt and such day is a Business Day in the place of receipt, or otherwise on the next succeeding Business Day in the place of receipt.

Section 6.02. Amendment and Waiver . Neither this Agreement nor any provision hereof may be amended or waived other than by a written instrument (including a writing evidenced by e-mail) signed, in the case of an amendment, by all of the parties hereto, or in the case of a waiver, by the party against whom the waiver is to be effective. No failure or delay by any party in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof nor shall any single or partial exercise thereof preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege.

Section 6.03. Time of Essence . Each of the parties hereto hereby agrees that, with regard to all dates and time periods set forth in this Agreement, time is of the essence.

Section 6.04. Assignment . No party to this Agreement may assign any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other parties hereto.

Section 6.05. Entire Agreement . This Agreement and the agreements referenced herein contain the entire agreement among the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, oral or written, with respect to such matters.

Section 6.06. Parties in Interest . This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns. Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to confer upon any Person other than the parties hereto, or their respective successors or permitted assigns, any rights or remedies under or by reason of this Agreement.

Section 6.07. Expenses . Whether or not the Transfer is consummated, all costs and expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement and the Transfer shall be borne by the party incurring such expenses.

 

10


Section 6.08. Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the Laws of Hong Kong, without giving effect to the conflicts of law principles thereof.

Section 6.09. Disputes . Any dispute, controversy or claim arising out of, or in connection with, this Agreement shall be referred to and finally resolved by arbitration administered by the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC) under the HKIAC Administered Arbitration Rules in force when the notice of arbitration is submitted. The arbitration tribunal shall consist of three arbitrators to be appointed according to the HKIAC Administered Arbitration Rules. The seat and place of the arbitration shall be Hong Kong and the language of the arbitration shall be English.

Section 6.10. Severability . If any provision of this Agreement shall be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality or enforceability of the other provisions hereof shall not be affected thereby, and there shall be deemed substituted for the provision at issue a valid, legal and enforceable provision as similar as possible to the provision at issue.

Section 6.11. Counterparts; Effectiveness . This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts (including by means of e-mail), each of which shall be deemed an original, and all of which shall constitute one and the same agreement. This Agreement shall become effective upon the execution and delivery of this Agreement by each of the parties hereto.

Section 6.12. Descriptive Headings; Interpretation .

(a) The heading references herein and in the table of contents hereto are for convenience purposes only, do not constitute a part of this Agreement and shall not be deemed to limit or affect any of the provisions hereof.

(b) The words “ hereof ”, “ herein ”, “ hereto ” and “ hereunder ” and words of similar import, when used in this Agreement, shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement.

(c) The word “ including ” shall mean including, without limitation, and the words “ include ” and “ includes ” shall have corresponding meanings.

(d) “ Affiliate ” means (i) with respect to a Person that is a natural person, such Person’s relatives and any other Person (other than natural persons) directly or indirectly Controlled by such Person, and (ii) with respect to a Person that is not a natural person, a Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls, or is Controlled by, or is under common Control with, such Person; provided that for purposes of this Agreement, none of TME or its Controlled Affiliates shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of any of PAG, the Quantum Parties or any of their respective Affiliates, and none of PAG, the Quantum Parties or their respective Affiliates shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of the Company or any of its Controlled Affiliates. For the purposes of this definition, “ relative ” of a Person means such Person’s spouse, parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, sibling, uncle, aunt, nephew or niece or the spouse of such Peron’s child, grandchild, sibling, uncle, aunt, nephew or niece.

 

11


(e) “ Business Day ” means any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks are required or authorized by Laws to be closed in the PRC, Hong Kong or the Cayman Islands.

(f) “ Control ” means the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct, or cause the creation of, the management and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of the voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

(g) “ Governmental Authority ” means any transnational, or domestic or foreign federal, state, or local, governmental authority, department, court, agency or official, including any political subdivision thereof.

(h) “ Laws ” means any federal, state, local, foreign or transnational law, statute, ordinance, rule, regulation, order, judgment or decree, administrative order or decree, administrative or judicial decision, and any other executive or legislative proclamation.

(i) “ Liens ” means mean any mortgage, lien, deed of trust, pledge, charge, hypothecation, security interest, easement, encumbrance, encroachment, servitude, option, right of first refusal, right of first offer, adverse ownership claim, restriction on transfer of title or voting or similar restrictions, whether imposed by Contract, Law, equity or otherwise, except for (i) restrictions on transfer generally arising under applicable securities Laws and (ii) with respect to any Lien on the Transfer Shares, the restrictions set forth in the shareholders agreement or the memorandum and articles of association of TME, as may be amended and restated from time to time.

(j) “ Person ” means a natural person, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, business trust, joint stock company, trust, unincorporated association, joint venture, Governmental Authority or other entity or organization.

(k) “ PRC ” means the People’s Republic of China and, for the purposes of this Agreement, excludes Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.

(l) The terms defined in the singular shall have a comparable meaning when used in the plural, and vice versa.

Section 6.13. No Construction Against Draftsperson . The parties have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement. In the event an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement shall be construed as if drafted jointly by the parties, and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring any party by virtue of the authorship of any of the provisions of this Agreement.

Section 6.14. Specific Performance . The parties recognize, acknowledge and agree that the breach or violation of this Agreement by a party would cause irreparable damage to the other party or parties and that none of the parties has an adequate remedy at Law. Each party shall therefore be entitled, in addition to any other remedies that may be available, to obtain specific performance of the terms of this Agreement, and appropriate injunctive relief may be applied for and granted in connection therewith. A party seeking an order or injunction to prevent breaches of this Agreement or to enforce specifically the terms and provisions hereof shall not be required to provide, furnish or post any bond or other security in connection with or as a condition to obtaining any such order or injunction, and each party hereby irrevocably waives any right it may have to require the provision, furnishing or posting of any such bond or other security. If any action is brought by any party to enforce this Agreement, the other parties shall waive the defense that there is an adequate remedy at Law.

[ Signature Pages Follow ]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered as a deed as of the date first above written.

 

EXECUTED and DELIVERED

as a deed by and in the name of

                              LOGO   
PAGAC MUSIC HOLDING II LIMITED   )   
by its duly authorised attorney   )   
in the presence of:   )   
  )   

 

/s/ Cai Xiaoli

 

   

/s/ Wong Tak Wai

 

Signature of Witness     Signature of authorised attorney

Name of Witness: Cai Xiaoli

Address: Room 4701-05, Tower 2,

Plaza 66, No.1366 Nnajing Road

(West), Shanghai, 200040, China

Signature Page to Share Transfer Agreement


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered as a deed as of the date first above written.

 

EXECUTED and DELIVERED

as a deed by and in the name of

                              LOGO   
QUANTUM INVESTMENTS LIMITED   )   
by its duly authorised attorney   )   
in the presence of:   )   
  )   

 

/s/ Hu Xiao

   

/s/ Jose Cremades

Signature of Witness     Signature of authorised attorney

Name of Witness: Hu Xiao

Address: Room 2-2, No. 25-2,

Changjiangzhi, Road, Daping,

Yuzhong Dist., Chongqing

Signature Page to Share Transfer Agreement


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered as a deed as of the date first above written.

 

EXECUTED and DELIVERED

as a deed by and in the name of

 

)

)

   LOGO   

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

(騰訊音樂娛樂集團)

  
by its duly authorised attorney   )   
in the presence of:   )   
  )   
    
    
    

 

/s/ Zou Wenting

   

/s/ Cussion Pang

Signature of Witness     Signature of authorised attorney

Name of Witness: Zou Wenting

Address: 17F, Malata Building,

Kejizhongyi Road, Nanshan

District, Shenzhen, 518057, P.R.

China

Signature Page to Share Transfer Agreement


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered as a deed as of the date first above written.

 

EXECUTED and DELIVERED

as a deed by and in the name of

                              LOGO   
SUN VALLEY GLOBAL HOLDINGS LTD.   )   
by its duly authorised attorney   )   
in the presence of:   )   
  )   

 

/s/ Mingjie Zhao

 

   

/s/ Baowen Chen

 

Signature of Witness     Signature of authorised attorney

Name of Witness: Mingjie Zhao

Address: 4F Building, 4 No.138

Xinjunhuan Road, Shanghai

Signature Page to Share Transfer Agreement


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered as a deed as of the date first above written.

 

EXECUTED and DELIVERED

as a deed by and in the name of

                              LOGO   
ATLAS GROUP INVESTMENT LIMITED   )   
by its duly authorised attorney   )   
in the presence of:   )   
  )   

 

/s/ Li Mingrui

   

/s/ Scarlett Li

Signature of Witness     Signature of authorised attorney

Name of Witness: Li Mingrui

Address: 12-101, Shanghai

International Garden Yiyuan

Villa, No. 1555 Caobao Road,

Shanghai, China

Signature Page to Share Transfer Agreement


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered as a deed as of the date first above written.

 

SIGNED, SEALED and DELIVERED by

     LOGO   
  )   
  )   
  )   
  )   

 

/s/ Scarlett Li

 

   
SCARLETT LI    

in the presence of:

 

/s/ Li Mingrui

 

   
Signature of Witness    

Name of Witness: Li Mingrui

Address: 12-101, Shanghai

International Garden Yiyuan

Villa, No. 1555 Caobao Road,

Shanghai, China

Signature Page to Share Transfer Agreement


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered as a deed as of the date first above written.

 

SIGNED, SEALED and DELIVERED by

     LOGO   
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  )   
  )   
  )   

 

/s/ Peter Chuan Li

 

   
PETER CHUAN LI    

in the presence of:

 

/s/ Joy Pan

 

   
Signature of Witness    

Name of Witness: Joy Pan

Address: 35/F, HKRI Center One,

288 Shimin No.1 Road, Shanghai

Signature Page to Share Transfer Agreement

Exhibit 10.24

EXECUTION VERSION

THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED SHAREHOLDERS AGREEMENT

Dated January 8, 2018

by and among

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

( 騰訊音樂娛樂集團 ),

PARTIES LISTED ON SCHEDULE A,

XIE GUOMIN,

XIE ZHENYU,

and

OTHER PERSON WHO BECOMES A PARTY BY EXECUTING JOINDER AGREEMENT


THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED SHAREHOLDERS AGREEMENT

THIS THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED SHAREHOLDERS AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is made on January 8, 2018 by and among:

(a) Tencent Music Entertainment Group (騰訊音樂娛樂集團), an exempted company incorporated under the Laws of the Cayman Islands (the “ Company ”),

(b) parties listed on Schedule A (collectively, the “ Shareholders ”, and each a “ Shareholder ”),

(c) Mr. Xie Guomin, a PRC citizen with his identification card number being 350627197309240534 (“ Xie Guomin ”),

(d) Mr. Xie Zhenyu, a PRC citizen with his identification card number being 440104197407271019 (“ Xie Zhenyu ”), and

(e) any other person who becomes a party hereto by executing the Joinder Agreement.

RECITALS

 

A.

The Company, the Shareholders, Xie Guomin, Xie Zhenyu and certain other parties thereto have entered into the Second Amended and Restated Shareholders Agreement on December 8, 2017 (the “ Prior Agreement ”).

 

B.

Prior to or substantially concurrently with the signing of this Agreement, the Board of the Company has approved the issuance of a certain number of ordinary shares, par value $0.000083 each, of the Company (the “ Ordinary Shares ”) pursuant to one or more share subscription agreements (the “ Subscription Agreements ”) to be entered into by and between the Company and the purchasers thereunder.

 

C.

The parties hereto desire to amend and restate in its entirety the Prior Agreement by entering into this Agreement with respect to the rights and obligations between and among the Company and its shareholders.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants herein contained, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

AGREEMENT

1. DEFINITIONS

For purposes of this Agreement the following terms have the following meanings:

2014 ESOP ” means the 2014 share incentive plan of the Company approved by the Board, under which 116,400,000 Ordinary Shares were originally reserved, among which 11,640,000 reserved Ordinary Shares had been canceled as of July 12, 2016.


ADRs ” means American Depositary Receipts representing the right to receive Ordinary Shares.

ADSs ” means American Depositary Shares representing the right to receive Ordinary Shares.

Affiliate ” means, (i) with respect to a person that is a natural person, such person’s relatives and any other person (other than natural persons) directly or indirectly Controlled by such person, and (ii) with respect to a person that is not a natural person, a person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls, or is Controlled by, or is under common Control with, such person. For the purposes of this definition, “relative” of a person means such person’s spouse, parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, sibling, uncle, aunt, nephew, niece or great-grandparent or the spouse of such person’s child, grandchild, sibling, uncle, aunt, nephew or niece. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for purposes of this Agreement, no Shareholder shall be deemed an Affiliate of any other Shareholder solely by reason of the existence of any rights or obligations under this Agreement or holding of the Company Securities by such Shareholder and any other Shareholder.

Agreement ” has the meaning ascribed to it in the preamble.

Amended Control Documents ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section  10.3 ( Control Documents ).

Arbitration Notice ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section  11.4 ( Governing Law and Dispute Resolution ).

Articles ” means the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company as the same may be amended from time to time.

Anti-Dilution Issuance Shares ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section  11.20 ( Release of Obligations ).

Anti-Dilution Issuance to Tencent ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section  11.20 ( Release of Obligations ).

Available For Sale Target Shares ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section  4.7 ( Non-Exercise of Right ).

Board ” means the board of directors of the Company.

Business Day ” means a day (other than a Saturday or a Sunday) that the banks in New York, London, Hong Kong, the PRC or the Cayman Islands are generally open for business.

Cap Table ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section  11.20 ( Release of Obligations ).

CIFH ” means PAGAC Music Holding II Limited, an exempted company incorporated under the Laws of the Cayman Islands.

Company ” has the meaning ascribed to it in the preamble.

 

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Company GC ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section  8.8 ( Management ).

Company Securities ” means any share, share capital, registered capital, ownership interest, partnership interest, equity interest, joint venture or other ownership interest of the Company, or any option, warrant, or right to subscribe for, acquire or purchase any of the foregoing, or any other security or instrument convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for any of the foregoing, or any equity appreciation, phantom equity, equity plan or similar right with respect to the Company, or any contract of any kind for the purchase or acquisition from the Company of any of the foregoing, either directly or indirectly.

Confidential Information ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section  11.12 ( Confidentiality ).

Control ” means the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct, or cause the direction of, the management and policies of a person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

Control Documents ” means a series of agreements and documents entered into by and between any wholly-owned PRC Subsidiary of the Company and VIE Affiliates and their shareholders, through which such wholly-owned PRC Subsidiary has acquired the Control and is able to consolidate the financial statements of such VIE Affiliates.

Core Business ” includes:

(i) provision of digital music service;

(ii) production and sales of digital music devices;

(iii) provision of online and offline music show service and other performance;

(iv) production and promotion of music content;

(v) operation of music-related licensing business;

(vi) other music-related business;

(vii) operation, research and development of online gaming and commercial advertisement; and

(viii) other business as approved by the Board.

Co-Sale Notice ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section  5.1 ( Right of Co-Sale ).

Disclosed Issuance Obligation ” means the following:

(i) 104,760,000 Ordinary Shares issued or issuable as of July 12, 2016 to qualified employees of the Company pursuant to the 2014 ESOP, or any options to purchase such shares; and

(ii) the issuance of Ordinary Shares in connection with the acquisition of 彩虹世紀(北京) 文化傳媒有限公司 as contemplated by the form of share purchase agreement attached to the loan agreement entered into between Ocean Interactive (Beijing) Technology Co., Ltd. and 彩虹世紀(北京) 文化傳媒有限公司 on February 20, 2014, which issuance has been completed as of the date of this Agreement.

 

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Disclosing Party ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section  11.12 ( Confidentiality ).

Disposition Notice ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section  4.6 ( Exercise of Right of First Refusal ).

Dispute ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section  11.4 ( Governing Law and Dispute Resolution ).

Drag-Along Right ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section  7.1 ( Grant of Drag-Along Right ).

ESOP ” means collectively, the 2014 ESOP, the 2017 Share Option Plan approved by the Board under which the maximum aggregate number of Ordinary Shares available for exercise of the options to be granted thereunder is 34,826,662 Ordinary Shares (including awards of up to 8,055,153 Ordinary Shares that had not been granted under the 2014 ESOP and have been granted under the 2017 Share Option Plan) and the 2017 Restricted Share Award Scheme approved by the Board under which the maximum aggregate number of Ordinary Shares which may be issued pursuant to all awards of restricted shares to be granted thereunder is 40,157,263 Ordinary Shares (including awards of up to 12,637,194 Ordinary Shares reserved for issuance under the Tencent ESOP).

Exchange Act ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section  2.9(a) ( Indemnification ).

Excluded Related Party Transaction ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section  8.10 ( Related Party Transactions ).

Existing Shareholders ” means the holders of Ordinary Shares of the Company as of December 8, 2017.

First Participation Notice ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section  3.2(a) ( First Participation Notice ).

Form F-3 ” or “ Form S-3 ” means such form under the Securities Act as in effect on the date hereof or any successor form under the Securities Act.

Form F-4 ” or “ Form S-4 ” means such form under the Securities Act as in effect on the date hereof or any successor form under the Securities Act.

Fully-Exercising ROFR Shareholder ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section  4.6 ( Exercise of Right of First Refusal ).

GMHL ” means Guomin Holdings Limited, a company limited by shares incorporated under the Laws of the British Virgin Islands.

Group Companies ” means the Company and the entities whose financial results are consolidated with those of the Company in accordance with US GAAP, and each, a “ Group Company ”.

 

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Holder ” means any Shareholder holding Registrable Securities or any assignee thereof in accordance with Section  2.10 ( Assignment of Registration Rights ).

HKIAC ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section  11.4 ( Governing Law and Dispute Resolution ).

HKIAC Rules ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section  11.4 ( Governing Law and Dispute Resolution ).

Hong Kong ” means the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China.

IFRS ” means the International Financial Reporting Standards.

Initiating Holders ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section  2.1(b) ( Demand Registration ).

IPO ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section  10.4 ( IPO ).

Issuance Obligation ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section  11.20 ( Release of Obligations ).

July 2016 SHA ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section  11.3 ( Entire Agreement ).

Key Management ” means Xie Zhenyu and Xie Guomin.

Kugou ” means Guangzhou Kugou Computer Technology Co., Ltd. (廣州酷狗計算機科技有限公司).

Largest Financial Investor ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section  8.2 ( Election of Directors ).

Law ” means any law, rule, constitution, code, ordinance, statute, treaty, decree, regulation, common law, order, official policy, circular, provision, administrative order, interpretation, injunction, judgment, ruling, assessment, writ or other legislative measure, in each case of any governmental authority.

Lechang ” means Guangzhou Lechang Software Technology Co., Ltd. (廣州樂暢軟件科技有限公司), a company incorporated under the laws of the PRC.

Lechang Spinoff ” means a series of transactions that contemplate: (i) the transfer of Lechang to Beijing Quku Technology Co., Ltd. (北京趣酷科技有限公司) (“ Quku ”); (ii) the joint ownership in Quku by (A) Beijing Quxing Tianxia Technology Co., Ltd. (北京趣酷天下科技有限公司 (“ Quxing ”)), (B) a holding entity (“ Entity A ”) to be jointly owned by the Shareholders or their respective nominees and (C) certain other persons, with Quxing and Entity A collectively owning 75.5% of Quku; and (iii) the subscription by the Shareholders or their respective nominees for, and the issuance by Entity A to the Shareholders or their respective nominees, the equity interests in Entity A on a pro rata basis in proportion to the Shareholders’ equity interests in the issued and outstanding share capital of the Company immediately after the Tencent Closing.

 

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Lock-up Period ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section  2.13 ( “Market Stand-Off” Agreement ).

March 2016 SHA ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section  11.3 ( Entire Agreement ).

Material Adverse Effect ” means, with respect to the Company, any change, event, or effect that is materially adverse to the business, operations, assets, liabilities, financial condition, results of operations or prospects of that person and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole.

Music Fund ” means an investment fund formed for the purpose of making investments in music content businesses, whose limited partners include (i) Tencent or its Affiliates and (ii) the Company or another Group Company. Notwithstanding the definition of Affiliates, the parties agree that for purposes of this definition of “Music Fund”, Affiliates of Tencent shall exclude the Group Companies or any of the Group Companies’ Controlled Affiliates.

New Securities ” means any share, share capital, registered capital, ownership interest, partnership interest, equity interest, joint venture or other ownership interest of the Company, or any option, warrant, or right to subscribe for, acquire or purchase any of the foregoing, or any other security or instrument convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for any of the foregoing, or any equity appreciation, phantom equity, equity plan or similar right with respect to the Company, or any contract of any kind for the purchase or acquisition from the Company of any of the foregoing, either directly or indirectly, provided, however, that the term “ New Securities ” does not include:

 

  (i)

104,760,000 Ordinary Shares issued or issuable to qualified employees of the Company pursuant to the 2014 ESOP, or any options to purchase such shares;

 

  (ii)

any other Company Securities issued or to be issued under the ESOP;

 

  (iii)

any securities issued in connection with any share dividend, distribution, share split, share consolidation, or other similar event in which the Shareholders are otherwise entitled to participate;

 

  (iv)

any shares issued upon exercise of options, warrants or other types of awards as approved by the Board;

 

  (v)

any shares issued pursuant to the QIPO;

 

  (vi)

any securities of the Company issued or issuable pursuant to the Issuance Obligation;

 

  (vii)

any Anti-Dilution Issuance Shares or any securities of the Company issued or issuable pursuant to the Anti-Dilution Issuance to Tencent;

 

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  (viii)

any shares reserved and issuable to any Shareholder, if applicable, pursuant to its exercise of right of participation under the Prior SHAs in relation to the transactions contemplated under the Tencent Subscription Agreement;

 

  (ix)

any shares issued under the R2G Agreement (provided that, if any shares are issued under this clause (ix), CIFH shall have returned an equivalent number of Ordinary Shares to the Company);

 

  (x)

up to 69,844,564 Ordinary Shares issued or issuable to investors other than Existing Shareholders and the Ordinary Shares issued or issuable pursuant to the Spotify Subscription Agreement; and

 

  (xi)

any securities of the Company issued pursuant to the acquisition of another corporation or entity by the Company by consolidation, merger, purchase of assets, or other reorganization in a single transaction or series of related transactions, in each case, duly approved in accordance with Section  10.2(b) ( Protective Provisions ).

Non-Disclosing Party ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section  11.12 ( Confidentiality ).

Non-Tencent Shareholders ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section  8.2(b) ( Election of Directors ).

Non-Transferring Shareholders ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section  4.6 ( Exercise of Right of First Refusal ).

Ordinary Shares ” has the meaning ascribed to it in the Recitals.

Overallotment Notice ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section  4.6 ( Exercise of Right of First Refusal ).

Participation Pro Rata Share ” of any Shareholder means, the ratio of (a) the number of Ordinary Shares held by such Shareholder, to (b) the total number of Ordinary Shares then outstanding and held by all Shareholders immediately prior to the issuance of New Securities giving rise to the Right of Participation.

PRC ” means the People’s Republic of China and for purposes of this Agreement, excludes Hong Kong, Macao Special Administrative Region and Taiwan.

Preemptive Right Participants ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section  3.2(b) ( Second Participation Notice; Oversubscription ).

Prior Agreement ” has the meaning ascribed to it in the preamble.

Prior SHAs ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section  11.3 ( Entire Agreement ).

Prospective Transferee ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section  4.6 ( Exercise of Right of First Refusal ).

 

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Qualified Transfer ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section  4.2(a) ( Key Management Lock-up ).

QIPO ” means a firm underwritten public offering of the Ordinary Shares or any equity securities in any of the Company’s Subsidiaries in the U.S., pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act, or in a similar public offering of the Ordinary Shares or any equity securities in any of the Company’s Subsidiaries in another jurisdiction which results in such shares trading publicly on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, New York Stock Exchange, NASDAQ Stock Market, A-Share Market or such other stock exchange approved by the Board (each, a “ Qualified Stock Exchange ”) where the Company meets the listing requirements of such Qualified Stock Exchange, and which, in each case, has an offering price per share that results in a post-money valuation of the Company at a minimum of US$6 billion on a fully diluted basis upon the consummation of the public offering.

Related Party ” means any shareholder, officer or director of a Group Company, or any Affiliate of any such person or of any Group Company, except for any other Group Company. Notwithstanding the definition of Affiliates, the parties agree that for purposes of this definition of “Related Party”, Affiliates of Tencent shall exclude the Group Companies or any of the Group Companies’ Controlled Affiliates.

Related Party Transaction ” means a transaction between any Group Company, on the one hand, and any Related Party, on the other hand; provided that the following transactions shall not be considered as Related Party Transaction for purposes of this Agreement: (i) any co-investment transaction by a Group Company and a Related Party in a third party; and (ii) any issuance of Company Securities to any Related Party in compliance with the provisions of this Agreement.

Released Parties ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section  11.20 ( Release of Obligations ).

Releasing Parties ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section  11.20 ( Release of Obligations ).

Replacement Nominee ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section  8.4 ( Vacancies ).

R2G Agreement ” means the amended and restated share purchase and exchange agreement dated as of October 30, 2013, by and among R2G Limited, certain of its shareholders and the Company, as amended, supplemented, or otherwise modified from time to time.

register ,” “ registered ,” and “ registration ” refer to a registration effected by preparing and filing a registration statement or similar document in compliance with the Securities Act (or other applicable securities regulations, as the case may be) and the declaration or ordering of effectiveness of such registration statement or document.

Registrable Securities ” means any Ordinary Shares held by any Shareholder including any Ordinary Shares issued as (or issuable upon the exchange, conversion or exercise of any warrant, right or other security which is issued as) a dividend or other distribution; provided, however , that the foregoing definition shall exclude in all cases any Registrable Securities sold by a person in a transaction in which his or her rights under this Agreement are not assigned. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Ordinary Shares or other securities shall only be treated as Registrable Securities if and so long as they have not been (A) sold to or through a broker or dealer or underwriter in a public distribution or a public securities transaction, (B) sold in a transaction exempt from the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act under Section 4(1) thereof or analogous rule of another jurisdiction so that all transfer restrictions, and restrictive legends with respect thereto, if any, are removed upon the consummation of such sale, or (C) sold pursuant to Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act or analogous rule of another jurisdiction. Reference to Registrable Securities in this Agreement shall include ADRs or ADSs representing such Registrable Securities.

 

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The number of shares of “ Registrable Securities then outstanding ” shall be determined by the number of Ordinary Shares outstanding which are, and the number of Ordinary Shares issuable pursuant to then exchangeable, exercisable or convertible securities which are, Registrable Securities.

Restricted Person ” means each person listed on Schedule B hereto and each of their respective Affiliates and any entity that a Restricted Person or any of its Affiliates directly or indirectly holds or beneficially owns at least twenty percent (20%) in ownership interest, registered capital, voting power or the decision-making power, whether though contractual arrangements or otherwise.

Right of First Refusal ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section  4.5 ( Grant of Right of First Refusal ).

Right of Participation ” means the pre-emptive right of each Shareholder under Section 3 (Right of Participation) to purchase such Shareholder’s Participation Pro Rata Share of all (or any part) of any New Securities that the Company may from time to time issue after the date hereof.

ROFR First Response Period ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section  4.6 ( Exercise of Right of First Refusal ).

ROFR Pro Rata Portion ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section  4.6 ( Exercise of Right of First Refusal) .

ROFR Second Response Period ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section  4.6 ( Exercise of Right of First Refusal) .

Sale Notice ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section  7.1 ( Grant of Drag-Along Right) .

SEC ” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

Second Largest Financial Investor ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section  8.2 ( Election of Directors) .

Second Participation Notice ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section  3.2(b) ( Second Participation Notice; Oversubscription ).

Securities Act ” means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any successor statute.

 

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Selection Period ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section  11.4 ( Governing Law and Dispute Resolution ).

Shareholder ” and “ Shareholders ” has the meaning ascribed to it in the preamble.

Shareholder Representative ” has the meaning ascribed to it Section  8.11 ( Enforcement of Tencent Transaction Documents ).

Shortened Lock-up Triggering Event ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section  4.2(a) ( Key Management Lock-up ).

Spotify Investor Agreement ” means that certain Investor Agreement dated December 15, 2017 by and among the Company, Spotify AB, Spotify Technology S.A. and Tencent Holdings Limited.

Spotify Investor ” has the meaning ascribed to “Investor” in the Spotify Investor Agreement.

Spotify Subscription Agreement ” means that certain Subscription Agreement, dated December 8, 2017, by and among the Company, Tencent Music Entertainment Hong Kong Limited, Spotify Technology S.A. and Spotify AB.

Subscription Agreements ” has the meaning ascribed to it in the recitals.

Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any given person, any person of which the given person directly or indirectly Controls.

Target Shares ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section  4.6 ( Exercise of Right of First Refusal ).

Tencent ” means Min River Investment Limited, a company incorporated under the laws of the British Virgin Islands.

Tencent Closing ” has the same meaning as ascribed to the definition of “Closing” in the Tencent Subscription Agreement.

Tencent Closing Date ” has the same meaning as ascribed to the definition of “Closing Date” in the Tencent Subscription Agreement.

Tencent Directors ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section  8.2 ( Election of Directors ).

Tencent ESOP ” means the equity incentive, purchase or participation plan, employee stock option plan or similar plan of the Company approved by the Board, under which 12,637,194 Ordinary Shares have been issued or reserved for issuance.

Tencent GC ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section  8.8 ( Management ).

Tencent Subscription Agreement ” means that certain Share Subscription Agreement, dated July 12, 2016, by and among the Company, Tencent and certain other parties thereto.

 

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Tencent Transaction Documents ” has the meaning ascribed to the term “Transaction Documents” in the Tencent Subscription Agreement.

Territory ” means the People’s Republic of China, excluding Hong Kong, the Macao Special Administrative Region and Taiwan.

Trade Sale ” means (i) a sale, lease, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Group Companies as a whole, (ii) an exclusive licensing out of all or substantially all of the Intellectual Property of the Group Companies as a whole, (iii) any transaction (or a series of related transactions) in which a majority of the Company’s voting power or a majority of the voting power of any material Subsidiary of the Company is transferred to a third party (or multiple third parties) or to Tencent or its Affiliates (whether by share transfer or share issuance), or (iv) a merger, consolidation or other business combination of the Company or any material Subsidiary of the Company with or into any other person.

Transaction Documents ” means the Subscription Agreements, the Spotify Subscription Agreement, this Agreement, the Articles, and any other agreement, document or instrument required to be executed and delivered in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Subscription Agreements and the Spotify Subscription Agreement.

Transfer ” means, with respect to any Company Securities, (i) when used as a verb, to sell, assign, dispose of, exchange, pledge, encumber, hypothecate or otherwise transfer such Company Securities or any participation or interest therein, whether directly or indirectly (including pursuant to a derivative transaction or a transfer or new issuance of ownership interests in a direct or indirect holder of such Company Securities), or agree or commit to do any of the foregoing and (ii) when used as a noun, a direct or indirect sale, assignment, disposition, exchange, pledge, encumbrance, hypothecation, or other transfer of such Company Securities or any participation or interest therein or any agreement or commitment to do any of the foregoing.

Transferring Shareholder ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section  4.6 ( Exercise of Right of First Refusal ).

US GAAP ” means the generally accepted accounting principles and practices in the United States as in effect from time to time.

VIE Affiliate ” means each of Beijing Kuwo Technology Co., Ltd. (北京酷我科技有限公司) and Kugou, collectively, the “ VIE Affiliates ”.

Violation ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section  2.9(a) ( Indemnification ).

Xie Guomin ” has the meaning ascribed to it in the preamble.

Xie Zhenyu ” has the meaning ascribed to it in the preamble.

2013 SHA ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section  11.3 ( Entire Agreement ).

2014 SHA ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section  11.3 ( Entire Agreement ).

 

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2. REGISTRATION RIGHTS

2.1 Demand Registration .

(a) If the Company receives, upon the expiration of six (6) months after the effective date of a QIPO, a written request from Holders of at least thirty percent (30%) of the Registrable Securities then outstanding, then the Company shall, within thirty (30) days after the receipt thereof, give a written notice of such request to all Holders and shall, subject to the limitations of Section  2.1 (b) ( Demand Registration ), use its best efforts to effect as soon as practicable, the registration under the Securities Act of all Registrable Securities which the Holders request to be registered within twenty (20) days after the mailing of such notice by the Company. Registrations under this Section  2.1 ( Demand Registration ) shall be on such appropriate registration form of the SEC or other governmental entity as shall be selected by the Company and shall permit the disposition of such Registrable Securities in accordance with the intended method or methods of disposition specified in the request for such registration.

(b) If the Holders initiating the registration request under this Section  2.1 ( Demand Registration ) (the “ Initiating Holders ”) intend to distribute the Registrable Securities covered by their request by means of an underwriting, they shall so advise the Company as a part of their request made pursuant to this Section  2.1 ( Demand Registration ) and the Company shall include such information in the written notice referred to in Section  2.1(a) ( Demand Registration ). The underwriter will be selected by the Company and shall be reasonably acceptable to a majority in interest of the Initiating Holders. 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 a majority in interest of the Initiating Holders and such Holder) to the extent provided herein. All Holders proposing to distribute their securities through such underwriting shall (together with the Company as provided in Section  2.4(e) ( Obligations of the Company )) enter into an underwriting agreement in customary form with the underwriter or underwriters selected for such underwriting. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section  2.1 ( Demand Registration ), if the underwriter advises the Initiating Holders in writing that marketing factors require a limitation on the number of shares to be underwritten, then the Initiating Holders shall so advise all Holders of the Registrable Securities which would otherwise be underwritten pursuant hereto, and the amount of Registrable Securities that may be included in the underwriting shall be allocated among all Holders thereof, including the Initiating Holders, in proportion (as nearly as practicable) to the amount of Registrable Securities of the Company held by each Holder; provided , however, that in each case the amount of Registrable Securities to be included in such underwriting shall not be reduced unless all securities other than Registrable Securities are first entirely excluded from the underwriting; and provided, further , that in the case of registration pursuant to Section  2.1(a) ( Demand Registration ), that if the reduction reduces the total amount of Registrable Securities included in such underwriting to less than thirty percent (30%) of the Registrable Securities initially requested for registration by the Initiating Holders, such offering shall not be counted as a registration for the purpose of subsection (d)(i).

(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Company furnishes to the Initiating Holders a certificate signed by the president or chief executive officer of the Company stating that in the good faith judgment of the Board, it would be seriously detrimental to the Company and its shareholders for such registration statement to be filed and it is therefore essential to defer the filing of such registration statement, the Company shall have the right to defer such filing for a period of not more than one hundred and twenty (120) days after receipt of the request from the Initiating Holders; provided, however , that the Company may not utilize this right more than twice in any twelve (12) month period.

 

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(d) In addition to and without prejudice to Section  2.14 ( Termination of Registration Rights ), the Company shall not be obligated to effect, or take any action to effect, any registration pursuant to this Section  2.1 ( Demand Registration ):

(i) after the Company has effected two (2) registrations pursuant to Section  2.1(a) ( Demand Registration ) (with ADRs or ADSs and their underlying Ordinary Shares constituting a single registration) and such registrations (x) have been declared or ordered effective, or (y) have been closed or withdrawn at the request of the Initiating Holders (other than as a result of a Material Adverse Effect);

(ii) during the period commencing on the date sixty (60) days prior to the date of filing (as estimated by the Company in good faith) of, and ending on the date one hundred and eighty (180) days after the effective date of (subject to such extension as provided in Section  2.13 ( “Market Stand-Off” Agreement )), a registration subject to Section  2.2 ( Company Registration ) (other than a registration relating solely to the sale of securities to participants in a Company share plan, a registration 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, or a registration in which the only Ordinary Shares being registered are Ordinary Shares issuable upon conversion of debt securities that are also being registered or an SEC Rule 145 transaction); provided that the Company uses its reasonable best efforts to cause such registration statement under Section  2.2 ( Company Registration ) to become effective; or

(iii) if the Initiating Holders propose to dispose of Registrable Securities that may be immediately registered on Form F-3 or Form S-3 (or any successor form that provides for short-form registration), as the case may be.

2.2 Company Registration . If (but without any obligation to do so) the Company proposes to register (including, for this purpose, a registration effected by the Company for Shareholders other than the Holders) any of its securities under the Securities Act (or such applicable securities laws, as the case may be), in connection with the public offering of such securities solely for cash (other than a registration relating solely to the sale of securities to participants in a Company share plan, an offering or sale of securities pursuant to a registration statement on Form F-4 or Form S-4 (or any successor form), as the case may be, a registration in which the only shares being registered are Ordinary Shares issuable upon conversion of debt securities which are also being registered, a registration of securities in a transaction under Rule 145 promulgated under the Securities Act, or in any registration on any form which 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), the Company shall, at such time, promptly give each Holder a written notice of such registration. Upon the written request of any Holder given within twenty (20) days after mailing of such notice by the Company, the Company shall, subject to the provisions of Section  2.7 ( Underwriting Requirements ), cause to be registered under the Securities Act the Registrable Securities that each such Holder has requested to be registered. For the avoidance of doubt, registration pursuant to this Section  2.2 ( Company Registration ) shall not be deemed to be a demand registration as described in Section  2.1 ( Demand Registration ) above. There shall be no limit on the number of times the Holders may request registration of Registrable Securities under this Section  2.2 ( Company Registration ).

 

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2.3 Form F-3 or S-3 Registration . In case the Company receives from Holders of at least thirty percent (30%) of the Registrable Securities then outstanding, a written request or requests that the Company effect a registration on Form F-3 or Form S-3, as the case may be, and any related qualification or compliance with respect to all or a part of the Registrable Securities held by such Holders, as the case may be, the Company shall:

(a) promptly give a written notice of the proposed registration, and any related qualification or compliance, to all other Holders; and

(b) as soon as practicable, effect such registration and all such qualifications and compliances as may be so requested and as would permit or facilitate the sale and distribution of all or such portion of such Holders’ Registrable Securities as are specified in such request, together with all or such portion of the Registrable Securities of any other Holder or Holders joining in such request as are specified in a written request given within fifteen (15) days after receipt of such written notice from the Company; provided, however , that the Company shall not be obligated to effect any such registration, qualification or compliance, pursuant to this Section  2.3 ( Form F-3 or S-3 Registration ):

(i) if Form F-3 or Form S-3, as the case may be, is not available for such offering by the Holder(s);

(ii) if the Holder(s), together with the holders of any other securities of the Company entitled to inclusion in such registration, propose to sell Registrable Securities and such other securities (if any) at an aggregate offering price to the public (before any underwriters’ discounts or commissions) of less than one million U.S. dollars (US$1,000,000);

(iii) if the Company furnishes to the Holder(s) a certificate signed by the president or chief executive officer of the Company stating that, in the good faith judgment of the Board, it would be seriously detrimental to the Company and its shareholders for such registration on Form F-3 or Form S-3 (as the case may be) to be effected at such time, the Company shall have the right to defer the filing of the registration statement on Form F-3 or Form S-3 (as the case may be) for a period of not more than sixty (60) days after receipt of the request of the Holder or Holders under this Section  2.3 ( Form F-3 or S-3 Registration ); provided , however , that the Company shall not utilize this right more than twice in any twelve (12) month period;

(iv) in any particular jurisdiction in which the Company would be required to qualify to do business or to execute a general consent to service of process in effecting such registration, qualification or compliance; or

(v) during the period ending on the date one hundred and eighty (180) days after the effective date of a registration statement subject to Section 2.2(Company Registration ), which period may be extended pursuant to Section  2.13 ( “Market Stand-Off” Agreement ).

 

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(c) Subject to the foregoing, the Company shall file a registration statement covering the Registrable Securities and other securities so requested to be registered as soon as practicable after receipt of the request or requests of the Holders. Registrations effected pursuant to this Section  2.3 ( Form F-3 or S-3 Registration ) shall not be counted as demands for registration or registrations effected pursuant to Sections 2.1 ( Demand Registration ) or 2.2 ( Company Registration) .

2.4 Obligations of the Company . Whenever required under this Section  2 ( Registration Rights) to effect the registration of any Registrable Securities, the Company shall, as expeditiously as reasonably possible:

(a) prepare and file with the SEC (or such other governmental authorities, as the case may be) a registration statement with respect to such Registrable Securities and use its best efforts to cause such registration statement to become effective, and, upon the request of the Holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities registered thereunder, keep such registration statement effective for up to one hundred and twenty (120) days;

(b) prepare and file with the SEC (or such other governmental authorities, as the case may be) such amendments and supplements to such registration statement and the prospectus used in connection with such registration statement as may be necessary to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act (or such other applicable securities laws, as the case may be) with respect to the disposition of all securities covered by such registration statement for up to one hundred and twenty (120) days;

(c) furnish to the Holders such number of copies of a prospectus, including a preliminary prospectus, in conformity with the requirements of the Securities Act (or such other applicable securities laws, as the case may be), and such other documents as they may reasonably request in order to facilitate the disposition of the Registrable Securities held by them;

(d) use its reasonable best efforts to register and qualify the securities covered by such registration statement under such other securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdictions as may be reasonably requested by the Holders; provided, however , that the Company shall not be required in connection therewith or as a condition thereto to qualify to do business or to file a general consent to service of process in any such states or jurisdictions;

(e) in the event of any underwritten public offering, enter into and perform its obligations under an underwriting agreement, in usual and customary form, with the managing underwriter of such offering, and each Holder participating in such underwriting shall also enter into and perform its obligations under such agreement;

(f) notify each Holder of the Registrable Securities covered by such registration statement at any time when a prospectus relating thereto is required to be delivered under the Securities Act (or such other applicable securities laws, as the case may be) of the occurrence of any event as a result of which the prospectus included in such 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, in light of the circumstances then existing, not misleading; such obligation shall continue until the earlier of (i) the sale of all Registrable Securities registered pursuant to the registration statement of which such prospectus forms a part, or (ii) withdrawal of such registration statement;

 

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(g) cause all such Registrable Securities registered pursuant to this Agreement to be listed on each securities exchange on which similar securities issued by the Company are then listed;

(h) provide a transfer agent and registrar for all Registrable Securities registered pursuant hereunder and a CUSIP number for all such Registrable Securities, in each case no later than the effective date of such registration; and

(i) use its reasonable best efforts to furnish, at the request of any Holder requesting registration of the Registrable Securities pursuant to this Section  2 ( Registration Rights ), on the date such Registrable Securities are delivered to the underwriters for sale in connection with a registration pursuant to this Section  2 ( Registration Rights ), if such securities are being sold through underwriters, or on the date the registration statement with respect to such securities becomes effective, if such securities are not being sold through underwriters, (i) an opinion, dated such date, from the counsel representing the Company for the purposes of such registration, in form and substance as is customarily given to underwriters in an underwritten public offering, addressed to the underwriters, if any, and to the Holders requesting registration of the Registrable Securities; and (ii) a letter dated such date, 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, if any, and to the Holders requesting registration of the Registrable Securities.

2.5 Furnish Information . It shall be a condition precedent to the obligations of the Company to take any action pursuant to this Section  2 ( Registration Rights ) 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. The Company shall have no obligation with respect to any registration requested pursuant to Sections 2.1 ( Demand Registration ) and 2.3 ( Form F-3 or S-3 Registration ) if, as a result of the application of the preceding sentence, the number of shares or the anticipated aggregate offering price of the Registrable Securities to be included in the registration fails to reach or exceed the number of shares or the anticipated aggregate offering price originally required to trigger the Company’s obligation to initiate such registration as specified in Sections 2.1(a) ( Demand Registration ) or 2.3(b)(ii) ( Form F-3 or S-3 Registration ), whichever is applicable.

2.6 Expenses of Registration .

(a) Expenses of Demand Registration . All expenses (other than underwriting discounts and commissions and such underwriting expenses to be borne by the underwriters and stock transfer taxes) incurred in connection with registrations, filings or qualifications pursuant to Section  2.1 ( Demand Registration ), including all registration, filing and qualification fees, printers’ and accounting fees, fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company and the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel for the selling Holders shall be borne by the Company; provided , however , that the Company shall not be required to pay for any expenses of any registration proceeding begun pursuant to Section  2.1 ( Demand Registration ) if the registration request is subsequently withdrawn at the request of the Holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities to be registered (in which case all participating Holders shall bear such expenses pro rata based on their Registrable Securities included in such registration), unless the Holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities agree to forfeit their right to one demand registration pursuant to Section  2.1 ( Demand Registration ).

 

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(b) Expenses of Company Registration . All expenses (other than underwriting discounts and commissions and such underwriting expenses to be borne by the underwriters) incurred in connection with registrations, filings or qualifications of Registrable Securities pursuant to Section  2.2 ( Company Registration ) for each Holder (which right may be assigned as provided in Section  2.10 ( Assignment of Registration Rights )), including all registration, filing, and qualification fees, printers’ and accounting fees, fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company and the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel for the selling Holder or Holders shall be borne by the Company.

(c) Expenses of Registration on Form F-3 or Form S-3 . All expenses (other than underwriting discounts and commissions and such underwriting expenses to be borne by the underwriters) incurred in connection with registrations requested pursuant to Section  2.3 ( Form F-3 or S-3 Registration) , including all registration, filing, qualification, printers’ and legal and accounting fees, fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company and the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel for the selling Holders shall be borne by the Company.

2.7 Underwriting Requirements . If a registration statement for which the Company gives a notice pursuant to Section  2.2 ( Company Registration ) is for an underwritten offering, then the Company shall so advise the Holders of Registrable Securities as part of such written notice. In such event, the right of any Holder to include its Registrable Securities in a registration pursuant to Section  2.2 ( Company Registration ) shall be conditioned upon such Holder’s participation in such underwriting and the inclusion of such Holder’s Registrable Securities in the underwriting to the extent provided herein. All Holders proposing to distribute their Registrable Securities through such underwriting shall (together with the Company and the other holders of securities of the Company whose securities are to be included in such registration and underwriting) enter into an underwriting agreement in customary form with the managing underwriter or underwriters selected for such underwriting. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, if the managing underwriter(s) determine(s) in good faith that marketing factors require a limitation on the number of shares to be underwritten, then the managing underwriter(s) may exclude shares (including Registrable Securities) from the registration and the underwriting, and the number of shares that may be included in the registration and the underwriting shall be allocated (i) first, to the Company, (ii) second, to each of the Holders requesting inclusion of their Registrable Securities in such registration statement on a pro rata basis based upon the total number of Registrable Securities then held by each such Holder; provided , however , that no exclusion of such Holders’ Registrable Securities shall be made unless all other Shareholders’ securities are first excluded; and provided , further , that in any underwriting that is not in connection with the Company’s initial public offering, the amount of Registrable Securities included in the offering shall not be reduced below twenty percent (20%) of the Registrable Securities requested to be included in such offering, and (iii) third, to the other Shareholders. If any Holder disapproves of the terms of any such underwriting, such Holder may elect to withdraw therefrom by written notice to the Company and the underwriter at least thirty (30) days prior to the effective date of the registration statement. Any Registrable Securities excluded or withdrawn from such underwriting shall be excluded and withdrawn from the registration. For any Holder that is a venture capital fund, partnership or corporation, the affiliated venture capital funds, partners, retired partners and stockholders of such Holder, or the estates and family members of any such partners, stockholders and retired partners and any trusts for the benefit of any of the foregoing persons shall be deemed to be a single “Holder,” and any pro rata reduction with respect to such “Holder” shall be based upon the aggregate amount of shares carrying registration rights owned by all entities and individuals included in such “Holder,” as defined in this sentence.

 

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2.8 Delay of Registration . No Holder shall have any right to obtain or seek an injunction restraining or otherwise delaying any such registration as the result of any controversy that might arise with respect to the interpretation or implementation of this Section  2 ( Registration Rights ).

2.9 Indemnification . In the event any Registrable Securities are included in a registration statement under this Section  2 ( Registration Rights ):

(a) To the extent permitted by applicable Laws, the Company will indemnify and hold harmless each Holder, any “underwriter” (as defined in the Securities Act) for such Holder and each person, if any, who Controls such Holder or underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “ Exchange Act ”), against any losses, claims, damages, or liabilities (joint or several) to which they may become subject under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or other federal or state law, insofar as such losses, claims, damages, or liabilities (or actions, proceedings or settlements 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, including any preliminary prospectus or final prospectus contained in such registration statement or any amendments or supplements thereto, (ii) the omission or alleged omission to state therein 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 the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, any state securities law or any rule or regulation promulgated under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or any state securities law; and the Company will pay to each such Holder, underwriter or Controlling person, as incurred, any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by them in connection with investigating, defending or settling any such loss, claim, damage, liability, or action; provided , however , that the indemnity agreement contained in this Section  2.9(a) ( Indemnification ) 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 to any Holder, underwriter or Controlling person for any such loss, claim, damage, liability, or action to the extent that it arises out of or is based upon a Violation which occurs solely as a result of any written information furnished expressly for use in connection with such registration by such Holder, underwriter or Controlling person.

 

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(b) To the extent permitted by applicable Laws, each selling Holder will indemnify and hold harmless the Company, each of its directors, each of its officers who has signed the registration statement, each person, if any, who Controls the Company within the meaning of the Securities Act, any underwriter, any other Holder selling securities in such registration statement and any Controlling person of any 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 the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or other federal or state law, insofar as such losses, claims, damages, or liabilities (or actions in respect thereto) arise out of or are based upon any Violation by such Holder, in each case to the extent (and only to the extent) that such Violation occurs solely as a result of any written information furnished by such Holder expressly for use in connection with such registration; and each such Holder will pay, as incurred, any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by any person intended to be indemnified pursuant to this Section  2.9(b) ( Indemnification ), in connection with investigating, defending or settling any such loss, claim, damage, liability, or action; provided, however, that the indemnity agreement contained in this Section  2.9(b) ( Indemnification ) 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); provided further , that in no event shall any indemnity under this Section  2.9(b) ( Indemnification ) exceed the net proceeds from the offering received by such Holder.

(c) Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party under this Section  2.9 ( Indemnification ) of a notice of the commencement of any action (including any governmental action), such indemnified party shall, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against any indemnifying party under this Section  2.9 ( Indemnification ), 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 parties; provided, however , that an indemnified party (together with all other indemnified parties which may be represented without conflict by one counsel) shall have the right to retain one (1) separate counsel, with the reasonable 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 a written notice to the indemnifying party within a reasonable time after the commencement of any such action, if actually and materially prejudicial to its ability to defend such action, shall relieve such indemnifying party from any liability to the indemnified party under this Section  2.9 ( Indemnification ), but the omission to deliver a written notice to the indemnifying party will not relieve the indemnifying party from any liability that it may have to any indemnified party otherwise than under this Section  2.9 ( Indemnification ). No indemnifying party, in the defense of any such claim or litigation, shall, except with the consent of each indemnified party, consent to entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement that does not include as an unconditional term thereof the giving by the claimant or plaintiff to such indemnified party of a release from all liability in respect of such claim or litigation.

(d) If the indemnification provided for in this Section  2.9 ( Indemnification ) 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 therein, then 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; provided, however , that in no event shall any contribution by a Holder under this Section  2.9(d) ( Indemnification ) exceed the net proceeds from the offering received by such Holder. 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.

 

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(e) The obligations of the Company and Holders under this Section  2.9 ( Indemnification ) shall survive the completion of any offering of Registrable Securities in a registration statement under this Section  2 ( Registration Rights ).

2.10 Assignment of Registration Rights . The rights to cause the Company to register Registrable Securities pursuant to this Section  2 ( Registration Rights ) may be assigned (but only with all related obligations) by a Holder to (i) any partner or retired partner or affiliated fund of any Holder which is a partnership, (ii) any member or former member of any Holder which is a limited liability company, (iii) any family member or trust for the benefit of any individual Holder, (iv) any Affiliate of a Holder, or (v) a transferee or assignee who acquires at least 20% of the shares of Registrable Securities originally purchased by the Holder (as adjusted for any share dividends, combinations, reclassifications or splits with respect to such shares); provided, in each case, that the Company is, within a reasonable time after such transfer, furnished with a 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, and, provided further , that the transferee or assignee of such registration rights assumes in writing the obligations of such Holder under this Section  2 ( Registration Rights ). For the purposes of determining the amount of Registrable Securities held by a transferee or assignee, the holdings of transferees and assignees of a business entity who are Affiliates, retired Affiliates of such entity (including spouses and ancestors, lineal descendants and siblings of such Affiliates or Affiliates who acquire Registrable Securities by gift, will or intestate succession) shall be aggregated together and with the business entity; provided that all assignees and transferees who would not qualify individually for assignment of registration rights shall have a single attorney-in-fact for the purpose of exercising any rights, receiving notices or taking any action under this Section  2 ( Registration Rights ).

2.11 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 outstanding Registrable Securities, enter into any agreement with any holder or prospective holder of any securities of the Company which would allow such holder or prospective holder (a) to include such securities in any registration filed under Section  2.2 ( Company Registration ), unless under the terms of such agreement, such holder or prospective holder may include such securities in any such registration only to the extent that the inclusion of its securities will not reduce the amount of the Registrable Securities of the Holders which is included, or (b) to make a demand registration.

 

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2.12 Reports under the Exchange Act. With a view to making available to the Holders the benefits of Rule 144 and any other rule or regulation of the SEC that may at any time permit a Holder to sell securities of the Company to the public pursuant to a registration on Form F-3 or Form S-3, as the case may be, or without registration, the Company agrees to:

(a) make and keep public information available, as those terms are understood and defined in Rule 144, at all times after the effective date of the first registration statement filed by the Company for the offering of its securities to the general public so long as the Company remains subject to the periodic reporting requirements under Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act;

(b) take such action, including the voluntary registration of its Ordinary Shares under Section  12 of the Exchange Act , as is necessary to enable the Holders to utilize Form F-3 or Form S-3 (or any successor form that provides for short-form registration), as the case may be, for the sale of their Registrable Securities, such action to be taken as soon as practicable after the end of the fiscal year in which the first registration statement filed by the Company for the offering of its securities to the general public is declared effective;

(c) file with the SEC (or such governing authorities, as applicable) in a timely manner all reports and other documents required of the Company under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, or other applicable securities regulations; and

(d) furnish to any Holder, so long as accurate and so long as the Holder owns any Registrable Securities, forthwith upon request (i) a written statement by the Company that it has complied with the reporting requirements of Rule 144 (at any time after ninety (90) days after the effective date of the first registration statement filed by the Company), the Securities Act and the Exchange Act (at any time after it has become subject to such reporting requirements), or that it qualifies as a registrant whose securities may be resold pursuant to Form F-3 or Form S-3 (or any successor form that provides for short-form registration) (at any time after it so qualifies), as the case may be, (ii) a copy of the most recent annual or quarterly report of the Company and such other reports and documents so filed by the Company, and (iii) such other information as may be reasonably requested in availing any Holder of any rule or regulation of the SEC which permits the selling of any such securities without registration or pursuant to such form.

2.13 “Market Stand-Off” Agreement.

(a) Each Holder hereby agrees that, during the period (the “ Lock-up Period ”) of duration (up to, but not exceeding, one hundred and eighty (180) days unless extended as provided below) specified in the relevant underwriting agreement by the Company and an underwriter of the Ordinary Shares, following the date of the final prospectus which forms a part of a registration statement of the Company filed under the Securities Act, it shall not, to the extent requested by the Company and such underwriter, directly or indirectly sell, offer to sell, contract to sell (including any short sale), grant any option to purchase or otherwise transfer or dispose of (other than to donees who agree to be similarly bound) any securities of the Company held by it at any time during such period except Registrable Securities included in such registration, if any. Each Holder agrees to execute an agreement with said underwriters in customary form consistent with the provisions of this Section  2.13 ( “Market Stand-Off” Agreement) , provided, however, that (i) all directors, officers and holders of the outstanding Ordinary Shares shall sign substantially identical agreements and (ii) the agreement permits transfers to Affiliates or other transferees if, in each case, the transferee enters into a substantially similar agreement.

 

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(b) In order to enforce the foregoing covenant, the Company may impose stop-transfer instructions with respect to the Registrable Securities of each Holder (and the shares or securities of every other person subject to the foregoing restriction) until the end of such Lock-up Period and each Holder agrees that, if so requested, such Holder will execute an agreement in the form provided by the underwriter containing terms which are essentially consistent with the provisions of this Section  2.13 ( “Market Stand-Off” Agreement) .

(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the obligations described in this Section  2.13 ( “Market Stand-Off” Agreement) shall not apply to a registration relating solely to employee benefit plans on Form S-8 or similar forms which may be promulgated in the future, or a registration relating solely to an SEC Rule 145 transaction on Form S-4 or similar forms which may be promulgated in the future.

2.14 Termination of Registration Rights. No Holder shall be entitled to exercise any right provided for in this Section  2 ( Registration Rights) (except for Section  2.9 ( Indemnification) ) after the earlier of (i) five (5) years following the consummation of a QIPO, and (ii) such time as Rule 144 is available for the sale of all (and not less than all) of such Holder’s Ordinary Shares (with all transfer restrictions and restrictive legends removed upon such sale) to the public during a ninety (90) day period without registration.

2.15 Foreign Registrations. To the extent the Company effects a public offering or registration in a jurisdiction outside the U.S., the registration rights afforded to the Holders, and the intent of the related provisions hereunder shall, subject to the applicable securities regulations, be carried out and applied as nearly as possible in such foreign jurisdiction as if such public offering or registration were effected in the U.S.

3. RIGHT OF PARTICIPATION

3.1 General . Each Shareholder shall have the Right of Participation to purchase its Participation Pro Rata Share of any New Securities that the Company may from time to time issue after the date of this Agreement, provided that the Shareholder exercising the Right of Participation must undertake to the Company and the other Shareholders that it purchases the New Securities entirely for its own account, and not as a nominee holder for any third party.

3.2 Procedures.

(a) First Participation Notice. In the event that the Company proposes to issue New Securities, it shall give to each Shareholder a written notice (the “ First Participation Notice ”), describing the amount and type of New Securities, the price and the general terms upon which the Company proposes to issue such New Securities. Each Shareholder shall have the right to purchase all or a portion of such Shareholder’s Participation Pro Rata Share of such New Securities for the price and upon the terms and conditions specified in the First Participation Notice by giving a written notice to the Company within twenty (20) days from the date of receipt of such First Participation Notice and stating therein the quantity of New Securities to be purchased by such Shareholder (not to exceed its Participation Pro Rata Share of such New Securities). If any Shareholder fails to so notify in writing within such twenty (20) day period to purchase its full Participation Pro Rata Share of the New Securities, such Shareholder shall forfeit the right hereunder to purchase that part of its Participation Pro Rata Share of such New Securities that it did not elect to purchase but without prejudice to participating in any future or other offerings of New Securities.

 

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(b) Second Participation Notice; Oversubscription. If any Shareholder does not exercise in full its Right of Participation within the above twenty (20) day period, the Company shall promptly give a written notice (the “ Second Participation Notice ”) to each of the Shareholders who has exercised in full its Right of Participation in accordance with Section  3.2(a) ( First Participation Notice) above (the “ Preemptive Right Participants ”). Each Preemptive Right Participant shall have ten (10) days from the date of receipt of the Second Participation Notice to notify the Company of its desire to purchase more than its Participation Pro Rata Share of the New Securities, stating the number of the additional New Securities it proposes to buy. If, as a result thereof, such oversubscription exceeds the total number of the remaining New Securities available for purchase, each oversubscribing Preemptive Right Participant will be cut back by the Company with respect to its oversubscription to that number of remaining New Securities equal to the lesser of (x) the number of the additional New Securities such oversubscribing Preemptive Right Participant proposed to buy, and (y) the product obtained by multiplying (i) the number of the remaining New Securities available for subscription by (ii) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of Ordinary Shares held by such oversubscribing Preemptive Right Participant and the denominator of which is the total number of Ordinary Shares held by all the oversubscribing Preemptive Right Participants. Each Preemptive Right Participant shall be obligated to buy such number of New Securities as determined by the Company pursuant to this Section  3.2(b) ( Second Participation Notice; Oversubscription ).

(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section  3 ( Right of Participation) , the Company shall have the right to consummate an issuance of New Securities at any time with one or more Shareholders who have exercised their Right of Participation and are able to consummate such issuance before the expiration of the periods contemplated in Section  3.2(a) ( First Participation Notice) and Section  3.2(b) ( Second Participation Notice; Oversubscription ); provided that (i) such Shareholders shall not be entitled to acquire more New Securities than they would have been entitled to acquire if such periods had lapsed in full, and (ii) each other Shareholder shall continue to be entitled to acquire the same number of New Securities during such periods contemplated above as such Shareholder would have been entitled to acquire if the Company had not consummated any issuances before such periods had lapsed in full.

3.3 Failure to Exercise. Upon the expiration of a ten (10) day period from the date of the Second Participation Notice, or the twenty (20) day period from the date of the First Participation Notice (if no Shareholder exercises its Right of Participation within such 20-day period), the Company shall have ninety (90) days thereafter to sell the New Securities described in the First Participation Notice (with respect to which the Rights of Participation hereunder were not exercised) at the same or higher price and on terms not more favorable to the purchasers thereof than those specified in the First Participation Notice. In the event that the Company has not issued and sold such New Securities within such ninety (90) day period, the Company shall not thereafter issue or sell any such New Securities without again first offering such New Securities to the Shareholders pursuant to this Section  3 ( Right of Participation) .

 

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3.4 No Obligation to Consummate. The Company shall not be obligated to consummate any proposed issuance of New Securities, nor be liable to any Shareholder if the Company has not consummated any proposed issuance of New Securities pursuant to this Section  3 ( Right of Participation) for whatever reason, regardless of whether it shall have delivered a First Participation Notice or received any exercise notice in respect of such proposed issuance ( provided that in such case the Company shall use its best efforts to consummate the issuance of New Securities to the Shareholders that have delivered such exercise notice).

4. RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL; OTHER TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS

4.1 Restriction on Transfer . For so long as there are Company Securities issued and outstanding, none of the Shareholders shall directly or indirectly Transfer any Company Securities in contravention of the Articles, this Section  4 ( Right of First Refusal; Other Transfer Restrictions) or Section  5 ( Right of Co-sale) . Such restrictions, however, shall not be applicable to any Transfer of the Company Securities (a) to an Affiliate of such Shareholder, (b) to a custodian or a trustee, including a trustee of a voting trust, or partnership solely for the account and benefit of a Shareholder, (c) among the Shareholders, (d) by CIFH to certain designees of shareholders of R2G Limited of up to 9,977,004 Ordinary Shares, in one or more transactions, as an alternative method to achieve the economic purpose contemplated by the R2G Agreement (in which case (i) the Company shall pay to CIFH on behalf of the relevant recipients of such shares at US$0.3333 per share, as if the Company had repurchased such shares from CIFH and re-issued the same to the relevant shareholders of R2G Limited and (ii) the Company’s right to issue an equivalent number of shares under (ix) of the definition of “New Securities” shall forfeit), (e) by the designees of shareholders of R2G Limited by way of waiving or non-exercising their right to receive any shares under the above (d) in exchange for cash consideration payable by CIFH or (f) to the Company in connection with the exercise of any put right of such Shareholder as set forth in the applicable Subscription Agreements, provided that in each case of (a), (b), (c) and (d), each such transferee or assignee, prior to the completion of the Transfer shall have executed documents fully and unconditionally assuming all of the obligations of such Shareholder under this Agreement with respect to the Transferred Company Securities; provided, further, that in the case of (a), if such transferee at any time ceases to be an Affiliate of such Shareholder, such transferee shall, prior to its ceasing to be an Affiliate of such Shareholder, Transfer such Company Securities back to such Shareholder. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no Transfer of the Company Securities shall be made unless it is in compliance with any and all other restrictions on Transfer as may be provided in the applicable Subscription Agreements or restrictions otherwise agreed between the Company and the applicable Shareholder.

 

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4.2 Lock-up Covenant .

(a) Key Management Lock-up . Notwithstanding anything otherwise provided in this Agreement, each of the Key Management agrees and covenants that, without the prior written consent of Tencent, (i) at any time during the first three (3) years after the Tencent Closing Date, he will not, Transfer, directly or indirectly, any Company Securities that are in excess of thirty percent (30%) of the aggregate Company Securities held or beneficially owned by him (subject to subsequent adjustment for share splits, share dividends, reverse share splits, re-capitalizations and the like) as of the Tencent Closing Date, whether in a single transaction or a series of transactions; and (ii) at any time during each one-year period for the three (3) years after the third (3 rd ) anniversary of the Tencent Closing Date, he will not, Transfer, directly or indirectly, any Company Securities that are in excess of one-third (1/3) of the aggregate remaining Company Securities held or beneficially owned by him (subject to subsequent adjustment for share splits, share dividends, reverse share splits, re-capitalizations and the like) as of the third (3 rd ) anniversary of the Tencent Closing Date, whether in a single transaction or a series of transactions; provided that with respect to any Key Management, if at any time during the four-year period after the Tencent Closing Date, (x) such Key Management has been removed as officer and employee of all Group Companies and all the employment agreements with such Key Management have been terminated by all Group Companies, or (y) such Key Management becomes a key executive of the general partner of the Music Fund (for the avoidance of doubt, once such Key Management becomes a key executive of the general partner of the Music Fund, such Key Management should have resigned and no longer been a director, officer or employee of any Group Company) (either (x) or (y), the “ Shortened Lock-up Triggering Event ”), then upon the resignation by such Key Management as directors of all Group Companies, the above Key Management lock-up provision shall be replaced by the following: without the prior written consent of Tencent, at any time during each one-year period for the two (2) years after the Shortened Lock-up Triggering Event, he will not, Transfer, directly or indirectly, any Company Securities that are in excess of one-half (1/2) of the aggregate Company Securities held or beneficially owned by him (subject to subsequent adjustment for share splits, share dividends, reverse share splits, re-capitalizations and the like) as of the Shortened Lock-up Triggering Event, whether in a single transaction or a series of transactions (any Transfer made as permitted pursuant to this proviso shall be a “ Qualified Transfer ”); provided further that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section  4.1, any proposed Transfer of Company Securities held or beneficially owned by such Key Management that is a Qualified Transfer (including any Transfer made by such Key Management’s Affiliates or permitted transferees) to any person (including to any other Shareholder) shall comply with, and be subject to the Right of First Refusal of each Shareholder in accordance with the respective provisions under this Section  4 ( Right of First Refusal; Other Transfer Restrictions) . The lock-up contemplated under this Section  4.2(a) ( Key Management Lock-up) shall terminate upon the earliest of (i) the second (2 nd ) anniversary of the Shortened Lock-up Triggering Event (only if the Shortened Lock-up Triggering Event is applicable); (ii) the sixth (6 th ) anniversary of the Tencent Closing Date; and (iii) six months after the consummation of a QIPO.

4.3 Restrictions on Transfer to Restricted Persons. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, without the prior written consent of Tencent, none of the Shareholders other than Tencent shall Transfer, directly or indirectly, any Company Securities held or beneficially owned by it to any Restricted Person.

4.4 Transferee Obligations; Future Holders. Each person to whom the Company Securities are Transferred by means of one of the permitted Transfers specified in Section  4.1 ( Restriction on Transfer) must, as a condition precedent to the validity of such Transfer, execute and deliver to each of the other parties a Joinder in the form set forth in Exhibit A, pursuant to which such transferee or assignee shall agree to be bound by this Agreement as if it were an original party hereto. Additionally, the Company agrees that any future issuance of any New Securities to any person or entity which results in such person or entity holding any Ordinary Shares (including Ordinary Shares issued or issuable upon the conversion or exercise of convertible or exercisable securities outstanding on the date of, and immediately following, the adoption of this Agreement, the issuance of which shall have been approved pursuant to the Articles), as a condition for such issuance, the recipient must execute and deliver to the parties hereto a Joinder in the form set forth in Exhibit A, pursuant to which such subscriber shall agree to be bound by this Agreement as if it were an original party hereto. This Section  4.4 shall not apply to the issuance, or permitted Transfer by any Shareholder, of Ordinary Shares to any Spotify Investor, or to any Transfers by any Spotify Investor in accordance with the Spotify Investor Agreement. Further, each Shareholder understands and agrees that the Spotify Investors are not parties to or bound by this Agreement and that the Spotify Investor Agreement shall apply to the Spotify Investors in lieu of any provisions of this Agreement.

 

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4.5 Grant of Right of First Refusal. Subject to the Drag-Along Right as set forth in Section 6, each of the Shareholders is hereby granted a right of first refusal (the “ Right of First Refusal ”), exercisable in connection with any proposed Transfer of the Company Securities held by any other Shareholder, provided that the Shareholder exercising such Right of First Refusal must undertake to the Company and the other Shareholders that it purchases such Company Securities entirely for its own account, and not as a nominee holder for any third party. This Section  4 ( Right of First Refusal; Other Transfer Restrictions ) shall not apply to any of the permitted Transfers under Section  4.1 ( Restriction on Transfer ).

4.6 Exercise of Right of First Refusal. In the event a Shareholder (the “ Transferring Shareholder ”) desires to accept a bona fide offer from a third party (other than the Restricted Persons) (the “ Prospective Transferee ”) for any or all of the Company Securities then held by such Transferring Shareholder (the Company Securities subject to such offer to be hereinafter called the “ Target Shares ”), the Transferring Shareholder shall promptly (i) deliver to each of the other Shareholders (the “ Non-Transferring Shareholders ”) a written notice (the “ Disposition Notice ”) describing the terms and conditions of the offer, including the purchase price and the identity of the Prospective Transferee; and (ii) provide satisfactory proof that the disposition of the Target Shares to such Prospective Transferee would not be in contravention of the provisions set forth in this Section  4 ( Right of First Refusal; Other Transfer Restrictions) . Each Non-Transferring Shareholder may exercise the Right of First Refusal and, thereby, purchase all or any part of its ROFR Pro Rata Portion (as defined below and with any re-allotments as provided below) of the Target Shares at the same price and subject to the same material terms and conditions as described in the Disposition Notice, by notifying the Transferring Shareholder in writing within thirty (30) days after receiving the Disposition Notice (the “ ROFR First Response Period ”) as to the number of such Target Shares that it wishes to purchase. No Shareholder shall have a right to purchase any of the Target Shares unless it exercises its Right of First Refusal within the ROFR First Response Period. If any Prospective Transferee has offered to pay for any Target Shares with property, services or any other non-cash consideration, the Non-Transferring Shareholders shall nevertheless have the right to pay for such Target Shares with cash in an amount equal to the fair market value of the non-cash consideration offered by the Prospective Transferee in question, where the fair market value of such non-cash consideration shall be conclusively determined in good faith by the Board. For purposes of this Section  4.6 ( Exercise of Right of First Refusal) , the term “ ROFR Pro Rata Portion ” means that number of Company Securities equal to the product obtained by multiplying (i) the aggregate number of Target Shares covered by the Disposition Notice by (ii) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of Company Securities held by such Non-Transferring Shareholder (assuming the conversion of all securities convertible into Ordinary Shares and exercise of all warrants, options and other securities exercisable for Ordinary Shares) at the time of the sale or transfer and the denominator of which is the total number of Company Securities held by all Non-Transferring Shareholders (assuming the conversion of all securities convertible into Ordinary Shares and exercise of all warrants, options and other securities exercisable for Ordinary Shares). If any Non-Transferring Shareholder fails to notify the Transferring Shareholder of such Non-Transferring Shareholder’s exercise of its Right of First Refusal, or, if any Non-Transferring Shareholder notifies the Transferring Shareholder that such Non-Transferring Shareholder will only partially exercise its Right of First Refusal, in each case within the ROFR First Response Period, then the Transferring Shareholder shall, as soon as possible but in any event within two (2) days after the expiration of the ROFR First Response Period, give a written notice (the “ Overallotment Notice ”) to each Non-Transferring Shareholder who has elected to exercise in full its ROFR Pro Rata Portion of the Target Shares (the “ Fully-Exercising ROFR Shareholders ”) specifying the Target Shares that are still available to be purchased by the Fully-Exercising ROFR Shareholders. Such Overallotment Notice may be made by telephone if confirmed in writing within two (2) days. The Fully-Exercising ROFR Shareholders shall have a right of overallotment, exercisable within five (5) days upon receiving the Overallotment Notice (the “ ROFR Second Response Period ”), to buy up to all of the unsold Target Shares, or if more than one Fully-Exercising ROFR Shareholders exercise their overallotment right, the number of unsold Target Shares to be purchased by each Fully-Exercising ROFR shall be reduced, to the extent necessary, to such number based on the number of Company Securities held by each Fully-Exercising ROFR Shareholder who has exercised its overallotment right (assuming the conversion of all securities convertible into Ordinary Shares and exercise of all warrants, options and other securities exercisable for Ordinary Shares) divided by the number of Company Securities held by all Fully-Exercising ROFR Shareholders who have exercised their overallotment right (assuming the conversion of all securities convertible into Ordinary Shares and exercise of all warrants, options and other securities exercisable for Ordinary Shares).

 

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4.7 Non-Exercise of Right . If, after applying the procedure set forth in Section  4.6 ( Exercise of Right of First Refusal) , there are still Target Shares not yet been purchased by the Non-Transferring Shareholders (such shares, the “ Available For Sale Target Shares ”), the Transferring Shareholder shall have a period of ninety (90) days thereafter to sell or otherwise dispose of such Available For Sale Target Shares, subject to the provisions of Section  5 ( Right of Co-sale) below, to the Prospective Transferee(s) identified in the Disposition Notice, upon terms and conditions (including the purchase price) no more favorable to such Prospective Transferee(s) than those specified in the Disposition Notice. If the Transferring Shareholder has not completed the sale or disposition of the Available For Sale Target Shares within the specified ninety (90) day period, the Non-Transferring Shareholders’ Right of First Refusal hereunder shall once again apply to the transfer of the Available For Sale Target Shares.

4.8 Recapitalization. In the event of any share dividend, share split, sub-division or consolidation of shares, recapitalization or other transaction affecting the Company’s outstanding Company Securities as a class effected without receipt of consideration, then any new, substituted or additional securities or other property that is by reason of such transaction distributed with respect to the Company Securities shall be immediately subject to the Non-Transferring Shareholders’ Right of First Refusal hereunder.

 

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4.9 Payment. Payment of the purchase price for the Target Shares (or a portion thereof, as applicable) shall be made at the time as agreed between the Transferring Shareholder and each of the Non-transferring Shareholders that has elected to exercise the Right of First Refusal, provided that such time shall not be later than the closing time specified in the Disposition Notice, unless otherwise agreed by the Transferring Shareholder and the relevant Non-transferring Shareholders. Payment of the purchase price shall be made by wire transfer or check as directed by the Transferring Shareholder against delivery of the Target Shares to be purchased (or a portion thereof, as applicable).

5. RIGHT OF CO-SALE

5.1 Subject to Section  4 ( Right of First Refusal; Other Transfer Restrictions ) above, and to the extent that (i) there are Available For Sale Target Shares, and (ii) the sale of Available For Sale Target Shares would result in a third party other than Tencent owning at least 50% of the total share capital of the Company on a fully diluted basis, each Non-Transferring Shareholder shall have the right, exercisable upon written notice (the “ Co-Sale Notice ”) delivered to the Transferring Shareholder within ten (10) days after the expiration of the ROFR Second Response Period or, if none of the Non-Transferring Shareholders have exercised their Right of First Refusal within the ROFR First Response Period, within ten (10) days after the expiration of the ROFR First Response Period, to participate in the sale of the Available For Sale Target Shares on the terms and conditions as set forth in Section  5.2 below.

5.2 Each Non-Transferring Shareholder may participate in the proposed sale and sell that number of Company Securities not to exceed the number of shares calculated by multiplying the aggregate number of the Available For Sale Target Shares by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of Company Securities held by such Non-Transferring Shareholder (assuming the conversion of all securities convertible into Ordinary Shares and exercise of all warrants, options and other securities exercisable for Ordinary Shares) at the time of the Co-Sale Notice and the denominator of which is the sum of (A) the aggregate number of Company Securities held by all Shareholders exercising the co-sale right hereunder plus (B) the number of the Company Securities held by the Transferring Shareholder (assuming the conversion of all securities convertible into Ordinary Shares and exercise of all warrants, options and other securities exercisable for Ordinary Shares), and the Company Securities that can be sold by the Transferring Shareholder to the Prospective Transferee shall be correspondingly reduced.

5.3 The Non-Transferring Shareholders shall effect their participation in the proposed sale by promptly delivering to the Transferring Shareholder an instrument of transfer, together with one or more certificates that represent the number of Company Securities that the Non-Transferring Shareholder elects to sell.

5.4 The Transferring Shareholder shall deliver to the Company the instrument(s) of transfer and share certificate(s) in respect of the transfer of any Company Securities pursuant to Section  5.3 promptly upon receipt of the same. Upon receipt of the instrument(s) of transfer and share certificate(s) referred to above from the Transferring Shareholder, the Company shall register such transfer and make the appropriate entries on the register of members of the Company to reflect such transfer, and the Transferring Shareholder shall concurrently therewith remit to the Company for delivery to each of the Non-Transferring Shareholders that portion of the sale proceeds to which such Non-Transferring Shareholder is entitled by reason of its participation in such transfer. To the extent that any Prospective Transferee prohibits such assignment or otherwise refuses to purchase Company Securities from a Non-Transferring Shareholder exercising its right of co-sale hereunder, the Transferring Shareholder shall not sell to such Prospective Transferee any Company Securities unless and until, simultaneously with such sale, the Prospective Transferee shall purchase from such Non-Transferring Shareholder the Company Securities that such Non-Transferring Shareholder is entitled to sell under this Section  5 ( Right of Co-Sale) .

 

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5.5 The exercise or non-exercise of the right of co-sale by the Non-Transferring Shareholders hereunder shall not adversely affect their right to participate in subsequent sales of Company Securities subject to Section  5.1.

5.6 Exempt Transfers. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, this Section  5 ( Right of Co-Sale) shall not apply to any transfer permitted under Section  4.1 ( Restriction on Transfer) .

6. LEGEND

6.1 Each certificate representing the Ordinary Shares now or hereafter owned by the Shareholders or issued to any person in connection with a transfer pursuant to Sections 4 ( Right of First Refusal; Other Transfer Restrictions) or 5 ( Right of Co-sale) or otherwise shall be endorsed with the following legend:

“THE SALE, PLEDGE, HYPOTHECATION OR TRANSFER OF THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE IS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF A SHAREHOLDERS AGREEMENT BY AND AMONG THE HOLDER HEREOF, THE COMPANY AND THE OTHER SHAREHOLDERS OF THE COMPANY. COPIES OF SUCH AGREEMENT MAY BE OBTAINED UPON WRITTEN REQUEST TO THE SECRETARY OF THE COMPANY.”

6.2 The register of members of the Company shall be endorsed with the following legend during the term of this Agreement:

“CERTAIN ORDINARY SHARES OF THE COMPANY ARE SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF A SHAREHOLDERS AGREEMENT BY AND AMONG THE HOLDER OF THE SHARES, THE COMPANY AND THE OTHER SHAREHOLDERS OF THE COMPANY, CONTAINING TRANSFER AND OTHER RESTRICTIONS, AND BY ACCEPTING ANY INTEREST IN SUCH SHARES THE PERSON ACCEPTING SUCH SHARES SHALL BE DEEMED TO AGREE AND SHALL BECOME BOUND BY THE PROVISIONS OF SAID AGREEMENT. COPIES OF SUCH AGREEMENT MAY BE OBTAINED UPON WRITTEN REQUEST TO THE SECRETARY OF THE COMPANY.”

 

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6.3 Each Shareholder agrees that the Company may instruct its transfer agent to impose transfer restrictions on the Ordinary Shares represented by certificates bearing the legend referred to in this Section  6 ( Legend ) above to enforce the provisions of this Agreement and the Company agrees to promptly do so. The legend shall be removed upon termination of this Agreement.

7. DRAG-ALONG RIGHT

7.1 Grant of Drag-Along Right . Subject to Section  7.3 ( No Trade Sale to Restricted Persons ), at any time prior to an IPO, if Tencent proposes a Trade Sale at an equity valuation of the Company of not less than US$6 billion on a fully diluted basis, and:

(a) in the event that such proposed Trade Sale is to a bona fide third party (other than Tencent or any Affiliate of Tencent), such Trade Sale has been approved by (x) no less than 75% of the Board, and (y) holders of no less than 75% of the issued and outstanding Ordinary Shares of the Company; or

(b) in the event that such proposed Trade Sale is to Tencent or any Affiliate of Tencent, such Trade Sale has been approved by holders of no less than 66.7% of the issued and outstanding Ordinary Shares of the Company (other than any Ordinary Shares held by Tencent or any of its Affiliates), then upon a written request from Tencent, each of the other Shareholders shall (i) vote all voting Company Securities held by them in favor of the Trade Sale and cause each director designated by it to vote in favor of the Trade Sale, (ii) refrain from exercising any dissenters’ rights or rights of appraisal under applicable Law at any time with respect to the Trade Sale, (iii) execute and deliver all related documentation and take such other action in support of the Trade Sale as shall reasonably be requested by Tencent or the Company, and (iv) if the Trade Sale is structured as a transfer of Ordinary Shares or other Company Securities, transfer all of the Ordinary Shares or other Company Securities to the third party to consummate the Trade Sale (the “ Drag-Along Right ”). When exercising the Drag-Along Right, Tencent shall send written notice (the “ Sale Notice ”) to all other Shareholders with copy to the Company specifying the names of the purchaser(s), the nature of the Trade Sale, the consideration payable per share or the total consideration payable and a summary of the material terms and conditions of such transaction. Upon receipt of a Sale Notice, all other Shareholders shall be obligated to consummate such Trade Sale in accordance with this Section  7.1 ( Grant of Drag-Along Right). Notwithstanding the definition of Affiliates, the parties agree that for purposes of this Section  7.1, Affiliates of Tencent shall exclude the Group Companies or any of the Group Companies’ Controlled Affiliates.

7.2 Other Provisions. In the event that any other Shareholder fails for any reason to take any of the foregoing actions specified in Section  7.1 after reasonable notice thereof, such Shareholder hereby grants an irrevocable power of attorney and proxy to any director approving the Trade Sale to take all necessary actions and execute and deliver all documents deemed by such director to be reasonably necessary to effectuate the terms hereof. None of the transfer restrictions set forth in Section  4 ( Right of First Refusal; Other Transfer Restrictions) or Section  5 ( Right of Co-Sale) of this Agreement shall apply in connection with the Trade Sale proposed by Tencent pursuant to Section  7.1, notwithstanding anything contained to the contrary herein. The power of attorney granted hereby is intended to secure an interest in property and, in addition, the obligations of each relevant Shareholder under this Agreement, and shall be irrevocable.

 

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7.3 No Trade Sale to Restricted Persons . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, without the prior written consent of Tencent, no Trade Sale shall be effected, or be permitted to be effected, to any Restricted Person.

8. BOARD AND MANAGEMENT

8.1 Board Size . Each Shareholder shall vote at the shareholders meetings, or give written consents with respect to all its Ordinary Shares, to ensure that the size of the Board shall be set and remain at nine (9) directors and the term of a director shall be three (3) years.

8.2 Election of Directors . On all matters relating to the election of one or more directors of the Company, each Shareholder shall vote at the shareholders meetings, or give written consents with respect to all their Ordinary Shares, to elect directors to the Board in the following manner:

(a) (v) five (5) directors shall be appointed by Tencent and its Affiliates (the “ Tencent Directors ”) by notice in writing to the Company as long as Tencent and its Affiliates directly or indirectly hold no less than 50% of the Company’s issued and outstanding share capital; (w) four (4) directors shall be appointed by Tencent and its Affiliates by notice in writing to the Company as long as Tencent and its Affiliates directly or indirectly hold 35% or more than 35% but less than 50% of the Company’s issued and outstanding share capital; (x) three (3) directors shall be appointed by Tencent and its Affiliates by notice in writing to the Company as long as Tencent and its Affiliates directly or indirectly hold 25% or more than 25% but less than 35% of the Company’s issued and outstanding share capital; (y) two (2) directors shall be appointed by Tencent and its Affiliates by notice in writing to the Company as long as Tencent and its Affiliates directly or indirectly hold 10% or more than 10% but less than 25% of the Company’s issued and outstanding share capital; and (z) one (1) director shall be appointed by Tencent and its Affiliates by notice in writing to the Company as long as Tencent and its Affiliates directly or indirectly hold 5% or more than 5% but less than 10% of the Company’s issued and outstanding share capital. For the avoidance of doubt, subclauses (v), (w), (x), (y) and (z) are mutually exclusive;

 

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(b) (w) four (4) directors shall be appointed by all Shareholders other than Tencent and its Affiliates (such other Shareholders, the “ Non-Tencent Shareholders ”) to the Company as long as the holders of Ordinary Shares other than Tencent and its Affiliates collectively hold not less than 35% of the Company’s issued and outstanding share capital; (x) three (3) directors shall be appointed by all Non-Tencent Shareholders by notice in writing to the Company as long as the holders of Ordinary Shares other than Tencent and its Affiliates collectively hold 25% or more than 25% but less than 35% of the Company’s issued and outstanding share capital; (y) two (2) directors shall be appointed by all Non-Tencent Shareholders by notice in writing to the Company as long as the holders of Ordinary Shares other than Tencent and its Affiliates collectively hold 10% or more than 10% but less than 25% of the Company’s issued and outstanding share capital; and (z) one (1) director shall be appointed by all Non-Tencent Shareholders by notice in writing to the Company as long as the holders of Ordinary Shares other than Tencent and its Affiliates collectively hold 5% or more than 5% but less than 10% of the Company’s issued and outstanding share capital. For the avoidance of doubt, subclauses (w), (x), (y) and (z) are mutually exclusive. In the event that subclause (w) applies, the four (4) directors shall be appointed as follows: (i) each Key Management shall be a director as long as (A) such Key Management continues to hold not less than 70% of the Ordinary Shares held by such Key Management as of the date hereof; and (B) such Key Management remains as an officer or employee of any Group Company and complies with the provisions under Section 8.9 hereof (for the avoidance of doubt, (A) the failure of any one Key Management to meet the foregoing qualification requirements will not result in the other Key Management forfeiting his right to serve as a director of the Company if the other Key Management satisfies the foregoing qualification requirements; and (B) upon the occurrence of any Shortened Lock-up Triggering Event with respect to any Key Management, such Key Management’s right to serve as a director of the Company shall be immediately forfeited); and (ii) the remaining two (2) directors shall be appointed by the Shareholders holding the largest and the second largest portion of the Company’s share capital, other than Tencent, the Key Management and, for the avoidance of doubt, the Spotify Investors, respectively (such Shareholder holding the largest portion, the “ Largest Financial Investor ”; and such Shareholder holding the second largest portion, the “ Second Largest Financial Investor ”) by notice in writing, as long as the Largest Financial Investor and the Second Largest Financial Investor each holds not less than 5% of the Company’s issued and outstanding share capital (for the avoidance of doubt, the failure of the Largest Financial Investor to meet the foregoing qualification requirement will not result in the Second Largest Financial Investor forfeiting its right to appoint a director of the Company if the Second Largest Financial Investor satisfies the foregoing qualification requirement, and vice versa); provided that if (i) any one of the Key Management fails to satisfy the qualification requirements as described in this Section 8.2(b) for him to serve as a director to the Board or loses the director seat upon the occurrence of any Shortened Lock-up Triggering Event, or (ii) either the Largest Financial Investor or the Second Largest Financial Investor holds less than 5% of the Company’s issued and outstanding share capital, the Non-Tencent Shareholders shall hold a special meeting to fill the vacancy of the Board as a result thereof, and any Shareholder who has obtained the highest vote at such special meeting shall have the right to appoint one (1) director to fill in such vacant director seat. In the event that subclause (x), (y) or (z) applies, the Non-Tencent Shareholders shall hold a special meeting, on which meeting each Non-Tencent Shareholder has the right to nominate three (3), two (2) or one (1) candidates, as applicable, and the candidate(s) who have received the highest votes of the Non-Tencent Shareholders at such special meeting shall serve as the three (3), two (2) or one (1) directors, as applicable;

(c) one of the Tencent Directors shall be the chairman of the Board as long as Tencent holds not less than 35% of the Company’s issued and outstanding share capital; and

(d) each Shareholder agrees to vote in favor of the appointees as indicated above to ensure that any such appointment, of a director appointed pursuant to this Section  8.2 shall be made in accordance with this Section  8.2 and the Articles as soon as practicable after the relevant notice in writing is delivered to the Company.

Notwithstanding the definition of Affiliates, the parties agree that for purposes of this Section  8.2 , Affiliates of Tencent shall exclude the Group Companies or any of the Group Companies’ Controlled Affiliates.

 

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8.3 Removal . Each Shareholder shall have the right to require the removal or replacement of a Director appointed by it at any time. Each Shareholder agrees that, if at any time it is then entitled to vote for the removal of directors from the Board, it shall not vote any of its Ordinary Shares or execute proxies or written consents, as the case may be, in favor of the removal of any director who shall have been designated pursuant to Section  8.2 ( Election of Directors ) or Section  8.4 ( Vacancies ), unless the person or persons entitled to appoint such director pursuant to Section  8.2 ( Election of Directors ) shall have consented to such removal in writing; provided that, if the person or persons entitled to designate any director pursuant to Section  8.2 ( Election of Directors ) shall request in writing the removal, with or without cause, of such director, each Shareholder shall vote all of its Ordinary Shares or execute proxies or written consents, as the case may be, in favor of such removal.

8.4 Vacancies . If, as a result of death, disability, retirement, resignation, removal or otherwise, there shall exist or occur any vacancy on the Board:

(a) the person or persons entitled under Section  8.2 ( Election of Directors ) to designate such director whose death, disability, retirement, resignation or removal resulted in such vacancy, subject to the provisions of Section  8.2 ( Election of Directors ), shall have the exclusive right to designate another individual (the “ Replacement Nominee ”) to fill such vacancy and serve as a director on the Board; and

(b) subject to Section  8.2 ( Election of Directors ), each Shareholder agrees that if it is then entitled to vote for the election of directors to the Board, it shall vote all of its Ordinary Shares, or execute proxies or written consents, as the case may be, in order to ensure that the Replacement Nominee be elected to the Board.

8.5 Actions of the Board . All actions of the Board shall require at least a majority of the votes cast by the directors present at a duly-convened meeting of the Board at which a quorum is present or by written consent of all the directors of the Board.

8.6 Committees . The Board may establish such committees with such powers as may be permitted by applicable Law and the Articles; provided, that any such committees shall be subject to the direction of and any policies adopted by the Board. Unless otherwise prohibited by applicable Law, as long as Tencent directly or indirectly holds no less than 50% of the Company’s issued and outstanding share capital, at least a majority of the members of each such committee shall be the Tencent Directors.

8.7 Board Composition of the Other Group Companies . The Company and the Shareholders shall, unless otherwise prohibited by applicable Law, and to the extent agreed by the relevant directors, cause the board of directors of each other Group Company to consist of the same persons as those directors then on the Board.

 

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8.8 Management . Each Shareholder shall cause the directors appointed by it to vote at the Board meetings to ensure that the candidates nominated by Tencent be appointed as the chief executive officer, the chief financial officer and the general counsel of the Company. The chief financial officer of the Company and the general counsel of the Company shall report to the chief executive officer of the Company. The chief financial officer of Tencent Holdings Limited shall have the consultation right to discuss and consult with the chief financial officer of the Company regarding the business, operations, affairs, finances and accounts of the Group Companies and to examine the books of account and records of the Group Companies at any time. The chief financial officer of the Company shall work closely with the chief financial officer of Tencent Holdings Limited to ensure compliance with the requirement of Tencent Holdings Limited regarding the treasury and financing policies of Tencent Holdings Limited, and those financial policies related to compliance under the rules of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited. The general counsel of the Company (the “ Company GC ”) will work closely with the general counsel of Tencent Holdings Limited (the “ Tencent GC ”) so as to ensure full compliance with all applicable requirements of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited, and the Tencent GC shall have the right to discuss and consult with the Company GC regarding the Company’s legal function and legal strategy, including without limitation matters relating to litigation, intellectual property and regulatory compliance. The remaining senior management members of the Company shall be proposed by the chief executive officer of the Company and appointed by the Board.

8.9 Key Management Covenant . Each Key Management covenants and undertakes to the Company and Tencent that, for so long as he remains an officer or employee of any Group Company, he will manage the affairs of the Group Companies on a full time basis and be fully devoted to developing and operating the business of the Group Companies and will not pursue any other business or investment interests, or any other opportunities outside of the Group Companies.

8.10 Related Party Transactions . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, other than as expressly provided in this Agreement, the Tencent Transaction Documents, the Spotify Subscription Agreement or the other Transaction Documents, and except for all the existing Related Party Transactions as of the date hereof (each, an “ Excluded Related Party Transaction ”), (i) any Related Party Transaction that involves a transaction value in excess of RMB 35,000,000 individually or RMB 150,000,000 in the aggregate during any twelve (12)-month period shall be approved by at least 50% of the directors who are not interested in such Related Party Transaction before any Group Company may carry out or agree to carry out such Related Party Transaction; (ii) the Company shall provide a semi-annual written report to all directors of all the Related Party Transactions which the Company or other Group Companies entered into during the past six months (other than any Related Party Transaction approved pursuant to Section 8.10(i) as described above and any Excluded Related Party Transaction) setting out material terms and conditions of such Related Party Transactions in reasonable detail. A majority of the directors of the Company who are not interested in a Related Party Transaction (a) may request the management of the Company to provide any further information on such Related Party Transaction, (b) may oppose such Related Party Transaction (other than any Related Party Transaction approved pursuant to Section 8.10(i) as described above and any Excluded Related Party Transaction), and (c) shall have the right to give direction to the Company to terminate such Related Party Transaction if such non-interested directors determine in good faith and consistent with their fiduciary duties that such Related Party Transaction is not on arm’s length basis and is not in the best interest of the Company, upon receipt of which direction the Company shall, and the Shareholders shall procure the Company to, take all necessary actions to terminate such Related Party Transaction.

 

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8.11 Enforcement of Tencent Transaction Documents .

(a) Each of the Company and Tencent hereby agrees that the Shareholders (other than Tencent or its Affiliates) shall be deemed third party beneficiaries under the Tencent Subscription Agreement, including, without limitation, Section 8 (Indemnity) of the Tencent Subscription Agreement (subject to the limitations on liability set forth therein) and shall have the full power and authority to make a direct claim against Tencent or its Affiliates with respect to any and all claims under the Tencent Subscription Agreement, including, without limitation, Section 8 (Indemnity) of the Tencent Subscription Agreement (subject to the limitations on liability set forth therein); provided that such third party beneficiary right may be exercised by the Shareholders (other than Tencent or its Affiliates) if and only if (x) (i) any director of the Company believes in good faith that the Company has a valid claim against Tencent or its Affiliates under the Tencent Subscription Agreement and (ii) the Company has failed to initiate any claim against Tencent or its Affiliates thereunder within thirty (30) days after written request by such director to the Company to make such claim, and (y) the Shareholders holding at least 66.7% of the issued and outstanding Ordinary Shares of the Company (other than any Ordinary Shares held by Tencent or its Affiliates) and representing no less than 3.3% of the issued and outstanding share capital of the Company, agree in writing, in their own discretion, to appoint a Shareholder as a representative (the “ Shareholder Representative ”) to so pursue a claim against Tencent on behalf of the Shareholders (other than Tencent or its Affiliates) pursuant to this Section  8.11 ; provided further that any claims by the Company under Section 8 (Indemnity) of the Tencent Subscription Agreement and any claim by the Shareholder Representative pursuant to this Section  8.11 shall be taken together when determining the application of the limitations on liability under Section 8 (Indemnity) of the Tencent Subscription Agreement. Any such claim pursued by the Shareholder Representative pursuant to this Section  8.11 shall follow the provisions set forth in Section 9.10 (Dispute Resolution) of the Tencent Subscription Agreement, mutantis mutandis . Notwithstanding the definition of Affiliates, the parties agree that for purposes of this Section  8.11 , Affiliates of Tencent shall exclude the Group Companies or any of the Group Companies’ Controlled Affiliates.

(b) The Shareholders (other than Tencent or its Affiliates) hereby irrevocably appoint the Shareholder Representative as the attorney-in-fact of the Shareholders (other than Tencent or its Affiliates), with full power and authority to act in the name of and for and on behalf of the Shareholders (other than Tencent or its Affiliates) with respect to all matters arising in connection with a claim against Tencent made by such Shareholders pursuant to Section  8.11(a) hereof, including, but not limited to, the power and authority to take any and all of the following actions: (i) to seek any preliminary injunctive relief from any court of competent jurisdiction and/or to commence any arbitral proceedings in accordance with Section 9.10 (Dispute Resolution) of the Tencent Subscription Agreement, as provided under Section  8.11(a) hereof, (iii) to negotiate any settlement agreement or settle any arbitral proceedings, (iv) to enforce any arbitration awards, (v) to retain legal counsel in connection with any and all matters referred to herein, (vi) to disclose to the court or arbitration tribunal such Confidential Information necessary for the Shareholder Representative to pursue a claim pursuant to Section  8.11(a) hereof, and (vii) to incur reasonable costs and expenses including legal costs in connection with such actions. It is understood that the Shareholder Representative shall serve without compensation. For the avoidance of doubt, any actions taken by the Shareholder Representative shall be fully binding upon all Shareholders (other than Tencent or its Affiliates).

 

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(c) Each of the Company and Tencent hereby acknowledges the appointment, powers and authority of the Shareholder Representative pursuant to this Section  8.11 and agrees that it will not, and it will procure its Affiliates and the Group Companies and their Controlled Affiliates not to, dispute the appointment, powers and authority of the Shareholder Representative at any court or arbitral proceedings; provided that the Shareholder Representative is duly appointed pursuant to Section  8.11(a) . Each of the Company and Tencent further agrees that, in respect to any claim pursued by the Shareholder Representative on behalf of the Shareholders (other than Tencent or its Affiliates) pursuant to this Section  8.11, the Shareholder Representative (i) shall have the full power and authority to claim against Tencent and its Affiliates (other than the Group Companies and their Controlled Affiliates) with respect to any and all claims that the Company may be entitled to under the Tencent Subscription Agreement, including injunctive relief and monetary indemnity, and (ii) shall be entitled to claim the full amount of any and all Losses (as defined in the Tencent Subscription Agreement) incurred by the Company Indemnitees (for the avoidance of doubt, the Losses that may be claimed by the Shareholder Representative are not limited to the Losses suffered by the Shareholders (other than Tencent or its Affiliates) in their capacity of the shareholders of the Company), provided that any such Losses payable by Tencent or its Affiliates pursuant to this Section  8.11 shall be subject to applicable limitations on liability under Section 8 (Indemnity) of the Tencent Subscription Agreement.

(d) The Company agrees, promptly and in any event within ten (10) Business Days upon demand, to pay and reimburse the Shareholder Representative any and all reasonable and documented costs and expenses (including legal costs) incurred by the Shareholder Representative in connection with claiming against Tencent pursuant to this Section 8.11 ; provided that the Company is not obligated to pay or reimburse any costs and expenses that are incurred by the Shareholder Representative in bad faith or as a result of gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Shareholder Representative, or if such costs and expenses are unreasonably wasteful.

(e) The Shareholders (other than Tencent or its Affiliates) agree that any and all Losses recovered by the Shareholder Representative pursuant to this Section  8.11 shall be held to the account of the Company and transferred in full to the Company, net of reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred by such Shareholder Representative in such claim for which the Shareholder Representative shall be entitled to be reimbursed pursuant to Section  8.11(d) but had not been so reimbursed.

(f) Nothing in this Section  8.11 shall be interpreted to limit or restrict the ability or power of any Shareholder to make any claim against the Company or any other Shareholder under this Agreement (in respect of matters not covered by this Section 8.11 ) or applicable law.

8.12 Tencent Information Right .

(a) The Company shall timely provide to Tencent any financial information of the Group Companies and its Controlled Affiliates and portfolio companies reasonably requested by it that is available to the Company in order for Tencent Holdings Limited to consolidate financial statements of the Group Companies, including such financial statements of the Group Companies converted from US GAAP to IFRS.

(b) Tencent shall have (i) the right to inspect facilities, records and books of the Group Companies at any time during regular working hours on reasonable prior notice to the Company, and (ii) the right to discuss the business, operations and conditions of the Company and any of the Group Companies with the Company’s directors, officers, employees, accountants and legal counsel.

 

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9. INFORMATION RIGHTS

9.1 Delivery of Financial Statements and Other Information . Upon written request of any Shareholder, the Company shall deliver to such Shareholder, for as long as such Shareholder (together with its Affiliates) continues to hold at least 2% of the Company’s share capital on a fully diluted basis, the information set forth below:

(a) as soon as practicable, but in any event within one hundred and twenty (120) days after the end of each fiscal year of the Company, an unaudited income statement for such fiscal year, an unaudited balance sheet of the Company and statement of shareholder’s equity as of the end of such fiscal year, and an unaudited statement of cash flows for such fiscal year, such year-end financial reports to be in reasonable detail, on a consolidated basis, prepared in accordance with IFRS or US GAAP; and

(b) as soon as practicable, but in any event within fifty (50) days after the end of each of the first three (3) fiscal quarters of each fiscal year of the Company, an unaudited quarterly management accounts on a consolidated basis, prepared in accordance with IFRS or US GAAP applied on a consistent basis;

10. ADDITIONAL COVENANTS

10.1 Directors Indemnification; Insurance . The Articles shall at all times provide for the indemnification of the directors and their Affiliates to the maximum extent provided by the Law of the jurisdiction in which the Company is organized. At the request of any director of the Board, the Company will promptly enter into an indemnification agreement with such director on customary terms and conditions covering such director and such director’s Affiliates and in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Shareholder designating such director. At the request of any director of the Board, the Company shall obtain and pay for (subject to a reasonable annual premium) directors’ and officers’ insurance covering each of its directors and officers.

10.2 Protective Provisions .

(a) The Company shall not sell or issue any New Securities without first obtaining the approval (by vote or written consent, as provided by applicable Laws or the Articles) of the Shareholders holding at least 66.7% of the then total issued and outstanding Ordinary Shares held by all Shareholders. The Company shall not sell or issue any New Securities at a purchase price that has a pre-money valuation of the Company of less than US$6 billion without first obtaining the approval (by vote or written consent, as provided by applicable Laws or the Articles) of the Shareholders holding at least 90% of the then total issued and outstanding Ordinary Shares held by all Shareholders.

 

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(b) Without prejudice to Section  10.2(a) above, the Company shall not, and shall not permit any other applicable Group Company to, except as expressly permitted under this Agreement or in connection with any put right of a Shareholder as set forth in the applicable Subscription Agreements, carry out any of the following actions involving itself or any of its Subsidiaries as applicable without first obtaining the approval (by vote or written consent, as provided by applicable Laws or the Articles) of the Shareholders holding at least 66.7% of the then total issued and outstanding Ordinary Shares held by all Shareholders:

(i) altering or changing the rights, or privileges of the Ordinary Shares or creating (by reclassification or otherwise) any new class or series of shares having rights, preferences or privileges senior to or on a parity with the Ordinary Shares;

(ii) reclassifying any outstanding Ordinary Shares into shares having rights, preferences or privileges with respect to dividends or assets senior to or on a parity with the Ordinary Shares;

(iii) declaring or paying any dividend or distribution or otherwise redeeming or repurchasing any issued and outstanding shares of the Company;

(iv) making any acquisition, sale of control or assets, merger, consolidation, joint venture or partnership arrangements exceeding the materiality threshold established by the Board from time to time, except pursuant to the exercise of the Drag-Along Right;

(v) effecting an increase or reduction of the authorized share capital, split-off, spin-off, dissolution, liquidation, winding-up or bankruptcy of the Company or any material Subsidiary thereof (for the avoidance of doubt, issuance of any shares under the exceptional proviso of the definition of “New Securities” shall not be subject to such approvals);

(vi) selling, mortgaging, pledging, leasing, transferring, incurring a lien on or otherwise disposing of substantially all of its assets or any of the assets which are outside the ordinary course of business of the Company and exceeding the materiality threshold established by the Board from time to time;

(vii) making any material changes to or engaging in any business materially different from the Core Business, or ceasing any material existing business line or activities of the Company;

(viii) incurring any material indebtedness or assuming any material financial obligation exceeding the materiality threshold established by the Board from time to time and outside the ordinary course of business of the Company;

(ix) making any capital expenditures or investment in any other company exceeding US$400,000,000 or such other materiality threshold established by the Board from time to time;

(x) creating any encumbrance over the whole or part of the share capital, undertaking, material property or material assets of the Company or any material Subsidiary thereof, other than as permitted by the annual budget or the business and financial plan approved by the Board;

(xi) increasing or decreasing the authorized size of the Board; or

 

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(xii) amending or waiving any provision of the Articles in a manner that would alter or change the rights, preferences or privileges of the Ordinary Shares.

(c) The Company shall not, and shall not permit any other Group Company to, make any changes to any of the Control Documents including any transfer or assignment of any party’s rights and obligations under any of the Control Documents and any appointment of representatives, specified persons or proxies under the Control Documents, except as contemplated in this Agreement or by the Tencent Transaction Documents, without first obtaining the approval (by vote or written consent, as provided by applicable Laws or the Articles) of the holders of at least 66.7% of the then total issued and outstanding Ordinary Shares of the Company.

(d) Without prejudice to Section  10.2(b) above, the Company shall not, and shall not permit any other Group Company to, carry out any of the following actions involving itself or any of its Subsidiaries without first obtaining the prior written approval of Tencent:

(i) any merger, consolidation, transfer of shares or other form of restructuring of the Company involving a Restricted Person;

(ii) any sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Group Companies to a Restricted Person; (iii) any issuance of New Securities by the Company to any Restricted Person;

(iv) entering into any joint venture or partnership arrangement with a Restricted Person; or

(v) engaging in any business other than the Core Business.

10.3 Control Documents . The Company and the Shareholders shall, and shall cause the other applicable Group Companies and their respective Controlled Affiliates or nominee shareholders to, take all actions necessary or desirable in order to amend the Control Agreements in form and substance approved by Tencent (“ Amended Control Documents ”), such that following the entry of the Amended Control Documents by the respective parties thereto, (i) the registered capital of each of the VIE Affiliates shall be held in the manner as provided in the Amended Control Documents; and (ii) the Company, indirectly through its Subsidiary, shall continue to exercise control over the economic interest in, and the operations of, the VIE Affiliates, such that the financial statements of the VIE Affiliates can be consolidated with those of the other applicable Group Companies in accordance with the generally accepted accounting principles of the U.S. In the event that the shareholding percentages of the Shareholders in the Company have changed, at the request of the Company, the Shareholders shall, and shall cause the other applicable Group Companies and their respective Controlled Affiliates or nominee shareholders to, take all actions necessary or desirable to adjust the corresponding shareholding percentages in each of the VIE Affiliates in a tax efficient manner, such that the shareholding percentages in each of the VIE Affiliates shall be consistent with those in the Company.

 

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10.4 IPO . Each of the Shareholders agrees to use its reasonable best efforts to cause an IPO of the Company on the Qualified Stock Exchange (“ IPO ”) as soon as practicable and no later than the second anniversary of the Tencent Closing Date. If the IPO of the Company fails to occur on or prior to the second anniversary of the Tencent Closing Date, each of the Shareholders agrees to use its reasonable best efforts to cause the IPO of the Company as soon as practicable thereafter. In the event that an IPO would meet all the conditions for an QIPO, (i) in any applicable proceeding of a meeting of the Board, all Shareholders shall procure their respective appointed directors to vote in favor of such IPO, and (ii) in any applicable proceeding of a general meeting of the Company, all Shareholders shall vote in favor of such IPO.

10.5 Tencent ESOP . The parties hereto agree and acknowledge that (a) 12,637,194 Ordinary Shares have been reserved for issuance under the Tencent ESOP as of the date hereof; (b) the Board shall administer the Tencent ESOP; provided that Tencent shall have the sole discretion and full and exclusive power to determine (x) the participants who are to receive awards under the Tencent ESOP and (y) the number and types of awards that each such participant shall be granted under the Tencent ESOP; and (c) upon the request of Tencent, the Board shall promptly adopt and approve the Tencent ESOP and the form of award agreements.

10.6 Ownership Interest in Lechang . The Company and the Shareholders shall take all actions necessary or desirable, including passing board and/or shareholder resolutions, in order to ensure that (i) upon the consummation of the Lechang Spinoff, each Shareholder’s ultimate beneficial ownership in Lechang shall be in proportion to such Shareholder’s equity interest in the issued and outstanding share capital of the Company as of July 12, 2016 immediately after the Tencent Closing, unless such Shareholder elects not to subscribe for its pro rata portion of the equity interest in Entity A; (ii) each Shareholder shall be paid a special dividend in proportion to such Shareholder’s equity interest in the issued and outstanding share capital of the Company as of July 12, 2016 immediately after the Tencent Closing, so that each such Shareholder may use such special dividend to subscribe for the equity interest in Entity A, provided that the Shareholder may use such special dividend for any purpose it may deem fit in the event that such Shareholder elects not to subscribe for its pro rata portion of the equity interest in Entity A; provided further that the unsubscribed portion of the equity interest in Entity A as a result of any Shareholder electing not to subscribe such portion shall be allocated to the other Shareholders who elects to subscribe the equity interest in Entity A on a pro rata basis in proportion to such other Shareholders’ equity interests in the issued and outstanding share capital of the Company (excluding those unsubscribed shareholder(s)) as of July 12, 2016 immediately after the Tencent Closing; (iii) if any Shareholder has been paid any special dividend that is inconsistent with the arrangement in subclause (ii), such Shareholder shall return the same amount of such special dividend to the Company, so that the arrangement in subclause (ii) will be achieved.

 

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11. MISCELLANEOUS

11.1 Effectiveness of Agreement/Termination of the Covenants . This Agreement shall be effective (a) with respect to the Company, Xie Guomin, Xie Zhenyu and each Shareholder listed on Schedule A , upon the due execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company and the Shareholders holding at least 75% of the issued and outstanding Ordinary Shares held by all Shareholders as of the date hereof, and (b) with respect to the other persons that become Shareholders after the date hereof, upon their due execution and delivery of a Joinder in the form set forth in Exhibit A. The covenants set forth in Section  3 ( Right of Participation ), Section  4 ( Right of First Refusal; Other Transfer Restrictions ), Section  5 ( Right of Co-sale ), Section  6 ( Legend ), Section  7 ( Drag-Along Right ), Section  8.10 ( Related Party Transactions ), Section  8.11 ( Enforcement of Tencent Transaction Documents ), Section  9 ( Information Rights ), Section  10.2(a) , (b) and (c) ( Protective Provisions ), Section  10.3 ( Control Documents ) and Section  10.4 ( IPO ) shall terminate as to each Shareholder and be of no further force or effect upon the earlier of (i) immediately prior to the consummation of a QIPO, or (ii) the date when the Company becomes subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act or analogous reporting requirements in an alternative listing jurisdiction. The covenants set forth in and Section  10.2(d) ( Protective Provisions ) shall terminate and be of no further force or effect if it is determined by the underwriter of a QIPO and the Company’s legal counsel with respect to a QIPO that such covenants constitute a commercial or regulatory substantive impediment to the process of the QIPO. The parties hereto agree that each party shall negotiate in good faith to terminate or amend the covenants set forth in Section  8 ( Board and Management ) (other than those in Section  8.10 ( Related Party Transactions ) and Section  8.11 ( Enforcement of Tencent Transaction Documents )) upon the earlier of (i) immediately prior to the consummation of a QIPO, or (ii) the date when the Company becomes subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act or analogous reporting requirements in an alternative listing jurisdiction, to the extent that the termination or amendment of any such covenant shall be necessary or desirable in order for the Company to comply with applicable Law or rules or regulations of applicable securities exchanges in connection with a QIPO. Any person who ceases to be a Shareholder shall have no further right under this Agreement, but for the avoidance of doubt, such person shall continue to be subject to the obligations hereunder that by their terms apply to such person after it ceases to be a Shareholder.

11.2 Enforceability/Severability . The parties hereto agree that each provision of this Agreement shall be interpreted in such a manner as to be effective and valid under applicable Laws. If any provision of this Agreement is found to be invalid or unenforceable, then such provision shall be construed, to the extent feasible, so as to render the provision enforceable and to provide for the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby on substantially the same terms as originally set forth herein, and if no feasible interpretation would save such provision, it shall be severed from the remainder of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect unless the severed provision is essential to the rights or benefits intended by the parties. In such event, the parties shall use best efforts to negotiate, in good faith, a substitute, valid and enforceable provision or agreement which most nearly effects the parties’ intent in entering into this Agreement.

11.3 Entire Agreement . This Agreement, together with all the exhibits hereto and thereto, constitutes and contains the entire agreement and understanding of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes any and all prior negotiations, correspondence, agreements, understandings, duties or obligations between the parties respecting the subject matter hereof, including the Prior Agreement, the Shareholders Agreement dated July 12, 2016 by and among the Company and certain other parties named therein (“ July 2016 SHA ”), the Shareholders Agreement dated March 8, 2016 by and among the Company and certain other parties named therein (“ March 2016 SHA ”), the Shareholders Agreement dated May 26, 2014 by and among the Company and certain other parties named therein (“ 2014 SHA ”) and the Amended and Restated Shareholders Agreement dated December 4, 2013 by and among the Company and certain other parties named therein (“ 2013 SHA ”, together with the 2014 SHA, the March 2016 SHA, the July 2016 SHA and the Prior Agreement, the “ Prior SHAs ”).

 

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Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Shareholders agree that in the event of any conflict or inconsistency between any of the terms of this Agreement and any of the terms of the Articles, the terms of this Agreement shall prevail in all respects as among the Shareholders. The Shareholders shall give full effect to and act in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement over the provisions of the Articles and the parties hereto shall exercise all voting and other rights and powers (including the power to procure any required alteration to the Articles to the extent permitted by applicable Law to resolve such conflict or inconsistency) to make the provisions of this Agreement effective. Without limitation of the foregoing, each Shareholder agrees to vote all of its Company Securities or execute proxies or written consents, as the case may be, and to take all other actions necessary, to ensure that the Articles (i) facilitate, and do not at any time conflict with, any provision of this Agreement, (ii) permit each Shareholder to receive the benefits to which each such Shareholder is entitled under this Agreement and (iii) are adopted concurrently with or as soon as practicable after the effectiveness of this Agreement pursuant to Section 11.1 and registered promptly thereafter.

11.4 Governing Law and Dispute Resolution . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed exclusively in accordance with the Laws of Hong Kong without giving effect to any choice of law rule that would cause the application of the Laws of any jurisdiction other than the Laws of Hong Kong to the rights and duties of the parties hereunder.

Any dispute, controversy or claim (each, a “ Dispute ”) arising out of or relating to this Agreement, or the interpretation, breach, termination, validity or invalidity thereof, shall be referred to arbitration upon the demand of either party to the dispute with notice (the “ Arbitration Notice ”) to the other. The Dispute shall be settled by arbitration in Hong Kong by the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (the “ HKIAC ”) in accordance with the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre Administered Arbitration Rules (the “ HKIAC Rules ”) in force at the time when the Arbitration Notice is submitted. The seat of arbitration shall be Hong Kong. There shall be three (3) arbitrators. The complainant and the respondent to such dispute shall each select one arbitrator within thirty (30) days after giving or receiving the demand for arbitration (the “ Selection Period ”). Such arbitrators shall be freely selected, and the parties shall not be limited in their selection to any prescribed list. The chairman of the HKIAC shall select the third arbitrator. If either party to the arbitration fail to appoint an arbitrator with the Selection Period, the relevant appointment shall be made by the chairman of the HKIAC. The arbitral proceedings shall be conducted in English. To the extent that the HKIAC Rules are in conflict with the provisions of this Section  11.4 (Governing Law and Dispute Resolution ), including the provisions concerning the appointment of the arbitrators, this Section  11.4 (Governing Law and Dispute Resolution ) shall prevail. Each party to the arbitration shall cooperate with each other party to the arbitration in making full disclosure of and providing complete access to all information and documents requested by such other party in connection with such arbitral proceedings, subject only to any confidentiality obligations binding on such party. The award of the arbitral tribunal shall be final and binding upon the parties thereto, and the prevailing party may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for enforcement of such award. Any party to the Dispute shall be entitled to seek preliminary injunctive relief, if possible, from any court of competent jurisdiction pending the constitution of the arbitral tribunal. During the course of the arbitral tribunal’s adjudication of the Dispute, this Agreement shall continue to be performed except with respect to the part in dispute and under adjudication.

 

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11.5 Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Any counterpart or signature of a party delivered by facsimile, email or similar electronic transmission pursuant to which the signature of (or on behalf of) such party can be seen shall be deemed for all purposes as being a good and valid execution and delivery of this Agreement by such party.

11.6 Headings . The section headings of this Agreement are for convenience and shall not by themselves determine the interpretation of this Agreement.

11.7 Notices . Except as may be otherwise provided herein, any notice required or permitted hereunder shall be given in writing and shall be conclusively deemed effectively given (i) upon personal delivery, (ii) upon delivery by overnight courier, or (iii) five (5) days after deposit in the mail, by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, addressed (a) if to the Company, to its principal office, and (b) if to a Shareholder, to such Shareholder’s address as is on file with the records of the Company, or at such other address as the parties may designate by a ten (10) days’ advance written notice to the other parties.

11.8 Amendment of Agreement . Any provision of this Agreement may be amended by a written instrument signed by the Company and the Shareholders holding at least 75% of the then issued and outstanding Ordinary Shares held by all Shareholders (which Shareholders must include Tencent); provided that any provision herein that expressly requires the consent of a higher threshold of Ordinary Shares may not be amended except with the consent of such higher threshold of Ordinary Shares. In addition, any amendment, waiver or modification of any provision of this Agreement that would materially and adversely affect any Shareholder in a manner that is disparate from the manner in which it affects other Shareholders may be effected only with the written consent of the Shareholder so affected. Any amendment or modification to Section  4.2(a) may be effected only with the written consent of the Key Management.

11.9 Successors and Assigns . Except as otherwise expressly provided to the contrary, the provisions of this Agreement and the rights and obligations of the parties hereunder shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding upon, the Company and its successors and assigns and be binding upon each Shareholder and each Shareholder’s legal representatives, heirs, legatees, distributees, assigns and transferees by operation of Law, whether or not any such person has become a party to this Agreement or has agreed in writing to join herein and to be bound by the terms, conditions and restrictions hereof. Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to confer upon any party other than the parties hereto or their respective permitted successors and assigns any rights, remedies, obligations or liabilities under or by reason of this Agreement, except as expressly provided in this Agreement. No party may assign any rights or delegate any obligations hereunder except in connection with the Transfer of Company Securities in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

11.10 Expenses . Each party shall bear its own expenses, including legal fees, in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

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11.11 Delays or Omissions . No delay or omission to exercise any right, power or remedy accruing to any party, upon any breach or default of another party under this Agreement shall impair any such right, power or remedy of such first party nor shall it be construed to be a waiver of any such breach or default, or an acquiescence therein, or of or in any similar breach or default thereafter occurring; nor shall any waiver of any single breach or default be deemed a waiver of any other breach or default theretofore or thereafter occurring. Any waiver, permit, consent or approval of any kind or character on the part of any party of any breach or default under this Agreement, or any waiver on the part of any party of any provisions or conditions of this Agreement, must be in writing and shall be effective only to the extent specifically set forth in such writing. All remedies, either under this Agreement or by law or otherwise afforded to any party shall be cumulative and not alternative.

11.12 Confidentiality .

(a) The existence, terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Spotify Subscription Agreement, the other Transaction Documents, the Tencent Transaction Documents and any information received by any Shareholder pursuant to Section  9 ( Information Rights ) or any other confidential information, knowledge or data concerning or relating to the business or financial affairs of the Company to which such Shareholder has been or shall become privy by reason of this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents, discussions or negotiations relating to this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents, and the performance of its obligations hereunder or thereunder (collectively, the “ Confidential Information ”) shall be considered confidential information and shall not be disclosed by any party to any third party except in accordance with the provisions set forth below; provided that such Confidential Information shall not include any information that is in the public domain other than by reason of the breach of the confidentiality obligations hereunder.

(b) Each party may disclose the existence of the transactions contemplated under the Tencent Subscription Agreement and the other Tencent Transaction Documents in a press release jointly approved by the Company, Tencent and the Shareholders holding at least 66.7% of the then issued and outstanding Ordinary Shares. No other announcement regarding any of the Confidential Information in a press release, conference, advertisement, announcement, professional or trade publication, mass marketing materials or otherwise to the general public may be made without the prior written consent of the Company, Tencent and the Shareholders holding at least 66.7% of the then issued and outstanding Ordinary Shares held by all Shareholders.

(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, any party may disclose any of the Confidential Information to its current or bona fide prospective investors, permitted assignees or transferees, directors, officers, shareholders, employees, investment bankers, lenders, partners, accountants and attorneys, in each case only where such persons or entities are under appropriate nondisclosure obligations.

(d) In the event that any party is requested or becomes legally compelled (including, without limitation, pursuant to securities laws and regulations and other applicable laws and stock exchange rules) to disclose any Confidential Information in contravention of the provisions of this Section  11.12 ( Confidentiality ), such party (the “ Disclosing Party ”) shall provide the Company and any other Party to whom such Confidential Information relates (the “ Non-Disclosing Parties ”) with prompt written notice of that fact and use all reasonable efforts to seek (with the cooperation and reasonable efforts of the other parties) a protective order, confidential treatment or other appropriate remedy. In such event, the Disclosing Party shall furnish only that portion of the information which is requested or legally required to be disclosed and shall exercise reasonable efforts to keep confidential such information to the extent reasonably requested by any Non-Disclosing Party.

 

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(e) The provisions of this Section  11.12 ( Confidentiality ) shall be in addition to, and not in substitution for, the provisions of any separate nondisclosure agreement executed by any of the parties hereto.

(f) All notices required under this section shall be made pursuant to Section  11.7 ( Notices ) of this Agreement.

11.13 Specific Performance . Each of the parties hereto recognizes and acknowledges that a breach by it of any covenants or agreements contained in this Agreement will cause the other parties to sustain damage for which they would not have an adequate remedy at law for money damages, and therefore each of the parties hereto agrees that in the event of any such breach the aggrieved parties shall be entitled to the remedy of specific performance of such covenants and agreements and injunctive and other equitable relief in addition to any other remedy to which they may be entitled, at law or in equity.

11.14 Parties in Interest . Except as expressly provided elsewhere in this Agreement, a person who is not a party to this Agreement shall not have any rights under the Contracts (Right of Third Parties) Ordinance (Chapter 623, Laws of Hong Kong) to enforce any terms of this Agreement. This does not affect any right or remedy of a third party which exists, or is available, apart from the Contracts (Right of Third Parties) Ordinance. For the avoidance of doubt, any holder of Company Securities that is not a party to this Agreement is not, and shall not be deemed, a Shareholder and shall not have any rights, interests, obligations or remedies as a Shareholder under this Agreement.

11.15 Adjustments for Share Splits, Etc . Wherever in this Agreement there is a reference to a specific number of shares of Company Securities of the Company, then, upon the occurrence of any subdivision, combination or share dividend of the Company Securities, the specific number of shares so referenced in this Agreement shall automatically be proportionally adjusted to reflect the effect on the outstanding shares of such class or series of shares by such subdivision, combination or share dividend.

11.16 Aggregation of Shares . All Company Securities held or acquired by affiliated entities or persons (as defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act) shall be aggregated together for the purpose of determining the availability of any rights under this Agreement.

11.17 Amendment and Restatement of Prior Agreement . The Prior Agreement is hereby amended and superseded in its entirety and restated in this Agreement. Such amendment and restatement is effective upon effectiveness of this Agreement in accordance with Section 11.1 . Upon such effectiveness, all provisions of, rights granted and covenants made in the Prior Agreement are hereby waived, released and superseded in their entirety and shall have no further force and effect.

 

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11.18 Representations and Warranties . Each party hereby represents and warrants to each other party, as of the date hereof, and as of the effective date of this Agreement, as follows:

(a) such party, if not a natural person, is duly organized, validly existing and, to the extent applicable, in good standing under the applicable law of its jurisdiction of organization;

(b) such party is a natural person, or is a corporate body with the legal capacity, power, authority and right to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Agreement, and all actions on its part necessary for the authorization, execution, delivery of and the performance of all of its obligations under this Agreement have been taken;

(c) this Agreement will when executed be a legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except where such enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally; and

(d) the execution and delivery by such party of this Agreement and the consummation by it of all the transactions contemplated hereunder (i) do not and will not require any approval, consent or authorization, except for such approvals, consents or authorizations that have been duly obtained and remain in full force and effect as of the date hereof; (ii) breach or constitute (or with notice or lapse of time or both constitute) a default under its constitutional documents, existing shareholders agreement or any material contract or agreement to which such party is bound; and (iii) result in a violation or breach of or constitute (or with notice or lapse of time or both constitute) a default under any applicable Law by which such party or any of its assets is bound.

11.19 Waivers; Consents . Each Shareholder hereby consents to the transactions contemplated by the Spotify Subscription Agreement and this Agreement, including the issue and allotment of the Ordinary Shares under the Spotify Subscription Agreement, and irrevocably waives any and all rights arising under the Prior SHAs, the Articles or under applicable Law, in respect of pre-emptive rights, notice rights, rights of participation, rights of first refusal, co-sale rights, veto rights and all similar rights, and irrevocably waives any breach of the Prior SHAs or the Articles relating to such issuance.

 

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11.20 Release of Obligations . The Company hereby irrevocable agrees and confirms that with respect to each Shareholder that is an Existing Shareholder and the Company itself, and each Shareholder that is an Existing Shareholder hereby irrevocably agrees and confirms only with respect to subclauses (i) and (iii) below, severally and not jointly, that, solely with respect to such Shareholder, (i) the number of Ordinary Shares held by such Shareholder as set forth in the Cap Table in Schedule D to the July 2016 SHA (“ Cap Table ”) was true and accurate as of July 12, 2016; (ii) each issuance of shares by the Company as shown in the Cap Table and the register of members of the Company to each Shareholder as of July 12, 2016 had been duly authorized and approved; and (iii) as of July 12, 2016, other than the Tencent ESOP and the Disclosed Issuance Obligation, there were no outstanding options, warrants, convertible securities or other rights, agreements, arrangements or commitments of any kind by which the Company is bound obligating it to issue, deliver or sell any Company Securities to such Shareholder or any other person (such obligations of the Company as of July 12, 2016, together with the Disclosed Issuance Obligation but, for the avoidance of doubt, excluding the Tencent ESOP and the issuance of Ordinary Shares upon the exercise of options under the 2014 ESOP, the “ Issuance Obligation ”). This Agreement shall constitute an unconditional and irrevocable waiver and release by each Shareholder that is an Existing Shareholder, on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries, Affiliates, current and former officers, directors, employees, commissioners, and agents, and predecessors, successors and assigns (collectively, “ Releasing Parties ”) of (a) all Issuance Obligations of the Company to each such Shareholder or its Affiliates, except for the Disclosed Issuance Obligation, and (b) any and all actions, causes of action, suits, proceedings, claims and demands whatsoever, in law or in equity, of every kind and description, which such Releasing Party ever had, now has, or hereafter can, shall or may have against the Company, its Subsidiaries, Affiliates, current and former officers, directors, employees, commissioners, and agents, and predecessors, successors and assigns (collectively, “ Released Parties ”), in each case in respect of any of the Released Parties with respect to any breach of any provisions under the Prior SHAs, the subscription or purchase agreement that such Shareholder or its Affiliates invest or acquire shareholding in the Company or any other Group Company, the Articles and applicable Law occurring or arising prior to July 12, 2016. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Company and each Shareholder that is an Existing Shareholder hereby agree that, (i) concurrently with or before the issuance, delivery or sale of any Company Securities by the Company to any person (other than Tencent) in connection with any Issuance Obligation, the Company shall unconditionally issue, at no consideration, to Tencent such number of Ordinary Shares that equals to the result of (x) 110%, multiplied by (y) the same number of the Company Securities proposed to be issued, delivered or sold by the Company in connection with such Issuance Obligations (the “ Anti-Dilution Issuance to Tencent ”, and such Ordinary Shares issuable to Tencent, the “ Anti-Dilution Issuance Shares ”); and (ii) all consideration received by the Company as a result of the issuance, delivery or sale of any Company Securities to any person in connection with any Issuance Obligation shall be distributed or otherwise allocated to all the shareholders of the Company immediately prior to July 12, 2016 (including Tencent) ratably in proportion to the number of Ordinary Shares held by such shareholder in the Company immediately prior to July 12, 2016. The Company and each Shareholder shall take all necessary actions to give effect to and consummate the Anti-Dilution Issuance to Tencent in accordance with the foregoing provisions, and any Anti-Dilution Issuance Shares, when issued and delivered to Tencent, shall be deemed fully paid, duly issued and non-assessable. In the event that the Company receives a request from any person for the issuance, delivery or sale by the Company of any Company Securities to such person in connection with the Issuance Obligation, the Board shall ascertain, and if any director of the Company reasonably objects to such request with good faith basis for such objection, use reasonable efforts to take all necessary actions to contest the validity of such request before the issuance, delivery or sale by the Company of any Company Securities to such person. The obligation of the Company with respect to the Anti-Dilution Issuance to Tencent under this Section  11.20 shall terminate and be of no further force or effect upon the earlier of (i) immediately prior to the consummation of a QIPO, or (ii) the date when the Company becomes subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act or analogous reporting requirements in an alternative listing jurisdiction. Notwithstanding the definition of Affiliates, the parties agree that for purposes of this Section 11.20 , Affiliates of Tencent shall exclude the Group Companies or any of the Group Companies’ Controlled Affiliates.

 

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11.21 Interpretation; Absence of Presumption .

(a) For the purposes hereof, (i) words in the singular shall be held to include the plural and vice versa and words of one gender shall be held to include the other gender as the context requires; (ii) the terms “hereof,” “herein,” and “herewith” and words of similar import shall, unless otherwise stated, be construed to refer to this Agreement as a whole (including the schedules, exhibits and annexes hereto) and not to any particular provision of this Agreement, and Article, Section, paragraph, and clause references are to the Articles, Sections, paragraphs, and clauses to this Agreement unless otherwise specified; (iii) the word “including” and words of similar import when used in this Agreement shall mean “including without limitation”; (iv) the word “or” shall not be exclusive; (v) references to a person are also to its successors and permitted assigns; provisions shall apply, when appropriate, to successive events and transactions; (vi) all references to any period of days shall be deemed to be to the relevant number of calendar days unless otherwise specified; (vii) references to any agreement, instrument or statute means such agreement, instrument or statute as from time to time amended, qualified or supplemented, including (in the case of agreements and instruments) by waiver or consent and (in the case of statutes) by succession of comparable successor statutes and all attachments thereto and instruments incorporated therein and (viii) all terms defined herein shall have the defined meanings when used in any certificate or other document made or delivered pursuant hereto unless otherwise defined therein.

(b) The parties have participated jointly in negotiating and drafting this Agreement. In the event that an ambiguity or a question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement shall be construed as if drafted jointly by the parties, and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring any party by virtue of the authorship of any provision of this Agreement.

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties to this Agreement have executed this Shareholders Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

THE COMPANY:
TENCENT MUSIC
ENTERTAINMENT GROUP
( 騰訊音樂娛樂集團 )
By:  

/s/ PANG Kar Shun Cussion

  Name: PANG Kar Shun Cussion
  Title: Director

[Signature Page to Shareholders Agreement]

 


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties to this Agreement have executed this Shareholders Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

SHAREHOLDER:
MIN RIVER INVESTMENT LIMITED
By:  

/s/ Huateng Ma

  Name:
  Title: Authorized Signatory

[Signature Page to Shareholders Agreement]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties to this Agreement have executed this Shareholders Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

SHAREHOLDER:

PAGAC MUSIC HOLDING II

LIMITED

By:  

/s/ Wong Tak Wai

  Name: Wong Tak Wai
  Title: Director

[ Signature Page to Shareholders Agreement ]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties to this Agreement have executed this Shareholders Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

SHAREHOLDER:
CHINA INVESTMENT CORPORATION
FINANCIAL HOLDINGS

 

For and on behalf of

China Investment Corporation Financial

Holdings

 

By:  

/s/ Liang Tang

  Name:
  Title:

[ Signature Page to Shareholders Agreement ]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties to this Agreement have executed this Shareholders Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

 

SHAREHOLDER:

 

CICFH GROUP LIMITED

 

For and on behalf of

CICFH Group Limited

By:  

/s/ Liang Tang

 

Name:

Title:

[ Signature Page to Shareholders Agreement ]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties to this Agreement have executed this Shareholders Agreement as of the date first above

written.

 

SHAREHOLDER:

 

CICFH MUSIC INVESTMENT LIMITED

 

For and on behalf of

CICFH Music Investment Limited

By:  

/s/ Liang Tang

 

Name:

Title:

[ Signature Page to Shareholders Agreement ]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties to this Agreement have executed this Shareholders Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

SHAREHOLDER:

 

GREEN TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS LIMITED

 

For and on behalf of

Green Technology Holdings Limited

綠色科技控股有限公司

By:  

/s/ Jiamin Zhou

 

Name:

Title:

[ Signature Page to Shareholders Agreement ]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties to this Agreement have executed this Shareholders Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

SHAREHOLDER:

 

PAN ASIA VENTURE GROUP LIMITED

 

For and on behalf of

Pan Asia Venture Group Limited

By:  

/s/ Liang Tang

 

Name:

Title:

[ Signature Page to Shareholders Agreement ]

Exhibit 10.25

EXECUTION VERSION

CONFIDENTIAL

AMENDMENT TO SHAREHOLDERS AGREEMENT

AMENDMENT dated as of September 26, 2018 (this “ Amendment Agreement ”) to the Third Amended and Restated Shareholders Agreement, dated as of January 8, 2018 (the “ Existing Shareholders Agreement ” and as amended by this Amendment Agreement, the “ Shareholders Agreement ”), by and among Tencent Music Entertainment Group (騰訊音樂娛樂集團) (the “ Company ”), the Shareholders of the Company party to the Existing Shareholder Agreement and other parties thereto. Unless otherwise defined herein, terms used but not defined herein shall have the same meanings given to them in the Existing Shareholders Agreement.

WHEREAS, the Company, the Shareholders and certain other parties thereto entered into the Existing Shareholders Agreement or have become a Shareholder party thereto by executing and delivering a Joinder thereto in accordance with the Existing Shareholders Agreement;

WHEREAS, the Company has requested certain amendments to the Existing Shareholders Agreement pursuant to which, among other things, (i) the Right of Participation of the Shareholders under the Shareholders Agreement will not apply to an issuance of up to an aggregate of 68,131,015 Ordinary Shares to WMG China LLC and Sony Music Entertainment in accordance with certain share subscription agreements to be entered into by the Company (the “ Major Label Issuance ”); (ii) the references to the numbers of Ordinary Shares reserved or issuable under the Company’s ESOP will be updated to reflect adjustments that have been made as a result of a distribution of Ordinary Shares completed in December 2017; and (iii) certain other appropriate changes will be made to the Existing Shareholders Agreement to facilitate a potential IPO of the Company;

WHEREAS, the Major Label Issuance has been duly approved by a majority of the Board of the Company (subject to the effectiveness of this Amendment Agreement) and by the Shareholders holding more than 66.7% of the issued and outstanding Shares of the Company pursuant to Section 10.2(a) of the Existing Shareholders Agreement;

WHEREAS, for the Major Label Issuance to be consummated prior to the IPO, it is necessary that the Existing Shareholders Agreement be amended to exclude the Major Label Issuance from the application of the Shareholders’ Right of Participation, which will terminate automatically as of immediately prior to the consummation of the IPO and will not apply to any issuance of shares after the IPO;

WHEREAS, the Shareholders party to this Amendment Agreement have concluded that it is in the best interest of the Company and the Shareholders to complete the IPO as promptly as reasonably practicable;

WHEREAS, consummating the Major Label Issuance prior to the IPO will facilitate a speedy completion of the IPO.


NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

SECTION 1 . Amendment of the Existing Shareholders Agreement. The Existing Shareholders Agreement is hereby amended as follows:

(a) The parties acknowledge that, to facilitate the transactions described in the second recital above, certain additional exclusions from the definition of “New Securities” are inserted in clauses (ii), (v) and (xi) below. The definition of “New Securities” in Section 1 ( Definitions ) of the Shareholders Agreement shall be replaced in its entirety by the following:

New Securities ” means any share, share capital, registered capital, ownership interest, partnership interest, equity interest, joint venture or other ownership interest of the Company, or any option, warrant, or right to subscribe for, acquire or purchase any of the foregoing, or any other security or instrument convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for any of the foregoing, or any equity appreciation, phantom equity, equity plan or similar right with respect to the Company, or any contract of any kind for the purchase or acquisition from the Company of any of the foregoing, either directly or indirectly, provided , however , that the term “New Securities” does not include:

 

  (i)

Ordinary Shares issued or issuable to qualified employees of the Company pursuant to the 2014 ESOP, or any options to purchase such shares;

 

  (ii)

any other Company Securities issued or to be issued under the ESOP, including issuance of up to 37,000,000 Ordinary Shares (subject to subsequent adjustment for share splits, share dividends, reverse share splits, recapitalizations and the like) in exchange for the repurchase of unexercised options granted under the ESOP;

 

  (iii)

any securities issued in connection with any share dividend, distribution, share split, share consolidation, or other similar event in which the Shareholders are otherwise entitled to participate;

 

  (iv)

any shares issued upon exercise of options, warrants or other types of awards as approved by the Board;

 

  (v)

any shares issued pursuant to, or concurrently with and conditional upon, the QIPO;

 

  (vi)

any securities of the Company issued or issuable pursuant to the Issuance Obligation;

 

  (vii)

any Anti-Dilution Issuance Shares or any securities of the Company issued or issuable pursuant to the Anti-Dilution Issuance to Tencent;

 

2


  (viii)

any shares reserved and issuable to any Shareholder, if applicable, pursuant to its exercise of right of participation under the Prior SHAs in relation to the transactions contemplated under the Tencent Subscription Agreement;

 

  (ix)

any shares issued under the R2G Agreement (provided that, if any shares are issued under this clause (ix), CIFH shall have returned an equivalent number of Ordinary Shares to the Company);

 

  (x)

up to 69,844,564 Ordinary Shares issued or issuable to investors other than Existing Shareholders and the Ordinary Shares issued or issuable pursuant to the Spotify Subscription Agreement;

 

  (xi)

an aggregate of 68,131,015 Ordinary Shares to be issued to the purchasers thereunder pursuant to the Major Label Subscription Agreement; and

 

  (xii)

any securities of the Company issued pursuant to the acquisition of another corporation or entity by the Company by consolidation, merger, purchase of assets, or other reorganization in a single transaction or series of related transactions, in each case, duly approved in accordance with Section 10.2(b) ( Protective Provisions ).

(b) In connection with the Major Label Issuance and the amendments set forth in Section 1(a) above of this Amendment Agreement, the following additional definitions shall be added to Section 1 ( Definitions ) of the Shareholders Agreement:

Equity Financing Subscription Agreements ” means the share subscription agreements entered into by the Company and the purchasers thereunder, pursuant to which an aggregate of 119,394,895 Ordinary Shares were issued to the purchasers, the forms of which were approved by the Board on December 29, 2017.

Major Label Subscription Agreements ” means collectively that certain Share Subscription Agreement to be entered into by and between the Company and WMG China LLC and that certain Share Subscription Agreement to be entered into by and between the Company and Sony Music Entertainment.

(c) The definitions of “ESOP” and “Subscription Agreements” in Section 1 ( Definitions ) of the Shareholders Agreement shall be amended by replacing each definition in its entirety with the following, as applicable:

ESOP ” means collectively, the 2014 ESOP, the 2017 Share Option Plan approved by the Board under which the maximum aggregate number of Ordinary Shares available for exercise of the options to be granted thereunder is 37,906,988 Ordinary Shares (including awards of up to 8,767,610 Ordinary Shares that had not been granted under the 2014 ESOP and have been granted under the 2017 Share Option Plan) and the 2017 Restricted Share Award Scheme approved by the Board under which the maximum aggregate number of Ordinary Shares which may be issued pursuant to all awards of restricted shares to be granted thereunder is 43,709,066 Ordinary Shares (including awards of up to 13,754,920 Ordinary Shares reserved for issuance under the Tencent ESOP).

 

3


Subscription Agreements ” means collectively the Equity Financing Subscription Agreements and the Major Label Subscription Agreements.

(d) The references to the number “12,637,194” in (i) the definition of “Tencent ESOP” in Section 1 ( Definitions ) of the Shareholders Agreement and (ii) Section 10.5 ( Tencent ESOP ) of the Shareholders Agreement shall be replaced with “13,754,920”.

(e) The parties hereto acknowledge that, in connection with a potential IPO, the following amendment is made to exclude the offer and sale of any shares by the existing Shareholders as part of the IPO from the application of the Right of First Refusal and certain other transfer restrictions in the Shareholders Agreement. Section 4.1 ( Restriction on Transfer ) of the Shareholders Agreement shall be amended by adding a new clause (g) at the end thereof to read as follows: “or (g) by a Shareholder pursuant to the registration statement filed by the Company in connection with the QIPO”.

SECTION 2 . Effectiveness of this Amendment Agreement. This Amendment Agreement shall be effective as of the date first written above upon the execution and delivery of this Amendment Agreement by the Company and the Shareholders holding at least 75% of the issued and outstanding Ordinary Shares held by all the Shareholders. Except as amended by or otherwise provided in this Amendment Agreement, the terms and conditions of the Existing Shareholders Agreement shall remain in full force and effect without modification or limitation. Upon the effectiveness of this Amendment Agreement, all references to “this Agreement,” “hereof,” “hereunder” or words of like import shall mean and be a reference to the Shareholders Agreement, as amended by this Amendment Agreement; and all references to “Prior Agreement” shall mean and be a reference to the Existing Shareholders Agreement.

SECTION 3 Further Assurances . Each of the undersigned hereby agrees to execute and deliver all such other and additional instruments and documents and do all such other acts and things as may be necessary or appropriate to effect this Amendment Agreement.

SECTION 4 . Miscellaneous . Section 11.4 ( Governing Law and Dispute Resolution ), Section 11.5 ( Counterparts ), Section 11.6 ( Headings ), Section 11.12 ( Confidentiality ), Section 11.18 ( Representations and Warranties ) and Section 11.21 ( Interpretation; Absence of Presumption ) of the Shareholders Agreement shall apply to this Amendment Agreement, mutatis mutandis .

[ Signature pages follow ]

 

4


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties to this Amendment Agreement have executed this Amendment Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

THE COMPANY:

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

( 騰訊音樂娛樂集團 )

By:  

/s/ Cussion Pang

  Name: Cussion Pang
  Title:   Director

[ Signature Page to Amendment Agreement ]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties to this Amendment Agreement have executed this Amendment Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

SHAREHOLDERS:
MIN RIVER INVESTMENT LIMITED
By:  

/s/ Ma Huateng

  Name: Ma Huateng
  Title:   Director
MIN RIVER INVESTMENT LIMITED
as attorney-in-fact for and on behalf of
EMPEROR ENTERTAINMENT INVESTMENT LIMITED, YG ENTERTAINMENT INC., YG PLUS, INC., HUAYI BROTHERS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED, EASTERN EAGLE INVESTMENT CO., LTD., B’IN MUSIC INTERNATIONAL LIMITED, INTERESTING DEVELOPMENT INC., BEGINS STUDIO ENTERTAINMENT LIMITED, REMARKABLE STONE CULTURE HOLDINGS LIMITED, CANXING INTERNATIONAL MEDIA LIMITED, SOCIAL HUB ENTERTAINMENT (ASIA) LIMITED and WIND MUSIC INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
By:  

/s/ Ma Huateng

  Name: Ma Huateng
  Title:   Director

[ Signature Page to Amendment Agreement ]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties to this Amendment Agreement have executed this Amendment Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

SHAREHOLDER:
CICFH GROUP LIMITED
By:  

/s/ Liang Tang

  Name: Liang Tang
  Title:   Authorized Signatory

[ Signature Page to Amendment Agreement ]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties to this Amendment Agreement have executed this Amendment Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

SHAREHOLDER:
CHINA INVESTMENT CORPORATION FINANCIAL HOLDINGS
By:  

/s/ Liang Tang

  Name: Liang Tang
  Title:   Authorized Signatory

[ Signature Page to Amendment Agreement ]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties to this Amendment Agreement have executed this Amendment Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

SHAREHOLDER:
CICFH MUSIC INVESTMENT LIMITED
By:  

/s/ Liang Tang

  Name: Liang Tang
  Title:   Authorized Signatory

[ Signature Page to Amendment Agreement ]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties to this Amendment Agreement have executed this Amendment Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

SHAREHOLDER:
PAN ASIA VENTURE GROUP LIMITED
By:  

/s/ Liang Tang

  Name: Liang Tang
  Title:   Authorized Signatory

[ Signature Page to Amendment Agreement ]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties to this Amendment Agreement have executed this Amendment Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

SHAREHOLDER:

HERMITAGE GREEN HARBOR LIMITED

By:

 

/s/ Sha Li

  Name: Sha Li
  Title:   Authorized Signatory

[ Signature Page to Amendment Agreement ]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties to this Amendment Agreement have executed this Amendment Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

SHAREHOLDER:
CICFH CULTURE ENTERTAINMENT GROUP
By:  

/s/ Jie Ma

  Name: Jie Ma
  Title:   Authorized Signatory

[ Signature Page to Amendment Agreement ]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties to this Amendment Agreement have executed this Amendment Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

SHAREHOLDER:
GREEN TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS LIMITED
By:  

/s/ Shaogang Dai

  Name: Shaogang Dai
  Title:   Authorized Signatory

[ Signature Page to Amendment Agreement ]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties to this Amendment Agreement have executed this Amendment Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

SHAREHOLDER:
MARVELLOUS MOUNTAIN INVESTMENTS LIMITED
By:  

/s/ Linlin Chen

  Name: Linlin Chen
  Title:   Director

[ Signature Page to Amendment Agreement ]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties to this Amendment Agreement have executed this Amendment Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

SHAREHOLDER:
RED EARTH INNOVATION INTERNATIONAL COMPANY LIMITED 紅土創新國際有限公司
By:  

/s/ Ni Zewang

  Name: Ni Zewang (倪澤望)
  Title:   Director

[ Signature Page to Amendment Agreement ]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties to this Amendment Agreement have executed this Amendment Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

SHAREHOLDER:
POWER STREAM HOLDINGS LIMITED
By:  

/s/ Tang Lan

  Name: Tang Lan
  Title:   Director

[ Signature Page to Amendment Agreement ]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties to this Amendment Agreement have executed this Amendment Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

SHAREHOLDER:
POLYCON INVESTMENT LIMITED
By:  

/s/ Xu Hanjie

  Name: Xu Hanjie
  Title:   Director

[ Signature Page to Amendment Agreement ]

Exhibit 10.26

Equity Interest Pledge Agreement

This Equity Interest Pledge Agreement (the “ Agreement ”) is entered into by and among the following Parties on February 8, 2018 in Beijing, People’s Republic of China (the “ PRC ”):

Party A : Tencent Music (Beijing) Co., Ltd. (the “ Pledgee ”), a wholly foreign-owned enterprise incorporated and existing under the laws of the PRC, with its registered address at Room 303, 3rd Floor of 101, -2nd to 8th Floor, No.7 Building, East Tianchen Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing;

Party B :

Hu Min , a Chinese citizen with Chinese Identification No. [                ]; and

Yang Qihu , a Chinese citizen with Chinese Identification No. [                ] (together with Hu Min hereinafter referred to as a “ Pledgor ” respectively and as the “ Pledgors ” collectively);

Party C : Xizang Qiming Music Co., Ltd. , a limited liability company incorporated and existing under the laws of the PRC, with its registered address at No.504 Industrial Park Management Committee, Duilong Deqing District, Lhasa, Xizang.

In this Agreement, each of the Pledgee, the Pledgors and Party C shall be referred to as a “ Party ” respectively or as the “ Parties ” collectively.

 

1


Whereas :

 

1.

The Pledgors Hu Min and Yang Qihu are Chinese citizens. As of the date of this Agreement, the registered capital of Party C is RMB 10 million, and Hu Min holds 50% equity interests of Party C, representing RMB 5 million of Party C’s registered capital; Yang Qihu holds 50% equity interests of Party C, representing RMB 5 million of Party C’s registered capital. Party C is a limited liability company registered in Xizang, China, and is engaged in the business of “investment in music and internet projects (excluding financial, securities, insurance and futures business); corporate management and planning (projects which shall be approved according to the laws and regulations are subject to approval by relevant departments before business operation)”. Party C hereby acknowledges the rights and obligations of the Pledgors and the Pledgee under this Agreement and intends to provide any necessary assistance in registering the Pledge;

 

2.

The Pledgee is a wholly foreign-owned enterprise registered in China. The Pledgee and Party C owned by the Pledgors have executed an Exclusive Technical Service Agreement in Beijing (as defined below); the Pledgee, the Pledgors and Party C have executed an Exclusive Option Agreement (as defined below); the Pledgee and each of the Pledgors have executed a Loan Agreement respectively (as defined below); each of the Pledgors has executed a Voting Trust Agreement in favor of the Pledgee (as defined below);

 

3.

To ensure that Party C and the Pledgors fully perform its or their obligations under the Exclusive Technical Service Agreement, the Exclusive Option Agreement, the Loan Agreement and the Voting Trust Agreement, the Pledgors pledge to the Pledgee all the equity interests they hold in Party C as security for the performance of Party C’ and the Pledgors’ obligations under the Exclusive Technical Service Agreement, the Exclusive Option Agreement, the Loan Agreement and the Voting Trust Agreement.

 

2


To perform the terms of the Transaction Documents, the Parties have mutually agreed to execute this Agreement upon the following terms.

 

1.

Definitions

Unless otherwise provided in this Agreement, the terms below shall have the following meanings:

 

1.1.

Pledge : means the security interest granted by the Pledgors to the Pledgee pursuant to Section 2 of this Agreement, i.e., the right of the Pledgee to be compensated on a preferential basis with any proceeds received from conversion, auction or sale of the Pledged Equity Interest.

 

1.2.

Pledged Equity Interest : means 100% of the equity interests in Party C in aggregate held by the Pledgors now, representing RMB 10 million of Party C’s registered capital, and all the future equity rights and interests in Party C held by the Pledgors.

 

1.3.

Term of Pledge : means the term set forth in Section 3.1 of this Agreement.

 

1.4.

Transaction Documents : means the Exclusive Technical Service Agreement entered into by and between Party C and the Pledgee on February 8, 2018, in Beijing (the “ Exclusive Technical Service Agreement ”); the Exclusive Option Agreement entered into by and among the Pledgors, Party C and the Pledgee on 8 February, 2018, in Beijing (the “ Exclusive Option Agreement ”); the loan agreements entered into by and between the Pledgee and each of the Pledgors Hu Min and Yang Qihu respectively on 8 February, 2018 (the “ Loan Agreement ”); the voting trust agreement executed by the Pledgors on February 8, 2018, in Beijing (the “ Voting Trust Agreement ”), and any amendments, revisions and/or restatements to the aforesaid documents.

 

3


1.5.

Contractual Obligations : means all the obligations of the Pledgors under the Exclusive Option Agreement, the Voting Trust Agreement and this Agreement, and all the obligations of Party C under the Exclusive Technical Service Agreement, the Exclusive Option Agreement, the Loan Agreement and this Agreement.

 

1.6.

Secured Indebtedness : means all direct, indirect, consequential losses and losses of anticipated profits suffered by the Pledgee as a result of any Event of Default of the Pledgors and/or Party C, of which the basis for the amount of such losses includes without limitation reasonable business plans and profit forecasts of the Pledgee, the service fees that Party C is obliged to pay under Exclusive Technical Service Agreement, as well as all expenses as incurred by the Pledgee in connection with its enforcement for the performance of Contractual Obligations against the Pledgors and/or Party C.

 

1.7.

Event of Default : means any circumstances as set forth in Section 7 of this Agreement.

 

1.8.

Notice of Default : means the notice issued by the Pledgee in accordance with this Agreement declaring an Event of Default.

 

4


2.

The Pledge

 

2.1.

The Pledgors hereby agree to pledge to the Pledgee the Pledged Equity Interest in accordance with this Agreement as security for the performance of the Contractual Obligations and the repayment of the Secured Indebtedness. Party C hereby agrees for the Pledgors to so pledge the Pledged Equity Interest to the Pledgee in accordance with this Agreement.

 

2.2.

During the Term of Pledge, the Pledgee is entitled to receive any dividends or distributions in respect of the Pledged Equity Interest. With the prior written consent of the Pledgee, the Pledgors may collect such dividends or distributions in respect of the Pledged Equity Interest. Any dividends or distributions received by the Pledgee in respect of the Pledged Equity Interest after deduction of income tax paid by Pledgors shall, upon the Pledgee’s request, (1) be deposited into a bank account designated by the Pledgee, be placed under the custody of the Pledgee, be used as security for the Contractual Obligations and be first applied towards full satisfaction of the Secured Indebtedness; or (2) to the extent permitted by the PRC laws, be unconditionally donated to the Pledgee or any person designated by the Pledgee.

 

2.3.

With the prior written consent of the Pledgee, the Pledgors may subscribe for capital increase in Party C. Any increase in the capital contributed by the Pledgors to the registered capital of Party C as a result of any capital increase shall also be deemed as the Pledged Equity Interest.

 

2.4.

In the event that Party C is to be dissolved or liquidated as required by any mandatory rules of the PRC laws, upon the lawful completion of such dissolution or liquidation procedure, any proceeds distributed by Party C to the Pledgors by laws shall, upon the Pledgee’s request, (1) be deposited into a bank account designated by the Pledgee, be placed under the custody of the Pledgee, and be used as security for the Contractual Obligations and be first applied towards full satisfaction of the Secured Indebtedness; or (2) to the extent permitted by the PRC laws, be unconditionally donated to the Pledgee or any person designated by the Pledgee .

 

5


3.

Term of Pledge

 

3.1.

The Pledge shall become effective on such date when the pledge of the Pledged Equity Interest contemplated herein has been registered with the relevant administration for industry and commerce. The Pledge shall be continuously valid until full performance of the Contractual Obligations and full satisfaction of the Secured Indebtedness. The Pledgors and Party C shall, (1) register the Pledge in the shareholders’ register of Party C within 3 business days following the execution of this Agreement, and (2) submit an application to the relevant administration for industry and commerce for the registration of the Pledge contemplated herein within 30 business days following the execution of this Agreement. The Parties covenant that for the purpose of registration of the Pledged Equity Interest, the Parties and other shareholders of Party C shall submit to the administration of industry and commerce this Agreement or an equity interest pledge agreement in the form required by the administration of industry and commerce at the location of Party C which shall truly reflect the information of the Pledge hereunder (the “ AIC Pledge Agreement ”). For matters not specified in the AIC Pledge Agreement, the parties shall be bound by the provisions of this Agreement. The Pledgors and Party C shall submit all necessary documents and complete all necessary procedures, as required by the PRC laws and regulations and the relevant administration of industry and commerce, to ensure that the Pledge shall be registered as soon as possible after filing.

 

6


3.2.

During the Term of Pledge, in the event the Pledgors and/or Party C fail to fulfill the Contractual Obligations or pay the Secured Indebtedness, the Pledgee shall be entitled to, but not be obliged to, exercise the Pledge in accordance with this Agreement.

 

4.

Custody for Certificates of the Pledge

 

4.1.

During the Term of Pledge, the Pledgors shall deliver to the Pledgee within one (1) week following the execution of this Agreement the certificate of capital contributions to Party C and the register of shareholders which records the Pledge. The Pledgee will place such documents in custody throughout the entire Term of Pledge specified in this Agreement.

 

5.

Representations and Warranties of the Pledgors and Party C

The Pledgors and Party C hereby severally and jointly represent and warrant to the Pledgee as of the date hereof as follows:

 

5.1.

The Pledgors, Hu Min and Yang Qihu, are the legal and beneficial owners of the Pledged Equity Interest.

 

5.2.

The Pledgors are entitled to dispose of and transfer the Pledged Equity Interest in accordance with this Agreement.

 

7


5.3.

Except for the Pledge, the Pledgors have not created any other pledges or other security interest on the Pledged Equity Interest.

 

5.4.

The Pledgors and Party C have obtained all necessary approvals and consents from government authorities and third parties (if any) in connection with the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement.

 

5.5.

The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement do not (i) result in any violation of any relevant PRC laws; (ii) result in any conflict with the articles of association or other constituent documents of Party C; (iii) result in any breach of any agreement to which it is a party or by which it is bound, or constitute any default under any agreement to which it is a party or by which it is bound; (iv) result in any breach of any permit or license issued or granted to it and/or any condition of the validity thereof; or (v) result in the revocation or suspension of, or imposition of conditions on, any permit or license issued to it.

 

6.

Undertakings by the Pledgors and Party C

 

6.1.

During the Term of Pledge, the Pledgors and Party C severally and jointly undertake to the Pledgee that:

 

6.1.1.

Without the prior written consent of the Pledgee, the Pledgors shall not transfer the Pledged Equity Interest, create or permit to be created any security interest or other encumbrances on the Pledged Equity Interest, except for the performance of the Transaction Documents;

 

8


6.1.2.

The Pledgors and Party C shall comply with the provisions of all the laws and regulations relating to the pledge of rights, and shall, within five (5) days upon receipt of any notice, order or recommendation issued or promulgated by the relevant competent authorities regarding the Pledge, present such notice, order or recommendation to the Pledgee, and concurrently comply with such notice, order or recommendation, or object thereto upon the reasonable request or consent of the Pledgee;

 

6.1.3.

The Pledgors and Party C shall promptly notify the Pledgee of any event or notice received by the Pledgors that may have an impact on the Pledged Equity Interest or any portion thereof, and that may change any undertakings and obligations of the Pledgors hereunder or may have an impact on the fulfillment of any obligations by the Pledgors hereunder.

 

6.1.4.

Party C shall complete its business term extension registration formalities three (3) months prior to the expiry of its business term such that the validity of this Agreement shall be maintained.

 

6.2.

The Pledgors agree that the rights granted to the Pledgee in respect of the Pledge hereunder shall not be interrupted or harmed by any legal procedure initiated by the Pledgors, any successors of the Pledgors or their entrusting party or any other persons.

 

6.3.

The Pledgors undertake to the Pledgee that in order to protect or perfect the security for the Contractual Obligations and the Secured Indebtedness under this Agreement, the Pledgors shall execute in good faith and cause other parties who have interests in the Pledge to execute all the certificates of rights, agreements, and/or perform and procure other parties who have interests in the Pledge to perform acts as required by the Pledgee, facilitate the exercise of the Pledgee’s rights granted hereunder and enter into all relevant documents regarding ownership of the Pledged Equity Interest with the Pledgee or any person (individuals or legal persons) designated by the Pledgee, as well as provide the Pledgee with all notices, orders and decisions regarding the Pledge as required by the Pledgee within a reasonable period of time.

 

9


6.4.

The Pledgors hereby undertake to the Pledgee to comply with and perform all the undertakings, representations and warranties and terms hereunder. In the event that the Pledgors fail to perform or fail to fully perform such undertakings, representations and warranties and terms hereunder, the Pledgors shall indemnify the Pledgee against all the losses resulting therefrom.

 

7.

Event of Default

 

7.1.

Each of the following circumstances shall constitute an Event of Default:

 

7.1.1.

The Pledgors breach any of its obligations under the Transaction Documents and/or this Agreement;

 

7.1.2.

Party C breaches any of its obligations under the Transaction Documents and/or this Agreement.

 

7.2.

Should there arises any event set forth in Section 7.1 or any circumstance that may result in the foregoing events, the Pledgors and Party C shall immediately notify the Pledgee in writing.

 

10


7.3.

Unless an Event of Default set forth in this Section 7.1 has been remedied at the request of the Pledgee within twenty (20) days upon receipt of the notice of the Pledgee to the Pledgors and/or Party C requesting the rectification of such Event of Default, the Pledgee may issue a Notice of Default to the Pledgors in writing at any time thereafter, requesting the exercise of the Pledge in accordance with Section 8 hereof.

 

8.

Exercise of the Pledge

 

8.1.

The Pledgee shall issue a Notice of Default to the Pledgors for the exercise of the Pledge.

 

8.2.

Subject to the provisions of Section 7.3, the Pledgee may exercise its right to dispose of the Pledge at any time after the issuance of the Notice of Default in accordance with Section 8.1. Upon the Pledgee’s exercise of its right to dispose of the Pledge, the Pledgors shall no longer own any right and interest in respect of the Pledged Equity Interest

 

8.3.

Upon the issuance of the Notice of Default in accordance with Section 8.1, the Pledgee is entitled to exercise all the remedies, rights and powers available to it under the PRC laws, the Transaction Documents and this Agreement, including without limitation to converse, auction or sell the Pledged Equity Interests for prior satisfaction of indebtedness. The Pledgee shall not be held liable for any losses arising from its reasonable exercise of such rights and powers.

 

8.4.

The proceeds received by the Pledgee as a result of the exercise of the Pledge shall be first applied towards payment of the taxes and expenses payable in connection with the disposal of the Pledged Equity Interest and the performance of the Contractual Obligations and the repayment of the Secured Indebtedness to the Pledgee. Any remaining balance after the deduction of the foregoing payments, if any, shall be returned to the Pledgors or any other person who is entitled to such balance under applicable laws and regulations, or be deposited with the notary public at the place where the Pledgee is located, any costs incurred arising out of such deposit shall be borne by the Pledgors; and to the extent permitted by the PRC laws, the Pledgors shall unconditionally donate such balance to the Pledgee or any person designated by the Pledgee.

 

11


8.5.

The Pledgee shall be entitled to elect to exercise, simultaneously or successively, any of its breach of contract remedies; the Pledgee shall not be required to first exercise other breach of contract remedies prior to exercising its right to converse, auction or sell the Pledged Equity Interest hereunder.

 

8.6.

The Pledgee shall be entitled to designate in writing its legal counsel or other agents to exercise on its behalf the Pledge, and neither the Pledgors nor Party C shall object thereto.

 

8.7.

When the Pledgee disposes of the Pledge in accordance with this Agreement, the Pledgors and Party C shall provide necessary assistance to the Pledgee for its exercise of the Pledge.

 

9.

Default Liabilities

 

9.1.

In the event that the Pledgors or Party C materially breach any provision under this Agreement, the Pledgee is entitled to terminate this Agreement and/or claim damages from the Pledgors or Party C; this Section 9 shall not preclude any other rights entitled to the Pledgee as provided under this Agreement.

 

12


9.2.

The Pledgors or Party C may not terminate or cancel this Agreement in any event unless otherwise provided under the laws.

 

10.

Assignment

 

10.1.

The Pledgors and Party C shall not donate, transfer or dispose of their rights and obligations under this Agreement without prior written consent of the Pledgee.

 

10.2.

This Agreement shall be binding upon the Pledgors and its successors and any permitted assignees, and effective upon the Pledgee and each of its successors and assignees.

 

10.3.

The Pledgee may assign any or all of its rights and obligations under the Transaction Documents and this Agreement to any person designated by it at any time. In this case, the assignee shall enjoy and assume the rights and obligations of the Pledgee under the Transaction Documents and this Agreement as if the assignee were a party hereto.

 

10.4.

In the event of a change of Pledgee due to assignment, the Pledgors shall, at the request of the Pledgee, execute a new pledge agreement with the new pledgee with the same terms and conditions as this Agreement, and register such new pledge with the relevant administration for industry and commerce.

 

10.5.

The Pledgors and Party C shall strictly comply with the provisions of this Agreement and other relevant agreements to which any Party is a party, including the Transaction Documents, and perform the obligations thereunder, and refrain from any action/omission that may affect the effectiveness and enforceability thereof. Unless with the written instructions of the Pledgee, the Pledgors shall not exercise their remaining rights in respect of the Pledged Equity Interest.

 

13


11.

Termination

 

11.1.

Upon the full and complete performance by the Pledgors and Party C of all of their Contractual Obligations and full satisfaction of the Secured Indebtedness, the Pledgee shall, upon the Pledgors’ request, release the Pledge of the Pledged Equity Interest hereunder and cooperate with the Pledgors in relation to both the deregistration of the Pledge of the Pledged Equity Interest in the shareholders’ register of Party C and the deregistration of the Pledge of the Pledged Equity Interest with the relevant administration of industry and commerce.

 

11.2.

The provisions under Section 9, Section 13, Section 14 and this Section 11.2 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

 

12.

Costs and Other Expenses

All costs and actual expenses arising in connection with this Agreement, including without limitation the legal fees, processing fees, stamp duty, any other taxes and expenses, shall be borne by Party C.

 

13.

Confidentiality

The Parties acknowledge and confirm that the terms of this Agreement and any oral or written information exchanged among the Parties in connection with the preparation and performance of this Agreement are regarded as confidential information. Each Party shall keep all such confidential information confidential, and shall not, without prior written consent of the other Party, disclose any confidential information to any third parties, except for information: (a) that is or will be available to the public (other than through the unauthorized disclosure to the public by the Party receiving confidential information); (b) that is required to be disclosed pursuant to the applicable laws or regulations, rules of any stock exchange, or orders of the court or other government authorities; or (c) that is disclosed by any Party to its shareholders, directors, employees, legal counsels or financial advisors regarding the transaction contemplated hereunder, provided that such shareholders, directors, employees, legal counsels or financial advisors shall be bound by the confidentiality obligations similar to the terms set forth in this Section. Disclosure of any confidential information by the shareholders, directors, employees or entities engaged by any Party shall be deemed as disclosure of such confidential information by such Party, which Party shall be held liable for breach of contract.

 

14


14.

Governing Law and Disputes Resolution

 

14.1.

The execution, effectiveness, interpretation, performance, amendment and termination of this Agreement and the resolution of any disputes hereunder shall be governed by the PRC laws.

 

14.2.

Any disputes arising in connection with the implementation and performance of this Agreement shall be settled through friendly consultations among the Parties, and where such disputes are still unsolved within thirty (30) days upon issuance of the written notice by one Party to the other Parties for consultations, such disputes shall be submitted by either Party to the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission for arbitration in accordance with its arbitration rules. The arbitration shall take place in Beijing. The arbitration award shall be final and binding upon all the Parties.

 

15


14.3.

The Parties agree that the arbitral tribunal or the arbitrator shall have the right to award any remedies in accordance with the terms hereunder and applicable PRC laws , including without limitation temporary and permanent injunctive remedies (as required by the business operation of Party C or compulsory transfer of the assets), the specific performance of the Contractual Obligations, the remedies in respect of Party C’s equity interests or real estates, and the liquidation orders against Party C.

 

14.4.

To the extent permitted by PRC laws, pending the formation of an arbitral tribunal or under the appropriate circumstances, the Parties are entitled to resort to a court of competent jurisdiction for temporary injunctive remedies or other temporary remedies to support the arbitration. In this regard, the Parties reached a consensus that to the extent as permitted by applicable laws, the courts in Hong Kong, the Cayman Islands, the PRC and the place where Party C’s major assets are located shall be deemed to have jurisdiction.

 

14.5.

Upon the occurrence of any disputes arising from the interpretation and performance of this Agreement or during the pending arbitration of any disputes, except for the matters under dispute, the Parties to this Agreement shall continue to exercise their respective rights and perform their respective obligations hereunder.

 

16


15.

Notices

 

15.1.

All notices and other communications required or permitted to be given pursuant to this Agreement shall be delivered personally or sent by registered mail, postage prepaid, by a commercial courier service or by facsimile transmission to the designated address of such party as listed below. A confirmation copy of each notice shall also be sent by E-mail. The dates on which notices shall be deemed to have been effectively delivered shall be determined as follows:

 

15.2.

Notices given by personal delivery, by courier service or by registered mail, postage prepaid, shall be deemed effectively delivered on the date of receipt or refusal at the address specified for notices.

 

15.3.

Notices given by facsimile transmission shall be deemed effectively delivered on the date of successful transmission (as evidenced by an automatically generated confirmation of transmission).

 

15.4.

For the purpose of notification, the addresses of the Parties are as follows:

Party A : Tencent Music (Beijing) Co., Ltd.

Address : Mail Center, 7th Floor, China Technology Exchange Building, No.66 West Road, North 4th Ring Road, Haidian District, Beijing

Attention : Zhao Xiang

Tel : [                ]

E-mail : [                ]

 

17


Party B :

Name : Hu Min

Address : 17th Floor, Wanlida Building, Science and Technology Zhongyi Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen

Tel : [                ]

E-mail : [                ]

Name : Yang Qihu

Address : Mail Center, 7th Floor, China Technology Exchange Building, No.66 West Road, North 4th Ring Road, Haidian District, Beijing

Tel : [                ]

E-mail : [                ]

Party C: Xizang Qiming Music Co., Ltd.

Address : Mail Center, 7th Floor, China Technology Exchange Building, No.66 West Road, North 4th Ring Road, Haidian District, Beijing

Attention : Zhao Xiang

Tel : [                ]

E-mail : [                ]

 

15.5.

Each Party may at any time change its address for notices by delivering a notice to the other Parties in accordance with this Section.

 

18


16.

Severability

In the event that one or several of the provisions of this Agreement are found to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any aspect in accordance with any laws or regulations, the validity, legality or enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall not be affected or compromised in any respect. The Parties shall strive in good faith to replace such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions with effective provisions that accomplish to the greatest extent permitted by law and the intentions of the Parties, and the economic effect of such effective provisions shall be as close as possible to the economic effect of those invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions.

 

17.

Effectiveness

 

17.1.

This Agreement comes into effect upon formal signing by all the Parties.

 

17.2.

Any amendments, changes and supplements to this Agreement shall be in writing and shall become effective upon signing or stamping by the Parties and completion of the governmental registration procedures (if applicable) in accordance with the regulations.

 

18.

Language and Counterparts

This Agreement is written in Chinese in five (5) originals, with each of the Pledgee, the Pledgors and Party C holding one original, and the other one original will be submitted for registration.

[ The remainder of this page is intentionally left blank ]

 

19


IN WITNESS HEREOF, the Parties have caused this Equity Interest Pledge Agreement to be executed by their respective authorized representative on the date first above written.

 

Party A: Tencent Music (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
/s/ Seal of Tencent Music (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
Signature : /s/ Hu Min
Name : Hu Min
Title : Legal Representative
Party B:
The Pledgor: Hu Min
Signature : /s/ Hu Min
The Pledgor : Yang Qihu
Signature : /s/ Yang Qihu
Party C: Xizang Qiming Music Co., Ltd.
/s/ Seal of Xizang Qiming Music Co., Ltd.
Signature : /s/ Yang Qihu
Name : Yang Qihu
T itle : Legal Representative

Exhibit 10.27

Exclusive Option Agreement

This Exclusive Option Agreement (this “Agreement”) is executed by and among the following Parties as of February 8, 2018 in Beijing, the People’s Republic of China (“China” or the “PRC”):

 

Party A:

Tencent Music (Beijing) Co., Ltd. , a wholly foreign-owned enterprise, organized and existing under the laws of the PRC, with its address at Room 303, 3rd Floor of 101, -2nd to 8th Floor, No.7 Building, East Tianchen Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing;

 

Party B:

Hu Min , a Chinese Citizen with Identification No.: [                ],

 

  

and

 

  

Yang Qihu , a Chinese Citizen with Identification No.: [                ];

 

  

and

 

Party C:

Xizang Qiming Music Co., Ltd. , a limited liability company, organized and existing under the laws of the PRC, with its address at No.504 Industrial Park Management Committee, Duilong Deqing District, Lhasa, Xizang.

In this Agreement, Party A, Party B, and Party C shall each be referred to as a “Party” respectively, and they shall be collectively referred to as the “Parties.”

Whereas:

 

1.

Party B including Hu Min and Yang Qihu is the shareholder of Party C and as of the date hereof holds 100 % of the equity interests of Party C, representing RMB 10,000,000 in the registered capital. Hu Min holds 50% of the equity interests of Party C, representing RMB 5,000,000 in the registered capital, and Yang Qihu holds 50% of the equity interests of Party C, representing RMB 5,000,000 in the registered capital.

 

2.

Party B intends to irrevocably grant Party A an exclusive option to purchase the entire equity interest in Party C without prejudice of PRC laws, and Party A intends to accept such equity interest purchase option (defined as below).

 

3.

Party C intends to irrevocably grant Party A an exclusive option to purchase its entire assets without prejudice to PRC laws, and Party A intends to accept such asset purchase option (defined as below).

 

1


After mutual discussions and negotiations, the Parties have now reached the following agreement:

 

1.

Sale and Purchase of Equity Interest and Assets

 

  1.1

Option Granted

 

  1.1.1

Whereas Party A paid Party B RMB 10 as consideration, and Party B confirmed the receipt and the sufficiency of such consideration, Party B hereby irrevocably grants Party A an irrevocable and exclusive right to purchase, or designate one or more persons (each, a “Designee”) to purchase the equity interests in Party C then held by Party B once or at multiple times at any time in part or in whole at Party A’s sole and absolute discretion to the extent permitted by PRC laws and at the price described in Section 1.3 herein (“Equity Interest Purchase Option”). Except for Party A and the Designee(s), no other person shall be entitled to the Equity Interest Purchase Option or other rights with respect to the equity interests of Party B. Party C hereby agrees to the grant by Party B of the Equity Interest Purchase Option to Party A. The term “person” as used herein shall refer to individuals, corporations, partnerships, partners, enterprises, trusts, or non-corporate organizations.

 

  1.1.2

Party C hereby exclusively, irrevocably and unconditionally grants Party A an irrevocable and exclusive right to require Party C to transfer part or all of company assets (the assets may be transferred in whole or in part at Party A’s sole discretion and commercial consideration, “Asset Purchase Option”) to Party A or its Designee to the extent permitted by PRC laws and under the terms and conditions herein. Except for Party A and the Designee(s), no other person shall be entitled to the Asset Purchase Option or any other right with respect to Party C’s assets. Party A agrees to accept such Asset Purchase Option.

 

  1.1.3

Party B hereby jointly and severally agrees that Party C grants such Asset Purchase Option to Party A in accordance with Section 1.1.2 above and other terms herein, and the assets may be transferred to Party A or Designee(s) by Party A when the Asset Purchase Option is exercised.

 

  1.2

Steps for Exercise

 

  1.2.1

The exercise of the Equity Interest Purchase Option and the Asset Purchase Option by Party A shall be subject to the provisions of the laws and regulations of China.

 

  1.2.2

When Party A exercises the Equity Interest Purchase Option, a written notice shall be issued to Party B (the “Equity Interest Purchase Option Notice”), specifying:(a) Party A’s or the Designee’s decision to exercise the Equity Interest Purchase Option; (b) the portion of equity interests to be purchased by Party A or the Designee from Party B (the “Optioned Interests”); and (c) the date for purchasing the Optioned Interests or the date for the transfer of the Optioned Interests.

 

2


  1.2.3

When Party A exercises the Asset Purchase Option, a written notice shall be issued to Party B (the “Asset Purchase Option Notice”), specifying:(a) Party A’s or the Designee’s decision to exercise the Asset Purchase Option; (b) the list of assets to be purchased by Party A or the Designee from Party B (the “Optioned Asset”); and (c) the date for purchasing the Optioned Asset or the date for the transfer of the Optioned Asset.

 

  1.3

Purchase Price

 

  1.3.1

The purchase price (“Benchmark Purchase Price”) of all equity interests shall be RMB 10. If PRC law requires a minimum price higher than the Benchmark Purchase Price when Party A exercises the Equity Interest Purchase Option, the minimum price regulated by PRC law shall be the purchase price (collectively, the “Equity Interest Purchase Price”).

 

  1.3.2

Party B undertakes that it shall transfer the full amount of Equity Interest Purchase Price obtained by Party B to Party A’s designated bank account.

 

  1.3.3

In terms of Asset Purchase Option, Party A or its Designee shall pay RMB 1 as the purchase price for each exercise of the Asset Purchase Option. If PRC law requires a minimum price higher than the aforementioned net book value of the assets, the minimum price regulated by PRC law shall be the purchase price(collectively, the “Asset Purchase Price”).

 

  1.3.4

Party C undertakes that it shall transfer the full amount of Asset Interest Purchase Price obtained by Party C to Party A’s designated bank account.

 

  1.4

Transfer of Optioned Interests

For each exercise of the Equity Interest Purchase Option:

 

  1.4.1

Party B shall cause Party C to promptly convene a shareholders’ meeting, at which a resolution shall be adopted approving Party B’s transfer of the Optioned Interests to Party A and/or the Designee(s);

 

  1.4.2

Party B shall obtain written statements from the other shareholders (if any) of Party C giving consent to the transfer of the equity interest to Party A and/or the Designee(s) and waiving any right of first refusal related thereto;

 

  1.4.3

Party B shall execute an equity interest transfer contract with respect to each transfer with Party A and/or each Designee (whichever is applicable), in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and the Equity Interest Purchase Option Notice regarding the Optioned Interests;

 

3


  1.4.4

The relevant Parties shall execute all other necessary contracts, agreements, or documents, obtain all necessary government licenses and permits, and take all necessary actions to transfer the valid ownership of the Optioned Interests to Party A and/or the Designee(s), unencumbered by any security interests, and cause Party A and/or the Designee(s) to become the registered owner(s) of the Optioned Interests. For the purpose of this Section and this Agreement, “security interests” shall include securities, mortgages, third party’s rights or interests, any stock options, acquisition right, right of first refusal, right to offset, ownership retention, or other security arrangements, but shall be deemed to exclude any security interest created by this Agreement, Party B’s Equity Interest Pledge Agreement, and Party B’s Voting Trust Agreement. “Party B’s Equity Interest Pledge Agreement” as used in this Agreement shall refer to the Interest Pledge Agreement executed by and among Party A, Party B and Party C on the date hereof and any modifications, amendments, and restatements thereto. “Party B’s Voting Trust Agreement” as used in this Agreement shall refer to the Voting Trust Agreement executed by Party B on the date hereof granting Party A with a power of attorney and any modifications, amendments, and restatements thereto.

 

  1.5

Transfer of Optioned Assets

For each exercise of the Equity Interest Purchase Option:

 

  1.5.1

Party C shall obtain all necessary internal authorizations in a accordance with Party B’s effective Articles of Association;

 

  1.5.2

Party C shall enter into an asset transfer contract with respect to each transfer with Party A and/or each Designee (whichever is applicable), in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and the Asset Purchase Option Notice regarding the Optioned Assets;

 

  1.5.3

The relevant Parties shall execute all other necessary contracts, agreements, or documents, obtain all necessary government licenses and permits, and take all necessary actions to transfer the valid ownership of the Optioned Assets to Party A and/or the Designee(s), unencumbered by any security interests.

 

2.

Covenants

 

  2.1

Covenants regarding Party C

Party B (as shareholders of Party C) and Party C hereby covenant on the following:

 

  2.1.1

Without the prior written consent of Party A, they shall not in any manner supplement, change, or amend the articles of association of Party C, increase or decrease its registered capital, or change its structure of registered capital in other manners;

 

4


  2.1.2

They shall maintain Party C’s corporate existence in accordance with good financial and business standards and practices, as well as obtain and maintain all necessary government licenses and permits by prudently and effectively operating its business and handling its affairs;

 

  2.1.3

Without the prior written consent of Party A, they shall not at any time following the date hereof, sell, transfer, mortgage, or dispose of in any manner any material assets of Party C or legal or beneficial interest in the material business or revenues of Party C of more than RMB 100,000, or allow the encumbrance thereon of any security interests;

 

  2.1.4

Without the prior written consent of Party A, they shall not incur, inherit, guarantee, or suffer the existence of any debt, except for (i) payables incurred in the ordinary course of business other than through loans; and (ii) debts disclosed to Party A which Party A’s written consent has been obtained

 

  2.1.5

They shall always operate all of Party C’s businesses within the normal business scope to maintain the asset value of Party C and refrain from any action/omission that may affect Party C’s operating status and asset value;

 

  2.1.6

Without the prior written consent of Party A, they shall not cause Party C to execute any material contract, except the contracts in the ordinary course of business (for the purpose of this subsection, a contract with a price exceeding RMB 100,000 shall be deemed a material contract);

 

  2.1.7

Without the prior written consent of Party A, they shall not cause Party C to provide any person with a loan or credit;

 

  2.1.8

They shall provide Party A with information on Party C’s business operations and financial condition at Party A’s request;

 

  2.1.9

If requested by Party A, they shall procure and maintain insurance in respect of Party C’s assets and business from an insurance carrier acceptable to Party A, at an amount and type of coverage typical for companies that operate similar businesses and own similar assets in the same area;

 

  2.1.10

Without the prior written consent of Party A, they shall not cause or permit Party C to merge, consolidate with, acquire, or invest in any person;

 

5


  2.1.11

They shall immediately notify Party A of the occurrence or possible occurrence of any litigation, arbitration, or administrative proceedings relating to Party C’s assets, business, or revenue;

 

  2.1.12

To maintain the ownership by Party C of all of its assets, they shall execute all necessary or appropriate documents, take all necessary or appropriate actions, file all necessary or appropriate complaints, and raise necessary or appropriate defenses against all claims;

 

  2.1.13

Without the prior written consent of Party A, they shall ensure that Party C shall not in any manner distribute dividends to its shareholders, provided that upon Party A’s written request, Party C shall immediately distribute all distributable profits to its shareholders;

 

  2.1.14

At the request of Party A, they shall appoint any person designated by Party A as the director or executive director of Party C.

 

  2.1.15

Without Party A’s prior written consent, they shall not engage in any business in competition with Party A or its affiliates;

 

  2.1.16

Unless otherwise required by PRC law, Party C shall not be dissolved or liquated without prior written consent by Party A;

 

  2.2

Covenants of Party B

Party B hereby covenants to the following:

 

  2.2.1

Without the prior written consent of Party A, at any time from the date of execution of this Agreement, Party B shall not sell, transfer, mortgage, or dispose of in any other manner any legal or beneficial interest in the equity interests in Party C held by Party B, or allow the encumbrance thereon, except for the interest placed in accordance with Party B’s Equity Interest Pledge Agreement and Party B’s Voting Trust Agreement;

 

  2.2.2

Without the prior written consent of Party A, Party B shall cause the shareholders’ meeting and/or the directors (or the executive director) of Party C not to approve any sale, transfer, mortgage, or disposition in any other manner of any legal or beneficial interest in the equity interests in Party C held by Party B, or allow the encumbrance thereon of any other security interest, except for the interest placed in accordance with Party B’s Equity Interest Pledge Agreement and Party B’s Voting Trust Agreement;

 

  2.2.3

Without the prior written consent of Party A, Party B shall cause the shareholders’ meeting or the directors (or the executive director) of Party C not to approve the merger or consolidation with any person, or the acquisition of or investment in any person;

 

6


  2.2.4

Party B shall immediately notify Party A of the occurrence or possible occurrence of any litigation, arbitration, or administrative proceedings relating to the equity interests in Party C held by Party B;

 

  2.2.5

Party B shall cause the shareholders’ meeting or the directors (or the executive director) of Party C to vote their approval of the transfer of the Optioned Interests as set forth in this Agreement and to take any and all other actions that may be requested by Party A;

 

  2.2.6

To the extent necessary to maintain Party B’s ownership in Party C, Party B shall execute all necessary or appropriate documents, take all necessary or appropriate actions, file all necessary or appropriate complaints, and raise necessary or appropriate defenses against all claims;

 

  2.2.7

Party B shall appoint any designee of Party A as the director or the executive director of Party C, at the request of Party A;

 

  2.2.8

Party B hereby waives its right of first refusal in regards to the transfer of equity interest by any other shareholder of Party C to Party A (if any), and gives consent to the execution by each other shareholder of Party C with Party A and Party C the exclusive option agreement, the equity interest pledge agreement and the power of attorney similar to this Agreement, Party B’s Equity Interest Pledge Agreement, and Party B’s Power of Attorney, and accepts not to take any actions in conflict with such documents executed by the other shareholders;

 

  2.2.9

Party B shall promptly donate any profits, interests, dividends, or proceeds of liquidation to Party A or any other person designated by Party A to the extent permitted under the applicable PRC laws; and

 

  2.2.10

Party B shall strictly abide by the provisions of this Agreement and other contracts jointly or separately executed by and among Party B, Party C, and Party A, perform the obligations hereunder and thereunder, and refrain from any action/omission that may affect the effectiveness and enforceability thereof. To the extent that Party B has any remaining rights with respect to the equity interests subject to this Agreement hereunder or under Party B’s Equity Interest Pledge Agreement or under Party B’s Power of Attorney, Party B shall not exercise such rights except in accordance with the written instructions of Party A.

 

7


3.

Representations and Warranties

Party B and Party C hereby represent and warrant to Party A, jointly and severally, as of the date of this Agreement and each date of transfer of the Optioned Interests, that:

 

  3.1

They have the power, capacity, and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and any equity interest transfer contracts to which they are parties concerning each transfer of the Optioned Interests as described thereunder (each, a “Transfer Contract”), and to perform their obligations under this Agreement and any Transfer Contracts. Party B and Party C agree to enter into Transfer Contracts substantially consistent with the terms of this Agreement upon Party A’s exercise of the Equity Interest Purchase Option. This Agreement and the Transfer Contracts to which they are parties constitute or will constitute their legal, valid, and binding obligations, and shall be enforceable against them in accordance with the provisions thereof;

 

  3.2

Party B and Party C have obtained any and all approvals and consents from the relevant government authorities and third parties (if required) for the execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement.

 

  3.3

The execution and delivery of this Agreement or any Transfer Contracts and the obligations under this Agreement or any Transfer Contracts shall not: (i) cause any violations of any applicable PRC laws; (ii) be inconsistent with the articles of association, bylaws, or other organizational documents of Party C; (iii) cause the violation of any contracts or instruments to which they are a party or which are binding on them, or constitute any breach under any contracts or instruments to which they are a party or which are binding on them; (iv) cause any violation of any condition for the grant and/or continued effectiveness of any licenses or permits issued to either of them; or (v) cause the suspension or revocation of or imposition of additional conditions to any licenses or permits issued to either of them;

 

  3.4

Party B has a good and merchantable title to the equity interests held by Party B in Party C. Except for Party B’s Equity Interest Pledge Agreement and Party B’s Power of Attorney, Party B has not placed any security interest on such equity interests;

 

  3.5

Party C has a good and merchantable title to all of its assets, and has not placed any security interest on the aforementioned assets;

 

  3.6

Party C does not have any outstanding debts, except for (i) debt incurred within its normal business scope; and (ii) debts disclosed to Party A for which Party A’s written consent has been obtained.

 

  3.7

Party C has complied with all laws and regulations of China applicable to asset acquisitions; and

 

  3.8

There is no pending or threatened litigation, arbitration, or administrative proceedings relating to the equity interests in Party C, assets of Party C, or Party C itself.

 

8


4.

Effective Date and Term

This Agreement shall become effective upon execution by the Parties, and remain in effect until all equity interests held by Party B in Party C have been transferred or assigned to Party A and/or any other person designated by Party A in accordance with this Agreement.

 

5.

Governing Law and Disputes Resolution

 

  5.1

Governing Law

The execution, effectiveness, interpretation, performance, amendment, and termination of this Agreement as well as any dispute resolution hereunder shall be governed by the laws of the PRC.

 

  5.2

Methods of Disputes Resolution

In the event of any dispute arising with respect to the construction and performance of this Agreement, the Parties shall first attempt to resolve the dispute through friendly negotiations. In the event that the Parties fail to reach an agreement on the dispute within 30 days after either Party’s written request to the other Parties for dispute resolution through negotiations, either Party may submit the relevant dispute to the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission for arbitration, in accordance with its arbitration rules. The arbitration shall be conducted in Beijing, and the arbitration award shall be final and binding to all Parties.

Each Party agrees that the arbitral tribunal or arbitrator shall have the right to gives any remedies, including preliminary and permanent injunctive relief (such as injunction against carrying out business activities, or mandating the transfer of assets), specific performance of contractual obligations, remedies concerning the equity interest or assets of Party C and awards directing Party C to conduct liquidation.

To the extent permitted by PRC laws, when awaiting the formation of the arbitration tribunal or otherwise under appropriate conditions, either Party may seek preliminary injunctive relief or other interlocutory remedies from a court with competent jurisdiction to facilitate the arbitration. Without violating the applicable governing laws, the Parties agree that the courts of Hong Kong, Cayman Islands, China and the place where the main assets of Party C are located shall all be deemed to have competent jurisdiction.

Upon the occurrence of any disputes arising from the interpretation and performance of this Agreement or during the pending arbitration of any dispute, except for the matters under dispute, the Parties shall continue to exercise their respective rights under this Agreement and perform their respective obligations under this Agreement.

 

9


6.

Taxes and Fees

Each Party shall pay any and all transfer and registration taxes, expenses, and fees incurred thereby or levied thereon in accordance with the laws of China in connection with the preparation and execution of this Agreement and the Transfer Contracts, as well as the consummation of the transactions contemplated under this Agreement and the Transfer Contracts.

 

7.

Notices

 

  7.1

All notices and other communications required or permitted to be given pursuant to this Agreement shall be delivered personally or sent by registered mail, prepaid postage, commercial courier services, or facsimile transmission to the address of such Party set forth below. A confirmation copy of each notice shall also be sent by email. The dates on which notices shall be deemed to have been effectively given shall be determined as follows:

 

  7.1.1

Notices given by personal delivery, courier services, registered mail, or prepaid postage shall be deemed effectively given on the date of receipt or refusal at the address specified for such notices;

 

  7.1.2

Notices given by facsimile transmission shall be deemed effectively given on the date of successful transmission (as evidenced by an automatically generated confirmation of the transmission).

 

  7.2

For the purpose of notices, the addresses of the Parties are as follows:

 

Party A:    Tencent Music (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
Address:    Mail Center, 7F China Technology Exchange Building, No.66 West Road, North 4th Ring Road, Haidian District, Beijing
Attn:    Zhao Xiang
Phone:    [                ]
Email:    [                ]
Party B:   
Name:    Hu Min
Address:    17F, Wan Li Da Building, Middle 1st Technology Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen
Phone:    [                ]
Email:    [                ]
Name:    Yang Qihu
Address:    Mail Center, 7F China Technology Exchange Building, No.66 West Road, North 4th Ring Road, Haidian District, Beijing
Phone:    [                ]
Email:    [                ]
Party C:    Xizang Qiming Music Co., Ltd.
Address:    Mail Center, 7F China Technology Exchange Building, No.66 West Road, North 4th Ring Road, Haidian District, Beijing
Attn:    Zhao Xiang
Phone:    [                ]
Email:    [                ]

 

10


  7.3

Any Party may at any time change its address for notices by having a notice delivered to the other Parties in accordance with the terms hereof.

 

8.

Confidentiality

The Parties acknowledge that the existence and the terms of this Agreement, and any oral or written information exchanged between the Parties in connection with the preparation and performance of this Agreement are regarded as confidential information. Each Party shall maintain the confidentiality of all such confidential information, and without obtaining the written consent of other Parties, it shall not disclose any relevant confidential information to any third parties, except for the information that: (a) is or will be featured in the public domain (other than through the receiving Party’s unauthorized disclosure); (b) is under the obligation to be disclosed pursuant to the applicable laws or regulations, rules of any stock exchange, or orders of the court or other government authorities; or (c) is required to be disclosed by any Party to its shareholders, directors, employees, legal counsels, or financial advisors regarding the transaction contemplated hereunder, provided that such shareholders, directors, employees, legal counsels, or financial advisors shall be bound by the confidential obligations similar to those set forth in this Section. Disclosure of any confidential information by the shareholders, director, employees of, or agencies engaged by any Party shall be deemed disclosure of such confidential information by such Party and that Party shall be held liable for breach of this Agreement.

 

9.

Further Warranties

The Parties agree to promptly execute the documents that are reasonably required for or are conducive to the implementation of the provisions and purposes of this Agreement and to take further actions that are reasonably required for or are conducive to the implementation of the provisions and purposes of this Agreement.

 

10.

Breach of Agreement

 

  10.1

If Party B or Party C conducts any material breach of any term of this Agreement, Party A shall have right to terminate this Agreement and/or require Party B or Party C to compensate all damages; this Section 10 shall not prejudice any other rights of Party A herein;

 

  10.2

Party B or Party C shall not have any right to terminate this Agreement in any event unless otherwise required by the applicable laws.

 

11.

Force Majeure Event

 

  11.1

Force Majeure Event ” means any event that is beyond one Party’s scope of reasonable control, and is unavoidable under the affected Party’s reasonable care, including but not limited to, natural disasters, wars, riots, etc. However, lack of credit, funding or financing may not be considered as beyond one Party’s reasonable control. When the implementation of this Agreement is delayed or hindered due to any Force Majeure Event, the affected Party shall not bear any liability for such delayed and hindered performance under this Agreement. The Party affected by Force Majeure Event seeking to waive any liability under this Agreement shall notify the other Party as soon as possible of the exemption and the steps to be taken to complete the performance.

 

11


  11.2

The Party affected by Force Majeure Event shall not bear any liability under this Agreement. The Party seeking to waive liability can only be exempted when he affected Party has made reasonable and feasible efforts to perform this Agreement and such exemption shall be limited to such delayed and hindered performance. Once the reasons for such exemption are corrected and remedied, the Parties agree to use their best efforts to perform this Agreement.

 

12.

Miscellaneous

 

  12.1

Amendments, changes, and supplements

Any amendments, changes, and supplements to this Agreement shall require the execution of a written agreement by all of the Parties.

 

  12.2

Entire agreement

Except for the amendments, supplements, or changes in writing executed after the execution of this Agreement, this Agreement shall constitute the entire agreement reached by and among the Parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof, and shall supersede all prior oral and written consultations, representations, and contracts reached with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement.

 

  12.3

Headings

The headings of this Agreement are for convenience only, and shall not be used to interpret, explain, or otherwise affect the meanings of the provisions of this Agreement.

 

  12.4

Language

This Agreement is written in Chinese in four copies, with each Party having one copy.

 

  12.5

Severability

In the event that one or several of the provisions of this Agreement are found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any aspect in accordance with any laws or regulations, the validity, legality, or enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall not be affected or compromised in any respect. The Parties shall strive in good faith to replace such invalid, illegal, or unenforceable provisions with effective provisions that accomplish to the greatest extent permitted by the relevant laws and the intentions of the Parties, and the economic effect of such effective provisions shall be as close as possible to the economic effect of those invalid, illegal, or unenforceable provisions.

 

12


  12.6

Successors

This Agreement shall be binding on and shall inure to the interest of the respective successors of the Parties and the permitted assigns of such Parties.

 

  12.7

Survival

 

  12.7.1

Any obligations that occur or are due as a result of this Agreement upon the expiration or early termination of this Agreement shall survive the expiration or early termination thereof.

 

  12.7.2

The provisions of Sections 5, 8, 10 and this Section 12.7 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

 

  12.8

Waivers

Any Party may waive the terms and conditions of this Agreement, provided that such a waiver must be provided in writing and shall require the signatures of the Parties. No waiver by any Party in certain circumstances with respect to a breach by other Parties shall be deemed as a waiver by such a Party with respect to any similar breach in other circumstances.

[ The remainder of this page is intentionally left blank ]

 

13


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the authorized representatives of the Parties have executed this Exclusive Option Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

Party A:   Tencent Music (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
/s/ Seal of Tencent Music (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
By:   /s/ Hu Min
Name:   Hu Min
Title:   Legal Representative
Party B:  
By:   /s/ Hu Min
Name:   Hu Min
By:   /s/ Yang Qihu
Name:   Yang Qihu
Party C:   Xizang Qiming Music Co., Ltd.
/s/ Seal of Xizang Qiming Music Co., Ltd.
By:   /s/ Yang Qihu
Name:   Yang Qihu
Title:   Legal Representative

Exhibit 10.28

Exclusive Technical Service Agreement

This Exclusive Technical Service Agreement (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into by and between the following parties on February 8, 2018 in Beijing, the People’s Republic of China (“China” or the “PRC”).

 

Party A:   Tencent Music (Beijing) Co., Ltd., a wholly foreign-owned enterprise, organized and existing under the laws of the PRC, with its address at Room 303, 3rd Floor of 101, -2nd to 8th Floor, No.7 Building, East Tianchen Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing;
Party B:   Xizang Qiming Music Co., Ltd., a limited liability company, organized and existing under the laws of the PRC, with its address at No.504 Industrial Park Management Committee, Duilong Deqing District, Lhasa, Xizang.

Each of Party A and Party B shall be hereinafter referred to as a “Party” respectively, and as the “Parties” collectively.

Whereas,

 

1.

Party A is a wholly foreign owned enterprise established in China, and has the necessary resources to provide computer software technology development, technical training, copyright agency services and organization of cultural and artistic exchange activities;

 

2.

Party B is a company established in China with exclusively domestic capital and is permitted to engage in investment in music and internet projects (excluding securities, finance, insurance or futures), business management planning (projects subject to approval in accordance with laws must be licensed before operating). The businesses conducted by Party B currently and any time during the term of this Agreement are collectively referred to as the “Main Business”;

 

3.

Party A is willing to provide Party B with information consulting services and other services in relation to the Main Business during the term of this Agreement, utilizing its advantages in human resources, and information and Party B is willing to accept such services provided by Party A or Party A’s designee(s), each on the terms set forth herein.

Now, therefore, through mutual discussion, the Parties have reached the following agreements:

 

1.

Services Provided by Party A

 

  1.1

Party B hereby appoints Party A as Party B’s exclusive services provider to provide Party B with comprehensive information consulting services and other services during the term of this Agreement, in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, including but not limited to the follows:

 

  (1)

Licensing Party B to use any software (if any) legally owned by Party A and providing software maintenance and updating services for Party B;

 

1


  (2)

Technical support and training for employees of Party B;

 

  (3)

Providing services in related to consultancy, collection and research of project investment for Party B (excluding market research business that wholly foreign-owned enterprises are prohibited from conducting under PRC laws);

 

  (4)

Providing consultation services in economic information, business information, technology information, and business management consultation for Party B;

 

  (5)

Providing marketing and promotion and corporate image planning services for Party B;

 

  (6)

Leasing of equipment or properties; and

 

  (7)

Other services requested by Party B from time to time to the extent permitted under PRC law.

 

  1.2

Party B agrees to accept all the services provided by Party A. Party B further agrees that unless with Party A’s prior written consent, during the term of this Agreement, Party B shall not directly or indirectly accept the same or any similar services provided by any third party and shall not establish similar corporation relationship with any third party regarding the matters contemplated by this Agreement. Party A may designate other parties, who may enter into certain agreements described in Section 1.3 with Party B, to provide Party B with the services as set forth in this Agreement.

 

  1.3

Ways of Service Provision

 

  1.3.1

Party A and Party B agree that during the term of this Agreement, where necessary, Party B may enter into further service agreements with Party A or any other party designated by Party A, which shall provide the specific contents, manner, personnel, and fees for the specific services.

 

  1.3.2

To fulfill this Agreement, Party A and Party B agree that during the term of this Agreement, where necessary, Party B may, at any time, enter into equipment or property lease agreement with Party A or any other party designated by Party A, which shall permit Party B to use Party A’s relevant equipment or property based on the needs of the business of Party B.

 

  1.3.3

Party B hereby grants to Party A an irrevocable and exclusive option to purchase from Party B, to the extent permitted under PRC laws and at Party A’s sole discretion, any or all of the assets and business of Party B, at the minimum purchase price permitted by PRC laws. The Parties shall then enter into a separate assets or business transfer agreement, specifying the terms and conditions of the transfer of the assets.

 

2


2.

Service Fees and Payment

 

  2.1

The fees payable by Party B to Party A during the term of this Agreement shall be calculated as follows:

 

  2.1.1

Party B shall pay service fee to Party A in each month. The service fee for each month shall consist of management fee and services provision fee, which shall be determined by the Parties through negotiation after considering:

 

  (1)

Complexity and difficulty of the services provided by Party A;

 

  (2)

Title of and time consumed by employees of Party A providing the services;

 

  (3)

Contents and value of the services provided by Party A;

 

  (4)

Market price of the same type of services; and

 

  (5)

Operation conditions of the Party B.

 

  2.1.2

If Party A transfers technology to Party B or develops software or other technology as entrusted by Party B or leases equipment or properties to Party B, the technology transfer price, development fees or rental fees shall be determined by the Parties based on the actual situations.

 

3.

Intellectual Property Rights and Confidentiality Clauses

 

  3.1

Party A shall have exclusive and proprietary ownership, rights and interests in any and all intellectual properties arising out of or created during the performance of this Agreement, including but not limited to copyrights, patents, patent applications, software, technical secrets, trade secrets and others. Party B shall execute all appropriate documents, take all appropriate actions, submit all filings and/or applications, render all appropriate assistance and otherwise conduct whatever is necessary as deemed by Party A at its sole discretion for the purposes of vesting any ownership, right or interest of any such intellectual property rights in Party A, and/or perfecting the protections for any such intellectual property rights in Party A.

 

3


  3.2

The Parties acknowledge that the existence and the terms of this Agreement and any oral or written information exchanged between the Parties in connection with the preparation and performance of this Agreement are regarded as confidential information. Each Party shall maintain confidentiality of all such confidential information, and without obtaining the written consent of the other Party, it shall not disclose any relevant confidential information to any third party, except for the information that: (a) is or will be in the public domain (other than through the receiving Party’s unauthorized disclosure); (b) is under the obligation to be disclosed pursuant to the applicable laws or regulations, rules of any stock exchange, or orders of the court or other government authorities; or (c) is required to be disclosed by any Party to its shareholders, directors, employees, legal counsels or financial advisors regarding the transaction contemplated hereunder, provided that such shareholders, directors, employees, legal counsels or financial advisors shall be bound by the confidentiality obligations similar to those set forth in this Section. Disclosure of any confidential information by the shareholders, director, employees of or agencies engaged by any Party shall be deemed disclosure of such confidential information by such Party and such Party shall be held liable for breach of this Agreement.

 

4.

Representations and Warranties

 

  4.1

Party A hereby represents, warrants and covenants as follows:

 

  4.1.1

Party A is a wholly foreign owned enterprise legally established and validly existing in accordance with the laws of China; Party A or the service providers designated by Party A will obtain all government permits and licenses for providing the service under this Agreement before providing such services.

 

  4.1.2

Party A has taken all necessary corporate actions, obtained all necessary authorizations as well as all consents and approvals from third parties and government authorities (if required) for the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement. Party A’s execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement do not violate any explicit requirements under any law or regulation.

 

  4.1.3

This Agreement constitutes Party A’s legal, valid and binding obligations, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms.

 

  4.2

Party B hereby represents, warrants and covenants as follows:

 

  4.2.1

Party B is a company legally established and validly existing in accordance with the laws of China and has obtained and will maintain all permits and licenses for engaging in the Main Business.

 

4


  4.2.2

Party B has taken all necessary corporate actions, obtained all necessary authorizations as well as all consents and approvals from third parties and government agencies (if required) for the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement. Party B’s execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement do not violate any explicit requirements under any law or regulation.

 

  4.2.3

This Agreement constitutes Party B’s legal, valid and binding obligations, and shall be enforceable against it in accordance with its terms.

 

5.

Term of Agreement

 

  5.1

This Agreement shall become effective upon execution by the Parties. Unless terminated in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement or terminated in writing by Party A, this Agreement shall remain effective.

 

  5.2

During the term of this Agreement, each Party shall renew its operation term in a timely manner prior to the expiration thereof so as to enable this Agreement to remain effective. This Agreement shall be terminated upon the expiration of the operation term of a Party if the application for renewal of its operation term is not approved by relevant government authorities.

 

  5.3

The rights and obligations of the Parties under Sections 3, 6, 7 and this Section 5.3 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

 

6.

Governing Law and Disputes Resolution

 

  6.1

The execution, effectiveness, construction, performance, amendment and termination of this Agreement and the resolution of disputes hereunder shall be governed by the laws of China.

 

  6.2

In the event of any dispute with respect to the construction and performance of this Agreement, the Parties shall first resolve the dispute through friendly negotiations. In the event the Parties fail to reach an agreement on the dispute within 30 days after either Party’s written request to the other Party for resolution of the dispute through negotiations, either Party may submit the relevant dispute to China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission for arbitration, in accordance with its arbitration rules. The arbitration shall be conducted in Beijing, and the arbitration award shall be final and binding to all Parties. Each Party has the right to apply for enforcement of an arbitral award to a court of competent jurisdiction (including a Chinese court).

 

  6.3

To the extent permitted by PRC laws and where appropriate, the arbitration tribunal may grant any remedies in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and applicable PRC laws, including preliminary and permanent injunctive relief (such as injunction against carrying out business activities, or mandating the transfer of assets), specific performance of contractual obligations, remedies concerning the equity interest or assets of Party B and awards directing Party B to conduct liquidation.

 

5


  6.4

To the extent permitted by PRC laws, when awaiting the formation of the arbitration tribunal or otherwise under appropriate conditions, either Party may seek preliminary injunctive relief or other interlocutory remedies from a court with competent jurisdiction to facilitate the arbitration. Without violating the applicable governing laws, the Parties agree that the courts of Hong Kong, Cayman Islands, China and the place where the main assets of Party Aare located shall all be deemed to have competent jurisdiction.

 

  6.5

Upon the occurrence of any disputes arising from the construction and performance of this Agreement or during the pending arbitration of any dispute, except for the matters under dispute, the Parties shall continue to exercise their respective rights under this Agreement and perform their respective obligations under this Agreement.

 

7.

Breach of Agreement and Indemnification

 

  7.1

If Party B conducts any material breach of any term of this Agreement, Party A shall have right to terminate this Agreement and/or require Party B to indemnify all damages; this Section 7.1 shall not prejudice any other rights of Party A herein.

 

  7.2

Unless otherwise required by applicable laws, Party B shall not have any right to terminate this Agreement in any event.

 

  7.3

Party B shall indemnify and hold harmless Party A from any losses, injuries, obligations or expenses caused by any lawsuit, claims or other demands against Party A arising from or caused by the services provided by Party A to Party B pursuant this Agreement, except where such losses, injuries, obligations or expenses arise from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Party A.

 

8.

Force Majeure

 

  8.1

In the case of any force majeure events (“Force Majeure”) such as earthquake, typhoon, flood, fire, flu, war, strikes or any other events that cannot be predicted and are unpreventable and unavoidable by the affected Party, which directly causes the failure of either Party to perform or completely perform this Agreement, then the Party affected by such Force Majeure shall not take any responsibility for such failure, however it shall give the other Party written notices without any delay, and shall provide details of such event within 15 days after sending out such notice, explaining the reasons for such failure of, partial or delay of performance.

 

6


  8.2

If such Party claiming Force Majeure fails to notify the other Party and furnish it with proof pursuant to the above provision, such Party shall not be excused from the non-performance of its obligations hereunder. The Party so affected by the event of Force Majeure shall use reasonable efforts to minimize the consequences of such Force Majeure and to promptly resume performance hereunder whenever the causes of such excuse are cured. Should the Party so affected by the event of Force Majeure fail to resume performance hereunder when the causes of such excuse are cured, such Party shall be liable to the other Party.

 

  8.3

In the event of Force Majeure, the Parties shall immediately consult with each other to find an equitable solution and shall use all reasonable efforts to reduce the consequences of such Force Majeure.

 

9.

Notices

 

  9.1

All notices and other communications required or permitted to be given pursuant to this Agreement shall be delivered personally or sent by registered mail, postage prepaid, by a commercial courier service or by facsimile transmission to the address of such Party set forth below. A confirmation copy of each notice shall also be sent by email. The dates on which notices shall be deemed to have been effectively given shall be determined as follows:

 

  9.1.1

Notices given by personal delivery, by courier service or by registered mail, postage prepaid, shall be deemed effectively given on the date of receipt or refusal at the address specified for notices.

 

  9.1.2

Notices given by facsimile transmission shall be deemed effectively given on the date of successful transmission (as evidenced by an automatically generated confirmation of transmission).

 

  9.2

For the purpose of notices, the addresses of the Parties are as follows:

 

Party A:   Tencent Music (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
Address:  

Mail Center, 7F China Technology Exchange Building,

No.66 West Road, North 4 th Ring Road, Haidian District,

Beijing

Attn:   Zhao Xiang
Phone:   [             ]
Email:   [             ]
Party B:   Xizang Qiming Music Co., Ltd.
Address:  

Mail Center, 7F China Technology Exchange Building,

No.66 West Road, North 4 th Ring Road, Haidian District,

Beijing

Attn:   Zhao Xiang
Phone:   [             ]
Email:   [             ]

 

7


  9.3

Any Party may at any time change its address for notices by delivering notice to the other Party in accordance with the terms hereof.

 

10.

Assignment

 

  10.1

Without Party A’s prior written consent, Party B shall not assign its rights and obligations under this Agreement to any third party.

 

  10.2

Party B agrees that Party A may assign its obligations and rights under this Agreement to any third party and in case of such assignment, Party A is only required to give written notice to Party B and does not need any consent from Party B for such assignment.

 

11.

Taxes and Fees

All taxes and fees incurred by each Party as a result of the execution and performance of this Agreement shall be borne by each Party respectively.

 

12.

Severability

In the event that one or several of the provisions of this Agreement are found to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any aspect in accordance with any laws or regulations, the validity, legality or enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall not be affected or compromised in any aspect. The Parties shall negotiate in good faith to replace such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions with effective provisions that accomplish to the greatest extent permitted by law and the intentions of the Parties, and the economic effect of such effective provisions shall be as close as possible to the economic effect of those invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions.

 

13.

Amendments and Supplements

Any amendments and supplements to this Agreement shall be in writing. The amendment agreements and supplementary agreements that have been signed by the Parties and relate to this Agreement shall be an integral part of this Agreement and shall have the same legal validity as this Agreement.

 

14.

Language and Counterparts

This Agreement is written in Chinese with each Party having one copy.

[ The remainder of this page is intentionally left blank ]

 

8


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused their authorized representatives to execute this Exclusive Technical Service Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

Party A: Tencent Music (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
/s/ Seal of Tencent Music (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
By:   /s/ Hu Min
Name:   Hu Min
Title:   Legal Representative
Party B: Xizang Qiming Music Co., Ltd.
/s/ Seal of Xizang Qiming Music Co., Ltd.
By:   /s/ Yang Qihu
Name:   Yang Qihu
Title:   Legal Representative

Exhibit 10.29

Voting Trust Agreement

I, Hu Min, a Chinese citizen with the Chinese Identification No. [                ], holds 50% of the equity interest (representing RMB 5 million of Xizang Qiming’s registered capital) in Xizang Qiming Music Co., Ltd. (the “ Xizang Qiming ”) as of the date of this Power of Attorney. I hereby irrevocably authorize Tencent Music (Beijing) Co., Ltd. (the “ WFOE ”) to exercise the following rights with respect to the existing and future equity interests I hold in Xizang Qiming (the “ Owned Equity Interest ”) during the effective term of this Voting Trust Agreement:

Authorizing WFOE as my sole and exclusive proxy, to exercise, including without limitation, the following rights on my behalf with full authority with respect to the Owned Equity Interest: 1) to attend the shareholders’ meetings of Xizang Qiming; 2) to exercise all shareholder’s rights and shareholder’s voting rights which I am entitled to under the laws and the articles of association of Xizang Qiming, including without limitation, rights to sell, transfer, pledge or otherwise dispose of all or any part of the Owned Equity Interest; and 3) as my authorized representative, to appoint and elect the legal representative, directors, supervisors, managers and other senior management of Xizang Qiming.

WFOE shall be authorized to execute, on my behalf, any and all agreements to which I shall be a party as specified in the Exclusive Option Agreement entered into as of February 8, 2018 by and among I, WFOE and Xizang Qiming, the Equity Interest Pledge Agreement entered into as of February 8, 2018 by and among I, WFOE and Xizang Qiming, and the Loan Agreement entered into as of February 8, 2018 by and between I and WFOE (together with any amendments, revisions or restatements, the “ Transaction Documents ”), and duly perform the Transaction Documents. The authority granted under this Voting Trust Agreement shall not be limited by the exercise of such right in any way.

 

1


Any act conducted or any documents executed by WFOE with respect to the Owned Equity Interest shall be deemed conducted or executed by myself which I shall acknowledge.

WFOE shall be entitled to assign the authority to any other individual or entity for the conduct of the abovementioned matters without the necessity to inform me or obtain my prior consent. WFOE shall appoint a Chinese citizen to exercise the abovementioned rights as required by the PRC laws (if any).

As long as I am a shareholder of Xizang Qiming, this Voting Trust Agreement shall be irrevocable and remain valid and effective from the date of this Voting Trust Agreement.

During the effective term of this Power of Attorney, I hereby waive all rights in connection with the Owned Equity Interest that have been granted to WFOE under this Voting Trust Agreement, and will refrain from exercising such rights on my own.

[ The remainder of this page is intentionally left blank ]

 

2


This Page is the signature page to the Voting Trust Agreement.

 

Signature: /s/ Hu Min
Name: Hu Min
February 8, 2018

 

Accepted by:
Tencent Music (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
/s/ Seal of Tencent Music (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
Signature: /s/ Hu Min
Name: Hu Min
Title: Legal representative
Acknowledged by:
Xizang Qiming Music Co., Ltd.
/s/ Seal of Xizang Qiming Music Co., Ltd.
Signature: /s/ Yang Qihu
Name: Yang Qihu
Title: Legal Representative


Voting Trust Agreement

I, Yang Qihu, a Chinese citizen with the Chinese Identification No. [                ], holds 50% of the equity interest (representing RMB 5 million of Xizang Qiming’s registered capital) in Xizang Qiming Music Co., Ltd. (the “ Xizang Qiming ”) as of the date of this Power of Attorney. I hereby irrevocably authorize Tencent Music (Beijing) Co., Ltd. (the “ WFOE ”) to exercise the following rights with respect to the existing and future equity interests I hold in Xizang Qiming (the “ Owned Equity Interest ”) during the effective term of this Voting Trust Agreement:

Authorizing WFOE as my sole and exclusive proxy, to exercise, including without limitation, the following rights on my behalf with full authority with respect to the Owned Equity Interest: 1) to attend the shareholders’ meetings of Xizang Qiming; 2) to exercise all shareholder’s rights and shareholder’s voting rights which I am entitled to under the laws and the articles of association of Xizang Qiming, including without limitation, rights to sell, transfer, pledge or otherwise dispose of all or any part of the Owned Equity Interest; and 3) as my authorized representative, to appoint and elect the legal representative, directors, supervisors, managers and other senior management of Xizang Qiming.

WFOE shall be authorized to execute, on my behalf, any and all agreements to which I shall be a party as specified in the Exclusive Option Agreement entered into as of February 8, 2018 by and among I, WFOE and Xizang Qiming, the Equity Interest Pledge Agreement entered into as of February 8, 2018 by and among I, WFOE and Xizang Qiming, and the Loan Agreement entered into as of February 8, 2018 by and between I and WFOE (together with any amendments, revisions or restatements, the “ Transaction Documents ”), and duly perform the Transaction Documents. The authority granted under this Voting Trust Agreement shall not be limited by the exercise of such right in any way.

 

4


Any act conducted or any documents executed by WFOE with respect to the Owned Equity Interest shall be deemed conducted or executed by myself which I shall acknowledge.

WFOE shall be entitled to assign the authority to any other individual or entity for the conduct of the abovementioned matters without the necessity to inform me or obtain my prior consent. WFOE shall appoint a Chinese citizen to exercise the abovementioned rights as required by the PRC laws (if any).

As long as I am a shareholder of Xizang Qiming, this Voting Trust Agreement shall be irrevocable and remain valid and effective from the date of this Voting Trust Agreement.

During the effective term of this Voting Trust Agreement, I hereby waive all rights in connection with the Owned Equity Interest that have been granted to WFOE under this Voting Trust Agreement, and will refrain from exercising such rights on my own.

[The remainder of this page is intentionally left blank]

 

5


This Page is the signature page to the Voting Trust Agreement.

 

Signature: /s/ Yang Qihu
Name: Yang Qihu
February 8, 2018

 

Accepted by:
Tencent Music (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
/s/ Seal of Tencent Music (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
Signature: /s/ Hu Min
Name: Hu Min
Title: Legal representative
Acknowledged by:
Xizang Qiming Music Co., Ltd.
/s/ Seal of Xizang Qiming Music Co., Ltd.
Signature: /s/ Yang Qihu
Name: Yang Qihu
Title: Legal Representative

Exhibit 10.30

Spousal Consent

The undersigned, Guo Jin, (Identification No.:[                ]), is the lawful spouse of Yang Qihu (Identification No.: [                ]). I hereby unconditionally and irrevocably agree to the execution of the following documents by Yang Qihu as of February 8, 2018 (the “ Transaction Documents ”) and the disposal of the equity interest of Xizang Qiming Music Co., Ltd. (the “ Domestic Company ”) held by Yang Qihu and registered in his name pursuant to the provisions of the following documents:

 

  (1)

The equity interest pledge agreement by and among Yang Qihu, Hu Min Tencent Music (Beijing) Co., Ltd. (the “ WFOE ”), the Domestic Company and other parties;

 

  (2)

The exclusive option agreement by and among Yang Qihu, Hu Min, the WFOE, the Domestic Company and other parties;

 

  (3)

The loan agreement by and between Yang Qihu and the WFOE; and

 

  (4)

The voting trust agreement by Yang Qihu to the WFOE.

I hereby confirm that I do not enjoy any interests or rights in the Domestic Company and hereby undertake not to make any assertions in respect of the equity interest of the Domestic Company. I further confirm that, Yang Qihu can perform the Transaction Documents and further amend or terminate the Transaction Documents or execute other agreements to replace the Transaction Documents absent any authorization or consent from me.

 

1


I hereby undertake to execute all necessary documents, and take all necessary actions, to ensure appropriate performance of the Transaction Documents (as amended from time to time).

I hereby agree and undertake that, if I acquire any equity interests in the Domestic Company for whatever reasons, I shall be bound by the Transaction Documents (as amended from time to time) and shall comply with the obligations of a shareholder of the Domestic Company thereunder. For this purpose, upon the WFOE’s requests, I shall execute a series of written documents in substantially the same format and content as the Transaction Documents (as amended from time to time).

 

Signature: /s/ Guo Jin
Date: February 8, 2018

 

2

Exhibit 10.31

Loan Agreement

This Loan Agreement (the “ Agreement ”) is entered into by and between the following Parties on February 8, 2018 in Beijing, People’s Republic of China (the “ PRC ”):

(1)     Tencent Music (Beijing) Co., Ltd. (the “ Lender ”), a wholly foreign-owned enterprise incorporated and existing under the laws of the PRC, with its registered address at Room 303, 3rd Floor of 101, -2nd to 8th Floor, No.7 Building, East Tianchen Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing;

(2)     Hu Min (the “ Borrower ”), a Chinese citizen with Identification No. [                ].

The Lender and the Borrower shall hereinafter be referred to as a “ Party ” respectively and as the “ Parties ” collectively.

Whereas:

 

1.

As of the date of this Agreement, the Borrower holds 50% equity interests in Xizang Qiming Music Co., Ltd. (the “ Borrower’s Company ”). All the existing and future equity rights and interests the Borrower holds in the Borrower’s Company are referred to as the “ Borrower’s Equity Interest ”;

 

2.

The Lender agrees to provide a loan of RMB 5 million to the Borrower for the purposes as specified in this Agreement.

 

1


Upon friendly negotiation, the Parties have reached the following agreements for their mutual compliance:

 

1

Loan

 

  1.1

The Lender agrees to provide a loan of RMB 5 million to the Borrower in accordance with the terms hereof (the “ Loan ”). During the term of this Agreement, the Lender shall provide to the Lender the respective amounts within one (1) month upon receipt of the notice by the Borrower requesting the provision of all or part of the Loan. The Loan shall be a long-term loan. During the term of the Loan, if any of the following events occurs, the Lender shall repay the Loan immediately in advance:

 

  1.1.1

30 days have passed upon the Borrower’s receipt of the written notice by the Lender requesting the repayment of the Loan;

 

  1.1.2

The Borrower dies or becomes a person without capacity or with limited capacity for civil acts;

 

  1.1.3

The Borrower is no longer the shareholder of the Borrower’s Company or its affiliates, or resigns from the Lender, the Borrower’s Company or its affiliates, regardless of the reasons thereof;

 

  1.1.4

The Borrower commits a crime or is involved in a crime;

 

  1.1.5

According to the applicable PRC laws, the foreigners may invest controlling shareholding or wholly in the existing major business of the Borrower’s Company and the relevant authorities in PRC begin to approve such business, and also the Lender decides to exercise its right of exclusive option in accordance with the Exclusive Option Agreement (together with its amendments from time to time, the “ Exclusive Option Agreement ”) to which it is a party.

 

2


  1.2

The Loan by the Lender under this Agreement only applies to the Borrower himself or herself, not his or her successors or assignees.

 

  1.3

The Borrower agrees to accept the aforesaid loan provided by the Lender, and hereby agrees and warranties to use the Loan to pay for its investment or increase in the registered capital of the Borrower’s Company or the working capital of the Borrower’s Company. Unless with prior written consent of the Lender, the Borrower will not use the Loan for any other purpose.

 

  1.4

The Lender and the Borrower hereby agree and confirm that the Borrower may repay the loan only by the following methods as required by the Lender: according to the Lender’s right to purchase the Borrower’s Equity Interest under the Exclusive Option Agreement, transfer all the equity interest in the Borrower’s Company to the Lender or any person (legal person or individual) as designated by the Lender, and use any proceeds obtained through the transfer of equity interests in the Borrower’s Company (to the extent as permitted) to repay the Loan in accordance with this Agreement to the Lender in the method as designated by the Lender.

 

  1.5

The Lender and the Borrower hereby agree and confirm that, to the extent as permitted by the applicable laws, the Lender shall be entitled to, but not be obliged to, purchase or designate any person (legal person or individual) to purchase all or part of the Borrower’s Equity Interest at any time, at a price as specified in the Exclusive Option Agreement.

 

3


  1.6

The Borrower also warranties to execute an irrevocable voting trust agreement (together with its amendments from time to time, the “ Voting Trust Agreement ”), which authorizes the Lender or a legal person or an individual as designated by the Lender to exercise all his or her rights as a shareholder in the Borrower’s Company.

 

  1.7

The Loan under this Agreement will be deemed as an interest-free loan if the price to transfer the Borrower’s Equity Interest from the Borrower to the Lender or any person as designated by the Lender is equal to or less than the amount of the Loan under this Agreement. However, if such transfer price exceeds the amount of the Loan under this Agreement, the exceeding amount will be deemed as the interest upon the Loan under this Agreement and repaid to the Lender from the Borrower.

 

2

Representations and Warranties

 

  2.1

The Lender represents and warrants to the Borrower that from the date of this Agreement until termination hereof:

 

  2.1.1

It is a company duly incorporated and validly existing under the PRC laws;

 

  2.1.2

it has the power to execute and perform this Agreement. Its execution and performance of this Agreement are in compliance with its business scope, articles of association or other organizational documents, and it has received all approvals and authorities necessary and appropriate to execute and perform this Agreement; and

 

4


  2.1.3

This Agreement, once executed, becomes legal, valid and enforceable obligations upon the Lender.

 

  2.2

The Borrower represents and warrants that from the date of this Agreement until termination hereof:

 

  2.2.1

he or she has the power to execute and perform this Agreement, and has received all approvals and authorities necessary and appropriate to execute and perform this Agreement;

 

  2.2.2

This Agreement, once executed, becomes legal, valid and enforceable obligations upon the Borrower; and

 

  2.2.3

There is no existing or potential dispute, suit, arbitration, administrative proceeding or any other legal proceeding in which the Borrower is involved.

 

3

Covenants from the Borrower

 

  3.1

The Borrower covenants in his or her capacity of the shareholder of the Borrower’s Company that during the term of this Agreement he or she will procure the Borrower’s Company:

 

  3.1.1

to strictly comply with the provisions of the Exclusive Option Agreement and the exclusive technical service agreement (together with its amendments from time to time, the “ Exclusive Technical Service Agreement ”) to which it is a party, and to refrain from any action/omission that may affect the effectiveness and enforceability thereof;

 

5


  3.1.2

to execute any contract or agreement regarding the business cooperation with the Lender (or any party as designated by the Lender) upon the request of the Lender (or any party as designated by the Lender), and to ensure the strict performance of such contract agreement;

 

  3.1.3

to provide to the Lender any and all information regarding its operations and financial conditions upon the request of the Lender;

 

  3.1.4

to immediately notify the Lender of any actual or potential litigation, arbitration or administrative proceeding regarding its assets, business and income;

 

  3.1.5

to appoint any person as nominated by the Lender to its board upon the request of the Lender.

 

  3.2

The Borrower covenants during the term of this Agreement:

 

  3.2.1

to procure at his or her best efforts the Borrower’s Company to conduct its major business, the specific scope of which shall be subject to the business license;

 

  3.2.2

to strictly comply with the provisions of this Agreement, the Voting Trust Agreement, the Equity Interest Pledge Agreement (together with is amendments from time to time, the “ Equity Interest Pledge Agreement ”) and the Exclusive Option Agreement to which he or she is a party, perform the obligations thereunder, and to refrain from any action/omission that may affect the effectiveness and enforceability thereof;

 

6


  3.2.3

except as provided under the Equity Interest Pledge Agreement, not to sell, transfer, pledge or otherwise dispose any legal or beneficial interest of the Borrower’s Equity Interest, or allow creation of any other security interests thereupon;

 

  3.2.4

to procure the shareholders and/or the board of directors of the Borrower’s Company not to approve any sale, transfer, pledge or otherwise disposal of any legal or beneficial interest of the Borrower’s Equity Interest, or creation of any other security interests thereupon without prior written consent from the Lender, except to the Lender or its designated person;

 

  3.2.5

to procure the shareholders and/or the board of the directors of the Borrower’s Company not to approve its merger or association with, or acquisition of or investment in any person without prior written consent from the Lender;

 

  3.2.6

to immediately notify the Lender of any actual or potential litigation, arbitration or administrative proceeding regarding the Borrower’s Equity Interest;

 

  3.2.7

to execute any document, conduct any action, and make any claim or defense, necessary or appropriate to maintain his or her ownership of the Borrower’s Equity Interest;

 

7


  3.2.8

not to make any act and/or omission which may affect any asset, business or liability of the Borrower’s Company without prior written consent from the Lender;

 

  3.2.9

to appoint any person as nominated by the Lender to the board of the Borrower’s Company upon the request of the Lender;

 

  3.2.10

to the extent as permitted under the PRC laws and upon the request of the Lender at any time, to transfer unconditionally and immediately the Borrower’s Equity Interest to the Lender or any person as designated by it, and procure any other shareholder of the Borrower’s Company to waive the right of first refusal regarding such transfer of equity interest under this Section;

 

  3.2.11

to the extent permitted under the PRC laws and upon the request of the Lender at any time, to procure any other shareholder of the Borrower’s Company to transfer unconditionally and immediately all the equity interests owned by such shareholder to the Lender or any person as designated by it, and the Borrower hereby waives his or her right of first refusal regarding such transfer of equity interest under this Section;

 

  3.2.12

if the Lender purchases the Borrower’s Equity Interest from the Borrower pursuant to the Exclusive Option Agreement, to use the price of such purchase to repay the Loan to the Lender on priority; and

 

  3.2.13

not to supplement, revise or amend its articles of association in any way, increase or decrease its registered capital, or change its shareholding structure in any way without prior written consent from the Lender.

 

8


4

Default Liabilities

 

  4.1

In the event that the Borrower materially breaches any provision under this Agreement, the Lender is entitled to terminate this Agreement and claim damages from the Borrower; this Section 4.1 shall not preclude any other rights entitled to the Lender as provided under this Agreement.

 

  4.2

The Borrower may not terminate or cancel this Agreement in any event unless otherwise provided under the laws.

 

  4.3

If the Borrower fails to repay the Loan pursuant to the terms under this Agreement, he or she will be liable for a penalty interest accrued upon the amount due and payable at a daily interest rate of 1% until the Loan as well as any penalty interest and any other amount accrued thereupon are fully repaid by the Borrower.

 

5

Notices

 

  5.1

All notices and other communications required or permitted to be given pursuant to this Agreement shall be delivered personally or sent by registered mail, postage prepaid, by a commercial courier service or by facsimile transmission to the designated address of such party as listed below. A confirmation copy of each notice shall also be sent by E-mail. The dates on which notices shall be deemed to have been effectively delivered shall be determined as follows:

 

  5.1.1

Notices given by personal delivery, by courier service or by registered mail, postage prepaid, shall be deemed effectively delivered upon the delivery.

 

9


  5.1.2

Notices given by facsimile transmission shall be deemed effectively delivered on the date of successful transmission (as evidenced by an automatically generated confirmation of transmission).

 

  5.2

For the purpose of notification, the addresses of the Parties are as follows:

The Lender : Tencent Music (Beijing) Co., Ltd.

Address : Mail Center, 7th Floor, China Technology Exchange Building, No.66 West Road, North 4th Ring Road, Haidian District, Beijing

Attention : Zhao Xiang

Tel : [                ]

The Borrower : Hu Min

Address : 17th Floor, Wanlida Building, Science and Technology Zhongyi Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen

Tel : [                ]

 

  5.3

Each Party may at any time change its address for notices by delivering a notice to the other Party in accordance with this Section.

 

10


6

Confidentiality

The Parties acknowledge and confirm that the terms of this Agreement and any oral or written information exchanged among the Parties in connection with the preparation and performance of this Agreement are regarded as confidential information. Each Party shall keep all such confidential information confidential, and shall not, without prior written consent of the other Party, disclose any confidential information to any third parties, except for information: (a) that is or will be available to the public (other than through the unauthorized disclosure to the public by the Party receiving confidential information); (b) that is required to be disclosed pursuant to the applicable laws or regulations, rules of any stock exchange, or orders of the court or other government authorities; or (c) that is disclosed by any Party to its shareholders, directors, employees, legal counsels or financial advisors regarding the transaction contemplated hereunder, provided that such shareholders, directors, employees, legal counsels or financial advisors shall be bound by the confidentiality obligations similar to the terms set forth in this Section. Disclosure of any confidential information by the shareholders, directors, employees or entities engaged by any Party shall be deemed as disclosure of such confidential information by such Party, which Party shall be held liable for breach of contract.

 

7

Governing Law and Disputes Resolution

 

  7.1

The execution, effectiveness, interpretation, performance, amendment and termination of this Agreement and the resolution of any disputes hereunder shall be governed by the PRC laws.

 

  7.2

Any disputes arising in connection with the implementation and performance of this Agreement shall be settled through friendly consultations among the Parties, and where such disputes are still unsolved within thirty (30) days upon issuance of the written notice by one Party to the other Party for consultations, such disputes shall be submitted by either Party to the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission for arbitration in accordance with its then effective arbitration rules. The arbitration shall take place in Beijing. The arbitration award shall be final and binding upon all the Parties.

 

11


  7.3

Upon the occurrence of any disputes arising from the interpretation and performance of this Agreement or during the pending arbitration of any disputes, except for the matters under dispute, the Parties to this Agreement shall continue to exercise their respective rights and perform their respective obligations hereunder.

 

8

Miscellaneous

 

  8.1

This Agreement shall be effective as of the date of its execution and expire until the Parties have performed their respective obligations under this Agreement.

 

  8.2

This Agreement is written in Chinese in two (2) originals, with each of the Lender and the Borrower holding one original.

 

  8.3

The Parties may amend and supplement this Agreement in writing. Any amendment and/or supplement to this Agreement by the Parties is an integral part of and has the same effect with this Agreement.

 

  8.4

In the event that one or several of the provisions of this Agreement are found to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any aspect in accordance with any laws or regulations, the validity, legality or enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall not be affected or compromised in any respect. The Parties shall strive in good faith to replace such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions with effective provisions that accomplish to the greatest extent permitted by law and the intentions of the Parties, and the economic effect of such effective provisions shall be as close as possible to the economic effect of those invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions.

 

12


  8.5

The attachments to this Agreement (if any) is an integral part of and has the same effect with this Agreement.

 

  8.6

Any obligation that occurs or becomes due under this Agreement prior to the expiry of this Agreement or early termination shall survive the expiration or early termination of this Agreement. The provisions under Section 4, Section 6, Section 7 and this Section 8.6 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

 

13


IN WITNESS HEREOF, the Parties have caused this Loan Agreement to be executed by their respective authorized representative on the date first above written.

 

The Lender: Tencent Music (Beijing) Co., Ltd.

 

/s/ Seal of Tencent Music (Beijing) Co., Ltd.

Signature: /s/ Hu Min
Name: Hu Min
Title: Legal Representative
The Borrower : Hu Min
Signature: /s/ Hu Min

Exhibit 10.32

Loan Agreement

This Loan Agreement (the “ Agreement ”) is entered into by and between the following Parties on February 8, 2018 in Beijing, People’s Republic of China (the “ PRC ”):

(1) Tencent Music (Beijing) Co., Ltd. (the “ Lender ”), a wholly foreign-owned enterprise incorporated and existing under the laws of the PRC, with its registered address at Room 303, 3rd Floor of 101, -2nd to 8th Floor, No.7 Building, East Tianchen Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing;

(2) Yang Qihu (the “ Borrower ”), a Chinese citizen with Identification No. [                    ].

The Lender and the Borrower shall hereinafter be referred to as a “ Party ” respectively and as the “ Parties ” collectively.

Whereas:

 

1.

As of the date of this Agreement, the Borrower holds 50% equity interests in Xizang Qiming Music Co., Ltd. (the “ Borrower’s Company ”). All the existing and future equity rights and interests the Borrower holds in the Borrower’s Company are referred to as the “ Borrower’s Equity Interest ”;

 

2.

The Lender agrees to provide a loan RMB 5 million to the Borrower for the purposes as specified in this Agreement.

Upon friendly negotiation, the Parties have reached the following agreements for their mutual compliance:

 

1

Loan

 

1


  1.1

The Lender agrees to provide a loan of RMB 5 million to the Borrower in accordance with the terms hereof (the “ Loan ”). During the term of this Agreement, the Lender shall provide to the Lender the respective amounts within one (1) month upon receipt of the notice by the Borrower requesting the provision of all or part of the Loan. The Loan shall be a long-term loan. During the term of the Loan, if any of the following events occurs, the Lender shall repay the Loan immediately in advance:

 

  1.1.1

30 days have passed upon the Borrower’s receipt of the written notice by the Lender requesting the repayment of the Loan;

 

  1.1.2

The Borrower dies or becomes a person without capacity or with limited capacity for civil acts;

 

  1.1.3

The Borrower is no longer the shareholder of the Borrower’s Company or its affiliates, or resigns from the Lender, the Borrower’s Company or its affiliates, regardless of the reasons thereof;

 

  1.1.4

The Borrower commits a crime or is involved in a crime;

 

  1.1.5

According to the applicable PRC laws, the foreigners may invest controlling shareholding or wholly in the existing major business of the Borrower’s Company and the relevant authorities in PRC begin to approve such business, and also the Lender decides to exercise its right of exclusive option in accordance with the Exclusive Option Agreement (together with its amendments from time to time, the “ Exclusive Option Agreement ”) to which it is a party.

 

2


  1.2

The Loan by the Lender under this Agreement only applies to the Borrower himself or herself, not his or her successors or assignees.

 

  1.3

The Borrower agrees to accept the aforesaid loan provided by the Lender, and hereby agrees and warranties to use the Loan to pay for its investment or increase in the registered capital of the Borrower’s Company or the working capital of the Borrower’s Company. Unless with prior written consent of the Lender, the Borrower will not use the Loan for any other purpose.

 

  1.4

The Lender and the Borrower hereby agree and confirm that the Borrower may repay the loan only by the following methods as required by the Lender: according to the Lender’s right to purchase the Borrower’s Equity Interest under the Exclusive Option Agreement, transfer all the equity interest in the Borrower’s Company to the Lender or any person (legal person or individual) as designated by the Lender, and use any proceeds obtained through the transfer of equity interests in the Borrower’s Company (to the extent as permitted) to repay the Loan in accordance with this Agreement to the Lender in the method as designated by the Lender.

 

  1.5

The Lender and the Borrower hereby agree and confirm that, to the extent as permitted by the applicable laws, the Lender shall be entitled to, but not be obliged to, purchase or designate any person (legal person or individual) to purchase all or part of the Borrower’s Equity Interest at any time, at a price as specified in the Exclusive Option Agreement.

 

3


  1.6

The Borrower also warranties to execute an irrevocable voting trust agreement (together with its amendments from time to time, the “ Voting Trust Agreement ”), which authorizes the Lender or a legal person or an individual as designated by the Lender to exercise all his or her rights as a shareholder in the Borrower’s Company.

 

  1.7

The Loan under this Agreement will be deemed as an interest-free loan if the price to transfer the Borrower’s Equity Interest from the Borrower to the Lender or any person as designated by the Lender is equal to or less than the amount of the Loan under this Agreement. However, if such transfer price exceeds the amount of the Loan under this Agreement, the exceeding amount will be deemed as the interest upon the Loan under this Agreement and repaid to the Lender from the Borrower.

 

2

Representations and Warranties

 

  2.1

The Lender represents and warrants to the Borrower that from the date of this Agreement until termination hereof:

 

  2.1.1

It is a company duly incorporated and validly existing under the PRC laws;

 

  2.1.2

it has the power to execute and perform this Agreement. Its execution and performance of this Agreement are in compliance with its business scope, articles of association or other organizational documents, and it has received all approvals and authorities necessary and appropriate to execute and perform this Agreement; and

 

4


  2.1.3

This Agreement, once executed, becomes legal, valid and enforceable obligations upon the Lender.

 

  2.2

The Borrower represents and warrants that from the date of this Agreement until termination hereof:

 

  2.2.1

he or she has the power to execute and perform this Agreement, and has received all approvals and authorities necessary and appropriate to execute and perform this Agreement;

 

  2.2.2

This Agreement, once executed, becomes legal, valid and enforceable obligations upon the Borrower; and

 

  2.2.3

There is no existing or potential dispute, suit, arbitration, administrative proceeding or any other legal proceeding in which the Borrower is involved.

 

3

Covenants from the Borrower

 

  3.1

The Borrower covenants in his or her capacity of the shareholder of the Borrower’s Company that during the term of this Agreement he or she will procure the Borrower’s Company:

 

  3.1.1

to strictly comply with the provisions of the Exclusive Option Agreement and the exclusive technical service agreement (together with its amendments from time to time, the “ Exclusive Technical Service Agreement ”) to which it is a party, and to refrain from any action/omission that may affect the effectiveness and enforceability thereof;

 

5


  3.1.2

to execute any contract or agreement regarding the business cooperation with the Lender (or any party as designated by the Lender) upon the request of the Lender (or any party as designated by the Lender), and to ensure the strict performance of such contract agreement;

 

  3.1.3

to provide to the Lender any and all information regarding its operations and financial conditions upon the request of the Lender;

 

  3.1.4

to immediately notify the Lender of any actual or potential litigation, arbitration or administrative proceeding regarding its assets, business and income;

 

  3.1.5

to appoint any person as nominated by the Lender to its board upon the request of the Lender.

 

  3.2

The Borrower covenants during the term of this Agreement:

 

  3.2.1

to procure at his or her best efforts the Borrower’s Company to conduct its major business, the specific scope of which shall be subject to the business license;

 

  3.2.2

to strictly comply with the provisions of this Agreement, the Voting Trust Agreement, the Equity Interest Pledge Agreement (together with is amendments from time to time, the “ Equity Interest Pledge Agreement ”) and the Exclusive Option Agreement to which he or she is a party, perform the obligations thereunder, and to refrain from any action/omission that may affect the effectiveness and enforceability thereof;

 

6


  3.2.3

except as provided under the Equity Interest Pledge Agreement, not to sell, transfer, pledge or otherwise dispose any legal or beneficial interest of the Borrower’s Equity Interest, or allow creation of any other security interests thereupon;

 

  3.2.4

to procure the shareholders and/or the board of directors of the Borrower’s Company not to approve any sale, transfer, pledge or otherwise disposal of any legal or beneficial interest of the Borrower’s Equity Interest, or creation of any other security interests thereupon without prior written consent from the Lender, except to the Lender or its designated person;

 

  3.2.5

to procure the shareholders and/or the board of the directors of the Borrower’s Company not to approve its merger or association with, or acquisition of or investment in any person without prior written consent from the Lender;

 

  3.2.6

to immediately notify the Lender of any actual or potential litigation, arbitration or administrative proceeding regarding the Borrower’s Equity Interest;

 

  3.2.7

to execute any document, conduct any action, and make any claim or defense, necessary or appropriate to maintain his or her ownership of the Borrower’s Equity Interest;

 

  3.2.8

not to make any act and/or omission which may affect any asset, business or liability of the Borrower’s Company without prior written consent from the Lender;

 

7


  3.2.9

to appoint any person as nominated by the Lender to the board of the Borrower’s Company upon the request of the Lender;

 

  3.2.10

to the extent as permitted under the PRC laws and upon the request of the Lender at any time, to transfer unconditionally and immediately the Borrower’s Equity Interest to the Lender or any person as designated by it, and procure any other shareholder of the Borrower’s Company to waive the right of first refusal regarding such transfer of equity interest under this Section;

 

  3.2.11

to the extent permitted under the PRC laws and upon the request of the Lender at any time, to procure any other shareholder of the Borrower’s Company to transfer unconditionally and immediately all the equity interests owned by such shareholder to the Lender or any person as designated by it, and the Borrower hereby waives his or her right of first refusal regarding such transfer of equity interest under this Section;

 

  3.2.12

if the Lender purchases the Borrower’s Equity Interest from the Borrower pursuant to the Exclusive Option Agreement, to use the price of such purchase to repay the Loan to the Lender on priority; and

 

  3.2.13

not to supplement, revise or amend its articles of association in any way, increase or decrease its registered capital, or change its shareholding structure in any way without prior written consent from the Lender.

 

8


4

Default Liabilities

 

  4.1

In the event that the Borrower materially breaches any provision under this Agreement, the Lender is entitled to terminate this Agreement and claim damages from the Borrower; this Section 4.1 shall not preclude any other rights entitled to the Lender as provided under this Agreement.

 

  4.2

The Borrower may not terminate or cancel this Agreement in any event unless otherwise provided under the laws.

 

  4.3

If the Borrower fails to repay the Loan pursuant to the terms under this Agreement, he or she will be liable for a penalty interest accrued upon the amount due and payable at a daily interest rate of 1 until the Loan as well as any penalty interest and any other amount accrued thereupon are fully repaid by the Borrower.

 

5

Notices

 

  5.1

All notices and other communications required or permitted to be given pursuant to this Agreement shall be delivered personally or sent by registered mail, postage prepaid, by a commercial courier service or by facsimile transmission to the designated address of such party as listed below. A confirmation copy of each notice shall also be sent by E-mail. The dates on which notices shall be deemed to have been effectively delivered shall be determined as follows:

 

9


  5.1.1

Notices given by personal delivery, by courier service or by registered mail, postage prepaid, shall be deemed effectively delivered upon the delivery.

 

  5.1.2

Notices given by facsimile transmission shall be deemed effectively delivered on the date of successful transmission (as evidenced by an automatically generated confirmation of transmission).

 

  5.2

For the purpose of notification, the addresses of the Parties are as follows:

The Lender: Tencent Music (Beijing) Co., Ltd.

Address : Mail Center, 7th Floor, China Technology Exchange Building, No.66 West Road, North 4th Ring Road, Haidian District, Beijing

Attention : Zhao Xiang

Tel : [                    ]

The Borrower: Yang Qihu

Address : Mail Center, 7th Floor, China Technology Exchange Building, No.66 West Road, North 4th Ring Road, Haidian District, Beijing

Tel : [                    ]

 

  5.3

Each Party may at any time change its address for notices by delivering a notice to the other Party in accordance with this Section.

 

6

Confidentiality

The Parties acknowledge and confirm that the terms of this Agreement and any oral or written information exchanged among the Parties in connection with the preparation and performance of this Agreement are regarded as confidential information. Each Party shall keep all such confidential information confidential, and shall not, without prior written consent of the other Party, disclose any confidential information to any third parties, except for information: (a) that is or will be available to the public (other than through the unauthorized disclosure to the public by the Party receiving confidential information); (b) that is required to be disclosed pursuant to the applicable laws or regulations, rules of any stock exchange, or orders of the court or other government authorities; or (c) that is disclosed by any Party to its shareholders, directors, employees, legal counsels or financial advisors regarding the transaction contemplated hereunder, provided that such shareholders, directors, employees, legal counsels or financial advisors shall be bound by the confidentiality obligations similar to the terms set forth in this Section. Disclosure of any confidential information by the shareholders, directors, employees or entities engaged by any Party shall be deemed as disclosure of such confidential information by such Party, which Party shall be held liable for breach of contract.

 

10


7

Governing Law and Disputes Resolution

 

  7.1

The execution, effectiveness, interpretation, performance, amendment and termination of this Agreement and the resolution of any disputes hereunder shall be governed by the PRC laws.

 

  7.2

Any disputes arising in connection with the implementation and performance of this Agreement shall be settled through friendly consultations among the Parties, and where such disputes are still unsolved within thirty (30) days upon issuance of the written notice by one Party to the other Party for consultations, such disputes shall be submitted by either Party to the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission for arbitration in accordance with its then effective arbitration rules. The arbitration shall take place in Beijing. The arbitration award shall be final and binding upon all the Parties.

 

11


  7.3

Upon the occurrence of any disputes arising from the interpretation and performance of this Agreement or during the pending arbitration of any disputes, except for the matters under dispute, the Parties to this Agreement shall continue to exercise their respective rights and perform their respective obligations hereunder.

 

8

Miscellaneous

 

  8.1

This Agreement shall be effective as of the date of its execution and expire until the Parties have performed their respective obligations under this Agreement.

 

  8.2

This Agreement is written in Chinese in two (2) originals, with each of the Lender and the Borrower holding one original.

 

  8.3

The Parties may amend and supplement this Agreement in writing. Any amendment and/or supplement to this Agreement by the Parties is an integral part of and has the same effect with this Agreement.

 

  8.4

In the event that one or several of the provisions of this Agreement are found to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any aspect in accordance with any laws or regulations, the validity, legality or enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall not be affected or compromised in any respect. The Parties shall strive in good faith to replace such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions with effective provisions that accomplish to the greatest extent permitted by law and the intentions of the Parties, and the economic effect of such effective provisions shall be as close as possible to the economic effect of those invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions.

 

12


  8.5

The attachments to this Agreement (if any) is an integral part of and has the same effect with this Agreement.

 

  8.6

Any obligation that occurs or becomes due under this Agreement prior to the expiry of this Agreement or early termination shall survive the expiration or early termination of this Agreement. The provisions under Section 4, Section 6, Section 7 and this Section 8.6 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

 

13


IN WITNESS HEREOF, the Parties have caused this Loan Agreement to be executed by their respective authorized representative on the date first above written.

 

The Lender : Tencent Music (Beijing) Co., Ltd.

 

/s/ Seal of Tencent Music (Beijing) Co., Ltd.

Signature :  

/s/ Hu Min

Name : Hu Min
Title : Legal Representative
The Borrower : Yang Qihu
Signature :  

/s/ Yang Qihu

Exhibit 10.33

Equity Interest Pledge Agreement

By and among

Shareholders Listed in Schedule A

Tencent Music (Beijing) Co., Ltd.

And

Guangzhou Kugou Computer Technology Co., Ltd.

Regarding

Guangzhou Kugou Computer Technology Co., Ltd.

March 26, 2018


EQUITY INTEREST PLEDGE AGREEMENT

This Equity Interest Pledge Agreement (this “ Agreement ”) is entered into on March 26, 2018 by and among:

 

1.

All shareholders listed in Schedule A. Please refer to Schedule A for detailed information of each shareholder.

(Each shareholder listed in Schedule A shall be hereinafter referred to as a “ Pledgor ” respectively, and as the “ Pledgors ” collectively.)

 

2.

Tencent Music (Beijing) Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as the “ Pledgee ”)

Registered Address: Room 303, 3rd Floor of 101, -2nd to 8th Floor, No.7 Building, East Tianchen Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing.

Legal Representative: Hu Min

 

3.

Guangzhou Kugou Computer Technology Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as the “ Company ”)

Registered Address: Room 1301, Building 2, No. 16 Keyun Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou.

Legal Representative: Hu Min

(In this Agreement, each of the Pledgors, the Pledgee and the Company shall be referred to as a “ Party ” respectively, and as the “ Parties ” collectively.)

WHEREAS:

 

(1)

The Pledgors are registered shareholders on record of the Company as of the execution date of this Agreement, aggregately holding 100% of the equity interests in the Company (hereinafter the “ Company Equities ”). Upon the execution date of this Agreement, the Pledgors’ capital contributions to the registered capital of the Company and proportions of shareholding are set out in Schedule A hereto.

 

(2)

The Parties herein have executed an Exclusive Option Agreement on July 12, 2016 (hereinafter the “ Exclusive Option Agreement ”), pursuant to which the Pledgors shall, to the extent permitted by the PRC Laws, transfer all or partial Company Equities held by the Pledgors to the Pledgee and/or any other entity or individual designated by the Pledgee in accordance with the Pledgee’s request.

 

(3)

The Parties herein have executed a Voting Trust Agreement on July 12, 2016 (hereinafter the “ Voting Trust Agreement ”), pursuant to which the Pledgors shall irrevocably entrust its full rights and authorities to the person designated by the Pledgee on the occasion to exercise all the shareholder voting power granted to the Pledgors in the Company.

 

1


(4)

The Company and the Pledgee have executed an Exclusive Technical Service Agreement on July 12, 2016 (hereinafter the “ Service Agreement ”), pursuant to which the Company exclusively employs the Pledgee to provide relevant technical services, and agrees to pay the corresponding service fees to the Pledgee for such technical services.

 

(5)

Mr. Xie Guomin, Mr. Chen Xiaotao and the Pledgee have executed a Loan Agreement (hereinafter the “ Loan Agreement ”) on April 21, 2014, pursuant to which the Pledgee has provided a loan of RMB128,800,000 to Mr. Xie Guomin and Mr. Chen Xiaotao; Mr. Chen Xiaotao, Mr. Qiu Zhongwei and the Pledgee have executed a Transfer and Offset of Creditor’s Rights Agreement on March 20, 2017, pursuant to which Mr. Qiu Zhongwei inherits all of Mr. Chen Xiaotao’s rights and obligations under the Loan Agreement (Mr. Qiu Zhongwei and Mr. Xie Guomin, collectively as the “ borrowers ”).

 

(6)

As security for the performance of the Contractual Obligations (as defined hereunder) and for the full payment of the Secured Indebtedness, the Pledgors agree to pledge all their equity interests held by them in the Company in favor of the Pledgee, and grant the Pledgee the most prioritized pledge right, with the Company’s consent on such equity pledge arrangement.

THEREFORE , upon mutual discussion, the Parties agree as follows:

 

1

Definitions

 

  1.1

Unless otherwise defined by the context, the following terms shall have the following meanings in this Agreement:

 

Contractual

Obligations

   shall refer to (i) for the Pledgors excluding the borrowers, all the contractual obligations under the Exclusive Option Agreement, the Voting Trust Agreement and this Agreement; (ii) for the borrowers, all the contractual obligations under the Exclusive Option Agreement, Voting Trust Agreement and this Agreement; (iii) for the Company, all the contractual obligations under the Exclusive Option Agreement, Voting Trust Agreement, Service Agreement and this Agreement.

 

2


Secured Indebtedness    shall refer to the Company’s obligation to pay the service fees under the Service Agreement and other obligations, the borrowers’ obligations of repayment, and all the direct, indirect and derivative losses and losses of anticipated profits, suffered by the Pledgee, incurred as a result of any Event of Default (as defined hereunder) by the Pledgors and/or the Company. The amount of such loss shall be calculated in accordance with, without limitation, the reasonable business plan and profit forecast of the Pledgee, the service fees payable by the Company to the Pledgee under the Service Agreement, the principal payable by the borrowers under the Loan Agreement, and all expenses occurred in connection with enforcement by the Pledgee of the Pledgor’s and/or the Company’s Contract Obligations.
Transaction Agreement    shall refer to the Exclusive Option Agreement, the Voting Trust Agreement, the Service Agreement and the Loan Agreement.

Event of

Default

   shall refer to any breach to any contractual obligations under the Exclusive Option Agreement by the Pledgors excluding the borrowers, any borrower’s breach to any contractual obligations under the Exclusive Option Agreement, the Voting Trust Agreement, the Loan Agreement and/or this Agreement, and the Company’s breach to any contractual obligations under the Exclusive Option Agreement, the Voting Trust Agreement, the Service Agreement and/or this Agreement.

Pledged

Equity

   shall refer to all Company Equities legally held by the Pledgors upon the effective date of this Agreement (the specific equity interest pledged by each Pledgor is set out in Schedule A in this Agreement), the increased capital contribution and dividend under Clauses 2.6 and 2.7 herein, and other equity interest in the Company held by the Pledgors by any others means.
PRC Laws    shall refer to the then effective laws, administrative regulations, administrative rules, local regulations, judicial interpretations and other binding regulatory documents of the People’s Republic of China (for the purpose of this Agreement, excluding Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Macau Special Administrative Region and Taiwan).

 

  1.2

In this Agreement, any reference to any PRC Laws shall be deemed to include (1) a reference to such PRC Laws as modified, amended, supplemented or reenacted, effective before or after the date of this Agreement; and (2) a reference to any other decision, circular or rule made pursuant to such PRC Laws or effective as a result of such PRC Laws.

 

  1.3

Unless otherwise stated in the context of this Agreement, a reference to a provision, clause, section or paragraph shall refer to a corresponding provision, clause, section or paragraph of this Agreement.

 

3


2

Equity Pledge

 

  2.1

The Pledgors hereby agree to pledge, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, their lawfully owned and disposable equity interests in favor of the Pledgee as the security for the repayment of the Secured Indebtedness. The Company hereby agrees that Pledgors pledge the Pledged Equities in favor of the Pledgee in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

 

  2.2

The Pledgors undertake to record the share pledge arrangements (“ Share Pledge ”) in the register of shareholders on the effective date of this Agreement. The Pledgors further undertake to make the best efforts and take all necessary actions to apply with the competent industrial and commercial authority for the registration of the Pledged Equity under this Agreement within ten (10) business days after the execution date of this Agreement. The Pledgors and the Pledgee shall, pursuant to PRC Laws and all requirements of relevant industrial and commercial authorities, submit all necessary documents and deal with all necessary procedures, ensuring that the pledge right can be registered as soon as possible after the application submission, and deliver the original copy of the registration certificate (including without limitation the pledge registration notification) to the Pledgee; the relevant fees shall be borne by the Company.

 

  2.3

During the term of this Agreement, the Pledgee shall not be liable in whatsoever manner for any decrease in the value of the Pledged Equities and the Pledgors are not entitled to seek any form of recourse or make any request, unless such decrease is caused by the Pledgors’ intention or gross negligence having direct causation to the result.

 

  2.4

Subject to Section 2.3 above, if the Pledged Equities could experience material impairment which is capable to prejudice the rights of the Pledgee, the Pledgee may at any time auction or sell the Pledged Equities on behalf of the Pledgors and may, as agreed with the Pledgors, apply the proceeds from such auction or sale towards accelerated repayment of the Secured Indebtedness, or deposit such proceeds with a notary public at the place where the Pledgee is located (any costs thereby incurred shall be entirely borne by the Pledgee).

 

  2.5

Upon occurrence of any Event of Default, the Pledgee shall be entitled to dispose of the Pledged Equities in such manner as prescribed in Article 4 of this Agreement.

 

4


  2.6

The Pledgors shall not increase the capital of the Company without prior consent of the Pledgee. The amount of capital added to the Company’s registered capital because of the Pledgors’ contribution shall be deemed as the Pledged Equities. The Pledgors undertake to record the equity pledge for the increased amount of registered capital under this Clause 2.6 in the register of shareholders within ten (10) business days after the capital increase, to apply with the competent industrial and commercial authority for the registration, and to deliver the original copy of the registration certificate (including without limitation to the pledge registration notification) to the Pledgee; the relevant fees shall be borne by the Company.

 

  2.7

During the term of pledge, the Pledgors are entitled to receive proceeds (including without limitation any dividend, profit and other income) generated by the Pledged Equities. The Pledgors shall not receive any dividend or bonus in respect of the Pledged Equities without prior consent of the Pledgee. The Pledgors’ dividend or bonus obtained from the Pledged Equities shall be deposited in the bank account designated by the Pledgee, being administrated by the Pledgee, and shall be used for the repayment for the Secured Indebtedness.

 

  2.8

Upon occurrence of any Event of Default, the Pledgee shall be entitled to dispose of any Pledgor’s any pledged Equities in the manner as prescribed in this Agreement.

 

3

Release of Pledge

 

  3.1

After full and complete performance of all the Contractual Obligations and full repayment of all the Secured Indebtedness by the Pledgors and the Company, the Pledgee shall, at the request of the Pledgors, release the equity pledge under this Agreement and cooperate with the Pledgors to deregister the equity pledge recorded in the register of shareholders and to deregister the pledge with the competent industrial and commercial authority. Reasonable costs thereby incurred shall be borne by the Pledgee.

 

4

Disposal of Pledged Equities

 

  4.1

The Parties hereby agree that upon occurrence of any Event of Default, the Pledgee shall be entitled to exercise all rights and power to claim remedies available under the PRC Laws, the Transaction Agreements and this Agreement with written notice to the Pledgors, including without limitation the right to auction or sell the Pledged Equities and to be indemnified in priority with the proceeds thereof. The Pledgee shall not be held liable for any losses from its lawful and reasonable exercise of such rights and power.

 

5


  4.2

The Pledgee shall be entitled to appoint in writing its legal advisor or any other agent to exercise any and all of its foregoing rights and power, to which the Pledgors shall not raise any objection and shall provide necessary assistance.

 

  4.3

The Pledgee shall be entitled to deduct all reasonable costs actually incurred in connection with its exercise of any or all of its aforesaid rights and power from the proceeds obtained from such exercise of rights and power.

 

  4.4

The proceeds obtained from the exercise by the Pledgee of its rights and power shall be applied in the following order of precedence:

 

  (i)

payment of all costs arising out of the disposal of the Pledged Equities and the exercise by the Pledgee of its rights and power (including fees paid to its legal advisor and agent);

 

  (ii)

payment of the taxes payable in connection with the disposal of the Pledged Equities; and

 

  (iii)

repayment of the Secured Indebtedness to the Pledgee;

Any balance after the deduction of the aforesaid payments shall either be returned by the Pledgee to the Pledgors or any other person who is entitled to such balance under relevant laws and regulations, or be deposited with a notary public at the place where the Pledgee is located (any costs thereby incurred shall be entirely borne by the Pledgee).

 

  4.5

The Pledgee shall have the option to exercise concurrently or successively any of the remedies available to it; the Pledgee shall not be required to exhaust all other remedies available to it prior to auction or sale of the Pledged Equities under this Agreement.

 

5

Fees and Expenses

 

  5.1

All costs and expenses actually incurred in connection with the creation of the equity pledge under this Agreement, including without limitation the stamp duty, any other taxes and all legal fees, shall be borne by the Company.

 

6


6

Continuity and No Waiver

 

  6.1

The Pledged Equities shall be continuous security and shall remain valid until full performance of the Contractual Obligations or full repayment of the Secured Indebtedness. No waiver or grace period granted by the Pledgee to the Pledgors in respect of any breach or any delay by the Pledgee in exercising any of its rights under the Transaction Agreements and this Agreement shall affect the rights available to the Pledgee under this Agreement, applicable PRC Laws and the Transaction Agreements to demand at any time thereafter strict performance by the Pledgors of the Transaction Agreements and this Agreement, or any of the rights available to the Pledgee arising from any subsequent breach by the Pledgors of the Transaction Agreements and/or this Agreement.

 

7

Representations and Warranties of the Pledgors

Excluding the circumstances as disclosed in Schedule A, each Pledgor hereby respectively and not jointly represent and warrant to the Pledgee that:

 

  7.1

If the Pledgor is a natural person, he is a Chinese citizen with full civil capacity, and has legal rights and capacity to execute this Agreement and bears legal obligations under this Agreement. If the Pledgor is not a natural person, it is a legal entity duely incorporated under PRC Laws with legal rights and capacity to execute this Agreement and bears legal obligations under this Agreement.

 

  7.2

As of the effective date of this Agreement, the Pledgor is the only lawful owner of the Pledged Equities free from any existing dispute in relation to the ownership thereof. Other than the security interests created on the Pledged Equities under this Agreement and the rights created under the Transaction Agreements, the Pledgor has the right to dispose of the Pledged Equities or any part thereof.

 

  7.3

Other than the security interests created on the Pledged Equities under this Agreement and the rights created under the Transaction Agreements, the Pledged Equities are free from any other security interests or third party rights and interests and any other restriction.

 

  7.4

The Pledged Equities can be lawfully pledged and transferred, and the Pledgor has full rights and power to pledge the Pledged Equities to the Pledgee in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

 

  7.5

This agreement, once properly signed by the Pledgor, constitutes legal, valid and binding obligations to the Pledgor.

 

7


  7.6

As necessary to the execution and performance of this Agreement and the equity pledge under this Agreement, any consent, permission, waiver or authorization by any third party or any approval, license or exemption by any governmental body or registration or filing formalities (if required by law) with any governmental body have been obtained or handled (except for the required approval and registration (including without limitation the review and approval from State Administration of Radio and Television and change registration with industrial and commercial authorities) with the governmental authority of the shares that Tang Liang inherits from Ding Jizhong and Shenzhen Lvying Venture Capital Co., Ltd. respectively, the changed registered capital and share ownership structure under the SPA executed by and between Linzhi Lichuang Information Technology Co., Ltd. and the Company, the shares that Qiu Zhongwei inherits from Chen Xiaotao, and except for that the pledge registration with the industrial and commercial authority will be processed as soon as possible in reasonably available time after the execution of this Agreement), and will remain in full force during the term of this Agreement.

 

  7.7

The execution and performance of this Agreement by the Pledgor do not violate or conflict with any law applicable to the Pledgor in effect, any agreement to which the Pledgor is a party or by which its assets are bound, any court judgment, any arbitral award, or any decision of any administrative authority.

 

  7.8

The pledge under this Agreement constitutes a first ranking security interest on the Pledged Equities held by the Pledgor.

 

  7.9

All taxes and fees payable in connection with obtaining the Pledged Equities have been paid in full in accordance with the laws by the Pledgor.

 

  7.10

There are no pending or, to the knowledge of the Pledgor, threatened suits, arbitrations, or other legal proceedings or claims before any court or arbitral tribunal, or administrative proceedings, or other legal proceedings or claims before any governmental body or administrative authority against the Pledged Equities, the Pledgor or their properties , which will have a material or adverse effect on the economic conditions of the Pledgor or the Pledgor’s ability to perform its obligations and security liability under this Agreement.

 

  7.11

The Pledgor hereby warrants to the Pledgee that the representations and warranties made above will remain true and correct and will be fully complied with under all circumstances until full performance of the Contractual Obligations or the full repayment of the Secured Indebtedness.

 

8


8

Representations and Warranties of the Company

The Company hereby represents and warrants to the Pledgee that:

 

  8.1

The Company is a limited liability company duly registered and lawfully existing under PRC Laws with independent legal personality, and has full and independent legal status and capacity to execute and deliver this Agreement and may sue or be sued as an independent party.

 

  8.2

All reports, documents and information provided by it to the Pledgee prior to or upon the effectiveness of this Agreement with respect to matters pertaining to the Pledged Equity or required by this Agreement are true and correct in all material respects as of the effectiveness of this Agreement.

 

  8.3

All reports, documents and information provided by it to the Pledgee after the effectiveness of this Agreement with respect to matters pertaining to the Pledged Equity or required by this Agreement are true and valid in all material respects as of the effectiveness of this Agreement.

 

  8.4

This agreement, once properly signed by the Company, constitutes legal, valid and binding obligations to the Company.

 

  8.5

It has full internal corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and all other documents to be executed by it in connection with the transactions contemplated hereunder as well as full power and authority to consummate the transactions contemplated hereunder;

 

  8.6

There are no pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened suits, arbitrations, or other legal proceedings or claims before any court or arbitral tribunal, or administrative proceedings, or other legal proceedings or claims before any governmental body or administrative authority against the Pledged Equities, the Company or its assets, which will have a material or adverse effect on the economic conditions of the Company or the Pledgor’s ability to perform its obligations and security liability under this Agreement.

 

  8.7

The Company hereby agrees to be jointly liable to the Pledgee for the representations and warranties made by each Pledgor under Article 7 hereunder.

 

  8.8

The Company hereby warrants to the Pledgee that the foregoing representations and warranties will remain true and correct and fully complied with under all circumstances at any time prior to full performance of the Contractual Obligations or full repayment of the Secured Indebtedness.

 

9


9

Undertakings by the Pledgors

The Pledgors each respectively and not jointly undertake to the Pledgee that:

 

  9.1

Without prior written consent of the Pledgee, the Pledgors will not create or permit to be created any new pledge or any other security interest on the Pledged Equity and any pledge or other security interest created on all or any part of the Pledged Equity without prior written consent of the Pledgee shall be null and void.

 

  9.2

Without prior written notice to and prior written consent from the Pledgee, the Pledgors will not assign the Pledged Equity and all purported assignment of the Pledged Equity by the Pledgors shall be null and void. The proceeds received by the Pledgors from the assignment of the Pledged Equity shall be first applied towards full repayment to the Pledgee of the Secured Indebtedness or shall be deposited with a third party as agreed with the Pledgee.

 

  9.3

Should there arise any suit, arbitration or other claims which are likely to have an adverse effect on the Pledgors’ or the Pledgee’s interest under the Transaction Agreements and this Agreement or on the Pledged Equity, the Pledgors undertake that they will notify the Pledgee in writing of the same as promptly as possible without delay and will, in accordance with the reasonable request of the Pledgee, take all necessary measures to ensure the Pledgee’s rights and interests of pledge in and to the Pledged Equity.

 

  9.4

The Pledgors undertake to complete the registration procedure to extend the Company’s business period in three (3) months before the expiry of the Company’s business period, in order to maintain the validity of this Agreement.

 

  9.5

The Pledgors will not do or permit to be done any act or action likely to have an adverse effect on the interest of the Pledgee under the Transaction Agreements and this Agreement or on the Pledged Equity. The Pledgors waive their preferential right of purchase if and when the Pledgee realizes its rights of pledge.

 

  9.6

The Pledgors will, in accordance with the reasonable request of the Pledgee, take all steps and execute all documents (including without limitation any supplement hereto) necessary to ensure the Pledgee’s rights and interests of pledge in and to the Pledged Equity as well as the exercise and realization by the Pledgee of such rights and interests.

 

  9.7

Should the exercise of the rights of pledge hereunder result in an assignment of any Pledged Equity, the Pledgors undertake that they will take all measures to enable the realization of such assignment.

 

10


10

Undertakings by the Company

 

  10.1

The Company will use every effort to assist with the obtaining of any consents, permissions, waivers, authorizations of any third party or any approval, license or exemption from any governmental body or the completion of any registration or filing formalities with any governmental body (if required by law), requisite in each case for the execution and performance of this Agreement and the creation of the Equity Pledge hereunder, and will maintain the same in full force and effect during the term hereof.

 

  10.2

Without prior written consent of the Pledgee, the Company will not assist or permit the Pledgors to create any new pledge or any other security interest on the Pledged Equity.

 

  10.3

Without prior written consent of the Pledgee, the Company will not assist or permit the Pledgors to assign the Pledged Equity.

 

  10.4

Should there arise any suit, arbitration or other claims which are likely to have an adverse effect on the Company, the Pledged Equities or the Pledgee’s interest under the Transaction Agreements and this Agreement, the Company undertakes that it will notify the Pledge in writing of the same as promptly as possible without delay and will, in accordance with the reasonable request of the Pledgee, take all necessary measures to ensure the Pledgee’s pledge rights and interests in and to the Pledged Equity.

 

  10.5

The Company undertakes to complete the registration procedure to extend its business period in three (3) months before the expiry of its business period, in order to maintain the validity of this Agreement.

 

  10.6

The Company will not do or permit to be done any act or action likely to have an adverse effect on the interest of the Pledgee under the Transaction Agreements and this Agreement or on the Pledged Equity.

 

  10.7

The Pledgors will during the first month of each calendar quarter submit to the Pledgee the financial statements of the Company for the preceding calendar quarter, including without limitation the balance sheet, the income statement and the cash flow statement.

 

  10.8

The Company will, in accordance with the reasonable request of the Pledgee, take all steps and execute all documents (including without limitation any supplement hereto) necessary to ensure the Pledgee’s rights and interests of pledge in and to the Pledged Equity as well as the exercise and realization by the Pledgee of such rights and interests.

 

11


  10.9

Should the exercise of the rights of pledge hereunder result in an assignment of any Pledged Equity, the Company undertakes that it will take all measures to enable the realization of such assignment.

 

11

Fundamental Changes of Circumstances

 

  11.1

As a supplementary agreement and without contravening other provisions of the Transaction Agreements and this Agreement, if, at any time, in the opinion of the Pledgee, as a result of any promulgation of or amendment to any PRC Laws, regulations or rules, or of any change in the interpretation or application of such laws, regulations or rules, or of any change in relevant registration procedures, the maintaining of the validity of this Agreement and/or the disposal of the Pledged Equity in the manner prescribed hereunder becomes illegal or contravenes such laws, regulations or rules, the Pledgors and the Company shall, on the Pledgee’s written instruction and in accordance with its reasonable request, immediately take any actions and/or execute any agreements or other documents so as to:

 

  (i)

maintain the validity of this Agreement;

 

  (ii)

facilitate the disposal of the Pledged Equity in the manner prescribed hereunder; and/or

 

  (iii)

maintain or realize the security created or purported to be created hereunder.

 

12

Effectiveness and Term of Agreement

 

  12.1

This Agreement is valid once signed properly by all Parties. This Agreement is the final version agreement which the Parties have reached upon in respect of the equity pledge and relevant issues; this Agreement shall fully replace any and all of previous consultation, negotiation or discussion which all Parties have reached upon, and any and all of letters of intent, memorandums, agreements or other documents (including without limitation the Equity Interest Pledge Agreement executed by and among the Company, the Pledgee and some Pledgors on July 12, 2016) which all Parties have reached upon and agreed. If there is any conflict, contravention or inconsistence in such consultation, negotiation, discussion results, such letters of intent, memorandum, agreements or other documents against this Agreement, this Agreement shall prevail. All Parties shall, bearing the principle of good faith, make all efforts to assist in having such equity pledge registered in the competent industrial and commercial authority in a short period. For this purpose, the Company shall apply for the registration with the competent industrial and commercial authority in reasonable time.

 

12


The Pledgors shall deliver to the Pledgee for custody the capital contribution certificate for the Equity Interest and the shareholders’ register containing the Pledge on the effective date of this Agreement. Upon the effectiveness of this Agreement, the Pledgors shall, at the Pledgee’s request, provide the pledge registration certificate issued by the competent industrial and commercial authority to the Pledgee in a form satisfactory to the Pledgee. The Pledgee will keep these documents in its custody during the whole pledge period prescribed in this Agreement.

 

  12.2

The term of this Agreement shall end when the Contractual Obligations is performed in full or when the Secured Indebtedness is repaid in full.

 

  12.3

To avoid ambiguity, each Pledgor is not jointly liable to any obligation or liability of other Pledgor or the Company.

 

13

Notice

 

  13.1

Any notice, request, demand and other correspondences required by or made pursuant to this Agreement shall be made in writing and delivered to the relevant Party.

 

  13.2

Aforesaid notice or other correspondences shall be deemed delivered when it is transmitted if transmitted by fax or telex; or upon delivery, if delivered in person; or five (5) days after posting, if delivered by mail; or upon the signature of the recipient, if delivered by courier service. But if the notice is returned due to the recipient’s fault or the recipient’s refusal to sign, the notice is deemed delivered on the date when the notice is returned.

 

14

Miscellaneous

 

  14.1

The Pledgors and the Company agree that the Pledgee may, immediately upon notice to the Pledgors and the Company, assign its rights and/or obligations hereunder to any third party; and that without prior written consent of the Pledgee, neither the Pledgors nor the Company may assign their respective rights, obligations or liabilities hereunder to any third party. The successors or permitted assignees (if any) of the Pledgors and the Company shall be obligated to continue to perform the Pledgors’ and the Company’s respective obligations hereunder.

 

13


  14.2

The sum of the Secured Indebtedness determined by the Pledgee in its discretion in connection with its exercise of its rights of pledge with respect to the Pledged Equity in accordance with the terms hereof shall constitute the conclusive evidence for the Secured Indebtedness hereunder.

 

  14.3

This Agreement is made in Chinese in sixteen (16) originals, with each Party holding one (1) copy. With the special consensus of all Parties, the digital version of the executed copy of this Agreement saved as the form of PDF, as exchanged among all Parties, is deemed an original copy.

 

  14.4

The entry into, effectiveness, performance, modification, interpretation and termination of this Agreement shall be governed by PRC Laws.

 

  14.5

Dispute Resolution

 

  (1)

Any dispute, argument or claim (hereinafter the “ disputes ”) arising out of or in connection with of this Agreement or breach, termination or invalidity of this Agreement shall be settled by both Parties of the disputes through consultations. The Party raising the claim shall promptly inform the other Party that disputes have arisen and illustrate the nature of the dispute via a notice with date. In the absence of an agreement being reached by the Parties within thirty (30) days after the dispute notice, the dispute may be brought by any Party the dispute before the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (hereinafter “ CIETAC ”) to be arbitrated in Beijing pursuant to CIETAC’s effective arbitration rules upon the submission of the dispute and this Clause 14.5. The arbitration award shall be final and binding on the Parties to the dispute.

 

  (2)

The arbitral tribunal shall consist of three (3) arbitrators. Each Party to the dispute has the right to respectively appoint one (1) arbitrator, and the third (3rd) arbitrator shall be jointly appointed by both Parties to the dispute. If the Parties to the dispute cannot reach agreement on the appointment of the third (3rd) arbitrator, such arbitrator shall be appointed by the director of the Arbitration Commission. The third arbitrator shall be the chief arbitrator of the arbitral tribunal.

 

  (3)

When making an arbitral award, the arbitrator shall take into account the intention of hereto determined by this agreement the Parties.

 

  (4)

The arbitral award made by the arbitral tribunal pursuant to this Clause 14.5 shall be made in writing and shall be final and binding upon both Parties to the dispute. Both Parties to the dispute should do their best to enable any of such arbitral awards to be implemented in time and provide any necessary assistance to the implementation.

 

14


  (5)

The aforesaid provisions of this Clause 14.5 shall not prevent the concerned Parties from applying for any prior protection or injunction for any reason, including without limitation the subsequent enforcement of the arbitral award.

 

  14.6

No right, power or remedy empowered to any Party by any provision of this Agreement shall preclude any other right, power or remedy enjoyed by such Party in accordance with law or any other provisions hereof and no exercise by a Party of any of its rights, powers and remedies shall preclude its exercise of its other rights, powers and remedies.

 

  14.7

No failure or delay by a Party in exercising any right, power or remedy under this Agreement or laws (hereinafter the “ Party’s Rights ”) shall result in a waiver of such right, and no single or partial waiver by a Party of the Party’s Rights shall preclude such Party from exercising such rights in any other way or exercising the remaining part of the Party’s Rights. The Parties shall, via negotiation in good faith, endeavor to replace those invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions with provisions that permitted by laws and effective to the most extent that the Parties expect, while such effective provisions and those invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions shall be alike as much as possible in the economic effects.

 

  14.8

The section headings herein are inserted for convenience of reference only and shall in no event be used in or affect the interpretation of the provisions hereof.

 

  14.9

Each provision contained herein shall be severable and independent of any other provisions hereof, and if at any time any one or more provisions hereof become invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions hereof shall not be affected thereby.

 

  14.10

Any amendments or supplements to this Agreement shall be made in writing and except where the Pledgee assigns its rights hereunder in accordance with Clause 14.1, such amendments or supplements shall take effect only when properly signed by the Parties hereto.

 

  14.11

This Agreement shall be binding upon the legal successors of the Parties.

 

15


  14.12

Concurrently with the execution of this Agreement, the Pledgors shall each execute a power of attorney (hereinafter the “ POA ”), entrusting the nominee or any person designated by the Pledgee to execute on its behalf in accordance with this Agreement any and all of legal documents as may be required in order for the Pledgee to exercise its rights hereunder. Such POA shall be submitted to the Pledgee for custody and may be presented by the Pledgee to relevant governmental authorities whenever necessary.

[ The remainder of this page is intentionally left blank ]

 

16


Schedule A

Basic information of the Company

 

Company Name:    Guangzhou Kugou Computer Technology Co., Ltd.
Registered Address:    Room 1301, Building 2, No. 16 Keyun Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou
Registered Capital:    RMB 68,000,892 Yuan
Legal Representative:    Xie Zhenyu
Shareholding Structure:   

 

#

  

Shareholder’s Name

   Identification No./
Registration No.
   Registered
Capital
     Shareholding
Percentage
 
1    Xie Zhenyu    [            ]      4,480,350        6.59
2    Hu Huan    [            ]      800,000        1.18
3    Xu Hanjie    [            ]      375,000        0.55
4   

Hangzhou Yong Xuan Yong Ming Capital Investment Partnership (Limited Partnership)

   913301005832240649      500,000        0.74
5    Kashi Tianshan Red Sea Venture Capital Co., Ltd.    91653100MA7755T28L      2,000,000        2.94
6    Shenzhen Litong Industry Investment Fund Co., Ltd.    91440300075839388T      4,603,261        6.77
7    Dong Jianming    [            ]      1,004,950        1.48
8    Gao Yaping    [            ]      750,000        1.10
9    Guangzhou Lekong Investment Partnership (Limited Partnership)    91440101591540905J      735,880        1.08
10    Xie Guomin    [            ]      6,792,571        9.99
11    Qiu Zhongwei    [            ]      6,792,571        9.99
12    Tang Liang    [            ]      1,853,820        2.73
13    Linzhi Lichuang Information Technology Co., Ltd.    91540400MA6T10ME4F      37,312,489        54.87
     

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   /      68,000,892        100.00
     

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

 


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date on the venue first above written.

 

Xie Zhenyu
Signature: /s/ Xie Zhenyu
Hu Huan
Signature: /s/ Hu Huan
Xu Hanjie
Signature: /s/ Xu Hanjie
Hangzhou Yong Xuan Yong Ming Capital Investment Partnership (Limited Partnership)
/s/ Seal of Hangzhou Yong Xuan Yong Ming Capital Investment Partnership (Limited Partnership)
Kashi Tianshan Red Sea Venture Capital Co., Ltd.
/s/ Seal of Kashi Tianshan Red Sea Venture Capital Co., Ltd.
Shenzhen Litong Industry Investment Fund Co., Ltd.
/s/ Seal of Shenzhen Litong Industry Investment Fund Co., Ltd.
Dong Jianming
Signature: /s/ Dong Jianming
Gao Yaping

Signature: /s/ Gao Yaping

Xie Guomin

Signature: /s/ Xie Guomin

Qiu Zhongwei

Signature: /s/ Qiu Zhongwei


Tang Liang
Signature: /s/ Tang Liang
Linzhi Lichuang Information Technology Co., Ltd.
/s/ Seal of Linzhi Lichuang Information Technology Co., Ltd.
Tencent Music (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
/s/ Seal of Tencent Music (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
Guangzhou Kugou Computer Technology Co., Ltd.
/s/ Seal of Guangzhou Kugou Computer Technology Co., Ltd.

Exhibit 10.34

Exclusive Option Agreement

By and Among

All the shareholders listed in Schedule A

and

Tencent Music (Beijing) Co., Ltd.

and

Guangzhou Kugou Computer Technology Co., Ltd.

March 26, 2018


Exclusive Option Agreement

This Exclusive Option Agreement (the “ Agreement ”) is entered into on March 26, 2018, by and among the following Parties:

 

1.

All the shareholders listed in Schedule A , of which the information see Schedule A.

(All the shareholders listed in Schedule A separately and collectively referred to as the “ Existing Shareholders ”);

 

2.

Tencent Music (Beijing) Co., Ltd. (the “ WFOE ”)

Registered address: Room 303, 3rd Floor of 101, -2nd to 8th Floor, No.7 Building, East Tianchen Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing.

 

3.

Guangzhou Kugou Computer Technology Co., Ltd.(the “ Company ”)

Registered address: Room 1301, Building 2, No. 16, Keyun Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou.

(In this Agreement, each Party shall be referred to as a “ Party ” respectively or as the “ Parties ” collectively.)

Whereas:

 

(1)

Mr. Xie Guomin and Mr. Chen Xiaotao signed the Capital Subscription Agreement on November 20, 2013.

 

(2)

Mr. Xie Guomin, Mr. Chen Xiaotao and the WFOE signed the Loan Agreement on April 21, 2014 (the “ Loan Agreement ”). According to the Loan Agreement, the WFOE have had made a loan to Mr. Xie Guomin, Mr. Chen Xiaotao with amount of RMB 128,800,000 to pay the increased capital above-mentioned in (1).

 

(3)

Mr. Chen Xiaotao, Mr. Qiu Zhongwei and the WFOE signed the Equity Transfer Agreement and Debt Assignment and Offset Agreement on March 20, 2017 respectively, according to which Mr. Chen Xiaotao transferred the contribution in the Company to Mr. Qiu Zhongwei, and all parties agreed that the loan that the WFOE made to Mr. Chen Xiaotao as above-mentioned in (2), and the equity transfer price that Mr, Qiu Zhongwei should pay to Mr. Chen Xiaotao shall be offset. Mr. Qiu Zhongwei shall inherit all rights and obligations of Mr. Chen Xiaotao in the Loan Agreement.

 

(4)

Linzhi Lichuang Information Technology Co., Ltd. signed a subscription agreement to subscribe the Company’s new registered capital on July 12, 2016.

 

(5)

The Existing Shareholders currently are registered shareholders of the Company, lawfully and legally holding all the equity of the Company. As of the date of this Agreement, the amount of contribution of each Existing Shareholder in the registered capital is shown in Schedule A .

 

1


(6)

The Existing Shareholders intends to transfer all the equity to the WFOE and/or any other entity or individual designated by the WFOE without prejudice to the PRC law, and the WFOE intends to accept such transfer.

 

(7)

The Company intends to transfer its assets to the WFOE and/or any other entity or individual designated by the WFOE without prejudice to the PRC law, and the WFOE intends to accept such assets.

 

(8)

The Existing Shareholders and the Company agree to irrevocably grant the exclusive Equity Call Option and Assets Call Option to the WFOE in order to complete the equity and assets transfer mentioned above. Without prejudice to the PRC law and according to the Equity Call Option and Assets Call Option, the Existing Shareholders or the Company shall transfer the Option Equity Interest and the Company Assets (defined as follows) to the WFOE and/or any other entity or individual designated by the WFOE according to this Agreement at the request of the WFOE.

 

(9)

The Company agrees that the Existing Shareholders grant the Equity Call Option to the WFOE pursuant to this Agreement.

 

(10)

The Existing Shareholders agree that the Company grants Assets Call Option to the WFOE pursuant to this Agreement.

Therefore, the Parties hereby agree as follows upon mutual negotiations:

Article 1 Definition

 

1.1

Unless otherwise required in the context, the following terms in this Agreement shall have the following meanings:

 

“PRC Law”    means the then effective laws, administrative regulations, administrative rules, local regulations, judicial interpretations and other binding regulatory documents of the PRC (excluding Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Macao Special Administrative Region and Taiwan Region).
“Equity Call Option”    means the option to purchase the equity interests in the Company granted by the Existing Shareholders to the WFOE pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

 

2


“Assets Call Option”    means the option to purchase any assets of the Company granted by the Company to the WFOE pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
“Option Equity Interest”    means, in respect of each Existing Shareholder, the equity interest owned by him or her (including the additional equity interest obtained by him or her due to capital increase, share transfer or any other reasons) in the Registered Capital (defined as follows) of the Company, and in respect of all the Existing Shareholders, the 100% equity interests in the Registered Capital of the Company.
“Registered Capital of the Company”    means the registered capital of the Company as of the signing date of this Agreement, i.e., RMB26,068,822, and includes any increased registered capital within the term of this Agreement.
“Transfer Equity Interests”    means the equity interests which the WFOE or its designated entity or individual is entitled to purchase from all Existing Shareholders or any Existing Shareholder at the request of the WFOE upon its exercise of the Equity Call Option in accordance with Section 3 hereof, the amount of which may be all or part of the Option Equity Interest and shall be determined by the WFOE at its sole discretion in accordance with the then effective PRC Law and its commercial needs.
“Transfer Assets”    means the assets of the Company which the WFOE or its designated entity or individual is entitled to purchase from the Company at the request of the WFOE upon its exercise of the Assets Call Option in accordance with Section 3 hereof, the amount of which may be all or part of the assets of the Company and shall be determined by the WFOE at its sole discretion in accordance with the then effective PRC Law and its commercial needs.
“Exercise”    means the exercise of the Equity Call Option or Assets Call Option by the WFOE.

 

3


“Transfer Price”    means the aggregate consideration payable to the Existing Shareholders or the Company by the WFOE or its designated entity or individual for the Transfer Equity Interests or the Transfer Assets in each Exercise.
“Operating Licenses”    means any approvals, permits, filings or registrations which are necessary for the lawful and effective operation by the Company of all its businesses, including without limitation to the Business License, the Audio & Video Service Permission, the Value-added Telecommunication Service Business License, and other relevant licenses and permits as required by the then effective PRC Law.
“Company Assets”    means all the tangible and intangible assets which the Company owns or is entitled to use within the term of this Agreement, including without limitation to any fixed assets, moveable assets and intellectual property, including trademarks, copyrights, patents, proprietary technology, domain names and software use rights, etc.
“Material Agreement”    means any agreement to which the Company is a party and which has material impact on the businesses or the assets of the Company, including without limitation to the Exclusive Consulting and Services Agreement entered into by and between the Company and the WFOE and other material agreements relating to the business of the Company.

 

1.2

Any PRC Law referred to herein shall:

 

  (1)

include the amendments, changes, supplements and reenactments thereto, irrespective of whether they take effect before or after the execution of this Agreement; and

 

  (2)

include the references to other decisions, notices or regulations enacted in accordance therewith or which become effective as a result thereof.

 

1.3

Unless otherwise specified herein, all references to article, clause, item or paragraph shall refer to the relevant part hereof.

 

4


Article 2 Grant of Equity Call Option and Assets Call Option

 

2.1.

The Existing Shareholders hereby severally and jointly agree to irrevocably and unconditionally grant an exclusive Equity Call Option to the WFOE, according to which the WFOE may, to the extent permitted under the PRC Law and subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, request the Existing Shareholders to transfer the Option Equity Interest to the WFOE or its designated entity or individual. The WFOE agrees to accept such Equity Call Option.

 

2.2.

The Company hereby agrees to the grant of the Equity Call Option to the WFOE by the Existing Shareholders under Section 2.1 and other provisions of this Agreement.

 

2.3.

The Company hereby agrees to irrevocably and unconditionally grant an exclusive Assets Call Option to the WFOE, according to which the WFOE may, to the extent permitted under the PRC Law and subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, request the Company to transfer all or any of the Company Assets to the WFOE or its designated entity or individual. The WFOE agrees to accept such Assets Call Option.

 

2.4.

The Existing Shareholders hereby severally and jointly agree to the grant of the Assets Call Option to the WFOE by the Company under Section 2.3 and other provisions of this Agreement.

Article 3 Manner of Exercise of Options

 

3.1.

Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and to the extent permitted under the PRC Law, the WFOE shall have the sole discretion in deciding the schedule, manner and times of its Exercise.

 

3.2.

Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and to the extent permitted by the then effective PRC Law, the WFOE is entitled to request the Existing Shareholders to transfer all or part of the equity interests in the Company to the WFOE or its designated entity or individual at any time.

 

3.3.

Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and to the extent permitted by the then effective PRC Law, the WFOE is entitled to request the Company to transfer all or part of its assets to the WFOE or its designated entity or individual at any time.

 

3.4.

In respect of the Equity Call Option, the WFOE has discretion to determine the amount of the Transfer Equity Interests to be transferred to the WFOE and/or its designated entity or individual from the Existing Shareholders in each Exercise, and the Existing Shareholders shall transfer the Transfer Equity Interests to the WFOE and/or its designated entity or individual respectively according to the amount as requested by the WFOE. The WFOE and/or its designated entity or individual shall pay the Transfer Price to the Existing Shareholders for transfer of the Transfer Equity Interests in each Exercise.

 

5


3.5.

In respect of the Assets Call Option, the WFOE has discretion to determine the specific Transfer Assets to be transferred to the WFOE and/or its designated entity or individual from the Company, and the Company shall transfer the Transfer Assets to the WFOE and/or its designated entity or individual at the request of the WFOE. The WFOE and/or its designated entity or individual shall pay the Transfer Price to the Company for transfer of the Transfer Assets in each Exercise.

 

3.6.

Upon each Exercise, the WFOE may request transfer of all or any part of the Transfer Equity Interests or the Transfer Assets to itself or any third party designated by it.

 

3.7.

Upon its decision of each Exercise, the WFOE shall issue a notice to the Existing Shareholders or the Company, as case may be, on the exercise of the Equity Call Option or the Assets Call Option (the “Exercise Notice” , the form of which is attached in Schedule B and Schedule C hereto). The Existing Shareholders or the Company shall, upon receipt of the Exercise Notice, promptly transfer all the Transfer Equity Interests or the Transfer Assets to the WFOE and/or its designated entity or individual according to the Exercise Notice and in such manner as provided under Section 3.4 or Section 3.5 of this Agreement.

Article 4 Transfer Price

 

4.1

In respect of the Equity Call Option, in each Exercise, the Transfer Price that WFOE or its designated entity or individual shall pay to the respective Existing Shareholders shall be the amount in proportion to their respective contributions to the Registered Capital of the Company. For the avoidance of doubt, WFOE may, in accordance with Article 4.3 of the Loan Agreement, pay to Mr. Xie Guomin and/or Mr. Shi Lixue the transfer price. Under this circumstance, without prejudice to the applicable law, WFOE shall purchase or designate a third party to purchase the equity held by the respective Existing Shareholders at the transfer price equal to the required repayment amount. The proportion of the equity purchased by WFOE accounting for the equity then held by the respective Existing Shareholders shall be the same as the proportion of the required repayment amount accounting for the total outstanding amount of the respective Existing Shareholders under the Loan Agreement.

 

6


4.2

In respect of the Assets Call Option, in each Exercise, WFOE or its designated entity or individual shall pay the Company the net book value of the relevant assets. Under this circumstance, without prejudice to the applicable law, all the purchase price obtained by the Company shall be used as the directional dividends paid to Mr. Xie Guomin and Mr. Shi Lixue. Then Mr. Xie Guomin and Mr. Shi Lixue shall use all these dividends to repay the loan under the Loan Agreement. The proportion of the purchased assets accounting for the total assets of the Company shall be the same as the proportion of the required repayment amount accounting for the total outstanding amount of the respective Existing Shareholders under the Loan Agreement.

 

4.3

If relevant PRC Law then applicable to the WFOE’s Exercise of Equity Call Option or Assets Call Option requires to make assess evaluation of the equity or assets to be transferred or makes restrictions on the transfer price of the equity or assets to be transferred, WFOE, the Existing Shareholders and the Company agree that the transfer price shall be the lowest price permitted by the PRC Law. If the lowest price permitted by the PRC Law is higher than the corresponding capital contribution of the transfer equity and/or the net book value of the purchased assets, the Existing Shareholders and/or the Company shall pay all the remaining of the excess amount to WFOE after deducting all the taxes and fees required by the applicable PRC Law.

Article 5 Representations and Warranties

 

5.1.

The Existing Shareholders hereby severally and not jointly represent and warrant as follows, except for the disclosure of Schedule A:

 

  5.1.1

If the Existing Shareholder is a natural person, he/she is a PRC citizen with full capacity, having full and independent legal status and legal capacity to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement, and may act as an independent legal subject of litigation. If the Existing Shareholder is not a natural person, it is a legal entity validly established and lawfully existing under the laws of the PRC, having full and independent legal status and legal capacity to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement, and may act as an independent legal subject of litigation.

 

  5.1.2

Each of the Existing Shareholders has full power and authority to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and all the other documents to be entered into by them which are related to the transaction contemplated hereunder, as well as to consummate the transaction hereunder.

 

  5.1.3

This Agreement is duly and lawfully executed and delivered by the Existing Shareholders and shall constitute legal, valid and binding obligations to them, which shall be enforceable against them in accordance with the terms herein.

 

7


  5.1.4

The Existing Shareholders are the registered legal owners of the Option Equity Interest as of the date hereof, and the Option Equity Interest is free and clear of any liens, pledges, claims, other encumbrances or third party interests, except for the pledge rights created by the Equity Interest Pledge Agreements dated March 26, 2018, and the proxy rights created by the Voting Trust Agreement dated July 12, 2016, among the Company, the WFOE and the respective Existing Shareholders. Pursuant to this Agreement, the WFOE and/or its designated entity or individual can, upon the Exercise, obtain ownership of the Transfer Equity Interests free and clear of any liens, pledges, claims, other encumbrances or third party right.

 

5.2.

The Company hereby represents and warrants as follows:

 

  5.2.1

The Company is a limited liability company duly registered and validly existing under PRC Law with an independent corporate legal person status. The Company has full and independent legal status and legal capacity to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and can act as an independent party in any lawsuits.

 

  5.2.2

The Company has full power and authority to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and all other documents relating to the transaction contemplated herein which are to be executed by it, and it has full power and authority to consummate the transaction contemplated herein.

 

  5.2.3

This Agreement is duly and lawfully executed and delivered by the Company and shall constitute legal, valid and binding obligations to it.

 

  5.2.4

The Company Assets are free and clear of any liens, mortgages, claims, other encumbrances or third party rights. Pursuant to this Agreement, upon the Exercise, the WFOE and/or any of its designated entity or individual is/are entitled to the good ownership of the Company Assets free from any liens, mortgages, claims, any other security interests and third party rights.

 

  5.2.5

The Existing Shareholders are the registered legal owners of the Option Equity Interest as of the date hereof, aggregately holding 100% equity of the Company. The Option Equity Interest is free and clear of any liens, pledges, claims, other encumbrances or third party interests, except for the pledge rights created by the Equity Interest Pledge Agreements dated July 12, 2016, and the proxy rights created by the Voting Trust Agreement dated July 12, 2016, among the Company, the WFOE and the respective Existing Shareholders. Pursuant to this Agreement, the WFOE and/or its designated entity or individual can, upon the Exercise, obtain ownership of the Transfer Equity Interests free and clear of any liens, pledges, claims, other encumbrances or third party right.

 

8


5.3.

The WFOE hereby represents and warrants as follows:

 

  5.3.1

It is a wholly foreign-owned enterprise duly incorporated and validly existing under PRC Law with an independent legal person status, and has full and independent legal status and legal capacity to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and can act as an independent party in any lawsuits.

 

  5.3.2

It has full power and authority to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and all other documents relating to the transaction contemplated herein which are to be executed to it, and it has full power and authority to consummate the transaction contemplated herein.

 

  5.3.3

This Agreement is duly and lawfully executed and delivered by WFOE and shall constitute legal, valid and binding obligations to it.

Article 6 Undertakings by the Existing Shareholders

Each of Existing Shareholders hereby severally and not jointly undertakes as follows:

 

6.1

During the term of this Agreement, without prior written consent of the WFOE, each of Existing Shareholders:

 

  6.1.1

Shall not transfer or otherwise dispose of any Option Equity Interest or create any encumbrances or third party interests upon any Option Equity Interest.

 

  6.1.2

Shall not increase or reduce the Registered Capital of the Company, or cause or agree to the merger of the Company with any other entities;

 

  6.1.3

Shall not dispose of, or procure the management of the Company to dispose of, any material Company Assets or create any encumbrances or third party interests upon any Company Assets;

 

  6.1.4

Shall not, and shall procure the management of the Company not to, terminate any Material Agreement to which the Company is a party, or enter into any other agreements which are in conflict with the existing Material Agreements;

 

9


  6.1.5

Shall not appoint or dismiss any director, supervisor or any other management of the Company whom shall be appointed or dismissed by the Existing Shareholders;

 

  6.1.6

Shall not procure the Company to declare or distribute any distributable profits, dividends or other distributions;

 

  6.1.7

Shall not vote in favor of the Company’s termination, liquidation or dissolution;

 

  6.1.8

Shall not vote in favor of amending the association of the Company.

 

  6.1.9

Shall not vote in favor of the Company to lend or borrow any loan, or provide guarantee or other forms of security arrangements, or assume any material obligations except for those occur during the ordinary course of business.

 

6.2

During the term of this Agreement, each of the Existing Shareholders shall not engage in any actions or omissions which may affect the validity of the Operating Licenses.

 

6.3

Upon issuance of the Exercise Notice by the WFOE, each of Existing Shareholders:

 

  6.3.1

Shall immediately convene shareholders’ meeting to adopt a resolution and take any other necessary actions, to approve the transfer of all of the Transfer Equity Interests or Transfer Assets at the Transfer Price by the Existing Shareholders or the Company to the WFOE and/or its designated entity or individual, as well as waive his or her right of first refusal, if any;

 

  6.3.2

Shall transfer all of the Transfer Equity Interests at the Transfer Price under the Article 4 to the WFOE and/or its designated entity or individual by entering into an equity transfer agreement with the WFOE and/or its designated entity or individual immediately, and at the request of the WFOE and subject to relevant laws and regulations, provide necessary support to the WFOE (including provide and execute all relevant legal documents, process all procedure for governmental approvals and registrations and assume all relevant obligations) for acquisition of all the Transfer Equity Interests by the WFOE and/or its designated entity or individual, free and clear of any legal defects, any encumbrances, third party interests, or any other restrictions on the Transfer Equity Interests.

 

10


6.4

If the aggregated Transfer Price received by any of the Existing Shareholders from transfer of his or her Transfer Equity Interests exceeds his or her contribution to the Registered Capital of the Company, or such Existing Shareholder receives any profits, dividends or other distributions distributed by the Company, such Existing Shareholder agrees to waive the excessive portion of the Transfer Price and any such profits, dividends or distributions (with tax and fees being deducted) to the extent permitted by PRC Law, and the WFOE is entitled to such excessive portion of the Transfer Price and such profits, dividends or distributions. The Existing Shareholders shall instruct relevant transferee or the Company to wire the above gains to a bank account designated by the WFOE.

Article 7 Undertakings by the Company

 

7.1

The Company undertakes as follows:

 

  7.1.1

In the event the execution and performance of this Agreement and the grant of the Equity Call Option or the Assets Call Option hereunder is subject to any third party’s consents, approvals, waivers, licenses, or any approvals, permits, waivers, registrations or filings from or with governmental authorities (as required by the laws), the Company shall make efforts to assist in the above procedure.

 

  7.1.2

Without prior written consent of the WFOE, the Company shall not assist or permit the Existing Shareholders to transfer or dispose of any Option Equity Interest or create any encumbrances or other third party interest upon the Option Equity Interest.

 

  7.1.3

Without prior written consent of the WFOE, the Company shall not transfer or otherwise dispose of any material Company Assets or create any encumbrances or other third party interest upon any Company Assets.

 

  7.1.4

It shall not take or allow any acts or actions which could have adverse effect upon the interests of the WFOE under this Agreement, including without limitation to any acts or actions as restricted under Section 6.1 hereof.

 

7.2

The Company undertakes that upon issuance of the Exercise Notice by the WFOE:

 

  7.2.1

It shall immediately procure the Existing Shareholders to convene shareholders’ meeting to adopt a resolution and take any other necessary actions, to approve the transfer of all of the Transfer Assets at the Transfer Price by the Company to the WFOE and/or its designated entity or individual;

 

11


  7.2.2

It shall transfer all of the Transfer Assets at the Transfer Price to the WFOE and/or its designated entity or individual by entering into an assets transfer agreement with the WFOE and/or its designated entity or individual immediately, and at the request of the WFOE and subject to relevant laws and regulations, procure the Existing Shareholders to provide necessary support to the WFOE (including provide and execute all relevant legal documents, process all procedure for governmental approvals and registrations and assume all relevant obligations) for acquisition of all the Transfer Assets by the WFOE and/or its designated entity or individual, free and clear of any legal defects, any encumbrances, third party interests, or any other restrictions on the Company Assets.

Article 8 Confidentiality

 

8.1

Notwithstanding the termination of this Agreement, each Party shall keep confidential all of the business secrets, proprietary information, customer information as well as any other information of confidential nature it receives from the other Parties in connection with the execution and performance of this Agreement (collectively referred to as the “Confidential Information” ). Without prior written consent of the disclosing party of the Confidential Information or unless required by relevant laws and regulations or requirements of the stock exchange on which a Party’s affiliate is listed, any Party receiving the Confidential Information shall not disclose any such Confidential Information to any other third party, or use any such Confidential Information directly or indirectly for any purpose other than for the performance of this Agreement.

 

8.2

The following information shall not constitute the Confidential Information:

 

  (a)

Any information which, as shown by written evidence, has previously been known to the receiving Party by way of legal means;

 

  (b)

Any information which enters the public domain other than as a result of a fault of the receiving Party; or

 

  (c)

Any information lawfully acquired by the receiving Party from another source subsequent to the receipt of relevant information.

 

8.3

The receiving party may disclose Confidential Information to its relevant employees, agents or professionals engaged by it, provided that such receiving party shall ensure that the aforesaid persons are subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the receiving party shall be liable for any liabilities arising from breach of the terms and conditions hereof by the aforesaid persons.

 

12


8.4

Notwithstanding any other provisions herein, the validity of this Section 8 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

Article 9 Term of This Agreement

This Agreement shall become effective as of the date of the execution by the Parties. This Agreement is the final agreement reached between the Parties on the exclusive option and relevant issues which shall supersedes any and all prior consultations, negotiations or discussions, representations, memorandum, agreements or other documents (including without limitation the Exclusive Option Agreement executed by and among the Company, the WFOE and the existing shareholders (excluding Qiu Zhongwei and Dong Jianming) on July 12, 2016). In case of any conflict, contradiction or inconsistency, this Agreement shall prevail. This Agreement shall remain valid until all of the Option Equity Interest and the Company Assets have been lawfully transferred to the WFOE and/or its designated entity or individual in accordance with the provisions hereof.

Article 10 Notice

 

10.1

Any notice, request, demand and other correspondences as required by or made in accordance with this Agreement shall be delivered to the relevant Party in writing.

 

10.2

The above notice or other correspondences shall be deemed to have been delivered upon delivery when it is transmitted by facsimile or telex, or upon handed over to the receiver when it is delivered in person, or on the fifth (5) day after posting when it is delivered by mail, or on the date of receipt by the recipient if by express delivery. However, if the notice is returned due to the fault of the served party or the refusal of the served party to sign for it, the date on which the notice is returned shall be deemed as service. In case of simultaneous delivery in any of the above forms, the earliest deemed time of delivery shall prevail.

Article 11 Default Liabilities

 

11.1

The Parties agree and acknowledge that if any Party (the “ Defaulting Party ”) breaches any provision hereunder, or fails to perform or delays in performing any obligations hereunder, such breach, failure or delay shall constitute a default hereunder (the “ Default ”) and that in such event, the non-defaulting Party/Parties (the “ Non-Defaulting Party ”) shall have the right to demand the Defaulting Party to cure such Default or take remedial measures within a reasonable time. If the Defaulting Party fails to cure such Default or take remedial measures with such reasonable time or within ten (10) days of the Non-Defaulting Party notifying the Defaulting Party in writing and requesting it to cure such Default, the Non-Defaulting Party may elect, in its (their) discretion, to do the following:

 

  11.1.1

if the Defaulting Party is any of Each of Shareholders or the Company, the WFOE shall have the right to terminate this Agreement and claim the Defaulting Party to indemnify the damages. For the avoidance of doubt, the responsibility of shareholders or the responsibility between the shareholders and the Company is independent, and the shareholders do not bear any joint liability for any obligation or responsibility of the other existing shareholders or Company;

 

13


  11.1.2

if the Defaulting Party is the WFOE, the Non-defaulting Party has right to claim the Defaulting Party to indemnify the damages, provided that in no event shall the Non-defaulting Party have the right to terminate or rescind this Agreement, except that the contrary is provided by the law.

 

11.2

Notwithstanding any other provisions herein, the effectiveness of this Article shall survive the suspension or termination of this Agreement.

Article 12 Miscellaneous Provisions

 

12.1

This Agreement is made in Chinese in fifteen (15) originals with each Party retaining one (1) copy hereof.

 

12.2

The execution, effectiveness, performance, amendment, interpretation and termination of this Agreement shall be governed by PRC laws.

 

12.3

Dispute Resolutions

 

  (a)

Any dispute arising out of or in relation to this Agreement, the Parties shall first resolve the dispute through friendly negotiation. The requesting party shall notify the other party of the dispute and explain the nature of the dispute by overloading the date notice. If the Parties fail to reach an agreement regarding such a dispute within thirty (30) days of its occurrence, any Party is entitled to submit such dispute to the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (the “CIETAC” ) for arbitration in Beijing in accordance with the then effective arbitration rules thereof and the arbitration award shall be final and binding.

 

14


  (b)

The arbitration tribunal shall consist of three (3) arbitrators, of whom the two parties have the right to appoint one (1) each. The third arbitrator (3rd) should be appointed jointly by the two sides. If the party shall not be able to reach an agreement on the joint designation of the third arbitrator, he/she should be appointed by the director of the Arbitration Committee. The third arbitrator shall be the chief arbitrator of the arbitration tribunal.

 

  (c)

In making an arbitration award, the arbitrator shall take into account the intention of the Parties which may be determined in accordance with this Agreement.

 

  (d)

The arbitration award made according to the Article12.3 in writing should be final and binding. The parties shall do their utmost to ensure that any such arbitration award is duly executed and to provide any necessary assistance thereto.

 

  (e)

The aforesaid provisions of the Article 12.3 shall not prevent the party concerned from applying for any pre suit protection or prohibition remedy available for any reason, including but not limited to the enforcement of subsequent enforcement of the arbitration tribunal.

 

12.4

Any rights, powers and remedies entitled to any Party by any provision herein shall not preclude any other rights, powers and remedies entitled to such Party in accordance with laws and other provisions under this Agreement, and a Party’s exercise of any of its rights, powers and remedies shall not preclude its exercise of other rights, powers and remedies.

 

12.5

No failure or delay by a Party to exercise any of its rights, powers and remedies hereunder or in accordance with laws (the “ Rights ”) shall be construed as a waiver of such Rights, and the waiver of any single or partial exercise of the Rights shall not preclude its exercise of such Rights in any other way or its exercise of other Rights.

 

12.6

The headings of the sections herein are for reference only, and in no circumstances shall such headings be used in or affect the interpretation of the provisions hereof.

 

12.7

Each provision contained herein shall be severable and independent from other provisions. If at any time one or several provisions herein shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality or enforceability of other provisions herein shall not be affected thereby.

 

12.8

This Agreement, upon its execution, supersedes any other legal documents executed by the Parties with respect to the same subject hereof. Any amendments or supplements to this Agreement shall be in writing and shall become effective upon duly execution by the Parties hereto.

 

15


12.9

No Party shall assign any of its rights and/or obligations hereunder to any third parties without prior written consent from other Parties.

 

12.10

This Agreement shall be binding on the legal transferees or successors of the Parties.

[ The remainder of this page is intentionally left blank ]

 

16


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

Xie Zhenyu
Signature: / s / Xie Zhenyu
Hu Huan
Signature: / s / Hu Huan
Xu Hanjie
Signature: / s / Xu Hanjie

Hangzhou Yong Xuan Yong Ming Capital Investment Partnership (Limited Partnership)

/s/ Seal of Hangzhou Yong Xuan Yong Ming Capital Investment Partnership (Limited Partnership)

Kashi Tianshan Red Sea Venture Capital Co., Ltd.
/s/ Seal of Kashi Tianshan Red Sea Venture Capital Co., Ltd.
Shenzhen Litong Industry Investment Fund Co., Ltd.
/s/ Seal of Shenzhen Litong Industry Investment Fund Co., Ltd.
Dong Jianming
Signature: / s / Dong Jianming
Gao Yaping
Signature: / s / Gao Yaping
Xie Guomin
Signature: / s / Xie Guomin
Qiu Zhongwei
Signature: / s / Qiu Zhongwei
Tang Liang
Signature: / s / Tang Liang


Linzhi Lichuang Information Technology Co., Ltd.
/s/ Seal of Linzhi Lichuang Information Technology Co., Ltd.
Tencent Music (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
/s/ Seal of Tencent Music (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
Guangzhou Kugou Computer Technology Co., Ltd.
/s/ Seal of Guangzhou Kugou Computer Technology Co., Ltd.


Schedule A

Basic information of the Company

 

Company Name:    Guangzhou Kugou Computer Technology Co., Ltd.   
Registered Address:    Room 1301, Building 2, No. 16, Keyun Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou.   
Registered Capital:    RMB 68,000,892 Yuan   
Legal Representative:    Hu Min   
Shareholding Structure:   

 

#

  

Shareholder’s

Name

   Identification No./
Registration No.
  Registered
Capital
     Shareholding
Percentage
 
1   

Xie Zhenyu

   [            ]     4,480,350        6.59
2   

Hu Huan

   [            ]     800,000        1.18
3   

Xu Hanjie

   [            ]     375,000        0.55
4   

Hangzhou Yong Xuan Yong Ming Capital Investment Partnership (Limited Partnership)

   330100000160272     500,000        0.74
5   

Kashi Tianshan Red Sea Venture Capital Co., Ltd.

   653100051033463     2,000,000        2.94
6   

Shenzhen Litong Industry Investment Fund Co., Ltd.

   440301107721051     4,603,261        6.77
7   

Dong Jianming

   [            ]     1,004,950        1.48
8   

Gao Yaping

   [            ]     750,000        1.10
9   

Guangzhou Lekong Investment Partnership (Limited Partnership)

   440101000189740     735,880        1.08
10   

Xie Guomin

   [            ]     6,792,571        9.99
11   

Qiu Zhongwei

   [            ]     6,792,571        9.99
12   

Tang Liang

   [            ]     1,853,820        2.73
13   

Linzhi Lichuang Information Technology Co., Ltd.

   91540400MA6T10ME4F     37,312,489        54.87
     

 

 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   —       68,000,892        100.0
     

 

 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Note: The equity transferred from Qihoo 360 software (Beijing) Co., Ltd.t to Dong Jianming still require approval and registration with the governmental authority (including without limitation the review and approval from State Administration of Radio and Television and change registration with industrial and commercial authorities).


Schedule B

Form of the Exercise Notice

To: [name of Each of Shareholders]

In view of the Exclusive Option Agreement dated as of [            ] (the “ Option Agreement ”) entered into by and among the undersigned, the Company and [name of Each of Shareholders], pursuant to which you shall, upon request by us and to the extent permitted by the PRC laws and regulations, transfer the assets of the Company to us or any third party designated by us.

Therefore, we hereby issue this notice to you as follows:

We hereby request the exercise of the Assets Call Option under the Option Agreement and that the equity you have in the Company (the “ Proposed Transferred Assets ”) be transferred to us/ [name of company/individual] designated by us. You are required to promptly transfer all the Proposed Transferred Assets to us/ [name of the designated company/individual] upon receipt of this notice in accordance with the terms of the Option Agreement.

Yours faithfully,

 

Tencent Music (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
(Company seal)
Authorized Representative:
Date:


Schedule C

Form of the Exercise Notice

To: Guangzhou Kugou Computer Technology Co., Ltd.

In view of the Exclusive Option Agreement dated as of [            ] (the “ Option Agreement ”) entered into by and among the undersigned, your company and all the shareholders of your company at that time, pursuant to which the Company shall, upon request by us and to the extent permitted by the PRC laws and regulations, transfer the assets of the Company to us or any third party designated by us.

Therefore, we hereby issue this notice to your company as follows:

We hereby request the exercise of the Assets Call Option under the Option Agreement and that the assets of the Company as list in the schedule attached hereto (the “ Proposed Transferred Assets ”) be transferred to us/ [name of company/individual] designated by us. You are required to promptly transfer all the Proposed Transferred Assets to us/ [name of the designated company/individual] upon receipt of this notice in accordance with the terms of the Option Agreement.

Yours faithfully,

 

Tencent Music (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
(Company seal)
Authorized Representative:
Date:

Exhibit 10.35

Exclusive Technical Service Agreement

Between

Guangzhou Kugou Computer Technology Co., Ltd.

And

Tencent Music (Beijing) Co., Ltd.

March 26, 2018


EXCLUSIVE TECHNICAL SERVICE AGREEMENT

This Exclusive Technical Service Agreement (this “ Agreement ”) is entered into on March 26, 2018 by and between:

 

1.

Guangzhou Kugou Computer Technology Co., Ltd. (“ Party A ”)

Registered Address: 1-17, No. 315 Mid Huangpu Avenue, Tianhe District, Guangzhou

Legal Representative: Hu Min

 

2.

Tencent Music (Beijing) Co., Ltd. (“ Party B ”)

Registered Address: Room 303, 3rd Floor of 101, -2nd to 8th Floor, No.7 Building, East Tianchen Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing

Legal Representative: Hu Min

(In this Agreement, each of Party A and Party B shall be hereinafter referred to as a “ Party ” respectively, and as the “ Parties ” collectively.)

WITNESSETH

Whereas, Party A is a limited liability company registered and lawfully existing in Guangzhou, PRC, which is mainly engaged in activities about downloading and playing online music.

Whereas, Party B is a wholly foreign-owned enterprise registered and lawfully existing in Beijing, the PRC, which is mainly engaged in developing software technology, promoting technology, technology services, technology consultation, technology training, selling self-produced software products; copyright agency (for those projects to be approved pursuant to the laws, business activities shall be carried out according to the content of the approval by relevant departments);

Whereas, Party A needs Party B to provide it with technical services relating to Party A Business (as defined below), and Party B agrees to provide such services to Party A.

Through mutual discussion, the Parties have reached the following agreements:

 

1

Definitions

 

  1.1

Unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise required by the context, the following terms shall have the following meanings in this Agreement:

 

Party A

Business

   means all of the business activities operated and developed by Party A now and at any time during the term hereof.

 

1


Services   

means the services to be provided by Party B within its business scope on an exclusive basis to Party A in relation to Party A Business, including without limitation the followings:

 

(1)   allowing Party A to use relevant software legally owned by Party B and necessary for Party A Business;

 

(2)   designation, installation, routine management, maintenance and updating of computer network system, hardware devices and databases;

 

(3)   development, maintenance and updating of relevant application software necessary for Party A business;

 

(4)   technical supporting and professional training to the personnel of Party A;

 

(5)   assisting Party A with the collection and analyzing relevant technical information of website operation, including errors and defect information, in order to improve the technology service under this Agreement

 

(6)   website designation service, and providing comprehensive security service to Party A’s websites; and

 

(7)   other relevant services provided from time to time at Party A’s request.

Annual Business Plan    means the Party A Business development plan and budget report for the next calendar year to be prepared by Party A in accordance with this Agreement by November 30 of each year with the assistance of Party B.
Service Fees    means all of the fees payable by Party A to Party B under Article 3 hereof in respect of the services provided by Party B.
Devices    means any and all devices owned or purchased from time to time by Party B and utilized for the purposes of the provision of the Services.
Business-Related Technology    means any and all software and technologies developed by Party A on the basis of the Services provided by Party B hereunder in relation to Party A Business.

 

2


  1.2

In this Agreement, any reference to any laws and regulations (“ Law ”) shall be deemed to include:

 

  (1)

a reference to such Laws as modified, amended, supplemented or reenacted, effective (before or after the date of this Agreement; and

 

  (2)

a reference to any other decision, circular or rule made pursuant to such Laws or effective as a result of such Laws.

 

  1.3

Unless otherwise stated in the context of this Agreement, a reference to a provision, clause, section or paragraph shall refer to a corresponding provision, clause, section or paragraph of this Agreement.

 

2

Services

 

  2.1

During the term hereof, Party B shall, in accordance with the requirements of Party A Business, diligently provide the Services to Party A.

 

  2.2

Party B shall be equipped with all Devices and personnel reasonably necessary for the provision of the Services and shall, in accordance with Party A’s Annual Business Plan and Party A’s reasonable requests, procure and purchase new Devices and add new personnel so as to meet the requirement of providing quality Services to Party A in accordance with this Agreement.

 

  2.3

For the purpose of the provision of the Services hereunder, Party B shall communicate with and exchange all kinds of information pertaining to Party A Business with Party A.

 

  2.4

Notwithstanding any other provisions hereof, Party B shall have the right to designate any third party to provide any or all of the Services hereunder or fulfill, in lieu of Party B, Party B’s obligations hereunder. Party A hereby agrees that Party B has the right to assign to any third party its rights and interests hereunder.

 

3

Service Fees

 

  3.1

In connection with the Services provided by Party B hereunder, Party A agrees to pay Services Fees to Party B in the following manners:

 

  3.1.1

performance service fees with the amount equivalent to 90% of the balance that Party A’s annual business income is deducted by the business cost agreed by both Parties; and

 

3


  3.1.2

Service Fees as may be separately agreed by the Parties for any special technology services provided from time to time by Party B at Party A’s request.

 

  3.2

Party B may require Party A to compensate for the depreciation of the equipment actually used by Party B.

 

  3.3

Both Parties agree to pay the Service Fees as prescribed as the followings:

 

  3.3.1

Party A shall pay the performance service fee to Party B per annum. After the end of each fiscal year of Party A, Party A and Party B shall determine the Total Pre-tax Profits based on the audit report issued by a PRC registered accounting firm acknowledged by both Parties, calculating the actual performance fees payable by Party A. Party A shall pay the corresponding performance fees to Party B within fifteen (15) working days after the issuance of the audit report. Party A undertakes to Party B that it will provide all the necessary materials and assistance to the aforesaid accounting firm and cause it to complete and issue to both Parties the audit report for the previous year within thirty (30) working days after the completion of each calendar year.

 

  3.3.2

The payment method of the Services Fees stipulated in Paragraph 3.1.2 hereof shall be determined separately by both Parties.

 

  3.4

In accordance with this Article 3, Party A shall pay all Service Fees into a bank account designated by Party B in a timely manner. If Party B changes its bank account, it shall give Party A a written notice seven (7) business days in advance.

 

  3.5

The Parties agree that the payment of such Service Fees shall not, in principle, cause any difficulty for any Party’s operation in that year. For this purpose and to the extent to which the principle is achieved, Party B may agree with Party A’s delayed payment of the Service Fees, or Party B, at its sole discretion, shall have the right to adjust the calculation rate and amount of performance service fees through written notice to Party A, without Party A’s consent.

 

  3.6

The Service Fees payable by Party A to Party B pursuant to Paragraph 3.1.2 shall be separately determined in accordance with the nature and workload by the Parties.

 

4


4

Party A’s Obligations

 

  4.1

The Services provided by Party B under this Agreement shall be exclusive. During the term of this Agreement, without prior written consent of Party B, Party A shall not enter into any agreement or other arrangement with any other third party to engage such third party for providing Party A with services identical or similar to the Services provided by Party B under this Agreement.

 

  4.2

Party A shall, before November 30 of each year, provide to Party B its determined Annual Business Plan for the next year so that Party B can arrange the corresponding services plan and procure the required software, Devices, personnel and technical service resources. If Party A requires Party B to procure Devices or personnel on an ad hoc basis, it shall consult with Party B fifteen (15) days in advance so as to reach mutual agreement.

 

  4.3

In order to facilitate Party B’s provision of the Services, Party A shall, at Party B’s request, accurately and timely provide to Party B such relevant materials as required by Party B.

 

  4.4

Party A shall in accordance with Section 3 of this Agreement pay the full amount of the Service Fees in a timely manner to Party B.

 

  4.5

Party A shall maintain its goodwill, actively expand its business and seek the maximization of its profits

 

  4.6

During the term of this Agreement, Party A agrees to cooperate with Party B and its parent companies (including direct or indirect parent companies) to conduct related party transaction audit and other types of audits, to provide Party B, its parent companies or its designated auditors with relevant information and materials in relation to Party A’s operation, business, clients, finance, employees, etc., and to approve Party B’s parent companies to disclose such information and materials in order to meet the supervisory requirement of its securities listing place.

 

5

Intellectual Properties

 

  5.1

All of the intellectual properties, which are either originally owned by Party B or acquired by it during the term hereof, including the intellectual property to and in the work results created during its provision of the Services, shall belong to Party B.

 

5


  5.2

Considering that the conduct of Party A Business is dependent upon the Services provided by Party B hereunder, Party A agrees to the following arrangement with respect to the Business-Related Technology developed on the basis of such Services:

 

  (1)

If the Business-Related Technology is developed and derived by Party A under Party B’s entrustment or is derived by Party A through joint development with Party B, then such Business-Related Technology and relevant patent application right shall be owned by Party B.

 

  (2)

If the Business-Related Technology is derived by Party A through further independent development, then it shall be owned by Party A, provided however that: (A) Party A shall timely inform Party B of the details of such Business-Related Technology and shall provide relevant documents required by Party B; (B) if Party A intends to license or transfer such Business-Related Technology, Party A shall, to the extent not contrary to mandatory requirements of PRC Laws, transfer the same to Party B or grant an exclusive license to Party B on a preemptive basis, and Party B may use such Business-Related Technology within the specific scope of transfer or license (however, Party B may determine in its discretion whether to accept such transfer or license); if and only if Party B has waived its right to preemptive purchase or its right to exclusive license with respect to such Business-Related Technology, Party A may then transfer the title of, or license, such Business-Related Technology, to a third party on terms and conditions no more favorable than those proposed to Party B (including, without limitation, transfer price or license fees) but shall ensure that such third party shall fully comply with and perform the liabilities and obligations to be performed by Party A hereunder; (C) except in the case of a circumstance described in (B), during the term hereof, Party B shall have the right to demand to purchase such Business-Related Technology, and in the event that such a request is so made, Party A shall, to the extent not contrary to mandatory requirements of PRC Laws, agree to such purchase request of Party B at the lowest purchase price then permissible by PRC Laws.

 

  5.3

In the event that Party B is granted, in accordance with Section 5.2 Subsection (2), an exclusive license to use the Business-Related Technology, such license shall comply with the following requirements:

 

  (1)

The term of the license shall be no less than five (5) years (from the date of effectiveness of the underlying license agreement);

 

  (2)

The scope of the rights granted under the license shall be as broad as possible;

 

  (3)

During the term of the license, no one (including Party A) other than Party B shall use or license another party to use such Business-Related Technology within the scope of the license;

 

6


  (4)

To the extent not contrary to Section 5.3 Subsection (3), Party A shall have the right to relicense, in its discretion, such Business-Related Technology to another party; and

 

  (5)

Upon expiry of the term of the license, Party B shall have the right to demand to renew the license agreement and Party A shall grant its consent, and upon such renewal the terms of such license agreement shall remain unchanged other than amendments thereto which have been confirmed by Party B.

 

  5.4

Notwithstanding Section 5.2 Subsection (2), a patent application in respect of any Business-Related Technology described therein shall be dealt with as follows:

 

  (1)

If Party A intends to file a patent application with respect to any Business-Related Technology described in Section 5.2 Subsection (2), it shall first obtain written consent from Party B;

 

  (2)

If and only if Party B has waived its right to purchase the patent application right for such Business-Related Technology, Party A may then file such patent application on its own or assign such right to a third party. Prior to so transferring such patent application right to a third party, Party A shall ensure that such third party shall fully comply with and perform the liabilities and obligations to be performed by Party A hereunder; in addition, the terms on which Party A transfers such patent application right to a third party (including, without limitation, transfer price) shall not be more favorable than those proposed by Party A to Party B under Section 5.4 Subsection (3);

 

  (3)

During the term hereof, Party B may at any time request Party A to file patent applications with respect to such Business-Related Technology and may decide in its discretion whether to purchase the right to file such patent application. If so requested by Party B, Party A shall, to the extent not contrary to the mandatory requirements of PRC Laws, transfer such right to file patent applications to Party B at the lowest transfer price then permissible by PRC Laws; once Party B has been granted patents upon its so acquiring the right to file patent applications with respect to such Business-Related Technology and so filing such applications, Party B shall become the lawful owner of such patents.

 

7


  5.5

Each Party undertakes to the other Party that it will indemnify the other Party against any and all economic losses suffered by the other Party as a result of its infringement of third party intellectual properties (including copyrights, trademarks, patents and know-hows).

 

6

Confidentiality Obligations

 

  6.1

Irrespective of whether this Agreement has been terminated, each of Party A and Party B shall maintain in strict confidence the business secrets, proprietary information, Customer Information and any other information of a confidential nature of the other Party coming into its knowledge during the entry into and performance of this Agreement (“ Confidential Information ”). Except where prior written consent has been obtained from the other Party or where disclosure to a third party is mandated by relevant laws or regulations or listing rules, the Party receiving the Confidential Information shall not disclose any Confidential Information to any third party; the Party receiving the Confidential Information shall not use, either directly or indirectly, any Confidential Information other than for the purpose of performing this Agreement.

 

  6.2

The following information shall not constitute the Confidential Information:

 

  (a)

any information which, as shown by written evidence, has previously been known to the receiving Party by way of legal means;

 

  (b)

any information which enters the public domain other than as a result of a fault of the receiving Party; or

 

  (c)

any information lawfully acquired by the receiving Party from another source subsequent to the receipt of relevant information.

 

  6.3

A receiving Party may disclose the Confidential Information to its relevant employees, agents or its appointed professionals provided that such receiving Party shall ensure that such persons shall comply with relevant terms and conditions of this Agreement and that it shall undertake any liability arising out of any breach by such persons of relevant terms and conditions of this Agreement.

 

  6.4

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement, the validity of this Section shall not be affected by any termination of this Agreement

 

8


7

Representations and Warranties by Party A

Party A hereby represents and warrants to Party B that:

 

  7.1

It is a limited liability company duly registered and lawfully existing under PRC Laws with independent legal personality, has full and independent legal status and capacity to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and may sue or be sued as an independent party.

 

  7.2

It has full internal corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and all other documents to be executed by it in connection with the transactions contemplated hereunder as well as full power and authority to consummate the transactions contemplated hereunder. This Agreement will be lawfully and duly executed and delivered by it, and will constitute its legal and binding obligations enforceable against it in accordance with its terms.

 

  7.3

It shall timely inform Party B of any circumstance which has or is likely to have a material adverse effect on Party A Business or operation thereof and shall use its best efforts to prevent the occurrence of such circumstance and/or the expansion of losses.

 

  7.4

Without written consent of Party B, Party A will not dispose of its material assets or change its current shareholding structure in whatsoever manner.

 

8

Representations and Warranties by Party B

Party B hereby represents and warrants to Party A that:

 

  8.1

It is a limited liability company duly registered and lawfully existing under PRC Laws with independent legal personality, has full and independent legal status and capacity to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and may sue or be sued as an independent party.

 

  8.2

It has full internal corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and all other documents to be executed by it in connection with the transactions contemplated hereunder as well as full power and authority to consummate the transactions contemplated hereunder. This Agreement will be lawfully and duly executed and delivered by it, and will constitute its legal and binding obligations enforceable against it in accordance with its terms.

 

9

Term of Agreement

 

  9.1

This Agreement shall become effective when it is duly executed by the Parties hereto. Unless otherwise expressly stipulated herein, the term of this Agreement shall last, in the absence of early termination by mutual written agreement, twenty (20) years. This Agreement is the final version agreement which the Parties have reached upon in respect of exclusive technology service and relevant issues; this Agreement shall fully replace any and all of previous consultation, negotiation or discussion which all Parties have reached upon, and shall terminate any and all of letters of intent, memorandums, agreements or other documents (including without limitation the Exclusive Technology Agreement executed by and among the parties on July 12, 2016) which all Parties have reached upon and agreed. If there is any conflict, contravention or inconsistence in such consultation, negotiation, discussion results, such letters of intent, memorandum, agreements or other documents against this Agreement, this Agreement shall prevail.

 

9


  9.2

If necessary, the Parties shall, within three (3) months prior to the expiration of their respective period of business, complete the review and approval and registration procedures to extend their respective period of operation, so as to maintain the validity of this Agreement.

 

  9.3

Upon termination hereof, the Parties shall continue to comply with their respective obligations under Articles 6, 11 and 13.

 

10

Notice

 

  10.1

Any notice, request, demand and other correspondences required by or made pursuant to this Agreement shall be made in writing and delivered to the relevant Parties.

 

  10.2

Aforesaid notice or other correspondences shall be deemed delivered when it is transmitted if transmitted by fax or telex; or upon delivery, if delivered in person; or five (5) days after posting, if delivered by mail; or upon the signature of the recipient, if delivered by courier service. But if the notice is returned due to the recipient’s fault or the recipient’s refusal to sign, the notice is deemed delivered on the date when the notice is returned. If the notice is transmitted in more than a method mentioned above, the notice is delivered at the earliest time among such methods.

 

11

Liability for Default

 

  11.1

The Parties agree and acknowledge that if any Party (“ Defaulting Party ”) substantially breaches any provision hereunder, or substantially fails to perform or substantially delays in performing any obligations hereunder, such breach, failure or delay shall constitute a default hereunder (“ Default ”) and that in such event, the non-defaulting Party shall have the right to demand the Defaulting Party to cure such Default or take remedial measures within a reasonable time. If the Defaulting Party fails to cure such Default or take remedial measures within such reasonable time or within ten (10) days after the non-defaulting Party notifies the Defaulting Party in writing and requests it to cure such Default, the non-defaulting Party may elect, in its discretion, to (1) terminate this Agreement and demand the Defaulting Party to fully indemnify for damage; or (2) demand enforced performance by the Defaulting Party of its obligations hereunder and full indemnification from the Defaulting Party for damage. The full indemnification for damage is limited to the amount of Service Fees paid in that year.

 

10


  11.2

Notwithstanding Clause 11.1 above, the Parties agree and acknowledge that unless otherwise stipulated by Laws or this Agreement, Party A shall in no event be permitted to demand to terminate this Agreement on the ground of any reason.

 

  11.3

Notwithstanding any other provisions hereof, the validity of this Article 11 shall not be affected by any termination of this Agreement.

 

12

Force Majeure

If there occurs an earthquake, typhoon, flood, war, computer virus, tool software design loophole, hacking attack on the Internet, change of policy or law or any other force majeure event which is unforeseeable and whose consequences are insurmountable or unavoidable and a Party is directly affected thereby in its performance of this Agreement or is prevented thereby from performing this Agreement on agreed terms, such prevented Party shall immediately notify the other Party by fax of the same and shall within thirty (30) days provide an evidencing document to be issued by the notary body of the place of the force majeure event setting forth the details of such force majeure and the reasons for such failure to perform, or for the need for postponed performance of, this Agreement. The Parties shall in light of the extent of the effect of such force majeure event on the performance of this Agreement, agree on whether to waive performance of part of this Agreement or to permit postponed performance thereof. No Party shall be held liable to indemnify the other Party against its economic losses resulting from a force majeure event. The term of this Agreement shall end when the Contractual Obligations is performed in full or when the Secured Indebtedness is repaid in full.

 

11


13

Miscellaneous

 

  13.1

This Agreement is made in Chinese in two (2) originals, with each Party holding one (1) copy.

 

  13.2

The entry into, effectiveness, performance, modification, interpretation and termination of this Agreement shall be governed by the Laws of the People’s Republic of China. With the special consensus of all Parties, the digital version of the executed copy of this Agreement saved as the form of PDF, as exchanged among all Parties, is deemed an original copy.

 

  13.3

Dispute Resolution

 

  (1)

Any dispute, argument or claim (hereinafter the “ disputes ”) arising out of or in connection with of this Agreement or breach, termination or invalidity of this Agreement shall be settled by both Parties of the disputes through consultations. The Party raising the claim shall promptly inform the other Party that disputes have arisen and illustrate the nature of the dispute via a notice with date. In the absence of an agreement being reached by the Parties within thirty (30) days after the dispute notice, the dispute may be brought by any Party the dispute before the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (hereinafter “ CIETAC ”) to be arbitrated in Beijing pursuant to CIETAC’s effective arbitration rules upon the submission of the dispute and this Clause 13.3. The arbitration award shall be final and binding on the Parties to the dispute.

 

  (2)

The arbitral tribunal shall consist of three (3) arbitrators. Each Party to the dispute has the right to respectively appoint one (1) arbitrator, and the third (3rd) arbitrator shall be jointly appointed by both Parties to the dispute. If the Parties to the dispute cannot reach agreement on the appointment of the third (3rd) arbitrator, such arbitrator shall be appointed by the director of the Arbitration Commission. The third arbitrator shall be the chief arbitrator of the arbitral tribunal.

 

  (3)

When making an arbitral award, the arbitrator shall take into account the intention of hereto determined by this agreement the Parties.

 

  (4)

The arbitral award made by the arbitral tribunal pursuant to this Clause 13.3 shall be made in writing and shall be final and binding upon both Parties to the dispute. Both Parties to the dispute should do their best to enable any of such arbitral awards to be implemented in time and provide any necessary assistance to the implementation.

 

  (5)

The aforesaid provisions of this Clause 13.3 shall not prevent the concerned Parties from applying for any prior protection or injunction for any reason, including without limitation the subsequent enforcement of the arbitral award

 

12


  13.4

No right, power or remedy empowered to any Party by any provision of this Agreement shall preclude any other right, power or remedy enjoyed by such Party in accordance with law or any other provisions hereof and no exercise by a Party of any of its rights, powers and remedies shall preclude its exercise of its other rights, powers and remedies.

 

  13.5

No failure or delay by a Party in exercising any right, power or remedy under this Agreement or laws (hereinafter the “ Party’s Rights ”) shall result in a waiver of such right, and no single or partial waiver by a Party of the Party’s Rights shall preclude such Party from exercising such rights in any other way or exercising the remaining part of the Party’s Rights.

 

  13.6

The section headings herein are inserted for convenience of reference only and shall in no event be used in or affect the interpretation of the provisions hereof.

 

  13.7

Each provision contained herein shall be severable and independent of any other provisions hereof, and if at any time any one or more provisions hereof become invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions hereof shall not be affected thereby.

 

  13.8

Any amendments or supplements to this Agreement shall be made in writing and shall take effect only when properly signed by the Parties hereto.

 

  13.9

Unless otherwise stipulated herein, without prior written consent of the other Party, neither Party shall assign any of its rights and/or obligations hereunder to any third party.

 

  13.10

This Agreement shall be binding upon the legal assignees or successors of the Parties.

 

  13.11

The Parties undertake to each file and pay, in accordance with law, the taxes involved in the transaction hereunder.

[ THE REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK ]

 

13


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

Guangzhou Kugou Computer Technology Co., Ltd.
/s/ Seal of Guangzhou Kugou Computer Technology Co., Ltd.
Tencent Music (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
/s/ Seal of Tencent Music (Beijing) Co., Ltd.

Exhibit 10.36

Voting Trust Agreement

By and Among

All the shareholders listed in Schedule A

and

Tencent Music (Beijing) Co., Ltd.

and

Guangzhou Kugou Computer Technology Co., Ltd.

March 26, 2018


Voting Trust Agreement

This Voting Trust Agreement (the “ Agreement ”) is entered into on March 26, 2018 by and among the following Parties:

 

1.

All the Shareholders Listed in Schedule A , of which the information please see Schedule A.

(All the shareholders listed in Schedule A separately and collectively referred to as the “ Each of Shareholders ”);

 

2.

Tencent Music (Beijing) Co., Ltd. (the “ WFOE ”)

Registered address: Room 303, 3rd Floor of 101, -2nd to 8th Floor, No.7 Building, East Tianchen Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing.

Legal Representative: Hu Min

 

3.

Guangzhou Kugou Computer Technology Co., Ltd. (the “ Company ”)

Registered address: Room 1301, Building 2, No. 16, Keyun Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou.

Legal Representative: Xie Zhenyu

(In this Agreement, each Party shall be referred to as a “ Party ” respectively or as the “ Parties ” collectively.)

Whereas:

 

1.

Each of Shareholders is the shareholder of the Company and hold 100% equity interests of the Company.

 

2.

Each of Shareholders intend to respectively entrust the persons designated by the WFOE to exercise the voting rights they hold in the Company and the WFOE wishes to accept such entrustment through its designated persons.

The Parties agree as follows through friendly negotiation:

Article 1 Voting Rights Entrustment

 

1.1

Each of Shareholders hereby irrevocably undertake to, after execution of this Agreement, respectively sign the power of attorney according to the substance and form set forth in Schedule B hereof, under which the person (the “ Trustee ”) then designated by the WFOE shall have the power and authority to exercise the following rights respectively granted to Each of Shareholders as the shareholders of the Company according to the Article of Association of the Company (the “ Entrusted Rights ”):

 

  (1)

proposing to convene or attending shareholder meetings of the Company as the proxy of the Each of Shareholders, according to the Article of Association;

 

1


  (2)

exercising the voting rights on behalf of the Each of Shareholder in respect of all matters subject to discussion and resolution at the shareholder meetings, including but not limited to the appointment and election of directors and other senior management members who should be appointed by the shareholders;

 

  (3)

other voting rights (including any other voting rights of shareholders conferred after the amendment of the Article of Association) vested in shareholders under the Articles of Association of the Company.

The precondition of the above authorization and entrustment is that the Trustee is a PRC citizen and the WFOE consents to such authorization and entrustment. When and only when a written notice is issued by the WFOE to Each of Shareholders with respect to the removal of the Trustee, Each of Shareholders shall immediately revoke the entrustment to the existing Trustee hereunder, and entrust any other PRC citizen then designated by the WFOE to exercise the Entrusted Rights in accordance with this Agreement, and the new power of attorney shall supersede the previous one once it is executed. Except for the above circumstances, Each of Shareholders shall not revoke the authorization and entrustment to the Trustee.

 

1.2

The Trustee shall perform the entrusted obligation lawfully with diligence and duty of care within the authorization scope provided in this Agreement. Each of Shareholders shall accept and assume relevant liabilities for any legal consequences arising out of the exercise of the aforementioned Entrusted Rights.

 

1.3

Each of Shareholders hereby acknowledge that the Trustee is not required to solicit the opinions of Each of Shareholders before exercising the Entrusted Rights. Nevertheless, the Trustee shall immediately notify Each of Shareholders after any resolution or proposal for convening an interim shareholder meeting is made.

Article 2 Right of Information

 

2.1

For the purpose of exercising the Entrusted Rights under this Agreement, the Trustee shall have the right to understand the operation, businesses, clients, financial affairs, employees of the Company and have access to relevant materials, while Each of Shareholders and the Company shall provide sufficient cooperation in this regard.

 

2


Article 3 Exercise of Entrusted Rights

 

3.1

Each of Shareholders shall provide sufficient assistance to the Trustee for his or her exercise of the Entrusted Rights, including prompt execution of the resolutions of the shareholders’ meeting made by the Trustee or other relevant legal documents when necessary (e.g., to satisfy the document submission requirements for the approval of, registration or filing with governmental authorities).

 

3.2

If at any time within the term of this Agreement, the entrustment or exercise of the Entrusted Rights hereunder is unenforceable for any reason (except for the default by Each of Shareholders or the Company), the Parties shall immediately seek the alternative plan which is most similar to the unenforceable provision and, if necessary, enter into supplementary agreement to amend or adjust the provisions herein, so as to ensure the fulfilment of the purposes hereof.

Article 4 Exemption and Indemnification

 

4.1

The Parties acknowledge that in no event shall the WFOE be liable to or be required to compensate financially or in any other aspect, any other party or any third party for any exercise of the Entrusted Rights by the person designated by the WFOE.

 

4.2

Each of Shareholders and the Company agree to hold the WFOE harmless and compensate the WFOE for all losses suffered or likely to suffered in connection with designating the Trustee to exercise the Entrusted Rights, including but not limited to, any loss resulting from any litigation, demand, arbitration or claim initiated by any third party, and any loss resulting from administrative investigation or penalty by governmental authorities. Nevertheless, losses suffered as a result of the intentional misconduct or gross negligence of the Trustee shall not be indemnified.

Article 5 Representations and Warranties

 

5.1

Each of Shareholders severally and not jointly represents and warrants as follow, except for the disclosure of Schedule A:

 

  5.1.1

If the shareholder is a natural person, he/she is a PRC citizen with full capacity, have full and independent legal status and legal capacity to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement, and may act as an independent party in any lawsuit. If the shareholder is not a natural person, the shareholder shall promise and undertake that it is a limited liability company legally established and validly existing under the laws of the PRC and has an independent legal personality; each of them has complete and independent legal status and legal capacity to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement, and is independently a legal subject of litigation.

 

3


  5.1.2

Each of them have full power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and all the other documents to be entered into by them which are related to the transaction contemplated hereunder, as well as to consummate the transaction hereunder. This Agreement shall be duly and lawfully executed and delivered by Each of Shareholders and shall constitute their legal, valid and obligations, enforceable against them in accordance with the provisions hereof.

 

  5.1.3

Each of them is a legitimate shareholder of the Company recorded in the register of members at the time when this Agreement came into effect and the authorized Rights are not subject to any third party encumbrance, other than the encumbrance created under this Agreement as well as the Equity Interest Pledge Agreement and the Exclusive Option Agreement concluded by and among Each of Shareholders, the Company and the WFOE. In accordance with this Agreement, the Trustee may completely and fully exercise the Entrusted Rights according to the Articles of Association of the Company then in effect.

 

5.2

The WFOE and the Company severally represent and warrant as follows:

 

  5.2.1

Each of them is a limited liability company duly registered and legally existing under the laws of PRC where it is registered and has independent legal personality; each of them has complete and independent legal status and legal capacity to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement, and is independently a legal subject of litigation.

 

  5.2.2

Each of them has complete power and authorization to execute and deliver this Agreement and all other documents that it will execute in relation to the transaction contemplated hereunder, and each of them has full power and authorization to complete the transaction contemplated hereunder

 

5.3

The Company further represents and warrants as follows:

 

  5.3.1

Each of Shareholders is legitimate shareholders of the Company recorded in the register of members at the time when this Agreement came into effect. The authorized Rights are not subject to any third party encumbrance, other than the encumbrance created under this Agreement as well as the Equity Interest Pledge Agreement and the Exclusive Option Agreement concluded by and among each of Shareholders, the Company and the WFOE. In accordance with this Agreement, the Trustee may completely and fully exercise the Entrusted Rights according to the Articles of Association of the Company then in effect.

 

4


Article 6 Term of Agreement

 

6.1

Subject to Articles 6.3 and 6.4 of this Agreement, this Agreement shall take effect as of the date upon execution. The term of this Agreement is twenty (20) years after becoming effective, unless all the Parties agree in writing to early termination or this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Article 9.1 hereunder. This Agreement shall be automatically renewed for one (1) year after the expiration of the term of this Agreement unless the WFOE informs all the other parties not to renew thirty (30) days in advance of the expiration of this Agreement, and so forth.

 

6.2

This Agreement is the final agreement reached between the Parties on the entrustment of voting rights and relevant issues which shall supersedes any and all prior consultations, negotiations or discussions, representations, memorandum, agreements or other documents, including but not limit to the Voting Trust Agreement signed by and among the Company, the WFOE and part of Each of shareholders on July 12, 2016. In case of any conflict, contradiction or inconsistency, this Agreement shall prevail.

 

6.3

The Company or the WFOE shall, if necessary, within three months prior to the expiration of their respective business licenses, complete the approval and registration procedures for extending the business licenses to ensure the effectiveness of this Agreement.

 

6.4

If any of Each of Shareholders transfers all equity interests it holds in the Company upon prior consent of the WFOE, such Party shall cease to act as a party of this Agreement, but the rights and undertakings of the other Parties shall not be adversely affected hereby.

 

6.5

If any of Each of Shareholders transfers all or part of the equity of the equity interests it holds in the Company upon prior consent of the WFOE, unless otherwise informed by the WFOE in a written notice, the transferee or transferees agree to inherit and fulfill such current shareholder or shareholders’ full responsibility, obligation and commitment under this Agreement. The other shareholders shall ensure the transferred equity interests to satisfy the above conditions and refuse to take any actions (including but not limit to pass relevant company resolutions, update the register of members and manage the governmental approval and registration changing procedures) to facilitate or corporate the equity transfer otherwise.

 

5


Article 7 Notices

 

7.1

Any notice, request, demand and other correspondences required by or made in accordance with this Agreement shall be in writing and delivered to the relevant Party.

 

7.2

The above notice or other correspondences shall be deemed as delivered (i) when it is transmitted by facsimile or telex, or (ii) upon handed over to the receiver when it is delivered in person, or (iii) upon the fifth (5) day after posting when it is delivered by mail, or (iv) on the date of receipt by the recipient if by express delivery. However, if the notice is returned due to the fault of the served party or the refusal of the served party to sign for it, the date on which the notice is returned shall be deemed as service. In case of simultaneous delivery in any of the above forms, the earliest deemed time of delivery shall prevail.

Article 8 Confidentiality

 

8.1

Regardless of whether this Agreement is terminated, each Party shall maintain strictly confidential all business secrets, proprietary information, client information and all the other information of confidential nature, in relation to other Parties and obtained during the formulation and performance of this Agreement (the “ Confidential Information ”). Each receiving Party shall not disclose to any third party any Confidential Information, except with prior written consent of the Party providing such information or in circumstances where such information must be disclosed to third parties according to relevant laws, regulations or listing requirements. Each receiving Party shall not use or indirectly use any Confidential Information except for the purpose of performing this Agreement.

 

8.2

Confidential Information does not include the following:

 

  (a)

information that the receiving Party has previously known by lawful means, as supported by written evidence;

 

  (b)

information that enters public domain without the receiving Party’s fault; or

 

  (c)

information received by other lawful means after the receiving Party receive Confidential Information.

 

8.3

The receiving Party may disclose Confidential Information to its relevant employees, agents or professionals it employs, but the receiving Party shall ensure that all such persons comply with relevant terms and conditions of this Agreement and the receiving Party shall be responsible for any damages or consequences caused by the aforementioned persons in violation of the relevant terms and conditions of this Agreement.

 

6


8.4

Notwithstanding other provisions of this Agreement, the effectiveness of this Article shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

Article 9 Default Liability

 

9.1

The Parties agree and acknowledge that if any Party (the “ Defaulting Party ”) breaches any provision hereunder, or fails to perform or delays in performing any obligations hereunder, such breach, failure or delay shall constitute a default hereunder (the “ Default ”) and that in such event, the non-defaulting Party/Parties (the “ Non-Defaulting Party ”) shall have the right to demand the Defaulting Party to cure such Default or take remedial measures within a reasonable time. If the Defaulting Party fails to cure such Default or take remedial measures with such reasonable time or within ten (10) days of the Non-Defaulting Party notifying the Defaulting Party in writing and requesting it to cure such Default, the Non-Defaulting Party may elect, in its (their) discretion, to do the following:

 

  9.1.1

if the Defaulting Party is any of Each of Shareholders or the Company, the WFOE shall have the right to terminate this Agreement and claim the Defaulting Party to indemnify the damages. In order to avoid doubt, the responsibility of shareholders or the responsibility between the shareholders and the Company is independent, and the shareholders do not bear any joint liability for any obligation or responsibility of the other existing shareholders or Company.

 

  9.1.2

if the Defaulting Party is the WFOE, the Non-defaulting Party has right to claim the Defaulting Party to indemnify the damages, provided that in no event shall the Non-defaulting Party have the right to terminate or rescind this Agreement, except that the contrary is provided by the law.

 

9.2

Notwithstanding any other provisions herein, the effectiveness of this Article shall survive the suspension or termination of this Agreement.

Article 10 Miscellaneous Provisions

 

10.1

This Agreement is made in Chinese in fifteen (15) originals with each Party retaining one (1) copy hereof. The Parties specifically agree that the Agreement restored in PDF format sent by emails from the Parties is regarded as original and can be used separately as evidence for the establishment and validation of this Agreement.

 

10.2

The execution, effectiveness, performance, amendment, interpretation and termination of this Agreement shall be governed by PRC laws.

 

7


10.3

Dispute Resolutions

 

  (a)

Any dispute arising out of or in relation to this Agreement, the Parties shall first resolve the dispute through friendly negotiation. The requesting party shall notify the other party of the dispute and explain the nature of the dispute by overloading the date notice. If the Parties fail to reach an agreement regarding such a dispute within thirty (30) days of its occurrence, any Party is entitled to submit such dispute to the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (the “ CIETAC ”) for arbitration in Beijing in accordance with the then effective arbitration rules thereof and the arbitration award shall be final and binding.

 

  (b)

The arbitration tribunal shall consist of three (3) arbitrators, of whom the two parties have the right to appoint one (1) each. The third arbitrator (3rd) should be appointed jointly by the two sides. If the party shall not be able to reach an agreement on the joint designation of the third arbitrator, he/she should be appointed by the director of the Arbitration Committee. The third arbitrator shall be the chief arbitrator of the arbitration tribunal.

 

  (c)

In making an arbitration award, the arbitrator shall take into account the intention of the Parties which may be determined in accordance with this Agreement.

 

  (d)

The arbitration award made according to the Article10.3 in writing should be final and binding. The parties shall do their utmost to ensure that any such arbitration award is duly executed and to provide any necessary assistance thereto.

 

  (e)

The aforesaid provisions of the Article 10.3 shall not prevent the party concerned from applying for any pre suit protection or prohibition remedy available for any reason, including but not limited to the enforcement of subsequent enforcement of the arbitration tribunal.

 

10.4

Any rights, powers and remedies entitled to any Party by any provision herein shall not preclude any other rights, powers and remedies entitled to such Party in accordance with laws and other provisions under this Agreement, and a Party’s exercise of any of its rights, powers and remedies shall not preclude its exercise of other rights, powers and remedies.

 

10.5

No failure or delay by a Party to exercise any of its rights, powers and remedies hereunder or in accordance with laws (the “ Rights ”) shall be construed as a waiver of such Rights, and the waiver of any single or partial exercise of the Rights shall not preclude its exercise of such Rights in any other way or its exercise of other Rights.

 

8


10.6

The headings of the sections herein are for reference only, and in no circumstances shall such headings be used in or affect the interpretation of the provisions hereof.

 

10.7

Each provision contained herein shall be severable and independent from other provisions. If at any time one or several provisions herein shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality or enforceability of other provisions herein shall not be affected thereby.

 

10.8

Any amendments or supplements to this Agreement shall be in writing and shall become effective upon duly execution by the Parties hereto.

 

10.9

No Party shall assign any of its rights and/or obligations hereunder to any third parties without prior written consent from other Parties.

 

10.10

This Agreement shall be binding on the legal successors of the Parties.

[ The remainder of this page is intentionally left blank ]

 

9


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

Tencent Music (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
/s/ Seal of Tencent Music (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
Guangzhou Kugou Computer Technology Co., Ltd.
/s/ Seal of Guangzhou Kugou Computer Technology Co., Ltd.
Xie Zhenyu
Signature:   /s/ Xie Zhenyu
Hu Huan
Signature:   /s/ Hu Huan
Xu Hanjie
Signature:   /s/ Xu Hanjie
Hangzhou Yong Xuan Yong Ming Capital Investment Partnership (Limited Partnership)
/s/ Seal of Hangzhou Yong Xuan Yong Ming Capital Investment Partnership (Limited Partnership)
Kashi Tianshan Red Sea Venture Capital Co., Ltd.
/s/ Seal of Kashi Tianshan Red Sea Venture Capital Co., Ltd.
Shenzhen Litong Industry Investment Fund Co., Ltd.
/s/ Seal of Shenzhen Litong Industry Investment Fund Co., Ltd.


Gao Yaping
Signature:   /s/ Gao Yaping
Guangzhou Lekong Investment Partnership (Limited Partnership)
/s/ Seal of Guangzhou Lekong Investment Partnership (Limited Partnership)
Xie Guomin
Signature:   /s/ Xie Guomin
Qiu Zhongwei
Signature:   /s/ Qiu Zhongwei
Dong Jianming
Signature:   /s/ Dong Jianming
Tang Liang
Signature:   /s/ Tang Liang
Linzhi Lichuang Information Technology Co., Ltd.
/s/ Seal of Linzhi Lichuang Information Technology Co., Ltd.


Schedule A: List of Shareholders

 

#

  

Shareholder’s Name

   Identification No./
Registration No.
   Registered
Capital
     Shareholding
Percentage
 
1    Xie Zhenyu    [             ]      4,480,350        6.59
2    Hu Huan    [             ]      800,000        1.18
3    Xu Hanjie    [             ]      375,000        0.55
4    Hangzhou Yong Xuan Yong Ming Capital Investment Partnership (Limited Partnership)    330100000160272      500,000        0.74
5    Kashi Tianshan Red Sea Venture Capital Co., Ltd.    653100051033463      2,000,000        2.94
6    Shenzhen Litong Industry Investment Fund Co., Ltd.    440301107721051      4,603,261        6.77
7    Dong Jianming    [             ]      1,004,950        1.48
8    Gao Yaping    [             ]      750,000        1.10
9    Guangzhou Lekong Investment Partnership (Limited Partnership)    440101000189740      735,880        1.08
10    Xie Guomin    [             ]      6,792,571        9.99
11    Qiu Zhognwei    [             ]      6,792,571        9.99
12    Tang Liang    [             ]      1,853,820        2.73
13    Linzhi Lichuang Information Technology Co., Ltd.    91540400MA6T10ME4F      37,312,489        54.87
     

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   —        68,000,892        100.0
     

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Note: The equity interests transferred from Qihoo 360 Software (Beijing) Co., Ltd.to Dong Jianming still require approval and registration with the governmental authority (including without limitation the review and approval from State Administration of Radio and Television and change registration with industrial and commercial authorities).


Schedule B

Power of Attorney

This Power of Attorney (the “ Power of Attorney ”) is signed by [    ] (PRC Identification No.:[    ]/Address: [    ]/ Registration No.:[    ] on [     ], [    ], to authorize [    ] (PRC Identification No.: [        ]/Address: [    ]) (the “ Trustee ”).

I/ The company/ The partnership, grant to the Trustee a general trust authorizing the Trustee to exercise, as my trustee and on my behalf, the following rights enjoyed by myself in my capacity as a shareholder of. Guangzhou Kugou Computer Technology Co., Ltd. (the “ Company ”):

 

  (1)

proposing to convene or attending shareholder meetings of the Company as the proxy of the Each of Shareholders, according to the Article of Association;

 

  (2)

exercising the voting rights on behalf of the Each of Shareholder in respect of all matters subject to discussion and resolution at the shareholder meetings, including but not limited to the appointment and election of directors and other senior management members who should be appointed by the shareholders;

 

  (3)

other voting rights (including any other voting rights of shareholders conferred after the amendment of the Article of Association) vested in shareholders under the Articles of Association of the Company.

I hereby irrevocably confirm that, unless Tencent Music (Beijing) Co., Ltd.(the “ WFOE ”) serves me a written notice to replace the Trustee, this Power of Attorney will be valid until the expiry or early termination of the Shareholders’ Voting Trust Agreement dated [            ], [    ] by and among the WFOE, the Company and Each of Shareholders.

It is hereby authorized.

 

Name
By:
Date:

Exhibit 10.37

LOAN AGREEMENT

by and among

Xie Guomin

Chen Xiaotao

And

Ocean Interactive (Beijing) Information Technology Co., Ltd.

April 21, 2014


LOAN AGREEMENT

This Loan Agreement (hereinafter referred to as “ this Agreement ”) is hereby executed by and among the following parties on April 21, 2014:

 

1.

Mr. Xie Guomin ( 谢国民 ), citizen of the People’s Republic of China, Identification Card No. [                ];

 

2.

Mr. Chen Xiaotao ( 陈晓涛 ), citizen of the People’s Republic of China, Identification Card No. [                ] (hereinafter together with Mr. Xie Guomin referred to as “ the Borrowers ” collectively and “ a Borrower ” respectively);

 

3.

Ocean Interactive (Beijing) Information Technology Co., Ltd. ( 海洋互动(北京)信息技术有限公司 ), a wholly foreign owned enterprise legally established according to the laws of China, its registered address is Room 303, 3rd Floor of 101, -2nd to 8th Floor, No.7 Building, East Tianchen Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing (hereinafter referred to as “ the Lender ”).

In this Agreement, the Lender and the Borrowers are referred to as “ the Parties ” collectively and “ a Party ” respectively.

Whereas,

 

1.

Pursuant to the terms and conditions herein, Mr. Xie Guomin and Mr. Chen Xiaotao intend to borrow the Loan from the Lender for the subscription of the capital increase in a domestic company (hereinafter referred to as the “ Capital Increase Transaction ”) which mainly engages in the business of online digital music service and the operation of music copyrights (hereinafter referred to as “ Domestic Company ”) and the name of the Domestic Company is Guangzhou Kugou Computer Technology Co., Ltd.;

 

2.

The Borrowers intend to transfer the 100% equity interests that they hold in Ocean Interactive (Beijing) Information Technology Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “ Ocean Tech ”) to the Domestic Company for the consideration of RMB118,800,000 (hereinafter referred to as the “ Ocean Transaction ”);

 

3.

The Domestic Company intend to directly or indirectly acquire the whole equity interest in Beijing Kuwo Technology Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “ Kuwo ”) free of charge but the Domestic Company, on behalf of the existing shareholders of Kuwo, shall pay the loan of RMB10,000,000 (hereinafter referred to as the “ Kuwo Transaction ”) borrowed by the aforesaid shareholders from Yeelion Online Network Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “ Kuwo WFOE ”);

 

1


4.

In order to further clarify the rights and obligations of the Borrowers and the Lender in the aforementioned loan arrangements, the Capital Increase Transaction, the Ocean Transaction and the Kuwo Transaction, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

 

1.

Definitions

 

1.1

In this Agreement:

Effective Date ” means the starting date of the loan period under this Agreement, that is April 21, 2014.

The Loan ” means any and all borrowings provided by the Lender to the Borrowers under this Agreement. On the signing date of this Agreement, the principals yet to occur shall be RMB128,800,000 in total, among which it is expected that RMB64,400,000 will be lent to Mr. Xie Guomin and RMB64,400,000 will be lent to Mr. Chen Xiaotao.

Outstanding Payments ” means the outstanding amount for each Borrower under its Loan.

China ” means the People’s Republic of China, and for the purposes of this Agreement, does not include Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.

 

1.2

The meanings of the related terms mentioned in this Agreement are as follows:

Articles ” shall be interpreted as articles in this Agreement unless the context of this Agreement provides otherwise;

The Borrowers ” and “ the Lender ” shall be construed as including the successors and assignees of the Parties.

 

1.3

Unless otherwise specified, references herein to this Agreement or any other agreements or documents shall be construed as a modified, alternative, or supplementary mention thereof that has been made or may be made from time to time and as cases may be.

 

2.

Loan

 

2.1

Pursuant to the terms and conditions hereinafter, the Lender agrees to provide the Loan to the Borrowers. As of the date herein, the principals yet to occur shall be RMB128,800,000 in total, among which it is expected that the Lender will provide RMB64,400,000 to Mr. Xie Guomin and RMB64,400,000 to Mr. Chen Xiaotao. Upon mutual agreement by the Parties, the Lender is entitled to reduce the aforementioned amounts or to provide additional loans to the Borrowers besides the Loan. The loan amount is subject to actual amount provided and any additional loans shall be subject to the terms and conditions hereinafter.

 

2


2.2

The Borrowers confirm that the Loan will be provided by the Lender or any other third parties designated by the Lender. Under circumstances that the Loan is provided by the third party designated by the Lender, the Lender shall deliver to the Borrowers the copies of payment instruction (consistency with the original certified by the Lender’s seal) given by the Lender to the third party aforesaid and the Lender shall cause the third party aforesaid confirm to the Borrowers that the third party provides the Loan on behalf of the Lender under this Agreement upon the Borrowers’ request.

 

2.3

The Parties confirm that the Borrowers will perform the Loan repayment obligations and other obligations stipulated herein to the Lender in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.

 

2.4

If the Lender requests, each Borrower shall sign an equity pledge agreement with the Lender and pledge all equities of the Domestic Company held by the Borrower as security for the Loan and other related obligations. The Borrower hereby confirms that any new Loan under this Agreement are debts guaranteed by the equity pledge agreement.

 

2.5

The Parties confirm that upon the Lender’s request, the Borrowers shall each set up a bank account (hereinafter referred to as the “Borrowing Accounts”) separated from each Borrower’s personal funds to receive the Loan under this Agreement. Once set up, the Borrowing Accounts shall be operated and managed by the persons designated by the Lender. The Lender shall ensure the persons designated operate and manage the Borrowing Accounts in accordance with the law and the Borrowing Accounts shall not be used for illegal purposes. The Parties confirm that any responsibilities resulting from the set-up, operation, maintenance, fund transfer and usage of the Borrowing Accounts shall be borne by the Lender and the Borrowers shall take no responsibilities even if the Borrowers executed any relevant documents in the process of the set-up, operation, maintenance, fund transfer and usage of the Borrowing Accounts according to the bank requirements or applicable law.

 

3.

Interest

The Lender confirms that it does not charge any interest on the Loan.

 

4.

Repayment of the Loan

 

4.1

The Parties confirm that before the expiration as in Section 4.2, the Borrowers shall repay the amount under this Agreement which equals to the consideration of equity interest transfer actually received by the Borrowers under the Ocean Transaction only when the Borrowers receive the consideration of equity interest from the Domestic Company; if the Domestic Company does not perform its obligations under the Ocean Transaction to pay the consideration of equity interest transfer due to any reasons that cannot be ascribed to the Borrowers, the Borrowers are not obligated to repay the Loan in this Agreement to the Lender before the expiration as in Section 4.2. Accordingly, (i) once the Domestic Company pays any or all the consideration of equity interest transfer to the Borrowers pursuant to the equity interest transfer agreement under the Ocean Transaction, the Borrowers shall transfer the aforementioned amount immediately upon reception to the bank account designated by the Lender to fulfil its obligation of repayment under this Agreement; or (ii) if the Domestic Company directly transfer any or all the consideration of equity interest transfer to the bank account designated by the Lender, it shall be deemed that the Borrowers have repaid the amount that equals to the consideration transferred. If any or all the consideration of equity interest transfer that received by the Borrowers or directly transferred to the bank account designated by the Lender is reduced by any taxes or fees (bank service charge included), the amount of the Loan shall be reduced accordingly by the amount of such taxes or fees.

 

3


4.2

Each party confirms that the longest borrowing period of any Loan under this Agreement will be twenty (20) years after the Effective Date; or the expiration of the business term of the Lender (including its expansion from time to time); or the expiration of the business term of the Domestic Company (including its expansion from time to time); the earliest one shall prevail (hereinafter referred to as the “ Term of the Loan ”). After execution of this agreement, the newly added Loan shall be counted from the date of actual payment, and the maximum time limit shall not exceed the expiry date of the aforementioned Term of the Loan.

When Term of the Loan expires: if the applicable law allows the Lender to acquire the entire equities of the Domestic Company held by the Borrowers, the Borrowers have the right and obligation to directly reimburse all the Outstanding Payments by means of transferring all the equities thereof they hold. When the relevant government registration procedures or other transfer formalities of such equity transfer stipulated by law (whichever occurs later) finish, it shall be deemed that the Borrowers have fully repaid all the Loans under this Agreement; if the applicable law allows the Lender to acquire a portion of the equities of the Domestic Company held by the Borrowers, the Borrowers have the right and obligation to directly reimburse the Outstanding Payments in proportion by means of transferring such equities thereof they hold. When the relevant government registration procedures or other transfer formalities of such equity transfer stipulated by law (whichever occurs later) finish, it shall be deemed that the Borrowers have repaid the corresponding percentage of Loans under this Agreement. The other unrepaid Loans are automatically extended to the date on which the applicable law allows the Lender or its successor to take over the remaining equities thereof held by the Borrowers; if the applicable law does not allow the Lender to acquire the equities of the Domestic Company held by the Borrowers, the Term of the Loan that has not been repaid is automatically extended to such date, when the applicable law allows so. In the event that the Borrowers repay the Loan under this Agreement in the aforementioned manner, the Lender and the Borrowers do not have to pay the other Party any other payment, regardless of the value of the equities of the Domestic Company transferred at that time.

 

4


4.3

After the Term of the Loan and after the law allows the Lender to hold the equities of the Domestic Company, the Lender may issue a notice of repayment to the Borrowers (hereinafter referred to as the “ Repayment Notice ”) at any time thirty (30) days in advance, requesting anyone of each Borrower or the Borrowers for repayment of any or all of the Outstanding Repayments. The repayment amount of the Borrower under this Article 4.3 is limited to the actual equity transfer price it has received as described below, and the performance of its repayment obligation is predicated on its receipt of the full equity transfer price as described below.

Under this circumstances, on the premise of not violating the applicable laws, the Lender shall purchase or designate a third party to purchase the corresponding equities of the Domestic Company held by the Borrowers with such equity transfer price which is equal to the requested Outstanding Repayment. The proportion of the equity that is required to be purchased accounting for the equity of the Domestic Company held by the Borrowers at that time should be the same as the proportion of the required Outstanding repayments accounting for the sum of the Outstanding Repayments of the Borrowers under this Agreement.

 

4.4

After the Term of the Loan and after the law allows the Lender to hold the equities of the Domestic Company, each Borrower may issue a notice of repayment to the Lender (hereinafter referred to as the “ Repayment Notice ”) at any time thirty (30) days in advance, requesting for repayment of any or all of the Outstanding Repayments. The repayment amount of the Borrower under this Article 4.4 is limited to the actual equity transfer price it has received as described below, and the performance of its repayment obligation is predicated on its receipt of the full equity transfer price as described below.

Under this circumstances, on the premise of not violating the applicable laws, the Lender shall purchase or designate a third party to purchase all the equities of the Domestic Company held by the Borrowers with such equity transfer price which is equal to the sum of the amount which the Borrowers are to repay.

 

5


4.5

Where the applicable law allows the Lender to hold the equities of the Domestic Company, when the Borrowers repay the sum due under Articles 4.2 to 4.4, the Parties shall simultaneously complete the prescribed equity transfer and guarantee that at the same time as the payment of the Outstanding Repayment, the Lender or a third party designated by the Lender has legally and completely received the corresponding amount of equities thereof in accordance with the aforementioned arrangements, and there is no pledge or any other kind of encumbrance on such equities. When such equity transfer is carried out in accordance with the aforementioned arrangements, each Borrower shall provide all necessary cooperation and waive any rights of first refusal.

 

4.6

After each Borrower transfers all equities of Domestic Company held by them to the Lender or a third party designated by the Lender according to the provisions of Articles 4.2 to 4.4, and after repaying all the Outstanding Repayments, the Borrower shall no longer bear the repayment obligations under this Agreement.

 

4.7

For avoidance of ambiguity, the Borrowers and their relatives are not obliged to repay the Loan under this Agreement with their own properties except for the agreed repayment methods under this Agreement.

 

5.

Taxes , Expenses and Fruits

 

5.1.

The Parties agree that all taxes in relation with Capital Increase Transaction, Ocean Transaction, Kuwo Transaction and any other transaction under this Agreement (and any penalties or interests relating to unpaid or delayed payment of such taxes) and other expenses (including but not limited to the costs incurred by setting up Borrowing Accounts, changes of business registration or by the registration of equity pledges) shall be borne by the Lender.

 

5.2.

The Parties agree that the Lender shall be entitled to all fruits derived from the funds in Borrowing Accounts.

 

6.

Confidentiality

 

6.1

Regardless of whether this Agreement has been terminated, the Borrowers shall have confidentiality obligations regarding the business secrets, proprietary information, and customer information (hereinafter collectively referred to as “ Confidential Information ”) of the Lender that they know or receive as a result of the execution and performance of this Agreement. The Borrowers may use such Confidential Information only for the purpose of performance of the obligations under this Agreement. Without the Lender’s written consent, the Borrowers shall not disclose the Confidential Information to any third party, otherwise it shall bear the liability for breach of contract and compensate the loss.

 

6.2

The following information is not confidential, when:

 

  (a)

There is documentary evidence that the information the Party receives is previously obtained by it in a legal way;

 

6


  (b)

The information has been known to the public not due to the fault of the receiving Party; or

 

  (c)

The information received by the receiving party has been obtained legally from other sources.

 

6.3

After termination of this Agreement, the Borrowers shall return, destroy or otherwise deal with all documents, materials or software containing Confidential Information as required by the Lender, and cease the use of such Confidential Information.

 

6.4

Notwithstanding other provisions of this Agreement, the validity of this Article 6 is not affected by the suspension or termination of this Agreement.

 

7.

Notice

 

7.1

Any notices, requests, claims, and other communications required by this Agreement or made under this Agreement shall be sent to the Party in writing.

 

7.2

The aforementioned notice or other communications, if sent by facsimile or telex, shall be deemed served once issued; if delivered in person, they shall be deemed served upon personal contact; if sent by post, they shall be deemed serviced after five (5) days after the posting.

 

8.

Breaching Liabilities

 

8.1

Each Borrower promises that, if it violates any of its obligations under this Agreement and thus the Lender suffers or incurs any actions, charges, claims, costs, damages, requests, expenses, liabilities, losses and procedures, it shall assume corresponding liability to the Lender separately rather than jointly.

 

8.2

Notwithstanding other provisions of this Agreement, the validity of this Article 8 is not affected by the suspension or termination of this Agreement.

 

9.

Miscellaneous

 

9.1

This agreement is made in Chinese, and in three (3) counterparts and each Party holds one (1).

 

9.2

The execution, validity, performance, modification, interpretation and termination of this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of China.

 

9.3

Any dispute, controversy or claim arising out of or related to this Agreement or its breach, termination or invalidity (hereinafter referred to as “ Dispute ”) shall be settled through friendly negotiation between the Parties of the dispute. The Party making the request should promptly inform the other party of the dispute and explain the nature of the dispute through a dated notification. If the dispute cannot be settled through negotiation within thirty (30) days after the date of the dated notification, any Party may refer the matter to the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission for arbitration, pursuant to the arbitral rules then effective. The arbitration site is Beijing. The arbitral award shall be final and shall have binding force upon all the Parties.

 

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9.4

Any rights, powers, and remedies granted to any Party by any clause of this Agreement cannot exclude any other rights, powers or remedies that this Party has under the law and other terms thereof, and the exercising of a Party’s rights, powers and remedies does not exclude the exercising of other rights, powers and remedies that this Party enjoys.

 

9.5

Any Party’s failure to exercise or delayed exercising of any of its rights, powers and remedies (hereinafter referred to as “ the Party’s Rights ”) under this Agreement or law will not result in its waiving of such rights, and the waiver of any single or part of that Party’s rights does not rule out the Party’s exercising of such rights in other ways and the exercising of other rights of the Party.

 

9.6

The headings of each section of this Agreement are for indexing purposes only, and may not be used to interpret or affect interpreting the provisions hereof.

 

9.7

Each clause of this Agreement shall be divisible and independent of any other clauses. If at any time any one or more clauses hereof becomes invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of other clauses hereof shall be not affected hereby.

 

9.8

This Agreement and its annexes shall replace all oral or written agreements, understandings and communications reached by the Parties previously regarding the standard contents hereof. Any amendments and supplements to this Agreement must be made in writing and executed by all Parties of this Agreement before they become effective.

 

9.9

Without the prior written consent of the Lender, the Borrowers shall not transfer any of its rights and/or obligations under this Agreement to any third party. The Lender has the right to transfer any of its rights hereunder to a third party it designates after notifying other Parties.

 

9.10

This agreement shall be binding upon all Parties’ legal assignees or successors.

[ The remainder of this Page is intentionally left blank ]

 

8


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date on the venue first above written.

 

Xie Guomin
Signature: /s/ Xie Guomin
Chen Xiaotao
Signature: /s/ Chen Xiaotao
Ocean Interactive (Beijing) Information Technology Co., Ltd.
Signature: /s/ Xie Guomin
Title: Authorized Signatory
/s/ Seal of Ocean Interactive (Beijing) Information Technology Co., Ltd.

Exhibit 10.38

Debt Assignment and Offset Agreement

This Debt Assignment and Offset Agreement (the “ Agreement ”) is entered into on April 11, 2017, by and among Chen Xiaotao (PRC Identification number: [                 ], the “ Transferor ”), Qiu Zhongwei (PRC Identification number: [                ], the “ Transferee ”), and Ocean Interactive (Beijing) Information Technology Co., Ltd. the “ WFOE .

Whereas, Chen Xiaotao and Qiu Zhongwei entered into a Share Transfer Agreement on April 11, 2017, (the “ Share Transfer Agreement ”). The Share Transfer Agreement stipulated that the Transferor should transfer 9.99% equity interest of Guangzhou Kugou Computer Technology Co., Ltd. (the “VIE Company” ) (the “ Target Equity ”, which is equal to RMB6,792,571 of the registered capital of the VIE Company ) to the Transferee. According the Share Transfer Agreement, the consideration of the Target Equity is RMB64,400,000) (the “ Transfer Price ”).

Whereas , the Transferor, Xie Guomin and the WFOE entered into a Loan Agreement on April 21, 2014 (the “ Loan Agreement ”). The Loan Agreement specified that the WFOE collectively extend an amount of RMB64,400,000 (the “ Loan ”) to the Transferor.

In view of above , the parties agree as follows:

 

1.

The Transferor and the WFOE agree to offset the Transferor’s creditor rights on the Transfer Price (including the affiliated rights and claims) with the Transferor’s debts on the Loan (including the interests) completely. When the Agreement comes into effect, the WFOE is the creditor of the Transfer Price and the Transferee shall pay all the Transfer Price to the WFOE. Meanwhile, the Transferor’s obligation to pay the Loan (including the interests) to the WFOE shall be deemed to have been fulfilled completely.

 

2.

The execution of the Agreement shall be deemed as the effective notice of the assignment of the debt sent by the Transferor to the Transferee.

 

3.

The Transferee and the WFOE agree that the WFOE shall provide the Transferee with a loan equal to the amount of the Transfer Price for Transferee to pay the Transfer Price due to the Agreement. Therefore the Transferee and the WFOE confirm that the Transferee have fulfilled the Transfer Price payment obligation, the WFOE have provided a loan equal to the amount of Transfer Price to the Transferee, and the Transferee inherited all rights and obligations of the Transferor under the Loan Agreement.

 

4.

This Agreement shall enter into force after all parties have signed or sealed properly.

[ The remainder of this Page is intentionally left blank ]


This page is the signature page to the Debt Assignment and Offset Agreement.

 

Chen Xiaotao   Qiu Zhongwei
Signature: /s/ Chen Xiaotao   Signature: /s/ Qiu Zhongwei

Ocean Interactive (Beijing) Information

Technology Co., Ltd.

 

/s/ Seal of Ocean Interactive (Beijing)

Information Technology Co., Ltd.

 

Exhibit 10.39

Spousal Consent

The undersigned, Wang Meiqi , (Identification No.: [                ]), is the lawful spouse of Xie Guomin (Identification No.: [                ] , hereinafter referred to as “ my spouse ”). I hereby unconditionally and irrevocably agree to the execution of the following documents by my spouse as of March  26, 2018 (the “ Transaction Documents ”) and the disposal of the equity interests of Guangzhou Kugou Computer Technology Co. Ltd. (the “ Domestic Company ”) held by my spouse and registered in his name pursuant to the provisions of the following documents:

 

  (1)

The equity interest pledge agreement by and among my spouse, Tencent Music (Beijing) Co., Ltd. (the “ WFOE ”), the Domestic Company and other parties;

 

  (2)

The exclusive option agreement by and among my spouse, the WFOE, the Domestic Company and other parties; and

 

  (3)

The voting trust agreement by and among my spouse, the WFOE, the Domestic Company and other parties.

I hereby confirm that I do not enjoy any interests or rights respecting my spouse’s equity interests in the Domestic Company and hereby undertake not to make any assertions in respect of such equity interests. I further confirm that, my spouse can perform the Transaction Documents and further amend or terminate the Transaction Documents or execute other agreements to replace the Transaction Documents absent any separate authorization or consent from me.

I hereby undertake to execute all necessary documents and take all necessary actions to ensure appropriate performance of the Transaction Documents (as amended from time to time).

I hereby agree and undertake that, if for any reason I obtain any equity interests of the Domestic Company, I will be bound by the Transaction Documents (as amended from time to time) and perform relevant obligations under the Transaction Documents (as amended from time to time) as a shareholder of the Domestic Company. For such purpose, upon requested by the WFOE, I will execute such documents substantially equivalent with the Transaction Documents (as amended from time to time) in terms of format and content.

Signature:   /s/ Wang Meiqi

Date:   July 28, 2018

Exhibit 10.40

Spousal Consent

The undersigned, Wang Xiaoqing , (Identification No.: [                ]), is the lawful spouse of Tang Liang (Identification No.: [                ], hereinafter referred to as “ my spouse ”). I hereby unconditionally and irrevocably agree to the execution of the following documents by my spouse as of March  26, 2018 (the “ Transaction Documents ”) and the disposal of the equity interests of Guangzhou Kugou Computer Technology Co. Ltd. (the “ Domestic Company ”) held by my spouse and registered in his name pursuant to the provisions of the following documents:

 

  (1)

The equity interest pledge agreement by and among my spouse, Tencent Music (Beijing) Co., Ltd. (the “ WFOE ”), the Domestic Company and other parties;

 

  (2)

The exclusive option agreement by and among my spouse, the WFOE, the Domestic Company and other parties; and

 

  (3)

The voting trust agreement by and among my spouse, the WFOE, the Domestic Company and other parties.

I hereby confirm that I do not enjoy any interests or rights respecting my spouse’s equity interests in the Domestic Company and hereby undertake not to make any assertions in respect of such equity interests. I further confirm that, my spouse can perform the Transaction Documents and further amend or terminate the Transaction Documents or execute other agreements to replace the Transaction Documents absent any separate authorization or consent from me.

I hereby undertake to execute all necessary documents and take all necessary actions to ensure appropriate performance of the Transaction Documents (as amended from time to time).

I hereby agree and undertake that, if for any reason I obtain any equity interests of the Domestic Company, I will be bound by the Transaction Documents (as amended from time to time) and perform relevant obligations under the Transaction Documents (as amended from time to time) as a shareholder of the Domestic Company. For such purpose, upon requested by the WFOE, I will execute such documents substantially equivalent with the Transaction Documents (as amended from time to time) in terms of format and content.

Signature:   /s/ Wang Xiaoqing

Date:   July 25, 2018

Exhibit 10.41

Spousal Consent

The undersigned, Zhang Chunbo , (Identification No.: [                ]), is the lawful spouse of Xu Hanjie (Identification No.: [                ], hereinafter referred to as “ my spouse ”). I hereby unconditionally and irrevocably agree to the execution of the following documents by my spouse as of March  26, 2018 (the “ Transaction Documents ”) and the disposal of the equity interests of Guangzhou Kugou Computer Technology Co. Ltd. (the “ Domestic Company ”) held by my spouse and registered in his name pursuant to the provisions of the following documents:

 

  (1)

The equity interest pledge agreement by and among my spouse, Tencent Music (Beijing) Co., Ltd. (the “ WFOE ”), the Domestic Company and other parties;

 

  (2)

The exclusive option agreement by and among my spouse, the WFOE, the Domestic Company and other parties; and

 

  (3)

The voting trust agreement by and among my spouse, the WFOE, the Domestic Company and other parties.

I hereby confirm that I do not enjoy any interests or rights respecting my spouse’s equity interests in the Domestic Company and hereby undertake not to make any assertions in respect of such equity interests. I further confirm that, my spouse can perform the Transaction Documents and further amend or terminate the Transaction Documents or execute other agreements to replace the Transaction Documents absent any separate authorization or consent from me.

I hereby undertake to execute all necessary documents and take all necessary actions to ensure appropriate performance of the Transaction Documents (as amended from time to time).

I hereby agree and undertake that, if for any reason I obtain any equity interests of the Domestic Company, I will be bound by the Transaction Documents (as amended from time to time) and perform relevant obligations under the Transaction Documents (as amended from time to time) as a shareholder of the Domestic Company. For such purpose, upon requested by the WFOE, I will execute such documents substantially equivalent with the Transaction Documents (as amended from time to time) in terms of format and content.

Signature:   /s/ Zhang Chunbo

Date:   March 26, 2018

Exhibit 10.42

Spousal Consent

The undersigned, He Chunxia , (Identification No.: [                ]), is the lawful spouse of Dong Jianming (Identification No.: [                ], hereinafter referred to as “ my spouse ”). I hereby unconditionally and irrevocably agree to the execution of the following documents by my spouse as of March  26, 2018 (the “ Transaction Documents ”) and the disposal of the equity interests of Guangzhou Kugou Computer Technology Co. Ltd. (the “ Domestic Company ”) held by my spouse and registered in his name pursuant to the provisions of the following documents:

 

  (1)

The equity interest pledge agreement by and among my spouse, Tencent Music (Beijing) Co., Ltd. (the “ WFOE ”), the Domestic Company and other parties;

 

  (2)

The exclusive option agreement by and among my spouse, the WFOE, the Domestic Company and other parties; and

 

  (3)

The voting trust agreement by and among my spouse, the WFOE, the Domestic Company and other parties.

I hereby confirm that I do not enjoy any interests or rights respecting my spouse’s equity interests in the Domestic Company and hereby undertake not to make any assertions in respect of such equity interests. I further confirm that, my spouse can perform the Transaction Documents and further amend or terminate the Transaction Documents or execute other agreements to replace the Transaction Documents absent any separate authorization or consent from me.

I hereby undertake to execute all necessary documents and take all necessary actions to ensure appropriate performance of the Transaction Documents (as amended from time to time).

I hereby agree and undertake that, if for any reason I obtain any equity interests of the Domestic Company, I will be bound by the Transaction Documents (as amended from time to time) and perform relevant obligations under the Transaction Documents (as amended from time to time) as a shareholder of the Domestic Company. For such purpose, upon requested by the WFOE, I will execute such documents substantially equivalent with the Transaction Documents (as amended from time to time) in terms of format and content.

Signature:   /s/ He Chunxia

Date:   July 26, 2018

Exhibit 10.43

Spousal Consent

The undersigned, Zhang Yingzi , (Identification No.: [                ]), is the lawful spouse of Qiu Zhongwei (Identification No.: [                ], hereinafter referred to as “ my spouse ”). I hereby unconditionally and irrevocably agree to the execution of the following documents by my spouse as of March  26, 2018 (the “ Transaction Documents ”) and the disposal of the equity interests of Guangzhou Kugou Computer Technology Co. Ltd. (the “ Domestic Company ”) held by my spouse and registered in his name pursuant to the provisions of the following documents:

 

  (1)

The equity interest pledge agreement by and among my spouse, Tencent Music (Beijing) Co., Ltd. (the “ WFOE ”), the Domestic Company and other parties;

 

  (2)

The exclusive option agreement by and among my spouse, the WFOE, the Domestic Company and other parties; and

 

  (3)

The voting trust agreement by and among my spouse, the WFOE, the Domestic Company and other parties.

I hereby confirm that I do not enjoy any interests or rights respecting my spouse’s equity interests in the Domestic Company and hereby undertake not to make any assertions in respect of such equity interests. I further confirm that, my spouse can perform the Transaction Documents and further amend or terminate the Transaction Documents or execute other agreements to replace the Transaction Documents absent any separate authorization or consent from me.

I hereby undertake to execute all necessary documents and take all necessary actions to ensure appropriate performance of the Transaction Documents (as amended from time to time).

I hereby agree and undertake that, if for any reason I obtain any equity interests of the Domestic Company, I will be bound by the Transaction Documents (as amended from time to time) and perform relevant obligations under the Transaction Documents (as amended from time to time) as a shareholder of the Domestic Company. For such purpose, upon requested by the WFOE, I will execute such documents substantially equivalent with the Transaction Documents (as amended from time to time) in terms of format and content.

Signature:   /s/ Zhang Yingzi

Date:   March 26, 2018

Exhibit 10.44

Spousal Consent

The undersigned, Zhou Hongyi , (Identification No.: [                     ] ), is the lawful spouse of Hu Huan (Identification No.: [                     ] , hereinafter referred to as “ my spouse ”). I hereby unconditionally and irrevocably agree to the execution of the following documents by my spouse as of March  26, 2018 (the “ Transaction Documents ”) and the disposal of the equity interests of Guangzhou Kugou Computer Technology Co. Ltd. (the “ Domestic Company ”) held by my spouse and registered in her name pursuant to the provisions of the following documents:

 

  (1)

The equity interest pledge agreement by and among my spouse, Tencent Music (Beijing) Co., Ltd. (the “ WFOE ”), the Domestic Company and other parties;

 

  (2)

The exclusive option agreement by and among my spouse, the WFOE, the Domestic Company and other parties; and

 

  (3)

The voting trust agreement by and among my spouse, the WFOE, the Domestic Company and other parties.

I hereby confirm that I do not enjoy any interests or rights respecting my spouse’s equity interests in the Domestic Company and hereby undertake not to make any assertions in respect of such equity interests. I further confirm that, my spouse can perform the Transaction Documents and further amend or terminate the Transaction Documents or execute other agreements to replace the Transaction Documents absent any separate authorization or consent from me.

I hereby undertake to execute all necessary documents and take all necessary actions to ensure appropriate performance of the Transaction Documents (as amended from time to time).

I hereby agree and undertake that, if for any reason I obtain any equity interests of the Domestic Company, I will be bound by the Transaction Documents (as amended from time to time) and perform relevant obligations under the Transaction Documents (as amended from time to time) as a shareholder of the Domestic Company. For such purpose, upon requested by the WFOE, I will execute such documents substantially equivalent with the Transaction Documents (as amended from time to time) in terms of format and content.

Signature:   /s/ Zhou Hongyi

Date:   July 26, 2018

Exhibit 10.45

Equity Interest Pledge Agreement

By and among

Shareholders Listed in Schedule A

Yeelion Online Network Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd.

And

Beijing Kuwo Technology Co., Ltd.

Regarding

Beijing Kuwo Technology Co., Ltd.

July 12, 2016


EQUITY INTEREST PLEDGE AGREEMENT

This Equity Interest Pledge Agreement (this “ Agreement ”) is entered into on July 12, 2016 by and among:

 

1.

All shareholders listed in Schedule A. Please refer to Schedule A for detailed information of each shareholder.

(Each shareholder listed in Schedule A shall be hereinafter referred to as a “ Pledgor ” respectively, and as the “ Pledgors ” collectively.)

 

2.

Yeelion Online Network Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as the “ Pledgee ”)

Registered Address: Rooms 905-906, 9/F, Pacific International Building, 106 Zhichun Road, Haidian District, Beijing

 

3.

Beijing Kuwo Technology Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as the “ Company ”)

Registered Address: B-207-161, 2/F, Building 2, 1 Nongda South Road, Haidian District, Beijing

(In this Agreement, each of the Pledgors, the Pledgee and the Company shall be referred to as a “ Party ” respectively, and as the “ Parties ” collectively.)

WHEREAS:

 

(1)

The Pledgors are registered shareholders on record of the Company as of the execution date of this Agreement, aggregately holding 100% of the equity interests in the Company (hereinafter the “ Company Equities ”). Upon the execution date of this Agreement, the Pledgors’ capital contributions to the registered capital of the Company and proportions of shareholding are set out in Schedule A hereto.

 

(2)

The Parties herein have executed an Exclusive Option Agreement on July 12, 2016 (hereinafter the “Exclusive Option Agreement ”), pursuant to which the Pledgors shall, to the extent permitted by the PRC Laws, transfer all or partial Company Equities held by the Pledgors to the Pledgee and/or any other entity or individual designated by the Pledgee in accordance with the Pledgee’s request.

 

(3)

The Parties herein have executed a Voting Trust Agreement on July 12, 2016 (hereinafter the “ Voting Trust Agreement ”), pursuant to which the Pledgors shall irrevocably entrust its full rights and authorities to the person designated by the Pledgee on the occasion to exercise all the shareholder voting power granted to the Pledgors in the Company.

 

1


(4)

The Company and the Pledgee have executed an Exclusive Technology Service Agreement on July 12, 2016 (hereinafter the “ Service Agreement ”), pursuant to which the Company exclusively employs the Pledgee to provide relevant technical services, and agrees to pay the corresponding service fees to the Pledgee for such technical services.

 

(5)

Mr. XIE Guomin, Mr. SHI Lixue (hereinafter the “ borrowers ” collectively) and the Pledgee have executed a Loan Agreement (hereinafter the “ Loan Agreement ”) on July 12, 2016, pursuant to which the Pledgee has provided a loan of RMB10,000,000 to the borrowers to pay the equity transfer price for the subscription of the original registered capital of the Company.

 

(6)

As security for the performance of the Contractual Obligations (as defined hereunder) and for the full payment of the Secured Indebtedness, the Pledgors agree to pledge all their equity interests held by them in the Company in favor of the Pledgee, and grant the Pledgee the most prioritized pledge right, with the Company’s consent on such equity pledge arrangement.

THEREFORE , upon mutual discussion, the Parties agree as follows:

 

1

Definitions

 

  1.1

Unless otherwise defined by the context, the following terms shall have the following meanings in this Agreement:

 

Contractual Obligations    shall refer to (i) for the Pledgors excluding the borrowers, all the contractual obligations under the Exclusive Option Agreement, the Voting Trust Agreement and this Agreement; (ii) for the borrowers, all the contractual obligations under the Exclusive Option Agreement, Voting Trust Agreement and this Agreement; (iii) for the Company, all the contractual obligations under the Exclusive Option Agreement, Voting Trust Agreement, Service Agreement and this Agreement.

 

2


Secured Indebtedness    shall refer to the Company’s obligation to pay the service fees under the Service Agreement and other obligations, the borrowers’ obligations of repayment, and all the direct, indirect and derivative losses and losses of anticipated profits, suffered by the Pledgee, incurred as a result of any Event of Default (as defined hereunder) by the Pledgors and/or the Company. The amount of such loss shall be calculated in accordance with, without limitation, the reasonable business plan and profit forecast of the Pledgee, the service fees payable by the Company to the Pledgee under the Service Agreement, the principal payable by the borrowers under the Loan Agreement, and all expenses occurred in connection with enforcement by the Pledgee of the Pledgor’s and/or the Company’s Contract Obligations.
Transaction Agreement    shall refer to the Exclusive Option Agreement, the Voting Trust Agreement, the Service Agreement and the Loan Agreement.

Event of

Default

   shall refer to any breach to any contractual obligations under the Exclusive Option Agreement by the Pledgors excluding the borrowers, any borrower’s breach to any contractual obligations under the Exclusive Option Agreement, the Voting Trust Agreement, the Loan Agreement and/or this Agreement, and the Company’s breach to any contractual obligations under the Exclusive Option Agreement, the Voting Trust Agreement, the Service Agreement and/or this Agreement.
Pledged Equity    shall refer to all Company Equities legally held by the Pledgors upon the effective date of this Agreement (the specific equity interest pledged by each Pledgor is set out in Schedule A in this Agreement), the increased capital contribution and dividend under Clauses 2.6 and 2.7 herein, and other equity interest in the Company held by the Pledgors by any others means.
PRC Laws    shall refer to the then effective laws, administrative regulations, administrative rules, local regulations, judicial interpretations and other binding regulatory documents of the People’s Republic of China (for the purpose of this Agreement, excluding Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Macau Special Administrative Region and Taiwan).

 

  1.2

In this Agreement, any reference to any PRC Laws shall be deemed to include (1) a reference to such PRC Laws as modified, amended, supplemented or reenacted, effective before or after the date of this Agreement; and (2) a reference to any other decision, circular or rule made pursuant to such PRC Laws or effective as a result of such PRC Laws.

 

  1.3

Unless otherwise stated in the context of this Agreement, a reference to a provision, clause, section or paragraph shall refer to a corresponding provision, clause, section or paragraph of this Agreement.

 

2

Equity Pledge

 

  2.1

The Pledgors hereby agree to pledge, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, their lawfully owned and disposable equity interests in favor of the Pledgee as the security for the repayment of the Secured Indebtedness. The Company hereby agrees that Pledgors pledge the Pledged Equities in favor of the Pledgee in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

 

3


  2.2

The Pledgors undertake to record the share pledge arrangements (“ Share Pledge ”) in the register of shareholders on the effective date of this Agreement. The Pledgors further undertake to make the best efforts and take all necessary actions to apply with the competent industrial and commercial authority for the registration of the Pledged Equity under this Agreement within ten (10) business days after the execution date of this Agreement. The Pledgors and the Pledgee shall, pursuant to PRC Laws and all requirements of relevant industrial and commercial authorities, submit all necessary documents and deal with all necessary procedures, ensuring that the pledge right can be registered as soon as possible after the application submission, and deliver the original copy of the registration certificate (including without limitation the pledge registration notification) to the Pledgee; the relevant fees shall be borne by the Company.

 

  2.3

During the term of this Agreement, the Pledgee shall not be liable in whatsoever manner for any decrease in the value of the Pledged Equities and the Pledgors are not entitled to seek any form of recourse or make any request, unless such decrease is caused by the Pledgors’ intention or gross negligence having direct causation to the result.

 

  2.4

Subject to Section 2.3 above, if the Pledged Equities could experience material impairment which is capable to prejudice the rights of the Pledgee, the Pledgee may at any time auction or sell the Pledged Equities on behalf of the Pledgors and may, as agreed with the Pledgors, apply the proceeds from such auction or sale towards accelerated repayment of the Secured Indebtedness, or deposit such proceeds with a notary public at the place where the Pledgee is located (any costs thereby incurred shall be entirely borne by the Pledgee).

 

  2.5

Upon occurrence of any Event of Default, the Pledgee shall be entitled to dispose of the Pledged Equities in such manner as prescribed in Article 4 of this Agreement.

 

  2.6

The Pledgors shall not increase the capital of the Company without prior consent of the Pledgee. The amount of capital added to the Company’s registered capital because of the Pledgors’ contribution shall be deemed as the Pledged Equities. The Pledgors undertake to record the equity pledge for the increased amount of registered capital under this Clause 2.6 in the register of shareholders within ten (10) business days after the capital increase, to apply with the competent industrial and commercial authority for the registration, and to deliver the original copy of the registration certificate (including without limitation to the pledge registration notification) to the Pledgee; the relevant fees shall be borne by the Company.

 

4


  2.7

During the term of pledge, the Pledgors are entitled to receive proceeds (including without limitation any dividend, profit and other income) generated by the Pledged Equities. The Pledgors shall not receive any dividend or bonus in respect of the Pledged Equities without prior consent of the Pledgee. The Pledgors’ dividend or bonus obtained from the Pledged Equities shall be deposited in the bank account designated by the Pledgee, being administrated by the Pledgee, and shall be used for the repayment for the Secured Indebtedness.

 

  2.8

Upon occurrence of any Event of Default, the Pledgee shall be entitled to dispose of any Pledgor’s any pledged Equities in the manner as prescribed in this Agreement.

 

3

Release of Pledge

 

  3.1

After full and complete performance of all the Contractual Obligations and full repayment of all the Secured Indebtedness by the Pledgors and the Company, the Pledgee shall, at the request of the Pledgors, release the equity pledge under this Agreement and cooperate with the Pledgors to deregister the equity pledge recorded in the register of shareholders and to deregister the pledge with the competent industrial and commercial authority. Reasonable costs thereby incurred shall be borne by the Pledgee.

 

4

Disposal of Pledged Equities

 

  4.1

The Parties hereby agree that upon occurrence of any Event of Default, the Pledgee shall be entitled to exercise all rights and power to claim remedies available under the PRC Laws, the Transaction Agreements and this Agreement with written notice to the Pledgors, including without limitation the right to auction or sell the Pledged Equities and to be indemnified in priority with the proceeds thereof. The Pledgee shall not be held liable for any losses from its lawful and reasonable exercise of such rights and power.

 

  4.2

The Pledgee shall be entitled to appoint in writing its legal advisor or any other agent to exercise any and all of its foregoing rights and power, to which the Pledgors shall not raise any objection and shall provide necessary assistance.

 

5


  4.3

The Pledgee shall be entitled to deduct all reasonable costs actually incurred in connection with its exercise of any or all of its aforesaid rights and power from the proceeds obtained from such exercise of rights and power.

 

  4.4

The proceeds obtained from the exercise by the Pledgee of its rights and power shall be applied in the following order of precedence:

 

  (i)

payment of all costs arising out of the disposal of the Pledged Equities and the exercise by the Pledgee of its rights and power (including fees paid to its legal advisor and agent);

 

  (ii)

payment of the taxes payable in connection with the disposal of the Pledged Equities; and

 

  (iii)

repayment of the Secured Indebtedness to the Pledgee;

Any balance after the deduction of the aforesaid payments shall either be returned by the Pledgee to the Pledgors or any other person who is entitled to such balance under relevant laws and regulations, or be deposited with a notary public at the place where the Pledgee is located (any costs thereby incurred shall be entirely borne by the Pledgee).

 

  4.5

The Pledgee shall have the option to exercise concurrently or successively any of the remedies available to it; the Pledgee shall not be required to exhaust all other remedies available to it prior to auction or sale of the Pledged Equities under this Agreement.

 

5

Fees and Expenses

 

  5.1

All costs and expenses actually incurred in connection with the creation of the equity pledge under this Agreement, including without limitation the stamp duty, any other taxes and all legal fees, shall be borne by the Company.

 

6

Continuity and No Waiver

 

  6.1

The Pledged Equities shall be continuous security and shall remain valid until full performance of the Contractual Obligations or full repayment of the Secured Indebtedness. No waiver or grace period granted by the Pledgee to the Pledgors in respect of any breach or any delay by the Pledgee in exercising any of its rights under the Transaction Agreements and this Agreement shall affect the rights available to the Pledgee under this Agreement, applicable PRC Laws and the Transaction Agreements to demand at any time thereafter strict performance by the Pledgors of the Transaction Agreements and this Agreement, or any of the rights available to the Pledgee arising from any subsequent breach by the Pledgors of the Transaction Agreements and/or this Agreement.

 

6


7

Representations and Warranties of the Pledgors

Excluding the circumstances as disclosed in Schedule A, each Pledgor hereby respectively and not jointly represent and warrant to the Pledgee that:

 

  7.1

If the Pledgor is a natural person, he is a Chinese citizen with full civil capacity, and has legal rights and capacity to execute this Agreement and bears legal obligations under this Agreement. If the Pledgor is not a natural person, it is a legal entity duly incorporated under PRC Laws with legal rights and capacity to execute this Agreement and bears legal obligations under this Agreement.

 

  7.2

As of the effective date of this Agreement, the Pledgor is the only lawful owner of the Pledged Equities free from any existing dispute in relation to the ownership thereof. Other than the security interests created on the Pledged Equities under this Agreement and the rights created under the Transaction Agreements, the Pledgor has the right to dispose of the Pledged Equities or any part thereof.

 

  7.3

Other than the security interests created on the Pledged Equities under this Agreement and the rights created under the Transaction Agreements, the Pledged Equities are free from any other security interests or third party rights and interests and any other restriction.

 

  7.4

The Pledged Equities can be lawfully pledged and transferred, and the Pledgor has full rights and power to pledge the Pledged Equities to the Pledgee in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

 

  7.5

This agreement, once properly signed by the Pledgor, constitutes legal, valid and binding obligations to the Pledgor.

 

  7.6

As necessary to the execution and performance of this Agreement and the equity pledge under this Agreement, any consent, permission, waiver or authorization by any third party or any approval, license or exemption by any governmental body or registration or filing formalities (if required by law) with any governmental body have been obtained or handled (except for the required approval and registration (including without limitation the review and approval from State Administration of Radio and Television and change registration with industrial and commercial authorities) with the governmental authority of changed registered capital and share ownership structure under the SPA executed on the same date with this Agreement, and except for that the pledge registration with the industrial and commercial authority will be processed as soon as possible in reasonably available time after the execution of this Agreement), and will remain in full force during the term of this Agreement.

 

7


  7.7

The execution and performance of this Agreement by the Pledgor do not violate or conflict with any law applicable to the Pledgor in effect, any agreement to which the Pledgor is a party or by which its assets are bound, any court judgment, any arbitral award, or any decision of any administrative authority.

 

  7.8

The pledge under this Agreement constitutes a first ranking security interest on the Pledged Equities held by the Pledgor.

 

  7.9

All taxes and fees payable in connection with obtaining the Pledged Equities have been paid in full in accordance with the laws by the Pledgor.

 

  7.10

There are no pending or, to the knowledge of the Pledgor, threatened suits, arbitrations, or other legal proceedings or claims before any court or arbitral tribunal, or administrative proceedings, or other legal proceedings or claims before any governmental body or administrative authority against the Pledged Equities, the Pledgor or their properties , which will have a material or adverse effect on the economic conditions of the Pledgor or the Pledgor’s ability to perform its obligations and security liability under this Agreement.

 

  7.11

The Pledgor hereby warrants to the Pledgee that the representations and warranties made above will remain true and correct and will be fully complied with under all circumstances until full performance of the Contractual Obligations or the full repayment of the Secured Indebtedness.

 

8

Representations and Warranties of the Company

The Company hereby represents and warrants to the Pledgee that:

 

  8.1

The Company is a limited liability company duly registered and lawfully existing under PRC Laws with independent legal personality, and has full and independent legal status and capacity to execute and deliver this Agreement and may sue or be sued as an independent party.

 

  8.2

All reports, documents and information provided by it to the Pledgee prior to or upon the effectiveness of this Agreement with respect to matters pertaining to the Pledged Equity or required by this Agreement are true and correct in all material respects as of the effectiveness of this Agreement.

 

8


  8.3

All reports, documents and information provided by it to the Pledgee after the effectiveness of this Agreement with respect to matters pertaining to the Pledged Equity or required by this Agreement are true and valid in all material respects as of the effectiveness of this Agreement.

 

  8.4

This agreement, once properly signed by the Company, constitutes legal, valid and binding obligations to the Company.

 

  8.5

It has full internal corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and all other documents to be executed by it in connection with the transactions contemplated hereunder as well as full power and authority to consummate the transactions contemplated hereunder;

 

  8.6

There are no pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened suits, arbitrations, or other legal proceedings or claims before any court or arbitral tribunal, or administrative proceedings, or other legal proceedings or claims before any governmental body or administrative authority against the Pledged Equities, the Company or its assets, which will have a material or adverse effect on the economic conditions of the Company or the Pledgor’s ability to perform its obligations and security liability under this Agreement.

 

  8.7

The Company hereby agrees to be jointly liable to the Pledgee for the representations and warranties made by each Pledgor under Article 7 hereunder.

 

  8.8

The Company hereby warrants to the Pledgee that the foregoing representations and warranties will remain true and correct and fully complied with under all circumstances at any time prior to full performance of the Contractual Obligations or full repayment of the Secured Indebtedness.

 

9

Undertakings by the Pledgors

The Pledgors each respectively and not jointly undertake to the Pledgee that:

 

  9.1

Without prior written consent of the Pledgee, the Pledgors will not create or permit to be created any new pledge or any other security interest on the Pledged Equity and any pledge or other security interest created on all or any part of the Pledged Equity without prior written consent of the Pledgee shall be null and void.

 

9


  9.2

Without prior written notice to and prior written consent from the Pledgee, the Pledgors will not assign the Pledged Equity and all purported assignment of the Pledged Equity by the Pledgors shall be null and void. The proceeds received by the Pledgors from the assignment of the Pledged Equity shall be first applied towards full repayment to the Pledgee of the Secured Indebtedness or shall be deposited with a third party as agreed with the Pledgee.

 

  9.3

Should there arise any suit, arbitration or other claims which are likely to have an adverse effect on the Pledgors’ or the Pledgee’s interest under the Transaction Agreements and this Agreement or on the Pledged Equity, the Pledgors undertake that they will notify the Pledgee in writing of the same as promptly as possible without delay and will, in accordance with the reasonable request of the Pledgee, take all necessary measures to ensure the Pledgee’s rights and interests of pledge in and to the Pledged Equity.

 

  9.4

The Pledgors undertake to complete the registration procedure to extend the Company’s business period in three (3) months before the expiry of the Company’s business period, in order to maintain the validity of this Agreement.

 

  9.5

The Pledgors will not do or permit to be done any act or action likely to have an adverse effect on the interest of the Pledgee under the Transaction Agreements and this Agreement or on the Pledged Equity. The Pledgors waive their preferential right of purchase if and when the Pledgee realizes its rights of pledge.

 

  9.6

The Pledgors will, in accordance with the reasonable request of the Pledgee, take all steps and execute all documents (including without limitation any supplement hereto) necessary to ensure the Pledgee’s rights and interests of pledge in and to the Pledged Equity as well as the exercise and realization by the Pledgee of such rights and interests.

 

  9.7

Should the exercise of the rights of pledge hereunder result in an assignment of any Pledged Equity, the Pledgors undertake that they will take all measures to enable the realization of such assignment.

 

10

Undertakings by the Company

 

  10.1

The Company will use every effort to assist with the obtaining of any consents, permissions, waivers, authorizations of any third party or any approval, license or exemption from any governmental body or the completion of any registration or filing formalities with any governmental body (if required by law), requisite in each case for the execution and performance of this Agreement and the creation of the Equity Pledge hereunder, and will maintain the same in full force and effect during the term hereof.

 

10


  10.2

Without prior written consent of the Pledgee, the Company will not assist or permit the Pledgors to create any new pledge or any other security interest on the Pledged Equity.

 

  10.3

Without prior written consent of the Pledgee, the Company will not assist or permit the Pledgors to assign the Pledged Equity.

 

  10.4

Should there arise any suit, arbitration or other claims which are likely to have an adverse effect on the Company, the Pledged Equities or the Pledgee’s interest under the Transaction Agreements and this Agreement, the Company undertakes that it will notify the Pledge in writing of the same as promptly as possible without delay and will, in accordance with the reasonable request of the Pledgee, take all necessary measures to ensure the Pledgee’s pledge rights and interests in and to the Pledged Equity.

 

  10.5

The Company undertakes to complete the registration procedure to extend its business period in three (3) months before the expiry of its business period, in order to maintain the validity of this Agreement.

 

  10.6

The Company will not do or permit to be done any act or action likely to have an adverse effect on the interest of the Pledgee under the Transaction Agreements and this Agreement or on the Pledged Equity.

 

  10.7

The Pledgors will during the first month of each calendar quarter submit to the Pledgee the financial statements of the Company for the preceding calendar quarter, including without limitation the balance sheet, the income statement and the cash flow statement.

 

  10.8

The Company will, in accordance with the reasonable request of the Pledgee, take all steps and execute all documents (including without limitation any supplement hereto) necessary to ensure the Pledgee’s rights and interests of pledge in and to the Pledged Equity as well as the exercise and realization by the Pledgee of such rights and interests.

 

  10.9

Should the exercise of the rights of pledge hereunder result in an assignment of any Pledged Equity, the Company undertakes that it will take all measures to enable the realization of such assignment.

 

11


11

Fundamental Changes of Circumstances

 

  11.1

As a supplementary agreement and without contravening other provisions of the Transaction Agreements and this Agreement, if, at any time, in the opinion of the Pledgee, as a result of any promulgation of or amendment to any PRC Laws, regulations or rules, or of any change in the interpretation or application of such laws, regulations or rules, or of any change in relevant registration procedures, the maintaining of the validity of this Agreement and/or the disposal of the Pledged Equity in the manner prescribed hereunder becomes illegal or contravenes such laws, regulations or rules, the Pledgors and the Company shall, on the Pledgee’s written instruction and in accordance with its reasonable request, immediately take any actions and/or execute any agreements or other documents so as to:

 

  (i)

maintain the validity of this Agreement;

 

  (ii)

facilitate the disposal of the Pledged Equity in the manner prescribed hereunder; and/or

 

  (iii)

maintain or realize the security created or purported to be created hereunder.

 

12

Effectiveness and Term of Agreement

 

  12.1

This Agreement is valid once signed properly by all Parties. This Agreement is the final version agreement which the Parties have reached upon in respect of the equity pledge and relevant issues; this Agreement shall fully replace any and all of previous consultation, negotiation or discussion which all Parties have reached upon, and any and all of letters of intent, memorandums, agreements or other documents which all Parties have reached upon and agreed. If there is any conflict, contravention or inconsistence in such consultation, negotiation, discussion results, such letters of intent, memorandum, agreements or other documents against this Agreement, this Agreement shall prevail. All Parties shall, bearing the principle of good faith, make all efforts to assist in having such equity pledge registered in the competent industrial and commercial authority in a short period. For this purpose, the Company shall apply for the registration with the competent industrial and commercial authority in reasonable time.

The Pledgors shall deliver to the Pledgee for custody the capital contribution certificate for the Equity Interest and the shareholders’ register containing the Pledge on the effective date of this Agreement. Upon the effectiveness of this Agreement, the Pledgors shall, at the Pledgee’s request, provide the pledge registration certificate issued by the competent industrial and commercial authority to the Pledgee in a form satisfactory to the Pledgee. The Pledgee will keep these documents in its custody during the whole pledge period prescribed in this Agreement.

 

12


  12.2

The term of this Agreement shall end when the Contractual Obligations is performed in full or when the Secured Indebtedness is repaid in full.

 

  12.3

To avoid ambiguity, each Pledgor is not jointly liable to any obligation or liability of other Pledgor or the Company.

 

13

Notice

 

  13.1

Any notice, request, demand and other correspondences required by or made pursuant to this Agreement shall be made in writing and delivered to the relevant Party.

 

  13.2

Aforesaid notice or other correspondences shall be deemed delivered when it is transmitted if transmitted by fax or telex; or upon delivery, if delivered in person; or five (5) days after posting, if delivered by mail; or upon the signature of the recipient, if delivered by courier service. But if the notice is returned due to the recipient’s fault or the recipient’s refusal to sign, the notice is deemed delivered on the date when the notice is returned.

 

14

Miscellaneous

 

  14.1

The Pledgors and the Company agree that the Pledgee may, immediately upon notice to the Pledgors and the Company, assign its rights and/or obligations hereunder to any third party; and that without prior written consent of the Pledgee, neither the Pledgors nor the Company may assign their respective rights, obligations or liabilities hereunder to any third party. The successors or permitted assignees (if any) of the Pledgors and the Company shall be obligated to continue to perform the Pledgors’ and the Company’s respective obligations hereunder.

 

  14.2

The sum of the Secured Indebtedness determined by the Pledgee in its discretion in connection with its exercise of its rights of pledge with respect to the Pledged Equity in accordance with the terms hereof shall constitute the conclusive evidence for the Secured Indebtedness hereunder.

 

  14.3

This Agreement is made in Chinese in five (5) originals, with each Party holding one (1) copy. With the special consensus of all Parties, the digital version of the executed copy of this Agreement saved as the form of PDF, as exchanged among all Parties, is deemed an original copy.

 

13


  14.4

The entry into, effectiveness, performance, modification, interpretation and termination of this Agreement shall be governed by PRC Laws.

 

  14.5

Dispute Resolution

 

  (1)

Any dispute, argument or claim (hereinafter the “ disputes ”) arising out of or in connection with of this Agreement or breach, termination or invalidity of this Agreement shall be settled by both Parties of the disputes through consultations. The Party raising the claim shall promptly inform the other Party that disputes have arisen and illustrate the nature of the dispute via a notice with date. In the absence of an agreement being reached by the Parties within thirty (30) days after the dispute notice, the dispute may be brought by any Party the dispute before the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (hereinafter “ CIETAC ”) to be arbitrated in Beijing pursuant to CIETAC’s effective arbitration rules upon the submission of the dispute and this Clause 14.5. The arbitration award shall be final and binding on the Parties to the dispute.

 

  (2)

The arbitral tribunal shall consist of three (3) arbitrators. Each Party to the dispute has the right to respectively appoint one (1) arbitrator, and the third (3rd) arbitrator shall be jointly appointed by both Parties to the dispute. If the Parties to the dispute cannot reach agreement on the appointment of the third (3rd) arbitrator, such arbitrator shall be appointed by the director of the Arbitration Commission. The third arbitrator shall be the chief arbitrator of the arbitral tribunal.

 

  (3)

When making an arbitral award, the arbitrator shall take into account the intention of hereto determined by this agreement the Parties.

 

  (4)

The arbitral award made by the arbitral tribunal pursuant to this Clause 14.5 shall be made in writing and shall be final and binding upon both Parties to the dispute. Both Parties to the dispute should do their best to enable any of such arbitral awards to be implemented in time and provide any necessary assistance to the implementation.

 

  (5)

The aforesaid provisions of this Clause 14.5 shall not prevent the concerned Parties from applying for any prior protection or injunction for any reason, including without limitation the subsequent enforcement of the arbitral award.

 

  14.6

No right, power or remedy empowered to any Party by any provision of this Agreement shall preclude any other right, power or remedy enjoyed by such Party in accordance with law or any other provisions hereof and no exercise by a Party of any of its rights, powers and remedies shall preclude its exercise of its other rights, powers and remedies.

 

14


  14.7

No failure or delay by a Party in exercising any right, power or remedy under this Agreement or laws (hereinafter the “ Party’s Rights ”) shall result in a waiver of such right, and no single or partial waiver by a Party of the Party’s Rights shall preclude such Party from exercising such rights in any other way or exercising the remaining part of the Party’s Rights. The Parties shall, via negotiation in good faith, endeavor to replace those invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions with provisions that permitted by laws and effective to the most extent that the Parties expect, while such effective provisions and those invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions shall be alike as much as possible in the economic effects.

 

  14.8

The section headings herein are inserted for convenience of reference only and shall in no event be used in or affect the interpretation of the provisions hereof.

 

  14.9

Each provision contained herein shall be severable and independent of any other provisions hereof, and if at any time any one or more provisions hereof become invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions hereof shall not be affected thereby.

 

  14.10

Any amendments or supplements to this Agreement shall be made in writing and except where the Pledgee assigns its rights hereunder in accordance with Clause 14.1, such amendments or supplements shall take effect only when properly signed by the Parties hereto.

 

  14.11

This Agreement shall be binding upon the legal successors of the Parties.

 

  14.12

Concurrently with the execution of this Agreement, the Pledgors shall each execute a power of attorney (hereinafter the “ POA ”) in the form as indicated in Schedule B, entrusting the nominee or any person designated by the Pledgee to execute on its behalf in accordance with this Agreement any and all of legal documents as may be required in order for the Pledgee to exercise its rights hereunder. Such POA shall be submitted to the Pledgee for custody and may be presented by the Pledgee to relevant governmental authorities whenever necessary.

[ The remainder of this page is intentionally left blank ]

 

15


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date on the venue first above written.

 

Yeelion Online Network Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
/s/ Seal of Yeelion Online Network Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
Beijing Kuwo Technology Co., Ltd.
/s/ Seal of Beijing Kuwo Technology Co., Ltd.
Xie Guomin
Signature: /s/ Xie Guomin
Shi Lixue
Signature: /s/ Shi Lixue


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date on the venue first above written.

 

Linzhi Lichuang Information Technology Co., Ltd.
/s/ Seal of Linzhi Lichuang Information Technology Co., Ltd.


Schedule A

Basic information of the Company

 

Company Name:    Beijing Kuwo Technology Co., Ltd.
Registered Address:    B-207-161, 2/F, Building 2, 1 Nongda South Road, Haidian District, Beijing
Registered Capital:    RMB 26,068,822 Yuan
Shareholding Structure:   

 

#

  

Shareholder’s Name

   Identification No. /
Registration No.
    Registered
Capital
     Shareholding
Percentage
 
1   

Xie Limin

     [            ]       6,000,000        23.02
2   

Shi Lixue

     [            ]       4,000,000        15.34
3   

Linzhi Lichuang Information Technology Co., Ltd.

     91540400MA6T10ME4F       16,068,822        61.64
       

 

 

    

 

 

 
          26,068,822        100.00
       

 

 

    

 

 

 

Note: The update of registered capital and shareholding structure under the SPA executed on the same date with this Agreement still require approval and registration with the governmental authority (including without limitation the review and approval from State Administration of Radio and Television and change registration with industrial and commercial authorities).


Schedule B

Form of POA

The undersigned, [                    ], hereby irrevocably authorize                  PRC Identification No.:                      , as my Trustee or Authorized representative for signature, to sign all necessary or useful legal documents with respect to the fulfilling of my obligations under the Equity Interest Pledge Agreement related to the equity of Beijing Kuwo Technology Co., Ltd., signed by and among myself, Yeelion Online Network Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. and Beijing Kuwo Technology Co., Ltd. on [            ] [            ], 2016.

 

Signature:
By:
Date:

Exhibit 10.46

Exclusive Option Agreement

By and Among

All the shareholders listed in Schedule A

and

Yeelion Online Network Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd.

and

Beijing Kuwo Technology Co., Ltd.

July 12, 2016


Exclusive Option Agreement

This Exclusive Option Agreement (the “ Agreement ”) is entered into on July 12, 2016, by and among the following Parties:

 

1.

All the shareholders listed in Schedule A , of which the information see Schedule A.

(All the shareholders listed in Schedule A separately and collectively referred to as the “ Existing Shareholders ”);

 

2.

Yeelion Online Network Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. (the “ WFOE ”)

Registered address: Rooms 905-906, 9/F, Pacific International Building, 106 Zhichun Road, Haidian District, Beijing

 

3.

Beijing Kuwo Technology Co., Ltd.(the “ Company ”)

Registered address: B-207-161, 2/F, Building 2, 1 Nongda South Road, Haidian District, Beijing

(In this Agreement, each Party shall be referred to as a “ Party ” respectively or as the “ Parties ” collectively.)

Whereas:

 

(1)

Mr. Xie Guomin and Mr. Shi Lixue as the transferees respectively signed the share transfer agreements with other related parties (collectively the “ Transferors ”) on March 31, 2016. In accordance with the debt arrangements of assignment and offsetting by relevant parties, the share transfer price RMB 10,000,000 paid by Mr. Xie Guomin and Mr. Shi Lixue to the WFOE should be deemed as the loan (the “ Loan ”), which was lent to Mr. Xie Guomin and Mr. Shi Lixue by the WFOE.

 

(2)

In order to further clarify the rights and obligations of the borrowers and the lender, Mr. Xie Guomin and Mr. Shi Lixue executed a loan agreement (the “ Loan Agreement ”) with the WFOE on July 12, 2016.

 

(3)

Linzhi Lichuang Information Technology Co., Ltd. signed a subscription agreement to subscribe the Company’s increased registered capital on July 12, 2016.

 

(4)

The Existing Shareholders currently are registered shareholders of the Company, lawfully and legally holding all the equity of the Company. As of the date of this Agreement, the amount of contribution of each Existing Shareholder in the registered capital is shown in Schedule A.

 

(5)

The Existing Shareholders intends to transfer all the equity to the WFOE and/or any other entity or individual designated by the WFOE without prejudice to the PRC law, and the WFOE intends to accept such transfer.

 

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(6)

The Company intends to transfer its assets to the WFOE and/or any other entity or individual designated by the WFOE without prejudice to the PRC law, and the WFOE intends to accept such assets.

 

(7)

The Existing Shareholders and the Company agree to irrevocably grant the exclusive Equity Call Option and Assets Call Option to the WFOE in order to complete the equity and assets transfer mentioned above. Without prejudice to the PRC law and according to the Equity Call Option and Assets Call Option, the Existing Shareholders or the Company shall transfer the Option Equity Interest and the Company Assets (defined as follows) to the WFOE and/or any other entity or individual designated by the WFOE according to this Agreement at the request of the WFOE.

 

(8)

The Company agrees that the Existing Shareholders grant the Equity Call Option to the WFOE pursuant to this Agreement.

 

(9)

The Existing Shareholders agree that the Company grants Assets Call Option to the WFOE pursuant to this Agreement.

Therefore, the Parties hereby agree as follows upon mutual negotiations:

Article 1 Definition

 

1.1

Unless otherwise required in the context, the following terms in this Agreement shall have the following meanings:

 

“PRC Law”    means the then effective laws, administrative regulations, administrative rules, local regulations, judicial interpretations and other binding regulatory documents of the PRC (excluding Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Macao Special Administrative Region and Taiwan Region).
“Equity Call Option”    means the option to purchase the equity interests in the Company granted by the Existing Shareholders to the WFOE pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
“Assets Call Option”    means the option to purchase any assets of the Company granted by the Company to the WFOE pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

 

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“Option Equity Interest”    means, in respect of each Existing Shareholder, the equity interest owned by him or her (including the additional equity interest obtained by him or her due to capital increase, share transfer or any other reasons) in the Registered Capital (defined as follows) of the Company, and in respect of all the Existing Shareholders, the 100% equity interests in the Registered Capital of the Company.
“Registered Capital of the Company”    means the registered capital of the Company as of the signing date of this Agreement, i.e., RMB26,068,822, and includes any increased registered capital within the term of this Agreement.
“Transfer Equity Interests”    means the equity interests which the WFOE or its designated entity or individual is entitled to purchase from all Existing Shareholders or any Existing Shareholder at the request of the WFOE upon its exercise of the Equity Call Option in accordance with Section 3 hereof, the amount of which may be all or part of the Option Equity Interest and shall be determined by the WFOE at its sole discretion in accordance with the then effective PRC Law and its commercial needs.
“Transfer Assets”    means the assets of the Company which the WFOE or its designated entity or individual is entitled to purchase from the Company at the request of the WFOE upon its exercise of the Assets Call Option in accordance with Section 3 hereof, the amount of which may be all or part of the assets of the Company and shall be determined by the WFOE at its sole discretion in accordance with the then effective PRC Law and its commercial needs.
“Exercise”    means the exercise of the Equity Call Option or Assets Call Option by the WFOE.

 

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“Transfer Price”    means the aggregate consideration payable to the Existing Shareholders or the Company by the WFOE or its designated entity or individual for the Transfer Equity Interests or the Transfer Assets in each Exercise.
“Operating Licenses”    means any approvals, permits, filings or registrations which are necessary for the lawful and effective operation by the Company of all its businesses, including without limitation to the Business License, the Audio & Video Service Permission, the Value-added Telecommunication Service Business License, and other relevant licenses and permits as required by the then effective PRC Law.
“Company Assets”    means all the tangible and intangible assets which the Company owns or is entitled to use within the term of this Agreement, including without limitation to any fixed assets, moveable assets and intellectual property, including trademarks, copyrights, patents, proprietary technology, domain names and software use rights, etc.
“Material Agreement”    means any agreement to which the Company is a party and which has material impact on the businesses or the assets of the Company, including without limitation to the Exclusive Consulting and Services Agreement entered into by and between the Company and the WFOE and other material agreements relating to the business of the Company.

 

1.2

Any PRC Law referred to herein shall:

 

  (1)

include the amendments, changes, supplements and reenactments thereto, irrespective of whether they take effect before or after the execution of this Agreement; and

 

  (2)

include the references to other decisions, notices or regulations enacted in accordance therewith or which become effective as a result thereof.

 

1.3

Unless otherwise specified herein, all references to article, clause, item or paragraph shall refer to the relevant part hereof.

Article 2 Grant of Equity Call Option and Assets Call Option

 

2.1.

The Existing Shareholders hereby severally and jointly agree to irrevocably and unconditionally grant an exclusive Equity Call Option to the WFOE, according to which the WFOE may, to the extent permitted under the PRC Law and subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, request the Existing Shareholders to transfer the Option Equity Interest to the WFOE or its designated entity or individual. The WFOE agrees to accept such Equity Call Option.

 

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2.2.

The Company hereby agrees to the grant of the Equity Call Option to the WFOE by the Existing Shareholders under Section 2.1 and other provisions of this Agreement.

 

2.3.

The Company hereby agrees to irrevocably and unconditionally grant an exclusive Assets Call Option to the WFOE, according to which the WFOE may, to the extent permitted under the PRC Law and subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, request the Company to transfer all or any of the Company Assets to the WFOE or its designated entity or individual. The WFOE agrees to accept such Assets Call Option.

 

2.4.

The Existing Shareholders hereby severally and jointly agree to the grant of the Assets Call Option to the WFOE by the Company under Section 2.3 and other provisions of this Agreement.

Article 3 Manner of Exercise of Options

 

3.1.

Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and to the extent permitted under the PRC Law, the WFOE shall have the sole discretion in deciding the schedule, manner and times of its Exercise.

 

3.2.

Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and to the extent permitted by the then effective PRC Law, the WFOE is entitled to request the Existing Shareholders to transfer all or part of the equity interests in the Company to the WFOE or its designated entity or individual at any time.

 

3.3.

Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and to the extent permitted by the then effective PRC Law, the WFOE is entitled to request the Company to transfer all or part of its assets to the WFOE or its designated entity or individual at any time.

 

3.4.

In respect of the Equity Call Option, the WFOE has discretion to determine the amount of the Transfer Equity Interests to be transferred to the WFOE and/or its designated entity or individual from the Existing Shareholders in each Exercise, and the Existing Shareholders shall transfer the Transfer Equity Interests to the WFOE and/or its designated entity or individual respectively according to the amount as requested by the WFOE. The WFOE and/or its designated entity or individual shall pay the Transfer Price to the Existing Shareholders for transfer of the Transfer Equity Interests in each Exercise.

 

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3.5.

In respect of the Assets Call Option, the WFOE has discretion to determine the specific Transfer Assets to be transferred to the WFOE and/or its designated entity or individual from the Company, and the Company shall transfer the Transfer Assets to the WFOE and/or its designated entity or individual at the request of the WFOE. The WFOE and/or its designated entity or individual shall pay the Transfer Price to the Company for transfer of the Transfer Assets in each Exercise.

 

3.6.

Upon each Exercise, the WFOE may request transfer of all or any part of the Transfer Equity Interests or the Transfer Assets to itself or any third party designated by it.

 

3.7.

Upon its decision of each Exercise, the WFOE shall issue a notice to the Existing Shareholders or the Company, as case may be, on the exercise of the Equity Call Option or the Assets Call Option (the “Exercise Notice” , the form of which is attached in Schedule B and Schedule C hereto). The Existing Shareholders or the Company shall, upon receipt of the Exercise Notice, promptly transfer all the Transfer Equity Interests or the Transfer Assets to the WFOE and/or its designated entity or individual according to the Exercise Notice and in such manner as provided under Section 3.4 or Section 3.5 of this Agreement.

Article 4 Transfer Price

 

4.1

In respect of the Equity Call Option, in each Exercise, the Transfer Price that WFOE or its designated entity or individual shall pay to the respective Existing Shareholders shall be the amount in proportion to their respective contributions to the Registered Capital of the Company. For the avoidance of doubt, WFOE may, in accordance with Article 4.3 of the Loan Agreement, pay to Mr. Xie Guomin and/or Mr. Shi Lixue the transfer price. Under this circumstance, without prejudice to the applicable law, WFOE shall purchase or designate a third party to purchase the equity held by the respective Existing Shareholders at the transfer price equal to the required repayment amount. The proportion of the equity purchased by WFOE accounting for the equity then held by the respective Existing Shareholders shall be the same as the proportion of the required repayment amount accounting for the total outstanding amount of the respective Existing Shareholders under the Loan Agreement.

 

4.2

In respect of the Assets Call Option, in each Exercise, WFOE or its designated entity or individual shall pay the Company the net book value of the relevant assets. Under this circumstance, without prejudice to the applicable law, all the purchase price obtained by the Company shall be used as the directional dividends paid to Mr. Xie Guomin and Mr. Shi Lixue. Then Mr. Xie Guomin and Mr. Shi Lixue shall use all these dividends to repay the loan under the Loan Agreement. The proportion of the purchased assets accounting for the total assets of the Company shall be the same as the proportion of the required repayment amount accounting for the total outstanding amount of the respective Existing Shareholders under the Loan Agreement.

 

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4.3

If relevant PRC Law then applicable to the WFOE’s Exercise of Equity Call Option or Assets Call Option requires to make assess evaluation of the equity or assets to be transferred or makes restrictions on the transfer price of the equity or assets to be transferred, WFOE, the Existing Shareholders and the Company agree that the transfer price shall be the lowest price permitted by the PRC Law. If the lowest price permitted by the PRC Law is higher than the corresponding capital contribution of the transfer equity and/or the net book value of the purchased assets, the Existing Shareholders and/or the Company shall pay all the remaining of the excess amount to WFOE after deducting all the taxes and fees required by the applicable PRC Law.

Article 5 Representations and Warranties

 

5.1.

The Existing Shareholders hereby severally and not jointly represent and warrant as follows, except for the disclosure of Schedule A:

 

  5.1.1

If the Existing Shareholder is a natural person, he/she is a PRC citizen with full capacity, having full and independent legal status and legal capacity to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement, and may act as an independent legal subject of litigation. If the Existing Shareholder is not a natural person, it is a legal entity validly established and lawfully existing under the laws of the PRC, having full and independent legal status and legal capacity to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement, and may act as an independent legal subject of litigation.

 

  5.1.2

Each of the Existing Shareholders has full power and authority to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and all the other documents to be entered into by them which are related to the transaction contemplated hereunder, as well as to consummate the transaction hereunder.

 

  5.1.3

This Agreement is duly and lawfully executed and delivered by the Existing Shareholders and shall constitute legal, valid and binding obligations to them, which shall be enforceable against them in accordance with the terms herein.

 

  5.1.4

The Existing Shareholders are the registered legal owners of the Option Equity Interest as of the date hereof, and the Option Equity Interest is free and clear of any liens, pledges, claims, other encumbrances or third party interests, except for the pledge rights created by the Equity Interest Pledge Agreements dated July 12, 2016, and the proxy rights created by the Voting Trust Agreement dated July 12, 2016, among the Company, the WFOE and the respective Existing Shareholders. Pursuant to this Agreement, the WFOE and/or its designated entity or individual can, upon the Exercise, obtain ownership of the Transfer Equity Interests free and clear of any liens, pledges, claims, other encumbrances or third party right.

 

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5.2.

The Company hereby represents and warrants as follows:

 

  5.2.1

The Company is a limited liability company duly registered and validly existing under PRC Law with an independent corporate legal person status. The Company has full and independent legal status and legal capacity to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and can act as an independent party in any lawsuits.

 

  5.2.2

The Company has full power and authority to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and all other documents relating to the transaction contemplated herein which are to be executed by it, and it has full power and authority to consummate the transaction contemplated herein.

 

  5.2.3

This Agreement is duly and lawfully executed and delivered by the Company and shall constitute legal, valid and binding obligations to it.

 

  5.2.4

The Company Assets are free and clear of any liens, mortgages, claims, other encumbrances or third party rights. Pursuant to this Agreement, upon the Exercise, the WFOE and/or any of its designated entity or individual is/are entitled to the good ownership of the Company Assets free from any liens, mortgages, claims, any other security interests and third party rights.

 

  5.2.5

The Existing Shareholders are the registered legal owners of the Option Equity Interest as of the date hereof, aggregately holding 100% equity of the Company. The Option Equity Interest is free and clear of any liens, pledges, claims, other encumbrances or third party interests, except for the pledge rights created by the Equity Interest Pledge Agreements dated July 12, 2016, and the proxy rights created by the Voting Trust Agreement dated July 12, 2016, among the Company, the WFOE and the respective Existing Shareholders. Pursuant to this Agreement, the WFOE and/or its designated entity or individual can, upon the Exercise, obtain ownership of the Transfer Equity Interests free and clear of any liens, pledges, claims, other encumbrances or third party right.

 

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5.3.

The WFOE hereby represents and warrants as follows:

 

  5.3.1

It is a wholly foreign-owned enterprise duly incorporated and validly existing under PRC Law with an independent legal person status, and has full and independent legal status and legal capacity to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and can act as an independent party in any lawsuits.

 

  5.3.2

It has full power and authority to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and all other documents relating to the transaction contemplated herein which are to be executed to it, and it has full power and authority to consummate the transaction contemplated herein.

 

  5.3.3

This Agreement is duly and lawfully executed and delivered by WFOE and shall constitute legal, valid and binding obligations to it.

Article 6 Undertakings by the Existing Shareholders

Each of Existing Shareholders hereby severally and not jointly undertakes as follows:

 

6.1

During the term of this Agreement, without prior written consent of the WFOE, each of Existing Shareholders:

 

  6.1.1

Shall not transfer or otherwise dispose of any Option Equity Interest or create any encumbrances or third party interests upon any Option Equity Interest.

 

  6.1.2

Shall not increase or reduce the Registered Capital of the Company, or cause or agree to the merger of the Company with any other entities;

 

  6.1.3

Shall not dispose of, or procure the management of the Company to dispose of, any material Company Assets or create any encumbrances or third party interests upon any Company Assets;

 

  6.1.4

Shall not, and shall procure the management of the Company not to, terminate any Material Agreement to which the Company is a party, or enter into any other agreements which are in conflict with the existing Material Agreements;

 

  6.1.5

Shall not appoint or dismiss any director, supervisor or any other management of the Company whom shall be appointed or dismissed by the Existing Shareholders;

 

  6.1.6

Shall not procure the Company to declare or distribute any distributable profits, dividends or other distributions;

 

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  6.1.7

Shall not vote in favor of the Company’s termination, liquidation or dissolution;

 

  6.1.8

Shall not vote in favor of amending the association of the Company.

 

  6.1.9

Shall not vote in favor of the Company to lend or borrow any loan, or provide guarantee or other forms of security arrangements, or assume any material obligations except for those occur during the ordinary course of business.

 

6.2

During the term of this Agreement, each of the Existing Shareholders shall not engage in any actions or omissions which may affect the validity of the Operating Licenses.

 

6.3

Upon issuance of the Exercise Notice by the WFOE, each of Existing Shareholders:

 

  6.3.1

Shall immediately convene shareholders’ meeting to adopt a resolution and take any other necessary actions, to approve the transfer of all of the Transfer Equity Interests or Transfer Assets at the Transfer Price by the Existing Shareholders or the Company to the WFOE and/or its designated entity or individual, as well as waive his or her right of first refusal, if any;

 

  6.3.2

Shall transfer all of the Transfer Equity Interests at the Transfer Price under the Article 4 to the WFOE and/or its designated entity or individual by entering into an equity transfer agreement with the WFOE and/or its designated entity or individual immediately, and at the request of the WFOE and subject to relevant laws and regulations, provide necessary support to the WFOE (including provide and execute all relevant legal documents, process all procedure for governmental approvals and registrations and assume all relevant obligations) for acquisition of all the Transfer Equity Interests by the WFOE and/or its designated entity or individual, free and clear of any legal defects, any encumbrances, third party interests, or any other restrictions on the Transfer Equity Interests.

 

6.4

If the aggregated Transfer Price received by any of the Existing Shareholders from transfer of his or her Transfer Equity Interests exceeds his or her contribution to the Registered Capital of the Company, or such Existing Shareholder receives any profits, dividends or other distributions distributed by the Company, such Existing Shareholder agrees to waive the excessive portion of the Transfer Price and any such profits, dividends or distributions (with tax and fees being deducted) to the extent permitted by PRC Law, and the WFOE is entitled to such excessive portion of the Transfer Price and such profits, dividends or distributions. The Existing Shareholders shall instruct relevant transferee or the Company to wire the above gains to a bank account designated by the WFOE.

 

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Article 7 Undertakings by the Company

 

7.1

The Company undertakes as follows:

 

  7.1.1

In the event the execution and performance of this Agreement and the grant of the Equity Call Option or the Assets Call Option hereunder is subject to any third party’s consents, approvals, waivers, licenses, or any approvals, permits, waivers, registrations or filings from or with governmental authorities (as required by the laws), the Company shall make efforts to assist in the above procedure.

 

  7.1.2

Without prior written consent of the WFOE, the Company shall not assist or permit the Existing Shareholders to transfer or dispose of any Option Equity Interest or create any encumbrances or other third party interest upon the Option Equity Interest.

 

  7.1.3

Without prior written consent of the WFOE, the Company shall not transfer or otherwise dispose of any material Company Assets or create any encumbrances or other third party interest upon any Company Assets.

 

  7.1.4

It shall not take or allow any acts or actions which could have adverse effect upon the interests of the WFOE under this Agreement, including without limitation to any acts or actions as restricted under Section 6.1 hereof.

 

7.2

The Company undertakes that upon issuance of the Exercise Notice by the WFOE:

 

  7.2.1

It shall immediately procure the Existing Shareholders to convene shareholders’ meeting to adopt a resolution and take any other necessary actions, to approve the transfer of all of the Transfer Assets at the Transfer Price by the Company to the WFOE and/or its designated entity or individual;

 

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  7.2.2

It shall transfer all of the Transfer Assets at the Transfer Price to the WFOE and/or its designated entity or individual by entering into an assets transfer agreement with the WFOE and/or its designated entity or individual immediately, and at the request of the WFOE and subject to relevant laws and regulations, procure the Existing Shareholders to provide necessary support to the WFOE (including provide and execute all relevant legal documents, process all procedure for governmental approvals and registrations and assume all relevant obligations) for acquisition of all the Transfer Assets by the WFOE and/or its designated entity or individual, free and clear of any legal defects, any encumbrances, third party interests, or any other restrictions on the Company Assets.

Article 8 Confidentiality

 

8.1

Notwithstanding the termination of this Agreement, each Party shall keep confidential all of the business secrets, proprietary information, customer information as well as any other information of confidential nature it receives from the other Parties in connection with the execution and performance of this Agreement (collectively referred to as the “Confidential Information” ). Without prior written consent of the disclosing party of the Confidential Information or unless required by relevant laws and regulations or requirements of the stock exchange on which a Party’s affiliate is listed, any Party receiving the Confidential Information shall not disclose any such Confidential Information to any other third party, or use any such Confidential Information directly or indirectly for any purpose other than for the performance of this Agreement.

 

8.2

The following information shall not constitute the Confidential Information:

 

  (a)

Any information which, as shown by written evidence, has previously been known to the receiving Party by way of legal means;

 

  (b)

Any information which enters the public domain other than as a result of a fault of the receiving Party; or

 

  (c)

Any information lawfully acquired by the receiving Party from another source subsequent to the receipt of relevant information.

 

8.3

The receiving party may disclose Confidential Information to its relevant employees, agents or professionals engaged by it, provided that such receiving party shall ensure that the aforesaid persons are subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the receiving party shall be liable for any liabilities arising from breach of the terms and conditions hereof by the aforesaid persons.

 

8.4

Notwithstanding any other provisions herein, the validity of this Section 8 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

 

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Article 9 Term of This Agreement

This Agreement shall become effective as of the date of the execution by the Parties. This Agreement is the final agreement reached between the Parties on the exclusive option and relevant issues which shall supersedes any and all prior consultations, negotiations or discussions, representations, memorandum, agreements or other documents. In case of any conflict, contradiction or inconsistency, this Agreement shall prevail. This Agreement shall remain valid until all of the Option Equity Interest and the Company Assets have been lawfully transferred to the WFOE and/or its designated entity or individual in accordance with the provisions hereof.

Article 10 Notice

 

10.1

Any notice, request, demand and other correspondences as required by or made in accordance with this Agreement shall be delivered to the relevant Party in writing.

 

10.2

The above notice or other correspondences shall be deemed to have been delivered upon delivery when it is transmitted by facsimile or telex, or upon handed over to the receiver when it is delivered in person, or on the fifth (5) day after posting when it is delivered by mail, or on the date of receipt by the recipient if by express delivery. However, if the notice is returned due to the fault of the served party or the refusal of the served party to sign for it, the date on which the notice is returned shall be deemed as service. In case of simultaneous delivery in any of the above forms, the earliest deemed time of delivery shall prevail.

Article 11 Default Liabilities

 

11.1

The Parties agree and acknowledge that if any Party (the “ Defaulting Party ”) breaches any provision hereunder, or fails to perform or delays in performing any obligations hereunder, such breach, failure or delay shall constitute a default hereunder (the “ Default ”) and that in such event, the non-defaulting Party/Parties (the “ Non-Defaulting Party ”) shall have the right to demand the Defaulting Party to cure such Default or take remedial measures within a reasonable time. If the Defaulting Party fails to cure such Default or take remedial measures with such reasonable time or within ten (10) days of the Non-Defaulting Party notifying the Defaulting Party in writing and requesting it to cure such Default, the Non-Defaulting Party may elect, in its (their) discretion, to do the following:

 

  11.1.1

if the Defaulting Party is any of Each of Shareholders or the Company, the WFOE shall have the right to terminate this Agreement and claim the Defaulting Party to indemnify the damages. For the avoidance of doubt, the responsibility of shareholders or the responsibility between the shareholders and the Company is independent, and the shareholders do not bear any joint liability for any obligation or responsibility of the other existing shareholders or Company;

 

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  11.1.2

if the Defaulting Party is the WFOE, the Non-defaulting Party has right to claim the Defaulting Party to indemnify the damages, provided that in no event shall the Non-defaulting Party have the right to terminate or rescind this Agreement, except that the contrary is provided by the law.

 

11.2

Notwithstanding any other provisions herein, the effectiveness of this Article shall survive the suspension or termination of this Agreement.

Article 12 Miscellaneous Provisions

 

12.1

This Agreement is made in Chinese in five (5) originals with each Party retaining one (1) copy hereof.

 

12.2

The execution, effectiveness, performance, amendment, interpretation and termination of this Agreement shall be governed by PRC laws.

 

12.3

Dispute Resolutions

 

  (a)

Any dispute arising out of or in relation to this Agreement, the Parties shall first resolve the dispute through friendly negotiation. The requesting party shall notify the other party of the dispute and explain the nature of the dispute by overloading the date notice. If the Parties fail to reach an agreement regarding such a dispute within thirty (30) days of its occurrence, any Party is entitled to submit such dispute to the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (the “CIETAC” ) for arbitration in Beijing in accordance with the then effective arbitration rules thereof and the arbitration award shall be final and binding.

 

  (b)

The arbitration tribunal shall consist of three (3) arbitrators, of whom the two parties have the right to appoint one (1) each. The third arbitrator (3rd) should be appointed jointly by the two sides. If the party shall not be able to reach an agreement on the joint designation of the third arbitrator, he/she should be appointed by the director of the Arbitration Committee. The third arbitrator shall be the chief arbitrator of the arbitration tribunal.

 

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  (c)

In making an arbitration award, the arbitrator shall take into account the intention of the Parties which may be determined in accordance with this Agreement.

 

  (d)

The arbitration award made according to the Article12.3 in writing should be final and binding. The parties shall do their utmost to ensure that any such arbitration award is duly executed and to provide any necessary assistance thereto.

 

  (e)

The aforesaid provisions of the Article 12.3 shall not prevent the party concerned from applying for any pre suit protection or prohibition remedy available for any reason, including but not limited to the enforcement of subsequent enforcement of the arbitration tribunal.

 

12.4

Any rights, powers and remedies entitled to any Party by any provision herein shall not preclude any other rights, powers and remedies entitled to such Party in accordance with laws and other provisions under this Agreement, and a Party’s exercise of any of its rights, powers and remedies shall not preclude its exercise of other rights, powers and remedies.

 

12.5

No failure or delay by a Party to exercise any of its rights, powers and remedies hereunder or in accordance with laws (the “ Rights ”) shall be construed as a waiver of such Rights, and the waiver of any single or partial exercise of the Rights shall not preclude its exercise of such Rights in any other way or its exercise of other Rights.

 

12.6

The headings of the sections herein are for reference only, and in no circumstances shall such headings be used in or affect the interpretation of the provisions hereof.

 

12.7

Each provision contained herein shall be severable and independent from other provisions. If at any time one or several provisions herein shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality or enforceability of other provisions herein shall not be affected thereby.

 

12.8

This Agreement, upon its execution, supersedes any other legal documents executed by the Parties with respect to the same subject hereof. Any amendments or supplements to this Agreement shall be in writing and shall become effective upon duly execution by the Parties hereto.

 

12.9

No Party shall assign any of its rights and/or obligations hereunder to any third parties without prior written consent from other Parties.

 

12.10

This Agreement shall be binding on the legal transferees or successors of the Parties.

[ The remainder of this page is intentionally left blank ]

 

15


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

Yeelion Online Network Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
/s/ Seal of Yeelion Online Network Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
Beijing Kuwo Technology Co., Ltd.
/s/ Seal of Beijing Kuwo Technology Co., Ltd.
Xie Guomin
Signature: /s/ Xie Guomin
Shi Lixue
Signature: /s/ Shi Lixue
Linzhi Lichuang Information Technology Co., Ltd.
/s/ Seal of Linzhi Lichuang Information Technology Co., Ltd.


Schedule A

Basic information of the Company

 

Company Name:    Beijing Kuwo Technology Co., Ltd.
Registered Address:    B-207-161, 2/F, Building 2, 1 Nongda South Road, Haidian District, Beijing
Registered Capital:    RMB 26,068,822 Yuan
Shareholding Structure:   

 

#

  

Shareholder’s

Name

   Identification No. /
Registration No.
    Registered
Capital
     Shareholding
Percentage
 
1   

Xie Limin

     [            ]       6,000,000        23.02
2   

Shi Lixue

     [            ]       4,000,000        15.34
3   

Linzhi Lichuang Information Technology Co., Ltd.

     91540400MA6T10ME4F       16,068,822        61.64
       

 

 

    

 

 

 
          26,068,822        100.00
       

 

 

    

 

 

 

Note: The update of registered capital and shareholding structure under the SPA executed on the same date with this Agreement still require approval and registration with the governmental authority (including without limitation the review and approval from State Administration of Radio and Television and change registration with industrial and commercial authorities).

Exhibit 10.47

Exclusive Technical Service Agreement

Between

Beijing Kuwo Technology Co., Ltd.

And

Yeelion Online Network Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd.

July 12, 2016


EXCLUSIVE TECHNICAL SERVICE AGREEMENT

This Exclusive Technical Service Agreement (this “ Agreement ”) is entered into on July 12, 2016 by and between:

 

1.

Beijing Kuwo Technology Co., Ltd. (“ Party A ”)

Registered Address: B-207-161, 2/F, Building 2, 1 Nongda South Road, Haidian District, Beijing

 

2.

Yeelion Online Network Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. (“ Party B ”)

Registered Address: Rooms 905-906, 9/F, Pacific International Building, 106 Zhichun Road, Haidian District, Beijing

(In this Agreement, each of Party A and Party B shall be hereinafter referred to as a “ Party ” respectively, and as the “ Parties ” collectively.)

WITNESSETH

Whereas, Party A is a limited liability company registered and lawfully existing in Beijing, the PRC, which is mainly engaged in the provision of Category II information services in value-added services through telecommunications network (excluding fixed network telephone information service and Internet information service), Internet information service (excluding news, publication, education, health care, medicine and medical devices), and technology promotion. (The enterprise should independently select business projects and carry out business activities in accordance with the laws; for those projects to be approved pursuant to the laws, business activities shall be carried out according to the content of the approval by relevant departments; the enterprise shall not engage in any business activity prohibited or restricted by industrial policies in the municipality);

Whereas, Party B is a wholly foreign-owned enterprise registered and lawfully existing in Beijing, the PRC, which is mainly engaged in developing and producing computer software and system integration, providing technical advice and technical services for self-produced products, undertaking computer network system engineering, and selling self-produced products. (For those projects to be approved pursuant to the laws, business activities shall be carried out according to the content of the approval by relevant departments);

Whereas, Party A needs Party B to provide it with technical services relating to Party A Business (as defined below), and Party B agrees to provide such services to Party A

 

1


Through mutual discussion, the Parties have reached the following agreements:

 

1

Definitions

 

  1.1

Unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise required by the context, the following terms shall have the following meanings in this Agreement:

 

Party A

Business

   means all of the business activities operated and developed by Party A now and at any time during the term hereof.
Services   

means the services to be provided by Party B within its business scope on an exclusive basis to Party A in relation to Party A Business, including without limitation the followings:

 

(1)   allowing Party A to use relevant software legally owned by Party B and necessary for Party A Business;

 

(2)   designation, installation, routine management, maintenance and updating of computer network system, hardware devices and databases;

 

(3)   development, maintenance and updating of relevant application software necessary for Party A business;

 

(4)   technical supporting and professional training to the personnel of Party A;

 

(5)   assisting Party A with the collection and analyzing relevant technical information of website operation, including errors and defect information, in order to improve the technology service under this Agreement

 

(6)   website designation service, and providing comprehensive security service to Party A’s websites; and

 

(7)   other relevant services provided from time to time at Party A’s request.

Annual Business Plan    means the Party A Business development plan and budget report for the next calendar year to be prepared by Party A in accordance with this Agreement by November 30 of each year with the assistance of Party B.
Service Fees    means all of the fees payable by Party A to Party B under Article 3 hereof in respect of the services provided by Party B.

 

2


Devices    means any and all devices owned or purchased from time to time by Party B and utilized for the purposes of the provision of the Services.
Business-Related Technology    means any and all software and technologies developed by Party A on the basis of the Services provided by Party B hereunder in relation to Party A Business.

 

  1.2

In this Agreement, any reference to any laws and regulations (“ Law ”) shall be deemed to include:

 

  (1)

a reference to such Laws as modified, amended, supplemented or reenacted, effective (before or after the date of this Agreement; and

 

  (2)

a reference to any other decision, circular or rule made pursuant to such Laws or effective as a result of such Laws.

 

  1.3

Unless otherwise stated in the context of this Agreement, a reference to a provision, clause, section or paragraph shall refer to a corresponding provision, clause, section or paragraph of this Agreement.

 

2

Services

 

  2.1

During the term hereof, Party B shall, in accordance with the requirements of Party A Business, diligently provide the Services to Party A.

 

  2.2

Party B shall be equipped with all Devices and personnel reasonably necessary for the provision of the Services and shall, in accordance with Party A’s Annual Business Plan and Party A’s reasonable requests, procure and purchase new Devices and add new personnel so as to meet the requirement of providing quality Services to Party A in accordance with this Agreement.

 

  2.3

For the purpose of the provision of the Services hereunder, Party B shall communicate with and exchange all kinds of information pertaining to Party A Business with Party A.

 

  2.4

Notwithstanding any other provisions hereof, Party B shall have the right to designate any third party to provide any or all of the Services hereunder or fulfill, in lieu of Party B, Party B’s obligations hereunder. Party A hereby agrees that Party B has the right to assign to any third party its rights and interests hereunder.

 

3


3

Service Fees

 

  3.1

In connection with the Services provided by Party B hereunder, Party A agrees to pay Services Fees to Party B in the following manners:

 

  3.1.1

performance service fees with the amount equivalent to 90% of the balance that Party A’s annual business income is deducted by the business cost agreed by both Parties; and

 

  3.1.2

Service Fees as may be separately agreed by the Parties for any special technology services provided from time to time by Party B at Party A’s request.

 

  3.2

Party B may require Party A to compensate for the depreciation of the equipment actually used by Party B.

 

  3.3

Both Parties agree to pay the Service Fees as prescribed as the followings:

 

  3.3.1

Party A shall pay the performance service fee to Party B per annum. After the end of each fiscal year of Party A, Party A and Party B shall determine the Total Pre-tax Profits based on the audit report issued by a PRC registered accounting firm acknowledged by both Parties, calculating the actual performance fees payable by Party A. Party A shall pay the corresponding performance fees to Party B within fifteen (15) working days after the issuance of the audit report. Party A undertakes to Party B that it will provide all the necessary materials and assistance to the aforesaid accounting firm and cause it to complete and issue to both Parties the audit report for the previous year within thirty (30) working days after the completion of each calendar year.

 

  3.3.2

The payment method of the Services Fees stipulated in Paragraph 3.1.2 hereof shall be determined separately by both Parties.

 

  3.4

In accordance with this Article 3, Party A shall pay all Service Fees into a bank account designated by Party B in a timely manner. If Party B changes its bank account, it shall give Party A a written notice seven (7) business days in advance.

 

  3.5

The Parties agree that the payment of such Service Fees shall not, in principle, cause any difficulty for any Party’s operation in that year. For this purpose and to the extent to which the principle is achieved, Party B may agree with Party A’s delayed payment of the Service Fees, or Party B, at its sole discretion, shall have the right to adjust the calculation rate and amount of performance service fees through written notice to Party A, without Party A’s consent.

 

4


  3.6

The Service Fees payable by Party A to Party B pursuant to Paragraph 3.1.2 shall be separately determined in accordance with the nature and workload by the Parties.

 

4

Party A’s Obligations

 

  4.1

The Services provided by Party B under this Agreement shall be exclusive. During the term of this Agreement, without prior written consent of Party B, Party A shall not enter into any agreement or other arrangement with any other third party to engage such third party for providing Party A with services identical or similar to the Services provided by Party B under this Agreement.

 

  4.2

Party A shall, before November 30 of each year, provide to Party B its determined Annual Business Plan for the next year so that Party B can arrange the corresponding services plan and procure the required software, Devices, personnel and technical service resources. If Party A requires Party B to procure Devices or personnel on an ad hoc basis, it shall consult with Party B fifteen (15) days in advance so as to reach mutual agreement.

 

  4.3

In order to facilitate Party B’s provision of the Services, Party A shall, at Party B’s request, accurately and timely provide to Party B such relevant materials as required by Party B.

 

  4.4

Party A shall in accordance with Section 3 of this Agreement pay the full amount of the Service Fees in a timely manner to Party B.

 

  4.5

Party A shall maintain its goodwill, actively expand its business and seek the maximization of its profits

 

  4.6

During the term of this Agreement, Party A agrees to cooperate with Party B and its parent companies (including direct or indirect parent companies) to conduct related party transaction audit and other types of audits, to provide Party B, its parent companies or its designated auditors with relevant information and materials in relation to Party A’s operation, business, clients, finance, employees, etc., and to approve Party B’s parent companies to disclose such information and materials in order to meet the supervisory requirement of its securities listing place.

 

5


5

Intellectual Properties

 

  5.1

All of the intellectual properties, which are either originally owned by Party B or acquired by it during the term hereof, including the intellectual property to and in the work results created during its provision of the Services, shall belong to Party B.

 

  5.2

Considering that the conduct of Party A Business is dependent upon the Services provided by Party B hereunder, Party A agrees to the following arrangement with respect to the Business-Related Technology developed on the basis of such Services:

 

  (1)

If the Business-Related Technology is developed and derived by Party A under Party B’s entrustment or is derived by Party A through joint development with Party B, then such Business-Related Technology and relevant patent application right shall be owned by Party B.

 

  (2)

If the Business-Related Technology is derived by Party A through further independent development, then it shall be owned by Party A, provided however that: (A) Party A shall timely inform Party B of the details of such Business-Related Technology and shall provide relevant documents required by Party B; (B) if Party A intends to license or transfer such Business-Related Technology, Party A shall, to the extent not contrary to mandatory requirements of PRC Laws, transfer the same to Party B or grant an exclusive license to Party B on a preemptive basis, and Party B may use such Business-Related Technology within the specific scope of transfer or license (however, Party B may determine in its discretion whether to accept such transfer or license); if and only if Party B has waived its right to preemptive purchase or its right to exclusive license with respect to such Business-Related Technology, Party A may then transfer the title of, or license, such Business-Related Technology, to a third party on terms and conditions no more favorable than those proposed to Party B (including, without limitation, transfer price or license fees) but shall ensure that such third party shall fully comply with and perform the liabilities and obligations to be performed by Party A hereunder; (C) except in the case of a circumstance described in (B), during the term hereof, Party B shall have the right to demand to purchase such Business-Related Technology, and in the event that such a request is so made, Party A shall, to the extent not contrary to mandatory requirements of PRC Laws, agree to such purchase request of Party B at the lowest purchase price then permissible by PRC Laws.

 

  5.3

In the event that Party B is granted, in accordance with Section 5.2 Subsection (2), an exclusive license to use the Business-Related Technology, such license shall comply with the following requirements:

 

  (1)

The term of the license shall be no less than five (5) years (from the date of effectiveness of the underlying license agreement);

 

6


  (2)

The scope of the rights granted under the license shall be as broad as possible;

 

  (3)

During the term of the license, no one (including Party A) other than Party B shall use or license another party to use such Business-Related Technology within the scope of the license;

 

  (4)

To the extent not contrary to Section 5.3 Subsection (3), Party A shall have the right to relicense, in its discretion, such Business-Related Technology to another party; and

 

  (5)

Upon expiry of the term of the license, Party B shall have the right to demand to renew the license agreement and Party A shall grant its consent, and upon such renewal the terms of such license agreement shall remain unchanged other than amendments thereto which have been confirmed by Party B.

 

  5.4

Notwithstanding Section 5.2 Subsection (2), a patent application in respect of any Business-Related Technology described therein shall be dealt with as follows:

 

  (1)

If Party A intends to file a patent application with respect to any Business-Related Technology described in Section 5.2 Subsection (2), it shall first obtain written consent from Party B;

 

  (2)

If and only if Party B has waived its right to purchase the patent application right for such Business-Related Technology, Party A may then file such patent application on its own or assign such right to a third party. Prior to so transferring such patent application right to a third party, Party A shall ensure that such third party shall fully comply with and perform the liabilities and obligations to be performed by Party A hereunder; in addition, the terms on which Party A transfers such patent application right to a third party (including, without limitation, transfer price) shall not be more favorable than those proposed by Party A to Party B under Section 5.4 Subsection (3);

 

  (3)

During the term hereof, Party B may at any time request Party A to file patent applications with respect to such Business-Related Technology and may decide in its discretion whether to purchase the right to file such patent application. If so requested by Party B, Party A shall, to the extent not contrary to the mandatory requirements of PRC Laws, transfer such right to file patent applications to Party B at the lowest transfer price then permissible by PRC Laws; once Party B has been granted patents upon its so acquiring the right to file patent applications with respect to such Business-Related Technology and so filing such applications, Party B shall become the lawful owner of such patents.

 

7


  5.5

Each Party undertakes to the other Party that it will indemnify the other Party against any and all economic losses suffered by the other Party as a result of its infringement of third party intellectual properties (including copyrights, trademarks, patents and know-hows).

 

6

Confidentiality Obligations

 

  6.1

Irrespective of whether this Agreement has been terminated, each of Party A and Party B shall maintain in strict confidence the business secrets, proprietary information, Customer Information and any other information of a confidential nature of the other Party coming into its knowledge during the entry into and performance of this Agreement (“ Confidential Information ”). Except where prior written consent has been obtained from the other Party or where disclosure to a third party is mandated by relevant laws or regulations or listing rules, the Party receiving the Confidential Information shall not disclose any Confidential Information to any third party; the Party receiving the Confidential Information shall not use, either directly or indirectly, any Confidential Information other than for the purpose of performing this Agreement.

 

  6.2

The following information shall not constitute the Confidential Information:

 

  (a)

any information which, as shown by written evidence, has previously been known to the receiving Party by way of legal means;

 

  (b)

any information which enters the public domain other than as a result of a fault of the receiving Party; or

 

  (c)

any information lawfully acquired by the receiving Party from another source subsequent to the receipt of relevant information.

 

  6.3

A receiving Party may disclose the Confidential Information to its relevant employees, agents or its appointed professionals provided that such receiving Party shall ensure that such persons shall comply with relevant terms and conditions of this Agreement and that it shall undertake any liability arising out of any breach by such persons of relevant terms and conditions of this Agreement.

 

8


  6.4

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement, the validity of this Section shall not be affected by any termination of this Agreement

 

7

Representations and Warranties by Party A

Party A hereby represents and warrants to Party B that:

 

  7.1

It is a limited liability company duly registered and lawfully existing under PRC Laws with independent legal personality, has full and independent legal status and capacity to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and may sue or be sued as an independent party.

 

  7.2

It has full internal corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and all other documents to be executed by it in connection with the transactions contemplated hereunder as well as full power and authority to consummate the transactions contemplated hereunder. This Agreement will be lawfully and duly executed and delivered by it, and will constitute its legal and binding obligations enforceable against it in accordance with its terms.

 

  7.3

It shall timely inform Party B of any circumstance which has or is likely to have a material adverse effect on Party A Business or operation thereof and shall use its best efforts to prevent the occurrence of such circumstance and/or the expansion of losses.

 

  7.4

Without written consent of Party B, Party A will not dispose of its material assets or change its current shareholding structure in whatsoever manner.

 

8

Representations and Warranties by Party B

Party B hereby represents and warrants to Party A that:

 

  8.1

It is a limited liability company duly registered and lawfully existing under PRC Laws with independent legal personality, has full and independent legal status and capacity to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and may sue or be sued as an independent party.

 

  8.2

It has full internal corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and all other documents to be executed by it in connection with the transactions contemplated hereunder as well as full power and authority to consummate the transactions contemplated hereunder. This Agreement will be lawfully and duly executed and delivered by it, and will constitute its legal and binding obligations enforceable against it in accordance with its terms.

 

9


9

Term of Agreement

 

  9.1

This Agreement shall become effective when it is duly executed by the Parties hereto. Unless otherwise expressly stipulated herein, the term of this Agreement shall last, in the absence of early termination by mutual written agreement, twenty (20) years. This Agreement is the final version agreement which the Parties have reached upon in respect of exclusive technology service and relevant issues; this Agreement shall fully replace any and all of previous consultation, negotiation or discussion which all Parties have reached upon, and shall terminate any and all of letters of intent, memorandums, agreements or other documents which all Parties have reached upon and agreed. If there is any conflict, contravention or inconsistence in such consultation, negotiation, discussion results, such letters of intent, memorandum, agreements or other documents against this Agreement, this Agreement shall prevail.

 

  9.2

If necessary, the Parties shall, within three (3) months prior to the expiration of their respective period of business, complete the review and approval and registration procedures to extend their respective period of operation, so as to maintain the validity of this Agreement.

 

  9.3

Upon termination hereof, the Parties shall continue to comply with their respective obligations under Articles 6, 11 and 13.

 

10

Notice

 

  10.1

Any notice, request, demand and other correspondences required by or made pursuant to this Agreement shall be made in writing and delivered to the relevant Parties.

 

  10.2

Aforesaid notice or other correspondences shall be deemed delivered when it is transmitted if transmitted by fax or telex; or upon delivery, if delivered in person; or five (5) days after posting, if delivered by mail; or upon the signature of the recipient, if delivered by courier service. But if the notice is returned due to the recipient’s fault or the recipient’s refusal to sign, the notice is deemed delivered on the date when the notice is returned. If the notice is transmitted in more than a method mentioned above, the notice is delivered at the earliest time among such methods.

 

10


11

Liability for Default

 

  11.1

The Parties agree and acknowledge that if any Party (“ Defaulting Party ”) substantially breaches any provision hereunder, or substantially fails to perform or substantially delays in performing any obligations hereunder, such breach, failure or delay shall constitute a default hereunder (“ Default ”) and that in such event, the non-defaulting Party shall have the right to demand the Defaulting Party to cure such Default or take remedial measures within a reasonable time. If the Defaulting Party fails to cure such Default or take remedial measures within such reasonable time or within ten (10) days after the non-defaulting Party notifies the Defaulting Party in writing and requests it to cure such Default, the non-defaulting Party may elect, in its discretion, to (1) terminate this Agreement and demand the Defaulting Party to fully indemnify for damage; or (2) demand enforced performance by the Defaulting Party of its obligations hereunder and full indemnification from the Defaulting Party for damage. The full indemnification for damage is limited to the amount of Service Fees paid in that year.

 

  11.2

Notwithstanding Clause 11.1 above, the Parties agree and acknowledge that unless otherwise stipulated by Laws or this Agreement, Party A shall in no event be permitted to demand to terminate this Agreement on the ground of any reason.

 

  11.3

Notwithstanding any other provisions hereof, the validity of this Article 11 shall not be affected by any termination of this Agreement.

 

12

Force Majeure

If there occurs an earthquake, typhoon, flood, war, computer virus, tool software design loophole, hacking attack on the Internet, change of policy or law or any other force majeure event which is unforeseeable and whose consequences are insurmountable or unavoidable and a Party is directly affected thereby in its performance of this Agreement or is prevented thereby from performing this Agreement on agreed terms, such prevented Party shall immediately notify the other Party by fax of the same and shall within thirty (30) days provide an evidencing document to be issued by the notary body of the place of the force majeure event setting forth the details of such force majeure and the reasons for such failure to perform, or for the need for postponed performance of, this Agreement. The Parties shall in light of the extent of the effect of such force majeure event on the performance of this Agreement, agree on whether to waive performance of part of this Agreement or to permit postponed performance thereof. No Party shall be held liable to indemnify the other Party against its economic losses resulting from a force majeure event. The term of this Agreement shall end when the Contractual Obligations is performed in full or when the Secured Indebtedness is repaid in full.

 

11


13

Miscellaneous

 

  13.1

This Agreement is made in Chinese in two (2) originals, with each Party holding one (1) copy.

 

  13.2

The entry into, effectiveness, performance, modification, interpretation and termination of this Agreement shall be governed by the Laws of the People’s Republic of China. With the special consensus of all Parties, the digital version of the executed copy of this Agreement saved as the form of PDF, as exchanged among all Parties, is deemed an original copy.

 

  13.3

Dispute Resolution

 

  (1)

Any dispute, argument or claim (hereinafter the “ disputes ”) arising out of or in connection with of this Agreement or breach, termination or invalidity of this Agreement shall be settled by both Parties of the disputes through consultations. The Party raising the claim shall promptly inform the other Party that disputes have arisen and illustrate the nature of the dispute via a notice with date. In the absence of an agreement being reached by the Parties within thirty (30) days after the dispute notice, the dispute may be brought by any Party the dispute before the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (hereinafter “ CIETAC ”) to be arbitrated in Beijing pursuant to CIETAC’s effective arbitration rules upon the submission of the dispute and this Clause 13.3. The arbitration award shall be final and binding on the Parties to the dispute.

 

  (2)

The arbitral tribunal shall consist of three (3) arbitrators. Each Party to the dispute has the right to respectively appoint one (1) arbitrator, and the third (3rd) arbitrator shall be jointly appointed by both Parties to the dispute. If the Parties to the dispute cannot reach agreement on the appointment of the third (3rd) arbitrator, such arbitrator shall be appointed by the director of the Arbitration Commission. The third arbitrator shall be the chief arbitrator of the arbitral tribunal.

 

  (3)

When making an arbitral award, the arbitrator shall take into account the intention of hereto determined by this agreement the Parties.

 

  (4)

The arbitral award made by the arbitral tribunal pursuant to this Clause 13.3 shall be made in writing and shall be final and binding upon both Parties to the dispute. Both Parties to the dispute should do their best to enable any of such arbitral awards to be implemented in time and provide any necessary assistance to the implementation.

 

12


  (5)

The aforesaid provisions of this Clause 13.3 shall not prevent the concerned Parties from applying for any prior protection or injunction for any reason, including without limitation the subsequent enforcement of the arbitral award

 

  13.4

No right, power or remedy empowered to any Party by any provision of this Agreement shall preclude any other right, power or remedy enjoyed by such Party in accordance with law or any other provisions hereof and no exercise by a Party of any of its rights, powers and remedies shall preclude its exercise of its other rights, powers and remedies.

 

  13.5

No failure or delay by a Party in exercising any right, power or remedy under this Agreement or laws (hereinafter the “ Party’s Rights ”) shall result in a waiver of such right, and no single or partial waiver by a Party of the Party’s Rights shall preclude such Party from exercising such rights in any other way or exercising the remaining part of the Party’s Rights.

 

  13.6

The section headings herein are inserted for convenience of reference only and shall in no event be used in or affect the interpretation of the provisions hereof.

 

  13.7

Each provision contained herein shall be severable and independent of any other provisions hereof, and if at any time any one or more provisions hereof become invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions hereof shall not be affected thereby.

 

  13.8

Any amendments or supplements to this Agreement shall be made in writing and shall take effect only when properly signed by the Parties hereto.

 

  13.9

Unless otherwise stipulated herein, without prior written consent of the other Party, neither Party shall assign any of its rights and/or obligations hereunder to any third party.

 

  13.10

This Agreement shall be binding upon the legal assignees or successors of the Parties.

 

  13.11

The Parties undertake to each file and pay, in accordance with law, the taxes involved in the transaction hereunder.

[ The remainder of this page is intentionally left blank ]

 

13


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

Beijing Kuwo Technology Co., Ltd.
/s/ Seal of Beijing Kuwo Technology Co., Ltd.
Yeelion Online Network Technology (Beijing)
Co., Ltd.
/s/ Seal of Yeelion Online Network Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd.

Exhibit 10.48

Voting Trust Agreement

By and Among

All the shareholders listed in Schedule A

and

Yeelion Online Network Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd.

and

Beijing Kuwo Technology Co., Ltd.

July 12, 2016


Voting Trust Agreement

This Voting Trust Agreement (the “ Agreement ”) is entered into on July 12, 2016 by and among the following Parties:

 

1.

All the Shareholders Listed in Schedule A, of which the information please see Schedule A.

(All the shareholders listed in Schedule A separately and collectively referred to as the “ Each of Shareholders ”);

 

2.

Yeelion Online Network Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. (the “ WFOE ”)

Registered address: Rooms 905-906, 9/F, Pacific International Building, 106 Zhichun Road, Haidian District, Beijing

 

3.

Beijing Kuwo Technology Co., Ltd.(the “ Company ”)

Registered address: B-207-161, 2/F, Building 2, 1 Nongda South Road, Haidian District, Beijing

(In this Agreement, each Party shall be referred to as a “ Party ” respectively or as the “ Parties ” collectively.)

Whereas:

 

1.

Each of Shareholders is the shareholder of the Company and hold 100% equity interests of the Company.

 

2.

Each of Shareholders intend to respectively entrust the persons designated by the WFOE to exercise the voting rights they hold in the Company and the WFOE wishes to accept such entrustment through its designated persons.

The Parties agree as follows through friendly negotiation:

Article 1 Voting Rights Entrustment

 

1.1

Each of Shareholders hereby irrevocably undertake to, after execution of this Agreement, respectively sign the power of attorney according to the substance and form set forth in Schedule B hereof, under which the person (the “ Trustee ”) then designated by the WFOE shall have the power and authority to exercise the following rights respectively granted to Each of Shareholders as the shareholders of the Company according to the Article of Association of the Company (the “ Entrusted Rights ”):

 

  (1)

proposing to convene or attending shareholder meetings of the Company as the proxy of the Each of Shareholders, according to the Article of Association;

 

1


  (2)

exercising the voting rights on behalf of the Each of Shareholder in respect of all matters subject to discussion and resolution at the shareholder meetings, including but not limited to the appointment and election of directors and other senior management members who should be appointed by the shareholders;

 

  (3)

other voting rights (including any other voting rights of shareholders conferred after the amendment of the Article of Association) vested in shareholders under the Articles of Association of the Company.

The precondition of the above authorization and entrustment is that the Trustee is a PRC citizen and the WFOE consents to such authorization and entrustment. When and only when a written notice is issued by the WFOE to Each of Shareholders with respect to the removal of the Trustee, Each of Shareholders shall immediately revoke the entrustment to the existing Trustee hereunder, and entrust any other PRC citizen then designated by the WFOE to exercise the Entrusted Rights in accordance with this Agreement, and the new power of attorney shall supersede the previous one once it is executed. Except for the above circumstances, Each of Shareholders shall not revoke the authorization and entrustment to the Trustee.

 

1.2

The Trustee shall perform the entrusted obligation lawfully with diligence and duty of care within the authorization scope provided in this Agreement. Each of Shareholders shall accept and assume relevant liabilities for any legal consequences arising out of the exercise of the aforementioned Entrusted Rights.

 

1.3

Each of Shareholders hereby acknowledge that the Trustee is not required to solicit the opinions of Each of Shareholders before exercising the Entrusted Rights. Nevertheless, the Trustee shall immediately notify Each of Shareholders after any resolution or proposal for convening an interim shareholder meeting is made.

Article 2 Right of Information

 

2.1

For the purpose of exercising the Entrusted Rights under this Agreement, the Trustee shall have the right to understand the operation, businesses, clients, financial affairs, employees of the Company and have access to relevant materials, while Each of Shareholders and the Company shall provide sufficient cooperation in this regard.

 

2


Article 3 Exercise of Entrusted Rights

 

3.1

Each of Shareholders shall provide sufficient assistance to the Trustee for his or her exercise of the Entrusted Rights, including prompt execution of the resolutions of the shareholders’ meeting made by the Trustee or other relevant legal documents when necessary (e.g., to satisfy the document submission requirements for the approval of, registration or filing with governmental authorities).

 

3.2

If at any time within the term of this Agreement, the entrustment or exercise of the Entrusted Rights hereunder is unenforceable for any reason (except for the default by Each of Shareholders or the Company), the Parties shall immediately seek the alternative plan which is most similar to the unenforceable provision and, if necessary, enter into supplementary agreement to amend or adjust the provisions herein, so as to ensure the fulfilment of the purposes hereof.

Article 4 Exemption and Indemnification

 

4.1

The Parties acknowledge that in no event shall the WFOE be liable to or be required to compensate financially or in any other aspect, any other party or any third party for any exercise of the Entrusted Rights by the person designated by the WFOE.

 

4.2

Each of Shareholders and the Company agree to hold the WFOE harmless and compensate the WFOE for all losses suffered or likely to suffered in connection with designating the Trustee to exercise the Entrusted Rights, including but not limited to, any loss resulting from any litigation, demand, arbitration or claim initiated by any third party, and any loss resulting from administrative investigation or penalty by governmental authorities. Nevertheless, losses suffered as a result of the intentional misconduct or gross negligence of the Trustee shall not be indemnified.

Article 5 Representations and Warranties

 

5.1

Each of Shareholders severally and not jointly represents and warrants as follow, except for the disclosure of Schedule A:

 

  5.1.1

If the shareholder is a natural person, he/she is a PRC citizen with full capacity, have full and independent legal status and legal capacity to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement, and may act as an independent party in any lawsuit. If the shareholder is not a natural person, the shareholder shall promise and undertake that it is a limited liability company legally established and validly existing under the laws of the PRC and has an independent legal personality; each of them has complete and independent legal status and legal capacity to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement, and is independently a legal subject of litigation.

 

3


  5.1.2

Each of them have full power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and all the other documents to be entered into by them which are related to the transaction contemplated hereunder, as well as to consummate the transaction hereunder. This Agreement shall be duly and lawfully executed and delivered by Each of Shareholders and shall constitute their legal, valid and obligations, enforceable against them in accordance with the provisions hereof.

 

  5.1.3

Each of them is a legitimate shareholder of the Company recorded in the register of members at the time when this Agreement came into effect and the authorized Rights are not subject to any third party encumbrance, other than the encumbrance created under this Agreement as well as the Equity Interest Pledge Agreement and the Exclusive Option Agreement concluded by and among Each of Shareholders, the Company and the WFOE. In accordance with this Agreement, the Trustee may completely and fully exercise the Entrusted Rights according to the Articles of Association of the Company then in effect.

 

5.2

The WFOE and the Company severally represent and warrant as follows:

 

  5.2.1

Each of them is a limited liability company duly registered and legally existing under the laws of PRC where it is registered and has independent legal personality; each of them has complete and independent legal status and legal capacity to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement, and is independently a legal subject of litigation.

 

  5.2.2

Each of them has complete power and authorization to execute and deliver this Agreement and all other documents that it will execute in relation to the transaction contemplated hereunder, and each of them has full power and authorization to complete the transaction contemplated hereunder

 

5.3

The Company further represents and warrants as follows:

 

  5.3.1

Each of Shareholders is legitimate shareholders of the Company recorded in the register of members at the time when this Agreement came into effect. The authorized Rights are not subject to any third party encumbrance, other than the encumbrance created under this Agreement as well as the Equity Interest Pledge Agreement and the Exclusive Option Agreement concluded by and among each of Shareholders, the Company and the WFOE. In accordance with this Agreement, the Trustee may completely and fully exercise the Entrusted Rights according to the Articles of Association of the Company then in effect.

 

4


Article 6 Term of Agreement

 

6.1

Subject to Articles 6.2 and 6.3 of this Agreement, this Agreement shall take effect as of the date upon execution. The term of this Agreement is twenty (20) years after becoming effective, unless all the Parties agree in writing to early termination or this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Article 9.1 hereunder. This Agreement shall be automatically renewed for one (1) year after the expiration of the term of this Agreement unless the WFOE informs all the other parties not to renew thirty (30) days in advance of the expiration of this Agreement, and so forth.

 

6.2

This Agreement is the final agreement reached between the Parties on the entrustment of voting rights and relevant issues which shall supersedes any and all prior consultations, negotiations or discussions, representations, memorandum, agreements or other documents. In case of any conflict, contradiction or inconsistency, this Agreement shall prevail.

 

6.3

The Company or the WFOE shall, if necessary, within three months prior to the expiration of their respective business licenses, complete the approval and registration procedures for extending the business licenses to ensure the effectiveness of this Agreement.

 

6.4

If any of Each of Shareholders transfers all equity interests it holds in the Company upon prior consent of the WFOE, such Party shall cease to act as a party of this Agreement, but the rights and undertakings of the other Parties shall not be adversely affected hereby.

 

6.5

If any of Each of Shareholders transfers all or part of the equity of the equity interests it holds in the Company upon prior consent of the WFOE, unless otherwise informed by the WFOE in a written notice, the transferee or transferees agree to inherit and fulfill such current shareholder or shareholders’ full responsibility, obligation and commitment under this Agreement. The other shareholders shall ensure the transferred equity interests to satisfy the above conditions and refuse to take any actions (including but not limit to pass relevant company resolutions, update the register of members and manage the governmental approval and registration changing procedures) to facilitate or corporate the equity transfer otherwise.

Article 7 Notices

 

7.1

Any notice, request, demand and other correspondences required by or made in accordance with this Agreement shall be in writing and delivered to the relevant Party.

 

5


7.2

The above notice or other correspondences shall be deemed as delivered (i) when it is transmitted by facsimile or telex, or (ii) upon handed over to the receiver when it is delivered in person, or (iii) upon the fifth (5) day after posting when it is delivered by mail, or (iv) on the date of receipt by the recipient if by express delivery. However, if the notice is returned due to the fault of the served party or the refusal of the served party to sign for it, the date on which the notice is returned shall be deemed as service. In case of simultaneous delivery in any of the above forms, the earliest deemed time of delivery shall prevail.

Article 8 Confidentiality

 

8.1

Regardless of whether this Agreement is terminated, each Party shall maintain strictly confidential all business secrets, proprietary information, client information and all the other information of confidential nature, in relation to other Parties and obtained during the formulation and performance of this Agreement (the “ Confidential Information ”). Each receiving Party shall not disclose to any third party any Confidential Information, except with prior written consent of the Party providing such information or in circumstances where such information must be disclosed to third parties according to relevant laws, regulations or listing requirements. Each receiving Party shall not use or indirectly use any Confidential Information except for the purpose of performing this Agreement.

 

8.2

Confidential Information does not include the following:

 

  (a)

information that the receiving Party has previously known by lawful means, as supported by written evidence;

 

  (b)

information that enters public domain without the receiving Party’s fault; or

 

  (c)

information received by other lawful means after the receiving Party receive Confidential Information.

 

8.3

The receiving Party may disclose Confidential Information to its relevant employees, agents or professionals it employs, but the receiving Party shall ensure that all such persons comply with relevant terms and conditions of this Agreement and the receiving Party shall be responsible for any damages or consequences caused by the aforementioned persons in violation of the relevant terms and conditions of this Agreement.

 

8.4

Notwithstanding other provisions of this Agreement, the effectiveness of this Article shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

 

6


Article 9 Default Liability

 

9.1

The Parties agree and acknowledge that if any Party (the “ Defaulting Party ”) breaches any provision hereunder, or fails to perform or delays in performing any obligations hereunder, such breach, failure or delay shall constitute a default hereunder (the “ Default ”) and that in such event, the non-defaulting Party/Parties (the “ Non-Defaulting Party ”) shall have the right to demand the Defaulting Party to cure such Default or take remedial measures within a reasonable time. If the Defaulting Party fails to cure such Default or take remedial measures with such reasonable time or within ten (10) days of the Non-Defaulting Party notifying the Defaulting Party in writing and requesting it to cure such Default, the Non-Defaulting Party may elect, in its (their) discretion, to do the following:

 

  9.1.1

if the Defaulting Party is any of Each of Shareholders or the Company, the WFOE shall have the right to terminate this Agreement and claim the Defaulting Party to indemnify the damages. In order to avoid doubt, the responsibility of shareholders or the responsibility between the shareholders and the Company is independent, and the shareholders do not bear any joint liability for any obligation or responsibility of the other existing shareholders or Company.

 

  9.1.2

if the Defaulting Party is the WFOE, the Non-defaulting Party has right to claim the Defaulting Party to indemnify the damages, provided that in no event shall the Non-defaulting Party have the right to terminate or rescind this Agreement, except that the contrary is provided by the law.

 

9.2

Notwithstanding any other provisions herein, the effectiveness of this Article shall survive the suspension or termination of this Agreement.

Article 10 Miscellaneous Provisions

 

10.1

This Agreement is made in Chinese in five (5) originals with each Party retaining one (1) copy hereof. The Parties specifically agree that the Agreement restored in PDF format sent by emails from the Parties is regarded as original and can be used separately as evidence for the establishment and validation of this Agreement.

 

10.2

The execution, effectiveness, performance, amendment, interpretation and termination of this Agreement shall be governed by PRC laws.

 

10.3

Dispute Resolutions

 

  (a)

Any dispute arising out of or in relation to this Agreement, the Parties shall first resolve the dispute through friendly negotiation. The requesting party shall notify the other party of the dispute and explain the nature of the dispute by overloading the date notice. If the Parties fail to reach an agreement regarding such a dispute within thirty (30) days of its occurrence, any Party is entitled to submit such dispute to the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (the “ CIETAC ”) for arbitration in Beijing in accordance with the then effective arbitration rules thereof and the arbitration award shall be final and binding.

 

7


  (b)

The arbitration tribunal shall consist of three (3) arbitrators, of whom the two parties have the right to appoint one (1) each. The third arbitrator (3rd) should be appointed jointly by the two sides. If the party shall not be able to reach an agreement on the joint designation of the third arbitrator, he/she should be appointed by the director of the Arbitration Committee. The third arbitrator shall be the chief arbitrator of the arbitration tribunal.

 

  (c)

In making an arbitration award, the arbitrator shall take into account the intention of the Parties which may be determined in accordance with this Agreement.

 

  (d)

The arbitration award made according to the Article10.3 in writing should be final and binding. The parties shall do their utmost to ensure that any such arbitration award is duly executed and to provide any necessary assistance thereto.

 

  (e)

The aforesaid provisions of the Article 10.3 shall not prevent the party concerned from applying for any pre suit protection or prohibition remedy available for any reason, including but not limited to the enforcement of subsequent enforcement of the arbitration tribunal.

 

10.4

Any rights, powers and remedies entitled to any Party by any provision herein shall not preclude any other rights, powers and remedies entitled to such Party in accordance with laws and other provisions under this Agreement, and a Party’s exercise of any of its rights, powers and remedies shall not preclude its exercise of other rights, powers and remedies.

 

10.5

No failure or delay by a Party to exercise any of its rights, powers and remedies hereunder or in accordance with laws (the “ Rights ”) shall be construed as a waiver of such Rights, and the waiver of any single or partial exercise of the Rights shall not preclude its exercise of such Rights in any other way or its exercise of other Rights.

 

10.6

The headings of the sections herein are for reference only, and in no circumstances shall such headings be used in or affect the interpretation of the provisions hereof.

 

8


10.7

Each provision contained herein shall be severable and independent from other provisions. If at any time one or several provisions herein shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality or enforceability of other provisions herein shall not be affected thereby.

 

10.8

Any amendments or supplements to this Agreement shall be in writing and shall become effective upon duly execution by the Parties hereto.

 

10.9

No Party shall assign any of its rights and/or obligations hereunder to any third parties without prior written consent from other Parties.

 

10.10

This Agreement shall be binding on the legal successors of the Parties.

[ The remainder of this page is intentionally left blank ]

 

9


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

Yeelion Online Network Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
/s/ Seal of Yeelion Online Network Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
Beijing Kuwo Technology Co., Ltd.
/s/ Seal of Beijing Kuwo Technology Co., Ltd.
Xie Guomin
Signature: /s/ Xie Guomin
Shi Lixue
Signature: /s/ Shi Lixue
Linzhi Lichuang Information Technology Co., Ltd.
/s/ Seal of Linzhi Lichuang Information Technology Co., Ltd.


Schedule A: List of Shareholders

 

#

  

Shareholder’s

Name

   Identification No. /
Registration No.
  Registered
Capital
     Shareholding
Percentage
 
1   

Xie Limin

   [            ]     6,000,000        23.02
2   

Shi Lixue

   [            ]     4,000,000        15.34
3   

Linzhi Lichuang Information Technology Co., Ltd.

   91540400MA6T10ME4F     16,068,822        61.64
     

 

 

 

 

    

 

 

 
  

Total

   \     26,068,822        100.00
     

 

 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Note: The update of registered capital and shareholding structure under the SPA executed on the same date with this Agreement still require approval and registration with the governmental authority (including without limitation the review and approval from State Administration of Radio and Television and change registration with industrial and commercial authorities).


Schedule B

Power of Attorney

This Power of Attorney (the “ Power of Attorney ”) is signed by [            ] (PRC Identification No.:[    ]/Address: [            ]/ Registration No.:[    ] on [            ], 2016, to authorize [            ] (PRC Identification No.: [    ]/Address: [            ]) (the “ Trustee ”).

I/ The company/ The partnership, grant to the Trustee a general trust authorizing the Trustee to exercise, as my trustee and on my behalf, the following rights enjoyed by myself in my capacity as a shareholder of. Beijing Kuwo Technology Co., Ltd. (the “ Company ”):

 

  (1)

proposing to convene or attending shareholder meetings of the Company as the proxy of the Each of Shareholders, according to the Article of Association;

 

  (2)

exercising the voting rights on behalf of the Each of Shareholder in respect of all matters subject to discussion and resolution at the shareholder meetings, including but not limited to the appointment and election of directors and other senior management members who should be appointed by the shareholders;

 

  (3)

other voting rights (including any other voting rights of shareholders conferred after the amendment of the Article of Association) vested in shareholders under the Articles of Association of the Company.

I hereby irrevocably confirm that, unless Yeelion Online Network Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. (the “ WFOE ”) serves me a written notice to replace the Trustee, this Power of Attorney will be valid until the expiry or early termination of the Shareholders’ Voting Trust Agreement dated July 12, 2016 by and among the WFOE, the Company and Each of Shareholders.

It is hereby authorized.

 

Name
By:
Date:

Exhibit 10.49

LOAN AGREEMENT

by and among

Xie Guomin

Shi Lixue

And

Yeelion Online Network Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd.

July 12, 2016


LOAN AGREEMENT

This Loan Agreement (hereinafter referred to as “ this Agreement ”) is hereby executed by and among the parties below on July 12, 2016:

 

1.

Mr. Xie Guomin (谢国民), citizen of the People’s Republic of China, Identification Card No. [            ];

 

2.

Mr. Shi Lixue (史力学), citizen of the People’s Republic of China, Identification Card No. [            ] (hereinafter together with Mr. Xie Guomin referred to as “ the Borrowers ” collectively and “ a Borrower ” respectively);

 

3.

Yeelion Online Network Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. (亿览在线网络技术(北京)有限公司), a wholly foreign owned enterprise legally established according to the laws of China, its registered address is Room 905-906, 9th Floor, Pacific International Building, Zhichun Road No. 106, Haidian District, Beijing (hereinafter referred to as “ the Lender ”).

In this Agreement, the Lender and the Borrowers are referred to as “ the Parties ” collectively and “ a Party ” respectively.

Whereas,

The Borrowers, as the transferees, entered into the “Equity Transfer Agreement” on March 31, 2016 with other related parties to receive the original registered capital of Beijing Kuwo Technology Co., Ltd. (北京酷我科技有限公司) (hereinafter referred to as “ Domestic Company ”); and, in accordance with the arrangements concerning the transfer and offset of creditor’s rights, the transfer price of RMB 10 million (RMB10,000,000) paid by the Borrowers to the Lender shall be provided to be a loan to the Borrowers (hereinafter referred to as “ the Loan ”);

In order to further clarify the rights and obligations of the Borrowers and the Lender in the aforementioned arrangements, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

 

1.

Definitions

 

1.1

In this Agreement:

The “ Effective Date ” refers to the starting date of the loan period under this Agreement, that is July 12, 2016.

The Loan ” means any and all borrowings provided by the Lender to the Borrowers under this Agreement. On the signing date of this Agreement, the Loan has already incurred in a total amount of RMB10 million (RMB10,000,000), among which RMB 6 million (RMB 6,000,000) is lent to Xie Guomin and RMB 40 million (RMB 4,000,000) is lent to Shi Lixue.

 

1


Outstanding Payments ” means the outstanding amount for each borrower under its Loan.

China ” means the People’s Republic of China, and for the purposes of this Agreement, does not include Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.

 

1.2

The meanings of the related terms mentioned in this Agreement are as follows:

Articles ” shall be interpreted as articles in this Agreement unless the context of this Agreement provides otherwise;

The borrowers ” and “ the Lender ” shall be construed as including the successors and assignees of the Parties.

 

1.3

Unless otherwise specified, references herein to this Agreement or any other agreements or documents shall be construed as a modified, alternative, or supplementary mention thereof that has been made or may be made from time to time and as cases may be.

 

2.

Loan

 

2.1

The Parties confirm that the Loan under this Agreement have been used by the Borrowers to pay the Lender the purchase price of the Domestic Company’s equity. Based on the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Lender agrees to provide the Borrowers with the Loan.

 

2.2

The Parties confirm that the Borrowers will perform the Loan repayment obligations and other obligations stipulated herein to the Lender in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.

 

2.3

If the Lender requests, each Borrower shall sign an equity pledge agreement with the Lender and pledge all equities of the Domestic Company held by the Borrower as security for the Loan and other related obligations. The Borrower hereby confirms that any new Loan under this Agreement are debts guaranteed by the equity pledge agreement.

 

3.

Interest

The Lender confirms that it does not charge any interest on the Loan.

 

2


4.

Repayment of the Loan

 

4.1

The Parties confirm that each Borrower shall not repay any Loan in advance unless the Lender agrees in writing in advance.

 

4.2

Each party confirms that the longest borrowing period of any Loan under this Agreement will be twenty (20) years after the Effective Date; or the expiration of the business term of the Lender (including its expansion from time to time); or the expiration of the business term of the Domestic Company (including its expansion from time to time); the earliest one shall prevail (hereinafter referred to as the “ Term of the Loan ”). After execution of this agreement, the newly added Loan shall be counted from the date of actual payment, and the maximum time limit shall not exceed the expiry date of the aforementioned Term of the Loan.

When Term of the Loan expires:

 

  (a)

If the applicable law allows the Lender to acquire the entire equities of the Domestic Company held by the Borrowers, the Borrowers have the right and obligation to directly reimburse all the Outstanding Payments by means of transferring all the equities thereof they hold. When the relevant government registration procedures or other transfer formalities of such equity transfer stipulated by law (whichever occurs later) finish, it shall be deemed that the Borrowers have fully repaid all the Loans under this Agreement.

 

  (b)

If the applicable law allows the Lender to acquire a portion of the equities of the Domestic Company held by the Borrowers, the Borrowers have the right and obligation to directly reimburse the Outstanding Payments in proportion by means of transferring such equities thereof they hold. When the relevant government registration procedures or other transfer formalities of such equity transfer stipulated by law (whichever occurs later) finish, it shall be deemed that the Borrowers have repaid the corresponding percentage of Loans under this Agreement. The other unrepaid Loans are automatically extended to the date on which the applicable law allows the Lender or its successor to take over the remaining equities thereof held by the Borrowers.

 

  (c)

If the applicable law does not allow the Lender to acquire the equities of the Domestic Company held by the Borrowers, the Term of the Loan that has not been repaid is automatically extended to such date, when the applicable law allows so.

In the event that the Borrowers repay the Loan under this Agreement in the aforementioned manner, the Lender and the Borrowers do not have to pay the other Party any other payment, regardless of the value of the equities of the Domestic Company transferred at that time.

 

3


4.3

After the Term of the Loan and after the law allows the Lender to hold the equities of the Domestic Company, the Lender may issue a notice of repayment to the Borrowers (hereinafter referred to as the “ Repayment Notice ”) at any time thirty (30) days in advance, requesting the Borrowers for repayment of any or all of the Outstanding Repayments. The repayment amount of the Borrower under this Article 4.3 is limited to the actual equity transfer price it has received as described below, and the performance of its repayment obligation is predicated on its receipt of the full equity transfer price as described below.

Under this circumstances, on the premise of not violating the applicable laws, the Lender shall purchase or designate a third party to purchase the corresponding equities of the Domestic Company held by the Borrowers with such equity transfer price which is equal to the requested Outstanding Repayment. The proportion of the equity that is required to be purchased accounting for the equity of the Domestic Company held by the Borrowers at that time should be the same as the proportion of the required Outstanding repayments accounting for the sum of the Outstanding Repayments of the Borrowers under this Agreement.

 

4.4

After the Term of the Loan and after the law allows the Lender to hold the equities of the Domestic Company, each Borrower may issue a notice of repayment to the Lender (hereinafter referred to as the “ Repayment Notice ”) at any time thirty (30) days in advance, requesting for repayment of any or all of the Outstanding Repayments. The repayment amount of the Borrower under this Article 4.4 is limited to the actual equity transfer price it has received as described below, and the performance of its repayment obligation is predicated on its receipt of the full equity transfer price as described below.

Under this circumstances, on the premise of not violating the applicable laws, the Lender shall purchase or designate a third party to purchase all the equities of the Domestic Company held by the Borrowers with such equity transfer price which is equal to the sum of the amount which the Borrowers are to repay.

 

4.5

Where the applicable law allows the Lender to hold the equities of the Domestic Company, when the Borrowers repay the sum due under Articles 4.2 to 4.4, the Parties shall simultaneously complete the prescribed equity transfer and guarantee that at the same time as the payment of the Outstanding Repayment, the Lender or a third party designated by the Lender has legally and completely received the corresponding amount of equities thereof in accordance with the aforementioned arrangements, and there is no pledge or any other kind of encumbrance on such equities. When such equity transfer is carried out in accordance with the aforementioned arrangements, each Borrower shall provide all necessary cooperation.

 

4.6

After each Borrower transfers all equities of Domestic Company held by them to the Lender or a third party designated by the Lender according to the provisions of Articles 4.2 to 4.4, and after repaying all the Outstanding Repayments, the Borrower shall no longer bear the repayment obligations under this Agreement.

 

4


4.7

For avoidance of ambiguity, the Borrowers and their relatives are not obliged to repay the Loan under this Agreement with their own properties except for the agreed repayment methods under this Agreement.

 

5.

Taxes and Expenses

The Parties agree that all taxes (and any penalties or interests relating to unpaid or delayed payment of such taxes) and other expenses (including but not limited to the costs incurred by changes of business registration or by the registration of equity pledges) shall be borne by the Lender.

 

6.

Confidentiality

 

6.1

Regardless of whether this Agreement has been terminated, the Borrowers shall have confidentiality obligations regarding the business secrets, proprietary information, and customer information (hereinafter collectively referred to as “ Confidential Information ”) of the Lender that they know or receive as a result of the execution and performance of this Agreement. The Borrowers may use such Confidential Information only for the purpose of performance of the obligations under this Agreement. Without the Lender’s written consent, the Borrowers shall not disclose the Confidential Information to any third party, otherwise it shall bear the liability for breach of contract and compensate the loss.

 

6.2

The following information is not confidential, when:

 

  (a)

There is documentary evidence that the information the Party receives is previously obtained by it in a legal way;

 

  (b)

The information has been known to the public not due to the fault of the receiving Party; or

 

  (c)

The information received by the receiving party has been obtained legally from other sources.

 

6.3

After termination of this Agreement, the Borrowers shall return, destroy or otherwise deal with all documents, materials or software containing Confidential Information as required by the Lender, and cease the use of such Confidential Information.

 

6.4

Notwithstanding other provisions of this Agreement, the validity of this Article 6 is not affected by the suspension or termination of this Agreement.

 

7.

Notice

 

7.1

Any notices, requests, claims, and other communications required by this Agreement or made under this Agreement shall be sent to the Party in writing.

 

7.2

The aforementioned notice or other communications, if sent by facsimile or telex, shall be deemed served once issued; if delivered in person, they shall be deemed served upon personal contact; if sent by post, they shall be deemed serviced after five (5) days after the posting.

 

5


8.

Breaching Liabilities

 

8.1

Each Borrower promises that, if it violates any of its obligations under this Agreement and thus the Lender suffers or incurs any actions, charges, claims, costs, damages, requests, expenses, liabilities, losses and procedures, it shall assume corresponding liability to the Lender separately rather than jointly.

 

8.2

Notwithstanding other provisions of this Agreement, the validity of this Article 8 is not affected by the suspension or termination of this Agreement.

 

9.

Miscellaneous

 

9.1

This agreement is made in Chinese, and in three (3) counterparts and each Party holds one (1).

 

9.2

The execution, validity, performance, modification, interpretation and termination of this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of China.

 

9.3

Any dispute, controversy or claim arising out of or related to this Agreement or its breach, termination or invalidity (hereinafter referred to as “ Dispute ”) shall be settled through friendly negotiation between the Parties of the dispute. The Party making the request should promptly inform the other party of the dispute and explain the nature of the dispute through a dated notification. If the dispute cannot be settled through negotiation within thirty (30) days after the date of the dated notification, any Party may refer the matter to the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission for arbitration, pursuant to the arbitral rules then effective. The arbitration site is Beijing. The arbitral award shall be final and shall have binding force upon all the Parties.

 

9.4

Any rights, powers, and remedies granted to any Party by any clause of this Agreement cannot exclude any other rights, powers or remedies that this Party has under the law and other terms thereof, and the exercising of a Party’s rights, powers and remedies does not exclude the exercising of other rights, powers and remedies that this Party enjoys.

 

9.5

Any Party’s failure to exercise or delayed exercising of any of its rights, powers and remedies (hereinafter referred to as “ the Party’s Rights ”) under this Agreement or law will not result in its waiving of such rights, and the waiver of any single or part of that Party’s rights does not rule out the Party’s exercising of such rights in other ways and the exercising of other rights of the Party.

 

9.6

The headings of each section of this Agreement are for indexing purposes only, and may not be used to interpret or affect interpreting the provisions hereof.

 

9.7

Each clause of this Agreement shall be divisible and independent of any other clauses. If at any time any one or more clauses hereof becomes invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of other clauses hereof shall be not affected hereby.

 

6


9.8

This Agreement and its annexes shall replace all oral or written agreements, understandings and communications reached by the Parties previously regarding the standard contents hereof. Any amendments and supplements to this Agreement must be made in writing and executed by all Parties of this Agreement before they become effective.

 

9.9

Without the prior written consent of the Lender, the Borrowers shall not transfer any of its rights and/or obligations under this Agreement to any third party. The Lender has the right to transfer any of its rights hereunder to a third party it designates after notifying other Parties.

 

9.10

This agreement shall be binding upon all Parties’ legal assignees or successors.

[ The remainder of this Page is intentionally left blank ]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date on the venue first above written.

 

Yeelion Online Network Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
/s/ Seal of Yeelion Online Network Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
Beijing Kuwo Technology Co., Ltd.
/s/ Seal of Beijing Kuwo Technology Co., Ltd.
Xie Guomin
Signature: /s/ Xie Guomin
Shi Lixue
Signature: /s/ Shi Lixue

Exhibit 10.50

Spousal Consent

The undersigned, Wang Meiqi , (Identification No.: [                     ] ), is the lawful spouse of Xie Guomin (Identification No.: [                     ] , hereinafter referred to as “ my spouse ”). I hereby unconditionally and irrevocably agree to the execution of the following documents by my spouse as of July  12, 2016 (the “ Transaction Documents ”) and the disposal of the equity interests of Beijing Kuwo Technology Co., Ltd. (the “ Domestic Company ”) held by my spouse and registered in his name pursuant to the provisions of the following documents:

 

  (1)

The equity interest pledge agreement by and among my spouse, Yilan Online Network Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. (the “ WFOE ”), the Domestic Company and other parties;

 

  (2)

The exclusive option agreement by and among my spouse, the WFOE, the Domestic Company and other parties;

 

  (3)

The loan agreement by and between my spouse and the WFOE; and

 

  (4)

The voting trust agreement by and among my spouse, the WFOE, the Domestic Company and other parties.

I hereby confirm that I do not enjoy any interests or rights respecting my spouse’s equity interests in the Domestic Company and hereby undertake not to make any assertions in respect of such equity interests. I further confirm that, my spouse can perform the Transaction Documents and further amend or terminate the Transaction Documents or execute other agreements to replace the Transaction Documents absent any separate authorization or consent from me.

I hereby undertake to execute all necessary documents and take all necessary actions to ensure appropriate performance of the Transaction Documents (as amended from time to time).

I hereby agree and undertake that, if for any reason I obtain any equity interests of the Domestic Company, I will be bound by the Transaction Documents (as amended from time to time) and perform relevant obligations under the Transaction Documents (as amended from time to time) as a shareholder of the Domestic Company. For such purpose, upon requested by the WFOE, I will execute such documents substantially equivalent with the Transaction Documents (as amended from time to time) in terms of format and content.

Signature:   /s/ Wang Meiqi

Date:   July 28, 2018

Exhibit 10.51

Equity Interest Pledge Agreement

This Equity Interest Pledge Agreement (the “ Agreement ”) is entered into by and among the following Parties on January 11, 2018 in Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China (the “ PRC ”):

Party A : Shenzhen Ultimate Xiangyue Culture and Technology Co., Ltd. (the “ Pledgee ”), a wholly foreign-owned enterprise incorporated and existing under the laws of the PRC, with its registered address at Room 201, Building A, No. 1 Qianwan First Road, Qianhai Shenzhen-Hongkong Cooperation Zone, Shenzhen (premises of Shenzhen Qianhai Commerce Secretariat Co., Ltd.);

Party B : Ding Gang , a Chinese citizen with Chinese Identification No. [    ]; and

Ma Xiudong , a Chinese citizen with Chinese Identification No. [    ]; and

Tencent Music Entertainment (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. , a limited liability company incorporated and existing under the laws of the PRC (together with Ding Gang and Ma Xiudong, hereinafter referred to as a “ Pledgor ” respectively and as the “ Pledgors ” collectively);

Party C : Shenzhen Ultimate Music Culture and Technology Co., Ltd. , a limited liability company incorporated and existing under the laws of the PRC, with its registered address at Room 2401, Building A, Tianxia Jinniu Plaza, Taoyuan Road, Nantou Street, Nanshan District, Shenzhen.

 

1


In this Agreement, each of the Pledgee, the Pledgors and Party C shall be referred to as a “ Party ” respectively or as the “ Parties ” collectively.

Whereas :

 

1.

The Pledgors Ding Gang and Ma Xiudong are Chinese citizens, and the Pledgor Tencent Music Entertainment (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. is a Chinese legal person. As of the date of this Agreement, the registered capital of Party C is RMB 39,487,074, and Ding Gang holds 1.9524% equity interests of Party C, representing RMB 770,950 of Party C’s registered capital; Ma Xiudong holds 1.9524% equity interests of Party C, representing RMB 770,950 of Party C’s registered capital; Tencent Music Entertainment (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. holds 96.0952% equity interests of Party C, representing RMB 37,945,174 of Party C’s registered capital. Party C is a limited liability company registered in Shenzhen, China, and is engaged in the business of “Technical development of music software, computer hardware and software, and computer network information system; domestic trade; ticket agency; operation of e-commerce; operation of advertising business (excluding any project that is prohibited in accordance with the laws, administrative regulations and decisions of State Council, and restricted projects are subject to approval before business operation)”. Party C hereby acknowledges the rights and obligations of the Pledgors and the Pledgee under this Agreement and intends to provide any necessary assistance in registering the Pledge;

 

2


2.

The Pledgee is a wholly foreign-owned enterprise registered in China. The Pledgee and Party C owned by the Pledgors have executed an Exclusive Technical Service Agreement in Shenzhen (as defined below); the Pledgee, the Pledgors and Party C have executed an Exclusive Option Agreement (as defined below); each of the Pledgors has executed a Voting Trust Agreement in favor of the Pledgee (as defined below);

 

3.

To ensure that Party C and the Pledgors fully perform its or their obligations under the Exclusive Technical Service Agreement, the Exclusive Option Agreement and the Voting Trust Agreement, the Pledgors pledge to the Pledgee all the equity interests they hold in Party C as security for the performance of Party C’ and the Pledgors’ obligations under the Exclusive Technical Service Agreement, the Exclusive Option Agreement and the Voting Trust Agreement.

To perform the terms of the Transaction Documents, the Parties have mutually agreed to execute this Agreement upon the following terms.

 

1.

Definitions

Unless otherwise provided in this Agreement, the terms below shall have the following meanings:

 

1.1.

Pledge : means the security interest granted by the Pledgors to the Pledgee pursuant to Section 2 of this Agreement, i.e., the right of the Pledgee to be compensated on a preferential basis with any proceeds received from conversion, auction or sale of the Pledged Equity Interest.

 

1.2.

Pledged Equity Interest : means 100% of the equity interests in Party C in aggregate held by the Pledgors now, representing RMB 39,487,074 of Party C’s registered capital, and all the future equity rights and interests in Party C held by the Pledgors.

 

3


1.3.

Term of Pledge : means the term set forth in Section 3.1 of this Agreement.

 

1.4.

Transaction Documents : means the Exclusive Technical Service Agreement entered into by and between Party C and the Pledgee on January 11, 2018, in Shenzhen (the “ Exclusive Technical Service Agreement ”); the Exclusive Option Agreement entered into by and among the Pledgors, Party C and the Pledgee on January 11, 2018, in Shenzhen (the “ Exclusive Option Agreement ”) ; the Voting Trust Agreement executed by the Pledgors on January 11, 2018, in Shenzhen (the “ Voting Trust Agreement ”), and any amendments, revisions and/or restatements to the aforesaid documents.

 

1.5.

Contractual Obligations : means all the obligations of the Pledgors under the Exclusive Option Agreement, the Voting Trust Agreement and this Agreement, and all the obligations of Party C under the Exclusive Technical Service Agreement, the Exclusive Option Agreement and this Agreement.

 

1.6.

Secured Indebtedness : means all direct, indirect, consequential losses and losses of anticipated profits suffered by the Pledgee as a result of any Event of Default of the Pledgors and/or Party C, of which the basis for the amount of such losses includes without limitation reasonable business plans and profit forecasts of the Pledgee, the service fees that Party C is obliged to pay under Exclusive Technical Service Agreement, as well as all expenses as incurred by the Pledgee in connection with its enforcement for the performance of Contractual Obligations against the Pledgors and/or Party C.

 

4


1.7.

Event of Default : means any circumstances as set forth in Section 7 of this Agreement.

 

1.8.

Notice of Default : means the notice issued by the Pledgee in accordance with this Agreement declaring an Event of Default.

 

2.

The Pledge

 

2.1.

The Pledgors hereby agree to pledge to the Pledgee the Pledged Equity Interest in accordance with this Agreement as security for the performance of the Contractual Obligations and the repayment of the Secured Indebtedness. Party C hereby agrees for the Pledgors to so pledge the Pledged Equity Interest to the Pledgee in accordance with this Agreement.

 

2.2.

During the Term of Pledge, the Pledgee is entitled to receive any dividends or distributions in respect of the Pledged Equity Interest. With the prior written consent of the Pledgee, the Pledgors may collect such dividends or distributions in respect of the Pledged Equity Interest. Any dividends or distributions received by the Pledgee in respect of the Pledged Equity Interest after deduction of income tax paid by Pledgors shall, upon the Pledgee’s request, (1) be deposited into a bank account designated by the Pledgee, be placed under the custody of the Pledgee, be used as security for the Contractual Obligations and be first applied towards full satisfaction of the Secured Indebtedness; or (2) to the extent permitted by the PRC laws, be unconditionally donated to the Pledgee or any person designated by the Pledgee.

 

5


2.3.

With the prior written consent of the Pledgee, the Pledgors may subscribe for capital increase in Party C. Any increase in the capital contributed by the Pledgors to the registered capital of Party C as a result of any capital increase shall also be deemed as the Pledged Equity Interest.

 

2.4.

In the event that Party C is to be dissolved or liquidated as required by any mandatory rules of the PRC laws, upon the lawful completion of such dissolution or liquidation procedure, any proceeds distributed by Party C to the Pledgors by laws shall, upon the Pledgee’s request, (1) be deposited into a bank account designated by the Pledgee, be placed under the custody of the Pledgee, and be used as security for the Contractual Obligations and be first applied towards full satisfaction of the Secured Indebtedness; or (2) to the extent permitted by the PRC laws, be unconditionally donated to the Pledgee or any person designated by the Pledgee.

 

3.

Term of Pledge

 

3.1.

The Pledge shall become effective on such date when the pledge of the Pledged Equity Interest contemplated herein has been registered with the relevant administration for industry and commerce. The Pledge shall be continuously valid until full performance of the Contractual Obligations and full satisfaction of the Secured Indebtedness. The Pledgors and Party C shall, (1) register the Pledge in the shareholders’ register of Party C within 3 business days following the execution of this Agreement, and (2) submit an application to the relevant administration for industry and commerce for the registration of the Pledge contemplated herein within 30 business days following the execution of this Agreement. The Parties covenant that for the purpose of registration of the Pledged Equity Interest, the Parties and other shareholders of Party C shall submit to the administration of industry and commerce this Agreement or an equity interest pledge agreement in the form required by the administration of industry and commerce at the location of Party C which shall truly reflect the information of the Pledge hereunder (the “ AIC Pledge Agreement ”). For matters not specified in the AIC Pledge Agreement, the parties shall be bound by the provisions of this Agreement. The Pledgors and Party C shall submit all necessary documents and complete all necessary procedures, as required by the PRC laws and regulations and the relevant administration of industry and commerce, to ensure that the Pledge shall be registered as soon as possible after filing.

 

6


3.2.

During the Term of Pledge, in the event the Pledgors and/or Party C fail to fulfill the Contractual Obligations or pay the Secured Indebtedness, the Pledgee shall be entitled to, but not be obliged to, exercise the Pledge in accordance with this Agreement.

 

4.

Custody for Certificates of the Pledge

 

4.1.

During the Term of Pledge, the Pledgors shall deliver to the Pledgee within one (1) week following the execution of this Agreement the certificate of capital contributions to Party C and the register of shareholders which records the Pledge. The Pledgee will place such documents in custody throughout the entire Term of Pledge specified in this Agreement.

 

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5.

Representations and Warranties of the Pledgors and Party C

The Pledgors and Party C hereby severally and jointly represent and warrant to the Pledgee as of the date hereof as follows:

 

5.1.

The Pledgors, Ding Gang, Ma Xiudong and Tencent Music Entertainment (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., are the legal and beneficial owners of the Pledged Equity Interest.

 

5.2.

The Pledgors are entitled to dispose of and transfer the Pledged Equity Interest in accordance with this Agreement.

 

5.3.

Except for the Pledge, the Pledgors have not created any other pledges or other security interest on the Pledged Equity Interest.

 

5.4.

The Pledgors and Party C have obtained all necessary approvals and consents from government authorities and third parties (if any) in connection with the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement.

 

5.5.

The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement do not (i) result in any violation of any relevant PRC laws; (ii) result in any conflict with the articles of association or other constituent documents of Party C; (iii) result in any breach of any agreement to which it is a party or by which it is bound, or constitute any default under any agreement to which it is a party or by which it is bound; (iv) result in any breach of any permit or license issued or granted to it and/or any condition of the validity thereof; or (v) result in the revocation or suspension of, or imposition of conditions on, any permit or license issued to it.

 

8


6.

Undertakings by the Pledgors and Party C

 

6.1.

During the Term of Pledge, the Pledgors and Party C severally and jointly undertake to the Pledgee that:

 

6.1.1.

Without the prior written consent of the Pledgee, the Pledgors shall not transfer the Pledged Equity Interest, create or permit to be created any security interest or other encumbrances on the Pledged Equity Interest, except for the performance of the Transaction Documents;

 

6.1.2.

The Pledgors and Party C shall comply with the provisions of all the laws and regulations relating to the pledge of rights, and shall, within five (5) days upon receipt of any notice, order or recommendation issued or promulgated by the relevant competent authorities regarding the Pledge, present such notice, order or recommendation to the Pledgee, and concurrently comply with such notice, order or recommendation, or object thereto upon the reasonable request or consent of the Pledgee;

 

6.1.3.

The Pledgors and Party C shall promptly notify the Pledgee of any event or notice received by the Pledgors that may have an impact on the Pledged Equity Interest or any portion thereof, and that may change any undertakings and obligations of the Pledgors hereunder or may have an impact on the fulfillment of any obligations by the Pledgors hereunder.

 

6.1.4.

Party C shall complete its business term extension registration formalities three (3) months prior to the expiry of its business term such that the validity of this Agreement shall be maintained.

 

9


6.2.

The Pledgors agree that the rights granted to the Pledgee in respect of the Pledge hereunder shall not be interrupted or harmed by any legal procedure initiated by the Pledgors, any successors of the Pledgors or their entrusting party or any other persons.

 

6.3.

The Pledgors undertake to the Pledgee that in order to protect or perfect the security for the Contractual Obligations and the Secured Indebtedness under this Agreement, the Pledgors shall execute in good faith and cause other parties who have interests in the Pledge to execute all the certificates of rights, agreements, and/or perform and procure other parties who have interests in the Pledge to perform acts as required by the Pledgee, facilitate the exercise of the Pledgee’s rights granted hereunder and enter into all relevant documents regarding ownership of the Pledged Equity Interest with the Pledgee or any person (individuals or legal persons) designated by the Pledgee, as well as provide the Pledgee with all notices, orders and decisions regarding the Pledge as required by the Pledgee within a reasonable period of time.

 

6.4.

The Pledgors hereby undertake to the Pledgee to comply with and perform all the undertakings, representations and warranties and terms hereunder. In the event that the Pledgors fail to perform or fail to fully perform such undertakings, representations and warranties and terms hereunder, the Pledgors shall indemnify the Pledgee against all the losses resulting therefrom.

 

7.

Event of Default

 

7.1.

Each of the following circumstances shall constitute an Event of Default:

 

7.1.1.

The Pledgors breach any of its obligations under the Transaction Documents and/or this Agreement;

 

10


7.1.2.

Party C breaches any of its obligations under the Transaction Documents and/or this Agreement.

 

7.2.

Should there arises any event set forth in Section 7.1 or any circumstance that may result in the foregoing events, the Pledgors and Party C shall immediately notify the Pledgee in writing.

 

7.3.

Unless an Event of Default set forth in this Section 7.1 has been remedied at the request of the Pledgee within twenty (20) days upon receipt of the notice of the Pledgee to the Pledgors and/or Party C requesting the rectification of such Event of Default, the Pledgee may issue a Notice of Default to the Pledgors in writing at any time thereafter, requesting the exercise of the Pledge in accordance with Section 8 hereof.

 

8.

Exercise of the Pledge

 

8.1.

The Pledgee shall issue a Notice of Default to the Pledgors for the exercise of the Pledge.

 

8.2.

Subject to the provisions of Section 7.3, the Pledgee may exercise its right to dispose of the Pledge at any time after the issuance of the Notice of Default in accordance with Section 8.1. Upon the Pledgee’s exercise of its right to dispose of the Pledge, the Pledgors shall no longer own any right and interest in respect of the Pledged Equity Interest

 

11


8.3.

Upon the issuance of the Notice of Default in accordance with Section 8.1, the Pledgee is entitled to exercise all the remedies, rights and powers available to it under the PRC laws, the Transaction Documents and this Agreement, including without limitation to converse, auction or sell the Pledged Equity Interests for prior satisfaction of indebtedness. The Pledgee shall not be held liable for any losses arising from its reasonable exercise of such rights and powers.

 

8.4.

The proceeds received by the Pledgee as a result of the exercise of the Pledge shall be first applied towards payment of the taxes and expenses payable in connection with the disposal of the Pledged Equity Interest and the performance of the Contractual Obligations and the repayment of the Secured Indebtedness to the Pledgee. Any remaining balance after the deduction of the foregoing payments, if any, shall be returned to the Pledgors or any other person who is entitled to such balance under applicable laws and regulations, or be deposited with the notary public at the place where the Pledgee is located, any costs incurred arising out of such deposit shall be borne by the Pledgors; and to the extent permitted by the PRC laws, the Pledgors shall unconditionally donate such balance to the Pledgee or any person designated by the Pledgee.

 

8.5.

The Pledgee shall be entitled to elect to exercise, simultaneously or successively, any of its breach of contract remedies; the Pledgee shall not be required to first exercise other breach of contract remedies prior to exercising its right to converse, auction or sell the Pledged Equity Interest hereunder.

 

8.6.

The Pledgee shall be entitled to designate in writing its legal counsel or other agents to exercise on its behalf the Pledge, and neither the Pledgors nor Party C shall object thereto.

 

12


8.7.

When the Pledgee disposes of the Pledge in accordance with this Agreement, the Pledgors and Party C shall provide necessary assistance to the Pledgee for its exercise of the Pledge.

 

9.

Default Liabilities

 

9.1.

In the event that the Pledgors or Party C materially breach any provision under this Agreement, the Pledgee is entitled to terminate this Agreement and/or claim damages from the Pledgors or Party C; this Section 9 shall not preclude any other rights entitled to the Pledgee as provided under this Agreement.

 

9.2.

The Pledgors or Party C may not terminate or cancel this Agreement in any event unless otherwise provided under the laws.

 

10.

Assignment

 

10.1.

The Pledgors and Party C shall not donate, transfer or dispose of their rights and obligations under this Agreement without prior written consent of the Pledgee.

 

10.2.

This Agreement shall be binding upon the Pledgors and its successors and any permitted assignees, and effective upon the Pledgee and each of its successors and assignees.

 

10.3.

The Pledgee may assign any or all of its rights and obligations under the Transaction Documents and this Agreement to any person designated by it at any time. In this case, the assignee shall enjoy and assume the rights and obligations of the Pledgee under the Transaction Documents and this Agreement as if the assignee were a party hereto.

 

13


10.4.

In the event of a change of Pledgee due to assignment, the Pledgors shall, at the request of the Pledgee, execute a new pledge agreement with the new pledgee with the same terms and conditions as this Agreement, and register such new pledge with the relevant administration for industry and commerce.

 

10.5.

The Pledgors and Party C shall strictly comply with the provisions of this Agreement and other relevant agreements to which any Party is a party, including the Transaction Documents, and perform the obligations thereunder, and refrain from any action/omission that may affect the effectiveness and enforceability thereof. Unless with the written instructions of the Pledgee, the Pledgors shall not exercise their remaining rights in respect of the Pledged Equity Interest.

 

11.

Termination

 

11.1.

Upon the full and complete performance by the Pledgors and Party C of all of their Contractual Obligations and full satisfaction of the Secured Indebtedness, the Pledgee shall, upon the Pledgors’ request, release the Pledge of the Pledged Equity Interest hereunder and cooperate with the Pledgors in relation to both the deregistration of the Pledge of the Pledged Equity Interest in the shareholders’ register of Party C and the deregistration of the Pledge of the Pledged Equity Interest with the relevant administration of industry and commerce.

 

11.2.

The provisions under Section 9, Section 13, Section 14 and this Section 11.2 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

 

14


12.

Costs and Other Expenses

All costs and actual expenses arising in connection with this Agreement, including without limitation the legal fees, processing fees, stamp duty, any other taxes and expenses, shall be borne by Party C.

 

13.

Confidentiality

The Parties acknowledge and confirm that the terms of this Agreement and any oral or written information exchanged among the Parties in connection with the preparation and performance of this Agreement are regarded as confidential information. Each Party shall keep all such confidential information confidential, and shall not, without prior written consent of the other Party, disclose any confidential information to any third parties, except for information: (a) that is or will be available to the public (other than through the unauthorized disclosure to the public by the Party receiving confidential information); (b) that is required to be disclosed pursuant to the applicable laws or regulations, rules of any stock exchange, or orders of the court or other government authorities; or (c) that is disclosed by any Party to its shareholders, directors, employees, legal counsels or financial advisors regarding the transaction contemplated hereunder, provided that such shareholders, directors, employees, legal counsels or financial advisors shall be bound by the confidentiality obligations similar to the terms set forth in this Section. Disclosure of any confidential information by the shareholders, directors, employees or entities engaged by any Party shall be deemed as disclosure of such confidential information by such Party, which Party shall be held liable for breach of contract.

 

14.

Governing Law and Disputes Resolution

 

14.1.

The execution, effectiveness, interpretation, performance, amendment and termination of this Agreement and the resolution of any disputes hereunder shall be governed by the PRC laws.

 

15


14.2.

Any disputes arising in connection with the implementation and performance of this Agreement shall be settled through friendly consultations among the Parties, and where such disputes are still unsolved within thirty (30) days upon issuance of the written notice by one Party to the other Parties for consultations, such disputes shall be submitted by either Party to the South China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission for arbitration in accordance with its arbitration rules. The arbitration shall take place in Shenzhen. The arbitration award shall be final and binding upon all the Parties.

 

14.3.

The Parties agree that the arbitral tribunal or the arbitrator shall have the right to award any remedies in accordance with the terms hereunder and applicable PRC laws , including without limitation temporary and permanent injunctive remedies (as required by the business operation of Party C or compulsory transfer of the assets), the specific performance of the Contractual Obligations, the remedies in respect of Party C’s equity interests or real estates, and the liquidation orders against Party C.

 

14.4.

To the extent permitted by PRC laws, pending the formation of an arbitral tribunal or under the appropriate circumstances, the Parties are entitled to resort to a court of competent jurisdiction for temporary injunctive remedies or other temporary remedies to support the arbitration. In this regard, the Parties reached a consensus that to the extent as permitted by applicable laws, the courts in Hong Kong, the Cayman Islands, the PRC and the place where Party C’s major assets are located shall be deemed to have jurisdiction.

 

16


14.5.

Upon the occurrence of any disputes arising from the interpretation and performance of this Agreement or during the pending arbitration of any disputes, except for the matters under dispute, the Parties to this Agreement shall continue to exercise their respective rights and perform their respective obligations hereunder.

 

15.

Notices

 

15.1.

All notices and other communications required or permitted to be given pursuant to this Agreement shall be delivered personally or sent by registered mail, postage prepaid, by a commercial courier service or by facsimile transmission to the designated address of such party as listed below. A confirmation copy of each notice shall also be sent by E-mail. The dates on which notices shall be deemed to have been effectively delivered shall be determined as follows:

 

15.2.

Notices given by personal delivery, by courier service or by registered mail, postage prepaid, shall be deemed effectively delivered on the date of receipt or refusal at the address specified for notices.

 

15.3.

Notices given by facsimile transmission shall be deemed effectively delivered on the date of successful transmission (as evidenced by an automatically generated confirmation of transmission).

 

17


15.4.

For the purpose of notification, the addresses of the Parties are as follows:

Party A : Shenzhen Ultimate Xiangyue Culture and Technology Co., Ltd.

Address : Room 2302-2303, Building B, POSOC Center, Wangjing Business Zone, Chaoyang District, Beijing

Attention : Ma Xiudong

Tel : [            ]

E-mail : [            ]

Party B :

Name : Ding Gang

Address : Room 2302-2303, Building B, POSOC Center, Wangjing Business Zone, Chaoyang District, Beijing

Tel : [            ]

E-mail : [            ]

Name : Ma Xiudong

Address : Room 2302-2303, Building B, POSOC Center, Wangjing Business Zone, Chaoyang District, Beijing

Tel : [            ]

E-mail : [            ]

 

18


Name: Tencent Music Entertainment (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.

Address : 18F, Building B, China Technology Exchange Building, No.66 West Road, North 4th Ring Road, Haidian District, Beijing

Attention : Zhao Xiang

Tel : [            ]

Party C: Shenzhen Ultimate Music Culture and Technology Co., Ltd.

Address : Room 2302-2303, Building B, POSOC Center, Wangjing Business Zone, Chaoyang District, Beijing

Attention : Ma Xiudong

Tel : [            ]

E-mail : [            ]

Each Party may at any time change its address for notices by delivering a notice to the other Parties in accordance with this Section.

 

16.

Severability

In the event that one or several of the provisions of this Agreement are found to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any aspect in accordance with any laws or regulations, the validity, legality or enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall not be affected or compromised in any respect. The Parties shall strive in good faith to replace such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions with effective provisions that accomplish to the greatest extent permitted by law and the intentions of the Parties, and the economic effect of such effective provisions shall be as close as possible to the economic effect of those invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions.

 

19


17.

Effectiveness

 

17.1.

This Agreement comes into effect upon formal signing by all the Parties.

 

17.2.

Any amendments, changes and supplements to this Agreement shall be in writing and shall become effective upon signing or stamping by the Parties and completion of the governmental registration procedures (if applicable) in accordance with the regulations.

 

18.

Language and Counterparts

This Agreement is written in Chinese in six (6) originals, with each of the Pledgee, the Pledgors (Ding Gang, Ma Xiudong and Tencent Music Entertainment (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.) and Party C holding one original, and the other one original will be submitted for registration.

[ The remainder of this page is intentionally left blank ]

 

20


IN WITNESS HEREOF, the Parties have caused this Equity Interest Pledge Agreement to be executed by their respective authorized representative on the date first above written.

Party A: Shenzhen Ultimate Xiangyue Culture and Technology Co., Ltd.

/s/ Seal of Shenzhen Ultimate Xiangyue Culture and Technology Co., Ltd.

 

Signature : /s/ Hu Min
Name : Hu Min
Title : Legal Representative
Party B:
The Pledgor: Ding Gang
Signature : /s/ Ding Gang
The Pledgor: Ma Xiudong
Signature : /s/ Ma Xiudong

The Pledgor : Tencent Music Entertainment (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.

/s/ Seal of Tencent Music Entertainment (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.

 

Signature : /s/ Hu Min
Name : Hu Min
Title: Legal Representative


Party C: Shenzhen Ultimate Music Culture and Technology Co., Ltd.

/s/ Seal of Shenzhen Ultimate Music Culture and Technology Co., Ltd.

 

Signature : /s/ Hu Min
Name : Hu Min
T itle : Legal Representative

Exhibit 10.52

Exclusive Option Agreement

This Exclusive Option Agreement (this “Agreement”) is executed by and among the following Parties as of January 11, 2018 in Shenzhen, the People’s Republic of China (“China” or the “PRC”):

 

Party A:    Shenzhen Ultimate Xiangyue Culture and Technology Co., Ltd. (“Pledgee”), a wholly foreign-owned enterprise, organized and existing under the laws of the PRC, with its address at Room 201, Building A, No.1 Qianwan First Road, Qianhai Shenzhen-Hongkong Cooperation Zone, Shenzhen (premise of Shenzhen Qianhai Commerce Secretariat Co., Ltd.);
Party B:    Ding Gang, a Chinese Citizen with Identification No.: [    ];
   Ma Xiudong, a Chinese Citizen with Identification No.: [    ]; and
   Tencent Music Entertainment Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., a limited liability company, organized and existing under the laws of the PRC with its organization code 91440300MA5DG8NC14;
Party C:    Shenzhen Ultimate Music Culture and Technology Co., Ltd., a limited liability company, organized and existing under the laws of the PRC, with its address at Room 2401, Building A, Tianxia Jinniu Plaza, Taoyuan Road, Nantou Street, Nanshan District, Shenzhen.

In this Agreement, Party A, Party B, and Party C shall each be referred to as a “Party” respectively, and they shall be collectively referred to as the “Parties.”

Whereas:

 

1.

Party B including Ding Gang, Ma Xiudong, and Tencen Music Entertainment Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. is the shareholder of Party C and as of the date hereof holds 100 % of the equity interests of Party C, representing RMB 39,487,074 in the registered capital. Ding Gang holds 1.9524% of the equity interests of Party C, representing RMB 770,950 in the registered capital, Ma Xiudong holds 1.9524% of the equity interests of Party C, representing RMB 770,950 in the registered capital, and Tencent Music Entertainment Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. holds 96.0952% of the equity interests of Party C, representing RMB 37,945,174.

 

2.

Party B intends to irrevocably grant Party A an exclusive option to purchase the entire equity interest in Party C without prejudice of PRC laws, and Party A intends to accept such equity interest purchase option (defined as below).

 

3.

Party C intends to irrevocably grant Party A an exclusive option to purchase its entire assets without prejudice to PRC laws, and Party A intends to accept such asset purchase option (defined as below).

 

1


After mutual discussions and negotiations, the Parties have now reached the following agreement:

 

1.

Sale and Purchase of Equity Interest and Assets

 

  1.1

Option Granted

 

  1.1.1

Whereas Party A paid Party B RMB 10 as consideration, and Party B confirmed the receipt and the sufficiency of such consideration, Party B hereby irrevocably grants Party A an irrevocable and exclusive right to purchase, or designate one or more persons (each, a “Designee”) to purchase the equity interests in Party C then held by Party B once or at multiple times at any time in part or in whole at Party A’s sole and absolute discretion to the extent permitted by PRC laws and at the price described in Section 1.3 herein (“Equity Interest Purchase Option”). Except for Party A and the Designee(s), no other person shall be entitled to the Equity Interest Purchase Option or other rights with respect to the equity interests of Party B. Party C hereby agrees to the grant by Party B of the Equity Interest Purchase Option to Party A. The term “person” as used herein shall refer to individuals, corporations, partnerships, partners, enterprises, trusts, or non-corporate organizations.

 

  1.1.2

Party C hereby exclusively, irrevocably and unconditionally grants Party A an irrevocable and exclusive right to require Party C to transfer part or all of company assets (the assets may be transferred in whole or in part at Party A’s sole discretion and commercial consideration, “Asset Purchase Option”) to Party A or its Designee to the extent permitted by PRC laws and under the terms and conditions herein. Except for Party A and the Designee(s), no other person shall be entitled to the Asset Purchase Option or any other right with respect to Party C’s assets. Party A agrees to accept such Asset Purchase Option.

 

  1.1.3

Party B hereby jointly and severally agrees that Party C grants such Asset Purchase Option to Party A in accordance with Section 1.1.2 above and other terms herein, and the assets may be transferred to Party A or Designee(s) by Party A when the Asset Purchase Option is exercised.

 

  1.2

Steps for Exercise

 

  1.2.1

The exercise of the Equity Interest Purchase Option and the Asset Purchase Option by Party A shall be subject to the provisions of the laws and regulations of China.

 

  1.2.2

When Party A exercises the Equity Interest Purchase Option, a written notice shall be issued to Party B (the “Equity Interest Purchase Option Notice”), specifying:(a) Party A’s or the Designee’s decision to exercise the Equity Interest Purchase Option; (b) the portion of equity interests to be purchased by Party A or the Designee from Party B (the “Optioned Interests”); and (c) the date for purchasing the Optioned Interests or the date for the transfer of the Optioned Interests.

 

2


  1.2.3

When Party A exercises the Asset Purchase Option, a written notice shall be issued to Party B (the “Asset Purchase Option Notice”), specifying:(a) Party A’s or the Designee’s decision to exercise the Asset Purchase Option; (b) the list of assets to be purchased by Party A or the Designee from Party B (the “Optioned Asset”); and (c) the date for purchasing the Optioned Asset or the date for the transfer of the Optioned Asset.

 

  1.3

Purchase Price

 

  1.3.1

The purchase price (“Benchmark Purchase Price”) of all equity interests shall be RMB 10. If PRC law requires a minimum price higher than the Benchmark Purchase Price when Party A exercises the Equity Interest Purchase Option, the minimum price regulated by PRC law shall be the purchase price (collectively, the “Equity Interest Purchase Price”).

 

  1.3.2

Party B undertakes that it shall transfer the full amount of Equity Interest Purchase Price obtained by Party B to Party A’s designated bank account.

 

  1.3.3

In terms of Asset Purchase Option, Party A or its Designee shall pay RMB 1 as the purchase price for each exercise of the Asset Purchase Option. If PRC law requires a minimum price higher than the aforementioned net book value of the assets, the minimum price regulated by PRC law shall be the purchase price (collectively, the “Asset Purchase Price”).

 

  1.3.4

Party C undertakes that it shall transfer the full amount of Asset Interest Purchase Price obtained by Party C to Party A’s designated bank account.

 

  1.4

Transfer of Optioned Interests

For each exercise of the Equity Interest Purchase Option:

 

  1.4.1

Party B shall cause Party C to promptly convene a shareholders’ meeting, at which a resolution shall be adopted approving Party B’s transfer of the Optioned Interests to Party A and/or the Designee(s);

 

  1.4.2

Party B shall obtain written statements from the other shareholders (if any) of Party C giving consent to the transfer of the equity interest to Party A and/or the Designee(s) and waiving any right of first refusal related thereto;

 

3


  1.4.3

Party B shall execute an equity interest transfer contract with respect to each transfer with Party A and/or each Designee (whichever is applicable), in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and the Equity Interest Purchase Option Notice regarding the Optioned Interests;

 

  1.4.4

The relevant Parties shall execute all other necessary contracts, agreements, or documents, obtain all necessary government licenses and permits, and take all necessary actions to transfer the valid ownership of the Optioned Interests to Party A and/or the Designee(s), unencumbered by any security interests, and cause Party A and/or the Designee(s) to become the registered owner(s) of the Optioned Interests. For the purpose of this Section and this Agreement, “security interests” shall include securities, mortgages, third party’s rights or interests, any stock options, acquisition right, right of first refusal, right to offset, ownership retention, or other security arrangements, but shall be deemed to exclude any security interest created by this Agreement, Party B’s Equity Interest Pledge Agreement, and Party B’s Voting Trust Agreement. “Party B’s Equity Interest Pledge Agreement” as used in this Agreement shall refer to the Interest Pledge Agreement executed by and among Party A, Party B and Party C on the date hereof and any modifications, amendments, and restatements thereto. “Party B’s Voting Trust Agreement” as used in this Agreement shall refer to the Voting Trust Agreement executed by Party B on the date hereof granting Party A with a power of attorney and any modifications, amendments, and restatements thereto.

 

  1.5

Transfer of Optioned Assets

For each exercise of the Equity Interest Purchase Option:

 

  1.5.1

Party C shall obtain all necessary internal authorizations in accordance with Party B’s effective Articles of Association;

 

  1.5.2

Party C shall enter into an asset transfer contract with respect to each transfer with Party A and/or each Designee (whichever is applicable), in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and the Asset Purchase Option Notice regarding the Optioned Assets;

 

  1.5.3

The relevant Parties shall execute all other necessary contracts, agreements, or documents, obtain all necessary government licenses and permits, and take all necessary actions to transfer the valid ownership of the Optioned Assets to Party A and/or the Designee(s), unencumbered by any security interests.

 

4


2.

Covenants

 

  2.1

Covenants regarding Party C

Party B (as shareholders of Party C) and Party C hereby covenant on the following:

 

  2.1.1

Without the prior written consent of Party A, they shall not in any manner supplement, change, or amend the articles of association of Party C, increase or decrease its registered capital, or change its structure of registered capital in other manners;

 

  2.1.2

They shall maintain Party C’s corporate existence in accordance with good financial and business standards and practices, as well as obtain and maintain all necessary government licenses and permits by prudently and effectively operating its business and handling its affairs;

 

  2.1.3

Without the prior written consent of Party A, they shall not at any time following the date hereof, sell, transfer, mortgage, or dispose of in any manner any material assets of Party C or legal or beneficial interest in the material business or revenues of Party C of more than RMB 100,000, or allow the encumbrance thereon of any security interests;

 

  2.1.4

Without the prior written consent of Party A, they shall not incur, inherit, guarantee, or suffer the existence of any debt, except for (i) payables incurred in the ordinary course of business other than through loans; and (ii) debts disclosed to Party A which Party A’s written consent has been obtained

 

  2.1.5

They shall always operate all of Party C’s businesses within the normal business scope to maintain the asset value of Party C and refrain from any action/omission that may affect Party C’s operating status and asset value;

 

  2.1.6

Without the prior written consent of Party A, they shall not cause Party C to execute any material contract, except the contracts in the ordinary course of business (for the purpose of this subsection, a contract with a price exceeding RMB 100,000 shall be deemed a material contract);

 

  2.1.7

Without the prior written consent of Party A, they shall not cause Party C to provide any person with a loan or credit;

 

  2.1.8

They shall provide Party A with information on Party C’s business operations and financial condition at Party A’s request;

 

  2.1.9

If requested by Party A, they shall procure and maintain insurance in respect of Party C’s assets and business from an insurance carrier acceptable to Party A, at an amount and type of coverage typical for companies that operate similar businesses and own similar assets in the same area;

 

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  2.1.10

Without the prior written consent of Party A, they shall not cause or permit Party C to merge, consolidate with, acquire, or invest in any person;

 

  2.1.11

They shall immediately notify Party A of the occurrence or possible occurrence of any litigation, arbitration, or administrative proceedings relating to Party C’s assets, business, or revenue;

 

  2.1.12

To maintain the ownership by Party C of all of its assets, they shall execute all necessary or appropriate documents, take all necessary or appropriate actions, file all necessary or appropriate complaints, and raise necessary or appropriate defenses against all claims;

 

  2.1.13

Without the prior written consent of Party A, they shall ensure that Party C shall not in any manner distribute dividends to its shareholders, provided that upon Party A’s written request, Party C shall immediately distribute all distributable profits to its shareholders;

 

  2.1.14

At the request of Party A, they shall appoint any person designated by Party A as the director or executive director of Party C.

 

  2.1.15

Without Party A’s prior written consent, they shall not engage in any business in competition with Party A or its affiliates;

 

  2.1.16

Unless otherwise required by PRC law, Party C shall not be dissolved or liquated without prior written consent by Party A;

 

  2.2

Covenants of Party B

Party B hereby covenants to the following:

 

  2.2.1

Without the prior written consent of Party A, at any time from the date of execution of this Agreement, Party B shall not sell, transfer, mortgage, or dispose of in any other manner any legal or beneficial interest in the equity interests in Party C held by Party B, or allow the encumbrance thereon, except for the interest placed in accordance with Party B’s Equity Interest Pledge Agreement and Party B’s Voting Trust Agreement;

 

  2.2.2

Without the prior written consent of Party A, Party B shall cause the shareholders’ meeting and/or the directors (or the executive director) of Party C not to approve any sale, transfer, mortgage, or disposition in any other manner of any legal or beneficial interest in the equity interests in Party C held by Party B, or allow the encumbrance thereon of any other security interest, except for the interest placed in accordance with Party B’s Equity Interest Pledge Agreement and Party B’s Voting Trust Agreement;

 

6


  2.2.3

Without the prior written consent of Party A, Party B shall cause the shareholders’ meeting or the directors (or the executive director) of Party C not to approve the merger or consolidation with any person, or the acquisition of or investment in any person;

 

  2.2.4

Party B shall immediately notify Party A of the occurrence or possible occurrence of any litigation, arbitration, or administrative proceedings relating to the equity interests in Party C held by Party B;

 

  2.2.5

Party B shall cause the shareholders’ meeting or the directors (or the executive director) of Party C to vote their approval of the transfer of the Optioned Interests as set forth in this Agreement and to take any and all other actions that may be requested by Party A;

 

  2.2.6

To the extent necessary to maintain Party B’s ownership in Party C, Party B shall execute all necessary or appropriate documents, take all necessary or appropriate actions, file all necessary or appropriate complaints, and raise necessary or appropriate defenses against all claims;

 

  2.2.7

Party B shall appoint any designee of Party A as the director or the executive director of Party C, at the request of Party A;

 

  2.2.8

Party B hereby waives its right of first refusal in regards to the transfer of equity interest by any other shareholder of Party C to Party A (if any), and gives consent to the execution by each other shareholder of Party C with Party A and Party C the exclusive option agreement, the equity interest pledge agreement and the power of attorney similar to this Agreement, Party B’s Equity Interest Pledge Agreement, and Party B’s Voting Trust Agreement, and accepts not to take any actions in conflict with such documents executed by the other shareholders;

 

  2.2.9

Party B shall promptly donate any profits, interests, dividends, or proceeds of liquidation to Party A or any other person designated by Party A to the extent permitted under the applicable PRC laws; and

 

  2.2.10

Party B shall strictly abide by the provisions of this Agreement and other contracts jointly or separately executed by and among Party B, Party C, and Party A, perform the obligations hereunder and thereunder, and refrain from any action/omission that may affect the effectiveness and enforceability thereof. To the extent that Party B has any remaining rights with respect to the equity interests subject to this Agreement hereunder or under Party B’s Equity Interest Pledge Agreement or under Party B’s Voting Trust Agreement, Party B shall not exercise such rights except in accordance with the written instructions of Party A.

 

7


3.

Representations and Warranties

Party B and Party C hereby represent and warrant to Party A, jointly and severally, as of the date of this Agreement and each date of transfer of the Optioned Interests, that:

 

  3.1

They have the power, capacity, and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and any equity interest transfer contracts to which they are parties concerning each transfer of the Optioned Interests as described thereunder (each, a “Transfer Contract”), and to perform their obligations under this Agreement and any Transfer Contracts. Party B and Party C agree to enter into Transfer Contracts substantially consistent with the terms of this Agreement upon Party A’s exercise of the Equity Interest Purchase Option. This Agreement and the Transfer Contracts to which they are parties constitute or will constitute their legal, valid, and binding obligations, and shall be enforceable against them in accordance with the provisions thereof;

 

  3.2

Party B and Party C have obtained any and all approvals and consents from the relevant government authorities and third parties (if required) for the execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement.

 

  3.3

The execution and delivery of this Agreement or any Transfer Contracts and the obligations under this Agreement or any Transfer Contracts shall not: (i) cause any violations of any applicable PRC laws; (ii) be inconsistent with the articles of association, bylaws, or other organizational documents of Party C; (iii) cause the violation of any contracts or instruments to which they are a party or which are binding on them, or constitute any breach under any contracts or instruments to which they are a party or which are binding on them; (iv) cause any violation of any condition for the grant and/or continued effectiveness of any licenses or permits issued to either of them; or (v) cause the suspension or revocation of or imposition of additional conditions to any licenses or permits issued to either of them;

 

  3.4

Party B has a good and merchantable title to the equity interests held by Party B in Party C. Except for Party B’s Equity Interest Pledge Agreement and Party B’s Voting Trust Agreement, Party B has not placed any security interest on such equity interests;

 

  3.5

Party C has a good and merchantable title to all of its assets, and has not placed any security interest on the aforementioned assets;

 

8


  3.6

Party C does not have any outstanding debts, except for (i) debt incurred within its normal business scope; and (ii) debts disclosed to Party A for which Party A’s written consent has been obtained.

 

  3.7

Party C has complied with all laws and regulations of China applicable to asset acquisitions; and

 

  3.8

There is no pending or threatened litigation, arbitration, or administrative proceedings relating to the equity interests in Party C, assets of Party C, or Party C itself.

 

4.

Effective Date and Term

This Agreement shall become effective upon execution by the Parties, and remain in effect until all equity interests held by Party B in Party C have been transferred or assigned to Party A and/or any other person designated by Party A in accordance with this Agreement.

 

5.

Governing Law and Disputes Resolution

 

  5.1

Governing Law

The execution, effectiveness, interpretation, performance, amendment, and termination of this Agreement as well as any dispute resolution hereunder shall be governed by the laws of the PRC.

 

  5.2

Methods of Disputes Resolution

In the event of any dispute arising with respect to the construction and performance of this Agreement, the Parties shall first attempt to resolve the dispute through friendly negotiations. In the event that the Parties fail to reach an agreement on the dispute within 30 days after either Party’s written request to the other Parties for dispute resolution through negotiations, either Party may submit the relevant dispute to the South China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission for arbitration, in accordance with its arbitration rules. The arbitration shall be conducted in Shenzhen, and the arbitration award shall be final and binding to all Parties.

Each Party agrees that the arbitral tribunal or arbitrator shall have the right to gives any remedies, including preliminary and permanent injunctive relief (such as injunction against carrying out business activities, or mandating the transfer of assets), specific performance of contractual obligations, remedies concerning the equity interest or assets of Party C and awards directing Party C to conduct liquidation.

To the extent permitted by PRC laws, when awaiting the formation of the arbitration tribunal or otherwise under appropriate conditions, either Party may seek preliminary injunctive relief or other interlocutory remedies from a court with competent jurisdiction to facilitate the arbitration. Without violating the applicable governing laws, the Parties agree that the courts of Hong Kong, Cayman Islands, China and the place where the main assets of Party C are located shall all be deemed to have competent jurisdiction.

 

9


Upon the occurrence of any disputes arising from the interpretation and performance of this Agreement or during the pending arbitration of any dispute, except for the matters under dispute, the Parties shall continue to exercise their respective rights under this Agreement and perform their respective obligations under this Agreement.

 

6.

Taxes and Fees

Each Party shall pay any and all transfer and registration taxes, expenses, and fees incurred thereby or levied thereon in accordance with the laws of China in connection with the preparation and execution of this Agreement and the Transfer Contracts, as well as the consummation of the transactions contemplated under this Agreement and the Transfer Contracts.

 

7.

Notices

 

  7.1

All notices and other communications required or permitted to be given pursuant to this Agreement shall be delivered personally or sent by registered mail, prepaid postage, commercial courier services, or facsimile transmission to the address of such Party set forth below. A confirmation copy of each notice shall also be sent by email. The dates on which notices shall be deemed to have been effectively given shall be determined as follows:

 

  7.1.1

Notices given by personal delivery, courier services, registered mail, or prepaid postage shall be deemed effectively given on the date of receipt or refusal at the address specified for such notices;

 

  7.1.2

Notices given by facsimile transmission shall be deemed effectively given on the date of successful transmission (as evidenced by an automatically generated confirmation of the transmission).

 

  7.2

For the purpose of notices, the addresses of the Parties are as follows:

 

Party A:    Shenzhen Ultimate Xiangyue Culture and Technology Co., Ltd.
Address:    Room 2302-2303, Building B, POSCO Center, Wangjing Business Zone, Chaoyang District, Beijing
Attn:    Ma Xiudong
Phone:    [            ]

 

10


Party B:   
Name:    Ding Gang
Address:    Room 2302-2303, Building B, POSCO Center, Wangjing Business Zone, Chaoyang District, Beijing
Phone:    [            ]
Email:    [            ]
Name:    Ma Xiudong
Address:    Room 2302-2303, Building B, POSCO Center, Wangjing Business Zone, Chaoyang District, Beijing
Phone:    [            ]
Email:    [            ]
Name:    Tencent Music Entertainment Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.
Address:    18F, Building B, China Technology Exchange Building, No.66 West Road, North 4th Ring Road, Haidian District, Beijing
Attn:    Xiang Zhao
Phone:    [            ]
Party C:    Shenzhen Ultimate Music Culture and Technology Co., Ltd.
Address:    Room 2302-2303, Building B, POSCO Center, Wangjing Business Zone, Chaoyang District, Beijing
Attn:    Ma Xiudong
Phone:    [            ]
Email:    [            ]

 

  7.3

Any Party may at any time change its address for notices by having a notice delivered to the other Parties in accordance with the terms hereof.

 

8.

Confidentiality

The Parties acknowledge that the existence and the terms of this Agreement, and any oral or written information exchanged between the Parties in connection with the preparation and performance of this Agreement are regarded as confidential information. Each Party shall maintain the confidentiality of all such confidential information, and without obtaining the written consent of other Parties, it shall not disclose any relevant confidential information to any third parties, except for the information that: (a) is or will be featured in the public domain (other than through the receiving Party’s unauthorized disclosure); (b) is under the obligation to be disclosed pursuant to the applicable laws or regulations, rules of any stock exchange, or orders of the court or other government authorities; or (c) is required to be disclosed by any Party to its shareholders, directors, employees, legal counsels, or financial advisors regarding the transaction contemplated hereunder, provided that such shareholders, directors, employees, legal counsels, or financial advisors shall be bound by the confidential obligations similar to those set forth in this Section. Disclosure of any confidential information by the shareholders, director, employees of, or agencies engaged by any Party shall be deemed disclosure of such confidential information by such Party and that Party shall be held liable for breach of this Agreement.

 

11


9.

Further Warranties

The Parties agree to promptly execute the documents that are reasonably required for or are conducive to the implementation of the provisions and purposes of this Agreement and to take further actions that are reasonably required for or are conducive to the implementation of the provisions and purposes of this Agreement.

 

10.

Breach of Agreement

 

  10.1

If Party B or Party C conducts any material breach of any term of this Agreement, Party A shall have right to terminate this Agreement and/or require Party B or Party C to compensate all damages; this Section 10 shall not prejudice any other rights of Party A herein;

 

  10.2

Party B or Party C shall not have any right to terminate this Agreement in any event unless otherwise required by the applicable laws.

 

11.

Force Majeure Event

 

  11.1

Force Majeure Event ” means any event that is beyond one Party’s scope of reasonable control, and is unavoidable under the affected Party’s reasonable care, including but not limited to, natural disasters, wars, riots, etc. However, lack of credit, funding or financing may not be considered as beyond one Party’s reasonable control. When the implementation of this Agreement is delayed or hindered due to any Force Majeure Event, the affected Party shall not bear any liability for such delayed and hindered performance under this Agreement. The Party affected by Force Majeure Event seeking to waive any liability under this Agreement shall notify the other Party as soon as possible of the exemption and the steps to be taken to complete the performance.

 

  11.2

The Party affected by Force Majeure Event shall not bear any liability under this Agreement. The Party seeking to waive liability can only be exempted when he affected Party has made reasonable and feasible efforts to perform this Agreement and such exemption shall be limited to such delayed and hindered performance. Once the reasons for such exemption are corrected and remedied, the Parties agree to use their best efforts to perform this Agreement.

 

12.

Miscellaneous

 

  12.1

Amendments, changes, and supplements

Any amendments, changes, and supplements to this Agreement shall require the execution of a written agreement by all of the Parties.

 

  12.2

Entire agreement

Except for the amendments, supplements, or changes in writing executed after the execution of this Agreement, this Agreement shall constitute the entire agreement reached by and among the Parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof, and shall supersede all prior oral and written consultations, representations, and contracts reached with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement.

 

12


  12.3

Headings

The headings of this Agreement are for convenience only, and shall not be used to interpret, explain, or otherwise affect the meanings of the provisions of this Agreement.

 

  12.4

Language

This Agreement is written in Chinese in four copies, with each Party having one copy.

 

  12.5

Severability

In the event that one or several of the provisions of this Agreement are found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any aspect in accordance with any laws or regulations, the validity, legality, or enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall not be affected or compromised in any respect. The Parties shall strive in good faith to replace such invalid, illegal, or unenforceable provisions with effective provisions that accomplish to the greatest extent permitted by the relevant laws and the intentions of the Parties, and the economic effect of such effective provisions shall be as close as possible to the economic effect of those invalid, illegal, or unenforceable provisions.

 

  12.6

Successors

This Agreement shall be binding on and shall inure to the interest of the respective successors of the Parties and the permitted assigns of such Parties.

 

  12.7

Survival

 

  12.7.1

Any obligations that occur or are due as a result of this Agreement upon the expiration or early termination of this Agreement shall survive the expiration or early termination thereof.

 

  12.7.2

The provisions of Sections 5, 8, 10 and this Section 12.7 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

 

  12.8

Waivers

Any Party may waive the terms and conditions of this Agreement, provided that such a waiver must be provided in writing and shall require the signatures of the Parties. No waiver by any Party in certain circumstances with respect to a breach by other Parties shall be deemed as a waiver by such a Party with respect to any similar breach in other circumstances.

[ The remainder of this page is intentionally left blank ]

 

13


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the authorized representatives of the Parties have executed this Exclusive Option Agreement as of the date first above written.

Party A: Shenzhen Ultimate Xiangyue Culture and Technology Co., Ltd.

/s/ Seal of Shenzhen Ultimate Xiangyue Culture and Technology Co., Ltd.

By:   /s/ Hu Min
Name:   Hu Min
Title:   Legal Representative
Party B:  
By:   /s/ Ding Gang
Name:   Ding Gang
By:   /s/ Ma Xiudong
Name:   Ma Xiudong

Tencent Music Entertainment Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.

/s/ Seal of Tencent Music Entertainment Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.

By:   /s/ Hu Min
Name:   Hu Min
Title:   Legal Representative

Party C: Shenzhen Ultimate Music Culture and Technology Co., Ltd.

/s/ Seal of Shenzhen Ultimate Music Culture and Technology Co., Ltd.

By:   /s/ Hu Min
Name:   Hu Min
Title:   Legal Representative

Signature Page of Exclusive Option Agreement

Exhibit 10.53

Exclusive Technical Service Agreement

This Exclusive Technical Service Agreement (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into by and between the following parties on January 11, 2018 in Shenzhen, the People’s Republic of China (“China” or the “PRC”).

 

Party A:

Shenzhen Ultimate Xiangyue Culture and Technology Co., Ltd. , a wholly foreign-owned enterprise, organized and existing under the laws of the PRC, with its address at Room 201, Building A, No.1 Qianwan First Road, Qianhai Shenzhen-Hongkong Cooperation Zone, Shenzhen (premise of Shenzhen Qianhai Commerce Secretariat Co., Ltd.);

 

Party B:

Shenzhen Ultimate Music Culture and Technology Co., Ltd. , a limited liability company, organized and existing under the laws of the PRC, with its address at Room 2401, Building A, Tianxia Jinniu Plaza, Taoyuan Road, Nantou Street, Nanshan District, Shenzhen.

Each of Party A and Party B shall be hereinafter referred to as a “Party” respectively, and as the “Parties” collectively.

Whereas,

 

1.

Party A is a wholly foreign owned enterprise established in China, and has the necessary resources to provide technology development of computer software and hardware, computer network, and computer information system, ticket agency and advertising services;

 

2.

Party B is a company established in China with exclusively domestic capital and is permitted to engage in technology development of music software, computer hardware and software, and computer network information system; domestic trade; ticket agency; operation of e-commerce; operation of advertising business (excluding any project that is prohibited in accordance with the laws, administrative regulations and decisions of State Council, and restricted projects are subject to approval before business operation). The businesses conducted by Party B currently and any time during the term of this Agreement are collectively referred to as the “Main Business”;

 

3.

Party A is willing to provide Party B with information consulting services and other services in relation to the Main Business during the term of this Agreement, utilizing its advantages in human resources, and information and Party B is willing to accept such services provided by Party A or Party A’s designee(s), each on the terms set forth herein.

 

1


Now, therefore, through mutual discussion, the Parties have reached the following agreements:

 

1.

Services Provided by Party A

 

  1.1

Party B hereby appoints Party A as Party B’s exclusive services provider to provide Party B with comprehensive information consulting services and other services during the term of this Agreement, in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, including but not limited to the follows:

 

  (1)

Licensing Party B to use any software (if any) legally owned by Party A and providing software maintenance and updating services for Party B;

 

  (2)

Technical support and training for employees of Party B;

 

  (3)

Providing services in related to consultancy, collection and research of project investment for Party B (excluding market research business that wholly foreign-owned enterprises are prohibited from conducting under PRC laws);

 

  (4)

Providing consultation services in economic information, business information, technology information, and business management consultation for Party B;

 

  (5)

Providing marketing and promotion and corporate image planning services for Party B;

 

  (6)

Leasing of equipment or properties; and

 

  (7)

Other services requested by Party B from time to time to the extent permitted under PRC law.

 

  1.2

Party B agrees to accept all the services provided by Party A. Party B further agrees that unless with Party A’s prior written consent, during the term of this Agreement, Party B shall not directly or indirectly accept the same or any similar services provided by any third party and shall not establish similar corporation relationship with any third party regarding the matters contemplated by this Agreement. Party A may designate other parties, who may enter into certain agreements described in Section 1.3 with Party B, to provide Party B with the services as set forth in this Agreement.

 

  1.3

Ways of Service Provision

 

  1.3.1

Party A and Party B agree that during the term of this Agreement, where necessary, Party B may enter into further service agreements with Party A or any other party designated by Party A, which shall provide the specific contents, manner, personnel, and fees for the specific services.

 

2


  1.3.2

To fulfill this Agreement, Party A and Party B agree that during the term of this Agreement, where necessary, Party B may, at any time, enter into equipment or property lease agreement with Party A or any other party designated by Party A, which shall permit Party B to use Party A’s relevant equipment or property based on the needs of the business of Party B.

 

  1.3.3

Party B hereby grants to Party A an irrevocable and exclusive option to purchase from Party B, to the extent permitted under PRC laws and at Party A’s sole discretion, any or all of the assets and business of Party B, at the minimum purchase price permitted by PRC laws. The Parties shall then enter into a separate assets or business transfer agreement, specifying the terms and conditions of the transfer of the assets.

 

2.

Service Fees and Payment

 

  2.1

The fees payable by Party B to Party A during the term of this Agreement shall be calculated as follows:

 

  2.1.1

Party B shall pay service fee to Party A in each month. The service fee for each month shall consist of management fee and services provision fee, which shall be determined by the Parties through negotiation after considering:

 

  (1)

Complexity and difficulty of the services provided by Party A;

 

  (2)

Title of and time consumed by employees of Party A providing the services;

 

  (3)

Contents and value of the services provided by Party A;

 

  (4)

Market price of the same type of services;

 

  (5)

Operation conditions of the Party B.

 

  2.1.2

If Party A transfers technology to Party B or develops software or other technology as entrusted by Party B or leases equipment or properties to Party B, the technology transfer price, development fees or rental fees shall be determined by the Parties based on the actual situations.

 

3.

Intellectual Property Rights and Confidentiality Clauses

 

  3.1

Party A shall have exclusive and proprietary ownership, rights and interests in any and all intellectual properties arising out of or created during the performance of this Agreement, including but not limited to copyrights, patents, patent applications, software, technical secrets, trade secrets and others. Party B shall execute all appropriate documents, take all appropriate actions, submit all filings and/or applications, render all appropriate assistance and otherwise conduct whatever is necessary as deemed by Party A at its sole discretion for the purposes of vesting any ownership, right or interest of any such intellectual property rights in Party A, and/or perfecting the protections for any such intellectual property rights in Party A.

 

 

3


  3.2

The Parties acknowledge that the existence and the terms of this Agreement and any oral or written information exchanged between the Parties in connection with the preparation and performance of this Agreement are regarded as confidential information. Each Party shall maintain confidentiality of all such confidential information, and without obtaining the written consent of the other Party, it shall not disclose any relevant confidential information to any third party, except for the information that: (a) is or will be in the public domain (other than through the receiving Party’s unauthorized disclosure); (b) is under the obligation to be disclosed pursuant to the applicable laws or regulations, rules of any stock exchange, or orders of the court or other government authorities; or (c) is required to be disclosed by any Party to its shareholders, directors, employees, legal counsels or financial advisors regarding the transaction contemplated hereunder, provided that such shareholders, directors, employees, legal counsels or financial advisors shall be bound by the confidentiality obligations similar to those set forth in this Section. Disclosure of any confidential information by the shareholders, director, employees of or agencies engaged by any Party shall be deemed disclosure of such confidential information by such Party and such Party shall be held liable for breach of this Agreement.

 

4.

Representations and Warranties

 

  4.1

Party A hereby represents, warrants and covenants as follows:

 

  4.1.1

Party A is a wholly foreign owned enterprise legally established and validly existing in accordance with the laws of China; Party A or the service providers designated by Party A will obtain all government permits and licenses for providing the service under this Agreement before providing such services.

 

  4.1.2

Party A has taken all necessary corporate actions, obtained all necessary authorizations as well as all consents and approvals from third parties and government authorities (if required) for the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement. Party A’s execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement do not violate any explicit requirements under any law or regulation.

 

  4.1.3

This Agreement constitutes Party A’s legal, valid and binding obligations, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms.

 

4


  4.2

Party B hereby represents, warrants and covenants as follows:

 

  4.2.1

Party B is a company legally established and validly existing in accordance with the laws of China and has obtained and will maintain all permits and licenses for engaging in the Main Business.

 

  4.2.2

Party B has taken all necessary corporate actions, obtained all necessary authorizations as well as all consents and approvals from third parties and government agencies (if required) for the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement. Party B’s execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement do not violate any explicit requirements under any law or regulation.

 

  4.2.3

This Agreement constitutes Party B’s legal, valid and binding obligations, and shall be enforceable against it in accordance with its terms.

 

5.

Term of Agreement

 

  5.1

This Agreement shall become effective upon execution by the Parties. Unless terminated in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement or terminated in writing by Party A, this Agreement shall remain effective.

 

  5.2

During the term of this Agreement, each Party shall renew its operation term in a timely manner prior to the expiration thereof so as to enable this Agreement to remain effective. This Agreement shall be terminated upon the expiration of the operation term of a Party if the application for renewal of its operation term is not approved by relevant government authorities.

 

  5.3

The rights and obligations of the Parties under Sections 3, 6, 7 and this Section 5.3 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

 

6.

Governing Law and Disputes Resolution

 

  6.1

The execution, effectiveness, construction, performance, amendment and termination of this Agreement and the resolution of disputes hereunder shall be governed by the laws of China.

 

  6.2

In the event of any dispute with respect to the construction and performance of this Agreement, the Parties shall first resolve the dispute through friendly negotiations. In the event the Parties fail to reach an agreement on the dispute within 30 days after either Party’s written request to the other Party for resolution of the dispute through negotiations, either Party may submit the relevant dispute to South China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission for arbitration, in accordance with its arbitration rules. The arbitration shall be conducted in Shenzhen, and the arbitration award shall be final and binding to all Parties. Each Party has the right to apply for enforcement of an arbitral award to a court of competent jurisdiction (including a Chinese court).

 

5


  6.3

To the extent permitted by PRC laws and where appropriate, the arbitration tribunal may grant any remedies in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and applicable PRC laws, including preliminary and permanent injunctive relief (such as injunction against carrying out business activities, or mandating the transfer of assets), specific performance of contractual obligations, remedies concerning the equity interest or assets of Party B and awards directing Party B to conduct liquidation.

 

  6.4

To the extent permitted by PRC laws, when awaiting the formation of the arbitration tribunal or otherwise under appropriate conditions, either Party may seek preliminary injunctive relief or other interlocutory remedies from a court with competent jurisdiction to facilitate the arbitration. Without violating the applicable governing laws, the Parties agree that the courts of Hong Kong, Cayman Islands, China and the place where the main assets of Party Aare located shall all be deemed to have competent jurisdiction.

 

  6.5

Upon the occurrence of any disputes arising from the construction and performance of this Agreement or during the pending arbitration of any dispute, except for the matters under dispute, the Parties shall continue to exercise their respective rights under this Agreement and perform their respective obligations under this Agreement.

 

7.

Breach of Agreement and Indemnification

 

  7.1

If Party B conducts any material breach of any term of this Agreement, Party A shall have right to terminate this Agreement and/or require Party B to indemnify all damages; this Section 7.1 shall not prejudice any other rights of Party A herein.

 

  7.2

Unless otherwise required by applicable laws, Party B shall not have any right to terminate this Agreement in any event.

 

  7.3

Party B shall indemnify and hold harmless Party A from any losses, injuries, obligations or expenses caused by any lawsuit, claims or other demands against Party A arising from or caused by the services provided by Party A to Party B pursuant this Agreement, except where such losses, injuries, obligations or expenses arise from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Party A.

 

6


8.

Force Majeure

 

  8.1

In the case of any force majeure events (“Force Majeure”) such as earthquake, typhoon, flood, fire, flu, war, strikes or any other events that cannot be predicted and are unpreventable and unavoidable by the affected Party, which directly causes the failure of either Party to perform or completely perform this Agreement, then the Party affected by such Force Majeure shall not take any responsibility for such failure, however it shall give the other Party written notices without any delay, and shall provide details of such event within 15 days after sending out such notice, explaining the reasons for such failure of, partial or delay of performance.

 

  8.2

If such Party claiming Force Majeure fails to notify the other Party and furnish it with proof pursuant to the above provision, such Party shall not be excused from the non-performance of its obligations hereunder. The Party so affected by the event of Force Majeure shall use reasonable efforts to minimize the consequences of such Force Majeure and to promptly resume performance hereunder whenever the causes of such excuse are cured. Should the Party so affected by the event of Force Majeure fail to resume performance hereunder when the causes of such excuse are cured, such Party shall be liable to the other Party.

 

  8.3

In the event of Force Majeure, the Parties shall immediately consult with each other to find an equitable solution and shall use all reasonable efforts to reduce the consequences of such Force Majeure.

 

9.

Notices

 

  9.1

All notices and other communications required or permitted to be given pursuant to this Agreement shall be delivered personally or sent by registered mail, postage prepaid, by a commercial courier service or by facsimile transmission to the address of such Party set forth below. A confirmation copy of each notice shall also be sent by email.    The dates on which notices shall be deemed to have been effectively given shall be determined as follows:

 

  9.1.1

Notices given by personal delivery, by courier service or by registered mail, postage prepaid, shall be deemed effectively given on the date of receipt or refusal at the address specified for notices.

 

  9.1.2

Notices given by facsimile transmission shall be deemed effectively given on the date of successful transmission (as evidenced by an automatically generated confirmation of transmission).

 

  9.2

For the purpose of notices, the addresses of the Parties are as follows:

 

  Party  A:

Shenzhen Ultimate Xiangyue Culture and Technology Co., Ltd.

  Address:

Room 2302-2303, Building B, POSCO Center, Wangjing Business Zone, Chaoyang District, Beijing

  Attn:

Ma Xiudong

  Phone:

[                ]

  Email:

[                ]

 

7


  Party  B:

Shenzhen Ultimate Music Culture and Technology Co., Ltd.

  Address:

Room 2302-2303, Building B, POSCO Center, Wangjing Business Zone, Chaoyang District, Beijing

  Attn:

Ma Xiudong

  Phone:

[                ]

  Email:

[                ]

 

  9.3

Any Party may at any time change its address for notices by delivering notice to the other Party in accordance with the terms hereof.

 

10.

Assignment

 

  10.1

Without Party A’s prior written consent, Party B shall not assign its rights and obligations under this Agreement to any third party.

 

  10.2

Party B agrees that Party A may assign its obligations and rights under this Agreement to any third party and in case of such assignment, Party A is only required to give written notice to Party B and does not need any consent from Party B for such assignment.

 

11.

Taxes and Fees

All taxes and fees incurred by each Party as a result of the execution and performance of this Agreement shall be borne by each Party respectively.

 

12.

Severability

In the event that one or several of the provisions of this Agreement are found to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any aspect in accordance with any laws or regulations, the validity, legality or enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall not be affected or compromised in any aspect. The Parties shall negotiate in good faith to replace such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions with effective provisions that accomplish to the greatest extent permitted by law and the intentions of the Parties, and the economic effect of such effective provisions shall be as close as possible to the economic effect of those invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions.

 

13.

Amendments and Supplements

Any amendments and supplements to this Agreement shall be in writing. The amendment agreements and supplementary agreements that have been signed by the Parties and relate to this Agreement shall be an integral part of this Agreement and shall have the same legal validity as this Agreement.

 

14.

Language and Counterparts

This Agreement is written in Chinese with each Party having one copy.

[ The remainder of this page is intentionally left blank ]

 

8


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused their authorized representatives to execute this Exclusive Technical Service Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

Party A: Shenzhen Ultimate Xiangyue Culture and Technology Co., Ltd.

/s/ Seal of Shenzhen Ultimate Xiangyue Culture and Technology Co., Ltd.

By:

  /s/ Hu Min

Name:

 

Hu Min

Title:   Legal Representative

Party B: Shenzhen Ultimate Music Culture and Technology Co., Ltd.

/s/ Seal of Shenzhen Ultimate Music Culture and Technology Co., Ltd.

By:

  /s/ Hu Min

Name:

 

Hu Min

Title:   Legal Representative

 

Exhibit 10.54

Voting Trust Agreement

The undersigned, Tencent Music Entertainment (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., is a limited liability company incorporated and existing under the laws of the PRC, holds 96.0952% of the equity interest in Shenzhen Ultimate Music Culture and Technology Co., Ltd. (the “ Shenzhen Ultimate Music ”) as of the date of this Voting Trust Agreement (representing RMB 37,945,174 of Shenzhen Ultimate Music’s registered capital). I hereby irrevocably authorize Shenzhen Ultimate Xiangyue Culture and Technology Co., Ltd. (the “ WFOE ”) to exercise the following rights with respect to the existing and future equity interests I hold in Shenzhen Ultimate Music (the “ Owned Equity Interest ”) during the effective term of this Voting Trust Agreement:

Authorizing WFOE as my sole and exclusive proxy, to exercise, including without limitation, the following rights on my behalf with full authority with respect to the Owned Equity Interest: 1) to attend the shareholders’ meetings of Shenzhen Ultimate Music; 2) to exercise all shareholder’s rights and shareholder’s voting rights which I am entitled to under the laws and the articles of association of Shenzhen Ultimate Music, including without limitation, rights to sell, transfer, pledge or otherwise dispose of all or any part of the Owned Equity Interest; and 3) as my authorized representative, to appoint and elect the legal representative, directors, supervisors, managers and other senior management of Shenzhen Ultimate Music.

 

1


WFOE shall be authorized to execute, on my behalf, any and all agreements to which I shall be a party as specified in the Exclusive Option Agreement entered into as of January 11, 2018 by and among I, WFOE and Shenzhen Ultimate Music, the Equity Interest Pledge Agreement entered into as of January 11, 2018 by and among I, WFOE and Shenzhen Ultimate Music (together with any amendments, revisions or restatements, the “ Transaction Documents ”), and duly perform the Transaction Documents. The authority granted under this Voting Trust Agreement shall not be limited by the exercise of such right in any way.

Any act conducted or any documents executed by WFOE with respect to the Owned Equity Interest shall be deemed conducted or executed by myself which I shall acknowledge.

WFOE shall be entitled to assign the authority to any other individual or entity for the conduct of the abovementioned matters without the necessity to inform me or obtain my prior consent. WFOE shall appoint a Chinese citizen to exercise the abovementioned rights as required by the PRC laws (if any).

As long as I am a shareholder of Shenzhen Ultimate Music, this Voting Trust Agreement shall be irrevocable and remain valid and effective from the date of this Voting Trust Agreement.

During the effective term of this Voting Trust Agreement, I hereby waive all rights in connection with the Owned Equity Interest that have been granted to WFOE under this Voting Trust Agreement, and will refrain from exercising such rights on my own.

[The remainder of this page is intentionally left blank]

 

2


This Page is the signature page to the Voting Trust Agreement.

 

Tencent Music Entertainment (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.
/s/ Seal of Tencent Music Entertainment (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.
Signature: /s/ Hu Min
Name: Hu Min
Title: Legal Representative
January 11, 2018

Accepted by:

 

Shenzhen Ultimate Xiangyue Culture and Technology Co., Ltd.
/s/ Seal of Shenzhen Ultimate Xiangyue Culture and Technology Co., Ltd.
Signature: /s/ Hu Min
Name: Hu Min
Title: Legal representative

Acknowledged by:

 

Shenzhen Ultimate Music Culture and Technology Co. Ltd.
/s/ Seal of Shenzhen Ultimate Xiangyue Culture and Technology Co., Ltd.
Signature: /s/ Hu Min
Name: Hu Min
Title: Legal Representative

 

3


Voting Trust Agreement

I, Ma Xiudong, a Chinese citizen with the Chinese Identification No. [                ], holds 1.9524% of the equity interest in Shenzhen Ultimate Music Culture and Technology Co., Ltd. (the “ Shenzhen Ultimate Music ”) as of the date of this Voting Trust Agreement (representing RMB 770,950 of Shenzhen Ultimate Music’s registered capital). I hereby irrevocably authorize Shenzhen Ultimate Xiangyue Culture and Technology Co., Ltd. (the “ WFOE ”) to exercise the following rights with respect to the existing and future equity interests I hold in Shenzhen Ultimate Music (the “ Owned Equity Interest ”) during the effective term of this Voting Trust Agreement:

Authorizing WFOE as my sole and exclusive proxy, to exercise, including without limitation, the following rights on my behalf with full authority with respect to the Owned Equity Interest: 1) to attend the shareholders’ meetings of Shenzhen Ultimate Music; 2) to exercise all shareholder’s rights and shareholder’s voting rights which I am entitled to under the laws and the articles of association of Shenzhen Ultimate Music, including without limitation, rights to sell, transfer, pledge or otherwise dispose of all or any part of the Owned Equity Interest; and 3) as my authorized representative, to appoint and elect the legal representative, directors, supervisors, managers and other senior management of Shenzhen Ultimate Music.

WFOE shall be authorized to execute, on my behalf, any and all agreements to which I shall be a party as specified in the Exclusive Option Agreement entered into as of January 11, 2018 by and among I, WFOE and Shenzhen Ultimate Music, the Equity Interest Pledge Agreement entered into as of January 11, 2018 by and among I, WFOE and Shenzhen Ultimate Music (together with any amendments, revisions or restatements, the “ Transaction Documents ”), and duly perform the Transaction Documents. The authority granted under this Voting Trust Agreement shall not be limited by the exercise of such right in any way.

 

4


Any act conducted or any documents executed by WFOE with respect to the Owned Equity Interest shall be deemed conducted or executed by myself which I shall acknowledge.

WFOE shall be entitled to assign the authority to any other individual or entity for the conduct of the abovementioned matters without the necessity to inform me or obtain my prior consent. WFOE shall appoint a Chinese citizen to exercise the abovementioned rights as required by the PRC laws (if any).

As long as I am a shareholder of Shenzhen Ultimate Music, this Voting Trust Agreement shall be irrevocable and remain valid and effective from the date of this Voting Trust Agreement.

During the effective term of this Voting Trust Agreement, I hereby waive all rights in connection with the Owned Equity Interest that have been granted to WFOE under this Voting Trust Agreement, and will refrain from exercising such rights on my own.

[The remainder of this page is intentionally left blank]

 

5


This Page is the signature page to the Voting Trust Agreement.

 

Signature: /s/ Ma Xiudong
Name: Ma Xiudong
January 11, 2018

Accepted by:

 

Shenzhen Ultimate Xiangyue Culture and Technology Co., Ltd.
/s/ Seal of Shenzhen Ultimate Xiangyue Culture and Technology Co., Ltd.
Signature: /s/ Hu Min
Name: Hu Min
Title: Legal representative

Acknowledged by:

 

Shenzhen Ultimate Music Culture and Technology Co. Ltd.
/s/ Seal of Shenzhen Ultimate Xiangyue Culture and Technology Co., Ltd.
Signature: /s/ Hu Min
Name: Hu Min
Title: Legal Representative

 

6


Voting Trust Agreement

I, Ding Gang, a Chinese citizen with the Chinese Identification No. [                ], holds 1.9524% of the equity interest in Shenzhen Ultimate Music Culture and Technology Co., Ltd. (the “ Shenzhen Ultimate Music ”) as of the date of this Voting Trust Agreement (representing RMB 770,950 of Shenzhen Ultimate Music’s registered capital). I hereby irrevocably authorize Shenzhen Ultimate Xiangyue Culture and Technology Co., Ltd. (the “ WFOE ”) to exercise the following rights with respect to the existing and future equity interests I hold in Shenzhen Ultimate Music (the “ Owned Equity Interest ”) during the effective term of this Voting Trust Agreement:

Authorizing WFOE as my sole and exclusive proxy, to exercise, including without limitation, the following rights on my behalf with full authority with respect to the Owned Equity Interest: 1) to attend the shareholders’ meetings of Shenzhen Ultimate Music; 2) to exercise all shareholder’s rights and shareholder’s voting rights which I am entitled to under the laws and the articles of association of Shenzhen Ultimate Music, including without limitation, rights to sell, transfer, pledge or otherwise dispose of all or any part of the Owned Equity Interest; and 3) as my authorized representative, to appoint and elect the legal representative, directors, supervisors, managers and other senior management of Shenzhen Ultimate Music.

WFOE shall be authorized to execute, on my behalf, any and all agreements to which I shall be a party as specified in the Exclusive Option Agreement entered into as of January 11, 2018 by and among I, WFOE and Shenzhen Ultimate Music, the Equity Interest Pledge Agreement entered into as of January 11, 2018 by and among I, WFOE and Shenzhen Ultimate Music (together with any amendments, revisions or restatements, the “ Transaction Documents ”), and duly perform the Transaction Documents. The authority granted under this Voting Trust Agreement shall not be limited by the exercise of such right in any way.

 

7


Any act conducted or any documents executed by WFOE with respect to the Owned Equity Interest shall be deemed conducted or executed by myself which I shall acknowledge.

WFOE shall be entitled to assign the authority to any other individual or entity for the conduct of the abovementioned matters without the necessity to inform me or obtain my prior consent. WFOE shall appoint a Chinese citizen to exercise the abovementioned rights as required by the PRC laws (if any).

As long as I am a shareholder of Shenzhen Ultimate Music, this Voting Trust Agreement shall be irrevocable and remain valid and effective from the date of this Voting Trust Agreement.

During the effective term of this Voting Trust Agreement, I hereby waive all rights in connection with the Owned Equity Interest that have been granted to WFOE under this Voting Trust Agreement, and will refrain from exercising such rights on my own.

[The remainder of this page is intentionally left blank]

 

8


This Page is the signature page to the Voting Trust Agreement.

 

Signature: /s/ Ding Gang
Name: Ding Gang
January 11, 2018

Accepted by:

 

Shenzhen Ultimate Xiangyue Culture and Technology Co., Ltd.
/s/ Seal of Shenzhen Ultimate Xiangyue Culture and Technology Co., Ltd.
Signature: /s/ Hu Min
Name: Hu Min
Title: Legal representative

Acknowledged by:

 

Shenzhen Ultimate Music Culture and Technology Co. Ltd.
/s/ Seal of Shenzhen Ultimate Xiangyue Culture and Technology Co., Ltd.
Signature: /s/ Hu Min
Name: Hu Min
Title: Legal Representative

Exhibit 10.55

Spousal Consent

The undersigned, Hou Haixia, (Identification No.: [                ]), is the lawful spouse of Ma Xiudong (Identification No.: [                ]). I hereby unconditionally and irrevocably agree to the execution of the following documents by Ma Xiudong as of January 11, 2018 (the “ Transaction Documents ”) and the disposal of the equity interest of Shenzhen Ultimate Music Culture and Technology Co., Ltd. (the “ Domestic Company ”) held by Ma Xiudong and registered in his name pursuant to the provisions of the following documents:

 

  (1)

The equity interest pledge agreement by and among Ma Xiudong, Shenzhen Ultimate Xiangyue Culture and Technology Co., Ltd. (the “ WFOE ”), the Domestic Company and other parties;

 

  (2)

The exclusive option agreement by and among Ma Xiudong, the WFOE, the Domestic Company and other parties; and

 

  (3)

The voting trust agreement between Ma Xiudong and the WFOE.

I hereby confirm that I do not enjoy any interests or rights in the Domestic Company and hereby undertake not to make any assertions in respect of the equity interest of the Domestic Company. I further confirm that, Ma Xiudong can perform the Transaction Documents and further amend or terminate the Transaction Documents or execute other agreements to replace the Transaction Documents absent any authorization or consent from me.

 

1


I hereby undertake to execute all necessary documents, and take all necessary actions, to ensure appropriate performance of the Transaction Documents (as amended from time to time).

I hereby agree and undertake that, if I acquire any equity interests in the Domestic Company for whatever reasons, I shall be bound by the Transaction Documents (as amended from time to time) and shall comply with the obligations of a shareholder of the Domestic Company thereunder. For this purpose, upon the WFOE’s requests, I shall execute a series of written documents in substantially the same format and content as the Transaction Documents (as amended from time to time).

 

Signature: /s/ Hou Haixia
Date: January 11, 2018

 

2

Exhibit 10.56

Spousal Consent

The undersigned, Xu Wenyu, (Identification No.:[                ]), is the lawful spouse of Ding Gang (Identification No.: [                ]). I hereby unconditionally and irrevocably agree to the execution of the following documents by Ding Gang as of January 11, 2018 (the “ Transaction Documents ”) and the disposal of the equity interest of Shenzhen Ultimate Music Culture and Technology Co., Ltd. (the “ Domestic Company ”) held by Ding Gang and registered in his name pursuant to the provisions of the following documents:

 

  (1)

The equity interest pledge agreement by and among Ding Gang, Shenzhen Ultimate Xiangyue Culture and Technology Co., Ltd. (the “ WFOE ”), the Domestic Company and other parties;

 

  (2)

The exclusive option agreement by and among Ding Gang, the WFOE, the Domestic Company and other parties; and

 

  (3)

The voting trust agreement between Ding Gang and the WFOE.

I hereby confirm that I do not enjoy any interests or rights in the Domestic Company and hereby undertake not to make any assertions in respect of the equity interest of the Domestic Company. I further confirm that, Ding Gang can perform the Transaction Documents and further amend or terminate the Transaction Documents or execute other agreements to replace the Transaction Documents absent any authorization or consent from me.

I hereby undertake to execute all necessary documents, and take all necessary actions, to ensure appropriate performance of the Transaction Documents (as amended from time to time).

 

1


I hereby agree and undertake that, if I acquire any equity interests in the Domestic Company for whatever reasons, I shall be bound by the Transaction Documents (as amended from time to time) and shall comply with the obligations of a shareholder of the Domestic Company thereunder. For this purpose, upon the WFOE’s requests, I shall execute a series of written documents in substantially the same format and content as the Transaction Documents (as amended from time to time).

 

Signature: /s/ Xu Wenyu
Date: January 11, 2018

 

2

Exhibit 10.57

Business Cooperation Agreement

This Business Cooperation Agreement (this “ Agreement ”) is entered into by and between the following parties on July 12, 2018 in Shenzhen:

Party A: Shenzhen Tencent Computer System Co., Ltd.

Address: 5-10/F, Feiyada Building, Gaoxinnan No. 1 Road., High-tech Zone, Nanshan District, Shenzhen

Tencent Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.

Address: Room 403, East Block 2 SEG Park, Futian District, Shenzhen

Party B: Tencent Music Entertainment Group (formerly known as “China Music Corporation”)

Address: Walkers Corporate Limited, Cayman Corporate Centre, 27 Hospital Road, George Town, Grand Cayman KY1-9008, Cayman Islands

Company number: 269402

Party A and Party B hereinafter are referred to individually as a “ Party ” and collectively as the “ Parties ”.

Whereas:

 

1.

Tencent (see definition below) is one of the largest provider of comprehensive internet services in China and one of the internet companies with the largest number of users in China;

 

2.

TME Group is one of the largest online music services providers in China. China Music Corporation was renamed Tencent Music Entertainment Group on December 27, 2016;

 

3.

Party A and Party B entered into a business cooperation agreement on July 12, 2016 (the “ Original Agreement ”) with a term starting on July 12, 2016 and ending on July 11, 2018. The Original Agreement was automatically terminated upon expiration of such term;

 

4.

With a view to integrating resources and giving full play to their advantages, Tencent and TME Group intend to cooperate in online music service business in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

Therefore, based on the principle of equality and mutual benefit, after friendly negotiation, the Parties agree on the following:

 

1.

Definitions

 

1.1

Except where the context otherwise requires, the following terms and expressions shall have the meaning ascribed to them in this clause:

 

  1.1.1

Affiliate ” means, with respect to a specified person, any other person that, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with, the person specified. For the avoidance of doubt, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, the Affiliates of Party A or Tencent referred to herein do not include TME Group; the Affiliates of Party B referred to herein include TME Group but exclude Tencent.

 

1


  1.1.2

Green Diamond Product ” refers to the Green Diamond premium memberships (together with other Tencent service products in the sales package, including paid music).

 

  1.1.3

Control ”, with respect to the relationship between two or more persons, means the holding of, directly or indirectly, or as trustee or executive, the power to direct or cause the direction of the businesses, affairs, management or decisions of other person, whether by means of holding equity shares, voting rights or securities having voting rights, or being trustee or executive, or in accordance with agreements, contractual arrangements, trust arrangements or otherwise, including (i) directly or indirectly holding fifty percent (50%) or more of the outstanding shares or equity interests of such person, (ii) directly or indirectly holding fifty percent (50%) or more of the voting rights, or (iii) directly or indirectly having the power to appoint the majority of the members of the board of directors or equivalent management organ of such person. “Controlled” and “common control” have correlative meanings.

 

  1.1.4

Tencent ” refers to Party A to this Agreement and its Affiliates.

 

  1.1.5

TME ” refers to Party B to this Agreement, a company incorporated and existing under the laws of the Cayman Islands.

 

  1.1.6

TME Group ” refers to TME and persons controlled by TME.

 

  1.1.7

QQ Music ” refers to the digital audio music player products provided by TME Group through QQ Music website (y.qq.com), QQ Music application and QQ Music library before the execution of this Agreement, as well as its digital music copyright businesses related to QQ Music. For the avoidance of doubt, whether or not relevant links are embedded in QQ Music website or QQ Music application, QQ Music does not include JOOX, Penguin FM, Tencent Video, QQ Player, Qzone background music, WeSee and other Tencent’s existing products.

 

  1.1.8

WeSing ” refers to the online karaoke or online audio performance businesses operated by TME Group through WeSing website (kg.qq.com), WeSing application and WeSing music library, as well as the digital music copyright businesses related to WeSing. For the avoidance of doubt, whether or not relevant links are embedded in WeSing website and WeSing application, WeSing does not include JOOX, Penguin FM, Tencent Video, QQ Player, Qzone background music, WeSee or other Tencent’s existing products.

 

  1.1.9

PRC ” means the People’s Republic of China (excluding, for the purpose of this Agreement only, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Macao Special Administrative Region and Taiwan).

 

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1.2

The headings hereof are for convenience only, and shall not in any way affect the interpretation or construction of this Agreement. Any reference herein to a “clause” or “appendix” is to a clause or appendix of this Agreement, unless otherwise provided. The Whereas clause and appendices to this Agreement constitute integral parts of this Agreement.

 

1.3

Where the context so admits, any reference to Party A or Party B shall include their respective successors and permitted assignees.

 

1.4

Reference to any “person” shall include body corporate, unincorporated body and partnership (whether or not having separate legal personality).

 

1.5

Whenever the words “include”, “includes” or “including” are used in this Agreement, they shall be deemed followed by the words “without limitation”.

 

2.

Non-competition

 

2.1

Tencent agrees to undertake the following non-competition obligations (the “ Non-competition Obligations ”) in the territories of the PRC, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan during the term starting from the date of execution of this Agreement to the expiration of the following periods, whichever is earlier: i) the period during which the aggregate voting power held by Tencent in TME exceeds the aggregate voting rights held by any other single person and its Affiliates in TME; or ii) five (5) years after the initial public offering of TME (the “ Non-competition Term ”):

 

  2.1.1

Tencent shall not operate any independent digital audio music streaming product;

 

  2.1.2

Tencent shall not operate any independent product providing online karaoke services;

 

  2.1.3

Tencent shall not operate any digital audio music copyright business (save that, Tencent shall be allowed to obtain license from third-parties to use copyrighted content for the operation of its game, advertising, film, TV series, programs and other businesses; and the content copyrights generated by Tencent and the users of Tencent products shall not be restricted by this clause). If Tencent intends to license its self-generated digital audio music copyrights to any third party other than Tencent, it shall, under the same terms and conditions, conduct such copyrights business through TME and Tencent and TME shall enter into a separate agreement to set forth the details of such copyrights business; and

 

  2.1.4

If Tencent proposes an equity participation in any music label company investing in the TME platform (the “ Label Company ”), it shall provide TME a written notice of the investment in such Label Company (the “ Target Investment ”) within ten (10) business days after the completion of the Target Investment (the “ Notice of Tencent Investment ”), together with corresponding project analysis (if any) and the third-party due diligence report (if any). After receiving the Notice of Tencent Investment, TME shall be entitled to purchase all (instead of partial) interests acquired by Tencent through the Target Investment from Tencent at the same consideration paid by Tencent in the Target Investment (the “ TME Purchase Right ”). TME shall give written notice to Tencent indicating whether or not to exercise the TME Purchase Right (the “ Notice of TME Purchase Intention ”) within six (6) months after receiving the Notice of Tencent Investment. The failure of Tencent receiving the Notice of TME Purchase Intention explicitly opting to exercise the TME Purchase Right, or the receipt by Tencent of the Notice of TME Purchase Intention explicitly indicating the non-exercise of the TME Purchase Right, in each case within six (6) months after the giving of the Tencent’s Notice of Tencent Investment, will be deemed as an irrevocable waiver by TME of the TME Purchase Right with respect to the Target Investment. In the event that Tencent receives the Notice of TME Purchase Intention explicitly opting to exercise the TME Purchase Right within six (6) months after the giving of the Tencent’s Notice of Tencent Investment, Tencent must transfer all (instead of partial) interests acquired by Tencent through the Target Investment to TME Group at the same consideration paid by Tencent in the Target Investment, provided that such transfer must be completed within six (6) months after the receipt of the relevant Notice of TME Purchase Intention by Tencent.

 

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2.2

For the avoidance of doubt, the Parties agree and acknowledge:

 

  2.2.1

Notwithstanding any other provision herein, Tencent should be allowed to operate JOOX and digital audio music copyright businesses through JOOX in any territory other than the PRC;

 

  2.2.2

Subject to Clause 2.2.1 hereof, any business operation conducted by Tencent in territories other than the PRC, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan shall not be subject to the Non-competition Obligations in any aspect; and

 

  2.2.3

Except for QQ Music and WeSing, the existing music-related businesses operated by Tencent prior to the execution of this Agreement, such as Penguin FM, Tencent Video, QQ Player, Qzone background music and WeSee, shall not be deemed in violation of the Non-competition Obligations, provided that , features newly added to such businesses after the execution hereof shall not violate the Non-competition Obligations.

 

3.

Business Cooperation

 

3.1

Access and user traffic resources provided in favor of TME Group by Tencent

Tencent agrees, to provide support to certain products specified by TME Group in terms of access and user traffic by means as separately agreed by the Parties during the term of this Agreement.

 

3.2

Sharing and Cooperation Mode Relating to Green Diamond Product

 

  3.2.1

The Parties agree that the revenue sharing ratio relating to the Green Diamond Product is to be separately determined by the Parties.

 

  3.2.2

With respect to revenues received by Tencent from the Green Diamond Product and other music-related paid services, Tencent will settle the account with TME Group pari passu based on amount actually spent by the users each month. For the avoidance of doubt, for payment made in Tencent’s virtual currencies (such as “QQ Coin”), the amount actually spent by relevant users will be calculated by multiplying the original marked price of the purchased product by Tencent’s effective internal average settlement exchange rate between such virtual currency and the CNY during the settlement period.

 

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  3.2.3

The Parties further agree that, the price of any paid music package in a packaging sale (e.g. sales of paid music package as part of the Green Diamond Product) shall be consistent with that of a separate sale and, without prior written consent by Party A, TME Group shall not adjust the prices of the services other than the paid music package in the Green Diamond Product (including by adjusting the price by way of raising the price of the paid music packages and cutting down the prices of the remaining services at the same time).

 

  3.2.4

Tencent undertakes not to block or remove the access which allows users to separately buy the paid music packages.

 

  3.2.5

For the avoidance of doubt, the Green Diamond Product and the paid music packages described in this Clause 3.2 refer to such features attached to QQ Music as of the date of this Agreement. The principle set forth in this Clause 3.2 shall continue to apply if the names of such features are changed or the paid music packages or similar products are converted into other similar products by combining with Tencent’s services.

 

3.3

Advertising business

 

  3.3.1

The Parties agree that TME Group is entitled, but not obligated to, continue to use Tencent’s Online Media Group (OMG) and Data Management Platform (DMP) as sales channels of the advertising business of TME platform (including, but not limited to, QQ Music, WeSing, Kuwo Music and Ultimate Music). If TME Group elects to continue to use Tencent’s OMG and DMP as marketing channels, Tencent’s reasonable advertising revenue sharing mode applicable to the then current period shall continue to apply, with specific revenue sharing ratio to be separately determined by the Parties. Tencent’s OMG and DMP shall provide cooperation and services with a level equal to those provided in the twelve (12) months prior to the effective date of this Agreement. Tencent will settle the account with TME Group in accordance with its account settlement period scheduled with other third-party clients.

 

3.4

Settlement of revenue sharing

 

  3.4.1

The Parties agree to prepare and provide a detailed revenue sharing calculation report with respect to the amount of shared revenue under Clauses 3.2 and 3.3 within twenty (20) business days after the end of each calendar month.

 

  3.4.2

With respect to revenues received by Tencent from the Green Diamond Product and other music-related paid services under Clause 3.2, Tencent will settle the amount actually spent by the users in the then current calendar month with TME Group within twenty-five (25) business days after the end of that calendar month.

 

  3.4.3

With respect to the advertising revenue received by Tencent as a marketing channel under Clause 3.3, Tencent will settle the amount actually collected from third-party clients in the then current calendar month with TME Group within twenty-five (25) business days after the end of that calendar month in accordance with its account settlement period scheduled with third-party clients.

 

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  3.4.4

For the avoidance of doubt, all kinds of revenues, costs and shared amounts resulted from relevant calculations under clauses 3.2 and 3.3 that are to be used in the revenue sharing calculation report shall be tax inclusive, and TME Group shall issue corresponding value-added tax invoice to Tencent before the payment by Tencent of any shared amount.

 

3.5

Social graph

Tencent must ensure that TME platform is able to continue to use the social graph information of Tencent’s existing users and assist TME platform in such use. Subject to the adjustments of Tencent’s general rules, the level of assistance as well as the scope and authority of use shall not be inferior than that provided to TME platform in the twelve (12) months prior to the effective date of this Agreement, save any social graph information that is unavailable due to applicable regulatory requirements, and provided that , in any circumstances, the scope of Tencent’s existing users’ social graph information available to TME platform shall not exceed the maximum scope of social graph information available to Tencent’s own products.

 

3.6

Technical services

Provided that the ownership of the assets to be used in Tencent’s technical services (including, but not limited to, the servers) remains unchanged and Tencent’s applicable rules and policies relating to the use of such assets are observed, Tencent will provide TME Group with technical services for the purpose of the normal operation of TME’s businesses with a level not lower than those provided to TME Group in the twelve (12) months preceding the effective date of this Agreement, and TME Group will pay Tencent fees for the use of Tencent’s technical services. During the period in which the aggregate voting powers held by Tencent in TME exceeds the aggregate voting rights held by any other single person and its Affiliates in TME, if Tencent offers more favorable terms and conditions than those offered to TME Group to its invested companies (such “invested companies” do not include Tencent itself), TME Group will be entitled to be offered such terms and conditions.

 

4.

Effectiveness, Term and Termination

 

4.1

This Agreement shall become effective after being duly executed by the Parties, and shall be automatically terminated upon expiration of the Cooperation Term set forth in Clause 4.2.

 

4.2

The term of cooperation under this Agreement shall start from the execution hereof and end on the expiration of five (5) years thereafter (the “ Cooperation Term ”). The term for any settlement under this Agreement shall be from July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2023.

 

4.3

This Agreement may be terminated prior to the expiration date by mutual consent of the Parties.

 

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4.4

If this Agreement is terminated upon expiration of the Cooperation Term or in accordance with Clause 4.3 hereof, the provisions hereof will not be binding on the Parties, save that, Clauses 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 shall survive such termination. For the avoidance of doubt, in the event of expiration of the Cooperation Term, Tencent will continue to comply with the Non-competition Obligations under Clause 2 hereof during the Non-competition Term. In case of a breach by any Party prior to the expiration of the Cooperation Term or the termination hereof, the breaching party shall assume corresponding liabilities for such breach in accordance with Clause 6 hereof, and other matters and arrangements after the termination hereof will be arranged by the Parties through friendly negotiation as the circumstances may require.

 

5.

IP Protection and Compliance Operation

 

5.1

The cooperation under this Agreement will not alter the rights to ownership of any material, information and corresponding intellectual property (“ IP ”) attached thereto provided by either Party or its Affiliates to the other Party and its Affiliates for the purpose of this Agreement, unless any specific IP transfer agreement is signed by relevant parties.

 

5.2

During the term of this Agreement, except otherwise agreed by the Parties, each Party shall, and shall ensure its Affiliates to publically use the company names, trademarks, trade names, brands, domain names and copyright works provided by the other Party or its Affiliates only for the purposes specified in this Agreement by the Parties, without involving content relating to other businesses or for business purpose. Each Party shall, and shall ensure its Affiliates not to claim rights in any way (including applying for IP protection) with respect to the above items or their variations entitled by the other Party or its Affiliates anywhere in the world. Except otherwise agreed by the Parties or specifically provided in law, each Party shall, and shall ensure its Affiliates to provide prior written notice to the other Party and obtain the other Party’s written consent before using the names, domain names and websites of the other Party or its Affiliates in such Party or its Affiliates’ own publicity material, business card, marketing, website design or for other purposes; otherwise, the non-breaching Party will be entitled to terminate this Agreement at any time by issuing written notice, and the breaching Party shall assume all legal liabilities cause thereby and indemnify all losses resulted therefrom.

 

5.3

During the Cooperation Term under this Agreement, each Party shall, and shall ensure its Affiliates to obtain proper authorization from the other Party for necessary use of any trademarks and logos of the other Party and its Affiliates in consistent with the purpose and scope of such authorization, and shall not use such trademarks and logos for any purpose other than that specified herein. Upon termination of this Agreement or expiration of the Cooperation Term, each Party and its Affiliates must cease all use of trademarks and logos of the other Party or its Affiliates.

 

5.4

Without Party A’s prior written consent, TME Group shall not:

 

  5.4.1

Reauthorize or sublicense any interface technology, security protocol, certificate, technical solution or technical information relating to the business cooperation hereunder to any third party, or apply any of the above for any purpose other than the business cooperation under this Agreement;

 

  5.4.2

Disclose any Tencent’s technical solution or technical information to any third party;

 

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  5.4.3

Use any user information obtained under this Agreement for any purpose other than that of this Agreement or disclose such information to any third part.

 

5.5

TME Group shall ensure that all operating activities carried out and services and products provided in cooperation with Tencent under this Agreement are in compliance with QQ and Weixin/WeChat product operation rules.

 

5.6

TME Group shall render customer services for services and products provided via access points in connection with QQ Music or WeSing, and be responsible for background processing relating to users’ enquiries and complaints arose from all kinds of non-QQ/Weixin/WeChat network communications, QQ/Weixin/WeChat upgrade and maintenance and other matters generated in business cooperation concerning access points in connection with QQ Music or WeSing. TME Group shall assign specialized customer service personnel to handle users’ enquires, claims and complaints with respect to services or contents provided by TME Group. TME Group shall render customer services with quality (including with respect to response time and processing time) in order to ensure, to a reasonable extent, interests and experience of QQ/Weixin/WeChat users in using QQ Music-related products. Tencent will only be responsible for users’ enquiries and complaints relating to QQ/Weixin/WeChat network communications, QQ/Weixin/WeChat upgrade and maintenance and relevant matters.

 

5.7

Each Party shall not, and shall ensure its Affiliates and employees not to derogate or in any way impair the other Party or its Affiliates’ trademarks, company names, domain names or other rights, nor derogate, plagiarize, misrepresent destruct or otherwise damage the other Party or its products, webpages or websites.

 

6.

Liability for Breach

 

6.1

Validity

 

  6.1.1

Representations, warranties, undertakings and covenants. The representations, warranties, undertakings and covenants made by the Parties under this Agreement are valid all the time during the term of this Agreement, until being completely released, fulfilled or waived in accordance with relevant provisions.

 

  6.1.2

Notwithstanding the preceding Clause 6.1.1, any indemnification obligation resulting from any breach of the representations, warranties, undertakings and covenants hereunder will continue to be valid after the termination of the Clause 6.1.1, provided that , a notice regarding the misrepresentation or breach that results in such indemnification obligation must be delivered to the Indemnifying Party prior to the termination of the preceding Clause 6.1.1.

 

6.2

Indemnification. Subject to the other provisions in this Clause 6, either Party (the “ Indemnifying Party ”) shall indemnify the other Party and its directors, executives, employees, Affiliates, agents and assignees (collectively, the “ Indemnified Party ”) for losses caused by any breach of the representations, warranties, undertakings, covenants, obligations or liabilities under this Agreement by the Indemnifying Party (including, but not limited to, all actual losses, legal expenses, arbitration fees, investigation costs, appraisal charges, attorney’s fees, , collectively, the “ Indemnifiable Losses ” )

 

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6.3

Reliance. The Parties acknowledge and agree that, the execution of this Agreement and assumption of obligations hereunder by either Party is based on the reliance on the other Party’s representations, warranties, undertakings and covenants.

 

6.4

Investigation . Unless otherwise agreed by the Parties, the investigation by either Party on any issue hereunder or the awareness or potential awareness of any related information shall not affect either Party’s right of claim under this Agreement, regardless of whether such investigation or awareness of information is occurred before or after the date of execution of this Agreement.

 

6.5

Exclusive remedy . Notwithstanding any other provisions hereunder, remedies provided by this Clause 6 shall constitute the sole and exclusive monetary remedy for any claim by either Party under this Agreement, provided that , the restrictions on or exceptions to any liabilities or obligations of either Party under this Clause 6 shall not apply to damages to the other Party caused by such Party’s fraud or fraudulent statements. This Clause 6 or any provisions hereunder shall not affect other non-monetary remedies available to the Parties with respect to any undertakings or covenants to be performed before or after the execution of this Agreement.

 

6.6

Limitation on indemnification . Subject to the provisions in the Share Subscription Agreement entered into by and between Min River Investment Limited and Party B and other related parties on July 12, 2016 (the “ Share Subscription Agreement ”), the maximum liability of Indemnifiable Losses that may be recovered from the Indemnifying Party shall not exceed US$1 billion.

 

6.7

Trigger amount. Subject to the Share Subscription Agreement, in respect of any single claim (or a series of claims based on or arising out of the same fact or circumstance), if the aggregate amount of the Indemnifiable Losses does not exceed US$ 10 million, the Indemnifying Party will not be required to make any indemnification; however, if the aggregate amount of the Indemnifiable Losses exceeds US$ 10 million in respect of any single claim (or a series of claims based on or arising out of the same fact or circumstance), the Indemnifying Party shall be required to pay the Indemnifiable Losses from the first dollar (including the US$ 10 million deductibles under the preceding sentence), subject to the US$1,000 million cap.

 

6.8

Special limitations on indemnification. The Indemnifying Party shall not be liable to the Indemnified Party for Indemnifiable Losses caused by any of the following events or activities:

 

  6.8.1

Any approval or modification of applicable laws after the effective date of this Agreement, which is unknown as of the effectiveness hereof, including, but not limited to, adjustments with respect to tax rates, tax categories or taxable items;

 

  6.8.2

Any voluntary activity, transaction or agreement made by the Indemnified Party after the effective date of this Agreement not basing on any binding undertaking existing prior to the effective date of this Agreement;

 

9


  6.8.3

Any action, omission or transaction conducted prior to the effective date of this Agreement as required in writing or indicated by the Indemnified Party;

 

  6.8.4

If Such breach or liability is contingent at the time the Indemnifying Party receives corresponding notice, the Indemnifying Party shall only be liable for Indemnifiable Losses actually suffered by the Indemnified Party; and

 

  6.8.5

Any change in generally accepted interpretation or application of applicable laws, or adjustment of the bases or practice of the Indemnified Party’s accounting policies after the effective date of this Agreement, unless such change or adjustment was made public prior to the effective date of this Agreement.

 

6.9

The amount actually obtained (and not confiscated or returned) from insurer or liable third parties by the Indemnified Party shall be deducted from the amount payable by the Indemnifying Party under this Agreement in respect of the same Indemnifiable Losses. If the Indemnified Party obtains any third party indemnity after receiving full payment of the Indemnifiable Loses from the Indemnifying Party with respect to the same issue, it shall return the Indemnifying Party such amount equal to the third-party indemnity after deducting applicable taxes and fees.

 

6.10

To the extent permitted by applicable laws, the Indemnified Party shall minimize the Indemnifiable Losses under any claim in connection with this Agreement, provided that , any costs incurred for the purpose of minimizing the Indemnifiable Losses shall be taken into consideration in the calculation of such Indemnifiable Losses in accordance with this Agreement.

 

6.11

The Indemnified Party shall not make overlapping claims based on the same Indemnifiable Losses. In the event that the Indemnified Party is entitled to claim for a specific issue under more than one legal document, the Indemnified Party shall make one combined claim in any single arbitration proceeding.

 

6.12

The limitations on liabilities set forth in the above Clause 6.6 to Clause 6.11 shall not apply in the event of any fraud by the Indemnifying Party.

 

7.

Notice and Delivery Detail

 

7.1

All notices, requests and other communications required to be given by either Party to the other (the “ Notice ”) shall be in writing and delivered to the address specified below of relevant Party by personal delivery, courier service, prepaid registered mail, facsimile transmission or electronic mail (“ e-mail ”):

If to Party A:

Attention:    Compliance and Transaction Department

Address:      Tencent Seafront Towers, Haitian 2 nd Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen

Postcode:     518057

 

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E-mail:        [                ]

with a copy to:

Attention:    Investment, Merger and Acquisition Department

Address:      Tencent Building, Kejizhongyi Avenue, Hi-tech Park, Nanshan District, Shenzhen

Postcode:     518057

E-mail:        [                 ]

If to Party B:

Attention:    Zhao Xiang

Address:      Mail Center, 7/F, China Technology Exchange Center, NO. 66 North 4 th Ring Road, Haidian District, Beijing

Postcode:    100080

Telephone:  [                ]

E-mail:        [                 ]

 

7.2

Either Party may change its address for communication by giving Notice to the other Party in accordance with this clause. Any such Notice shall be deemed delivered (1) on the date of actual delivery if by person; (2) at the end of the fourth (4 th ) business day after deposit with post office or a courier if by prepaid registered mail or courier service; (3) on the date of transmission if by facsimile, provided that a report confirming completion of transmission, fax number of the recipient, number of pages and time of transmission must be received by the delivering Party; (4) once the e-mail is delivered to the recipient’s server if delivered by e-mail.

 

8.

Confidentiality

 

8.1

Each Party undertakes to the other Party that, without prior written consent of the other Party, it will not, and will cause its directors, equity holders, executives, employees, agents or Affiliates (collectively, the “ Representatives ”) not to disclose any Confidential Information to any third party, nor use any Confidential Information to the detriment of the other Party.

 

8.2

The “ Confidential Information ” set forth in this clause refers to (a) information regarding either Party’s organization, operation, techniques, IP rights, security records, investments, finance, transactions or other affairs, or such Party’s directors, executives or employees (whether delivered in oral, written or other forms, or whether provided on, prior to or after the effective date of this Agreement); (b) terms of this Agreement, or the identities of the Parties hereto or their respective Affiliates; and (c) any other information prepared by either Party or its Representatives involving or otherwise reflecting or generated or derived from any information in the above item (a). However, either Party may disclose the Confidential Information (a) if such Confidential Information has been or becomes generally available to the public other than as a result of any disclosure through action or inaction of such Party or any of its Representatives in breach of this Agreement; (b) to any of its Representatives or Affiliates to the extent required for performing obligations hereunder or exercising rights hereunder, provided that such Representative or Affiliate shall be bound by obligations of confidentiality no less stringent than those set forth in this clause; or (c) as required by rules of the stock exchange on which the shares of such Party or its parent company are listed or by applicable laws or judicial or regulatory proceedings, or in connection with judicial processes of relevant legal actions, lawsuits and proceedings caused by or relating to this Agreement, provided that , such Party shall give prior notice to the other Party to the extent practicable under the then-current situation, and shall take all possible measures to keep the confidentiality. Either Party shall not, and shall cause its executives, employees, agents and Affiliates and such Affiliates’ executives, employees or agents not to make any announcement or comment on this Agreement or the proposed transactions under this Agreement without prior negotiation and written consent by the other Party, except that made in accordance with laws or applicable stock exchange rules, court orders, or requirements of stock exchanges on which shares of such Party or its Affiliates are listed or competent government or regulatory authorities, provided that , such Party shall give prior notice to the other Party to the extent practicable under the then-current situation, and shall take all possible measures to keep the confidentiality.

 

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9.

Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

 

9.1

Governing law

The execution, validity, performance and dispute resolution of this Agreement shall be governed by officially promulgated and publically available laws of the PRC.

 

9.2

Dispute resolution

 

  9.2.1

Any dispute, conflict or claim arising out of or in connection with this Agreement (including, but not limited to, (i) any contractual, pre-contractual or non-contractual rights, obligations or liabilities; and (ii) any issues relating to the formation, validity or termination of this Agreement) (the “ Disputes ”) shall be resolved through friendly negotiation of the Parties.

 

  9.2.2

If the Parties fail to solve any Dispute within three (3) months after the Dispute is initiated, either Party may submit such Dispute to China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (“ CIETAC ”) for arbitration under the CIETAC arbitration rules effective at the time of the submission and this Clause 9.2.2 in Beijing. The arbitral award shall be final and binding on the parties to the Dispute. The arbitration fees (including reasonable attorney’s fees) shall be borne by the losing party.

 

  9.2.3

During the course of the arbitral proceeding, except the matter under arbitration, this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. The Parties shall continue to perform their obligations under this Agreement other than those relating to the matter under arbitration.

 

10.

Miscellaneous

 

10.1

Performance by Affiliates. Party A shall cause and ensure Tencent, and Party B shall cause and ensure TME Group and its other Affiliates to perform relevant obligations and duties in accordance of this Agreement.

 

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10.2

Third party benefits. This Agreement shall be inure to the benefit of the Parties hereto and their permitted assignees, and no legal right, obligation or interest is granted or construed to be granted to any other person other than the Parties hereto and their assignees by any express or implied content herein.

 

10.3

Amendments . Amendment or supplement to this Agreement shall be effective only if it is in writing and signed by the Parties hereto.

 

10.4

Waiver . Any provision of this Agreement may be waived if, but only if such waiver is in writing and is signed by relevant Party. No failure or delay by either Party in exercising any right, power or remedy hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof nor shall any single or partial exercise thereof preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or remedy. Without limiting the generality of the forgoing, a waiver of any breach of any provision of this Agreement by either Party shall not be construed as a continuing waiver of other breaches of the same or other provisions of this Agreement.

 

10.5

S everability . Each provision of this Agreement constitutes an independent obligation from the other provisions, and shall be enforced separately, including in the event that any obligation, in whole or in part, is determined unenforceable. If any provision of this Agreement is determined to be unenforceable, such provision shall be deemed removed from this Agreement, and such removal shall in no way affect the enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement.

 

10.6

Languages and counterparts . This Agreement is written in Chinese and has binding effect on the Parties. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by the Parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original, but all such counterparts together shall constitute one single instrument.

 

10.7

Assignment. Neither Party is entitled to transfer or assign any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement without prior written consent of the other Party.

 

10.8

Taxes. Each Party hereto shall bear its own taxes incurred during the execution or performance of this Agreement in accordance with laws and this Agreement. Each Party hereto shall bear its own expenses and fees in connection with the negotiation, preparation and execution of this Agreement, including expenses and fees of legal counsel and other professionals retained by such Party.

 

10.9

Entire agreement. This Agreement, upon effectiveness, constitutes the entire agreement and understanding between the Parties with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement, and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, in oral or writing, between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof.

[The following of this page is intentionally left blank.]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have duly executed this Agreement on the date first above written.

 

Shenzhen Tencent Computer System Co., Ltd.
(Seal)

/s/ Seal of Shenzhen Tencent Computer System Co., Ltd.

[ Signature page to the Business Cooperation Agreement ]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have duly executed this Agreement on the date first above written.

 

Tencent Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.
(Seal)

/s/ Seal of Tencent Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.

[ Signature page to the Business Cooperation Agreement ]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have duly executed this Agreement on the date first above written.

 

Tencent Music Entertainment Group
(Seal)

/s/ Seal of Tencent Music Entertainment Group

 

Signature:  

/s/ Cussion Kar Shun Pang

Name:   Cussion Kar Shun Pang
Title:   Authorized Signatory

[ Signature page to the Business Cooperation Agreement ]

Exhibit 21.1

List of Significant Subsidiaries and VIEs of the Registrant

 

Significant Subsidiaries

  

Place of Incorporation

Tencent Music Entertainment Hong Kong Limited

  

Hong Kong

Tencent Music Entertainment Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.

  

PRC

Tencent Music (Beijing) Co., Ltd.

  

PRC

Ultimate Music Inc.

  

Cayman Islands

Ultimate Music China Limited

  

Hong Kong

Shenzhen Ultimate Xiangyue Culture and Technology Co., Ltd.

  

PRC

Yeelion Online Network Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd.

  

PRC

VIEs

  

Place of Incorporation

Guangzhou Kugou Computer Technology Co., Ltd.

  

PRC

Beijing Kuwo Technology Co., Ltd.

  

PRC

Shenzhen Ultimate Music Culture and Technology Co., Ltd.

  

PRC

Xizang Qiming Music Co., Ltd.

  

PRC

Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We hereby consent to the use in this Registration Statement on Form F-1 of Tencent Music Entertainment Group of our report dated July 6, 2018 relating to the financial statements of Tencent Music Entertainment Group, which appears in this Registration Statement. We also consent to the reference to us under the heading “Experts” in such Registration Statement.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers Zhong Tian LLP

Shenzhen, the People’s Republic of China

October 2, 2018

Exhibit 23.2

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We hereby consent to the use in this Registration Statement on Form F-1 of Tencent Music Entertainment Group of our report dated July 6, 2018 relating to the financial statements of China Music Corporation, which appears in this Registration Statement. We also consent to the reference to us under the heading “Experts” in such Registration Statement.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers Zhong Tian LLP

Shenzhen, the People’s Republic of China

October 2, 2018

Exhibit 99.2

漢 坤 律 師 事 務 所

H AN K UN L AW O FFICES

Room 2103, 21/F, Kerry Plaza Tower 3, 1-1 Zhongxinsi Road, Futian District, Shenzhen 518048, Guangdong, P. R. China

TEL: (86 755) 3680 6500; FAX: (86 755) 3680 6599

北京 Beijing • 上海 Shanghai • 深圳 Shenzhen • 香港 Hong Kong

www.hankunlaw.com

October 1, 2018

To: Tencent Music Entertainment Group

17/F, Malata Building, Kejizhongyi Road

Midwest District of Hi-tech Park

Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518057

The People’s Republic of China

Re: Legal Opinion on Certain PRC Legal Matters

Dear Sirs or Madams:

We are qualified lawyers of the People’s Republic of China (the “ PRC ” or “ China ”, excluding, for the purpose of this opinion only, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Macau Special Administrative Region and Taiwan) and as such are qualified to issue this opinion on the laws and regulations of the PRC effective as of the date hereof.

We act as the PRC counsel to Tencent Music Entertainment Group (the “ Company ”), a company incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands, in connection with (i) the proposed initial public offering (the “ Offering ”) of a certain number of American depositary shares (the “ ADSs ”), each ADS representing a certain number of Class A ordinary shares of the Company (the “ Ordinary Shares ”), by the Company as set forth in the Company’s registration statement on Form F-1, including all amendments or supplements thereto (the “ Registration Statement ”), filed by the Company with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 (as amended) in relation to the Offering, and (ii) the Company’s proposed listing of the ADSs on the New York Stock Exchange or the Nasdaq Global Market.

 

A.

Documents and Assumptions

In rendering this opinion, we have reviewed or examined the Registration Statement, and other documents as we have considered necessary or advisable for the purpose of rendering this opinion, including but not limited to originals or copies of the due diligence documents provided to us by the Company and the Material PRC Companies (as defined below) and such other documents, corporate records and certificates issued by the Governmental Agencies (collectively, the “ Documents ”). Where certain facts were not independently established and verified by us, we have relied upon certificates or statements issued or made by competent Governmental Agencies (as defined below) or appropriate representatives of the Company or the Material PRC Companies.

 

 

CONFIDENTIALITY. This document contains confidential information which may also be privileged. Unless you are the addressee (or authorized to receive for the addressee), you may not copy, use, or distribute it. If you have received it in error, please advise Han Kun Law Offices immediately by telephone or facsimile and return it promptly by mail. Thanks.

 

 


H AN K UN L AW O FFICES

 

In rendering this opinion, we have assumed without independent investigation that (the “ Assumptions ”):

 

(i)

all signatures, seals and chops are genuine, each signature on behalf of a party thereto is that of a person duly authorized by such party to execute the same, all Documents submitted to us as originals are authentic, and all Documents submitted to us as certified or photostatic copies conform to the originals;

 

(ii)

each of the parties to the Documents (i) if a legal person or other entity, is duly organized and is validly existing in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of organization and/or incorporation; or (ii) if an individual, has full capacity for civil conduct; each of them has full power and authority to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under the Documents to which it is a party in accordance with the laws of its jurisdiction of organization or incorporation or the laws that it/she/he is subject to;

 

(iii)

unless otherwise indicated in the Documents, the Documents that were presented to us remain in full force and effect on the date of this opinion and have not been revoked, amended or supplemented, and no amendments, revisions, supplements, modifications or other changes have been made, and no revocation or termination has occurred, with respect to any of the Documents after they were submitted to us for the purposes of this opinion;

 

(iv)

the laws of jurisdictions other than the PRC which may be applicable to the execution, delivery, performance or enforcement of the Documents are complied with;

 

(v)

all requested Documents have been provided to us and all factual statements made to us by the Company and the Material PRC Companies in connection with this opinion are true, correct and complete; and

 

(vi)

all the explanations and interpretations provided by the officers of Governmental Agencies duly reflect the official position of the Governmental Agencies, and all the factual statements provided by the Company and Material PRC Companies, including but not limited to the statements set forth in the Documents, are complete, true and correct.

 

B.

Definitions

In addition to the terms defined in the context of this opinion, the following capitalized terms used in this opinion shall have the meanings ascribed to them as follows.

 

Beijing Kuwo

   means Beijing Kuwo Technology Co., Ltd. (北京酷我科技有限公司), a company incorporated in Beijing under the PRC Laws.

Beijing Tencent Music

   means Tencent Music (Beijing) Co., Ltd. (腾讯音乐(北京)有限公司), formerly known as Ocean Interactive (Beijing) Information Technology Co., Ltd. (海洋互动(北京)信息技术有限公司), a company incorporated in Beijing under the PRC Laws.

 

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H AN K UN L AW O FFICES

 

Governmental Agency

   means any national, provincial or local governmental, regulatory or administrative authority, agency or commission in the PRC, or any court, tribunal or any other judicial or arbitral body in the PRC, or any body exercising, or entitled to exercise, any administrative, judicial, legislative, police, regulatory, or taxing authority or power of similar nature in the PRC.

Governmental Authorization

   means any license, approval, consent, waiver, order, sanction, certificate, authorization, filing, declaration, disclosure, registration, exemption, permission, endorsement, annual inspection, clearance, qualification, permit or license by, from or with any Governmental Agency pursuant to any PRC Laws.

Guangzhou Kugou

   means Guangzhou Kugou Computer Technology Co., Ltd. (广州酷狗计算机科技有限公司), a company incorporated in Guangzhou under the PRC Laws.

Material PRC Companies

   means, collectively, these entities as listed in Schedule A attached hereto, and each a “ Material PRC Company ”.

M&A Rules

   means the Rules on Merger and Acquisition of Domestic Enterprises by Foreign Investors ( 关于外国投资者并购境内企业的规定 ) promulgated by six Governmental Agencies, including the Ministry of Commerce, the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council, the State Administration for Taxation, the State Administration for Industry and Commerce, the China Securities Regulatory Commission, and the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, which became effective on September 8, 2006 and was amended on June 22, 2009 by the Ministry of Commerce.

PRC Laws

   means all applicable national, provincial and local laws, regulations, rules, notices, orders, decrees and judicial interpretations by the Supreme People’s Court of the PRC of the foregoing, in each case, currently in effect and publicly available on the date of this opinion.

Shenzhen Ultimate Music

   means Shenzhen Ultimate Music Culture and Technology Co., Ltd. (深圳市爱听卓乐文化科技有限公司), a company incorporated in Shenzhen under the PRC Laws.

 

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H AN K UN L AW O FFICES

 

 

Shenzhen Ultimate WFOE

   means Shenzhen Ultimate Xiangyue Culture and Technology Co., Ltd. (深圳爱听享乐文化科技有限公司), a company incorporated in Shenzhen under the PRC Laws.

Tencent Music Shenzhen

   means Tencent Music Entertainment (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. (腾讯音乐娱乐(深圳)有限公司), a company incorporated in Shenzhen under the PRC Laws.

TME Shenzhen WFOE

   means Tencent Music Entertainment Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. (腾讯音乐娱乐科技(深圳)有限公司).

VIE Agreements

   means the contracts, agreements and instruments as listed in Schedule B attached hereto.

Xizang Qiming

   means Xizang Qiming Music Co., Ltd. (西藏齐鸣音乐有限公司), a company incorporated in Tibet under the PRC Laws.

Yeelion Online

   means Yeelion Online Network Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. (亿览在线网络技术(北京)有限公司), a company incorporated in Beijing under the PRC Laws.

 

C.

Opinions

Based on our review of the Documents and subject to the Assumptions and the Qualifications, we are of the opinion that:

(i) VIE Structure . The ownership structure of the Material PRC Companies, both currently and immediately after giving effect to the Offering, do not and will not contravene applicable PRC Laws. Each of the VIE Agreements is valid and binding upon each party thereto and enforceable against each party thereto in accordance with its terms and applicable PRC Laws. There are, however, substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of PRC Laws and future PRC laws and regulations, and there can be no assurance that the Governmental Agencies will take a view that is not contrary to or otherwise different from our opinion stated above.

(ii) Taxation. The statements made in the Registration Statement under the caption “Taxation—People’s Republic of China Taxation”, to the extent that the discussion states definitive legal conclusions under PRC tax laws, are accurate in all material respects.

(iii) M&A Rules. Based on our understanding of the explicit provisions under the PRC Laws, we are of the opinion that the China Securities Regulatory Commission’s approval is not required to be obtained for the Offering or the Listing, because (i) the China Securities Regulatory Commission currently has not issued any definitive rule or interpretation concerning whether the Offering are subject to the M&A Rules; (ii) Beijing Tencent Music, Yeelion Online, Shenzhen Ultimate WFOE and TME Shenzhen WFOE that are wholly foreign-owned enterprises were established by means of direct investment and not through mergers or acquisitions of the equity or assets of a “PRC domestic company” as such term is defined under the M&A Rules; and (iii) no explicit provision in the M&A Rules classifies the contractual arrangements under the VIE Agreements as a type of acquisition transaction falling under the M&A Rules.

 

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H AN K UN L AW O FFICES

 

 

D.

Qualifications

Our opinion expressed above is subject to the following qualifications (the “ Qualifications ”):

 

i.

Our opinion is limited to the PRC Laws of general application on the date hereof. We have made no investigation of, and do not express or imply any views on, the laws of any jurisdiction other than the PRC.

 

ii.

There is no guarantee that any of the PRC Laws, or the interpretation or enforcement thereof, will not be changed, amended or revoked in the future with or without retrospective effect.

 

iii.

Our opinion is subject to the effects of (i) certain legal or statutory principles affecting the enforceability of contractual rights generally under the concepts of public interest, social ethics, national security, good faith, fair dealing, and applicable statutes of limitation; (ii) any circumstance in connection with formulation, execution or performance of any legal documents that would be deemed materially mistaken, clearly unconscionable, fraudulent, coercionary or concealing illegal intentions with a lawful form; (iii) judicial discretion with respect to the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief, remedies or defenses, or calculation of damages; and (iv) the discretion of any competent PRC legislative, administrative or judicial bodies in exercising their authority in the PRC.

 

iv.

This opinion is issued based on our understanding of the current PRC Laws. For matters not explicitly provided under the current PRC Laws, the interpretation, implementation and application of the specific requirements under the PRC Laws are subject to the final discretion of competent PRC legislative, administrative and judicial authorities, and there can be no assurance that the Governmental Agencies will ultimately take a view that is not contrary to our opinion stated above. Under relevant PRC laws and regulations, foreign investment is restricted in certain businesses and subject to Governmental Authorizations. The interpretation and implementation of these laws and regulations, and their application to and effect on the legality, binding effect and enforceability of contracts, including the VIE Agreements, are subject to the discretion of competent Governmental Agencies.

 

v.

We may rely, as to matters of fact (but not as to legal conclusions), to the extent we deem proper, on certificates and confirmations of responsible officers of the Material PRC Companies and Governmental Agencies.

 

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H AN K UN L AW O FFICES

 

 

vi.

As used in this opinion, the expression “to our best knowledge after due inquiry” or similar language with reference to matters of fact refers to the current actual knowledge of the attorneys of this firm who have worked on matters for the Company and the Material PRC Companies in connection with the Offering and the transactions contemplated thereunder. We have not undertaken any independent investigation to ascertain the existence or absence of any fact, and no inference as to our knowledge of the existence or absence of any fact should be drawn from our representation of the Company and the Material PRC Companies or the rendering of this opinion.

 

vii.

This opinion is strictly limited to the matters stated herein and no opinion is implied or may be inferred beyond the matters expressly stated herein. The opinion expressed herein is rendered only as of the date hereof, and we assume no responsibility to advise you of facts, circumstances, events or developments that hereafter may be brought to our attention and that may alter, affect or modify the opinion expressed herein.

This opinion is delivered solely for the purpose of and in connection with the Registration Statement publicly submitted to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on the date of this opinion and may not be used for any other purpose without our prior written consent.

We hereby consent to the use of this opinion in, and the filing hereof as an exhibit to, the Registration Statement, and to the use of our firm’s name under the captions “Risk Factors,” “Enforceability of Civil Liabilities,” “Corporate History and Structure,” “PRC Regulation,” “Taxation” and “Legal Matters” in the Registration Statement. In giving such consent, we do not thereby admit that we come within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

Yours faithfully,

/s/ HAN KUN LAW OFFICES

HAN KUN LAW OFFICES

 

6


H AN K UN L AW O FFICES

 

Schedule A

List of the Material PRC Companies

 

1.

Tencent Music (Beijing) Co., Ltd. (腾讯音乐(北京)有限公司);

 

2.

Tencent Music Entertainment (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. (腾讯音乐娱乐(深圳)有限公司);

 

3.

Tencent Music Entertainment Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. (腾讯音乐娱乐科技(深圳)有限公司);

 

4.

Yeelion Online Network Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. (亿览在线网络技术(北京)有限公司);

 

5.

Beijing Kuwo Technology Co., Ltd. (北京酷我科技有限公司);

 

6.

Guangzhou Kugou Computer Technology Co., Ltd. (广州酷狗计算机科技有限公司);

 

7.

Shenzhen Ultimate Xiangyue Culture and Technology Co., Ltd. (深圳爱听享乐文化科技有限公司);

 

8.

Shenzhen Ultimate Music Culture and Technology Co., Ltd. (深圳市爱听卓乐文化科技有限公司); and

 

9.

Xizang Qiming Music Co., Ltd. (西藏齐鸣音乐有限公司).

*   *  *

 

7


H AN K UN L AW O FFICES

 

Schedule B

List of VIE Agreements

Guangzhou Kugou

 

1.

Exclusive Technical Service Agreement (独家技术服务协议) dated March 26, 2018 between Beijing Tencent Music and Guangzhou Kugou;

 

2.

Exclusive Option Agreement (独家购买权协议) dated as of March 26, 2018 among Beijing Tencent Music, Guangzhou Kugou, Xie Guomin (谢国民), Xie Zhenyu (谢振宇), Hu Huan (胡欢), Xu Hanjie (徐汉杰), Hangzhou Yong Xuan Yong Ming Capital Investment Partnership (Limited Partnership) (杭州永宣永铭股权投资合伙企业(有限合伙)), Kashi Tianshan Red Sea Venture Capital Co., Ltd. (喀什天山红海创业投资有限公司), Shenzhen Litong Industry Investment Fund Co., Ltd. (深圳市利通产业投资基金有限公司), Dong Jianming (董健明), Gao Yaping (高雅萍), Guangzhou Lekong Investment Partnership (Limited Partnership) (广州乐控投资合伙企业(有限合伙)), Qiu Zhongwei (邱中伟), Tang Liang (唐亮) and Linzhi Lichuang Information Technology Co., Ltd. (林芝利创信息技术有限公司);

 

3.

Equity Interest Pledge Agreement (股权质押协议) dated as of March 26, 2018 among Beijing Tencent Music, Guangzhou Kugou, Xie Guomin (谢国民), Xie Zhenyu (谢振宇), Hu Huan (胡欢), Xu Hanjie (徐汉杰), Hangzhou Yong Xuan Yong Ming Capital Investment Partnership (Limited Partnership) (杭州永宣永铭股权投资合伙企业(有限合伙)), Kashi Tianshan Red Sea Venture Capital Co., Ltd. (喀什天山红海创业投资有限公司), Shenzhen Litong Industry Investment Fund Co., Ltd. (深圳市利通产业投资基金有限公司), Dong Jianming (董健明), Gao Yaping (高雅萍), Guangzhou Lekong Investment Partnership (Limited Partnership) (广州乐控投资合伙企业(有限合伙)), Qiu Zhongwei (邱中伟), Tang Liang (唐亮) and Linzhi Lichuang Information Technology Co., Ltd. (林芝利创信息技术有限公司);

 

4.

Voting Trust Agreement (股东表决权委托协议) dated as of March 26, 2018 among Beijing Tencent Music, Guangzhou Kugou, Xie Guomin (谢国民), Xie Zhenyu (谢振宇), Hu Huan (胡欢), Xu Hanjie (徐汉杰), Hangzhou Yong Xuan Yong Ming Capital Investment Partnership (Limited Partnership) (杭州永宣永铭股权投资合伙企业(有限合伙)), Kashi Tianshan Red Sea Venture Capital Co., Ltd. (喀什天山红海创业投资有限公司), Shenzhen Litong Industry Investment Fund Co., Ltd. (深圳市利通产业投资基金有限公司), Dong Jianming (董健明), Gao Yaping (高雅萍), Guangzhou Lekong Investment Partnership (Limited Partnership) (广州乐控投资合伙企业(有限合伙)), Qiu Zhongwei (邱中伟), Tang Liang (唐亮) and Linzhi Lichuang Information Technology Co., Ltd. (林芝利创信息技术有限公司); and

 

5.

Spousal Consents (同意函) issued by (i) each of Zhang Yingzi (张英姿) and Zhang Chunbo (张春波) on March 26, 2018, and (ii) Wang Xiaoqing (王晓青) on July 25, 2018, (iii) each of Zhou Hongyi (周鸿祎) and He Chunxia (何春霞) on July 26, 2018 and (iv) Wang Meiqi (王玫琦) on July 28, 2018.

 

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H AN K UN L AW O FFICES

 

Beijing Kuwo

 

1.

Exclusive Technical Service Agreement (独家技术服务协议) dated as of July 12, 2016 between Yeelion Online and Beijing Kuwo;

 

2.

Exclusive Option Agreement (独家购买权协议) dated as of July 12, 2016 among Yeelion Online, Beijing Kuwo, Xie Guomin (谢国民), Shi Lixue (史力学), and Linzhi Lichuang Information Technology Co., Ltd. (林芝利创信息技术有限公司);

 

3.

Voting Trust Agreement (股东表决权委托协议) dated as of July 12, 2016 among Yeelion Online, Beijing Kuwo, Xie Guomin (谢国民), Shi Lixue (史力学), and Linzhi Lichuang Information Technology Co., Ltd. (林芝利创信息技术有限公司);

 

4.

Equity Interest Pledge Agreement (股权质押协议) dated as of July 12, 2016 among Yeelion Online, Beijing Kuwo, Xie Guomin (谢国民), Shi Lixue (史力学), and Linzhi Lichuang Information Technology Co., Ltd. (林芝利创信息技术有限公司);

 

5.

Loan Agreement (借款协议) dated as of July 12, 2016 among Yeelion Online, Xie Guomin (谢国民) and Shi Lixue (史力学); and

 

6.

Spousal Consent (同意函) issued by Wang Meiqi (王玫琦) on July 28, 2018.

Shenzhen Ultimate Music

 

1.

Exclusive Business Cooperation Agreement (独家业务合作协议) dated as of January 11, 2018 between Shenzhen Ultimate WFOE and Shenzhen Ultimate Music;

 

2.

Exclusive Option Agreement (独家购买权协议) dated as of January 11, 2018 among Shenzhen Ultimate WFOE, Shenzhen Ultimate Music, Ding Gang (丁纲), Ma Xiudong (马秀东) and Tencent Music Shenzhen;

 

3.

Equity Interest Pledge Agreement (股权质押协议) dated as of January 11, 2018 among Shenzhen Ultimate WFOE, Shenzhen Ultimate Music, Ding Gang (丁纲), Ma Xiudong (马秀东) and Tencent Music Shenzhen;

 

4.

Power of Attorney (授权委托书) dated as of January 11, 2018 issued by each of Ding Gang (丁纲), Ma Xiudong (马秀东) and Tencent Music Shenzhen respectively; and

 

5.

Spousal Consents (同意函) dated as of January 11, 2018 issued by each of Xu Wenyu (徐文宇) and Hou Haixia (侯海霞) respectively.

Xizang Qiming

 

1.

Exclusive Business Cooperation Agreement (独家业务合作协议) dated as of February 8, 2018 between Beijing Tencent Music and Xizang Qiming;

 

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H AN K UN L AW O FFICES

 

 

2.

Exclusive Option Agreement (独家购买权协议) dated as of February 8, 2018 among Beijing Tencent Music, Yang Qihu (杨奇虎), Hu Min (胡敏) and Xizang Qiming;

 

3.

Equity Interest Pledge Agreement (股权质押协议) dated as of February 8, 2018 among Beijing Tencent Music, Yang Qihu (杨奇虎), Hu Min (胡敏) and Xizang Qiming;

 

4.

Loan Agreement (借款协议) dated as of February 8, 2018 between Beijing Tencent Music and Yang Qihu (杨奇虎);

 

5.

Loan Agreement (借款协议) dated as of February 8, 2018 between Beijing Tencent Music and Hu Min (胡敏);

 

6.

Power of Attorney (授权委托书) dated as of February 8, 2018 issued by each of Yang Qihu (杨奇虎) and Hu Min (胡敏) respectively; and

 

7.

Spousal Consent (同意函) dated as of February 8, 2018 issued by Guo Jin (郭晋).

*  *  *

 

10

Exhibit 99.3

August 31, 2018

Gary Dong, Board Secretary

Tencent Music Entertainment Group

17/F, Malata Building, Kejizhongyi Road

Midwest District of Hi-tech Park

Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518057

the People’s Republic of China

Re: Consent of iResearch Consulting Group

We hereby consent to (1) the use of and references to our name and the inclusion of information, data and statements from our research reports and amendments thereto, including, without limitation, the Chinese version and the English translation of the industry reports titled “The Study of China’s Online Music Entertainment Industry” and any subsequent amendments thereto, (i) in the prospectus included in the registration statement on Form F-1 of Tencent Music Entertainment Group (the “ Company ”) and any amendments thereto (the “ Registration Statement ”), including, but not limited to, under the “Summary,” “Industry Overview” and “Business” sections; (ii) in any written correspondence with the SEC; (iii) in any other filings with the SEC by the Company, including filings on Form 20-F, Form 6-K and other SEC filings (collectively, the “ SEC Filings ”); (iv) in institutional and retail roadshows and other activities with the Company’s initial public offering; and (v) in other materials in connection with the initial public offering; and (2) the filing of this consent as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and any amendments thereto and as an exhibit to any other SEC Filings by the Company for the use of our data and information cited for the above-mentioned purposes.

Shanghai iResearch Co., Ltd., China

/s/ Seal of Shanghai iResearch Co.,Ltd.