0001193125-12-243794.txt : 20120523 0001193125-12-243794.hdr.sgml : 20120523 20120522185338 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001193125-12-243794 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: SC 13D/A PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 3 FILED AS OF DATE: 20120523 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20120522 GROUP MEMBERS: ROBERT HORNE GROUP MEMBERS: ZS EDU GP LLC GROUP MEMBERS: ZS EDU L.P. FILED BY: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: SHERWOOD NED L CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000902749 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: UNKNOWN SIC - 0000 [0000] STATE OF INCORPORATION: GA FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: SC 13D/A MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 54 MORRIS LN CITY: SCARSDALE STATE: NY ZIP: 10583 SUBJECT COMPANY: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: CHINACAST EDUCATION CORP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001261888 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: SERVICES-EDUCATIONAL SERVICES [8200] IRS NUMBER: 200178991 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: SC 13D/A SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 005-79765 FILM NUMBER: 12862724 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: SUITE 08, 20/F, ONE INTL FINANCE CENTRE STREET 2: 1 HARBOUR VIEW STREET CITY: CENTRAL, STATE: K3 ZIP: 00000 BUSINESS PHONE: (852) 3960 6506 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: SUITE 08, 20/F, ONE INTL FINANCE CENTRE STREET 2: 1 HARBOUR VIEW STREET CITY: CENTRAL, STATE: K3 ZIP: 00000 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: GREAT WALL ACQUISITION CORP DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 20030829 SC 13D/A 1 d356869dsc13da.htm AMENDMENT NO. 7 TO 13D Amendment No. 7 to 13D

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

SCHEDULE 13D

(Rule 13d-101)

INFORMATION TO BE INCLUDED IN STATEMENTS FILED PURSUANT

TO § 240.13d-1(a) AND AMENDMENTS THERETO FILED

PURSUANT TO § 240.13d-2(a)

UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

(Amendment No. 7)*

 

 

CHINACAST EDUCATION CORPORATION

(Name of Issuer)

 

 

Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share

(Title of Class of Securities)

16946T109

(CUSIP Number)

Ned Sherwood

c/o ZS Fund L.P.

1133 Avenue of the Americas

New York, New York 10036

(212) 398-6200

 

 

With copies to:

Brian J. Lane

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP

1050 Washington Avenue, N.W.

Washington, DC 20036-5306

(202) 887-3646

(Name, Address and Telephone Number of Person Authorized to Receive Notices and Communications)

May 18, 2012

(Date of Event Which Requires Filing of This Statement)

 

 

If the filing person has previously filed a statement on Schedule 13G to report the acquisition that is the subject of this Schedule 13D, and is filing this schedule because of §§240.13d-1(e), 240.13d-1(f) or 240.13d-1(g), check the following box

Note: Schedules filed in paper format shall include a signed original and five copies of the schedule, including all exhibits. See §240.13d-7 for other parties to whom copies are to be sent.

 

* The remainder of this cover page shall be filled out for a reporting person’s initial filing on this form with respect to the subject class of securities, and for any subsequent amendment containing information which would alter disclosures provided in a prior cover page.

The information required on the remainder of this cover page shall not be deemed to be “filed” for the purpose of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Act”) or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section of the Act but shall be subject to all other provisions of the Act (however, see the Notes).

(Continued on following pages)

 

 

 


SCHEDULE 13D

 

CUSIP No. 16946T109      Page 2 of 7  Pages

 

  1   

NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS

 

Ned L. Sherwood

  2  

CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP

(a)        (b)

 

  3  

SEC USE ONLY

 

  4  

SOURCE OF FUNDS

 

    PF

  5  

CHECK IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) OR 2(e)

 

  6  

CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

 

    United States of America

NUMBER OF

SHARES

BENEFICIALLY  

OWNED BY

EACH

REPORTING

PERSON

WITH

     7    

SOLE VOTING POWER

 

    775,141

     8   

SHARED VOTING POWER

 

    2,625,488

     9   

SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

 

    775,141

   10   

SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

 

    2,625,488

11

 

AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

 

    3,400,629

12

 

CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES

 

13

 

PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

 

    7.0%

14

 

TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON

 

    IN

 


SCHEDULE 13D

 

CUSIP No. 16946T109      Page 3 of 7  Pages

 

  1   

NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS

 

ZS EDU L.P.

  2  

CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP

(a)        (b)

 

  3  

SEC USE ONLY

 

  4  

SOURCE OF FUNDS

 

    OO

  5  

CHECK IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) OR 2(e)

 

  6  

CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

 

    Delaware

NUMBER OF

SHARES

BENEFICIALLY  

OWNED BY

EACH

REPORTING

PERSON

WITH

     7    

SOLE VOTING POWER

 

    0

     8   

SHARED VOTING POWER

 

    2,625,488

     9   

SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

 

    0

   10   

SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

 

    2,625,488

11

 

AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

 

    2,625,488

12

 

CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES

 

13

 

PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

 

    5.4%

14

 

TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON

 

    PN

 


SCHEDULE 13D

 

CUSIP No. 16946T109      Page 4 of 7  Pages

 

  1   

NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS

 

ZS EDU GP LLC

  2  

CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP

(a)        (b)

 

  3  

SEC USE ONLY

 

  4  

SOURCE OF FUNDS

 

    OO

  5  

CHECK IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) OR 2(e)

 

  6  

CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

 

    Delaware

NUMBER OF

SHARES

BENEFICIALLY  

OWNED BY

EACH

REPORTING

PERSON

WITH

     7    

SOLE VOTING POWER

 

    0

     8   

SHARED VOTING POWER

 

    2,625,488

     9   

SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

 

    0

   10   

SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

 

    2,625,488

11

 

AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

 

    2,625,488

12

 

CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES

 

13

 

PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

 

    5.4%

14

 

TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON

 

    OO

 


SCHEDULE 13D

 

CUSIP No. 16946T109      Page 5 of 7  Pages

 

  1   

NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS

 

Robert Horne

  2  

CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP

(a)        (b)

 

  3  

SEC USE ONLY

 

  4  

SOURCE OF FUNDS

 

    PF

  5  

CHECK IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) OR 2(e)

 

  6  

CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

 

    United States of America

NUMBER OF

SHARES

BENEFICIALLY  

OWNED BY

EACH

REPORTING

PERSON

WITH

     7    

SOLE VOTING POWER

 

    50,000

     8   

SHARED VOTING POWER

 

    2,625,488

     9   

SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

 

    50,000

   10   

SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

 

    2,625,488

11

 

AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

 

    2,675,488

12

 

CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES

 

13

 

PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

 

    5.5%

14

 

TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON

 

    IN

 


Page 6 of 7 Pages

The Statement on Schedule 13D, as originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 24, 2011, and as amended and restated on May 12, 2011 and November 22, 2011, and as amended on December 9, 2011, December 15, 2011, January 10, 2012 and April 16, 2012 (as amended and amended and restated, the “Schedule 13D”) by the Reporting Persons named therein is hereby amended by this Amendment No. 7 (“Amendment No. 7”) to the Schedule 13D. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Schedule 13D.

 

Item 4. Purpose of Transaction.

Item 4 is supplemented by adding the following:

As previously disclosed, the Issuer entered into a notes and warrants purchase agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) and a related series of promissory notes (the “Notes”), dated as of April 10, 2012, with a group of lenders (the “Purchasers”) that includes MRMP Managers LLC (“MRMP”). MRMP is a shareholder of the Issuer, and Ned Sherwood is an investment manager of MRMP.

One May 18, 2012, the Issuer, pursuant to Section 5.2 of the Purchase Agreement, delivered a Borrowing Notice and Acknowledgment (the “Borrowing Notice”) to the Purchasers. Pursuant to the Borrowing Notice, MRMP has agreed to purchase a note (the “Subsequent Advance Note”) in the aggregate principal amount of US$60,000. The Subsequent Advance Note bears interest at twenty percent (20.0%) per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears, and matures on May 18, 2013.

Under the Borrowing Notice, the Issuer is required, as soon as practicable after the date of the Borrowing Notice, to issue to MRMP a number of warrants (the “Subsequent Advance Warrants”) equivalent to one Subsequent Advance Warrant for every two dollars of principal amount of Notes issued to that Purchaser. Each Subsequent Advance Warrant (a) shall be convertible into one share of the Issuer’s common stock at an exercise price of $1.00 per share (which exercise price shall not be subject to any adjustment mechanism), (b) expire on the fifth anniversary of issuance and (c) include anti-dilution protections for ordinary stock splits, stock dividends and recapitalizations. In consideration for MRMP making available the subsequent advance pursuant to the Borrowing Notice, the Issuer has agreed to change from $4.00 to $1.00 the exercise price for the warrants issuable to MRMP pursuant to the Purchase Agreement.

The foregoing description of the terms of the Borrowing Notice and the Subsequent Advance Note does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Borrowing Notice and the form of the Subsequent Advance Note, which are attached hereto as Exhibits 8 and 9, respectively.

 

Item 6. Contracts, Arrangements, Understandings or Relationships With Respect to Securities of the Issuer.

Item 6 is supplemented by adding the following:

MRMP has entered into the Borrowing Notice and the Subsequent Advance Note with the Issuer. The Borrowing Notice and the Subsequent Advance Note are defined and described in Item 4 above and attached hereto as Exhibits 8 and 9, respectively.

 

Item 7. Materials to be Filed as Exhibits.

Item 7 is supplemented by adding the following:

Exhibit 8: Borrowing Notice and Acknowledgment

Exhibit 9: Form of Subsequent Advance Note


SIGNATURES

After reasonable inquiry and to the best of my knowledge and belief, I certify that the information set forth in this statement is true, complete and correct.

 

May 22, 2012   Ned Sherwood
  By:  

/s/ Ned Sherwood

  Name:   Ned Sherwood
May 22, 2012   ZS EDU L.P.
  By:  

/s/ Ned Sherwood

  Name:   Ned Sherwood
  Title:   Manager of the General Partner, ZS EDU GP LLC
May 22, 2012   ZS EDU GP LLC
  By:  

/s/ Ned Sherwood

  Name:   Ned Sherwood
  Title:   Manager
May 22, 2012   Robert Horne
  By:  

/s/ Robert Horne

  Name:   Robert Horne
EX-8 2 d356869dex8.htm BORROWING NOTICE AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT Borrowing Notice and Acknowledgment

Exhibit 8

BORROWING NOTICE AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT

This Borrowing Notice and Acknowledgment (the “Borrowing Notice”), dated as of May 18, 2012, is made in accordance with Section 5.2 of that certain Notes and Warrants Purchase Agreement (the “Agreement”), dated as of April 10, 2012, by and among ChinaCast Education Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and the Purchasers named therein. All capital terms used herein that are not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Agreement.

Whereas, the Company is need of more funds to pursue legal options to recover the assets that it believes have been misappropriated from the Company (as disclosed in the Company’s recent public filings), and other corporate purposes; and

Whereas, in consideration for the Purchasers making available the Subsequent Advance pursuant to this Borrowing Notice, the Company has agreed to change from $4 to $1 the exercise price for all Warrants (as defined in the Agreement) issued in connection with both (i) the Advance made on the date of the Agreement in accordance with Section 5.1 thereof and (ii) the Subsequent Advance provided for hereof;

Now, therefore, in consideration of the premises and the agreements set forth below, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as set forth below:

 

  1. Subsequent Advance Request. The Company requests a Subsequent Advance from each of the Purchasers in the principal amount stated on the Subsequent Advance Schedule of Purchasers hereof, in accordance with Section 5.2 of the Agreement.

 

  2. Sale and Purchase. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Agreement, the Company hereby sells, transfers and assigns to each Purchaser the aggregate principal amount of the Note set forth opposite such Purchaser’s name in the Subsequent Advance Schedule of Purchasers hereof and each Purchaser hereby purchases from the Company the aggregate principal amount of the Note set opposite such Purchaser’s name in the Subsequent Advance Schedule of Purchasers hereof.

 

  3. Purchase Price. At the Subsequent Advance Closing (as hereinafter defined), each Purchaser shall pay to the Company the U.S. dollar amount set opposite such Purchaser’s name in the Subsequent Advance Schedule of Purchasers hereof by wire transfer of immediately available U.S. dollar funds to the bank account designated in writing by the Company to each Purchaser prior to the Subsequent Advance Closing.

 

  4.

Subsequent Advance Closing. The closing (the “Subsequent Advance Closing”) of the purchase and sale of the Notes purchased pursuant to Section 2 hereof shall occur concurrently with the execution and delivery of this Borrowing Notice. The Subsequent Advance Closing shall take place remotely via the exchange of documents and signatures or at such location as may be mutually acceptable by the parties. Concurrently with or immediately following the Subsequent Advance Closing, each of the Company and the


  Purchasers shall execute and deliver the Note(s) purchased pursuant to Section 2 hereof to which it is party. Each of the Purchasers waives the provision under Section 5.2 of the Agreement that the Company would not deliver the Borrowing Notice until after May 25, 2012.

 

  5. Warrants. As soon as practicable after the date hereof, the Company shall issue to each Purchaser the number of Warrants stated on the Subsequent Advance Schedule of Purchasers hereof. The Company agrees that, in lieu of the exercise price terms set forth under Section 4.2 of the Agreement, each Warrant that it issues pursuant to the Schedule of Purchasers in the Agreement and the Subsequent Advance Schedule of Purchasers hereof shall be convertible into one share of the Company’s Common Stock at an exercise price of $1.00 per share (which exercise price shall not be subject to any adjustment mechanism).

 

  6. Acknowledgement of Possible Additional Purchasers. Each of the Purchasers acknowledges that the Company may:

 

  a. issue to additional purchasers notes and warrants that have substantially the same terms as the Notes and Warrants issued pursuant to this Borrowing Notice, subject to the provisions of Section 6 of the Notes;

 

  b. enter into notes and warrants purchase agreements with one or more of these additional purchasers on substantially the same terms as the Agreement: and

 

  c. enter into registration rights agreements with one or more of these additional purchasers on substantially the same terms as the New Piggy-Back Rights Agreement to be entered into pursuant to Section 4.3 of the Agreement, which may provide such additional purchasers with the same piggy-back rights (but not the demand rights) as provided to Fir Tree under the New Fir Tree Registration Rights Agreement. The registration rights agreements entered into with these new additional purchasers, the New Fir Tree Registration Rights Agreement and the New Piggy-Back Registration Rights Agreement may be contained in one and the same document.

 

  7. Representations and Warranties. The Company represents and warrants that as of the date of this Borrowing Notice,

 

  a. no Default (as defined under the Notes) has occurred and is continuing; and

 

  b. each of the representations and warranties contained in Section 5 of the Notes is true and correct.

 

2


  8. Notice. Henceforth, any notice to be provided to the Company in accordance with Section 6.2(b) of the Agreement should be delivered to the following address:

ChinaCast Education Corporation

Room 701 A, Building A, Golden Eagle Mansion

80 Hanxiao Road. Pudong

Shanghai 200437 China

Attention: Doug Woodrum

Fax: +(86) 21 6105 3354*8004

 

 

  9. Miscellaneous. This Borrowing Notice is governed by the laws of the State of New York. This Borrowing Notice and the various rights and obligations arising hereunder shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their successors and assigns. This Borrowing Notice may be executed in multiple counterparts, and on separate counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Any counterpart or other signature hereupon delivered by facsimile shall be deemed for all purposes as constituting good and valid execution and delivery of this Borrowing Notice by such party.

[Signature pages next]

 

3


Executed and agreed to on the date first written above by:
ChinaCast Education Corporation
By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  

Acknowledged and agreed to by the Purchasers on the date first written above by:

 

Fir Tree Value Master Fund, L.P.
By:  

 

Name:  

 

Title:  

 

Fir Tree Capital Opportunity Master Fund, L.P.
By:  

 

Name:  

 

Title:  

 

Lake Union Capital Fund, LP
By:  

 

Name:  

 

Title:  

 

Lake Union Capital TE Fund, LP
By:  

 

Name:  

 

Title:  

 

 

4


MRMP Managers LLC
By:  

 

Name:  

 

Title:  

 

Harkness Trust
By:  

 

Name:  

 

Title:  

 

Ashford Capital Partners, L.P.
By:  

 

Name:  

 

Title:  

 

Anvil Investment Associates, L.P.
By:  

 

Name:  

 

Title:  

 

Columbia Pacific Opportunity Fund, LP.
By:  

 

Name:  

 

Title:  

 

 

5


SUBSEQUENT ADVANCE SCHEDULE OF PURCHASERS

 

Purchaser

   Principal
Amount of Note
     Purchase Price      Number of
Warrants
 

Fir Tree Value Master Fund, L.P.

   $ 406,668.00       $ 406,668.00         203,334   

Fir Tree Capital Opportunity Master Fund, L.P.

   $ 77,263.50       $ 77,263.50         38,632   

Lake Union Capital Fund, LP

   $ 141,026.00       $ 141,026.00         70,513   

Lake Union Capital TE Fund, LP

   $ 8,974.00       $ 8,974.00         4,487   

MRMP Managers LLC

   $ 60,000.00       $ 60,000.00         30,000   

Harkness Trust

   $ 8,750.00       $ 8,750.00         4,375   

Ashford Capital Partners, L.P.

   $ 188,500.00       $ 188,500.00         94,250   

Anvil Investment Associates, L.P.

   $ 80,000.00       $ 80,000.00         40,000   

Columbia Pacific Opportunity Fund, L.P.

   $ 125,000.00       $ 125,000.00         62,500   

Total:

   $ 1,096,181.50       $ 1,096,181.50         548,091   

 

6

EX-9 3 d356869dex9.htm FORM OF SUBSEQUENT ADVANCE NOTE Form of Subsequent Advance Note

Exhibit 9

THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 (AS AMENDED, THE “ACT”) OR UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE. THIS SECURITY MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED, SOLD, OFFERED FOR SALE, PLEDGED OR HYPOTHECATED IN THE ABSENCE OF (A) AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE ACT, (B) AN EXEMPTION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS OR (C) AN OPINION OF COUNSEL, REASONABLY SATISFACTORY TO THE COMPANY THAT SUCH REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED. ANY ATTEMPT TO TRANSFER, SELL, PLEDGE OR HYPOTHECATE THIS SECURITY IN VIOLATION OF THESE RESTRICTIONS SHALL BE VOID.

PROMISSORY NOTE

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, CHINACAST EDUCATION CORPORATION, a Delaware entity (the “Borrower”), hereby unconditionally promises to pay to the order of MRMP Managers LLC or its assigns (the “Noteholder”, and together with the Borrower, the “Parties”), the principal amount of $60,000.00 (the “Loan”), together with all accrued interest thereon, as provided in this Promissory Note (the “Note”).

This Note has been issued pursuant to the Notes and Warrants Purchase Agreement, dated as of April 10, 2012, by and among the Company, the Noteholder and the other parties thereto (the “Purchase Agreement”).

1. Definitions. Capitalized terms used herein shall have the meanings set forth in this Section 1.

Advance” means each disbursement made by the Noteholder to the Borrower pursuant to the Purchase Agreement.

Applicable Rate” means the rate equal to twenty percent (20.0%) per annum.

Borrower” has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph.

Business Day” means a day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in New York City are authorized or required by law to close.

Debt” of the Borrower, means all (a) indebtedness for borrowed money; (b) obligations for the deferred purchase price of property or services, except trade payables arising in the ordinary course of business; (c) obligations evidenced by notes, bonds, debentures or other similar instruments; (d) obligations as lessee under capital leases; (e) obligations in respect of any interest rate swaps, currency exchange agreements,


commodity swaps, caps, collar agreements or similar arrangements entered into by the Borrower providing for protection against fluctuations in interest rates, currency exchange rates or commodity prices or the exchange of nominal interest obligations, either generally or under specific contingencies; (f) obligations under acceptance facilities and letters of credit; and (g) guaranties, endorsements (other than for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business), and other contingent obligations to purchase, to provide funds for payment, to supply funds to invest in any Person, or otherwise to assure a creditor against loss, in each case, in respect of indebtedness set out in clauses (a) through (f) of a Person other than the Borrower.

Default” means any of the events specified in Section 7 which constitutes an Event of Default or which, upon the giving of notice, the lapse of time, or both pursuant to Section 7 would, unless cured or waived, become an Event of Default.

Event of Default” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.

Governmental Authority” means the government of any nation or any political subdivision thereof, whether at the national, state, territorial, provincial, municipal or any other level, and any agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court, central bank or other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of, or pertaining to, government (including any supranational bodies such as the European Union or the European Central Bank).

Law” as to any Person, means any law (including common law), statute, ordinance, treaty, rule, regulation, policy or requirement of any Governmental Authority and authoritative interpretations thereon, whether now or hereafter in effect, in each case, applicable to or binding on such Person or any of its properties or to which such Person or any of its properties is subject.

Lien” means any mortgage, pledge, hypothecation, encumbrance, lien (statutory or other), charge or other security interest.

Loan” has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph.

Maturity Date” means the earlier of (a) May 18, 2013 and (b) the date on which all amounts under this Note shall become due and payable pursuant to Section 9.

Note” has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph.

Noteholder” has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph.

Parties” has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph.

 

2


Permitted Debt” means Debt (a) existing or arising under this Note; (b) existing as of the date of this Note; (c) indebtedness of the Company in an amount not to exceed $5.0 million outstanding at any one time in the aggregate for the purposes permitted under Section 4.1 of the Purchase Agreement and upon the same terms as this Note; provided, however, if the terms of such indebtedness are materially more favorable than the terms of this Note, then the Noteholder shall be entitled to receive the same terms of such indebtedness with respect to this Note; and (d) indebtedness of the Company which is subordinated to this Note.

Person” means any individual, corporation, limited liability company, trust, joint venture, association, company, limited or general partnership, unincorporated organization, Governmental Authority or other entity.

2. Final Payment Date; Optional Prepayments.

2.1 Final Payment Date. The aggregate unpaid principal amount of the Loan, all accrued and unpaid interest and all other amounts payable under this Note shall be due and payable on the Maturity Date.

2.2 Optional Prepayment. The Borrower may prepay the Loan prior to the Maturity Date in whole or in part at any time or from time to time by paying 102.5% of the principal amount to be prepaid together with accrued interest on the prepaid principal amount to the date of prepayment; provided, however, that if the Loan is repaid in full prior to the Maturity Date, the Borrower shall pay to the Noteholder an additional amount equal to the greater of (a) ten percent (10.0%) of the aggregate principal amount of the Loan minus the sum of (i) all interest paid thereon plus (ii) any prepayment penalties paid in accordance with the first clause of this sentence and (b) zero. No prepaid amount may be reborrowed.

3. Interest.

3.1 Interest Rate. Except as otherwise provided herein, the outstanding principal amount of the Loan made hereunder shall bear interest at the Applicable Rate from the date the Loan was made until the Loan is paid in full, whether at maturity, upon acceleration, by prepayment or otherwise.

3.2 Interest Payment Dates. Interest shall be payable semi-annually in arrears to the Noteholder with the first interest payment due on November 19, 2012.

3.3 Computation of Interest. All computations of interest shall be made on the basis of a year of 365 days, and the actual number of days elapsed. Interest shall accrue on the Loan on the day on which the Loan is made, and shall not accrue on the Loan for the day on which it is paid.

3.4 Interest Rate Limitation. If at any time and for any reason whatsoever, the interest rate payable on the Loan shall exceed the maximum rate of interest permitted to be charged by the Noteholder to the Borrower under applicable Law, such interest rate shall be reduced automatically to the maximum rate of interest permitted to be charged under applicable Law.

 

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4. Payment Mechanics.

4.1 Manner of Payments. All payments of interest and principal shall be made in lawful money of the United States of America no later than 12:00 PM on the date on which such payment is due by cashier’s check, certified check or by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the Noteholder’s account at a bank specified by the Noteholder in writing to the Borrower from time to time.

4.2 Application of Payments. All payments made hereunder shall be applied first to the payment of any fees or charges outstanding hereunder, second to accrued interest, and third to the payment of the principal amount outstanding under the Note.

4.3 Business Day Convention. Whenever any payment to be made hereunder shall be due on a day that is not a Business Day, such payment shall be made on the next succeeding Business Day and such extension will be taken into account in calculating the amount of interest payable under this Note.

4.4 Evidence of Debt. The Noteholder is authorized to record on the grid attached hereto as Exhibit A the Loan made to the Borrower and each payment or prepayment thereof. The entries made by the Noteholder shall, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, be prima facie evidence of the existence and amounts of the obligations of the Borrower therein recorded; provided, however, that the failure of the Noteholder to record such payments or prepayments, or any inaccuracy therein, shall not in any manner affect the obligation of the Borrower to repay (with applicable interest) the Loan in accordance with the terms of this Note.

4.5 Rescission of Payments. If at any time any payment made by the Borrower under this Note is rescinded or must otherwise be restored or returned upon the insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization of the Borrower or otherwise, the Borrower’s obligation to make such payment shall be reinstated as though such payment had not been made.

5. Representations and Warranties. The Borrower hereby represents and warrants to the Noteholder on the date hereof as follows:

5.1 Power and Authority. The Borrower has the power and authority, and the legal right, to execute and deliver this Note and to perform its obligations hereunder.

5.2 Authorization; Execution and Delivery. The execution and delivery of this Note by the Borrower and the performance of its obligations hereunder have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action in accordance with all applicable Laws. The Borrower has duly executed and delivered this Note.

 

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5.3 No Conflict or Result in a Breach or Default. The execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower of this Note will not conflict with or result in a breach of or default under any Law to which the Borrower is subject or any material agreement to which the Borrower is a party.

6. Limitation on Indebtedness. Until all amounts outstanding under this Note have been repaid in full, the Company shall not incur any Debt other than Permitted Debt.

7. Events of Default. The occurrence and continuance of any of the following shall constitute an Event of Default hereunder:

7.1 Failure to Pay. The Borrower fails to pay (a) any principal amount of the Loan when due or (b) interest or any other amount when due and such failure continues for 30 business days after written notice to the Borrower.

7.2 Bankruptcy.

(a) the Borrower commences any case, proceeding or other action (i) under any existing or future Law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, or other relief of debtors, seeking to have an order for relief entered with respect to it, or seeking to adjudicate it as bankrupt or insolvent, or seeking reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, winding-up, liquidation, dissolution, composition or other relief with respect to it or its debts or (ii) seeking appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, conservator or other similar official for it or for all or any substantial part of its assets, or the Borrower makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors;

(b) there is commenced against the Borrower any case, proceeding or other action of a nature referred to in Section 7.2(a) above which (i) results in the entry of an order for relief or any such adjudication or appointment or (ii) remains undismissed, undischarged or unbonded for a period of 90 days; or

(c) there is commenced against the Borrower any case, proceeding or other action seeking issuance of a warrant of attachment, execution or similar process against all or any substantial part of its assets which results in the entry of an order for any such relief which has not been vacated, discharged, or stayed or bonded pending appeal within 90 days from the entry thereof.

7.3 Representation or Warranty Proves to be False. Any representation or warranty made by Borrower in connection with this Note shall prove to have been false in any material respect when made.

8. Notice of Event of Default. Borrower covenants and agrees that until this Note is paid in full it will promptly after becoming aware of the occurrence of an Event of Default or an event, act or condition that, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute an Event of Default, provide each Noteholder with a certificate of the chief executive officer or chief financial officer of Borrower specifying the nature thereof and Borrower’s proposed response thereto.

 

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9. Remedies. Upon the occurrence of any Event of Default and at any time thereafter during the continuance of such Event of Default, the Noteholder may at its option, by written notice to the Borrower (a) declare the entire principal amount of this Note, together with all accrued interest thereon and all other amounts payable hereunder, immediately due and payable; and/or (b) exercise any or all of its rights, powers or remedies under applicable Law; provided, however that, if an Event of Default described in Section 7.2 shall occur, the principal of and accrued interest on the Loan shall become immediately due and payable without any notice, declaration or other act on the part of the Noteholder.

10. Lost, Destroyed or Mutilated Note. Upon receipt of evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Borrower of the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of this Note, and upon delivery of an unsecured indemnity agreement from any Noteholder reasonably satisfactory to the Borrower, or, in the case of any such mutilation, upon the surrender of such Note for cancellation to the Borrower, the Borrower at its expense will execute and deliver to such Noteholder, in lieu thereof, a new Note of like tenor. Any Note in lieu of which any such new Note has been so executed and delivered by the Borrower shall thereafter be deemed to be not outstanding for any purpose.

11. Miscellaneous.

11.1 Notices.

(a) All notices, requests or other communications required or permitted to be delivered hereunder shall be delivered in writing, in each case to the address specified below or to such other address as such Party may from time to time specify in writing in compliance with this provision:

 

  (i) If to the Borrower:

ChinaCast Education Corporation

Room 701A, Building A, Golden Eagle Mansion

80 Hanxiao Road, Pudong

Shanghai 200437 China

Attention: Doug Woodrum

Fax: +(86) 21 6105 3354*8004

 

  (ii) If to the Noteholder:

MRMP Managers LLC

c/o R. Stephens

SD Trust Co. LLC

201 S. Phillips Ave.

Sioux Falls, SD 57104

Attention: Ned Sherwood

Facsimile: (212) 398-1808

 

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(b) Notices if (i) mailed by certified or registered mail or sent by hand or overnight courier service shall be deemed to have been given when received; (ii) sent by facsimile during the recipient’s normal business hours shall be deemed to have been given when sent (and if sent after normal business hours shall be deemed to have been given at the opening of the recipient’s business on the next business day); and (iii) sent by e-mail shall be deemed received upon the sender’s receipt of an acknowledgment from the intended recipient (such as by the “return receipt requested” function, as available, return e-mail or other written acknowledgment).

11.2 Governing Law. This Note and any claim, controversy, dispute or cause of action (whether in contract or tort or otherwise) based upon, arising out of or relating to this Note and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York without giving effect to its principles or rules of conflict of laws to the extent such principles or rules would require or permit the application of the laws of another jurisdiction.

11.3 Submission to Jurisdiction.

(a) The Borrower hereby irrevocably and unconditionally (i) agrees that any legal action, suit or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Note may be brought in the courts of the State of New York or of the United States of America for the Southern District of New York and (ii) submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of any such court in any such action, suit or proceeding. Final judgment against the Borrower in any action, suit or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in any other jurisdiction by suit on the judgment.

(b) Nothing in this Section 11.3 shall affect the right of the Noteholder to (i) commence legal proceedings or otherwise sue the Borrower in any other court having jurisdiction over the Borrower or (ii) serve process upon the Borrower in any manner authorized by the laws of any such jurisdiction.

11.4 Venue. The Borrower irrevocably and unconditionally waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Note in any court referred to in Section 11.3 and the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such action or proceeding in any such court.

 

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11.5 Waiver of Jury Trial. THE BORROWER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY RELATING TO THIS NOTE OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY.

11.6 Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness. This Note and any amendments, waivers, consents or supplements hereto may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original, but all taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Note constitutes the entire contract between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all previous agreements and understandings, oral or written, with respect thereto.

11.7 Successors and Assigns. This Note or any of the rights hereunder may not be assigned or transferred by the Noteholder to any Person without the prior written consent of the Borrower. The Borrower may not assign or transfer this Note or any of its rights hereunder without the prior written consent of the Noteholder. This Note shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding upon, the Parties and their permitted assigns.

11.8 Waiver of Notice. The Borrower hereby waives demand for payment, presentment for payment, protest, notice of payment, notice of dishonor, notice of nonpayment, notice of acceleration of maturity and diligence in taking any action to collect sums owing hereunder.

11.9 Interpretation. For purposes of this Note (a) the words “include,” “includes” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation”; (b) the word “or” is not exclusive; and (c) the words “herein,” “hereof,” “hereby,” “hereto” and “hereunder” refer to this Note as a whole. The definitions given for any defined terms in this Note shall apply equally to both the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms. Unless the context otherwise requires, references herein: (x) to Schedules, Exhibits and Sections mean the Schedules, Exhibits and Sections of this Note; (y) to an agreement, instrument or other document means such agreement, instrument or other document as amended, supplemented and modified from time to time to the extent permitted by the provisions thereof; and (z) to a statute means such statute as amended from time to time and includes any successor legislation thereto and any regulations promulgated thereunder. This Note shall be construed without regard to any presumption or rule requiring construction or interpretation against the party drafting an instrument or causing any instrument to be drafted.

11.10 Amendments and Waivers. No term of this Note may be waived, modified or amended except by an instrument in writing signed by both of the parties hereto. Any waiver of the terms hereof shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose given.

 

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11.11 Headings. The headings of the various Sections and subsections herein are for reference only and shall not define, modify, expand or limit any of the terms or provisions hereof.

11.12 No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies. No failure to exercise and no delay in exercising on the part of the Noteholder, of any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, remedy, power or privilege. The rights, remedies, powers and privileges herein provided are cumulative and not exclusive of any rights, remedies, powers and privileges provided by law.

11.13 Severability. If any term or provision of this Note is invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other term or provision of this Note or invalidate or render unenforceable such term or provision in any other jurisdiction.

11.14 Fees and Expense. The Borrower shall pay upon written demand all reasonable costs and expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees) incurred by any Noteholder in enforcing its interests under this Note. Borrower agrees to indemnify each Noteholder and each of its respective directors, officers, trustees, employees and agents against, and to hold each of them harmless from, any actual losses, damages, claims, liabilities and related expenses arising out of, in any way connected with or as a result of the execution, delivery, enforcement, performance, or administration of this Note; provided that the foregoing indemnity shall not apply to any losses, damages, claims, liabilities or related expenses (A) to the extent they have resulted from the wilful misconduct, bad faith or gross negligence of any Noteholder or any director, officer, trustee, employee or agent of a Noteholder or (B) arising from a breach of the obligations of this Note by a Noteholder or any director, officer, trustee, employee or agent of a Noteholder.

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Borrower has executed this Note as of May 18, 2012.

 

CHINACAST EDUCATION CORPORATION
By  

 

Name:  
Title:  

 

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By its acceptance of this Note, the Noteholder acknowledges and agrees to be bound by the provisions of this Note.
MRMP MANAGERS LLC
By  

 

Name:  
Title:  

 

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EXHIBIT A

ADVANCES AND PAYMENTS ON THE LOAN

 

Date of
Advance

 

Amount of

Advance

 

Amount of

Principal Paid

 

Unpaid

Principal

Amount of

Note

 

Name of

Person Making

the Notation

       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       

 

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