Exhibit 99.1
DRAGON VICTORY INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
(incorporated in the Cayman Islands with limited liability)
(NASDAQ: LYL)
NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the annual general meeting of shareholders (the “Meeting”) of Dragon Victory International Limited (the “Company”) will be held on April 29, 2020, at 9:00 a.m., local time, at Hanshi Tower 22nd Floor, No. 1786 Binsheng Road, Binjiang District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China for the following purposes:
1. | To re-elect Mr. Limin Liu as a director of the Company to hold office until the next annual general meeting; | |
2. | To re-elect Mr. Wei Wang as a director of the Company to hold office until the next annual general meeting; | |
3. | To re-elect Mr. Bin Liu as a director of the Company to hold office until the next annual general meeting; | |
4. | To re-elect Mr. Wenbing Wang as a director of the Company to hold office until the next annual general meeting; | |
5. | To re-elect Ms. Jingxin Tian as a director of the Company to hold office until the next annual general meeting; | |
6. | To authorize the Board of Directors to fix the remuneration of the directors; | |
7. | To approve and adopt the Company’s 2020 Performance Incentive Plan; and | |
8. | To approve, ratify and confirm the re-appointment of WWC, P.C. as the Company’s independent auditors for the year ending March 31, 2020, and to authorize the Board of Directors to fix their remuneration. |
The Board of Directors of the Company has fixed the close of business on March 2, 2020 as the record date (the “Record Date”) for determining the shareholders entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the Meeting or any adjournment thereof. Only holders of ordinary shares of the Company on the Record Date are entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the Meeting or any adjournment thereof.
Shareholders may obtain a copy of the proxy materials, including the Company’s 2019 annual report, from the Company’s website atwww.dvintinc.comor by submitting a request toyangy@dvintinc.com.
By Order of the Board of Directors, | |
/s/ Limin Liu | |
Limin Liu | |
Chairman of the Board of Directors |
Hangzhou, China
April 2, 2020
DRAGON VICTORY INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
2020 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON APRIL 29, 2020
PROXY STATEMENT
The Board of Directors of Dragon Victory International Limited (the “Company”) is soliciting proxies for the annual general meeting of the shareholders (the “Meeting”) of the Company to be held on April 29, 2020, at 9:00 a.m., local time, at Hanshi Tower 22nd Floor, No. 1786 Binsheng Road, Binjiang District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China or any adjournment thereof.
Only holders of the ordinary shares of the Company of record at the close of business on March 2, 2020 (the “Record Date”) are entitled to attend and vote at the Meeting or at any adjournment thereof. The shareholders entitled to vote and present in person or by proxy or (in the case of a shareholder being a corporation) by its duly authorized representative representing not less than one-third in nominal value of the total issued voting shares in the Company throughout the meeting shall form a quorum.
Any shareholder entitled to attend and vote at the Meeting is entitled to appoint a proxy to attend and vote on such shareholder’s behalf. A proxy need not be a shareholder of the Company.Each holder of the Company’s ordinary shares shall be entitled to one vote in respect of each ordinary share held by such holder on the Record Date.
PROPOSALS TO BE VOTED ON
At the Meeting, ordinary resolutions will be proposed as follows:
1. | To re-elect Mr. Limin Liu as a director of the Company to hold office until the next annual general meeting; | |
2. | To re-elect Mr. Wei Wang as a director of the Company to hold office until the next annual general meeting; | |
3. | To re-elect Mr. Bin Liu as a director of the Company to hold office until the next annual general meeting; | |
4. | To re-elect Mr. Wenbing Wang as a director of the Company to hold office until the next annual general meeting; | |
5. | To re-elect Ms. Jingxin Tian as a director of the Company to hold office until the next annual general meeting; | |
6. | To authorize the Board of Directors to fix the remuneration of the directors; | |
7. | To approve and adopt the Company’s 2020 Performance Incentive Plan; and | |
8. | To approve, ratify and confirm the re-appointment of WWC, P.C. as the Company’s independent auditors for the year ending March 31, 2020, and to authorize the Board of Directors to fix their remuneration. |
The Board of Directors recommends a vote “FOR” each of the Proposals No. 1- 8.
VOTING PROCEDURE FOR HOLDERS OF ORDINARY SHARES
Shareholders entitled to vote at the Meeting may do so either in person or by proxy. Those shareholders who are unable to attend the Meeting are requested to read, complete, sign, date, and return the attached proxy form in accordance with the instructions set out therein.
ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS
Pursuant to NASDAQ’s Marketplace Rules which permit companies to make available their annual report to shareholders on or through the company’s website, the Company posts its annual reports on the Company’s website. The 2019 annual report for the year ended March 31, 2019 (the “2019 Annual Report”) has been filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company adopted this practice to avoid the considerable expense associated with mailing physical copies of such report to record holders. You may obtain a copy of our 2019 Annual Report to shareholders by visiting the “SEC Filings” heading under the “Investor Relations” section of the Company’s website atwww.dvintinc.com. If you want to receive a paper or email copy of the Company’s 2019 Annual Report to shareholders, you must request one. There is no charge to you for requesting a copy. Please make your request for a copy to the Investor Relations department of the Company, atyangy@dvintinc.com.
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PROPOSAL NO. 1 THROUGH PROPOSAL NO. 6
RE-ELECTION OF CURRENT DIRECTORS,
AND
THE AUTHORIZATION GIVEN TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS TO FIX THE REMUNERATION OF THE DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors currently consists of five members. All five current directors named below will seek re-election at the Meeting.
Each director to be re-elected will hold office until the next annual general meeting of shareholders or until his or her appointment is otherwise terminated in accordance with the articles of association of the Company.
DIRECTORS FOR RE-ELECTION
Mr. Limin Liu has served as our CEO, Chairman of the Board of Directors, and Director since August 21, 2019. From July 2014 to June 2019, Mr. Liu served as the Global Lead of Department of Financial Service Industry of Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. From 2006 to 2014, Mr. Liu served as the vice president for sales and technology of Beijing Futong Dongfang Technology Co., Ltd. From 1994 to 2006, Mr. Liu worked at IBM China subsequently as an engineer, business representative, and director of sales. Mr. Liu graduated from Zhejiang University in 1993 with a major in motor control.
Mr. Wei Wang has served as our Director since August 21, 2019. Mr. Wang has served as the general manager of Zhejiang Getai Curtain Wall Decoration Engineering Co., Ltd. since January 2014. From February 1991 to December 2013, Mr. Wang worked in the Fire Department of Hangzhou City. Mr. Wang received a bachelor’s degree in business management from Party School of the Central Committee of C.P.C. in 2000.
Mr. Bin Liu has served as our Director since September 4, 2019. Mr. Liu has over 20 years of experience in accounting, finance, and capital markets areas. Mr. Liu has been a deputy manager of Beijing Houyi Capital Management Co., Ltd., a private equity fund headquartered in Beijing, since July 2019. From September 2017 to June 2019, Mr. Liu served as deputy manager at Jianwen Financial Holding Co., Ltd. From February 2003 to August 2017, Mr. Liu worked as an official at Shanghai Securities Regulatory Bureau. From January 2002 to February 2003, Mr. Liu served as financial manager at Winsan (Shanghai) Industrial Corporation Ltd. From July 1996 to December 2001, Mr. Liu served as a partner and manager at Beijing Zhongtian Huazheng Accounting Firm. Mr. Liu received his bachelor’s degree in finance from Liaoning University in 1996. Mr. Liu received his master’s degree in banking from Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in 1999, and his second master’s degree in law from Fudan University in 2010.
Mr. Wenbing Wang, age 48, has served in key roles in U.S. listed Chinese companies and prestigious financial institutions. In addition to investment banking and private equity experience at Credit Suisse First Boston (Hong Kong) Ltd., Century Investment Corporation, and Redwood Capital, Mr. Wang has served as the President and Chief Financial Officer of Fushi Copperweld. Mr. Wang holds a bachelor’s degree in Scientific English from University of Science and Technology Beijing and a MBA degree in Finance and Corporate Accounting from University of Rochester.
Ms. Jingxin Tian has served as our Director since June 3, 2019. Ms. Tian has been a partner of Jingsh Law Firm, a law firm headquartered in Beijing with more than 40 branch offices in China, since 2016, and serves as the director of construction biddings department of the firm. Ms. Tian has over 13 years of experience as a litigation and transaction lawyer, especially in areas including legal risk management and dispute resolution. Ms. Tian also serves as member of mergers, acquisitions, reorganizations, and financially-distressed assets committee of Beijing Lawyers Association, member of Chinese Society of International Law, and arbitrator of Hainan International Arbitration Court of China. Ms. Tian received a bachelor’s degree in law from Capital University of Economics and Business in China, and a master degree in civil and business law from University of Chinese Academy of Sciences.
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THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS
A VOTEFOR
THE RE-ELECTION OF EACH OF THE CURRENT DIRECTORS NAMED ABOVE,
AND
THE AUTHORIZATION GIVEN TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS TO FIX THE RENUMERATION OF
THE DIRECTORS.
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PROPOSAL NO. 7
APPROVAL AND ADOPTION
OF
THE 2020 PERFORMANCE INCENTIVE PLAN
In March 2020, our Board approved the 2020 Performance Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), subject to shareholder approval. A form of this Plan is incorporated and set forth as Appendix A herewith. All of our officers, and directors, and individual consultants are eligible ( each, an “Eligible Person”) to be granted stock options, share appreciation rights, or other awards (each, an “Award”) under the Plan such as stock bonuses, restricted stock, performance stock, stock units, etc. The Plan will be administered by the Board, which has all powers to administer the Plan according to its terms, including the power to grant Awards, determine who may be granted Awards and the types and amounts of Awards to be granted, and prescribe or amend Award agreements. Awards may be made under the Plan for up to $100,000 of the aggregate fair market value (determined at the time of grant of the applicable option) of shares with respect to which the Award first become exercisable by an Eligible Person in any calendar year. No Awards have been granted under the Plan as of today.
The Plan is a stock-based compensation plan that provides for discretionary grants of, among others, stock options, share appreciation rights and stock unit awards to employees and directors of the Company. The purpose of the Plan is to recognize contributions made to our Company and its subsidiaries by such individuals and to provide them with additional incentive to achieve the business objectives of our Company. The following is a summary of the Plan and is qualified by the full text of the Plan.
Administration. The Plan will be administered by Board or one or more committees (or subcommittees, as the case may be) appointed by the Board or another committee (within its delegated authority) (we refer to body administering the Plan as the “Plan Committee”).
Number of Ordinary Shares. The number of ordinary shares that may be issued under the Plan is 1,080,000. The number of ordinary shares issuable under the Plan is subject to proportional adjustment by the Plan Committee, in the event of any reorganization, recapitalization, stock split, stock distribution, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, subdivision, consolidation or exchange of shares, any change in the capital structure of the Company or any similar corporate transaction. In each case, the Plan Committee has the discretion to make proportional adjustments it deems necessary to preserve the intended benefits under the Plan. Neither the Award, nor any interest therein or amount or shares payable in respect thereof may be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged or otherwise disposed of, alienated or encumbered, either voluntarily or involuntarily.
Eligibility. All officers, directors, and individual consultants of the Company are eligible to receive awards under the Plan.
Awards to Eligible Persons. The Plan provides for discretionary Awards of, among others, stock options and share appreciation rights to Eligible Persons. Each Award made under the Plan will be evidenced by a written award agreement specifying the terms and conditions of the award as determined by the Plan Committee in its sole discretion, consistent with the terms of the Plan.
Stock Options. The Plan Committee has the discretion to grant non-qualified stock options or incentive stock options within the meaning of Section 422 of Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”) to Eligible Persons and to set the terms and conditions applicable to the options, including the type of option, the number of shares subject to the option and the vesting schedule; each option will expire ten years from the date of grant. Stock options may be made under the Plan for up to $100,000 of the aggregate fair market value (determined at the time of grant of the applicable option) of shares with respect to which the Award first become exercisable by an Eligible Person in any calendar year.
Share Appreciation Rights. The Plan Committee has the discretion to grant share appreciation rights to Eligible Persons under the Plan. A share appreciation right or “SAR” is a right to receive a payment, in cash and/or ordinary shares, equal to the excess of the fair market value of a specified number of ordinary shares on the date the SAR is exercised over the “base price” of the award, which base price shall be determined by the Plan Committee and set forth in the applicable award agreement. The maximum term of a SAR shall be ten (10) years under the Plan.
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Other Awards. The other types of awards that may be granted under this Plan include: (a) stock bonuses, restricted stock, performance stock, stock units, phantom stock or similar rights to purchase or acquire shares, whether at a fixed or variable price (or no price) or fixed or variable ratio related to our ordinary shares, and any of which may (but need not) be fully vested at grant or vest upon the passage of time, the occurrence of one or more events, the satisfaction of performance criteria or other conditions, or any combination thereof; (b) any similar securities with a value derived from the value of or related to the ordinary shares and/or returns thereon; or (c) cash awards. Dividend equivalent rights may be granted as a separate award or in connection with another award under the Plan.
Payment for Stock Options. The Plan Committee may make one or more of the following methods available for payment of any award, including the exercise price of a stock option, and for payment of the minimum required tax obligation associated with the Award: (i) service rendered by the Eligible Persons; (ii) cash; (iii) check payable to the order of the Company, or electronic funds transfer; (iv) notice and third party payment in such manner as may be authorized by the Plan Committee; (v) the delivery of previously owned ordinary shares; (vi) by a reduction in the number of shares otherwise deliverable pursuant to the Awards; or (v) subject to such procedures as the Plan Committee may adopt, pursuant to a “cashless exercise” with a third party who provides financing for the purposes of (or who otherwise facilitates) the purchase or exercise of the Awards.
Amendment of Award Agreements; Amendment and Termination of the Plan; Term of the Plan. The Plan Committee may amend any award agreement at any time, provided that no amendment may adversely affect the right of any Eligible Persons under any agreement in any material way without the written consent of the Eligible Persons. No awards may be granted under the Plan on or after the tenth anniversary of the effective date of the Plan.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS
A VOTEFOR
APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE 2020 PERFORMANCE INCENTIVE PLAN
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PROPOSAL NO. 8
APPROVAL, RATIFICATION, AND CONFIRMATION
OF
THE RE-APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
AND
THE AUTHORIZATION GIVEN TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS TO FIX THEIR REMUNERATION
The Company’s audit committee recommends, and the Board of Directors concurs, that WWC, P.C. be re-appointed as the Company’s independent auditors for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2020, and that the Board of Directors be authorized to fix their remuneration.
In the event that our shareholders fail to approve, ratify, and confirm the appointment and the authorization, our audit committee will reconsider its selection. Even if the appointment is approved, ratified, and confirmed, our audit committee in its discretion may recommend the appointment of a different independent auditing firm at any time during the year if the audit committee believes that such a change would be in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND THE AUDIT COMMITTEE RECOMMEND
A VOTEFOR
THE APPROVAL, RATIFICATION, AND CONFIRMATION OF THE RE-APPOINTMENT
OF
WWC, P.C. AS THE COMPANY’S INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING MARCH 31, 2020
AND
THE AUTHORIZATION GIVEN TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS TO FIX THEIR REMUNERATION.
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OTHER MATTERS
The Board of Directors is not aware of any other matters to be submitted to the Meeting. If any other matters properly come before the Meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the enclosed form of proxy to vote the shares they represent as the Board of Directors may recommend.
By order of the Board of Directors | |
April 2, 2020 | /s/ Limin Liu |
Limin Liu | |
Chairman of the Board of Directors |
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Appendix A
Dragon Victory International Limited
2020 PERFORMANCE INCENTIVE PLAN
PURPOSE OF PLAN
The purpose of this Dragon Victory International Limited 2020 Performance Incentive Plan (this “Plan”) of Dragon Victory International Limited, an exempted company organized under the Companies Law of the Cayman Islands, and its successors (the “Company”), is to promote the success of the Company and to increase shareholder value by providing an additional means through the grant of awards to attract, motivate, retain and reward selected employees and other eligible persons and to enhance the alignment of the interests of the selected participants with the interests of the Company’s shareholders.
ELIGIBILITY
The Administrator (as such term is defined in Section 3.1) may grant awards under this Plan only to those persons that the Administrator determines to be Eligible Persons. An“Eligible Person”is any person who is either: (a) an officer (whether or not a director) or employee of the Company or one of its Subsidiaries; (b) a director of the Company or one of its Subsidiaries; or (c) an individual consultant or advisor who renders or has rendered bona fide services (other than services in connection with the offering or sale of securities of the Company or one of its Subsidiaries in a capital-raising transaction or as a market maker or promoter of securities of the Company or one of its Subsidiaries) to the Company or one of its Subsidiaries and who is selected to participate in this Plan by the Administrator; provided, however, that a person who is otherwise an Eligible Person under clause (c) above may participate in this Plan only if such participation would not adversely affect either the Company’s eligibility to use Form S-8 to register under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the“Securities Act”), the offering and sale of shares issuable under this Plan by the Company or the Company’s compliance with any applicable laws. An Eligible Person who has been granted an award (a “participant”) may, if otherwise eligible, be granted additional awards if the Administrator shall so determine. As used herein,“Subsidiary”means any corporation or other entity a majority of whose outstanding voting shares or voting power is beneficially owned directly or indirectly by the Company; and“Board”means the Board of Directors of the Company.
PLAN ADMINISTRATION
The Administrator. This Plan shall be administered by and all awards under this Plan shall be authorized by the Administrator. The“Administrator”means the Board or one or more committees (or subcommittees, as the case may be) appointed by the Board or another committee (within its delegated authority) to administer all or certain aspects of this Plan. Any such committee shall be comprised solely of one or more directors or such number of directors as may be required under applicable law. A committee may delegate some or all of its authority to another committee so constituted. The Board or a committee comprised solely of directors may also delegate, to the extent permitted by applicable law, to one or more officers of the Company, its authority under this Plan. The Board may delegate different levels of authority to different committees with administrative and grant authority under this Plan. Unless otherwise provided in the organizing documents of the Company or applicable charter of any Administrator: (a) a majority of the members of the acting Administrator shall constitute a quorum, and (b) the vote of a majority of the members present assuming the presence of a quorum or the unanimous written consent of the members of the Administrator shall constitute action by the acting Administrator.
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Award grants, and transactions in or involving awards, intended to be exempt under Rule 16b-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the“Exchange Act”), must be duly and timely authorized by the Board or a committee consisting solely of two or more non-employee directors (as this requirement is applied under Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act). To the extent required by any applicable listing agency, this Plan shall be administered by a committee composed entirely of independent directors (within the meaning of the applicable listing agency).
Powers of the Administrator. Subject to the express provisions of this Plan, the Administrator is authorized and empowered to do all things necessary or desirable in connection with the authorization of awards and the administration of this Plan (in the case of a committee or delegation to one or more officers, within any express limits on the authority delegated to that committee or person(s)), including, without limitation, the authority to:
(a) | determine eligibility and, from among those persons determined to be eligible, determine the particular Eligible Persons who will receive an award under this Plan; |
(b) | grant awards to Eligible Persons, determine the price (if any) at which securities will be offered or awarded and the number of securities to be offered or awarded to any of such persons (in the case of securities-based awards), determine the other specific terms and conditions of awards consistent with the express limits of this Plan, establish the installment(s) (if any) in which such awards shall become exercisable or shall vest (which may include, without limitation, performance and/or time-based schedules), or determine that no delayed exercisability or vesting is required, establish any applicable performance-based exercisability or vesting requirements, determine the circumstances in which any performance-based goals (or the applicable measure of performance) will be adjusted and the nature and impact of any such adjustment, determine the extent (if any) to which any applicable exercise and vesting requirements have been satisfied, establish the events (if any) on which exercisability or vesting may accelerate (which may include, without limitation, retirement and other specified terminations of employment or services, or other circumstances), and establish the events (if any) of termination, expiration or reversion of such awards; |
(c) | approve the forms of any award agreements (which need not be identical either as to type of award or among participants); |
(d) | construe and interpret this Plan and any agreements defining the rights and obligations of the Company, its Subsidiaries, and participants under this Plan, make any and all determinations under this Plan and any such agreements, further define the terms used in this Plan, and prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the administration of this Plan or the awards granted under this Plan; |
(e) | cancel, modify, or waive the Company’s rights with respect to, or modify, discontinue, suspend, or terminate any or all outstanding awards, subject to any required consent under Section 8.6.5; |
(f) | accelerate, waive or extend the vesting or exercisability, or modify or extend the term of any or all such outstanding awards (in the case of options or share appreciation rights, within the maximum ten-year term of such awards) in such circumstances as the Administrator may deem appropriate (including, without limitation, in connection with a retirement or other termination of employment or services, or other circumstances) subject to any required consent under Section 8.6.5; |
(g) | adjust the number of Ordinary Shares subject to any award, adjust the price of any or all outstanding awards or otherwise waive or change previously imposed terms and conditions, in such circumstances as the Administrator may deem appropriate, in each case subject to Sections 4 and 8.6; |
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(h) | determine the date of grant of an award, which may be a designated date after but not before the date of the Administrator’s action to approve the award (unless otherwise designated by the Administrator, the date of grant of an award shall be the date upon which the Administrator took the action approving the award); |
(i) | determine whether, and the extent to which, adjustments are required pursuant to Section 7.1 hereof and take any other actions contemplated by Section 7 in connection with the occurrence of an event of the type described in Section 7; |
(j) | acquire or settle (subject to Sections 7 and 8.6) rights under awards in cash, shares of equivalent value, or other consideration; |
(k) | determine the fair market value of the Ordinary Shares or awards under this Plan from time to time and/or the manner in which such value will be determined; and |
(l) | implement any procedures, steps or additional or different requirements as may be necessary to comply with any laws of the People’s Republic of China (the“PRC”) that may be applicable to this Plan, any Option or any related documents, including, but not limited to, foreign exchange laws, tax laws and securities laws of the PRC. |
Binding Determinations. Any determination or other action taken by, or inaction of, the Company, any Subsidiary, or the Administrator relating or pursuant to this Plan (or any award made under this Plan) and within its authority hereunder or under applicable law shall be within the absolute discretion of that entity or body and shall be conclusive and binding upon all persons. Neither the Board nor any Board committee, nor any member thereof or person acting at the direction thereof, shall be liable for any act, omission, interpretation, construction or determination made in good faith in connection with this Plan (or any award made under this Plan), and all such persons shall be entitled to indemnification and reimbursement by the Company in respect of any claim, loss, damage or expense (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees) arising or resulting therefrom to the fullest extent permitted by law and/or under any directors and officers liability insurance coverage that may be in effect from time to time.
Reliance on Experts. In making any determination or in taking or not taking any action under this Plan, the Administrator may obtain and may rely upon the advice of experts, including employees and professional advisors to the Company. No director, officer or agent of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries shall be liable for any such action or determination taken or made or omitted in good faith.
Delegation. The Administrator may delegate ministerial, non-discretionary functions to individuals who are officers or employees of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or to third parties.
Option and SAR Repricing. Subject to Section 4 and Section 8.6.5, the Administrator, from time to time and in its sole discretion, may provide for (1) the amendment of any outstanding share option or SAR to reduce the exercise price or base price of the award, (2) the cancellation, exchange, or surrender of an outstanding share option or SAR in exchange for cash or other awards (for the purpose of repricing the award or otherwise), or (3) the cancellation, exchange, or surrender of an outstanding share option or SAR in exchange for an option or SAR with an exercise or base price that is less than the exercise or base price of the original award. For avoidance of doubt, the Administrator may take any or all of the foregoing actions under this Section 3.6 without shareholder approval.
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ORDINARY SHARES SUBJECT TO THE PLAN; SHARE LIMITS
Shares Available. Subject to the provisions of Section 7.1, the shares that may be delivered under this Plan shall be shares of the Company’s authorized but unissued Ordinary Shares and any Ordinary Shares held as treasury shares. For purposes of this Plan,“Ordinary Shares”shall mean the ordinary shares of the Company and such other securities or property as may become the subject of awards under this Plan, or may become subject to such awards, pursuant to an adjustment made under Section 7.1.
Share Limits. The maximum number of Ordinary Shares that may be delivered pursuant to awards granted to each Eligible Persons under this Plan (the“Share Limit”) is equal to 400,000 Ordinary Shares.
The following limits also apply with respect to awards granted under this Plan
The maximum number of Ordinary Shares that may be delivered pursuant to restricted shares under this Plan is 1,080,000 Ordinary Shares.
Each of the foregoing numerical limits is subject to adjustment as contemplated by Section 4.3, Section 7.1, and Section 8.10.
Awards Settled in Cash, Reissue of Awards and Shares. To the extent that an award granted under this Plan is settled in cash or a form other than Ordinary Shares, the shares that would have been delivered had there been no such cash or other settlement shall not be counted against the shares available for issuance under this Plan. In the event that Ordinary Shares are delivered in respect of a dividend equivalent right granted under this Plan, the number of shares delivered with respect to the award shall be counted against the share limits of this Plan (including, for purposes of clarity, the limits of Section 4.2 of this Plan). (For purposes of clarity, if 1,000 dividend equivalent rights are granted and outstanding when the Company pays a dividend, and 50 shares are delivered in payment of those rights with respect to that dividend, 50 shares shall be counted against the share limits of this Plan). Shares that are subject to or underlie awards granted under this Plan which expire or for any reason are cancelled or terminated, are forfeited, fail to vest, or for any other reason are not paid or delivered under this Plan shall not be counted against the share limit and shall be available for subsequent awards under this Plan. Shares that are exchanged by a participant or withheld by the Company as full or partial payment in connection with any award under this Plan, as well as any shares exchanged by a participant or withheld by the Company or one of its Subsidiaries to satisfy the tax withholding obligations related to any award, shall not be available for subsequent awards under this Plan.
Reservation of Shares; No Fractional Shares; Minimum Issue. Unless otherwise expressly provided by the Administrator, no fractional shares shall be delivered under this Plan. The Administrator may pay cash in lieu of any fractional shares in settlements of awards under this Plan. The Administrator may from time to time impose a limit (of not greater than 100 shares) on the minimum number of shares that may be purchased or exercised as to awards (or any particular award) granted under this Plan unless (as to any particular award) the total number purchased or exercised is the total number at the time available for purchase or exercise under the award.
AWARDS
Type and Form of Awards. The Administrator shall determine the type or types of award(s) to be made to each selected Eligible Person. Awards may be granted singly, in combination or in tandem. Awards also may be made in combination or in tandem with, in replacement of, as alternatives to, or as the payment form for grants or rights under any other employee or compensation plan of the Company or one of its Subsidiaries. The types of awards that may be granted under this Plan are:
Share Options. A share option is the grant of a right to purchase a specified number of Ordinary Shares during a specified period as determined by the Administrator. An option may be intended as an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of Code (an“ISO”) or a nonqualified stock option (an option not intended to be an ISO). The agreement evidencing the grant of an option will indicate if the option is intended as an ISO; otherwise it will be deemed to be a nonqualified stock option. The maximum term of each option (ISO or nonqualified) shall be ten (10) years. The per share exercise price for each option shall be determined by the Administrator and set forth in the applicable award agreement. When an option is exercised, the exercise price for the shares to be purchased shall be paid in full in cash or such other method permitted by the Administrator consistent with Section 5.5.
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Additional Rules Applicable to ISOs. To the extent that the aggregate fair market value (determined at the time of grant of the applicable option) of shares with respect to which ISOs first become exercisable by a participant in any calendar year exceeds $100,000, taking into account both Ordinary Shares subject to ISOs under this Plan and shares subject to ISOs under all other plans of the Company or one of its Subsidiaries (or any parent or predecessor corporation to the extent required by and within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder), such options shall be treated as nonqualified stock options. In reducing the number of options treated as ISOs to meet the $100,000 limit, the most recently granted options shall be reduced first. To the extent a reduction of simultaneously granted options is necessary to meet the $100,000 limit, the Administrator may, in the manner and to the extent permitted by law, designate which Ordinary Shares are to be treated as shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of an ISO. ISOs may only be granted to employees of the Company or one of its subsidiaries (for this purpose, the term “subsidiary” is used as defined in Section 424(f) of the Code, which generally requires an unbroken chain of ownership of at least 50% of the total combined voting power of all classes of shares of each subsidiary in the chain beginning with the Company and ending with the subsidiary in question). There shall be imposed in any award agreement relating to ISOs such other terms and conditions as from time to time are required in order that the option be an “incentive stock option” as that term is defined in Section 422 of the Code. The per share exercise price for each ISO shall be not less than 100% of the fair market value of an Ordinary Share on the date of grant of the option. Furthermore, no ISO may be granted to any person who, at the time the option is granted, owns (or is deemed to own under Section 424(d) of the Code) outstanding Ordinary Shares possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of shares of the Company, unless the exercise price of such option is at least 110% of the fair market value of the shares subject to the option and such option by its terms is not exercisable after the expiration of five years from the date such option is granted. If an otherwise-intended ISO fails to meet the applicable requirements of Section 422 of the Code, the option shall be a nonqualified stock option.
Share Appreciation Rights. A share appreciation right or“SAR”is a right to receive a payment, in cash and/or Ordinary Shares, equal to the excess of the fair market value of a specified number of Ordinary Shares on the date the SAR is exercised over the“base price”of the award, which base price shall be determined by the Administrator and set forth in the applicable award agreement. The maximum term of a SAR shall be ten (10) years.
Other Awards.The other types of awards that may be granted under this Plan include: (a) stock bonuses, restricted stock, performance stock, stock units, phantom stock or similar rights to purchase or acquire shares, whether at a fixed or variable price (or no price) or fixed or variable ratio related to the Common Stock, and any of which may (but need not) be fully vested at grant or vest upon the passage of time, the occurrence of one or more events, the satisfaction of performance criteria or other conditions, or any combination thereof; (b) any similar securities with a value derived from the value of or related to the Ordinary Shares and/or returns thereon; or (c) cash awards. Dividend equivalent rights may be granted as a separate award or in connection with another award under the Plan.
Reserved. |
Award Agreements. Each award shall be evidenced by a written or electronic award agreement or notice in a form approved by the Administrator (an “award agreement”), and, in each case and if required by the Administrator, executed or otherwise electronically accepted by the recipient of the award in such form and manner as the Administrator may require.
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Deferrals and Settlements. Payment of awards may be in the form of cash, Ordinary Shares, other awards or combinations thereof as the Administrator shall determine, and with such restrictions as it may impose. The Administrator may also require or permit participants to elect to defer the issuance of shares or the settlement of awards in cash under such rules and procedures as it may establish under this Plan. The Administrator may also provide that deferred settlements include the payment or crediting of interest or other earnings on the deferral amounts, or the payment or crediting of dividend equivalents where the deferred amounts are denominated in shares.
Consideration for Ordinary Shares or Awards. The purchase price for any award granted under this Plan or the Ordinary Shares to be delivered pursuant to an award, as applicable, may be paid by means of any lawful consideration as determined by the Administrator, including, without limitation, one or a combination of the following methods:
● | services rendered by the recipient of such award; |
● | cash, check payable to the order of the Company, or electronic funds transfer; |
● | notice and third party payment in such manner as may be authorized by the Administrator; |
● | the delivery of previously owned Ordinary Shares; |
● | by a reduction in the number of shares otherwise deliverable pursuant to the award; or |
● | subject to such procedures as the Administrator may adopt, pursuant to a “cashless exercise” with a third party who provides financing for the purposes of (or who otherwise facilitates) the purchase or exercise of awards. |
In no event shall any shares newly-issued by the Company be issued for less than the minimum lawful consideration for such shares or for consideration other than consideration permitted by applicable law. Ordinary Shares used to satisfy the exercise price of an option shall be valued at their fair market value on the date of exercise. The Company will not be obligated to deliver any shares unless and until it receives full payment of the exercise or purchase price therefor and any related withholding obligations under Section 8.5 and any other conditions to exercise or purchase have been satisfied. Unless otherwise expressly provided in the applicable award agreement, the Administrator may at any time eliminate or limit a participant’s ability to pay the purchase or exercise price of any award or shares by any method other than cash payment to the Company. The Administrator may take all actions necessary to alter the method of Option exercise and the exchange and transmittal of proceeds with respect to participants resident in the PRC not having permanent residence in a country other than the PRC in order to comply with applicable PRC laws and regulations, including, without limitation, PRC foreign exchange, securities and tax laws and regulations.
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Definition of Fair Market Value. For purposes of this Plan, if the Ordinary Shares are listed and actively traded on an internationally recognized securities exchange (the“Exchange”), then unless otherwise determined or provided by the Administrator in the circumstances, “fair market value” shall mean the closing price (in regular trading) for an Ordinary Share as reported on the Exchange on which the Ordinary Shares are listed for the date in question or, if no sales of Ordinary Shares were reported on the Exchange on that date, the closing price for an Ordinary Share as reported by the Exchange on which the Ordinary Shares are listed for the next preceding day on which sales of Ordinary Shares were reported. The Administrator may, however, provide with respect to one or more Awards that the fair market value shall equal the closing price (in regular trading) for an Ordinary Share as reported by the Exchange on the last day preceding the date in question or the average of high and low trading prices of an Ordinary Share as reported by the Exchange for the date in question or the most recent trading day. If the Ordinary Shares are no longer listed or actively traded on the Exchange as of the applicable date, the fair market value of the Ordinary Shares shall be the value as reasonably determined by the Administrator for purposes of the award in the circumstances. The Administrator also may adopt a different methodology for determining fair market value with respect to one or more awards if a different methodology is necessary or advisable to secure any intended favorable tax, legal or other treatment for the particular award(s) (for example, and without limitation, the Administrator may provide that fair market value for purposes of one or more awards will be based on an average of closing prices (or the average of high and low daily trading prices) for a specified period preceding the relevant date).
Transfer Restrictions.
1.1.1 Limitations on Exercise and Transfer. Unless otherwise expressly provided in (or pursuant to) this Section 5.7 or required by applicable law: (a) all awards are non-transferable and shall not be subject in any manner to sale, transfer, anticipation, alienation, assignment, pledge, encumbrance or charge; (b) awards shall be exercised only by the participant; and (c) amounts payable or shares issuable pursuant to any award shall be delivered only to (or for the account of) the participant.
1.1.2 Exceptions. The Administrator may permit awards to be exercised by and paid to, or otherwise transferred to, other persons or entities pursuant to such conditions and procedures, including limitations on subsequent transfers, as the Administrator may, in its sole discretion, establish in writing. Any permitted transfer shall be subject to compliance with applicable federal and state securities laws and shall not be for value (other than nominal consideration, settlement of marital property rights, or for interests in an entity in which more than 50% of the voting interests are held by the Eligible Person or by the Eligible Person’s family members).
1.1.3 Further Exceptions to Limits on Transfer. The exercise and transfer restrictions in Section 5.7.1 shall not apply to:
(a) | transfers to the Company (for example, in connection with the expiration or termination of the award), |
(b) | the designation of a beneficiary to receive benefits in the event of the participant’s death or, if the participant has died, transfers to or exercise by the participant’s beneficiary, or, in the absence of a validly designated beneficiary, transfers by will or the laws of descent and distribution, |
(c) | subject to any applicable limitations on ISOs, transfers to a family member (or former family member) pursuant to a domestic relations order if approved or ratified by the Administrator, |
(d) | if the participant has suffered a disability, permitted transfers or exercises on behalf of the participant by his or her legal representative, or |
(e) | the authorization by the Administrator of “cashless exercise” procedures with third parties who provide financing for the purpose of (or who otherwise facilitate) the exercise of awards consistent with applicable laws and any limitations imposed by the Administrator. |
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EFFECT OF TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT OR SERVICE ON AWARDS
General. The Administrator shall establish the effect (if any) of a termination of employment or service on the rights and benefits under each award under this Plan and in so doing may make distinctions based upon, inter alia, the cause of termination and type of award. If the participant is not an employee of the Company or one of its Subsidiaries, is not a member of the Board, and provides other services to the Company or one of its Subsidiaries, the Administrator shall be the sole judge for purposes of this Plan (unless a contract or the award otherwise provides) of whether the participant continues to render services to the Company or one of its Subsidiaries and the date, if any, upon which such services shall be deemed to have terminated.
Events Not Deemed Terminations of Service. Unless the express policy of the Company or one of its Subsidiaries, or the Administrator, otherwise provides, or except as otherwise required by applicable law, the employment relationship shall not be considered terminated in the case of (a) sick leave, (b) military leave, or (c) any other leave of absence authorized by the Company or one of its Subsidiaries, or the Administrator; provided that, unless reemployment upon the expiration of such leave is guaranteed by contract or law or the Administrator otherwise provides, such leave is for a period of not more than three months. In the case of any employee of the Company or one of its Subsidiaries on an approved leave of absence, continued vesting of the award while on leave from the employ of the Company or one of its Subsidiaries may be suspended until the employee returns to service, unless the Administrator otherwise provides or applicable law otherwise requires. In no event shall an award be exercised after the expiration of any applicable maximum term of the award.
Effect of Change of Subsidiary Status. For purposes of this Plan and any award, if an entity ceases to be a Subsidiary of the Company a termination of employment or service shall be deemed to have occurred with respect to each Eligible Person in respect of such Subsidiary who does not continue as an Eligible Person in respect of the Company or another Subsidiary that continues as such after giving effect to the transaction or other event giving rise to the change in status unless the Subsidiary that is sold, spun-off or otherwise divested (or its successor or a direct or indirect parent of such Subsidiary or successor) assumes the Eligible Person’s award(s) in connection with such transaction.
ADJUSTMENTS; ACCELERATION
Adjustments. Subject to Section 7.2, upon (or, as may be necessary to effect the adjustment, immediately prior to): any reclassification, recapitalization, share split (including a share split in the form of a share dividend) or reverse share split; any merger, combination, consolidation, conversion or other reorganization; any spin-off, split-up, or similar extraordinary dividend distribution in respect of the Ordinary Shares; or any exchange of Ordinary Shares or other securities of the Company, or any similar, unusual or extraordinary corporate transaction in respect of the Ordinary Shares; then the Administrator shall equitably and proportionately adjust (1) the number and type of Ordinary Shares (or other securities) that thereafter may be made the subject of awards (including the specific share limits, maximums and numbers of shares set forth elsewhere in this Plan), (2) the number, amount and type of Ordinary Shares (or other securities or property) subject to any outstanding awards, (3) the grant, purchase, or exercise price (which term includes the base price of any SAR or similar right) of any outstanding awards, and/or (4) the securities, cash or other property deliverable upon exercise or payment of any outstanding awards, in each case to the extent necessary to preserve (but not increase) the level of incentives intended by this Plan and the then-outstanding awards.
Without limiting the generality of Section 3.3, any good faith determination by the Administrator as to whether an adjustment is required in the circumstances pursuant to this Section 7.1, and the extent and nature of any such adjustment, shall be conclusive and binding on all persons.
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Corporate Transactions - Assumption and Termination of Awards.
Upon any event in which the Company does not survive, or does not survive as a public company in respect of its Ordinary Shares (including, without limitation, a dissolution, merger, combination, consolidation, conversion, exchange of securities or other reorganization, or a sale of all of the business, shares or assets of the Company, in any case in connection with which the Company does not survive or does not survive as a public company in respect of its Ordinary Shares), then the Administrator may make provision for a cash payment in settlement of, or for the termination, assumption, substitution or exchange of any or all outstanding awards or the cash, securities or property deliverable to the holder of any or all outstanding awards, based upon, to the extent relevant under the circumstances, the distribution or consideration payable to holders of the Ordinary Shares upon or in respect of such event. Upon the occurrence of any event described in the preceding sentence in connection with which the Administrator has made provision for the award to be terminated (and the Administrator has not made a provision for the substitution, assumption, exchange or other continuation or settlement of the award): (1) unless otherwise provided in the applicable award agreement, each then-outstanding option and SAR shall become fully vested, all restricted shares then outstanding shall fully vest free of restrictions, and each other award granted under this Plan that is then outstanding shall become payable to the holder of such award (with any performance goals applicable to the award in each case being deemed met, unless otherwise provided in the award agreement, at the “target” performance level); and (2) each award shall terminate upon the related event; provided that the holder of an option or SAR shall be given reasonable advance notice of the impending termination and a reasonable opportunity to exercise his or her outstanding vested options and SARs (after giving effect to any accelerated vesting required in the circumstances) in accordance with their terms before the termination of such awards (except that in no case shall more than ten days’ notice of the impending termination be required and any acceleration of vesting and any exercise of any portion of an award that is so accelerated may be made contingent upon the actual occurrence of the event).
Without limiting the preceding paragraph, in connection with any event referred to in the preceding paragraph or any change in control event defined in any applicable award agreement, the Administrator may, in its discretion, provide for the accelerated vesting of any award or awards as and to the extent determined by the Administrator in the circumstances.
For purposes of this Section 7.2, an award shall be deemed to have been “assumed” if (without limiting other circumstances in which an award is assumed) the award continues after an event referred to above in this Section 7.2, and/or is assumed and continued by the surviving entity following such event (including, without limitation, an entity that, as a result of such event, owns the Company or all or substantially all of the Company’s assets directly or through one or more subsidiaries (a“Parent”)), and confers the right to purchase or receive, as applicable and subject to vesting and the other terms and conditions of the award, for each Ordinary Share subject to the award immediately prior to the event, the consideration (whether cash, shares, or other securities or property) received in the event by the shareholders of the Company for each Ordinary Share sold or exchanged in such event (or the consideration received by a majority of the shareholders participating in such event if the shareholders were offered a choice of consideration); provided, however, that if the consideration offered for an Ordinary Share in the event is not solely the ordinary common stock of a successor corporation or a Parent, the Administrator may provide for the consideration to be received upon exercise or payment of the award, for each share subject to the award, to be solely ordinary common stock of the successor corporation or a Parent equal in fair market value to the per share consideration received by the shareholders participating in the event.
The Administrator may adopt such valuation methodologies for outstanding awards as it deems reasonable in the event of a cash or property settlement and, in the case of options, SARs or similar rights, but without limitation on other methodologies, may base such settlement solely upon the excess if any of the per share amount payable upon or in respect of such event over the exercise or base price of the award. In the case of an option, SAR or similar right as to which the per share amount payable upon or in respect of such event is less than or equal to the exercise or base price of the award, the Administrator may terminate such award in connection with an event referred to in this Section 7.2 without any payment in respect of such award.
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In any of the events referred to in this Section 7.2, the Administrator may take such action contemplated by this Section 7.2 prior to such event (as opposed to on the occurrence of such event) to the extent that the Administrator deems the action necessary to permit the participant to realize the benefits intended to be conveyed with respect to the underlying shares. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Administrator may deem an acceleration to occur immediately prior to the applicable event and, in such circumstances, will reinstate the original terms of the award if an event giving rise to an acceleration and/or termination does not occur.
Without limiting the generality of Section 3.3, any good faith determination by the Administrator pursuant to its authority under this Section 7.2 shall be conclusive and binding on all persons.
Other Acceleration Rules. The Administrator may override the provisions of Section 7.2 by express provision in the award agreement and may accord any Eligible Person a right to refuse any acceleration, whether pursuant to the award agreement or otherwise, in such circumstances as the Administrator may approve. The portion of any ISO accelerated in connection with an event referred to in Section 7.2 (or such other circumstances as may trigger accelerated vesting of the award) shall remain exercisable as an ISO only to the extent the applicable $100,000 limitation on ISOs is not exceeded. To the extent exceeded, the accelerated portion of the option shall be exercisable as a nonqualified stock option under the Code.
OTHER PROVISIONS
Compliance with Laws. This Plan, the granting and vesting of awards under this Plan, the offer, issuance and delivery of Ordinary Shares, and/or the payment of money under this Plan or under awards are subject to compliance with all applicable federal, state, local and foreign laws, rules and regulations (including but not limited to state and federal securities law and federal margin requirements) and to such approvals by any listing, regulatory or governmental authority as may, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, be necessary or advisable in connection therewith. The person acquiring any securities under this Plan will, if requested by the Company or one of its Subsidiaries, provide such assurances and representations to the Company or one of its Subsidiaries as the Administrator may deem necessary or desirable to assure compliance with all applicable legal and accounting requirements.
No Rights to Award. No person shall have any claim or rights to be granted an award (or additional awards, as the case may be) under this Plan, subject to any express contractual rights (set forth in a document other than this Plan) to the contrary.
No Employment/Service Contract. Nothing contained in this Plan (or in any other documents under this Plan or in any award) shall confer upon any Eligible Person or other participant any right to continue in the employ or other service of the Company or one of its Subsidiaries, constitute any contract or agreement of employment or other service or affect an employee’s status as an employee at will, nor shall interfere in any way with the right of the Company or one of its Subsidiaries to change a person’s compensation or other benefits, or to terminate his or her employment or other service, with or without cause. Nothing in this Section 8.3, however, is intended to adversely affect any express independent right of such person under a separate employment or service contract other than an award agreement.
Plan Not Funded. Awards payable under this Plan shall be payable in shares or from the general assets of the Company, and no special or separate reserve, fund or deposit shall be made to assure payment of such awards. No participant, beneficiary or other person shall have any right, title or interest in any fund or in any specific asset (including Ordinary Shares, except as expressly otherwise provided) of the Company or one of its Subsidiaries by reason of any award hereunder. Neither the provisions of this Plan (or of any related documents), nor the creation or adoption of this Plan, nor any action taken pursuant to the provisions of this Plan shall create, or be construed to create, a trust of any kind or a fiduciary relationship between the Company or one of its Subsidiaries and any participant, beneficiary or other person. To the extent that a participant, beneficiary or other person acquires a right to receive payment pursuant to any award hereunder, such right shall be no greater than the right of any unsecured general creditor of the Company.
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Tax Withholding. Upon any exercise, vesting, or payment of any award, or upon the disposition of Ordinary Shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of an ISO prior to satisfaction of the holding period requirements of Section 422 of the Code, or upon any other tax withholding event with respect to any award, arrangements satisfactory to the Company shall be made to provide for any taxes the Company or any of its Subsidiaries may be required to withhold with respect to such award event or payment. Such arrangements may include (but are not limited to) any one of (or a combination of) the following:
(a) | The Company or one of its Subsidiaries shall have the right to require the participant (or the participant’s personal representative or beneficiary, as the case may be) to pay or provide for payment of at least the minimum amount of any taxes which the Company or one of its Subsidiaries may be required to withhold with respect to such award event or payment. |
(b) | The Company or one of its Subsidiaries shall have the right to deduct from any amount otherwise payable in cash (whether related to the award or otherwise) to the participant (or the participant’s personal representative or beneficiary, as the case may be) the minimum amount of any taxes which the Company or one of its Subsidiaries may be required to withhold with respect to such award event or payment. |
(c) | In any case where a tax is required to be withheld in connection with the delivery of Ordinary Shares under this Plan, the Administrator may in its sole discretion (subject to Section 8.1) require or grant (either at the time of the award or thereafter) to the participant the right to elect, pursuant to such rules and subject to such conditions as the Administrator may establish, that the Company reduce the number of shares to be delivered by (or otherwise reacquire) the appropriate number of shares, valued in a consistent manner at their fair market value or at the sales price in accordance with authorized procedures for cashless exercises, necessary to satisfy the minimum applicable withholding obligation on exercise, vesting or payment. Unless otherwise provided by the Administrator, in no event shall the shares withheld exceed the minimum whole number of shares required for tax withholding under applicable law to the extent the Company determines that withholding at any greater level would result in an award otherwise classified as an equity award under ASC Topic 718 (or any successor thereto) being classified as a liability award under ASC Topic 718 (or such successor). |
Effective Date, Termination and Suspension, Amendments.
Effective Date. This Plan is effective as of March 31st, 2020, the date of its approval by the Board (the“Effective Date”). This Plan shall be submitted for and subject to shareholder approval no later than twelve months after the Effective Date. Unless earlier terminated by the Board and subject to any extension that may be approved by shareholders, this Plan shall terminate at the close of business on the day before the tenth anniversary of the Effective Date. After the termination of this Plan either upon such stated termination date or its earlier termination by the Board, no additional awards may be granted under this Plan, but previously granted awards (and the authority of the Administrator with respect thereto, including the authority to amend such awards) shall remain outstanding in accordance with their applicable terms and conditions and the terms and conditions of this Plan.
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Board Authorization. The Board may, at any time, terminate or, from time to time, amend, modify or suspend this Plan, in whole or in part. No awards may be granted during any period that the Board suspends this Plan.
Shareholder Approval. To the extent then required by applicable law or deemed necessary or advisable by the Board, any amendment to this Plan shall be subject to shareholder approval.
Amendments to Awards. Without limiting any other express authority of the Administrator under (but subject to) the express limits of this Plan, the Administrator by agreement or resolution may waive conditions of or limitations on awards to participants that the Administrator in the prior exercise of its discretion has imposed, without the consent of a participant, and (subject to the requirements of Sections 3.2 and 8.6.5) may make other changes to the terms and conditions of awards.
Limitations on Amendments to Plan and Awards. No amendment, suspension or termination of this Plan or amendment of any outstanding award agreement shall, without written consent of the participant, affect in any manner materially adverse to the participant any rights or benefits of the participant or obligations of the Company under any award granted under this Plan prior to the effective date of such change. Changes, settlements and other actions contemplated by Section 7 shall not be deemed to constitute changes or amendments for purposes of this Section 8.6.
Privileges of Share Ownership. Except as otherwise expressly authorized by the Administrator, a participant shall not be entitled to any privilege of share ownership as to any Ordinary Shares not actually delivered to and held of record by the participant. Except as expressly required by Section 7.1 or otherwise expressly provided by the Administrator, no adjustment will be made for dividends or other rights as a shareholder for which a record date is prior to such date of delivery.
Governing Law; Construction; Severability.
1.1.1 Choice of Law. This Plan, the awards, all documents evidencing awards and all other related documents shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with the laws of the Cayman Islands.
1.1.2 Severability. If a court of competent jurisdiction holds any provision invalid and unenforceable, the remaining provisions of this Plan shall continue in effect.
1.1.3 | Plan Construction. |
(a) | It is the intent of the Company that the awards and transactions permitted by awards be interpreted in a manner that, in the case of participants who are or may be subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act, qualify, to the maximum extent compatible with the express terms of the award, for exemption from matching liability under Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall have no liability to any participant for Section 16 consequences of awards or events under awards if an award or event does not so qualify. |
Captions. Captions and headings are given to the sections and subsections of this Plan solely as a convenience to facilitate reference. Such headings shall not be deemed in any way material or relevant to the construction or interpretation of this Plan or any provision thereof.
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Share-Based Awards in Substitution for Share Options or Awards Granted by Other Company. Awards may be granted to Eligible Persons in substitution for or in connection with an assumption of employee share options, SARs, restricted shares or other share-based awards granted by other entities to persons who are or who will become Eligible Persons in respect of the Company or one of its Subsidiaries, in connection with a distribution, merger or other reorganization by or with the granting entity or an affiliated entity, or the acquisition by the Company or one of its Subsidiaries, directly or indirectly, of all or a substantial part of the shares or assets of the employing entity. The awards so granted need not comply with other specific terms of this Plan, provided the awards reflect adjustments giving effect to the assumption or substitution consistent with any conversion applicable to the Ordinary Shares (or the securities otherwise subject to the award) in the transaction and any change in the issuer of the security. Any shares that are delivered and any awards that are granted by, or become obligations of, the Company, as a result of the assumption by the Company of, or in substitution for, outstanding awards previously granted or assumed by an acquired company (or previously granted or assumed by a predecessor employer (or direct or indirect parent thereof) in the case of persons that become employed by the Company or one of its Subsidiaries in connection with a business or asset acquisition or similar transaction) shall not be counted against the Share Limit or other limits on the number of shares available for issuance under this Plan.
Non-Exclusivity of Plan. Nothing in this Plan shall limit or be deemed to limit the authority of the Board or the Administrator to grant awards or authorize any other compensation, with or without reference to the Ordinary Shares, under any other plan or authority.
No Corporate Action Restriction. The existence of this Plan, the award agreements and the awards granted hereunder shall not limit, affect or restrict in any way the right or power of the Company or any Subsidiary (or any of their respective shareholders, boards of directors or committees thereof (or any subcommittee), as the case may be) to make or authorize: (a) any adjustment, recapitalization, reorganization or other change in the capital structure or business of the Company or any Subsidiary, (b) any merger, amalgamation, consolidation or change in the ownership of the Company or any Subsidiary, (c) any issue of bonds, debentures, capital, preferred or prior preference shares ahead of or affecting the capital shares (or the rights thereof) of the Company or any Subsidiary, (d) any dissolution or liquidation of the Company or any Subsidiary, (e) any sale or transfer of all or any part of the assets or business of the Company or any Subsidiary, (f) any other award, grant, or payment of incentives or other compensation under any other plan or authority (or any other action with respect to any benefit, incentive or compensation) or (g) any other corporate act or proceeding by the Company or any Subsidiary. No participant, beneficiary or any other person shall have any claim under any award or award agreement against any member of the Board or the Administrator, or the Company or any employees, officers or agents of the Company or any Subsidiary, as a result of any such action. Awards need not be structured so as to be deductible for tax purposes.
Other Company Benefit and Compensation Programs. Payments and other benefits received by a participant under an award made pursuant to this Plan shall not be deemed a part of a participant’s compensation for purposes of the determination of benefits under any other employee welfare or benefit plans or arrangements, if any, provided by the Company or any Subsidiary, except where the Administrator expressly otherwise provides or authorizes in writing. Awards under this Plan may be made in addition to, in combination with, as alternatives to or in payment of grants, awards or commitments under any other plans or arrangements or authority of the Company or its Subsidiaries.
Clawback Policy. The awards granted under this Plan are subject to the terms of the Company’s recoupment, clawback or similar policy as it may be in effect from time to time, as well as any similar provisions of applicable law, any of which could in certain circumstances require repayment or forfeiture of awards or any Ordinary Shares or other cash or property received with respect to the awards (including any value received from a disposition of the shares acquired upon payment of the awards).
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