Nexpu Ltd F-3/A, filed Dec 16, 2024
Nexpu Ltd. (DPU)
As filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on December 16, 2024
Registration No. 333-283030
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM F-3/A
(Amendment No. 1)
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
Top KingWin Ltd
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| Cayman Islands | N/A | Not Applicable | ||
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
(Translation
of Registrant’s Name into English) |
(I.R.S.
Employer Identification No.) |
Room 1304, Building No. 25, Tian’an Headquarters Center, No. 555
North Panyu Avenue, Donghuan Street
Panyu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China, 511400
Tel: +86 400 661 3113
(Address and telephone number of principal executive offices)
Puglisi & Associates
850 Library Avenue, Suite 204
Newark, Delaware 19711
(Name, address including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
Copies to:
Joan Wu, Esq.
Hunter Taubman Fisher & Li LLC
950 Third Avenue, 19th Floor
New York, NY 10022
Tel: (212) 530-2208
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to time after the effective date of this Registration Statement.
If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box. ☐
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 registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.C. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box. ☐
If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.C. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933.
Emerging growth company ☒
If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards† provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act. ☐
| † | The term “new or revised financial accounting standard” refers to any update issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board to its Accounting Standards Codification after April 5, 2012. |
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 that specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or until this 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 prospectus is not complete and may be changed. Neither we nor the selling shareholder may sell the securities until the registration statement filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED DECEMBER 13, 2024
PROSPECTUS
Top KingWin Ltd
$200,000,000
Class A Ordinary Shares, Debt Securities
Warrants, Rights and Units
And
Up to 40,737,952 Class A Ordinary Shares by the Selling Shareholder Named Herein
We may, from time to time in one or more offerings, offer and sell up to $200,000,000 in the aggregate of Class A ordinary shares, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Class A Ordinary Shares”), debt securities, warrants, units and rights to purchase Class A Ordinary Shares, or debt securities, rights or any combination of the foregoing, either individually or as units comprised of one or more of the other securities. The prospectus supplement for each offering of securities will describe in detail the plan of distribution for that offering. For general information about the distribution of securities offered, please see “Plan of Distribution” in this prospectus.
This prospectus also relates to the resale by certain selling shareholder described herein (the “Selling Shareholder”) of up to an aggregate of 40,737,952 Class A Ordinary Shares issuable upon conversion of a convertible note issued in a private placement conducted on November 26, 2024. The Selling Shareholder may, from time to time, sell, transfer, or otherwise dispose of any or all of their Class A Ordinary Shares registered herein on any stock exchange, market, or trading facility on which the Class A Ordinary Shares are traded or in private transactions. These dispositions may be at fixed prices, at prevailing market prices at the time of sale, at prices related to the prevailing market price, at varying prices determined at the time of sale, or at negotiated prices. We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale or other disposition of the Class A Ordinary Shares by the Selling Shareholder, but we will bear all costs, fees and expenses in connection with the registration of the Class A Ordinary Shares offered by the Selling Shareholder. The Selling Shareholder will bear all commissions and discounts, if any, attributable to the sale of the Class A Ordinary Shares offered for resale through this prospectus. For information regarding the Selling Shareholder and the times and manner in which they may offer or sell Class A Ordinary( Shares, see “Selling Shareholders” and “Plan of Distribution.”
This prospectus provides a general description of the securities we or the Selling Shareholder may offer. We will provide the specific terms of the securities offered in one or more supplements to this prospectus. We may also authorize one or more free writing prospectuses to be provided to you in connection with these offerings. The prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus may add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. You should read carefully this prospectus, the applicable prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus, as well as the documents incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference, before you invest in any of our securities. This prospectus may not be used to offer or sell any securities unless accompanied by the applicable prospectus supplement.
The aggregate market value of our outstanding ordinary shares held by non-affiliates, or public float, as of November 5, was approximately $80.51 million, which was calculated based on 175,026,751 Class A Ordinary Shares and zero Class B Ordinary Shares held by non-affiliates and the per share price of $0.46, which was the closing price of our Class A Ordinary Shares on the Nasdaq Capital Market on November 5, 2024.
Our Class A Ordinary Shares are listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “WAI.” On December 12, 2024, the last reported sale price of our Class A Ordinary Shares on the Nasdaq Capital Market was $0.36 per share. The applicable prospectus supplement will contain information, where applicable, as to other listings, if any, on the Nasdaq Capital Market or other securities exchange of the securities covered by the prospectus supplement.
Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. See “Risk Factors” on page 8 of this prospectus and in the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus, as updated in the applicable prospectus supplement, any related free writing prospectus and other future filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus, for a discussion of the factors you should consider carefully before deciding to purchase our securities.
Top KingWin Ltd (“Top KingWin”, the “Company”, “we”, or “us”) is a holding company incorporated under the laws of Cayman Islands. It is not a Chinese operating entity and has no material operations of its own. The Company conducts substantially all of its operations through Guangdong Tiancheng Jinhui Enterprise Group Co., Ltd.(“Tiancheng Jinhui” or “PRC operating subsidiary”). The Class A Ordinary Shares offered in this offering are shares of Top KingWin, our Cayman Islands holding company, instead of shares of Tiancheng Jinhui in China. While our current corporate structure is not a VIE structure and we have no intention to rely on a VIE structure in our PRC operations, if the PRC laws and regulations were to change in the future, such changes may result in adverse changes in our operations, and our Class A ordinary shares may decline significantly in value. Investors in our Class A Ordinary Shares should be aware that they may never hold equity interests in Tiancheng Jinhui.
We indirectly hold 100% equity interests in our PRC operating subsidiary, Tiancheng Jinhui, through our BVI subsidiary, Sky KingWin Ltd (“KingWin BVI”), and our Hong Kong subsidiary, Sky KingWin (HK) Limited (“KingWin HK”). Tiancheng Jinhui was organized in the PRC and our corporate structure is governed by the PRC laws. As advised by our PRC legal counsel, Zhejiang T&H Law Firm (“Zhejiang T&H”), based on their understanding of current PRC laws and regulations, our corporate structure is not in violation of the applicable PRC laws. However, our operating structure involves unique risks to investors. The Chinese regulatory authorities could disallow our operating structure, which would likely result in a material change in our operations and/or a material change in the value of our Class A ordinary shares and could cause the value of our Class A ordinary shares to significantly decline or become worthless. See “Risk Factors— Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure and Governance — Investors in our Class A ordinary shares are not purchasing equity securities of our subsidiaries that have substantive business operations in China but instead are purchasing equity securities of a Cayman Islands holding company” beginning on page 19 of this prospectus.
We are exposed to legal and operational risks associated with having substantially all of our operations in China conducted by Tiancheng Jinghui. The PRC government has significant authority to exert influence on the ability of a company with operations in China, including us, to conduct its business. Changes in China’s economic, political or social conditions or government policies could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations. PRC laws and regulations governing our current business operations are sometimes vague and uncertain, and as a result, these risks may result in material changes in the operations of our PRC operating entity, significant depreciation or a complete loss of the value of our Class A ordinary shares, or a complete hindrance of our ability to offer, or continue to offer, our securities to investors. Recently, the PRC government initiated a series of regulatory actions and made several public statements on the regulation of business operations in China with little advance notice, including cracking down on illegal activities in the securities market, enhancing supervision over China-based companies listed overseas, adopting new measures to extend the scope of cybersecurity reviews, and expanding efforts in anti-monopoly enforcement. On July 6, 2021, General Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the General Office of the State Council jointly issued an announcement to crack down on illegal activities in the securities market and promote the high-quality development of the capital market, which, among other things, requires the relevant governmental authorities to strengthen cross-border oversight of law-enforcement and judicial cooperation, to enhance supervision over China-based companies listed overseas, and to establish and improve the system of extraterritorial application of the PRC securities laws. On December 28, 2021, the Cyberspace Administration of China (“CAC”), together with 12 other governmental departments of the PRC, jointly promulgated the Measures for Cybersecurity Review (2021 version), which became effective on February 15, 2022. The Measures for Cybersecurity Review (2021 version) require that an online platform operator which possesses the personal information of at least one million users must apply for a cybersecurity review by the CAC if it intends to be listed in foreign countries. As advised by our PRC counsel, Zhejiang T&H, as of the date of this prospectus, we are not subject to cybersecurity review with the CAC under the Measures for Cybersecurity Review (2021 version), since we currently do not have over one million users’ personal information and do not anticipate that we will be collecting over one million users’ personal information in the foreseeable future, which we understand might otherwise subject us to the Measures for Cybersecurity Review (2021 version). On September 30, 2024, the State Council released the Regulations on the Network Data Security Administration (the “Data Security Administration”), which will become effective on January 1, 2025. The Data Security Administration requires that network data processors conducting data processing activities that affect or may affect national security shall undergo a national security review in accordance with relevant national regulations. As of the date of this prospectus, we have not been involved in any investigations on cybersecurity review initiated by the CAC, and we have not received any warning, sanction or penalty in such respect. However, the Measures for Cybersecurity Review (2021 version) was recently adopted and, therefore, it is uncertain how it will be enacted, interpreted or implemented, and how it will affect us. Since these regulatory actions are new or have not been formally enacted, it is highly uncertain how soon legislative or administrative regulation making bodies will respond and what existing or new laws or regulations or detailed implementations and interpretations will be modified or promulgated, if any, and the potential impact such modified or new laws and regulations will have on our daily business operation, or our ability to accept foreign investments and list on a U.S. exchange. As there remains significant uncertainty in the interpretation and enforcement of relevant PRC cybersecurity laws and regulations, we could be subject to cybersecurity review, and if so, there is no assurance that we would be able to pass such review in relation to this offering in a timely manner or at all. In addition, we could become subject to enhanced cybersecurity review or investigations launched by PRC regulators in the future. Any failure or delay in the completion of the cybersecurity review procedures or any non-compliance with the related laws and regulations may result in fines or other penalties against us, which may have material adverse effect on our business, financial conditions or results of operations. See “Risk Factors — Risks Related to Conducting Business in China — Recent greater oversight by the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) over data security, particularly for companies seeking to list on a foreign exchange, could adversely impact our business and our offering” on page 9 of this prospectus.
On February 17, 2023, the China Securities Regulatory Commission (“CSRC”) promulgated the Trial Administrative Measures of the Overseas Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies (the “Overseas Listing Trial Measures”) and relevant five guidelines, which became effective on March 31, 2023. Pursuant to the Overseas Listing Trial Measures, our PRC counsel, Zhejiang T&H, is of the view that we are required to go through filing procedures through our major operating entity incorporated in the PRC with the CSRC within three (3) working days after the completion of an offering pursuant to any accompanying prospectus supplement, and prepare a summary report to the CSRC after the completion of all offerings under this prospectus. We intend to comply with the Trial Measures for subsequent offerings under this registration statement on Form F-3. Other than the CSRC filing procedures we are required to make within three working days after the completion of an offering made pursuant to this prospectus or any accompanying prospectus supplement, our PRC counsel, Zhejiang T&H, is of the view that we (1) are not required to obtain permissions from the CSRC, and (2) have not been required to obtain or denied such and other permissions by the CSRC, CAC, or any PRC government authority, under current PRC laws, regulations and rules in connection with a potential offering made pursuant to this prospectus or any accompanying prospectus supplement as of the date of this prospectus. In the opinion of our PRC legal counsel, Zhejiang T&H, the Selling Shareholders’ resale of the Ordinary Sales as described hereunder does not constitute a “subsequent offering” under the CSRC rules and hence we are not required to complete the filing procedures with CSRC for the Selling Shareholders’ resale. However, if we fail to maintain the filing within the time periods prescribed by PRC laws and regulations, we may be subject to investigations by competent regulators, fines or penalties, ordered to suspend our relevant operations and rectify any non-compliance, prohibited from engaging in relevant business or conducting any offering, and these risks could result in a material adverse change in our operations, limit our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors, or cause such securities to significantly decline in value or become worthless. As the Overseas Listing Trial Measures were newly published, there exists uncertainty with respect to the filing requirements and their implementation. Any failure or perceived failure of us to fully comply with such new regulatory requirements could significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors, cause significant disruption to our business operations, and severely damage our reputation, which could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations and could cause the value of our securities to significantly decline or be worthless. See “Risk Factors— Risks Related to Conducting Business in China — We are required to complete the filing with the CSRC in order to offer our Class A ordinary shares to foreign investors in this offering” on page 12 of this prospectus for more details as to risks related to our compliance of the Overseas Listing Trial Measures. In addition, on February 24, 2023, the CSRC promulgated the Provisions on Strengthening Confidentiality and Archives Administration of Overseas Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies (the “Confidentiality and Archives Administration Provisions”), which also became effective on March 31, 2023. According to the Confidentiality and Archives Administration Provisions, domestic companies that seek overseas offering and listing (either in direct or indirect means) and the securities companies and securities service (either incorporated domestically or overseas) providers that undertake relevant businesses shall institute a sound confidentiality and archives administration system and take necessary measures to fulfill confidentiality and archives administration obligations. They shall not leak any state secret and working secret of government agencies, or harm national security and public interest. Although we believe that this offering does not involve the leaking of any state secret or working secret of government agencies, or harming national security and public interest, we may be required to perform additional procedures in connection with the provision of accounting archives under the Confidentiality and Archives Administration Provisions. As of the date of this prospectus, we and our PRC operating entity have not received any inquiry, notice, warning, or sanctions regarding our planned overseas listing from the CSRC or any other PRC governmental authorities. However, since these statements and regulatory actions by the PRC government are newly published and official guidance and related implementation rules have not been issued, the potential impact such modified or new laws and regulations will have on our daily business operation and our ability to accept foreign investments and list on a U.S. exchange is highly uncertain. The Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (the “SCNPC”) or other PRC regulatory authorities may in the future promulgate laws, regulations or implement rules that require our Company, or any of our subsidiaries to obtain regulatory approval from Chinese authorities before listing in the U.S. See “Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Conducting Business in the PRC — Chinese government agencies may exert more oversight and control over offerings that are conducted overseas and involve foreign investment in China-based issuers. Additional compliance procedures may be required in connection with this offering under PRC rules, regulations, or policies” on page 10 and “Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Conducting Business in the PRC — The Chinese government exerts substantial influence over the manner in which the PRC operating entity must conduct its business activities. If the Chinese government significantly regulates Tiancheng Jinhui’s business operations in the future and it is not able to substantially comply with such regulations, our operating entity’s business operations may be materially adversely affected, and the value of our Class A ordinary shares may significantly decrease” on page 13 of this prospectus. In the opinion of our PRC legal counsel, Zhejiang T&H, the Selling Shareholder’ resale of the Class A Ordinary Sales as described hereunder does not constitute a “subsequent offering” under the CSRC rules and hence we are not required to complete the filing procedures with CSRC for the Selling Shareholder’ resale. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—The Chinese government exerts substantial influence over the manner in which we must conduct our business, and may intervene or influence our operations at any time, or may exert more control over offerings conducted overseas and/or foreign investment in China-based issuers, which could result in a material change in our operations, significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors and, and cause the value of our Ordinary Shares to significantly decline or be worthless.”
In addition, our Class A ordinary shares may be prohibited from trading on a national exchange or over-the-counter under the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act (the “HFCA Act”) if the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (the “PCAOB”) is unable to inspect our auditors for two consecutive years. The PCAOB issued a Determination Report on December 16, 2021 (the “Determination Report”) which found that the PCAOB was unable to inspect or investigate completely registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China and Hong Kong because of a position taken by one or more authorities in those jurisdictions. Furthermore, the Determination Report identified the specific registered public accounting firms which are subject to these determinations (“PCAOB Identified Firms”). Our current auditor, Tang Li & Associates, PLLC (“Tang Li”), headquartered in Texas, United States, is an independent registered public accounting firm, and as an auditor of companies that are traded publicly in the United States and a firm registered with the PCAOB, it is subject to laws in the U.S. pursuant to which the PCAOB conducts regular inspections to assess its compliance with the applicable professional standards. Our former auditor, Onestop Assurance PAC, whose audit report for the year ended December 31, 2023 is included in this prospectus, is headquartered in Singapore. Our former auditor, Marcum Asia CPAs LLP, whose audit report for the year ended December 31, 2022 is included in this prospectus, is headquartered in New York, United States. Our former auditor, Friedman LLP, whose audit report for the year ended December 31, 2021, is headquartered in New York, United States. As of the date of this prospectus, none of our former auditors and current auditor is included in the list of PCAOB Identified Firms in the Determination Report. On August 26, 2022, the CSRC, the Ministry of Finance of the PRC (the “MOF”), and the PCAOB signed a Statement of Protocol (the “Protocol”), governing inspections and investigations of audit firms based in mainland China and Hong Kong. Pursuant to the fact sheet with respect to the Protocol disclosed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), the PCAOB shall have independent discretion to select any issuer audits for inspection or investigation and has the unfettered ability to transfer information to the SEC. On December 15, 2022, the PCAOB Board determined that the PCAOB was able to secure complete access to inspect and investigate registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland PRC and Hong Kong and voted to vacate its previous determinations to the contrary. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company’s ability to retain an auditor subject to the PCAOB inspection and investigation, including, but not limited to, inspection of the audit working papers related to us, may depend on the relevant positions of U.S. and Chinese regulators. Tang Li’s audit working papers related to the Company are located in the U.S. With respect to audits of companies with operations in China, like us, there are uncertainties about the ability of its auditor to fully cooperate with a request by the PCAOB for audit working papers in China without the approval of Chinese authorities. If the PCAOB is unable to inspect or investigate completely the Company’s auditor because of a position taken by an authority in a foreign jurisdiction, or the PCAOB re-evaluates its determination as a result of any obstruction with the implementation of the Protocol, then such lack of inspection or re-evaluation could cause trading in the Company’s securities to be prohibited under the HFCA Act, and ultimately result in a determination by a securities exchange to delist the Company’s securities. On June 22, 2021, the U.S. Senate passed the Accelerating Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act, and on December 29, 2022, legislation entitled the “Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023” (the “Consolidated Appropriations Act”) was signed into law by President Biden, which contained, among other things, an identical provision to the Accelerating Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act and amended the HFCA Act by requiring the SEC to prohibit an issuer’s securities from trading on any U.S. stock exchanges if its auditor is not subject to PCAOB inspections for two consecutive years instead of three, thus reducing the time period for triggering the delisting of our Company and the prohibition of trading in our securities if the PCAOB is unable to inspect our accounting firm at such future time. In the event that the PCAOB is unable to inspect or investigate completely our auditor, then such lack of inspection by the PCAOB for two consecutive years instead of three could cause our securities to be delisted from the stock exchange. See “Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Conducting Business in the PRC — If the U.S. Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, or the PCAOB, is unable to inspect our auditors as required under the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act, the SEC will prohibit the trading of our Class A ordinary shares. A trading prohibition for our Class A ordinary shares, or the threat of a trading prohibition, may materially and adversely affect the value of your investment. Additionally, the inability of the PCAOB to conduct inspections of our auditors would deprive our investors of the benefits of such inspections” beginning on page 14 of this prospectus.
KingWin (HK), our Hong Kong subsidiary, is an investment holding company and the legal and operational risks associated with operating in mainland China may apply to the future limited activities (if any) in Hong Kong, to the extent that they are made applicable to such entity and its anticipated operations. KingWin (HK), as of the date of this prospectus, has yet to commence operations, and is expected to be limited to operating as an investment holding company in the future without any substantive or data-related operations in Hong Kong. However, such operations may be affected if Hong Kong adopts rules, regulations or policy guidance with respect to currency exchange control. As of the date of this prospectus, we do not expect that any regulatory actions related to data security or anti-monopoly concerns in Hong Kong will impact the Company’s ability to conduct its business, accept foreign investments, or list on a U.S. or foreign exchange, because we have never had and do not plan to have any material operations in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong was established as a special administrative region of the PRC in accordance with Article 31 of the Constitution of the PRC. The Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the PRC (the “Basic Law”) was adopted and promulgated on April 4, 1990 and became effective on July 1, 1997, when the PRC resumed the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong. Pursuant to the Basic Law, Hong Kong is authorized by the National People’s Congress of the PRC to exercise a high degree of autonomy and enjoy executive, legislative, and independent judicial power, under the principle of “one country, two systems,” and the PRC laws and regulations shall not be applied in Hong Kong except for those listed in Annex III of the Basic Law (which is confined to laws relating to national defense, foreign affairs, and other matters that are not within the scope of autonomy of Hong Kong). While the National People’s Congress of the PRC has the power to amend the Basic Law, the Basic Law also expressly provides that no amendment to the Basic Law shall contravene the established basic policies of the PRC regarding Hong Kong. As a result, national laws of the PRC not listed in Annex III of the Basic Law do not apply to our Hong Kong subsidiary, KingWin (HK). However, there is no assurance that certain PRC laws and regulations, including existing laws and regulations and those enacted or promulgated in the future, will not be applicable to KingWin (HK) due to changes in the current political arrangements between mainland China and Hong Kong or other unforeseeable reasons. The application of such laws and regulations may have a material adverse impact on KingWin (HK), as relevant authorities may impose fines and penalties upon KingWin (HK), delay or restrict the repatriation of the proceeds from this offering into mainland China and Hong Kong, and any failure by us to fully comply with any such new regulatory requirements may significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer our Class A Ordinary Shares, cause significant disruption to our business operations, and severely damage our reputation, which would materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations and cause our Class A Ordinary Shares to significantly decline in value or in extreme cases, become worthless. See “Risk Factors – Risks related to Conducting Business in China - If the U.S. Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, or the PCAOB, is unable to inspect our auditors as required under the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act, the SEC will prohibit the trading of our Class A ordinary shares. A trading prohibition for our Class A ordinary shares, or the threat of a trading prohibition, may materially and adversely affect the value of your investment. Additionally, the inability of the PCAOB to conduct inspections of our auditors would deprive our investors of the benefits of such inspections.”
Since the incorporation of Top KingWin, our Cayman Islands holding company, and to the date of this prospectus, no dividends or distributions have been made among the Company, its subsidiaries, or to investors; and no cash flows or transfers of other assets by type have occurred among the Company and each of its subsidiaries under any arrangements. See “PROSPECTUS SUMMARY — Distributions and Dividends”. The cross-border transfer of funds within our corporate group under our direct holding structure in the future must be legal and compliant with relevant laws and regulations of China. In utilizing the proceeds from this offering, as an offshore holding company, we are permitted under PRC laws and regulations to provide funding to the PRC operating entity only through loans or capital contributions and to our affiliated entities only through loans, subject to applicable government reporting, registration and approvals. See “Use of Proceeds” and “Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Conducting Business in the PRC — PRC regulation of loans to and direct investment in PRC entities by offshore holding companies and governmental control of currency conversion may delay or prevent us from using the proceeds of this offering to make loans or additional capital contributions to our PRC operating entity” on page 17 of this prospectus. We may encounter difficulties in our ability to transfer cash within our organization in the future, which is largely due to various PRC laws and regulations imposed on foreign exchange. However, as long as we are compliant with the procedures for approvals from foreign exchange authorities and banks in China, the relevant laws and regulations in China do not impose limitations on the amount of funds that we can transfer out of China. We currently do not have any cash management policy that dictate the transfer of cash between our subsidiaries. See “Prospectus Summary – Distribution and Dividends” on page 5 of this prospectus and “Risk Factors – Risks relating to Conducting Business in the PRC - PRC regulations relating to investments in offshore companies by PRC residents may subject our PRC-resident beneficial owners or our operating entity to liability or penalties, limit our ability to inject capital into our operating entity or limit its ability to increase its registered capital or distribute profits; Risk Factors – Risks relating to Conducting Business in the PRC - PRC regulation of loans to and direct investment in PRC entities by offshore holding companies and governmental control of currency conversion may delay or prevent us from using the proceeds of this offering to make loans or additional capital contributions to our PRC operating entity; and Risk Factors – Risks relating to Conducting Business in China - We face uncertainty with respect to indirect transfers of equity interests in PRC resident enterprises by our offshore subsidiaries” on page 18 of this prospectus.
We currently intend to retain any future earnings to finance the operation and expansion of our business through Tiancheng Jinhui, and we do not expect to declare or pay any dividends in the foreseeable future. As a result, you may only receive a return on your investment in our Class A Ordinary Shares if the market price of our Class A Ordinary Shares increases. See “Risk Factors — Risks Related to the Class A Ordinary Shares and this Offering — We do not currently intend to pay dividends on our Class A ordinary shares for the foreseeable future” on page 19 of this prospectus. See the Consolidated Financial Statements for fiscal years ending December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023 beginning on page F-1 in our most recent annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023, filed on April 30, 2024 (the “2023 Annual Report).
We and the Selling Shareholder may sell these securities directly to investors, through agents designated from time to time or to or through underwriters or dealers. For additional information on the methods of sale, you should refer to the section entitled “Plan of Distribution” in this prospectus. If any underwriters are involved in the sale of any securities with respect to which this prospectus is being delivered, the names of such underwriters and any applicable commissions or discounts will be set forth in a prospectus supplement. The price to the public of such securities and the net proceeds we expect to receive from such sale will also be set forth in a prospectus supplement.
Neither the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The date of this prospectus is December 13, 2024.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
i
This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, using a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf registration process, we may from time to time sell Class A Ordinary Shares, warrants, units and rights to purchase Class A Ordinary Shares or, debt securities or any combination of the foregoing, either individually or as units comprised of one or more of the other securities, in one or more offerings up to a total dollar amount of $200,000,000, and the Selling Shareholder referred to in this prospectus and identified in supplements to this prospectus may sell up to an aggregate amount of 40,737,952 Class A Ordinary Shares in one or more offerings. We have provided to you in this prospectus a general description of the securities we and the Selling Shareholder may offer. Each time we sell securities under this shelf registration, we will, to the extent required by law, provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering. We may also authorize one or more free writing prospectuses to be provided to you that may contain material information relating to these offerings. The prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus that we may authorize to be provided to you may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus or in any documents that we have incorporated by reference into this prospectus. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Selling Shareholder may sell the Class A Ordinary Shares offered by them registered hereby without being accompanied by a prospectus supplement. To the extent there is a conflict between the information contained in this prospectus and the prospectus supplement or any related free writing prospectus, you should rely on the information in the prospectus supplement or the related free writing prospectus; provided that if any statement in one of these documents is inconsistent with a statement in another document having a later date – for example, a document filed after the date of this prospectus and incorporated by reference into this prospectus or any prospectus supplement or any related free writing prospectus – the statement in the document having the later date modifies or supersedes the earlier statement.
Neither we nor the Selling Shareholder have authorized any dealer, agent or other person to give any information or to make any representation other than those contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement, or any related free writing prospectus that we may authorize to be provided to you. You must not rely upon any information or representation not contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus or an accompanying prospectus supplement, or any related free writing prospectus that we may authorize to be provided to you. This prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement, if any, do not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities other than the registered securities to which they relate, nor do this prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in any jurisdiction to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation in such jurisdiction. You should not assume that the information contained in this prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement or any related free writing prospectus is accurate on any date subsequent to the date set forth on the front of the document or that any information we have incorporated by reference is correct on any date subsequent to the date of the document incorporated by reference (as our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date), even though this prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement or any related free writing prospectus is delivered or securities are sold on a later date.
The Selling Shareholder is not offering to sell or seeking offers to purchase securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. Neither we nor the Selling Shareholder have done anything that would permit this offering or possession or distribution of this prospectus in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required, other than in the United States. Persons outside the jurisdiction of the United States who come into possession of this prospectus are required to inform themselves about and to observe any restrictions relating to this offering and the distribution of this prospectus applicable to that jurisdiction.
As permitted by SEC rules and regulations, the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part includes additional information not contained in this prospectus. You may read the registration statement and the other reports we file with the SEC at its website or at its offices described below under “Where You Can Find More Information.”
Unless the context otherwise requires, all references in this prospectus to “TCJH,” “WAI,” “Top KingWin,” “we,” “us,” “our,” “the Company” or similar words refer to Top KingWin Ltd, together with our subsidiaries.
ii
Unless otherwise indicated or the context otherwise requires in this prospectus:
| ● | “China” or the “PRC” refers to the People’s Republic of China; |
| ● | Depending on the context, “we”, “us”, “our company”, “our”, the “Company” and “Top KingWin” refer to Top KingWin Ltd, a Cayman Islands company, and its subsidiaries; |
| ● | “KingWin BVI” refers to Sky KingWin Ltd, a company organized under the laws of British Virgin Islands, which is wholly-owned by KingWin; |
| ● | “Hong Kong” or “HK” are to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the PRC; for purpose of this prospectus, the legal and operational risks associated with operating in China also apply to operations in Hong Kong. |
| ● | “KingWin HK” refers to SKY KINGWIN (HK) LIMITED, a company organized under the laws of Hong Kong, which is wholly-owned by KingWin BVI; |
| ● | “Tiancheng Jinhui” refers to Guangdong Tiancheng Jinhui Enterprise Development Co., Ltd., a limited liability company organized under the laws of China, which is wholly-owned by KingWin HK; |
| ● | “U.S. GAAP” refers to generally accepted accounting principles in the United States; and |
| ● | “USD” or “$” refers to the legal currency of the United States. |
iii
NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus and our SEC filings that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus contain or incorporate by reference forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. All statements other than statements of historical fact are “forward-looking statements,” including any projections of earnings, revenue or other financial items, any statements of the plans, strategies and objectives of management for future operations, any statements concerning proposed new projects or other developments, any statements regarding future economic conditions or performance, any statements of management’s beliefs, goals, strategies, intentions and objectives, and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. The words “believe,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “plan,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “could,” “should,” “potential,” “likely,” “projects,” “continue,” “will,” and “would” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to future events, are based on assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties. We cannot guarantee that we actually will achieve the plans, intentions or expectations expressed in our forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance on these statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated or implied by forward-looking statements. These important factors include those discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and in the applicable prospectus supplement and any free writing prospectus we may authorize for use in connection with a specific offering. These factors and the other cautionary statements made in this prospectus should be read as being applicable to all related forward-looking statements whenever they appear in this prospectus. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
iv
Our Corporate History and Structure
Top KingWin Ltd was incorporated under the laws of Cayman Islands on February 16, 2022 as an exempted company and structured as a holding company with no operation on its own. Tiancheng Jinhui, our PRC operating subsidiary, was incorporated in the PRC on October 25, 2018.
On March 15, 2022, KingWin BVI was incorporated under the laws of the British Virgin Islands as the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary and its intermediate holding company to facilitate financing. KingWin HK was incorporated on April 19, 2022 as KingWin BVI’s wholly-owned subsidiary in Hong Kong.
On July 1, 2022, KingWin HK entered into a share transfer agreement with each of the four then shareholders of Tiancheng Jinhui, acquiring 100% equity interests in Tiancheng Jinhui by cash consideration. Following the share transfers, the Company owns 100% equity interests of KingWin BVI, KingWin HK and Tiancheng Jinhui.
On July 23, 2022, the Company and its shareholders undertook a series of corporate actions, including amending the Company’s authorized share capital, re-designating its ordinary shares into Class A Ordinary Shares and Class B Ordinary Shares, and issuing a total of 68,442 of Class A Ordinary Shares and 31,558 of Class B Ordinary Shares to 23 shareholders. Each Class A Ordinary Share of our Company is entitled to one (1) vote per share; each Class B Ordinary Share of our Company is entitled to twenty (20) votes per share. Following the reorganization, the controlling shareholder of the Company is the same as that of Tiancheng Jinhui prior to the reorganization.
On January 10, 2023, the Company issued a total of 8,144,598 Class A Ordinary Shares and 3,755,402 Class B ordinary shares to its existing shareholders, which increased pro rata the number of shares each shareholder owns and did not change their respective percentage of ownership in the Company. Ordinary shares outstanding after this issuance is 12,000,000 ordinary shares, including (i) 8,213,040 Class A ordinary shares and (ii) 3,786,960 Class B ordinary shares.
On April 20, 2023, the Company completed its initial public offering of 2,750,000 Class A Ordinary Shares, $0.0001 par value per share (the “IPO”). The Class A Ordinary Shares were sold at an offering price of $4.00 per share, generating gross proceeds of approximately $11.0 million, before deducting underwriting discounts and other related expenses payable by the Company. Our Class A Ordinary Shares began trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market on April 18, 2023 under the ticker symbol “TCJH”.
In December 2023, Sky KingWin Ltd (referred to as “Buyer”) entered into an agreement with FutureScope Advisors LTD, Visionary Strategies LTD, Mr. Zhiliang Hu and Ms. Li Qian. This agreement allowed the Buyer to acquire 100% equity interest in Industrial Insights Consulting., Ltd (referred to as “Target Company”). And on December 20, 2023, Sky KingWin Ltd. through the agreement with Industry Insights Consulting., Ltd obtained 100% equity interests of Industrial Insights Consulting., Ltd.
In August 2024, the Company created a wholly-owned subsidiary, Shenzhen Tomorrow Innovation Core Technology Co., Ltd. (“Shenzhen Tomorrow Innovation”). Shenzhen Tomorrow Innovation later acquired Guji Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. to explore the market of artificial intelligence (“AI”) hardware supply chain and AI-assisted information technology solutions.
Risks Associated with Conducting Business in China
As advised by our PRC counsel, Zhejiang T&H, as of the date of this prospectus, the operations of Tiancheng Jinhui, our PRC operating entity, are not subject to the foreign investment restrictions or prohibitions set forth in the “negative list” currently issued by the State Council and foreign investors are allowed to hold 100% equity interests of the PRC operating entity. Therefore, we believe that as of the date of this prospectus, the operations of the PRC operating entity are not restricted or limited by PRC laws and regulations for foreign investment. However, it is uncertain whether operations of Tiancheng Jinhui will be subject to the foreign investment restrictions or prohibitions in the future. While our current corporate structure does not include any VIE and we have no intention to rely on a VIE structure in our PRC operations, if the PRC laws and regulations were to change in the future, such changes may result in adverse changes in our operations, and our Class A ordinary shares may decline significantly in value. For details, see “Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Conducting Business in the PRC — Substantial uncertainties exist with respect to the interpretation and implementation of newly enacted PRC Foreign Investment Law and its Implementation Rules and how they may impact the viability of our corporate structure, corporate governance, and operations” on page 12 of this prospectus. Investors in our Class A ordinary shares are purchasing equity interests in the Cayman Islands holding company, and not in the PRC operating entity, Tiancheng Jingui.
1
In addition, our Class A ordinary shares may be prohibited from trading on a national exchange or over-the-counter under the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act (the “HFCA Act”) if the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (the “PCAOB”) is unable to inspect our auditors for two consecutive years. The PCAOB issued a Determination Report on December 16, 2021 (the “Determination Report”) which found that the PCAOB was unable to inspect or investigate completely registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China and Hong Kong because of a position taken by one or more authorities in those jurisdictions. Furthermore, the Determination Report identified the specific registered public accounting firms which are subject to these determinations (“PCAOB Identified Firms”). Our current auditor, Tang Li & Associates, PLLC (“Tang Li”), headquartered in Texas, United States, is an independent registered public accounting firm, and as an auditor of companies that are traded publicly in the United States and a firm registered with the PCAOB, it is subject to laws in the U.S. pursuant to which the PCAOB conducts regular inspections to assess its compliance with the applicable professional standards. Our former auditor, Onestop Assurance PAC, whose audit report for the year ended December 31, 2023 is included in this prospectus, is headquartered in Singapore. Our former auditor, Marcum Asia CPAs LLP, whose audit report for the year ended December 31, 2022 is included in this prospectus, is headquartered in New York, United States. Our former auditor, Friedman LLP, whose audit report for the year ended December 31, 2021, is headquartered in New York, United States. As of the date of this prospectus, none of our former auditors and current auditor is included in the list of PCAOB Identified Firms in the Determination Report. On August 26, 2022, the CSRC, the Ministry of Finance of the PRC (the “MOF”), and the PCAOB signed a Statement of Protocol (the “Protocol”), governing inspections and investigations of audit firms based in mainland China and Hong Kong. Pursuant to the fact sheet with respect to the Protocol disclosed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), the PCAOB shall have independent discretion to select any issuer audits for inspection or investigation and has the unfettered ability to transfer information to the SEC. On December 15, 2022, the PCAOB Board determined that the PCAOB was able to secure complete access to inspect and investigate registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland PRC and Hong Kong and voted to vacate its previous determinations to the contrary. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company’s ability to retain an auditor subject to the PCAOB inspection and investigation, including, but not limited to, inspection of the audit working papers related to us, may depend on the relevant positions of U.S. and Chinese regulators. Tang Li’s audit working papers related to the Company are located in the U.S. With respect to audits of companies with operations in China, like us, there are uncertainties about the ability of its auditor to fully cooperate with a request by the PCAOB for audit working papers in China without the approval of Chinese authorities. If the PCAOB is unable to inspect or investigate completely the Company’s auditor because of a position taken by an authority in a foreign jurisdiction, or the PCAOB re-evaluates its determination as a result of any obstruction with the implementation of the Protocol, then such lack of inspection or re-evaluation could cause trading in the Company’s securities to be prohibited under the HFCA Act, and ultimately result in a determination by a securities exchange to delist the Company’s securities. On June 22, 2021, the U.S. Senate passed the Accelerating Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act, and on December 29, 2022, legislation entitled the “Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023” (the “Consolidated Appropriations Act”) was signed into law by President Biden, which contained, among other things, an identical provision to the Accelerating Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act and amended the HFCA Act by requiring the SEC to prohibit an issuer’s securities from trading on any U.S. stock exchanges if its auditor is not subject to PCAOB inspections for two consecutive years instead of three, thus reducing the time period for triggering the delisting of our Company and the prohibition of trading in our securities if the PCAOB is unable to inspect our accounting firm at such future time. In the event that the PCAOB is unable to inspect or investigate completely our auditor, then such lack of inspection by the PCAOB for two consecutive years instead of three could cause our securities to be delisted from the stock exchange. See “Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Conducting Business in the PRC — If the U.S. Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, or the PCAOB, is unable to inspect our auditors as required under the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act, the SEC will prohibit the trading of our Class A ordinary shares. A trading prohibition for our Class A ordinary shares, or the threat of a trading prohibition, may materially and adversely affect the value of your investment. Additionally, the inability of the PCAOB to conduct inspections of our auditors would deprive our investors of the benefits of such inspections” beginning on page 14 of this prospectus.
Regulatory Developments on Overseas-listing
On July 6, 2021, the relevant PRC governmental authorities made public the Opinions on Strictly Cracking Down Illegal Securities Activities in Accordance with the Law. These opinions emphasized the need to strengthen the administration over illegal securities activities and the supervision on overseas listings by China-based companies and proposed to take effective measures, such as promoting the construction of relevant regulatory systems to deal with the risks and incidents faced by China-based overseas-listed companies. As these opinions are recently issued, official guidance and related implementation rules have not been issued yet and the interpretation of these opinions remains unclear at this stage. See “Risk Factors - Risks Relating to Conducting Business in the PRC — Recent greater oversight by the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) over data security, particularly for companies seeking to list on a foreign exchange, could adversely impact our business and our offering” on page 9 of this prospectus.
2
On December 24, 2021, the China Securities Regulatory Commission, or the CSRC, issued the Provisions of the State Council on the Administration of Overseas Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies (Draft for Comments) (the “Administration Provisions”), and the Provisions of the State Council on the Administration of Overseas Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies (Draft for Comments) (the “Measures”), of which the public comment period ended on January 23, 2022. The Administration Provisions and Measures for overseas listings lay out specific requirements for filing documents and include unified regulation management, strengthening regulatory coordination, and cross-border regulatory cooperation. Domestic companies seeking to list abroad must carry out relevant security screening procedures if their businesses involve such supervision. Companies endangering national security are among those off-limits for overseas listings.
On February 17, 2023, the China Securities Regulatory Commission (the “CSRC”) released the Trial Administrative Measures of Overseas Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies (the “Trial Measures”), (《境内企业境外发行证券和上市管理试行办法》), and five supporting guidelines (collectively, the “Overseas Listings Rules”), which has become effective on March 31, 2023. On the same date of the issuance of the Overseas Listings Rules, the CSRC circulated No.1 to No.5 Supporting Guidance Rules, the Notes on the Overseas Listings Rules, the Notice on Administration Arrangements for the Filing of Overseas Listings by Domestic Enterprises and the relevant CSRC Answers to Reporter Questions on the official website of CSRC, or collectively, the Guidance Rules and Notice. The Overseas Listings Rules, together with the Guidance Rules and Notice, reiterate the basic supervision principles as reflected in the Administration Provisions and Measures by providing substantially the same requirements for filings of overseas offering and listing by domestic companies.
Under the Overseas Listings Rules and the Guidance Rules and Notice, domestic companies conducting overseas securities offering and listing activities, either in direct or indirect form, shall complete filing procedures with the CSRC pursuant to the requirements of the Trial Measures within three working days following submission of initial public offerings or listing applications. The companies that have already been listed on overseas stock exchanges or have obtained the approval from overseas supervision administrations or stock exchanges for its offering and listing before March 31, 2023 and completed their overseas offering and listing prior to September 30, 2023, such as us, shall be deemed to be existing issuers (the “Existing Issuers”). Existing Issuers are not required to complete the filing procedures for listing overseas immediately, but are required to file with the CSRC for any subsequent offerings in the same overseas market within 3 working days after the offering is completed. Pursuant to the Overseas Listing Trial Measures, our PRC counsel, Zhejiang T&H, is of the view that we are required to go through filing procedures through our major operating entity incorporated in the PRC with the CSRC within three (3) working days after the completion of an offering pursuant to any accompanying prospectus supplement, and prepare a summary report to the CSRC after the completion of all offerings under this prospectus. We intend to comply with the Trial Measures for subsequent offerings under this registration statement on Form F-3. Other than the CSRC filing procedures we are required to make within three working days after the completion of an offering made pursuant to this prospectus or any accompanying prospectus supplement, our PRC counsel, Zhejiang T&H, is of the view that we (1) are not required to obtain permissions from the CSRC, and (2) have not been required to obtain or denied such and other permissions by the CSRC, CAC, or any PRC government authority, under current PRC laws, regulations and rules in connection with a potential offering made pursuant to this prospectus or any accompanying prospectus supplement as of the date of this prospectus. In the opinion of our PRC legal counsel, Zhejiang T&H, the Selling Shareholders’ resale of the Ordinary Sales as described hereunder does not constitute a “subsequent offering” under the CSRC rules and hence we are not required to complete the filing procedures with CSRC for the Selling Shareholders’ resale. As of the date of this prospectus, neither we nor any of the PRC operating entities have been subject to any investigation, or received any notice, warning, or sanction from the CSRC or other applicable government authorities related to this offering. As the Overseas Listings Rules were newly published and there exists uncertainty with respect to the filing requirements and its implementation, we cannot be sure that we will be able to complete such filings in a timely manner. Any failure or perceived failure by us to comply with such filing requirements under the Overseas Listings Rules may result in forced corrections, warnings, and fines against us and could materially hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer our securities. See “Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Conducting Business in the PRC — We are required to complete the filing with the CSRC in order to offer our Class A ordinary shares to foreign investors in this offering” on page 12, “Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Conducting Business in the PRC — Chinese government agencies may exert more oversight and control over offerings that are conducted overseas and involve foreign investment in China-based issuers. Additional compliance procedures may be required in connection with this offering under PRC rules, regulations, or policies” on page 10 and “Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Conducting Business in the PRC — The Chinese government exerts substantial influence over the manner in which the PRC operating entity must conduct its business activities. If the Chinese government significantly regulates our operating entity’s business operations in the future and it is not able to substantially comply with such regulations, our operating entity’s business operations may be materially adversely affected, and the value of our Class A ordinary shares may significantly decrease” on page 13 of this prospectus.
Permissions and Approvals from the PRC Authorities
As of the date of this prospectus, we and our PRC operating entities have received from PRC authorities all requisite licenses, including business licenses, permissions, and approvals needed to engage in the businesses currently conducted in the PRC, and no such permission or approval has been denied. However, in the future, if any additional approvals or permissions are required, we cannot assure you that any of these entities will be able to receive clearance of compliance requirements in a timely manner, or at all. Any failure to fully comply with any compliance requirements may cause our PRC operating entities, to be unable to operate their businesses in the PRC, subject them to fines, relevant businesses or operations suspension for rectification, or other sanctions.
On December 28, 2021, thirteen governmental departments of the PRC, including the Cyberspace Administration of China (“CAC”), issued the revised Cybersecurity Review Measures, which became effective on February 15, 2022. The Cybersecurity Review Measures require that any network platform operator which possesses the personal information of at least one million users must apply for a cybersecurity review by the CAC if it intends to be listed in foreign countries. As advised by our PRC counsel, Zhengjiang T&H, the operations of the PRC operating entities, our continued listing, and this offering will not be affected and that we will not be subject to cybersecurity review by the CAC, given that the PRC operating entities (i) possess personal data of fewer than one million individual clients; (ii) do not collect data that affects or may affect national security in their business operations, as of the date of this prospectus; and (iii) do not anticipate that they will be collecting over one million users’ personal information or data that affect or may affect national security in the near future. However, as uncertainties remain regarding the interpretation and implementation of these laws and regulations, we cannot assure you that we will be able to comply with such regulations in all respects, and we may be ordered to rectify or terminate any actions that are deemed illegal by regulatory authorities. We may also become subject to fines and/or other sanctions and the costs of compliance with, and other burdens imposed by such laws and regulations may limit the use and adoption of our products, which may have material adverse effects on our business, operations, and financial condition.
3
On July 7, 2022, the CAC published the Measures for the Security Assessment of Outbound Data Transfer (《数据出境安全评估办法》), which became effective on September 1, 2022. The measures apply to the security assessment of important data and personal information collected and generated during operation within the territory of the People’s Republic of China and transferred abroad by a data handler. According to the Measures, a data handler shall file with the State Cyberspace Administration for security assessment via the Province Cyberspace Administration if it transfers data abroad under any of the following circumstances: (i) a data handler who transfers important data abroad; (ii) a critical information infrastructure operator, or a data handler processing the personal information of more than one million individuals transfers personal information to abroad；(iii) since January 1 of the previous year, a data handler cumulatively transferred abroad the personal information of more than 100,000 individuals, or the sensitive personal information of more than 10,000 individuals; or (iv) any other circumstances where the security assessment for the outbound data transfer is required by the State Cyberspace Administration. As advised by our PRC counsel, Zhejiang T&H, since none of our PRC operating entities is a data handler that transfers data abroad under any of the aforementioned circumstances, the operations of the PRC operating entities, our continued listing, and this offering are not affected by the Measures for the Security Assessment of Outbound Data Transfer.
As of the date of this prospectus, our PRC operating entities have not received any notice from any authorities identifying the operating entities as a CIIO or requiring the operating entities to go through cybersecurity review or network data security review by the CAC, nor have our PRC operating entities been involved in any investigations on cybersecurity review initiated by the CAC or related governmental regulatory authorities. In addition, our PRC operating entities have not received any inquiry, notice, warning, or sanction in such respect. We believe that our PRC operating entities are in compliance with the aforementioned regulations and policies. However, our PRC operating entities could become subject to enhanced cybersecurity review or investigations launched by PRC regulators in the future. Any failure or delay in the completion of the cybersecurity review procedures or any other non-compliance with the related laws and regulations may result in fines or other penalties, including suspension of business, website closure, and revocation of prerequisite licenses, as well as reputational damage or legal proceedings or actions against the PRC operating entities, which may have material adverse effect on the PRC operating entities’ business, financial condition or results of operations.
In addition, on February 17, 2023, the CSRC promulgated the Trial Measures and five supporting guidelines, which took effect on March 31, 2023. Pursuant to the Trial Measures, PRC domestic companies that seek to offer or list securities overseas, both directly and indirectly, shall file with the CSRC pursuant to the requirements of the Trial Measures within three working days following submission of relevant application for listing or completion of any subsequent offerings. If a domestic company fails to complete required filing procedures or conceals any material facts or falsifies any major content in its filing documents, such domestic company may be subject to administrative penalties, such as an order to rectify, warnings, and fines, and its controlling shareholders, actual controllers, and the person directly in charge and other directly liable persons may also be subject to administrative penalties, such as warnings and fines. The CSRC also held a press conference for the release of the Trial Measures and issued the CSRC Notice, which, among other things, clarified that PRC domestic companies that were listed overseas before the effective date of the Trial Measures shall be deemed to be “Existing Issuers”, who shall not be required to complete the filing procedure for listing overseas with the CSRC immediately, but are required to file with the CSRC for any subsequent offerings within 3 working days after the offering is completed. Pursuant to the Overseas Listing Trial Measures, our PRC counsel, Zhejiang T&H, is of the view that we are required to go through filing procedures through our major operating entity incorporated in the PRC with the CSRC within three (3) working days after the completion of an offering pursuant to any accompanying prospectus supplement, and prepare a summary report to the CSRC after the completion of all offerings under this prospectus. We intend to comply with the Trial Measures for subsequent offerings under this registration statement on Form F-3. Other than the CSRC filing procedures we are required to make within three working days after the completion of an offering made pursuant to this prospectus or any accompanying prospectus supplement, our PRC counsel, Zhejiang T&H, is of the view that we (1) are not required to obtain permissions from the CSRC, and (2) have not been required to obtain or denied such and other permissions by the CSRC, CAC, or any PRC government authority, under current PRC laws, regulations and rules in connection with a potential offering made pursuant to this prospectus or any accompanying prospectus supplement as of the date of this prospectus. In the opinion of our PRC legal counsel, Zhejiang T&H, the Selling Shareholders’ resale of the Ordinary Sales as described hereunder does not constitute a “subsequent offering” under the CSRC rules and hence we are not required to complete the filing procedures with CSRC for the Selling Shareholders’ resale. As of the date of this prospectus, neither we nor any of the PRC operating entities have been subject to any investigation, or received any notice, warning, or sanction from the CSRC or other applicable government authorities related to this offering. There is no assurance that we can complete such filing in a timely manner or even at all. Any failure by us to comply with such filing requirements may result in an order to rectify, warnings and fines against us and could materially hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer our securities.
As of the date of this prospectus, we believe that, except the filing procedures with the CSRC pursuant to the Trial Measures and supporting guidelines, neither the Company, nor the PRC operating entities, will be required to obtain permission from any Chinese authorities to offer our securities based on PRC laws and regulations currently in effect, and neither we nor the PRC operating entities have been denied such permission by any Chinese authorities. However, we cannot assure you that the PRC regulatory agencies would take the same view as we do, and there is no assurance that our PRC operating entities will always be able to successfully update or renew the licenses or permits required for the relevant business in a timely manner or that these licenses or permits are sufficient to conduct all of their present or future business. If our PRC operating entities (i) do not receive or maintain required permissions or approvals, (ii) inadvertently conclude that such permissions or approvals are not required, or (iii) applicable laws, regulations, or interpretations change and our PRC operating entities, are required to obtain such permissions or approvals in the future, they could be subject to fines, legal sanctions, or an order to suspend their relevant services, which may materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations and cause our securities to significantly decline in value or become worthless.
In the opinion of our PRC legal counsel, Zhejiang T&H LLP, the Selling Shareholder’ resale of the Ordinary Sales as described hereunder does not constitute a “subsequent offering” under the CSRC rules and hence we are not required to complete the filing procedures with CSRC for the Selling Shareholder’ resale. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—The Chinese government exerts substantial influence over the manner in which we must conduct our business, and may intervene or influence our operations at any time, or may exert more control over offerings conducted overseas and/or foreign investment in China-based issuers, which could result in a material change in our operations, significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors and, and cause the value of our Ordinary Shares to significantly decline or be worthless.”
4
Distributions and Dividends
Under existing PRC foreign exchange regulations, payment 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 the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, or the SAFE, by complying with certain procedural requirements. Therefore, our PRC operating entities are able to pay dividends in foreign currencies to us without prior approval from the SAFE, subject to the condition that the remittance of such dividends outside of the PRC complies with certain procedures under PRC foreign exchange regulations, such as the foreign investment registrations by our shareholders or the ultimate shareholders of our corporate shareholders who are PRC residents. Approval from, or registration with, appropriate government authorities is, however, required where the RMB 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 also at its discretion restrict access in the future to foreign currencies for current account transactions. Current PRC regulations permit WFOE to pay dividends to the Company only out of its accumulated profits, if any, determined in accordance with Chinese accounting standards and regulations. Each of our PRC subsidiaries is required to set aside at least 10% of its after-tax profits each year, after making up for previous year’s accumulated losses, if any, to fund certain statutory reserves, until the aggregate amount of such funds reaches 50% of its registered capital. This portion of our PRC subsidiaries’ respective net assets are prohibited from being distributed to their shareholders as dividends. As of the date of this prospectus, there are no restrictions or limitations imposed by the Hong Kong government on the transfer of capital within, into and out of Hong Kong (including funds from Hong Kong to the PRC), except for the transfer of funds involving money laundering and criminal activities. See Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Conducting Business in the PRC — PRC regulation of loans to and direct investment in PRC entities by offshore holding companies and governmental control of currency conversion may delay or prevent us from using the proceeds of this offering to make loans or additional capital contributions to our PRC operating entity” on page 17 of this prospectus, and “Risk Factors – Risks relating to Conducting Business in the PRC -.
Since the incorporation of Top KingWin, our Cayman Islands holding company, and to the date of this prospectus, no dividends or distributions have been made among the Company, its subsidiaries, or to investors; and no cash flows or transfers of other assets by type have occurred among the Company and each of its subsidiaries under any arrangements. The cross-border transfer of funds within our corporate group under our direct holding structure in the future must be legal and compliant with relevant laws and regulations of China. In utilizing the proceeds from this offering, as an offshore holding company, we are permitted under PRC laws and regulations to provide funding to the PRC operating entity only through loans or capital contributions and to our affiliated entities only through loans, subject to applicable government reporting, registration and approvals. See “Use of Proceeds” and “Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Conducting Business in the PRC — PRC regulation of loans to and direct investment in PRC entities by offshore holding companies and governmental control of currency conversion may delay or prevent us from using the proceeds of this offering to make loans or additional capital contributions to our PRC operating entity” on page 17 of this prospectus. We may encounter difficulties in our ability to transfer cash within our organization in the future, which is largely due to various PRC laws and regulations imposed on foreign exchange. However, as long as we are compliant with the procedures for approvals from foreign exchange authorities and banks in China, the relevant laws and regulations in China do not impose limitations on the amount of funds that we can transfer out of China. We currently do not have any cash management policy that dictate the transfer of cash between our subsidiaries. See “REGULATION — Regulation on Foreign Exchange Control” for details of such procedures.
We currently intend to retain any future earnings to finance the operation and expansion of our business through Guangzhou Tiancheng, and we do not expect to declare or pay any dividends in the foreseeable future. As a result, you may only receive a return on your investment in our Class A ordinary shares if the market price of our Class A ordinary shares increases. See “Risk Factors — Risks Related to the Class A Ordinary Shares and this Offering — We do not currently intend to pay dividends on our Class A ordinary shares for the foreseeable future” on page 19 of this prospectus. See the Consolidated Financial Statements for fiscal years ending December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023 beginning on page F-1 of the 2023 Annual Report.
Business Overview
We are not a Chinese operating company, but an offshore holding company incorporated in the Cayman Islands conducting our business through our wholly-owned subsidiary in China. We provide a number of business services in China to young and emerging companies including (i) corporate business training services, which mainly focus on advanced knowledge and new perspectives on the capital markets, (ii) corporate consulting services, which mainly focus on various aspects of fundraising, and (iii) advisory and transaction services. Our main clients are entrepreneurs and executives in small and medium enterprises (“SMEs”) in China.
5
Corporate business training, corporate consulting, advisory and transaction services, and others constituted approximately 59%, 5%, 35% and 1% of our business, respectively, during the year ended December 31, 2023.
Supported by the rapid economic growth and friendly business policies in China, the number of SMEs in China has significantly increased from 2016 to 2023. Frost & Sullivan expects the number of SMEs in China will steadily increase at 9.8% CAGR from 2021 to 2026. We believe that the increasing number of SMEs provide a solid foundation for the future development of our business.
With the increase in number of companies entering the China market, most industries in China are becoming more competitive. Therefore founders, senior management teams and key employees of companies have an increasing awareness for professional business education in order to enhance their professional knowledge, boost their company’s strategic growth and allow the company to stay competitive in today’s economy.
China’s economy is shifting from traditional real estate investment and manufacturing to new economy industries such as internet-driven or technology-driven industries. Currently, the new economy industry has been a vital driving force in the growth of the economy in China. We believe that the rapid growth of new economy industries benefits the development of our business. Our mission is to provide comprehensive services to address client’s needs throughout all phases of their development and growth.
The following chart illustrates our current corporate structure:
All subsidiaries are 100% wholly owned by the parent, unless otherwise indicated by the percentage on the chart.
Corporate Information
Our principal executive offices are located at Room 1304, Building No. 25, Tian’an Headquarters Center, No. 555, North Panyu Avenue, Donghuan Street, Panyu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, PRC. Our telephone number at this address is +86 400 661 3113. Our registered office in the Cayman Islands is currently located at the office of 89 Nexus Way, Camana Bay, Grand Cayman, KY1-9009, Cayman Islands, which may be changed from time to time at the discretion of our directors. Our agent for service of process in the United States is Cogency Global Inc.
The SEC maintains an internet site that contains reports and other information regarding issuers, including the Company, that file electronically with the SEC. The address of the SEC’s website is www.sec.gov.
Summary of Risk Factors
Investing in our securities involves significant risks. You should carefully consider all of the information in this prospectus before making an investment in our securities. Below please find a summary of the principal risks we face, organized under relevant headings. These risks are discussed fully under “Item 3. Key Information D. Risk Factors” described in the “2023 Annual Report and under the section “Risk Factors” beginning on page 8 of this prospectus.
Risks Related to Doing Business in China
We are based in China and have all of our operations in China. We face risks and uncertainties related to doing business in China in general, including, but not limited to, the following:
| ● | Changes in China’s economic, political or social conditions or government policies could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. See a more detailed discussion of this risk factor on page 8 of this prospectus. | |
| ● | All of our revenues are generated in the PRC, but an increase of our international presence could expose us to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, or a change in monetary policy may harm our financial results. See a more detailed discussion of this risk factor on page 8 of this prospectus. |
6
| ● | Uncertainties in the interpretation and enforcement of PRC laws and regulations and changes in policies, rules, and regulations in China, which may be quick with little advance notice, could limit the legal protection available to you and us. See a more detailed discussion of this risk factor on page 8 of this prospectus. | |
| ● | Recent greater oversight by the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) over data security, particularly for companies seeking to list on a foreign exchange, could adversely impact our business and our offering. See a more detailed discussion of this risk factor on page 9 of this prospectus. | |
| ● | If we become directly subject to the scrutiny, criticism, and negative publicity involving U.S.-listed Chinese companies, we may have to expend significant resources to investigate and resolve the matter which could harm our business operations, stock price, and reputation. See a more detailed discussion of this risk factor on page 10 of this prospectus. | |
| ● | Chinese government agencies may exert more oversight and control over offerings that are conducted overseas and involve foreign investment in China-based issuers. Additional compliance procedures may be required in connection with this offering under PRC rules, regulations, or policies. See a more detailed discussion of this risk factor on page 10 of this prospectus. | |
| ● | We are required to complete the filing with the CSRC in order to offer our Class A ordinary shares to foreign investors in this offering. See a more detailed discussion of this risk factor on page 12 of this prospectus. | |
| ● | Substantial uncertainties exist with respect to the interpretation and implementation of newly enacted PRC Foreign Investment Law and its Implementation Rules and how they may impact the viability of our corporate structure, corporate governance, and operations. See a more detailed discussion of this risk factor on page 12 of this prospectus. | |
| ● | The Chinese government exerts substantial influence over the manner in which the PRC operating entity must conduct its business activities. If the Chinese government significantly regulates our operating entity’s business operations in the future and it is not able to substantially comply with such regulations, our operating entity’s business operations may be materially adversely affected, and the value of our Class A ordinary shares may significantly decrease. See a more detailed discussion of this risk factor on page 13 of this prospectus. |
| ● | If the U.S. Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, or the PCAOB, is unable to inspect our auditors as required under the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act, the SEC will prohibit the trading of our Class A ordinary shares. A trading prohibition for our Class A ordinary shares, or the threat of a trading prohibition, may materially and adversely affect the value of your investment. Additionally, the inability of the PCAOB to conduct inspections of our auditors would deprive our investors of the benefits of such inspections. See a more detailed discussion of this risk factor on page 14 of this prospectus. |
| ● | Uncertainties in the interpretation and enforcement of PRC laws and regulations and changes in policies, rules, and regulations in China, which may be quick with little advance notice, could limit the legal protection available to you and us. See a more detailed discussion of this risk factor on page 15 of this prospectus. |
| ● | Dividends payable to our foreign investors and gains on the sale of our shares by our foreign investors may become subject to PRC tax. See a more detailed discussion of this risk factor on page 16 of this prospectus. |
| ● | We may rely on dividends and other distributions on equity paid by Tiancheng Jinhui to fund any cash and financing requirements we may have, and any limitation on the ability of Tiancheng Jinhui to make payments to us could have a material and adverse effect on our ability to conduct or fund our whole business. See a more detailed discussion of this risk factor on page 16 of this prospectus. |
| ● | PRC regulations relating to investments in offshore companies by PRC residents may subject our PRC-resident beneficial owners or our operating entity to liability or penalties, limit our ability to inject capital into our operating entity or limit its ability to increase its registered capital or distribute profits. See a more detailed discussion of this risk factor on page 16 of this prospectus. |
| ● | PRC regulation of loans to and direct investment in PRC entities by offshore holding companies and governmental control of currency conversion may delay or prevent us from using the proceeds of this offering to make loans or additional capital contributions to our PRC operating entity. See a more detailed discussion of this risk factor on page 17 of this prospectus. |
| ● | We face uncertainty with respect to indirect transfers of equity interests in PRC resident enterprises by our offshore subsidiaries. See a more detailed discussion of this risk factor on page 18 of this prospectus. |
Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure and Governance
| ● | Investors in our Class A ordinary shares are not purchasing equity securities of our subsidiaries that have substantive business operations in China but instead are purchasing equity securities of a Cayman Islands holding company. See a more detailed discussion of this risk factor on page 19 of this prospectus. |
Risks Related to the Class A Ordinary Shares and this Offering
| ● | We do not currently intend to pay dividends on our Class A ordinary shares for the foreseeable future. See a more detailed discussion of this risk factor on page 19 of this prospectus. |
7
Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risk factors set forth under “Risk Factors” described in the “2023 Annual Report, as supplemented and updated by subsequent current reports on Form 6-K that we have filed with the SEC, together with the following risk factors and all other information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement and in any related free writing prospectus in connection with a specific offering, before making an investment decision. Each of the risk factors could materially and adversely affect our business, operating results, financial condition and prospects, as well as the value of an investment in our securities, and the occurrence of any of these risks might cause you to lose all or part of your investment.
Risks Related to Conducting Business in China
Changes in China’s economic, political or social conditions or government policies could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
All of our revenues were derived in China, and all of our operations are conducted in China through Tiancheng Jinhui. Accordingly, our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations may be influenced to a significant degree by political, economic and social conditions in China generally and by continued economic growth in China as a whole. The Chinese economy differs from the economies of most developed countries in many respects, including the degree of government involvement, level of development, growth rate, control of foreign exchange and allocation of resources. Although the PRC government has implemented measures emphasizing the utilization of market forces for economic reform, the reduction of state ownership of productive assets and the establishment of improved corporate governance in business enterprises, a substantial portion of productive assets in China is still owned by the government. In addition, the Chinese government continues to play a significant role in regulating industry development by imposing industrial policies. The Chinese government also exercises significant control over China’s economic growth through strategically allocating resources, controlling the payment of foreign currency-denominated obligations, setting monetary policy and providing preferential treatment to particular industries or companies.
While the Chinese economy has experienced significant growth over the past decades, growth has been uneven, both geographically and among various sectors of the economy, and the rate of growth has been slowing since 2021. A downturn in the economy could affect the discretionary spending power of customers and, in turn, depress the number of orders for Tiancheng Jinhui’s products and services. Any adverse changes in the policies of the Chinese government or in the laws and regulations in China could also have a material adverse effect on the overall economic growth of China, and adversely affect Tiancheng Jinhui’s operation. As a result, changes in economic conditions and government policies could adversely affect our business and results of operations, lead to reduction in demand for our services and adversely affect our competitive position.
All of our revenues are generated in the PRC, but an increase of our international presence could expose us to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, or a change in monetary policy may harm our financial results.
Our functional currency and reporting currency are the Renminbi. Currently, all our revenue comes from our operations through Tiancheng Jinhui within the PRC. However, if we expand our international presence in the future, we could face exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. As of the date of this prospectus, Tiancheng Jinhui has not entered into agreements with any foreign entities outside the PRC in this regard. Nonetheless, any future expansion into international markets may expose us to the impact of exchange rate variations. These fluctuations can be influenced by various factors, including governmental policies and domestic and international economic and political developments. If our non-Chinese revenues increase substantially in the future, any significant change in the value of the currencies of the countries in which we do business against the Renminbi could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations due to translational and transactional differences in exchange rates.
We cannot predict the effects of exchange rate fluctuations upon our future operating results because of the number of currencies involved, the amount of our revenues that will be generated in other countries, the variability of currency exposures, and the potential volatility of currency exchange rates. We do not take actions to manage our foreign currency exposure, such as entering into hedging transactions.
Uncertainties in the interpretation and enforcement of PRC laws and regulations and changes in policies, rules, and regulations in China, which may be quick with little advance notice, could limit the legal protection available to you and us.
The PRC legal system is a civil law system based on written statutes. Prior court decisions are encouraged to be used for reference but it remains unclear to what extent the prior court decisions may impact the current court ruling as the encouragement policy is new and there is limited judicial practice in this regard. In the late 1970s, the PRC government began to promulgate a comprehensive system of laws and regulations governing economic matters in general. The legislation over the past three decades has significantly increased the protection afforded to various forms of foreign or private-sector investment in China. Tiancheng Jinhui is subject to various PRC laws and regulations generally applicable to companies in China. Although the PRC legal system is evolving rapidly, its current slate of laws may not be sufficient to cover all aspects of the economic activities in China, including such activities that relate to or have an impact on our business. Implementation and interpretations of laws, regulations and rules are not always undertaken in a uniform matter and enforcement of these laws, regulations and rules involves uncertainties.
8
From time to time, we may have to resort to administrative and court proceedings to enforce our legal rights. Since the PRC legal system is based on written statutes and legal interpretations by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, and the 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 in the PRC legal system than in more developed legal systems. Furthermore, the PRC legal system is based in part on government policies, internal rules, and regulations that may have retroactive effect and may change quickly with little advance notice. As a result, we may not be aware of our violation of these policies and rules until sometime after the violation. Such uncertainties, including uncertainties over the scope and effect of our contractual, property (including intellectual property), and procedural rights, and any failure to respond to changes in the regulatory environment in China could materially and adversely affect our business and impede our ability to continue our operations.
Recent greater oversight by the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) over data security, particularly for companies seeking to list on a foreign exchange, could adversely impact our business and our offering.
On December 28, 2021, the CAC, together with 12 other governmental departments of the PRC, jointly promulgated the Cybersecurity Review Measures, which became effective on February 15, 2022. The Cybersecurity Review Measures provides that, in addition to critical information infrastructure operators (“CIIOs”) that intend to purchase Internet products and services, data processing operators engaging in data processing activities that affect or may affect national security must be subject to cybersecurity review by the Cybersecurity Review Office of the PRC. According to the Cybersecurity Review Measures, a cybersecurity review assesses potential national security risks that may be brought about by any procurement, data processing, or overseas listing. The Cybersecurity Review Measures further requires that CIIOs and data processing operators that possess personal data of at least one million users must apply for a review by the Cybersecurity Review Office of the PRC before conducting listings in foreign countries. On December 28, 2021, the CAC, together with 12 other governmental departments of the PRC, jointly promulgated the Measures for Cybersecurity Review (2021 version), which became effective on February 15, 2022. The Measures for Cybersecurity Review (2021 version) require that an online platform operator which possesses the personal information of at least one million users must apply for a cybersecurity review by the CAC if it intends to be listed in foreign countries.
As advised by our PRC counsel, Zhejiang T&H, as of the date of this prospectus, we are not subject to cybersecurity review with the CAC under the Measures for Cybersecurity Review (2021 version), since we currently do not have over one million users’ personal information and do not anticipate that we will be collecting over one million users’ personal information in the foreseeable future, which we understand might otherwise subject us to the Measures for Cybersecurity Review (2021 version). On September 30, 2024, the State Council released the Regulations on the Network Data Security Administration (the “Data Security Administration”), which will become effective on January 1, 2025. The Data Security Administration requires that network data processors conducting data processing activities that affect or may affect national security shall undergo a national security review in accordance with relevant national regulations. As of the date of this prospectus, we have not been involved in any investigations on cybersecurity review initiated by the CAC, and we have not received any warning, sanction or penalty in such respect. However, the Measures for Cybersecurity Review (2021 version) and the Data Security Administration were recently adopted and, therefore, it is uncertain how it will be enacted, interpreted or implemented, and how it will affect us. Since these regulatory actions are new or have not been formally enacted, it is highly uncertain how soon legislative or administrative regulation making bodies will respond and what existing or new laws or regulations or detailed implementations and interpretations will be modified or promulgated, if any, and the potential impact such modified or new laws and regulations will have on our daily business operation, or our ability to accept foreign investments and list on a U.S. exchange. As there remains significant uncertainty in the interpretation and enforcement of relevant PRC cybersecurity laws and regulations, we could be subject to cybersecurity review, and if so, there is no assurance that we would be able to pass such review in relation to this offering in a timely manner or at all. In addition, we could become subject to enhanced cybersecurity review or investigations launched by PRC regulators in the future. Any failure or delay in the completion of the cybersecurity review procedures or any non-compliance with the related laws and regulations may result in fines or other penalties against us, which may have material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Under PRC laws and regulations, personal information collected, shared, and used in Tiancheng Jinhui’s operations is likely to be deemed held by Tiancheng Jinhui. As of the date of this prospectus, Tiancheng Jinhui has not collected customers’ data. Tiancheng Jinhui has not experienced any material breach of its system or cybersecurity measures as of the date of this prospectus. Despite the fact that personal information collected by Tiancheng Jinhui customers and shared with Tiancheng Jinhui may subject Tianheng Jinhui to cybersecurity review, we believe it remains unlikely to be required, as the number of users whose personal information are collected is unlikely to reach the threshold of one million in the foreseeable future. Tiancheng Jinhui has not been considered as an “operator of critical information infrastructure” by competent authority, nor has it been informed by any PRC governmental authority of any requirement that Tiancheng Jinhui files for a cybersecurity review.
9
As of the date of this prospectus, we have not received any notice from any authorities identifying Tiancheng Jinhui as CIIOs or requiring us to go through cybersecurity review or network data security review by the CAC, and we have not received any investigation, warning, sanction or penalty in such respect. As the Cybersecurity Review Measures is effective and the Data Security Administration is set to take effect on January 1, 2025, we believe that the operations of Tiancheng Jinhui and our listing will not be affected and that we are not subject to cybersecurity review or network data security review by the CAC. Tiancheng Jinhui possess personal data of fewer than one million individual clients in its business operations of selling offline software as of the date of this prospectus. There remains uncertainty, however, as to how the Cybersecurity Review Measures and Data Security Administration will be interpreted or implemented and whether the PRC regulatory agencies, including the CAC, may adopt new laws, regulations, rules, or detailed implementation and interpretation related to the Cybersecurity Review Measures and Data Security Administration. If any such new laws, regulations, rules, or implementation and interpretation come into effect, we will take all reasonable measures and actions to comply and to minimize the adverse effect of such laws on us. We cannot guarantee, however, that we or Tiancheng Jinhui will not be subject to cybersecurity review and network data security review in the future. During such reviews, we may be required to suspend our operation or experience other disruptions to our operations. Cybersecurity review and network data security review could also result in negative publicity with respect to our Company and diversion of our managerial and financial resources, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial conditions, and results of operations.
If we become directly subject to the scrutiny, criticism, and negative publicity involving U.S.-listed Chinese companies, we may have to expend significant resources to investigate and resolve the matter which could harm our business operations, stock price, and reputation.
U.S. public companies that have substantially all of their operations in China have been the subject of intense scrutiny, criticism, and negative publicity by investors, financial commentators, and regulatory agencies, such as the SEC. Much of the scrutiny, criticism, and negative publicity has centered on financial and accounting irregularities and mistakes, a lack of effective internal controls over financial accounting, inadequate corporate governance policies or a lack of adherence thereto and, in many cases, allegations of fraud. As a result of the scrutiny, criticism, and negative publicity, the publicly traded stock of many U.S. listed Chinese companies sharply decreased in value and, in some cases, has become virtually worthless. Many of these companies are now subject to shareholder lawsuits and SEC enforcement actions and are conducting internal and external investigations into the allegations. It is not clear what effect this sector-wide scrutiny, criticism, and negative publicity will have on us, our business, and the price of our Class A ordinary shares. If we become the subject of any unfavorable allegations, whether such allegations are proven to be true or untrue, we will have to expend significant resources to investigate such allegations and/or defend our Company. This situation will be costly and time consuming and distract our management from developing our business. If such allegations are not proven to be groundless, we and our business operations will be severely affected and you could sustain a significant decline in the value of our Class A ordinary shares.
Chinese government agencies may exert more oversight and control over offerings that are conducted overseas and involve foreign investment in China-based issuers. Additional compliance procedures may be required in connection with this offering under PRC rules, regulations, or policies.
The M&A Rules also include, among other things, provisions that purport to require that an offshore special purpose vehicle formed for the purpose of an overseas listing of securities in a PRC company obtain the approval of the CSRC prior to the listing and trading of such special purpose vehicle’s securities on an overseas stock exchange. While the application of the M&A Rules remains unclear, we believe, based on the advice of our PRC counsel, Zhejiang T&H, that the CSRC approval is not required in the context of this offering because (i) the CSRC currently has not issued any definitive rule or interpretation concerning whether offerings under the prospectus are subject to the M&A Rules; and (ii) our PRC operating subsidiary, Tiancheng Jinhui, was established by means of foreign direct investment rather than by merger with or acquisition of PRC domestic companies as defined under the M&A Rules. However, uncertainties still exist as to how the M&A Rules will be interpreted and implemented, and the opinion of our PRC counsel is subject to any new laws, rules, and regulations or detailed implementations and interpretations in any form relating to the M&A Rules. We cannot assure you that the relevant PRC government agencies, including the CSRC, would reach the same conclusion as our PRC counsel.
On July 6, 2021, the General Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the General Office of the State Council jointly issued a document to crack down on illegal activities in the securities market and promote the high-quality development of the capital market, which, among other things, requires the relevant governmental authorities to strengthen cross-border oversight of law enforcement and judicial cooperation, to enhance supervision over China-based companies listed overseas, and to establish and improve the system of extraterritorial application of the PRC securities laws. Since this document is relatively new, uncertainties still exist regarding how soon legislative or administrative regulation-making bodies will respond, what, if any, existing or new laws or regulations or detailed implementations and interpretations will be modified or promulgated, and the potential impact such modified or new laws and regulations will have on our Chinese operations.
Further, the Chinese government continues to exert more oversight and control over Chinese firms. On July 2, 2021, the Chinese cybersecurity regulator announced that it had begun an investigation of Didi Global Inc. (NYSE: DIDI) and two days later ordered that the company’s application be removed from smartphone application stores. On July 5, 2021, the Chinese cybersecurity regulator launched the same investigation on two other Internet platforms, Chinese Full Truck Alliance of Full Truck Alliance Co. Ltd. (NYSE: YMM) and BOSS Zhipin of Kanzhun Limited (Nasdaq: BZ). On July 24, 2021, the General Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the General Office of the State Council jointly released the Guidelines for Further Easing the Burden of Excessive Homework and Off-campus Tutoring for Students at the Stage of Compulsory Education, pursuant to which foreign investment in such firms via mergers and acquisitions, trusteeship, franchise chains, and variable interest entities are banned from this sector.
10
On February 17, 2023, the CSRC promulgated the Overseas Listing Trial Measures and relevant five guidelines, which became effective on March 31, 2023. According to the Overseas Listing Trial Measures, PRC domestic companies that seek to offer and list securities in overseas markets, either in direct or indirect means, are required to fulfill the filing procedure with the CSRC and report relevant information. At a press conference held for these new regulations, officials from the CSRC clarified that the domestic companies that have already been listed overseas on or before the effective date of the Overseas Listing Trial Measures shall be deemed as existing issuers, or the Existing Issuers. Existing Issuers are not required to complete the filing procedures immediately, and they shall be required to file with the CSRC when subsequent matters such as refinancing are involved. Further, according to the officials from the CSRC, domestic companies that have obtained approval from overseas regulatory authorities or securities exchanges for their indirect overseas offering and listing prior to the effective date of the Overseas Listing Trial Measures but have not yet completed their indirect overseas issuance and listing, are granted a six-month transition period from March 31, 2023. Those who complete their overseas offering and listing within such six months are deemed as Existing Issuers. Within such six-month transition period, however, if such domestic companies need to reapply for offering and listing procedures to the overseas regulatory authority or securities exchanges, or if they fail to complete their indirect overseas issuance and listing, such domestic companies shall complete the filing procedures with the CSRC. Pursuant to the Overseas Listing Trial Measures, our PRC counsel, Zhejiang T&H, is of the view that we are required to go through filing procedures through our major operating entity incorporated in the PRC with the CSRC within three (3) working days after the completion of an offering pursuant to any accompanying prospectus supplement, and prepare a summary report to the CSRC after the completion of all offerings under this prospectus. We intend to comply with the Trial Measures for subsequent offerings under this registration statement on Form F-3. Other than the CSRC filing procedures we are required to make within three working days after the completion of an offering made pursuant to this prospectus or any accompanying prospectus supplement, our PRC counsel, Zhejiang T&H, is of the view that we (1) are not required to obtain permissions from the CSRC, and (2) have not been required to obtain or denied such and other permissions by the CSRC, CAC, or any PRC government authority, under current PRC laws, regulations and rules in connection with a potential offering made pursuant to this prospectus or any accompanying prospectus supplement as of the date of this prospectus. In the opinion of our PRC legal counsel, Zhejiang T&H, the Selling Shareholders’ resale of the Ordinary Sales as described hereunder does not constitute a “subsequent offering” under the CSRC rules and hence we are not required to complete the filing procedures with CSRC for the Selling Shareholders’ resale. However, if we fail to maintain the subsequent filing within the time periods prescribed by PRC laws and regulations, we may be subject to investigations by competent regulators, fines or penalties, ordered to suspend our relevant operations and rectify any non-compliance, prohibited from engaging in relevant business or conducting any offering, and these risks could result in a material adverse change in our operations, limit our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors, or cause such securities to significantly decline in value or become worthless. Also see “Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Conducting Business in the PRC — We are required to complete this filing with the CSRC in order to offer our Class A ordinary shares to foreign investors in this offering” on page 12 for more details as to risks related to our compliance of the Overseas Listing Trial Measures. On July 7, 2022, the Outbound Data Transfer Security Assessment Measures formally promulgated, which became effective from September 1, 2022. The Outbound Data Transfer Security Assessment Measures stipulate the circumstances under which security assessment of outbound data transfers should be declared, including: (i) outbound transfer of important data, which means any data, the tampering, damage, leakage, or illegal acquisition or use of which, if it happens, may endanger national security, the operation of the economy, social stability, public health and security, by a data processor; (ii) outbound transfer of personal information by a critical information infrastructure operator or a personal information processor who has processed the personal information of more than 1,000,000 people; (iii) outbound transfer of personal information by a personal information processor who has made outbound transfers of the personal information of 100,000 people cumulatively or the sensitive personal information of 10,000 people cumulatively since 1 January of the previous year; or (iv) other circumstances in which an application for the security assessment of an outbound data transfer is required as prescribed by the national cyberspace administration authority. On December 28, 2021, the Cybersecurity Review Measures (2021 version) was promulgated and became effective on February 15, 2022, which iterates that any “online platform operators” controlling personal information of more than 1,000,000 users which seeks to list in a foreign stock exchange should be subject to cybersecurity review. The Cybersecurity Review Measures (2021 version), further elaborates the factors to be considered when assessing the national security risks of the relevant activities, including, among others, (i) the risk of core data, important data, or a large amount of personal information being stolen, leaked, destroyed, and illegally used or exiting the country; and (ii) the risk of critical information infrastructure, core data, important data, or a large amount of personal information being affected, controlled, or maliciously used by foreign governments after listing abroad. On September 30, 2024, the State Council released the Regulations on the Network Data Security Administration (the “Data Security Administration”), which will become effective on January 1, 2025. The Data Security Administration requires that network data processors conducting data processing activities that affect or may affect national security shall undergo a national security review in accordance with relevant national regulations. We do not believe we are required apply for a cybersecurity review according to the relevant measures; however, the Cybersecurity Review Measures (2021 version) was recently adopted and the Data Security Administration is set to take effect on January 1, 2025, we do not know how such regulations will affect us and our listing on Nasdaq. As there remains significant uncertainty in the interpretation and enforcement of relevant PRC cybersecurity laws and regulations, we could be subject to cybersecurity review, and if so, we may not be able to pass such review in relation to this offering. In addition, we could become subject to enhanced cybersecurity review or investigations launched by PRC regulators in the future. Any failure or delay in the completion of the cybersecurity review procedures or any other non-compliance with the related laws and regulations may result in fines or other penalties, including suspension of business, website closure, and revocation of prerequisite licenses, as well as reputational damage or legal proceedings or actions against us, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. As of the date of this prospectus, we have not been involved in any investigations on cybersecurity review initiated by the CAC or related governmental regulatory authorities, and we have not received any inquiry, notice, warning, or sanction in such respect.
Tiancheng Jinhui is not operating in an industry that prohibits or limits foreign investment. As advised by our PRC counsel, other than those requisite for a domestic company in China to engage in the businesses similar to ours and the filing procedures with the CSRC as disclosed in this prospectus, Tiancheng Jinhui is not required to obtain any other permission from Chinese authorities including the CSRC, CAC or any other governmental agency that is required to approve our operating entity’s operations. However, the PRC government may take actions to exert more oversight and control over offerings by China-based issuers conducted overseas and/or foreign investment in such companies, if Tiancheng Jinhui does not receive or maintain the approvals, or we inadvertently conclude that such approvals are not required, or applicable laws, regulations, or interpretations change such that Tiancheng Jinhui is required to obtain approval in the future, Tiancheng Jinhui may be subject to investigations by competent regulators, fines or penalties, ordered to suspend its relevant operations and rectify any non-compliance, prohibited from engaging in relevant business or conducting any offering, and these risks could result in a material adverse change in Tiancheng Jinhui’s operations, significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors, or cause such securities to significantly decline in value or become worthless.
11
We are required to complete the filing with the CSRC in order to offer our Class A ordinary shares to foreign investors in this offering.
According to the Overseas Listing Trial Measures and five supporting guidelines (collectively, the “New Overseas Listing Rules”), (1) domestic companies that seek to offer or list securities overseas, both directly and indirectly, should fulfill the filing procedure to the CSRC; (2) if the issuer meets both of the following conditions, the overseas offering and listing shall be determined as an indirect overseas offering and listing by a domestic company: (i) any of the total assets, net assets, revenues or profits of the domestic operating entities of the issuer in the most recent accounting year accounts for more than 50% of the corresponding figure in the issuer’s audited consolidated financial statements for the same period; (ii) its major operational activities are carried out in China or its main places of business are located in China, or the senior managers in charge of operation and management of the issuer are mostly Chinese citizens or are domiciled in China; and (3) where a domestic company seeks to indirectly offer and list securities in an overseas market, the issuer shall designate a major domestic operating entity responsible for all filing procedures with the CSRC, and where an issuer makes an application for initial public offering and listing in an overseas market, the issuer shall submit filings with the CSRC within three business days after such application is submitted. The New Overseas Listing Rules further require Chinese domestic enterprises to complete filings with relevant governmental authorities and report related information under certain circumstances, such as: (1) an issuer making an application for initial public offering and listing in an overseas market; (2) an issuer making an overseas securities offering after having been listed on an overseas market; and (3) a domestic company seeking an overseas direct or indirect listing of its assets through single or multiple acquisition(s), share swap, transfer of shares or other means. The required filing scope is not limited to the initial public offering, but also includes subsequent overseas securities offering, single or multiple acquisition(s), share swap, transfer of shares or other means to seek an overseas direct or indirect listing and a secondary listing or dual major listing of issuers already listed overseas. If a domestic company fails to complete the required filing procedures or conceals any material fact or falsifies any major content in its filing documents, such domestic company may be subject to administrative penalties, such as orders to rectify, warnings, fines, and its controlling shareholders, actual controllers, the person directly in charge and other directly liable persons may also be subject to administrative penalties, such as warnings and fines.
Furthermore, according to the Overseas Listing Trial Measures, an overseas offering and listing is prohibited under any of the following circumstances:(1) if the intended securities offering and listing falls under specific clauses in national laws and regulations and relevant provisions prohibiting such financing activities; (2) if the intended securities offering and listing in an overseas market may endanger national security, as reviewed and determined by competent authorities under the State Council in accordance with law; (3) if, in the past three years, the domestic company or its controlling shareholders and actual controllers have committed corruption, bribery, embezzlement, misappropriation of property, or other criminal offenses disruptive to the order of the socialist market economy; (4) the domestic company is currently under judicial investigation for suspicion of criminal offenses or under investigation for suspicion of major violations, and no clear conclusion has been reached; (5) if there are material ownership disputes over equity held by the controlling shareholder or by shareholders under the control of the actual controllers. As of the date of this prospectus, we do not fall under any of the abovementioned circumstances that might prohibit us from overseas offering and listing.
According to the Notice on the Administrative Arrangements for the Filing of the Overseas Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies from the CSRC, or the CSRC Notice, the domestic companies that have already been listed overseas before the effective date of the Overseas Listing Trial Measures (i.e. March 31, 2023) shall be deemed as the Existing Issuers. Existing Issuers are not required to complete the filing procedures immediately, and they shall be required to file with the CSRC for any subsequent offerings.
Pursuant to the Overseas Listing Trial Measures, our PRC counsel, Zhejiang T&H, is of the view that we are required to go through filing procedures through our major operating entity incorporated in the PRC with the CSRC within three (3) working days after the completion of an offering pursuant to any accompanying prospectus supplement, and prepare a summary report to the CSRC after the completion of all offerings under this prospectus. We intend to comply with the Trial Measures for subsequent offerings under this registration statement on Form F-3. Other than the CSRC filing procedures we are required to make within three working days after the completion of an offering made pursuant to this prospectus or any accompanying prospectus supplement, our PRC counsel, Zhejiang T&H, is of the view that we (1) are not required to obtain permissions from the CSRC, and (2) have not been required to obtain or denied such and other permissions by the CSRC, CAC, or any PRC government authority, under current PRC laws, regulations and rules in connection with a potential offering made pursuant to this prospectus or any accompanying prospectus supplement as of the date of this prospectus. In the opinion of our PRC legal counsel, Zhejiang T&H, the Selling Shareholders’ resale of the Ordinary Sales as described hereunder does not constitute a “subsequent offering” under the CSRC rules and hence we are not required to complete the filing procedures with CSRC for the Selling Shareholders’ resale. However, if we fail to maintain the subsequent filings within the time periods prescribed by PRC laws and regulations, we may be subject to investigations by competent regulators, fines or penalties, ordered to suspend our relevant operations and rectify any non-compliance, prohibited from engaging in relevant business or conducting any offering, and these risks could result in a material adverse change in our operations, limit our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors, or cause such securities to significantly decline in value or become worthless. As the Overseas Listing Trial Measures were newly published, there exists uncertainty with respect to the filing requirements and their implementation. Any failure or perceived failure of us to fully comply with such new regulatory requirements could significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors, cause significant disruption to our business operations, and severely damage our reputation, which could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations and could cause the value of our securities to significantly decline or be worthless.
Substantial uncertainties exist with respect to the interpretation and implementation of newly enacted PRC Foreign Investment Law and its Implementation Rules and how they may impact the viability of our corporate structure, corporate governance, and operations.
On March 15, 2019, the PRC National People’s Congress approved the PRC Foreign Investment Law, which came into effect on January 1, 2020 and replaced the trio of existing laws regulating foreign investment in China, namely, the Sino-foreign Equity Joint Venture Enterprise Law, the Sino-foreign Contractual Joint Venture Enterprise Law, and the Wholly Foreign-owned Enterprise Law, together with their implementation rules and ancillary regulations. On December 26, 2019, the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, or the State Council, approved the Implementation Rules of Foreign Investment Law, which came into effect on January 1, 2020. The PRC Foreign Investment Law and its Implementation Rules embody an expected PRC regulatory trend to rationalize its foreign investment regulatory regime in line with prevailing international practice and the legislative efforts to unify the corporate legal requirements for both foreign and domestic investments. However, since the PRC Foreign Investment Law is relatively new, substantial uncertainties exist with respect to its interpretation and implementation.
12
The PRC Foreign Investment Law specifies that foreign investments shall be conducted in line with the “negative list” issued by the State Council. Foreign investors would not be allowed to make investments in prohibited industries in the “negative list,” while the foreign investors must satisfy certain conditions stipulated in the “negative list” for investment in restricted industries. It is uncertain whether the business consulting market, in which Tiancheng Jinhui operates, will be subject to the foreign investment restrictions or prohibitions set forth in the “negative list” to be issued in the future. If any business operation of Tiancheng Jinhui were to fall in the “negative list,” Tiancheng Jinhui would face uncertainties as to whether such clearance can be timely obtained, or at all. There are uncertainties as to how the PRC Foreign Investment Law would be further interpreted and implemented. We cannot assure you that the interpretation and implementation of the PRC Foreign Investment Law made by the relevant governmental authorities in the future will not materially impact the viability of our corporate structure, corporate governance and business operations in any aspect.
The Chinese government exerts substantial influence over the manner in which the PRC operating entity must conduct its business activities. If the Chinese government significantly regulates our operating entity’s business operations in the future and it is not able to substantially comply with such regulations, our operating entity’s business operations may be materially adversely affected, and the value of our Class A ordinary shares may significantly decrease.
The Chinese government exerts substantial control over virtually every sector of the Chinese economy through regulation and state ownership. The ability of Tiancheng Jinhui to operate in China may be harmed by changes in its laws and regulations, including those relating to taxation, environmental regulations, land use rights, property and other matters relate to our industry. The central or local governments of these jurisdictions may impose new, stricter regulations or interpretations of existing regulations that would require additional expenditures and efforts on our part to ensure the compliance with such regulations or interpretations. Accordingly, government actions in the future, including any decision not to continue to support recent economic reforms and to return to a more centrally planned economy or regional or local variations in the implementation of economic policies, could have a significant effect on economic conditions in China or particular regions thereof, and could require us to divest ourselves of any interest or properties we then hold in China.
As such, the business operations of Tiancheng Jinhui and the business consultation industry may be subject to various governmental control or regulatory interference in the provinces in which the Tiancheng Jinhui operates. We and any of our subsidiaries could be subject to regulation by various political and regulatory authorities, including various local and municipal agencies and government sub-divisions. It may trigger increased costs necessary to comply with existing and newly adopted laws and regulations or penalties for any failure to comply. In the event that we or any of our subsidiaries are not able to substantially comply with any existing or newly adopted laws and regulations, Tiancheng Jinhui’s business operations may be materially adversely affected and the value of our Class A ordinary shares may significantly decrease.
Furthermore, the PRC government authorities may strengthen oversight and control over offerings and/or listings that are conducted overseas and/or foreign investment in China-based issuers like us. Such actions taken by the PRC government authorities may intervene or influence operations of Tiancheng Jinhui at any time, which are beyond our control. Therefore, any such action may adversely affect the operations of Tiancheng Jinhui and result in material changes in its operations and/or the value of our Class A ordinary shares. In addition, the PRC government has recently indicated an intent to exert more oversight over offerings that are conducted overseas and/or foreign investment in China-based issuers. Any such action could significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to you and cause the value of such securities to significantly decline or be worthless.
13
If the U.S. Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, or the PCAOB, is unable to inspect our auditors as required under the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act, the SEC will prohibit the trading of our Class A ordinary shares. A trading prohibition for our Class A ordinary shares, or the threat of a trading prohibition, may materially and adversely affect the value of your investment. Additionally, the inability of the PCAOB to conduct inspections of our auditors would deprive our investors of the benefits of such inspections.
On April 21, 2020, SEC Chairman Jay Clayton and PCAOB Chairman William D. Duhnke III, along with other senior SEC staff, released a joint statement highlighting the risks associated with investing in companies based in or have substantial operations in emerging markets including China. The joint statement emphasized the risks associated with lack of access for the PCAOB to inspect auditors and audit work papers in China and higher risks of fraud in emerging markets.
On May 18, 2020, Nasdaq filed three proposals with the SEC to (i) apply a minimum offering size requirement for companies primarily operating in a “Restrictive Market,” (ii) adopt a new requirement relating to the qualification of management or the board of directors for Restrictive Market companies, and (iii) apply additional and more stringent criteria to an applicant or listed company based on the qualifications of the company’s auditor. On October 4, 2021, the SEC approved Nasdaq’s revised proposal for the rule changes.
On May 20, 2020, the U.S. Senate passed the HFCA Act requiring a foreign company to certify it is not owned or controlled by a foreign government if the PCAOB is unable to audit specified reports because the company uses a foreign auditor not subject to PCAOB inspection. Pursuant to the HFCA Act, if the PCAOB is unable to inspect an issuer’s auditors for three consecutive years, the issuer’s securities are prohibited to trade on a U.S. stock exchange. The PCAOB issued a Determination Report on December 16, 2021 which found that the PCAOB is unable to inspect or investigate completely registered public accounting firms headquartered in: (1) mainland China of the People’s Republic of China because of a position taken by one or more authorities in mainland China; and (2) Hong Kong, a Special Administrative Region and dependency of the PRC, because of a position taken by one or more authorities in Hong Kong. Furthermore, the Determination Report identified the specific registered public accounting firms as PCAOB Identified Firms which are subject to these determinations.
On March 24, 2021, the SEC announced the adoption of interim final amendments to implement the submission and disclosure requirements of the HFCA Act. In the announcement, the SEC clarifies that before any issuer will have to comply with the interim final amendments, the SEC must implement a process for identifying covered issuers. The announcement also states that the SEC staff is actively assessing how best to implement the other requirements of the HFCA Act, including the identification process and the trading prohibition requirements.
On September 22, 2021, the PCAOB adopted a final rule implementing the HFCA Act, which provides a framework for the PCAOB to use when determining, as contemplated under the HFCA Act, whether the board of directors of a company is unable to inspect or investigate completely registered public accounting firms located in a foreign jurisdiction because of a position taken by one or more authorities in that jurisdiction.
On December 2, 2021, the SEC adopted amendments to finalize rules implementing the submission and disclosure requirements in the HFCA Act. The rules apply to registrants that the SEC identifies as having filed an annual report with an audit report issued by a registered public accounting firm that is located in a foreign jurisdiction and that PCAOB is unable to inspect or investigate completely because of a position taken by an authority in foreign jurisdictions.
On December 16, 2021, the PCAOB issued a report on its determinations that it is unable to inspect or investigate completely PCAOB-registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China and in Hong Kong because of positions taken by PRC and Hong Kong authorities in those jurisdictions. The lack of access to the PCAOB inspection in China prevents the PCAOB from fully evaluating audits and quality control procedures of the auditors based in China. As a result, investors may be deprived of the benefits of such PCAOB inspections. The inability of the PCAOB to conduct inspections of auditors in China makes it more difficult to evaluate the effectiveness of these accounting firm’s audit procedures or quality control procedures as compared to auditors outside of China that are subject to the PCAOB inspections, which could cause investors and potential investors in our Class A ordinary shares to lose confidence in our audit procedures and reported financial information and the quality of our financial statements.
14
On August 26, 2022, the PCAOB announced that it had signed the Protocol with the CSRC and the MOF of the People’s Republic of China, governing inspections and investigations of audit firms based in mainland China and Hong Kong. Pursuant to the Protocol, the PCAOB conducted inspections on select registered public accounting firms subject to the Determination Report in Hong Kong between September and November 2022.
On December 15, 2022, the PCAOB board announced that it has completed the inspections, determined that it had complete access to inspect or investigate completely registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China and Hong Kong, and voted to vacate the Determination Report.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company’s ability to retain an auditor subject to the PCAOB inspection and investigation, including but not limited to inspection of the audit working papers related to us, may depend on the relevant positions of U.S. and Chinese regulators. Our current auditor, Tang Li’s audit working papers related to us are located in the U.S. With respect to audits of companies with operations in China, such as the Company, there are uncertainties about the ability of its auditor to fully cooperate with a request by the PCAOB for audit working papers in China without the approval of Chinese authorities. If the PCAOB is unable to inspect or investigate completely the Company’s auditor because of a position taken by an authority in a foreign jurisdiction, or the PCAOB re-evaluates its determination as a result of any obstruction with the implementation of the Statement of Protocol, then such lack of inspection or re-evaluation could cause trading in the Company’s securities to be prohibited under the HFCA Act, and ultimately result in a determination by a securities exchange to delist the Company’s securities. Accordingly, the HFCA Act calls for additional and more stringent criteria to be applied to emerging market companies upon assessing the qualification of their auditors, especially the non-U.S. auditors who are not inspected by the PCAOB. These developments could add uncertainties to our offering.
On June 22, 2021, the U.S. Senate passed the Accelerating Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act. On December 29, 2022, the Consolidated Appropriations Act was signed into law by President Biden, which contained, among other things, an identical provision to the Accelerating Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act and amended the HFCA Act by requiring the SEC to prohibit an issuer’s securities from trading on any U.S. stock exchanges if its auditor is not subject to PCAOB inspections for two consecutive years instead of three. As a result, the risks mentioned above have been heightened.
If our Class A ordinary shares are subject to a trading prohibition under the HFCA Act or the Accelerating Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act, the price of our Class A ordinary shares may be adversely affected, and the threat of such a trading prohibition would also adversely affect their price. If we are unable to be listed on another securities exchange that provides sufficient liquidity, such a trading prohibition may substantially impair your ability to sell or purchase our Class A ordinary shares when you wish to do so.
The HFCA Act also imposes additional certification and disclosure requirements for companies that are identified by the SEC as having a substantial connection to a foreign jurisdiction that has limitations on U.S. regulatory oversight (the “Commission Identified Issuers”), and these requirements apply to issuers in the year following their listing as Commission Identified Issuers. The additional requirements include a certification that the issuer is not owned or controlled by a governmental entity in the Relevant Jurisdiction, and the additional requirements for annual reports include disclosure that the issuer’s financials were audited by a firm not subject to PCAOB inspection, disclosure on governmental entities in the Relevant Jurisdiction’s ownership in and controlling financial interest in the issuer, the names of Chinese Communist Party, or CCP, members on the board of the issuer or its operating entities, and whether the issuer’s articles include a charter of the CCP, including the text of such charter.
Uncertainties in the interpretation and enforcement of PRC laws and regulations and changes in policies, rules, and regulations in China, which may be quick with little advance notice, could limit the legal protection available to you and us.
The PRC legal system is a civil law system based on written statutes. Prior court decisions are encouraged to be used for reference but it remains unclear to what extent the prior court decisions may impact the current court ruling as the encouragement policy is new and there is limited judicial practice in this regard. In the late 1970s, the PRC government began to promulgate a comprehensive system of laws and regulations governing economic matters in general. The legislation over the past three decades has significantly increased the protection afforded to various forms of foreign or private-sector investment in China. Tiancheng Jinhui is subject to various PRC laws and regulations generally applicable to companies in China. Although the PRC legal system is evolving rapidly, its current slate of laws may not be sufficient to cover all aspects of the economic activities in China, including such activities that relate to or have an impact on our business. Implementation and interpretations of laws, regulations and rules are not always undertaken in a uniform matter and 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. Since the PRC legal system is based on written statutes and legal interpretations by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, and the 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 in the PRC legal system than in more developed legal systems. Furthermore, the PRC legal system is based in part on government policies, internal rules, and regulations that may have retroactive effect and may change quickly with little advance notice. As a result, we may not be aware of our violation of these policies and rules until sometime after the violation. Such uncertainties, including uncertainties over the scope and effect of our contractual, property (including intellectual property), and procedural rights, and any failure to respond to changes in the regulatory environment in China could materially and adversely affect our business and impede our ability to continue our operations.
15
Dividends payable to our foreign investors and gains on the sale of our shares by our foreign investors may become subject to PRC tax.
Under the EIT Law and its implementation regulations issued by the State Council, a 10% PRC withholding tax is applicable to dividends payable to investors that are non-resident enterprises, including those registered in the Cayman Islands, which do not have an establishment or place of business in China or which have such establishment or place of business but the dividends are not effectively connected with such establishment or place of business, to the extent such dividends are derived from sources within China. Similarly, any gain realized on the transfer of our Class A ordinary shares by such investors is also subject to PRC tax at a current rate of 10%, subject to any reduction or exemption set forth in applicable tax treaties or under applicable tax arrangements between jurisdictions, if such gain is regarded as income derived from sources within China.
If we are deemed a PRC resident enterprise, dividends paid on our Class A ordinary shares, and any gain realized from the transfer of our Class A ordinary shares, would be treated as income derived from sources within China and would as a result be subject to PRC taxation. Furthermore, if we are deemed a PRC resident enterprise, dividends payable to individual investors who are non-PRC residents and any gain realized on the transfer of our Class A ordinary shares by such investors may be subject to PRC tax at a current rate of 20%, subject to any reduction or exemption set forth in applicable tax treaties or under applicable tax arrangements between jurisdictions. If we, KingWin BVI, or KingWin HK are considered to be PRC resident enterprises, it is unclear whether holders of our Class A ordinary shares would be able to claim the benefit of income tax treaties or agreements entered into between China and other countries or areas. If dividends payable to our non-PRC investors, or gains from the transfer of our Class A ordinary shares by such investors, are deemed as income derived from sources within China and thus are subject to PRC tax, the value of your investment in our Class A ordinary shares may decline significantly.
We may rely on dividends and other distributions on equity paid by Tiancheng Jinhui to fund any cash and financing requirements we may have, and any limitation on the ability of Tiancheng Jinhui to make payments to us could have a material and adverse effect on our ability to conduct or fund our whole business.
We are a Cayman Islands holding company and conduct all of our business through Tiancheng Jinhui. We rely principally on dividends and other distributions on equity from Tiancheng Jinhui for our cash and financial requirements we may incur.
The ability of Tiancheng Jinhui to distribute dividends is based upon its distributable earnings. Current PRC regulations permit Tiancheng Jinhui to pay dividends to its shareholders only out of its accumulated profits, if any, determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. If Tiancheng Jinhui incurs debt on its own behalf in the future, the instruments governing the debt may restrict its ability to pay dividends or make other payments to us. Any limitation on Tiancheng Jinhui’s ability to distribute dividends or other payments to its shareholders could materially and adversely limit our ability to make investments or acquisitions that could be beneficial to our whole business, pay dividends or otherwise fund our business.
PRC regulations relating to investments in offshore companies by PRC residents may subject our PRC-resident beneficial owners or our operating entity to liability or penalties, limit our ability to inject capital into our operating entity or limit its ability to increase its registered capital or distribute profits.
In July 2014, the State Administration of Foreign Exchange of the PRC, or SAFE, promulgated the Circular on Relevant Issues Concerning Foreign Exchange Control on Domestic Residents’ Offshore Investment and Financing and Roundtrip Investment through Special Purpose Vehicles, or SAFE Circular 37, which replaces the previous SAFE Circular 75. SAFE Circular 37 requires PRC residents, including PRC individuals and PRC corporate entities, to register with SAFE or its local branches in connection with their direct or indirect offshore investment activities. SAFE Circular 37 is applicable to our shareholders who are PRC residents and may be applicable to any offshore acquisitions that we may make in the future.
16
Under SAFE Circular 37, PRC residents who make, or have prior to the implementation of SAFE Circular 37 made, direct or indirect investments in offshore special purpose vehicles, or SPVs, are required to register such investments with SAFE or its local branches. In addition, any PRC resident who is a direct or indirect shareholder of an SPV, is required to update its registration with the local branch of SAFE with respect to that SPV, to reflect any material change. Moreover, any subsidiary of such SPV in China is required to urge the PRC resident shareholders to update their registration with the local branch of SAFE to reflect any material change. If any PRC resident shareholder of such SPV fails to make the required registration or to update the registration, the subsidiary of such SPV in China may be prohibited from distributing its profits or the proceeds from any capital reduction, share transfer or liquidation to the SPV, and the SPV may also be prohibited from making additional capital contributions into its subsidiaries in China. In February 2015, SAFE promulgated a Notice on Further Simplifying and Improving Foreign Exchange Administration Policy on Direct Investment, or SAFE Notice 13. Under SAFE Notice 13, applications for foreign exchange registration of inbound foreign direct investments and outbound direct investments, including those required under SAFE Circular 37, must be filed with qualified banks instead of SAFE. Qualified banks should examine the applications and accept registrations under the supervision of SAFE. We have used our best efforts to notify PRC residents or entities who directly or indirectly hold shares in our Cayman Islands holding company and who are known to us as being PRC residents to complete the foreign exchange registrations. However, we may not be informed of the identities of all the PRC residents or entities holding direct or indirect interest in our company, nor can we compel our beneficial owners to comply with SAFE registration requirements. We cannot assure you that all other shareholders or beneficial owners of ours who are PRC residents or entities have complied with, and will in the future make, obtain or update any applicable registrations or approvals required by, SAFE regulations. Failure by such shareholders or beneficial owners to comply with SAFE regulations, or failure by us to amend the foreign exchange registrations of our operating entity, could subject us to fines or legal sanctions, restrict our overseas or cross-border investment activities, limit its ability to make distributions or pay dividends to us or affect our ownership structure, which could adversely affect our business and prospects.
Furthermore, as these foreign exchange and outbound investment related regulations are relatively new and their interpretation and implementation has been constantly evolving, it is unclear how these regulations, and any future regulation concerning offshore or cross-border investments and transactions, will be interpreted, amended and implemented by the relevant government authorities. For example, we may be subject to a more stringent review and approval process with respect to our foreign exchange activities, such as remittance of dividends and foreign-currency-denominated borrowings, which may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. We cannot assure you that we have complied or will be able to comply with all applicable foreign exchange and outbound investment related regulations. In addition, if we decide to acquire a PRC domestic company, we cannot assure you that we or the owners of such company, as the case may be, will be able to obtain the necessary approvals or complete the necessary filings and registrations required by the foreign exchange regulations. This may restrict our ability to implement our acquisition strategy and could adversely affect our business and prospects.
PRC regulation of loans to and direct investment in PRC entities by offshore holding companies and governmental control of currency conversion may delay or prevent us from using the proceeds of this offering to make loans or additional capital contributions to our PRC operating entity.
We are an offshore holding company with all of our operations conducted in China through Tiancheng Jinhui. We may make loans to our PRC subsidiaries, subject to the approval, registration, and filing with governmental authorities and limitations of amount, or we may make additional capital contributions to Jinruixi as our wholly foreign-owned subsidiary in China. Any loans to wholly foreign-owned subsidiaries or operating entities in China are treated as foreign-invested enterprises under PRC law, and are subject to foreign exchange loan registrations with the NDRC, and SAFE or its local branches.
Any funds we transfer to Tiancheng Jinhui, either as a shareholder loan or as an increase in registered capital, are subject to approval by or registration with relevant governmental authorities in China. According to the relevant PRC regulations on foreign investors in China, capital contributions to wholly foreign-owned subsidiaries or PRC operating entities are subject to submission of information to and registration with certain PRC government authorities, including MOFCOM or its local counterparts and the State Administration of Market Regulation (“SAMR”) through its Enterprise Registration System, the National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System and the local counterpart of SAFE. In addition, any foreign loan procured by those PRC operating entities cannot exceed statutory limits and is required to be registered with SAFE or its respective local branches.
17
On March 30, 2015, the SAFE promulgated the Circular on Reforming the Management Approach Regarding the Foreign Exchange Capital Settlement of Foreign-Invested Enterprises, or SAFE Circular 19, which took effect on June 1, 2015 and amended in December 2019. SAFE Circular 19 launched a nationwide reform of the administration of the settlement of the foreign exchange capitals of foreign investors and allows foreign investors to settle their foreign exchange capital at their discretion, but continues to prohibit foreign investors from using the Renminbi fund converted from their foreign exchange capital for expenditure beyond their business scopes, providing entrusted loans or repaying loans between nonfinancial enterprises. The SAFE issued the Circular on Reforming and Regulating Policies on the Control over Foreign Exchange Settlement of Capital Accounts, or SAFE Circular 16, effective in June 2016. Pursuant to SAFE Circular 16, enterprises registered in China may also convert their foreign debts from foreign currency to Renminbi on a self-discretionary basis. SAFE Circular 16 provides an integrated standard for conversion of foreign exchange under capital account items (including but not limited to foreign currency capital and foreign debts) on a self-discretionary basis which applies to all enterprises registered in China. SAFE Circular 16 reiterates the principle that Renminbi converted from foreign currency-denominated capital of a company may not be directly or indirectly used for purposes beyond its business scope or prohibited by PRC laws or regulations, while such converted Renminbi shall not be provided as loans to its non-affiliated entities. As this circular is relatively new, there remains uncertainty as to its interpretation and application and any other future foreign exchange related rules. Violations of these Circulars could result in severe monetary or other penalties. SAFE Circular 19 and SAFE Circular 16 may significantly limit our ability to use Renminbi converted from the proceeds to be received from this public offering, to invest in or acquire any other PRC companies through our operating entity, which may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
On October 23, 2019, the SAFE promulgated the Notice of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange on Further Promoting the Convenience of Cross-border Trade and Investment, or the SAFE Circular 28, which, among other things, allows all foreign-invested companies to use Renminbi converted from foreign currency-denominated capital for equity investments in China, as long as the equity investment is genuine, does not violate applicable laws, and complies with the negative list on foreign investment. However, since the SAFE Circular 28 is newly promulgated, it is unclear how SAFE and competent banks will carry this out in practice.
In addition, a foreign invested enterprise shall use its capital pursuant to the principle of authenticity and self-use within its business scope. The capital of a foreign invested enterprise shall not be used for the following purposes: (1) directly or indirectly used for payment beyond the business scope of the enterprises or the payment prohibited by relevant laws and regulations; (2) directly or indirectly used for investment in securities or investments other than banks’ principal-secured products unless otherwise provided by relevant laws and regulations; (3) the granting of loans to non-affiliated enterprises, except where it is expressly permitted in the business license; and (4) paying the expenses related to the purchase of real estate that is not for self-use (except for the foreign-invested real estate enterprises).
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 or filings on a timely basis, if at all, with respect to future loans or future capital contributions by us to Tiancheng Jinhui. If we fail to complete such registrations or obtain such approvals, our ability to use the proceeds from this offering and to capitalize or otherwise fund our PRC operations may be negatively affected, which could adversely affect our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our whole business.
We face uncertainty with respect to indirect transfers of equity interests in PRC resident enterprises by our offshore subsidiaries.
On February 3, 2015, the State Administration of Taxation, or the SAT, issued the Public Notice Regarding Certain Corporate Income Tax Matters on Indirect Transfer of Properties by Non-Tax Resident Enterprises, or SAT Bulletin 7. SAT Bulletin 7 extends its tax jurisdiction to transactions involving the transfer of taxable assets through offshore transfer of a foreign intermediate holding company. In addition, SAT Bulletin 7 has introduced safe harbors for internal group restructurings and the purchase and sale of equity through a public securities market. SAT Bulletin 7 also brings challenges to both foreign transferor and transferee (or other person who is obligated to pay for the transfer) of taxable assets, as such persons need to determine whether their transactions are subject to these rules and whether any withholding obligation applies.
On October 17, 2017, the SAT issued the Announcement of the State Administration of Taxation on Issues Concerning the Withholding of Non-resident Enterprise Income Tax at Source, or SAT Bulletin 37, which came into effect on December 1, 2017. The SAT Bulletin 37 further clarifies the practice and procedure of the withholding of non-resident enterprise income tax.
18
Where a non-resident enterprise transfers taxable assets indirectly by disposing of the equity interests of an overseas holding company, which is an Indirect Transfer, the non-resident enterprise as either transferor or transferee, or the PRC entity that directly owns the taxable assets, may report such Indirect Transfer to the relevant tax authority. Using a “substance over form” principle, the PRC tax authority may disregard the existence of the overseas holding company if it lacks a reasonable commercial purpose and was established for the purpose of reducing, avoiding or deferring PRC tax. As a result, gains derived from such Indirect Transfer may be subject to PRC enterprise income tax, and the transferee or other person who pays for the transfer is obligated to withhold the applicable taxes currently at a rate of 10% for the transfer of equity interests in a PRC resident enterprise. Both the transferor and the transferee may be subject to penalties under PRC tax laws if the transferee fails to withhold the taxes and the transferor fails to pay the taxes.
We face uncertainties as to the reporting and other implications of certain past and future transactions where PRC taxable assets are involved, such as offshore restructuring, sale of the shares in our offshore subsidiaries and investments. We may be subject to filing obligations or taxed if we are transferor in such transactions, and may be subject to withholding obligations if we are transferee in such transactions, under SAT Bulletin 7 and/or SAT Bulletin 37. For transfer of shares in us by investors who are non-PRC resident enterprises, Tiancheng Jinhui may be requested to assist in the filing under SAT Bulletin 7 and/or SAT Bulletin 37. As a result, we may be required to expend valuable resources to comply with SAT Bulletin 7 and/or SAT Bulletin 37 or to request the relevant transferors from whom we purchase taxable assets to comply with these circulars, or to establish that we should not be taxed under these circulars, which may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure and Governance
Investors in our Class A ordinary shares are not purchasing equity securities of our subsidiaries that have substantive business operations in China but instead are purchasing equity securities of a Cayman Islands holding company.
Investors in our Class A ordinary shares are not purchasing equity securities of our subsidiaries that have substantive business operations in China but instead are purchasing equity securities of a Cayman Islands holding company. Top KingWin Ltd is a holding company with no material operations of its own. We conduct our operations primarily through our subsidiaries in China. Such structure involves unique risks to investors in our Class A ordinary shares. Investors may never directly hold equity interests in our subsidiaries with substantive operations. We also cannot assure you that the Chinese regulatory authorities will not disallow such a structure. If the Chinese regulatory authorities disallow the structure, it would likely result in a material change in our operations and cause the value of our shares to significantly decline or become worthless.
Risks Related to the Class A Ordinary Shares and this Offering
We do not currently intend to pay dividends on our Class A ordinary shares for the foreseeable future.
We may retain future earnings, if any, for future operations, expansion and debt repayment and have no current plans to pay any cash dividends for the foreseeable future. Any determination to pay dividends in the future will be at the discretion of our board of directors and subject to limitations under applicable law. Therefore, you are not likely to receive any dividends on your Class A ordinary shares for the foreseeable future, and the success of an investment in our Class A ordinary shares will depend upon any future appreciation in its value. Moreover, any ability to pay may be restricted by the terms of any future credit agreement or any future debt or preferred equity securities of us or our subsidiaries. Consequently, investors may need to sell all or part of their holdings of our Class A ordinary shares after price appreciation, which may never occur, as the only way to realize any future gains on their investment. There is no guarantee that our Class A ordinary shares will appreciate in value or even maintain the price at which our shareholders have purchased our Class A ordinary shares.
19
Except as described in any prospectus supplement and any free writing prospectus in connection with a specific offering, we currently intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of the securities offered under this prospectus to fund the development and commercialization of our projects and the growth of our business, primarily working capital, and for general corporate purposes. We may also use a portion of the net proceeds to acquire or invest in technologies, products and/or businesses that we believe will enhance the value of our Company, although we have no current commitments or agreements with respect to any such transactions as of the date of this prospectus. We have not determined the amount of net proceeds to be used specifically for the foregoing purposes. As a result, our management will have broad discretion in the allocation of the net proceeds and investors will be relying on the judgment of our management regarding the application of the proceeds of any sale of the securities. If a material part of the net proceeds is to be used to repay indebtedness, we will set forth the interest rate and maturity of such indebtedness in a prospectus supplement. Pending use of the net proceeds will be deposited in interest bearing bank accounts.
We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of any of Class A Ordinary Shares by the Selling Shareholder. The Selling Shareholder will pay any underwriting discounts and commissions and expenses incurred by the Selling Shareholder for brokerage or legal services or any other expenses incurred by the Selling Shareholder in disposing of the Class A Ordinary Shares offered hereby. We will bear all other costs, fees and expenses incurred in effecting the registration of the common shares covered by this prospectus, including all registration and filing fees and fees and expenses of our counsel and accountants.
20
Because the Selling Shareholder who offer and sell Class A Ordinary Shares covered by this prospectus may do so at various times, at prices and at terms then prevailing or at prices related to the then current market price, or in negotiated transactions, we have not included in this prospectus information about the dilution (if any) to the public arising from these sales.
If required, we will set forth in a prospectus supplement the following information regarding any material dilution of the equity interests of investors purchasing securities in an offering under this prospectus:
| ● | the net tangible book value per share of our equity securities before and after the offering; | |
| ● | the amount of the increase in such net tangible book value per share attributable to the cash payments made by purchasers in the offering; and | |
| ● | the amount of the immediate dilution from the public offering price which will be absorbed by such purchasers. |
21
Class A ordinary shares, par value $0.0001 per share (“Class A Ordinary Shares”), of Top KingWin are listed and traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market, and in connection therewith, the Class A Ordinary Shares are registered under Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”).
The following is a summary of material provisions of our currently effective amended and restated memorandum and articles of association (the “Memorandum and Articles of Association”) as well as the Companies Act (Revised) of the Cayman Islands (the “Cayman Companies Act”) insofar as they relate to the material terms of our Class A Ordinary Shares. Notwithstanding this, because it is a summary, it may not contain all the information that you may otherwise deem important. For more complete information, you should read the entirety of our Memorandum and Articles of Association, which have been filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) as Exhibit 2.1 to our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-269290), initially filed with the SEC on January 18, 2023.
We have a dual-class voting structure such that our ordinary shares consist of Class A Ordinary Shares and Class B ordinary shares, par value $0.0001 per share (“Class B Ordinary Shares”). Each Class A Ordinary Share is entitled to one (1) vote on all matters subject to vote at general and special meetings of the Company and each Class B Ordinary Share is entitled to twenty (20) votes on all matters subject to vote at general meetings (include extraordinary general meetings) of the Company. Holders of Class A Ordinary Shares and Class B Ordinary Shares shall, at all times, vote together as one Class on all matters submitted to a vote by the shareholders. Due to the super voting power of Class B ordinary shareholder, the voting power of the Class A Ordinary Shares may be materially limited.
As of November 5, 2024, there are 179,180,431 Class A Ordinary Shares issued and outstanding and 3,786,960 Class B Ordinary Shares issued and outstanding.
Preemptive Rights
Our Class A Ordinary Shares are not subject to any pre-emptive or similar rights under the Cayman Companies Act or pursuant to our Memorandum and Articles of Association.
Rights of Class A Ordinary Shares and Class B Ordinary Shares
The authorized share capital of the Company is $50,000, divided into 300,000,000 Class A Ordinary Shares and 200,000,000 Class B Ordinary Shares. Holders of our Class A Ordinary Shares and Class B Ordinary Shares have the same rights except for voting rights and conversion rights.
Dividends
The holders of our Class A Ordinary Shares and Class B Ordinary Shares are entitled to such dividends as may be declared by our board of directors subject to the Cayman Companies Act and to our Memorandum and Articles of Association. Our Memorandum and Articles of Association provide that our board of directors may pay interim dividends or declare final dividends in accordance with the respective rights of the shareholders if it appears to them that they are justified by the financial position of the Company and that such dividends may lawfully be paid. In addition, our shareholders may by ordinary resolution declare dividends in accordance with the respective rights of the shareholders, but no dividend may exceed the amount recommended by our directors.
Voting Rights
In respect of all matters subject to a shareholders’ vote, each Class B Ordinary Share is entitled to 20 votes, and each Class A Ordinary Share is entitled to 1 vote, voting together as one class. At any general meeting a resolution put to the vote of the meeting shall be decided on a poll which shall be taken at such time and 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.
22
No business shall be transacted at any general meeting unless a quorum of members is present in person or by proxy; if the Company has only one member, that member; or if the Company has more than one member, two members. An ordinary resolution to be passed at a general meeting requires the affirmative vote of a simple majority of the votes cast, while a special resolution requires the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of such members as, being entitled to do so, vote in person or by proxy at a general meeting.
Conversion
Class A Ordinary Shares are not convertible. Class B Ordinary Shares will be automatically and immediately converted into an equal and corresponding number of Class A Ordinary Shares (being a 1:1 ratio and hereafter referred to as the “Conversion Rate”, subject to adjustment) upon any direct or indirect sale, transfer, assignment or disposition of such number of Class B Ordinary Shares by the holder or an affiliate or such holder or the direct or indirect transfer or assignment of the voting power attached to such number of Class B Ordinary Shares through voting proxy or otherwise to any person or entity that is not an affiliate of such holder.
Election of directors
Directors may be appointed by an ordinary resolution of our shareholder or by a resolution of the directors of the Company.
Transfer of Ordinary Shares
Subject to the restrictions set out below, any of our shareholders may transfer all or any of their Class A Ordinary Shares or Class B Ordinary Shares by an instrument of transfer in the usual or common form or any other form approved by our board of directors.
Our board of directors may, in its sole discretion, decline to register any transfer of any Class A Ordinary Shares or Class B Ordinary Shares whether or not it is fully paid up to the total consideration paid for such shares.
If our directors refuse to register a transfer, they shall, within two months after the date on which the instrument of transfer was lodged, send to the transferee notice of such refusal.
The registration of transfers may be suspended and the register closed at such times and for such periods as our board of directors may from time to time determine; provided, however, that the registration of transfers shall not be suspended for more than 30 days in any calendar year as our board may determine.
Winding-Up/Liquidation
On a return of capital on winding up or otherwise (other than on conversion, redemption or purchase of shares), a liquidator may be appointed to determine how to distribute the assets among the holders of the Class A Ordinary Shares and Class B Ordinary Shares. If our assets available for distribution are insufficient to repay all of the paid-up capital, the assets will be distributed so that the losses are borne by our shareholders proportionately; a similar basis will be employed if the assets are more than sufficient to repay the whole of the capital at the commencement of the winding up.
Calls on Ordinary Shares and Forfeiture of Ordinary Shares
Our board of directors may from time to time make calls upon shareholders for any amounts unpaid on their Class A Ordinary Shares or Class B Ordinary Shares in a notice served to such shareholders at least 14 clear days prior to the specified time and place of payment. The shares that have been called upon and remain unpaid on the specified time are subject to forfeiture.
Redemption of Shares
Neither the Class A Ordinary Shares nor the Class B Ordinary Shares are redeemable at the option of the holder.
23
The Cayman Companies Act and our Memorandum and Articles of Association permit us to purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire our own shares, subject to certain restrictions and requirements under the Cayman Companies Act, our Memorandum and Articles of Association and any applicable requirements imposed from time to time by the Nasdaq and the SEC. In accordance with our Memorandum and Articles of Association and provided the necessary shareholders or board approval have been obtained, we may issue shares on terms that are subject to redemption, at our option or at the option of the holders of these shares, on such terms and in such manner, including out of capital, as may be determined by our board of directors. Under the Cayman Companies Act, the repurchase of any share may be paid out of our company’s profits, out of our share capital account or out of the proceeds of a fresh issue of shares made for the purpose of such repurchase, or, subject to certain conditions, out of capital. If the repurchase proceeds are paid out of our Company’s capital, our Company must, immediately following such payment, be able to pay its debts as they fall due in the ordinary course of business. In addition, under the Cayman Companies Act, no such share may be repurchased (1) unless it is fully paid up, (2) if such repurchase would result in there being no shares outstanding, and (3) unless the manner of purchase (if not so authorized under the Memorandum and Articles of Association) has first been authorized by a resolution of our shareholders. In addition, under the Cayman Companies Act, our Company may accept the surrender of any fully paid share for no consideration unless, as a result of the surrender, the surrender would result in there being no shares outstanding (other than shares held as treasury shares).
Variations of Rights of Shares
The rights attached to any class of shares (unless otherwise provided by the terms of issue of the shares of that class), whether or not our company is being wound-up, may be varied with the consent in writing of the holders of two-thirds of the issued shares of that class or with the sanction of a special resolution passed at a separate meeting of the holders of the shares of the class. The rights conferred upon the holders of the shares of any class issued shall not, unless otherwise expressly provided by the terms of issue of the shares of that class, be deemed to be varied by the creation or issue of further shares ranking pari passu with such existing class of shares.
Changes in the number of shares we are authorized to issue and those in issue
We may from time to time by resolution of shareholders:
| ● | increase the authorized share capital of our Company; |
| ● | subdivide our shares into shares of an amount smaller than that fixed by the Memorandum and Articles of Association; |
| ● | consolidate and divide all or any of its share capital into shares of larger amount than its existing shares; and |
| ● | cancel shares which, at the date of the passing of the resolution, have not been taken or agreed to be taken by any person, and diminish the amount of its share capital by the amount of the shares so cancelled. |
Issuance of Additional Shares
Our Memorandum and Articles of Association authorizes our board of directors to issue additional Class A Ordinary Shares or Class B Ordinary Shares from time to time as our board of directors shall determine, to the extent of available authorized but unissued shares.
Issuance of additional shares may dilute the voting power of holders of Class A Ordinary Shares and Class B Ordinary Shares. However, our Memorandum and Articles of Association provide for authorized share capital comprising Class A Ordinary Shares and Class B Ordinary Shares and to the extent the rights attached to any class may be varied, the Company must comply with the provisions in the Memorandum and Articles of Association relating to variations to rights of shares.
24
Anti-Takeover Provisions
Some provisions of our Memorandum and Articles of Association may discourage, delay or prevent a change of control of our Company or management that shareholders may consider favorable. Our authorized, but unissued Class A Ordinary Shares and Class B Ordinary Shares are available for future issuance without shareholders’ approval and could be utilized for a variety of corporate purposes, including future offerings to raise additional capital, acquisitions and employee benefit plans. The existence of authorized but unissued Class A Ordinary Shares and Class B Ordinary Shares could render more difficult or discourage an attempt to obtain control of us by means of a proxy contest, tender offer, merger or otherwise.
However, under Cayman Islands law, our directors may only exercise the rights and powers granted to them under our Memorandum and Articles of Association for a proper purpose and for what they believe in good faith to be in the best interests of our Company.
Inspection of Books and Records
Holders of our ordinary shares will have no general right under Cayman Islands law to inspect or obtain copies of our list of shareholders or our corporate records (other than the memorandum and articles of association and any special resolutions passed by such companies, and the register of mortgages and charges of such companies). However, we will provide our shareholders with annual audited financial statements.
General Meetings of Shareholders and Shareholder Proposals
Our shareholders’ general meetings may be held in such place within or outside the Cayman Islands as our Board of Directors considers appropriate.
As a Cayman Islands exempted company, we are not obliged by the Companies Act (As Revised) of the Cayman Islands to call shareholders’ annual general meetings. The directors may, whenever they think fit, convene an extraordinary general meeting.
Shareholders’ general meetings and any other general meetings of our shareholders may be convened by a majority of our Board of Directors. Our Board of Directors shall give not less than five days’ written notice of a shareholders’ meeting to those persons whose names appear as members in our register of members on the date the notice is given (or on any other date determined by our directors to be the record date for such meeting) and who are entitled to vote at the meeting.
Cayman Islands law provides shareholders with only limited rights to requisition a general meeting, and does not provide shareholders with any right to put any proposal before a general meeting. However, these rights may be provided in a company’s articles of association. Our Memorandum and Articles of Association allow our shareholders holding shares representing in aggregate not less than ten percent of the rights to vote at such general meeting to requisition an extraordinary general meeting of our shareholders, in which case our directors are obliged to call such meeting and to put the resolutions so requisitioned to a vote at such meeting; otherwise, our Memorandum and Articles of Association do not provide our shareholders with any right to put any proposals before annual general meetings or extraordinary general meetings not called by such shareholders.
Exempted Company
We are an exempted company with limited liability under the Companies Act (As Revised) of the Cayman Islands. The Companies Act (As Revised) of the Cayman Islands distinguishes between ordinary resident companies and exempted companies. A Cayman Islands exempted company:
| ● | is a company that conducts its business mainly outside of the Cayman Islands; |
| ● | is exempted from certain requirements of the Companies Act (As Revised) of the Cayman Islands, including the filing an annual return of its shareholders with the Registrar of Companies; |
| ● | does not have to make its register of members open for inspection; |
| ● | does not have to hold an annual general meeting |
25
| ● | may issue negotiable or bearer shares or shares with no par value (subject to the provisions of the Companies Act (As Revised) of the Cayman Islands); |
| ● | may obtain an undertaking against the imposition of any future taxation (such undertakings are usually given for 20 years in the first instance); and |
| ● | may register by way of continuation in another jurisdiction and be deregistered in the Cayman Islands. |
“Limited liability” means that the liability of each shareholder is limited to the amount unpaid by the shareholder on the shares of the company (except in exceptional circumstances, such as involving fraud, the establishment of an agency relationship or an illegal or improper purpose or other circumstances in which a court may be prepared to pierce or lift the corporate veil).
Register of Members
Under Cayman Islands law, we must keep a register of members and there should be entered therein:
| ● | the names and addresses of the members, a statement of the shares held by each member, and of the amount paid or agreed to be considered as paid, on the shares of each member; |
| ● | the date on which the name of any person was entered on the register as a member; and |
| ● | the date on which any person ceased to be a member. |
Under Cayman Islands law, the register of members of our Company is prima facie evidence of the matters set out therein (i.e. the register of members will raise a presumption of fact on the matters referred to above unless rebutted) and a member registered in the register of members is deemed as a matter of Cayman Islands law to have legal title to the shares as set against its name in the register of members. Once our register of members has been updated, the shareholders recorded in the register of members are deemed to have legal title to the shares set against their name.
If the name of any person is incorrectly entered in, or omitted from, our register of members, or if there is any default or unnecessary delay in entering on the register the fact of any person having ceased to be a member of our Company, the person or member aggrieved (or any member of our Company or our Company itself) may apply to the Cayman Islands Grand Court for an order that the register be rectified, and the Court may either refuse such application or it may, if satisfied of the justice of the case, make an order for the rectification of the register.
Indemnification of Directors and Executive Officers and Limitation of Liability
Cayman Islands law does not limit the extent to which a company’s Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association may provide for indemnification of officers and directors, except to the extent any such provision may be held by the Cayman Islands courts to be contrary to public policy, such as to provide indemnification against civil fraud or the consequences of committing a crime. Our Memorandum and Articles of Association require us to indemnify our officers and directors for actions, proceedings, claims, losses, damages, costs, liabilities and expenses (“Indemnified Losses”) incurred in their capacities as such unless such Indemnified Losses arise from dishonesty of such directors or officers. This standard of conduct is generally the same as permitted under the Delaware General Corporation Law for a Delaware corporation.
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.
26
Material Differences between U.S. Corporate Law and Cayman Islands Corporate Law
The Companies Act (As Revised) of the Cayman Islands is modeled after that of English law but does not follow many recent English law statutory enactments. In addition, the Companies Act (As Revised) of the Cayman Islands differs from laws applicable to United States corporations and their shareholders. Set forth below is a summary of the significant differences between the provisions of the Companies Act (As Revised) of the Cayman Islands applicable to us and the laws applicable to companies incorporated in the State of Delaware.
Mergers and Similar Arrangements. A merger of two or more constituent companies under Cayman Islands law requires a plan of merger or consolidation to be approved by the directors of each constituent company and authorization by (a) a special resolution of the shareholders and (b) such other authorization, if any, as may be specified in such constituent company’s articles of association.
A merger between a Cayman Islands parent company and its Cayman Islands subsidiary or subsidiaries does not require authorization by a resolution of shareholders of that Cayman Islands subsidiary if a copy of the plan of merger is given to every member of that Cayman Islands subsidiary to be merged unless that member agrees otherwise. For this purpose a subsidiary is a company of which at least ninety percent (90%) of the issued shares entitled to vote are owned by the parent company.
The consent of each holder of a fixed or floating security interest over a constituent company is required unless this requirement is waived by a court in the Cayman Islands.
Save in certain circumstances, a dissentient shareholder of a Cayman constituent company is entitled to payment of the fair value of his shares upon dissenting to a merger or consolidation. The exercise of appraisal rights will preclude the exercise of any other rights save for the right to seek relief on the grounds that the merger or consolidation is void or unlawful.
In addition, there are statutory provisions that facilitate the reconstruction and amalgamation of companies. Those provisions provide that if a majority in number representing 75% in value of the creditors or class of creditors (as the case may be) present and voting either in person or by proxy at the meeting, agree to any compromise or arrangement, the compromise or arrangement shall, if sanctioned by the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands, be binding on all the creditors or the class of creditors, as the case may be, and also on the company or, where a company is in the course of being wound up, on the liquidator and contributories of the company. Alternatively, if 75% in value of the members or class of members (as the case may be) present and voting either in person or by proxy at the meeting, agree to any compromise or arrangement, the compromise or arrangement shall, if sanctioned by the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands, be binding on all the members or the class of members, as the case may be, and also on the company or, where a company is in the course of being wound up, on the liquidator and contributories of the company. The convening of the meetings and subsequently the arrangement must be sanctioned by the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands. While a dissenting shareholder has the right to express to the court the view that the transaction ought not to be approved, the court can be expected to approve the arrangement if it determines that:
| ● | the statutory provisions as to the required majority vote have been met; |
| ● | the shareholders have been fairly represented at the meeting in question and the statutory majority are acting bona fide without coercion of the minority to promote interests adverse to those of the class; |
| ● | the arrangement is such that may be reasonably approved by an intelligent and honest man of that class acting in respect of his interest; and |
| ● | the arrangement is not one that would more properly be sanctioned under some other provision of the Companies Act (As Revised) of the Cayman Islands. |
When a takeover offer is made and accepted by holders of 90.0% of the shares within four months, the offeror may, within a two-month period commencing on the expiration of such four month period, require the holders of the remaining shares to transfer such shares on the terms of the offer. An objection can be made to the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands but this is unlikely to succeed in the case of an offer which has been so approved unless there is evidence of fraud, bad faith or collusion.
When a takeover offer is made and accepted by holders of 90.0% of the shares within four months, the offeror may, within a two-month period commencing on the expiration of such four month period, require the holders of the remaining shares to transfer such shares on the terms of the offer. An objection can be made to the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands but this is unlikely to succeed in the case of an offer which has been so approved unless there is evidence of fraud, bad faith or collusion.
27
If an arrangement and reconstruction is thus approved, the dissenting shareholder would have no rights comparable to appraisal rights, which would otherwise ordinarily be available to dissenting shareholders of Delaware corporations, providing rights to receive payment in cash for the judicially determined value of the shares.
Shareholders’ Suits. In principle, we will normally be the proper plaintiff and as a general rule a derivative action may not be brought by a minority shareholder. However, based on English authorities, which would in all likelihood be of persuasive authority in the Cayman Islands, there are exceptions to the foregoing principle, including when:
| ● | a company acts or proposes to act illegally or ultra vires; |
| ● | the act complained of, although not ultra vires, could only be effected duly if authorized by more than a simple majority vote that has not been obtained; and |
| ● | those who control the company are perpetrating a “fraud on the minority.” |
Indemnification of Directors and Executive Officers and Limitation of Liability. Cayman Islands law does not limit the extent to which a company’s Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association may provide for indemnification of officers and directors, except to the extent any such provision may be held by the Cayman Islands courts to be contrary to public policy, such as to provide indemnification against civil fraud or the consequences of committing a crime. Our current Memorandum and Articles of Association permit indemnification of officers and directors for losses, damages, costs and expenses incurred in their capacities as such unless such losses or damages arise from dishonesty or fraud of such directors or officers. 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 the 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 reasonably believes to be in the best interests of the corporation. He must not use his 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 Cayman Islands law, a director of a Cayman Islands company is in the position of a fiduciary with respect to the company and therefore it is considered that he or she owes the following duties to the company - a duty to act bona fide in the best interests of the company, a duty not to make a profit based on his or her position as director (unless the company permits him or her to do so) and a duty not to put himself or herself in a position where the interests of the company conflict with his or her personal interest or his or her duty to a third party. A director of a Cayman Islands company owes to the company a duty to act with skill and care. It was previously considered that a director need not exhibit in the performance of his or her duties a greater degree of skill than may reasonably be expected from a person of his or her knowledge and experience. However, English and Commonwealth courts have moved towards an objective standard with regard to the required skill and care and these authorities are likely to be followed in the Cayman Islands.
28
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. Cayman Islands law and our current Memorandum and 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.
Cayman Islands law does not provide shareholders any right to put proposals before a meeting or requisition a general meeting. However, these rights may be provided in articles of association. Our current articles of association allow our shareholders holding not less than one-third of all voting power of our share capital in issue to requisition a shareholder’s meeting. Other than this right to requisition a shareholders’ meeting, our Memorandum and Articles of Association do not provide our shareholders other right to put proposal before a meeting. As a Cayman Islands exempted company, we are not obliged by law to call shareholders’ annual general meetings.
Cumulative Voting. Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, cumulative voting for elections of directors is not permitted unless the corporation’s certificate of incorporation specifically provides for it. Cumulative voting potentially facilitates the representation of minority shareholders on a board of directors since it permits the minority shareholder to cast all the votes to which the shareholder is entitled on a single director, which increases the shareholder’s voting power with respect to electing such director. There are no prohibitions in relation to cumulative voting under the laws of the Cayman Islands, but the Memorandum and Articles of Association does not provide for cumulative voting. As a result, our shareholders are not afforded any less protections or rights on this issue than shareholders of a Delaware corporation.
Removal of Directors. Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, a director of a corporation with a classified board may be removed only for cause with the approval of a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote, unless the certificate of incorporation provides otherwise. Under the Memorandum and Articles of Association, directors may be removed with or without cause, by an ordinary resolution of our shareholders.
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 target’s 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 target’s board of directors.
Cayman Islands law has no comparable statute. As a result, we cannot avail ourselves of the types of protections afforded by the Delaware business combination statute. However, although Cayman Islands law does not regulate transactions between a company and its significant shareholders, 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 minority shareholders.
Dissolution; Winding up. Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, unless the board of directors approves the proposal to dissolve, dissolution must be approved by shareholders holding 100% of the total voting power of the corporation. Only if the dissolution is initiated by the board of directors may it be approved by a simple majority of the corporation’s outstanding shares. Delaware law allows a Delaware corporation to include in its certificate of incorporation a supermajority voting requirement in connection with dissolutions initiated by the board. Under Cayman Islands law, a company may be wound up by either an order of the courts of the Cayman Islands or by a special resolution of its members or, if the company is unable to pay its debts as they fall due, by an ordinary resolution of its members. 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 Companies Act (As Revised) of the Cayman Islands and the Memorandum and Articles of Association, our company may be dissolved, liquidated or wound up by a special resolution of our shareholders.
29
Variation of Rights of Shares. Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, a corporation may vary the rights of a class of shares with the approval of a majority of the outstanding shares of such class, unless the certificate of incorporation provides otherwise. Under Cayman Islands law and the Memorandum and Articles of Association, if our share capital is divided into more than one class of shares, we may vary the rights attached to any class with the written consent of the holders of two-thirds of the issued shares of that class or with the sanction of a resolution passed by not less than two-thirds of such holders of the shares of that class as may be present at a general meeting of the holders of the shares of that class.
Amendment of Governing Documents. Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, a corporation’s governing documents may be amended with the approval of a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote, unless the certificate of incorporation provides otherwise. As permitted by Cayman Islands law, our current Memorandum and Articles of Association may only be amended with a special resolution of our shareholders.
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 the Memorandum and Articles of Association governing the ownership threshold above which shareholder ownership must be disclosed.
Anti-money Laundering — Cayman Islands
In order to comply with legislation or regulations aimed at the prevention of money laundering, we are required to adopt and maintain anti-money laundering procedures and may require subscribers to provide evidence to verify their identity and source of funds. Where permitted, and subject to certain conditions, we may also delegate the maintenance of our anti-money laundering procedures (including the acquisition of due diligence information) to a suitable person.
We reserve the right to request such information as is necessary to verify the identity of a subscriber. In some cases, the directors may be satisfied that no further information is required since an exemption applies under the Anti-Money Laundering Regulations (Revised) of the Cayman Islands, as amended and revised from time to time (the “Regulations”). Depending on the circumstances of each application, a detailed verification of identity might not be required where:
| (a) | the subscriber makes the payment for their investment from an account held in the subscriber’s name at a recognized financial institution; or | |
| (b) | the subscriber is regulated by a recognized regulatory authority and is based or incorporated in, or formed under the law of, a recognized jurisdiction; or | |
| (c) | the application is made through an intermediary which is regulated by a recognized regulatory authority and is based in or incorporated in, or formed under the law of a recognized jurisdiction and an assurance is provided in relation to the procedures undertaken on the underlying investors. |
For the purposes of these exceptions, recognition of a financial institution, regulatory authority, or jurisdiction will be determined in accordance with the Regulations by reference to those jurisdictions recognized by the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority as having equivalent anti-money laundering regulations.
In the event of delay or failure on the part of the subscriber in producing any information required for verification purposes, we may refuse to accept the application, in which case any funds received will be returned without interest to the account from which they were originally debited.
30
We also reserve the right to refuse to make any redemption payment to a shareholder if our directors or officers suspect or are advised that the payment of redemption proceeds to such shareholder might result in a breach of applicable anti-money laundering or other laws or regulations by any person in any relevant jurisdiction, or if such refusal is considered necessary or appropriate to ensure our compliance with any such laws or regulations in any applicable jurisdiction.
If any person resident in the Cayman Islands knows or suspects or has reason for knowing or suspecting that another person is engaged in criminal conduct or is involved with terrorism or terrorist property and the information for that knowledge or suspicion came to their attention in the course of their business in the regulated sector, or other trade, profession, business or employment, the person will be required to report such knowledge or suspicion to (i) a nominated officer (appointed in accordance with the Proceeds of Crime Act (Revised) of the Cayman Islands) or the Financial Reporting Authority of the Cayman Islands, pursuant to the Proceeds of Crime Act (Revised), if the disclosure relates to criminal conduct or money laundering or (ii) to a police constable or a nominated officer (pursuant to the Terrorism Act (Revised) of the Cayman Islands) or the Financial Reporting Authority, pursuant to the Terrorism Act (Revised), if the disclosure relates to involvement with terrorism or terrorist financing and terrorist property. Such a report shall not be treated as a breach of confidence or of any restriction upon the disclosure of information imposed by any enactment or otherwise.
Data Protection in the Cayman Islands — Privacy Notice
This privacy notice explains the manner in which we collect, process, and maintain personal data about our investors pursuant to the Data Protection Act (Revised) of the Cayman Islands, as amended from time to time and any regulations, codes of practice, or orders promulgated pursuant thereto (the “DPA”).
We are committed to processing personal data in accordance with the DPA. In our use of personal data, we will be characterized under the DPA as a “data controller,” whilst certain of our service providers, affiliates, and delegates may act as “data processors” under the DPA. These service providers may process personal information for their own lawful purposes in connection with services provided to us.
For the purpose of this privacy notice, “you” or “your” shall mean the subscriber and shall also include any individual connected to the subscriber.
By virtue of your investment in our Company, we and certain of our service providers may collect, record, store, transfer, and otherwise process personal data by which individuals may be directly or indirectly identified. We may combine personal data that you provide to us with personal data that we collect from, or about you. This may include personal data collected in an online or offline context including from credit reference agencies and other available public databases or data sources, such as news outlines, websites and other media sources and international sanctions lists.
Your personal data will be processed fairly and for lawful purposes, including (a) where the processing is necessary for us to perform a contract to which you are a party or for taking pre-contractual steps at your request, (b) where the processing is necessary for compliance with any legal, tax, or regulatory obligation to which we are subject, or (c) where the processing is for the purposes of legitimate interests pursued by us or by a service provider to whom the data are disclosed, or (d) where you otherwise consent to the processing of personal data for any other specific purpose. As a data controller, we will only use your personal data for the purposes for which we collected it. If we need to use your personal data for an unrelated purpose, we will contact you.
We anticipate that we will share your personal data with our service providers for the purposes set out in this privacy notice. We may also share relevant personal data where it is lawful to do so and necessary to comply with our contractual obligations or your instructions or where it is necessary or desirable to do so in connection with any regulatory reporting obligations. In exceptional circumstances, we will share your personal data with regulatory, prosecuting, and other governmental agencies or departments, and parties to litigation (whether pending or threatened), in any country or territory including to any other person where we have a public or legal duty to do so (e.g. to assist with detecting and preventing fraud, tax evasion, and financial crime or compliance with a court order).
31
Your personal data shall not be held by our Company for longer than necessary with regard to the purposes of the data processing.
We will not sell your personal data. Any transfer of personal data outside of the Cayman Islands shall be in accordance with the requirements of the DPA. Where necessary, we will ensure that separate and appropriate legal agreements are put in place with the recipient of that data.
We will only transfer personal data in accordance with the requirements of the DPA, and will apply appropriate technical and organizational information security measures designed to protect against unauthorized or unlawful processing of the personal data and against the accidental loss, destruction, or damage to the personal data.
If you are a natural person, this will affect you directly. If you are a corporate investor (including, for these purposes, legal arrangements such as trusts or exempted limited partnerships) that provides us with personal data on individuals connected to you for any reason in relation to your investment into our Company, this will be relevant for those individuals and you should transmit this document to those individuals for their awareness and consideration.
You have certain rights under the DPA, including (a) the right to be informed as to how we collect and use your personal data (and this privacy notice fulfils our obligation in this respect), (b) the right to obtain a copy of your personal data, (c) the right to require us to stop direct marketing, (d) the right to have inaccurate or incomplete personal data corrected, (e) the right to withdraw your consent and require us to stop processing or restrict the processing, or not begin the processing of your personal data, (f) the right to be notified of a data breach (unless the breach is unlikely to be prejudicial), (g) the right to obtain information as to any countries or territories outside the Cayman Islands to which we, whether directly or indirectly, transfer, intend to transfer, or wish to transfer your personal data, general measures we take to ensure the security of personal data, and any information available to us as to the source of your personal data, (h) the right to complain to the Office of the Ombudsman of the Cayman Islands, and (i) the right to require us to delete your personal data in some limited circumstances.
If you do not wish to provide us with requested personal data or subsequently withdraw your consent, you may not be able to invest in our Company or remain invested in our Company as it will affect our ability to manage your investment.
If you consider that your personal data has not been handled correctly, or you are not satisfied with our responses to any requests you have made regarding the use of your personal data, you have the right to complain to the Cayman Islands’ Ombudsman. The Ombudsman can be contacted by calling +1 (345) 946-6283 or by email at info@ombudsman.ky.
Economic Substance Legislation of the Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands, together with several other non-European Union jurisdictions, have introduced legislation aimed at addressing concerns raised by the Council of the European Union as to offshore structures engaged in certain activities which attract profits without real economic activity. With effect from January 1, 2019, the International Tax Co-operation (Economic Substance) Act (Revised) (the “Substance Act”) came into force in the Cayman Islands in January 2019 introducing certain economic substance requirements for in-scope Cayman Islands entities which are engaged in certain “relevant activities.” An exempted company incorporated in the Cayman Islands as is our Company is an in-scope Cayman Islands entity; however, it does not include an entity that is tax resident outside the Cayman Islands. Based on the current interpretations of the Substance Act, our Company is a “pure equity holding company” and will therefore likely be subject to more limited substance requirements. However, as it is a relatively new regime, it is anticipated that the Substance Act will evolve and be subject to further clarification and amendments. Failure to satisfy applicable requirements may subject us to penalties under the Substance Act.
32
Preferred Shares
As all the current authorized share capital is designated as Ordinary Shares, shareholders’ special resolution will be needed to amend the Company’s M&A to alter its authorized share capital if the Company decides to issue preferred shares and following such amendment to the Company’s M&As, a copy must be filed with the Registrar of Companies of the Cayman Islands. After such resolution and amendment to the Company’s M&As in accordance with and following filing amended and restated M&As with the Registrar of Companies of the Cayman Islands, the Board is empowered to allot and/or issue (with or without rights of renunciation), grant options over, offer or otherwise deal with or dispose of any unissued shares of the Company (whether forming part of the original or any increased share capital), either at a premium or at par, with or without preferred, deferred or other special rights or restrictions, whether in regard to dividend, voting, return of capital or otherwise and to such persons, on such terms and conditions, and at such times as the Board may decide and they may allot or otherwise dispose of them to such persons (including any director of the Board) on such terms and conditions and at such time as the Board may determine.
You should refer to the prospectus supplement relating to the series of preferred shares being offered for the specific terms of that series, including:
| ● | title of the series and the number of shares in the series; |
| ● | the price at which the preferred shares will be offered; |
| ● | the dividend rate or rates or method of calculating the rates, the dates on which the dividends will be payable, whether or not dividends will be cumulative or noncumulative and, if cumulative, the dates from which dividends on the preferred shares being offered will cumulate; |
| ● | the voting rights, if any, of the holders of preferred shares being offered; |
| ● | the provisions for a sinking fund, if any, and the provisions for redemption, if applicable, of the preferred shares being offered, including any restrictions on the foregoing as a result of arrearage in the payment of dividends or sinking fund installments; |
| ● | the liquidation preference per share; |
33
| ● | the terms and conditions, if applicable, upon which the preferred shares being offered will be convertible into our Ordinary Shares, including the conversion price, or the manner of calculating the conversion price, and the conversion period; |
| ● | the terms and conditions, if applicable, upon which the preferred shares being offered will be exchangeable for debt securities, including the exchange price, or the manner of calculating the exchange price, and the exchange period; |
| ● | any listing of the preferred shares being offered on any securities exchange; |
| ● | a discussion of any material federal income tax considerations applicable to the preferred shares being offered; |
| ● | any preemptive rights; |
| ● | the relative ranking and preferences of the preferred shares being offered as to dividend rights and rights upon liquidation, dissolution or the winding up of our affairs; |
| ● | any limitations on the issuance of any class or series of preferred shares ranking senior or equal to the series of preferred shares being offered as to dividend rights and rights upon liquidation, dissolution or the winding up of our affairs; and |
| ● | any additional rights, preferences, qualifications, limitations and restrictions of the series. |
Upon issuance, the preferred shares will be fully paid and nonassessable, which means that its holders will have paid their purchase price in full and we may not require them to pay additional funds.
Any preferred share terms selected by the Board could decrease the amount of earnings and assets available for distribution to holders of our Ordinary Shares or adversely affect the rights and power, including voting rights, of the holders of our Ordinary Shares without any further vote or action by the stockholders. The rights of holders of our Ordinary Shares will be subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the holders of any preferred shares that may be issued by us in the future. The issuance of preferred shares could also have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control of our company or make removal of management more difficult.
34
Description of Debt Securities
As used in this prospectus, the term “debt securities” means the debentures, notes, bonds and other evidences of indebtedness that we may issue from time to time. The debt securities will either be senior debt securities, senior subordinated debt or subordinated debt securities. We may also issue convertible debt securities. Debt securities issued under an indenture (which we refer to herein as an Indenture) will be entered into between us and a trustee to be named therein. It is likely that convertible debt securities will not be issued under an Indenture.
The Indenture or forms of Indentures, if any, will be filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.
As you read this section, please remember that for each series of debt securities, the specific terms of your debt security as described in the applicable prospectus supplement will supplement and, if applicable, may modify or replace the general terms described in the summary below. The statement we make in this section may not apply to your debt security.
Events of Default Under the Indenture
Unless we provide otherwise in the prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus applicable to a particular series of debt securities, the following are events of default under the indentures with respect to any series of debt securities that we may issue:
| ● | if we fail to pay the principal or premium, if any, when due and payable at maturity, upon redemption or repurchase or otherwise; |
| ● | if we fail to pay interest when due and payable and our failure continues for certain days; |
| ● | if we fail to observe or perform any other covenant contained in the Securities of a Series or in this Indenture, and our failure continues for certain days after we receive written notice from the trustee or holders of at least certain percentage in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the applicable series. The written notice must specify the Default, demand that it be remedied and state that the notice is a “Notice of Default”; |
| ● | if specified events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization occur; and |
| ● | if any other event of default provided with respect to securities of that series, which is specified in a Board Resolution, a supplemental indenture hereto or an Officers’ Certificate as defined in the Form of Indenture. |
We covenant in the Form of Indenture to deliver a certificate to the trustee annually, within certain days after the close of the fiscal year, to show that we are in compliance with the terms of the indenture and that we have not defaulted under the indenture.
Nonetheless, if we issue debt securities, the terms of the debt securities and the final form of indenture will be provided in a prospectus supplement. Please refer to the prospectus supplement and the form of indenture attached thereto for the terms and conditions of the offered debt securities. The terms and conditions may or may not include whether or not we must furnish periodic evidence showing that an event of default does not exist or that we are in compliance with the terms of the indenture.
The statements and descriptions in this prospectus or in any prospectus supplement regarding provisions of the Indentures and debt securities are summaries thereof, do not purport to be complete and are subject to, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, all of the provisions of the Indentures (and any amendments or supplements we may enter into from time to time which are permitted under each Indenture) and the debt securities, including the definitions therein of certain terms.
35
General
Unless otherwise specified in a prospectus supplement, the debt securities will be direct secured or unsecured obligations of our company. The senior debt securities will rank equally with any of our other unsecured senior and unsubordinated debt. The subordinated debt securities will be subordinate and junior in right of payment to any senior indebtedness.
We may issue debt securities from time to time in one or more series, in each case with the same or various maturities, at par or at a discount. Unless indicated in a prospectus supplement, we may issue additional debt securities of a particular series without the consent of the holders of the debt securities of such series outstanding at the time of the issuance. Any such additional debt securities, together with all other outstanding debt securities of that series, will constitute a single series of debt securities under the applicable Indenture and will be equal in ranking.
Should an indenture relate to unsecured indebtedness, in the event of a bankruptcy or other liquidation event involving a distribution of assets to satisfy our outstanding indebtedness or an event of default under a loan agreement relating to secured indebtedness of our company or its subsidiaries, the holders of such secured indebtedness, if any, would be entitled to receive payment of principal and interest prior to payments on the senior indebtedness issued under an Indenture.
Prospectus Supplement
Each prospectus supplement will describe the terms relating to the specific series of debt securities being offered. These terms will include some or all of the following:
| ● | the title of debt securities and whether they are subordinated, senior subordinated or senior debt securities; |
| ● | any limit on the aggregate principal amount of debt securities of such series; |
| ● | the percentage of the principal amount at which the debt securities of any series will be issued; |
| ● | the ability to issue additional debt securities of the same series; |
| ● | the purchase price for the debt securities and the denominations of the debt securities; |
| ● | the specific designation of the series of debt securities being offered; |
| ● | the maturity date or dates of the debt securities and the date or dates upon which the debt securities are payable and the rate or rates at which the debt securities of the series shall bear interest, if any, which may be fixed or variable, or the method by which such rate shall be determined; |
| ● | the basis for calculating interest if other than 360-day year or twelve 30-day months; |
| ● | the date or dates from which any interest will accrue or the method by which such date or dates will be determined; |
| ● | the duration of any deferral period, including the maximum consecutive period during which interest payment periods may be extended; |
| ● | whether the amount of payments of principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on the debt securities may be determined with reference to any index, formula or other method, such as one or more currencies, commodities, equity indices or other indices, and the manner of determining the amount of such payments; |
| ● | the dates on which we will pay interest on the debt securities and the regular record date for determining who is entitled to the interest payable on any interest payment date; |
36
| ● | the place or places where the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on the debt securities will be payable, where any securities may be surrendered for registration of transfer, exchange or conversion, as applicable, and notices and demands may be delivered to or upon us pursuant to the applicable Indenture; |
| ● | the rate or rates of amortization of the debt securities; |
| ● | if we possess the option to do so, the periods within which and the prices at which we may redeem the debt securities, in whole or in part, pursuant to optional redemption provisions, and the other terms and conditions of any such provisions; |
| ● | our obligation or discretion, if any, to redeem, repay or purchase debt securities by making periodic payments to a sinking fund or through an analogous provision or at the option of holders of the debt securities, and the period or periods within which and the price or prices at which we will redeem, repay or purchase the debt securities, in whole or in part, pursuant to such obligation, and the other terms and conditions of such obligation; |
| ● | the terms and conditions, if any, regarding the option or mandatory conversion or exchange of debt securities; |
| ● | the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and the terms and conditions upon which any debt securities of the series may be redeemed, in whole or in part at our option and, if other than by a board resolution, the manner in which any election by us to redeem the debt securities shall be evidenced; |
| ● | any restriction or condition on the transferability of the debt securities of a particular series; |
| ● | the portion, or methods of determining the portion, of the principal amount of the debt securities which we must pay upon the acceleration of the maturity of the debt securities in connection with any event of default if other than the full principal amount; |
| ● | the currency or currencies in which the debt securities will be denominated and in which principal, any premium and any interest will or may be payable or a description of any units based on or relating to a currency or currencies in which the debt securities will be denominated; |
| ● | provisions, if any, granting special rights to holders of the debt securities upon the occurrence of specified events; |
| ● | any deletions from, modifications of or additions to the events of default or our covenants with respect to the applicable series of debt securities, and whether or not such events of default or covenants are consistent with those contained in the applicable Indenture; |
| ● | any limitation on our ability to incur debt, redeem stock, sell our assets or other restrictions; |
| ● | the application, if any, of the terms of the applicable Indenture relating to defeasance and covenant defeasance (which terms are described below) to the debt securities; |
| ● | what subordination provisions will apply to the debt securities; |
| ● | the terms, if any, upon which the holders may convert or exchange the debt securities into or for our Ordinary Shares, preferred shares or other securities or property; |
| ● | whether we are issuing the debt securities in whole or in part in global form; |
37
| ● | any change in the right of the trustee or the requisite holders of debt securities to declare the principal amount thereof due and payable because of an event of default; |
| ● | the depositary for global or certificated debt securities, if any; |
| ● | any material federal income tax consequences applicable to the debt securities, including any debt securities denominated and made payable, as described in the prospectus supplements, in foreign currencies, or units based on or related to foreign currencies; |
| ● | any right we may have to satisfy, discharge and defease our obligations under the debt securities, or terminate or eliminate restrictive covenants or events of default in the Indentures, by depositing money or U.S. government obligations with the trustee of the Indentures; |
| ● | the names of any trustees, depositories, authenticating or paying agents, transfer agents or registrars or other agents with respect to the debt securities; |
| ● | to whom any interest on any debt security shall be payable, if other than the person in whose name the security is registered, on the record date for such interest, the extent to which, or the manner in which, any interest payable on a temporary global debt security will be paid if other than in the manner provided in the applicable Indenture; |
| ● | if the principal of or any premium or interest on any debt securities is to be payable in one or more currencies or currency units other than as stated, the currency, currencies or currency units in which it shall be paid and the periods within and terms and conditions upon which such election is to be made and the amounts payable (or the manner in which such amount shall be determined); |
| ● | the portion of the principal amount of any debt securities which shall be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity of the debt securities pursuant to the applicable Indenture if other than the entire principal amount; |
| ● | if the principal amount payable at the stated maturity of any debt security of the series will not be determinable as of any one or more dates prior to the stated maturity, the amount which shall be deemed to be the principal amount of such debt securities as of any such date for any purpose, including the principal amount thereof which shall be due and payable upon any maturity other than the stated maturity or which shall be deemed to be outstanding as of any date prior to the stated maturity (or, in any such case, the manner in which such amount deemed to be the principal amount shall be determined); and |
| ● | any other specific terms of the debt securities, including any modifications to the events of default under the debt securities and any other terms which may be required by or advisable under applicable laws or regulations. |
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, the debt securities will not be listed on any securities exchange. Holders of the debt securities may present registered debt securities for exchange or transfer in the manner described in the applicable prospectus supplement. Except as limited by the applicable Indenture, we will provide these services without charge, other than any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection with the exchange or transfer.
Debt securities may bear interest at a fixed rate or a variable rate as specified in the prospectus supplement. In addition, if specified in the prospectus supplement, we may sell debt securities bearing no interest or interest at a rate that at the time of issuance is below the prevailing market rate, or at a discount below their stated principal amount. We will describe in the applicable prospectus supplement any special federal income tax considerations applicable to these discounted debt securities.
We may issue debt securities with the principal amount payable on any principal payment date, or the amount of interest payable on any interest payment date, to be determined by referring to one or more currency exchange rates, commodity prices, equity indices or other factors. Holders of such debt securities may receive a principal amount on any principal payment date, or interest payments on any interest payment date, that are greater or less than the amount of principal or interest otherwise payable on such dates, depending upon the value on such dates of applicable currency, commodity, equity index or other factors. The applicable prospectus supplement will contain information as to how we will determine the amount of principal or interest payable on any date, as well as the currencies, commodities, equity indices or other factors to which the amount payable on that date relates and certain additional tax considerations.
38
We may issue warrants to purchase our Class A Ordinary Shares, debt securities or any combination thereof. Warrants may be issued independently or together with any other securities that may be sold by us pursuant to this prospectus or any combination of the foregoing and may be attached to, or separate from, such securities. To the extent warrants that we issue are to be publicly-traded, each series of such warrants will be issued under a separate warrant agreement to be entered into between us and a warrant agent. While the terms we have summarized below will apply generally to any warrants that we may offer under this prospectus, we will describe in particular the terms of any series of warrants that we may offer in more detail in the applicable prospectus supplement and any applicable free writing prospectus. The terms of any warrants offered under a prospectus supplement may differ from the terms described below.
We will file as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, or will incorporate by reference from another report that we file with the SEC, the form of the warrant and/or warrant agreement, if any, which may include a form of warrant certificate, as applicable that describes the terms of the particular series of warrants we may offer before the issuance of the related series of warrants. We may issue the warrants under a warrant agreement that we will enter into with a warrant agent to be selected by us. The warrant agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the warrants and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any registered holders of warrants or beneficial owners of warrants. The following summary of material provisions of the warrants and warrant agreements is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, all the provisions of the form of warrant and/or warrant agreement and warrant certificate applicable to a particular series of warrants. We urge you to read the applicable prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus, as well as the complete form of warrant and/or the warrant agreement and warrant certificate, as applicable, that contain the terms of the warrants.
The particular terms of any issue of warrants will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to the issue. Those terms may include:
| ● | the title of the warrants; |
| ● | the price or prices at which the warrants will be issued; |
| ● | the designation, amount and terms of the securities or other rights for which the warrants are exercisable; |
| ● | the designation and terms of the other securities, if any, with which the warrants are to be issued and the number of warrants issued with each other security; |
| ● | the aggregate number of warrants; |
| ● | any provisions for adjustment of the number or amount of securities receivable upon exercise of the warrants or the exercise price of the warrants; |
| ● | the price or prices at which the securities or other rights purchasable upon exercise of the warrants may be purchased; |
39
| ● | if applicable, the date on and after which the warrants and the securities or other rights purchasable upon exercise of the warrants will be separately transferable; |
| ● | a discussion of any material U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to the exercise of the warrants; |
| ● | the date on which the right to exercise the warrants will commence, and the date on which the right will expire; |
| ● | the maximum or minimum number of warrants that may be exercised at any time; |
| ● | information with respect to book-entry procedures, if any; and |
| ● | any other terms of the warrants, including terms, procedures and limitations relating to the exchange and exercise of the warrants. |
Exercise of Warrants
Each warrant will entitle the holder of warrants to purchase the number of Class A Ordinary Shares, preferred shares or debt securities of the relevant class or series at the exercise price stated or determinable in the prospectus supplement for the warrants. Warrants may be exercised at any time up to the close of business on the expiration date shown in the applicable prospectus supplement, unless otherwise specified in such prospectus supplement. After the close of business on the expiration date, if applicable, unexercised warrants will become void. Warrants may be exercised in the manner described in the applicable prospectus supplement. When the warrant holder makes the payment and properly completes and signs the warrant certificate at the corporate trust office of the warrant agent, if any, or any other office indicated in the prospectus supplement, we will, as soon as possible, forward the securities or other rights that the warrant holder has purchased. If the warrant holder exercises less than all of the warrants represented by the warrant certificate, we will issue a new warrant certificate for the remaining warrants. If we so indicate in the applicable prospectus supplement, holders of the warrants may surrender securities as all or part of the exercise price for warrants.
Prior to the exercise of any warrants to purchase Class A Ordinary Shares of the relevant class or series, holders of the warrants will not have any of the rights of holders of Class A Ordinary Shares purchasable upon exercise, including the right to vote or to receive any payments of dividends or payments upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up on the Class A Ordinary Shares purchasable upon exercise, if any.
40
The following description, together with the additional information we may include in any applicable prospectus supplement, summarizes the material terms and provisions of the units that we may offer under this prospectus. While the terms we have summarized below will apply generally to any units that we may offer under this prospectus, we will describe the particular terms of any series of units in more detail in the applicable prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus. The terms of any units offered under a prospectus supplement may differ from the terms described below. However, no prospectus supplement will fundamentally change the terms that are set forth in this prospectus or offer a security that is not registered and described in this prospectus at the time of its effectiveness.
We will file as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, or will incorporate by reference from another report we file with the SEC, the form of unit agreement that describes the terms of the series of units we may offer under this prospectus, and any supplemental agreements, before the issuance of the related series of units. The following summaries of material terms and provisions of the units are subject to, and qualified in their entirety by reference to, all the provisions of the unit agreement and any supplemental agreements applicable to a particular series of units. We urge you to read the applicable prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus, as well as the complete unit agreement and any supplemental agreements that contain the terms of the units.
We may issue units consisting of any combination of the other types of securities offered under this prospectus in one or more series. We may evidence each series of units by unit certificates that we may issue under a separate agreement. We may enter into unit agreements with a unit agent. Each unit agent, if any, may be a bank or trust company that we select. We will indicate the name and address of the unit agent, if any, in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of units. Specific unit agreements, if any, will contain additional important terms and provisions. We will file as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, or will incorporate by reference from a current report that we file with the SEC, the form of unit and the form of each unit agreement, if any, relating to units offered under this prospectus.
If we offer any units, certain terms of that series of units will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement, including, without limitation, the following, as applicable
| ● | the title of the series of units; |
| ● | identification and description of the separate constituent securities comprising the units; |
| ● | the price or prices at which the units will be issued; |
| ● | the date, if any, on and after which the constituent securities comprising the units will be separately transferable; |
| ● | a discussion of certain United States federal income tax considerations applicable to the units; and |
| ● | any other material terms of the units and their constituent securities. |
The provisions described in this section, as well as those described under “Description of Share Capital - Ordinary Shares and Preferred Shares” and “Description of Warrants” will apply to each unit and to any Ordinary Share, preferred share or warrant included in each unit, respectively.
Issuance in Series
We may issue units in such amounts and in numerous distinct series as we determine.
41
We may issue rights to purchase our securities. The rights may or may not be transferable by the persons purchasing or receiving the rights. In connection with any rights offering, we may enter into a standby underwriting or other arrangement with one or more underwriters or other persons pursuant to which such underwriters or other persons would purchase any offered securities remaining unsubscribed for after such rights offering. Each series of rights will be issued under a separate rights agent agreement to be entered into between us and one or more banks, trust companies or other financial institutions, as rights agent, that we will name in the applicable prospectus supplement. The rights agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the rights and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any holders of rights certificates or beneficial owners of rights.
The prospectus supplement relating to any rights that we offer will include specific terms relating to the offering, including, among other matters:
| ● | the date of determining the security holders entitled to the rights distribution; |
| ● | the aggregate number of rights issued and the aggregate amount of securities purchasable upon exercise of the rights; |
| ● | the exercise price; |
| ● | the conditions to completion of the rights offering; |
| ● | the date on which the right to exercise the rights will commence and the date on which the rights will expire; and |
| ● | any applicable federal income tax considerations. |
Each right would entitle the holder of the rights to purchase for cash the principal amount of securities at the exercise price set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. Rights may be exercised at any time up to the close of business on the expiration date for the rights provided in the applicable prospectus supplement. After the close of business on the expiration date, all unexercised rights will become void.
If less than all of the rights issued in any rights offering are exercised, we may offer any unsubscribed securities directly to persons other than our security holders, to or through agents, underwriters or dealers or through a combination of such methods, including pursuant to standby arrangements, as described in the applicable prospectus supplement.
42
Transfer Agent and Registrar
Our transfer agent and registrar is VStock Transfer, LLC. Its address is 18 Lafayette Pl, Woodmere, NY 11598 and its telephone number is (212) 828 8436.
NASDAQ Capital Market Listing
Our Class A Ordinary Shares are listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “WAI.”
43
On November 25, 2024, the Company entered into certain securities purchase agreement (the “SPA”) with the Selling Shareholder as specified in the Selling Shareholders section herein, an accredited investor as such term is defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), pursuant to which the Company agreed to issue to the Selling Shareholder a new series of convertible notes in the original principal amount up to $2,500,000 (the “Convertible Note”), which Convertible Note shall be convertible into Class A Ordinary Shares of the Company, in accordance with the terms of the Note, for $2,250,000 in gross proceeds (the “Offering”). The proceeds will be used for general corporate and working capital purposes at the discretion of the Company.
The Company and the Selling Shareholder have each made customary representations, warranties and covenants in the SPA. The Class A Ordinary Shares issuable upon conversion of the Convertible Note are hereinafter referred to as “Conversion Shares.”
The issuance of the Convertible Note is exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act pursuant to Regulation D promulgated thereunder. The Company agreed to keep adequate public information available and maintain its Nasdaq listing, while the Convertible Note is outstanding. The Company agreed to, within 45 calendar days of the date of the SPA, file an amendment to this registration statement (as so amended, the “Registration Statement”), which amendment shall include a prospectus providing for the resale by the Selling Shareholder of all Conversion Shares. The Company shall cause such Registration Statement to become effective within 105 days following the date of the SPA and to keep such Registration Statement effective at all times until the Selling Shareholder owns no Convertible Note or Conversion Shares issuable upon conversion thereof.
On November 26, 2024, upon satisfying all closing conditions as set forth in the SPA, the Company issued the Convertible Note in the original principal amount of $2,500,000 to the Selling Shareholder. The Convertible Note bears interest at a rate of 11.75% per annum, subject to adjustment from time to time in accordance with the terms of the Convertible Note. All outstanding principal and accrued interest on the Convertible Note will become due and payable twelve months after the issuance of the Convertible Note, and the Selling Shareholder has the option to extend the maturity term for another twenty-four months upon mutual agreement. The Convertible Note includes an original issue discount of 10%. The Company may not prepay any portion of the outstanding principal, accrued and unpaid interest or accrued and unpaid late charges on principal and interest, if any. At any time after the issuance, the Convertible Note is convertible into validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable Class A Ordinary Shares, on the terms and conditions set forth in the Convertible Note. Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, as defined in the Convertible Note, the Selling Shareholder may require the Company to redeem all or any portion of the Note by delivering written notice thereof.
The forms of the SPA and the Convertible Note are filed as Exhibits 4.6 and 4.7, respectively, to this registration statement and such documents are incorporated herein by reference. The foregoing is only a brief description of the material terms of the SPA and the Convertible Note and does not purport to be a complete description of the rights and obligations of the parties thereunder and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such exhibits.
44
This prospectus covers the offering for resale of up to 40,737,952 Class A Ordinary Shares issuable, from time to time, upon the conversion of the Convertible Note of the Company, held by the Selling Shareholder as specified in the table below. We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of Class A Ordinary Shares by the Selling Shareholder.
Pursuant to the SPA, we are obligated to prepare and file an amendment to this registration statement to permit the resale of the Conversion Shares issuable to the Selling Shareholder from time to time.
We have prepared the table, the paragraph immediately following this paragraph, and the related notes based on information supplied to us by the Selling Shareholder and such information is as of December 12, 2024 (except as otherwise noted). We have not sought to verify such information. We believe, based on information supplied by the Selling Shareholder, that except as may otherwise be indicated in the footnotes to the table below, the Selling Shareholder has sole voting and dispositive power with respect to the Conversion Shares.
Because the Selling Shareholder identified in the table may sell some or all of the Conversion Shares which are included in this prospectus, and because there are currently no agreements, arrangements or understandings with respect to the sale of any of the Conversion Shares, no estimate can be given as to the number of the Conversion Shares available for resale. We have, therefore, assumed for the purposes of the following table, that the Selling Shareholder will sell all of the Conversion Shares covered by this prospectus. The Selling Shareholder is not obligated to sell any of the Conversion Shares offered by this prospectus.
Under the terms of the Convertible Note, the Selling Shareholder may not convert the Convertible Note to the extent such conversion would cause such Selling Shareholder, together with its affiliates and attribution parties, to beneficially own a number of Class A Ordinary Shares which would exceed 9.99% of our then-outstanding Class A Ordinary Shares (the “Maximum Percentage”) following such conversion. The number of shares in the second column and ownership percentage in the third column do not reflect this limitation. The Selling Shareholder may sell all, some or none of its shares in this offering. See “Plan of Distribution.”
Except for disclosure in this section, the Selling Shareholders has not had any material relationship with us within the past three years.
| Shares Issuable Prior to Resale | Number of Shares Offered for | Shares Beneficially Owned after Resale(1) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Selling Shareholder | Number | Percent | Resale | Number | Percent | |||||||||||||||
| JAK OPPORTUNITIES VIII LLC(3) | 40,737,952 | (2) | 18.88 | % | 40,737,952 | — | — | |||||||||||||
| (1) | The percent of beneficial ownership for the Selling Shareholder is based on 175,026,751 shares of Class A Ordinary Shares outstanding as of December 12, 2024, without giving effect to the Maximum Percentage. |
| (2) | On November 26, we issued a convertible note of the Company in the aggregate original principal amount of $2,500,000 to the Selling Shareholder at an annual interest rate of 11.75% with the maturity term of one year, which may be extended upon mutual agreement for another two-years. The number of Conversion Shares is calculated assuming the following conditions: (a) the Note is convertible at the floor price of $0.083, as defined in the Note, (b) interest on the Note shall accrue through the three-years maturity term and will be converted in Class A Ordinary Shares at a conversion price equal to the floor price and (c) any such conversion shall not take into account any limitations on the conversion of the Convertible Note set forth therein. |
| (3) | JAK Opportunities VIII LLC (“JAK VIII”), is wholly-owned by ATW Opportunities Master Fund II, L.P. (the “Fund”). ATW Partners Opportunities Management, LLC serves as the investment manager to the Fund (the “Adviser”). Antonio Ruiz-Gimenez and Kerry Propper serve as the managing members of the Adviser (the “Managing Members”). The address of JAK VIII is c/o ATW Partners Opportunities Management LLC, 1 Pennsylvania Plaza, Suite 4810, New York, New York 10119. |
The Fund and the Adviser may be deemed to have shared voting and dispositive power with respect to the securities held by JAK VIII and may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of these securities. The Managing Members, in their capacity as Managing Members of the Adviser, may also be deemed to have investment discretion and voting power over the securities held by JAK VIII. The Fund, the Adviser and the Managing Members each disclaim any beneficial ownership of such securities.
45
We and the Selling Shareholder may sell the securities offered through this prospectus (i) to or through underwriters or dealers, (ii) directly to purchasers, including our affiliates, (iii) through agents, or (iv) through a combination of any these methods. The securities may be distributed at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed, market prices prevailing at the time of sale, prices related to the prevailing market prices, or negotiated prices. The prospectus supplement will include the following information:
| ● | the terms of the offering; |
| ● | the names of any underwriters or agents; |
| ● | the name or names of any managing underwriter or underwriters; |
| ● | the purchase price of the securities; |
| ● | any over-allotment options under which underwriters may purchase additional securities from us; |
| ● | the net proceeds from the sale of the securities; |
| ● | any delayed delivery arrangements; |
| ● | any underwriting discounts, commissions and other items constituting underwriters’ compensation; |
| ● | any initial public offering price; |
| ● | any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers; |
| ● | any commissions paid to agents; and |
| ● | any securities exchange or market on which the securities may be listed. |
Sale Through Underwriters or Dealers
Only underwriters named in the prospectus supplement are underwriters of the securities offered by the prospectus supplement. If underwriters are used in the sale, the underwriters will acquire the securities for their own account, including through underwriting, purchase, security lending or repurchase agreements with us. The underwriters may resell the securities from time to time in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions. Underwriters may sell the securities in order to facilitate transactions in any of our other securities (described in this prospectus or otherwise), including other public or private transactions and short sales. Underwriters may offer securities to the public either through underwriting syndicates represented by one or more managing underwriters or directly by one or more firms acting as underwriters. Unless otherwise indicated in the prospectus supplement, the obligations of the underwriters to purchase the securities will be subject to certain conditions, and the underwriters will be obligated to purchase all the offered securities if they purchase any of them. The underwriters may change from time to time any public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers.
If dealers are used in the sale of securities offered through this prospectus, we will sell the securities to them as principals. They may then resell those securities to the public at varying prices determined by the dealers at the time of resale. The prospectus supplement will include the names of the dealers and the terms of the transaction.
We will provide in the applicable prospectus supplement any compensation we will pay to underwriters, dealers or agents in connection with the offering of the securities, and any discounts, concessions or commissions allowed by underwriters to participating dealers.
46
Direct Sales and Sales Through Agents
We and the selling shareholders may sell the securities offered through this prospectus directly. In this case, no underwriters or agents would be involved. Such securities may also be sold through agents designated from time to time. The prospectus supplement will name any agent involved in the offer or sale of the offered securities and will describe any commissions payable to the agent. Unless otherwise indicated in the prospectus supplement, any agent will agree to use its reasonable best efforts to solicit purchases for the period of its appointment.
We and the selling shareholders may sell the securities directly to institutional investors or others who may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act with respect to any sale of those securities. The terms of any such sales will be described in the prospectus supplement.
Delayed Delivery Contracts
If the prospectus supplement indicates, we may authorize agents, underwriters or dealers to solicit offers from certain types of institutions to purchase securities at the public offering price under delayed delivery contracts. These contracts would provide for payment and delivery on a specified date in the future. The contracts would be subject only to those conditions described in the prospectus supplement. The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the commission payable for solicitation of those contracts.
Market Making, Stabilization and Other Transactions
Unless the applicable prospectus supplement states otherwise, other than our Ordinary Shares, all securities we offer under this prospectus will be a new issue and will have no established trading market. We may elect to list offered securities on an exchange or in the over-the-counter market. Any underwriters that we use in the sale of offered securities may make a market in such securities, but may discontinue such market making at any time without notice. Therefore, we cannot assure you that the securities will have a liquid trading market.
Any underwriter may also engage in stabilizing transactions, syndicate covering transactions and penalty bids in accordance with Rule 104 under the Securities Exchange Act. Stabilizing transactions involve bids to purchase the underlying security in the open market for the purpose of pegging, fixing or maintaining the price of the securities. Syndicate covering transactions involve purchases of the securities in the open market after the distribution has been completed in order to cover syndicate short positions.
Penalty bids permit the underwriters to reclaim a selling concession from a syndicate member when the securities originally sold by the syndicate member are purchased in a syndicate covering transaction to cover syndicate short positions. Stabilizing transactions, syndicate covering transactions and penalty bids may cause the price of the securities to be higher than it would be in the absence of the transactions. The underwriters may, if they commence these transactions, discontinue them at any time.
General Information
Agents, underwriters, and dealers may be entitled, under agreements entered into with us, to indemnification by us against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. Our agents, underwriters, and dealers, or their affiliates, may be customers of, engage in transactions with or perform services for us, in the ordinary course of business.
To the extent required, this prospectus may be amended or supplemented from time to time to describe a specific plan of distribution.
47
Except as otherwise set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement, certain legal matters in connection with the securities offered pursuant to this prospectus will be passed upon for us by Hunter Taubman Fischer & Li LLC to the extent governed by the U.S. federal securities laws and the laws of the State of New York, and by Ogier to the extent governed by the laws of the Cayman Islands. If legal matters in connection with offerings made pursuant to this prospectus are passed upon by counsel to underwriters, dealers or agents, such counsel will be named in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to any such offering.
The consolidated financial statements incorporated by reference in this prospectus, appearing in our 2023 Annual Report, for the year ended December 31, 2023 have been audited by Onestop Assurance PAC, an independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their report thereon, and as incorporated herein by reference. The consolidated financial statements incorporated by reference in this prospectus, appearing in our 2023 Annual Report, for the year ended December 31, 2022 have been audited by Marcum Asia CPAs LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in its report thereon included therein. The consolidated financial statements incorporated by reference in this prospectus, appearing in our 2023 Annual Report, for the year ended December 31, 2021 have been audited by Friedman LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in its report thereon included therein. Such consolidated financial statements are incorporated herein by reference, and are included in reliance upon such report given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
The financial statements for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2023, December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 are included in our 2023 Annual Report, filed on April 30, 2024, and are incorporated by reference into this prospectus.
48
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE
The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” into this prospectus the information we file with the SEC. This means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. Any statement contained in a document incorporated by reference in this prospectus shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this prospectus to the extent that a statement contained herein, or in any subsequently filed document, which also is incorporated by reference herein, modifies or supersedes such earlier statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus.
We hereby incorporate by reference into this prospectus the following documents that we have filed with the SEC under the Exchange Act:
| (1) | the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on April 30, 2024; | |
| (2) | the Company’s Current Reports on Form 6-K, filed with the SEC on June 13, 2024, August 20, 2024, September 6, 2024, September 10, 2024, September 20, 2024, September 25, 2024, September 30, 2024, October 11, 2024, November 26, 2024 and November 27, 2024; and |
| (3) | the description of our Ordinary Shares incorporated by reference in our registration statement on Form F-1, as amended (File No. 333-269290) filed with the Commission on January 18, 2023, including any amendment and report subsequently filed for the purpose of updating that description. |
All documents that we file with the SEC pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (and in the case of a Current Report on Form 6-K, so long as they state that they are incorporated by reference into this prospectus, and other than Current Reports on Form 6-K, or portions thereof, furnished under Form 6-K) (i) after the initial filing date of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part and prior to the effectiveness of such registration statement and (ii) after the date of this prospectus and prior to the termination of the offering shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this prospectus from the date of filing of the documents, unless we specifically provide otherwise. Information that we file with the SEC will automatically update and may replace information previously filed with the SEC. To the extent that any information contained in any Current Report on Form 6-K or any exhibit thereto, was or is furnished to, rather than filed with the SEC, such information or exhibit is specifically not incorporated by reference.
Upon request, we will provide, without charge, to each person who receives this prospectus, a copy of any or all of the documents incorporated by reference (other than exhibits to the documents that are not specifically incorporated by reference in the documents). Please direct written or oral requests for copies to us at Room 1304, Building No. 25, Tian’an Headquarters Center, No. 555, North Panyu Avenue, Donghuan Street, Panyu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China, Attention: Ruilin Xu, +86 400 661 3113.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
As permitted by SEC rules, this prospectus omits certain information and exhibits that are included in the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. Since this prospectus may not contain all of the information that you may find important, you should review the full text of these documents. If we have filed a contract, agreement or other document as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, you should read the exhibit for a more complete understanding of the document or matter involved. Each statement in this prospectus, including statements incorporated by reference as discussed above, regarding a contract, agreement or other document is qualified in its entirety by reference to the actual document.
We are subject to the information reporting requirements of the Exchange Act that are applicable to foreign private issuers, and, in accordance with these requirements, we file annual and current reports and other information with the SEC. You may inspect, read (without charge) and copy the reports and other information we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room located at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC also maintains an internet website at www.sec.gov that contains our filed reports and other information that we file electronically with the SEC.
49
ENFORCEABILITY OF CIVIL LIABILITIES
We are incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands as an exempted company with limited liability. We incorporated in the Cayman Islands because of certain benefits associated with being a Cayman Islands exempted company, such as political and economic stability, an effective judicial system, a favorable tax system, the absence of foreign exchange control or currency restrictions and the availability of professional and support services. However, the Cayman Islands have a less developed body of securities laws that provide significantly less protection to investors as compared to the securities laws of the United States. In addition, Cayman Islands companies may not have standing to sue before the federal courts of the United States.
All of our assets are located outside of the United States. In addition, all of our directors and officers are residents of jurisdictions other than the United States and all or a substantial portion of their assets are located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult for investors to effect service of process within the United States upon us or our directors and officers, 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.
According to Ogier, our local Cayman Islands’ counsel, there is uncertainty with regard to Cayman Islands law relating to whether a judgment obtained from the United States or Chinese courts under civil liability provisions of the securities laws will be determined by the courts of the Cayman Islands as penal or punitive in nature. If such a determination is made, the courts of the Cayman Islands will not recognize or enforce the judgment against a Cayman Islands’ company. The courts of the Cayman Islands in the past determined that disgorgement proceedings brought at the instance of the Securities and Exchange Commission are penal or punitive in nature and such judgments would not be enforceable in the Cayman Islands. Other civil liability provisions of the securities laws may be characterized as remedial, and therefore enforceable but the Cayman Islands’ Courts have not yet ruled in this regard. Our Cayman Islands’ counsel has further advised us that a final and conclusive judgment in the federal or state courts of the United States under which a sum of money is payable other than a sum payable in respect of taxes, fines, penalties or similar charges, may be subject to enforcement proceedings as a debt in the courts of the Cayman Islands.
As of the date hereof, no treaty or other form of reciprocity exists between the Cayman Islands and China governing the recognition and enforcement of judgments.
Cayman Islands’ counsel further advised that although there is no statutory enforcement in the Cayman Islands of judgments obtained in the United States or China, a judgment obtained in such jurisdictions will be recognized and enforced in the courts of the Cayman Islands at common law, without any re-examination of the merits of the underlying dispute, by an action commenced on the foreign judgment debt in the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands, provided such judgment (1) is given by a foreign court of competent jurisdiction, (2) imposes on the judgment debtor a liability to pay a liquidated sum for which the judgment has been given, (3) is final, (4) is not in respect of taxes, a fine or a penalty, and (5) was not obtained in a manner and is of a kind the enforcement of which is contrary to natural justice or the public policy of the Cayman Islands.
50
DISCLOSURE OF COMMISSION POSITION ON INDEMNIFICATION FOR SECURITIES ACT LIABILITIES
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to our directors, officers and controlling persons pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, 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.
51
Top KingWin Ltd
$200,000,000
Class A Ordinary Shares,
Debt Securities
Warrants,
Rights and
Units
And
Up to 40,737,952 Class A Ordinary Shares by Selling Shareholder
PROSPECTUS
December 13, 2024
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item 8. Indemnification of Directors and Officers
Cayman Islands law does not limit the extent to which a company’s M&A may provide for indemnification of officers and directors, except to the extent any such provision may be held by the Cayman Islands courts to be contrary to public policy, such as to provide indemnification against civil fraud or the consequences of committing a crime. Our M&A requires us to indemnify our officers and directors for actions, proceedings, claims, losses, damages, costs, liabilities and expenses (“Indemnified Losses”) incurred in their capacities as such unless such Indemnified Losses arise from dishonesty of such directors or officers. This standard of conduct is generally the same as permitted under the Delaware General Corporation Law for a Delaware corporation.
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.
Item 9. Exhibits
| Exhibit No. | Description | |
| 1.1 | Form of Underwriting Agreement** | |
| 4.1 | Form of Warrant** | |
| 4.2 | Form of Warrant Agreement** | |
| 4.3 | Form of Unit Agreement** | |
| 4.4 | Form of indenture with respect to senior debt securities, to be entered into between registrant and a trustee acceptable to the registrant, if any.*** | |
| 4.5 | Form of indenture with respect to subordinated debt securities, to be entered into between registrant and a trustee acceptable to the registrant, if any.*** | |
| 4.6 | Form of debt securities, if any** | |
| 4.7 | Securities Purchase Agreement between the Selling Shareholder and the Company, dated November 25, 2024* | |
| 4.8 | Convertible Note of the Company, dated November 26, 2024* | |
| 5.1 | Opinion of Ogier* | |
| 23.1 | Consent of Onestop Assurance PAC* | |
| 23.2 | Consent of Marcum Asia CPAs LLP* | |
| 23.3 | Consent of Friedman LLP* | |
| 23.4 | Consent of Ogier (included in Exhibit 5.1)* | |
| 23.5 | Consent of Zhejiang T&H Law Firm* | |
| 24.1 | Power of Attorney*** | |
| 99.1 | Opinion of Zhejiang T&H Law Firm* | |
| 107 | Filing Fee Table* |
| * | Filed hereinwith. |
| ** | To be filed by amendment or as an exhibit to a filing with the SEC under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and incorporated by reference in connection with the offering of securities to the extent required for any such offering. |
| *** | Filed previously |
II-1
Item 10 Undertakings
| (a) | The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes: |
| (1) | To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement: |
| (i) | To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933; |
| (ii) | To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement. |
| (iii) | To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement. |
provided, however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i), (a)(1)(ii) and (a)(1)(iii) of this section do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement, or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b).
II-2
| (2) | That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. |
| (3) | To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering. |
| (4) | That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser: |
| (i) | Each prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the registration statement; and |
| (ii) | Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5), or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (vii), or (x) for the purpose of providing the information required by Section 10(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. 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 effective date, 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 effective date. |
| (5) | That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities: The undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser: |
| (i) | Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424; |
| (ii) | Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant; |
| (iii) | The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and |
| (iv) | Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser. |
| (b) | That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant’s annual report pursuant to section 13(a) or section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement 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. |
| (c) | Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the 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 Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue. |
II-3
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-3 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in Guangzhou, China, on December 16, 2024.
Top KingWin Ltd |
|||
| By: | /s/ Ruilin Xu | ||
| Name: | Ruilin Xu | ||
| Title: | Chief Executive Officer | ||
Pursuant to the requirements of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Form F-3 registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.
| Signature | Position | Date | ||
| /s/ Ruilin Xu | Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Director (Principal Executive Officer) | December 16, 2024 | ||
| Ruilin Xu | ||||
| * | Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) |
December 16, 2024 | ||
| Jie Yang | ||||
| * | Director | December 16, 2024 | ||
| Dongliang Mao | ||||
| * | Director | December 16, 2024 | ||
| Zhanlin Liao | ||||
| * | Director | December 16, 2024 | ||
| Yanna Li | ||||
| * | Director | December 16, 2024 | ||
| Yibing Li |
| * | By: | /s/ Ruilin Xu | |
| Ruilin Xu | |||
| Attorney-in-fact |
II-4
SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE IN THE UNITED STATES
Pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933 as amended, the undersigned, the duly authorized representative in the United States of America, has signed this registration statement thereto in the City of Newark, State of Delaware on December 16, 2024.
| Authorized U.S. Representative | ||
| Puglisi & Associates | ||
| By: | /s/ Donald J. Puglisi | |
| Name: | Donald J. Puglisi | |
| Title: | Managing Director | |
II-5
Exhibit 4.7
SECURITIES PURCHASE AGREEMENT
This SECURITIES PURCHASE AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”), dated as of November 25, 2024, is by and among Top KingWin Ltd., an exempted company incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands with offices located at Room 1304, Building No. 25, Tian’an Headquarters Center, No. 555, North Panyu Avenue, Donguan Street, Panyu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China (the “Company”), and each of the investors listed on the Schedule of Buyers attached hereto (individually, a “Buyer” and collectively, the “Buyers”).
RECITALS
A. The Company and each Buyer desire are executing and delivering this Agreement in reliance upon the exemption from securities registration afforded by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”) and Rule 506(b) of Regulation D (“Regulation D”) as promulgated by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) under the 1933 Act.
B. The Company has authorized a new series of convertible notes of the Company, in the aggregate original principal amount of up to $2,500,000, substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “Notes”), which Notes shall be convertible into Ordinary Shares (as defined below) (the Ordinary Shares issuable pursuant to the terms of the Notes, including, without limitation, upon conversion or otherwise, collectively, the “Conversion Shares”), in accordance with the terms of the Notes.
C. Each Buyer wishes to purchase, and the Company wishes to sell, upon the terms and conditions stated in this Agreement, a Note in the aggregate original principal amount set forth opposite such Buyer’s name in column (2) on the Schedule of Buyers.
D. The Notes and the Conversion Shares are collectively referred to herein as the “Securities.”
AGREEMENT
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants contained herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Company and each Buyer hereby agree as follows:
1. PURCHASE AND SALE OF NOTES.
(a) Purchase of Notes. Subject to the satisfaction (or waiver) of the conditions set forth in Sections 6 and 7 below, the Company shall issue and sell to each Buyer, and each Buyer severally, but not jointly, agrees to purchase from the Company on the Closing Date (as defined below), a Note in the original principal amount as is set forth opposite such Buyer’s name in column (2) on the Schedule of Buyers (the “Closing”).
(b) Closing. The Closing of the purchase of Notes by the Buyers shall occur at the offices of Pryor Cashman LLP, 7 Times Square, 40th Floor, New York, New York 10036. The date and time of the Closing (the “Closing Date”) shall be 9:30 a.m., New York time, on the first (1st) Business Day on which the conditions to the Closing set forth in Sections 6 and 7 below are satisfied or waived (or such other date as is mutually agreed to by the Company and each Buyer). As used herein, “Business Day” means any day other than Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in The City of New York are authorized or required by law to remain closed; provided, however, for clarification, commercial banks shall not be deemed to be authorized or required by law to remain closed due to “stay at home”, “shelter-in-place”, “non-essential employee” or any other similar orders or restrictions or the closure of any physical branch locations at the direction of any governmental authority so long as the electronic funds transfer systems (including for wire transfers) of commercial banks in The City of New York generally are open for use by customers on such day.
(c) Purchase Price. The aggregate purchase price for the Notes to be purchased by each Buyer at the Closing (the “Purchase Price”) shall be the amount set forth opposite such Buyer’s name in column (2) on the Schedule of Buyers. Each Buyer shall pay approximately $900 for each $1,000 of principal amount of Notes to be purchased by such Buyer at the Closing.
(d) Form of Payment. On the Closing Date, (A) each Buyer shall pay its respective Purchase Price for the Closing (less, in the case of any Buyer, the amounts withheld pursuant to Section 4(j)) to the Company for the Notes to be issued and sold to such Buyer at the Closing, by wire transfer of immediately available funds in accordance with the Flow of Funds Letter (as defined below) and (B) the Company shall deliver to each Buyer a Note in the aggregate original principal amount as is set forth opposite such Buyer’s name in column (2) of the Schedule of Buyers, duly executed on behalf of the Company and registered in the name of such Buyer or its designee.
2. BUYER’S REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.
Each Buyer, severally and not jointly, represents and warrants to the Company with respect to only itself that, as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date:
(a) Organization; Authority. Such Buyer is an entity duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization with the requisite power and authority to enter into and to consummate the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents (as defined below) to which it is a party and otherwise to carry out its obligations hereunder and thereunder.
(b) Validity; Enforcement. This Agreement and each of the Transaction Documents to which such Buyer is a party has been duly and validly authorized, executed and delivered on behalf of such Buyer and shall constitute the legal, valid and binding obligations of such Buyer enforceable against such Buyer in accordance with their respective terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by general principles of equity or to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, liquidation and other similar laws relating to, or affecting generally, the enforcement of applicable creditors’ rights and remedies.
2
(c) No Conflicts. The execution, delivery and performance by such Buyer of this Agreement and each of the Transaction Documents to which such Buyer is a party and the consummation by such Buyer of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby will not (i) result in a violation of the organizational documents of such Buyer, or (ii) conflict with, or constitute a default (or an event which with notice or lapse of time or both would become a default) under, or give to others any rights of termination, amendment, acceleration or cancellation of, any agreement, indenture or instrument to which such Buyer is a party, or (iii) result in a violation of any law, rule, regulation, order, judgment or decree (including federal and state securities laws) applicable to such Buyer, except in the case of clauses (ii) and (iii) above, for such conflicts, defaults, rights or violations which could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the ability of such Buyer to perform its obligations hereunder.
(d) No Group. Other than affiliates of such Buyer who are also Buyers under this Agreement, such Buyer is not under common control with or acting in concert with any other Buyer and is not part of a “group” for purposes of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”).
(e) No Public Sale or Distributions. Such Buyer (i) is acquiring its Note, and (ii) upon conversion of its Note will acquire the Conversion Shares issuable upon conversion thereof, in each case, for its own account and not with a view towards, or for resale in connection with, the public sale or distribution thereof in violation of applicable securities laws, except pursuant to sales registered or exempted under the 1933 Act; provided, however, by making the representations herein, such Buyer does not agree, or make any representation or warranty, to hold any of the Securities for any minimum or other specific term and reserves the right to dispose of the Securities at any time in accordance with or pursuant to a registration statement or an exemption from registration under the 1933 Act. Such Buyer does not presently have any agreement or understanding, directly or indirectly, with any Person to distribute any of the Securities in violation of applicable securities laws. For purposes of this Agreement, “Person” means an individual, a limited liability company, a partnership, a joint venture, a corporation, a trust, an unincorporated organization, any other entity and any Governmental Entity (as defined below) or any department or agency thereof.
(f) Accredited Investor Status. Such Buyer is an “accredited investor” as that term is defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D.
(g) Reliance on Exemptions. Such Buyer understands that the Securities are being offered and sold to it in reliance on specific exemptions from the registration requirements of United States federal and state securities laws and that the Company is relying in part upon the truth and accuracy of, and such Buyer’s compliance with, the representations, warranties, agreements, acknowledgments and understandings of such Buyer set forth herein in order to determine the availability of such exemptions and the eligibility of such Buyer to acquire the Securities.
3
(h) Information. Such Buyer and its advisors, if any, have been furnished with all materials relating to the business, finances and operations of the Company and materials relating to the offer and sale of the Securities that have been requested by such Buyer. Such Buyer and its advisors, if any, have been afforded the opportunity to ask questions of the Company. Neither such inquiries nor any other due diligence investigations conducted by such Buyer or its advisors, if any, or its representatives shall modify, amend or affect such Buyer’s right to rely on the Company’s representations and warranties contained herein. Such Buyer understands that its investment in the Securities involves a high degree of risk. Such Buyer has sought such accounting, legal and tax advice as it has considered necessary to make an informed investment decision with respect to its acquisition of the Securities.
(i) No Governmental Review. Such Buyer understands that no United States federal or state agency or any other government or governmental agency has passed on or made any recommendation or endorsement of the Securities or the fairness or suitability of the investment in the Securities nor have such authorities passed upon or endorsed the merits of the offering of the Securities.
(j) Transfer or Resale. Such Buyer understands that except as provided herein: (i) the Securities have not been and are not being registered under the 1933 Act or any state securities laws, and may not be offered for sale, sold, assigned or transferred unless (A) subsequently registered thereunder, (B) such Buyer shall have delivered to the Company (if requested by the Company) an opinion of counsel, in a form reasonably acceptable to the Company, to the effect that such Securities to be sold, assigned or transferred may be sold, assigned or transferred pursuant to an exemption from such registration, or (C) such Buyer provides the Company with reasonable assurance that such Securities can be sold, assigned or transferred pursuant to Rule 144 or Rule 144A promulgated under the 1933 Act (or a successor rule thereto) (collectively, “Rule 144”); (ii) any sale of the Securities made in reliance on Rule 144 may be made only in accordance with the terms of Rule 144, and further, if Rule 144 is not applicable, any resale of the Securities under circumstances in which the seller (or the Person through whom the sale is made) may be deemed to be an underwriter (as that term is defined in the 1933 Act) may require compliance with some other exemption under the 1933 Act or the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder; and (iii) neither the Company nor any other Person is under any obligation to register the Securities under the 1933 Act or any state securities laws or to comply with the terms and conditions of any exemption thereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Securities may be pledged in connection with a bona fide margin account or other loan or financing arrangement secured by the Securities and such pledge of Securities shall not be deemed to be a transfer, sale or assignment of the Securities hereunder, and no Buyer effecting a pledge of Securities shall be required to provide the Company with any notice thereof or otherwise make any delivery to the Company pursuant to this Agreement or any other Transaction Document (as defined in Section 3(b)), including, without limitation, this Section 2(j).
4
3. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY.
The Company represents and warrants to each of the Buyers that, as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date:
(a) Organization and Qualification. Each of the Company and each of its Subsidiaries are entities duly organized and validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction in which they are formed, and have the requisite power and authority to own their properties and to carry on their business as now being conducted and as presently proposed to be conducted. Each of the Company and each of its Subsidiaries is duly qualified as a foreign entity to do business and is in good standing (if a good standing concept exists in such jurisdiction) in every jurisdiction in which its ownership of property or the nature of the business conducted by it makes such qualification necessary, except to the extent that the failure to be so qualified or be in good standing would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect (as defined below). As used in this Agreement, “Material Adverse Effect” means any material adverse effect on (i) the business, properties, assets, liabilities, operations (including results thereof), condition (financial or otherwise) or prospects of the Company or any Subsidiary, individually or taken as a whole, (ii) the transactions contemplated hereby or in any of the other Transaction Documents or any other agreements or instruments to be entered into in connection herewith or therewith or (iii) the authority or ability of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to perform any of their respective obligations under any of the Transaction Documents (as defined below). Other than the Persons (as defined below) set forth on Schedule 3(a), the Company has no Subsidiaries. “Subsidiaries” means any Person in which the Company, directly or indirectly, (I) owns any of the outstanding share capital or holds any equity or similar interest of such Person or (II) controls or operates all or any part of the business, operations or administration of such Person, and each of the foregoing, is individually referred to herein as a “Subsidiary.”
(b) Authorization; Enforcement; Validity. The Company has the requisite power and authority to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents and to issue the Securities in accordance with the terms hereof and thereof. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents by the Company, and the consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby (including, without limitation, the issuance of the Notes and the reservation for issuance and issuance of the Conversion Shares issuable upon conversion of the Notes) have been duly authorized by the Company’s board of directors or other governing body, as applicable, and (other than (i) the filing with the SEC of (A) the applicable 6-K Filing (as defined below), (B) a prospectus supplement in connection with the Closing as required by the Registration Statement pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the 1933 Act (the “Prospectus Supplement”) supplementing the base prospectus forming part of the Registration Statement in accordance with the requirements of Section 4(cc), (C) the filing of an additional listing application with the Principal Market, (D) a Form D with the SEC and (E) any other filings as may be required by any state securities agencies (the “Required Approvals”) and no further filing, consent or authorization is required by the Company, its Subsidiaries, their respective boards of directors or their shareholders or other governing body. This Agreement has been, and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party will be prior to the Closing, duly executed and delivered by the Company, and each constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its respective terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by general principles of equity or applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, liquidation or similar laws relating to, or affecting generally, the enforcement of applicable creditors’ rights and remedies and except as rights to indemnification and to contribution may be limited by federal or state securities law. “Transaction Documents” means, collectively, this Agreement, the Notes, the Irrevocable Transfer Agent Instructions (as defined below), and each of the other agreements and instruments entered into or delivered by any of the parties hereto in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, as may be amended from time to time.
5
(c) Issuance of Securities. The issuance of the Notes are duly authorized and upon issuance in accordance with the terms of the Transaction Documents shall be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and free from all preemptive or similar rights, mortgages, defects, claims, liens, pledges, charges, taxes, rights of first refusal, encumbrances, security interests and other encumbrances (collectively “Liens”) with respect to the issuance thereof. As of the Closing, the Company shall have reserved from its duly authorized share capital not less than 100% of the sum of the maximum number of Conversion Shares issuable upon conversion of the Notes (assuming for purposes hereof that (x) the Notes are convertible at the Floor Price (as defined in the Notes), (y) interest on the Notes shall accrue through the third (3rd) anniversary of the Closing Date and will be converted in Ordinary Shares at a conversion price equal to the Floor Price and (z) any such conversion shall not take into account any limitations on the conversion of the Notes set forth in the Notes). Upon issuance or conversion in accordance with the Notes, the Conversion Shares, when issued, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and free from all preemptive or similar rights or Liens with respect to the issue thereof, with the holders being entitled to all rights accorded to a holder of Ordinary Shares. Subject to the representations and warranties of the Buyers in this Agreement, the offer and issuance by the Company of the Securities is exempt from registration under the 1933 Act.
(d) No Conflicts. The execution, delivery and performance of the Transaction Documents by the Company and the consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby (including, without limitation, the issuance of the Notes, the Conversion Shares and the reservation for issuance of the Conversion Shares) will not (i) result in a violation of the certificate of incorporation, as may be amended from time to time, of the Company, the Memorandum and Articles of Association (as defined below), or the certificate of formation, memorandum of association, articles of association, bylaws or other organizational documents of the Company, or any share capital or other securities of the Company, (ii) conflict with, or constitute a default (or an event which with notice or lapse of time or both would become a default) in any respect under, or give to others any rights of termination, amendment, acceleration or cancellation of, any agreement, indenture or instrument to which the Company is a party, or (iii) result in a violation of any law, rule, regulation, order, judgment or decree (including, without limitation, foreign, federal and state securities laws and regulations and the rules and regulations of the Nasdaq Capital Market (the “Principal Market”) and including all applicable foreign, federal and state laws, rules and regulations, including, without limitation, the laws, rules and regulations of the Cayman Islands applicable to the Company or by which any property or asset of the Company is bound or affected).
(e) Consents. Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary is required to obtain any consent from, authorization or order of, or make any filing or registration with (other than the Required Approvals), any Governmental Entity (as defined below) or any regulatory or self-regulatory agency or any other Person in order for it to execute, deliver or perform any of its respective obligations under or contemplated by the Transaction Documents, in each case, in accordance with the terms hereof or thereof. All consents, authorizations, orders, filings and registrations which the Company or any Subsidiary is required to obtain pursuant to the preceding sentence have been or will be obtained or effected on or prior to the Closing Date, and neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries are aware of any facts or circumstances which might prevent the Company or any of its Subsidiaries from obtaining or effecting any of the registration, application or filings contemplated by the Transaction Documents. The Company is not in violation of the requirements of the Principal Market and has no knowledge of any facts or circumstances which could reasonably lead to delisting or suspension of the Ordinary Shares in the foreseeable future. “Governmental Entity” means any nation, state, county, city, town, village, district, or other political jurisdiction of any nature, federal, state, local, municipal, foreign, or other government, governmental or quasi-governmental authority of any nature (including any governmental agency, branch, department, official, or entity and any court or other tribunal), multi-national organization or body; or body exercising, or entitled to exercise, any administrative, executive, judicial, legislative, police, regulatory, or taxing authority or power of any nature or instrumentality of any of the foregoing, including any entity or enterprise owned or controlled by a government or a public international organization or any of the foregoing.
6
(f) Acknowledgment Regarding Buyer’s Purchase of Securities. The Company acknowledges and agrees that each Buyer is acting solely in the capacity of an arm’s length purchaser with respect to the Transaction Documents and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby and that no Buyer is (i) an officer or director of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (ii) an “affiliate” (as defined in Rule 144) of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or (iii) to its knowledge, a “beneficial owner” of more than 10% of the Ordinary Shares (as defined for purposes of Rule 13d-3 of the 1934 Act). The Company further acknowledges that no Buyer is acting as a financial advisor or fiduciary of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (or in any similar capacity) with respect to the Transaction Documents and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, and any advice given by a Buyer or any of its representatives or agents in connection with the Transaction Documents and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby is merely incidental to such Buyer’s purchase of the Securities. The Company further represents to each Buyer that the Company’s and each Subsidiary’s decision to enter into the Transaction Documents to which it is a party has been based solely on the independent evaluation by the Company, each Subsidiary and their respective representatives.
(g) Placement Agent’s Fees. Neither the Company, nor any of its Subsidiaries or affiliates, nor any Person acting on its or their behalf, has engaged in any form of general solicitation or general advertising (within the meaning of Regulation D) in connection with the offer or sale of the Securities. The Company shall be responsible for the payment of any placement agent’s fees, financial advisory fees, or brokers’ commissions (other than for Persons engaged by any Buyer or its investment advisor) relating to or arising out of the transactions contemplated hereby in connection with the sale of the Securities. The Company shall pay, and hold each Buyer harmless against, any liability, loss or expense (including, without limitation, attorney’s fees and out-of-pocket expenses) arising in connection with any such claim. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has engaged any placement agent or other agent in connection with the offer or sale of the Securities.
(h) No Registration; Shareholders Approval. None of the Company, its Subsidiaries or any of their affiliates, nor any Person acting on their behalf has, directly or indirectly, made any offers or sales of any security or solicited any offers to buy any security, under circumstances that would require registration of the issuance of any of the Securities under the 1933 Act, whether through integration with prior offerings or otherwise, or cause this offering of the Securities to require approval of shareholders of the Company for purposes of the 1933 Act or under any applicable shareholder approval provisions, including, without limitation, under the rules and regulations of any exchange or automated quotation system on which any of the securities of the Company are listed or designated for quotation. None of the Company, its Subsidiaries, their affiliates nor any Person acting on their behalf will take any action or steps that would require registration of the issuance of any of the Securities under the 1933 Act.
7
(i) Dilutive Effect. The Company understands and acknowledges that the number of Conversion Shares will increase in certain circumstances. The Company further acknowledges that its obligation to issue the Conversion Shares pursuant to the terms of the Notes in accordance with this Agreement and the Notes, is absolute and unconditional regardless of the dilutive effect that such issuance may have on the ownership interests of other shareholders of the Company.
(j) Application of Takeover Protections; Rights Agreement. The Company and its board of directors have taken all necessary action, if any, in order to render inapplicable any control share acquisition, interested shareholder, business combination, poison pill (including, without limitation, any distribution under a rights agreement), shareholder rights plan or other similar anti-takeover provision under the Memorandum and Articles of Association or the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation or otherwise which is or could become applicable to any Buyer as a result of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including, without limitation, the Company’s issuance of the Securities and any Buyer’s ownership of the Securities. The Company has no shareholder rights plan or similar arrangement relating to accumulations of beneficial ownership of Ordinary Shares or a change in control of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.
(k) SEC Documents; Financial Statements. During the two (2) years prior to the date hereof, the Company has timely filed all reports, schedules, forms, proxy statements, statements and other documents required to be filed by it with the SEC (other than Section 16 ownership filings) pursuant to the reporting requirements of the 1934 Act (all of the foregoing filed prior to the date hereof and all exhibits and appendices included therein and financial statements, notes and schedules thereto and documents incorporated by reference therein being hereinafter referred to as the “SEC Documents”). The Company has delivered or has made available to the Buyers or their respective representatives true, correct and complete copies of each of the SEC Documents not available on the EDGAR system. As of their respective dates, the SEC Documents complied in all material respects with the requirements of the 1934 Act and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder applicable to the SEC Documents, and none of the SEC Documents, at the time they were filed with the SEC, contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. As of their respective dates, the financial statements of the Company included in the SEC Documents complied in all material respects with applicable accounting requirements and the published rules and regulations of the SEC with respect thereto as in effect as of the time of filing. Such financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), consistently applied, during the periods involved (except (i) as may be otherwise indicated in such financial statements or the notes thereto, or (ii) in the case of unaudited interim statements, to the extent they may exclude footnotes or may be condensed or summary statements) and fairly present in all material respects the financial position of the Company as of the dates thereof and the results of its operations and cash flows for the periods then ended (subject, in the case of unaudited statements, to normal year-end audit adjustments which will not be material, either individually or in the aggregate). The reserves, if any, established by the Company or the lack of reserves, if applicable, are reasonable based upon facts and circumstances known by the Company on the date hereof and there are no loss contingencies that are required to be accrued by the Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 5 of the Financial Accounting Standards Board which are not provided for by the Company in its financial statements or otherwise. No other information provided by or on behalf of the Company to any of the Buyers which is not included in the SEC Documents (including, without limitation, information in the disclosure schedules to this Agreement) contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading, in the light of the circumstance under which they are or were made. The Company is not currently contemplating to amend or restate any of the financial statements (including, without limitation, any notes or any letter of the independent accountants of the Company with respect thereto) included in the SEC Documents (the “Financial Statements”), nor is the Company currently aware of facts or circumstances which would require the Company to amend or restate any of the Financial Statements, in each case, in order for any of the Financials Statements to be in material compliance with GAAP and the rules and regulations of the SEC. The Company has not been informed by its independent auditors that they recommend that the Company amend or restate any of the Financial Statements or that there is any need for the Company to amend or restate any of the Financial Statements.
8
(l) Absence of Certain Changes. Since the date of the Company’s most recent audited financial statements contained in a Form 20-F, there has been no material adverse change and no material adverse development in the business, assets, liabilities, properties, operations (including results thereof), condition (financial or otherwise) or prospects of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. Since the date of the Company’s most recent audited financial statements contained in a Form 20-F, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has (i) declared or paid any dividends, (ii) sold any assets, individually or in the aggregate, outside of the ordinary course of business or (iii) made any capital expenditures, individually or in the aggregate, outside of the ordinary course of business. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has taken any steps to seek protection pursuant to any law or statute relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, receivership, liquidation or winding up, nor does the Company or any Subsidiary have any knowledge or reason to believe that any of their respective creditors intend to initiate involuntary bankruptcy proceedings or any actual knowledge of any fact which would reasonably lead a creditor to do so. The Company and its Subsidiaries, individually and on a consolidated basis, are not as of the date hereof, and after giving effect to the transactions contemplated hereby to occur at the Closing, will not be Insolvent (as defined below). For purposes of this Section 3(l), “Insolvent” means, (i) with respect to the Company and its Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, (A) the present fair saleable value of the Company’s and its Subsidiaries’ assets is less than the amount required to pay the Company’s and its Subsidiaries’ total Indebtedness (as defined below), (B) the Company and its Subsidiaries are unable to pay their debts and liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, as such debts and liabilities become absolute and matured or (C) the Company and its Subsidiaries intend to incur or believe that they will incur debts that would be beyond their ability to pay as such debts mature; and (ii) with respect to the Company and each Subsidiary, individually, (A) the present fair saleable value of the Company’s or such Subsidiary’s (as the case may be) assets is less than the amount required to pay its respective total Indebtedness, (B) the Company or such Subsidiary (as the case may be) is unable to pay its respective debts and liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, as such debts and liabilities become absolute and matured or (C) the Company or such Subsidiary (as the case may be) intends to incur or believes that it will incur debts that would be beyond its respective ability to pay as such debts mature. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has engaged in any business or in any transaction, and is not about to engage in any business or in any transaction, for which the Company’s or such Subsidiary’s remaining assets constitute unreasonably small capital with which to conduct the business in which it is engaged as such business is now conducted and is proposed to be conducted.
(m) No Undisclosed Events, Liabilities, Developments or Circumstances. No event, liability, development or circumstance has occurred or exists, or is reasonably expected to exist or occur with respect to the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective businesses, properties, liabilities, prospects, operations (including results thereof) or condition (financial or otherwise), that (i) would be required to be disclosed by the Company under applicable securities laws on a registration statement on Form F-1 filed with the SEC relating to an issuance and sale by the Company of its Ordinary Shares and which has not been publicly announced, (ii) could have a material adverse effect on any Buyer’s investment hereunder or (iii) could have a Material Adverse Effect.
9
(n) Conduct of Business; Regulatory Permits. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is in violation of any term of or in default under its Memorandum and Articles of Association, any certificate of designation, preferences or rights of any other outstanding series of preferred shares of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or its organizational charter, certificate of formation, memorandum of association, articles of association, certificate of incorporation or bylaws, as applicable. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is in violation of any judgment, decree or order or any statute, ordinance, rule or regulation applicable to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, and neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries will conduct its business in violation of any of the foregoing, except in all cases for possible violations which could not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Company is not in violation of any of the rules, regulations or requirements of the Principal Market and has no knowledge of any facts or circumstances that could reasonably lead to delisting or suspension of the Ordinary Shares by the Principal Market in the foreseeable future. During the two (2) years prior to the date hereof, (i) the Ordinary Shares has been listed or designated for quotation on the Principal Market, (ii) trading in the Ordinary Shares has not been suspended by the SEC or the Principal Market and (iii) the Company has received no communication, written or oral, from the SEC or the Principal Market regarding the suspension or delisting of the Ordinary Shares from the Principal Market. The Company and each of its Subsidiaries possess all certificates, authorizations and permits issued by the appropriate regulatory authorities necessary to conduct their respective businesses, except where the failure to possess such certificates, authorizations or permits would not have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, and neither the Company nor any such Subsidiary has received any notice of proceedings relating to the revocation or modification of any such certificate, authorization or permit. There is no agreement, commitment, judgment, injunction, order or decree binding upon the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party which has or would reasonably be expected to have the effect of prohibiting or materially impairing any business practice of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, any acquisition of property by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or the conduct of business by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries as currently conducted other than such effects, individually or in the aggregate, which have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.
(o) Foreign Corrupt Practices. Neither the Company, the Company’s subsidiary or any director, officer, agent, employee, nor any other person acting for or on behalf of the foregoing (individually and collectively, a “Company Affiliate”) have violated the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended (the “FCPA”), or any other applicable anti-bribery or anti-corruption laws, nor has any Company Affiliate offered, paid, promised to pay, or authorized the payment of any money, or offered, given, promised to give, or authorized the giving of anything of value, to any officer, employee or any other person acting in an official capacity for any Governmental Entity to any political party or official thereof or to any candidate for political office (individually and collectively, a “Government Official”) or to any person under circumstances where such Company Affiliate knew or was aware of a high probability that all or a portion of such money or thing of value would be offered, given or promised, directly or indirectly, to any Government Official, for the purpose of:
(i) (A) influencing any act or decision of such Government Official in his/her official capacity, (B) inducing such Government Official to do or omit to do any act in violation of his/her lawful duty, (C) securing any improper advantage, or (D) inducing such Government Official to influence or affect any act or decision of any Governmental Entity, or
10
(ii) assisting the Company or its Subsidiaries in obtaining or retaining business for or with, or directing business to, the Company or its Subsidiaries.
(p) Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The Company and each Subsidiary is in material compliance with any and all applicable requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended, and any and all applicable rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC thereunder.
(q) Transactions With Affiliates. Except as disclosed in the SEC Documents, no current or former employee, partner, director, officer or shareholder (direct or indirect) of the Company or its Subsidiaries, or any associate, or, to the knowledge of the Company, any affiliate of any thereof, or any relative with a relationship no more remote than first cousin of any of the foregoing, is presently, or has ever been, (i) a party to any transaction with the Company or its Subsidiaries (including any contract, agreement or other arrangement providing for the furnishing of services by, or rental of real or personal property from, or otherwise requiring payments to, any such director, officer or shareholder or such associate or affiliate or relative Subsidiaries (other than for ordinary course services as employees, officers or directors of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries)) or (ii) the direct or indirect owner of an interest in any corporation, firm, association or business organization which is a competitor, supplier or customer of the Company or its Subsidiaries (except for a passive investment (direct or indirect) in less than 5% of the common equity of a company whose securities are traded on or quoted through an Eligible Market (defined below), nor does any such Person receive income from any source other than the Company or its Subsidiaries which relates to the business of the Company or its Subsidiaries or should properly accrue to the Company or its Subsidiaries. No employee, officer, shareholder or director of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or member of his or her immediate family is indebted to the Company or its Subsidiaries, as the case may be, nor is the Company or any of its Subsidiaries indebted (or committed to make loans or extend or guarantee credit) to any of them, other than (i) for payment of salary for services rendered, (ii) reimbursement for reasonable expenses incurred on behalf of the Company, and (iii) for other standard employee benefits made generally available to all employees or executives (including share option agreements outstanding under any share option plan approved by the Board of Directors of the Company).
(r) Equity Capitalization.
(i) Definitions:
(A) “Ordinary Shares” means (x) the Company’s Class A ordinary shares, $0.0001 par value per share, and (y) any share capital into which such ordinary shares shall have been changed or any share capital resulting from a reclassification of such ordinary shares.
11
(ii) Authorized and Outstanding Share Capital. As of the date hereof, the authorized share capital of the Company consists of (i) 300,000,000 Ordinary Shares, of which, 179,180,431 Ordinary Shares are issued and outstanding and 0 Ordinary Shares are reserved for issuance pursuant to Convertible Securities (as defined below) (other than the Notes) exercisable or exchangeable for, or convertible into, Ordinary Shares, and (ii) 200,000,000 Class B ordinary shares, $0.0001 par value per share, of which, 3,786,960 shares are issued and outstanding. “Convertible Securities” means any share capital or other security of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries that is at any time and under any circumstances directly or indirectly convertible into, exercisable or exchangeable for, or which otherwise entitles the holder thereof to acquire, any share capital or other security of the Company (including, without limitation, Ordinary Shares) or any of its Subsidiaries.
(iii) Valid Issuance; Available Shares; Affiliates. All of such outstanding shares are duly authorized and have been, or upon issuance will be, validly issued and are fully paid and nonassessable. Schedule 3(r)(iii) sets forth the number of Ordinary Shares that are (A) reserved for issuance pursuant to Convertible Securities (as defined below) (other than the Notes) and (B) that are, as of the date hereof, owned by Persons who are “affiliates” (as defined in Rule 405 of the 1933 Act and calculated based on the assumption that only officers, directors and holders of at least 10% of the Company’s issued and outstanding Ordinary Shares are “affiliates” without conceding that any such Persons are “affiliates” for purposes of federal securities laws) of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. To the Company’s knowledge, no Person owns 10% or more of the Company’s issued and outstanding Ordinary Shares (calculated based on the assumption that all Convertible Securities (as defined below), whether or not presently exercisable or convertible, have been fully exercised or converted (as the case may be) taking account of any limitations on exercise or conversion (including “blockers”) contained therein without conceding that such identified Person is a 10% shareholder for purposes of federal securities laws).
(iv) Existing Securities; Obligations. Except as disclosed in the SEC Documents: (A) none of the Company’s or any Subsidiary’s shares, interests or share capital is subject to preemptive rights or any other similar rights or Liens suffered or permitted by the Company or any Subsidiary; (B) there are no outstanding options, warrants, scrip, rights to subscribe to, calls or commitments of any character whatsoever relating to, or securities or rights convertible into, or exercisable or exchangeable for, any shares, interests or share capital of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or contracts, commitments, understandings or arrangements by which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is or may become bound to issue additional shares, interests or share capital of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or options, warrants, scrip, rights to subscribe to, calls or commitments of any character whatsoever relating to, or securities or rights convertible into, or exercisable or exchangeable for, any shares, interests or share capital of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; (C) there are no agreements or arrangements under which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is obligated to register the sale of any of their securities under the 1933 Act (except pursuant to this Agreement); (D) there are no outstanding securities or instruments of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries which contain any redemption or similar provisions, and there are no contracts, commitments, understandings or arrangements by which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is or may become bound to redeem a security of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; (E) there are no securities or instruments containing anti-dilution or similar provisions that will be triggered by the issuance of the Securities; and (F) neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has any share appreciation rights or “phantom share” plans or agreements or any similar plan or agreement.
12
(v) Organizational Documents. The Company has furnished to the Buyers true, correct and complete copies of the Company’s certificate of incorporation, as amended and as in effect on the date hereof, and the Company’s memorandum and articles of association, as amended and as in effect on the date hereof (the “Memorandum and Articles of Association”), and the terms of all Convertible Securities and the material rights of the holders thereof in respect thereto.
(s) Indebtedness and Other Contracts. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries, (i) except as disclosed in the SEC Documents or Schedule 3(s) (provided, that Schedule 3(s) shall, in any event, include a list of all applicable documents disclosed in the SEC Documents), has any outstanding debt securities, notes, credit agreements, credit facilities or other agreements, documents or instruments evidencing Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or by which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is or may become bound, (ii) is a party to any contract, agreement or instrument, the violation of which, or default under which, by the other party(ies) to such contract, agreement or instrument could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, (iii) has any financing statements securing obligations in any amounts filed in connection with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; (iv) is in violation of any term of, or in default under, any contract, agreement or instrument relating to any Indebtedness, except where such violations and defaults would not result, individually or in the aggregate, in a Material Adverse Effect, or (v) is a party to any contract, agreement or instrument relating to any Indebtedness, the performance of which, in the judgment of the Company’s officers, has or is expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries have any liabilities or obligations required to be disclosed in the SEC Documents which are not so disclosed in the SEC Documents, other than those incurred in the ordinary course of the Company’s or its Subsidiaries’ respective businesses and which, individually or in the aggregate, do not or could not have a Material Adverse Effect. For purposes of this Agreement: (x) “Indebtedness” of any Person means, without duplication (A) all indebtedness for borrowed money, (B) all obligations issued, undertaken or assumed as the deferred purchase price of property or services (including, without limitation, “capital leases” in accordance with GAAP) (other than trade payables entered into in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice), (C) all reimbursement or payment obligations with respect to letters of credit, surety bonds and other similar instruments, (D) all obligations evidenced by notes, bonds, debentures or similar instruments, including obligations so evidenced incurred in connection with the acquisition of property, assets or businesses, (E) all indebtedness created or arising under any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, or incurred as financing, in either case with respect to any property or assets acquired with the proceeds of such indebtedness (even though the rights and remedies of the seller or bank under such agreement in the event of default are limited to repossession or sale of such property), (F) all monetary obligations under any leasing or similar arrangement which, in connection with GAAP, consistently applied for the periods covered thereby, is classified as a capital lease, (G) all indebtedness referred to in clauses (A) through (F) above secured by (or for which the holder of such Indebtedness has an existing right, contingent or otherwise, to be secured by) any Lien upon or in any property or assets (including accounts and contract rights) owned by any Person, even though the Person which owns such assets or property has not assumed or become liable for the payment of such indebtedness, and (H) all Contingent Obligations in respect of indebtedness or obligations of others of the kinds referred to in clauses (A) through (G) above; and (y) “Contingent Obligation” means, as to any Person, any direct or indirect liability, contingent or otherwise, of that Person with respect to any Indebtedness, lease, dividend or other obligation of another Person if the primary purpose or intent of the Person incurring such liability, or the primary effect thereof, is to provide assurance to the obligee of such liability that such liability will be paid or discharged, or that any agreements relating thereto will be complied with, or that the holders of such liability will be protected (in whole or in part) against loss with respect thereto.
13
(t) Litigation. There is no action, suit, arbitration, proceeding, inquiry or investigation before or by the Principal Market, any court, public board, other Governmental Entity, self-regulatory organization or body pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened against or affecting the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, the Ordinary Shares or any of the Company’s or its Subsidiaries’ officers or directors, whether of a civil or criminal nature or otherwise, in their capacities as such, which is outside of the ordinary course of business or individually or in the aggregate material to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. No director, officer or employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries has willfully violated 18 U.S.C. §1519 or engaged in spoliation in reasonable anticipation of litigation. Without limitation of the foregoing, there has not been, and to the knowledge of the Company, there is not pending or contemplated, any investigation by the SEC involving the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any current or former director or officer of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. The SEC has not issued any stop order or other order suspending the effectiveness of any registration statement filed by the Company under the 1933 Act or the 1934 Act, including, without limitation, the Registration Statement. After reasonable inquiry of its employees, the Company is not aware of any fact which might result in or form the basis for any such action, suit, arbitration, investigation, inquiry or other proceeding. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is subject to any order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, determination or award of any Governmental Entity.
(u) Insurance. The Company any each of its Subsidiaries are insured by insurers of recognized financial responsibility against such losses and risks and in such amounts as management of the Company believes to be prudent and customary in the businesses in which the Company and its Subsidiaries are engaged. Neither the Company nor any such Subsidiary has been refused any insurance coverage sought or applied for, and neither the Company nor any such Subsidiary has any reason to believe that it will be unable to renew its existing insurance coverage as and when such coverage expires or to obtain similar coverage from similar insurers as may be necessary to continue its business at a cost that would not have a Material Adverse Effect.
(v) Employee Relations. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to any collective bargaining agreement or employs any member of a union. The Company and its Subsidiaries believe that their relations with their employees are good. No executive officer (as defined in Rule 501(f) promulgated under the 1933 Act) or other key employee of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has notified the Company or any such Subsidiary that such officer intends to leave the Company or any such Subsidiary or otherwise terminate such officer’s employment with the Company or any such Subsidiary. No current (or former) executive officer or other key employee of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is, or is now expected to be, in violation of any material term of any employment contract, confidentiality, disclosure or proprietary information agreement, non-competition agreement, or any other contract or agreement or any restrictive covenant, and the continued employment of each such executive officer or other key employee (as the case may be) does not subject the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to any liability with respect to any of the foregoing matters. The Company and its Subsidiaries are in compliance with all federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations respecting labor, employment and employment practices and benefits, terms and conditions of employment and wages and hours, except where failure to be in compliance would not, either individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
14
(w) Title.
(i) Real Property. Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries holds good title to, or a valid leasehold interest in, all real property, leases in real property, facilities or other interests in real property owned or held by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (the “Real Property”) owned by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (as applicable). The Real Property is free and clear of all Liens and is not subject to any rights of way, building use restrictions, exceptions, variances, reservations, or limitations of any nature except for (a) Liens for current taxes not yet due and (b) zoning laws and other land use restrictions that do not impair the present or anticipated use of the property subject thereto. Any Real Property held under lease by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries are held by them under valid, subsisting and enforceable leases with such exceptions as are not material and do not interfere with the use made and proposed to be made of such property and buildings by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.
(ii) Fixtures and Equipment. Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries (as applicable) has good title to, or a valid leasehold interest in, the tangible personal property, equipment, improvements, fixtures, and other personal property and appurtenances that are used by the Company or its Subsidiary in connection with the conduct of its business (the “Fixtures and Equipment”). The Fixtures and Equipment are structurally sound, are in good operating condition and repair, are adequate for the uses to which they are being put, are not in need of maintenance or repairs except for ordinary, routine maintenance and repairs and are sufficient for the conduct of the Company’s and/or its Subsidiaries’ businesses (as applicable) in the manner as conducted prior to the Closing. Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries owns all of its Fixtures and Equipment free and clear of all Liens except for (a) liens for current taxes not yet due and (b) zoning laws and other land use restrictions that do not impair the present or anticipated use of the property subject thereto.
(x) Intellectual Property Rights. The Company and its Subsidiaries own or possess adequate rights or licenses to use all trademarks, trade names, service marks, service mark registrations, service names, original works of authorship, patents, patent rights, copyrights, inventions, licenses, approvals, governmental authorizations, trade secrets and other intellectual property rights and all applications and registrations therefor (“Intellectual Property Rights”) necessary to conduct their respective businesses as now conducted and presently proposed to be conducted. Each of the patents owned by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is listed on Schedule 3(x)(i). Except as set forth in Schedule 3(x)(ii), none of the Company’s Intellectual Property Rights have expired or terminated or have been abandoned or are expected to expire or terminate or are expected to be abandoned, within three years from the date of this Agreement. The Company does not have any knowledge of any infringement by the Company or its Subsidiaries of Intellectual Property Rights of others. There is no claim, action or proceeding being made or brought, or to the knowledge of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, being threatened, against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries regarding its Intellectual Property Rights. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is aware of any facts or circumstances which might give rise to any of the foregoing infringements or claims, actions or proceedings. The Company and its Subsidiaries have taken reasonable security measures to protect the secrecy, confidentiality and value of all of their Intellectual Property Rights.
(y) Environmental Laws. (i) The Company and its Subsidiaries (A) are in compliance with any and all Environmental Laws (as defined below), (B) have received all permits, licenses or other approvals required of them under applicable Environmental Laws to conduct their respective businesses and (C) are in compliance with all terms and conditions of any such permit, license or approval, except where, in each of the foregoing clauses (A), (B) and (C), the failure to so comply could or have such permits, licenses or other approval, as applicable, would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect. The term “Environmental Laws” means all federal, state, local or foreign laws relating to pollution or protection of human health or the environment (including, without limitation, ambient air, surface water, groundwater, land surface or subsurface strata), including, without limitation, laws relating to emissions, discharges, releases or threatened releases of chemicals, pollutants, contaminants, or toxic or hazardous substances or wastes (collectively, “Hazardous Materials”) into the environment, or otherwise relating to the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage, disposal, transport or handling of Hazardous Materials, as well as all authorizations, codes, decrees, demands or demand letters, injunctions, judgments, licenses, notices or notice letters, orders, permits, plans or regulations issued, entered, promulgated or approved thereunder.
15
(ii) No Hazardous Materials:
(A) have been disposed of or otherwise released from any Real Property of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in violation of any Environmental Laws; or
(B) are present on, over, beneath, in or upon any Real Property or any portion thereof in quantities that would constitute a violation of any Environmental Laws. No prior use by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries of any Real Property has occurred that violates any Environmental Laws, which violation would have a material adverse effect on the business of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.
(iii) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries knows of any other person who or entity which has stored, treated, recycled, disposed of or otherwise located on any Real Property any Hazardous Materials, including, without limitation, such substances as asbestos and polychlorinated biphenyls.
(iv) None of the Real Properties are on any federal or state “Superfund” list or Liability Information System (“CERCLIS”) list or any state environmental agency list of sites under consideration for CERCLIS, nor subject to any environmental related Liens.
(z) Subsidiary Rights. The Company or one of its Subsidiaries has the unrestricted right to vote, and (subject to limitations imposed by applicable law) to receive dividends and distributions on, all capital securities of its Subsidiaries as owned by the Company or such Subsidiary.
(aa) Tax Status. The Company and each of its Subsidiaries (i) has timely made or filed all foreign, federal and state income and all other tax returns, reports and declarations required by any jurisdiction to which it is subject, (ii) has timely paid all taxes and other governmental assessments and charges that are material in amount, shown or determined to be due on such returns, reports and declarations, except those being contested in good faith and (iii) has set aside on its books provision reasonably adequate for the payment of all taxes for periods subsequent to the periods to which such returns, reports or declarations apply. There are no unpaid taxes in any material amount claimed to be due by the taxing authority of any jurisdiction, and the officers of the Company and its Subsidiaries know of no basis for any such claim. The Company is not operated in such a manner as to qualify as a passive foreign investment company, as defined in Section 1297 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). The net operating loss carryforwards (“NOLs”) for United States federal income tax purposes of the consolidated group of which the Company is the common parent, if any, shall not be adversely effected by the transactions contemplated hereby. The transactions contemplated hereby do not constitute an “ownership change” within the meaning of Section 382 of the Code, thereby preserving the Company’s ability to utilize such NOLs.
16
(bb) Internal Accounting and Disclosure Controls. The Company and its Subsidiaries maintain a system of internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that: (i) transactions are executed in accordance with management’s general or specific authorizations, (ii) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP and to maintain asset accountability, (iii) access to assets is permitted only in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization, and (iv) the recorded accountability for assets is compared with the existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences. The Company and the Subsidiaries have established disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in 1934 Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the Company and its Subsidiaries and designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports it files or submits under the 1934 Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. The Company’s certifying officers have evaluated the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures of the Company and its Subsidiaries as of the end of the period covered by the most recently filed periodic report under the 1934 Act (such date, the “Evaluation Date”). The Company presented in its most recently filed periodic report under the 1934 Act the conclusions of the certifying officers about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on their evaluations as of the Evaluation Date. Since the Evaluation Date, there have been no changes in the internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in the 1934 Act) of the Company and its Subsidiaries that have materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the internal control over financial reporting of the Company and its Subsidiaries.
(cc) Off Balance Sheet Arrangements. There is no transaction, arrangement, or other relationship between the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and an unconsolidated or other off balance sheet entity that is required to be disclosed by the Company in its 1934 Act filings and is not so disclosed or that otherwise could be reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(dd) Investment Company Status. The Company is not, and upon consummation of the sale of the Securities will not be, an “investment company,” an affiliate of an “investment company,” a company controlled by an “investment company” or an “affiliated person” of, or “promoter” or “principal underwriter” for, an “investment company” as such terms are defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
(ee) Acknowledgement Regarding Buyers’ Trading Activity. It is understood and acknowledged by the Company that (i) following the public disclosure of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents, in accordance with the terms thereof, none of the Buyers have been asked by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to agree, nor has any Buyer agreed with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, to desist from effecting any transactions in or with respect to (including, without limitation, purchasing or selling, long and/or short) any securities of the Company, or “derivative” securities based on securities issued by the Company or to hold any of the Securities for any specified term; (ii) any Buyer, and counterparties in “derivative” transactions to which any such Buyer is a party, directly or indirectly, presently may have a “short” position in the Ordinary Shares which was established prior to such Buyer’s knowledge of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents; (iii) each Buyer shall not be deemed to have any affiliation with or control over any arm’s length counterparty in any “derivative” transaction; and (iv) each Buyer may rely on the Company’s obligation to timely deliver Ordinary Shares upon conversion, exercise or exchange, as applicable, of the Securities as and when required pursuant to the Transaction Documents for purposes of effecting trading in the Ordinary Shares of the Company. The Company further understands and acknowledges that following the public disclosure of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents pursuant to the Press Releases and/or 6-K Filings (as defined below)one or more Buyers may engage in hedging and/or trading activities (including, without limitation, the location and/or reservation of borrowable Ordinary Shares) at various times during the period that the Securities are outstanding, including, without limitation, during the periods that the value and/or number of Conversion Shares deliverable with respect to the Securities are being determined and such hedging and/or trading activities (including, without limitation, the location and/or reservation of borrowable Ordinary Shares), if any, can reduce the value of the existing shareholders’ equity interest in the Company both at and after the time the hedging and/or trading activities are being conducted. The Company acknowledges that such aforementioned hedging and/or trading activities do not constitute a breach of this Agreement, the Notes, or any other Transaction Document or any of the documents executed in connection herewith or therewith.
17
(ff) Manipulation of Price. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has, and, to the knowledge of the Company, no Person acting on their behalf has, directly or indirectly, (i) taken any action designed to cause or to result in the stabilization or manipulation of the price of any security of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to facilitate the sale or resale of any of the Securities, (ii) sold, bid for, purchased, or paid any compensation for soliciting purchases of, any of the Securities, (iii) paid or agreed to pay to any Person any compensation for soliciting another to purchase any other securities of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or (iv) paid or agreed to pay any Person for research services with respect to any securities of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.
(gg) U.S. Real Property Holding Corporation. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is, or has ever been, and so long as any of the Securities are held by any of the Buyers, shall become, a U.S. real property holding corporation within the meaning of Section 897 of the Code, and the Company and each Subsidiary shall so certify upon any Buyer’s request.
(hh) Registration Eligibility. The Company is eligible to register the Securities for resale by the Buyers using Form F-3 promulgated under the 1933 Act.
(ii) Transfer Taxes. On the Closing Date, all share transfer or other taxes (other than income or similar taxes) which are required to be paid in connection with the issuance, sale and transfer of the Securities to be sold to each Buyer hereunder will be, or will have been, fully paid or provided for by the Company, and all laws imposing such taxes will be or will have been complied with.
(jj) Bank Holding Company Act. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is subject to the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the “BHCA”) and to regulation by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve”). Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries or affiliates owns or controls, directly or indirectly, five percent (5%) or more of the outstanding shares of any class of voting securities or twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the total equity of a bank or any entity that is subject to the BHCA and to regulation by the Federal Reserve. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries or affiliates exercises a controlling influence over the management or policies of a bank or any entity that is subject to the BHCA and to regulation by the Federal Reserve.
(kk) Shell Company Status. The Company is not, and has never been, an issuer identified in, or subject to, Rule 144(i).
18
(ll) Illegal or Unauthorized Payments; Political Contributions. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries nor, to the best of the Company’s knowledge (after reasonable inquiry of its officers and directors), any of the officers, directors, employees, agents or other representatives of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any other business entity or enterprise with which the Company or any Subsidiary is or has been affiliated or associated, has, directly or indirectly, made or authorized any payment, contribution or gift of money, property, or services, whether or not in contravention of applicable law, (i) as a kickback or bribe to any Person or (ii) to any political organization, or the holder of or any aspirant to any elective or appointive public office except for personal political contributions not involving the direct or indirect use of funds of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.
(mm) Money Laundering. The Company and its Subsidiaries are in compliance with, and have not previously violated, the USA Patriot Act of 2001 and all other applicable U.S. and non-U.S. anti-money laundering laws and regulations, including, without limitation, the laws, regulations and Executive Orders and sanctions programs administered by the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control, including, but not limited, to (i) Executive Order 13224 of September 23, 2001 entitled, “Blocking Property and Prohibiting Transactions With Persons Who Commit, Threaten to Commit, or Support Terrorism” (66 Fed. Reg. 49079 (2001)); and (ii) any regulations contained in 31 CFR, Subtitle B, Chapter V.
(nn) Management. During the past three-year period, no current or former officer or director or, to the knowledge of the Company, no current ten percent (10%) or greater shareholder of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has been the subject of:
(i) a petition under bankruptcy laws or any other insolvency or moratorium law or the appointment by a court of a receiver, fiscal agent or similar officer for such Person, or any partnership in which such person was a general partner at or within two years before the filing of such petition or such appointment, or any corporation or business association of which such person was an executive officer at or within two years before the time of the filing of such petition or such appointment;
(ii) a conviction in a criminal proceeding or a named subject of a pending criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations that do not relate to driving while intoxicated or driving under the influence);
(iii) any order, judgment or decree, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any court of competent jurisdiction, permanently or temporarily enjoining any such person from, or otherwise limiting, the following activities:
(1) Acting as a futures commission merchant, introducing broker, commodity trading advisor, commodity pool operator, floor broker, leverage transaction merchant, any other person regulated by the United States Commodity Futures Trading Commission or an associated person of any of the foregoing, or as an investment adviser, underwriter, broker or dealer in securities, or as an affiliated person, director or employee of any investment company, bank, savings and loan association or insurance company, or engaging in or continuing any conduct or practice in connection with such activity;
(2) Engaging in any particular type of business practice; or
(3) Engaging in any activity in connection with the purchase or sale of any security or commodity or in connection with any violation of securities laws or commodities laws;
19
(iv) any order, judgment or decree, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any authority barring, suspending or otherwise limiting for more than sixty (60) days the right of any such person to engage in any activity described in the preceding sub paragraph, or to be associated with persons engaged in any such activity;
(v) a finding by a court of competent jurisdiction in a civil action or by the SEC or other authority to have violated any securities law, regulation or decree and the judgment in such civil action or finding by the SEC or any other authority has not been subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated; or
(vi) a finding by a court of competent jurisdiction in a civil action or by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to have violated any federal commodities law, and the judgment in such civil action or finding has not been subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated.
(oo) Share Option Plans. Each share option granted by the Company was granted (i) in accordance with the terms of the applicable share option plan of the Company and (ii) with an exercise price at least equal to the fair market value of the Ordinary Shares on the date such share option would be considered granted under GAAP and applicable law. No share option granted under the Company’s share option plan has been backdated. The Company has not knowingly granted, and there is no and has been no policy or practice of the Company to knowingly grant, share options prior to, or otherwise knowingly coordinate the grant of share options with, the release or other public announcement of material information regarding the Company or its Subsidiaries or their financial results or prospects.
(pp) No Disagreements with Accountants and Lawyers. There are no material disagreements of any kind presently existing, or reasonably anticipated by the Company to arise, between the Company and the accountants and lawyers formerly or presently employed by the Company and the Company is current with respect to any fees owed to its accountants and lawyers which could affect the Company’s ability to perform any of its obligations under any of the Transaction Documents. In addition, on or prior to the date hereof, the Company had discussions with its accountants about its financial statements previously filed with the SEC. Based on those discussions, the Company has no reason to believe that it will need to restate any such financial statements or any part thereof.
(qq) No Additional Agreements. The Company does not have any agreement or understanding with any Buyer with respect to the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents other than as specified in the Transaction Documents.
20
(rr) Public Utility Holding Company Act. None of the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is a “holding company,” or an “affiliate” of a “holding company,” as such terms are defined in the Public Utility Holding Act of 2005.
(ss) Federal Power Act. None of the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is subject to regulation as a “public utility” under the Federal Power Act, as amended.
(tt) Cybersecurity. The Company and its Subsidiaries’ information technology assets and equipment, computers, systems, networks, hardware, software, websites, applications, and databases (collectively, “IT Systems”) are adequate for, and operate and perform in all material respects as required in connection with the operation of the business of the Company and its subsidiaries as currently conducted, free and clear of all material bugs, errors, defects, Trojan horses, time bombs, malware and other corruptants that would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company’s business. The Company and its Subsidiaries have implemented and maintained commercially reasonable physical, technical and administrative controls, policies, procedures, and safeguards to maintain and protect their material confidential information and the integrity, continuous operation, redundancy and security of all IT Systems and data, including “Personal Data,” used in connection with their businesses. “Personal Data” means (i) a natural person’s name, street address, telephone number, e-mail address, photograph, social security number or tax identification number, driver’s license number, passport number, credit card number, bank information, or customer or account number; (ii) any information which would qualify as “personally identifying information” under the Federal Trade Commission Act, as amended; (iii) “personal data” as defined by the European Union General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) (EU 2016/679); (iv) any information which would qualify as “protected health information” under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, as amended by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (collectively, “HIPAA”); and (v) any other piece of information that allows the identification of such natural person, or his or her family, or permits the collection or analysis of any data related to an identified person’s health or sexual orientation. There have been no breaches, violations, outages or unauthorized uses of or accesses to same, except for those that have been remedied without material cost or liability or the duty to notify any other person or such, nor any incidents under internal review or investigations relating to the same except in each case, where such would not, either individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. The Company and its Subsidiaries are presently in compliance with all applicable laws or statutes and all judgments, orders, rules and regulations of any court or arbitrator or governmental or regulatory authority, internal policies and contractual obligations relating to the privacy and security of IT Systems and Personal Data and to the protection of such IT Systems and Personal Data from unauthorized use, access, misappropriation or modification except in each case, where such would not, either individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
21
(uu) Compliance with Data Privacy Laws. The Company and its Subsidiaries are, and at all prior times were, in compliance with all applicable state and federal data privacy and security laws and regulations, including without limitation HIPAA, and the Company and its Subsidiaries have taken commercially reasonable actions to prepare to comply with, and since May 25, 2018, have been and currently are in compliance with, the GDPR (collectively, the “Privacy Laws”) except in each case, where such would not, either individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. To ensure compliance with the Privacy Laws, the Company and its Subsidiaries have in place, comply with, and take appropriate steps reasonably designed to ensure compliance in all material respects with their policies and procedures relating to data privacy and security and the collection, storage, use, disclosure, handling, and analysis of Personal Data (the “Policies”). The Company and its Subsidiaries have at all times made all disclosures to users or customers required by applicable laws and regulatory rules or requirements, and none of such disclosures made or contained in any Policy have, to the knowledge of the Company, been inaccurate or in violation of any applicable laws and regulatory rules or requirements in any material respect. The Company further certifies that neither it nor any Subsidiary: (i) has received notice of any actual or potential liability under or relating to, or actual or potential violation of, any of the Privacy Laws, and has no knowledge of any event or condition that would reasonably be expected to result in any such notice; (ii) is currently conducting or paying for, in whole or in part, any investigation, remediation, or other corrective action pursuant to any Privacy Law; or (iii) is a party to any order, decree, or agreement that imposes any obligation or liability under any Privacy Law.
(vv) Registration Rights. No holder of securities of the Company has rights to the registration of any securities of the Company because of the filing of the Registration Statement or the issuance of the Securities hereunder that could expose the Company to material liability or any Buyer to any liability or that could impair the Company’s ability to consummate the issuance and sale of the Securities in the manner, and at the times, contemplated hereby, which rights have not been waived by the holder thereof as of the date hereof.
(ww) Disclosure. The Company confirms that neither it nor any other Person acting on its behalf has provided any of the Buyers or their agents or counsel with any information that constitutes or could reasonably be expected to constitute material, non-public information concerning the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, other than the existence of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents. The Company understands and confirms that each of the Buyers will rely on the foregoing representations in effecting transactions in securities of the Company. All disclosure provided to the Buyers regarding the Company and its Subsidiaries, their businesses and the transactions contemplated hereby, including the schedules to this Agreement, furnished by or on behalf of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is true and correct and does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements made therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. All of the written information furnished after the date hereof by or on behalf of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to each Buyer pursuant to or in connection with this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, taken as a whole, will be true and correct in all material respects as of the date on which such information is so provided and will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements made therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. Each press release issued by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries during the twelve (12) months preceding the date of this Agreement did not at the time of release contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading. No event or circumstance has occurred or information exists with respect to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or its or their business, properties, liabilities, prospects, operations (including results thereof) or conditions (financial or otherwise), which, under applicable law, rule or regulation, requires public disclosure at or before the date hereof or announcement by the Company but which has not been so publicly disclosed. All financial projections and forecasts that have been prepared by or on behalf of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and made available to you have been prepared in good faith based upon reasonable assumptions and represented, at the time each such financial projection or forecast was delivered to each Buyer, the Company’s best estimate of future financial performance (it being recognized that such financial projections or forecasts are not to be viewed as facts and that the actual results during the period or periods covered by any such financial projections or forecasts may differ from the projected or forecasted results). The Company acknowledges and agrees that no Buyer makes or has made any representations or warranties with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby other than those specifically set forth in Section 2.
22
(xx) No Disqualification Events. With respect to Securities to be offered and sold hereunder in reliance on Rule 506(b) under the 1933 Act (“Regulation D Securities”), none of the Company, any of its predecessors, any affiliated issuer, any director, executive officer, other officer of the Company participating in the offering contemplated hereby, any beneficial owner of 20% or more of the Company’s outstanding voting equity securities, calculated on the basis of voting power, nor any promoter (as that term is defined in Rule 405 under the 1933 Act) connected with the Company in any capacity at the time of sale (each, an “Issuer Covered Person” and, together, “Issuer Covered Persons”) is subject to any of the “Bad Actor” disqualifications described in Rule 506(d)(1)(i) to (viii) under the 1933 Act (a “Disqualification Event”), except for a Disqualification Event covered by Rule 506(d)(2) or (d)(3). The Company has exercised reasonable care to determine whether any Issuer Covered Person is subject to a Disqualification Event. The Company has complied, to the extent applicable, with its disclosure obligations under Rule 506(e), and has furnished to the Buyers a copy of any disclosures provided thereunder.
(yy) Other Covered Persons. The Company is not aware of any Person (other than the Placement Agent) that has been or will be paid (directly or indirectly) remuneration for solicitation of Buyers or potential purchasers in connection with the sale of any Regulation D Securities.
4. COVENANTS.
(a) Best Efforts. Each Buyer shall use its best efforts to timely satisfy each of the covenants hereunder and conditions to be satisfied by it as provided in Section 6 of this Agreement. The Company shall use its best efforts to timely satisfy each of the covenants hereunder and conditions to be satisfied by it as provided in Section 7 of this Agreement.
(b) Form D and Blue Sky. The Company shall file a Form D with respect to the Securities as required under Regulation D and provide a copy thereof to each Buyer promptly after such filing. The Company shall, on or before the Closing Date, take such action as the Company shall reasonably determine is necessary in order to obtain an exemption for, or to, qualify the Securities for sale to the Buyers at the Closing pursuant to this Agreement under applicable securities or “Blue Sky” laws of the states of the United States (or to obtain an exemption from such qualification), and shall provide evidence of any such action so taken to the Buyers on or prior to the Closing Date. Without limiting any other obligation of the Company under this Agreement, the Company shall timely make all filings and reports relating to the offer and sale of the Securities required under all applicable securities laws (including, without limitation, all applicable federal securities laws and all applicable “Blue Sky” laws), and the Company shall comply with all applicable foreign, federal, state and local laws, statutes, rules, regulations and the like relating to the offering and sale of the Securities to the Buyers.
23
(f) Reporting Status. Until the date on which the Buyers shall have sold all of the Securities (the “Reporting Period”), the Company shall timely file all reports required to be filed with the SEC pursuant to the 1934 Act, and the Company shall not terminate its status as an issuer required to file reports under the 1934 Act even if the 1934 Act or the rules and regulations thereunder would no longer require or otherwise permit such termination. The Company shall take all actions necessary to maintain its eligibility to register the Securities for resale by the Buyers on Form F-3.
(g) Use of Proceeds. The Company will use the proceeds from the sale of the Securities as described in the Prospectus Supplement, but not, directly or indirectly, for (i) the satisfaction of any indebtedness of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (ii) the redemption or repurchase of any securities of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or (iii) the settlement of any outstanding litigation.
(h) Financial Information. The Company agrees to send the following to each holder of Notes (each, an “Investor”) during the Reporting Period (i) unless the following are filed with the SEC through EDGAR and are available to the public through the EDGAR system, within one (1) Business Day after the filing thereof with the SEC, a copy of its Annual Report on Form 20-F, Report of Foreign Issuer on Form 6-K, any other interim reports or any consolidated balance sheets, income statements, shareholders’ equity statements and/or cash flow statements for any period other than annual, any Report of Foreign Issuer on Form 6-K and any registration statements (other than on Form S-8) or amendments filed pursuant to the 1933 Act, (ii) unless the following are either filed with the SEC through EDGAR or are otherwise widely disseminated via a recognized news release service (such as PR Newswire), on the same day as the release thereof, e-mail copies of all press releases issued by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and (iii) unless the following are filed with the SEC through EDGAR, copies of any notices and other information made available or given to the shareholders of the Company generally, contemporaneously with the making available or giving thereof to the shareholders.
(i) Listing. The Company shall promptly secure the listing or designation for quotation (as the case may be) of all of the Underlying Securities upon each national securities exchange and automated quotation system, if any, upon which the Ordinary Shares is then listed or designated for quotation (as the case may be) (subject to official notice of issuance) and shall maintain such listing or designation for quotation (as the case may be) of all Underlying Securities from time to time issuable under the terms of the Transaction Documents on such national securities exchange or automated quotation system. The Company shall maintain the Ordinary Shares’ listing or authorization for quotation (as the case may be) on the Principal Market, The New York Stock Exchange, the NYSE American, the Nasdaq Global Select Market, or the Nasdaq Global Market (each, an “Eligible Market”). Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries shall take any action which could be reasonably expected to result in the delisting or suspension of the Ordinary Shares on an Eligible Market. The Company shall pay all fees and expenses in connection with satisfying its obligations under this Section 4(i). “Underlying Securities” means (i) the Conversion Shares and (ii) any share capital of the Company issued or issuable with respect to the Conversion Shares or the Notes, respectively, including, without limitation, (1) as a result of any stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization, exchange or similar event or otherwise and (2) ordinary shares of the Company into which the Ordinary Shares are converted or exchanged and share capital of a Successor Entity (as defined in the Notes) into which the Ordinary Shares are converted or exchanged, in each case, without regard to any limitations on conversion of the Notes.
24
(j) Fees. The Company shall reimburse the lead Buyer for all costs and expenses incurred by it or its affiliates in connection with the structuring, documentation, diligence, negotiation and closing and post-closing, as applicable, of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents (including, without limitation, as applicable, all reasonable legal fees of outside counsel and disbursements of Pryor Cashman LLP, counsel to the lead Buyer, any other reasonable fees and expenses in connection with the structuring, documentation, negotiation and closing of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents and due diligence and regulatory filings in connection therewith) (the “Transaction Expenses”) and shall be withheld by the lead Buyer from its Purchase Price at the Closing, less $20,000 previously paid by the Company to the lead Buyer; provided, that the Company shall promptly reimburse Pryor Cashman LLP on demand for all Transaction Expenses not so reimbursed through such withholding at the Closing. The Company shall be responsible for the payment of any placement agent’s fees, financial advisory fees, transfer agent fees, DTC (as defined below) fees or broker’s commissions (other than for Persons engaged by any Buyer) relating to or arising out of the transactions contemplated hereby. The Company shall pay, and hold each Buyer harmless against, any liability, loss or expense (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees and out-of-pocket expenses) arising in connection with any claim relating to any such payment. Except as otherwise set forth in the Transaction Documents, each party to this Agreement shall bear its own expenses in connection with the sale of the Securities to the Buyers.
(k) Pledge of Securities. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, the Company acknowledges and agrees that the Securities may be pledged by an Investor in connection with a bona fide margin agreement or other loan or financing arrangement that is secured by the Securities. The pledge of Securities shall not be deemed to be a transfer, sale or assignment of the Securities hereunder, and no Investor effecting a pledge of Securities shall be required to provide the Company with any notice thereof of otherwise make any delivery to the Company pursuant to this Agreement or any other Transaction Document, including, without limitation, Section 2(j) hereof; provided, that an Investor and its pledgee shall be required to comply with the provisions of Section 2(j) hereof in order to effect a sale, transfer or assignment of Securities to such pledgee. The Company hereby agrees to execute and deliver such documentation as a pledgee of the Securities may reasonably request in connection with a pledge of the Securities to such pledgee by a Buyer.
(l) Disclosure of Transactions and Other Material Information.
| (i) | Disclosure of Transaction. The Company shall, on or before 9:30 a.m., New York time, on the first (1st) Business Day after the date of this Agreement, (A) issue a press release (the “Press Release”) reasonably acceptable to the Buyers disclosing all material terms of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents and (B) file a Report of Foreign Issuer on Form 6-K describing all the material terms of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents in the form required by the 1934 Act and attaching all the material Transaction Documents (including, without limitation, this Agreement (and all schedules to this Agreement) and the form of Notes) (including all attachments, the “6-K Filing”). From and after the filing of the 6-K Filing, the Company shall have disclosed all material, non-public information (if any) provided to any of the Buyers by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective officers, directors, employees or agents in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents. In addition, effective upon the filing of the 6-K Filing, the Company acknowledges and agrees that any and all confidentiality or similar obligations under any agreement, whether written or oral, between the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective officers, directors, affiliates, employees or agents, on the one hand, and any of the Buyers or any of their affiliates, on the other hand, shall terminate. |
25
(ii) Limitations on Disclosure. The Company shall not, and the Company shall cause each of its Subsidiaries and each of its and their respective officers, directors, employees and agents not to, provide any Buyer with any material, non-public information regarding the Company or any of its Subsidiaries from and after the date hereof without the express prior written consent of such Buyer (which may be granted or withheld in such Buyer’s sole discretion). In the event of a breach of any of the foregoing covenants, including, without limitation, Section 4(q) of this Agreement, or any of the covenants or agreements contained in any other Transaction Document, by the Company, any of its Subsidiaries, or any of its or their respective officers, directors, employees and agents (as determined in the reasonable good faith judgment of such Buyer), in addition to any other remedy provided herein or in the Transaction Documents, such Buyer may deliver written notice to the Company to request that the Company promptly publicly release such applicable material, non-public information. If the Company fails to publicly release such material, non-public information on or prior to the second (2nd) Trading Day after such written notice by such Buyer, such Buyer shall have the right to make a public disclosure, in the form of a press release, public advertisement or otherwise, of such breach or such material, non-public information, as applicable, without the prior approval by the Company, any of its Subsidiaries, or any of its or their respective officers, directors, employees or agents. No Buyer shall have any liability to the Company, any of its Subsidiaries, or any of its or their respective officers, directors, employees, affiliates, shareholders or agents, for any such disclosure. To the extent that the Company delivers any material, non-public information to a Buyer without such Buyer’s consent, the Company hereby covenants and agrees that such Buyer shall not have any duty of confidentiality with respect to, or a duty not to trade on the basis of, such material, non-public information. Subject to the foregoing, neither the Company, its Subsidiaries nor any Buyer shall issue any press releases or any other public statements with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby; provided, however, the Company shall be entitled, without the prior approval of any Buyer, to make the Press Release and any press release or other public disclosure with respect to such transactions (i) in substantial conformity with the 6-K Filings and contemporaneously therewith and (ii) as is required by applicable law and regulations (provided that in the case of clause (i) each Buyer shall be consulted by the Company in connection with any such press release or other public disclosure prior to its release). Without the prior written consent of the applicable Buyer (which may be granted or withheld in such Buyer’s sole discretion), the Company shall not (and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries and affiliates to not) disclose the name of such Buyer in any filing, announcement, release or otherwise, except as required by applicable law or regulations; provided, however, that with respect to any filing or submission required by applicable law or regulations, (i) such filing or submission shall contain only such information as is necessary or advisable to comply with applicable law or regulations and (ii) unless specifically prohibited by applicable law or court order, the Company shall promptly notify the Buyers of the requirement to make such submission or filing and provide the Buyers with a copy thereof. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary and without implication that the contrary would otherwise be true, the Company expressly acknowledges and agrees that no Buyer shall have (unless expressly agreed to by a particular Buyer after the date hereof in a written definitive and binding agreement executed by the Company and such particular Buyer (it being understood and agreed that no Buyer may bind any other Buyer with respect thereto)), any duty of confidentiality with respect to, or a duty not to trade on the basis of, any material, non-public information regarding the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.
26
(iii) Other Confidential Information; Disclosure Failures; Disclosure Delay Payments. In addition to other remedies set forth in this Section 4(l), and without limiting anything set forth in any other Transaction Document, at any time after the Closing Date if the Company, any of its Subsidiaries, or any of their respective officers, directors, employees or agents, provides any Buyer with material non-public information relating to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (each, the “Confidential Information”), the Company shall, on or prior to the applicable Required Disclosure Date (as defined below), publicly disclose such Confidential Information on a Report of Foreign Issuer on Form 6-K or otherwise (each, a “Disclosure”). From and after such Disclosure, the Company shall have disclosed all Confidential Information provided to such Buyer by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective officers, directors, employees or agents in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents. In addition, effective upon such Disclosure, the Company acknowledges and agrees that any and all confidentiality or similar obligations under any agreement, whether written or oral, between the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective officers, directors, affiliates, employees or agents, on the one hand, and any of the Buyers or any of their affiliates, on the other hand, shall terminate. In the event that the Company fails to effect such Disclosure on or prior to the Required Disclosure Date and such Buyer shall have possessed Confidential Information for at least ten (10) consecutive Trading Days (each, a “Disclosure Failure”), then, as partial relief for the damages to such Buyer by reason of any such delay in, or reduction of, its ability to buy or sell shares of Common Stock after such Required Disclosure Date (which remedy shall not be exclusive of any other remedies available at law or in equity), the Company shall pay to such Buyer an amount in cash equal to the greater of (I) one and one-half percent (1.5%) of the aggregate Purchase Price and (II) the applicable Disclosure Restitution Amount, on each of the following dates (each, a “Disclosure Delay Payment Date”): (i) on the date of such Disclosure Failure and (ii) on every thirty (30) day anniversary such Disclosure Failure until the earlier of (x) the date such Disclosure Failure is cured and (y) such time as all such non-public information provided to such Buyer shall cease to be Confidential Information (as evidenced by a certificate, duly executed by an authorized officer of the Company to the foregoing effect) (such earlier date, as applicable, a “Disclosure Cure Date”). Following the initial Disclosure Delay Payment for any particular Disclosure Failure, without limiting the foregoing, if a Disclosure Cure Date occurs prior to any thirty (30) day anniversary of such Disclosure Failure, then such Disclosure Delay Payment (prorated for such partial month) shall be made on the second (2nd) Business Day after such Disclosure Cure Date. The payments to which an Investor shall be entitled pursuant to this Section 4(l)(iii) are referred to herein as “Disclosure Delay Payments.” In the event the Company fails to make Disclosure Delay Payments in a timely manner in accordance with the foregoing, such Disclosure Delay Payments shall bear interest at the rate of two percent (2%) per month (prorated for partial months) until paid in full.
For the purpose of this Agreement the following definitions shall apply:
| A. | “Disclosure Failure Market Price” means, as of any Disclosure Delay Payment Date, the price computed as the quotient of (I) the sum of the five (5) highest VWAPs (as defined in the Notes) of the Ordinary Shares during the applicable Disclosure Restitution Period (as defined below), divided by (II) five (5) (such period, the “Disclosure Failure Measuring Period”). All such determinations to be appropriately adjusted for any share dividend, share split, share combination, reclassification or similar transaction that proportionately decreases or increases the Common Stock during such Disclosure Failure Measuring Period. |
27
| B. | “Disclosure Restitution Amount” means, as of any Disclosure Delay Payment Date, the product of (x) difference of (I) the Disclosure Failure Market Price less (II) the lowest purchase price, per Ordinary Share, of any Ordinary Share issued or issuable to such Buyer pursuant to this Agreement or any other Transaction Documents, multiplied by (y) 10% of the aggregate daily dollar trading volume (as reported on Bloomberg (as defined in the Notes)) of the Ordinary Shares on the Principal Market for each Trading Day (as defined in the Notes) either (1) with respect to the initial Disclosure Delay Payment Date, during the period commencing on the applicable Required Disclosure Date through and including the Trading Day immediately prior to the initial Disclosure Delay Payment Date or (2) with respect to each other Disclosure Delay Payment Date, during the period commencing the immediately preceding Disclosure Delay Payment Date through and including the Trading Day immediately prior to such applicable Disclosure Delay Payment Date (such applicable period, the “Disclosure Restitution Period”). |
| C. | “Required Disclosure Date” means (x) if such Buyer authorized the delivery of such Confidential Information, either (I) if the Company and such Buyer have mutually agreed upon a date (as evidenced by an e-mail or other writing) of Disclosure of such Confidential Information, such agreed upon date or (II) otherwise, the seventh (7th) calendar day after the date such Buyer first received any Confidential Information or (y) if such Buyer did not authorize the delivery of such Confidential Information, the first (1st) Business Day after such Buyer’s receipt of such Confidential Information. |
(m) Additional Issuance of Securities. So long as any Buyer beneficially owns any Securities, the Company will not, without the prior written consent of the Required Holders, issue any Notes (other than to the Buyers as contemplated hereby) and the Company shall not issue any other securities that would cause a breach or default under the Notes. The Company agrees that for a period commencing on a Closing Date hereunder, through, and including, one (1) year anniversary of the Closing Date (each, a “Restricted Period”), neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries shall directly or indirectly:
| (i) | except as set forth in Section 4(cc), file a registration statement under the 1933 Act relating to securities that are not the Underlying Securities (other than a registration statement on Form S-4, Form S-8 or such supplements or amendments to registration statements that are outstanding and have been declared effective by the SEC as of the date hereof (including the Registration Statement, provided that the Registration Statement shall not have been declared effective as of the date hereof) (solely to the extent necessary to keep such registration statements effective and available and not with respect to any Subsequent Placement)); or |
28
| (ii) | issue, offer, sell, grant any option or right to purchase, or otherwise dispose of (or announce any issuance, offer, sale, grant of any option or right to purchase or other disposition of) any equity security or any equity-linked or related security (including, without limitation, any “equity security” (as that term is defined under Rule 405 promulgated under the 1933 Act)), any Convertible Securities (as defined below), any debt, any preferred shares or any purchase rights) (any such issuance, offer, sale, grant, disposition or announcement (whether occurring during the Restricted Period or at any time thereafter) is referred to as a “Subsequent Placement”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Section 4(m) shall not apply in respect of the issuance of (A) Ordinary Shares or standard options to purchase Ordinary Shares to directors, officers, consultants, advisors, or employees of the Company in their capacity as such pursuant to an Approved Share Plan (as defined below), provided that (1) all such issuances (taking into account the Ordinary Shares issuable upon exercise of such options) after the date hereof pursuant to this clause (A) do not, in the aggregate, exceed more than 15% of the Ordinary Shares issued and outstanding on an annual basis immediately prior to the date hereof and (2) the exercise price of any such options is not lowered, none of such options are amended to increase the number of shares issuable thereunder and none of the terms or conditions of any such options are otherwise materially changed in any manner that materially and adversely affects any of the Buyers, other than in connection with adjustments for share splits, share dividends, share combinations, recapitalizations or other similar transactions; (B) Ordinary Shares issued upon the conversion or exercise of Convertible Securities (other than standard options to purchase Ordinary Shares issued pursuant to an Approved Share Plan that are covered by clause (A) above) issued prior to the date hereof, provided that the conversion, exercise or other method of issuance (as the case may be) of any such Convertible Security is made solely pursuant to the conversion, exercise or other method of issuance (as the case may be) provisions of such Convertible Security that were in effect on the date immediately prior to the date of this Agreement, the conversion, exercise or issuance price of any such Convertible Securities (other than standard options to purchase Ordinary Shares issued pursuant to an Approved Share Plan that are covered by clause (A) above) is not lowered, none of such Convertible Securities (other than standard options to purchase Ordinary Shares issued pursuant to an Approved Share Plan that are covered by clause (A) above) are amended to increase the number of shares issuable thereunder and none of the terms or conditions of any such Convertible Securities (other than standard options to purchase Ordinary Shares issued pursuant to an Approved Share Plan that are covered by clause (A) above) are otherwise materially changed in any manner that adversely affects any of the Buyers; (C) the Conversion Shares; and (D) issuances of debt or equity securities of the Company to any Buyer or affiliates thereof (each of the foregoing in clauses (A) through (D), collectively the “Excluded Securities”). “Approved Share Plan” means any employee benefit plan which has been approved by the board of directors of the Company prior to or subsequent to the date hereof pursuant to which Ordinary Shares and standard options to purchase Ordinary Shares may be issued to any employee, consultant, advisor, officer or director for services provided to the Company in their capacity as such. |
(n) Reservation of Shares. So long as any of the Notes remain outstanding, the Company shall take all action necessary to at all times have authorized, and reserved for the purpose of issuance, no less than 100% of the sum of (i) the maximum number of Ordinary Shares issuable upon conversion of all the Notes then outstanding (assuming for purposes hereof that (x) the Notes are convertible at the Floor Price as of such applicable date of determination, (y) interest on the Notes shall accrue through the third anniversary of the Closing Date and will be converted in Ordinary Shares at a conversion price equal to the Floor Price as of such applicable date of determination and (z) any such conversion shall not take into account any limitations on the conversion of the Notes set forth in the Notes)) (collectively, the “Required Reserve Amount”); provided that at no time shall the number of Ordinary Shares reserved pursuant to this Section 4(n) be reduced other than proportionally in connection with any conversion and/or redemption, as applicable of Notes. If at any time the number of Ordinary Shares authorized and reserved for issuance is not sufficient to meet the Required Reserve Amount, the Company will promptly take all corporate action necessary to authorize and reserve a sufficient number of shares, including, without limitation, calling a meeting of shareholders to authorize additional shares to meet the Company’s obligations pursuant to the Transaction Documents, in the case of an insufficient number of authorized shares, obtain shareholder approval of an increase in such authorized number of shares, and voting the management shares of the Company in favor of an increase in the authorized shares of the Company to ensure that the number of authorized shares is sufficient to meet the Required Reserve Amount.
29
(o) Conduct of Business. The business of the Company and its Subsidiaries shall not be conducted in violation of any law, ordinance or regulation of any Governmental Entity, except where such violations would not reasonably be expected to result, either individually or in the aggregate, in a Material Adverse Effect.
(p) Other Notes; Variable Securities. Until the three (3) month anniversary of the date hereof, the Company and each Subsidiary shall be prohibited from effecting or entering into an agreement to effect any Subsequent Placement involving a Variable Rate Transaction. “Variable Rate Transaction” means a transaction in which the Company or any Subsidiary (i) issues or sells any Convertible Securities either (A) at a conversion, exercise or exchange rate or other price that is based upon and/or varies with the trading prices of or quotations for the Ordinary Shares at any time after the initial issuance of such Convertible Securities, or (B) with a conversion, exercise or exchange price that is subject to being reset at some future date after the initial issuance of such Convertible Securities or upon the occurrence of specified or contingent events directly or indirectly related to the business of the Company or the market for the Ordinary Shares, other than pursuant to a customary “weighted average” anti-dilution provision or (ii) enters into any agreement (including, without limitation, an equity line of credit or an “at-the-market” offering) whereby the Company or any Subsidiary may sell securities at a future determined price (other than standard and customary “preemptive” or “participation” rights); provided, however, that the definition of Variable Rate Transaction shall not include issuances of debt or equity securities of the Company to any Buyer or affiliates thereof. Each Buyer shall be entitled to obtain injunctive relief against the Company and its Subsidiaries to preclude any such issuance, which remedy shall be in addition to any right to collect damages.
(q) Participation Right. For a period of two (2) years following the Closing Date, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries shall, directly or indirectly, effect any Subsequent Placement unless the Company shall have first complied with this Section 4(q). The Company acknowledges and agrees that the right set forth in this Section 4(q) is a right granted by the Company, separately, to each Buyer.
(i) At least three (3) Trading Days prior to any proposed or intended Subsequent Placement, the Company shall deliver to each Buyer a written notice (each such notice, a “Pre-Notice”), which Pre-Notice shall not contain any information (including, without limitation, material, non-public information) other than: (A) if the proposed Offer Notice (as defined below) constitutes or contains material, non-public information, a statement asking whether the Investor is willing to accept material non-public information or (B) if the proposed Offer Notice does not constitute or contain material, non-public information, (x) a statement that the Company proposes or intends to effect a Subsequent Placement, (y) a statement that the statement in clause (x) above does not constitute material, non-public information and (z) a statement informing such Buyer that it is entitled to receive an Offer Notice (as defined below) with respect to such Subsequent Placement upon its written request. Upon the written request of a Buyer within two (2) Trading Day after the Company’s delivery to such Buyer of such Pre-Notice, and only upon a written request by such Buyer, the Company shall promptly, but no later than one (1) Trading Day after such request, deliver to such Buyer an irrevocable written notice (the “Offer Notice”) of any proposed or intended issuance or sale or exchange (the “Offer”) of the securities being offered (the “Offered Securities”) in a Subsequent Placement, which Offer Notice shall (A) identify and describe the Offered Securities, (B) describe the price and other terms upon which they are to be issued, sold or exchanged, and the number or amount of the Offered Securities to be issued, sold or exchanged, (C) identify the Persons (if known) to which or with which the Offered Securities are to be offered, issued, sold or exchanged and (D) offer to issue and sell to or exchange with such Buyer in accordance with the terms of the Offer such Buyer’s pro rata portion of 100% of the Offered Securities, provided that the number of Offered Securities which such Buyer shall have the right to subscribe for under this Section 4(q) shall be (x) based on such Buyer’s pro rata portion of the aggregate original principal amount of the Notes purchased hereunder by all Buyers (the “Basic Amount”), and (y) with respect to each Buyer that elects to purchase its Basic Amount, any additional portion of the Offered Securities attributable to the Basic Amounts of other Buyers as such Buyer shall indicate it will purchase or acquire should the other Buyers subscribe for less than their Basic Amounts (the “Undersubscription Amount”), which process shall be repeated until each Buyer shall have an opportunity to subscribe for any remaining Undersubscription Amount.
30
(ii) To accept an Offer, in whole or in part, such Buyer must deliver a written notice to the Company prior to the end of the second (2nd) Business Day after such Buyer’s receipt of the Offer Notice (the “Offer Period”), setting forth the portion of such Buyer’s Basic Amount that such Buyer elects to purchase and, if such Buyer shall elect to purchase all of its Basic Amount, the Undersubscription Amount, if any, that such Buyer elects to purchase (in either case, the “Notice of Acceptance”). If the Basic Amounts subscribed for by all Buyers are less than the total of all of the Basic Amounts, then each Buyer who has set forth an Undersubscription Amount in its Notice of Acceptance shall be entitled to purchase, in addition to the Basic Amounts subscribed for, the Undersubscription Amount it has subscribed for; provided, however, if the Undersubscription Amounts subscribed for exceed the difference between the total of all the Basic Amounts and the Basic Amounts subscribed for (the “Available Undersubscription Amount”), each Buyer who has subscribed for any Undersubscription Amount shall be entitled to purchase only that portion of the Available Undersubscription Amount as the Basic Amount of such Buyer bears to the total Basic Amounts of all Buyers that have subscribed for Undersubscription Amounts, subject to rounding by the Company to the extent it deems reasonably necessary. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Company desires to modify or amend the terms and conditions of the Offer prior to the expiration of the Offer Period, the Company may deliver to each Buyer a new Offer Notice and the Offer Period shall expire on the third (3rd) Business Day after such Buyer’s receipt of such new Offer Notice.
(iii) The Company shall have five (5) Business Days from the expiration of the Offer Period above (A) to offer, issue, sell or exchange all or any part of such Offered Securities as to which a Notice of Acceptance has not been given by a Buyer (the “Refused Securities”) pursuant to a definitive agreement(s) (the “Subsequent Placement Agreement”), but only to the offerees described in the Offer Notice (if so described therein) and only upon terms and conditions (including, without limitation, unit prices and interest rates) that are not more favorable to the acquiring Person or Persons or less favorable to the Company than those set forth in the Offer Notice and (B) to publicly announce (x) the execution of such Subsequent Placement Agreement, and (y) either (I) the consummation of the transactions contemplated by such Subsequent Placement Agreement or (II) the termination of such Subsequent Placement Agreement, which shall be filed with the SEC on a Report of Foreign Issuer on Form 6-K with such Subsequent Placement Agreement and any documents contemplated therein filed as exhibits thereto.
(iv) In the event the Company shall propose to sell less than all the Refused Securities (any such sale to be in the manner and on the terms specified in Section 4(q)(iii) above), then each Buyer may, at its sole option and in its sole discretion, withdraw its Notice of Acceptance or reduce the number or amount of the Offered Securities specified in its Notice of Acceptance to an amount that shall be not less than the number or amount of the Offered Securities that such Buyer elected to purchase pursuant to Section 4(q)(ii) above multiplied by a fraction, (i) the numerator of which shall be the number or amount of Offered Securities the Company actually proposes to issue, sell or exchange (including Offered Securities to be issued or sold to Buyers pursuant to this Section 4(q) prior to such reduction) and (ii) the denominator of which shall be the original amount of the Offered Securities. In the event that any Buyer so elects to reduce the number or amount of Offered Securities specified in its Notice of Acceptance, the Company may not issue, sell or exchange more than the reduced number or amount of the Offered Securities unless and until such securities have again been offered to the Buyers in accordance with Section 4(q)(i) above.
(v) Upon the closing of the issuance, sale or exchange of all or less than all of the Refused Securities, such Buyer shall acquire from the Company, and the Company shall issue to such Buyer, the number or amount of Offered Securities specified in its Notice of Acceptance, as reduced pursuant to Section 4(q)(iv) above if such Buyer has so elected, upon the terms and conditions specified in the Offer. The purchase by such Buyer of any Offered Securities is subject in all cases to the preparation, execution and delivery by the Company and such Buyer of a separate purchase agreement relating to such Offered Securities reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to such Buyer and its counsel.
31
(vi) Any Offered Securities not acquired by a Buyer or other Persons in accordance with this Section 4(q) may not be issued, sold or exchanged until they are again offered to such Buyer under the procedures specified in this Agreement.
(vii) The Company and each Buyer agree that if any Buyer elects to participate in the Offer, (x) neither the Subsequent Placement Agreement with respect to such Offer nor any other transaction documents related thereto (collectively, the “Subsequent Placement Documents”) shall include any term or provision whereby such Buyer shall be required to agree to any restrictions on trading as to any securities of the Company or be required to consent to any amendment to or termination of, or grant any waiver, release or the like under or in connection with, any agreement previously entered into with the Company or any instrument received from the Company, and (y) any registration rights set forth in such Subsequent Placement Documents shall be no less favorable to the Buyer than the registration rights contained in this Agreement.
(viii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 4(q) and unless otherwise agreed to by such Buyer, the Company shall either confirm in writing to such Buyer that the transaction with respect to the Subsequent Placement has been abandoned or shall publicly disclose its intention to issue the Offered Securities, in either case, in such a manner such that such Buyer will not be in possession of any material, non-public information, by the fifth (5th) Business Day following delivery of the Offer Notice. If by such fifth (5th) Business Day, no public disclosure regarding a transaction with respect to the Offered Securities has been made, and no notice regarding the abandonment of such transaction has been received by such Buyer, such transaction shall be deemed to have been abandoned and such Buyer shall not be in possession of any material, non-public information with respect to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. Should the Company decide to pursue such transaction with respect to the Offered Securities, the Company shall provide such Buyer with another Offer Notice and such Buyer will again have the right of participation set forth in this Section 4(q). The Company shall not be permitted to deliver more than one such Offer Notice to such Buyer in any sixty (60) day period, except as expressly contemplated by the last sentence of Section 4(q)(ii).
(ix) The restrictions contained in this Section 4(q) shall not apply in connection with the issuance of any Excluded Securities. The Company shall not circumvent the provisions of this Section 4(q) by providing terms or conditions to one Buyer that are not provided to all.
(r) Dilutive Issuances. For so long as any Notes remain outstanding, the Company shall not, in any manner, enter into or affect any Dilutive Issuance (as defined in the Notes) if the effect of such Dilutive Issuance is to cause the Company to be required to issue upon conversion of any Notes any Ordinary Shares in excess of that number of Ordinary Shares which the Company may issue upon conversion of the Notes without breaching the Company’s obligations under the rules or regulations of the Principal Market.
(s) Passive Foreign Investment Company. The Company shall conduct its business, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to conduct their respective businesses, in such a manner as will ensure that the Company will not be deemed to constitute a passive foreign investment company within the meaning of Section 1297 of the Code.
(t) [Reserved]
32
(u) Corporate Existence. So long as any Buyer beneficially owns any Notes, the Company shall not be party to any Fundamental Transaction (as defined in the Notes) unless the Company is in compliance with the applicable provisions governing Fundamental Transactions set forth in the Notes.
(v) Share Splits. Until the Notes are no longer outstanding, the Company shall not effect any share combination, reverse share split or other similar transaction (or make any public announcement or disclosure with respect to any of the foregoing) without the prior written consent of the Required Holders (as defined below), except that prior written consent of the Require Holders shall not be necessary, if such share combination, reverse share split or other similar transaction is for compliance with continued listing requirements of the Principal Market or the Eligible Market the Ordinary Shares of the Company are then listed.
(w) Conversion Procedures. The form of Conversion Notice (as defined in the Notes) included in the Notes set forth the totality of the procedures required of the Buyers in order to convert the Notes. Except as provided in Section 5(d), no additional legal opinion, other information or instructions shall be required of the Buyers to convert their Notes. The Company shall honor conversions of the Notes and shall deliver the Conversion Shares in accordance with the terms, conditions and time periods set forth in the Notes. Without limiting the preceding sentences, no ink-original Conversion Notice shall be required, nor shall any medallion guarantee (or other type of guarantee or notarization) of any Conversion Notice form be required in order to convert the Notes.
(x) Regulation M. The Company will not take any action prohibited by Regulation M under the 1934 Act, in connection with the distribution of the Securities contemplated hereby.
(y) General Solicitation. None of the Company, any of its affiliates (as defined in Rule 501(b) under the 1933 Act) or any person acting on behalf of the Company or such affiliate will solicit any offer to buy or offer or sell the Securities by means of any form of general solicitation or general advertising within the meaning of Regulation D, including: (i) any advertisement, article, notice or other communication published in any newspaper, magazine or similar medium or broadcast over television or radio; and (ii) any seminar or meeting whose attendees have been invited by any general solicitation or general advertising.
(z) [Reserved].
(aa) Notice of Disqualification Event. The Company will notify the Buyers in writing, prior to the Closing Date of (i) any Disqualification Event relating to any Issuer Covered Person and (ii) any event that would, with the passage of time, become a Disqualification Event relating to any Issuer Covered Person.
(bb) Closing Documents. On or prior to fourteen (14) calendar days after the Closing Date, the Company agrees to deliver, or cause to be delivered, to each Buyer and Pryor Cashman LLP a complete closing set of the executed Transaction Documents, Securities and any other document required to be delivered to any party pursuant to Section 7 hereof or otherwise.
33
(cc) Registration Statement. The Company shall, within thirty (45) calendar days of the date of this Agreement (the “Filing Deadline”), file an amendment (the “F-3 Amendment”) to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form F-3 (Registration No. 333-283030) (as so amended, the “Registration Statement”), which F-3 Amendment shall include a prospectus providing for the resale by the Buyers of all Conversion Shares. The Company shall cause such Registration Statement to become effective within one hundred five (105) days following the date hereof (the “Effectiveness Deadline”) and to keep such Registration Statement effective at all times until no Buyer owns any Notes or Conversion Shares issuable upon conversion thereof. If (i) the Registration Statement covering the resale of all of the Conversion Shares required to be covered thereby and required to be filed by the Company pursuant to this Agreement is (A) not filed with the SEC on or before the Filing Deadline for such Registration Statement (a “Filing Failure”) (it being understood that if the Company files a Registration Statement without affording each Investor and legal counsel thereto the opportunity to review and comment on the same, the Company shall be deemed to not have satisfied this clause (i)(A) and such event shall be deemed to be a Filing Failure) or (B) not declared effective by the SEC on or before the Effectiveness Deadline for such Registration Statement (an “Effectiveness Failure”) (it being understood that if on the Business Day immediately following the date on which the Registration Statement has been declared effective by the SEC (the “Effective Date”) the Company shall not have filed a “final” prospectus for such Registration Statement with the SEC under Rule 424(b) (whether or not such a prospectus is technically required by such rule), the Company shall be deemed to not have satisfied this clause (i)(B) and such event shall be deemed to be an Effectiveness Failure), (ii) on any day after the Effective Date of a Registration Statement sales of all of the Conversion Shares required to be included on such Registration Statement cannot be made pursuant to such Registration Statement (including, without limitation, because of a failure to keep such Registration Statement effective, a failure to disclose such information as is necessary for sales to be made pursuant to such Registration Statement, a suspension or delisting of (or a failure to timely list) the Ordinary Shares on the Principal Market or any other limitations imposed by the Principal Market, or a failure to register a sufficient number of Ordinary Shares or by reason of a stop order) or the prospectus contained therein is not available for use for any reason (a “Maintenance Failure”), or (iii) if the Registration Statement is not effective for any reason or the prospectus contained therein is not available for use for any reason, and either (x) the Company fails for any reason to satisfy the requirements of Rule 144(c)(1), including, without limitation, the failure to satisfy the current public information requirement under Rule 144(c) or (y) the Company has ever been an issuer described in Rule 144(i)(1)(i) or becomes such an issuer in the future, and the Company shall fail to satisfy any condition set forth in Rule 144(i)(2) (a “Current Public Information Failure”) as a result of which any of the Investors are unable to sell Registrable Securities without restriction under Rule 144 (including, without limitation, volume restrictions), then, as partial relief for the damages to any holder by reason of any such delay in, or reduction of, its ability to sell the underlying Ordinary Shares (which remedy shall not be exclusive of any other remedies available at law or in equity, including, without limitation, specific performance), the Company shall pay to each holder of Securities relating to such Registration Statement an amount in cash equal to two percent (2%) of such Investor’s original principal amount stated in such Investor’s Note on the Closing Date (1) on the date of such Filing Failure, Effectiveness Failure, Maintenance Failure or Current Public Information Failure, as applicable, and (2) on every thirty (30) day anniversary of (I) a Filing Failure until such Filing Failure is cured; (II) an Effectiveness Failure until such Effectiveness Failure is cured; (III) a Maintenance Failure until such Maintenance Failure is cured; and (IV) a Current Public Information Failure until the earlier of (i) the date such Current Public Information Failure is cured and (ii) such time that such public information is no longer required pursuant to Rule 144 (in each case, prorated for periods totaling less than thirty (30) days). The payments to which a holder of Securities shall be entitled pursuant to this Section 4(cc) are referred to herein as “Registration Delay Payments.” Following the initial Registration Delay Payment for any particular event or failure (which shall be paid on the date of such event or failure, as set forth above), without limiting the foregoing, if an event or failure giving rise to the Registration Delay Payments is cured prior to any thirty (30) day anniversary of such event or failure, then such Registration Delay Payment shall be made on the third (3rd) Business Day after such cure. In the event the Company fails to make Registration Delay Payments in a timely manner in accordance with the foregoing, such Registration Delay Payments shall bear interest at the rate of two percent (2%) per month (prorated for partial months) until paid in full. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Registration Delay Payments shall be owed to an Investor (other than with respect to a Maintenance Failure resulting from a suspension or delisting of (or a failure to timely list) the Ordinary Shares on the Principal Market) with respect to any period during which all of such Investor’s Securities may be sold by such Investor without restriction under Rule 144 (including, without limitation, volume restrictions) and without the need for current public information required by Rule 144(c)(1) (or Rule 144(i)(2), if applicable).
34
5. REGISTER; TRANSFER AGENT INSTRUCTIONS; LEGEND.
(a) Register. The Company shall maintain at its principal executive offices (or such other office or agency of the Company as it may designate by notice to each holder of Securities), a register for the Notes in which the Company shall record the name and address of the Person in whose name the Notes have been issued (including the name and address of each transferee), the principal amount of the Notes held by such Person and the number of Conversion Shares issuable pursuant to the terms of the Notes. The Company shall keep the register open and available at all times during business hours for inspection of any Buyer or its legal representatives.
(b) Transfer Agent Instructions. The Company shall issue irrevocable instructions to its transfer agent and any subsequent transfer agent (as applicable, the “Transfer Agent”) in a form acceptable to each of the Buyers (the “Irrevocable Transfer Agent Instructions”) to issue certificates or credit shares to the applicable balance accounts at The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”), registered in the name of each Buyer or its respective nominee(s), for the Conversion Shares in such amounts as specified from time to time by each Buyer to the Company upon conversion of the Notes. The Company represents and warrants that no instruction other than the Irrevocable Transfer Agent Instructions referred to in this Section 5(b) will be given by the Company to its transfer agent with respect to the Securities, and that the Securities shall otherwise be freely transferable on the books and records of the Company, as applicable, to the extent provided in this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents. If a Buyer effects a sale, assignment or transfer of any Securities, the Company shall permit the transfer and shall promptly instruct its transfer agent to issue one or more certificates or credit shares to the applicable balance accounts at DTC in such name and in such denominations as specified by such Buyer to effect such sale, transfer or assignment. In the event that such sale, assignment or transfer involves Conversion Shares sold, assigned or transferred pursuant to an effective registration statement or in compliance with Rule 144, the transfer agent shall issue such shares to such Buyer, assignee or transferee (as the case may be) without any restrictive legend in accordance with Section 5(d) below. The Company acknowledges that a breach of its obligations hereunder will cause irreparable harm to a Buyer. Accordingly, the Company acknowledges that the remedy at law for a breach of its obligations under this Section 5(b) will be inadequate and agrees, in the event of a breach or threatened breach by the Company of the provisions of this Section 5(b), that a Buyer shall be entitled, in addition to all other available remedies, to an order and/or injunction restraining any breach and requiring immediate issuance and transfer, without the necessity of showing economic loss and without any bond or other security being required. The Company shall cause its counsel to issue the legal opinion referred to in the Irrevocable Transfer Agent Instructions, if requested or required, as applicable, by the Transfer Agent, to the Transfer Agent as follows: (i) upon each conversion of the Notes (unless such issuance is covered by a prior legal opinion previously delivered to the Transfer Agent) and (ii) on each date a registration statement with respect to the issuance or resale of any Securities is declared effective by the SEC. Any fees (with respect to the transfer agent, counsel to the Company or otherwise) associated with the issuance of such opinion or the removal of any legends on any of the Securities shall be borne by the Company.
(c) Legends. Each Buyer understands that the Securities have been issued (or will be issued in the case of the Conversion Shares) pursuant to an exemption from registration or qualification under the 1933 Act and applicable state securities laws, and except as set forth below, the Securities shall bear any legend as required by the “blue sky” laws of any state and a restrictive legend in substantially the following form (and a stop-transfer order may be placed against transfer of such stock certificates):
[NEITHER THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE NOR THE SECURITIES INTO WHICH THESE SECURITIES ARE CONVERTIBLE HAVE BEEN][THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN] REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS. THE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE OFFERED FOR SALE, SOLD, TRANSFERRED OR ASSIGNED (I) IN THE ABSENCE OF (A) AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FOR THE SECURITIES UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR (B) AN OPINION OF COUNSEL TO THE HOLDER (IF REQUESTED BY THE COMPANY), IN A FORM REASONABLY ACCEPTABLE TO THE COMPANY, THAT REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED UNDER SAID ACT OR (II) UNLESS SOLD OR ELIGIBLE TO BE SOLD PURSUANT TO RULE 144 OR RULE 144A UNDER SAID ACT. NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING, THE SECURITIES MAY BE PLEDGED IN CONNECTION WITH A BONA FIDE MARGIN ACCOUNT OR OTHER LOAN OR FINANCING ARRANGEMENT SECURED BY THE SECURITIES.
35
(d) Removal of Legends. Certificates evidencing Securities shall not be required to contain the legend set forth in Section 5(c) above or any other legend (i) while a registration statement (including a Registration Statement) covering the resale of such Securities is effective under the 1933 Act, (ii) following any sale of such Securities pursuant to Rule 144 (assuming the transferor is not an affiliate of the Company), (iii) if such Securities are eligible to be sold, assigned or transferred under Rule 144 (provided that a Buyer provides the Company with reasonable assurances that such Securities are eligible for sale, assignment or transfer under Rule 144 which shall not include an opinion of Buyer’s counsel), (iv) in connection with a sale, assignment or other transfer (other than under Rule 144), provided that such Buyer provides the Company with an opinion of counsel to such Buyer, in a generally acceptable form, to the effect that such sale, assignment or transfer of the Securities may be made without registration under the applicable requirements of the 1933 Act or (v) if such legend is not required under applicable requirements of the 1933 Act (including, without limitation, controlling judicial interpretations and pronouncements issued by the SEC). If a legend is not required pursuant to the foregoing, the Company shall no later than two (2) Trading Days (or such earlier date as required pursuant to the 1934 Act or other applicable law, rule or regulation for the settlement of a trade initiated on the date such Buyer delivers such legended certificate representing such Securities to the Company) following the delivery by a Buyer to the Company or the transfer agent (with notice to the Company) of a legended certificate representing such Securities (endorsed or with stock powers attached, signatures guaranteed, and otherwise in form necessary to affect the reissuance and/or transfer, if applicable), together with any other deliveries from such Buyer as may be required above in this Section 5(d), as directed by such Buyer, either: (A) provided that the Company’s transfer agent is participating in the DTC Fast Automated Securities Transfer Program (“FAST”) and such Securities are Conversion Shares, credit the aggregate number of Ordinary Shares to which such Buyer shall be entitled to such Buyer’s or its designee’s balance account with DTC through its Deposit/Withdrawal at Custodian system or (B) if the Company’s transfer agent is not participating in FAST, issue and deliver (via reputable overnight courier) to such Buyer, a certificate representing such Securities that is free from all restrictive and other legends, registered in the name of such Buyer or its designee (the date by which such credit is so required to be made to the balance account of such Buyer’s or such Buyer’s designee with DTC or such certificate is required to be delivered to such Buyer pursuant to the foregoing is referred to herein as the “Required Delivery Date”, and the date such Ordinary Shares are actually delivered without restrictive legend to such Buyer or such Buyer’s designee with DTC, as applicable, the “Share Delivery Date”). The Company shall be responsible for any transfer agent fees or DTC fees with respect to any issuance of Securities or the removal of any legends with respect to any Securities in accordance herewith.
(e) Failure to Timely Deliver; Buy-In. If the Company fails to fail, for any reason or for no reason, to issue and deliver (or cause to be delivered) to a Buyer (or its designee) by the Required Delivery Date, either (I) if the Transfer Agent is not participating in FAST, a certificate for the number of Conversion Shares to which such Buyer is entitled and register such Conversion Shares on the Company’s share register or, if the Transfer Agent is participating in FAST, to credit the balance account of such Buyer or such Buyer’s designee with DTC for such number of Conversion Shares submitted for legend removal by such Buyer pursuant to Section 5(d) above or (II) if the Registration Statement covering the resale of the Conversion Shares submitted for legend removal by such Buyer pursuant to Section 5(d) above (the “Unavailable Shares”) is not available for the resale of such Unavailable Shares and the Company fails to promptly, but in no event later than as required pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement (x) so notify such Buyer and (y) deliver the Conversion Shares electronically without any restrictive legend by crediting such aggregate number of Conversion Shares submitted for legend removal by such Buyer pursuant to Section 5(d) above to such Buyer’s or its designee’s balance account with DTC through its Deposit/Withdrawal At Custodian system (the event described in the immediately foregoing clause (II) is hereinafter referred as a “Notice Failure” and together with the event described in clause (I) above, a “Delivery Failure”), then, in addition to all other remedies available to such Buyer, the Company shall pay in cash to such Buyer on each day after the Share Delivery Date and during such Delivery Failure an amount equal to 2% of the product of (A) the sum of the number of Ordinary Shares not issued to such Buyer on or prior to the Required Delivery Date and to which such Buyer is entitled, and (B) any trading price of the Ordinary Shares selected by such Buyer in writing as in effect at any time during the period beginning on the date of the delivery by such Buyer to the Company of the applicable Conversion Shares and ending on the applicable Share Delivery Date. In addition to the foregoing, if on or prior to the Required Delivery Date either (I) if the Transfer Agent is not participating in FAST, the Company shall fail to issue and deliver a certificate to a Buyer and register such Ordinary Shares on the Company’s share register or, if the Transfer Agent is participating in FAST, credit the balance account of such Buyer or such Buyer’s designee with DTC for the number of Ordinary Shares to which such Buyer submitted for legend removal by such Buyer pursuant to Section 5(d) above (ii) below or (II) a Notice Failure occurs, and if on or after such Trading Day such Buyer purchases (in an open market transaction or otherwise) Ordinary Shares to deliver in satisfaction of a sale by such Buyer of Ordinary Shares submitted for legend removal by such Buyer pursuant to Section 5(d) above that such Buyer is entitled to receive from the Company (a “Buy-In”), then the Company shall, within two (2) Trading Days after such Buyer’s request and in such Buyer’s discretion, either (i) pay cash to such Buyer in an amount equal to such Buyer’s total purchase price (including brokerage commissions and other out-of-pocket expenses, if any, for the Ordinary Shares so purchased) (the “Buy-In Price”), at which point the Company’s obligation to so deliver such certificate or credit such Buyer’s balance account shall terminate and such shares shall be cancelled, or (ii) promptly honor its obligation to so deliver to such Buyer a certificate or certificates or credit the balance account of such Buyer or such Buyer’s designee with DTC representing such number of Ordinary Shares that would have been so delivered if the Company timely complied with its obligations hereunder and pay cash to such Buyer in an amount equal to the excess (if any) of the Buy-In Price over the product of (A) such number of shares of Conversion Shares that the Company was required to deliver to such Buyer by the Required Delivery Date multiplied by (B) the lowest Closing Sale Price (as defined in the Notes) of the Ordinary Shares on any Trading Day during the period commencing on the date of the delivery by such Buyer to the Company of the applicable Conversion Shares and ending on the date of such delivery and payment under this clause (ii). Nothing shall limit such Buyer’s right to pursue any other remedies available to it hereunder, at law or in equity, including, without limitation, a decree of specific performance and/or injunctive relief with respect to the Company’s failure to timely deliver certificates representing Ordinary Shares (or to electronically deliver such Ordinary Shares) as required pursuant to the terms hereof. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, with respect to any given Notice Failure and/or Delivery Failure, this Section 5(e) shall not apply to the applicable Buyer the extent the Company has already paid such amounts in full to such Buyer with respect to such Notice Failure and/or Delivery Failure, as applicable, pursuant to the analogous sections of the Note held by such Buyer.
36
(f) FAST Compliance. While any Notes remain outstanding, the Company shall maintain a transfer agent that participates in FAST.
6. CONDITIONS TO THE COMPANY’S OBLIGATION TO SELL.
The obligation of the Company hereunder to issue and sell the Notes to each Buyer at the Closing is subject to the satisfaction, at or before the Closing Date, of each of the following conditions, provided that these conditions are for the Company’s sole benefit and may be waived by the Company at any time in its sole discretion by providing each Buyer with prior written notice thereof:
(a) Such Buyer shall have executed each of the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party and delivered the same to the Company.
(b) Such Buyer and each other Buyer shall have delivered to the Company the Purchase Price (less, in the case of any Buyer, the amounts withheld pursuant to Section 4(j)) for the Note being purchased by such Buyer at the Closing by wire transfer of immediately available funds in accordance with the Flow of Funds Letter.
(c) The representations and warranties of such Buyer shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the date when made and as of the Closing Date as though originally made at that time (except for representations and warranties that speak as of a specific date, which shall be true and correct as of such specific date), and such Buyer shall have performed, satisfied and complied in all material respects with the covenants, agreements and conditions required by this Agreement to be performed, satisfied or complied with by such Buyer at or prior to the Closing Date.
7. CONDITIONS TO EACH BUYER’S OBLIGATION TO PURCHASE.
The obligation of each Buyer hereunder to purchase its Note at the Closing is subject to the satisfaction, at or before the Closing Date, of each of the following conditions, provided that these conditions are for each Buyer’s sole benefit and may be waived by such Buyer at any time in its sole discretion by providing the Company with prior written notice thereof:
(a) The Company and each Subsidiary (as the case may be) shall have duly executed and delivered to such Buyer each of the Transaction Documents to which it is a party and the Company shall have duly executed and delivered to such Buyer a Note in such original principal amount as is set forth across from such Buyer’s name in column (2) of the Schedule of Buyers being purchased by such Buyer at the Closing pursuant to this Agreement.
(b) Such Buyer shall have received the legal opinion with respect to matters of U.S. law of Hunter Taubman Fischer & Li LLC, the Company’s United States counsel, dated as of the Closing Date, in the form acceptable to such Buyer.
(c) The Company shall have delivered to such Buyer a copy of the Irrevocable Transfer Agent Instructions, in the form acceptable to such Buyer, which instructions shall have been delivered to and acknowledged in writing by the Company’s transfer agent and shall remain in full force and effect as of the Closing Date.
(d) The Company shall have delivered to such Buyer a certificate evidencing the formation and good standing (if a good standing concept exists in such jurisdiction) of the Company and each of its North American Subsidiaries in each such entity’s jurisdiction of formation issued by the Secretary of State (or comparable office) of such jurisdiction of formation as of a date within ten (10) days of the Closing Date. As used herein, “North American Subsidiary” shall mean each Subsidiary domiciled in the United States of America or Canada.
37
(e) [Reserved]
(f) [Reserved]
(g) [Reserved]
(h) The Company shall have delivered to such Buyer a certificate, in the form acceptable to such Buyer, executed by the Secretary or the Chief Financial Officer of the Company and dated as of the Closing Date, as to (i) the resolutions consistent with Section 3(b) as adopted by the Company’s board of directors in a form reasonably acceptable to such Buyer, (ii) the certificate of incorporation, as amended, of the Company and (iii) the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company, each as in effect at the Closing.
(i) Each and every representation and warranty of the Company shall be true and correct in all material respects (except for such representations and warranties that are qualified by materiality or material adverse effect, which shall be true and correct in all respects) as of the date when made and as of the Closing Date as though originally made at that time (except for representations and warranties that speak as of a specific date, which shall be true and correct as of such specific date) and the Company shall have performed, satisfied and complied in all material respects with (except for covenants, agreements or conditions that are qualified by materiality or material adverse effect, which shall be performed, satisfied and complied in all respects with) the covenants, agreements and conditions required to be performed, satisfied or complied with by the Company at or prior to the Closing Date. Such Buyer shall have received a certificate, duly executed by the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, dated as of the Closing Date, to the foregoing effect and as to such other matters as may be reasonably requested by such Buyer in the form acceptable to such Buyer.
(j) The Company shall have delivered to such Buyer a letter from the Company’s transfer agent certifying the number of Ordinary Shares outstanding on the Closing Date immediately prior to the Closing.
(k) The Ordinary Shares (A) shall be designated for quotation or listed (as applicable) on the Principal Market and (B) shall not have been suspended, as of the Closing Date, by the SEC or the Principal Market from trading on the Principal Market nor shall suspension by the SEC or the Principal Market have been threatened, as of the Closing Date, either (I) in writing by the SEC or the Principal Market or (II) by falling below the minimum maintenance requirements of the Principal Market.
(l) The Company shall have obtained all governmental, regulatory or third party consents and approvals, if any, necessary for the sale of the Securities, including without limitation, those required by the Principal Market, if any.
(m) No statute, rule, regulation, executive order, decree, ruling or injunction shall have been enacted, entered, promulgated or endorsed by any court or Governmental Entity of competent jurisdiction that prohibits the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents.
38
(n) Since the date of execution of this Agreement, no event or series of events shall have occurred that reasonably would have or result in a Material Adverse Effect.
(o) The Company shall have obtained approval of the Principal Market to list or designate for quotation (as the case may be) the Conversion Shares.
(p) Such Buyer shall have received a letter on the letterhead of the Company duly executed by the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, setting forth the wire amounts of each Buyer and the wire transfer instructions of the Company (the “Flow of Funds Letter”).
(q) From the date hereof to the Closing Date, (i) trading in the Ordinary Shares shall not have been suspended by the SEC or the Principal Market (except for any suspension of trading of limited duration, which suspension shall be terminated prior to the Closing) and (ii) at any time prior to the Closing Date, trading in securities generally as reported by Bloomberg L.P. shall not have been suspended or limited, or minimum prices shall not have been established on securities whose trades are reported by such service, or on the Principal Market, nor shall a banking moratorium have been declared either by the United States or New York State authorities nor shall there have occurred any material outbreak or escalation of hostilities or other national or international calamity of such magnitude in its effect on, or any material adverse change in, any financial market which, in each case, in the reasonable judgment of each Buyer, makes it impracticable or inadvisable to purchase the Securities at the Closing.
(r) The Company and its Subsidiaries shall have delivered to such Buyer such other documents, instruments or certificates relating to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement as such Buyer or its counsel may reasonably request.
8. TERMINATION.
In the event that the Closing shall not have occurred with respect to a Buyer within five (5) days of the date hereof, then such Buyer shall have the right to terminate its obligations under this Agreement with respect to itself at any time on or after the close of business on such date without liability of such Buyer to any other party; provided, however, (i) the right to terminate this Agreement under this Section 8 shall not be available to such Buyer if the failure of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement to have been consummated by such date is the result of such Buyer’s breach of this Agreement and (ii) the abandonment of the sale and purchase of the Notes shall be applicable only to such Buyer providing such written notice, provided further that no such termination shall affect any obligation of the Company under this Agreement to reimburse such Buyer for the expenses described in Section 4(j) above. Nothing contained in this Section 8 shall be deemed to release any party from any liability for any breach by such party of the terms and provisions of this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents or to impair the right of any party to compel specific performance by any other party of its obligations under this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents.
39
9. MISCELLANEOUS.
(a) Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Jury Trial. All questions concerning the construction, validity, enforcement and interpretation of this Agreement shall be governed by the internal laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to provision or rule (whether of the State of Delaware or any other jurisdictions) that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdictions other than the State of Delaware. The Company hereby irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware, for the adjudication of any dispute hereunder or in connection herewith or under any of the other Transaction Documents or with any transaction contemplated hereby or thereby, and hereby irrevocably waives, and agrees not to assert in any suit, action or proceeding, any claim that it is not personally subject to the jurisdiction of any such court, that such suit, action or proceeding is brought in an inconvenient forum or that the venue of such suit, action or proceeding is improper. Each party hereby irrevocably waives personal service of process and consents to process being served in any such suit, action or proceeding by mailing a copy thereof to such party at the address for such notices to it under this Agreement and agrees that such service shall constitute good and sufficient service of process and notice thereof. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to limit in any way any right to serve process in any manner permitted by law. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed or operate to preclude any Buyer from bringing suit or taking other legal action against the Company in any other jurisdiction to collect on the Company’s obligations to such Buyer or to enforce a judgment or other court ruling in favor of such Buyer. EACH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO, AND AGREES NOT TO REQUEST, A JURY TRIAL FOR THE ADJUDICATION OF ANY DISPUTE HEREUNDER OR UNDER ANY OTHER TRANSACTION DOCUMENT OR IN CONNECTION WITH OR ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT, ANY OTHER TRANSACTION DOCUMENT OR ANY TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY. The choice of the laws of the State of Delaware as the governing law of this Agreement is a valid choice of law and would be recognized and given effect to in any action brought before a court of competent jurisdiction in the Cayman Islands except for those laws (i) which such court considers to be procedural in nature, (ii) which are revenue or penal laws or (iii) the application of which would be inconsistent with public policy, as such term is interpreted under the laws of the Cayman Islands. The choice of laws of the State of Delaware as the governing law of this Agreement will be honored by competent courts in the Cayman Islands subject to compliance with relevant Cayman Islands civil procedural requirements. The Company or any of its properties, assets or revenues does not have any right of immunity, or to the extent that the Company or any of its properties, assets, or revenues may have or may hereafter become entitled to any such right of immunity the Company hereby waives such right to the extent permitted by law, under Cayman Islands or Delaware law, from any legal action, suit or proceeding, from the giving of any relief in any such legal action, suit or proceeding, from set-off or counterclaim, from the jurisdiction of any Cayman Islands, Delaware or United States federal court, from service of process, attachment upon or prior to judgment, or attachment in aid of execution of judgment, or from execution of a judgment, or other legal process or proceeding for the giving of any relief or for the enforcement of a judgment, in any such court, with respect to its obligations, liabilities or any other matter under or arising out of or in connection with this Agreement; and, to the extent that the Company, or any of its properties, assets or revenues may have or may hereafter become entitled to any such right of immunity in any such court in which proceedings may at any time be commenced, the Company hereby waives such right to the extent permitted by law and hereby consents to such relief and enforcement as provided in this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents.
40
(b) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more identical counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement and shall become effective when counterparts have been signed by each party and delivered to the other party. In the event that any signature is delivered by facsimile transmission or by an e-mail which contains a portable document format (.pdf) file of an executed signature page, such signature page shall create a valid and binding obligation of the party executing (or on whose behalf such signature is executed) with the same force and effect as if such signature page were an original thereof.
(c) Headings; Gender. The headings of this Agreement are for convenience of reference and shall not form part of, or affect the interpretation of, this Agreement. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, each pronoun herein shall be deemed to include the masculine, feminine, neuter, singular and plural forms thereof. The terms “including,” “includes,” “include” and words of like import shall be construed broadly as if followed by the words “without limitation.” The terms “herein,” “hereunder,” “hereof” and words of like import refer to this entire Agreement instead of just the provision in which they are found.
(d) Severability; Maximum Payment Amounts. If any provision of this Agreement is prohibited by law or otherwise determined to be invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the provision that would otherwise be prohibited, invalid or unenforceable shall be deemed amended to apply to the broadest extent that it would be valid and enforceable, and the invalidity or unenforceability of such provision shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions of this Agreement so long as this Agreement as so modified continues to express, without material change, the original intentions of the parties as to the subject matter hereof and the prohibited nature, invalidity or unenforceability of the provision(s) in question does not substantially impair the respective expectations or reciprocal obligations of the parties or the practical realization of the benefits that would otherwise be conferred upon the parties. The parties will endeavor in good faith negotiations to replace the prohibited, invalid or unenforceable provision(s) with a valid provision(s), the effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the prohibited, invalid or unenforceable provision(s). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement or any other Transaction Document (and without implication that the following is required or applicable), it is the intention of the parties that in no event shall amounts and value paid by the Company and/or any of its Subsidiaries (as the case may be), or payable to or received by any of the Buyers, under the Transaction Documents (including without limitation, any amounts that would be characterized as “interest” under applicable law) exceed amounts permitted under any applicable law. Accordingly, if any obligation to pay, payment made to any Buyer, or collection by any Buyer pursuant to the Transaction Documents is finally judicially determined to be contrary to any such applicable law, such obligation to pay, payment or collection shall be deemed to have been made by mutual mistake of such Buyer, the Company and its Subsidiaries and such amount shall be deemed to have been adjusted with retroactive effect to the maximum amount or rate of interest, as the case may be, as would not be so prohibited by the applicable law. Such adjustment shall be effected, to the extent necessary, by reducing or refunding, at the option of such Buyer, the amount of interest or any other amounts which would constitute unlawful amounts required to be paid or actually paid to such Buyer under the Transaction Documents. For greater certainty, to the extent that any interest, charges, fees, expenses or other amounts required to be paid to or received by such Buyer under any of the Transaction Documents or related thereto are held to be within the meaning of “interest” or another applicable term to otherwise be violative of applicable law, such amounts shall be pro-rated over the period of time to which they relate.
41
(e) Entire Agreement; Amendments. This Agreement, the other Transaction Documents and the schedules and exhibits attached hereto and thereto and the instruments referenced herein and therein supersede all other prior oral or written agreements between the Buyers, the Company, its Subsidiaries, their affiliates and Persons acting on their behalf, including, without limitation, any transactions by any Buyer with respect to Ordinary Shares or the Securities, and the other matters contained herein and therein, and this Agreement, the other Transaction Documents, the schedules and exhibits attached hereto and thereto and the instruments referenced herein and therein contain the entire understanding of the parties solely with respect to the matters covered herein and therein; provided, however, nothing contained in this Agreement or any other Transaction Document shall (or shall be deemed to) (i) have any effect on any agreements any Buyer has entered into with, or any instruments any Buyer has received from, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries prior to the date hereof with respect to any prior investment made by such Buyer in the Company or (ii) waive, alter, modify or amend in any respect any obligations of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or any rights of or benefits to any Buyer or any other Person, in any agreement entered into prior to the date hereof between or among the Company and/or any of its Subsidiaries and any Buyer, or any instruments any Buyer received from the Company and/or any of its Subsidiaries prior to the date hereof, and all such agreements and instruments shall continue in full force and effect. Except as specifically set forth herein or therein, neither the Company nor any Buyer makes any representation, warranty, covenant or undertaking with respect to such matters. For clarification purposes, the Recitals are part of this Agreement. No provision of this Agreement may be amended other than by an instrument in writing signed by the Company and the Required Holders (as defined below), and any amendment to any provision of this Agreement made in conformity with the provisions of this Section 9(e) shall be binding on all Buyers and holders of Securities, as applicable; provided that no such amendment shall be effective to the extent that it (A) applies to less than all of the holders of the Securities then outstanding or (B) imposes any obligation or liability on any Buyer without such Buyer’s prior written consent (which may be granted or withheld in such Buyer’s sole discretion). No waiver shall be effective unless it is in writing and signed by an authorized representative of the waiving party, provided that the Required Holders may waive any provision of this Agreement, and any waiver of any provision of this Agreement made in conformity with the provisions of this Section 9(e) shall be binding on all Buyers and holders of Securities, as applicable, provided that no such waiver shall be effective to the extent that it (1) applies to less than all of the holders of the Securities then outstanding (unless a party gives a waiver as to itself only) or (2) imposes any obligation or liability on any Buyer without such Buyer’s prior written consent (which may be granted or withheld in such Buyer’s sole discretion). No consideration (other than reimbursement of legal fees) shall be offered or paid to any Person to amend or consent to a waiver or modification of any provision of any of the Transaction Documents unless the same consideration also is offered to all of the parties to the Transaction Documents, all holders of the Notes. From the date hereof and while any Notes are outstanding, the Company shall not be permitted to receive any consideration from a Buyer or a holder of Notes that is not otherwise contemplated by the Transaction Documents in order to, directly or indirectly, induce the Company or any Subsidiary (i) to treat such Buyer or holder of Notes in a manner that is more favorable than to other similarly situated Buyers or holders of Notes, or (ii) to treat any Buyer(s) or holder(s) of Notes in a manner that is less favorable than the Buyer or holder of Notes that is paying such consideration; provided, however, that the determination of whether a Buyer has been treated more or less favorably than another Buyer shall disregard any securities of the Company purchased or sold by any Buyer. The Company has not, directly or indirectly, made any agreements with any Buyers relating to the terms or conditions of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents except as set forth in the Transaction Documents. Without limiting the foregoing, the Company confirms that, except as set forth in this Agreement, no Buyer has made any commitment or promise or has any other obligation to provide any financing to the Company, any Subsidiary or otherwise. As a material inducement for each Buyer to enter into this Agreement, the Company expressly acknowledges and agrees that (x) no due diligence or other investigation or inquiry conducted by a Buyer, any of its advisors or any of its representatives shall affect such Buyer’s right to rely on, or shall modify or qualify in any manner or be an exception to any of, the Company’s representations and warranties contained in this Agreement or any other Transaction Document and (y) unless a provision of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document is expressly preceded by the phrase “except as disclosed in the SEC Documents,” nothing contained in any of the SEC Documents shall affect such Buyer’s right to rely on, or shall modify or qualify in any manner or be an exception to any of, the Company’s representations and warranties contained in this Agreement or any other Transaction Document. “Required Holders” means (I) prior to the Closing Date, each Buyer entitled to purchase Notes at the Closing and (II) on or after the Closing Date, holders of a majority of the Underlying Securities as of such time (excluding any Underlying Securities held by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries as of such time) issued or issuable hereunder or pursuant to the Notes (or the Buyers, with respect to any waiver or amendment of Section 4(q)); provided, that such majority must include ATW Partners Opportunities Management, LLC.
42
(f) Notices. Any notices, consents, waivers or other communications required or permitted to be given under the terms of this Agreement must be in writing and will be deemed to have been delivered: (i) upon receipt, when delivered personally; (ii) upon receipt, when sent by electronic mail (provided that such sent email is kept on file (whether electronically or otherwise) by the sending party and the sending party does not receive an automatically generated message from the recipient’s email server that such e-mail could not be delivered to such recipient); or (iii) one (1) Business Day after deposit with an overnight courier service with next day delivery specified, in each case, properly addressed to the party to receive the same. The mailing addresses and e-mail addresses for such communications shall be:
If to the Company:
Top KingWin Ltd
Room 1304, Building No. 25 Tian’an Headquarters Center,
No. 555 North Panyu Avenue, Donguan Street
Panyu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, PRC
Telephone: +86 400 661 3113
Attention: Ruilin Xu
E-Mail: ruilin.xu@tcjhgw.cn
With a copy (for informational purposes only) to:
Hunter Taubman Fischer & Li LLC
950 Third Avenue, 19th Floor
New York, NY 10022
Telephone: (212) 530-2208
Attention: Joan Wu
E-Mail: jwu@htflawyers.com
If to the Transfer Agent:
VStock Transfer LLC
18 Lafayette Place
Woodmere, New York 11598
Telephone: (212) 828-8436
Attention: N/A
E-Mail: action@vstocktransfer.com
If to a Buyer, to its mailing address and e-mail address set forth on the Schedule of Buyers, with copies to such Buyer’s representatives as set forth on the Schedule of Buyers,
with a copy (for informational purposes only) to:
Pryor Cashman LLP
7 Times Square, 40th Floor
New York, NY 10036
Telephone: (212) 326-4100
Attention: M. Ali Panjwani, Esq.
E-mail: apanjwani@pryorcashman.com
43
or to such other mailing address and/or e-mail address and/or to the attention of such other Person as the recipient party has specified by written notice given to each other party five (5) days prior to the effectiveness of such change, provided that Pryor Cashman LLP shall only be provided copies of notices sent to the lead Buyer. Written confirmation of receipt (A) given by the recipient of such notice, consent, waiver or other communication, (B) mechanically or electronically generated by the sender’s e-mail containing the time, date and recipient’s e-mail or (C) provided by an overnight courier service shall be rebuttable evidence of personal service, receipt by e-mail or receipt from an overnight courier service in accordance with clause (i), (ii) or (iii) above, respectively.
(g) Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective successors and assigns, including any purchasers of any of the Notes (but excluding any purchasers of Underlying Securities, unless pursuant to a written assignment by such Buyer). The Company shall not assign this Agreement or any rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the Required Holders, including, without limitation, by way of a Fundamental Transaction (as defined in the Notes) (unless the Company is in compliance with the applicable provisions governing a Fundamental Transaction (as defined in the Notes) (unless the Company is in compliance with the applicable provisions governing Fundamental Transactions set forth in the Notes). A Buyer may assign some or all of its rights hereunder in connection with any transfer of any of its Securities without the consent of the Company, in which event such assignee shall be deemed to be a Buyer hereunder with respect to such assigned rights.
(h) No Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement is intended for the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective permitted successors and assigns, and is not for the benefit of, nor may any provision hereof be enforced by, any other Person, other than the Indemnitees referred to in Section 9(k).
(i) Survival. The representations, warranties, agreements and covenants shall survive the Closing. Each Buyer shall be responsible only for its own representations, warranties, agreements and covenants hereunder.
(j) Further Assurances. Each party shall do and perform, or cause to be done and performed, all such further acts and things, and shall execute and deliver all such other agreements, certificates, instruments and documents, as any other party may reasonably request in order to carry out the intent and accomplish the purposes of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.
(k) Indemnification.
(i) In consideration of each Buyer’s execution and delivery of the Transaction Documents and acquiring the Securities thereunder and in addition to all of the Company’s other obligations under the Transaction Documents, the Company shall defend, protect, indemnify and hold harmless each Buyer and each holder of any Securities and all of their shareholders, partners, members, officers, directors, employees and direct or indirect investors and any of the foregoing Persons’ agents or other representatives (including, without limitation, those retained in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement) (collectively, the “Indemnitees”) from and against any and all actions, causes of action, suits, claims, losses, costs, penalties, fees, liabilities and damages, and expenses in connection therewith (irrespective of whether any such Indemnitee is a party to the action for which indemnification hereunder is sought), and including reasonable attorneys’ fees and disbursements (the “Indemnified Liabilities”), incurred by any Indemnitee as a result of, or arising out of, or relating to (i) any misrepresentation or breach of any representation or warranty made by the Company or any Subsidiary in any of the Transaction Documents, (ii) any breach of any covenant, agreement or obligation of the Company or any Subsidiary contained in any of the Transaction Documents or (iii) any cause of action, suit, proceeding or claim brought or made against such Indemnitee by a third party (including for these purposes a derivative action brought on behalf of the Company or any Subsidiary) or which otherwise involves such Indemnitee that arises out of or results from (A) the execution, delivery, performance or enforcement of any of the Transaction Documents, (B) any transaction financed or to be financed in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, with the proceeds of the issuance of the Securities, (C) any disclosure properly made by such Buyer pursuant to Section 4(i), or (D) the status of such Buyer or holder of the Securities either as an investor in the Company pursuant to the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents or as a party to this Agreement (including, without limitation, as a party in interest or otherwise in any action or proceeding for injunctive or other equitable relief). To the extent that the foregoing undertaking by the Company may be unenforceable for any reason, the Company shall make the maximum contribution to the payment and satisfaction of each of the Indemnified Liabilities which is permissible under applicable law.
44
(ii) Promptly after receipt by an Indemnitee under this Section 9(k) of notice of the commencement of any action or proceeding (including any governmental action or proceeding) involving an Indemnified Liability, such Indemnitee shall, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against the Company under this Section 9(k), deliver to the Company a written notice of the commencement thereof, and the Company shall have the right to participate in, and, to the extent the Company so desires, to assume control of the defense thereof with counsel mutually satisfactory to the Company and the Indemnitee; provided, however, that an Indemnitee shall have the right to retain its own counsel with the fees and expenses of such counsel to be paid by the Company if: (A) the Company has agreed in writing to pay such fees and expenses; (B) the Company shall have failed promptly to assume the defense of such Indemnified Liability and to employ counsel reasonably satisfactory to such Indemnitee in any such Indemnified Liability; or (C) the named parties to any such Indemnified Liability (including any impleaded parties) include both such Indemnitee and the Company, and such Indemnitee shall have been advised by counsel that a conflict of interest is likely to exist if the same counsel were to represent such Indemnitee and the Company (in which case, if such Indemnitee notifies the Company in writing that it elects to employ separate counsel at the expense of the Company, then the Company shall not have the right to assume the defense thereof and such counsel shall be at the expense of the Company), provided further, that in the case of clause (C) above the Company shall not be responsible for the reasonable fees and expenses of more than one (1) separate legal counsel for the Indemnitees. The Indemnitee shall reasonably cooperate with the Company in connection with any negotiation or defense of any such action or Indemnified Liability by the Company and shall furnish to the Company all information reasonably available to the Indemnitee which relates to such action or Indemnified Liability. The Company shall keep the Indemnitee reasonably apprised at all times as to the status of the defense or any settlement negotiations with respect thereto. The Company shall not be liable for any settlement of any action, claim or proceeding effected without its prior written consent, provided, however, that the Company shall not unreasonably withhold, delay or condition its consent. The Company shall not, without the prior written consent of the Indemnitee, consent to entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement or other compromise which does not include as an unconditional term thereof the giving by the claimant or plaintiff to such Indemnitee of a release from all liability in respect to such Indemnified Liability or litigation, and such settlement shall not include any admission as to fault on the part of the Indemnitee. Following indemnification as provided for hereunder, the Company shall be subrogated to all rights of the Indemnitee with respect to all third parties, firms or corporations relating to the matter for which indemnification has been made. The failure to deliver written notice to the Company within a reasonable time of the commencement of any such action shall not relieve the Company of any liability to the Indemnitee under this Section 9(k), except to the extent that the Company is materially and adversely prejudiced in its ability to defend such action.
45
(iii) The indemnification required by this Section 9(k) shall be made by periodic payments of the amounts thereof during the course of the investigation or defense, within ten (10) days after bills are received or Indemnified Liabilities are incurred.
(iv) The indemnity agreement contained herein shall be in addition to (A) any cause of action or similar right of the Indemnitee against the Company or others, and (B) any liabilities the Company may be subject to pursuant to the law.
(l) Construction. The language used in this Agreement will be deemed to be the language chosen by the parties to express their mutual intent, and no rules of strict construction will be applied against any party. No specific representation or warranty shall limit the generality or applicability of a more general representation or warranty. Each and every reference to share prices, Ordinary Shares and any other numbers in this Agreement that relate to the Ordinary Shares shall be automatically adjusted for any share splits, share dividends, share combinations, recapitalizations or other similar transactions that occur with respect to the Ordinary Shares after the date of this Agreement. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, for the avoidance of doubt, nothing contained herein shall constitute a representation or warranty against, or a prohibition of, any actions with respect to the borrowing of, arrangement to borrow, identification of the availability of, and/or securing of, securities of the Company in order for such Buyer (or its broker or other financial representative) to effect short sales or similar transactions in the future.
(m) Remedies. Each Buyer and in the event of assignment by Buyer of its rights and obligations hereunder, each holder of Securities, shall have all rights and remedies set forth in the Transaction Documents and all rights and remedies which such holders have been granted at any time under any other agreement or contract and all of the rights which such holders have under any law. Any Person having any rights under any provision of this Agreement shall be entitled to enforce such rights specifically (without posting a bond or other security), to recover damages by reason of any breach of any provision of this Agreement and to exercise all other rights granted by law. Furthermore, the Company recognizes that in the event that it or any Subsidiary fails to perform, observe, or discharge any or all of its or such Subsidiary’s (as the case may be) obligations under the Transaction Documents, any remedy at law would be inadequate relief to the Buyers. The Company therefore agrees that the Buyers shall be entitled to specific performance and/or temporary, preliminary and permanent injunctive or other equitable relief from any court of competent jurisdiction in any such case without the necessity of proving actual damages and without posting a bond or other security. The remedies provided in this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents shall be cumulative and in addition to all other remedies available under this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, at law or in equity (including a decree of specific performance and/or other injunctive relief).
(n) Withdrawal Right. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in (and without limiting any similar provisions of) the Transaction Documents, whenever any Buyer exercises a right, election, demand or option under a Transaction Document and the Company or any Subsidiary does not timely perform its related obligations within the periods therein provided, then such Buyer may rescind or withdraw, in its sole discretion from time to time upon written notice to the Company or such Subsidiary (as the case may be), any relevant notice, demand or election in whole or in part without prejudice to its future actions and rights.
46
(o) Payment Set Aside; Currency. To the extent that the Company makes a payment or payments to any Buyer hereunder or pursuant to any of the other Transaction Documents or any of the Buyers enforce or exercise their rights hereunder or thereunder, and such payment or payments or the proceeds of such enforcement or exercise or any part thereof are subsequently invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or preferential, set aside, recovered from, disgorged by or are required to be refunded, repaid or otherwise restored to the Company, a trustee, receiver or any other Person under any law (including, without limitation, any bankruptcy law, foreign, state or federal law, common law or equitable cause of action), then to the extent of any such restoration the obligation or part thereof originally intended to be satisfied shall be revived and continued in full force and effect as if such payment had not been made or such enforcement or setoff had not occurred. Unless otherwise expressly indicated, all dollar amounts referred to in this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents are in United States Dollars (“U.S. Dollars”), and all amounts owing under this Agreement and all other Transaction Documents shall be paid in U.S. Dollars. All amounts denominated in other currencies (if any) shall be converted into the U.S. Dollar equivalent amount in accordance with the Exchange Rate on the date of calculation. “Exchange Rate” means, in relation to any amount of currency to be converted into U.S. Dollars pursuant to this Agreement, the U.S. Dollar exchange rate as published in the Wall Street Journal on the relevant date of calculation.
(p) Judgment Currency.
(i) If for the purpose of obtaining or enforcing judgment against the Company in connection with this Agreement or any other Transaction Document in any court in any jurisdiction it becomes necessary to convert into any other currency (such other currency being hereinafter in this Section 9(p) referred to as the “Judgment Currency”) an amount due in U.S. Dollars under this Agreement, the conversion shall be made at the Exchange Rate prevailing on the Trading Day immediately preceding:
(1) the date actual payment of the amount due, in the case of any proceeding in the courts of New York or in the courts of any other jurisdiction that will give effect to such conversion being made on such date: or
(2) the date on which the foreign court determines, in the case of any proceeding in the courts of any other jurisdiction (the date as of which such conversion is made pursuant to this Section 9(p)(i)(2) being hereinafter referred to as the “Judgment Conversion Date”).
(ii) If in the case of any proceeding in the court of any jurisdiction referred to in Section 9(p)(i)(2) above, there is a change in the Exchange Rate prevailing between the Judgment Conversion Date and the date of actual payment of the amount due, the applicable party shall pay such adjusted amount as may be necessary to ensure that the amount paid in the Judgment Currency, when converted at the Exchange Rate prevailing on the date of payment, will produce the amount of US Dollars which could have been purchased with the amount of Judgment Currency stipulated in the judgment or judicial order at the Exchange Rate prevailing on the Judgment Conversion Date.
(iii) Any amount due from the Company under this provision shall be due as a separate debt and shall not be affected by judgment being obtained for any other amounts due under or in respect of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document.
(q) Independent Nature of Buyers’ Obligations and Rights. The obligations of each Buyer under the Transaction Documents are several and not joint with the obligations of any other Buyer, and no Buyer shall be responsible in any way for the performance of the obligations of any other Buyer under any Transaction Document. Nothing contained herein or in any other Transaction Document, and no action taken by any Buyer pursuant hereto or thereto, shall be deemed to constitute the Buyers as, and the Company acknowledges that the Buyers do not so constitute, a partnership, an association, a joint venture or any other kind of group or entity, or create a presumption that the Buyers are in any way acting in concert or as a group or entity, and the Company shall not assert any such claim with respect to such obligations or the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents or any matters, and the Company acknowledges that the Buyers are not acting in concert or as a group, and the Company shall not assert any such claim, with respect to such obligations or the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents. The decision of each Buyer to purchase Securities pursuant to the Transaction Documents has been made by such Buyer independently of any other Buyer. Each Buyer acknowledges that no other Buyer has acted as agent for such Buyer in connection with such Buyer making its investment hereunder and that no other Buyer will be acting as agent of such Buyer in connection with monitoring such Buyer’s investment in the Securities or enforcing its rights under the Transaction Documents. The Company and each Buyer confirms that each Buyer has independently participated with the Company and its Subsidiaries in the negotiation of the transaction contemplated hereby with the advice of its own counsel and advisors. Each Buyer shall be entitled to independently protect and enforce its rights, including, without limitation, the rights arising out of this Agreement or out of any other Transaction Documents, and it shall not be necessary for any other Buyer to be joined as an additional party in any proceeding for such purpose. The use of a single agreement to effectuate the purchase and sale of the Securities contemplated hereby was solely in the control of the Company, not the action or decision of any Buyer, and was done solely for the convenience of the Company and its Subsidiaries and not because it was required or requested to do so by any Buyer. It is expressly understood and agreed that each provision contained in this Agreement and in each other Transaction Document is between the Company, each Subsidiary and a Buyer, solely, and not between the Company, its Subsidiaries and the Buyers collectively and not between and among the Buyers.
[signature pages follow]
47
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each Buyer and the Company have caused their respective signature page to this Agreement to be duly executed as of the date first written above.
| COMPANY: | |||
Top KingWin Ltd. | |||
| By: | /s/ Ruilin Xu | ||
| Name: | Ruilin Xu | ||
| Title: | Chief Executive Officer | ||
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each Buyer and the Company have caused their respective signature page to this Agreement to be duly executed as of the date first written above.
| BUYER: | |||
| JAK Opportunities VIII LLC | |||
| By: | /s/ Antonio Ruiz-Gimenez | ||
| Name: | Antonio Ruiz-Gimenez | ||
| Title: | Authorized Signatory | ||
SCHEDULE OF BUYERS
| (1) | (2) | (3) |
| Buyer | Aggregate Principal Amount | Address |
| JAK Opportunities VIII LLC | $2,500,000 |
c/o ATW Partners LLC 1 Pennsylvania Plaza, Suite 4810 New York, NY 10119 Attention: Antonio Ruiz-Gimenez Email:
|
Exhibit 4.8
FORM OF CONVERTIBLE NOTE
NEITHER THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE NOR THE SECURITIES INTO WHICH THESE SECURITIES ARE CONVERTIBLE HAVE BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS. THE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE OFFERED FOR SALE, SOLD, TRANSFERRED OR ASSIGNED (I) IN THE ABSENCE OF (A) AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FOR THE SECURITIES UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR (B) AN OPINION OF COUNSEL TO THE HOLDER (IF REQUESTED BY THE COMPANY), IN A FORM REASONABLY ACCEPTABLE TO THE COMPANY, THAT REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED UNDER SAID ACT OR (II) UNLESS SOLD OR ELIGIBLE TO BE SOLD PURSUANT TO RULE 144 OR RULE 144A UNDER SAID ACT. NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING, THE SECURITIES MAY BE PLEDGED IN CONNECTION WITH A BONA FIDE MARGIN ACCOUNT OR OTHER LOAN OR FINANCING ARRANGEMENT SECURED BY THE SECURITIES. ANY TRANSFEREE OF THIS NOTE SHOULD CAREFULLY REVIEW THE TERMS OF THIS NOTE, INCLUDING SECTIONS 3(c)(iii) AND 20(a) HEREOF. THE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT REPRESENTED BY THIS NOTE AND, ACCORDINGLY, THE SECURITIES ISSUABLE UPON CONVERSION HEREOF MAY BE LESS THAN THE AMOUNTS SET FORTH ON THE FACE HEREOF PURSUANT TO SECTION 3(c)(iii) OF THIS NOTE.
THIS NOTE HAS BEEN ISSUED WITH ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT (“OID”). PURSUANT TO TREASURY REGULATION §1.1275-3(b)(1), MS. JIE YANG, A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE COMPANY HEREOF WILL, BEGINNING TEN DAYS AFTER THE ISSUANCE DATE OF THIS NOTE, PROMPTLY MAKE AVAILABLE TO THE HOLDER UPON REQUEST THE INFORMATION DESCRIBED IN TREASURY REGULATION §1.1275-3(b)(1)(i). MS. JIE YANG MAY BE REACHED AT TELEPHONE NUMBER +86 (020) 31566692.
Top KingWin Ltd.
Convertible Note
| Issuance Date: November 26, 2024 | Original Principal Amount: U.S. $2,500,000 |
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, Top KingWin Ltd., an exempted company incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands (the “Company”), hereby promises to pay to the order of JAK OPPORTUNITIES VIII LLC or its registered assigns (“Holder”) the amount set forth above as the Original Principal Amount (as reduced pursuant to the terms hereof pursuant to redemption, conversion or otherwise, the “Principal”) when due, whether upon the Maturity Date (as defined below), or upon acceleration, redemption or otherwise (in each case in accordance with the terms hereof) and to pay interest (“Interest”) on any outstanding Principal at the applicable Interest Rate (as defined below) from the date set forth above as the Issuance Date (the “Issuance Date”) until the same becomes due and payable, whether upon the Maturity Date or upon acceleration, conversion, redemption or otherwise (in each case in accordance with the terms hereof). This convertible note (including all convertible notes issued in exchange, transfer or replacement hereof, this “Note”) is one of an issue of convertible notes (collectively, the “Notes”, and such other convertible notes, the “Other Notes”) issued pursuant to Section 1 of that certain Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of November 25, 2024 (the “Subscription Date”), by and among the Company and the investors (the “Buyers”) referred to therein, as amended from time to time (the “Securities Purchase Agreement”). Certain capitalized terms used herein are defined in Section 33.
1. PAYMENTS OF PRINCIPAL. On the Maturity Date, the Company shall pay to the Holder an amount in cash representing all outstanding Principal, accrued and unpaid Interest and accrued and unpaid Late Charges (as defined in Section 26(c)), if any, on such Principal and Interest. The Company may not prepay any portion of the outstanding Principal, accrued and unpaid Interest or accrued and unpaid Late Charges on Principal and Interest, if any.
2. INTEREST; INTEREST RATE.
(a) Interest on this Note shall commence accruing on the Issuance Date and shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year and twelve 30-day months. Interest shall be payable on the first Trading Day of each Fiscal Quarter (each, an “Interest Date”), to the record holder of this Note on the applicable Interest Date, in Ordinary Shares (as defined below; such Ordinary Shares issued for the payment of Interest, the “Interest Shares”) so long as there has been no Equity Conditions Failure; provided however, that the Company may, at its option following notice to the Holder, pay Interest on any Interest Date in cash (“Cash Interest”) or in a combination of Cash Interest and Interest Shares. The Company shall deliver a written notice (each, an “Interest Election Notice”) to each holder of the Notes on or prior to the tenth (10th) Trading Day immediately prior to the applicable Interest Date (the date such notice is delivered to all of the holder, the “Interest Notice Date”) which notice (i) either (A) confirms that Interest to be paid on such Interest Date shall be paid entirely in Interest Shares or (B) elects to pay Interest as Cash Interest or a combination of Cash Interest and Interest Shares and specifies the amount of Interest that shall be paid as Cash Interest and the amount of Interest, if any, that shall be paid in Interest Shares and (ii) certifies that there has been no Equity Conditions Failure. If an Equity Conditions Failure has occurred as of the Interest Notice Date, then unless the Company has elected to pay such Interest as Cash Interest, the Interest Election Notice shall indicate that unless the Holder waives the Equity Conditions Failure, the Interest shall be paid as Cash Interest. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if no Equity Conditions Failure has occurred as of the Interest Notice Date but an Equity Conditions Failure occurs at any time prior to the Interest Date, (A) the Company shall provide the Holder a subsequent notice to that effect and (B) unless the Holder waives the Equity Conditions Failure, the Interest shall be paid in cash. Interest to be paid on an Interest Date in Interest Shares shall be paid in a number of fully paid and nonassessable Ordinary Shares registered under the 1933 Act (rounded to the nearest whole share in accordance with Section 3(a)) equal to the quotient of (1) the amount of Interest payable on such Interest Date less any Cash Interest paid and (2) the Interest Conversion Price in effect on the applicable Interest Date.
(b) When any Interest Shares are to be paid on an Interest Date, the Company shall (i) (A) provided that the Company’s transfer agent (the “Transfer Agent”) is participating in the Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) Fast Automated Securities Transfer Program (“FAST”), credit such aggregate number of Interest Shares to which the Holder shall be entitled to the Holder’s or its designee’s balance account with DTC through its Deposit/Withdrawal at Custodian system, or (B) if the Transfer Agent is not participating in FAST, issue and deliver on the applicable Interest Date, to the address set forth in the register maintained by the Company for such purpose pursuant to the Securities Purchase Agreement or to such address as specified by the Holder in writing to the Company at least two (2) Business Days prior to the applicable Interest Date, a certificate, registered in the name of the Holder or its designee, for the number of Interest Shares to which the Holder shall be entitled and (ii) with respect to each Interest Date, pay to the Holder, in cash by wire transfer of immediately available funds, the amount of any Cash Interest.
(c) Prior to the payment of Interest on an Interest Date, Interest on this Note shall accrue at the Interest Rate and be payable by way of inclusion of the Interest in the Conversion Amount (as defined below) on each Conversion Date (as defined below) in accordance with Section 3(b)(i) or upon any redemption in accordance with Section 13 or any required payment upon any Bankruptcy Event of Default. From and after the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, the Interest Rate in effect with respect to such determination shall automatically be increased to the Default Rate. In the event that such Event of Default is subsequently cured (and no other Event of Default then exists, including, without limitation, for the Company’s failure to pay such Interest at the Default Rate on the applicable Interest Date), the adjustment referred to in the preceding sentence shall cease to be effective as of the calendar day immediately following the date of such cure; provided that the Interest as calculated and unpaid at such increased rate during the continuance of such Event of Default shall continue to apply to the extent relating to the days after the occurrence of such Event of Default through and including the date of such cure of such Event of Default.
2
3. CONVERSION OF NOTES. At any time after the Issuance Date, this Note shall be convertible into validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable Ordinary Shares, on the terms and conditions set forth in this Section 3.
(a) Conversion Right. Subject to the provisions of Section 3(d), at any time or times on or after the Issuance Date, the Holder shall be entitled to convert any portion of the outstanding and unpaid Conversion Amount into validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable Ordinary Shares in accordance with Section 3(c), at the Conversion Rate (as defined below), including after the Maturity Date, solely in the event all outstanding Principal, accrued and unpaid Interest and accrued and unpaid Late Charges are not repaid by the Company on the Maturity Date. The Company shall not issue any fraction of an Ordinary Share upon any conversion. If the issuance would result in the issuance of a fraction of an Ordinary Share, the Company shall round such fraction of an Ordinary Share up to the nearest whole share. The Company shall pay any and all transfer, stamp, issuance and similar taxes, costs and expenses (including, without limitation, fees and expenses of the Transfer Agent) that may be payable with respect to the issuance and delivery of Ordinary Shares upon conversion of any Conversion Amount.
(b) Conversion Rate. The number of Ordinary Shares issuable upon conversion of any Conversion Amount pursuant to Section 3(a) shall be determined by dividing (x) such Conversion Amount by (y) the Conversion Price (the “Conversion Rate”).
(i) “Conversion Amount” means 115% of the sum of (A) the portion of the Principal of this Note to be converted, redeemed or otherwise with respect to which this determination is being made, (B) accrued and unpaid Interest with respect to such Principal of this Note, (C) accrued and unpaid Late Charges with respect to such Principal of this Note and Interest, if any, and (D) any other unpaid amounts pursuant to this Note, if any.
(ii) “Conversion Price” means, as of any Conversion Date or other date of determination, $0.3301, subject to adjustment as provided herein.
3
(c) Mechanics of Conversion.
(i) Optional Conversion. To convert any Conversion Amount into Ordinary Shares on any date (a “Conversion Date”), the Holder shall deliver (whether via electronic mail or otherwise), for receipt on or prior to 11:59 p.m., New York time, on such date, a copy of an executed notice of conversion in the form attached hereto as Exhibit I (each, a “Conversion Notice”) to the Company. If required by Section 3(c)(iii), within two (2) Trading Days following a conversion of this Note as aforesaid, the Holder shall surrender this Note to a nationally recognized overnight delivery service for delivery to the Company (or an indemnification undertaking with respect to this Note in the case of its loss, theft or destruction as contemplated by Section 20(b)). On or before the first (1st) Trading Day following the date of receipt of a Conversion Notice, the Company shall transmit by electronic mail an acknowledgment, in the form attached hereto as Exhibit II, of confirmation of receipt of such Conversion Notice and representation as to whether such Ordinary Shares may then be resold pursuant to Rule 144 or an effective and available registration statement (each, an “Acknowledgement”) to the Holder and the Transfer Agent, which confirmation shall constitute an instruction to the Transfer Agent to process such Conversion Notice in accordance with the terms herein. On or before the second (2nd) Trading Day following the date on which the Company has received a Conversion Notice (or such earlier date as required pursuant to the 1934 Act or other applicable law, rule or regulation for the settlement of a trade initiated on the applicable Conversion Date of such Ordinary Shares issuable pursuant to such Conversion Notice) (the “Share Delivery Deadline”), the Company shall (1) provided that the Transfer Agent is participating in FAST, credit such aggregate number of Ordinary Shares to which the Holder shall be entitled pursuant to such conversion to the Holder’s or its designee’s balance account with DTC through its Deposit/Withdrawal at Custodian system or (2) if the Transfer Agent is not participating in FAST, upon the request of the Holder, issue and deliver (via reputable overnight courier) to the address as specified in the Conversion Notice, a certificate, registered in the name of the Holder or its designee, for the number of Ordinary Shares to which the Holder shall be entitled pursuant to such conversion. If this Note is physically surrendered for conversion pursuant to Section 3(c)(iii) and the outstanding Principal of this Note is greater than the Principal portion of the Conversion Amount being converted, then the Company shall as soon as practicable and in no event later than two (2) Business Days after receipt of this Note and at its own expense, issue and deliver to the Holder (or its designee) a new Note (in accordance with Section 20(d)) representing the outstanding Principal not converted. The Person or Persons entitled to receive the Ordinary Shares issuable upon a conversion of this Note shall be treated for all purposes as the record holder or holders of such Ordinary Shares on the Conversion Date. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Note or the Securities Purchase Agreement, after the effective date of the Registration Statement (as defined in the Securities Purchase Agreement), the Company shall cause the Transfer Agent to deliver unlegended Ordinary Shares to the Holder (or its designee) in connection with any sale of Conversion Shares (as defined in the Securities Purchase Agreement) with respect to which the Holder has entered into a contract for sale, and delivered a copy of the prospectus included as part of the particular Registration Statement to the extent applicable, and for which the Holder has not yet settled.
4
(ii) Company’s Failure to Timely Convert. If the Company shall fail, for any reason or for no reason, on or prior to the applicable Share Delivery Deadline, either (i) if the Transfer Agent is not participating in FAST, to issue and deliver to the Holder (or its designee) a certificate for the number of Ordinary Shares to which the Holder is entitled and register such Ordinary Shares on the Company’s share register or, if the Transfer Agent is participating in FAST, to credit the balance account of the Holder or the Holder’s designee with DTC for such number of Ordinary Shares to which the Holder is entitled upon the Holder’s conversion of this Note (as the case may be) or (ii) if the Registration Statement covering resale of the Ordinary Shares that are the subject of the Conversion Notice (the “Unavailable Conversion Shares”) is not available for the resale of such Unavailable Conversion Shares and the Company fails to promptly, but in no event later than as required pursuant to the Securities Purchase Agreement (x) so notify the Holder and (y) deliver the Ordinary Shares electronically without any restrictive legend by crediting such aggregate number of Ordinary Shares to which the Holder is entitled pursuant to such conversion to the Holder’s or its designee’s balance account with DTC through its Deposit/Withdrawal-At-Custodian system (the event described in the immediately foregoing clause (ii) is hereinafter referred to as a “Notice Failure” and together with the event described in clause (i) above, a “Conversion Failure”), then, in addition to all other remedies available to the Holder, (1) the Company shall pay in cash to the Holder on each day after such Share Delivery Deadline that the issuance of such Ordinary Shares is not timely effected an amount equal to 1.5% of the product of (A) the sum of the number of Ordinary Shares not issued to the Holder on or prior to the Share Delivery Deadline and to which the Holder is entitled, multiplied by (B) any VWAP of the Ordinary Shares on any Trading Day (as selected by the Holder in writing) during the period beginning on the applicable Conversion Date and ending on the applicable Share Delivery Deadline and (2) the Holder, upon written notice to the Company, may void its Conversion Notice with respect to, and retain or have returned (as the case may be) any portion of this Note that has not been converted pursuant to such Conversion Notice, provided that the voiding of a Conversion Notice shall not affect the Company’s obligations to make any payments which have accrued prior to the date of such notice pursuant to this Section 3(c)(ii) or otherwise. In addition to the foregoing, if on or prior to the Share Delivery Deadline if the Transfer Agent is not participating in FAST, the Company shall fail to issue and deliver to the Holder (or its designee) a certificate and register such Ordinary Shares on the Company’s share register or, if the Transfer Agent is participating in FAST, the Transfer Agent shall fail to credit the balance account of the Holder or the Holder’s designee with DTC for the number of Ordinary Shares to which the Holder is entitled upon the Holder’s conversion hereunder or pursuant to the Company’s obligation pursuant to clause (II) below, and if on or after such Share Delivery Deadline the Holder acquires (in an open market transaction, stock loan or otherwise) Ordinary Shares corresponding to all or any portion of the number of Ordinary Shares issuable upon such conversion that the Holder is entitled to receive from the Company and has not received from the Company in connection with such Conversion Failure (a “Buy-In”), then, in addition to all other remedies available to the Holder, the Company shall, within two (2) Business Days after receipt of the Holder’s request and in the Holder’s discretion, either: (I) pay cash to the Holder in an amount equal to the Holder’s total purchase price (including brokerage commissions, stock loan costs and other out-of-pocket expenses, if any) for the Ordinary Shares so acquired (including, without limitation, by any other Person in respect, or on behalf, of the Holder) (the “Buy-In Price”), at which point the Company’s obligation to so issue and deliver such certificate (and to issue such Ordinary Shares) or credit the balance account of such Holder or such Holder’s designee, as applicable, with DTC for the number of Ordinary Shares to which the Holder is entitled upon the Holder’s conversion hereunder (as the case may be) (and to issue such Ordinary Shares) shall terminate, or (II) promptly honor its obligation to so issue and deliver to the Holder a certificate or certificates representing such Ordinary Shares or credit the balance account of such Holder or such Holder’s designee, as applicable, with DTC for the number of Ordinary Shares to which the Holder is entitled upon the Holder’s conversion hereunder (as the case may be) and pay cash to the Holder in an amount equal to the excess (if any) of the Buy-In Price over the product of (x) such number of Ordinary Shares multiplied by (y) the lowest VWAP of the Ordinary Shares on any Trading Day during the period commencing on the date of the applicable Conversion Notice and ending on the date of such issuance and payment under this clause (II) (the “Buy-In Payment Amount”). Nothing shall limit the Holder’s right to pursue any other remedies available to it hereunder, at law or in equity, including, without limitation, a decree of specific performance and/or injunctive relief with respect to the Company’s failure to timely deliver certificates representing Ordinary Shares (or to electronically deliver such Ordinary Shares) upon the conversion of this Note as required pursuant to the terms hereof.
5
(iii) Registration; Book-Entry. The Company shall maintain a register (the “Register”) for the recordation of the names and addresses of the holders of each Note and the principal amount of the Notes held by such holders (the “Registered Notes”). The entries in the Register shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes absent manifest error. The Company and the holders of the Notes shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register as the owner of a Note for all purposes (including, without limitation, the right to receive payments of Principal and Interest hereunder) notwithstanding notice to the contrary. A Registered Note may be assigned, transferred or sold in whole or in part only by registration of such assignment or sale on the Register. Upon its receipt of a written request to assign, transfer or sell all or part of any Registered Note by the holder thereof, the Company shall record the information contained therein in the Register and issue one or more new Registered Notes in the same aggregate principal amount as the principal amount of the surrendered Registered Note to the designated assignee or transferee pursuant to Section 20, provided that if the Company does not so record an assignment, transfer or sale (as the case may be) of all or part of any Registered Note within two (2) Business Days of such a request, then the Register shall be automatically deemed updated to reflect such assignment, transfer or sale (as the case may be). Following conversion of any portion of this Note in accordance with the terms hereof, the Holder shall not be required to physically surrender this Note to the Company unless (A) the full Conversion Amount represented by this Note is being converted (in which event this Note shall be delivered to the Company following conversion thereof as contemplated by Section 3(c)(i)) or (B) the Holder has provided the Company with prior written notice (which notice may be included in a Conversion Notice) requesting reissuance of this Note upon physical surrender of this Note. The Holder and the Company shall maintain records showing the Principal, Interest and Late Charges converted and/or paid (as the case may be) and the dates of such conversions, and/or payments (as the case may be) or shall use such other method, reasonably satisfactory to the Holder and the Company, so as not to require physical surrender of this Note upon conversion. If the Company does not update the Register to record such Principal, Interest and Late Charges converted and/or paid (as the case may be) and the dates of such conversions, and/or payments (as the case may be) within two (2) Business Days of such occurrence, then the Register shall be automatically deemed updated to reflect such occurrence.
(iv) Pro Rata Conversion; Disputes. In the event that the Company receives a Conversion Notice from more than one holder of Notes for the same Conversion Date and the Company can convert some, but not all, of such portions of the Notes submitted for conversion, the Company, subject to Section 3(d), shall convert from each holder of Notes electing to have Notes converted on such date a pro rata amount of such holder’s portion of its Notes submitted for conversion based on the principal amount of Notes submitted for conversion on such date by such holder relative to the aggregate principal amount of all Notes submitted for conversion on such date. In the event of a dispute as to the number of Ordinary Shares issuable to the Holder in connection with a conversion of this Note, the Company shall issue to the Holder the number of Ordinary Shares not in dispute and resolve such dispute in accordance with Section 25.
6
(d) Limitations on Conversions.
(i) Beneficial Ownership. The Company shall not effect the conversion of any portion of this Note, and the Holder shall not have the right to convert any portion of this Note pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Note and any such conversion shall be null and void and treated as if never made, to the extent that after giving effect to such conversion, the Holder together with the other Attribution Parties collectively would beneficially own in excess of 9.99% (the “Maximum Percentage”) of the Ordinary Shares outstanding immediately after giving effect to such conversion. For purposes of the foregoing sentence, the aggregate number of Ordinary Shares beneficially owned by the Holder and the other Attribution Parties shall include the number of Ordinary Shares held by the Holder and all other Attribution Parties plus the number of Ordinary Shares issuable upon conversion of this Note with respect to which the determination of such sentence is being made, but shall exclude Ordinary Shares which would be issuable upon (A) conversion of the remaining, nonconverted portion of this Note beneficially owned by the Holder or any of the other Attribution Parties and (B) exercise or conversion of the unexercised or nonconverted portion of any other securities of the Company (including, without limitation, any convertible notes or convertible preferred stock or warrants) beneficially owned by the Holder or any other Attribution Party subject to a limitation on conversion or exercise analogous to the limitation contained in this Section 3(d)(i). For purposes of this Section 3(d)(i), beneficial ownership shall be calculated in accordance with Section 13(d) of the 1934 Act. For purposes of determining the number of outstanding Ordinary Shares the Holder may acquire upon the conversion of this Note without exceeding the Maximum Percentage, the Holder may rely on the number of outstanding Ordinary Shares as reflected in (x) the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F, Report of Foreign Issuer on Form 6-K or other public filing with the SEC, as the case may be, (y) a more recent public announcement by the Company or (z) any other written notice by the Company or the Transfer Agent, if any, setting forth the number of Ordinary Shares outstanding (the “Reported Outstanding Share Number”). If the Company receives a Conversion Notice from the Holder at a time when the actual number of outstanding Ordinary Shares is less than the Reported Outstanding Share Number, the Company shall notify the Holder in writing of the number of Ordinary Shares then outstanding and, to the extent that such Conversion Notice would otherwise cause the Holder’s beneficial ownership, as determined pursuant to this Section 3(d)(i), to exceed the Maximum Percentage, the Holder must notify the Company of a reduced number of Ordinary Shares to be purchased pursuant to such Conversion Notice. For any reason at any time, upon the written or oral request of the Holder, the Company shall within one (1) Business Day confirm orally and in writing or by electronic mail to the Holder the number of Ordinary Shares then outstanding. In any case, the number of outstanding Ordinary Shares shall be determined after giving effect to the conversion or exercise of securities of the Company, including this Note, by the Holder and any other Attribution Party since the date as of which the Reported Outstanding Share Number was reported. In the event that the issuance of Ordinary Shares to the Holder upon conversion of this Note results in the Holder and the other Attribution Parties being deemed to beneficially own, in the aggregate, more than the Maximum Percentage of the number of outstanding Ordinary Shares (as determined under Section 13(d) of the 1934 Act), the number of shares so issued by which the Holder’s and the other Attribution Parties’ aggregate beneficial ownership exceeds the Maximum Percentage (the “Excess Shares”) shall be deemed null and void and shall be cancelled ab initio, and the Holder shall not have the power to vote or to transfer the Excess Shares. Upon delivery of a written notice to the Company, the Holder may from time to time increase (with such increase not effective until the sixty-first (61st) day after delivery of such notice) or decrease the Maximum Percentage to any other percentage not in excess of 9.99% as specified in such notice; provided that (i) any such increase in the Maximum Percentage will not be effective until the sixty-first (61st) day after such notice is delivered to the Company and (ii) any such increase or decrease will apply only to the Holder and the other Attribution Parties and not to any other holder of Notes that is not an Attribution Party of the Holder. For purposes of clarity, the Ordinary Shares issuable pursuant to the terms of this Note in excess of the Maximum Percentage shall not be deemed to be beneficially owned by the Holder for any purpose including for purposes of Section 13(d) or Rule 16a-1(a)(1) of the 1934 Act. No prior inability to convert this Note pursuant to this paragraph shall have any effect on the applicability of the provisions of this paragraph with respect to any subsequent determination of convertibility. The provisions of this paragraph shall be construed and implemented in a manner otherwise than in strict conformity with the terms of this Section 3(d)(i) to the extent necessary to correct this paragraph (or any portion of this paragraph) which may be defective or inconsistent with the intended beneficial ownership limitation contained in this Section 3(d)(i) or to make changes or supplements necessary or desirable to properly give effect to such limitation. The limitation contained in this paragraph may not be waived and shall apply to a successor holder of this Note.
7
(e) Right of Alternate Conversion.
(i) General.
(1) Alternate Optional Conversion. Subject to Section 3(d), at any time, at the option of the Holder, the Holder may convert (each, an “Alternate Optional Conversion”, and the date of such Alternate Optional Conversion, an “Alternate Optional Conversion Date”) all, or any part, of this Note into Ordinary Shares (such portion of the Conversion Amount subject to such Alternate Optional Conversion, the “Alternate Optional Conversion Amount”) at the Alternate Conversion Price.
(2) Alternate Conversion Upon an Event of Default. Subject to Section 3(d), at any time during an Event of Default Redemption Right Period (regardless of whether such Event of Default has been waived in writing in accordance with the terms of this Note and the other Transaction Documents (as defined in the Securities Purchase Agreement), or if the Company has delivered an Event of Default Notice to the Holder or if the Holder has delivered an Event of Default Redemption Notice to the Company or otherwise notified the Company that an Event of Default has occurred), the Holder may, at the Holder’s option, convert (each, an “Alternate Event of Default Conversion” and together with each Alternate Optional Conversion, each, an “Alternate Conversion”, and the date of such Alternate Event of Default Conversion, each, an “Alternate Event of Default Conversion Date”, and together with each Alternate Optional Conversion Date, each, an “Alternate Conversion Date”) all, or any part of, the Conversion Amount (such portion of the Conversion Amount subject to such Alternate Conversion, the “Alternate Event of Default Conversion Amount” and together with each Alternate Optional Conversion Amount, each, an “Alternate Conversion Amount”) into Ordinary Shares at the Alternate Conversion Price.
(ii) Mechanics of Alternate Conversion. On any Alternate Conversion Date, the Holder may voluntarily convert any Alternate Conversion Amount pursuant to Section 3(c) (with “Alternate Conversion Price” replacing “Conversion Price” for all purposes hereunder with respect to such Alternate Conversion and, solely with respect to the calculation of the number of Ordinary Shares issuable upon conversion of any Conversion Amount in an Alternate Event of Default Conversion, with “Redemption Premium of the Conversion Amount” replacing “Conversion Amount” in clause (x) of the definition of Conversion Rate above with respect to such Alternate Conversion) by designating in the Conversion Notice delivered pursuant to this Section 3(e) of this Note that the Holder is electing to use the Alternate Conversion Price for such conversion; provided that in the event of the Conversion Floor Price Condition, on the applicable Alternate Conversion Date the Company shall also deliver to the Holder or, at the Company’s option, add to the outstanding Principal amount of this Note, the applicable Alternate Conversion Floor Amount. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 3(e), but subject to Section 3(d), until the Company delivers Ordinary Shares representing the applicable Alternate Conversion Amount to the Holder, such Alternate Conversion Amount may be converted by the Holder into Ordinary Shares pursuant to Section 3(c) without regard to this Section 3(e). In the event of an Alternate Conversion pursuant to this Section 3(e) of all, or any portion, of this Note, the Holder’s damages would be uncertain and difficult to estimate because of the parties’ inability to predict future interest rates and the uncertainty of the availability of a suitable substitute investment opportunity for the Holder. Accordingly, any redemption premium due under this Section 3(e), together with the Alternate Conversion Price used in such Alternate Conversion, as applicable, is intended by the parties to be, and shall be deemed, a reasonable estimate of, the Holder’s actual loss of its investment opportunity and not as a penalty.
8
4. RIGHTS UPON EVENT OF DEFAULT.
(a) Event of Default. Each of the following events shall constitute an “Event of Default” and each of the events in clauses (x), (xi) and (xii) shall constitute a “Bankruptcy Event of Default”:
(i) the failure of the F-3 Amendment (as defined in the Securities Purchase Agreement) to be filed with the SEC on or prior to the date that is five (5) days after the applicable Filing Deadline (as defined in the Securities Purchase Agreement) or the failure of the Registration Statement to be declared effective by the SEC on or prior to the date that is five (5) days after the Effectiveness Deadline (as defined in the Securities Purchase Agreement);
(ii) while the Registration Statement is required to be maintained effective pursuant to the terms of the Securities Purchase Agreement, the effectiveness of the Registration Statement lapses for any reason (including, without limitation, the issuance of a stop order) or such Registration Statement (or prospectus contained therein) is unavailable to any holder of Conversion Shares for sale of all of such holder’s Conversion Shares in accordance with the terms of the Securities Purchase Agreement, and such lapse or unavailability continues for a period of five (5) consecutive days or for more than an aggregate of ten (10) days in any 365-day period;
(iii) the suspension from trading or the failure of the Ordinary Shares to be trading or listed (as applicable) on an Eligible Market for a period of ten (10) consecutive Trading Days;
(iv) the Company’s (A) failure to cure a Conversion Failure by delivery of the required number of Ordinary Shares within five (5) Trading Days after the applicable Conversion Date or (B) notice, written or oral, to any holder of the Notes, including, without limitation, by way of public announcement or through any of its agents, at any time, of its intention not to comply, as required, with a request for conversion of any Notes into Ordinary Shares that is requested in accordance with the provisions of the Notes, other than pursuant to Section 3(d);
(v) except to the extent the Company is in compliance with Section 12(b) below, at any time following the tenth (10th) consecutive day that the Holder’s Authorized Share Allocation (as defined in Section 12(a) below) is less than the number of Ordinary Shares that the Holder would be entitled to receive upon a conversion of the full Conversion Amount of this Note (without regard to any limitations on conversion set forth in Section 3(d) or otherwise);
(vi) the Company fails to remove any restrictive legend on any certificate or any Ordinary Shares issued to the Holder upon conversion or exercise (as the case may be) of any Securities (as defined in the Securities Purchase Agreement) acquired by the Holder under the Securities Purchase Agreement (including this Note) as and when required by such Securities or the Securities Purchase Agreement, unless otherwise then prohibited by applicable federal securities laws, and any such failure remains uncured for at least five (5) days;
(vii) the failure to file in the future all reports, schedules, forms, statements and other documents required to be filed by the Company under the 1933 Act and the 1934 Act, including pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) thereof, on a timely basis;
(viii) the Company’s failure to pay to the Holder any amount of Principal, Interest, Late Charges or other amounts when and as due under this Note (including, without limitation, the Company’s failure to pay any redemption payments or amounts hereunder) or any other Transaction Documents or any other agreement, document, certificate or other instrument delivered in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, except, in the case of a failure to pay Interest and Late Charges when and as due, in which case only if such failure remains uncured for a period of at least five (5) Trading Days;
9
(ix) the occurrence of any unscheduled redemption or acceleration of maturity of at least an aggregate of $375,000 of Indebtedness (as defined in the Securities Purchase Agreement) of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, other than with respect to any Other Notes;
(x) bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or liquidation proceedings or other proceedings for the relief of debtors shall be instituted by or against the Company or any Subsidiary and, if instituted against the Company or any Subsidiary by a third party, shall not be dismissed within thirty (30) days of their initiation;
(xi) the commencement by the Company or any Subsidiary of a voluntary case or proceeding under any applicable federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law or of any other case or proceeding to be adjudicated a bankrupt or insolvent, or the consent by it to the entry of a decree, order, judgment or other similar document in respect of the Company or any Subsidiary in an involuntary case or proceeding under any applicable federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law or to the commencement of any bankruptcy or insolvency case or proceeding against it, or the filing by it of a petition or answer or consent seeking reorganization or relief under any applicable federal, state or foreign law, or the consent by it to the filing of such petition or to the appointment of or taking possession by a custodian, receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or other similar official of the Company or any Subsidiary or of any substantial part of its property, or the making by it of an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or the execution of a composition of debts, or the occurrence of any other similar federal, state or foreign proceeding, or the admission by it in writing of its inability to pay its debts generally as they become due, the taking of corporate action by the Company or any Subsidiary in furtherance of any such action or the taking of any action by any Person to commence a Uniform Commercial Code foreclosure sale or any other similar action under federal, state or foreign law;
(xii) the entry by a court of (i) a decree, order, judgment or other similar document in respect of the Company or any Subsidiary of a voluntary or involuntary case or proceeding under any applicable federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law or (ii) a decree, order, judgment or other similar document adjudging the Company or any Subsidiary as bankrupt or insolvent, or approving as properly filed a petition seeking liquidation, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition of or in respect of the Company or any Subsidiary under any applicable federal, state or foreign law or (iii) a decree, order, judgment or other similar document appointing a custodian, receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or other similar official of the Company or any Subsidiary or of any substantial part of its property, or ordering the winding up or liquidation of its affairs;
(xiii) a final judgment or judgments for the payment of money aggregating in excess of $375,000 are rendered against the Company and/or any of its Subsidiaries and which judgments are not, within thirty (30) days after the entry thereof, bonded, discharged, settled or stayed pending appeal, or are not discharged within thirty (30) days after the expiration of such stay; provided, however, any judgment which is covered by insurance or an indemnity from a credit worthy party shall not be included in calculating the $375,000 amount set forth above so long as the Company provides the Holder a written statement from such insurer or indemnity provider (which written statement shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Holder) to the effect that such judgment is covered by insurance or an indemnity and the Company or such Subsidiary (as the case may be) will receive the proceeds of such insurance or indemnity within thirty (30) days of the issuance of such judgment;
(xix) the Company and/or any Subsidiary, individually or in the aggregate, either (i) fails to pay, when due, or within any applicable grace period, any payment with respect to any Indebtedness in excess of $375,000 due to any third party (other than, with respect to unsecured Indebtedness only, payments contested by the Company and/or such Subsidiary (as the case may be) in good faith by proper proceedings and with respect to which adequate reserves have been set aside for the payment thereof in accordance with GAAP) or is otherwise in breach or violation of any agreement for monies owed or owing in an amount in excess of $375,000, which breach or violation permits the other party thereto to declare a default or otherwise accelerate amounts due thereunder, or (ii) suffer to exist any other circumstance or event that would, with or without the passage of time or the giving of notice, result in a default or event of default under any agreement binding the Company or any Subsidiary, which default or event of default would or is likely to have a material adverse effect on the business, assets, operations (including results thereof), liabilities, properties, condition (including financial condition) or prospects of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, individually or in the aggregate;
10
(xx) other than as specifically set forth in another clause of this Section 4(a), the Company or any Subsidiary breaches any representation or warranty in any material respect (other than representations or warranties that are qualified by materiality, which may not be breached in any respect), or any covenant or other term or condition of any Transaction Document, except, in the case of a breach of a covenant or other term or condition that is curable, only if such breach remains uncured for a period of two (2) consecutive Trading Days;
(xxi) a materially false or inaccurate certification (including a materially false or inaccurate deemed certification) by the Company that either (A) the Equity Conditions are satisfied, (B) there has been no Equity Conditions Failure, or (C) as to whether any Event of Default has occurred;
(xxii) any Material Adverse Effect (as defined in the Securities Purchase Agreement) occurs;
(xxiii) any provision of any Transaction Document shall at any time for any reason (other than pursuant to the express terms thereof) cease to be valid and binding on or enforceable against the parties thereto, or the validity or enforceability thereof shall be contested by any party thereto, or a proceeding shall be commenced by the Company or any Subsidiary or any governmental authority having jurisdiction over any of them, seeking to establish the invalidity or unenforceability thereof, or the Company or any Subsidiary shall deny in writing that it has any liability or obligation purported to be created under any Transaction Document;
(xxiv) the Company or any Subsidiary breaches the provisions of Sections 4(m) or 4(q) of the Securities Purchase Agreement; or
(xxv) any Event of Default (as defined in the Other Notes) occurs with respect to any Other Notes.
(b) Notice of an Event of Default; Redemption Right. Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default with respect to this Note or any Other Note, the Company shall within one (1) Business Day deliver written notice thereof via electronic mail and overnight courier (with next day delivery specified) (an “Event of Default Notice”) to the Holder. At any time after the earlier of the Holder’s receipt of an Event of Default Notice and the Holder becoming aware of an Event of Default (such earlier date, the “Event of Default Right Commencement Date”) and ending (such ending date, the “Event of Default Right Expiration Date”, and each such period, an “Event of Default Redemption Right Period”) upon the later of (A) the earlier of (x) the cure of such applicable Event of Default and (y) the waiver by the Holder in writing of such applicable Event of Default in accordance with the terms of this Note and the other Transaction Documents, as applicable, and (B) the thirteenth (13th) Trading Day after the Holder’s receipt of an Event of Default Notice that includes (I) a reasonable description of the applicable Event of Default, (II) a certification as to whether, in the opinion of the Company, such Event of Default is capable of being cured and, if applicable, a reasonable description of any existing plans of the Company to cure such Event of Default and (III) a certification as to the date the Event of Default occurred and, if cured on or prior to the date of such Event of Default Notice, the applicable Event of Default Right Expiration Date, the Holder may require the Company to redeem (regardless of whether such Event of Default has been cured on or prior to the Event of Default Right Expiration Date) all or any portion of this Note by delivering written notice thereof (the “Event of Default Redemption Notice”) to the Company which Event of Default Redemption Notice shall indicate the portion of this Note the Holder is electing to redeem. Each portion of this Note subject to redemption by the Company pursuant to this Section 4(b) shall be redeemed by the Company at a price equal to the greater of (i) the product of (A) the Conversion Amount to be redeemed multiplied by (B) the Redemption Premium and (ii) the product of (X) the Conversion Rate with respect to the Conversion Amount in effect at such time as the Holder delivers an Event of Default Redemption Notice multiplied by (Y) the greatest VWAP of the Ordinary Shares on any Trading Day during the period commencing on the date immediately preceding such Event of Default and ending on the date the Company makes the entire payment required to be made under this Section 4(b) (the “Event of Default Redemption Price”). Redemptions required by this Section 4(b) shall be made in accordance with the provisions of Section 13. To the extent redemptions required by this Section 4(b) are deemed or determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be prepayments of this Note by the Company, such redemptions shall be deemed to be voluntary prepayments. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 4, but subject to Section 3(d), until the Event of Default Redemption Price (together with any Late Charges thereon) is paid in full, the Conversion Amount submitted for redemption under this Section 4(b) (together with any Late Charges thereon) may be converted, in whole or in part, by the Holder into Ordinary Shares pursuant to the terms of this Note. In the event of the Company’s redemption of any portion of this Note under this Section 4(b), the Holder’s damages would be uncertain and difficult to estimate because of the parties’ inability to predict future interest rates and the uncertainty of the availability of a suitable substitute investment opportunity for the Holder. Accordingly, any redemption premium due under this Section 4(b) is intended by the parties to be, and shall be deemed, a reasonable estimate of the Holder’s actual loss of its investment opportunity and not as a penalty. Any redemption upon an Event of Default shall not constitute an election of remedies by the Holder, and all other rights and remedies of the Holder shall be preserved.
11
(c) Mandatory Redemption upon Bankruptcy Event of Default. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, and notwithstanding any conversion that is then required or in process, upon any Bankruptcy Event of Default, whether occurring prior to or following the Maturity Date, the Company shall immediately pay to the Holder an amount in cash representing (i) all outstanding Principal, accrued and unpaid Interest and accrued and unpaid Late Charges on such Principal and Interest, multiplied by (ii) the Redemption Premium, in addition to any and all other amounts due hereunder, without the requirement for any notice or demand or other action by the Holder or any other person or entity, provided that the Holder may, in its sole discretion, waive such right to receive payment upon a Bankruptcy Event of Default, in whole or in part, and any such waiver shall not affect any other rights of the Holder hereunder, including any other rights in respect of such Bankruptcy Event of Default, any right to conversion, and any right to payment of the Event of Default Redemption Price or any other Redemption Price, as applicable.
5. RIGHTS UPON FUNDAMENTAL TRANSACTION.
(a) Assumption. The Company shall not enter into or be party to a Fundamental Transaction unless the Successor Entity (other than with respect to a Going-Private Change of Control) assumes in writing all of the obligations of the Company under this Note and the other Transaction Documents in accordance with the provisions of this Section 5(a) pursuant to written agreements in form and substance satisfactory to the Holder and approved by the Holder prior to such Fundamental Transaction, including agreements to deliver to each holder of Notes in exchange for such Notes a security of the Successor Entity evidenced by a written instrument substantially similar in form and substance to the Notes, including, without limitation, having a principal amount and interest rate equal to the principal amounts then outstanding and the interest rates of the Notes held by such holder, having similar conversion rights as the Notes and having similar ranking and security to the Notes, and satisfactory to the Holder. Upon the occurrence of any Fundamental Transaction, the Successor Entity shall succeed to, and be substituted for (so that from and after the date of such Fundamental Transaction, the provisions of this Note and the other Transaction Documents referring to the “Company” shall refer instead to the Successor Entity), and may exercise every right and power of the Company and shall assume all of the obligations of the Company under this Note and the other Transaction Documents with the same effect as if such Successor Entity had been named as the Company herein. Upon consummation of a Fundamental Transaction, the Successor Entity shall deliver to the Holder confirmation that there shall be issued upon conversion or redemption of this Note at any time after the consummation of such Fundamental Transaction, in lieu of the Ordinary Shares (or other securities, cash, assets or other property (except such items still issuable under Sections 6 and 17, which shall continue to be receivable thereafter)) issuable upon the conversion or redemption of the Notes prior to such Fundamental Transaction, such shares of the publicly traded ordinary shares (or their equivalent) of the Successor Entity (including its Parent Entity) which the Holder would have been entitled to receive upon the happening of such Fundamental Transaction had this Note been converted immediately prior to such Fundamental Transaction (without regard to any limitations on the conversion of this Note), as adjusted in accordance with the provisions of this Note. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Holder may elect, at its sole option, by delivery of written notice to the Company to waive this Section 5(a) to permit the Fundamental Transaction without the assumption of this Note. The provisions of this Section 5 shall apply similarly and equally to successive Fundamental Transactions and shall be applied without regard to any limitations on the conversion of this Note.
12
(b) Notice of a Change of Control; Redemption Right. No sooner than twenty (20) Trading Days nor later than ten (10) Trading Days prior to the consummation of a Change of Control (the “Change of Control Date”), but not prior to the public announcement of such Change of Control, the Company shall deliver written notice thereof via electronic mail and overnight courier to the Holder (a “Change of Control Notice”). At any time during the period beginning after the Holder’s receipt of a Change of Control Notice or the Holder becoming aware of a Change of Control if a Change of Control Notice is not delivered to the Holder in accordance with the immediately preceding sentence (as applicable) and ending on twenty (20) Trading Days after the later of (A) the date of consummation of such Change of Control or (B) the date of receipt of such Change of Control Notice or (C) the date of the announcement of such Change of Control, the Holder may require the Company to redeem all or any portion of this Note by delivering written notice thereof (“Change of Control Redemption Notice”) to the Company, which Change of Control Redemption Notice shall indicate the Conversion Amount the Holder is electing to redeem. The portion of this Note subject to redemption pursuant to this Section 5 shall be redeemed by the Company in cash at a price equal to the greatest of (i) the product of (w) the Redemption Premium multiplied by (y) the Conversion Amount being redeemed, (ii) the product of (A) the Conversion Amount being redeemed multiplied by (B) the quotient determined by dividing (I) the greatest VWAP of the Ordinary Shares during the period beginning on the date immediately preceding the earlier to occur of (1) the consummation of the applicable Change of Control and (2) the public announcement of such Change of Control and ending on the date the Holder delivers the Change of Control Redemption Notice by (II) the Conversion Price then in effect and (iii) the product of (y) the product of (A) the Conversion Amount being redeemed multiplied by (B) the quotient of (I) the aggregate cash consideration and the aggregate cash value of any non-cash consideration per Ordinary Share to be paid to the holders of Ordinary Shares upon consummation of such Change of Control (any such non-cash consideration constituting publicly-traded securities shall be valued at the highest of the VWAP of such securities as of the Trading Day immediately prior to the consummation of such Change of Control, the VWAP of such securities on the Trading Day immediately following the public announcement of such proposed Change of Control and the VWAP of such securities on the Trading Day immediately prior to the public announcement of such proposed Change of Control) divided by (II) the Conversion Price then in effect (the “Change of Control Redemption Price”). Redemptions required by this Section 5 shall be made in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 and shall have priority to payments to shareholders in connection with such Change of Control. To the extent redemptions required by this Section 5(b) are deemed or determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be prepayments of this Note by the Company, such redemptions shall be deemed to be voluntary prepayments. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 5, but subject to Section 3(d), until the Change of Control Redemption Price (together with any Late Charges thereon) is paid in full, the Conversion Amount submitted for redemption under this Section 5(b) (together with any Late Charges thereon) may be converted, in whole or in part, by the Holder into Ordinary Shares pursuant to Section 3. In the event of the Company’s redemption of any portion of this Note under this Section 5(b), the Holder’s damages would be uncertain and difficult to estimate because of the parties’ inability to predict future interest rates and the uncertainty of the availability of a suitable substitute investment opportunity for the Holder. Accordingly, any redemption premium due under this Section 5(b) is intended by the parties to be, and shall be deemed, a reasonable estimate of the Holder’s actual loss of its investment opportunity and not as a penalty.
6. RIGHTS UPON ISSUANCE OF PURCHASE RIGHTS AND OTHER CORPORATE EVENTS.
(a) Purchase Rights. In addition to any adjustments pursuant to Sections 7 or 17 below, if at any time the Company grants, issues or sells any Options, Convertible Securities or rights to purchase shares, warrants, securities or other property pro rata to all or substantially all of the record holders of any class of Ordinary Shares, excluding the Excluded Transactions (the “Purchase Rights”), then the Holder will be entitled to acquire, upon the terms applicable to such Purchase Rights, the aggregate Purchase Rights which the Holder could have acquired if the Holder had held the number of Ordinary Shares acquirable upon complete conversion of this Note (without taking into account any limitations or restrictions on the convertibility of this Note and assuming for such purpose that the Note was converted at the Alternate Conversion Price as of the applicable record date) immediately prior to the date on which a record is taken for the grant, issuance or sale of such Purchase Rights, or, if no such record is taken, the date as of which the record holders of Ordinary Shares are to be determined for the grant, issue or sale of such Purchase Rights (provided, however, that to the extent that the Holder’s right to participate in any such Purchase Right would result in the Holder and the other Attribution Parties exceeding the Maximum Percentage, then the Holder shall not be entitled to participate in such Purchase Right to the extent of the Maximum Percentage (and shall not be entitled to beneficial ownership of such Ordinary Shares as a result of such Purchase Right (and beneficial ownership) to the extent of any such excess) and such Purchase Right to such extent shall be held in abeyance (and, if such Purchase Right has an expiration date, maturity date or other similar provision, such term shall be extended by such number of days held in abeyance, if applicable) for the benefit of the Holder until such time or times, if ever, as its right thereto would not result in the Holder and the other Attribution Parties exceeding the Maximum Percentage, at which time or times the Holder shall be granted such right (and any Purchase Right granted, issued or sold on such initial Purchase Right or on any subsequent Purchase Right held similarly in abeyance (and, if such Purchase Right has an expiration date, maturity date or other similar provision, such term shall be extended by such number of days held in abeyance, if applicable)) to the same extent as if there had been no such limitation). For purpose of the Notes, “Excluded Transactions” mean the dividend or other distribution of the equity interests of any direct or indirect Subsidiary and any corporate restructurings, reorganizations, and other transactions completed in connection with the foregoing.
13
(b) Other Corporate Events. In addition to and not in substitution for any other rights hereunder, prior to the consummation of any Fundamental Transaction pursuant to which holders of Ordinary Shares are entitled to receive securities or other assets with respect to or in exchange for Ordinary Shares (a “Corporate Event”), the Company shall make appropriate provision to ensure that the Holder will thereafter have the right to receive upon a conversion of this Note, at the Holder’s option (i) in addition to the Ordinary Shares receivable upon such conversion, such securities or other assets to which the Holder would have been entitled with respect to such Ordinary Shares had such Ordinary Shares been held by the Holder upon the consummation of such Corporate Event (without taking into account any limitations or restrictions on the convertibility of this Note) or (ii) in lieu of the Ordinary Shares otherwise receivable upon such conversion, such securities or other assets received by the holders of Ordinary Shares in connection with the consummation of such Corporate Event in such amounts as the Holder would have been entitled to receive had this Note initially been issued with conversion rights for the form of such consideration (as opposed to Ordinary Shares) at a conversion rate for such consideration commensurate with the Conversion Rate. Provision made pursuant to the preceding sentence shall be in a form and substance satisfactory to the Holder. The provisions of this Section 6 shall apply similarly and equally to successive Corporate Events and shall be applied without regard to any limitations on the conversion or redemption of this Note.
7. RIGHTS UPON ISSUANCE OF OTHER SECURITIES.
(a) Adjustment of Conversion Price upon Issuance of Ordinary Shares. If and whenever on or after the Subscription Date the Company grants, issues or sells (or enters into any agreement to grant, issue or sell), or in accordance with this Section 7(a) is deemed to have granted, issued or sold, any Ordinary Shares (including the granting, issuance or sale of Ordinary Shares owned or held by or for the account of the Company, but excluding any Excluded Securities granted, issued or sold or deemed to have been granted, issued or sold) for a consideration per share (the “New Issuance Price”) less than a price equal to the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to such granting, issuance or sale or deemed granting, issuance or sale (such Conversion Price then in effect is referred to herein as the “Applicable Price”) (the foregoing a “Dilutive Issuance”), then, immediately after such Dilutive Issuance, the Conversion Price then in effect shall be reduced to an amount equal to the New Issuance Price. For all purposes of the foregoing (including, without limitation, determining the adjusted Conversion Price and the New Issuance Price under this Section 7(a)), the following shall be applicable:
(i) Issuance of Options. If the Company in any manner grants, issues or sells (or enters into any agreement to grant, issue or sell) any Options and the lowest price per share for which one Ordinary Share is at any time issuable upon the exercise of any such Option or upon conversion, exercise or exchange of any Convertible Securities issuable upon exercise of any such Option or otherwise pursuant to the terms thereof is less than the Applicable Price, then such Ordinary Share shall be deemed to be outstanding and to have been issued and sold by the Company at the time of the granting, issuance or sale of such Option for such price per share. For purposes of this Section 7(a)(i), the “lowest price per share for which one Ordinary Share is at any time issuable upon the exercise of any such Option or upon conversion, exercise or exchange of any Convertible Securities issuable upon exercise of any such Option or otherwise pursuant to the terms thereof” shall be equal to (1) the lower of (x) the sum of the lowest amounts of consideration (if any) received or receivable by the Company with respect to any one Ordinary Share upon the granting, issuance or sale of such Option, upon exercise of such Option and upon conversion, exercise or exchange of any Convertible Security issuable upon exercise of such Option or otherwise pursuant to the terms thereof and (y) the lowest exercise price set forth in such Option for which one Ordinary Share is issuable (or may become issuable assuming all possible market conditions) upon the exercise of any such Options or upon conversion, exercise or exchange of any Convertible Securities issuable upon exercise of any such Option or otherwise pursuant to the terms thereof, minus (2) the sum of all amounts paid or payable to the holder of such Option (or any other Person), if any, with respect to any one Ordinary Share upon the granting, issuance or sale of such Option, upon exercise of such Option and upon conversion, exercise or exchange of any Convertible Security issuable upon exercise of such Option or otherwise pursuant to the terms thereof plus the value of any other consideration (including, without limitation, consideration consisting of cash, debt forgiveness, assets or any other property) received or receivable by, or benefit conferred on, the holder of such Option (or any other Person). Except as contemplated below, no further adjustment of the Conversion Price shall be made upon the actual issuance of such Ordinary Share or of such Convertible Securities upon the exercise of such Options or otherwise pursuant to the terms thereof or upon the actual issuance of such Ordinary Shares upon conversion, exercise or exchange of such Convertible Securities.
14
(ii) Issuance of Convertible Securities. If the Company in any manner issues or sells (or enters into any agreement to issue or sell) any Convertible Securities and the lowest price per share for which one Ordinary Share is at any time issuable upon the conversion, exercise or exchange thereof or otherwise pursuant to the terms thereof is less than the Applicable Price, then such Ordinary Share shall be deemed to be outstanding and to have been issued and sold by the Company at the time of the issuance or sale (or the time of execution of such agreement to issue or sell, as applicable) of such Convertible Securities for such price per share. For the purposes of this Section 7(a)(ii), the “lowest price per share for which one Ordinary Share is at any time issuable upon the conversion, exercise or exchange thereof or otherwise pursuant to the terms thereof” shall be equal to (1) the lower of (x) the sum of the lowest amounts of consideration (if any) received or receivable by the Company with respect to one Ordinary Share upon the issuance or sale (or pursuant to the agreement to issue or sell, as applicable) of the Convertible Security and upon conversion, exercise or exchange of such Convertible Security or otherwise pursuant to the terms thereof and (y) the lowest conversion price set forth in such Convertible Security for which one Ordinary Share is issuable (or may become issuable assuming all possible market conditions) upon conversion, exercise or exchange thereof or otherwise pursuant to the terms thereof minus (2) the sum of all amounts paid or payable to the holder of such Convertible Security (or any other Person), if any, with respect to any one Ordinary Share upon the issuance or sale (or the agreement to issue or sell, as applicable) of such Convertible Security plus the value of any other consideration received or receivable (including, without limitation, any consideration consisting of cash, debt forgiveness, assets or other property) by, or benefit conferred on, the holder of such Convertible Security (or any other Person). Except as contemplated below, no further adjustment of the Conversion Price shall be made upon the actual issuance of such Ordinary Shares upon conversion, exercise or exchange of such Convertible Securities or otherwise pursuant to the terms thereof, and if any such issuance or sale of such Convertible Securities is made upon exercise of any Options for which adjustment of the Conversion Price has been or is to be made pursuant to other provisions of this Section 7(a), except as contemplated below, no further adjustment of the Conversion Price shall be made by reason of such issuance or sale.
(iii) Change in Option Price or Rate of Conversion. If the purchase or exercise price provided for in any Options, the additional consideration, if any, payable upon the issue, conversion, exercise or exchange of any Convertible Securities, or the rate at which any Convertible Securities are convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Ordinary Shares increases or decreases at any time (other than proportional changes in conversion or exercise prices, as applicable, in connection with an event referred to in Section 7(b) below), the Conversion Price in effect at the time of such increase or decrease shall be adjusted to the Conversion Price which would have been in effect at such time had such Options or Convertible Securities provided for such increased or decreased purchase price, additional consideration or increased or decreased conversion rate (as the case may be) at the time initially granted, issued or sold. For purposes of this Section 7(a)(i), if the terms of any Option or Convertible Security (including, without limitation, any Option or Convertible Security that was outstanding as of the Subscription Date) are increased or decreased in the manner described in the immediately preceding sentence, then such Option or Convertible Security and the Ordinary Shares deemed issuable upon exercise, conversion or exchange thereof shall be deemed to have been issued as of the date of such increase or decrease. No adjustment pursuant to this Section 7(a) shall be made if such adjustment would result in an increase of the Conversion Price then in effect.
15
(iv) Calculation of Consideration Received. If any Option and/or Convertible Security and/or Adjustment Right is issued in connection with the issuance or sale or deemed issuance or sale of any other securities of the Company (as determined by the Holder, the “Primary Security”, and such Option and/or Convertible Security and/or Adjustment Right, the “Secondary Securities”), together comprising one integrated transaction (or one or more transactions if such issuances or sales or deemed issuances or sales of securities of the Company either (A) have at least one investor or purchaser in common, (B) are consummated in reasonable proximity to each other and/or (C) are consummated under the same plan of financing), the aggregate consideration per Ordinary Share with respect to such Primary Security shall be deemed to be equal to the difference of (x) the lowest price per share for which one Ordinary Share was issued (or was deemed to be issued pursuant to Section 7(a)(i) or 7(a)(ii) above, as applicable) in such integrated transaction solely with respect to such Primary Security, minus (y) with respect to such Secondary Securities, the sum of (I) the Black Scholes Consideration Value of each such Option, if any, (II) the fair market value (as determined by the Holder in good faith) or the Black Scholes Consideration Value, as applicable, of such Adjustment Right, if any, and (III) the fair market value (as determined by the Holder) of such Convertible Security, if any, in each case, as determined on a per share basis in accordance with this Section 7(a)(iv). If any Ordinary Shares, Options or Convertible Securities are issued or sold or deemed to have been issued or sold for cash, the consideration received therefor (for the purpose of determining the consideration paid for such Ordinary Shares, Option or Convertible Security, but not for the purpose of the calculation of the Black Scholes Consideration Value) will be deemed to be the net amount of consideration received by the Company therefor. If any Ordinary Shares, Options or Convertible Securities are issued or sold for a consideration other than cash, the amount of such consideration received by the Company (for the purpose of determining the consideration paid for such Ordinary Share, Option or Convertible Security, but not for the purpose of the calculation of the Black Scholes Consideration Value) will be the fair value of such consideration, except where such consideration consists of publicly traded securities, in which case the amount of consideration received by the Company for such securities will be the arithmetic average of the VWAPs of such security for each of the five (5) Trading Days immediately preceding the date of receipt. If any Ordinary Shares, Options or Convertible Securities are issued to the owners of the non-surviving entity in connection with any merger in which the Company is the surviving entity, the amount of consideration therefor (for the purpose of determining the consideration paid for such Ordinary Share, Option or Convertible Security, but not for the purpose of the calculation of the Black Scholes Consideration Value) will be deemed to be the fair value of such portion of the net assets and business of the non-surviving entity as is attributable to such Ordinary Shares, Options or Convertible Securities (as the case may be). The fair value of any consideration other than cash or publicly traded securities will be determined jointly by the Company and the Holder. If such parties are unable to reach agreement within ten (10) days after the occurrence of an event requiring valuation (the “Valuation Event”), the fair value of such consideration will be determined within five (5) Trading Days after the tenth (10th) day following such Valuation Event by an independent, reputable appraiser jointly selected by the Company and the Holder. The determination of such appraiser shall be final and binding upon all parties absent manifest error and the fees and expenses of such appraiser shall be borne by the Company.
(v) Record Date. If the Company takes a record of the holders of Ordinary Shares for the purpose of entitling them (A) to receive a dividend or other distribution payable in Ordinary Shares, Options or in Convertible Securities or (B) to subscribe for or purchase Ordinary Shares, Options or Convertible Securities, then such record date will be deemed to be the date of the issuance or sale of the Ordinary Shares deemed to have been issued or sold upon the declaration of such dividend or the making of such other distribution or the date of the granting of such right of subscription or purchase (as the case may be).
16
(b) Adjustment of Conversion Price upon Subdivision or Combination of Ordinary Shares. Without limiting any provision of Section 6, Section 17 or Section 7(a), if the Company at any time on or after the Subscription Date subdivides (by any share split, share dividend, share combination, recapitalization or other similar transaction) one or more classes of its outstanding Ordinary Shares into a greater number of shares, the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to such subdivision will be proportionately reduced. Without limiting any provision of Section 6, Section 17 or Section 7(a), if the Company at any time on or after the Subscription Date combines (by any share split, share dividend, share combination, recapitalization or other similar transaction) one or more classes of its outstanding Ordinary Shares into a smaller number of shares, the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to such combination will be proportionately increased. Any adjustment pursuant to this Section 7(b) shall become effective immediately after the effective date of such subdivision or combination. If any event requiring an adjustment under this Section 7(b) occurs during the period that a Conversion Price is calculated hereunder, then the calculation of such Conversion Price shall be adjusted appropriately to reflect such event.
(c) Holder’s Right of Adjusted Conversion Price. In addition to and not in limitation of the other provisions of this Section 7, if the Company in any manner issues or sells or enters into any agreement to issue or sell, any Ordinary Shares, Options or Convertible Securities (any such securities, “Variable Price Securities”), after the Subscription Date that are issuable pursuant to such agreement or convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for Ordinary Shares at a price which varies or may vary with the market price of the Ordinary Shares, including by way of one or more reset(s) to a fixed price, but exclusive of such formulations reflecting customary anti-dilution provisions (such as share splits, share combinations, share dividends and similar transactions) (each of the formulations for such variable price being herein referred to as, the “Variable Price”), the Company shall provide written notice thereof via electronic mail and overnight courier to the Holder on the date of such agreement and the issuance of such Ordinary Shares, Convertible Securities or Options. From and after the date the Company enters into such agreement or issues any such Variable Price Securities, the Holder shall have the right, but not the obligation, in its sole discretion to substitute the Variable Price for the Conversion Price upon conversion of this Note by designating in the Conversion Notice delivered upon any conversion of this Note that solely for purposes of such conversion the Holder is relying on the Variable Price rather than the Conversion Price then in effect. The Holder’s election to rely on a Variable Price for a particular conversion of this Note shall not obligate the Holder to rely on a Variable Price for any future conversion of this Note.
(d) [Reserved]
(e) Other Events. In the event that the Company (or any Subsidiary) shall take any action to which the provisions hereof are not strictly applicable, or, if applicable, would not operate to protect the Holder from dilution or if any event occurs of the type contemplated by the provisions of this Section 7 but not expressly provided for by such provisions (including, without limitation, the granting of stock appreciation rights, phantom stock rights or other rights with equity features), then the Company’s board of directors shall in good faith determine and implement an appropriate adjustment in the Conversion Price so as to protect the rights of the Holder, provided that no such adjustment pursuant to this Section 7(e) will increase the Conversion Price as otherwise determined pursuant to this Section 7, provided further that if the Holder does not accept such adjustments as appropriately protecting its interests hereunder against such dilution, then the Company’s board of directors and the Holder shall agree, in good faith, upon an independent investment bank of nationally recognized standing to make such appropriate adjustments, whose determination shall be final and binding absent manifest error and whose fees and expenses shall be borne by the Company.
(f) Calculations. All calculations under this Section 7 shall be made by rounding to the nearest cent or the nearest 1/100th of a share, as applicable. The number of Ordinary Shares outstanding at any given time shall not include shares owned or held by or for the account of the Company, and the disposition of any such shares shall be considered an issue or sale of Ordinary Shares.
(g) Voluntary Adjustment by Company. Subject to the rules and regulations of the Principal Market, the Company may at any time during the term of this Note, with the prior written consent of the Required Holders (as defined in the Securities Purchase Agreement), reduce the then current Conversion Price of each of the Notes to any amount and for any period of time deemed appropriate by the board of directors of the Company.
17
8. [RESERVED].
9. [RESERVED]
10. [RESERVED]
11. NONCIRCUMVENTION. The Company hereby covenants and agrees that the Company will not, by amendment of its Memorandum and Articles of Association (as defined in the Securities Purchase Agreement) or through any reorganization, transfer of assets, consolidation, merger, scheme of arrangement, dissolution, issue or sale of securities, or any other voluntary action, avoid or seek to avoid the observance or performance of any of the terms of this Note, and will at all times in good faith carry out all of the provisions of this Note and take all action as may be required to protect the rights of the Holder of this Note. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing or any other provision of this Note or the other Transaction Documents, the Company (a) shall not increase the par value of any Ordinary Shares receivable upon conversion of this Note above the Conversion Price then in effect, and (b) shall take all such actions as may be necessary or appropriate in order that the Company may validly and legally issue fully paid and nonassessable Ordinary Shares upon the conversion of this Note. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if after the sixty (60) calendar day anniversary of the Issuance Date, the Holder is not permitted to convert this Note in full for any reason (other than pursuant to restrictions set forth in Section 3(d) hereof), the Company shall use its best efforts to promptly remedy such failure, including, without limitation, obtaining such consents or approvals as necessary to permit such conversion into Ordinary Shares.
12. RESERVATION OF AUTHORIZED SHARES.
(a) Reservation. So long as any Notes remain outstanding, the Company shall at all times reserve at least 100% of the number of Ordinary Shares as shall from time to time be necessary to effect the conversion, including without limitation, Alternate Conversions, of all of the Notes then outstanding (without regard to any limitations on conversions and assuming such Notes remain outstanding until the Maturity Date) at the Alternate Conversion Price then in effect (the “Required Reserve Amount”). The Required Reserve Amount (including, without limitation, each increase in the number of shares so reserved) shall be allocated pro rata among the holders of the Notes based on the original principal amount of the Notes held by each holder on the Closing Date or increase in the number of reserved shares, as the case may be (the “Authorized Share Allocation”). In the event that a holder shall sell or otherwise transfer any of such holder’s Notes, each transferee shall be allocated a pro rata portion of such holder’s Authorized Share Allocation. Any Ordinary Shares reserved and allocated to any Person which ceases to hold any Notes shall be allocated to the remaining holders of Notes, pro rata based on the principal amount of the Notes then held by such holders.
(b) Insufficient Authorized Shares. If, notwithstanding Section 12(a), and not in limitation thereof, at any time while any of the Notes remain outstanding the Company does not have a sufficient number of authorized and unreserved Ordinary Shares to satisfy its obligation to reserve for issuance upon conversion of the Notes at least a number of Ordinary Shares equal to the Required Reserve Amount (an “Authorized Share Failure”), then the Company shall immediately take all action necessary to increase the Company’s authorized Ordinary Shares to an amount sufficient to allow the Company to reserve the Required Reserve Amount for the Notes then outstanding. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing sentence, as soon as practicable after the date of the occurrence of an Authorized Share Failure, but in no event later than sixty (60) days after the occurrence of such Authorized Share Failure, the Company shall hold a meeting of its shareholders for the approval of an increase in the number of authorized Ordinary Shares. In connection with such meeting, the Company shall provide each shareholder with a proxy statement and shall use its best efforts to solicit its shareholders’ approval of such increase in authorized Ordinary Shares and to cause its board of directors to recommend to the shareholders that they approve such proposal. In the event that the Company is prohibited from issuing Ordinary Shares pursuant to the terms of this Note due to the failure by the Company to have sufficient Ordinary Shares available out of the authorized but unissued Ordinary Shares (such unavailable number of Ordinary Shares, the “Authorized Failure Shares”), in lieu of delivering such Authorized Failure Shares to the Holder, the Company shall pay cash in exchange for the redemption of such portion of the Conversion Amount convertible into such Authorized Failure Shares at a price equal to the sum of (i) the product of (x) such number of Authorized Failure Shares and (y) the greatest VWAP of the Ordinary Shares on any Trading Day during the period commencing on the date the Holder delivers the applicable Conversion Notice with respect to such Authorized Failure Shares to the Company and ending on the date of such issuance and payment under this Section 12(a); and (ii) to the extent the Holder purchases (in an open market transaction or otherwise) Ordinary Shares to deliver in satisfaction of a sale by the Holder of Authorized Failure Shares, any brokerage commissions and other out-of-pocket expenses, if any, of the Holder incurred in connection therewith. Nothing contained in Section 12(a) or this Section 12(b) shall limit any obligations of the Company under any provision of the Securities Purchase Agreement.
18
13. REDEMPTIONS.
(a) Mechanics. The Company shall deliver the applicable Event of Default Redemption Price to the Holder in cash within five (5) Business Days after the Company’s receipt of the Holder’s Event of Default Redemption Notice (each, an “Event of Default Redemption Date”). If the Holder has submitted a Change of Control Redemption Notice in accordance with Section 5(b), the Company shall deliver the applicable Change of Control Redemption Price to the Holder in cash concurrently with the consummation of such Change of Control if such notice is received prior to the consummation of such Change of Control and within five (5) Business Days after the Company’s receipt of such notice otherwise (each, an “Change of Control Redemption Date”). Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, in connection with any redemption hereunder at a time the Holder is entitled to receive a cash payment under any of the other Transaction Documents, at the option of the Holder delivered in writing to the Company, the applicable Redemption Price hereunder shall be increased by the amount of such cash payment owed to the Holder under such other Transaction Document and, upon payment in full or conversion in accordance herewith, shall satisfy the Company’s payment obligation under such other Transaction Document. In the event of a redemption of less than all of the Conversion Amount of this Note, the Company shall promptly cause to be issued and delivered to the Holder a new Note (in accordance with Section 20(d)) representing the outstanding Principal which has not been redeemed. In the event that the Company does not pay the applicable Redemption Price to the Holder within the time period required, at any time thereafter and until the Company pays such unpaid Redemption Price in full, the Holder shall have the option, in lieu of redemption, to require the Company to promptly return to the Holder all or any portion of this Note representing the Conversion Amount that was submitted for redemption and for which the applicable Redemption Price (together with any Late Charges thereon) has not been paid. Upon the Company’s receipt of such notice, (x) the applicable Redemption Notice shall be null and void with respect to such Conversion Amount, (y) the Company shall immediately return this Note, or issue a new Note (in accordance with Section 20(d)), to the Holder, and in each case the principal amount of this Note or such new Note (as the case may be) shall be increased by an amount equal to the difference between (1) the applicable Redemption Price (as the case may be, and as adjusted pursuant to this Section 13, if applicable) minus (2) the Principal portion of the Conversion Amount submitted for redemption and (z) the Conversion Price of this Note or such new Notes (as the case may be) shall be automatically adjusted with respect to each conversion effected thereafter by the Holder to the lowest of (A) the Conversion Price as in effect on the date on which the applicable Redemption Notice is voided, (B) greater of (x) the Floor Price and (y) 75% of the lowest Closing Bid Price of the Ordinary Shares during the period beginning on and including the date on which the applicable Redemption Notice is delivered to the Company and ending on and including the date on which the applicable Redemption Notice is voided and (C) greater of (x) the Floor Price and (y) 75% of the quotient of (I) the sum of the five (5) lowest VWAPs of the Ordinary Shares during the twenty (20) consecutive Trading Day period ending and including the applicable Conversion Date divided by (II) five (5) (it being understood and agreed that all such determinations shall be appropriately adjusted for any stock dividend, stock split, stock combination or other similar transaction during such period). The Holder’s delivery of a notice voiding a Redemption Notice and exercise of its rights following such notice shall not affect the Company’s obligations to make any payments of Late Charges which have accrued prior to the date of such notice with respect to the Conversion Amount subject to such notice.
(b) Redemption by Other Holders. Upon the Company’s receipt of notice from any of the holders of the Other Notes for redemption or repayment as a result of an event or occurrence substantially similar to the events or occurrences described in Section 4(b) or Section 5(b) (each, an “Other Redemption Notice”), the Company shall immediately, but no later than one (1) Business Day of its receipt thereof, forward to the Holder by facsimile or electronic mail a copy of such notice. If the Company receives a Redemption Notice and one or more Other Redemption Notices, during the seven (7) Business Day period beginning on and including the date which is two (2) Business Days prior to the Company’s receipt of the Holder’s applicable Redemption Notice and ending on and including the date which is two (2) Business Days after the Company’s receipt of the Holder’s applicable Redemption Notice and the Company is unable to redeem all principal, interest and other amounts designated in such Redemption Notice and such Other Redemption Notices received during such seven (7) Business Day period, then the Company shall redeem a pro rata amount from each holder of the Notes (including the Holder) based on the principal amount of the Notes submitted for redemption pursuant to such Redemption Notice and such Other Redemption Notices received by the Company during such seven (7) Business Day period.
19
14. VOTING RIGHTS. The Holder shall have no voting rights as the holder of this Note, except as required by law and as expressly provided in this Note.
15. COVENANTS. Until all of the Notes have been converted, redeemed or otherwise satisfied in accordance with their terms:
(a) Incurrence of Indebtedness. The Company shall not, and the Company shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to not, directly or indirectly, incur or guarantee, assume or suffer to exist any Indebtedness (other than (i) the Indebtedness evidenced by this Note and the Other Notes and (ii) other Permitted Indebtedness).
(b) Existence of Liens. The Company shall not, and the Company shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to not, directly or indirectly, allow or suffer to exist any mortgage, lien, pledge, charge, security interest or other encumbrance upon or in any property or assets (including accounts and contract rights) owned by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (collectively, “Liens”) other than Permitted Liens.
(c) Restricted Payments and Investments. The Company shall not, and the Company shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to not, directly or indirectly, redeem, defease, repurchase, repay or make any payments in respect of, by the payment of cash or cash equivalents (in whole or in part, whether by way of open market purchases, tender offers, private transactions or otherwise), all or any portion of any Indebtedness (other than the Notes) whether by way of payment in respect of principal of (or premium, if any) or interest on, such Indebtedness, if at the time such payment with respect to such Indebtedness is due or is otherwise made or, after giving effect to such payment, (i) an event constituting an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or (ii) an event that with the passage of time and without being cured would constitute an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing. The Company shall not, and the Company shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to not, directly or indirectly, make any Investment other than Permitted Investments.
(d) Restriction on Redemption and Cash Dividends. The Company shall not, and the Company shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to not, directly or indirectly, redeem, repurchase or declare or pay any cash dividend or distribution on any of its capital stock.
(e) Restriction on Transfer of Assets. The Company shall not, and the Company shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to not, directly or indirectly, sell, lease, license, assign, transfer, spin-off, split-off, close, convey or otherwise dispose of any assets or rights of the Company or any Subsidiary owned or hereafter acquired whether in a single transaction or a series of related transactions (each, an “Asset Sale”), other than (i) sales, leases, licenses, assignments, transfers, conveyances and other dispositions of such assets or rights by the Company and its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business consistent with its past practice, (ii) sales, leases, licenses, assignments, transfers, conveyances and other dispositions of such assets or rights by the Company and its Subsidiaries to third parties that do not cause the Company to be deemed a “shell company” as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the 1934 Act and pursuant to which the gross proceeds received by the Company reflect the fair market value of the assets or rights of the Company and any of its Subsidiaries included in such Asset Sale, (iii) sales of inventory and product in the ordinary course of business or (iv) a Permitted Sale/Leaseback Transaction (as defined below). “Permitted Sale/Leaseback Transaction” means a transaction where the Company sells an asset and then leases it back from the buyer with the specific terms to be determined within a separate agreement, the terms of which that would not reasonably be expected to result in an Event of Default hereunder.
20
(f) Maturity of Indebtedness. Except as set forth on Schedule 15(g) attached hereto, the Company shall not, and the Company shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to not, directly or indirectly, permit any Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to mature or accelerate prior to the Maturity Date.
(g) [Reserved].
(h) Preservation of Existence, Etc. The Company shall maintain and preserve, and cause each of its Subsidiaries to maintain and preserve, its existence, rights and privileges, and become or remain, and cause each of its Subsidiaries to become or remain, duly qualified and in good standing in each jurisdiction in which the character of the properties owned or leased by it or in which the transaction of its business makes such qualification necessary.
(i) Maintenance of Properties, Etc. The Company shall maintain and preserve, and cause each of its Subsidiaries to maintain and preserve, all of its properties which are necessary or useful in the proper conduct of its business in good working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted, and comply, and cause each of its Subsidiaries to comply, at all times with the provisions of all leases to which it is a party as lessee or under which it occupies property, so as to prevent any loss or forfeiture thereof or thereunder.
(j) Maintenance of Intellectual Property. The Company will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, take all action necessary or advisable to maintain all of the Intellectual Property Rights (as defined in the Securities Purchase Agreement) of the Company and/or any of its Subsidiaries that are necessary or material to the conduct of its business in full force and effect.
(k) Maintenance of Insurance. The Company shall maintain, and cause each of its Subsidiaries to maintain, insurance with responsible and reputable insurance companies or associations (including, without limitation, comprehensive general liability, hazard, rent and business interruption insurance) with respect to its properties (including all real properties leased or owned by it) and business, in such amounts and covering such risks as is required by any governmental authority having jurisdiction with respect thereto or as is carried generally in accordance with sound business practice by companies in similar businesses similarly situated.
(l) Transactions with Affiliates. The Company shall not, nor shall it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, enter into, renew, extend or be a party to, any transaction or series of related transactions (including, without limitation, the purchase, sale, lease, transfer or exchange of property or assets of any kind or the rendering of services of any kind) with any Affiliate, except transactions in the ordinary course of business in a manner and to an extent consistent with past practice and necessary or desirable for the prudent operation of its business, for fair consideration and on terms no less favorable to it or its Subsidiaries than would be obtainable in a comparable arm’s length transaction with a Person that is not an Affiliate thereof.
(m) Restricted Issuances. The Company shall not, directly or indirectly, without the prior written consent of the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding, (i) issue any Notes (other than as contemplated by the Securities Purchase Agreement and the Notes) or (ii) issue any other securities that would cause a breach or default under the Notes.
(n) Financial Covenants; Announcement of Operating Results.
(i) The Company shall maintain, as of the end of each Fiscal Quarter (and/or Fiscal Year, as applicable) a balance of Available Cash in an aggregate amount equal to or exceed, as applicable, $1 million (the “Minimum Available Cash Amount”) (the “Financial Test”).
(ii) Operating Results Announcement. Commencing on the Issuance Date, the Company shall publicly disclose and disseminate (such date, the “Announcement Date”), if the Financial Test fails to be satisfied (each such failure, a “Financial Covenant Failure”), a statement to that effect no later than the tenth (10th) day after the end of such Fiscal Quarter or Fiscal Year, as applicable, and such announcement shall include a statement to the effect that a Financial Covenant Failure by the Company exists (or does not exist, as applicable) for such Fiscal Quarter. On the Announcement Date, the Company shall also provide to the Holder a certification, executed on behalf of the Company by the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certifying that the Company satisfied the Financial Test for such Fiscal Quarter or Fiscal Year, as applicable, if that is the case. If a Financial Covenant Failure by the Company exists for a Fiscal Quarter, on or prior to the Announcement Date, the Company shall provide to the Holders a written certification, executed on behalf of the Company by the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certifying that a Financial Covenant Failure exists for such Fiscal Quarter or Fiscal Year, as applicable (a “Financial Covenant Event Notice”). Concurrently with the delivery of each Financial Covenant Event Notice to the Holders, the Company shall also make publicly available (as part of an Annual Report on Form 20-F or on a Report of Foreign Private Issuer on Form 6-K, or otherwise) the Financial Covenant Event Notice and the fact that an Event of Default has occurred under the Notes.
21
(o) PCAOB Registered Auditor. At all times any Notes remain outstanding, the Company shall have engaged an independent auditor to audit its financial statements that is registered with (and in compliance with the rules and regulations of) the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board.
(p) Stay, Extension and Usury Laws. To the extent that it may lawfully do so, the Company (A) agrees that it will not at any time insist upon, plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any stay, extension or usury law (wherever or whenever enacted or in force) that may affect the covenants or the performance of this Note; and (B) expressly waives all benefits or advantages of any such law and agrees that it will not, by resort to any such law, hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power granted to the Holder by this Note, but will suffer and permit the execution of every such power as though no such law has been enacted.
(q) Taxes. The Company and its Subsidiaries shall pay when due all taxes, fees or other charges of any nature whatsoever (together with any related interest or penalties) now or hereafter imposed or assessed against the Company and its Subsidiaries or their respective assets or upon their ownership, possession, use, operation or disposition thereof or upon their rents, receipts or earnings arising therefrom (except where the failure to pay would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material effect on the Company or any of its Subsidiaries). The Company and its Subsidiaries shall file on or before the due date therefor all personal property tax returns (except where the failure to file would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material effect on the Company or any of its Subsidiaries). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company and its Subsidiaries may contest, in good faith and by appropriate proceedings, taxes for which they maintain adequate reserves therefor in accordance with GAAP.
(r) Independent Investigation. At the request of the Holder either (x) at any time when an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or (y) upon the occurrence of an event that with the passage of time or giving of notice would constitute an Event of Default or (z) at any time the Holder reasonably believes an Event of Default may have occurred or be continuing, the Company shall hire an independent, reputable investment bank selected by the Company and approved by the Holder (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) to investigate as to whether any breach of this Note has occurred (the “Independent Investigator”). If the Independent Investigator determines that such breach of this Note has occurred, the Independent Investigator shall notify the Company of such breach and the Company shall deliver written notice to each holder of a Note of such breach. In connection with such investigation, the Independent Investigator may, during normal business hours, inspect all contracts, books, records, personnel, offices and other facilities and properties of the Company and its Subsidiaries as the Independent Investigator determines are reasonably necessary to its investigation. The Company shall furnish the Independent Investigator with such financial and operating data and other information with respect to the business and properties of the Company as the Independent Investigator may reasonably request. The Company shall permit the Independent Investigator to discuss the affairs, finances and accounts of the Company with, and to make proposals and furnish advice with respect thereto to, the Company’s officers, directors, key employees and independent public accountants or any of them (and by this provision the Company authorizes said accountants to discuss with such Independent Investigator the finances and affairs of the Company and any Subsidiaries), all at such reasonable times, upon reasonable notice, and as often as may be reasonably requested.
22
16. [Reserved]
17. DISTRIBUTION OF ASSETS. In addition to any adjustments pursuant to Sections 6(a) or 7, if the Company shall declare or make any dividend or other distributions of its assets (or rights to acquire its assets) to any or all holders of Ordinary Shares, by way of return of capital or otherwise (including without limitation, any distribution of cash, stock or other securities, property or options by way of a dividend, spin off, reclassification, corporate rearrangement, scheme of arrangement or other similar transaction) (the “Distributions”), then the Holder will be entitled to such Distributions as if the Holder had held the number of Ordinary Shares acquirable upon complete conversion of this Note (without taking into account any limitations or restrictions on the convertibility of this Note and assuming for such purpose that the Note was converted at the Alternate Conversion Price as of the applicable record date) immediately prior to the date on which a record is taken for such Distribution or, if no such record is taken, the date as of which the record holders of Ordinary Shares are to be determined for such Distributions (provided, however, that to the extent that the Holder’s right to participate in any such Distribution would result in the Holder and the other Attribution Parties exceeding the Maximum Percentage, then the Holder shall not be entitled to participate in such Distribution to the extent of the Maximum Percentage (and shall not be entitled to beneficial ownership of such Ordinary Shares as a result of such Distribution (and beneficial ownership) to the extent of any such excess) and the portion of such Distribution shall be held in abeyance for the benefit of the Holder until such time or times, if ever, as its right thereto would not result in the Holder and the other Attribution Parties exceeding the Maximum Percentage, at which time or times the Holder shall be granted such Distribution (and any Distributions declared or made on such initial Distribution or on any subsequent Distribution held similarly in abeyance) to the same extent as if there had been no such limitation).
18. AMENDING THE TERMS OF THIS NOTE. Except for Section 3(d), which may not be amended, modified or waived by the parties hereto, the prior written consent of the Required Holders (as defined in the Securities Purchase Agreement) shall be required for any change, waiver or amendment to this Note. Any amendment, modification or waiver so approved shall be binding upon all existing and future holders of this Note and any Other Notes; provided, however, that no such change, waiver or, as applied to any of the Notes held by any particular holder of Notes, shall, without the written consent of that particular holder (i) disproportionally and adversely affect any rights under the Notes of any holder of Notes; or (ii) modify any of the provisions of, or impair the right of any holder of Notes under, this Section 18.
19. TRANSFER. This Note and any Ordinary Shares issued upon conversion of this Note may be offered, sold, assigned or transferred by the Holder without the consent of the Company, subject only to the provisions of Section 2(g) of the Securities Purchase Agreement.
20. REISSUANCE OF THIS NOTE.
(a) Transfer. If this Note is to be transferred, the Holder shall surrender this Note to the Company, whereupon the Company will forthwith issue and deliver upon the order of the Holder a new Note (in accordance with Section 20(d)), registered as the Holder may request, representing the outstanding Principal being transferred by the Holder and, if less than the entire outstanding Principal is being transferred, a new Note (in accordance with Section 20(d)) to the Holder representing the outstanding Principal not being transferred. The Holder and any assignee, by acceptance of this Note, acknowledge and agree that, by reason of the provisions of Section 3(c)(iii) following conversion or redemption of any portion of this Note, the outstanding Principal represented by this Note may be less than the Principal stated on the face of this Note.
(b) Lost, Stolen or Mutilated Note. Upon receipt by the Company of evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Company of the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of this Note (as to which a written certification and the indemnification contemplated below shall suffice as such evidence), and, in the case of loss, theft or destruction, of any indemnification undertaking by the Holder to the Company in customary and reasonable form and, in the case of mutilation, upon surrender and cancellation of this Note, The Company shall execute and, following authentication of such new Note, deliver to the Holder a new Note (in accordance with Section 20(d)) representing the outstanding Principal.
23
(c) Note Exchangeable for Different Denominations. This Note is exchangeable, upon the surrender hereof by the Holder at the principal office of the Company, for a new Note or Notes (in accordance with Section 20(d) and in principal amounts of at least $1,000) representing in the aggregate the outstanding Principal of this Note, and each such new Note will represent such portion of such outstanding Principal as is designated by the Holder at the time of such surrender.
(d) Issuance of New Notes. Whenever the Company is required to issue a new Note pursuant to the terms of this Note, such new Note (i) shall be of like tenor with this Note, (ii) shall represent, as indicated on the face of such new Note, the Principal remaining outstanding (or in the case of a new Note being issued pursuant to Section 20(a) or Section 20(c), the Principal designated by the Holder which, when added to the principal represented by the other new Notes issued in connection with such issuance, does not exceed the Principal remaining outstanding under this Note immediately prior to such issuance of new Notes), (iii) shall have an issuance date, as indicated on the face of such new Note, which is the same as the Issuance Date of this Note, (iv) shall have the same rights and conditions as this Note and (v) shall represent accrued and unpaid Interest and Late Charges on the Principal and Interest of this Note, from the Issuance Date.
21. REMEDIES, CHARACTERIZATIONS, OTHER OBLIGATIONS, BREACHES AND INJUNCTIVE RELIEF. The remedies provided in this Note shall be cumulative and in addition to all other remedies available under this Note and any of the other Transaction Documents at law or in equity (including a decree of specific performance and/or other injunctive relief), and nothing herein shall limit the Holder’s right to pursue actual and consequential damages for any failure by the Company to comply with the terms of this Note. No failure on the part of the Holder to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right, power or remedy hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise by the Holder of any right, power or remedy preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or remedy. In addition, the exercise of any right or remedy of the Holder at law or equity or under this Note or any of the documents shall not be deemed to be an election of Holder’s rights or remedies under such documents or at law or equity. The Company covenants to the Holder that there shall be no characterization concerning this instrument other than as expressly provided herein. Amounts set forth or provided for herein with respect to payments, conversion and the like (and the computation thereof) shall be the amounts to be received by the Holder and shall not, except as expressly provided herein, be subject to any other obligation of the Company (or the performance thereof). The Company acknowledges that a breach by it of its obligations hereunder will cause irreparable harm to the Holder and that the remedy at law for any such breach may be inadequate. The Company therefore agrees that, in the event of any such breach or threatened breach, the Holder shall be entitled, in addition to all other available remedies, to specific performance and/or temporary, preliminary and permanent injunctive or other equitable relief from any court of competent jurisdiction in any such case without the necessity of proving actual damages and without posting a bond or other security. The Company shall provide all information and documentation to the Holder that is requested by the Holder to enable the Holder to confirm the Company’s compliance with the terms and conditions of this Note (including, without limitation, compliance with Section 7).
22. PAYMENT OF COLLECTION, ENFORCEMENT AND OTHER COSTS. If (a) this Note is placed in the hands of an attorney for collection or enforcement or is collected or enforced through any legal proceeding or the Holder otherwise takes action to collect amounts due under this Note or to enforce the provisions of this Note or (b) there occurs any bankruptcy, reorganization, receivership of the Company or other proceedings affecting Company creditors’ rights and involving a claim under this Note, then the Company shall pay the costs incurred by the Holder for such collection, enforcement or action or in connection with such bankruptcy, reorganization, receivership or other proceeding, including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees and disbursements. The Company expressly acknowledges and agrees that no amounts due under this Note shall be affected, or limited, by the fact that the purchase price paid for this Note was less than the original Principal amount hereof.
23. CONSTRUCTION; HEADINGS. This Note shall be deemed to be jointly drafted by the Company and the initial Holder and shall not be construed against any such Person as the drafter hereof. The headings of this Note are for convenience of reference and shall not form part of, or affect the interpretation of, this Note. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, each pronoun herein shall be deemed to include the masculine, feminine, neuter, singular and plural forms thereof. The terms “including,” “includes,” “include” and words of like import shall be construed broadly as if followed by the words “without limitation.” The terms “herein,” “hereunder,” “hereof” and words of like import refer to this entire Note instead of just the provision in which they are found. Unless expressly indicated otherwise, all section references are to sections of this Note. Terms used in this Note and not otherwise defined herein, but defined in the other Transaction Documents, shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms on the Closing Date in such other Transaction Documents unless otherwise consented to in writing by the Holder.
24
24. FAILURE OR INDULGENCE NOT WAIVER. No failure or delay on the part of the Holder in the exercise of any power, right or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such power, right or privilege preclude other or further exercise thereof or of any other right, power or privilege. No waiver shall be effective unless it is in writing and signed by an authorized representative of the waiving party. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing contained in this Section 24 shall permit any waiver of any provision of Section 3(d).
25. DISPUTE RESOLUTION.
(a) Submission to Dispute Resolution.
(i) In the case of a dispute relating to a Closing Bid Price, a Closing Sale Price, a Conversion Price, an Alternate Conversion Price, a Black Scholes Consideration Value, a VWAP or a fair market value or the arithmetic calculation of a Conversion Rate, or the applicable Redemption Price (as the case may be) (including, without limitation, a dispute relating to the determination of any of the foregoing), the Company or the Holder (as the case may be) shall submit the dispute to the other party via electronic mail (A) if by the Company, within two (2) Business Days after the occurrence of the circumstances giving rise to such dispute or (B) if by the Holder at any time after the Holder learned of the circumstances giving rise to such dispute. If the Holder and the Company are unable to promptly resolve such dispute relating to such Closing Bid Price, such Closing Sale Price, such Conversion Price, such Alternate Conversion Price, such Black Scholes Consideration Value, such VWAP or such fair market value, or the arithmetic calculation of such Conversion Rate or such applicable Redemption Price (as the case may be), at any time after the second (2nd) Business Day following such initial notice by the Company or the Holder (as the case may be) of such dispute to the Company or the Holder (as the case may be), then the Holder may, at its sole option, select an independent, reputable investment bank to resolve such dispute.
(ii) The Holder and the Company shall each deliver to such investment bank (A) a copy of the initial dispute submission so delivered in accordance with the first sentence of this Section 25 and (B) written documentation supporting its position with respect to such dispute, in each case, no later than 5:00 p.m. (New York time) by the fifth (5th) Business Day immediately following the date on which the Holder selected such investment bank (the “Dispute Submission Deadline”) (the documents referred to in the immediately preceding clauses (A) and (B) are collectively referred to herein as the “Required Dispute Documentation”) (it being understood and agreed that if either the Holder or the Company fails to so deliver all of the Required Dispute Documentation by the Dispute Submission Deadline, then the party who fails to so submit all of the Required Dispute Documentation shall no longer be entitled to (and hereby waives its right to) deliver or submit any written documentation or other support to such investment bank with respect to such dispute and such investment bank shall resolve such dispute based solely on the Required Dispute Documentation that was delivered to such investment bank prior to the Dispute Submission Deadline). Unless otherwise agreed to in writing by both the Company and the Holder or otherwise requested by such investment bank, neither the Company nor the Holder shall be entitled to deliver or submit any written documentation or other support to such investment bank in connection with such dispute (other than the Required Dispute Documentation).
(iii) The Company and the Holder shall cause such investment bank to determine the resolution of such dispute and notify the Company and the Holder of such resolution no later than ten (10) Business Days immediately following the Dispute Submission Deadline. The fees and expenses of such investment bank shall be borne solely by the Company, and such investment bank’s resolution of such dispute shall be final and binding upon all parties absent manifest error.
25
(b) Miscellaneous. The Company expressly acknowledges and agrees that (i) this Section 25 constitutes an agreement to arbitrate between the Company and the Holder (and constitutes an arbitration agreement) under the Delaware Uniform Arbitration Act, (ii) a dispute relating to a Conversion Price includes, without limitation, disputes as to (A) whether an issuance or sale or deemed issuance or sale of Ordinary Shares occurred under Section 7(a), (B) the consideration per share at which an issuance or deemed issuance of Ordinary Shares occurred, (C) whether any issuance or sale or deemed issuance or sale of Ordinary Shares was an issuance or sale or deemed issuance or sale of Excluded Securities, (D) whether an agreement, instrument, security or the like constitutes and Option or Convertible Security and (E) whether a Dilutive Issuance occurred, (iii) the terms of this Note and each other applicable Transaction Document shall serve as the basis for the selected investment bank’s resolution of the applicable dispute, such investment bank shall be entitled (and is hereby expressly authorized) to make all findings, determinations and the like that such investment bank determines are required to be made by such investment bank in connection with its resolution of such dispute and in resolving such dispute such investment bank shall apply such findings, determinations and the like to the terms of this Note and any other applicable Transaction Documents, (iv) the Holder (and only the Holder), in its sole discretion, shall have the right to submit any dispute described in this Section 25 to the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware in lieu of utilizing the procedures set forth in this Section 25 and (v) nothing in this Section 25 shall limit the Holder from obtaining any injunctive relief or other equitable remedies (including, without limitation, with respect to any matters described in this Section 25).
26. NOTICES; CURRENCY; PAYMENTS.
(a) Notices. Whenever notice is required to be given under this Note, unless otherwise provided herein, such notice shall be given in accordance with Section 9(f) of the Securities Purchase Agreement. The Company shall provide the Holder with prompt written notice of all actions taken pursuant to this Note, including in reasonable detail a description of such action and the reason therefore. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Company will give written notice to the Holder (i) immediately upon any adjustment of the Conversion Price, setting forth in reasonable detail, and certifying, the calculation of such adjustment and (ii) at least fifteen (15) days prior to the date on which the Company closes its books or takes a record (A) with respect to any dividend or distribution upon Ordinary Shares, (B) with respect to any grant, issuances, or sales of any Options, Convertible Securities or rights to purchase stock, warrants, securities or other property to holders of Ordinary Shares or (C) for determining rights to vote with respect to any Fundamental Transaction, dissolution or liquidation, provided in each case that such information shall be made known to the public prior to or in conjunction with such notice being provided to the Holder.
(b) Currency. All dollar amounts referred to in this Note are in United States Dollars (“U.S. Dollars”), and all amounts owing under this Note shall be paid in U.S. Dollars. All amounts denominated in other currencies (if any) shall be converted into the U.S. Dollar equivalent amount in accordance with the Exchange Rate on the date of calculation. “Exchange Rate” means, in relation to any amount of currency to be converted into U.S. Dollars pursuant to this Note, the U.S. Dollar exchange rate as published in the Wall Street Journal on the relevant date of calculation (it being understood and agreed that where an amount is calculated with reference to, or over, a period of time, the date of calculation shall be the final date of such period of time).
(c) Payments. Whenever any payment of cash is to be made by the Company to any Person pursuant to this Note, unless otherwise expressly set forth herein, such payment shall be made in lawful money of the United States of America by a certified check drawn on the account of the Company and sent via overnight courier service to such Person at such address as previously provided to the Company in writing (which address, in the case of each of the Buyers, shall initially be as set forth on the Schedule of Buyers attached to the Securities Purchase Agreement), provided that the Holder may elect to receive a payment of cash via wire transfer of immediately available funds by providing the Company with prior written notice setting out such request and the Holder’s wire transfer instructions. Whenever any amount expressed to be due by the terms of this Note is due on any day which is not a Business Day, the same shall instead be due on the next succeeding day which is a Business Day. Any amount of Principal or other amounts due under the Transaction Documents which is not paid when due (except to the extent such amount is simultaneously accruing Interest at the Default Rate hereunder) shall result in a late charge being incurred and payable by the Company in an amount equal to interest on such amount at the rate of eighteen percent (18%) per annum from the date such amount was due until the same is paid in full (“Late Charge”).
26
27. CANCELLATION. After all Principal, accrued Interest, Late Charges and other amounts at any time owed on this Note have been paid in full, this Note shall automatically be deemed canceled, shall be surrendered to the Company for cancellation and shall not be reissued.
28. WAIVER OF NOTICE. To the extent permitted by law, the Company hereby irrevocably waives demand, notice, presentment, protest and all other demands and notices in connection with the delivery, acceptance, performance, default or enforcement of this Note and the Securities Purchase Agreement.
29. GOVERNING LAW. This Note shall be construed and enforced in accordance with, and all questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and performance of this Note shall be governed by, the internal laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to any provision or rule (whether of the State of Delaware or any other jurisdictions) that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdictions other than the State of Delaware. Except as otherwise required by Section 25 above, the Company hereby irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware, for the adjudication of any dispute hereunder or in connection herewith or with any transaction contemplated hereby or discussed herein, and hereby irrevocably waives, and agrees not to assert in any suit, action or proceeding, any claim that it is not personally subject to the jurisdiction of any such court, that such suit, action or proceeding is brought in an inconvenient forum or that the venue of such suit, action or proceeding is improper. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to limit in any way any right to serve process in any manner permitted by law. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to limit in any way any right to serve process in any manner permitted by law. Nothing contained herein (i) shall be deemed or operate to preclude the Holder from bringing suit or taking other legal action against the Company in any other jurisdiction to collect on the Company’s obligations to the Holder, to realize on any collateral or any other security for such obligations, or to enforce a judgment or other court ruling in favor of the Holder or (ii) shall limit, or shall be deemed or construed to limit, any provision of Section 25. THE COMPANY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO, AND AGREES NOT TO REQUEST, A JURY TRIAL FOR THE ADJUDICATION OF ANY DISPUTE HEREUNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH OR ARISING OUT OF THIS NOTE OR ANY TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.
30. JUDGMENT CURRENCY.
(a) If for the purpose of obtaining or enforcing judgment against the Company in any court in any jurisdiction it becomes necessary to convert into any other currency (such other currency being hereinafter in this Section 30 referred to as the “Judgment Currency”) an amount due in U.S. dollars under this Note, the conversion shall be made at the Exchange Rate prevailing on the Trading Day immediately preceding:
(i) the date actual payment of the amount due, in the case of any proceeding in the courts of Delaware or in the courts of any other jurisdiction that will give effect to such conversion being made on such date: or
(ii) the date on which the foreign court determines, in the case of any proceeding in the courts of any other jurisdiction (the date as of which such conversion is made pursuant to this Section 30(a)(ii) being hereinafter referred to as the “Judgment Conversion Date”).
(b) If in the case of any proceeding in the court of any jurisdiction referred to in Section 30(a)(ii) above, there is a change in the Exchange Rate prevailing between the Judgment Conversion Date and the date of actual payment of the amount due, the applicable party shall pay such adjusted amount as may be necessary to ensure that the amount paid in the Judgment Currency, when converted at the Exchange Rate prevailing on the date of payment, will produce the amount of US dollars which could have been purchased with the amount of Judgment Currency stipulated in the judgment or judicial order at the Exchange Rate prevailing on the Judgment Conversion Date.
(c) Any amount due from the Company under this provision shall be due as a separate debt and shall not be affected by judgment being obtained for any other amounts due under or in respect of this Note.
27
31. SEVERABILITY. If any provision of this Note is prohibited by law or otherwise determined to be invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the provision that would otherwise be prohibited, invalid or unenforceable shall be deemed amended to apply to the broadest extent that it would be valid and enforceable, and the invalidity or unenforceability of such provision shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions of this Note so long as this Note as so modified continues to express, without material change, the original intentions of the parties as to the subject matter hereof and the prohibited nature, invalidity or unenforceability of the provision(s) in question does not substantially impair the respective expectations or reciprocal obligations of the parties or the practical realization of the benefits that would otherwise be conferred upon the parties. The parties will endeavor in good faith negotiations to replace the prohibited, invalid or unenforceable provision(s) with a valid provision(s), the effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the prohibited, invalid or unenforceable provision(s).
32. MAXIMUM PAYMENTS. Without limiting Section 9(d) of the Securities Purchase Agreement, nothing contained herein shall be deemed to establish or require the payment of a rate of interest or other charges in excess of the maximum permitted by applicable law. In the event that the rate of interest required to be paid or other charges hereunder exceed the maximum permitted by such law, any payments in excess of such maximum shall be credited against amounts owed by the Company to the Holder and thus refunded to the Company.
33. CERTAIN DEFINITIONS. For purposes of this Note, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
(a) “1933 Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder.
(b) “1934 Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder.
(c) “Adjusted Floor Price” means as determined on an Adjustment Date, the lower of (i) the Floor Price then in effect and (ii) 20% of the lower of (x) the closing price of the Ordinary Shares of the Principal Market (as reported by the Principal Market) as of the Trading Day ended immediately prior to such applicable Adjustment Date and (y) the quotient of (I) the sum of each the closing price of the Ordinary Shares of the Principal Market (as reported by the Principal Market) on each Trading Day of the five (5) Trading Day period ended on, and including, the Trading Day ended immediately prior to such applicable Adjustment Date, divided by (II) five (5). All such determinations to be appropriately adjusted for any stock split, stock dividend, stock combination or other similar transaction during any such measuring period.
(d) “Adjustment Right” means any right granted with respect to any securities issued in connection with, or with respect to, any issuance or sale (or deemed issuance or sale in accordance with Section 7) of Ordinary Shares (other than rights of the type described in Section 6(a) hereof) that could result in a decrease in the net consideration received by the Company in connection with, or with respect to, such securities (including, without limitation, any cash settlement rights, cash adjustment or other similar rights).
(e) “Affiliate” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such Person, it being understood for purposes of this definition that “control” of a Person means the power directly or indirectly either to vote 10% or more of the stock having ordinary voting power for the election of directors of such Person or direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person whether by contract or otherwise.
(f) “Alternate Conversion Floor Amount” means an amount in cash, to be delivered by wire transfer of immediately available funds pursuant to wire instructions delivered to the Company by the Holder in writing, equal to the product obtained by multiplying (A) the VWAP on the day the Holder delivers the applicable Conversion Notice and (B) the difference obtained by subtracting (I) the number of Ordinary Shares delivered (or to be delivered) to the Holder on the applicable Share Delivery Deadline with respect to such Alternate Conversion from (II) the quotient obtain by dividing (x) the applicable Conversion Amount that the Holder has elected to be the subject of the applicable Alternate Conversion, by (y) the applicable Alternate Conversion Price without giving effect to clause (x) of such definition.
28
(g) “Alternate Conversion Price” means, with respect to any Alternate Conversion that price which shall be the lowest of (i) the applicable Conversion Price as in effect on the applicable Conversion Date of the applicable Alternate Conversion, (ii) the greater of (x) the Floor Price and (y) 80% of the lowest VWAP of the Ordinary Shares during the ten (10) consecutive Trading Day period ending and including the Trading Day immediately preceding the delivery or deemed delivery of the applicable Conversion Notice (such period, the “Alternate Conversion Measuring Period”). All such determinations to be appropriately adjusted for any share dividend, share split, share combination, reclassification or similar transaction that proportionately decreases or increases the Ordinary Shares during such Alternate Conversion Measuring Period.
(h) “Approved Stock Plan” means any employee benefit plan which has been approved by the board of directors of the Company prior to or subsequent to the Subscription Date pursuant to which Ordinary Shares and standard options to purchase Ordinary Shares may be issued to any employee, consultant, advisor, officer or director for services provided to the Company in their capacity as such.
(i) “Attribution Parties” means, collectively, the following Persons and entities: (i) any investment vehicle, including, any funds, feeder funds or managed accounts, currently, or from time to time after the Issuance Date, directly or indirectly managed or advised by the Holder’s investment manager or any of its Affiliates or principals, (ii) any direct or indirect Affiliates of the Holder or any of the foregoing, (iii) any Person acting or who could be deemed to be acting as a Group together with the Holder or any of the foregoing and (iv) any other Persons whose beneficial ownership of the Company’s Ordinary Shares would or could be aggregated with the Holder’s and the other Attribution Parties for purposes of Section 13(d) of the 1934 Act. For clarity, the purpose of the foregoing is to subject collectively the Holder and all other Attribution Parties to the Maximum Percentage.
(j) “Available Cash” means, with respect to any date of determination, an amount equal to the aggregate amount of the Cash of the Company and its Subsidiaries (excluding for this purpose cash held in restricted accounts) as of such date of determination held in bank accounts of financial banking institutions.
(k) “Black Scholes Consideration Value” means the value of the applicable Option, Convertible Security or Adjustment Right (as the case may be) as of the date of issuance thereof calculated using the Black Scholes Option Pricing Model obtained from the “OV” function on Bloomberg utilizing (i) an underlying price per share equal to the Closing Sale Price of the Ordinary Shares on the Trading Day immediately preceding the public announcement of the execution of definitive documents with respect to the issuance of such Option, Convertible Security or Adjustment Right (as the case may be), (ii) a risk-free interest rate corresponding to the U.S. Treasury rate for a period equal to the remaining term of such Option, Convertible Security or Adjustment Right (as the case may be) as of the date of issuance of such Option, Convertible Security or Adjustment Right (as the case may be), (iii) a zero cost of borrow and (iv) an expected volatility equal to the greater of 100% and the 100 day volatility obtained from the “HVT” function on Bloomberg (determined utilizing a 365 day annualization factor) as of the Trading Day immediately following the date of issuance of such Option, Convertible Security or Adjustment Right (as the case may be).
(l) “Bloomberg” means Bloomberg, L.P.
(m) “Business Day” means any day other than Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in The City of New York are authorized or required by law to remain closed; provided, however, for clarification, commercial banks shall not be deemed to be authorized or required by law to remain closed due to “stay at home”, “shelter-in-place”, “non-essential employee” or any other similar orders or restrictions or the closure of any physical branch locations at the direction of any governmental authority so long as the electronic funds transfer systems (including for wire transfers) of commercial banks in The City of New York generally are open for use by customers on such day.
29
(n) “Cash” of the Company and its Subsidiaries on any date shall be determined from such Persons’ books maintained in accordance with GAAP, and means, without duplication, the cash, cash equivalents and Eligible Marketable Securities accrued by the Company and its wholly owned Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis on such date.
(o) “Change of Control” any Fundamental Transaction other than (i) any merger of the Company or any of its, direct or indirect, wholly-owned Subsidiaries with or into any of the foregoing Persons, (ii) any reorganization, recapitalization or reclassification of the Ordinary Shares in which holders of the Company’s voting power immediately prior to such reorganization, recapitalization or reclassification continue after such reorganization, recapitalization or reclassification to hold publicly traded securities and, directly or indirectly, are, in all material respects, the holders of the voting power of the surviving entity (or entities with the authority or voting power to elect the members of the board of directors (or their equivalent if other than a corporation) of such entity or entities) after such reorganization, recapitalization or reclassification, (iii) pursuant to a migratory merger effected solely for the purpose of changing the jurisdiction of incorporation of the Company or (iv) a merger in connection with a bona fide acquisition by the Company of any Person in which (x) the gross consideration paid, directly or indirectly, by the Company in such acquisition is not equal to or greater than 50% of the Company’s market capitalization as calculated on the date of the announcement of such merger and the date of the consummation of such merger, (y) such merger does not contemplate a change to the identity of a majority of the board of directors of the Company and (z) holders of the Company’s voting power immediately prior to such merger and/or acquisition continue after such merger and/or acquisition to hold publicly traded securities and, directly or indirectly, are, in all material respects, the holders of the voting power of the surviving entity (or entities with the authority or voting power to elect the members of the board of directors (or their equivalent if other than a corporation) of such entity or entities) after such merger and/or acquisition. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, any Going-Private Change of Control shall be deemed a Change of Control.
(p) “Closing Date” shall have the meaning set forth in the Securities Purchase Agreement, which date is the date the Company initially issued Notes pursuant to the terms of the Securities Purchase Agreement.
(q) “Closing Bid Price” and “Closing Sale Price” means, for any security as of any date, the last closing bid price and last closing trade price, respectively, for such security on the Principal Market, as reported by Bloomberg, or, if the Principal Market begins to operate on an extended hours basis and does not designate the closing bid price or the closing trade price (as the case may be) then the last bid price or last trade price, respectively, of such security prior to 4:00:00 p.m., New York time, as reported by Bloomberg, or, if the Principal Market is not the principal securities exchange or trading market for such security, the last closing bid price or last trade price, respectively, of such security on the principal securities exchange or trading market where such security is listed or traded as reported by Bloomberg, or if the foregoing do not apply, the last closing bid price or last trade price, respectively, of such security in the over-the-counter market on the electronic bulletin board for such security as reported by Bloomberg, or, if no closing bid price or last trade price, respectively, is reported for such security by Bloomberg, the average of the bid prices, or the ask prices, respectively, of any market makers for such security as reported in The Pink Open Market (or a similar organization or agency succeeding to its functions of reporting prices). If the Closing Bid Price or the Closing Sale Price cannot be calculated for a security on a particular date on any of the foregoing bases, the Closing Bid Price or the Closing Sale Price (as the case may be) of such security on such date shall be the fair market value as mutually determined by the Company and the Holder. If the Company and the Holder are unable to agree upon the fair market value of such security, then such dispute shall be resolved in accordance with the procedures in Section 25. All such determinations shall be appropriately adjusted for any stock splits, stock dividends, stock combinations, recapitalizations or other similar transactions during such period.
(r) “Convertible Securities” means any stock or other security (other than Options) that is at any time and under any circumstances, directly or indirectly, convertible into, exercisable or exchangeable for, or which otherwise entitles the holder thereof to acquire, any Ordinary Shares.
30
(s) “Conversion Floor Price Condition” means that the relevant Alternate Conversion Price is being determined based on clause (x) of such definition.
(t) “Current Public Information Failure“ means either (x) the Company fails for any reason to satisfy the requirements of Rule 144(c)(1) of the 1933 Act, including, without limitation, the failure to satisfy the current public information requirement under Rule 144(c) of the 1933 Act or (y) the Company has ever been an issuer described in Rule 144(i)(1)(i) of the 1933 Act or becomes such an issuer in the future, and the Company shall fail to satisfy any condition set forth in Rule 144(i)(2) of the 1933 Act.
(u) “Current Subsidiary” means any Person in which the Company on the Subscription Date, directly or indirectly, (i) owns any of the outstanding capital stock or holds any equity or similar interest of such Person or (ii) controls or operates all or any part of the business, operations or administration of such Person, and all of the foregoing, collectively, “Current Subsidiaries”.
(v) “Default Rate” means eighteen percent (18%) per annum.
(w) “Eligible Marketable Securities” as of any date means marketable securities which would be reflected on a consolidated balance sheet of the Company and its Subsidiaries prepared as of such date in accordance with GAAP, and which are permitted under the Company’s investment policies as in effect on the Issuance Date or approved thereafter by the Company’s Board of Directors.
(x) “Eligible Market” means The New York Stock Exchange, the NYSE American, the Nasdaq Global Select Market, the Nasdaq Global Market or the Nasdaq Capital Market.
(y) “Equity Conditions” means, with respect to a given date of determination: (i) on each day during the period beginning thirty calendar days prior to the applicable date of determination and ending on and including the applicable date of determination (the “Equity Conditions Measuring Period”), the Ordinary Shares (including all Underlying Securities (as defined in the Securities Purchase Agreement)) is listed or designated for quotation (as applicable) on an Eligible Market and (x) shall not have been suspended from trading on an Eligible Market (other than suspensions of not more than two (2) days and occurring prior to the applicable date of determination due to business announcements by the Company) nor (y) shall delisting or suspension by an Eligible Market have been threatened (with a reasonable prospect of delisting occurring after giving effect to all applicable notice, appeal, compliance and hearing periods or any communications from the Principal Exchange related to such notice that do not actually effect the delisting or suspension of the Ordinary Shares) or reasonably likely to occur or pending as evidenced by (A) a writing by such Eligible Market or (B) the Company falling below the minimum listing maintenance requirements of the Eligible Market on which the Ordinary Shares are then listed or designated for quotation (as applicable); (ii) during the Equity Conditions Measuring Period, the Company shall have delivered all Ordinary Shares issuable upon conversion of this Note on a timely basis as set forth in Section 3 hereof and all other shares of capital stock required to be delivered by the Company on a timely basis as set forth in the other Transaction Documents; (iii) any Ordinary Shares to be issued in connection with the event requiring determination (or issuable upon conversion of the Conversion Amount being redeemed in the event requiring this determination) may be issued in full without violating Section 3(d) hereof; (iv) any Ordinary Shares to be issued in connection with the event requiring determination (or issuable upon conversion of the Conversion Amount being redeemed in the event requiring this determination (without regards to any limitations on conversion set forth herein)) may be issued in full without violating the rules or regulations of the Eligible Market on which the Ordinary Shares are then listed or designated for quotation (as applicable); (v) on each day during the Equity Conditions Measuring Period, no public announcement of a pending, proposed or intended Fundamental Transaction shall have occurred which has not been abandoned, terminated or consummated; (vi) no Current Public Information Failure then exists or is continuing; (vii) the Holder shall not be in (and no other holder of Notes shall be in) possession of any material, non-public information provided to any of them by the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective affiliates, employees, officers, representatives, agents or the like; (viii) on each day during the Equity Conditions Measuring Period, the Company otherwise shall have been in compliance with each, and shall not have breached any representation or warranty in any material respect (other than representations or warranties subject to material adverse effect or materiality, which may not be breached in any respect) or any covenant or other term or condition of any Transaction Document, including, without limitation, the Company shall not have failed to timely make any payment pursuant to any Transaction Document; (ix) on each day during the Equity Conditions Measuring Period, there shall not have occurred any Volume Failure, Price Failure or Outstanding Principal Failure as of such applicable date of determination; (x) on the applicable date of determination (A) no Authorized Share Failure shall exist or be continuing and all Ordinary Shares to be issued in connection with the event requiring this determination (or issuable upon conversion of the Conversion Amount being redeemed in the event requiring this determination at the Alternate Conversion Price then in effect (without regard to any limitations on conversion set forth herein)) (each, a “Required Minimum Securities Amount”) are available under the certificate of incorporation of the Company and reserved by the Company to be issued pursuant to the Notes and (B) all Ordinary Shares to be issued in connection with the event requiring this determination (or issuable upon conversion of the Conversion Amount being redeemed in the event requiring this determination (without regards to any limitations on conversion set forth herein)) may be issued in full without resulting in an Authorized Share Failure; (xi) on each day during the Equity Conditions Measuring Period, there shall not have occurred and there shall not exist an Event of Default or an event that with the passage of time or giving of notice would constitute an Event of Default; (xii) no bone fide dispute shall exist, by and between any of holder of Notes, the Company, the Principal Market (or such applicable Eligible Market in which the Ordinary Shares of the Company is then principally trading) and/or FINRA with respect to any term or provision of any Note or any other Transaction Document and (xiii) the Ordinary Shares issuable pursuant the event requiring the satisfaction of the Equity Conditions are duly authorized and listed and eligible for trading without restriction on an Eligible Market.
31
(z) “Equity Conditions Failure” means on any date of determination, the Equity Conditions have not been satisfied (or waived in writing by the Holder).
(aa) “Excluded Securities” means (i) Ordinary Shares, including restricted stock awards, or Options, including restricted stock units and performance stock awards, to purchase Ordinary Shares or equity-like grants including phantom stock, stock appreciation rights issued to directors, officers or employees of the Company for services rendered to the Company in their capacity as such pursuant to an Approved Stock Plan (as defined above), provided that (A) all such issuances (taking into account the Ordinary Shares issuable upon exercise of such options) after the Subscription Date pursuant to this clause (i) do not, in the aggregate, exceed more than 15% of the Ordinary Shares issued and outstanding on an annual basis immediately prior to the Subscription Date and (B) the exercise price of any such options is not lowered, none of such options are amended to increase the number of shares issuable thereunder and none of the terms or conditions of any such options are otherwise materially changed in any manner that materially and adversely affects any of the Buyers, other than in connection with adjustments for share splits, share dividends, share combinations, recapitalizations or other similar transactions; (ii) Ordinary Shares issued upon the conversion or exercise of Convertible Securities or Options (other than Options to purchase Ordinary Shares issued pursuant to an Approved Stock Plan that are covered by clause (i) above) issued prior to the Subscription Date, provided that the conversion price of any such Convertible Securities or Options (other than Options to purchase Ordinary Shares issued pursuant to an Approved Stock Plan that are covered by clause (i) above) is not lowered, other than in connection with adjustments for share splits, share dividends, share combinations, recapitalizations or other similar transactions, none of such Convertible Securities or Options (other than Options to purchase Ordinary Shares issued pursuant to an Approved Stock Plan that are covered by clause (i) above) are amended to increase the number of shares issuable thereunder and none of the terms or conditions of any such Convertible Securities or Options (other than Options to purchase Ordinary Shares issued pursuant to an Approved Stock Plan that are covered by clause (i) above) are otherwise materially and adversely changed in any manner that adversely affects any of the Buyers, other than in connection with adjustments for share splits, share dividends, share combinations, recapitalizations or other similar transactions; and (iii) the Ordinary Shares issuable upon conversion of the Notes or otherwise pursuant to the terms of the Notes; provided, that the terms of the Notes are not amended, modified or changed on or after the Subscription Date (other than antidilution adjustments pursuant to the terms thereof in effect as of the Subscription Date).
(bb) “Floor Price” means $0.083 (as adjusted for stock splits, stock dividends, stock combinations, recapitalizations and similar events) provided that if on the six month anniversary of the Issuance Date (the “Adjustment Date”), the Floor Price then in effect is higher than the Adjusted Floor Price with respect to the Adjustment Date, on the Adjustment Date the Floor Price shall be automatically lowered to such applicable Adjusted Floor Price.
32
(cc) “Fiscal Quarter” means each of the fiscal quarters adopted by the Company for financial reporting purposes that correspond to the Company’s fiscal year as of the date hereof that ends on December 31.
(dd) “Fiscal Year” means the fiscal year adopted by the Company for financial reporting purposes as of the date hereof that ends on December 31.
(ee) “Fundamental Transaction” means (A) that the Company shall, directly or indirectly, including through subsidiaries, Affiliates or otherwise, in one or more related transactions, (i) consolidate or merge with or into (whether or not the Company is the surviving corporation) another Subject Entity, or (ii) sell, assign, transfer, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of the properties or assets of the Company or any of its “significant subsidiaries” (as defined in Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X) to one or more Subject Entities, or (iii) make, or allow one or more Subject Entities to make, or allow the Company to be subject to or have its Ordinary Shares be subject to or party to one or more Subject Entities making, a purchase, tender or exchange offer that is accepted by the holders of at least either (x) 50% of the outstanding aggregate voting power of the Company (the “Aggregate Voting Power”) represented by the issued and outstanding Ordinary Shares and the Class B ordinary shares of the Company, $0.0001 par value per share (“Class B Ordinary Shares”), (y) 50% of the Aggregate Voting Power calculated as if any Ordinary Shares held by all Subject Entities making or party to, or Affiliated with any Subject Entities making or party to, such purchase, tender or exchange offer were not outstanding; or (z) such number of Ordinary Shares such that all Subject Entities making or party to, or Affiliated with any Subject Entity making or party to, such purchase, tender or exchange offer, become collectively the beneficial owners (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the 1934 Act) of at least 50% of the Aggregate Voting Power, or (iv) consummate a stock or share purchase agreement or other business combination (including, without limitation, a reorganization, recapitalization, spin-off or scheme of arrangement) with one or more Subject Entities whereby all such Subject Entities, individually or in the aggregate, acquire, either (x) at least 50% of the Aggregate Voting Power, (y) at least 50% of the Aggregate Voting Power calculated as if any Ordinary Shares held by all the Subject Entities making or party to, or Affiliated with any Subject Entity making or party to, such share purchase agreement or other business combination were not outstanding; or (z) such number of Ordinary Shares such that the Subject Entities become collectively the beneficial owners (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the 1934 Act) of at least 50% of the Aggregate Voting Power, or (v) reorganize, recapitalize or reclassify its Ordinary Shares, (B) that the Company shall, directly or indirectly, including through subsidiaries, Affiliates or otherwise, in one or more related transactions, allow any Subject Entity individually or the Subject Entities in the aggregate to be or become the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the 1934 Act), directly or indirectly, whether through acquisition, purchase, assignment, conveyance, tender, tender offer, exchange, reduction in outstanding Ordinary Shares, merger, consolidation, business combination, reorganization, recapitalization, spin-off, scheme of arrangement, reorganization, recapitalization or reclassification or otherwise in any manner whatsoever, of either (x) at least 50% of the Aggregate Voting Power, (y) at least 50% of the aggregate ordinary voting power represented by issued and outstanding Ordinary Shares and Class B Ordinary Shares not held by all such Subject Entities as of the date of this Note calculated as if any Ordinary Shares held by all such Subject Entities were not outstanding, or (z) a percentage of the aggregate ordinary voting power represented by issued and outstanding Ordinary Shares and Class B Ordinary Shares or other equity securities of the Company sufficient to allow such Subject Entities to effect a statutory short form merger or other transaction requiring other shareholders of the Company to surrender their Ordinary Shares without approval of the shareholders of the Company or (C) directly or indirectly, including through subsidiaries, Affiliates or otherwise, in one or more related transactions, the issuance of or the entering into any other instrument or transaction structured in a manner to circumvent, or that circumvents, the intent of this definition in which case this definition shall be construed and implemented in a manner otherwise than in strict conformity with the terms of this definition to the extent necessary to correct this definition or any portion of this definition which may be defective or inconsistent with the intended treatment of such instrument or transaction.
33
(ff) “GAAP” means United States generally accepted accounting principles, consistently applied.
(gg) “Going-Private Change of Control” means any transaction or series of transactions that, directly or indirectly, results in the Company and/or the Successor Entity not having Ordinary Shares or ordinary shares, as applicable, registered under the 1934 Act and listed on an Eligible Market.
(hh) “Group” means a “group” as that term is used in Section 13(d) of the 1934 Act and as defined in Rule 13d-5 thereunder.
(ii) “Holder Pro Rata Amount” means a fraction (i) the numerator of which is the original Principal amount of this Note on the Closing Date and (ii) the denominator of which is the aggregate original principal amount of all Notes issued to the initial purchasers pursuant to the Securities Purchase Agreement on the Closing Date.
(jj) “Indebtedness” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the Securities Purchase Agreement.
(kk) “Interest Conversion Price” means the lower of (x) the Conversion Price in effect on the applicable Interest Date or (y) 80% of the lowest daily VWAP in the ten (10) Trading Days prior to the applicable Interest Date, provided that the Interest Conversion Price shall not be less than the Floor Price.
(ll) “Interest Rate” means, as of any date of determination, eleven and three-quarters of one percent (11.75%) per annum, subject to adjustment from time to time in accordance with Section 2.
(mm) “Investment” means any beneficial ownership (including stock, partnership or limited liability company interests) of or in any Person, or any loan, advance or capital contribution to any Person or the acquisition of all, or substantially all, of the assets of another Person or the purchase of any assets of another Person for greater than the fair market value of such assets.
(nn) “Maturity Date” shall mean November 25, 2025; provided, however, the Maturity Date may be extended at the option of the Holder (i) in the event that, and for so long as, an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or any event shall have occurred and be continuing that with the passage of time and the failure to cure would result in an Event of Default or (ii) through the date that is twenty (20) Business Days after the consummation of a Fundamental Transaction in the event that a Fundamental Transaction is publicly announced or a Change of Control Notice is delivered prior to the Maturity Date, provided further that if a Holder elects to convert some or all of this Note pursuant to Section 3 hereof, and the Conversion Amount would be limited pursuant to Section 3(d) hereunder, the Maturity Date shall automatically be extended until such time as such provision shall not limit the conversion of this Note; provided further, that the Maturity Date shall be extended until November 25, 2027 upon the mutual agreement of the Company and the Holder in the event the Holder provides written notice of its desire to extend the Maturity Date no less than twenty (20) Business Days prior to the then-current Maturity Date.
(oo) “New Subsidiary” means, as of any date of determination, any Person in which the Company after the Subscription Date, directly or indirectly, (i) owns or acquires any of the outstanding capital stock or holds any equity or similar interest of such Person or (ii) controls or operates all or any part of the business, operations or administration of such Person, and all of the foregoing, collectively, “New Subsidiaries”.
(pp) “Options” means any rights, warrants or options to subscribe for or purchase Ordinary Shares or Convertible Securities.
(qq) “Ordinary Shares” means (i) the Company’s Class A Ordinary Shares, $0.0001 par value per share, and (ii) any capital stock into which such ordinary shares shall have been changed or any share capital resulting from a reclassification of such ordinary shares.
34
(rr) “Outstanding Principal Failure” means, with respect to a particular date of determination, the aggregate outstanding Principal balance of Notes issued at prior Closings (as defined in the Securities Purchase Agreement) exceeds two million dollars ($2,000,000).
(ss) “Parent Entity” of a Person means an entity that, directly or indirectly, controls the applicable Person and whose common stock or equivalent equity security is quoted or listed on an Eligible Market, or, if there is more than one such Person or Parent Entity, the Person or Parent Entity with the largest public market capitalization as of the date of consummation of the Fundamental Transaction.
(tt) “Permitted Indebtedness” means (i) Indebtedness evidenced by this Note and the Other Notes, (ii) Indebtedness set forth on Schedule 3(s) to the Securities Purchase Agreement, as in effect as of the Subscription Date, (iii) Indebtedness secured by Permitted Liens or unsecured but as described in clauses (iv) and (v) of the definition of Permitted Liens and (iv) Indebtedness issued to the Buyers or any Affiliates thereof.
(uu) “Permitted Investments” means (i) direct obligations of, or obligations the principal of and interest on which are unconditionally guaranteed by, the U.S. (or by any agency thereof to the extent such obligations are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S.), in each case maturing within one year from the date of acquisition thereof; (ii) investments in commercial paper maturing within 270 days from the date of acquisition thereof and having, at such date of acquisition, the highest credit rating obtainable from S&P or from Moody’s; (iii) investments in certificates of deposit, bankers’ acceptances and time deposits maturing within 180 days from the date of acquisition thereof issued or guaranteed by or placed with, and money market deposit accounts issued or offered by, any domestic office of any commercial bank organized under the laws of the U.S. or any State thereof which has a combined capital and surplus and undivided profits of not less than $500,000,000; (iv) fully collateralized repurchase agreements with a term of not more than 30 days for securities described in clause (i) above and entered into with a financial institution satisfying the criteria described in clause (iii) above; and (v) money market funds that (x) comply with the criteria set forth in Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, (y) are rated AAA by S&P and Aaa by Moody’s and (z) have portfolio assets of at least $5,000,000,000.
(vv) “Permitted Liens” means (i) any Lien for taxes not yet due or delinquent or being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings for which adequate reserves have been established in accordance with GAAP, (ii) any statutory Lien arising in the ordinary course of business by operation of law with respect to a liability that is not yet due or delinquent, (iii) any Lien created by operation of law, such as materialmen’s liens, mechanics’ liens and other similar liens, arising in the ordinary course of business with respect to a liability that is not yet due or delinquent or that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, (iv) Liens (A) upon or in any equipment acquired or held by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to secure the purchase price of such equipment or Indebtedness incurred solely for the purpose of financing the acquisition or lease of such equipment, or (B) existing on such equipment at the time of its acquisition, provided that the Lien is confined solely to the property so acquired and improvements thereon, and the proceeds of such equipment, in either case, with respect to Indebtedness in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $500,000, (v) Liens incurred in connection with the extension, renewal or refinancing of the Indebtedness secured by Liens of the type described in clause (iv) above, provided that any extension, renewal or replacement Lien shall be limited to the property encumbered by the existing Lien and the principal amount of the Indebtedness being extended, renewed or refinanced does not increase, (vi) Liens in favor of customs and revenue authorities arising as a matter of law to secure payments of custom duties in connection with the importation of goods (vii) Liens arising from judgments, decrees or attachments in circumstances not constituting an Event of Default under Section 4(a)(xiii) and (viii) Liens incurred in connection with Indebtedness described in clause (iv) of the definition of Permitted Indebtedness.
(ww) “Person” means an individual, a limited liability company, a partnership, a joint venture, a corporation, a trust, an unincorporated organization, any other entity or a government or any department or agency thereof.
(xx) “Price Failure” means, with respect to a particular date of determination, the VWAP of the Ordinary Shares on any Trading Day during the twenty (20) Trading Day period ending on the Trading Day immediately preceding such date of determination fails to exceed $0.09903. All such determinations to be appropriately adjusted for any share splits, share dividends, share combinations, recapitalizations or other similar transactions during any such measuring period.
35
(yy) “Principal Market” means the Nasdaq Capital Market.
(zz) “Redemption Conditions” means, with respect to a given date of determination: (i) on each day during the period beginning thirty calendar days prior to the applicable date of determination and ending on and including the applicable date of determination (the “Redemption Conditions Measuring Period”), the Ordinary Shares (including all Underlying Securities (as defined in the Securities Purchase Agreement)) is listed or designated for quotation (as applicable) on an Eligible Market and (x) shall not have been suspended from trading on an Eligible Market (other than suspensions of not more than two (2) days and occurring prior to the applicable date of determination due to business announcements by the Company) nor (y) shall the Company received a notice of a delisting or suspension by an Eligible Market (which are not subject to stay in connection with any reasonably available appeal, compliance and hearing periods); (ii) during the Redemption Conditions Measuring Period, the Company shall have delivered all Ordinary Shares issuable upon conversion of this Note on a timely basis (other than on one (1) occasion that is cured prior to such date of determination) as set forth in Section 3 hereof and all other shares of capital stock required to be delivered by the Company on a timely basis as set forth in the other Transaction Documents; (iii) any Ordinary Shares to be issued in connection with the event requiring determination (or issuable upon conversion of the Conversion Amount being redeemed in the event requiring this determination) may be issued in full without violating Section 3(d)(ii) hereof; (iv) any Ordinary Shares to be issued in connection with the event requiring determination (or issuable upon conversion of the Conversion Amount being redeemed in the event requiring this determination (without regards to any limitations on conversion set forth herein)) may be issued in full without violating the rules or regulations of the Eligible Market on which the Ordinary Shares are then listed or designated for quotation (as applicable); (v) on each day during the Redemption Conditions Measuring Period, no public announcement of a pending, proposed or intended Change of Control shall have occurred which has not been abandoned, terminated or consummated; (vi) no Current Public Information Failure then exists or is continuing; (vii) the Holder shall not be in (and no other holder of Notes shall be in) possession of any material, non-public information provided to any of them by the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective affiliates, employees, officers, representatives, agents or the like (other than material non-pubic information that the Holder has consented to receive in connection with a Permitted Asset Sale at any time prior to the date mutually agreed upon by the Holder and the Company to cleanse the Holder of such material non-public information); (viii) on each day during the Redemption Conditions Measuring Period, the Company otherwise shall have been in compliance with each, and shall not have breached any representation or warranty in any material respect (other than representations or warranties subject to material adverse effect or materiality, which may not be breached in any respect) or any covenant or other term or condition of any Transaction Document, including, without limitation, the Company shall not have failed to timely make any payment pursuant to any Transaction Document; (ix) on each day during the Redemption Conditions Measuring Period, there shall not have occurred any Volume Failure, Price Failure or Outstanding Principal Failure as of such applicable date of determination; (x) on the applicable date of determination (A) no Authorized Share Failure shall exist or be continuing and the Required Minimum Securities Amount is available under the memorandum and articles of association of the Company and reserved by the Company to be issued pursuant to the Notes and (B) all Ordinary Shares to be issued in connection with the event requiring this determination (or issuable upon conversion of the Conversion Amount being redeemed in the event requiring this determination (without regards to any limitations on conversion set forth herein)) may be issued in full without resulting in an Authorized Share Failure; (xi) on each day during the Redemption Conditions Measuring Period, there shall not have occurred and there shall not exist an Event of Default or an event that with the passage of time or giving of notice would constitute an Event of Default; (xii) no bone fide material dispute shall exist, by and between any of holder of Notes, the Company, the Principal Market (or such applicable Eligible Market in which the Ordinary Shares of the Company is then principally trading) and/or FINRA with respect to any term or provision of any Note or any other Transaction Document and (xiii) the Ordinary Shares issuable pursuant the event requiring the satisfaction of the Redemption Conditions are duly authorized and listed and eligible for trading without restriction on an Eligible Market.
36
(aaa) “Redemption Conditions Failure” means on any date of determination, the Redemption Conditions have not been satisfied (or waived in writing by the Holder).
(bbb) “Redemption Date” means any Event of Default Redemption Date and/or Change of Control Redemption Date, as applicable.
(ccc) “Redemption Notices” means, collectively, the Event of Default Redemption Notices and the Change of Control Redemption Notices, and each of the foregoing, individually, a “Redemption Notice.”
(ddd) “Redemption Premium” means with respect to any required redemption of this Note, as applicable, (i) on any Event of Default Redemption Date, 175% or (ii) on any other applicable Redemption Date, (x) if no Redemption Conditions Failure exists as of the Trading Day ended immediately prior to such applicable Redemption Date, 130% or (y) otherwise, 175%.
(eee) “Redemption Prices” means, collectively, Event of Default Redemption Prices, and the Change of Control Redemption Prices, and each of the foregoing, individually, a “Redemption Price.”
(fff) “SEC” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or the successor thereto.
(ggg) “Securities Purchase Agreement” means that certain securities purchase agreement, dated as of the Subscription Date, by and among the Company and the initial holders of the Notes pursuant to which the Company issued the Notes, as may be amended from time to time.
(hhh) “Subscription Date” means _________ __, 2024.
(iii) “Subsidiaries” means, as of any date of determination, collectively, all Current Subsidiaries and all New Subsidiaries, and each of the foregoing, individually, a “Subsidiary.”
(jjj) “Subject Entity” means any Person, Persons or Group or any Affiliate or associate of any such Person, Persons or Group.
(kkk) “Successor Entity” means the Person (or, if so elected by the Holder, the Parent Entity) formed by, resulting from or surviving any Fundamental Transaction or the Person (or, if so elected by the Holder, the Parent Entity) with which such Fundamental Transaction shall have been entered into.
(lll) “Trading Day” means, as applicable, (x) with respect to all price or trading volume determinations relating to the Ordinary Shares, any day on which the Ordinary Shares are traded on the Principal Market, or, if the Principal Market is not the principal trading market for the Ordinary Shares, then on the principal securities exchange or securities market on which the Ordinary Shares are then traded, provided that “Trading Day” shall not include any day on which the Ordinary Shares are scheduled to trade on such exchange or market for less than 4.5 hours or any day that the Ordinary Shares are suspended from trading during the final hour of trading on such exchange or market (or if such exchange or market does not designate in advance the closing time of trading on such exchange or market, then during the hour ending at 4:00:00 p.m., New York time) unless such day is otherwise designated as a Trading Day in writing by the Holder or (y) with respect to all determinations other than price determinations relating to the Ordinary Shares, any day on which The New York Stock Exchange (or any successor thereto) is open for trading of securities.
(mmm) “Volume Failure” means, with respect to a particular date of determination, the aggregate daily dollar trading volume (as reported on Bloomberg) of the Ordinary Shares on the Principal Market on any Trading Day during the twenty (20) Trading Day period ending on the Trading Day immediately preceding such date of determination, is less than $200,000.
37
(nnn) “VWAP” means, for any security as of any date, the dollar volume-weighted average price for such security on the Principal Market (or, if the Principal Market is not the principal trading market for such security, then on the principal securities exchange or securities market on which such security is then traded), during the period beginning at 9:30 a.m., New York time, and ending at 4:00 p.m., New York time, as reported by Bloomberg through its “VAP” function (set to 09:30 start time and 16:00 end time) or, if the foregoing does not apply, the dollar volume-weighted average price of such security in the over-the-counter market on the electronic bulletin board for such security during the period beginning at 9:30 a.m., New York time, and ending at 4:00 p.m., New York time, as reported by Bloomberg, or, if no dollar volume-weighted average price is reported for such security by Bloomberg for such hours, the average of the highest closing bid price and the lowest closing ask price of any of the market makers for such security as reported in The Pink Open Market (or a similar organization or agency succeeding to its functions of reporting prices). If the VWAP cannot be calculated for such security on such date on any of the foregoing bases, the VWAP of such security on such date shall be the fair market value as mutually determined by the Company and the Holder. If the Company and the Holder are unable to agree upon the fair market value of such security, then such dispute shall be resolved in accordance with the procedures in Section 25. All such determinations shall be appropriately adjusted for any stock dividend, stock split, stock combination, recapitalization or other similar transaction during such period.
34. DISCLOSURE. Upon delivery by the Company to the Holder (or receipt by the Company from the Holder) of any notice in accordance with the terms of this Note, unless the Company has in good faith determined that the matters relating to such notice do not constitute material, non-public information relating to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, the Company shall on or prior to 9:00 a.m., New York city time on the Business Day immediately following such notice delivery date, publicly disclose such material, non-public information on a Report of Foreign Private Issuer on Form 6-K or otherwise. In the event that the Company believes that a notice contains material, non-public information relating to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, the Company so shall indicate to the Holder explicitly in writing in such notice (or immediately upon receipt of notice from the Holder, as applicable), and in the absence of any such written indication in such notice (or notification from the Company immediately upon receipt of notice from the Holder), the Holder shall be entitled to presume that information contained in the notice does not constitute material, non-public information relating to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. Nothing contained in this Section 34 shall limit any obligations of the Company, or any rights of the Holder, under Section 4(i) of the Securities Purchase Agreement.
35. ABSENCE OF TRADING AND DISCLOSURE RESTRICTIONS. The Company acknowledges and agrees that the Holder is not a fiduciary or agent of the Company and that the Holder shall have no obligation to (a) maintain the confidentiality of any information provided by the Company or (b) refrain from trading any securities while in possession of such information in the absence of a written non-disclosure agreement signed by an officer of the Holder that explicitly provides for such confidentiality and trading restrictions. In the absence of such an executed, written non-disclosure agreement, the Company acknowledges that the Holder may freely trade in any securities issued by the Company, may possess and use any information provided by the Company in connection with such trading activity, and may disclose any such information to any third party.
[signature page follows]
38
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Note to be duly executed as of the Issuance Date set out above.
| TOP KINGWIN LTD. | |||
| By: | /s/ Ruilin Xu | ||
| Name: | Ruilin Xu | ||
| Title: | CEO | ||
Exhibit 5.1
| Top KingWin Ltd | D +852 3656 6054 | |
| E nathan.powell@ogier.com | ||
| Reference: NMP/CLE/508141.00002 |
16 December 2024
Dear Sirs
Top KingWin Ltd (the Company)
We have acted as Cayman Islands counsel to the Company in connection with the Company’s registration statement on Form F-3, including all amendments or supplements thereto (the Registration Statement), as filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission under the United States Securities Act 1933, as amended. The Registration Statement relates to the offering and sale (the Offering) from time to time, as set forth in the Registration Statement, the form of prospectus contained therein (the Prospectus) of securities in the aggregate amount of up to US$200,000,000. The securities (Securities) will include (a) class A ordinary shares with par value of US$0.0001 per share of the Company (Shares or Class A Ordinary Shares), (b) debt securities and convertible debt securities (together, the Debt Securities) to be issued pursuant to the applicable indenture to be entered into by the Company (the Indenture), (c) warrants (Warrants) to purchase securities issuable pursuant to the terms of a warrant agreement to be entered into between the Company and a warrant agent for such Warrants thereunder, if any (the Warrant Agreement), (d) rights to purchase the Shares, Debt Securities or other securities (the Rights) to be issued under a rights agent agreement to be entered into between the Company and one or more rights agent, if any (the Rights Agreement) and (e) units consisting of any combination of the other types of securities offered under the Prospectus in one or more series (the Units) to be issued under a unit agreement between the Company and a unit agent to be specified therein, if any (the Unit Agreement). The Shares underlying the Warrants and the Units are together referred to hereinafter as the Warrant Shares.
In addition, the Prospectus relates to the offering for resale of up to 40,737,952 Class A Ordinary Shares (the Conversion Shares) issuable, from time to time, upon the conversion of certain convertible note of the Company, dated November 26, 2024 (the Note), held by the Selling Shareholders (as defined in the Prospectus).
Unless a contrary intention appears, all capitalised terms used in this opinion have the respective meanings set forth in the Documents (as defined below). A reference to a Schedule is a reference to a schedule to this opinion and the headings herein are for convenience only and do not affect the construction of this opinion.
|
Ogier British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Guernsey,
Floor 11 Central Tower 28 Queen’s Road Central Central Hong Kong
T +852 3656 6000 F +852 3656 6001 ogier.com |
Partners Nicholas Plowman Nathan Powell Anthony Oakes Oliver Payne Kate Hodson David Nelson Justin Davis Joanne Collett Dennis Li |
Florence Chan* Lin Han† Cecilia Li** Rachel Huang** Yuki Yan** Richard Bennett**‡ James Bergstrom‡ Marcus Leese‡
|
* admitted in New Zealand † admitted in New York ** admitted in England and Wales ‡ not ordinarily resident in Hong Kong |
Page 2 of 7
| 1 | Documents examined |
For the purposes of giving this opinion, we have examined originals, copies, or drafts of the following documents (the Documents):
| (a) | the certificate of incorporation of the Company dated 16 February 2022 issued by the Registrar of Companies of the Cayman Islands (the Registrar); |
| (b) | the amended and restated memorandum and articles of association of the Company adopted by special resolutions dated 23 July 2022 (respectively, the Memorandum and the Articles); |
| (c) | a certificate of good standing of the Company dated 29 October 2024 (the Good Standing Certificate) issued by the Registrar in respect of the Company; |
| (d) | the register of directors of the Company (the Register of Directors); |
| (e) | the unanimous written resolutions of all the directors of the Company dated 1 November 2024 approving, among other things, the Company’s filing of the Registration Statement and issuance of the Shares, the Debt Securities, the Warrants, the Rights, the Units and the underlying Warrant Shares and the unanimous written resolutions of all the directors of the Company dated 25 November 2024 approving, among other things, the filing of the resale prospectus in relation to the Class A Ordinary Shares issuable pursuant to the terms of the Notes (collectively, the Board Resolutions); |
| (f) | a certificate from a director of the Company dated 16 December 2024 as to certain matters of fact (the Director’s Certificate); and |
| (g) | the Registration Statement. |
| 2 | Assumptions |
In giving this opinion we have relied upon the assumptions set forth in this paragraph 2 without having carried out any independent investigation or verification in respect of those assumptions:
| (a) | all original documents examined by us are authentic and complete; |
| (b) | all copy documents examined by us (whether in facsimile, electronic or other form) conform to the originals and those originals are authentic and complete; |
| (c) | all signatures, seals, dates, stamps and markings (whether on original or copy documents) are genuine; |
| (d) | each of the Good Standing Certificate, the Register of Directors and the Director’s Certificate is accurate, complete and up-to-date (as the case may be) as at the date of this opinion; |
| (e) | the Memorandum and Articles provided to us are in full force and effect and have not been amended, varied, supplemented or revoked in any respect; |
| (f) | the Board Resolutions remain in full force and effect, and have not been amended, revoked or rescinded in any way; |
| (g) | each of the directors of the Company has acted in good faith with a view to the best interests of the Company and has exercised the standard of care, diligence and skill that is required of him or her in approving the Offering and no director has a financial interest in or other relationship to a party of the transactions contemplated by the Documents which has not been properly disclosed in the Board Resolutions; |
Page 3 of 7
| (h) | neither the directors and shareholders of the Company have taken any steps to wind up the Company or to appoint a liquidator of the Company and no receiver has been appointed over any of the Company’s property or assets; |
| (i) | the Company shall have sufficient number of unissued shares in its authorised share capital at the time of issuance of the Shares and the Warrant Shares (the Offering Shares) pursuant to the Registration Statement in order for it to issue the Offering Shares without needing to first increase its authorised share capital; |
| (j) | the consideration payable for each Offering Share shall be no less than the par value of US$0.0001 each; |
| (k) | there is sufficient number of unissued Class A Ordinary Shares in its authorised share capital at the time of issuance of the Conversion Shares upon the conversion of the Notes and the consideration payable for each Conversion Share shall be no less than the par value US$0.0001 each; and |
| (l) | there is nothing under any law (other than the laws of the Cayman Islands), that would or might affect the opinions herein. |
| 3 | Opinions |
On the basis of the examination of the Documents and assumptions referred to above and subject to the limitations and qualifications set forth in paragraph 4 below, we are of the opinion that:
Corporate status
| (a) | The Company has been duly incorporated as an exempted company in the Cayman Islands and is validly existing and in good standing with the Registrar. |
Authorised Shares
| (b) | Based solely on the Memorandum, the authorised share capital of the Company is US$50,000 divided into (i) 300,000,000 class A ordinary shares of a par value of US$0.0001 each (the Class A Ordinary Shares) and (ii) 200,000,000 class B ordinary shares of a par value of US$0.0001 each. |
Valid Issuance of Shares
| (c) | With respect to the Shares (including the Conversion Shares), when: |
| (i) | the board of directors of the Company (the Board) has taken all necessary corporate actions to approve the issuance and allotment of the Class A Ordinary Shares, the terms of the offering of the Class A Ordinary Shares and any other related matter; |
Page 4 of 7
| (ii) | either (A) the provisions of the applicable definitive purchase, underwriting or similar agreement approved by the Board have been satisfied and payment of the consideration specified therein (being not less than the par value of the Class A Ordinary Shares) has been made, or (B) if such Class A Ordinary Shares are issuable upon conversion, exchange, redemption, repurchase or exercise of any other security, the terms of such security, the Memorandum and Articles or the instrument governing such security providing for such conversion, exchange, redemption, repurchase or exercise for Class A Ordinary Shares, as approved by the Board, have been satisfied and the consideration approved by the Board (being not less than the par value of the Class A Ordinary Shares) received; and |
| (iii) | valid entry has been made in the register of members of the Company reflecting such issuance of Class A Ordinary Shares, in each case in accordance with the Memorandum and Articles, |
the Shares will be recognised as having been duly authorised and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.
Valid issuance of Debt Securities
| (d) | With respect to the Debt securities to be issued, when |
| (i) | the Board has taken all necessary corporate action to authorise and approve the creation and terms of the Debt Securities and to approve the issue thereof, the terms of the offering thereof and related matters; |
| (ii) | the Indenture relating to the Debt Securities shall have been duly authorised and validly executed and unconditionally delivered by the Company and all the relevant parties thereunder; and |
| (iii) | the Debt Securities issued thereunder have been duly executed and delivered on behalf of the Company and authenticated in the manner set forth in the applicable Indenture relating to such issue of Debt Securities and delivered against due payment therefor pursuant to, and in accordance with, the terms of the Registration Statement and any relevant prospectus supplement, |
the Debt Securities issued pursuant to the Indenture will have been duly executed issued and delivered.
Valid issuance of Warrants
| (e) | With respect to the Warrants to be issued, when: |
| (i) | the Board has taken all necessary corporate actions to authorise and approve the creation and terms of the Warrants and to approve the issue thereof, the terms of the offering thereof and related matters; |
| (ii) | a Warrant Agreement relating to the Warrants shall have been duly authorised and validly executed and unconditionally delivered by the Company and the warrant agent thereunder; and |
Page 5 of 7
| (iii) | the certificates representing the Warrants have been duly executed, countersigned, registered and delivered in accordance with the Warrant Agreement relating to the Warrants and the applicable definitive purchase, underwriting or similar agreement approved by the Board upon payment of the consideration therefor provided therein, |
the Warrants will be duly authorised and validly issued and will constitute legal, valid and binding obligations of the Company.
Valid issuance of Rights
| (f) | With respect to the Rights to be issued, when: |
| (i) | the Board has taken all necessary corporate actions to authorise and approve the creation and terms of the Rights and to approve the issue thereof, the terms of the offering thereof and related matters; |
| (ii) | a Rights Agreement relating to the Rights shall have been duly authorised and validly executed and unconditionally delivered by the Company and the financial institution designated as rights agent thereunder; and |
| (iii) | the certificates representing the Rights have been duly executed, countersigned, registered and delivered in accordance with the Rights Agreement relating to the Rights and the applicable definitive purchase, underwriting or similar agreement approved by the Board upon payment of the consideration therefor provided therein, |
the Rights will be duly authorised and validly issued and will constitute legal, valid and binding obligations of the Company.
Valid issuance of Units
| (g) | With respect to each issue of Units, when: |
| (i) | the Board has taken all necessary corporate actions to authorise and approve the creation and terms of the Units and to approve the issue of the Securities which are components thereof, the terms of the offering thereof and related matters; |
| (ii) | a Unit Agreement relating to the Units shall have been duly authorised and validly executed and unconditionally delivered by the Company and the financial institution designated as unit agent thereunder; |
Page 6 of 7
| (iii) | in respect of any Debt Securities which are components of the Units, the Indenture shall have been duly authorised and validly executed and unconditionally delivered by the Company and all relevant parties thereunder; |
| (iv) | in respect of any Warrants which are components of the Units, a Warrant Agreement shall have been duly authorised and validly executed and unconditionally delivered by the Company and the warrant agent thereunder, if any, in respect of any Warrants which are components of the Units; and |
| (v) | the Units and any Securities which are components of the Units shall have been duly executed, countersigned, authenticated, issued, registered and delivered (in each case, as and when applicable), in accordance with the provisions of (A) the applicable Unit Agreement relating to the Units, (B) the applicable Warrant Agreement relating to any Warrants which are components of the Units, and (C) the applicable definitive purchase, underwriting or similar agreement approved by the Board, and upon payment of the consideration therefor provided therein, |
the Units will be duly authorised and validly issued and will constitute legal, valid and binding obligations of the Company.
| 4 | Limitations and Qualifications |
| 4.1 | We offer no opinion: |
| (a) | as to any laws other than the laws of the Cayman Islands, and we have not, for the purposes of this opinion, made any investigation of the laws of any other jurisdiction, and we express no opinion as to the meaning, validity, or effect of references in the Documents to statutes, rules, regulations, codes or judicial authority of any jurisdiction other than the Cayman Islands; or |
| (b) | except to the extent that this opinion expressly provides otherwise, as to the commercial terms of, or the validity, enforceability or effect of the Form S-8, the accuracy of representations, the fulfilment of warranties or conditions, the occurrence of events of default or terminating events or the existence of any conflicts or inconsistencies among the Form S-8 and any other agreements into which the Company may have entered or any other documents. |
| 4.2 | Under the Companies Act (Revised) (Companies Act) of the Cayman Islands annual returns in respect of the Company must be filed with the Registrar of Companies in the Cayman Islands, together with payment of annual filing fees. A failure to file annual returns and pay annual filing fees may result in the Company being struck off the Register of Companies, following which its assets will vest in the Financial Secretary of the Cayman Islands and will be subject to disposition or retention for the benefit of the public of the Cayman Islands. |
| 4.3 | In good standing means only that as of the date of the Good Standing Certificate the Company is up-to-date with the filing of its annual returns and payment of annual fees with the Registrar of Companies. We have made no enquiries into the Company’s good standing with respect to any filings or payment of fees, or both, that it may be required to make under the laws of the Cayman Islands other than the Companies Act. |
Page 7 of 7
| 5 | Governing law of this opinion |
| 5.1 | This opinion is: |
| (a) | governed by, and shall be construed in accordance with, the laws of the Cayman Islands; |
| (b) | limited to the matters expressly stated in it; and |
| (c) | confined to, and given on the basis of, the laws and practice in the Cayman Islands at the date of this opinion. |
| 5.2 | Unless otherwise indicated, a reference to any specific Cayman Islands legislation is a reference to that legislation as amended to, and as in force at, the date of this opinion. |
| 6 | Reliance |
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the reference to our firm under the headings “Enforceability of Civil Liabilities”; and “Legal Matters” of the Registration Statement.
This opinion may be used only in connection with the offer and sale of the Securities while the Registration Statement is effective.
Yours faithfully
Ogier
Exhibit 23.1
 |
Onestop Assurance PAC 10 Anson Road #06-15 International Plaza Singapore 079903 Email: audit@onestop-ca.com Website: www.onestop-ca.com |
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the amendment No. 1 to this Registration Statement on Form F-3 of our report dated April 30, 2024, relating to the consolidated financial statements of Top KingWin Ltd, appearing in its Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2023.
We also consent to the reference to us under the caption “Experts” in this Registration Statement.
/s/ Onestop Assurance PAC
Singapore
December 16, 2024
Exhibit 23.2
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm’s Consent
We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement of Top KingWin Ltd on Amendment No. 1 to Form F-3 (File No. 333-283030) of our report dated May 16, 2023 with respect to our audit of the consolidated financial statements of Top KingWin Ltd as of December 31, 2022 and for the year ended appearing in the Annual Report on Form 20-F of Top KingWin Ltd for the year ended December 31, 2023. We also consent to the reference to our firm under the heading “Experts” in this Registration Statement.
We were dismissed as auditors on December 11, 2023 and, accordingly, we have not performed any audit or review procedures with respect to any financial statements appearing in such Prospectus for the periods after the date of our dismissal.
/s/ Marcum Asia CPAs LLP
Marcum Asia CPAs LLP
New York, New York
December 16, 2024
NEW YORK OFFICE • 7 Penn Plaza • Suite 830 • New York, New York • 10001
Phone 646.442.4845 • Fax 646.349.5200 • www.marcumasia.com
Exhibit 23.3
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Amendment No. 1 to Form F-3 (File No. 333-283030) of our report dated August 26, 2022, with respect to our audit of consolidated financial statements of Top KingWin Ltd and Subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2021. We also consent to the reference to our firm under the heading “Experts” in this Registration Statement.
We were dismissed as auditors on November 1, 2022 and, accordingly, we have not performed any audit or review procedures with respect to any financial statements included in this Registration Statement for the periods after the date of our dismissal.
/s/ Friedman LLP
New York, New York
December 16, 2024
Exhibit 23.5
Zhejiang T&H Law Firm
35F, Dikai Chengxing International Building, No. 98, Chengxing Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310020, China
Date：Dec 16, 2024
To:
Top KingWin Ltd (the “Company”)
Room 1304, Building No. 25, Tian’an Headquarters Center, No. 555,
North Panyu Avenue, Donghuan Street, Panyu District, Guangzhou,
Guangdong Province, China, 511400
Dear Sir/Madam:
We are lawyers licensed and qualified to practice law in the People’s Republic of China (the “PRC”) and have acted as special PRC counsel of the Company to issue this letter of legal opinion (the “Legal Opinion”) dated as of December 12, 2024. In connection with the above Legal Opinion, we hereby consent:
1. to the references to our firm in connection with the registration statement of the Company on Form F-3, including all amendments or supplements thereto (the “Registration Statement”), initially filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on November 6, 2024 under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 (as amended), and
2. to the filing with the SEC of the above Legal Opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement.
In giving such consent, we do not thereby admit that we come 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.
/s/ Zheng Wang, Rong Huang
Name: Zheng Wang, Rong Huang
Title: Director, Lawyer
On behalf of: Zhejiang T&H Law Firm
Address: 35F, Dikai Chengxing International Building, No. 98, Chengxing Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou,
Zhejiang, 310020, China
Web：http://www.taihanglawyer.com
Tel: +86-571-85862509
Exhibit 99.1
Address: 35F, Dikai Chengxing International Building, No. 98, Chengxing
Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou,
Zhejiang, China, 310020
Tel: +86-571-85862509
Dec 16, 2024
To:
Top KingWin Ltd
Room 1304, Building No. 25, Tian’an Headquarters Center, No. 555
North Panyu Avenue, Donghuan Street, Panyu District, Guangzhou,
Guangdong Province, China, 511400
Re: Legal Opinion Regarding Certain PRC Law Matters
To whom it may concern,
Zhejiang T&H Law Firm (“We”), a qualified law firm of the People’s Republic of China (the “PRC”, for the purpose of issuing this opinion, excluding Hong Kong Special Administration Region, Macau Special Administration Region and Taiwan) is asked by Top KingWin Ltd (the “Company”), a company incorporated in Cayman and listed on NASDAQ Capital Market, to provide our opinion on the laws and regulations of the PRC effective as of the date hereof. We act as the PRC legal counsel for the Company, solely in connection with (i) the proposed offering (the “Offering”) of certain number of securities and (ii) the offer and resale of 40,737,952 Class A Ordinary Shares by the selling shareholder named therein, as set forth in the Company’s registration statement on Form F-3, including all amendments or supplements thereto (the “Registration Statement”), filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 (as amended).
| A | Documents and Assumptions |
In rendering this opinion, we have examined the Registration Statement, originals or copies of the due diligence documents provided to us by the Company and the PRC Entities (as defined below) and such other documents, corporate records and certificates issued by the governmental authorities in the PRC (collectively the “Documents”) as we have deemed necessary and appropriate as a basis for the opinions hereinafter set forth.
In rendering this opinion, we have made the following assumptions:
| (a) | the genuineness of all signatures, the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals and the conformity to the originals of those documents submitted to us as copies; |
| (b) | in response to our due diligence inquiries, requests and investigation for the purpose of this opinion, all the relevant information and materials that have been provided to us by the Company and the PRC Entities, including all factual statements in the documents and all other factual information provided to us by the Company and the PRC Entities, and the statements made by the Company, the PRC Entities and relevant government officials, are true, accurate, complete and not misleading, and that the Company has not withheld anything that, if disclosed to us, would reasonably cause us to alter this opinion in whole or in part. Where important facts were not independently established to us, we have relied upon certificates issued by governmental authorities and appropriate representatives of the Company and/or other relevant entities and/or upon representations made by such persons in the course of our inquiry and consultation; |
1
Address: 35F, Dikai Chengxing International Building, No. 98, Chengxing Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou,
Zhejiang, China, 310020
Tel: +86-571-85862509
| (c) | All Documents submitted to us still exist, remain in full force and effect up to the date of this opinion and have not been revoked, amended, varied, cancelled or superseded by any other document or agreement or action; and no revocation or termination has occurred, with respect to any of the Documents after they were submitted to us for the purposes of this opinion; |
| (d) | that all parties to the documents provided to us in connection with this opinion, other than the PRC Entities, have the requisite power and authority to enter into, and have duly executed, delivered and/or issued those documents to which they are parties, and have the requisite power and authority to perform their obligations thereunder; and |
| (e) | with respect to all parties, the due compliance with, and the legality, validity, effectiveness and enforceability under, all laws other than the laws of the PRC. |
| B | Definitions |
In addition to the terms defined in the context of this opinion, the following capitalized terms used in this opinion shall have the meanings ascribed to them as follows:
| (a) | “CSRC” means the China Securities Regulatory Commission; |
| (b) | “Governmental Agency” or “Governmental Agencies” mean any national, provincial or local governmental, regulatory or administrative authority, agency or commission in the PRC, or any court, tribunal or any other judicial body in the PRC, or anybody exercising, or entitled to exercise, any administrative, judicial, legislative, police, regulatory, or taxing authority or power of similar nature in the PRC; |
| (c) | “Governmental Authorization” means any license, approval, consent, waiver, order, sanction, certificate, authorization, filing, disclosure, registration, exemption, permission, endorsement, annual inspection, clearance, qualification, permit or license by, from or with any Governmental Agency pursuant to any PRC Laws; |
| (d) | “M&A Rules” mean the Regulations on Mergers and Acquisitions of Domestic Enterprises by Foreign Investors promulgated jointly by the PRC Ministry of Commerce, the State Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, the State Administration for Taxation, the State Administration for Industry and Commerce, the CSRC, and the State Administration of Foreign Exchange on August 8, 2006, which became effective on September 8, 2006 and were amended on June 22, 2009 by the Ministry of Commerce; |
2
Address: 35F, Dikai Chengxing International Building, No. 98, Chengxing Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou,
Zhejiang, China, 310020
Tel: +86-571-85862509
| (e) | “SPV” means special-purpose vehicle. A “SPV” under the M&A Rules is defined as an overseas company that a domestic company or natural person directly or indirectly controls for the purpose of making its actual domestic company equities get listed abroad, and such term shall apply to a special-purpose company, which, for the purpose of getting listed abroad, its shareholders or the special-purpose company purchase (purchases) the equities of the shareholders of a domestic company or the share increase of a domestic company by paying with the equities of the special-purpose company it holds or by paying with the share-increase of the special-purpose company; |
| (f) | “Overseas Listing Trial Measures” mean the Trial Administrative Measures of the Overseas Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies promulgated by the CSRC on February 17, 2023, which became effective on March 31, 2023; |
| (g) | “CAC Rules” mean related laws and rules regarding the Cyberspace Administration of China (the “CAC”), including the Cyber Security Law (effective as of June 1, 2017), the Data Security Law (effective as of September 1, 2021), the Personal Information Protection Law (effective as of November 1, 2021), the Cyber Security Review Measure (as amended on November 16, 2021 and effective as of February 15, 2022, adopted by CAC and other related governmental authorities and departments, including CSRC), the Measures of Data Cross-Border Transfer Security Assessment (as amended on May 19, 2022 and effective as of September 1, 2022, adopted by CAC) and the Regulations on the Network Data Security Administration (as released on September 30, 2024 and will effective as of January 1, 2025). |
| (h) | “PRC Entities” mean the PRC companies, as listed in Schedule 1, as at the date of this opinion; |
| (i) | “PRC Laws” mean all applicable national, provincial and local laws, regulations, statues, rules, orders, decrees, notices and supreme court’s judicial interpretations of the PRC currently in effect and publicly available on the date of this opinion; |
| (j) | “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.
3
Address: 35F, Dikai Chengxing International Building, No. 98, Chengxing Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou,
Zhejiang, China, 310020
Tel: +86-571-85862509
| C | Opinions |
Based on our review of the Documents and subject to the Assumptions and the Qualifications, we are of the opinion that:
| (a) | With Respect to the Corporate Structure. |
Each of the PRC Entities has been duly organized and is validly existing as a company with limited liability and legal person status under the PRC Laws.
The business license and articles of association of each of the PRC Entities comply with the requirements of the PRC Laws in material aspects and are in full force and effect.
| (b) | With respect to the M&A Rules. |
The M&A Rules, among other things, purport to require CSRC approval prior to the listing and trading on an overseas stock exchange of the securities of an offshore special purpose vehicle established or controlled directly or indirectly by PRC Entities or individuals and formed for the purpose of overseas listing through the acquisition of PRC domestic interests held by such PRC Entities or individuals. Based on our understanding of the explicit provisions under PRC Laws, the CSRC’s approval is not required under the M&A Rules for the Offering. However, there are substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of the M&A Rules, other PRC Laws and future PRC laws and regulations, and there can be no assurance that any Governmental Agency will not take a view that is contrary to or otherwise different from our opinion stated herein.
| (c) | Overseas Listing Trial Measures. |
The Overseas Listing Trial Measures and relevant five guidelines require PRC domestic companies that seek to offer and list securities in overseas markets, either in direct or indirect means, to complete the filing procedure with the CSRC and submit relevant information. Based on our understanding of the Overseas Listing Trial Measures, securities issued using a “shelf” registration process shall complete the filing procedures with CSRC within three business days after the completion of an offering pursuant to any accompanying prospectus supplement to the Registration Statement. Therefore, the Company are required to file with CSRC after the completion of an offering pursuant to any accompanying prospectus supplement to the Registration Statement, and prepare a summary report to the CSRC after the completion of all offerings under this Registration Statement. The Selling Shareholders’ resale of the Ordinary Sales as described in the Registration Statement does not constitute a “subsequent offering” under the CSRC rules and hence the Company is not required to complete the filing procedures with CSRC for the Selling Shareholders’ resale. However, as uncertainties still exist regarding the interpretation and implementation of the Trial Measures, our opinion stated above is subject to any new laws, rules, regulations, and/or detailed implementations and interpretations in any form related to the Overseas Listing Trial Measures.
4
Address: 35F, Dikai Chengxing International Building, No. 98, Chengxing Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou,
Zhejiang, China, 310020
Tel: +86-571-85862509
| (d) | With respect to the CAC Rules. |
According to the Cyber Security Law effective as of June 1, 2017, the CAC is responsible for the overall planning and coordination of cyber security work and relevant supervision and management to the construction, operation, maintenance and use of the network within the territory of the PRC.
According to the Data Security Law effective as of September 1, 2021, the Cyber Security Law shall apply to the outbound security management of the important data collected or produced by “critical information infrastructure operators” (the “CIIO”) during their operation within the territory of PRC, and the measures for the outbound security management of the important data collected or produced by “others data processors” during their operation within the territory of the PRC shall be formulated by CAC in conjunction with the relevant departments under the State Council.
According to the Personal Information Protection Law effective as of November 1, 2021, a personal information processor that truly needs to provide personal information outside the territory of PRC for business sake or other reason shall meet one of the following requirements: 1) passing the security assessment organized by CAC, 2) obtaining personal information protection certification from the relevant specialized institution according to the provisions issued by the CAC, 3) concluding a contract stipulating both parties’ rights and obligations with the overseas recipient in accordance with the standard contract formulated by the CAC, and 4) meeting other conditions set forth by laws and administrative regulations and by the CAC.
According to the Cyber Security Review Measure (as amended on November 16, 2021 and effective as of February 15, 2022, adopted by CAC and other related governmental authorities and departments, including CSRC), the purchase of cyber products and services by “critical information infrastructure operators” and “network platform operators” which engage in data processing activities that affects or may affect national security shall be subject to the cybersecurity review by the CAC and the Cybersecurity Review Office, the department which is responsible for the implementation of cybersecurity review as designated by the CAC. The network platform operators with personal information data of more than one million users that seek listing in a foreign country are obliged to apply for a cybersecurity review by the CAC and the Cybersecurity Review Office, and the CAC together with other competent authorities will review and make an assessment if such applicant’s seeking for listing in an overseas market may cause risks to national security.
5
Address: 35F, Dikai Chengxing International Building, No. 98, Chengxing Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou,
Zhejiang, China, 310020
Tel: +86-571-85862509
According to the Measures of Data Cross-Border Transfer Security Assessment (as amended on May 19, 2022 and effective as of September 1, 2022, adopted by CAC), if data processors providing data oversea meets one of the following conditions, the data cross-border security assessment shall report to national CAC through province level CAC: 1) data processors provide important data oversea, 2) personal information provided overseas by CIIOs or data processors handling personal information of more than 1 million people, 3) the cumulative amount of personal information provided overseas reached 100,000 people since January 1st of the last year; or the cumulative amount of sensitive personal information provided overseas reached 10,000 people since January 1st of the last year, and 4) other circumstances CAC defined that need report data cross-border transfer security assessment.
On September 30, 2024, the State Council released the Regulations on the Network Data Security Administration (the “Data Security Administration”), which will become effective on January 1, 2025. The Data Security Administration requires that network data processors conducting data processing activities that affect or may affect national security shall undergo a national security review in accordance with relevant national regulations.
We are of the opinion that, i) the CAC Rules will not apply to the Company, since the Company is a foreign entity outside jurisdiction of PRC, in case there is no applicable international treatments, and according to our inquiry, the Company does not conduct any business in the territory of PRC directly, ii) the PRC Entities and all their businesses including corporate business training services, corporate consulting services, and advisory and transaction services, etc. will not be subject to CAC’s review or approval regarding data cyber security under current-effective CAC Rules since according to inquiry with the Group Companies, (A) all of collection and processing of any personal information or other data in the ordinary course of business are conducted by related PRC Entities within the territory of PRC, (B) such personal information or operational data handled by the PRC Entities will not be construed as important data threatening China’s national security, (C) the PRC Entities are not data processors handling personal information of more than 1 million people, and (D) none of the PRC Entities are CIIOs, which are subject to direct and more strict regulatory supervision under CAC Rules, and to our knowledge, there is no other current-effective regulations, enforceable process or procedures to implement such provisions to require a foreign entity listed overseas or any of its operating companies in PRC to obtain approval or permission from CAC.
However, neither the Cyber Security Review Measure, nor the Measures of Data Cross-Border Transfer Security Assessment, nor the CAC nor any other competent authorities provides any further detailed interpretation or explanation of applicable scope with respect to the companies’ “overseas listing” and such circumstances will “affect or may affect national security,” and we cannot assure that CAC or any other Chinese governmental authorities may have broad discretion in interpreting and enforcing these laws and regulations, including through the adoption of Regulations on the Administration of Network Data Security, which may require related PRC Entities being subject to CAC’s supervision and assessment with respect to cyber or data security review and make filings with CAC or other competent authorities.
6
Address: 35F, Dikai Chengxing International Building, No. 98, Chengxing Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou,
Zhejiang, China, 310020
Tel: +86-571-85862509
| (e) | PRC Foreign Investment Law |
The operations of Tiancheng Jinhui, the PRC operating entity, are not subject to the foreign investment restrictions or prohibitions set forth in the “negative list” currently issued by the State Council and foreign investors are allowed to hold 100% equity interests of the PRC operating entity. Therefore, we believe that as of the date of this prospectus, the operations of the PRC operating entity are not restricted or limited by PRC laws and regulations for foreign investment. However, it is uncertain whether operations of Tiancheng Jinhui will be subject to the foreign investment restrictions or prohibitions in the future. While the Company’s structure does not include any VIE and the Company has no intention to rely on a VIE structure in their PRC operations, if the PRC laws and regulations were to change in the future, such changes may result in adverse changes in their operations, and the Class A ordinary shares may decline significantly in value. Substantial uncertainties exist with respect to the interpretation and implementation of newly enacted PRC Foreign Investment Law and its Implementation Rules and how they may impact the viability of the corporate structure, corporate governance, and operations.
| (f) | Enforceability of Civil Procedures. |
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 Cayman Islands that provide for the reciprocal recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments. In addition, according to the PRC Civil Procedures Law, courts in the PRC will not enforce a foreign judgment against a company or its directors and officers if they decide that the judgment violates the basic principles of PRC law or national sovereignty, security or public interest. As a result, it is uncertain whether and on what basis a PRC court would enforce a judgment rendered by a court in the United States.
| (g) | Legal litigation and arbitration. |
To our best knowledge after due and reasonable inquiries, there are no legal, arbitral or governmental proceedings in progress or pending, to which any of the PRC Entities is a party or of which any property of any PRC Entities located within the PRC is the subject which would individually or in aggregate, insofar as the PRC Laws are concerned, if determined adversely on such PRC Entities, have a Material Adverse Effect.
7
Address: 35F, Dikai Chengxing International Building, No. 98, Chengxing Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou,
Zhejiang, China, 310020
Tel: +86-571-85862509
| (h) | PRC Laws. |
All statements set forth in the Registration Statement under the sections entitled “PROSPECTUS SUMMARY”, “RISK FACTORS”, “ENFORCEABILITY OF CIVIL LIABILITIES”, to the extent that they describe or summarize matters of PRC Laws or documents, agreements or proceedings governed by the PRC Laws, are true and accurate in all material respects, and fairly present or fairly summarize in all material respects the PRC legal and regulatory matters, proceedings referred to therein, and nothing has been omitted from such statements which would make the same misleading in any material respect.
| D | Qualifications |
| (a) | We are only engaged by the Company to provide this Letter on the issues provided hereof, and |
our opinion shall not be interpreted in any extended way or be interpreted as a formal authoritative interpretation.
| (b) | This Letter is rendered on the basis of PRC Laws that are publicly available and currently in force on the date hereof and there is no guarantee that any of such laws, or the interpretation or enforcement thereof, will not be changed, amended or revoked in the future with or without retrospective effect. In addition, we cannot guarantee whether relevant government departments will adopt detailed provisions or release any interpretations contrary to our analysis. |
| (c) | We are only qualified to practice the laws of PRC, therefore, we do not intend to provide any opinions or suggestions on any other non-legal subject matter (including without limitation the Company’s accounting, auditing, tax and asset evaluation), nor laws of any jurisdiction other than PRC. |
| (d) | Our opinion is subject to the effects of (1) judicial discretion with respect to the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief, indemnifications, remedies or defenses, the calculation of damages, the entitlement of attorneys’ fees and other costs, the waiver of immunity from jurisdiction of any court or from legal proceedings; and (2) the discretion of any competent PRC legislative, administrative or judicial bodies in exercising their authority in the PRC which will have retroactive effect. |
| (e) | We may rely, as to matters of fact (but not as to legal conclusions), to the extent we deem proper, on certificates and confirmations of responsible officers of the PRC Entities and PRC government officials. |
8
Address: 35F, Dikai Chengxing International Building, No. 98, Chengxing Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou,
Zhejiang, China, 310020
Tel: +86-571-85862509
| (f) | This opinion is intended to be used in the context which is specifically referred to herein. |
| (g) | As used in this opinion, the expression “to our best knowledge” or similar language with reference to matters of fact refers to the current actual knowledge of the attorneys of this firm who have worked on matters for the Company in connection with the Offering thereunder. We have not undertaken any independent investigation to determine the existence or absence of any fact, and no inference as to our knowledge of the existence or absence of any fact should be drawn from our representation of the Company or the rendering of this opinion. |
This opinion is delivered in our capacity as the Company’s PRC legal counsel solely for the purpose of the Registration Statement publicly submitted to the SEC on the date of this opinion and shall not be used for any other purpose without our prior written consent.
The Company or its affiliates shall make an independent judgment on the matters mentioned in this Letter in accordance with the principle of prudence, and shall not hold us liable solely based on our opinions, suggestions or conclusions. We shall not be liable in any way to any other third party for any part of this Letter.
We hereby consent to the use of this opinion in, and the filing hereof as an exhibit to, the Registration Statement, and to the reference to our name in such Registration Statement. In giving such consent, we do not thereby admit that we come 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.
[Signature pages to follow]
9
Address: 35F, Dikai Chengxing International Building, No. 98, Chengxing Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou,
Zhejiang, China, 310020
Tel: +86-571-85862509
SIGNATORY
| Yours faithfully, | |
| /s/ Zhejiang T&H Law Firm | |
| Zhejiang T&H Law Firm | |
| 浙江泰杭律师事务所 |
10
Address: 35F, Dikai Chengxing International Building, No. 98, Chengxing Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou,
Zhejiang, China, 310020
Tel: +86-571-85862509
Schedule I
List of the PRC Entities
| No. | PRC Entities |
| 1. | 1.深圳市天成创芯科技有限公司 (Shenzhen Tiancheng Chuangxin Technology Co., Ltd.), which has one subsidiary: |
| 2. | (1) 谷积科技（深圳）有限公司 (Guji Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.), |
| 3. | 2.广东天成金汇企业发展集团有限公司 (Guangdong Tiancheng Jinhui Enterprise Development Group Co., Ltd.), which has three subsidiaries: |
| 4. | (1) 广东天成金汇企业管理咨询有限公司 (Guangdong Tiancheng Jinhui Enterprise Management Consulting Co., Ltd.) |
| 5. | (2) 江苏天成金汇管理咨询有限公司 (Jiangsu Tiancheng Jinhui Management Consulting Co., Ltd.) |
| 6. | (3) 重庆天成金汇企业管理咨询有限公司 (Chongqing Tiancheng Jinhui Enterprise Management Consulting Co., Ltd.) |
| 7. | 3.深圳市经治信息咨询有限公司 (Shenzhen Jingzhi Information Consulting Co., Ltd.), which has one subsidiary: |
| 8. | (1) 深圳市中顺趋势信息咨询有限公司 (Shenzhen Zhongshun Trend Information Consulting Co., Ltd.), which has three subsidiaries: |
| 9. | Ⅰ深圳市中投商业顾问有限公司(Shenzhen Zhongtou Business Consulting Co., Ltd.) |
| 10. | Ⅱ深圳市中投产业研究院有限公司(Shenzhen Zhongtou Industry Research Institute Co., Ltd.) |
| 11. | Ⅲ深圳市中投产业经济咨询有限公司(Shenzhen Zhongtou Industry Economic Consulting Co., Ltd.) |
11