In this Annual Report on Form 20-F, unless otherwise specified, all monetary amounts are expressed in Canadian dollars.  The exchange rates used herein were obtained from Bank of Canada; however, they cannot be guaranteed.

On June 30, 2008,2009, the exchange rate, based on the noon buying rates, for the conversion of Canadian dollars into United States dollars (the “Noon Rate of Exchange”) was CDN $1.02=$1.16=US$1

Not applicable

Not applicable

The following is a brief discussion of those distinctive or special characteristics of the Company’s operations and industry that may have a material impact on, or constitute risk factors in respect of, the Company’s future financial performance.

We  have  a  history  of  operating  losses  and  may  not  achieve  or  sustain profitability in the future.

We have incurred significant operating losses during recent fiscal years. We have not yet had any revenue from the exploration activities nor have we ever found that development activity is warranted on any of our properties.nor.  As of March 31, 2008,2009, we had an accumulated deficit of approximately $33 million.  We currently have no interest in any oil or gas property or any natural resource project.

 

We expect to continue to incur losses until it is determined that properties or projects in which we may acquire interests in the future can be sufficiently developed for commercialization. Even if it is determined that such properties or projects should be developed for commercialization, there is no certainty that we will produce revenue, operate profitably or provide a return on investment in the future. We cannot assure you that we will be able to achieve or sustain profitable operations in the future.

We are in the process of seeking opportunities in oil and gas and any other sectors and currently do not own any interests or properties.

Currently, we do not own any interest in any oil or gas project or any other project.  We are assessing various opportunities, none of which may meet our eligibility requirements. Consequently, we may not own any interest for an indeterminate amount of time.  As a result, we will use our cash resources to pay for expenses and costs we incur in our efforts to identify appropriate opportunities as well as for our standard operating costs.

The Company anticipates participating in oil and gas resource properties in the hope of locating reserves.  The Company's property interests, when acquired will most likely be in the exploration stage only. Accordingly, there is little likelihood that the Company will realize any profits in the short to medium term. Any profitability in the future from the Company's business will be dependent upon locating reserves, which itself is subject to numerous risk factors.

The business of exploring for and producing oil and gas involves a substantial risk of investment loss which, even a combination of experience, knowledge and careful evaluation may not be able to overcome.  The principal resources necessary for the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas are leasehold prospects under which crude oil and natural gas reserves may be discovered, drilling rigs and related equipment to explore for such reserves and knowledgeable personnel to conduct all phases of crude oil and natural gas operations, all of which requires a substantial investment.

Drilling oil and gas wells involves the risk that the wells will be unproductive or that, although productive, the wells do not produce oil and/or gas in economic quantities. Other hazards, such as unusual or unexpected geological formations, pressures, fires, blowouts, loss of circulation of drilling fluids or other conditions may substantially delay or prevent completion of any well. Adverse weather conditions can also hinder drilling operations.

A productive well may become uneconomic in the event water or other deleterious substances are encountered, which impair or prevent the production of oil and/or gas from the well.  In addition, production from any well may be unmarketable if it is impregnated with water or other deleterious substances.  As with any petroleum property, there can be no assurance that oil and gas will be produced from the properties in which the Company had and may in future have interests.  

In addition, the marketability of oil and gas, which may be acquired or discovered, will be affected by numerous factors beyond the control of the Company.  These factors include the proximity and capacity of oil and gas pipelines and processing equipment, market fluctuations of prices, taxes, royalties, land tenure, allowable production and environmental protection.  

The extent of these factors cannot be accurately predicted, but the combination of these factors may result in the Company not receiving an adequate return on invested capital. There is no assurance that our anticipated exploration and development activities in future resource properties will ultimately yield oil or gas in commercial quantities.  Drilling for oil and gas may be unprofitable. Dry holes and wells that are productive but do not produce sufficient net revenues after drilling, operating and other costs are unprofitable.  We cannot assure you that we will be able to achieve profitable operations in the future.

The price we are willing to pay for an interest in an oil and gas project is based on a combination of projected exploration and production costs and on the estimates of potential reserves. Actual costs and reserve could vary materially from these estimates. Consequently, the interests we acquire may be less unproductive than expected, or not productive at all, which could adversely affect us or cause us to lose our entire invest, or both.  Initial assessments of an interest will be based on a report by engineers or firms of engineers and these initial assessments may differ significantly from our subsequent assessments.

Our industry also experiences numerous operating risks. These operating risks include the risk of fire, explosions, blow-outs, pipe failure, abnormally pressured formations and environmental hazards. Environmental hazards include oil spills, natural gas leaks, ruptures or discharges of toxic gases. Such events could result in substantial damage to oil and gas wells, producing facilities and other property and personal injury.  Although management believes the operator of any properties in which the Company and its subsidiaries may acquire interests, will acquire and maintain appropriate insurance coverage in accordance with standard industry practice, the Company and its subsidiaries may suffer losses from uninsurable hazards or from hazards which the operator has chosen not to insure against because of high premium costs or other reasons.  If any of these industry operating risks occur, the Company and its subsidiaries may face liability.  The payment of any such liabilities may have a material, adverse effect on the Company's financial position.  We cannot assure you that insurance held by the operator of any of our properties will be adequate to cover losses or liabilities.

The current or future operations of the Company, including development activities and commencement of production on its properties, require permits from various governmental authorities and such operations will be subject to laws and regulations governing prospecting, development, mining, production, exports, taxes, labour standards, occupational health, waste disposal, toxic substances, land use, environmental protection, safety and other matters. Companies engaged in the development and operation of natural resource properties and related facilities generally experience increased costs, and delays in production and other schedules as a result of the need to comply with applicable laws, regulations and permits.

There can be no assurance that approvals and permits required to commence production on its properties will be obtained.  Additional permits and studies, which may include environmental impact studies conducted before permits can be obtained, may be necessary prior to operation of the properties in which the Company acquires interests and there can be no assurance that the operator of these interests or the Company will be able to obtain or maintain all necessary permits that may be required to commence construction, development or operation of oil and gas extraction facilities at these properties on terms which enable operations to be conducted at economically justifiable costs.

Failure to comply with applicable laws, regulations, and permitting requirements may result in enforcement actions against the operator of any of our resource properties or us, including orders issued by regulatory or judicial authorities causing operations to cease or be curtailed, and may include corrective measures requiring capital expenditures, installation of additional equipment, or remedial actions.

 

 

Company’s current business strategy may involve participation in overseas projects in the resource sector.  Consequently, the Company will be subject to certain risks associated with foreign ownership, including currency fluctuations, inflation, political instability and political risk. Oil, gas and other resource exploration and production activities in foreign countries may be affected in varying degrees by political stability and government regulations relating to the resource industry. Any changes in regulations or shifts in political conditions are beyond the control of the Company and may adversely affect its business. Operations may be affected in varying degrees by government regulations with respect to restrictions on production, price controls, export controls, restriction of earnings, taxation laws, expropriation of property, environmental legislation, water use and workplace safety.

We have approximately $4.9$1.4 million in cash ($1.30.4 million) and marketable securities ($3.6 million1million fair value) as of March 31, 2008.2009. Our marketable securities are primarily securities of publicly held Canadian corporations.  The value of these securities is subject to market fluctuations as well as the specific risks of each particular issuer.  Although we believe we have diversified our portfolio, we may lose some of our original investment in the event that an investment does not perform as anticipated.anticipated or we are unable to hold the investment until it shows such performance.

Further, approximately $1.1$0.4 million or 31%33% of our investments are invested in one Canadian marketable security. While the market value of this security at March 31, 20082009 was less by approximately $800,000$1.4 million than its average cost of $1.9$1.8 million, it rose to $2$0.54 million on June 30, 2008,2009, the date of this report, there is no guarantee that the market price would continuerise to be higher thanequal or exceed our cost. In the event, we are unable to or do not sell these securities on time and their market price gets adversely affected for whatever reasons, we may lose significant sum of money. We are minimising this risk by having all our investments monitored on a daily basis by consultants with substantial experience and knowledge of the investment market.

We will need to raise additional funds in the future, which may not be available to us.

The Company is currently without a source of revenue from operations and upon the investment of its current cash and liquidity, resources will most likely be required to issue additional securities to finance its operations and the development of its projects.  We may not be able to obtain additional financing on acceptable terms or at all. Failure to obtain additional financing on a timely basis could cause the Company to sell or forfeit its interest in its properties and reduce or terminate its operations on such properties or discontinue operations entirely.

There is a substantial risk of dilution through possible equity financings and stock options.

Any equity or debt financings, if available at all, may cause dilution to our then-existing shareholders. If additional funds are raised through the issuance of equity securities, the net tangible book value per share of our common shares would decrease and the percentage ownership of then current shareholders would be diluted.

Additionally, the Company may in the future grant to some or all of its own and its subsidiaries' directors, officers, insiders and key consultants options to purchase the Company's common shares as non-cash incentives to those people. Such options may be granted at exercise prices equal to market prices at time when the public market is depressed or below fair market value.  To the extent that significant numbers of such options may be granted and exercised, the interests of the then existing shareholders of the Company may be subject to additional dilution.

 

We are dependent upon our key managerial consultants, the loss of which would negatively affect our business.

Our performance depends on a small number of key managerial consultants. In particular, we believe our success is highly dependent upon the services of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Kam Shah, as well as Mr. Terence Robinson both of whom are consultants and who have been significantly involved in locating and negotiating our resource investments. Loss of either of their services could negatively affect our business.

Our officers and directors reside outside of the United States and there is a risk that civil liabilities and judgments may be unenforceable.

The Company and its officers and all but one of its directors are residents of countries other than the United States, and most of the Company's assets are located outside the United States.  As a result, it may not be possible for investors to effect service of process within the United States upon such persons or enforce in the United States against such persons judgments obtained in United States courts, including judgments predicated upon the civil liability provisions of United States federal securities laws or state securities laws.

Our share price has been volatile in the past and may decline in the future.

In recent years, the securities markets in Canada and the United States have experienced a high level of price and volume volatility, and the market prices of securities of many companies, particularly small mineral exploration companies like the Company, have experienced wide fluctuations which have not necessarily been related to the operating performance, underlying asset values or prospects of such companies.  Our shares may continue to experience significant market price and volume fluctuations in the future in response to factors, which are beyond our control.

At March 31, 2008,2009, we had approximately 3031 million shares of common stock outstanding. We also have approximately 12.813.8 million and 4.8 million shares of commons stock issuable under presently exercisable warrants and options, respectively, All such shares except one million warrants, are registered pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Act and are eligible for resale in the public market.  Sales of shares of common stock pursuant to an effective registration statement or under Rule 144 or another exemption under the Act could have a material adverse effect on the price of our common stock and could impair our ability to raise additional capital through the sale of equity securities.

All of the Company's available funds will be invested to finance the growth of the Company's business and therefore investors cannot expect and should not anticipate receiving a dividend on the Company's common shares in the foreseeable future.

 

The capital stock of the Company would be classified as “penny stock” as defined in Reg. § 240.3a51-1 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “1934 Act”).  In response to perceived abuse in the penny stock market generally, the 1934 Act was amended in 1990 to add new requirements in connection with penny stocks.  In connection with effecting any transaction in a penny stock,

We are incorporated under Ontario Canada law. The rights and responsibilities of holders of our shares are governed by our memorandum of association, our articles of association and by Canadian law. These rights and responsibilities may differ in some respects from the rights and responsibilities of shareholders in typical U.S. corporations.

Changing laws, regulations and standards relating to corporate governance and public disclosure, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, new SEC regulations and new and changing provisions of Canadian securities laws, are creating uncertainty because of the lack of specificity and varying interpretations of the rules. As a result, the application of the rules may evolve over time as new guidance is provided by regulatory and governing bodies, which could result in continuing uncertainty regarding compliance matters and higher costs necessitated by ongoing revisions to disclosure and governance practices. We are committed to maintaining high standards of corporate governance and public disclosure. As a result, our efforts to comply with evolving laws, regulations and standards have resulted in, and are likely to continue to result in, increased general and administrative expenses and a diversion of management time and attention from revenue-generating activities to compliance activities. Any failure to comply with applicable laws may materially adversely affect our reputation and the value of our securities.

If we fail to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, our reputation and the value of our securities may be adversely affected.

Beginning with our annual report for the year ending March 31, 2008, Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 will require us to include an internal control report of management with our annual report on Form 20-F, which is to include management’s assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of the end of the fiscal year. Effective at the fiscal year 2010 that report will also be required to include a statement that our independent auditors have issued an attestation report on management’s assessment of our internal control over financial reporting. In order to achieve compliance with Section 404 within the prescribed period, management had already completed its initial assessment and subsequent updates of the adequacy of our internal control over financial reporting, validated through testing that controls were functioning as documented, remediated any control weaknesses that were identified, and implemented a continuous reporting and improvement process for internal control over financial reporting. Any failure to obtain the attestation report on management’s assessment from our independent auditors, may materially adversely affect our reputation and the value of our securities.

We are a "foreign private issuer" as defined under the Exchange Act. As a result, our proxy solicitations are not subject to the disclosure and procedural requirements of Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act and transactions in our equity securities by our officers and directors are exempt from Section 16 of the Exchange Act. In addition, we are not required under the Exchange Act to file periodic reports and financial statements as frequently or as promptly as U.S. companies whose securities are registered under the Exchange Act.   If we lose our status as a foreign private issuer by our election or otherwise, we will be subject to additional reporting obligations under the Exchange Act which could increase our cost of operations.

 

We are a Canadian corporation incorporated under the laws of the Province of Ontario.  Since April 2003, we have been a diversified natural resource company that invests in exploration, development and exploitation projects worldwide through our wholly-owned subsidiaries by acquiring joint venture, indirect and direct participation interests and working interests in those projects. During the fiscal year 2006, we sold our indirect participation interest in an oil exploration project and wrote off our working interest in a gas project owing to a dry test well. We currently do not own any interests in any oil or gas project or any natural resource project.  We are currently seeking business opportunities all sectors including Resource, Healthcare and High technology. We have approximately $4.9$1.4 million in cash ($1.30.4 million) and marketable securities ($3.61 million) as of March 31, 2008.2009.

We were originally incorporated under the Business Corporation Act (Ontario) in 1973 under the name Kamlo Gold Mines Limited and went through multiple name changes and five major changes in our business activities including a marine propulsion business, a snack food business, and an emerging technology investments business. Details of these changes are provided in our Registration Statement on Form 20-F dated June 12, 2000 and a summary is provided in our Annual Report on Form 20-F dated August 29, 2006.  On April 21, 2003, we changed our name to "Bontan Corporation Inc." when we adopted our business strategy to focus on the natural resource sector. During the fiscal 2008,2009, we reviewed several oil and gas exploration and development projects but were unable to successfully participate as some projects were found too expensive while others did not meet our technical due diligence. We therefore began looking into business opportunities in other sectors, especially health and pharmaceutical and internet and high technology. We reviewed several acquisition proposals in the areas of emerging high technologies, mobile applications and health and medical devices, record keeping and generic drugs. Unfortunately, these proposals were too capital intensive and involved long term commitments without any hope of commercial success. The significant deterioration in the market conditions affected business viability of many of the proposed projects and we decided not to risk our limited resources but rather wait for the economic conditions to improve and for less capital intensive and commercially ready projects.  We intend to aggressively seek opportunities in these sectors and become operational again in fiscal 2009.2010.

The following is a summary of our key past events:

Through our wholly-owned subsidiaries,subsidiary, we will continue to seek highly visible opportunities in countries around the globe that offer exciting and attractive propositions. We will seek to minimize risk by bringing in either joint venture, carried or working interest partners, depending on the size and scale of the project.

It is our current belief that oil and gas exploration is a high priority all over the world and especially in North America. Higher price levels for both these natural resources which have occurred over the past twelvefew months encouragehave encouraged new drilling activities.  Our past experience with our two oil and gas projects enables us to more efficiently select and evaluate potential exploration projects in the oil and gas sector than in the other resource sectors.  During the past several months, we have received without solicitation opportunities to participate in oil and gas exploration projects as a result of our past involvement in similar projects.

Therefore, our current business model, based on our experience with resource projects handled over the recent past and our assumptions set forth above, envisions the following key features:

However, if the Company is unablehas sought and will continue to find any suitable projects in oil and gas within a reasonable time, itseek may seek opportunities in other sectors as explained earlier.

Meanwhile, our short term strategy is to have the surplus cash invested mostly in marketable securities to achieve higher returns than would be possible if these funds were to remain in a bank account. While this strategy has resulted in significant reduction in value due to sudden and unexpected downfall of the stock market in North America, we believe that most of our investments should recover in value within the next few months.

The following subsidiaries were dissolved during the fiscal 2007 in order to reduce the administrative work in maintaining theory recordsBontan Oil and filing obligations. However, the formal certificate of dissolution for these subsidiaries were issued during the fiscal 2008 as indicated against their names

The administrative head office of the Company is located in subleased premises at 47 Avenue Road, Suite 200, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. There is no long-term lease commitment.

The Sub-leased area is approximately 950 sq .ft.

See Operating and Financial Review and Prospects – Item 5 for further details.

None.

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Audited Financial Statements of the Company and notes thereto contained elsewhere in this report.

Income comprised the following:

As explained earlier in this report, the management chose to invest surplus funds into marketable securities on a short term basis while it seeks business opportunities. However, market conditions during later part of the fiscal 2009 deteriorated significantly and many of our investments lost values as part of the overall losses in the stock market. However, we were still able to identify some opportunities and dispose of some of our holdings at a profit. We decided not to sell securities which lost significant market values but rather use our existing cash for operating needs and wait for these securities to regain their original values before disposing them. During the fiscal year 2009, the Company sold investments of approximately $1.8 million while invested approximately $2.4 million. Net return on investments disposed of during the year was approximately 2.5%

During the fiscal year 2008, the Company sold investments of approximately $ 2 million, earning an average of 12% return.

During the fiscal year 2007, the Company disposed of investments worth approximately $5.5 million, earning an average return of 12% and

Interest was earned on cash funds held at the brokerage firms before they are being invested in marketable securities.

Significantly higher interest income in fiscal 2007 was mainly due to higher cash balances being held. Average cash during the fiscal 2007 was approximately $3.2 million compared to $2.1 million in fiscal 2008 and $1$0.6 million in fiscal 2006.

The overall analysis of the expenses is as follows:

Operating Expenses

These expenses are primarily incurred by the key consultant, Mr. Terence Robinson in traveling to the USA and Europe and also in maintaining his net work which has been successfully used in raising funds, in attracting qualified consultants with minimum cash outlay and in securing suitable projects for the Company.

Travel, meals and entertainment costs during fiscal 2008 and 2007 included trips to USA, Europe and Middle East by Mr. Robinson. These visits resulted in some of the business proposals that were sent to us. They also helped introduce our Company to new investors in Middle East and Europe.

Shareholder information costs comprise investor and media relations fee, costs of holding annual general meeting of the shareholders and various regulatory filing fees.

Major cost consists of media relation and investor relation services provided by Current Capital Corp. under contracts dated July 1, 2004, which are being renewed automatically unless canceled in writing by a 30-day notice for a total monthly fee of US$10,000. Current Capital Corp. is a shareholder Corporation where the Chief Executive and Financial Officer of the Company provide accounting services.

The differences in fee charged forbetween the three fiscal 2008 was $124,230 and foryears 2009 through 2007 was $136,249.  The difference was due to significant changes in the exchange rates between Canadian and US dollars.

The fee for fiscal 2006 was $163,391 which included agreed feemanagement believes that such services are essential even in the current periods when the Company does not have any active business. In fact, these services are more vital to ensure our existing shareholder base and prospective investors/brokers and other interested parties are constantly kept in contact and their comments and concerns are brought to the attention of $143,391 and an additional fee of $20,000 for special work during various promotional efforts detailed under “promotion costs” above.the management on a timely basis.

Professional fees primarily consist of audit and legal fees.

For fiscal year 2008, audit fee was $25,000 and legal fees were $9,601. The legal fee was mainly relating to registration of supplementary stock compensation plan. And other legal advise.advice.

Fiscal 2007 professional fees consisted of audit fee of $ 25,700 for fiscal 2007 and $6,000 for fiscal 2006 not accrued in that fiscal year and legal fee of $21,384. Legal fees related to filing of the 2007 Consultant Stock Compensation Plan, Registration statement for the shares issued and issuable under the 2006 private placement and other legal matters.

These costs include rent, telephone, Internet, transfer agents fees and other general and administration costs.

Effective January 1, 2008, the Company increased its rental space from aroundapproximately 300 sq.ft. to 960 sq.ft. as a result, the rental cost has also increased  from approximately $ 500 to $1,800. The other overheads have remained consistent on a year to year basis.

Stock based compensation is made up of the Company’s common shares and options to acquire the Company’s common shares being issued to various consultants and directors of the Company for services provided. The Company used this method of payment mainly to conserve its cash flow for business investments purposes. This method also allows the Company to avail the services of consultants with specialized skills and knowledge in the business activities of the Company without having to deplete its limited cash flow.

 

 

During the fiscal 2007, the Company only registered one Plan and issued common shares to three existing consultants as explained below. No new consultants were hired due to lack of any active projects.

On January 16, 2007, the Company registered 2007 Consultant Stock Compensation Plan with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company registered 1.7 million common shares under this Plan. On February 8, 2007, the company issued 1,150,000 common shares under this Plan to three existing consultants, who are all related parties, for a value of $313,486 based on the market price of the Company’s common shares on the date of their issuance..issuance.

During the fiscal 2007, the company received a final charge of $4,142 (US$ 3,638) relating to closure of the drilled well.well in a gas exploration project in the State of Louisiana, USA where the Company acquired 49% gross working interest. No further charges are now expected in respect of this project.

As at March 31, 2008,2009, the Company had a net working capital of approximately $5.2$1.4 million compared to a working capital of $6.6$5.2 million as at March 31, 2007.2008.

94%Almost all of the working capital - approximately $4.9$1.4 million - at March 31, 20082009 was in the form of cash and short term investments compared to 95%94% - $6.3$4.9 million at March 31, 2007.2008.

Cash on hand as at March 31, 2008 was $1.3$0.4 million compared to $3$1.3 million as at March 31, 2007.2008.

During the fiscal 2007,year 2009, operating activities generated a net cash outflow of $362,874, which was primarily met from the available cash on hand.

During the fiscal 2008, operating activities required net cash outflow of $482,662 which was off set by the net realised on disposal of short term investments of $248,455 and balance from the available cash on hand.

In fiscal 2007, the Company’s operating activities required net cash flow of $529,323 which was met from the net proceeds from the sale of short term investments of $650,508.

The Company’s strategy of putting surplus funds into marketable securities on a short term basis enabledcompany continues its efforts at keeping its operating cash requirements to minimum. However, once the Company begins business activities these requirements may have to meet all or most of its operating needs from the gains realised on disposal of these investments and thus leave most of its surplus principal fund for acquiring business opportunities.

During the fiscal 2008, Company invested approximately $3.4 million in short term marketable securities while realised approximately $2 million from the disposal of such securities, which were partly used for the working capital as explained above and remaining reinvested. Net additional investments were funded from the available cash on hand.

As a result of the above, the Company had short term investments at a carrying cost of approximately $4.9 million as of March 31, 2008 –approximately 94% was held in Canadian currency and the balance $342,000 or 6% was held in US currency. Approximately 94% of investments were in 32 public companies while 6% was invested in three private companies.

The fair value of the above investments as at March 31, 2008, based primarily on the quoted prices of the shares on that date, came to $3.6 million giving rise to an unrealised loss of approximately $1.3 million. Company recognized this loss and reduced the value of its short term investment to reflect the fair value on the balance sheet as at March 31, 2008. The management however believes that this loss was temporary and would be reversed shortly.

During the fiscal 2007, the Company invested $6.4 million in short term marketable securities and realised $5.5 million from the sale of the short term marketable securities. These proceeds were partly used to cover operating cash flow deficit and balance reinvested.

The following table outlines the high and low market prices for each fiscal financial quarter for the two most recent fiscal periods and any subsequent period:

The following table outlines the high and low market prices for each of the most recent six months:

The Company’s common shares were traded on the Over the Counter Bulletin Board (OTCBB) under the symbol “DEAL” and on Canadian Dealing Network (CDN) under the symbol “FDQI” until January 20, 1999.

Effective January 21, 1999. The Company’s shares were traded only on OTCBB. The symbol was further changed to “NMBC” on August 13, 1999 and then to “DCHK” on November 3, 1999.

On May 26, 2000, the Company shares were de-listed from OTCBB and began trading on the “Pink Sheet” pending clearance of the Registration Statement, F-20 by Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The Company filed F-20 originally in December 1999 and then filed several amendments in response to the comments received from SEC to its submissions. The SEC clearance was finally received on June 16, 2000 and the common shares of the Company began trading again on OTCBB effective August 2, 2000.

The company changed its name to Bontan Corporation Inc.  On April 21, 2003 and its common shares began trading, and currently trade under a new symbol “BNTNF” on OTCBB.

This Form 20F is being filed as an Annual Report under the Exchange Act and, as such, there is no requirement to provide any information under this section.

The Memorandum and Articles of the Company are incorporated by reference to the information in our registration statement on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, in Washington, D.C. on June 12, 2000 to which our Articles of Incorporation and Memorandum were filed as exhibits.

No further changes have been made to the Company’s Articles/Bylaws.

The Company’s articles of incorporation do not place any restrictions on the Company’s objects and purposes.

The Company's by-laws provide that the directors shall from time to time determine by resolution the remuneration to be paid to the directors, which shall be in addition to the salary paid to any officer or employee of the Company who is also a director. The directors may also by resolution award special remuneration to any director in undertaking any special services on the Company's behalf other than the normal work ordinarily required of a director of the Company. The by-laws provide that confirmation of any such resolution by the Company's shareholders is not required.

        The Company's by-laws also provide that the directors may: (a) borrow money upon the credit of the Company; (b) issue, reissue, sell or pledge bonds, debentures, notes or other evidences of indebtedness or guarantee of the Company, whether secured or unsecured; (c) to the extent permitted by the OBCA, give directly or indirectly financial assistance to any person by means of a loan, a guarantee on behalf of the Company to secure performance of any present or future indebtedness, liability or other obligation of any person, or otherwise; and (d) mortgage, hypothecate, pledge or otherwise create a security interest in all or any currently owned or subsequently acquired real or personal, movable or immovable, tangible or intangible, property of the Company to secure any such bonds, debentures, notes or other evidences of indebtedness or guarantee or any other present or future indebtedness, liability or other obligation of the Company.

Except for contracts entered into in the ordinary course of its business, there were no material contracts to which we are or have been a party to for the two years preceding this annual report.

 

This summary is based upon the current provisions of the ITA, the regulations there under, the Canada-United States Tax Convention as amended by the Protocols thereto (the “Treaty”) as at the date of the registration statement and the currently publicly announced administrative and assessing policies of the Canada Revenue Agency (the “CRA”). This summary does not take into account Canadian provincial income tax consequences. This description is not exhaustive of all possible Canadian federal income tax consequences and does not take into account or anticipate any changes in law, whether by legislative, governmental or judicial action. This summary does, however, take into account all specific proposals to amend the ITA and regulations there under, publicly announced by the Government of Canada to the date hereof.

The ITA provides that dividends and other distributions deemed to be dividends paid or deemed to be paid by a Canadian resident corporation (such as our company) to a non-resident of Canada shall be subject to a non-resident withholding tax equal to 25% of the gross amount of the dividend of deemed dividend. Provisions in the ITA relating to dividend and deemed dividend payments to and gains realized by non-residents of Canada, who are residents of the United States, are subject to the Treaty. The Treaty may reduce the withholding tax rate on dividends as discussed below.

Article X of the Treaty as amended by the US-Canada Protocol ratified on November 9, 1995 provides a 5% withholding tax on gross dividends or deemed dividends paid to a United States corporation which beneficially owns at least 10% of the voting stock of the company paying the dividend. In cases where dividends or deemed dividends are paid to a United States resident (other than a corporation) or a United States corporation which beneficially owns less than 10% of the voting stock of a company, a withholding tax of 15% is imposed on the gross amount of the dividend or deemed dividend paid. We would be required to withhold any such tax from the dividend and remit the tax directly to CRA for the account of the investor.

The reduction in withholding tax from 25%, pursuant to the Treaty, will not be available:

The Treaty generally exempts from Canadian income tax dividends paid to a religious, scientific, literary, educational or charitable organization or to an organization exclusively administering a pension, retirement or employee benefit fund or plan, if the organization is resident in the U.S. and is exempt from income tax under the laws of the U.S.

A non-resident holder is not subject to tax under the ITA in respect of a capital gain realized upon the disposition of one of our shares unless the share represents “taxable Canadian property” to the holder thereof. Our common shares will be considered taxable Canadian property to a non-resident holder only if-.

owned not less than 25% of the issued shares of any class or series of our company at any time during the five year period preceding the disposition. In the case of a non-resident holder to whom shares of our company represent taxable Canadian property and who is resident in the United States, no Canadian taxes will generally be payable on a capital gain realized on such shares by reason of the Treaty unless:

If subject to Canadian tax on such a disposition, the taxpayer’s capital gain (or capital loss) from a disposition is the amount by which the taxpayer’s proceeds of disposition exceed (or are exceeded by) the aggregate of the taxpayer’s adjusted cost base of the shares and reasonable expenses of disposition. For Canadian income tax purposes, the “taxable capital gain” is equal to one-half of the capital gain.

The following is a discussion of the material United States Federal income tax consequences, under current law, applicable to a U.S. Holder (as defined below) of our common shares who holds such shares as capital assets. This discussion does not address all potentially relevant Federal income tax matters and it does not address consequences peculiar to persons subject to special provisions of Federal income tax law, such as those described below as excluded from the definition of a U.S. Holder. In addition, this discussion does not cover any state, local, or foreign tax consequences. (See “Canadian Federal Income Tax Consequences” above.)

The following discussion is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), Treasury Regulations, published Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) rulings, published administrative positions of the IRS and court decisions that are currently applicable, any or all of which could be materially and adversely changed, possibly on a retroactive basis, at any time. In addition, this discussion does not consider the potential effects, both adverse and beneficial, of any recently proposed legislation which, if enacted, could be applied, possibly on a retroactive basis, at any time.

 

As used herein, a “U.S. Holder” includes a beneficial holder of common shares of our company who is a citizen or resident of the United States, a corporation or partnership created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or of any political subdivision thereof, any trust if a US court is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and one or more US persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust, any entity created or organized in the United States which is taxable as a corporation for U.S. tax purposes and

any other person or entity whose ownership of common shares of our company is effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business in the United States. A U.S. Holder does not include persons subject to special provisions of Federal income tax law, such as tax-exempt organizations, qualified retirement plans, financial institutions, insurance companies, real estate investment trusts, regulated investment companies, broker-dealers, non-resident alien individuals or foreign corporations whose ownership of our common shares is not effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business in the United States and shareholders who acquired their shares through the exercise of employee stock options or otherwise as compensation.

U.S. Holders receiving dividend distributions (including constructive dividends) with respect to the common shares of our company are required to include in gross income for United States Federal income tax purposes the gross amount of such distributions to the extent that we have current or accumulated earnings and profits, without reduction for any Canadian income tax withheld from such distributions. Such Canadian tax withheld may be deducted or may be credited against actual tax payable, subject to certain limitations and other complex rules, against the U.S. Holder’s United States Federal taxable income. See “Foreign Tax Credit” below. To the extent that distributions exceed our current or accumulated earnings and profits, they will be treated first as a return of capital to the extent of the shareholder’s basis in the common shares of our company and thereafter as gain from the sale or exchange of the common shares of our company. Preferential tax rates for net long term capital gains may be applicable to a U.S. Holder which is an individual, estate or trust.

In general, dividends paid on our common shares will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction provided to corporations receiving dividends from certain United States corporations.

A U.S. Holder who pays (or who has had withheld from distributions) Canadian income tax with respect to the ownership of our common shares may be entitled, at the election of the U.S. Holder, to either a deduction or a tax credit for such foreign tax paid or withheld. This election is made on a year-by-year basis and generally applies to all foreign income taxes paid by (or withheld from) the U.S. Holder during that year. There are significant and complex limitations which apply to the credit, among which is the general limitation that the credit cannot exceed the proportionate share of the U.S. Holder’s United States income tax liability that the U.S. Holder’s foreign source income bears to his or its world-wide taxable income. In determining the application of this limitation, the various items of income and deduction must be classified into foreign and domestic sources. Complex rules govern income such as “passive income”, “high withholding tax interest”, “financial services income”, “shipping income” and certain other classifications of income. A U.S. Holder who is treated as a domestic U.S. corporation owning 10% or more of our voting stock is also entitled to a deemed paid foreign tax credit in certain circumstances for the underlying foreign tax of our company related to dividends received or Subpart F income received from us. (See the discussion below of Controlled Foreign Corporations). The availability of the foreign tax credit and the application of the limitations on the

foreign tax credit are fact specific and holders and prospective holders of our common shares should consult their own tax advisors regarding their individual circumstances.

If a “U.S. Holder” is holding shares as a capital asset, a gain or loss realized on a sale of our common shares will generally be a capital gain or loss, and will be long-term if the shareholder has a holding period of more than one year. However, gains realized upon sale of our common shares may, under certain circumstances, be treated as ordinary income, if we were determined to be a “collapsible corporation” within the meaning of Code Section 341 based on the facts in existence on the date of the sale (See below for definition of “collapsible corporation”). The amount of gain or loss recognized by a selling U.S. Holder will be measured by the difference between (i) the amount realized on the sale and (ii) his tax basis in our common shares. Capital losses are deductible only to the extent of capital gains.

A “collapsible corporation” is a corporation that is formed or availed principally to manufacture, construct, produce, or purchase prescribed types or property that the corporation holds for less than three years and that generally would produce ordinary income on its disposition, with a view to the stockholders selling or exchanging their stock and thus realizing gain before the corporation realizes two thirds of the taxable income to be derived from prescribed property. Prescribed property includes: stock in trade and inventory; property held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business; unrealized receivables or fees, consisting of rights to payment for noncapital assets delivered or to be delivered, or services rendered or to be rendered to the extent not previously included in income, but excluding receivables from selling property that is not prescribed; and property gain on the sale of which is subject to the capital gain/ordinary loss rule. Generally, a shareholder who owns directly or indirectly 5 percent or less of the outstanding stock of the corporation may treat gain on the sale of his shares as capital gain.

In the following circumstances, the above sections of this discussion may not describe the United States Federal income tax consequences resulting from the holding and disposition of common shares of the Registrant. Our management is of the opinion that there is little, if not, any likelihood that we will be deemed a “Foreign Personal Holding Company”, a “Foreign Investment Company” or a “Controlled Foreign Corporation” (each as defined below) under current and anticipated conditions.

If at any time during a taxable year more than 50% of the total combined voting power or the total value of our outstanding shares is owned, actually or constructively, by five or fewer individuals who are citizens or residents of the United States and 60% or more of our gross income for such year was derived from certain passive sources (e.g., from dividends received from its subsidiaries), we would be treated as a “foreign personal holding company.” In that event, U.S. Holders that hold common shares in our capital would be required to include in income for such year their allocable portion of our passive income which would have been treated as a dividend had that passive income actually been distributed.

If 50% or more of the combined voting power or total value of our outstanding shares are held, actually or constructively, by citizens or residents of the United States, United States domestic partnerships or corporations, or estates or trusts other than foreign estates or trusts (as defined by the Code Section 7701(a)(31)), and we are found to be engaged primarily in the business of investing, reinvesting, or trading in securities, commodities, or any interest therein, it is possible that we might be treated as a “foreign investment company” as defined in Section 1246 of the Code, causing all or part of any gain realized by a U.S. Holder selling or exchanging our common shares to be treated as ordinary income rather than capital gains.

A U.S. Holder who holds stock in a foreign corporation during any year in which such corporation qualifies as a passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”) is subject to U.S. federal income taxation of that foreign corporation under one of two alternative tax methods at the election of each such U.S. Holder.

As a PFIC, each U.S. Holder must determine under which of the alternative tax methods it wishes to be taxed. Under one method, a U.S. Holder who elects in a timely manner to treat the Registrant as a Qualified Electing Fund

 (“QEF”), as defined in the Code, (an “Electing U.S. Holder”) will be subject, under Section 1293 of the Code, to current federal income tax for any taxable year in which we qualify as a PFIC on his pro-rata share of our (i) “net capital gain” (the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss), which will be taxed as long-term capital gain to the Electing U.S. Holder and (ii) “ordinary earnings” (the excess of earnings and profits over net capital gain), which will be taxed as ordinary income to the Electing U.S. Holder, in each case, for the U.S. Holder’s taxable year in which (or with which) our taxable year ends, regardless of whether such amounts are actually distributed. Such an election, once made shall apply to all subsequent years unless revoked with the consent of the IRS.

A QEF election also allows the Electing U.S. Holder to (i) generally treat any gain realized on the disposition of his common shares (or deemed to be realized on the pledge of his common shares) as capital gain; (ii) treat his share of our net capital gain, if any, as long-term capital gain instead of ordinary income, and (iii) either avoid interest charges resulting from PFIC status altogether (see discussion of interest charge below), or make an annual election, subject to certain limitations, to defer payment of current taxes on his share of our annual realized net capital gain and ordinary earnings subject, however, to an interest charge. If the Electing U.S. Holder is an individual, such an interest charge would be not deductible.

The procedure a U.S. Holder must comply with in making ana timely QEF election will depend on whether the year of the election is the first year in the U.S. Holder’s holding period in which we are a PFIC. If the U.S. Holder makes a QEF election in such first year, (sometimes referred to as a “Pedigreed QEF Election”), then the U.S. Holder may make the QEF election by simply filing the appropriate documents at the time the U.S. Holder files its tax return for such first year. If, however, we qualified as a PFIC in a prior year, then the U.S. Holder may make an “Unpedigreed QEF Election” by recognizing as an “excess distribution” (i) under the rules of Section 1291 (discussed below), any gain that he would otherwise recognize if the U.S. Holder sold his stock on the qualification date (Deemed Sale Election) or (ii) if we are a controlled foreign corporation (“CFC”), the Holder’s pro rata share of the corporation’s earnings and profits (Deemed Dividend Election) (But see “Elimination of Overlap Between Subpart F Rules and PFIC Provisions”). The effect of either the deemed sale election or the deemed dividend election is to pay all prior deferred tax, to pay interest on the tax deferral and to be treated thereafter as a Pedigreed QEF as discussed in the prior paragraph. With respect to a situation in which a Pedigreed QEF election is made, if we no longer qualify as a PFIC in a subsequent year, normal Code rules and not the PFIC rules will apply.

If a U.S. Holder has not made a QEF Election at any time (a “Non-electing U.S. Holder”), then special taxation rules under Section 1291 of the Code will apply to (i) gains realized on the disposition (or deemed to be realized by reason of a pledge) of his common shares and (ii) certain “excess distributions”, as specially defined, by our company. An “excess distribution” is any current-year distribution in respect of PFIC stock that represents a rateableratable portion of the total distributions in respect of the stock during the year that exceed 125 percent of the average amount of distributions in respect of the stock during the three preceding years.

A Non-electing U.S. Holder generally would be required to pro-rate all gains realized on the disposition of his common shares and all excess distributions over the entire holding period for the common shares. All gains or excess distributions allocated to prior years of the U.S. Holder (other than years prior to our first taxable year during such U.S. Holder’s holding period and beginning after January, 1987 for which it was a PFIC) would be taxed at the highest tax rate for each such prior year applicable to ordinary income. The Non-electing U.S. Holder also would be liable for interest on the deferred tax liability for each such prior year calculated as if such liability had been due with respect to each such prior year. A Non-electing U.S. Holder that is an individual is not allowed a deduction for interest on the deferred tax liability. The portions of gains and distributions that are not characterized as “excess distributions” are subject to tax in the current year under the normal tax rules of the Internal Revenue Code.

If we are a PFIC for any taxable year during which a Non-electing U.S. Holder holds common shares, then we will continue to be treated as a PFIC with respect to such common Shares, even if it is no longer by definition a PFIC. A Non-electing U.S. Holder may terminate this deemed PFIC status by electing to recognize gain (which will be taxed under the rules discussed above for Non-Electing U.S. Holders) as if such common shares had been sold on the last day of the last taxable year for which it was a PFIC.

Under Section 1291(f) of the Code, the Department of the Treasury has issued proposed regulations that would treat as taxable certain transfers of PFIC stock by Non-electing U.S. Holders that are generally not otherwise taxed, such as gifts, exchanges pursuant to corporate reorganizations, and transfers at death. If a U.S. Holder makes a QEF Election that is not a Pedigreed Election (i.e., it is made after the first year during which we are a PFIC and the U.S. Holder holds our shares) (a “Unpedigreed Election”), the QEF rules apply prospectively but do not apply to years prior to the year in which the QEF first becomes effective. U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the specific consequences of making a Non-Pedigreed QEF Election.

Certain special, generally adverse, rules will apply with respect to the common shares while we are a PFIC whether or not it is treated as a QEF. For example under Section 1297(b)(6) of the Code (as in effect prior to the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997), a U.S. Holder who uses PFIC stock as security for a loan (including a margin loan) will, except as may be provided in regulations, be treated as having made a taxable disposition of such stock.

The foregoing discussion is based on currently effective provisions of the Code, existing and proposed regulations thereunder, and current administrative rulings and court decisions, all of which are subject to change. Any such change could affect the validity of this discussion. In addition, the implementation of certain aspects of the PFIC rules requires the issuance of regulations which in many instances have not been promulgated and which may have retroactive effect. There can be no assurance that any of these proposals will be enacted or promulgated, and if so, the form they will take or the effect that they may have on this discussion. Accordingly, and due to the complexity of the PFIC rules, U.S. Holders of the Registrant are strongly urged to consult their own tax advisors concerning the impact of these rules on their investment in our company. For a discussion of the impact of the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 on a U.S. Holder of a PFIC, see “Mark-to-Market Election For PFIC Stock Under the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997” and “Elimination of Overlap Between Subpart F Rules and PFIC Provisions” below.

The Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 provides that a U.S. Holder of a PFIC may make a mark-to-market election with respect to the stock of the PFIC if such stock is marketable as defined below. This provision is designed to provide a current inclusion provision for persons that are Non-Electing Holders. Under the election, any excess of the fair market value of the PFIC stock at the close of the tax year over the Holder’s adjusted basis in the stock is included in the Holder’s income. The Holder may deduct any excess of the adjusted basis of the PFIC stock over its fair market value at the close of the tax year. However, deductions are limited to the net mark-to-market gains on the stock that the Holder included in income in prior tax years, or so called “unreversed inclusions.” For purposes of the election, PFIC stock is marketable if it is regularly traded on (1) a national securities exchange that is registered with the SEC, (2) the national market system established under Section II A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or (3) an exchange or market that the IRS determines has rules sufficient to ensure that the market price represents legitimate and sound fair market value.

A Holder’s adjusted basis of PFIC stock is increased by the income recognized under the mark-to-market election and decreased by the deductions allowed under the election. If a U.S. Holder owns PFIC stock indirectly through a foreign entity, the basis adjustments apply to the basis of the PFIC stock in the hands of the foreign entity for the purpose of applying the PFIC rules to the tax treatment of the U.S. owner. Similar basis adjustments are made to the basis of the property through which the U.S. persons hold the PFIC stock.

Income recognized under the mark-to-market election and gain on the sale of PFIC stock with respect to which an election is made is treated as ordinary income. Deductions allowed under the election and loss on the sale of PFIC with respect to which an election is made, to the extent that the amount of loss does not exceed the net mark-to-market gains previously included, are treated as ordinary losses. The U.S. or foreign source of any income or losses is determined as if the amount were a gain or loss from the sale of stock in the PFIC.

If PFIC stock is owned by a CFC (discussed below), the CFC is treated as a U.S. person that may make the mark-to-market election. Amounts includible in the CFC’s income under the election are treated as foreign personal holding company income, and deductions are allocable to foreign personal holding company income.

The above provisions apply to tax years of U.S. persons beginning after December 31, 1997, and to tax years of foreign corporations ending with or within such tax years of U.S. persons.

The rules of Code Section 1291 applicable to nonqualified funds as discussed above generally do not apply to a U.S. Holder for tax years for which a mark-to-market election is in effect. If Code Section 1291 is applied and a mark-to-market election was in effect for any prior tax year, the U.S. Holder’s holding period for the PFIC stock is treated as beginning immediately after the last tax year of the election. However, if a taxpayer makes a mark-to-market election for PFIC stock that is a nonqualified fund after the beginning of a taxpayer’s holding period for such stock, a co-ordination rule applies to ensure that the taxpayer does not avoid the interest charge with respect to amounts attributable to periods before the election.

If more than 50% of the voting power of all classes of stock or the total value of the stock of our company is owned, directly or indirectly, by U.S. Holders, each of whom own after applying rules of attribution 10% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of our company, we would be treated as a “controlled foreign corporation” or “CFC” under Subpart F of the Code. This classification would bring into effect many complex results including the required inclusion by such 10% U.S. Holders in income of their pro rata shares of “Subpart F income” (as defined by the Code) of our company and our earnings invested in “U.S. property” (as defined by Section 956 of the Code). In addition, under Section 1248 of the Code if we are considered a CFC at any time during the five year period ending with the sale or exchange of its stock, gain from the sale or exchange of common shares of our company by such a 10% U.S. Holder of our common stock at any time during the five year period ending with the sale or exchange is treated as ordinary dividend income to the extent of our earnings and profits attributable to the stock sold or exchanged. Because of the complexity of Subpart F, and because we may never be a CFC, a more detailed review of these rules is beyond of the scope of this discussion.

Under the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, a PFIC that is also a CFC will not be treated as a PFIC with respect to certain 10% U.S. Holders. For the exception to apply, (i) the corporation must be a CFC within the meaning of section 957(a) of the Code and (ii) the U.S. Holder must be subject to the current inclusion rules of Subpart F with respect to such corporation (i.e., the U.S. Holder is a “United States Shareholder,” see “Controlled Foreign Corporation,” above). The exception only applies to that portion of a U.S. Holder’s holding period beginning after December 31, 1997. For that portion of a United States Holder before January 1, 1998, the ordinary PFIC and QEF rules continue to apply.

As a result of this new provision, if we were ever to become a CFC, U.S. Holders who are currently taxed on their pro rata shares of Subpart F income of a PFIC which is also a CFC will not be subject to the PFIC provisions with respect to the same stock if they have previously made a Pedigreed QEF Election. The PFIC provisions will however continue to apply to U.S Holders for any periods in which Subpart F does not apply (for example he is no longer a 10% Holder or we are no longer a CFC) and to U.S. Holders that did not make a Pedigreed QEF Election unless the U.S. Holder elects to recognize gain on the PFIC shares held in our company as if those shares had been sold.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

The documents concerning the Company referred to in this Annual Report may be inspected at the Company's office at 47 Avenue Road, Suite 200, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5R 2G3. The Company may be reached at (416) 929-1806. Documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") may also be read and copied at the SEC's public reference room at 100F Street, N. E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference rooms.

The Company is subject to reporting requirements as a “reporting issuer” under applicable securities legislation in Canada and as a “foreign private issuer” under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). As a result, we must file periodic reports and other information with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities and the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

The documents concerning the Company’s subsidiariessubsidiary referred to in this Annual Report may be inspected at the Company's office at 47 Avenue Road, Suite 200, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5R 2G3.

(a) Concentration risk:

 (b) Market price risk: