x |
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
¨ |
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
Delaware |
98-0204667 | |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or
organization) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) |
Class |
Outstanding at May 3, 2002 | |
Common stock, $.001 par value |
35,625,716 |
Page | ||||
PART I |
FINANCIAL INFORMATION |
|||
Item 1 |
3 | |||
3 | ||||
4 | ||||
5 | ||||
6 | ||||
Item 2 |
8 | |||
Item 3 |
27 | |||
PART II |
OTHER INFORMATION |
|||
Item 1 |
29 | |||
Item 2 |
29 | |||
Item 3 |
29 | |||
Item 4 |
29 | |||
Item 5 |
29 | |||
Item 6 |
29 | |||
30 | ||||
1 |
March 31, 2002 |
December 31, 2001 |
|||||||
ASSETS |
||||||||
Current assets: |
||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ |
21,568 |
|
$ |
29,263 |
| ||
Accounts receivable, net |
|
2,771 |
|
|
2,710 |
| ||
Prepaid and other current assets |
|
1,842 |
|
|
2,168 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Total current assets |
|
26,181 |
|
|
34,141 |
| ||
Fixed assets, net |
|
7,936 |
|
|
7,953 |
| ||
Long-term investments in marketable debt securities |
|
21,931 |
|
|
16,973 |
| ||
Long-term loans to related parties |
|
3,695 |
|
|
1,815 |
| ||
Other assets, net |
|
896 |
|
|
1,076 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
$ |
60,639 |
|
|
61,958 |
| |||
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY |
||||||||
Current liabilities: |
||||||||
Accounts payable |
$ |
763 |
|
$ |
366 |
| ||
Payable to related parties |
|
1,377 |
|
|
1,208 |
| ||
Accrued liabilities and deferred revenues |
|
3,133 |
|
|
2,803 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Total current liabilities |
|
5,273 |
|
|
4,377 |
| ||
Commitments and contingencies |
||||||||
Shareholders equity: |
||||||||
Common Stock: $0.001 par value per share (75,400,000 authorized, 35,625,716 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2002 and
December 31, 2001) |
|
36 |
|
|
36 |
| ||
Additional paid-in capital |
|
129,778 |
|
|
129,852 |
| ||
Deferred compensation and other |
|
(88 |
) |
|
(156 |
) | ||
Accumulated deficit |
|
(74,360 |
) |
|
(72,151 |
) | ||
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Total shareholders equity |
|
55,366 |
|
|
57,581 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
$ |
60,639 |
|
$ |
61,958 |
| |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended |
||||||||
March 31, 2002 |
March 31, 2001 |
|||||||
Revenues: |
||||||||
Advertising |
$ |
2,511 |
|
$ |
2,087 |
| ||
Non-advertising |
|
2,020 |
|
|
366 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Total revenues |
|
4,531 |
|
|
2,453 |
| ||
Cost of revenues: |
||||||||
Advertising |
|
1,463 |
|
|
1,851 |
| ||
Non-advertising |
|
1,448 |
|
|
297 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Total cost of revenue |
|
2,911 |
|
|
2,148 |
| ||
Gross profit |
|
1,620 |
|
|
305 |
| ||
Operating expenses: |
||||||||
Product development |
|
1,175 |
|
|
1,638 |
| ||
Sales and marketing |
|
2,015 |
|
|
2,476 |
| ||
General and administrative |
|
967 |
|
|
1,253 |
| ||
Amortization of intangibles |
|
|
|
|
4,203 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Total operating expenses |
|
4,157 |
|
|
9,570 |
| ||
Operating loss |
|
(2,537 |
) |
|
(9,265 |
) | ||
Other non-operating income |
|
22 |
|
|
|
| ||
Interest income |
|
306 |
|
|
799 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Net loss |
$ |
(2,209 |
) |
$ |
(8,466 |
) | ||
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Basic and diluted net loss per share |
$ |
(0.06 |
) |
$ |
(0.24 |
) | ||
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Shares used in computing basic and diluted net loss per share |
|
35,626 |
|
|
35,626 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended |
||||||||
March 31, 2002 |
March 31, 2001 |
|||||||
Cash flows from operating activities: |
||||||||
Net loss |
$ |
(2,209 |
) |
$ |
(8,466 |
) | ||
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: |
||||||||
Depreciation and amortization of other assets |
|
1,183 |
|
|
971 |
| ||
Provision for allowance for doubtful accounts |
|
141 |
|
|
101 |
| ||
Stock-based compensation expense |
|
(6 |
) |
|
21 |
| ||
Amortization of intangible assets |
|
|
|
|
4,203 |
| ||
Changes in assets and liabilities: |
||||||||
Accounts receivable |
|
(202 |
) |
|
(23 |
) | ||
Prepaid and other current assets |
|
326 |
|
|
286 |
| ||
Accounts payable |
|
397 |
|
|
(887 |
) | ||
Payable to related parties |
|
169 |
|
|
|
| ||
Accrued liabilities and deferred revenues |
|
330 |
|
|
75 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities |
|
129 |
|
|
(3,719 |
) | ||
Cash flows from investing activities: |
||||||||
Long-term investments in marketable debt securities |
|
(4,958 |
) |
|
|
| ||
Acquisition of fixed assets |
|
(967 |
) |
|
(914 |
) | ||
Long-term loans to related parties |
|
(1,880 |
) |
|
|
| ||
Acquisition of other assets |
|
(9 |
) |
|
(378 |
) | ||
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Net cash used in investing activities |
|
(7,823 |
) |
|
(1,292 |
) | ||
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents |
|
(7,695 |
) |
|
(5,011 |
) | ||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period |
|
29,263 |
|
|
62,593 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period |
$ |
21,568 |
|
$ |
57,582 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended Mar. 31, | ||||
2002 |
2001 | |||
Revenues: |
||||
Advertising |
2,511 |
2,087 | ||
Non-advertising: |
||||
E-commerce |
1,028 |
104 | ||
Subscription |
889 |
42 | ||
E-technology and other |
103 |
220 | ||
|
| |||
Subtotal of non-advertising revenues |
2,020 |
366 | ||
|
| |||
Total of revenues |
4,531 |
2,453 | ||
|
| |||
Cost of revenues: |
||||
Advertising |
1,464 |
1,851 | ||
Non-advertising: |
||||
E-commerce |
905 |
95 | ||
Subscription |
366 |
26 | ||
E-technology and other |
177 |
176 | ||
|
| |||
Subtotal of non-advertising cost of revenues |
1,448 |
297 | ||
|
| |||
Total of cost of revenues |
2,912 |
2,148 | ||
|
| |||
Gross profit |
1,619 |
305 | ||
|
|
|
increase our online advertising revenues and successfully build our e-commerce, short messaging and subscription services business, given the early stage of development of the
PRC Internet industry; |
|
continue to attract a larger audience to our portal by expanding the type and technical sophistication of the content and services we offer; and
|
|
maintain our current, and develop new, strategic relationships to increase our revenue streams as well as product and service offerings. |
|
The PRC recently enacted regulations applying to Internet-related services and telecom-related activities. While many aspects of these recently-enacted regulations remain
unclear, they purport to limit and require licensing of various aspects of the provision of Internet information services. If these new regulations are interpreted to be inconsistent with our restructuring, our business will be severely impaired.
|
|
A limitation on foreign investment in businesses providing value-added telecommunication services, including computer information services or electronic mail box services, is
expected to be applied to Internet businesses such as ours. However, under regulations published to date, the extent of the limitation is unclear. In the past, some officials of the Ministry of Information Industry or MII have taken the position
that foreign investment in the Internet sector is prohibited. |
|
Under the agreement reached in November 1999 between the PRC and the United States concerning the United States support of Chinas entry into the World Trade
Organization, or WTO, foreign investment in PRC Internet services will be liberalized to allow for 30% foreign ownership in key telecommunication services, including PRC Internet ventures, for the first year after Chinas entry into the WTO,
49% in the second year and 50% thereafter. However, the implementation of this agreement is still subject to various conditions. |
|
The MII has also stated that the activities of Internet content providers are subject to regulation by various PRC government authorities, depending on the specific activities
conducted by the Internet content provider. Various government authorities have stated publicly that they are in the process of preparing new laws and regulations that will govern these activities. The areas of regulation may include online
advertising and online news reporting. |
|
levying fines; |
|
confiscating our, Beijing ITCs, Beijing Sandhills, High Centurys, Hengdas, Beijing Sohus or Sohu-Guolians income;
|
|
revoking our, Beijing ITCs, Beijing Sandhills, High Centurys, Hengdas, Beijing Sohus or Sohu-Guolians business license;
|
|
shutting down our, Beijing ITCs, Beijing Sandhills or Beijing Sohus servers and/or blocking our Web sites; |
|
requiring us, Beijing ITC, Beijing Sandhill, High Century, Hengda or Beijing Sohu to restructure our ownership structure or operations; and |
|
requiring us, Beijing ITC, Beijing Sandhill, High Century, Hengda, Beijing Sohu or Sohu-Guolian to discontinue any portion or all of our Internet business.
|
|
whether the PRC government may view our restructuring as being in compliance with its laws and regulations; |
|
whether the PRC government may impose additional regulatory requirements with which we or Beijing Sohu may not be in compliance; and |
|
whether the PRC government will permit Beijing Sohu to acquire future licenses necessary in order to conduct operations in the PRC. |
|
the development of a large base of users possessing demographic characteristics attractive to advertisers; |
|
downward pressure on online advertising prices; |
|
the development of independent and reliable means of verifying traffic; and |
|
the effectiveness of our advertising delivery, tracking and reporting systems. |
|
investors perceptions of and appetite for Internet-related securities; |
|
conditions in the U.S. and other capital markets in which we may seek to raise financing; |
|
our future results of operations, financial condition and cash flows; |
|
the amount of capital that other PRC entities may seek to raise in foreign capital markets; |
|
PRC governmental regulation of foreign investment in Internet companies; |
|
economic, political and other conditions in the PRC; |
|
PRC governmental policies relating to foreign currency borrowings; and |
|
any new laws and regulations that may require various PRC government approvals for securities offerings by companies engaged in the Internet sector in the PRC.
|
|
adapt our services and maintain and improve the quality of our services; |
|
continue training, motivating and retaining our existing employees and attracting and integrating new employees; and |
|
developing and improving our operational, financial, accounting and other internal systems and controls. |
|
unsolicited e-mail; |
|
lost or misdirected messages; |
|
illegal or fraudulent use of e-mail; or |
|
interruptions or delays in e-mail service. |
|
substantially greater financial and technical resources; |
|
more extensive and well developed marketing and sales networks; |
|
better access to original content; |
|
greater global brand recognition among consumers; and |
|
larger customer bases. |
|
develop, market and sell their products and services; |
|
adapt more quickly to new and changing technologies; and |
|
more easily obtain new customers. |
|
structure; |
|
level of government involvement; |
|
level of development; |
|
level of capital reinvestment; |
|
growth rate; |
|
control of foreign exchange; and |
|
methods of allocating resources. |
SOHU.COM INC. | ||
By: |
/s/ DEREK PALASCHUK | |
Chief Financial Officer & Senior Vice President (Principal Financial Officer) |
Exhibit Number |
Description | |
10.1 |
Loan and Share Pledge Agreement, dated January 23, 2002, among Sohu.com Inc. and Li Wei | |
10.2 |
Shareholders Agreement, dated March 16, 2002, by and between Beijing Century Hi-Tech Investment Co., Ltd. and Guolian
Securities Co., Ltd. (portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment and have been filed separately with the SEC). |
EXHIBIT 10.1 THER LOAN AND SHARE PLEDGE AGREEMENT (their "Agreement") is entered into on their 23th day of January 2002 in Beijing, People's Republic of China ("PRC") among (1) Sohu.com, Inc., a U.S. corporation, of Delaware, U.S. ("Party A"), and (2) Li Wei, a PRC citizen whose PRC identity card number is 110108721201576 ("Party B"), (Individually a "Party" and together the "Parties"). RECITALS -------- A. Party B and Beijing Century High-Tech Investment Limited Liability Company wish to establish a domestic limited liability company in Beijing, PRC ("Domestic Company"), in which party B will hold 20% equity. B. The Domestic Company will be established to engage mainly in the business of providing internet access service, and other lawful business permitted by China relevant government authorities. C. Party B wishes to borrow the amount specified in Article 2.1 below (the "Loan") from Party A, and Party A has agreed to provide the Loan to Party B on an interest free basis, for the sole purpose of establishing the Domestic Company and developing the Domestic Company's business, which shall specifically include the entering into of a series of agreements with Party A and its Affiliates (as defined below). D. As security for the Loan and her performance of their Agreement, Party B has agreed to pledge her equity interests in the Domestic Company (the "Shares") to Party A. NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties agree as follows: 1. DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATIONS ------------------------------- 1.1 Definitions. Unless otherwise indicated, the following terms in their Agreement shall have the meanings set forth below: "Affiliate" any affiliate entity or business associate of Party A, including without limitation the WFOE - Sohu ITC Information Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. "Certificate" as defined in Article 3.1.9; "Conversion Date" As defined in Article 7.2.1; "Conversion Notice" As defined in Article 7.1; "Designee" an individual, corporation or other appropriate entity designated by Party A to be the recipient of a Share Transfer; "Event of Default" As defined in Article 6; "Loan Date" with respect to Party B, the date on which the portion of the Loan amount borrowed by such Party is paid into her
designated bank account; "PRC Law" any published and available laws and regulations of the PRC; "Repayment Date" as defined in Article 2.3; "RMB" Renminbi, the lawful currency of the PRC; "Share Transfer" as defined in Article 7.2.1; "USD" United States Dollar, the lawful currency of the United States of America. "WFOE" A wholly-owned subsidiary established by Party A in the PRC. 1.2 Interpretations. The headings herein are for reference purposes only and do not affect the meaning or interpretation of any provision hereof. Any reference herein to an Article or Appendix is to an article or appendix of their Agreement. The use of the plural shall include the use of the singular, and vice versa. Unless otherwise indicated, a reference herein to a day, month or year is to a calendar day, month or year. A reference to a business day is to a day on which commercial banks are open for business in both the PRC and the U.S. The use of the masculine shall include the use of the feminine, and vice versa. 2. AMOUNT AND REPAYMENT OF THE LOAN -------------------------------- 2.1 Loan Amount. Party A agrees, subject to the terms and conditions of their Agreement, to extend the Loan to Party B in a total amount of USD0.24 million that is equivalent to RMB 2,000,000. The Loan shall be interest-free. 2.2 Provision of Loan. The Loan shall be deemed to have been provided to Party B on the Loan Date. 2.3 Date of Repayment. The Loan, together with any other moneys owing under their Agreement by Party B, shall become repayable upon the earliest to occur of any of the following events (each a "Repayment Date"): 2.3.1 in full, on the occurrence of an Event of Default; 2.3.2 in full, on the resignation or removal of Party B from the position of director, general manager, supervisor of the Domestic Company; 2.3.3 in full, with respect to Party B, the date on which such Party's employment relationship with Party A or any Affiliate terminates for any reason; 2.3.4 In full, where Party A intends to replace their Agreement with another agreement, the date of the written notice from Party A to Party B confirming such intention; or 2.3.5 In full or in part, at Party A's sole discretion upon any date selected by Party A after the first anniversary of the date of signing of their Agreement. 2.4 Method of Repayment. Repayment will be made only by means of converting the Loan into Shares, as described in Article 7 below, with the final amount of the Loan being due and repayable on the final Conversion Date. The Loan may not be repaid prior to the Repayment Date or by any means not specifically permitted in their Article 2.4 without the express written consent of Party A. 3. UNDERTAKINGS AND WARRANTIES OF PARTY B -------------------------------------- 3.1 Undertakings and Warranties. Party B hereby undertakes and warrants to Party A that:
3.1.1 the Loan will be used solely for the purpose of establishing the Domestic Company and developing its business activities; 3.1.2 she shall use the proceeds from the Loan solely for the purpose of contributing her amount of the registered capital in the Domestic Company; 3.1.3 she has and shall maintain the full power and authority to enter into their Agreement, to borrow the Loan and to perform her obligations hereunder; 3.1.4 there are no civil or criminal, claims, actions, suits, investigations or proceedings pending or, to her knowledge, threatened against her; 3.1.5 there is no provision of any Agreement, enforceable judgment or order of any court binding on her or affecting her property, which would in any way prevent or materially adversely affect her execution or performance of their Agreement; 3.1.6 the execution and performance of their Agreement and the realization of Party A's rights hereunder will not violate any mortgage right, contract, judgment, decree or law which is binding upon her or her assets; 3.1.7 upon her investment in the Domestic Company, she shall be the sole legal and beneficial owner of her Shares, free and clear of all pledges and encumbrances other than the security interest created by their Agreement; 3.1.8 she shall cause the pledge of her Shares to Party A to be recorded on the Domestic Company's register of shareholders; 3.1.9 upon the establishment of the Domestic Company, she shall provide to Party A a certificate from the Domestic Company evidencing her ownership of the Shares (a "Certificate") together with an Assignment Agreement, substantially in the form attached hereto as an Appendix; 3.1.10 for duration of their Agreement, she will not cause the Domestic Company, without the written consent of Party A, to engage directly or indirectly in any business activities which compete with those of Party A other than those described in Recital B above; 3.1.11 she will, at any time and at Party A's expense, defend the Shares against any third party claims; 3.1.12 without the consent of Party A, except as expressly permitted hereunder, she will not arrange for or otherwise permit or cause the issuance of any new shares of capital stock of the Domestic Company; 3.1.13 she shall do or cause to be done all such acts, and execute or cause to be executed any necessary documents and registrations, such that the conversion of the Loan, the Share Transfers and all other transactions contemplated hereunder are effected in a legal and valid manner; and 3.1.14 she shall maintain as strictly confidential the existence and provisions of their Agreement, as well as of any correspondence, resolutions, ancillary agreements and any other documentation associated herewith. 4. COVENANTS --------- 4.1 Affirmative Covenants. Party B hereby covenants that she will furnish to Party A, within 10 days after the end of each month after the Domestic Company has been established, with financial statements of the Domestic Company and such additional information as Party A may from time to time reasonably request.
4.2 Further Covenants. Party B further covenants that, from the date hereof until full repayment of the Loan has been effected, she will not, and will ensure that the Domestic Company does not, except with the prior written consent of Party A: 4.2.1 incur or assume any debt that is not due and payable in the ordinary course of its business (except indebtedness to Party A hereunder or as otherwise specifically permitted hereunder); 4.2.2 incur or assume any mortgage, pledge or other encumbrance of any kind upon any assets of the Domestic Company, whether now owned or hereafter acquired; 4.2.3 enter into any agreement, arrangement, commitment or understanding to, or actually acquire all or part of the substantial assets of any third party; 4.2.4 enter into any agreement, arrangement, commitment or understanding to, or actually sell, lease, or otherwise dispose of any assets of the Domestic Company except in the ordinary course of business; 4.2.5 enter into any agreement, arrangement, commitment or understanding to, or actually, make loans or advances to any third party; 4.2.6 enter into any agreement, arrangement, commitment or understanding to, or actually, assume, guarantee, endorse or otherwise become liable for the obligation of any third party or other entity; or 4.2.7 permit the Domestic Company to conduct any business not expressly described in Recital B of their Agreement. 4.3 Rights of Party A. 4.3.1 Party B agrees that she shall obtain Party A's written approval prior to undertaking any of the following, namely: 4.3.1.1 appointing and removing the directors of the Domestic Company; 4.3.1.2 appointing and removing the general manager of the Domestic Company; and 4.3.1.3 approving the terms of employment of the general manager. 4.3.2 Party B agrees that she shall obtain Party A's written approval prior to undertaking any of the following, namely: 4.3.2.1 appointing and removing of the senior management personnel and any key personnel of the Domestic Company; and 4.3.2.2 approving the terms of employment of the senior management personnel and key personnel of the Domestic Company. 5. SHARE PLEDGE ------------ 5.1 Share Pledge. As security for the performance in full of the obligations of Party B under their Agreement, Party B hereby pledges to Party A, and creates in favor of Party A or the Designee (as appropriate), a first priority security interest in all of the rights, title and interest in and to: 5.1.1 the Shares; and 5.1.2 all of her incidental rights with respect to the Shares, now or hereafter acquired.
Such security interest to be perfected by compliance by Party B with Article 3.1.9 of their Agreement. 5.2 Power of Attorney. Party B hereby irrevocably grants to Party A or the Designee (as appropriate) full power of attorney for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of their Agreement, as well as taking any action and executing any instrument which Party A in good faith deems necessary to accomplish for purposes of their Agreement. 6. EVENTS OF DEFAULT ----------------- The occurrence of any of the following events shall constitute a default of the Loan hereunder and a breach of their Agreement by Party B (as appropriate) (an "Event of Default"): 6.1 a Share Transfer has not been effected by Party B within 20 working days after the corresponding Conversion Date or such time as may otherwise be agreed upon by the Parties; 6.2 Party B is in breach of any of the terms and conditions hereof, and such breach has not been rectified for a period of 10 days after receipt of Party A's written notice requesting such rectified; 6.3 any undertaking or warranty made by Party B herein shall prove to have been false or misleading in any material respect; 6.4 Party B makes any arrangement with her respective creditors or takes or suffers any similar action in consequence of debt; or 6.5 any judgment is made under any applicable law against Party B which exceeds USD 50,000. 7. LOAN CONVERSION --------------- 7.1 Share Conversion. As of the Repayment Date, the Loan shall be convertible into Shares on the basis that 100 percent of the Loan amount equals 100 percent of the Shares. For the avoidance of doubt, if 10 percent of the Loan were repayable by Party B, then such Party, as the case may be, would be required to transfer 10% of the total number of the Shares to Party A. The Loan shall become repayable to such extent as Party A may from time to time request, until the entire Loan amount has been repaid. Party A shall request to convert all or a percentage of the Loan by means of a written notice to Party B that specifies the percentage of the Loan to be converted into Shares ("Conversion Notice"). 7.2 Share Transfer. 7.2.1 Within 20 working days after receipt of a Conversion Notice ("Conversion Date"), Party B shall effect the transfer of the portion of the Shares designated in the Conversion Notice, either to Party A directly or to the Designee specified by Party A in the Conversion Notice (each a "Share Transfer"). 7.2.2 For the avoidance of doubt, upon the completion of the conversion of the Loan and the transfer of all of the Shares of Party B (whether pursuant to their Article 7 or an Event of Default), Party A shall hold as many of the Shares as is permissible under PRC Law, and the remainder of the Shares (if applicable) shall be held by the Designees, with Party B no longer holding any Shares. At such time, their Agreement shall be deemed to have terminated, and the obligations of Party B hereunder to have been fulfilled (with the exception of those under 3.1.13 and 3.1.14). 7.3 Delay. Party B undertakes to notify Party A immediately of any delay in effecting a Share Transfer or completing the procedures described in Article 7.2 above, together with the reason for such delay and revised effective date of the Share Transfer.
7.4 Repayment of Loan. The corresponding portion of the Loan shall be deemed to have been repaid as of the effective date of each Share Transfer. Once Party B have completed the Share Transfers in accordance with the provisions of their Article 7, the Loan shall be deemed to have been repaid in full and Party B shall be deemed to have performed her repayment obligations hereunder. 8. MISCELLANEOUS ------------- 8.1 Notices and Delivery. All notices and communications among the Parties shall be made in writing and in the English language by facsimile transmission with confirmation of transmission, delivery in person (including courier service) or registered airmail letter to the appropriate correspondence addresses set forth below: Party A ------- Sohu.com, Inc. 15/F, Tower 2, Bright China Chang An Building, 7 Jianguomen Nei Avenue, Beijing 100005 Tel : 8610-6510-2160 Fax : 8610-6510-2159 Party B ------- Li Wei Tel : 8610-6510-2160 8.2 Timing. The time of receipt of the notice or communication shall be deemed to be: 8.2.1 If by facsimile transmission with confirmation of transmission, at the time displayed in the corresponding transmission record, unless such facsimile is sent after 5:00 p.m. or on a non-business day in the place where it is received, in which case the date of receipt shall be deemed to be the following business day; 8.2.2 if in person (including express mail), on the date that the receiving Party or a person at the receiving Party's address signs for the document; or 8.2.3 if by registered mail, on the 10th day after the date that is printed on the receipt of the registered mail. 8.3 Foreign Exchange. All amounts payable by Party B hereunder shall be paid in USD. If, as a result of foreign exchange restrictions in the PRC, it becomes illegal for Party B to make any payment to Party A in USD, then she shall make that payment in any other currency permitted for such purposes, as shall be stipulated by Party A at its sole discretion. In such an event, the amount of the payment shall be calculated at the rate published by the Bank of China on the relevant payment date, and shall be free and clear of all expenses, withholding taxes and commissions. 8.4 Amendments. The provisions of their Agreement may not be waived, modified or amended except by an instrument in writing signed by the Parties (which instrument shall be attached as an Appendix hereto). 8.5 No Waiver. Failure or delay on the part of any Party to exercise any right under their Agreement shall not operate as a waiver thereof. 8.6 Severability. The invalidity of any provision of their Agreement shall not affect the validity of any other provision of their Agreement which is unrelated to that provision. 8.7 Survival. The confidentiality obligations of the Parties hereunder shall remain in full force and effect regardless of the termination of their Agreement for any reason.
8.8 Taxes and Duties. Party A shall be responsible for all stamp duties and other governmental fees, taxes and reasonable out-of-pocket expenses (including reasonable legal fees) incurred by the Parties in connection with the conversion of the Loan and each Share Transfer made hereunder and in the preparation of their Agreement. 8.9 Successors. Their Agreement shall be binding upon the Parties and upon their respective successors and assigns (if any). 8.10 Assignment. Party B cannot assign or otherwise transfer her rights or obligations under their Agreement without the prior written consent of Party A. 8.11 Governing Law. The execution, validity, interpretation and implementation of their Agreement and the settlement of disputes thereunder shall be governed by PRC Law. 8.12 Arbitration. All disputes arising out of or in connection with their Agreement shall be finally settled under the Rules of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce as administered by the International Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong by a sole arbitrator appointed in accordance with the said Rules conducted in the English language. 8.13 Entire Agreement. Their Agreement and the Appendix hereto constitute the entire agreement between the Parties and supersede all prior discussions, negotiations and agreements. The Appendix form an integral part hereof and have the same legal effect as their Agreement. If there is any inconsistency between the provisions of their Agreement and any of the Appendixes, the provisions of their Agreement shall prevail to the extent of such inconsistency. 8.14 Language. Their Agreement will be signed in 2 sets of originals in English language, with 1 original for each Party.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed or caused their Agreement to be executed by their duly authorized representatives (as the case may be) as of the date first indicated above. For and on behalf of Sohu.com, Inc. By __________________________ Name: Title: By Li Wei _____________________________
EXHIBIT 10.2 SHAREHOLDER'S AGREEMENT ________________________________________________________________________________ by and between Beijing Century Hi-Tech Investment Co., Ltd. and Guolian Securities Co., Ltd. March 2002
Table of Contents ----------------- Chapter Page CHAPTER 1: DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATIONS ................... 4 CHAPTER 2: PARTIES TO THE AGREEMENT .......................... 7 CHAPTER 3: REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES .................... 7 CHAPTER 4: ESTABLISHMENT OF THE JOINT VENTURE COMPANY ........ 8 CHAPTER 5: JVC'S BUSINESS SCOPE .............................. 8 CHAPTER 6: THE JOINT VENTURE TERM ............................ 9 CHAPTER 7: REGISTERED CAPITAL ................................ 9 CHAPTER 8: SERVICES .......................................... 10 CHAPTER 9: BUSINESS OPERATIONS ............................... 10 CHAPTER 10: SHAREHOLDERS' MEETING ............................. 10 CHAPTER 11: BOARD OF DIRECTORS ................................ 12 CHAPTER 12: ORGANISATION AND MANAGEMENT ....................... 16 CHAPTER 13: LABOUR MANAGEMENT ................................. 17 CHAPTER 14: STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN .............................. 18 CHAPTER 15: ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE ............................ 18 CHAPTER 16: TAXATION .......................................... 19 CHAPTER 17: CONFIDENTIALITY ................................... 19 CHAPTER 18: TERMINATION AND MATERIAL BREACH ................... 20 CHAPTER 19: LIQUIDATION ....................................... 22 CHAPTER 20: FORCE MAJEURE ..................................... 23 CHAPTER 21: GOVERNING LAW AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION .............. 23 -2-
CHAPTER 22: MISCELLANEOUS ............................................... 24 Appendices Remuneration of Senior Management Personnel JVC's Articles of Association JVC's Services Agreement with Sohu ITC Information Technology Co., Ltd. JVC's Services Agreement with Guolian Securities Co., Ltd. -3-
THIS SHAREHOLDER'S AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") is made on this 16/th/ day of March 2002 in the People's Republic of China ("China" or the "PRC") by and between BEIJING CENTURY HI-TECH INVESTMENT CO., LTD., with its legal address at Suite 21, 15th Floor, Tower 2, Bright China Chang'an Building, 7 Jianguomennei Avenue, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100005, People's Republic of China, ("Party A") and GUOLIAN SECURITIES CO., LTD., with its legal address at No.153, Zhongshan Road, Wuxi 214001, Jiangsu Province, PRC. ("Party B") (individually a "Party" and collectively the "Parties"). RECITALS - -------- A. Party A is an affiliated company to Sohu.com, Inc., a leading Internet portal company, and a developer of advanced Internet-related technology. B. Party B is a leading provider of comprehensive financial services, including online securities brokerage services. C. The Parties wish to establish a joint venture company ("JVC") in compliance with PRC Law (as defined below) and the provisions of this Agreement to provide online securities brokerage and financial services for Clients (as defined below) by opening online trading accounts with the Service Stations (as defined below) through a telephone and web-based platform. NOW, THEREFORE, THE PARTIES AGREE AS FOLLOWS: CHAPTER 1: DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATIONS - -------------------------------------------- 1.1 Definitions. Unless the terms or context of this Agreement provide otherwise, the following items shall have the meanings set out below: Accounts * Affiliate an entity in which either Party directly or indirectly holds at least 10% of the voting rights; Articles of Association the articles of association of the JVC signed by the Parties on the same date as this Agreement; Shanghai AIC the Shanghai Administration for Industry and Commerce; Board the JVC's Board of Directors; Branches securities business branches and securities service branches; Brokerage Seats remote trading seats, which are communication ports provided by securities exchanges to securities companies for the purpose of facilitating connections among host computers; Chairman the Director who is the chairman of the JVC's Board; Clients persons that open online trading accounts through the JVC; -4-
Client Database the database used to record JVC Clients and Accounts; Company Secretary an employee of the JVC whose responsibilities include preparing the Board minutes; Confidential all information and matters relating to this Information Agreement, the JVC, the Parties or to the business of the Parties or the JVC, including without limitation all IPRs (as defined below), information regarding costs, technology, finances, future commercial plans and other information which is deemed to be confidential by the Parties or the Board (as appropriate); CSRC the China Securities Regulatory Commission; Director an individual appointed by the Parties in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement to serve as a member of the Board; Effective Date the effective date of this Agreement, which shall be the date first indicated above; Employment Contract the contract entered into between the JVC and each of the Senior Management Personnel, Management Personnel and Working Personnel in relation to their employment, wages and benefits; Force Majeure any earthquake, storm, fire, flood, war or other significant event of natural or human-caused disaster arising after signing this Agreement (including, without limitation, any significant changes to any PRC government policy or PRC Law) which is unforeseen (or, if foreseen, not reasonably avoidable), is beyond the control of either Party and prevents the total or partial performance of this Agreement by either Party or materially affects the business of the JVC; Guolian Branches Branches established by Party B, including securities business branches and securities service branches; IPRs any intellectual property rights held exclusively by either Party, existing or developed in the future, including: (a) copyright; (b) trade marks (including product trade mark and service trade mark), trade name and other rights relevant to commercial logos, regardless of whether the medium of expression is words, graphics, or a combination thereof; (c) rights relating to patented inventions (regardless of whether they are completely registered or under application) and non-patented technologies; (d) the ownership of any software (including source codes), database and industrial technology; (e) commercial secrets; (f) know-how; and (g) all rights that are produced as a result of intellectual creative activities in the industrial and scientific fields; Joint Venture Term as defined in Article 6.1 and any extension thereof under Article 6.2; -5-
Liquidation the committee appointed by the Board which has the power Committee to represent the JVC in all legal matters relating to the liquidation of the JVC; Management the management personnel of the JVC as appointed by the Personnel general manager according to the rules set forth by the Board and stipulated in the Articles of Association; Net Revenue Revenue generated by the JVC from the Clients through all kinds of trading and value-added services, less any applicable taxes; Online Trading any non-spot remote trading conducted by technical means, including but not limited to Internet; Policies and the manual outlining the guidelines and procedures Procedures Manual relating to the administration and labour management of the JVC, which shall be prepared by the general manager in accordance with PRC Law and approved by the Board; PRC GAAP PRC Generally Accepted Accounting Principles; PRC Law any published and applicable laws, regulations, rules and policies of the PRC; Profits any profits of the JVC, less expenses incurred in the normal course of business, including taxes, contributions to the employee bonus and welfare funds and corporate reserve and development funds; RMB Renminbi, the official currency of the PRC; Senior the JVC's general manager (equivalent of Chief Executive Management Officer), finance manager (equivalent of Chief Financial Personnel Officer), deputy general managers (equivalent of Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technology Officer), who shall be appointed by the Board; Service Station offices established for the purpose of providing remote trading services, to be used in marketing and promotion, technical training and consultation, demonstration of business processes, handling of urgent technical matters, account opening, designated trading, services relating to cancellation of designated trading, printing brokerage receipts and trading checklists and other services permitted by the CSRC, but not be used in the deposit or withdrawal of clients' cash, over-counter trading and settlement and provision of business trading place; US GAAP United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles; Trading Column a sub-channel of the Sohu.com's finance channel dedicated to online trading including, but not limited to, securities transactions; Working Personnel all employees of the JVC other than the Senior Management Personnel and Management Personnel. 1.2 Interpretations. 1.2.1 A reference to a day herein is to a calendar day. A reference to a business day herein is to a day on which commercial banks are open for business in the PRC. A reference herein to an Article or Appendix is to an article or appendix of this Agreement. -6-
1.2.2 The headings of the Articles are for convenience only and do not affect the meaning of any of the provisions of this Agreement. 1.2.3 The use of the singular shall include the use of the plural and vice versa. The use of one gender shall include the use of the other gender as appropriate. CHAPTER 2 : PARTIES TO THE AGREEMENT - ------------------------------------ 2.1 The Parties. The Parties to the Agreement are: 2.1.1 Party A ------- BEIJING CENTURY HI-TECH INVESTMENT CO., LTD., a limited liability company registered in Beijing with its legal address at Suite 21, 15th Floor, Tower 2, Bright China Chang'an Building, 7 Jianguomennei Avenue, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100005, PRC. Authorised representative: Name : Charles Zhang Title : Chairman 2.1.2 Party B GUOLIAN SECURITIES CO., LTD., a limited liability company incorporated in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province with its legal address at No.153, Zhongshan Road, Wuxi 214001, Jiangsu Province, PRC. Authorised representative: Name : Fan Yan Title : Chairman CHAPTER 3 : REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES - ------------------------------------------ 3.1 Representations and Warranties. Each Party represents and warrants to the other that: 3.1.1 it possesses full power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder; 3.1.2 its authorised representative, whose signature is affixed hereto, has been fully authorised to sign this Agreement on its behalf pursuant to a valid power of attorney, a copy of which has been provided to the other Party; 3.1.3 it has obtained and will maintain the validity of all licenses necessary for IPRs required to perform its obligations hereunder; 3.1.4 it has obtained, and will maintain the validity of all necessary permits from the relevant governmental authorities required for the lawful operation of its business and its performance of this Agreement; 3.1.5 it shall maintain as strictly confidential the provisions and existence of this Agreement, as well as any information relating to the business of the other Party to which it might have access during the performance of this Agreement, in accordance with Chapter 17 below; 3.1.6 the execution and performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby do not violate any judicial or administrative order, award, judgement or decree applicable to it or conflict with any of the terms, conditions or provisions of any other agreement, contract, or arrangement, written or oral, to which it is bound; 3.1.7 it is in lawful possession of all assets relating to its business; and -7-
3.1.8 it shall not sell, dispose of, pledge, cede or encumber any of its equity interest in the JVC by any means whatsoever without the prior written consent of the other Party. CHAPTER 4: ESTABLISHMENT OF THE JOINT VENTURE COMPANY - ------------------------------------------------------ 4.1 Registration. Within 14 days after the Effective Date, the preparation committee appointed by the Parties shall undertake registration procedures with the Shanghai AIC for the establishment of the JVC and apply for the JVC's business licence. The JVC shall come into existence on the date of the issuance of its business licence. 4.2 Name and Address. 4.2.1 The Chinese name of the JVC shall be "Name of Company in Chinese appears here". 4.2.2 The English name of the JVC shall be "Sohu - Guolian Information Technology Co., Ltd.". 4.2.3 The name of the JVC's website will be decided pursuant to Article 9.4 below. 4.2.4 The legal address of the JVC shall be in Pudong, Shanghai, PRC. 4.3 Limited Liability Company. The JVC shall be a limited liability company. Each Party's liability to the JVC shall be limited to the amount of its contribution to the JVC's registered capital. Each Party shall share Profits, and assume risks and losses in accordance with its shareholding percentage in the registered capital of the JVC. 4.4 Laws and Decrees. 4.4.1 The JVC shall be a legal person under PRC Law. The activities of the JVC shall be governed, and its lawful rights protected, by PRC Law. 4.4.2 If, after the execution date of this Agreement, any existing PRC Law is changed or the interpretation thereof is changed, or any new PRC Law is implemented and the effect of such changed or new PRC Law is to provide for preferential treatment to either Party, the JVC and the relevant Party shall promptly apply to the relevant government authorities for the preferential treatment of such changed or new PRC Law. 4.4.3 If either Party's economic benefits under this Agreement are materially and adversely affected, directly or indirectly, as a result of the changed PRC Law or the interpretation thereof or the new PRC Law, then: 4.4.3.1 this Agreement shall continue to be implemented in accordance with its original terms; or 4.4.3.2 either Party may choose to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Article 18.2.4. CHAPTER 5: JVC'S BUSINESS SCOPE - -------------------------------- 5.1 Scope of Business. The scope of business of the JVC shall include: 5.1.1 the development and manufacture of computer software and hardware, the development of network systems technology, the development of an online securities trading system and related technical services; and 5.1.2 Internet information services, market research and marketing consulting. 5.2 Expansion of Business Scope. The JVC shall apply in its own name for an online securities brokerage services permit. Once that permit has been issued, the business scope of the JVC shall be amended to include "online securities brokerage services". -8-
CHAPTER 6: THE JOINT VENTURE TERM - --------------------------------- 6.1 Joint Venture Term. The Joint Venture Term shall commence on the issuance date of the JVC's business licence and shall expire 30 years thereafter, unless such term is extended in accordance with Article 6.2 or prematurely terminated in accordance with Article 18.2. 6.2 Extension of the Joint Venture Term. No less than 1 year prior to the expiry of the Joint Venture Term, the Parties may discuss the extension of the Joint Venture Term. If the Parties so agree, an application for examination and approval of such extension shall be submitted to the Shanghai AIC no less than 180 days prior to the expiry of the Joint Venture Term. CHAPTER 7: REGISTERED CAPITAL 7.1 Registered Capital. The total amount of the JVC's registered capital shall be RMB 50 million. 7.2 Capital Contribution. 7.2.1 Party A's contribution to the JVC's registered capital shall be RMB 25.5 million in cash, representing 51% of the JVC's total registered capital. 7.2.2 Party B's contribution to the JVC's registered capital shall be RMB 24.5 million in cash, representing 49% of the JVC's total registered capital. 7.2.3 Each Party shall contribute its respective registered capital amount in full to the designated account of the Shanghai AIC within 50 days after confirmation of the JVC's Company name by the Shanghai AIC. 7.3 Capital Increase. 7.3.1 Neither the JVC's total registered capital nor the proportion of the Parties' respective shareholding percentage in the JVC shall be changed during the Joint Venture Term without a unanimous resolution of the Board and the approval of the Shanghai AIC. 7.3.2 If the Board resolves to increase the JVC's registered capital, each Party shall have the pre-emptive right (unless otherwise waived), within 30 days of the passing of the relevant Board resolution, to subscribe to such capital increase in proportion to its shareholding percentage of the JVC's total registered capital. Where either Party chooses not to subscribe, its shareholding percentage (and for the avoidance of doubt, its Board representation and rights to Profits) shall be diluted accordingly. 7.4 Assignment. 7.4.1 Party B agrees that after the establishment of the JVC, Party A shall have the right to assign any or all its equity in the JVC to any Affiliate or Subsidiary of Sohu.com, Inc The Affiliate or Subsidiary in question shall assume liabilities proportionate to the equity in the total registered capital of the JVC assigned to it. Party B shall execute all documents necessary for the completion of such an equity transfer, including, without limitation, Board resolutions, shareholders' resolutions and an equity transfer agreement. 7.4.2 Party B shall have the right to assign all or part of its interests in the JVC to any of its Affiliates or Subsidiaries, but such assignee's qualifications for engaging in securities industry and any license or permit required for maintaining the JVC's online securities trading permit shall require the prior examination and approval of Party A. The Affiliate or Subsidiary in question shall assume liabilities proportionate to the equity in the total registered capital of the JVC assigned to it. However, under no circumstances shall such assignment affect the JVC's application for and holding of the online securities brokerage services permit or violate PRC Law. -9-
7.4.3 Except as stated under Article 7.4.1, either Party (the "Selling Shareholder") may transfer, sell or otherwise assign all, but no less than the totality, of its JVC equities (the "Sale Equities"), in accordance with and subject to the following provisions: 7.4.3.1 The Selling Shareholder shall first irrevocably offer the Sale Shares in writing to the other Party of the JVC ("Non-selling Shareholder"), stating the price and terms of payment required by it. Such offer shall be irrevocable and shall be valid for 14 days from receipt of such offer. The Party to whom such offer is made must indicate its acceptance of such by written notice to the Selling Shareholder within 14 day period, and effect the purchase of the Selling Shareholder's equity by complying with the terms of payment as specified in the offer. Acceptance of the offer shall constitute the firm and irrevocable purchase of the Sale Shares by the Non-selling Shareholder. 7.4.3.2 If the Non-selling Shareholder fails to accept the Selling Shareholder's offer, then the Selling Shareholder has the right to transfer all or part of its equities in the JVC to any third party at same price as offered to the Non-selling Shareholder. 7.5 Verification Report. 7.5.1 The JVC shall appoint an accounting firm registered in the PRC to verify the capital contributions of the Parties within 60 days thereof. After completing the verification, the accounting firm shall provide the relevant capital verification report to the JVC, a copy of which shall then immediately be forwarded to each Party by the JVC. The JVC shall submit the capital verification report to the local department of finance or the Shanghai AIC within 10 days of the receipt of such report. 7.5.2 The capital verification report shall specify the following particulars: 7.5.2.1 the JVC's name; 7.5.2.2 the name of each Party; 7.5.2.3 the amount of the capital contribution subscribed by each Party; and 7.5.2.4 the details of the capital contribution by each Party in cash. 7.6 Investment Certificates. In accordance with the capital verification report, the JVC shall issue to each Party an investment certificate signed by the Chairman, as the legal representative of the JVC. CHAPTER 8: SERVICES - -------------------- 8.1 Service Markets. The JVC shall provide online securities brokerage services and value-added financial services to Clients 8.2 Service Charges. The rates which the JVC will charge the Clients for its services shall be determined by the general manager based on the JVC's operational strategy and price standards stipulated by the Board. CHAPTER 9: BUSINESS OPERATION - ----------------------------- * CHAPTER 10: SHAREHOLDERS' MEETING - ---------------------------------- 10.1 Formation. The shareholders' meeting is comprised of all the shareholders of the JVC. 10.2 Authority. The shareholders' meeting is the highest organ of authority of the JVC and shall exercise the following powers: -10-
10.2.1 determining the JVC's business strategies and investment plans; 10.2.2 appointing and replacing the Directors of the JVC and determining their remuneration and related matters; 10.2.3 appointing and replacing the supervisors of the JVC and determining their remuneration and related matters; 10.2.4 examining and approving annual business reports and other important interim business reports submitted by the Board of Directors; 10.2.5 examining and approving annual business reports and other important interim business reports submitted by the supervisors; 10.2.6 examining and approving the JVC's annual budgets and end-of-year financial statements; 10.2.7 examining and approving the JVC's profit distribution plans and measures to remedy losses; 10.2.8 approving increases and reductions in the JVC's registered capital; 10.2.9 approving the issuance of JVC bonds; 10.2.10 approving any merger, division, restructuring, dissolution and liquidation of the JVC; 10.2.11 approving the amendment of the Articles of Association; and 10.2.12 approving the appointment of independent auditors for the purpose of preparing financial reports in accordance with US GAAP and PRC GAAP. 10.3 Shareholders' Meetings. 10.3.1 The first shareholders' meeting shall be convened and presided over by the shareholder with the largest equity interest in the JVC. 10.3.2 During shareholders' meetings, the shareholders shall exercise their voting rights according to the ratio of their respective capital contributions. 10.3.3 Shareholders' meetings shall be divided into regular meetings and interim meetings. Written notice of a shareholders' meeting shall be sent to all shareholders 15 days prior to the convening of such meeting. Regular shareholders' meetings shall be convened once a year and interim meetings may be convened upon the proposal of any shareholder holding at least one-quarter of the equity interest in the JVC or more than one-third of the Directors or supervisor(s) of the JVC. Shareholders may attend a shareholders' meeting in person or authorise a proxy in writing to attend the shareholders' meeting on their behalf. The proxy shall exercise the rights as specified in the relevant power of attorney. 10.3.4 Shareholders' meetings (except for the first meeting) shall be convened and presided over by the Chairman. Where the Chairman is not able to perform this duty due to special reasons, he or she may appoint another Director as a proxy to preside over the meetings on his or her behalf. 10.4 Shareholders' Meeting Resolutions. Resolutions on the matters specified in Article 10.2 above shall only require the consent of a simple majority of the shareholders except that resolutions on the matters listed below shall require the consent of the shareholders representing 2/3 or above voting rights, namely: 10.4.1 increases or reductions in the JVC's registered capital; -11-
10.4.2 the merger, division, dissolution and restructuring of the JVC; and 10.4.3 amendments to the Articles of Association. 10.5 Minutes. Matters discussed at a shareholders' meeting shall be recorded in the minutes of such meeting, which shall be signed by all the shareholders present at that shareholders' meeting. 10.6 Deadlock Procedure. 10.6.1 Where there is deadlock vote on any issue at a shareholders' meeting, either Party may serve a written deadlock notice to the other Party by facsimile and registered airmail. 10.6.2 In case more than one Party issues a deadlock notice, the date of the first notice delivered shall govern. 10.6.3 A shareholders' meeting shall be convened at a time and place convenient to either party, no later than 20 days from the date of the issuance of the deadlock notice. 10.6.4 At the meeting, each Party shall hand to the other Party a sealed envelope constituting an irrevocable offer to purchase the totality, and no less than the totality, of the equity held by the other Party in the JVC (a "Sealed Bid"). 10.6.5 The Sealed Bids shall be opened by the Parties and/or the fully empowered representatives of the Parties. After having been made available for inspection by the representative of each Party, the offer which contains the highest price per share shall be declared to be successful. 10.6.6 The Party issuing the highest price per share shall be deemed to be the "Acquiring Shareholder" and the other Party shall be deemed to be the "Transferring Shareholder". 10.6.7 The Parties irrevocably and expressly acknowledge that such above-mentioned declaration shall be the binding price for the relevant Party's equity interest, and irrevocably accept that the highest Sealed Bid in terms of price per share shall be the successful offer. 10.6.8 The Acquiring Shareholder shall be obligated to purchase all, but no less than all of the equity interest in the JVC from the other Party at the price offered. 10.6.9 All purchase bids must be for cash payment within 60 days of the acceptance of the successful offer. CHAPTER 11: BOARD OF DIRECTORS - ------------------------------- 11.1 Board Authority. The Board shall discuss and determine all major issues regarding the JVC. 11.2 Board Formation. 11.2.1 The Board shall be established on the date of the issuance of the JVC's business licence. The Board shall consist of 8 Directors. Party A shall appoint 4 Directors, and Party B shall appoint 4 Directors. Party B shall also appoint the Chairman. 11.2.2 Each Director shall be appointed for a term of 3 years, unless the term is shortened by his removal or resignation, and may serve consecutive terms if re-appointed by the Party that originally appointed him. If a Director's position becomes vacant for any reason, the Party which originally appointed that Director shall appoint a successor within 30 days of the vacancy to serve the remainder of his term. 11.2.3 At the invitation of the Board, the Chairman or any other Director may concurrently hold the position of general manager or that of any other Senior Management Personnel. 11.2.4 The Chairman shall be the legal representative of the JVC, and shall be appointed by Party B. If the Chairman is unable to perform his responsibilities, he shall authorise another -12-
Director nominated by Party B in writing to represent him and shall promptly notify the Board and each Party of such authorisation. 11.3 Removal and Resignation of Directors. 11.3.1 Either Party may at any time, by written notice, immediately remove a Director (including the Chairman) whom it appointed, and shall thereafter appoint a successor to serve the remainder of the term of the removed Director. If the Director so removed is the Chairman, the relevant Party shall, within 7 days thereof, notify the JVC Secretary in writing of such removal and of the details of the Chairman's successor, including the successor's name, nationality and background. The JVC Secretary shall notify the other Party and all Directors of the same in writing within 7 days of receiving the said notice. 11.3.2 If a Director (including the Chairman) resigns, then: 11.3.2.1 the Party that originally appointed such Director shall, within 7 days of his resignation, appoint a successor to serve the remainder of the Director's term and notify the JVC Secretary of the same in writing; and 11.3.2.2 the JVC Secretary shall notify the other Party and all Directors of the details of the resignation and the appointment of a successor in writing within 7 days of receiving the said notice. 11.4 Responsibilities of Directors. 11.4.1 All the Directors shall observe this Agreement and Articles of Association, carry out their duties faithfully and safeguard the interests of the JVC , and shall not seek personal gain through their position and authority in the JVC. 11.4.2 No personal act of any Director may bind the Board or the JVC without the prior written approval of the Board. 11.4.3 No Director shall be personally liable for any act performed in his capacity as a Director, except for acts that constitute a violation of PRC Law, this Agreement, Articles of Association or the laws of any other jurisdiction to which the relevant Director is subject. 11.5 Board Meetings. 11.5.1 The Chairman shall convene the first Board meeting of the JVC within 30 days of the date of the issuance of the JVC's business licence. 11.5.2 Board meetings shall be held at least once a year at such place within or outside the PRC as designated by the Board. When it is considered necessary and upon the written request of 1/3 or more of the Directors, the Chairman shall convene an interim Board meeting. 11.5.3 The Chairman or the JVC Secretary, as duly authorised by the Chairman, shall send written notices regarding Board meetings at least 30 days prior to each meeting to all Directors, unless: 11.5.3.1 the requirement for such notice is waived by all Directors; or 11.5.3.2 a lesser period is proposed by 2/3 or more of the Directors, in which event written notice regarding such meetings shall be sent to the other Directors within such lesser period. Notices for Board meetings shall include information on the time, place and agenda of the meetings, as well as on the topics to be discussed and the proposals to be decided by the Board. Each Director shall confirm in writing -13-
whether he/she will be able to attend that meeting within 7 days of receipt of such notice. 11.5.4 A quorum for a Board meeting shall be 4 Directors, present in person or by proxy. 11.5.5 If a Director cannot attend a Board meeting, he may authorise in writing another person to act as his proxy to attend and vote at that particular Board meeting, and shall send a copy of the relevant letter of authorisation to the Chairman and the JVC Secretary. The proxy so entrusted shall have the same rights and responsibilities as the Director for whom the proxy is acting. 11.5.6 Each Director present at a Board meeting shall have 1 vote, unless he is appointed to act as a proxy by another Director who is unable to participate in the said meeting and, accordingly, may have more than 1 vote. 11.5.7 A Director participating in any Board meeting by means of telephone or another mode of communication approved by the Board shall be deemed to have attended that meeting in person, unless he was unable to hear clearly or be clearly heard by the other Directors, and the situation was immediately brought to the attention of the Directors present at the meeting. If a quorum for a Board meeting was not constituted in the absence of such Director, discussion among the other Directors on any matter shall immediately be suspended until a quorum is reached. 11.5.8 Any action by the Board may be taken without a Board meeting if all Directors consent in writing through registered mail or fax to such action. Such written consent shall be filed with the JVC Secretary as part of the Board minutes. Such resolution shall have the same force and effect as if it had been unanimously passed at a duly convened Board meeting. 11.6 Board Resolutions. 11.6.1 Any resolutions involving the following matters of the JVC may only be adopted by the unanimous affirmative vote of all Directors present (in person or by proxy) at the Board meeting: 11.6.1.1 any amendment to this Agreement or the Articles of Association; 11.6.1.2 any increase, decrease to or transfer of the registered capital; 11.6.1.3 extending or obtaining of loans, and the use of JVC assets as collateral for the same; 11.6.1.4 external investments made by the JVC; 11.6.1.5 a division of the JVC or a merger of the JVC with any other economic organisation; 11.6.1.6 the dissolution or termination of the JVC (except where such termination occurs as a result of a material breach by either of the Parties); or 11.6.1.7 approval of any application from Party B under Article 9.10.8 of this Agreement, 11.6.2 With the exception of those topics listed under Article 11.6.1 above, Board resolutions on all other matters shall be adopted by an affirmative vote of a simple majority of all Directors present at the Board meeting, including without limitation the following: 11.6.2.1 Any suspension or ceasing of, or any changes in the nature or address of, or any authorization of a third party to manage the business activities of the JVC, or a substantial part thereof. -14-
11.6.2.2 The declaring, paying, or allocating of any dividend or other allocation of [ ] to the shareholders. 11.6.2.3 Any significant change in the accounting policies of the JVC. 11.6.2.4 The approval of the long-term or annual business plan and operating budget of the JVC. 11.6.2.5 The entering into of any purchase and lease contracts or any financial expenditure or commitment with either Party or a third party for any reason in an amount exceeding RMB 1,000,000. 11.6.2.6 Any material agreement and any other agreement entered into by the JVC outside of the normal and ordinary course of the business of the JVC. 11.6.2.7 The establishment of employee pensions or additional benefits which are not required by PRC Law. 11.6.2.8 The opening of bank accounts for the JVC. 11.6.2.9 The investment policy of the JVC for its excess cash. 11.7 Deadlock Procedures. Where there is a deadlock vote on any issue at a Board meeting, the Parties shall resolve such deadlock as follows: 11.7.1 a second Board meeting will be convened within 48 hours of the initial meeting, and the matter in question will be discussed and voted upon again; and 11.7.2 where the votes are again equal, the Chairman of each Party (or his / her designated representative) shall resolve the matter through friendly consultations, and notify the Board of their mutually agreed decision in writing. 11.8 Expenses. 11.8.1 Unless otherwise determined by the Board, the JVC shall not pay any fees to the Directors for services performed in their capacity as such. 11.8.2 The JVC shall pay the reasonable expenses for air tickets, meals and accommodation incurred by the Directors for the purpose of attending Board meetings. 11.9 General Manager. The general manager may attend Board meetings but is not entitled to vote unless he/she is a Director in his/her own right or has been entrusted to represent an absent Director according to Article 11.5.5 and Article 11.5.6. 11.10 Minutes. 11.10.1 Draft minutes of the Board meetings, recording discussions among and resolutions passed by the Directors, shall be prepared by the JVC Secretary in Chinese and shall be reviewed and signed by all Directors within 15 days after the close of each Board meeting. Any Director who wishes to propose any amendment or addition thereto shall submit the same in writing to the Chairman, copying to all Directors, immediately after receipt of the Board minutes and in any event no later than 30 days following the relevant Board meeting, otherwise he shall be deemed to have agreed to the draft minutes. 11.10.2 Signing procedures for Board minutes shall be as follows: 11.10.2.1 the JVC Secretary shall prepare 1 original each in Chinese and English of the Board minutes based on the draft minutes agreed (or deemed to have been agreed) to by all the Directors, and forward the same to Party A; -15-
11.10.2.2 Party A shall within 15 days of receipt of the original minutes dispatched by the JVC Secretary arrange for its Directors to sign the same. If any Director appointed by Party A fails to sign the said minutes, within the said 15-day period, then the Director appointed by Party A shall be deemed to have agreed to and signed the said minutes. Upon (and, in any event, no later than) the expiration of the said 15-day period, Party A shall immediately relay the minutes by courier service to Party B; 11.10.2.3 Party B shall within 15 days of receipt of the original minutes dispatched by Party A arrange for its Directors to sign the same. If any Director appointed by Party B fails to sign the said minutes within the said 15-day period, then such Director appointed by Party B shall be deemed to have agreed to and thus to have signed the said minutes. Upon (and, in any event, no later than) the expiration of the said 15-day period, Party B shall return the signed original minutes to the JVC Secretary; and 11.10.2.4 After the JVC Secretary has received from the Parties the signed original Board minutes, he shall provide 1 copy of each for each Party for record and file the original of the same with the JVC. CHAPTER 12: ORGANISATION AND MANAGEMENT - --------------------------------------- 12.1 Management Organisation. The JVC shall implement and adopt a management system under which the general manager shall be responsible to the Board for the operations of the JVC and shall report to the Board on a regular basis. The Board shall, in accordance with the Articles of Association, conduct an annual review of the general manager's performance of his duties. 12.2 Appointment and Dismissal of Senior Management Personnel. 12.2.1 Party A shall be entitled to nominate the general manager (CEO) and finance manager (CFO), whose appointment or dismissal shall be confirmed by the Board, and whose term of employment shall be 2 years. Party B shall be entitled to nominate the Chief Operating Officer (DGM) whose appointment or dismissal shall be confirmed by the Board, and whose term of employment shall be 2 years. The general manager and other Senior Management Personnel shall be appointed by the Board. 12.2.2 Senior Management Personnel shall have the relevant qualifications and experience for their respective positions. 12.2.3 Senior Management Personnel shall perform, on a full-time basistheir duties and all other obligations stipulated in the Articles of Association or as resolved by the Board. Pursuant to PRC Law, the general manager may not concurrently hold the position of general manager or deputy general manager at any other economic organisation within the PRC during his term of employment by the JVC. 12.2.4 The Senior Management Personnel shall not, either on their own behalf or on behalf of any third parties, engage in any business activities which are of the same type as that conducted by the JVC, or engage in any activities which are harmful to the interests of the JVC. The Senior Management Personnel may not enter into contracts or do business with the JVC, either on their own behalf or on behalf of any other companies, unless approved to do so by the shareholders' meeting. 12.2.5 If any Senior Management Personnel leaves the employ of the JVC, the said personnel shall not work for any other economic organisation in direct or indirect competition with the JVC for a period of 360 days after his resignation from the JVC. -16-
12.3 Dismissal of Senior Management Personnel. If any Senior Management Personnel commits graft or a serious dereliction of duty, he may be summarily dismissed by a simple majority resolution of the Board. If the relevant Senior Management Personnel is a Director, he may not participate in such a vote. 12.4 Management Personnel. The Management Personnel must have the relevant qualifications and experience for their respective positions, and shall be appointed and dismissed by the general manager according to the management system adopted by the Board. 12.5 General Manager's Responsibilities. 12.5.1 The general manager shall be fully responsible for the day-to-day operation and management of the JVC and shall implement the decisions of the Board. 12.5.2 In addition to the other responsibilities set forth in this Agreement and the Articles of Association, the general manager shall have the following responsibilities: 12.5.2.1 to formulate the operational plan and the budget of the JVC, which shall be implemented after their approval by the Board; 12.5.2.2 to determine the pricing of the services provided by the JVC in accordance with the guidelines established by the Board; 12.5.2.3 to purchase, at a reasonable price, any goods and services necessary for the JVC's operations; 12.5.2.4 with the approval of the Board, to purchase or sell any equipment necessary for the JVC's operations, which equipment shall be deemed to be an asset of the JVC; 12.5.2.5 to nominate any Senior Management Personnel (except the general manager, finance manager and deputy general managers) for appointment and dismissal by the Board; 12.5.2.6 to employ and dismiss any Management Personnel and Working Personnel; and 12.5.2.7 to approve and determine, under the supervision of the Board, other matters authorised by the Board. 12.6 Remuneration of Senior Management Personnel. The Parties agree that the Senior Management Personnel's remuneration shall be confirmed by the Board in a formal resolution. CHAPTER 13 : LABOUR MANAGEMENT - ------------------------------ 13.1 Governing Principles. 13.1.1 As stipulated by PRC Law, the JVC shall autonomously determine the following labour management matters: 13.1.1.1 the time, conditions, and methods of recruitment of the JVC's personnel, as well as the number of employees to be recruited; 13.1.1.2 the terms of employment for the JVC's personnel, as well as circumstances under which their Employment Contracts may be terminated; and 13.1.1.3 the system of wage payment, the standard of wages and the incentives, subsidies and benefits of the JVC. -17-
13.1.2 The employment plan determined by the JVC shall be filed for the record with the local labour administrative department. 13.2 Employment Contracts. 13.2.1 The JVC must, in accordance with PRC Law, sign an Employment Contract with each Senior Management Personnel, Management Personnel and Working Personnel on the basis of equality and volition as well as consultation and agreement. 13.2.2 Authentication procedures should be carried out with the local labour administration authorities within 30 days following the execution of an Employment Contract. 13.3 Employee Compensation. 13.3.1 The compensation of the JVC's employees and policies governing the same shall be stipulated in the relevant Employment Contract and the Policies and Procedures Manual. 13.3.2 The JVC shall not pay any extra wages, subsidies, benefits or other compensation to its employees except as stipulated in the Employment Contract and the Policies and Procedures Manual. 13.4 Social Insurance and Welfare. The JVC shall provide social insurance and welfare benefits for the JVC's employees in accordance with PRC Law. CHAPTER 14 : STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN - --------------------------------- 14.1 Each Party shall contribute on a pro rata basis a portion of its equity in the JVC to an incentive plan for the Directors, Senior Management Personnel and other employees of the JVC. The total amount of equity contributed to the incentive plan shall be 15%. 14.2 At the discretion of the JVC Board of Directors, such 15% of its total equity may be distributed under the stock incentive plan among the Directors, Senior Management Personnel and other employees of the JVC, or to a designated entity established for the purpose of holding the said equity. The vesting terms, detailed option terms and purchase price of the equity payable pursuant to the stock incentive plan shall be determined by the JVC Board. CHAPTER 15 : ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE - ----------------------------------- 15.1 Accounting and Auditing System. 15.1.1 The general manager and the finance manager shall be responsible for the financial management of the JVC; they shall submit 1 copy each of the approval certificate, business licence, this Agreement and the Articles of Association to the local department of finance within 30 days following the completion of the industrial and commercial registration and shall secure taxation registration certificates from the State and local taxation bureau. 15.1.2 The general manager and the finance manager shall prepare the accounting system and procedures of the JVC in accordance with PRC Law and the internal auditing and internal reporting requirements of Party A (in particular, including an annual statement and audit report prepared according to international accounting standards), which shall be submitted to the Board for approval and filed with the relevant governmental administrations. 15.1.3 The financial year of the JVC shall be from January 1st to December 31st of the calendar year; the first financial year of the JVC shall commence on the date of the issuance of the JVC's business licence and shall end on December 31st of the same year. 15.1.4 The JVC will prepare financial statements in accordance with both US GAAP and PRC GAAP. The JVC shall be audited by both an internationally registered accounting firm and a PRC-registered accounting firm both of which shall be nominated by Party A and -18-
appointed by JVC. The JVC shall bear the costs of auditing. If Party A has additional requirements, the JVC shall cooperate with Party A and Party A itself shall bear the relevant expenses. The PRC GAAP financial statements shall be used for all PRC statutory filing purposes and the payment of dividends. US GAAP shall be used for determining employee and senior management bonuses, amounts to be charged under service agreements, resolving any JVC valuation issues associated with termination or breach of contract and profit sharing for the respective shareholders. 15.1.5 All accounting records, vouchers, books and statements of the JVC shall be prepared in Chinese. All important financial and accounting documents, records and statements shall require the approval and signature of the general manager and the finance manager. 15.1.6 The finance manager shall, within 30 days after the end of each quarter, provide each Party and the relevant governmental administrations with quarterly financial statements of the JVC, including the profit and loss account and the balance sheet. The annual financial statements of the JVC, together with the annual auditing report shall be submitted to relevant Shanghai AIC within 120 days of the end of each accounting year. 15.1.7 The finance manager shall, within 15 days after the end of each month provide Party A and Party B with monthly financial statements prepared in accordance with PRC GAAP and US GAAP. The PRC GAAP and US GAAP annual audited financial statements shall be completed within 60 days of the year end. The finance manager shall comply with all PRC and US financial reporting requirements. 15.1.8 Either Party or its duly authorised representative may at any reasonable time without prior notice to or approval of the other Party inspect the accounts of the JVC and appoint its own auditors to inspect the books and records of the JVC. 15.2 Bank Accounts. 15.2.1 The JVC shall open and maintain bank accounts as approved by the Board, and no bank accounts shall be opened unless approved by the Board. 15.2.2 Excess cash shall be invested according to the investment policy approved by the Board and PRC Law. 15.3 Profits Distribution. For the avoidance of doubt, any and all Profits shall be divisible between the Parties in accordance with the shareholding. . However, the actual distribution of profits shall be subject to the approval of the Board. 15.4 Legal Fees. The JVC shall bear the legal fees associated with the establishment of the JVC, including the drafting of this Agreement and the Articles of Association CHAPTER 16 : TAXATION - --------------------- 16.1 Tax and Preferential Treatment. The JVC shall pay taxes according to the relevant PRC Law and shall be entitled to any exemptions and preferential treatment accorded to it by the same. 16.2 Personal Income Tax. All employees of the JVC shall pay their individual income taxes in accordance with PRC Law. CHAPTER 17 : CONFIDENTIALITY - ---------------------------- 17.1 In addition to the conditions set forth in Article 15.3 of this Agreement, the Parties shall maintain the confidentiality of all Confidential Information during the Joint Venture Term and indefinitely thereafter. -19-
17.2 Confidentiality Agreement. The Parties and the JVC shall take all necessary measures (including the signing of a confidentiality agreement) to ensure that their employees, agents, contractors, suppliers and advisors also comply with the obligation to maintain confidentiality as set forth in this Chapter and shall arrange for the summary dismissal of any employee, agent or advisor who breaches such obligation. 17.3 Exceptions. The disclosure of Confidential Information by either Party under any of the following circumstances shall not be deemed as a breach of confidentiality: 17.3.1 at the time of its disclosure, disclosed Confidential Information is already in the public domain; 17.3.2 the Confidential Information is disclosed pursuant to the prior written consent of the Parties; 17.3.3 the Confidential Information is required to be disclosed by a government authority or law to which either Party or an Affiliate of either Party is subject; 17.3.4 the Confidential Information is no longer deemed as confidential information due to operational needs, and is provided to any Director, employee, agent, contractor, supplier or advisor of the JVC, a Subsidiary or Affiliate; or 17.3.5 Confidential Information is disclosed to an Affiliate, Subsidiary or other bona fide potential assignee, provided that such assignee has entered into a confidentiality agreement to the satisfaction of the other Party prior to the said disclosure. CHAPTER 18 : TERMINATION AND MATERIAL BREACH - -------------------------------------------- 18.1 Principle. This Agreement shall terminate upon the expiration of the Joint Venture Term, unless it is extended pursuant to Article 6.2 or prematurely terminated pursuant to Article 18.2. 18.2 Termination. Either Party may initiate termination of this Agreement prior to the expiration of the Joint Venture Term by notifying the other Party in writing of its intention to terminate, and the Board shall undertake any and all measures necessary to obtain the approval from the Shanghai AIC for the said termination for any of the following reasons, namely: 18.2.1 if either the JVC or the respective other Party: 18.2.1.1 is the subject of proceedings for liquidation or dissolution required by law; or 18.2.1.2 is declared bankrupt by a court of competent jurisdiction; 18.2.2 if all or any material part of the key assets of the JVC are expropriated, causing an adverse material effect on the operation and production of the JVC; 18.2.3 if any government organ with authority over either Party requires any provision of this Agreement to be revised in such a way that causes a material adverse effect on the JVC or on either Party and, despite the best efforts of the JVC or the affected Party to remedy such situation, such material adverse effect cannot be cured; 18.2.4 if an amendment is made to the existing PRC Law or to the interpretation thereof, or a new law is introduced after the Effective Date which materially, adversely and irreparably affects the JVC's operations; 18.2.5 if Force Majeure prevails for more than 30 days and has a material adverse effect on the operation of the JVC, and the Parties have been unable to find an equitable solution despite prompt consultations in accordance with the stipulations of Article 21.3; 18.2.6 if a buy-out is not effected pursuant to Article 18.4; -20-
18.2.7 if a Party has materially breached this Agreement, and if such material breach has not been cured within 15 days pursuant to Article 18.3.2; and 18.2.8 if the JVC fails to obtain the online securities brokerage services permit within 3 years of the date of the issuance of its business license. 18.3 Material Breach. 18.3.1 A Party shall be deemed to have materially breached its obligations under this Agreement (the "Breaching Party") in any of the following circumstances: 18.3.1.1 it has failed to perform any of its obligations under Chapter 9 of this Agreement; 18.3.1.2 any of the representations or warranties it has made herein is false, so as to have a material adverse effect on the operation of the JVC; 18.3.1.3 it fails to ensure that any Senior Management Personnel in the employ of the JVC undertakes in writing not to work for a competing operation within 180 days after his or her departure from the JVC; 18.3.1.4 it breaches any provision of this Agreement and such breach prevents the JVC from continuing to operate (in which case either Party may apply directly to the Shanghai AIC for approval to terminate this Agreement). 18.3.1.5 it has been found guilty of illegal operations by a competent government authority; 18.3.1.6 In the case of Party B, where it fails to transfer assets (including contracts with Clients) to the JVC, except under the circumstances as set forth in Article 9.2.3 above; or 18.3.1.7 in the case of Party B, where it is in material breach of the exclusive service agreement described in Article 9.2. 18.3.2 In the event of a material breach as outlined in Article 18.3.1, the Breaching Party shall have 15 days after receipt of notice specifying the breach from the other Party (the "Non-breaching Party") to cure such breach. In case of failure, the Non-breaching Party, in addition to seeking compensation from the Breaching Party for all direct and foreseeable damages caused by the material breach, shall have the following rights: 18.3.2.1 to terminate this Agreement; and 18.3.2.2 together with a qualified third party (or third parties) chosen at the Non-Breaching Party's sole discretion, to buy out the Breaching Party's total shareholding interest in the JVC. 18.4 Buy-out. 18.4.1 In the event of a material breach, the price at which the Non-Breaching Party (and its co-investor(s)) may buy the Breaching Party's equity in the JVC shall be determined as the lower of: the total value of the Breaching Party's equity in the JVC (as a going concern) as described in a written valuation from the accounting firm retained by the JVC; or the original value of the registered capital contributed by the Breaching Party. 18.4.2 In the event that this Agreement is terminated by either Party pursuant to Article 18.2 above, the other Party may, within 60 days thereafter, buy out such Party subsequent to mutual written agreement between the Parties, at a price based upon a written valuation from the accounting firm appointed by the JVC representing the value of such Party's equity holding in the JVC as a going concern. -21-
CHAPTER 19 : LIQUIDATION - ------------------------ 19.1 Liquidation. 19.1.1 If this Agreement is terminated for any reason and either Party's total shareholding interest in the JVC is not purchased by the other Party or any third party pursuant to Article 18.3.2. 1 and Article 18.3.2. 2, then the JVC shall undergo liquidation, whereupon the Liquidation Committee shall value and liquidate the JVC's assets in accordance with PRC Law and the principles set out in this Article. 19.1.2 The Liquidation Committee shall be established within 15 days after the commencement of liquidation proceedings and shall comprise 6 members, 3 of whom shall be nominated by Party A and 3 of whom shall be nominated by Party B. After nomination by the Board, 1 of the members appointed by Party A shall be the Chairman, and 1 of the members appointed by Party B shall be the vice-Chairman, of the Liquidation Committee. The Board shall report the establishment of the Liquidation Committee to the Shanghai AIC. Members of the Liquidation Committee shall be Directors or relevant professionals retained by the Board. Any resolution by the Liquidation Committee shall be passed on a simple majority basis. Either Party may, at its own cost, also appoint professional advisors, including accountants and lawyers qualified either in the PRC or abroad, to assist the Liquidation Committee. 19.1.3 After the establishment of the Liquidation Committee, the JVC shall submit to the Liquidation Committee the accounting statements, financial books, list of company assets and creditor and debtor lists of the JVC, as well as other materials in connection with the liquidation of the JVC. 19.1.4 Within a period of 30 days of the formation of the Liquidation Committee, each Party shall have a right of first refusal to purchase any tangible and intangible asset of the JVC. Where both Parties wish to purchase the same asset, it shall be sold to the Party that offers the highest price. If the Parties agree that there is a need to arrange for the sale of the JVC's assets and/or business to third parties, the Liquidation Committee shall, in preparing and executing the liquidation plan, endeavour to obtain the highest possible price for the said assets and/or business. Consideration shall be given to the sale of the JVC's assets and/or business by public auction open to domestic and foreign bidders with a view towards concluding sales at the best possible market prices. 19.1.5 Liquidation expenses shall be paid out of the JVC's liquidated assets, with priority over the claims of other creditors. After the payment of the liquidation expenses, other payments shall be made according to the following order: 19.1.5.1 wages and insurance premiums of the JVC's employees; 19.1.5.2 taxes payable to the State; and 19.1.5.3 other outstanding debts. 19.1.6 After the settlement of all of the JVC's outstanding debts outlined in Article 19.1.5 above and the division of tangible property not sold according to the liquidation plan, the total cash proceeds of the liquidation of property and remaining available funds received by the JVC shall be calculated in RMB and divided between the Parties in proportion to their respective percentage shares of the JVC's total registered capital; -22-
19.1.7 On completion of all liquidation procedures, the Liquidation Committee shall submit to the Shanghai AIC a final liquidation report (including the profit and loss account) approved by the Board, and within 10 days of the said submission, shall undergo procedures with the tax bureau for cancellation of the JVC's registrations. Within 10 days of completion of the said procedures, the Liquidation Committee shall submit the liquidation report and the certificates of cancellation of registrations to the Shanghai AIC and shall return the JVC's business licence and complete all other formalities to nullify the JVC's registration. Party B shall have a right to obtain copies of all of the JVC's accounting books and other documents but the originals thereof shall be left in the care of Party A. 19.2 Release of Obligations. 19.2.1 Neither Party shall have any further obligations or liabilities to or rights against the JVC or the other Party upon completion of the liquidation of the JVC under Article 19.1, except for the obligations stipulated in Chapter 15. 19.2.2 Upon the receipt of all sums payable to it, the Party which has sold its total shareholding interest in the JVC pursuant to a buy-out under Article 18.3.3 shall have no further obligations or liabilities to or rights against the JVC or the other Party under this Agreement, except for the obligations stipulated in Chapter 15. 19.2.3 If the JVC continues to operate after a buy-out, then the JVC and/or the remaining Party shall hold the Party which has sold its shareholding interest in the JVC harmless from any liability or costs related to this Agreement or the JVC in respect of events which occur after the buy-out. CHAPTER 20: FORCE MAJEURE - ------------------------- 20.1 Suspension of Obligations. In the event of Force Majeure, the Parties should consult with each other to determine a method of dealing with such, and the performance of the Parties' contractual obligations (except the obligations relating to confidentiality under Chapter 15) shall be suspended to the extent they are affected by the Force Majeure. The Joint Venture Term shall be extended with the agreement of the Parties and the approval of the Shanghai AIC, without penalty to either Party, by the period of such suspension of obligations. 20.2 Written Evidence. The Party claiming Force Majeure shall, within 15 days after the date of its first occurrence, inform the other Party of the same and provide said Party with written evidence of the occurrence of Force Majeure as issued by the relevant authorities, and shall use all reasonable efforts to minimise the consequences of such Force Majeure. 20.3 Termination. If Force Majeure prevails for more than 30 days and has a material adverse effect on the operation of the JVC, either Party may initiate termination of this Agreement pursuant to Article 18.2.5. CHAPTER 21 : GOVERNING LAW AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION - ------------------------------------------------- 21.1 Governing Law. The execution, validity, interpretation and implementation of this Agreement and the settlement of disputes under it shall be governed by PRC Law. 21.2 Interpretation. If any dispute arises in connection with the interpretation of any provisions of this Agreement, the Parties shall determine the true intention of those provisions by making reference to the wording of the Agreement, the relevant Articles, the objective of the Agreement, commercial practice and the principle of good faith. 21.3 Consultation. If any dispute arises in connection with this Agreement, the Parties shall attempt in the first instance to resolve such dispute through friendly consultation or mediation. 21.4 Arbitration. If the dispute cannot be resolved in the above manner within 30 days after the commencement of consultations, either Party may submit the dispute to arbitration as follows: -23-
21.4.1 all disputes arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall be submitted for arbitration to the Shanghai Sub-commission of the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission ("Arbitration Commission") under its rules and by an arbitration panel appointed in accordance with those rules. The arbitration panel shall consist of 3 arbitrators. Each of the Parties shall appoint 1 arbitrator from among the Panel of Arbitrators of the Arbitration Commission or entrust the chairman of the Arbitration Commission to make such appointment. A third arbitrator shall act as the presiding arbitrator and shall be jointly appointed by the Parties or appointed by the chairman of the Arbitration Commission upon the Parties' joint authorization. If the Parties fail to jointly appoint a third arbitrator or fail to jointly entrust the chairman of the Arbitration Commission to appoint a third arbitrator within 20 days of the date on which the respondent receives the notice of arbitration, the third arbitrator shall be appointed by the chairman of the Arbitration Commission. 21.4.2 The arbitration shall be conducted in the Chinese language, with the arbitral award being final and binding upon both Parties. Unless otherwise determined by the arbitrator, the cost of arbitration shall be borne by the losing Party. 21.4.3 When any dispute is submitted to arbitration, except for the matters under dispute, the Parties shall continue to perform this Agreement. CHAPTER 22: MISCELLANEOUS - ------------------------- 22.1 Notices. Any notice between the Parties shall be made in writing and in the English and/or Chinese languages by facsimile transmission, delivery in person (including courier service) or registered airmail letter. Until changed by written notice, all notices and communications shall be delivered to the appropriate correspondence addresses set forth below: Party A ------- BEIJING CENTURY HI-TECH INVESTMENT CO., LTD. Address: Suite 21, 15th Floor, Tower 2, Bright China Chang'an Building, 7 Jianguomennei Avenue, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100005. Fax : (86 10) 6510-2160 Attn : Charles Zhang Party B ------- GUOLIAN SECURITIES CO., LTD. ---------------------------- Address: No.153, Zhongshan Road, Wuxi 214001, Jiangsu Province. Fax : [ ] Attn : [ ] 22.2 Receipt of Notices. The date of receipt of a notice or communication hereunder shall be deemed to be the earliest of the following: 22.2.1 that as set forth in the transmission journal in the case of a facsimile transmission, unless such facsimile transmission is sent after 5:00 p.m. or on a non-business day in the place of receipt, in which event the date of receipt shall be deemed to be the following business day in the place of receipt; 22.2.2 the time of receipt by the receiving party in the case of delivery in person; and 22.2.3 3 days after the issuance of a receipt by the post office in the case of a registered letter. 22.3 Waiver. Failure or delay on the part of either Party hereto to exercise any right, power or privilege under this Agreement, or under any other agreement relating hereto, shall not constitute a waiver thereof; nor -24-
shall any single or partial exercise of any right, power of privilege preclude any other future exercise thereof. 22.4 Amendments. This Agreement may only be amended by a written agreement signed by the Parties. 22.5 Severability. The invalidity of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity of any other provision of this Agreement which is unrelated to that provision. 22.6 Versions. This Agreement is executed in 4 originals. 2 originals shall be for each Party. 22.7 Entire Agreement. This Agreement, the Appendices hereto and the Articles of Association constitute the entire agreement between the Parties and supersede all prior discussions, negotiations and agreements. The Appendices to this Agreement form an integral part hereof and have the same legal effect as this Agreement. 22.8 Indemnity. The JVC shall indemnify either Party against all losses, damages or liabilities with respect to third-party claims arising out of the operation of the JVC, except for acts of either Party that constitute a violation of this Agreement or the Articles of Association. 22.9 Successors. This Agreement is made for the benefit of, and shall bind, the Parties and their respective lawful successors and assignees. 22.10 Matters Not Covered. Matters not specifically provided for in this Agreement shall be handled in conformity with the relevant resolutions adopted by the Board and in accordance with the relevant provisions of PRC Law. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed by their duly authorised signatories on the date first indicated above. For and on behalf of Beijing Century Hi-Tech Investment Co., Ltd. Name : Charles Zhang Title : Chairman Signature : /s/ Charles Zhang --------------------- Company Seal : For and on behalf of Guolian Securities Co., Ltd. Name : Fan Yan Title : Chairman Signature : /s/ Fan Yan --------------- Company Seal : * Omitted pursuant to request for confidential treatment and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. -25-
Appendix [ ] Remuneration of Senior Management Personnel 1. General Manager (Chief Executive Officer): annual base salary of RMB * to RMB *; 2. Vice-president (Chief Operating Officer): annual base salary of RMB * to RMB *; 3. Finance Manager (Chief Finance Officer) and Technical Manager (Chief Technical Officer): annual base salary of RMB * to RMB *; * Omitted pursuant to request for confidential treatment and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. -26-