As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 31, 2019
Registration No. 333-
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
FORM F-1
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
AnPac Bio-Medical Science Co., Ltd.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Not Applicable
(Translation of Registrants name into English)
British Virgin Islands | 8071 | Not Applicable | ||
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization) |
(Primary Standard Industrial
Classification Code Number) |
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number) |
801 Bixing Street, Bihu County
Lishui, Zhejiang Province 323006
Peoples Republic of China
+86-578-2051-6666
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of Registrants principal executive offices)
AnPac Technology USA Co., Ltd.
Suite 127, 2260 Clove Drive
San Jose, CA 95128
+1-267-810-6776
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
Copies to:
Shuang Zhao, Esq. Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton LLP c/o 37th Floor, Hysan Place 500 Hennessy Road Causeway Bay, Hong Kong +852-2521-4122 |
Richard A. Friedman, Esq. Stephen A. Cohen, Esq. Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP 30 Rockefeller Plaza, 39th Floor New York, NY 1-212-653-8700 |
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: as soon as practicable after the effective date of this registration statement.
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box. ☐
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
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. ☐
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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
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||||
Title of each class of
securities to be registered |
Proposed
maximum
|
Amount of
registration fee |
||
Class A ordinary shares, par value US$0.01 per share(1) |
US$20,000,000 | US$2,596 | ||
Underwriter Warrants(4) |
| | ||
Class A ordinary shares underlying Underwriter Warrants(4) |
US$1,700,000 | US$221 | ||
Total |
US$21,700,000 | US$2,817 | ||
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(1) |
American depositary shares issuable upon deposit of 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 one Class A ordinary share. |
(2) |
Includes Class A ordinary shares that are issuable upon the exercise of the underwriters over-allotment option. Also 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. These Class A ordinary shares are not being registered for the purpose of sales outside the United States. |
(3) |
Estimated solely for the purpose of determining the amount of registration fee in accordance with Rule 457(o) under the Securities Act of 1933. |
(4) |
We have agreed to issue, on the closing date of this offering, warrants to our underwriter, WestPark Capital, Inc., in an amount up to 8.5% of the aggregate number of Class A ordinary shares that we sell in this offering, exclusive of the shares issuable upon exercise of the underwriters over-allotment option (the Underwriter Warrants). The exercise price of the Underwriter Warrants is equal to % of the price of the Class A ordinary shares offered hereby. |
The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.
The information in this preliminary prospectus is not complete and may be changed. These securities may not be sold until the registration statement filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This preliminary prospectus is not an offer to sell nor does it seek an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.
PROSPECTUS (Subject to Completion)
Issued , 2019
American Depositary Shares
AnPac Bio-Medical Science Co., Ltd.
Representing Class A Ordinary Shares
This is an initial public offering of American depositary shares, or ADSs, representing Class A ordinary shares of AnPac Bio-Medical Science Co., Ltd.
We are offering ADSs. Each ADS represents one of our Class A ordinary shares, par value US$0.01 per share. We anticipate the initial public offering price per ADS will be between US$ and US$ .
Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for the ADSs or our shares. We have applied to list the ADSs on The NASDAQ Global Market, under the symbol ANPC.
We are an emerging growth company as that term is used in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, and, as such, have elected to comply with certain reduced public company reporting requirements.
We have and will maintain a dual-class share structure. Our outstanding ordinary shares consist of Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares. 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 (1) vote, and each Class B ordinary share is entitled to ten (10) votes. Each Class B ordinary share is convertible into one Class A ordinary share at any time by its holder. Class A ordinary shares are not convertible into Class B ordinary shares under any circumstances. Upon any transfer of Class B ordinary shares by a holder to any person or entity who is not an affiliate of the holder, such Class B ordinary shares shall be automatically and immediately converted into the same number of Class A ordinary shares.
Our founder and chairman, Dr. Chris Chang Yu, together with Zhangjiang GU KE Company Limited and Zhijun Sihang Holdings Limited with respect to a portion of their ordinary shares, beneficially own all of our issued Class B ordinary shares, accounting for approximately % of our total outstanding shares immediately after the completion of this offering and % of the aggregate voting power of our total outstanding shares immediately after the completion of this offering, assuming the underwriter does not exercise its over-allotment option and excluding shares issuable upon exercise of unexercised options or the warrants we have agreed to grant to the underwriter or upon conversion by Jiaxing Zhijun Investment Management Co., Ltd. of its convertible loans to us. See Principal Shareholders.
Investing in ADSs involves a high degree of risk. See Risk Factors beginning on page 13 to read about factors you should consider before buying the ADSs.
Neither the United States Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
PRICE US$ PER ADS
Price to
Public |
Underwriting
Discounts and Commissions(1) |
Proceeds to
Us |
||||||||||
Per ADS |
US$ | US$ | US$ | |||||||||
Total |
US$ | US$ | US$ |
(1) |
For additional information on underwriting compensation, see Underwriting. |
The underwriter has a 30-day option to purchase up to an aggregate of additional ADSs from us at the initial public offering price less the underwriting discounts and commissions.
The underwriter expects to deliver the ADSs against payment in New York, New York on , 2019.
WestPark Capital, Inc.
Prospectus dated , 2019
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MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS |
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F-1 |
No dealer, salesperson or other person is authorized to give any information or to represent anything not contained in this prospectus or in any free writing prospectus we may authorize to be delivered or made available to you. You must not rely on any unauthorized information or representations. This prospectus is an offer to sell only the ADSs offered hereby, but only under circumstances and in jurisdictions where it is lawful to do so. The information contained in this prospectus is current only as of its date.
Neither we nor the underwriter has done anything that would permit this offering or possession or distribution of this prospectus or any filed free writing prospectus in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required, other than in the United States. Persons outside the United States who come into possession of this prospectus or any filed free writing prospectus must inform themselves about, and observe any restrictions relating to, the offering of the ADSs and the distribution of this prospectus or any filed free writing prospectus outside of the United States.
Until (the 25th day after the date of this prospectus), all dealers that buy, sell or trade ADSs, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to the obligation of dealers to deliver a prospectus when acting as the underwriter and with respect to its unsold allotments or subscriptions.
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The following summary highlights selected information contained elsewhere in this prospectus and is qualified in its entirety by, and should be read in conjunction with, the more detailed information and financial statements appearing elsewhere in this prospectus. In addition to this summary, we urge you to read the entire prospectus carefully, especially the risks of investing in our ADSs discussed under Risk Factors, before deciding whether to invest in our ADSs. This prospectus contains information from an industry report commissioned by us and prepared by Frost & Sullivan (Beijing) Inc., Shanghai Branch Co., or Frost & Sullivan, an independent market research firm, to provide information on the cancer screening and detection market and our market position in this industry.
Overview
We are a biotechnology company focusing on early cancer screening and detection. We market and sell a multi-cancer screening and detection test that uses our innovative, patented cancer differentiation analysis, or CDA, technology and our proprietary cancer-detection device, or CDA device. In addition to early cancer screening and detection, our CDA technology has demonstrated potential to assist physicians in cancer diagnosis, prognosis and recurrence.
Our CDA technology provides a comprehensive platform on which we have developed our cancer screening and detection test using our CDA technology, or CDA test, and our proprietary CDA device. Our CDA test can detect and assess an individuals overall cancer risk with high accuracy, including early stage cancer. In addition, we also offer tests that combine our CDA test with auxiliary tests based on other cancer screening and detection technologies, such as biomarker-based tests, using our proprietary algorithm, which we refer to as combination tests. When we refer to our technology or tests as a cancer screening and detection technology or test in this prospectus, we refer to the detection and assessment of the risk of cancer occurrence, not to cancer diagnosis.
Our CDA technology focuses on biophysical properties in human blood. Recent studies have shown that there is a correlation between certain biophysical properties, including acoustical, electrical, magnetic, nano-mechanical and optical properties, and cancer occurrence. These studies have revealed that biophysical properties could be important non-genetic aspects of the micro-environment regulating the balance between normal cell growth and carcinogenesis (cancerous growth), which may lead to cancer occurrence. Biophysical properties physical expressions of information in the blood can indicate risks of pre-cancerous states and cancers. These biophysical signals change over time as cancer occurs, progresses or regresses. Our proprietary CDA device uses an integrated sensor system to detect certain biophysical signals in blood samples. After collecting data on these signals, we use our CDA technology and proprietary algorithm to measure and analyze these signals at multiple biological levels (including the protein, cellular and molecular levels) and with multiple parameters (including the overall CDA value, the protein tumor factor, or PTF value, and the cell tumor factor, or CTF value). According to Frost & Sullivan, we are one of the first biotechnology companies worldwide to focus on the detection and measurement of cancers biophysical properties. In our industry and related research fields, our CDA technology, as well as circulating tumor cell, or CTC, circulating tumor DNA, or ct-DNA, exosome, messenger RNA, or mRNAs and other emerging technologies, are known as next-generation cancer screening and detection technologies.
Our CDA technology provides a highly accurate, early-stage risk assessment of the occurrence of cancer. As of September 30, 2019, our CDA technology had been shown in numerous retrospective validation studies to be able to detect the risk of 26 cancer types with high sensitivity and specificity rates. These 26 cancers accounted for over 80% of the cancer incidences in China from 2013 to 2018, according to Frost & Sullivan. Our CDA technology requires only a standard blood sample from a tested individual, which minimizes the inconvenience and invasive procedures and avoids the harmful side effects that are inherent to many other technologies.
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We have established a test database that as of September 30, 2019, consisted of over 140,000 blood samples of various age, sex and disease groups. Our database included approximately 100,000 samples from our commercial CDA-based tests and approximately 40,000 samples from our research studies. According to Frost & Sullivan, we ranked first in China and second worldwide among companies offering next-generation early cancer screening and detection technologies in terms of the number of clinical samples for cancer screening and detection as of June 30, 2019. For purposes of these rankings, we had approximately 35,000 clinical samples as of June 30, 2019, which represented the historical aggregate number of participants enrolled in our research studies that were developed in clinical sites qualified by competent authorities, such as the PRC National Medical Products Administration, or the NMPA. In addition, among companies offering next-generation early cancer screening and detection technologies in China, in 2018 we ranked first in terms of volume of commercial cancer screening and detection tests conducted and fifth in terms of revenue from commercial cancer screening and detection tests, according to Frost & Sullivan.
We have established two clinical laboratories in China and one clinical laboratory in the United States. Our principal laboratory is a licensed biomedical clinical laboratory located in Lishui, Zhejiang Province, China, where we perform our commercial CDA-based tests, including our CDA tests and combination tests, as well as a variety of other tests including immunological and biochemical tests. Our laboratory in Haikou, Hainan Province, China is a licensed genomics clinical laboratory where we perform gene sequencing tests. In addition to these two clinical laboratories, we also have a research and development center located in Shanghai, China, where we develop our next-generation cancer screening and detection technology and tests. In the United States, we have a clinical laboratory located in San Jose, California for which we obtained a Certificate of Registration under the U.S. Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988, or CLIA, in March 2019. Our San Jose laboratory is equipped to perform our CDA tests and biochemical tests. We have entered into research agreements with U.S. universities and academic medical centers, and we are in discussions with other U.S. hospitals, medical institutions, contract research organizations, or CROs, managed care companies and other health organizations, to conduct research studies on our CDA technology in this laboratory. We also plan to open a second U.S. clinical laboratory in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 2020.
As of September 30, 2019, we had filed 210 patent applications globally; among these, 121 patents had been granted, including 55 in greater China (including seven in Taiwan) and 16 in the United States, and 89 patent applications were pending in China, the United States and nearly 20 other countries and regions. Our patent applications broadly cover apparatus and methods for early stage disease detection, and they strategically encompass important specific embodiments of these apparatus and methods. Our patent portfolio is one of the worlds largest for early cancer screening and detection using next-generation technologies, according to Frost & Sullivan.
We performed our first commercial CDA-based test in China in 2015. Since then, we have generated revenue in China for four consecutive years. The number of commercial CDA-based tests we sold increased significantly from 19,336 in 2017 to 41,607 in 2018 and from 29,036 in the nine months ended September 30, 2018 to 41,544 in the same period of 2019. Our revenue from sales of cancer screening and detection tests (predominantly CDA-based tests, as well as genomics tests) increased by 83.7% from RMB5.2 million in 2017 to RMB9.6 million (US$1.3 million) in 2018 and increased by 25.7% from RMB6.1 million in nine months ended September 30, 2018 to RMB7.7 million (US$1.1 million) in the same period of 2019. Our total revenues increased by 80.3% from RMB5.7 million in 2017 to RMB10.3 million (US$1.4 million) in 2018 and increased by 22.3% from RMB6.6 million in nine months ended September 30, 2018 to RMB8.1 million (US$1.1 million) in the same period of 2019. In the United States, we plan to commence marketing our CDA-based test as a laboratory-developed test, or LDT, sometime in 2020 through our CLIA-registered laboratory in San Jose.
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Our Strengths
We believe the following competitive strengths contribute to our success and differentiate us from our competitors:
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novel patented early multi-cancer screening and detection technology; |
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expansive patent portfolio and proprietary test database; |
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fully commercialized operations in Chinarolling out our China experience to the U.S.; and |
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an experienced management team with proven track records of success. |
Our Strategies
The key elements of our strategy to grow our business include:
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enlarge our total addressable market in China by obtaining additional regulatory approvals for our CDA device; |
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grow our customer base in China; |
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strengthen technological advantages with focused research and development; and |
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bring our tests to the U.S. market. |
Risks Associated with Our Business
Our ability to realize our vision and execute our strategies is subject to risks and uncertainties, including those relating to:
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we are a development-stage biotechnology company with a limited operating history, which makes it difficult to evaluate our prospects and may increase the probability that we will not be successful; |
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we have incurred losses each year since our inception, we expect to continue to incur losses for the foreseeable future, and we may not be able to achieve and maintain profitability; |
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our success depends heavily on the success of our CDA technology and related cancer screening and detection test; |
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our ability to grow our China business is substantially dependent on our ability to penetrate the Chinese hospital market; |
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our plans to enter the U.S. market may not be successful; |
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our industry is subject to rapid change, and other companies or institutions may develop and market novel or improved early cancer screening and detection methods, which may make our CDA technology less competitive or obsolete; |
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we require substantial funding for our operations; if we cannot raise sufficient capital on acceptable terms, our business, financial condition and prospects may be materially and adversely affected; |
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we have recorded net current liabilities and negative cash flows from operating activities historically and may continue to do so; and |
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our operating results may fluctuate significantly, which makes our future operating results difficult to predict and could cause our operating results to fall below expectations or any guidance we may provide. |
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Corporate History and Structure
We began our operations by incorporating AnPac Bio-Medical Science Co., Ltd., or AnPac Bio, in January 2010 as a British Virgin Islands, or BVI, business company limited by shares under the BVI Business Companies Act. AnPac Bio was established primarily as a holding company and has established operating subsidiaries in China and the United States.
The chart below summarizes our corporate structure and identifies our principal subsidiaries as of the date of this prospectus. For more information regarding our principal subsidiaries, see Corporate History and Structure.
Corporate Information
Our principal executive offices are located at 801 Bixing Street, Bihu County, Lishui, Zhejiang Province 323006, Peoples Republic of China. Our telephone number at this address is +86-578-2051-6666. Our registered office in the BVI is located at the office of Maples Corporate Services (BVI) Limited at Kingston Chambers, P.O. Box 173, Road Town, Tortola, BVI.
Investors should submit any inquiries to the address and telephone number of our principal executive offices. Our main website is www.anpacbio.com. The information contained on our website is not a part of this prospectus. Our agent for service of process in the United States is AnPac Technology USA Co., Ltd., or AnPac US, located at Suite 127, 2260 Clove Drive, San Jose, CA 95128.
Implications of Being an Emerging Growth Company
As a company with less than US$1.07 billion in revenue for our last fiscal year, we qualify as an emerging growth company pursuant to the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, as amended, or the JOBS Act. An emerging growth company may take advantage of specified reduced reporting and other requirements
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compared to those that are otherwise applicable generally to public companies. These provisions include exemption from the auditor attestation requirement under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or Section 404, in the assessment of the emerging growth companys internal control over financial reporting, or ICFR. The JOBS Act also provides that an emerging growth company does not need to comply with any new or revised financial accounting standards until such date that a private company is otherwise required to comply with such new or revised accounting standards. We have elected to take advantage of the extended transition period.
We will remain an emerging growth company until the earliest of (a) the last day of our fiscal year during which we have total annual gross revenues of at least US$1.07 billion; (b) the last day of our fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the completion of this offering; (c) the date on which we have, during the preceding three-year period, issued more than US$1.0 billion in non-convertible debt; or (d) the date on which we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, which would occur if the market value of our ADSs that are held by non-affiliates exceeds US$700 million as of the last business day of our most recently completed second fiscal quarter. Once we cease to be an emerging growth company, we will not be entitled to the exemptions provided in the JOBS Act discussed above.
Conventions that Apply to this Prospectus
Unless otherwise indicated or the context otherwise requires in this prospectus:
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ADRs refers to the American depositary receipts that evidence our ADSs; |
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ADSs refers to our American depositary shares, each of which represents one Class A ordinary share; |
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CDA test refers to our cancer screening and detection test using the CDA technology; |
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CDA-based tests refers to either or both of our CDA tests and combination tests; |
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China or the PRC refers to the Peoples Republic of China, excluding, for the purposes of this prospectus only, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan; |
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Class A ordinary shares refers to our Class A ordinary shares of par value US$0.01 per share; |
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Class B ordinary shares refers to our Class B ordinary shares of par value US$0.01 per share; |
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combination test refers to a test that combines our CDA test with an auxiliary test based on another cancer screening and detection technology, such as biomarker-based test, using our proprietary algorithm; |
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detection of cancers by our CDA-based device or tests refers to the detection of the risk of whether cancer may occur or has occurred, not to cancer diagnosis, and detect has the corresponding meaning; |
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RMB or Renminbi refers to the legal currency of China; |
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shares or ordinary shares refers to our ordinary shares, including Class A and Class B ordinary shares, par value US$0.01 per share; |
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US$, U.S. dollars, $, or dollars refers to the legal currency of the United States; and |
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We, us, our company, our or AnPac Bio refers to AnPac Bio-Medical Science Co., Ltd. and its subsidiaries. |
Unless the context indicates otherwise, all information in this prospectus assumes no exercise by the underwriter of its over-allotment option.
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Our reporting currency is the Renminbi. This prospectus also contains translations of certain foreign currency amounts into U.S. dollars for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise stated, all translations from Renminbi to U.S. dollars were made at RMB7.1477 to US$1.00, the noon buying rate on September 30, 2019 set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. We make no representation that any Renminbi or U.S. dollar amounts referred to in this prospectus could have been or could be converted into U.S. dollars or Renminbi, as the case may be, at any particular rate, or at all. The PRC government restricts or prohibits the conversion of Renminbi into foreign currency and foreign currency into Renminbi for certain types of transactions. On October 25, 2019, the noon buying rate set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board was RMB7.0647 to US$1.00.
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The Offering
Public offering price |
We currently estimate that the initial public offering price will be between US$ and US$ per ADS. |
ADSs offered by us |
ADSs (or ADSs if the underwriter exercises its over-allotment option in full). |
ADSs outstanding immediately after this offering |
ADSs (or ADSs if the underwriter exercises its over-allotment option in full) excluding shares issuable upon exercise of unexercised options or the warrants we have agreed to grant to the underwriter or upon conversion by Jiaxing Zhijun Investment Management Co., Ltd., or Zhijun, of our convertible loans from it. |
Ordinary shares outstanding immediately after this offering |
A total of Class A ordinary shares and 2,863,100 Class B ordinary shares (or Class A ordinary shares and 2,863,100 Class B ordinary shares if the underwriter exercises its over-allotment option in full to purchase additional Class A ordinary shares), excluding shares issuable upon exercise of unexercised options or the warrants we have agreed to grant to the underwriter or upon conversion by Zhijun of our convertible loans from it. Class B ordinary shares issued and outstanding immediately after the completion of this offering will represent % of our total issued and outstanding shares and % of the then total voting power (or % of our total issued and outstanding shares and % of the then total voting power if the underwriter exercises its over-allotment option in full). |
The ADSs |
Each ADS represents one Class A ordinary share of par value US$0.01 per share. |
The depositary or its nominee will hold Class A ordinary shares represented by your ADSs. You will have rights as provided in the deposit agreement among us, the depositary and all holders and beneficial owners of ADSs issued thereunder. |
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. |
Subject to the terms of the deposit agreement, you may surrender your 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 your ADSs after an amendment to the |
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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 (assuming the underwriter does not exercise its option to purchase additional ADSs). Our ordinary shares are divided into Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares. Holders of Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares have the same rights except for voting and conversion rights. In respect of all matters subject to a shareholder vote, each Class A ordinary share is entitled to one (1) vote, and each Class B ordinary share is entitled to ten (10) votes, voting together as one class. Each Class B ordinary share is convertible into one Class A ordinary share at any time by its holder. Class A ordinary shares are not convertible into Class B ordinary shares under any circumstances. Upon any transfer of Class B ordinary shares by a holder to any person or entity who is not an affiliate of the holder, such Class B ordinary shares shall be automatically and immediately converted into the same number of Class A ordinary shares. See Description of Share Capital. |
Over-allotment option |
We have granted to the underwriter an option, exercisable within 30 days from the date of this prospectus, to purchase up to an aggregate of additional ADSs. |
Use of proceeds |
We expect that we will receive net proceeds of approximately US$ million from this offering, or approximately US$ million if the underwriter exercises its over-allotment option in full, assuming an initial public offering price of US$ per ADS, which is the midpoint of the estimated range of the initial public offering price, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. |
We plan to use the net proceeds of this offering primarily for research studies in China and the U.S. and the development of new cancer screening and detection tests, the expansion of our marketing and sales channels in China, clinical laboratory expansion in the U.S. and China, and general corporate purposes. See Use of Proceeds for more information. |
Lock-up |
We, each of our executive officers and directors and certain of our shareholders owning 1% or more of our ordinary shares issued and outstanding immediately prior to this offering have agreed with the underwriter not to sell, transfer or dispose of any ADSs, ordinary shares or similar securities for a period of 180 days after the date of |
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this prospectus, subject to certain exceptions. In addition, we will not provide consent to the depositary for it to accept any ordinary shares for deposit, for the purpose of issuance of ADSs, for 180 days after the date of this prospectus (other than in connection with this offering), without prior written consent from the underwriter. See Shares Eligible for Future Sale and Underwriting. |
Listing |
We have applied to have the ADSs listed on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol ANPC. Our ADSs and shares will not be listed on any other stock exchange or traded on any automated quotation system. |
Payment and settlement |
The underwriter expects to deliver the ADSs against payment therefor through the facilities of the Depository Trust Company on , 2019. |
Depositary |
Citibank, N.A. |
Risk Factors |
See the section headed Risk Factors and other information included in this prospectus for a discussion of the factors you should carefully consider before deciding to invest in the ADSs. |
Except as otherwise indicated, all information in this prospectus assumes:
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the increase in the maximum number of authorized shares and 1-for-100 share subdivision of our ordinary shares to be effective prior to the completion of this offering; |
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the registration and effectiveness of our third amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, which will occur prior to the completion of this offering; |
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no exercise by the underwriter of its over-allotment option to purchase up to an additional ADSs representing Class A ordinary shares from us; and |
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no exercise of unexercised options or the warrants that we have agreed to grant to the underwriter, nor conversion by Zhijun of the convertible loans that we borrowed from it. |
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Summary Consolidated Financial and Operating Data
The following summary consolidated statements of comprehensive loss data and summary consolidated cash flow data for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2018 and summary consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2017 and 2018 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. The following summary unaudited interim condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive loss data and summary unaudited interim condensed consolidated cash flow data for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2019 and the summary unaudited interim condensed consolidated balance sheet data as of September 30, 2019 are derived from our unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. Our consolidated financial statements are prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or U.S. GAAP. Our historical results do not necessarily indicate results expected for any future periods. You should read this Summary Consolidated Financial and Operating Data section together with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes and Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included elsewhere in this prospectus.
The following table sets forth our summary consolidated statements of comprehensive loss data for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2018 and the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2019:
For the year ended December 31, | For the nine months ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
2017 | 2018 | 2018 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | RMB | RMB | US$ | |||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands, except for number of shares and per share data) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Summary Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss Data: |
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Revenues: |
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Cancer screening and detection tests |
5,203 | 9,557 | 1,337 | 6,106 | 7,677 | 1,074 | ||||||||||||||||||
Physical checkup packages |
483 | 693 | 97 | 525 | 436 | 61 | ||||||||||||||||||
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Total revenues |
5,686 | 10,250 | 1,434 | 6,631 | 8,113 | 1,135 | ||||||||||||||||||
Cost of revenues(1) |
(3,954 | ) | (5,672 | ) | (794 | ) | (3,634 | ) | (4,266 | ) | (597 | ) | ||||||||||||
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Gross profit |
1,732 | 4,578 | 640 | 2,997 | 3,847 | 538 | ||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses: |
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Selling and marketing expenses(1) |
(6,490 | ) | (9,827 | ) | (1,375 | ) | (7,202 | ) | (10,730 | ) | (1,501 | ) | ||||||||||||
Research and development expenses(1) |
(11,405 | ) | (10,106 | ) | (1,414 | ) | (7,746 | ) | (7,138 | ) | (999 | ) | ||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses(1) |
(24,938 | ) | (28,847 | ) | (4,036 | ) | (18,773 | ) | (40,439 | ) | (5,658 | ) | ||||||||||||
Other operating income |
178 | 593 | 84 | 475 | 138 | 19 | ||||||||||||||||||
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Loss from operations |
(40,923 | ) | (43,609 | ) | (6,101 | ) | (30,249 | ) | (54,322 | ) | (7,601 | ) | ||||||||||||
Non-operating income and expenses: |
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Interest expense, net |
(338 | ) | (925 | ) | (129 | ) | (677 | ) | (1,897 | ) | (265 | ) | ||||||||||||
Foreign exchange gain (loss), net |
644 | (2,776 | ) | (388 | ) | (1,970 | ) | (1,937 | ) | (270 | ) | |||||||||||||
Share of net loss (gain) in equity method investments |
(3 | ) | (441 | ) | (62 | ) | (224 | ) | 442 | 62 | ||||||||||||||
Other income, net |
1,309 | 5,256 | 735 | 484 | (1,130 | ) | (158 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
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Net Loss before income taxes |
(39,311 | ) | (42,495 | ) | (5,945 | ) | (32,636 | ) | (58,844 | ) | (8,232 | ) | ||||||||||||
Income tax (expense) benefit |
(9 | ) | 199 | 28 | 177 | (113 | ) | (16 | ) | |||||||||||||||
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Net Loss |
(39,320 | ) | (42,296 | ) | (5,917 | ) | (32,459 | ) | (58,957 | ) | (8,248 | ) | ||||||||||||
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For the year ended December 31, | For the nine months ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
2017 | 2018 | 2018 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | RMB | RMB | US$ | |||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands, except for number of shares and per share data) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests |
(244 | ) | (233 | ) | (32 | ) | (233 | ) | (194 | ) | (27 | ) | ||||||||||||
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Net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders |
(39,076 | ) | (42,063 | ) | (5,885 | ) | (32,226 | ) | (58,763 | ) | (8,221 | ) | ||||||||||||
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Loss per share: |
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Ordinary shares-basic and diluted |
(492 | ) | (493 | ) | (69 | ) | (378 | ) | (675 | ) | (94 | ) | ||||||||||||
Weighted average shares outstanding used in calculating basic and diluted loss per share: |
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Ordinary shares-basic and diluted |
79,373 | 85,241 | 85,241 | 85,233 | 87,089 | 87,089 | ||||||||||||||||||
Pro forma loss per share(2): |
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Class A and Class B ordinary shares-basic and diluted (unaudited) |
(4.92 | ) | (4.93 | ) | (0.69 | ) | (6.75 | ) | (0.94 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in pro forma loss per share computation(2): |
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Class A and Class B ordinary shares-basic and diluted (unaudited) |
7,937,300 | 8,524,100 | 8,524,100 | 8,708,900 | 8,708,900 |
Note:
(1) |
Share-based compensation expenses were allocated as follows: |
For the year ended
December 31, |
For the nine months ended
September 30, |
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2017 | 2018 | 2018 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | RMB | RMB | US$ | |||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of revenues |
| 317 | 44 | 237 | 246 | 34 | ||||||||||||||||||
Selling and marketing expenses |
2,444 | 2,871 | 402 | 2,750 | 5,204 | 728 | ||||||||||||||||||
Research and development expenses |
4,044 | 1,958 | 274 | 1,440 | 1,848 | 259 | ||||||||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses |
4,270 | 2,790 | 390 | 2,008 | 11,067 | 1,548 |
(2) |
The unaudited pro forma loss per share is computed using the weighted-average number of ordinary shares outstanding as of December 31, 2017 and 2018 and September 30, 2019 and assumes the completion of share re-designation and share-subdivision on January 1, 2017. |
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The following table sets forth our summary consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2017 and 2018 and September 30, 2019:
The following table sets forth our summary consolidated statements of cash flow data for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2018 and the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2019:
For the year ended
December 31, |
For the nine months ended
September 30, |
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2017 | 2018 | 2018 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Summary Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow Data: |
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Net cash used in operating activities |
(21,641 | ) | (31,147 | ) | (4,358 | ) | (23,031 | ) | (32,616 | ) | (4,561 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net cash used in investing activities |
(8,017 | ) | (2,680 | ) | (375 | ) | (7,890 | ) | (2,829 | ) | (396 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net cash generated from financing activities |
39,807 | 36,271 | 5,074 | 36,271 | 47,539 | 6,650 | ||||||||||||||||||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents |
(2,893 | ) | (969 | ) | (136 | ) | (828 | ) | (1,006 | ) | (142 | ) | ||||||||||||
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Net increase in cash and cash equivalents |
7,256 | 1,475 | 206 | 4,522 | 11,088 | 1,551 | ||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year |
4,156 | 11,412 | 1,597 | 11,412 | 12,887 | 1,803 | ||||||||||||||||||
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Cash and cash equivalents at end of year |
11,412 | 12,887 | 1,803 | 15,934 | 23,975 | 3,354 | ||||||||||||||||||
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Summary Operating Data
The following table sets forth our summary operating data for the periods indicated:
For the year ended
December 31, |
For the nine months ended
September 30, |
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2017 | 2018 | 2018 | 2019 | |||||||||||||
Number of commercial CDA-based tests(1) completed |
19,336 | 41,607 | 29,036 | 41,544 | ||||||||||||
Number of CDA-based tests(1) for research purposes completed |
6,004 | 4,873 | 3,791 | 4,947 |
Note:
(1) |
CDA-based tests, when used in this prospectus, refer to our CDA tests and our combination tests. |
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An investment in our ADSs involves significant risks. You should consider carefully all of the information in this prospectus, including the risks and uncertainties described below, before making an investment in our ADSs. Any of the following risks could have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operation. In that case, the trading price of our ADSs could decline, and you may lose your entire investment. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial may also materially and adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and ability to pay dividends.
Risks Relating to Our Business and Industry
We are a development-stage biotechnology company with a limited operating history, which makes it difficult to evaluate our prospects and may increase the probability that we will not be successful.
We commenced our operations in 2010. We achieved commercialization of our CDA test and started generating revenue in China in 2015; we currently do not have commercial operations in the U.S. We are a development-stage biotechnology company with a limited operating history, and our history may not provide a meaningful basis for you to evaluate our business, financial performance and prospects.
Furthermore, we may not have sufficient experience or resources to address the risks frequently encountered by development-stage biotechnology companies, which include our potential failure to:
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achieve and maintain profitability; |
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acquire and retain customers and increase adoption of our cancer screening and detection testsincluding primarily our CDA test and combination tests (namely a combination of our CDA test and, on an auxiliary basis, biomarker-based cancer screening and detection tests), as well as genomics testsby physicians, key opinion leaders, or KOLs (including research scientists and doctors in the U.S. who are willing to validate our tests after research), patients, hospitals, medical institutions, healthcare payers and others in the medical community; |
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respond to competitive market conditions; |
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attract, train, motivate and retain qualified personnel; |
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protect our proprietary technologies and intellectual property rights; |
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secure a stable supply of blood samples to support our research and clinical studies; |
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keep up with evolving industry standards and market developments; |
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obtain and maintain the regulatory licenses, certifications, and approvals required for us to further market our cancer screening and detection tests and commercialize our CDA device in China and to commercialize our tests and CDA device in the United States; |
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increase the awareness of our tests and protect our reputation; |
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maintain adequate control of our operational costs; and |
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manage our relationships with our research partners. |
If we are unsuccessful in addressing any one or more of these risks, they could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and increase the probability that we will not be successful.
We have incurred losses each year since our inception, we expect to continue to incur losses for the foreseeable future, and we may not be able to achieve and maintain profitability.
Although our revenue grew rapidly in recent years, we have incurred losses each year since our inception. For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2018 and the nine months ended September 30, 2019, we incurred
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net losses of RMB39.3 million, RMB42.3 million (US$5.9 million) and RMB59.0 million (US$8.2 million), respectively. As of September 30, 2019, we had an accumulated deficit of RMB233.1 million (US$32.6 million). To date, we have financed our operations primarily with capital contributions from our shareholders, short-term non-bank borrowings and loans from related parties. We have devoted and expect to continue to devote substantially all of our resources to the research, development and commercialization of our CDA technology, device and test. We expect to continue to incur losses for the foreseeable future. We cannot predict the extent of these future losses, or when we may achieve profitability, if at all. If we are unable to generate sufficient revenue from our business and control our costs and expenses to achieve and maintain profitability, the value of your investment in us could be negatively affected.
Our success depends heavily on the success of our CDA technology and related cancer screening and detection test.
We derive our revenue primarily from our CDA-based tests, which depend on our CDA technology. If we obtain relevant approvals from the NMPA to sell our CDA device, we also anticipate generating revenue from the sales of our CDA device. We believe that our commercial success will depend upon our ability to achieve and maintain market acceptance of our current or future cancer screening and detection tests, which will depend on a number of factors, including:
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our ability to further validate the clinical utility and superiority of our CDA technology by increasing its sensitivity and specificity and through research studies and accompanying publications; |
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the timing and scope of additional approvals from the NMPA for our CDA device and test our ability to maintain these approvals; |
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acceptance of our CDA test by physicians, KOLs, patients, hospitals, medical institutions, healthcare payers and others in the medical community; |
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our ability to enter and develop the China hospital market for our CDA device and test; |
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sufficient coverage and reimbursement by third-party payers for our services, which may depend on multiple factors such as the enforceability of relevant laws that mandate the coverage of cancer or pre-cancer disease screening; |
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our ability to maintain and expand our customer base in China, especially among insurance companies, corporate customers and the hospital market; |
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our sales and marketing capabilities, including our success in expanding our sales and marketing team and establishing our own sales network in China; |
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the amount and nature of competition from other early cancer screening and detection products and procedures; |
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our ability successfully to penetrate the U.S. market; and |
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negative publicity regarding our or our competitors tests and technologies resulting from defects or errors. |
If we are unsuccessful in addressing these or other factors that might affect the market acceptance of our tests, our business and results of operations will suffer.
Our ability to grow our China business is substantially dependent on our ability to penetrate the Chinese hospital market.
In China, we currently can only conduct our cancer screening and detection tests on our devices in our own certified laboratories. Given these restrictions, our customer base is primarily direct customers such as corporations and life insurance companies, as well as sales agents such as health management companies and medical device dealers. But Chinas largest market for cancer screening and detection tests is the hospital market,
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in which patients go to Chinese hospitals for cancer screening and other medical tests. Currently we cannot conduct our tests in hospitals. We have applied for an NMPA Class III medical device registration certificate for our CDA devices to assist in multi-cancer diagnosis. If we receive this certificate, together with an updated medical device manufacture license, we would be permitted to place our devices within Chinese hospitals laboratories to conduct commercial tests there or sell our devices to the hospitals for the purposes of assisting in physicians diagnosis of specified multiple cancers. The timing for us to obtain this certificate or license is uncertain, but we expect it to take at least three years. Even if we obtain the certificate and license, we will need to successfully market our CDA device and test to Chinese hospitals. Our ability to grow our China business depends substantially on our ability successfully to penetrate the Chinese hospital market, and we cannot assure you as to when or whether we will be able to do so.
Our plans to enter the U.S. market may not be successful.
Currently, we conduct commercial operations only in China, and the substantial majority of our business, assets, management and employees are located in China. We have only recently started our efforts to enter the U.S. market. We obtained a California state license and a CLIA Certificate of Registration for our laboratory in San Jose, California in March 2019. We are seeking voluntary accreditation of our San Jose laboratory by the College of American Pathologists, or CAP. Our U.S. operations are currently focused on collaborating with U.S. health organizations to conduct research tests of our CDA technology. We plan to open a new laboratory in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 2020, and we will seek to obtain CLIA certification, a Pennsylvania state license, and accreditation from CAP for this laboratory. Although our strategy is to expand our U.S. operations and eventually commence commercial sales of our CDA-based tests in the United States, this strategy is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including:
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our ability to secure research agreements with reputable U.S. hospitals, medical institutions and other health organizations to conduct research studies for our test; |
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our ability to obtain sufficient blood samples for our planned research tests; |
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the substantial costs and time required for U.S. research tests and clinical studies; |
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positive outcomes of our U.S. research tests sufficient to support the clinical validity, safety, and effectiveness of our test in the U.S. market; |
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U.S. federal and state regulatory risks, including our ability to commence marketing of our CDA test as an LDT, without premarket clearance, market authorization or approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration, or the FDA, and our ability to comply with all applicable FDA laws and other regulations, and costs and timing of obtaining relevant approvals; |
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development of a U.S. infrastructure, including sales and marketing resources, sufficient to commercialize our test; |
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substantial competition in the U.S. cancer screening and detection market, including from companies with substantially greater resources than we have; and |
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market acceptance of our test in the U.S. |
Our ability to successfully address these factors and penetrate the U.S. market, as well as the costs and timing of these efforts, are highly uncertain. We expect that our commercial activities and revenues will continue to be derived solely from China for the foreseeable future.
Our industry is subject to rapid change, and other companies or institutions may develop and market novel or improved early cancer screening and detection methods, which may make our CDA technology less competitive or obsolete.
Our CDA-based tests depend on the effectiveness of our CDA technology, and we may be unable to maintain the competitiveness of this technology. Our industry is characterized by rapid changes, including
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technological and scientific breakthroughs, frequent new product introductions and enhancements and evolving industry standards, all of which could make our current CDA-based test obsolete. In recent years, there have been numerous advances in technologies relating to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. We must continuously enhance our CDA technology and develop new tests to keep abreast of evolving standards of early cancer screening and detection. Other companies and institutions may possess significantly greater financial and other resources and research and development capabilities than we do. These other companies and institutions may devote significant resources to develop new methods of detecting cancers and pre-cancer symptoms, and these methods and related tests could represent significant competition for our CDA technology and cancer screening and detection test, or even render our CDA technology obsolete.
We may be unable to compete effectively against our competitors because their products and services may be superior. They may also have more expertise, experience, financial resources or stronger business relationships in developing and marketing their products and services, more mature technologies and products, greater market adoption and greater brand recognition than we do. Further, even if we do develop new marketable tests or services, our current and future competitors may develop tests and services that are more commercially attractive than ours and they may bring those tests and services to market sooner than we are able to.
We require substantial funding for our operations. If we cannot raise sufficient capital on acceptable terms, our business, financial condition and prospects may be materially and adversely affected.
We require substantial capital to expand our business, pursue strategic investments and for other reasons, including to:
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increase our sales and marketing efforts to drive market adoption of our cancer screening and detection tests and address competitive developments; |
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expand our technologies into other types of cancer screening and detection products, such as our CDA tests application in assistance in diagnosis, prognosis and recurrence; |
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acquire or invest in technologies; |
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seek regulatory and marketing approvals for our cancer screening and detection tests and devices; |
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conduct research studies for our CDA test and any additional cancer screening and detection tests; |
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maintain, expand and protect our intellectual property portfolio; |
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hire and retain additional personnel, such as scientific, quality control and marketing personnel; |
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develop, acquire and improve operational, financial and management information systems, including personnel to support our product development and help us comply with our obligations as a public company; |
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add equipment and physical infrastructure to support our research and development programs; and |
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finance general and administrative expenses. |
We plan to use the net proceeds of this offering primarily to fund our research studies in China and the U.S., the development of new cancer screening and detection tests and technologies, the expansion of our marketing and sales channels in China and our clinical laboratory expansion in the U.S. The net proceeds of this offering and our existing cash and cash equivalents will not be sufficient to fund all of the efforts that we plan to undertake. Accordingly, we will be required to obtain further funding through public or private equity offerings, debt financings or other sources. Further financing may not be available to us on acceptable terms, or at all. If we fail to raise capital as and when needed it would have a negative impact on our financial condition and our ability to pursue our business strategy. In addition, if we raise funds by issuing debt securities or incurring additional borrowings, the terms of the debt securities issued or borrowings could impose significant restrictions on our operations, and we may be unable to repay the indebtedness when due. If we raise funds by issuing equity securities, your investment in our company could be diluted.
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As of September 30, 2019, we had short-term debt of RMB29.7 million (US$4.1 million), including a short-term loan borrowed by our PRC subsidiary, AnPac Bio-Medical Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., or AnPac Shanghai, from a third-party micro-loan company and our convertible loans from our related party, Zhijun. We believe that our cash and cash equivalents on hand, anticipated equity contributions of our shareholders, borrowings, our anticipated cash flows generated from our operating activities and financial support from our founder and chairman, Dr. Chris Chang Yu, will be sufficient to meet our current and anticipated needs for general corporate purposes for at least the next 12 months. However, our estimate as to how long we expect these financial resources to be sufficient to fund our operations is based on assumptions that may prove to be wrong. Further, changing circumstances, some of which may be beyond our control, could cause us to consume capital significantly faster than we currently anticipate. Our present and future funding requirements will depend on many factors, including:
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the scope, progress, timing, costs and results of the development of our CDA technology and our other product candidates; |
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the costs of expanding our laboratory operations and offerings, including our sales and marketing efforts; |
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our rate of progress in, and costs of the sales and marketing activities associated with, encouraging adoption of our cancer screening and detection tests; |
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our rate of progress in, and cost of research and development activities associated with, our CDA test and any additional cancer screening and detection tests; |
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the impact of competing technological and market developments; |
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costs related to entering the U.S. market; |
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the costs of preparing, filing and prosecuting patent applications, maintaining and protecting our intellectual property rights and defending against intellectual property related claims; |
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the costs, timing and outcome of obtaining regulatory approvals and changes in regulatory policies or laws that may affect our operations; and |
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the costs of operating as a public company. |
We have recorded net current liabilities and negative cash flows from operating activities and may continue to do so.
We had net current liabilities of RMB17.4 million, RMB50.6 million (US$7.1 million) and RMB70.5 million (US$9.9 million) as of December 31, 2017 and 2018 and September 30, 2019, respectively. We cannot assure you that we will not continue to have net current liabilities positions in the future, which would expose us to liquidity risk. Our future liquidity and ability to make the additional capital investments necessary for our operations and business expansion will depend primarily on our ability to maintain sufficient cash generated from operating activities and to obtain adequate external financing. There can be no assurance that we will have such cash from operating activities or that we will be able to renew existing loan facilities or obtain other sources of financing.
We have experienced significant cash outflow from operating activities since our inception. We had net cash used in operating activities of RMB21.6 million, RMB31.1 million (US$4.4 million) and RMB32.6 million (US$4.6 million) in 2017, 2018 and the nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively. Our cost of continuing operations could further reduce our cash position, and an increase in our net cash outflow from operating activities could adversely affect our operations by reducing the amount of cash we have available to meet the cash needs for operating our business and to fund our investments in our business expansion.
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Our operating results may fluctuate significantly, which makes our future operating results difficult to predict and could cause our operating results to fall below expectations or any guidance we may provide.
Our operating results may fluctuate significantly, which makes it difficult for us to predict our future operating results. These fluctuations may occur due to a variety of factors, many of which are outside of our control, including:
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the level of demand for our cancer screening and detection tests, which may vary significantly; |
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the timing and cost of, and level of investment in, research, development, regulatory approval and commercialization activities relating to our CDA technology and our cancer screening and detection tests and device, which may change from time to time; |
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the volume, customer mix and product mix for our cancer screening and detection tests; |
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the introduction of new cancer screening and detection tests and services by us or others in our industry; |
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expenditures that we may incur to acquire, develop or commercialize additional tests, devices and technologies; |
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coverage and reimbursement policies with respect to our cancer screening and detection tests and tests that compete with our test; |
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changes in government regulations or in the status of our regulatory approvals or applications; |
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future accounting pronouncements or changes in our accounting policies; and |
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general market conditions and other factors, including factors unrelated to our operating performance or the operating performance of our competitors. |
The cumulative effects of the factors discussed above could result in large fluctuations and unpredictability in our annual operating results. As a result, comparing our operating results on a period-to-period basis may not be meaningful. Investors should not rely on our past results as an indication of our future performance.
If our cancer screening and detection tests or our competitors comparable tests do not meet customer expectations, our operating results, reputation and business could suffer.
Our success depends on the markets confidence in our ability to provide reliable, high-quality cancer screening and detection tests. We believe that our customers are likely to be particularly sensitive to defects or errors in our tests, in particular if our tests fail to accurately detect the risk of pre- and early-stage cancers from blood samples, and we cannot guarantee that our test will meet their expectations. We may be subject to legal claims arising from any defects or errors in our tests. Furthermore, if comparable tests offered by competing companies fail to perform to expectations, consumers may have lower confidence in cancer screening and detection tests in general. As a result, the failure of our tests or our competitors tests to perform as expected could significantly impair our operating results, business prospects and reputation.
We do not carry product liability or professional liability insurance. If we were to be sued for product liability or professional liability, we could face substantial liabilities that exceed our resources.
We could face product liability claims if someone alleges that our cancer screening and detection tests gave inaccurate or misleading information regarding the patients risk of cancer or otherwise failed to perform as designed. A claimant could allege that our test results caused unnecessary treatment or other costs or resulted in the patient missing the best opportunity or timing for treatment. A patient could also allege other mental or physical injury or that our testing provided inaccurate or misleading information concerning the screening and detection, assistance in diagnosis, prognosis or recurrence of, or available therapies for, a cancer or other diseases. We may also be subject to liability for errors in, a misunderstanding of or inappropriate reliance upon,
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the information we provide in the ordinary course of our business activities. Product liability or professional liability claims could result in substantial damages and be costly and time-consuming for us to defend and could divert our managements attention.
We do not carry product liability or professional liability insurance. Even if we purchase these kinds of insurance, the insurance may not fully protect us from the financial impact of defending against product liability or professional liability claims. Any product liability or professional liability claim brought against us, with or without merit, could increase our insurance rates or prevent us from securing insurance coverage. Additionally, any product liability or professional liability lawsuit could damage our reputation, or cause our research partners to terminate existing agreements and cause potential research partners to seek other partners, or cause us to lose our current or potential customers. Any of these developments could adversely impact our results of operations, business prospects and financial condition.
We may be subject to liability claims for defective services provided by third-party physical checkup centers, which could harm our reputation and adversely impact our results of operations.
In addition to our CDA-based tests, we also provide annual physical checkup packages to our customers. We typically outsource the physical checkup services in these packages (other than CDA-based tests) to third-party physical checkup centers. As a result, the administration of the physical checkup services by these third parties may subject us to litigation and liability for personal damages to consumers. Potential judgments, settlements or costs relating to these claims, complaints or lawsuits could subject us to significant fees and costs in defending ourselves, adversely affecting our results of operations. In addition, our business, reputation and growth prospects could suffer if we face negative publicity in connection with these liability claims.
We may be unable to support demand for our cancer screening and detection tests and manage our future growth effectively, which could make it difficult to execute our business strategy.
Since our inception, we have experienced rapid growth, and we anticipate further growth in our business operations. Our growth could strain our organizational, administrative and operational infrastructure. As the sales volume of our cancer screening and detection tests grows, we will face increased demands on our capacity and efficiency for sample intake, testing results analysis and other laboratory operations, quality control, customer service, and general workflow management processes. To effectively manage our future growth, we plan to continue to improve our technology, as well as our operational, financial and management controls. We also plan to hire, train and manage additional qualified scientists, laboratory technicians and sales and customer service personnel. We will also need to maintain the quality and expected turnaround time of our tests. The time and resources required for these improvements, and failure to achieve them in a timely and effective manner, could adversely affect our operations, making it difficult for us to execute our business strategy.
We have limited selling and marketing resources and limited sales, marketing, customer support, manufacturing and commercial laboratory experience, which may restrict our success in commercializing our cancer screening and detection tests.
To grow our business as planned, we must expand our sales, marketing, customer support, manufacturing and commercial laboratory management capabilities, which will require developing and administering our commercial infrastructure and/or collaborative commercial arrangements and partnerships. We have limited experience in these respects, and we may encounter difficulties in retaining and managing the specialized workforce that these activities require. For example, our customer base is large and diverse, which requires us to retain a sales team with established industry expertise and experience. We rely on third-party suppliers for the supply of blood samples for our tests and for reagents that we use in the auxiliary biomarker-based tests that form part of our combination tests. We engaged third-parties to conduct substantially all of the biomarker-based tests as part of our combination tests in 2017 and 2018. We are gradually phasing out this outsourcing arrangement and plan to perform our combination tests entirely in-house in the near future. We also rely on contract manufacturers that manufacture key components of our CDA device. While we primarily rely on our own sales
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and marketing personnel to market our tests, we also engage sales agents, including companies we invested in. However, we may not be able to effectively manage and maintain our relationships with these third parties, including ensuring their compliance with our controls and procedures. Our future growth will also impose significant added responsibilities on our management. If we fail to meet these demands, it would negatively affect our business growth and profitability. We may seek to partner with others to assist us with our sales, marketing and manufacturing functions. However, we may be unable to find appropriate third parties that meet our requirements, in a timely manner or on terms acceptable to us. In addition, our third-party business partners may not perform as we expect or our arrangements with them may otherwise prove to be detrimental to our results. Our third-party arrangements may also be terminated prematurely, including due to factors out of our control. As a result of such developments, our business and prospects may be harmed.
If we are unable to attract and retain qualified key management, scientists, staff and consultants, our ability to implement our business plan may be adversely affected.
We are highly dependent upon certain of our key management, scientists, staff and consultants, particularly Dr. Chris Yu, our founder and chief executive officer, and Dr. He Yu, our co-founder and chief medical officer. Dr. Chris Yu, Dr. He Yu and each of our key management and scientific personnel may terminate his or her employment with us. If we lose any of our key management and scientific personnel, we may be unable to find replacements suitable to us. The loss of their services could significantly delay or prevent our achievement of our technology development, sales and other business objectives. We do not carry any key-man life insurance. In addition, we face intense competition for qualified individuals from numerous biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, universities, governmental entities and other research institutions. Our limited operating history and the uncertainties attendant to being a development-stage biotechnology company with limited capital resources could limit our ability to attract and retain personnel. We may be unable to attract and retain suitably qualified individuals, and our failure to do so could have an adverse effect on our ability to implement our business plan.
Our future success depends on our ability to promote our brand and protect our reputation.
We believe that enhancing and maintaining awareness of our AnPac brand is critical to achieving widespread acceptance of our cancer screening and detection tests, gaining trust for our testing services and attracting new customers. Successful promotion of our brand depends largely on the quality of the services we offer and the effectiveness of our branding and marketing efforts. Currently, we rely primarily on our own sales and marketing team to promote our brand and our cancer screening and detection tests, and we also engage sales agents, including companies we invested in. We expect our branding and marketing efforts will require us to incur significant expenses and devote substantial resources. We cannot guarantee that our marketing efforts will be successful. Brand promotion activities may not yield increased revenue in the near term, and, even if they do, any revenue increases may not offset the expenses we incur to promote our brand. Our failure to establish and promote our brand and any damage to our reputation will hinder our growth.
In addition, some companies that we established in China together with third partiesover which we do not have effective controlshare with us the AnPac trading name and its Chinese characters that we use, and they at times act as sales agents for our CDA test. Given this shared use, any negative publicity related to these companies as well as their products and services, whether with merit or not and whether or not related to us, could adversely impact our brand and reputation. Furthermore, negative publicity about other market players or isolated incidents such as fraudulent behaviors, whether or not factually correct, may result in negative perception of the early cancer screening and detection industry as a whole and undermine the credibility we have established, which may negatively affect our business and results of operations.
If we are unable to effectively protect our intellectual property, our business would be harmed.
We rely on patent protection as well as trademark, trade secret and other intellectual property rights protection and contractual restrictions to protect our proprietary devices, tests and technologies, all of which provide limited protection and may not adequately protect our rights. If we fail to effectively protect and/or
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maintain our patented devices, tests and technologies, our competitive position and prospects could be adversely affected. Furthermore, we could incur substantial litigation costs in our attempts to recover or restrict use of our patents and other intellectual property.
We cannot assure investors that any of our currently pending or future patent applications will result in granted patents, and we cannot predict how long it will take for such patents to be issued, if at all. It is possible that, for any of our patents that have been issued or that may be issued in the future, our competitors may design their products around our patented technologies. Further, we cannot assure you that other persons will not challenge any patents granted to us or that courts or regulatory agencies will hold our patents to be valid, enforceable, and/or infringed. We cannot guarantee you that we will be successful in defending challenges made against our patents and patent applications. Any successful third-party challenge or challenges to our patents could result in the unenforceability or invalidity of these patents, or these patents being interpreted narrowly and/or in a manner adverse to our interests. Our ability to establish or maintain a technological or competitive advantage over our competitors and/or market entrants may be diminished because of these uncertainties. For these and other reasons, our intellectual property may not provide us with any competitive advantage. For example:
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we might not have been the first to make the inventions claimed or disclosed by our pending patent applications or issued patents; |
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we might not have been the first to file patent applications for these inventions. To determine the priority of these inventions, we may have to participate in interference proceedings or derivation proceedings declared by the United States Patent and Trademark Office, which could result in substantial costs to us, and could possibly result in a loss or narrowing of our patent rights. We cannot assure you that our patent applications or granted patents will have priority over any other patent or patent application involved in such a proceeding, or will be held valid as an outcome of the proceeding; |
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other persons may independently develop similar or alternative products and technologies or duplicate any of our products and technologies, which can potentially impact our market share and revenue, regardless of whether our intellectual property rights are successfully enforced against these other persons; |
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it is possible that our pending patent applications will not result in granted patents, and even if these pending patent applications are issued as patents, they may not provide intellectual property protection of commercially viable products or product features, may not provide us with any competitive advantages, or may be challenged and invalidated by third parties, patent offices, and/or the courts; |
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we may be unaware of or unfamiliar with prior art and/or interpretations of prior art that could potentially impact the validity or scope of our patents or pending patent applications, or patent applications that we intend to file; |
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we take efforts and enter into agreements with employees, consultants, collaborators, and advisors to confirm ownership and chain of title in intellectual property rights. However, an inventorship or ownership dispute could arise that may permit one or more third parties to practice or enforce our intellectual property rights, including possible efforts to enforce rights against us; |
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we may elect not to maintain or pursue intellectual property rights that, at some point in time, may be considered relevant to or enforceable against a competitor; |
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we may not develop additional proprietary products and technologies that are patentable, or we may develop additional proprietary products and technologies that are not patentable; |
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the patents or other intellectual property rights of others may have an adverse effect on our business; and |
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we apply for patents relating to our devices, tests and technologies, as we deem appropriate. However, we or our representatives or their agents may fail to apply for patents on important devices, tests and |
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technologies in a timely fashion or at all, or we or our representatives or their agents may fail to apply for patents in potentially relevant jurisdictions. |
To the extent our intellectual property offers inadequate protection, or is found to be invalid or unenforceable, we would be exposed to a greater risk of direct or indirect competition. If our intellectual property does not provide adequate coverage over our competitors products, our competitive position and our business could be adversely affected.
In addition to patent protections, we also try to protect our trade secrets, know-how and other proprietary information through non-disclosure and confidentiality provisions in our agreements with parties who have access to them, such as our employees, consultants and research partners. These agreements may not be enforceable or may not provide meaningful protection for our trade secrets, know-how and/or other proprietary information in the event of unauthorized uses or disclosure or other breaches of the provisions, and we may not be able to prevent such unauthorized uses or disclosure. Moreover, if a party having an agreement with us has an overlapping or conflicting obligation to a third party, our rights in and to certain intellectual property could be undermined. In addition, monitoring unauthorized disclosure and uses of our trade secrets is difficult, and we do not know whether the steps we have taken to prevent such disclosure and uses are, or will be, adequate. If we were to enforce a claim that a third-party had illegally obtained and was using our trade secrets, it would be expensive and time-consuming, and the outcome would be unpredictable, and any remedy may be inadequate. In addition, courts outside the United States may be less willing to protect trade secrets.
In addition, competitors could purchase our devices and tests and attempt to replicate and/or improve some or all of the competitive advantages we derive from our development efforts, willfully infringe our intellectual property rights, and design their devices and tests around our protected technologies or develop their own competitive technologies that fall outside of our intellectual property rights. If our intellectual property does not adequately protect our market share against competitors devices and tests, our competitive position could be adversely affected, as could our business.
We may be involved in lawsuits to protect or enforce our patents, which could be expensive, time-consuming and unsuccessful.
Competitors may infringe our patents. In the event of infringement or unauthorized use, we may file one or more infringement lawsuits, which can be expensive and time-consuming. An adverse result in any such litigation proceedings could put one or more of our patents at risk of being invalidated, being found to be unenforceable, and/or being interpreted narrowly. Adverse results of these types could also put our patent applications at risk of not being issued and/or impact the validity or enforceability positions of our other patents. Furthermore, because of the substantial amount of discovery required in connection with intellectual property litigation, there is a risk that part of our confidential information could be compromised by disclosure.
Many of our competitors are larger than we are and have substantially greater resources. They are, therefore, likely to be able to sustain the costs of complex patent litigation longer than we could. In addition, the uncertainties associated with litigation could have a material adverse effect on our ability to raise the funds necessary to continue our operations, continue our internal research programs, pursue, obtain or maintain intellectual property rights, or enter into research and development partnerships that would help to validate and commercialize our tests.
In addition, patent litigation can be very costly and time-consuming. An adverse outcome in such litigation or proceedings may expose us or any of our future development partners to loss of our proprietary position, expose us to significant liabilities, or require us to seek licenses that may not be available on commercially acceptable terms, if at all.
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We may be subject to intellectual property infringement or misappropriation claims by third parties, which may force us to incur substantial legal expenses and, if determined adversely against us, could materially disrupt our business.
The validity, enforceability and scope of intellectual property rights protection in biotechnology industries, particularly in China, are uncertain and still evolving. We cannot be certain that our devices, tests and technologies do not or will not infringe patents, copyrights or other intellectual property rights held by third parties. From time to time, we may be subject to legal proceedings and claims alleging infringement of patents, trademarks or copyrights, or misappropriation of creative ideas or formats, or other infringement of proprietary intellectual property rights. Any such proceeding and claims could result in significant costs to us and divert the time and attention of our management and technical personnel from the operation of our business. These types of claims could also potentially adversely impact our reputation and our ability to conduct business and raise capital, even if we are ultimately absolved of all liability. Moreover, third parties making claims against us may be able to obtain injunctive relief against us, which could block our ability to offer one or more devices or tests and could result in a substantial award of damages against us. In addition, since we may indemnify customers or collaboration partners, we may have additional liability in connection with any infringement or alleged infringement of third party intellectual property. Intellectual property litigation can be very expensive, and we may not have the financial means to defend ourselves or our customers or collaboration partners.
Because patent applications can take many years to issue, there may be pending applications, some of which are unknown to us, that may result in issued patents upon which our devices, tests or proprietary technologies may infringe. Moreover, we may fail to identify issued patents of relevance or incorrectly conclude that an issued patent is invalid or not infringed by our technology or any of our devices or tests. There is a substantial amount of litigation involving patents and other intellectual property rights in our industry. If a third-party claims that we or any of our customers or collaboration partners infringe upon a third-partys intellectual property rights, we may have to:
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seek to obtain licenses that may not be available on commercially reasonable terms, if at all; |
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abandon any product alleged or held to infringe, or redesign our products or processes to avoid potential assertion of infringement; |
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pay substantial damages including, in exceptional cases, treble damages and attorneys fees, if a court decides that the device, test or proprietary technology at issue infringes upon or violates the third-partys rights; |
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pay substantial royalties or fees or grant cross-licenses to our technology; and |
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defend litigation or administrative proceedings that may be costly whether we win or lose, and which could result in a substantial diversion of our financial and management resources. |
We may be subject to claims that our employees, consultants, or independent contractors have wrongfully used or disclosed confidential information of third parties.
Some of our employees were previously employed at other life science companies, including our potential competitors. Although we try to ensure that our employees, consultants, and independent contractors do not use the proprietary information or know-how of others in their work for us, and we are not currently subject to any claims that our employees, consultants, or independent contractors have wrongfully used or disclosed confidential information of third parties, we may in the future be subject to such claims. Litigation may be necessary to defend against these claims. If we fail in defending any such claims, in addition to paying monetary damages, we may lose valuable intellectual property rights or personnel, which could adversely impact our business. Even if we are successful in defending against such claims, litigation could result in substantial costs and be a distraction to management and other employees.
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If our laboratories and other facilities become damaged or inoperable, our ability to conduct our laboratory analysis and our research and development efforts may be jeopardized.
We currently derive substantially all of our revenue from cancer screening and detection tests conducted at our laboratory located in Lishui, Zhejiang Province, China. We also intend to sell our CDA device in China after obtaining relevant approvals from the NMPA. We use our own facilities in Lishui to assemble our CDA device, in addition to engaging third-party contract manufacturers to manufacture its key components. In the United States, we plan to market our CDA test initially as an LDT, and we intend to perform all our research and commercial tests in our own laboratory in San Jose, as well as in our proposed new laboratory in Philadelphia after it is established. Our facilities and equipment, or those of our third-party contract manufacturers, could be harmed or rendered inoperable by natural or man-made disasters, including fire, earthquake, power loss, communications failure or terrorism. These types of developments could render it difficult or impossible for us to operate our cancer screening and detection tests and assemble our device for some period of time. If we are unable to perform our tests or to reduce the backlog of analysis that could develop if our facilities are inoperable, for even a short period of time, it could result in a loss of customers or harm to our reputation, and we may be unable to regain those customers or repair our reputation. We have not purchased any property insurance or business interruption insurance. Damages to, or interruptions in the operations of, our laboratories and other facilities could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and financial condition. Furthermore, our facilities and the equipment we use to perform our research and development work could be unavailable or costly and time-consuming to repair or replace. It would be difficult, time-consuming and expensive to rebuild our facilities and purchase our equipment, to locate and qualify a new facility or equipment or to license or transfer our proprietary technology to a third-party, particularly in light of licensure and accreditation requirements. Even in the unlikely event that we are able to find a third party with such qualifications to enable us to conduct our test, we may be unable to negotiate commercially reasonable terms.
Security threats to our information technology infrastructure could expose us to liability and damage our reputation and business.
Because our testing services and research and development activities enable us to access customers and research partners proprietary information, it is essential to our business strategy that our information technology infrastructure remains secure and is perceived by our customers and research partners to be secure. Despite our security measures, we may face cyber-attacks that attempt to penetrate our network security, sabotage or otherwise disable our research, tests and services, misappropriate our or our customers and research partners proprietary information, which may include personally identifiable information, or cause interruptions of our internal systems and services. We have not purchased any cyber insurance. Any cyber-attacks could negatively affect our reputation, damage our network infrastructure and our ability to deploy our products and services, harm our relationship with customers and research partners that are affected, and expose us to significant financial liabilities.
We depend on third-party suppliers, sales agents, service providers and research partners for different aspects of our business.
We depend on third parties for different aspects of our business, including suppling blood samples for our research studies and reagents required for biomarkers used in our combination tests, performing a portion of auxiliary biomarker-based tests in our combination tests, sales of our cancer screening and detection tests to our customers, and collecting blood samples for our commercial cancer screening and detection tests. Selecting, managing and supervising these third-party suppliers, sales agents and service providers requires significant resources and expertise. Poor performance by these third parties, including their failure to provide services or products according to applicable legal and regulatory requirements, the terms of our contracts or otherwise below standard, could significantly and negatively affect the quality of our cancer screening and detection tests and damage our reputation. Decreases in the level of sales agents purchases of tests from us for resale to the end-customers could adversely affect our revenue growth. In addition, the service or cooperative agreements we have
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with third-party suppliers, sales agents and service providers are subject to a term, and are not on an exclusive basis. If these third parties do not continue to maintain or expand their cooperation with us, we would be required to seek new suppliers and sales agents, which could cause delays in services to us and negatively affect the quality and availability of our cancer screening and detection tests. Any of the above factors could adversely impact our results of operations and financial position.
In addition, certain of our research partners in China, which are primarily renowned hospitals and medical institutions, collaborate with us and provide blood samples that we use to conduct various research studies. These partners may cease cooperation with us in the future, especially if they enter into similar agreements or arrangements with our competitors. If we are unable to readily access sufficient blood samples to conduct our commercial tests and research studies, we may be unable to compete effectively with other laboratories that have greater access to blood samples, and our business, financial condition and results of operations may be harmed.
We rely on third-party contract manufacturers for the manufacturing of key components of our CDA devices.
We design and configure all of the key components of our CDA device and have outsourced the manufacturing of these components of our CDA devices to third-party contract manufacturers. Our revenue is generated primarily from our CDA tests conducted using our CDA devices. Our contract manufacturers may fail to deliver these key components for reasons beyond our control. For example, they may encounter financial difficulties or experience disruptions in their manufacturing operations due to equipment breakdowns, labor disputes or shortages, raw material shortages, cost increases or other similar reasons. If they fail to timely deliver those key components for us to assemble our CDA device or maintain the quality of their products, our ability to conduct our commercial CDA-based tests could be adversely affected. Currently, we do not have any long-term or exclusive supply contracts with any of our contract manufacturers. Our contract manufacturers may cease to provide us with the key components of our CDA devices. Since qualifying a new contract manufacturer could be costly and time-consuming, the termination of a contract manufacturer could cause disruption to our business and adversely impact our results of operations.
We rely on commercial courier delivery services to transport blood samples to our laboratory facilities in a timely and cost-efficient manner, and if these delivery services are disrupted, our business will be harmed.
Our business depends on our ability to quickly and reliably deliver test results to our customers. We rely on commercial courier delivery services to transport blood samples to our laboratory facilities timely and cost efficiently. Blood samples are typically received within a few days in China for analysis in our laboratories. Disruptions in third-party delivery service, whether due to labor disruptions, bad weather, natural disaster, terrorist acts or threats or for other reasons, could adversely affect specimen integrity and our ability to process blood samples and conduct tests in a timely manner and to service our customers satisfactorily, and ultimately our reputation and our business. In addition, if we are unable to continue to obtain expedited delivery services on commercially reasonable terms, our operating results may be adversely affected.
If we fail to implement and maintain an effective system of internal controls over financial reporting, we may be unable to accurately report our results of operations, meet our reporting obligations or prevent fraud.
Prior to this offering, we were a private company with limited accounting personnel and other resources with which to address our internal controls and procedures. Our independent registered public accounting firm has not conducted an audit of our ICFR. However, in connection with the audit of our consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2018 and, we and our independent registered public accounting firm identified two material weaknesses in our ICFR and other control deficiencies. As defined in standards established by the United States Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, or the PCAOB, a material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in ICFR, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. The material weaknesses and other control deficiencies identified were
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our companys lack of sufficient accounting and financial reporting personnel with requisite knowledge and experience in application of U.S. GAAP and the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, rules, and a lack of financial reporting policies and procedures that are commensurate with U.S. GAAP and SEC reporting requirements. Following the identification of the material weaknesses and other control deficiencies, we have taken measures and plan to continue to take measures to remediate timely these deficiencies. For details about remediation, refer to Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsInternal Control over Financial Reporting for more details. However, the implementation of these measures may not fully address the material weakness and deficiencies in our ICFR, and we may be unable to conclude that they have been remediated. Our failure to correct the material weakness and control deficiencies or our failure to discover and address any other material weakness or control deficiencies could result in inaccuracies in our financial statements and could also impair our ability to comply with applicable financial reporting requirements and related regulatory filings on a timely basis. As a result, our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects, as well as the trading price of our ADSs, may be materially and adversely affected. Additionally, ineffective ICFR 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. We may also be required to restate our financial statements from prior periods.
Furthermore, had our independent registered public accounting firm conducted an audit of our ICFR, it might have identified additional material weaknesses and deficiencies. Upon the completion of this offering, we will become a public company in the United States subject to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Section 404 will require that we maintain effective ICFR and include a report from management on the effectiveness of our ICFR in our annual report on Form 20-F beginning with our annual report for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2020. In addition, once we cease to be an emerging growth company as such term is defined in the JOBS Act, our independent registered public accounting firm must attest to and report on the effectiveness of our ICFR. Our management may conclude that our ICFR is not effective. Moreover, even if our management concludes that our ICFR is effective, our independent registered public accounting firm, after conducting its own independent testing, may issue an adverse opinion 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. In addition, after we become a public company, our reporting obligations may place a significant strain on our management, operational and financial resources and systems for the foreseeable future. We may be unable to timely complete our evaluation testing and any required remediation.
In documenting and testing our internal control procedures, in order to satisfy the requirements of Section 404, we may identify other weaknesses and deficiencies in our ICFR. In addition, if we fail to maintain the adequacy of our ICFR, 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 ICFR 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 our ADSs.
Our business may suffer if we are unable to collect payments from our corporate customers on a timely basis.
We typically offer credit terms of one to three months to our sales agents and other corporate customers. Any downturn in the businesses of our sales agents and other corporate customers could reduce their willingness or ability to pay us. The failure of any of our sales agents or other corporate customers to make timely payments could require us to recognize an allowance for doubtful accounts, For example, we had allowance for doubtful accounts receivable of RMB18,000, RMB198,000 (US$29,000) and RMB177,000 (US$25,000) as of December 31, 2017 and 2018 and September 30, 2019, respectively. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to collect these doubtful accounts. As a result, our results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected.
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We have granted, and may continue to grant, stock incentive awards, which may result in increased share-based compensation expenses.
We have adopted our 2019 share incentive plan, or 2019 Plan, so that we can grant share-based compensation awards to our directors, officers, employees and consultants to incentivize their performance and align their interests with ours. The maximum number of Class A ordinary shares that may be issued pursuant to all awards under our 2019 Plan is 1,105,300. We have also separately issued options to our directors, officers, employees and consultants outside of our 2019 Plan. As of the date of this prospectus, options to purchase 1,163,500 Class A ordinary shares have been granted and are outstanding.
We believe the granting of stock incentive awards is of significant importance to our ability to attract and retain our management, employees and consultants, and we will continue to grant stock incentive awards to our management, employees and consultants 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. In addition, the granting, vesting and exercise of the awards under these stock incentive plans will have a dilutive effect on your shareholding in our company.
We may be subject to litigation and other claims and legal proceedings, and may not always be successful in defending ourselves against these claims or proceedings.
We are subject to lawsuits and other claims in the ordinary course of our business. We have been, and may in the future be, subject to lawsuits and other legal proceedings brought by our customers, competitors, employees, business partners, investors, other shareholders of the companies we invest in, or other entities against us, in matters relating to intellectual property rights, contractual disputes, competition claims and employment disputes, among others. We may also be subject to regulatory proceedings, such as any non-compliance with licensing requirements, advertising practices, and protection of data privacy of the tested individuals. We may not be successful in defending ourselves, and the outcomes of these lawsuits and proceedings may be unfavorable to us. Lawsuits and regulatory proceedings against us may also generate negative publicity that significantly harms our reputation, which may adversely affect our customer base, market position and our relationships with our research partners and other business partners. In addition to the related costs, managing and defending litigation and other legal proceedings and related indemnity obligations can significantly divert our managements attention from operating our business. We may also need to pay damages or settle lawsuits or other claims with a substantial amount of cash, negatively affecting our liquidity. As a result, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.
We have limited business insurance coverage.
Our business insurance is limited, and we do not carry business interruption insurance to cover our operations. We have determined that the costs of insuring for related risks and the difficulties associated with acquiring such insurance on commercially reasonable terms make it impractical. Any uninsured damage to our facilities or technology infrastructures or disruption of our business operations could require us to incur substantial costs and divert our resources, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Risks Relating to Government Regulations
PRC
As a biotechnology company, we are required to comply with extensive regulations and obtain and maintain a number of permits and licenses to carry on our business in China; future government regulation may place additional burdens on our efforts to commercialize our cancer screening and detection tests and device.
As a biotechnology company, we are subject to extensive government regulation and supervision in China. Violation of applicable laws and regulations may materially and adversely affect our business. For example, we
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are required to obtain a medical institution practice license from the PRC National Health Commission, or the NHC, for our laboratories to conduct cancer screening and detection tests in China. We also need to obtain a medical device manufacture license and a medical device registration certificate from the NMPA for the manufacturing and commercial use and sale of our CDA device.
Each of our current NHC medical institution practice licenses and our NMPA Class II medical device manufacture license and registration certificate has a five-year term. We are applying for a Class III medical device registration certificate from the NMPA. After we obtain this license, we will apply to update our medical device manufacture license to include the manufacture of Class III medical devices. If we are unable to renew our existing licenses and certificates or obtain the Class III medical device license or update our medical device manufacture license, or obtain or renew any other material permits or approvals required for our operations, we may be unable to continue to sell our cancer screening and detection tests or to commercialize our CDA device in China and, as a result, our business may be adversely affected.
In addition, Chinas regulatory framework governing biotechnology companies is subject to change and amendment from time to time. Any such change or amendment could materially and adversely impact our business, financial condition and prospects. The PRC government has introduced various reforms to the Chinese healthcare system in recent years and may continue to do so, with an overall objective of expanding basic medical insurance coverage and improve the quality and reliability of healthcare services. The specific regulatory changes under the reforms still remain uncertain. The implementing measures to be issued may not be sufficiently effective to achieve the stated goals, and as a result, we may not be able to benefit from these reforms to the level we expect, if at all. Moreover, the reforms could give rise to regulatory developments, such as more burdensome administrative procedures, which may have an adverse effect on our business and prospects.
If we are unable to maintain our medical device or laboratory related licenses and certificates, our growth strategy may be compromised.
Pursuant to the Regulation on the Supervision and Administration of Medical Devices as amended by the PRC State Council in May 2017, medical devices are classified into three classes according to their risk levels. Class II medical devices are medical devices with moderate risks that must be strictly controlled and regulated to ensure their safety and effectiveness. Class III medical devices are medical devices with relatively high risks that must be strictly controlled and regulated through special measures to ensure their safety and effectiveness. In addition, the Measures for the Supervision and Administration of the Operation of Medical Devices as promulgated by the NMPAs predecessor, the China Food and Drug Administration, or the CFDA, in November 2017 regulate entities that engage in business activities involving medical devices in the PRC in accordance with the medical devices risk levels. The Class II medical device registration certificate and the Class III medical device registration certificate are required for an entity to conduct business activities involving these medical devices.
We have obtained the Class II medical device registration certificate from the NMPA, which allows us to conduct our tests in our licensed laboratories. To perform our CDA test outside of our laboratories and market them to Chinese hospitals, in December 2018, we applied for a Class III medical device registration certificate from the NMPA for our CDA device. We believe it will likely take at least three years for us to obtain this license from the NMPA. After we obtain this license, we will update our medical device manufacture license, which we believe is a relatively straightforward procedure. However, there is no assurance that we will receive this NMPA approvals on a timely basis, or at all. If we fail to maintain and renew our Class II medical device registration certificate or if we are unable to obtain the Class III medical device license and update our medical device manufacture license, our ability to grow our business could be adversely affected.
We believe our NHC medical institution practice license and NMPA Class II medical device registration certificate and manufacture license are effective and cover our current commercialized CDA test, which provides a cancer risk assessment. However, the PRC laws and regulations governing cancer screening and detection
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devices and tests are subject to uncertainties and regulatory discretion, including changes in interpretation and application, such as in respect of restrictions on foreign investments in clinical laboratories. There is also a risk that the relevant regulatory authorities could disagree with our assessment of the commercial activities permitted by our certificates and licenses. For more information on this, see RegulationsPRC RegulationsOther Significant PRC Regulations Affecting Our Business Activities in China. Moreover, if we begin to commercialize our CDA test for other purposes such as assisting in diagnosis, prognosis and recurrence, this regulatory uncertainty and risk would be greater. If the relevant regulatory authorities were to assert that our current or future commercial cancer screening and detection tests were not permitted by our licenses or revoke any of our NMPA or NHC licenses and certificates and require us to take remedial actions to their satisfaction, or if we were unable to obtain amended or additional required licenses or approvals, then our business and financial results would be adversely affected.
We are subject to ongoing obligations and continued regulatory review and to future changes in laws, regulations or enforcement policies in China.
We are subject to ongoing obligations and continued regulatory review in relation to our laboratories and our medical devices. Even if the NMPA grants our application for a Class III medical device registration certificate and allows us to update our medical device manufacture license accordingly, or if we successfully maintain and renew our Class II medical device manufacture license and registration certificate, our CDA device will be subject to extensive and ongoing regulatory requirements.
In addition, there could be a subsequent discovery of previously unknown problems with our device (including problems with third-party manufacturers or manufacturing processes) or failure to comply with existing or future regulatory requirements (including in respect of our conducting of cancer screening and detection tests). For example, if we were found to have conducted any of these tests in premises other than a licensed laboratory, we could be subject to confiscation of revenue from the relevant tests as well as other penalties. For more information on this, see RegulationsPRC RegulationsRegulation on Medical Devices and Medical InstitutionsMedical Institutions Laws and Regulations. Any government investigation of alleged violations of law could require us to expend significant time and resources and could result in adverse government actions (including penalties on us) and negative publicity on our brand.
Moreover, laws, regulations and enforcement policies in China, including those regulating medical institutions, devices and supplies, are evolving. Changes in these areas could impose more stringent requirements on us, including fines or other penalties, and increase our compliance and other operating costs. Changes in government regulations could also prevent, limit or delay regulatory approvals in relation to our CDA device. If we are unable to maintain regulatory compliance, any regulatory approval that has been obtained may be lost and we may not be able to achieve or sustain profitability. In addition, regulatory changes may relax certain requirements that could benefit our competitors or lower market entry barriers and increase competition. Further, regulatory agencies in China may periodically, and sometimes abruptly, change their enforcement practices. Any litigation or governmental investigation or enforcement proceedings against us in China may be protracted and may result in substantial costs and diversion of resources and management attention, negative publicity, damage to our reputation and decline in the price of our ADSs.
The absence of patent linkage, patent term extension and data and market exclusivity for NMPA-approved medical products could increase the risk of early generic competition against our tests in China.
The life of a patent and the protection it affords are limited under PRC law. Currently, while certain foreign laws regulate patent term extension, patent linkage to products to delay generic entry, or extension of data exclusivity (often referred to as regulatory exclusivity) in certain circumstances, China does not have any effective law or regulation in these aspects. Chinese regulators have set out a framework for delaying generic launches by adding patent linkage and data exclusivity into the Chinese regulatory regime, as well as for establishing a pilot program for patent term extension. However, these measures will require the adoption of
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specific regulations, and to date, no such regulations have been adopted. If we are unable to obtain patent term extension or if such extension is shorter in length than requested, our competitors may obtain approval of competing products prior to or following our patent expiration, and our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects could be materially harmed.
Any change in the regulations governing the use of personal data in China, which are still under development, or any data leakage or unauthorized use of data by third parties could adversely affect our business and reputation.
We provide early cancer screening and detection services to tens of thousands of individuals in China. As a result, we have access to these tested individuals personal data, including their age, gender, disease status and medical records. We use this personal data internally to expand our test database and improve the clinical utility of our CDA technology. Chinese regulations governing the collection and use of personal data are still under development. We believe that there is no PRC legal restriction on our internal use of such data. Any change in the regulatory regime in this regard could potentially affect our ability with regard to the collection and use of these personal data, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Moreover, we may not be able to prevent third parties from illegally obtaining and misappropriating personal data of the tested individuals that we collect. Concerns about data leakage or unauthorized use of data by third parties, even if unfounded, could damage our reputation and negatively affect our results of operations.
United States
We conduct our business in a heavily regulated industry, and changes in regulations or violations of regulations may, directly or indirectly, reduce our revenue, adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition and harm our business.
The U.S. life sciences industry is highly regulated, and the regulatory environment in which we operate may change significantly and adversely to us in the future. Areas of the regulatory environment that may affect our ability to conduct business in the United States include, U.S. federal and state laws relating to:
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laboratory testing, including the CLIA and state laboratory licensing laws; |
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the development, testing, use, distribution, promotion and advertising of research services, kits and clinical diagnostics, including certain LDTs which are regulated by the FDA under the U.S. Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, or the FDCA; |
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test ordering, documentation of tests ordered, billing practices and claims payment under the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, or CMS, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, or HHS, Office of the Inspector General, enforcing those laws and regulations; |
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medical device and in vitro diagnostic, or IVD, clearance, marketing authorization or approval; |
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FDAs enforcement discretion to not regulate the majority of LDTs as IVDs; |
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laboratory anti-mark-up laws (which are laws or regulations that can limit the prices of medical tests); |
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the handling and disposal of medical and hazardous waste; |
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fraud and abuse laws such as the U.S. Federal False Claims Act, or FCA, the Federal Health Care Program Anti-Kickback Statute, or AKS, the Criminal Health Care Fraud Statute and Stark Law (defined below), and state equivalents; |
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Occupational Safety and Health Administration rules and regulations; |
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the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, or HIPAA, and other U.S. federal and state medical data privacy and security laws; |
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the Genetic Information Non-discrimination Act and similar state laws; and |
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coverage and restrictions on coverage and reimbursement for research services, kits, clinical diagnostics and cellular therapies and Medicare, Medicaid, other governmental payers and private insurers reimbursement levels. |
In particular, the laws, regulations and policies governing the marketing of an LDT and clinical diagnostic tests and services are extremely complex, and in many instances there are no significant regulatory or judicial interpretations of these laws and regulations. Among other things, pursuant to the FDCA and its implementing regulations, the FDA regulates the research, design, testing, manufacturing, safety, labeling, storage, recordkeeping, premarket clearance, authorization or approval, marketing and promotion and sales and distribution of medical devices in the United States to ensure they are safe and effective. Medical devices are defined by the FDCA to include, among other things, instruments and in vitro reagents or other similar or related articles, which are intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions. In addition, the FDA regulates the import and export of medical devices. Most LDTs, however, are not currently regulated as medical devices under FDAs current regulatory framework, although components of LDTs, including, for example, instruments, reagents, and sample collection devices, may be regulated as medical devices. If we are subject to these FDA requirements and do not comply, or later become subject to these requirements and fail to adequately comply, our business operations may be harmed. These requirements may additionally cause delays in our ability to market and sell our products or services, which may, directly or indirectly, reduce our revenue, adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition and harm our business.
We plan to market our CDA test initially as an LDT, and future changes in the FDAs enforcement discretion for LDTs could subject our operations to much more significant regulatory requirements.
We plan to initially market our CDA test in the United States as an LDT. LDTs have generally been considered to be tests that are designed, developed, validated and used within a single laboratory. The FDA has a policy of enforcement discretion with respect to LDTs, whereby the FDA does not actively enforce its medical device regulatory requirements for these tests. However, in July 2014, the FDA notified Congress of its intent to modify, in a risk-based manner, its policy of enforcement discretion with respect to LDTs. In October 2014, the FDA issued two draft guidance documents stating that it intended to modify its policy of enforcement discretion with respect to LDTs in a risk-based manner consistent with the existing classification of medical devices. The FDA halted finalization of the draft guidance documents in November 2016 to allow for further public discussion on an appropriate oversight approach to LDTs and to give congressional authorizing committees the opportunity to develop a legislative solution. However, it is unclear if Congress or the FDA will modify the current approach to the regulation of LDTs in a way that would subject our CDA test to the enforcement of FDA regulatory requirements. The FDA Commissioner and the Director of the Center for Devices and Radiological Health, or CDRH, have expressed significant concerns regarding disparities between LDTs and IVDs that have been reviewed and cleared, authorized or approved by the FDA. The FDA has also determined that certain LDTs do not qualify for enforcement discretion because these tests pose higher risk to the public health. If we market our test initially as an LDT in the United States and the FDA were to determine that our test is not within the enforcement discretion policy for LDTs for any reason, including as a result of new rules, policies or guidance, or due to changes in law, our laboratory and test may become subject to extensive FDA requirements or otherwise impact our business. These types of changes could reduce our revenue or increase our costs and adversely affect our business, prospects, results of operations or financial condition. If required, the regulatory marketing authorization process required to bring our LDT into compliance may involve, among other things, successfully completing additional clinical validations and submitting to and obtaining from the FDA pre-market clearance (510(k)), authorization for a de novo petition, or approval of a Premarket Approval Application, or PMA. Furthermore, pending legislative proposals, if enacted, such as the Verifying Accurate, Leading-edge IVCT Development Act of 2018, or VALID Act, could create new or different regulatory and compliance burdens on us and could have a negative effect on our ability to keep products on the market or develop new products, which could have a material effect on our business. In the event that we market our test initially as an LDT in the
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United States and then the FDA requires marketing authorization of our LDT in the future, the FDA ultimately may not grant any clearance, authorization or approval requested by us in a timely manner, or at all.
Our proprietary CDA device is an analytical instrument used as part of our CDA test, which may increase our risk that the FDA concludes that our test does not qualify as an LDT.
While the FDA has historically exercised enforcement discretion over the majority of LDTs, there are certain factors that have led to increased regulatory oversight. One such factor is the use of customized equipment and reagents. If the FDA were to conclude that our CDA device requires clearance, market authorization, or approval to be used as part of an LDT, it could prevent us from being able to offer our test. Even if we submit our CDA device for clearance, authorization, or approval, the FDA ultimately may not grant such clearance, authorization or approval requested by us in a timely manner, or at all.
Offering our proprietary cancer screening and detection test from more than one laboratory may increase our risk that the FDA concludes that our test does not qualify as an LDT.
While the FDA has historically exercised enforcement discretion over the majority of LDTs, it has narrowly defined an LDT as a test that is designed, manufactured and used within a single laboratory. However, the FDA has not historically taken enforcement action against laboratories with multiple facilities that offer the same test. If we offer our CDA test from more than one of our laboratories, the FDA could conclude that our test no longer qualifies as an LDT because it is not used within a single laboratory. If the FDA were to conclude that our cancer screening and detection test is not an LDT, that could prevent us from being able to offer our test until we receive appropriate FDA clearance, authorization or approval. Even if we submit for clearance, authorization or approval, the FDA may not ultimately grant such clearance, authorization or approval requested by us in a timely manner, or at all.
Failure to comply with U.S. federal or state laboratory licensing requirements and the applicable requirements of the FDA or any other regulatory authority or accrediting body, could cause us to lose the ability to perform our CDA test in the United States, experience disruptions to our business, or become subject to administrative or judicial sanctions.
We are subject to CLIA, a U.S. federal law that regulates clinical laboratories that perform testing on specimens derived from humans for the purpose of providing information for the diagnosis, prevention or treatment of disease. Any testing subject to CLIA regulation must be performed in a CLIA-certified laboratory. CLIA certification is also required in order for us to be eligible to bill U.S. state and U.S. federal healthcare programs, as well as commercial payers, for our tests. We have obtained a CLIA Certificate of Registration for our laboratory in San Jose, California. We are seeking voluntary accreditation of our San Jose laboratory by CAP, and are awaiting CAP inspection to receive CAP accreditation and a CLIA Certificate of Accreditation for this laboratory. We also plan to open a new laboratory in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 2020 and will seek to obtain CLIA certification and CAP accreditation for this laboratory. To maintain our CAP accreditation and CLIA certification, we are subject to survey and unannounced inspection every two years.
We are required to maintain a California clinical laboratory license for our San Jose laboratory to conduct testing. We will be required to maintain a Pennsylvania clinical laboratory license in order for our to-be-established Philadelphia laboratory to conduct testing. In addition, some other states may require our California and Philadelphia laboratories to be licensed there in order to accept blood samples from those states or may have such requirements in the future. To maintain our state licenses, we may be subject to survey and inspection every two years.
Failure to comply with applicable clinical laboratory certification and licensure requirements, including proficiency testing, may result in a range of enforcement actions, including suspension, limitation or revocation of our CAP accreditation, CLIA certificate and/or state licenses, imposition of a directed plan of corrective
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action, onsite monitoring, civil monetary penalties, criminal sanctions and revocation of the laboratorys approval to receive Medicare and Medicaid payment for its services. Any of these enforcement actions or our failure to renew our CLIA certificate, a state license or other accreditation could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Even if we were able to bring our laboratory back into compliance, we could incur significant expenses and potentially lose revenue in doing so.
If we are unable to obtain or maintain regulatory clearance or approvals in the United States, or if we experience delays in receiving clearance or approvals, our growth strategy may not be successful.
In the United States, we plan to initially offer our CDA test for clinical use as an LDT in our laboratory in San Jose, California. Because we developed this test and will offer this test solely for use within our laboratory, we believe that we may market the test as an LDT. Under current FDA enforcement policies, the FDA does not enforce its premarket clearance or approval requirements for certain LDTs before commercialization. The FDA could disagree with this assessment, however, in which case we would be required to obtain clearance, authorization, or approval for our device and/or test to continue marketing.
In addition, a key element of our longer term business strategy is to place our CDA device in other laboratories to broaden access to our technology and increase demand for our tests and any future tests that we may develop. In order to distribute our cancer screening and detection test and device outside of our laboratory, we will need to obtain FDA clearance, authorization, or approval for our test and device.
The FDA regulates medical devices, including IVDs, that are sold and distributed in U.S. interstate commerce. Unless an exemption applies, generally, before a new medical device or a new use for a medical device may be sold or distributed in the United States, the medical device must receive either a 510(k) premarket notification clearance, de novo marketing authorization, or a PMA approval from the FDA. As a result, before we can market or distribute our device and test in the United States for use by other clinical testing laboratories, we must first obtain FDA 510(k) clearance, de novo marketing authorization, or PMA approval. We have not yet applied for clearance, marketing authorization, or approval from the FDA, and need to complete additional validations before we are ready to apply. We believe it would likely take two years or more to conduct the clinical studies and trials necessary to obtain clearance, marketing authorization, or approval from the FDA to commercially launch our tests outside of our clinical laboratory. Once we apply, we may not receive the FDA clearance, marketing authorization, or approval for the commercial use of our device and test on a timely basis, or at all.
The FDA can delay, limit or deny clearance, authorization or approval of a device for many reasons, including:
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inability to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the FDA that the products are safe or effective for their intended uses; |
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the FDAs disagreement with the design, conduct or implementation of the clinical studies or the analysis or interpretation of data from preclinical studies, analytical studies or clinical studies; |
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serious and unexpected adverse device effects experienced by participants in clinical studies; |
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the data from preclinical studies, analytical studies and clinical studies may be insufficient to support clearance, authorization or approval, where required; |
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the inability to demonstrate that the clinical and other benefits of the device outweigh the risks; |
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an advisory committee, if convened by the FDA, may recommend against approval of a PMA or other application or may recommend that the FDA require, as a condition of approval, additional preclinical studies or clinical studies, limitations on approved labeling or distribution and use restrictions, or even if an advisory committee, if convened, makes a favorable recommendation, the FDA may still not approve the product; |
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the FDA may identify deficiencies in our marketing application, and in our or our collaborators manufacturing processes, facilities or analytical methods; |
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the potential for policies or regulations of the FDA to change significantly in a manner rendering clinical data or regulatory filings insufficient for clearance, authorization or approval; and |
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the FDA may audit clinical study data and conclude that the data are not sufficiently reliable to support a PMA application. |
There are numerous FDA personnel assigned to review different aspects of marketing submissions, and uncertainties can be presented by their ability to exercise judgment and discretion during the review process. During the course of review, the FDA may request or require additional data and information, and the development and provision of these data and information may be time-consuming and expensive. The process of obtaining regulatory clearances, authorizations or approvals to market a medical device can be costly and time-consuming, and we may not be able to obtain these clearances, authorizations or approvals on a timely basis or at all for our proposed products. If we are unable to achieve clearance or approval or if other laboratories do not accept our device and test, our ability to grow our business could be compromised.
Clinical studies involve a lengthy and expensive process with an uncertain outcome, and results of earlier studies and trials may not be predictive of future trial results.
In order to receive FDA clearance, marketing authorization, or approval for the commercialization of our CDA test and/or device in the United States, we must conduct, at our own expense, extensive analytical testing and clinical studies to demonstrate safety and effectiveness of our device and test for the intended indication of use. Clinical testing is expensive, can take many years to complete, if at all, and its outcome is uncertain. Failure can occur at any time during the clinical study process. Also, our CDA device and test may not prove to be safe and efficacious in the clinical studies, and they may not meet all the applicable regulatory requirements needed to receive the FDA approval. The results of our clinical studies may not support the clinical validation needed to offer our cancer screening and detection test in the U.S. In addition, clinical claims for our test that are supported by the clinical studies results may not be commercially viable.
If we receive FDA clearance, marketing authorization, or approval of our CDA device and test, we will continue to be subject to extensive FDA regulatory oversight.
Medical devices are subject to extensive regulation by the FDA in the United States. If our CDA device is cleared, authorized, or approved by the FDA, we will need to comply with applicable regulatory requirements and our failure to do so could result in enforcement action by the FDA or state agencies. Any of these enforcement actions could also result in higher than anticipated costs or lower than anticipated sales and have a material adverse effect on our reputation, business, results of operations and financial condition.
We also cannot predict the likelihood, nature or extent of government regulation that may arise from future legislation or administrative or executive action in the United States. For example, certain policies of the Trump administration may impact our business and industry. Namely, the Trump administration has taken several executive actions, including the issuance of a number of executive orders, that could impose significant burdens on, or otherwise materially delay, the FDAs ability to engage in routine regulatory and oversight activities such as implementing statutes through rulemaking, issuance of guidance and review and approval of marketing applications. It is difficult to predict how these executive actions will be implemented and the extent to which they will affect the FDAs ability to exercise its regulatory authority. If these executive actions impose constraints on the FDAs ability to engage in oversight and implementation activities in the normal course, our business may be negatively impacted.
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Our employees may engage in misconduct or other improper activities, including non-compliance with regulatory standards and requirements, and insider trading.
We are exposed to the risk of fraud or other misconduct by our employees. Misconduct by our employees could include intentional failures to comply with the regulations of the FDA or non-U.S. regulators, comply with healthcare fraud and abuse laws and regulations in the United States and abroad, or report financial information or data accurately or disclose unauthorized activities to us. In particular, sales, marketing, and business arrangements in the healthcare industry are subject to extensive laws and regulations intended to prevent fraud, misconduct, kickbacks, self-dealing and other abusive practices. These laws and regulations may restrict or prohibit a wide range of pricing, discounting, marketing and promotion, sales commission, customer incentive programs and other business arrangements. Such misconduct could also involve the improper use of information obtained in the course of clinical studies, which could result in regulatory sanctions and cause serious harm to our reputation. We currently have a code of conduct applicable to all of our employees, but it is not always possible to identify and deter employee misconduct, and our code of conduct and the other precautions we take to detect and prevent this activity may not be effective in controlling unknown or unmanaged risks or losses, or in protecting us from governmental investigations or other actions or lawsuits stemming from a failure to comply with these laws or regulations. If any such actions are instituted against us, and we are not successful in defending ourselves or asserting our rights, those actions could result in the imposition of significant civil, criminal and administrative penalties, including, without limitation, damages, monetary fines, individual imprisonment, disgorgement of profits, possible exclusion from participation in Medicare, Medicaid and other U.S. federal healthcare programs, contractual damages, reputational harm, diminished profits and future earnings, additional reporting or oversight obligations if we become subject to a corporate integrity agreement or other agreement to resolve allegations of non-compliance with the law and curtailment or restructuring of our operations, which could have a significant impact on our business. Whether or not we are successful in defending against such actions or investigations, we could incur substantial costs, including legal fees, and divert the attention of management in defending ourselves against any of these claims or investigations.
If we fail to comply with healthcare regulations, we could face substantial enforcement actions, including civil and criminal penalties and our business, operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.
We could be subject to healthcare fraud and abuse laws and patient privacy laws of both the U.S. federal government and the states in which we conduct our business. The laws include, but are not limited to:
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the AKS, which prohibits, among other things, persons from soliciting, receiving or providing remuneration, directly or indirectly, to induce either the referral of an individual for an item or service or the purchasing or ordering of a good or service, for which payment may be made under U.S. federal healthcare programs such as the Medicare and Medicaid programs; |
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the FCA which prohibits, among other things, individuals or entities from knowingly presenting, or causing to be presented, claims for payment from Medicare, Medicaid, or other payers that are false or fraudulent, and which may apply to entities like us which provide coding and billing information to customers; |
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HIPAA, which prohibits executing a scheme to defraud any healthcare benefit program or making false statements relating to healthcare matters and which also imposes certain requirements relating to the privacy, security and transmission of individually identifiable health information; and |
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state law equivalents of each of the above U.S. federal laws, such as anti-kickback and false claims laws which may apply to items or services reimbursed by any third-party payer, including commercial insurers, and state laws governing the privacy and security of health information in certain circumstances, many of which differ from each other in significant ways and often are not preempted by U.S. federal laws, thus complicating compliance efforts. |
If our operations are found to be in violation of any of the laws described above or any governmental regulations that apply to us, we may be subject to penalties, including civil and criminal penalties, damages, fines
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and the curtailment or restructuring of our operations. Any penalties, damages, fines, curtailment or restructuring of our operations could adversely affect our ability to operate our business and our financial results. Although compliance programs can mitigate the risk of investigation and prosecution for violations of these laws, the risks cannot be entirely eliminated. Any action against us for violation of these laws, even if we successfully defend against it, could cause us to incur significant legal expenses and divert managements attention from the operation of our business. Moreover, achieving and sustaining compliance with applicable U.S. federal and state privacy, security and fraud laws may prove costly.
Our collection, use and disclosure of individually identifiable information, including health and/or employee information, is subject to U.S. state, U.S. federal and foreign privacy and security regulations, and our failure to comply with those regulations or to adequately secure the information we hold could result in significant liability or reputational harm.
The privacy and security of personally identifiable information stored, maintained, received or transmitted, including electronically, is a major issue in the United States and abroad. While we strive to comply with all applicable privacy and security laws and regulations, as well as our own posted privacy policies, legal standards for privacy, including but not limited to unfairness and deception, as enforced by the FTC and state attorneys general, continue to evolve, and any failure or perceived failure to comply may result in proceedings or actions against us by government entities or others, or could cause us to lose customers, which could have a material adverse effect on our business. Recently, there has been an increase in public awareness of privacy issues in the wake of revelations about the activities of various government agencies and in the number of private privacy-related lawsuits filed against companies. Concerns about our practices with regard to the collection, use, retention, disclosure or security of personally identifiable information or other privacy-related matters, even if unfounded and even if we are in compliance with applicable laws, could damage our reputation and harm our business.
Numerous foreign, U.S. federal and state laws and regulations govern the collection, dissemination, use and confidentiality of personally identifiable health information, or PHI, including state privacy and confidentiality laws (including state laws requiring disclosure of breaches); U.S. federal and state consumer protection and employment laws; HIPAA; and European and other foreign data protection laws. These laws and regulations are increasing in complexity and number, may change frequently and sometimes conflict.
HIPAA establishes a set of national privacy and security standards for the protection of individually identifiable health information, including PHI by health plans, healthcare clearinghouses and healthcare providers that submit certain covered transactions electronically, or covered entities, and their business associates, which are persons or entities that perform certain services for, or on behalf of, a covered entity that involve creating, receiving, maintaining or transmitting PHI.
Penalties for violations of these laws vary. For instance, penalties for failure to comply with a requirement of HIPAA and the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act, or HITECH, vary significantly, and can include civil monetary penalties of up to $57,051 per violation, not to exceed $1.71 million per calendar year for each provision that is violated. A single breach incident can result in findings of violations of multiple provisions, leading to possible civil penalties in excess of $1.71 million in a single year. Violations of HIPAA may also result in criminal penalties. For example, a person who knowingly obtains or discloses individually identifiable health information in violation of HIPAA may face a criminal penalty of up to $50,000 and up to one-year imprisonment. In certain circumstances, criminal fines up to $250,000 per violation and/or up to ten years imprisonment may be imposed. The criminal penalties increase if the wrongful conduct involves false pretenses or the intent to sell, transfer, or use identifiable health information for commercial advantage, personal gain, or malicious harm. Responding to government investigations regarding alleged violations of these and other laws and regulations, even if ultimately concluded with no findings of violations or no penalties imposed, can consume company resources and impact our business and, if public, harm our reputation.
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Further, various states, such as California and Massachusetts, have implemented similar privacy laws and regulations that impose restrictive requirements regulating the use and disclosure of health information and other personally identifiable information. These laws and regulations are not necessarily preempted by HIPAA, particularly if a state affords greater protection to individuals than HIPAA. Where state laws are more protective, we may have to comply with the stricter provisions. In addition to fines and penalties imposed upon violators, some of these state laws also afford private rights of action to individuals who believe their personal information has been misused. The interplay of U.S. federal and state laws may be subject to varying interpretations by courts and government agencies, creating complex compliance issues for us and our clients and potentially exposing us to additional expense, adverse publicity and liability. Further, as regulatory focus on privacy issues continues to increase and laws and regulations concerning the protection of personal information expand and become more complex, these potential risks to our business could intensify. Changes in laws or regulations associated with the enhanced protection of certain types of sensitive data, such as PHI, or personally identifiable information along with increased customer demands for enhanced data security infrastructure, could greatly increase our cost of providing our services, decrease demand for our services, reduce our revenue and/or subject us to additional liabilities.
We may be exposed to liabilities under the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, or FCPA, and Chinese anti-corruption laws, and any determination that we have violated these laws could have a material adverse effect on our business or our reputation.
We are subject to the FCPA. The FCPA generally prohibits us from making improper payments to non-U.S. officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. We are also subject to the anti-bribery laws of China. Our current customers include state-owned enterprises and, after we obtain the Class III medical device registration certificate, we plan to sell our CDA tests and devices to hospitals in China, many of which are state-owned. As a result, we may engage with Chinese officials or persons of equivalent status during the ordinary course of our business. We do not fully control the interactions that our employees and sales agents have with those officials or persons, and they may try to increase sales volumes of our tests through means that constitute violations of the FCPA, the PRC anti-bribery laws or other related laws. As our business expands, the applicability of the FCPA and other anti-bribery laws to our operations will increase. Our procedures and controls to monitor anti-bribery compliance may fail to protect us from reckless or criminal acts committed by our employees or sales agents. If we, due to either our own deliberate or inadvertent acts or those of others, fail to comply with applicable anti-bribery laws, our reputation could be harmed and we could incur criminal or civil penalties, other sanctions and/or significant expenses, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, including our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and prospects.
Risks Relating to Doing Business in China
Changes in Chinas economic, political or social conditions or government policies and the current tensions in international economic relations could have an adverse effect on our business and operations.
Most of our assets and operations are located in China. Accordingly, our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may be influenced to a significant degree by political, economic and social conditions in China. The Chinese economy differs from the economies of most developed countries in many respects, including the level of government involvement, level of development, growth rate, control of foreign exchange, allocation of resources, evolving regulatory system and lack of sufficient transparency in the regulatory process.
While the Chinese economy has experienced significant growth over past decades, growth has been uneven, both geographically and among various sectors of the economy, and the rate of growth has been slowing since 2012. 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 Chinas overall economic growth. Such developments could adversely affect our business and operating results, lead to a reduction in demand for our
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cancer screening and detection test 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 benefit the overall Chinese economy, but may also 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 that are applicable to us.
Recently there have been heightened tensions in economic relations between the United States and China. The U.S. government has recently imposed, and proposed to impose additional, new or higher tariffs on products imported from China to penalize China for what it characterizes as unfair trade practices. China has responded by imposing largely commensurate tariffs on products imported from the United States. Amid these tensions, the U.S. government has imposed and may impose additional measures on entities in China, including sanctions. As a biotechnology company with operations primarily based in China as well as the United States, our plan to commercialize our CDA test in, and export our CDA device to, the United States after obtaining relevant approvals from the FDA could be adversely affected by these or future trade developments. In addition, increased protectionism and the risk of global trade war, which result in weaker global trade and lower levels of economic activity, could reduce the demand for our tests and adversely affect our business.
Uncertainties with respect to Chinas legal system could have a material adverse effect on our business and operations.
We conduct our businesses in China primarily through our PRC subsidiaries. Our operations in China are governed by PRC laws and regulations. Our PRC subsidiaries are subject to laws and regulations applicable to foreign investment in China. The PRC legal system is a civil law system based on written statutes. Unlike the common law system, prior court decisions may be cited for reference but have limited precedential value. The PRC legal system is evolving rapidly, and the interpretation of many laws, regulations and rules may contain inconsistencies, and the enforcement of these laws, regulations and rules involves uncertainties.
From time to time, we may have to resort to administrative and court proceedings to enforce our legal rights. Any administrative and court proceedings in China may be protracted, resulting in substantial costs and diversion of resources and management attention. Since PRC administrative and court authorities have significant discretion in interpreting and implementing statutory and contractual terms, it may be more difficult to evaluate the outcome of administrative and court proceedings and the level of legal protection we enjoy than in more developed legal systems. These uncertainties may impede our ability to enforce the contracts we have entered into and could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations. Furthermore, the PRC legal system is based, in part, on government policies and internal rules, some of which are not published in a timely manner, or at all, but which may have retroactive effect. As a result, we may not always be aware of any potential violation of these policies and rules. Such unpredictability towards our contractual, property and procedural rights could adversely affect our business and impede our ability to continue our operations.
PRC regulations of loans and direct investment by offshore holding companies to PRC entities may delay or prevent us from using the proceeds of the offering to make loans or additional capital contributions to our PRC subsidiaries, which could materially and adversely affect our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our business.
We are an offshore holding company conducting our operations in China through our PRC subsidiaries. We may make loans to our PRC subsidiaries or we may make additional capital contributions to our wholly foreign-owned subsidiaries in China. Any loans by us to our wholly foreign-owned subsidiaries in China to finance their activities cannot exceed statutory limits and must be registered with the local counterpart of the PRC State Administration of Foreign Exchange, or SAFE. In addition, a foreign invested enterprise shall use its capital pursuant to the principle of authenticity and self-use within its business scope.
In March 2015, SAFE promulgated the Circular on Reforming the Administration Measures on Conversion of Foreign Exchange Registered Capital of Foreign-invested Enterprises, or SAFE Circular 19, which took effect
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and replaced certain previous SAFE regulations from June 1, 2015. SAFE further promulgated the Circular of the SAFE on Reforming and Regulating Policies on the Control over Foreign Exchange Settlement of Capital Accounts, or SAFE Circular 16, which took effective on June 9, 2016 and, among other things, amended certain provisions of SAFE Circular 19. According to SAFE Circular 19 and SAFE Circular 16, the flow and use of Renminbi capital converted from foreign currency-denominated registered capital of a foreign-invested company is regulated such that Renminbi capital may not be used for business beyond its business scope, or to provide loans to persons other than affiliates, unless otherwise permitted under its business scope. SAFE Circular 19 and SAFE Circular 16 may limit our ability to transfer the net proceeds from this offering to our PRC subsidiaries and convert the net proceeds into RMB.
In light of the various requirements imposed by PRC regulations on loans to and direct investment in PRC entities by offshore holding companies, we cannot assure you that we will be able to complete the necessary government registrations or obtain the necessary government approvals on a timely basis, if at all, with respect to future loans to our PRC subsidiaries or future capital contributions by us to our wholly foreign-owned subsidiaries in China. As a result, uncertainties exist as to our ability to provide prompt financial support to our PRC subsidiaries when needed. If we fail to complete such registrations or obtain such approvals, our ability to use the proceeds we expect to receive from this offering and to capitalize or otherwise fund our PRC operations may be negatively affected, which could materially and adversely affect our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our business.
We rely on dividends paid by our subsidiaries for our cash needs, and any limitation on the ability of our subsidiaries to make payments to us could have a material adverse effect on our ability to conduct our business.
As a holding company, we conduct most of our business through our subsidiaries incorporated in China. We may rely on dividends paid by these PRC subsidiaries for our cash needs, including the funds necessary to pay any dividends and other cash distributions to our shareholders, to service any debt we may incur and to pay our operating expenses. The payment of dividends by entities established in China is subject to limitations. Regulations in China currently permit payment of dividends only out of accumulated profits as determined in accordance with accounting standards and regulations in China. As a result, our PRC subsidiaries are restricted in their ability to transfer a portion of their net assets to us in the form of dividends. In addition, if any of our PRC subsidiaries incurs debt on its own behalf in the future, the instruments governing the debt may restrict its ability to pay dividends or make other distributions to us. Any limitations on the ability of our PRC subsidiaries to transfer funds to us could materially and adversely limit our ability to grow, make investments or acquisitions that could be beneficial to our business, pay dividends and otherwise fund and conduct our business.
Our business benefits from certain financial incentives and discretionary policies granted by local governments. Expiration of, or changes to, these incentives or policies would have an adverse effect on our results of operations.
In the past, local governments in the PRC granted certain financial incentives from time to time to our PRC subsidiaries as part of their efforts to encourage the development of local businesses. The timing, amount and criteria of government financial incentives are determined within the sole discretion of the local government authorities and cannot be predicted with certainty before we actually receive any financial incentive. We generally do not have the ability to influence local governments in making these decisions. Local governments may decide to reduce or eliminate incentives at any time. In addition, some of the government financial incentives are granted on a project basis and subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including completion of the specific project therein. We cannot guarantee that we will satisfy all relevant conditions, and if we do not, we may be deprived of the relevant incentives. We cannot assure you of the continued availability of the government incentives currently enjoyed by us. Any reduction or elimination of incentives would have an adverse effect on our results of operations. Government grant and subsidies we recognized for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2018 and the nine months ended September 30, 2019 was RMB1.4 million, RMB5.9 million (US$825,000) and RMB2.6 million (US$367,000), respectively.
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Under the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law, or the EIT Law, we may be classified as a PRC resident enterprise for PRC income tax purposes, which could result in unfavorable tax consequences to us and our non-PRC shareholders or ADS holders, and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and the value of your investment.
Under the EIT Law and its implementation rules, an enterprise established outside China may be considered as a PRC resident enterprise provided that its de facto management body is located within China. According to the implementation rules, de facto management body is interpreted as a body that exercises substantial and overall management and control over the business, personnel, accounts and properties of an enterprise. In April 2009, the PRC State Administration of Taxation, or the SAT, issued the Circular of the SAT on Issues Relating to Identification of PRC-Controlled Overseas Registered Enterprises as Resident Enterprises in Accordance With the De Facto Standards of Organizational Management, or SAT Circular 82, which provides certain specific criteria for determining whether the de facto management body of a PRC-controlled enterprise 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, the criteria set forth in the circular may reflect SATs general position on how de facto management body rule 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 China; (ii) decisions relating to the enterprises financial and human resource matters are made or are subject to approval by organizations or personnel in China; (iii) the enterprises primary assets, accounting books and records, company seals, and board and shareholder minutes, are located or maintained in China; and (iv) at least 50% of voting board members or senior executives habitually reside in China.
According to these rules and regulations, we may be considered as a PRC resident enterprise by the PRC tax authorities for tax purposes and a number of unfavorable tax consequences could follow. 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. If the PRC tax authorities determine that we are a PRC resident enterprise for enterprise income tax purposes, we will be subject to PRC tax at a rate of 25% on our worldwide income, which could materially reduce our net income, and we may be required to withhold tax from dividends we pay at a rate of 10% in case to non-PRC enterprise shareholders (including ADS holders) or 20% in case to non-PRC individual shareholders (including ADS holders); in addition, gains realized on the sale or other disposition of our ordinary shares or ADSs may be subject to PRC tax, at a rate of 10% in case of non-PRC enterprise shareholders (including our ADS holders) or 20% in case of non-PRC individual shareholders (including ADS holders), if such dividends or gains are deemed to be from PRC sources. Any such PRC tax liability may be reduced under an applicable tax treaty. However, it is unclear whether non-PRC shareholders (including our ADS holders) 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.
We face uncertainty with respect to indirect transfers of equity interests in PRC resident enterprises by their non-PRC holding companies.
In February 2015, the SAT issued the Public Notice Regarding Certain Enterprise Income Tax Matters on Indirect Transfer of Properties by Non-Tax Resident Enterprises, or SAT Public Notice 7. SAT Public Notice 7 extends its tax jurisdiction to not only indirect transfers but also transactions involving transfer of other taxable assets, through the offshore transfer of a foreign intermediate holding company. In addition, SAT Public Notice 7 provides certain criteria on how to assess reasonable commercial purposes and has introduced safe harbors for internal group restructurings and the purchase and sale of equity through a public securities market. SAT Public Notice 7 also brings challenges to both foreign transferor and transferee (or other person who is obligated to pay
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for the transfer) of the taxable assets. Where a non-resident enterprise conducts an indirect transfer by transferring the taxable assets indirectly by disposing of the equity interests of an overseas holding company, the non-resident enterprise being the transferor, or the 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. However, according to the aforesaid safe harbor rule, the PRC tax would not be applicable to the transfer by any non-resident enterprise of ADSs of our company acquired and sold on public securities markets.
In October 2017, the SAT issued the Public Notice on Issues Concerning the Withholding of Non-resident Enterprise Income Tax at Source, or SAT Public Notice 37, which took effect on December 1, 2017. According to SAT Public Notice 37, where the non-resident enterprise fails to declare the tax payable pursuant to Article 39 of the EIT Law, the tax authority may order it to pay the tax due within required time limits, and the non-resident enterprise shall declare and pay the tax payable within such time limits specified by the tax authority. If the non-resident enterprise voluntarily declares and pays the tax payable before the tax authority orders it to do so, it shall be deemed that such enterprise has paid the tax payable in time.
We face uncertainties on the reporting and consequences of future private equity financing transactions, share exchanges or other transactions involving the transfer of shares in our company by investors that are non-PRC resident enterprises. The PRC tax authorities may pursue such non-resident enterprises with respect to a filing or the transferees with respect to withholding obligation and request our PRC subsidiaries to assist in the filing. As a result, we and non-resident enterprises in such transactions may become at risk of being subject to filing obligations or being taxed under SAT Public Notice 7 and SAT Public Notice 37, and may be required to expend valuable resources to comply with them or to establish that we should not be taxed under these regulations, which may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Fluctuations in exchange rates could adversely affect our business and the value of our securities.
Changes in the value of the RMB against the U.S. dollar, Euro and other foreign currencies are affected by, among other things, changes in Chinas political and economic conditions. Since July 2005, the RMB is no longer pegged to the U.S. dollar, and the RMB may appreciate or depreciate significantly in value against the U.S. dollar in the medium to long term. Any significant revaluation of the RMB may have a material adverse effect on our revenues and financial condition, and the value of, and any dividends payable on, our shares in U.S. dollar terms. For example, to the extent that we need to convert U.S. dollars we receive from this offering into RMB for our operations, appreciation of the RMB against the U.S. dollar would have an adverse effect on RMB amount we would receive from the conversion. Conversely, if we decide to convert our RMB into U.S. dollars for the purpose of paying dividends on our ordinary shares or for other business purposes, appreciation of the U.S. dollar against the RMB would have a negative effect on the U.S. dollar amount available to us.
Governmental control of currency conversion may limit our ability to utilize our cash balance effectively and affect the value of your investment.
The PRC government imposes controls on the convertibility of the Renminbi into foreign currencies and, 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 holding company incorporated in the BVI primarily relies on dividend payments from our PRC subsidiaries to fund our cash and financing requirements. Under existing PRC foreign exchange regulations, payments of current account items, including profit distributions, interest payments and
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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 to use cash generated from the operations of our PRC subsidiaries 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.
In light of the flood of capital outflows, the PRC government may from time to time impose more restrictive foreign exchange policies and increase scrutiny of major outbound capital movements. More restrictions and substantial vetting processes may be required by SAFE or other government authorities to regulate cross-border transactions falling under the capital account. 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, including holders of our ADSs.
PRC laws and regulations have more 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.
PRC laws and regulations, such as the Regulations on Mergers and Acquisitions of Domestic Enterprises by Foreign Investors, or the M&A Rules, Anti-Monopoly Law of the PRC and the Rules of the PRC Ministry of Commerce, or the MOFCOM, on Implementation of the Security Review System of Mergers and Acquisitions of Domestic Enterprises by Foreign Investors, or the MOFCOM Security Review Rules, established additional procedures and requirements that are expected to make merger and acquisition activities in China by foreign investors more time-consuming and complex, including requirements in some instances that the MOFCOM be notified in advance of any change of control transaction in which a foreign investor takes control of a PRC domestic enterprise, or that the approval from the MOFCOM be obtained in circumstances where offshore companies established or controlled by PRC enterprises or residents acquire affiliated domestic companies. PRC laws and regulations also require certain merger and acquisition transactions to be subject to merger control review or security review.
According to these laws and regulations, a security review is required for mergers and acquisitions by foreign investors having national defense and security concerns, and for mergers and acquisitions by which foreign investors may acquire the de facto control of domestic enterprises that have national security concerns. In addition, when deciding whether a specific merger or acquisition of a domestic enterprise by foreign investors is subject to the security review, the MOFCOM will look into the substance and actual impact of the transaction. The MOFCOM Security Review Rules further prohibit foreign investors from bypassing the security review requirement by structuring transactions through proxies, trusts, indirect investments, leases, loans, control through contractual arrangements or offshore transactions.
We might grow our business in part by acquiring other companies operating in our industry. Complying with the requirements of the relevant regulations to complete such transactions could be time-consuming, and any required approval processes, including approval from the MOFCOM, 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 offshore investment activities by PRC residents may limit our PRC subsidiaries ability to change their registered capital or distribute profits to us or otherwise expose us or our PRC resident beneficial owners to liability and penalties under PRC law.
SAFE promulgated the Circular on Relevant Issues Concerning Foreign Exchange Administration on Domestic Residents Investment and Financing and Roundtrip Investment through Special Purpose Vehicles, or
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SAFE Circular 37, in July 2014 that requires PRC residents to register with SAFE or its local branch in connection with their establishment or control of an offshore entity established for the purpose of overseas investment or financing, referred to as offshore special purpose vehicle. In addition, such PRC residents must update their SAFE registrations when the offshore special purpose vehicle undergoes any change of basic information (including change of such PRC residents, name and operation term), increases or decreases in investment amount, transfers or exchanges of shares, or mergers or divisions. According to the Notice on Further Simplifying and Improving the Foreign Exchange Administration Policies on Direct Investment, or SAFE Notice 13, released on February 2015 by the SAFE, local banks will examine and handle foreign exchange registration for overseas direct investment, including the foreign exchange registration under SAFE Circular 37 from June 2015.
Due to the inherent uncertainty in the implementation of regulatory requirements by the PRC governmental authorities, SAFE Circular 37 registration might not be always practically available under all circumstances as prescribed in those regulations. In addition, we may not at all times be fully aware or informed of the identities of all the PRC residents holding direct or indirect interest in our company. We cannot assure you that all of our PRC resident registered or beneficial owners are in compliance and will comply with SAFE regulations, including those requiring them to make necessary applications, filings and amendments. To our knowledge, certain of our PRC resident individual shareholders who hold an insignificant number of our shares have not completed their SAFE Circular 37 registration yet. The failure or inability of our PRC resident shareholders to comply with the SAFE registrations, or failure by us to update the foreign exchange registrations of our PRC subsidiaries, may subject us to fines and legal sanctions, such as restrictions on our cross-border investment activities, the ability of our wholly foreign-owned subsidiaries in China to distribute dividends and proceeds from any reduction in capital, share transfer or liquidation to us. Moreover, failure to comply with the various foreign exchange registration requirements described above could result in liability under PRC laws for circumventing applicable foreign exchange restrictions. As a result, our business operations and our ability to distribute profits to you could be materially and adversely affected.
Failure to comply with PRC regulations regarding the registration requirements for stock ownership plans or share option plans may subject the PRC plan participants or us to fines and other legal or administrative sanctions.
In February 2012, SAFE promulgated the Notices on Issues Concerning the Foreign Exchange Administration for Domestic Individuals Participating in Stock Incentive Plans of Overseas Publicly-Listed Companies, or the Stock Option Rules. Under the Stock Option Rules and other relevant rules and regulations, PRC residents who participate in stock incentive plan in an overseas publicly-listed company are required to register with SAFE or its local branches and complete certain other procedures. Participants of a stock incentive plan who are PRC residents must retain a qualified PRC agent, which could be a PRC subsidiary of such overseas publicly listed company or another qualified institution selected by such PRC subsidiary, to conduct the SAFE registration and other procedures with respect to the stock incentive plan on behalf of its participants. Such participants must also retain an overseas entrusted institution to handle matters in connection with their exercise of stock options, the purchase and sale of corresponding stocks or interests and fund transfers. In addition, the PRC agent is required to amend the SAFE registration with respect to the stock incentive plan if there is any material change to the stock incentive plan, the PRC agent or the overseas entrusted institution or other material changes. Certain of our directors, executive officers, employees and consultants who are PRC residents may participate in our 2019 Plan, and therefore will be subject to these regulations upon the completion of this offering. Failure of these PRC stock option holders to complete their SAFE registrations may subject these PRC residents to fines and legal sanctions and may also limit our ability to contribute additional capital into our PRC subsidiaries, limit our PRC subsidiaries ability to distribute dividends to us, or otherwise materially adversely affect our business.
In addition, the SAT has issued certain circulars concerning employee share incentives. Under these circulars, our employees working in the PRC 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
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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 government authorities.
Our business and our profitability may be negatively affected by the rising labor costs and potential obligations to make additional contributions of social insurance premium and housing funds.
In recent years, labor costs in China have continued to increase, driven by increased inflation, as well as enactment of new labor laws. As a result, we expect our labor costs, including wages and employee benefits, to continue to increase in the foreseeable future. Unless we are able to pass on these increased labor costs to our customers by increasing the prices of our products and services, our financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected.
In addition, we are required by PRC laws and regulations to participate in various employee social security plans that are organized by municipal and provincial governments, including housing, pension, medical insurance, work-related injury insurance, employment injury insurance, maternity insurance and unemployment insurance. We are required under PRC law to make contributions to employee benefit plans at specified percentages of the salaries, bonuses and certain allowances of our employees, up to a maximum amount specified by the local government from time to time. The relevant government agencies may examine whether an employer has made adequate payments of these requisite statutory employee benefits, and those employers who fail to make adequate payments may be subject to late payment fees, fines and/or other penalties. We have historically failed to promptly make social insurance and housing fund contributions in full with respect to our employees. If the relevant PRC authorities determine that we shall make supplemental social insurance and housing fund contributions, and that we are subject to fines and legal sanctions, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected.
Proceedings instituted by the SEC against five China-based 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 five China-based 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 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 China-based accounting firms, including our independent registered public accounting firm, alleging that these firms had violated U.S. securities laws and the SECs 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, including our independent registered public accounting firm, 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, or the CSRC. If the firms do not follow
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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.
If 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 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.
In December 2018, the SEC and the PCAOB issued a joint statement on regulatory access to audit and other information internationally that cites the ongoing challenges faced by them in overseeing the financial reporting of companies listed in the United States with operations in China, the absence of satisfactory progress in discussions on these issues with Chinese authorities and the potential for remedial action if significant information barriers persist.
As part of a continued regulatory focus in the United States on access to audit and other information currently protected by national law, in particular Chinas, in June 2019, a bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced bills in both houses of the U.S. Congress that would require the SEC to maintain a list of issuers for which the PCAOB is not able to inspect or investigate an auditor report issued by a foreign public accounting firm. The Ensuring Quality Information and Transparency for Abroad-Based Listings on our Exchanges (EQUITABLE) Act prescribes increased disclosure requirements for these issuers and, beginning in 2025, the delisting from U.S. national securities exchanges such as Nasdaq of issuers included on the SECs list for three consecutive years. Enactment of this legislation or other efforts to increase U.S. regulatory access to audit information could cause investor uncertainty for affected issuers, including us, and the market price of our ADSs could 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 Nasdaq or deregistration from the SEC, or both, which would substantially reduce or effectively terminate the trading of the ADSs in the United States.
The audit report included in this prospectus is prepared by auditors who are 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 our prospectus filed with the SEC, as auditors of companies that are traded publicly in the United States and a firm registered with 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. Because our auditors are located in the PRC, 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. On May 24, 2013, PCAOB announced that it had entered into a Memorandum of Understanding on Enforcement Cooperation with the CSRC and the Ministry of Finance, which establishes a cooperative framework between the parties for the production and exchange of audit documents relevant to investigations in the United States and China. PCAOB continues to be in discussions with the CSRC and the Ministry of Finance to permit joint inspections in the PRC of audit firms that are registered with the PCAOB and audit Chinese companies that trade on U.S. exchanges.
Inspections of other firms that the PCAOB has conducted outside China have identified deficiencies in those firms audit procedures and quality control procedures, which may be addressed as part of the inspection process
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to improve future audit quality. This lack of PCAOB inspections in China prevents the PCAOB from regularly evaluating our auditors 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.
Risks Relating to the ADSs and This Offering
An active trading market for our shares or the ADSs may not develop and the trading price for the ADSs may fluctuate significantly.
We have applied to list our ADSs on the NASDAQ Global Market. We have no current intention to seek a listing for our Class A ordinary shares on any other stock exchange. Prior to the completion of this offering, there has been no public market for our ADSs or our Class A ordinary shares, and we cannot assure you that a liquid public market for our ADSs will develop. If an active public market for our ADSs does not develop following the completion of this offering, the market price and liquidity of our ADSs may be materially and adversely affected. The initial public offering price for our ADSs has been determined by negotiation between us and the underwriter based upon several factors, and we can provide no assurance that the trading price of our 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 our ADSs may be volatile regardless of our operating performance.
The trading price of our ADSs could fluctuate widely due to factors 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. Furthermore, the stock market in general has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of companies like us. These broad market and industry factors may materially reduce the market price of our ADSs, regardless of our operating performance. In addition to market and industry factors, the price and trading volume for our ADSs may be highly volatile for factors specific to our own operations, including the following:
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variations in our revenues, earnings and cash flow; |
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announcements of new investments, acquisitions, business partnerships or joint ventures by us or our competitors; |
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announcements of new test and service offerings, solutions and expansions by us or our competitors; |
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failure on our part to realize monetization opportunities as expected; |
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changes in financial estimates by securities analysts; |
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detrimental adverse publicity about us, our technology, our tests or our industry; |
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additions or departures of key personnel; |
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release of lock-up or other transfer restrictions on our outstanding equity securities or sales of additional equity securities; |
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regulatory developments affecting us or our industry; and |
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potential litigation or regulatory investigations. |
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Any of these factors may result in large and sudden changes in the volume and price at which our ADSs will trade, and you may not be able to sell your shares at prices you deem acceptable. 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 managements 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.
Our dual-class share structure with different voting rights will limit your ability to influence our corporate matters and could discourage others from pursuing any change of control transactions that holders of our Class A ordinary shares and ADSs may view as beneficial.
Immediately after the completion of this offering, our ordinary shares will consist of Class A ordinary shares and 2,863,100 Class B ordinary shares, assuming the underwriter does not exercise its option to purchase additional ADSs and excluding shares issuable upon exercise of unexercised options or the warrants we have agreed to grant to the underwriter or upon conversion by Zhijun of its convertible loans to us. In respect of matters requiring the votes of shareholders, holders of Class A ordinary shares will be entitled to one (1) vote per share, while holders of Class B ordinary shares will be entitled to ten (10) votes per share. Each Class B ordinary share is convertible into one Class A ordinary share at any time by its holder, while Class A ordinary shares are not convertible into Class B ordinary shares under any circumstances. Upon any transfer of Class B ordinary shares by a holder to any person or entity who is not an affiliate of the holder, such Class B ordinary shares will be automatically and immediately converted into the same number of Class A ordinary shares. We will sell Class A ordinary shares represented by our ADSs in this offering.
All of the outstanding ordinary shares held by Dr. Chris Chang Yu through CRS Holdings Inc. and a portion of our ordinary shares held by Zhangjiang GU KE Company Limited and Zhijun Sihang Holdings Limited, respectively, have been re-designated as Class B ordinary shares. Dr. Chris Chang Yu, Zhangjiang GU KE Company Limited and Zhijun Sihang Holding Limited beneficially own 63.6%, 12.3% and 8.7%, respectively, of the aggregate voting power of our company as of the date of this prospectus, and will beneficially own approximately %, % and %, respectively, of the aggregate voting power of our company immediately after the completion of this offering, due to the disparate voting powers associated with our dual-class share structure, assuming the underwriter does not exercise its option to purchase additional ADSs and excluding shares issuable upon exercise of unexercised options or the warrants we have agreed to grant to the underwriter or upon conversion by Zhijun of its convertible loans to us. As a result of the dual-class share structure and the concentration of ownership, these Class B ordinary share holders will have considerable influence over matters such as decisions regarding change of directors, mergers, change of control transactions and other significant corporate actions. They may take actions that are not in the best interest of us or our other shareholders. This concentration of ownership 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 our 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.
After this offering, share ownership will remain concentrated in the hands of our principal shareholders and management, who will continue to be able to exercise a direct or indirect controlling influence on us.
We anticipate that our directors, officers and current five percent or greater shareholders and affiliated entities will together beneficially own approximately % of our ordinary shares issued and outstanding after this offering, assuming the underwriter does not exercise its option to purchase additional ADSs and excluding shares
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issuable upon exercise of unexercised options or the warrants we have agreed to grant to the underwriter or upon conversion by Zhijun of its convertible loans to us. As a result, these shareholders, acting together, will have significant influence over all matters that require approval by our shareholders, including the election of directors and approval of significant corporate transactions. Corporate action might be taken even if other shareholders, including those who purchase ADSs in this offering, oppose them. This concentration of ownership might also have the effect of delaying or preventing a change of control of our company that other shareholders may view as beneficial.
If securities or industry analysts do not publish research about our business, or if they adversely change their recommendations regarding our ADSs, the market price for our ADSs and trading volume could decline.
The trading market for our 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 our ADSs, the market price for our 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 our ADSs to decline.
Substantial future sales or perceived potential sales of ADSs or ordinary shares, including upon the exercise of vested options, in the public market could cause the price of ADSs to decline.
Sales of substantial amounts of our ADSs or ordinary shares, including upon the exercise of vested options, in our company 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 our 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 ordinary shares (including Class A ordinary shares represented by ADSs) outstanding immediately after this offering, assuming the underwriter does not exercise its over-allotment option or the warrants we have agreed to grant to the underwriter and excluding shares issuable upon the exercise of unexercised options or upon conversion by Zhijun of its convertible loans to us. In connection with this offering, we, our directors, executive officers, and our shareholders holding 1% or more of our ordinary shares outstanding prior to the effective date of this offering have agreed not to sell any ordinary shares or ADSs for 180 days after the date of this prospectus without the prior written consent of the underwriter, subject to certain exceptions. In addition, we have agreed to instruct the depositary not to accept any shares for deposit for the issuance of ADSs for 180 days after the date of this prospectus (other than in connection with this offering), without prior written consent from the underwriter. However, at the request of the parties subject to the lock-up restriction, the underwriter may exercise its discretion to release the lock-up restriction prior to the expiration of the lock-up period, subject to applicable regulations of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. Also, there may be perception that the parties subject to the lock-up restriction will sell the shares after the lock-up period. Sales of substantial amounts of ADSs in the public market, or the perception that these sales could occur, could adversely affect the market price of our 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 ADSs.
Our memorandum and articles of association (the M&A) contain provisions which may have the effect of limiting 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 dual-class voting structure gives disproportionate voting power to the holders of our Class A and Class B ordinary shares. 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
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designations, powers, preferences, privileges, and relative participating, optional or special rights and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions, including dividend 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 our ADSs may fall and the voting and other rights of the holders of our ordinary shares and ADSs may be materially and adversely affected.
As we do not expect to pay dividends in the foreseeable future after this offering, you must rely on price appreciation of our ADSs for 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 our ADSs as a source for any future dividend income. Accordingly, the return on your investment in our ADSs will likely depend entirely upon any future price appreciation of our ADSs. There is no guarantee that our 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 our ADSs and you may even lose your entire investment in our ADSs.
You may not receive dividends or other distributions on our Class A ordinary shares and you may not receive any value for them, if it is illegal or impractical to make them available to you.
The depositary of the ADSs has agreed that if it or the custodian receives any cash dividends or other distributions on Class A ordinary shares or other deposited securities underlying the ADSs, it will pay them to you after deducting its fees and expenses pursuant to the deposit agreement. You will receive these distributions in proportion to the number of Class A ordinary shares your ADSs represent. However, the depositary or the custodian is not responsible if it decides that it is unlawful or impractical to make a distribution available to any holders of ADSs. For example, it would be unlawful to make a distribution to a holder of ADSs if it consists of securities that require registration under the Securities Act of 1933 but that are not properly registered or distributed under an applicable exemption from registration. The depositary may also determine that it is not feasible to distribute certain property through the mail. Additionally, the value of certain distributions may be less than the cost of mailing them. In these cases, the depositary may determine not to distribute such property. We have no obligation to register under U.S. securities laws any ADSs, Class A ordinary shares, rights or other securities received through such distributions. We also have no obligation to take any other action to permit the distribution of ADSs, Class A ordinary shares, rights or anything else to holders of ADSs. This means that you may not receive distributions we make on our Class A ordinary shares or any value for them if it is illegal or impractical for us to make them available to you. These restrictions may cause a material decline in the value of the ADSs.
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 underlying Class A ordinary shares which are represented by your ADSs.
Holders of ADSs do not have the same rights as our registered shareholders. As a holder of our 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 are carried by the underlying Class A ordinary shares represented by your 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 by giving voting instructions to the depositary. If we instruct the depositary to ask for your instructions, then upon receipt of your voting instructions, the depositary will try, as far as is practicable, to vote the underlying Class A ordinary shares represented by your ADSs in accordance with your 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
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do so. You will not be able to directly exercise any right to vote with respect to the underlying Class A ordinary shares represented by your ADSs unless you withdraw the shares, and become the registered holder of such shares prior to the record date for the general meeting. Under our memorandum and articles of association, the minimum notice period required to be given by our company to our registered shareholders to convene a general meeting will be seven days. When a general meeting is convened, you may not receive sufficient advance notice of the meeting to withdraw the shares underlying your ADSs and become the registered holder of such shares 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 amended and restated articles of association, 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 Class A ordinary shares underlying your 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. If we instruct the depositary to ask for your instructions, the depositary will notify you of the upcoming vote and will arrange to deliver our voting materials to you. We cannot assure you that you will receive the voting materials in time to ensure that you can instruct the depositary how to vote the underlying Class A ordinary shares represented by your ADSs. 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 your ADSs are voted and you may have no legal remedy if the shares underlying your ADSs are not voted as you requested.
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.
You may be subject to limitations on transfer of your ADSs.
Your ADSs are transferable on the books of the depositary. However, the depositary may close its books at any time or from time to time when it deems expedient in connection with the performance of its duties. The depositary may close its books from time to time for a number of reasons, including in connection with corporate events such as a rights offering, during which time the depositary needs to maintain an exact number of ADS holders on its books for a specified period. The depositary may also close its books in emergencies, and on weekends and public holidays. The depositary may refuse to deliver, transfer or register transfers of our ADSs generally when our share register or the books of the depositary are closed, or at any time if we or the depositary thinks that it is advisable to do so because of any requirement of law or of any government or governmental body, or under any provision of the deposit agreement, or for any other reason in accordance with the terms of the deposit agreement. As a result, you may be unable to transfer your ADSs when you wish to.
Your rights to pursue claims against the depositary as a holder of ADSs are limited by the terms of the deposit agreement.
The deposit agreement governing the ADSs representing our Class A ordinary shares provides that, subject to the depositarys right to require a claim to be submitted to the U.S. federal or state courts in the City of New York have non-exclusive jurisdiction to hear and determine claims arising under the deposit agreement and in
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that regard, to the fullest extent permitted by law, ADS holders waive the right to a jury trial of 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 opposed a jury trial demand based on the waiver, the court would determine whether the waiver was enforceable based on the facts and circumstances of that case in accordance with the applicable U.S. state and federal law. To our knowledge, the enforceability of a contractual pre-dispute jury trial waiver in connection with claims arising under the U.S. 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. In determining whether to enforce a contractual pre-dispute jury trial waiver provision, courts will generally consider whether a party knowingly, intelligently and voluntarily waived the right to a jury trial. We believe that this is 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.
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 U.S. 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 and/or the depositary. If a lawsuit is brought against us and/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 had, including results that could be less favorable to the plaintiff(s) in any such action.
Nevertheless, if this jury trial waiver provision is not enforced, to the extent a court action proceeds, it would proceed under the terms of the deposit agreement with a jury trial. No condition, stipulation or provision of the deposit agreement or 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.
We are subject to liability risks stemming from our foreign status, which could make it more difficult for investors to sue or enforce judgments against our company.
We are a company incorporated under the laws of the British Virgin Islands. We conduct substantially all of our operations in China and substantially all of our assets are located in China. In addition, certain of our directors and executive officers reside within China for a significant portion of a year or are PRC nationals and a substantial portion of their assets are within China. As a result, it could 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 United States federal securities laws or otherwise. Even if you are successful in bringing an action of this kind, the laws of the British Virgin 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 British Virgin Islands and China, see Enforceability of Civil Liabilities.
In addition, BVI companies may not have standing to initiate a shareholder derivative action in a federal court of the United States. The circumstances in which any such action may be brought, and the procedures and defenses that may be available in respect to any such action, may result in the rights of shareholders of a BVI company being more limited than those of shareholders of a company organized in the United States. Accordingly, shareholders may have fewer alternatives available to them if they believe that corporate wrongdoing has occurred. For more information, see Description of Share CapitalDifferences in Corporate LawShareholders Suits. The BVI courts are also unlikely to recognize or enforce against us judgments of courts in the United States based on certain liability provisions of U.S. securities law, and to impose liabilities against us, in original actions brought in the BVI, based on certain liability provisions of U.S. securities laws that
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are penal in nature. There is no statutory enforcement in the BVI of judgments obtained in the United States, although the courts of the BVI will in certain circumstances recognize such a foreign judgment and treat it as a cause of action in itself which may be sued upon as a debt at common law so that no retrial of the issues would be necessary. For more information, see Enforceability of Civil Liabilities. This means that even if shareholders were to sue us successfully, they may not be able to recover anything to make up for the losses suffered.
Lastly, under the provisions of the BVI Act, the memorandum and articles of association of a company are binding as between the company and its members and between the members. In general, members are bound by the decision of the majority or special majorities as set out in the articles of association or in the Act. As for voting, the usual rule is that with respect to normal commercial matters members may act from self-interest when exercising the right to vote attached to their shares.
If the majority members have infringed a minority members rights, the minority may seek to enforce its rights either by derivative action or by personal action. The BVI Act provides that any member of a company is entitled to payment of the fair value of his shares upon dissenting from certain matters. For more information, see Description of Share CapitalDifferences in Corporate LawShareholders Suits.
Generally any other claims against a company by its members must be based on the general laws of contract or tort applicable in the BVI or their individual rights as members as established by the companys memorandum and articles of association, which are more limited than the rights afforded investors under the laws of many states in the United States.
You may have difficulty enforcing judgment against us or our directors and officers.
We are a BVI holding company and most of our assets are located outside of the United States. In addition, certain of our directors and executive officers are residents of the PRC, and substantially all of their assets and our assets are located in the PRC. As a result, you may not be able to effect service of process upon us or these directors and executive officers, or to enforce against them judgments obtained in courts 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 BVI and of China may render you unable to enforce a judgment against our assets or the assets of our directors and officers.
You must rely on the judgment of our management as to the use of the proceeds from this offering, and such use may not produce income or increase our ADS price.
We have not determined a specific use for a portion of the net proceeds of this offering, and our management will have considerable discretion in the application of the proceeds received by us. You will not have the opportunity, as part of your investment decision, to assess whether proceeds are being used appropriately. The proceeds may be used for corporate purposes that do not improve our efforts to achieve or maintain profitability or increase our ADS price. The proceeds from this offering may be placed in investments that do not produce income or that lose value.
We will incur increased costs as a result of being a public company, particularly after we cease to qualify as an emerging growth company.
We are now a public company and expect to incur significant legal, accounting and other expenses that we did not incur as a private company. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as well as rules subsequently implemented by the SEC and the Nasdaq, impose various requirements on the corporate governance practices of public companies. As a company with less than US$1.07 billion in revenues for our last fiscal year, we qualify as an emerging growth company pursuant to the JOBS Act. An emerging growth company may take advantage of specified reduced reporting and other requirements that are otherwise applicable generally to public companies.
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These provisions include exemption from the auditor attestation requirement under Section 404 in the assessment of the emerging growth companys ICFR. The JOBS Act also permits an emerging growth company to delay adopting new or revised accounting standards until such time as those standards apply to private companies. We have elected to take advantage of such extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards as required when they are adopted for public companies.
We may take advantage of the aforesaid exemptions for so long as we remain an emerging growth company until the fifth anniversary from the date of our initial listing. After we are no longer an emerging growth company, we expect to incur significant expenses and devote substantial management effort toward ensuring compliance with the requirements of Section 404 and the other rules and regulations of the SEC. For example, as a result of becoming a public company, we will need to increase the number of independent directors and adopt policies regarding internal controls and disclosure controls and procedures. We also expect that operating as a public company will make it more difficult and more expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance, and we may be required to accept reduced policy limits and coverage or incur substantially higher costs to obtain the same or similar coverage. In addition, we will incur additional costs associated with our public company reporting requirements. It may also be more difficult for us to find qualified persons to serve on our board of directors or as executive officers. We are currently evaluating and monitoring developments with respect to these rules and regulations, and we cannot predict or estimate with any degree of certainty the amount of additional costs we may incur or the timing of such costs.
As we are a foreign private issuer and are exempt from certain Nasdaq corporate governance standards applicable to U.S. issuers, you will have less protection than you would have if we were a domestic issuer.
The Nasdaq listing rules require listed companies to have, among other things, a majority of their board members be independent. As a foreign private issuer, however, we are permitted to, and we will, follow home country practice in lieu of the above requirements. The corporate governance practice in our home country, the BVI, does not require a majority of our board to consist of independent directors. Since a majority of our board of directors will not consist of independent directors, fewer board members may be exercising independent judgment and the level of board oversight on the management of our company may decrease as a result. In addition, the Nasdaq listing rules also require U.S. domestic issuers to have a compensation committee, a nominating/corporate governance committee composed entirely of independent directors, and an audit committee with a minimum of three members each of whom must be an independent director (unless any exception under the Nasdaq listing rules applies). We, as a foreign private issuer, are not subject to these requirements, except for the aforesaid independence requirement for audit committee members (unless any exception under the Nasdaq listing rules applies). The Nasdaq listing rules may require shareholder approval for certain corporate matters, such as requiring that shareholders be given the opportunity to vote on all equity compensation plans and material revisions to those plans, certain ordinary share issuances. We intend to comply with the requirements of the Nasdaq listing rules in determining whether shareholder approval is required on such matters and to appoint a compensation committee and a nominating and corporate governance committee. However, we intend to follow home country practice to not have all members of our compensation committee and nomination and corporate governance committee composed entirely of independent directors. In addition, we may consider following home country practice in lieu of the requirements under the Nasdaq listing rules with respect to certain other corporate governance standards which may afford less protection to investors.
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 United States domestic public companies.
Because we are 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: (i) the rules under the Exchange Act requiring the filing of quarterly reports on Form 10-Q or current reports on Form 8-K with the SEC; (ii) the sections of the Exchange Act regulating the solicitation of proxies, consents, or authorizations in respect of a security registered under the Exchange Act; (iii) the sections of the Exchange Act
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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 (iv) the selective disclosure rules by issuers of material nonpublic information under Regulation FD.
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 through press releases, distributed pursuant to the rules and regulations of Nasdaq Stock Market LLC. 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, which would be made available to you, were you investing in a U.S. domestic issuer.
There can be no assurance that we will not be a passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, for U.S. federal income tax purposes for any taxable year, which could subject U.S. Holders of our Class A ordinary shares or ADSs to adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences.
A non-U.S. corporation will be a PFIC, if, in any particular year, either (i) 75% or more of its gross income for such year consists of certain types of passive income or (ii) the average percentage of the value of its assets that produce or are held for the production of passive income, based on the average of four quarterly testing dates, is at least 50% (the asset test). Because the PFIC tests must be applied each year, and the composition of our income and assets and the value of our assets may change, it is possible that we may be a PFIC in the current or a future year. In particular, because the value of our assets for purposes of the asset test may be determined by reference to the market price of our ADSs, fluctuations in the market price of our ADSs may cause us to become a PFIC.
The asset test is generally applied using the fair market values of a non-U.S. corporations assets. The asset test is applied using adjusted tax bases of the assets, however, if the non-U.S. corporation is a controlled foreign corporation (CFC) and is not publically traded for the year. We are likely to be a CFC following the transition to a dual class structure and will become publically traded as a result of the offering. It is not entirely clear under current law how the asset test should be applied when a non-U.S. corporation is either a CFC or is not publically traded for only part of the year. We believe, however, that it is reasonable for shareholders to apply the asset test using fair market values of our assets for each quarter that we either are not a CFC or are publically traded, although the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) could take a different position.
If we are a PFIC in any taxable year, a U.S. Holder (as defined in TaxationUnited States Federal Income Tax Considerations) may incur significantly increased U.S. federal income tax on gain recognized on the sale or other disposition of our Class A ordinary shares or ADSs and on the receipt of distributions on our Class A ordinary shares or ADSs to the extent such gain or distribution is treated as an excess distribution under the U.S. federal income tax rules, and such U.S. Holder may be subject to burdensome reporting requirements. Further, if we are a PFIC for any year during which a U.S. Holder holds our Class A ordinary shares or ADSs, we will generally continue to be treated as a PFIC for all subsequent years during which such U.S. Holder holds our Class A ordinary shares or ADSs, unless we cease to be a PFIC and the U.S. Holder makes a special purging election on IRS Form 8621.
See TaxationUnited States Federal Income Tax ConsiderationsPassive Foreign Investment Company Status for more details regarding the foregoing.
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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 current or 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 some of these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as may, will, would, could, should, expect, anticipate, aim, estimate, intend, plan, believe, is/are likely to, seek, goal, objective, anticipate, assume, contemplate, predict, potential, continue, positioned or other similar expressions. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events 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 relating to:
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the implementation of our business model and growth strategies; |
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trends and competition in the cancer screening and detection market; |
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our expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of our cancer screening and detection tests and our ability to expand our customer base; |
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our ability to obtain and maintain intellectual property protections for our CDA technology and our continued research and development to keep pace with technology developments; |
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our ability to obtain and maintain regulatory approvals from the NMPA, the FDA and the relevant U.S. states and have our laboratories certified or accredited by authorities including the CLIA; |
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our future business development, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to obtain financing cost-effectively; |
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potential changes of government regulations; |
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general economic and business conditions in China and elsewhere; |
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our ability to hire and maintain key personnel; and |
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our relationship with our major business partners and customers. |
You should read 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 that could adversely affect 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 contains statistical data and information estimates that we obtained from various government and private publications, including industry data and information from Frost & Sullivan. Although we have not independently verified the data, we believe that the publications and reports are reliable. The market data contained in this prospectus involves a number of assumptions, estimates and limitations. The cancer screening and detection market may not grow at the rates projected by market data, or at all. The failure of this
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market to grow at the projected rate may have a material adverse effect on our business and the market price of our ADSs. If any one or more of the assumptions underlying the market data turns out to be incorrect, actual results may differ from the projections based on these assumptions. In addition, projections, assumptions and estimates of our future performance and the future performance of the industry in which we operate are necessarily subject to a high degree of uncertainty and risk due to a variety of factors, including those described in Risk Factors and elsewhere in this prospectus. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.
The forward-looking statements made in this prospectus relate only to events or information as of the date on which the statements are made in this prospectus. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. You should read this prospectus and the documents that we refer to in this prospectus and have filed as exhibits to the registration statement, of which this prospectus is a part, completely and with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what we expect.
56
We estimate that we will receive net proceeds from this offering of approximately US$ , or approximately US$ if the underwriter exercises its over-allotment option in full, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and the estimated offering expenses payable by us. These estimates are based upon an assumed initial public offering price of US$ per ADS, the midpoint of the price range shown on the front cover page of this prospectus. A US$1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of US$ per ADS would increase (decrease) the net proceeds to us from this offering by US$ , assuming the number of ADSs offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same and after deducting the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated expenses payable by us.
The primary purposes of this offering are to create a public market for our shares for the benefit of all shareholders, retain talented employees and obtain additional capital. We plan to use the net proceeds of this offering primarily for:
|
approximately US$ for research studies in China and the U.S. and the development of new cancer screening and detection tests and technologies; |
|
approximately US$ for the expansion of our marketing and sales channels in China and our clinical laboratory expansion in the U.S.; and |
|
the balance for general corporate purposes. |
The foregoing represents our current intentions based upon our present plans and business conditions to use and allocate the net proceeds of this offering. Our management, however, will have significant flexibility and discretion to apply the net proceeds of this offering. If an unforeseen event occurs or business conditions change, we may use the proceeds of this offering differently than as described in this prospectus. See Risk FactorsRisks Relating to the ADSs and This OfferingYou must rely on the judgment of our management as to the use of the proceeds from this offering, and such use may not produce income or increase our ADS price.
In using the proceeds of this offering, under PRC laws and regulations as an offshore holding company we are only permitted to provide funding to our subsidiaries in China through loans or capital contributions, subject to the approval of government authorities and limits on the amount of loans. We cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain these government registrations or approvals on a timely basis, if at all. See Risk FactorsRisks Relating to Doing Business in ChinaPRC regulations of loans and direct investment by offshore holding companies to PRC entities may delay or prevent us from using the proceeds of the offering to make loans or additional capital contributions to our PRC subsidiaries, which could materially and adversely affect our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our business. We expect that a portion of the net proceeds from this offering will be used in the PRC in the form of RMB and mainly by funding our wholly foreign-owned subsidiaries through capital contributions.
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Our board of directors has discretion on whether to distribute dividends, subject to certain restrictions under British Virgin Islands law, namely that our company may only pay dividends if our directors are satisfied on reasonable grounds that we are solvent immediately after the dividend payment in the sense that we will be able to pay our debts as they become due in the ordinary course of business, and the value of assets of our company will exceed our total liabilities. 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.
We have never declared or paid dividends and do not have any plan to pay any cash dividends on our ordinary shares in the foreseeable future and after this offering. We intend to retain most, if not all, of our available funds and any future earnings to operate and expand our business.
We are a holding company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands. We may rely on dividends from our subsidiaries in China 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 FactorsRisks Relating to Doing Business in ChinaWe rely on dividends paid by our subsidiaries for our cash needs, and any limitation on the ability of our subsidiaries to make payments to us could have a material adverse effect on our ability to conduct our business.
If we pay any dividends on our Class A ordinary shares, we will pay those dividends which are payable in respect of the Class A ordinary shares underlying our ADSs to the depositary, as the registered holder of such Class A ordinary shares, and the depositary then will pay such amounts to our 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. Cash dividends on our Class A ordinary shares, if any, will be paid in U.S. dollars.
58
The following table sets forth our capitalization as of September 30, 2019:
|
on an actual basis; |
|
on a pro forma basis to reflect (i) the re-designation of 100,000 authorized ordinary shares to 71,369 Class A ordinary shares and 28,631 Class B ordinary shares pursuant to the resolutions of our board of directors and shareholders on October 29, 2019, and (ii) the subdivision of each then issued share of par value of US$1.00 into 100 shares of par value of US$0.01 each pursuant to the resolutions of our board of directors and shareholders on October 31, 2019; and |
|
on a pro forma as adjusted basis to reflect (i) the re-designation of 100,000 authorized ordinary shares to 71,369 Class A ordinary shares and 28,631 Class B ordinary shares pursuant to the resolutions of our board of directors and shareholders on October 29, 2019, and (ii) the subdivision of each then issued share of par value of US$1.00 into 100 shares of par value of US$0.01 each pursuant to the resolutions of our board of directors and shareholders on October 31, 2019; and (iii) the sale of Class A ordinary shares in the form of ADSs by us in this offering at an assumed initial public offering price of US$ per ADS, the mid-point of the estimated range of the initial public offering price shown on the front cover of this prospectus, after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us, assuming the underwriter does not exercise the over-allotment option. |
You should read this table together with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus and the information under Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
As of September 30, 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Actual | Pro forma |
Pro forma as
adjusted(1) |
||||||||||||||||||||||
RMB | US$ | RMB | US$ | RMB | US$ | |||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shareholders deficit: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ordinary shares |
495 | 69 | | | ||||||||||||||||||||
Class A ordinary shares |
| | 319 | 44 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Class B ordinary shares |
| | 176 | 25 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Additional paid-in capital |
191,780 | 26,831 | 191,780 | 26,831 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Accumulated deficits |
(233,116 | ) | (32,614 | ) | (233,116 | ) | (32,614 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
767 | 107 | 767 | 107 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Noncontrolling interest |
116 | 16 | 116 | 16 | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Total shareholders deficit |
(39,958 | ) | (5,591 | ) | (39,958 | ) | (5,591 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
The pro forma as adjusted information discussed above is illustrative only. Our total shareholders deficits 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) |
A US$1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of US$ per share, which is the midpoint of the estimated range of the initial public offering price shown on the front cover of this prospectus, would increase (decrease) each of additional paid-in capital, total shareholders deficit, and total capitalization by US$ million. |
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If you invest in our 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 book value per ordinary share attributable to the existing shareholders for our presently outstanding ordinary shares.
Our net tangible book value as of September 30, 2019 was approximately US$ , or US$ per ordinary share and US$ per ADS. Net tangible book value represents the amount of our total consolidated tangible assets, less the amount of our total consolidated liabilities.
Dilution is determined by subtracting net tangible book value per ordinary share, after giving effect to the additional proceeds we will receive from this offering, from the assumed initial public offering price of US$ per ADS, which is the midpoint of the estimated initial public offering price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus adjusted to reflect the ADS-to-ordinary share ratio, and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. Because the Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares have the same dividend and other rights, except for voting and conversion rights, the dilution is presented based on all issued and outstanding ordinary shares, including Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares.
Without taking into account any other changes in net tangible book value after September 30, 2019, other than to give effect to (i) the subdivision of each then issued share of par value of US$1.00 into 100 shares of par value of US$0.01 each pursuant to the resolutions of our board of directors and shareholders on October 31, 2019 and (ii) our sale of the ADSs offered in this offering at the assumed initial public offering price of US$ per ADS, the midpoint of the estimated range of the initial public offering price, 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 September 30, 2019 would have been US$ , or US$ per ordinary share and US$ per ADS. This represents an immediate increase in net tangible book value of US$ per ordinary share and US$ per ADS to the existing shareholders and an immediate dilution in net tangible book value of US$ per ordinary share and US$ per ADS to investors purchasing ADSs in this offering. The following table illustrates such dilution:
Per ordinary share | Per ADS | |||||||
Assumed initial public offering price |
US$ | US$ | ||||||
Net tangible book value as of September 30, 2019 |
US$ | US$ | ||||||
Pro forma net tangible book value after giving effect to the subdivision of each then issued share of par value of US$1.00 into 100 shares of par value of US$0.01 each pursuant to the resolutions of our board of directors and shareholders on October 31, 2019 |
||||||||
Pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value after giving effect to the assumptions considered in pro forma net tangible book value, and this offering |
US$ | US$ | ||||||
Amount of dilution in net tangible book value to new investors in this offering |
US$ | US$ |
A US$1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of US$ per ADS would increase (decrease) our pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value after giving effect to this offering by US$ , the pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per ordinary share and per ADS after giving effect to this offering by US$ per ordinary share and US$ per ADS and the dilution in pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per ordinary share and per ADS to new investors in this offering by US$ per ordinary share and US$ per ADS, assuming no change to the number of ADSs offered by us as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and other offering expenses payable by us.
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The following table summarizes, on a pro forma as-adjusted basis as of September 30, 2019, the differences between existing shareholders and the new investors with respect to the number of ordinary shares (in the form of ADSs or ordinary shares) purchased from us, the total consideration paid and the average price per ordinary share and per ADS paid before deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. The total number of ordinary shares does not include ordinary shares underlying the ADSs issuable upon the exercise of the over-allotment option granted to the underwriter.
The pro forma as adjusted information discussed above is illustrative only. Our net tangible book value following the completion of this offering is subject to adjustment based on the actual initial public offering price of our ADSs and other terms of this offering determined at pricing.
The discussion and tables above assume no exercise of any outstanding share options outstanding as of the date of this prospectus. As of the date of this prospectus, there are 1,163,500 ordinary shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding share options, and there are 1,105,300 ordinary shares available for future issuance upon exercise of future grants under our 2019 share incentive plan. To the extent that any of these options are exercised, there will be further dilution to new investors.
61
ENFORCEABILITY OF CIVIL LIABILITIES
We were incorporated in the BVI in order to enjoy the following benefits:
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political and economic stability; |
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an effective judicial system; |
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a favorable tax system; |
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the absence of exchange control or currency restrictions; and |
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the availability of professional and support services. |
However, certain disadvantages accompany incorporation in the British Virgin Islands. These disadvantages include, but are not limited to, the following:
|
the BVI 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 |
|
BVI 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 current operations are conducted in the PRC, and substantially all of our assets are located in the PRC. Certain of our current directors and officers are nationals and residents of the PRC 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 bring an action against us or them in the United States, 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 AnPac US, located at Suite 127, 2260 Clove Drive, San Jose, CA 95128, as our agent to receive service of process with respect to any action brought against us in the courts of the State of Delaware under the federal securities laws of the United States or under the securities laws of the State of Delaware.
Maples and Calder (Hong Kong) LLP, our counsel as to BVI law, have advised us that the courts of the BVI will not necessarily enter judgments in original actions brought in those courts predicated on U.S. federal or state securities laws. Additionally, there is no statutory enforcement in the BVI of judgments obtained in the United States, however, the courts of the BVI will in certain circumstances recognize such a foreign judgment and treat it as a cause of action in itself which may be sued upon as a debt at common law so that no retrial of the issues would be necessary provided that:
(a) |
the U.S. court issuing the judgment had jurisdiction in the matter and the company either submitted to such jurisdiction or was resident or carrying on business within such jurisdiction and was duly served with process; |
(b) |
the judgment given by the U.S. court was not in respect of penalties, taxes, fines or similar fiscal or revenue obligations of the company; |
(c) |
in obtaining judgment there was no fraud on the part of the person in whose favor judgment was given or on the part of the U.S. court; |
(d) |
recognition or enforcement of the judgment in the BVI would not be contrary to public policy; and |
(e) |
the proceedings pursuant to which judgment was obtained were not contrary to natural justice. |
62
Zhong Lun Law Firm, our counsel as to PRC law, have 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. |
Zhong Lun Law Firm has advised us that the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments are provided for under the Chinese Civil Procedure Law. Chinese courts may recognize and enforce foreign judgments in accordance with the requirements of the Chinese Civil Procedure Law based either on treaties between China and the country where the judgment is made or on principles of reciprocity between jurisdictions. China does not have any treaties or other form of reciprocity with the BVI or the United States 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 a Chinese court would enforce a judgment rendered by a court in either of the BVI or the United States. Under the PRC Civil Procedures Law, foreign shareholders may originate actions based on PRC law against a company in China for disputes 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. It will be, however, difficult for U.S. shareholders to originate actions against us in the PRC in accordance with PRC laws because we are incorporated under the laws of the BVI and it will be difficult for U.S. shareholders, by virtue only of holding the ADSs or our ordinary shares, to establish a connection to the PRC for a PRC court to have jurisdiction as required under the PRC Civil Procedures Law.
63
CORPORATE HISTORY AND STRUCTURE
We began our operations by incorporating AnPac Bio in January 2010 as a BVI business company limited by shares under the BVI Act. AnPac Bio was established primarily as a holding company and has established our operating subsidiaries in China and the United States. Below is a list of our operating subsidiaries:
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Changhe Bio-Medical Technology (Yangzhou) Co., Ltd., or AnPac Yangzhou: our wholly foreign owned subsidiary established in the PRC in March 2010 to market and sell our cancer screening and detection tests and conduct biology related research and development activities. |
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Changwei System Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., or AnPac Changwei: our wholly foreign owned subsidiary established in the PRC in March 2011 as our global research and development center. |
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AnPac Bio-Medical Technology (Lishui) Co., Ltd. or AnPac Lishui: our wholly foreign owned subsidiary established in the PRC in October 2012 as our headquarters and to manufacture our CDA devices. |
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Shanghai Xinshenpai Technology Co., Ltd., or Shanghai Xinshenpai: our wholly owned subsidiary established in the PRC in October 2013 to market and sell our cancer screening and detection tests. |
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AnPac Shanghai: our wholly owned subsidiary established in the PRC in April 2014 to market and sell our cancer screening and detection tests. |
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AnPac US: our wholly owned subsidiary established in the United States in September 2015 to conduct research studies and clinical studies for our research on cancer screening and detection tests. |
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Lishui AnPac Medical Laboratory Co., Ltd., or Lishui Laboratory: our wholly owned subsidiary established in the PRC in July 2016 to conduct cancer screening and detection tests. |
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Shiji (Hainan) Medical Technology Limited, or Shiji Hainan: our wholly owned subsidiary established in the PRC, which we acquired from third parties in November 2017 to conduct cancer screening and detection tests. |
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Penghui Health Management (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., or Penghui Health Management: our wholly owned subsidiary established in the PRC in May 2018 to market and sell our cancer screening and detection tests. |
64
The chart below summarizes our corporate structure and identifies our principal subsidiaries as of the date of this prospectus:
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SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA
The following selected consolidated statements of comprehensive loss data and selected consolidated statements of cash flow data for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2018 and selected consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2017 and 2018 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. The following selected unaudited interim condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive loss data and selected unaudited interim condensed consolidated cash flow data for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2019 and the selected unaudited interim condensed consolidated balance sheet data as of September 30, 2019 are derived from our unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. Our consolidated financial statements are prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Our historical results do not necessarily indicate results expected for any future periods. You should read this Selected Consolidated Financial and Operating Data section together with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes and Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included elsewhere in this prospectus.
The following table presents our selected consolidated statements of comprehensive loss data for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2018 and the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2019:
For the year ended December 31, |
For the nine months
ended September 30, |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
2017 | 2018 | 2018 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | RMB | RMB | US$ | |||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands, except for number of shares and per share data) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Selected Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss Data: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cancer screening and detection tests |
5,203 | 9,557 | 1,337 | 6,106 | 7,677 | 1,074 | ||||||||||||||||||
Physical checkup packages |
483 | 693 | 97 | 525 | 436 | 61 | ||||||||||||||||||
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Total revenues |
5,686 | 10,250 | 1,434 | 6,631 | 8,113 | 1,135 | ||||||||||||||||||
Cost of revenues(1) |
(3,954 | ) | (5,672 | ) | (794 | ) | (3,634 | ) | (4,266 | ) | (597 | ) | ||||||||||||
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Gross profit |
1,732 | 4,578 | 640 | 2,997 | 3,847 | 538 | ||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Selling and marketing expenses(1) |
(6,490 | ) | (9,827 | ) | (1,375 | ) | (7,202 | ) | (10,730 | ) | (1,501 | ) | ||||||||||||
Research and development expenses(1) |
(11,405 | ) | (10,106 | ) | (1,414 | ) | (7,746 | ) | (7,138 | ) | (999 | ) | ||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses(1) |
(24,938 | ) | (28,847 | ) | (4,036 | ) | (18,773 | ) | (40,439 | ) | (5,658 | ) | ||||||||||||
Other operating income |
178 | 593 | 84 | 475 | 138 | 19 | ||||||||||||||||||
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Loss from operations |
(40,923 | ) | (43,609 | ) | (6,101 | ) | (30,249 | ) | (54,322 | ) | (7,601 | ) | ||||||||||||
Non-operating income and expenses: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense, net |
(338 | ) | (925 | ) | (129 | ) | (677 | ) | (1,897 | ) | (265 | ) | ||||||||||||
Foreign exchange gain (loss), net |
644 | (2,776 | ) | (388 | ) | (1,970 | ) | (1,937 | ) | (270 | ) | |||||||||||||
Share of net loss (gain) in equity method investments |
(3 | ) | (441 | ) | (62 | ) | (224 | ) | 442 | 62 | ||||||||||||||
Other income, net |
1,309 | 5,256 | 735 | 484 | (1,130 | ) | (158 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
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Net loss before income taxes |
(39,311 | ) | (42,495 | ) | (5,945 | ) | (32,636 | ) | (58,844 | ) | (8,232 | ) | ||||||||||||
Income tax (expense) benefit |
(9 | ) | 199 | 28 | 177 | (113 | ) | (16 | ) | |||||||||||||||
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Net loss |
(39,320 | ) | (42,296 | ) | (5,917 | ) | (32,459 | ) | (58,957 | ) | (8,248 | ) | ||||||||||||
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Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests |
(244 | ) | (233 | ) | (32 | ) | (233 | ) | (194 | ) | (27 | ) | ||||||||||||
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Net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders |
(39,076 | ) | (42,063 | ) | (5,885 | ) | (32,226 | ) | (58,763 | ) | (8,221 | ) | ||||||||||||
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For the year ended December 31, |
For the nine months
ended September 30, |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
2017 | 2018 | 2018 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | RMB | RMB | US$ | |||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands, except for number of shares and per share data) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Loss per share: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ordinary shares-basic and diluted |
(492 | ) | (493 | ) | (69 | ) | (378 | ) | (675 | ) | (94 | ) | ||||||||||||
Weighted average shares outstanding used in calculating basic and diluted loss per share: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ordinary shares-basic and diluted |
79,373 | 85,241 | 85,241 | 85,233 | 87,089 | 87,089 | ||||||||||||||||||
Pro forma loss per share(2): |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Class A and Class B ordinary shares-basic and diluted (unaudited) |
(4.92 | ) | (4.93 | ) | (0.69 | ) | (6.75 | ) | (0.94 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in pro forma loss per share computation(2): |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Class A and Class B ordinary shares-basic and diluted (unaudited) |
7,937,300 | 8,524,100 | 8,524,100 | 8,708,900 | 8,708,900 |
Note:
(1) |
Share-based compensation expenses were allocated as follows: |
For the year ended
December 31, |
For the nine months ended
September 30, |
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2017 | 2018 | 2018 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | RMB | RMB | US$ | |||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of revenues |
| 317 | 44 | 237 | 246 | 34 | ||||||||||||||||||
Selling and marketing expenses |
2,444 | 2,871 | 402 | 2,750 | 5,204 | 728 | ||||||||||||||||||
Research and development expenses |
4,044 | 1,958 | 274 | 1,440 | 1,848 | 259 | ||||||||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses |
4,270 | 2,790 | 390 | 2,008 | 11,067 | 1,548 |
(2) |
The unaudited pro forma loss per share is computed using the weighted-average number of ordinary shares outstanding as of December 31, 2017 and 2018 and September 30, 2019 and assumes the completion of share re-designation and share-subdivision on January 1, 2017. |
The following table presents our selected consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2017 and 2018 and September 30, 2019:
67
The following table presents our selected consolidated statements of cash flow data for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2018 and the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2019:
For the year ended
December 31, |
For the nine months ended
September 30, |
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2017 | 2018 | 2018 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | RMB | RMB | US$ | |||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Selected Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow Data: |
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Net cash used in operating activities |
(21,641 | ) | (31,147 | ) | (4,358 | ) | (23,031 | ) | (32,616 | ) | (4,561 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net cash used in investing activities |
(8,017 | ) | (2,680 | ) | (375 | ) | (7,890 | ) | (2,829 | ) | (396 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net cash generated from financing activities |
39,807 | 36,271 | 5,074 | 36,271 | 47,539 | 6,650 | ||||||||||||||||||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents |
(2,893 | ) | (969 | ) | (136 | ) | (828 | ) | (1,006 | ) | (142 | ) | ||||||||||||
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Net increase in cash and cash equivalents |
7,256 | 1,475 | 206 | 4,522 | 11,088 | 1,551 | ||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year |
4,156 | 11,412 | 1,597 | 11,412 | 12,887 | 1,803 | ||||||||||||||||||
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Cash and cash equivalents at end of year |
11,412 | 12,887 | 1,803 | 15,934 | 23,975 | 3,354 | ||||||||||||||||||
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Selected Operating Data
The following table sets forth our selected operating data for the periods indicated:
For the year ended
December 31, |
For the nine months ended
September 30, |
|||||||||||||||
2017 | 2018 | 2018 | 2019 | |||||||||||||
Number of commercial CDA-based tests(1) completed |
19,336 | 41,607 | 29,036 | 41,544 | ||||||||||||
Number of CDA-based tests(1) for research purposes completed |
6,004 | 4,873 | 3,791 | 4,947 |
Note:
(1) |
CDA-based tests, when used in this prospectus, refer to our CDA tests and our combination tests. |
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MANAGEMENTS 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 together with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties about our business and operations. Our actual results may differ materially from those we currently anticipate as a result of many factors, including those we describe under Risk Factors and elsewhere in this prospectus. See Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.
Overview
We are a biotechnology company focusing on early cancer screening and detection. We market and sell a multi-cancer screening and detection test that uses our innovative, patented CDA technology and our proprietary CDA device. In addition to early cancer screening and detection, our CDA technology has demonstrated potential to assist physicians in cancer diagnosis, prognosis and recurrence.
Our CDA technology provides a comprehensive platform, on which we have developed our CDA test and our proprietary CDA device. Our CDA test can detect and assess an individuals overall cancer risk with high accuracy. We also offer combination tests that combine our CDA test with auxiliary tests based on other cancer screening and detection technologies, such as biomarker-based tests, to detect the risk of specific cancer types.
Our CDA technology provides a highly accurate, early-stage risk assessment of the occurrence of cancer. As of September 30, 2019, our CDA technology had been shown in numerous retrospective validation studies to be able to detect the risk of 26 cancer types with high sensitivity and specificity rates. These 26 cancers accounted for over 80% of the cancer incidences in China from 2013 to 2018, according to Frost & Sullivan. Our CDA technology requires only a standard blood sample from a tested individual, which minimizes the inconvenience and invasive procedures and avoids the harmful side effects that are inherent to many other technologies.
We have established a test database that as of September 30, 2019, consisted of over 140,000 blood samples of various age, sex and disease groups. Our database included approximately 100,000 samples from our commercial CDA-based tests and approximately 40,000 samples from our research studies. According to Frost & Sullivan, we ranked first in China and second worldwide among companies offering next-generation early cancer screening and detection technologies in terms of the number of clinical samples for cancer screening and detection as of June 30, 2019. For purposes of these rankings, we had approximately 35,000 clinical samples as of June 30, 2019, which represented the historical aggregate number of participants enrolled in our research studies that were developed in clinical sites qualified by competent authorities, such as the NMPA. In addition, among companies offering next-generation early cancer screening and detection technologies in China, in 2018 we ranked first in terms of volume of commercial cancer screening and detection tests conducted and fifth in terms of revenue from commercial cancer screening and detection tests, according to Frost & Sullivan.
We have established two clinical laboratories in China and one clinical laboratory in the United States. Our principal laboratory is a licensed biomedical clinical laboratory located in Lishui, Zhejiang Province, China, where we perform our commercial CDA-based tests, including our CDA tests and combination tests, as well as a variety of other tests including immunological and biochemical tests. Our laboratory in Haikou, Hainan Province, China is a licensed genomics clinical laboratory where we perform gene sequencing tests. In addition to these two clinical laboratories, we also have a research and development center located in Shanghai, China, where we develop our next-generation cancer screening and detection technology and tests. In the United States, we have a clinical laboratory located in San Jose, California for which we obtained a CLIA Certificate of Registration in March 2019. Our San Jose laboratory is equipped to perform our CDA tests and biochemical tests. We have entered into research agreements with U.S. universities and academic medical centers, and we are in discussions with other U.S. hospitals, medical institutions, CROs, managed care companies and other health organizations, to
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conduct research studies on our CDA technology at this laboratory. We also plan to open a second U.S. clinical laboratory in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 2020.
As of September 30, 2019, we had filed 210 patent applications globally; among them, 121 patents had been granted, including 55 in greater China (including seven in Taiwan) and 16 in the United States, and 89 patent applications were pending in China, the United States and nearly 20 countries and regions. Our patent applications broadly cover apparatuses and methods for detecting diseases at early stages, and they strategically encompass important, specific embodiments of these apparatuses and methods. Our patent portfolio is one of the worlds largest in early cancer screening and detection using next-generation technologies, according to Frost & Sullivan.
In 2015, we performed our first commercial CDA-based test in China. Since then, we have generated revenue in China for four consecutive years. The number of commercial CDA-based tests (inclusive of CDA tests and combination tests) we sold increased significantly from 19,336 in 2017 to 41,607 in 2018 and from 29,036 in the nine months ended September 30, 2018 to 41,544 in the same period of 2019. Our revenue from sales of our cancer screening and detection tests (predominantly CDA-based tests, as well as genomics tests) increased by 83.7% from RMB5.2 million in 2017 to RMB9.6 million (US$1.3 million) in 2018 and increased by 25.7% from RMB6.1 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2018 to RMB7.7 million (US$1.1 million) in the same period of 2019. Our total revenues increased by 80.3% from RMB5.7 million in 2017 to RMB10.3 million (US$1.4 million) in 2018 and increased by 22.3% from RMB6.6 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2018 to RMB8.1 million (US$1.1 million) in the same period of 2019. In the United States, we plan to commence marketing our CDA test as an LDT sometime in 2020 at our CLIA-registered laboratory in San Jose.
Key Factors Affecting Our Results of Operations
Our business and operating results are influenced by certain general factors that affect Chinas early cancer screening and detection market, including the increasing prevalence of cancer in China, growth of total healthcare expenditures, and technological trends in cancer diagnosis, treatment and management. Unfavorable changes in these general factors could adversely affect the results of our operations. In addition to these general trends, we believe that our results of operations are more directly affected by certain company-specific factors, including:
Market Adoption of Our CDA-Based Tests
We derive substantially all of our revenues from the sale of our CDA-based tests in China. We expect our business prospects to depend significantly on our ability to increase market adoption of our CDA-based tests in China, as well as our ability to commercialize our CDA-based tests in the U.S.
According to Frost & Sullivan, the market potential in China for early cancer screening and detection technologies increased at a CAGR of 20.7% from US$27.7 billion in 2014 to US$58.8 billion in 2018, and is expected to reach US$115.1 billion in 2023, representing a CAGR of 14.4% over this period. Chinas large, aging population, favorable government policies, and relatively low labor costs represent substantial commercial opportunities for our business and enable us to cost-effectively conduct our cancer screening and detection tests at a large scale. However, compared to conventional, more widely accepted cancer screening and detection technologies, we face additional challenges in raising recognition and adoption of our CDA technology by physicians, patients, hospitals, medical institutions, healthcare payers and others in Chinas medical community.
We believe that our CDA technology addresses many limitations of current early cancer screening and detection methods, such as its ability to detect the risk of multiple cancers early, cost-effectively and with high accuracy. We have conducted numerous research studies in cooperation with hospitals and medical institutions in China to validate our CDA technology, and we have published the results of 15 completed research studies at the American Society of Clinical Oncology, or ASCO, annual meetings and other medical conferences and medical
70
journal supplements. To increase market adoption of our CDA-based tests, we intend to continue conducting research studies on our CDA technology on more cancer types and its applications in additional oncological areas, including assistance in diagnosis, prognosis and recurrence, and to present our study results at ASCO annual meetings and other medical conferences and publish them in important medical journals. We are also seeking to cooperate with universities and academic medical centers, hospitals and medical institutions, CROs, managed care companies and other health organizations in the U.S. to conduct research studies on our CDA technology, with a view to commercializing our CDA-based tests in the U.S. market. We plan to initially market our CDA test as an LDT in the U.S. We expect to invest significantly in research studies.
Regulatory Approvals for Our CDA Device by the NMPA
We are currently licensed to manufacture our CDA device and use it to perform our CDA-based tests at our own laboratories in China. To enlarge our total addressable market in China, in December 2018, we applied to the NMPA for a Class III medical device registration certificate for us to use our CDA device to assist in multi-cancer diagnosis. After we obtain this license, we will apply to update our medical device manufacture license to include the manufacture of Class III medical devices. With these licenses, we will be permitted to place our devices within Chinese hospitals laboratories to conduct commercial tests there or sell our devices to the hospitals for the purposes of assisting in physicians diagnosis of specified multiple cancers. We expect our revenues to grow substantially after our CDA devices are approved to access the Chinese hospital segment. However, it takes at least three years to obtain a Class III medical device registration certificate and the process is subject to regulatory and other uncertainties.
Our Customer Base and Customer Mix
Our business growth depends significantly on our ability to maintain relationships with our existing customers and attract new customers. Our existing customers in China consist primarily of life insurance companies and other corporations, which offer our CDA-based tests to their insured customers and/or employees. We also attract customers by offering our CDA-based tests as part of annual physical checkup packages and by engaging sales agents to market our tests. We plan to broaden our cancer screening and detection test offerings, including by expanding the range of genomics tests currently conducted at our Haikou laboratory, to attract more customers. If we are able to obtain the Class III medical device registration certificate and update our medical device manufacture license for our CDA device, we will seek to access the Chinese hospital market segment and provide our tests to more individual customers through Chinese hospitals. We expect our marketing expenses to continue to increase as we seek to increase market adoption of our technology and tests and build up our sales channels.
Since our business scale is currently relatively small and our customers are largely corporates, the availability and timing of large CDA-based test orders could cause our revenues to fluctuate significantly from period to period. This makes it difficult to compare our historical operating results or predict our future performance.
Cost Structure
Our results of operations are significantly affected by our cost structure. The largest component of our operating costs and expenses is staff costs, primarily related to our management as well as research and development, sales and marketing personnel. We have also incurred significant share-based compensation expenses to incentivize our directors, officers, employees and consultants, which were RMB10.8 million, RMB7.9 million (US$1.1 million) and RMB18.4 million (US$2.6 million) in 2017, 2018 and the nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively. In addition, we have made substantial investments in customer acquisition, research and development, and patent applications to support our future growth and expansion. As we begin to conduct research studies in the U.S., we expect our research and development expenses to significantly increase.
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Funding for Our Operations
We have funded our operations primarily through capital contributions from our shareholders, short-term non-bank borrowings and loans from related parties. With the continuing expansion of our business, we will require further funding, possibly through public or private equity financings, debt financings, or other business arrangements. The availability and costs of funding could significantly impact our results of operations and financial position. Furthermore, debt financings could require us to agree to restrictive financial covenants, which could make it more difficult for us to achieve our goals.
Key Operating Data
We regularly review a number of operating metrics, including those set forth below, to evaluate our business, measure our performance and identify trends affecting our business.
The following table sets forth our key operating data for the periods indicated:
For the year ended December 31, |
For the nine months ended
September 30, |
|||||||||||||||
2017 | 2018 | 2018 | 2019 | |||||||||||||
Number of commercial CDA-based tests(1) completed |
19,336 | 41,607 | 29,036 | 41,544 | ||||||||||||
Number of CDA-based tests(1) for research purposes completed |
6,004 | 4,873 | 3,791 | 4,947 |
Note:
(1) |
Including our CDA tests and combination tests. |
Key Components of Results of Operations
Revenues
We drive our revenues from two sources: (i) revenue from sales of cancer screening and detection tests (predominantly commercial CDA-based tests) and (ii) net revenue from sales of physical checkup packages.
The table below presents our revenues by type in absolute amount and as a percentage of our total revenues for the periods indicated.
Year ended December 31, |
For the nine months ended
September 30, |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2017 | 2018 | 2018 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
RMB | % | RMB | US$ | % | RMB | % | RMB | US$ | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands, except %) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cancer screening and detection tests |
5,203 | 91.5 | 9,557 | 1,337 | 93.2 | 6,106 | 92.1 | 7,677 | 1,074 | 94.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Physical checkup packages |
483 | 8.5 | 693 | 97 | 6.8 | 525 | 7.9 | 436 | 61 | 5.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Total revenues |
5,686 | 100.0 | 10,250 | 1,434 | 100.0 | 6,631 | 100.0 | 8,113 | 1,135 | 100.0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The following table sets forth the gross revenue generated from our physical checkup packages for the periods indicated.
For the year ended
December 31, |
For the nine months ended
September 30, |
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2017 | 2018 | 2018 | 2019 | |||||||||||||
Gross revenue from physical checkup packages
|
4,755 | 12,289 | 6,568 | 15,912 |
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Cancer Screening and Detection Tests
Our revenue from sales of cancer screening and detection tests consists predominantly of revenue from the sales of our commercial CDA-based tests; we also generated an insignificant amount of revenue from our commercial genomics tests. Our commercial CDA-based tests comprise our CDA tests and our combination tests, which combine our CDA test and, on an auxiliary basis, biomarker-based cancer screening and detection tests performed either by us or by third-party clinical laboratories. We also recognize revenue from sales of commercial CDA-based tests that we provide as part of the physical checkup packages we sell. We expect that our revenue generated from our commercial CDA-based tests will increase as our business grows, including by providing additional tailored CDA-based tests to meet customer demand and exploring other sources of revenue related to our CDA test. We also expect to recognize additional revenue from commercial genomics tests as we devote more resources to marketing and sales of these tests.
Physical Checkup Packages
Our net revenue from physical checkup packages represents our gross revenue from physical checkup packages that we sell to our customers, less (i) the portion of fees for the commercial CDA-based tests contained in the packages (which are recognized as part of our revenue from sales of CDA-based tests) and (ii) our cost of physical checkup services (other than CDA-based tests) contained in the packages, which are payments we make to third-party physical checkup centers to which we outsource these services. We believe that selling annual physical checkup packages can expand our customer base for commercial CDA-based tests, and we intend to devote more resources to selling physical checkup packages and expect our net revenue from these packages to continue increasing.
Cost of Revenues
Our cost of revenues is related to our sales of cancer screening and detection tests, predominantly our commercial CDA-based tests and, to a lesser extent, our genomics tests. It mainly consists of staff costs, outsourced testing costs, blood sample taking costs, medical consumable costs, share-based compensation, and depreciation and amortization of our CDA devices. Staff costs mainly include salaries and employee benefit expenses of personnel engaged in laboratory testing functions. Outsourced testing cost represents our cost of engaging third-party clinical laboratories for their performance of auxiliary biomarker-based cancer screening and detection tests, which are included as part of our combination tests. Blood sample taking costs mainly include our cost of engaging third-party nursing service providers who collect blood samples on our behalf for our commercial CDA-based tests. We expect our cost of revenues to continue to grow as we increase the volume of our commercial CDA-based tests.
Gross Profit and Gross Margin
Our gross profit represents our revenue from sales of cancer screening and detection tests minus our cost of revenue, plus our net revenues from sales of physical checkup packages. Our gross profit margin is affected primarily by the mix and relative prices of the cancer screening and detection tests that we sell within a specified period, as well as changes in net revenues from sales of physical checkup packages as a percentage of our total revenues.
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Operating Expenses
Our operating expenses include selling and marketing expenses, research and development expenses, and general and administrative expenses. The following table sets forth a breakdown of these expenses for the periods indicated.
Year ended December 31, | For the nine months ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
2017 | 2018 | 2018 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | RMB | RMB | US$ | |||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses: |
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Selling and marketing expenses |
6,490 | 9,827 | 1,375 | 7,202 | 10,730 | 1,501 | ||||||||||||||||||
Research and development expenses |
11,405 | 10,106 | 1,414 | 7,746 | 7,138 | 999 | ||||||||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses |
24,938 | 28,847 | 4,036 | 18,773 | 40,439 | 5,658 | ||||||||||||||||||
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Total |
42,833 | 48,780 | 6,825 | 33,721 | 58,307 | 8,158 | ||||||||||||||||||
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Selling and Marketing Expenses
Our selling and marketing expenses primarily consist of staff costs for personnel engaged in sales, marketing and customer support functions, share-based compensation, marketing expenses, travel expenses and office expenses. We expect that our selling and marketing expenses will increase as we continue to build out our sales and marketing teams and engage more sales agents and other channel partners to increase our market penetration.
Research and Development Expenses
Our research and development expenses primarily consist of staff costs for personnel engaged in research and development functions, share-based compensation, travel expenses, rental costs, costs of consumables and accessories, and depreciation and amortization (mainly related to our clinical laboratory facilities and CDA devices used for research and development purposes). We expect that our research and development expenses will increase significantly in the near future, because we not only have multiple on-going research studies in China, but have also entered into research agreements with U.S. universities and academic medical centers, and we are in discussions with other U.S. hospitals, medical institutions, CROs, managed care companies and other health organizations, to conduct research studies on our CDA technology at our CLIA-registered laboratory in San Jose, California.
General and Administrative Expenses
Our general and administrative expenses primarily include staff costs for personnel engaged in general and administrative functions, share-based compensation, patent service fees, professional service fees, depreciation and amortization (mainly related to our land use rights for the land we acquired in Lishui, Zhejiang Province and the office facilities on that land), rental and property management fees and office expenses. We expect our general and administrative expenses to continue increasing to support our business growth, but we expect that they will eventually decrease as a percentage of our revenues once our business scale increases.
Other income, net
Our net other income primarily includes government grants we received, including for 2018 the price that the government in Lishui, Zhejiang Province of China paid us for repurchase of a portion of a parcel of land that we did not utilize.
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Taxation
BVI
Our Company is incorporated in the BVI, and we conduct our business operations primarily through our subsidiaries in China and the U.S.
All dividends, interest, rents, royalties, compensation and other amounts paid by our company to persons who are not resident in the BVI and any capital gains realized with respect to any shares, debt obligations, or other securities of our company by persons who are not resident in the BVI are exempt from all provisions of the Income Tax Ordinance in the BVI.
No estate, inheritance, succession or gift tax, rate, duty, levy or other charge is payable by persons who are not resident in the BVI with respect to any shares, debt obligation or other securities of our company.
All instruments relating to transfers of property to or by our company and all instruments relating to transactions in respect of the shares, debt obligations or other securities of our company and all instruments relating to other transactions relating to the business of our company are exempt from payment of stamp duty in the BVI. This assumes that our company does not hold an interest in real estate in the BVI.
There are currently no withholding taxes or exchange control regulations in the BVI applicable to our company or its members.
China
Our subsidiaries in China are subject to the statutory enterprise income tax at a rate of 25%, in accordance with the EIT Law. Some of our PRC subsidiaries enjoy preferential enterprise income tax rates.
Dividends, interest, rent or royalties payable by our PRC subsidiaries to their non-PRC resident enterprise investors, and proceeds from any such non-resident enterprise investors disposition of assets (after deducting the net value of such assets) will be subject to withholding tax at a rate of 10%, unless the jurisdiction of incorporation of the respective non-PRC resident enterprise investor has a tax treaty or arrangements with the PRC that provides for a reduced withholding tax rate or an exemption from withholding tax. If our BVI holding company were deemed to be a resident enterprise under the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law, it would be subject to enterprise income tax on its worldwide income at a rate of 25%. See Risk FactorsRisks Relating to Doing Business in ChinaUnder the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law, we may be classified as a PRC resident enterprise for PRC income tax purposes, which could result in unfavorable tax consequences to us and our non-PRC shareholders or ADS holders, and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and the value of your investment. For the foreseeable future, we intend to invest all the undistributed earnings of our subsidiaries incorporated in the PRC and do not plan to have our PRC subsidiaries distribute any dividend. Therefore, no withholding tax is expected to be incurred.
United States
Our U.S. subsidiary, AnPac US, is subject to U.S. federal corporate income tax at a rate of 21% for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, 21% for the year ended December 31, 2018 and 35% for the year ended December 31, 2017. AnPac US is also subject to state income tax in California for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2018 and the nine months ended September 30, 2019.
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Results of Operations
The following table summarizes our results of operations for the periods indicated:
Year ended December 31, | For the nine months ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2017 | 2018 | 2018 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
RMB |
% of
Revenues |
RMB | US$ |
% of
Revenues |
RMB |
% of
Revenues |
RMB | US$ |
% of
Revenues |
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(in thousands, except %) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues: |
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Cancer screening and detection tests |
5,203 | 91.5 | 9,557 | 1,337 | 93.2 | 6,106 | 92.1 | 7,677 | 1,074 | 94.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Physical checkup packages |
483 | 8.5 | 693 | 97 | 6.8 | 525 | 7.9 | 436 | 61 | 5.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Total revenues |
5,686 | 100.0 | 10,250 | 1,434 | 100.0 | 6,631 | 100.0 | 8,113 | 1,135 | 100.0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of revenues |
(3,954 | ) | (69.5 | ) | (5,672 | ) | (794 | ) | (55.3 | ) | (3,634 | ) | (54.8 | ) | (4,266 | ) | (597 | ) | (52.6 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Gross profit |
1,732 | 30.5 | 4,578 | 640 | 44.7 | 2,997 | 45.2 | 3,847 | 538 | 47.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses: |
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Selling and marketing expenses |
(6,490 | ) | (114.1 | ) | (9,827 | ) | (1,375 | ) | (95.9 | ) | (7,202 | ) | (108.6 | ) | (10,730 | ) | (1,501 | ) | (132.3 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Research and development expenses |
(11,405 | ) | (200.6 | ) | (10,106 | ) | (1,414 | ) | (98.6 | ) | (7,746 | ) | (116.8 | ) | (7,138 | ) | (999 | ) | (88.0 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses |
(24,938 | ) | (438.6 | ) | (28,847 | ) | (4,036 | ) | (281.4 | ) | (18,773 | ) | (283.1 | ) | (40,439 | ) | (5,658 | ) | (498.4 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Other operating income |
178 | 3.1 | 593 | 84 | 5.8 | 475 | 7.2 | 138 | 19 | 1.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Loss from operations |
(40,923 | ) | (719.7 | ) | (43,609 | ) | (6,101 | ) | (425.5 | ) | (30,249 | ) | (456.2 | ) | (54,322 | ) | (7,601 | ) | (669.6 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Non-operating income and expenses: |
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Interest expense, net |
(338 | ) | (5.9 | ) | (925 | ) | (129 | ) | (9.0 | ) | (677 | ) | (10.2 | ) | (1,897 | ) | (265 | ) | (23.4 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign exchange gain (loss), net |
644 | 11.3 | (2,776 | ) | (388 | ) | (27.1 | ) | (1,970 | ) | (29.7 | ) | (1,937 | ) | (270 | ) | (23.9 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Share of net loss (gain) in equity method investments |
(3 | ) | (0.1 | ) | (441 | ) | (62 | ) | (4.3 | ) | (224 | ) | (3.4 | ) | 442 | 62 | (5.4 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Other income, net |
1,309 | 23.0 | 5,256 | 735 | 51.3 | 484 | 7.3 | (1,130 | ) | (158 | ) | (13.9 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Net loss before income taxes |
(39,311 | ) | (691.4 | ) | (42,495 | ) | (5,945 | ) | (414.6 | ) | (32,636 | ) | (492.2 | ) | (58,844 | ) | (8,232 | ) | (725.3 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Income tax (expense) benefit |
(9 | ) | (0.2 | ) | 199 | 28 | 1.9 | 177 | 2.7 | (113 | ) | (16 | ) | (1.4 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Net loss |
(39,320 | ) | (691.5 | ) | (42,296 | ) | (5,917 | ) | (412.6 | ) | (32,459 | ) | (489.5 | ) | (58,957 | ) | (8,248 | ) | (726.7 | ) |
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
Revenues
Our revenues increased by 22.3% to RMB8.1 million (US$1.1 million) for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 from RMB6.6 million for the same period of 2018, due to an increase in our revenue from
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sales of cancer screening and detection tests, partially offset by a decrease in our net revenue from sales of physical checkup packages.
Our revenue generated from sales of cancer screening and detection tests increased by 25.7% to RMB7.7 million (US$1.1 million) for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 from RMB6.1 million for the same period of 2018, due to an increase in the sales volume of our CDA-based tests, which was partially offset by a decrease in the average selling price of our CDA-based tests as we offered greater discounts to certain customers as a marketing strategy.
Our net revenue generated from sales of physical checkup packages decreased by 17.0% to RMB436,000 (US$61,000) for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 from RMB525,000 for the same period of 2018, primarily due to a substantial increase in the volume of physical checkup packages that we sold to a sales agent at prices lower than our costs as part of our customer acquisition strategy.
Cost of Revenues
Our cost of revenues increased by 17.4% to RMB4.3 million (US$597,000) for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 from RMB3.6 million for the same period of 2018. The increase was primarily attributable to our increased sales volume of CDA-based tests, which resulted in an increase in the testing cost for outsourced biomarker-based tests as well as increases in blood sample taking costs and medical consumables costs. The increase in our cost of revenues was also attributable to an increase in depreciation expense, as we put more CDA devices into use to meet the increased demand for our CDA-based tests.
Gross Profit
Our gross profit increased by 28.4% to RMB3.8 million (US$538,000) for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 from RMB3.0 million for the same period of 2018. Our gross margin increased to 47.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 from 45.2% for the same period of 2018, primarily as a result of economies of scale.
Operating Expenses
Selling and marketing expenses
Our selling and marketing expenses increased by 49.0% to RMB10.7 million (US$1.5 million) for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 from RMB7.2 million for the same period of 2018, primarily due to (i) higher share-based compensation as we granted more options to our marketing and sales personnel, and (ii) higher marketing expenses as we increased our marketing efforts.
Research and development expenses
Our research and development expenses decreased by 7.8% to RMB7.1 million (US$1.0 million) for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 from RMB7.7 million for the same period the year before, primarily because we conducted less research and development activities under one of our research projects, as we came closer to the completion of the project, in the nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to the same period of 2018. The decrease in our research and development expenses was also attributable to a decrease in our research and development related traveling expenses. These factors were partially offset by higher staff costs and share-based compensation for our research and development personnel.
General and administrative expenses
Our general and administrative expenses increased significantly to RMB40.4 million (US$5.7 million) for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 from RMB18.8 million for the same period of 2018, primarily due to
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(i) higher professional service fees, primarily related to this offering, and (ii) higher share-based compensation to personnel engaged in general and administrative functions.
Interest Expenses
Our interest expense increased significantly to RMB1.9 million (US$265,000) for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 from RMB677,000 for the same period of 2018, primarily due to an increase in average borrowings.
Other Income, Net
We recognized net other income of RMB484,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, which turned into net other loss of RMB1.1 million (US$158,000) for the same period of 2019, primarily due to an increase in fair value loss as a result of the increase in value of the convertible loans that we borrowed from Zhijun.
Net Loss
As a result of the foregoing, our loss for the year increased by 81.6% to RMB59.0 million (US$8.2 million) for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 from RMB32.5 million for the same period the year before.
Year Ended December 31, 2018 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2017
Revenues
Our revenues increased by 80.3% to RMB10.3 million (US$1.4 million) for 2018 from RMB5.7 million for 2017, primarily due to an increase in our revenue from sales of cancer screening and detection tests.
Our revenue generated from sales of cancer screening and detection tests increased by 83.7% to RMB9.6 million (US$1.3 million) for 2018 from RMB5.2 million for 2017, primarily due to a substantial increase in the sales volume of our CDA-based tests, offset in part by more favorable prices at which we offered our CDA-based tests to certain large customers in 2018.
Our net revenue generated from sales of physical checkup packages increased significantly to RMB693,000 (US$97,000) for 2018 from RMB483,000 for 2017, primarily due to a significant increase in the volume of our physical checkup packages sold.
Cost of Revenues
Our cost of revenues increased by 43.4% to RMB5.7 million (US$794,000) for 2018 from RMB4.0 million for 2017. The increase was primarily attributable to our increased sales volume of CDA-based tests, which resulted in an increase in the testing cost for outsourced biomarker-based tests as well as increases in blood sample taking costs and medical consumables costs. The increase in our cost of revenues was also attributable to our share-based compensation of RMB317,000 (US$44,000) in 2018, while we did not recognize any share-based compensation in 2017.
Gross Profit
Our gross profit increased significantly to RMB4.6 million (US$640,000) for 2018 from RMB1.7 million for 2017. Our gross margin increased to 44.7% for 2018 from 30.5% for 2017, primarily because our revenue from sales of cancer screening and detection tests increased at a greater rate than our fixed costs, such as staff costs, as a result of economies of scale. This increase in gross margin is also because our net revenue from sales of physical checkup packages increased as a percentage of our total revenues.
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Operating Expenses
Selling and marketing expenses
Our selling and marketing expenses increased by 51.4% to RMB9.8 million (US$1.4 million) for 2018 from RMB6.5 million for 2017, primarily due to (i) higher marketing expenses as we increased our marketing efforts, (ii) higher staff costs as we increased our marketing and sales headcount, and (iii) higher share-based compensation as we granted more options to our marketing and sales personnel.
Research and development expenses
Our research and development expenses decreased by 11.4% to RMB10.1 million (US$1.4 million) for 2018 from RMB11.4 million for 2017, primarily because we granted fewer options to our research and development personnel. These factors were partially offset by higher staff costs as we expanded our research and development team.
General and administrative expenses
Our general and administrative expenses increased by 15.7% to RMB28.8 million (US$4.0 million) for 2018 from RMB24.9 million for 2017, primarily due to higher professional service fees, higher depreciation and amortization of property and equipment, higher staff costs (primarily due to an increase in headcount), higher patent service expenses, and higher rental costs. These factors were partially offset by a decrease in our share-based compensation, as we granted fewer options to personnel engaged in general and administrative functions.
Interest Expenses
Our interest expense increased to RMB925,000 (US$129,000) for 2018 from RMB338,000 for 2017, primarily due to an increase in average borrowings.
Other Income, Net
Our net other income increased significantly to RMB5.3 million (US$735,000) for 2018 from RMB1.3 million for 2017, primarily due to the price that the government in Lishui, Zhejiang Province of China paid us in 2018 for repurchase of a portion of a parcel of land that we did not utilize.
Net Loss
As a result of the foregoing, our loss for the year increased by 7.6% to RMB42.3 million (US$5.9 million) for 2018 from RMB39.3 million for the prior year.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our principal sources of liquidity have been capital contributions from our shareholders, short-term non-bank borrowings and loans and advances from our related parties. As of September 30, 2019, we had cash and cash equivalents of RMB24.0 million (US$3.4 million), consisting of cash on hand and demand deposits placed with banks. As of September 30, 2019, we had an advance of RMB25.0 million (US$3.5 million) that Jiaxing Zhijun Sihang Investment Partnership Enterprises (Limited Partnership), or Zhijun Sihang, provided to one of our PRC subsidiaries in 2018 (Zhijun Sihang is in the process of making equity contribution of these funds in our company). As of September 30, 2019, our short-term debt included (i) convertible loans of RMB21.7 million (US$3.0 million) that we borrowed from Zhijun in 2018, which have been extended to April 30, 2020, and (ii) a short-term non-bank borrowing of RMB8.0 million (US$1.1 million), the maturity of which has been extended to June 12, 2020.
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We believe that our cash and cash equivalents on hand, anticipated equity contributions of our shareholders, borrowings, our anticipated cash flows generated from our operating activities and financial support from our founder and chairman, Dr. Chris Chang Yu will be sufficient to meet our current and anticipated needs for general corporate purposes for at least the next 12 months. After this offering, we may decide to expand our business through additional equity and debt financing. The issuance and sale of additional equity would result in further dilution to our shareholders. The incurrence of indebtedness would result in increased fixed obligations and could result in operating covenants that would restrict our operations. We cannot assure you that financing will be available in amounts or on terms acceptable to us, if at all.
In utilizing the proceeds we expect to receive from this offering, we may make additional capital contributions or loans to our PRC subsidiaries. However, most of these uses are subject to PRC regulations.
Substantially all of our revenues in the foreseeable future are likely to continue to be in the form of Renminbi. 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 SAFE approval as long as certain routine procedural requirements are fulfilled. Therefore, our PRC subsidiaries are allowed to pay dividends in U.S. dollars to us without prior SAFE approval by following these routine procedural requirements. However, approval from or registration with competent government authorities is required where the 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. The PRC government may at its discretion restrict access to foreign currencies for current account transactions in the future.
The following table sets forth selected cash flow statement information for the periods indicated:
Year ended December 31, | For the nine months ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
2017 | 2018 | 2018 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | RMB | RMB | US$ | |||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net cash used in operating activities |
(21,641 | ) | (31,147 | ) | (4,358 | ) | (23,031 | ) | (32,616 | ) | (4,561 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net cash used in investing activities |
(8,017 | ) | (2,680 | ) | (375 | ) | (7,890 | ) | (2,829 | ) | (396 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net cash generated from financing activities |
39,807 | 36,271 | 5,074 | 36,271 | 47,539 | 6,650 | ||||||||||||||||||
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents |
(2,893 | ) | (969 | ) | (136 | ) | (828 | ) | (1,006 | ) | (142 | ) | ||||||||||||
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Net increase in cash and cash equivalents |
7,256 | 1,475 | 206 | 4,522 | 11,088 | 1,551 | ||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year |
4,156 | 11,412 | 1,597 | 11,412 | 12,887 | 1,803 | ||||||||||||||||||
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Cash and cash equivalents at end of year |
11,412 | 12,887 | 1,803 | 15,934 | 23,975 | 3,354 | ||||||||||||||||||
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Operating Activities
Net cash used in operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 was RMB32.6 million (US$4.6 million), which was primarily attributable to our net loss of RMB59.0 million (US$8.2 million) for the same period, as adjusted to add back share-based compensation of RMB18.4 million (US$2.6 million), foreign exchange loss of RMB3.3 million (US$463,000), and fair value loss on convertible loans of RMB3.1 million (US$436,000) before changes in operating assets and liabilities. Our decrease in net operating liabilities of RMB65,000 (US$9,000) was primarily due to an RMB5.9 million (US$822,000) increase in accrued expenses and other current liabilities, an RMB2.4 million (US$340,000) decrease in advances to suppliers and an RMB2.3 million (US$325,000) increase in accounts payable. These factors were partially offset by an RMB5.4 million (US$750,000) increase in accounts receivable as we sold a relatively large amount of CDA tests on credit in the
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third quarter of 2019, an RMB3.2 million (US$444,000) increase in other current assets and an RMB1.6 million (US$224,000) decrease in advances from customers, primarily related to our CDA-based tests.
Net cash used in operating activities for 2018 was RMB31.1 million (US$4.4 million), which was primarily attributable to our net loss of RMB42.3 million (US$5.9 million) for the same period, as adjusted to deduct gains on disposal of land use right of RMB5.0 million (US$693,000) and a foreign exchange loss of RMB2.5 million (US$346,000) and to add back share-based compensation of RMB7.9 million (US$1.1 million) and depreciation and amortization of RMB3.1 million (US$440,000) before changes in operating assets and liabilities. Our increase in net operating liabilities of RMB874,000 (US$121,000) was primarily due to an RMB2.3 million (US$326,000) increase in advances from customers, primarily related to our CDA-based tests, and an RMB1.4 million (US$195,000) increase in accrued expenses and other current liabilities. These factors were partially offset by an RMB1.6 million (US$230,000) increase in advances to suppliers, and an RMB1.1 million (US$153,000) increase in accounts receivable.
Net cash used in operating activities for 2017 was RMB21.6 million, which was primarily attributable to our net loss of RMB39.3 million for the same period, as adjusted to add back share-based compensation of RMB10.8 million and depreciation and amortization of RMB2.3 million and to deduct a foreign exchange gain of RMB1.8 million before changes in operating assets and liabilities. Our increase in net operating liabilities of RMB6.2 million was primarily due to an RMB5.5 million increase in accrued expenses and other current liabilities, an RMB1.1 million increase in advance from customers. These factors were offset in part by an RMB1.3 million increase in accounts receivable and an RMB1.0 million decrease in amounts due to related parties.
Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 was RMB2.8 million (US$396,000), which was primarily attributable to purchases of property and equipment of RMB2.6 million (US$367,000) and purchases of intangible assets of RMB206,000 (US$29,000).
Net cash used in investing activities for 2018 was RMB2.7 million (US$375,000), which was primarily attributable to payments (net of cash received) for our acquisition of our subsidiary, Shiji Hainan, of RMB3.5 million (US$495,000), purchases of property and equipment of RMB2.4 million (US$338,000), and purchases of long-term investments in certain investee companies of RMB1.6 million (US$217,000), partially offset by proceeds from disposal of land use rights of RMB5.3 million (US$735,000).
Net cash used in investing activities for 2017 was RMB8.0 million, which was primarily attributable to payments (net of cash received) for our acquisition of our subsidiary, Shiji Hainan, of RMB3.3 million, purchase payments for property and equipment of RMB2.6 million, and purchases of long-term investments in certain investee companies of RMB2.1 million.
Financing Activities
Net cash generated from financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 was RMB47.5 million (US$6.7 million), which was primarily attributable to (i) advances from investors of RMB26.4 million (US$3.7 million), and (ii) proceeds from issuances of ordinary shares of RMB21.0 million (US$2.9 million).
Net cash generated from financing activities for 2018 was RMB36.3 million (US$5.1 million), which was primarily attributable to (i) advances from Zhijun Sihang of RMB25.0 million (US$3.5 million) to one of our PRC subsidiaries in 2018, which constituted a step in the process of Zhijun Sihang making equity contributions of these funds in our company, and (ii) proceeds from short-term borrowings from Zhijun and a non-bank institution of RMB26.6 million (US$3.7 million), partially offset by payment for short-term borrowings from a non-bank institution of RMB14.7 million (US$2.1 million).
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Net cash generated from financing activities for 2017 was RMB39.8 million, which was primarily attributable to proceeds from equity contributions of investors of RMB40.2 million.
Capital Expenditures
Our capital expenditures were RMB2.6 million, RMB2.8 million (US$398,000) and RMB2.8 million (US$396,000) for 2017 and 2018 and the nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively. In these periods, these capital expenditures included the purchases of property and equipment and intangible assets. We will continue to make capital expenditures to meet the needs of our business expected growth.
Contractual Obligations
Our contractual obligations include our operating lease commitments related to our business premises. The table below sets forth our contractual obligations as of September 30, 2019:
Total | For the year ending December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||
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Operating lease commitments |
2,220 | 498 | 1,236 | 474 | 12 |
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. In addition, we have not entered into any derivative contracts that are indexed to our shares and classified as shareholders equity or that are not reflected in our consolidated financial statements. 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.
Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Prior to this offering, we have been a private company with limited accounting and financial reporting personnel and other resources to address our internal controls and procedures. In connection with the audit of our consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2018, we and our independent registered public accounting firm identified two material weaknesses in our ICFR. As defined in the standards established by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board of the United States, a material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in ICFR such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the companys annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
The material weaknesses identified are our companys lack of sufficient accounting and financial reporting personnel with requisite knowledge and experience in application of U.S. GAAP and SEC rules, and our lack of financial reporting policies and procedures that are commensurate with U.S. GAAP and SEC reporting requirements.
We are in the process of implementing a number of measures to address these material weaknesses identified, including: (i) hiring additional qualified accounting and financial reporting personnel with U.S. GAAP and SEC reporting experience, (ii) obtaining advisory services from professional consultants with experience in the requirements of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002 and internal audit guidance on SEC reporting, (iii) expanding the capabilities of our existing accounting and financial reporting personnel through continuous training and education in the accounting and reporting requirements under U.S. GAAP, and SEC rules and
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regulations, (iv) developing, communicating and implementing an accounting policy manual for our accounting and financial reporting personnel for our recurring transactions and period-end closing processes, and (v) establishing effective monitoring and oversight controls for non-recurring and complex transactions to ensure the accuracy and completeness of our companys consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
The process of designing and implementing an effective financial reporting system is a continuous effort that requires us to anticipate and react to changes in our business and the economic and regulatory environments and to expend significant resources to maintain a financial reporting system that is adequate to satisfy our reporting obligation. See Risk FactorsRisks Relating to Our Business and IndustryIf we fail to implement and maintain an effective system of internal controls over financial reporting, we may be unable to accurately report our results of operations, meet our reporting obligations or prevent fraud.
As a company with less than US$1.07 billion in revenue for our last fiscal year, we qualify as an emerging growth company pursuant to the JOBS Act. An emerging growth company may take advantage of specified reduced reporting and other requirements that are otherwise applicable generally to public companies. These provisions include exemption from the auditor attestation requirement under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, in the assessment of the emerging growth companys ICFR. The JOBS Act also provides that an emerging growth company does not need to comply with any new or revised financial accounting standards until such date that a private company is otherwise required to comply with such new or revised accounting standards. We have elected to take advantage of such exemptions. However, pursuant to Section 404 and the related rules adopted by the SEC, we, as a public company after being listed, are required to maintain adequate ICFR and include our managements assessment of the effectiveness of our companys ICFR in our annual report.
Inflation
Since our inception, inflation has not materially affected our results of operations. According to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, the year-over-year percent change in the consumer price index was 1.8% for December 2017, 1.9% for December 2018 and 3.0% for September 2019. Although we have not been materially affected by inflation, we may be affected if China experiences higher rates of inflation in the future.
Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Concentration of credit risk
Financial instruments may subject us to significant concentration of credit risk. These financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivables. As of December 31, 2017 and 2018 and September 30, 2019, the aggregate amount of cash and cash equivalents of RMB8.9 million, RMB7.0 million (US$982,000) and RMB9.4 million (US$1.3 million), respectively, was held at major financial institutions located in the PRC, and RMB2.5 million, RMB5.9 million (US$821,000) and RMB14.6 million (US$2.0 million), respectively, was deposited with major financial institutions located outside the PRC. Our management believes that these financial institutions are of high credit quality and continually monitors the credit worthiness of these financial institutions. Historically, deposits in Chinese banks are secure due to the state policy on protecting depositors interests. However, China promulgated a new Bankruptcy Law in August 2006 that came into effect on June 1, 2007, which contains a separate article expressly stating that the State Council may promulgate implementation measures for the bankruptcy of Chinese banks based on the Bankruptcy Law. Under the new Bankruptcy Law, a Chinese bank may go into bankruptcy. In addition, since Chinas concession to the World Trade Organization, foreign banks have been gradually permitted to operate in China and have been significant competitors against Chinese banks in many aspects, especially since the opening of the Renminbi business to foreign banks in late 2006. Therefore, the risk of bankruptcy of those Chinese banks in which we have deposits has increased. In the event of bankruptcy of one of the banks which holds our deposits, we are unlikely to claim our deposits back in full since the bank is unlikely to be classified as a secured creditor based on PRC laws.
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Accounts receivables, unsecured and denominated in Renminbi, derived from sales on our cancer screening and detection tests and physical checkup packages, are exposed to credit risk. As of December 31, 2017 and 2018 and September 30, 2019, we had three customers, one customer and three customers, respectively, each with a receivable balance exceeding 10% of the total accounts receivable balance. The risk is mitigated by credit evaluations that we perform on our corporate customers.
Currency convertibility risk
A significant portion of our expenses, assets and liabilities are denominated in Renminbi. On January 1, 1994, the PRC government abolished the dual rate system and introduced a single rate of exchange as quoted daily by the Peoples Bank of China (the PBOC). However, the unification of the exchange rates does not imply that the Renminbi may be readily convertible into U.S. dollar or other foreign currencies. All foreign exchange transactions continue to take place either through the PBOC or other banks authorized to buy and sell foreign currencies at the exchange rates quoted by the PBOC. Approvals of foreign currency payments by the PBOC or other institutions require submitting a payment application form together with relevant documents.
Additionally, the value of the Renminbi is subject to changes in central government policies and international economic and political developments affecting supply and demand in the PRC foreign exchange trading system market.
Foreign currency exchange rate risk
Since July 21, 2005, Renminbi has been permitted to fluctuate within a narrow and managed band against a basket of certain foreign currencies. The U.S. dollar depreciated against Renminbi by approximately 6.3% in 2017 and appreciated against Renminbi by approximately 5.7% in 2018. As the trade war between the U.S. and China has escalated, the U.S. dollar has appreciated against Renminbi to be 1:7.0647 as of October 25, 2019. 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.
The functional currency of our company and AnPac US is the U.S. dollar and the functional currency of our PRC subsidiaries and our reporting currency is Renminbi. Most of our revenues and costs are denominated in RMB, while a portion of cash and cash equivalents and convertible loans are denominated in U.S. dollars. It is difficult to predict how market forces or the PRC or U.S. government policy may impact the exchange rate between the Renminbi and the US$ in the future. Any significant fluctuation of the valuation of RMB may materially affect our cash flows, revenues, earnings and financial position, and the value of any dividends payable on the ADS in US$.
Liquidity risks
As of September 30, 2019, we had RMB24.0 million (US$3.4 million) of cash and cash equivalents and RMB70.5 million (US$9.9 million) of working capital deficit. For the nine months ended September 30, 2019, we incurred RMB32.6 million (US$4.6 million) of negative cash flows from operations and RMB2.8 million (US$396,000) of capital expenditures. We believe that our current liquidity resources, future operating cash flows generated and subsequent committed financing will be adequate to meet our obligations as they come due for a period of at least one year from September 20, 2019, the date at which the consolidated financial statements were available to be issued. In the event of any unexpected adverse change in our business, we have the ability and intent to obtain additional equity or debt financing and we have received financial support from our founder and chairman, Dr. Chris Chang Yu.
Critical Accounting Polices, Judgments and Estimates
An accounting policy is considered critical if it requires an accounting estimate to be made based on assumptions about matters that are highly uncertain at the time such estimate is made, and if different accounting
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estimates that reasonably could have been used, or changes in the accounting estimates that are reasonably likely to occur periodically, could materially impact the consolidated financial statements.
We prepare our consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Changes in facts and circumstances may result in revised estimates. Actual results could differ from those estimates, and as such, differences could be material to the consolidated financial statements.
The following descriptions of critical accounting policies, judgments and estimates should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes and other disclosures included in this prospectus. When reviewing our financial statements, you should consider (i) our selection of critical accounting policies, (ii) the judgments and other uncertainties affecting the application of these policies and (iii) the sensitivity of reported results to changes in conditions and assumptions.
Revenue Recognition
Effective from January 1, 2017, we early adopted ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers and subsequent amendments to the initial guidance or implementation guidance issued between August 2015 and December 2016 within ASU 2015-14, ASU 2016-08, ASU 2016-10, ASU 2016-12 and ASU 2016-20 (collectively, ASC 606).
We derive our revenues principally from customers through our cancer screening and detection tests and physical checkup services. Revenue is recognized when we satisfy the performance obligations in an amount of consideration to which we expect to be entitled in exchange for those services. We evaluate the presentation of revenue on a gross or net basis based on whether we control the services provided to customers and are the principal (namely, on a gross basis), or we arrange for other parties to provide the service to the customers and are the agent (namely, on a net basis). We present value-added taxes as a reduction from revenues.
Revenue from Cancer Screening and Detection Tests
Our revenue from cancer screening and detection tests is primarily generated through the sales of the our proprietary CDA tests and our combination tests, which combines our CDA test and, on an auxiliary basis, tests based on other cancer screening and detection technologies, such as biomarker-based tests, to our customers including corporations and life insurance companies. A contract exists when the master service agreement has been executed and the customer submits a service request, which is a placed order. Our contracts have a single performance obligation which is satisfied upon provision of the CDA-based test(s) and delivery of the CDA-based test result to the customer. We act as the principal as we control the CDA-based test(s) before it is transferred to the customer and record revenue on a gross basis at the point in time when the CDA-based test(s) result is delivered to the customer. In particular, we record revenue generated from our combination tests on a gross basis, including the portion of revenue which we subsequently pay to third parties as consideration for their performance of outsourced auxiliary biomarker-based tests.
Revenue from Physical Checkup Packages
We facilitate corporations and life insurance companies to procure physical checkup services from third-party physical checkup service providers for their respective employees and policy holders. We enter into contracts with corporations and life insurance companies and physical checkup service providers. We consider both the corporations and life insurance companies and the third-party physical checkup service providers as our customers in this type of transaction. Our performance obligation is to facilitate the corporations and life insurance companies and the third-party physical checkup service providers to complete the purchase of physical
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checkup services, which is not controlled by us before the services are transferred to the corporations and life insurance companies. Therefore, we fulfill our performance obligation at the point in time when the employees of corporations and policy holders of life insurance companies complete the physical checkups and we record the net amount that we retain from these completed transactions as revenue.
We also enter into arrangements to deliver both CDA-based tests and physical checkup services. We are the principal for the CDA-based tests and the agent for the physical checkup services. Revenues for both services are recognized at the point in time when the performance obligation is satisfied upon delivery of the CDA-based test results to the end customers and completion of the physical checkup services, respectively. As we act as both the principal and agent in the arrangement, we allocate the transaction price to each performance obligation on a relative stand-alone selling price basis.
Research and development expenses
Research and development expenses primarily are comprised of costs incurred in performing research and development activities, including related personnel and consultants salaries, benefits, share-based compensation and related costs, raw materials and supplies for internally-developed product candidates, and external costs of outside vendors engaged to conduct clinical development activities and trials. We expense our research and development expenses as they are incurred.
Share-Based Compensation
We account for share-based compensation in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation (ASC 718). In accordance with ASC 718, we determine whether an award should be classified and accounted for as a liability award or an equity award. All of our share-based awards were classified as equity awards and were recognized in the consolidated financial statements based on their grant date fair values.
In accordance with ASC 718, we recognize share-based compensation cost for equity awards to employees and non-employees with a performance condition based on the probable outcome of that performance conditioncompensation cost is recognized if it is probable that the performance condition will be achieved and shall not be recognized if it is not probable that the performance condition will be achieved.
We have elected to recognize share-based compensation using the straight-line method for all share-based awards granted with graded vesting based on service conditions. We use the accelerated method for all awards granted with graded vesting based on performance conditions. We account for forfeitures as they occur in accordance with ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvement to Employee Share-based Payment Accounting. With the assistance of an independent third party valuation firm, we determined the fair value of the stock options granted to employees.
Fair value of options
We use the binomial tree option pricing model to estimate the fair value of share options with the assistance of an independent third-party valuation firm. The assumptions used to value the share options granted to employees and nonemployee were as follows:
2017 | 2018 |
Nine months ended
September 30, 2019 |
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Risk-free interest rate |
2.20%-2.46% | 2.46%-3.11% | 1.58%-2.50% | |||||||||
Expected volatility range |
58.59%-65.18% | 62.14%-63.61% | 60.37%-64.25% | |||||||||
Exercise multiple |
2.5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | |||||||||
Fair market value per ordinary share as at grant dates (US$) |
938.30-946.18 | 946.18-960.98 | 980.42 |
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The estimated fair value of our ordinary shares at their respective grant dates was determined with the assistance of an independent third-party valuation firm. The risk-free interest rate for periods within the contractual life of the options is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant for a term consistent with the contractual term of the awards. Expected volatility is estimated based on the historical volatility of ordinary shares of several comparable companies in the same industry. The expected exercise multiple is based on managements estimation, which we believe is representative of the future.
The following table sets forth the amount of share-based compensation expense included in each of the relevant financial statement line items:
For the year ended December 31, | For the nine months ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
2017 | 2018 | 2018 | 2018 | 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | RMB | RMB | US$ | |||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of revenues |
| 317 | 44 | 237 | 246 | 34 | ||||||||||||||||||
Selling and marketing expenses |
2,444 | 2,871 | 402 | 2,750 | 5,204 | 728 | ||||||||||||||||||
Research and development expenses |
4,044 | 1,958 | 274 | 1,440 | 1,848 | 259 | ||||||||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses |
4,270 | 2,790 | 390 | 2,008 | 11,067 | 1,548 | ||||||||||||||||||
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Total share-based compensation expenses. |
10,758 | 7,936 | 1,110 | 6,435 | 18,365 | 2,569 | ||||||||||||||||||
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Recent accounting pronouncements
A list of recent relevant accounting pronouncements is included in Note 2 Summary of Principal Accounting Policies of our Consolidated Financial Statements.
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All information and data presented in this section have been derived from an industry report commissioned by us and prepared by Frost & Sullivan, or the Frost & Sullivan Report, unless otherwise noted. Frost & Sullivan has advised us that the statistical and graphical information contained herein is drawn from its database and other sources. The following discussion includes projections for future growth, which may not occur at the rates that are projected or at all.
Overview
Cancer is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity around the world. There were approximately 18.0 million new cases of cancer worldwide in 2018, and this number is projected to be 20.4 million in 2023. At the same time, Chinas population is aging rapidly. The number of people in China over 65 grew at a CAGR of 4.9% from 137.6 million in 2014 to 166.6 million in 2018, and it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2018 to reach 215.1 million in 2023. This demographic shift offers immense opportunities for Chinas cancer screening and detection market, as elderly people generally have a greater risk of suffering from cancers.
Early Cancer Screening and Detection Saves Lives and Reduces Costs
Because early cancer screening and detection potentially shifts cancer diagnosis and treatment to earlier stages of the disease, it can improve patients treatment outcomes. Cancer researchers frequently refer to the five-year relative survival rate, which is the probability of being alive five years after cancer diagnosis, compared with the experience of the general population. The five-year relative survival rate of patients at the advanced stages of a cancer, namely stage III and stage IV, generally declines significantly compared with those diagnosed at the early stages, namely stage zero, stage I and stage II. For esophageal, colorectal, cervical and breast cancers, the five-year relative survival rates at the early stages are over 80%, emphasizing the importance of early cancer screening and detection.
Driven by the increasing effectiveness of oncology drugs, especially emerging targeted therapies, the total direct medical cost for cancers (including expenditures for treatment, as well as the cost of care and rehabilitation related to the illness) in China is estimated to increase at a CAGR of 13.1% from RMB411.5 billion in 2018 to RMB761.5 billion in 2023. Typically, the cost of treating cancer is lower when the disease is caught at an earlier stage. This is because if a cancer patient can be diagnosed earlier, that patient may be able to rely on surgical resection rather than drug therapies, or use standard, frontline drugs rather than aggressive experimental regimens. These early stage treatment regimens typically significantly reduce the patients lifetime direct medical cost for cancers. For example, the estimated lifetime cost of treatment for a cancer diagnosed at an advanced stage is roughly twice that of a cancer diagnosed at an early stage.
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Options for Early Cancer Screening and Detection
Overview
Because of its advantages, early cancer screening and detection represents huge market potential in both China and the United States. However, early cancer screening and detection remains one of the most challenging tasks in the medical field, due to the difficulties in finding cancers early, accurately and cost-effectively. Cancer screening is the use of a test among individuals with a population risk for, or higher probability of, cancer to detect the cancer sooner or prevent its complications. Major options for early cancer screening and detection currently include the following:
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Tumor Markers. The two principal methods for tumor marker detection are immunoassays and molecular testing. |
Immunoassays
Immunoassays are tests that detect the presence of a specific antibody or antigen in the body. Tumor markers used in immunoassays are proteins or other biomarkers produced by malignant cells and/or other cells of an organism in response to the onset of cancer. Because tumor markers can be observed in cancer-free subjects, immunoassays that are designed to detect tumor markers need to be used in combination with other tests to confirm cancer diagnoses. Immunoassays for tumor marker detection can be used for various purposes, including screening for cancer, assistance in cancer diagnosis, staging of disease, monitoring the effectiveness of therapy (or prognosis), providing evidence of cancer recurrence. Only a few tumor markers are useful for screening, while most can be used for prognosis or to provide evidence of cancer recurrence. Common tumor markers used in immunoassays include prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, for prostate cancer, cancer antigen 125, or CA-125, for ovarian cancer, and alpha-fetoprotein, or AFP, for hepatocellular carcinoma. Currently, there is no clinically validated tumor marker for esophageal cancer or brain cancer.
Molecular testing
Molecular testing analyzes biological markers associated with cancers in the genome. Two novel techniques of molecular testing are ct-DNA test, which detects circulating tumor DNA in the bloodstream, and CTC test, which detects cells in the bloodstream that have been shed from primary tumors. Neither of these techniques has been used in routine clinical practice. CTC tests can be used in the management of cancer by isolating tumor cells, which allows for morphologic identification and molecular characterization, while ct-DNA tests are currently limited to mutation detection.
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Imaging. Screening for cancer using radiographic imaging, such as mammograms, X-rays and CT scans, has been available for decades, and numerous clinical studies have demonstrated its efficacy in specific instances. Breast cancer and lung cancer are the two cancers that benefit the most from early cancer screening and detection using imaging. |
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Biophysical-property based technologies. Biophysical-property based technologies, such as our CDA technology, focus on biophysical properties that exist in human blood and that regulate cell-surface differentiations and intercellular communications. These biophysical properties can signal risks of pre-cancer states and cancers, and they change over time as cancer occurs, progresses or regresses. According to Frost & Sullivan, we are one of the first biotechnology companies worldwide to focus on the detection and measurement of cancers biophysical properties. |
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Endoscopic exams. Endoscopy has a major role in the detection and characterization of neoplastic lesions along the digestive tract in all screening strategies. Typical endoscopic exams include cystoscopy, colonoscopy, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, or ERCP, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, or EGD, and sigmoidoscopy, among others. |
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In addition to the classifications of cancer screening and detection technologies above, our CDA technology, as well as CTCs, ct-DNAs, exosome, mRNAs and other emerging technologies, are also classified as next-generation cancer screening and detection technologies in our industry and related research fields.
Limitations of Current Options for Early Cancer Screening and Detection
Currently available early cancer screening and detection options have significant weaknesses that hinder their use, including:
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Imperfect sensitivity and specificity for early-stage cancer screening and detection. There are currently no sufficiently sensitive tests to detect most cancers in their early stages. For example, there are no clinically validated tumor markers for esophageal or brain cancer, and the current tumor marker test for liver cancer, AFP, has low sensitivity when detecting liver cancer in early stages. Current screening options may also lead to high false positive rates. For example, over the course of ten years of annual mammography, more than 50% of women in the U.S. would experience a false positive mammogram. False positives can result in unnecessary interventions, increased costs and psychological burdens. |
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Invasiveness and side effects. Many established tests, such as colonoscopies and pap smears, are invasive. These tests can also result in negative health impacts, such as the risk of perforation with colonoscopies and the radiation exposure risk with mammograms. |
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Multiple screening modalities required across cancer types. Currently, there are often multiple detection options for a single type of cancer. Multiple screening modalities are generally required for detection of multiple cancer types, and the complex screening regimens required are difficult for both patients and providers to sustain. |
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Equipment for current screening options usually require significant capital expenditures, making screening difficult in resource-limited geographies. Hospitals and clinics must purchase expensive equipment, such as CT scanners, mammogram machines and gene sequencing machines, to perform many common cancer screening and detection tests. Many early cancer screening and detection tests, particularly ct-DNA- and CTC-based tests, are therefore quite expensive. |
Market Opportunity
While early detection of cancers greatly improves clinical outcomes by providing clinical care and medical intervention at early stages, Chinas early cancer screening and detection industry is still at the starting stage. Based on Chinas large population, the market potential in China for early cancer screening and detection technologies increased at a CAGR of 20.7% from US$27.7 billion in 2014 to US$58.8 billion in 2018, and is expected to reach US$115.1 billion in 2023, representing a CAGR of 14.4% over this period. According to Frost & Sullivan, the percentage of people that conducted physical checkups in China in 2018 was estimated to be 31.2%, far below that of 77.0% in the U.S. for the same year. We believe that our CDA technology can address many of the limitations of current early cancer screening and detection methods, and that we are well-positioned to benefit from the expected rapid growth in Chinas early cancer screening and detection market.
We believe that the advantages of our CDA technology summarized below can help us seize the tremendous market opportunity:
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Numerous research studies have demonstrated our CDA technologys ability to detect early-stage cancers with high sensitivity and specificity rates, including those cancers generally considered difficult for liquid-based technologies to test with high accuracy, such as lung and esophageal cancers. |
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Our CDA technology is liquid-based, and our tests require only a standard blood sample from a tested individual, which minimizes the invasive procedure required, making our tests side effect-free. |
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Retrospective validation studies have shown that our CDA technology, combined with our CDA device, can detect the risk of up to 26 types of cancer using a single blood test. |
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We developed our CDA technology and our patented CDA device entirely in-house. Our CDA device is much less costly to manufacture than gene sequencing machines used by ct-DNA-based technologies and micro-electrical mechanical devices used by CTC-based technologies. The lower cost of our device substantially reduces our capital expenditure investment and operational costs compared to these other technologies. As a result, our CDA tests are much less expensive than a typical ct-DNA- or CTC-based test. |
Early Cancer Screening and Detection Market in China and the United States
China
In China, early cancer screening and detection technologies are typically used in four segments of the market: hospitals, physical checkup centers, independent clinical laboratories and non-medical entities, such as general commercial enterprises and insurance companies.
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Hospitals are the traditional segment of Chinas early cancer screening and detection market and are still the markets largest segment. However, to access the Chinese hospital segment, service providers must obtain the medical device registration certificates issued by the NMPA, which form a high barrier to entry. |
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Physical checkup centers are a less regulated market segment, and these centers are supplemental to hospitals in offering cancer screening and detection services to the public. Early cancer screening and detection service providers face intensified competition in this segment, resulting in low bargaining power for them. |
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Independent clinical laboratories also provide cancer screening and detection services to customers. However, unlike physical checkup centers, which typically provide immunoassay-based tests, independent clinical laboratories typically offer their customers more advanced technologies, such as ct-DNA- and CTC-based technologies. These laboratories are under strict supervision of the NHC and may require certificates, such as certificates for the compliance with the ISO standards and those issued by China National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment, or CNAS, to conduct their business. As a result, their laboratories typically place high demands on early cancer screening and detection service providers that they cooperate with, which moderates competition in this market segment. |
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Certain non-medical entities, such as general commercial enterprises and insurance companies, constitute a rapidly developing market segment with high growth potential, as they seek to provide cancer screening services to their employees or insured individuals. These entities may cooperate with early cancer screening and detection companies directly in developing related services. However, because this market segment is relatively disperse, cancer screening and detection service providers must spend more on marketing efforts to address this market segment. |
The United States
In the United States, the market for early cancer screening and detection technologies primarily includes four segments: healthcare service providers, insurance companies, retail and enterprises.
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Healthcare service providers include hospitals and independent physicians and clinics; they constitute a highly regulated market segment, like their counterparts in China. |
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There are many commercial insurance companies in the United States that purchase early cancer screening and detection services, resulting in a large market segment. For these companies, cost/price is often their principal criterion when selecting early cancer screening and detection services, which forms a barrier to entry into this market. |
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Individual consumers can also order cancer screening and detection kits directly from the relevant service providers websites. This retail model provides the most convenient way for many consumers to take cancer screening and detection tests. |
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Similar to the situation in China, general commercial enterprises are also a rapidly developing market segment in the United States; the geographic dispersion of these purchasers requires companies attempting to serve them to expend substantial marketing efforts. |
Competitive Landscape
According to Frost & Sullivan, we ranked first in China and second worldwide among companies offering next-generation early cancer screening and detection technologies, in terms of the number of clinical samples for cancer screening and detection as of June 30, 2019. For purposes of these rankings, we had approximately 35,000 clinical samples as at June 30, 2019, which represented the historical aggregate of participants enrolled in our research studies that were developed in clinical sites qualified by competent authorities, such as the NMPA. In addition, among companies offering next-generation early cancer screening and detection technologies in China, in 2018 we ranked first in terms of the volume of commercial cancer screening and detection tests provided and fifth in terms of revenue from commercial cancer screening and detection tests. We also ranked fourth, among companies that provide next-generation early cancer screening and detection technologies, in terms of the number of patents for inventions related to early cancer screening and detection issued in greater China and fifth in the U.S., both as of June 30, 2019.
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Overview
We are a biotechnology company focusing on early cancer screening and detection. We market and sell a multi-cancer screening and detection test that uses our innovative, patented CDA technology and our proprietary CDA device. In addition to early cancer screening and detection, our CDA technology has demonstrated potential to assist physicians in cancer diagnosis, prognosis and recurrence.
Our CDA technology provides a comprehensive platform, on which we have developed our CDA test and our proprietary CDA device. Our CDA test can detect and assess an individuals overall cancer risk with high accuracy, including early stage cancer. We also offer combination tests that combine our CDA test with auxiliary tests based on other cancer screening and detection technologies, such as biomarker-based tests, to detect the risk of specific cancer types. When we refer to our technology or tests as a cancer screening and detection technology or test in this prospectus, we refer to the detection and assessment of the risk of cancer occurrence, not to cancer diagnosis.
Our CDA technology focuses on biophysical properties in human blood. Recent studies have shown that there is a correlation between certain biophysical properties, including acoustical, electrical, magnetic, nano-mechanical and optical properties, and cancer occurrence. These studies have revealed that biophysical properties could be important non-genetic aspects of the micro-environment regulating the balance between normal cell growth and carcinogenesis (cancerous growth), which may lead to cancer occurrence. Biophysical properties physical expressions of information in the blood can indicate risks of pre-cancerous states and cancers. These biophysical signals change over time as cancer occurs, progresses or regresses. Our proprietary CDA device uses an integrated sensor system to detect certain biophysical signals in blood samples. After collecting data on these signals, we use our CDA technology and proprietary algorithm to measure and analyze these signals at multiple biological levels (including the protein, cellular and molecular levels) and with multiple parameters (including the overall CDA value, the PTF value and the CTF value). According to Frost & Sullivan, we are one of the first biotechnology companies worldwide to focus on the detection and measurement of cancers biophysical properties. In our industry and related research fields, our CDA technology, as well as CTCs, ct-DNAs, exosome, mRNAs and other emerging technologies, are known as next-generation cancer screening and detection technologies.
Our CDA technology provides a highly accurate, early-stage risk assessment of the occurrence of cancer. As of September 30, 2019, our CDA technology had been shown in numerous retrospective validation studies to be able to detect the risk of 26 cancer types with high sensitivity and specificity rates. These 26 cancers accounted for over 80% of the cancer incidences in China from 2013 to 2018, according to Frost & Sullivan. Our CDA technology requires only a standard blood sample from a tested individual, which minimizes the inconvenience and invasive procedures and avoids the harmful side effects that are inherent to many other technologies.
We have established a test database that as of September 30, 2019, consisted of over 140,000 blood samples of various age, sex and disease groups. Our database included approximately 100,000 samples from our commercial CDA-based tests and approximately 40,000 samples from our research studies. According to Frost & Sullivan, we ranked first in China and second worldwide among companies offering next-generation early cancer screening and detection technologies in terms of the number of clinical samples for cancer screening and detection as of June 30, 2019. For purposes of these rankings, we had approximately 35,000 clinical samples as of June 30, 2019, which represented the historical aggregate number of participants enrolled in our research studies that were developed in clinical sites qualified by competent authorities, such as the NMPA. In addition, among companies offering next-generation early cancer screening and detection technologies in China, in 2018 we ranked first in terms of volume of commercial cancer screening and detection tests conducted and fifth in terms of revenue from commercial cancer screening and detection tests, according to Frost & Sullivan.
We have established two clinical laboratories in China and one clinical laboratory in the United States. Our principal laboratory is a licensed biomedical clinical laboratory located in Lishui, Zhejiang Province, China,
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where we perform our commercial CDA-based tests (including our CDA tests and combination tests), as well as a variety of other tests (including immunological and biochemical tests). Our laboratory in Haikou, Hainan Province, China is a licensed genomics clinical laboratory where we perform gene sequencing tests. In addition to these two clinical laboratories, we also have a research and development center located in Shanghai, China, where we develop our next-generation cancer screening and detection technology and tests. In the United States, we have a clinical laboratory located in San Jose, California for which we obtained a CLIA Certificate of Registration in March 2019. Our San Jose laboratory is equipped to perform our CDA tests and biochemical tests. We have entered into research agreements with U.S. universities and academic medical centers, and we are in discussions with other U.S. hospitals, medical institutions, CROs, managed care companies and other health organizations, to conduct research studies on our CDA technology at this laboratory. We also plan to open a second U.S. clinical laboratory in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 2020.
As of September 30, 2019, we had filed 210 patent applications globally; among these, 121 patents had been granted, including 55 in greater China (including seven in Taiwan) and 16 in the United States, and 89 patent applications were pending in China, the United States and nearly 20 other countries and regions. Our patent applications broadly cover apparatus and methods for early stage disease detection, and they strategically encompass important specific embodiments of these apparatus and methods. Our patent portfolio is one of the worlds largest for early cancer screening and detection using next-generation technologies, according to Frost & Sullivan.
We performed our first commercial CDA-based test in China in 2015. Since then, we have generated revenue in China for four consecutive years. The number of commercial CDA-based tests (inclusive of CDA tests and combination tests) we sold increased significantly from 19,336 in 2017 to 41,607 in 2018 and from 29,036 in the nine months ended September 30, 2018 to 41,544 in the same period of 2019. Our revenue from sales of cancer screening and detection tests (predominantly CDA-based tests, as well as genomics tests) increased by 83.7% from RMB5.2 million in 2017 to RMB9.6 million (US$1.3 million) in 2018 and increased by 25.7% from RMB6.1 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2018 to RMB7.7 million (US$1.1 million) in the same period of 2019. Our total revenues increased by 80.3% from RMB5.7 million in 2017 to RMB10.3 million (US$1.4 million) in 2018 and increased by 22.3% from RMB6.6 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2018 to RMB8.1 million (US$1.2 million) in the same period of 2019. In the United States, we currently plan to commence marketing our CDA test as an LDT sometime in 2020 through our CLIA-registered laboratory in San Jose.
Our Competitive Strengths
Novel Patented Early Multi-Cancer Screening and Detection Technology
Our CDA technology is a liquid-based technology. It focuses on biophysical properties in human blood. Recent studies have shown that there is a correlation between certain biophysical properties, including acoustical, electrical, magnetic, nano-mechanical and optical properties, and cancer occurrence. These studies have revealed that biophysical properties could be important non-genetic aspects of the micro-environment regulating the balance between normal cell growth and carcinogenesis (cancerous growth), which may lead to cancer occurrence. Biophysical properties physical expressions of information in the blood can indicate risks of pre-cancerous states and cancers, and they change over time as cancer occurs, progresses or regresses. Our proprietary CDA device uses an integrated sensor system to detect certain biophysical signals in blood samples. After collecting data on these signals, we use our CDA technology and proprietary algorithm to measure and analyze these signals at multiple biological levels (including the protein, cellular and molecular levels) and with multiple parameters (including the overall CDA value, the PTF value and the CTF value). In contrast, many other liquid-based cancer screening and detection technologies focus on biochemical signals (such as conventional biomarkers), genomic signals (such as ct-DNAs) and CTCs. These other liquid-based technologies typically can only determine whether or not cancer has occurred at a static point in time. In addition, conventional biomarkers have relatively low sensitivity and specificity rates and they are prone to be triggered by non-cancerous diseases. Some cancer types, such as esophageal cancer and brain cancer, do not have corresponding biomarkers. On the
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other hand, ct-DNAs and CTCs are only detectable after a tumor has formed, and as such, their physical expressions of information, or signals, are typically weak during the early stages of a cancer as their concentrations in the blood are relatively low. Moreover, ct-DNA- and CTC-based technologies typically require complex and expensive gene sequencing machines and micro-electrical mechanical devices, respectively, to amplify relatively weak signals for cancer screening and detection purposes.
We believe that our CDA technology has the following advantages compared to other cancer screening and detection technologies:
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Ability to detect the risk of cancer with high accuracy. The accuracy of cancer screening and detection technologies can be measured by two key performance metricssensitivity and specificity. Sensitivity indicates the ability of a test to correctly identify those who have cancer among the population with cancer, whereas specificity indicates the ability of the test to correctly identify those who do not have cancer among the population without cancer. These two metrics are critical for effective treatment selection based on the results of liquid-based testing. Numerous retrospective validation studies have shown that our CDA technology can successfully detect the risk of cancers with high sensitivity and specificity rates. For example, as of September 30, 2019, in completed research studies our CDA technology had successfully detected the risk of (i) lung cancer in 2,277 cases, with the meta-analysis sensitivity of 82.4% and specificity of 83.0%; and (ii) esophageal cancer in 2,253 cases, with the meta-analysis sensitivity of 85.8% and specificity of 93.0%. According to Frost & Sullivan, these high sensitivity and specificity rates are generally considered difficult for liquid-based cancer screening and detection technologies to achieve for lung and esophageal cancers, and they represent a leading position in terms of testing accuracy in the early cancer screening and detection industry. |
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Ability to detect the risk of multiple cancers using one blood test. Our retrospective validation studies have shown that our CDA technology, combined with our CDA device, can detect the risk of 26 types of cancers in a single blood test. These 26 cancers accounted for over 80% of the cancer incidences in China from 2013 to 2018, according to Frost & Sullivan. While our CDA test alone does not indicate precisely which specific type(s) of cancer an individual may have, if it indicates a medium or high risk of cancer, the tested individual can use concurrent combinations of tests, or follow-up screening tests, performed by us or at hospitals or physical checkup centers, to determine the specific cancer type(s) that may exist or the location(s)of the cancer(s). For example, we offer our cancer-positioning services using a combination of our CDA technology and, on an auxiliary basis, biomarkers to indicate the risk of specific cancer type(s) in one blood test. This advantage of our CDA technology, as well as our CDA tests ability to work in combination with other auxiliary tests using our proprietary algorithm, enable us to maintain a comprehensive and flexible test menu to meet different customers needs. |
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Proprietary technology supporting low-priced testing. We developed our patented CDA technology and our proprietary CDA device entirely in-house. Our CDA device is less costly to manufacture than the equipment used by many of our competitors, such as gene sequencing machines used by ct-DNA-based technologies and micro-electrical mechanical devices used by CTC-based technologies. In addition, we conduct cancer risk assessments using our proprietary algorithm. Furthermore, we do not rely on third-party licenses of intellectual property in developing our CDA technology and CDA device. These advantages reduce our operating costs, enabling us to offer our CDA tests at prices significantly lower than many of our competitors, such as typical ct-DNA- and CTC-based tests. |
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Minimally invasive, side effect-free and automated. Compared to conventional approaches to cancer screening and detection such as imaging technology and tissue biopsy, our CDA technology is liquid-based and requires only a standard blood sample from a tested individual. This minimizes the invasiveness of our tests and means they do not result in harmful side effects. In addition, our CDA device is highly automated, requiring minimal human involvement. |
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Potential for assistance in diagnosis, prognosis and recurrence. Our CDA technology can be used to track variations in cancer-related biophysical properties as a disease progresses, regresses or recurs. |
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Our CDA technology can assist physicians in their cancer diagnosis by providing input complementary to pathologic information drawn from a tissue biopsy, which helps oncologists ensure that their cancer diagnoses are comprehensive and unbiased. Given these qualities, in addition to early cancer screening and detection, our CDA technology has demonstrated potential for assisting in diagnosis, prognosis and recurrence. |
Expansive Patent Portfolio and Proprietary Test Database
According to Frost & Sullivan, we are one of the first biotechnology companies worldwide focusing on the detection and measurement of cancers biophysical properties. We have an expansive patent portfolio based on our technological innovations and substantial research studies, which is one of the worlds largest in early cancer screening and detection using next-generation technologies, according to Frost & Sullivan. As of September 30, 2019, we had filed 210 patent applications globally; among them, 121 patents had been granted, including 16 in the United States and 55 in greater China (including seven in Taiwan), and 89 patent applications were pending in China, the United States and nearly 20 countries and regions, including populous countries such as India and Brazil. Our patent applications broadly cover apparatus and methods for detecting diseases at early stages, and they strategically encompass important specific embodiments of these apparatus and methods. We believe that our expansive patent portfolio helps us to maintain and strengthen our technological advantages and market position. It also allows us to develop our patented CDA technology entirely in-housewithout reliance on licenses of third-party technologies. Because we do not have to pay technology license fees, or purchase expensive testing equipment, the cost of our CDA test is significantly lower than that of many of our competitors; this cost advantage expands the total addressable market of our CDA test.
We have also established a test database that as of September 30, 2019, consisted of over 140,000 blood samples of various age, sex and disease groups. This database included approximately 100,000 samples from our commercial CDA-based tests and approximately 40,000 samples from our research studies. According to Frost & Sullivan, based on approximately 35,000 clinical samples, we ranked first in China and second worldwide among companies offering next-generation early cancer screening and detection technologies, in terms of the number of clinical samples for cancer screening and detection as of June 30, 2019; and we ranked first in terms of the number of commercial cancer screening and detection tests conducted in 2018 among companies that offer next-generation early cancer screening and detection technologies in China. Our test database helps us to continuously refine our algorithm and provide high accuracy tests. Substantially all of the blood samples in our database were collected and tested in China. We have cooperated with a number of Chinese hospitals and medical institutions to conduct retrospective validation studies on our CDA technology for single or multiple cancers. Leveraging our relationships with these research partners, we anticipate having a relatively stable supply of blood samples to support our future research and further expand our test database in China. In addition, we have entered into research agreements with U.S. universities and academic medical centers, and we are in discussions with other U.S. hospitals, medical institutions, CROs, managed care companies and other health organizations, to conduct research studies on our CDA technology at this laboratory.
Fully Commercialized Operations in ChinaRolling Out Our China Experience to the U.S.
Chinas large, aging population, favorable government policies, and relatively low labor costs represent substantial commercial opportunities for our business that enable us to cost-effectively conduct our cancer screening and detection tests at a large scale. As a result, while many of our competitors that operate only in the United States are still working to make their first breakthrough in product development, we have commercialized our CDA-based tests in China and generated revenue for four consecutive years since selling our first commercial CDA-based test in 2015. The number of commercial CDA-based tests (inclusive of CDA tests and combination tests) we sold increased significantly from 19,336 in 2017 to 41,607 in 2018 and from 29,036 in the nine months ended September 30, 2018 to 41,544 in the same period of 2019. Our revenue from our cancer screening and detection tests (predominantly CDA-based tests, as well as genomics tests) increased by 83.7% from RMB5.2 million in 2017 to RMB9.6 million (US$1.3 million) in 2018 and increased by 25.7% from
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RMB6.1 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2018 to RMB7.7 million (US$1.1 million) in the same period of 2019.
With several years of operations, our China-based team has accumulated valuable know-how with respect to the research and development and commercialization of our CDA technology and tests. We believe that this experience and know-how will be of significant value in implementing our plans to develop our business in the U.S. through research studies and the commercialization of our CDA tests.
An Experienced Management Team With Proven Track Records of Success
We have an experienced management team with multi-disciplinary backgrounds and expertise, who have demonstrated the ability to develop and commercialize innovative technologies and products. This strong team has paved the way for us to develop our CDA technology for early cancer screening and detection.
Dr. Chris Chang Yu, our co-founder and chairman, has over 20 years experience in the semiconductor, integrated circuit materials, life sciences and environmental protection industries. He is the first or principal inventor of over 300 patent applications, among which over 100 are related to cancer diagnostics. His knowledge in weak signal detection, semiconductor manufacturing and life sciences helped him identify biophysical properties in blood through proprietary on-chip multiplexed measurements. He used biophysical propertiesrather than biochemical and genomic signalsin peripheral blood to develop our CDA technology to detect the risk of cancers, and participated in the design of our CDA device, which, collectively, constitute the solid foundation for our current business. Dr. Yu was also an integral member of the team that led the spin-off of Cabot Microelectronics (NASDAQ: CCMP) from Cabot Corporation (NYSE: CBT) in 2000; and he was a co-founder of Anji Microelectronics (688019.SH), which he co-founded in 2004 and which completed its initial public offering in Chinas science and technology innovation board market in July 2019. Our business development and growth have substantially benefitted from Dr. Yus experience in managing start-up technology companies.
In addition, Dr. He Yu, our co-founder and chief medical officer, is a renowned expert in molecular epidemiology, with training in medicine, epidemiology and clinical biochemistry. Dr. He Yu has served as a professor and program director of cancer epidemiology at the University of Hawaii Cancer Center and an adjunct professor at Yale School of Public Health since 2012. Relying on his over 20 years experience in leading-edge cancer research, Dr. He Yu has contributed to the development of our CDA technology. We also benefited from the expertise, experience and resources of our other key management members. For example, Mr. Xuedong Du, our vice president in charge of research and development, is the first or principal inventor of more than 100 patent applications, primarily for medical devices. Mr. Du has also made significant contributions to our CDA technology product development. Mr. Weidong Dai, our China president, has rich cross-disciplinary experience covering medical sciences and enterprise management. He has served as an adjunct professor at Anhui College of Traditional Chinese Medicine since 2004 and an executive director at the Hainan Branch of China Science Tsing Research Institute of Science and Technology since 2018.
Our Strategies
Our objective is to become the leading provider of highly accurate and cost-effective cancer screening and detection tests and to expand the application of our tests to other oncological areas, such as assistance in diagnosis, prognosis and recurrence. To achieve this, we intend to:
Enlarge Our Total Addressable Market in China by Obtaining Additional Regulatory Approvals for Our CDA Device
We intend to enlarge our total addressable market in China by obtaining additional regulatory approvals for our CDA device. We obtained a Class II medical device manufacture license from the NMPA in 2013 (renewed
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in 2018) and a Class II medical device registration certificate from the NMPA in 2015. These licenses allow us to manufacture our CDA device and use it to perform our CDA-based tests in our own laboratories in China. In December 2018, we applied to the NMPA for a Class III medical device registration certificate for our CDA device to assist in multi-cancer diagnosis. After we obtain this license, we will apply to update our medical device manufacture license to include the manufacture of Class III medical devices. With these Class III medical device licenses, we will be able to place our devices within Chinese hospitals laboratories to conduct commercial tests there or sell our devices to the hospitals for the purposes of assisting in physicians diagnoses of specified multiple cancers.
Grow Our Customer Base in China
Our existing customer base in China consists primarily of life insurance companies and other large corporations; we offer our CDA-based tests to their insurance customers and/or employees. We plan to acquire customers for our CDA-based tests through the annual physical checkup packages we offer; we largely outsource these physical checkups (other than CDA-based tests) to third-party physical checkup centers. In addition, we plan to further develop our non-CDA cancer screening and detection tests using other technologies, including expanding the genomics tests we currently conduct at our Haikou laboratory. After obtaining the Class III medical device registration certificate and updating our medical device manufacture license, we expect to provide our tests to more individual customers through Chinese hospitals. We will also seek to increase our market penetration by continuing to build out our sales and marketing teams and engaging more sales agents and other channel partners.
Strengthen Technological Advantages with Focused Research and Development
According to Frost & Sullivan, we are one of the first biotechnology companies worldwide focusing on the detection and measurement of cancers biophysical properties. We plan to strengthen our technological advantages through focused research and development. In particular, we plan to continuously make game-changing innovations by leveraging our managements multi-disciplinary backgrounds and expertise. We have been collaborating with a number of hospitals and medical institutions in conducting research studies. Our collaborations allow us to validate the effectiveness and utility of our CDA tests in a clinical setting, explore new applications of our CDA technology, and provide us access to clinically well-characterized patient data. In the future, our research and development will continue to focus on:
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exploring our CDA technologys ability to dynamically monitor cancer progression, particularly for assistance in cancer diagnosis, prognosis and recurrence, and to improve our CDA technologys ability to identify cancer types, our CDA technologys signal-to-noise ratio and its testing throughput; |
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exploring our CDA technologys ability to detect the risk of major non-cancerous diseases; |
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expanding our test offerings to include new genomics tests (such as those currently conducted in our Haikou laboratory), ct-DNA- and CTC-based tests, as well as new combination tests that combine our CDA test with other auxiliary cancer screening and detection technologies; and |
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expanding our CDA technologys application to additional oncological areas. |
Bring Our Tests to the U.S. Market
In the United States, we are currently permitted to conduct our CDA-based tests for research use. We have entered into research agreements with U.S. universities and academic medical centers, and we are in discussions with other U.S. hospitals, medical institutions, CROs, managed care companies and other health organizations, to conduct research studies on our CDA technology in the U.S. We intend to commercialize our CDA-based tests for clinical purposes in the United States initially as an LDT performed at our laboratory in San Jose, California. As an LDT, under the FDAs current enforcement discretion policy, we do not expect that our CDA-based test will require premarket clearance, market authorization, or approval from the FDA prior to marketing. Because
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we have received a CLIA Certificate of Registration for our San Jose laboratory, we may begin marketing our tests for clinical purposes as soon as we complete our validation studies and obtain any required state laboratory licenses or other required accreditations. Under CLIA, CAP and state licensing requirements, we are required to validate our CDA test with applicable analytical and clinical studies prior to marketing the test as an LDT. These studies are designed to demonstrate the performance of the test. We have entered into research agreements with U.S. universities and academic medical centers, and we are in discussions with other health organizations, to conduct these studies.
Our CDA Technology
Our CDA technology provides an innovative and comprehensive platform for us to develop multi-cancer screening and detection tests with high sensitivity, specificity and cost-efficiency.
Principal Mechanism
Focus on Biophysical Properties
Our CDA technology is a liquid-based technology. The critical difference between our CDA technology and other liquid-based cancer screening and detection technologies is that our technology focuses on biophysical properties rather than conventional biochemical or genomic properties. Specifically, our CDA technology is based on the correlations between biophysical properties and cancer occurrence. Recent studies have shown that there is a correlation between certain biophysical properties and cancer occurrence. These studies have revealed that certain biophysical properties could be important non-genetic aspects of the micro-environment regulating the balance between normal cell growth and carcinogenesis (cancerous growth), which may lead to cancer occurrence. Biophysical properties exist in all human beings, including healthy individuals, and the signals they express can be detected before a tumor has formed. Biophysical properties increase or decrease progressively in a statistically significant way from healthy state to non-cancerous disease, pre-cancer disease, early- and late-stage cancer states. The change in biophysical properties is a potential cause for the loss of immunity and increased occurrence of cancer. On the other hand, the strength of biophysical signals expressed by these biophysical propertieswhich our CDA technology is designed to detectincrease progressively from healthy through late-stage cancer states.
We have collected testing data on 26 types of cancer, including data on biophysical properties measured in multiple serial samples collected from the same person over time and corresponding pathological data. Our proprietary algorithm is based on this database, and it uses the testing data collected by our CDA device to determine the PTF value, CTF value and overall CDA value of a blood sample. The overall CDA value determined through our test factors in the PTF and CTF value, as well as other biophysical property characteristics of the blood sample. The overall CDA value, as the principal parameter for our CDA technology, is proportional to the cancer risk.
Based on the progressive changes of biophysical properties and their signals from healthy through late-stage cancer states, we believe that our CDA technology is ideally suited for early cancer screening and detection, as well as assistance in cancer diagnosis, prognosis and reoccurrence. Through tracking CDA values, we can obtain both static and dynamic (progression) of information on cancer risk.
Multi-level and Multi-parameter
Our CDA technology is designed to analyze biophysical properties that potentially influence body functions at multiple biological levels, including cellular, protein and molecular levels. By comparison, some other liquid-based cancer screening and detection technologies are based on detection signals that exist at only one of the cellular, protein and molecular levelsfor example, conventional biomarkers at the protein level and CTCs at the cellular level. As a result of this multi-level analysis, we believe that our CDA technology is more comprehensive and that it can provide more dimensions of information, potentially making it more accurate in detecting cancers.
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Our CDA technology quantitatively measures biophysical properties that are collectively possessed by a biological specimen. These properties may vary by health status at the cellular, protein and molecular levels. At the cellular level, biophysical properties may not only change with a cells surface properties, but they may also alter when interactions occur between cells (for example, intercellular repulsions and attractions) as well as possibly cell-to-cell signaling. At the protein and molecular levels, certain biophysical properties may modify proteins surface phases and structures and affect the molecular mechanism that maintains the nuclear and genomic integrity of normal cells. Shifts and aberrations in these biophysical properties may potentially lead to alterations in cell interactions and possibly affect functioning and replication of DNA. These shifts and aberrations could therefore cause increased mistakes in gene replications and even increased frequency of gene mutations that result in various diseases, including cancer. In addition, different cancers may share certain common biophysical properties, and our CDA technology captures and quantifies the biophysical signals of malignant cells that are in general distinct from those in normal cells. As a result of these measurements, our CDA technology can detect the risk of multiple cancers in one test. In contrast, certain other liquid-based cancer signals only exist at one of the above three levels (cellular, protein or molecular) and normally a specific signal corresponds to only one cancer. For instance, AFP tumor marker, a protein biomarker, is typically used to screen exclusively for liver cancer; and PSA, another protein biomarker, is typically only used to detect prostate cancer.
Our CDA technology, together with our CDA device, deploys various measurement parameters, primarily PTF, CTF and CDA values, by detecting certain biophysical properties in blood. After testing a blood sample, our CDA device generates a series of testing data, including the PTF value, the CTF value and the overall CDA value. The PTF value refers to the measured level of protein cancer-related factor in the blood. The CTF value refers to the measured level of cellular cancer-related factors in the blood. Using our proprietary algorithm, we arrive at the overall CDA value based on the PTF and CTF values, as well as other biophysical property characteristics of the blood. This overall CDA value is the principal analysis parameter that we use to assess an individuals overall cancer risk. Based on the results of these parameters, we assess the risk of cancer to be low (normal), medium or high.
Analytical Validation
We have conducted numerous research studies on our CDA technologys utility and accuracy. Since 2015, we have completed 25 research studies on our CDA technology with hospitals and medical institutes in China. Among them, the results of 15 research studies on which we collaborated with five Chinese hospitals and medical institutes on have been published at ASCO annual meetings and other medical conferences and in medical journal supplements. We have also completed an additional ten unpublished research studies with nine hospitals and medical institutes in China. Since 2015, we have tested more than 140,000 blood samples collected from various age, sex and disease groups, including approximately 100,000 samples from our commercial CDA-based tests and approximately 40,000 samples from our research studies.
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Our research studies have demonstrated that our CDA technology can detect the risk of multiple cancers with high sensitivity and specificity rates. We have used meta-analysis to analyze the resulting data of all completed research studies for a specific cancer type up to September 30, 2019 and calculated our CDA technologys sensitivity and specificity rates for that cancer type. Meta-analysis is a statistical analysis of a large collection of analysis results from individual studies for the purpose of integrating the findings. The following table sets forth the sensitivity and specificity rates of our CDA technology in detecting 26 cancers based on our completed research studies up to September 30, 2019:
Cancer Type |
Aggregate
Sample Size |
Sensitivity | Specificity |
Publication Information(1) |
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Lung Cancer |
2,277 | 82.4 | % | 83.0 | % |
2015 ASCO Annual Meeting, J Clin Oncol 33, e12578, 2015 (co-author: Cancer Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences); 2015 Nobel Prize Laureate Summit on Biomedical Sciences (co-authors: Shanghai Changhai Hospital and School of Life Science of Fudan University); 2015 Annual Congress of Chinese Thoracic Society; 2017 ASCO Annual Meeting, J Clin Oncol 35, e23131, 2017 (co-authors: Shanghai Changhai Hospital and School of Life Science of Fudan University); 2019 ASCO Annual Meeting, J Clin Oncol 37, e20673, 2019 (co-authors: Shanghai Changhai Hospital and Lishui Central Hospital) |
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Cerebral Cancer |
93 | 89.2 | % | 89.9 | % | 2019ASCO Annual Meeting, J Clin Oncol 37, 2019 (suppl; abstr 2040) | ||||||||
Nasopharyngeal Cancer |
188 | 86.6 | % | 89.1 | % | N/A | ||||||||
Oral Cancer |
60 | 78.3 | % | 90.8 | % | N/A | ||||||||
Laryngeal Cancer |
61 | 93.4 | % | 88.0 | % | N/A | ||||||||
Thyroid Cancer |
39 | 100.0 | % | 83.6 | % | N/A | ||||||||
Esophageal Cancer |
2,253 | 85.8 | % | 93.0 | % | 2015 ASCO Annual Meeting, J Clin Oncol 33, e15059, 2015 (co-author: Shanghai Changhai Hospital); 2015 Nobel Prize Laureate Summit on Biomedical Sciences (co-authors: Shanghai Changhai Hospital and Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center); 2017 Gastrointestinal cancers Symposium (San Francisco), J Clin Oncol 35, 2017 (suppl 4S; abstract 42) | ||||||||
Lymphoma |
528 | 87.1 | % | 92.4 | % | N/A | ||||||||
Breast Cancer |
493 | 74.6 | % | 92.2 | % | 2015 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (10.1200/JCO.2015.33.28_Suppl.13) | ||||||||
Liver Cancer |
804 | 92.3 | % | 93.2 | % | 2015 ASCO Annual Meeting, J Clin Oncol 33, e12578, 2015 and e22171, 2015 (co-author: Lishui Central Hospital, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University) | ||||||||
Bile Duct Cancer |
26 | 87.5 | % | 94.0 | % | N/A | ||||||||
Gallbladder Cancer |
28 | 100.0 | % | 63.4 | % | N/A | ||||||||
Pancreatic Cancer |
162 | 89.3 | % | 90.6 | % | N/A |
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Cancer Type |
Aggregate
Sample Size |
Sensitivity | Specificity |
Publication Information(1) |
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Gastric Cancer |
1,438 | 88.7 | % | 93.8 | % | N/A | ||||||||
Kidney Cancer |
55 | 88.9 | % | 77.7 | % | N/A | ||||||||
Bladder Cancer |
29 | 72.4 | % | 88.3 | % | N/A | ||||||||
Colon Cancer |
884 | 89.4 | % | 91.2 | % | 2015 ASCO Annual Meeting, J Clin Oncol 33, e12578, 2015 (co-author: Lishui Central Hospital, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University); 2017 Gastrointestinal cancers Symposium (San Francisco), J Clin Oncol 35, 2017 (suppl 4S; abstract 564) | ||||||||
Rectum Cancer |
653 | 89.2 | % | 88.0 | % | N/A | ||||||||
Duodenal Cancer |
32 | 84.4 | % | 87.5 | % | N/A | ||||||||
Prostatic Cancer |
46 | 90.7 | % | 93.2 | % | N/A | ||||||||
Cervical Cancer |
401 | 87.0 | % | 90.2 | % | 2019 Shenzhen New Horizons in Cancer Research | ||||||||
Ovarian Cancer |
474 | 90.5 | % | 90.1 | % | 2019 Shenzhen New Horizons in Cancer Research | ||||||||
Uterine Cancer |
164 | 87.2 | % | 92.3 | % | N/A | ||||||||
Leukemia |
196 | 77.6 | % | 88.0 | % | N/A | ||||||||
Bone Cancer |
12 | 91.7 | % | 91.0 | % | N/A | ||||||||
Skin Cancer |
18 | 88.9 | % | 93.7 | % | N/A |
Notes:
(1) |
For each specific cancer type shown in the table above, the references in this column Publication Information indicate the medical conferences and medical journal supplements where we have published any research results for that cancer type up to September 30, 2019, while N/A means that none of our completed research studies of that cancer type had been published up to September 30, 2019. |
Early Cancer Screening and Detection
Research studies
A number of our research partners, including hospitals and medical institutions in China, have validated our CDA technologys ability to detect the risk of multiple cancers. This validation has been done through their un-blinding of our single- or double-blinded testing results for tested individuals in their institutions. Single-blinded test refers to the testing process in which we do not know, but our research partners know, about the pathological or clinical information of the tested samples or the makeup of the patient and control groups during the course of testing. By comparison, in double-blinded tests, neither us nor our research partners have this information until the un-blinding step. Un-blinding refers to the disclosure of the previously withheld information to us by our research partners in single-blinded tests, or the publication of this information by a third-party study administrator or by our research partners after they otherwise acquire the information. Set forth below are several representative examples of validation studies on our CDA technology that we have completed with Chinese hospitals:
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Shanghai Changhai Hospital |
Since 2015, we have cooperated with Shanghai Changhai Hospital to research various cancers, including lung cancer. We have published six papers under this project. The latest paper was published at the 2019 ASCO Annual Meeting. In this study, 832 blood samples collected from patients with non-small cell lung cancer, or NSCLC, and 642 blood samples from healthy individuals (as the control group) were tested using our CDA technology. The results indicated that our CDA technology had good sensitivity and specificity rates even for lung cancer at stage I85.2% and 93.0%, respectively.
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A Cancer Hospital in Beijing |
This hospital is one of the first hospitals that has cooperated with us in conducting research studies. At the 2015 ASCO Annual Meeting, we published a paper evaluating our multi-level, multi-parameter CDA detection method for digestive system cancer diagnosis based on one of our joint research studies with this hospital. Although the sample size was limited, this was the earliest paper comparing our CDA technology with conventional biomarkers.
In this study, the hospital collected blood samples from nine HCC patients and six colorectal cancer patients, as well as from a control group of 20 healthy individuals. These blood samples were tested by both our CDA technology and methods based on conventional biomarkers, including AFP and carcinoembryonic antigen, or CEA. The results showed that there was a significant statistical difference in the measured overall CDA value between each of the HCC and colorectal cancer patient groups and the control group. Specifically, in the HCC group, our CDA technology had a sensitivity rate of 77.0% compared to the AFP-based methods 33.0%, while the specificity rates of both methods were similar. In the colorectal cancer group, our CDA technology had a sensitivity rate of 83.0% compared to the CEA-based methods 33.0%, while the specificity rates of both methods were similar.
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Lishui Central Hospital, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University |
We have collaborated with Lishui Central Hospital, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, or Lishui Central Hospital, primarily in liver and lung cancer studies. We published two papers, one on HCC and one on NSCLC, at the 2015 ASCO Annual Meeting.
In the HCC study, blood samples were collected from 485 HCC patients, 64 cirrhosis patients and 44 patients with benign liver diseases, or BLD, as well as from a control group of 75 healthy individuals. All the samples were tested using our CDA technology. The results indicated that there was a significant statistical difference in the measured overall CDA value between the HCC patient group and each of the control, BLD, and cirrhosis groups.
In the NSCLC study, three groups of blood samples were tested using our CDA technology, which included 383 samples collected from NSCLC patients, 103 samples from patients with non-cancerous lung diseases and a control group of 149 healthy individuals. The results indicated that our CDA technology can detect NSCLC with the sensitivity of 87.7% and specificity of 79.9%.
Follow-up phone consultations
We conduct follow-up phone consultations with individuals for whom we have conducted commercial CDA-based tests, to validate our CDA technologys utility in detecting the risk of cancer. These individuals were generally asymptomatic at the time they took our tests. We began our first follow-up call in 2017 and plan to do these follow-up phone consultations for five years. We have obtained preliminary results from this initiative.
We typically call a tested individual for the first time within 15 days (for individuals with high risk results), three months (for those with medium risk results) or six months (for those with low risk results), after issuing a cancer risk assessment report for a tested individual. We also have subsequent phone consultations with the tested individuals on an annual basis. During these consultations, our customer support and service personnel typically ask the tested individuals with medium or high risks of cancer about, among other things, their health conditions, whether or not they have taken follow-up checkup tests as we suggested in the cancer risk assessment reports, and the relevant follow-up diagnoses or test results, if any. As of October 25, 2019, we had contacted over 12,000 tested individuals, of whom 6,401 individuals gave us substantive feedback regarding their health conditions and disease development, and among them, 479 were previously tested as having high risk of cancer,
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5,452 with medium risk of cancer and the rest with low risk of cancer. Based on the feedback from these calls, 889 of the tested individuals had been diagnosed with various major diseases or cancers by third-party hospitals and medical institutions within two years of taking our CDA-based tests, including 135 cases with cancers, 393 with pre-cancer diseases or benign tumors, and 361 with major non-cancerous diseases. All of these 889 individuals were previously tested as having medium or high risk of cancer, and none were previously tested as having low risk of cancer. Among those 479 and 5,452 individuals tested with high and medium risk of cancer, respectively, 172 (or 35.9%) and 717 (or 13.2%) had been diagnosed with cancers, pre-cancer diseases or major non-cancerous diseases, respectively. As it may take years for diseases to progress into cancers or pre-cancer or major non-cancerous diseases, we expect that the percentage of cancer occurrence among these 6,401 cases will likely increase over time.
Assistance in Diagnosis, Prognosis and Recurrence
Assistance in diagnosis
Oncologists typically use tissue biopsy as the gold standard method for cancer diagnosis, and they also utilize multiple technologies to provide multi-dimensional input to a cancer diagnosis. These technologies can be used for assistance in diagnosis because they provide input complementary to pathologic information drawn from a tissue biopsy, which helps physicians to ensure that their cancer diagnoses are comprehensive and unbiased. For example, a CT scan, in conjunction with the detection of CEA and other tumor markers, is often used to assist in diagnosing lung cancer.
Since 2015, we have collaborated with third-party oncologists and hospitals in utilizing our CDA technology to assist in the diagnosis of multiple cancer types in a number of research studies. These research studies are designed to evaluate the performance of our CDA technology in predicting cancer occurrence in a population with cancer symptoms or abnormal test results. To date, ten of these studies have been published at ASCO annual meetings and other medical conferences and medical journal supplements. The results of these studies demonstrated our CDA technologys effectiveness in assisting in the diagnosis of multiple cancersparticularly lung and esophageal cancers. For example, in our joint study on NSCLC with Shanghai Changhai Hospital in 2017 (2017 ASCO Annual Meeting; J Clin Oncol 35, e23131, 2017), our CDA technology successfully detected NSCLC with sensitivity of 68.0% and specificity of 96.3%, higher than those of CT scans for all NSCLC stage groups. This indicates that compared to a CT scan, our CDA test provides more accurate and reliable diagnostic information and data for oncologists in diagnosing lung cancer.
In another study with Shanghai Changhai Hospital in 2015 (2015 ASCO Annual Meeting; J Clin Oncol 33, e15059, 2015), our CDA technology detected esophageal cancer with relatively high sensitivity of 70.0% and specificity of 90.0%. These results indicated our CDA technologys effectiveness in assisting in the diagnosis of esophageal cancer.
Prognosis and recurrence
Prognosis refers to an assessment of whether and how a patient responds to cancer treatment. Effective prognostic tools can help oncologists dynamically monitor cancer treatment progression, make necessary and timely adjustments to cancer treatment, and correctly predict a patients treatment outcome, such as the survival ratethe percentage of people in a patient group who will be alive for a period of time, the survival timelife expectancy after diagnosis, and whether or not they will go into remission. In some circumstances, prognosis can be effective even before the cancer treatment starts. Recurrence means return of cancer after the patient has been treated and has gone into remission, and happens more frequently for certain cancer types. Patients who have gone into remission have a substantially higher risk of cancer recurrence than the general population. It is therefore important to have technologies to detect cancer recurrence timely, cost-effectively and without side effects. Because biophysical properties in the blood increase or decrease progressively in a statistically significant way from healthy state to late-stage cancer states, we believe that our CDA technology can be used for prognosis of cancer treatment outcomes and for detecting the risk of cancer recurrence.
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In a study published at the 2016 ASCO Annual Meeting (2016 ASCO Annual Meeting, J Clin Oncol 34, 2016 (suppl; abstr e23176)), we investigated our CDA technologys potential for breast cancer prognosis by testing the blood samples collected from three breast cancer patients. The CDA data for each patients blood samples were grouped into three categories, namely before, during and after any post-operative treatment. Two of these patients showed favorable responses to the post-operative treatment and their average overall CDA values declined after the treatment. The third patient did not respond well to the post-operative treatment and their average overall CDA values remained high after the treatment. These results indicated that our CDA technology may be useful for monitoring a breast cancer patients response to the post-operative treatment, although this utility of our CDA technology needs more validation studies.
Since 2015, we have been working with multiple hospitals in China, including Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Lishui Central Hospital, a cancer hospital in Beijing and a cancer center in Shanghai, in a number of research studies. These studies are designed to explore our CDA technologys effectiveness as a prognostic tool for lung cancer treatment.
In one of these studies in 2016, we collaborated with Shanghai Changhai Hospital and tested and collected the overall CDA values from 86 lung cancer patients. These patients were divided into two groups: the good prognosis group (with each member having an overall CDA value below 47) and the bad prognosis group (those with values above 47). We predicted that the good prognosis group would have a higher survival rate than that of the bad prognosis group due to their relatively low overall CDA values. After the grouping, both groups went through chemotherapy to treat their lung cancers. Two years after the chemotherapy, the survival rate of the bad prognosis group dropped below 50%, while that of the good prognosis group stayed at the level of 75%. The differences in those two outcomes are statistically significant and meaningful. The results of this clinical study demonstrate our CDA technologys strong ability in predicting the outcome of lung cancer treatment and validate that it can predict treatment outcomes even before the treatment starts.
The following graph provides a comparison of the predicted progression-free survival rates (the percentage of the measured population that did not demonstrate worsening in their condition over a specified period), or PFS, for those two lung cancer patient groups in this study.
In another study, we tracked a number of patients throughout their approximately three years of cancer treatment. The following graph illustrates the changes of a representative patients CDA values throughout the tracking period.
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CDA in Long-Term Cancer Monitoring (Stage IIA with Surgery)
This patient is a middle-aged man diagnosed with a stage IIA lung cancer. As illustrated in the graph above,
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At the beginning of the tracking period, namely Day zero, the patients overall CDA value was relatively high, which corroborated the oncologists diagnosis that the individual had a cancer; |
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From Day 7 to Day 28, as the cancer treatment progressed, the patients overall CDA value, as well as PTF and CTF values, continued dropping; |
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After his surgery (around Day 52) and during his chemo-therapy treatment, the patients overall CDA value dropped below the cut-off value, indicating that by that time, the patients stage IIA lung cancer had been effectively controlled and he went into remission; |
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However, after a period of remission (around Day 212), the patients overall CDA value went up again, which predicted a recurrence of cancer. Shortly after this uptick in the overall CDA value, the oncologists diagnosed that the patients cancer had come back and further spread to the liver, corroborating our CDA tests prediction; |
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Subsequently, the patient went through chemotherapy for liver cancer. Following this treatment (around Day 277), the patient showed an overall CDA value below the cut-off value, indicating that the patient responded positively to the chemotherapy and went into remission again; and |
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From Day 383 to Day 904, the patients overall CDA value, as well as PTF and CTF values, remained relatively low, indicating that he was in remission. This was also confirmed by the oncologists clinical observations. |
To summarize, this representative example has shown that our CDA test can (i) dynamically monitor a patients treatment progression, indicating when the cancer is under control (namely, when the overall CDA value drops below the cut-off value) and when the patient enters the remission phase (namely, after the overall CDA value stays below the cut-off value for a period of time); and (ii) correctly predict cancer recurrence ahead of time (namely, when the overall CDA value resurges and exceeds the cut-off value).
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Our CDA Device
Our proprietary CDA device, which we designed in-house and is covered by numerous patents, is used to conduct cancer screening and detection tests based on our proprietary CDA technology. This device uses an integrated, multi-level and multi-parameter sensor system to detect multiple biophysical properties in one single blood test. We believe that we are one of the first biotechnology companies worldwide to use such a sensor system to detect cancers biophysical properties.
Working Mechanism
Our CDA device consists of a blood sample input unit, a sample transport unit, a sample mixing chamber, a testing unit and a data storage unit. Because our CDA technology detects biophysical properties, our CDA devices sensors play a dominant role in biophysical signal detection.
Our CDA device uses a microfluidic device, which is connected to a fluid delivery line inside the testing unit. This microfluidic device contains three primary components: micro-channels, micro-sensors and measurement instruments with automated data recording capabilities. After a blood sample goes into the micro-channels of the microfluidic device, the sensors will probe the blood and measure the relevant data. The measurement instrument that interfaces with the sensors applies a constant input to the blood and records the corresponding biophysical responses as a function of time. The resulting raw data contains both dynamic and static information, which is fed into our proprietary algorithm for further analysis.
Our CDA device is much less costly to manufacture than the equipment used by many of our competitors, especially the complex and expensive gene sequencing machines used in ct-DNA-based tests and micro-electrical mechanical devices used in CTC-based tests. As a result, we can offer our customers cancer screening and detection tests with high accuracy at prices significantly lower than many of our competitors tests.
Operation
Our CDA device is a fully-automated system requiring minimal human involvement. After collecting blood samples from the individuals, all our testing personnel needs to do is to properly place these blood samples on the test-tube racks and station the racks inside the sample input unit of our device. Our device will then automatically complete the subsequent test as programmed, including:
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heating the blood samples to prepare them for testing; |
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deploying multiple sensors inside the microfluidic device to detect relevant biophysical properties in each blood sample and obtain multi-level information; |
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discharging the tested blood samples and cleaning the used test tubes; and |
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transferring the testing data collected by the microfluidic device (including PTF and CTF values) to the computer connected to our CDA device, which will process this testing data with our proprietary algorithm and convert it into an overall CDA value. A series of CDA itemized values will also be generated, if we conduct biomarker-based tests in combination with our CDA test while offering our cancer-positioning services. |
Based on the resulting CDA values, our professionals can assess a tested individuals likelihood of having or developing cancers and issue the corresponding cancer risk assessment report.
We design and configure all of the key components of our CDA device and outsource production of these components to a number of qualified contract manufacturers. We assemble these components into our CDA devices in-house. We have implemented a strict selection process for our contract manufacturers and evaluate our contract manufacturers qualifications on an ongoing basis. We do not disproportionately rely on any particular
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contract manufacturer, and have not entered into any long-term or exclusive supply contract with any of them. For our CDA device, we obtained a Class II medical device manufacture license in June 2013 (renewed in 2018) and a Class II medical device registration certificate April 2015 from the NMPA, Zhejiang Branch. These licenses, along with our clinical laboratory license, allow us to manufacture our device in Lishui, Zhejiang and use the device commercially in our licensed clinical laboratories in China. While conducting the final assembly, testing and packaging of our devices at our plant in Lishui, Zhejiang Province, we thoroughly inspect the key components of our devices sourced from contract manufacturers and closely follow applicable PRC regulations and recognized international quality control standards.
Our CDA-based Tests
Unlike conventional cancer screening and detection approaches such as imaging technology and tissue biopsy, our CDA test uses liquid-based technology to detect the risk of cancer and non-cancerous diseases based on our CDA technology. It is minimally invasive, side effect-free and highly automated. Because it focuses on changes in cancer-related biophysical properties as a disease progresses, we believe that our CDA test can be used for multiple purposes, including early cancer screening and detection, as well as assistance in cancer diagnosis, prognosis and recurrence.
We maintain a comprehensive and flexible test menu to meet different customers needs. Our CDA test can detect and assess an individuals overall risk of having or developing cancer, and we deliver a cancer risk assessment report as the final product of this test. This report presents the analytical parameters that our CDA test uses, including the PTF, CTF and overall CDA values. We set cut-off values for the PTF, CTF and overall CDA values based on the pathological data from our retrospective validation studies and the intended cancer screening and detection objectives. PTF or CTF values in excess of the specified cut-off values indicate a risk of cancer. In addition, we set two cut-offs to divide the overall CDA value into three categories: low risk (healthy), medium risk and high risk. These values, collectively, indicate a tested individuals overall risk level of having or developing cancer, without identifying the specific types of cancer that the individual may have. For tested individuals with medium or high cancer risks as indicated by the overall CDA value, we normally suggest in our reports that they get follow-up medical examinations on the relevant organs.
In addition to our CDA test, a tested individual can pay a premium for our combination tests, which also include cancer-positioning services to identify the specific type(s) of cancer that he or she has a medium or high risk of having or developing. Our combination tests combine our CDA tests and, on an auxiliary basis, biomarker-based cancer screening and detection tests performed either by us or by third-party clinical laboratories that we engage. These combination tests typically use two cubic centimeters of blood from the tested individual to perform our CDA test and another three cubic centimeters of blood to perform the biomarker-based test. In the combination tests our CDA technology plays a dominant role in identifying the risk of cancer, while biomarkers provide auxiliary information on the types of cancer that may be involved. We integrate the results of these two separate tests using our proprietary algorithm and translate them into a series of itemized CDA values. We then analyze these itemized CDA values to identify the cancer type(s) that a tested individual has a medium or high risk of having or developing. These identified cancer types and the tested individuals corresponding risk levels of having or developing them will also be included in that individuals cancer risk assessment report.
Currently, we offer seven standardized tests (with or without cancer positioning services). Generally, the more cancer types a standardized test with cancer positioning services can identify, the higher it is priced. In each standardized test with cancer-positioning services, the specific cancer types that can be identified vary between males and females. For instance, our popular CDA six-cancer test with positioning services identifies lung, liver, stomach and colon cancers for both genders, as well as rectal and prostate cancers for males and breast and ovarian cancers for females.
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Representative Successful Case Studies
Leveraging our proprietary CDA technology, CDA device and algorithm, our CDA-based tests have helped numerous individuals identify their diseases timely, efficiently and accurately. The following are some representative examples selected from our successful case study pool in China.
Case Study #1
A 71-year-old man took our test in April 2017. The test results showed that he had a high risk of cancer, because his overall CDA value was high. In addition, his relevant itemized CDA value exceeded the normal value, indicating prostate cancer. The customer then visited a grade-A hospital for an MRI examination, which showed no abnormality. During this customers follow-up communication with us, our customer support and service personnel advised him to further conduct a tissue biopsy test. The tissue biopsy showed that he had early-stage prostate cancer.
Case Study #2
In 2017, a 51-year-old man was indicated by our test to have medium overall cancer risk. In 2018, he took our test again and this time, his overall cancer risk level had risen to high risk. The customer was not concerned about our test results until he was found having polypsa common pre-cancer diseaseduring a colonoscopy examination. He then took a polyps removal surgery. During the surgery, the surgeons determined that he was actually inflicted by early-stage colorectal cancer.
Case Study #3
A 65-year-old man took our test in April 2017. The test results showed that he had a high risk of cancer, as his overall CDA value was high. In addition, his relevant itemized CDA value exceeded the normal value, indicating lung cancer. Around the same time, the customer conducted a physical examination, which corroborated our assessment and showed that an azygos lobe had formed in his right lung and the inferior lobes of both of his lungs had pulmonary shadows. The customer then visited a lung cancer hospital for further examination, where he was diagnosed with early-stage lung cancer.
Commercialization
China
In China, we have established clinical laboratories in Lishui, Zhejiang Province and Haikou, Hainan Province. We obtained the medical institutional practice license from the NHC in 2016 and 2015, respectively, for these two laboratories to conduct medical tests, each for a five-year term. Our Lishui laboratory conducts substantially all of our commercial CDA-based tests (including our CDA tests and combination tests), as well as a variety of other tests (including immunology and biochemical tests). We performed our first commercial CDA-based test in 2015 and have generated revenue in China for four consecutive years. The number of our commercial CDA-based tests we sold increased significantly from 19,336 in 2017 to 41,607 in 2018 and from 29,036 in the nine months ended September 30, 2018 to 41,544 in the same period of 2019.
In addition to our CDA-based tests, we design annual physical checkup plans for certain of our corporate and life insurance company customers as value-added services and to facilitate these customers to procure physical checkup services from third-party physical checkup service providers. We also sell annual physical checkup packages to our customers, which are designed to include our CDA-based tests as part of the physical checkup services. We outsource a substantial portion of these checkup services in these packages to qualified physical checkup institutions. As of September 30, 2019, we had completed total sales of approximately 130,000 physical checkup packages.
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We have been piloting our genomics tests in our Haikou laboratory operated by our subsidiary Shiji Hainan, which we acquired in November 2017. Our genomics tests primarily consist of genetic testing for the purpose of targeted therapy selection and pharmacogenomics, and ct-DNA mutation testing for multiple purposes, including early cancer screening and detection and prognosis.
Supported by our diverse tests and services, we intend to further expand our customer base in China. To achieve this objective, we plan to market our tests to Chinese hospitals. In December 2018, we applied to the NMPA for a Class III medical device registration certificate for our CDA device to assist in multi-cancer diagnosis. We expect that it would take us at least three years to obtain this registration certificate. After we obtain this license, we will apply to update our medical device manufacture license to include the manufacture of Class III medical devices. With these Class III medical device licenses, we will be permitted to place our devices within Chinese hospitals laboratories to conduct commercial tests there or sell our devices to the hospitals for the purposes of assisting in physicians diagnosis of specified multiple cancers. We expect our business in China to expand substantially following the commencement of this commercial cooperation with Chinese hospitals.
United States
In the United States, we have established a clinical laboratory in San Jose, California and obtained a CLIA Certificate of Registration for this laboratory in March 2019. We currently are permitted to conduct our CDA test for research use in the United States. We have entered into research agreements with U.S. universities and academic medical centers, and we are in discussions with U.S. hospitals, medical institutions, CROs, managed care companies and other health organizations, to conduct research studies on our CDA technology in the U.S. To commercialize our CDA test in the United States, we intend to initially market it to U.S. customers as an LDT performed at our San Jose laboratory. As an LDT, pursuant to the FDAs current LDT enforcement discretion policy, we do not expect that our CDA test will require premarket clearance, market authorization, or approval from the FDA prior to marketing. Because we have received a CLIA Certificate of Registration for our San Jose laboratory, we may begin marketing our test as soon as we complete our validation studies and obtain any state laboratory licenses or other accreditations that we are required to hold in order to offer our CDA test in the corresponding states. Under CLIA, CAP and state licensing requirements, we are required to validate our CDA test with applicable analytical and clinical studies prior to marketing the test as an LDT. These studies are designed to demonstrate the performance of the test. We have entered into research agreements with U.S. universities and academic medical centers, and we are in discussions with other health organizations, to conduct these studies.
We have voluntarily elected to seek accreditation for our San Jose laboratory from the CAP. To receive CAP accreditation, we must demonstrate that the San Jose laboratory is in compliance with all applicable CAP program requirements and CLIA regulatory requirements by passing an inspection. Among other things, the CAP inspection will evaluate our laboratorys processes and procedures, personnel qualifications and competency assessment, proficiency testing and quality assurance, and test method validation.
If our San Jose laboratory has received CAP accreditation and a CLIA Certificate of Accreditation, after we complete our validation studies for the CDA test, we will be able to market our CDA test following the completion of an administrative process to update our test menu with the CAP, CLIA, and those states in which we are required to hold state laboratory licenses (with the exception of New York State). Assuming that our CDA test falls within one of the disciplines for which our San Jose laboratory has already received accreditation and a CLIA Certificate of Accreditation, after we complete our validation studies for the CDA test, we will be able to update our test menu with the CAP electronically, and then immediately offer our CDA test in those states that do not require us to hold state laboratory licenses. In those states where we are required to hold state laboratory licenses, we will need to submit applications to update our test menu. The timeline for these updates is uncertain and will likely depend on the number of applications received by each state at any particular time. Upon completion of this process, we will be able to offer our CDA test throughout the U.S. with the exception of New York. For more information about the state laboratory license of the New York State and its application process, see RegulationsU.S. RegulationsFederal and State Laboratory Licensing Requirements.
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Research and Development
The development of our CDA technology and device (together with our proprietary algorithm) is largely attributable to our integrated research and development team that comprises talent from both China and the United States. In our research and development center based in Shanghai, we conduct various ongoing research studies on our CDA technology and continue to improve our CDA device.
We believe that our research and development team possesses industry-leading expertise in the early cancer screening and detection field. As of September 30, 2019, this team had 23 members, including four with M.D. degrees and three with a Ph.D. degree. Our research and development team has a multi-disciplinary background, and most members of this team specialize in areas related or helpful to the development of our CDA technology and device, including mechatronics, physics, biomedical science or computer science. Our founder and chairman, Dr. Chris Chang Yu, our vice president in charge of R&D, Mr. Xuedong Du, and our chief medical officer, Dr. He Yu, have led our research and development team since our inception, leveraging their multi-disciplinary expertise and industry experience. These key members have spearheaded our research and development team in achieving a number of technological breakthroughs, including the design and fabrication of the microfluidic devicethe key functioning component of our CDA deviceand the testing of multiple cancers in a single blood test. Since 2015, our research and development team has published 15 articles on ASCO and other medical conferences and medical journal supplements to demonstrate our CDA technologys clinical utility.
We have invested significantly in research and development since our inception. Our research and development expenses were RMB11.4 million, RMB10.1 million (US$1.4 million) and RMB7.1 million (US$1.0 million) in 2017 and 2018 and the nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively.
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Our Ongoing Research Studies on CDA Technology
In recent years, we have collaborated with a number of Chinese hospitals and medical institutions in conducting clinical studies on our CDA technology. These collaborations have enabled us to validate the effectiveness and utility of our CDA-based test in a clinical setting, explore new applications of our CDA technology, and provide us access to clinically well-characterized patient data. In addition, we have entered into research agreements with U.S. universities and academic medical centers, and we are in discussions with other U.S. hospitals, medical institutions, CROs, managed care companies and other health organizations, to conduct research studies on our CDA technology in the United States. Currently, our ongoing clinical studies on our CDA technology mainly focus on: (i) improving our CDA technologys utility in detecting early-stage cancers with high incidences in China and the United States, as well as certain cancer types that have been considered difficult for liquid-based technology to detect; (ii) exploring this technologys potential to dynamically monitor cancer progression and for assistance in cancer diagnosis, prognosis and recurrence; (iii) expanding this technologys application to different oncological areas, including veterinary cancer screening and detection and (iv) validating this technologys ability to detect the risk of major non-cancerous diseases. The following table summarizes our ongoing research studies on CDA technology.
Commencement Date |
Research Partner |
Cancer Type |
Estimated
Sample Size |
Study Purpose |
||||||
September 2019 |
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center |
esophageal cancer | 100 | for early cancer screening and detection | ||||||
August 2019 |
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center | gynecologic cancers | 40 | for early cancer screening and detection | ||||||
May 2019 |
A university in Shanghai |
multiple cancers (with no specification of cancer types) |
15,000 | for early cancer screening and detection, as well as assistance in diagnosis, prognosis and recurrence | ||||||
July 2017 |
A cancer center in Shanghai | multiple cancers (with no specification of cancer types) | 200 | for early cancer screening and detection | ||||||
July 2017 |
University of California, Davis | sarcoma and carcinoma cancer | 186 | for CDA technologys application to canine cancer areas | ||||||
May 2017 |
Shanghai Changhai Hospital | lung and esophageal cancer | 5,000 | for early cancer screening and detection | ||||||
May 2017 |
A hospital in Shanghai | lung, colorectal, gastric, breast and pancreatic cancers | 1,600 | for assistance in diagnosis, prognosis and recurrence, as well as early cancer screening and detection |
These ongoing research studies can be categorized into the following three groups by study purpose:
Studies for Early Cancer Screening and Detection
Our current ongoing research studies in collaboration with Shanghai Changhai Hospital are based on our research agreement dated April 2017. These research studies are designed to validate our CDA technology for the screening and detection of early-stage lung and esophageal cancers. According to Frost & Sullivan, in 2018 there
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were approximately 867,500 and 271,600 new incidences of lung cancer and esophageal cancer in China, respectively, and lung cancer ranked first among the five most frequent cancers in China. These two cancers are also generally considered difficult for liquid-based technologies to detect with high accuracy, according to Frost & Sullivan. In this project, Shanghai Changhai Hospital is required to provide us with approximately 5,000 blood samples for research studies. Certain preliminary published testing results have shown that our CDA technology can detect the risk of NSCLC with a sensitivity rate of 85.2% and a specificity rate of 93.0% (2019 ASCO Annual Meeting; J Clin Oncol 37, e20673, 2019).
We and a cancer center in Shanghai executed a research project agreement in July 2017. In this ongoing research project, this cancer center is required to provide us with approximately 200 blood samples for the research study to validate our CDA technologys ability to detect the risk of multiple cancer types. These cancer types include certain cancers that are generally considered difficult for liquid-based technologies to detect, such as esophageal cancer.
We also entered into a research project agreement with a university in Shanghai in May 2019. In this ongoing research project, this university will provide us with approximately 15,000 blood samples for our research studies for multiple purposes, including early cancer screening and detection of multiple cancer types (including lung and esophageal cancers), as well as assistance in diagnosis, prognosis and recurrence.
In addition, in August 2019, we and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center entered into two research agreements. Under the first of these agreements, we retained this university to perform a retrospective, blinded research study to validate our CDA technology for gynecologic cancer screening. This university is required to provide us with at least 20 samples from healthy women and at least 20 samples from ovarian cancer patients for the research study. Under the second agreement, we retained the university to conduct a single-blind research study to validate our CDA technology for esophageal cancer screening. This university is required to provide us with 50 samples for the control group and 50 samples from cancer patients for the research study.
Studies for Assistance in Diagnosis, Prognosis and Recurrence
Since May 2017, we have been working with a hospital in Shanghai on a research study on our CDA technology primarily for assistance in diagnosis, prognosis and recurrence. Under this ongoing study, this hospital is expected to provide us with approximately 1,600 blood samples. These blood samples are collected from patients diagnosed with different subtypes of lung, colorectal, gastric, breast and pancreatic cancers and at different stages of cancer development. By analyzing the pre- and post-treatment CDA values of these patients, we have found correlations between the changes in a patients CDA values and the cancer treatment that the patient has received.
Studies for CDA Technologys Application to Different Oncological Areas
We have been collaborating with the Department of Veterinary Medicine of the University of California, Davis in a study on early cancer screening for canines. This study, which initially ended in May 2018, has been extended to 2020 due to its promising preliminary results, including high CDA values for dogs with cancer and low to medium CDA values for healthy dogs. Through this study, we plan to expand the application of our CDA technology to veterinary cancer screening and detection.
Studies for Major Non-Cancerous Disease Detection
In addition to the above ongoing studies on our CDA technologys applications in oncological areas, we are also conducting research on our CDA technologys ability to detect the risk of various major non-cancerous diseases, including lung diseases (such as pneumonia and tuberculosis), type II diabetes, heart diseases (such as heart failure and arrhythmia), liver diseases (such as cirrhosis and hepatitis), gastric diseases (such as gastritis and gastric polyp) and biliary diseases (such as calculus of bile duct and cholecystolithiasis). Our preliminary
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research studies indicate that our CDA technology is able to distinguish individuals with some major non-cancerous diseases from the control group and the cancer group. More studies and further analysis of the study results are needed to validate our findings on our CDA technologys utility in these major non-cancer areas.
Our Research on Improving our CDA Device
We have conducted substantial research to increase the operational efficiency of our CDA device and, in turn, improve our CDA tests signal-to-noise ratio to further elevate its accuracy. Our current research in this aspect primarily focuses on enabling our device to improve our CDA technologys ability to identify cancer types, our CDA technologys signal-to-noise ratio and its testing throughput.
Sales and Marketing
We currently sell our cancer screening and detection tests only in China. We sell our tests primarily to our customers directly, as well as through our sales agents such as health management companies and medical device dealers. We select our sales agents based on their reputation, market coverage, sales experience and the size of their sales force, and we generally conduct credit assessments of our sales agents.
We set the prices of our tests primarily based on the numbers of cancers that they test. However, we do not set the resale prices for our tests, which our sales agents typically have the sole discretion to determine. We typically give our corporate customers and sales agents a credit term of one to three months for the payments.
Our marketing is focused on expanding the market awareness of our cancer screening and detection test and continuously growing our customer base. We primarily deploy our own sales and marketing personnel to market our tests. As of September 30, 2019, we had 19 sales and marketing personnel. In addition to conducting direct sales to our existing customers, our sales and marketing personnel prepare and deliver our brochures and product presentations to potential customers and attend academic conferences and industrial exhibitions to advertise our CDA technology and tests. Our sales and marketing personnel are generally well trained and educated about the complexities of our tests, and they typically have extensive experience in the cancer early screening and detection field or other medical areas. As our business grows, we plan to build up our sales and marketing team and strengthen our own sales network in China.
We also use sales agents to promote our tests. By referring our tests to their customers and inviting us to deliver product presentations at their promotional events, our sales agents have connected us with their quality customers and enabled us to utilize their network resources for marketing purpose.
Our Customers
We believe that our cancer screening and detection tests have significant market potential in China, as there is strong demand among Chinas large, aging population for early cancer screening and detection services. Our existing customer base in China consists primarily of life insurance companies and other large corporations. Generally, they are frequent and high-volume users of our cancer screening and detection tests, because they provide our tests to their individual customers as value-added services or to their employees as benefits. While a majority of our sales has come from our direct sales to our customers, we expect that a significant portion of our sales will continue to be generated through our sales agents.
We believe our customer base provides a meaningful opportunity for our further growth. In addition, we believe an expansion in our customer base will encourage the market acceptance of our CDA technology and raise the publics awareness of our brand. We plan to acquire additional customers for our CDA-based tests through the annual physical checkup packages we offer. In addition, we plan to further develop our non-CDA cancer screening and detection tests using other technologies, including expanding the genomics tests we currently conduct at our Haikou laboratory. After obtaining the Class III medical device registration certificate and updating our medical device manufacture license, we expect to provide our tests to more individual customers through Chinese hospitals.
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Customer Support and Service
We maintain a dedicated team to provide customer support and service for our CDA-based tests. This Shanghai-based team is primarily responsible for operating our service hotline to answer customers questions regarding their test results and our cancer risk assessments. In addition, this team periodically conducts follow-up phone consultations with the tested individuals to check their current health conditions, diagnosis results and disease development. These consultations provide us valuable feedback to validate our CDA technology utility in detecting the risk of cancer.
Supply Chain and Quality Control
We devote significant attention to ensuring the accuracy and reliability of our cancer screening and detection tests. We have established a comprehensive quality control system for our tests in accordance with applicable PRC regulations and recognized international quality control standards.
Blood samples for our commercial CDA-based tests are typically delivered to us by a third-party commercial courier. We have also engaged third-party nursing service providers to collect blood samples on our behalf for our commercial cancer screening and detection tests. These service providers are generally responsible for any physical harm caused by the nurses to the tested individuals during the blood collection process. In addition, our research partners are responsible for collecting and delivering blood samples for our research studies. As the quality of blood samples directly affects the accuracy of our tests, we have designed a set of standardized blood sample collection and delivery procedures, including those for sample labeling, preservation and transportation. We require the commercial courier company, nurses and our research partners to follow these standardized procedures to minimize the risks of human errors and sample contamination. During the testing process, we strictly control the temperature and humidity in our laboratories. We carefully preserve the blood samples in a temperature-controlled environment. We also use control samples to ensure that our tests are properly performed and the test results are reliable. After the testing process, our designated personnel will verify the testing results before issuing the cancer risk assessment reports to our customers. In addition, because our CDA technology focuses on biophysical signals, our blood samples can remain stable for testing purpose for up to seven days.
We use a relatively small amount of reagents in our biomarker-based cancer screening and detection tests, which are part of our combination tests. We source these reagents from one third-party supplier. We do not have an exclusive supply agreement with the supplier. The supplier typically engages commercial courier services to deliver the reagents to us. In addition, we outsourced substantially all of the biomarker-based tests in 2017 and 2018 to two third-party clinical laboratories on a non-exclusive basis. These two laboratories are responsible for conducting the biomarker-based tests and delivering the test results to us for our data consolidation using our algorithm. These two laboratories are obligated to keep confidential all documents relating to the tested samples and the test results. We are gradually phasing out this outsourcing arrangement and plan to perform our combination tests entirely in-house in the near future.
Competition
As early detection of cancer may lead to decreased morbidity with improved survival, more and more biotechnology companies have focused on the immense market opportunities it represents and are attempting to enter the space.
Biotechnology companies worldwide currently use various technologies for early cancer screening and detection. We believe that none of these technologies has yet acquired a dominant market position. As a novel cancer screening and detection technology that focuses on biophysical properties in blood, our CDA technology faces competition primarily from conventional biomarker-based technologies and other next-generation cancer screening and detection technologies, including those based on CTCs and ct-DNAs. Recent major advances in
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CTC- and ct-DNA-based technologies have introduced the possibility of using either or both as tests to screen for cancer, and they have made the possibility for simultaneous screening for multiple primary cancers particularly attractive.
Our major competitors include biotechnology companies that conduct cancer screening and detection using next-generating technologies, such as BGI in China and GRAIL, Guardant Health, and Exact Sciences worldwide. All of these competitors cancer screening and detection technologies target CTCs and/or genomics such as ct-DNA, cf-DNA and cf-RNA, as opposed to the biophysical properties that our CDA technology focuses on. According to Frost & Sullivan, GRAIL, Guardant Health, and Exact Sciences have developed, or may develop, multi-cancer tests that compete with our CDA-based test, and BGI is developing services to evaluate the risk of various cancer types through ct-DNA tests.
We believe that our competitive advantages include the cost-efficiency, high testing accuracy, and broad test coverage of our CDA-based tests, our expansive patent portfolio and our large proprietary test database. However, many of our competitors have more expertise, experience and financial resources, stronger business relationships in developing and marketing their products, more mature technologies and products, greater market adoption among physicians and patients and others in the medical community, broader test menus, larger test databases, or greater brand recognition than we do. We also cannot assure you that our CDA technology will not become obsolete if we cannot keep pace with constantly changing technologies in the cancer screening and detection market.
Intellectual Property
Intellectual property rights are fundamental to our business, and we devote significant time and resources to their development and protection. We rely on a combination of patent, trade secret and trademark laws, as well as confidentiality agreements, to establish and protect our proprietary rights. We do not rely on third-party licenses of intellectual property when developing our CDA technology and CDA device.
We have developed an early and strong patent position related to our CDA technology, and we continuously seek patent coverage over its new applications. As of September 30, 2019, we had filed 210 patent applications globally; among them, 121 patents had been granted, including 16 patents granted in the United States, 55 in greater China (including seven in Taiwan), and 50 in nearly 20 other countries and regions. Our granted patents are expected to expire between 2031 and 2037. As of the same date, we also had 89 pending patent applications, consisting of 19 in the United States, 28 in greater China (including one in Taiwan), 38 in nearly 20 other countries and regions, and four patent cooperation treaty, or PCT, applications.
Our patents and patent applications broadly cover apparatus and methods for detecting diseases at early stages, and they strategically encompass the important specific embodiments of these apparatus and methods. They generally fall into the following categories:
|
those relating to our CDA technology, including claims directed to methods for identifying and measuring various biophysical properties in blood samples and methods for detecting major cancer types and/or non-cancerous diseases, such as methods for detecting multiple cancers in a single blood test; |
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those relating to our CDA device, including claims directed to its key components, such as the microfluidic device; and |
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those relating to the multi-level, multi-parameter concept underlying our CDA technology, as well as our non-CDA early cancer screening and detection technologies, apparatus and methods. |
According to our public searches, some of our patents, including our newly issued U.S. patents, have been cited by patent examiners and third parties (including a number of well-known global corporations and Fortune 50 companies). For example, as of October 31, 2019, one of our U.S. patents issued in 2018 had been cited 23 times in patent applications of globally well-known corporations including those based in the U.S. and China.
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Our agreements with our employees generally include assignment provisions, providing that all patents, copyrights and other intellectual property rights arising from the course of their employment with us or their using our facilities belong to us, and the employee-inventors are required assign to us all and any of their rights and title to the relevant granted patents or patent applications. In addition, we also try to protect our trade secrets and know-how through confidentiality agreements and non-disclosure provisions in our other agreements with persons who have access to them, such as our employees, consultants and research partners.
As of September 30, 2019, we also had 27 granted trademarks and four pending trademark applications in greater China, and eight granted trademarks and four pending trademark applications in the U.S.
Honors and Awards
We have received awards and recognitions in respect of our technological innovations, market potential and social contributions, including the key awards and recognitions set forth in the table below:
Awards and Recognitions |
Year |
Issuing Authority |
||||
World Changing Ideas Honorable Mention |
2019 | Fast Company Magazine | ||||
2018 BIG Innovation Award |
2018 | Business Intelligence Group | ||||
Minority Health Products and Services Firm of the Year |
2018 | The U.S. Department of Commerce, Minority Business Development Agency | ||||
Most Promising Early Cancer Screening Enterprise in China and the U.S. |
2017 | China & U.S. Precision Medicine Forum | ||||
International Innovation Award in Chinas Bio-Medical Industry |
2016 | Nobel Prize Laureate Medical Summit | ||||
Outstanding Technology Innovation Award |
2016 | Nobel Prize Laureate Medical Summit |
Facilities
Our China headquarters are located in the Bihu Industrial Park in Lishui, Zhejiang Province. Our facilities for manufacturing our CDA device for our performance of commercial CDA-based tests, our principle licensed clinical laboratory to conduct commercial CDA-based tests, as well as our warehouse are all in our headquarters in Lishui. We own the premises of our Lishui headquarters, which have an aggregate floor area of approximately 5,126 square meters. We also own an additional approximately 203 square meters in Lishui and 157 square meters of office space in Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province.
We currently lease several properties with an aggregate floor area of approximately 875 square meters in Shanghai, where we operate our primary research and development facilities. We also lease approximately 142 square meters of properties in Haikou, Hainan Province, primarily to operate our government-approved clinical laboratory. Furthermore, we lease approximately 517 square meters of properties in Yangzhou, where we operate a research and development facility. Our leases for these properties vary in duration from one to three years.
In the United States, we currently lease approximately 1,050 square feet of office space in San Jose as the premises for our CLIA-registered laboratory and U.S. headquarters. These leases vary in duration from approximately three years to five years. We also plan to open a new laboratory in Philadelphia in 2020 and will seek to obtain a CLIA certification and CAP accreditation for this laboratory.
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Employees
As of September 30, 2019, we had 101 full-time employees, including seven in the United States and the remainder in China. The following table sets forth the numbers of our employees categorized by function as of September 30, 2019.
As of September 30, 2019 | ||||
Research and development |
23 | |||
Laboratory technicians and manufacturing personnel |
15 | |||
Sales and marketing |
19 | |||
Logistics and customer support and service |
9 | |||
General and administration |
35 | |||
|
|
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Total |
101 | |||
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We plan to hire additional employees for sales and marketing, customer support and service and manufacturing functions as we grow our business. None of our employees is represented by a labor union with respect to his or her employment with us. We believe that we maintain a good working relationship with our employees, and we have not experienced any material labor disputes.
In accordance with applicable regulations in the PRC, we participate in various employee social security plans that are organized by municipal and provincial governments, including housing, pension, medical insurance, work-related injury insurance, employment injury insurance, maternity insurance and unemployment insurance. We are required under PRC law to make contributions to employee benefit plans at specified percentages of the salaries, bonuses and certain allowances of our employees, up to a maximum amount specified by the local government from time to time.
Legal Proceedings
We may be subject to legal proceedings and claims in the ordinary course of business. We cannot predict the results of any such disputes, and despite the potential outcomes, their existence alone may have an adverse material impact on us because of diversion of management time and attention as well as the financial costs related to resolving such disputes. Neither we nor any of our directors or executive officers are currently a party to, nor is any of our properties the subject of, any material legal or arbitration proceedings.
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PRC Regulations
In China, we are subject to a variety of PRC laws, rules and regulations affecting many aspects of our business. This section summarizes the principal PRC laws, rules and regulations that we believe are relevant to our business and operations.
Regulation on Medical Devices and Medical Institutions
Regulatory Authorities
In the PRC, the newly formed NMPA is the government authority under the State Administration for Market Regulation that monitors and supervises the administration of pharmaceutical products, medical devices, and cosmetics. The NMPAs predecessor, the CFDA, was established in March 2013 and separated from the Ministry of Health of the PRC, or the MOH, as part of an institutional reform of the State Council. Predecessors of the NMPA also include the former State Food and Drug Administration, or the SFDA, that was established in March 2003 and the State Drug Administration, or the SDA, that was established in August 1998. The primary responsibilities of the NMPA include:
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monitoring and supervising the administration of pharmaceutical products, medical devices, and cosmetics in the PRC; |
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formulating administrative rules and policies concerning the supervision and administration of the pharmaceutical, medical device, and cosmetics industry; |
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evaluating, registering and approving of new drugs, generic drugs, imported drugs and traditional Chinese medicine; |
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approving and issuing permits for the manufacture and export/import of pharmaceutical products, as well as medical devices, and approving the establishment of enterprises to be engaged in the manufacture and distribution of pharmaceutical products; and |
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examining and evaluating the safety of pharmaceutical products, medical devices, and cosmetics and handling significant accidents involving these products. |
The National Health and Family Planning Commission, or the NHFPC, has been renamed as the NHC. The NHC is an authority at the ministerial level under the State Council and is primarily responsible for national public health. The NHC combines the responsibilities of the former NHFPC, the Leading Group Overseeing Medical and Healthcare Reform under the State Council, the China National Working Commission on Aging, partial responsibilities of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology in relation to tobacco control, and partial responsibilities from the State Administration of Work Safety in relation to occupational safety. The predecessor of NHFPC is the MOH. Following the establishment of the SFDA in 2003, the MOH was put in charge of the overall administration of the national health in the PRC excluding the pharmaceutical industry.
Medical Institutions Laws and Regulations
The Regulation on the Administration of Medical Institutions as promulgated by the State Council of the PRC on February 1994 and revised in 2016 provides the requirements for the establishment and administration of medical institutions. The establishment of medical institutions must comply with local governments plans for the establishment of medical institutions and the basic standards for medical institutions. To establish a medical institution, an entity or individual shall be subject to the examination and approval of the health administrative department of the local government at or above the county level and obtain the written approval for the establishment of medical institutions. A medical institution providing relevant services must register and obtain a
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medical institution practice license. An entity or individual that has not obtained a medical institution practice license may not carry out diagnosis or treatment activities. The revised Rules for Implementation of the Administrative Regulation on Medical Institutions as promulgated by the NHFPC in February 2017 further regulates the approval on establishment, registration, validation, naming and practice of medical institutions.
Our PRC subsidiaries, AnPac Lishui and Shiji Hainan, obtained their medical institution practice licenses in 2016 and 2015, respectively. We historically conducted a number of our CDA tests in premises other than our Lishui and Haikou laboratories, which could result in the relevant authorities confiscating the revenue we generated from these tests as well as other penalties on us. While we have rectified this practice and have not received any notice of relevant disciplinary governmental action, we cannot assure you that we will not be subject to this penalty.
The Measures for the Administration of Clinical Gene Amplification Testing Laboratories in Medical Institutions as promulgated by Ministry of Health in December 2010 provides the requirements for medical institutions to carry out clinical gene amplification test technique. Clinical gene amplification testing laboratory refers to a laboratory that detects specific DNA or RNA by amplification and to perform disease diagnosis, treatment monitoring and prognosis determination. The PRC Ministry of Health is responsible for supervising and administering clinical gene amplification testing laboratories in medical institutions nationwide. The health administrative authorities at the provincial level is responsible for supervising and administering clinical gene amplification testing laboratories in medical institutions within their respective administrative regions. This regulation also provides the examination and establishment of clinical gene amplification testing laboratories, laboratory quality management and laboratory supervision and management.
Our PRC subsidiary, Shiji Hainan, obtained its Certificate of Clinical Gene Amplification Testing Laboratory in 2016.
Medical Devices Administration Laws and Regulations
The Regulation on the Supervision and Administration of Medical Devices as amended by the State Council in May 2017, regulates entities that engage in the research and development, production, operation, use as well as supervision and administration of medical devices in the PRC. Medical devices are classified according to their risk levels. Class I medical devices are medical devices with low risks, the safety and effectiveness of which can be ensured through routine administration. Class II medical devices are medical devices with moderate risks, which are strictly controlled and administered to ensure their safety and effectiveness. Class III medical devices are medical devices with relatively high risks, which are strictly controlled and administered through special measures to ensure their safety and effectiveness. The evaluation of the risk levels of medical devices take into consideration the expected objectives, structural features, methods of use and other factors of medical devices.
The Measures for the Supervision and Administration of the Manufacture of Medical Device, as promulgated by CFDA in November 2017, regulates entities that engage in the manufacturing of medical devices in the PRC. The food and drug administration at or above the county level regulates medical device manufacturing within its administrative region, including manufacturing related licensing and registration, contract manufacturing and manufacturing quality controls.
The Measures for the Supervision and Administration of the Operation of Medical Devices, as promulgated by CFDA in November 2017, regulates entities that engage in business activities involving medical devices in the PRC. Business activities involving medical devices are regulated in accordance with the medical devices risk levels. No registration or license is required for business activities involving Class I medical devices. Registration is required for business activities involving Class II medical devices. A license is required for business activities involving Class III medical devices.
Our PRC subsidiary, AnPac Lishui, obtained its Class II medical device manufacture license and registration certificate for our CDA device in 2013 (renewed in 2018) and 2015.
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Packaging of Medical Devices
The Administrative Rules on Instruction Manuals and Labels of Medical Devices, as promulgated by the CFDA in 2014, provides the requirements for instruction manuals and labeling of any medical device to be sold and used in the PRC. The information contained in the instruction manual and label of a medical device must be scientific, authentic, complete, accurate and consistent with product characteristics. The information contained in the instruction manual and label of a medical device must be consistent with the relevant information registered or filed for record. The information contained in the label of a medical device must be consistent with the relevant information in its instructions.
We believe that we are in compliance with these regulations in all material respects.
Clinical Practice Reform
In October 2017, the Chinese government announced an administrative reform of clinical trial institutions. Certification of clinical trial institutions by the former CFDA and the former NHFPC is no longer required. Under this reform, a clinical trial institution can be engaged by a drug and medical device registration applicant (i.e., a sponsor) to conduct a clinical study after it has been duly recorded with the online platform designated by the NMPA. In November 2017, the CFDA and the NHFPC jointly released the Rules for Administration of the Requirements for and Filing of Medical Devices Clinical Trial Institutions. These rules specify requirements for medical devices clinical-trial institutions and filing procedures. Pursuant to these rules, medical devices clinical-trial institutions shall meet the requirements of the Quality Management Standards for Medical Devices Clinical Trials including corresponding professional technical level, organization and management capabilities and ethics review capability.
Other Significant PRC Regulations Affecting Our Business Activities in China
Regulation on Foreign Investment
Investment activities in the PRC by foreign investors are principally governed by the Catalog for the Guidance of Foreign Investment Industry, or the Catalog, which was promulgated and is amended from time to time by the MOFCOM, and the National Development and Reform Commission, or NDRC, and together with Existing FIE Laws and their respective implementation rules and ancillary regulations. The Catalog lays out the basic framework for foreign investment in China, classifying businesses into three categories with regard to foreign investment: encouraged, restricted, and prohibited. Industries not listed in the Catalog are generally deemed as falling into a fourth category permitted unless specifically restricted by other PRC laws. In addition, on June 30, 2019 the MOFCOM and the NDRC jointly promulgated the Special Management Measures (Negative List) for the Access of Foreign Investment, or the 2019 Negative List, which became effective on July 30, 2019 to amend the Catalog and the previous negative list thereunder. Investment in medical institutions (such as clinical laboratories) belongs to the restricted category. In particular, according to relevant PRC foreign investment regulations, only domestic companies and foreign-invested joint ventures are allowed to hold an NHC medical institution practice license. However, it is unclear under PRC law whether a subsidiary of a wholly foreign owned enterprise is eligible to hold this license. We believe that the risks for the NHC medical institution practice license of each of our Lishui and Haikou laboratoriessubsidiaries of AnPac Lishui, a wholly foreign owned enterprisebeing held invalid or revoked by the NHC is remote, based on our confirmation with relevant regulatory authorities. However, we cannot assure you that the relevant regulatory authorities would not change their interpretation or position regarding the relevant laws and regulations.
On March 15, 2019, the National Peoples Congress promulgated the PRC Foreign Investment Law, or the FIL, which will come into effect on January 1, 2020 and upon then the FIL will replace the Existing FIE Laws. The FIL embodies an expected regulatory trend in PRC 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. The FIL, by means of legislation, establishes the basic framework for the
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access, promotion, protection and administration of foreign investment in view of investment protection and fair competition.
The Interim Measures for Record-filing Administration of the Establishment and Change of Foreign-invested Enterprises, or FIE Record-filing Interim Measures, was issued by MOFCOM in October 2016 and revised in July 2018. Pursuant to FIE Record-filing Interim Measures, the establishment and change of foreign-invested enterprises are subject to record-filing procedures, instead of prior approval requirements, provided that the establishment or change does not involve special entry administrative measures. If the establishment or change of FIE matters involve the special entry administrative measures, the approval of the MOFCOM or its local counterparts is still required.
PRC Regulation of Commercial Bribery
Medical device companies involved in a criminal investigation or administrative proceedings related to bribery are listed in the Adverse Records of Commercial Briberies by its provincial health and family planning administrative department. Pursuant to the Provisions on the Establishment of Adverse Records of Commercial Briberies in the Medicine Purchase and Sales Industry, which became effective on March 1, 2014, provincial health and family planning administrative departments formulate the implementing measures for establishment of Adverse Records of Commercial Briberies. If a company is listed in the Adverse Records of Commercial Briberies for the first time, their products may not be purchased by public medical institutions. A company will not be penalized by the relevant PRC government authorities merely by virtue of having contractual relationships with sales agents or third party promoters who are engaged in bribery activities, so long as such company and its employees are not utilizing the sales agents or third party promoters for the implementation of, or acting in conjunction with them in, the prohibited bribery activities. In addition, a company is under no legal obligation to monitor the operating activities of its sales agents and third party promoters, and will not be subject to penalties or sanctions by relevant PRC government authorities as a result of failure to monitor their operating activities.
We believe that we are in compliance with these regulations in all material respects.
PRC Regulation of Product Liability
In addition to the strict new drug approval process, certain PRC laws have been promulgated to protect the rights of consumers and to strengthen the control of medical products in the PRC. Under current PRC law, manufacturers and vendors of defective products in the PRC may incur liability for loss and injury caused by such products. Pursuant to the General Principles of the Civil Law of the PRC promulgated on April 12, 1986 and amended on August 27, 2009, a defective product which causes property damage or physical injury to any person may subject the manufacturer or vendor of such product to civil liability for such damage or injury.
On February 22, 1993, the Product Quality Law of the PRC, or the Product Quality Law, was promulgated to supplement the Civil Law of the PRC aiming to protect the legitimate rights and interests of the end-users and consumers and to strengthen the supervision and control of the quality of products. The Product Quality Law was revised by the Ninth National Peoples Congress on July 8, 2000, by the Eleventh National Peoples Congress on August 27, 2009 and by the Thirteenth National Peoples Congress on December 29, 2018. Pursuant to the revised Product Quality Law, manufacturers who produce defective products may be subject to civil or criminal liability and have their business licenses revoked.
The Law of the PRC on the Protection of the Rights and Interests of Consumers was promulgated on October 31, 1993 and was amended on August 27, 2009 and October 25, 2013 to protect consumers rights when they purchase or use goods and accept services. All business operators must comply with this law when they manufacture or sell goods and/or provide services to customers. Under the amendments made on October 25, 2013, all business operators must pay high attention to protecting customers privacy and strictly keeping confidential any consumer information they obtain during their business operations. In addition, in extreme
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situations, pharmaceutical product manufacturers and operators may be subject to criminal liability if their goods or services lead to the death or injuries of customers or other third parties.
We are not aware of any material product liability related litigation or other legal proceedings against us arising from the cancer screening and detection tests that we provide to our customers.
PRC Tort Law
Under the Tort Law of the PRC, which became effective on July 1, 2010, if damages to persons are caused by defective products due to the fault of a third party, such as the parties providing transportation or warehousing, the producers and the sellers of the products have the right to recover their respective losses from such third parties. If defective products are identified after they have been put into circulation, the producers or the sellers must take remedial measures such as issuance of a warning or recall of products. in a timely manner. The producers or the sellers will be liable under tort if they fail to take remedial measures in a timely manner or have not made efforts to take remedial measures, thus causing damages. If the products are produced or sold with known defects, causing deaths or severe adverse health issues, the infringed party has the right to claim punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages.
We are not aware of any material torts related litigation or other legal proceedings against us arising from the cancer screening and detection tests that we provide to our customers.
Regulation on Intellectual Property Rights
China has made substantial efforts to adopt comprehensive legislation governing intellectual property rights, including patents, trademarks, copyrights and domain names.
Patents
Pursuant to the PRC Patent Law, most recently amended in December 2008, and its implementation rules, most recently amended in January 2010, patents in China fall into three categories: invention, utility model and design. An invention patent is granted to a new technical solution proposed in respect of a product or method or an improvement of a product or method. A utility model is granted to a new technical solution that is practicable for application and proposed in respect of the shape, structure or a combination of both of a product. A design patent is granted to the new design of a certain product in shape, pattern or a combination of both and in color, shape and pattern combinations aesthetically suitable for industrial application. Under the PRC Patent Law, the term of patent protection starts from the date of application. Patents relating to invention are effective for twenty years, and utility models and designs are effective for ten years from the date of application. The PRC Patent Law adopts the principle of first-to-file system, which provides that where more than one person files a patent application for the same invention, a patent will be granted to the person who first files the application.
Existing patents can become narrowed, invalidated or unenforceable due to a variety of grounds, including lack of novelty, creativity, and deficiencies in patent application. In China, a patent must have novelty, creativity and practical applicability. Under the PRC Patent Law, novelty means that before a patent application is filed, no identical invention or utility model has been publicly disclosed in any publication in China or overseas or has been publicly used or made known to the public by any other means, whether in or outside of China, nor has any other person filed with the patent authority an application that describes an identical invention or utility model and is recorded in patent application documents or patent documents published after the filing date. Creativity means that, compared with existing technology, an invention has prominent substantial features and represents notable progress, and a utility model has substantial features and represents any progress. Practical applicability means an invention or utility model can be manufactured or used and may produce positive results. Patents in China are filed with the State Intellectual Property Office, or SIPO. Normally, the SIPO publishes an application for an invention patent within 18 months after the filing date, which may be shortened at the request of applicant. The applicant must apply to the SIPO for a substantive examination within three years from the date of application.
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Article 20 of the PRC Patent Law provides that, for an invention or utility model completed in China, any applicant (not just Chinese companies and individuals), before filing a patent application outside of China, must first submit it to the SIPO for a confidential examination. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in the denial of any Chinese patent for the relevant invention. This added requirement of confidential examination by the SIPO has raised concerns by foreign companies who conduct research and development activities in China or outsource research and development activities to service providers in China.
Patent Enforcement
Unauthorized use of patents without consent from owners of patents, forgery of the patents belonging to other persons, or engagement in other patent infringement acts, will subject the infringers to infringement liability. Serious offenses such as forgery of patents may be subject to criminal penalties.
When a dispute arises out of infringement of the patent owners patent right, Chinese law requires that the parties first attempt to settle the dispute through mutual consultation. However, if the dispute cannot be settled through mutual consultation, the patent owner, or an interested party who believes the patent is being infringed, may either file a civil legal suit or file an administrative complaint with the relevant patent administration authority. A Chinese court may issue a preliminary injunction upon the patent owners or an interested partys request before instituting any legal proceedings or during the proceedings. Damages for infringement are calculated as the loss suffered by the patent holder arising from the infringement, and if the loss suffered by the patent holder arising from the infringement cannot be determined, the damages for infringement are calculated as the benefit gained by the infringer from the infringement. If it is difficult to ascertain damages in this manner, damages may be determined using a reasonable multiple of the license fee under a contractual license. Statutory damages may be awarded in the circumstances where the damages cannot be determined by the calculation standards described above. The damage calculation methods will be applied in the order described above. Generally, the patent owner has the burden of proving that the patent is being infringed. However, if the owner of an invention patent for manufacturing process of a new product alleges infringement of its patent, the alleged infringer has the burden of proof.
Exemptions for Unlicensed Manufacture, Use, Sale or Import of Patented Products
The PRC Patent Law provides five exceptions for unauthorized manufacture, use, sale or import of patented products. None of following circumstances are deemed an infringement of the patent rights, and any person may manufacture, use, sell or import patented products without authorization granted by the patent owner as follows:
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Any person who uses, promises to sell, sells or imports any patented product or product directly obtained in accordance with the patented methods after such product is sold by the patent owner or by its licensed entity or individual; |
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Any person who has manufactured an identical product, has used an identical method or has made necessary preparations for manufacture or use prior to the date of patent application and continues to manufacture such product or use such method only within the original scope; |
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Any foreign transportation facility that temporarily passes through the territory, territorial waters or territorial airspace of China and uses the relevant patents in its devices and installations for its own needs in accordance with any agreement concluded between China and that country to which the foreign transportation facility belongs, or any international treaty to which both countries are party, or on the basis of the principle of reciprocity; |
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Any person who uses the relevant patents solely for the purposes of scientific research and experimentation; or |
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Any person who manufactures, uses or imports patented drugs or patented medical devices for the purpose of providing information required for administrative approval, or manufactures, uses or imports patented drugs or patented medical devices for the abovementioned person. |
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However, if patented drugs are utilized on the ground of exemptions for unauthorized manufacture, use, sale or import of patented drugs prescribed in PRC Patent Law, such patented drugs cannot be manufactured, used, sold or imported for any commercial purposes without authorization granted by the patent owner.
As of September 30, 2019, we had 55 granted patents (including seven in Taiwan) and 28 pending patent applications (including one in Taiwan) in greater China, and 66 granted patents and 61 pending patent applications outside greater China.
Trade Secrets
According to the PRC Anti-Unfair Competition Law, the term trade secrets refers to technical and business information that is unknown to the public, has utility and may create business interests or profits for its legal owners or holders, and is maintained as a secret by its legal owners or holders.
Under the PRC Anti-Unfair Competition Law, which was promulgated on September 2, 1993 and was amended on November 4, 2017, business persons are prohibited from infringing others trade secrets by: (1) obtaining the trade secrets from the legal owners or holders by any unfair methods such as theft, bribery, intimidation, solicitation or coercion; (2) disclosing, using or permitting others to use the trade secrets obtained illegally under item (1) above; or (3) disclosing, using or permitting others to use the trade secrets, in violation of any contractual agreements or any requirements of the legal owners or holders to keep such trade secrets in confidence. If a third party knows or should have known of the fact that an employee or former employee of the right owner of trade secrets or any other entity or individual conducts any of the illegal acts above mentioned, but still accepts, publishes, uses or allows any other to use such secrets, such practice shall be deemed as infringement of trade secrets. The parties whose trade secrets are being misappropriated may petition for administrative corrections, and regulatory authorities may stop any illegal activities and fine infringing parties in the amount of RMB100,000 to RMB500,000, where the circumstance is serious, the fine shall be between RMB500,000 to RMB3,000,000. Alternatively, persons whose trade secrets are being misappropriated may file lawsuits in a Chinese court for loss and damages incurred due to the misappropriation.
The measures to protect trade secrets include oral or written non-disclosure agreements or other reasonable measures to require the employees of, or persons in business contact with, legal owners or holders to keep trade secrets confidential. Once the legal owners or holders have asked others to keep trade secrets confidential and have adopted reasonable protection measures, the requested persons bear the responsibility for keeping the trade secrets confidential.
Trademarks and Domain Names
Trademark. The PRC Trademark Law and its implementation rules protect registered trademarks. The PRC Trademark Office of State Administration of Industry and Commerce is responsible for the registration and administration of trademarks throughout the PRC. The Trademark Law has adopted a first-to-file principle with respect to trademark registration.
Domain Name. Domain names are protected under the Administrative Measures on the Internet Domain Names promulgated by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology is the main regulatory body responsible for the administration of PRC internet domain names.
As of September 30, 2019, we had 27 granted trademarks and four pending trademark applications in greater China, and eight granted trademarks and four pending trademark applications in the U.S. In addition, as of the same date, we had 15 domain names.
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PRC Regulation on Data Protection
The Basic Standards for Clinical Laboratories (for Trial Implementation) as promulgated by the NHFPC in 2016 provides that clinical laboratories must establish information management and patient privacy protection policies. The Measures for the Administration of General Population Health Information (for Trial Implementation) as promulgated by the NHFPC in 2014 sets forth the operational measures for patient privacy protection in medical institutions. The measures regulate the collection, use, management, safety and privacy protection of general population health information by medical institutions. Medical institutions are required to establish information management departments in charge of general population health information and establish quality control procedures and relevant information systems to manage general population health information. Medical institutions must adopt stringent procedures to verify the general population health data collected, timely update and maintain the data, establish policies on the authorized use of general population health information, and establish safety protection systems, policies, practice and technical guidance to avoid divulging confidential or private information.
To comply with these laws and regulations, we have required our customers and research partners to consent to, or obtain consent from the tested individuals to, our collecting and using their personal information for our cancer screening and detection tests. We have also established information security systems to protect the tested individuals privacy, including data access restrictions and monitoring, data storage, database encryption and backup.
PRC Regulation on Labor Protection
Under the Labor Law of the PRC, effective on January 1, 1995 and subsequently amended on August 27, 2009 and December 29, 2018, the PRC Employment Contract Law, effective on January 1, 2008 and subsequently amended on December 28, 2012 and the Implementing Regulations of the Employment Contract Law, effective on September 18, 2008, employers must establish a comprehensive management system to protect the rights of their employees, including a system governing occupational health and safety to provide employees with occupational training to prevent occupational injury, and employers are required to truthfully inform prospective employees of the job description, working conditions, location, occupational hazards and status of safe production as well as remuneration and other conditions as requested by the Labor Contract Law of the PRC.
Pursuant to the Law of Manufacturing Safety of the PRC effective on November 1, 2002 and amended on August 27, 2009 and August 31, 2014, manufacturers must establish a comprehensive management system to ensure manufacturing safety in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, national standards, and industrial standards. Manufacturers not meeting relevant legal requirements are not permitted to commence their manufacturing activities.
Pursuant to the Administrative Measures Governing the Production Quality of Pharmaceutical Products effective on March 1, 2011, manufacturers of pharmaceutical products are required to establish production safety and labor protection measures in connection with the operation of their manufacturing equipment and manufacturing process.
Pursuant to applicable PRC laws, rules and regulations, including the Social Insurance Law, which became effective on July 1, 2011 and amended on December 29, 2018, the Interim Regulations on the Collection and Payment of Social Security Funds, which became effective on January 22, 1999, Interim Measures concerning the Maternity Insurance of Employees, which become effective on December 14, 1994, and the Regulations on Work-related Injury Insurance, which became effective on January 1, 2004 and was subsequently amended on December 20, 2010, employers are required to contribute, on behalf of their employees, to a number of social security funds, including funds for basic pension insurance, unemployment insurance, basic medical insurance, work-related injury insurance and maternity insurance. If an employer fails to make social insurance contributions timely and in full, the social insurance collecting authority will order the employer to make up
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outstanding contributions within the prescribed time period and impose a late payment fee at the rate of 0.05% per day from the date on which the contribution becomes due. If such employer fails to make the overdue contributions within such time limit, the relevant administrative department may impose a fine equivalent to one to three times the overdue amount.
Regulations Relating to Foreign Exchange Registration of Offshore Investment by PRC Residents
In July 2014, SAFE issued the SAFE Circular 37, and its implementation guidelines. Pursuant to SAFE Circular 37 and its implementation guidelines, PRC residents (including PRC institutions and individuals) must register with local branches of SAFE in connection with their direct or indirect offshore investment in an overseas special purpose vehicle, or SPV, directly established or indirectly controlled by PRC residents for the purposes of offshore investment and financing with their legally owned assets or interests in domestic enterprises, or their legally owned offshore assets or interests. Such PRC residents are also required to amend their registrations with SAFE when there is a change to the basic information of the SPV, such as changes of a PRC resident individual shareholder, the name or operating period of the SPV, or when there is a significant change to the SPV, such as changes of the PRC individual residents increase or decrease of its capital contribution in the SPV, or any share transfer or exchange, merger, division of the SPV. Failure to comply with the registration procedures set forth in the Circular 37 may result in restrictions being imposed on the foreign exchange activities of the relevant onshore company, including the payment of dividends and other distributions to its offshore parent or affiliate, the capital inflow from the offshore entities and settlement of foreign exchange capital, and may also subject relevant onshore company or PRC residents to penalties under PRC foreign exchange administration regulations.
Regulations Relating to Employee Stock Incentive Plan
In February 2012, SAFE promulgated the Stock Option Rules. In accordance with the Stock Option Rules and relevant rules and regulations, PRC citizens or non-PRC citizens residing 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 a PRC subsidiary of such overseas listed company, and complete certain procedures. We and our employees who are PRC citizens or who reside in China for a continuous period of not less than one year and who participate in our stock incentive plan will be subject to such regulation. In addition, the SAT has issued circulars concerning employee share options or restricted shares. Under these circulars, employees working in the PRC who exercise share options, or whose restricted shares vest, will be subject to PRC individual income tax, or the IIT. The PRC subsidiaries of an overseas listed company have obligations to file documents related to employee share options or restricted shares with relevant tax authorities and to withhold IIT of these employees related to their share options or restricted shares. If the employees fail to pay, or the PRC subsidiaries fail to withhold, their IIT according to relevant laws, rules and regulations, the PRC subsidiaries may face sanctions imposed by the tax authorities or other PRC government authorities.
Regulations Relating to Dividend Distribution
The principal regulations governing distribution of dividends paid by wholly foreign-owned enterprises include:
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Company Law of the PRC (1993), as amended in 1999, 2004, 2005 and 2013; |
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Foreign Investment Enterprise Law of the PRC (1986), as amended in 2000 and 2016; and |
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Administrative Rules under the Foreign Investment Enterprise Law (1990), as amended in 2001 and 2014. |
Under these laws and regulations, foreign-invested enterprises in China may pay dividends only out of their accumulated profits, if any, determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. In
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addition, a wholly foreign-owned enterprise in China is required to set aside at least 10.0% of its after-tax profit based on PRC accounting standards each year to its general reserves until the accumulative amount of such reserves reach 50.0% of its registered capital. These reserves are not distributable as cash dividends. The foreign-invested enterprise has the discretion to allocate a portion of its after-tax profits to staff welfare and bonus funds. A PRC company is not permitted to distribute any profits until any losses from prior fiscal years have been offset. Profits retained from prior fiscal years may be distributed together with distributable profits from the current fiscal year.
Regulations Relating to Foreign Exchange
The principal regulations governing foreign currency exchange in China are the Foreign Exchange Administration Regulations, most recently amended in August 2008. Under the Foreign Exchange Administration 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. However, approval from or registration with appropriate government authorities is required where RMB is to be converted into foreign currency and remitted out of China to pay capital expenses such as the repayment of foreign currency-denominated loans.
In August 2008, SAFE issued the Circular on the Relevant Operating Issues Concerning the Improvement of the Administration of the Payment and Settlement of Foreign Currency Capital of Foreign-Invested Enterprises, or SAFE Circular No. 142, regulating the conversion by a foreign-invested enterprise of foreign currency-registered capital into RMB by restricting how the converted RMB may be used. SAFE Circular No. 142 provides that the RMB capital converted from foreign currency registered capital of a foreign-invested enterprise may only be used for purposes within the business scope approved by the applicable government authority and may not be used for equity investments within China. SAFE also strengthened its oversight of the flow and use of the RMB capital converted from foreign currency registered capital of foreign-invested enterprises. The use of such RMB capital may not be changed without SAFEs approval, and such RMB capital may not in any case be used to repay RMB loans if the proceeds of such loans have not been used. In March 2015, SAFE issued SAFE Circular No. 19, which took effective and replaced SAFE Circular No. 142 on June 1, 2015. Although SAFE Circular No. 19 allows for the use of RMB converted from the foreign currency-denominated capital for equity investments in China, the restrictions continue to apply as to foreign-invested enterprises use of the converted RMB for purposes beyond the business scope, for entrusted loans or for inter-company RMB loans. SAFE promulgated the Notice of the SAFE on Reforming and Standardizing the Foreign Exchange Settlement Management Policy of Capital Account, or Circular 16, effective on June 9, 2016, which reiterates some of the rules set forth in Circular 19, but changes the prohibition against using RMB capital converted from foreign currency-denominated registered capital of a foreign-invested company to issue RMB entrusted loans to a prohibition against using such capital to issue loans to non-associated enterprises. Violations of SAFE Circular 19 or Circular 16 could result in administrative penalties.
In November 2012, SAFE promulgated the Circular of Further Improving and Adjusting Foreign Exchange Administration Policies on Foreign Direct Investment which substantially amends and simplifies the current foreign exchange procedure. Pursuant to this circular, the opening of various special purpose foreign exchange accounts (e.g., pre-establishment expenses accounts, foreign exchange capital accounts and guarantee accounts), the reinvestment of lawful incomes derived by foreign investors in China (e.g. profit, proceeds of equity transfer, capital reduction, liquidation and early repatriation of investment), and purchase and remittance of foreign exchange as a result of capital reduction, liquidation, early repatriation or share transfer in a foreign-invested enterprise no longer require SAFE approval, and multiple capital accounts for the same entity may be opened in different provinces, which was not possible before. In addition, SAFE promulgated the Circular on Printing and Distributing the Provisions on Foreign Exchange Administration over Domestic Direct Investment by Foreign Investors and the Supporting Documents in May 2013, which specifies that the administration by SAFE or its local branches over direct investment by foreign investors in the PRC shall be conducted by way of registration and banks shall process foreign exchange business relating to the direct investment in China based on the registration information provided by SAFE and its branches.
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In February 2015, SAFE promulgated the Circular on Further Simplifying and Improving the Policies Concerning Foreign Exchange Control on Direct Investment which took effect on June 1, 2015. The Circular on Further Simplifying and Improving the Policies Concerning Foreign Exchange Control on Direct Investment delegates the authority to enforce the foreign exchange registration in connection with the inbound and outbound direct investment under relevant SAFE rules to certain banks and therefore further simplifies the foreign exchange registration procedures for inbound and outbound direct investment.
Regulations on Enterprise Income Tax
Pursuant to the EIT Law effective as of January 2008 and as last amended in December 2018, the income tax rate for both domestic and foreign-invested enterprises is 25% with certain exceptions. To clarify certain provisions in the EIT Law, the State Council promulgated the Implementation Rules of the EIT Law in December 2007, which became effective in January 2008 and as amended in April 2019. Under the EIT Law and the Implementation Rules of the EIT Law, enterprises are classified as either resident enterprises or non-resident enterprises. Besides enterprises established within the PRC, enterprises established outside of China whose de facto management bodies are located in China are considered resident enterprises and subject to the uniform 25% enterprise income tax rate for their global income. In addition, the EIT Law provides that a non-resident enterprise refers to an entity established under foreign law whose de facto management bodies are not within the PRC, but has an establishment or place of business in the PRC, or does not have an establishment or place of business in the PRC but has income sourced within the PRC.
The Implementation Rules of the EIT Law provide that since January 2008, an income tax rate of 10% shall normally be applicable to dividends declared to non-PRC resident enterprise investors that do not have an establishment or place of business in the PRC, or 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. The income tax on the dividends may be reduced pursuant to a tax treaty between China and the jurisdictions in which the non-PRC shareholders reside.
Other PRC National- and Provincial-Level Laws and Regulations
We are subject to changing regulations under many other laws and regulations administered by governmental authorities at the national, provincial and municipal levels, some of which are or may become applicable to our business. For example, regulations control the confidentiality of patients medical information and the circumstances under which patient medical information may be released for inclusion in our databases, or released by us to third parties. These laws and regulations governing both the disclosure and the use of confidential patient medical information may become more restrictive in the future.
We also comply with numerous additional national and provincial laws relating to matters such as safe working conditions, manufacturing practices, environmental protection and fire hazard control in all material aspects. We believe that we are currently in compliance with these laws and regulations; however, we may be required to incur significant costs to comply with these laws and regulations in the future. Unanticipated changes in existing regulatory requirements or adoption of new requirements could therefore have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
U.S. Regulations
Federal and State Laboratory Licensing Requirements
Pursuant to the CLIA, a laboratory that performs testing on specimens derived from humans for the purpose of providing information for the diagnosis, prevention or treatment of disease, or the impairment of, or assessment of health must hold a certificate applicable to the complexity of the laboratory examinations it performs, and it must comply with, among other things, standards covering operations, personnel, facilities
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administration, quality, and proficiency testing, which are intended to ensure, among other things, that its clinical laboratory testing services are accurate, reliable and timely. The CLIA rules do not apply to research laboratories that test human specimens but do not report patient specific results for the diagnosis, prevention or treatment of any disease or impairment of, or the assessment of, the health of individual patients. We obtained a CLIA Certificate of Registration for our laboratory in San Jose, California in March 2019. We have voluntarily elected to participate in the accreditation program of the CAP and we are seeking CAP accreditation of the San Jose laboratory. CMS, the agency that oversees CLIA, has deemed CAP standards to be equally or more stringent than CLIA regulations and has approved CAP as a recognized accrediting organization. Inspection by CAP is performed in lieu of CMS inspections for accredited laboratories. We are awaiting a CAP inspection of the San Jose laboratory. If the CAP inspection finds the laboratory to be in compliance with all applicable CAP and CLIA requirements, we will receive CAP accreditation and a CLIA Certificate of Accreditation, because a laboratory accredited by the CAP Laboratory Accreditation Program is deemed to also comply with CLIA. Because we have already obtained a CLIA Certificate of Registration, once we have completed our validation studies, we can offer our test from our San Jose laboratory and market it as an LDT to U.S. customers while we are awaiting the CAP inspection and accreditation and a CLIA Certificate of Accreditation. To maintain and renew our CAP accreditation and CLIA certification, we are subject to survey and inspection every two years to assess our laboratorys compliance with program standards. We also may be subject to additional unannounced inspections. Laboratories performing high-complexity testing are required to meet more stringent requirements than laboratories performing less complex tests.
CLIA provides that a state may adopt laboratory regulations with more stringent requirements than those under U.S. federal law, and a number of states have implemented their own more stringent laboratory regulatory requirements. State laws may require that laboratory personnel meet certain qualifications, specify certain quality control procedures, facility requirements or prescribe record maintenance requirements.
As our current laboratory in the United States is located in the State of California, we are required to maintain a California state laboratory license pursuant to the relevant state laws. We may also need to maintain licenses in other states with such requirements for non-resident laboratories in order to perform tests on samples from patients who reside in those states. For example, in order to offer our test in New York, we must separately apply for a New York State clinical laboratory permit and approval of our test in New York, which will require submission of validation data as well as information regarding the test methods, among other things. Other states may currently have or adopt similar licensure requirements in the future. We will obtain any such necessary licenses before offering our cancer screening and detection test in a state requiring non-resident laboratory licensure.
Failure to comply with CLIA certification and state clinical laboratory licensure requirements may result in a range of enforcement actions, including certificate or license suspension, limitation, or revocation, directed plan of corrective action, on-site monitoring, civil monetary penalties, criminal sanctions, and revocation of the relevant laboratorys approval to receive Medicare and Medicaid payment for its services, as well as significant adverse publicity.
Regulation of Laboratory Developed Tests
LDTs have generally been considered by the FDA to be tests that are designed, developed, validated and used within a single laboratory. The FDA has the authority to regulate such tests as medical devices under the FDCA. However, the FDA historically has exercised its enforcement discretion and not enforced applicable provisions of the FDCA and FDA regulations with respect to LDTs. However, in recent years, legislative and administrative proposals addressing oversight of LDTs were introduced. For example, in 2014 the FDA issued two draft guidance documents, or the Draft LDT Guidance, proposing a risk-based framework with respect to applying the FDAs oversight over LDTs. The Draft LDT Guidance stated that the FDA intended to modify its policy of enforcement discretion with respect to LDTs in a risk-based manner consistent with the existing classification of medical devices. Thus, the FDA planned to begin to enforce its medical device requirements,
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including premarket submission requirements, on LDTs marketed without FDA premarket review and authorization. In November 2016, the FDA announced its intention not to finalize the 2014 Draft LDT Guidance to allow for further public discussion on an appropriate oversight approach to LDTs and to give congressional authorizing committees the opportunity to develop a legislative solution. In January 2017, the FDA issued a discussion paper on possible approaches to the regulation of LDTs.
We expect that new legislative and administrative proposals regarding the oversight of LDTs will be introduced from time to time. It is possible that legislation could be enacted into law or regulations or guidance could be issued by the FDA, which may result in new or increased regulatory requirements for us to offer our tests as LDTs or to develop and introduce new tests as LDTs in the foreseeable future.
Although we believe we are within the scope of the FDAs policy on enforcement discretion for LDTs, the initial commercialization and continued commercial availability of an LDT is subject to uncertainty given the FDAs latitude in interpreting and applying its laws and policies. For example, FDA does not consider tests to be subject to its LDT enforcement discretion if they are designed or manufactured completely, or partly, outside of the laboratory that offers and uses them, or if they are offered direct-to-consumer, as opposed to being available to patients only when prescribed by a health care provider. Even for tests that appear to fall within FDAs previously stated enforcement discretion, the FDA may decide to take action against certain LDTs on a case-by-case basis at any time if FDA views them as presenting a risk to patients. The FDA Commissioner and the Director of FDAs CDRH have expressed significant concerns regarding potential disparities in accuracy and quality between some LDTs and IVDs that have been reviewed and cleared, authorized or approved by FDA. In addition, the U.S. Congress has been considering various legislative proposals that would reform FDAs regulation of laboratory tests, and such legislation might lead to heightened FDA scrutiny of LDTs, particularly new LDTs. Whether such legislation will be enacted and, if so, what effect it may have on how FDA regulates laboratory tests, including LDTs, is unknown. If FDA disagrees with a laboratory tests LDT status, FDA may consider the test to be an unapproved medical device, may subject the company to FDA enforcement action, including, without limitation, requiring the company to seek clearance, authorization or approval for the laboratory test.
Regulation of Medical Devices
A medical device is an instrument, apparatus, implement, machine, contrivance, implant, in vitro reagent, or other similar or related article, including any component part, or accessory which is: (i) recognized in the official National Formulary, or the United States Pharmacopoeia, or any supplement to them; (ii) intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions, or in the cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, in man or other animals; or (iii) intended to affect the structure or any function of the body of man or other animals, and which does not achieve any of its primary intended purposes through chemical action within or on the body of man or other animals and which is not dependent upon being metabolized for the achievement of any of its primary intended purposes. IVDs, are a type of medical device and include reagents and instruments used in the diagnosis or detection of diseases, conditions or infections, including, without limitation, the presence of certain chemicals, genetic information or other biomarkers. Predictive, prognostic and screening tests can also be IVDs.
In the United States, medical devices, including IVDs, are subject to extensive regulation by the FDA under the FDCA and its implementing regulations, and certain other U.S. federal and state statutes and regulations. The laws and regulations govern, among other things, the design, manufacture, storage, recordkeeping, approval, labeling, promotion, post-approval monitoring and reporting, distribution and import and export of medical devices. Failure to comply with applicable requirements may subject a device and/or its manufacturer to a variety of administrative sanctions, such as FDA refusal to approve pending pre-market approval applications, or PMAs, issuance of warning letters, mandatory product recalls, import detentions, civil monetary penalties, and/or judicial sanctions, such as product seizures, injunctions, and criminal prosecution.
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Device Classification
Under the FDCA, medical devices are classified into one of three classes based on the risk associated with the device and the level of control necessary to provide a reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness. Class I devices are deemed to be low risk and are subject to the fewest regulatory controls. Class III devices are generally the highest risk devices and are subject to the highest level of regulatory control to provide reasonable assurance of the devices safety and effectiveness. Class III devices must typically be approved by FDA before they are marketed.
Most Class I devices and a minority of Class II devices are completely exempt from premarket review by FDA. Most Class II and a minority of Class I devices require 510(k) clearance. Devices that pose the highest risk, including life-sustaining, life-supporting or implantable devices, or devices deemed not substantially equivalent to a previously 510(k)-cleared device or a pre-amendment Class III device in commercial distribution before May 28, 1976 for which PMA applications have not been called, are placed in Class III requiring PMA approval. A novel device is placed in Class III by default, but it may be eligible to be placed in Class I or Class II via de novo classification if it can be shown to pose only low to moderate risk with appropriate regulatory controls.
The PMA approval pathway requires proof of the safety and effectiveness of the device to the FDAs satisfaction. The 510(k) clearance pathway is much less burdensome and time-consuming than the PMA approval pathway. The de novo pathway has an enhanced burden compared to the 510(k) clearance pathway but is much less burdensome than a PMA approval process.
The 510(k) Clearance Pathway
Under the 510(k) clearance pathway, a device manufacturer must submit to the FDA a premarket notification, demonstrating that the device is substantially equivalent to a legally marketed predicate device. A predicate device may be a previously 510(k) cleared device or a pre-amendment device (unless the FDA has issued a regulation calling for PMA applications for this device type). To be substantially equivalent, the proposed device must have the same intended use as the predicate device, and either have the same technological characteristics as the predicate device or have different technological characteristics and be shown to be equally safe and effective and not raise different questions of safety or effectiveness than the predicate device.
After the FDA accepts the 510(k) premarket notification, it begins a substantive review. By statute, the FDA is required to complete its review within 90 days of receiving the 510(k) notification. As a practical matter, clearance often takes longer, typically ranging from three to nine months or longer, and clearance is never assured. The FDAs 510(k) review generally compares a proposed device to a predicate device with respect to intended use and technology (design, materials, software, energy source, etc.). The information necessary to show substantial equivalence will depend upon the differences between the proposed device and the predicate device, which may include bench, cadaver, animal and/or clinical studies.
If the FDA agrees that the proposed device is substantially equivalent to the predicate device, it will grant clearance to commercially market the device. Otherwise, the device manufacturer must fulfill the much more rigorous premarketing requirements of the PMA approval process, or seek reclassification of the device through the de novo process.
After a device receives 510(k) clearance, any modification that could significantly affect its safety or effectiveness, or that would constitute a major change in its intended use, requires a new 510(k) clearance or could require reclassification through the de novo process or a PMA approval. The FDA requires each manufacturer to make this determination in the first instance, but the FDA can review any such decision. If the FDA disagrees with a manufacturers decision not to seek a new 510(k) clearance, the agency may retroactively require the manufacturer to seek 510(k) clearance, de novo classification, or PMA approval. The FDA also can require the manufacturer to cease marketing and/or recall the modified device until 510(k) clearance, de novo classification, or PMA approval is obtained.
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The De Novo Pathway
Devices of a new type that the FDA has not previously classified based on risk are automatically classified into Class III, regardless of the level of risk they pose. To avoid requiring PMA review of low- to moderate-risk devices classified in Class III by operation of law, the U.S. Congress created the de novo pathway that allows the FDA to classify a low- to moderate-risk device not previously classified into Class I or II.
Generally, a de novo petition contains a device description, indications for use statement, proposed labeling, data/performance testing (such as bench testing and/or clinical study data), the proposed classification, and a risk/benefit analysis. The risk/benefit analysis is the key element of a de novo petition and typically includes a summary of the benefits of the device, a summary of the known and potential risks, any risk mitigations, and an explanation of whether the benefits outweigh the risks.
The timing for review of a de novo petition is less certain than a 510(k). FDA has agreed to review 55% of de novo submissions received in fiscal year 2019 in 150 calendar days during which a submission is under review at the Agency. As a practical matter, de novo marketing authorization often takes longer, ranging from a year or more, and marketing authorization is never assured due, in part, to stoppages of FDAs 150-day timeline while the applicant responds to deficiencies identified by FDA. If the FDA authorizes the de novo petition, the device may be legally marketed and used as a predicate device for future 510(k) submissions. If the de novo petition is denied, the device remains in Class III and a PMA approval may be required before the device may be legally marketed in the United States.
The PMA Approval Process
A device not eligible for 510(k) clearance or de novo classification must follow the PMA approval pathway, which requires proof of the safety and effectiveness of the device to the FDAs satisfaction. The cost of preparing and submitting a PMA is substantial. Under U.S. federal law, the submission of most PMAs is additionally subject to a substantial annually-adjusted application user fee. For example, for fiscal year 2020, the user fee for an original PMA is $340,995. Satisfaction of FDA pre-market approval requirements typically takes years and the actual time required may vary substantially based upon the type, complexity, and novelty of the device or disease.
A PMA application must provide extensive preclinical and clinical trial data and also detailed information about the device and its components regarding, among other things, device design, manufacturing and labeling. There is typically advisory panel review of the clinical data. The FDA typically conducts a preapproval inspection of the manufacturers facilities and may also inspect the clinical trial documentation. FDA will not approve a device unless compliance is shown with Quality System Regulation, or QSR, requirements, which impose elaborate testing, control, documentation and other quality assurance procedures. During the review period, the FDA may also request additional information or clarification of information already provided, and the FDA may issue a major deficiency letter to the applicant, requesting the applicants response to deficiencies communicated by the FDA.
By statute, the FDA has 180 days to review a filed PMA application, although the review more often occurs over a significantly longer period of time. If its evaluation of a PMA is favorable, the FDA will issue either an approval letter, or an approvable letter. An approvable letter usually contains a number of conditions that must be met in order to secure a final approval of the PMA application. When and if these conditions have been fulfilled to the satisfaction of the FDA, the FDA will issue a PMA approval letter authorizing commercial marketing of the device, subject to the conditions of approval and the limitations established in this approval letter, if any. If the FDAs evaluation of a PMA application or the relevant manufacturing facilities is not favorable, the FDA will deny approval of the PMA application or issue a not approvable letter. The FDA also may determine that additional tests or clinical trials are necessary, in which case the PMA approval may be delayed for several months or years while the trials are conducted and data is submitted in an amendment to the PMA application, or
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the PMA application is withdrawn and resubmitted when the data are available. The PMA process can be expensive, uncertain and lengthy and a number of devices for which the FDA approval has been sought by other companies have never been approved by the FDA for marketing.
In approving a PMA application, as a condition of approval, the FDA may also require some form of post-approval study or post-market surveillance, whereby the applicant conducts a follow-up study or follows certain patient groups for a number of years and makes periodic reports to the FDA on the clinical status of these patients when necessary to protect the public health or to provide additional or longer term safety and effectiveness data for the device. The FDA may also approve a PMA application with other post-approval conditions intended to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the device, such as, among other things, restrictions on labeling, promotion, sale, distribution and use.
Even after approval of a PMA, new PMA applications or PMA supplements may also be required for modifications to any approved device, including modifications to the manufacturing processes, device labeling and device design, based on the findings of post-approval studies. Supplements to a PMA often require the submission of the same type of information required for an original PMA, except that the supplement is generally limited to that information needed to support the proposed change from the product covered by the original PMA.
Post-market FDA Regulation
After a medical device enters commercial distribution, numerous regulatory requirements continue to apply. These include:
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the FDAs QSR, which require manufacturers, including third-party manufacturers, to follow stringent design, testing, production, control, supplier/contractor selection, complaint handling, documentation and other quality assurance procedures during all aspects of the manufacturing process; |
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labeling regulations, unique device identification requirements and FDA prohibitions against the promotion of devices for uncleared, unapproved or off-label uses; |
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advertising and promotion requirements; |
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restrictions on sale, distribution or use of a device; |
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PMA annual reporting requirements; |
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PMA approval of product modifications, or the potential for new 510(k) clearances for certain modifications to previously 510(k) cleared devices; |
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medical device reporting regulations, which require that manufacturers report to the FDA if their device may have caused or contributed to a death or serious injury or malfunctioned in a way that would likely cause or contribute to a death or serious injury if the malfunction were to recur; |
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medical device correction and removal reporting regulations, which require that manufacturers report to the FDA their field corrections and product recalls or removals if undertaken to reduce a risk to health posed by the device or to remedy a violation of the FDCA; |
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recall requirements, including a mandatory recall if there is a reasonable probability that the device would cause serious adverse health consequences or death; |
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an order of repair, replacement or refund; |
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device tracking requirements; and |
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post-market surveillance regulations, which apply when necessary to protect the public health or to provide additional safety and effectiveness data for the device. |
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The FDA has broad post-market and regulatory enforcement powers. Medical device manufacturers are subject to unannounced inspections by the FDA and other state, local and foreign regulatory authorities to assess compliance with the QSR and other applicable regulations, and these inspections may include the manufacturing facilities of suppliers. Failure to comply with applicable regulatory requirements can result in enforcement action by the FDA, which may include sanctions such as: warning letters, fines, injunctions, consent decrees and civil penalties; unanticipated expenditures, repair, replacement, refunds, recall or seizure of our devices; operating restrictions, partial suspension or total shutdown of manufacturing; the FDAs refusal of our requests for 510(k) clearances, de novo classification, or premarket approvals of new devices, new intended uses or modifications to existing devices; the FDAs refusal to issue certificates to foreign governments needed to export devices for sale in other countries; and withdrawing 510(k) clearances, de novo marketing authorization, or premarket approvals that have already been granted; and criminal prosecution.
Federal and State Fraud and Abuse Laws
We are subject to U.S. federal fraud and abuse laws such as the AKS, the U.S. federal prohibition against physician self-referral, or Stark Law, and the FCA. We are also subject to similar state and foreign fraud and abuse laws.
The AKS prohibits knowingly and willfully offering, paying, soliciting, or receiving remuneration, directly or indirectly, overtly or covertly, in cash or in kind, in return for or to induce the referral of an individual, or to purchase, lease, order, arrange for, or recommend purchasing, leasing or ordering, any good, facility, item or service that is reimbursable, in whole or in part, under a U.S. federal healthcare program. Although there are a number of statutory exceptions and regulatory safe harbors protecting certain common activities from prosecution or other regulatory sanctions, the exceptions and safe harbors are drawn narrowly, and practices that involve remuneration intended to induce prescribing, purchases or recommendations may be subject to scrutiny if they do not qualify for an exception or safe harbor.
The Stark Law and similar state laws prohibit physician referral of patients for designated health services payable by Medicare/Medicaid to entities with which the physician or an immediate family member has a financial relationship (ownership/investment interest or compensation arrangement), unless an exception applies.
Other U.S. federal fraud and abuse laws to which we are subject include but are not limited to the U.S. federal civil and criminal false claims laws, including the FCA, which imposes liability on any person or entity that, among other things, knowingly presents, or causes to be presented, a false or fraudulent claim for payment to the U.S. federal government, and the U.S. federal Civil Monetary Penalties Law, which prohibits, among other things, the offering or transfer of remuneration to a Medicare or state healthcare program beneficiary if the person knows or should know that remuneration is likely to influence the beneficiarys selection of a particular provider, practitioner, or supplier of services reimbursable by Medicare or a state healthcare program, unless an exception applies. Under the FCA, private citizens can bring claims on behalf of the government through qui tam actions. We must also operate within the bounds of the fraud and abuse laws of the states in which we do business which may apply to items or services reimbursed by nongovernmental third-party payers, including private insurers.
Efforts to ensure that our business arrangements with third parties will comply with applicable healthcare laws and regulations will involve substantial costs. If our operations are found to be in violation of any of these laws or any other governmental regulations that may apply to us, we may be subject to significant civil, criminal and administrative penalties, damages, fines, imprisonment, exclusion from government-funded healthcare programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid, disgorgement, contractual damages, reputational harm, diminished profits and future earnings, additional reporting or oversight obligations if we become subject to a corporate integrity agreement or other agreement to resolve allegations of non-compliance with the law and the curtailment or restructuring of our operations, any of which could adversely affect our ability to operate our business and our results of operations. If any of the physicians or other healthcare providers or entities with whom we do business
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is found to be not in compliance with applicable laws, they may be subject to criminal, civil or administrative sanctions, including exclusions from government-funded healthcare programs.
HIPAA and HITECH
Under the administrative simplification provisions of the HIPAA, as amended by HITECH, HHS, issued regulations that establish uniform standards governing the conduct of certain electronic healthcare transactions and requirements for protecting the privacy and security of protected health information, or PHI, used or disclosed by covered entities. Covered entities and business associates are subject to HIPAA and HITECH.
HIPAA and HITECH include the privacy and security rules, breach notification requirements and electronic transaction standards.
The privacy rule covers the use and disclosure of PHI by covered entities and business associates. The privacy rule generally prohibits the use or disclosure of PHI except as permitted under the rule. The rule also sets forth individual patient rights, such as the right to access or amend certain records containing PHI, or to request restrictions on the use or disclosure of PHI.
The security rule requires covered entities and business associates to safeguard the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of electronically transmitted or stored PHI by implementing administrative, physical and technical safeguards. Under HITECHs breach notification rule, a covered entity must notify individuals, the Secretary of the HHS, and in some circumstances, the media of breaches of unsecured PHI.
In addition, we may be subject to state health information privacy and data breach notification laws, which may govern the collection, use, disclosure and protection of health-related and other personal information. California, for example, has enacted the Confidentiality of Medical Information Act, which sets forth standards in addition to HIPAA and HITECH with which all California health care providers must abide. State laws may be more stringent, broader in scope or offer greater individual rights with respect to PHI than HIPAA, and state laws may differ from each other, which may complicate compliance efforts.
Entities that are found to be in violation of HIPAA as the result of a breach of unsecured PHI, a complaint about privacy practices or an audit by HHS, may be subject to significant civil and criminal fines and penalties and/or additional reporting and oversight obligations if such entities are required to enter into a resolution agreement and corrective action plan with HHS to settle allegations of HIPAA non-compliance.
U.S. Healthcare Reform
In the United States, there have been a number of legislative and regulatory changes at the U.S. federal and state levels which seek to reduce healthcare costs and improve the quality of healthcare. For example, in March 2010, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as amended by the Health Care and Education Affordability Reconciliation Act, or the ACA, became law. This law substantially changed the way health care is financed by both commercial payers and government payers, and significantly impacted our industry. Since 2016 there have been efforts to repeal all or part of the ACA, and the current presidential administration and U.S. Congress have taken action to roll back certain provisions of the ACA. For example, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, among other things, removes penalties for not complying with the ACAs individual mandate to carry health insurance. The current presidential administration and the U.S. Congress may take further action regarding the ACA, including, but not limited to, repeal or replacement. Additionally, all or a portion of the ACA and related subsequent legislation may be modified, repealed or otherwise invalidated through judicial challenge, which could result in lower numbers of insured individuals, reduced coverage for insured individuals and adversely affect our business.
The ACA contained a number of provisions expected to impact our business and operations, some of which in ways we cannot currently predict, including those governing enrollment in state and U.S. federal health care
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programs, reimbursement changes and fraud and abuse, which will impact existing state and U.S. federal health care programs and will result in the development of new programs. For instance, the ACA required each medical device manufacturer to pay a sales tax equal to 2.3% of the price for which such manufacturer sells its medical devices; this requirement began to apply to sales of taxable medical devices after December 31, 2012. Through a series of legislative amendments, the tax was suspended for 2016 through 2019. Absent further legislative action, the device excise tax will be reinstated on medical device sales starting January 1, 2020.
The taxes imposed by the ACA and the expansion in the governments role in the U.S. healthcare industry may result in decreased profits to us and lower reimbursement by payers for our tests, any of which may have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
In addition, other legislative changes have been proposed and adopted since the ACA was enacted. On August 2, 2011, the Budget Control Act of 2011 was signed into law, which, among other things, reduced Medicare payments to providers by 2% per fiscal year, effective on April 1, 2013 and, due to subsequent legislative amendments to the statute, will remain in effect through 2027 unless additional legislative action is taken.
We anticipate there will continue to be proposals by legislators at both the federal and state levels, and by regulators and commercial payers to reduce costs while expanding individual healthcare benefits. Certain of these changes could impose additional limitations on the prices we will be able to charge for our tests, and the coverage of or the amounts of reimbursement available for our tests from payers, including commercial payers and government payers.
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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 |
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Chris Chang Yu | 61 | Founder, chairman of the board of directors and chief executive officer | ||
Feng Guo | 39 | Director | ||
Jiefeng Gu | 36 | Director | ||
Lin Yu | 62 | Director | ||
Pu Xing | 51 | Independent director | ||
Ren Luo | 62 | Independent director | ||
Sarah Yu | 30 | Director | ||
Rain Yu Zhang | 41 | Chief financial officer | ||
He Yu | 61 | Chief medical officer | ||
Xuedong Du | 40 | Vice president in charge of R&D | ||
Weidong Dai | 59 | China president |
Dr. Chris Chang Yu is a co-founder of our company and has served as chairman of our board of directors and chief executive officer since our inception in January 2010. As the first or principal inventor of more than 300 patent applications spanning semiconductor, materials and life science, Dr. Yu has innovated leading technologies and products during his long and successful career since 1990s. Dr. Yu and our team have developed the CDA technology for cancer screening and detection. He is a member of the ASCO. Prior to founding our company, he co-founded Anji Microelectronics (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (688019.SH) in 2004, and that company recently completed its IPO in Chinas science and technology innovation board market in July 2019. Dr. Yu served as a technical director at Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (NYSE: SMI and SEHK:981) from 2002 to 2004. Dr. Yu served as a vice president of the research and development team of Cabot Microelectronics Corporation, or Cabot, from 1996 to 2002. While working at Cabot, Dr. Yu took a multi-disciplinary approach to developing a new mechanism for a key integrated circuit material. Dr. Yu also worked at three U.S. Fortune 500 companies, including serving as a group leader in the research and development division at Rockwell Co., Ltd. from 1994 to 1995, engineer at Motorola Co., Ltd. from 1992 to 1994, and senior engineer at Micron Technology Co., Ltd. from 1989 to 1992. He has also authored more than 80 papers, some of which are relevant to cancer detection. Dr. Yu received his bachelor and masters degrees in physics from the University of Missouri Kansus-City Campus in 1983 and 1984, respectively. He received his doctoral degree in physics from the Pennsylvania State University in 1990. His masters and doctoral dissertations both addressed innovative detection techniques.
Mr. Feng Guo has served as our director since August 2018. He is a co-founder and the president of Jiaxing Zhijun Investment Management Co., Ltd. He is also a sponsor representative and a Chartered Financial Analyst. He has served as an executive director at the Investment Banking Division of Guo Xin Securities Co., Ltd. since 2004 and an executive director at the Investment Banking Division of Huajing Securities since 2017. He also served as a director at China Renaissance Capital from 2015 to 2017. Mr. Guo has approximately 16 years of experience in Chinas capital markets and many years of experience in the fields of high-end manufacturing, technology, media and telecom (TMT), medical consumption and energy transportation. He has experience in leading the financial consultation, stock reform, IPO, refinancing, acquisition and capital reduction transactions for many domestic and foreign companies. Mr. Guo received his bachelors degree in economics from East China University of Political Science and Law in 2002 and his masters degree in finance from Shanghai University of Finance and Economics in 2004.
Mr. Jiefeng Gu has served as our director since April 2016. Since 2016 Mr. Gu has been an investment director at Shanghai Zhangjiang Science & Technology Venture Capital Co., Ltd , where his investment focus
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included the medical, medical equipment and diagnostic reagents sectors. Mr. Gu was a senior investment manager at Shanghai Zhangjiang Science & Technology Venture Capital Co., Ltd. from 2014 to 2016. He also served as a vice president in Entrepreneurial Accelerator Co., Ltd. from 2013 to 2014, an investment manager at Shanghai Pudong Venture Capital Co., Ltd. from 2010 to 2013, and. Mr. Gu received his bachelors degree in biological science from Fudan University in 2005 and masters degree in genetics from Fudan University in 2008.
Ms. Lin Yu has served as our director since our inception in January 2010. Ms. Lin Yu served as legal representative at Shanghai Yu Lin Information Science Co., Ltd. from April 2016 to October 2018, a consultant for Yi Mai Fiber Co., Ltd. from 2016 to 2017, a business manager and operation manager from 2000 to 2006 and a technology controller from 2007 to 2015 for Shanghai Fenner Conveyor Belt Co., Ltd., a sales engineer and an operation manager for Trelleborg Sealing Solutions (China) Co., Ltd. (formerly Busak+Shamban Eastern China) from 1994 to 1999, and a sales engineer for Sinopec Shanghai Petrochemical Co., Ltd. from 1986 to 1993. Ms. Lin Yu received her college degree in chemistry from Shanghai University of Science and Technology, Jin Shan Campus, in 1986.
Mr. Pu Xing has served as our independent director since September 2019. Mr. Xing Pu served as a managing partner at Shanghai Jiu Investment Management Co., Ltd. from April 2017 to December 2018, executive vice president and CFO at BesTv New Media Co., Ltd. (a subsidiary of a Shanghai Stock Exchange listed company) from January 2014 to March 2017 and deputy director of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of Shanghai Pudong New Area from March 2013 to February 2014. He also served as vice president and deputy director of the boards strategic decision-making and investment committee at Shanghai Shengrong Investment Co., Ltd. (now known as Shanghai Guosheng Group) from December 2008 to February 2013, vice general manager at Shanghai Guosheng Group Investment Co., Ltd. from December 2010 to January 2013, executive general manager and executive deputy director at Shanghai Corporate Pavilion from January 2008 to December 2010, special assistant to the president at Shanghai Shengrong Investment Co., Ltd. from July 2008 to November 2008, and vice chairman of SiTV from October 2005 to January 2008. In addition, he served as deputy chief economist from January 2002 to June 2008 and special assistant to the president from October 1999 to January 2002 at Shanghai Automotive Industry (Group) Corporation (a Shanghai Stock Exchange listed company). Previously, he served as an analyst at Lehman Brothers from January 1997 to September 1999 and financial manager at Northeimer Engineering from January 1994 to December 1996. He has been a Special Auditor of Shanghai Audit Bureau since January 2011. Mr. Xing received his bachelors degree in economics from Fudan University in 1990, MBA degree in economics and finance from West Chester University in 1993 and masters degree in accounting from Widener University in 1996.
Mr. Ren Luo has served as our independent director since September 2019. Mr. Luo has served as a senior director and director in charge of industry and government relationships and business development at IQVIA Management Consulting (Shanghai) Co. Ltd. since 2018, and senior manager in charge of industry and government relationships at IMS Health Co. Ltd. since 2013. He also served as supplier services manager at IMS Health Co. Ltd. (a subsidiary of a U.S. listed company) from 2011 to 2013, senior manager and researcher at National Institute for Hospital Administration of the Ministry of Health from 2009 to 2011, senior manager for Greater China and a director at IMS Health Co. Ltd. from 2003 to 2008, general manager and a director of IMS Market Research Consulting (Shanghai) Co. Ltd. from 2002 to 2003, China chief representative of IMS ChinaMetrik Co., Ltd. and manager of China division of IMS Ltd. from 1998 to 2002, chief manager of Chinese projects of ChinaMetrik Ltd. from 1994 to 1998, and consultant of Chinese projects of ChinaMetrik Ltd. from 1991 to 1993. He was also a pharmaceutical chemist at George Washington University Medical Center from 1990 to 1993. He is a consultant to a number of Chinese social associations and a member of American Pharmaceutical Association, American Chemical Society, and Chinese American Pharmacists Association. He is currently a member of the editorial board of Chinese Annual Report of Cardiovascular Disease and was a vice editor-in-chief of China Pharmaceutical Practical Manual for the 2002 and 2003 Edition. Mr. Luo received his bachelors degree in medical chemistry from Shanghai Pharmacy College in 1981, and masters degree in M.S. Medical Chemistry from University of Mary Hardin Baylor in 1990.
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Ms. Sarah Yu has served as our director since August 2018. Ms. Sarah Yu has served as a senior software engineer at LinkedIn since September 2016. She also served as a software engineer at KQED (California Public Broadcasting) from 2015 to 2016 and a new media producer at KTOO (Alaska Public Broadcasting) from 2013 to 2015. Ms. Sarah Yu received her bachelors degrees in biology and English from Dartmouth College in 2011 and her masters degree in science writing from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2012.
Ms. Rain Yu Zhang has served as our CFO since March 2019. Prior to joining us, Ms. Zhang served as a general manager-operation at Buckman Laboratories (Asia) Pte. Ltd. (Singapore) (a subsidiary of Bulab Holdings, Inc., a U.S. company) from 2017 to 2018 and a finance director at Buckman Laboratories Shanghai Chemicals Co., Ltd. from 2005 to 2016. She became a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) in 2016 and a Certified Public Accountant in 2002. Ms. Zhang received her bachelors degree in accounting from Shanghai University of Finance and Economics in 1999 and masters degree in business administration from AnTai College of Economics & Management, Shanghai Jiao Tong University in 2015.
Dr. He Yu is a co-founder of our company and has served as our chief medical officer since our inception in 2010. Dr. Yu has served as a professor and program director of cancer epidemiology at the University of Hawaii Cancer Center and an adjunct professor at Yale School of Public Health since 2012. He was a faculty member, from assistant professor to professor, at Yale University, School of Medicine from 2001 to 2011. Being trained in medicine, epidemiology and clinical biochemistry, Dr. Yu conducts various laboratory-based clinical and epidemiologic investigations and has extensive experience in cancer research. He has designed and been involved in many clinical research projects that assess the molecular and genetic features of tumor specimens in relation to cancer characteristics and survival outcomes of patients with various kinds of cancers. As a principal investigator and co-investigator, Dr. Yu has developed and participated in several large population-based epidemiologic studies that investigate gene-environment interactions in breast, endometrial, liver and pancreatic cancers. Biomarkers under his investigation include genetic polymorphisms in DNA repair genes, DNA methylation and methylator phenotype in tumor suppressor genes and detoxification genes, protein markers, peptide growth factors and various non-coding transcripts. Dr. Yu received his bachelors degree in medicine from Shanghai First Medical College in 1983. He also received a master of science degree in epidemiology and a PhD in clinical biochemistry from University of Toronto in 1990 and 1996, respectively.
Mr. Xuedong Du has served as our vice president in charge of research and development since April 2011. Prior to joining us, Mr. Du successively served as an engineer, senior engineer, chief engineer and manager at SMIC International IC Manufacturing (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (a subsidiary of a U.S. listed company) from 2001 to 2010. He has extensive experience in product innovation and research and development. He has participated in more than ten provincial talent projects in relation to municipal science and technology. He is the first or principal inventor of more than 100 Chinese and international patent applications (primarily on medical devices), among which over 30 patents have been granted. He has published approximately 20 papers in professional journals and academic conferences. Mr. Du received his bachelors degree in physical electronics technology from Fudan University in 2001 and his masters degree in electronics and communications engineering from Fudan University in 2009.
Mr. Weidong Dai has served as our China president since April 2015. Prior to joining us, Mr. Dai served as a general partner at Stirrfir Investment Management Co. Ltd. from 2008 to 2015, chairman of RTS Management (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. from 2004 to 2013, a managing director of Hong Kong Pro-Health Technology Co., Ltd. and Shanghai Pro-Health Medical Devices Co., Ltd. from 1998 to 2004, and the chief scientific officer at Wex International Inc. ( a subsidiary of a U.S. listed company) from 1994 to 1998. He has served as an adjunct professor at Anhui College of Traditional Chinese Medicine since 2004 and an executive director at the Hainan Branch of China Science Tsing Research Institute of Science and Technology since 2018. He has published a number of medical research papers and scientific articles in professional journals. A medical device that he led in research and development was awarded the Hong Kong Industrial Award in 1999. Mr. Dai received his bachelors degree in medicine from Anhui Medical University in 1982, masters degree in medicine from Sun Yat-San University of Medicine in 1985, and an Advanced Certificate of the EMBA CEO Program from Fudan University, School of Economics in 2002.
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None of our directors and executive officers have any family relationships up to the fourth civil degree either by consanguinity or affinity, except that Dr. Chris Chang Yu is Ms. Sarah Yus father and Ms. Lin Yu and Dr. He Yus first cousin; and Dr. He Yu and Ms. Lin Yu are siblings.
Board of Directors
Our board of directors will consist of seven directors upon the SECs declaration of effectiveness of our registration statement on Form F-1, of which this prospectus is a part. Unless so fixed by our company in a general meeting, a director is not required to hold any shares in our company to qualify to serve as a director. A director may vote with respect to any contract, proposed contract or transaction in which he is interested, and if he does so, his vote shall be counted and he may be counted in the quorum at any meeting of our directors at which any such contract or proposed contract or arrangement is considered, provided that the nature of the interest of such director shall be disclosed by such director at or prior to its consideration and any vote thereon. None of our non-executive directors has a service contract with us that provides for benefits upon termination of service.
Committees of the Board of Directors
We will establish three committees under the board of directors immediately upon the effectiveness of our registration statement on Form F-1, of which this prospectus is a part: an audit committee, a compensation committee and a nominating and corporate governance committee. We will adopt a charter for each of the three committees. Each committees members and functions are described below.
Audit Committee. Our audit committee will consist of Mr. Pu Xing, Mr. Ren Luo and Mr. Feng Guo. Mr. Pu Xing will be the chairman of our audit committee. We have determined that Mr. Pu Xing and Mr. Ren Luo satisfy the independence requirements of Rule 5605(c)(2) of the Listing Rules of The NASDAQ Stock Market and Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act, as amended. We have determined that Mr. Pu Xing qualifies as an audit committee financial expert. The audit committee will oversee our accounting and financial reporting processes and the audits of the financial statements of our company. The audit committee will be responsible for, among other things:
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appointing the independent auditors and pre-approving all auditing and non-auditing services permitted to be performed by the independent auditors; |
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reviewing with the independent auditors any audit problems or difficulties and managements response; |
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discussing the annual audited financial statements with management and the independent auditors; |
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reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of our accounting and internal control policies and procedures and any steps taken to monitor and control major financial risk exposures; |
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reviewing and approving all proposed related party transactions; |
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meeting separately and periodically with management and the independent auditors; and |
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monitoring compliance with our code of business conduct and ethics, including reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of our procedures to ensure proper compliance. |
Compensation Committee. Our compensation committee will consist of Mr. Ren Luo, Mr. Jiefeng Gu and Dr. Chris Chang Yu. Mr. Ren Luo will be the chairman of our compensation committee. We have determined that Mr. Ren Luo satisfies the independence requirements of Rule 5605(c)(2) of the Listing Rules of The NASDAQ Stock Market. The compensation committee will assist 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 his compensation is deliberated. The compensation committee will be responsible for, among other things:
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reviewing and approving, or recommending to the board for its approval, the compensation for our chief executive officer and other executive officers; |
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reviewing and recommending to the board for determination with respect to the compensation of our non-employee directors; |
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reviewing periodically and approving any incentive compensation or equity plans, programs or similar arrangements; and |
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selecting compensation consultant, legal counsel or other adviser only after taking into consideration all factors relevant to that persons independence from management. |
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Our nominating and corporate governance committee will consist of Dr. Chris Chang Yu, Mr. Feng Guo and Mr. Pu Xing. Dr. Chris Chang Yu will be the chairman of our nominating and corporate governance committee. We have determined that Mr. Pu Xing satisfies the independence requirements of Rule 5605(c)(2) of the Listing Rules of The NASDAQ Stock Market. The nominating and corporate governance committee will assist the board of directors 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 will be responsible for, among other things:
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selecting and recommending to the board nominees for election by the shareholders or appointment by the board; |
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reviewing annually with the board the current composition of the board with regards to characteristics such as independence, knowledge, skills, experience and diversity; |
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making recommendations on the frequency and structure of board meetings and monitoring the functioning of the committees of the board; and |
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advising the board periodically with regards to significant developments in the law and practice of corporate governance as well as our compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and making recommendations to the board on all matters of corporate governance and on any remedial action to be taken. |
Duties of Directors
Under BVI 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 also have a duty to exercise the skill they actually possess and such care and diligence that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in comparable circumstances. In fulfilling their duty of care to us, our directors must ensure compliance with our M&A, as amended and restated from time to time, the BVI Act 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. A shareholder may in certain limited exceptional circumstances have the right to seek damages in our name if a duty owed by the directors is breached.
Our Board of Directors has all the powers necessary for managing, and for directing and supervising, our business affairs. The functions and powers of our Board include, among others:
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convening shareholders general meetings; |
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declaring dividends and distributions; |
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appointing officers and determining the term of office of the officers; |
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exercising the borrowing powers of our company and mortgaging the property of our company; and |
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approving the transfer of shares in our company, including the registration of such shares in our share register. |
Terms of Directors and Officers
Our directors may be elected by a resolution of our board of directors, or by a resolution of our shareholders either to appoint any person as a director to fill a casual vacancy on our board or as an addition to the existing board. Our company may by resolution of our shareholders remove any director with or without cause.
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Employment Agreements and Indemnification Agreements
We have entered into employment agreements with each of our executive officers. Under these agreements, each of our executive officers is employed for a specified time period. We may terminate employment for cause, at any time, without advance notice, for certain acts of the executive officer, such as being investigated for criminal liability, committing serious dereliction of duty, jobbery or malpractice to our detriment, or seriously violating our work discipline, rules and regulations. The executive officer may resign at any time for cause with a one-month advance written notice.
Each executive officer has agreed to hold, both during and after the termination or expiry of his or her employment agreement, in strict confidence and not to disclose, except as required in the performance of his or her duties in connection with the employment or pursuant to applicable law, any of our or our affiliates confidential information or trade secrets. The executive officers have also agreed that during the term of employment, all patents, copyrights and other intellectual property rights arising from our work achievement belong to us, and the executive officers have no right to use them for commercial purpose.
In addition, each executive officer has agreed to be bound by non-competition and non-solicitation restrictions during the term of his or her employment and typically for two years following the last date of employment. Specifically, each executive officer has agreed not to (i) approach directly or indirectly our suppliers, clients, customers or contacts or other persons or entities introduced to the executive officer in his or her capacity as a representative of us for the purpose of doing business with such persons or entities that will harm our business relationships with these persons or entities; (ii) assume employment with or provide services directly or indirectly to any of our competitors; (iii) seek directly or indirectly, to solicit the services of any of our employees who is employed by us on or after the date of the executive officers termination; or (iv) engage in any business activity, technology development, or sales and marketing related to bio-medical detection devices, targeted therapies or other specified technologies.
We have entered into indemnification agreements with each of our directors and executive officers. Under these agreements, we may 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.
Compensation of Directors and Executive Officers
For the year ended December 31, 2018, we paid an aggregate of approximately RMB4.7 million (US$658,000) in cash to our executive officers, and we paid an aggregate of approximately RMB350,000 (US$49,000) in cash to our non-executive directors. We have not set aside or accrued any amount to provide pension, retirement or other similar benefits to our executive officers and directors. Our PRC subsidiaries are required by law to make contributions equal to certain percentages of each employees salary for his or her pension insurance, medical insurance, unemployment insurance and other statutory benefits and a housing provident fund.
2019 Share Incentive Plan
On October 31, 2019, our board of directors and shareholders approved our 2019 Plan, to encourage our employees, officers, directors and consultants to continue contributing to our success. The maximum number of ordinary shares that may be issued under the 2019 Plan is 1,105,300 ordinary shares. As of the date of this prospectus, options to purchase ordinary shares have been granted and are outstanding under the 2019 Plan, excluding options that were forfeited or canceled after the relevant grant dates.
The following paragraphs describe the principal terms of the 2019 Plan:
Type of Awards. The 2019 Plan permits the awards of options that the plan administrator decides.
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Plan Administration. Our compensation committee or such other committee as appointed by our Board from time to time will administer the 2019 Plan. The committee, as applicable, will determine the participants to receive awards, the time, type and number of awards to be granted to each participant, and the terms and conditions of each award grant.
Award Agreement. Awards granted under the 2019 Plan are evidenced by an award agreement that sets forth terms, conditions and limitations for each award, which may include the term of the award, the provisions applicable in the event of the grantees employment or service terminates, and our authority to unilaterally or bilaterally amend, modify, suspend, cancel or rescind the award.
Eligibility. We may grant awards to directors, service provider, advisor, employees and consultants of our company or any of our subsidiaries.
Vesting Conditions. In general, the plan administrator determines the vesting conditions, which is specified in the relevant award agreement.
Exercise of Options. The plan administrator determines the exercise price for each award, which is stated in the award agreement and shall be no less than the fair market value of a share on the date of an award grant. The vested portion of option will expire if not exercised prior to the time as the plan administrator determines at the time of its grant. However, the maximum exercisable term is ten years from the date of a grant.
Transfer Restrictions. Awards may not be transferred in any manner by the recipient other than (i) by trust that was established solely for tax planning purpose; (ii) by gift or pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order to one or more family member; or (iii) by will or the laws of descent and distribution, except as otherwise provided by the plan administrator.
Termination and Amendment. Unless terminated earlier, the 2019 Plan has a term of ten years. The plan administrator has the authority to amend or terminate the 2019 Plan. However, no such action may adversely affect in any material way any awards previously granted without written consent of the recipient, unless the plan administrator expressly reserved the right to make such amendment at the time the relevant awards were granted.
Other Options
The following table summarizes, as of the date of this prospectus, the awards granted to our directors and executive officers and other individuals as authorized by our board of directors, other than under our 2019 Plan, excluding awards that were forfeited or canceled after the relevant grant dates and assuming the effectiveness of a share subdivision of each ordinary share of par value of US$1.00 into 100 ordinary shares of par value of US$0.01 each.
Name |
Ordinary Shares
Underlying Options Awarded |
Exercise Price
(US$/Share) |
Date of Grant | Date of Expiration | ||||||||||||
Ren Luo |
* | US$0.05 | October 28, 2010 | October 28, 2020 | ||||||||||||
Weidong Dai |
330,000 |
|
Zero to
US$0.01 |
|
|
August 1, 2014 and
April 1, 2015 |
|
|
August 1, 2024 and
April 1, 2025 |
|
||||||
Xuedong Du |
488,600 |
|
Zero to
US$0.05 |
|
|
September 6, 2010 -
January 1, 2018 |
|
|
September 6, 2020 -
January 1, 2028 |
|
||||||
Rain Yu Zhang |
* | US$0.05 | July 15, 2019 | July 5, 2029 | ||||||||||||
Other individuals as a group |
1,172,300 |
|
Zero to
US$0.1 |
|
|
August 1, 2010-
September 1, 2019 |
|
|
August 1, 2020 -
September 1, 2029 |
|
* |
Less than 1% of our total outstanding ordinary shares. |
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Except as specifically noted, the following table sets forth information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our ordinary shares as of the date of this prospectus by:
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each of our directors and executive officers; |
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each person known to us to own beneficially more than 5% of our total outstanding ordinary shares; and |
The calculations in the table below are based on 9,864,400 ordinary shares (including 7,001,300 Class A ordinary shares and 2,863,100 Class B ordinary shares) outstanding as of the date of this prospectus, and ordinary shares (including Class A ordinary shares and 2,863,100 Class B ordinary shares) outstanding immediately after the completion of this offering, assuming the underwriter does not exercise its 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.
Ordinary Shares Beneficially
Owned Prior to This Offering |
Ordinary Shares Beneficially Owned
Immediately After This Offering |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Class A
ordinary shares |
Class B
ordinary shares |
% of
total ordinary shares*** |
% of
aggregate voting power |
Class A
ordinary shares |
Class B
ordinary shares |
% of
total ordinary shares*** |
% of
aggregate voting power |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Directors and Executive Officers**: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Chris Chang Yu(1) |
6,000 | 2,263,900 | 23.0 | 63.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Feng Guo |
| | | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jiefeng Gu |
| | | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lin Yu |
| | | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Pu Xing |
* | | * | * | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ren Luo |
* | | * | * | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sarah Yu |
| | | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rain Yu Zhang |
* | | * | * | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
He Yu(2) |
1,212,700 | | 12.3 | 3.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Xuedong Du(3) |
438,400 | | 4.3 | 1.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Weidong Dai(4) |
430,100 | | 4.3 | 1.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
All Directors and Executive Officers as a group |
2,176,100 | 2,263,900 | 43.6 | 69.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Principal Shareholders: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
CRS Holdings Inc.(5) |
| 2,263,900 | 23.0 | 63.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
He Yu(2) |
1,212,700 | | 12.3 | 3.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Zhangjiang GU KE
Company
|
859,200 | 351,300 | 12.3 | 12.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Zhijun Sihang Holdings Limited(7) |
606,700 | 247,900 | 8.7 | 8.7 |
Notes:
* |
Less than 1% of our total outstanding ordinary shares. |
** |
Except as indicated otherwise below, the business address of our directors and executive officers is 801 Bixing Street, Bihu County, Lishui, Zhejiang Province 323006, Peoples Republic of China. |
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*** |
For each person or group included in this column, percentage ownership is calculated by dividing the number of shares beneficially owned by such person or group by the sum of the total number of shares outstanding and the number of shares such person or group has the right to acquire upon exercise of an option, warrant or other right within 60 days after the date of this prospectus. |
|
For each person or group included in this column, percentage of total voting power represents voting power based on both Class A and Class B ordinary shares held by such person or group with respect to all outstanding shares of our Class A and Class B ordinary shares as a single class. Each holder of Class A ordinary shares is entitled to one (1) vote per share. Each holder of our Class B ordinary shares is entitled to ten (10) votes per share. Our Class B ordinary shares are convertible at any time by the holder into Class A ordinary shares on a one-for-one basis. |
(1) |
Represents (i) 2,263,900 Class B ordinary shares held by CRS Holdings Inc., a British Virgin Islands company, which is wholly owned by Dr. Chris Chang Yu and (ii) 6,000 Class A ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of options held by the spouse of Dr. Chris Chang Yu. The registered address of CRS Holdings Inc. is Trinity Chambers, P. O. Box 4301, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands. |
(2) |
Represents 1,212,700 Class A ordinary shares held by Dr. He Yu. |
(3) |
Represents (i) 176,400 Class A ordinary shares held by YuLin Bio-medical Science Co., Ltd., and (ii) 262,000 Class A ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of options held by Mr. Xuedong Du. YuLin Bio-medical Science Co., Ltd. is owned by certain individuals, with none of them holding a controlling interest in YuLin Bio-medical Science Co., Ltd. The registered address of YuLin Bio-medical Science Co., Ltd. is Aequitas International Management Ltd., Grand Pavilion Commercial Centre, Suite 24, 802 West Bay Road, P.O. Box 10281, Grand Cayman KY1-1003, Cayman Islands. |
(4) |
Represents (i) 300,000 Class A ordinary shares held by Mr. Weidong Dai, (ii) 30,000 Class A ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of options held by Mr. Weidong Dai, and (iii) 100,100 Class A ordinary shares held by YuLin Bio-medical Science Co., Ltd. for the benefit of Mr. Weidong Dais spouse. YuLin Bio-medical Science Co., Ltd. is owned by certain individuals, with none of them holding a controlling interest in YuLin Bio-medical Science Co., Ltd. The registered address of YuLin Bio-medical Science Co., Ltd. is Aequitas International Management Ltd., Grand Pavilion Commercial Centre, Suite 24, 802 West Bay Road, P.O. Box 10281, Grand Cayman KY1-1003, Cayman Islands. |
(5) |
Represents 2,263,900 Class B ordinary shares. CRS Holdings Inc. is wholly owned by Dr. Chris Chang Yu, and its registered address is Trinity Chambers, P. O. Box 4301, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands. |
(6) |
Represents 859,200 Class A ordinary shares and 351,300 Class B ordinary shares held by Zhangjiang GU KE Company Limited, a British Virgin Islands company, which is 100% beneficially owned by Shanghai Pudong State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission. The registered address of Zhangjiang GU KE Company Limited is Commence Chambers, P.O. Box 2208, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands. |
(7) |
Represents (i) 536,000 Class A ordinary shares and 247,900 Class B ordinary shares held by Zhijun Sihang Holding Limited, a British Virgin Islands company, which is wholly owned by Jiaxing Zhijun Sihang Investment Partnership Enterprises (Limited Partnership), and (ii) 70,700 Class A ordinary shares held by Mr. Lei Luo for the benefit of Zhijun Sihang Holdings Limited. The general partner of Jiaxing Zhijun Sihang Investment Partnership Enterprises (Limited Partnership) is Jiaxing Zhijun Investment Management Co., Ltd., which is controlled by Mr. Feng Guo. The registered address of Zhijun Sihang Holding Limited is 113-7, No.100, Zhuyuan Road, Nanhu District, Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province, P.R. China. |
As of the date of this prospectus, to our knowledge, we have 13 record holders in the United States of our ordinary shares, who hold approximately 22.3% of our total outstanding ordinary shares. We are not aware of any arrangement that may, at a subsequent date, result in a change of control of our company.
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Before the completion of this offering, we intend to adopt an audit committee charter, which will require the committee to review all related-party transactions on an ongoing basis and all such transactions be approved by the committee. Set forth below are material related-party transactions in the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2018 and nine months ended September 30, 2019.
Shareholders Agreements
See Description of Share CapitalHistory of Securities IssuancesShareholders Agreements.
Employment Agreements and Indemnification Agreements
See ManagementEmployment Agreements and Indemnification Agreements.
Share Incentive Plans
See Management2019 Share Incentive Plan.
Private Placements
Zhijun Sihang provided an advance of RMB25.0 million (US$3.5 million) to one of our PRC subsidiaries in 2018. Zhijun Sihang is in the process of making equity contribution of these funds in our company.
Our founder and chairman, Dr. Chris Chang Yu, has agreed to invest US$2.0 million in our company by the end of the second quarter of 2020, based on a price equal to our per-share valuation in our latest round of equity financing.
See also Description of Share CapitalHistory of Securities Issuances.
Convertible Loan Agreements
In 2018, we borrowed from Zhijun a total of US$2.5 million in one-year term loans convertible into our ordinary shares. These loans and the accrued interest expenses amounted to RMB18.0 million (US$2.5 million) and RMB824,000 (US$115,000), respectively, as of December 31, 2018. These loans and the accrued interest expenses amounted to RMB21.7 million (US$3.0 million) and RMB2.0 million (US$285,000), respectively, as of September 30, 2019. The parties subsequently agreed to extend the term of these convertible loans to April 30, 2020. These loans bear interest at 9% per annum. The conversion price will be determined based on the then outstanding principal amount of the loans and an RMB488 million assumed equity value of the Company before granting of the loans in 2018. The convertible loans are convertible into our Class A ordinary shares at the election of Zhijun in whole or in part prior to maturity subject to certain conditions. If by April 30, 2020 Zhijun does not convert the loans into our Class A ordinary shares, we will be required to repay the loans within six months or renegotiate an extension of the loans.
Loans From CRS Holdings Inc.
CRS Holdings Inc., wholly owned by our founder and chairman, Dr. Chris Chang Yu, provided loans of RMB1.2 million, RMB1.4 million (US$200,000) and RMB2.3 million (US$318,000) to us in 2017 and 2018 and the nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively. We repaid to CRS Holdings Inc. RMB5.8 million, RMB1.1 million (US$160,000) and RMB1.3 million (US$175,000) in 2017 and 2018 and the nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively. These loans were interest-free, unsecured and repayable on demand.
Loan From an Investee Company
Jiangsu AnPac, one of our investee companies, provided a loan of RMB800,000 to us in 2017. This loan was interest-free, unsecured and repayable on demand. We repaid RMB350,000 (US$49,000) to Jiangsu AnPac in 2018.
Sales Agreements and Consultancy Agreement with Investee Companies
We have in the ordinary course of our business engaged certain of our investee companies, including AnPac Beijing Health Management Co., Ltd., Jiangsu AnPac and Anpai (Shanghai) Health Management Consulting
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Co., Ltd., as sales agents for our CDA-based tests. In 2017, 2018 and the nine months ended September 30, 2019, we recognized an aggregate revenue of RMB590,000, RMB639,000 (US$89,000) and RMB505,000 (US$71,000), respectively, from sales to AnPac Beijing Health Management Co., Ltd., Jiangsu AnPac and Anpai (Shanghai) Health Management Consulting Co., Ltd.
In 2018 and the nine months ended September 30, 2019, we incurred a consultancy fee of RMB700,000 (US$98,000) and RMB1.1 million (US$151,000), respectively, to AnPac Beijing Health Management Co., Ltd. for their marketing services to us.
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We are a BVI business company limited by shares and our affairs are governed by our memorandum and articles of association, as amended and restated from time to time, and the BVI Business Companies Act (the BVI Act).
As of the date of this prospectus, we are authorized to issue a maximum of 100,000 ordinary shares with a par value of US$1.00 each.
Our shareholders have adopted a third amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, which will become effective and replace our current second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, or our M&A, in its entirety prior to the completion of this offering. Pursuant to our M&A to be registered prior to the date of this prospectus, we will be authorized to issue 100,000,000 ordinary shares of par value US$0.01 each, divided into two classes, namely (a) 70,000,000 Class A ordinary shares, and (b) 30,000,000 Class B ordinary shares.
The following description of our authorized shares and our constitutional rules under our M&A is qualified in its entirety by reference to our M&A, which have been filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.
M&A
The following discussion describes our M&A:
Objects and Purposes, Register, and Shareholders. Subject to the BVI Act, our objects and purposes are unlimited. Our register of members will be maintained by our share registrar, Maples Fund Services (Cayman) Limited. Under the BVI Act, a BVI company may treat the registered holder of a share as the only person entitled to (a) exercise any voting rights attaching to the share, (b) receive notices, (c) receive a distribution in respect of the share and (d) exercise other rights and powers attaching to the share. Consequently, as a matter of BVI law, where a shareholders shares are registered in the name of a nominee, the nominee is entitled to receive notices, receive distributions and exercise rights in respect of any such shares registered in its name. The beneficial owners of the shares registered in a nominees name will therefore be reliant on their contractual arrangements with the nominee in order to receive notices and dividends and ensure the nominee exercises voting and other rights in respect of the shares in accordance with their directions.
Directors Powers. Under the BVI Act, subject to any modifications or limitations in a companys M&A, a companys business and affairs are managed by, or under the direction or supervision of, its directors; and directors generally have all powers necessary to manage a company. A director must disclose any interest he has on any proposal, arrangement or contract not entered into in the ordinary course of business and on usual terms and conditions. An interested director may (subject to the M&A) vote on a transaction in which he has an interest. In accordance with, and subject to, our M&A, the directors may by resolution of directors exercise all the powers of the company to incur indebtedness, liabilities or obligations and to secure indebtedness, liabilities or obligations whether of the company or of any third party.
Rights, Preferences and Restrictions of Ordinary Shares. Subject to the restrictions described under the section titled Dividend Policy above, our directors may (subject to the M&A) authorize dividends at such time and in such amount as they determine. In the event of a liquidation or dissolution of the company, the holders of ordinary shares are (subject to the M&A) entitled to share ratably in all surplus assets remaining available for distribution to them after payment and discharge of all claims, debts, liabilities and obligations of the company and after provision is made for each class of shares (if any) having preference over the ordinary shares if any at that time. There are no sinking fund provisions applicable to our ordinary shares. Holders of our ordinary shares have no pre-emptive rights. Subject to the provisions of the BVI Act, we may, (subject to the M&A) with shareholder consent, repurchase our ordinary shares provided always that the company will, immediately after
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the repurchase, satisfy the solvency test. The company will satisfy the solvency test, if (i) the value of the companys assets exceeds its liabilities; and (ii) the company is able to pay its debts as they fall due.
In accordance with the BVI Act:
(i) |
the company may purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire its own shares in accordance with either (a) Sections 60, 61 and 62 of the BVI Act (save to the extent that those Sections are negated, modified or inconsistent with provisions for the purchase, redemption or acquisition of its own shares specified in the companys M&A); or (b) such other provisions for the purchase, redemption or acquisition of its own shares as may be specified in the companys M&A. The companys M&A provide that such Sections 60, 61 and 62 of the BVI Act do not apply to the company; and |
(ii) |
where a company may purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire its own shares otherwise than in accordance with Sections 60, 61 and 62 of the BVI Act, it may not purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire the shares without the consent of the member whose shares are to be purchased, redeemed or otherwise acquired, unless the company is permitted by the M&A to purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire the shares without that consent; and |
(iii) |
unless the shares are held as treasury shares in accordance with Section 64 of the BVI Act, any shares acquired by the company are deemed to be canceled immediately on purchase, redemption or other acquisition. |
Variation of the Rights of Shareholders. As permitted by the BVI Act and our M&A, whenever the capital of our company is divided into different classes, the rights attached to any such class may only be materially adversely varied with the consent in writing of the holders of not less than two-thirds (2/3rds) of the issued shares of that class or with the sanction of a resolution of our shareholders passed at a separate meeting of the holders of the shares of that class by the holders of not less than two-thirds (2/3rds) of the issued shares of that class.
Ordinary Shares. 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. Our ordinary shares are issued in registered form and are issued when registered in our register of members. Our shareholders who are non-residents of the BVI may freely hold and vote their shares.
Conversion. Each Class B ordinary share is convertible into one (1) 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. Upon any sale, transfer, assignment or disposition of Class B ordinary shares by a holder thereof to any person other than holders of Class B ordinary shares or their affiliates, such Class B ordinary shares shall be automatically and immediately converted into the same number of Class A ordinary shares.
Voting Rights. In respect of all matters subject to a shareholders vote, each Class A ordinary share shall entitle the holder thereof to one (1) vote per share and each Class B ordinary share shall entitle the holder to ten (10) votes per share on all matters subject to vote at our general meetings. Our Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares vote together as a single class on all matters submitted to a vote of our shareholders, except as may otherwise be required by law. Voting at any shareholders meeting is by show of hands unless a poll is demanded. A poll may be demanded by the chairman of such meeting or any shareholder present in person or by proxy.
Shareholder Meetings. In accordance with, and subject to, our M&A, (a) the chairman of our board of directors, or a majority of our directors (acting by a resolution of the board), may call general meetings of our shareholders; and (b) upon the written request of shareholders entitled to exercise thirty per cent (30%) or more of the voting rights in respect of the matter for which the meeting is requested, the directors shall convene a meeting of shareholders. Under BVI law, the M&A may be amended to decrease but not increase the required percentage to call a meeting above thirty per cent (30%). In accordance with, and subject to, our M&A, (a) the
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director convening a meeting shall give not less than ten (10) days notice of a meeting of shareholders to those shareholders entitled to vote at the meeting; (b) a meeting of shareholders held in contravention of the requirement to give notice is valid if shareholders holding at least ninety-five per cent (95%) of the total voting rights on all the matters to be considered at the meeting have waived notice of the meeting; (c) a meeting of shareholders is duly constituted if, at the commencement of the meeting, there are present in person or by proxy one or more shareholders holding shares which carry in aggregate not less than a majority of all votes attaching to all shares in issue and entitled to vote at such meeting, and (d) if within half an hour from the time appointed for the meeting a quorum is not present, the meeting shall be dissolved.
Dividends. Subject to the BVI Act and our M&A, our directors may, by resolution, declare dividends at a time and amount as they think fit if they are satisfied, based on reasonable grounds, that, immediately after distribution of the dividend, the value of our assets will exceed our liabilities and we will be able to pay our debts as they fall due. There is no further BVI law restriction on the amount of funds which may be distributed by us by dividend, including all amounts paid by way of the subscription price for ordinary shares regardless of whether such amounts may be wholly or partially treated as share capital or share premium under certain accounting principles. Shareholder approval is not (except as otherwise provided in our M&A) required to pay dividends under BVI law. In accordance with, and subject to, our M&A, no dividend shall bear interest as against the company (except as otherwise provided in our M&A).
Disclosure of the SECs Position on Indemnification for Securities Act Liabilities. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, the registrant has 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.
Transfer of Shares. Subject to any applicable restrictions or limitations arising pursuant to (i) our M&A; or (ii) the BVI Act, any of our shareholders may transfer all or any of his or her shares by an instrument of transfer in the usual or common form or in any other form which our directors may approve (such instrument of transfer being signed by the transferor and containing the name and address of the transferee). Our directors may decline to register any transfer of shares which is not fully paid up or on which our company has a lien. In addition, our directors may also decline to register any transfer of any shares unless (i) the instrument of transfer is lodged with our company, accompanied by the relevant share certificate, (ii) the instrument of transfer is in respect of only one class of shares, (iii) the instrument of transfer is properly stamped, if required, (iv) 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 (v) a fee of such maximum sum as The NASDAQ Global Market may determine to be payable, or such lesser sum as our board of directors may require, is paid to our company in respect thereof.
Differences in Corporate Law
The BVI Act differs from laws applicable to United States corporations and their shareholders. Set forth below is a summary of the significant differences between the provisions of the BVI Act applicable to us and the laws applicable to companies incorporated in the State of Delaware.
Mergers, Consolidations and Similar Arrangements
The BVI Act provides for mergers as that expression is understood under US corporate law. Common law mergers are also permitted outside of the scope of the BVI Act. Under the BVI Act, two or more companies may either merge into one of such existing companies, or the surviving company, or consolidate with both existing companies ceasing to exist and forming a new company, or the consolidated company. The procedure for a merger or consolidation between our company and another company (which need not be a BVI company) is set out in the BVI Act. The directors of the BVI company or BVI companies which are to merge or consolidate must approve a written plan of merger or consolidation which must also be authorized by a resolution of members (and
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the outstanding shares of every class of shares that are entitled to vote on the merger or consolidation as a class if the memorandum or articles of association so provide or if the plan of merger or consolidation contains any provisions that, if contained in a proposed amendment to the memorandum or articles, would entitle the class to vote on the proposed amendment as a class) of the shareholders of the BVI company or BVI companies which are to merge. A foreign company which is able under the laws of its foreign jurisdiction to participate in the merger or consolidation is required by the BVI Act to comply with the laws of that foreign jurisdiction in relation to the merger or consolidation. The BVI company must then execute articles of merger or consolidation, containing certain prescribed details. The plan and articles of merger or consolidation are then filed with the Registrar of Corporate Affairs in the BVI, or the Registrar. If the surviving company or the consolidated company is to be incorporated under the laws of a jurisdiction outside BVI, it shall file the additional instruments required under Section 174(2)(b) of the BVI Act. The Registrar then (if he or she is satisfied that the requirements of the BVI Act have been complied with) registers, in the case of a merger, the articles of merger or consolidation and any amendment to the M&A of the surviving company and, in the case of a consolidation, the M&A of the new consolidated company and issues a certificate of merger or consolidation (which is conclusive evidence of compliance with all requirements of the BVI Act in respect of the merger or consolidation). The merger or consolidation is effective on the date that the articles of merger or consolidation are registered by the Registrar or on such subsequent date, not exceeding thirty days, as is stated in the articles of merger or consolidation but if the surviving company or the consolidated company is a company incorporated under the laws of a jurisdiction outside the BVI, the merger or consolidation is effective as provided by the laws of that other jurisdiction.
As soon as a merger or consolidation becomes effective (among other things), (a) the surviving company or consolidated company (so far as is consistent with its amended memorandum and articles of association, as amended or established by the articles of merger or consolidation) has all rights, privileges, immunities, powers, objects and purposes of each of the constituent companies; (b) the memorandum and articles of association of any surviving company are automatically amended to the extent, if any, that changes to its amended memorandum and articles of association are contained in the articles of merger; (c) assets of every description, including choses-in-action and the business of each of the constituent companies, immediately vest in the surviving company or consolidated company; (d) the surviving company or consolidated company is liable for all claims, debts, liabilities and obligations of each of the constituent companies; (e) no conviction, judgment, ruling, order, claim, debt, liability or obligation due or to become due, and no cause existing, against a constituent company or against any shareholder, director, officer or agent thereof, is released or impaired by the merger or consolidation; and (f) no proceedings, whether civil or criminal, pending at the time of a merger or consolidation by or against a constituent company, or against any shareholder, director, officer or agent thereof, are abated or discontinued by the merger or consolidation, but: (i) the proceedings may be enforced, prosecuted, settled or compromised by or against the surviving company or consolidated company or against the shareholder, director, officer or agent thereof, as the case may be or (ii) the surviving company or consolidated company may be substituted in the proceedings for a constituent company but if the surviving company or the consolidated company is incorporated under the laws of a jurisdiction outside the BVI, the effect of the merger or consolidation is the same as noted foregoing except in so far as the laws of the other jurisdiction otherwise provide.
The Registrar shall strike off the register of companies each constituent company that is not the surviving company in the case of a merger and all constituent companies in the case of a consolidation (save that this shall not apply to a foreign company).
If the directors determine it to be in the best interests of us, it is also possible for a merger to be approved as a court approved plan of arrangement or as a scheme of arrangement in accordance with (in each such case) the BVI Act. The convening of any necessary shareholders meetings and subsequently the arrangement must be authorized by the BVI court. A scheme of arrangement requires the approval of 75% of the votes of the shareholders or class of shareholders, as the case may be. If the effect of the scheme is different in relation to different shareholders, it may be necessary for them to vote separately in relation to the scheme, with it being
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required to secure the requisite approval level of each separate voting group. Under a plan of arrangement, a BVI court may determine what shareholder approvals are required and the manner of obtaining the approval.
Shareholders Suits
Under the provisions of the BVI Act, the memorandum and articles of association of a company are binding as between the company and its members and between the members. In general, members are bound by the decision of the majority or special majorities as set out in the articles of association or in the BVI Act. As for voting, the usual rule is that with respect to normal commercial matters members may act from self-interest when exercising the right to vote attached to their shares.
If the majority members have infringed a minority members rights, the minority may seek to enforce its rights either by derivative action or by personal action. A derivative action concerns the infringement of the companys rights where the wrongdoers are in control of the company and are preventing it from taking action, whereas a personal action concerns the infringement of a right that is personal to the particular member concerned.
The BVI Act provides for a series of remedies available to members. Where a company incorporated under the BVI Act conducts some activity which breaches the BVI Act or the companys memorandum and articles of association, the BVI High Court can issue a restraining or compliance order. Members can now also bring derivative, personal and Representative Actions under certain circumstances.
The traditional English basis for members remedies have also been incorporated into the BVI Act: where a member of a company considers that the affairs of the company have been, are being or are likely to be conducted in a manner likely to be oppressive, unfairly discriminating or unfairly prejudicial to him, he may apply to the BVI High Court for an order on such conduct.
Any member of a company may apply to the BVI High Court for the appointment of a liquidator for the company and the Court may appoint a liquidator for the company if it is of the opinion that it is just and equitable to do so.
The BVI Act provides that any member of a company is entitled to payment of the fair value of his shares upon dissenting from any of the following:
(a) |
a merger; |
(b) |
a consolidation; |
(c) |
any sale, transfer, lease, exchange or other disposition of more than 50 per cent in value of the assets or business of the company if not made in the usual or regular course of the business carried on by the company but not including (i) a disposition pursuant to an order of the court having jurisdiction in the matter; (ii) a disposition for money on terms requiring all or substantially all net proceeds to be distributed to the members in accordance with their respective interest within one year after the date of disposition; or (iii) a transfer pursuant to the power of the directors to transfer assets for the protection thereof; |
(d) |
a redemption of 10 per cent, or fewer, of the issued shares of the company required by the holders of 90 percent, or more, of the shares of the company pursuant to the terms of the BVI Act; and |
(e) |
an arrangement, if permitted by the BVI High Court. |
Generally any other claims against a company by its members must be based on the general laws of contract or tort applicable in the BVI or their individual rights as members as established by the companys memorandum and articles of association.
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The BVI Act provides that if a company or a director of a company engages in, proposes to engage in or has engaged in, conduct that contravenes the BVI Act or the memorandum or articles of association of the company, the BVI High Court may, on the application of a member or a director of the company, make an order directing the company or director to comply with, or restraining the company or director from engaging in conduct that contravenes the BVI Act or the memorandum or articles of association.
Indemnification of Directors and Executive Officers and Limitation of Liability
BVI law does not limit the extent to which a companys articles of association may provide for indemnification of officers and directors, except to the extent any such provision may be held by the BVI High Court to be contrary to public policy (e.g. for purporting to provide indemnification against the consequences of committing a crime). An indemnity will be void and of no effect and will not apply to a person unless the person acted honestly and in good faith and in what he believed to be in the best interests of the company and, in the case of criminal proceedings, the person had no reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful. Our memorandum and articles of association provide that 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 such indemnified person, other than by reason of such indemnified persons own dishonesty, wilful default or fraud, in or about the conduct of our companys 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 our company or its affairs in any court whether in the British Virgin 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 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 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 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 or she reasonably believes to be in the best interests of the corporation. He or she must not use his or her corporate position for personal gain or advantage. This duty prohibits self-dealing by a director and mandates that the best 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. 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 was of fair value to the corporation.
As a matter of BVI law, directors must not place themselves in a position in which there is a conflict between their duty to the company and their personal interests. This means that, strictly speaking, a director should not participate in a decision in circumstances where he has a potential conflict. That is, he should declare
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his interest and abstain. The BVI Act provides that a director shall, forthwith after becoming aware of the fact that he is interested in a transaction entered into or to be entered into by the company, disclose the interest to the board of the company. The failure of a director to so disclose an interest does not affect the validity of a transaction entered into by the director or the company, provided that the directors interest was disclosed to the board prior to the companys entry into the transaction or was not required to be disclosed (for example where the transaction is between the company and the director himself or is otherwise in the ordinary course of business and on usual terms and conditions). Typically a companys memorandum and articles of association will allow a director interested in a particular transaction to vote on it, attend meetings at which it is considered, and sign documents on behalf of the company which relate to the transaction.
Under the laws of the BVI, a transaction entered into by the company in respect of which a director is interested will not be voidable by the company where the members have approved or ratified the transaction in knowledge of the material facts of the interest of the director in the transaction, or if the company received fair value for the transaction.
Broadly speaking, the duties that a director owes to a company may be divided into two categories. The first category encompasses fiduciary duties, that is, the duties of loyalty, honesty and good faith. The second category encompasses duties of skill and care. Each is considered in turn below.
A directors fiduciary duties can be summarized as follows:
(a) |
Bona Fides: The directors must act bona fide in what they consider is in the best interests of the company (or, if permitted as above, that companys parent company). |
(b) |
Proper Purpose: The directors must exercise the powers that are vested in them for the purpose for which they were conferred and not for a collateral purpose. |
(c) |
Unfettered Discretion: Since the powers of the directors are to be exercised by them in trust for the company, they should not improperly fetter the exercise of future discretion. |
(d) |
Conflict of Duty and Interest: as per the above. |
In addition to their fiduciary duties a director has the duties of care, diligence and skill which are owed to the company itself and not, for example, to individual members (subject to the limited exceptions as to enforcement on behalf of the company).
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. As permitted by BVI law, our articles of association provide that 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 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.
BVI law and our M&A provide that upon the written request of shareholders entitled to exercise thirty per cent (30%) or more of the voting rights in respect of the matter for which the meeting is requested, the directors shall convene a meeting of shareholders. As a BVI company, we are not obliged by law to call shareholders annual general meetings.
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Cumulative Voting
Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, cumulative voting for elections of directors is not permitted unless the corporations certificate of incorporation specifically provides for it. Cumulative voting potentially facilitates the representation of investors on a board of directors since it permits the investor to cast all the votes to which the shareholder is entitled on a single director, which increases the shareholders voting power with respect to electing such director. There are no prohibitions in relation to cumulative voting under the laws of the British Virgin Islands but our articles of association do not provide for cumulative voting. As a result, our shareholders are not afforded any less protections or rights on this issue than shareholders of a Delaware corporation.
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 articles of association, a director may be removed from office with or without cause, by a resolution of shareholders passed at a meeting of shareholders called for the purposes of removing the director or for purposes including the removal of the director or by a written resolution passed by a least fifty per cent (50%) of the shareholders of the company entitled to vote.
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 targets outstanding voting share within the past three years. This has the effect of limiting the ability of a potential acquirer to make a two-tiered bid for the target in which all shareholders would not be treated equally. The statute does not apply if, among other things, prior to the date on which such shareholder becomes an interested shareholder, the board of directors approves either the business combination or the transaction which resulted in the person becoming an interested shareholder. This encourages any potential acquirer of a Delaware corporation to negotiate the terms of any acquisition transaction with the targets board of directors.
British Virgin Islands law has no comparable statute. As a result, we are not afforded the same statutory protections in the British Virgin Islands as we would be offered by the Delaware business combination statute. However, although British Virgin Islands law does not regulate transactions between a company and its significant shareholders, it does provide that such transactions must be entered into bona fide in the best interests of the company and not with the effect of constituting a fraud on the investors. See also Shareholders Suits above. We have adopted a code of business conduct and ethics which requires employees to fully disclose any situations that could reasonably be expected to give rise to a conflict of interest, and sets forth relevant restrictions and procedures when a conflict of interest arises to ensure the best interest of the company.
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 corporations 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.
The liquidation of a company may be a voluntary solvent liquidation or a liquidation under the Insolvency Act. Where a company has been struck off the Register of Companies under the BVI Act continuously for a period of seven years it is dissolved with effect from the last day of that period.
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Voluntary Liquidation
If the liquidation is a solvent liquidation, the provisions of the BVI Act governs the liquidation. A company may only be liquidated under the BVI Act as a solvent liquidation if it has no liabilities or it is able to pay its debts as they fall due and the value of its assets exceeds its liabilities. Subject to the memorandum and articles of association of a company, a liquidator may be appointed by a resolution of directors or resolution of members but if the directors have commenced liquidation by a resolution of directors the members must approve the liquidation plan by a resolution of members save in limited circumstances.
A liquidator is appointed for the purpose of collecting in and realizing the assets of a company and distributing proceeds to creditors.
Liquidation under the Insolvency Act
The Insolvency Act governs an insolvent liquidation. Pursuant to the Insolvency Act, a company is insolvent if it fails to comply with the requirements of a statutory demand that has not be set aside pursuant to the Insolvency Act, execution or other process issued on a judgment, decree or order of court in favor of a creditor of the company is returned wholly or partly unsatisfied or either the value of the companys liabilities exceeds its assets or the company is unable to pay its debts as they fall due. The liquidator must be either the Official Receiver in BVI or a BVI licensed insolvency practitioner. An individual resident outside the BVI may be appointed to act as liquidator jointly with a BVI licensed insolvency practitioner or the Official Receiver. The members of the company may appoint an insolvency practitioner as liquidator of the company or the court may appoint an Official Receiver or an eligible insolvency practitioner. The application to the court can be made by one or more of the following: (i) the company, (ii) a creditor, (iii) a member, or (iv) the supervisor of a creditors arrangement in respect of the company, the Financial Services Commission and the Attorney General in the BVI.
The court may appoint a liquidator if:
(a) |
the company is insolvent; |
(b) |
the court is of the opinion that it is just and equitable that a liquidator should be appointed; or |
(c) |
the court is of the opinion that it is in the public interest for a liquidator to be appointed. |
An application under (a) above by a member may only be made with leave of the court, which shall not be granted unless the court is satisfied that there is prima facie case that the company is insolvent. An application under (c) above may only be made by the Financial Services Commission or the Attorney General and they may only make an application under (c) above if the company concerned is, or at any time has been, a regulated person (i.e. a person that holds a prescribed financial services license) or the company is carrying on, or at any time has carried on, unlicensed financial services business.
Order of Preferential Payments upon Liquidation
Upon the insolvent liquidation of a company, the assets of a company shall be applied in accordance with the following priorities: (a) in paying, in priority to all other claims, the costs and expenses properly incurred in the liquidation in accordance with the prescribed priority; (b) after payment of the costs and expenses of the liquidation, in paying the preferential claims admitted by the liquidator (wages and salary, amounts to the BVI Social Security Board, pension contributions, government taxes) preferential claims rank equally between themselves and, if the assets of the company are insufficient to meet the claims in full, they shall be paid ratably; (c) after the payment of preferential claims, in paying all other claims admitted by the liquidator, including those of non-secured creditors the claims of non-secured creditors of the company shall rank equally among themselves and if the assets of the company are insufficient to meet the claims in full, such non-secured creditors shall be paid ratably; (d) after paying all admitted claims, paying any interest payable under the BVI Insolvency Act; and finally (e) any surplus assets remaining after payment of the costs, expenses and claims above shall be
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distributed to the members in accordance with their rights and interests in the company. Part VIII of the Insolvency Act provides for various applications which may be made by a liquidator to set aside transactions which have unfairly diminished the assets which are available to creditors.
The appointment of a liquidator over the assets of a company does not affect the right of a secured creditor to take possession of and realize or otherwise deal with assets of the company over which that creditor has a security interest. Accordingly, a secured creditor may enforce its security directly without recourse to the liquidator, in priority to the order of payments described in the preceding paragraph. However, so far as the assets of a company in liquidation available for payment of the claims of unsecured creditors are insufficient to pay the costs and expenses of the liquidation and the preferential creditors, those costs, expenses and claims have priority over the claims of charges in respect of assets that are subject to a floating charge created by a company and shall be paid accordingly out of those assets.
The court has authority to order winding up in a number of specified circumstances including where it is, in the opinion of the court, just and equitable to do so. Under the BVI Act and our articles of association, our company may be dissolved, liquidated or wound up by a 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 British Virgin Islands law and our articles of association, if our share capital is divided into more than one class of shares, the rights attached to any class may only be materially adversely varied with the consent in writing of the holders of not less than two-thirds (2/3rds) of the issued shares of that class or with the sanction of a resolution of our shareholders passed at a separate meeting of the holders of the shares of that class by the holders of not less than two-thirds (2/3rds) of the issued shares of that class.
Amendment of Governing Documents
Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, a corporations 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. As permitted by British Virgin Islands law, our memorandum and articles of association may be amended by a resolution of shareholders or by a resolution of directors, save that no amendment may be made by a resolution of directors: (i) to restrict the rights or powers of the shareholders to amend the memorandum or articles; (ii) to change the percentage of shareholders required to pass a Resolution of Shareholders to amend the memorandum or articles; (iii) in circumstances where the memorandum or articles cannot be amended by the shareholders; or (iv) to certain specified clauses of the articles of association.
Rights of Non-Resident or Foreign Shareholders
There are no limitations imposed by our memorandum and articles of association on the rights of non-resident or foreign shareholders to hold or exercise voting rights on our shares. In addition, there are no provisions in our 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.
Increase of Maximum Number of Authorized Shares and Share Subdivision
On October 31, 2019, our board of directors and shareholders approved to increase our maximum number of authorized shares to 1,000,000 ordinary shares, comprising 700,000 Class A ordinary shares and 300,000 Class B
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ordinary Shares, and to effect a 1-for-100 share subdivision for each ordinary share. Such increase and sub-division will become effective once they are registered with the BVI company registry. We are in the process of registering these changes with the BVI company registry and expect these registrations to be completed, and hence the increase and sub-division of our shares to become effective, before the completion of this offering. Under the share subdivision, each of our authorized shares (whether issued or unissued), par value of US$1.0 each, will be divided into 100 ordinary shares, par value US$0.01 each. Immediately following the share subdivision, all shareholders will surrender all of their post-share-subdivision issued and outstanding shares back to our company for cancellation and re-issuance. Each of our outstanding ordinary shares and the ordinary shares issuable upon the exercise of the options we have granted will be subdivided into 100 ordinary shares pursuant to the resolutions of our board of directors and shareholders on October 31, 2019.
Ordinary Shares
On February 17, 2017, we issued 430 ordinary shares to an individual upon the individuals exercise of options at zero consideration in recognition of the individuals consultancy services to us.
On May 4, 2017, we issued 984 ordinary shares to an investor for consideration of US$0.8 million.
On May 4, 2017, we issued 84 ordinary shares to an investor for consideration of RMB0.7 million (US$0.1 million).
On May 4, 2017, we issued 480 ordinary shares to an individual in consideration for the individuals consulting services to us.
On November 3, 2017, we issued 136 ordinary shares to an investor for consideration of RMB1.0 million (US$0.1 million).
On November 3, 2017, we issued 4,142 ordinary shares to Zhijun Sihang for total consideration of RMB28.0 million (US$3.9 million).
On November 3, 2017, we issued 887 ordinary shares to certain investors for total consideration of US$0.8 million.
On November 3, 2017, we issued 100 ordinary shares to an individual in consideration for the individuals consulting services to us.
On November 3, 2017, we issued 1,000 ordinary shares to Mr. Weidong Dai upon his exercise of options at zero consideration in recognition of his services to us.
On August 2, 2018, we issued 117 ordinary shares to certain investors for total consideration of US$0.2 million.
On August 2, 2018, we issued 59 ordinary shares to a law firm in consideration for its legal services to us.
On December 24, 2018, we issued 761 ordinary shares to CRS Holdings Inc. for the benefit of an investor, for consideration of US$0.2 million.
On June 25, 2019, we issued 2,457 ordinary shares to certain investors for total consideration of US$2.4 million.
On September 17, 2019, we issued 2,140 ordinary shares to our founder and chairman, CRS Holdings Inc. for consideration of US$0.7 million.
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On October 21, 2019, we issued 3,939 ordinary shares to two investors for total consideration of US$3.1 million pursuant to share purchase agreements entered into in September 2019.
On October 25, 2019, we issued 548 ordinary shares to an investor for consideration of RMB4.5 million (US$0.6 million) pursuant to a share purchase agreement entered into in September 2019.
Option Grants
We have granted options to purchase our ordinary shares to certain of our directors, executive officers, employees and consultants. See Management2019 Share Incentive Plan and ManagementOther Options.
Shareholders Agreements
According to shareholders agreements dated June 30, 2017 and August 17, 2017, respectively, that we entered into with certain of our shareholders (the Investors), which provide for certain rights, including the right in respect of board composition, right of information and inspection, right of first refusal, co-sale right, anti-dilution protection and registration rights. These rights, except the registration rights, will automatically terminate upon the completion of a qualified initial public offering.
Registration Right
Upon the demand of any of the Investors, we and certain of our principal shareholders shall procure a company within our group that is conducting a public offering to grant (to the Investors satisfaction) the Investors: (i) rights to register their respective shares in the company with the United States Securities and Exchanges Commission, including, but not limited to, three times of demand registration, unlimited times of piggyback registration, and unlimited times of registration under Form F-3/S-3 (or any subsequent registration statements under the U.S Securities Act of 1933, as amended), or (ii) equivalent or similar registration rights in respect of any issuances of the companys shares in any other jurisdiction where it commits to a public offering or listing of its shares in a recognized stock exchange.
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DESCRIPTION OF AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES
Citibank, N.A. has agreed to act as the depositary for the American Depositary Shares. Citibanks depositary offices are located at 388 Greenwich Street, New York, New York 10013. American Depositary Shares are frequently referred to as ADSs and represent ownership interests in securities that are on deposit with the depositary. ADSs may be represented by certificates that are commonly known as American Depositary Receipts or ADRs. The depositary typically appoints a custodian to safekeep the securities on deposit. In this case, the custodian is Citibank, N.A.Hong Kong, located at 9/F, Citi Tower, One Bay East, 83 Hon Hai Road, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
We have appointed Citibank as depositary pursuant to a deposit agreement. A copy of the deposit agreement is on file with the SEC under cover of a Registration Statement on Form F-6. You may obtain a copy of the deposit agreement from the SECs Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549 and from the SECs website (www.sec.gov). Please refer to Registration Number 333- when retrieving such copy.
We are providing you with a summary description of the material terms of the ADSs and of your material rights as an owner of ADSs. Please remember that summaries by their nature lack the precision of the information summarized and that the rights and obligations of an owner of ADSs will be determined by reference to the terms of the deposit agreement and not by this summary. We urge you to review the deposit agreement in its entirety. The portions of this summary description that are italicized describe matters that may be relevant to the ownership of ADSs but that may not be contained in the deposit agreement.
Each ADS represents the right to receive, and to exercise the beneficial ownership interests in, one (1) Class A ordinary shares that are on deposit with the depositary and/or custodian. An ADS also represents the right to receive, and to exercise the beneficial interests in, any other property received by the depositary or the custodian on behalf of the owner of the ADS but that has not been distributed to the owners of ADSs because of legal restrictions or practical considerations. We and the depositary may agree to change the ADS-to-Class A ordinary shares ratio by amending the deposit agreement. This amendment may give rise to, or change, the depositary fees payable by ADS owners. The custodian, the depositary and their respective nominees will hold all deposited property for the benefit of the holders and beneficial owners of ADSs. The deposited property does not constitute the proprietary assets of the depositary, the custodian or their nominees. Beneficial ownership in the deposited property will under the terms of the deposit agreement be vested in the beneficial owners of the ADSs. The depositary, the custodian and their respective nominees will be the record holders of the deposited property represented by the ADSs for the benefit of the holders and beneficial owners of the corresponding ADSs. A beneficial owner of ADSs may or may not be the holder of ADSs. Beneficial owners of ADSs will be able to receive, and to exercise beneficial ownership interests in, the deposited property only through the registered holders of the ADSs, the registered holders of the ADSs (on behalf of the applicable ADS owners) only through the depositary, and the depositary (on behalf of the owners of the corresponding ADSs) directly, or indirectly, through the custodian or their respective nominees, in each case upon the terms of the deposit agreement.
If you become an owner of ADSs, you will become a party to the deposit agreement and therefore will be bound to its terms and to the terms of any ADR that represents your ADSs. The deposit agreement and the ADR specify our rights and obligations as well as your rights and obligations as owner of ADSs and those of the depositary. As an ADS holder you appoint the depositary to act on your behalf in certain circumstances. The deposit agreement and the ADRs are governed by New York law. However, our obligations to the holders of Class A ordinary shares will continue to be governed by the laws of the British Virgin Islands, which may be different from the laws in the United States.
In addition, applicable laws and regulations may require you to satisfy reporting requirements and obtain regulatory approvals in certain circumstances. You are solely responsible for complying with such reporting requirements and obtaining such approvals. Neither the depositary, the custodian, us or any of their or our
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respective agents or affiliates shall be required to take any actions whatsoever on your behalf to satisfy such reporting requirements or obtain such regulatory approvals under applicable laws and regulations.
As an owner of ADSs, we will not treat you as one of our shareholders and you will not have direct shareholder rights. The depositary will hold on your behalf the shareholder rights attached to the Class A ordinary shares underlying your ADSs. As an owner of ADSs you will be able to exercise the shareholders rights for the Class A ordinary shares represented by your ADSs through the depositary only to the extent contemplated in the deposit agreement. To exercise any shareholder rights not contemplated in the deposit agreement you will, as an ADS owner, need to arrange for the cancellation of your ADSs and become a direct shareholder.
The manner in which you own the ADSs (e.g., in a brokerage account vs. as registered holder, or as holder of certificated vs. uncertificated ADSs) may affect your rights and obligations, and the manner in which, and extent to which, the depositarys services are made available to you. As an owner of ADSs, you may hold your ADSs either by means of an ADR registered in your name, through a brokerage or safekeeping account, or through an account established by the depositary in your name reflecting the registration of uncertificated ADSs directly on the books of the depositary (commonly referred to as the direct registration system or DRS). The direct registration system reflects the uncertificated (book-entry) registration of ownership of ADSs by the depositary. Under the direct registration system, ownership of ADSs is evidenced by periodic statements issued by the depositary to the holders of the ADSs. The direct registration system includes automated transfers between the depositary and The Depository Trust Company, or DTC, the central book-entry clearing and settlement system for equity securities in the United States. If you decide to hold your ADSs through your brokerage or safekeeping account, you must rely on the procedures of your broker or bank to assert your rights as ADS owner. Banks and brokers typically hold securities such as the ADSs through clearing and settlement systems such as DTC. The procedures of such clearing and settlement systems may limit your ability to exercise your rights as an owner of ADSs. Please consult with your broker or bank if you have any questions concerning these limitations and procedures. All ADSs held through DTC will be registered in the name of a nominee of DTC. This summary description assumes you have opted to own the ADSs directly by means of an ADS registered in your name and, as such, we will refer to you as the holder. When we refer to you, we assume the reader owns ADSs and will own ADSs at the relevant time.
The registration of the Class A ordinary shares in the name of the depositary or the custodian shall, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, vest in the depositary or the custodian the record ownership in the applicable Class A ordinary shares with the beneficial ownership rights and interests in such Class A ordinary shares being at all times vested with the beneficial owners of the ADSs representing the Class A ordinary shares. The depositary or the custodian shall at all times be entitled to exercise the beneficial ownership rights in all deposited property, in each case only on behalf of the holders and beneficial owners of the ADSs representing the deposited property.
Dividends and Distributions
As a holder of ADSs, you generally have the right to receive the distributions we make on the securities deposited with the custodian. Your receipt of these distributions may be limited, however, by practical considerations and legal limitations. Holders of ADSs will receive such distributions under the terms of the deposit agreement in proportion to the number of ADSs held as of the specified record date, after deduction of the applicable fees, taxes and expenses.
Distributions of Cash
Whenever we make a cash distribution for the securities on deposit with the custodian, we will deposit the funds with the custodian. Upon receipt of confirmation of the deposit of the requisite funds, the depositary will arrange for the funds received in a currency other than U.S. dollars to be converted into U.S. dollars and for the distribution of the U.S. dollars to the holders, subject to the laws and regulations of the British Virgin Islands.
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The conversion into U.S. dollars will take place only if practicable and if the U.S. dollars are transferable to the United States. The depositary will apply the same method for distributing the proceeds of the sale of any property (such as undistributed rights) held by the custodian in respect of securities on deposit.
The distribution of cash will be made net of the fees, expenses, taxes and governmental charges payable by holders under the terms of the deposit agreement. The depositary will hold any cash amounts it is unable to distribute in a non-interest bearing account for the benefit of the applicable holders and beneficial owners of ADSs until the distribution can be effected or the funds that the depositary holds must be escheated as unclaimed property in accordance with the laws of the relevant states of the United States.
Distributions of Shares
Whenever we make a free distribution of Class A ordinary shares for the securities on deposit with the custodian, we will deposit the applicable number of Class A ordinary shares with the custodian. Upon receipt of confirmation of such deposit, the depositary will either distribute to holders new ADSs representing the Class A ordinary shares deposited or modify the ADS-to-Class A ordinary shares ratio, in which case each ADS you hold will represent rights and interests in the additional Class A ordinary shares so deposited. Only whole new ADSs will be distributed. Fractional entitlements will be sold and the proceeds of such sale will be distributed as in the case of a cash distribution.
The distribution of new ADSs or the modification of the ADS-to-Class A ordinary shares ratio upon a distribution of Class A ordinary shares will be made net of the fees, expenses, taxes and governmental charges payable by holders under the terms of the deposit agreement. In order to pay such taxes or governmental charges, the depositary may sell all or a portion of the new Class A ordinary shares so distributed.
No such distribution of new ADSs will be made if it would violate a law (e.g., the U.S. securities laws) or if it is not operationally practicable. If the depositary does not distribute new ADSs as described above, it may sell the Class A ordinary shares received upon the terms described in the deposit agreement and will distribute the proceeds of the sale as in the case of a distribution of cash.
Distributions of Rights
Whenever we intend to distribute rights to subscribe for additional Class A ordinary shares, we will give prior notice to the depositary and we will assist the depositary in determining whether it is lawful and reasonably practicable to distribute rights to subscribe for additional ADSs to holders.
The depositary will establish procedures to distribute rights to subscribe for additional ADSs to holders and to enable such holders to exercise such rights if it is lawful and reasonably practicable to make the rights available to holders of ADSs, and if we provide all of the documentation contemplated in the deposit agreement (such as opinions to address the lawfulness of the transaction). You may have to pay fees, expenses, taxes and other governmental charges to subscribe for the new ADSs upon the exercise of your rights. The depositary is not obligated to establish procedures to facilitate the distribution and exercise by holders of rights to subscribe for new Class A ordinary shares other than in the form of ADSs.
The depositary will not distribute the rights to you if:
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We do not timely request that the rights be distributed to you or we request that the rights not be distributed to you; or |
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We fail to deliver satisfactory documents to the depositary; or |
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It is not reasonably practicable to distribute the rights. |
The depositary will sell the rights that are not exercised or not distributed if such sale is lawful and reasonably practicable. The proceeds of such sale will be distributed to holders as in the case of a cash distribution. If the depositary is unable to sell the rights, it will allow the rights to lapse.
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Elective Distributions
Whenever we intend to distribute a dividend payable at the election of shareholders either in cash or in additional shares, we will give prior notice thereof to the depositary and will indicate whether we wish the elective distribution to be made available to you. In such case, we will assist the depositary in determining whether such distribution is lawful and reasonably practicable.
The depositary will make the election available to you only if it is reasonably practicable and if we have provided all of the documentation contemplated in the deposit agreement. In such case, the depositary will establish procedures to enable you to elect to receive either cash or additional ADSs, in each case as described in the deposit agreement.
If the election is not made available to you, you will receive either cash or additional ADSs, depending on what a shareholder in the British Virgin Islands would receive upon failing to make an election, as more fully described in the deposit agreement.
Other Distributions
Whenever we intend to distribute property other than cash, Class A ordinary shares or rights to subscribe for additional Class A ordinary shares, we will notify the depositary in advance and will indicate whether we wish such distribution to be made to you. If so, we will assist the depositary in determining whether such distribution to holders is lawful and reasonably practicable.
If it is reasonably practicable to distribute such property to you and if we provide to the depositary all of the documentation contemplated in the deposit agreement, the depositary will distribute the property to the holders in a manner it deems practicable.
The distribution will be made net of fees, expenses, taxes and governmental charges payable by holders under the terms of the deposit agreement. In order to pay such taxes and governmental charges, the depositary may sell all or a portion of the property received.
The depositary will not distribute the property to you and will sell the property if:
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We do not request that the property be distributed to you or if we request that the property not be distributed to you; or |
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We do not deliver satisfactory documents to the depositary; or |
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The depositary determines that all or a portion of the distribution to you is not reasonably practicable. |
The proceeds of such a sale will be distributed to holders as in the case of a cash distribution.
Redemption
Whenever we decide to redeem any of the securities on deposit with the custodian, we will notify the depositary in advance. If it is practicable and if we provide all of the documentation contemplated in the deposit agreement, the depositary will provide notice of the redemption to the holders.
The custodian will be instructed to surrender the shares being redeemed against payment of the applicable redemption price. The depositary will convert into U.S. dollars upon the terms of the deposit agreement the redemption funds received in a currency other than U.S. dollars and will establish procedures to enable holders to receive the net proceeds from the redemption upon surrender of their ADSs to the depositary. You may have to pay fees, expenses, taxes and other governmental charges upon the redemption of your ADSs. If less than all ADSs are being redeemed, the ADSs to be retired will be selected by lot or on a pro rata basis, as the depositary may determine.
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Changes Affecting Class A Ordinary Shares
The Class A ordinary shares held on deposit for your ADSs may change from time to time. For example, there may be a change in nominal or par value, split-up, cancellation, consolidation or any other reclassification of such Class A ordinary shares or a recapitalization, reorganization, merger, consolidation or sale of assets of the Company.
If any such change were to occur, your ADSs would, to the extent permitted by law and the deposit agreement, represent the right to receive the property received or exchanged in respect of the Class A ordinary shares held on deposit. The depositary may in such circumstances deliver new ADSs to you, amend the deposit agreement, the ADRs and the applicable Registration Statement(s) on Form F-6, call for the exchange of your existing ADSs for new ADSs and take any other actions that are appropriate to reflect as to the ADSs the change affecting the Shares. If the depositary may not lawfully distribute such property to you, the depositary may sell such property and distribute the net proceeds to you as in the case of a cash distribution.
Issuance of ADSs upon Deposit of Class A Ordinary Shares
Upon completion of the offering, the Class A ordinary shares being offered pursuant to the prospectus will be deposited by us with the custodian. Upon receipt of confirmation of such deposit, the depositary will issue ADSs to the underwriters named in the prospectus.
After the closing of the offering, the depositary may create ADSs on your behalf if you or your broker deposit Class A ordinary shares with the custodian. The depositary will deliver these ADSs to the person you indicate only after you pay any applicable issuance fees and any charges and taxes payable for the transfer of the Class A ordinary shares to the custodian. Your ability to deposit Class A ordinary shares and receive ADSs may be limited by U.S. and British Virgin Islands legal considerations applicable at the time of deposit.
The issuance of ADSs may be delayed until the depositary or the custodian receives confirmation that all required approvals have been given and that the Class A ordinary shares have been duly transferred to the custodian. The depositary will only issue ADSs in whole numbers.
When you make a deposit of Class A ordinary shares, you will be responsible for transferring good and valid title to the depositary. As such, you will be deemed to represent and warrant that:
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The Class A ordinary shares are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid, non-assessable and legally obtained. |
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All preemptive (and similar) rights, if any, with respect to such Class A ordinary shares have been validly waived or exercised. |
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You are duly authorized to deposit the Class A ordinary shares. |
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The Class A ordinary shares presented for deposit are free and clear of any lien, encumbrance, security interest, charge, mortgage or adverse claim, and are not, and the ADSs issuable upon such deposit will not be, restricted securities (as defined in the deposit agreement). |
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The Class A ordinary shares presented for deposit have not been stripped of any rights or entitlements. |
If any of the representations or warranties are incorrect in any way, we and the depositary may, at your cost and expense, take any and all actions necessary to correct the consequences of the misrepresentations.
Transfer, Combination and Split Up of ADRs
As an ADR holder, you will be entitled to transfer, combine or split up your ADRs and the ADSs evidenced thereby. For transfers of ADRs, you will have to surrender the ADRs to be transferred to the depositary and also must:
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ensure that the surrendered ADR is properly endorsed or otherwise in proper form for transfer; |
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provide such proof of identity and genuineness of signatures as the depositary deems appropriate; |
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provide any transfer stamps required by the State of New York or the United States; and |
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pay all applicable fees, charges, expenses, taxes and other government charges payable by ADR holders pursuant to the terms of the deposit agreement, upon the transfer of ADRs. |
To have your ADRs either combined or split up, you must surrender the ADRs in question to the depositary with your request to have them combined or split up, and you must pay all applicable fees, charges and expenses payable by ADR holders, pursuant to the terms of the deposit agreement, upon a combination or split up of ADRs.
Withdrawal of Class A ordinary shares Upon Cancellation of ADSs
As a holder, you will be entitled to present your ADSs to the depositary for cancellation and then receive the corresponding number of underlying Class A ordinary shares at the custodians offices. Your ability to withdraw the Class A ordinary shares held in respect of the ADSs may be limited by U.S. and British Virgin Islands law considerations applicable at the time of withdrawal. In order to withdraw the Class A ordinary shares represented by your ADSs, you will be required to pay to the depositary the fees for cancellation of ADSs and any charges and taxes payable upon the transfer of the Class A ordinary shares. You assume the risk for delivery of all funds and securities upon withdrawal. Once canceled, the ADSs will not have any rights under the deposit agreement.
If you hold ADSs registered in your name, the depositary may ask you to provide proof of identity and genuineness of any signature and such other documents as the depositary may deem appropriate before it will cancel your ADSs. The withdrawal of the Class A ordinary shares represented by your ADSs may be delayed until the depositary receives satisfactory evidence of compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Please keep in mind that the depositary will only accept ADSs for cancellation that represent a whole number of securities on deposit.
You will have the right to withdraw the securities represented by your ADSs at any time except for:
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Temporary delays that may arise because (i) the transfer books for the Class A ordinary shares or ADSs are closed, or (ii) Class A ordinary shares are immobilized on account of a shareholders meeting or a payment of dividends. |
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Obligations to pay fees, taxes and similar charges. |
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Restrictions imposed because of laws or regulations applicable to ADSs or the withdrawal of securities on deposit. |
The deposit agreement may not be modified to impair your right to withdraw the securities represented by your ADSs except to comply with mandatory provisions of law.
Voting Rights
As a holder, you generally have the right under the deposit agreement to instruct the depositary to exercise the voting rights for the Class A ordinary shares represented by your ADSs. The voting rights of holders of Class A ordinary shares are described in Description of Share Capital.
At our request, the depositary will distribute to you any notice of shareholders meeting received from us together with information explaining how to instruct the depositary to exercise the voting rights of the securities represented by ADSs. In lieu of distributing such materials, the depositary may distribute to holders of ADSs instructions on how to retrieve such materials upon request.
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If the depositary timely receives voting instructions from a holder of ADSs, it will endeavor to vote the securities (in person or by proxy) represented by the holders ADSs as follows:
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In the event of voting by show of hands, the depositary will vote (or cause the custodian to vote) all Class A ordinary shares held on deposit at that time in accordance with the voting instructions received from a majority of holders of ADSs who provide timely voting instructions. |
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In the event of voting by poll, the depositary will vote (or cause the Custodian to vote) the Class A ordinary shares held on deposit in accordance with the voting instructions received from the holders of ADSs. |
Securities for which no voting instructions have been received will not be voted (except (a) as set forth above in the case voting is by show of hands, (b) in the event of voting by poll, holders of ADSs in respect of which no timely voting instructions have been received shall be deemed to have instructed the depositary to give a discretionary proxy to a person designated by us to vote the Class A ordinary shares represented by such holders ADSs; provided, however, that no such discretionary proxy shall be given with respect to any matter to be voted upon as to which we inform the depositary that (i) we do not wish such proxy to be given, (ii) substantial opposition exists, or (iii) the rights of holders of Class A ordinary shares may be adversely affected, and (c) as otherwise contemplated in the deposit agreement). Please note that the ability of the depositary to carry out voting instructions may be limited by practical and legal limitations and the terms of the securities on deposit. We cannot assure you that you will receive voting materials in time to enable you to return voting instructions to the depositary in a timely manner.
Fees and Charges
As an ADS holder, you will be required to pay the following fees under the terms of the deposit agreement:
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Fees |
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Issuance of ADSs (e.g., an issuance of ADS upon a deposit of Class A ordinary shares, upon a change in the ADS(s)-to Class A ordinary shares ratio, or for any other reason), excluding ADS issuances as a result of distributions of Class A ordinary shares) |
Up to U.S. 5¢ per ADS issued | |
Cancellation of ADSs (e.g., a cancellation of ADSs for delivery of deposited property, upon a change in the ADS(s)-to-Class A ordinary shares ratio, or for any other reason) |
Up to U.S. 5¢ per ADS cancelled | |
Distribution of cash dividends or other cash distributions (e.g., upon a sale of rights and other entitlements) |
Up to U.S. 5¢ per ADS held | |
Distribution of ADSs pursuant to (i) stock dividends or other free stock distributions, or (ii) exercise of rights to purchase additional ADSs |
Up to U.S. 5¢ per ADS held | |
Distribution of securities other than ADSs or rights to purchase additional ADSs (e.g., upon a spin-off) |
Up to U.S. 5¢ per ADS held | |
ADS Services |
Up to U.S. 5¢ per ADS held on the applicable record date(s) established by the depositary |
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Service |
Fees |
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Registration of ADS transfers (e.g., upon a registration of the transfer of registered ownership of ADSs, upon a transfer of ADSs into DTC and vice versa, or for any other reason) |
Up to U.S. 5¢ per ADS (or fraction thereof) transferred | |
Conversion of ADSs of one series for ADSs of another series (e.g., upon conversion of Partial Entitlement ADSs for Full Entitlement ADSs, or upon conversion of Restricted ADSs (each as defined in the Deposit Agreement) into freely transferable ADSs, and vice versa). |
Up to U.S. 5¢ per ADS (or fraction thereof) converted |
As an ADS holder you will also be responsible to pay certain charges such as:
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taxes (including applicable interest and penalties) and other governmental charges; |
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the registration fees as may from time to time be in effect for the registration of Class A ordinary shares on the share register and applicable to transfers of Class A ordinary shares to or from the name of the custodian, the depositary or any nominees upon the making of deposits and withdrawals, respectively; |
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certain cable, telex and facsimile transmission and delivery expenses; |
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the fees, expenses, spreads, taxes and other charges of the depositary and/or service providers (which may be a division, branch or affiliate of the depositary) in the conversion of foreign currency; |
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the reasonable and customary out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the depositary in connection with compliance with exchange control regulations and other regulatory requirements applicable to Class A ordinary shares, ADSs and ADRs; and |
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the fees, charges, costs and expenses incurred by the depositary, the custodian, or any nominee in connection with the ADR program. |
ADS fees and charges for (i) the issuance of ADSs, and (ii) the cancellation of ADSs are charged to the person for whom the ADSs are issued (in the case of ADS issuances) and to the person for whom ADSs are cancelled (in the case of ADS cancellations). In the case of ADSs issued by the depositary into DTC, the ADS issuance and cancellation fees and charges may be deducted from distributions made through DTC, and may be charged to the DTC participant(s) receiving the ADSs being issued or the DTC participant(s) holding the ADSs being cancelled, as the case may be, on behalf of the beneficial owner(s) and will be charged by the DTC participant(s) to the account of the applicable beneficial owner(s) in accordance with the procedures and practices of the DTC participants as in effect at the time. ADS fees and charges in respect of distributions and the ADS service fee are charged to the holders as of the applicable ADS record date. In the case of distributions of cash, the amount of the applicable ADS fees and charges is deducted from the funds being distributed. In the case of (i) distributions other than cash and (ii) the ADS service fee, holders as of the ADS record date will be invoiced for the amount of the ADS fees and charges and such ADS fees and charges may be deducted from distributions made to holders of ADSs. For ADSs held through DTC, the ADS fees and charges for distributions other than cash and the ADS service fee may be deducted from distributions made through DTC, and may be charged to the DTC participants in accordance with the procedures and practices prescribed by DTC and the DTC participants in turn charge the amount of such ADS fees and charges to the beneficial owners for whom they hold ADSs. In the case of (i) registration of ADS transfers, the ADS transfer fee will be payable by the ADS Holder whose ADSs are being transferred or by the person to whom the ADSs are transferred, and (ii) conversion of ADSs of one series for ADSs of another series, the ADS conversion fee will be payable by the Holder whose ADSs are converted or by the person to whom the converted ADSs are delivered.
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In the event of refusal to pay the depositary fees, the depositary may, under the terms of the deposit agreement, refuse the requested service until payment is received or may set off the amount of the depositary fees from any distribution to be made to the ADS holder. Certain depositary fees and charges (such as the ADS services fee) may become payable shortly after the closing of the ADS offering. Note that the fees and charges you may be required to pay may vary over time and may be changed by us and by the depositary. You will receive prior notice of such changes. The depositary may reimburse us for certain expenses incurred by us in respect of the ADR program, by making available a portion of the ADS fees charged in respect of the ADR program or otherwise, upon such terms and conditions as we and the depositary agree from time to time.
Amendments and Termination
We may agree with the depositary to modify the deposit agreement at any time without your consent. We undertake to give holders 30 days prior notice of any modifications that would materially prejudice any of their substantial rights under the deposit agreement. We will not consider to be materially prejudicial to your substantial rights any modifications or supplements that are reasonably necessary for the ADSs to be registered under the Securities Act or to be eligible for book-entry settlement, in each case without imposing or increasing the fees and charges you are required to pay. In addition, we may not be able to provide you with prior notice of any modifications or supplements that are required to accommodate compliance with applicable provisions of law.
You will be bound by the modifications to the deposit agreement if you continue to hold your ADSs after the modifications to the deposit agreement become effective. The deposit agreement cannot be amended to prevent you from withdrawing the Class A ordinary shares represented by your ADSs (except as permitted by law).
We have the right to direct the depositary to terminate the deposit agreement. Similarly, the depositary may in certain circumstances on its own initiative terminate the deposit agreement. In either case, the depositary must give notice to the holders at least 30 days before termination. Until termination, your rights under the deposit agreement will be unaffected.
After termination, the depositary will continue to collect distributions received (but will not distribute any such property until you request the cancellation of your ADSs) and may sell the securities held on deposit. After the sale, the depositary will hold the proceeds from such sale and any other funds then held for the holders of ADSs in a non-interest bearing account. At that point, the depositary will have no further obligations to holders other than to account for the funds then held for the holders of ADSs still outstanding (after deduction of applicable fees, taxes and expenses).
In connection with any termination of the deposit agreement, the depositary may make available to owners of ADSs a means to withdraw the Class A ordinary shares represented by ADSs and to direct the depositary of such Class A ordinary shares into an unsponsored American depositary share program established by the depositary. The ability to receive unsponsored American depositary shares upon termination of the deposit agreement would be subject to satisfaction of certain U.S. regulatory requirements applicable to the creation of unsponsored American depositary shares and the payment of applicable depositary fees.
Books of Depositary
The depositary will maintain ADS holder records at its depositary office. You may inspect such records at such office during regular business hours but solely for the purpose of communicating with other holders in the interest of business matters relating to the ADSs and the deposit agreement.
The depositary will maintain in New York facilities to record and process the issuance, cancellation, combination, split-up and transfer of ADSs. These facilities may be closed from time to time, to the extent not prohibited by law.
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Limitations on Obligations and Liabilities
The deposit agreement limits our obligations and the depositarys obligations to you. Please note the following:
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We and the depositary are obligated only to take the actions specifically stated in the deposit agreement without negligence or bad faith. |
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The depositary disclaims any liability for any failure to carry out voting instructions, for any manner in which a vote is cast or for the effect of any vote, provided it acts in good faith and in accordance with the terms of the deposit agreement. |
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The depositary disclaims any liability for any failure to determine the lawfulness or practicality of any action, for the content of any document forwarded to you on our behalf or for the accuracy of any translation of such a document, for the investment risks associated with investing in Class A ordinary shares, for the validity or worth of the Class A ordinary shares, for any tax consequences that result from the ownership of ADSs, for the credit-worthiness of any third party, for allowing any rights to lapse under the terms of the deposit agreement, for the timeliness of any of our notices or for our failure to give notice. |
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We and the depositary will not be obligated to perform any act that is inconsistent with the terms of the deposit agreement. |
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We and the depositary disclaim any liability if we or the depositary are prevented or forbidden from or subject to any civil or criminal penalty or restraint on account of, or delayed in, doing or performing any act or thing required by the terms of the deposit agreement, by reason of any provision, present or future of any law or regulation, or by reason of present or future provision of any provision of our Articles of Association, or any provision of or governing the securities on deposit, or by reason of any act of God or war or other circumstances beyond our control. |
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We and the depositary disclaim any liability by reason of any exercise of, or failure to exercise, any discretion provided for in the deposit agreement or in our Articles of Association or in any provisions of or governing the securities on deposit. |
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We and the depositary further disclaim any liability for any action or inaction in reliance on the advice or information received from legal counsel, accountants, any person presenting Shares for deposit, any holder of ADSs or authorized representatives thereof, or any other person believed by either of us in good faith to be competent to give such advice or information. |
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We and the depositary also disclaim liability for the inability by a holder to benefit from any distribution, offering, right or other benefit that is made available to holders of Class A ordinary shares but is not, under the terms of the deposit agreement, made available to you. |
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We and the depositary may rely without any liability upon any written notice, request or other document believed to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper parties. |
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We and the depositary also disclaim liability for any consequential or punitive damages for any breach of the terms of the deposit agreement. |
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No disclaimer of any Securities Act liability is intended by any provision of the deposit agreement. |
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Nothing in the deposit agreement gives rise to a partnership or joint venture, or establishes a fiduciary relationship, among us, the depositary and you as ADS holder. |
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Nothing in the deposit agreement precludes Citibank (or its affiliates) from engaging in transactions in which parties adverse to us or the ADS owners have interests, and nothing in the deposit agreement obligates Citibank to disclose those transactions, or any information obtained in the course of those transactions, to us or to the ADS owners, or to account for any payment received as part of those transactions. |
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Taxes
You will be responsible for the taxes and other governmental charges payable on the ADSs and the securities represented by the ADSs. We, the depositary and the custodian may deduct from any distribution the taxes and governmental charges payable by holders and may sell any and all property on deposit to pay the taxes and governmental charges payable by holders. You will be liable for any deficiency if the sale proceeds do not cover the taxes that are due.
The depositary may refuse to issue ADSs, to deliver, transfer, split and combine ADRs or to release securities on deposit until all taxes and charges are paid by the applicable holder. The depositary and the custodian may take reasonable administrative actions to obtain tax refunds and reduced tax withholding for any distributions on your behalf. However, you may be required to provide to the depositary and to the custodian proof of taxpayer status and residence and such other information as the depositary and the custodian may require to fulfill legal obligations. You are required to indemnify us, the depositary and the custodian for any claims with respect to taxes based on any tax benefit obtained for you.
Foreign Currency Conversion
The depositary will arrange for the conversion of all foreign currency received into U.S. dollars if such conversion is practical, and it will distribute the U.S. dollars in accordance with the terms of the deposit agreement. You may have to pay fees and expenses incurred in converting foreign currency, such as fees and expenses incurred in complying with currency exchange controls and other governmental requirements.
If the conversion of foreign currency is not practical or lawful, or if any required approvals are denied or not obtainable at a reasonable cost or within a reasonable period, the depositary may take the following actions in its discretion:
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Convert the foreign currency to the extent practical and lawful and distribute the U.S. dollars to the holders for whom the conversion and distribution is lawful and practical. |
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Distribute the foreign currency to holders for whom the distribution is lawful and practical. |
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Hold the foreign currency (without liability for interest) for the applicable holders. |
Governing Law/Waiver of Jury Trial
The deposit agreement, the ADRs and the ADSs will be interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of New York. The rights of holders of Class A ordinary shares (including Class A ordinary shares represented by ADSs) is governed by the laws of the British Virgin Islands.
As an owner of ADSs, you irrevocably agree that any legal action arising out of the Deposit Agreement, the ADSs or the ADRs, involving the Company or the Depositary, may only be instituted in a state or federal court in the city of New York.
AS A PARTY TO THE DEPOSIT AGREEMENT, YOU IRREVOCABLY WAIVE, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, YOUR RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF THE DEPOSIT AGREEMENT OR THE ADRs AGAINST US AND/OR THE DEPOSITARY.
The deposit agreement provides that, to the extent permitted by law, ADS holders waive the right to a jury trial of any claim they may have against us or the depositary arising out of or relating to our Class A ordinary shares, the ADSs or the deposit agreement, including any claim under U.S. federal securities laws. If we or the depositary opposed a jury trial demand based on the waiver, the court would determine whether the waiver was enforceable in the facts and circumstances of that case in accordance with applicable case law. However, you will not be deemed, by agreeing to the terms of the deposit agreement, to have waived our or the depositarys compliance with U.S. federal securities laws and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
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SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
Upon completion of this offering, we will have ADSs outstanding, representing approximately % of our outstanding ordinary shares, assuming the underwriter does not exercise its over-allotment option to purchase additional ADSs. All of the ADSs sold in this offering will be freely transferable by persons other than by our affiliates without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act. Sales of substantial amounts of our ADSs in the public market could adversely affect prevailing market prices of our ADSs. Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our ordinary shares or the ADSs. We intend to apply to list the ADSs on The NASDAQ Global Market, but 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 have agreed, for a period of 180 days after the date of this prospectus, not to offer, sell, contract to sell, pledge, grant any option to purchase, make any short sale, lend or otherwise dispose of, except in this offering, any of our ordinary shares or ADSs or securities that are substantially similar to our ordinary shares or ADSs, including but not limited to any options or warrants to purchase our ordinary shares, ADSs or any securities that are convertible into or exchangeable for, or that represent the right to receive, our ordinary shares, ADSs or any such substantially similar securities (other than pursuant to employee stock option plans existing on, or upon the conversion or exchange of convertible or exchangeable securities outstanding as of, the date such lock-up agreement was executed), without the prior written consent of the underwriter.
Furthermore, each of our executive officers and directors and our shareholders owning 1% or more of our ordinary shares outstanding immediately prior to this offering have also entered into a similar lock-up agreement for a period of 180 days from the date of this prospectus, subject to certain exceptions, with respect to our ordinary shares, ADSs and securities that are substantially similar to our ordinary shares or ADSs. These parties collectively own % our outstanding ordinary shares, without giving effect to this offering.
In addition, we will not provide consent to the depositary for it to accept any ordinary shares for deposit, for the purpose of issuance of ADSs, for 180 days after the date of this prospectus (other than in connection with this offering), without the prior written consent of the underwriter.
The restrictions described in the preceding paragraphs will be automatically extended under certain circumstances. See Underwriting.
Other than this offering, we are not aware of any plans by any significant shareholders to dispose of significant numbers of our ADSs or ordinary shares. However, one or more existing shareholders or owners of securities convertible or exchangeable into or exercisable for our ADSs or ordinary shares may dispose of significant numbers of our ADSs or ordinary shares in the future. We cannot predict what effect, if any, future sale of our ADSs or ordinary shares, or the availability of ADSs or ordinary shares for future sale, will have on the trading price of our ADSs from time to time. Sales of substantial amounts of our ADSs or ordinary shares in the public market, or the perception that these sales could occur, could adversely affect the trading price of our ADSs.
Rule 144
All of our ordinary shares that will be outstanding upon the completion of this offering, other than those ordinary shares sold in this offering, are restricted securities as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act and may be sold publicly in the United States only if they are subject to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act or pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirement such as those provided by Rule 144 and Rule 701 promulgated under the Securities Act. In general, beginning 90 days after the date of this prospectus, a person (or persons whose shares are aggregated) who at the time of a sale is not, and has not been during the three months preceding the sale, an affiliate of ours and has beneficially owned our restricted securities for at least six months will be entitled to sell the restricted securities without registration under the Securities Act, subject only to the availability of current public information about us, and will be
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entitled to sell restricted securities beneficially owned for at least one year without restriction. Persons who are our affiliates and have beneficially owned our restricted securities for at least six months may sell a number of restricted securities within any three-month period that does not exceed the greater of the following:
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1% of the then outstanding ordinary shares of the same class, represented by ADSs or otherwise, which immediately after this offering will be equal to ordinary shares, assuming the underwriter does not exercise its over-allotment option; or |
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the average weekly trading volume of our ordinary shares of the same class, represented by ADSs or otherwise, during the four calendar weeks preceding the date on which notice of the sale is filed with the SEC. |
Sales by our affiliates under Rule 144 are also subject to certain requirements relating to manner of sale, notice and the availability of current public information about us.
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 plan or other written agreement executed prior to the completion of this offering is eligible to resell those ordinary shares in reliance on Rule 144, but without compliance with some of the restrictions, including the holding period, contained in Rule 144. However, the Rule 701 shares would remain subject to lock-up arrangements and would only become eligible for sale when the lock-up period expires.
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The following summary of the material BVI, PRC and United States federal income tax consequences of an investment in our Class A ordinary shares or ADSs is based upon laws and relevant interpretations thereof in effect as of the date of this registration statement, all of which are subject to change. This summary does not deal with all possible tax consequences relating to an investment in our Class A ordinary shares or ADSs, such as the tax consequences under U.S. state and local tax laws or under the tax laws of jurisdictions other than the BVI, the Peoples Republic of China and the United States.
BVI Taxation
Our company and all dividends, interest, rents, royalties, compensation and other amounts paid by our company to persons who are not resident in the BVI and any capital gains realized with respect to any shares, debt obligations, or other securities of our company by persons who are not resident in the BVI are exempt from all provisions of the Income Tax Ordinance in the BVI.
No estate, inheritance, succession or gift tax, rate, duty, levy or other charge is payable by persons who are not resident in the BVI with respect to any shares, debt obligation or other securities of our company.
All instruments relating to transfers of property to or by our company and all instruments relating to transactions in respect of the shares, debt obligations or other securities of our company and all instruments relating to other transactions relating to the business of our company are exempt from payment of stamp duty in the BVI. This assumes that our company does not hold an interest in real estate in the BVI.
There are currently no withholding taxes or exchange control regulations in the BVI applicable to our company or its members.
Peoples Republic of China Taxation
Under the PRC EIT Law and its implementation rules, an enterprise established outside the PRC with a de facto management body within the PRC is considered a resident enterprise and will be subject to the enterprise income tax at the rate of 25% on its global income. 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, production, personnel, accounts and properties of an enterprise. In April 2009, the SAT issued the Circular of the SAT on Issues Relating to Identification of PRC-Controlled Overseas Registered Enterprises as Resident Enterprises in Accordance With the De Facto Standards of Organizational Management, or 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, the criteria set forth in the circular may reflect the SATs 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 the PRC 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 enterprises financial and human resource matters are made or are subject to approval by organizations or personnel in the PRC; (iii) the enterprises 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 do not believe that AnPac Bio meets all of the conditions above. AnPac Bio is a company incorporated outside the PRC. As a holding company, its key assets are its ownership interests in its subsidiaries, and its key
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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. For the same reasons, we believe our other entities outside of the PRC 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 ours.
If the PRC tax authorities determine that AnPac Bio is a PRC resident enterprise for enterprise income tax purposes, we may be required to withhold a 10% withholding tax from dividends we pay to our shareholders that are non-resident enterprises, including the holders of our ADSs. In addition, non-resident enterprise shareholders (including our ADS holders) may be subject to a 10% 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. It is unclear whether our non-PRC individual shareholders (including our ADS holders) would be subject to any PRC tax on dividends or gains obtained by such non-PRC individual shareholders in the event we are determined to be a PRC resident enterprise. If any PRC tax were to apply to such dividends or gains, it would generally apply at a rate of 20% unless a reduced rate is available under an applicable tax treaty. However, it is also unclear whether non-PRC shareholders of AnPac Bio would be able to claim the benefits of any tax treaties between their country of tax residence and the PRC in the event that AnPac Bio is treated as a PRC resident enterprise.
Provided that our BVI holding company, AnPac Bio, is not deemed to be a PRC resident enterprise, holders of our ADSs and Class A ordinary shares who are not PRC residents will not be subject to PRC income tax on dividends distributed by us or gains realized from the sale or other disposition of our shares or ADSs. However, under SAT Public Notice 7 and SAT Public Notice 37, where a non-resident enterprise conducts an indirect transfer by transferring taxable assets, including, in particular, equity interests in a PRC resident enterprise, indirectly by disposing of the equity interests of an overseas holding company, the non-resident enterprise, being the transferor, or the transferee or the PRC entity which directly owned such taxable assets may report to the relevant tax authority such indirect transfer. 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. We and our non-PRC resident investors may be at risk of being required to file a return and being taxed under SAT Public Notice 7 and SAT Public Notice 37, and we may be required to expend valuable resources to comply with SAT Public Notice 7 and SAT Public Notice 37, or to establish that we should not be taxed under these circulars. See Risk FactorsRisks Relating to Doing Business in ChinaWe face uncertainty with respect to indirect transfers of equity interests in PRC resident enterprises by their non-PRC holding companies.
United States Federal Income Tax Considerations
The following is a summary of material U.S. federal income tax considerations that are likely to be relevant to the purchase, ownership and disposition of our Class A ordinary shares or ADSs by a U.S. Holder (as defined below).
This summary is based on provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code), and regulations, rulings and judicial interpretations thereof, in force as of the date hereof. Those authorities may be changed at any time, perhaps retroactively, so as to result in U.S. federal income tax consequences different from those summarized below.
This summary is not a comprehensive discussion of all of the tax considerations that may be relevant to a particular investors decision to purchase, hold, or dispose of Class A ordinary shares or ADSs. In particular, this summary is directed only to U.S. Holders that acquire Class A ordinary shares or ADSs in this offering and hold
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such Class A ordinary shares or ADSs as capital assets, and does not address particular tax consequences that may be applicable to U.S. Holders who may be subject to special tax rules, such as banks, brokers or dealers in securities or currencies, traders in securities electing to mark to market, financial institutions, life insurance companies, tax exempt entities, regulated investment companies, entities or arrangements that are treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes (or partners therein), holders that own or are treated as owning 10% or more of our stock by vote or value, persons holding Class A ordinary shares or ADSs as part of a hedging or conversion transaction or a straddle, or persons whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar. Moreover, this summary does not address state, local or non-U.S. taxes, the U.S. federal estate and gift taxes, the Medicare contribution tax applicable to net investment income of certain non-corporate U.S. Holders, or alternative minimum tax consequences of acquiring, holding or disposing of Class A ordinary shares or ADSs.
For purposes of this summary, a U.S. Holder is a beneficial owner of Class A ordinary shares or ADSs that is a citizen or resident of the United States or a U.S. domestic corporation or that otherwise is subject to U.S. federal income taxation on a net income basis in respect of such Class A ordinary shares or ADSs.
You should consult your own tax advisors about the consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of the Class A ordinary shares or ADSs, including the relevance to your particular situation of the considerations discussed below and any consequences arising under non-U.S., state, local or other tax laws.
ADSs
In general, if you are a U.S. Holder of ADSs, you will be treated, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as the beneficial owner of the underlying Class A ordinary shares that are represented by those ADSs. References to shares below apply to both Class A ordinary shares and ADSs, unless the context indicates otherwise.
Taxation of Dividends
Subject to the discussion below under Passive Foreign Investment Company Status, the gross amount of any distribution of cash or property with respect to our shares (including amounts, if any, withheld in respect of PRC taxes) that is paid out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits (as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes) will generally be includible in your taxable income as ordinary dividend income on the day on which you receive the dividend, in the case of Class A ordinary shares, or the date the depositary receives the dividends, in the case of ADSs, and will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction allowed to U.S. corporations under the Code.
We do not expect to maintain calculations of our earnings and profits in accordance with U.S. federal income tax principles. U.S. Holders therefore should expect that distributions generally will be treated as dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Subject to certain exceptions for short-term and hedged positions, the dividends received by a non-corporate U.S. Holder with respect to the shares will be subject to taxation at a preferential rate if the dividends are qualified dividends. Dividends paid on the shares will be treated as qualified dividends if:
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the shares are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States or we are eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive tax treaty with the United States that the U.S. Treasury determines is satisfactory for purposes of this provision and that includes an exchange of information program; and |
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we were not, in the year prior to the year in which the dividend was paid, and are not, in the year in which the dividend is paid, a PFIC. |
We have applied to list the ADSs on The NASDAQ Global Market, and the ADSs will qualify as readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States so long as they are so listed. Based on our
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audited financial statements, the manner in which we conduct our business, and relevant market and shareholder data, we do not believe we were a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes with respect to our prior taxable year. In addition, based on our audited financial statements, the manner in which we conduct our business, relevant market and shareholder data and our current expectations regarding the value and nature of our assets, and the sources and nature of our income, we do not anticipate becoming a PFIC for our current taxable year or in the foreseeable future. U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the availability of the reduced dividend tax rate in light of their own particular circumstances.
Because the Class A ordinary shares are not themselves listed on a U.S. exchange, dividends received with respect to Class A ordinary shares that are not represented by ADSs may not be treated as qualified dividends. U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the potential availability of the reduced dividend tax rate in respect of the Class A ordinary shares.
In the event that we are deemed to be a PRC resident enterprise under the PRC EIT Law (see TaxationPeoples Republic of China Taxation), a U.S. Holder may be subject to PRC withholding taxes on dividends paid on our shares. In that case, we may, however, be eligible for the benefits of the Agreement Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Peoples Republic of China for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Tax Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income (the Treaty). If we are eligible for such benefits, dividends we pay on our shares would be eligible for the reduced rates of taxation described above (assuming we are not a PFIC in the year the dividend is paid or the prior year). Dividend distributions with respect to our shares generally will be treated as passive category income from sources outside the United States for purposes of determining a U.S. Holders U.S. foreign tax credit limitation. Subject to the limitations and conditions provided in the Code and the applicable U.S. Treasury Regulations, a U.S. Holder may be able to claim a foreign tax credit against its U.S. federal income tax liability in respect of any PRC income taxes withheld at the appropriate rate applicable to the U.S. Holder from a dividend paid to such U.S. Holder. Alternatively, the U.S. Holder may deduct such PRC income taxes from its U.S. federal taxable income, provided that the U.S. Holder elects to deduct rather than credit all foreign income taxes for the relevant taxable year. The rules with respect to foreign tax credits are complex and involve the application of rules that depend on a U.S. Holders particular circumstances. Accordingly, U.S. Holders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the availability of the foreign tax credit or the deductibility of foreign taxes under their particular circumstances.
U.S. Holders that receive distributions of additional shares or rights to subscribe for shares as part of a pro rata distribution to all our shareholders generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax in respect of the distributions, unless the U.S. Holder has the right to receive cash or property, in which case the U.S. Holder will be treated as if it received cash equal to the fair market value of the distribution.
Taxation of Dispositions of Shares
Subject to the discussion below under Passive Foreign Investment Company Status, upon a sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of the shares, U.S. Holders will realize gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized on the disposition and the U.S. Holders adjusted tax basis in the shares. Such gain or loss will be capital gain or loss, and will generally be long-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than one year. Long-term capital gain realized by a U.S. Holder that is an individual generally is subject to taxation at a preferential rate. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.
Gain, if any, realized by a U.S. Holder on the sale or other disposition of the shares generally will be treated as U.S. source income for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes. Consequently, if a PRC tax is imposed on the sale or other disposition of the shares, a U.S. Holder who does not receive significant foreign source income from other sources may not be able to derive effective U.S. foreign tax credit benefits in respect of such PRC tax. However, in the event that gain from the disposition of the shares is subject to tax in the PRC, and a U.S. Holder is eligible
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for the benefits of the Treaty, such U.S. Holder may elect to treat such gain as PRC source gain under the Treaty. U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the application of the foreign tax credit rules to their investment in, and disposition of, the shares.
Deposits and withdrawals of Class A ordinary shares by U.S. Holders in exchange for ADSs will not result in the realization of gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Passive Foreign Investment Company Status
Special U.S. tax rules apply to companies that are considered to be PFICs. We will be classified as a PFIC in a particular taxable year if, taking into account our proportionate share of the income and assets of our subsidiaries under applicable look-through rules, either
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75 percent or more of our gross income for the taxable year is passive income; or |
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the average percentage of the value of our assets that produce or are held for the production of passive income is, based on the average of four quarterly testing dates, at least 50 percent (the asset test). |
For this purpose, passive income generally includes dividends, interest, royalties and rents (other than royalties and rents derived in the active conduct of a trade or business and not derived from a related person). If we own at least 25% (by value) of the stock of another corporation, for purposes of determining whether we are a PFIC, we will be treated as owning our proportionate share of the other corporations assets and receiving our proportionate share of the other corporations income. The asset test is generally applied using the fair market values of a non-U.S. corporations assets. The asset test is applied using adjusted tax bases of the assets, however, if the non-U.S. corporation is a CFC and is not publically traded for the year. We are likely to be a CFC following the transition to a dual class structure and will become publically traded as a result of the offering. It is not entirely clear under current law how the asset test should be applied when a non-U.S. corporation is either a CFC or is not publically traded for only part of the year. We believe, however, that it is reasonable for shareholders to apply the asset test using fair market values of our assets for each quarter that we either are not a CFC or are publically traded, although the IRS could take a different position. Recently proposed Treasury regulations would, if finalized in their current form, clarify the law by providing that the fair market values of our assets should be used unless we are a CFC for a majority of the year and our stock is not publicly traded for a majority of the year. Those regulations are proposed to be effective, however, only for taxable years of U.S. Holders that begin after the regulations are published in final form, which would mean that they will not be effective until at least 2020 for any U.S. Holder that uses the calendar year as its taxable year. We expect we would be treated as publicly traded for 2020 and subsequent years. U.S. Holders (including in particular such U.S. Holders that have a tax year other than the calendar year) should consult their own tax advisors regarding the application of these rules and the appropriate valuation of our assets for purposes of the PFIC asset test, as well as the desirability of making a mark-to-market election (discussed below).
Subject to the foregoing discussion , based on our audited financial statements, the manner in which we conduct our business, relevant market and shareholder data and our current expectations regarding the value and nature of our assets and the sources and nature of our income, we do not believe that we were a PFIC in our taxable year ending December 31, 2018, and we do not anticipate becoming a PFIC for our current taxable year or in the foreseeable future. However, because the PFIC tests must be applied each year, and the composition of our income and assets and the value of our assets may change, it is possible that we may become a PFIC in the current or a future year. In particular, because the value of our assets for purposes of the asset test may be determined by reference to the market price of our ADSs, fluctuations in the market price of our ADSs may cause us to become a PFIC for the current or subsequent taxable years. The determination of whether we are a PFIC also may be affected by the cash raised in this offering and how, and how quickly, we use that cash and our other liquid assets. If we do not deploy significant amounts of cash for active purposes, our risk of being a PFIC may increase.
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In the event that we are classified as a PFIC in any year during which a U.S. Holder holds our shares and such U.S. Holder does not make a mark-to-market election, as described in the following paragraph, the U.S. Holder will be subject to a special tax at ordinary income tax rates on excess distributions, including certain distributions by us (generally, distributions that are greater than 125% of the average annual distributions received during the shorter of the three preceding taxable years or the U.S. Holders holding period for the shares) and gain that the U.S. Holder recognizes on the sale or other disposition of our shares. The amount of income tax on any excess distributions will be increased by an interest charge to compensate for tax deferral, calculated as if the excess distributions were earned ratably over the period that the U.S. Holder holds its shares. Further, if we are a PFIC for any year during which a U.S. Holder holds our shares, we generally will continue to be treated as a PFIC for all subsequent years during which such U.S. Holder holds our shares unless we cease to be a PFIC and the U.S. Holder makes a special purging election on IRS Form 8621. Classification as a PFIC may also have other adverse tax consequences, including, in the case of individuals, the denial of a step-up in the basis of his or her shares at death.
A U.S. Holder may be able to avoid the unfavorable rules described in the preceding paragraph by electing to mark its ADSs to market, provided the ADSs are treated as marketable stock. The ADSs generally will be treated as marketable stock if the ADSs are regularly traded on a qualified exchange or other market (which includes The NASDAQ Global Market). It should also be noted that it is not currently intended that the Class A ordinary shares will be listed on any stock exchange. Consequently, a U.S. Holder that holds Class A ordinary shares that are not represented by ADSs may not be eligible to make a mark-to-market election. If the U.S. Holder makes a mark-to-market election, (i) the U.S. Holder will be required in any year in which we are a PFIC to include as ordinary income the excess of the fair market value of its ADSs at year-end over the U.S. Holders basis in those ADSs and (ii) the U.S. Holder will be entitled to deduct as an ordinary loss in each such year the excess of the U.S. Holders basis in its ADSs over their fair market value at year-end, but only to the extent of the net amount previously included in income as a result of the mark-to-market election. A U.S. Holders adjusted tax basis in its ADSs will be increased by the amount of any income inclusion and decreased by the amount of any deductions under the mark-to-market rules. In addition, any gain the U.S. Holder recognizes upon the sale of the U.S. Holders ADSs in a year in which we are PFIC will be taxed as ordinary income in the year of sale, and any loss the U.S. Holder recognizes upon the sale will be treated as ordinary loss, but only to the extent of the net amount of previously included income as a result of the mark-to-mark election.
A U.S. Holder that owns an equity interest in a PFIC must annually file IRS Form 8621. A failure to file one or more of these forms as required may toll the running of the statute of limitations in respect of each of the U.S. Holders taxable years for which such form is required to be filed. As a result, the taxable years with respect to which the U.S. Holder fails to file the form may remain open to assessment by the IRS indefinitely, until the form is filed.
If we are a PFIC for any taxable year during which a U.S. Holder holds our shares and any of our non-U.S. subsidiaries is also a PFIC, such U.S. Holder will be treated as owning a proportionate amount (by value) of the shares of the lower-tier PFIC for purposes of the application of the PFIC rules. U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors about the possible application of the PFIC rules to any of our subsidiaries.
U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax considerations discussed above and the desirability of making a mark-to-market election.
Foreign Financial Asset Reporting
Certain U.S. Holders that own specified foreign financial assets with an aggregate value in excess of U.S.$50,000 are generally required to file an information statement along with their tax returns, currently on IRS Form 8938, with respect to such assets. Specified foreign financial assets include any financial accounts held at a non-U.S. financial institution, as well as securities issued by a non-U.S. issuer that are not held in accounts maintained by financial institutions. The understatement of income attributable to specified foreign financial
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assets in excess of US$5,000 extends the statute of limitations with respect to the tax return to six years after the return was filed. U.S. Holders who fail to report the required information could be subject to substantial penalties. Prospective investors are encouraged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the possible application of these rules to their investment, including the application of the rules to their particular circumstances.
Backup Withholding and Information Reporting
Dividends paid on, and proceeds from the sale or other disposition of, the shares that are paid to a U.S. Holder generally may be subject to the information reporting requirements of the Code and may be subject to backup withholding unless the U.S. Holder provides an accurate taxpayer identification number and makes any other required certification or otherwise establishes an exemption. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. The amount of any backup withholding from a payment to a U.S. Holder will be allowed as a refund or credit against the U.S. Holders U.S. federal income tax liability, provided the required information is furnished to the IRS in a timely manner.
A holder that is not a U.S. Holder may be required to comply with certification and identification procedures in order to establish its exemption from information reporting and backup withholding.
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In connection with this offering, we have entered into an underwriting agreement with WestPark Capital, Inc. as the underwriter in this offering. The underwriter named below has severally agreed to purchase from us, on a firm commitment basis, the number of ordinary shares set forth opposite its name below, at the public offering price, less the underwriting discount set forth on the cover page of this prospectus.
Underwriter |
Number of
ordinary shares |
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WestPark Capital, Inc. |
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Total |
The underwriter is offering the ADSs subject to its acceptance of the ADSs from us. The underwriting agreement provides that the underwriter is obligated to purchase all of the ADSs offered by this prospectus, other than those covered by the over-allotment option, if any ADSs are purchased. The underwriter is offering the ADSs when, as and if issued to and accepted by it, subject to a number of conditions set forth in the underwriting agreement.
We have agreed to indemnify the underwriter against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute to payments the underwriter may be required to make in respect of those liabilities.
Commissions and Discounts
The underwriter has advised us that the underwriter propose to offer our ADSs to the public at the offering price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus and to selected dealers at that price less a concession of not more than US$ per ADS. The underwriter and selected dealers may re-allow a concession to other dealers, including the underwriter, of not more than US$ per ADS. After completion of the initial public offering of the ADSs, the offering price, the concessions to selected dealers and the reallowance to its dealers may from time to time be changed by the underwriter.
We have agreed to sell the ADSs to the underwriter, (i) with respect to sales of ADSs to investors introduced by the underwriter in this offering, at the initial offering price of US$ per ADS, which represents the initial public offering price of the ADSs set forth on the cover page of this prospectus less a % underwriting discount; and (ii) with respect to sales of ADSs to investors introduced by us in this offering, at the initial offering price of US$ per ADS, which represents the initial public offering price of the ADSs set forth on the cover page of this prospectus less a % underwriting discount.
The following table shows the per share price and total underwriting discounts and commissions to be paid to the underwriter. Such amounts are shown assuming both no exercise and full exercise of the underwriters option to purchase additional ADSs.
Per
ADS |
Total Without
Exercise of Over- allotment option |
Total With
Exercise of Over- allotment option |
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Discounts & commissions |
$ | $ | $ | |||
Non-accountable expense allowance |
$ | $ | $ | |||
Net proceeds to us |
$ | $ | $ |
We have also agreed to pay the underwriters expenses relating to the offering, including (1) all fees incurred in clearing this offering with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, or FINRA; (2) the costs of all mailing and printing of the underwriting documents, registration statements, prospectuses and all amendments, supplements and exhibits thereto and as many preliminary and final prospectuses as the underwriter may
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reasonably deem necessary; (3) all fees, expenses and disbursements relating to the registration, qualification or exemption of the offered securities under state blue sky securities laws and all other jurisdictions as the underwriter may reasonably designate (including, without limitation, all filing and registration fees, and the reasonable fees and disbursements of blue sky counsel up to a cap of US$5,000); (4) the fees and expenses of the underwriters legal counsel not to exceed US$ , (5) all reasonable travel and other expenses relating to due diligence trips and site visits by the underwriter, and (6) all reasonable road show expenses relating to the offering. The maximum amount of fees, costs and expenses incurred by the underwriter (including expenses previously paid or reimbursed by us but excluding the fees in items (3) and (4) above) that we shall be responsible for may not exceed $50,000.
We have paid an expense deposit of $65,000, or the Advance, to the underwriter, which will be applied against the out-of-pocket accountable expenses that will be payable by us to the underwriter in connection with this offering. Any portion of the Advance will be returned to us in the event it is not actually incurred.
The expenses of the offering, not including the underwriting discount, are estimated at US$ and are payable by us.
Underwriters Warrants
Upon the closing of this offering, we have agreed to sell to the underwriter warrants to purchase up to 8.5% of the number of Class A ordinary shares underlying the ADSs sold to investors introduced by the underwriter in this offering, exclusive of the over-allotment option. The warrants will be exercisable at a per share and warrant exercise price equal to % of the public offering price per ADS sold pursuant to this offering, subject to standard anti-dilution adjustments for share splits and similar transactions. The warrants will be exercisable at any time, and from time to time, in whole or in part, during the period from the effective date of the offering, which period shall not extend further than five years from the effective date of the offering in compliance with Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, or FINRA, Rule 5110(f)(2)(G)(i). The warrants are also exercisable on a cashless basis. The warrants have been deemed compensation by FINRA and are therefore subject to a 180-day lock-up pursuant to FINRA Rule 5110(g)(1). Except as permitted by Rule 5110(g)(1), the underwriter (or permitted assignees under the Rule) will not sell, transfer, assign, pledge, or hypothecate the warrants or the securities underlying the warrants, nor will any, of them engage in any hedging, short sale, derivative, put, or call transaction that would result in the effective economic disposition of the option or the underlying securities for a period of 180 days from the date of effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part or the commencement of sales under this prospectus. Although the warrants and the underlying Class A ordinary shares have been registered in the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, the underwriters warrants provide for registration rights upon request, in certain cases. The demand registration right provided will not be greater than five years from the date of effectiveness in compliance with FINRA Rule 5110(f)(2)(G)(iv). The piggyback registration right provided will not be greater than seven years from the effective date of the offering in compliance with FINRA Rule 5110(f)(2)(G)(v). The exercise price and number of shares issuable upon exercise of the warrants may be adjusted in certain circumstances including in the event of a stock dividend, extraordinary cash dividend or our recapitalization, reorganization, merger or consolidation. However, the warrant exercise price or underlying shares will not be adjusted for issuances of ordinary shares at a price below the warrant exercise price. We will bear all fees and expenses attendant to registering the securities issuable on exercise of the warrants, other than underwriting commissions incurred and payable by the holders.
Over-allotment Option
We have granted a 30-day option to the underwriter, exercisable one or more times in whole or in part, to purchase up to an additional ADSs on the same terms as the other shares being purchased by the underwriter from us, underwriting discounts and commissions to cover over-allotments, if any. The underwriter may exercise this option only to cover over-allotments made in connection with this offering. If the underwriter exercise this option in whole or in part, then the underwriter will be committed, subject to the conditions
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described in the underwriting agreement, to purchase the additional offered securities in proportion to each of their commitments set forth in the prior table.
Lock-up Agreements
We have agreed with the underwriter that we will not, without the prior consent of WestPark Capital, Inc., as underwriter, directly or indirectly sell, offer, contract or grant any option to sell, pledge, transfer, or otherwise dispose of or enter into any transaction which may result in the disposition of any ordinary shares or securities convertible into, exchangeable or exercisable for any ordinary shares (excluding the exercise of certain warrants and/or options currently outstanding and exercisable) for a period of 180 days after the date of this prospectus.
In addition, each of our executive officers and directors and certain of our shareholders owning 1% or more of our ordinary shares outstanding immediately prior to this offering have agreed with the underwriter not to directly or indirectly sell, offer, contract or grant any option to sell, pledge, transfer (excluding intra-family transfers, transfers to a trust for estate planning purposes or to beneficiaries of officers, directors and shareholders upon their death), or otherwise dispose of or enter into any transaction which may result in the disposition of any ordinary shares or securities convertible into, exchangeable or exercisable for any ordinary shares, without the prior written consent of WestPark Capital, Inc., as the underwriter, for a period of 180 days after the date of this prospectus.
We will not provide consent to the depositary for it to accept any ordinary shares, for deposit for the purpose of issuance of ADSs, for 180 days after the date of this prospectus (other than in connection with this offering), without the prior written consent of the underwriter.
Price Stabilization, Short Positions and Penalty Bids
Until the distribution of the ADSs is completed, SEC rules may limit underwriters and selling group members from bidding for and purchasing our ordinary shares. However, the underwriter may engage in transactions that stabilize the price of the ADSs, such as bids or purchases to peg, fix or maintain that price.
In connection with the offering, the underwriter may purchase and sell our ADSs in the open market. These transactions may include short sales, purchases on the open market to cover positions created by short sales and stabilizing transactions. Short sales involve the sale by the underwriter of a greater number of shares 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 described above. The underwriter 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 shares to close out the covered short position, the underwriter will consider, among other things, the price of shares available for purchase in the open market as compared to the price at which they may purchase ADSs through the option granted to them under the underwriting agreement described above. Naked short sales are sales in excess of such option. The underwriter must close out any naked short position by purchasing shares in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriter is concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of our ordinary shares 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 ordinary shares made by the underwriter in the open market prior to the completion of the offering.
The underwriter may also impose a penalty bid. This occurs when a particular member of a syndicate repays to the underwriter a portion of the underwriting discount received by it because the underwriter has repurchased shares sold by or for the account of such member in stabilizing or short covering transactions.
Similar to other purchase transactions, the underwriters purchases to cover the syndicate short sales may have the effect of raising or maintaining the market price of our ADSs or preventing or retarding a decline in the
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market price of our ordinary shares. As a result, the price of our ADSs may be higher than the price that might otherwise exist in the open market. The underwriter may conduct these transactions on The NASDAQ Stock Market, in the over-the-counter market or otherwise.
Neither we nor the underwriter 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 our ordinary shares. In addition, neither we nor the underwriter make any representation that the underwriter will engage in these transactions or that these transactions, once commenced, will not be discontinued without notice.
The underwriter does not expect to sell more than 5% of the ADSs in the aggregate to accounts over which they exercise discretionary authority.
Indemnification
We have agreed to indemnify the underwriter against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act and liabilities arising from breaches of representations and warranties contained in the underwriting agreement, or to contribute to payments that the underwriter may be required to make in respect of those liabilities.
Participation in Future Offerings
Until twelve months from the closing of the offering, the underwriter shall have the right to act, on an nonexclusive basis, as investment banker, book-runner and/or placement agent or non-exclusive advisor for any offering of securities (excluding bank financing), merger or acquisition transaction.
Determination of Offering Price
The public offering price of the ADSs offered by this prospectus has been determined by negotiation between us and the underwriter. Among the factors considered in determining the public offering price of the ordinary shares were:
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Our history and our prospects; |
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Our financial information and historical performance; |
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The industry in which we operate; |
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The status and development prospects for our products and services; |
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The experience and skills of our executive officers; and |
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The general condition of the securities markets at the time of this offering. |
An active trading market for the shares may not develop. It is also possible that after this offering, our ordinary shares will not trade in the public market at or above the initial public offering price The offering price stated on the cover page of this prospectus should not be considered an indication of the actual value of the ordinary shares. That price is subject to change as a result of market conditions and other factors, and we cannot assure you that the ordinary shares can be resold at or above the public offering price.
Listing
We have applied to list the ADSs on The NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol ANPC.
Electronic Distribution
A prospectus in electronic format may be made available on websites or through other online services maintained by the underwriter of this offering, or by its affiliates. Other than the prospectus in electronic format,
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the information on the underwriters website and any information contained in any other website maintained by an underwriter is not part of this prospectus or the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, has not been approved and/or endorsed by us or the underwriter in its capacity as underwriter, and should not be relied upon by investors.
Other Relationships
The underwriter and its affiliates are full service financial institutions engaged in various activities, which may include sales and trading, commercial and investment banking, advisory, investment management, investment research, principal investment, hedging, market making, brokerage and other financial and non-financial activities and services. Some of the underwriter and its affiliates may in the future engage in investment banking and other commercial dealings in the ordinary course of business with us or our affiliates. They may in the future receive customary fees and commissions for these transactions.
In addition, in the ordinary course of their business activities, the underwriter and its affiliates may make or hold a broad array of investments and actively trade debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities) and financial instruments (including bank loans) for their own account and for the accounts of their customers. Such investments and securities activities may involve securities and/or instruments of ours or our affiliates. The underwriter and its affiliates may also make investment recommendations and/or publish or express independent research views in respect of such securities or financial instruments and may hold, or recommend to clients that they acquire, long and/or short positions in such securities and instruments.
Nasdaq Capital Markets Advisory LLC, or NCMA, has provided financial advisory services to us in connection with this offering. We have agreed to pay NCMA a transaction fee for their financial advisory services that is 0.5% of the gross proceeds of this offering. We have also agreed to pay NCMA a set-up fee of US$10,000, which is deductible from the transaction fee payable by us. NCMA is not acting as an underwriter and will not sell or offer to sell any securities.
Selling Restrictions Outside the United States
No action has been taken in any jurisdiction (except in the United States) that would permit a public offering of the ordinary shares offered by this prospectus, or the possession, circulation or distribution of this prospectus or any other material relating to us or the ordinary shares offered by this prospectus in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required. Accordingly, the ordinary shares offered by this prospectus may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, and neither this prospectus nor any other material or advertisements in connection with the ordinary shares offered by this prospectus 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.
Notice to Prospective Investors in Canada
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 hereto) 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 purchasers province or territory. The purchaser should refer to any applicable provisions of the securities legislation of the purchasers province or territory for particulars of these rights or consult with a legal advisor.
Pursuant to section 3A.3 (or, in the case of securities issued or guaranteed by the government of a non-Canadian jurisdiction, section 3A.4) of National Instrument 33-105 Underwriting Conflicts (NI 33-105), the underwriter is not required to comply with the disclosure requirements of NI 33-105 regarding underwriter conflicts of interest in connection with this offering.
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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.
Notice to Prospective Investors in the United Kingdom
This prospectus is only being distributed to and is only directed at persons in the United Kingdom that are qualified investors within the meaning of Article 2(1)(c) of the Prospectus Directive who are also (i) investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 within, (ii) high net worth entities, and/or (iii) other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, falling with Article 49(2)(a) to (d) (all such persons together being referred to as relevant persons).
This prospectus and its contents are confidential and should not be distributed, published or reproduced (in whole or in part) or disclosed by recipients to any other persons in the United Kingdom. Any person in the United Kingdom who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this prospectus or any of its contents.
Notice to Prospective Investors in Singapore
This prospectus has not been registered as a prospectus with the Monetary Authority of Singapore. 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 ordinary shares be offered or sold, or be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase, whether directly or indirectly, to persons in Singapore other than (i) to an institutional investor under Section 274 of the Securities and Futures Act, Chapter 289 of Singapore (the SFA), (ii) to a relevant person pursuant to Section 275(1), or any person pursuant to Section 275(1A), 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, in each case subject to compliance with conditions set forth in the SFA.
Notice to Prospective Investors in the Peoples Republic of China
This prospectus may not be circulated or distributed in China 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 China except pursuant to applicable laws, rules and regulations of China.
Notice to Prospective Investors in Hong Kong
The ordinary shares may not be offered or sold in Hong Kong 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 made 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 our ordinary shares 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 our ordinary shares 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 made thereunder.
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Notice to Prospective Investors in Taiwan
The ordinary shares have not been and will not be registered with the Financial Supervisory Commission of Taiwan, pursuant to relevant securities laws and regulations and may not be offered or sold in Taiwan through a public offering or in any manner which would constitute an offer within the meaning of the Securities and Exchange Act of Taiwan or would otherwise require registration with or the approval of the Financial Supervisory Commission of Taiwan.
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EXPENSES RELATED 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 FINRA filing fee, and the stock exchange application and listing fee, all amounts are estimates.
SEC Registration Fee |
US$ | |||
FINRA Fee |
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Stock Exchange Application and Listing Fee |
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Printing and Engraving Expenses |
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Legal Fees and Expenses |
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Accounting Fees and Expenses |
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Miscellaneous |
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|
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Total |
US$ | |||
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We are being represented by Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP with respect to certain legal matters as to United States federal securities and New York State law. The underwriter is being represented by Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP with respect to certain legal matters as to United States federal securities and New York State law. The validity of the Class A ordinary shares represented by the ADSs offered in this offering and certain other legal matters as to BVI law will be passed upon for us by Maples and Calder (Hong Kong) LLP. Certain legal matters as to PRC law will be passed upon for us by Zhong Lun Law Firm. Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP may rely upon Maples and Calder (Hong Kong) LLP with respect to matters governed by BVI law and Zhong Lun Law Firm with respect to matters governed by PRC law.
The consolidated financial statements of AnPac Bio-Medical Science Co., Ltd. as of and for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2018, appearing in this prospectus and registration statement, have been audited by Ernst & Young Hua Ming LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their report thereon appearing elsewhere herein, and have been included in reliance on their report given on their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
The office of Ernst & Young Hua Ming LLP is located at 50th Floor, Shanghai World Financial Center, 100 Century Avenue, Pudong New Area, Shanghai 200120, Peoples 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 the 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 our ADSs.
Immediately upon the effectiveness of the registration statement on Form F-1 of which this prospectus forms 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 obtained over the internet at the SECs website at www.sec.gov or inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You can request copies of documents, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by writing to the SEC. We maintain our website at www.anpacbio.com.
As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt under the Exchange Act from, among other things, the rules prescribing the furnishing and content of proxy statements, and our executive officers, directors and principal shareholders are exempt from the reporting and short-swing profit recovery provisions contained in Section 16 of the Exchange Act. In addition, we will not be required under the Exchange Act to file periodic reports and financial statements with the SEC as frequently or as promptly as U.S. companies whose securities are registered under the Exchange Act. However, we intend to furnish the depositary with our annual reports, which will include a review of operations and annual audited consolidated financial statements prepared in conformity with U.S. GAAP, and all notices of shareholders meetings and other reports and communications that are made generally available to our shareholders. The depositary will make such notices, reports and communications available to holders of ADSs and, if we so request, will mail to all record holders of ADSs the information contained in any notice of a shareholders meeting received by the depositary from us.
189
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
F-1
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of AnPac Bio-Medical Science Co., Ltd.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of AnPac Bio-Medical Science Co., Ltd. (the Company) as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the related consolidated statements of comprehensive loss, shareholders equity (deficit) and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2018, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2018, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Companys management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Companys financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Companys internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the 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 financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ Ernst & Young Hua Ming LLP
We have served as the Companys auditor since 2018.
Shanghai, the Peoples Republic of China
September 20, 2019
F-2
ANPAC BIO-MEDICAL SCIENCE CO., LTD.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (RMB) and U.S. dollars (US$), except for number of
shares and per share data)
As of December 31, | ||||||||||||||
Notes | 2017 | 2018 | 2018 | |||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||||||||||
ASSETS |
||||||||||||||
Current assets: |
||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
11,412 | 12,887 | 1,803 | |||||||||||
Advances to suppliers |
1,161 | 2,807 | 393 | |||||||||||
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of RMB18 and RMB198 (US$29) as of December 31, 2017 and 2018, respectively |
1,988 | 2,749 | 385 | |||||||||||
Amounts due from related parties |
14 | 282 | 269 | 38 | ||||||||||
Inventories |
240 | 62 | 9 | |||||||||||
Other current assets |
2,866 | 2,078 | 289 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total current assets |
17,949 | 20,852 | 2,917 | |||||||||||
Property and equipment, net |
4 | 18,681 | 18,141 | 2,538 | ||||||||||
Land use rights, net |
5 | 12,511 | 1,222 | 171 | ||||||||||
Intangible assets, net |
6 | 5,506 | 5,406 | 756 | ||||||||||
Goodwill |
2,223 | 2,223 | 311 | |||||||||||
Long-term investments |
7 | 2,047 | 3,456 | 484 | ||||||||||
Other assets |
1,231 | 1,462 | 205 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
TOTAL ASSETS |
60,148 | 52,762 | 7,382 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY (DEFICIT) |
||||||||||||||
Current liabilities: |
||||||||||||||
Short-term debt |
8 | 12,500 | 25,961 | 3,632 | ||||||||||
Accounts payable |
2,461 | 1,618 | 227 | |||||||||||
Advance from customers |
1,985 | 4,313 | 604 | |||||||||||
Amounts due to related parties |
13 | 3,077 | 28,687 | 4,013 | ||||||||||
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities |
9 | 15,326 | 10,859 | 1,519 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total current liabilities |
35,349 | 71,438 | 9,995 | |||||||||||
Deferred tax liabilities |
12 | 1,310 | 1,222 | 171 | ||||||||||
Other long-term liabilities |
13,992 | 2,495 | 349 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES |
50,651 | 75,155 | 10,515 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Commitments and contingencies |
16 |
F-3
ANPAC BIO-MEDICAL SCIENCE CO., LTD.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands of RMB and US$, except for number of shares and per share data)
As of December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
Notes | 2017 | 2018 | 2018 | |||||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||||||||||||
Shareholders equity (deficit): |
||||||||||||||||
Ordinary shares (US$1 par value per share; 100,000 shares authorized as of December 31, 2017 and 2018; 85,240 and 85,969 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2017 and 2018, respectively) |
564 | 569 | 80 | |||||||||||||
Additional paid-in capital |
143,057 | 152,367 | 21,317 | |||||||||||||
Accumulated deficits |
(132,290 | ) | (174,353 | ) | (24,393 | ) | ||||||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
10 | (1,773 | ) | (976 | ) | (137 | ) | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Total AnPac Bio-Medical Science Co., Ltd. shareholders equity (deficit) |
9,558 | (22,393 | ) | (3,133 | ) | |||||||||||
Noncontrolling interests |
(61 | ) | | | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY (DEFICIT) |
9,497 | (22,393 | ) | (3,133 | ) | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY (DEFICIT) |
60,148 | 52,762 | 7,382 | |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-4
ANPAC BIO-MEDICAL SCIENCE CO., LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(Amounts in thousands of RMB and US$, except for number of shares and per share data)
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
Notes | 2017 | 2018 | 2018 | |||||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||||||||||||
Revenues: |
||||||||||||||||
Cancer screening and detection tests (including RMB590 and RMB639 (US$93) from related parties for years ended December 31, 2017 and 2018, respectively) |
5,203 | 9,557 | 1,337 | |||||||||||||
Physical checkup packages |
483 | 693 | 97 | |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Total revenues |
5,686 | 10,250 | 1,434 | |||||||||||||
Cost of revenues |
(3,954 | ) | (5,672 | ) | (794 | ) | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Gross profit |
1,732 | 4,578 | 640 | |||||||||||||
Operating expenses: |
||||||||||||||||
Selling and marketing expenses (including nil and RMB700 (US$102) from related parties for years ended December 31, 2017 and 2018, respectively) |
(6,490 | ) | (9,827 | ) | (1,375 | ) | ||||||||||
Research and development expenses |
(11,405 | ) | (10,106 | ) | (1,414 | ) | ||||||||||
General and administrative expenses |
(24,938 | ) | (28,847 | ) | (4,036 | ) | ||||||||||
Other operating income |
178 | 593 | 84 | |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Loss from operations |
(40,923 | ) | (43,609 | ) | (6,101 | ) | ||||||||||
Non-operating income and expenses: |
||||||||||||||||
Interest expense, net (including nil and RMB824 (US$120) from related parties for years ended December 31, 2017 and 2018, respectively) |
(338 | ) | (925 | ) | (129 | ) | ||||||||||
Foreign exchange gain (loss), net |
644 | (2,776 | ) | (388 | ) | |||||||||||
Share of net loss in equity method investments |
(3 | ) | (441 | ) | (62 | ) | ||||||||||
Other income, net |
1,309 | 5,256 | 735 | |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Net loss before income taxes |
(39,311 | ) | (42,495 | ) | (5,945 | ) | ||||||||||
Income tax (expense) benefit |
12 | (9 | ) | 199 | 28 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Net loss |
(39,320 | ) | (42,296 | ) | (5,917 | ) | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests |
(244 | ) | (233 | ) | (32 | ) | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders |
(39,076 | ) | (42,063 | ) | (5,885 | ) | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Loss per share: |
||||||||||||||||
Ordinary sharesbasic and diluted |
17 | (492 | ) | (493 | ) | (69 | ) | |||||||||
Weighted average shares outstanding used in calculating basic and diluted loss per share: |
||||||||||||||||
Ordinary sharesbasic and diluted |
17 | 79,373 | 85,241 | 85,241 | ||||||||||||
Pro forma loss per share: |
||||||||||||||||
Class A and Class B ordinary sharesbasic and diluted (unaudited) |
17 | (4.92 | ) | (4.93 | ) | (0.69 | ) | |||||||||
Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in pro forma loss per share computation: |
||||||||||||||||
Class A and Class B ordinary sharesbasic and diluted (unaudited) |
17 | 7,937,300 | 8,524,100 | 8,524,100 | ||||||||||||
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax: |
||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation differences |
(4,675 | ) | 797 | 112 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Total comprehensive loss |
(43,995 | ) | (41,499 | ) | (5,806 | ) | ||||||||||
Total comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests |
(244 | ) | (233 | ) | (33 | ) | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Total comprehensive loss attributable to ordinary shareholders |
(43,751 | ) | (41,266 | ) | (5,773 | ) | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-5
ANPAC BIO-MEDICAL SCIENCE CO., LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY (DEFICIT)
(Amounts in thousands of RMB and US$, except for number of shares and per share data)
Attributable to AnPac Bio- Medical Science Co., Ltd. Shareholders |
Noncontrolling
Interests |
Total
Equity (Deficit) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ordinary Shares |
Additional
Paid-in Capital |
Accumulated
Deficits |
Accumulated
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note 10 |
Total AnPac
Bio-Medical Science Co., Ltd. Shareholders Equity |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Amount | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2017 |
76,891 | 508 | 92,197 | (93,214 | ) | 2,902 | 2,393 | 183 | 2,576 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
Net loss |
| | | (39,076 | ) | | (39,076 | ) | (244 | ) | (39,320 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of ordinary shares |
8,349 | 56 | 40,102 | | | 40,158 | | 40,158 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation differences |
| | | | (4,675 | ) | (4,675 | ) | | (4,675 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Share-based compensation (Note 11) |
| | 10,758 | | | 10,758 | | 10,758 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2017 |
85,240 | 564 | 143,057 | (132,290 | ) | (1,773 | ) | 9,558 | (61 | ) | 9,497 | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
Net loss |
| | | (42,063 | ) | | (42,063 | ) | (233 | ) | (42,296 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of ordinary shares |
937 | 6 | 2,555 | | | 2,561 | | 2,561 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation differences |
| | | | 797 | 797 | | 797 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Acquisition of non-controlling interests |
| | (454 | ) | | | (454 | ) | 294 | (160 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Repurchase and cancellation of shares |
(208 | ) | (1 | ) | (727 | ) | | | (728 | ) | | (728 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Share-based compensation (Note 11) |
| | 7,936 | | | 7,936 | | 7,936 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2018 |
85,969 | 569 | 152,367 | (174,353 | ) | (976 | ) | (22,393 | ) | | (22,393 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2018 (US$) |
80 | 21,317 | (24,393 | ) | (137 | ) | (3,133 | ) | | (3,133 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-6
ANPAC BIO-MEDICAL SCIENCE CO., LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Amounts in thousands of RMB and US$, except for number of shares and per share data)
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2017 | 2018 | 2018 | ||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||||||||
Operating activities: |
||||||||||||
Net loss |
(39,320 | ) | (42,296 | ) | (5,917 | ) | ||||||
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities: |
||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
2,286 | 3,144 | 440 | |||||||||
Share of net loss in equity method investments |
3 | 441 | 62 | |||||||||
Bad debt expense |
202 | 452 | 63 | |||||||||
Gain on disposal of land use rights |
| (4,955 | ) | (693 | ) | |||||||
Foreign exchange (gain) loss, net |
(1,759 | ) | 2,473 | 346 | ||||||||
Share-based compensation |
10,758 | 7,936 | 1,110 | |||||||||
Fair value loss on convertible loans |
| 784 | 110 | |||||||||
Inventory provision |
29 | | | |||||||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
||||||||||||
Advances to suppliers |
(941 | ) | (1,646 | ) | (230 | ) | ||||||
Accounts receivable |
(1,250 | ) | (1,095 | ) | (153 | ) | ||||||
Inventories |
421 | 178 | 25 | |||||||||
Amounts due from related parties |
(282 | ) | 13 | 2 | ||||||||
Other current assets |
914 | 670 | 94 | |||||||||
Other assets |
486 | (231 | ) | (32 | ) | |||||||
Accounts payable |
740 | (843 | ) | (118 | ) | |||||||
Amounts due to related parties |
(1,032 | ) | 960 | 134 | ||||||||
Advance from customers |
1,149 | 2,328 | 326 | |||||||||
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities |
5,450 | 1,412 | 195 | |||||||||
Other long-term liabilities |
519 | (784 | ) | (110 | ) | |||||||
Deferred tax liabilities |
(14 | ) | (88 | ) | (12 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Net cash used in operating activities |
(21,641 | ) | (31,147 | ) | (4,358 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Investing activities: |
||||||||||||
Purchases of property and equipment |
(2,604 | ) | (2,417 | ) | (338 | ) | ||||||
Purchases of intangible assets |
(17 | ) | (430 | ) | (60 | ) | ||||||
Proceeds from disposal of land use rights |
| 5,257 | 735 | |||||||||
Cash paid for business combination, net of cash acquired |
(3,346 | ) | (3,540 | ) | (495 | ) | ||||||
Proceeds from short-term investments |
5,000 | 12,000 | 1,679 | |||||||||
Purchases of short-term investments |
(5,000 | ) | (12,000 | ) | (1,679 | ) | ||||||
Purchases of long-term investments |
(2,050 | ) | (1,550 | ) | (217 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Net cash used in investing activities |
(8,017 | ) | (2,680 | ) | (375 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-7
ANPAC BIO-MEDICAL SCIENCE CO., LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands of RMB and US$, except for number of shares and per share data)
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2017 | 2018 | 2018 | ||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||||||||
Financing activities: |
||||||||||||
Proceeds from short-term borrowings |
4,500 | 26,645 | 3,727 | |||||||||
Repayment of short-term borrowings |
(6,500 | ) | (14,700 | ) | (2,057 | ) | ||||||
Loan to a related party |
800 | | | |||||||||
Repayment of related party loan |
| (350 | ) | (49 | ) | |||||||
Advance from investors |
849 | 25,000 | 3,498 | |||||||||
Repurchase of shares |
| (728 | ) | (102 | ) | |||||||
Proceeds from issuance of ordinary shares |
40,158 | 404 | 57 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Net cash generated from financing activities |
39,807 | 36,271 | 5,074 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents |
(2,893 | ) | (969 | ) | (136 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents |
7,256 | 1,475 | 206 | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year |
4,156 | 11,412 | 1,597 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year |
11,412 | 12,887 | 1,803 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: |
||||||||||||
Interest paid |
1,233 | 891 | 125 | |||||||||
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities: |
||||||||||||
Purchase of ordinary shares when registered included in advance from investors |
| 2,157 | 302 | |||||||||
Purchase of property and equipment included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities |
669 | 28 | 4 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-8
ANPAC BIO-MEDICAL SCIENCE CO., LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands of RMB and US$, except for number of shares and per share data)
1. |
ORGANIZATION AND PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES |
AnPac Bio-Medical Science Co., Ltd. (the Company) was incorporated in the British Virgin Islands (the BVI) in January 2010. The Company and its subsidiaries (collectively, the Group) are engaged in marketing and selling a multi-cancer screening and detection test that uses innovative, patented cancer differentiation analysis (the CDA) technology and proprietary cancer-detection device in the Peoples Republic of China (the PRC or China). Dr. Chris Chang Yu is the Founder of the Group (the Founder). As of the date of this report, the details of the Companys principal subsidiaries are as follows:
Major subsidiaries |
Percentage of
Ownership |
Date of
Incorporation |
Place of
Incorporation |
Major Operation | ||||||
Changhe Bio-Medical Technology (Yangzhou) Co., Ltd. |
|
100 |
% |
March 2010 |
PRC |
Cancer screening
|
||||
Changwei System Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. |
|
100 |
% |
March 2011 |
PRC |
Research and
|
||||
AnPac Bio-Medical Technology (Lishui) Co., Ltd. |
|
100 |
%** |
October 2012 |
PRC |
Cancer screening
|
||||
Shanghai Xinshenpai Technology Co., Ltd. |
|
100 |
% |
October 2013 |
PRC |
Cancer screening
|
||||
AnPac Bio-Medical Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. |
|
100 |
%* |
April 2014 |
PRC |
Cancer screening
|
||||
AnPac Technology USA Co., Ltd. (AnPac US) |
|
100 |
% |
September 2015 |
USA |
Conduct clinical
|
||||
Lishui AnPac Medical Laboratory Co., Ltd. |
|
100 |
% |
August 2016 |
PRC |
Cancer screening
|
||||
Shiji (Hainan) Medical Technology Ltd. |
100 | % | November 2017 | PRC |
Cancer screening
and detection tests |
|||||
Penghui Health Management (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. |
|
100 |
% |
May 2018 |
PRC |
Cancer screening
|
* |
The percentage of ownership was increased from 84% to 100% as of June 12, 2018. |
** |
The percentage of ownership was increased from 98% to 100% as of July 6, 2018. |
F-9
ANPAC BIO-MEDICAL SCIENCE CO., LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands of RMB and US$, except for number of shares and per share data)
2. |
SUMMARY OF PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES |
(a) |
Basis of presentation |
The consolidated financial statements of the Group have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP).
(b) |
Basis of consolidation |
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated upon consolidation.
(c) |
Use of estimates |
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Areas where management uses subjective judgement include, but are not limited to allowance for doubtful accounts, share-based compensation, deferred tax assets and valuation allowance, purchase price allocation, valuation of convertible loans, useful lives of intangible assets and property and equipment, and impairment of long-lived assets, goodwill and long-term investments. Changes in facts and circumstances may result in revised estimates. Actual results could differ from those estimates, and as such, differences could be material to the consolidated financial statements.
(d) |
Foreign currency |
The functional currency of the Company and AnPac US is the United States dollar and its reporting currency is Renminbi. The functional currency of the Companys PRC subsidiaries is the RMB as determined based on the criteria of Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 830, Foreign Currency Matters.
The financial statements of the Company and AnPac US are translated from the functional currency to the reporting currency, RMB. Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are re-measured into the functional currency at the exchange rates prevailing on the transaction dates. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are re-measured at the exchange rates prevailing at the balance sheet date. Non-monetary items that are measured in terms of historical costs in foreign currency are re-measured using the exchange rates at the dates of the initial transactions. Exchange gains and losses are included in the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss.
The Group uses the average exchange rate for the year and the exchange rate at the balance sheet date to translate the operating results and financial position, respectively. Translation differences are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss, a component of shareholders equity (deficit).
(e) |
Convenience translation |
Amounts in US$ are presented for the convenience of the reader and are translated at the noon buying rate of US$1.00 to RMB7.1477 on September 30, 2019, representing the noon buying rate set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the U.S. Federal Reserve Board. No representation is made that the RMB amounts could have been, or could be converted, realized or settled into US$ at such rate or at any other rate.
F-10
ANPAC BIO-MEDICAL SCIENCE CO., LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands of RMB and US$, except for number of shares and per share data)
2. |
SUMMARY OF PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) |
(f) |
Cash and cash equivalents |
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and demand deposits placed with banks which are unrestricted as to withdrawal or use, and have original maturities less than three months. All highly liquid investments with a stated maturity of 90 days or less from the date of purchase are classified as cash equivalents.
(g) |
Short-term investments |
All highly liquid investments with original maturities of greater than three months, but less than 12 months, are classified as short-term investments. Investments that are expected to be realized in cash during the next 12 months are also included in short-term investments.
The Group accounts for short-term debt instruments in accordance with ASC 320, InvestmentsDebt Securities (ASC 320). The Group classifies the short-term investments in debt as held-to-maturity, trading or available-for-sale, whose classification determines the respective accounting methods stipulated by ASC 320. Dividend and interest income, including amortization of the premium and discount arising at acquisition, for all categories of investments in securities are included in earnings. Any realized gains or losses on the sale of the short-term investments are determined on a specific identification method, and such gains and losses are reflected in earnings during the period in which gains or losses are realized.
Securities that the Group has positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held-to-maturity securities and stated at amortized cost. For individual securities classified as held-to-maturity securities, the Group evaluates whether a decline in fair value below the amortized cost basis is other-than-temporary in accordance with ASC 320. Other-than-temporary impairment loss is recognized in earnings equal to the entire excess of the debt securitys amortized cost basis over its fair value at the balance sheet date of the reporting period for which the assessment is made.
The Groups short-term held-to-maturity investments consisted of wealth management products as the Group has the positive intent and ability to hold those securities to maturity. For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2018, the Group recorded interest income from its short-term investments of RMB93 and RMB158 (US$23) in the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss, respectively.
(h) |
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts |
Accounts receivable are recorded at their invoiced amounts, net of allowances for doubtful accounts. An allowance for doubtful accounts is recorded when the collection of the full amount is no longer probable. In evaluating the collectability of receivable balances, the Group considers specific evidence, including aging of the receivable, the customers payment history, its current creditworthiness and current economic trends. Accounts receivable are written off after all collection efforts have ceased. The Group regularly reviews the adequacy and appropriateness of the allowance for doubtful accounts.
F-11
ANPAC BIO-MEDICAL SCIENCE CO., LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands of RMB and US$, except for number of shares and per share data)
2. |
SUMMARY OF PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) |
(h) |
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts (continued) |
Movement in the allowances for doubtful debts were as follows:
Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2017 | 2018 | 2018 | ||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||||||||
Balance at beginning of year |
76 | 18 | 3 | |||||||||
Additional provision |
275 | 334 | 47 | |||||||||
Write-offs |
(333 | ) | (154 | ) | (22 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Balance at end of year |
18 | 198 | 28 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
(i) |
Inventories |
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost of inventories are determined using the first in first out method. The Group records inventory reserves for obsolete and slow-moving inventory.
(j) |
Property and equipment |
Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and any recorded impairment. Property and equipment are depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, as follows:
Category |
Estimated useful life |
|
Leasehold improvements |
Over the shorter of the lease
term or estimated useful lives |
|
Buildings |
20 years | |
Furniture, fixtures and equipment |
3-5 years | |
Motor vehicles |
5 years |
Repair and maintenance costs are charged to expense as incurred, whereas the costs of betterments that extend the useful life of property and equipment are capitalized as additions to the related assets. Retirements, sale and disposals of assets are recorded by removing the cost and accumulated depreciation with any resulting gain or loss reflected in the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss.
Direct costs that are related to the construction of property and equipment, and incurred in connection with bringing the assets to their intended use are capitalized as construction in progress. Construction in progress is transferred to specific property and equipment, and the depreciation of these assets commences when the assets are ready for their intended use.
(k) |
Long-term investments |
The Groups investments include equity method investments and cost method investments.
The Group uses the equity method in accordance with ASC 323-10, InvestmentsEquity Method and Joint Ventures: Overall, to account for an equity investment over which it has significant influence but does not own a
F-12
ANPAC BIO-MEDICAL SCIENCE CO., LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands of RMB and US$, except for number of shares and per share data)
2. |
SUMMARY OF PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) |
(k) |
Long-term investments (continued) |
majority equity interest or otherwise control, generally accompanying a shareholding of between 20% and 50% of the voting rights. The share of earnings or losses of the investee are recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss. Equity method adjustments include the Groups proportionate share of investee income or loss, adjustments to recognize certain differences between the Groups carrying value and its equity in net assets of the investee at the date of investment, impairments, and other adjustments required by the equity method. The Group assesses its equity investment for other-than-temporary impairment by considering factors as well as all relevant and available information including, but not limited to, current economic and market conditions, the operating performance of the investees including current earnings trends, the general market conditions in the investees industry or geographic area, factors related to the investees ability to remain in business, such as the investees liquidity, debt ratios, and cash burn rate and other company-specific information.
The Group accounts for investments in which the Group owns less than 20% of the voting securities and does not have the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies of the entity as a cost-method investment in accordance with ASC 325-20, InvestmentsOther: Cost Method Investments. The Groups cost-method investment is carried at historical cost in its consolidated financial statements and measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis when there are events or changes in circumstances that may have a significant adverse effect. An impairment loss is recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss equal to the excess of the investments cost over its fair value when the impairment is deemed other-than-temporary.
No impairment loss was recognized in any of the periods presented.
(l) |
Land use right, net |
All land in the PRC is owned by the PRC government. The PRC government may sell land use rights for a specified period of time. Land use rights represent lease prepayments to the PRC government and are carried at cost less accumulated amortization. Land use rights are amortized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the land use right of 50 years.
(m) |
Business combinations |
The Group accounts for all business combinations under the purchase method in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations. The cost of an acquisition is measured as the aggregate of the fair values at the date of exchange of the assets given, liabilities incurred, and equity instruments issued. The costs directly attributable to the acquisition are expensed as incurred. Identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities acquired or assumed are measured separately at their fair value as of the acquisition date, irrespective of the extent of any noncontrolling interests. The excess of (i) the total of the cost of the acquisition, fair value of the noncontrolling interests and acquisition date fair value of any previously held equity interest in the acquiree over (ii) the fair value of the identifiable net assets of the acquiree is recorded as goodwill. If the cost of acquisition is less than the fair value of the identifiable net assets of the acquiree, the difference is recognized directly in earnings.
The determination and allocation of fair values to the identifiable net assets acquired, liabilities assumed and noncontrolling interest is based on various assumptions and valuation methodologies requiring considerable judgment. The most significant variables in these valuations are discount rates, terminal values, the number of
F-13
ANPAC BIO-MEDICAL SCIENCE CO., LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands of RMB and US$, except for number of shares and per share data)
2. |
SUMMARY OF PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) |
(m) |
Business combinations (continued) |
years on which to base the cash flow projections, as well as the assumptions and estimates used to determine the cash inflows and outflows. The Group determines discount rates to be used based on the risk inherent in the acquirees current business model and industry comparisons. Although the Group believes that the assumptions applied in the determination are reasonable based on information available at the date of acquisition, actual results may differ from forecasted amounts and the differences could be material.
(n) |
Intangible assets |
Intangible assets with finite lives are carried at cost less accumulated amortization. All intangible assets with finite lives are amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives.
Intangible assets have estimated useful lives from the date of purchase as follows:
Category |
Estimated useful life | |
Software |
3 years | |
Medical license |
15 years |
(o) |
Goodwill |
Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquisition over the fair value of the identifiable assets acquired less liabilities assumed of an acquired business. The Groups goodwill at December 31, 2017 and 2018 was related to its business acquisition in November 2017. Goodwill acquired in a business combination are not amortized, but instead tested for impairment at least annually, or more frequently if certain circumstances indicate a possible impairment may exist.
In accordance with ASC 350-20, the Group has assigned and assessed goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level. A reporting unit is an operating segment or one level below the operating segment. The Group has determined that it has one reporting unit, which is also its only reportable segment.
The Group has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step test in accordance with ASC 350-20, Goodwill. If the Group believes, as a result of the qualitative assessment, that it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the two-step quantitative impairment test described above is required. Otherwise, no further testing is required. In the qualitative assessment, the Group considers primary factors such as industry and market considerations, overall financial performance of the reporting unit, and other specific information related to the operations. In performing the two-step quantitative impairment test, the first step compares the carrying amount of the reporting unit to the fair value of the reporting unit based on either quoted market prices of the ordinary shares or estimated fair value using a combination of the income approach and the market approach. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying value of the reporting unit, goodwill is not impaired and the Group is not required to perform further testing. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, then the Group must perform the second step of the impairment test in order to determine the implied fair value of the reporting units goodwill. The fair value of the reporting unit is allocated to its assets and liabilities in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation in order to determine the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill. If the carrying amount of the goodwill is greater than its implied fair value, the excess is recognized as an impairment loss.
F-14
ANPAC BIO-MEDICAL SCIENCE CO., LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands of RMB and US$, except for number of shares and per share data)
2. |
SUMMARY OF PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) |
(o) |
Goodwill (continued) |
In 2017 and 2018, the Group performed a qualitative assessment for the reporting unit. Based on the requirements of ASC 350-20, the Group evaluated all relevant factors, weighed all factors in their entirety and concluded that it was not more-likely-than-not that the fair value of the reporting unit was less than its carrying amount. Therefore no goodwill impairment was recognized as of December 31, 2017 and 2018.
(p) |
Impairment of long-lived assets other than goodwill |
The Group evaluates its long-lived assets, including property and equipment and intangibles with finite lives, 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 amount of an asset may not be fully recoverable. When these events occur, the Group evaluates the recoverability of long-lived assets by comparing the carrying amount of the assets to the future undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the assets and their eventual disposition. If the sum of the expected undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the assets, the Group recognizes an impairment loss based on the excess of the carrying amount of the assets over their fair value. Fair value is generally determined by discounting the cash flows expected to be generated by the assets, when the market prices are not readily available. The adjusted carrying amount of the assets become new cost basis and are depreciated over the assets remaining useful lives. Long-lived assets are grouped with other assets and liabilities at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities.
(q) |
Fair value of financial instruments |
The Group applies ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, (ASC 820). ASC 820 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.
ASC 820 establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:
Level 1Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
Level 2Other inputs that are directly or indirectly observable in the marketplace.
Level 3Unobservable inputs which are supported by little or no market activity.
ASC 820 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.
The Groups financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivables, accounts payable, other receivables, other payables and short-term debt. The carrying values of these financial instruments approximate their fair values due to their short-term maturities.
F-15
ANPAC BIO-MEDICAL SCIENCE CO., LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands of RMB and US$, except for number of shares and per share data)
2. |
SUMMARY OF PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) |
(q) |
Fair value of financial instruments (continued) |
The Company elected the fair value option to account for its convertible loans. The fair value of the convertible loans as of December 31, 2018 was RMB17,961 (US$2,612), calculated using the scenario analysis method based on probability of remaining as straight debt using discounted cash flow and equity based on the premium conversion ratio of 25%, respectively. The convertible loans are classified as level 3 instruments as the valuation was determined based on unobservable inputs which are supported by little or no market activity, and reflect the Groups own assumptions in measuring fair value. Significant inputs used in developing the fair value of the convertible loans include time to maturity, risk-free interest rate, straight debt discount rate, probability to convert and expected timing of conversion. Refer to Note 8 for additional information.
As the inputs used in developing the fair value for level 3 instruments are unobservable, and require significant management estimate, a change in these inputs could result in a significant change in the fair value measurement.
(r) |
Revenue recognition |
Effective January 1, 2017, the Group early adopted ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers and subsequent amendments to the initial guidance or implementation guidance issued between August 2015 and December 2016 within ASU 2015-14, ASU 2016-08, ASU 2016-10, ASU 2016-12 and ASU 2016-20 (collectively, ASC 606). The transition adjustment using modified retrospective method recorded in 2017 beginning retained earnings was immaterial.
The Group derives its revenues principally from customers through the Groups cancer screening and detection test and physical checkup package services. Revenue is recognized when the Group satisfies the performance obligations in an amount of consideration to which the Group expects to be entitled to in exchange for those services. The Group evaluates the presentation of revenue on a gross or net basis based on whether it controls the services provided to customers and is the principal (i.e. gross), or the Group arranges for other parties to provide the service to the customers and is an agent (i.e. net). The Group presents value-added taxes as a reduction from revenues.
Revenue from cancer screening and detection tests
Revenue from cancer screening and detection test are primarily generated through the sales of the Groups cancer screening and detection tests based on CDA technology and other cancer screening and detection technologies, such as biomarker-based tests, to its customers i.e. corporations and life insurance companies. A contract exists when the master service agreement has been executed and the customer submitting a service request, which is a placed order. The Groups contracts have a single performance obligation which is satisfied upon rendering of the cancer screening and detection tests and delivery of the cancer screening and detection test result to the customer. The Group acts as the principal as it controls the cancer screening and detection tests before it is transferred to the customer and records revenue on a gross basis at a point in time, when the cancer screening and detection test results are delivered to the customer.
Revenue from physical checkup packages
The Group facilitates corporations and life insurance companies to procure physical checkup package services for their employees and policy holders, respectively, from third-party physical checkup package service
F-16
ANPAC BIO-MEDICAL SCIENCE CO., LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands of RMB and US$, except for number of shares and per share data)
2. |
SUMMARY OF PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) |
(r) |
Revenue recognition (continued) |
providers. The Group enters into contracts with corporations and life insurance companies and physical checkup service providers. The Group considers both the corporations and life insurance companies and the third-party physical checkup package service providers as its customers in this type of transaction. The Groups performance obligation is to facilitate the corporations and life insurance companies and the third-party physical checkup package service providers to complete the purchase of physical checkup package services, which is not controlled by the Group prior to being transferred to the corporations and life insurance companies. Therefore, the Group fulfills its performance obligation at a point in time when the employees and policy holders of corporations and life insurance companies, respectively, complete the physical checkups and the Group records the net amount that it retains from such completed transaction as revenue.
The Group also enters into arrangements to deliver both cancer screening and detection tests and physical checkup package services. The Group is the principal for the cancer screening and detection tests and the agent for physical checkup package services. Revenues for cancer screening and detection tests and physical checkup are both recognized at a point in time when the performance obligation is satisfied upon delivery of the cancer screening and detection test results to the end customers and completion of physical checkup, respectively. As the Group acts as both the principal and agent in the arrangement, the Group allocates the transaction price to each performance obligation on a relative stand-alone selling price basis.
All revenues are generated in the PRC.
Contract balances
The payment terms and conditions within the Groups contracts vary by the type of services and the customers.
Contract assets relate to the Groups conditional right to consideration for completed performance obligations under the contract. Accounts receivable are recorded when the right to consideration becomes unconditional. The Group does not have contract assets for the years presented.
In instances where the timing of revenue recognition differs from the timing of invoicing, the Group has determined that its contracts generally do not include a significant financing component.
Contract liabilities represent considerations received from corporations and life insurance companies in advance of satisfying the Groups performance obligations under the contract, which are presented in advance from customers in the consolidated balance sheets. Revenue recognized that was included in contract liabilities at the beginning of the period was RMB717 and RMB503 (US$73) for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2018, respectively.
The following table reflects the changes in contract liabilities as of December 31, 2017 and 2018:
As of December 31, | ||||||||||||
2017 | 2018 | 2018 | ||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||||||||
Contract liabilities |
1,985 | 4,313 | 603 |
F-17
ANPAC BIO-MEDICAL SCIENCE CO., LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands of RMB and US$, except for number of shares and per share data)
2. |
SUMMARY OF PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) |
(r) |
Revenue recognition (continued) |
Contract liabilities increased by RMB2,328 (US$326), due to the increase in consideration received by corporations and life insurance companies in the normal course of business.
Practical expedients
The Group has applied the following practical expedients:
(i) The transaction price allocated to the performance obligations that are unsatisfied, or partially unsatisfied has not been disclosed, as substantially all of the Groups contracts have a duration of one year or less.
(ii) The Group recognizes incremental costs to obtain a contract as expenses when incurred because the amortization period would be one year or less. These costs are recorded within sales and marketing expenses.
(s) |
Costs of revenues |
Costs of revenues consists of staff costs, outsourced testing costs, blood sample taking costs, medical consumable costs, share-based compensation and depreciation of CDA equipment.
(t) |
Research and development expenses |
Research and development expenses primarily are comprised of costs incurred in performing research and development activities, including related personnel and consultants salaries, benefits, share-based compensation and related costs, raw materials and supplies for internally-developed product candidates and external costs of outside vendors engaged to conduct clinical development activities and trials. The Group expenses research and development expenses as they are incurred.
(u) |
Government grants |
Government grants include financial incentives in the form of cash subsidies that involve no conditions or continuing performance obligations of the Group. Government grants are recognized as other non-operating income upon receipt. For government grants related to assets in the form of land use rights, the government grants are recorded as deferred income when received. The deferred income is then recognized in other income, net in the consolidated statement of comprehensive loss on a systematic basis over the useful life of the related asset.
(v) |
Leases |
Leases are classified at the inception date as either a capital lease or an operating lease. The Group assesses a lease to be 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 propertys 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 to the lessor at the inception date. A capital lease is accounted for as if there was an acquisition of an asset and an occurrence of an obligation at the inception of the lease. The Group has no capital leases for the years presented.
F-18
ANPAC BIO-MEDICAL SCIENCE CO., LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands of RMB and US$, except for number of shares and per share data)
2. |
SUMMARY OF PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) |
(v) |
Leases (continued) |
All other leases are accounted for as operating leases wherein rental payments are expensed on a straight-line basis over the periods of their respective lease terms. The Group leases office space, storage unit, research laboratory, employee accommodation and manufacturing space under operating lease agreements. Certain of the lease agreements contain rent holidays. Rent holidays are considered in determining the straight-line rent expense to be recorded over the lease term. The lease term begins on the date of initial possession of the lease property for purposes of recognizing lease expense on straight-line basis over the term of the lease.
(w) |
Employee benefit expenses |
As stipulated by the regulations of the PRC, full-time employees of the Group are entitled to various government statutory employee benefit plans, including medical insurance, maternity insurance, workplace injury insurance, unemployment insurance and pension benefits through a PRC government-mandated multi-employer defined contribution plan. The Group is required to make contributions to the plan and accrues for these benefits based on certain percentages of the qualified employees salaries. The total expenses the Group incurred for the plan were RMB2,704 and RMB3,250 (US$455) for the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2018, respectively.
(x) |
Share-based compensation |
The Group accounts for share-based compensation in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation (ASC 718). In accordance with ASC 718, the Group determines whether an award should be classified and accounted for as a liability award or an equity award. All the Companys share-based awards were classified as equity awards and are recognized in the consolidated financial statements based on their grant date fair values.
In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-07, CompensationStock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting to simplify the accounting for share-based payments to nonemployees (ASU 2018-07) by aligning it with the accounting for share-based payments to employees, with certain exceptions. The measurement of equity-classified nonemployee awards will be fixed at the grant date. The Group elected to early adopt ASU 2018-07 on January 1, 2017 and the transition adjustment recorded in 2017 beginning retained earnings was immaterial.
In accordance with ASC 718, the Group recognizes share-based compensation cost for equity awards to employees and non-employees with a performance condition based on the probable outcome of that performance condition. Compensation cost is recognized if it is probable that the performance condition will be achieved and shall not be recognized if it is not probable that the performance condition will be achieved.
The Group has elected to recognize share-based compensation using the straight-line method for all share-based awards granted with graded vesting based on service conditions. The Group uses the accelerated method for all awards granted with graded vesting based on performance conditions. The Group accounts for forfeitures as they occur in accordance with ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvement to Employee Share-based Payment Accounting. The Group, with the assistance of an independent third-party valuation firm, determined the fair value of the stock options granted to employees. The binomial option pricing model was applied in determining the estimated fair value of the options granted to employees and non-employees.
F-19
ANPAC BIO-MEDICAL SCIENCE CO., LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands of RMB and US$, except for number of shares and per share data)
2. |
SUMMARY OF PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) |
(y) |
Income taxes |
The Group follows the liability method of accounting for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740, 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 on deferred taxes 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 accounted for uncertainties in income taxes in accordance with ASC 740. Interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefit recognized in accordance with ASC 740 are classified in the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss as income tax expenses.
(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. For each of the periods presented, the Groups comprehensive loss includes net loss and foreign currency translation differences, and is presented in the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss.
(aa) |
Segment reporting |
The Group follows ASC 280, Segment Reporting. The Groups Chief Executive Officer as the chief operating decision-maker reviews the consolidated financial results when making decisions about allocating resources and assessing the performance of the Group as a whole and hence, the Group has only one reportable segment. The Group operates and manages its business as a single segment. As the Groups long-lived assets are substantially all located in the PRC and all the Group revenues are derived from within the PRC, no geographical segments are presented.
(ab) |
Loss per share |
Loss per share is calculated in accordance with ASC 260, Earnings per Share. Basic loss per ordinary share is computed by dividing net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period.
Diluted loss per share is calculated by dividing net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders as adjusted for the effect of dilutive ordinary equivalent shares, if any, by the weighted average number of ordinary and dilutive ordinary equivalent shares outstanding during the period. Ordinary equivalent shares consist of the ordinary shares issuable upon the conversion of the share options, using the treasury stock method. Ordinary share equivalents are excluded from the computation of diluted loss per share if their effects would be anti-dilutive. Basic and diluted loss per ordinary share is presented in the Groups consolidated statements of comprehensive loss.
F-20
ANPAC BIO-MEDICAL SCIENCE CO., LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands of RMB and US$, except for number of shares and per share data)
2. |
SUMMARY OF PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) |
(ac) |
Unaudited pro forma shareholders loss per share |
Pursuant to the resolution of the board of directors on October 29, 2019, the authorized share capital of 100,000 ordinary shares was re-designated to 71,369 Class A ordinary shares and 28,631 Class B ordinary shares. Pursuant to the resolutions of the board of directors on October 31, 2019, the authorized share capital of the Class A and Class B ordinary shares was increased to 700,000 and 300,000, respectively. 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 ten 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.
Pursuant to the resolution of the board of directors on October 31, 2019, the Group effected a share split of 1-for-100, pursuant to which the authorized share capital of the Class A and Class B ordinary shares increased to 70,000,000 and 30,000,000, respectively, with a par value of US$0.01.
The unaudited pro forma loss per share is computed using the weighted-average number of ordinary shares outstanding as of December 31, 2017 and 2018 and assumes the completion of re-designation and share-split on January 1, 2017.
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Concentration of risks |
Concentration of credit risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Group to significant concentration of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivables. As of December 31, 2017 and 2018, the aggregate amounts of cash and cash equivalents of RMB8,913 and RMB7,016 (US$982), respectively, were held at major financial institutions located in the PRC and RMB2,497 and RMB5,871 (US$821), respectively, were deposited with major financial institutions located outside the PRC. Management believes that these financial institutions are of high credit quality and continually monitors the credit worthiness of these financial institutions. Historically, deposits in Chinese banks are secured due to the state policy on protecting depositors interests. However, China promulgated a new Bankruptcy Law in August 2006 that came into effect on June 1, 2007 which contains a separate article expressly stating that the State Council may promulgate implementation measures for the bankruptcy of Chinese banks based on the Bankruptcy Law. Under the new Bankruptcy Law, a Chinese bank may go into bankruptcy. In addition, since Chinas concession to the World Trade Organization, foreign banks have been gradually permitted to operate in China and have been significant competitors against Chinese banks in many aspects, especially since the opening of the Renminbi business to foreign banks in late 2006. Therefore, the risk of bankruptcy of those Chinese banks in which the Group has deposits has increased. In the event of bankruptcy of one of the banks which holds the Groups deposits, the Group is unlikely to claim its deposits back in full since the bank is unlikely to be classified as a secured creditor based on PRC laws.
Accounts receivables, unsecured and denominated in RMB, derived from sales of the Groups cancer screening and detection test and physical checkup package services, are exposed to credit risk. As of December 31, 2017 and 2018, the Group had three customers and one customer, respectively, each with a receivable balance exceeding 10% of the total accounts receivable balance. The risk is mitigated by credit evaluations the Group performs on its customers.
F-21
ANPAC BIO-MEDICAL SCIENCE CO., LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands of RMB and US$, except for number of shares and per share data)
2. |
SUMMARY OF PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) |
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Concentration of risks (continued) |
Business, customer, political, social and economic risks
The Group participates in a dynamic industry and believes that changes in any of the following areas could have a material adverse effect on the Groups future financial position, results of operations or cash flows: changes in the overall demand for services; competitive pressures due to new entrants; advances and new trends in industry standards; changes in certain strategic relationships or customer relationships; regulatory considerations; intellectual property considerations; and risks associated with the Groups ability to attract and retain employees necessary to support its growth. The Groups operations could be also adversely affected by significant political, economic and social uncertainties in the PRC.
For the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2018, the Group had one customer and one customer, respectively, that accounted for more than 10% of the total revenues.
For the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2018, the Group had two suppliers and two suppliers, respectively, that accounted for more than 10% of cost of revenues.
Currency convertibility risk
A significant portion of the Groups expenses, assets and liabilities are denominated in RMB. On January 1, 1994, the PRC government abolished the dual rate system and introduced a single rate of exchange as quoted daily by the Peoples Bank of China (the PBOC). However, the unification of the exchange rates does not imply that the RMB may be readily convertible into U.S. dollar or other foreign currencies. All foreign exchange transactions continue to take place either through the PBOC or other banks authorized to buy and sell foreign currencies at the exchange rates quoted by the PBOC. Approvals of foreign currency payments by the PBOC or other institutions require submitting a payment application form together with relevant documents.
Additionally, the value of the RMB is subject to changes in central government policies and international economic and political developments affecting supply and demand in the PRC foreign exchange trading system market.
Foreign currency exchange rate risk
From July 21, 2005, the RMB is permitted to fluctuate within a narrow and managed band against a basket of certain foreign currencies. For U.S. dollar against RMB, there was depreciation of approximately 6.3% and appreciation of approximately 5.7%, in the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2018. It is difficult to predict how market forces or PRC or U.S. government policy may impact the exchange rate between the RMB and the U.S. dollar in the future.
The functional currency and the reporting currency of the Company and AnPac US are the US$ and the RMB, respectively. Most of the revenues and costs of the Group are denominated in RMB, while a portion of cash and cash equivalents and CL are denominated in US$. It is difficult to predict how market forces or PRC or U.S. government policy may impact the exchange rate between the Renminbi and the US$ in the future. Any significant fluctuation of the valuation of RMB may materially affect the Groups cash flows, revenues, earnings and financial position, and the value of any dividends payable on the ADS in US$.
F-22
ANPAC BIO-MEDICAL SCIENCE CO., LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands of RMB and US$, except for number of shares and per share data)
2. |
SUMMARY OF PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) |
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Concentration of risks (continued) |
Liquidity Risks
As of December 31, 2018, the Group had RMB12,887 (US$1,803) of cash and cash equivalents and a working capital deficit of RMB50,586 (US$7,077). For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Group incurred RMB31,147 (US$4,358) of negative cash flows from operations and RMB2,847 (US$398) of capital expenditures. The Group believes that its current liquidity resources, future operating cash flows generated and subsequent committed financing will be adequate to meet its obligations as they come due for a period of at least one year from September 20, 2019, the date at which the consolidated financial statements were available to be issued. In the event of any unexpected adverse change in its business, the Group has the ability and intent to obtain additional equity or debt financing and received a financial support guarantee from Dr. Chris Chang Yus personal assets.
(ae) |
Recent accounting pronouncements |
The Group is an emerging growth company (EGC) as defined by the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act (JOBS Act). The JOBS Act provides that an EGC can take advantage of extended transition periods for complying with new or revised accounting standards. This allows an EGC to delay adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. The Group elected to take advantage of the extended transition periods. However, this election will not apply should the Group cease to be classified as an EGC.
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Financial InstrumentsRecognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (ASU 2016-01). ASU 2016-01 requires equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investee) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. An entity may choose to measure equity investments that do not have readily determinable fair values at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer. ASU 2016-01 also simplifies the impairment assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values by requiring a qualitative assessment to identify impairment. When a qualitative assessment indicates that impairment exists, an entity is required to measure the investment at fair value. ASU 2016-01 is effective for the Group beginning January 1, 2019 with interim periods within annual periods beginning January 1, 2020. The Group will adopt ASU 2016-01 on January 1, 2019, and it is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this standard on its consolidated financial statements.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (ASU 2016-02). ASU 2016-02 modifies existing guidance for off-balance sheet treatment of a lessees operating leases by requiring lessees to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities. Under ASU 2016-02, lessor accounting is largely unchanged. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. The Group will adopt ASU 2016-02 on January 1, 2020 using the modified retrospective method and will not restate comparable periods. The Group is currently evaluating the impact on its consolidated financial statements of adopting this guidance. The Group currently believes the most significant change will be related to the recognition of right-of-use assets and operating lease liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets upon adoption, which will increase total assets and liabilities.
F-23
ANPAC BIO-MEDICAL SCIENCE CO., LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands of RMB and US$, except for number of shares and per share data)
2. |
SUMMARY OF PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) |
(ae) |
Recent accounting pronouncements (continued) |
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial InstrumentsCredit Losses (ASU 2016-13). The amendments in ASU 2016-13 update guidance on reporting credit losses for financial assets. These amendments affect loans, debt securities, trade receivables, net investments in leases, off balance sheet credit exposures, reinsurance receivables, and any other financial assets not excluded from the scope that have the contractual right to receive cash. The Group will adopt ASU 2016-13 on January 1, 2021, and is currently evaluating the impact on its consolidated financial statements of adopting this guidance.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01 (ASU 2017-01), Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business. ASU 2017-01 clarifies the framework for determining whether an integrated set of assets and activities meets the definition of a business. The revised framework establishes a screen for determining whether an integrated set of assets and activities is a business and narrows the definition of a business, which is expected to result in fewer transactions being accounted for as business combinations. Acquisitions of integrated sets of assets and activities that do not meet the definition of a business are accounted for as asset acquisitions. ASU 2017-01 is effective for the Group for annual reporting periods beginning January 1, 2020 and interim periods within annual periods beginning January 1, 2021, with early adoption permitted for transactions that have not been reported in previously issued (or available to be issued) financial statements. The Group does not expect that this standard will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-2, Income StatementReporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. This update allows companies the option to reclassify to retained earnings the tax effects related to items in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that was enacted in the United States on December 22, 2017. This update is effective in fiscal years, including interim periods, beginning after December 15, 2018, and early adoption is permitted. This guidance should be applied either in the period of adoption or retrospectively to each period in which the effects of the change in the U.S. federal income tax rate in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is recognized. The Group does not expect this guidance to have a material impact on the Groups consolidated financial statements.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure FrameworkChanges to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. The update eliminates, modifies, and adds certain disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. This update is effective in fiscal years, including interim periods, beginning after December 15, 2019, and early adoption is permitted. The added disclosure requirements and the modified disclosure on the narrative description of measurement uncertainty should be applied prospectively for only the most recent interim or annual period presented. All other changes to disclosure requirements in this update should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented upon their effective date. The Group is currently evaluating the impact on its consolidated financial statements of adopting this guidance.
3. |
BUSINESS COMBINATION |
In November 2017, the Group acquired 100% of the equity interests in Shiji (Hainan) Medical Technology Co., Ltd. from third parties. The acquisition was made as part of the Groups strategy to enhance the Groups ability in medical detection.
F-24
ANPAC BIO-MEDICAL SCIENCE CO., LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands of RMB and US$, except for number of shares and per share data)
3. |
BUSINESS COMBINATION (CONTINUED) |
The following is a summary of the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed:
Allocation of
purchase cost (RMB) |
US$ | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
1,454 | 203 | ||||||
Other receivables |
212 | 30 | ||||||
Inventory |
210 | 29 | ||||||
Other current assets |
114 | 16 | ||||||
Property and equipment |
1,043 | 146 | ||||||
Intangible assets |
5,300 | 741 | ||||||
Goodwill |
2,223 | 311 | ||||||
Accounts payable |
(181 | ) | (25 | ) | ||||
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities |
(710 | ) | (99 | ) | ||||
Deferred tax liabilities |
(1,325 | ) | (185 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total |
8,340 | 1,167 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
Goodwill was recognized as a result of expected synergies from combining operations of the Group and acquired business and other intangible assets that do not qualify for separate recognition. Goodwill is not amortized and is not deductible for tax purposes. In accordance with ASC 350, the Group assigned and assessed goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level. All the acquired business has been migrated to the Groups business. The Group concluded that it has only one reporting unit. Accordingly, goodwill is allocated to one single reporting unit.
An analysis of the cash flows in respect of the acquisition is as follows:
RMB | US$ | |||||||
Cash consideration |
8,340 | 1,167 | ||||||
Cash and bank balances acquired |
1,454 | 203 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net outflow of cash and cash equivalents included in cash flows from investing activities |
6,886 | 963 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
The actual results of operations after the acquisition date and pro forma result of operations for the acquisition have not been presented because the effect was not significant to the Groups consolidated results of operations.
F-25
ANPAC BIO-MEDICAL SCIENCE CO., LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands of RMB and US$, except for number of shares and per share data)
4. |
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET |
Property and equipment, net consists of the following:
As of December 31, | ||||||||||||
2017 | 2018 | 2018 | ||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||||||||
Buildings |
15,771 | 15,771 | 2,206 | |||||||||
Leasehold improvements |
18 | 52 | 8 | |||||||||
Furniture, fixtures and equipment |
7,513 | 8,466 | 1,184 | |||||||||
Motor vehicles |
270 | 526 | 74 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total |
23,572 | 24,815 | 3,472 | |||||||||
Less: |
||||||||||||
Accumulated depreciation |
(5,323 | ) | (7,093 | ) | (993 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
18,249 | 17,722 | 2,479 | ||||||||||
Construction in progress |
432 | 419 | 59 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Property and equipment, net |
18,681 | 18,141 | 2,538 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation expense was RMB1,787 and RMB2,357 (US$355) for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2018, respectively.
No impairment charges were recognized on the property and equipment for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2018.
5. |
LAND USE RIGHTS |
The land use rights as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are summarized as follows:
As of December 31, | ||||||||||||
2017 | 2018 | 2018 | ||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||||||||
Land use rights, cost |
13,901 | 1,388 | 194 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Less: |
||||||||||||
Accumulated amortization |
(1,390 | ) | (166 | ) | (23 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Land use rights, net |
12,511 | 1,222 | 171 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization expense of the land use rights for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2018 was RMB278 and RMB257 (US$36), respectively.
As of December 31, 2018, expected amortization expense for the land use rights is approximately RMB 28 in 2019, RMB28 in 2020, RMB28 in 2021, RMB28 in 2022, RMB28 in 2023 and RMB1,082 in 2024 and thereafter.
The Group obtained a government grant in 2012 and 2013 from the Lishui government to purchase a land use right in Lishui, Zhejiang province, PRC for a consideration of RMB13,901. The Group utilized a portion of the land use right to construct its research and development facility. In 2018, as a significant portion of the land
F-26
ANPAC BIO-MEDICAL SCIENCE CO., LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands of RMB and US$, except for number of shares and per share data)
5. |
LAND USE RIGHTS (CONTINUED) |
use right remained unutilized, the Lishui government agreed to repurchase the unutilized land use right back from the Group for RMB5,257 (US$735), which was recognized in Other income, net for the year ended December 31, 2018 as there was no further condition attached to the amount.
6. |
INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET |
Intangible assets, net consist of the following:
As of December 31, | ||||||||||||
2017 | 2018 | 2018 | ||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||||||||
Purchased software |
504 | 934 | 131 | |||||||||
Medical license |
5,300 | 5,300 | 741 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total |
5,804 | 6,234 | 872 | |||||||||
Less: Accumulated amortization |
(298 | ) | (828 | ) | (116 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total |
5,506 | 5,406 | 756 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization expense of intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2018 amounted to RMB221 and RMB530 (US$74), respectively.
The estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the five succeeding years is as follows:
Year ending December 31, |
RMB | |||
2019 |
599 | |||
2020 |
500 | |||
2021 |
479 | |||
2022 |
353 | |||
2023 |
353 | |||
Thereafter |
3,122 | |||
|
|
7. |
LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS |
As at December 31, 2017 and 2018, long-term investments consisted of the following:
As of December 31, | ||||||||||||
2017 | 2018 | 2018 | ||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||||||||
Equity method investments |
||||||||||||
Anpac Beijing Health Management Co., Ltd (Anpac Beijing) |
1,047 | 607 | 85 | |||||||||
Shanghai Moxu Bio-medical Science Co., Ltd.(Moxu) |
| 99 | 14 | |||||||||
Cost method investments |
||||||||||||
Jiangsu Anpac Health Management Co., Ltd. (Jiangsu Anpac) |
1,000 | 2,750 | 385 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total |
2,047 | 3,456 | 484 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-27
ANPAC BIO-MEDICAL SCIENCE CO., LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands of RMB and US$, except for number of shares and per share data)
7. |
LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED) |
Equity method investments
On October 19, 2017, the Group and other third parties established Anpac Beijing, of which the Group owned 35% of the investment.
On June 8, 2018, the Group and other third parties established Moxu, of which the Group owned 20% of the investment.
Cost method investments
In January 2016, the Group and other third parties established Jiangsu Anpac, of which the Group owned 10% of the investment. In November 2017, the Group further acquired a 5% equity interest. The Group accounted for the investment under cost method since the Group does not have the ability to exert significant influence over Jiangsu Anpac.
8. |
SHORT-TERM DEBT |
As of December 31, | ||||||||||||
2017 | 2018 | 2018 | ||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||||||||
Short-term borrowings (i) |
12,500 | 8,000 | 1,119 | |||||||||
Convertible loans (ii) |
| 17,961 | 2,513 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total |
12,500 | 25,961 | 3,632 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
(i) These short-term borrowings bear a fixed interest rate of 11%, except for one borrowing of RMB3,500 (US$490) from the local government which was interest free and repaid in June 2018.
(ii) During April to August of 2018, the Group issued convertible loans (CL) with an aggregate principal amount of US$2,500 to Jiaxing Zhijun Investment Management Co., Ltd. (Zhijun). The CL is originally due in one year and bears interest of 9% per annum if the conversion feature is not triggered. The CL is ultimately guaranteed by Dr. Chris Chang Yus personal assets.
Conversion feature
During the term of the CL, if the Group completes a financing round that raises in aggregate, an amount greater than US$5,000 (or an amount otherwise mutually agreed between the Group and Zhijun), Zhijun may convert the principal amount of the CL into the Groups ordinary shares at a premium of 25% of the loan principal.
Modification of CL
On April 26, 2019, the Group and Zhijun agreed to extend the term of the CL to October 31, 2019. No other terms of the CL were modified. In accordance with ASC 470-50, Debt, as the present value of cash flows under the term of the new debt instrument did not differ by more than 10% from the present value of the remaining cash flows under the term of the original debt instrument, the modification was accounted for prospectively as yield adjustments based on the revised terms.
F-28
ANPAC BIO-MEDICAL SCIENCE CO., LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands of RMB and US$, except for number of shares and per share data)
8. |
SHORT-TERM DEBT (CONTINUED) |
The Group has elected to recognize the CL at fair value and therefore there was no further evaluation of embedded features for bifurcation. The Group recognized an unrealized loss of RMB784 (US$114) in other income, net for the year ended December 31, 2018.
9. |
ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES |
As of December 31, | ||||||||||||
2017 | 2018 | 2018 | ||||||||||
RMB | RMB | USD | ||||||||||
Salary and welfare payable |
6,858 | 7,735 | 1,082 | |||||||||
Payable for business combination and long-term investment |
3,540 | 300 | 42 | |||||||||
Advances from investors |
2,157 | | | |||||||||
Payable for acquisition of non-controlling interests |
85 | 245 | 34 | |||||||||
Accrued rental |
549 | 801 | 112 | |||||||||
Accrued expenses |
725 | 691 | 97 | |||||||||
Value added tax and other taxes payable |
285 | 523 | 73 | |||||||||
Payable for property and equipment |
669 | 28 | 4 | |||||||||
Accrued utilities |
79 | 5 | 1 | |||||||||
Other payables |
379 | 531 | 74 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total. |
15,326 | 10,859 | 1,519 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
10. |
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) |
Other comprehensive income (loss) includes the foreign currency translation differences. A rollforward of the amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2018 was as follows:
There have been no reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income to net income for the periods presented.
11. |
SHARE BASED COMPENSATION |
On February 1, 2010, the shareholders and Board of Directors (the Board) of the Company approved a resolution which authorized the chairman of the Board to grant share options to its eligible employees, directors,
F-29
ANPAC BIO-MEDICAL SCIENCE CO., LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands of RMB and US$, except for number of shares and per share data)
11. |
SHARE BASED COMPENSATION (CONTINUED) |
officers and consultants of the Group of a number of shares not exceeding 11,900 before July 1, 2017. On October 19, 2015, the shareholders and the Board approved a resolution to increase the authorized number to grant in the future up to 18,666. On July 1, 2017, in order to provide additional incentives to attract and retain key employees, directors, officers and consultants of outstanding ability and to motivate them to exert their best efforts, the shareholders and the Board further approved a resolution to grant in the future up to 8,600. The terms of the option awards shall not exceed ten years from the date of grant.
The options granted are vested either (i) immediately upon grant date; or (ii) over various vesting schedule which no more than four years.
Employees
The options granted to employees are measured based on the grant date fair value of the equity instrument. They are accounted for as equity awards and contain only service vesting conditions. The following table summarized the Groups employee share option activities:
Number of
Options |
Weighted
Average Exercise Price |
Weighted
Average Grant date Fair Value |
Weighted
Average Remaining Contractual Term |
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value |
||||||||||||||||
US$ per
option |
US$ per
option |
Years | US$ | |||||||||||||||||
Share options outstanding at January 1, 2017 |
4,042 | 0.01 | 363.10 | 7.63 | 3,330 | |||||||||||||||
Granted |
1,067 | 0.03 | 941.99 | |||||||||||||||||
Forfeited |
(38 | ) | 0.00 | 303.85 | ||||||||||||||||
Exercised |
(800 | ) | 0.02 | 444.71 | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Share options outstanding at January 1, 2018 |
4,271 | 0.01 | 492.96 | 7.21 | 4,041 | |||||||||||||||
Granted |
2,060 | 0.05 | 952.59 | |||||||||||||||||
Forfeited |
(16 | ) | 0.10 | 444.71 | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Share options outstanding at December 31, 2018 |
6,315 | 0.02 | 643.02 | 7.22 | 6,068 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2018 |
6,315 | 0.02 | 643.02 | 7.22 | 6,068 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Exercisable as of December 31, 2018 |
3,885 | 0.01 | 501.89 | 6.28 | 3,733 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the difference between the exercise price of the awards and the fair value of the underlying ordinary shares at each reporting date, for those awards that had exercise price below the estimated fair value of the relevant ordinary shares.
The total fair value of the equity awards vested during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2018 were RMB8,076 and RMB 2,312 (US$323), respectively. As of December 31, 2018, there was RMB13,499 (US$1,889) of total unrecognized employee share-based compensation expense related to unvested options, may be adjusted for actual forfeitures occurring in the future. Total unrecognized compensation cost may be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.64 years.
F-30
ANPAC BIO-MEDICAL SCIENCE CO., LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands of RMB and US$, except for number of shares and per share data)
11. |
SHARE BASED COMPENSATION (CONTINUED) |
Nonemployees
The options granted to nonemployees are accounted for as equity awards with service and/or performance vesting conditions. The following table summarized the Groups nonemployee share option activity:
Number of
Options |
Weighted
Average Exercise Price |
Weighted
Average Grant date Fair Value |
Weighted
Average Remaining Contractual Term |
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value |
||||||||||||||||
US$
per option |
US$
per option |
Years | US$ | |||||||||||||||||
Share options outstanding at January 1, 2017 |
3,565 | 0.00 | 610.76 | 8.80 | 2,937 | |||||||||||||||
Granted |
259 | 0.04 | 938.27 | |||||||||||||||||
Forfeited |
(720 | ) | 0.00 | 823.91 | ||||||||||||||||
Exercised |
(910 | ) | 0.00 | 823.91 | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Share options outstanding at January 1, 2018 |
2,194 | 0.00 | 491.07 | 7.22 | 2,076 | |||||||||||||||
Granted |
537 | 0.05 | 955.44 | |||||||||||||||||
Forfeited |
(1,600 | ) | 0.00 | 444.71 | ||||||||||||||||
Exercised |
(194 | ) | 0.00 | 650.11 | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Share options outstanding at December 31, 2018 |
937 | 0.04 | 803.43 | 8.11 | 900 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2018 |
887 | 0.04 | 794.56 | 8.02 | 852 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Exercisable as of December 31, 2018 |
657 | 0.03 | 744.25 | 7.77 | 631 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the difference between the exercise price of the awards and the fair value of the underlying ordinary shares at each reporting date, for those awards that had exercise price below the estimated fair value of the relevant ordinary shares.
The total fair value of the equity awards vested during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2018 were RMB3,100 and RMB3,004 (US$420), respectively. As of December 31, 2018, there was RMB921 (US$129) of total unrecognized nonemployee share-based compensation expenses, related to unvested share based awards. Total unrecognized compensation cost may be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.71 years.
Fair value of options
The Company uses the binomial tree option pricing model to estimate the fair value of share options with the assistance of an independent third-party valuation firm. The assumptions used to value the share options granted to employees and nonemployee were as follows:
2017 | 2018 | |||||||
Risk-free interest rate |
2.20%-2.46% | 2.46%-3.11% | ||||||
Expected volatility range |
58.59%-65.18% | 62.14%-63.61% | ||||||
Exercise multiple |
2.5 | 2.5 | ||||||
Fair market value per ordinary share as at grant dates |
US$938.30-946.18 | US$946.18-960.98 |
The estimated fair value of the Companys ordinary shares at their respective grant dates was determined with the assistance of an independent third-party valuation firm. The risk-free interest rate for periods within the
F-31
ANPAC BIO-MEDICAL SCIENCE CO., LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands of RMB and US$, except for number of shares and per share data)
11. |
SHARE BASED COMPENSATION (CONTINUED) |
contractual life of the options is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant for a term consistent with the contractual term of the awards. Expected volatility is estimated based on the historical volatility of ordinary shares of several comparable companies in the same industry. The expected exercise multiple is based on managements estimation, which the Company believes is representative of the future.
The following table sets forth the amount of share-based compensation expense included in each of the relevant financial statement line items:
For the year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2017 | 2018 | 2018 | ||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||||||||
Cost of revenues |
| 317 | 44 | |||||||||
Selling and marketing expenses |
2,444 | 2,871 | 402 | |||||||||
Research and development expenses |
4,044 | 1,958 | 274 | |||||||||
General and administrative expenses |
4,270 | 2,790 | 390 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total share-based compensation expenses |
10,758 | 7,936 | 1,110 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
12. |
INCOME TAXES |
BVI
The Company is incorporated in the BVI and conducts its primary business operations through the subsidiaries in the PRC and the USA. Under the current laws of the BVI, the Company is not subject to tax on income or capital gains. Additionally, upon payments of dividends by the Company to its shareholders, no BVI withholding tax will be imposed.
PRC
The Companys subsidiaries in the PRC are subject to the statutory rate of 25%, in accordance with the Enterprise Income Tax law (the EIT Law), which was effective since January 1, 2008. AnPac Bio-Medical Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Shanghai Xinshenpai Technology Co., Ltd. and Penghui Health Management Co., Ltd. enjoy a preferential income tax rate of 20%, as they qualify as small and micro-sized enterprises.
Dividends, interests, rent and royalties payable by the Companys PRC subsidiaries, to non-PRC resident enterprises, and proceeds from any such non-resident enterprise investors disposition of assets (after deducting the net value of such assets) shall be subject to 10% withholding tax, unless the respective non-PRC resident enterprises jurisdiction of incorporation has a tax treaty or arrangements with PRC that provides for a reduced withholding tax rate or an exemption from withholding tax.
United States
AnPac US is subject to U.S. federal corporate income tax at a rate of 21% for the year ended December 31, 2018, and 35% for the year ended December 31, 2017. AnPac US is also subject to state income tax in California for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2018.
F-32
ANPAC BIO-MEDICAL SCIENCE CO., LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands of RMB and US$, except for number of shares and per share data)
12. |
INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED) |
The Groups loss before income taxes consisted of:
Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2017 | 2018 | 2018 | ||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||||||||
Non-PRC |
(16,073 | ) | (18,944 | ) | (2,650 | ) | ||||||
PRC |
(23,238 | ) | (23,551 | ) | (3,295 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total |
(39,311 | ) | (42,495 | ) | (5,945 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
The current and deferred components of income tax (expense) benefit appearing in the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss are as follows:
Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2017 | 2018 | 2018 | ||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||||||||
Current tax |
(23 | ) | 111 | 16 | ||||||||
Deferred tax |
14 | 88 | 12 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total |
(9 | ) | 199 | 28 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
The reconciliation of tax computed by applying the statutory income tax rate of 25% for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2018 applicable to the PRC operations to income tax (expense) benefit were as follows:
Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2017 | 2018 | 2018 | ||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||||||||
Loss before income taxes |
(39,311 | ) | (42,495 | ) | (5,945 | ) | ||||||
Income tax benefit computed at the statutory income tax rate at 25% |
9,828 | 10,624 | 1,487 | |||||||||
Non-deductible expenses |
(4,990 | ) | (4,485 | ) | (627 | ) | ||||||
International rate differences |
(2,076 | ) | (2,227 | ) | (312 | ) | ||||||
Preferential tax rate differences |
(66 | ) | (210 | ) | (29 | ) | ||||||
Effect of change in tax rate |
66 | (826 | ) | (116 | ) | |||||||
Change in valuation allowance |
(2,771 | ) | (2,677 | ) | (375 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Income tax (expense) benefit |
(9 | ) | 199 | 27 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-33
ANPAC BIO-MEDICAL SCIENCE CO., LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands of RMB and US$, except for number of shares and per share data)
12. |
INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED) |
Deferred Taxes
The significant components of deferred taxes were as follows:
As of December 31, | ||||||||||||
2017 | 2018 | 2018 | ||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||||||||
Deferred tax assets: |
||||||||||||
Net loss carryforward |
12,247 | 14,705 | 2,057 | |||||||||
Accrued expenses |
903 | 1,043 | 146 | |||||||||
Bad debt expenses |
83 | 85 | 12 | |||||||||
Others |
43 | 120 | 17 | |||||||||
Valuation allowance |
(13,276 | ) | (15,953 | ) | (2,232 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total deferred tax assets |
| | | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Deferred tax liabilities: |
||||||||||||
Long-lived assets arising from acquisition |
(1,310 | ) | (1,222 | ) | (171 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total deferred tax liabilities |
(1,310 | ) | (1,222 | ) | (171 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Group operates through several subsidiaries. Valuation allowance is considered for each of the entities.
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 carry forwards. The Group evaluates the potential realization of deferred tax assets on an entity-by-entity basis. As of December 31, 2017 and 2018, the Company and all of its subsidiaries were in cumulative loss position, valuation allowances were 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 December 31, 2018, the Group had tax losses of RMB92,918 (US$13,000) derived from entities in the PRC and U.S., of which can be carried forward per tax regulation to offset future taxable income. The PRC taxable losses will expire from 2018 to 2023 if not utilized. The U.S. taxable losses of RMB9,099 (US$ 1,273) can be utilized indefinitely while the remainder will expire from 2035 to 2037.
Unrecognized Tax Benefits
As of December 31, 2017 and 2018, the Group recorded an unrecognized tax benefit of RMB6,936 and RMB9,398 (US$1,315), respectively, of which RMB6,696 and RMB9,267 (US$1,298), respectively, were presented on a net basis against the deferred tax assets related to tax loss carry forwards on the consolidated balance sheets. The unrecognized tax benefits were primarily related to transfer pricing and deductibility of expense. The amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will change in the next 12 months, pending clarification of current tax law or audit by the tax authorities, however, an estimate of the range of the possible change cannot be made at this time. As of December 31, 2017 and 2018, unrecognized tax benefits of RMB240 and RMB131 (US$18), if ultimately recognized, will impact the effective tax rate.
F-34
ANPAC BIO-MEDICAL SCIENCE CO., LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands of RMB and US$, except for number of shares and per share data)
12. |
INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED) |
A roll-forward of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2017 | 2018 | 2018 | ||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||||||||
Balance at beginning of year |
3,982 | 6,936 | 970 | |||||||||
Addition based on tax positions related to the current year |
2,954 | 3,064 | 429 | |||||||||
Decrease based on tax positions related to prior years |
| (602 | ) | (84 | ) | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Balance at end of year |
6,936 | 9,398 | 1,315 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Group recorded interest accrued in relation to the unrecognized tax benefit in income tax expense of RMB23 and RMB40 (US$6) for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2018, respectively.
13. |
RESTRICTED NET ASSETS |
In accordance with the PRC Regulations on Enterprises with Foreign Investment, an enterprise established in the PRC with foreign investment is required to make appropriations to certain statutory reserves, namely a general reserve fund, an enterprise expansion fund, a staff welfare fund and a bonus fund, all of which are appropriated from net profit as reported in its PRC statutory accounts. A foreign invested enterprise is required to allocate at least 10% of its annual after-tax profits to a general reserve fund until such fund has reached 50% of its respective registered capital. Appropriations to the enterprise expansion fund and staff welfare and bonus funds are at the discretion of the board of directors for the foreign invested enterprises. For other subsidiaries incorporated in the PRC, the general reserve fund was appropriated based on 10% of net profits as reported in each subsidiarys PRC statutory accounts. General reserve and statutory surplus funds are restricted to set-off against losses, expansion of production and operation and increasing registered capital of the respective company. Staff welfare and bonus fund and statutory public welfare funds are restricted to capital expenditures for the collective welfare of employees. The reserves are not allowed to be transferred to the Company in terms of cash dividends, loans or advances, nor are they allowed for distribution except under liquidation. As of December 31, 2017 and 2018, the PRC subsidiaries did not have after-tax profit and therefore no statutory reserves were allocated.
In addition, under PRC laws and regulations, the Companys PRC subsidiaries are restricted in their ability to transfer their net assets to the Company in the form of dividend payments, loans or advances. As of December 31, 2017 and 2018, restricted net assets of the Companys PRC subsidiaries were RMB 2,105 and RMB 2,580 (US$ 361), respectively.
Furthermore, cash transfers from the Groups PRC subsidiaries to the Groups subsidiaries outside of the PRC are subject to the PRC government control of currency conversion. Shortages in the availability of foreign currency may restrict the ability of the Groups PRC subsidiaries to remit sufficient foreign currency to pay dividends or other payments to the Company, or otherwise satisfy their foreign currency denominated obligations.
F-35
ANPAC BIO-MEDICAL SCIENCE CO., LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands of RMB and US$, except for number of shares and per share data)
14. |
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS AND BALANCES |
Parties are considered to be related if one party has the ability, directly or indirectly, to control the other party or exercise significant influence over the other party in making financial and operational decisions. The related parties that had transactions or balances with the Group in 2017 and 2018 consisted of:
Related Party |
Nature of the party |
Relationship with the Group |
||
Dr. Chris Chang Yu |
Individual | Founder and Chairman | ||
Anpai |
Health management | Equity investee of the Group | ||
Anpac Beijing |
Health management | Equity investee of the Group | ||
Jiaxing Zhijun Sihang Investment Partnership Enterprise (limited partnership) (Jiaxing Zhijun) |
Private equity investment | Shareholder | ||
Zhijun |
Investment management | General partner of the shareholder | ||
CRS Holdings Inc. (CRS) |
Investor | Controlled by Dr. Chris Chang Yu | ||
Jiangsu Anpac |
Health management | Equity investee of the Group |
(a) Related party balances
As of December 31, | ||||||||||||
2017 | 2018 | 2018 | ||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||||||||
Due from related parties: |
||||||||||||
Anpai |
282 | 269 | 38 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts due from Anpai comprise of accounts receivable.
As of December 31, | ||||||||||||
2017 | 2018 | 2018 | ||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||||||||
Due to related parties: |
||||||||||||
CRS |
2,277 | 2,413 | 338 | |||||||||
Jiaxing Zhijun |
| 25,000 | 3,497 | |||||||||
Zhijun |
| 824 | 115 | |||||||||
Jiangsu Anpac |
800 | 450 | 63 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
3,077 | 28,687 | 4,013 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts due to CRS and Jiangsu Anpac comprise of loans which were interest-free, unsecured and repayable on demand while amounts due to Jiaxing Zhijun comprise of an advance of RMB25,000 (US$3,498) which will be invested into the Groups ordinary shares when registered and the accrued interest expense due to Zhijun of RMB824 (US$115) for the convertible loans.
F-36
ANPAC BIO-MEDICAL SCIENCE CO., LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands of RMB and US$, except for number of shares and per share data)
14. |
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS AND BALANCES (CONTINUED) |
(b) |
Related party transactions |
During the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2018, related party transactions consisted of the following:
Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2017 | 2018 | 2018 | ||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||||||||
Revenue rendered to Anpac Beijing |
| 231 | 32 | |||||||||
Revenue rendered to Jiangsu Anpac |
354 | 110 | 15 | |||||||||
Revenue rendered to Anpai |
236 | 298 | 42 | |||||||||
Consulting service received from Anpac Beijing |
| 700 | 98 | |||||||||
Advance from Jiaxing Zhijun |
| 25,000 | 3,498 | |||||||||
CL from Zhijun |
| 16,445 | 2,301 | |||||||||
Interest expense to Zhijun |
| 824 | 115 | |||||||||
Loan from CRS |
1,240 | 1,431 | 200 | |||||||||
Repayment to CRS |
(5,780 | ) | (1,144 | ) | (160 | ) | ||||||
Loan from Jiangsu Anpac |
800 | | | |||||||||
Repayment to Jiangsu Anpac |
| (350 | ) | (49 | ) | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
15. |
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS |
The following tables illustrate the fair value measurement hierarchy of the Groups financial instruments:
Fair value measurements as at December 31, 2018 using | ||||||||||||||||
Quoted
prices in active markets (Level 1) |
Significant
observable inputs (Level 2) |
Significant
unobservable inputs (Level 3) |
Total | |||||||||||||
RMB | RMB | RMB | RMB | |||||||||||||
CL |
| | 17,961 | 17,961 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Group recognized an unrealized gain of RMB784 (US$110) for measuring CL using the scenario analysis described in note 2(q) occuring in the year ended December 31, 2018. There was no transfer into or out of Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy for the year ended December 31, 2018.
F-37
ANPAC BIO-MEDICAL SCIENCE CO., LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands of RMB and US$, except for number of shares and per share data)
16. |
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES |
(a) |
Operating lease commitments |
As lessee
The Group has entered into lease agreements for its business operations. Such leases are classified as operating leases.
Future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating lease agreements at December 31, 2018 were as follows:
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
2018 | 2018 | |||||||
RMB | US$ | |||||||
2019 |
1,753 | 245 | ||||||
2020 |
849 | 119 | ||||||
2021 |
204 | 29 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total |
2,806 | 393 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
(b) |
Litigation |
In the ordinary course of the business, the Group is subject to periodic legal or administrative proceedings. As of December 31, 2017 and 2018, the Group is not a party to any legal or administrative proceedings which will have a material adverse effect on the Groups business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
17. |
LOSS PER SHARE |
Basic and diluted loss per share for each of the years presented is calculated as follows:
Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2017 | 2018 | 2018 | ||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||||||||
Numerator: |
||||||||||||
Net loss used in calculating loss per share-basic and diluted |
(39,076 | ) | (42,063 | ) | (5,885 | ) | ||||||
Denominator: |
||||||||||||
Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding used in calculating basic and diluted loss per share |
79,373 | 85,241 | 85,241 | |||||||||
Basic and diluted loss per share |
(492 | ) | (493 | ) | (69 | ) |
The Group did not include share options in the computation of diluted earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2018 because those share options were anti-dilutive for loss per share.
F-38
ANPAC BIO-MEDICAL SCIENCE CO., LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands of RMB and US$, except for number of shares and per share data)
17. |
LOSS PER SHARE (CONTINUED) |
The unaudited pro forma loss per share basic and diluted was computed to give effect to the re-designation and share split after years ended December 31, 2017 and 2018 using the if converted method as though the re-designation and share split completion had occurred as of January 1, 2017.
Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2017 | 2018 | 2018 | ||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||||||||
(unaudited) | (unaudited) | (unaudited) | ||||||||||
Numerator: |
||||||||||||
Net loss attributable to common shareholders (aggregate of Class A and Class B ordinary shares) |
(39,076 | ) | (42,063 | ) | (5,885 | ) | ||||||
Denominator (aggregate of Class A and Class B ordinary shares): |
||||||||||||
Weighted average of issued shares outstanding-basic and diluted |
7,937,300 | 8,524,100 | 8,524,100 | |||||||||
Pro forma basic and diluted loss per share |
(4.92 | ) | (4.93 | ) | (0.69 | ) |
18. |
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS |
The Company evaluated subsequent events through September 20, 2019, the date on which these consolidated financial statements were issued.
From March to September 2019, the Group entered into share purchase agreements with certain investors for an aggregate investment consideration of US$6,197 and RMB5,000 (US$700).
On March 6, 2019, the Group and Shanghai Muqing Industrial Co., Ltd entered into an investment agreement to establish Shanghai Muqing AnPac Health Technology Co., Ltd. (Muqing Anpac) for a total investment of RMB2,000. The Group will own 51% of the total equity of Muqing Anpac.
On June 12, 2019, the Company signed a RMB8,000 (US$1,119) loan contract with Shanghai Pudong Zhangjiang Micro-credit Co., Ltd. with a maturity of one year, which was guaranteed by a personal property owned by Dr. Chris Chang Yu.
F-39
ANPAC BIO-MEDICAL SCIENCE CO., LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands of RMB and US$, except for number of shares and per share data)
19. |
PARENT COMPANY ONLY CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION |
Condensed balance sheets
As of December 31, | ||||||||||||
2017 | 2018 | 2018 | ||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||||||||
ASSETS |
||||||||||||
Current assets |
||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
2,162 | 3,703 | 518 | |||||||||
Amounts due from related parties |
49,364 | 53,672 | 7,509 | |||||||||
Other current assets |
78 | 82 | 12 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total current assets |
51,604 | 57,457 | 8,039 | |||||||||
Non-current assets: |
||||||||||||
Investments in subsidiaries |
(34,441 | ) | (49,811 | ) | (6,969 | ) | ||||||
Other assets |
912 | 851 | 119 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
TOTAL ASSETS |
18,075 | 8,497 | 1,189 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY (DEFICIT) |
||||||||||||
Current liabilities: |
||||||||||||
Short-term debt |
1,241 | 17,961 | 2,513 | |||||||||
Amounts due to related parties |
4,807 | 12,600 | 1,763 | |||||||||
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities |
2,469 | 329 | 46 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total liabilities |
8,517 | 30,890 | 4,322 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Shareholders equity (deficit): |
||||||||||||
Ordinary shares (US$1 par value per share; 100,000 shares authorized as of December 31, 2017 and 2018; 85,240 and 85,969 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2017 and 2018, respectively) |
564 | 569 | 80 | |||||||||
Additional paid-in capital |
143,057 | 152,367 | 21,317 | |||||||||
Retained earnings |
(132,290 | ) | (174,353 | ) | (24,393 | ) | ||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income |
(1,773 | ) | (976 | ) | (137 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total shareholders equity (deficit) |
9,558 | (22,393 | ) | (3,133 | ) | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY (DEFICIT) |
18,075 | 8,497 | 1,189 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-40
ANPAC BIO-MEDICAL SCIENCE CO., LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands of RMB and US$, except for number of shares and per share data)
19. |
PARENT COMPANY ONLY CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (CONTINUED) |
Condensed statements of comprehensive loss
2017 | 2018 | 2018 | ||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||||||||
Operating loss: |
||||||||||||
Selling and marketing expenses |
(2,443 | ) | (2,871 | ) | (402 | ) | ||||||
Research and development expenses |
(4,044 | ) | (1,958 | ) | (274 | ) | ||||||
General and administrative expenses |
(4,686 | ) | (3,537 | ) | (494 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Loss from operations |
(11,173 | ) | (8,366 | ) | (1,170 | ) | ||||||
Interest expense |
(24 | ) | (828 | ) | (116 | ) | ||||||
Other expense, net |
| (784 | ) | (110 | ) | |||||||
Share of losses of subsidiaries |
(27,879 | ) | (32,085 | ) | (4,489 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Net loss before income taxes and net loss |
(39,076 | ) | (42,063 | ) | (5,885 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax |
||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustments |
(4,675 | ) | 797 | 112 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total comprehensive loss |
(43,751 | ) | (41,266 | ) | (5,773 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
Condensed statements of cash flows
2017 | 2018 | 2018 | ||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||||||||
Net cash used in operating activities |
(628 | ) | (1,259 | ) | (176 | ) | ||||||
Net cash used in investing activities |
(7,691 | ) | (12,475 | ) | (1,745 | ) | ||||||
Net cash generated from financing activities |
10,239 | 15,150 | 2,120 | |||||||||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents |
(52 | ) | 125 | 17 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents |
1,868 | 1,541 | 216 | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year |
294 | 2,162 | 302 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year |
2,162 | 3,703 | 518 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
Basis of presentation |
Condensed financial information is used for the presentation of the Company, or the parent company. The condensed financial information of the parent company has been prepared using the same accounting policies as set out in the Companys consolidated financial statements except that the parent company used the equity method to account for investments in its subsidiaries
The parent company records its investments in its subsidiaries under the equity method of accounting as prescribed in ASC 323, Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures. Such investments are presented on the condensed balance sheets as Investments in subsidiaries and their respective profit or loss as Share of loss in subsidiaries on the condensed statements of comprehensive loss. Equity method accounting ceases when the carrying amount of the investment, including any additional financial support, in a subsidiary is reduced to zero unless the parent company has guaranteed obligations of the subsidiary or is otherwise committed to provide further financial support. If the subsidiary subsequently reports net income, the parent company shall resume
F-41
ANPAC BIO-MEDICAL SCIENCE CO., LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands of RMB and US$, except for number of shares and per share data)
19. |
PARENT COMPANY ONLY CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (CONTINUED) |
applying the equity method only after its share of that net income equals the share of net loss not recognized during the period the equity method was suspended.
The subsidiaries did not pay any dividends to the Company for the years presented.
F-42
ANPAC BIO-MEDICAL SCIENCE CO., LTD.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2018 AND UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2019
(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (RMB) and U.S. dollars (US$), except for number of
shares and per share data)
F-43
ANPAC BIO-MEDICAL SCIENCE CO., LTD.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2018 AND UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2018 AND SEPTEMBER 30, 2019 (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands of RMB and US$, except for number of shares and per share data)
As of | Pro forma shareholders deficits as of | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Notes |
December 31,
2018 |
September 30,
2019 |
September 30,
2019 |
September 30, 2019 |
September 30, 2019 |
|||||||||||||||||||
RMB |
RMB
(unaudited) |
US$
(unaudited) |
RMB
(unaudited) |
US$ (unaudited) |
||||||||||||||||||||
Shareholders deficit: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ordinary shares (US$1 par value per share; 100,000 shares authorized as of December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2019; 85,969 and 75,474 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2019, respectively) |
569 | 495 | 69 | | | |||||||||||||||||||
Class A ordinary shares (US$0.01 par value per share; no authorized, issued, and outstanding as of December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2019; 70,000,000 shares authorized, 4,932,200 issued and outstanding, unaudited, pro forma) |
| | | 319 | 44 | |||||||||||||||||||
Class B ordinary shares (US$0.01 par value per share; no authorized, issued, and outstanding as of December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2019; 30,000,000 shares authorized, 2,615,200 issued and outstanding, unaudited, pro forma) |
| | | 176 | 25 | |||||||||||||||||||
Additional paid-in capital |
152,367 | 191,780 | 26,831 | 191,780 | 26,831 | |||||||||||||||||||
Accumulated deficits |
(174,353 | ) | (233,116 | ) | (32,614 | ) | (233,116 | ) | (32,614 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)/ income |
(976 | ) | 767 | 107 | 767 | 107 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Total AnPac Bio-Medical Science Co., Ltd. shareholders deficit |
(22,393 | ) | (40,074 | ) | (5,607 | ) | (40,074 | ) | (5,607 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Noncontrolling interests |
| 116 | 16 | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS DEFICIT |
(22,393 | ) | (39,958 | ) | (5,591 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS DEFICIT |
52,762 | 72,017 | 10,075 | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements.
F-44
ANPAC BIO-MEDICAL SCIENCE CO., LTD.
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2018 AND 2019
(Amounts in thousands of RMB and US$, except for number of shares and per share data)
For the nine months ended
September 30, |
||||||||||||||||
Notes | 2018 | 2019 | 2019 | |||||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||||||||||||
Revenues: |
||||||||||||||||
Cancer screening and detection tests (including RMB341 and RMB505 (US$71) from related parties for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2019, respectively) |
6,106 | 7,677 | 1,074 | |||||||||||||
Physical checkup packages |
525 | 436 | 61 | |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Total revenues |
6,631 | 8,113 | 1,135 | |||||||||||||
Cost of revenues |
(3,634 | ) | (4,266 | ) | (597 | ) | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Gross Profit |
2,997 | 3,847 | 538 | |||||||||||||
Operating expenses: |
||||||||||||||||
Selling and marketing expenses (including RMB700 and RMB1,081 (US$151) from related parties for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2019, respectively) |
(7,202 | ) | (10,730 | ) | (1,501 | ) | ||||||||||
Research and development expenses |
(7,746 | ) | (7,138 | ) | (999 | ) | ||||||||||
General and administrative expenses |
(18,773 | ) | (40,439 | ) | (5,658 | ) | ||||||||||
Other operating income |
475 | 138 | 19 | |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Loss from operations |
(30,249 | ) | (54,322 | ) | (7,601 | ) | ||||||||||
Non-operating income and expenses: |
||||||||||||||||
Interest expense, net (including RMB 440 and RMB1,186 (US$ 166) from related parties for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2019, respectively) |
(677 | ) | (1,897 | ) | (265 | ) | ||||||||||
Foreign exchange loss, net |
(1,970 | ) | (1,937 | ) | (270 | ) | ||||||||||
Share of net (loss) gain in equity method investments |
(224 | ) | 442 | 62 | ||||||||||||
Other income (expense), net |
484 | (1,130 | ) | (158 | ) | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Net loss before income taxes |
(32,636 | ) | (58,844 | ) | (8,232 | ) | ||||||||||
Income tax benefit (expense) |
177 | (113 | ) | (16 | ) | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Net loss |
(32,459 | ) | (58,957 | ) | (8,248 | ) | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests |
(233 | ) | (194 | ) | (27 | ) | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders |
(32,226 | ) | (58,763 | ) | (8,221 | ) | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Loss per share: |
||||||||||||||||
Ordinary sharesbasic and diluted |
13 | (378 | ) | (675 | ) | (94 | ) | |||||||||
Weighted average shares outstanding used in calculating basic and diluted loss per share: |
||||||||||||||||
Ordinary sharesbasic and diluted |
13 | 85,233 | 87,089 | 87,089 | ||||||||||||
Pro forma loss per share: |
||||||||||||||||
Class A and Class B ordinary sharesbasic and diluted (unaudited) |
13 | (6.75 | ) | (0.94 | ) | |||||||||||
Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in pro forma loss per share computation: |
||||||||||||||||
Class A and Class B ordinary sharesbasic and diluted (unaudited) |
13 | 8,708,900 | 8,708,900 | |||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income, net of tax: |
||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation differences |
902 | 1,743 | 244 | |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Total comprehensive loss |
(31,557 | ) | (57,214 | ) | (8,004 | ) | ||||||||||
Total comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests |
(233 | ) | (194 | ) | (27 | ) | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Total comprehensive loss attributable to ordinary shareholders |
(31,324 | ) | (57,020 | ) | (7,977 | ) | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements.
F-45
ANPAC BIO-MEDICAL SCIENCE CO., LTD.
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY (DEFICIT)
(Amounts in thousands of RMB and US$, except for number of shares and per share data)
Attributable to AnPac Bio-Medical Science Co., Ltd. Shareholders |
Noncontrolling
interests |
Total Equity
(Deficit) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ordinary Shares |
Additional
Paid-in Capital |
Accumulated
Deficits |
Accumulated
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) |
Total
AnPac
Bio-Medical Science Co., Ltd. Shareholders Equity (Deficit) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Amount | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2018 |
85,240 | 564 | 143,057 | (132,290 | ) | (1,773 | ) | 9,558 | (61 | ) | 9,497 | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
Net loss |
| | | (32,226 | ) | | (32,226 | ) | (233 | ) | (32,459 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of ordinary shares |
176 | 1 | 1,301 | | | 1,302 | | 1,302 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation differences |
| | | | 902 | 902 | | 902 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Acquisition of non-controlling interests |
| | (454 | ) | | | (454 | ) | 294 | (160 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Repurchase and cancellation of shares |
(208 | ) | (1 | ) | (726 | ) | | | (727 | ) | | (727 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Share-based compensation (Note 9) |
| | 6,435 | | | 6,435 | | 6,435 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
Balance at September 30, 2018 |
85,208 | 564 | 149,613 | (164,516 | ) | (871 | ) | (15,210 | ) | | (15,210 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2019 |
85,969 | 569 | 152,367 | (174,353 | ) | (976 | ) | (22,393 | ) | | (22,393 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
Net loss |
| | | (58,763 | ) | | (58,763 | ) | (194 | ) | (58,957 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of ordinary shares |
5,252 | 36 | 20,938 | | | 20,974 | | 20,974 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Capital contribution from noncontrolling interest holders |
| | | | | | 310 | 310 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation differences |
| | | | 1,743 | 1,743 | | 1,743 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Repurchase and cancellation of shares |
(15,747 | ) | (110 | ) | 110 | | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Share-based compensation (Note 9) |
| | 18,365 | | | 18,365 | | 18,365 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
Balance at September 30, 2019 |
75,474 | 495 | 191,780 | (233,116 | ) | 767 | (40,074 | ) | 116 | (39,958 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
Balance at September 30, 2019 (US$) |
69 | 26,831 | (32,614 | ) | 107 | (5,607 | ) | 16 | (5,591 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements.
F-46
ANPAC BIO-MEDICAL SCIENCE CO., LTD.
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2018 AND SEPTEMBER 30, 2019
(Amounts in thousands of RMB and US$, except for number of shares and per share data)
For the nine months ended
September 30, |
||||||||||||
2018 | 2019 | 2019 | ||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||||||||
Operating activities: |
||||||||||||
Net loss |
(32,459 | ) | (58,957 | ) | (8,248 | ) | ||||||
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities: |
||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
1,902 | 1,924 | 269 | |||||||||
Share of net loss/(gain) in equity method investments |
224 | (442 | ) | (62 | ) | |||||||
Bad debt expense |
148 | 150 | 21 | |||||||||
Foreign exchange loss, net |
2,589 | 3,310 | 463 | |||||||||
Share-based compensation |
6,435 | 18,365 | 2,569 | |||||||||
Fair value loss on convertible loans |
485 | 3,099 | 436 | |||||||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
||||||||||||
Advances to suppliers |
(192 | ) | 2,432 | 340 | ||||||||
Accounts receivable |
(2,603 | ) | (5,363 | ) | (750 | ) | ||||||
Inventories |
(86 | ) | (206 | ) | (29 | ) | ||||||
Amounts due from related parties |
282 | (318 | ) | (45 | ) | |||||||
Other current assets |
(346 | ) | (3,171 | ) | (444 | ) | ||||||
Other assets |
(149 | ) | (517 | ) | (72 | ) | ||||||
Accounts payable |
727 | 2,322 | 325 | |||||||||
Amounts due to related parties |
360 | 1,155 | 162 | |||||||||
Advance from customers |
406 | (1,604 | ) | (224 | ) | |||||||
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities |
(295 | ) | 5,875 | 822 | ||||||||
Other long-term liabilities |
(393 | ) | (604 | ) | (85 | ) | ||||||
Deferred tax liabilities |
(66 | ) | (66 | ) | (9 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Net cash used in operating activities |
(23,031 | ) | (32,616 | ) | (4,561 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Investing activities: |
||||||||||||
Purchases of property and equipment |
(2,995 | ) | (2,623 | ) | (367 | ) | ||||||
Purchases of intangible assets |
(105 | ) | (206 | ) | (29 | ) | ||||||
Cash paid for business combination, net of cash acquired |
(3,240 | ) | | | ||||||||
Proceeds from short-term investments |
12,000 | 13,382 | 1,872 | |||||||||
Purchase of short-term investments |
(12,000 | ) | (13,382 | ) | (1,872 | ) | ||||||
Purchases of long-term investments |
(1,550 | ) | | | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Net cash used in investing activities |
(7,890 | ) | (2,829 | ) | (396 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-47
ANPAC BIO-MEDICAL SCIENCE CO., LTD.
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2018 AND SEPTEMBER 30, 2019 (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands of RMB and US$, except for number of shares and per share data)
For the nine months ended
September 30, |
||||||||||||
2018 | 2019 | 2019 | ||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||||||||
Financing activities: |
||||||||||||
Proceeds from short-term borrowings |
24,445 | 18,300 | 2,560 | |||||||||
Payment for short-term borrowings |
(12,500 | ) | (18,300 | ) | (2,560 | ) | ||||||
Repayment of related party loan |
(350 | ) | (150 | ) | (21 | ) | ||||||
Capital contribution from noncontrolling interest holders |
| 310 | 43 | |||||||||
Advance from investors |
25,000 | 26,405 | 3,694 | |||||||||
Repurchase of shares |
(728 | ) | | | ||||||||
Proceeds from issuance of ordinary shares |
404 | 20,974 | 2,934 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Net cash generated from financing activities |
36,271 | 47,539 | 6,650 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents |
(828 | ) | (1,006 | ) | (142 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents |
4,522 | 11,088 | 1,551 | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period |
11,412 | 12,887 | 1,803 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period |
15,934 | 23,975 | 3,354 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: |
||||||||||||
Interest paid |
891 | 714 | 100 | |||||||||
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities: |
||||||||||||
Purchase of ordinary shares when registered included in advance from investors |
2,157 | | | |||||||||
Purchase of property and equipment included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities |
28 | 36 | 5 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements.
F-48
ANPAC BIO-MEDICAL SCIENCE CO., LTD.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands of RMB and US$, except for number of shares and per share data)
1. |
ORGANIZATION AND PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES |
AnPac Bio-Medical Science Co., Ltd. (the Company) was incorporated in the British Virgin Islands (the BVI) in January 2010. The Company and its subsidiaries (collectively, the Group) are engaged in marketing and selling a multi-cancer screening and detection test that uses innovative, patented cancer differentiation analysis (the CDA) technology and proprietary cancer-detection device in the Peoples Republic of China (the PRC or China). Dr. Chris Chang Yu is the Founder of the Group (the Founder).
2. |
SUMMARY OF PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES |
(a) |
Basis of presentation |
The accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) and applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission regarding interim financial reporting. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in the financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. As such, the information included in this interim financial report should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes for the two years ended December 31, 2018 included in the Groups Form F-1 registration statement.
The accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements contain all normal recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position, operating results and cash flows of the Group for each of the periods presented. The results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for any other interim period or for the year ending December 31, 2019. The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018 was derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at that date but does not include all of the disclosures required by U.S. GAAP for annual financial statements.
(b) |
Convenience translation |
Amounts in US$ are presented for the convenience of the reader and are translated at the noon buying rate of US$1.00 to RMB7.1477 on September 30, 2019, representing the noon buying rate set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the U.S. Federal Reserve Board. No representation is made that the RMB amounts could have been, or could be converted, realized or settled into US$ at such rate or at any other rate.
(c) |
Use of estimates |
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Areas where management uses subjective judgement include, but are not limited to allowance for doubtful accounts, share-based compensation, deferred tax assets and valuation allowance, purchase price allocation, valuation of convertible loans, useful lives of intangible assets and property and equipment, and impairment of long-lived assets, goodwill and long-term investments. Changes in facts and circumstances may result in revised estimates. Actual results could differ from those estimates, and as such, differences could be material to the consolidated financial statements.
F-49
ANPAC BIO-MEDICAL SCIENCE CO., LTD.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands of RMB and US$, except for number of shares and per share data)
2. |
SUMMARY OF PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) |
(d) |
Revenue recognition |
The Group derives its revenues principally from customers through the Groups cancer screening and detection test and physical checkup package services. Revenue is recognized when the Group satisfies the performance obligations in an amount of consideration to which the Group expects to be entitled to in exchange for those services. The Group evaluates the presentation of revenue on a gross or net basis based on whether it controls the services provided to customers and is the principal (i.e. gross), or the Group arranges for other parties to provide the service to the customers and is an agent (i.e. net). The Group presents value-added taxes as a reduction from revenues.
Revenue from cancer screening and detection tests
Revenue from cancer screening and detection test are primarily generated through the sales of the Groups cancer screening and detection tests based on CDA technology and other cancer screening and detection technologies, such as biomarker-based tests, to its customers i.e. corporations and life insurance companies. A contract exists when the master service agreement has been executed and the customer submitting a service request, which is a placed order. The Groups contracts have a single performance obligation which is satisfied upon rendering of the cancer screening and detection tests and delivery of the cancer screening and detection test result to the customer. The Group acts as the principal as it controls the cancer screening and detection tests before it is transferred to the customer and records revenue on a gross basis at a point in time, when the cancer screening and detection test results are delivered to the customer.
Revenue from physical checkup packages
The Group facilitates corporations and life insurance companies to procure physical checkup package services for their employees and policy holders, respectively, from third-party physical checkup package service providers. The Group enters into contracts with corporations and life insurance companies and physical checkup service providers. The Group considers both the corporations and life insurance companies and the third-party physical checkup package service providers as its customers in this type of transaction. The Groups performance obligation is to facilitate the corporations and life insurance companies and the third-party physical checkup package service providers to complete the purchase of physical checkup package services, which is not controlled by the Group prior to being transferred to the corporations and life insurance companies. Therefore, the Group fulfills its performance obligation at a point in time when the employees and policy holders of corporations and life insurance companies, respectively, complete the physical checkups and the Group records the net amount that it retains from such completed transaction as revenue.
The Group also enters into arrangements to deliver both cancer screening and detection tests and physical checkup package services. The Group is the principal for the cancer screening and detection tests and the agent for physical checkup package services. Revenues for cancer screening and detection tests and physical checkup are both recognized at a point in time when the performance obligation is satisfied upon delivery of the cancer screening and detection test results to the end customers and completion of physical checkup, respectively. As the Group acts as both the principal and agent in the arrangement, the Group allocates the transaction price to each performance obligation on a relative stand-alone selling price basis.
All revenues are generated in the PRC.
F-50
ANPAC BIO-MEDICAL SCIENCE CO., LTD.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands of RMB and US$, except for number of shares and per share data)
2. |
SUMMARY OF PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) |
(d) |
Revenue recognition (continued) |
Contract balances
The payment terms and conditions within the Groups contracts vary by the type of services and the customers.
Contract assets relate to the Groups conditional right to consideration for completed performance obligations under the contract. Accounts receivable are recorded when the right to consideration becomes unconditional. The Group does not have contract assets for the years presented.
In instances where the timing of revenue recognition differs from the timing of invoicing, the Group has determined that its contracts generally do not include a significant financing component.
Contract liabilities represent considerations received from corporations and life insurance companies in advance of satisfying the Groups performance obligations under the contract, which are presented in advance from customers in the consolidated balance sheets. Revenue recognized that was included in contract liabilities at the beginning of the period was RMB32 and RMB263 (US$37) for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2019, respectively.
The following table reflects the changes in contract liabilities as of December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2019:
As of | ||||||||||||
December 31,
2018 |
September 30,
2019 |
September 30,
2019 |
||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||||||||
Contract liabilities |
4,313 | 2,710 | 379 |
Contract liabilities decreased by RMB 1,603 (US$224), due to the decrease in consideration received by corporations and life insurance companies in the normal course of business.
(e) |
Fair value of financial instruments |
The Group applies ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, (ASC 820). ASC 820 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.
ASC 820 establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:
Level 1Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
Level 2Other inputs that are directly or indirectly observable in the marketplace.
Level 3Unobservable inputs which are supported by little or no market activity.
F-51
ANPAC BIO-MEDICAL SCIENCE CO., LTD.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands of RMB and US$, except for number of shares and per share data)
2. |
SUMMARY OF PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) |
(e) |
Fair value of financial instruments (continued) |
ASC 820 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.
The Groups financial instruments include accounts receivables, accounts payable, other receivables, other payables and short-term debt. The carrying values of these financial instruments approximate their fair values due to their short-term maturities.
The Group elected the fair value option to account for its convertible loans. The fair value of the convertible loans as of September 30, 2019 was RMB 21,655 (US$ 3,030), calculated using the scenario analysis method based on probability of remaining as straight debt using discounted cash flow and equity based on the premium conversion ratio of 25%, respectively. The convertible loans are classified as level 3 instruments as the valuation was determined based on unobservable inputs which are supported by little or no market activity and reflect the Groups own assumptions in measuring fair value. Significant inputs used in developing the fair value of the convertible loans include time to maturity, risk-free interest rate, straight debt discount rate, probability to convert and expected timing of conversion. Refer to Note 7 for additional information.
As the inputs used in developing the fair value for level 3 instruments are unobservable, and require significant management estimate, a change in these inputs could result in a significant change in the fair value measurement.
(f) |
Unaudited pro forma shareholders deficit and loss per share |
Pursuant to the resolution of the board of directors on October 29, 2019, the authorized share capital of 100,000 ordinary shares was re-designated to 71,369 Class A ordinary shares and 28,631 Class B ordinary shares. Pursuant to the resolutions of the board of directors on October 31, 2019, the authorized share capital of the Class A and Class B ordinary shares was increased to 700,000 and 300,000, respectively. 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 ten 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.
Pursuant to the resolution of the board of directors on October 31, 2019, the Group effected a share split of 1-for-100, pursuant to which the authorized share capital of the Class A and Class B ordinary shares increased to 70,000,000 and 30,000,000, respectively, with a par value of US$0.01.
Unaudited pro forma shareholders equity as of September 30, 2019 reflects the re-designation of the ordinary shares to Class A and Class B ordinary shares and the subsequent 1-for-100 share-split.
The unaudited pro forma loss per share is computed using the weighted-average number of ordinary shares outstanding as of September 30, 2019 and assumes the completion of re-designation and share-split on January 1, 2019.
F-52
ANPAC BIO-MEDICAL SCIENCE CO., LTD.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands of RMB and US$, except for number of shares and per share data)
2. |
SUMMARY OF PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) |
(g) |
Concentration of credit risk |
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Group to significant concentration of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivables. As of December 31, 2018, and September 30, 2019, the aggregate amounts of cash and cash equivalents of RMB 7,016 and RMB 9,371 (US$ 1,311), respectively, were held at major financial institutions located in the PRC and RMB5,871 and RMB 14,604 (US$ 2,043), respectively, were deposited with major financial institutions located outside the PRC. Management believes that these financial institutions are of high credit quality and continually monitors the credit worthiness of these financial institutions.
Accounts receivables, unsecured and denominated in RMB, derived from sales of the Groups cancer screening and detection test and physical checkup package services, are exposed to credit risk. As of December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2019, the Group had one customer and three customers, respectively, each with a receivable balance exceeding 10% of the total accounts receivable balance. The risk is mitigated by credit evaluations the Group performs on its customers.
(h) |
Income taxes |
The Groups income tax provision for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2019 is determined using an estimated annual effective tax rate, adjusted for discrete items arising in that quarter. In each quarter, the Group updates the estimated annual effective tax rate and makes a year-to-date adjustment to the provision.
(i) |
Recently adopted accounting pronouncements |
In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash (ASU 2016-18), which amends ASC 230 to add or clarify guidance on the classification and presentation of restricted cash in the statement of cash flows. This ASU requires that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Therefore, amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. This ASU does not provide a definition of restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. The amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. As a result of this update, restricted cash are included within cash and cash equivalents on the statements of consolidated cash flows. The Group adopted ASU 2016-18 effective January 1, 2019. No cumulative impact was recognized as of January 1, 2019.
In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-2, Income StatementReporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (ASU 2018-2). This update allows companies the option to reclassify to retained earnings the tax effects related to items in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that was enacted in the United States on December 22, 2017. This update is effective in fiscal years, including interim periods, beginning after December 15, 2018, and early adoption is permitted. This guidance should be applied either in the period of adoption or retrospectively to each period in which the effects of the change in the U.S. federal income tax rate in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is recognized. The Group adopted ASU 2018-2 effective January 1, 2019. No cumulative impact was recognized as of January 1, 2019.
F-53
ANPAC BIO-MEDICAL SCIENCE CO., LTD.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands of RMB and US$, except for number of shares and per share data)
2. |
SUMMARY OF PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) |
(i) |
Recently adopted accounting pronouncements (continued) |
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure FrameworkChanges to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement (ASU 2018-13). The update eliminates, modifies, and adds certain disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. This update is effective in fiscal years, including interim periods, beginning after December 15, 2019, and early adoption is permitted. The added disclosure requirements and the modified disclosure on the narrative description of measurement uncertainty should be applied prospectively for only the most recent interim or annual period presented. All other changes to disclosure requirements in this update should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented upon their effective date. The Group adopted ASU 2018-2 effective January 1, 2019. No cumulative impact was recognized as of January 1, 2019.
3. |
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET |
Property and equipment, net consists of the following:
As of | ||||||||||||
December 31,
2018 |
September 30,
2019 |
September 30,
2019 |
||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||||||||
Buildings |
15,771 | 16,029 | 2,243 | |||||||||
Leasehold improvements |
52 | 53 | 7 | |||||||||
Furniture, fixtures and equipment |
8,466 | 9,216 | 1,289 | |||||||||
Motor vehicles |
526 | 533 | 75 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total |
24,815 | 25,831 | 3,614 | |||||||||
Less: |
||||||||||||
Accumulated depreciation |
(7,093 | ) | (8,560 | ) | (1,198 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
17,722 | 17,271 | 2,416 | ||||||||||
Construction in progress |
419 | 1,852 | 259 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Property and equipment, net. |
18,141 | 19,123 | 2,675 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation expense was RMB 1,293 and RMB 1,467 (US$ 205) for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2019, respectively.
No impairment charges were recognized on the property and equipment for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2019.
F-54
ANPAC BIO-MEDICAL SCIENCE CO., LTD.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands of RMB and US$, except for number of shares and per share data)
4. |
LAND USE RIGHTS |
The land use rights assets as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 are summarized as follows:
As of | ||||||||||||
December 31,
2018 |
September 30,
2019 |
September 30,
2019 |
||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||||||||
Land use rights, cost |
1,388 | 1,388 | 194 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Less: |
||||||||||||
Accumulated amortization |
(166 | ) | (187 | ) | (26 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Land use rights, net. |
1,222 | 1,201 | 168 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization expense of the land use rights for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2019 was RMB 209 and RMB 21 (US$ 3), respectively.
As of September 30, 2019, expected amortization expense for the land use rights is approximately RMB 7 in remaining three months of 2019, RMB 28 in 2020, RMB 28 in 2021, RMB 28 in 2022, RMB 28 in 2023 and RMB 1,083 in 2024 and thereafter.
5. |
INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET |
Intangible assets, net consist of the following:
As of | ||||||||||||
December 31,
2018 |
September 30,
2019 |
September 30,
2019 |
||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||||||||
Purchased software |
934 | 1,141 | 160 | |||||||||
Medical license |
5,300 | 5,300 | 741 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total |
6,234 | 6,441 | 901 | |||||||||
Less: Accumulated amortization |
(828 | ) | (1,264 | ) | (177 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total. |
5,406 | 5,177 | 724 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization expense of intangible assets for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2019 amounted to RMB 401 and RMB 436 (US$ 61), respectively.
The estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the five succeeding years is as follows:
Period ending September 30, |
RMB | |||
Remaining three months of 2019 |
134 | |||
2020 |
552 | |||
2021 |
531 | |||
2022 |
485 | |||
2023 |
353 | |||
Thereafter |
3,122 | |||
|
|
F-55
ANPAC BIO-MEDICAL SCIENCE CO., LTD.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands of RMB and US$, except for number of shares and per share data)
6. |
LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS |
As at December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2019, long-term investments consisted of the following:
As of | ||||||||||||
December 31,
2018 |
September 30,
2019 |
September 30,
2019 |
||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||||||||
Equity method investments |
||||||||||||
Anpac Beijing Health Management Co., Ltd (Anpac Beijing). |
607 | 1,054 | 148 | |||||||||
Shanghai Moxu Bio-medical Science Co., Ltd.(Moxu) |
99 | 94 | 12 | |||||||||
Cost method investments |
||||||||||||
Jiangsu Anpac Health Management Co., Ltd. (Jiangsu Anpac) |
2,750 | 2,750 | 385 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total |
3,456 | 3,898 | 545 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity method investments
On October 19, 2017, the Group and other third parties established Anpac Beijing, of which the Group owned 35% of the investment.
On June 8, 2018, the Group and other third parties established Moxu, of which the Group owned 20% of the investment.
Cost method investments
In January 2016, the Group and other third parties established Jiangsu Anpac, of which the Group owned 10% of the investment. In November 2017, the Group further acquired a 5% equity interest. The Group accounted for the investment under cost method since the Group does not have the ability to exert significant influence over Jiangsu Anpac.
7. |
SHORT-TERM DEBT |
As of | ||||||||||||
December 31,
2018 |
September 30,
2019 |
September 30,
2019 |
||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||||||||
Short-term non-bank borrowings (i) |
8,000 | 8,000 | 1,119 | |||||||||
Convertible loans (ii) |
17,961 | 21,655 | 3,030 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total |
25,961 | 29,655 | 4,149 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
(i) These short-term borrowings bear a fixed interest rate of 11%.
(ii) During April to August of 2018, the Group issued convertible loans (CL) with an aggregate principal amount of US$ 2,500 to Jiaxing Zhijun Investment Management Co., Ltd. (Zhijun). The CL is originally due in
F-56
ANPAC BIO-MEDICAL SCIENCE CO., LTD.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands of RMB and US$, except for number of shares and per share data)
7. |
SHORT-TERM DEBT (CONTINUED) |
one year and bears interest of 9% per annum if the conversion feature is not triggered. The CL is ultimately guaranteed by Dr. Chris Chang Yus personal assets.
Conversion feature
During the term of the CL, if the Group completes a financing round that raises in aggregate, an amount greater than US$ 5,000 (or an amount otherwise mutually agreed between the Group and Zhijun), Zhijun may convert the principal amount of the CL into the Groups ordinary shares at a premium of 25% of the loan principal.
Modification of CL
On April 26, 2019 and October 30, 2019, the Group and Zhijun agreed to extend the term of the CL to October 31, 2019 and April 30, 2020, respectively. No other terms of the CL were modified. As the Group has elected to recognize the CL at fair value, all fair value changes relating to the extensions were and will be recorded on the respective modification dates accordingly.
The Group has elected to recognize the CL at fair value and therefore there was no further evaluation of embedded features for bifurcation. The Group recognized an unrealized loss of RMB 3,099 (US$ 434) in other income, net for the nine months ended September 30, 2019.
8. |
ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES |
As of | ||||||||||||
December 31,
2018 |
September 30,
2019 |
September 30,
2019 |
||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||||||||
Salary and welfare payable |
7,735 | 8,396 | 1,175 | |||||||||
Payable for business combination and long-term investment |
300 | | | |||||||||
Payable for acquisition of non-controlling interests |
245 | 245 | 34 | |||||||||
Accrued rental |
801 | 1,416 | 198 | |||||||||
Accrued expenses |
691 | 5,763 | 806 | |||||||||
Value added tax and other taxes payable |
523 | 81 | 11 | |||||||||
Payable for property and equipment |
28 | 36 | 5 | |||||||||
Accrued utilities |
5 | 5 | 1 | |||||||||
Other payables |
531 | 584 | 82 | |||||||||
Advances from investors |
| 26,405 | 3,694 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total |
10,859 | 42,931 | 6,006 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
Advances from investors represent proceeds used to purchase the Groups ordinary shares. The ordinary shares were subsequently registered and issued to the investors from October 21, 2019 to October 25, 2019.
F-57
ANPAC BIO-MEDICAL SCIENCE CO., LTD.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands of RMB and US$, except for number of shares and per share data)
9. |
SHARE BASED COMPENSATION |
During the nine months ended September 30, 2019, the Company granted 3,270 options to employee and 1,533 options to non-employees. The terms of the option awards shall not exceed ten years from the date of grant and will became vested (i) immediately upon grant; (ii) over various vesting schedules, which is no more than four years; or (iii) until the closing of an IPO. For the grants vested until the closing of an IPO, given that this constitutes a performance condition that is not considered probable until the IPO completion date, the Company will not recognize any compensation expense until an IPO occurs. Upon the IPO completion date, the Company will immediately recognize expenses associated with these options.
The following table sets forth the amount of share-based compensation expense included in each of the relevant financial statement line items:
The nine months ended September 30, |
||||||||||||
2018 | 2019 | 2019 | ||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||||||||
Cost of revenues |
237 | 246 | 34 | |||||||||
Selling and marketing expenses |
2,750 | 5,204 | 728 | |||||||||
Research and development expenses |
1,440 | 1,848 | 259 | |||||||||
General and administrative expenses |
2,008 | 11,067 | 1,548 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total share-based compensation expenses. |
6,435 | 18,365 | 2,569 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Company uses the binomial tree option pricing model to estimate the fair value of share options with the assistance of an independent third party valuation firm. The assumptions used to value the share options granted to employees and nonemployee were as follows:
The nine months ended
September 30, 2019 |
||||
Risk-free interest rate |
1.58%-2.50 | % | ||
Expected volatility range |
60.37%-64.25 | % | ||
Exercise multiple |
2.5 | |||
Fair market value per ordinary share as at grant dates |
US$980.42 | |||
|
|
F-58
ANPAC BIO-MEDICAL SCIENCE CO., LTD.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands of RMB and US$, except for number of shares and per share data)
10. |
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS AND BALANCES |
Parties are considered to be related if one party has the ability, directly or indirectly, to control the other party or exercise significant influence over the other party in making financial and operational decisions. The related parties that had transactions or balances with the Group in 2017, 2018 and the nine months ended September 30, 2019 consisted of:
Related Party |
Nature of the party |
Relationship with the Group |
||
Dr. Chris Chang Yu |
Individual | Founder and Chairman | ||
Anpai |
Health management | Equity investee of the Group | ||
Anpac Beijing |
Health management | Equity investee of the Group | ||
Jiaxing Zhijun Sihang Investment Partnership Enterprises (limited partnership) (Jiaxing Zhijun) |
Private equity investment | Shareholder | ||
Zhijun |
Investment management | General partner of the shareholder | ||
CRS Holdings Inc. (CRS) |
Investor | Controlled by Dr. Chris Chang Yu | ||
Jiangsu Anpac |
Health management | Equity investee of the Group |
(a) Related party balances
As of | ||||||||||||
December 31,
2018 |
September 30,
2019 |
September 30,
2019 |
||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||||||||
Due from related parties: |
||||||||||||
Anpai |
269 | 379 | 53 | |||||||||
Jiangsu Anpac |
| 54 | 8 | |||||||||
Anpac Beijing |
| 154 | 21 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts due from Anpai and Jiangsu Anpac comprise of accounts receivable. Amounts due from Anpac Beijing comprise of prepayments.
As of | ||||||||||||
December 31,
2018 |
September 30,
2019 |
September 30,
2019 |
||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||||||||
Due to related parties: |
||||||||||||
CRS |
2,413 | 2,357 | 329 | |||||||||
Jiaxing Zhijun |
25,000 | 25,000 | 3,498 | |||||||||
Zhijun |
824 | 2,035 | 285 | |||||||||
Jiangsu Anpac |
450 | 300 | 42 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
28,687 | 29,692 | 4,154 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts due to CRS and Jiangsu Anpac comprise of loans which were interest-free, unsecured and repayable on demand while amounts due to Jiaxing Zhijun comprise of an advance of RMB25,000 (US$ 3,498) which will be invested into the Groups ordinary shares when registered and the accrued interest expense due to Zhijun of RMB 2,035 (US$ 285) for the convertible loans.
F-59
ANPAC BIO-MEDICAL SCIENCE CO., LTD.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands of RMB and US$, except for number of shares and per share data)
10. RELATED |
PARTY TRANSACTIONS AND BALANCES (CONTINUED) |
(b) |
Related party transactions |
During the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2019, related party transactions consisted of the following:
The nine months period ended September 30, | ||||||||||||
2018 | 2019 | 2019 | ||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||||||||
Revenue rendered to Anpac Beijing. |
14 | | | |||||||||
Revenue rendered to Jiangsu Anpac . |
94 | 61 | 9 | |||||||||
Revenue rendered to Anpai. |
233 | 444 | 62 | |||||||||
Consulting service received from Anpac Beijing. |
700 | 1,081 | 151 | |||||||||
Advance from Jiaxing Zhijun |
25,000 | | | |||||||||
CL from Zhijun |
16,445 | | | |||||||||
Interest expense to Zhijun |
440 | 1,186 | 166 | |||||||||
Loan from CRS |
1,200 | 2,276 | 318 | |||||||||
Repayment to CRS |
(1,139 | ) | (1,253 | ) | (175 | ) | ||||||
Repayment to Jiangsu Anpac |
(350 | ) | | | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
11. |
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS |
The following tables illustrate the fair value measurement hierarchy of the Groups financial instruments:
Fair value measurements as at September 30, 2019 using | ||||||||||||||||
Quoted
prices in active markets (Level 1) |
Significant
observable inputs (Level 2) |
Significant
unobservable inputs (Level 3) |
Total | |||||||||||||
RMB | RMB | RMB | RMB | |||||||||||||
CL |
| | 21,655 | 21,655 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Group recognized an unrealized loss of RMB 3,099 (US$434) for measuring CL using the scenario analysis described in note 2(e) occurring in the nine months ended September 30, 2019. There was no transfer into or out of Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy for the nine months ended September 30, 2019.
12. |
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES |
(a) |
Operating lease commitments |
As lessee
The Group has entered into lease agreements for its business operations. Such leases are classified as operating leases.
F-60
ANPAC BIO-MEDICAL SCIENCE CO., LTD.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands of RMB and US$, except for number of shares and per share data)
12. |
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED) |
(a) |
Operating lease commitments (continued) |
Future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating lease agreements at September 30, 2019 were as follows:
As of September 30, | ||||||||
2019 | 2019 | |||||||
RMB | US$ | |||||||
Remaining three months of 2019 |
498 | 70 | ||||||
2020 |
1,236 | 173 | ||||||
2021 |
474 | 66 | ||||||
2022 |
12 | 2 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total |
2,220 | 311 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
(b) |
Litigation |
In the ordinary course of the business, the Group is subject to periodic legal or administrative proceedings. As of September 30, 2019, the Group is not a party to any legal or administrative proceedings which will have a material adverse effect on the Groups business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
13. |
LOSS PER SHARE |
Basic and diluted loss per share for each of the years presented is calculated as follows:
The nine months ended
September 30, |
||||||||||||
2018 | 2019 | 2019 | ||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||||||||
Numerator: |
||||||||||||
Net loss used in calculating loss per share-basic and diluted |
(32,226 | ) | (58,763 | ) | (8,221 | ) | ||||||
Denominator: |
||||||||||||
Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding used in calculating basic and diluted loss per share |
85,233 | 87,089 | 87,089 | |||||||||
Basic and diluted loss per share |
(378 | ) | (675 | ) | (94 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-61
ANPAC BIO-MEDICAL SCIENCE CO., LTD.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands of RMB and US$, except for number of shares and per share data)
13. |
LOSS PER SHARE (CONTINUED) |
The unaudited pro forma loss per share basic and diluted was computed to give effect to the re-designation and share split after the nine months ended September 30, 2019 using the if converted method as though the re-designation and share split completion had occurred as of January 1, 2019.
The nine months ended
September 30, |
||||||||
2019 | 2019 | |||||||
RMB | US$ | |||||||
(unaudited) | (unaudited) | |||||||
Numerator: |
||||||||
Net loss attributable to common shareholders (aggregate of Class A and Class B ordinary shares) |
(58,763 | ) | (8,221 | ) | ||||
Denominator (aggregate of Class A and Class B ordinary shares): |
||||||||
Weighted average of issued shares outstanding-basic and diluted |
8,708,900 | 8,708,900 | ||||||
Pro forma basic and diluted loss per share |
(6.75 | ) | (0.94 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
The Group did not include share options in the computation of diluted earnings per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2019 because those share options were anti-dilutive for loss per share.
14. SUBSEQUENT |
EVENTS |
The Group evaluated subsequent events through October 31, 2019, the date on which these consolidated financial statements were issued.
On October 30, 2019, the Group has signed CL modification contract with Zhijun to extend the CL due date to April 30, 2020.
On October 29, 2019, the board of directors approved the re-designation of the ordinary shares to Class A and Class B ordinary shares. On October 31, 2019, the board of directors approved the increase in the authorized number of Class A and Class B ordinary shares and the 1-for-100 share split as detailed in note 2(f).
On October 31, 2019, the Group adopted the 2019 share option plan providing for the future grants of share options to its officers, directors, employees and consultants. The maximum number of Class A ordinary shares that may be issued pursuant to all awards under 2019 Plan is 1,105,300.
F-62
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
ITEM 6. |
INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS. |
British Virgin Islands law does not limit the extent to which a companys articles of association may provide for indemnification of officers and directors, except to the extent any such provision may be held by the British Virgin Islands courts to be contrary to public policy, such as to provide indemnification against civil fraud or the consequences of committing a crime. An indemnity will be void and of no effect and will not apply to a person unless the person acted honestly and in good faith and in what he believed to be in the best interests of the company and, in the case of criminal proceedings, the person had no reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful.
Our memorandum and articles of association provides that we shall indemnify provides that we shall indemnify against all expenses, including legal fees, and against all judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement and reasonably incurred in connection with legal, administrative or investigative proceedings any person who is a director of the company or a party in a legal proceeding by reason of the fact that the person is or was a director of the company. According to our memorandum and articles of association, the indemnity only applies if the person acts honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of the company and in the case of criminal proceedings, the person has no reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful.
Pursuant to the indemnification agreements, the form of which is filed as Exhibit 10.1 to this registration statement, 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 such a director or officer.
The underwriting agreement, the form of which will be filed as Exhibit 1.1 to this registration statement, will also provide indemnification for us and our officers and directors for certain liabilities.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act 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 issued the following securities. We believe that each of the following issuances was exempt from registration under the Securities Act pursuant to Section 4(a)(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. No underwriter was involved in these issuances of securities.
Securities/Purchaser |
Date of Issuance |
Number of Securities |
Consideration |
|||||
An individual |
February 17, 2017 | 430 | Consultancy services to us | |||||
An investor | May 4, 2017 | 984 | US$0.8 million | |||||
An investor | May 4, 2017 | 84 | RMB0.7 million (US$0.1 million) | |||||
An individual | May 4, 2017 | 480 | Consultancy services to us | |||||
An investor | November 3, 2017 | 136 | RMB1.0 million (US$0.1 million) | |||||
Jiaxing Zhijun Sihang Investment Partnership Enterprises (Limited Partnership) | November 3, 2017 | 4,142 | RMB28.0 million (US$4.1 million) |
II-1
Securities/Purchaser |
Date of Issuance |
Number of Securities |
Consideration |
|||||
Certain investors | November 3, 2017 | 887 | US$0.8 million | |||||
An individual | November 3, 2017 | 100 | Consultancy services to us | |||||
Mr. Weidong Dai | November 3, 2017 | 1,000 | Past and future services to us | |||||
Certain investors | August 2, 2018 | 117 | US$0.2 million | |||||
A law firm | August 2, 2018 | 59 | Legal services to us | |||||
CRS Holdings Inc. for the benefit of a third party individual | December 24, 2018 | 761 | US$0.2 million | |||||
Certain investors | June 25, 2019 | 2,457 | US$2.4 million | |||||
CRS Holdings Inc. |
September 17, 2019 | 2,140 | US$0.7 million | |||||
Two investors |
October 21, 2019 | 3,939 | US$3.1 million | |||||
An investor |
October 25, 2019 | 548 |
RMB4.5 million (US$0.6 million) |
|||||
Options |
||||||||
Certain directors, officers, employees and consultants | April 28, 2016 to September 1, 2019 |
|
Options to purchase
11,635 ordinary shares |
|
Past and future services to us |
ITEM 8. |
EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES. |
(a) Exhibits
See Exhibit Index beginning on page II-4 of this registration statement.
The agreements included as exhibits to this registration statement contain representations and warranties by each of the parties to the applicable agreement. These representations and warranties were made solely for the benefit of the other parties to the applicable agreement and (i) were not intended to be treated as categorical statements of fact, but rather as a way of allocating the risk to one of the parties if those statements prove to be inaccurate; (ii) may have been qualified in such agreement by disclosure that was made to the other party in connection with the negotiation of the applicable agreement; (iii) may apply contract standards of materiality that are different from materiality under the applicable securities laws; and (iv) were made only as of the date of the applicable agreement or such other date or dates as may be specified in the agreement.
We acknowledge that, notwithstanding the inclusion of the foregoing cautionary statements, we are responsible for considering whether additional specific disclosure of material information regarding material contractual provisions is required to make the statements in this registration statement not misleading.
(b) Financial Statement Schedules
Schedules have been omitted because the information required to be set forth therein is not applicable or is shown in the Consolidated Financial Statements or the Notes thereto.
ITEM 9. |
UNDERTAKINGS. |
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to provide to the underwriter at the closing specified in the underwriting agreements, certificates in such denominations and registered in such names as required by the underwriter 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.
II-2
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that:
(1) |
For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective. |
(2) |
For purposes of determining liability under the Securities Act to any purchaser, each prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) as part of a registration statement relating to an offering, other than registration statements relying on Rule 430B or other than prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule 430A, shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such first use, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such date of first use. |
(3) |
For purposes of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities, in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser: |
(i) |
Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424; |
(ii) |
Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant; |
(iii) |
The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and |
(iv) |
Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser. |
(4) |
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. |
II-3
AnPac Bio-Medical Science Co., Ltd.
Exhibit Index
* |
To be filed by amendment. |
II-4
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form F-1 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in Shanghai, China, on October 31, 2019.
AnPac Bio-Medical Science Co., Ltd. | ||||
By: |
/s/ Chris Chang Yu |
|||
Name: | Chris Chang Yu | |||
Title: | Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer |
Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Chris Chang Yu as the attorney-in-fact with full power of substitution for him 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 of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature |
Title |
Date |
||
/s/ Chris Chang Yu Chris Chang Yu |
Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) | October 31, 2019 | ||
/s/ Feng Guo Feng Guo |
Director | October 31, 2019 | ||
/s/ Jiefeng Gu Jiefeng Gu |
Director | October 31, 2019 | ||
/s/ Lin Yu Lin Yu |
Director | October 31, 2019 | ||
/s/ Pu Xing Pu Xing |
Director | October 31, 2019 |
II-5
Signature |
Title |
Date |
||
/s/ Ren Luo Ren Luo |
Director | October 31, 2019 | ||
/s/ Sarah Yu Sarah Yu |
Director | October 31, 2019 | ||
/s/ Rain Yu Zhang Rain Yu Zhang |
Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) | October 31, 2019 |
II-6
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 AnPac Bio-Medical Science Co., Ltd. has signed this registration statement or amendment thereto in California on October 31, 2019.
Authorized U.S. Representative | ||||
By: |
/s/ Sharon M. Vorse-Yu |
|||
Name: | Sharon M. Vorse-Yu | |||
Title: | Vice President, Technical Operations AnPac Technology USA Co., Ltd. |
II-7
Exhibit 3.1
Company Number 1563466
TERRITORY OF THE BRITISH VRIGIN ISLANDS
THE BVI BUSINESS COMPANIES ACT
(NO. 16 OF 2004)
SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED MEMORANDUM AND
ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
OF
AnPac Bio-Medical Science Co., Ltd.
Incorporated the 5th day of January, 2010
Amended and restated by meeting of the Shareholders on 8 June 2018
Further amended and restated on 29 October 2019
TERRITORY OF THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
THE BVI BUSINESS COMPANIES ACT, 2004
(the Act)
SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED MEMORANDUM OF ASSOCIATION
OF
AnPac Bio-Medical Science Co., Ltd.
1 |
NAME |
The name of the Company is AnPac Bio-Medical Science Co., Ltd.
2 |
COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES |
The Company is a company limited by shares. The liability of each member is limited to the amount from time to time unpaid on such members shares.
3 |
REGISTERED OFFICE |
The first registered office of the Company will be situated at the office of the registered agent which is at Trinity Chambers, P.O. Box 4301, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands or such other place as the directors or members may from time to time decide, being the office of the registered agent.
4 |
REGISTERED AGENT |
The first registered agent of the Company will be SHRM Trustees (BVI) Limited of Trinity Chambers, P.O. Box 4301, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands or such other registered agent as the directors or members may decide from time to time.
5 |
GENERAL OBJECTS AND POWERS |
Subject to Regulation 6 below 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 BVI Business Companies Act, 2004 or as the same may be revised from time to time, or any other law of the British Virgin Islands.
6 |
LIMITATIONS ON THE COMPANYS BUSINESS |
For the purposes of section 9(4) of the Act the Company has no power to:
(a) |
carry on banking or trust business, unless it is licensed under the Banks and Trust Companies Act, 1990; |
(b) |
carry on business as an insurance or as a reinsurance company, insurance agent or insurance broker, unless it is licensed under an enactment authorising it to carry on that business; |
(c) |
carry on the business of company management unless it is licensed under the Companies Management Act, 1990; |
(d) |
carry on the business of providing the registered office or the registered agent for companies incorporated in the British Virgin Islands; or |
(e) |
carry on the business as a mutual fund, mutual fund manager or mutual fund administrator unless it is licensed under the Mutual Funds Act, 1996. |
7 |
AUTHORISED SHARES |
(a) |
The Company is authorised to issue a maximum of 100,000 shares divided into two classes as follows: |
i) |
71,369 class A ordinary shares with a par value of US$1.00 each (the Class A Ordinary Shares); and |
ii) |
28,631 class B ordinary shares with a par value of US$1.00 each (the Class B Ordinary Shares), |
each share having the right and restrictions set out in the Memorandum and Articles. Holders of Class A Ordinary Shares and Class B Ordinary Shares shall at all times vote together as one class on all resolutions submitted to a vote by the members of the Company. For the purposes of section 9 of the Act, any rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attaching to any share as provided for in the Memorandum and Articles are deemed to be set out and stated in full in the Memorandum.
(b) |
The shares in the Company shall be issued in the currency of the United States of America. |
(c) |
Each Class A Ordinary Share in the Company confers on the holder: |
(i) |
the right to one vote at a meeting of the members of the Company or on any resolution of the members of the Company; |
(ii) |
the right to an equal share in any dividend paid by the Company in accordance with the Act; and |
(iii) |
the right to an equal share in the distribution of the surplus assets of the Company. |
(d) |
Each Class B Ordinary Share in the Company confers on the holder: |
(i) |
the right to ten votes at a meeting of the members of the Company or on any resolution of the members of the Company; |
(ii) |
the right to an equal share in any dividend paid by the Company in accordance with the Act; and |
2
(iii) |
the right to an equal share in the distribution of the surplus assets of the Company. |
(e) |
Each Class B Ordinary Share is convertible into one (1) Class A Ordinary Share at any time at the option of 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. |
(f) |
Upon any sale, transfer, assignment or disposition of any Class B Ordinary Share by a holder thereof to any person or entity who is not an affiliate of the holder thereof, or upon a change of ultimate beneficial ownership of the holder of any Class B Ordinary Share to any person or entity who is not an affiliate of the holder thereof, such Class B Ordinary Shares shall be automatically and immediately converted into the same number of Class A Ordinary Shares. For the avoidance of doubt, (i) a sale, transfer, assignment or disposition shall be effective upon the Companys registration of such sale, transfer, assignment or disposition in its register of members; and (ii) the creation of any pledge, charge, encumbrance or other third party right of whatever description on any Class B Ordinary Shares to secure a holders 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 holding legal title to the relevant Class B Ordinary Shares, in which case all the related Class B Ordinary Shares shall be automatically converted into the same number of Class A Ordinary Shares. |
Save and except for voting rights as set out in Clauses 7(c), (d) and (e), the Class A Ordinary Shares and the Class B Ordinary Shares shall rank pari passu with one another and shall have the same rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions in all respects.
8 |
REGISTERED SHARES ONLY |
Shares in the Company may only be issued as registered shares and the Company is not authorised to issue bearer shares. Registered shares may not be exchanged for bearer shares or converted to bearer shares.
9 |
AMENDMENTS |
Subject to the provisions of the Act, the Company shall by resolution of the directors or members have the power to amend or modify any of the conditions contained in this Memorandum of Association.
3
We, SHRM Trustees (BVI) Limited of Trinity Chambers, PO Box 4301, Road Town, Tortola, Virgin Islands, British in our capacity as registered agent for the Company hereby apply to the Registrar for the incorporation of the Company this 5th day of January, 2010.
Incorporator |
/s/ Ronan Kuczaj / David Finlayson |
Ronan Kuczaj / David Finlayson |
Authorised Signatories |
SHRM Trustees (BVI) Limited |
4
TERRITORY OF THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
THE BVI BUSINESS COMPANIES ACT, 2004
SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
OF
AnPac Bio-Medical Science Co., Ltd.
INTERPRETATION
1 |
References in these Articles of Association (Articles) to the Act shall mean the BVI Business Companies Act, 2004. ZJGK mentioned in the Articles shall mean an investor of the Company, i.e. Zhangjiang GU KE Company Limited, Zhijun Capital mentioned in herein shall mean investor of the Company, i.e. Jiaxing Zhijun Sihang Investment Partnership Enterprises (limited partnership). The following Articles shall constitute the Articles of the Company. In these Articles, words and expressions defined in the Act shall have the same meaning and, unless otherwise required by the context, the singular shall include the plural and vice versa, the masculine shall include the feminine and the neuter and references to persons shall include corporations and all legal entities capable of having a legal existence. |
SHARES
2 |
Every person whose name is entered as a member in the share register, being the holder of registered shares, shall without payment, be entitled to a certificate signed by a director or under the common seal of the Company with or without the signature of any director or officer of the Company specifying the share or shares held and the par value thereof, provided that in respect of shares held jointly by several persons, the Company shall not be bound to issue more than one certificate and delivery of a certificate for a share to one of several joint holders shall be sufficient delivery to all. |
3 |
If a certificate is worn out or lost it may be renewed on production of the worn out certificate, or on satisfactory proof of its loss together with such indemnity as the directors may reasonably require. Any member receiving a share certificate shall indemnify and hold the Company and its officers harmless from any loss or liability which it or they may incur by reason of wrongful or fraudulent use or representation made by any person by virtue of the possession of such a certificate. |
SHARES AND VARIATION OF RIGHTS
4 |
Subject to the provisions of these Articles, the unissued shares of the Company (whether forming part of the original or any increased authorised shares) shall be at the disposal of the directors who may offer, allot, grant options over or otherwise dispose of them to such persons at such times and for such consideration, being not less than the par value of the shares being disposed of, and upon such terms and conditions as the directors may determine. |
5 |
Without prejudice to any special rights previously conferred on the holders of any existing shares or class of shares, any share in the Company may be issued with such preferred, deferred or other special rights or such restrictions, whether in regard to dividend, voting or otherwise as the directors may from time to time determine. |
6 |
Subject to the provisions of the Act in this regard, shares may be issued on the terms that they are redeemable, or at the option of the Company be liable to be redeemed on such terms and in such manner as the directors before or at the time of the issue of such shares may determine. |
7 |
The directors may redeem any share issued by the Company at a premium. |
8 |
If at any time the Company is authorised to issue shares of more than one class the rights attached to any class (unless otherwise provided by the terms of issue of the shares of that class) may, whether or not the Company is being wound up, be varied with the consent in writing of the holders of not less than three-fourths of the issued shares of that class and the holders of not less than three-fourths of the issued shares of any other class of shares which may be affected by such variation. |
9 |
The rights conferred upon the holders of the shares of any class issued with preferred or other rights shall not, unless otherwise expressly provided by the terms of issue of the shares of that class, be deemed to be varied by the creation or issue of further shares ranking pari passu therewith. |
10 |
Except as required by the Act, no person shall be recognised by the Company as holding any share upon any trust, and the Company shall not be bound by or be compelled in any way to recognise (even when having notice thereof) any equitable, contingent, future or partial interest in any share or any interest in any fractional part of a share or (except as provided by these Articles or by the Act any other rights in respect of any share except any absolute right to the entirety thereof by the registered holder. |
2
TRANSFER OF SHARES
11 |
Shares in the Company shall be transferred by a written instrument of transfer signed by the transferor and containing the name and address of the transferee. The instrument of transfer shall also be signed by the transferee if registration as a holder of the shares imposes a liability to the Company on the transferee. The instrument of transfer of a registered share shall be sent to the Company for registration. |
12 |
Subject to the Memorandum of Association, these Articles and to Section 54(5) of the Act, the Company shall, on receipt of an instrument of transfer, enter the name of the transferee of the share in the register of members unless the directors resolve to refuse or delay the registration of the transfer for reasons that shall be specified in the resolution. |
TRANSMISSION OF SHARES
13 |
Subject to Sections 52(2) and 53 of the Act, the executor or administrator of a deceased member, the guardian of an incompetent member or the trustee of a bankrupt member shall be the only person recognized by the Company as having any title to his share, save that and only in the event of death, incompetence or bankruptcy of any member or members of the Company as a consequence of which the Company no longer has any directors or members, then upon the production of any documentation which is reasonable evidence of the applicant being entitled to: |
(a) |
a grant of probate of the deceaseds will, or grant of letters of administration of the deceaseds estate, or confirmation of the appointment as executor or administrator (as the case may be), of a deceased members estate; or |
(b) |
the appointment of a guardian of an incompetent member; or |
(c) |
the appointment as trustee of a bankrupt member; or |
(d) |
upon production of any other reasonable evidence of the applicants beneficial ownership of, or entitlement to the shares, |
to the Companys registered agent in the British Virgin Islands together with (if so requested by the registered agent) a notarised copy of the share certificate(s) of the deceased, incompetent or bankrupt member, an indemnity in favour of the registered agent and appropriate legal advice in respect of any document issued by a foreign court, then the administrator, executor, guardian or trustee in bankruptcy (as the case may be) notwithstanding that their name has not been entered in the share register of the Company, may by written resolution of the applicant, endorsed with written approval by the registered agent, be appointed a director of the Company or entered in the share register as the legal and or beneficial owner of the shares.
3
14 |
The production to the Company of any document which is reasonable evidence of: |
(a) |
a grant of probate of the will, or grant of letters of administration of the estate, or confirmation of the appointment as executor, of a deceased member; or |
(b) |
the appointment of a guardian of an incompetent member; or |
(c) |
the trustee of a bankrupt member; or |
(d) |
the applicants legal and or beneficial ownership of the shares, |
shall be accepted by the Company even if the deceased, incompetent member or bankrupt member is domiciled outside the British Virgin Islands if the document is issued by a foreign court which had competent jurisdiction in the matter. For the purposes of establishing whether or not a foreign court had competent jurisdiction in such a matter the directors may obtain appropriate legal advice. The directors may also require an indemnity to be given by the executor, administrator, guardian or trustee in bankruptcy.
15 |
Any person becoming entitled by operation of law or otherwise to a share or shares in consequence of the death, incompetence or bankruptcy of any member may be registered as a member upon such evidence being produced as may reasonably be required by the directors. An application by any such person to be registered as a member shall for all purposes be deemed to be a transfer of shares of the deceased, incompetent or bankrupt member and the directors shall treat it as such. |
Any person who has become entitled to a share or shares in consequence of the death, incompetence or bankruptcy of any member may, instead of being registered himself, request in writing that some person to be named by him be registered as the transferee of such share or shares and such request shall likewise be treated as if it were a transfer.
What amounts to incompetence on the part of a person is a matter to be determined by the court having regard to all the relevant evidence and the circumstances of the case.
ACQUISITION OF OWN SHARES
16 |
Subject to the provisions of the Act in this regard, the directors may, on behalf of the Company, out of the funds legally available, purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire, by the affirmative vote of members holding 2/3 or more voting power, any of the Companys own shares for such consideration as they consider fit, and either cancel or hold such shares as treasury shares and the share certificates of such shares shall be cancelled accordingly. The directors may dispose of any shares held as treasury shares on such terms and conditions as they may from time to time determine. Shares may be purchased or otherwise acquired in exchange for newly issued shares in the Company. |
4
CO-SALE AND ANTI-DILUTION
17 |
Co-sale Right |
(a) |
If each of ZJGK and Zhijun Capital (each, an Investor) does not exercise rights of first refusal in event of a proposed transfer (Proposed Transfer), such Investor may elect to exercise its right (the Co-sale Rights) by participating in such Proposed Transfer and sell its holding shares on a pro-rata basis to any prospective transferee, at such consideration and on such terms and conditions specified in a written notice delivered to such transferring member and the Company (the Co-sale Notice). |
(b) |
If the prospective transferee refuses to purchase any and all shares of Investor under Article 17(a), or fails to complete the purchase of the said shares from Investor prior to or simultaneously with that from the transferring member, such transferring member shall not sell or transfer any of its holding shares to such prospective transferee, unless the transferring member complete the purchase of shares from Investor prior to or simultaneously with its own Proposed Transfer at the same price (no less than the par value) and other same terms and conditions set forth in the Co-sale Notice. |
18 |
Anti-dilution |
Where the Company issues any new shares or increase share capital (other than shares issued under a board approved employee stock option plan), with its issuing price per share less than the purchase price paid by ZJGK or Zhijun Capital, each of ZJGK and Zhijun Capital shall be entitled to an anti-dilution protective relief, whereby such investor can subscribe to and purchase such newly issued shares for no or nominal consideration to the extent permitted by applicable laws.
MEETINGS OF MEMBERS
19 |
The directors may convene meetings of the members of the Company at such times and in such manner and places as the directors consider necessary or desirable, and they shall convene such a meeting upon the written request of members entitled to exercise at least ten (10) percent of the voting rights independently or collectively in respect of the matter for which the meeting is requested. |
5
20 |
Seven (7) days notice at the least specifying the place, the day and the hour of the meeting and general nature of the business to be conducted shall be given in the manner hereinafter mentioned to such persons whose names on the date the notice is given appear as members in the share register of the Company and are entitled to vote at the meeting. |
21 |
Notwithstanding Article 20, a meeting of members held in contravention of the requirement to give notice is valid if members holding two-thirds (66.7 percent) majority of: |
(a) |
the total voting rights on all the matters to be considered at the meeting; or |
(b) |
the votes of each class or series of shares where members are entitled to vote thereon as a class or series together with an absolute majority of the remaining votes, |
have waived notice of the meeting and, for this purpose, the presence of a member at the meeting shall be deemed to constitute waiver on his part.
22 |
The inadvertent failure of the directors to give notice of a meeting to a member or the fact that a member has not received the notice, shall not invalidate the meeting. |
23 |
A member shall be deemed to be present at a meeting of members if he participates by telephone or other electronic means and all persons participating in the meeting are able to hear each other. |
PROCEEDINGS AT MEETINGS OF MEMBERS
24 |
No business shall be transacted at any meeting unless a quorum of members is present at the time when the meeting proceeds to business. A quorum shall consist of the holder or holders present in person or by proxy entitled to exercise two-thirds (2/3) of the voting rights of the shares entitled to vote. |
25 |
If, within half an hour from the time appointed for the meeting, a quorum is not present, the meeting shall be dissolved. |
26 |
At every meeting the members present shall choose someone of their number to be the chairman (the Chairman). If the members are unable to choose a Chairman for any reason, then the person representing the greatest number of voting shares present at the meeting shall preside as Chairman failing which the oldest individual member present at the meeting or failing any member personally attending the meeting, the proxy present at the meeting representing the oldest member of the Company, shall take the chair. |
6
27 |
The Chairman may, with the consent of the meeting, adjourn any 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. |
28 |
At any meeting a resolution put to the vote of the meeting shall be decided on a show of hands by a simple majority unless a poll is (before or on the declaration of the result of the show of hands) demanded: |
(a) |
by the Chairman; or |
(b) |
by any member present in person or by proxy and holding not less than one tenth of the total voting shares issued by the Company and having the right to vote at the meeting. |
29 |
Unless a poll be so demanded, a declaration by the Chairman that a resolution has, on a show of hands been carried, and an entry to that effect in the book containing the minutes of the proceedings of the Company, shall be sufficient evidence of the fact, without proof of the number or proportion of the votes recorded in favour of or against such resolution. |
30 |
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. The demand for a poll may be withdrawn. |
31 |
In the case of an equality of votes, whether on a show of hands, or on a poll, the Chairman of the meeting at which the show of hands takes place, or at which the poll is demanded, shall be entitled to a second or casting vote. |
VOTES OF MEMBERS
32 |
At any meeting of members whether on a show of hands or on a poll every holder of a Class A Ordinary Share present in person or by proxy shall have one vote for every Class A Ordinary Share of which he is the holder and every holder of a Class B Ordinary Share present in person or by proxy shall have ten votes for every Class B Ordinary Share of which he is the holder. |
33 |
Subject to the memorandum or these Articles, an action that may be taken by members of the Company at a meeting of members may also be taken by a resolution of members consented to in writing or by telex, telegram, cable or other written electronic communication, without the need for any notice. |
7
34 |
If a committee is appointed for any member who is of unsound mind, that member may vote by such committee. |
35 |
If two or more persons are jointly entitled to a registered share or shares and if more than one of such persons shall vote in person or by proxy at any meeting of members or in accordance with the terms of Article 32, the vote of that person whose name appears first among such voting joint holders in the share register shall alone be counted. |
36 |
Votes may be given either personally or by proxy. |
37 |
The instrument appointing a proxy shall be produced at the place appointed for the meeting before the time for holding the meeting at which the person named in such instrument proposes to vote. |
38 |
Subject to Article 39 below, an instrument appointing a proxy shall be in such form as the Chairman of the meeting shall accept as properly evidencing the wishes of the member appointing the proxy. |
39 |
The instrument appointing a proxy shall be in writing under the hand of the appointer unless the appointer is a corporation or other form of legal entity other than one or more individuals holding as joint owner in which case the instrument appointing a proxy shall be in writing under the hand of an individual duly authorised by such corporation or legal entity to execute the same. The Chairman of any meeting at which a vote is cast by proxy so authorised may call for a notarially certified copy of such authority which shall be produced within seven days of being so requested failing which the vote or votes cast by such proxy shall be disregarded. |
40 |
Matters Requiring the Approval of the Members |
Subject to the Act and these Articles, any of the following actions (whether in a single transaction or a series of related transactions) of the Company or any affiliates of the Company (collectively referred to as the Group Company) shall obtain prior approval or consent of the members who hold two thirds (2/3) of the votes of the Company:
(c) |
any increase or decrease the authorized number of shares, the share capital or registered capital; |
(d) |
any issuance of equity securities, options to purchase equity securities, new series of equity securities or any other debt securities; |
8
(e) |
any liquidation, dissolution, winding up, rearrangement of capital structure, reorganization, merger and acquisition, division, IPO, entering into procedures of bankruptcy; |
(f) |
any major amendments to the Articles or other organizational documentations of the Company; |
(g) |
any reclassification of the shares issued ranking on a parity with or senior to the shares held by ZJGK and Zhijun Capital. |
CORPORATIONS ACTING BY REPRESENTATIVES AT MEETINGS
41 |
Any corporation or other form of corporate legal entity which is a member of the Company 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 members or any class of members of the Company, and the person so authorised shall be entitled to exercise the same powers on behalf of the corporation which he represents as that corporation could exercise if it were an individual member of the Company. |
DIRECTORS
42 |
Subject to any subsequent amendment to change the number of directors, the number of the directors shall be not less than one or more than fifteen. |
43 |
The first director or directors shall be appointed by the registered agent of the Company. Thereafter, the directors shall be appointed by the members or the directors for such terms as the members or directors may determine and may be removed by the members or the directors by way of a resolution. |
44 |
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 114 of the Act, each director holds office until his successor takes office or until his earlier death resignation or removal by the members as per Article 43 or a resolution passed by the majority of the remaining directors. |
45 |
A vacancy in the board of directors may be filled by a resolution of members or a resolution passed by the majority of the remaining directors. |
46 |
A director shall not require a share qualification, but nevertheless shall be entitled to attend and speak at any meeting of the members and at any separate meeting of the holders of any class of shares in the Company. |
47 |
A director, by writing under his hand deposited at the registered office of the Company, may from time to time appoint another director or another person to be his alternate. |
9
Every such alternate shall be entitled to be given notice of meetings of the directors and to attend and vote as a director at any such meeting at which the director appointing him is not personally present and generally at such meeting to have and exercise all the powers, rights, duties and authorities of the director appointing him. Every such alternate shall be deemed to be an officer of the Company and shall not be deemed to be an agent of the director appointing him. If undue delay or difficulty would be occasioned by giving notice to a director of a resolution of which his approval is sought in accordance
with Article 74 his alternate (if any) shall be entitled to signify approval of the same on behalf of that director. The remuneration of an alternate shall be payable out of the remuneration payable to the director appointing him, and shall consist of such portion of the last mentioned remuneration as shall be agreed between such alternate and the director appointing him. A director by writing under his hand deposited at the registered office of the Company may at any time revoke the appointment of an alternate appointed by him. If a director shall die or cease to hold the office of director, the appointment of his alternate shall thereupon cease and terminate.
48 |
The directors may, by resolution, fix the emolument of directors in respect of services rendered or to be rendered in any capacity to the Company. The directors may also be paid such travelling, hotel and other expenses properly incurred by them in attending and returning from meetings of the directors, or any committee of the directors or meetings of the members, or in connection with the business of the Company as shall be approved by resolution of the directors. |
49 |
Any director who, by request, goes or resides abroad for any purposes of the Company, or who performs services which in the opinion of the Board go beyond the ordinary duties of a director, may be paid such extra remuneration (whether by way of salary, commission, participation in profits or otherwise) as shall be approved by resolution of the directors. |
50 |
The Company may pay to a director who at the request of the Company holds any office (including a directorship) in, or renders services to, any company in which the Company may be interested, such remuneration (whether by way of salary, commission, participation in profits or otherwise) in respect of such office or services as shall be approved by resolution of the directors. |
51 |
The office of director shall be vacated if the director: |
(a) |
is removed from office by resolution of members; or |
(b) |
is removed from office by resolution of the directors of the Company; or |
10
(c) |
becomes disqualified to act as a director under Section 111 of the Act. |
52 (a) |
A director may hold any other office or position of profit under the Company (except that of auditor) in conjunction with his office of director, and may act in a professional capacity to the Company on such terms as to remuneration and otherwise as the directors shall arrange. |
(b) |
A director may be or become a director or officer of, or otherwise be interested in any company promoted by the Company, or in which the Company may be interested, as a member or otherwise and no such director shall be accountable for any remuneration or other benefits received by him as director or officer or from his interest in such other company. The directors may also exercise the voting |
powers conferred by the shares in any other company held or owned by the Company in such manner in all respects as they think fit, including the exercise thereof in favour of any resolutions appointing them, or of their number, directors or officers of such other company, or voting or providing for the payment of remuneration to the directors or officers of such other company. A director may vote in favour of the exercise of such voting rights in the manner aforesaid notwithstanding that he may be, or be about to become, a director or officer of such other company, and as such in any other manner is, or may be, interested in the exercise of such voting rights in the manner aforesaid. |
(c) |
No director shall be disqualified by his office from contracting with the Company either as a vendor, purchaser or otherwise, nor shall any such contract or arrangement entered into by or on behalf of the Company in which any director shall be in any way interested be voided, 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 by reason of the fiduciary relationship thereby established, provided the procedure in Article 52 (d) below is followed. |
(d) |
A director of the Company shall, immediately after becoming aware of the fact that he is interested in a transaction entered into or to be entered into by the Company, disclose such interest to the board of directors. |
(e) |
A director of the Company is not required to comply with Article 52(d) above if: |
(i) |
the transaction or proposed transaction is between the director and the Company; and |
11
(ii) |
the transaction or proposed transaction is or is to be entered into in the ordinary course of the Companys business and on usual terms and conditions. |
(f) |
For the purposes of Article 52(d) above, a disclosure to the board to the effect that a director is a member, director, officer or trustee of another named company or other person and is to be regarded as interested in any transaction which may, after the date of the entry or disclosure, be entered into with that company or person, is a sufficient disclosure of interest in relation to that transaction. |
(g) |
Subject to Section 125(1) of the Act, the failure by a director to comply with Article 52(d) does not affect the validity of a transaction entered into by the director or the Company. |
OFFICERS
53 |
The directors of the Company may, by resolution of directors, appoint officers of the Company at such times as shall be considered necessary or expedient, and such officers may consist of a President, one or more Vice Presidents, a Secretary, and a Treasurer and/or such other officers as may from time to time be deemed desirable. The officers shall perform such duties as shall be prescribed at the time of their appointment subject to any modifications in such duties as may be prescribed by the directors thereafter, but in the absence of any specific allocation of duties it shall be the responsibility of the President to manage the day to day affairs of the Company, the Vice Presidents to act in order of seniority in the absence of the President, but otherwise to perform such duties as may be delegated to them by the President, the Secretary to maintain the registers, minute books and records (other than financial records) of the Company and to ensure compliance with all procedural requirements imposed on the Company by applicable law, and the Treasurer to be responsible for the financial affairs of the Company. |
54 |
Any person may hold more than one office and no officer need be a director or member of the Company. The officers shall remain in office until removed from office by the directors, whether or not a successor is appointed. |
55 |
Any officer who is a body corporate may appoint any person its duly authorised representative for the purpose of representing it and of transacting any of the business of the officers. |
12
POWERS OF DIRECTORS
56 |
The business of the Company shall be managed by the directors who may pay all expenses incurred preliminary to and in connection with the formation and registration of the Company, and may exercise all such powers of the Company necessary for managing and for directing and supervising, the business and affairs of the Company as are not by the Act or by these Articles required to be exercised by the members subject to any delegation of such powers as may be authorised by these Articles and permitted by the Act and to such requirements as may be prescribed by resolution of the members, but no requirement made by resolution of the members shall prevail if it be inconsistent with these Articles nor shall such requirement invalidate any prior act of the directors which would have been valid if such requirement had not been made. |
57 |
The board of directors may entrust to and confer upon any director or officer any of the powers exercisable by it upon such terms and conditions and with such restrictions as it thinks fit, and either collaterally with, or to the exclusion of, its own powers, and may from time to time revoke, withdraw, alter or vary all or any of such powers. Subject to the provisions of Section 110 of the Act, the directors may delegate any of their powers to committees consisting of such member or members of their body as they think fit. Any committees so formed shall in the exercise of powers so delegated conform to any regulations that may be imposed on it by the directors or the provisions of the Act. |
58 |
The directors may from time to time by power of attorney appoint any company, firm or person or body of persons to be the attorney or attorneys of the Company for such purposes and with such powers, authorities and discretions (not exceeding those vested in or exercisable by the directors under these Articles) and for such period and subject to such conditions as the directors think fit. |
59 |
Any director who is a body corporate may appoint any person its duly authorised representative for the purpose of representing it at meetings of the directors and of transacting any of the business of the directors. |
60 |
All cheques, promissory notes, drafts, bills of exchange and other negotiable instruments and all receipts for monies paid to the Company, shall be signed, drawn, accepted, endorsed or otherwise executed as the case may be, in such manner as the directors shall from time to time by resolution determine. |
61 |
The directors may exercise all the powers of the Company to borrow money and to mortgage or charge its undertakings and property, 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. |
13
62 |
The continuing directors may act notwithstanding any vacancy in their body, save that if the number of directors shall have been fixed at two or more persons and by reason of vacancies having occurred in the board of directors there shall be only one continuing director, he shall be authorised to act alone only for the purpose of appointing another director. |
63 |
Matters Requiring Unanimous Approval of the Board of Directors: |
Any of the following actions (whether in a single transaction or a series of related transactions) of the Group Company shall obtain prior approval or consent of the board of directors unanimously:
(a) |
any liquidation, dissolution, reorganization, merger and acquisition, division, IPO or entering into the procedures of bankruptcy; |
(b) |
any decrease in share capital, any put or redemption of shares except for the redemption of shares from employees, directors, consultants of the Group Company pursuant to agreements/contracts upon the end of employment or service; |
(c) |
any amendment to or cease of the activities of the Group Company within the current business scope or core business, participation into the industries that have major difference from the current business scope or core business of the Group Company, and approval of the foregoing; |
(d) |
any approval of or amendment to the Companys overall employee stock option plan or release rules, and the overall stock option plan for senior officers; |
(e) |
any amendment, alteration, or new restriction to the rights, preferential right, privileges or powers provided for the benefit of, the shares of ZJGK and Zhijun Capital; |
(f) |
any authorization, designation or issuance of any class or series of securities ranking on a parity with or senior to the shares held by ZJGK and Zhijun Capital; |
(g) |
any reclassification to the existing shares resulting in ranking them on a parity with or senior to the shares held by ZJGK and Zhijun Capital in light of interest or assets; |
(h) |
any disposal of all or substantial part of the assets of the Group Company by way of sale, lease, transfer or other means. |
64 |
Matters Requiring Majority Approval of the Board of Directors: |
14
Any of the following actions (whether in a single transaction or a series of related transactions) of the Group Company shall obtain prior approval or consent of 4/7 or over of the board of directors:
(a) |
making of the operation scheme and investment plan of any Group Company; |
(b) |
approving or amending the annual business plan or budget; |
(c) |
approving or amending the profit distribution plan and loss compensation plan; |
(d) |
approval or amending the major financing plan; |
(e) |
disposing 10% or over of the net assets of any Group Company by way of receiving, selling, leasing, transferring or other means; |
(f) |
external investment in excess of 10% or over of the net assets of any Group Company; |
(g) |
related-party transactions (board members of the related parties shall not vote in such transactions); |
(h) |
entering into any transactions in excess of RMB1,000,000, whether in a single transaction or a series of similar transactions, and the sum shall increase 10% every 12 months upon the execution of the Articles; |
(i) |
making IPO plans; |
(j) |
appointing or changing the auditors, or major amendment to financing/accounting rules; |
(k) |
external investment, whether in equity or in debts; |
(l) |
external guarantee; |
(m) |
payments made between the Group Company in excess of RMB1,500,000 in a single transaction or net payments in excess of RMB6,000,000; |
(n) |
approving or amending the overall employee stock option plan except for senior officers; |
(o) |
increasing authorized shares, issued share capital or registered capital; and |
15
(p) |
making investment plans of any Group Company in connection with construction projects. |
PROCEEDINGS OF DIRECTORS
65 |
The meetings of the board of directors and any committee thereof shall be held at such place or places as the directors shall decide. |
66 |
The directors may elect a chairman (the Chairman of the Board of Directors) of their meeting and determine the period for which he is to hold office. If no such Chairman of the Board of Directors is elected, or if at any meeting the Chairman of the Board of Directors is not present at the time appointed for holding the meeting, the directors present may choose one of their number to be Chairman of the Board of Directors for the meeting. If the directors are unable to choose a Chairman of the Board of Directors, for any reason, then the oldest director present at the meeting shall preside as the Chairman of the Board of Directors. |
67 |
The directors may meet together for the dispatch of business, adjourn and otherwise regulate their meetings as they think fit, provided that a board meeting shall be convened once at least on a semi-annual basis. Unless otherwise stipulated under these Articles, questions arising at any meeting shall be decided by a majority of votes. In case of an equality in votes the Chairman shall have a second or casting vote. A director may at any time summon a meeting of the directors. If the Company shall have only one director, the provisions hereinafter contained for meetings of the directors shall not apply but such sole director shall have full power to represent and act for the Company in all matters and in lieu of minutes of a meeting shall record in writing and sign a note of memorandum of all matters requiring a resolution of the directors. Such note or memorandum shall constitute sufficient evidence of such resolution for all purposes. |
68 |
A director shall be given not less than fifteen (15) days notice of a meeting of the directors. |
69 |
Notwithstanding Article 68, a meeting of directors held in contravention of Article 68 is valid if a majority of the directors, entitled to vote at the meeting, have waived the notice of the meeting; and, for this purpose, the presence of a director at the meeting shall be deemed to constitute waiver on his part. |
70 |
The inadvertent failure to give notice of a meeting to a director, or the fact that a director has not received the notice shall not invalidate the meeting. |
16
71 |
A meeting of the directors is duly constituted for all purposes if at the commencement of the meeting there are present in person or by alternate not less than three-fifths of the total number of directors with a minimum of five (5), or in the case of only one director a minimum of one (1). |
72 |
If within half an hour from the time appointed for the meeting a quorum is not present, the meeting shall be dissolved. |
73 |
Any one or more members of the board of directors or any committee thereof may participate in a meeting of such board of directors or committee by means of a conference telephone or similar communications equipment allowing all persons participating in the meeting to hear each other at the same time. Participating by such means shall constitute presence in person at a meeting. |
74 |
A resolution approved by three-fifths of the directors for the time being entitled to receive notice of a meeting of the directors or of a committee of the directors and taking the form of one or more documents in writing or by telefax or other written or electronic communication shall be as valid and effectual as if it had been passed at a meeting of the directors or of such committee duly convened and held, without the need for any notice. |
INDEMNITY
75 |
Subject to the provisions of the Act, the Company may indemnify against all expenses, including legal fees, and against all judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement and reasonably incurred in connection with legal, administrative or investigative proceedings any person who: |
(a) |
is or was a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed proceedings, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that the person is or was a director of the Company; or |
(b) |
is or was, at the request of the Company, serving as a director of, or in any other capacity is or was acting for, another company or a partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise. |
SEAL
76 |
The directors shall provide for the safe custody of the common seal of the Company. The common seal when affixed to any instrument except as provided in Article 2, shall be witnessed by a director or officer of the Company or any other person so authorised from time to time by the directors. The directors may provide for a facsimile of the common seal and approve the signature of any director or authorised person which may be reproduced by printing or other means on any instrument and it shall have the same force and validity as if the seal has been affixed to such instrument and the same had been signed as hereinbefore described. |
17
DISTRIBUTIONS
77 |
Subject to the provisions of the Act, the directors of a Company may, by resolution, authorise a distribution by the Company at a time, and of an amount, and to any members they think fit if they are satisfied, on reasonable grounds, that the Company will, immediately after the distribution, satisfy the solvency test as stipulated in Section 56 of the Act. |
78 |
All distributions shall be declared and paid according to the par value of the shares in issue, excluding those shares which are held by the Company as Treasury Shares at the date of declaration of the distribution. |
79 |
The directors may, before recommending any distribution, set aside out of the profits of the Company such sums as they think proper as a reserve or reserves which shall, at their discretion, 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. |
80 |
If several persons are registered as joint holders of any share, any of them may give effectual receipt for any distribution or other monies payable on or in respect of the share. |
81 |
Notice of any distribution that may have been declared shall be given to each member in manner hereinafter mentioned and all distributions unclaimed for three years after having been declared may be forfeited by the directors for the benefit of the Company. |
82 |
No distribution shall bear interest against the Company. |
COMPANY RECORDS
83 |
The Company shall keep records that: |
(a) |
are sufficient to show and explain the Companys transactions; and |
(b) |
will, at any time, enable the financial position of the Company to be determined with reasonable accuracy. |
84 |
The Company shall keep: |
(a) |
minutes of all meetings of: |
18
(i) |
directors, |
(ii) |
members, |
(iii) |
committees of directors, and |
(iv) |
committees of members; |
(b) |
copies of all resolutions consented to by: |
(i) |
directors, |
(ii) |
members, |
(iii) |
committees of directors, and |
(iv) |
committees of members; |
(c) |
where it has a common seal, an imprint of the seal at the registered office of the Company. |
85 |
The Company shall keep the following records at the office of its registered agent or at such other place or places, within or outside the British Virgin Islands, as the directors may determine: |
(a) |
minutes of meetings and resolutions of members and of classes of members maintained in accordance with Article 84; and |
(b) |
minutes of meetings and resolutions of directors and committees of directors maintained in accordance with Article 84. |
86 |
The Company shall keep the following documents at the office of its registered agent: |
(a) |
the memorandum and articles of the Company; |
(b) |
the register of members maintained in accordance with Article 89 or a copy of the register of members; |
(c) |
the register of directors maintained in accordance with Article 88 or a copy of the register of directors; |
(d) |
copies of all notices and other documents filed by the Company in the previous ten years; and |
19
(e) |
a copy of the register of charges kept by the Company pursuant to Section 162(1) of the Act. |
87 (a) |
Where the Company keeps a copy of the register of members or the register of directors at the office of its registered agent, it shall |
(i) |
within 15 days of any change in the register, notify the registered agent, in writing, of the change; and |
(ii) |
provide the registered agent with a written record of the physical address of the place or places at which the original register of members or the original register of directors is kept. |
(b) |
Where the place at which the original register of members or the original register of directors is changed, the Company shall provide the registered agent with the physical address of the new location of the records within 14 days of the change of location. |
88 |
The Company shall keep a register to be known as a register of directors containing the names and addresses of the persons who are directors of the Company, the date on which each person whose name is entered in the register was appointed as a director of the Company, the date on which each person named as a director ceased to be a director of the Company, and such other information as may be prescribed. |
89 |
The Company shall maintain an accurate and complete register of members showing the full names and addresses of all persons holding registered shares in the Company, the number of each class and series of registered shares held by such person, the date on which the name of each member was entered in the register of members and where applicable, the date such person ceased to hold any registered shares in the Company. |
90 |
The records, documents and registers required by Articles 83 to 89 inclusive shall be open to the inspection of the directors at all times. |
91 |
The directors shall from time to time determine whether and to what extent and at what times and places and under what conditions the records, documents and registers 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 records, documents or registers of the Company except as conferred by the Act or authorised by resolution of the directors. |
20
AUDIT
92 |
The directors may by resolution call for the accounts of the Company to be examined by an auditor or auditors to be appointed by them at such remuneration as may from time to time be agreed. |
93 |
The auditor may be a member of the company but no director or officer shall be eligible during his continuance in office. |
94 |
Every auditor of the Company shall have a right of access at all times to the books of accounts of the Company, and shall be entitled to require from the officers of the Company such information and explanations as he thinks necessary for the performance of his duties. |
95 |
The report of the auditor shall be annexed to the accounts upon which he reports, and the auditor shall be entitled to receive notice of, and to attend, any meeting at which the Companys audited Profit and Loss Account and Balance Sheet is to be presented. |
NOTICES
96 |
Any notice, information or written statement required to be given to members shall be served by mail (air-mail service if available) addressed to each member at the address shown in the share register. |
97 |
All notices directed to be given to the members shall, with respect to any registered shares to which persons are jointly entitled, be given to whichever of such persons is named first in the share register, and notice so given shall be sufficient notice to all the holders of such shares. |
98 |
Any notice, if served by post, shall be deemed to have been served within ten days of posting, and in proving such service it shall be sufficient to prove that the letter containing the notice was properly addressed and mailed with the postage prepaid. |
PENSION AND SUPERANNUATION FUND
99 |
The directors may establish and maintain or procure the establishment and maintenance of any non-contributory or contributory pension or superannuation funds for the benefit of, and give or procure the giving of donations, gratuities, pensions, allowances or emoluments to any persons who are or were at any time in the employment or service of the Company or any company which is a subsidiary of the Company or is allied to or associated with the Company or with any such subsidiary, or who are or were at any time directors or officers of the Company or of any such other company as aforesaid or who hold or held any salaried employment or office in the Company or such other company, or any persons in whose welfare the Company or any such other company as aforesaid is, or has been at any time, interested, and to the wives, widows, families and dependents of any such persons, and make payments for or towards the insurance of such persons as aforesaid, and may do any of the matters aforesaid either alone or in conjunction with any such other company as aforesaid. A director holding any such employment or office shall be entitled to participate in and retain for his own benefit any such donation, gratuity, pension, allowance or emolument. |
21
WINDING UP
100 |
The Company may be voluntarily liquidated under Part XII of the Act if it has no liabilities and it is able to pay its debts as they become due. If the Company shall be wound up, the liquidator may, in accordance with a resolution of members, divide amongst the members in specie or in kind the whole or any part of the assets of the Company (whether they shall consist of property of the same kind or not) and may for such purpose set such value as he deems fair upon any such property to be divided as aforesaid and may determine how such division shall be carried out as between the members or different classes of members. The liquidator may vest the whole or any part of such assets in trustees upon such trust for the benefit of the contributors as the liquidator shall think fit, but so that no member shall be compelled to accept any shares or other securities whereon there is any liability. |
AMENDMENT TO ARTICLES
101 |
Subject to the Articles, the Company may alter or modify the conditions contained in these Articles as originally drafted or as amended from time to time by a resolution of the members. |
22
We, SHRM Trustees (BVI) Limited of Trinity Chambers, PO Box 4301, Road Town, Tortola, Virgin Islands, British in our capacity as registered agent for the Company hereby apply to the Registrar for the incorporation of the Company this 5th day of January, 2010.
Incorporator
/s/ Ronan Kuczaj / David Finlayson |
Ronan Kuczaj / David Finlayson |
Authorised Signatories |
SHRM Trustees (BVI) Limited |
23
Exhibit 3.2
TERRITORY OF THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
THE BVI BUSINESS COMPANIES ACT (AS AMENDED)
COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES
THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED
MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
OF
AnPac Bio-Medical Science Co., Ltd.
Incorporated this 5th day of January 2010
Amended and Restated by meeting of the Shareholders on 8 June 2018
and further Amended and Restated on 31 October 2019
and further Amended and Restated on 31 October 2019
TERRITORY OF THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
THE BVI BUSINESS COMPANIES ACT (AS AMENDED)
COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES
THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED
MEMORANDUM OF ASSOCIATION
OF
AnPac Bio-Medical Science Co., Ltd.
1 |
The name of the Company is AnPac Bio-Medical Science Co., Ltd. |
2 |
The Company is a company limited by shares. |
3 |
The first Registered Office of the Company was at the offices of SHRM Trustees (BVI) Limited, Trinity Chambers, P.O. Box 4301, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands. The Directors or Members may from time to time change the Registered Office of the Company by resolution of the Directors or Resolution of Members. |
4 |
The first Registered Agent of the Company was SHRM Trustees (BVI) Limited of Trinity Chambers, P.O. Box 4301, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands. The Directors or Members may from time to time change the Registered Agent of the Company by resolution of the Directors or Resolution of Members. |
5 |
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 laws of the British Virgin Islands. |
6 |
The liability of each Member is limited to the amount, if any, unpaid on the Shares held by such Member. |
7 |
The Company is authorised to issue a maximum of 100,000,000 shares divided into two classes as follows: |
(a) |
70,000,000 class A ordinary shares with a par value of US$0.01 each (the Class A Ordinary Shares); and |
(b) |
30,000,000 class B ordinary shares with a par value of US$0.01 each (the Class B Ordinary Shares), |
each share having the right and restrictions set out in the Memorandum and Articles. Holders of Class A Ordinary Shares and Class B Ordinary Shares shall at all times vote together as one class on all resolutions submitted to a vote by the members of the Company. For the purposes of section 9 of the Statute, any rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attaching to any share as provided for in the Memorandum and Articles are deemed to be set out and stated in full in the Memorandum.
8 |
Each Class A Ordinary Share shall entitle the holder thereof to one (1) vote on all matters subject to vote at general meetings of the Company, and each Class B Ordinary Share shall entitle the holder thereof to ten (10) votes on all matters subject to vote at general meetings of the Company. |
9 |
Each Class A Ordinary Share confers on the holder: |
(a) |
the right to one (1) vote at a meeting of the members of the Company or on any resolution of the members of the Company; |
(b) |
the right to an equal share in any dividend paid by the Company in accordance with the Statute; and |
(c) |
the right to an equal share in the distribution of the surplus assets of the Company. |
10 |
Each Class B Ordinary Share confers on the holder: |
(a) |
the right to ten (10) votes at a meeting of the members of the Company or on any resolution of the members of the Company; |
(b) |
the right to an equal share in any dividend paid by the Company in accordance with the Statute; and |
(c) |
the right to an equal share in the distribution of the surplus assets of the Company. |
11 |
Each Class B Ordinary Share is convertible into one (1) Class A Ordinary Share at any time at the option of 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. |
12 |
Any conversion of Class B Ordinary Shares into Class A Ordinary Shares pursuant to these Articles shall be effected by means of the re-designation of each relevant Class B Ordinary Share as a Class A Ordinary Share. Such conversion shall become effective forthwith upon entries being made in the Register to record the re-designation of the relevant Class B Ordinary Shares as Class A Ordinary Shares. |
13 |
Upon any sale, transfer, assignment or disposition of any Class B Ordinary Share by a holder thereof to any person or entity who is not an Affiliate (which, for the purpose of this paragraph only, in the case of a natural person, refers only to any corporation or other entity controlled by such person) of the holder thereof, or upon a change of ultimate beneficial ownership of the holder of any Class B Ordinary Share to any person or entity who is not an Affiliate (which, for the purpose of this paragraph only, in the case of a natural person, refers only to any corporation or other entity controlled by such person) of the holder thereof, such Class B Ordinary Shares shall be automatically and immediately converted into the same number of Class A Ordinary Shares. For the avoidance of doubt, (i) a sale, transfer, assignment or disposition shall be effective upon the Companys registration of such sale, transfer, assignment or disposition in the Register; and (ii) the creation of any pledge, charge, encumbrance or other third party right of whatever description on any Class B Ordinary Shares to secure a holders 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 holding legal title to the relevant Class B Ordinary Shares, in which case all the related Class B Ordinary Shares shall be automatically converted into the same number of Class A Ordinary Shares. |
14 |
Save and except for voting rights as set out in Clauses 7, 8, 9 and 10 (inclusive) and the conversion rights as set out in Clauses 11, 12, and 13 (inclusive), the Class A Ordinary Shares and the Class B Ordinary Shares shall rank pari passu with one another and shall have the same rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions in all respects. |
15 |
Shares may only be issued as registered shares and the Company is not authorised to issue bearer shares. Registered shares may not be exchanged for bearer shares or converted to bearer shares. |
16 |
Capitalised terms that are not defined in this Memorandum of Association bear the same meanings as those given in the Articles of Association of the Company. |
2
17 |
Subject to the provisions of the Statute, the Company may from time to time amend the Memorandum of Association or the Articles of Association by Resolution of Members or resolution of the Directors. |
3
We, SHRM Trustees (BVI) Limited of Trinity Chambers, PO Box 4301, Road Town, Tortola, Virgin Islands, British in our capacity as registered agent for the Company hereby apply to the Registrar for the incorporation of the Company this 5th day of January, 2010.
Incorporator |
/s/ Ronan Kuczaj / David Finlayson |
Ronan Kuczaj / David Finlayson |
Authorised Signatories |
SHRM Trustees (BVI) Limited |
4
TERRITORY OF THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
THE BVI BUSINESS COMPANIES ACT (AS AMENDED)
COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES
THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED
ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
OF
AnPac Bio-Medical Science Co., Ltd.
INTERPRETATION
1 |
In these Articles the following defined terms will have the meanings ascribed to them, if not inconsistent with the subject or context: |
ADS | means an American Depositary Share, each representing one Class A Ordinary Shares as of the date of registration of these Articles and subject to adjustment from time to time; | |||
Affiliate | means in respect of a Person, any other Person that, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such Person, and (i) in the case of a natural person, shall include, without limitation, such persons spouse, parents, children, siblings, mother-in-law, father-in-law, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, a trust for the benefit of any of the foregoing, and a corporation, partnership or any other entity wholly or jointly owned by any of the foregoing, and (ii) in the case of an entity, shall include a partnership, a corporation or any other entity or any natural person which directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such entity. The term control shall mean the ownership, directly or indirectly, of shares possessing more than fifty per cent (50%) of the voting power of the corporation, partnership or other entity (other than, in the case of a corporation, securities having such power only by reason of the happening of a contingency), or having the power to control the management or elect a majority of members to the board of directors or equivalent decision-making body of such corporation, partnership or other entity; | |||
Articles | means these articles of association of the Company, as amended or substituted from time to time; | |||
Board and Board of Directors and Directors | means the directors of the Company for the time being, or as the case may be, the directors assembled as a board or as a committee thereof; | |||
Chairman | means the chairman of the Board of Directors; |
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 | means an Ordinary Share of a par value of US$0.01 in the capital of the Company, designated as a Class A Ordinary Shares and having the rights provided for in these Articles; | |||
Class B Ordinary Share | means an Ordinary Share of a par value of US$0.01 in the capital of the Company, designated as a Class B Ordinary Share and having the rights provided for 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 AnPac Bio-Medical Science Co., Ltd., a British Virgin Islands company; | |||
Companys 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 with the Commission in connection with its initial public offering of ADSs, or which has otherwise been notified to Shareholders; | |||
Designated Stock Exchange | means the stock exchange in the United States on which any Shares and 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; | |||
Distribution | means any distribution (including an interim or final dividend); | |||
electronic | has the meaning given to it in the Electronic Transactions Law and any amendment thereto or re-enactments thereof for the time being in force and includes every other law incorporated therewith or substituted therefor; | |||
electronic communication | means electronic posting to the Companys Website, transmission to any number, address or internet website or other electronic delivery methods as otherwise decided and approved by not less than two-thirds (2/3rds) of the vote of the Board; | |||
Electronic Transactions Act | means the Electronic Transactions Act, 2001 of the British Virgin Islands and any statutory amendment or re-enactment thereof; | |||
electronic record | has the meaning given to it in the Electronic Transactions Act and any amendment thereto or re-enactments thereof for the time being in force and includes every other law incorporated therewith or substituted therefor; | |||
Memorandum of Association | means the memorandum of association of the Company, as amended or substituted from time to time; |
2
Ordinary Share | means a Class A Ordinary Share or a Class B Ordinary Share; | |||
paid up | means paid up as to the par value in respect of the issue of any Shares and includes credited as paid up; | |||
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; | |||
Register | means the register of Members maintained in accordance with the Statute; | |||
Registered Agent | means the registered agent for the time being of the Company; | |||
Registered Office | means the registered office for the time being of the Company; | |||
Resolution of Members | means, (i) a resolution approved at a duly convened and constituted general meeting of the Shareholders by a majority of in excess of 50% of the votes cast by those Shareholders entitled to vote on the resolution (having regard to the number of votes to which each such Shareholder is entitled under the Memorandum and Articles), or such other threshold as may be specified in the Memorandum and Articles, or (ii) a resolution in writing signed or consented to in writing or by telex, telegram, cable or other written electronic communication by or on behalf of one or more Shareholders who together hold Shares which carry, in aggregate, a majority in excess of 50% of the votes of all Shareholders entitled to vote on the resolution at a general meeting (having regard to the number of votes to which each such Shareholder is entitled under the Memorandum and Articles), or such other threshold as may be specified in the Memorandum and Articles. | |||
Seal | means the common seal of the Company (if adopted) including any facsimile thereof; | |||
Secretary | means any Person appointed by the Directors to perform any of the duties of the secretary of the Company; | |||
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; | |||
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 or Member | means a Person who is registered as the holder of one or more Shares in the Register; | |||
signed | means bearing a signature or representation of a signature affixed by mechanical means or an electronic symbol or process attached to or logically associated with an electronic communication and executed or adopted by a Person with the intent to sign the electronic communication; |
3
Statute | means the BVI Business Companies Act (as amended) of the British Virgin Islands. | |||
Treasury Share | means a Share held in the name of the Company as a treasury share in accordance with the Statute; and | |||
United States | means the United States of America, its territories, its possessions and all areas subject to its jurisdiction. |
2 |
In these Articles, save where the context required otherwise: |
(a) |
words importing the singular number 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 US$) 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; |
(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 including in the form of an electronic record or partly one and partly another; |
(h) |
any requirements as to delivery under the Articles include delivery in the form of an electronic record or an electronic communication; |
(i) |
any requirements as to execution or signature under the Articles including the execution of the Memorandum and Articles themselves can be satisfied in the form of an electronic signature as provided for in the Electronic Transactions Act; and |
(j) |
section 8(2) of the Electronic Transactions Act shall not apply. |
PRELIMINARY
3 |
The business of the Company may be conducted as the Directors see fit. |
4 |
The Registered Office shall be at such address in the British Virgin 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. |
4
5 |
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. |
6 |
The Directors shall keep, or cause to be kept, the Register at such place as the Directors may from time to time determine and, in the absence of any such determination, the Register shall be kept at the Registered Office. |
SHARES
7 |
Subject to the provisions, if any, in the Memorandum and these Articles, all Shares for the time being unissued shall be under the control of the Directors who may, in their absolute discretion and without the approval of the Members, cause the Company to: |
(a) |
issue, allot and dispose of Shares (including, without limitation, preferred shares) (whether in certificated form or non-certificated form) 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; |
(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) |
grant options with respect to Shares and issue warrants or similar instruments with respect thereto. |
8 |
Section 46 of the Statute (Pre-emptive rights) does not apply to the Company. |
9 |
The Directors may authorise the division of Shares into any number of Classes and the different 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 Directors or by a Resolution of Members. The Directors may issue 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. Notwithstanding Article 12, the Directors may issue from time to time, series of preferred shares in their absolute discretion and without approval of the Members; provided, however, before any preferred shares of any such series are issued, the Directors shall 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; |
5
(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; |
(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; |
(k) |
and, for such purposes, the Directors may reserve an appropriate number of Shares for the time being unissued. The Company shall not issue Shares to bearer. |
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 with the consent in writing of the holders of not less than two-thirds (2/3rds) of the issued Shares of that Class or with the sanction of a Resolution of Members passed at a separate meeting of the holders of the Shares of that Class by the holders of not less than two-thirds (2/3rds) of the issued Shares of that Class. 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 holding or representing by proxy at least a majority 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 Shareholders 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 Shareholder of the Class shall on a poll have one vote for each Share of the Class held by him. For the purposes of this Article the Directors may treat all the Classes or any two or more Classes as forming one Class if they consider that all such Classes would be affected in the same way by the proposals under consideration, but in any other case shall treat them as separate Classes. |
6
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 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. The rights of the holders of Shares shall not be deemed to be materially adversely varied by the creation or issue of Shares with preferred or other rights including, without limitation, the creation of Shares with enhanced or weighted voting rights. |
CERTIFICATES
14 |
Every Person whose name is entered as a Member in the Register may, without payment and upon its written request, request a certificate within two (2) calendar months after allotment or lodgement of transfer (or within such other period as the conditions of issue shall provide) in the form determined by the Directors. All certificates shall specify the Share or Shares held by that Person, provided that in respect of a Share or Shares held jointly by several Persons the Company shall not be bound to issue more than one certificate, and delivery of a certificate for a Share to one of several joint holders shall be sufficient delivery to all. All certificates for Shares shall be delivered personally or sent through the post addressed to the Member entitled thereto at the Members registered address as appearing in the Register. |
15 |
Every share certificate of the Company shall bear legends required under the applicable laws, including the Securities Act. |
16 |
Any two or more certificates representing Shares of any one Class held by any Member may at the Members request be cancelled and a single new certificate for such Shares issued in lieu on payment (if the Directors shall so require) of one dollar (US$1.00) or such smaller sum as the Directors shall determine. |
17 |
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. |
18 |
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. |
FRACTIONAL SHARES
19 |
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 Shareholder such fractions shall be accumulated. |
LIEN
20 |
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 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 Companys lien on a Share extends to any amount payable in respect of it, including but not limited to dividends. |
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21 |
The Company may sell, in such manner as the Directors in their absolute discretion think fit, 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. |
22 |
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. |
23 |
The proceeds of the sale after deduction of expenses, fees and commissions 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
24 |
Subject to the terms of the allotment, the Directors may from time to time make calls upon the Shareholders in respect of any moneys unpaid on their Shares, and each Shareholder 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. |
25 |
The joint holders of a Share shall be jointly and severally liable to pay calls in respect thereof. |
26 |
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 (8%) 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. |
27 |
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. |
28 |
The Directors may make arrangements with respect to the issue of partly paid Shares for a difference between the Shareholders, or the particular Shares, in the amount of calls to be paid and in the times of payment. |
29 |
The Directors may, if they think fit, receive from any Shareholder 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 Resolution of Members, eight percent (8%) per annum) as may be agreed upon between the Shareholder paying the sum in advance and the Directors. No such sum paid in advance of calls shall entitle the Member paying such sum to any portion of a dividend declared in respect of any period prior to the date upon which such sum would, but for such payment, become presently payable. |
8
FORFEITURE OF SHARES
30 |
If a Shareholder fails to pay any call or instalment of a call in respect of partly paid 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. |
31 |
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. |
32 |
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. |
33 |
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. |
34 |
A Person whose Shares have been forfeited shall cease to be a Shareholder 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. |
35 |
A certificate in writing under the hand of a Director that a Share has been duly forfeited on a date stated in the certificate shall be conclusive evidence of the facts in the declaration as against all Persons claiming to be entitled to the Share. |
36 |
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. |
37 |
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
38 |
Subject to the terms of the Articles, any Member may transfer all or any of his Shares by an instrument of transfer. 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 Shareholder until the name of the transferee is entered in the Register in respect of the relevant Shares. |
39 | (a) |
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. |
(b) |
The Directors may also decline to register any transfer of any Share unless: |
9
(i) |
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; |
(ii) |
the instrument of transfer is in respect of only one Class of Shares; |
(iii) |
the instrument of transfer is properly stamped, if required; |
(iv) |
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 |
(v) |
a fee of such maximum sum as the Designated Stock Exchange may determine to be payable, or such lesser sum as the Board of Directors may from time to time require, is paid to the Company in respect thereof. |
40 |
The registration of transfers may, on ten (10) calendar days notice being given by advertisement in such one or more newspapers, by electronic means or by any other means in accordance with the Designated Stock Exchange Rules, be suspended and the Register 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 closed for more than thirty (30) calendar days in any calendar year. |
41 |
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 three (3) calendar months after the date on which the transfer was lodged with the Company send notice of the refusal to each of the transferor and the transferee. |
TRANSMISSION OF SHARES
42 |
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 survivor, shall be the only Person recognised by the Company as having any title to the Share. |
43 |
Any Person becoming entitled to a Share in consequence of the death or bankruptcy of a Shareholder 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 Shareholder 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. |
44 |
A Person becoming entitled to a Share by reason of the death or bankruptcy of a Shareholder shall be entitled to the same dividends and other advantages to which he would be entitled if he were the registered Shareholder, except that he shall not, before being registered as a Shareholder 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, provided however, that the Directors may at any time give notice requiring any such Person to elect either to be registered himself or to transfer the Share, and 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. |
REGISTRATION OF EMPOWERING INSTRUMENTS
45 |
The Company shall be entitled to charge a fee not exceeding one U.S. dollar (US$1.00) on the registration of every probate, letters of administration, certificate of death or marriage, power of attorney, notice in lieu of distringas, or other instrument. |
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ALTERATION OF AUTHORISED NUMBER OF SHARES
46 |
The Company may by Resolution of Members or a resolution of the Directors increase the maximum number of shares which the Company is authorised to issue, by such number, and divided into Shares of such Classes and amount, as the resolution shall prescribe. |
REDEMPTION, PURCHASE AND SURRENDER OF SHARES
47 |
Subject to the provisions of these Articles, the Company may: |
(a) |
issue Shares that are to be redeemed or are liable to be redeemed at the option of the Shareholder 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 either the Board or by the Shareholders by Resolution of Members; and |
(b) |
purchase or otherwise acquire its own Shares (including any redeemable Shares) on such terms and in such manner and terms as have been approved by the Board or by the Shareholders by Resolution of Members, or are otherwise authorised by these Articles. |
48 |
The purchase or acquisition of any Share shall not oblige the Company to purchase or acquire any other Share other than as may be required pursuant to applicable law and any other contractual obligations of the Company. |
49 |
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. |
50 |
The Company may acquire its own fully paid Share or Shares for no consideration by way of the surrender of the Share or Shares to the Company by the Member holding the Share or Shares. |
51 |
Sections 60 (Process for acquisition of own shares), 61 (Offer to one or more shareholders) and 62 (Shares redeemed otherwise than at the option of company) of the Statute shall not apply to the Company. |
TREASURY SHARES
52 |
The Directors may, prior to the purchase, redemption, surrender or other acquisition of any Share, resolve that such Share shall be held as a Treasury Share; provided that the number of Shares purchased, redeemed, surrendered or otherwise acquired, when aggregated with Shares of the same class already held by the Company as Treasury Shares, does not exceed 50% of the Shares of that class previously issued by the Company, excluding Shares that have been cancelled.. |
53 |
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). |
GENERAL MEETINGS
54 |
All general meetings other than annual general meetings shall be called extraordinary general meetings. |
55 | (a) |
The Company may (but shall not be obliged to) in each calendar year hold a general meeting 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 may be determined by the Directors. |
(b) |
At these meetings the report of the Directors (if any) shall be presented. |
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56 | (a) |
The Chairman or a majority of the Directors (acting by a resolution of the Board) may call general meetings, and they shall on a Shareholders requisition forthwith proceed to convene an extraordinary general meeting of the Company. |
(b) |
A Shareholders requisition is a requisition of Members holding at the date of deposit of the requisition Shares which carry in aggregate not less than thirty percent (30%) of all votes attaching to all issued and outstanding Shares of the Company that as at the date of the deposit carry the right to vote at general meetings of the Company. |
(c) |
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. |
(d) |
If the Directors do not within twenty-one (21) calendar days from the date of the deposit of the requisition duly proceed to convene a general meeting to be held within a further twenty-one (21) calendar days, the requisitionists, or any of them representing more than one-half of the total voting rights of all of them, may themselves convene a general meeting, but any meeting so convened shall not be held after the expiration of three (3) calendar months after the expiration of the said twenty-one (21) calendar days. |
(e) |
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
57 |
At least ten (10) calendar days notice shall be given for any general meeting. Every notice shall be exclusive of the day on which it is given or deemed to be given and of the day for which it is given and shall specify 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 Article has been given and whether or not the provisions of these 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 Shareholders (or their proxies) who hold Shares which carry in aggregate not less than 95% of all votes attaching to all Shares in issue and entitled to attend and vote at such annual general meeting; and |
(b) |
in the case of an extraordinary general meeting, by Shareholders (or their proxies) who hold Shares which carry in aggregate not less than two-thirds (2/3rds) of all votes attaching to all Shares in issue and entitled to attend and vote at such extraordinary general meeting. |
58 |
The accidental omission to give notice of a meeting to or the non-receipt of a notice of a meeting by any Shareholder shall not invalidate the proceedings at any meeting. |
PROCEEDINGS AT GENERAL MEETINGS
59 |
No business except for the appointment of a chairman for the meeting shall be transacted at any general meeting unless a quorum of Shareholders is present at the time when the meeting proceeds to business. One or more Shareholders holding Shares which carry in aggregate (or representing by proxy) not less than 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 corporation or other non-natural person, by its duly authorised representative, shall be a quorum for all purposes. |
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60 |
If within half an hour from the time appointed for the meeting a quorum is not present, the meeting shall be dissolved. |
61 |
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. |
62 |
The Chairman, if any, of the Board of Directors shall preside as chairman at every general meeting of the Company. |
63 |
If there is no such Chairman of the Board of Directors, 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 of the meeting, any Director or Person nominated by the Chairman (or, in the absence of such Chairman nomination, the Directors) shall preside as chairman of that meeting, failing which the Shareholders present in person or by proxy shall choose any Person present to be chairman of that meeting. |
64 |
The chairman may with the consent of any general 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 meeting, or adjourned meeting, is adjourned for fourteen (14) calendar days or more, notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given as in the case of an original meeting. Save as aforesaid it shall not be necessary to give any notice of an adjournment or of the business to be transacted at an adjourned meeting. |
65 |
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 Shareholders in accordance with these Articles, for any reason or for no reason, upon notice in writing to Shareholders. A postponement may be for a stated period of any length or indefinitely as the Directors may determine. |
66 |
At any general meeting a resolution put to the vote of the meeting shall be decided on a show of hands, unless a poll is (before or on the declaration of the result of the show of hands) demanded by the chairman of the meeting or any Shareholder present in person or by proxy, and unless a poll is so demanded, a declaration by the chairman of the meeting 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. |
67 |
If a poll is duly demanded it shall be taken in such manner as the chairman of the meeting directs, and the result of the poll shall be deemed to be the resolution of the meeting at which the poll was demanded. |
68 |
All questions submitted to a meeting shall be decided by a Resolution of Members except where a greater majority is required by these Articles or by the Statute. In the case of an equality of votes, whether on a show of hands or on a poll, the chairman of the meeting at which the show of hands takes place or at which the poll is demanded, shall be entitled to a second or casting vote. |
69 |
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. |
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VOTES OF SHAREHOLDERS
70 |
Subject to any rights and restrictions for the time being attached to any Share, on a show of hands every Shareholder present in person or by proxy (or, if a corporation or other non-natural person, by its duly authorised representative or proxy) shall, at a general meeting of the Company, each have one vote and on a poll every Shareholder present in person or by proxy (or, if a corporation or other non-natural person, by its duly authorised representative or proxy) shall have one (1) vote for each Class A Ordinary Share and ten (10) votes for each Class B Ordinary Share of which he is the holder. |
71 |
In the case of joint holders the vote of the senior who tenders a vote whether in person or by proxy (or, if a corporation or other non-natural person, by its duly authorised representative or 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. |
72 |
Shares carrying the right to vote that are held by a Shareholder of unsound mind, or in respect of whom an order has been made by any court having jurisdiction in lunacy, may be voted, 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. |
73 |
No Shareholder 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. |
74 |
On a poll votes may be given either personally or by proxy. |
75 |
Each Shareholder, other than a recognised clearing house (or its nominee(s)) or depositary (or its nominee(s)), may only appoint one proxy on a show of hand. 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 Shareholder. |
76 |
An instrument appointing a proxy may be in any usual or common form or such other form as the Directors may approve. |
77 |
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: |
(a) |
not less than 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 48 hours after it is demanded, be deposited as aforesaid after the poll has been demanded and not less than 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 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 at such other time (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.
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78 |
The instrument appointing a proxy shall be deemed to confer authority to demand or join in demanding a poll. |
79 |
A resolution in writing signed or consented to in writing or by telex, telegram, cable or other written electronic communication by or on behalf of one or more Shareholders who together hold Shares which carry, in aggregate, a majority in excess of 50% of the votes of all Shareholders entitled to vote on the resolution at a general meeting (having regard to the number of votes to which each such Shareholder is entitled under the Memorandum and Articles), shall be as valid and effective as if the same had been passed at a general meeting of the Company duly convened and held. |
CORPORATIONS ACTING BY REPRESENTATIVES AT MEETINGS
80 |
Any corporation which is a Shareholder 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 Shareholder or Director. |
DEPOSITARY AND CLEARING HOUSES
81 |
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 Shareholders provided that, if more than one Person is so authorised, the authorisation shall specify the number and Class of Shares in respect of which each such Person is so authorised. A Person so authorised 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 authorisation, including the right to vote individually on a show of hands. |
DIRECTORS
82 | (a) |
Unless otherwise determined by the Company in general meeting, the number of Directors shall not be less than three (3) Directors, the exact number of Directors to be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors. |
(b) |
The Board of Directors shall elect and appoint a Chairman 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 of Directors. To the extent the Chairman is not present at a meeting of the Board of Directors within fifteen minutes after the time appointed for holding the same, the attending Directors may choose one of their number to be the chairman of the meeting. |
(c) |
The Company may by Resolution of Members or resolution of the Directors appoint any person to be a Director. |
(d) |
The Board may, by the affirmative vote of a simple majority of the 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 Board. |
(e) |
An appointment of a Director may be on terms that the Director shall automatically retire from office (unless he has sooner vacated office) at the next or a subsequent annual general meeting or upon any specified event or after any specified period in a written agreement between the Company and the Director, if any; but no such term shall be implied in the absence of express provision. Each Director whose term of office expires shall be eligible for re-election at a meeting of the Shareholders or re-appointment by the Board. |
15
83 |
A Director may be removed from office by Resolution of Members of the Company, 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 Resolution of Members 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 ten (10) calendar days before the meeting. Such Director is entitled to attend the meeting and be heard on the motion for his removal. |
84 |
Sections 114(2) (Removal of directors) of the Statute shall not apply to the Company. |
85 |
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. |
86 |
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. |
87 |
The remuneration of the Directors may be determined by the Directors or by Resolution of Members. |
88 |
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. |
ALTERNATE DIRECTOR OR PROXY
89 |
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 required to sign such written resolutions where they have been signed by the appointing director, and to act in such Directors place at any meeting of the Directors at which the appointing Director is unable to be present. Every such alternate shall be entitled to attend and vote at meetings of the Directors as a Director when the Director appointing him is not personally present and where he is a Director to have a separate vote on behalf of the Director he is representing 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 be deemed for all purposes to be a Director and shall not be deemed to be the agent of the Director appointing him. 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. |
90 |
Any Director may appoint any Person, whether or not a Director, to be the proxy of that Director to attend and vote on his behalf, in accordance with instructions given by that Director, or in the absence of such instructions at the discretion of the proxy, at a meeting or meetings of the Directors which that Director is unable to attend personally. The instrument appointing the proxy shall be in writing under the hand of the appointing Director and shall be in any usual or common form or such other form as the Directors may approve, and must be lodged with the chairman of the meeting of the Directors at which such proxy is to be used, or first used, prior to the commencement of the meeting. |
16
POWERS AND DUTIES OF DIRECTORS
91 |
Subject to the Statute, 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. |
92 |
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, 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 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 Resolution of Members resolves that his tenure of office be terminated. |
93 |
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 or by the Company by Resolution of Members. |
94 |
The Directors may delegate any of their powers to committees consisting of such member or members of their body as they think fit; 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. |
95 |
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. |
96 |
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. |
97 |
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. |
98 |
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. |
17
99 |
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. |
100 |
Section 175 (Disposition of assets) of the Statute shall not apply to the Company. |
BORROWING POWERS OF DIRECTORS
101 |
The Directors may from time to time at their discretion exercise all the powers of the Company to issue debentures, debenture stock, bonds and other securities, whether outright or as collateral security for any debt, liability or obligation of the Company or of any third party. |
THE SEAL
102 |
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 affixing 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. |
103 |
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 affixing 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. |
104 |
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. |
DISQUALIFICATION OF DIRECTORS
105 |
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; |
(d) |
without special leave of absence from the Board, is absent from meetings of the Board for three consecutive meetings and the Board resolves that his office be vacated; or |
(e) |
is removed from office pursuant to any other provision of these Articles. |
18
PROCEEDINGS OF DIRECTORS
106 |
The Directors may meet together (either within or outside the British Virgin 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. At any meeting of the Directors, each Director present in person or represented by his proxy or alternate shall be entitled to one vote. In case of an equality of votes the Chairman shall have a second or casting vote. 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. |
107 |
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. |
108 |
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. 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. |
109 |
A Director who is in any way, whether directly or indirectly, interested in a contract or transaction or proposed contract or transaction 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 a member of any specified company or firm and is to be regarded as interested in any contract or transaction 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 or transaction so consummated. Subject to the Designated Stock Exchange Rules and disqualification by the chairman of the relevant Board meeting, a Director may vote in respect of any contract or transaction or proposed contract or transaction 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 transaction or proposed contract or transaction shall come before the meeting for consideration. |
110 |
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. |
111 |
Any Director may act by himself or through 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. |
112 |
The Directors shall cause minutes to be made 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 |
19
(c) |
all resolutions and proceedings at all meetings of the Company, and of the Directors and of committees of Directors. |
113 |
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. |
114 |
A resolution in writing signed or consented to in writing or by telex, telegram, cable or other written electronic communication 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. |
115 |
The continuing Directors may act notwithstanding any vacancy in their body but if and for so long as their number is reduced below the number fixed by or pursuant to these Articles as the necessary quorum of Directors, the continuing Directors may act for the purpose of increasing the number, or of summoning a general meeting of the Company, but for no other purpose. |
116 |
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. |
117 |
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. |
118 |
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. |
PRESUMPTION OF ASSENT
119 |
A Director who is present at a meeting of the Board of Directors at which an 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 favour of such action. |
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
120 |
Subject to the Statute and this Article and except as otherwise provided by the rights attached to any Shares, the Directors may resolve to pay Distributions on Shares in issue and authorise payment of the Distributions out of the funds of the Company lawfully available therefor. A dividend shall be deemed to be an interim dividend unless the terms of the resolution pursuant to which the Directors resolve to pay such dividend specifically state that such dividend shall be a final dividend. No Distribution shall be authorised if such Distribution would cause the Company or its Directors to be in breach of the Statute. |
20
121 |
Subject to any rights and restrictions for the time being attached to any Shares, the Company by Resolution of Members may declare dividends, but no dividend shall exceed the amount recommended by the Directors. |
122 |
The Directors may, before resolving to pay or recommending any Distribution, set aside such sums as they think proper as a reserve or reserves which shall, in the absolute discretion of the Directors, be applicable for any purpose of the Company, and pending such application may in the absolute discretion of the Directors, either be employed in the business of the Company or be invested in such investments (other than Shares of the Company) as the Directors may from time to time think fit. |
123 |
Except as otherwise provided by the rights attached to any Shares, Distributions may be paid in any currency. The Directors may determine the basis of conversion for any currency conversions that may be required and how any costs involved are to be met. |
124 |
Any Distribution, redemption payment, interest or other monies payable in cash in respect of Shares may be paid in any manner determined by the Directors. If paid by cheque it will be sent by mail addressed to the holder at his address in the Register, or addressed to such person and at such addresses as the holder may direct. Every such cheque or warrant shall, unless the holder or joint holders otherwise direct, be made payable to the order of the holder or, in the case of joint holders, to the order of the holder whose name stands first on the Register in respect of such Shares, and shall be sent at his or their risk and payment of the cheque or warrant by the bank on which it is drawn shall constitute a good discharge to the Company. |
125 |
The Directors may determine that a Distribution or redemption payment shall be paid wholly or partly by the distribution of specific assets (which may consist of the shares or securities of any other company) and may settle all questions concerning such distribution. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Directors may fix the value of such specific assets, may determine that cash payment shall be made to some Shareholders in lieu of specific assets and may vest any such specific assets in trustees on such terms as the Directors think fit. |
126 |
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. |
127 |
No Distribution or redemption payment shall bear interest against the Company. |
128 |
Any Distribution or redemption payment which cannot be paid to a Member and/or which remains unclaimed after a period of six (6) calendar years from the date on which such Distribution or redemption payment becomes payable may be forfeited by the Board of Directors and, if so forfeited, shall revert to the Company. |
ACCOUNTS, AUDIT AND ANNUAL RETURN AND DECLARATION
129 |
The books of account relating to the Companys affairs shall be kept in such manner as may be determined from time to time by the Directors. |
130 |
The books of account shall be kept at the Registered Office, or at such other place or places as the Directors think fit, and shall always be open to the inspection of the Directors. |
131 |
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 Shareholders not being Directors, and no Shareholder (not being a Director) shall have any right to inspect any account or book or document of the Company except as conferred by law or authorised by the Directors or by Resolution of Members. |
132 |
The accounts relating to the Companys affairs shall be audited in such manner and with such financial year end as may be determined from time to time by the Directors or failing any determination as aforesaid shall not be audited. |
21
133 |
The Directors may appoint an auditor of the Company who shall hold office until removed from office by a resolution of the Directors and may fix his or their remuneration. |
134 |
Every auditor 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. |
135 |
The 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. |
NOTICES
136 |
Except as otherwise provided in these Articles, any notice or document may be served by the Company or by the Person entitled to give notice to any Shareholder either personally, or by posting it by airmail or a recognised courier service in a prepaid letter addressed to such Shareholder at his address as appearing in the Register, or by electronic mail to any electronic mail address such Shareholder may have specified in writing for the purpose of such service of notices, or by facsimile to any facsimile number such Shareholder may have specified in writing for the purpose of such service of notices, or by placing it on the Companys Website 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. |
137 |
Notices sent from one country to another shall be sent or forwarded by prepaid airmail or a recognised courier service. |
138 |
Any Shareholder 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. |
139 |
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 means, shall be deemed to have been served immediately (i) upon the time of the transmission to the electronic mail address supplied by the Shareholder to the Company or (ii) upon the time of its placement on the Companys Website. |
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.
140 |
Any notice or document delivered or sent by post to or left at the registered address of any Shareholder in accordance with the terms of these Articles shall notwithstanding that such Shareholder 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 Shareholder 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. |
22
141 |
Notice of every general meeting of the Company shall be given to: |
(a) |
all Shareholders 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 Shareholder, 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.
INFORMATION
142 |
Subject to the relevant laws, rules and regulations applicable to the Company, no Member shall be entitled to require discovery of any information in respect of any detail of the Companys 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. |
143 |
Subject to due compliance with the relevant laws, rules and regulations applicable to the Company, 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. |
INDEMNITY
144 |
Subject to the Statute, 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 for the time being and from time to time of the Company (but not including the Companys 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 Persons own dishonesty, wilful default or fraud, in or about the conduct of the Companys 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 British Virgin Islands or elsewhere. |
145 |
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 |
23
(e) |
for any loss occasioned by any negligence, default, breach of duty, breach of trust, error of judgement or oversight on such Indemnified Persons 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 Persons office or in relation thereto; |
unless the same shall happen through such Indemnified Persons own dishonesty, wilful default or fraud.
FINANCIAL YEAR
146 |
Unless the Directors otherwise prescribe, the financial year of the Company shall end on 31st December in each calendar year and shall begin on 1st January in each calendar year. |
NON-RECOGNITION OF TRUSTS
147 |
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 Statute requires) any other right in respect of any Share except an absolute right to the entirety thereof in each Shareholder registered in the Register. |
WINDING UP
148 |
If the Company shall be wound up the liquidator may, with the sanction of a Resolution of Members of the Company 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. |
149 |
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. |
CLOSING OF REGISTER OR FIXING RECORD DATE
150 |
For the purpose of determining those Shareholders that are entitled to receive notice of, attend or vote at any meeting of Shareholders or any adjournment thereof, or those Shareholders that are entitled to receive payment of any dividend, or in order to make a determination as to who is a Shareholder 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 thirty (30) calendar days in any calendar year. |
151 |
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 Shareholders that are entitled to receive notice of, attend or vote at a meeting of the Shareholders and for the purpose of determining those Shareholders that are entitled to receive payment of any dividend the Directors may, at or within ninety (90) calendar days prior to the date of declaration of such dividend, fix a subsequent date as the record date for such determination. |
24
152 |
If the Register is not so closed and no record date is fixed for the determination of those Shareholders entitled to receive notice of, attend or vote at a meeting of Shareholders or those Shareholders 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 Shareholders. When a determination of those Shareholders that are entitled to receive notice of, attend or vote at a meeting of Shareholders has been made as provided in this Article, such determination shall apply to any adjournment thereof. |
REGISTRATION BY WAY OF CONTINUATION
153 |
The Company may by Resolution of Members or resolution of the Directors resolve to be registered by way of continuation in a jurisdiction outside the British Virgin 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 Registry of Corporate Affairs in the British Virgin Islands to discontinue or deregister the Company in the British Virgin 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. |
DISCLOSURE
154 |
The Directors, or any service providers (including the officers, the Secretary and the registered office provider of the Company) specifically authorised by the Directors, shall be entitled to disclose to any regulatory or judicial authority any information regarding the affairs of the Company including without limitation information contained in the Register and books of the Company. |
25
We, SHRM Trustees (BVI) Limited of Trinity Chambers, PO Box 4301, Road Town, Tortola, Virgin Islands, British in our capacity as registered agent for the Company hereby apply to the Registrar for the incorporation of the Company this 5th day of January, 2010.
Incorporator |
/s/ Ronan Kuczaj / David Finlayson |
Ronan Kuczaj / David Finlayson |
Authorised Signatories |
SHRM Trustees (BVI) Limited |
Exhibit 4.4
June 30, 2017
Shareholders Agreement
AnPac Bio-Medical Science Co., Ltd.
A limited liability company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands
Shareholders Agreement
The Shareholders Agreement (this Agreement) is signed by the following parties on June 30, 2017:
(1) |
AnPac Bio-Medical Science Co., Ltd., a limited liability company duly established and validly existing in the British Virgin Islands, with its registered address at SHRM Trustees (BVI) Limited of Trinity Chambers, P.O. Box 4301, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands (the Company); |
(2) |
Dr. Chris Chang Yu, U.S. Citizen, ID number:[ ]; |
(3) |
CRS Holdings INC., a limited liability company duly established and validly existing in the British Virgin Islands, with its registered address at SHRM Trustees (BVI) Limited of Trinity Chambers, P.O. Box 4301, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands (CRS Company); |
(4) |
Ms. Lin Yu, Chinese citizen, ID number: [ ]; |
(5) |
Zhejiang AnPac Bio-Medical Science Co., Ltd., a limited liability company legally established and validly existing in China, with its registered address at Room 108, No.131 Nanshan Yuanyuan Middle Road, Bihu Town, Liandu District, Lishui City, Zhejiang Province (Lishui Company); |
(6) |
Changhe Bio-Medical Science (Yangzhou) Co., Ltd., a limited liability company duly established and validly existing in China, with its registered address at 3rd Floor, Building 9, Jiangsu Information Service Industry Base (Yangzhou) (Yangzhou Company); |
(7) |
Changwei System Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., a limited liability company legally established and validly existing in China, with its registered address at Room 316, No. 105 Sinan Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai (Changwei Company); |
(8) |
AnPac Bio-Medical Science (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., a limited liability company legally established and validly existing in China, with its registered address at Room 301-346, Building 1, No. 400, Fangchun Road, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai (AnPac Shanghai Company); |
(9) |
Shanghai Xinshenpai Technology Co., Ltd., a limited liability company legally established and validly existing in China, with its registered address at Room 316, No. 105 Sinan Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai (Xinshenpai Company); and |
(10) |
Lishui AnPac Medical Laboratory Co., Ltd., a medical institution legally established and validly existing in China, with its registered address at No. 801, Bixing Street, Bihu Town, Liandu District, Lishui City, Zhejiang Province (Medical Laboratory); and |
(11) |
Chengdu Lipaishen Bio-Medical Science Co., Ltd., a limited liability company legally established and validly existing in China, with its registered address at Building 1, No. 9, Shaocheng Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu City (Chengdu Company); and |
1
(12) |
ANPAC TECHNOLOGY USA CO., LTD., a limited liability company legally established and validly existing in the United States, with its registered address at 1209 ORANGE STATE, WILMINGTON DE 19801 (AnPac U.S.); |
(13) |
ZHANGJIANG GU KE COMPANY LIMITED, a limited liability company legally established and validly existing in the British Virgin Islands, with its registered address at Commence Chambers, P.O.Box 2208, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands (Zhangjiang Science Investment); |
(14) |
Jiaxing Zhijun Sihang Investment Partnership (Limited Partnership), a limited liability company legally established and validly existing in China, with its registered address at Room 113 -7, Dongfang Building, 100 Zhuyuan Road, Nanhu District, Jiaxing City, Zhejiang Province (Zhijun Investment). |
In this Agreement, Chris Chang Yu and CRS Company are hereinafter referred to individually as the Founder and collectively as the Founders; Founders and Ms. Lin Yu are hereinafter referred to individually as the Existing Major Shareholder and collectively as the Existing Major Shareholders; Zhangjiang Science Investment and Zhijun Investment are referred to collectively as the Investors and individually as the Investor; Existing Major Shareholders and other Shareholders of the Company shall be collectively referred to as the Existing Shareholders; Lishui Company, Yangzhou Company, Changwei Company, AnPac Shanghai Company, Xinshenpai Company, Medical Laboratory, Chengdu Company and AnPac U.S. are hereinafter referred to individually as the Domestic and Foreign company and collectively as the Domestic and Foreign Companies; The Company and Domestic and Foreign Companies and all other direct or indirect, current or future Subsidiaries of the above companies are referred to individually as Group Company and collectively as the Group Companies; The parties to this Agreement are referred to collectively as the Parties and individually as the Party.
Preface
Whereas, the Company and Zhijun Investment signed a Share Subscription Agreement (the Subscription Agreement) on June 30, 2017;
Whereas, the Company and Zhangjiang Science Investment and other Related Parties signed a Shareholders Agreement and its Supplementary Agreement (the Original Shareholders Agreement) on June 29, 2015;
For the purpose of agreeing on the shareholder rights of Zhijun Investment, the Parties hereby agree as follows:
1. |
DEFINITION |
1.1 |
Definition. Unless otherwise defined in this Agreement, the extrabold terms in this Agreement shall have the following meanings: |
2
AnPac Shanghai Company |
It shall have the meaning of the preceding provisions. |
Applicable Law |
Refers to any Person, suitable for the Person or any of its assets or business, whether it be on or after the date of this agreement valid and amended from time to time or any of the constitution, treaty, statute, law, statute, decree, norm, regulation, judgment, general law rule, order, edict, adjudication, prohibition, Government Approval, approval, grant, franchise, license, consent, order, requirement, or any other government restriction of any Government Agency or any similar form of decree, or any decision made by it, or the interpretation and implementation of any of the foregoing. |
Board of Directors |
Refers to the board of directors of the Company. |
Changwei Company |
It shall have the meaning of the preceding provisions. |
China |
Refers to the Peoples Republic of China, but for the purposes of this Agreement, it does not include Hong Kong, Macao Special Administrative Region and Taiwan. |
Company |
It shall have the meaning of the preceding provisions. |
Confidential Information |
It shall have the meaning set forth in Clause 7.1. |
Contracts |
Refers to any agreement, arrangement, commitment, covenant, franchise, indemnity, contract, instrument, lease, license, permission or binding memorandum of understanding (whether in writing or not). |
Control |
(Including the relevant meanings for controlling, controlled and jointly controlled) in the case of any person, refers to the right of any Person to directly or indirectly guide the management or policy of that Person (related to operational control, financial control or other control) whether through the ownership of voting securities or through contracts or otherwise. |
Disposing Shareholder |
Refers to any Existing Major Shareholder or assignee of his/her Equity Securities. |
Dispute |
It shall have the meaning set forth in Clause 11.3(a). |
Equity Securities |
Refers to all Ordinary Shares or securities convertible or exchangeable into Ordinary Shares of the Company. |
Existing Major Shareholder and Existing Major Shareholders |
It shall have the meaning of the preceding provisions. |
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Existing Shareholders |
It shall have the meaning of the preceding provisions. |
Founder and Founders |
It shall have the meaning of the preceding provisions. |
Group Company and Group Companies |
They shall have the meaning of the preceding provisions. |
Government Agency |
Refers to any government or its political branches, whether at the federal, central, state, provincial, municipal or local levels, regardless of administrative, legislative or judicial nature, including any representative office, authority, council, bureau, committee, court, department or other organ. |
Government Approval |
Refers to any consent, approval, authorization, exemption, permit, grant, franchise, allowance, permission, exemption or order of a Government Agency, and registration, certification, declaration, filing, reporting or notification to a Government Agency. |
Hong Kong |
Refers to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China. |
Information Right |
It shall have the meaning set forth in Clause 2.1(e). |
Inspection Right |
It shall have the meaning set forth in Clause 2.2. |
Investor and Investors |
It shall have the meaning of the preceding provisions. |
Knowledge |
When referring to a Persons knowledge, it refers to the actual knowledge of the Person, and the knowledge should be known to the Person as a prudent business Person after proper consultation and due diligence in managing his/her business. These investigations include appropriate consultation with the management, directors, key employees and professional consultants (including lawyers, accountants and consultants) of the Person and his/her Related Parties. |
Lishui Company |
It shall have the meaning of the preceding provisions. |
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Loss |
Refers to all direct or indirect losses, liabilities, damages, deficiencies, value impairments, litigation, liabilities, duties, benefits, interests, fines, fees, judgments or settlements of any nature or kind, including all related costs and expenses, including but not limited to reasonable attorney fees and expenses of any kind or nature, legal fees, settlement fees and investigation costs, whether legal or in an equity law, known or unknown, foreseeable or unforeseen. |
Material Adverse Effects |
Refers to the material adverse effects of a particular Persons condition (financial or other conditions), his/her associated assets, operating results or prospects, or business (currently or intended to be carried out). |
New Shares |
It shall have the meaning set forth in Clause 3.2. |
Notice of Exercising Right of First Refusal |
It shall have the meaning set forth in Clause 3.3. |
Notice of Transfer |
It shall have the meaning set forth in Clause 4.2(a). |
Ordinary Shareholder |
Refers to a holder of Ordinary Shares. |
Original Shareholders Agreement |
It shall have the meaning set forth in the Preface. |
Ordinary Shares |
Refers to the Companys ordinary shares, with a par value of US$1.00 each. |
Organizational Document |
Refers to, in relation to any Person, a certificate of registration, memorandum of association, articles of association, joint venture agreement, shareholders agreement or similar organizational document of such Person. |
Party and Parties |
Shall have the meanings set forth in the preceding provisions, respectively. |
Persons |
Shall be construed as broadly as possible and shall include individuals, partnerships (including limited liability partnerships), companies, associated companies, joint stock companies, limited liability companies, trusts, joint ventures (including Sino-foreign joint ventures and Sino-foreign cooperative ventures), non-corporate organizations and Government Agencies. |
Preemptive Period |
It shall have the meaning set forth in Clause 4.1(b)(i). |
Preemptive Right |
It shall have the meaning set forth in Clause 4.1(b)(i). |
Preface |
Refers to the preface of this Agreement. |
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Price Per Share for Investors |
Refers to Price Per Share for Zhijun Investment or Price Per Share for Zhangjiang Science Investment. |
Price Per Share for Zhangjiang Science Investment |
Refers to the Price Per Share of Zhangjiang Science Investment which is based on its Share Subscription Agreement signed with the Company, Chris Chang Yu and other interested parties on June 29, 2015, i.e. RMB1,800.67. |
Price Per Share for Zhijun Investment |
Refers to the price obtained by the subscription price divided by the number of the subscribed shares, i.e. RMB6,761.33. |
Priority Subscription Notice |
It shall have the meaning set forth in Clause 3.3(a). |
Priority Subscription Period |
It shall have the meaning set forth in Clause 3.3(a). |
Purchase Notice |
It shall have the meaning set forth in Clause 4.2(b)(i). |
Qualified Public Offering |
The Company or any other Group Company shall be listed on a stock exchange in China, Hong Kong or other internationally recognized stock exchange and shall publicly issue Ordinary Shares or shares of the Group Company in accordance with the securities trading laws and regulations of the applicable jurisdiction. |
Related Parties |
In the case of a specific Person, it refers to (a) when he/she is a natural person, his/her spouse and his/her immediate family members (whether blood relatives or adoption) or any trust established and maintained solely for the benefit of the person, his/her spouse and/or such immediate family members; and (b) when it is any person, directly or indirectly through one or more media, controlling the specific Person, being controlled by the specific person or being controlled jointly with the specific Person. |
Ren Min Bi or RMB |
Refers to the lawful currency of China. |
Right of First Refusal |
It shall have the meaning set forth in Clause 3.1. |
Senior Executives |
Refers to the material adverse effects of a particular Persons condition (financial or other conditions), his/her associated assets, operating results or prospects, or business (currently or intended to be carried out). |
Shareholders |
Refers to any Person who holds Equity Securities. |
Sold Shares |
It shall have the meaning set forth in Clause 4.2(a). |
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Subsidiary |
Refers to in relation to the specific Person, any other non-natural Person controlled by that specific Person. |
This Agreement |
It shall have the meaning of the preceding provisions. |
Transfer |
Refers to the transfer, sale, guarantee, encumbrance, mortgage, pledge, donation or other disposition of any or all of the shares of a particular Person, whether voluntary or involuntary (including but not limited to those arising from divorce, separation, bankruptcy or other proceedings, or death) or by operation of law. |
US$ |
Refers to the lawful currency of the United States. |
Working Day |
Refers to any day on which banks in the British Virgin Islands and China normally operate (except Saturdays and Sundays and public holidays in the British Virgin Islands or China). |
Xinshenpai Company |
It shall have the meaning of the preceding provisions. |
Yangzhou Company |
It shall have the meaning of the preceding provisions. |
1.2 |
Interpretation. For all purposes of this Agreement, except as expressly provided herein, (a) The terms defined in the Clause 1.1 shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this Clause 1.1 and shall include the plural and the singular, (b) All accounting terms not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have the meaning given by the Chinese Accounting Standards, (c) All designated Clauses and Sub-Clauses referenced in this Agreement shall mean the Clauses and Sub-Clauses identified in the Main Body of this Agreement, (d) A gender or neutral pronoun shall include other appropriate forms of the pronoun, (e) The terms in this Agreement, of this Agreement and under this Agreement and other terms of similar meaning refer to this Agreement as a whole and not designate any particular clause or sub-clause, (f) Unless otherwise expressly stated, all appendices specified by reference to this Agreement refer to appendices to this Agreement, (g) The term including and other similar words shall be deemed to be immediately followed by but not limited to, whether or not they are actually immediately followed by such words or words of similar meaning, (h) The headings of the terms of this Agreement are for identification and reference only and shall not be used to interpret this Agreement, (i) Any Party or any other Person referred to in this Agreement shall be construed as including successors to his/her rights, his/her permitted successors and permitted assignees, and (j) Any agreement or instrument referred to in this Agreement shall include its amended or substituted text. This Agreement shall be interpreted literally. |
2. |
INFORMATION RIGHT; INSPECTION RIGHT |
2.1 |
Information Right. The Company warrants and agrees that, as of the date of this Agreement, it will deliver to each Investor: |
(a) |
The annual consolidated financial statements of each Group Company prepared in accordance with the Chinese Accounting Standards and other applicable local accounting terms and rules and audited by an accounting firm as agreed by the Company and the Investors shall be delivered within one hundred and twenty (120) days after the end of each fiscal year; |
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(b) |
The unaudited quarterly consolidated financial and management statements of Group Companies prepared in accordance with Chinese accounting standards and other applicable local accounting terms and rules shall be delivered within twenty-eight (28) days after the end of six months; |
(c) |
An annual business plan and monthly budget for each Group Company for the following fiscal year shall be delivered within thirty (30) days prior to the end of each fiscal year; |
(d) |
Notice of all litigations, prosecutions, claims, judicial proceedings, investigations, inquiries or incidents that may have a Material Adverse Effect on any Group Company or any of its Related Parties and their ownership of or rights in their respective businesses, real property, assets or property; and |
(e) |
Other information reasonably requested to be delivered by each Investor upon written request by them (collectively referred to as the Information Right). |
All financial statements to be provided to each Investor in accordance with this Clause 2.1 shall include income statements, balance sheets and cash flow statements for the relevant periods and for the current fiscal year prepared in accordance with the Chinese Accounting Standards and other applicable local accounting terms and rules.
2.2 |
Inspection Right. Each Group Company further warrants and agrees that, as of the date of this Agreement, each Investor and his or her authorized representative shall have the right (a) to inspect, extract and photocopy the facilities, records and books of account of the Group Company under normal working hours and reasonable and without prejudice to the normal operation of the Group Company after reasonable prior notice to the Group Company concerned, and (b) to discuss the business, operation and conditions of any Group Company with their respective directors, officers, employees, accountants, legal advisers and investment banks, without prejudice to the normal operation of the Group Company (the Inspection Right). Each Group Company will provide and cause its subsidiaries to provide to each Investor and his or her authorized representative such information as each Investor may reasonably require from time to time. Each Group Company shall provide all reasonable support to effectively assist in such investigations. Any Investor shall have the right to require the Group Company to be notified 30 days in advance and to be audited by an accounting firm approved by such Investor, but not more than once a year, at the expense of the Investor, provided that the Investor does not interfere with the normal operation of the Group Company and under the reasonable circumstance. |
2.3 |
Termination of Rights. The Information Right and the Inspection Right shall be terminated at the time of the completion of the Qualified Public Offering and delivery. |
3. |
RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL |
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3.1 |
Overview. Each Investor shall have priority to purchase all (or any part thereof) of any New Shares issued by the Company from time to time after the date of this Agreement (the Right of First Refusal). |
3.2 |
New Share. New Share refers to any Equity Securities of the Company (whether or not it is now an authorized share capital) and rights, options or warrants of any type of securities that may be purchased or converted or exchanged for Equity Securities of the Company. While the term New Share shall not include: |
(a) |
any Ordinary Shares sold or issued under the Subscription Agreement; |
(b) |
any securities (including any repurchased shares) issued under the Employee Option Scheme of the Company to officers, directors, employees and advisers of any Group Company; |
(c) |
any securities issued in a Qualified Public Offering; |
(d) |
any securities issued as a result of any share splitting or dividend distribution, recapitalization or similar transaction subject to a pro rata adjustment; and |
(e) |
any securities issued for the purpose of the acquisition in good faith of another company or entity or other reorganization activity by the Company through merger, consolidation, purchase of all or substantially all of its assets (the relevant conditions of which shall be approved by the Board of Directors). |
3.3 |
Procedure. |
(a) |
Priority Subscription Notice. If the Company plans to issue New Shares (whether through a single transaction or a series of related transactions), it shall give each Investor a written notice of its intention to issue such New Shares (the Priority Subscription Notice) describing the number, type, price of the New Shares and the general terms and conditions under which the Company intends to issue such New Shares. Each Investor may, within five (5) Working Days (the Priority Subscription Period) from the date of receipt of the Priority Subscription Notice, agree in writing to purchase the amount of New Shares to be issued at the prices and terms and conditions set out in the Priority Subscription Notice by giving a written notice to the Company (the Notice of Exercising Right of First Refusal) stating the number of New Shares to be purchased. If any investor fails to give a Notice of Exercise of Right of First Refusal during the Priority Subscription Period, such Investor shall be deemed to have waived his Right of First Refusal. The Board of Directors of the Company shall not pass any resolution enabling the Company to issue any New Shares under the Right of First Refusal to any third person that have not been exercised or waived by the Investors in accordance with the provisions of this Clause 3. The maximum amount of New Shares that any investor is entitled to subscribe for is: New Shares x (the number of Ordinary Shares held by the Investor at the time of the Companys Priority Subscription Notice ÷ the sum of all Ordinary Shares issued at the time of the Companys Priority Subscription Notice). |
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3.4 |
Failure to Exercise. Upon expiration of the Priority Subscription Period, and in the case that the New Shares are not fully subscribed by each Investor through the Right of First Refusal, the Company shall, within ninety (90) days after the expiration of the Priority Subscription Period, sell the New Shares described in the Priority Subscription Notice (in respect of the unexercised portion of the Right of First Refusal) at a price equal to or higher than the price stated in the Priority Subscription Notice, or for non-price terms, on terms no more favorable than those set forth in the Priority Subscription Notice. If the Company fails to complete the issue and sale of the New Shares within ninety (90) days after the expiration of the Priority Subscription Period, or the Company intends to issue and sell the New Shares on terms more favorable than those set out in the Priority Subscription Notice, the Company shall not issue or sell any New Shares thereafter without resending the Priority Subscription Notice to the Investors and the Investors exercise of the Right of First Refusal under this Clause 3. |
3.5 |
Termination. The Right of First Refusal of each Investor shall be terminated at the time of the completion of the Qualified Public Offering and delivery. |
4. |
TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS |
4.1 |
Sell limit. Each Existing Major Shareholder agrees that no Equity Securities shall be transferred, directly or indirectly, from the date of this Agreement until the time of completion of the Qualified Public Offering and delivery, except with the prior written consent of each Investor and having complied with the provisions of this Clause 4, that each Existing Major Shareholder shall cause its Related Parties to comply with this Clause 4. |
4.2 |
Preemptive Right. |
(a) |
Notice of Transfer. If (i) a Disposing Shareholder intends to Transfer directly or indirectly any of his Equity Securities to one or more third parties, or (ii) at any time any Equity Securities held by a Disposing Shareholder are involuntarily transferred, the Disposing Shareholder shall give notice in writing (the Notice of Transfer) to the company to whom the Transfer is made and to the Investors. Such Notice of Transfer shall include (A) a description of the Equity Securities to be transferred (the Sold Shares), (B) the identity of the potential transferee, and (C) the consideration for the proposed Transfer and the principal terms and conditions upon which it is based. The price of each Sold Share shall not be lower than the Price Per Share for Investors. The Notice of Transfer shall prove that the Disposing Shareholder has received a firm offer from the potential assignee and is satisfied in good faith that it may enter into a binding agreement on the Transfer in accordance with the terms of the Notice of Transfer. The Notice of Transfer shall also include a copy of any written proposal, term sheet or letter of intent or other agreement relating to the proposed Transfer. |
(b) |
Exercise of Preemptive Right. |
(i) |
Each Investor shall have the right to give written notice (the Purchase Notice) to the Disposing Shareholders within five (5) Working Days (the Preemptive Period) of receipt of the Notice of Transfer to give priority to purchase the Sold Shares on the terms and conditions set forth in the Notice of Transfer (subject to the provisions of Clause 4.1(b)(ii) below) (the Preemptive Right). The Purchase Notice shall state the amount of Sold Shares to be purchased by each Investor. |
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(ii) |
The number of Sold Shares available for each Investor: Where Investors claim to exercise the Preemptive Right, the respective purchase proportion shall be determined through consultation. If no agreement can be reached, the Preemptive Right shall be exercised in proportion to the total number of shares held by the investors who claim the Preemptive Right at the time of transfer, which shall be equal to the total number of shares held by the investors who claim the Preemptive Right at that time. |
(iii) |
If an ongoing Transfer arises as a result of enforcement of law or another involuntary transfer (including a transfer arising from death, divorce, separation or insolvency), the price per share should be the higher of the following: (A) the original purchase price paid by the Disposal Shareholder for the Sold Shares (subject to such adjustments as may be appropriate in the case of share splits, dividends distribution, mergers and the like), but not less than the nominal value, or (B) the fair market value (not less than the nominal value) of the Sold Shares, as determined by the Board of Directors, taking into account such factors as the Companys current income and future prospects and reflecting the current value of the Shares, and determined by the Company within thirty (30) Working Days of receipt of the Notice of Transfer. If the Disposing Shareholder or the executor of the Disposing Shareholder disagrees with the valuation determined by the Board of Directors, then the Disposing Shareholder or the executor of the disposing shareholder shall have the right to entrust an independent appraiser agreed by the Company and the Disposing Shareholder or the executor of the Disposing Shareholder to determine the valuation, and the appraisers expenses shall be shared equally between the Company and the Disposing Shareholder or the estate of the Disposing Shareholder. |
4.3 |
Co-Sale Rights. If any investor fails to exercise the Preemptive Right mentioned in the preceding paragraph, within ten (10) Working Days after the expiration of the Preemptive Period (the Co-Sale Period), such Investor may give a written notice (the Co-Sale Notice) to the Disposing Shareholder and the Company requiring the Investors shares in the Company to be sold to a potential transferee of the Sold Shares (the Co-Sale Rights) in accordance with the sale price of the Sold Shares and other terms and conditions set out in the Notice of transfer. Investors Sellable Shares = (the percentage of Sold Shares of Disposing Shareholder to all of their shares * the number of shares held by the investor). If a potential transferee of Sold Shares refuses to purchase any number of shares to be sold by the investor, or the potential transferee fails to complete the purchase of the shares to be sold by the Investor before or at the same time as the purchase of the Sold Shares is completed, the Disposing Shareholder shall not sell any of the Sold Shares to the potential transferee unless the Disposing Shareholder completes the purchase of the Investors shares to be sold prior to or at the same time as the sale price (not less than the nominal value) and other terms and conditions set out in the Notice of Transfer. |
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4.4 |
Not Exercising Rights. If Investors fail to exercise the Preemptive Right under Clause 4.2 and the Co-Sale Right under Clause 4.3, the Disposing Shareholder shall sell any remaining Sold Shares to the third party transferee identified in the Notice of Transfer within ninety (90) days after the expiration of the Co-Sale Rights Period, on terms and conditions (including the Purchase Price) not favorable to the Purchaser as set forth in the Notice of Transfer. As a condition for the effective Transfer of the Sold Share, the third party transferee shall provide the Company and all shareholders of the Company with written consent to be bound by and to comply with this Agreement, including but not limited to all provisions of this Clause 4, as if the transferee were a Disposing Shareholder in this Agreement and to comply with the terms of the transferee under which the Equity Securities are issued. If the Disposing Shareholder fails to complete the sale or disposal of the Sold Shares within ninety (90) days after the expiration of the Co-Sale Right Period, or the Company proposes to sell the Sold Shares on more favorable terms than those set out in the Notice of Transfer, or the Company proposes to sell the Sold Shares to a party other than a third party transferee as identified in the Notice of Transfer, the Disposing Shareholders shall not sell any Sold Shares until the Investors have re-exercised their Preemptive Rights and Co-Sale rights under this Clause 4. Moreover, whether any investor exercises a Preemptive Right or a co-sale right over the Sold Shares of the Disposing Shareholder shall not adversely affect the subsequent purchase of Equity Securities by the investor from any Disposing Shareholder. Any subsequent Transfer of any Sold Shares proposed by the Disposing Shareholders shall again be subject to the Preemptive Rights and Co-Sale rights of the Investors and the relevant Disposing Shareholders shall be required to comply with the procedures set out in this Clause 4. |
4.5 |
Legend. |
(a) |
Each certificate issued to each Existing Major Shareholder representing the Ordinary Share shall endorse the following legend: |
The sale, pledge, mortgage or transfer of the securities represented by this Certificate is subject to specific restrictions on the transfer under the Shareholders Agreement, a copy of which may be obtained by written request to the Secretary of the Company.
(b) |
The Parties agree that the Company may direct its Transfer agent to impose transfer restrictions on the Shares represented by the certificates of the legend referred to in Clause 4.5 (a) above for the purpose of enforcing the terms of this Agreement, and the Company agrees to do so forthwith. The legend shall be removed at the termination of the provisions of this Clause 4. |
4.6 |
Transfer of Investors Equity. Each Investor shall not be subject to any restrictions on the Transfer of his/her Equity Securities in the Company (provided that such transfer shall not be made to a competitor of the Company or a transferee associated with the competitor). |
4.7 |
Term. This Clause 4 shall terminate at the time of completion of the Qualified Public Offering and delivery. |
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5. |
TRANSFER AND AMENDMENT |
5.1 |
Transfer. When each Investor transfers the shares of the Company he/she holds, all and any rights and interests relating to such shares may be fully transferred. |
5.2 |
Rights of Amendment. Any terms of this Agreement may be amended only with the written consent of each Existing Major Shareholder and Investors. Any amendment or waiver that becomes effective pursuant to this Clause 5.2 shall be binding upon the Parties hereto and their respective transferees. |
6. |
COMPENSATION |
6.1 |
The Founders and the Group Companies shall indemnify, defend and protect Investors, jointly and separately, against all Losses arising directly or indirectly from, in connection with or incidental to any violation of any representations, warranties, undertakings or agreements made in this Agreement or in any transaction agreement to be signed in this Agreement. The compensation shall first be borne by each Group Companies. If each Group Company cannot make compensation after its best efforts, the Founders shall perform the compensation obligation. |
7. |
CONFIDENTIALITY AND NON-DISCLOSURE |
7.1 |
Confidentiality. Shall be executed in accordance with the Confidentiality Agreement signed between the Company and Shanghai Zhijun Asset Management Co., Ltd. |
8. |
VOTING RIGHTS, PROTECTIVE CLAUSES AND DIVIDEND RIGHTS. |
8.1 |
Voting Rights. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, the Articles of Association as defined below and Applicable Law, any Ordinary Share shall have one vote on any matter of the Company to be resolved by the Shareholders and each Investor shall vote and resolve as a series of Shareholders with each Existing Shareholder. If the proportion of Equity Securities held by the Shareholders present at the Shareholders meeting reaches two thirds (2/3) of the Equity Securities already issued at that time, the resolution made at the shareholders meeting shall be valid. Each Shareholders Representative may attend a meeting of the Shareholders through any teleconference or other means of communication available to all Shareholders Representatives attending the meeting of the Shareholders. Where a resolution of the Shareholders meeting is made by means of a written resolution without convening a Shareholders meeting, such written resolution must be signed by all the Shareholders of the Company for the purpose of validity. |
8.2 |
Protective Clauses that Require the Approval of Majority Shareholders. In accordance with the Companys latest Articles of Association, the following actions of any Group Company require the prior consent of the majority shareholder who holds a total of two-thirds (2/3) of the issued Equity Securities of the Company: |
(a) |
increase or decrease the authorized share capital, issued share capital or registered capital; |
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(b) |
any Equity Securities, options to purchase Equity Securities, new issues relating to Equity Securities or debt securities; |
(c) |
any liquidation, dissolution, winding-up, recapitalization, reorganization, consolidation, separation, listing or bankruptcy proceedings; |
(d) |
any material change to the Articles of Association or other Organizational Document; |
(e) |
the reclassification of any issued Equity Security so that its priority over dividends or assets is higher than or equal to that of the shares of the Company held by individual Investors. |
8.3 |
Corporate Governance. |
(a) |
Designation of Directors. The Board of Directors shall include seven (7) voting directors, of whom Chris Chang Yu shall have the right to appoint and remove five (5) voting directors, Zhangjiang Science Investment shall have the right to appoint and remove one (1) voting director (the Zhangjiang Science Investment Director) and Zhijun Investment shall have the right to appoint and remove one (1) voting director (the Zhijun Investment Director, collectively with Zhangjiang Science Investment Director referred to as the Investor Director). There are no qualifications for directors to hold shares. Without the prior written consent of each Investor, the Company shall not increase the number of directors before the next financing round. |
(b) |
Meetings of the Board of Directors. Meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held at least once every six (6) months. Each Person may attend a meeting of the Board of Directors by teleconference or other means of communication accessible to all participants. A person attending a meeting of the Board of Directors in that manner shall be deemed to be attending the meeting in person. |
(c) |
Rules for Board Resolutions. The number of directors present at a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Company shall be three fifths of the total number of directors (i.e. five (5) directors, all directors must be notified fifteen (15) days in advance), and the resolutions made at such meeting of the Board of Directors shall be valid (the Number of Effective resolution of Directors). If the number of directors present in person or by proxy at any meeting of the Board is less than the Number of Effective Resolution of Directors in force for a resolution under this Clause 8.3(c), the Board shall not pass any resolution on any matter. |
(d) |
Corporate Governance of the Group Companies. The Board of Directors of all Group Companies shall be reconstituted so that each Investor shall have the right to appoint to any Group company the same number of directors as he or she has the right to appoint to the Company, and such directors shall be appointed or removed only in accordance with the decision of investors who have the right to appoint or remove them. Each Group Company and each Existing Major Shareholder shall cause (a) all corporate conduct of any Group Company to comply with the resolutions of the Board of Directors; (b) no Group Company shall take any action without the approval of the Board; and (c) the Group Company will act upon the approval of the Board of Directors. |
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(e) |
Insurance and Indemnity. The Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to insure the directors of the Board and the directors of any Group Company against the usual directors and officers. The reasonable expenses necessary for the Investor Director to exercise their powers under this Agreement and the Restated Articles of Association (and any amendments thereto) and Applicable Laws shall be borne by the Company. |
8.4 |
Protective Clauses Requiring Unanimous Consent of All Directors. Except for the restrictions set out in the latest Articles of Association, the following actions of any Group Company shall require the prior and unanimous consent of all directors of the Company: |
(a) |
any liquidation, dissolution, reorganization, consolidation, division, listing or bankruptcy proceedings; |
(b) |
any reduction in share capital, any repurchase or redemption of shares, except for the repurchase of shares from employees, directors and advisers of any Group Company in accordance with contractual rights due to termination of employment or service; |
(c) |
change or cease to engage in any activity within the existing scope of business or principal business of any Group Company, participate in any industry area that is materially different from the existing business scope or main business activities of any Group Company, approve the participation of any Group Company in any industry area that is materially different from the existing business plan, and terminate any main business of any Group Company; |
(d) |
Approve or amend the Companys Overall Employee Share Option Plan or Rules for Issuance and the Overall Share Option Plan for senior managers; |
(e) |
amendment or alteration of the rights, priorities, privileges or powers of each Investor in the shares of the Company, or of any restrictions imposed for his/her benefit; |
(f) |
any act of authorizing, creating or issuing any class or series of securities having priority over or equal to the shares of the Company held by each Investor; |
(g) |
the reclassification of any issued shares so that they have priority over dividends or assets over or equal to that of the shares of the company held by individual Investors; |
(h) |
sell, lease, Transfer or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of the assets of the Group Company. |
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8.5 |
Protective Clauses to Be Adopted by the Majority of Directors. Except for the restrictions set out in the Articles of Association, the following actions of any Group Company require prior consent of at least four-sevenths or above of the all Directors of the Company: |
(a) |
the formulation of the operating policies and investment plans of any Group Company; |
(b) |
Approval or any amendment of the annual business plan, budget programme or final accounts programme; |
(c) |
Approval or any amendment of the profit distribution plan and the loss recovery plan; |
(d) |
Approval or any amendment of a material financing proposal; |
(e) |
Acquire, sell, lease, Transfer or otherwise dispose of assets that exceed 10% of the net assets of each Group Company; |
(f) |
Foreign investment disposal exceeding 10% of the net assets of each Group Company; |
(g) |
Related Party transactions (the directors of Related Parties need to evade); |
(h) |
Expenditure in excess of RMB1,000,000 for any single transaction or series of similar transactions, which shall be increased by 10% every 12 months from the date this Agreement is signed into force; |
(i) |
Formulate a listing plan; |
(j) |
Appointment and removal and changes of auditors or any material change in the accounting or financial system; |
(k) |
Foreign investment behavior, whether it is equity investment or debt investment; |
(l) |
External guarantees; |
(m) |
A single transaction exceeding RMB1,500,000 and a net transaction exceeding RMB6,000,000 among the Group Companies; And |
(n) |
Approval or amendment of the overall incentive plan for employee equity other than senior management. |
(o) |
increase the authorized share capital, issued share capital or registered capital; |
(p) |
Investment plans for the construction project of any Group Company. |
8.6 |
Dividend Rights. Investors have the right to participate in any dividends and other distributions of the Company in proportion to their Equity Securities held in the Company and other Shareholders. |
16
9. |
ANTI-DILUTION |
9.1 |
If the Company issues any New Shares or any additional capital, except for the executive employee incentive plan approved by the Board of Directors, and the unit price of such New Shares is lower than the Price Per Share for Investors, as an anti-dilution protection measure, the Investor shall have the right to further acquire the shares issued by the Company at zero consideration or at the lowest consideration permitted by other laws to ensure that the Investors rights and interests in the Company are not diluted. |
10. |
OTHER CLAUSES |
10.1 |
If the investment cost of Investors to the Group Company is inconsistent with the actual investment cost, where the Investors are required to bear additional tax costs due to the inconsistent tax basis in the future reorganization or realization of investment in the Group Company, the Company and the Founders shall take all necessary measures to ensure that the Investors shall not incur any additional costs or Losses as a result thereof. Such measures shall include, but are not limited to: 1. Ensuring that Investors shall not bear such tax costs and other Losses; 2. Ensuring that Investors shall receive after-tax income calculated on the basis of actual investment costs (including, but not limited to, raising the next valuation, etc.). If the Company and the Founders fail to achieve the effect agreed in the foregoing terms and conditions through all efforts, the Parties concerned shall, with the written consent of the Investors, negotiate and resolve the matter separately under the principles of fairness and impartiality. In the event that the Parties fail to resolve the matter through negotiation within thirty (30) calendar days, the Company and the Founders shall be jointly and severally liable for all costs and Losses borne by the Investors. |
10.2 |
The Company promises to Zhijun Investment that, except for the circumstances in which the Company has disclosed to Zhijun Investment, there is no superiority over the undertaking in relation to the rights under this Agreement in any agreement between the Company and other natural persons and institutions that subscribed for the shares of the Company before the signing of this Agreement. Otherwise, Zhijun Investment shall be entitled to equal rights in accordance with these terms. |
10.3 |
Registration Rights. When any Investor requests, each Group Company, Existing Major Shareholders shall cause the Group Company planning to make a public offering to grant the Investor (to the reasonable satisfaction of the Investor) the right to register with the Securities and Exchange Commission all securities held by the Investor (including, but not limited to, three (3) times of demand registration and an unlimited number of piggyback and F-3/S-3 Form registration rights (or any subsequent registration under the Securities Act)), or an equivalent or similar right to register any issue in any other jurisdiction of securities of any Group Company in respect of which the Group Company undertakes to make a public offering or to list such securities on a recognized stock exchange. |
17
11. |
GENERAL CLAUSES |
11.1 |
Binding Force; Transfer. Subject to Clause 5.1, this Agreement shall be binding upon and beneficial to the heirs, successors, executors and administrators of the Parties hereto, as well as the Transferee. However, this Agreement shall not be transferred by any party to this Agreement (other than Investors) without the prior written consent of the respective Investors. This Agreement and the rights and obligations hereunder may be transferred by any Investor to any Person without the prior written consent of the other Parties to this Agreement, provided that such Person has signed a contract of compliance and consented to be bound by this Agreement. |
11.2 |
Applicable Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in all respects in accordance with the laws of Hong Kong. |
11.3 |
Dispute Resolution. |
(a) |
Any dispute, contradiction or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement, or the interpretation, breach of contract, termination or validity of this Agreement (each referred to as a Dispute) shall be settled first through consultation by the Parties to the Dispute. Such consultation shall commence immediately upon written notice of any request for consultations by either Party to the Dispute. |
(b) |
If the Dispute is not resolved within fifteen (15) days from the date of the aforesaid notice, either Party to the Dispute may submit it to arbitration by giving notice to the other Parties to the Dispute (the Notice of Arbitration). |
(c) |
The arbitration shall be submitted to the Shanghai Arbitration Commission for final award. |
(d) |
Either Party to the arbitration shall cooperate with the other Parties to the arbitration and, subject to its obligation of confidentiality, such party shall fully disclose and allow full access to all information and documents required by the other Party in connection with the arbitration proceedings. |
(e) |
Unless otherwise awarded by the arbitral tribunal, the costs of the arbitration shall be borne by the losing Party. |
(f) |
In the event of a Dispute and the arbitration thereof, the Parties shall continue to perform their respective obligations and shall be entitled to exercise their rights under this Agreement, except in the case of such Dispute. |
(g) |
The award of the arbitral tribunal shall be final and binding on the Parties, and the prevailing Party shall apply to the jurisdictional court for enforcement of the award. |
(h) |
In the course of the arbitral tribunals hearing of the Dispute, this Agreement shall continue to be performed except for the part of the Dispute that is in it. |
11.4 |
Complete Agreement. Except as disclosed by the Company to Zhijun Investment prior to the signing of this Agreement, this Agreement, the Subscription Agreement and any other Transaction Agreement contemplated by this Agreement and the annexes and schedules hereto constitute the entire understanding and agreement between the Parties and supersede all prior written or oral understandings or agreements with respect to the subject matter hereof. |
18
11.5 |
Except as otherwise provided herein, all notices, requests, waivers or other communications made pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly served at the time of delivery if (a) delivered personally at the address set forth in Appendix A to this Agreement; (b) by facsimile transmission at the number listed in Appendix A to this Agreement, upon receipt of confirmation of facsimile correctness (and a record of receipt of a written reply); (c) by airmail or registered mail (requiring a receipt, postage prepaid, address as set out in Appendix A to this Agreement and with a sign-off record), five (5) Working Days after the date of delivery; (d) by overnight courier service (postage prepaid, sent at the address set forth in Appendix A to this Agreement and guaranteed to be delivered on the following Working Day and with a sign-off record), three (3) Working Days after the date of delivery, provided that the sending Party obtains a confirmation of delivery from the delivery agency; or (e) if the e-mail is sent in accordance with the e-mail address listed in Appendix A to this Agreement, at the time the e-mail is normally sent (and there is a record of receipt of the e-mail reply). |
If communications under this Agreement are transmitted by facsimile, the sending Party shall immediately confirm each communication faxed pursuant to this Agreement by telephone to the received Party, but the failure to do so shall not affect the validity of such communications. For the purposes of this Clause 11.5, either Party may change or supplement the address set out in Appendix A or designate additional addresses by giving written notice to the other Parties in the manner described above.
11.6 |
Delay or Omission. Either Party delays or fails to exercise the rights, powers or relieves conferred upon it by the other Party for breach or non-performance of this Agreement, shall not prejudice the right, powers or relief of that Party, nor shall it be deemed to be a waiver of or acquiescence in the breach or non-performance or any subsequent similar breach or non-performance, nor shall it be deemed to be a waiver of any other breach or non-performance occurring before or after that date. A waiver, permission, consent, or approval of a breach or non-performance of any of the nature or characteristics of this Agreement or waiver of any of the terms or conditions of this Agreement must be made in writing and shall be valid only to the extent specified in such writing. Any relief provided to either Party under this Agreement, by law or otherwise, shall be cumulative but not optional. |
11.7 |
Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is invalid or unenforceable, it shall be construed so far as is practicable to enable it to be executed and to enable the transaction under this Agreement to be completed on substantially the same terms as previously stated. If there is no workable interpretation for the retention of this clause, it shall be severed from the remainder of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect unless the severed clause is essential to the rights and interests intended by the Parties. In such circumstances, the Parties shall use their best endeavors to negotiate in good faith an effective and enforceable alternative Clause or Agreement in order to achieve to the fullest extent on the intentions of the Parties at the time of entering into this Agreement. |
11.8 |
Shareholders Agreement Prevails. In the event of any inconsistency between the clauses of this Agreement and the Articles of Association, the clauses of this Agreement shall prevail for the sole benefit of the Shareholders of the Company. Upon the discovery of such inconsistencies, the Parties agree to take all necessary or desirable measures for consultation to eliminate such inconsistencies to the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law. |
19
11.9 |
Come into Force. This Agreement shall come into force on the date of delivery upon signature by the Parties. |
11.10 |
Copy. This Agreement may be signed on any number of texts, all of which are originals, but all of which together constitute one document. |
20
[No text below]
In view of this, the Parties hereto have caused their duly authorized representatives to sign this Agreement as of the date on the head of the text. Place of execution of this Agreement: Shanghai, China.
Group Companies:
AnPac Bio-Medical Science Co., Ltd. |
Signature: /s/ Chris Chang Yu |
Name: Chris Chang Yu |
Title: Chairman |
Zhejiang AnPac Bio-Medical Science Co., Ltd. (Seal) |
Signature: /s/ Chris Chang Yu |
Name: Chris Chang Yu |
Title: Legal Representative |
Changhe Bio-Medical Science (Yangzhou) Co., Ltd. (Seal) |
Signature: /s/ Chris Chang Yu |
Name: Chris Chang Yu |
Title: Legal Representative |
21
In view of this, the Parties hereto have caused their duly authorized representatives to sign this Agreement as of the date on the head of the text. Place of execution of this Agreement: Shanghai, China.
Group Companies:
Changwei System Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (Seal) |
Signature: /s/ Chris Chang Yu |
Name: Chris Chang Yu |
Title: Legal Representative |
AnPac Bio-Medical Science (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (Seal) |
Signature: /s/ Chris Chang Yu |
Name: Chris Chang Yu |
Title: Legal Representative |
Shanghai Xinshenpai Technology Co., Ltd. (Seal) |
Signature: /s/ Chris Chang Yu |
Name: Chris Chang Yu |
Title: Legal Representative |
22
In view of this, the Parties hereto have caused their duly authorized representatives to sign this Agreement as of the date on the head of the text. Place of execution of this Agreement: Shanghai, China.
Group Companies:
Lishui AnPac Medical Laboratory Co., Ltd. |
Signature: /s/ Chris Chang Yu |
Name: Chris Chang Yu |
Title: Legal Representative |
Chengdu Lipaishen Bio-Medical Science Co., Ltd. (Seal) |
Signature: /s/ Xuedong Du |
Name: Xuedong Du |
Title: Legal Representative |
ANPAC TECHNOLOGY USA CO., LTD. |
Signature: /s/ Chris Chang Yu |
Name: Chris Chang Yu |
Title: Legal Representative |
23
In view of this, the Parties hereto have caused their duly authorized representatives to sign this Agreement as of the date on the head of the text. Place of execution of this Agreement: Shanghai, China.
Existing Major Shareholders:
Chris Chang Yu | ||
Signature: |
/s/ Chris Chang Yu |
|
Lin Yu | ||
Signature: |
/s/ Lin Yu |
|
CRS Holdings Inc. | ||
Signature: |
/s/ Chris Chang Yu |
|
Name: Chris Chang Yu | ||
Title: President |
24
In view of this, the Parties hereto have caused their duly authorized representatives to sign this Agreement as of the date on the head of the text. Place of execution of this Agreement: Shanghai, China.
Investors:
Zhangjiang GU KE Company Limited | ||
Signature: |
/s/ Guo Fuyun |
|
Name: Guo Fuyun | ||
Title: Director |
25
In view of this, the Parties hereto have caused their duly authorized representatives to sign this Agreement as of the date on the head of the text. Place of execution of this Agreement: Shanghai, China.
Investors:
Jiaxing Zhijun Sihang Investment Partnership (Limited Partnership)
Signature: |
/s/ Yu Jinjie |
Name: | Yu Jinjie |
Title: | Representative of Executive Partner |
26
Appendix A
Notice Address
For the purposes of the Notice Clauses set out in this Agreement, the initial addresses of the Parties are as follows:
To Existing Major Shareholders: |
Address: |
Zip code: |
Email: |
Addressee: |
To any Group Companies: |
Address: |
Zip code: |
E-mail: |
Addressee: |
To Investors: |
Zhangjiang GU KE Company Limited |
Address: |
Zip code: |
E-mail: |
Addressee: |
Jiaxing Zhijun Sihang Investment Partnership (Limited Partnership) |
Address: |
Fax: |
E-mail: |
Addressee: |
27
Exhibit 4.5
August 17, 2017
Shareholders Agreement
AnPac Bio-Medical Science Co., Ltd.
A limited liability company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands
Shareholders Agreement
The Shareholders Agreement (this Agreement) is signed by the following Parties on August 17, 2017:
(1) |
AnPac Bio-Medical Science Co., Ltd., a limited liability company legally established and validly existing in the British Virgin Islands, with its registered address at SHRM Trustees (BVI) Limited of Trinity Chambers, P.O. Box 4301, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands (the Company); |
(2) |
Dr. Chris Chang Yu, U.S. Citizen, ID number [ ]; |
(3) |
CRS Holdings INC., a limited liability company legally established and validly existing in the British Virgin Islands, with its registered address at SHRM Trustees (BVI) Limited of Trinity Chambers, P.O. Box 4301, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands (CRS Company); |
(4) |
Ms. Lin Yu, Chinese citizen, ID number [ ]; |
(5) |
Zhejiang AnPac Bio-Medical Science Co., Ltd., a limited liability company legally established and validly existing in China, with its registered address at Room 108, No.131 Nanshan Yuanyuan Middle Road, Bihu Town, Liandu District, Lishui City, Zhejiang Province (Lishui Company); |
(6) |
Changhe Bio-Medical Science (Yangzhou) Co., Ltd., a limited liability company legally established and validly existing in China, with its registered address at 3rd Floor, Building 9, Jiangsu Information Service Industry Base (Yangzhou) (Yangzhou Company); |
(7) |
Changwei System Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., a limited liability company legally established and validly existing in China, with its registered address at Room 316, No. 105 Sinan Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai (Changwei Company); |
(8) |
AnPac Bio-Medical Science (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., a limited liability company legally established and validly existing in China, with its registered address at Room 301-346, Building 1, No. 400, Fangchun Road, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai (AnPac Shanghai Company); |
(9) |
Shanghai Xinshenpai Science Co., Ltd., a limited liability company legally established and validly existing in China, with its registered address at Room 316, No. 105 Sinan Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai (Xinshenpai Company); and |
(10) |
Lishui AnPac Medical Laboratory Co., Ltd., a medical institution legally established and validly existing in China, with its registered address at No. 801, Bixing Street, Bihu Town, Liandu District, Lishui City, Zhejiang Province (Medical Laboratory); and |
(11) |
Chengdu Lipaishen Bio-Medical Science Co., Ltd., a limited liability company legally established and validly existing in China, with its registered address at Building 1, No. 9, Shaocheng Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu City (Chengdu Company);and |
1
(12) |
ANPAC TECHNOLOGY USA CO., LTD., a limited liability company legally established and validly existing in the United States, with its registered address at 1209 ORANGE STATE, WILMINGTON DE 19801 (AnPac U.S.); |
(13) |
EMPOWER FUND I, L.P., a limited liability company legally established and validly existing in the Cayman Islands, with its registered address at 94 Solaris Avenue, Camana Bay, P.O. Box 1348, Grand Cayman, KY1-1108, Cayman Islands (EMPOWER Investment). |
In this Agreement, Chris Chang Yu and CRS Company are hereinafter referred to individually as the Founder and collectively as the Founders; Founders and Ms Lin Yu are hereinafter referred to individually as the Existing Major Shareholder and collectively as the Existing Major Shareholders; EMPOWER Investment is hereinafter referred to individually as Investor; Existing Major Shareholders and other Shareholders of the Company shall be collectively referred to as the Existing Shareholders; Lishui Company, Yangzhou Company, Changwei Company, AnPac Shanghai Company, Xinshenpai Company, Medical Laboratory, Chengdu Company and AnPac U.S. are hereinafter referred to individually as the Domestic And Foreign Company and collectively as the Domestic And Foreign Companies; The Company and Domestic And Foreign Companies and all other direct or indirect, current or future subsidiaries of the above companies are referred to individually as Group Company and collectively as the Group Companies; The Parties to this Agreement are referred to collectively as the Parties and individually as the Party.
Preface
Whereas, the Company and EMPOWER Investment signed a Share Subscription Agreement (the Subscription Agreement) on August 17, 2017;
For the purpose of agreeing on the shareholder rights of EMPOWER Investment, the Parties hereby agree as follows:
1. |
DEFINITION |
1.1 |
Definition. Unless otherwise defined in this Agreement, the extrabold terms in this Agreement shall have the following meanings: |
AnPac Shanghai Company |
It shall have the meaning of the preceding provisions. |
Applicable Law |
Refers to any Person, suitable for the Person or any of its assets or business, whether it be on or after the date of this agreement valid and amended from time to time or any of the constitution, treaty, statute, law, statute, decree, norm, regulation, judgment, general law rule, order, edict, adjudication, prohibition, Government Approval, approval, grant, franchise, license, consent, order, requirement, or any other government restriction of any Government Agency or any similar form of decree, or any decision made by it, or the interpretation and implementation of any of the foregoing. |
2
Board of Directors |
Refers to the board of directors of the Company. |
Changwei Company |
It shall have the meaning of the preceding provisions. |
China |
Refers to the Peoples Republic of China, but for the purposes of this Agreement, it does not include Hong Kong, Macao Special Administrative Region and Taiwan. |
Company |
It shall have the meaning of the preceding provisions. |
Confidential Information |
It shall have the meaning set forth in Clause 7.1. |
Contracts |
Refers to any agreement, arrangement, commitment, covenant, franchise, indemnity, contract, instrument, lease, license, permission or binding memorandum of understanding (whether in writing or not). |
Control |
(Including the relevant meanings for controlling, controlled and jointly controlled) in the case of any person, refers to the right of any Person to directly or indirectly guide the management or policy of that Person (related to operational control, financial control or other control) whether through securities with voting rights or through contracts or otherwise. |
Disposing Shareholder |
Refers to any Existing Major Shareholder or assignee of his/her Equity Securities. |
Dispute |
It shall have the meaning set forth in Clause 10.2(a). |
EMPOWER Price Per Share for EMPOWER Investment |
Refers to the price obtained by the subscription price divided by the number of the subscription shares, i.e. US$866.55. |
Equity Securities |
Refers to all Ordinary Shares or securities convertible or exchangeable into Ordinary Shares of the Company. |
Existing Major Shareholder and Existing Major Shareholders |
It shall have the meaning of the preceding provisions. |
Existing Shareholders |
It shall have the meaning of the preceding provisions. |
3
Founder and Founders |
It shall have the meaning of the preceding provisions. |
Government Agency |
Refers to any government or its political branches, whether at the federal, central, state, provincial, municipal or local levels, regardless of administrative, legislative or judicial nature, including any representative office, authority, council, bureau, committee, court, department or other organ. |
Government Approval |
Refers to any consent, approval, authorization, exemption, permit, grant, franchise, allowance, permission, exemption or order of a Government Agency, and registration, certification, declaration, filing, reporting or notification to a Government Agency. |
Group Company and Group Companies |
They shall have the meaning of the preceding provisions. |
Hong Kong |
Refers to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China. |
Information Right |
It shall have the meaning set forth in Clause 2.1(e). |
Inspection Right |
It shall have the meaning set forth in Clause 2.2. |
Investor and Investors |
It shall have the meaning of the preceding provisions. |
Knowledge |
When referring to a Persons knowledge, it refers to the actual knowledge of the Person, and the knowledge should be known to the Person as a prudent business Person after proper consultation and due diligence in managing his/her business. These investigations include appropriate consultation with the management, directors, key employees and professional consultants (including lawyers, accountants and consultants) of the Person and his/her Related Parties. |
Lishui Company |
It shall have the meaning of the preceding provisions. |
Loss |
Refers to all direct or indirect losses, liabilities, damages, deficiencies, value impairments, litigation, liabilities, duties, benefits, interests, fines, fees, judgments or settlements of any nature or kind, including all related costs and expenses, including but not limited to reasonable attorney fees and expenses of any kind or nature, legal fees, settlement fees and investigation costs, whether legal or in an equity law, known or unknown, foreseeable or unforeseen. |
4
Material Adverse Effects |
Refers to the material adverse effects of a particular Persons condition (financial or other conditions), his/her associated assets, operating results or prospects, or business (currently or intended to be carried out). |
New Shares |
It shall have the meaning set forth in Clause 3.2. |
Notice of Exercising Right of First Refusal |
It shall have the meaning set forth in Clause 3.3. |
Notice of Transfer |
It shall have the meaning set forth in Clause 4.2(a). |
Ordinary Shareholder |
Refers to a holder of ordinary shares. |
Ordinary Shares |
Refers to the Companys ordinary shares, with a par value of US$1.00 each. |
Organizational Document |
Refers to, in relation to any Person, a certificate of registration, memorandum of association, articles of association, joint venture agreement, shareholders agreement or similar organizational document of such Person. |
Party and Parties |
Shall have the meanings set forth in the preceding provisions, respectively. |
Persons |
Shall be construed as broadly as possible and shall include individuals, partnerships (including limited liability partnerships), companies, associated companies, joint stock companies, limited liability companies, trusts, joint ventures (including Sino-foreign joint ventures and Sino-foreign cooperative ventures), non-corporate organizations and Government Agencies. |
Preemptive Period |
It shall have the meaning set forth in Clause 4.2(b)(i). |
Preemptive Right |
It shall have the meaning set forth in Clause 4.2(b)(i). |
Preface |
Refers to the preface of this Agreement. |
Price Per Share for Investor |
Refers to the Price Per Share of EMPOWER Investment. |
Priority Subscription Notice |
It shall have the meaning set forth in Clause 3.3(a). |
Priority Subscription Period |
It shall have the meaning set forth in Clause 3.3(a). |
5
Purchase Notice |
It shall have the meaning set forth in Clause 4.2(b)(i). |
Qualified Public Offering |
The Company or any other Group Company shall be listed on a stock exchange in China, Hong Kong or other internationally recognized stock exchange and shall publicly issue Ordinary Shares or shares of the Group Company in accordance with the securities trading laws and regulations of the applicable jurisdiction. |
Related Parties |
In the case of a specific Person, it refers to (a) when he/she is a natural person, his/her spouse and his/her immediate family members (whether blood relatives or adoption) or any trust established and maintained solely for the benefit of the person, his/her spouse and/or such immediate family members; and (b) when it is any person, directly or indirectly through one or more media, controlling the specific Person, being controlled by the specific Person or being controlled jointly with the specific Person. |
Ren Min Bi or RMB |
Refers to the legal currency of China. |
Right of First Refusal |
It shall have the meaning set forth in Clause 3.1. |
Subsidiary |
Refers to in relation to the specific Person, any other non-natural Person controlled by that specific Person. |
Senior Executives |
Refers to the CEO, CFO, COO of each Group Company and the Deputy General Manager or above. |
Shareholders |
Refers to any Person who holds Equity Securities. |
Sold Shares |
It shall have the meaning set forth in Clause 4.2(a). |
This Agreement |
It shall have the meaning of the preceding provisions. |
Transfer |
Refers to the transfer, sale, guarantee, encumbrance, mortgage, pledge, donation or other disposition of any or all of the shares of a particular Person, whether voluntary or involuntary (including but not limited to those arising from divorce, separation, bankruptcy or other proceedings, or death) or by operation of law. |
US$ |
Refers to the legal currency of the United States. |
Working Day |
Refers to any day on which banks in the British Virgin Islands and China normally operate (except Saturdays and Sundays and public holidays in the British Virgin Islands or China). |
6
Xinshenpai Company |
It shall have the meaning of the preceding provisions. |
Yangzhou Company |
It shall have the meaning of the preceding provisions. |
1.2 |
Interpretation. For all purposes of this Agreement, except as expressly provided herein, (a) The terms defined in the Clause 1.1 shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this Clause 1.1 and shall include the plural and the singular, (b) All accounting terms not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have the meaning given by the Chinese Accounting Standards, (c) All designated Clauses and Sub-Clauses referenced in this Agreement shall mean the Clauses and Sub-Clauses identified in the Main Body of this Agreement, (d) A gender or neutral pronoun shall include other appropriate forms of the pronoun, (e) The terms in this Agreement, of this Agreement and under this Agreement and other terms of similar meaning refer to this Agreement as a whole and not designate any particular clause or sub-clause, (f) Unless otherwise expressly stated, all appendices specified by reference to this Agreement refer to appendices to this Agreement, (g) The term including and other similar words shall be deemed to be immediately followed by but not limited to, whether or not they are actually immediately followed by such words or words of similar meaning, (h) The headings of the terms of this Agreement are for identification and reference only and shall not be used to interpret this Agreement, (i) Any Party or any other Person referred to in this Agreement shall be construed as including successors to his/her rights, his/her permitted successors and permitted assignees, and (j) Any agreement or instrument referred to in this Agreement shall include its amended or substituted text. This Agreement shall be interpreted literally. |
2. |
INFORMATION RIGHT; INSPECTION RIGHT |
2.1 |
Information Right. The Company warrants and agrees that, as of the date of this Agreement, it will deliver to each Investor: |
(a) |
The annual consolidated financial statements of each Group Company prepared in accordance with the Chinese Accounting Standards and other applicable local accounting terms and rules and audited by an accounting firm as agreed by the Company and the Investors shall be delivered within one hundred and twenty (120) days after the end of each fiscal year; |
(b) |
The unaudited quarterly consolidated financial and management statements of Group Companies prepared in accordance with Chinese accounting standards and other applicable local accounting terms and rules shall be delivered within twenty-eight (28) days after the end of six months; |
(c) |
An annual business plan and monthly budget for each Group Company for the following fiscal year shall be delivered within thirty (30) days prior to the end of each fiscal year; |
(d) |
Notice of all litigations, prosecutions, claims, judicial proceedings, investigations, inquiries or incidents that may have a Material Adverse Effect on any Group Company or any of its Related Parties and their ownership of or rights in their respective businesses, real property, assets or property; and |
7
(e) |
Other information reasonably requested to be delivered by each Investor upon written request by them (collectively referred to as the Information Right). |
(f) |
All financial statements to be provided to each Investor in accordance with this Clause 2.1 shall include income statements, balance sheets and cash flow statements for the relevant periods and for the current fiscal year prepared in accordance with the Chinese Accounting Standards and other applicable local accounting terms and rules. |
2.2 |
Inspection Right. Each Group Company further warrants and agrees that, as of the date of this Agreement, each Investor and his or her authorized representative shall have the right (a) to inspect, extract and photocopy the facilities, records and books of account of the Group Company under normal working hours and reasonable and without prejudice to the normal operation of the Group Company after reasonable prior notice to the Group Company concerned, and (b) to discuss the business, operation and conditions of any Group Company with their respective directors, officers, employees, accountants, legal advisers and investment banks, without prejudice to the normal operation of the Group Company (the Inspection Right). Each Group Company will provide and cause its subsidiaries to provide to each Investor and his or her authorized representative such information as each Investor may reasonably require from time to time. Each Group Company shall provide all reasonable support to effectively assist in such investigations. Any Investor shall have the right to require the Group Company to be notified 30 days in advance and to be audited by an accounting firm approved by such Investor, but not more than once a year, at the expense of the Investor, provided that the Investor does not interfere with the normal operation of the Group Company. |
2.3 |
Termination of Rights. The Information Right and the Inspection Right shall be terminated at the time of the completion of the Qualified Public Offering. |
3. |
RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL |
3.1 |
Overview. Each Investor shall have priority to purchase all (or any part thereof) of any New Shares issued by the Company from time to time after the date of this Agreement (the Right of First Refusal). |
3.2 |
New Share. New Share refers to any Equity Securities of the Company (whether or not it is now an authorized share capital) and rights, options or warrants of any type of securities that may be purchased or converted or exchanged for Equity Securities of the Company. While the term New Share shall not include: |
(a) |
any Ordinary Shares sold or issued under the Subscription Agreement; |
(b) |
any securities (including any repurchased shares) issued under the Employee Option Scheme of the Company to officers, directors, employees and advisers of any Group Company; |
(c) |
any securities issued in a Qualified Public Offering; |
(d) |
any securities issued as a result of any share splitting or dividend distribution, recapitalization or similar transaction subject to a pro rata adjustment; and |
8
(e) |
any securities issued for the purpose of the acquisition in good faith of another company or entity or other reorganization activity by the Company through merger, consolidation, purchase of all or substantially all of its assets (the relevant conditions of which shall be approved by the Board of Directors). |
3.3 |
Procedure. |
(a) |
Priority Subscription Notice. If the Company plans to issue New Shares (whether through a single transaction or a series of related transactions), it shall give each Investor a written notice of its intention to issue such New Shares (the Priority Subscription Notice) describing the number, type, price of the New Shares and the general terms and conditions under which the Company intends to issue such New Shares. Each Investor may, within five (5) Working Days (the Priority Subscription Period) from the date of receipt of the Priority Subscription Notice, agree in writing to purchase the amount of New Shares to be issued at the prices and terms and conditions set out in the Priority Subscription Notice by giving a written notice to the Company (the Notice of Exercising Right of First Refusal) stating the number of New Shares to be purchased. If any investor fails to give a Notice of Exercising Right of First Refusal during the Priority Subscription Period, such Investor shall be deemed to have waived his Right of First Refusal. The Board of Directors of the Company shall not pass any resolution enabling the Company to issue any New Shares under the Right of First Refusal to any third person that have not been exercised or waived by the Investors in accordance with the provisions of this Clause 3. The maximum amount of New Shares that any investor is entitled to subscribe for is: New Shares x (the number of Ordinary Shares held by the Investor at the time of the Companys Priority Subscription Notice ÷ the sum of all Ordinary Shares issued at the time of the Companys Priority Subscription Notice). |
3.4 |
Failure to Exercise. Upon expiration of the Priority Subscription Period, and in the case that the New Shares are not fully subscribed by each Investor through the Right of First Refusal, the Company shall, within ninety (90) days after the expiration of the Priority Subscription Period, sell the New Shares described in the Priority Subscription Notice (in respect of the unexercised portion of the Right of First Refusal) at a price equal to or higher than the price stated in the Priority Subscription Notice, or for non-price terms, on terms no more favorable than those set forth in the Priority Subscription Notice. If the Company fails to complete the issue and sale of the New Shares within ninety (90) days after the expiration of the Priority Subscription Period, or the Company intends to issue and sell the New Shares on terms more favorable than those set out in the Priority Subscription Notice, the Company shall not issue or sell any New Shares thereafter without resending the Priority Subscription Notice to the Investors and the Investors exercise of the Right of First Refusal under this Clause 3. |
3.5 |
Termination. The Right of First Refusal of each Investor shall be terminated at the time of the completion of the Qualified Public Offering and delivery. |
4. |
TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS |
4.1 |
Preemptive Right. |
9
(a) |
Notice of Transfer. If (i) a Disposing Shareholder intends to Transfer directly or indirectly any of his Equity Securities to one or more third parties, or (ii) at any time any Equity Securities held by a Disposing Shareholder are involuntarily transferred, the Disposing Shareholder shall give notice in writing (the Notice of Transfer) to the company to whom the Transfer is made and to the Investors. Such Notice of Transfer shall include (A) a description of the Equity Securities to be transferred (the Sold Shares), (B) the identity of the potential transferee, and (C) the consideration for the proposed Transfer and the principal terms and conditions upon which it is based. The price of each Sold Share shall not be lower than the Price Per Share for Investors. The Notice of Transfer shall prove that the Disposing Shareholder has received a firm offer from the potential assignee and is satisfied in good faith that it may enter into a binding agreement on the Transfer in accordance with the terms of the Notice of Transfer. The Notice of Transfer shall also include a copy of any written proposal, term sheet or letter of intent or other agreement relating to the proposed Transfer. |
(b) |
Exercise of Preemptive Right. |
(i) |
Each Investor shall have the right to give written notice (the Purchase Notice) to the Disposing Shareholders within five (5) Working Days (the Preemptive Period) of receipt of the Notice of Transfer to give priority to purchase the Sold Shares on the terms and conditions set forth in the Notice of Transfer (subject to the provisions of Clause 4.1(b)(ii) below) (the Preemptive Right). The Purchase Notice shall state the amount of Sold Shares to be purchased by each Investor. |
(ii) |
The number of Sold Shares available for each Investor: Where each Investor claims to exercise the Preemptive Right, the respective purchase proportion shall be determined through consultation. If no agreement can be reached, the Preemptive Right shall be exercised in proportion to the total number of shares held by the investors who claim the Preemptive Right at the time of transfer, which shall be equal to the total number of shares held by the Investors who claim the Preemptive Right at that time. |
(iii) |
If an ongoing Transfer arises as a result of enforcement of law or another involuntary transfer (including a transfer arising from death, divorce, separation or insolvency), the price per share should be the higher of the following: (A) the original purchase price paid by the Disposing Shareholder for the Sold Shares (subject to such adjustments as may be appropriate in the case of share splits, dividends distribution, mergers and the like), but not less than the nominal value, or (B) the fair market value (not less than the nominal value) of the Sold Shares, as determined by the Board of Directors, taking into account such factors as the Companys current income and future prospects and reflecting the current value of the Shares, and determined by the Company within thirty (30) Working Days of receipt of the Notice of Transfer. If the Disposing Shareholder or the executor of the Disposing Shareholder disagrees with the valuation determined by the Board of Directors, then the Disposing Shareholder or the executor of the Disposing Shareholder shall have the right to entrust an independent appraiser agreed by the Company and the Disposing Shareholder or the executor of the Disposing Shareholder to determine the valuation, and the appraisers expenses shall be shared equally between the Company and the Disposing Shareholder or the estate of the Disposing Shareholder. |
10
4.2 |
Co-Sale Rights. If any investor fails to exercise the Preemptive Right mentioned in the preceding paragraph, within ten (10) Working Days after the expiration of the Preemptive Period (the Co-Sale Period), such Investor may give a written notice (the Co-Sale Notice) to the Disposing Shareholder and the Company requiring the Investors shares in the Company to be sold to a potential transferee of the Sold Shares (the Co-Sale Rights) in accordance with the sale price of the Sold Shares and other terms and conditions set out in the Notice of transfer. Investors Sellable Shares = (the percentage of Sold Shares of Disposing Shareholder to all of their shares * the number of shares held by the Investor). If a potential transferee of Sold Shares refuses to purchase any number of shares to be sold by the investor, or the potential transferee fails to complete the purchase of the shares to be sold by the Investor before or at the same time as the purchase of the Sold Shares is completed, the Disposing Shareholder shall not sell any of the Sold Shares to the potential transferee unless the Disposing Shareholder completes the purchase of the Investors shares to be sold prior to or at the same time as the sale price (not less than the nominal value) and other terms and conditions set out in the Notice of Transfer. |
4.3 |
Not Exercising Rights. If Investors fail to exercise the Preemptive Right under Clause 4.2 and the Co-Sale Right under Clause 4.3, the Disposing Shareholder shall sell any remaining Sold Shares to the third party transferee identified in the Notice of Transfer within ninety (90) days after the expiration of the Co-Sale Period, on terms and conditions (including the Purchase Price) not favorable to the Purchaser as set forth in the Notice of Transfer. As a condition for the effective Transfer of the Sold Share, the third party transferee shall provide the Company and all Shareholders of the Company with written consent to be bound by and to comply with this Agreement, including but not limited to all provisions of this Clause 4, as if the transferee were a Disposing Shareholder in this Agreement and to comply with the terms of the transferee under which the Equity Securities are issued. If the Disposing Shareholder fails to complete the sale or disposal of the Sold Shares within ninety (90) days after the expiration of the Co-Sale Period, or the Company proposes to sell the Sold Shares on more favorable terms than those set out in the Notice of Transfer, or the Company proposes to sell the Sold Shares to a party other than a third party transferee as identified in the Notice of Transfer, the Disposing Shareholders shall not sell any Sold Shares until the Investors have re-exercised their Preemptive Rights and Co-Sale Rights under this Clause 4. Moreover, whether any investor exercises a Preemptive Right or a Co-Sale Right over the Sold Shares of the Disposing Shareholder shall not adversely affect the subsequent purchase of Equity Securities by the Investor from any Disposing Shareholder. Any subsequent Transfer of any Sold Shares proposed by the Disposing Shareholders shall again be subject to the Preemption and Co-Sale Rights of the Investors and the relevant Disposing Shareholders shall be required to comply with the procedures set out in this Clause 4. |
4.4 |
Legend. |
11
(a) |
Each certificate issued to each Existing Major Shareholder representing the Ordinary Share shall endorse the following legend: |
The sale, pledge, mortgage or transfer of the securities represented by this Certificate is subject to specific restrictions on the transfer under the Shareholders Agreement, a copy of which may be obtained by written request to the Secretary of the Company.
(b) |
The Parties agree that the Company may direct its Transfer agent to impose transfer restrictions on the Shares represented by the certificates of the legend referred to in Clause 4.5 (a) above for the purpose of enforcing the terms of this Agreement, and the Company agrees to do so forthwith. The legend shall be removed at the termination of the provisions of this Clause 4. |
4.5 |
Transfer of Investors Equity. Each Investor shall not be subject to any restrictions on the Transfer of his/her Equity Securities in the Company (provided that such Transfer shall not be made to a competitor of the Company or a transferee associated with the competitor). |
4.6 |
Term. This Clause 4 shall terminate at the time of completion of the Qualified Public Offering. |
5. |
TRANSFER AND AMENDMENT |
5.1 |
Transfer. When each Investor transfers the shares of the Company he/she holds, all and any rights and interests relating to such shares may be fully transferred. |
5.2 |
Rights of Amendment. Any terms of this Agreement may be amended only with the written consent of each Existing Major Shareholder and Investors. Any amendment or waiver that becomes effective pursuant to this Clause 5.2 shall be binding upon the Parties hereto and their respective transferees. |
6. |
COMPENSATION |
6.1 |
The Founders and the Group Companies shall indemnify, defend and protect Investors, jointly and separately, against all Losses arising directly or indirectly from, in connection with or incidental to any violation of any representations, warranties, undertakings or agreements made in this Agreement or in any transaction agreement to be signed in this Agreement. The compensation shall first be borne by each Group Company. If each Group Company cannot make compensation after its best efforts, the Founders shall perform the compensation obligation. |
7. |
CONFIDENTIALITY AND NON-DISCLOSURE |
7.1 |
Confidentiality. Shall be executed in accordance with the Confidentiality Agreement signed between the Company and Shanghai EMPOWER Investment Management Co., Ltd. |
8. |
VOTING RIGHTS, PROTECTIVE CLAUSES AND DIVIDEND RIGHTS |
12
8.1 |
Voting Rights. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, the Articles of Association as defined below and Applicable Law, any Ordinary Share shall have one vote on any matter of the Company to be resolved by the Shareholders and each Investor shall vote and resolve as a series of Shareholders with each Existing Shareholder. If the proportion of Equity Securities held by the Shareholders present at the Shareholders meeting reaches two thirds (2/3) of the Equity Securities already issued at that time, the resolution made at the shareholders meeting shall be valid. Each Shareholders Representative may attend a meeting of the Shareholders through any teleconference or other means of communication available to all Shareholders Representatives attending the meeting of the Shareholders. Where a resolution of the Shareholders meeting is made by means of a written resolution without convening a Shareholders meeting, such written resolution must be signed by all the Shareholders of the Company for the purpose of validity. |
8.2 |
Protective Clauses that Require the Approval of Majority Shareholders. In accordance with the Companys latest Articles of Association, the following actions of any Group Company require the prior consent of the majority shareholder who holds a total of two-thirds (2/3) of the issued Equity Securities of the Company: |
(a) |
increase or decrease the authorized share capital, issued share capital or registered capital; |
(b) |
any Equity Securities, options to purchase Equity Securities, new issues relating to Equity Securities or debt securities; |
(c) |
any liquidation, dissolution, winding-up, recapitalization, reorganization, consolidation, separation, listing or bankruptcy proceedings; |
(d) |
any material change to the Articles of Association or other Organizational Document; |
(e) |
the reclassification of any issued Equity Security so that its priority over dividends or assets is higher than or equal to that of the shares of the Company held by individual Investors. |
8.3 |
Dividend Rights. Investors have the right to participate in any dividends and other distributions of the Company in proportion to their Equity Securities held in the Company and other Shareholders. |
9. |
ANTI-DILUTION |
9.1 |
If the Company issues any New Shares or any additional capital, except for the executive employee incentive plan approved by the Board of Directors, and the unit price of such New Shares is lower than the Price Per Share for Investors, as an anti-dilution protection measure, the Investor shall have the right to further acquire the shares issued by the Company at zero consideration or at the lowest consideration permitted by other laws to ensure that the Investors rights and interests in the Company are not diluted. |
10. |
OTHER CLAUSES |
13
10.1 |
If the investment cost of Investors to the Group Company is inconsistent with the actual investment cost, where the Investors are required to bear additional tax costs due to the inconsistent tax basis in the future reorganization or realization of investment in the Group Company, the Company and the Founders shall take all necessary measures to ensure that the Investors shall not incur any additional costs or Losses as a result thereof. Such measures shall include, but are not limited to: 1. Ensuring that Investors shall not bear such tax costs and other Losses; 2. Ensuring that Investors shall receive after-tax income calculated on the basis of actual investment costs (including, but not limited to, raising the next valuation, etc.). If the Company and the Founders fail to achieve the effect agreed in the foregoing terms and conditions through all efforts, the Parties concerned shall, with the written consent of the Investors, negotiate and resolve the matter separately under the principles of fairness and impartiality. In the event that the Parties fail to resolve the matter through negotiation within thirty (30) calendar days, the Company and the Founders shall be jointly and severally liable for all costs and Losses borne by the Investors. |
10.2 |
The Company undertakes to EMPOWER Investment that, except for the circumstances in which the Company has disclosed to EMPOWER Investment, there is no superiority over the undertaking in relation to the rights under this Agreement in any agreement between the Company and other natural persons and institutions that subscribed for the shares of the Company before the signing of this Agreement. Otherwise, EMPOWER Investment shall be entitled to equal rights in accordance with these terms. |
10.3 |
Registration Rights. When any Investor requests, each Group Company, Existing Major Shareholders shall cause the Group Company planning to make a public offering to grant the Investor (to the reasonable satisfaction of the Investor) the right to register with the Securities and Exchange Commission for all securities held by the Investor (including, but not limited to, three (3) times of demand registration and an unlimited number of piggyback and F-3/S-3 Form registration rights (or any subsequent registry under the Securities Act), or an equivalent or similar right to register any issue in any other jurisdiction of securities of any Group Company in respect of which the Group Company undertakes to make a public offering or to list such securities on a recognized stock exchange. |
11. |
GENERAL CLAUSES |
11.1 |
Binding Force; Transfer. Subject to Clause 5.1, this Agreement shall be binding upon and beneficial to the heirs, successors, executors and administrators of the Parties hereto, as well as the Transferee. However, this Agreement shall not be transferred by any party to this Agreement (other than Investors) without the prior written consent of the respective Investors. This Agreement and the rights and obligations hereunder may be transferred by any Investor to any Person without the prior written consent of the other Parties to this Agreement, provided that such Person has signed a contract of compliance and consented to be bound by this Agreement. |
11.2 |
Applicable Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in all respects in accordance with the laws of Hong Kong. |
11.3 |
Dispute Resolution. |
14
(a) |
Any dispute, contradiction or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement, or the interpretation, breach of contract, termination or validity of this Agreement (each referred to as a Dispute) shall be settled first through consultation by the Parties to the Dispute. Such consultation shall commence immediately upon written notice of any request for consultations by either Party to the Dispute. |
(b) |
If the Dispute is not resolved within fifteen (15) days from the date of the aforesaid notice, either Party to the Dispute may submit it to arbitration by giving notice to the other Parties to the Dispute (the Notice of Arbitration). |
(c) |
The arbitration shall be submitted to the Shanghai Arbitration Commission for final award. |
(d) |
Either Party to the arbitration shall cooperate with the other Parties to the arbitration and, subject to its obligation of confidentiality, such party shall fully disclose and allow full access to all information and documents required by the other Party in connection with the arbitration proceedings. |
(e) |
Unless otherwise awarded by the arbitral tribunal, the costs of the arbitration shall be borne by the losing Party. |
(f) |
In the event of a Dispute and the arbitration thereof, the Parties shall continue to perform their respective obligations and shall be entitled to exercise their rights under this Agreement, except in the case of such Dispute. |
(g) |
The award of the arbitral tribunal shall be final and binding on the Parties, and the prevailing Party shall apply to the jurisdictional court for enforcement of the award. |
(h) |
In the course of the arbitral tribunals hearing of the Dispute, this Agreement shall continue to be performed except for the part of the Dispute that is in it. |
11.4 |
Complete Agreement. Except as disclosed by the Company to EMPOWER Investment prior to the signing of this Agreement, this Agreement, the Subscription Agreement and any other Transaction Agreement contemplated by this Agreement and the annexes and schedules hereto constitute the entire understanding and agreement between the parties and supersede all prior written or oral understandings or agreements with respect to the subject matter hereof. |
11.5 |
Notification. Except as otherwise provided herein, all notices, requests, waivers or other communications made pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly served at the time of delivery if (a) delivered personally at the address set forth in Appendix A to this Agreement; (b) by facsimile transmission at the number listed in Appendix A to this Agreement, upon receipt of confirmation of facsimile correctness (and a record of receipt of a written reply); (c) by airmail or registered mail (requiring a receipt, postage prepaid, address as set out in Appendix A to this Agreement and with a sign-off record), five (5) Working Days after the date of delivery; (d) by overnight courier service (postage prepaid, sent at the address set forth in Appendix A to this Agreement and guaranteed to be delivered on the following Working Day and with a sign-off record), three (3) Working Days after the date of delivery, provided that the sending Party obtains a confirmation of delivery from the delivery agency; or (e) if the e-mail is sent in accordance with the e-mail address listed in Appendix A to this Agreement, at the time the e-mail is normally sent (and there is a record of receipt of the e-mail reply). |
15
If communications under this Agreement are transmitted by facsimile, the sending Party shall immediately confirm each communication faxed pursuant to this Agreement by telephone to the received Party, but the failure to do so shall not affect the validity of such communications. For the purposes of this Clause 11.5, either Party may change or supplement the address set out in Appendix A or designate additional addresses by giving written notice to the other Parties in the manner described above.
11.6 |
Delay or omission. Either Party delays or fails to exercise the rights, powers or relieves conferred upon it by the other Party for breach or non-performance of this Agreement, shall not prejudice the right, powers or relief of that Party, nor shall it be deemed to be a waiver of or acquiescence in the breach or non-performance or any subsequent similar breach or non-performance, nor shall it be deemed to be a waiver of any other breach or non-performance occurring before or after that date. A waiver, permission, consent, or approval of a breach or non-performance of any of the nature or characteristics of this Agreement or waiver of any of the terms or conditions of this Agreement must be made in writing and shall be valid only to the extent specified in such writing. Any relief provided to either Party under this Agreement, by law or otherwise, shall be cumulative but not optional. |
11.7 |
Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is invalid or unenforceable, it shall be construed so far as is practicable to enable it to be executed and to enable the transaction under this Agreement to be completed on substantially the same terms as previously stated. If there is no workable interpretation for the retention of this clause, it shall be severed from the remainder of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect unless the severed clause is essential to the rights and interests intended by the Parties. In such circumstances, the Parties shall use their best endeavors to negotiate in good faith an effective and enforceable alternative Clause or Agreement in order to achieve to the fullest extent on the intentions of the Parties at the time of entering into this Agreement. |
11.8 |
Shareholders Agreement Prevails. In the event of any inconsistency between the clauses of this Agreement and the Articles of Association, the clauses of this Agreement shall prevail for the sole benefit of the Shareholders of the Company. Upon the discovery of such inconsistencies, the Parties agree to take all necessary or desirable measures for consultation to eliminate such inconsistencies to the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law. |
11.9 |
Come into Force. This Agreement shall come into force on the date of delivery upon signature by the Parties. |
11.10 |
Copy. This Agreement may be signed on any number of texts, all of which are originals, but all of which together constitute one document. |
16
In view of this, the Parties hereto have caused their duly authorized representatives to sign this Agreement as of the date on the head of the text. Place of execution of this Agreement: Shanghai, China.
Group Companies:
AnPac Bio-Medical Science Co., Ltd. |
Signature: /s/ Chris Chang Yu |
Name: Chris Chang Yu |
Title: Chairman of Board |
Zhejiang AnPac Bio-Medical Science Co., Ltd. (Seal) |
Signature: /s/ Chris Chang Yu |
Name: Chris Chang Yu |
Title: Legal Representative |
Changhe Bio-Medical Science (Yangzhou) Co., Ltd. (Seal) |
Signature: /s/ Chris Chang Yu |
Name: Chris Chang Yu |
Title: Legal Representative |
17
In view of this, the Parties hereto have caused their duly authorized representatives to sign this Agreement as of the date on the head of the text. Place of execution of this Agreement: Shanghai, China.
Group Companies:
Changwei System Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (Seal) |
Signature: /s/ Chris Chang Yu |
Name: Chris Chang Yu |
Title: Legal Representative |
AnPac Bio-Medical Science (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (Seal) |
Signature: /s/ Chris Chang Yu |
Name: Chris Chang Yu |
Title: Legal Representative |
Shanghai Xinshenpai Technology Co., Ltd. (Seal) |
Signature: /s/ Chris Chang Yu |
Name: Chris Chang Yu |
Title: Legal Representative |
18
In view of this, the Parties hereto have caused their duly authorized representatives to sign this Agreement as of the date on the head of the text. Place of execution of this Agreement: Shanghai, China.
Group Companies:
Lishui AnPac Medical Laboratory Co., Ltd.
Signature: |
/s/ Chris Chang Yu |
Name: | Chris Chang Yu |
Title: | Legal Representative |
Chengdu Lipaishen Bio-Medical Science Co., Ltd. (Seal)
Signature: |
/s/ Xuedong Du |
Name: | Xuedong Du |
Title: | Legal Representative |
ANPAC TECHNOLOGY USA CO., LTD.
Signature: |
/s/ Chris Chang Yu |
Name: | Chris Chang Yu |
Title: | Legal Representative |
19
In view of this, the Parties hereto have caused their duly authorized representatives to sign this Agreement as of the date on the head of the text. Place of execution of this Agreement: Shanghai, China.
Existing Major Shareholders:
Chris Chang Yu
Signature: |
/s/ Chris Chang Yu |
Lin Yu
Signature: |
/s/ Lin Yu |
CRS Holdings Inc.
Signature: |
/s/ Chris Chang Yu |
Name: | Chris Chang Yu |
Title: | President |
20
In view of this, the Parties hereto have caused their duly authorized representatives to sign this Agreement as of the date on the head of the text. Place of execution of this Agreement: Shanghai, China.
Investor:
EMPOWER FUND I, L.P.
Signature: |
/s/ Yu Junhan |
|
Name: | Yu Junhan | |
Title: | Managing Partner |
21
Appendix A
Notice address
For the purposes of the Notice Clauses set out in this Agreement, the initial addresses of the Parties are as follows:
To Existing Major Shareholders: |
Address: |
Zip code: |
E-mail: |
Addressee: |
To any Group Companies: |
Address: |
Zip code: |
E-mail: |
Addressee: |
To Investors: |
EMPOWER FUND I, L.P. |
Address: |
Fax: |
E-mail: |
Attention: |
22
Exhibit 4.7
Equity Investment Agreement
Party A: AnPac Bio-Medical Science Co., Ltd.
Party B: Chris Chang Yu Identity document: Passport Identity document number: [ ]
Party A, namely AnPac Bio-Medical Science Co., Ltd., is a company with the registered address at Trinity Chambers, P.O. Box 4301, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands (AnPac). AnPac is devoted to the research and development and commercialization of its bio-medical technology. Its self-developed CDA detection technology platform has been applied to early cancer screening and detection. With research studies on approximately 40,000 samples, the CDA technology has been proven to have high sensitivity and specificity rates. AnPac is at the moment speeding up the penetration of its CDA technology platform in China and the United States, and accelerating its research and development and marketing work in these markets.
Party B is the founder, principal shareholder and chairman of the board of Party A. Considering Party As development in various aspects and demand for capital, Party B decided to increase the capital of Party A in the second quarter of 2020 (the Investment).
Pursuant to the result of negotiation between Party A and Party B (collectively, the Parties), the Parties agreed as follows:
1. The market value of Party A shall be determined according to the most recent valuation of Party A for equity financing purpose. The number of issued and outstanding shares of Party A shall be the number of shares issued and outstanding immediately after the most recent equity financing of Party A.
2. Party B shall invest USD2.0 million (the Investment Amount) in Party A.
3. Party B undertakes to complete the investment in Party A by the end of the second quarter of 2020. The Investment Amount shall be wired into the account below or other account designated by Party A:
Transferee: AnPac Bio-Medical Science Co., Ltd.
Bank: [ ]
Account no.: [ ]
Address: No. [ ]
4. Party A undertakes that before any exit or sale by Party B of the shares he acquired of Party A through the investment, Party A shall not, directly or indirectly through any other entity, engage in any business which competes with Party As business.
1
5. Party B undertakes that while being a shareholder of Party As, Party B will not directly or indirectly engage in any business which competes with Party As business, and Party B undertakes to utilize his own resources to support Party As business development.
6. Party A will procure the issuance of share certificates within two (2) months after the Investment Amount is wired in full by Party B into the designated account.
7. Party B may sell the shares through Party As successful public listing of its shares or by share transfers through acquisition agreements.
8. Any disputes between the Parties shall be heard and decided by the Peoples Court of Huangpu District in Shanghai.
Party A (Stamp): | Party B (Signature): | |
/s/ AnPac Bio-Medical Science Co., Ltd. | /s/ Chris Chang Yu | |
Date: August 11, 2019 | Date: August 11, 2019 |
2
Exhibit 5.1
Our ref: VSL/759352-000001/15429152v3
AnPac Bio-Medical Science Co., Ltd.
801 Bixing Street, Bihu County
Lishui, Zhejiang Province, 323006
Peoples Republic of China
31 October 2019
AnPac Bio-Medical Science Co., Ltd. (the Company)
We have acted as counsel as to British Virgin Islands law to the Company in connection with the Companys registration statement on Form F-1, including all amendments or supplements thereto (the Registration Statement), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended to date relating to the offering by the Company (the Offering) of certain American depositary shares (the ADSs) representing the Companys Class A Ordinary Shares of a par value of US$0.01 each of the Company (the Shares).
We are furnishing this opinion as Exhibits 5.1, 8.1 and 23.2 to the Registration Statement.
1 |
Documents Reviewed |
We have reviewed originals, copies, drafts or conformed copies of the following documents:
1.1 |
The public records of the Company on file and available for public inspection at the Registry of Corporate Affairs in the British Virgin Islands (the Registry of Corporate Affairs) on 30 October 2019, including the Companys Certificate of Incorporation and its Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association (the Memorandum and Articles). |
1.2 |
The Second Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company (the Second Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association) as adopted by the shareholders of the Company on 29 October 2019 and effective from registration of the same by the Registry of Corporate Affairs and the Third Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company (the Third Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association) as adopted by the shareholders of the Company on 31 October 2019 and effective from registration of the same by the Registry of Corporate Affairs. |
1.3 |
The written resolutions of the board of directors of the Company dated 29 October 2019 and 31 October 2019, respectively (the Directors Resolutions). |
1.4 |
The written resolutions of the members of the Company dated 29 October 2019 and 31 October 2019, respectively (the Shareholders Resolutions). |
1.5 |
A certificate of good standing with respect to the Company issued by the Registry of Corporate Affairs dated 30 October 2019, (the Certificate of Good Standing). |
1.6 |
A certificate from a director of the Company (a copy of which is attached as Annexure B) (the Directors Certificate). |
1.7 |
The Registration Statement. |
2 |
Assumptions |
The following opinions are given only as to, and based on, circumstances and matters of fact existing and known to us on the date of this opinion letter. These opinions only relate to the laws of the British Virgin Islands which are in force on the date of this opinion letter. In giving the following opinions we have relied (without further verification) upon the completeness and accuracy, as at the date of this opinion letter, of the Directors Certificate and the Certificate of Good Standing. We have also relied upon the following assumptions, which we have not independently verified:
2.1 |
Copies of documents, conformed copies or drafts of documents provided to us are true and complete copies of, or in the final forms of, the originals. |
2.2 |
All signatures, initials and seals are genuine. |
2.3 |
All public records of the Company which we have examined are accurate and the information disclosed by the searches which we conducted against the Company at the Registry of Corporate Affairs is true and complete and such information has not since then been altered and such searches did not fail to disclose any information which had been delivered for registration but did not appear on the public records at the date of our searches. |
2.4 |
Immediately prior to completion of the Offering, the Third Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association will have been registered by the Registry of Corporate Affairs and will remain in full force and effect and be unamended. |
2.5 |
There is nothing contained in the minute book or corporate records of the Company (which we have not inspected) which would or might affect the opinions set out below. |
2.6 |
There is nothing under any law (other than the laws of the British Virgin Islands) which would or might affect the opinions set out below. |
3 |
Opinions |
Based upon, and subject to, the foregoing assumptions and the qualifications set out below, and having regard to such legal considerations as we deem relevant, we are of the opinion that:
3.1 |
The Company is a company limited by shares incorporated with limited liability under the BVI Business Companies Act (as amended) (the Act), is in good standing at the Registry of Corporate Affairs, and is validly existing under the laws of the British Virgin Islands. |
3.2 |
The maximum number of shares that the Company is authorised to issue, with effect from immediately prior to the completion of the Offering, will be 100,000,000 shares of a par value of US$0.01 each, comprising of (i) 70,000,000 Class A Ordinary Shares of a par value of US$0.01 each, and (ii) 30,000,000 Class B Ordinary Shares of a par value of US$0.01 each. |
3.3 |
The issue and allotment of the Shares have been duly authorised and when allotted, issued and paid for as contemplated in the Registration Statement, the Shares will be legally issued and allotted, fully paid and non-assessable. As a matter of British Virgin Islands law, a share is only issued when it has been entered in the register of members (shareholders). |
3.4 |
The statements under the caption Taxation in the prospectus forming part of the Registration Statement, to the extent that they constitute statements of British Virgin Islands law, are accurate in all material respects and that such statements constitute our opinion. |
4 |
Qualifications |
The opinions expressed above are subject to the following qualifications:
4.1 |
To maintain the Company in good standing under the laws of the British Virgin Islands, annual filing fees must be paid to the Registry of Corporate Affairs. |
4.2 |
Under section 42 of the Act, the entry of the name of a person in the register of members of a company as a holder of a share in a company is prima facie evidence that legal title in the share vests in that person. A third party interest in the shares in question would not appear. An entry in the register of members may yield to a court order for rectification (for example, in the event of inaccuracy or omission). |
4.3 |
In this opinion, the phrase non-assessable means, with respect to the Shares in the Company, that a shareholder shall not, solely by virtue of its status as a shareholder, be liable for additional assessments or calls on the Shares by the Company or its creditors (except in exceptional circumstances, such as involving fraud, the establishment of an agency relationship or an illegal or improper purpose or other circumstance in which a court may be prepared to pierce or lift the corporate veil). |
4.4 |
Except as specifically stated herein, we make no comment with respect to any representations and warranties which may be made by or with respect to the Company in any of the documents or instruments cited in this opinion or otherwise with respect to the commercial terms of the transactions, which are the subject of this opinion. |
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the reference to our name under the headings Enforceability of Civil Liabilities and Legal Matters and elsewhere in the prospectus included 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 Rules and Regulations of the Commission thereunder.
This opinion letter is addressed to and for the benefit solely of the addressee and may not be relied upon by any other person for any purpose, nor may it be transmitted or disclosed (in whole or part) to any other person without our prior written consent.
Yours faithfully
/s/ Maples and Calder (Hong Kong) LLP
Maples and Calder (Hong Kong) LLP
Exhibit 10.1
INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT
THIS INDEMNIFICIATION AGREEMENT (this Agreement) is made as of , 20 by and between AnPac Bio-Medical Science Co., Ltd., an exempted company with limited liability incorporated and existing under the laws of the British Virgin Islands (the Company) and ([Passport/ID] Number ) (the Indemnitee).
WHEREAS, the Indemnitee has agreed to serve as a director or executive officer of the Company and in such capacity will render valuable services to the Company; and
WHEREAS, in order to induce and encourage highly experienced and capable persons such as the Indemnitee to render valuable services to the Company, the board of directors of the Company (the Board of Directors) has determined that this Agreement is not only reasonable and prudent, but necessary to promote and ensure the best interests of the Company and its shareholders;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual agreements hereinafter set forth, and other good and valuable consideration, including, without limitation, the service of the Indemnitee, the receipt of which hereby is acknowledged, and in order to induce the Indemnitee to render valuable services to the Company, the Company and the Indemnitee hereby agree as follows:
1. Definitions. As used in this Agreement:
(a) Changes in Control shall mean a change in control of the Company of a nature that would be required to be reported in response to Item 6(e) of Schedule 14A of Regulation 14A (or in response to any similar item on any similar or successor schedule or form) promulgated under the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (collectively, the Act), whether or not the Company is then subject to such reporting requirement; provided, however, that, without limitation, such a Change in Control shall be deemed to have occurred (irrespective of the applicability of the initial clause of this definition) if (i) any person (as such term is used in Section 13(d) and 14(d) of the Act, but excluding any trustee or other fiduciary holding securities pursuant to an employee benefit or welfare plan or employee share plan of the Company or any subsidiary or affiliate of the Company, or any entity organized, appointed, established or holding securities of the Company with voting power for or pursuant to the terms of any such plan) becomes the beneficial owner (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing 30% or more of the combined voting power of the Companys then outstanding securities without the prior approval of at least two-thirds of the Continuing Directors (as defined below) in office immediately prior to such persons attaining such interest; (ii) the Company is a party to a merger, consolidation, scheme of arrangement, sale of assets or other reorganization, or a proxy contest, as a consequence of which Continuing Directors in office immediately prior to such transaction or event constitute less than a majority of the Board of Directors (or the board of directors of any successor entity) thereafter; or (iii) during any period of two consecutive years, Continuing Directors cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board of Directors.
(b) Continuing Director shall mean an individual (i) who served on the Board of Directors at the effective date of the Companys registration statement on Form F-1 relating to the Companys initial public offering; or (ii) whose election or nomination for election by the Companys shareholders was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the Continuing Directors then in office.
(c) Disinterested Director with respect to any request by the Indemnitee for indemnification, contribution, or advancement of expenses hereunder shall mean a director of the Company who neither is nor was a party to the Proceeding (as defined below) in respect of which indemnification, contribution, or advancement is being sought by the Indemnitee.
(d) The term Expenses shall mean, without limitation, expenses of Proceedings, including attorneys fees, disbursement and retainers, accounting and witness fees, expenses related to preparation for service as a witness and to service as a witness, travel and deposition costs, expenses of investigations, judicial or administrative proceedings and appeals, amounts paid in settlement of a Proceeding by or on behalf of the Indemnitee, costs of attachment or similar bonds, any expenses of attempting to establish or establishing a right to indemnification, contribution, or advancement of expenses, under this Agreement, the Companys Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association as currently in effect (the Articles), applicable law or otherwise, and reasonable compensation for time spent by the Indemnitee in connection with the investigation, defense or appeal of a Proceeding or action for indemnification for which the Indemnitee is not otherwise compensated by the Company or any third party. The term Expenses shall not include the amount of judgments, fines, interest or penalties, which are actually levied against or sustained by the Indemnitee to the extent sustained after final adjudication.
(e) The term Independent Legal Counsel shall mean any firm of attorneys reasonably selected by the Board of Directors, so long as such firm has not represented the Company, the Companys subsidiaries or affiliates, the Indemnitee, any entity controlled by the Indemnitee, or any party adverse to the Company, within the preceding five (5) years. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term Independent Legal Counsel shall not include any person who, under applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing, would have a conflict of interest in representing either the Company or the Indemnitee in an action to determine the Indemnitees right to indemnification, contribution, or advancement of expenses under this Agreement, the Companys Articles, applicable law or otherwise.
(f) The term Proceeding shall mean any threatened, pending or completed action, suit, arbitration, alternate dispute resolution mechanism, or other proceeding (including, without limitation, an appeal therefrom), formal or informal, whether brought in the name of the Company or otherwise, whether of a civil, criminal, administrative or investigative nature, and whether by, in or involving a court or an administrative, other governmental or private entity or body (including, without limitation, an investigation by the Company or its Board of Directors), by reason of (i) the fact that the Indemnitee is or was a director or officer of the Company, or is or was serving at the request of the Company as an agent of another enterprise, whether or not the Indemnitee is serving in such capacity at the time any liability or expense is incurred for which indemnification or reimbursement is to be provided under this Agreement, (ii) any actual or alleged act or omission or neglect or breach of duty, including, without limitation, any actual or alleged error or misstatement or misleading statement, which the Indemnitee commits or suffers while acting in any such capacity, or (iii) the Indemnitee attempting to establish or establishing a right to indemnification, contribution, or advancement of expenses pursuant to this Agreement, the Companys Articles, applicable law or otherwise.
(g) The phrase serving at the request of the Company as an agent of another enterprise or any similar terminology shall mean, unless the context otherwise requires, serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, trust, employee benefit or welfare plan or other enterprise, foreign or domestic. The phrase serving at the request of the Company shall include, without limitation, any service as a director/an executive officer of the Company which imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director/executive officer with respect to the Company or any of the Companys subsidiaries, affiliates, employee benefit or welfare plans, such plans participants or beneficiaries or any other enterprise, foreign or domestic. In the event that the Indemnitee shall be a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, trust, employee benefit or welfare plan or other enterprise, foreign or domestic, 50% or more of the ordinary shares, combined voting power or total equity interest of which is owned by the Company or any subsidiary or affiliate thereof, then it shall be presumed conclusively that the Indemnitee is so acting at the request of the Company.
2. Services by the Indemnitee. The Indemnitee agrees to serve as a director or officer of the Company, for so long as the Indemnitee is duly elected or appointed or until such time as the Indemnitee tenders a resignation in writing or is removed from the Indemnitees position; provided, however, that the Indemnitee may at any time and for any reason resign from such position (subject to any other contractual obligation or other obligation imposed by operation of law).
3. Proceedings by or in the Right of the Company. The Company shall indemnify the Indemnitee if the Indemnitee is a party to or threatened to be made a party to or is otherwise involved in any Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that the Indemnitee is or was a director or officer of the Company, or is or was serving at the request of the Company as an agent of another enterprise, against all Expenses, judgments, fines, interest or penalties, which are actually incurred by the Indemnitee in connection with the defense or settlement of such a Proceeding, if the Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner the Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the Company; except that no indemnification under this section shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudicated by final judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction to be liable to the Company for dishonesty, willful misconduct or fraud in the performance of his/her duty to the Company, unless and only to the extent that the court in which such Proceeding was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such amounts which such other court shall deem proper.
4. Proceeding Other Than a Proceeding by or in the Right of the Company. The Company shall indemnify the Indemnitee if the Indemnitee is a party to or threatened to be made a party to or is otherwise involved in any Proceeding (other than a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company) by reason of the fact that the Indemnitee is or was a director or officer of the Company, or is or was serving at the request of the Company as an agent of another enterprise, against all Expenses, judgments, fines, interest or penalties, which are actually incurred by the Indemnitee in connection with such a Proceeding, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law; provided, however, that any settlement of a Proceeding must be approved in advance in writing by the Company (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld).
5. Indemnification for Costs, Charges and Expenses of Witness or Successful Party. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement (except as set forth in subparagraph 9(a) hereof), and without a requirement for determination as required by Paragraph 8 hereof, to the extent that the Indemnitee (a) has prepared to serve or has served as a witness in any Proceeding in any way relating to (i) the Company or the Companys subsidiaries, affiliates, employee benefit or welfare plans or such plans participants or beneficiaries or (ii) anything done or not done by the Indemnitee as a director or officer of the Company or in connection with serving at the request of the Company as an agent of another enterprise, or (b) has been successful in defense of any Proceeding or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, on the merits or otherwise, including the dismissal of a Proceeding without prejudice or the settlement of a Proceeding without an admission of liability, the Indemnitee shall be indemnified against all Expenses actually incurred by the Indemnitee in connection therewith to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.
6. Partial Indemnification. If the Indemnitee is entitled under any provision of this Agreement to indemnification by the Company for a portion of the Expenses, judgments, fines, interest or penalties, which are actually incurred by the Indemnitee in the investigation, defense, appeal or settlement of any Proceeding, but not, however, for the total amount of the Indemnitees Expenses, judgments, fines, interest or penalties, then the Company shall nevertheless indemnify the Indemnitee for the portion of such Expenses, judgments, fines, interest or penalties to which the Indemnitee is entitled.
7. Advancement of Expenses. The Expenses incurred by the Indemnitee in any Proceeding shall be paid promptly by the Company in advance of the final disposition of the Proceeding at the written request of the Indemnitee, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law; provided, however, that the Indemnitee shall set forth in such request reasonable evidence that such Expenses have been incurred by the Indemnitee in connection with such Proceeding, a statement that such Expenses do not relate to any matter described in subparagraph 9(a) of this Agreement, and an undertaking in writing to repay any advances if it is ultimately determined as provided in subparagraph 8(b) of this Agreement that the Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification under this Agreement.
8. Indemnification Procedure; Determination of Right to Indemnification.
(a) Promptly after receipt by the Indemnitee of notice of the commencement of any Proceeding, the Indemnitee shall, if a claim for indemnification or advancement of Expenses in respect thereof is to be made against the Company under this Agreement, notify the Company of the commencement thereof in writing. The failure and delay to so notify the Company will not relieve the Company from any liability which the Company may have to the Indemnitee under this Agreement unless the Company shall have lost significant substantive or procedural rights with respect to the defense of any Proceeding as a result of such omission to so notify.
(b) The Indemnitee shall be conclusively presumed to have met the relevant standards of conduct, if any, as defined by applicable law, for indemnification pursuant to this Agreement and shall be absolutely entitled to such indemnification, unless a determination is made that the Indemnitee has not met such standards by (i) the Board of Directors by a majority vote of a quorum thereof consisting of Disinterested Directors, (ii) the shareholders of the Company by majority vote of a quorum thereof consisting of shareholders who are not parties to the Proceeding due to which a claim for indemnification is made under this Agreement, (iii) Independent Legal Counsel as set forth in a written opinion (it being understood that such Independent Legal Counsel shall make such determination only if the quorum of Disinterested Directors referred to in clause (i) of this subparagraph 8(b) is not obtainable or if the Board of Directors by a majority vote of a quorum thereof consisting of Disinterested Directors so directs), or (iv) a court of competent jurisdiction; provided, however, that if a Change in Control shall have occurred and the Indemnitee so requests in writing, such determination shall be made only by a court of competent jurisdiction.
(c) If a claim for indemnification or advancement of Expenses under this Agreement is not paid by the Company within sixty (60) days after receipt by the Company of written notice thereof, the rights provided by this Agreement shall be enforceable by the Indemnitee in any court of competent jurisdiction. Such judicial proceeding shall be made de novo. The burden of proving that indemnification or advances are not appropriate shall be on the Company. Neither the failure of the directors or shareholders of the Company or Independent Legal Counsel to have made a determination prior to the commencement of such action that indemnification or advancement of Expenses is proper in the circumstances because the Indemnitee has met the applicable standard of conduct, if any, nor an actual determination by the directors or shareholders of the Company or Independent Legal Counsel that the Indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of conduct shall be a defense to an action by the Indemnitee or create a presumption for the purpose of such an action that the Indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of conduct. The termination of any Proceeding by judgment, order, settlement or conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself (i) create a presumption that the Indemnitee did not act in good faith and in a manner which he reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the Company and/or its shareholders, and, with respect to any criminal Proceeding, that the Indemnitee had reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful or (ii) otherwise adversely affect the rights of the Indemnitee to indemnification or advancement of Expenses under this Agreement, except as may be provided herein.
(d) If a court of competent jurisdiction shall determine that the Indemnitee is entitled to any indemnification or advancement of Expenses hereunder, the Company shall pay all Expenses actually incurred by the Indemnitee in connection with such adjudication (including, but not limited to, any appellate proceedings).
(e) With respect to any Proceeding for which indemnification or advancement of Expenses is requested, the Company will be entitled to participate therein at its own expense and, except as otherwise provided below, to the extent that it may wish, the Company may assume the defense thereof, with counsel satisfactory to the Indemnitee. After notice from the Company to the Indemnitee of its election to assume the defense of a Proceeding, the Company will not be liable to the Indemnitee under this Agreement for any Expenses subsequently incurred by the Indemnitee in connection with the defense thereof, other than as provided below. The Company shall not settle any Proceeding in any manner which would impose any penalty or limitation on the Indemnitee without the Indemnitees written consent. The Indemnitee shall have the right to employ his/her own counsel in any Proceeding, but the fees and expenses of such counsel incurred after notice from the Company of its assumption of the defense of the Proceeding shall be at the expense of the Indemnitee, unless (i) the employment of counsel by the Indemnitee has been authorized by the Company, (ii) the Indemnitee shall have reasonably concluded that there may be a conflict of interest between the Company and the Indemnitee in the conduct of the defense of a Proceeding, or (iii) the Company shall not in fact have employed counsel to assume the defense of a proceeding, in each of which cases the fees and expenses of the Indemnitees counsel shall be advanced by the Company. The Company shall not be entitled to assume the defense of any Proceeding brought by or on behalf of the Company or as to which the Indemnitee has reasonably concluded that there may be a conflict of interest between the Company and the Indemnitee.
9. Limitations on Indemnification. No payments pursuant to this Agreement shall be made by the Company:
(a) To indemnify or advance funds to the Indemnitee for Expenses with respect to (i) Proceedings initiated or brought voluntarily by the Indemnitee and not by way of defense, except with respect to Proceedings brought to establish or enforce a right to indemnification or contribution under this Agreement or any other statute or law or otherwise as required under applicable law or (ii) Expenses incurred by the Indemnitee in connection with preparing to serve or serving as a witness in cooperation with any party or entity who or which has threatened or commenced any action or proceeding against the Company, or any director, officer, employee, trustee, agent, representative, subsidiary, parent corporation or affiliate of the Company, but such indemnification, contribution or advancement of Expenses in each such case may be provided by the Company if the Board of Directors finds it to be appropriate;
(b) To indemnify the Indemnitee for any Expenses, judgments, fines, interest or penalties sustained in any Proceeding for which payment is actually made to the Indemnitee under a valid and collectible insurance policy, except in respect of any excess beyond the amount of payment under such insurance;
(c) To indemnify the Indemnitee for any Expenses, judgments, fines, interest or penalties sustained in any Proceeding for an accounting of profits made from the purchase or sale by the Indemnitee of securities of the Company pursuant to the provisions of Section 16(b) of the Act or similar provisions of any foreign or United States federal, state or local statute or regulation;
(d) To indemnify the Indemnitee for any Expenses, judgments, fines, interest or penalties for which the Indemnitee is indemnified by the Company otherwise than pursuant to this Agreement;
(e) To indemnify the Indemnitee for any Expenses (including without limitation any Expenses relating to a Proceeding attempting to enforce this Agreement), judgments, fines, interest or penalties on account of the Indemnitees conduct if such conduct shall be finally adjudged by a court of competent jurisdiction to have been knowingly fraudulent or deliberately dishonest or to have constituted willful misconduct, including, without limitation, breach of the duty of loyalty; or
(f) If a court of competent jurisdiction finally determines that any indemnification hereunder is unlawful. In this respect, the Company and the Indemnitee have been advised that the Securities and Exchange Commission takes the position that indemnification for liabilities arising under securities laws is against public policy and is, therefore, unenforceable and that claims for indemnification should be submitted to appropriate courts for adjudication;
(g) To indemnify the Indemnitee in connection with Indemnitees personal tax matter;
(h) To indemnify the Indemnitee with respect to any claim related to any dispute or breach arising under any contract or similar obligation between the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates and such Indemnitee; or
(i) In connection with any reimbursement made by Indemnitee to the Company pursuant to Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the Sarbanes-Oxley Act), Section 306 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act or Section 954 of the DoddFrank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and the rules promulgated by the SEC thereunder.
10. Continuation of Indemnification. All agreements and obligations of the Company contained herein shall continue during the period that the Indemnitee is a director or officer of the Company (or is or was serving at the request of the Company as an agent of another enterprise, foreign or domestic) and shall continue thereafter so long as the Indemnitee shall be subject to any possible Proceeding by reason of the fact that the Indemnitee was a director or officer of the Company or serving in any other capacity referred to in this Paragraph 10.
11. Remedies Hereunder Not Exclusive. The indemnification, contribution, and advancement provided by this Agreement shall not be deemed to be exclusive of any other rights to which the Indemnitee may be entitled under the Companys Articles, any agreement, vote of shareholders or vote of Disinterested Directors, provisions of applicable law, or otherwise, both as to action or omission in the Indemnitees official capacity and as to action or omission in another capacity on behalf of the Company while holding such office.
12. Contribution. To the fullest extent permissible under applicable law, if the indemnification provided for in this Agreement is unavailable to Indemnitee for any reason whatsoever, the Company, in lieu of indemnifying Indemnitee, shall contribute to the amount incurred by Indemnitee, whether for judgments, fines, penalties, excise taxes, amounts paid or to be paid in settlement and/or for Expenses, in connection with any claim relating to an indemnifiable event under this Agreement, in such proportion as is deemed fair and reasonable in light of all of the circumstances of such Proceeding in order to reflect (a) the relative benefits received by the Company and Indemnitee as a result of the event(s) and/or transaction(s) giving rise to such Proceeding; and/or (b) the relative fault of the Company (and its directors, officers, employees and agents) and Indemnitee in connection with such event(s) and/or transaction(s). The relative fault of the Company on the one hand and of the Indemnitee on the other hand shall be determined by reference to, among other things, the parties relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent the circumstances resulting in such judgments, fines, penalties, excise taxes, amounts paid or to be paid in settlement and/or for Expenses. The Company agrees that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 12 were determined by pro rata allocation or any other method of allocation which does not take account of the foregoing equitable considerations.
13. Successors and Assigns.
(a) This Agreement shall be binding upon the Indemnitee, and shall inure to the benefit of, the Indemnitee and the Indemnitees heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, whether or not the Indemnitee has ceased to be a director or officer, and the Company and its successors and assigns. Upon the sale of all or substantially all of the business, assets or share capital of the Company to, or upon the merger of the Company into or with, any corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other person, this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon both the Indemnitee and such purchaser or successor person. Subject to the foregoing, this Agreement may not be assigned by either party without the prior written consent of the other party hereto.
(b) If the Indemnitee is deceased and is entitled to indemnification under any provision of this Agreement, the Company shall indemnity the Indemnitees estate and the Indemnitees spouse, heirs, executors, administrators and assigns against, and the Company shall, and does hereby agree to assume, any and all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by or for the Indemnitee or the Indemnitees estate, in connection with the investigation, defense, appeal or settlement of any Proceeding. Further, when requested in writing by the spouse of the Indemnitee, and/or the Indemnitees heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, the Company shall provide appropriate evidence of the Companys agreement set out herein to indemnify the Indemnitee against and to itself assume such Expenses.
14. Subrogation. In the event of payment under this Agreement, the Company shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all of the rights of recovery of the Indemnitee, who shall execute all documents required and shall do all acts that may be necessary to secure such rights and to enable the Company effectively to bring suit to enforce such rights.
15. Severability. Each and every paragraph, sentence, term and provision of this Agreement is separate and distinct so that if any paragraph, sentence, term or provision thereof shall be held to be invalid, unlawful or unenforceable for any reason, such invalidity, unlawfulness or unenforceability shall not affect the validity, unlawfulness or enforceability of any other paragraph, sentence, term or provision hereof. To the extent required, any paragraph, sentence, term or provision of this Agreement may be modified by a court of competent jurisdiction to preserve its validity and to provide the Indemnitee with the broadest possible indemnification permitted under applicable law. The Companys inability, pursuant to a court order or decision, to perform its obligations under this Agreement shall not constitute a breach of this Agreement.
16. Savings Clause. If this Agreement or any paragraph, sentence, term or provision hereof is invalidated on any ground by any court of competent jurisdiction, the Company shall nevertheless indemnify the Indemnitee as to any Expenses, judgments, fines, interest or penalties, which are incurred with respect to any Proceeding to the fullest extent permitted by any (a) applicable paragraph, sentence, term or provision of this Agreement that has not been invalidated or (b) applicable law.
17. Interpretation; Governing Law. This Agreement shall be construed as a whole and in accordance with its fair meaning and any ambiguities shall not be construed for or against either party. Headings are for convenience only and shall not be used in construing meaning. This Agreement shall be governed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the British Virgin Islands.
18. Amendments. No amendment, waiver, modification, termination or cancellation of this Agreement shall be effective unless in writing signed by the party against whom enforcement is sought. The rights afforded to the Indemnitee with respect to indemnification, contribution or advancement hereby are contract rights and may not be diminished, eliminated or otherwise affected by amendments to the policies, of the Company.
19. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement and shall become effective when one or more counterparts have been signed by each party and delivered to the other.
20. Notices. Any notice required to be given under this Agreement shall be directed to the Human Resources Team of the Company at Room 306, No. 105 Si Nan Street, Shanghai 200025, Peoples Republic of China, and email address at [ ], and to the Indemnitee at [ ], or to such other address as either shall designate to the other in writing.
[The remainder of this page is intentionally left blank.]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Indemnification Agreement as of the date first written above.
INDEMNITEE
Name: |
AnPac Bio-Medical Science Co., Ltd. | ||
By: |
Name: | Chris Chang Yu | |
Title: | Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer |
Exhibit 10.2
Employment Agreement
Party A:
Legal Representative:
Party B: | Gender: | Highest Education: |
Date of Birth: | ID Number: |
Address: | ||||
Contact Number: | ||||
Starting work on: | ||||
Term of the Agreement: |
1
In accordance with the Labor Contract Law of the Peoples Republic of China[, Regulation of Shanghai Municipality on Labor Contract,] and relevant laws, regulations and rules, Party A and Party B agree to enter into this Employment Agreement on the basis of equality, free will, fairness, justice, consensus through consultation and good faith.
Article 1 [Type and Term of the Agreement
The Employment Agreement shall be determined as set forth in Item below:
(1) |
A fixed-term agreement: From to , with a probationary period commencing on and ending on . |
(2) |
An open-ended agreement: From , with a probationary period commencing on and ending on . |
(3) |
A project-based agreement: From to the completion date of the project.] |
Article 2 Job Description and Requirements
(1) |
According to the requirements of Party A, Party B shall work as . The position of Party B may be changed reasonably and in good faith by Party A as needed and according to the performance evaluation results of Party B. Party B shall comply with Party As arrangements. |
(2) |
The work assignments and requirements for Party B should comply with the publicized regulations and provisions formulated by Party A according to applicable law. Party B shall fulfill the his or her work duties assigned by Party A through accomplishing the required workload with prescribed quality on time. |
Article 3 Working Hours and Holidays
(1) |
[After mutual consultation of both Parties, the working hour system shall be determined as Item of the following: |
1. |
Party A implements a working system in which there are working hours a day. |
The specific work schedule of Party A is as follows: |
9:00 to 17:30 with a break from 12:00 to 13:00, from Monday to Friday. |
Every Saturday and Sunday are off days. |
2. |
Party A implements a working system in which employees work in shifts and work for eight (8) hours a day. Party B will be given two (2) off days per week. |
3. |
Party B shall work as and work flexible working hours, and the Parties shall follow flexible working hours according to applicable law. |
2
4. |
Party B shall work as and work according to a comprehensive working hour system, and the parties shall follow comprehensive working hours according to applicable law.] |
(2) |
Party A shall strictly comply with the working hour requirements according to applicable law, ensuring that Party B has sufficient rest and his or her physical and mental health. Party B shall be given time off or overtime compensation if Party A extends the working hours due to the requirements of work. |
(3) |
[Party A shall arrange paid annual leaves for Party B according to applicable law.] |
Article 4 Working Safety and Conditions
(1) |
Party A shall notify Party B of the positions that may cause occupational diseases, and arrange working safety and health training for Party B to prevent work-related accidents and reduce occupational hazards. |
(2) |
Party A shall provide Party B with safe and hygienic working conditions and necessary working protection measures according to applicable law. In the event that Party B engages in work with occupational hazards, Party A shall arrange periodic physical examination for Party B. |
(3) |
Party B must strictly abide by the rules of safe operations. Party B may refuse to follow Party As instructions that violate the relevant work safety regulations and may cause personal injury. |
(4) |
Party A shall provide protection for Party B in accordance with the relevant regulations in relation to the special protection of female employees and juvenile workers. |
(5) |
[If Party B suffers from illness or non-work-related injuries, Party A shall implement the relevant regulations in relation to medical treatment leave.] |
Article 5 [Remuneration
Party A shall pay the remuneration in cash to Party B at least once a month without unreasonable deduction or delay. Party A shall provide Party B with remuneration not less than the local minimum wage, provided that Party B accomplishes the regular work within the legal working hours.
(1) |
The remuneration shall be paid to Party B on a monthly basis after deducting social insurance premium, housing provident fund, personal income tax and other expenses and the date of payment shall be the [10th] day of the month following a complete working month. In the event that the aforementioned date of payment is a public holiday, Party A shall pay in advance on the last working day before that date. |
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(2) |
Agreed by both Parties, the specific remuneration requirements of Party B are as follows: |
Probation period months, term of agreement years
Remuneration: monthly salary: (before tax), including:
Basic salary: RMB Bonus: RMB
Allowance for transportation and meals: RMB
Note: The salary of probation period is 90% of a regular employee (monthly salary: RMB ).
1. |
Party A has the right to change the position, duties and remuneration of Party B according to Party Bs performance assessment. |
2. |
Party Bs bonus is based on Party As accomplishment of the performance objectives set by his or her superior, and must be given by Party A after the performance appraisal of Party B. |
3. |
If the company encounters difficulties in operation, the monthly salary of Party B may be adjusted accordingly. |
4. |
Party A may reasonably transfer Party B to another position (including mobilizing Party B to work in other provinces and cities due to the needs of project development) due to work needs, and Party B shall comply with that transfer decision. If Party B refuses to comply, Party A has the right to terminate this agreement unilaterally. |
(3) |
The remuneration paid to Party B for overtime work shall be calculated based on the monthly salary as agreed by the Parties through consultation. |
(4) |
While Party B leaves for personal affairs, Party Bs remuneration shall be reduced on the basis of his or her monthly salary. |
(5) |
For sick leave, the relevant laws and local regulations shall be applicable. |
(6) |
The remuneration for paid holidays shall be paid as part of the salary of Party B.] |
Article 6 [Social Insurance and Welfare Benefits
(1) |
Both Parties shall participate in the social insurance program according to law, and pay various social insurance premiums on time. As for the part of social insurance premium paid by the individual, Party A can withhold it from Party Bs salary. |
(2) |
Party B has the right to inquire Party A about payment of social insurance premiums, and Party A shall provide assistance. |
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(3) |
If Party B suffers from work-related injuries, Party A shall be responsible to provide timely rescue, and, within the required time, apply to the relevant administrative department of work safety for work-related injury authentication and the assessment of labor ability for Party B. Party A shall also provide Party B with corresponding medical benefits for work-related injuries. |
(4) |
The welfare benefits of Party B shall be provided according to applicable law and in line with Party As internal rules.] |
Article 7 Performance and Change of Employment Agreement
(1) |
Party A shall, in accordance with this agreement, provide Party B with appropriate workplace, labor conditions and position, and pay remuneration to Party B on time. Party B shall conscientiously perform labor duties and complete tasks under this agreement in person. |
(2) |
If any of the following circumstances arises, either Party A or Party B may change this agreement: |
1. |
changes of this agreement shall be without prejudice to the interests of the state, the collective and others, agreed by both Parties; |
2. |
fundamental circumstances on which the Employment Agreement is based have significantly changed, and changes of this agreement are based on Party As consultation with Party B; |
3. |
the Employment Agreement cannot be completely fulfilled due to force majeure; |
4. |
laws and regulations on which the Employment Agreement is based have been amended; and |
5. |
other circumstances as stipulated by laws and regulations. |
Article 8 Dissolution and Termination of Employment Agreement
(1) |
Under any of the following circumstances, Party A may terminate this Employment Agreement: |
1. |
Party B is proved ineligible for employment during the probation period; |
2. |
[Party B does not pass the physical examination]; |
3. |
Party B conducts a material violation of the labor discipline and the rules and regulations of Party A; |
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4. |
during the training period, Party B does not pass all the milestone training exams, or there are other circumstances indicating that Party B is not suitable to continue the training; |
5. |
Party B commits serious dereliction of duty, jobbery and malpractice, causing significant damage to the interests of Party A; |
6. |
[Party B establishes labor relations with other employers during the term of this agreement, which has a serious impact on the completion of the work tasks assigned by Party A, and Party B refuses to make corrections upon the request of Party A]; |
7. |
Party B compels Party A to enter into or change the Employment Agreement against true will by means of fraud or coercion or when Party A is in duress; |
8. |
Party B is under investigation for criminal responsibility according to applicable law. |
(2) |
[Under any of the following circumstances, Party A may terminate this agreement by giving a written notice to Party B three (3) days in advance during the probationary period, or thirty (30) days in advance after the probationary period expires: |
1. |
Party B is ineligible for the original position or other position arranged by Party A after the medical period of sickness or non-work-related injuries; |
2. |
Party B is not qualified for his or her position, and Party B is still not qualified after training or being transferred to another position; |
3. |
Fundamental circumstances on which the Employment Agreement is based has undergone major changes, causing the original Employment Agreement unenforceable, and the Parties cannot reach an agreement on the change of the Employment Agreement through negotiation;] |
(3) |
[Under any of the following circumstances, Party B may terminate this agreement by giving a written notice to Party A three (3) days in advance during the probationary period, or 30 days in advance after the probationary period expires: |
1. |
Party A cannot not provide reasonable remuneration for Party B on time; |
2. |
Party A fails to provide reasonable insurance benefits for Party B on time; |
3. |
Party A cannot provide reasonable positions and training opportunities for Party B.] |
(4) |
[Party A shall not terminate this agreement under any of the following circumstances: |
1. Party B is engaged in work with occupational hazards but does not receive an occupational physical examination before leaving the post, or Party B is a suspected occupational disease patient pending diagnosis or in the medical observation period;
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1. |
Party B suffers from occupational diseases or work-related injuries while working for Party A and is confirmed to have lost or partially lost the ability to work; |
2. |
Party B suffers from illness or non-work-related injuries within the prescribed medical period; |
3. |
Party B (female) is in pregnancy, delivery or lactation; |
4. |
Party B has been working for Party A for fifteen (15) consecutive years and is less than five (5) years from the statutory retirement age; and |
5. |
other circumstances as stipulated by laws and administrative regulations.] |
(5) |
Under any of the following circumstances, the agreement shall be terminated: |
1. |
[the Employment Agreement expires under the conditions stipulated in the Labor Contract Law;] |
2. |
[Party B begins to enjoy basic endowment insurance benefits according to applicable law;] |
3. |
Party B dies or is declared dead or missing by court; |
4. |
Party A is declared to be bankrupt according to applicable law; |
5. |
Party As business license is revoked, Party A is ordered to be closed or canceled, or Party A decides to dissolve in advance; and |
6. |
other circumstances as stipulated by laws and administrative regulations. |
Article 9 Special Articles Agreed by Both Parties
(1) |
[Before signing the Employment Agreement, Party A has the right to know the basic conditions directly related to the Employment Agreement of Party B, including but not limited to the education background, curriculum vitae, qualifications or certificate of employment and whether the previous labor relationship has been dissolved or terminated, etc. Party B shall truthfully state the aforementioned basic information. If Party B is found by Party A or be sued by the previous employer that it has deliberately misreported or concealed the information and defrauded Party A to sign an Employment Agreement, Party B shall be deemed to commit fraud and cause serious misunderstanding of Party A. Party A has the right to apply for the annulment of this agreement according to applicable law, and the losses of Party A shall be borne by Party B in full.] |
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(2) |
During the term of this agreement, all patents, copyrights and other intellectual property rights arising from the work achievements of Party B in the position appointed by Party A, the materials and technical conditions mainly provided by Party A, shall be owned by Party A, and Party B has no right to use them for commercial purpose. |
(3) |
Party B shall not disclose any confidential information and trade secrets of Party A and its affiliates it obtained during the agreement period to any third party (including employees of Party A who are not involved in the related work). Party Bs violation of duty of confidentiality is considered a serious breach of this agreement and a sufficient reason for dismissal. Such duty of confidentiality is still binding on Party B at any time after the termination or expiration of this agreement. Party A shall, in advance, negotiate with Party B to stipulate the matters of keeping trade secrets and sign an confidential agreement. |
(4) |
In the course of the performance of this agreement, if Party A changes its name, legal representative or principal head, investor, etc., the performance of this agreement shall not be affected; if Party A merges with another entity, splits off or similar circumstances occur to it, this agreement shall continue to be valid and performed by the successor entity. |
(5) |
[Certificates obtained by the employees after the expiration of the training period shall be owned by Party A, and they shall be returned to Party A before Party B leaves Party A.] |
Article 10 [Responsibility and Economic Compensation for Breach, Dissolution and Termination of Employment Agreement
(1) |
During the term of this agreement, if either Party violates this agreement and causes economic losses to the other party, it shall compensate the other Party according to the result and liability. |
(2) |
During the term of this agreement, if Party B receives Party As training and dissolves the agreement within the service period due to personal reasons, Party B shall provide Party A with economic compensation according to Party As relevant regulations. |
1. |
Party B shall compensate 100% of the training costs if he or she leaves the company during the training period or within one year; if Party B has worked for more than one year but less than two years, compensation of 50% of the training costs shall be paid; if it has worked for more than two years but less than three years, it shall be compensated 20% of the training costs; the loss caused to Party A shall be calculated separately by Party A according to the actual situation. |
2. |
Party A has the right to deduct the economic compensation from the wages, subsidies and benefits of Party B. |
8
(3) |
If any violation, dissolution and termination of Employment Agreement involves economic compensation, it shall be handled in accordance with relevant provisions of PRC and Shanghai]. |
Article 11 Handling of Labor Disputes
(1) |
A dispute between Party A and Party B arising from the implementation of this agreement may be settled through negotiation of Party A and Party B. If no settlement can be reached through negotiation by the Parties, the dispute may be submitted to the internal labor dispute mediation committee of the employer for mediation. [If the dispute still cannot be mediated, the Parties may apply to the Labor Dispute Arbitration Committee for arbitration. The Parties may also apply directly to the Labor Dispute Arbitration Committee for arbitration. The party requesting the arbitration shall submit a written application to the Labor Dispute Arbitration Committee within 60 days from the date of labor dispute. If either party is dissatisfied with the arbitral decision, it may commence a lawsuit to the court within fifteen (15) days from the date of receipt of the arbitral decision.] |
(2) |
[If Party A violates labor laws, regulations and rules and causes damages to the lawful rights and interests of Party B, Party B has the right to report the violations to the administrative department of labor security or relevant departments.] |
Article 12 Others
(1) |
During the term of this agreement, Part B shall notify Party A timely of changes on household address, current residential address, contact information, etc. |
(2) |
Matters not covered in this agreement shall be handled in accordance with relevant provisions of the state, or through equal consultation of the Parties. |
(3) |
This agreement shall not be obliterated. |
(4) |
If this agreement needs to be made in both Chinese and English, in the event of any inconsistency, the Chinese version shall prevail. |
(5) |
The Employment Agreement shall be renewed or resigned one month before the expiration of the agreement as agreed by both Parties. |
(6) |
This agreement is made in duplicate, each party holding one original. |
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Exhibit 10.3
ANPAC BIO-MEDICAL SCIENCE CO., LTD.
2019 SHARE INCENTIVE PLAN
Adopted October 31, 2019 (the Effective Date)
1. Purpose of the Plan
The purpose of the 2019 Share Incentive Plan (the Plan) is to promote the interests of the Company and its shareholders by providing grantees with an appropriate incentive to encourage them to continue contribution to the Company or its subsidiaries and to improve the growth, profitability and financial success of the Company and its subsidiaries.
2. Definitions
As used in this Plan and in any Award Agreement, the following capitalized terms shall have the following meanings:
(a) Affiliate shall mean, with respect to any Person, any other Person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such Person; provided, that no shareholder of the Company shall be deemed an Affiliate of any other shareholder solely by reason of any investment in the Company. For the purpose of this definition, the term control (including, with correlative meanings, the terms controlling, controlled by and under common control with), as used with respect to any Person, shall mean 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.
(b) Award shall mean any award granted pursuant to the terms of the Plan which shall be denominated in, or shall have a value determined by reference to, a number of Shares that is specified at the time of the grant of such award, and includes, but is not limited to, Options.
(c) Board shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.
(d) Cause shall mean, when used in connection with the termination of a Participants Employment, unless otherwise provided in the Participants Award Agreement, (i) a material failure of the Participant to reasonably and substantially perform his or her duties to the Company or any of its Affiliates (other than as a result of physical or mental illness or injury); (ii) the Participants willful misconduct or gross negligence which is injurious to the Company, any of its Affiliates (whether financially, reputationally or otherwise); (iii) a breach by the Participant of the Participants fiduciary duty or duty of loyalty to the Company or its Affiliates; (iv) the Participants unauthorized removal from the premises of the Company or any of its Affiliates of any document (in any medium or form) relating to the Company or any of its Affiliates, or the customers of the Company or any of its Affiliates; (v) the commission by the Participant of any felony or other serious crime; (vi) a breach by the Participant of the terms of any agreement with the Company or any Affiliate or any material Company policies, including without limitation any provision of this Plan or the Award Agreement; or (vii) Competing. If, subsequent to the termination of a Participants Employment, it is discovered that Participant engaged in conduct which the Committee determines in good faith could have resulted in Participants Employment being terminated for Cause, as such term is defined above, or if the Participant Competes, the Participants Employment shall, at the election of the Committee, in its sole discretion, be deemed to have been terminated for Cause retroactively to the date the events giving rise to Cause occurred.
(e) Change in Control shall mean (i) any Person or Group becoming the beneficial owner (within the meaning of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities representing more than 50% of the aggregate outstanding voting power or value of the equity of the Company and such Person or Group actually has the power to vote such securities, (ii) the liquidation or dissolution of the Company or any successor to the Company or (iii) a sale or transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, and distribution of substantially all of the proceeds of such sale or transfer to the shareholders of the Company; provided however, that neither a Public Offering or any related restructuring will constitute a Change in Control.
(f) Committee shall mean the compensation committee of the Board or such other committee as appointed by the Board from time to time to administer the Plan pursuant to Section 3, and if no such committee exists or has been appointed, the Board.
(g) Company shall mean AnPac Bio-Medical Science Co., Ltd., a British Virgin Islands, or BVI, business company limited by shares under the BVI Business Companies Act.
(h) Compete shall mean with respect to any Participant, unless otherwise provided in the Participants Award Agreement, (i) during Employment and for the twenty-four (24) month period following the termination of such Participants Employment, become an Employee, director, or independent contractor, stockholder, beneficial owner or other owner (other than a holder of less than 1% of the outstanding voting shares of any publicly held company) of, or a consultant to, or perform any services for, any Person that engages or proposes to engage, directly or indirectly, including through any Affiliate, or in connection with any acquisition that would result in such Person engaging, in the business that the Company or any of its subsidiaries is engaged in or the Board has approved to be engaged in before the termination of such Participants Employment (the Competing Business), or (ii) solicit or hire or attempt to solicit or hire, as applicable, (x) any customer or supplier of the Company or any of its subsidiaries in connection with a Competing Business or to terminate or alter in a manner adverse to the Company or any of its subsidiaries such customers or suppliers relationship with the Company or any of its subsidiaries, or (y) any Employee or individual who was an Employee within the six (6) month period immediately prior thereto to terminate or otherwise alter his or her Employment with the Company or any of its subsidiaries, or (iii) at any time during or following Employment, disclosing or using any Confidential Information, except in the course of a Participants Employment or as required by legal process (provided that if the Participant receives legal process with regard to disclosure of such Confidential Information, the Participant shall promptly notify the Company and cooperate with the Company in seeking a protective order with respect to such Confidential Information). Competed and Competing shall have correlative meanings.
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(i) Confidential Information shall mean all information regarding the Company or any of its subsidiaries, any Company activity or the activity of any such other Person, Company business or the business of any such other Person or any customer or supplier of the Company or any of its subsidiaries that is not generally known by the public or to Persons not employed by the Company or any such other Person, including, without limiting the foregoing, information that would not be known to the public but for the actions of or disclosure by, directly or indirectly, the Participant.
(j) Disability shall mean with respect to any Participant, unless otherwise provided in the Participants Award Agreement, the Participant is unable to perform the essential functions of his position with substantially the same level of quality as immediately prior to such incapacity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which has lasted or can reasonably be expected to last for a period of ninety (90) or more consecutive days or one hundred and twenty (120) days during any consecutive six (6) month period, as determined by a physician to be selected by the Company.
(k) Eligible Individual shall mean any Employee of the Company or its subsidiaries who in the judgment of the Committee, should be eligible to participate in the Plan due to the services performed on behalf of the Company or its subsidiaries.
(l) Employment shall mean employment or other service relationship with the Company or any of its subsidiaries and shall include the provision of services as a director, service provider, advisor or consultant for the Company or any of its subsidiaries. Employee and Employed shall have correlative meanings. Employment will be deemed to continue, unless the Committee expressly provides otherwise, so long as the Participant is employed by, or otherwise is providing services to the Company or one of its subsidiaries. If a Participants Employment is with a subsidiary and that entity ceases to be a subsidiary of the Company, the Participants Employment will be deemed to have terminated when the entity ceases to be a subsidiary of the Company unless the Participant transfers Employment to the Company or one of its remaining Affiliates.
(m) Employment Agreement shall mean a Participants employment or other service agreement with the Company or any of its subsidiaries to provide services as an Employee, director, service provider, advisor or consultant for the Company or any of its subsidiaries.
(n) Exchange Act shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
(o) Exercise Date shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.6 herein.
(p) Exercise Notice shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.6 herein.
(q) Exercise Price shall mean the price that the Participant must pay under an Option for each Share, as determined by the Committee for each grant and initially specified in the Award Agreement, which shall be no less than the Fair Market Value of a Share on the Grant Date subject to any increase or other adjustment that may be made following the Grant Date in accordance with the Plan.
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(r) Fair Market Value shall mean, with respect to the value of a Share, as of the applicable date of determination, the closing price as reported on the date of determination on the principal securities exchange on which Shares are then listed or admitted to trading (or if the market is not open for trading on such date, the immediately preceding day on which the market is open for trading). In the event that the price of a Share shall not be so reported, the Fair Market Value of a Share shall be determined by the Committee in its sole discretion.
(s) Award Agreement shall mean an agreement entered into by each Participant and the Company evidencing the grant of an Award.
(t) Grant Date shall be the date designated by the Committee and specified in the Award Agreement as of the date the Award is granted.
(u) Group has the meaning assigned to such term for purposes of Section 13(d) under the Exchange Act.
(v) Option shall mean an option to purchase Shares granted to any Participant under Section 4 of the Plan.
(w) Participant shall mean a Person to whom a grant of an Award has been made pursuant to the Plan, and, where applicable, shall include Permitted Transferees.
(x) Permitted Transferee shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8.2.
(y) Person means an individual, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, unincorporated organization, non-profit organization, trust or joint venture, or a governmental agency or political subdivision thereof.
(z) Public Offering means any public offering and sale of equity securities of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, or any of their respective successors for cash pursuant to an effective registration statement (other than on Form S-4, S-8 or a comparable form) under the Securities Act.
(aa) Share shall mean the ordinary shares of the Company (or upon completion of the Companys initial public offering, the Class A ordinary shares of the Company), par value US$0.01 per share.
(bb) Securities Act shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
(cc) Specified Termination shall mean a termination of the Participants Employment (i) by the Company or any of its subsidiaries, as applicable, for Cause, (ii) by the Participant for any reason or (iii) due to death or Disability of the Participant.
(dd) Transfer shall mean any transfer, sale, assignment, hedge, gift, testamentary transfer, pledge, hypothecation or other disposition of any interest. Transferee and Transferor shall have correlative meanings.
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3. Reserve; Administration of the Plan
3.1. Reserve. Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 7 hereof, the Committee may grant Awards in respect of 1,105,300 Shares to Participants pursuant to the Plan. To the extent that any Award granted under the Plan terminates, expires or is canceled without having been exercised or settled, the Shares covered by such Award shall again be available for grant under the Plan. Shares delivered by the Company under the Plan may be authorized but unissued Shares or previously issued Shares acquired by the Company. Unless the Committee determines otherwise, no fractional Shares will be delivered under the Plan.
3.2. Grant of Awards. The Committee shall have the power to grant Awards. The Committee, in its discretion, may delegate its authority to grant Awards to an officer or committee of officers of the Company, subject to reasonable limits and guidelines established by the Committee at the time of such delegation and subject to applicable laws.
3.3. Powers of the Committee. The Committee shall have the general power to administer the Plan. In addition to the other powers granted to the Committee under the Plan, the Committee shall specifically have the power to (a) to determine the Eligible Individuals to whom Awards shall be granted; (b) to determine the time or times when grants of Awards shall be made and to determine the number of Shares subject to each Award; (c) to determine, modify or waive the terms and conditions of any Award; (d) to prescribe the form of and terms and conditions of any instrument evidencing an Award, so long as such terms and conditions are not otherwise inconsistent with the terms of the Plan; (e) in connection with any merger, acquisition or similar transaction involving the Company, to grant Awards pursuant to the Plan that constitute a rollover of incentive compensation awards previously granted, subject to such terms and conditions as the Committee shall determine, without regard to the limitations provided in Section 3.1 above or in any other provision hereof; (f) to adopt, amend and rescind such rules and regulations as, in its opinion, may be advisable for the administration of the Plan; (g) to construe and interpret the Plan, such rules and regulations and the instruments evidencing Awards; (h) to reconcile any inconsistency, correct any defect and/or supply any omission in the Plan or any instrument evidencing any Award; and (i) to make all other determinations necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan and otherwise do all things necessary to carry out the purposes of the Plan.
3.4. Determinations of the Committee. Any grant, determination, prescription or other act of the Committee shall be made in good faith and shall be final and conclusively binding upon all Persons.
3.5. Indemnification of the Committee. No member of the Committee nor any employees, shareholders, directors or associates of the Company or its Affiliates shall be liable for any action or determination made in good faith with respect to the Plan or any Award thereunder. To the full extent permitted by law, the Company shall indemnify and hold harmless each Person made or threatened to be made a party to any civil or criminal action or proceeding by reason of the fact that such Person, or such Persons testator or intestate, is or was a member of the Committee or an employee, shareholder, director or associate of the Company or its Affiliates, to the extent such criminal or civil action or proceeding relates to the Plan or any grant made pursuant to the Plan.
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3.6. Compliance with Applicable Law; Securities Matters; Effectiveness of Option Exercise. The Company shall be under no obligation to effect the registration pursuant to the Securities Act of any Shares to be issued hereunder or to effect similar compliance under any state or non-U.S. laws. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Company shall not be required to issue or deliver any certificates evidencing the Shares pursuant to the exercise of any Options or grant or settlement of any other Awards, which Shares shall be evidenced by book-entry in the books and records of the Company, and may only issue such certificates or make such book entry in the event the Committee has determined, with advice of counsel, that the issuance and delivery of such certificates or making of such book entry is in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations of governmental authorities and, if applicable, the requirements of any exchange on which the Shares are listed or traded. In addition to the terms and conditions provided herein, the Committee may require that a Participant make such reasonable covenants, agreements and representations as the Committee, in its discretion, deems advisable in order to comply with any such laws, regulations or requirements. The Committee may, in its discretion, defer the effectiveness of an exercise, or delay the exercisability, grant, or settlement, of an Award hereunder or the issuance or transfer of the Shares pursuant to any Option or other Award pending or to help ensure compliance under applicable federal, state or non-U.S. securities laws and any exemptions therefrom on which the Company may be relying. The Committee shall inform the Participant in writing of its decision to defer the effectiveness of the exercise of an Option or the issuance or transfer of the Shares pursuant to any Option or other Award. During the period that the effectiveness of the exercise of an Option has been deferred, the Participant may, by written notice, withdraw such exercise and obtain the refund of any amount paid with respect thereto.
3.7. Inconsistent Terms. In the event of a conflict between the terms of the Plan and the terms of any Award Agreement, the terms of the Plan shall govern except as otherwise expressly provided herein.
3.8. Plan Term. The Committee shall not grant any Award under this Plan on or after the tenth anniversary of the Effective Date. All Awards which remain outstanding after such date shall continue to be governed by the Plan and the applicable Award Agreement(s).
3.9. Acceptance of Terms. By accepting (or, under such rules as the Committee may prescribe, being deemed to have accepted) an Award, the Participant shall be deemed to have agreed to the terms of the Award Agreement and the Plan.
4. Options
4.1. Grant of Options. Each Option granted pursuant to the Plan shall be subject to terms and conditions established by the Committee consistent with the Plan.
4.2. Exercise Price. Each Option shall represent a right to purchase the Shares subject thereto at the Exercise Price established thereunder.
4.3. Vesting of Options. The Committee shall specify in the Award Agreement the conditions upon which an Option shall become vested.
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4.4. Forfeiture. All Options, whether vested or unvested, shall expire on the tenth (10th) anniversary of their Grant Date unless such Options expire earlier as provided below. Unless otherwise specified in the Award Agreement, upon termination of a Participants Employment for any reason, all unvested outstanding Options held by such Participant or such Participants Transferee shall be immediately forfeited. In addition, unless otherwise specified in the Award Agreement, upon a Specified Termination prior to exercise of a vested Option, the Participants right to Shares in connection therewith shall be forfeited. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if a Participant commits a breach of any negative covenants of his or her Employment Agreement (if any) or the Award Agreement, all Options, whether vested or not, and all Shares issued as a result of any exercise of Options by the Participant, shall be forfeited and cancelled without any consideration and without any further action by the Participant.
4.5. Exercise of Options. Subject to Section 3.6 hereof, a Participant (or the Participants Permitted Transferee, if applicable) may exercise any or all of such Participants vested Options only during the period (i) beginning on the date upon which the relevant Option vests pursuant to the Plan and the Participants Award Agreement and (ii) ending on the date on which the relevant Option expires in accordance with Section 4.4 hereof. The Participant (or the Participants Permitted Transferee, if applicable) may effectuate any such exercise by serving an Exercise Notice on the Company as provided in Section 4.6 hereof.
4.6. Method of Exercise. The Option shall be exercised by delivery of written notice to the Company at the address provided in Section 8.7 hereof (the Exercise Notice), which if the Committee so determines may be an electronic notice, to the attention of Ms. Lisa Ying, Secretary of the Board (or such other person as the Committee shall designate from time to time), no less than five business days in advance of the effective date of the proposed exercise (the Exercise Date). Such notice shall (a) specify the number of Shares with respect to which the Option is being exercised, the Grant Date of such Option and the Exercise Date, (b) be signed (including electronic signature in form acceptable to the Committee) by the Participant (or his or her Permitted Transferee, if applicable), and (c) if the Option is being exercised by the Participants Permitted Transferee(s), such Permitted Transferee(s) shall indicate in writing that they agree to and shall be bound by the Plan and Award Agreement as if they had been original signatories thereto (as provided in Section 8.2 hereof). The Exercise Notice shall include payment in cash for an amount equal to the Exercise Price multiplied by the number of Shares specified in such Exercise Notice or any other method approved by the Committee in writing. The Committee may, at its sole discretion, permit the person exercising an Option to make the above-described payments on a cashless basis under which the Shares otherwise deliverable under the Award and having a Fair Market Value equal to the Exercise Price are withheld by the Company. The partial exercise of an Option, alone, shall not cause the expiration, termination or cancellation of the remaining portion of such Option.
4.7. Tax Withholding. The Committee is authorized to withhold from any payment to a Participant such amounts as are required to be withheld by applicable tax law in connection with any Award. Each Participant shall be responsible for the payment of applicable withholding and other taxes in cash that may become due in connection with the exercise, grant, or settlement of an Option. The Committee may permit a Participant to satisfy such obligation through the delivery of unrestricted Shares that have a Fair Market Value equal to the amount required to be paid.
7
5. Other Awards. The Committee may from time to time grant other Awards not otherwise described herein in such amounts and on such terms as it shall determine, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Plan. Without limiting the generality of the preceding sentence, each such Award may (a) involve the transfer of Shares to Participants, either at the Grant Date or thereafter, or payment of amounts based on the value of Shares and (b) be subject to performance-based and/or service-based conditions.
6. Unfunded Status of Awards. The Plan is intended to be an unfunded plan for incentive compensation. With respect to any payments not yet made to a Participant pursuant to an Award, nothing contained in the Plan or any Award Agreement shall give the Participant any rights that are greater than those of a general creditor of the Company.
7. Certain Adjustments
7.1. Mergers, etc. The Committee shall, in its sole discretion, determine the effect of a Change in Control on Awards, which determination may include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following actions on such terms and conditions as it deems appropriate:
(a) Assumption or Substitution. If the Change in Control is one in which there is an acquiring or surviving entity, the Committee may provide for the assumption or continuation of some or all outstanding Awards or for the grant of new awards in substitution therefor by the acquiror or survivor or an Affiliate of the acquiror or survivor.
(b) Cash-Out of Awards. If the Change in Control is one in which holders of Shares will receive upon consummation a payment (whether cash, non-cash or a combination of the foregoing), then subject to Section 7.1(e) the Committee may provide for payment (a cash-out), with respect to some or any portion of each outstanding Award, in an amount and form determined by the Committee, which in the case of an Option or any portion thereof shall equal the excess, if any, of (A) the Fair Market Value of one Share multiplied by the number of Shares subject to the Option or such portion, over (B) the aggregate exercise price of the Option or such portion (which may be zero in which case such Option may be terminated by the Company without any payment therefor), on such payment terms (which need not be the same as the terms of payment to holders of Shares) and other terms, and subject to such conditions, as the Committee determines.
(c) Acceleration of Certain Awards. The Committee may provide that all or a portion of each grant of Options or other Awards will become fully vested, and in the case of Options, will become exercisable for a specified period of time prior to the Change in Control.
(d) Termination of Awards. Each Award (other than Awards assumed pursuant to Section 7.1(a)) will terminate upon consummation of the Change in Control.
8
(e) Additional Limitations. Any Share and any cash or other property delivered pursuant to Section 7.1(b) or Section 7.1(c) with respect to an Award may, in the discretion of the Committee, continue to be subject to such restrictions, if any, as the Committee deems appropriate to reflect any performance or other vesting conditions to which the Award was subject and that did not lapse (and were not satisfied) in connection with the Change in Control. For purposes of the immediately preceding sentence, a cash-out under Section 7.1(b) or the acceleration of exercisability or settlement of an Award under Section 7.1(c) shall not, in and of itself, be treated as the lapsing (or satisfaction) of a performance or other vesting condition.
7.2. Changes in and Distributions With Respect to Shares.
(a) Basic Adjustment Provisions. In the event of a distribution, split or combination of interests (including a reverse split), or recapitalization, the Committee shall make appropriate adjustments, as determined by the Committee in its discretion, to the maximum number of Shares specified in Section 3 that may be delivered under the Plan and shall also make appropriate adjustments to the number and kind of Shares subject to Awards then outstanding or subsequently granted, the exercise prices relating to Options and any other provision of Awards affected by such change to prevent the enlargement or dilution of rights with respect to the number of Shares subject to grant under this Plan, the number of Shares subject to the Awards and/or the Exercise Price per Share.
(b) Certain Other Adjustments. The Committee shall also make adjustments of the type described in Section 7.2(a) above to take into account distributions to shareholders other than those provided for in Section 7.1 and 7.2(a), or any other event, if the Committee determines that adjustments are appropriate to avoid distortion in the operation of the Plan and to preserve the value of Awards made hereunder. In addition, in the event of a corporate acquisition or similar corporate transaction involving the Company or its Affiliates, the Committee may make such adjustments to any performance-based vesting conditions applicable to any then-outstanding Awards as it reasonably determines in good faith are appropriate to avoid distortion in the value of such Awards.
(c) Continuing Application of Plan Terms. References in the Plan to Shares will be construed to include any equity interests, stock or securities resulting from an adjustment pursuant to this Section 7.
7.3. Increase or Decrease in Issued Shares Without Consideration. Subject to any required action by the shareholders of the Company, in the event of any increase or decrease in the number of issued Shares resulting from a subdivision or consolidation of Shares , or any other increase or decrease in the number of such Shares effected without receipt of consideration by the Company (including the payment of an extraordinary dividend), the Committee shall make such proportionate adjustments as it determines in its discretion to be necessary or appropriate with respect to the number of Shares subject to grant under this Plan, the number of Shares subject to outstanding Awards and/or the Exercise Price per Share; provided that in the case of extraordinary dividends, the Company may pay an equivalent cash bonus to the Participants upon vesting of the Awards in lieu of adjusting such Awards as the Committee may determine in its discretion.
9
7.4. Tax Requirements. Any adjustments or changes to Awards or the Shares pursuant to this Section 7 shall be made in accordance with any applicable tax laws.
8. Miscellaneous
8.1. Amendment of Terms of Awards. The Committee may, in its discretion, amend the Plan or terms of any Award, provided, however, that any such amendment shall not materially impair or otherwise materially adversely affect the Participants existing rights under the Plan or such Award without such Participants written consent, unless the Committee expressly reserved the right to make such amendment at the time the Award was granted, including for example any adjustment pursuant to Section 7 hereof.
8.2. Transfer of Awards.
(a) Limitation on Transfer. Each Option granted to a Participant shall be exercisable only by such Participant, provided that a Participant may assign or transfer his or her rights with respect to any or all of an Award to (i) a trust that was established solely for tax planning purposes and not for purposes of profit or commercial activity, or (ii) to one or more family members (as such term is defined in SEC Rule 701 promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended) by gift or pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order, or (iii) to such Participants beneficiaries or estate upon the death of the Participant (by will, by the laws of descent and distribution or otherwise) (each, a Permitted Transferee). In no event will transfers to a Person that the Committee determines is a competitor of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or provides services or financial or other support, directly or indirectly, to a competitor of the Company or its subsidiaries, be permitted.
(b) Condition Precedent to Transfer of Any Award. It shall be a condition precedent to any Transfer of any Award by any Participant that the Transferee shall agree prior to the Transfer in writing with the Company to be bound by the terms of the Plan and the Award Agreement as if he, she or it had been an original signatory thereto, except that any provisions of the Plan based on the Employment (or termination thereof) shall continue to be based on the Employment (or termination thereof) of the original Participant.
(c) Effect of Void Transfers. In the event of any purported Transfer of any Award in violation of the provisions of the Plan, such purported Transfer shall, to the extent permitted by applicable law, be void and of no effect.
8.3. Rights as Award Holders. Participants shall not have any rights as shareholders with respect to any Shares covered by or relating to Awards granted pursuant to the Plan until the date the Participants become the registered owners of such Shares issued in accordance with and subject to the governing documents of the Company. Except as otherwise expressly provided in Section 6, no adjustment to an Award shall be made for dividends or other rights for which the record date occurs prior to the effective date such Shares are registered.
8.4. No Special Employment Rights. Nothing contained in the Plan shall confer upon the Participants any right with respect to the continuation of their Employment or interfere in any way with the right of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, subject to the terms of any separate employment agreements to the contrary, at any time to terminate such Employment or to increase or decrease the compensation of the Participants from the rate in existence at the time of the grant of any Award.
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8.5. No Obligation to Exercise. The grant to the Participants of an Option shall impose no obligation upon the Participants to exercise such Option.
8.6. Coordination with Other Plans. Awards under the Plan may be granted in tandem with, or in satisfaction of or substitution for, other Awards under the Plan or awards made under other compensatory plans or programs of the Company or its subsidiaries.
8.7. Notices. Each notice and other communication hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given and shall be deemed to have been duly given on the date it is delivered in person or by electronic mail, on the next business day if delivered by overnight mail or other reputable overnight courier, or the third business day if sent by registered mail, return receipt requested, to the parties as follows:
If to the Company:
AnPac Bio-Medical Science Co., Ltd.
No. 105 Sinan Road
Shanghai 200025, China
Attn: [ ]
Email address: [ ]
If to the Participant, to its most recent address shown on records of the Company or its subsidiary;
or in each case to such other address as any party may have furnished to the others in writing in accordance herewith, except that notices of change of address shall be effective only upon receipt.
8.8. Descriptive Headings. The headings in the Plan are for convenience of reference only and shall not limit or otherwise affect the meaning of the terms contained herein.
8.9. Severability. In the event that any one or more of the provisions, subdivisions, words, clauses, phrases or sentences contained herein, or the application thereof in any circumstances, is held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect for any reason, the validity, legality and enforceability of any such provision, subdivision, word, clause, phrase or sentence in every other respect and of the remaining provisions, subdivisions, words, clauses, phrases or sentences hereof shall not in any way be impaired, it being intended that all rights, powers and privileges of the Company and Participants shall be enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.
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8.10. Governing Law. The provisions of the Plan and any Award Agreements and all claims or disputes arising out of or based upon the Plan, any Award Agreement and any Award under the Plan or relating to the subject matter hereof or thereof shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the substantive laws of the State of New York, without regard to the provisions governing choice or conflict of laws or rules that would cause the application of the domestic substantive laws of any other jurisdiction.
8.11. Limitation of Liability. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Plan, neither the Company, nor any Affiliate of the Company, nor the Committee, nor any person acting on behalf of the Company, any Affiliate of the Company, or the Committee, will be liable to any Participant or to the estate or beneficiary of any Participant or to any other holder of an Award by reason of any acceleration of income, or any additional tax (including any interest and penalties), asserted with respect to the Award.
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Exhibit 10.5
MASTER SERVICES AGREEMENT
Agreement Number:
This Master Services Agreement (this MSA) is made by and between:
Corporate Solutions, which means the contracting entity corresponding to Customers location as described in the table below.
Contracting Entity |
Principal Address |
Customers Location |
||
Nasdaq Corporate Solutions, LLC |
One Liberty Plaza, 165 Broadway New York, NY 10006 United States of America |
United States of America (and its territories), Mexico, Canada, Cayman Islands | ||
Nasdaq Pty Ltd |
Level 8, 155 George Street The Rocks NSW 2000 Australia |
Australia |
||
Nasdaq Korea Ltd. |
22nd Floor, Two IFC 10 Gukjegeumyung-ro Youngdeungpo-gu, Seoul 07326 South Korea |
South Korea |
||
Nasdaq Corporate Solutions International Limited |
Woolgate Exchange 25 Basinghall Street London EC2V 5HA United Kingdom |
All regions, excluding those above. |
and
Name |
Anpac Bio-Medical Science Co., Ltd. (Customer) |
|
Principal Address |
500 Capitol Mall, Suite 2350 |
|
City, State |
Sacramento, CA |
|
Zip Code |
95814 |
|
Country |
USA |
HOW THIS MSA WORKS
A. |
This MSA commences as of the date it is executed on behalf of Corporate Solutions and Customer (the Effective Date). |
B. |
Customer and its Affiliates (each, a Customer Entity) may order products and services (including, without limitation, software, software-as-a-service, and professional services) (each, a Service) from Corporate Solutions and its Affiliates (each, a CS Entity) at Corporate Solutions and its Affiliates then-current list prices, in each case, by entering into a service order or other ordering document (each, a Service Order) with Corporate Solutions or one of its Affiliates, provided that such Service Order incorporates by reference the terms and conditions of this MSA. Certain Services may be subject to additional or different terms to the terms in this MSA, which such additional or different terms will be set forth or referenced in the applicable Service Order. In case of a conflict between a term in a Service Order and a term in this MSA, the term in the Service Order will control with respect to such Service Order. |
Nasdaq Corporate Solutions |
Master Services Agreement Page 1 of 9 |
C. |
The rights and obligations of the parties pursuant to each Service Order extend only to the CS Entity and the Customer Entity that executed such Service Order; where Corporate Solutions and Customer are used in the Agreement (as defined below), such terms will be deemed to mean the CS Entity and the Customer Entity, respectively, that executed such Service Order. This MSA will be deemed duplicated and effective between a CS Entity and Customer Entity that are different than the original contracting parties to this MSA as of the effective date of the first Service Order between such CS Entity and Customer Entity. |
D. |
The term Affiliate means, with respect to any entity, another entity that, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with, such entity. For purposes of this definition, control means the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct or cause the direction of management and policies of the entity, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise. |
E. |
The term Agreement means a Service Order, collectively with this MSA, and all exhibits, schedules, addenda, and appendices, if any, attached hereto and thereto, in each case, as may be amended by the parties from time to time pursuant to Section 11.8. |
1. Service and Usage.
1.1. During the Term (as defined in Section 9.1), Corporate Solutions shall provide the Services described in the applicable Service Order in consideration for Customer paying the fees applicable to such Services (the Service Fees), as well as any applicable Additional Charges (as defined in Section 10.1). Customer shall use the Services only in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement and shall not use any Service in violation of any applicable laws or regulations. Customer may not market, sell, distribute, or otherwise provide any Service to any third party as a reseller or for other commercial purposes. Upon termination or expiration of this Agreement, or cancellation of any Service, Customers right to access or use the applicable Service will immediately terminate.
1.2. Certain Services are comprised of data and/or functionality sourced from third-party providers that require Corporate Solutions to pass through end user terms to Customer and its users. Any such third-party terms that are supplied to Corporate Solutions will be posted as promptly as practicable at http://business.nasdaq.com/intel/3rd-party-terms/index.html (or any successor hyperlink) and/or within the applicable Service. Such third-party terms will be deemed incorporated into this Agreement as of such posting date and will be binding on Customer in the same way as any other provision of this Agreement; provided, however, that, in the event of a conflict between such third-party terms and this Agreement, such third-party terms will control, but only in respect of the data and/or functionality sourced from such third-party provider.
1.3. Customer shall take reasonable security precautions to prevent any unauthorized individual or entity from using or accessing the Services, and Customer shall comply with all reasonable Corporate Solutions security specifications or instructions provided in writing from time to time in order to prevent the Services from being used or accessed in a manner that is not in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement. For each Service, Customer (and any third party for which Customer enables access to such Service) is specifically prohibited from: (a) reverse engineering, or performing dynamic or static scanning of, such Service (except to the extent enforcement of the foregoing is prohibited by applicable law); and (b) uploading or transmitting material containing software viruses or other harmful or deleterious computer code, files, scripts, agents, or programs. If Customer (or such third party) engages in any act prohibited above, it will constitute a material breach of this Agreement. In addition, Corporate Solutions reserves the right to block IP addresses or other threats that may pose security threats to any Service or related infrastructure on an as-needed basis and shall have no liability therefor.
2. Intellectual Property.
2.1. As between Customer and Corporate Solutions, Customer retains all intellectual property rights in and to the data, information, and materials provided by Customer to Corporate Solutions (the Customer Data), whether or not marked, except (a) to the extent any such data, information, and materials are owned or licensed from a third party by Corporate Solutions or any of its third-party providers and (b) as expressly set forth in this Agreement. During the Term, Customer shall ensure that: (a) it has all necessary permissions to include and process, and to allow Corporate Solutions and its third-party providers to include and process, Customer Data in the Services; and (b) Customers provision, and Corporate Solutions use, of the Customer Data in connection with this Agreement does not infringe any law, regulation, or third-party rights.
2.2. As between Customer and Corporate Solutions, Corporate Solutions retains all intellectual property rights in and to the Services, whether or not marked, except as expressly set forth in this Agreement. Corporate Solutions grants to Customer a non-exclusive, non-transferable, limited license, during the Term, to use any deliverable provided to Customer as part of a Service solely for Customers internal business purposes. Customer shall not: (a) modify or remove any proprietary rights notices or other marking of Corporate Solutions or any of its third-party providers from any of the Services; or (b) authorize or permit any individual or entity to use or access the Services other than as expressly authorized in a Service Order. Except as expressly set forth in this Agreement, Corporate Solutions reserves all other rights in the Services.
Nasdaq Corporate Solutions |
Master Services Agreement Page 2 of 9 |
3. Confidential lnformation.
3.1. If either party or any of its Associates (as defined below) disclose such partys (as Disclosing Party) Confidential Information (as defined below) to the other party (as Receiving Party) or any of the other partys Associates during the Term (if such disclosure relates to an Agreement) or during the term of this MSA (for any other disclosure), this Section 3 will govern the parties rights and obligations with respect to such Confidential Information. The term Confidential Information means all information disclosed, whether orally, in writing, or otherwise, by or on behalf of Disclosing Party to Receiving Party, unless otherwise excluded below.
3.2. Confidential Information does not include information that: (a) is already, or becomes, available to the public other than as a result of unauthorized disclosure by Receiving Party or any of its Associates to which Receiving Party discloses Disclosing Partys Confidential Information; (b) is, or was previously, received by Receiving Party or one of its Associates on a non-confidential basis from a third party; (c) is already known on a non-confidential basis by Receiving Party or one of its Associates prior to disclosure of the same to Receiving Party or its Associate by or on behalf of Disclosing Party; and/or (d) was independently developed by Receiving Party or one of its Associates without use of or reference to Disclosing Partys Confidential Information.
3.3. Receiving Party: (a) may only use Disclosing Partys Confidential Information to perform its obligations and/or exercise its rights under this MSA or the applicable Agreement; and (b) shall use at least the same degree of care to protect Disclosing Partys Confidential Information as it uses to protect its own confidential information of like kind, but in any event no less than a reasonable degree of care under the circumstances. Receiving Party may disclose any portion of Disclosing Partys Confidential Information to any individual or entity: (i) as directed by Disclosing Party or its Associate or as implied by the nature of the applicable Service; and (ii) to each of the following individuals and entities (each, an Associate), but only to the extent such Associate: (A) needs to know such Confidential Information for purposes of Receiving Partys performing its obligations and/or exercising its rights under this MSA or the applicable Agreement; (B) has been informed of the confidential nature of the Confidential Information; and (C) is subject to confidentiality obligations and use restrictions applicable to such Confidential Information that are materially equivalent to those in this Section 3:
(i) |
employees, officers, and directors of Receiving Party; |
(ii) |
Receiving Partys Affiliates and the employees, officers, and directors of such Affiliates; |
(iii) |
any professional consultant, subcontractor, third-party provider, or other agent retained or used by Receiving Party or any of its Affiliates in connection with Receiving Partys performance of its obligations and/or exercise of its rights under this MSA or the applicable Agreement; and |
(iv) |
any legal or business advisor engaged to advise Receiving Party or any of its Affiliates in relation to its business. |
Receiving Party shall ensure that each of its Associates to which Receiving Party discloses Disclosing Partys Confidential Information complies with Receiving Partys obligations under this Section 3. A breach of Receiving Partys obligations under this Section 3 by any such Associate will be deemed a breach by Receiving Party.
3.4. In the event of any valid legal action or demand for Disclosing Partys Confidential Information made to Receiving Party or any of its Associates under applicable law or regulation, Receiving Party or such Associate may disclose such Confidential Information without liability hereunder; provided, however, that Receiving Party or such Associate: (a) to the extent legally permissible, gives Disclosing Party notice of the Confidential Information to be so disclosed as far in advance of its disclosure as is reasonably practicable; (b) furnishes only that portion of the Confidential Information that is requested and legally required; and (c) uses reasonable efforts to obtain assurance that confidential treatment will be accorded to the Confidential Information. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, Receiving Party may disclose Confidential Information: (i) to the extent required by any government agency or regulatory authority with regulatory or oversight jurisdiction over one or more of Receiving Party and its Affiliates; and (ii) in the course of fulfilling any of the regulatory responsibilities of one or more of Receiving Party and its Affiliates.
3.5. The parties confidentiality obligations and the use restrictions in this Section 3 will survive for three (3) years (a) following termination or expiration of this Agreement (for Confidential Information disclosed in connection with an Agreement) or (b) from the date of disclosure (for Confidential Information otherwise disclosed pursuant to this Section 3). Notwithstanding the foregoing: (x) with respect to the parties trade secrets, the parties confidentiality obligations and the use restrictions in this Section 3 will survive for the longer of (i) the period that such information remains a trade secret under applicable law and (ii) three (3) years (A) following termination or expiration of this Agreement (for Confidential Information disclosed in connection with an Agreement) or (B) from the date of disclosure (for Confidential Information otherwise disclosed pursuant to this Section 3); and (y) in relation to Corporate Solutions information security policies and procedures, the parties confidentiality obligations and the use restrictions in this Section 3 will survive indefinitely.
Nasdaq Corporate Solutions |
Master Services Agreement Page 3 of 9 |
3.6. Upon termination or expiration of an Agreement (for Confidential Information disclosed in connection with an Agreement) or termination of this MSA (for Confidential Information otherwise disclosed pursuant to this Section 3), upon written request of Disclosing Party, Receiving Party shall delete Confidential Information received in connection with such Agreement or this MSA, except that Receiving Party may retain Confidential Information: (a) if and to the extent required under applicable law or regulation or a bona fide document/data retention policy that is consistent with applicable law and regulation; and (b) if Receiving Partys automated electronic archiving or data back-up systems are such that it is not reasonably practicable to delete Confidential Information therefrom; provided, however, that the parties confidentiality obligations and the use restrictions in this Section 3 will continue to apply to any retained Confidential Information.
4. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY.
4.1. EXCEPT WITH RESPECT TO A PARTYS GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT, A PARTYS INDEMNIFICATION OBLIGATIONS IN THIS MSA OR AN AGREEMENT, AND CUSTOMERS OBLIGATIONS TO PAY SERVICE FEES AND ADDITIONAL CHARGES, IF EITHER PARTY IS FOR ANY OTHER REASON HELD LIABLE TO THE OTHER PARTY, INCLUDING IN CONTRACT OR IN TORT, LIABILITY IS LIMITED TO THE SERVICE FEES PAID OR PAYABLE BY CUSTOMER FOR THE AFFECTED SERVICE DURING THE TWELVE (12) MONTH PERIOD IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE DATE OF THE CLAIM AND SUCH LIABILITY WILL BE IN THE AGGREGATE AND NOT PER INCIDENT. THE LIMITATIONS IN THIS SECTION 4 WILL NOT APPLY TO THE EXTENT PROHIBITED BY LAW.
4.2. NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING TO THE CONTRARY IN THIS AGREEMENT, CORPORATE SOLUTIONS DISCLAIMS ALL LIABILITY FOR THIRD-PARTY DATA AND THIRD-PARTY CONTENT PROVIDED TO CUSTOMER AS PART OF ANY SERVICE.
5. CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.
EXCEPT WITH RESPECT TO A PARTYS GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT, A PARTYS INDEMNIFICATION OBLIGATIONS IN THIS MSA OR AN AGREEMENT, AND CUSTOMERS OBLIGATIONS TO PAY SERVICE FEES AND ADDITIONAL CHARGES, NEITHER PARTY SHALL BE LIABLE TO THE OTHER PARTY FOR ANY LOSS OF PROFITS, REVENUES, OR TRADES OR FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL LOSS OR DAMAGE OF ANY NATURE ARISING FROM ANY CAUSE WHATSOEVER, EVEN IF A PARTY HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE. THE LIMITATIONS IN THIS SECTION 5 WILL NOT APPLY TO THE EXTENT PROHIBITED BY LAW.
6. WARRANTIES; EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES AND DISCLAIMERS.
6.1. CORPORATE SOLUTIONS WARRANTS THAT IT SHALL PROVIDE THE SERVICES IN A PROFESSIONAL AND WORKMANLIKE MANNER.
6.2. CUSTOMERS EXCLUSIVE REMEDY AND CORPORATE SOLUTIONS SOLE LIABILITY FOR BREACH OF THE ABOVE WARRANTY IS TO TERMINATE THE AGREEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 9.2(b).
6.3. CORPORATE SOLUTIONS AND ITS THIRD-PARTY PROVIDERS MAKE THE SERVICES, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ALL THIRD-PARTY DATA THEREIN, AVAILABLE ON AN AS IS, AS AVAILABLE BASIS AND, EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN SECTION 6.1 , NONE OF CORPORATE SOLUTIONS, ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES, NOR ANY THIRD-PARTY PROVIDER MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS, IMPLIED, OR STATUTORY, REGARDING THE SERVICES OR ANY CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION, INCLUDING ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF QUALITY, PERFORMANCE, COMMERCIAL UTILITY, MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT. NONE OF CORPORATE SOLUTIONS, ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES, NOR ANY THIRD-PARTY PROVIDER REPRESENTS OR WARRANTS THAT THE SERVICES OR CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION ARE OR WILL BE COMPLETE, TIMELY, UNINTERRUPTED, OR ERROR-FREE, NOR DO ANY OF THE AFOREMENTIONED INDIVIDUALS OR ENTITIES MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY AS TO THE RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED FROM USE OF THE SERVICES OR CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION. CUSTOMER ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT IT IS USING THE SERVICES AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION AT ITS OWN RISK, NEITHER THE SERVICES NOR ANY CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION CONSTITUTE A RECOMMENDATION TO BUY OR SELL SECURITIES OF ANY KIND, AND NONE OF CORPORATE SOLUTIONS, ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES, NOR ANY THIRD-PARTY PROVIDER HAS UNDERTAKEN ANY LIABILITY OR OBLIGATION TO CUSTOMER OR ANY OTHER INDIVIDUAL OR ENTITY RELATING TO THE PURCHASE OR SALE OF SECURITIES IN CONNECTION WITH THIS MSA OR ANY AGREEMENT.
Nasdaq Corporate Solutions |
Master Services Agreement Page 4 of 9 |
7. Force Majeure. Neither party will be liable to the other party, nor deemed to be in breach of this MSA or any Agreement, for any failure or delay in performing its obligations under this MSA or any Agreement (except with respect to such partys obligations under Section 8 and any other obligations to pay monies under this MSA or any Agreement) when and to the extent such failure or delay is caused by or results from circumstances beyond such partys reasonable control. In the event that a partys failure or delay remains uncured for a continuous period of thirty (30) days or more, the other party may cancel the affected Services upon notice with immediate effect.
8. Indemnification.
8.1. Customer shall defend each of Corporate Solutions, its Affiliates, and its and their respective employees, officers, directors, third-party providers, and other agents (each, a CS Indemnitee) against any third-party claim, demand, allegation, suit, or proceeding made or brought against any CS Indemnitee to the extent it arises out of or relates to (a) the Customer Data and/or (b) Customers use of any Service other than in accordance with this Agreement (any Claim Against CS), and shall indemnify such CS lndemnitee(s) against any damages, reasonable attorney fees, and/or costs finally awarded against such CS lndemnitee(s) as a result of, or for any amounts paid by such CS lndemnitee(s) under a settlement of, any Claim Against CS.
8.2. Corporate Solutions shall defend Customer and its employees, officers, directors, and other agents (each, a Customer Indemnitee) against any third-party claim, demand, allegation, suit, or proceeding made or brought against any Customer Indemnitee alleging that Customers use of a Service in accordance with this Agreement infringes or misappropriates such third partys intellectual property rights granted as at the effective date of the applicable Service Order (any Claim Against Customer), and shall indemnify such Customer lndemnitee(s) against any damages, reasonable attorney fees, and/or costs finally awarded against such Customer lndemnitee(s) as a result of, or for amounts paid by such Customer lndemnitee(s) under a settlement of, any Claim Against Customer. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent that a Claim Against Customer arises from or relates to Service functionality that Corporate Solutions obtains from a third-party provider, then, subject to Corporate Solutions diligently pursuing enforcement of its contractual recourse rights against such third-party provider and unless such Claim Against Customer is the result of Corporate Solutions or any of its Affiliates infringing such third-party providers intellectual property rights, Corporate Solutions obligations under this Section 8.2 will be limited to the amount Corporate Solutions recovers from the such third-party provider in proportion to other claims (actual or potential) arising out of the alleged infringement. The above defense and indemnification obligations do not apply to the extent a Claim Against Customer arises from or relates to Customer Data, interoperation of a Service with third-party products or services not expressly approved in writing by Corporate Solutions, Corporate Solutions compliance with any custom designs, specifications, or instructions provided by or on behalf of Customer, or Customers use of any Service other than in accordance with this Agreement.
8.3. In this Section 8.3, the term Claim means a Claim Against CS (in the case where Customer is the indemnifying party) or a Claim Against Customer (in the case where Corporate Solutions is the indemnifying party). Each partys obligation to defend and indemnify the other party under this Section 8 will be conditioned on the indemnified party: (a) promptly, and in any event, in a timeframe that does not materially prejudice the rights of the indemnifying party, providing the indemnifying party with notice of the Claim; (b) giving the indemnifying party sole control of the defense and settlement of the Claim (except that the indemnifying party may not settle any Claim unless such settlement includes an unconditional release of all liability with respect to the indemnified party, its Affiliates, and any other indemnitees); and (c) providing the indemnifying party with all reasonably-requested assistance, at the indemnifying partys expense, in the defense of the Claim.
8.4. If any Claim Against Customer is made, or if, in Corporate Solutions reasonable opinion, such claim appears likely to be made, Corporate Solutions, at Corporate Solutions sole option and cost, may: (a) implement measures to enable Customer to continue to use the Service; (b) modify the Service so it becomes non-infringing; and/or (c) replace affected data and/or functionality of the Service; provided that, in any event, the Service remains functionally equivalent in all material respects. In the event that such options are not commercially reasonable, Corporate Solutions shall have the right, upon notice to Customer, to cancel the affected Service and provide Customer with a prorated refund of prepaid Service Fees for the cancelled Service relating to the period after cancellation.
8.5. The remedies provided under this Section 8 will be the sole and exclusive remedy of each party against the other with respect to claims described in this Section 8.
9. Term and Termination.
9.1. This MSA will continue in effect until terminated by either party upon at least thirty (30) days prior notice to the other party; provided, however, that no termination of this MSA will take effect so long as any Service Order is in effect. Each Service Order will be effective on the date it is executed on behalf of the CS Entity and the Customer Entity party thereto. Each Service Order (and each of the Services therein) will have an initial term of thirty-six (36) months starting on the effective date of such Service Order (the Initial Term) and will automatically renew for successive twelve (12) month terms (each, a Renewal Term) under the same terms and conditions, except for any price increases as set forth in Section 10. The Initial Term and all Renewal Terms (if any) will constitute the Term of a Service Order.
Nasdaq Corporate Solutions |
Master Services Agreement Page 5 of 9 |
9.2. Either party may terminate:
(a) |
an Agreement, in whole or in part, with effect from the last day of the Initial Term or then-current Renewal Term of the Service Order, by giving the other party at least ninety (90) days notice prior to the end of the Initial Term or then-current Renewal Term; |
(b) |
an Agreement, in whole or in part, upon notice with immediate effect if the other party is in breach of any material provision of this Agreement and such breach continues uncured for a period of thirty (30) days after the party claiming breach provides notice specifying such breach to the other party; and |
(c) |
this MSA and all Service Orders between the same CS Entity and Customer Entity, upon notice with immediate effect if the other party liquidates, ceases to do business, or becomes insolvent. |
9.3. If Customer is in breach of this Agreement, Corporate Solutions shall have the right to suspend one or more Services and Customers rights granted in relation thereto, in whole or in part, without liability, upon notice with immediate effect, until such breach is cured. In such event, Section 10 and any payment term of the applicable Service Order will continue to apply.
9.4. During the Term, Corporate Solutions may, in its sole discretion: (a) cancel a Service, in whole or in part, by providing Customer with at least six (6) months prior notice; (b) suspend or cancel a Service, in whole or in part, or modify the terms on which it is provided, by providing Customer with as much notice as is reasonably practicable, if: (i) all or part of such Service depends on an agreement between Corporate Solutions (or one of its Affiliates) and a third-party provider and the applicable third-party agreement is modified or terminated or such third-party provider suspends access to all or part of the Service, in any case, through no fault of Corporate Solutions; (ii) all or part of such Service becomes illegal or contrary to any rule, regulation, guideline, or request of any regulatory authority with jurisdiction over Corporate Solutions or any of its Affiliates; or (iii) Customer becomes subject to trade sanctions issued by the United States or other national or international governmental entity. In addition, Corporate Solutions may change the platform from which it delivers the Services as long as: (x) the platform supports materially the same functionality of the Services as provided on the previous platform; and (y) Corporate Solutions provides Customer with sufficient time to onboard to the new platform (at least sixty (60) days following notification from Corporate Solutions of the need to migrate to a new platform).
9.5. If Corporate Solutions cancels all or part of a Service pursuant to Section 9.4 or Customer cancels a Service pursuant to Section 7, Corporate Solutions entire liability will be to provide Customer a prorated refund of prepaid Service Fees for such cancelled Service relating to the period after cancellation. If Corporate Solutions terminates any or all Agreements pursuant to Section 9.2(b) or (c), Customer shall pay any unpaid Service Fees and applicable Additional Charges covering the remainder of the Term(s). In no event will termination of any Agreement or cancellation of any Service relieve Customer of its obligation to pay Service Fees and Additional Charges (if any) payable for the period prior to the effective date of termination or cancellation. If all Services set forth on a Service Order are cancelled pursuant to the terms of the applicable Agreement, such Agreement will be deemed terminated.
10. Fees &Payment; Taxes.
10.1. Customer shall pay Corporate Solutions the Service Fees and, as applicable for certain Services, any third-party fees passed through to Customer (collectively, Additional Charges), and any applicable interest and/or late fees. Additional Charges will be specified on an invoice, where applicable. All payments are due within thirty (30) days of the invoice date. All invoices will be deemed final and binding unless Customer provides Corporate Solutions notice of any alleged discrepancies no later than ten (10) days from the invoice date. Corporate Solutions may apply a late fee of 1.5% per month or the highest lawful interest rate, whichever is lower, to all amounts not paid when due.
10.2. Taxes.
(a) |
Service Fees and Additional Charges do not include any sales tax, value added tax, goods and services tax, or any other tax (any Tax). Customer shall pay all Taxes applicable to the Services. |
(b) |
If Customer is based in the United States and is legally entitled to an exemption from any Tax, Customer is responsible for providing Corporate Solutions with a legally-sufficient tax exemption certificate, resale certificate, or a copy of the direct pay permit for each applicable taxing jurisdiction. Corporate Solutions shall apply the tax exemption to invoices generated after the date Corporate Solutions receives such documentation. |
Nasdaq Corporate Solutions |
Master Services Agreement Page 6 of 9 |
(c) |
If any Service Fees or Additional Charges are subject to withholding Tax in Customers jurisdiction, Customer shall inform Corporate Solutions that such Tax will be withheld and shall cite the legal grounds for withholding. If Customer requires from Corporate Solutions any Tax-related documents, Customer shall notify Corporate Solutions accordingly as soon as possible but in no event later than ten (10) days from the date of the applicable invoice. Where Customer withholds any Tax, Customer shall provide Corporate Solutions with the original receipt issued by the applicable tax authority with respect to the Taxes and charges paid by Customer to such authority. |
10.3. Corporate Solutions may, effective on the first day of January each year during the Term, adjust or change the basis for calculating any Service Fees by providing at least ninety (90) days prior notice to Customer. Customer may cancel the applicable Service if Corporate Solutions increases its Service Fees for such Service by more than eight percent (8%) in any year. If Customer exercises this right to cancel, Customer must notify Corporate Solutions within thirty (30) days of the date of Corporate Solutions increase notice. The applicable Service will be cancelled from the date on which the Service Fees would have increased.
11. General.
11.1. Arbitration & Governing Law. Any claim, dispute, controversy, or other matter in question arising out of or relating to this MSA or any Agreement (any Dispute) will be submitted to the applicable Association described in the table below and will be subject to final binding arbitration in accordance with the applicable Rules described in the table below. The arbitral tribunal will be composed of a sole arbitrator. The arbitrator will be selected in accordance with the applicable Rules and the arbitration will be conducted in English in the applicable Venue described in the table below. The arbitrator may not award punitive damages and each party hereby waives the right to seek or recover punitive damages with respect to any Dispute resolved by arbitration. The prevailing party shall be entitled to recover from the non-prevailing party all reasonable attorneys fees. This MSA and each Agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the applicable Governing Law described in the table below, excluding any conflict of laws rules. Notwithstanding the foregoing, either party may bring an action for injunctive relief in any court of competent jurisdiction in the event of a breach or anticipated breach of Section 3 or of any other provision of this MSA or any Agreement that would be reasonably likely to cause such party immediate harm and/or for which money damages would be inadequate. Pursuant to Article 6 of the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (the Convention), the parties agree that the Convention will not apply to this MSA or any Agreement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this MSA or any Agreement, no party, individual, or entity covered by the provisions of this Section 11.1 shall be allowed to participate in a class action in court or in class-wide arbitration, whether as a class representative, class member, or otherwise, or act as a private attorney general, in connection with any arbitration or court proceeding involving this MSA or any Agreement, or to the breach hereof or thereof, or any Dispute. In addition, any arbitration or court proceeding involving this MSA, any Agreement, or any Dispute may not be joined or consolidated with any other arbitration or court proceeding involving a different agreement or different parties. The arbitrator will have no power or authority to conduct class-wide, consolidated, or private attorney general arbitration. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this MSA or any Agreement, the validity and effect of this class action and consolidation waiver may be determined only by a court and not by an arbitrator. If a determination is made in a proceeding involving the parties that this class action and consolidation waiver is invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Section 11.1 will remain in force and only the class action and consolidation waiver portion of this Section 11.1 will be null and void, provided that the determination concerning the class action and consolidation waiver will be subject to appeal.
Contracting Entity |
Association |
Rules |
Venue |
Governing Law |
||||
Nasdaq Corporate Solutions, LLC |
American Arbitration Association |
Commercial Arbitration Rules and Regulations of the American Arbitration Association |
New York, NY | State of New York | ||||
Nasdaq Pty Ltd |
London Court of International Arbitration |
London Court of International Arbitration Rules |
London, England | England & Wales | ||||
Nasdaq Korea Ltd. |
London Court of International Arbitration |
London Court of International Arbitration Rules |
London, England | England & Wales | ||||
Nasdaq Corporate Solutions International Limited |
London Court of International Arbitration |
London Court of International Arbitration Rules |
London, England | England & Wales |
11.2. Headings. Section headings are included for convenience only and are not to be used to construe or interpret this MSA or any Agreement.
Nasdaq Corporate Solutions |
Master Services Agreement Page 7 of 9 |
11.3. Waiver and Severability. Except where otherwise provided in this MSA or any Agreement, any waiver or failure of a party in insisting upon the performance of any provisions of this MSA or any Agreement will not be construed as a waiver or relinquishment of such partys rights to future performance of such provision and the other partys obligation in respect of such future performance will continue in full force and effect. Any waiver must be made in writing and signed by the party to be bound. If any part of this MSA or an Agreement that is not fundamental is found to be illegal or unenforceable, such finding will not affect the validity and enforceability of the remainder of this MSA or such Agreement.
11.4. Publicity. All press releases, public disclosures, or other public announcements relating to an Agreement, or its subject matter, will be mutually agreed by the parties in writing prior to release by either party. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Corporate Solutions may disclose in its marketing materials, including, without limitation, press releases and pitch books, that Customer is a client of Corporate Solutions.
11.5. Survival of Provision. Each partys obligations under the following sections of this MSA will survive termination of this MSA and termination or expiration of each Agreement: Sections 1.2, 2, 3.6, 4, 5, 9.5, 10.1, 10.2, and 11.
11.6. Relationship of the Parties. The relationship between the parties is that of independent contractors. Nothing in this MSA or any Agreement creates a partnership or joint venture between the parties and, except as expressly provided herein, neither party shall enter into or have authority to enter into any engagement or make any representation or warranty on behalf the other party, or pledge the credit of, or otherwise bind or oblige the other party.
11.7. Notices. All notices and other communications under this MSA and each Agreement must be in writing and: (a) if to Customer, sent to the address provided by Customer on Customers most recently-executed Service Order, or such other address as Customer may notify to Corporate Solutions in accordance with this Section 11.7; or (b) if to Corporate Solutions, sent to Corporate Solutions at One Liberty Plaza, 165 Broadway, New York, NY, 10006, USA, Attention: Senior Vice President (GCS), or such other address as Corporate Solutions may notify to Customer in accordance with this Section 11.7. All notices will be deemed to have been duly given: (x) upon actual receipt (or date of first refusal); (y) three (3) days after being sent by certified mail, postage prepaid and return receipt requested; and (z) the next business day (based on the recipients location) after being sent by internationally-recognized overnight courier, postage prepaid. Customer shall also send a copy (which will not constitute notice) of any breach or termination notice to Corporate Solutions at the following address: Office of General Counsel, Nasdaq, Inc., 805 King Farm Blvd, Rockville MD, 20850, USA, Attention: Contracts Group (GCS).
11.8. Entire Agreement, Amendment, Assignment and Subcontractors. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior negotiations, communications, writings, and understandings between the parties. Neither this MSA nor any Agreement may be modified except in a writing signed by both parties hereto or thereto. Corporate Solutions shall be entitled to use subcontractors to perform or provide the Services, in whole or in part, and, in such event, Corporate Solutions shall remain liable for work performed by its subcontractors. Except as expressly provided herein, neither party may assign or transfer this MSA or any Agreement (including by operation of law), or any of its rights or obligations, to a third party without the prior written consent of the other party, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned, or delayed; provided, however, that Corporate Solutions shall be entitled to assign or transfer (including by operation of law) any rights or obligations, in whole or in part, to an Affiliate or in connection with any reorganization, the sale of a division, product, or service, or any other business transaction of a similar nature (any Business Reorganization), in each case, without the prior written consent of Customer; provided further, that Customer shall be entitled to assign or transfer (including by operation of law) any rights or obligations, in whole or in part, to an Affiliate or in connection with a Business Reorganization, in each case, without the prior written consent of Corporate Solutions, provided that Customer: (a) provides Corporate Solutions with reasonable prior notice of any such assignment or transfer; and (b) does not make any such assignment or transfer to any competitor of Corporate Solutions or any of its Affiliates (as determined by Corporate Solutions, in its reasonable discretion). Any assignment or transfer in breach of this Section 11.8 will be void ab initio. Except as expressly provided herein, this MSA and each Agreement is for the sole benefit of the parties to this MSA or such Agreement and their permitted successors and assigns and nothing in this MSA or any Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or will confer upon any other individual or entity any legal or equitable right, benefit, or remedy of any nature whatsoever.
11.9. Counterparts. Each document comprising this MSA or any Agreement, including any exhibit, schedule, addendum, appendix, or amendment, may be executed in counterparts, each of which will be considered an original and together constitute only one agreement between the parties. Each party agrees that an electronic copy will be considered and treated like an original and an electronic or digital signature will be as valid as a handwritten signature.
Nasdaq Corporate Solutions |
Master Services Agreement Page 8 of 9 |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, EACH PARTY HAS CAUSED THIS MSA TO BE EXECUTED BY ITS DULY AUTHORIZED SIGNATORY.
Customer: |
Anpac Bio-Medical Science Co., Ltd. |
Corporate Solutions: |
||||
Signature: |
/s/ Chris C. Yu | Signature: |
/s/ Catherine Grant |
|||
Name: |
Dr. Chris C. Yu | Name: | Catherine Grant | |||
Authorized Signatory Title: |
Co-Founder / CEO | Authorized Signatory Title: | AVP, Corporate Solutions | |||
Date: |
Feb 28th, 2019 | Date: | March 1, 2019 | 2:03 EST |
Nasdaq Corporate Solutions |
Master Services Agreement Page 9 of 9 |
SERVICE ORDER BETWEEN
NASDAQ CAPITAL MARKETS ADVISORY LLC. AND CUSTOMER
This Service Order (SO) is governed by the terms stated in the most recent MASTER SERVICES AGREEMENT executed by AnPac Bio-Medical Science Co., Ltd. and Nasdaq Corporate Solutions entity set out therein (MSA), which sets forth the terms and conditions under which Nasdaq Capital Markets Advisory LLC shall provide, and invoice for, the services described below (Services) to Customer. The terms of the MSA are made a part of this SO and are incorporated by reference. This SO, with the MSA incorporated by reference forms a separate, standalone agreement (the Agreement). In case of a conflict between a term in this SO and a term in the MSA, the term in this SO shall control. For purposes of this SO, all references in the MSA to Corporate Solutions are deemed references to Nasdaq Capital Markets Advisory LLC, Member FINRA and SIPC. This SO shall be effective on the date it has been executed by both parties.
(NCMA) | (Customer) | |
Nasdaq Capital Markets Advisory LLC One Liberty Plaza, 165 Broadway New York, NY 10006 USA |
Anpac Bio-Medical Science Co., Ltd. 500 Capitol Mall, Suite 2350 Sacramento, CA 95814 USA |
☒New Customer | ☐Existing Customer | |||||||||
Service |
Transaction Fee* |
Set Up Fee* |
Billing Date |
Initial Term |
Renewal Term |
|||||
Nasdaq Capital Markets Advisory |
As set out in Fees below | $10,000 | As set out in Fees below | 9 months | Monthly basis |
Transaction Fee and Set Up Fee is jointly referred to as Fees.
PRODUCT NOTES:
1. |
Service Description |
Subject to the terms herein and in consideration for Customer paying the Fees, NCMA shall provide the Service to Customer.
The Service consists of financial advisory services in connection with a potential Transaction (as defined below) as required by the Customer. Such Service may include inter alia, that NCMA will assist Customer in identifying potential institutional investors and offer general advise in the connection with a Transaction.
Customer acknowledges and agrees that with respect to any Transaction: (i) NCMA is not serving as an underwriter as defined in Section 2(a)(11) of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the 1933 Act); (ii) NCMA is not a member of an underwriting syndicate; and (iii) NCMA is not undertaking to sell any securities on behalf of the Customer.
By executing this Service Order Customer hereby requests that NCMA assist the Customer as set out above in relation to the Transaction.
2. |
Term and Termination |
This SO shall commence on the Effective Date and shall have an initial term of nine (9) months (the Initial Term) and will then automatically extend on a month-to-month basis thereafter (each Renewal Term) unless terminated earlier as set out in the MSA or herein. The Initial Term and any Renewal Term is jointly referred to as a Term
In the event of a Closing of the Transaction this engagement shall automatically terminate. NCMA shall be entitled to terminate this SO with thirty (30) days notice. Customer shall be entitled to terminate this SO thirty (30) days before the end of the Initial Term or ten (10) days before the end of any Renewal Term and such termination shall become effective upon the last day of the then current Term.
Nasdaq Capital Markets Advisory LLC | Page 1 of 4 |
Expiration or Termination of this Service Order shall not affect NCMAs right to indemnification or payment of the Fees in accordance with the terms of the Agreement.
3. |
Transactions |
The Services that may be performed by NCMA relate to the following types of Transactions. As used in this Service Order, the term Transaction shall include:
a) |
An initial public offering (IPO) or secondary offering (Secondary Offering) of the Customers equity securities and/or equity warrants; or |
b) |
a registered direct offering of the Customers equity securities, equity warrants, preferred securities, debt securities; or |
c) |
a private placement by the Customer, conducted pursuant to Regulation D of the 1933 Act or other applicable U.S. or foreign securities laws. rules and regulations (a Private Placement), including without limitation a placement of equity, debt, convertible securities or other financial instrument (the Securities), it being understood that NCMAs services regarding a Private Placement do not constitute a firm underwriting or guaranty of raising any specific amount of capital, and under no circumstances will NCMA be obligated to purchase any Securities for its own account. |
d) |
any other private financing or capital raise, such as a crossover round, pre-IPO round, series A round, series B round, series C round of the issuers equity securities, equity warrants, preferred securities or debt securities. |
The closing (Closing) of a Transaction shall be deemed to occur on the transfer (if applicable) of funds or, in the absence of any such transfer (if not applicable), upon the date of execution of all material legal documentation.
4. |
Fees |
Customer agrees to pay NCMA the Fees, including, but not limited to, any applicable interest and/or late fees. All Fees are exclusive of any tax including value added tax. For the avoidance of doubt the Fees under this SO shall be paid directly to NCMA.
Customer shall pay a non-refundable Set Up Fee as set out on the first page of this SO on the last day of the Initial Term (unless the parties agree on a later payment date). The Set Up Fee shall be paid irrespective of whether or not Customer proceeds with a Transaction. Should Customer proceed with a Transaction, the Set Up Fee shall be deducted from the Transaction Fee.
In the event the Customer proceeds with a Transaction during the Term or within three (3) months after this Service Order is terminated by either party, the Customer will pay NCMA the Transaction Fee as follows;
(a) |
At or contemporaneously with the Closing of a Transaction, the Customer will pay or cause to be paid to NCMA for a Transaction Fee equal to 50 basis points of the total gross proceeds of the Transaction. |
(b) |
The Transaction Fee (as well as all other fees and expenses payable to NCMA hereunder) shall be payable in U.S. dollars in immediately available funds. |
(c) |
In the event of a Transaction other than as enumerated above, the Customer and NCMA shall in good faith agree at the Closing on the Transaction Fee payable to NCMA with respect to such Transaction. |
5. |
Reliance |
When providing the Services, NCMA will rely on the information provided by Customer including the information in any relevant engagement form (collectively, the Information) which Customer warrants, to the best of its knowledge is valid, accurate and complete. All projections relating to the future performance of the Customer that are provided to NCMA by the Customer will be prepared in good faith based upon assumptions, which, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, are reasonable. The Customer will promptly notify NCMA if it leams of any material inaccuracy or misstatement in, or material omission from, or change in any Information. The Customer hereby acknowledges and agrees that, in providing services to the Customer hereunder, NCMA will be using and relying on Information from Customer, publicly available information and other information derived from sources deemed reliable by NCMA without independent verification or independent appraisal.
Nasdaq Capital Markets Advisory LLC | Page 2 of 4 |
6. |
Limitation of Liability |
CUSTOMER AGREES THAT NCMA SHALL NOT HAVE ANY LIABILITY (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, LIABILITY FOR ANY LOSSES, CLAIMS, DAMAGES, OBLIGATIONS, PENALTIES, JUDGMENTS, AWARDS, LIABILITIES, COSTS, EXPENSES OR DISBURSEMENTS) IN CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE TO THE CUSTOMER, OR TO ANY PERSON CLAIMING THROUGH THE CUSTOMER, IN CONNECTION WITH THE ENGAGEMENT OF NCMA PURSUANT TO THIS AGREEMENT AND THE MATTERS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY, EXCEPT WHERE SUCH LIABILITY IS FOUND IN A FINAL JUDGMENT BY A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION (NOT SUBJECT TO FURTHER APPEAL) TO HAVE RESULTED PRIMARILY AND DIRECTLY FROM THE FRAUD OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT OF NCMA. THE CUSTOMER FURTHER AGREES THAT NCMA SHALL HAVE NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY ACT OR OMISSION BY ANY OF THE CUSTOMERS REPRESENTATIVES.
7. |
Miscellaneous |
The Customers engagement of NCMA is not deemed to be on behalf of, and is not intended to confer rights upon, any shareholder or other equity owner of the Customer or any other person not a party hereto as against NCMA or any of NCMAs affiliates, directors, officers, agents or employees. All information and advice, written or oral, provided to the Customer by NCMA in the course of performance of the engagement is solely for the benefit of the Customer and may not be quoted or referred to by the Customer in any report or other communications. The terms and conditions of any Transaction will be established by the Customer in its sole discretion, after consultation with NCMA. The Customer will have the sole authority to act and negotiate on its behalf in connection with any Transaction and will make all final determinations concerning any Transaction. The Customer may accept or reject in its sole discretion any Transaction proposed by NCMA. NCMA acknowledges that it has no authority, and will not, act on behalf of, bind or make any representations on behalf of the Customer concerning any Transaction.
It is understood that execution of this Agreement does not assure the successful completion of a Transaction, or any portion thereof, and that NCMA is acting on a reasonable efforts basis. NCMA has the right, subject to the prior approval of the Customer (not to be unreasonably withheld), to publish a tombstone and case study describing any Transaction upon closing at its own expense, which may include the reproduction of the Customers logo, a brief description of the Transaction and a link to the Customers website. If requested by NCMA, the Customer agrees to include a mutually acceptable reference to NCMA in any press release or other public announcement made by the Customer regarding a Transaction as contemplated herein, it being understood that any press release or other public announcement regarding a Transaction must be approved by the Customer. The Customer shall be entitled to disclose this engagement of NCMA hereunder and include a mutually acceptable reference to NCMA in any disclosure it may wish to make.
In the event that a corporation, partnership or similar entity is formed in connection with any Transaction, the Customer shall cause such corporation, partnership or similar entity to become a party to this Agreement (including the indemnification provisions) on the same terms and conditions as the Customer.
This SO may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be considered an original. Each party agrees that an electronic copy shall be considered and treated like an original of this SO, and that an electronic or digital signature shall be as valid as a handwritten signature.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, EACH PARTY HERETO HAS CAUSED THIS SERVICE ORDER TO BE EXECUTED BY ITS DULY AUTHORIZED SIGNATORY.
Customer: |
Anpac Bio-Medical Science Co., Ltd. |
NCMA: |
Nasdaq Capital Markets Advisory LLC |
|||
Signature: |
/s/ Chris C. Yu
|
Signature: |
/s/ Michael Stiller
|
|||
Name: |
Dr. Chris C. Yu |
Name: |
Michael Stiller |
|||
Authorized Signatory Title: |
Co-Founder / CEO Chairman of the Board |
Authorized
Signatory Title: |
/s/ Michael Stiller CEO, NCMA |
|||
Date: |
2/26/2019 |
Effective Date: |
2-28-19 |
Nasdaq Capital Markets Advisory LLC | Page 3 of 4 |
|
||||||
Tax ID: |
|
Please send a scanned copy of this SO, once executed. to michael.stillet@nasdaq.com. Thank you for your business.
Nasdaq Capital Markels Advisory LLC | Page 4 of 4 |
Exhibit 21.1
List of Principal Subsidiaries of the Registrant
Name |
Percentage | Place of Incorporation | ||||||
Subsidiaries |
||||||||
AnPac Technology USA Co., Ltd. |
100% | United States of America | ||||||
Changwei System Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. |
100% | Peoples Republic of China | ||||||
AnPac Bio-Medical Technology (Lishui) Co., Ltd. |
100% | Peoples Republic of China | ||||||
Changhe Bio-Medical Technology (Yangzhou) Co., Ltd. |
100% | Peoples Republic of China | ||||||
AnPac Bio-Medical Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. |
100% | Peoples Republic of China | ||||||
Shanghai Xinshenpai Technology Co., Ltd. |
100% | Peoples Republic of China | ||||||
Lishui AnPac Medical Laboratory Co., Ltd. |
100% | Peoples Republic of China | ||||||
Penghui Health Management (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. |
100% | Peoples Republic of China | ||||||
Shiji (Hainan) Medical Technology Limited |
100% | Peoples Republic of China |
Exhibit 23.1
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption Experts and to the use of our report dated September 20, 2019, in the Registration Statement (Form F-1) and related Prospectus of AnPac Bio-Medical Science Co., Ltd. dated October 31, 2019.
/s/ Ernst & Young Hua Ming LLP
Shanghai, the Peoples Republic of China
October 31, 2019
Exhibit 99.1
CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT AND ETHICS
OF ANPAC BIO-MEDICAL SCIENCE CO., LTD.
(ADOPTED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF ANPAC BIO-MEDICAL SCIENCE CO., LTD.
ON OCTOBER 31, 2019, EFFECTIVE UPON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ITS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT ON FORM F-1 RELATING TO ITS INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING)
I. |
Purpose |
AnPac Bio-Medical Science Co., Ltd., its subsidiaries and its variable interest entities (the Company) is committed to conducting its business in accordance with applicable laws, rules and regulations and the highest standards of business ethics. This Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the Code) contains general guidelines for conducting the business of the Company. To the extent this Code requires a higher standard than required by commercial practice or applicable laws, rules or regulations, the Company adheres to these higher standards.
This Code is designed to deter wrongdoing and to promote:
(i) honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships;
(ii) full, fair, accurate, timely, and understandable disclosure in reports and documents that the Company files with, or submits to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) and in other public communications made by the Company;
(iii) compliance with applicable governmental laws, rules and regulations;
(iv) prompt internal reporting of violations of the Code; and
(v) accountability for adherence to the Code.
II. |
Applicability |
This Code applies to all directors, officers and employees of the Company, whether they work for the Company on a full-time, part-time, consultative, or temporary basis (together, AnPac Personnel).
The Board of Directors of the Company (the Board) has appointed the leader of Legal and Compliance Department as the compliance officer for the Company (the Compliance Officer). If you have any questions regarding the Code or would like to report any violation of the Code, please contact the Compliance Officer. Any questions or violations of the Code involving an executive officer, which include the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and any other persons who perform similar functions for the Company (each an executive officer), shall be directed or reported to any of our independent director on the Board or the members of the Audit Committee of the Board, and any such questions or violations will be reviewed directly by the Board or the Audit Committee of the Board.
1
III. |
Conflicts of Interest |
A. |
Identifying Conflicts of Interest |
A conflict of interest occurs when a AnPac Personnels private interest interferes, or appears to interfere, in any way with the interests of the Company as a whole. You should actively avoid any private interest that may influence your ability to act in the interests of the Company or that may make it difficult to perform your work objectively and effectively. In general, the following are considered conflicts of interest:
1. Competing Business. No AnPac Personnel may be concurrently employed by a business that competes with the Company or deprives it of any business.
2. Corporate Opportunity. No AnPac Personnel should use corporate property, information or his or her position with the Company to secure a business opportunity that would otherwise be available to the Company. If you discover a business opportunity that is in the Companys line of business, through the use of the Companys property, information or position, you must first present the business opportunity to the Company before pursuing the opportunity in your individual capacity.
3. Financial Interests.
(i) No AnPac Personnel may have any financial interest (ownership or otherwise), either directly or indirectly through a spouse or other family member, in any other business entity if such financial interest adversely affects the employees performance of duties or responsibilities to the Company, or requires the employee to devote certain time during such AnPac Personnels working hours at the Company;
(ii) no AnPac Personnel or his/her family member may hold any ownership interest in a privately-held company that is in competition with the Company;
(iii) a AnPac Personnel or his/her family member may hold up to but no more than 5.0% ownership interest in a publicly traded company that is in competition with the Company;
(iv) no AnPac Personnel or his/her family member may hold any ownership interest in a company that has a material business relationship with the Company; and
(v) ownership interest mentioned above in clause (i)-(iv) do not include a AnPac Personnels ownership of share incentive awards and resulting securities in another company.
If a AnPac Personnel has ownership interest as described in clause (iii) and (v) above, the AnPac Personnel must immediately report such ownership in accordance with relevant rules and policies of the Company.
4. Loans or Other Financial Transactions. No AnPac Personnel may obtain loans or guarantees of personal obligations from, or enter into any other personal financial transaction with, any company that is a material customer, supplier or competitor of the Company. This guideline does not prohibit arms-length transactions with recognized banks or other financial institutions.
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5. Service on Boards and Committees. No AnPac Personnel should serve on a board of directors or trustees or on a committee of any entity (whether profit or not-for-profit) whose interests reasonably could be expected to conflict with those of the Company. AnPac Personnel must obtain prior approval from the Board before accepting any such board or committee position. The Company may revisit its approval of any such position at any time to determine whether service in such position is still appropriate.
It is difficult to list all of the ways in which a conflict of interest may arise, and we have provided only a few, limited examples. If you are faced with a difficult business decision that is not addressed above, ask yourself the following questions:
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Is it legal? |
|
Is it honest and fair? |
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Is it in the best interests of the Company? |
B. |
Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest |
The Company requires that AnPac Personnel fully disclose any situations that reasonably could be expected to give rise to a conflict of interest. If you suspect that you have a conflict of interest, or something that others could reasonably perceive as a conflict of interest, you must report it immediately to the Compliance Officer. Conflicts of interest may only be waived by the Board, or the Audit Committee of the Board, and will be promptly disclosed to the public to the extent required by law.
C. |
Family Members and Work |
The actions of family members outside the workplace may also give rise to conflicts of interest because they may influence a AnPac Personnels objectivity in making decisions on behalf of the Company. If a member of a AnPac Personnels family is interested in doing business with the Company, the criteria as to whether to enter into or continue the business relationship, and the terms and conditions of the relationship, must be no less favorable to the Company compared with those that would apply to a non-relative seeking to do business with the Company under similar circumstances.
AnPac Personnel should report any situation involving family members that could reasonably be expected to give rise to a conflict of interest to their supervisor or the Compliance Officer. For purposes of this Code, family members or members of your family include your spouse, brothers, sisters and parents, in-laws and children.
IV. |
Gifts and Entertainment |
A. |
Generally |
The giving and receiving of gifts is common business practice. Appropriate business gifts and entertainment are welcome courtesies designed to build relationships and understanding among business partners. However, gifts and entertainment should never compromise, or appear to compromise, your ability to make objective and fair business decisions.
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It is the responsibility of AnPac Personnel to use good judgment in this area. As a general rule, AnPac Personnel may give or receive gifts or entertainment to or from customers or suppliers only if the gift or entertainment could not be viewed as an inducement to any particular business decision. Any gift and entertainment expenses made on behalf of the Company must comply with the relevant guidelines, policies and instructions.
AnPac Personnel may only accept appropriate gifts. We encourage AnPac Personnel to submit gifts received to the Company.
The Companys business conduct is founded on the principle of fair transaction. Therefore, no AnPac Personnel may give or receive kickbacks, bribe others, or secretly give or receive commissions or any other personal benefits.
B. |
United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Compliance |
The United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) prohibits giving anything of value, directly or indirectly, to officials of foreign governments or foreign political candidates in order to obtain or retain business. A violation of FCPA not only violates the Companys policy but is also a civil or criminal offense under FCPA which the Company is subject to after the Code becomes effective. No AnPac Personnel shall give or authorize directly or indirectly any illegal payments to government officials of any country. While the FCPA does, in certain limited circumstances, allow nominal facilitating payments to be made, any such payment must be discussed with and approved by your supervisor in advance before it can be made.
C. |
Political Contributions |
Except as approved in advance by the Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer of the Company, the Company prohibits political contributions (directly or through trade associations) by any AnPac Personnel on behalf of the Company. Prohibited political contribution activities include:
(i) any contributions of Company funds or other assets for political purposes;
(ii) encouraging individual AnPac Personnel to make any such contribution; and
(iii) reimbursing AnPac Personnel for any political contribution.
V. |
Fair Dealing |
The Company strives to compete and to succeed through superior performance and products and without the use of unethical or illegal practices. Accordingly, the Companys AnPac Personnel should respect the rights of, and should deal fairly with, the Companys customers, suppliers, competitors and AnPac Personnel and should not take unfair advantage of anyone through manipulation, concealment, abuse of privileged information or any material misrepresentation. For example, an individual should not:
(i) give or receive kickbacks, bribe others, or secretly give or receive commissions or any other personal benefits;
(ii) spread rumors about competitors, customers or suppliers that the individual knows to be false;
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(iii) intentionally misrepresent the nature of quality of the Companys products; or
(iv) otherwise seek to advance the Companys interests by taking unfair advantage of anyone through unfair dealing practices, including engaging in unfair practices through a third party.
VI. |
Protection and Use of Company Assets |
AnPac Personnel should protect the Companys assets and ensure their efficient use for legitimate business purposes only. Theft, carelessness and waste have a direct impact on the Companys profitability. The use of the funds or assets of the Company, whether for personal gain or not, for any unlawful or improper purpose is strictly prohibited.
To ensure the protection and proper use of the Companys assets, each AnPac Personnel should:
(i) exercise reasonable care to prevent theft, damage or misuse of Company property;
(ii) promptly report the actual or suspected theft, damage or misuse of Company property;
(iii) safeguard all electronic programs, data, communications and written materials from inadvertent access by others; and
(iv) use Company property only for legitimate business purposes.
VII. |
Intellectual Property and Confidentiality |
1. All inventions, creative works, computer software, and technical or trade secrets developed by an employee in the course of performing the employees duties or primarily through the use of the Companys materials and technical resources while working at the Company, shall be the property of the Company.
2. The Company maintains a strict confidentiality policy. During an employees term of employment, the employee shall comply with any and all written or unwritten rules and policies concerning confidentiality and shall fulfill the duties and responsibilities concerning confidentiality applicable to the employee.
3. In addition to fulfilling the responsibilities associated with his position in the Company, an employee shall not, without first obtaining approval from the Company, disclose, announce or publish trade secrets or other confidential business information of the Company, nor shall an employee use such confidential information outside the course of his duties to the Company.
4. Even outside the work environment, an employee must maintain vigilance and refrain from disclosing important information regarding the Company or its business, customers or employees.
5. An employees duty of confidentiality with respect to the confidential information of the Company survives the termination of such employees employment with the Company for any reason until such time as the Company discloses such information publicly or the information otherwise becomes available in the public sphere through no fault of the employee.
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6. Upon termination of employment, or at such time as the Company requests, an employee must return to the Company all of its property without exception, including all forms of medium containing confidential information, and may not retain duplicate materials.
VIII. |
Accuracy of Financial Reports and Other Public Communications |
Upon the completion of the IPO, the Company will be a public company which is required to report its financial results and other material information about its business to the public and the SEC. It is the Companys policy to promptly disclose accurate and complete information regarding its business, financial condition and results of operations. AnPac Personnel must strictly comply with all applicable standards, laws, regulations and policies for accounting and financial reporting of transactions, estimates and forecasts. Inaccurate, incomplete or untimely reporting will not be tolerated and can severely damage the Company and result in legal liability.
AnPac Personnel should be on guard for, and promptly report, any possibility of inaccurate or incomplete financial reporting. Particular attention should be paid to:
(i) financial results that seem inconsistent with the performance of the underlying business;
(ii) transactions that do not seem to have an obvious business purpose; and
(iii) requests to circumvent ordinary review and approval procedures.
The Companys senior financial officers and other employees working in the finance and accounting department have a special responsibility to ensure that all of the Companys financial disclosures are full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable. Any practice or situation that might undermine this objective should be reported to the Compliance Officer and internal audit department.
Employees are prohibited from directly or indirectly taking any action to coerce, manipulate, mislead or fraudulently influence the Companys independent auditors for the purpose of rendering the financial statements of the Company materially misleading. Prohibited actions include but are not limited to those actions taken to coerce, manipulate, mislead or fraudulently influence an auditor:
(i) to issue or reissue a report on the Companys financial statements that is not warranted in the circumstances (due to material violations of IFRS, generally accepted auditing standards or other professional or regulatory standards);
(ii) not to perform audit, review or other procedures required by generally accepted auditing standards or other professional standards;
(iii) not to withdraw an issued report; or
(iv) not to communicate matters to the Companys Audit Committee of the Board.
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Employees with information relating to questionable accounting or auditing matters may also confidentially, and anonymously if they desire, submit the information in writing to the Companys Audit Committee of the Board.
IX. |
Company Records |
Accurate and reliable records are crucial to the Companys business and form the basis of its earnings statements, financial reports and other disclosures to the public. The Companys records are the source of essential data that guides business decision-making and strategic planning. Company records include, but are not limited to, booking information, payroll, timecards, travel and expense reports, e-mails, accounting and financial data, measurement and performance records, electronic data files and all other records maintained in the ordinary course of our business.
All Company records must be complete, accurate and reliable in all material respects. There is never an acceptable reason to make false or misleading entries. Undisclosed or unrecorded funds, payments or receipts are strictly prohibited. You are responsible for understanding and complying with the Companys record keeping policy. Contact the Compliance Officer if you have any questions regarding the record keeping policy.
X. |
Compliance with Laws and Regulations; Insider Trading |
Each employee has an obligation to comply with the laws of the cities, provinces, regions and countries in which the Company operates. This includes, without limitation, laws covering commercial bribery and kickbacks, copyrights, trademarks and trade secrets, information privacy, insider trading, offering or receiving gratuities, employment harassment, environmental protection, occupational health and safety, false or misleading financial information, misuse of corporate assets or foreign currency exchange activities. Employees are expected to understand and comply with all laws, rules and regulations that apply to your position at the Company. If any doubt exists about whether a course of action is lawful, you should seek advice immediately from the Compliance Officer.
Employees are prohibited from trading securities while in possession of material nonpublic information, whether of the Company or other companies, and must comply with insider trading and any applicable securities law and the Companys Statement of Policies Governing Material, Non-Public Information and the Prevention of Insider Trading regarding securities transactions and handling of confidential information. Insider trading is both unethical and illegal and will be firmly dealt with by the Company. Prohibition on insider trading applies to members of the employees family and anyone else sharing the home of the employees. Therefore, employees must use discretion when discussing work with friends or family members, as well as with other employees.
XI. |
Workplace Environment |
A. |
Discrimination and Harassment |
The Company is firmly committed to providing equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and will not tolerate any illegal discrimination or harassment based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, age, national origin or any other protected class. For further information, you should consult the Compliance Officer.
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B. |
Health and Safety |
The Company strives to provide employees with a safe and healthy work environment. Each employee has responsibility for maintaining a safe and healthy workplace for other employees by following environmental, safety and health rules and practices and reporting accidents, injuries and unsafe equipment, practices or conditions. Violence and threatening behavior are not permitted.
Each employee is expected to perform his or her duty to the Company in a safe manner, free of the influences of alcohol, illegal drugs or other controlled substances. The use of illegal drugs or other controlled substances in the workplace is prohibited.
XII. |
Violations of the Code; Protection Against Retaliation |
All employees have a duty to report any known or suspected violation of this Code, including any violation of laws, rules, regulations or policies that apply to the Company. Reporting a known or suspected violation of this Code by others will not be considered an act of disloyalty, but an action to safeguard the reputation and integrity of the Company and its employees.
If you know of or suspect a violation of this Code, it is your responsibility to immediately report the violation to the Compliance Officer and the internal audit department, who will work with you to investigate your concern. Any suspected violation of this Code involving an executive officer shall be directed or reported to any of our independent directors on the Board or to the Audit Committee of the Board. All questions and reports of known or suspected violations of this Code will be treated with sensitivity and discretion. The Compliance Officer, the Board or the Audit Committee of the Board and the Company will protect your confidentiality to the extent possible, consistent with the law and the Companys need to investigate your concern.
It is the Companys policy that any AnPac Personnel who violates this Code will be subject to appropriate discipline, including termination of employment, based upon the facts and circumstances of each particular situation. Your conduct as a AnPac Personnel, if it does not comply with the law or with this Code, can result in serious consequences for both you and the Company.
The Company strictly prohibits retaliation against a AnPac Personnel who, in good faith, seeks help or reports known or suspected violations. AnPac Personnel inflicting reprisal or retaliation against another AnPac Personnel for reporting a known or suspected violation will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.
XIII. |
Waivers of the Code |
Waivers of this Code will be granted on a case-by-case basis and only in extraordinary circumstances. Waivers of this Code may be made only by the Board, or the Audit Committee of the Board, and will be promptly disclosed to the public.
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XIV. |
Conclusion |
This Code contains general guidelines for conducting the business of the Company consistent with the highest standards of business ethics. If you have any questions about these guidelines, please contact the Compliance Officer. We expect all AnPac Personnel to adhere to these standards. Each AnPac Personnel is separately responsible for his or her actions. Conduct that violates the law or this Code cannot be justified by claiming that it was ordered by a supervisor or someone in higher management. If you engage in conduct prohibited by the law or this Code, you will be deemed to have acted outside the scope of your employment. Such conduct will subject you to disciplinary action, including termination of employment.
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Exhibit 99.2
LEGAL OPINION
To: |
AnPac Bio-Medical Science Co., Ltd. |
801 Bixing Street, Bihu County
Lishui, Zhejiang Province 323006
Peoples Republic of China
October 31, 2019
Dear Sir/Madam:
1. |
We are lawyers qualified in the Peoples Republic of China (the PRC) and are qualified to issue opinions on the PRC Laws (as defined in Section 4). For the purpose of this legal opinion (this Opinion), the PRC does not include the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Macau Special Administrative Region and Taiwan. |
2. |
We act as the PRC counsel to AnPac Bio-Medical Science Co., Ltd. (the Company), a company incorporated under the laws of the British Virgin Islands (the BVI), in connection with (a) the proposed initial public offering (the Offering) by the Company of American Depositary Shares (ADSs), representing certain ordinary share(s) of par value US$1 per share of the Company (together with the ADSs, the Offered Securities), in accordance with the Companys 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 (the SEC) under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and (b) the Companys proposed listing of the Offered Securities on the Nasdaq Global Market. |
3. |
In so acting, we have examined the Registration Statement, the originals or copies certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction of documents provided to us by the Company and such other documents, corporate records, certificates, approvals and other instruments as we have deemed necessary for the purpose of rendering this opinion, including, without limitation, originals or copies of the agreements and certificates issued by PRC authorities and officers of the Company (Documents). In such examination, we have assumed the accuracy of the factual matters described in the Registration Statement and that the Registration Statement and other documents will be executed by the parties in the forms provided to and reviewed by us. We have also assumed the genuineness of all signatures, seals and chops, the authenticity of all Documents submitted to us as originals, and the conformity with the originals of all Documents submitted to us as copies, and the truthfulness, accuracy and completeness of all relevant factual statements in the Documents. |
北京 上海 深圳 广州 武汉 成都 重庆 青岛 杭州 南京 东京 香港 伦敦 纽约 洛杉矶 旧金山
Beijing Shanghai Shenzhen Guangzhou Wuhan Chengdu Chongqing Qingdao Hangzhou Nanjing Tokyo Hong Kong London New York Los Angeles San Francisco
4. |
The following terms as used in this Opinion are defined as follows: |
PRC Subsidiaries | mean any and all PRC subsidiaries of the Company as listed in Schedule I hereto. PRC Subsidiary shall be construed accordingly. | |
PRC Laws | means any and all laws, regulations, statutes, rules, decrees, notices, and supreme courts judicial interpretations currently in force and publicly available in the PRC as of the date hereof. | |
Prospectus | means the prospectus, including all amendments or supplements thereto, that forms part of the Registration Statement. |
Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the same meanings described in the Registration Statement.
5. |
Based upon and subject to the foregoing, we are of the opinion that: |
(1) |
Corporate Structure. Except as disclosed in the Registration Statement, the ownership structure of the PRC Subsidiaries is in compliance, and immediately after this Offering will comply, with the current PRC Laws. The descriptions of the corporate structure of the PRC Subsidiaries are true and accurate and nothing has been omitted from such descriptions which would make the same misleading in any material respects. |
(2) |
Taxation. The statements set forth under the caption Taxation in the Registration Statement, insofar as they constitute statements of PRC law, are accurate in all material respects and such statements constitute our opinion. We do not express any opinion herein concerning any law other than PRC law. |
(3) |
Enforceability of Civil Procedures. We have advised the Company that there is uncertainty as to whether the courts of the PRC would: (i) recognize or enforce judgments of United States courts obtained against the Company or directors or officers of the Company predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the United States or any state in the United States; or (ii) entertain original actions brought in each respective jurisdiction against the Company or directors or officers of the Company predicated upon the securities laws of the United States or any state in the United States. |
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We have further advised the Company that the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments are provided for under the PRC Civil Procedures Law. PRC courts may recognize and enforce foreign judgments in accordance with the requirements of the PRC Civil Procedures Law based either on treaties between the PRC and the country where the judgment is made or on principles of reciprocity between jurisdictions. The PRC does not have any treaties or other form of reciprocity with the United States or the BVI 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 the Company or the Companys 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 a PRC court would enforce a judgment rendered by a court in either of the BVI or the United States. Under the PRC Civil Procedures Law, foreign shareholders may originate actions based on PRC law against the Company 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 will be difficult for U.S. shareholders to originate actions against the Company in the PRC in accordance with the PRC Laws because the Company is incorporated under the laws of the BVI and it will be difficult for U.S. shareholders, by virtue only of holding the Companys ADSs or ordinary shares, to establish a connection to the PRC for a PRC court to have jurisdiction as required under the PRC Civil Procedures Law.
(4) |
Statements in the Prospectus. The statements in the Prospectus under the headings Prospectus Summary, Risk Factors, Use of Proceeds, Corporate History and Structure, Dividend Policy, Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Business, Regulation, Related Party Transactions, Taxation,Legal Matters and Enforceability of Civil Procedures (other than the financial statements and related schedules and other financial data contained therein, as to which we express no opinion), to the extent such statements relate to matters of the PRC Laws or documents, agreements or proceedings governed by the PRC Laws, are true and accurate in all material respects, and fairly present and fairly summarize in all material respects the PRC Laws, documents, agreements or proceedings referred to therein, and we have no reason to believe there has been anything omitted from such statements which would make the statements, in light of the circumstance under which they were made, misleading in any material respects. |
6. |
Our opinions above are subject to the following qualifications: |
(a) |
Our opinions relate only to the PRC Laws and we express no opinion as to any other laws and regulations. There is no guarantee that any of the PRC Laws, or the interpretation thereof or enforcement therefor, will not be changed, amended or replaced in the immediate future or in the longer term with or without retrospective effect. |
(b) |
Our opinions are intended to be used in the context which is specifically referred to herein and each section should be looked on as a whole regarding the same subject matter and no part shall be extracted for interpretation separately from our opinions. |
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(c) |
Our opinions are subject to the effects of (i) certain legal or statutory principles affecting the enforceability of contractual rights generally under the concepts of public interest, national security, good faith and fair dealing, applicable statutes of limitation, and the limitations by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors rights generally; (ii) any circumstance in connection with formulation, execution or performance of any legal documents that would be deemed materially mistaken, clearly unconscionable or fraudulent; (iii) judicial discretion with respect to the availability of injunctive relief, the calculation of damages, and the entitlement of attorneys fees and other costs; and (iv) the discretion of any competent PRC legislative, administrative or judicial bodies in exercising their authority in connection with the interpretation, implementation and application of relevant PRC Laws. |
This opinion letter is rendered to you for the purpose hereof only, and save as provided herein, this Opinion shall not be quoted nor shall a copy be given to any person (apart from the addressee) without our express prior written consent except where such disclosure is required to be made by applicable law or is requested by the SEC or any other regulatory agencies.
We hereby consent to the use of this Opinion in, and the filing hereof as an exhibit to, the Registration Statement and the reference to our name under the headings Enforceability of Civil Liabilities and Legal Matters and elsewhere in the Registration Statement. In giving such consent, we do not thereby admit that we fall within the category of the person whose consent is required under Section 7 of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the regulations promulgated thereunder.
[The remainder of this page is intentionally left blank.]
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[Signature Page]
Yours faithfully, |
/s/ Zhong Lun Law Firm |
Zhong Lun Law Firm |
SCHEDULE I
PRC SUBSIDIARIES
1. |
AnPac Bio-Medical Technology (Lishui) Co., Ltd. (安派科生物医学科技(丽水)有限公司in Chinese); |
2. |
Changwei System Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (昌微系统科技(上海)有限公司in Chinese); |
3. |
Changhe Bio-Medical Technology (Yangzhou) Co., Ltd. (昌和生物医学科技(扬州)有限公司in Chinese); |
4. |
AnPac Bio-Medical Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (安派科生物医学科技(上海)有限公司 in Chinese); |
5. |
Penghui Health Management (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (鹏晖健康管理(上海)有限公司in Chinese); |
6. |
Shanghai Xinshenpai Technology Co., Ltd. (上海新申派科技有限公司in Chinese); |
7. |
Lishui AnPac Medical Laboratory Co., Ltd. (丽水安派科医学检验所有限公司in Chinese); |
8. |
Shiji (Hainan) Medical Technology Co., Ltd. (世济(海南)医学技术有限公司in Chinese); |
9. |
Shanghai Muqing AnPac Health Technology Co., Ltd. (上海慕清安派科健康科技有限公司in Chinese); and |
10. |
Shenzhen Anchun Bio-Medical Technology Co., Ltd. (深圳市安纯生物医学科技有限公司in Chinese). |
Exhibit 99.3
CONSENT OF FROST & SULLIVAN
October 31, 2019
AnPac Bio-Medical Science Co., Ltd.
801 Bixing Street, Bihu County
Lishui, Zhejiang Province, 323006
Peoples Republic of China
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Frost & Sullivan (Beijing) Inc., Shanghai Branch Co. hereby consents to references to its name in the registration statement on Form F-1 (together with any amendments thereto, the Registration Statement) in relation to the initial public offering of AnPac Bio-Medical Science Co., Ltd. (the Company) filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any other future filings with the SEC, including filings on Form 20-F or Form 6-K or other SEC filings (collectively, the SEC Filings).
Frost & Sullivan (Beijing) Inc., Shanghai Branch Co. further consents to inclusion of information, data and statements from the report entitled Cancer Detection Market StudyIndependent Market Research Report (the Report) in the Companys Registration Statement and SEC Filings, and citation of the Report in the Companys Registration Statement and SEC Filings.
Frost & Sullivan (Beijing) Inc., Shanghai Branch Co. also hereby consents to the filing of this letter as an exhibit to the Registration Statement.
Yours sincerely, |
/s/ Frost & Sullivan (Beijing) Inc., Shanghai Branch Co. |
Frost & Sullivan (Beijing) Inc., Shanghai Branch Co. |