EX-2.19 2 tm206501d3_ex2-19.htm EXHIBIT 2.19

Exhibit 2.19

 

DESCRIPTION OF SHARE CAPITAL

 

We are a Cayman Islands company and our affairs are governed by our memorandum and articles of association, as amended and restated, and the Companies Law (2007 Revision) of the Cayman Islands ("Companies Law").

 

Our authorized share capital consists of 500,000,000 common shares, with a par value of US$0.0001. The material provisions of our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association and the Companies Law relating to the material terms of our common shares are summarized below.

 

Common shares

 

General.    All of our outstanding common shares are fully paid and non-assessable. Certificates representing the common shares are issued in registered form. Our shareholders who are nonresidents of the Cayman Islands may freely hold and vote their shares.

 

Dividends.    The holders of our common shares are entitled to such dividends as may be declared by our shareholders or board of directors subject to the Companies Law. All dividends or distributions will be paid out of our realized or unrealized profits, or out of the share premium account or others permitted by the Companies Law.

 

Voting Rights.    Each common share is entitled to one vote on all matters upon which the common shares are entitled to vote. Voting at any meeting of shareholders is by a show of hands unless a poll is demanded or required by the rules of the designated stock exchange. A poll may be demanded by the chairman of the meeting or a shareholder or shareholders present in person or, in the case of a shareholder being a corporation, by its duly authorized representative or by proxy, and holding not less than one-tenth of the issued share capital of our voting shares.

 

The quorum required for a meeting of shareholders consists of two or more shareholders being present in person or by proxy or, if a corporation or other non-natural person, by its duly authorized representative, representing not less than fifty per cent of the total voting rights of common shares entitled to vote at a general meeting. Shareholders’ meetings are held annually and may be convened by our board of directors on its own initiative. Advance notice of at least twenty days is required for the convening of a general meeting.

 

Any business transacted at a general meeting must be specified in a notice given at the direction of, or otherwise properly brought before the annual meeting by, our board of directors or is properly brought by a shareholder who provides advance notice, in accordance with our memorandum and articles of association, as amended and restated, describing the business desired to be conducted at the general meeting.

 

In order to be passed by the shareholders, an ordinary resolution requires the affirmative vote of a simple majority of the votes attached to the common shares cast in a general meeting, while a special resolution requires the affirmative vote of no less than two-thirds of those votes cast. A special resolution is required for important matters such as a change of name or an amendment to our memorandum or articles of association.

 

Transfer of Shares.    Subject to the restrictions of our articles of association, as more fully described below, any of our shareholders may transfer all or any of their common shares if approved by the board in writing, and the name of the transferee is entered into the register of shareholders in order for the transfer to become effective.

 

If a shareholder dies, the legal representative of the deceased shareholder is the only person recognized as having title to his share interest. Any person entitled to a share interest as a result of death or bankruptcy or liquidation or dissolution of a shareholder (or in any other way than by transfer) may, upon providing evidence of such right, elect to become the holder of the share interest or nominate someone as the transferee. In either case, our directors have the same right to decline or suspend registration as they would have in the case of a transfer of the share interest by the shareholder before his death or bankruptcy, unless the transferee is an immediate family member of the shareholder or a trust for their benefit. If notice from such person to either elect to be registered himself or to transfer the share interest is not received within ninety days, our directors may withhold payment of all dividends, bonuses or other payouts related to the share interest until the requirements of the notice have been satisfied.

 

Liquidation.    On a return of capital on winding-up or otherwise (other than on conversion, redemption or purchase of shares), assets available for distribution among the holders of common shares will be distributed among the holders of the common shares on a pro rata basis. If our assets available for distribution are insufficient to repay all of the paid-up capital, the assets will be distributed so that the losses are borne by our shareholders proportionately.

 

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Redemption of Shares.    Subject to the provisions of the Companies Law and our memorandum and articles of association, as amended and restated, and to any special rights conferred on the holders of any shares or class of shares, we may issue shares on the terms that they are subject to redemption at our option or at the option of the holders, according to such terms and in such manner as may be determined by special resolution, determined before the issue of the shares.

 

Variations of Rights of Shares.    Subject to the provisions of the Companies Law, the rights attached to any class of shares maybe varied with the consent of the majority of shareholders with voting rights of that class or with the sanction of a special resolution passed at a general meeting of the holders of the shares of that class.

 

Inspection of Books and Records.    Holders of our common shares have no general right under Cayman Islands law to inspect or obtain copies of our list of shareholders or our corporate records.

 

Designations and classes of shares.     All of our issued shares are common shares. Our articles provide that our authorized unissued shares shall be at the disposal of our board of directors, which may offer, allot, grant options over or otherwise dispose of them to such persons, at such times and for such consideration and upon such terms and conditions as our board may in its absolute discretion determine. In particular, our board of directors is empowered to redesignate from time to time authorized and unissued common shares as other classes or series of shares, to authorize from time to time the issuance of one or more series of preferred shares and to fix the designations, powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional and other rights, if any, and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof, if any, including without limitation, the number of shares constituting each such class or series, dividend rights, conversion rights, redemption privileges, voting powers and liquidation preferences, and to increase or decrease the size of any such class or series.

 

DESCRIPTION OF AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES

 

American Depositary Receipts

 

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as depositary, issues American Depositary Shares ("ADSs") which are registered under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act and traded on the New York Stock Exchange. Each ADS represent an ownership interest in two common shares deposited with the custodian, as agent of the depositary, under the deposit agreement among ourselves, the depositary and American Depositary Receipt ("ADR") holders. Each ADS will also represent any securities, cash or other property deposited with the depositary but which have not distributed directly to the ADR holder. Unless specifically requested by the ADR holder, all ADSs will be issued on the books of our depositary in book-entry form and periodic statements will be mailed to the ADR holders which reflect their ownership interest in such ADSs.

 

ADSs may be held either directly or indirectly through a broker or other financial institution. ADSs are held directly by having an ADS registered in the name of the ADR holder on the books of the depositary.

 

An ADR holder is not a shareholder and does not have any shareholder rights. Cayman Island law governs shareholder rights. Because the depositary or its nominee is the shareholder of record for the shares represented by all outstanding ADSs, shareholder rights rest with such record holder. Instead, an ADR holder has rights derived from the terms of the deposit agreement entered into among us, the depositary and all registered holders from time to time of ADSs issued thereunder. The obligations of the depositary and its agents are also set out in the deposit agreement. Because the depositary or its nominee is actually the registered owner of the shares, an ADR holder must rely on it to exercise the rights of a shareholder on an ADR holder's behalf. The deposit agreement and the ADSs are governed by New York law.

 

The following is a summary of the material terms of the deposit agreement.

 

Share Dividends and Other Distributions

 

We may make various types of distributions with respect to our securities. The depositary has agreed to pay to ADR holders the cash dividends or other distributions it or the custodian receives on shares or other deposited securities, after converting any cash received into U.S. dollars and, in all cases, making any necessary deductions provided for in the deposit agreement. An ADR holder will receive these distributions in proportion to the number of underlying securities that their ADSs represent.

 

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Except as stated below, to the extent the depositary is legally permitted and to the extent practicable, the depositary will deliver such distributions to ADR holders in proportion to their interests in the following manner:

 

    Cash.    The depositary distributes any U.S. dollars available to it resulting from a cash dividend or other cash distribution or the net proceeds of sales of any other distribution or portion thereof (to the extent applicable), on an averaged or other practicable basis, subject to (i) appropriate adjustments for taxes withheld, (ii) such distribution being impermissible or impracticable with respect to certain registered holders and (iii) deduction of the depositary’s expenses in (1) converting any foreign currency to U.S. dollars to the extent that it determines that such conversion may be made on a reasonable basis, (2) transferring foreign currency or U.S. dollars to the United States by such means as the depositary may determine to the extent that it determines that such transfer may be made on a reasonable basis, (3) obtaining any approval or license of any governmental authority required for such conversion or transfer, which is obtainable at a reasonable cost and within a reasonable time, and (4) making any sale by public or private means in any commercially reasonable manner. 

 

    Shares.    In the case of a distribution in shares, the depositary will issue additional ADRs to evidence the number of ADSs representing such shares. Only whole ADSs will be issued. Any shares which would result in fractional ADSs will be sold and the net proceeds will be distributed in the same manner as cash to the ADR holders entitled thereto.

 

    Rights to receive additional shares.    In the case of a distribution of rights to subscribe for additional shares or other rights, if we timely provide satisfactory evidence that the depositary may lawfully distribute such rights, the depositary will distribute warrants or other instruments representing such rights. However, if we do not furnish such evidence, the depositary may:

 

    sell such rights if practicable and distribute the net proceeds as cash; or

 

    if it is not practicable to sell such rights, do nothing and allow such rights to lapse, in which case ADR holders will receive nothing.

 

We have no obligation to file a registration statement under the Securities Act in order to make any rights available to ADR holders.

 

    Other Distributions.    In the case of a distribution of securities or property other than those described above, the depositary may either (i) distribute such securities or property in any manner it deems equitable and practicable or (ii) to the extent the depositary deems distribution of such securities or property not to be equitable and practicable, sell such securities or property and distribute any net proceeds in the same way it distributes cash.

 

If the depositary determines that any distribution described above is not practicable with respect to any specific ADR holder, the depositary may choose any practicable method of distribution for such ADR holder, including the distribution of foreign currency, securities or property, or it may retain such items, without paying interest on or investing them, on behalf of the ADR holder as deposited securities, in which case the ADSs will also represent the retained items.

 

Any U.S. dollars are distributed by checks drawn on a bank in the United States for whole dollars and cents. Fractional cents will be withheld without liability for interest thereon and dealt with by the depositary in accordance with its then current practices.

 

The depositary is not responsible if it decides that it is unlawful or impractical to make a distribution available to any ADR holders.

 

Deposit, Withdrawal and Cancellation

 

The depositary issues ADSs if an ADR holder or their broker deposits shares or evidence of rights to receive shares with the custodian and pays the fees and expenses owing to the depositary in connection with such issuance.

 

Shares deposited in the future with the custodian must be accompanied by certain delivery documentation, including instruments showing that such shares have been properly transferred or endorsed to the person on whose behalf the deposit is being made.

 

The custodian holds all deposited shares for the account of the depositary. ADR holders thus have no direct ownership interest in the shares and only have such rights as are contained in the deposit agreement. The custodian will also hold any additional securities, property and cash received on or in substitution for the deposited shares. The deposited shares and any such additional items are referred to as “deposited securities.”

 

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Upon each deposit of shares, receipt of related delivery documentation and compliance with the other provisions of the deposit agreement, including the payment of the fees and charges of the depositary and any taxes or other fees or charges owing, the depositary will issue an ADR or ADRs in the name or upon the order of the person entitled thereto evidencing the number of ADSs to which such person is entitled.

 

When an ADR holder turns in their ADSs at the depositary’s office, or when an ADR holder provides proper instructions and documentation in the case of direct registration ADSs, the depositary will, upon payment of certain applicable fees, charges and taxes, deliver the underlying shares at the custodian’s office or effect delivery by such other means as the depositary deems practicable, including transfer to an account of an accredited financial institution on their behalf. At an ADR holder's risk, expense and request, the depositary may deliver deposited securities at such other place as they may request.

 

The depositary may only restrict the withdrawal of deposited securities in connection with:

 

    temporary delays caused by closing our transfer books or those of the depositary or the deposit of shares in connection with voting at a shareholders’ meeting, or the payment of dividends;

 

    the payment of fees, taxes and similar charges; or

 

    compliance with any U.S. or foreign laws or governmental regulations relating to the ADRs or to the withdrawal of deposited securities.

 

This right of withdrawal may not be limited by any other provision of the deposit agreement.

 

Record Dates

 

The depositary may fix record dates for the determination of the ADR holders who will be entitled (or obligated, as the case may be):

 

    to receive any distribution on or in respect of shares,

 

    to give instructions for the exercise of voting rights at a meeting of holders of shares,

 

    for the determination of the registered holders who shall be responsible for the fee assessed by the depositary for administration of the ADR program and for any expenses as provided for in the ADR, or

 

    to receive any notice or to act in respect of other matters,

 

all subject to the provisions of the deposit agreement.

 

Voting Rights

 

An ADR holder may instruct the depositary how to exercise the voting rights for the shares which underlie their ADSs if the depositary asks the ADR holder to provide it with voting instructions. After receiving voting materials from us, the depositary will notify the ADR holders of any shareholder meeting or solicitation of consents or proxies. This notice will state such information as is contained in the voting materials and describe how an ADR holder may instruct the depositary to exercise the voting rights for the shares which underlie their ADSs and will include instructions for giving a discretionary proxy to a person designated by us. For instructions to be valid, the depositary must receive them in the manner and on or before the date specified. The depositary will try, as far as is practical, subject to the provisions of and governing the underlying shares or other deposited securities, to vote or to have its agents vote the shares or other deposited securities as the ADR holder instructs. The depositary will only vote or attempt to vote as the ADR holder instructs. The depositary will not itself exercise any voting discretion. Furthermore, neither the depositary nor its agents are responsible for any failure to carry out any voting instructions, for the manner in which any vote is cast or for the effect of any vote.

 

There is no guarantee that an ADR holder will receive voting materials in time to instruct the depositary to vote and it is possible that an ADR holder, or persons who hold their ADSs through brokers, dealers or other third parties, will not have the opportunity to exercise a right to vote.

 

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If the depositary does not receive voting instructions from the ADR holder by the specified date, it will consider the ADR holder to have authorized and directed it to give a discretionary proxy to a person designated by us to vote the number of deposit securities represented by their ADSs. The depositary will give a discretionary proxy in those circumstances to vote on all questions to be voted upon unless we notify the depositary that:

 

    we do not wish to receive a discretionary proxy;

 

    we think there is substantial shareholder opposition to the particular question; or

 

    we think the particular question would materially affect the rights of our shareholders.

 

Reports and Other Communications

 

The depositary will make available for inspection by ADR holders any written communications from us which are both received by the custodian or its nominee as a holder of deposited securities and made generally available to the holders of deposited securities. We will furnish these communications in English when so required by any rules or regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Additionally, if we make any written communications generally available to holders of our shares, including the depositary or the custodian, and we request the depositary to provide them to ADR holders, the depositary will mail copies of them, or, at its option, English translations or summaries of them to ADR holders.

 

Fees and Expenses

 

The depositary may charge each person to whom ADSs are issued, including, without limitation, issuances against deposits of shares, issuances in respect of share distributions, rights and other distributions, issuances pursuant to a stock dividend or stock split declared by us or issuances pursuant to a merger, exchange of securities or any other transaction or event affecting the ADSs or deposited securities, and each person surrendering ADSs for withdrawal of deposited securities in any manner permitted by the deposit agreement, US$5.00 for each 100 ADSs (or any portion thereof) issued, delivered, reduced, cancelled or surrendered, as the case may be. The depositary may sell (by public or private sale) sufficient securities and property received in respect of a share distribution, rights and/or other distribution prior to such deposit to pay such charge.

 

The following additional charges shall be incurred by the ADR holders, by any party depositing or withdrawing shares or by any party surrendering ADRs or to whom ADRs are issued (including, without limitation, issuance pursuant to a stock dividend or stock split declared by our company or an exchange of stock regarding the ADRs or the deposited securities or a distribution of ADRs), whichever is applicable:

 

    a fee of US$1.50 per ADR or ADRs for transfers of certificated or direct registration ADRs, unless prohibited by the NYSE;

 

    a fee of US$0.02 or less per ADS (or portion thereof) for any cash distribution made pursuant to the deposit agreement;

 

    an aggregate fee of up to US$0.05 per ADS (or portion thereof) per calendar year for services performed by the depositary in administering our ADR program (which fee may be charged on a periodic basis during each calendar year and shall be assessed against holders of ADRs as of the record date or record dates set by the depositary during each calendar year and shall be payable in the manner described in the next succeeding provision);

 

    any other charge payable by any of the depositary, any of the depositary’s agents, including, without limitation, the custodian, or the agents of the depositary’s agents in connection with the servicing of our shares or other deposited securities (which charge shall be assessed against registered holders of our ADRs as of the record date or dates set by the depositary and shall be payable at the sole discretion of the depositary by billing such registered holders or by deducting such charge from one or more cash dividends or other cash distributions);

 

    a fee for the distribution of securities (or the sale of securities in connection with a distribution), such fee being in an amount equal to the fee for the execution and delivery of ADSs which would have been charged as a result of the deposit of such securities (treating all such securities as if they were shares) but which securities or the net cash proceeds from the sale thereof are instead distributed by the depositary to those holders entitled thereto;

 

    stock transfer or other taxes and other governmental charges;

 

    cable, telex and facsimile transmission and delivery charges incurred at an ADR holder's request;

 

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    transfer or registration fees for the registration of transfer of deposited securities on any applicable register in connection with the deposit or withdrawal of deposited securities;

 

    expenses of the depositary in connection with the conversion of foreign currency into U.S. dollars; and

 

    such fees and expenses as are incurred by the depositary (including without limitation expenses incurred in connection with compliance with foreign exchange control regulations or any law or regulation relating to foreign investment) in delivery of deposited securities or otherwise in connection with the depositary’s or its custodian’s compliance with applicable laws, rules or regulations.

 

We will pay all other charges and expenses of the depositary and any agent of the depositary (except the custodian) pursuant to agreements from time to time between us and the depositary. The fees described above may be amended from time to time.

 

The depositary may generally refuse to provide services to any holder until the fees and expenses owing by such holder for those services or otherwise are paid.

 

Payment of Taxes

 

ADR holders must pay any tax or other governmental charge payable by the custodian or the depositary on any ADS or ADR, deposited security or distribution. If an ADR holder owes any tax or other governmental charge, the depositary may (i) deduct the amount thereof from any cash distributions, or (ii) sell deposited securities and deduct the amount owing from the net proceeds of such sale. In either case the ADR holder remains liable for any shortfall. Additionally, if any tax or governmental charge is unpaid, the depositary may also refuse to effect any registration, registration of transfer, split-up or combination of deposited securities or withdrawal of deposited securities (except under limited circumstances mandated by securities regulations). If any tax or governmental charge is required to be withheld on any non-cash distribution, the depositary may sell the distributed property or securities to pay such taxes and distribute any remaining net proceeds to the ADR holders entitled thereto.

 

By holding an ADR or an interest therein, an ADR holder will be agreeing to indemnify us, the depositary, its custodian and any of our or their respective directors, employees, agents and affiliates against, and hold each of them harmless from, any claims by any governmental authority with respect to taxes, additions to tax, penalties or interest arising out of any refund of taxes, reduced rate of withholding at source or other tax benefit obtained in respect of or arising out of, an ADR holder's ADSs.

 

Reclassifications, Recapitalizations and Mergers

 

If we take certain actions that affect the deposited securities, including (i) any change in par value, split-up, consolidation, cancellation or other reclassification of deposited securities or (ii) any recapitalization, reorganization, merger, consolidation, liquidation, receivership, bankruptcy or sale of all or substantially all of our assets, then the depositary may choose to:

 

(1) amend the form of ADR;

(2) distribute additional or amended ADRs;

(3) distribute cash, securities or other property it has received in connection with such actions;

(4) sell any securities or property received and distribute the proceeds as cash; or

(5) none of the above.

 

If the depositary does not choose any of the above options, any of the cash, securities or other property it receives will constitute part of the deposited securities and each ADS will then represent a proportionate interest in such property.

 

Amendment; Termination and Resignation

 

Amendment. We may agree with the depositary to amend the deposit agreement and the ADSs without an ADR holder's consent for any reason. ADR holders must be given at least 30 days' notice of any amendment that imposes or increases any fees or charges (other than stock transfer or other taxes and other governmental charges, transfer or registration fees, cable, telex or facsimile transmission costs, delivery costs or other such expenses), or prejudices any substantial existing right of ADR holders. If an ADR holder continues to hold an ADR or ADRs after being so notified, such ADR holder is deemed to agree to such amendment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any governmental body or regulatory body should adopt new laws, rules or regulations which would require amendment or supplement of the deposit agreement or the form of ADR to ensure compliance therewith, we and the depositary may amend or supplement the deposit agreement and the ADR at any time in accordance with such changed laws, rules or regulations, which amendment or supplement may take effect before a notice is given or an ADR holder otherwise receives notice. No amendment, however, will impair an ADR holder's right to surrender their ADSs and receive the underlying securities, except in order to comply with mandatory provisions of applicable law.

 

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Termination. The depositary may, and shall at our written direction, terminate the deposit agreement and the ADR by mailing notice of such termination to the registered holders of ADRs at least 30 days prior to the date fixed in such notice for such termination; provided, however, if the depositary shall have (i) resigned as depositary under the deposit agreement, notice of such termination by the depositary shall not be provided to registered holders unless a successor depositary shall not be operating hereunder within 45 days of the date of such resignation, and (ii) been removed as depositary under the deposit agreement, notice of such termination by the depositary shall not be provided to registered holders of ADRs unless a successor depositary shall not be operating hereunder on the 60th day after our notice of removal was first provided to the depositary. After the date so fixed for termination, (a) all direct registration ADRs will cease to be eligible for the direct registration system and will be considered ADRs issued on the ADR register and (b) the depositary will use its reasonable efforts to ensure that the ADSs cease to be DTC eligible so that neither DTC nor any of its nominees will thereafter be a Holder. The depositary will (a) instruct its custodian to deliver deposited securities to us along with a general stock power that refers to the names set forth on the ADR register and (b) provide us Company with a copy of such ADR Register. Upon receipt of such deposited securities and the ADR register, we will use our best efforts to issue to each holder a share certificate representing the shares represented by the ADSs reflected on the ADR register in such holder's name and to deliver such share certificate to the holder at the address set forth on the register. After providing such instruction to the custodian and delivering a copy of the ADR register to us, the depositary and its agents may perform no further acts under the deposit agreement and will cease to have any obligations under the deposit agreement.

 

Resignation. The depositary may resign as depositary by written notice of its election so to do delivered to us, such resignation to take effect upon the appointment of a successor depositary and its acceptance of such appointment as provided in the deposit agreement. The depositary may at any time be removed by us by no less than 60 days’ prior written notice of such removal, to become effective upon the later of (i) the 60th day after delivery of the notice to the depositary and (ii) the appointment of a successor depositary and its acceptance of such appointment as provided in the deposit agreement.

 

Limitations on Obligations and Liability to ADR holders

 

Prior to the issue, registration, registration of transfer, split-up, combination, or cancellation of any ADRs, or the delivery of any distribution in respect thereof, we, the depositary and its custodian may require an ADR holder to pay, provide or deliver:

 

    payment with respect thereto of (i) any stock transfer or other tax or other governmental charge, (ii) any stock transfer or registration fees in effect for the registration of transfers of shares or other deposited securities upon any applicable register and (iii) any applicable fees and expenses described in the deposit agreement;

 

    the production of proof satisfactory to the depositary and/or its custodian of (i) the identity of any signatory and genuineness of any signature and (ii) such other information, including without limitation, information as to citizenship, residence, exchange control approval, beneficial ownership of any securities, compliance with applicable law, regulations, provisions of or governing shares and terms of the deposit agreement and the ADRs, as it may deem necessary or proper; and

 

    compliance with such regulations as the depositary may establish consistent with the deposit agreement.

 

The issuance of ADRs, the acceptance of deposits of shares, the registration, registration of transfer, split-up or combination of ADRs or the withdrawal of shares, generally or in particular instances, may be suspended when the ADR register or any register for shares is closed or when any such action is deemed advisable by the depositary.

 

The deposit agreement expressly limits the obligations and liability of the depositary, ourselves and our respective agents. Neither we nor the depositary nor any such agent will be liable if:

 

    present or future law, rule or regulation of the United States, the Cayman Islands, the People’s Republic of China or any other country, or of any governmental or regulatory authority or securities exchange or market or automated quotation system, the provisions of or governing any deposited securities, any present or future provision of our charter, any act of God, war, terrorism or other circumstance beyond our, the depositary’s or our respective agents’ control shall prevent, delay or subject to any civil or criminal penalty any act which the deposit agreement or the ADRs provide shall be done or performed by us, the depositary or our respective agents (including, without limitation, voting);

 

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    it exercises or fails to exercise discretion under the deposit agreement or the ADR;

 

    it performs its obligations without gross negligence or bad faith;

 

    it takes any action or refrains from taking any action in reliance upon the advice of or information from legal counsel, accountants, any person presenting shares for deposit, any registered holder of ADRs or any other person believed by it to be competent to give such advice or information; or

 

    it relies upon any written notice, request, direction or other document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties.

 

Neither the depositary nor its agents have any obligation to appear in, prosecute or defend any action, suit or other proceeding in respect of any deposited securities or the ADRs. We and our agents shall only be obligated to appear in, prosecute or defend any action, suit or other proceeding in respect of any deposited securities or the ADRs, which in our opinion may involve us in expense or liability, if indemnity satisfactory to us against all expense (including fees and disbursements of counsel) and liability is furnished as often as may be required. The depositary and its agents may fully respond to any and all demands or requests for information maintained by or on its behalf in connection with the deposit agreement, any registered holder or holders of ADRs, any ADSs or otherwise to the extent such information is requested or required by or pursuant to any lawful authority, including without limitation laws, rules, regulations, administrative or judicial process, banking, securities or other regulators.

 

The depositary will not be responsible for failing to carry out instructions to vote the deposited securities or for the manner in which the deposited securities are voted or the effect of the vote. In no event shall we, the depositary or any of our respective agents be liable to holders of ADSs or interests therein for any indirect, special, punitive or consequential damages.

 

The depositary may own and deal in deposited securities and in ADSs.

 

Disclosure of Interest in ADSs

 

To the extent that the provisions of or governing any deposited securities may require disclosure of or impose limits on beneficial or other ownership of deposited securities, other shares and other securities and may provide for blocking transfer, voting or other rights to enforce such disclosure or limits, an ADR holder agrees to comply with all such disclosure requirements and ownership limitations and to comply with any reasonable instructions we may provide in respect thereof. We reserve the right to request an ADR holder to deliver their ADSs for cancellation and withdrawal of the deposited securities so as to permit us to deal with them directly as a holder of deposited securities and, by holding an ADS or an interest therein, they will be agreeing to comply with such instructions.

 

Books of Depositary

 

The depositary or its agent will maintain a register for the registration, registration of transfer, combination and split-up of ADRs, which register shall include the depositary’s direct registration system. The depositary will maintain facilities to record and process the issuance, cancellation, combination, split-up and transfer of ADRs. These facilities may be closed from time to time, to the extent not prohibited by law.

 

Pre-release of ADSs

 

The depositary may issue ADSs prior to the deposit with the custodian of shares (or rights to receive shares). This is called a pre-release of the ADSs. A pre-release is closed out as soon as the underlying shares (or rights to receive shares from us or from any registrar, transfer agent or other entity recording share ownership or transactions) are delivered to the depositary. The depositary may pre-release ADSs only if:

 

    the depositary has received collateral for the full market value of the pre-released ADSs (marked to market daily); and

 

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    each recipient of pre-released ADSs agrees in writing that he or she

 

    owns the underlying shares,

 

    assigns all rights in such shares to the depositary,

 

    holds such shares for the account of the depositary and

 

    will deliver such shares to the custodian as soon as practicable, and promptly if the depositary so demands.

 

In general, the number of pre-released ADSs will not evidence more than 30% of all ADSs outstanding at any given time (excluding those evidenced by pre-released ADSs) and pre-released ADSs are terminable on not more than five(5) business days' notice. However, the depositary may change or disregard such limit from time to time as it deems appropriate. The depositary may retain for its own account any earnings on collateral for pre-released ADSs and its charges for issuance thereof.

 

Appointment

 

In the deposit agreement, each holder and each person holding an interest in ADSs, upon acceptance of any ADSs (or any interest therein) issued in accordance with the terms and conditions of the deposit agreement will be deemed for all purposes to:

 

    be a party to and bound by the terms of the deposit agreement and the applicable ADR or ADRs, and

 

    appoint the depositary its attorney-in-fact, with full power to delegate, to act on its behalf and to take any and all actions contemplated in the deposit agreement and the applicable ADR or ADRs, to adopt any and all procedures necessary to comply with applicable laws and to take such action as the depositary in its sole discretion may deem necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes of the deposit agreement and the applicable ADR and ADRs, the taking of such actions to be the conclusive determinant of the necessity and appropriateness thereof.

 

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