Unassociated Document
UNITED
STATES
SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington,
D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE
14A
(Rule
14a-101)
INFORMATION
REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
SCHEDULE
14A INFORMATION
Proxy
Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the
Securities
Exchange Act of 1934
Filed by
the Registrant ý Filed by a
Party other than the Registrant
Check the
appropriate box:
ý Preliminary
Proxy Statement
¨ Confidential,
for Use of the Commission only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
¨ Definitive
Proxy Statement
¨ Definitive
Additional Materials
¨ Soliciting
Material Pursuant to § 240.14a-12
DRAGON
PHARMACEUTICAL INC.
(Name of
Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
___________________________________________________________________
(Name of
Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement if Other Than the Registrant)
Payment
of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
¨ No
fee required
ý Fee
computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11
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1)
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Title
of each class of securities to which transaction
applies:
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Common
stock, par value $0.001 per share
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2)
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Aggregate
number of securities to which transaction applies: 67,066,418 shares of
common stock outstanding; in-the-money stock options with respect to
7,960,000 shares of common stock; and warrants with respect to
0 shares of common stock.
|
|
3)
|
Per
unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to
Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is
calculated and state how it was
determined):
|
|
The
maximum aggregate value was determined based upon the sum of (i)
67,066,418 shares of common stock multiplied by $0.82 per share; and (ii)
in-the-money stock options with respect to 7,960,000 shares of common
stock multiplied by $0.22 per share (which is the difference between $0.82
and the weighted average exercise price of $0.60 per share). In
accordance with Exchange Act Rule 0-11(c), the filing fee was determined
by multiplying 0.0000713 by the sum of the preceding
sentence.
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4)
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Proposed
maximum aggregate value of transaction:
$56,745,662
|
|
5)
|
Total
fee paid: $4,046
|
□
|
Fee
paid previously with preliminary
materials.
|
□
|
Check
box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule
0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid
previously. Identify the previous filing by registration
statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its
filing.
|
1) Amount
Previously Paid: ________________________________
2) Form,
Schedule or Registration Statement No.: _______________
3) Filing
Party: __________________________________________
4) Date
Filed: ____________________________________________
PRELIMINARY
COPY
DRAGON
PHARMACEUTICAL INC.
Suite
310, 650 West Georgia Street
Vancouver,
British Columbia
Canada
V6B 4N9
Telephone
(604) 669-8817
[Date]
Dear
Shareholder:
You are cordially invited to attend the
special meeting of the shareholders of Dragon Pharmaceutical Inc. (“we”, the
“Company” or “Dragon”) to be held at 10:30 a.m. local time, on ___________, 2010
at Dragon’s corporate office located at Suite 310, 650 West Georgia
Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6B
4N9.
At the
special meeting, you will be asked to consider and vote upon the following
proposals:
1. to
adopt the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of March 26, 2010, which we
refer to as the "Merger Agreement" in this proxy statement, by and among Dragon,
Chief Respect Limited, a Hong Kong corporation, Datong Investment Inc., a
Florida corporation and subsidiary of Chief Respect Limited, and Mr. Yanlin Han,
pursuant to which Datong Investment Inc. will merge with and into Dragon and
each holder of Dragon shares of common stock, excluding Mr. Han, will
receive $0.82 per share.
2. to
adjourn or postpone the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, including
to solicit additional proxies in the event there are not sufficient votes in
favor of adoption of the Merger Agreement at the time of the special meeting;
and
3. to
conduct such other business as may properly come before the special meeting or
any adjournment or postponement of the meeting.
Pursuant
to the Merger Agreement, Datong Investment Inc., a Florida
corporation, which we refer to as "MergerSub" in this proxy
statement, will merge with and into Dragon, with our Company continuing as the
surviving corporation of the merger. The shares of common stock of
the Company held by Mr. Han prior to the merger will remain issued and
outstanding after the merger and will not be affected by the
merger. Following the merger, Dragon will become a subsidiary of
Chief Respect Limited, a Hong Kong corporation which we refer to as "Parent" in
this proxy statement, and the Parent and Mr. Han will be the shareholders of the
surviving corporation.
After
careful consideration and upon the recommendation of the Special Committee
comprised entirely of directors with no financial interest in Parent and no
affiliation (other than being Board members of the Company) with Mr. Yanlin Han,
our board of directors (other than Mr. Han who did not participate in the
deliberations or discussions related to the merger or vote on any matters
related thereto) (i) determined that the Merger Agreement and the transactions
contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger, are substantively
and procedurally fair to and in the best interests of our Company and our
unaffiliated shareholders (by which we mean, for purposes of this determination,
our shareholders other than Mr. Han); (ii) approved and authorized the Merger
Agreement and the merger and (iii) recommends that you vote "FOR" the adoption
of the Merger Agreement at the special meeting.
This
proxy statement provides detailed information about the Merger Agreement and the
merger. The description of the Merger Agreement and all other
agreements in this proxy statement are subject to the terms of the actual
agreements. We encourage you to read this proxy statement carefully,
including its Appendixes and the documents we refer to in this proxy
statement.
Your vote is very important,
regardless of the number of shares you own. The proposed
merger cannot be completed unless it is approved by (1) the affirmative vote of
the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Company’s voting
common stock entitled to vote on the merger which is required under Florida law
(the "Florida law vote") and (2) a majority of the votes cast by holders of
outstanding shares of the Company’s voting common stock entitled to vote on the
merger, excluding the votes cast by Mr. Han which is required under the rules of
the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX vote") as described in the accompanying proxy
statement. Mr. Han owned as of the record date approximately 38.0% of
the Company’s shares, which shares would be counted for the purpose of
determining the Florida law vote but would not be counted for purpose of
determining the TSX vote. Accordingly, assuming that Mr. Han voted all of his
share in favor of the merger, the affirmative vote of greater than approximately
21% of the remaining 62% of the shares (or 13% of the all outstanding shares)
would be required to approve the merger for purpose of the Florida law vote,
and, assuming all of the Company's stockholders voted all of their shares with
respect to the Merger Agreement, the affirmative vote of the majority of the
remaining 62% of the shares would be required to approve the merger agreement
for purposes of the TSX vote.
Only shareholders who owned shares of
our common stock at the close of business on __________, the record date for the
special meeting, will be entitled to vote at the special meeting. To
vote your shares, you may use the enclosed proxy card or attend the special
meeting and vote in person. On behalf of our board of directors,
I urge you to complete, sign, date and return the enclosed proxy card as soon as
possible, even if you currently plan to attend the special
meeting.
Thank you
for your support of our Company. I look forward to seeing you at the
special meeting.
Sincerely,
/s/ Maggie Deng
Maggie Deng,
Secretary
The proxy statement is dated
_________2010, and is first being mailed to shareholders on or about
__________.
Neither
the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities regulatory
agency has approved or disapproved the merger, passed upon the merits or
fairness of the merger or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of the disclosure
in this document. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal
offense.
In addition to delivering the proxy
materials for the special meeting to be held on __________ to shareholders by
mail, the proxy statement for such meeting is also available on our website at
www.dragonpharma.com.
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
SUMMARY
TERM SHEET
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1
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The
Parties to the Merger
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1
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The
Merger
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1
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Merger
Consideration
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1
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Treatment
of Outstanding Stock Options
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2
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Market
Prices and Dividend Data
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2
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Material
United States Federal Income Tax Consequences of the
Merger
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2
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Material
Canadian Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger
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2
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Opinion
of the Special Committee's Financial Advisor
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3
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The
Special Meeting of Shareholders
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3
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Interests
of Our Executive Officers and Directors in the Merger
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4
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Indemnification
Agreements
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5
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Intentions
of our Directors and Executive Officers and Voting
Commitment
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5
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Parent's
Financing for the Transaction-Good Faith Deposit
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6
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Conditions
to the Closing of the Merger
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6
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Solicitation
of Other Offers
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7
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Termination
of the Merger Agreement
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7
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Termination
Fees
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8
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Regulatory
Matters
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8
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Appraisal
Rights
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8
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Legal
Proceedings Regarding the Merger
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9
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QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE SPECIAL MEETING AND THE MERGER
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9
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Notice
of Internet Availability
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15
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SPECIAL
FACTORS
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16
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Background
to the Merger
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16
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Reasons
for the Merger and Recommendation of the Special Committee and Our
Board
of Directors
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18
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Opinion
of the Special Committee's Financial Advisor
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22
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Additional
Information
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27
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Purpose
and Reasons for the Merger for Parent, MergerSub and Mr.
Han
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28
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Position
of Parent, MergerSub and Mr. Han as to the Fairness of the
Merger
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28
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Interests
of Our Executive Officers and Directors in the Merger
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31
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Interest
of Mr. Han in Parent and MergerSub
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31
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Change
in Control Benefits for Our Executive Officers
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32
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Indemnification
of Directors and Officers
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32
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The
Special Committee
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32
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Related
Party Transactions
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33
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Form
of the Merger
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33
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Merger
Consideration
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33
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Parent's
Financing for the Transaction
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33
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Effects
of the Merger
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33
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Plans
for Our Company After the Merger
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34
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Effects
on the Market for the Shares; OTC Bulletin Board and TSX Listing;
Registration Under the Exchange Act
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35
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Effects
on Our Company if the Merger is Not Completed
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35
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Material
United States Federal Income Tax Consequences of the
Merger
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36
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Material
Canadian Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger
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37
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Holders
Resident in Canada
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38
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Holders
Not Resident in Canada
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38
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Regulatory
Matters
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39
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Accounting
Treatment
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40
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Legal
Proceedings Regarding the Merger
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40
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Appraisal
Rights
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40
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Exercising
Dissent Rights
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43
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Provisions
for Unaffiliated Shareholders
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44
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Voting
Intentions of Our Directors and Executive Officers and Voting Commitment
of Mr. Han, Parent and MergerSub
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44
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Estimated
Fees and Expenses of the Merger
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44
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CAUTIONARY
NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
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45
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RISK
FACTORS
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45
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THE
SPECIAL MEETING
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46
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Date,
Time and Place
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46
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Purpose
of the Special Meeting
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46
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Record
Date; Shares Entitled to Vote; Quorum
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46
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Vote
Required
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47
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Voting
of Proxies
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47
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Revocability
of Proxies
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47
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Solicitation
of Proxies
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48
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THE
PARTIES TO THE MERGER
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48
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THE
MERGER AGREEMENT
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49
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The
Merger
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49
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Effective
Time
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50
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Merger
Consideration
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50
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Payment
Procedures
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50
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Treatment
of Outstanding Stock Options
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51
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Representations
and Warranties
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51
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Company
Material Adverse Effect Definition
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54
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Conduct
of Business Pending the Merger
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54
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Solicitation
of Other Offers
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56
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Termination
in Connection with a Superior Proposal
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58
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Merger
Financing-Good Faith Deposit
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59
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Indemnification
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60
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Additional
Covenants
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60
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Conditions
to the Closing of the Merger
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61
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Termination
of the Merger Agreement
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62
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Termination
Fees
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64
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Limitation
on Remedies
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64
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Amendment;
Extension of Time; Waiver
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64
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IMPORTANT
INFORMATION REGARDING DRAGON PHARMACEUTICAL INC.
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65
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Description
of Business
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65
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Description
of Property
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65
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Legal
Proceedings
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65
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Directors
and Executive Officers
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65
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Ownership
of Common Stock by Certain Beneficial Owners, Directors and Executive
Officers
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67
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Market
Price of Our Company Common Stock and Dividend Information
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69
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Changes
in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial
Disclosure
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70
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Quantitative
and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
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70
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Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
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70
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Financial
Statements
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70
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Selected
Financial Data
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70
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Consolidated
Balance Sheet Data
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70
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Consolidated
Statements of Operation
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71
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Book
Value Per Share
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71
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Prior
Public Offerings
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71
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Prior
Stock Purchases
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71
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Prior
Stock Purchases by Mr. Han, Parent and MergerSub
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71
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Transactions
During the Past Sixty Days
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71
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IMPORTANT
INFORMATION REGARDING MR. HAN, PARENT AND MERGERSUB
|
71
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Mr.
Han
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71
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Parent
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72
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MergerSub
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72
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Criminal
and Administrative Proceedings
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72
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Interest
in Securities of Our Company
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72
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AUTHORITY
TO ADJOURN THE SPECIAL MEETING
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72
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Generally
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72
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Vote
Required
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73
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OTHER
MATTERS
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73
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SHAREHOLDER
PROPOSALS
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73
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INFORMATION
INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
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74
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WHERE
YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
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74
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MISCELLANEOUS
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76
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APPENDIX
A: AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
DATED MARCH 26, 2010
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APPENDIX
B: OPINION OF CANACCORD FINANCIAL
LTD.
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APPENDIX
C-1: DISSENT & APPRAISAL RIGHTS OF THE FLORIDA
BUSINESS CORPORATIONS
ACT
|
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APPENDIX
C-2: FORM OF DISSENTER’S APPRAISAL NOTICE
|
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APPENDIX
D: FORM 10-K FOR THE YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 2009
|
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This
proxy statement incorporates important business and financial information about
the Company from documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
that are not included in, or delivered with, this document. This information is
available without charge at the Securities and Exchange Commission’s
website, http://www.sec.gov, as well
as from other sources. Refer to “WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE
INFORMATION.”
SUMMARY
TERM SHEET
This
following summary term sheet highlights selected information from this proxy
statement and may not contain all of the information that is important to
you. To understand the merger fully and for a more complete
description of the legal terms of the merger, we encourage you to read carefully
this entire proxy statement, its Appendixes and the documents referred to or
incorporated by reference in this proxy statement. Each item in this
summary includes a page reference directing you to a more complete description
of that topic. Refer to
"Where You Can Find More
Information."
The
Parties to the Merger
Dragon Pharmaceutical Inc.
Dragon Pharmaceutical Inc. is a manufacturer and distributor of a broad
line of high-quality antibiotic products including Clavulanic Acid, 7-ACA,
downstream cephalosporin active pharmaceutical ingredient and formulated powder
for injection in both Chinese and emerging markets. Our headquarters
are located at Suite 310, 650 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, British Columbia,
Canada V6B 4N9. Our telephone number at our headquarters is (604)
669-8817. Dragon Pharmaceutical Inc. is referred to in this proxy
statement as alternatively the "Company," “Dragon” and "we."
Chief
Respect Limited, a Hong Kong corporation, is a new company which was formed in
connection with the merger. Chief Respect Limited has not carried on
any activities other than in connection with the merger. Mr.
Han, our Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and owner of approximately 38.0% of
the outstanding share of our common stock, is the sole shareholder of the Chief
Respect Limited. Chief Respect Limited’s principal offices are located at
11/F, AXA Centre, 151 Gloucester Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong, and its telephone
number is (852)-25823800. Chief Respect Limited is referred to in
this proxy statement as "Parent."
Datong
Investment Inc., a Florida corporation, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent
and has not engaged in any business activity other than activities related to
the purpose of merging with our Company. If the merger is completed,
Datong Investment Inc. will cease to exist following its merger with and into
our Company. The principal offices are located at c/o Corporation
Service Company, 1201 Hays Street, Tallahassee, FL 32301. Datong
Investment is referred to in this proxy statement as "MergerSub."
The
Merger
Upon the
terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement,
MergerSub, a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent, will merge with and into our
Company. The shares of common stock of the Company held by Mr. Han prior to the
merger will remain issued and outstanding after the merger and will not be
affected by the merger. After the merger, Dragon will continue as the
surviving corporation and as a subsidiary of Parent. The surviving
corporation will be a privately held corporation with Mr. Han and the Parent as
its shareholders. With the exception of Mr. Han, our current
shareholders will cease to have any ownership interest in the surviving
corporation or rights as shareholders of the surviving corporation.
Merger
Consideration
If the
merger is completed, each share of our common stock, other than as provided
below, will be converted into the right to receive $0.82 in cash, without
interest and less any applicable withholding taxes. We refer to this
consideration per share of common stock to be paid in the merger as the "merger
consideration." The following shares of our common stock will not be converted
into the right to receive the merger consideration in connection with the
merger: (1) shares held by any of our shareholders who are entitled to and who
properly exercise appraisal rights under Florida law; and (2) shares owned by
Mr. Han. Mr. Han currently owns approximately 38.0% of our
outstanding shares and is our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
At the
effective time of the merger, our shareholders, with the exception of Mr. Han,
will no longer have any rights as a shareholder other than the right to receive
the merger consideration, or for those who have properly exercised appraisal
rights under Florida law, the right to receive fair value. In no
event will our shareholders, with the exception of Mr. Han, have
rights as a member or shareholder of Parent or MergerSub, respectively, as a
result of the merger. Our shareholders entitled to the merger
consideration will receive the merger consideration after exchanging their stock
certificates in accordance with the instructions contained in the letter of
transmittal to be sent to our shareholders shortly after the effective time of
the merger.
Treatment
of Outstanding Stock Options
Pursuant to the plans and stock option
agreements under which they were issued, each outstanding stock option will, at
the effective time of the merger, to the extent not previously exercised, be
canceled and terminated and converted into the right to receive a cash payment
for each vested share of our common stock subject to such option equal to the
excess, if any, of (1) the merger consideration over (2) the option
exercise price payable in respect of such share of our common stock issuable
under such option, without interest and less any applicable withholding
taxes.
Market Prices and Dividend
Data
Shares of
our common stock are quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol "DRUG".
On March 26, 2010, the last full trading day prior to the public announcement of
the merger, the closing price for our common stock was $0.69 per
share. On ______, the latest practicable trading day before the
printing of this proxy statement, the closing price for our common stock was
$_____ per share.
Material
United States Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger
For U.S.
federal income tax purposes, your receipt of cash in exchange for your shares of
our common stock in the merger generally will result in your recognizing gain or
loss measured by the difference, if any, between the cash you receive in the
merger and your tax basis in your shares of our common stock.
Tax
matters can be complicated, and the tax consequences of the merger to you will
depend on the facts of your own financial situation. Further, we have
not addressed the tax effect of the merger to persons who are not citizens of or
residents of the United States. In addition the tax effect on holders of stock
options has not been address. We strongly recommend that you consult
your own tax advisor to fully understand the tax consequences of the merger to
you.
Material
Canadian Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger
A shareholder who is resident in Canada
and who holds common shares as capital property is generally expected to
recognize a capital gain (or capital loss) for Canadian federal income tax
purposes equal to the amount by which the amount of cash received for such
common shares, net of any reasonable costs of disposition, exceeds (or is less
than) the holder’s adjusted cost base of the common shares. Any capital gain so
realized on the merger by a shareholder who is a non-resident of Canada in
general is not expected to be subject to Canadian federal income
taxation.
This overview of Canadian federal
income tax considerations is subject to the more detailed discussion under
“Special Factors – Material Canadian Federal Income Tax Consequences of the
Merger” and the assumptions noted therein. In addition, tax matters
can be complicated, and the tax consequences of the merger to you will depend on
the facts and your particular circumstances. We are not in a position
to give tax advice to any particular holder, and we strongly recommend that you
consult your own tax advisor to fully understand the tax consequences of the
merger to you.
Reasons
for the Merger and Recommendation of the Special Committee and Our Board of
Directors
Our board of directors (other than Mr.
Han who did not participate in the deliberations or discussions related to the
merger or vote on any matters related thereto) recommends that you vote "FOR"
adoption of the Merger Agreement and "FOR" the proposal to adjourn or postpone
the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional
proxies. In reaching its determination that the Merger Agreement and
the transactions contemplated thereby, including the merger, are substantively
and procedurally fair to our Company and our unaffiliated shareholders (by which
we mean, for purposes of this determination, our shareholders other than Mr.
Han) and its decision to approve the Merger Agreement and recommend its adoption
to our shareholders, our board of directors considered the factors described
herein. Our board of directors based its recommendation in part on
the recommendation of the Special Committee, which Special Committee acted with
the advice and assistance of our management and its independent legal and
financial advisor and was comprised at all times of directors with no financial
interest in Parent and no affiliation with Mr. Han.
Opinion
of the Special Committee's Financial Advisor
On
March 26, 2010, Canaccord Financial Ltd., which we refer to as
"Canaccord” in this proxy statement, rendered its opinion to the Special
Committee to the effect that, as of March 26, 2010, the consideration to be
received by our unaffiliated shareholders in the proposed merger pursuant to the
Merger Agreement was fair to such unaffiliated shareholders from a financial
point of view. For purposes of its opinion, Canaccord defined our
unaffiliated shareholders as the holders of our common stock, other than Mr.
Han.
Canaccord’s opinion speaks only as of
the date of the opinion. The opinion was directed to the special committee and
is directed only to the fairness of the merger consideration to Dragon’s
shareholders, other than holders of shares of Dragon who comply with the
provisions of the FBCA regarding the right of the shareholders to dissent from
the Merger and Mr. Han, from a financial point of view. It
does not address the underlying business decision of Dragon to engage in the
merger or any other aspect of the merger. The summary of Canaccord’s opinion in
this proxy statement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text
of its written opinion, which is included as Appendix B to this proxy statement
and sets forth the procedures followed, assumptions made, qualifications and
limitations on the review undertaken and other matters considered by Canaccord
in preparing its opinion. However, neither
Canaccord’s written opinion nor the summary of its opinion and the
related analyses set forth in this proxy statement are intended to be, and do
not constitute advice or a recommendation to any shareholder as to how such
shareholder should act or vote with respect to any matter relating to the
merger. Refer to "Special Factors—Opinion of the
Special Committee's Financial Advisor.”
The Special Meeting of
Shareholders
Date, Time and
Place. A special meeting of our shareholders will be held on
__________, at our corporate office, Suite 310, 650 West Georgia Street,
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6B 4N9, at 10:30 a.m., local
time, to:
|
·
|
consider
and vote upon the adoption of the Merger
Agreement;
|
|
·
|
consider
and vote on a proposal to adjourn or postpone the special meeting, if
necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies in the event there
are not sufficient votes in favor of adoption of the Merger Agreement at
the time of the special meeting;
and
|
|
·
|
transact
such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any
adjournment or postponement of the
meeting.
|
Record Date and Voting
Power. You are entitled to vote at the special meeting if you
owned shares of our common stock at the close of business on __________, the
record date for the special meeting. You will have one vote at the
special meeting for each share of our common stock you owned at the close of
business on the record date. There are 67,066,418 shares of our
common stock entitled to be voted at the special meeting.
Required
Vote. Under Florida law, the adoption of the Merger Agreement
requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of our common stock
outstanding at the close of business on the record date (the "Florida law
vote"). In addition, under the rules of the Toronto Stock Exchange
the Merger Agreement must be approved by holders of common stock representing a
majority of the shares of outstanding common stock excluding shares of common
stock owned by Mr. Han (the "TSX vote"). Approval of any proposal to
adjourn or postpone the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit
additional proxies requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast
by holders of our common stock present, in person or represented by proxy, and
entitled to vote at the special meeting.
Interests
of Our Executive Officers and Directors in the Merger
You
should be aware that members of our board of directors and executive officers
have interests in the merger that may be different from, or in addition to,
yours. These interests are summarized below and more fully described
in "Special Factors—Interests
of Our Executive Officers and Directors in the Merger”
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Mr.
Han, our Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and an owner of approximately
38.0 % of our outstanding shares, is the sole owner of the
Parent. Mr. Han is also the sole director and officer of the
Parent and the MergerSub. The shares of common stock of the Company held
by Mr. Han prior to the merger will remain issued and outstanding after
the merger and will not be affected by the merger. After the
merger, Dragon will continue as the surviving corporation and as a
subsidiary of Parent. The surviving corporation will be a
privately held corporation with Mr. Han and the Parent as its
shareholders.
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Similar
to all other option holders under our stock option plan, stock options
held by our executive officers and directors will be canceled and
converted into the right to receive a cash payment, for each vested share
of our common stock subject to each option, equal to the excess, if any,
of (1) the merger consideration over (2) the option exercise price payable
in respect of such share of our common stock issuable under such option,
without interest and less any applicable withholding
taxes. Refer to the "—Treatment of Outstanding
Stock Options," above.
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Indemnification
The
Merger Agreement also provides that from and after the effective time of the
merger, Parent and the surviving corporation shall:
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to
the extent permitted under applicable law, indemnify and hold harmless
each individual who is as of the date of the Merger Agreement
or during the period from such date through the effective time of the
merger serving as our director, officer, trustee or fiduciary or, in such
capacity for any of our subsidiaries with respect to any judgments, fines,
penalties and amounts paid in settlement in connection with any claim,
suit, action, proceeding or investigation, based on or arising out of or
relating to such individual's position as a director, officer, trustee,
employee, agent or fiduciary of ours or any of our
subsidiaries;
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assume
all our and our subsidiaries' obligations to such individuals in respect
of indemnification and exculpation from liabilities for acts or omissions
occurring at or prior to the effective time of the merger, as provided in
our and our subsidiaries' organizational documents;
and
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provides
for standard releases from liability for any act while such person was
acting as a director or executive officer on behalf of the
Company.
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Voting
Intentions of Our Directors and Executive Officers and Voting
Commitment
Under the
terms of the Merger Agreement, Mr. Han, our Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer, agreed to vote all shares of common stock held by him in favor of the
adoption of the Merger Agreement. As of the date of this proxy statement, Mr.
Han owns 25,453,741 shares of our common stock representing approximately 38.0%
of our outstanding shares of common stock.
In addition, pursuant to a Support
Agreement, Mr. Zhanguo Weng, Ms. Xuemei Liu, Dr. Alexander Wick and Dr. Yiu
Kwong Sun, each a director of the Company (collectively “Supporting
Shareholders”) have agreed to vote all shares of common stock held by them in
favor of the adoption of the Merger Agreement. Although the Special
Committee, and in particular its Chairman Peter Mak, primarily negotiated with
Mr. Han with respect to among other things merger consideration, the Special
Committee kept informed and sought approval from the Mr. Weng and Ms.
Liu.
As of the date of this proxy statement,
Mr. Weng owns 8,986,783 shares, Ms. Liu owns 4,493,391 shares, Dr.
Wick owns 500,000 shares and Dr. Sun owns 700,000 shares of our common stock,
which collectively represents approximately 21.9% of our outstanding shares of
common stock.
Consequently,
assuming that the Supporting Shareholders vote their shares of common stock
representing approximately 21.9% of the outstanding shares in favor of the
Merger Agreement, along with Mr. Han’s 38.0%, collectively representing 59.9% of
the outstanding shares they will have a sufficient number of shares to approve
the Merger Agreement under Florida law vote and but will need other shareholders
to vote for the merger in order to meet the TSX vote.
Parent's
Financing for the Transaction -Good Faith Deposit
Parent
has represented to us that at the effective time of the merger, Parent will have
sufficient cash to make all payments required under the Merger Agreement,
including the merger consideration payable to our
shareholders. Parent intends to finance the merger consideration
through Mr. Han’s personal funds and personal loans from private
lenders.
The
Parent has agreed to deposit $3,000,000 into a segregate account to be jointly
controlled by Mr. Han and either Ms. Maggie Deng, Chief Operating Officer or Mr.
Garry Wong, Chief Financial Officer on behalf of the
Company. $1,000,000 was delivered upon the execution of the Merger
Agreement, and $2,000,000 was delivered upon the filing of the definitive proxy
statement. The deposit may be used to pay for the merger
consideration. If Parent is unable to obtain the merger consideration
by the Closing, or if Mr. Han otherwise breaches the Merger Agreement, the
Company will be entitled to a termination fee of $400,000.
Conditions
to the Closing of the Merger
The
obligations of the parties to consummate the merger are subject to the
satisfaction or, to the extent permissible under applicable law, waiver of
certain conditions on or prior to the closing date of the
merger. Those conditions include (1) approval of the merger by a
majority of the outstanding shares of our common stock; (2) approval
of the merger by a majority of the outstanding shares of our common stock
excluding shares held by Mr. Han; and (3) no governmental authority preventing
the merger by way of an injunction, order or other legal restraint.
The
obligations of Parent and MergerSub to complete the merger are subject to the
satisfaction of certain conditions including (1) a requirement that our
representations and warranties be true and correct as of the date of the signing
of the Merger Agreement and the closing of the merger, but only if a Company
Material Adverse Effect (as defined in the Merger Agreement) would result if the
representations and warranties are not so true and correct; (2) Company shall
have performed or complied in all material respects with all agreements and
covenants in the Merger Agreement required to be performed or complied with by
it on or prior to the effective time of the merger and (3) our Chief Operating
Officer shall have delivered a certificate that all of the conditions relating
to our representations and obligations under the Merger Agreement have been
satisfied.
Our
obligations to complete the merger are subject to certain conditions including
(1) a requirement that Parent and MergerSub's representations and warranties be
true and correct as of the date of the signing of the Merger Agreement and the
closing of the merger, but only if the failure to be so true and correct would
prevent or materially hinder Parent or MergerSub from consummating the merger;
(2) Mr. Han, Parent and MergerSub shall have performed or complied in all
material respects with all agreements and covenants in the Merger Agreement
required to be performed or complied with by them on or prior to the effective
time of the merger; and (3) we shall have received a certificate signed by an
authorized officer of Parent certifying that all of the conditions with respect
to Parent's, MergerSub's and Mr. Han's representations and obligations under the
Merger Agreement have been satisfied.
The
conditions to the closing of the merger are more fully described below in "The Merger Agreement—Conditions to
the Closing of the Merger."
Solicitation
of Other Offers
In
general, we are required to terminate discussions with respect to, or that could
be reasonably be expected to lead to, an acquisition proposal and are required
not to authorize or permit any of our representatives to, directly or
indirectly, initiate, solicit, encourage or knowingly take any other action to
facilitate any inquiries or the making of any acquisition proposal.
Notwithstanding
the foregoing, if we receive a written acquisition proposal, we may contact the
person making such proposal solely to clarify and understand the terms and
conditions of such acquisition proposal so as to determine whether such
acquisition proposal is reasonably likely to lead to a superior
proposal.
Furthermore,
if our board of directors determines in good faith that an acquisition proposal
constitutes or is reasonably likely to lead to a superior proposal we may
participate in negotiations regarding the acquisition proposal if our board of
directors determines in good faith that not doing so would be inconsistent with
its duties under applicable law.
Termination
of the Merger Agreement
The
Merger Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the consummation of the
merger, whether before or after shareholder approval has been
obtained:
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by
mutual written consent of the Parent and
Company;
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by
either us or Parent if the merger has not been consummated within 270 days
of the effective date of the merger agreement or if there is a court order
preventing the merger;
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by
Parent if (1) we breach or fail to perform any of our
representations, warranties, covenants or agreements contained in
the Merger Agreement, unless such breach or failure would not
result in a Company Material Adverse Effect, or (2) our board of
directors withdraws its recommendation for the merger or recommends an
alternative acquisition proposal;
or
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by
us if (1) Parent or MergerSub breach or fail to perform any of their
representations, warranties, covenants or agreements contained in the
Merger Agreement unless such breach or failure would not prevent or
materially hinder Parent or MergerSub from consummating the merger; or
(2) prior to obtaining the Company Shareholder Approval,
(i) the Special Committee or the Company Board has concluded in good
faith, after consultation with the Special Committee’s or the Company’s
outside legal counsel and the Company Financial Advisor, that, in light of
a Superior Proposal, failure to terminate this Agreement would be
inconsistent with the directors’ exercise of their fiduciary obligations
to the Company’s shareholders (other than Mr. Han) under applicable Law,
(ii) the Company has complied in all material respects with its
obligations relating to acquisition proposals under certain provision of
the merger agreement, and (iii) concurrent with such termination, the
Company enters into a definitive agreement with respect to such Superior
Proposal (“Superior Proposal”).
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Termination
Fees
We agreed
to pay Parent a $1,000,000 termination fee (1) if our board of directors
withdraws its recommendation for the merger or recommends an alternative
acquisition proposal, and such alternative acquisition is consummated within 12
months; or (2) if we terminate the merger agreement as a result of a Superior
Proposal.
In
addition, we agreed to pay Parent a $400,000 termination fee if Parent
terminates the agreement due to a breach by the Company of any of its
representations, warranties, covenants or agreements contained in the Merger
Agreement.
Parent
agreed to pay us a $400,000 termination fee if we terminate the agreement due to
a breach by Parent or MergerSub of any of their representations, warranties,
covenants or agreements contained in the Merger Agreement, including
breach resulting from Parent’s failure to secure financing for
payment of the merger consideration.
Regulatory Matters
The merger is a “business
combination” under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 – Protection of
Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101") adopted by
the Ontario Securities Commission. MI 61-101 provides that, unless exempted, a
corporation proposing to carry out a business combination is required to obtain
an independent valuation of the subject matter of the transaction and provide to
the securityholders of the corporation a summary of such valuation. MI 61-101
also requires that, in addition to any other required securityholder approval,
in order to complete the transaction, the approval of a majority of the votes
cast by “minority” shareholders of the affected corporation be obtained.
The Company will be obtaining minority shareholder approval for the
merger.
In
accordance with Section 2.4(1)(b) of MI 61-101, Parent is exempt from
the valuation requirements of MI 61-101 on the basis
that Parent and the Supporting Shareholders have, through arm’s length
negotiations, entered agreements to support and vote in favor of the
merger.
Appraisal
Rights
Florida
law provides our shareholders with appraisal rights in connection with the
merger. If you object to the merger, the Florida Business Corporation Act, or
FBCA, permits you to seek relief as a dissenting shareholder and have the "fair
value" of your shares of common stock determined by a court and paid to you in
cash. If you oppose the merger and did not vote “For” the merger, and wish to
dissent to the merger, you must deliver to the Company a written demand for
appraisal of your shares by _______2010.
As discussed under the section titled
“Special Factors-Appraisal Rights” any shareholder who opposes the merger may
exercise dissent and appraisal rights under the FBCA. If you wish to
exercise your dissenter’s and appraisal rights, then you must demand payment and
submit your stock certificates to Maggie Deng, Secretary, Dragon Pharmaceutical,
Inc, Suite 310, 650 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6B
4N9, prior to the merger and after the merger, Mr. Yanlin Han, Chief Respect
Limited, Suite 310, 650 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
V6B 4N9. The procedure for dissent and appraisal is described in Sections
607.1301 to 607.1333 of the Florida Business Corporation Act, which
are attached as Appendix C-1 to this proxy statement. We require strict
adherence to the procedures set forth therein, and failure to do so may result
in the loss of all dissenters' appraisal rights. Accordingly, each
shareholder who might desire to exercise dissenter's appraisal rights should
carefully consider and comply with the provisions of those sections and consult
his or her legal advisor. A form of Dissenter's Appraisal Notice is
attached as Appendix C-2 to this proxy statement.
Legal
Proceedings Regarding the Merger
There have been no lawsuits or legal
proceedings regarding the merger.
QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE SPECIAL MEETING AND THE MERGER
The
following questions and answers are intended to address commonly asked questions
regarding the merger. These may not address all questions that may be
important to you as a shareholder. We urge you to read carefully the
more detailed information contained elsewhere in this proxy statement, the
Appendixes to this proxy statement and the documents we refer to in this proxy
statement.
Q: Why am I receiving this proxy
statement?
A: Our
board of directors is furnishing this proxy statement in connection with the
solicitation of proxies to be voted at a special meeting of shareholders, or at
any adjournments or postponements of the special meeting.
Q: What am I being asked to vote
on?
A: You
are being asked to vote to adopt a Merger Agreement that provides for the
acquisition of our Company by Parent. The proposed acquisition would be
accomplished through the merger of MergerSub, a wholly owned
subsidiary of Parent, with and into our Company. Shares of common
stock of our Company owned by Mr. Han will not be affected by the merger and
will continue to remain issued and outstanding after the merger. As a
result of the merger, our Company will become a subsidiary of Parent and will be
owned by the Parent and Mr. Han as shareholders of the surviving
corporation.
In addition, you are being asked to
grant our management discretionary authority to adjourn or postpone the special
meeting. If, for example, we do not receive proxies from shareholders
holding a sufficient number of shares to adopt the Merger Agreement, we could
use the additional time to solicit proxies in favor of adoption of the Merger
Agreement.
Q: What effects will the merger have on
our Company?
A: The
merger is a "going private" transaction. Upon completion of the
merger, we will cease to be a publicly traded company and will be owned by
Parent and Mr. Han. As a result, you will no longer have any interest in our
future earnings or growth, if any. Following completion of the merger, the
registration of our common stock and our reporting obligations with respect to
our common stock under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which we
refer to as the "Exchange Act" in this proxy statement, are expected to be
terminated. In addition, upon completion of the merger, shares of our common
stock will no longer be quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board or listed on the
Toronto Stock Exchange or any other stock exchange or quotation
system.
Q: What happens if the merger is not
completed?
A: If
the Merger Agreement is not adopted by our shareholders, or if the merger is not
completed for any other reason, our shareholders will not receive any payment
for their shares pursuant to the Merger Agreement. Instead, our Company will
remain as a public company and our common stock will continue to be registered
under the Exchange Act and quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board and listed on the
Toronto Stock Exchange. Under specified circumstances, we may be
required to pay Parent a termination fee or Parent may be required to pay us a
termination fee, in each case, as described in "The Merger Agreement—Termination
Fees."
Q: What will I receive in the
merger?
A: As
a result of the merger, our shareholders (other than Mr. Han) will receive $0.82
in cash, without interest and less any applicable withholding tax, if any, for
each share of our common stock they own as of the date of the merger, unless
they properly exercise appraisal rights. For example, if you own 100
shares of our common stock, you will receive $82.00 in cash, less any applicable
withholding tax, if any, in exchange for your 100 shares.
Q: What do I need to do
now?
A: We
urge you to read this proxy statement, the Appendixes to this proxy statement
and the documents we refer to in this proxy statement carefully and consider how
the merger affects you. Then mail your completed, dated and signed
proxy card in the enclosed return envelope as soon as possible, so that your
shares can be voted at the special meeting of our shareholders. Please do not send your stock
certificates with your proxy card.
Q: How does our Company's board of
directors recommend that I vote?
A: Our
board of directors recommends that you vote "FOR" the adoption of the Merger
Agreement and "FOR" the proposal to adjourn or postpone the special meeting, if
necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies in the event there are
not sufficient votes in favor of the adoption of the Merger Agreement at the
time of the special meeting. Refer to "Special Factors—-Reasons
for the Merger and Recommendation of the Special Committee and Our Board of
Directors."
Q: Do any of our Company's directors or
executive officers have interests in the merger that may differ from those of
Company shareholders?
A: Yes. Mr.
Han, our Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and an owner of approximately 38.0%
of our outstanding shares common stock, is affiliated with Parent and MergerSub.
Shares of common stock of the Company owned by Mr. Han will not be affected by
the merger and will remain issued and outstanding. After the merger,
he will directly and indirectly own all of the issued and outstanding shares of
the surviving corporation. In addition, similar to all other option
holders under our stock option plan, stock options held by our executive
officers and directors will be canceled and converted into the right to receive
a cash payment in an amount equal to the excess, if any, of (1) the merger
consideration over (2) the option exercise price. Refer to "Special Factors—Interests of Company
Executive Officers and Directors in the Merger.
Q: What is the Special
Committee?
A: On
December 20, 2009 our board of directors established a Special Committee of
directors to investigate and evaluate strategic alternatives, including a
possible merger, acquisition, sale of all or substantially all of our assets or
similar transactions, whether solicited by or on our behalf, or
unsolicited. Our board of directors did not place any limitations on
the authority of the Special Committee regarding its investigation and
evaluation of strategic alternatives. The Special Committee, however,
did not have the power or authority to authorize or approve a transaction or
agree on behalf of our board of directors to do so, which power and authority
was expressly reserved to our board of directors.
The Special Committee is, and has been
at all times, composed of directors who have no financial interest in Parent and
no affiliation with Mr. Han. At the time the Special Committee
recommended that our board of directors approve the Merger Agreement, the
members of the Special Committee were Mr. Peter Mak, Chairman, Dr. Jin Li and
Dr. Heinz Frey. In connection with their involvement in the Special Committee,
the Board authorized compensation for Mr. Mak in the amount of $40,000, as
Chairman, and for Dr. Li and Dr. Frey, each in the amount of $20,000
as members of the Special Committee..Refer to "Special Factors—The Special
Committee"
Q: What vote is required to adopt the
Merger Agreement?
A: Under
Florida law, adoption of the Merger Agreement requires the affirmative vote of
the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of our common
stock. In addition, under the rules of the Toronto Stock
exchange, the Merger Agreement must be approved by a majority of the votes cast
by holders of outstanding shares of the Company’s voting common stock entitled
to vote on the merger, excluding the votes cast by Mr. Han. As of
_____, the record date for determining who is entitled to vote at the special
meeting, there were 67,066,418 shares of our common stock issued and
outstanding.
Mr. Han,
who is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, owns 38.0% of
the outstanding shares of common stock; and Mr. Zhanguo Weng, Ms.
Xuemei Liu, Dr. Alexander Wick and Dr. Yiu Kwong Sun, each a director and a
Supporting Shareholder who collectively own 21.9% of the outstanding shares of
common stock; intend to vote “FOR” the Merger Agreement and merger. Assuming
that the Supporting Shareholders vote their shares of common stock representing
approximately 21.9% of the outstanding shares in favor of the Merger Agreement,
along with Mr. Han’s 38.0%, collectively representing 59.9% of the outstanding
shares they will have a sufficient number of shares to approve the Merger
Agreement under Florida law vote and but will need other shareholders to vote
for the merger in order to meet the TSX vote.
Q: Where and when is the special meeting
of shareholders?
A: The
special meeting will be held on _____ at Dragon’ headquarter office, Suite
310, 650 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6B 4N9 at
10:30 a.m., local time.
Q: Who is entitled to vote at the
special meeting?
A: Only
shareholders of record as of the close of business on ___2010 are entitled to
receive notice of the special meeting and to vote at the special meeting, or at
any adjournments or postponements of the special meeting the shares of our
common stock that they held at the record date.
Q: What is a
“quorum”?
A: A
“quorum” is a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote and attending
the meeting. They may be present in person or represented by
proxy. For the purposes of determining a quorum, shares held by
brokers or nominees for which we receive a signed proxy will be treated as
present even if the broker or nominee does not have discretionary power to vote
on a particular matter or if instructions were never received from the
beneficial owner. These shares are called “broker
non-votes.” Abstentions will be counted as present for quorum
purposes.
Q: May I vote in
person?
A: Yes. If
your shares are registered in your name, you may attend the special meeting and
vote your shares in person, rather than signing and returning your proxy
card. If your shares are held in "street name" and you wish to attend
and vote in person at the special meeting, then you must obtain a legal proxy
issued in your name from the broker, bank or other nominee that holds your
shares of record. Even if you plan to attend the special meeting in
person, we urge you to complete, sign, date and return the enclosed proxy to
ensure that your shares will be represented at the special meeting.
You
cannot vote shares held in "street name" by returning a proxy card directly to
our Company or by voting in person at the special meeting. If you
hold your shares in "street name" and wish to vote in person at the special
meeting, then you must obtain a legal proxy issued in your name from the broker,
bank or other nominee that holds your shares of record.
Q: How do I vote by
proxy?
A: To
vote by proxy, you have to sign and date each proxy card you receive and return
it in the postage-prepaid envelope enclosed with your proxy
materials. If you are a registered shareholder and attend the
meeting, you may deliver your completed proxy card in person.
If your shares are held by your broker
or bank, in “street name,” you will receive a form from your broker or bank
seeking instructions as to how your shares should be voted.
Q: What shares are included on the proxy
card(s)?
A: The
shares on your proxy card(s) represent all of your shares. If you do
not return your proxy card(s), your shares will not be voted.
Q: Who will count the
votes?
A: Our
Secretary will count the votes and act as the inspector of
election. Our transfer agent, Computershare Trust Company of Canada,
will count the proxies and provide this information at the time of the
meeting.
Q: What happens if I do not return my
proxy card or attend the special meeting and vote in person?
A: The
adoption of the Merger Agreement requires the affirmative vote of the holders of
a majority of the outstanding shares of our common stock. In
addition, under the rules of the Toronto Stock exchange, the Merger Agreement
must be approved by a majority of the votes cast by holders of outstanding
shares of the Company’s voting common stock entitled to vote on the merger,
excluding the votes cast by Mr. Han. Therefore, if you do not return
your proxy card or attend the special meeting and vote in person, it will have
the same effect as if you voted "AGAINST" adoption of the Merger
Agreement. For the proposal to adjourn or postpone the special
meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies, abstentions
will have no effect on the outcome.
Q: May I change my vote after I have
mailed my signed proxy card?
A: Yes. You
may change your vote at any time before your proxy is voted at the special
meeting. You can do this in one of three ways:
You can deliver to our corporate
secretary a written notice bearing a date later than the proxy you delivered to
us stating that you would like to revoke your proxy, provided the notice is
received by__________ (_________time) on __________.
You can complete, execute and
deliver to our corporate secretary a later-dated proxy for the same shares,
provided the new proxy is received by _________ (_____ time) on
__________.
You can attend the meeting and vote in
person. Your attendance at the special meeting alone will not revoke
your proxy.
Any
written notice of revocation or subsequent proxy should be delivered to us at
Suite 310, 650 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V6B 4N9,
Attention: Corporate Secretary, or hand-delivered to our corporate secretary at
or before the taking of the vote at the special meeting.
If you
have instructed a broker to vote your shares, you must follow directions
received from your broker to change those instructions.
Q: If my broker holds my shares in
"street name," will my broker vote my shares for me?
A: Your
broker will not be able to vote your shares without instructions from
you. You should instruct your broker to vote your shares following
the procedure provided by your broker. Without instructions, your
shares will not be voted, which will have the same effect as if you voted
"AGAINST" adoption of the Merger Agreement.
Q: What should I do if I receive more
than one set of voting materials?
A: You
may receive more than one set of voting materials, including multiple copies of
this proxy statement and multiple proxy cards or voting instruction
cards. For example, if you hold your shares in more than one
brokerage account, you will receive a separate voting instruction card for each
brokerage account in which you hold shares. If you are a shareholder
of record and your shares are registered in more than one name, you will receive
more than one proxy card. Please complete, sign, date and return each
proxy card and voting instruction card that you receive.
Q: What happens if I sell my shares of
common stock before the special meeting?
A: The
record date for the special meeting is earlier than the date of the special
meeting and the date the merger is expected to be completed. If you
transfer your shares of our common stock after the record date but before the
special meeting, you will retain your right to vote at the special meeting, but
will have transferred the right to receive the merger consideration for the
shares of our common stock you transferred. The right to receive the
merger consideration will pass to the person who owns your shares when the
merger is completed. You also will no longer be able to assert
appraisal rights and if you vote in favor of adoption of the Merger Agreement,
and the subsequent holder of your shares also will not be able to assert
appraisal rights.
Q: Will the merger be taxable to
me?
A: Yes. The
receipt of cash pursuant to the merger will be a taxable transaction for U.S.
federal income tax purposes, and may also be a taxable transaction under
applicable state, local, provincial or foreign income or other tax
laws. Generally, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, a shareholder
will recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount of cash
received by the shareholder in the merger and the shareholder's adjusted tax
basis in the shares of our common stock converted into cash in the
merger. Because individual circumstances may differ and many of our
shareholders reside outside the United States, we recommend that you consult
your own tax advisor to determine the particular tax effects to
you. Refer to "Special Factors—Material United
States Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger"
In addition, a shareholder who is an
individual resident in Canada and who holds common shares as capital property is
generally expected to recognize a capital gain (or capital loss) for Canadian
federal income tax purposes equal to the amount by which the amount of cash
received for such common shares, net of any reasonable costs of disposition,
exceeds (or is less than) the holder’s adjusted cost base of the common shares.
Any capital gain so realized on the merger by a shareholder who is a
non-resident of Canada in general is not expected to be subject to Canadian
federal income taxation. Refer to “Special Factors – Material Canadian
Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger”
Q: What will the stock option holders
receive in the merger?
A: Each
outstanding stock option will, at the effective time of the merger, to the
extent not previously exercised, be canceled and terminated and converted into
the right to receive a cash payment for each share of our common stock subject
to such option equal to the excess, if any, of (1) the merger consideration over
(2) the option exercise price payable in respect of such share of our common
stock issuable under such option, without interest and less any applicable
withholding taxes. Refer to "The Merger Agreement—Treatment of
Outstanding Stock Options”
Q: What regulatory approvals and filings
are needed to complete the merger?
A: No
government regulatory approvals are necessary to complete the
merger.
Q: When do you expect the merger to be
completed?
A: We
are working toward completing the merger as quickly as possible and currently
expect to consummate the merger at the end of the second quarter of
2010. In addition to obtaining shareholder approval, we must satisfy
all other closing conditions.
Q: What rights do I have if I oppose the
merger?
A: Under
Florida law, shareholders are entitled to appraisal rights in connection with
the merger, subject to the conditions discussed more fully elsewhere in this
proxy statement. If a shareholder properly exercises appraisal
rights, then the shareholder has the right to litigate a proceeding in court, at
the conclusion of which the shareholder will receive the judicially determined
fair value of their shares of our common stock. The fair value of our
common stock may be more than, equal to or less than the merger consideration to
be paid to non-dissenting shareholders in the merger. To preserve
your appraisal rights, if you wish to exercise them, you must not vote in favor
of the adoption of the Merger Agreement and you must follow specific
procedures. Failure to follow the steps required by law for
perfecting appraisal rights may lead to the loss of those rights, in which case
the dissenting shareholder will be treated in the same manner as a
non-dissenting shareholder. For a more complete description of your
appraisal rights and related procedures, refer to the section entitled "Special Factors—Appraisal
Rights" and Appendix C-1 for a reproduction of Sections 607.1301-607.1333
of the FBCA, which relates to the appraisal rights of dissenting
shareholders. Because of the complexity of the law relating to
appraisal rights, shareholders who are considering objecting to the merger are
encouraged to read these provisions carefully and consult their own legal
advisors.
Q: Should I send in my stock
certificates now?
A: No.
PLEASE DO NOT SEND IN YOUR STOCK CERTIFICATES WITH YOUR PROXY. If you
hold your shares in your name as a shareholder of record, then shortly after the
merger is completed you will receive a letter of transmittal with instructions
informing you how to send in your stock certificates to the paying agent in
order to receive the merger consideration in respect of your shares of our
common stock. You should use the letter of transmittal from Computershare Trust
Company of Canada who will serve as the paying agent to exchange your stock
certificates for the merger consideration which you are entitled to receive as a
result of the merger. If you hold your shares in "street name" through a broker,
bank or other nominee, then you will receive instructions from your broker, bank
or other nominee as to how to effect the surrender of your "street name" shares
in exchange for the merger consideration.
Q: Who should I contact for questions or
to obtain additional copies of the proxy statement?
A: If
you have questions about the merger, including the procedures for voting your
shares, you should contact:
Dragon
Pharmaceutical Inc.
Suite
310, 650 West Georgia Street
Vancouver,
British Columbia
Canada
V6B 4N9
Attention:
Maggie Deng, Corporate Secretary
Telephone:
604-669-8817
Notice
of Internet Availability
Pursuant to rules promulgated by the
Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) in addition to providing you with
this full set of proxy materials, including the Notice of Annual Meeting of
Shareholders, proxy statement, Proxy Card and the Company’s Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, these proxy materials are
available on our website at: www.dragonpharma.com.
SPECIAL
FACTORS
Our board of directors believes
that the proposed merger is in the best interest of the Company’s
shareholders. In coming to its decision, the board of directors
considered a number of factors. Our board of directors, with the
assistance of management, has periodically reviewed and assessed our Company's
business strategy and the various trends and conditions affecting our Company
and our industry in general. Our board of directors has explored a
variety of strategic alternatives with the goal to increase revenue and
profitability and maximize shareholder value. This review and
assessment has included, among other things, consideration of whether it would
be in the best interests of our shareholders for our Company to continue as an
independent public company, our ability to raise additional capital to continue
as an independent public company, or to combine with or be acquired by another
company. In addition, our board of directors has considered the
limited trading volume of our Company's common stock and the fact that a
substantial number of our shares of common stock is held by one person, Mr.
Han.
The
following discussion contains a summary of the discussions and events relating
to the contemplated merger.
Background
to the Merger
During the end of calendar year 2008
and the beginning of 2009, the Company and management held a series of meetings
with various investment bankers and funds in the attempt to raise capital for
payment of debt, further expansion and to address the possible issue of
relocating the Company’s production facilities. Although these
meetings led to some generic discussion about the raising of capital and other
transactions including taking the Company private, in each circumstance, the
Company believed that proposed purchase price was too low and too dilutive to
existing shareholders.
At a board of directors meeting held on
November 12, 2009, management reported on various alternatives for the Company
including the sale of the Company or its operating
subsidiary. It was after the November 12, 2009 board meeting that Mr.
Han considered possibly purchasing the remaining shares of the Company that he
did not own and taking the Company private.
At the board of directors meeting held
on December 20, 2009, Mr. Han indicated to the board that he was considering
taking the Company private through the purchase of the remaining shares of
common stock that he did not own. At the December 20, 2009, Mr. Han
indicated the following reasons why he was considering taking the
action:
· the
Company has conducted extensive road shows and investor presentations during
the past year and approached many potential investors with no
investment offers close to market price;
· many
alternatives have been explored by the board including issuing convertible
bonds, listing on a senior stock exchange, migrating to the Hong Kong Stock
Exchange, selling a majority interest in our subsidiaries, selling major assets,
or merging with a Chinese public company. Each of these plans involve
many legal issues or would largely dilute the current shareholders’
interest which could move our stock price down;
· the
city of Datong government has had discussions with the Company to relocate its
production facilities. The Company’s production facilities are reaching full
capacity and now are surrounded by residential buildings. To meet
future business opportunities and to expand capacity, a relocation of our
production facilities has to be considered which will require a significant
capital investment; and
· the
purchase of all of the outstanding shares of common stock will provide an
opportunity for shareholders to receive cash for their shares at a price that
may not be otherwise available due to the limited market liquidity for the
Company’s shares.
Although at the December 20, 2009 board
meeting Mr. Han indicated that he was considering taking the Company private
through the purchase of all of the other shares of common stock not owned by
him, he did not give a price for the shares or indicate how he would pay for
such shares. As a result of this discussion, the board of
directors formed the Special Committee of Independent Directors (“Special
Committee”) consisting of Mr. Peter Mak, who served as Chairman, and Drs. Li and
Frey who served as the other Special Committee members. In connection with
their involvement in the Special Committee, the board authorized compensation
for Mr. Mak in the amount of $40,000 and for Dr. Frey and Dr. Li each in the
amount of $20,000.
On January 7, 2010 Special Committee
held a meeting via conference call to consider Mr. Han’s proposal and
alternatives, as well as the procedure and process of a going private
transaction. The Special Committee formalized its duties including
the following: (1) maximize the interests of the shareholders; (2) engage an
investment banker to assist the Special Committee in making an evaluation of the
Company and its alternatives; and (3) engage professionals to assist in the
process and to advise the Special Committee. At the conclusion of the
meeting, the Special Committee requested Mr. Mak to meet with potential
investment bankers to assist the Special Committee through this
process.
On January 14, 2010, Mr. Mak came to
the Company’s headquarter office located in Vancouver, British Columbia,
Canada to interview prospective investment bankers to assist the Company in this
process. Mr. Mak also was introduced to the Company’s counsel of
Bullivant Houser Bailey, PC and Lang Michener, LLP. Mr. Mak was also
introduced to Canaccord which made a presentation as to its
qualifications. It was this at this meeting that Mr. Mak indicated
that he would recommend the engagement of Canaccord to the other Special
Committee members.
On January 15, 2010, the Board of
Directors received a non-binding proposal from Mr. Han to acquire all of the
outstanding shares of the Company at a price of $0.80 per share.
On January 22, 2010, the members of the
Special Committee convened a meeting. All members of the Special
Committee were present in addition to Maggie Deng, Chief Operating Officer,
Garry Wong, Chief Financial Officer and the Canadian and U.S. legal counsel for
the Company. After discussion with both the Company’s Canadian and US
legal counsel, the Special Committee agreed to enter into negotiations with Mr.
Han. In addition, the Special Committee approved the retention of
Canaccord as its financial advisor to assist in the process. In
coming to its decision to retain Canaccord, the Special Committee noted that
Canaccord sponsored Dragon’s application with the Toronto Stock Exchange in
connection with its merger with Oriental Wave in 2005, Canaccord’s senior
investment banker and analysis had previously visited the Company’s Datong
operations in China, and Canaccord was locally based in Vancouver, British
Columbia which would make the process more efficient.
On January 22, 2010, the Company issued
a press release informing the public of Mr. Han’s proposal. On
January 25, 2010, the Company filed a Current Report on Form 8-K with the SEC
disclosing the issuance of the press release.
On February 8, 2010, the Special
Committee held a meeting to hear a presentation of Canaccord’s preliminary range
of values for the Company. At such meeting, the following topics,
among others, were discussed: (1) the Company’s corporate organization and
business strategy; (2) relocation/expansion plans for the Company’s production
facilities; (3) the Company’s current financial statements and financial
projections relating to the Company’s future operations; (4) share distribution
and majority share ownership; (5) share price history; (6) the Company’s
management, (7) valuation methodologies; (8) information of comparable
companies; (9) recent going private transactions for companies in the healthcare
business; and (10) the implied value of Dragon’s shares. After
discussion among the Special Committee members, the Special Committee members
appointed Mr. Mak to further negotiate with Mr. Han in an attempt to obtain a
higher price for the shares.
On February 10, 2010, Mr. Mak and Mr.
Han held discussions regarding the proposed purchase
price. Among other items discussed, Mr. Mak did point out that
the proposed offering price of $0.80 per share was below book
value. In a letter dated February 11, 2010, Mr. Han responded that
during the period that the Company was seeking capital from potential investors,
the proposed offering price received was below Mr. Han’s proposed
price. However, Mr. Han did indicate that based on his financing
capability, he would increase the purchase price to $0.82 per
share.
On March
3, 2010, the board of directors met to consider Mr. Han’s new proposal and other
terms of the proposed transaction. All board of directors attended
this meeting except for Mr. Han and Ms. Liu. At the meeting,
Canaccord made a presentation via telephone conference as to the purchase price
of $0.80 by Mr. Han, which was subsequently disclosed that Mr. Han increased to
$0.82 per share. Canaccord went through its analysis, and
preliminarily indicated that the initial proposed offering price of $0.80 fell
within the range of fairness, but indicated that at that time, Canaccord was not
in a position to issue its formal opinion since it had to reviewed by Canaccord’
opinion committee and that certain terms regarding the merger had yet to be
finalized. Mr. Mak then reported the Special Committee’s process,
discussions with its financial advisor and attorneys, analysis, discussions with
Mr. Han and its recommendation of the proposed transaction. Mr. Mak
had indicated that after further discussions with Mr. Han, Mr. Han increased his
offer from $0.80 per share to $0.82 per share. After discussion among
the board members, the board of directors approved the merger at $0.82 per share
subject to the Special Committee receiving a fairness opinion from
Canaccord.
On March
26, 2010, Canaccord submitted its written fairness opinion to the Special
Committee which indicated that merger consideration was fair from a financial
point of view to the shareholders of the Company and on that same day, the
Merger Agreement was signed by all parties.
Reasons
for the Merger and Recommendation of the Special Committee and Our Board of
Directors
Our board
of directors, acting upon the recommendation of the Special Committee, which
Special Committee acted with the advice and assistance of our management
(excluding Mr. Han) and its independent financial and legal advisors, evaluated
the proposed merger, including the terms and conditions of the Merger
Agreement.
At the
March 3, 2010, the Special Committee recommended that our board of directors
adopt resolutions that:
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approve
and declare advisable the Merger Agreement and the transactions
contemplated by the Merger Agreement, including the
merger,
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determine
that the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated by the Merger
Agreement, including the merger, are substantively and procedurally fair
to and in the best interests of our Company and our unaffiliated
shareholders (by which we mean, for purposes of this determination, our
shareholders other than Parent, MergerSub, Mr. Han and their respective
affiliates), and
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recommended
that our shareholders adopt the Merger
Agreement.
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As a
result, our board of directors (excluding the vote of Mr. Han who did not
participate in the deliberations or discussions related to the merger or vote on
any matters related thereto and Ms. Liu who did not attend such meeting)
approved the resolutions recommended by the Special Committee subject to
Canaccord providing the Special Committee a fairness opinion that the proposed
merger consideration of $0.82 per share was fair from a financial statement
point to the shareholders. Canaccord delivered its opinion on March
26, 2010.
In the
course of reaching their respective determinations, the Special Committee and
our board of directors considered the following substantive factors and
potential benefits of the merger, each of which the Special Committee and our
board of directors believed supported their respective decisions, but which are
not listed in any relative order of importance:
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our
board of directors' knowledge of our business, financial condition,
results of operations, prospects and competitive position and its belief
that the cash to be received in the merger is more favorable to our
shareholders than any other alternative reasonably available to our
Company and our shareholders;
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the
additional capital expenditure of $100 million that will be required for
two new facilities since our current 7-ACA and Clavulanic Acid product
facilities are close to their maximum
capacity;
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our
board of directors' recognition of challenges to our efforts to increase
shareholder value as an independent publicly-traded company, including
competition from companies with substantially greater resources than we
currently have;
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estimated
forecasts of our future financial performance prepared by our management,
together with our management's view of our financial condition, results of
operations, business, prospects and competitive
position;
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the
limited trading volume of our common stock in the
market;
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the consideration to be received
by our unaffiliated shareholders in the merger and a comparison of similar
merger transactions;
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our
ability to raise capital to complete our business objectives without
substantial dilution to our existing
shareholders;
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the
input from our Supporting Shareholders with respect to proposed
merger;
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the
$3,000,000 good faith deposit to be used toward for the Merger
Consideration;
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the
negotiations on the terms of the Merger Agreement between the Special
Committee and its advisors, on the one hand, and Mr. Han and his advisors,
on the other hand,
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our
board of directors' belief that the terms of the Merger Agreement,
including the parties' representations, warranties and covenants, and the
conditions to their respective obligations, are
reasonable;
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the
all cash merger consideration, which will allow our unaffiliated
shareholders to immediately realize liquidity for their investment and
provide our shareholders certainty of value for their
shares;
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the
current and historical market prices of our common stock, including the
36.67% premium to the closing price of our common stock on January 22,
2010 (the date on which Mr. Han’s offer was first announced) represented
initially by the $0.80 per share price subsequently increased to $0.82 per
share price to be paid in the
merger;
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our
ability, subject to compliance with the terms and conditions of the Merger
Agreement, to terminate the Merger Agreement prior to the completion of
the merger in order to accept an alternative transaction proposed by a
third party that is a "superior proposal" (as defined in the Merger
Agreement and further explained under "Merger Agreement—Solicitation
of Other Offers" below), upon the payment to Mr. Han of $1,000,000
termination fee; and
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the
financial analysis reviewed and discussed with the Special Committee and,
at the request of the Special Committee, with our board of directors, by
representatives of Canaccord.
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In
addition, the Special Committee and our board of directors believed that
sufficient procedural safeguards were and are present to ensure that the merger
is procedurally fair to our unaffiliated shareholders and to permit the Special
Committee and our board of directors to represent effectively the interests of
our unaffiliated shareholders. These procedural safeguards, which are not listed
in any relative order of importance, are discussed below:
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in
considering the transaction with Parent, the Special Committee and our
board of directors acted to represent solely the interests of the
unaffiliated shareholders, and the Special Committee had independent
control of the negotiations with Mr. Han's legal advisor on behalf of such
unaffiliated shareholders;
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all
of the directors serving on the Special Committee at the time of the
recommendation to our board for approval, and all of the directors of the
board who voted for approval, of the merger and related matters are
independent directors and free from any affiliation with Parent, MergerSub
or Mr. Han, none of such directors is or ever was an employee of our
Company or any of its subsidiaries; and none has any financial interest in
the merger that is different from that of the unaffiliated
shareholders;
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none
of our directors (other than Mr. Han) is affiliated with Parent, MergerSub
or Mr. Han and none has any financial interest in the merger that is
different from that of the unaffiliated
shareholders;
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the
Special Committee was assisted in negotiations with Parent and evaluation
of the transaction by Canaccord, its independent financial
advisor;
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the
Special Committee had full control over the process of considering
strategic alternatives for our Company the date it was established, and no
transaction from that date forward was considered by our board for
approval unless the Special Committee had recommended to our board the
approval of such transaction;
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the
financial and other terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement were the
product of negotiations between the Special Committee and its
advisors, on the one hand, and Mr. Han and Parent and their advisors, on
the other hand;
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under
the direction of the Special Committee, management (excluding Mr. Han)
contacted investment firms and potential investors previously met before
to see if they may be interested in entering into a transaction involving
the Company. In this regard, subsequent to Mr. Han’s public
announcement of his proposal, management contacted two United States firms
who previously were interested in investing in the Company to see if they
were still interested in the Company. Those two firms indicated
that they were not interested in the Company in light of Mr. Han’s
proposed price;
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the
ability of our Company to terminate the Merger Agreement upon acceptance
of a superior proposal without having to submit the Merger Agreement to
the vote of our shareholders;
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Mr.
Han's complete recusal from the deliberations and discussions of our board
of directors related to the merger and the vote on the Merger Agreement;
and
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the
availability of appraisal rights to the unaffiliated shareholders who
comply with all of the required procedures under Florida law for
exercising appraisal rights, which allow such holders to seek appraisal of
the fair value of their stock as determined by the
court.
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In
addition to the above, the Special Committee also considered discussions with
certain Supporting Shareholders for purposes of negotiating the terms of the
Merger Agreement or preparing a report concerning the fairness of the Merger
Agreement and the merger, or to require a separate affirmative vote of a
majority of our unaffiliated shareholders.
The
Special Committee and board of directors also considered a variety of
potentially negative factors discussed below concerning the Merger Agreement and
the merger, which are not listed in any relative order of
importance:
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the
possibility that the merger might not be consummated and the negative
impact of a public announcement of the merger on our sales and operating
results and our ability to attract and retain key management, marketing
and technical personnel;
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the
taxability of an all cash transaction to our unaffiliated shareholders for
U.S. federal income tax purposes;
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the
possibility that Parent may be unable or unwilling to complete the merger,
including if it is unable to obtain sufficient financing to complete the
merger despite its compliance with its obligations related to obtaining
financing under the Merger
Agreement;
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$400,000
termination fee payable by Mr. Han, which is our Company's sole remedy if
Parent does not consummate the merger for any reason including the
unavailability of financing; and
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the
restrictions in the Merger Agreement on the conduct of our business prior
to the completion of the merger.
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The
foregoing discussion of information and factors considered by the Special
Committee and our board of directors is not intended to be exhaustive, but
includes a number of the factors considered by the Special Committee and our
board of directors. In view of the wide variety of factors considered by the
Special Committee and our board of directors, neither the Special Committee nor
our board of directors found it practicable to, and neither did quantify or
otherwise assign relative weights to the foregoing factors in reaching its
conclusion. In addition, individual members of the Special Committee and our
board of directors may have given different weights to different factors and may
have viewed some factors more positively or negatively than others. The Special
Committee recommended that our board of directors approve, and our board of
directors approved, the Merger Agreement based upon the totality of the
information presented to and considered by it.
In
reaching its determination that the Merger Agreement and the transactions
contemplated thereby, including the merger, are substantively and procedurally
fair to our Company and our unaffiliated shareholders and its decision to
approve the Merger Agreement and recommend the adoption of the Merger Agreement
by our shareholders, our board of directors considered the analysis and
recommendation of the Special Committee and the factors examined by the Special
Committee as described above.
Opinion
of the Special Committee's Financial Advisor
By letter dated January 26, 2010, the
special committee retained Canaccord to act as its financial advisor in
connection with a proposed transaction with Mr. Han. Canaccord is a
recognized investment banking firm who is experienced in mergers and acquisition
in the biotechnology/pharmaceutical sector. In the ordinary course of
its investment banking business, Canaccord is regularly engaged in the valuation
of companies and their securities in connection with mergers and acquisitions
and other corporate transactions including cross-border
transactions.
Canaccord acted as financial advisor to
the special committee in connection with the proposed merger with
Parent. Canaccord did not participate in the negotiations leading to
the Merger Agreement. At the February 8, 2010 special committee meeting and at
the March 3, 2010 board meeting, at which the proposed merger was discussed,
Canaccord gave its preliminary review of the proposed offering
price. Canaccord subsequently delivered to the special committee its
written opinion dated March 26, 2010 stating that, as of such date, the merger
consideration was fair to Dragon’s shareholders, other than holders of shares of
Dragon who comply with the provisions of the Florida Business Corporation Act
(“FBCA”) regarding the right of the shareholders to dissent from the Merger and
Mr. Han, from a financial point of view. Canaccord has confirmed its
March 26, 2010 opinion by delivering to the board a written opinion dated the
date of this proxy statement. In rendering its updated opinion,
Canaccord confirmed the appropriateness of its reliance on the analyses used to
render its earlier opinion by reviewing the assumptions upon which their
analyses were based, performing procedures to update certain of their analyses
and reviewing the other factors considered in rendering its
opinion.
The full text of Canaccord’s updated
opinion is attached as Appendix B to this proxy statement and is
incorporated herein by reference. The opinion outlines the procedures followed,
assumptions made, matters considered and qualifications and limitations on the
review undertaken by Canaccord in rendering its opinion. The description of the
opinion set forth below is qualified in its entirety by reference to the
opinion. We urge our shareholders to read the entire opinion carefully in
connection with their consideration of the proposed merger.
Canaccord’s opinion speaks only as of
the date of the opinion. The opinion was directed to the special committee and
is directed only to the fairness of the merger consideration to Dragon’s
shareholders, other than holders of shares of Dragon who comply with the
provisions of the FBCA regarding the right of the shareholders to dissent from
the Merger and Mr. Han, from a financial point of view. It
does not address the underlying business decision of Dragon to engage in the
merger or any other aspect of the merger and is not a recommendation to any
Dragon shareholder as to how such shareholder should vote at the special meeting
with respect to the merger, and the merger consideration to be
received.
In arriving at its opinion, Canaccord
reviewed:
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Proposals
in letters dated January 15, 2010 and February 11, 2010 by Yanlin
Han;
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Executed
Agreement and Plan of Merger dated March 26,
2010;
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Corporate
documents including all minutes and resolutions of the shareholders and
board of directors of Dragon for the last five
years;
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Internal
financial models and operating information with respect to the business,
operations and prospects prepared by management of
Dragon;
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Discussions
with management of Dragon of the past and current business, operations,
financial condition and prospects;
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Historical
market price for the common shares of Dragon and comparisons of its
performance;
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Public
information with respect to other companies and / or transactions of a
comparable nature that Canaccord considered to be relevant for purposes of
its analysis;
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A
certificate of representation as to certain factual matters and the
completeness and accuracy of the information upon which the Fairness
Opinion is based, addressed to Canaccord and dated the date hereof,
provided by senior officers of
Dragon;
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Certain
other documents filed by Dragon on the System for Electronic Document
Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR) that Canaccord considered to be relevant
for purposes of its analysis; and
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Such
other financial and market information, investigations and analyses as
Canaccord considered necessary or appropriate in the
circumstances.
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In connection with Canaccord’s
engagement, Canaccord did not solicit indications of interest in a potential
transaction from other third parties.
In performing its reviews and analyses
and in rendering its opinion, Canaccord assumed and relied upon the accuracy and
completeness of all the financial information, analyses and other information
that was publicly available or otherwise furnished to, reviewed by or discussed
with Canaccord and further relied on the assurances of management of Dragon that
they were not aware of any facts or circumstances that would make such
information inaccurate or misleading. Canaccord was not asked to and
did not independently verify the accuracy or completeness of any of such
information and they did not assume any responsibility or liability for the
accuracy or completeness of any of such information. Canaccord did not make an
independent evaluation or appraisal of the assets, the collateral securing
assets or the liabilities, contingent or otherwise, of Dragon or any of its
respective subsidiaries, or the collectability of any such assets, nor was it
furnished with any such evaluations or appraisals.
Canaccord’s opinion was necessarily
based upon market and other conditions as they existed on, and could be
evaluated as of, the date of its opinion. Canaccord assumed, in all
respects material to its analysis, that all of the representations and
warranties contained in the Merger Agreement and all related agreements are true
and correct, that each party to such agreements will perform all of the
covenants required to be performed by such party under such agreements and that
the conditions precedent in the Merger Agreement are not
waived. Canaccord also assumed that there has been no material change
in Dragon’s assets, financial condition, results of operations, business or
prospects since the date of the most recent financial statements made available
to them, that Dragon will remain as going concerns for all periods relevant to
its analyses.
In rendering its March 26, 2010
opinion, Canaccord performed a variety of financial analyses. The following is a
summary of the material analyses performed by Canaccord, but is not a complete
description of all the analyses underlying Canaccord’s opinion. The summary
includes information presented in tabular format. In order to fully understand the
financial analyses, these tables must be read together with the accompanying
text. The tables alone do not constitute a complete description of the financial
analyses. The preparation of a fairness opinion is a complex
process involving subjective judgments as to the most appropriate and relevant
methods of financial analysis and the application of those methods to the
particular circumstances. The process, therefore, is not necessarily susceptible
to a partial analysis or summary description. Canaccord believes that
its analyses must be considered as a whole and that selecting portions of the
factors and analyses considered without considering all factors and analyses, or
attempting to ascribe relative weights to some or all such factors and analyses,
could create an incomplete view of the evaluation process underlying its
opinion. Also, no company included in Canaccord’s comparative analyses described
below is identical to Dragon and no transaction is identical to the merger.
Accordingly, an analysis of comparable companies or transactions involves
complex considerations and judgments concerning differences in financial and
operating characteristics of the companies and other factors that could affect
the public trading values or merger transaction values, as the case may be, of
Dragon and the companies to which it is being compared.
The earnings projections for Dragon
used and relied upon by Canaccord in its analyses were based upon internal
financial projections provided by Dragon. With respect to such
financial projections, Dragon’s management confirmed to Canaccord that they
reflected the best currently available estimates and judgments of such
managements of the future financial performance of Dragon, respectively, and
Canaccord assumed for purposes of its analyses that such performances would be
achieved. Canaccord expressed no opinion as to such financial
projections or the assumptions on which they were based. The financial
projections provided by management of Dragon were prepared for internal purposes
only and not with a view towards public disclosure; nor were they provided to
Mr. Han. These projections, as well as the other estimates used by
Canaccord in its analyses, were based on numerous variables and assumptions that
are inherently uncertain, and, accordingly, actual results could vary materially
from those set forth in such projections.
In performing its analyses, Canaccord
also made numerous assumptions with respect to industry performance, business
and economic conditions and various other matters, many of which cannot be
predicted and are beyond the control of Dragon and Canaccord. The analyses
performed by Canaccord are not necessarily indicative of actual values or future
results, which may be significantly more or less favorable than suggested by
such analyses. Canaccord prepared its analyses solely for purposes of advising
the special committee and board of directors in their consideration of the
merger and in rendering its opinion and provided such analyses to the special
committee on February 8, 2010 and board meeting on March 3,
2010. Estimates on the values of companies do not purport to be
appraisals or necessarily reflect the prices at which companies or their
securities may actually be sold. Such estimates are inherently
subject to uncertainty and actual values may be materially different.
Accordingly, Canaccord’s analyses do not necessarily reflect the value of
Dragon’s common stock or the prices at which Dragon’s common stock may be sold
at any time.
Canaccord used three valuation
methodologies to assess the value of the shares of common stock of Dragon
consisting of Comparable Company Analysis, Discounted Cash Flow and Precedent
Transaction Analysis.
Comparable
Company Analysis
Canaccord reviewed trading multiples
Enterprise Value (“EV”) to Earnings Before Interest Taxes Depreciation and
Amortization (“EBITDA”) and price to earnings or (“P/E”) for other comparable
companies. In discussions with management, Canaccord considered the
following companies listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange as the primary peer
group:
|
·
|
The
United Laboratories
|
|
·
|
China
Pharmaceutical Group
|
|
·
|
Dawnrays
Pharmaceutical Holdings
|
Canaccord
considered the following companies as the secondary peer group, and although
they do not focus on the same business as Dragon, they are in the pharmaceutical
sector with a presence in China and are publicly listed on North American stock
exchanges:
|
·
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Simcere
Pharmaceutical Group
|
|
·
|
Tongjitang
Chinese Medicines
|
In
addition, in its analysis, Canaccord believes that Dragon’s shares should trade
at discount relative to its peers based on the following factors:
Canaccord discounted the implied
valuation arrived from the peer group analysis by 30% - 35% ("Company Discount")
to reflect to several factors including illiquidity of the shares, Dragon’s
negative working capital position and financing risks with limited ability to
access the capital markets and small company risk.
|
|
EV/EBITDA
|
|
|
|
P/E
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LTM
|
|
|
LTM
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hong
Kong Listed Chinese Pharma
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Average
|
|
|
6.8 |
x |
|
|
12.0 |
x |
Median
|
|
|
7.0 |
x |
|
|
10.7 |
x |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
U.S.
Listed Chinese Pharma
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Average
|
|
|
9.7 |
x |
|
|
17.0 |
x |
Median
|
|
|
10.1 |
x |
|
|
17.0 |
x |
Based on
its finding, Canaccord determined that (1) the average last twelve months
earnings before interest taxes depreciation and amortization
(“LTM EBITDA”) and earnings multiple for the primary peer group is 7x
and 12x respectively; (2) the average LTM EBITDA and earnings multiple for the
secondary peer group is 10x and 17x; and (3) the average LTM EBITDA and earnings
multiple for the primary and secondary group is 8x and 15x
respectively.
EV/EBITDA
Applying a 6-7x multiple to Dragon's
LTM EBITDA and Company Discount of 30-35%, Canaccord arrived at a valuation of
$0.75 to $1.04 per share of Dragon.
P/E
Applying an 11-12x multiple to Dragon's
LTM earnings and Company Discount of 30-35%, Canaccord arrived at a valuation of
$0.68 to $0.80 per share of Dragon.
Further
analysis included applying peer group multiples to Dragon’s projected EBITDA and
earnings for the fiscal year ended 2009. Applying a 5-6x multiple
to Dragon's projected 2009 EBITDA and Company Discount of 30-35%, Canaccord
arrived at a valuation of $0.60 to $1.07 per share of Dragon. Applying a 9-10x
multiple to Dragon's projected 2009 earnings and Company Discount of 30-35%
Canaccord arrived at a valuation of $0.71 to $0.88 per share of
Dragon.
Discounted
Cash Flow
Canaccord utilized the financial
projections provided by Dragon’s management. Projections were based on a capital
expenditure assumption of $100 million over 2 years of which a large proportion
would be financed by debt (100%) and government incentives. Further
assumptions utilized include a weighted average cost of capital in the range of
15% - 20% to discount the cash flows and terminal value to the
present.
Based on the above assumptions,
Canaccord arrived at a valuation of $0.62 to $1.13 per share.
Precedent
Transaction Analysis
Canaccord
reviewed relevant transactions such as going private, leverage buy out,
management buy-out and majority shareholder purchasing remaining shares, in the
healthcare sector. Based on our review, premiums paid for the last 30
days prior to the announcement were median - 28% and average -
37%. Applying a 28% to 37% premium to the 30 day
volume-weighted average price of Dragon's per share price of $0.62, Canaccord
arrives at a valuation of $0.79 to $0.85.
Recent
Precedent Transactions in the Healthcare Sector
Buyer
|
Target
|
|
|
Private
Equity
|
Goldshield
Group plc
|
Chairman
and CEO
|
Life
Sciences Research, Inc.
|
Novarits
AG
|
Speedel
Holding AG
|
Chairman
and CEO
|
Tongitang
Chinese Medicines
|
General
Atlantic
|
Emdeon
Inc.
|
Private
Equity
|
Pronova
BioPharma ASA
|
Private
Equity
|
Warner
Chilcott Holdings
|
Private
Equity
|
Talecris
Biotherapeutics
|
Additional
Information
As noted above, the discussion set
forth above is a summary of the material financial analyses presented by
Canaccord to the Special Committee in connection with its opinion. The
preparation of such an opinion is a complex analytical process involving various
determinations as to the most appropriate and relevant methods of financial
analysis and the application of those methods to the particular circumstances
and, therefore, such an opinion is not readily susceptible to partial analysis
or summary description. Canaccord believes that its analyses summarized above
must be considered as a whole. Canaccord did not form an opinion or
recommendation as to whether any individual analysis or factor, considered in
isolation, supported or failed to support its opinion. Canaccord further
believes that selecting portions of its analyses and the factors considered or
focusing on information presented in tabular format, without considering all
analyses and factors or the narrative description of the analyses, could create
a misleading or incomplete view of the processes underlying Canaccord’ analyses
and opinion. The fact that any specific analysis has been referred to in the
summary above is not meant to indicate that such analysis was given greater
weight than any other analysis referred to in the summary.
In performing its analyses, Canaccord
considered industry performance, general business and economic conditions and
other matters, many of which are beyond the control of the Company and Parent.
The estimates of the future performance of the Company and Parent in or
underlying Canaccord’ analyses are not necessarily indicative of actual values
or actual future results, which may be significantly more or less favorable than
those estimates or those suggested by Canaccord’ analyses. These analyses were
prepared solely as part of Canaccord’s analysis of the fairness, from a
financial point of view, of the $0.82 per share merger consideration and were
provided to the Special Committee in connection with the delivery of Canaccord’
opinion. The analyses do not purport to be appraisals or to reflect the prices
at which a company might actually be sold or the prices at which any securities
have traded or may trade at any time in the future. Accordingly, the estimates
used in, and the ranges of valuations resulting from, any particular analysis
described above are inherently subject to substantial uncertainty and should not
be taken to be Canaccord’ view of the actual values of the Company or
Parent.
The type and amount of consideration
payable in the Merger was determined through negotiations between
representatives of the Special Committee and representatives of the Company, in
each case acting at the direction of the Special Committee, on the one hand, and
representatives of Parent, on the other hand, and was recommended for approval
by the Special Committee and approved by the Board of Directors. The decisions
to recommend the entry into and to enter into the Merger Agreement were solely
those of the Special Committee and the Board of Directors, respectively. As
described above, Canaccord’ opinion and analyses were only one of many factors
considered by the Special Committee in its evaluation of the proposed Merger and
should not be viewed as determinative of the views of the Special Committee or
the Board of Directors with respect to the Merger or the $0.82 per share merger
consideration.
Canaccord provided financial advisory
services to the Special Committee in connection with the merger and Canaccord
will receive a fee for such services of Cdn $150,000. Under the terms of the
engagement letter between the Company and Canaccord, Cdn $75,000 was paid upon
signing of the engagement letter and Cdn $75,000 was paid upon delivery of the
fairness opinion. In addition, the Company agreed to reimburse Canaccord for its
reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with its engagement and
to indemnify Canaccord against certain liabilities arising out of its
engagement.
During the two years preceding the date
of Canaccord’ opinion, neither Canaccord nor its affiliates were engaged by,
performed any services for or received any compensation from the Company,
Parent, Merger Sub or any of their respective affiliates (other than from the
Company in connection with the Merger).
The Special Committee retained
Canaccord to act as the Special Committee’s financial advisor in connection with
the opinion. References to Canaccord in this proxy statement refer to
Canaccord and employees or representatives of Canaccord and/or its
affiliates.
Purpose
and Reasons for the Merger for Parent, MergerSub and Mr. Han
Parent,
MergerSub and Mr. Han are making the statements included in this section solely
for the purpose of complying with the requirements of Rule 13e-3 and related
rules under the Exchange Act.
If the
merger is completed, our Company will become a subsidiary of Parent, and Mr. Han
and Parent will own the Company. For Parent and MergerSub, the
purpose of the merger is to effectuate the transactions contemplated by the
Merger Agreement.
For Mr.
Han, the purpose of the merger is to allow Mr. Han to directly and indirectly
own equity interests in our Company and to bear the rewards and risks of such
ownership after shares of our Company's common stock cease to be publicly
traded.
Mr. Han
believes that it is best for our Company to operate as a privately held entity
in order to allow our Company greater operational flexibility and to focus on
its long-term growth and continuing improvements to its business without the
constraints and distractions caused by the public equity market's valuation of
its common stock. Moreover, Mr. Han believes that our Company's future business
prospects can be improved through the active participation of Parent in the
Company's strategic direction. Although Mr. Han believes that there will be
significant opportunities associated with his investment in the Company, he
realizes that there are also substantial risks (including the risks and
uncertainties relating to the prospects of our Company) and that such
opportunities may not ever be fully realized.
Mr. Han
has believed for the past few months that it would be in the best interests of
our Company, its shareholders and its employees for our Company to cease being a
public company. Mr. Han further believes that now is the appropriate
time for our Company to cease being a public company in light of changes in the
economy and the stock market. As a small public company, our
Company has lacked effective market making support, research coverage, and
institutional investor interest which has affected the Company’s ability to
raise capital at a reasonable cost. Our common stock has been traded
at low trading volumes. Mr. Han does not see improvement in these
adverse factors, due to Mr. Han's view that investment banks are cutting back on
equity research, particularly for small capitalization public companies like our
Company, and investment guidelines for institutional investors that preclude the
purchase of low price, thinly traded or low market capitalization
stocks. Prior to our Company announcing that it had entered into the
Merger Agreement, from January 1, 2010 until January 20, 2010, the Company's
closing stock price had been ranging from $0.75 to $0.38.
Mr. Han
believes that structuring the transaction as a merger transaction is preferable
to other transaction structures because (1) it will enable Parent to acquire all
of the outstanding shares of our Company, excluding Mr. Han’s shares, at the
same time, and (2) it represents an opportunity for our Company's unaffiliated
shareholders to receive fair value for their shares of common
stock.
Position
of Parent, MergerSub and Mr. Han as to the Fairness of the Merger
Parent,
MergerSub and Mr. Han are making the statements included in this section solely
for the purpose of complying with the requirements of Rule 13e-3 and related
rules under the Exchange Act. The views of Parent, MergerSub and Mr. Han should
not be construed as a recommendation to any shareholder as to how that
shareholder should vote on the proposal to adopt the Merger
Agreement.
Parent,
MergerSub and Mr. Han attempted to negotiate the terms of a transaction that
would be most favorable to them, and not to the shareholders of our Company,
and, accordingly, did not negotiate the Merger Agreement with a goal of
obtaining terms that were fair to such shareholders. However, Mr. Han does
believe that a sale of our Company is in the best interests of the shareholders
and that the merger consideration exceeds the value that he believes our
Company's common stock could obtain in the foreseeable future if we continued as
an independent, public company.
None of
Parent, MergerSub or Mr. Han participated in the deliberation process of our
board of directors, or in the conclusions of our board of directors, as to the
substantive and procedural fairness of the merger to the unaffiliated
shareholders of our Company, nor did they undertake any independent, third party
evaluation of the fairness of the merger to our Company's unaffiliated
shareholders. Nevertheless, Parent, MergerSub and Mr. Han believe
that the proposed merger is substantively and procedurally fair to the
unaffiliated shareholders on the basis of the factors discussed
below.
Parent,
MergerSub and Mr. Han believe that the proposed merger is substantively fair to
the unaffiliated shareholders based on the following factors:
|
·
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the
current and historical market prices of the common stock, including the
33.33% premium to the closing price of our common stock on January 20,
2010, represented by the $0.80 per share price to be paid in the
merger. January 20, 2010, was the last trading day prior to Mr.
Han's publicly announced non-binding offer to purchase the Company for
$0.80 per share. Mr. Han subsequently increased his offer to
$0.82 per share. The $0.82 per share price also represents a
19% premium to the per share closing price of our common stock of $0.69 on
March 26, 2010, the last trading day immediately prior to the announcement
of the merger, and a 19% premium to the average per share closing price of
our common stock of $0.70 for the month prior to the announcement of the
merger. From February 26, 2010 to March 26, 2010, our common
stock traded below $0.82 per share and had not exceeded $0.82 per share
since October 1, 2008;
|
|
·
|
the
additional anticipated capital expenditure of $100 million that will be
required for two new facilities since our current 7-ACA and Clavulanic
Acid product facilities are close to its maximum capacity and the city of
Datong has initiated discussion about the relocation of our production
facilities;
|
|
·
|
none
of Parent, MergerSub or Mr. Han purchased any shares of our common stock
in the two years prior to execution of the Merger
Agreement;
|
|
·
|
no
other party during the period the Special Committee conducted its process
to consider strategic alternatives for our Company made a firm offer to
acquire the Company at a price per share equal to or higher than the $0.82
per share to be paid by Parent in the
merger;
|
|
·
|
the
Company's ability, subject to compliance with the terms and conditions of
the Merger Agreement, to terminate the Merger Agreement prior to the
completion of the merger in order to accept an alternative transaction
proposed by a third party that is a "superior proposal" (as defined in the
Merger Agreement and further explained under "Merger Agreement—Solicitation
of Other Offers" below), upon the payment to Mr. Han of a
$1,000,000 termination fee,
|
|
·
|
the
fact that the merger consideration is all cash, allowing the unaffiliated
shareholders to immediately realize a certain and fair value for all
shares of their Company common
stock;
|
|
·
|
the
Company's ability, under certain circumstances, to provide information to,
or participate in discussions or negotiations with, third parties
regarding other proposals; and
|
|
·
|
the
availability of appraisal rights to the unaffiliated shareholders who
comply with all of the required procedures under Florida law for
exercising appraisal rights, which allow such holders to seek appraisal of
the fair value of their stock as determined by
court.
|
Parent, MergerSub and Mr. Han believe
that the proposed merger is procedurally fair to the unaffiliated shareholders
based on the following factors:
|
·
|
the
board of directors (excluding Mr. Han), including director serving on the
Special Committee, are not employees of the Company or any of its
subsidiaries, are not affiliated with Parent, MergerSub or Mr. Han, and
have no financial interest in the merger that is different from that of
the unaffiliated shareholders;
|
|
·
|
none
of the directors of the Company (other than Mr. Han) is affiliated with
Parent, MergerSub or Mr. Han, and none has any financial interest in the
merger that is different from that of the unaffiliated
shareholders;
|
|
·
|
the
Special Committee engaged Canaccord, as its financial advisor, and
Bullivant Houser Bailey PC and Lang Michener LLP as its legal advisors,
each of which has experience in transactions similar to the
proposed merger;
|
|
·
|
neither
Canaccord, Bullivant Houser Bailey nor Lang Michener have previously been
engaged to provide advice to Mr. Han, Parent or
MergerSub;
|
|
·
|
the
Special Committee made all material decisions relating to the Company's
strategic alternatives since the date the Special Committee was
established on December 20, 2010, including recommending to the Company's
board of directors that the Company enter into the Merger
Agreement;
|
|
·
|
the
financial and other terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement were the
product of negotiations between the Special Committee and its
advisors, on the one hand, and Mr. Han and Parent and their advisors, on
the other hand;
|
|
·
|
Mr.
Han's recusal from all board discussions regarding a potential sale of the
Company, whether to him or to a third party, and that he did not have any
conversations about his offer with any member of the Special Committee or
board member subsequent to making his initial offer to acquire the Company
on January 15, 2010 other than during negotiations over the terms of the
merger;
|
|
·
|
the
Company's ability, under certain circumstances, to provide information to,
or participate in discussions or negotiations with, third parties
regarding other proposals;
|
|
·
|
the
Company's ability, subject to compliance with the terms and conditions of
the Merger Agreement, to terminate the Merger Agreement prior to the
completion of the merger in order to accept an alternative transaction
proposed by a third party that is a "superior proposal" (as defined in the
Merger Agreement and further explained under "Merger Agreement—Solicitation
of Other Offers" below), upon the payment to Mr. Han of a
$1,000,000 termination fee, and
|
|
·
|
the
availability of appraisal rights to the unaffiliated shareholders who
comply with all of the required procedures under Florida law for
exercising appraisal rights, which allow such holders to seek appraisal of
the fair value of their stock as determined by a court in the State of
Florida.
|
The
foregoing discussion of the information and factors considered and given weight
by Parent, MergerSub and Mr. Han in connection with the fairness of the merger
is not intended to be exhaustive but is believed to include all material factors
considered by Parent, MergerSub and Mr. Han. Parent, MergerSub and
Mr. Han did not find it practicable to assign, and did not, assign or otherwise
attach, relative weights to the individual factors in reaching their position as
to the fairness of the merger. Rather, their fairness determinations were made
after consideration of all of the foregoing factors as a whole. Parent,
MergerSub and Mr. Han believe the foregoing factors provide a reasonable basis
for their belief that the merger is substantively and procedurally fair to the
unaffiliated shareholders.
Interests
of Our Executive Officers and Directors in the Merger
In
considering our recommendation in favor of the merger, you should be aware that
members of our board of directors and our executive officers may have interests
in the merger that are different from, or in addition to, yours. All
such interests are described below, to the extent material. Except as
described below under “Interest of Mr. Han in Parent and
MergerSub” and hereunder, such persons have, to our knowledge, no
material interest in the merger apart from those of shareholders
generally.
Similar
to all other option holders under our stock option plan, stock options held by
our executive officers and directors will be canceled and converted into the
right to receive a cash payment, for each vested share of our common stock
subject to each option, equal to the excess, if any, of (1) the merger
consideration over (2) the option exercise price payable in respect of such
share of our common stock issuable under such option, without interest and less
any applicable withholding taxes. As of the date of this proxy
statement, directors (excluding Mr. Han) and executive officers own stock
options to purchase an aggregate of 7,960,000 shares of common stock
of which 4,690,000 have an exercise price of $0.51 per share, 3,100,000 shares
of common stock have an exercise price of $0.74 per share and 170,000 shares of
common stock have an exercise price of $0.71 per share.
Interest
of Mr. Han in Parent and MergerSub
Mr. Han, our Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer, is affiliated with Parent and MergerSub. Mr. Han owns
approximately 38.0% of our outstanding shares. Mr. Han also holds
stock options to acquire 1,300,0000 shares of the Company's common stock, which
options shall expire upon the closing of the merger and for which he will
receive no consideration. Mr. Han’s shares will not be affected by
the merger and will remain issued and outstanding after the merger is completed.
After the merger, Mr. Han will directly and indirectly own all of the
outstanding shares of the surviving corporation. The action of our
board of directors to approve the merger and recommend that you vote “FOR” the
adoption of the Merger Agreement was recommended to the board by the Special
Committee and was approved by the majority of the board of directors which is
composed solely of directors unrelated to Mr. Han, Parent or
MergerSub. Mr. Han did not participate in the deliberations or
discussions related to the merger or vote on any matters related
thereto.
Change
In Control Benefits for Our Executive Officers
None of
our executive officers have employment agreements.
With
respect to stock options, including stock options held by our executive
officers, each outstanding stock option will: (A) vest at the effective time of
merger; and (B) at the effective time of the merger, to the extent not
previously exercised, be canceled and terminated and converted into the right to
receive a cash payment, for each share of our common stock subject to such
option, equal to the excess, if any, of (1) the merger consideration over (2)
the option exercise price payable in respect of such share of our common stock
issuable under such option, without interest and less any applicable withholding
taxes.
Indemnification of Directors and
Officers
Under Section 607.0850 of the FBCA, in
general the Company may indemnify a current or former director or officer of the
Company or another individual who acts or acted at the Company’s request as a
director or officer, or an individual acting in a similar capacity, of another
entity, against all costs, charges and expenses, including an amount paid to
settle an action or satisfy a judgment, reasonably incurred by the individual in
respect of any civil, criminal, administrative, investigative or other
proceeding in which the individual is involved because of that association with
the Company or other entity, if such person acted in good faith and in a manner
he or she reasonably believed to be in the best interest of the
Company. Further, the Company’s Bylaws require it to indemnify all
directors or officers to the fullest extent permitted by the
FBCA.
In
addition, pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Parent and Surviving
Corporation shall indemnify and hold harmless each director, officer, trustee,
or fiduciary of the Company or its subsidiaries to the fullest extent authorized
or permitted by applicable law in connection with any claim and any
judgments, fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement (including all
interest, assessments and other charges paid or payable in connection with or in
respect of such judgments, fines, penalties or amounts paid in settlement)
resulting therefrom. Finally, as part of the Merger Agreement, in
connection with the resignation of the Company’s directors and executive
officers, the Company has agreed to release from liability such directors and
executive officer.
The
Special Committee
On
December 20, 2009, our board of directors established a Special Committee of
directors to investigate and evaluate strategic alternatives, including a
possible merger, tender offer, acquisition, sale of all or substantially all of
our assets or similar transactions, whether solicited by or on our behalf, or
unsolicited. The Special Committee is, and has been at all times, composed of
directors who have no financial interest in Parent and no affiliation with Mr.
Han. Our board of directors did not place any limitations on the authority of
the Special Committee regarding its investigation and evaluation of strategic
alternatives. The Special Committee, however, did not have the power
or authority to authorize or approve a transaction or agree on behalf of our
board of directors to do so, which power and authority was expressly reserved to
our board of directors.
Upon
formation, the Special Committee was composed of Peter Mak, Chairman, and Drs.
Jin Li and Heinz Frey. For their services, Mr. Mak was paid $40,000
as Chairman and Drs. Li and Frey each received $20,000 as members.
Related
Party Transactions
We are
not aware of any related party transactions during the past two years between
the Company and Parent, Mr. Han, MergerSub or their respective affiliates in
which: (a) the aggregate value of the transaction with such related entity or
person was 1% of Company’s revenue in the fiscal year such transaction occurred;
or (b) such transaction exceeded $60,000. In
addition, during the past two years there has been no significant negotiations,
transactions or material contracts relating to a merger, consolidation,
acquisition, tender offer, election of Company’s directors or sale/transfer of
significant amount of assets between the Company and Mr. Han, Parent, MergerSub
or their respective affiliates.
Form
of the Merger
Subject
to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement and in accordance with
Florida law, at the effective time of the merger, MergerSub, a wholly owned
subsidiary of Parent, will merge with and into us. The Company will survive the
merger as a subsidiary of Parent, with the Parent and Mr. Han as the
shareholders of the surviving corporation.
Merger
Consideration
At the
effective time of the merger, each outstanding share of our common stock (other
than , shares held by Mr. Han or any shares held by shareholders who perfect
their appraisal rights) will be converted into the right to receive $0.82 in
cash, without interest and less any applicable withholding tax, if
any. Shares own by Mr. Han will remain issued and outstanding and
unaffected by the merger.
As of the
effective time of the merger, with the exception of Mr. Han’s shares, all other
shares of our common stock will no longer be outstanding and will automatically
be canceled and will cease to exist, and each holder of a certificate
representing any shares of our common stock will cease to have any rights as a
shareholder, except the right to receive $0.82 per share in cash, without
interest and less applicable withholding tax (other than shareholders who have
perfected their appraisal rights and Mr. Han). The per share merger
consideration of $0.82 was determined through negotiations between Parent, Mr.
Han and us.
Parent's
Financing for the Transaction-Good Faith Deposit
Parent
has represented to us that at the effective time of the merger, Parent will have
sufficient cash to make all payments required to be made by Parent under the
Merger Agreement, including the merger consideration payable to our
shareholders. Parent intends to finance the merger consideration
through Mr. Han’s personal funds and personal loans from private
lenders.
The
Parent has agreed to deposit $3,000,000 into an account directed by Mr. Han and
either Maggie Deng or Garry Wong which may be used to pay the merger
consideration, of which $1,000,000 was delivered upon the execution of the
Merger Agreement, and $2,000,000 was delivered upon the filing of the definitive
proxy statement. If Parent is unable to obtain the financing
contemplated by the Closing, this will result in the Parent’s breach of its
covenant in the Merger Agreement. In the event this breach is not
cured within the prescribed time in the Merger Agreement, the Parent will have
to pay us a $400,000 termination fee.
Effects
of the Merger
Subject
to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement and in accordance with
Florida law, at the effective time of the merger, MergerSub, a wholly owned
subsidiary of Parent will merge with and into our Company. The shares of
common stock of the Company held by Mr. Han prior to the merger will remain
issued and outstanding after the merger and will not be affected by the
merger. We will survive the merger as a subsidiary of Parent, and the
surviving corporation will be privately owned by Mr. Han and the Parent as its
only shareholders.
At the
effective time of the merger, the directors of MergerSub will become the
directors of the surviving corporation and the current officers of MergerSub
will become the officers of the surviving corporation.
Upon the
consummation of the merger, each share of our common stock, other than as
provided below, will be converted into the right to receive $0.82 in cash,
without interest and less any applicable withholding taxes. The following shares
of our common stock will not be converted into the right to receive the merger
consideration in connection with the merger: (1) shares held by any of our
shareholders who are entitled to and who properly exercise appraisal rights
under Florida law; (2) shares our Company or our subsidiaries own; and (3)
shares owned by Mr. Han (which will remain issued and outstanding and unaffected
by the merger).
In
connection with the consummation of the merger, pursuant to the plans and stock
option agreements under which they were issued, each outstanding stock option
will, at the effective time of the merger, to the extent not previously
exercised, be canceled and terminated and converted into the right to receive a
cash payment for each vested share of our common stock subject to such option
equal to the excess, if any, of (1) the merger consideration over (2) the option
exercise price payable in respect of such share of our common stock issuable
under such option, without interest and less any applicable withholding taxes,
if any.
For U.S.
federal income tax purposes, the receipt of cash in exchange for shares of our
common stock in the merger generally will result in the recognition of gain or
loss measured by the difference, if any, between the cash you receive in the
merger and your tax basis in your shares of our common stock. Tax
matters can be complicated, and the tax consequences of the merger to you will
depend on the facts of your own financial situation. We strongly
recommend that you consult your own tax advisor to fully understand the tax
consequences of the merger to you. More information regarding the
federal income tax consequences is discussed in "—Material United States Federal
Income Tax Consequences of the Merger."
Following
the merger, the entire equity in the surviving company will be owned by Mr. Han
and Parent, and Parent will be wholly owned by Mr. Han. If the merger
is completed, Mr. Han will be the sole beneficiary of our future earnings and
growth, if any, and will be entitled to vote on corporate matters affecting our
Company following the merger, unless Parent or Mr. Han sell equity in Parent.
Similarly, Mr. Han will also bear the risks of ongoing operations, including the
risks of any decrease in our value after the merger and the operational and
other risks related to the surviving company.
If the
merger is completed, the unaffiliated shareholders of our Company will have no
ownership interest in the Company. After the merger, the entire
interest of the Company will be held by Mr. Han and Parent, and Parent will be
wholly owned by Mr. Han.
Plans
for Our Company After the Merger
It is
expected that, upon consummation of the merger, the operations of our Company
will be conducted substantially as they currently are being conducted, except
that we will cease to have publicly traded equity securities and will instead be
a subsidiary of Parent with Mr. Han and Parent as shareholders of the surviving
corporation. Parent has advised us that it does not have any current intentions,
plans or proposals to cause us to engage in any of the following:
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an
extraordinary corporate transaction following consummation of the merger
involving the Company's corporate structure, business or management, such
as a merger, reorganization or
liquidation;
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the
relocation of any material operations or sale or transfer of a material
amount of assets except as previously disclosed;
or
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any
other material changes in its
business.
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We
expect, however, that Mr. Han will continue to assess the Company’s assets,
corporate and capital structure, capitalization, operations, business,
properties and personnel to determine what changes, if any, would be desirable
following the merger to enhance the business and operations of the surviving
corporation and may cause the surviving corporation to engage in the types of
transactions set forth above if Mr. Han decides that such transactions are in
the best interest of the surviving corporation upon such review. The surviving
corporation expressly reserves the right to make any changes it deems
appropriate in light of such evaluation and review or in light of future
developments.
Effects
on the Market for the Shares; OTC Bulletin Board and TSX Listing; Registration
under the Exchange Act.
Effects
on Our Company if the Merger is Not Completed
If the
Merger Agreement is not adopted by our shareholders or if the merger is not
completed for any other reason, our shareholders will not receive any payment
for their shares of our common stock pursuant to the Merger
Agreement. Instead, we will remain a public company and our common
stock will continue to be registered under the Exchange Act and quoted and
listed on the OTC Bulletin Board and Toronto Stock Exchange, respectively. In
addition, if the merger is not completed, we expect that our management will
operate our business in a manner similar to that in which it is being operated
today and that our shareholders will continue to be subject to the same risks
and opportunities to which they currently are subject, including, among other
things, the nature of the industry on which our business largely depends, and
general industry, economic, regulatory and market conditions.
If the
merger is not consummated, there can be no assurance as to the effect of these
risks and opportunities on the future value of your shares of our common stock.
In the event the merger is not completed, our board of directors will continue
to evaluate and review our business operations, prospects and capitalization,
make such changes as are deemed appropriate and seek to identify acquisitions,
joint ventures or strategic alternatives to enhance shareholder value. If the
Merger Agreement is not adopted by our shareholders, or if the merger is not
consummated for any other reason, there can be no assurance that any other
transaction acceptable to us will be offered or that our business, prospects or
results of operations will not be adversely impacted.
If the
Merger Agreement is terminated under certain circumstances, we will be obligated
to pay Parent a termination fee of $400,000 or $1,000,000 as a condition
to, upon or following such termination. For a description of the circumstances
triggering payment of the termination fee, refer to "The Merger Agreement—Termination
Fee" below.
Material
United States Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger
The
following is a summary of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of
the merger to our shareholders whose shares of our common stock are converted
into the right to receive cash in the merger.
The
following summary is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended,
which we refer to as the "Code" in this proxy statement, Treasury regulations
promulgated thereunder, judicial decisions and administrative rulings, all of
which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. The
summary does not address all of the U.S. federal income tax consequences that
may be relevant to particular shareholders in light of their individual
circumstances or to shareholders who are subject to special rules, including:
non-U.S. Holders (as defined below), U.S. expatriates, insurance companies,
dealers or brokers in securities or currencies, tax-exempt organizations,
financial institutions, mutual funds, insurance companies, cooperatives,
pass-through entities and investors in such entities, shareholders who have a
functional currency other than the U.S. dollar, shareholders who hold their
shares of our common stock as a hedge or as part of a hedging, straddle,
conversion, synthetic security, integrated investment or other risk-reduction
transaction or who are subject to alternative minimum tax or shareholders who
acquired their shares of our common stock upon the exercise of employee stock
options or otherwise as compensation. This discussion does not
address the receipt of cash in connection with the cancellation of options to
purchase our Company's common stock, or any other matters relating to equity
compensation or benefit plans. In addition, this discussion does not
addressed the tax effect of the merger to persons who are not citizens of or
residents of the United States. Further, this
discussion does not address any U.S. federal estate and gift or alternative
minimum tax consequences or any state, local or foreign tax consequences
relating to the merger.
For
purposes of this discussion, we use the term "non-U.S. Holder" to mean a
beneficial owner of our Company's common stock that is not, for U.S. federal
income tax purposes, either a citizen or resident of the United States, a
corporation (or other entity taxable as a corporation) created or organized
under the laws of the United States or any of its political subdivisions, or an
estate or trust that is subject to U.S. federal income tax on its income
regardless of its source. Holders of our Company's common stock who
are non-U.S. Holders may be subject to different tax consequences than those
described below and are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding their tax
treatment under U.S. and non−U.S. tax laws. If a partnership (including an
entity taxable as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holds our
Company's common stock, the tax treatment of a partner generally will depend on
the status of the partners and the activities of the partnership. Partnerships
holding our Company's common stock and their partners should consult their own
tax advisors.
The
Merger
The
receipt of cash pursuant to the merger will be a taxable transaction for U.S.
federal income tax purposes, and may also be a taxable transaction under
applicable state, local or foreign income or other tax
laws. Generally, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, a shareholder
will recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount of cash
received by the shareholder in the merger and the shareholder's adjusted tax
basis in the shares of our common stock converted into cash in the
merger. If shares of our common stock are held by a shareholder as
capital assets, gain or loss recognized by such shareholder will be capital gain
or loss, which will be long-term capital gain or loss if the shareholder's
holding period for the shares of our common stock exceeds one year at the time
of the merger. Capital gains recognized by an individual upon a
disposition of a share of our common stock that has been held for more than one
year generally will be subject to a maximum U.S. federal income tax rate of 15%
or, in the case of a share that has been held for one year or less, will be
subject to tax at ordinary income tax rates. In addition, there are
limits on the deductibility of capital losses. The amount and
character of gain or loss must be determined separately for each block of our
common stock (i.e., shares acquired at the same cost in a single transaction)
converted into cash in the merger.
Backup
Withholding
A
shareholder (other than certain exempt shareholders, including, among others,
all corporations and certain foreign individuals) whose shares of our common
stock are converted into the merger consideration may be subject to backup
withholding at the then applicable rate (under current law, the backup
withholding rate is 28%) unless the shareholder provides the shareholder's
taxpayer identification number, or TIN, and certifies under penalties of perjury
that such TIN is correct (or properly certifies that it is awaiting a TIN) and
certifies as to no loss of exemption from backup withholding and otherwise
complies with the applicable requirements of the backup withholding
rules. A shareholder that does not furnish a required TIN or that
does not otherwise establish a basis for an exemption from backup withholding
may be subject to a penalty imposed by the Internal Revenue Service, or the
IRS. Each shareholder that is an individual should complete and sign
the Substitute Form W-9 included as part of the letter of transmittal that will
be sent to shareholders promptly following closing of the merger so as to
provide the information and certification necessary to avoid backup
withholding. Each foreign individual shareholder must submit a signed
statement (such as a Certificate of Foreign Status on Form W-8BEN) attesting to
his or her exempt status. Backup withholding is not an additional
tax. Rather, the amount of the backup withholding can be credited
against the U.S. federal income tax liability of the person subject to the
backup withholding, provided that the required information is given to the
IRS. If backup withholding results in an overpayment of tax, a refund
can be obtained by the shareholder by filing a U.S. federal income tax
return.
THE
SUMMARY OF U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES SET FORTH ABOVE IS FOR GENERAL
INFORMATION ONLY AND IS BASED ON THE LAW IN EFFECT ON THE DATE
HEREOF. SHAREHOLDERS ARE STRONGLY URGED TO CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX
ADVISORS TO DETERMINE THE PARTICULAR TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THEM (INCLUDING THE
APPLICATION AND EFFECT OF ANY STATE, LOCAL OR FOREIGN INCOME AND OTHER TAX LAWS)
OF THE MERGER.
Material
Canadian Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger
The following summary describes the
material Canadian federal income tax considerations in respect of the
arrangement generally applicable to a holder of common stock who, for purposes
of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the “Tax Act”), and at all relevant times, is an
individual who holds such common stock as capital property, deals at arm’s
length and is not affiliated with the Company, Mr. Han, Parent and MergerSub,
and disposes of such common stock to Parent under the merger. Holders
who meet all of these requirements are referred to as “Holder” or “Holders” in
this summary, and the summary only addresses such Holders. This
summary is not applicable to a holder who acquired common stock upon the
exercise of employment stock options. In addition, the summary does not address
the treatment of stock options under the merger (or the exercise or cancellation
of stock options), does not address the treatment of dissenters, and does not
address holders who are otherwise subject to special
circumstances. All affected Holders, and other holders not addressed
by this summary, should consult with their own tax advisors.
This summary is based on the current
provisions of the Tax Act and the regulations thereunder in force as of the date
hereof, and our understanding, based on publicly available materials published
in writing before the date hereof, of the current administrative practices of
the Canada Revenue Agency. This summary also takes into account any specific
proposals to amend the Tax Act and the regulations publicly announced by or on
behalf of the Minister of Finance (Canada) before the date of this Circular
(which we refer to in this Circular as the “Tax Proposals”) and assumes that all
Tax Proposals will be enacted in the form proposed. However, there can be no
assurance that the Tax Proposals will be enacted in their current form, or at
all. This summary is not exhaustive of all possible Canadian federal income tax
considerations and, except for the Tax Proposals, does not take into account or
anticipate any changes in law or administrative practice, whether by
legislative, regulatory, administrative or judicial decision or action, nor does
it take into account or consider other federal or any provincial, territorial or
foreign tax considerations, which may differ significantly from the Canadian
federal income tax considerations described therein. In addition,
while the form of merger under the applicable law of Florida and under the
Merger Agreement has no direct counterpart under Canadian law, this summary
assumes that the legal effect of the merger will include a disposition of the
common stock by Holders to Parent in exchange for the merger
consideration.
All
amounts relating to the disposition of common stock under the arrangement must
be computed in Canadian dollars for the purposes of the Tax Act.
This summary is of a general nature
only and is not exhaustive of all Canadian federal income tax considerations.
Consequently, Holders are urged to consult their own tax advisors for advice
regarding the specific income tax consequences to them of disposing of their
common stock pursuant to the arrangement, having regard to their own particular
circumstances, and any other consequences to them of such transactions under
Canadian federal, provincial, local and foreign tax laws. We are not
in a position to give tax advice to any particular Holder, and this summary
shall not be construed as such advice. The discussion below is
qualified accordingly.
Holders
Resident in Canada
The following portion of the summary is
generally applicable to a Holder (as defined above) who, for purposes of the Tax
Act and any applicable income tax treaty, and at all relevant times, is resident
or deemed to be resident in Canada (we refer to a Holder who meets these
requirements as a “Resident Holder” in this summary).
A Resident Holder who disposes of
common stock to Parent under the merger will realize a capital gain
(or capital loss) to the extent that the cash paid to the Resident Holder for
such common stock under the merger, net of any reasonable costs of disposition,
exceeds (or is less than) the adjusted cost base to the Resident Holder of such
common stock immediately before the disposition. Any capital gain or
capital loss so realized will be subject to the normal rules under the Tax
Act.
Holders
Not Resident in Canada
The following portion of the summary is
generally applicable to a Holder (as defined above) who, for the purposes of the
Tax Act and any applicable income tax treaty, and at all relevant times, is not
and has not been a resident or deemed to be a resident of Canada and does not
use or hold, and is not deemed to use or hold, the common stock in connection
with carrying on a business in Canada (we refer to a Holder who meets these
requirements as a “Non-Resident Holder” in this summary).
A Non-Resident Holder will not be
subject to tax under the Tax Act on any capital gain realized on the disposition
of common stock to Parent under the merger unless such common stock constitutes
‘‘taxable Canadian property’’ to the Non-Resident Holder and the tax is not
otherwise relieved under any applicable income tax treaty.
In general, and taking into account the
Proposed Amendments, a common share is not expected to be “taxable Canadian
property” to a Non-Resident Holder at the time of disposition where such common
share is then listed on a designated stock exchange (which currently includes
the TSX), provided that (i) the Non-Resident Holder (and/or persons with whom
the Non-Resident Holder does not deal at arm’s length for purposes of the Tax
Act) did not own 25% or more of the issued stock of any class or series of our
capital stock at any time during the 60-month period immediately preceding that
time, or (ii) where such ownership threshold was exceeded at any time during the
period, not more than 50% of the fair market value of the share was derived
directly or indirectly from any combination of real or immovable property
situated in Canada, Canadian resource properties, timber resource properties, or
options or interests therein, at any time during the 60-month
period.
Regulatory
Matters
The merger is a “business
combination” under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 – Protection of
Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101") adopted by
the Ontario Securities Commission. MI 61-101 provides that, unless exempted, a
corporation proposing to carry out a business combination is required to obtain
an independent valuation of the subject matter of the transaction and provide to
the securityholders of the corporation a summary of such valuation. MI 61-101
also requires that, in addition to any other required securityholder approval,
in order to complete the transaction, the approval of a majority of the votes
cast by “minority” shareholders of the affected corporation be obtained.
The Company will be obtaining minority shareholder approval of the
merger.
In accordance with Section 2.4(1)(b) of
MI 61-101, Parent is exempt from
the valuation requirements of MI 61-101 on the basis
that Parent and the Supporting Shareholders have, through arm’s length
negotiations, entered agreements to support and vote in favor of the
merger. As a group, the Supporting Shareholders, which are not joint
actors with Parent, represent over 20% of the outstanding common
shares of the Company beneficially owned, or over which control or direction was
exercised, by persons other than Parent and joint actors of the
Parent, and (ii) Mr. Z. Weng, one of the Supporting Shareholders,
beneficially owns or exercises control or direction over, more than 10% of the
outstanding common shares of the Company. In addition, in accordance with
Section 2.4(1)(b) of MI 61-101, the consideration per common share
offered under the Merger is at least equal in value to and in the same form
as the consideration agreed to with the Supporting Shareholders
and included in this proxy statement is the disclosure regarding
the valuation exemption upon which Parent is relying and the facts
supporting that reliance.
In addition, Parent reasonably
believes, after reasonable inquiry, that at the time the agreements
supporting the merger were entered into with the Supporting
Shareholders:
(a) the consideration was
determined as a result of arm’s length negotiations;
(b) each of
the Supporting Shareholders had full knowledge and access to information
concerning the Company and its securities;
(c) any factors peculiar to
the Supporting Shareholders, including non-financial factors, that were
considered relevant by the Supporting Shareholders in assessing the
consideration did not have the effect of reducing the price that would otherwise
have been considered acceptable by the Supporting Shareholders;
and
(d) Parent and Mr. Han did not
know of any material information in respect of the Company or its
securities that had not been generally disclosed or if generally disclosed,
could have reasonably been expected to increase the agreed
consideration.
Since the time the agreements
supporting the merger were entered into with the Supporting
Shareholders, Parent and Mr. Han did not become aware of, after reasonable
inquiry, any material information in respect of the Company or its
securities that has not been generally disclosed and if generally disclosed,
could reasonably be expected to increase the consideration. To the knowledge
of Mr. Han and Parent (and its directors and senior officers), after
reasonable inquiry, no prior valuation (as such term is defined in MI 61-101)
has been made in respect of the Company in the 24 months preceding the date
of this proxy statement.
MI 61-101 also requires that the
Company include, if appropriate, disclosure in this proxy statement of
recent judicial developments relating to going private transactions of a nature
similar to the Merger. Before the establishment of the
current Canadian securities law regimes governing “related party
transactions” involving corporations, a number of court cases had considered
questions of procedural and substantive fairness with respect to proposed
corporate transactions which would have resulted in the compulsory acquisition
of shares held by public shareholders. The effect of these cases has generally
now been superseded by the specific requirements and procedures of MI
61-101.
Accounting
Treatment
The
merger will be accounted for as a "purchase transaction" for financial
accounting purposes.
Legal
Proceedings Regarding the Merger
There
have been no lawsuits or legal proceedings regarding the Merger.
Appraisal
Rights
Under the
Florida Business Corporation Act, or FBCA, you have the right to dissent from
the merger and to receive payment in cash for the fair value of your shares of
common stock as determined by a court, in lieu of the consideration you would
otherwise be entitled to receive pursuant to the Merger
Agreement. These rights are known as appraisal rights. A
shareholder electing to exercise appraisal rights must strictly comply with the
provisions of the applicable sections of the FBCA in order to perfect their
rights. The following is intended as a brief summary of the material
provisions of the Florida statutory procedures required to be followed by a
shareholder in order to dissent from the merger and perfect appraisal
rights.
This
summary, however, is not a complete statement of all applicable requirements and
is qualified in its entirety by reference to Sections 607.1301 to 607.1333 of
the FBCA, the full text of which appears in Appendix C-1 to this proxy
statement. Failure to precisely follow any of the statutory
procedures set forth in such sections of the FBCA may result in a loss of your
appraisal rights.
Under
Section 607.1302, our shareholders are entitled to dissent from, seek appraisal
for, and obtain payment of the fair value of his or her shares of our common
stock if the Merger is consummated. For this purpose, the "fair
value" of a dissenter's shares will be the value of the shares immediately
before the effectuation of the Merger, excluding any appreciation or
depreciation in anticipation of the Merger unless exclusion would be
inequitable. A shareholder who is entitled to so dissent and obtain
such payment may not challenge the Merger, unless the action is unlawful or
fraudulent with respect to him or the Company.
A shareholder of record may assert
dissenter's appraisal rights as to fewer than all of our shares registered in
his or her name only if he or she dissents with respect to all shares
beneficially owned by any one person and notifies us in writing of the name and
address of each person on whose behalf he or she asserts dissenter's appraisal
rights. The rights of a partial dissenter will be determined as if
the shares as to which he or she dissents, and his or her other shares were
registered in the names of different shareholders.
A beneficial shareholder may assert
dissenter's appraisal rights as to our shares held on his or her behalf only
if:
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the
beneficial shareholder submits to the Company the written consent of the
shareholder of record to the dissent and appraisal not later than the time
the beneficial shareholder asserts dissenter's appraisal rights;
and
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the
beneficial shareholder does so with respect to all shares of which he or
she is the beneficial shareholder or over which he or she has power to
direct the vote.
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If a shareholder of record of our
Company wishes to exercise his, her or its dissent and appraisal rights, we are
to provide to such dissenting shareholder a dissenter's appraisal notice of
advising them of their appraisal rights as contemplated by Section
607.1320. Section 607.1322 provides, among other things, that the
dissenter's appraisal notice must be sent no later than 10 days after the
effectuation of the corporate action. The form of dissenter's
appraisal notice is attached as Appendix C-2 this proxy statement. The merger
will not be effected for a minimum of 20 days following mailing of this proxy
statement to shareholders of Dragon Pharmaceutical Inc. The
dissenter's appraisal notice must:
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state
where the demand for payment must be sent and where and when certificates,
if any, for shares must be
deposited;
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include
our Company's balance sheet as of the end of a fiscal year ending not more
than 15 months before the date of the dissenter's appraisal notice, a
statement of income for that year, a statement of changes in the
shareholders' equity for that year and the latest available interim
financial statements, if any;
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contain
a statement of our Company's estimate of the fair value of the shares and
our offer to pay such estimated fair
value;
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set
a date by which we must receive the demand for payment, which may not be
less than 40 nor more than 60 days after the date the notice is
delivered;
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set
a date by which a notice to withdraw the demand for payment must be
received, which date must be within 20 days after the date the demand for
payment must be received;
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if
requested in writing by the shareholder, provide to the shareholder so
requesting within 10 days after the demand for payment must be received,
the number of shareholders and the total number of shares held by them who
have returned a demand for payment by the date specified;
and
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be
accompanied by a copy of Sections 607.1301 to 607.1333,
inclusive.
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The dissenter's appraisal notice must
provide for the shareholder to state:
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their
name and address;
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the
number, class and series of shares to which they assert appraisal
rights;
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that
the shareholder did not vote for the
Merger;
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whether
the shareholder accepts our offer as set forth in the notice;
and
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if
our offer is not accepted, the shareholder's estimated fair value of the
shares and a demand for payment of this estimated value plus
interest.
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Section 607.1321 and Section 607.1323
provide that a shareholder to whom a dissenter's appraisal notice is sent
must:
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demand
payment within 20 days after receiving the dissenter's appraisal
notice;
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not
vote, or cause or permit to be voted, any of their shares in favor of the
Merger; and
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deposit
his certificates, if any, in accordance with the terms of the
notice.
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Any shareholder who demands payment and
deposits his or her certificates, if any, before the proposed corporate action
is taken loses all rights as a shareholder, unless the shareholder withdraws
their demand by the date specified in the dissenter's appraisal
notice.
Any shareholder who does not demand
payment or deposit his, her or its certificates where required, each by the date
set forth in the dissenter's appraisal notice, will not be entitled to payment
for his, her or its shares under the Florida Business Corporation
Act.
Subject to certain exceptions, within
90 days after receipt of a demand for payment from a dissenting shareholder, we
will be required by Section 607.1324 to pay to the dissenter the amount that we
estimated to be the fair value of his shares and accrued
interest. The obligation that we have in this regard may be enforced
by the appropriate court.
If a dissenter believes that the amount
offered by the Company pursuant to Section 607.1322 is less than the fair value
of the dissenter's shares, the dissenter may under Section 607.1326 notify the
Company in writing of his or her own estimate of the fair value of the shares
and the amount of interest due; and demand payment of such estimate and
interest.
A dissenter will be deemed to have
waived his or her right to demand payment pursuant to Section 607.1326 unless
the dissenter notifies the Company of his or her demand in writing within the
time set forth on the dissenter's appraisal notice after the Company has made or
offered payment for the shares.
Under Section 607.1330, if a
dissenter's demand for payment remains unsettled, we will be required to
commence a proceeding in the appropriate court of the county where our
registered office is located within 60 days after receiving the demand, and to
petition the court to determine the fair value of the shares and accrued
interest. If we do not commence the proceeding within the 60 day
period, any dissenter may commence the proceeding in the name of the
Company.
All dissenters, whether or not
residents of Florida, whose demands remain unsettled, will be named as parties
to the proceeding as in an action against their shares. All parties
must be served with a copy of the petition. Non-residents may be
served by registered or certified mail or by publication as provided by Florida
law.
The court may appoint one or more
persons as appraisers to receive evidence and recommend a decision on the
question of fair value. The dissenting appraisers will be entitled to
the same discovery rights as parties in other civil proceedings.
Each dissenter who is made a party to
the proceeding is entitled to a judgment for the amount, if any, by which the
court finds is the fair value of his or her shares, plus interest.
The court in a proceeding to determine
fair value is required by Florida law to determine all of the costs of the
proceeding, including the reasonable compensation and expenses of any appraisers
appointed by the court. The court will assess the costs against the
Company, but retains discretion to assess costs against all or some of the
dissenters, in amounts the court finds equitable, to the extent the court finds
the dissenters acted arbitrarily or not in good faith in demanding
payment.
Exercising
Dissent Rights
If a shareholder wishes to exercise
his, her or its dissent and appraisal rights, the shareholder must send to the
Company (at the address set out below) a written notice (a form of which is
attached as Appendix C-2 demanding payment).
The shareholder must also send any
certificates representing our shares to the address set forth as follows:
Computershare Trust Company of Canada (Vancouver), 3rd Floor,
510 Burrard, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6C 3B9.
All written notices should be addressed
to: Dragon Pharmaceutical Inc., Suite 310, 650 West Georgia Street, Vancouver,
British Columbia, Canada V6B 4N9; Attention: Corporate Secretary
Telephone:
604-669-8817.
If you hold your shares of common stock
in a brokerage account or in other nominee form and you wish to exercise
appraisal rights, you should consult with your broker or the other nominee to
determine the appropriate procedures for the making of a demand for appraisal by
the broker or other nominee.
In
view of the complexity in asserting a dissenters’ right, a shareholder who may
wish to dissent from the merger and pursue appraisal rights should consult their
legal advisors.
Any
shareholder who does not demand payment or deposit his, her or its certificates
by the date set forth in the dissenter's appraisal notice will not be entitled
to payment for his, her or its shares under the Florida Business Corporation
Act.
Provisions
for Unaffiliated Shareholders
No
provision has been made to grant unaffiliated shareholders access to our files
or those of Parent, MergerSub or Mr. Han or to obtain counsel or appraisal
services at the expense of any of the foregoing.
Voting
Intentions of Our Directors and Executive Officers and Voting Commitment of Mr.
Han, Parent and MergerSub
Under the
terms of the Merger Agreement, Mr. Han, our Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer, agreed to vote all shares of common stock held by him in favor of the
adoption of the Merger Agreement. As of the date of this proxy statement, Mr.
Han owns 25,453,741 shares of our common stock representing approximately 38.0%
of our outstanding shares of common stock. Neither Parent or MergerSub own any
other shares of our common stock.
In addition, pursuant to a Support
Agreement, Mr. Zhanguo Weng, Ms. Xuemei Liu, Dr. Alexander Wick and Dr. Yiu
Kwong Sun, each a director of the Company, have agreed to vote all shares of
common stock held by them in favor of the adoption of the Merger
Agreement. Although the Special Committee, and in particular its
Chairman Peter Mak, primarily negotiated with Mr. Han with respect to among
other things merger consideration, the Special Committee kept informed and
sought approval from the Mr. Weng and Ms. Liu.
As of the date of this proxy statement,
Mr. Weng owns 8,986,783 shares, Ms. X Liu owns 4,493,391 shares, Dr.
Wick owns 500,000 shares and Dr. Sun owns 700,000 shares of our common stock,
which collectively represents approximately 21.9% of our outstanding shares of
common stock.
Consequently,
assuming that the Supporting Shareholders vote their shares of common stock
representing approximately 21.9% of the outstanding shares in favor of the
Merger Agreement, along with Mr. Han’s 38.0%, collectively representing 59.9% of
the outstanding shares they will have a sufficient number of shares to approve
the Merger Agreement under Florida law vote and but will need other shareholders
to vote for the merger in order to meet the TSX vote.
Estimated
Fees and Expenses of the Merger
We
estimate that we will incur, and will be responsible for paying,
transaction-related fees and expenses, consisting primarily of financial, legal,
accounting and tax advisory fees, SEC filing fees and other related charges,
totaling approximately $320,000. This amount includes the following
estimated fees and expenses:
Description
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Estimated
Amount
to
be Paid
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|
SEC
filing fee
|
|
$ |
5,000 |
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Printing,
proxy solicitation and mailing expenses
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|
$ |
10,000 |
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Financial,
legal, accounting and tax advisory fees
|
|
$ |
300,000 |
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Miscellaneous expenses
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$ |
5,000 |
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Total
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$ |
320,000 |
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In
addition, if the Merger Agreement is terminated under certain circumstances
described under "The Merger
Agreement—Termination Fee," we have agreed to pay to Parent a termination
fee of $400,000 or $1,000,000.
CAUTIONARY
NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This
proxy statement, and certain of the documents to which we refer you in this
proxy statement, contain not only historical information, but also
forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on
expectations, assumptions, estimates, projections or beliefs concerning future
events, and deal with potential future circumstances and developments, in
particular, whether and when the transactions contemplated by the Merger
Agreement will be consummated. The discussion of such matters is
qualified by the inherent risks and uncertainties surrounding future
expectations generally and also may materially differ from actual future
experience involving any one or more of such matters. You should read
all forward-looking statements carefully. We believe that the
assumptions on which our forward-looking statements are based are reasonable.
However, we cannot assure you that the actual results, developments or outcome
of future events we anticipate will be realized or, if realized, that they will
not have negative effects on our business or operations or the timing or
completion of the merger, if approved. All subsequent written and
oral forward-looking statements concerning the merger or other matters addressed
in this proxy statement and attributable to us or any person acting on our
behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements
contained or referred to in this section. Forward-looking statements speak only
as of the date of this proxy statement. Except as required by applicable law or
regulation, we do not undertake any obligation to update or supplement these
forward-looking statements to reflect future events or
circumstances.
RISK
FACTORS
The risks
and uncertainties regarding the merger and entry into the Merger Agreement
include the following:
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we
may not be able to satisfy all of the conditions to consummation of the
merger, including the adoption of the Merger Agreement by our
shareholders, and obtaining the approval of the merger by a majority of
the outstanding shares of our common stock excluding shares held by Mr.
Han;
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one
or more events, changes or other circumstances may occur that could give
rise to a termination of the Merger Agreement under circumstances that
could require us to pay up to a $1,000,000 or $400,000 as a termination
fee;
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the
occurrence of any material adverse change in our financial condition or
results of operation;
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the
effect of the announcement of the merger on our business relationships,
operating results and business generally, including our ability to retain
key employees and the unwillingness of third parties to enter into or
continue business relationships with
us;
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the
risk that the merger may not be completed in a timely manner or at all,
which may adversely affect our business and the price of our common
stock;
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the
potential adverse effect on our business, properties and operations
because of certain interim operational covenants we agreed to in the
Merger Agreement;
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risks
related to diverting management's attention from our ongoing business
operations;
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the
decision of our board of directors as to whether or not to approve any
acquisition proposal that may be submitted by a third
party;
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actions
by Parent or MergerSub, or any other potential acquirer of our
Company;
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changes
in general economic business conditions, such as interest rate
fluctuations, unemployment, pricing pressures, and insolvency of
suppliers, and access to credit;
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changes
in the competitive environment in which we
operate;
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changes
in customer needs and expectations;
and
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risks
detailed in our filings with the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form
10-K for the period ended December 31, 2009. Refer to
also "Where You Can Find
More Information.”
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THE
SPECIAL MEETING
We are
furnishing this proxy statement to our shareholders, as of the record date, as
part of the solicitation of proxies by our board of directors for use at the
special meeting.
Date,
Time and Place
The
special meeting of our shareholders will be held at Dragon’s corporate offices
located at Suite 310, 650 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, British Columbia
Canada V6B 4N9, at 10:30 a.m., local time, on _______2010.
Purpose
of the Special Meeting
At the
special meeting, we will ask our shareholders to adopt the Merger
Agreement. Our board of directors has determined that the merger and
other transactions described in the Merger Agreement are advisable to, and in
the best interests of, our shareholders and has approved the Merger Agreement
and recommends (other than Mr. Han who did not participate in the deliberations
or discussions related to the merger or vote on any matters related thereto)
that our shareholders vote "FOR" the adoption of the Merger
Agreement.
We are
also asking that you grant us the authority to vote your shares to adjourn or
postpone the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, including to solicit
additional proxies in the event there are not sufficient votes in favor of
adoption of the Merger Agreement at the time of the special
meeting.
Record
Date; Shares Entitled to Vote; Quorum
Only
shareholders of record at the close of business on ______2010, which we refer to
as the record date in this proxy statement, are entitled to the notice of and to
vote at the special meeting. On the record date, there were 67,066,418 shares of
common stock outstanding and entitled to vote, and each such share is entitled
to one vote on each matter to be considered at the special meeting. A
quorum is present at the meeting if a majority of all of the shares of our
common stock issued and outstanding on the record date and entitled to vote at
the special meeting are represented at the special meeting in person or by a
properly executed proxy. In the event that a quorum is not present at
the special meeting, we expect that the meeting will be adjourned or postponed
to solicit additional proxies.
Vote
Required
Under Florida law, the adoption of the
Merger Agreement requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of
our common stock outstanding at the close of business on the record
date. In addition, under the rules of the Toronto Stock Exchange, the
Merger Agreement must be approved by holders of common stock representing a
majority of the shares of outstanding common stock, excluding shares of common
stock owned by Mr. Han.
Approval
of the proposal to adjourn the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, for
the purpose of soliciting additional proxies requires, assuming a quorum is
present with respect to the proposal, the affirmative vote of the holders of
stock casting a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by all of the holders
of the stock constituting such quorum. If a quorum is not present at
the special meeting, the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of stock
present and entitled to vote at the meeting may adjourn the meeting until a
quorum shall be present.
Voting
of Proxies
All
shares represented by properly executed proxies we receive at or prior to the
meeting will be voted according to the instructions indicated on such
proxies. Properly executed proxy cards that do not contain
instructions will be voted "FOR" the adoption of the Merger Agreement and "FOR"
authority to adjourn or postpone the special meeting, if necessary or
appropriate.
Only
shares affirmatively voted for the adoption of the Merger Agreement, including
properly executed proxies that do not contain voting instructions, will be
counted as favorable votes for that proposal. If a shareholder
abstains from voting or does not execute a proxy, it will effectively count as a
vote against the adoption of the Merger Agreement. Brokers who hold
shares of our common stock in "street name" for customers who are the beneficial
owners of the shares may not give a proxy to vote those shares in the absence of
specific instruction from those customers. These non-voted shares are
referred to as broker non-votes. Broker non-votes will be counted as
present for purposes of determining whether a quorum exists and will be counted
as votes against the adoption of the Merger Agreement.
The
persons named as proxies by a shareholder who votes for the proposal to adopt
the Merger Agreement may propose and vote for one or more adjournments of the
special meeting, including adjournments to permit further solicitations of
proxies. No proxy voted against the proposal to adopt the Merger
Agreement will be voted in favor of any adjournment or
postponement.
Our board
of directors knows of no other matters that may be brought before the meeting.
However, if any other business is properly presented for action at the meeting,
the persons named on the proxy card will vote in accordance with their
judgment.
Revocability
of Proxies
A proxy
card may be revoked or changed at any time before it is voted at the
meeting. You can do this in one of three ways:
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You
can deliver to our corporate secretary a written notice bearing a date
later than the proxy you delivered to us stating that you would like to
revoke your proxy, provided the notice is received by ____(__ time) on
___.
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You
can complete, execute and deliver to our corporate secretary a later-dated
proxy for the same shares, provided the new proxy is received by
_____(______) on ______.
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You
can attend the meeting and vote in person. Your attendance at
the special meeting alone will not revoke your
proxy.
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Any
written notice of revocation or subsequent proxy should be delivered to us at
Suite 310, 650 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V6B 4N9,
Attention: Corporate Secretary, or hand-delivered to our corporate secretary at
or before the taking of the vote at the special meeting.
Please
note that if you hold your shares in "street name" through a bank, broker or
other nominee holder, and you have instructed your nominee to vote your shares,
the options for revoking your proxy described in the paragraph above do not
apply and instead you must follow the directions provided by your broker to
change your vote. If that is your situation, please contact your nominee for
instructions as to how to revoke or change your vote.
SHAREHOLDERS SHOULD NOT SEND STOCK
CERTIFICATES WITH THEIR PROXIES. A transmittal form with
instructions for the surrender of certificates representing shares of our common
stock will be mailed to shareholders shortly after completion of the merger by
Computershare Trust Company of Canada who will serve as the paying
agent.
Solicitation
of Proxies
This proxy solicitation is being made
by us on behalf of our board of directors and we will bear the entire cost of
solicitation of proxies, including preparation, assembly, printing and mailing
of this proxy statement, the proxy card and any additional information furnished
to our shareholders. Our directors, officers and employees may also solicit
proxies by personal interview, mail, e-mail, telephone, facsimile or other means
of communication. These persons will not be paid additional compensation for
their efforts. We will also request brokers, banks and other nominees to forward
proxy solicitation material to the beneficial owners of our shares of common
stock that the brokers, banks and nominees hold of record. Upon request, we will
reimburse them for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses related to forwarding
the material.
THE
PARTIES TO THE MERGER
Dragon Pharmaceutical Inc.
Dragon Pharmaceutical Inc. is a manufacturer and distributor of a broad
line of high-quality antibiotic products including Clavulanic Acid, 7-ACA,
downstream cephalosporin active pharmaceutical ingredient and formulated powder
for injection in both Chinese and emerging markets. Our headquarters
are located at 650 West Georgia Street, Suite 310, Vancouver, British Columbia,
Canada V6B 4N9. Our telephone number at our headquarters is (604)
669-8817. Dragon Pharmaceutical Inc. is referred to in this proxy
statement as alternatively the "company" and "we."
Chief
Respect Limited, a Hong Kong company, is a new company which was formed in
connection with the merger. Chief Respect has not carried on any
activities other than in connection with the merger. Mr. Han,
our Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and beneficial owner of 38.0% of the
outstanding share of our common stock, is the sole shareholder of the Chief
Respect Limited. Chief Respect Limited’s principal offices are located at
11/F, AXA Centre, 151 Gloucester Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong, and its telephone
number is (852)-25823800. Chief Respect Limited is referred to in
this proxy statement as "Parent."
Datong
Investment Inc., a Florida corporation, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent
and has not engaged in any business activity other than activities related to
the purpose of merging with our Company. If the merger is completed,
Datong Investment Inc. will cease to exist following its merger with and into
our Company. The principal offices are located at c/o Corporation
Service Company, 1201 Hays Street, Tallahassee, FL 32301. Datong
Investment Inc. is referred to in this proxy statement as
"MergerSub."
THE
MERGER AGREEMENT
This
section of the proxy statement summarizes the material provisions of the Merger
Agreement, but does not purport to describe all of the terms of the Merger
Agreement. The following summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to
the complete text of the Merger Agreement which is attached to this proxy
statement as Appendix A and incorporated into this proxy statement by reference.
The rights and obligations of the parties are governed by the express terms and
conditions of the Merger Agreement and not by this summary. We urge you to read
the Merger Agreement carefully in its entirety, as well as this proxy statement,
before making any decisions regarding the merger.
The
representations and warranties described in the summary below and included in
the Merger Agreement were made by our Company, Parent and MergerSub to each
other as of specific dates. The assertions embodied in those representations and
warranties were made solely for purposes of the Merger Agreement and are subject
to important qualifications, limitations and exceptions agreed to by our
Company, Parent and MergerSub in connection with negotiating its terms,
including information contained in a confidential disclosure schedule that our
Company provided to Parent and MergerSub in connection with the Merger
Agreement. Moreover, the representations and warranties may be
subject to a contractual standard of materiality that may be different from what
may be viewed as material to shareholders, or may have been used for the purpose
of allocating risk between our Company, Parent and MergerSub rather than
establishing matters as facts. The Merger Agreement is described in this proxy
statement and included as Appendix A only to provide you with information
regarding its terms and conditions, and not to provide any other factual
information regarding our Company, Parent and MergerSub or their respective
affiliates or their respective businesses. Accordingly, you should not rely on
the representations and warranties in the Merger Agreement as characterizations
of the actual state of facts about our Company, Parent or MergerSub, and you
should read the information provided elsewhere in this proxy statement and in
the documents incorporated by reference into this proxy statement for
information regarding our Company, Parent and MergerSub and their respective
affiliates and their respective businesses.
The
Merger
Upon the
terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement,
MergerSub, a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent, will merge with and into our
Company. After the merger, our Company will continue as the surviving
corporation and as a subsidiary of Parent. The shares of common stock of the
Company held by Mr. Han prior to the merger will remain issued and outstanding
after the merger and will not be affected by the merger. The
surviving corporation will be a privately held corporation and our current
shareholders, other than Mr. Han who will hold a direct and indirect ownership
interest in the surviving corporation, will cease to have any ownership interest
in the surviving corporation or rights as shareholders of the surviving
corporation. Our shareholders, with the exception of Mr. Han will not
participate in any future earnings or growth of the surviving corporation and
will not benefit from any appreciation in value of the surviving
corporation.
Upon
consummation of the merger, the directors and officers of MergerSub will be the
directors and officers of surviving corporation. All directors and
officers of the surviving corporation will hold their positions until their
successors are duly elected or appointed and qualified or their earlier death,
resignation or removal.
We or
Parent may terminate the Merger Agreement prior to the consummation of the
merger in some circumstances, whether before or after the adoption by our
shareholders of the Merger Agreement. Additional details on termination of the
Merger Agreement are described in "—Termination of the Merger
Agreement" below.
Effective
Time
The
merger will be effective at the time the certificate of merger is filed with the
Secretary of State of the State of Florida (or at such later time as is agreed
upon by the parties to the Merger Agreement and specified in the certificate of
merger), which we refer to as the "Effective Time" in this proxy statement. We
expect to complete the merger as promptly as practicable after our shareholders
adopt the Merger Agreement (assuming the prior satisfaction of the other closing
conditions to the merger). Unless otherwise agreed by the parties to the Merger
Agreement, the closing of the merger will occur after the satisfaction or waiver
of the conditions described in "—Conditions to the Closing of the
Merger" below.
Merger
Consideration
Except as
stated below, each share of our common stock issued and outstanding immediately
prior to the effective time of the merger will automatically be canceled and
converted at the effective time of the merger into the right to receive the
merger consideration $0.82 in cash, without interest and less any applicable
withholding taxes, if any. The following shares of our common stock will not
receive the merger consideration:
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shares
owned by Mr. Han (as described in "Special Factors—Interests of
our Executive Officers and Directors in the Merger"), which shares
will remain issued and outstanding and unaffected by the merger;
and
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shares
held by holders who did not vote in favor of the merger (or consent
thereto in writing) and who are entitled to demand and have properly
demanded appraisal of such shares pursuant to, and who have complied in
all respects with, the provisions of Sections 607.1301 to 607.1333 of the
FBCA, and which shares will be entitled to payment of the appraised value
of such shares as may be determined to be due to such holders pursuant to
the applicable sections of the FBCA (unless and until such holder has
failed to perfect or has effectively withdrawn or lost rights of appraisal
under the FBCA).
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At the
effective time of the merger, each holder of a certificate formerly representing
any shares of our common stock (other than shares for which appraisal rights
have been properly demanded, perfected and not withdrawn or lost under the FBCA,
and shares owned by Mr. Han) will no longer have any rights with respect to such
shares, except for the right to receive the merger consideration upon surrender
thereof. Refer to "Special
Factors—Appraisal Rights."
Payment
Procedures
Dragon
has appointed Computershare of Canada as paying agent to receive the aggregate
merger consideration for the benefit of the holders of shares of our common
stock located outside of China. In addition, Dragon has appointed
[_______] (China paying agent) to serve as aggregate merger consideration for
the benefit of the holders of shares of our common stock located within China.
At or prior to the effective time of the merger, Parent will deposit with the
paying agent and China paying agent an aggregate amount in cash equal to the
aggregate merger consideration.
At the
effective time of the merger, we will close our stock transfer books. After that
time, there will be no further transfer of shares of our common
stock.
Promptly
after the effective time of the merger, but in any event within five business
days after the effective time, the surviving corporation will cause the paying
agent to mail to each holder of record of our shares of common stock a letter of
transmittal and instructions advising such holders how to exchange their
certificates for the merger consideration. The paying agent or China paying
agent, as the case may be, will pay the merger consideration after each holder
of our common stock (1) surrenders its certificates representing our shares of
common stock to the paying agent and (2) provides to the paying agent or China
paying agent a signed letter of transmittal and any other items specified by the
letter of transmittal. Interest will not be paid or accrue in respect of the
merger consideration. The paying agent or China paying will reduce the amount of
any merger consideration paid by any applicable withholding taxes, if any. YOU
SHOULD NOT FORWARD YOUR STOCK CERTIFICATES TO THE PAYING AGENT WITHOUT A LETTER
OF TRANSMITTAL, AND YOU SHOULD NOT RETURN YOUR STOCK CERTIFICATES WITH THE
ENCLOSED PROXY.
If any
cash deposited with the paying agent or China paying agent is not claimed within
12 months following the effective time of the merger, such cash will be returned
to the surviving corporation. Subject to any applicable unclaimed property laws,
after that point, holders of our common stock will be entitled to look only to
the surviving corporation for payment of the merger consideration that may be
payable upon surrender of any certificates.
If the
paying agent is to pay some or all of your merger consideration to a person
other than you, as the registered owner of a stock certificate you must have
your certificate properly endorsed or otherwise in proper form for transfer, and
you must pay any transfer or other taxes payable by reason of the transfer or
establish to the surviving corporation's reasonable satisfaction that the taxes
have been paid or are not required to be paid.
If you
have lost your certificate, or if it has been stolen or destroyed, you will be
required to provide an affidavit to that fact and may be required to post a bond
in such amount as the surviving corporation or paying agent or China paying
agent may reasonably request. The letter of transmittal will tell you what to do
in these circumstances.
Treatment
of Outstanding Stock Options
Before
the effective time of the merger, we will take all action necessary such that
each outstanding stock option will, at the effective time of the merger, to the
extent not previously exercised, be canceled and terminated and converted into
the right to receive a cash payment, for each share of our common stock subject
to such option, equal to the excess, if any, of (a) the merger consideration
over (b) the option exercise price payable in respect of such share of our
common stock issuable under such option, without interest and less any
applicable withholding taxes.
Representations
and Warranties
The
Merger Agreement contains representations and warranties of our Company and of
Parent and MergerSub made to and solely for the benefit of each other. The
assertions embodied in those representations and warranties are qualified by
information contained in confidential disclosure schedules, if any, that modify,
qualify and create exceptions to the representations and warranties contained in
the Merger Agreement. Accordingly, you should not rely on the representations
and warranties as characterizations of the actual state of facts, because
(1) they were made only as of the date of the Merger Agreement or a prior
specified date, (2) in some cases they are subject to qualifications with
respect to materiality and knowledge, (3) they may modified in important
part by the disclosure schedules exchanged by the parties in connection with
signing the Merger Agreement and (4) in the case of our representations and
warranties, are qualified by certain disclosure in the filings we made with the
SEC since December 31, 2008. The disclosure schedules contain
information that has been included in our prior public disclosures, as well as
non-public information. Moreover, information concerning the subject matter of
the representations and warranties may have changed since the date of the Merger
Agreement, which subsequent information may or may not be fully reflected in our
public disclosures.
We make
various representations and warranties in the Merger Agreement that are subject,
in some cases, to exceptions and qualifications (including exceptions that would
not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company
Material Adverse Effect). Refer to "—Company Material Adverse Effect
Definition" below. Our representations and warranties relate to, among
other things:
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our
due organization, good standing and qualification, and other corporate
matters with respect to us and our
subsidiaries;
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our
capitalization and certain related
matters;
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our
corporate authority and authorization to enter into, and enforceability
of, the Merger Agreement;
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the
absence of conflicts with, or defaults under, our organizational
documents, and applicable laws;
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the
required shareholder approvals to adopt the Merger Agreement and approve
the transactions contemplated by the Merger
Agreement;
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required
regulatory filings and consents and approvals of governmental
authorities;
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documents
filed with or furnished to the SEC and the accuracy of the information in
those documents, including our financial
statements;
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the
absence of certain undisclosed
liabilities;
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the
conduct of our business in the ordinary course of business since September
30, 2009 and the absence of any event or change since September 30, 2009,
that has had, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse
Effect;
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litigation
and government authorizations;
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compliance
with laws and compliance with, and adequacy of,
permits;
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this
proxy statement not being misleading and the compliance of this proxy
statement as to form with the requirements of the Exchange
Act;
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our
employee benefit plans and compensation
matters;
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Florida
takeover statutes;
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title
to property and matters with respect to leased
property;
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the
opinion of the financial advisor to the Special
Committee;
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absence
of brokers' and finders' fees;
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transactions
with our affiliates; and
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The
Merger Agreement also contains various representations and warranties made
jointly and severally by Parent and MergerSub. The representations and
warranties of Parent and MergerSub relate to, among other things:
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their
due organization and good standing;
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their
authority and authorization to enter into, and enforceability of, the
Merger Agreement;
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the
absence of conflicts with, or defaults under, their organizational
documents, other contracts and applicable
law;
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required
regulatory filings and consents and approvals of governmental authorities
including the Toronto Stock Exchange and appropriate Canadian
province;
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actions
relating to its obligation to deposit of $3,000,000 as part of the merger
consideration to be paid in connection with the consummation of the
transactions contemplated by the Merger
Agreement;
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information
supplied in the proxy statement and the Rule 13e-3 transaction statement
on Schedule 13E-3; and
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absence
of brokers' and finders' fees.
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The
representations and warranties of the parties expire upon consummation of the
merger.
Company
Material Adverse Effect Definition
Many of
our representations and warranties are qualified by a Company Material Adverse
Effect standard. For the purpose of the Merger Agreement, "Company Material
Adverse Effect" is defined to mean, subject to various exceptions, any effect,
event, fact, development, condition or change that, individually or in the
aggregate (1) is materially adverse to our assets, business, results of
operations or condition (financial or other) and those of our subsidiaries,
taken as a whole, or (2) prevents, or materially hinders the consummation of the
merger or any of the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, in
each case, other than any effect, event, fact, development, condition or change
arising out of or resulting from any of the following:
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(a)
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any
decrease in the market price of our common stock (but not any change
underlying such decrease to the extent such change would otherwise
constitute a Company Material Adverse
Effect);
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(b)
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changes
in conditions in the U.S. or global economy (except to the extent such
changes affect us and our subsidiaries in a materially disproportionate
manner);
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(c)
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changes
in conditions in the industry in which we and our subsidiaries operate
(except to the extent such changes affect us and our subsidiaries in a
materially disproportionate
manner);
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(d)
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changes
resulting from the announcement or pendency of the
merger;
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(f)
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changes
in generally accepted accounting
principles;
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(g)
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our
failure to meet internal budgets or projections, whether or not publicly
disclosed, or financial analyst
projections;
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(h)
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acts
of war, armed hostilities, sabotage or terrorism, or any escalation or
worsening of any acts of war, armed hostilities, sabotage or terrorism
threatened or underway as of the date of the Merger Agreement (except to
the extent such changes affect us and our subsidiaries in a materially
disproportionate manner); or
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(i)
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any
act we or our subsidiaries take at the request or with the consent of
Parent or MergerSub.
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Conduct
of Business Pending the Merger
Until the
effective time of the merger, except as contemplated by the Merger Agreement or
with Parent's consent, we agreed that we will:
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conduct
our business in the ordinary
course;
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use
commercially reasonable efforts to preserve substantially intact our and
our subsidiaries business organizations, to keep available the services of
our and our subsidiaries respective officers and employees and to preserve
our and our subsidiaries respective current business relationships;
and
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file
all required reports with the SEC, including but not limited to the Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31,
2009.
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We also
agreed that, until the effective time of the merger, subject to certain
exceptions in the disclosure schedule to the Merger Agreement and except as
contemplated by the Merger Agreement or with Parent's consent (which consent
will be deemed to have been given if Parent does not object within five business
days from the date on which Parent receives written notice), neither we nor our
subsidiaries will:
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amend
our or their charter, bylaws or other organizational
documents;
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authorize
for issuance, issue, sell or agree to issue or sell any shares of our or
their stock, or any securities convertible into, exchangeable or
exercisable for, or other rights of any kind to acquire, any shares of our
or their stock or other ownership interests (except for issuances upon the
exercise or settlement of stock options outstanding on the date of the
Merger Agreement);
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adopt
any new incentive plan or any equity based compensation
plan;
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redeem,
repurchase or otherwise acquire any shares of our or their stock or any
rights, warrants or options to acquire any shares of our or their stock
(except in connection with the exercise of stock options or the
vesting of restricted stock or the lapse of restrictions on restricted
stock);
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split,
combine, subdivide or reclassify any shares of our or their
stock;
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declare,
set aside, make or pay any dividend or other distribution with respect to
any shares of our or their stock;
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materially
amend or terminate, or waive compliance with the material terms of or
material breaches under, certain material
contracts;
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fail
to comply in any material respect with the terms of certain material
contracts;
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enter
into any new contract that would be a material contract if entered into
prior to the date of the Merger
Agreement;
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pre-pay
any long-term debt, or pay, discharge or satisfy any material claim,
liability or obligation, in each case, except in the ordinary course of
business; provided, that, even if in the ordinary course of business, we
may not, without Parent's consent, pay, discharge or satisfy:(1) any claim
made by a related party; (2) certain claims listed on the disclosure
schedule to the Merger Agreement; or (3) any material claim first asserted
after the date of the Merger
Agreement.
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make
capital expenditures in excess of the amount budgeted in our capital
budget that was made available to
Parent;
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waive,
release or settle any material litigation other than settlements of
litigation where (1) the amounts paid are covered by insurance or (2) the
settlement involves only the payment of money damages and will not
otherwise materially and adversely affect our business going forward;
provided, that, we may not, without Parent's consent, waive, release or
settle: (a) any litigation where we are adverse to a related party; (b)
certain claims listed on the disclosure schedule to the Merger Agreement;
or(c) any material litigation first filed after the date of the Merger
Agreement;
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take
any action that would reasonably be expected to (1) result in any
condition to the consummation of the merger not being satisfied, (2)
materially delay the consummation of the merger or (3) materially impair
our ability to consummate the merger or any other transaction contemplated
by the Merger Agreement;
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materially
increase the compensation or fringe benefits payable to our officers or
senior management or to any non-officer or non-senior management employees
other than in the ordinary course;
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amend
or waive any provisions of any of our benefit plans or policies or adopt
any new benefit plan or policy;
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change
our severance, termination or bonus policies or practices or enter into
any agreement the benefits of which are contingent or the terms of which
are materially altered upon the occurrence of a
merger;
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adopt
a plan of liquidation or
dissolution;
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materially
change our accounting methods, principles or
practices;
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take
any action that would be a Company Material Adverse Effect;
or
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announce
any intention, enter into any agreement or otherwise commit to do any of
the foregoing.
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Solicitation
of Other Offers
Generally,
with respect to the solicitation and negotiation of other offers, the Merger
Agreement provides that as of the date of the Merger Agreement we were required
to (and were required to cause our subsidiaries and representatives to)
terminate any discussions or negotiations with any person with respect to, or
that could be reasonably expected to lead to, an acquisition
proposal.
Prior to
obtaining the shareholder approval described below in "—Conditions to the Closing of the
Merger," which we refer to in this proxy statement as the "shareholder
approval," and subject to certain exceptions discussed below, during the no shop
period, which period commences on the date of the Merger Agreement and ends on
the date on which the requisite shareholder approval is obtained:
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we
and our subsidiaries and representatives are required not to initiate,
solicit or encourage or knowingly take any other action to facilitate any
inquiries or the making of any proposal or other action that constitutes,
or may reasonably be expected to lead to, an acquisition
proposal;
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we
and our subsidiaries and representatives are required not to initiate or
participate in any discussions or negotiations that could reasonably be
expected to lead to an acquisition
proposal;
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we
and our subsidiaries and representatives are required not to enter into
any agreement or understanding with respect to any acquisition proposal or
that is intended to or could reasonably be expected to result in the
termination of the merger or any other transaction contemplated by the
Merger Agreement;
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our
board of directors is required to recommend that our shareholders approve
the merger and our board of directors is required not to withdraw or
modify such recommendation in a manner adverse to Parent;
and
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our
board of directors is required not to recommend, adopt or approve, or
publicly propose to recommend, adopt or approve, an acquisition
proposal.
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Exceptions to No
Shop Period Restrictions. Notwithstanding the restrictions
described above, prior to obtaining shareholder approval, subject to our
compliance with the provisions of the Merger Agreement regarding the
restrictions on our ability to solicit proposals or offers, the ability of our
board of directors to change its recommendation and related provisions, if we
receive a written acquisition proposal, we may contact the person making such
proposal solely to clarify and understand the terms and conditions of such
acquisition proposal so as to determine whether such acquisition proposal is
reasonably likely to lead to a superior proposal.
Furthermore,
if our board of directors determines in good faith (after consultation with
outside legal counsel and financial advisor) that such acquisition proposal
constitutes or is reasonably likely to lead to a superior proposal, our board of
directors may, if it determines in good faith (after consultation with outside
legal counsel) that failure to take such action would be inconsistent with its
duties under applicable law, then we may:
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furnish
any information to the person making such acquisition proposal, provided
that any such information is provided pursuant to a confidentiality
agreement and concurrently provided to
Parent;
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disclose
to our shareholders any information required to be disclosed under
applicable law; and
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participate
in negotiations with such person regarding such acquisition
proposal.
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We are
required to promptly (and in any event within two days after receipt) notify
Parent of any acquisition proposal or any communications with respect to any
acquisition proposal, and provide Parent with certain information related to
such acquisition proposal. We are also required to keep Parent informed on a
prompt basis of the status, material terms and conditions of, and any material
developments regarding any acquisition proposal.
An
"acquisition proposal" is any good faith proposal or offer from any person or
group relating to, in a single transaction or series of related transactions,
any:
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merger,
consolidation or similar transaction involving us or any of our
significant subsidiaries.
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sale
or other disposition of 50.1% or more of our consolidated assets by
merger, consolidation, combination, reorganization, share exchange or
similar transaction;
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issuance,
sale or other disposition of securities representing 50.1% or more of our
outstanding common stock;
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tender
offer or exchange offer that, if consummated, would result in any person
or group beneficially owning 50.1% or more of our outstanding common
stock; or
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transaction
which is similar in form, substance or purpose to any of the
foregoing.
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A
"superior proposal" is any written acquisition proposal made by a third
party:
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on
terms which our board of directors (or a committee thereof) determines in
good faith, after consultation with our outside legal counsel and
financial advisor, to be more favorable to our shareholders than the
merger contemplated by the Merger
Agreement;
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the
material conditions to the consummation of such proposal are capable of
being satisfied in the reasonable judgment of our board of directors;
and
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the
financing for which is then
committed.
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Termination
in Connection with a Superior Proposal
Our board
of directors recommended (other than Mr. Han who did not participate in the
deliberations or discussions related to the merger or vote on any matters
related thereto) that our shareholders adopt the Merger Agreement.
Our board
of directors (or a committee thereof) may not, except under certain
circumstances set forth below:
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withdraw
or modify (or publicly propose to withdraw or modify) in a manner adverse
to Parent our board of directors' recommendation that our shareholders
adopt the Merger Agreement; or
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approve,
adopt or recommend (or publicly propose to approve, adopt or recommend) an
acquisition proposal to our
shareholders.
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Notwithstanding
these restrictions, but subject to our obligations to provide certain
information to and to negotiate in good faith with Parent and to take certain
actions in connection with superior proposals as described below, at any time
prior to obtaining the shareholder approval, our board of directors may withdraw
or modify (or publicly propose to withdraw or modify) in a manner adverse to
Parent its recommendation that our shareholders adopt the Merger Agreement or,
in the case of the first bullet point below, approve, adopt or recommend (or
publicly propose to approve, adopt or recommend) an acquisition proposal to our
shareholders:
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if
we receive an acquisition proposal that has not been withdrawn or
abandoned and that our board of directors (or a committee thereof)
determines in good faith, after consultation with outside legal counsel
and financial advisor, constitutes a superior proposal;
or
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other
than in response to an acquisition proposal, if our board of directors (or
a committee thereof) determines in good faith, after consultation with
outside legal counsel and financial advisor, that the failure to take such
action would be inconsistent with its fiduciary duties under applicable
law.
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Our board
of directors may not withdraw or modify (or publicly propose withdraw or modify)
in a manner adverse to Parent our board of directors' recommendation that our
shareholders adopt the Merger Agreement or approve, adopt or recommend (or
publicly propose to approve, adopt or recommend) an acquisition proposal to our
shareholders with respect to a superior proposal unless:
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we
have complied in all material respects with the provisions in the Merger
Agreement regarding the restrictions on our ability to solicit proposals
or offers, the ability of our board of directors to change its
recommendation and related
provisions;
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we
have provided Parent written notice that we intend to take such action and
describing the material terms and conditions of the superior proposal that
is the basis of such action;
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during
the three business day period following Parent's receipt of such notice,
we have negotiated in good faith with Parent and MergerSub (to the extent
they desire to negotiate) to make such adjustments in the terms and
conditions of the Merger Agreement so that such superior proposal ceases
to constitute a superior proposal and/or our board of directors no longer
believes that failure to withdraw or modify its recommendation would be
inconsistent with its fiduciary duties under applicable law;
and
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after
such three business day period, our board of directors has determined in
good faith, taking into account any changes to the terms of the Merger
Agreement proposed by Parent, that its fiduciary duties no longer require
our board of directors to withdraw or modify its
recommendation.
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Any
amendment to the financial terms or any other material amendment of such
superior proposal will require that we comply again with the foregoing
requirements.
In order
to enter into an acquisition agreement with respect to a superior proposal, the
Merger Agreement must be terminated in accordance with its terms and we must pay
a termination fee to Parent. Refer to "—Termination of the Merger
Agreement" and "—Termination Fee"
below.
Notwithstanding
these restrictions, subject to certain conditions, our board of directors may
make certain disclosures contemplated by the securities laws or other applicable
laws.
Merger
Financing -Good Faith Deposit
Parent
has represented to the us that at the effective time of the merger,
Parent will have sufficient cash to make all payments required to be made by
Parent under the Merger Agreement, including the merger consideration payable to
our shareholders. Parent intends to finance the merger
consideration through Mr. Han’s personal funds and personal loans from private
lenders.
The
Parent has agreed to deposit $3,000,000 into an account jointly controlled by
Mr. Han and either Maggie Deng, Chief Operating Officer or Garry Wong, Chief
Financial Officer directed by us to be used to pay the merger consideration, of
which $1,000,000 was delivered upon the execution of the Merger Agreement, and
$2,000,000 was delivered upon the filing of the definitive proxy
statement. If Parent is unable to obtain the financing,
Parent will be in breach of its representation, warranties and covenant and the
Company will be entitled to a termination fee of $400,000.
Indemnification
The
Merger Agreement provides that from and after the effective time of the merger,
Parent and the surviving corporation shall:
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to
the extent permitted under applicable law, indemnify and hold harmless
each individual who is as of the date of the Merger Agreement
or during the period from such date through the effective time of the
merger serving as our director, officer, trustee or fiduciary or, in such
capacity for any of our subsidiaries with respect to any judgments, fines,
penalties and amounts paid in settlement in connection with any claim,
suit, action, proceeding or investigation, based on or arising out of or
relating to such individual's position as a director, officer, trustee,
employee, agent or fiduciary of ours or any of our subsidiaries;
and
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assume
all our and our subsidiaries' obligations to such individuals in respect
of indemnification and exculpation from liabilities for acts or omissions
occurring at or prior to the effective time of the merger, as provided in
our and our subsidiaries' organizational
documents.
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Additional
Covenants
The
Merger Agreement contains additional agreements between us and Parent relating
to, among other things:
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the
filing of this proxy statement and the Rule 13e-3 transaction statement on
Schedule 13E-3 with the SEC (and cooperation in response to any comments
from the SEC with respect to either
statement);
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the
special meeting of our shareholders and the recommendation of our board of
directors;
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coordination
of press releases and other public announcements or filings relating to
the merger;
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Parent's
access to our employees, agents, properties, books, contracts, records and
other information between the date of the Merger Agreement and the closing
(subject to all applicable legal or contractual obligations and
restrictions);
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termination
of quotation of our common stock on the OTC Bulletin Board and Toronto
Stock Exchange Listing;
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payment
of all of our expenses relating to the merger on or before the
merger;
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facilitate
in resignation of Company’s current directors and executive officers with
the exception of Mr. Han, to be effective upon consummation of
merger;
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facilitate
in the execution and delivery of the Support Agreement pursuant to which
Mr. Wang, Ms. Xuemei Liu, Dr. Alexander Wick and Dr. Yiu Kwong Sun agree
to vote their shares of common stock of the Company in favor of the
merger;
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actions
to cause the disposition of our equity securities held by each of our
directors and officers pursuant to the transactions contemplated by the
Merger Agreement to be exempt under Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the
Exchange Act; and
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Company’s
obligation to file required reports with the
SEC.
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Conditions to the Closing of the
Merger.
The
obligations of the parties to consummate the merger are subject to the
satisfaction or, to the extent permissible under applicable law, waiver of the
following conditions on or prior to the closing date of the merger:
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the
affirmative vote to adopt the Merger Agreement by holders of a majority of
the outstanding shares of our common
stock,
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the
affirmative vote to adopt the Merger Agreement by holders of a majority of
the outstanding shares of our common stock , excluding shares held by Mr.
Han;
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no
governmental authority shall have enacted, issued or entered any
injunction, order, ruling or other legal restraint which has become final
and non-appealable and that enjoins, restrains, prevents or prohibits or
makes illegal the consummation of the
merger.
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In
addition to the conditions for all parties to the Merger Agreement, the
obligations of Parent and MergerSub to complete the merger are subject to the
satisfaction of the following conditions at or prior to the effective time of
the merger:
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our
representations and warranties, must be true and correct in all material
respects (1) as of the date of the Merger Agreement to the extent such
representations and warranties speak as of such date and (2) as of the
closing date of the merger as if made on and as of the closing date (or,
if given as of an earlier date, at and as of such date), except where the
failure to be so true and correct has not had, and will not have,
individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse
Effect;
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we
shall have performed or complied in all material respects with all
agreements and covenants required by the Merger Agreement to be performed
or complied with by us on or prior to the effective time of the
merger;
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no
action, suit, proceeding or investigation shall be pending or threatened
in which any governmental authority is a party wherein an unfavorable
judgment, order, decree or ruling would (1) prevent, restrain or interfere
with the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by the
Merger Agreement or (2) adversely affect Parent's right to own, operate or
control our Company or any portion of our business or assets, and no such
judgment, order, decree or ruling shall be in
effect; and
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our
chief executive officer shall have delivered a certificate to Parent
certifying that all of the conditions with respect to our representations,
warranties and obligations under the Merger Agreement described above have
been satisfied.
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In
addition to the conditions for all parties to the Merger Agreement, our
obligation to complete the merger is subject to the satisfaction of the
following conditions at or prior to the effective time of the
merger:
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the
representations and warranties made by Parent and MergerSub must be true
and correct in all material respects (1) as of the date of the Merger
Agreement to the extent such representations and warranties speak as of
such date and (2) as of the closing date of the merger as if made on and
as of the closing date (or, if given as of an earlier date, at and as of
such date), except where the failure to be so true and correct has not,
and will not, individually or in the aggregate, prevent or materially
hinder Parent or MergerSub from consummating the merger or any of the
other transactions contemplated by the Merger
Agreement;
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Mr.
Han, Parent and MergerSub shall have performed or complied in all material
respects with all agreements and covenants required by the Merger
Agreement to be performed or complied with by such party on or prior to
the effective time of the merger;
and
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we
shall have received a certificate signed by an authorized officer of
Parent certifying that all of the conditions with respect to Parent's,
MergerSub's and Mr. Han's representations, warranties and obligations
under the Merger Agreement described above have been
satisfied.
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Although
the parties have the right to waive conditions to the merger (other than as
required by law), we are not aware of any circumstance in which Parent,
MergerSub or our Company would waive any of the closing conditions described
above. If, however, we waive any of the closing conditions described above, we
do not anticipate re-soliciting our shareholders for approval unless such waiver
would be material to our shareholders, in which case we would re-solicit the
vote of our shareholders. In the event Parent is unable to obtain and
alternative financing, Parent will be in breach of its representation,
warranties and covenant and the Company will be entitled to a termination fee of
$400,000.
Termination
of the Merger Agreement
The
Merger Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the consummation of the
merger, whether before or after shareholder approval has been
obtained:
By either us or Parent:
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by
mutual written consent of the
parties;
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if
the merger has not been consummated within 270 days of the effective date
of Merger Agreement,, except that a party cannot terminate the Merger
Agreement for this reason if the failure of the merger to be consummated
by such date was primarily due to such party failing to perform any of its
obligations under the Merger
Agreement;
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if
there is a final and non-appealable order, injunction, judgment, decree or
ruling that enjoins, restrains, prevents or prohibits the consummation of
the merger or makes the consummation of the merger illegal, except that a
party cannot terminate the Merger Agreement for this reason unless such
party has used its commercially reasonable efforts to oppose such order,
injunction, judgment, decree or ruling or to have it vacated or made
inapplicable to the merger;
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by Parent:
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if
we have breached or failed to perform any of our representations,
warranties, covenants or agreements contained in the Merger Agreement,
which breach or failure would cause certain conditions to the obligation
of Parent and MergerSub to effect the merger not to be satisfied and
which, if capable of being cured, is not cured by the earlier
date of (a) within 270 days of the effective date of the Merger Agreement
or (b) within 30 days after our receipt of Parent's
written notice of such breach or failure, except that Parent may not
terminate the Merger Agreement due to our breach or failure if Parent or
MergerSub is then in material breach of its obligations under the Merger
Agreement; or
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if
(1) our board of directors withdraws or modifies (or publicly proposes to
withdraw or modify) in a manner adverse to Parent our board of directors'
recommendation that our shareholders adopt the Merger Agreement;
or (2) our board of directors adopts, approves or recommends
(or publicly proposes to adopt, approve or recommend) an acquisition
proposal to our shareholders, other than the one contemplated by the
Merger Agreement.
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by us:
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if
Mr. Han, Parent or MergerSub has breached or failed to perform any of
their representations, warranties, covenants or agreements contained in
the Merger Agreement, which breach or failure would cause certain
conditions to our obligation to effect the merger not to be satisfied and
which, if capable of being cured, is not cured by the earlier date
of (a) within 270 days of the effective date of the Merger
Agreement or (b) cured within 30 days after their receipt
of our written notice of such breach or failure, except that we may not
terminate the Merger Agreement due to their breach or failure if we are
then in material breach of our obligations under the Merger Agreement;
or
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if
prior to obtaining the Company Shareholder Approval (i) the Special
Committee or the Company Board has concluded in good faith, after
consultation with the Special Committee’s or the Company’s outside legal
counsel and the Company Financial Advisor, that, in light of a Superior
Proposal, failure to terminate this Agreement would be inconsistent with
the directors’ exercise of their fiduciary obligations to the Company’s
shareholders (other than the holders of Mr. Han's Shares) under applicable
law, (ii) the Company has complied in all material respects with its
obligations relating to acquisition proposals under certain provision of
the merger agreement, and (iii) concurrent with such termination, the
Company enters into a definitive agreement with respect to such Superior
Proposal.
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Termination
Fees
Termination Fee Payable to
Parent.
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|
We
agreed to pay Parent a $1,000,000 termination fee if: (i)
Parent terminates the Merger Agreement because all of the
following events occur: (A) (1) our board of directors withdraws or
modifies (or publicly proposes to withdraw or modify) in a manner adverse
to Parent , (2) our board of directors adopts, approves or recommends
(or publicly proposes to adopt, approve or recommend) an acquisition
proposal to our shareholders before obtaining the shareholder
approval, and (B) concurrently with such termination or within
twelve (12) months following the termination of the Merger Agreement, the
Company enters into an agreement with respect to an acquisition proposal,
or an acquisition proposal is consummated, then the Company shall pay
to Parent, if and when consummation of such acquisition proposal occurs;
or (ii) or we terminate because of a Superior Proposal as discussed
above.
|
|
·
|
We
agreed to pay Parent a $400,000 termination fee if Parent terminates the
Merger Agreement in circumstances where it is permitted to do
so because we breached or failed to perform any of our
representations, warranties, covenants or agreements contained in
the Merger Agreement.
|
Termination Fee Payable to
Us. Parent agreed to pay us a $400,000 termination fee if we
terminate the Merger Agreement in circumstances where we are permitted to do so
because Parent or MergerSub breached or failed to perform any of their
representations, warranties, covenants or agreements contained in
the Merger Agreement, including Parent’s failure to obtain financing
to consummate the merger.
None of the parties to the Merger
Agreement can seek injunctions or seek to enforce specifically the terms of the
Merger Agreement to complete the merger if the party seeking such remedies would
have the right upon termination of the Merger Agreement to receive the
applicable termination fees. In all other instances, the parties are
entitled to seek to enforce specifically the terms of the Merger Agreement
against the other parties, in addition to any other remedy.
At any time prior to the effective time
of the merger, the Merger Agreement may be amended by written agreement of the
parties, except that after receipt of shareholder approval, no amendment may be
made without further shareholder approval if such further shareholder approval
is required by law. All amendments to the Merger Agreement must be
approved by the parties' respective boards of directors or similar governing
bodies.
At any
time prior to the effective time of the merger, any party may waive any
inaccuracies in the representations and warranties of any other party, extend
the time for the performance of any of the obligations or acts of any other
party; or waive compliance by the other party with any of the agreements
contained in the Merger Agreement or, except as otherwise provided in
the Merger Agreement, waive any of such party's
conditions. Any agreement on the part of a party to any such
extension or waiver is valid only if in writing and signed on behalf of such
party. The failure or delay by any party in exercising any right
under the Merger Agreement will not constitute a waiver of that
right.
IMPORTANT
INFORMATION REGARDING DRAGON PHARMACEUTICAL INC.
Description
of Business
For a
description of our business, refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, which is incorporated herein by reference.
We refer to such report as the "Form 10-K."
Description
of Property
For a
description of our properties, refer to the Form 10-K.
Legal
Proceedings
We are
not involved in any legal proceedings.
Directors and Executive
Officers
Set forth
below for each of our directors and executive officers is his or her respective
present principal occupation or employment, the name and principal business of
the corporation or other organization in which such occupation or employment is
conducted and the five-year employment history of each such director and
executive officer. Each person identified below is not a citizen of the United
States of America. Such person can be contacted c/o Dragon
Pharmaceutical Inc., 650 West Georgia Street, Suite 310, Vancouver, British
Columbia, Canada V6B 4N9. Such reference shall not mean, however,
that such director or executive officer is a resident of or citizen of
Canada.
During
the last five years, none of our directors or our executive officers has been
(a) convicted in a criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations or similar
misdemeanors) or (b) a party to any judicial or administrative proceeding
(except for matters that were dismissed without sanction or settlement) that
resulted in a judgment or decree or final order enjoining the person from future
violations of, or prohibiting activities subject to, federal or state securities
laws, or a finding of any violation of federal or state securities
laws.
Directors
Mr. Yanlin Han, age 46, is the
Chief Executive Officer and the Chairman of the Board of Director of Company,
positions he assumed in January 2005. Prior to the reverse take-over
of the Company, Mr. Han was the founder and Chairman of Oriental Wave and
responsible for the overall strategic planning and direction of the
Company. Mr. Han has over 20 years of experience in the
pharmaceutical industry in many positions like material buyer, product sales and
manager for state-own companies in China and has very extensive sales and
production management experience in China. He founded his private
company named Shanxi Tongling Pharmaceutical Company in 1994, which became the
vehicle to acquire state-owned pharmaceutical companies through bankruptcy
process or contractual management agreements. Mr. Han set up a joint
venture with a large Indian pharmaceutical company to produce pharmaceutical
intermediates with mass fermentation technology. Mr. Han also serves
as the Vice-President of Shanxi Province Foreign Investment Enterprise
Association and Vice-President of Datong City Trade Council. Mr. Han
graduated from Shanxi Institute of Economic Management in 1986.
Mr. Zhanguo Weng, age 55, had
been a Director of the Company since January 2005. Mr. Weng was the
Vice President, China Operation until July 1, 2006 when the Company completed
the sales of part of its formulation business. Mr. Weng has over 25
years of experience in pharmaceutical industry including being the General
Manager for Shanxi Tongzhen Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. from August 1997 to January
2002 and Superintendent for Datong No. 2 Pharmaceutical Factory from June 1992
to August 1997. He graduated from the Business Administration faculty
of Shanxi Broadcasting University in 1986 and has also participated the Senior
Program of MBA (Pharmaceutical Line) of People’s University of China for two
years. Subsequent to the sales of part of the company’s formulation business on
July 1, 2007, Mr. Weng became a director of Shanxi C&Y Pharmaceutical
Company, the buyer of the Company’s formulation business.
Ms. Xuemei Liu, age 40, has
been a Director of the Company since January 2005. Ms. Liu is
currently the Chairman of Tera Science & Technology Development Co. Ltd.
which engages in a wide range of investment projects in real estate development,
coal trading and media and publishing industry. Prior to her present position as
Chairman of Tera Science & Technology Development Co. Ltd., Ms. Liu was
the vice general manager of Beijing Chemical Baifeng Investment Corporation
Futures Broker Company from 1996 to 1999. Ms. Liu graduated from Beijing
University with a Bachelor degree in 1996 and graduated from the Graduate School
of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences with a Master degree in
1998.
Dr. Heinz Frey, age 72, has
been a Director of Company since September 2005, graduated from University of
Bern, Switzerland in 1966, has 30 years of experience in the telecommunication
industry, security manufacturing and service industry. He has broad
experience in the management of various sizes of companies with global presence,
financing and controlling of international companies, leading development,
production, sales and finance departments. He is also a board member of various
companies.
Dr. Alexander Wick,
Ph.D., age 72,
has been a Director of Company since 1998 and was the President from 2002 until
his resignation effective on February 2, 2006. As of February 3,
2009, Dr. Wick is an independent director of the Company. Dr. Wick holds a
doctorate degree in synthetic organic chemistry from the Swiss Federal Institute
of Technology and has completed post-doctoral studies at Harvard
University. He has had leading positions in the pharmaceutical
research departments of F. Hoffmann-La Roche in the United States and
Switzerland and Synthelabo in France (Director of Chemical Research and
Development) for over 25 years in the field of antibiotics, prostaglandius,
vitamins, cardiovascular CNS and AIDS. In 1995 he created the fine chemicals
company Sylachim S.A., a 100% subsidiary of Synthelabo, active in chemical
intermediates and API’s for the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies
(turnover of over 100 million Euros) and was its President until its acquisition
by the German conglomerate mg Technologies (Dynamit-Nobel GmbH) in
2001. In 2006 he founded AS Biotech in Bern, Switzerland and is
currently its president.
Dr. Yiu Kwong Sun, M.B.,
B.S., age 66,
has been a Director of Dragon Pharma since 1999. Dr. Sun graduated from the
University of Hong Kong Faculty of Medicine in 1967. He is a Founding
Fellow of the Hong Kong College of Family Physicians and a Fellow of the Hong
Kong Academy of Medicine. Since 1995, he has served as the Chairman
of the UMP Healthcare Group, which has been operating and managing a large
network of medical facilities throughout Hong Kong, Macau and China. Dr. Sun is
currently the Clinical Associate Professor (honorary) in Family Medicine of the
Chinese University of Hong Kong, and the Honorary Clinical Assistant Professor
of the Family Medicine Unit of the University of Hong Kong.
Mr. Peter Mak, aged 49, has
been a Director of the Company since 2005. Mr. Mak is the
managing director of Venfund Investment, a Shenzhen based mid-market M&A
investment banking firm specializing in cross-border mergers and acquisitions,
corporate restructuring, capital raising and international financial advisory
services for Chinese privately-owned clients, which he co-founded in late 2001.
Prior to that, Mr. Mak spent 17 years at Arthur Andersen Worldwide where he was
a Firm partner and served as the managing partner of Arthur Andersen Southern
China in his last position with the Firm. Mr. Mak also serves as an independent
non-executive director and audit committee chairman of Trina Solar Limited,
China GrenTech Corp. Ltd., Dragon Pharmaceutical Inc. and China Security &
Surveillance Technology, Inc., companies listed in the U.S.; Shenzhen Fiyata
Holdings Ltd., a company listed in Mainland
China; and Huabao International Holdings Ltd.,China Dongxiang (Group) Co.,
Ltd.,Pou
Sheng International (Holdings) Limited,Real Gold Mining
Limited and 361 Degrees International Limited,companies listed
on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Mr. Mak is also the non-executive director of
Bright World Precision Machinery Ltd., a company listed in the Republic of
Singapore. Mr. Mak is a graduate of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and a
fellow member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, UK, and the
Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and a member of the
Institute of Chartered Accountants, in England and Wales.
Dr. Jin Li, age 42, has been a
Director of Company since September 2005, is currently a senior advisor of
Phycos International Co., Ltd. Prior to joining Phycos, he was a
partner at the international law firm, Linklaters. Mr. Li studied
biochemistry at Peking University in China and received his Master of Science
degree in Biochemistry from the University of Michigan and his JD degree from
Columbia University Law School. He has more than ten years of
experience in international IPOs, M&A and business
transactions.
Description
of Executive Officers
The
following sets forth the Company’s executive officers.
Name
|
Position
|
Age
|
Yanlin
Han
|
Chief
Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
|
46
|
Garry
Wong
|
Chief
Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)
|
39
|
Maggie
Deng
|
Chief
Operating Officer and Corporate Secretary
|
42
|
For a
description of Mr. Han, please see his biography above under
“Directors.”
Garry
Wong has been the Chief Financial Officer of the Company since January 2005.
Prior to his current position, Mr. Wong served as the Company’s Executive
Assistant to President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company from February
2002 to January 2005. Before joining the Company, Mr. Wong was a manager of
the Global Mergers and Acquisitions Group at Nortel Networks since 1996. He
managed and executed transactions consisting of acquisitions, divestitures,
equity investments, spin-offs, public market listing and joint ventures, in
Europe, North America, Asia and the Middle East. Mr. Wong is a
Chartered Financial Analyst, or CFA, who received an International MBA degree
from York University, Canada with double majors in Corporate Finance and Greater
China studies and a Bachelor degree in Business Administration from University
of Hong Kong.
Maggie
Deng has been the
Chief Operating Officer and Corporate Secretary of the company since January
2005, holding bachelor degree from Tsinghua University in China. Ms. Deng
has over 10 years of experience working in or with public companies as
investment banker, mainly on IPOs and secondary offering for Chinese companies
on domestic stock exchange as well as international ones. Ms. Deng was the
senior manager of China International Capital Corporation, a Morgan Stanley
joint venture investment banking firm in China, from 1998 to
2001. Ms. Deng moved to Canada in 2001 and held a position of
Assistant President in a start-up biotech company in Vancouver, Canada until she
joined Company in January 2005.
Ownership
of Common Stock by Certain Beneficial Owners, Directors and Executive
Officers
The
following table sets forth, as of March 15, 2010, the beneficial ownership of
shares of our common stock, $0.001 par value per share, by each person who is or
was a director or named executive officers, each person known to us to be the
beneficial owner of more than five percent of our outstanding shares of common
stock, and by our directors and executive officers as a
group.
Beneficial
ownership has been determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act
and includes voting or investment power with respect to the
shares. Unless otherwise indicated, the persons named in the table
below have sole voting and investment power with respect to the number of shares
indicated as beneficially owned by them. Common stock beneficially
owned and percentage ownership is based on 67,066,418 shares
outstanding.
|
|
Shares
Beneficially
Owned(1)
|
|
|
|
|
Name and Address of Beneficial
Owner
|
|
Number
|
|
|
Percent
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Yanlin
Han*
Chairman
and Chief Executive Officer
|
|
|
26,753,741 |
(2) |
|
|
39.13 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Zhanguo
Weng*
Director
|
|
|
9,586,783 |
(3) |
|
|
14.17 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Xuemei
Liu*
Director
|
|
|
5,193,391 |
(4) |
|
|
7.66 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alexander
Wick*
Director
|
|
|
1,600,000 |
(5) |
|
|
2.35 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Yiu
Kwong Sun*
Director
|
|
|
1,400,000 |
(6) |
|
|
2.07 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Peter
Mak*
Director
|
|
|
700,000 |
(7) |
|
|
1.03 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Heinz
Frey*
Director
|
|
|
600,000 |
(7) |
|
|
0.89 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jin
Li*
Director
|
|
|
600,000 |
(7) |
|
|
0.89 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maggie
Deng*
Chief
Operating Officer and
Corporate
Secretary
|
|
|
700,000 |
(7) |
|
|
1.03 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Garry
Wong*
Chief
Financial Officer
|
|
|
700,000 |
(7) |
|
|
1.03 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All
directors and executive officers as a group (10 persons)
|
|
|
47,833,915 |
(8) |
|
|
63.98 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bright
Faith Overseas Limited
|
|
|
3,496,503 |
|
|
|
5.21 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ms.
Qingming Liu
|
|
|
6,000,000 |
|
|
|
8.95 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
* C/O Dragon Pharmaceutical
Inc., Suite 310, 650 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, British Columbia
V6B 4N9
For
contact purposes only. Listing of this address does not deemed such
persons to be an American or Canadian resident.
(1)
|
Except
as otherwise indicated, the Company believes that the beneficial owners of
the common stock listed above, based on information furnished by such
owners or publicly available, have sole investment and voting power with
respect to such shares, subject to community property laws where
applicable. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the
rules of the SEC and generally includes voting or investment power with
respect to securities. Shares of common stock subject to options or
warrants currently exercisable, or exercisable within sixty days, are
deemed outstanding for purposes of computing the percentage ownership of
the person holding such option or warrants, but are not deemed outstanding
for purposes of computing the percentage ownership of any other
person.
|
(2)
|
Includes
options to purchase 1,300,000
shares.
|
(3)
|
Includes
options to purchase 600,000 shares.
|
(4)
|
Includes
options to purchase 700,000 shares.
|
(5)
|
Includes
options to purchase 1,100,000
shares.
|
(6)
|
Includes
options to purchase 700,000 shares. Also includes 600,000 shares of common
stock owned by Yukon Health Enterprise for which Mr. Sun serves as
director and officer.
|
(7)
|
Represents
options exercisable within sixty
days.
|
(8)
|
Includes
options to acquire 7,700,000 shares of common
stock.
|
Market
Price of Our Company Common Stock and Dividend Information
The
Company’s common stock began quotation on the OTC Bulletin Board on October 9,
1998 under the symbol “DRUG”. In addition, the Company’s shares of common stock
are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “DDD” and are quoted
on the Berlin-Bremen Exchange, the Frankfurt Exchange and the XETRA Exchange
under the symbol “DRP”. The OTC Bulletin Board represents the Company’s primary
market. The Company’s common stock being quoted and traded on the
Berlin-Bremen Exchange, Frankfurt Exchange and XETRA Exchange are without the
Company’s prior knowledge. The following quotations reflect the high and low
bids for the Company’s common stock on a quarterly basis for the past two fiscal
years as quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board representing the primary market for
the Company’s shares.. These quotations are based on inter-dealer prices,
without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission and may not represent actual
transactions.
|
|
Common Stock
|
|
Quarter Ended
|
|
High
|
|
|
Low
|
|
December
31, 2009
|
|
$ |
0.75 |
|
|
$ |
0.55 |
|
September
30, 2009
|
|
$ |
0.75 |
|
|
$ |
0.45 |
|
June
30, 2009
|
|
$ |
0.75 |
|
|
$ |
0.38 |
|
March
31, 2009
|
|
$ |
0.79 |
|
|
$ |
0.30 |
|
December
31, 2008
|
|
$ |
0.90 |
|
|
$ |
0.30 |
|
September
30, 2008
|
|
$ |
1.16 |
|
|
$ |
0.61 |
|
June
30, 2008
|
|
$ |
0.91 |
|
|
$ |
0.61 |
|
March
31, 2008
|
|
$ |
0.89 |
|
|
$ |
0.65 |
|
We did
not pay any dividends during any of the periods set forth in the table above.
Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, we cannot set aside for payment, make
or pay any dividend with respect to any share of our capital stock.
The
closing price per share of our common stock, as reported on the OTC Bulletin
Board on March 26, 2010, the last full trading day immediately before the public
announcement of the merger was $0.69 per share. The closing price per
share of our common stock, as reported on the OTC Bulletin Board on __________,
the latest practicable trading day before the printing of this proxy statement,
was $______.
Following
the effective time of the merger, there will be no further market for our common
stock and our common stock will be deregistered under the Exchange Act, and no
longer quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board or listed on TSX.
Changes
in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial
Disclosure
Changes in our accountants are included
in the Form 10-K, refer to Form 10-K.
Quantitative
and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Not Applicable.
Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
Our
management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of
operations are included in the Form 10-K attached as Appendix D.
Financial
Statements
Our
audited financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 were
filed with the Form 10-K.
Selected
Financial Data
Summary
of Financial Information
The
following table sets forth certain summary financial data. The
summarized financial data for the for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008
have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements in our Form
10-K.
You
should read the following information with the more detailed information
contained in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations,” and our financial statements and accompanying notes in
the Form 10-K.
Consolidated
Balance Sheet Data
|
|
December 31, 2009
|
|
|
December 31, 2008
|
|
|
|
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
(Unaudited)
|
|
Cash
|
|
$ |
6,397,000 |
|
|
$ |
2,011,000 |
|
Total
current assets
|
|
$ |
55,922,000 |
|
|
$ |
48,246,000 |
|
Total
current liabilities
|
|
$ |
109,374,000 |
|
|
$ |
70,194,000 |
|
Total
liabilities and stockholders’ equity
|
|
$ |
186,638,000 |
|
|
$ |
148,375,000 |
|
Consolidated
Statements of Operations Data
|
|
For
the years ended
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2009
|
|
|
December 31, 2008
|
|
|
|
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
(Unaudited)
|
|
Sales
|
|
$ |
165,772,000 |
|
|
$ |
151,947,000 |
|
Gross
profit
|
|
|
30,371,000 |
|
|
|
24,547,000 |
|
Income
from operations
|
|
|
17,533,000 |
|
|
|
9,650,000 |
|
Net
income
|
|
$ |
8,257,000 |
|
|
$ |
6,824,000 |
|
Earnings
per share
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
and fully diluted
|
|
$ |
0.12 |
|
|
$ |
0.09 |
|
Weighted
average shares outstanding
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
|
|
67,066,418 |
|
|
|
66,867,818 |
|
Fully
diluted
|
|
|
67,804,666 |
|
|
|
68,396,616 |
|
Book
Value Per Share
Our net
book value per share on a diluted basis as of December 31, 2009 was
$0.97.
We have
not made an underwritten public offering of its common stock for cash during the
past three years that was registered under the Securities Act or exempt from
registration under Regulation A.
Prior
Stock Purchases
There have been no purchases of common
stock effected by the Company during the past two years.
Prior
Stock Purchases by Mr. Han, Parent and MergerSub
None of
Mr. Han, Parent nor MergerSub have made any purchases of our common stock during
the past two years.
Transactions
During the Past Sixty Days
Other
than as discussed above, there have been no transactions in shares of our common
stock during the past sixty days by our Company, any of our Company's officers
or directors, Mr. Han, Parent, MergerSub or any of Parent's or MergerSub's
officers or directors.
IMPORTANT
INFORMATION REGARDING MR. HAN,
PARENT
AND MERGERSUB
Mr.
Han
Mr. Han is the Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of the Company, and beneficial owner of approximately 38.0% of
our common stock. Mr. Han is currently the sole owner of all of the
outstanding capital stock of the Parent, and the Parent is the sole owner of all
of the outstanding capital stock of MergerSub.
Parent
Chief Respect Limited, referred to in
this proxy statement as Parent, is a Hong Kong, Corporation. Parent
is a new corporation formed in connection with the merger. It has not
carried on any activities other than in connection with the merger and it is
anticipated that until immediately prior to the effective time of the merger,
Parent will not have any significant assets or liabilities. Mr. Han is the sole
director and officer of the Parent.
MergerSub
Datong Investment, Inc, which is
referred to in this proxy statement as MergerSub, is a Florida
corporation. MergerSub is a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Parent. MergerSub is a newly formed entity formed for the purposes of
engaging in the merger and has had no business operations to
date. Mr. Han is the sole director and officer of the
MergerSub.
Criminal
and Administrative Proceedings
During
the last five years, none of Parent, MergerSub or Mr. Han has been (i) convicted
in a criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations or similar misdemeanors)
or (ii) a party to any judicial or administrative proceeding (except for matters
that were dismissed without sanction or settlement) that resulted in a judgment
or decree or final order enjoining the person from future violations of, or
prohibiting activities subject to, federal or state securities laws, or a
finding of any violation of federal or state securities laws.
Interest
in Securities of Our Company
Except as
set forth in section titled "Important Information Regarding
Dragon Pharmaceutical Inc.—Ownership of Common Stock by Certain Beneficial
Owners and Directors and Executive Officers," none of Mr. Han, Parent or
MergerSub or any of their associates or majority-owned subsidiaries beneficially
owns any shares of our common stock.
AUTHORITY
TO ADJOURN THE SPECIAL MEETING
Generally
Although
it is not currently expected, the special meeting may be adjourned or postponed
for the purpose of soliciting additional proxies. In that event, we will ask our
shareholders to vote only upon the adjournment proposal, and not the proposal
regarding the adoption of the Merger Agreement. Any adjournment may be made
without notice, other than by an announcement made at the special meeting of the
time, date and place of the adjourned meeting.
If the
shareholders approve the adjournment proposal, we could adjourn the special
meeting and any adjourned session of the special meeting and use the additional
time to solicit additional proxies, including the solicitation of proxies from
shareholders that have previously voted. Among other things, approval of the
adjournment proposal could mean that, even if we had received proxies
representing a sufficient number of votes against the adoption of the Merger
Agreement to defeat that proposal, we could adjourn the special meeting without
a vote on the Merger Agreement and seek to convince the holders of those shares
to change their votes to votes in favor of adoption of the Merger
Agreement.
Our board
of directors believes that if the number of shares of our common stock present
or represented at the special meeting and voting in favor of adoption of the
Merger Agreement is insufficient to approve the adoption of the Merger
Agreement, it is in the best interests of our Company and our shareholders to
enable our board of directors to continue to seek to obtain a sufficient number
of additional votes in favor of adoption of the Merger Agreement to bring about
its approval.
In
addition, when any meeting is convened, the presiding officer, if directed by
our board of directors, may adjourn the meeting if (1) no quorum is present for
the transaction of business or (2) our board of directors determines that
adjournment is necessary or appropriate to enable our shareholders to consider
fully information which our board of directors determines has not been made
sufficiently or timely available to shareholders or otherwise to exercise
effectively their voting rights. Any adjournment or postponement of the special
meeting for the purpose of soliciting additional proxies will allow our
shareholders who have already sent in their proxies to revoke them at any time
prior to their use at the special meeting was adjourned or
postponed.
Vote
Required
Approval
of the proposal to adjourn the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, for
the purpose of soliciting additional proxies requires, assuming a quorum is
present with respect to the proposal, the affirmative vote of the holders of
stock casting a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by all of the holders
of the stock constituting such quorum. If a quorum is not present at the special
meeting, a majority of the shareholders entitled to vote at the meeting may
adjourn the meeting until a quorum shall be present.
Approval
of the proposal to adjourn the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, for
the purpose of soliciting additional proxies requires, assuming a quorum is
present with respect to the proposal, the affirmative vote of the holders of
stock casting a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by all of the holders
of the stock constituting such quorum. If a quorum is not present at the special
meeting, the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of stock present and
entitled to vote at the meeting may adjourn the meeting until a quorum shall be
present.
Any
signed proxies we receive in which no voting instructions are provided on this
matter will be voted "FOR" an adjournment of the special meeting, if necessary
or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies unless such proxy is specifically
marked "AGAINST" adoption of the Merger Agreement.
OTHER
MATTERS
At this
time, we know of no other matters to be submitted at the special
meeting. If any other matters properly come before the special
meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the enclosed proxy card to
vote the shares they represent as our board of directors may
recommend.
SHAREHOLDER
PROPOSALS
Due to
the contemplated consummation of the merger, we do not currently expect to hold
a 2010 annual meeting of shareholders because, following the merger, we will not
be a public company. However, if the merger is not consummated for any reason,
we will hold an annual meeting of shareholders in 2010. In the event the merger
is not consummated, we will provide notice of a proposed annual shareholders
meeting and the date shareholder proposals must be submitted to be considered
for inclusion in Dragon’s proxy statement and form of proxy for the 2010 annual
meeting.
The SEC
allows the Company to incorporate by reference into this proxy statement, which
means the Company may disclose important information by referring you to other
documents filed separately with the SEC. The information incorporated by
reference is deemed to be a part of this proxy statement, except for any
information superseded by information contained in, or incorporated by reference
into, this proxy statement.
This
proxy statement incorporates by reference the documents listed below that the
Company previously filed with the SEC. These documents contain important
information about the Company and its business, financial condition and results
or operations.
The
following documents filed by the Company with the SEC are incorporated herein by
reference:
Type
of Report/Statement
|
Periods
Covered
|
|
|
Annual
Report on Form 10-K
|
Year
ended December 31, 2009
|
The
Company also incorporates by reference all other reports it files pursuant to
Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act and each document it files under
Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of
this proxy statement and before the special meeting. This proxy statement, any
and all of the information that has been incorporated by reference in this proxy
statement and not presented in this proxy statement or delivered with it, will
be made available without charge, without exhibits (unless the exhibits are
specifically incorporated by reference in this proxy statement), to any person
to whom this proxy statement is delivered, upon written request directed to the
Company at Dragon Pharmaceutical Inc., Suite 310, 650 West Georgia Street,
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6B 4N9, Attn: Corporate
Secretary, or telephonic request to the Company’s Secretary at
telephone 604-669-8817.. Any requested documents will be sent by first class
mail or other equally prompt means upon Company’s receipt of such request.
Documents incorporated by reference are available without charge, excluding any
exhibits to those documents unless the exhibit is specifically incorporated by
reference into those documents
WHERE
YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We file
annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information
with the SEC. You may read and copy any document we file with the SEC at the
SEC's public reference room located at 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580,
Washington, D.C. 20549. You may also obtain copies of those documents at
prescribed rates by writing to the Public Reference Section of the Securities
Exchange Commission at that address. Please call the SEC at
1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference
room.
Our SEC
filings are also available to the public at the SEC's website at
http://www.sec.gov. The information provided on our website is not part of this
proxy statement, and therefore is not incorporated by reference
herein.
Because
the merger is a "going private" transaction, we have filed with the SEC a
Transaction Statement on Schedule 13E-3 with respect to the proposed merger. The
Schedule 13E-3, including any amendments and exhibits filed or incorporated by
reference as a part of it, is available for inspection as set forth
above.
MISCELLANEOUS
Dragon
Pharmaceutical Inc. has supplied all information in this proxy statement
pertaining to our Company, and Mr. Han has supplied all information in this
proxy statement pertaining to Parent and MergerSub. Some of the
important business and financial information relating to our Company that you
may want to consider in deciding how to vote is incorporated by reference into
this proxy statement.
THIS
PROXY STATEMENT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE SOLICITATION OF A PROXY IN ANY
JURISDICTION TO OR FROM ANY PERSON TO WHOM OR FROM WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE
SUCH PROXY SOLICITATION IN THAT JURISDICTION. YOU SHOULD RELY ONLY ON THE
INFORMATION CONTAINED OR INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT TO
VOTE YOUR SHARES AT THE SPECIAL MEETING. WE HAVE NOT AUTHORIZED ANYONE TO
PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION THAT IS DIFFERENT FROM WHAT IS CONTAINED IN THIS
PROXY STATEMENT.
THIS
PROXY STATEMENT IS DATED _______. YOU SHOULD NOT ASSUME THAT THE INFORMATION
CONTAINED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT IS ACCURATE AS OF ANY DATE OTHER THAN THAT
DATE (OR AS OF AN EARLIER DATE IF SO INDICATED IN THIS PROXY
STATEMENT). NEITHER THE MAILING OF THIS PROXY STATEMENT TO
SHAREHOLDERS NOR THE ISSUANCE OF CASH IN THE MERGER CREATES ANY IMPLICATION TO
THE CONTRARY.
PRELIMINARY
COPY
PROXY
CARD
SPECIAL
MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
OF
DRAGON
PHARMACEUTICAL INC.
THIS
PROXY IS BEING SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF
DRAGON
PHARMACEUTICAL INC.
VOTE
BY MAIL –
Mark,
sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope we have
provided or return it to Suite 310, 650 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, British
Columbia, Canada V6B 4N9, Attn: Corporate Secretary.
The
undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints Maggie Deng, or failing her
Garry
Wong, and each of them, true and lawful agents and proxies
("Proxies"), with full power of substitution and revocation in each, to attend
the Special Meeting of Shareholders of Dragon Pharmaceutical Inc. ("Special
Meeting") to be held at 10:30 a.m. local time, on _ _, at Suite 310,
650 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6B 4N9, and any
adjournment or postponement thereof, and thereat to vote, as directed herein,
all shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of our Company, which
the undersigned would be entitled to vote if personally present, at the Special
Meeting and all continuations, adjournments or postponements
thereof.
You are
encouraged to specify your choices by marking the appropriate
boxes. Unless
otherwise marked, the proxies are appointed the power and authority to vote the
undersigned's shares "FOR" the proposals described on this proxy
card. Please complete your voting selection, date, sign and
mail your proxy card in the envelope provided as soon as possible.
(continued,
and to be signed and dated on reverse side)
PRELIMINARY
COPY
Our
board of directors recommends a vote FOR the following proposals:
1. To
adopt of the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated March , 2010,
by and among Dragon Pharmaceutical Inc., Chief Respect Limited, a Hong Kong
corporation, Datong Investment a Florida corporation and a wholly owned
subsidiary of Chief Respect Limited, and Mr. Han with respect to certain
provisions in the Merger Agreement, pursuant to which Datong Investment Inc.
will merge with and into Dragon and each holder of Dragon shares of common
stock, excluding Mr. Han, will receive $0.82 per share.
For Against Abstain
2. To
adjourn or postpone the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, including
to solicit additional proxies in the event there are not sufficient votes in
favor of adoption of the Merger Agreement at the time of the special
meeting.
For Against Abstain
3. To
transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any
adjournment or postponement of the meeting.
For Against Abstain
Please
complete, sign, date and mail the enclosed Proxy in the accompanying envelope
even if you intend to be present at the special meeting of shareholders.
Returning the proxy will not limit your right to vote in person or to attend the
special meeting, but will ensure your representation if you cannot attend. If
you hold shares in more than one name or if your stock is registered in more
than one way, you may receive more than one copy of the proxy materials. If so,
please sign and return each of the proxy cards that you receive so that all of
your shares may be voted. The proxy is revocable at any time prior to its
use.
Important:
Please sign above exactly as the shares are issued. When shares are held by
joint tenants, both should sign. When signing as an attorney, executor,
administrator, trustee or guardian, please give the full title as such. If a
corporation, please sign in full corporate name by the president or other
authorized officer. If a partnership, please sign in the partnership name by an
authorized person.
APPENDIX
A
AGREEMENT
AND PLAN OF MERGER
BY AND
AMONG
DRAGON
PHARMACEUTICAL INC.,
CHIEF
RESPECT LIMITED,
DATONG
INVESTMENT INC.
AND
YANLIN
HAN
Dated as
of March 26, 2010
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
|
|
Page
|
|
|
|
|
ARTICLE
I
|
DEFINITIONS
|
|
|
Section
1.01
|
Definitions
|
|
1
|
Section
1.02
|
Other
Defined Terms
|
|
5
|
|
|
|
|
ARTICLE
II
|
THE
MERGER
|
|
|
Section
2.01
|
Merger
|
|
8
|
Section
2.02
|
Tax
Characterization
|
|
8
|
Section
2.03
|
Organizational
Documents
|
|
8
|
Section
2.04
|
Effective
Time
|
|
9
|
Section
2.05
|
Closing
|
|
9
|
Section
2.06
|
Directors
and Officers of Surviving Corporation
|
|
9
|
Section
2.07
|
Further
Assurances
|
|
9
|
|
|
|
|
ARTICLE
III
|
EFFECTS
OF THE MERGER
|
|
|
Section
3.01
|
Effects
on Shares
|
|
9
|
Section
3.02
|
Exchange
of Certificates; Paying Agents
|
|
11
|
Section
3.03
|
Withholding
Rights
|
|
13
|
Section
3.04
|
Dissenters’
Shares
|
|
13
|
|
|
|
|
ARTICLE
IV
|
REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY
|
|
|
Section
4.01
|
Organization
and Qualification; Subsidiaries; Authority
|
|
14
|
Section
4.02
|
Organizational
Documents
|
|
14
|
Section
4.03
|
Capitalization
|
|
14
|
Section
4.04
|
Authority;
Validity and Effect of Agreements
|
|
15
|
Section
4.05
|
No
Conflict; Required Filings and Consents
|
|
15
|
Section
4.06
|
Permits;
Compliance with Laws
|
|
16
|
Section
4.07
|
SEC
Filings; Financial Statements
|
|
16
|
Section
4.08
|
Absence
of Certain Changes or Events
|
|
17
|
Section
4.09
|
Taxes
|
|
18
|
Section
4.10
|
Title
to Property
|
|
19
|
Section
4.11
|
Intellectual
Property
|
|
19
|
Section
4.12
|
Proxy
Statement
|
|
20
|
Section
4.13
|
Restriction
on Business Activities
|
|
20
|
Section
4.14
|
Governmental
Authorizations
|
|
20
|
Section
4.15
|
Litigation
|
|
20
|
Section
4.16
|
Compliance
with Laws
|
|
20
|
Section
4.17
|
Environmental
Matters
|
|
21
|
Section
4.18
|
Brokers’
and Finders’ Fees
|
|
21
|
Section
4.19
|
Opinion
of Company Financial Advisor
|
|
21
|
Section
4.20
|
Transactions
with Affiliates
|
|
21
|
Section
4.21
|
Employee
Benefit Plans and Compensation
|
|
21
|
Section
4.22
|
Insurance
|
|
22
|
Section
4.23
|
Investment
Company Act of 1940
|
|
22
|
Section
4.24
|
Contracts
|
|
22
|
Section
4.25
|
Takeover
Statutes
|
|
22
|
Section
4.26
|
No
Other Representations or Warranties
|
|
22
|
|
|
Page
|
|
|
|
|
ARTICLE
V
|
REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES OF PARENT AND MERGERSUB
|
|
|
Section
5.01
|
Due
Incorporation Good Standing and Operations
|
|
22
|
Section
5.02
|
Authorization;
Binding Agreement
|
|
23
|
Section
5.03
|
Governmental
Approvals
|
|
23
|
Section
5.04
|
No
Violations
|
|
23
|
Section
5.05
|
Proxy
Statement
|
|
23
|
Section
5.06
|
Financing
|
|
24
|
Section
5.07
|
Brokers’
and Finders’ Fees
|
|
24
|
Section
5.08
|
Control
and Management
|
|
24
|
Section
5.09
|
No
Other Representations or Warranties
|
|
24
|
Section
5.10
|
Takeover
Statutes
|
|
24
|
|
|
|
|
ARTICLE
VI
|
CONDUCT
OF BUSINESS PENDING THE MERGER
|
|
|
Section
6.01
|
Conduct
of Business by Company Pending the Merger
|
|
25
|
|
|
|
|
ARTICLE
VII
|
ADDITIONAL
AGREEMENTS
|
|
|
Section
7.01
|
Preparation
of Proxy Statement; Shareholders’ Meeting
|
|
26
|
Section
7.02
|
Access
to Information; Confidentiality
|
|
27
|
Section
7.03
|
Acquisition
Proposals
|
|
28
|
Section
7.04
|
Employee
Benefits Matters
|
|
30
|
Section
7.05
|
Directors’
and Officers’ Indemnification
|
|
30
|
Section
7.06
|
Further
Action; Reasonable Efforts
|
|
32
|
Section
7.07
|
Transfer
Taxes
|
|
32
|
Section
7.08
|
Public
Announcements
|
|
33
|
Section
7.09
|
Termination
of OTCBB Quotation
|
|
33
|
Section
7.10
|
Company’s
Expenses & Obligations
|
|
33
|
Section
7.11
|
Resignations
|
|
33
|
Section
7.12
|
Voting
Commitment
|
|
33
|
Section
7.13
|
SEC
Filings
|
|
33
|
|
|
|
|
ARTICLE
VIII
|
CONDITIONS
TO THE MERGER
|
|
|
Section
8.01
|
Conditions
to the Obligations of Each Party
|
|
34
|
Section
8.02
|
Additional
Conditions to Obligations of Parent and MergerSub
|
|
34
|
Section
8.03
|
Additional
Conditions to Obligations of the Company
|
|
35
|
|
|
|
|
ARTICLE
IX
|
TERMINATION,
AMENDMENT AND WAIVER
|
|
|
Section
9.01
|
Termination
|
|
35
|
Section
9.02
|
Effect
of Termination
|
|
36
|
Section
9.03
|
Fees
and Expenses
|
|
36
|
Section
9.04
|
Waiver
|
|
37
|
|
|
|
|
ARTICLE
X
|
GENERAL
PROVISIONS
|
|
|
Section
10.01
|
Non-Survival
of Representations and Warranties
|
|
38
|
Section
10.02
|
Notices
|
|
38
|
Section
10.03
|
Severability
|
|
39
|
Section
10.04
|
Amendment
|
|
39
|
Section
10.05
|
Entire
Agreement; Assignment
|
|
39
|
|
|
Page
|
|
|
|
Section
10.06
|
Specific
Performance
|
|
39
|
Section
10.07
|
Parties
in Interest
|
|
39
|
Section
10.08
|
Obligations
of Parent and of the Company
|
|
39
|
Section
10.09
|
Governing
Law; Enforcement and Forum
|
|
39
|
Section
10.10
|
Headings
|
|
40
|
Section
10.11
|
Counterparts
|
|
40
|
Section
10.12
|
Waiver
|
|
40
|
Section
10.13
|
Waiver
of Jury Trial
|
|
40
|
Section
10.14
|
Remedies
Cumulative
|
|
40
|
Section
10.15
|
Arbitration
|
|
40
|
AGREEMENT
AND PLAN OF MERGER
THIS
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER, dated as March 26, 2010 (this “Agreement”), is made
and entered into by and among Dragon Pharmaceutical Inc., a Florida corporation
(the “Company”), Chief
Respect Limited, a Hong Kong corporation (“Parent”), Datong
Investment Inc., a Florida corporation and a subsidiary of Parent (“MergerSub”), and Mr.
Yanlin Han, an individual (“Mr. Han”) solely with
respect to Sections 5.06, 7.01(c), 7.08, 8.03(b), 9.03(c) and (d).
WHEREAS,
the respective Boards of Directors of Parent, MergerSub and the Company have
approved and declared advisable this Agreement and the merger of MergerSub with
and into the Company (the “Merger”) upon the
terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement and in accordance with the
Florida Business Corporation Act (the “FBCA”), with the
Company surviving the Merger, as a subsidiary of the Parent, and each share of
the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Company Common
Stock”) outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (other than
(i) Company Common Stock held by holders who comply with the provisions of the
FBCA regarding the right of shareholders to dissent from the Merger and require
appraisal of their shares and (ii) Company Common Stock owned by Mr. Han
immediately prior to the Effective Time which shall remain issued and
outstanding and otherwise unaffected by the Merger) will thereupon be canceled
and converted into the right to receive the Company Common Stock Merger
Consideration, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth
herein;
WHEREAS,
subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the respective Boards of
Directors of MergerSub and the Company have each determined that the Merger and
the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement are fair to, advisable and
in the best interests of their respective shareholders and have approved this
Agreement and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including the
Merger, and the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Company Board”) is
recommending that the holders of Company Common Stock approve the Merger and
adopt this Agreement; and
WHEREAS,
the parties hereto desire to make certain representations, warranties, covenants
and agreements in connection with the Merger, and also to prescribe various
conditions to such transactions.
NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual covenants and
agreements herein contained, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the
parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE
I
DEFINITIONS
Section
1.01 Definitions.
“Acquisition Proposal”
means any good faith proposal or offer from any Person or group for, whether in
one transaction or a series of related transactions, any (a) merger,
consolidation or similar transaction involving the Company or any Subsidiary of
the Company that would constitute a “significant subsidiary” (as defined in Rule
1-02 of Regulation S-X) but substituting the reference of 10% therein to 50.1%,
(b) sale or other disposition, directly or indirectly, by merger, consolidation,
combination, reorganization, share exchange or any similar transaction, of any
assets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries representing 50.1%
or more of the consolidated assets of the Company and or any of its
Subsidiaries, (c) issue, sale or other disposition by the Company of (including
by way of merger, consolidation, share exchange or any similar transaction)
securities (or options, rights or warrants to purchase, or securities
convertible into, such securities) representing 50.1% or more of the votes
associated with the outstanding voting equity securities of the Company, (d)
tender offer or exchange offer in which any Person or “group” (as such term is
defined under the Exchange Act) shall acquire beneficial ownership (as such term
is defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), or the right to acquire
beneficial ownership, of 50.1% or more of the outstanding Company Common Stock,
or (e) transaction which is similar in form, substance or purpose to any of the
foregoing transactions; provided, however, that the
term “Acquisition Proposal” shall not include (i) the Merger or any of the other
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, or (ii) any merger, consolidation,
business combination, recapitalization or similar transaction solely among the
Company and one or more wholly owned Subsidiaries or among wholly owned
Subsidiaries.
“Action” means any
claim, action, suit, proceeding, arbitration, mediation or other
investigation.
“Affiliate” or “affiliate” of a
specified person means a person who, directly or indirectly through one or more
intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with,
such specified Person.
“Beneficial owner”,
with respect to any Company Common Stock, has the meaning ascribed to such term
under Rule 13d-3(a) of the Exchange Act.
“Business Day” or
“business day”
means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or any day which the Company is
closed for business or is a legal holiday under the laws of the U.S. or is a day
on which banking institutions in the U.S. are authorized or obligated by Law or
other governmental action to close.
“Certificate” or
“Certificates”
means any certificate representing Company Common Stock.
“Code” means the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
“Company Bylaws” means
the Bylaws of Dragon Pharmaceutical Inc., as amended.
“Company Charter”
means the articles of incorporation of Dragon Pharmaceutical Inc., as
amended.
“Company Common Stock Merger
Consideration” means cash in the amount equal to $.82 per share, less any
amounts due to the Company to the extent applicable.
“Company Material Adverse
Effect” means, with respect to the Company, an Effect that, individually
or in the aggregate, (1) is materially adverse to the assets,
business, results of operations or condition (financial or other) of the Company
and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or (2) prevents, or materially hinders
the consummation of the Merger or any of the other transactions contemplated by
this Agreement other than, in each case, any Effect arising out of or resulting
from (a) any decrease in the market price of the Company Common Stock (but
not any Effect underlying such decrease to the extent that such Effect would
otherwise constitute a Company Material Adverse Effect), (b) changes in
conditions in the U.S. or global economy (except to the extent such Effect
affects the Company and its Subsidiaries in a materially disproportionate
manner), (c) changes in conditions in the industry in which the Company and
its Subsidiaries operate (except to the extent such Effect affects the Company
and its Subsidiaries in a materially disproportionate manner), (d) any Effect
resulting from the announcement or pendency of the Merger, (e) changes in Laws,
(f) changes in GAAP, (g) failure by the Company to meet internal budgets or
projections, whether or not publicly disclosed, or financial analyst
projections, (h) acts of war, armed hostilities, sabotage or terrorism, or any
escalation or worsening of any such acts of war, armed hostilities, sabotage or
terrorism threatened or underway as of the date of this Agreement (except to the
extent such Effect affects the Company and its Subsidiaries in a materially
disproportionate manner as compared to other persons or participants in the
industries in which the Company and its Subsidiaries conduct their business and
that operate in the geographic regions affected by such Effect, (i) any
action taken by the Company or its Subsidiaries at the written request or with
the written consent of Parent, or (j) any matter set forth on Section 1.01 of
the Disclosure Schedules, if any.
“Company Products”
shall mean all products and services developed or under development, owned,
made, provided, distributed, imported, sold or licensed by or on behalf of the
Company and any of its Subsidiaries.
“Consent” means any
consent, approval, waiver or authorization of, notice to or declaration or
filing.
“Contract” shall mean
any written or oral agreement, contract, commitment, arrangement or
understanding of any nature, as in effect as of the date hereof or as may
hereinafter be enforceable against the Company or its Subsidiaries.
“Control” (including
the terms “controlled
by” and “under
common control with”) means the possession, directly or indirectly, of
the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a
person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, as trustee or
executor, by contract or credit arrangement or otherwise.
“Disclosure Schedule”
means the disclosure schedule, if any, delivered by the Company to
Parent concurrently with the execution of this Agreement, which
disclosure schedule is arranged in paragraphs corresponding to the numbered and
lettered sections contained in this Agreement, provided, however, that the
disclosure of any fact or item in any section of the Disclosure Schedule shall,
should the existence of such fact or item be relevant to any other section, be
deemed to be disclosed with respect to that other section so long as the
relevance of such disclosure to such other section is reasonably apparent from
the nature of such disclosure. The disclosure of any fact or item in
any section of the Disclosure Schedule that corresponds to a representation or
warranty qualified by materiality or “Company Material Adverse Effect” is not
intended to vary the definition of “Company Material Adverse Effect” or to imply
that the item so included, or other items, are material. Nothing in
the Disclosure Schedule is intended to broaden the scope of any representation
or warranty contained in this Agreement.
“Effect” means any
effect, event, fact, development, condition or change.
“Enforceability
Exceptions” means any exceptions to the enforceability of any agreement
under applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar Laws
affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally or under principles of
equity regarding the availability of remedies.
“Environmental Claim”
means any claim, action, cause of action, suit, proceeding, investigation,
order, demand or notice (in each instance in writing) by any Person alleging
potential liability (including, without limitation, potential liability for
investigatory costs, cleanup costs, governmental response costs, natural
resources damages, property damages, personal injuries, or penalties) arising
out of, based on or resulting from (a) the presence, or release into the
environment, of, or exposure to, any Material of Environmental Concern at any
location, whether or not owned or operated by the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries or (b) circumstances forming the basis of any violation, or alleged
violation, of any Environmental Law.
“Environmental Laws”
mean all applicable federal, state, local and foreign laws, regulations,
ordinances, and common law relating to pollution or protection of human health
(to the extent relating to exposure to Materials of Environmental Concern) or
protection of the environment (including, without limitation, ambient air,
surface water, ground water, land surface or subsurface strata, and natural
resources), including, without limitation, laws and regulations relating to
emissions, discharges, releases or threatened releases of, or exposure to,
Materials of Environmental Concern.
“Expenses” means all
out-of-pocket expenses, including all fees and expenses of accountants,
investment bankers, legal counsel, financing sources and consultants incurred by
a party or on its behalf in connection with or related to the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement.
“FINRA” means
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.
“GAAP” means generally
accepted accounting principles as applied in the U.S.
“Governmental
Authority” means any government, governmental, regulatory or
administrative authority, agency, instrumentality or commission or any court,
tribunal, or judicial or arbitral body of any nature; or anybody exercising, or
entitled to exercise, any administrative, executive, judicial, legislative,
police, regulatory or taxing authority or power of any
nature, whether federal, state, local, domestic or
foreign.
“Knowledge of the
Company” means the actual knowledge of the executive officers of the
Company without independent investigation.
“Law” means any
federal, state, local or foreign statute, law, ordinance, regulation, rule,
code, executive order, injunction, judgment, decree or other order of any
Governmental Authority.
“Liens” means any of
the following: mortgage, lien (statutory or other) or other security agreement,
security arrangement or security interest, hypothecation, pledge or other
deposit arrangement, assignment; charge, levy, executory seizure by a
Governmental Authority, attachment, garnishment, encumbrance (including any
easement, exception, reservation or limitation, right of way, or the like),
conditional sale, title retention or other similar agreement, arrangement,
device or restriction, any financing lease involving substantially the same
economic effect as any of the foregoing, the filing of any financing statement
under the Uniform Commercial Code or comparable law of any jurisdiction, or
restriction on sale, transfer, assignment, disposition or other
alienation.
“Materials of Environmental
Concern” means hazardous chemicals, pollutants, contaminants, wastes,
toxic substances, hazardous substances, petroleum and petroleum products,
asbestos or asbestos-containing materials or products, polychlorinated
biphenyls, lead or lead-based paints or materials, radon, toxic fungus, toxic
mold, mycotoxins or other hazardous substances that would reasonably be expected
to have an adverse effect on human health or the environment.
“Ordinary Course”
means any action taken by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries that is
consistent in nature, scope and magnitude with the past practices of the Company
or any of its Subsidiaries or is taken in the ordinary course of the normal,
day-to-day operations of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.
“OTCBB” means the Over
the Counter Bulletin Board.
“Parent or MergerSub Material
Adverse Effect” means any Effect that prevents or materially hinders
Parent or MergerSub from consummating the Merger or any of the other
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
“Persons” or “Person” means an
individual, corporation, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability
company, joint venture syndicate, person (including a “person” as defined in
Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), trust, association or entity or
government, political subdivision, agency or instrumentality of a government,
including Governmental Authorities.
“Related Party” means
any of the following: (a) a director or executive officer of the Company, (b)
any holder of more than 5% of Company Common Stock, (c) any child, stepchild,
parent, stepparent, spouse, sibling, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law,
daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law of such director, executive
officer or shareholder, and (d) any person (other than a tenant or employee)
sharing the household of such director, executive officer or
shareholder.
“Subsidiary” or “Subsidiaries” of the
Company, Parent or MergerSub or any other person means a corporation,
limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust or other entity or
organization of which: (a) such party or any other subsidiary of such party is a
general partner; (b) voting power to elect a majority of the board of
directors or others performing similar functions with respect to such
organization is held by such party or by any one or more of such party’s
subsidiaries; (c) at least 50% of the equity interests is controlled by such
party, or (d) is or would be consolidated in such party’s financial statements
pursuant to GAAP.
“Superior Proposal”
shall mean a bona fide written Acquisition Proposal made by a third party (a) on
terms which the Company Board or a duly authorized committee thereof determines
in good faith (after consultation with outside legal counsel and financial
advisors) to be more favorable to the shareholders of the Company (in their
capacity as shareholders) as compared to the transactions contemplated hereby
(after giving effect to any alternative proposed by Parent in accordance with
Section 7.03(d)), (b) the material conditions to the consummation of which are
capable of being satisfied in the reasonable judgment of the Company Board
(taking into account, among other things, all legal, financial, regulatory, and
other aspects of the proposal, including any conditions, and the identity of the
offeror and the timing and certainty of closing) and (c) in respect of which any
required financing is then committed, provided, however, that any
such Acquisition Proposal that is contingent upon such third party obtaining
financing shall be deemed not to be a Superior Proposal.
“U.S.” means the
United States.
“U.S. Dollars” and the
sign “$” shall
each mean the lawful currency of the U.S. of America.
Section
1.02 Other Defined
Terms. The
following terms have the meaning set forth in the Sections set forth
below:
Defined Term
|
|
Location of
Definition
|
|
|
|
Act
|
|
§
10.15
|
|
|
|
Agreement
|
|
Preamble
|
|
|
|
Articles
of Merger
|
|
§
2.04
|
Defined
Term
|
|
Location of
Definition
|
|
|
|
Claim
|
|
§
7.05(a)
|
|
|
|
Closing
|
|
§
2.05
|
|
|
|
Closing
Date
|
|
§
2.05
|
|
|
|
Company
|
|
Preamble
|
|
|
|
Company
Adverse Recommendation Change
|
|
§
7.03(a)
|
|
|
|
Company
Balance Sheet
|
|
§
4.07(b)
|
|
|
|
Company
Board
|
|
Recitals
|
|
|
|
Company
Closing Obligations and Expenses
|
|
§
7.10
|
|
|
|
Company
Common Stock
|
|
Recitals
|
|
|
|
Company
Financial Advisor
|
|
§4.18
|
|
|
|
Company
Financials
|
|
§4.07(b)
|
|
|
|
Company
Intellectual Property
|
|
§4.11(a)
|
|
|
|
Company
Material Contract
|
|
§4.24
|
|
|
|
Company
SEC Documents
|
|
§
4.07(a)
|
|
|
|
Company
Shareholder Approval
|
|
§
4.04
|
|
|
|
Company
Shareholders Meeting
|
|
§
7.01(a)
|
|
|
|
Company
Stock Options
|
|
§
3.01(d)
|
|
|
|
Company
Termination Fee
|
|
§
9.03(b)(ii)
|
|
|
|
D&O
Expenses
|
|
§
7.05(a)
|
|
|
|
Deposit
|
|
§
5.06(a)
|
|
|
|
Dissenting
Shares
|
|
§
3.01(c)
|
|
|
|
Dissenting
Shareholder
|
|
§
3.04(a)
|
|
|
|
Effective
Time
|
|
§
2.04
|
|
|
|
ERISA
|
|
§
4.21
|
|
|
|
Exchange
Act
|
|
§
4.05(b)
|
Defined
Term
|
|
Location of
Definition
|
|
|
|
Exchange
Fund
|
|
§
3.02(a)
|
|
|
|
FBCA
|
|
Recitals
|
|
|
|
Governmental
Authorizations
|
|
§
4.14
|
|
|
|
Governmental
Order
|
|
§
8.01(c)
|
|
|
|
Incentive
Plans
|
|
§
4.03(a)
|
|
|
|
Indemnified
Parties
|
|
§
7.05(a)
|
|
|
|
Lease
Documents
|
|
§
4.10(a)
|
|
|
|
Merger
|
|
Recitals
|
|
|
|
Merger
Recommendation
|
|
§
7.01(a)
|
|
|
|
MergerSub
|
|
Preamble
|
|
|
|
MI
61-101
|
|
§
4.05(b)
|
|
|
|
Mr.
Han
|
|
Preamble
|
|
|
|
Mr.
Han’s Shares
|
|
§
3.01(b)
|
|
|
|
Mr.
Han Termination Fee
|
|
§
9.03(c)
|
|
|
|
No
Shop Period
|
|
§
7.03(a)
|
|
|
|
Option
Merger Consideration
|
|
§
3.01(d)
|
|
|
|
Outside
Date
|
|
§
9.01(b)
|
|
|
|
Parent
|
|
Preamble
|
|
|
|
Paying
Agent and China Paying Agent
|
|
§
3.02(a)
|
|
|
|
Permits
|
|
§
4.06(a)
|
|
|
|
Permitted
Liens
|
|
§
4.10(b)
|
|
|
|
Plans
|
|
§
4.21
|
|
|
|
Proxy
Statement
|
|
§
4.05(b)
|
|
|
|
Releases
|
|
§
7.08
|
|
|
|
Representative(s)
|
|
§
7.03(a)
|
Defined
Term
|
|
Location of
Definition
|
|
|
|
Returns
|
|
§
4.09(b)
|
|
|
|
Sarbanes-Oxley
Act
|
|
§
4.07(a)
|
|
|
|
Section
16
|
|
§
7.04
|
|
|
|
Superior
Offer Termination Fee
|
|
§
9.03(b)(i)
|
|
|
|
Supporting
Agreement
|
|
§
7.12
|
|
|
|
Supporting
Shareholder
|
|
§
7.12
|
|
|
|
Surviving
Corporation
|
|
§
2.01
|
|
|
|
Tax
or Taxes
|
|
§
4.09(a)
|
|
|
|
Termination
Date
|
|
§
9.01
|
|
|
|
Transfer
Taxes
|
|
§
7.07
|
|
|
|
Unaffiliated
Shareholders
|
|
§
4.19
|
ARTICLE
II
THE
MERGER
Section
2.01 Merger.
Subject
to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, and in accordance with the FBCA,
at the Effective Time, MergerSub and the Company shall consummate the Merger
pursuant to which (i) MergerSub shall be merged with and into the Company and
the separate existence of MergerSub shall thereupon cease and (ii) the Company
shall be the surviving corporation in the Merger (“Surviving
Corporation”). The Merger shall have the effects specified in
the FBCA.
Section
2.02 Tax
Characterization. Parent,
MergerSub and the Company intend that, for U.S. federal and state income tax
purposes, the Merger shall, in the case of each holder of Company Common Stock
that receives the Company Common Stock Merger Consideration in exchange for such
holder’s Company Common Stock, be treated as a taxable purchase of Company
Common Stock.
Section
2.03 Organizational
Documents. At the Effective Time, the Company Charter shall be
amended and restated in its entirety to be identical to the articles of
incorporation of MergerSub, as in effect immediately prior to the Effective
Time, until thereafter changed or amended as provided therein or in accordance
with the FBCA and the articles of incorporation, provided however, at the
Effective Time, Article I of the articles of incorporation of the Surviving
Corporation shall be amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:
“The name of the corporation is Dragon Pharmaceutical Inc.” At the
Effective Time, the Company Bylaws shall be amended and restated in their
entirety to be identical to the Bylaws of MergerSub, as in effect immediately
prior to the Effective Time, and the name of the Bylaws will be changed to
Dragon Pharmaceutical Inc. Thereafter, the Bylaws will remain the
same until thereafter changed or amended as provided therein or in accordance
with the FBCA and as provided by the Bylaws.
Section
2.04 Effective Time.
At the Closing, MergerSub and the Company shall duly execute and file a articles
of merger, in a form that complies with the FBCA(the “Articles of Merger”),
with the Secretary of State of the State of Florida in accordance with the
FBCA. The Merger shall become effective upon such time as the
Articles of Merger has been accepted for record by the Secretary of State of the
State of Florida, or such later time which the parties hereto shall have agreed
upon and designated in such filing in accordance with the FBCA as the effective
time of the Merger but not to exceed thirty (30) days after the Articles of
Merger has been accepted for record by the Secretary of State of the State of
Florida (the “Effective
Time”).
Section
2.05
Closing. The
closing of the Merger (the “Closing”) shall occur
as promptly as practicable after all of the conditions set forth in Article VIII
(other than conditions which by their terms are required to be satisfied or
waived at the Closing) shall have been satisfied or waived by the party entitled
to the benefit of the same, and, subject to the foregoing, shall take place at
such time and on a date to be specified by the parties (the “Closing
Date”). The Closing shall take place at the offices of Lang
Michener, 1055 West Georgia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 4N7, or at such
other place as agreed to by the parties hereto; provided, however, the parties
agree that they will endeavor to close the transaction, to the extent reasonably
practicable, by facsimile, electronic document and funds transfer, courier and
similar modes of communication without the necessity of personal attendance of
the parties’ respective signatories and representatives.
Section
2.06
Directors and Officers
of Surviving Corporation. The directors and officers of
MergerSub immediately prior to the Effective Time, shall be the initial
directors and officers, respectively, of Surviving Corporation, each to hold
office in accordance with the terms of the articles of incorporation and bylaws
of Surviving Corporation and the FBCA. All directors and
executive officers of the Company serving as such immediately prior to the
Effective Time shall resign.
Section
2.07 Further
Assurances. If at any time after the Effective Time the
Surviving Corporation shall consider or be advised that any deeds, bills of
sale, assignments or assurances or any other acts or things are necessary,
desirable or proper (a) to vest, perfect or confirm, of record or otherwise, in
the Surviving Corporation its right, title or interest in, to or under any of
the rights, privileges, powers, franchises, properties or assets of either
MergerSub or the Company, or (b) otherwise to carry out the purposes of this
Agreement, the Surviving Corporation and its proper officers and directors or
their designees shall be authorized to execute and deliver, in the name and on
behalf of either of the MergerSub and the Company, all such deeds, bills of
sale, assignments and assurances and to do, in the name and on behalf of either
MergerSub or the Company, all such other acts and things as may be necessary,
desirable or proper to vest, perfect or confirm the Surviving Corporation’s
right, title or interest in, to or under any of the rights, privileges, powers,
franchises, properties or assets of MergerSub or the Company and otherwise to
carry out the purposes of this Agreement.
ARTICLE
III
EFFECTS
OF THE MERGER
Section
3.01 Effects on
Shares. As of the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and
without any further action on the part of the holders of Company Common Stock or
holders of any shares of stock of MergerSub:
(a) Each
share of the stock of MergerSub issued and outstanding immediately prior to the
Effective Time shall be cancelled and shall be converted automatically into the
right to receive one duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and
nonassessable share of common stock, $0.001 par value per share, of
Surviving Corporation, so that, after the Effective Time, Parent and Mr. Han
shall be the only holders of all of the issued and outstanding common stock of
Surviving Corporation.
(b) Each
share of Company Common Stock that is owned by Mr. Han immediately prior to the
Effective Time (“Mr.
Han’s Shares”) shall, remain issued and outstanding and treated as issued
and outstanding shares of common stock of the Surviving Corporation after the
Effective Time.
(c) Each
share of Company Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the
Effective Time (other than (i) shares that are owned by shareholders who have
perfected and not withdrawn a demand for appraisal rights pursuant to Sections
607.1301 to 607.1333 of the FBCA (“Dissenting Shares”)
and (ii) Mr. Han’s Shares, which shall remain issued and outstanding and
unaffected by the Merger), shall automatically be converted into, and canceled
in exchange for, the right to receive the Company Common Stock Merger
Consideration. At any time prior to the date of the Company
Shareholder Meeting, Parent, may, in its sole and absolute discretion, increase
the Company Common Stock Merger Consideration without the consent of the
Company.
(d) The
Company shall take all necessary and appropriate actions so that, at the
Effective Time, each outstanding qualified or nonqualified option to purchase
Company Common Stock (“Company Stock
Options”) under the Company’s 2001 Stock Option Plan and 2005 Stock
Option Plan or any other employee share option or compensation plan, agreement
or arrangement of the Company shall become fully exercisable and
vested; and shall be canceled and only entitle the holder thereof to
receive, as soon as reasonably practicable after the Effective Time, a cash
payment, less any applicable withholding taxes, equal to the product of (i) the
number of shares of Company Common Stock subject to such Company Stock Option
immediately prior to the Effective Time, to the extent such Company Stock Option
is vested and exercisable, and (ii) the excess, if any, of the Company
Common Stock Merger Consideration over the exercise price per share of such
Company Stock Option (the “Option Merger
Consideration”). The Company shall take all necessary
and appropriate actions so that all Company Stock Options with an exercise price
per share of Company Common Stock that is equal to or greater than the Company
Common Stock Merger Consideration, shall be canceled at the Effective Time
without any cash payment being made in respect thereof and without any other
consideration.
(e) At
the Effective Time, all Company Common Stock (other than Dissenting Shares and
Mr. Han’s Shares) shall no longer be outstanding and shall automatically be
canceled and retired and shall cease to exist, and each holder of a Certificate
shall cease to have any rights with respect thereto, except the right to receive
the Company Common Stock Merger Consideration (without interest) to be paid in
consideration therefor upon the surrender of such Certificates in
accordance with Section 3.02.
Section
3.02 Exchange of Certificates;
Paying Agents.
(a) Paying
Agents. Prior to the Effective Time, Parent shall appoint
Computershare Trust Company of Canada (Vancouver), 3rd Floor,
510 Burrard, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6C 3B9 to act as Exchange and
Paying Agent (the “Paying Agent”) for
the payment or exchange, as applicable, in accordance with this Article III, of
the Company Common Stock Merger Consideration and the Option Merger
Consideration (collectively, such cash being referred to as the “Exchange Fund”) for
shareholders or option holders residing outside of China. In
addition, Parent, prior to the Effective Time and with the approval of the
Company which will not be unreasonably withheld, will appoint a paying agent
(“China Paying
Agent”) for the payment or exchange, as applicable, of the Company Common
Stock Merger Consideration and the Option Merger Consideration for shareholders
or option holders residing inside of China. The Company Common Stock
Merger Consideration and the Option Merger Consideration may be paid in RMB to
holders of the Company’s Common Stock or Stock Options residing in
China. The Company Common Stock Merger Consideration and Option
Merger Consideration to be paid in RMB shall be computed by multiplying such
amount by the U.S.–dollar foreign–exchange rate as reported in the Wall Street
Journal as of the business day immediately preceding the Effective
Time. The Paying Agent and China Paying Agent shall coordinate their
respective activities hereunder. On or before the Effective Time,
Parent shall deposit with the Paying Agent and China Paying Agent the Company
Common Stock Merger Consideration and the Option Merger Consideration for the
benefit of the holders of Company Common Stock and Company Stock
Options. Parent shall cause the Paying Agent and China Paying Agent
to make, and the Paying Agent and China Paying Agent shall make payments of the
Company Common Stock Merger Consideration and the Option Merger Consideration
out of the Exchange Fund in accordance with this Agreement and the Articles of
Merger. The Exchange Fund shall not be used for any other
purpose. Any and all interest earned on cash deposited in the
Exchange Fund shall be paid to Surviving Corporation.
(b) Transfer
Books. At the Effective Time, the share transfer books of the
Company shall be closed and thereafter there shall be no further registration of
transfers of Company Common Stock. From and after the Effective Time,
persons who held Company Common Stock immediately prior to the Effective Time
(with the exception the holder(s) of Mr. Han’s Shares) shall cease to have
rights with respect to such shares, except as otherwise provided for
herein. On or after the Effective Time, any Certificates of the
Company presented to the Paying Agent, China Paying Agent, Surviving Corporation
or the transfer agent for any reason shall be exchanged for the Company Common
Stock Merger Consideration with respect to the Company Common Stock formerly
represented thereby.
(c) Procedures for
Certificates. Promptly after the Effective Time (but in any
event within five (5) Business Days), Surviving Corporation shall cause the
Paying Agent or China Paying Agent to mail to each person who immediately prior
to the Effective Time held shares of Company Common Stock that were converted
into the right to receive the Company Common Stock Merger Consideration pursuant
to Section 3.01: (i) a letter of transmittal (which shall specify
that delivery of Certificates shall be effected, and risk of loss and title to
the Certificates shall pass to the Paying Agent, only upon delivery of the
Certificates to the Paying Agent, and which letter shall be in such form and
have such other provisions as Parent may reasonably specify); and (ii)
instructions for use in effecting the surrender of the holder’s Certificates in
exchange for the Company Common Stock Merger Consideration to which the holder
thereof is entitled. Upon surrender of a Certificate for cancellation
to the Paying Agent or to such other agent or agents reasonably satisfactory to
the Company as may be appointed by Surviving Corporation, together with such
letter of transmittal, duly executed and completed in accordance with the
instructions thereto, and such other documents as may reasonably be required by
the Paying Agent, the holder of such Certificate shall receive in exchange
therefor the Company Common Stock Merger Consideration payable in respect of the
Company Common Stock, previously represented by such Certificate pursuant to the
provisions of this Article III, and the Certificate so surrendered shall
forthwith be canceled. In the event of a transfer of ownership of
Company Common Stock that is not registered in the transfer records of the
Company, payment may be made to a person other than the person in whose name the
Certificate so surrendered is registered, if such Certificate shall be properly
endorsed, or accompanied by appropriate stock powers (with signatures guaranteed
in accordance with the transmittal letter) or otherwise be in proper form for
transfer and the person requesting such payment shall pay any transfer or other
Taxes required by reason of the payment to a person other than the registered
holder of such Certificate or establish to the satisfaction of Parent that such
Tax has been paid or is not applicable. Until surrendered as
contemplated by this Section 3.02, each Certificate shall be deemed at any time
after the Effective Time to represent only the right to receive, upon such
surrender, the Company Common Stock Merger Consideration as contemplated by this
Section 3.02. No interest shall be paid or accrue on the Company
Common Stock Merger Consideration.
(d) Further Ownership Rights in
Company Common Stock or Company Stock Options. At the
Effective Time, with the exception of the holder of Mr. Han’s Shares whose
shares shall remain issued and outstanding and unaffected by the Merger, holders
of Company Common Stock shall cease to be, and shall have no rights as,
shareholders of the Company other than the right to receive the Company Common
Stock Merger Consideration provided under this Article III. The
Company Common Stock Merger Consideration paid upon the surrender for exchange
of Certificates representing Company Common Stock in accordance with the terms
of this Article III shall be deemed to have been paid in full satisfaction
of all rights and privileges pertaining to the Company Common Stock exchanged
theretofore and represented by such Certificates. The Option Merger
Consideration paid with respect to Company Stock Options in accordance with the
terms of this Article III shall be deemed to have been paid in full satisfaction
of all rights and privileges pertaining to the canceled Company Stock Options,
and on and after the Effective Time the holder of a Company Stock Option shall
have no further rights with respect to any Company Stock Option, other than the
right to receive the Option Merger Consideration as provided in Section
3.01(d).
(e) Termination of Exchange
Fund. Any portion of the Exchange Fund which remains
undistributed to the holders of Company Common Stock or Company Stock Options
for twelve (12) months after the Effective Time shall be delivered to Surviving
Corporation, and any holders of Company Common Stock or Company Stock Options
prior to the Merger who have not theretofore complied with this Article III
shall thereafter look only to Surviving Corporation for payment of the Company
Common Stock Merger Consideration or the Option Merger Consideration, as
applicable. Any portion of the Exchange Fund that remains unclaimed
and undistributed for five years after the Effective Time, will become the
property of the Surviving Corporation and holders of Company Common Stock or
Company Stock Options who might otherwise be entitled to any portion of the
Exchange Fund will lose all rights to the fund.
(f) No
Liability. None of Parent, MergerSub, Surviving Corporation,
the Company or the Paying Agent, China Paying Agent, or none of their respective
employees, officers, directors, shareholders, partners, members, agents or
Affiliates, shall be liable to any person in respect of the Company Common Stock
Merger Consideration or the Option Merger Consideration, if the Exchange Fund
has been delivered to a public official pursuant to any applicable abandoned
property, escheat or similar Law.
(g) Investment of Exchange
Fund. With respect to the cash included in the Exchange Fund,
the Paying Agent shall, as directed by Surviving Corporation from time to time
invest such cash (A) in short-term obligations of, or short-term obligations
fully guaranteed as to principal and interest by, the U.S. government or in
commercial paper obligations rated A-1 or P-1 or better by Moody’s Investors
Service, Inc. or Standard & Poor’s Corporation, respectively, or in
certificates of deposit, bank repurchase agreements or banker’s acceptances of
commercial banks with capital exceeding $1 billion (based on the most recent
financial statements of such bank which are then publicly available); and (B) in
investments that shall have maturities that will not prevent or delay payments
to be made pursuant to this Section 3.02. Any net profit resulting
from, or interest or income produced by, such investments shall be placed in the
Exchange Fund. To the extent that there are losses with respect to
such investments, or the Exchange Fund diminishes for other reasons below the
level required to make prompt payments of the Company Common Stock Merger
Consideration or the Option Merger Consideration as contemplated hereby, Parent
or Surviving Corporation shall promptly replace or restore the portion of the
Exchange Fund lost through investments or other events so as to ensure that the
Exchange Fund is, at all times, maintained at a level sufficient to make all
such payments in full.
(h) Lost
Certificates. If any Certificate shall have been lost, stolen
or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person
claiming such Certificate to be lost, stolen or destroyed and, if required by
Surviving Corporation or the Paying Agent, the posting by such person of a bond
in such amount as Surviving Corporation or the Paying Agent reasonably may
direct as indemnity against any claim that may be made against it with respect
to such certificate, the Paying Agent will issue in exchange for such lost,
stolen or destroyed Certificate the Company Common Stock Merger Consideration
payable in respect thereof pursuant to this Agreement.
Section
3.03
Withholding
Rights. Parent, Surviving Corporation or the Paying Agent, as
applicable, shall be entitled to deduct and withhold from the consideration
otherwise payable pursuant to this Agreement to any holder of Company Common
Stock or Company Stock Options such amounts as it is required to deduct and
withhold with respect to the making of such payment under the Code, and the
rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, or any provision of state, local
or foreign tax law. To the extent that amounts are so withheld by
Surviving Corporation or the Paying Agent, as applicable, such withheld amounts
shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having been paid to the
holder of Company Common Stock or Company Stock Options in respect of which such
deduction and withholding was made by Parent, Surviving Corporation or the
Paying Agent, as applicable.
Section
3.04 Dissenters’
Shares.
(a) No
holder of Company Common Stock that has perfected a demand for appraisal rights
with respect to its Company Common Stock pursuant to Sections 607.1301 to
607.1333 of the FBCA (a “Dissenting
Shareholder”) shall be entitled to receive the Company Common Stock
Merger Consideration with respect to the Company Common Shares owned by such
Dissenting Shareholder unless and until such Dissenting Shareholder shall have
effectively withdrawn or lost such Dissenting Shareholder’s right to appraisal
under the FBCA. Each Dissenting Shareholder shall be entitled to receive only
the payment provided by Sections 607.1301 to 607.1333 of the FBCA with respect
to Dissenting Shares. Any portion of the Company Common Stock Merger
Consideration made available to the Paying Agent pursuant to Section 3.02 to pay
for shares of Company Common Stock for which appraisal rights have been
perfected shall be returned to Parent upon demand.
(b) Notwithstanding
the provisions of this Section 3.04, if any holder of Company Common Stock who
asserts appraisal rights shall effectively withdraw or lose (through failure to
perfect or otherwise) its rights of appraisal, then, as of the later of the
Effective Time and the occurrence of such event, such holder’s shares of Company
Common Stock shall no longer be Dissenting Shares and shall automatically be
converted into and represent only the right to receive the Company Common Stock
Merger Consideration, without any interest thereon and less any required
withholding Taxes.
(c) The
Company shall give Parent (i) prompt notice upon receipt by the Company of any
written demands for appraisal, attempted withdrawals of such demands, any other
instruments served pursuant to applicable Law that are received by the Company
relating to shareholders’ rights of appraisal and (ii) the opportunity to direct
all negotiations and proceedings with respect to any demand for appraisal under
the FBCA. The Company shall not, except with the prior written consent of
Parent, voluntarily make any payment with respect to any demands for appraisal
of Dissenting Shares, offer to settle or settle any such demands or approve any
withdrawal of any such demands.
ARTICLE
IV
REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY
Except as
set forth in the Disclosure Schedule, if any, and the Company SEC Documents, the
Company hereby represents and warrants to Parent and MergerSub as
follows:
Section
4.01 Organization and
Qualification; Subsidiaries; Authority.
(a) The
Company is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in the State of
Florida, and
(b) Each
of the Subsidiaries has the requisite corporate, limited partnership, limited
liability company or similar power and authority to carry on its business as it
is now being conducted, except where the failure to have such power and
authority would not, individually or in the aggregate, be reasonably expected to
have a Company Material Adverse Effect. Each of the Subsidiaries is
duly qualified or licensed to do business, and is in good standing (to the
extent applicable), in each jurisdiction where the character of the properties
owned, leased or operated by it or the conduct or nature of its business makes
such qualification or licensing necessary, except for jurisdictions in which the
failure to be so qualified, licensed or in good standing would not, individually
or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse
Effect. The Company owns, directly or indirectly, all of the
outstanding capital stock and equity interests of its Subsidiaries.
Section
4.02 Organizational
Documents. The Company has previously provided or made
available complete copies of the Company Charter and the Company Bylaws (and in
each case, all amendments thereto) and all such documents, are in full force and
effect and no dissolution by the Company or any of the Company’s Subsidiaries,
revocation or forfeiture proceedings regarding the Company or any of the
Company’s Subsidiaries have been commenced. The Company is not in
default or violation (and no event has occurred which, with notice or the lapse
of time or both, would constitute a default or violation) of any term, condition
or provision of the Company Charter or Company Bylaws and each of the Company’s
Subsidiaries is not in default or violation (and no event has occurred which,
with notice or the lapse of time or both, would constitute a default or
violation) of any term, condition or provision of its charter, bylaws or other
organizational documents which individually or in the aggregate would reasonably
be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect.
Section
4.03 Capitalization.
(a) The
authorized shares of stock of the Company consist of 200,000,000 shares of
Company Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share, of the Company. As
of the date hereof, (i) 67,066,418 shares of Company Common Stock were issued
and outstanding (excluding shares of Company Common Stock held by the Company in
its treasury), (ii) 15,000,000 shares of Company Common Stock have been reserved
for issuance pursuant to the 2001 Stock Option Plan and the 2005 Stock Option
Plan (“Incentive
Plans”), and (iii) Company Stock Options entitling the owners thereof to
purchase 7,960,000 shares of Company Common Stock were
outstanding. As of the date of this Agreement, the Company had no
Company Common Stock, or any other securities reserved for issuance or required
to be reserved for issuance other than as described above. All such
issued and outstanding shares of the Company and its Subsidiaries are, and all
shares subject to issuance as specified above, upon issuance on the terms and
conditions specified in the instruments pursuant to which they are issuable,
will be, when issued, duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid, nonassessable
and free of any preemptive rights purchase option, call option, right of first
refusal, subscription agreement, or any other similar right under the Company
Charter, the Company Bylaws or any agreement to which the Company is party or by
which it is bound.
(b) Except
for the Company Stock Options, there are no existing options, warrants, calls,
subscription rights, exercisable, convertible or exchangeable securities or
other rights, agreements or commitments (contingent or otherwise) that obligate
the Company to issue, transfer or sell any Company Common Stock or any
investment that is convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for any such
shares.
(c) The
Company has not issued any share appreciation rights, dividend equivalent
rights, performance awards, restricted stock unit awards or “phantom”
shares.
(d) There
are no agreements or understandings to which the Company is a party with respect
to the voting of any securities of the Company or which restrict the transfer of
any such shares, nor does the Company have knowledge of any third party
agreements or understandings with respect to the voting of any such shares or
which restrict the transfer of such shares.
Section
4.04 Authority; Validity and
Effect of Agreements. The Company has all necessary corporate
power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and all documents and
agreements contemplated by this Agreement, to perform its obligations under this
Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement. The execution, delivery and performance by the Company of
this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary corporate
action on behalf of the Company. No other corporate proceedings on
the part of the Company are necessary to authorize this Agreement or to
consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement other than (i) the
Company’s Shareholder Meeting, (ii) the vote of at least a majority of the
outstanding shares of Company Common Stock entitled to vote for the approval and
adoption of this Agreement (the “Company Shareholder
Approval”) and (iii) the filing and recordation of appropriate merger
documents as required by the FBCA. This Agreement has been duly and
validly executed and delivered by the Company and, assuming the due
authorization, execution and delivery by each of Parent and
MergerSub, constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company,
enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, except as
enforceability may be limited by the Enforceability Exceptions.
Section
4.05 No Conflict; Required
Filings and Consents.
(a) Subject
to the receipt of the Company Shareholder Approval, the execution and delivery
by the Company of this Agreement and all documents and agreements contemplated
by this Agreement, including the Merger, do not, and the performance of its
obligations hereunder and thereunder will not, (i) conflict with or violate the
Company Charter or the Company Bylaws, or (ii) assuming that all consents,
approvals, authorizations and other actions described in this Section 4.05 have
been obtained and all filings and obligations described in this Section 4.05
have been made, conflict with or violate any Law applicable to the Company or
any of its Subsidiaries or by which any property or asset of the Company or any
of its Subsidiaries, is bound.
(b) The
execution and delivery by the Company of this Agreement does not, and the
performance of its obligations hereunder will not, require any consent,
approval, authorization or permit of, or filing with or notification to, any
Governmental Authority, except (i) for (A) applicable requirements, if any,
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), (B)
applicable requirements, if any, of the Toronto Stock Exchange, (C) compliance
with Multilateral Instrument 61-101 (“MI 61-101”) of the
Canadian Securities Administrators, unless exempted, (D) the filing with the SEC
of a proxy statement (as amended or supplemented from time to time the “Proxy Statement”),
and other written communications that may be deemed “soliciting materials” under
Rule 14a-12, (E) the filing with the SEC of Schedule 13E-3 and amendments
thereto, (F) the filing of the Articles of Merger with, and the acceptance for
record thereof by, and the Secretary of State of the State of Florida, and (G)
other filings as may be required in connection with state or local transfer
Taxes, and (ii) where the failure to obtain such consents, approvals,
authorizations or permits, or to make such filings or notifications would not,
individually or in the aggregate, (A) prevent or materially delay consummation
of the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement or (B)
reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(c) As
of the date hereof, the Company Board, at a meeting duly called and held at
which a quorum of the directors of the Company Board were present in person or
by telephone in compliance with the applicable provisions of the FBCA and the
Company Bylaws, duly adopted resolutions (i) declaring that this Agreement and
the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Merger, are advisable and in
the best interest of the Company and its shareholders, (ii) adopting and
approving this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including the
Merger, in accordance the requirements of the FBCA, and (iii) subject to the
terms and conditions set forth herein, recommending approval and adoption of
this Agreement and the Merger by its shareholders, (iv) taking all corporate
action required to be taken by the Company Board to authorize and approve the
consummation of the Merger and the transactions contemplated hereby, and (v)
electing, to the extent permitted by applicable Laws, to make inapplicable all
state takeover laws or similar Laws, to the extent they might otherwise apply to
the execution, delivery, performance or consummation of this Agreement or the
transactions contemplated hereby, and none of the aforesaid actions by the
Company Board has been amended, rescinded or modified as of the date
hereof. No further corporate action is required by the Company Board
in order for the Company to approve this Agreement or the transactions
contemplated hereby, including the Merger.
Section
4.06 Permits; Compliance with
Laws.
(a) The
Company and its Subsidiaries are in possession of all material franchises,
grants, authorizations, licenses, permits, consents, certificates, approvals and
orders of any Governmental Authority necessary for them to carry on their
business as it is now being conducted (collectively, the “Permits”).
(b) Neither
the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is in conflict with, or in default,
breach or violation of, (i) any Laws applicable to the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries, or by which any property or asset of the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries is bound, or (ii) any Permit, in either case which individually or
in the aggregate would reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse
Effect.
Section
4.07 SEC Filings; Financial
Statements
(a) SEC
Filings. The Company has timely filed or furnished all forms,
reports, schedules, registration statements, proxy statements and other
documents (including all exhibits, schedules and supplements) required to be
filed or furnished by it with the SEC since December 31, 2008 (the “Company SEC
Documents”). Except as set forth in Section 4.07(a) of the
Disclosure Schedule, the Company SEC Documents, each as amended prior to the
date hereof, (i) have been prepared in all material respects in accordance and
compliance with the requirements of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, as
the case may be, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, except
for such non-compliance as would not reasonably be expected to have a Company
Material Adverse Effect, and (ii) did not, when filed or as amended prior to the
date hereof, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a
material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the
statements made therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were
made, not misleading. To the Knowledge of the Company, as of the
date hereof, none of the Company SEC Documents are the subject of ongoing SEC
review or outstanding SEC comment. Each of the principal executive officer of
the Company and the principal financial officer of the Company (or each former
principal executive officer of the Company and each former principal financial
officer of the Company, as applicable) has made all certifications required by
Rule 13a-14 or Rule 15d-14 under the Exchange Act or Sections 302 and 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the related rules and regulations promulgated
under such Act (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”)
with respect to the Company SEC Documents. For purposes of the preceding
sentence, “principal executive officer” and “principal financial officer” shall
have the meanings given to such terms in the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act.
(b) Financial
Statements. Each of the consolidated financial statements
(including, in each case, any related notes thereto) contained in the Company
SEC Documents (the “Company
Financials”): (i) complied as to form in all material respects
with the published rules and regulations of the SEC with respect thereto, (ii)
was prepared in accordance with GAAP applied on a consistent basis throughout
the periods involved (except as may be indicated in the notes thereto or, in the
case of unaudited interim financial statements, as may be permitted by the SEC
on Form 10-Q, Form 8-K or any successor form under the Exchange Act) and (iii)
fairly and accurately presented in all material respects the consolidated
financial position of the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries as at the
respective dates thereof and the consolidated results of the Company’s
operations and cash flows for the periods indicated. The Company does
not intend to correct or restate, and to the Knowledge of the Company, there is
not any basis to correct or restate, any of the Company
Financials. The consolidated balance sheet of the Company and
its consolidated subsidiaries as of September 30, 2009 contained in the Company
SEC Documents is hereinafter referred to as the “Company Balance
Sheet.” Except as disclosed in the Company Financials or set
forth in Section 4.07(b) of the Disclosure Schedule, since the date of the
Company Balance Sheet, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has any
liabilities (absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise) of a nature required to
be disclosed on a consolidated balance sheet or in the related notes to the
consolidated financial statement prepared in accordance with GAAP, except for
(i) liabilities incurred since the date of the Company Balance Sheet in the
Ordinary Course and (ii) liabilities incurred in connection with this Agreement
or the transactions contemplated hereby. The Company has not had any
dispute with any of its auditors regarding material accounting matters or
policies during any of its past two fiscal years or during the current fiscal
year-to-date.
Section
4.08 Absence of Certain Changes
or Events. Other than as set forth in the Company SEC
Documents, since the date of the Company Balance Sheet through the date hereof,
there has not been, accrued or arisen:
(a) any
Company Material Adverse Effect;
(b) any
declaration, setting aside or payment of any dividend on, or other distribution
(whether in cash, stock or property) in respect of, any of the Company’s or any
of its Subsidiaries’ capital stock, or any purchase, redemption or other
acquisition by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries of any of the Company’s or
any of its Subsidiaries’ capital stock or any other securities of the Company or
any options, warrants, calls or rights to acquire any such shares or other
securities except for repurchases from Employees following their termination
pursuant to the terms of their pre-existing agreements;
(c) any
split, combination or reclassification of any of the Company’s or any of its
Subsidiaries’ capital stock;
(d) any
granting by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, whether orally or in
writing, of any material increase in compensation or fringe benefits payable (i)
to officers or senior management of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or
(ii) to any non-officer and non-senior management employees of the Company or
any of its Subsidiaries other than in the Ordinary Course or any amendment,
modification or waiver of any provisions of any benefit plan or policy of
the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (or the adoption of any new benefit plan
or policy by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries);
(e) any
change by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries of severance, termination or
bonus policies and practices (excluding sales commissions) or any entry by the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries into any currently effective employment,
severance, termination or indemnification agreement or any agreement the
benefits of which are contingent or the terms of which are materially
altered upon the occurrence of a transaction involving the Company of the nature
contemplated hereby (either alone or upon the occurrence of additional or
subsequent events);
(f) any
adoption of a plan of complete or partial liquidation or dissolution or adoption
of resolutions providing for or authorizing such liquidation or dissolution;
or
(g) any
material change by the Company in its accounting methods, principles or
practices, except as required by concurrent changes in GAAP.
Section
4.09 Taxes.
(a) Definition of
Taxes. For the purposes of this Agreement, “Tax” or “Taxes” shall mean (i)
any and all federal, state, local, provincial and foreign taxes, assessments and
other governmental charges, duties, impositions and liabilities relating to
taxes, including taxes based upon or measured by gross receipts, income,
profits, sales, use and occupation, and value added, ad valorem, transfer,
franchise, withholding, payroll, recapture, employment, excise and property
taxes as well as public imposts, fees and social security charges (including
health, unemployment, workers’ compensation and pension insurance), together
with all interest, penalties and additions imposed with respect to such amounts
and any obligations under any agreements or arrangements with any other person
with respect to such amounts and including any liability for taxes of a
predecessor entity, (ii) any liability for the payment of any amounts of
the type described in clause (i) of this Section 4.09(a) as a result
of being a member of an affiliated, consolidated, combined or unitary group for
any period (including any arrangement for group or consortium Tax relief or
similar arrangement) and (iii) any liability for the payment of any amounts of
the type described in clauses (i) or (ii) of this Section 4.09(a) as a
result of any express or implied obligation to indemnify any other person or as
a result of any obligation under any agreement or arrangement or otherwise
obligated to make any payment determined by reference to the Tax liability of a
third party.
(b) Tax Returns and
Audits.
(1) The
Company and each of its Subsidiaries have (a) timely filed or caused to be
filed all federal, state, local and foreign returns, estimates, information
statements and reports (“Returns”) relating to
Taxes concerning or attributable to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, and
such Returns are true, correct, and complete in all material respects and have
been completed in accordance with applicable Laws and (b) timely paid or
withheld (and timely paid over any withheld amounts to the appropriate
Governmental Authority) all Taxes required to be paid or withheld whether or not
shown as due on any Return. To the Knowledge of the Company, no claim
has ever been asserted in writing by any Governmental Authority to the Company
or any of its Subsidiaries in a jurisdiction where the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries does not file a Tax Return that the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries is or may be subject to taxation by that jurisdiction which has
resulted or would reasonably be expected to result in an obligation to pay
material Taxes. Except as set forth in Section 4.09(b) of the
Disclosure Schedule, there are no liens for material Taxes (other than Taxes not
yet due and payable) upon any of the assets of the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries.
(2) Neither
the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has any Tax deficiency outstanding,
assessed or proposed against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, nor has the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries executed any waiver of any statute of
limitations on or extending the period for the assessment or collection of any
Tax.
(3) No
audit or other examination of any Return of the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries is presently in progress, nor has the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries been notified in writing of any request for such an audit or other
examination.
(4) No
adjustment relating to any Return filed by the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries has been proposed by any Tax authority to the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries or any representative thereof that remains unpaid.
Section
4.10 Title to
Property.
(a) Properties. Except
as disclosed in the Company SEC Documents, neither the Company nor any of its
Subsidiaries owns any real property. All real property leases (“Lease Documents”) are
in full force and effect, are valid and effective in accordance with their
respective terms, and there is not, under any of the Lease Documents, any
existing breach, default or event of default (or event which with notice or
lapse of time, or both, would constitute a default) by the Company or its
Subsidiaries or, to the Knowledge of the Company, and third Person under any of
the Lease Documents, in each case subject to the Enforceability
Exceptions.
(b) Valid
Title. The Company and each of its Subsidiaries have good and
valid title to, or, in the case of leased properties and assets, valid leasehold
interests in, all of their material tangible properties and assets, real,
personal and mixed, reflected in the latest Company Financials included in the
Company SEC Documents, free and clear of any Liens except (i) as reflected
in the Company Balance Sheet, (ii) (A) statutory liens for Taxes or other
payments that are not yet due and payable; (B) statutory liens to secure
obligations to landlords, lessors or renters under leases or rental agreements;
(C) deposits or pledges made in connection with, or to secure payment of,
workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance or similar programs mandated by
applicable Laws; (D) statutory liens in favor of carriers, warehousemen,
mechanics and materialmen, to secure claims for labor, materials or supplies and
other like liens; and (E) statutory purchase money liens (clauses (A), (B), (C)
and (D) collectively, the “Permitted Liens”) and
(iii) such imperfections of title and encumbrances, if any, which do not
materially impair the continued use of the properties or assets subject thereto
or affected thereby, or otherwise materially impair business operations at such
properties.
Section
4.11 Intellectual
Property.
(a) To
the Knowledge of the Company, the Company or its Subsidiaries own, and/or are
licensed or otherwise possess rights to use the entire right, title and interest
to: (i) all patents and patent applications existing, trademarks and service
marks (registered or unregistered), trade dress, trade names and other names and
slogans embodying business goodwill or indications of origin, all applications
or registrations in any jurisdiction pertaining to the foregoing and all
goodwill associated therewith; (ii) inventions, technology, computer programs
and software; (iii) trade secrets, including confidential and other non-public
information; (iv) writings, designs, copyrights, software programs, mask works
or other works, applications or registrations in any jurisdiction for the
foregoing and all moral rights related thereto; (v) databases and all database
rights; (vi) internet websites, domain names and applications and registrations
pertaining thereto; and (vii) other intellectual property rights (collectively,
“Company Intellectual
Property”), that are used in the businesses of the Company and its
Subsidiaries as currently conducted.
(b) To
the Knowledge of the Company, there are no infringements of any Company
Intellectual Property by any third party and the conduct of the businesses of
the Company and its Subsidiaries as currently conducted does not infringe in any
material respect any proprietary right of a third party. There are no actions
pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened that assert the
invalidity, misuse, infringement or unenforceability of any of the Company
Intellectual Property.
Section
4.12 Proxy
Statement. None of the information to be supplied by the
Company for inclusion or incorporation by reference in the Proxy Statement will,
(i) at the time of filing the Proxy Statement with the SEC, (ii) at the time of
mailing the Proxy Statement, (iii) at the time of the Company Shareholders’
Meeting, or (iv) at the Effective Time, contain any untrue statement of a
material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein
or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the
circumstances under which they are made, not misleading. If at any time prior to
the Effective Time any event with respect to the Company, its officers and
directors or any of its Subsidiaries shall occur that is required to be
described in the Proxy Statement such event shall be so described, and an
appropriate amendment or supplement shall be promptly filed with the SEC and, as
required by law, disseminated to the shareholders of Company. The
Proxy Statement will comply as to form in all material respects with the
provisions of the Exchange Act.
Section
4.13 Restriction on Business
Activities. Except as set forth in the Company’s SEC
Documents, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is party to or bound
by any Company Material Contract containing any covenant limiting in any
material respect the right of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to make use
of any material Company Intellectual Property.
Section
4.14 Governmental
Authorizations. Except as would not, individually or in the
aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect,
each consent, license, permit, grant or other authorization (i) pursuant to
which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries currently operates or holds any
material interest in any of their respective properties or (ii) which is
required for the operation of the Company’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ business
as currently conducted or the holding of any such interest (“Governmental
Authorizations”) has been issued or granted to the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries, as the case may be, and are in full force and
effect. As of the date hereof, neither the Company nor any of its
Subsidiaries has received any written notification from a Governmental Authority
regarding any pending suspension or cancellation of any of the Governmental
Authorizations and, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened suspension or
cancellation.
Section
4.15 Litigation. Except
as set forth in the Company SEC Documents, there is (i) no material action,
suit, claim or proceeding pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company,
threatened against the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any of their
respective properties (tangible or intangible), or (ii) no investigation or
other proceeding pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened against
the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective properties
(tangible or intangible) by or before any Governmental Authority.
There is no material action, suit, proceeding, arbitration or, to the Knowledge
of the Company, investigation involving the Company, which the Company presently
intends to initiate.
Section
4.16 Compliance with
Laws. Neither the Company nor any of its
Subsidiaries is in violation or default of any Laws applicable to the Company or
any of its Subsidiaries or by which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is
bound or any of their respective properties is bound or affected, other than
such violations or defaults that individually or in the aggregate would not
reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse
Effect. There is no agreement, judgment, injunction, order or decree
binding upon the Company or any of its Subsidiaries which has the effect of
prohibiting or impairing any business practice of the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries in such a way individually or in the aggregate would reasonably be
expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect.
Section
4.17 Environmental
Matters.
(a) Environmental
Compliance. Except as would not, individually or in the
aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect, the
Company and its Subsidiaries are in compliance with the Environmental Laws,
which compliance includes, but is not limited to, the possession by the Company
and its Subsidiaries of all permits and other governmental authorizations
required under the Environmental Laws, and compliance with the terms and
conditions thereof. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries
have received any written communication, whether from a Governmental Authority,
citizens group, employee or otherwise, that alleges that the Company or any of
its Subsidiaries are not in such compliance.
(b) Environmental
Liabilities. Except as would not, individually or in the
aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect,
there is no Environmental Claim pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company,
threatened against the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or against any Person
whose liability for any Environmental Claim the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries have contractually retained or assumed. In addition,
there has been no past or present release, emission, discharge, presence or
disposal of any Material of Environmental Concern, that would reasonably be
expected to form the basis of any material Environmental Claim against the
Company, any of its Subsidiaries or against any Person whose liability for any
Environmental Claim the Company or any of its Subsidiaries have contractually
retained or assumed, or otherwise result in any material costs or
liabilities under Environmental Law.
Section
4.18 Brokers’ and Finders’
Fees. No broker, finder or investment banker or other Person
(other than the fee payable to Canaccord Adams ( the “Company Financial
Advisor”)) is entitled to any brokerage, finder’s or any similar charges
in connection with this Agreement or any transaction contemplated hereby, nor
has the Company or any of its Subsidiaries entered into any indemnification
agreement or arrangement with any Person specifically in connection with this
Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.
Section
4.19 Opinion of Company Financial
Advisor. The Special Committee of the Company Board has
received an opinion of the Company Financial Advisor, to the effect that, as of
the date of such opinion, and subject to various assumptions, qualifications and
limitations, the Company Common Stock Merger Consideration to be received by the
holders of Company Common Stock other than Parent, MergerSub, Mr.
Han and their respective affiliates (the “Unaffiliated
Shareholders”) in the Merger pursuant to this Agreement is fair, from a
financial point of view, to the Unaffiliated Shareholders. A complete
copy of the Company Financial Advisor’s written opinion will be made available
to Parent as soon as practicable after the date of this Agreement; it being
agreed that the Company Financial Advisor’s opinion may not be relied upon by
Parent, MergerSub, Mr. Han, or any of their respective affiliates (other than
the Company Board and the Special Committee of the Company Board).
Section
4.20 Transactions with
Affiliates. Except as disclosed in the Company SEC Documents,
since the date of the Company’s last proxy statement filed with the SEC, no
event has occurred as of the date hereof that would be required to be reported
by the Company pursuant to Item 404 of Regulation S-K promulgated by the
SEC.
Section
4.21 Employee Benefit Plans and
Compensation. The Company does not have any employee benefit
plans (as defined in Section 3(3) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act
of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”)), or
any “specified fringe benefit plans” (as defined in Section 6039D of
the Code (collectively, the “Plans”). Neither
the negotiation, execution and delivery of this Agreement nor the consummation
of the transactions contemplated hereby will, either alone or in combination
with another event: (i) result in any payment (including, but not
limited to, any retention bonuses, parachute payments or noncompetition
payments) becoming due to any employee or former employee or group of employees
or former employees of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; or (ii) result in
the payment of any “excess parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G
of the Code with respect to a current or former employee of the Company or any
of its Subsidiaries.
Section
4.22 Insurance. The
Company has made available to Parent true, correct and accurate copies of all
insurance policies and fidelity bonds material to the business of the Company
that are in effect as of the date hereof and all such policies are in full force
and effect. As of the date of this Agreement, there is no material
claim by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries pending under any of the
insurance policies and fidelity bonds covering the assets, business, equipment,
properties, operations, employees, officers and directors of the Company and its
Subsidiaries as to which coverage has been questioned, denied or disputed by the
underwriters of such policies or bonds.
Section
4.23 Investment Company Act of
1940. None of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is, or at
the Effective Time will be, required to be registered as an investment company
under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
Section
4.24 Contracts. All
“material contract” (as such term is defined in Item 601(b)(10) of Regulation
S-K of the SEC) (“Company Material
Contract”) are valid and in full force and effect except to the extent
they have previously expired in accordance with their terms or if the failure to
be in full force and effect, individually or in the aggregate, would not
reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse
Effect. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries have
violated any provision of, or committed or failed to perform any act which, with
or without notice, lapse of time or both would constitute a default under the
provisions of, any Company Material Contract, except in each case for those
violations and defaults which, individually or in the aggregate, would not
reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect.
Section
4.25 Takeover
Statutes. The Company has taken all appropriate and necessary
actions to exempt this Agreement, the Merger and all the transactions
contemplated herein from the requirements and restrictions of Sections 607.0901
and 607.0902 of the FBCA.
Section
4.26 No Other Representations or
Warranties. Except for the representations and warranties made
by the Company in this Article IV, none of the Company or any other Person makes
any representation or warranty on behalf of the Company and any of its
Subsidiaries in connection with this Agreement.
ARTICLE
V
REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES OF PARENT AND MERGERSUB
Parent
and MergerSub hereby jointly and severally represent and warrant to the Company
as follows:
Section
5.01 Due Incorporation Good
Standing and Operations. The Parent is a company
duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of Hong
Kong and has all requisite corporate power and authority to own, lease and
operate its properties and to carry on its business as now being
conducted. MergerSub is a corporation duly incorporated,
validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of Florida and
has all requisite corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its
properties and to carry on its business as now being conducted. Each
of Parent and MergerSub has been formed solely for the purpose of entering into
this Agreement and engaging in the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement. As of the date hereof, neither Parent nor MergerSub has
incurred any liabilities other than as contemplated by this
Agreement.
Section
5.02 Authorization; Binding
Agreement. Parent and MergerSub have all requisite
power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to consummate the
transactions contemplated hereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement
and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, including, but not
limited to, the Merger, have been duly and validly authorized by each of the
board of directors of Parent and MergerSub, as appropriate, and no other
proceedings on the part of Parent or MergerSub are necessary to authorize the
execution and delivery of this Agreement or to consummate the transactions
contemplated hereby. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and
delivered by Parent and MergerSub and constitutes the legal, valid and binding
agreement of Parent and MergerSub, enforceable against each of Parent and
MergerSub in accordance with its terms, subject to the Enforceability
Exceptions.
Section
5.03 Governmental
Approvals. The execution and delivery by Parent and
MergerSub of this Agreement does not, and the performance of its
obligations hereunder will not, require any consent, approval, authorization or
permit of, or filing with or notification to, any Governmental Authority, except
(i) for (A) the filing of the Articles of Merger with, and the acceptance for
record thereof by, the Secretary of State of the State of Florida, and (B) other
filings as may be required in connection with state or local transfer Taxes, and
(ii) where the failure to obtain such consents, approvals, authorizations or
permits, or to make such filings or notifications would not, individually or in
the aggregate, (A) prevent or materially delay consummation of the Merger and
the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement or (B) reasonably be
expected to have a Parent or MergerSub Material Adverse
Effect.
Section
5.04 No
Violations. The execution and delivery of this Agreement, the
Merger, the consummation of the other transactions contemplated hereby and
compliance by Parent and MergerSub with any of the provisions hereof, will not
(i) conflict with or result in any breach of any provision of the articles of
incorporation or Bylaws or other governing instruments of Parent or MergerSub,
as applicable, (ii) require any Consent under or result in a violation or breach
of, or constitute (with or without due notice or lapse of time or both) a
default (or give rise to any right of termination, cancellation or acceleration)
under any of the terms, conditions or provisions of any agreement or other
instrument to which Parent is a party or by which its assets are
bound, (iii) result in the creation or imposition of any Lien of any kind upon
any of the assets of Parent or MergerSub or (iv) subject to obtaining the
Consents from Governmental Authorities referred to in Section 5.03, contravene
any Law to which Parent or MergerSub or its or any of their respective assets or
properties are subject.
Section
5.05 Proxy
Statement. The information with respect to Parent and any of
its Subsidiaries that Parent furnishes to the Company in writing specifically
for use in any of the documents required to be filed by the Company with the SEC
or required to be distributed or otherwise disseminated to the Company’s
shareholders in connection with the Merger, including the Proxy Statement, if
any, will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state
any material fact necessary in order to make the statements made therein, in the
light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading (x) in the
case of the Proxy Statement, as supplemented or amended, if applicable, at the
time such Proxy Statement or any amendment or supplement thereto is first mailed
to shareholders of the Company and at the time such shareholders vote on
adoption of this Agreement, and (y) in the case of any document other than the
Proxy Statement, at the time of the filing with the SEC of such document or any
supplement or amendment thereto and at the time of any distribution or
dissemination thereof to the Company’s shareholders.
Section
5.06 Financing.
(a) At
or prior to the Closing, Parent and MergerSub will have sufficient cash and cash
equivalents available to perform its obligations hereunder, including payment of
the aggregate of the Company Common Stock Merger Consideration and the Option
Merger Consideration pursuant to the Merger. The Parent agrees to deposit
an aggregate amount of $3,000,000 in cash into a segregated account directed by
the Company to be used as part of the payment of the Company Common Stock Merger
Consideration and Option Merger Consideration as follows: $1,000,000 upon
signing of this Agreement and $2,000,000 upon the filing of the Definitive Proxy
Statement with the SEC (the “Deposit”). Mr.
Han on behalf of himself and Ms. Deng, Chief Operating Officer, or Mr. Wong,
Chief Financial Officer, on behalf of the Company shall have joint control over
such segregated account. As of the Effective Time, Parent shall have
sufficient funds in cash to enable Parent to make all payments in respect of its
obligations pursuant to this Agreement and to pay fees and expenses related to
this Agreement, and the transactions contemplated hereby. The parties
may agree to use the Deposit under this Section 5.06 as part of the Exchange
Fund.
In the event this Agreement is
terminated pursuant to Sections 9.01 (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), or (f), then the
Deposit will be returned to Mr. Han. In the event that this Agreement
is terminated pursuant to Section 9.01(g), then Parent will pay from the Deposit
the Mr. Han Termination Fee set forth in Section 9.03(c) and any remaining
balance shall be returned to Parent.
(b) Parent,
Mr. Han and MergerSub acknowledge and agree that the consummation of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement is not conditional upon the receipt
by Parent, Mr. Han or MergerSub of the proceeds of the financing of the
Commitment Letter, or any other financing arrangement, and that any failure by
Parent to have available the funds to pay the Company Common Stock Merger
Consideration and the Option Merger Consideration at the time the conditions to
Closing set forth in Article VIII are satisfied or capable of satisfaction shall
constitute a breach of this Agreement by Parent and MergerSub and entitle the
Company to terminate this Agreement in accordance with Section 9.01(g) and
to the remedies and relief set forth in Section 9.03(c).
Section
5.07. Brokers’ and Finders’
Fees. No broker, finder or investment banker or other Person
engaged by, or otherwise acting on behalf of, Parent and MergerSub is entitled
to any brokerage, finder’s or any similar charges in connection with this
Agreement or any transaction contemplated hereby for which the Company or any of
its Subsidiaries shall have any liability prior to the Effective
Time.
Section
5.08 Control and
Management. Mr. Han represents that he has sole control over
Parent and that neither he, Parent nor MergerSub has entered into any
arrangement, agreement or understanding with any current director or executive
officer of the Company that they will be hired by Mr. Han or his affiliate
subsequent to Effective Time.
Section
5.09 No Other Representations or
Warranties. Except for the representations and warranties made
by Parent and MergerSub in this Article V, none of Parent, MergerSub or any
other Person makes any representation or warranty on behalf of Parent, MergerSub
or any of their respective Subsidiaries in connection with this
Agreement.
Section
5.10 Takeover
Statutes. Parent and MergerSub have taken all appropriate and
necessary actions to exempt this Agreement, the Merger and all the transactions
contemplated herein from being subject to the valuation requirements of MI
61-101.
ARTICLE
VI
CONDUCT
OF BUSINESS PENDING THE MERGER
Section
6.01 Conduct of Business by
Company Pending the Merger. The Company agrees that, between
the date of this Agreement and the Effective Time, except as required, permitted
or otherwise contemplated by this Agreement and except with the prior written
consent of Parent, the businesses of the Company and its Subsidiaries shall be
conducted in, and the Company and its Subsidiaries shall not take any action
except in, the Ordinary Course; and the Company shall use its commercially
reasonable efforts to preserve substantially intact the business organization of
the Company and its Subsidiaries, to keep available the services of its present
officers, managers and employees and to preserve the current relationships of
the Company and its Subsidiaries with customers, suppliers and other persons
with which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has significant business
relations. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries shall,
between the date of this Agreement and the Effective Time, do any of the
following without the prior written consent of Parent, provided, however, that consent
of the Parent shall be deemed to have been given if Parent does not object
within five (5) Business Days from the date on which written notice is received
by Parent:
(a) take
any action that would have been required to be disclosed under Section 4.08 if
such action had been taken prior to the date hereof;
(b) amend
or otherwise change any provision of the Company Charter, Company Bylaws, or
similar organizational or governance documents;
(c) authorize
for issuance, issue or sell or agree or commit to issue or sell any shares of
any class of capital stock of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any
options, warrants, convertible securities or other rights of any kind to acquire
any shares of such capital stock, or any other ownership interest, of the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries, other than the issuance of Company Common
Stock upon exercise of Company Stock Options outstanding on the date of this
Agreement; (ii) adopt any new incentive plan or any equity based compensation
plan; (iii) repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any securities or equity
equivalents except in connection with the exercise of Company Stock Options;
(iv) reclassify, combine, split, or subdivide any stock of the Company or any of
its Subsidiaries; or (v) set aside, make or pay any dividend or other
distribution, payable in cash, stock, property or otherwise, with respect to any
of the capital stock of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.
(d)
(i) materially amend or terminate, or waive compliance with the material terms
of or material breaches under, any Company Material Contract, or (ii) fail to
comply, in any material respect, with the terms of any Company Material
Contract, or (iii) enter into any new Contract or agreement that, if entered
into prior to the date of this Agreement, would have been a Company Material
Contract;
(e) pre-pay
any long-term debt, except in the Ordinary Course (which shall be deemed to
include, without limitation, pre-payments or repayments of lines of credit
facilities or other similar lines of credit, payments made in respect of any
termination or settlement of any interest rate swap or other similar hedging
instrument relating thereto in accordance with their terms, as such loans become
due and payable), or pay, discharge or satisfy any material claims,
liabilities or obligations (absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise),
except in the Ordinary Course;
(f) waive,
release, assign, settle or compromise any material litigation other than
settlements of, or compromises for, any litigation where (i) the amounts paid or
to be paid are covered by insurance coverage maintained by the Company and (ii)
the settlement or compromise involves, directly or indirectly, only the payment
of money damages and will not otherwise, directly or indirectly, materially and
adversely affect the conduct of the business of the Company going
forward; provided, however, the Company
shall not, without Parent’s consent, waive, release, assign, settle or
compromise (A) any litigation where Company is adverse to a Related Party, (B)
any of the claims, liabilities or obligations listed on Section 6.01(e) of the
Disclosure Schedule, or (C) any material litigation first filed after the date
hereof, except to the extent permitted by Section 6.01(e).
(g)
except as
provided in Section 7.03, take any action that would reasonably be expected to
result in any of the conditions to the Merger set forth in Article VIII not
being satisfied or that would reasonably be expected to materially delay
the consummation of, or materially impair the ability of the Company to
consummate the Merger or any other transaction contemplated by this Agreement in
accordance with the terms hereof; and
(h) except
as provided in Section 7.03, announce an intention, enter into any agreement or
otherwise make a commitment, to do any of the foregoing.
In
connection with the continued operation of the Company and its Subsidiaries, the
Company will confer in good faith with one or more representatives of Parent
designated to the Company regarding operational matters and the general status
of ongoing operations at such times reasonably requested by Parent and will
notify Parent promptly of any event or occurrence that has had or may reasonably
be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect.
ARTICLE
VII
ADDITIONAL
AGREEMENTS
Section
7.01 Preparation of Proxy
Statement; Shareholders’ Meeting.
(a) As
soon as reasonably practicable following the date of this Agreement, the
Company, acting through the Company Board, shall in accordance with applicable
Law, the Company Charter, and the Company Bylaws: (i) duly call, give notice of,
convene and hold a meeting of its shareholders as promptly as practicable
following no further comments from the SEC of the Proxy Statement for the
purpose of securing the Company Shareholder Approval (such meeting, and any
postponement or adjournment thereof, the “Company Shareholders
Meeting”), (ii) except to the extent that the Company Board has effected
or effects a Company Adverse Recommendation Change in accordance with the terms of Section 7.03(d),
the Company shall, through the Company Board, advise and recommend to its
shareholders the approval of the Merger (the “Merger
Recommendation”) and shall include such recommendation in the Proxy
Statement and (iii) use its commercially reasonable efforts to solicit from
holders of shares of Company Common Stock proxies in favor of the adoption of
this Agreement and take all other action necessary or advisable to secure, at
the Company Shareholders’ Meeting, the Company Shareholder
Approval.
(b) As
soon as reasonably practicable following the date of this Agreement, the Company
shall (i) prepare and file with the SEC the preliminary Proxy Statement and
Schedule 13E-3, which filing shall be no later than 30 days following the date
of this Agreement, (ii) mail to its shareholders the Proxy Statement a
sufficient time prior to the Company Shareholders Meeting, which shall be held
no later than 60 days after the date that the Company is able to file its
definitive Proxy Statement with the SEC, and (iii) otherwise comply in all
material respects with all legal requirements applicable to the Company
Shareholders Meeting. Parent, MergerSub and the Company will
cooperate and consult with each other in the preparation of the Proxy
Statement. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Parent
and MergerSub will furnish as soon as reasonably practicable to the Company the
information relating to it required by the Exchange Act and the rules and
regulations promulgated thereunder to be set forth in the Proxy
Statement. The Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts
to resolve all SEC comments (in consultation with Parent ) with respect to the
Proxy Statement as promptly as practicable after receipt thereof and to cause
the Proxy Statement to be mailed to the holders of Company Common Stock as
promptly as practicable after the Proxy Statement is cleared with the
SEC. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary stated above, prior to
filing or mailing the Proxy Statement (or any amendment or supplement thereto)
or responding to any comments of the SEC with respect thereto, the Company shall
provide Parent and MergerSub with a reasonable opportunity to review and comment
on the Proxy Statement or such response and shall include in such documents or
response comments reasonably proposed by Parent and MergerSub. Parent, MergerSub
and the Company agree to correct as soon as reasonably practicable any
information provided by it for use in the Proxy Statement which shall have
become false or misleading. If at any time prior to the Effective
Time, any information should be discovered by any party which should be set
forth in an amendment or supplement to the Proxy Statement so that the Proxy
Statement would not include any misstatement of a material fact or omit to state
any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, the party which
discovers such information shall promptly notify the other parties hereto and,
to the extent required by applicable Law, an appropriate amendment or supplement
describing such information shall be promptly filed by the Company with the
SEC and disseminated by the Company to the shareholders of the
Company. The Company shall as promptly as practicable (i) notify
Parent and MergerSub of the receipt of any oral or written comments from the SEC
with respect to the Proxy Statement and any request by the SEC for any amendment
to the Proxy Statement or for additional information and (ii) provide Parent and
MergerSub with copies of all written correspondence between the Company and its
Representatives, on the one hand, and the SEC, on the other hand, with respect
to the Proxy Statement.
(c) At
the Company Shareholders’ Meeting, each of Mr. Han and Parent shall
vote, and Parent shall cause its Subsidiaries to vote, all shares of Company
Common Stock Beneficially owned by each of Mr. Han, Parent and Parent’s
Subsidiaries in favor of the adoption and approval of this Agreement and the
Merger.
Section
7.02 Access to Information;
Confidentiality. Subject to applicable Law and confidentiality
agreements, from the date hereof until the Effective Time, the Company shall,
and shall cause its Subsidiaries and the officers, directors, employees,
auditors and agents of the Company and its Subsidiaries to afford Parent,
following notice from Parent to the Company in accordance with this
Section 7.02, reasonable access during normal business hours to the officers,
employees, agents, properties, offices and other facilities, contracts,
commitments, books and records of the Company and each of its Subsidiaries, and
all other financial, operating and other data and information and any other
information concerning its business, properties and personnel as
Parent may reasonably request. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, neither Parent nor any of its representatives shall (i)
contact or have any discussions with any of the customers, employees,
agents or representatives of the Company or its Subsidiaries, unless in each
case Parent obtains the prior written consent of the Company, which
shall not be unreasonably withheld, (ii) damage any property or any portion
thereof, or (iii) perform any onsite procedure or investigation (including any
onsite environmental investigation or study) unless in each case
Parent obtains the prior consent of the Company, which shall not be
unreasonably withheld. Parent shall schedule and
coordinate all inspections with the Company and shall give the Company at least
three (3) Business Days prior notice thereof, setting forth the
inspection or materials that Parent or its representatives intend to
conduct or review, as applicable. The Company shall be entitled
to have representatives present at all times during any such
inspection. Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither the Company nor
any of its Subsidiaries shall be required to provide access to or to disclose
information where such access or disclosure would (x) jeopardize the
attorney-client privilege of the Company, the Company Board or any committee
thereof or the Company’s Subsidiaries, or (y) contravene any Law or binding
agreement entered into prior to the date of this Agreement, provided, that, if
requested to do so by Parent, the Company shall use its commercially reasonable
efforts to obtain a waiver from the counterparty.
Section
7.03 Acquisition
Proposals.
(a) Subject
to Sections 7.03(b), 7.03(c) and 7.03(d), from the date of this Agreement to any
time prior to obtaining the Company Shareholder Approval (“No Shop Period”),
none of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries shall, nor shall any of them
authorize or permit, directly or indirectly, any of their respective officers,
trustees, directors, employees, investment bankers, financial advisors,
accountants, attorneys, brokers, finders or other agents, advisors or
representatives (each, a “Representative”) to,
directly or indirectly: (i) initiate, solicit, encourage or knowingly take any
other action to facilitate (including by way of furnishing information (other
than public information widely disseminated through Company SEC Documents, press
releases or other similar means) or assistance) any inquiries or the making of
any proposal or other action that constitutes, or may reasonably be expected to
lead to, any Acquisition Proposal; (ii) initiate or participate in any
discussions or negotiations, or furnish to any Person not a party to this
Agreement any information in furtherance of any inquiries that could reasonably
be expected to lead to an Acquisition Proposal; (iii) enter into any agreement,
arrangement or understanding with respect to any Acquisition Proposal (including
any letter of intent, agreement in principle, memorandum of understanding,
expense reimbursement agreement, merger agreement, acquisition agreement, option
agreement, joint venture agreement, partnership agreement or other agreement
constituting or related to, or intended to, or that would reasonably be expected
to lead to, any Acquisition Proposal (other than a confidentiality agreement),
or that is intended or that could reasonably be expected to result in the
abandonment, termination or failure to consummate the Merger or any other
transaction contemplated by this Agreement); or (iv) fail to make, withdraw or
modify in a manner adverse to Parent or publicly propose to withdraw
or modify in a manner adverse to Parent the Merger
Recommendation (it being understood that, subject to and without limitation of
Section 7.03(e), taking a neutral position or no position with respect to any
Acquisition Proposal shall be considered an adverse modification), or
recommend, adopt or approve, or publicly propose to recommend, adopt or approve,
a Acquisition Proposal, or take any action or make any statement inconsistent
with the Merger Recommendation (any of the foregoing in this clause (iv), a
“Company
Adverse Recommendation Change”). As of the date of this
Agreement, the Company shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries and
Representatives to, immediately cease and cause to be terminated immediately any
discussions, negotiations or communications with any party or parties that are
currently ongoing with respect to, or that could reasonably be expected to lead
to, an Acquisition Proposal.
(b) The
Company shall promptly notify Parent in writing (as soon as is
reasonably practicable, but in any event no later than two Business Days from
initial receipt or occurrence) of any Acquisition Proposal or any communications
(written or oral) with respect to any Acquisition Proposal (including the
material terms and conditions thereof and the identity of the Person making the
Acquisition Proposal) which any of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any
such Representative may receive after the date hereof, and the Company shall
promptly provide to Parent copies of any written materials received
and a written summary of any other communications made in connection with the
foregoing, and shall keep Parent informed on a prompt basis as to the
status, material terms and conditions and any material developments regarding
any such proposal.
(c) Notwithstanding Section
7.03(a) and Section 7.03(b) or any other provision of this Agreement to the
contrary, following the receipt by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries,
during the No Shop Period, of an Acquisition Proposal (that was not solicited,
encouraged or facilitated in violation of Section 7.03(a) or Section 7.03(b)),
the Company Board may (directly or through Representatives) contact such Person
and its advisors solely for the purpose of clarifying the Acquisition Proposal,
or the material terms thereof, the conditions to and its likelihood of
consummation, so as to determine whether the Acquisition Proposal is reasonably
likely to lead to a Superior Proposal. If the Company Board
determines in good faith (after consultation with outside legal counsel and
financial advisors) that such Acquisition Proposal constitutes or is reasonably
likely to lead to a Superior Proposal, the Company Board may, if the Company
Board determines in good faith (after consulting with outside legal counsel)
that failure to take such action would be inconsistent with its duties under
applicable Law, (A) furnish non-public information with respect to the Company
and its Subsidiaries to the Person who made such Acquisition Proposal provided, however, that the
Company (1) concurrently furnishes such information to Parent and (2)
furnishes such information pursuant to a confidentiality agreement, (B)
discloses to its shareholders any information required to be disclosed under
applicable Law and (C) participates in negotiations regarding such Acquisition
Proposal. Notwithstanding anything in this Section 7.03 to the contrary, the
Company shall not be required to provide to Parent any information which the
Company deems in good faith to be not appropriate for disclosure to Parent due
to competitive concerns, or if the exchange of such information, as reasonably
determined by the Company’s outside legal counsel, would be reasonably likely to
result in the Company or the Merger violating applicable anti-trust
Laws.
(d) Notwithstanding
anything in this Agreement to the contrary, at any time prior to obtaining the
Company Shareholder Approval, if (1) the Company has received an Acquisition
Proposal that has not been withdrawn or abandoned, and the Company Board or a
duly authorized committee thereof determines in good faith (after consultation
with outside legal counsel and financial advisors) that such Acquisition
Proposal is a Superior Proposal, or (2) in the absence of an Acquisition
Proposal, the Company Board or a duly authorized committee thereof determines in
good faith (after consultation with outside legal counsel and financial
advisors) that the failure to do so would be inconsistent with its fiduciary
duties under applicable Law, then the Company Board may make a Company Adverse
Recommendation Change; provided, however, that (A) no
Company Adverse Recommendation Change shall be made until after the third (3rd)
Business Day following Parent ‘s receipt of written notice from the Company (i)
advising Parent that the Company Board has determined that the
Company Board intends to make a Company Adverse Recommendation Change, (ii) if
the basis of the proposed Company Adverse Recommendation Change is a Superior
Proposal, advising Parent of the material terms and conditions of any
Superior Proposal that is the basis of the proposed action by the Company Board
(it being understood and agreed that any amendment to the financial terms or any
other material term of such Superior Proposal shall require a new written notice
be provided to Parent and a new three (3) Business Day period),
and (iii) if the basis of the proposed Company Adverse Recommendation Change is
a Superior Proposal, representing that the Company has complied with this
Section 7.03, (B) during such three (3) Business Day period, the Company, if
requested by Parent , shall negotiate with Parent in good faith to
make such adjustments to the terms and conditions of this Agreement as would
enable the Company Board to proceed with its Merger Recommendation, and not make
a Company Adverse Recommendation Change, and (C) the Company shall not make a
Company Adverse Recommendation Change if, prior to the expiration of such three
(3) Business Day period, Parent delivers a definitive proposal to
adjust the terms and conditions of this Agreement such that the Company Board
determines in good faith (after consultation with outside legal counsel and
financial advisors) that its fiduciary duties no longer require it to make a
Company Adverse Recommendation Change.
(e) Nothing
in this Section 7.03 or elsewhere in this Agreement shall prevent the Company
Board from taking and disclosing to its shareholders a position contemplated by
Rule 14d-9 or Rule 14e-2(a) promulgated under the Exchange Act with respect to
an Acquisition Proposal; provided, however, that
compliance by the Company with such obligations shall not relieve the Company of
any of its obligations under the provisions of this Section 7.03. In
addition, it is understood and agreed that, for purposes of this Agreement (including Article VIII),
a factually accurate public statement by the Company that describes the
Company’s receipt of an Acquisition Proposal and the operation of this Agreement
with respect thereto shall not in and of itself be deemed a Company Adverse
Recommendation Change.
Section
7.04 Employee Benefits
Matters. As of the Effective Time, Parent shall,
with respect to the Company Employees who become employees of Surviving
Corporation at the Effective Time, continue to recognize all accrued and unused
vacation days, holidays, personal, sickness and other paid time off days
(including banked days) that have accrued to such employees through the
Effective Time, and Parent will allow such employees to take their
accrued vacation days, holidays and any personal and sickness days in accordance
with such policies as it may adopt after the Effective Time. Prior to the
Effective Time, the Company Board, or an appropriate committee of non-employee
directors thereof, shall adopt a resolution consistent with the interpretive
guidance of the SEC so that the disposition by any officer or director of the
Company who is a covered person of the Company for purposes of Section 16 of the
Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder (“Section 16”) of
Company Common Stock Options to acquire Company Common Stock pursuant to this
Agreement and the Merger shall be an exempt transaction for purposes of Section
16.
Section
7.05 Directors’ and Officers’
Indemnification.
(a) Without
limiting any additional rights that any director, officer, trustee, employee,
agent, or fiduciary may have under any employment or indemnification agreement
or under the Company Charter, the Company Bylaws or this Agreement or, if
applicable, similar organizational documents or agreements of any of the
Company’s Subsidiaries, from and after the Effective Time, Parent and
Surviving Corporation shall: (i) indemnify and hold harmless each person who is
at the date hereof or during the period from the date hereof through the
Effective Time serving as a director, officer, trustee, or fiduciary of the
Company or its Subsidiaries (collectively, the “Indemnified Parties”)
to the fullest extent authorized or permitted by applicable Law, as now or
hereafter in effect, in connection with any Claim and any judgments, fines,
penalties and amounts paid in settlement (including all interest, assessments
and other charges paid or payable in connection with or in respect of such
judgments, fines, penalties or amounts paid in settlement) resulting therefrom;
(ii) at Parent and Surviving Corporation’s own expense and with their
own counsel, defend or settle such Claim on behalf of the Indemnified
Parties; provided, however, that (x) the Parent and
Surviving Corporation shall keep the Indemnified Parties informed of all
material developments and events relating to such Claim, (y) the Indemnified
Parties shall have the right to participate, and (z) the Parent and
Surviving Corporation shall not settle such Claim without the prior written
consent of the Indemnified Parties; provided further however, that if there is a
conflict between the Indemnified Parties, Parent and Surviving Corporation, and
counsel of the Parent and Surviving Corporation cannot represent Indemnified
Parties, then the Indemnified Parties shall have the right to be represented by
a separate counsel of his or her choice, subject to the approval of the Parent
and Surviving Corporation, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, and
in which event Parent and Surviving Corporation shall promptly pay counsel for
the Indemnified Parties, including any request for advancement of expenses of up
to $10,000 for Indemnified Parties; and (iii) promptly pay on behalf of the
Indemnified Parties to the fullest extent authorized or permitted by applicable
law, as now or hereafter in effect, any D&O Expenses incurred in defending,
serving as a witness with respect to or otherwise participating in any Claim in
advance of the final disposition of such Claim, including payment on behalf of
or advancement to the Indemnified Party of any D&O Expenses incurred by such
Indemnified Party in connection with enforcing any rights with respect to such
indemnification and/or advancement, in each case without the requirement of any
bond or other security (but subject to Parent ‘s or Surviving Corporation’s, as
applicable, receipt of a written undertaking by or on behalf of such Indemnified
Party, if required by applicable Law, to repay such D&O Expenses if it is
ultimately determined under applicable Law that such Indemnified Party is not
entitled to be indemnified). The indemnification and advancement
obligations of Parent and Surviving Corporation pursuant to this
Section 7.05(a) shall extend to acts or omissions occurring at or before the
Effective Time and any Claim relating thereto (including with respect to any
acts or omissions occurring in connection with the approval of this Agreement
and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, including the
consideration and approval thereof and the process undertaken in connection
therewith and any Claim relating thereto), and all rights to indemnification and
advancement conferred hereunder shall continue as to a person who has
ceased to be a director, officer, trustee, employee, agent, or fiduciary of the
Company or its Subsidiaries after the date hereof and shall inure to the benefit
of such person’s heirs, executors and personal and legal
representatives. As used in this Section 7.05(a): (1) the
term “Claim”
means any threatened, asserted, pending or completed Action, suit or proceeding,
or any inquiry or investigation, whether instituted by any party hereto, any
Governmental Authority or any other party, that any Indemnified Party in good
faith believes might lead to the institution of any such Action, suit or
proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, investigative or other,
including any arbitration or other alternative dispute resolution mechanism,
arising out of or pertaining to matters that relate to such Indemnified Party’s
duties or service as a director, officer, trustee, employee, agent, or fiduciary
of the Company, any of its Subsidiaries, or any employee benefit plan (within
the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA) maintained by any of the foregoing or any
other person at or prior to the Effective Time at the request of the Company or
any of its Subsidiaries; and (2) the term “D&O Expenses”
means reasonable attorneys’ fees and all other reasonable costs, expenses and
obligations (including, without limitation, experts’ fees, travel expenses,
court costs, retainers, transcript fees, duplicating, printing and binding
costs, as well as telecommunications, postage and courier charges) paid or
incurred in connection with investigating, defending, being a witness in or
participating in (including on appeal), or preparing to investigate, defend, be
a witness in or participate in, any Claim for which indemnification is
authorized pursuant to this Section 7.05(a), including any Action relating to a
claim for indemnification or advancement brought by an Indemnified
Party. Neither Parent nor Surviving Corporation shall
settle, compromise or consent to the entry of any judgment in any actual or
threatened claim, demand, Action, suit, proceeding, inquiry or investigation in
respect of which indemnification has been or could be sought by such Indemnified
Party hereunder unless such settlement, compromise or judgment includes an
unconditional release of such Indemnified Party from all liability arising out
of such claim, demand, Action, suit, proceeding, inquiry or investigation or
such Indemnified Party otherwise consents thereto.
(b) Without
limiting the foregoing, Parent and MergerSub agree that all rights to
indemnification and exculpation from liabilities for acts or omissions occurring
at or prior to the Effective Time now existing in favor of the current or former
directors, officers, trustees, employees, agents, or fiduciaries of the Company
or any of its Subsidiaries as provided in the Company Charter and Company Bylaws
(or, as applicable, the charter, bylaws, partnership agreement, limited
liability company agreement, or other organizational documents of any of the
Company’s Subsidiaries) and indemnification agreements of the Company or any of
its Subsidiaries shall be assumed by Surviving Corporation in the Merger,
without further action, at the Effective Time and shall survive the Merger and
shall continue in full force and effect in accordance with their
terms.
(c) From
the Effective Time, the articles of incorporation of Surviving Corporation shall
contain provisions no less favorable with respect to indemnification than are
set forth in the Company Charter and Company Bylaws, which provisions shall not
be amended, repealed or otherwise modified in any manner that would affect
adversely the rights thereunder of individuals who, at or prior to the Effective
Time, were directors, officers, trustees, employees, agents, or fiduciaries of
the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, unless such modification shall be
required by Law and then only to the minimum extent required by
Law.
(d) If
Surviving Corporation or any of its respective successors or assigns (i)
consolidates with or merges with or into any other person and shall not be the
continuing or surviving limited liability company, partnership or other entity
of such consolidation or merger or (ii) transfers or conveys all or
substantially all of its properties and assets to any person, then, and in each
such case, proper provision shall be made so that the successors and assigns of
Surviving Corporation assume the obligations set forth in this Section
7.05.
(e) Parent
shall cause Surviving Corporation to perform all of the obligations of Surviving
Corporation under this Section 7.05 and the parties acknowledge and agree that
Parent guarantees the payment and performance of Surviving
Corporation’s obligations pursuant to this Section 7.05.
(f) This
Section 7.05 is intended for the irrevocable benefit of, and to grant third
party rights to, the Indemnified Parties and shall be binding on all successors
and assigns of the Company, Parent and Surviving Corporation. Each of
the Indemnified Parties shall be entitled to enforce the covenants contained in
this Section 7.05.
Section
7.06 Further Action; Reasonable
Efforts.
(a) Upon
the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, each of the parties
hereto shall (i) use its commercially reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be
taken, all appropriate action, and to do, or cause to be done, all things
necessary, proper or advisable under applicable Laws to consummate and make
effective the Merger, including using its commercially reasonable efforts to
obtain all Permits, Consents, exemptions, qualifications and orders of
Governmental Authorities and parties to contracts with the Company and its
Subsidiaries as are necessary for the consummation of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement and to fulfill the conditions to the Merger, and
(ii) execute and deliver any additional documents or instruments necessary to
consummate the transactions contemplated by, and to fully carry out the purposes
of, this Agreement.
(b) The
parties hereto agree to cooperate and assist one another in connection with all
actions to be taken pursuant to this Section 7.06(b), including the preparation
and making of the filings referred to therein and, if requested, amending or
furnishing additional information thereunder, including, subject to applicable
Law, providing copies of all related documents to the non-filing party and their
advisors prior to filing, and, to the extent practicable, neither of the parties
will file any such document or have any communication with any Governmental
Authority without prior consultation with the other party. Each party
shall keep the other apprised of the content and status of any communications
with, and communications from, any Governmental Authority with respect to the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement. To the extent
practicable and permitted by a Governmental Authority, each party hereto shall
permit representatives of the other party to participate in meetings and calls
with such Governmental Authority.
Section
7.07 Transfer
Taxes. Parent and the Company shall cooperate in
the preparation, execution and filing of all returns, questionnaires,
applications or other documents regarding any real property transfer or gains,
sales, use, transfer, value added, stock transfer or stamp taxes, any transfer,
recording, registration and other fees and any similar taxes that become payable
in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (together
with any related interests, penalties or additions to Tax, “Transfer Taxes”), and
shall cooperate in attempting to minimize the amount of Transfer
Taxes.
Section
7.08 Public
Announcements. Until the Closing, or in the event of
termination of this Agreement, each party shall consult with the other before
issuing any press release or otherwise making any public statements with respect
to this Agreement or the Merger and shall not issue any such press release or
make any such public statement without the prior consent of the
other. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement,
the Company and its Affiliates, and Mr. Han and his Affiliates, shall, in
accordance with their respective legal obligations, including but not limited to
filings permitted or required by the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, FINRA
and other similar regulatory bodies, make (i) such press releases and other
public statements and announcements (“Releases”) as the
Company, Mr. Han or their respective Affiliates, after discussion
with their respective legal counsel, deem necessary and appropriate in
connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, and
(ii) any and all statements the Company or Mr. Han deem in their respective sole
judgment to be appropriate in any and all filings, reports, prospectuses and
other similar documents filed with the SEC or other regulatory
bodies. Each of the Company and Mr. Han shall use reasonable efforts
to provide the other party with a copy of any Releases before any publication of
same; provided
that, if the content of the Release is, in the reasonable judgment of the
Company or Mr. Han, after discussion with its or his respective legal counsel,
materially similar to the content of a Release previously provided to the other
party, then the Company or Mr. Han as the case may be, shall have no obligation
to provide the other party with a copy of such Release. The
non-disclosing party may make comments to the disclosing party with respect to
any such Releases provided to the non-disclosing party and the disclosing party
shall take such comments into account and incorporate reasonable comments into
the Releases. Notwithstanding anything in this Section 7.08 to the
contrary, the parties have agreed upon the form of a joint press release
announcing the Merger and the execution of this Agreement.
Section
7.09 Termination of OTCBB
Quotation and Toronto Stock Exchange Listing. Prior to the
Closing Date, the Company shall cooperate with Parent and use commercially
reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions, and do or cause
to be done all things, reasonably necessary, proper or advisable on its part
under applicable Laws and rules and policies of FINRA to enable the termination
of quotation by the Surviving Corporation of the Company Common Stock from the
OTCBB and Toronto Stock Exchange.
Section
7.10 Company’s Expenses and
Obligations. The Company agrees that on or before the Closing
it will have paid all of the Company’s expenses resulting from the process
followed by the Company to make the determination to enter into this Agreement
and any obligations to any third party arising from the Company’s entry into
this Agreement and the consummation of the Merger and the other transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, including but not limited to, the expenses of
the Company’s Special Committee of the Company Board, attorneys’ fees,
accounting expenses associated with the Merger and the other transactions
contemplated thereby, including the Proxy Statement, the Schedule 13E-3, and
respective amendments thereto, the Company Financial Advisor and other
representatives of or advisors to the Company (collectively “Company Closing Obligations
and Expenses”).
Section
7.11 Resignations. The
Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain and deliver to
Parent at the Closing of the Merger evidence reasonably satisfactory to Parent
of the resignations, effective as of the effective time of the Merger, of those
directors and executive officers of the Company or any subsidiary thereof
designated by Parent to the Company in writing and provide such directors and
executive officers customary releases.
Section
7.12 Voting
Commitment. The Company shall use its commercially reasonable
efforts to have each Mr. Zhanguo Weng, Ms. Xuemei Liu, Mr. Alexander Wick and
Dr. Yiu Kwong Sun (each a “Supporting
Shareholder”) execute and deliver to Parent simultaneously with the
execution of this Agreement a Support Agreement substantially in the form of
Exhibit A
hereto (“Supporting
Agreement”), committing each such person, among other things, to vote his
or her shares of Company Common Stock in favor of the principal terms of the
Merger at the Company’s Shareholders’ Meeting.
Section
7.13 SEC
Filings. The Company shall file all required reports with the
SEC including but not limited to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2009.
ARTICLE
VIII
CONDITIONS
TO THE MERGER
Section
8.01 Conditions to the
Obligations of Each Party. The respective obligations of the
Company, Parent and MergerSub to consummate the Merger are subject to the
satisfaction or waiver in writing (as permitted by applicable Law) at or prior
to the Effective Time of the following conditions:
(a) The
Company shall have obtained the Company Shareholder Approval;
(b) The
Company shall have obtained approval of the merger by a majority of the
outstanding shares of our common stock excluding shares held by Mr. Han,
and
(c) No
Governmental Authority shall have enacted, issued, promulgated, enforced or
entered any injunction, order, decree, ruling or other legal restraint or
prohibition (whether temporary, preliminary or permanent) or taken any other
action (including the failure to have taken an action) which, in any such case,
has become final and non-appealable and has the effect of enjoining,
restraining, preventing or prohibiting the consummation of the Merger or making
the consummation of the Merger illegal (“Governmental
Order”).
Section
8.02 Additional Conditions to
Obligations of Parent and MergerSub. The obligations of Parent
and MergerSub to effect the Merger and the other transactions contemplated
herein are also subject to the satisfaction, at or prior to the Effective Time,
of the following conditions:
(a) Representations and
Warranties. The representations and warranties of Company
contained in this Agreement or otherwise made in writing by it pursuant hereto
or otherwise made in connection with the Merger shall be true and correct in all
material respects, (i) as of the date of this Agreement to the extent
such representations and warranties speak of such date, and (ii) at and as of
the Closing Date (except to the extent such representations and warranties speak
as of an earlier date, as of such earlier date) with the same force and effect
as though made on and as of such date (including without limitation giving
effect to any later obtained knowledge, information or belief of Company, Parent
or MergerSub); provided, however, that
notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, this Section 8.02(a) shall be
deemed to have been satisfied even if such representations or warranties are not
so true and correct unless the failure of such representations or warranties to
be so true and correct, individually or in the aggregate, has had, or will have,
a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(b) Agreements and
Covenants. The Company shall have performed or complied in all
material respects with all agreements and covenants required by this Agreement
to be performed or complied with by it on or prior to the Effective
Time.
(c) Court
Proceedings. No action, suit, proceeding, claim, arbitration
or investigation shall be pending or threatened in which any Governmental
Authority is a party wherein an unfavorable injunction, judgment, order, decree,
ruling or charge would (i) prevent, restrain or otherwise interfere with
the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or
(ii) affect adversely the right or powers of Parent to own,
operate or control the Company or any portion of the business or assets of the
Company or Parent , and no such injunction, judgment, order, decree, ruling or
charge shall be in effect.
(d) Officer’s
Certificate. The Company shall have delivered to
Parent a certificate, signed by the Chief Operating Officer of the
Company and dated as of the Closing Date, to the effect that the conditions set
forth in this Section 8.02 have been satisfied.
(e) Performance of Obligations
of the Supporting Shareholders. Parent shall
have received Supporting Agreement executed and delivered by each Supporting
Shareholder of the Company as contemplated by Section 7.12, each of which shall
remain in full force and effect. The Supporting Shareholders shall
have performed in all material respects all obligations required to be performed
by them under the Supporting Agreement.
Section
8.03 Additional Conditions to
Obligations of the Company. The obligation of the Company to
effect the Merger and the other transactions contemplated herein are also
subject to the satisfaction, at or prior to the Effective Time, of the following
conditions:
(a) Representations and
Warranties. The representations, warranties, covenants and
agreements of Parent and MergerSub contained in this Agreement or otherwise made
in writing by it pursuant hereto or otherwise made in connection with the Merger
shall be true and correct in all material respects, (i) as of the date of this
Agreement to the extent such representations and warranties speak of such date,
and (ii) at and as of the Closing Date (except to the extent such
representations and warranties speak as of an earlier date, as of such earlier
date) with the same force and effect as though made on and as of such date
(including without limitation, giving effect to any later obtained
knowledge, information or belief of Parent and MergerSub or
Company); provided, however, that
notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, this Section 8.03(a) shall be
deemed to have been satisfied even if such representations or warranties are not
so true and correct unless the failure of such representations or warranties to
be so true and correct, individually or in the aggregate, has had, will have, an
Parent or MergerSub Material Effect.
(b) Agreements and
Covenants. Mr. Han, Parent and MergerSub shall have performed
or complied with, in all material respects, all agreements and covenants
required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by it on or prior to
the Effective Time.
(c) Officer’s
Certificate. Parent shall have delivered to the Company a
certificate, signed by an authorized officer of Parent and dated as of the
Closing Date, to the effect that the conditions set forth in this Section 8.03
have been satisfied.
ARTICLE
IX
TERMINATION,
AMENDMENT AND WAIVER
Section
9.01 Termination. This
Agreement may be terminated and the Merger abandoned at any time prior to the
Effective Time, notwithstanding the receipt of the Company Shareholder Approval,
as follows (the date of any such termination, the “Termination
Date”):
(a) by
mutual written consent of Parent and the Company;
(b) by
either Parent or the Company, if 270 days (the “Outside Date”) shall
have occurred and the Merger shall not have been consummated;
provided, that the right to terminate this Agreement under this Section 9.01(b)
shall not be available to a party whose failure to fulfill any obligation
under this Agreement was the primary cause of, or resulted in, the failure of
the Merger to be consummated on or before the Outside Date;
(c) by
either Parent or the Company if any Governmental Authority shall have enacted,
issued, promulgated, enforced or entered any Governmental Order; provided,
however, that the terms of this Section 9.01(c) shall not be available to any
party unless such party shall have used its commercially reasonable efforts to
oppose any such Governmental Order or to have such Governmental Order vacated or
made inapplicable to the Merger;
(d) by
Parent, if the Company shall have breached or failed to perform any of its
representations, warranties, covenants or agreements set forth in this
Agreement, which breach or failure to perform (i) would give rise to the failure
of a condition set forth in Section 8.02(a) or (b), and (ii) is either
incurable, or if curable, is not cured by the Company by the earlier of (x) 30
days following receipt by the Company of written notice of such breach or
failure and (y) the Outside Date; provided, at the time of the delivery of such
written notice, Parent shall not be in material breach of its
obligations under this Agreement;
(e) by
Parent, if a Company Adverse Recommendation Change shall have
occurred;
(f) by
the Company, if prior to obtaining the Company Shareholder Approval, (i) the
Special Committee or the Company Board has concluded in good faith, after
consultation with the Special Committee’s or the Company’s outside legal counsel
and the Company Financial Advisor, that, in light of a Superior Proposal,
failure to terminate this Agreement would be inconsistent with the directors’
exercise of their fiduciary obligations to the Company’s shareholders (other
than the holders of Mr. Han’s Shares) under applicable Law, (ii) the Company has
complied in all material respects with Section 7.03, and (iii) concurrent with
such termination, the Company enters into a definitive agreement with respect to
such Superior Proposal; or
(g) by
the Company, if Mr. Han, Parent or MergerSub shall have breached or failed to
perform any of their representations, warranties, covenants or agreements set
forth in this Agreement, including but not limited to Section 5.06, which breach
or failure to perform (i) would give rise to the failure of a condition set
forth in Section 8.03(a) or (b), and (ii) is either incurable, or if curable, is
not cured by Parent or MergerSub by the earlier of (x) 30 days following receipt
by Parent of written notice of such breach or failure and (y) the Outside Date,
provided, at the time of the delivery of such written notice, the Company shall
not be in material breach of its obligations under this Agreement.
Section
9.02 Effect of
Termination. In the event of the termination of this Agreement
pursuant to Section 9.01, this Agreement shall forthwith become void, and there
shall be no liability under this Agreement on the part of any party hereto
except that the provisions of this Section 9.02, Section 9.03 and Article X
shall survive any such termination; provided, however, that nothing
herein shall relieve any party hereto from liability for any breach of any of
its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements set forth in this
Agreement prior to such termination.
Section
9.03 Fees and
Expenses.
(a) Except
as otherwise set forth in this Section 9.03, all expenses incurred in connection
with this Agreement shall be paid by the party incurring such expenses, whether
or not the Merger is consummated, except that out-of-pocket costs and expenses
incurred in connection with printing and mailing the Proxy Statement shall be
borne by the Company.
(b) The
Company agrees that if this Agreement is terminated:
(i) pursuant
to Section 9.01(e) and (A) at any time after the date hereof and prior to
obtaining the Company Shareholder Approval, an Acquisition Proposal shall have
been publicly announced prior to such Termination Date (and such Acquisition
Proposal was not withdrawn before the Termination Date), and (B) concurrently
with such termination or within twelve (12) months following the termination of
this Agreement, the Company enters into an agreement with respect to an
Acquisition Proposal, or an Acquisition Proposal is consummated, then the
Company shall pay to Parent, if and when consummation of such Acquisition
Proposal occurs, an amount equal to $1,000,000 (the “Superior Offer Termination
Fee”);
(ii) pursuant
to Section 9.01(f), then the Company shall pay to Parent the Superior Offer
Termination Fee; or
(iii) pursuant
to Section 9.01(d) then the Company shall pay to Parent $400,000 (the “Company Termination
Fee”).
The
Company Superior Offer Termination Fee or Termination Fee shall be paid by the
Company as directed by Parent in writing in immediately available funds as soon
as is reasonably practicable, but in any event no more than three (3) Business
Days following the event giving rise to the obligation to make such
payment. Upon payment of the Company Superior Termination Fee or
Termination Fee, the Company shall have no further liability to Mr. Han, Parent
and MergerSub at law or in equity with respect to such termination, this
Agreement or otherwise.
(c) Mr.
Han agrees that if this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section
9.01(g), then Mr. Han shall pay to the Company an amount equal to $400,000
(“Mr. Han Termination
Fee”). Mr. Han Termination Fee shall be paid by Mr. Han as
directed by the Company in writing in immediately available funds as soon as is
reasonably practicable, but in any event no more than three (3) Business Days
following such termination. Payment by Mr. Han of Mr. Han Termination
Fee shall be the Company’s sole and exclusive remedy against Mr. Han, Parent and
MergerSub for failure to consummate the Merger and performance under this
Agreement and shall be in lieu of all other relief. It is understood
and agreed that payment of the Parent Termination Fee represents the reasonable
estimate of actual damages by the Company, Mr. Han, Parent and MergerSub and
does not constitute a penalty. Upon payment of the Mr. Han
Termination Fee, Mr. Han, Parent and MergerSub shall have no further
liability to the Company at law or in equity with respect to such termination,
this Agreement or otherwise.
(d) Each
of the Company, Parent and Mr. Han acknowledges that the agreements contained in
this Section 9.03 are an integral part of the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement. In the event that the Company shall fail to pay the
Company Termination Fee when due, the Company shall reimburse Parent for all
reasonable costs and expenses actually incurred or accrued by Parent (including
reasonable fees and expenses of counsel) in connection with the collection under
and enforcement of this Section 9.03. In the event that Mr. Han shall
fail to pay Mr. Han Termination Fee when due, Mr. Han shall reimburse
the Company for all reasonable costs and expenses actually incurred or accrued
by the Company (including reasonable fees and expenses of counsel) in connection
with the collection under and enforcement of this Section 9.03.
Section
9.04 Waiver. At
any time prior to the Effective Time, the Company, on the one hand, and Parent,
on the other hand, may (a) extend the time for the performance of any obligation
or other act of the other party, (b) waive any inaccuracy in the representations
and warranties of the other party contained herein or in any document delivered
pursuant hereto and (c) waive compliance with any agreement of the other party
or any condition to its own obligations contained herein. Any such
extension or waiver shall be valid if set forth in an instrument in writing
signed by the Company or Parent. The failure of any party to assert
any of its rights under this Agreement or otherwise shall not constitute a
waiver of those rights.
ARTICLE
X
GENERAL
PROVISIONS
Section
10.01 Non-Survival of
Representations and Warranties. The representations and
warranties in this Agreement and in any certificate delivered pursuant hereto
shall terminate at the Effective Time.
Section
10.02 Notices. All
notices, requests, claims, demands and other communications hereunder shall be
in writing and shall be given (and shall be deemed to have been duly given upon
receipt) by delivery in person, by prepaid overnight courier (providing proof of
delivery), by facsimile or by registered or certified mail (postage prepaid,
return receipt requested) to the respective parties at the following addresses
or facsimile numbers (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified
in a notice given in accordance with this Section 10.02):
if to
Parent, MergerSub or Mr. Han:
Mr.
Yanlin Han
c/o Jade
& Fountain
31 Floor,
Tower B, Far East International Plaza
317 Xian
Xia Road
Shanghai,
200051 China
Direct:
+86 21 6235 1185
Fax: +86
21 6235 1477
Attention
: Scott Y. Guan
if to the
Company:
Dragon
Pharmaceutical Inc.
Suite 310
- 650 West Georgia Street
Vancouver,
BC Canada V6B 4N9
Telephone
No: (604) 669-8817
Facsimile
No: (604) 669-4243
Attention: Mr.
Peter Mak, Chairperson of the Special Committee of the Board of
Directors
with
copies to:
Bullivant
House Bailey PC
601
California Street, Suite 1800
San
Francisco, CA 94108
Telephone
No: (916) 930-2500
Facsimile
No: (916) 930-2501
Attention: Daniel
B. Eng
Lang
Michener LLP
1500
Royal Centre P.O. Box 11117
1055 West
Georgia Street
Vancouver,
BC V6E 4N7
Phone:
604-689-9111
Fax: 604-685-7064
Attention: Leo
Raffin
Section
10.03 Severability. If
any term or other provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal or incapable
of being enforced by any rule of law or public policy or the application of this
Agreement to any person or circumstance is invalid or incapable of being
enforced by any rule of law or public policy, all other conditions and
provisions of this Agreement shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect
so long as the economic or legal substance of the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement is not affected in any manner materially adverse to any
party. To such end, the provisions of this Agreement are agreed to be
severable. Upon such determination that any term or other provision
is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the parties hereto shall
negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original
intent of the parties as closely as possible in a mutually acceptable manner in
order that the transactions contemplated by this Agreement be consummated as
originally contemplated to the fullest extent possible.
Section
10.04 Amendment. This
Agreement may be amended by the parties hereto by action taken by Mr. Han or
the respective board of directors (or similar governing
body or entity) of the Parent, Company or MergerSub, at any time prior to the
Effective Time; provided, however, that, after
approval of the Merger by the shareholders of the Company, no amendment may be
made without further shareholder approval which, by Law, requires further
approval by such shareholders. This Agreement may not be amended
except by an instrument in writing signed by the parties hereto.
Section
10.05 Entire Agreement;
Assignment. This Agreement, together with the Disclosure
Schedule, constitute the entire agreement among the parties with respect to the
subject matter hereof, and supersede all prior agreements and undertakings, both
written and oral, among the parties, or any of them, with respect to the subject
matter hereof. This Agreement shall not be assigned (whether pursuant
to a merger, by operation of law or otherwise).
Section
10.06 Specific
Performance. The parties hereto agree that irreparable damage
would occur in the event that any provision of this Agreement were not performed
in accordance with the terms hereof and that, prior to termination of this
Agreement pursuant to Section 9.01, the parties hereto shall be entitled to
specific performance of the terms hereof, in addition to any other remedy at law
or equity; provided, that,
specific performance shall not be available to any party hereto to the extent
that the party seeking specific performance would have the right upon
termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 9.01 to receive payment
pursuant to Sections 9.03 (b), (c) or (d).
Section
10.07 Parties in
Interest. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure
solely to the benefit of each party hereto, and nothing in this Agreement,
express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any other person any
right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this
Agreement, other than the provisions of Article III and Sections 7.04
and 7.05 (which are intended to be for the benefit of the persons
covered thereby or the persons entitled to payment or indemnification thereunder
and may be enforced by such persons).
Section
10.08 Obligations of Parent and of
the Company. Whenever this Agreement requires a Subsidiary of
Parent to take any action, such requirement shall be deemed to include an
undertaking on the part of Parent to cause such Subsidiary to take such action.
Whenever this Agreement requires a Subsidiary of the Company to take any action,
such requirement shall be deemed to include an undertaking on the part of the
Company to cause such Subsidiary to take such action and, after the Effective
Time, on the part of the Surviving Corporation to cause such Subsidiary to take
such action.
Section
10.09 Governing Law; Enforcement
and Forum. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed
in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida, regardless of the laws that
might otherwise govern under applicable principles of conflicts of law
thereof.
Section
10.10 Headings. The
descriptive headings contained in this Agreement are included for convenience of
reference only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of
this Agreement.
Section
10.11 Counterparts. This
Agreement may be executed and delivered in two or more original, facsimile or
..PDF counterparts, and by the different parties hereto in separate counterparts,
each of which when executed shall be deemed to be an original but all of which
taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.
Section
10.12 Waiver. Except
as provided in this Agreement, no action taken pursuant to this Agreement,
including, without limitation, any investigation by or on behalf of any party,
shall be deemed to constitute a waiver by the party taking such action of
compliance with any representations, warranties, covenants or agreements
contained in this Agreement. The waiver by any party hereto of a
breach of any provision hereunder shall not operate or be construed as a waiver
of any prior or subsequent breach of the same or any other provision
hereunder.
Section
10.13 Waiver of Jury
Trial. Each of the parties hereto hereby waives to the fullest
extent permitted by applicable Law any right it may have to a trial by jury with
respect to any litigation directly or indirectly arising out of, under or in
connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement. Each of the parties hereto (a) certifies that no
representative, agent or attorney of any other party has represented, expressly
or otherwise, that such other party would not, in the event of litigation, seek
to enforce that foregoing waiver and (b) acknowledges that it and the other
hereto have been induced to enter into this Agreement and the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, as applicable, by, among other things, the
mutual waivers and certifications in this Section 10.13.
Section
10.14 Remedies
Cumulative. The remedies provided in this Agreement shall be
cumulative and shall not preclude the assertion by the parties hereto of any
other rights or the seeking of any other remedies, whether at law or in equity,
against the other parties, or their respective successors or
assigns.
Section
10.15 Arbitration. All
disputes arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, will be submitted
to arbitration governed by the Commercial Arbitration Act (British Columbia)
(the
“Act”).
If within 30 days after either party
gives notice to the other of a dispute the parties agree upon a single
arbitrator, the arbitration will be held before that arbitrator, otherwise the
arbitration will be before a board of three arbitrators comprising one appointed
by the Company, one appointed by Parent, and one appointed by the two
arbitrators so appointed.
If the Company and Parent fail, after
14 days’ notice, to appoint an arbitrator, or if the two arbitrators fail to
appoint a third arbitrator within 14 days from the later of their own
appointments, then upon application by either party, the arbitrator or third
arbitrator, as the case may be, will be selected in the manner provided in the
Act.
The decision of the arbitrator (where a
single arbitrator has been agreed upon) or a majority of the arbitrators (where
three arbitrators have been appointed) will be final and binding on the
parties. The arbitrator(s) will be required to render his, her or
their written decision within 60 days of the conclusion of the arbitration
proceedings.
The place of arbitration will be
Vancouver, British Columbia and the language of arbitration will be
English.
[SIGNATURE
PAGE FOLLOWS]
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, Parent, MergerSub, Mr. Han and the Company have caused this
Agreement to be executed as of the date first written above by their respective
officers thereunto duly authorized.
Chief
Respect Limited, a Hong Kong Company
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|
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By:
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/a/ Yanlin Han
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Yanlin,
Han/Chief Executive Officer
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Datong
Investment Inc., a Florida corporation
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By:
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/s/ Yanlin Han
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Yanlin
Han/Chief Executive Officer
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DRAGON
PHARMACEUTICAL INC.,
a
Florida corporation
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By:
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/s/ Peter Mak
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Peter
Mak, Special Committee Chairman
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Mr.
Yanlin Han , an individual, as to Sections 5.06,
7.01(c),
7.08, 8.03(b), 9.03(c) and (d) only
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EXHIBIT
A
SUPPORT
AGREEMENT
Exhibit
A
SUPPORT
AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT made as of
March 26, 2010,
BETWEEN:
[u insert name], of [u insert address]
(the
“Holder”)
AND:
CHIEF RESPECT LIMITED, a
company incorporated under the laws of Hong Kong having an office at 11/F, AXA
Centre, 151 Gloucester Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong
(the
“Purchaser”)
WHEREAS:
(A)
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The
Purchaser, Datong Investment Inc. (a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Purchaser), Mr. Yanlin Han and Dragon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (the
“Company”) have entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated March
26, 2010 (the “Merger Agreement”) in respect of the proposed acquisition
of all of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company
(“Company Shares”) by way of a merger under the Florida Business
Corporation Act (the “Merger”) at a price payable in cash of $0.82 per
Company Share;
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(B)
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Holder
beneficially owns or controls the number of Company Shares, and options to
purchase Company Shares, set forth in Schedule “A” to this Agreement
(collectively, the “Company Securities”);
and
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(C)
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Holder
has agreed, among other things, to support the Merger and to vote the
Company Securities and all additional Company Shares and options to
purchase Company Shares that the Holder acquires beneficially during the
period from the date of this Agreement through the Effective Time (the
“Additional Securities,” and together with the Company Securities, the
“Subject Securities”) beneficially owned by the Holder in favour of the
shareholder resolution approving the
Merger;
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NOW THEREFORE the parties
hereby agree that, in consideration of the premises, covenants and agreements
herein contained, the sum of $1.00 and for other good and valuable consideration
(the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged), the parties agree
as follows
1.
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Any
capitalized terms used herein but not otherwise defined will have the
meaning ascribed to them in the Merger
Agreement.
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2.
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Holder
hereby covenants and agrees that from the date hereof until the
termination of this Agreement, that the Holder will not, except in
accordance with the terms of this Agreement or with the prior written
consent of Purchaser:
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(a)
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grant
or agree to grant any proxy or other right to vote the Subject Securities,
or enter into any voting trust or pooling agreement or arrangement or
enter into or subject any of such Subject Securities to any other
agreement, arrangement, understanding or commitment, formal or informal,
with respect to or relating to the voting
thereof;
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(b)
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option,
sell, assign, dispose of, pledge, encumber, grant a security interest in,
transfer, or otherwise convey or relinquish the Holder’s right to vote the
Subject Securities or agree to do any of the foregoing except that the
Holder may exercise options to purchase Company Shares provided that any
Company Shares that result from the exercise will be Additional Securities
that will be subject to this
Agreement;
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(c)
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exercise
any rights of dissent provided under any applicable Laws or otherwise in
connection with the Merger; and
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(d)
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do
indirectly that which it may not do directly in respect of the
restrictions on its rights with respect to the Subject Securities pursuant
to this paragraph, including, but not limited to, the sale of any direct
or indirect holding company or entity or the granting of a proxy on the
Subject Securities or the securities of any direct or indirect holding
company which would have, indirectly, the effect prohibited by this
paragraph.
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3. Holder
hereby agrees that from the date hereof until the termination of this Agreement,
the Holder will:
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(a)
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vote
(or direct the voting of) all of the Subject Securities over which he has
the right or power to vote or cause to be voted at every meeting of the
holders of Company Shares, and at every adjournment or postponement
thereof, and in any action by written consent of the holders of Company
Shares (unless and only then to the extent prohibited by
law):
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(i)
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in
favour of the approval, consent, ratification and adoption of the
shareholder resolution approving the Merger (and any actions required in
furtherance thereof) and all other resolutions to be put to the meeting of
holders of Company Shares in respect of the Merger as contained in the
Merger Agreement;
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(ii)
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against
any proposed action by the Company, the shareholders of the Company or any
other Person: (a) in respect of any Acquisition Proposal; (b) which would
reasonably be regarded as being directed towards or likely to prevent,
impede, interfere with, postpone, discourage or delay the Merger or the
successful completion of the Merger, including without limitation any
amendment to the constating documents or by-laws of the Company or its
corporate structure; and
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(iii)
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which
would reasonably be expected to result in a Company Material Adverse
Effect.
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(b)
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to
the extent Holder has the right to grant a proxy in respect of any of the
Subject Securities, upon the request or direction of Purchaser, execute
and deliver to Purchaser within two Business Days following such request a
proxy in respect of any resolution referred to in this paragraph 3, and
have such Subject Securities counted or not counted (as directed by
Purchaser) as part of a quorum in connection with any meeting of holders
of Company Shares relating to matters set forth in paragraph 3(a)(ii);
and
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(c)
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for
greater certainty, in connection with any matter referred to in paragraph
3(a)(ii), consult with Purchaser prior to exercising any voting rights
attached to the Subject Securities and exercise or procure the exercise of
such voting rights as Purchaser will instruct, including without
limitation the delivery to Purchaser, upon its request or direction, of a
proxy in respect of any such
resolution.
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4.
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Nothing
herein will prevent Holder, if a member of the Board, from exercising the
Holder’s fiduciary duties and engaging, in his capacity as a director of
Company, in discussions or negotiations with, or furnishing information
to, a Person who proposes an Acquisition Proposal that did not result from
a breach of the Merger Agreement.
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5.
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Holder,
by acceptance hereof, represents and warrants as follows and acknowledges
that Purchaser is relying upon such representations and warranties in
connection with entering into this Agreement and the Merger
Agreement:
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(a)
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Holder
has the sole right to vote or direct the voting of the Subject Securities
and sole power to agree to all of the matters set forth in this Agreement,
with no limitation, qualifications or restrictions on such
rights;
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(b)
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Holder
is the beneficial owner of the Subject Securities set forth in Schedule
“A”, all of which are free and clear of any Liens, and does not own,
beneficially or otherwise, any Subject Securities other than the Subject
Securities listed on Schedule “A”;
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(c)
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this
Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Holder and constitutes a
legal, valid and binding obligation of Holder, enforceable against the
Holder in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency and
other applicable Laws affecting creditors’ rights generally, and to
general principles of equity; and
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(d)
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Holder
(i) is not a joint actor of, or involved, directly or indirectly, with the
Purchaser in respect of the Merger, (ii) is not receiving any
consideration for the Subject Securities other than what is being offered
under the Merger Agreement, (iii) has full knowledge and access to
information concerning the Company and its securities, (iv) any factors
that were considered relevant by the Holder in assessing the consideration
offered under the Merger Agreement did not have the effect of reducing the
price that would otherwise have been considered acceptable by the
Holder.
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6.
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Purchaser
represents and warrants as follows and acknowledges that Holder is relying
upon such representations and warranties in connection with the entering
into of this Agreement:
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(a)
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Purchaser
(including its shareholders) is not aware of any material information in
respect of the Company or its securities that has not been generally
disclosed or if generally disclosed, could have reasonably been expected
to increase the consideration being offered in the
Merger;
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(b)
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Purchaser
is a corporation duly organized under the laws of Hong Kong, is
validly existing and has all necessary corporate power and authority to
own its property and assets and to carry on its business as currently
owned and conducted;
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(c)
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Purchaser
has the necessary corporate power and authority to enter into this
Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder. The execution and
delivery of this Agreement by Purchaser and the consummation by Purchaser
of the Merger have been duly authorized and no other corporate proceedings
on its part are necessary to authorize this Agreement or the Merger
Agreement. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered
by Purchaser and constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of
Purchaser, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, subject to
bankruptcy, insolvency and other applicable Laws affecting creditors’
rights generally, and to general principles of equity;
and
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(d)
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the
authorization of this Agreement, the execution and delivery by Purchaser
of this Agreement and the performance by it of its obligations under this
Agreement and the Merger Agreement, will not result (with or without
notice or the passage of time) in a violation or breach of or constitute a
default under any provision of (i) its constating documents or by-laws;
(ii) any applicable Laws; (iii) any note, bond, mortgage, indenture or
contract or agreement to which Purchaser is party or by which it is bound;
or (iv) any judgement, decree, order or award of any Governmental
Authority or arbitrator.
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7.
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The
Purchaser and Holder covenant to advise the other, and the Company, if
they become aware of any material information in respect of the Company or
its securities that has not been generally disclosed and if generally
disclosed could reasonably be expected to increase the consideration
offered under the Merger Agreement.
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8.
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This
Agreement will terminate and be of no further force or effect upon the
earliest of
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(a)
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such
date and time as the Merger Agreement will have been terminated pursuant
to Article IX thereof (which includes in circumstances where the Company
terminates the Merger Agreement as a result of a Superior
Proposal),
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(b)
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the
Effective Time, and
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(c)
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the
Purchaser or Holder providing the advice referred to under paragraph
7.
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9.
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Notwithstanding
paragraph 8, this Agreement will terminate immediately upon any material
adverse amendment being made to the Merger Agreement or the Articles of
Merger after the date hereof, without the consent of the Holder. The
determination of whether an amendment to the Merger Agreement or the
Articles of Merger is a material adverse amendment will be from the
perspective of the Holder. Such a material adverse amendment
would be an amendment prejudicial to the Holder that would include, but is
not limited to, any amendment providing for decreased consideration
payable to the Holder under the terms of the Merger Agreement or the
Articles of Merger. In no event will such a material adverse
amendment include amendments made solely for the purpose of correcting
clerical errors. Upon any such termination in accordance with
this provision, this Agreement will immediately be deemed to have been
revoked by such Holder and will be of no further force or
effect. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the
contrary, the termination of this Agreement will not prejudice the right
of either party hereto in respect of any breach hereof by the other
party.
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10.
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Holder
recognizes and acknowledges that this Agreement is an integral part of
Purchaser entering into the Merger Agreement, and that Purchaser would not
contemplate proceeding with the Merger unless this Agreement was entered
into by Holder, and that a breach by Holder of any covenants or other
commitments contained in this Agreement will cause Purchaser to sustain
injury for which it would not have an adequate remedy at law for money
damages. Therefore, Holder agrees that, in the event of any such breach,
Purchaser will be entitled to the remedy of specific performance of such
covenants or commitments and preliminary and permanent injunctive and
other equitable relief in addition to any other remedy to which it may be
entitled, at law or in equity.
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11.
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In
this Agreement, unless otherwise expressly stated or the context otherwise
requires:
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(a)
|
references
to “herein”, “hereby”, “hereunder”, “hereof” and similar expressions are
references to this Agreement and not to any particular paragraph or
Schedule of to this Agreement;
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(b)
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references
to a “paragraph” or “Schedule” is a reference to a paragraph or Schedule
of this Agreement;
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(c)
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words
importing the singular will include the plural and vice versa, and words
importing gender will include the masculine, feminine and neuter
genders;
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(d)
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the
use of headings is for convenience of reference only and will not affect
the construction or interpretation hereof;
and
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(e)
|
wherever
the term “includes” or “including” is used, it will be deemed to mean
“includes, without limitation” or “including, without limitation”,
respectively.
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12.
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In
the event of any increase or decrease or other change in the Subject
Securities by reason of stock dividend, stock split, recapitalization,
combination, exchange of shares or the like, the number of Subject
Securities subject to this Agreement will be adjusted appropriately and
equitably.
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13.
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The
parties waive the application of any rule of Law which otherwise would be
applicable in connection with the construction of this Agreement that
ambiguous or conflicting terms or provisions should be construed against
the party who (or whose counsel) prepared the executed agreement or any
earlier draft of the same.
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14.
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Holder
hereby consents to the disclosure of the substance of this Agreement in
any press release or any circular relating to the Company Shareholders
Meeting and to the filing of this Agreement as may be required pursuant to
applicable securities Laws. The parties will co-ordinate in the making and
dissemination of any public announcement relating to the subject matter of
this Agreement. A copy of this Agreement may be provided to the directors
of Company.
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15.
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This
Agreement will be binding upon and will enure to the benefit of and be
enforceable by each of the parties hereto and their respective successors,
assigns, heirs, executors and personal representatives. This Agreement
will not be assignable by any party without the prior written consent of
the other parties.
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16.
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Time
will be of the essence of this
Agreement.
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17.
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If
any term, provision, covenant or restriction of this Agreement is held by
a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void or unenforceable,
the remainder of the terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions of this
Agreement will remain in full force and effect and will in no way be
affected, impaired or invalidated and the parties will negotiate in good
faith to modify the agreement to preserve each party’s anticipated
benefits under this Agreement.
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18.
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All
notices and other communications given or made pursuant hereto will be in
writing and will be deemed to have been duly given or made as of the date
delivered or sent if delivered personally or sent by electronic mail, or
as of the following Business Day if sent by prepaid overnight courier, to
the parties at the following addresses (or at such other addresses as will
be specified by either party by notice to the other given in accordance
with these provisions):
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(a)
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in
the case of Holder to:
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(b)
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in
the case of Purchaser to:
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11/F,
AXA Centre, 151 Gloucester Road
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Attention:
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Mr.
Yanlin Han
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Email:
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yanlinhan@vip.sina.com
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19.
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This
Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with
respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all other agreements
and undertakings, both written and oral, among the parties with respect to
the subject matter hereof.
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20.
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This
Agreement will be governed in all respects, including validity,
interpretation and effect, by the laws of British Columbia and the laws of
Canada applicable therein, without giving effect to any principles of
conflict of Laws thereof which would result in the application of the Laws
of any other jurisdiction, and all actions and proceedings arising out of
or relating to this Agreement will be heard and determined exclusively in
the courts of British Columbia.
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21.
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Each
party hereto will pay its own expenses incurred in connection with this
Agreement.
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22.
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This
Agreement may be amended by the parties hereto, and the terms and
conditions hereof may be waived, only by an instrument in writing signed
on behalf of each of the parties hereto, or, in the case of a waiver, by
an instrument signed on behalf of the party waiving compliance with any of
the terms or conditions of this
Agreement.
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23.
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This
Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which
will be deemed to be original and all of which taken together will be
deemed to constitute one and the same instrument, and it will not be
necessary in making proof of this Agreement to produce more than one
counterpart.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties
hereto have duly executed this Agreement as of the date first above
written.
CHIEF
RESPECT LIMITED
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By:
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Name:
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Title:
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[signature
page of Holder to follow]
Accepted
and agreed to this 26 day of March, 2010.
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Witness
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[u Insert Name of
Holder]
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SCHEDULE
A
SUBJECT
SECURITIES
Name
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Company
Shares beneficially
owned or controlled
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Registered
holder if different
from beneficial owner
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Company
Shares issuable upon
exercise of Options
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[u insert]
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[u
insert]
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[u
insert]
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[u
insert]
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APPENDIX
B
OPINION
OF CANACCORD FINANCIAL LTD.
Canaccord
Financial Ltd.
P.O. Box
10337 Pacific Centre
609-Granville
Street, Suite 2200
Vancouver,
BC
Canada
V7Y 1H2
T:
604.643.7300
F:
604.643.7733
March 26,
2010
Special
Committee of the Board of Directors of
Dragon
Pharmaceutical Inc.
Suite
310, 650 West Georgia Street
Vancouver,
B.C. V6B 4N9
ATTENTION:
Mr. Peter Mak
Dear
Sir,
Canaccord
Financial Ltd. (“Canaccord”) understands that Dragon Pharmaceutical Inc.
(“Dragon”) proposes to enter into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the
“Agreement”) among Dragon, Chief Respect Ltd. (“Parent”), Datong Investment,
Inc., a subsidiary of Parent (“MergerSub”), and Mr. Yanlin Han, an individual
(“Mr. Han”) pursuant to which MergerSub will merge with and into Dragon (the
“Merger”) and each outstanding share of Dragon’s common stock, par value
US$0.001 per share (“Dragon Common Stock”), other than:
(i)
Dragon Common Stock that are held by holders who comply with the provisions of
the Florida Business Corporation Act (“FBCA”) regarding the right of the
shareholders to dissent from the Merger ; and
(ii)
Dragon Common Stock owned by Mr. Han,
will be
converted into the right to receive US$0.82 in cash (the “Consideration”). The
terms and conditions of the Merger are more fully set forth in the
Agreement.
Holders
of Dragon Common Stock, (but not including those holders who comply with the
dissent provisions of FBCA and and Mr. Han) are hereunder referred collectively
as the “Dragon Stakeholders”. Completion of the Merger is subject to securities
law compliance and obtaining all necessary court, regulatory, stock exchange,
board and shareholder approvals.
Engagement
of Canaccord
The
special committee of the board of directors of Dragon (the “Special Committee”)
has engaged Canaccord (the “Engagement”) pursuant to an engagement letter dated
as of January 26, 2010 (the “Engagement Letter”), to prepare and deliver to the
Special Committee an opinion as to the fairness of the Consideration (the
“Fairness Opinion”), from a financial point of view, to the Dragon
Stakeholders.
Under the
Engagement Letter, Dragon has agreed to pay Canaccord a cash fee for rendering
this Fairness Opinion in connection with the Merger, no portion of which is
conditional upon this Fairness Opinion being favourable, or that is contingent
upon the consummation of the Merger. Dragon has also agreed to reimburse
Canaccord for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses and to indemnify Canaccord
in relation to certain claims or liabilities that may arise in connection with
the services performed under the Engagement Letter.
The
Special Committee has acknowledged that this Fairness Opinion and all oral or
written advice and materials provided by Canaccord to Dragon (including, without
limitation, the Special Committee, board of directors, management and counsel of
Dragon) in connection with the Engagement are intended solely for the benefit
and internal use of Dragon (including, without limitation, the Special
Committee, board of directors, management and counsel of Dragon), subject to
certain exceptions provided in the Engagement Letter.
Canaccord
consents to the inclusion of the Fairness Opinion in its entirety and a summary
thereof, which summary shall be in a form acceptable to Canaccord, in any proxy
statement or other information statement, if applicable, to be mailed to the
Dragon Stakeholders in connection with the Merger and to the filing thereof by
Dragon with the applicable securities regulatory authorities.
Credentials
of Canaccord
Canaccord
is Canada’s largest independently-owned investment banking firm. The
corporate group of which Canaccord is a part employs approximately 1,570 people
with offices in major Canadian cities, as well as internationally in the United
Kingdom, the United States and Barbados. Canaccord has approximately
C$12 billion in assets under administration and its parent company is publicly
traded with a consolidated market capitalization of approximately C$540
million. Canaccord provides a wide range of services, including
corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, financial advisory services,
institutional and retail equity sales and trading and investment
research. Canaccord and its principals have extensive knowledge of
Canadian and U.S. equity capital markets, have prepared numerous valuations and
fairness opinions, and have led numerous transactions involving private and
publicly traded companies.
This
Fairness Opinion is the opinion of Canaccord and the form and content hereof has
been approved for release by a committee of its officers and directors, who are
experienced in the preparation of fairness opinions and in merger, acquisition,
divestiture and valuation matters.
Relationship
with Interested Parties
Canaccord
is not an insider, associate or affiliate (as such terms are defined in the
Securities Act (British Columbia)) of Dragon, Parent or MergerSub or their
respective associates or affiliates (collectively, the “Interested
Parties”). Prior to the Engagement, Canaccord has not in the past
been engaged to provide any financial advisory and has neither acted as agent
nor underwriter for any financings involving the Interested
Parties.
Other
Activities of Canaccord
Canaccord
acts as a trader and dealer, both as principal and agent, in all Canadian and
U.S. financial markets and, in such capacity, may have had, or in the future may
have, positions in the securities of the Interested Parties and, from time to
time, may have executed, or in the future may execute, transactions on behalf of
the Interested Parties or other clients for which it received or may receive
compensation. In addition, as an investment dealer, Canaccord conducts research
on securities and may, in the ordinary course of business, be expected to
provide research reports and investment advice to its clients on issues and
investment matters, including research and advice on one or more of the
Interested Parties or in respect of the Merger.
Other
than pursuant to the Engagement, neither Canaccord nor any of its affiliated
entities have any agreements, commitments or understandings in respect of any
future business involving any of the Interested Parties. However, Canaccord may,
from time to time in the future, seek or be provided with assignments from one
or more of the Interested Parties.
Scope
of Review
Canaccord
has not been asked to, nor does Canaccord offer any opinion as to the terms of
the Consideration (other than in respect of the fairness of the Consideration,
from a financial point of view, to the Dragon Stakeholders) or the form of any
agreements or documents related to the Consideration or the Merger
In
preparing this Fairness Opinion, Canaccord reviewed and, where considered
appropriate, in the exercise of its professional judgment, relied upon, without
independently attempting to verify, among other things, the
following:
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§
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Proposals
in letters dated January 15, 2010 and February 11, 2010 by Mr. Han to
Dragon;
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|
§
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the
Agreement and Plan of Merger dated March 26,
2010;
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|
§
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corporate
documents including all minutes and resolutions of the shareholders and
board of directors of Dragon for the last five
years;
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§
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draft
proxy statement dated March 23,
2010;
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§
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internal
financial models and operating information with respect to the business,
operations and prospects prepared by management of
Dragon;
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§
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discussions
with management of Dragon of the past and current business, operations,
financial condition and prospects;
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§
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historical
market price for the common shares of Dragon and comparisons of its
performance;
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§
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public
information with respect to other companies and / or transactions of a
comparable nature that Canaccord considered to be relevant for purposes of
its analysis;
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|
§
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a
certificate of representation as to certain factual matters and the
completeness and accuracy of the information upon which the Fairness
Opinion is based, addressed to Canaccord and dated the date hereof,
provided by senior officers of
Dragon;
|
|
§
|
certain
other documents filed by Dragon on the System for Electronic Document
Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR) that Canaccord considered to be relevant
for purposes of its analysis; and
|
|
§
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such
other financial and market information, investigations and analyses as
Canaccord considered necessary or appropriate in the
circumstances.
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Canaccord
has not, to the best of its knowledge, been denied access by Dragon or any of
its associates or affiliates, to any information requested by
Canaccord.
Prior
Valuations
Dragon
has represented, to the best of its knowledge, to Canaccord that there have not
been any prior valuations (as defined in Multilateral Instrument 61-101
Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions) of Dragon in
the 24 months preceding the date hereof.
Assumptions
and Limitations
This
Fairness Opinion is subject to the assumptions, explanations and limitations set
forth below. With the approval of the Special Committee and as
provided for under the Engagement, Canaccord has relied upon, and has assumed
the completeness, accuracy and fair presentation of all financial information,
business plans, forecasts, projections, estimates and budgets and other
information, data, advice, opinions and representations obtained by it from
public sources or provided to Canaccord by Dragon, or any of its officers,
associates, affiliates, consultants, advisors and representatives pursuant to
the Engagement relating to Dragon and its respective assets (collectively, the
“Information”). This Fairness Opinion is conditional upon such completeness,
accuracy and fair presentation of the Information. With respect to any
projections, forecasts or estimates, Canaccord has assumed that they have been
reasonably prepared on bases reflecting the best available estimates and
judgments of the management of Dragon. In accordance with the
terms of the Engagement, but subject to the exercise of its professional
judgment, and except as expressly described herein, Canaccord has not attempted
to verify independently the completeness, accuracy or fair presentation of any
of the Information.
Senior
management of Dragon has represented to Canaccord in a certificate provided in
such capacity that, among other things: (i) the Information (as defined in the
certificate) provided orally by, or in the presence of, an officer or employee
of Dragon or in writing by Dragon or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates (as
such terms are defined in the Securities Act (British Columbia) (the “Act”)) or
their respective agents to Canaccord for purposes of preparing this Fairness
Opinion was, at the date the Information in respect of Dragon was provided to
Canaccord, and is complete, true and correct in all material respects, and did
not and does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact in respect of
Dragon, its subsidiaries, affiliates or the Merger and did not and does not omit
to state a material fact (as such term is defined in the Act) in respect of
Dragon, its subsidiaries, affiliates or the Merger necessary to make the
Information not misleading in light of the circumstances under which the
Information was made or provided; (ii) since the dates on which the Information
was provided to Canaccord, except as disclosed in writing to Canaccord, there
has been no material change, financial or otherwise, in the financial condition,
assets, liabilities (contingent or otherwise), business, operations or prospects
of Dragon or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates and no material change has
occurred in the Information or any part thereof which would have or which would
reasonably be expected to have a material effect on this Fairness Opinion; (iii)
there are no independent appraisals or valuations or material non-independent
appraisals or valuations relating to Dragon or any of its subsidiaries or
affiliates or any of their respective assets or liabilities which have been
prepared as of a date within the 24 months preceding the date hereof; (iv) since
the dates on which the Information was provided to Canaccord, no material
transaction has been entered into by Dragon or any of its subsidiaries or
affiliates; (v) they have no knowledge of any facts not contained in or referred
to in the Information provided to Canaccord by Dragon which would reasonably be
expected to affect this Fairness Opinion, including the assumptions used or the
scope of the review undertaken; (vi) other than as disclosed in the Information,
to the best of their knowledge, information and belief after reasonable inquiry,
Dragon does not have any material contingent liabilities and there are no
actions, suits, proceedings or inquiries pending or threatened in writing
against or affecting Dragon or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates at law or
in equity or before or by any federal, provincial, municipal or other
governmental department, commission, bureau, board agency or instrumentality
which may in any way materially adversely affect Dragon and its subsidiaries
taken as a whole; (vii) all financial material, documentation and other data
concerning the Merger, Dragon and its subsidiaries or affiliates, including any
projections or forecasts, provided to Canaccord were prepared on a basis
consistent in all material respects with the accounting policies applied in the
audited consolidated financial statements of Dragon dated as at December 31,
2009, reflect the assumptions disclosed therein (which assumptions management of
Dragon believes to be reasonable) and do not contain any untrue statement of a
material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary to make such
financial material, documentation or data not misleading in light of the
circumstances in which such financial material, documentation or data was
provided to Canaccord; (viii) to their knowledge, after having made due inquiry,
no verbal or written offers for all or a material part of the properties and
assets owned by, or the securities of, Dragon or any of its subsidiaries or
affiliates have been received and no negotiations have occurred relating to any
such offer within the 24 months preceding the date of the Engagement Letter
which have not been disclosed in writing to Canaccord; and (ix) there are no
agreements, undertakings, commitments or understandings (written or oral, formal
or informal) relating to the Merger, except as have been disclosed in writing to
Canaccord.
Canaccord
has assumed that all conditions precedent to the completion of the Merger can be
satisfied or waived by the parties thereto in the time required and that all
consents, permissions, exemptions or orders of third parties and relevant
authorities will be obtained, without adverse condition or qualification, and
that the Merger can proceed as scheduled and without material additional cost to
Dragon or liability of Dragon to third parties, that the procedures being
followed to implement the Merger are valid and effective and all required
documents under applicable securities laws will be distributed to the Dragon
Stakeholders in accordance with all applicable securities laws, and that the
disclosure in such documents will be accurate and will comply in all material
respects with the requirements of all applicable securities
laws. Canaccord has also assumed that all the representations and
warranties contained in the Agreement are correct as of the date hereof and the
Merger will be completed substantially in accordance with the terms and
requirements of the Agreement.
This
Fairness Opinion is rendered on the basis of securities markets, economic and
general business and financial conditions prevailing as of the date hereof and
the condition and prospects, financial and otherwise, of Dragon as they were
reflected in the information and documents, including, without limitation, the
Information, reviewed by Canaccord and as it was represented to Canaccord in its
discussions with representatives of Dragon. In its analysis and in
connection with the preparation of this Fairness Opinion, Canaccord has made
numerous assumptions with respect to industry performance, general business,
market and economic conditions and other matters, many of which are beyond the
control of Dragon.
This
Fairness Opinion has been provided exclusively for the use of the Special
Committee for the purposes of considering the Merger. Canaccord
disclaims any undertaking or obligation to advise any person of any change in
any fact or matter affecting this Fairness Opinion, which may arise or come to
Canaccord’s attention after the date hereof. Without limiting the
foregoing, in the event that there is any material change in any fact or matter
affecting this Fairness Opinion, subject to the terms of the Engagement Letter,
Canaccord reserves the right, but not the obligation, to change, modify or
withdraw this Fairness Opinion as of the date of such change.
The
disclosure by the Special Committee of the retention of Canaccord and the
contents of this Fairness Opinion in certain regulatory filings as required and
in accordance with all applicable laws, rules or regulations of any governmental
authority or stock exchange will be permitted subject to Canaccord's prior
review and approval (acting reasonably) of such disclosure. Except as
provided in this Fairness Opinion and in the Engagement Letter, or as may be
required by applicable law or requirements of securities regulatory authorities
or stock exchange in connection with the Merger, this Fairness Opinion is not to
be used, published or distributed in whole or in part, in any other way or to
any other person without the prior written consent of Canaccord, such consent
not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed.
Canaccord
has not been engaged to provide and has not provided: (i) a formal valuation of
Dragon or its securities pursuant to Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection
of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions; (ii) an opinion as to the
fairness of the process underlying the Merger; or (iii) a recommendation to any
Dragon Stakeholders to take any action with respect to the Merger; and, in each
case, this Fairness Opinion should not be construed as such. Canaccord expresses
no opinion on the future trading prices of the securities of
Dragon. Dragon has advised Canaccord that Dragon does not require a
formal valuation to satisfy its obligations pursuant to Multilateral Instrument
61-101 and Dragon has complied and will comply with all applicable securities
laws in relation to the Merger.
Approach
to Fairness
The
preparation of a fairness opinion involves various determinations as to the most
appropriate and relevant assumptions and methods of financial analysis and the
application of these methods to the particular circumstances and, therefore, a
fairness opinion is not necessarily susceptible to partial analysis or summary
description. Qualitative judgments were made based upon Canaccord’s
assessment of the surrounding factual circumstances relating to the Merger and
Canaccord’s analysis of such factual circumstances in its best
judgment. Any attempt to select portions of Canaccord’s analysis or
of the factors considered, without considering all of the analysis employed and
factors considered, would likely create an incomplete and misleading view of the
process underlying this Fairness Opinion. This Fairness Opinion
should be read in its entirety.
Conclusion
as to the Fairness
Based
upon and subject to the foregoing, Canaccord is of the opinion that, as of the
date hereof, the Consideration is fair, from a financial point of view, to the
Dragon Stakeholders.
Yours
truly,
CANACCORD
FINANCIAL LTD.
APPENDIX
C-1
DISSENT
AND APPRAISAL RIGHTS OF
THE
FLORIDA BUSINESS CORPORATIONS ACT
607.0101 Short title.--This
act shall be known and may be cited as the "Florida Business Corporation
Act."
607.1301 Appraisal rights;
definitions.--The following definitions apply to s.
607.1302-607.1333:
(1)
"Affiliate" means a person that directly or indirectly through one or more
intermediaries controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with
another person or is a senior executive thereof. For purposes of s.
607.1302(2)(d), a person is deemed to be an affiliate of its senior
executives.
(2)
"Beneficial shareholder" means a person who is the beneficial owner of shares
held in a voting trust or by a nominee on the beneficial owner's
behalf.
(3)
"Corporation" means the issuer of the shares held by a shareholder demanding
appraisal and, for matters covered in s. 607.1322-607.1333, includes the
surviving entity in a merger.
(4) "Fair
value" means the value of the corporation's shares determined:
(a)
Immediately before the effectuation of the corporate action to which the
shareholder objects.
(b) Using
customary and current valuation concepts and techniques generally employed for
similar businesses in the context of the transaction requiring appraisal,
excluding any appreciation or depreciation in anticipation of the corporate
action unless exclusion would be inequitable to the corporation and its
remaining shareholders.
(5)
"Interest" means interest from the effective date of the corporate action until
the date of payment, at the rate of interest on judgments in this state on the
effective date of the corporate action.
(6)
"Preferred shares" means a class or series of shares the holders of which have
preference over any other class or series with respect to
distributions.
(7)
"Record shareholder" means the person in whose name shares are registered in the
records of the corporation or the beneficial owner of shares to the extent of
the rights granted by a nominee certificate on file with the
corporation.
(8)
"Senior executive" means the chief executive officer, chief operating officer,
chief financial officer, or anyone in charge of a principal business unit or
function.
(9)
"Shareholder" means both a record shareholder and a beneficial
shareholder.
607.1302 Right of shareholders to
appraisal.--
(1) A
shareholder is entitled to appraisal rights, and to obtain payment of the fair
value of that shareholder's shares, in the event of any of the following
corporate actions:
(a)
Consummation of a merger to which the corporation is a party if shareholder
approval is required for the merger by s. 607.1103 and the shareholder is
entitled to vote on the merger or if the corporation is a subsidiary and the
merger is governed by s. 607.1104;
(b)
Consummation of a share exchange to which the corporation is a party as the
corporation whose shares will be acquired if the shareholder is entitled to vote
on the exchange, except that appraisal rights shall not be available to any
shareholder of the corporation with respect to any class or series of shares of
the corporation that is not exchanged;
(c)
Consummation of a disposition of assets pursuant to s. 607.1202 if the
shareholder is entitled to vote on the disposition, including a sale in
dissolution but not including a sale pursuant to court order or a sale for cash
pursuant to a plan by which all or substantially all of the net proceeds of the
sale will be distributed to the shareholders within 1 year after the date of
sale;
(d) Any
other amendment to the articles of incorporation, merger, share exchange, or
disposition of assets to the extent provided by the articles of incorporation,
bylaws, or a resolution of the board of directors, except that no bylaw or board
resolution providing for appraisal rights may be amended or otherwise altered
except by shareholder approval; or
(e) With
regard to a class of shares prescribed in the articles of incorporation prior to
October 1, 2003, including any shares within that class subsequently authorized
by amendment, any amendment of the articles of incorporation if the shareholder
is entitled to vote on the amendment and if such amendment would adversely
affect such shareholder by:
1.
Altering or abolishing any preemptive rights attached to any of his or her
shares;
2.
Altering or abolishing the voting rights pertaining to any of his or her shares,
except as such rights may be affected by the voting rights of new shares then
being authorized of any existing or new class or series of shares;
3.
Effecting an exchange, cancellation, or reclassification of any of his or her
shares, when such exchange, cancellation, or reclassification would alter or
abolish the shareholder's voting rights or alter his or her percentage of equity
in the corporation, or effecting a reduction or cancellation of accrued
dividends or other arrearages in respect to such shares;
4.
Reducing the stated redemption price of any of the shareholder's redeemable
shares, altering or abolishing any provision relating to any sinking fund for
the redemption or purchase of any of his or her shares, or making any of
his or her shares subject to redemption when they are not otherwise
redeemable;
5. Making
noncumulative, in whole or in part, dividends of any of the shareholder's
preferred shares which had theretofore been cumulative;
6.
Reducing the stated dividend preference of any of the shareholder's preferred
shares; or
7.
Reducing any stated preferential amount payable on any of the shareholder's
preferred shares upon voluntary or involuntary liquidation.
(2)
Notwithstanding subsection (1), the availability of appraisal rights under
paragraphs (1)(a), (b), (c), and (d) shall be limited in accordance with the
following provisions:
(a)
Appraisal rights shall not be available for the holders of shares of any class
or series of shares which is:
1. Listed
on the New York Stock Exchange or the American Stock Exchange or designated as a
national market system security on an interdealer quotation system by the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.; or
2. Not so
listed or designated, but has at least 2,000 shareholders and the outstanding
shares of such class or series have a market value of at least $10 million,
exclusive of the value of such shares held by its subsidiaries, senior
executives, directors, and beneficial shareholders owning more than 10 percent
of such shares.
(b) The
applicability of paragraph (a) shall be determined as of:
1. The
record date fixed to determine the shareholders entitled to receive notice of,
and to vote at, the meeting of shareholders to act upon the corporate action
requiring appraisal rights; or
2. If
there will be no meeting of shareholders, the close of business on the day on
which the board of directors adopts the resolution recommending such corporate
action.
(c)
Paragraph (a) shall not be applicable and appraisal rights shall be available
pursuant to subsection (1) for the holders of any class or series of shares who
are required by the terms of the corporate action requiring appraisal rights to
accept for such shares anything other than cash or shares of any class or any
series of shares of any corporation, or any other proprietary interest of any
other entity, that satisfies the standards set forth in paragraph (a) at the
time the corporate action becomes effective.
(d)
Paragraph (a) shall not be applicable and appraisal rights shall be available
pursuant to subsection (1) for the holders of any class or series of shares
if:
corporation
are being acquired or converted, whether by merger, share exchange, or
otherwise, pursuant to the corporate action by a person, or by an affiliate of a
person, who:
a. Is, or
at any time in the 1-year period immediately preceding approval by the board of
directors of the corporate action requiring appraisal rights was, the beneficial
owner of 20 percent or more of the voting power of the corporation, excluding
any shares acquired pursuant to an offer for all shares having voting power if
such offer was made within 1 year prior to the corporate action requiring
appraisal rights for consideration of the same kind and of a value equal to or
less than that paid in connection with the corporate action; or
b.
Directly or indirectly has, or at any time in the 1-year period immediately
preceding approval by the board of directors of the corporation of the corporate
action requiring appraisal rights had, the power, contractually or otherwise, to
cause the appointment or election of 25 percent or more of the directors to the
board of directors of the corporation; or
2. Any of
the shares or assets of the corporation are being acquired or converted, whether
by merger, share exchange, or otherwise, pursuant to such corporate action by a
person, or by an affiliate of a person, who is, or at any time in the 1-year
period immediately preceding approval by the board of directors of the corporate
action requiring appraisal rights was, a senior executive or director of the
corporation or a senior executive of any affiliate thereof, and that senior
executive or director will receive, as a result of the corporate action, a
financial benefit not generally available to other shareholders as such, other
than:
a.
Employment, consulting, retirement, or similar benefits established separately
and not as part of or in contemplation of the corporate action;
b.
Employment, consulting, retirement, or similar benefits established in
contemplation of, or as part of, the corporate action that are not more
favorable than those existing before the corporate action or, if more favorable,
that have been approved on behalf of the corporation in the same manner as is
provided in s. 607.0832; or
c. In the
case of a director of the corporation who will, in the corporate action, become
a director of the acquiring entity in the corporate action or one of its
affiliates, rights and benefits as a director that are provided on the same
basis as those afforded by the acquiring entity generally to other directors of
such entity or such affiliate.
(e) For
the purposes of paragraph (d) only, the term "beneficial owner" means any person
who, directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, or
understanding, other than a revocable proxy, has or shares the power to vote, or
to direct the voting of, shares, provided that a member of a national securities
exchange shall not be deemed to be a beneficial owner of securities
held directly or indirectly by it on behalf of another person solely because
such member is the recordholder of such securities if the member is precluded by
the rules of such exchange from voting without instruction on contested matters
or matters that may affect substantially the rights or privileges of the holders
of the securities to be voted. When two or more persons agree to act together
for the purpose of voting their shares of the corporation, each member of the
group formed thereby shall be deemed to have acquired beneficial ownership, as
of the date of such agreement, of all voting shares of the corporation
beneficially owned by any member of the group.
(3)
Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the articles of
incorporation as originally filed or any amendment thereto may limit or
eliminate appraisal rights for any class or series of preferred shares, but any
such limitation or elimination contained in an amendment to the articles of
incorporation that limits or eliminates appraisal rights for any of such shares
that are outstanding immediately prior to the effective date of such amendment
or that the corporation is or may be required to issue or sell thereafter
pursuant to any conversion, exchange, or other right existing immediately before
the effective date of such amendment shall not apply to any corporate action
that becomes effective within 1 year of that date if such action would otherwise
afford appraisal rights.
(4) A
shareholder entitled to appraisal rights under this chapter may not challenge a
completed corporate action for which appraisal rights are available unless such
corporate action:
(a) Was
not effectuated in accordance with the applicable provisions of this section or
the corporation's articles of incorporation, bylaws, or board of directors'
resolution authorizing the corporate action; or
(b) Was
procured as a result of fraud or material misrepresentation.
607.1303 Assertion of rights by
nominees and beneficial owners.--
(1) A
record shareholder may assert appraisal rights as to fewer than all the shares
registered in the record shareholder's name but owned by a beneficial
shareholder only if the record shareholder objects with respect to all shares of
the class or series owned by the beneficial shareholder and notifies the
corporation in writing of the name and address of each beneficial shareholder on
whose behalf appraisal rights are being asserted. The rights of a record
shareholder who asserts appraisal rights for only part of the shares held of
record in the record shareholder's name under this subsection shall be
determined as if the shares as to which the record shareholder objects and the
record shareholder's other shares were registered in the names of different
record shareholders.
(2) A
beneficial shareholder may assert appraisal rights as to shares of any class or
series held on behalf of the shareholder only if such shareholder:
(a)
Submits to the corporation the record shareholder's written consent to the
assertion of such rights no later than the date referred to in s.
607.1322(2)(b)2.
(b) Does
so with respect to all shares of the class or series that are beneficially owned
by the beneficial shareholder.
607.1320 Notice of appraisal
rights.--
(1) If
proposed corporate action described in s. 607.1302(1) is to be submitted to a
vote at a shareholders' meeting, the meeting notice must state that the
corporation has concluded that shareholders are, are not, or may be entitled to
assert appraisal rights under this chapter. If the corporation concludes that
appraisal rights are or may be available, a copy of s. 607.1301-607.1333 must
accompany the meeting notice sent to those record shareholders entitled to
exercise appraisal rights.
(2) In a
merger pursuant to s. 607.1104, the parent corporation must notify in writing
all record shareholders of the subsidiary who are entitled to assert appraisal
rights that the corporate action became effective. Such notice must be sent
within 10 days after the corporate action became effective and include the
materials described in s. 607.1322.
(3) If
the proposed corporate action described in s. 607.1302(1) is to be approved
other than by a shareholders' meeting, the notice referred to in subsection (1)
must be sent to all shareholders at the time that consents are first solicited
pursuant to s. 607.0704, whether or not consents are solicited from all
shareholders, and include the materials described in s. 607.1322.
607.1321 Notice of intent to demand
payment.--
(1) If
proposed corporate action requiring appraisal rights under s. 607.1302 is
submitted to a vote at a shareholders' meeting, or is submitted to a shareholder
pursuant to a consent vote under s. 607.0704, a shareholder who wishes to assert
appraisal rights with respect to any class or series of shares:
(a) Must
deliver to the corporation before the vote is taken, or within 20 days after
receiving the notice pursuant to s. 607.1320(3) if action is to be taken without
a shareholder meeting, written notice of the shareholder's intent to demand
payment if the proposed action is effectuated.
(b) Must
not vote, or cause or permit to be voted, any shares of such class or series in
favor of the proposed action.
(2) A
shareholder who does not satisfy the requirements of subsection (1) is not
entitled to payment under this chapter.
607.1322 Appraisal notice and
form.--
(1) If
proposed corporate action requiring appraisal rights under s. 607.1302(1)
becomes effective, the corporation must deliver a written appraisal notice and
form required by paragraph (2)(a) to all shareholders who satisfied the
requirements of s. 607.1321. In the case of a merger under s. 607.1104, the
parent must deliver a written appraisal notice and form to all record
shareholders who may be entitled to assert appraisal rights.
(2) The
appraisal notice must be sent no earlier than the date the corporate action
became effective and no later than 10 days
(a)
Supply a form that specifies the date that the corporate action became effective
and that provides for the shareholder to state:
1. The
shareholder's name and address.
2. The
number, classes, and series of shares as to which the shareholder asserts
appraisal rights.
3. That
the shareholder did not vote for the transaction.
4.
Whether the shareholder accepts the corporation's offer as stated in
subparagraph (b)4.
5. If the
offer is not accepted, the shareholder's estimated fair value of the shares and
a demand for payment of the shareholder's estimated value plus
interest.
(b)
State:
1. Where
the form must be sent and where certificates for certificated shares must be
deposited and the date by which those certificates must be deposited, which date
may not be earlier than the date for receiving the required form under
subparagraph 2.
2. A date
by which the corporation must receive the form, which date may not be fewer than
40 nor more than 60 days after the date the subsection (1) appraisal notice and
form are sent, and state that the shareholder shall have waived the right to
demand appraisal with respect to the shares unless the form is received by the
corporation by such specified date.
3. The
corporation's estimate of the fair value of the shares.
4. An
offer to each shareholder who is entitled to appraisal rights to pay the
corporation's estimate of fair value set forth in subparagraph 3.
5. That,
if requested in writing, the corporation will provide to the shareholder so
requesting, within 10 days after the date specified in subparagraph 2., the
number of shareholders who return the forms by the specified date and the total
number of shares owned by them.
6. The
date by which the notice to withdraw under s. 607.1323 must be received, which
date must be within 20 days after the date specified in subparagraph
2.
(c) Be
accompanied by:
1.
Financial statements of the corporation that issued the shares to be appraised,
consisting of a balance sheet as of the end of the fiscal year ending not more
than 15 months prior to the date of the corporation's appraisal notice, an
income statement for that year, a cash flow statement for that year, and
the latest available interim financial statements, if any.
2. A copy
of s. 607.1301-607.1333.
607.1323 Perfection of rights; right
to withdraw.--
(1) A
shareholder who wishes to exercise appraisal rights must execute and return the
form received pursuant to s. 607.1322(1) and, in the case of certificated
shares, deposit the shareholder's certificates in accordance with the terms of
the notice by the date referred to in the notice pursuant to s. 607.1322(2)(b)2.
Once a shareholder deposits that shareholder's certificates or, in the case of
uncertificated shares, returns the executed forms, that shareholder loses all
rights as a shareholder, unless the shareholder withdraws pursuant to subsection
(2).
(2) A
shareholder who has complied with subsection (1) may nevertheless decline to
exercise appraisal rights and withdraw from the appraisal process by so
notifying the corporation in writing by the date set forth in the appraisal
notice pursuant to s. 607.1322(2)(b)6. A shareholder who fails to so withdraw
from the appraisal process may not thereafter withdraw without the corporation's
written consent.
(3) A
shareholder who does not execute and return the form and, in the case of
certificated shares, deposit that shareholder's share certificates if required,
each by the date set forth in the notice described in subsection (2), shall not
be entitled to payment under this chapter.
607.1324 Shareholder's acceptance of
corporation's offer.--
(1) If
the shareholder states on the form provided in s. 607.1322(1) that the
shareholder accepts the offer of the corporation to pay the corporation's
estimated fair value for the shares, the corporation shall make such payment to
the shareholder within 90 days after the corporation's receipt of the form from
the shareholder.
(2) Upon
payment of the agreed value, the shareholder shall cease to have any interest in
the shares.
607.1326 Procedure if shareholder is
dissatisfied with offer.--
(1) A
shareholder who is dissatisfied with the corporation's offer as set forth
pursuant to s. 607.1322(2)(b)4. must notify the corporation on the form provided
pursuant to s. 607.1322(1) of that shareholder's estimate of the fair value of
the shares and demand payment of that estimate plus interest.
(2) A
shareholder who fails to notify the corporation in writing of that shareholder's
demand to be paid the shareholder's stated estimate of the fair value plus
interest under subsection (1) within the timeframe set forth in s.
607.1322(2)(b)2. waives the right to demand payment under this section and shall
be entitled only to the payment offered by the corporation pursuant to s.
607.1322(2)(b)4.
607.1330 Court
action.--
(1) If a
shareholder makes demand for payment under s. 607.1326 which remains unsettled,
the corporation shall commence a proceeding within 60 days after receiving the
payment demand and petition the court to determine the fair value of the shares
and accrued interest. If the corporation does not commence the proceeding within
the 60-day period, any shareholder who has made a demand pursuant to s. 607.1326
may commence the proceeding in the name of the corporation.
(2) The
proceeding shall be commenced in the appropriate court of the county in which
the corporation's principal office, or, if none, its registered office, in this
state is located. If the corporation is a foreign corporation without a
registered office in this state, the proceeding shall be commenced in the county
in this state in which the principal office or registered office of the domestic
corporation merged with the foreign corporation was located at the time of the
transaction.
(3) All
shareholders, whether or not residents of this state, whose demands remain
unsettled shall be made parties to the proceeding as in an action against their
shares. The corporation shall serve a copy of the initial pleading in such
proceeding upon each shareholder party who is a resident of this state in the
manner provided by law for the service of a summons and complaint and upon each
nonresident shareholder party by registered or certified mail or by publication
as provided by law.
(4) The
jurisdiction of the court in which the proceeding is commenced under subsection
(2) is plenary and exclusive. If it so elects, the court may appoint one or more
persons as appraisers to receive evidence and recommend a decision on the
question of fair value. The appraisers shall have the powers described in the
order appointing them or in any amendment to the order. The shareholders
demanding appraisal rights are entitled to the same discovery rights as parties
in other civil proceedings. There shall be no right to a jury
trial.
(5) Each
shareholder made a party to the proceeding is entitled to judgment for the
amount of the fair value of such shareholder's shares, plus interest, as found
by the court.
(6) The
corporation shall pay each such shareholder the amount found to be due within 10
days after final determination of the proceedings. Upon payment of the judgment,
the shareholder shall cease to have any interest in the shares.
607.1331 Court costs and counsel
fees.--
(1) The
court in an appraisal proceeding shall determine all costs of the proceeding,
including the reasonable compensation and expenses of appraisers appointed by
the court. The court shall assess the costs against the corporation, except that
the court may assess costs against all or some of the shareholders demanding
appraisal, in amounts the court finds equitable, to the extent the court finds
such shareholders acted arbitrarily, vexatiously, or not in good faith with
respect to the rights provided by this chapter.
(2) The
court in an appraisal proceeding may also assess the fees and expenses of
counsel and experts for the respective parties, in amounts the court finds
equitable:
(a)
Against the corporation and in favor of any or all shareholders demanding
appraisal if the court finds the corporation did not substantially comply with
s. 607.1320 and 607.1322; or
(b)
Against either the corporation or a shareholder demanding appraisal, in favor of
any other party, if the court finds that the party against whom the fees and
expenses are assessed acted arbitrarily, vexatiously, or not in good faith with
respect to the rights provided by this chapter.
(3) If
the court in an appraisal proceeding finds that the services of counsel for any
shareholder were of substantial benefit to other shareholders similarly
situated, and that the fees for those services should not be assessed against
the corporation, the court may award to such counsel reasonable fees to be paid
out of the amounts awarded the shareholders who were benefited.
(4) To
the extent the corporation fails to make a required payment pursuant to s.
607.1324, the shareholder may sue directly for the amount owed and, to the
extent successful, shall be entitled to recover from the corporation all costs
and expenses of the suit, including counsel fees.
607.1332 Disposition of acquired
shares.--
Shares
acquired by a corporation pursuant to payment of the agreed value thereof or
pursuant to payment of the judgment entered therefore, as provided in this
chapter, may be held and disposed of by such corporation as authorized but
unissued shares of the corporation, except that, in the case of a merger or
share exchange, they may be held and disposed of as the plan of merger or share
exchange otherwise provides. The shares of the surviving corporation into which
the shares of such shareholders demanding appraisal rights would have been
converted had they assented to the merger shall have the status of authorized
but unissued shares of the surviving corporation.
607.1333 Limitation on corporate
payment.--
(1) No
payment shall be made to a shareholder seeking appraisal rights if, at the time
of payment, the corporation is unable to meet the distribution standards of s.
607.06401. In such event, the shareholder shall, at the shareholder's
option:
(a)
Withdraw his or her notice of intent to assert appraisal rights, which shall in
such event be deemed withdrawn with the consent of the corporation;
or
(b)
Retain his or her status as a claimant against the corporation and, if it is
liquidated, be subordinated to the rights of creditors of the corporation, but
have rights superior to the shareholders not asserting appraisal rights, and if
it is not liquidated, retain his or her right to be paid for the shares, which
right the corporation shall be obliged to satisfy when the restrictions of this
section do not apply.
(2) The
shareholder shall exercise the option under paragraph (1)(a) or paragraph (b) by
written notice filed with the corporation within 30 days after the corporation
has given written notice that the payment for shares cannot be made because of
the restrictions of this section. If the shareholder fails to exercise the
option, the shareholder shall be deemed to have withdrawn his or her notice of
intent to assert appraisal rights.
APPENDIX
C-2
Form
of Dissenter's Appraisal Notice
Dissenter's
Appraisal Notice of Dragon Pharmaceutical Inc.
Delivered
Pursuant to Section 607.1322 of the Florida Business Corporation
Act
Our Company's estimate of the fair
value of the shares which are the subject of this notice is $0.82 per share of
common stock, and we hereby offer to pay such estimated fair value.
Demand for payment must be sent by to
the Company by mail, courier, facsimile or electronic mail by___________, 2010
as follows:
Chief
Respect Limited.
Suite
310, 650 West Georgia Street
Vancouver,
British Columbia
Canada
V6B 4N9
Attention:
Mr. Yanlin Han
Certificates
of the Company's shares must be deposited by______, 2010 as
follows:
Computershare
Trust Company of Canada (Vancouver),
3rd Floor,
510 Burrard,
Vancouver,
British Columbia, Canada, V6C 3B9
A form for demanding payment is
attached to this Dissenter's Appraisal Notice as Exhibit
A.
A copy of the dissent and appraisal
provisions of the Florida Business Corporation Act is attached as Appendix C-1
to proxy statement to which this Dissenter's Appraisal Notice is
attached.
A copy of our Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, is included in this proxy
statement.
A notice to withdraw any demand for
payment must be received by ______, 2010.
If requested in writing, we will
provide to the shareholder so requesting by _____ the number of shareholders and
the total number of shares held by them who have returned a demand for payment
by the date specified above.
EXHIBIT
A TO APPENDIX C-2
Form
of Dissenter's Appraisal Notice To Company
Name and
Address of Shareholder exercising dissent and appraisal rights:
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
Number of shares of common stock of
Shareholder over which Shareholder is exercising dissent and appraisal
rights:
______________________________
The undersigned hereby certifies that
he/she/it acquired the shares of the Company before __________________________,
being the record date for approval of the proposed Merger, and did not vote for
the proposed Merger.
The undersigned hereby accepts the
Company's offer as set forth in this Dissenter's Appraisal Notice:
Yes
[ ] No [ ]
If our offer is not accepted, the
shareholder's estimated fair value of the shares is $_________ per share of
common stock and the undersigned hereby demands payment of this estimated value
plus interest.
Dated:
_____________, 2010.
_____________________________________
Signature
_____________________________________
Print
Name
_____________________________________
Print
Title
Co-Owner,
if any
_____________________________________
Signature
_____________________________________
Print
Name
_____________________________________
Print
Title
APPENDIX D
UNITED
STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington,
DC 20549
FORM
10-K
x
|
ANNUAL
REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF
1934
|
|
|
|
For
the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009
|
|
|
¨
|
TRANSITION
REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF
1934
|
|
|
|
For
the transition period
from to
|
Commission
File Number 0-27937
DRAGON
PHARMACEUTICAL INC.
(Exact
name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Florida
(State
of Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or
Organization)
|
65-0142474
(I.R.S.
Employer Identification
Number)
|
650 West
Georgia Street, Suite 310
Vancouver, British Columbia
V6B 4N9
(Address
of Principal Executive Offices)
www.dragonpharma.com
(Registrant’s
Internet Address)
(604)
669-8817
(Registrant’s
telephone number including area code)
Securities
registered under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act: None
Securities
registered under Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act: Common Stock, par
value $0.001
Indicate
by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer. As defined in
Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes ¨ Nox
Indicate
by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to
Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
Yes ¨
Nox
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be
filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the
preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required
to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for
the past 90 days.
Yes x
No¨
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on
its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be
submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this
chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to submit and post such files). ¨
Yes ¨
No
Indicate
by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of
Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not
be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge in definitive proxy or
information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K
or any amendment to this Form 10-K ¨
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an
accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “Accelerated
filer”, “Large accelerated filer” and “Smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2
of the Exchange Act. (Check one): ¨ Large
accelerated filer ¨
Accelerated filer ¨Non-accelerated
filer x Smaller
reporting company
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule
12b-2 of the Exchange Act.)
Yes ¨
Nox
The
aggregate market value of voting and non-voting common stock held by
non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2009 was
$14,812,877.
As of
March 15, 2010, there were 67,066,418 shares of the Company’s common stock,
$0.001 par value, outstanding.
DOCUMENTS
INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
None
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
PART I
|
|
|
ITEM 1.
|
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
|
3
|
|
|
|
ITEM 1A.
|
RISK FACTORS
|
19
|
|
|
|
ITEM 1B.
|
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
|
23
|
|
|
|
ITEM 2.
|
DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY
|
23
|
|
|
|
ITEM 3.
|
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
|
24
|
|
|
|
ITEM 4.
|
(REMOVED AND RESERVED)
|
24
|
|
|
|
PART II
|
|
|
ITEM 5.
|
MARKET FOR COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER
MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF
EQUITY SECURITIES
|
24
|
|
|
|
ITEM 6.
|
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
|
25
|
|
|
|
ITEM 7.
|
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION
AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATION
|
25
|
|
|
|
ITEM 7A.
|
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT
MARKET RISK
|
30
|
|
|
|
ITEM 8.
|
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
|
30
|
|
|
|
ITEM 9.
|
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON
ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL
DISCLOSURE
|
30
|
|
|
|
ITEM 9A. (T)
|
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
|
30
|
|
|
|
ITEM 9B.
|
OTHER INFORMATION
|
31
|
|
|
|
PART III
|
|
|
ITEM 10.
|
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, PROMOTERS, CONTROL
PERSONS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
|
31
|
|
|
|
ITEM 11.
|
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
|
36
|
|
|
|
ITEM 12.
|
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
|
39
|
|
|
|
ITEM 13.
|
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS,
AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
|
42
|
|
|
|
ITEM 14.
|
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND
SERVICES
|
42
|
|
|
|
PART IV
|
|
|
ITEM 15.
|
EXHIBITS,
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SCHEDULES
|
43
|
PART
I
ITEM
1. DESCRIPTION
OF BUSINESS
With
the exception of historical facts stated herein, the following discussion may
contain forward-looking statements regarding events and financial trends that
may affect Dragon Pharmaceutical Inc.’s future operating results and financial
position. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could
cause Dragon Pharmaceutical Inc.’s actual results and financial position to
differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements.
Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, in
addition to other factors identified in this report, that Dragon Pharmaceutical
Inc. has a substantial amount of liabilities, all of which factors are set forth
in more detail in the sections entitled “Item 1A. Business Risks Associated With
Dragon Pharmaceutical Inc.” and “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Conditions and Results of Operation” herein. Readers of this annual
report are cautioned not to put undue reliance on “forward looking” statements
that are, by their nature, uncertain as reliable indicators of future
performance. Dragon Pharmaceutical Inc. disclaims any intent or obligation to
publicly update these “forward looking” statements, whether as a result of new
information, future events, or otherwise except as required by law.
As used in this annual report, the
terms “we”, “us”, “our”, “the Company” and “Dragon Pharma” shall mean Dragon
Pharmaceutical Inc. and its subsidiaries unless otherwise indicated. Further,
unless otherwise indicated, reference to dollars shall mean United States
dollars.
General
Dragon Pharmaceutical is a leading
manufacturer and distributor of a broad line of high-quality antibiotic products
including Clavulanic Acid, 7-ACA, downstream cephalosporin active pharmaceutical
ingredient (“API”) and formulated powder for injection in both Chinese and
emerging markets.
The
Company’s headquarters, located in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada,
accommodates corporate functions such as corporate strategic planning, financial
reporting, SEC compliance, corporate finance, risk management and entity-wide
internal control oversight, and investor relations. The Company also
has an office in Beijing, China, which manages the Company’s marketing and sales
for Chinese market and international market outside of China.
The
Company currently has three production facilities in Datong, China, including
two have been certified GMP (“Good Manufacturing Practice”) production
facilities certified by the Chinese State Food and Drug Administration (“SFDA”):
one facility producing bulk clavulanic acid, and another facility producing
cephalosporin crude & sterilized bulk drugs and formulated powder for
injection. The third facility produces bulk 7-ACA, a core
intermediate for downstream cephalosporin antibiotics. 7-ACA is an intermediate
and no GMP is required for the production facility. The Company currently has
44 formulated drugs approvals and 38 API approvals from the Chinese
SFDA.
At the
beginning of 2008, the Company has realigned its business segments into two
divisions: Penicillin and Cephalosporin. This realignment better reflects the
Company’s business strategy to become a leading vertically integrated
manufacturer and distributor of a broad line of high-quality antibiotic
products. This realignment of business segments is part of the Company’s
strategic plan to focus on antibiotic product lines, thereby increasing market
share and market position by first integrating product lines from intermediates
to API and then, finally, to formulated finished products, and second to
developing new pipelines within the Company’s product lines to horizontally
leverage current resources for future growth. Formulated drugs under
the Cephalosporin division are targeted at the Chinese markets while bulk
intermediate and API from both Cephalosporin and Penicillin divisions are sold
in both Chinese and selected international markets.
Corporate
History
The Company was originally formed on
August 22, 1989, as First Geneva Investments, Inc. First Geneva Investments was
formed for the purpose of evaluating and acquiring businesses. On
August 17, 1998, the Company acquired Allwin Newtech Ltd., a British Virgin
Islands corporation. Allwin Newtech Ltd. was formed on February 10, 1998, for
the purpose of developing pharmaceutical products in China. Allwin
Newtech owned certain technology used to enhance the efficiency of producing
erythropoietin or EPO. On September 21, 1998, First Geneva
Investments changed its name to Dragon Pharmaceutical Inc.
From 1998 to 2002, the Company
successfully developed the biotech business with the generic version of
Erythropoietin (“EPO”), an injectable that stimulates red blood cell
development. The Company produced EPO in China and sold to 9 emerging markets
including China, India, Brazil, Egypt, Peru, Dominican Republic,
Trinidad-Tobago, Ecuador and Kosovo.
On January 12, 2005, the Company
completed the acquisition of Oriental Wave Holding Ltd. (“Oriental Wave”).
Oriental Wave was principally engaged in the production and sale of
pharmaceutical products. In connection with the acquisition of
Oriental Wave, the Company issued 44,502,004 shares of common stock to the three
prior owners of Oriental Wave. As a result, these three prior owners of Oriental
Wave collectively owned 70.78% of the Company’s then outstanding shares. The
acquisition of Oriental Wave allowed the Company to expand the Company’s range
of products, leverage both companies’ marketing networks in China and in
international markets, and improve the Company’s ability to execute the
Company’s combined business strategy.
Oriental Wave, was the sole shareholder
of Shanxi Weiqida Pharmaceutical Ltd. (“Shanxi Weiqida”),
a China based pharmaceutical company engaged in the production, marketing and
sale of pharmaceutical intermediates, active pharmaceutical ingredients and
generic formulation drugs. Shanxi
Weiqida Pharmaceutical Ltd was primarily formed and organized through the
acquisition of assets from three Chinese companies. Two of these acquisitions
were completed out of bankruptcy procedures of state-owned pharmaceutical
companies.
Shanxi Weiqida was formed in January
2002 as a Chinese domestic company. At the time it was established, Shanxi
Weiqida acquired, for no cost, from Shanxi Tongling Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., or
(“Shanxi Tongling”), all drug production permits, and product licenses of Datong
No. 2 Pharmaceutical Factory, or (“Datong No. 2 Pharmaceutical”). The assets of
Datong No. 2 Pharmaceutical were acquired by Shanxi Tongling in June 2001 out of
bankruptcy for RMB 42.3 million, or approximately $5.1 million. Shanxi Tongling
was founded in 1994 by Mr. Han, the Company’s current Chairman of the Board
and Chief Executive Officer.
In April
2002, Shanxi Weiqida acquired from Shanxi Tongzhen Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., or
(“Tongzhen”) all of its product licenses and production permits in consideration
for assuming approximately RMB 6.7 million, or approximately $0.8 million, of
bank debt upon the liquidation of Shanxi Tongzhen.
In June 2002, Shanxi Weiqida purchased
the assets relating to a capsules and injectables production line, including
certain equipment, inventory, receivables and product licenses and related
production permits, from Aurobindo Tongling (Datong) Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.,
or Aurobindo Tongling (Datong), for consideration of approximately RMB 33.75
million, or approximately $4.1 million. At the time of the transaction,
Mr. Han was also the Chairman of Aurobindo Tongling (Datong).
In September 2002, Shanxi Weiqida
acquired out of bankruptcy all assets of Datong Pharmaceutical Factory, or
(“Datong Pharmaceutical”), a state-owned enterprise, including the land use
rights of Datong Pharmaceutical. Pursuant to the acquisition agreement entered
into with the Datong Economic Committee of the Datong Municipal Government,
Shanxi Weiqida acquired the assets in consideration for assuming all liabilities
related to the employees of Datong Pharmaceutical. The agreement requires Shanxi
Weiqida to pay the former employees of Datong Pharmaceutical certain minimum
wages and health care costs until the date of their re-employment, retirement or
death, whichever occurs first. Subsequently, Shanxi Weiqida transferred such
obligation to the buyer of part of the Company’s Pharma division in
2006.
In February 2003, Shanxi Weiqida
commenced construction of a clavulanic acid manufacturing facility, which was
completed in August 2003. Pilot production began in August 2003 and full-scale
production began in January 2004. Construction of Shanxi Weiqida’s 7-ACA
manufacturing facility was completed in December 2003 and pilot production of
7-ACA commenced on July 1, 2004. In July 2005, the Company started to
ramp up the production.
In August 2005, the Company closed its
biotech production facility in Nanjing, China and started the relocation of the
biotech production facility to a site next to the Chemical division campus in
Datong, China. The Company received GMP certification for this
facility from the Chinese SFDA on December 29, 2005 and production at this
facility started during the first quarter of 2006.
Shanxi Weiqida’s head office is located
in a special economic region in China. Pursuant to the Chinese
Corporate Income Tax Law approved on March 16, 2007, the applicable income tax
rate for Shanxi Weiqida starting 2008 is 25%.
On June 29, 2006, the Company signed an
agreement with an arms-length third party to sell part of its former Pharma
division, including all the formulation production facilities located in the
Economic Development Zone in Datong, China, 258 drug approvals from the Chinese
SFDA, 900 employees and the whole direct sales team to hospitals for the
formulation business and related inventories, account receivables and account
payables. The total selling price for the assets was $13.32 million. The
transaction was completed on July 1, 2006. In addition, the Company
also signed a separate agreement, with an amendment on July 28, 2006, to deliver
international registration documentation and services on a related product to
this arm-length third party. This documentation and services
agreement was valued at $1.5 million and was completed in September,
2006.
Subsequent
to the sales of part of the Pharma division, Oriental Wave transferred the
ownership of Shanxi Weiqida to Allwin Biotrade Inc., another wholly owned
subsidiary of the Company.
On November 5, 2007, the Company signed
an agreement with a non-affiliated third party to sell certain fixed assets and
certain net working capital of the biotech business for US$ 2.14 million (or RMB
15.6 million).
At the beginning of 2008, the Company
realigned its business segments into two divisions: Penicillin and
Cephalosporin. This realignment of business segments is part of the Company’s
strategic plan to focus on antibiotic product lines, thereby increasing market
share and market position by first, integrating product lines from intermediates
to API and then, finally, to formulated finished products, and second, to
developing new pipelines within the Company’s product lines to horizontally
leverage current resources for future growth.
Recent
Events
On
January 22, 2010, the Company announced that in a letter dated January 15, 2010,
Mr. Yanlin Han, Chairman and CEO of the Company, has made a non-binding proposal
to acquire all of the outstanding shares of the Company for a price of $0.80 per
share. Dragon’s common stock quoted on OTCBB and traded on Toronto Stock
Exchange closed at $0.60 per share and at CAD $0.63 per share, respectively, on
January 22, 2010. Mr. Han is the largest shareholder of the Company owning
37.95% of the total outstanding shares. Mr. Han’s letter indicates that his
proposal is conditioned upon satisfactory completion of due diligence,
negotiation of definitive transaction documents, receipt of the requisite
financing commitments and receipt of necessary board approval.
The Board
of Directors of the Company has established a Special Committee of independent
directors consisting of Peter Mak, Chairman, and Dr. Jin Li and Dr. Heinz Frey
to act on behalf of Dragon Pharma with respect to consideration of the proposal
and other strategic alternatives.
On March
26, 2010, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among,
Chief Respect Ltd., Datong Investment Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Chief
Respect Ltd., and Mr. Yanlin Han, the Company's Chairman, Chief Executive
Officer and largest shareholder. Chief Respect Ltd. is a Hong Kong corporation
owned by Mr. Han. Under the terms of-the Agreement and Plan of Merger, Mr. Han
will acquire shares of Dragon common stock not owned by him for $0.82 per share
in cash. The
transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2010 and is subject to
certain closing conditions, including approval by Dragon Pharma’s shareholders,
meeting certain requirements of the Toronto Stock Exchange, and other closing
conditions set forth in the merger agreement. Under Florida law, the adoption of
the merger agreement requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the
outstanding shares entitled to vote. Under the rules of the Toronto Stock
Exchange, the merger agreement must be approved by the holders of a majority of
the outstanding shares entitled to vote, excluding the votes of those shares
owned by Yanlin Han.
Business
Segments
Prior to
January 1, 2008, the Company originally operated three key business units
consisting of a Chemical division for bulk pharmaceutical API and intermediates
such as clavulanic acid and 7-ACA, a Pharma division for formulated drugs with a
focus of cephalosporin antibiotics and a Biotech division for
“EPO”. However, during the quarter ended September 30, 2007, the
Company decided to sell the Biotech division and therefore it has been
reclassified as a discontinued operation.
Starting
on January 1, 2008, the Company has realigned its business segments into two
divisions: Cephalosporin and Penicillin divisions. This realignment better
reflects the Company’s business strategy to become a leading vertically
integrated manufacturer and distributor of a broad line of high-quality
antibiotic products.
Penicillin
Division:
The
Penicillin division currently operates the production and sales of clavulanic
acid, cefalexin and cefadroxil. The Company is the first manufacturer
of clavulanic acid in China and currently the market leader in the Chinese
market. In addition, as the largest exporter of such product from
China, the Company is among the top leading suppliers in other emerging markets
such as India. During 2008, the Company expanded the product
portfolio to include cefalexin and cefadroxil under the Penicillin
division.
Clavulanic
acid. Clavulanic
acid is a compound with poor anti-bacterial activity, but is a good inhibitor
for Beta-lactamase. The use of such compound with penicillin molecules increases
effectiveness against Beta-lactamase producing strains of pathogens. The
combination of clavulanic acid and amoxicillin can be used against a variety of
Beta-lactamase producing Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. Clavulanic
acid enhances the activity of amoxicillin as a broad spectrum antibiotic because
of its powerful inhibitory effect on many Beta-lactamase enzymes. Clavulanic
acid itself has little useful therapeutic activity.
The Company’s clavulanic acid
technology and production process was licensed and transferred from Alpha
Process Trust Reg., or Alpha Trust, an Italian company. Starting in
January 2004, the Company became the first commercial scale producer of
clavulanic acid in China. Before the Company started to supply to the
Chinese market, clavulanic acid was imported at a relatively high price into
China. As the Company continued producing in China and started to
sell the products
locally at a competitive price, the total market size expanded as the Company
made it more affordable to the market which further induced the demand for such
products.
By being the first producer of
clavulanic acid in China, the Company believes it has a competitive advantage
over other manufacturers to fulfill demands for clavulanic acid in the Chinese
market as well as internationally outside of China. Currently, the Company
produces and sells 12 types of clavulanic acid formulated mixed powder in bulk
form in the Chinese market as well as 7 other emerging markets including, India,
South Korea, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Egypt & Mexico.
The production for clavulanic acid was
started in January 2004 with an initial designed annual production capacity of
30 tons. However, with the increasing demand of such products in the
Chinese and other emerging markets together with the Company’s investment in
process optimization and technology improvement, as at the end of 2009 fourth
quarter, the production capacity increased to 135 tons from 78 tons per annum
through the improvement in the fermentation yield.
According
to the estimate from Healthoo.com, an industry analyst for the pharmaceutical
industry in China, only approximately 10% of amoxicillin sold in the Chinese
market was combined with clavulanic acid. The adoption rate is much lower than
in the US and European markets due to the fact that population in the emerging
markets started to use amoxicillin much later than their counterparts in the US
and Europe and therefore, drug resistant cycle in emerging countries is at its
initial stage. Comparatively, US and European populations started to take
amoxicillin much earlier than populations in the emerging markets, such as China
and India, and therefore a majority of amoxicillin sold in US and Europe markets
has already been combined with clavulanic acid to fight
resistance. It is therefore widely expected that the adoption rate of
clavulanic acid with amoxicillin in the emerging markets will eventually catch
up to US and European levels as the resistant cycle continues to
advance.
Cefalexin.
Cefalexin, a Penicillin G downstream product, is a first-generation
cephalosporin antibiotic, but its chemical composition makes it effective in
treatment of patients that show sensitivity to penicillin drugs. Cefalexin is
widely used to treat urinary tract infections, respiratory tract infections, and
skin and soft tissue infections. In January 2008, the Company
introduced cefalexin into its product portfolio. Currently, with 840 tons annual
capacity, the Company is one of the three leading suppliers of such product in
the Chinese market.
Cefadroxil. Cefadroxil,
also a Penicillin G downstream product, is a first-generation cephalosporin
antibiotic that is the para-hydroxy derivative of cefalexin, and is used
similarly in the treatment of mild to moderate susceptible infections such as
the bacteria “Streptococcus pyogenes”, otherwise known as strep throat, and skin
and urinary tract infections. Currently, the Company has a capacity of 120 tons
per annum and mainly supplies to the Chinese market.
Cephalosporin
Divison:
The
Cephalosporion division operates the production and sales of 7-ACA, its
downstream APIs and cephalosporin formulated finished drugs. 7-ACA is a core
intermediate for over 50 cephalosporin downstream API and formulated finished
drugs. The Company is not only one of the key producers of 7-ACA in
the world with its 780-ton production facility, but also the largest exporter of
7-ACA from China. In addition, the Company is also one of the market
leaders in two very important and growing markets: China and India.
Besides
7-ACA, the Company also offers downstream API products including ceftazidime
(crude powder), cefuroxime (crude powder & sterilized bulk), ceftrixone
(sterilized bulk) and cefalotin. Formulated finished products include 33 dosage
forms from 11 different types of cephalosporin powder for injection. The Company
plans to continue to increase its 7-ACA production capacity through
technological innovation. In addition, the Company will also expand
the API and formulated powder for injection offerings in order to take advantage
of the Company being one of the key producers of 7-ACA in the
world.
Pharmaceutical
Intermediate
7-ACA.
7-ACA
is made from cephalosporin C and is a core intermediate for over 50
downstream synthesizing cephalosporin antibiotics, the β-lactam antibiotics
family. Produced by the fermentation of a filamentous fungus
(cephalosporium acremonium now known as acremonium chrysogenum), cephalosporin C
in the fermentation broth is isolated from the biomass by filtration. The
strongly hydrophilic cephalosporin C is purified by laborious absorption and ion
exchange steps. Cephalosporin C can be a free acid or a salt (sodium, potassium
or zinc). The conversion of cephalosporin C to 7-ACA has two methods, a chemical
process and an enzymatic process. During 2008, the Company had the
capability to produce via the enzymatic method in addition to the chemical
method which was originally adopted since 2004. However, starting in the
beginning of 2009, the Company has already converted all the 7-ACA production
lines into the enzymatic method in order to further lower the production cost by
eliminating the use of hazardous chemicals. Currently, the Company
uses part of the 7-ACA for its own downstream products and sells the remaining
to both Chinese market and international market outside of China, especially
India. Starting 2009, the Company also included other 7-ACA derivative
intermediate such as D-7ACA into its product portfolio.
Cephalosporin
Crude and Sterilized Bulk Drug
Ceftazidime. In
January 2008, the Company added ceftazidime in crude powder form to its product
portfolio. Ceftazidime is a third-generation cephalosporin
antibiotic, a downstream product for 7ACA, and has broad-spectrum activity
against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. It is mainly used
for infections of the respiratory tract, the skin, urinary and genital tracts,
septicemia, the abdominal cavity, and the central nervous
system. Company’s current capacity for ceftazidime crude bulk drug is
216 tons per annum with which part of the production is for self use in
downstream products and the remaining is for external sales in the Chinese
market.
Cefuroxime. Cefuroxime
is a second generation cephalosporin antibiotic, chemically similar to
penicillin. It is effective against a wide variety of bacterial organisms, such
as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, E.
coli, N. gonorrhoeae, and many others. Cefuroxime is especially
effective against susceptible bacterial infections of the middle ear,
tonsillitis, throat infections, laryngitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia. It is
also used in treating urinary tract infections, skin infections, and gonorrhea.
The Company plans to launch the production of the bulk crude powder as well as
sterilized cefuroxime in 2009 with an annual capacity of 216 tons and 60 tons
respectively, which will be used partially for the Company’s own downstream
formulated powder for injection and partially for external sales in the Chinese
market.
Ceftriaxone.
Ceftriaxone is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic. Like other
third-generation cephalosporins, it has broad spectrum activity against
Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Ceftriaxone is often used for the
treatment of community-acquired or mild to moderate health care-associated
pneumonia. It is also a choice drug for treatment of bacterial
meningitis.
Cefalotin.
Cefalotin is a
first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic. It was the first cephalosporin
marketed and continues to be widely used. Cefalotin will prevent the bacteria
from forming an adequate and protective cell wall. This results in instability
and subsequent death of the bacteria.
Cephalosporin
Formulated Powder for Injection
The
Company currently owns drug approval for 12 types of cephalosporin formulated
powders for injection (in 44 different dosages) from the Chinese SFDA and has
launched 11 types of powders for injection (in 33 different dosages) in the
Chinese market, including ceftriaxone, ceftazidime, cefoperazone,
cefoperazone-sulbactam, cefuroxime, cefazolin, cefminox, cefonicid, cefoxitin,
ceftizoxime, and pantoprazole.
The
Company plans to expand its current product offerings to cover more
cephalosporin powder for injection and to gain market share by focusing on the
fast growing rural area markets so as to achieve the ultimate goal to become one
of the top leading cephalosporin antibiotic suppliers in China.
The
management will continue to focus on accelerating the exploration of rural
market development in order to further enlarge market share of the Company’s
finished products in the Chinese market. Approximately, 55% of
China’s 1.32 billion population (or 726 million) live in rural areas, as
compared to 45%, or 593 million people, that live in the urban
area. According to the recently approved medical reform plan
announced on January 21, 2009, the Chinese government planned to spend US$123
billion by 2011 on the healthcare system, emphasizing the development of
infrastructure for rural healthcare services, with an intent to equal services
currently available in the urban areas. Therefore, significant
funding from the central government will continue to be injected into the
healthcare infrastructure for rural areas. In addition, the Chinese government’s
contribution, especially to the participants of national medical insurance
program, will increase significantly. These relevant factors may lead
to the continuous growth in the demand of basic pharmaceutical products, such as
antibiotics in the rural area.
Discontinued Operations:
Biotech Division
The sole
product of the Biotech division was erythropoietin or EPO, an injectable that
stimulates red blood cell development.
During
the fourth quarter of 2007, the Company determined that the biotech business was
not aligned with the Company’s current core business strategy of focusing on its
antibiotics intermediate and downstream formulation portfolio, and consequently,
reached an agreement with a non-affiliated third party to sell the assets of the
biotech operations. As a result, this biotech operation has been categorized as
discontinued. According to the agreement, the buyer agreed to pay the
Company a total of US$ 2.14 million (or RMB 15.6 million) in exchange for
certain fixed assets and certain net working capital of the biotech
business. As a result of the sale, intangible assets of $2.14 million
and goodwill of $0.97 million related to the biotech division were written off
during the year ended December 31, 2007. These intangible assets and
goodwill in the Biotech division were created as a result of the reverse
take-over of Dragon Pharmaceutical Inc. by Oriental Wave on January 12,
2005. The write-off of the Biotech division’s intangible assets and
goodwill had no cash impact to the Company’s financial results, but created a
loss from discontinued operations in 2007. Excluding the impact of
the non-cash write-off of the intangible assets and goodwill, the Biotech
division would have been profitable for 2007 with an income of $0.18 million
before write-off of intangible assets and goodwill.
Products
The following table describes the top
five products of the Company in terms of revenue contribution from continuing
operations.
Product
|
|
Category /
Presentation
|
|
Treatment
|
|
% of 2009
Revenues
|
|
|
% of 2008
Revenues
|
|
7-ACA
|
|
Pharmaceutical
intermediate / Bulk
|
|
7-ACA
is a core intermediate for cephalosporin antibiotics
|
|
|
23.78 |
% |
|
|
32.67 |
% |
Ceftazidime
|
|
Crude
powder / Bulk
|
|
Ceftazidime
is used in treating infections of the respiratory tract, the skin, urinary
and genital tracts, septicemia, the abdominal cavity, and the central
nervous system.
|
|
|
18.10 |
% |
|
|
9.94 |
% |
Cefalexin/
Cefadroxil
|
|
Sterilized
bulk drug/ Bulk
|
|
Cephalexin
is used in treating urinary tract infections, repiratory tract infections,
skin and soft tissue infections. Cefadroxil is for use to treat strep
throat, skin and urinaru tract infections.
|
|
|
10.68 |
% |
|
|
13.00 |
% |
Amoxicillin
Clavulanic Potassium (5:1)
|
|
Sterilized
bulk drug / Bulk
|
|
Amoxicillin
Clavulanic Potassium is used in treating many different types of bacterial
infections, such as sinusitis, pneumonia, ear infections, bronchitis,
urinary tract infections, and skin infections.
|
|
|
7.11 |
% |
|
|
6.00 |
% |
Ceftriaxone
|
|
Crude
powder/Bulk
|
|
Ceftriaxone
is used in treating community-acquired or mild to moderate health
care-associated pneumonia, bacterial meningitis, lyme disease, typhoid
fever and gonorrhea.
|
|
|
6.83 |
% |
|
|
7.95 |
% |
Total
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
66.50 |
% |
|
|
69.56 |
% |
Sales and
Marketing
Geographical
Breakdown
Formulated
drugs under the Cephalosporin division are targeted at the Chinese markets while
bulk intermediate and API from both Cephalosporin and Penicillin divisions are
sold in both Chinese and selected international markets.
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
$ million
|
|
|
% of
Revenues
|
|
|
$ million
|
|
|
% of
Revenues
|
|
Total Company (Continuing
Operations)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-China
|
|
|
133.64 |
|
|
|
81 |
% |
|
|
125.76 |
|
|
|
83 |
% |
-International
|
|
|
32.13 |
|
|
|
19 |
% |
|
|
26.19 |
|
|
|
17 |
% |
|
|
|
165.77 |
|
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
151.95 |
|
|
|
100 |
% |
By
Division:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Penicillin
Division
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-China
|
|
|
35.81 |
|
|
|
68 |
% |
|
|
34.85 |
|
|
|
72 |
% |
-International
|
|
|
16.97 |
|
|
|
32 |
% |
|
|
13.32 |
|
|
|
28 |
% |
|
|
|
52.78 |
|
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
48.17 |
|
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cephalosporin
Division
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-China
|
|
|
97.83 |
|
|
|
87 |
% |
|
|
90.91 |
|
|
|
88 |
% |
-International
|
|
|
15.16 |
|
|
|
13 |
% |
|
|
12.87 |
|
|
|
12 |
% |
|
|
|
112.99 |
|
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
103.78 |
|
|
|
100 |
% |
81% and
83% of the Company’s revenues for 2009 and 2008, respectively, were derived from
the Chinese market while the remaining 19% and 17% for 2009 and 2008,
respectively, were from international customers outside of China. The
increase in the contribution of the international market in 2009 was mainly
because of the growth in Clavulanic Acid products as well as Cephalosporin bulk
drugs in the international market outside of China.
Sales
Models/Customers
The
Company maintains different sales models for different products:
For
formulated finished products (such as cephalosporin powder for injection under
the Cephalosporin division), the Company’s sales department sells directly to
regional distributors, which in turn sell to their customers which are mainly
hospitals throughout China.
For bulk
pharmaceutical intermediate (e.g. 7-ACA) and API products (e.g. Clavulanic Acid,
cefalexin, cefadroxil, ceftazidime crude bulk drug), the Company’s sales
department sells directly to both Chinese customers and international customers
outside of China which are pharmaceutical companies using the Company’s products
to make their own downstream pharmaceutical products.
During
2009 and 2008, sales to the Company’s five largest customers accounted for
approximately 46% and 37% of the Company’s sales, respectively; while sales to
the Company’s largest customer accounted for approximately 13% and 12% of the
Company’s sales, respectively. The Company has historically made its
sales through purchase orders and not through long-term
contracts.
Pricing
Policy
All
formulated finished products (such as cephalosporin powder for injection under
the Cephalosporin division) are subject to retail price control imposed by the
Chinese SFDA. The main objective of such price control policy is to set an upper
limit to the retail prices of pharmaceutical products in order to prevent
excessive price increases.
All
of the Company’s other products such as bulk pharmaceutical intermediate (e.g.
7-ACA) and API products (e.g. Clavulanic Acid, cefalexin, cefadroxil,
ceftazidime crude bulk drug, cefuroxime, ceftriaxone sodium and cefalotin) are
market priced products and therefore are not subject to any government price
control.
Facilities
The
Company has an office in Vancouver, Canada that houses certain corporate
functions, such as financial reporting, risk management and entity-wide internal
control oversight, SEC compliance, corporate finance, and investor relations. In
addition, the Company also has a sales office in Beijing, China that houses the
sales and marketing team for both the Chinese and international
markets.
The
Company currently owns three production facilities in Datong, China, including
two that have been certified GMP production facilities by the Chinese “SFDA”:
one facility producing bulk clavulanic acid and one facility with a
capacity of producing cephalosporin crude & sterilized bulk drugs and
formulated powder for injection. The third facility produces bulk
7-ACA, a core intermediate for downstream cephalosporin antibiotics. 7-ACA is an
intermediate and no GMP is required for the production facility.
The
production campus for 7-ACA and clavulanic acid has a total area of
approximately 947,200 square feet. This fully integrated production campus also
houses the entire production infrastructure, such as the power supply, boiler,
steam and chilled water facilities and a water treatment plant. The
land use right for this campus expires in August 2053.
In the
past, the Company has used contract manufacturers to produce the cephalosporin
powder for injection. As the Company’s sales volume and market share for its
formulation products continue to increase in the Chinese market, the Company
purchased a 84,000 square feet manufacturing facility with a production line for
cephalosporin powder for injection. This facility also includes
several workshops for other crude sterilized bulk drugs for cephalosporin
antibiotics. This allows the Company to ensure enough production
volume to meet growing demand of the Company’s products and better control of
its manufacturing cost as well as product quality assurance.
The
Company’s current 7-ACA and Clavulanic Acid product facilities have reached its
maximum capacity. As a result, the Company has acquired a land use right for a
piece of land located in the suburban area of Datong city to build the
new 7-ACA and Clavulanic Acid production facilities with expanded
capacities. It is the management’s current estimate that a capital
expenditure of $100 million will be required for these two new facilities.
Regarding the existing 7-ACA and Clavulanic Acid production facilities, the
Datong City Government has indicated that it would fully compensate the Company
as an incentive to move to the new location by the end of 2010 when the new
facilities are expected to be completed. The estimated relocation
compensation is $36 million, including fixed assets (cost of land use right,
building and fixtures) that cannot be relocated to the new location. The
Company does not expect any loss from the relocation. Final agreement is
yet to be signed with the government. As at December 31, 2009, the Company
received $16,673,000 (RMB114 million) advance of the compensation from the
Government.
Competition
For
pharmaceutical intermediate and API, world production was traditionally
concentrated in Europe, a base for large scale fermentation activities. However,
with the growing importance of generic drugs as a result of an increasing number
of commonly used drugs being off-patent and global pressure on cutting medical
expenses, there is a global trend of shifting the production base from the
traditional base in Europe to selected emerging countries, especially
China. China has already become a competitive powerhouse in terms of
producing certain types of pharmaceutical intermediate and API. For
example, 80% of vitamin C, 80% of Penicillin G, 70% of 7-ACA, 30% of Amoxicillin
worldwide are currently produced in China.
Clavulanic
acid. In 2004, the Company first started the production of
clavulanic acid. Since then, the Company has maintained its market
leadership in China. There are currently two other producers of bulk
clavulanic acid in China: Shangdong Lunan Pharmaceutical and The United
Laboratories. However, the scale of these competitors is smaller than the
Company. According to an analyst report issued in May, 2007 by Healthoo.com, an
industry analyst of the pharmaceutical industry in China, the Company sold to
80% of downstream formulation companies in China which purchased clavulanic acid
to be included in their downstream finished products during 2006.
As the
largest exporter of clavulanic acid from China, the Company currently exports to
7 emerging markets and is among the top suppliers in India, which has been an
important worldwide hub for producing generic formulation drugs supplied to the
rest of the world. For the emerging markets outside of China, the
Company faces competition mainly from European manufacturers. Among them, Lek
Pharmaceutical and Chemical Company of Slovenia, SmithKline Beecham
Pharmaceuticals of Britain, Deva Holding A.S. of Turkey, Amifarma S.L. of Spain
and DSM N.V. of the Netherlands, are the leading manufacturers of clavulanic
acid. However, on October 2, 2008, DSM N.V. announced that it would
close down the clavulanic acid production site in Sweden by the end of 2009
citing that DSM cannot maintain a profitable manufacturing activity for the
product in Sweden.
7-ACA. The
Company currently sells 7-ACA to both the Indian and Chinese
market. India is an important worldwide hub for producing generic
formulation drugs supplied to the rest of the world. Other companies directly
competing in the worldwide market include Antibioticos (a subsidiary of the
Fidia Group of Italy), Biochemie, (a subsidiary of Novartis of Switzerland) and
several other Chinese producers. However, the Company has maintained a long-term
supply relationship with Aurobindo Pharma, one of the top 5 largest
pharmaceutical companies by export value and revenues, and so far, the Company’s
export to India has been exclusively to Aurobindo Pharma.
In China,
the Company mainly faces competitions from China Pharma, Fuzhou Pharma and the
United laboratories. The management of the Company believes that we
are the third largest producers of 7-ACA in China, which places the Company
among the largest producers worldwide.
Cephalosporin
Powder for Injection The Company’s
cephalosporin powder for injection currently only addresses the Chinese market
as it represents one of the fastest growing markets in the
world. Current Chinese market size for cephalosporin injectable is
estimated to be 4.5 billion units and is expected to increase 15% annually in
the next 5 years. The cephalosporin finished formulation market, including the
injectable and oral segments, is highly fragmented and competitive, with over
400 downstream formulation companies manufacturing finished products, out of
which only 3 companies have more than 3% market share. In addition, out of the
top 20 cephalosporin downstream formulation companies, only 3 have direct access
to its own cephalosporin intermediate and API. All other
cephalosporin downstream formulation companies do not produce the upstream
intermediate and API themselves and are relying on purchased materials for their
finished products. Given the level of fragmentation in the sector, the
management of the Company expect that the industry will further consolidate and
only companies who control the sources of materials, i.e. intermediate (7-ACA)
and API will eventually have the ability to consolidate other market
participants. The Chinese market is mainly led by three producers of
cephalosporin formulated products, namely, Harbin Pharma Group, Shanghai Pharma
Group, Hainan Tongyong Sanyang Pharma, among over 400 other market
participants. Harbin is also a producer of 7-ACA but its 7-ACA
production cannot fully fulfill its own demand for its downstream formulated
products. The Company’s current strategy is to focus on accelerating
the exploration of rural market development in order to further enlarge market
share of the Company’s finished products in the Chinese market. As the rural
market is expanding rapidly given the Chinese government’s plan to spend US$123
billion by 2011 for the healthcare system, with the emphasis on accelerating the
development of the rural healthcare services’ infrastructure to match such
infrastructure in the urban area. Company management believes that
the Company has a competitive advantage in gaining market share in the untapped
growth in the rural areas where the Company’s reputation as a quality and
reliable producer of both upstream and downstream cephalosporin products is well
known.
Intellectual Property,
Government Approvals and Regulations
Intellectual
Property
The
Company, through its subsidiary, Shanxi Weiqida, has 7 registered trademarks in
China. Currently, the Company has submitted an application for a
patent on a production technique. Since all
of the Company’s products are generic drugs, they are not protected by any
intellectual property rights except for their trade names.
Regulation
of the Chinese Pharmaceutical Industry
As a
manufacturer of pharmaceutical products, the Company is subject to regulation
and oversight by different levels of the food and drug administration in China,
in particular, the Stated Food and Drug Administrator (“SFDA”). The
“Law of the PRC on the Administration of Pharmaceuticals” as amended on February
28, 2001, provides the basic legal framework for the administration of the
production and sale of pharmaceuticals in China and covers the manufacturing,
distributing, packaging, pricing and advertising of pharmaceutical products in
China. Its implementation regulations set out detailed implementation rules with
respect to the administration of pharmaceuticals in China. The Company is also
subject to other PRC laws and regulations that are applicable to manufacturers
and distributors in general.
Pharmaceutical
Product Manufacturing
Permits
and Licenses for Pharmaceutical Manufacturers
A
manufacturer of pharmaceutical products must obtain a pharmaceutical
manufacturing permit from the provincial food and drug administration. This
permit, once obtained, is valid for five years and is renewable upon its
expiration. Our current pharmaceutical manufacturing permit will
expire on December 31, 2010. Company management does not believe it
will be difficult to renew the pharmaceutical manufacturing permit. In addition,
before commencing business, a pharmaceutical manufacturer must also obtain a
business license from the relevant administration for industry and
commerce.
Good
Manufacturing Practices
A
manufacturer of pharmaceutical products and raw materials must obtain the GMP
certification to produce pharmaceutical products and raw materials in China. GMP
certification criteria include institution and staff qualifications, production
premises and facilities, equipment, raw materials, hygiene conditions,
production management, quality controls, product distributions, maintenance of
sales records and manner of handling customer complaints and adverse reaction
reports. A GMP certificate is valid for five years. A manufacturer is required
to obtain GMP certificates to cover all of its production
operations.
Generally,
GMP certificates are valid for five years and the management of the Company does
not believe it will be difficult for the Company to renew any of our GMP
certificates. The following table summarizes the most recent GMP
certificates the Company obtained for each of its manufacturing
facilities:
|
|
Issue
Date
|
|
Expiration
Date
|
Clavulanic
Acid
|
|
January
24, 2006
|
|
September
15, 2010
|
Cefalexin/
Cefadroxil
|
|
February
1, 2008
|
|
January
31, 2013
|
Cephalosporin
Sterilized Bulk Drug
|
|
March
23, 2009
|
|
March
22, 2014
|
Cephalosporin
Powder for Injection
|
|
August
3, 2007
|
|
August
2,
2012
|
Price
control
The
retail prices of certain pharmaceuticals sold in China, primarily those included
in the national and provincial Medical Insurance Catalog and those
pharmaceuticals whose production or trading are deemed to constitute monopolies,
are subject to price controls in the form of fixed prices or price ceilings.
Manufacturers and distributors cannot set the actual retail price for any given
price-controlled product above the price ceiling or deviate from the fixed price
imposed by the government. The prices of medicines that are not subject to price
controls are determined freely at the discretion of the respective
pharmaceutical companies, subject to notification to the provincial pricing
authorities. Sales of pharmaceutical products by pharmaceutical manufacturers in
China to overseas markets are not subject to any price control.
Currently,
the Company’s cephalosporin powder for injections (under the Cephalosporin
division) are subject to retail price control imposed by Chinese government
administration authorities. The main objective of the price control policy is to
set an upper limit to the retail prices of pharmaceutical products in order to
prevent excessive increases in prices paid by the end consumers. The
Company’s other intermediate and bulk API products manufactured under both the
Cephalosporin and Penicillin divisions are, therefore, not subject to any price
control policy.
Reimbursement
China
established a basic medical insurance system for urban employees in 1998 and
implemented a new cooperative medical care system for rural residents since
2003. According to figures published by the PRC Ministry of Labor and Social
Security, as of December 31, 2007, 616 million people, or
approximately 46.7% of the whole population in China were enrolled in one of
these two programs. Out of these 616 million participants, 220
million are from the urban area while the remaining 396 million people are from
the rural areas. Currently, the level of coverage under the National Medical
Insurance Programs for the urban area, and the rural area, are
different.
For rural
areas, depending on the standard set by each province, there is a minimum
coverage of RMB 100 (or approximately US$ 15) per program participant per year.
80% of such funding comes from the government while the remaining 20% comes from
the program participant. Under the new medical reform plan approved
by the Chinese State Council on January 21, 2009, the minimum subsidy from the
government will increase to RMB 120 (or approximately US$18) per program
participant per year.
For urban
areas, most program participants are urban residents who are currently employed
or retired. Participants of the National Medical Insurance Program and their
employers are required to contribute to the payment of insurance premiums on a
monthly basis. The total amount of reimbursement for the cost of medicines, in
addition to other medical expenses, for an individual participant under the
National Medical Insurance Program in a calendar year is capped to the amounts
in that participant’s individual account under the program. The amount in a
participant’s account varies, depending on the amount of contributions from the
participant and his or her employer. Generally, on average, participants under
the National Medical Insurance Program who are from relatively wealthier parts
of China and metropolitan centers have greater amounts in their individual
accounts than those from less developed provinces.
The
government announced a plan to expand the insurance coverage in the urban areas
to include all children, students and unemployed persons. Program
participants are eligible for full or partial reimbursement of the cost of
medicines included in the national Medical Insurance Catalog, which is divided
into two tiers. Purchases of Tier A medicines are fully reimbursable, but
certain Tier A medicines are only reimbursable if the medicine is used for a
particular stated purpose in the Medical Insurance Catalog. Purchasers of Tier B
medicines are required to make a certain percentage of co-payments, with the
remaining amount being reimbursable. The percentage of reimbursement for Tier B
medicines varies in different regions in the PRC. Factors that affect the
inclusion of medicines in the Medical Insurance Catalog include whether the
medicine is consumed in large volumes and commonly prescribed for clinical use
in China and whether it is considered to be important in meeting the basic
healthcare needs of the general public. The PRC Ministry of Labor and Social
Security, together with other government authorities, has the power every two
years to determine which medicines are included in the national medicine
catalog, under which of the two tiers the included medicine falls, and whether
an included medicine should be removed from the catalog. Provincial governments
are required to include all Tier A medicines listed on the national Medical
Insurance Catalog in their provincial Medical Insurance Catalog. For Tier B
medicines listed in the national Medical Insurance Catalog, provincial
governments have the discretion to adjust upwards or downwards by no more than
15% from the number of Tier B medicines listed in the national Medical Insurance
Catalog that is to be included in the provincial Medical Insurance
Catalog.
On
January 21, 2009, the Chinese State Council passed a long awaited medical reform
plan which promised to spend approximately US$ 123 billion by 2011 to provide
universal medical service to the country’s 1.3 billion
population. The medical reform plan includes the following key
measures to be implemented by 2011:
|
·
|
Increase
the amount of rural and urban population covered by the basic medical
insurance system or the new rural cooperative medical system to at least
90 percent of the population by
2011.
|
|
·
|
Gradually
provide equal public health services in both rural and urban areas in the
country.
|
|
·
|
Improve
services of grassroots medical institutions, especially hospitals at
county levels, township clinics or those in remote villages, and community
health centers in less developed
cities.
|
|
·
|
Launch
a pilot program starting from this year to reform public hospitals in
terms of their administration, operation and supervision, in order to
improve the quality of their
services.
|
Currently,
32 out of 33 types of the Company’s cephalosporin powder for injections launched
in the Chinese market are included in the national Medical Insurance Catalog,
which means the end consumers will be eligible for reimbursement as described
above.
Product
Liability and Protection of Consumers
Product
liability claims may arise if the products sold have any harmful effect on the
consumers. The injured party can bring a claim for damages or
compensation. The “General Principles of the Civil Law of the PRC,” in effect
since January 1987, states that manufacturers and sellers of defective products
causing property damage or injury shall incur civil liabilities.
The
“Product Quality Law of the PRC” was enacted in 1993 and amended in 2000 to
strengthen quality control of products and protect consumers’ rights. Under this
law, manufacturers and distributors who produce and sell defective products may
be subject to the confiscation of earnings from such sales, the revocation of
business licenses and imposition of fines, and in severe circumstances, may be
subject to criminal liability.
Research and
Development
As a
pharmaceutical manufacturer, Company’s research and development activities
mainly focus on the improvement of product quality, production technology and
production cost. In order to fulfill those objectives, the research and
development department utilizes both internal and external resources, such as
cooperation with universities and other research laboratories. For example, by
the end of 2009, the Company has successfully converted all the 7-ACA production
lines into the enzymatic method from the traditional chemical method in order to
further lower the production cost by eliminating the use of hazardous chemicals.
Furthermore, since 2007, the Company’s subsidiary has been selected to work
exclusively with the research team from the East China University of Science and
Technology on a PRC government subsidized national-level R&D research
project to increase the fermentation yield of the Company’s 7-ACA production to
the same level as seen in Europe. In addition, with the Company’s
investment in process optimization and technology improvement, as at the end of
2009 fourth quarter, the production capacity was reached 135 tons per annum
through the improvement in the fermentation yield.
Total
expenditures on research and development for the years ended December 31, 2009
and 2008 were $240,000 and $1,277,124, respectively.
Suppliers
The
principal raw materials used for products include agricultural and petrochemical
products, and certain active ingredients for our products. The
majority of such raw materials, as well as packaging materials, are sourced from
various independent suppliers in China, while a few specific active ingredients
for our products are currently sourced from the US and Germany. In
addition, the Company produces certain types of active ingredients used for the
production of some of our cephalosporin finished products. In the case of
sourcing raw materials from third parties, the purchase prices for the relevant
raw materials are based on the prevailing market prices for such materials of
similar quality. Our principal packaging materials include glass ampoules for
injectables and external packaging and printed instructions for all of our
pharmaceuticals.
Historically,
the majority of our raw materials have been readily available. We generally
maintain two vendors for each major raw material in order to diversify our
vendor base and help to ensure a reliable supply of raw materials at reasonable
prices. To date, raw materials shortages or price fluctuations have not had any
material adverse effect on us. We also maintain a supplier evaluation scheme
through which potential vendors are evaluated based on a number of factors
including quality, timely delivery, cost and technical capability.
Employees
As of
December 31, 2009, the Company had 8 employees in North America and
approximately 2,398 employees in China. Employees in China are union members
under the Chinese law and there have been no labor disputes.
ITEM
1A RISK
FACTORS
An
investment in the Company’s common stock involves a high degree of risk. Before
you invest, you should carefully consider the risks described below. If any of
the following risks occur, the Company’s financial condition or results of
operations could be materially affected.
Our
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Has Offered to Acquire All Outstanding
Shares Subject to Conditions.
On March
26, 2010, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among,
Chief Respect Ltd., Datong Investment Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Chief
Respect Ltd., and Mr. Yanlin Han, the Company's Chairman, Chief Executive
Officer and largest shareholder. Chief Respect Ltd. is a Hong Kong corporation
owned by Mr. Han. Under the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Merger, Mr. Han
will acquire shares of Dragon common stock not owned by him for $0.82 per share
in cash. The
transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2010 and is subject to
certain closing conditions, including approval by Dragon Pharma’s shareholders,
meeting certain requirements of the Toronto Stock Exchange, and other closing
conditions set forth in the merger agreement. Under Florida law, the adoption of
the merger agreement requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the
outstanding shares entitled to vote. Under the rules of the Toronto Stock
Exchange, the merger agreement must be approved by the holders of a majority of
the outstanding shares entitled to vote, excluding the votes of those shares
owned by Yanlin Han.
Certain
Officers And Directors Have Significant Control.
Messrs. Han and Weng and
Ms. Liu, who are officers and/or Directors of the Company, own, in the
aggregate, 58.05% of the Company’s issued and outstanding shares of common
stock. As a result, these shareholders will be able to control certain corporate
governance matters requiring shareholders’ approval. Such matters may include
the approval of significant corporate transactions requiring a majority vote
without seeking other shareholders’ approval. They will also have the ability to
control other matters requiring shareholders’ approval including the election of
directors that could result in the entrenchment of management.
Company
Has A Negative Working Capital And It Must Restructure The Short-Term
Loans.
As of December 31, 2009, the Company
had current liabilities of $109.37 million and current assets of $55.92 million,
including cash and restricted cash of $7.97 million and accounts receivable of
$24.05 million. The excess of current liabilities over current assets
was mainly due to the fact that the Company financed its operations and
increased sales and production level for both Cephalosporin and Penicillin
divisions through operating revenues, accounts payable and short-term loans. As
a result, the Company must, during the upcoming twelve months, negotiate with
its banks to restructure or renew its loans. Assuming that the Company is
successful in renegotiating its loans and that vendors continue to work with the
Company regarding accounts payable, the Company believes that it will be able to
fund its operations from product sales for the near future. However, there is no
assurance that the Company will be able to renegotiate and extend its
loans. If the Company’s banks do not extend its loan or if they are
extended on unfavorable terms, the Company may be adversely
affected.
We
Will Have To Raise Additional Capital To Move And Rebuild Our
Facilities.
Our
current 7-ACA and Clavulanic Acid product facilities have reached its maximum
capacity. As a result, we have acquired a piece of land to build two
new production facilities. It is the management’s current estimate that a
capital expenditure of $100 million will be required for these two new
facilities of which we anticipate that the Government of the City of Datong
would pay approximately $36 million for the relocation. In order to
build the facilities, we will have to raise additional capital which may have a
financial dilutive and an ownership dilutive effect.
Company
Relies Heavily On A Limited Number Of Clients.
Sales to
the Company’s five largest customers accounted for approximately 46% and 37% of
the Company’s sales for the year ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively;
while sales to the Company’s largest customer accounted for approximately 13%
and 12%, respectively. Although the Company does not anticipate that
there will be a material change in these customer relationships, a change in
demand for these products due to world competition, market forces or other
factors outside of the control of clients, could adversely affect its sales and
net income.
Shanxi
Weiqida Is Required To Contribute A Portion Of Its Net Income To Reserve Funds
Which May Not Be Distributed.
By law, Shanxi Weiqida is required to
contribute at least 10% of its after tax net income (as determined in accordance
with Chinese GAAP) into a reserve fund until the reserve is equal to 50% of
Shanxi Weiqida’s registered capital, a further percentage of its after tax net
income, as determined by Shanxi Weiqida’s Board of Directors, into a staff
welfare fund, and into an enterprise expansion fund if determined by the Board
of Directors. The reserve fund and enterprise expansion fund are recorded as
part of stockholders’ equity but are not available for distribution to
shareholders other than in the case of liquidation, while the staff welfare fund
is recorded as a liability, and is not available for distribution to
shareholders. As a result of this requirement, the amount of net income
available for distribution to shareholders will be limited.
The
Company Intends To Raise Additional Capital Through The Issuance Of Equity
Securities That Will Dilute The Ownership Of Other Shareholders.
The
Company intends to raise additional capital through the issuance of its equity
securities to finance its growth and reduce short-term debt and other
liabilities. No assurance can be given that the Company will be
successful in its efforts. Furthermore, the issuance of equity securities will
reduce other shareholders’ ownership in the Company.
The
Company May Be Subject To Product Liability Claims In The Future That Could Harm
Its Business And Reputation.
Product
liability claims may arise if harmful products are sold to members of the public
or if there are any alleged harmful effects from the consumption of the
Company’s products. Under current Chinese laws, manufacturers and vendors of
defective products in China may incur liability for loss and injury caused by
such products, including having their business licenses revoked and facing
criminal liability. Consistent with industry practice in China, Shanxi Weiqida
does not carry product liability insurance coverage. Should any product
liability claim be brought against the Company, there is no assurance that it
would not have an adverse impact on its business, profitability or business
reputation.
The
Company Is Dependent Upon The Services Of Its CEO And Chairman, Mr. Yanlin
Han.
Mr. Yanlin
Han is the Company’s largest shareholder and serves as its CEO and Chairman of
the Board. As a result, the Company’s operation is dependent on Mr. Han who
has been the driving force behind the Company. If something happens to
Mr. Han, this could divert management’s time and attention and adversely
affect the management’s ability to conduct the business operations
effectively.
Company
Relies Heavily On The China Market And Changes In The Market Could Harm Its
Business.
During
2009 and 2008, 81% and 83% of Company’s sales, respectively, were derived from
China. It is anticipated that Company’s products in China will continue to
represent a significant portion of sales in the near future. As a result of its
reliance on the China market, the operating results and financial performance of
Company could be affected by any adverse changes in economic, political and
social conditions in China. In addition, the Company will be subject to varying
degrees of regulation and licensing by governmental agencies in China. At this
time, the management of the Company is unaware of any China legislative
proposals that could adversely affect the Company’s business. There can be no
assurance that future regulatory, judicial and legislative changes will not have
a material adverse effect on Company, that regulators or third parties will not
raise material issues with regard to compliance or non-compliance with
applicable laws or regulations or that any changes in applicable laws or
regulations will not have a material adverse effect on Shanxi Weiqida or the
Company’s operations.
Certain
Products Are Subject To Price Controls And If The Related Manufacturing Costs
Increase, The Company’s Potential Profits May Be Harmed.
In July
2000, in an effort to enhance market competition in the pharmaceutical industry
and to reduce medical expenses, the former State Development and Planning
Commission of the People’s Republic of China promulgated a new policy to reform
the price control of pharmaceutical products in China. For details, please refer
to the Regulation section. All powder for injection products from the Company’s
Cephalosporin division are subject to retail price control imposed by the
government administration authorities, which accounted for approximately 26% of
2009 and 2008. If manufacturing costs increase for these products that are
subject to price ceilings, and the retail price for those products is not
adjusted upwards, the Company’s profitability will be adversely
affected.
We
Are Required To Maintain Compliance With GMP Standards.
All
pharmaceutical manufacturers in China, including Shanxi Weiqida, a subsidiary of
Company, are required to comply with certain Good Manufacturing Practice, or
GMP, standards by certain time limits and, if not met, their pharmaceutical
manufacturing enterprise permits will be revoked or they will not be renewed and
accordingly production will have to be terminated. A GMP certificate is valid
for five years from the issuance date of the certificate.
Further,
Shanxi Weiqida has been accredited with all GMP certificates it requires for its
production facilities. The standard of compliance required in connection with
GMP certificates may change from time to time, which may give rise to
substantial compliance burdens and increase Shanxi Weiqida’s costs in the
future. If the recertification of any required GMP-related status is not
granted, the relevant operations of Shanxi Weiqida may have to be terminated
which in turn would have an adverse impact on the Company’s
profitability.
Currency
Conversion And Exchange Control Could Adversely Affect The Company’s Operations
And Profitability.
The sales
and expenses of Shanxi Weiqida are substantially settled in Renminbi, or RMB,
however, the Company’s financial statements are reported in U.S. dollars.
Accordingly, the Company’s net income, the value of its assets and its ability
to pay dividends, if any, in U.S. dollars may be adversely affected by negative
changes in the exchange rate of RMB against the U.S. dollar or other
currencies.
On July
22, 2005, the Chinese government decided to no longer peg the value of the
Renminbi to the US dollar but rather to a basket of currencies of its largest
trading partners. The result was an appreciation of the Renminbi
against the value of the US dollar. The effect of the revaluation was an
increase in the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of the Company and a
foreign currency gain included in comprehensive income.
The
majority of the Company’s assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses are
denominated in Renminbi, which was tied to the US Dollar until July 22, 2005 and
is now tied to a basket of currencies of China’s largest trading partners, is
not a freely convertible currency. The appreciation of the Renminbi
against the US dollar would result in an increase in the assets, liabilities,
revenues and expenses of the Company and a foreign currency gain included in
comprehensive income. Conversely, the devaluation of the Renminbi against the US
Dollar would result in a decrease in the assets, liabilities, revenues and
expenses of the Company and a foreign currency loss included in comprehensive
income.
Company
Does Not Have Patent Protection And Is Subject To Substantial
Competition.
Company
competes in the generic drug segment of the pharmaceutical industry and has no
patent protection for any of its products. Many pharmaceutical companies compete
in the same market segment with similar products or products having comparable
medicinal applications or therapeutic effects which may be used as direct
substitutes for Company’s products. Further, many of these competitors are
larger and have greater resources and market presence than Company. Larger
competitors may, as a result of economies of scale, be able to afford to sell
competing products at lower prices than Company. This will have an adverse
effect on Company’s profitability. As a result of the lack of patent
protection, competitors with potential substitutes could launch similar products
in the market with their prices analogous to or lower than those manufactured
and sold by Company. Further, the lack of patent protection could also attract
an even greater number of competitors who believe they can develop products that
are substantially similar to those of Company at a lower cost.
Chinese
Economic Planning Could Negatively Impact The Pharmaceutical Market In Which The
Company’s Products Are Sold.
China has
a long history of a planned economy and is still subject to plans formulated by
the Central Chinese government. In recent years, the Chinese government has
introduced economic reforms aimed at transforming the Chinese economy from a
planned economy into a market economy with socialist characteristics. These
economic reforms allow greater utilization of market forces in the allocation of
resources and greater autonomy for enterprises in their operations. However,
many rules and regulations implemented by the Chinese government are still at an
early stage of development and further refinements and amendments are necessary
to enable the economic system to develop into a more market oriented form. No
assurance can be given that any change in economic conditions as a result of the
economic reform and macroeconomic measures adopted by the Chinese government
will have a positive impact on the Chinese economic development or its
pharmaceutical sector, which is the market where the Company’s products are
sold. At the same time, there can be no assurance that such measures will be
consistent and effective or that the Company will benefit from or will be able
to capitalize on all such reforms.
ITEM
1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF
COMMENTS
None
ITEM
2.
DESCRIPTION
OF PROPERTY
The
Company’s corporate administrative office is located at Suite 310, 650 West
Georgia Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada covering 2,222 square feet
for approximately Cdn $81,000 ($71,000) per annum until March 31, 2011. The
Company also has an office in Beijing, China, which manages the Company’s
marketing and sales for Chinese and international market outside of
China.
The
Company’s production facilities are all located in Datong city,
China. The Company’s own production campus, with a total area of
approximately 947,200 square feet, houses the clavulanic acid and 7-ACA
production facilities complete with a entire production infrastructure including
power supply, boiler, steam and chilled water facilities and water treatment
plant. The land use right for this facility expires in August
2053.
In the
past, the Company has used contract manufacturers to produce the cephalosporin
powder for injection. As the Company’s sales volume and market share for its
formulation products continue to increase in the Chinese market, the Company
purchased a 84,000 square feet manufacturing facility with a production line for
cephalosporin powder for injection. This facility also includes
several workshops for other crude sterilized bulk drugs for cephalosporin
antibiotics. This allows the Company to ensure enough production
volume to meet a growing demand of the Company’s products, better control of
manufacturing cost, as well as facilitate product quality.
The Company’s current 7-ACA and
Clavulanic Acid product facilities have reached its maximum capacity. As a
result, the Company has acquired a land use right for a
piece of land located in the suburban area of Datong city to build the
new 7-ACA and Clavulanic Acid production facilities with expanded
capacities. It is the management’s current estimate that a capital
expenditure of $100 million will be required for these two new facilities.
Regarding the existing 7-ACA and Clavulanic Acid production facilities, the
Datong City Government has indicated that it would fully compensate the Company
as an incentive to move to the new location when the new facilities are expected
to be completed. The estimated relocation compensation is $36
million, including fixed assets (cost of land used right, building and fixtures)
that cannot be relocated to the new location. The Company does not expect
any loss from the relocation. Final agreement is yet to be signed with the
government. As at December 31, 2009, the Company received $16,673,000
(RMB114 million) advance of the compensation from the
Government.
ITEM
3. LEGAL
PROCEEDINGS
The
Company is not currently involved in any litigation or legal
proceedings.
ITEM
4. REMOVED AND
RESERVED
PART
II
ITEM 5.
|
MARKET
FOR COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF
EQUITY SECURITIES
|
The
Company’s common stock began quotation on the OTC Bulletin Board on October 9,
1998 under the symbol “DRUG”. In addition, the Company’s shares of common stock
are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “DDD” and are quoted
on the Berlin-Bremen Exchange, the Frankfurt Exchange and the XETRA Exchange
under the symbol “DRP”. The OTC Bulletin Board represents the Company’s primary
market. The Company’s common stock being quoted and traded on the
Berlin-Bremen Exchange, Frankfurt Exchange and XETRA Exchange are without the
Company’s prior knowledge. The following quotations reflect the high and low
bids for the Company’s common stock on a quarterly basis for the past two fiscal
years as quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board. These quotations are based on
inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission and may not
represent actual transactions.
|
|
Common Stock
|
|
Quarter Ended
|
|
High
|
|
|
Low
|
|
December
31, 2009
|
|
$ |
0.75 |
|
|
$ |
0.55 |
|
September
30, 2009
|
|
$ |
0.75 |
|
|
$ |
0.45 |
|
June
30, 2009
|
|
$ |
0.75 |
|
|
$ |
0.38 |
|
March
31, 2009
|
|
$ |
0.79 |
|
|
$ |
0.30 |
|
December
31, 2008
|
|
$ |
0.90 |
|
|
$ |
0.30 |
|
September
30, 2008
|
|
$ |
1.16 |
|
|
$ |
0.61 |
|
June
30, 2008
|
|
$ |
0.91 |
|
|
$ |
0.61 |
|
March
31, 2008
|
|
$ |
0.89 |
|
|
$ |
0.65 |
|
Holders
As of
March 15, 2010, there were 60 registered holders of the Company’s common
stock. Many
of the shares of common stock are held in street name and there may be
additional beneficial holders of the Company’s common stock.
Dividend
Policy
The Company has paid no dividends on
its common stock since its inception and may not do so in the future. For the
foreseeable future, the management expects earnings, if any, will be retained to
finance the growth of the Company.
Recent
Sales of Unregistered Securities
We did
not sell any unregistered equity securities during the year ended December 31,
2009.
Repurchase
of Equity Securities
The
Company did not repurchase any shares of its common stock during the year ended
December 31, 2009.
ITEM
6. SELECTED
FINANCIAL DATA
Because
the Company is a smaller reporting company, it does not need to provide the
information required by this Item 6.
ITEM 7.
|
MANAGEMENT’S
DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIALCONDITIONS AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS
|
Except
for statements of historical facts, this section contains forward-looking
statements involving risks and uncertainties. You can identify these statements
by forward-looking words including “believes,” “considers,” “intends,”
“expects,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “forecast,” or “anticipates,” or the
negative equivalents of those words or comparable terminology, and by
discussions of strategies that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking
statements are not guarantees of the Company’s future performance or results,
and the Company’s actual results could differ materially from those anticipated
in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including
those set forth under “Risk Factors.” This section should be read in
conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
The
following discusses the Company’s financial condition and results of operations
for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 based upon the Company’s audited
consolidated financial statements which have been prepared in accordance with
the United States generally accepted accounting principles. Since the Company
sold its Biotech division during 2007, the results for the Biotech division have
been shown separately as discontinued operations on the Company’s Consolidated
Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2009 and
2008.
Results
of Operations for the Fiscal Years Ended December 31, 2009 and 2008
Sales for the year ended December 31,
2009 increased 9% to $165.77 million from $151.95 million for the same period in
2008. $133.64 million, or approximately 81%, of the sales for the
year ended December 31, 2009 were generated from the sales of products in the
Chinese market, and the remaining $32.13 million, or approximately 19%, were
generated from the sales of products in the markets outside of
China. By comparison, 83% of the sales for the year ended December
31, 2008 were generated from the sale of products in the Chinese market while
the remaining 17% of the sales were generated in the international markets,
outside of China. For the year ended December 31, 2009, $52.78
million, or 32%, of sales were from the Penicillin division and $112.99 million,
or 68%, of the sales were from the Cephalosporin division. For the
same period in 2008, 32% of sales were from the Penicillin division and 68% of
sales were from the Cephalosporin division. The increase in sales for the full
year of 2009 as compared to 2008 was primarily due to the increase in sales of
clavulanic acid (29% year-over-year growth), cephalosporin crude bulk drug (99%
year-over-year growth) and cephalosporin formulation (12% year-over-year
growth).
Cost of
sales for the year ended December 31, 2009 was $135.40 million compared to
$127.40 million for the same period in 2008. The increase in the cost
of sales was mainly due to the increase in production and sales of products from
both the Penicillin and Cephalosporin divisions. Gross profit and
gross margin for the year ended December 31, 2009 were $30.37 million and 18%
compared to $24.54 million and 16% for the same period of 2008. The
increase in overall gross margin was mainly due to an increase in gross margin
for Clavulanic Acid products from 31% gross margin for 2008 to 44% for
2009.
Divisional
Revenues and Gross Margin Analysis
The
Company’s businesses are currently organized under two business
divisions: the Penicillin division and the Cephalosporin
division.
Penicillin
Division
Sales for
the Penicillin division for the year ended December 31, 2009 were $52.78
million, representing a 10% increase from the revenues of $48.17 million during
the same period in 2008. Sales from both the Chinese and
international market increased 3% and 27% respectively from 2008 to
2009. The increase in sales is mainly due to the 55% year-over-year
increase in sales volume of clavulanic acid.
The
Penicillin division’s gross margin for the year ended December 31, 2009 was 29%
compared to 18% for the year ended December 31, 2008. The increase in the
overall gross margin for the division was due to the increase in gross margin
for Clavulanic acid which further improved to 44% in 2009 as compared to 31% in
2008 as a result of the improvements in production technology. Such technology
improvement lowered per unit cost by 32% year-over-year.
Cephalosporin
Division
The
Cephalosporin division’s sales for the year ended December 31, 2009 were $112.99
million, accounting for 68% of the total sales of the Company. By
comparison, Cephalosporin division’s sales were $103.77 million for the same
period in 2008, also contributing 68% of the total sales of the
Company. The 9% increase in sales of the Cephalosporin division
during 2009 as compared to 2008 was mainly due to the significant increase in
cephalosporin crude bulk drug (99% year-over-year growth) and cephalosporin
formulation (12% year-over-year growth). Sales of 7-ACA in 2009
were lower than in 2008 because of the increased in-house usage of 7-ACA to
produce other cephalosporin API during 2009.
The
overall gross margin for the division for the year ended December 31, 2009 was
13% as compared to 15% for the same period in 2008. This is mainly
due to the decrease in gross margin for Cephalosporin formulation in 2009 but
offset partially by a higher gross margin for cephalosporin API from 8% in 2008
to 15% in 2009.
Expenses
Total
operating expenses were $12.84 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. The
major category of operating expenses was general and administration expenses of
$6.30 million, selling expense of $4.54 million, and depreciation and
amortization expenses of $1.76 million. Total operating expenses were
$14.89 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 with the major expenses
being general and administration expenses of $8.57 million, selling expense of
$4.00 million, and depreciation and amortization expenses of $1.04
million.
The
decrease in operating expenses of $2.06 million for the year ended December 31,
2009 as compared to the same period for the prior year mainly reflected an
decrease of $1.04 million in research and development expense and a decrease of
$2.27 million in general and administration expenses offset by an increase of
$0.72 million in depreciation and amortization as well as the increase of $0.53
million in selling expenses due to an increase in sales volume from both the
Cephalosporin and Penicillin divisions.
The
decrease in general and administration expenses for 2009 was mainly due to the
following reasons: 1) lowering of $1.45 million specifically related to the
scheduled periodic overhaul of the 7-ACA & clavulanic acid facility in
August, 2008 (please refer to the above section “Scheduled Periodic Overhaul during
August 2008” for further
information); 2) a decrease in travel expenses by $0.44 million; 3) a
decrease in foreign exchange loss by $0.32 million, and 4) a decrease in stock
based compensation by $0.11 million.
Total
operating expenses as a percentage of sales was 7.7% for 2009 as compared to
9.8% for 2008. However, excluding the $1.45 million expenses specifically
related to the scheduled periodic overhaul during 2008, the operating expenses
as a percentage of sales lowered to 9% for 2008 (please refer to the above
section “Periodic Scheduled
Overhaul during August 2008” for further information).
Other
Expense
During
the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company recognized a net other expense of
$5.56 million. This amount primarily consisted of $4.06 million of
interest expense and $2.15 million other expenses which included a provision for
impairment of $1.00 million and $0.97 million for fixed assets and intangible
assets respectively. Such amount was offset partly by a $0.53 million government
grants for bringing in investment & new technology to Datong
city. Other expenses for the year ended December 31, 2008 were $2.73
million.
After-tax
Income from Continuing Operations
The
Company realized a 37% increase of after-tax Income from Continuing Operations
from $6.02 million for 2008 to $8.26 million for 2009. The
improvement can be attributed to the growth of revenues from increased sales and
production volumes and increased margin in Clavulanic acid
products.
After-tax
Income / (Loss) from Discontinued Operations.
For the
year ended December 31, 2009, the Company recognized an after-tax income from
discontinued operations of $Nil million as compared to an after-tax income from
discontinued operations of $0.80 million in 2008.
Net
Income
For the
year ended December 31, 2009, the Company had a net income of $8.26 million as
compared to $6.82 million for the same period in 2008, representing 21%
year-over-year growth.
Comprehensive
Income
Including
a gain on foreign currency translation of $0.13 million, the Company had a
comprehensive income of $8.39 million for the full year of 2009, compared to a
comprehensive income of $10.01 million for the same period of 2008, which
included a gain on foreign currency translation of $3.18 million. The gain on
foreign currency translation results from translation of the financial
statements expressed in RMB to United States Dollar. The increase mainly
reflected the appreciation of the RMB relative to the United States
dollar.
Net
Income per Share - Basic
The
Company’s net income per share has been computed by dividing the net income for
the period by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the same
period. The weighted-average number of shares outstanding was 67,066,418 and
66,867,818 for the full year of 2009 and 2008
respectively.
Net
income per share for the year of 2009 was $0.12 per share as compared to $0.10
per share for the year of 2008, representing a 20% year-over-year
growth.
Net
Income / (Loss) per Share – Diluted
During
2009, some of the stock options outstanding had a dilutive impact of the
Company’s net income. The weighted-average number of shares used to compute net
income per share on a diluted basis was 67,804,666 and 68,396,616 for 2009 and
2008 respectively.
Net
income per share on a diluted basis for the year of 2009 was $0.12 per share as
compared to $0.10 per share for the year of 2008, representing a 20%
year-over-year growth.
Scheduled
Periodic Overhaul During August 2008
The
Company currently produces its products in three facilities in two different
locations in the city of Datong, China, one for 7-ACA, one for clavulanic acid
and the third one for the cephalosporin API and downstream formulation
products. During the third quarter of 2008, the Company completed its
scheduled periodic overhaul of its 7-ACA, clavulanic acid and related production
infrastructure such as industrial boilers (steam supply), water circulation
system, and power distribution system as well as the water treatment
plant.
Since the
pilot production of 7-ACA and clavulanic acid in this facility back in 2004, the
Company has experienced several rounds of capacity and yield improvement from
the initial production capacity of 400 tons and 30 tons for 7-ACA and clavulanic
acid to the current capacity of 780 tons and 78 tons respectively. In addition,
due to the continuous nature of the fermentation process for the 7-ACA and
clavulanic acid production, this facility has been operating continuously in
shifts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and all year around. Certain
overhaul procedures such as refurbishment of the power distribution system, the
clearance of the water circulation system as well as the servicing of the
industrial boilers that produce steam for the fermentation process, cannot be
performed concurrently during normal production. As a result, it is essential to
perform such scheduled overhaul through suspending the production process on a
temporary basis. The Company also took advantage of this overhaul
period to complete the transformation of the 7-ACA production line from the old
chemical method to the enzymatic (biotech) method which is more cost efficient
as well as environmental friendly.
Management
scheduled the overhaul in August 2008 because summer has traditionally been the
slow and high cost season for our business and such scheduled overhaul would
allow the Company to better prepare for the upcoming busy
season. Starting September 1, 2008, the 7-ACA and clavulanic acid
production facility has resumed normal operations. According to
industry practice, Company management expects that the next scheduled periodic
overhaul of a similar nature will be carried out in two years.
In
anticipation of the scheduled overhaul in August 2008, the Company had
accumulated enough inventories for clavulanic acid to fulfill the demand of the
products during the third quarter of 2008. In addition, this
scheduled periodic overhaul did not involve the cephalosporin formulation
facility and therefore the production and sales of the cephalosporin formulation
products were not affected during the third quarter of 2008. However,
sales of 7-ACA for 2008 were lower than the 2007. This decrease was
mainly due to lower production output during the third quarter of 2008 as a
result of the scheduled overhaul.
Liquidity
and Capital Resources
As of
December 31, 2009, Company had current liabilities of $109.37 million and
current assets of $55.92 million, including cash of $6.40 million, restricted
cash of $1.58 million, and accounts receivables of $24.05 million. The
deficiency in working capital was mainly due to the fact that the Company
financed its operations and increased sales and production level for both
Cephalosporin and Penicillin divisions through operating revenues, accounts
payables and short-term loans.
The
Company’s current 7-ACA and clavulanic acid product facilities have reached its
maximum capacity. As a result, the Company has acquired a land use right for a
piece of land located in the suburban area of Datong city to build the
new 7-ACA and clavulanic acid production facilities with expanded
capacities. It is the management’s current estimate that a capital
expenditure of $100 million will be required for these two new facilities.
Regarding the existing 7-ACA and clavulanic acid production facilities, the
Datong City Government has indicated that it would fully compensate the Company
as an incentive to move to the new location by the end of 2010 when the new
facilities are expected to be completed. The estimated relocation
compensation is $36 million, including fixed assets (cost of land used right,
building and fixtures) that cannot be relocated to the new location. The
Company does not expect any loss from the relocation. Final agreement is
yet to be signed with the government. As at December 31, 2009, the Company
received $16,673,000 (RMB114 million) advance of the compensation from the
Government.
On
March 26, 2010, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger by and
among, Chief Respect Ltd., Datong Investment Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of
Chief Respect Ltd., and Mr. Yanlin Han, the Company's Chairman, Chief Executive
Officer and largest shareholder. Chief Respect Ltd. is a Hong Kong corporation
owned by Mr. Han. Under the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Merger, Mr. Han
will acquire shares of Dragon common stock not owned by him for $0.82 per share
in cash. Consummation of the merger is condition upon a
number of items. If the merger is consummated, Mr. Han will be responsible
for, among other thing, providing for the financing and relocating the new
production facilities.
In the event that the merger is not
consummated, the Company plans to raise the $64 million in order to build the
two new production facilities. In addition, the Company plans to increase
its working capital and renegotiate and extend loans, when they become due to
allow the Company to continue operations. To meet these objectives, the Company
plans to raise funds through private placements in order to build its new
facilities and to support existing operations. There is no assurance that funds
will be available for the Company on acceptable terms, if at all, or that the
Company will be able to negotiate and extend the loans. If adequate funds are
not available or not available on acceptable terms or the Company is unable to
negotiate or extend its loans, the Company may be required to scale back or
abandon some activities. Management believes that these proposed actions provide
the opportunity for the Company to continue as a going concern. However, the
Company’s ability to achieve these objectives cannot be determined at this time.
As a result, these conditions raise a substantial doubt about the Company’s
ability to continue as a going concern. The Company’s financial statements
do not include any adjustments that might result from this uncertainty.
As of
December 31, 2009, Company had current liabilities of $109.37 million as
follows:
Accounts
Payable
|
|
$ |
23.34
million
|
Other
Payables and Accrued Expenses
|
|
$ |
51.05
million
|
Loans
Payable-Short Term: (please refer to Note 10 of the Financial Statements
for details)
|
|
$ |
32.37
million
|
Notes
Payable
|
|
$ |
2.50
million
|
Due
to related companies
|
|
$ |
0.11 million
|
Total
Current Liabilities
|
|
$ |
109.37million
|
As of
December 31, 2009, Company had outstanding short-term loans (less than one year
term) totaling $32.37 million. Company believes that it will be successful in
the renegotiating loans due based on the assumption that the Company has
enhanced its ability to generate additional cash flow from its operation since
the loans were originally entered into, even though there is no assurance of
renewing the loans.
Long-term
Liabilities:
At
December 31, 2009, Company had long-term loan payable of $11.26 million and
deferred revenue of $0.35 million.
ITEM
7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE
DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Because the Company is a smaller
reporting company, it does not need to provide the information required by this
Item 7A
ITEM
8. FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The
information required by this section appears after the signature page (see F1 –
F32). The
Company has elected to provide the information required by Item 8
(b).
ITEM
9.
|
CHANGES
IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL
DISCLOSURE
|
On
October 9, 2009, Dragon Pharmaceutical Inc. decided not to reappoint Ernst &
Young LLP as our independent accountant for the year ended December 31, 2009 and
engaged Chang Lee LLP to serve as our independent registered public accounting
firm for such year. This change was disclosed on Form 8-K filed with
the Commission on October 14, 2009.
ITEM
9A.(T) CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
(a) Evaluation
of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of
December 31, 2009, the Company has carried out an evaluation, under the
supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management,
including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the
effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s
disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined under Rule
13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
“Exchange Act”). Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer
and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure
controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be
disclosed in the Company’s periodic reports filed under the Exchange Act is
recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time
periods specified by the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and
regulations.
(b) Management’s
Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management
is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over
financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the
Exchange Act. Internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide
reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the
preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America
(“GAAP”). We recognize that because of its inherent limitations, internal
control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also,
projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to
the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions,
or that the degree of compliance with the policies and procedures may
deteriorate.
To
evaluate the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting,
management used the criteria described in Internal Control — Integrated
Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission (“COSO”). A material weakness (within the meaning of PCAOB Auditing
Standard No. 5) is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal
control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility
that a material misstatement of the company’s annual or interim financial
statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. It is
management’s assessment that our internal control over financial reporting was
effective as of December 31, 2009.
(c) Attestation
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
This
annual report does not include an attestation report of the Company’s registered
public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting.
Management’s report was not subject to attestation by the Company’s registered
public accounting firm pursuant to current rules of the Securities and Exchange
Commission that permit the Company to provide only management’s report in this
annual report.
(d) Changes
in internal control over financial reporting.
There has
been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that
occurred during the Company’s fourth fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2009
and that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to affect,
the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM
9B. OTHER
INFORMATION
None
PART
III
ITEM
10.
|
DIRECTORS,
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE
GOVERNANCE
|
Directors,
Executive Officers and Significant Employees
The
Company has eight directors consisting of Mr. Han, Mr. Weng,
Ms. Liu, Dr. Wick, Dr. Sun, Mr. Mak, Dr. Frey and Dr. Li. who
were all re-elected as directors at the annual meeting of shareholders held on
June 21, 2009.
Below in
the sections titled “Description of Current Directors” and “Description of
Executive Officers” are the names, ages and biographies of our current directors
and executive officers, the principal offices and positions held by each person
and the date such person became our director or executive
officer. The Company’s executive officers are elected annually by the
Board of Directors. Each year the shareholders elect the board of
directors. The executive officers serve until their death,
resignation or removal by the Board of Directors. With the exception
of Messrs. Han and Weng, and Ms. Liu who were appointed as directors in
connection with the acquisition of Oriental Wave as previously disclosed in the
Securities and Exchange Commission filings, there were no other arrangement or
understanding between any executive officer or director and any other person
pursuant to which any person was elected as an executive officer or
director. There are no family relationships between any of our
directors, executive officers, director nominees or significant
employees.
During
the last five years, none of our directors or our executive officers has been
(a) convicted in a criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations or similar
misdemeanors) or (b) a party to any judicial or administrative proceeding
(except for matters that were dismissed without sanction or settlement) that
resulted in a judgment or decree or final order enjoining the person from future
violations of, or prohibiting activities subject to, federal or state securities
laws, or a finding of any violation of federal or state securities
laws.
Description
of Current Directors
Mr. Yanlin Han, age 46, is the
Chief Executive Officer and the Chairman of the Board of Director of Company,
positions he assumed in January 2005. Prior to the reverse take-over
of the Company, Mr. Han was the founder and Chairman of Oriental Wave and
responsible for the overall strategic planning and direction of the
Company. Mr. Han has over 20 years of experience in the
pharmaceutical industry in many positions like material buyer, product sales and
manager for state-own companies in China and has very extensive sales and
production management experience in China. He founded his private
company named Shanxi Tongling Pharmaceutical Company in 1994, which became the
vehicle to acquire state-owned pharmaceutical companies through bankruptcy
process or contractual management agreements. Mr. Han set up a joint
venture with a large Indian pharmaceutical company to produce pharmaceutical
intermediates with mass fermentation technology. Mr. Han also serves
as the Vice-President of Shanxi Province Foreign Investment Enterprise
Association and Vice-President of Datong City Trade Council. Mr. Han
graduated from Shanxi Institute of Economic Management in 1986.
Mr. Zhanguo Weng, age 55, had
been a Director of the Company since January 2005. Mr. Weng was the
Vice President, China Operation until July 1, 2006 when the Company completed
the sales of part of its formulation business. Mr. Weng has over 25
years of experience in pharmaceutical industry including being the General
Manager for Shanxi Tongzhen Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. from August 1997 to January
2002 and Superintendent for Datong No. 2 Pharmaceutical Factory from June 1992
to August 1997. He graduated from the Business Administration faculty
of Shanxi Broadcasting University in 1986 and has also participated the Senior
Program of MBA (Pharmaceutical Line) of People’s University of China for two
years. Subsequent to the sales of part of the company’s formulation business on
July 1, 2007, Mr. Weng became a director of Shanxi C&Y Pharmaceutical
Company, the buyer of the Company’s formulation business.
Ms. Xuemei Liu, age 40, has
been a Director of the Company since January 2005. Ms. Liu is
currently the Chairman of Tera Science & Technology Development Co. Ltd.
which engages in a wide range of investment projects in real estate development,
coal trading and media and publishing industry. Prior to her present position as
Chairman of Tera Science & Technology Development Co. Ltd., Ms. Liu was
the vice general manager of Beijing Chemical Baifeng Investment Corporation
Futures Broker Company from 1996 to 1999. Ms. Liu graduated from Beijing
University with a Bachelor degree in 1996 and graduated from the Graduate School
of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences with a Master degree in
1998.
Dr. Heinz Frey, age 72, has
been a Director of Company since September 2005, graduated from University of
Bern, Switzerland in 1966, has 30 years of experience in the telecommunication
industry, security manufacturing and service industry. He has broad
experience in the management of various sizes of companies with global presence,
financing and controlling of international companies, leading development,
production, sales and finance departments. He is also a board member of various
companies.
Dr. Alexander Wick,
Ph.D., age 72,
has been a Director of Company since 1998 and was the President from 2002 until
his resignation effective on February 2, 2006. As of February 3,
2009, Dr. Wick is an independent director of the Company. Dr. Wick holds a
doctorate degree in synthetic organic chemistry from the Swiss Federal Institute
of Technology and has completed post-doctoral studies at Harvard
University. He has had leading positions in the pharmaceutical
research departments of F. Hoffmann-La Roche in the United States and
Switzerland and Synthelabo in France (Director of Chemical Research and
Development) for over 25 years in the field of antibiotics, prostaglandius,
vitamins, cardiovascular CNS and AIDS. In 1995 he created the fine chemicals
company Sylachim S.A., a 100% subsidiary of Synthelabo, active in chemical
intermediates and API’s for the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies
(turnover of over 100 million Euros) and was its President until its acquisition
by the German conglomerate mg Technologies (Dynamit-Nobel GmbH) in
2001. In 2006 he founded AS Biotech in Bern, Switzerland and is
currently its president.
Dr. Yiu Kwong Sun, M.B.,
B.S., age 66,
has been a Director of Dragon Pharma since 1999. Dr. Sun graduated
from the University of Hong Kong Faculty of Medicine in 1967. He is a
Founding Fellow of the Hong Kong College of Family Physicians and a Fellow of
the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine. Since 1995, he has served as the
Chairman of the UMP Healthcare Group, which has been operating and managing a
large network of medical facilities throughout Hong Kong, Macau and
China. Dr. Sun is currently the Clinical Associate Professor
(honorary) in Family Medicine of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and the
Honorary Clinical Assistant Professor of the Family Medicine Unit of the
University of Hong Kong.
Mr. Peter Mak, aged 49, has
been a Director of the Company since September 2005. Mr. Mak is the
managing director of Venfund Investment, a Shenzhen based mid-market M&A
investment banking firm specializing in cross-border mergers and acquisitions,
corporate restructuring, capital raising and international financial advisory
services for Chinese privately-owned clients, which he co-founded in late 2001.
Prior to that, Mr. Mak spent 17 years at Arthur Andersen Worldwide where he was
a Firm partner and served as the managing partner of Arthur Andersen Southern
China in his last position with the Firm. Mr. Mak also serves as an independent
non-executive director and audit committee chairman of Trina Solar Limited,
China GrenTech Corp. Ltd., Dragon Pharmaceutical Inc. and China Security &
Surveillance Technology, Inc., companies listed in the U.S.; Shenzhen Fiyata
Holdings Ltd., a company listed in Mainland China; and Huabao International
Holdings Ltd., China Dongxiang (Group) Co., Ltd., Pou Sheng International
(Holdings) Limited, Real Gold Mining Limited and 361 Degrees International
Limited, companies listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Mr. Mak is also the
non-executive director of Bright World Precision Machinery Ltd., a company
listed in the Republic of Singapore. Mr. Mak is a graduate of the Hong Kong
Polytechnic University and a fellow member of the Association of Chartered
Certified Accountants, UK, and the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public
Accountants, and a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, in England
and Wales.
Dr. Jin Li, age 42, has been a
Director of Company since September 2005, is currently a senior advisor of
Phycos International Co., Ltd. Prior to joining Phycos, he was a
partner at the international law firm, Linklaters. Mr. Li studied
biochemistry at Peking University in China and received his Master of Science
degree in Biochemistry from the University of Michigan and his JD degree from
Columbia University Law School. He has more than ten years of
experience in international IPOs, M&A and business
transactions.
Description
of Executive Officers
The
following sets forth the Company’s executive officers.
Name
|
Position
|
Age
|
Yanlin
Han
|
Chief
Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
|
46
|
Garry
Wong
|
Chief
Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)
|
39
|
Maggie
Deng
|
Chief
Operating Officer and Corporate Secretary
|
42
|
For a
description of Mr. Han, please see his biography above under “Description
of Current Directors.”
Garry
Wong has been the Chief Financial Officer of the Company since January 2005.
Prior to his current position, Mr. Wong served as the Company’s Executive
Assistant to President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company from February
2002 to January 2005. Before joining the Company, Mr. Wong was a manager of
the Global Mergers and Acquisitions Group at Nortel Networks since 1996. He
managed and executed transactions consisting of acquisitions, divestitures,
equity investments, spin-offs, public market listing and joint ventures, in
Europe, North America, Asia and the Middle East. Mr. Wong is a
Chartered Financial Analyst, or CFA, who received an International MBA degree
from York University, Canada with double majors in Corporate Finance and Greater
China studies and a Bachelor degree in Business Administration from University
of Hong Kong.
Maggie
Deng has been the
Chief Operating Officer and Corporate Secretary of the company since January
2005, holding bachelor degree from Tsinghua University in China. Ms. Deng
has over 10 years of experience working in or with public companies as
investment banker, mainly on IPOs and secondary offering for Chinese companies
on domestic stock exchange as well as international ones. Ms. Deng was the
senior manager of China International Capital Corporation, a Morgan Stanley
joint venture investment banking firm in China, from 1998 to
2001. Ms. Deng moved to Canada in 2001 and held a position of
Assistant President in a start-up biotech company in Vancouver, Canada until she
joined Company in January 2005.
Audit
Committee and Financial Expert
On June
21, 2009, the Board reappointed Mr. Mak, Dr. Frey and Dr. Li, each of whom is
independent director, to the Audit Committee. Mr. Mak, the Chairman
of the Audit Committee, is an audit committee financial expert within the
meaning of Item 407(d)(5)((ii) of Regulation S-X. The Audit Committee operates
under a written charter.
Nominating
Committee
Due to
the size of the Company, the Company does not have a separate nominating
committee. Instead, the Board of Directors serves as the nominating committee.
There has been no material changes to the procedure by which the Company’s
shareholders may recommend nominees to the Board of Directors. The
Board of Directors will consider nominations to the Board by its
shareholders. Requests for consideration should be made to the
Company’s Corporate Secretary, Maggie Deng.
Code
of Ethics
The
Company has adopted a series of ethical standards and related policies, that are
applicable to the officers, directors and employees of the Company, including
the Company’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer,
principal accounting officer, controller, or persons performing similar
functions. These standards and policies include Code of Ethical
Conduct, Code of Ethical Conduct for Financial Managers, Anti-fraud Policy and
Whistleblower Policy, which are all available on the Company’s website at
www.dragonpharma.com. Amendments to and waivers from these standards
and policies will also be disclosed on the Company’s website.
Compliance
with Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Section
16(a) of the Exchange Act requires the Company’s executive officers and
directors to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership of the Company’s
common stock with the SEC. Executive officers and directors are required by SEC
regulations to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms
they file. Based solely upon a review of Forms 3, 4 and 5 delivered to the
Company as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the management
believes that the Company’s executive officers and directors and persons who own
more than 10% of the Company’s common stock timely filed all required reports
pursuant to Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act during the most recent fiscal
year.
ITEM
11. EXECUTIVE
COMPENSATION
Compensation
Committee
The Board
first established the Compensation Committee in 2005. On June 21,
2009, the Board elected Dr. Sun, Dr. Frey and Dr. Li, each of whom is
independent director, to the Compensation Committee. Dr. Sun is
elected as the Chairman of the Compensation Committee. The
Compensation Committee operates under a written charter.
General
Philosophy
The
primary purpose of the Compensation Committee is to assist the Board of
Directors by reviewing and making recommendations to the Board of Directors in
matters related to compensation of the Company’s executives, employees and
members of the Board. The Company’s Board of Directors is ultimately
responsible for establishing, approving and administering the Company’s
executive and director compensation.
Executive
Compensation
The Board of Director’s compensation
objective is designed to attract and retain the best available talent while
efficiently utilizing available resources. The Company compensates executive
management consisting primarily of a base salary and equity compensation
designed to be competitive with comparable employers in the location of
countries in which it operates primarily China and Vancouver, Canada, and to
align management’s compensation with the long-term interests of
shareholders. In considering executive management’s
compensation, the Board also takes into consideration the financial condition of
the Company.
Currently,
the Company does not maintain any incentive compensation plans based on
pre-defined performance criteria. The Board of Directors has the general
authority, however, to award equity incentive compensation, i.e. stock options,
to the Company’s executive officers in such amounts and on such terms as the
Board of Directors determines in its sole discretion. The Board of
Directors does not have a determined formula for determining the number of
options available to be granted. The Compensation Committee reviews each
executive’s contribution to the Company’s strategic goals periodically and makes
recommendation to the Board of Directors.
The Board of Directors did not
consider any change in control provisions, tax considerations nor performance
criteria in granting the increasing these executives’ base salary and the
granting of options. The Chief Executive Officer was consulted and
gave his opinion as to the compensation to be paid to the executive officers,
but the actual compensation amount was recommended by the Compensation committee
and approved by the Board of Directors.
The base salary for the Company’s
executive officers was determined by negotiation in connection of the reverse
takeover merger involving Oriental Wave and the Company that was completed in
January 2005. Since that time, there has been no change in the executives’
base salary. As the Company’s headquarters and executive office is located
in Vancouver, Canada, the Company pays its executive officers in
Canadian dollars. These base salaries decreased approximately 6.6% from
2008 to 2009 which reflects solely the depreciation of Canadian dollars
against U.S. dollars. The absolute amount of those base salaries of
the Company’s executive officers in Canadian dollars remained the same
since January 2005.
Compensation
Summary
The
following table summarizes all compensation earned by or paid to the Company’s
Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer), Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer) and other executive officer, during the past two
fiscal years.
Summary
Compensation Table*
Name and principal position
|
|
Year
|
|
Salary
|
|
|
All Other
compensation
|
|
|
Total
|
|
Yanlin
Han
Chairman
and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal
Executive Officer)
|
|
2009
|
|
$ |
170,995 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
$ |
170,995 |
|
|
|
2008
|
|
$ |
183,020 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
$ |
183,020 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Garry
Wong
Chief
Financial Officer
(Principal
Financial Officer)
|
|
2009
|
|
$ |
114,564 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
$ |
114,564 |
|
|
|
2008
|
|
$ |
122,621 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
$ |
122,621 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maggie
Deng
Chief
Operating Officer and Corporate Secretary
|
|
2009
|
|
$ |
115,132 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
$ |
115,132 |
|
|
|
2008
|
|
$ |
123,228 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
$ |
123,228 |
|
*The
columns for Bonus, Stock Awards, Option Awards, Non-Equity Compensation, Change
in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings were omitted
because there were none earned or paid to any of the named executive officers
during the past two fiscal years.
Option
Grants in 2008 and 2009
For the year 2009, the Company did
not grant any options.
For the year 2008, the Company
granted options of 170,000 shares to certain employees at an exercise price of
$0.75 per share on February 17, 2008.
Aggregated
Option Exercises in Last Fiscal Year and Ten-Year Options/SAR
Repricings
There was
no repricing of options for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2008 and
2009.
Fiscal
Year End Option
The following table sets forth for the
Company’s executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table and the
number and exercise price of exercisable and un-exercisable options as at
December 31, 2009. There were no restricted stock awards outstanding
as of December 31, 2009.
Outstanding
Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
|
|
Number
of Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
on December 31, 2009*
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name
|
|
Exercisable
|
|
|
Unexercisable
|
|
|
Option
Exercise
Price
|
|
Option
Expiration
Date
|
Yanlin
Han
Chairman
and Chief Executive Officer
|
|
|
800,000 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
0.51 |
|
May
16, 2010
|
|
|
|
500,000 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
0.74 |
|
Sept
30, 2010
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Garry
Wong
Chief
Financial Officer
|
|
|
200,000 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
$ |
1.18 |
|
Jan
12, 2010
|
|
|
|
300,000 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
$ |
0.51 |
|
May
16, 2010
|
|
|
|
200,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
0.74 |
|
Sept
30, 2010
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maggie
Deng
Chief
Operating Officer
|
|
|
200,000 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
$ |
1.18 |
|
Jan
12, 2010
|
|
|
|
300,000 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
$ |
0.51 |
|
May
16, 2010
|
|
|
|
200,000 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
$ |
0.74 |
|
Sept
30,
2010
|
* There
were no securities underlying unexercised unearned options under Equity
Incentive Plan Awards on December 31, 2009.
Director’s
Compensation
Directors are not routinely compensated
for their services. However, from time to time, Board members are awarded stock
options as recommended by the Compensation committee and determined by the
Board. The exercise price of the options is based on the fair market value of
the underlying shares of common stock at the time of grant. No directors
received any compensation, including options to purchase common stock, during
2008 and 2009.
However, in connection with Mr. Han’s
proposal to acquire all of the outstanding shares of the Company, the Board of
Directors has established a Special Committee of independent directors to
evaluate the proposal and other strategic alternatives. The Special Committee
consists of Peter Mak, Dr. Jin Li and Dr. Heinz Frey. Peter Mak, as
the Chairman of the Special Committee, would be compensated US$ 40,000 and Dr.
Jin Li and Dr. Heinz Frey, as the members of the Special Committee, would be
compensated US$20,000 respectively by the end of the term of the Special
Committee.
Summary Compensation Table*
|
|
Name and principal position
|
|
Year
|
|
Fees Earned
or Paid in
Cash ($)
|
|
|
All Other
compensation
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Yanlin
Han
|
|
2009
|
|
As
described above in “Executive Compensation”
|
|
Chairman
and Chief Executive Officer
|
|
2008
|
|
As
described above in “Executive Compensation”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Zhanguo
Weng
|
|
2009
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
Director
|
|
2008
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Xuemei
Liu
|
|
2009
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
Director
|
|
2008
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alexander
Wick
|
|
2009
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
Director
|
|
2008
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Yiu
Kwong Sun
|
|
2009
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
Director
|
|
2008
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Peter
Mak
|
|
2009
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
Director
|
|
2008
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Heinz
Frey
|
|
2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Director
|
|
2008
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jin
Li
|
|
2009
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
Director
|
|
2008
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
*The
columns for, Stock Awards, Option Awards, Non-Equity Compensation, Change in
Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings were omitted
because there were none earned or paid to any of the Named Executive Officers
during the past two fiscal years.
Long-Term
Incentive Plans-Awards in Last Fiscal Year
We do not currently have any long-term
incentive plans.
ITEM
11. SECURITY
OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER
MATTERS
The following table shows the number of
the Company’s common stock beneficially owned (unless otherwise indicated) by
each shareholder known by the Company to be the beneficial owner of more than 5%
of the Company’s common stock, by the Company’s named executive officer and
current directors and the executive officers and directors as a group. Except as
otherwise indicated, Common stock beneficially owned and percentage ownership
set forth below is based on 67,006,418 shares issued and outstanding as of March
15, 2010.
|
|
Shares
Beneficially Owned(1)
|
|
|
|
|
Name and Adddress of Beneficial
Owner
|
|
Number
|
|
|
Percent
|
|
Yanlin
Han*
Chairman
and Chief Executive Officer
|
|
|
26,753,741 |
(2)
|
|
|
39.13 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Zhanguo
Weng*
Director
|
|
|
9,586,783 |
(3)
|
|
|
14.17 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Xuemei
Liu*
Director
|
|
|
5,193,391 |
(4)
|
|
|
7.66 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alexander
Wick*
Director
|
|
|
1,600,000 |
(5)
|
|
|
2.35 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Yiu
Kwong Sun*
Director
|
|
|
1,400,000 |
(6)
|
|
|
2.07 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Peter
Mak*
Director
|
|
|
700,000 |
(7)
|
|
|
1.03 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Heinz
Frey*
Director
|
|
|
600,000 |
(7)
|
|
|
0.89 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jin
Li*
Director
|
|
|
600,000 |
(7)
|
|
|
0.89 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maggie
Deng*
Chief
Operating Officer and
Corporate
Secretary
|
|
|
700,000 |
(7)
|
|
|
1.03 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Garry
Wong*
Chief
Financial Officer
|
|
|
700,000 |
(7)
|
|
|
1.03 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All
directors and executive officers as a group (10 persons)
|
|
|
47,833,915 |
(8)
|
|
|
63.98 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bright
Faith Overseas Limited
|
|
|
3,496,503 |
|
|
|
5.21 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ms.
Qingming Liu
|
|
|
6,000,000 |
|
|
|
8.95 |
% |
*C/O
Dragon Pharmaceutical, Inc., 650 West Georgia Street, Suite 310, Vancouver,
British Columbia V6B 4N9
(1) Except
as otherwise indicated, the Company believes that the beneficial owners of the
common stock listed above, based on information furnished by such owners or
publicly available, have sole investment and voting power with respect to such
shares, subject to community property laws where applicable. Beneficial
ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the Securities and
Exchange Commission and generally includes voting or investment power with
respect to securities. Shares of common stock subject to options or warrants
currently exercisable, or exercisable within sixty days, are deemed outstanding
for purposes of computing the percentage ownership of the person holding such
option or warrants, but are not deemed outstanding for purposes of computing the
percentage ownership of any other person.
(2)
|
Includes
options to purchase 1,300,000
shares.
|
(3)
|
Includes
options to purchase 600,000 shares.
|
(4)
|
Includes
options to purchase 700,000 shares.
|
(5)
|
Includes
options to purchase 1,100,000
shares.
|
(6)
|
Includes
options to purchase 700,000 shares. Also includes 600,000 shares of common
stock owned by Yukon Health Enterprise for which Mr. Sun serves as
director and officer.
|
(7)
|
Represents
options exercisable within sixty
days.
|
(8)
|
Includes
options to acquire 7,700,000 shares of common
stock.
|
Changes
in Control
In
connection with the merger and pursuant to a Support Agreement dated as of March
26, 2010, certain Board of Directors, namely Mr. Weng, Ms. Xuemei Liu, Dr. Wick
and Dr. Sun, collectively owning 21.9% of the Company’s issued and outstanding
common stock as of March 15, 2010, have agreed to vote all shares of common
stock held by them in favor of the adoption of the Merger Agreement at the
Company’s Special Shareholders Meeting.
Equity
Compensation Plan Information
The
Company’s shareholders approved a share option plan at its Annual Meeting held
on December 18, 2001, authorizing 4,500,000 shares for issuance under the
plan. At its Annual Meeting held on August 12, 2005, the Company’s
shareholders approved another share option plan authorizing the issuance of a
further 15,000,000 shares. The following table provides aggregate information as
of December 31, 2009 with respect to all compensation plans (including
individual compensation arrangements) under which equity securities are
authorized for issuance.
|
|
A
|
|
|
B
|
|
|
C
|
|
Plan
Category
|
|
Number
of securities
to
be issued upon
exercise
of outstanding
options,
and warrants
|
|
|
Weighted-average
exercise
price of
outstanding
options,
and
warrants
|
|
|
Number
of securities
remaining
available
for
future issuance
under
equity
compensation
plans
(excluding
securities
reflected
in column A)
|
|
Equity
compensation
plans
approved
by
security
holders
|
|
|
9,760,000 |
|
|
$ |
0.71 |
|
|
|
9,204,000 |
|
Equity
compensation
plans
not approved by
security
holders
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
0 |
|
Total
|
|
|
9,760,000 |
|
|
$ |
0.71 |
|
|
|
9,204,000 |
|
ITEM
13. CERTAIN
RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
During
the past two years, the Company has been a party to transactions involving one
of its directors. See also Note 19 to the Company’s financial
statements.
On
January 22, 2010, the Company announced that in a letter dated January 15, 2010,
Mr. Yanlin Han, Chairman and CEO of the Company, has made a non-binding proposal
to acquire all of the outstanding shares of the Company for a price of $0.80 per
share. The Company’s common stock quoted on OTCBB and traded on Toronto Stock
Exchange closed at $0.60 per share and at CAD $0.63 per share, respectively, on
January 22, 2010. Mr. Han is the largest shareholder of the Company owning
37.95% of the total outstanding shares. Mr. Han’s letter indicates that his
proposal is conditioned upon satisfactory completion of due diligence,
negotiation of definitive transaction documents, receipt of the requisite
financing commitments and receipt of necessary board approval.
The Board
of Directors of the Company has established a Special Committee of independent
directors consisting of Peter Mak, Chairman, and Dr. Jin Li and Dr. Heinz Frey
to act on behalf of Dragon Pharma with respect to consideration of the proposal
and other strategic alternatives.
On March
26, 2010, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among,
Chief Respect Ltd., Datong Investment Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Chief
Respect Ltd., and Mr. Yanlin Han, the Company's Chairman, Chief Executive
Officer and largest shareholder. Chief Respect Ltd. is a Hong Kong corporation
owned by Mr. Han. Under the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Merger, Mr. Han
will acquire shares of Dragon common stock not owned by him for $0.82 per share
in cash. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter
of 2010 and is subject to certain closing conditions, including approval by the
Company’s shareholders, meeting certain requirements of the Toronto Stock
Exchange, and other closing conditions set forth in the merger agreement. Under
Florida law, the adoption of the merger agreement requires the affirmative vote
of a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote. Under the rules of the
Toronto Stock Exchange, the merger agreement must be approved by the holders of
a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote, excluding the votes of
those shares owned by Yanlin Han.
Director
Independence
Dr. Yiu
Kwong Sun, Ms. Xuemei Liu, Mr. Peter Mak, Dr. Heinz Frey Dr. Alexander Wick, Mr.
Zhanguo Weng and Dr. Jin Li are deemed to be independent directors within the
meaning of NASD listing standards.
ITEM
14. PRINCIPAL
ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
For the
year ended December 31, 2008 Ernst & Young LLP was engaged by the Company to
provide both audit and non-audit services. However, on October 14,
2009, the Company engaged Chang Lee LLP to provide both audit and non-audit
services for the year ended December 31, 2009. See Item 9 above. The
following fees were paid for services provided by either Chang Lee LLP and Ernst
& Young LLP.
Audit
Fees. The aggregate fees paid for the annual audit of financial statements
included in the Company’s Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2009 and
2008 and the review of the Company’s quarterly reports for such years, amounted
to approximately $213,000 and $363,000 respectively.
Audit
Related Fees. For the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 the Company paid $0
and $0 to either Chang Lee LLP or Ernst & Young for other audit related
fees.
Tax Fees.
For the year ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, the Company paid $0 and $0 to
either Chang Lee LLP or Ernst & Young for tax fees.
All Other
Fees. For the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, the Company paid $Nil and
$Nil to either Chang Lee LLP or Ernst & Young for any non-audit
services.
The
above-mentioned fees are set forth as follows in tabular form:
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Audit
Fees
|
|
$ |
213,000 |
|
|
$ |
363,000 |
|
Audit
Related Fees
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
Tax
Fees
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
All
Other Fees
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
Audit
Committee Approval of Audit and Non-Audit Services of Independent
Accountants
The Audit
Committee approves all audit and non-audit services provided by the independent
auditors. These services may include audit services, audit-related services, tax
services and other services. The independent accountants and management are
required to periodically report to the Audit Committee regarding the extent of
services provided by the independent accountants, and the fees for the services
performed to date.
PART
IV
ITEM
15. EXHIBITS,
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SCHEDULES
(a) The
following documents are filed as a part of this report.
(1) Financial
Statements
Report of
Independent Accountants
Year-end
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Year-end
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Year-end
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
Year-end
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements
(b) Exhibits
Exhibit
No.
|
|
Description
|
2.1
|
|
Share
Exchange Agreement with First Geneva Investments(1)
|
3.1
|
|
Certificate
of Incorporation(1)
|
3.2
|
|
Certificate
of Amendment, dated June 19, 1997(1)
|
3.3
|
|
Certificate
of Amendment of Articles of Incorporation, dated September 21, 1998(1)
|
3.4
|
|
Certificate
of Amendment of Articles of Incorporation, dated January 11,
2005*
|
3.5
|
|
Certificate
of Amendment of Articles of Incorporation, dated August 12,
2005*
|
3.6
|
|
Bylaws(1)
|
3.7
|
|
Amended
and Restated Bylaws(2)
|
10.1
|
|
2001
Stock Option Plan(3)
|
10.2
|
|
Waivers
of Certain Conditions to the Shares Purchase Agreement(4)
|
10.3
|
|
Escrow
Agreement among the Company, Oriental Wave Holding Limited, Yanlin Han,
Zhanguo Weng and Xuemei Liu, dated January 12, 2005(4)
|
10.4
|
|
Agreement
for Advance and Long Term Supply of Products between Aurobindo (Datong)
Bio-Pharma Co. Ltd. and Shanxi Weiqida Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.(5)
|
10.5
|
|
Technology
Transfer Agreement between Shanxi Weiqida Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and
Alpha Process Trust Reg.(5)
|
10.6
|
|
Manufacturing
Agreement for Dry-freeze Levoflaxacin Injectable by and between Shanxi
Weiqida Pharmaceutical Co. and Shanxi Pude Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.(5)
|
10.7
|
|
Technology
Transfer Agreement between Shanxi Weiqida Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and
Alpha Process Trust Reg.(5)
|
10.8
|
|
2005
Stock Option Plan(6)
|
14.1
23.1
|
|
Code
of Ethics(6)
Consent
of Chang Lee LLP, Chartered Accountants*
|
23.2
|
|
Consent
of Ernst & Young LLP., Chartered Accountants*
|
31.1
|
|
Certification
of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act
|
31.2
|
|
Certification
of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
|
32
|
|
Certification
of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section
906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act
|
* Filed
herewith
(1)
|
Incorporated
by reference to the Company’s Form 10SB12G filed with the SEC on November
4, 1999.
|
(2)
|
Incorporated
by reference to the Company’s Form 10KSB filed with the SEC on March 31,
2005.
|
(3)
|
Incorporated
by reference to the Company’s Form DEF14A filed with the SEC on November
21, 2001.
|
(4)
|
Incorporated
by reference to the Company’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 18,
2005.
|
(5)
|
Incorporated
by reference to the Company’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 2, 2005
(portions of which have been omitted for confidential treatment
purposes).
|
(6)
|
Incorporated
by reference to the Company’s Form DEF14A filed with the SEC on July 14,
2005.
|
SIGNATURE
Pursuant
to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, the registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Dated: March
31, 2010
|
|
Dragon
Pharmaceutical Inc.,
|
|
|
a
Florida Corporation
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/
Yanlin Han
|
|
|
Yanlin
Han, Chief Executive Officer
(Principal
Executive Officer)
|
Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been
signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signatures
|
|
Date
|
|
|
|
/s/ Yanlin Han
|
|
|
Mr. Yanlin
Han, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
|
|
March 31,
2010
|
|
|
|
/s/ Zhanguo Weng
|
|
|
Mr. Zhanguo
Weng, Director
|
|
March 31,
2010
|
|
|
|
/s/ Dr. Yiu Kwong Sun
|
|
|
Dr. Yiu
Kwong Sun, Director
|
|
March
31, 2010
|
|
|
|
/s/ Dr. Alexander
Wick
|
|
|
Dr. Alexander
Wick, Director
|
|
March
31, 2010
|
|
|
|
/s/ Xuemei Liu
|
|
|
Ms. Xuemei
Liu, Director
|
|
March
31, 2010
|
|
|
|
/s/ Peter Mak
|
|
|
Mr. Peter
Mak, Director
|
|
March
31, 2010
|
|
|
|
/s/ Heinz Frey
|
|
|
Dr. Heinz
Frey, Director
|
|
March
31, 2010
|
|
|
|
/s/ Jin Li
|
|
|
Dr. Jin
Li, Director
|
|
March
31, 2010
|
|
|
|
/s/ Garry Wong
|
|
|
Garry
Wong, Chief Financial Officer
|
|
March
31, 2010
|
(Principal
Financial Officer)
|
|
|
DRAGON
PHARMACEUTICAL INC.
AND
SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR
THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND 2008
CONTENTS
PAGE
|
F2-F3
|
REPORT
OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
|
|
|
|
PAGE
|
F4
|
CONSOLIDATED
BALANCE SHEETS AS AT DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND 2008
|
|
|
|
PAGE
|
F5
|
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEARS ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND 2008
|
|
|
|
PAGE
|
F6
|
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009
AND 2008
|
|
|
|
PAGE
|
F7
|
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND
2008
|
|
|
|
PAGES
|
F8—F32
|
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009
AND 2008
|
REPORT
OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To
the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
DRAGON
PHARMACEUTICAL INC.
We have
audited the consolidated balance sheet of Dragon pharmaceutical Inc. as
at December 31, 2009 and the consolidated statements of operations and
comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the year then
ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audit.
We did
not audit the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of December 31,
2008 and the year then ended in the consolidated statements of operations and
comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows, which were audited by
other auditors whose report, dated March 25, 2009, which expressed an
unqualified opinion, has been furnished to us. Our opinion, insofar
as it relates to the amounts included for the year ended December 31, 2008, is
based solely on the report of the other auditors.
We
conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company
Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that
we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the
financial statements are free of material misstatement. We were not
engaged to perform an audit of the Company’s internal control over financial
reporting. Our audits include consideration of internal control over
financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are
appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an
opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial
reporting. Accordingly we express no such opinion. An audit also
includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles
used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our
opinion, these financial statements present fairly, in all material respects,
the financial position of the Company as at December 31, 2009 and the results of
its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with
U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
As
discussed in Note 1(B) to the consolidated financial statements, the Company’s
recurring working capital deficiency raises substantial doubt about its ability
to continue as a going concern. Management’s plan in regard to this
matter also is described in Note 1(B). These consolidated financial
statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of
this uncertainty.
Vancouver,
Canada
|
|
March
29, 2010
|
Chartered
Accountants
|
REPORT
OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the
Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Dragon
Pharmaceutical Inc.
We have
audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Dragon Pharmaceutical Inc. as
of December 31, 2008 and the consolidated statements of operations and
comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year then
ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audit.
We
conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company
Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that
we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the
financial statements are free of material misstatement. We were not
engaged to perform an audit of the Company’s internal control over financial
reporting. Our audit includes consideration of internal control over
financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are
appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an
opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial
reporting. Accordingly we express no such opinion. An audit also
includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles
used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our
opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all
material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Dragon
Pharmaceutical Inc. as at December 31, 2008, and the consolidated results of its
operations and cash flows for the year then ended, in conformity with U.S.
generally accepted accounting principles.
As
discussed in Note 1(B) to the consolidated financial statements, the Company’s
recurring working capital deficiency raises substantial doubt about its ability
to continue as a going concern. Management’s plan in regard to this matter
also is described in Note 1(B). These consolidated financial statements do
not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this
uncertainty.
Vancouver,
Canada
|
/s/
Ernst & Young LLP
|
March
25, 2009
|
Chartered
Accountants
|
DRAGON
PHARMACEUTICAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED
BALANCE SHEETS
AS
AT DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND 2008
Expressed
in Thousands of US Dollars ($'000) Except Share Data
(Basis
of Presentation – Note 1)
|
|
Notes
|
|
|
December
31, 2009
|
|
|
December
31, 2008
|
|
ASSETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CURRENT
ASSETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
|
|
|
20
|
|
|
|
6,397 |
|
|
|
2,011 |
|
Restricted
cash
|
|
|
11,20 |
|
|
|
1,577 |
|
|
|
2,923 |
|
Accounts
receivable, net of allowances
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
24,053 |
|
|
|
10,499 |
|
Inventories,
net
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
20,540 |
|
|
|
25,760 |
|
Prepaid
expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,885 |
|
|
|
5,738 |
|
Due
from related parties
|
|
|
19 |
|
|
|
1,380 |
|
|
|
1,139 |
|
Deferred
income tax assets
|
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
90 |
|
|
|
176 |
|
Total
Current Assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
55,922 |
|
|
|
48,246 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PROPERTY
AND EQUIPMENT, NET
|
|
|
4,10 |
|
|
|
118,730 |
|
|
|
94,565 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OTHER
ASSETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Intangible
assets, net
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
4,272 |
|
|
|
1,503 |
|
Investments
–cost
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
15 |
|
Other
assets
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
7,348 |
|
|
|
3,751 |
|
Deferred
income tax assets
|
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
351 |
|
|
|
295 |
|
Total
Other Assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,986 |
|
|
|
5,564 |
|
TOTAL
ASSETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
186,638 |
|
|
|
148,375 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES
AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CURRENT
LIABILITIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts
payable
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
23,338 |
|
|
|
17,142 |
|
Other
payables and accrued liabilities
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
51,056 |
|
|
|
26,280 |
|
Loans
payable – short-term
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
32,367 |
|
|
|
20,870 |
|
Notes
payable
|
|
|
11 |
|
|
|
2,502 |
|
|
|
5,836 |
|
Due
to related parties
|
|
|
19 |
|
|
|
111 |
|
|
|
66 |
|
Total
Current Liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
109,374 |
|
|
|
70,194 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LONG-TERM
LIABILITIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loans
payable – long-term
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
11,262 |
|
|
|
20,571 |
|
Deferred
credit
|
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
351 |
|
|
|
394 |
|
Total
Long-Term Liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,613 |
|
|
|
20,965 |
|
TOTAL
LIABILITIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
120,987 |
|
|
|
91,159 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
COMMITMENTS
AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 16)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
STOCKHOLDERS’
EQUITY
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Authorized:
200,000,000 common shares at par value of $0.001 each, common shares
issued and outstanding 2009: 67,066,418; 2008: 67,066,418
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
67 |
|
|
|
67 |
|
Additional
paid-in capital
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
49,151 |
|
|
|
49,105 |
|
Retained
earnings/ (Deficit)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,387 |
|
|
|
(4,588 |
) |
Reserves
|
|
|
17 |
|
|
|
5,935 |
|
|
|
4,653 |
|
Accumulated
other comprehensive income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,111 |
|
|
|
7,979 |
|
Total
Stockholders’ Equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
65,651 |
|
|
|
57,216 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
186,638 |
|
|
|
148,375 |
|
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
DRAGON
PHARMACEUTICAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR
THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND 2008
Expressed
in Thousands of US Dollars ($'000) Except Per Share Data
|
|
Note
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SALES
|
|
|
13
|
|
|
|
165,772 |
|
|
|
151,947 |
|
COST
OF SALES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
135,401 |
|
|
|
127,400 |
|
GROSS
PROFIT
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30,371 |
|
|
|
24,547 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OPERATING
EXPENSES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Selling
expense
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,539 |
|
|
|
4,007 |
|
General
and administrative expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,303 |
|
|
|
8,574 |
|
Research
and development expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
240 |
|
|
|
1,277 |
|
Depreciation
and amortization
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,756 |
|
|
|
1,039 |
|
Total
Operating Expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,838 |
|
|
|
14,897 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
INCOME
FROM OPERATIONS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17,533 |
|
|
|
9,650 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OTHER
INCOME / (EXPENSE)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest
expense
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4,055 |
) |
|
|
(3,626 |
) |
Other
income
|
|
|
12,14 |
|
|
|
645 |
|
|
|
1,085 |
|
Other
expenses
|
|
|
4,
5 |
|
|
|
(2,149 |
) |
|
|
(192 |
) |
Total
other expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(5,559 |
) |
|
|
(2,733 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
INCOME
FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE TAXES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,974 |
|
|
|
6,917 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
INCOME
TAX EXPENSE
|
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
(3,717 |
) |
|
|
(896 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
INCOME
FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,257 |
|
|
|
6,021 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
INCOME
FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
803 |
|
NET
INCOME
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,257 |
|
|
|
6,824 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OTHER
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign
currency translation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
132 |
|
|
|
3,183 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
COMPREHENSIVE
INCOME
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,389 |
|
|
|
10,007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings
per share - basic
|
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
from continuing operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.12 |
|
|
|
0.09 |
|
-
from discontinued operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.00 |
|
|
|
0.01 |
|
-
net income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.12 |
|
|
|
0.10 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings
per share - diluted
|
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
from continuing operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.12 |
|
|
|
0.09 |
|
-
from discontinued operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.00 |
|
|
|
0.01 |
|
-
net income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.12 |
|
|
|
0.10 |
|
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
DRAGON
PHARMACEUTICAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
FOR
THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND 2008
Expressed
in Thousands ($'000) of US Dollars
Except Share Data
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additional
|
|
|
Retained
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated other
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common
Stock
|
|
|
Paid-In
|
|
|
earnings/
|
|
|
|
|
|
comprehensive
|
|
|
Due
from a
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
|
Capital
|
|
|
(Deficit)
|
|
|
Reserves
|
|
|
income
|
|
|
Stockholder
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance,
December 31, 2007
|
|
|
66,374,507 |
|
|
$ |
66 |
|
|
$ |
42,681 |
|
|
$ |
(4,488 |
) |
|
$ |
3,833 |
|
|
$ |
4,796 |
|
|
$ |
(24 |
) |
|
$ |
46,864 |
|
Stock
options exercised (Note 17 (B))
|
|
|
260,000 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
166 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
167 |
|
Shares
released from escrow (Note 17 (B))
|
|
|
431,911 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
|
Other
comprehensive income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
foreign currency translation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,183 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,183 |
|
Stock-based
compensation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
154 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
154 |
|
Transfer
from retained earnings to:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
additional Paid-in Capital: (Note 16 (C) and 17(A))
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,104 |
|
|
|
(6,104 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
|
-
reserve (Note 17 (A)):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(820 |
) |
|
|
820 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
|
Repayment
from stockholders
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24 |
|
|
|
24 |
|
Net
income for the year
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,824 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,824 |
|
Balance,
December 31, 2008
|
|
|
67,066,418 |
|
|
|
67 |
|
|
|
49,105 |
|
|
|
(4,588 |
) |
|
|
4,653 |
|
|
|
7,979 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
57,216 |
|
Other
comprehensive income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
foreign currency translation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
132 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
132 |
|
Stock-based
compensation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
46 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
46 |
|
Transfer
from retained earnings to:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
reserve (Note 17 (A)):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,282 |
) |
|
|
1,282 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
|
Net
income for the year
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,257 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,257 |
|
Balance,
December 31, 2009
|
|
|
67,066,418 |
|
|
|
67 |
|
|
|
49,151 |
|
|
|
2,387 |
|
|
|
5,935 |
|
|
|
8,111 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
65,651 |
|
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
DRAGON
PHARMACEUTICAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR
THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND 2008
Expressed
in Thousands of US Dollars ($ '000)
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH
FLOWS FROM (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income
from continuing operations
|
|
|
8,257 |
|
|
|
6,021 |
|
Adjustments
to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating
activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation
and amortization
|
|
|
10,848 |
|
|
|
8,032 |
|
Stock-based
compensation expense
|
|
|
46 |
|
|
|
154 |
|
Accreted
interest on long term payable
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
56 |
|
Gain
on disposal of assets
|
|
|
(57 |
) |
|
|
(54 |
) |
Provision
on impairment loss of assets
|
|
|
1,970 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Deferred
income tax expense
|
|
|
30 |
|
|
|
503 |
|
Deferred
credit
|
|
|
(44 |
) |
|
|
(43 |
) |
Changes
in operating assets and liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts
receivable
|
|
|
(10,319 |
) |
|
|
523 |
|
Inventories
|
|
|
5,281 |
|
|
|
(6,147 |
) |
Prepaid
expenses
|
|
|
3,868 |
|
|
|
(1,932 |
) |
Accounts
payable
|
|
|
6,151 |
|
|
|
7,086 |
|
Notes
payable
|
|
|
(3,347 |
) |
|
|
5,745 |
|
Restricted
cash
|
|
|
1,352 |
|
|
|
(2,877 |
) |
Amount
due from related parties
|
|
|
(196 |
) |
|
|
(239 |
) |
Other
payables and accrued liabilities
|
|
|
2,106 |
|
|
|
(1,959 |
) |
Cash
provided by continuing operations
|
|
|
25,946 |
|
|
|
14,869 |
|
Cash
provided by discontinued operations
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
923 |
|
Net
Cash provided by Operating Activities
|
|
|
25,946 |
|
|
|
15,792 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH
FLOWS FROM (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchase
of long-lived assets
|
|
|
(39,004 |
) |
|
|
(23,472 |
) |
Government
grants received in advance
|
|
|
95 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Advance
from Government for relocation
|
|
|
11,843 |
|
|
|
4,739 |
|
Deposit
for land and construction
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(943 |
) |
Recovery
of land deposit
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
1,149 |
|
Cash
used in continuing operations
|
|
|
(27,066 |
) |
|
|
(18,527 |
) |
Cash
provided by discontinued operations
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
1,580 |
|
Net
Cash used in Investing Activities
|
|
|
(27,066 |
) |
|
|
(16,947 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH
FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Repayment
of long-term accounts payable
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(1,527 |
) |
Repayment
of non-interest bearing demand loans
|
|
|
(1,850 |
) |
|
|
(3,640 |
) |
Proceeds
from non-interest bearing demand loans
|
|
|
5,279 |
|
|
|
2,189 |
|
Proceeds
from loans payable
|
|
|
31,330 |
|
|
|
27,728 |
|
Repayment
of loans
|
|
|
(29,247 |
) |
|
|
(26,791 |
) |
Proceeds
from exercise of stock options
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
167 |
|
Net
Cash provided by (used in) Financing Activities
|
|
|
5,512 |
|
|
|
(1,874 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EFFECT
OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH
|
|
|
(6 |
) |
|
|
304 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH
|
|
|
4,386 |
|
|
|
(2,725 |
) |
CASH
AT BEGINNING OF THE YEAR
|
|
|
2,011 |
|
|
|
4,736 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH
AT END OF THE YEAR
|
|
|
6,397 |
|
|
|
2,011 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
paid during the period for interest expense, net of capitalized
interest
|
|
|
4,055 |
|
|
|
3,570 |
|
Cash
paid during the period for income taxes
|
|
|
2,370 |
|
|
|
1,595 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SUPPLEMENTAL
SCHEDULE OF NON-CASH ACTIVITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exchange
of assets to offset payables
|
|
|
(158 |
) |
|
|
(54 |
) |
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
DRAGON
PHARMACEUTICAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR
THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND 2008
Expressed
in US Dollars
NOTE
1
|
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT
ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND
ORGANIZATION
|
(A) Organization and
principal activities
The
Company was originally formed on August 22, 1989, as First Geneva Investments,
Inc. First Geneva Investments was formed for the purpose of evaluating and
acquiring businesses. On August 17, 1998, the Company acquired Allwin
Newtech Ltd., a British Virgin Islands corporation. Allwin Newtech Ltd. was
formed on February 10, 1998, for the purpose of developing pharmaceutical
products in China. On September 21, 1998, First Geneva Investments
Inc. changed its name to Dragon Pharmaceutical Inc.
On
January 12, 2005, the Company completed the acquisition of Oriental Wave Holding
Limited (“Oriental Wave”). Oriental Wave was principally engaged in the
production and sale of pharmaceutical products in China. In
connection with the acquisition of Oriental Wave, the Company issued 44,502,004
shares of common stock to the three prior owners of Oriental Wave. As a result,
these three prior owners of Oriental Wave collectively owned 70.78% of the
outstanding shares.
The
Company is a leading manufacturer and distributor of a broad line of
high-quality antibiotic products including Clavulanic Acid, 7-ACA, and
downstream cephalosporin active pharmaceutical ingredient (“API”) and formulated
powder for injection in both Chinese and other emerging markets.
The
Company currently has three production facilities in Datong, China, including
two that have been GMP (“Good Manufacturing Practice”) production facilities
certified by the Chinese State Food and Drug Administration ("SFDA"): one
facility producing bulk clavulanic acid and related active pharmaceutical
ingredient (“API”), and another facility with a capacity of producing
cephalosporin crude & sterilized bulk drugs and formulated powder for
injection. The third facility produces bulk 7-ACA, a core intermediate for
downstream cephalosporin antibiotics.
Starting
on January 1, 2008, the Company has realigned its business segments into two
divisions: Penicillin and Cephalosporin divisions. This realignment better
reflects the Company’s business strategy to become a leading vertically
integrated manufacturer and distributor of a broad line of high-quality
antibiotic products.
The
Penicillin Division currently operates the production and sales of Clavulanic
Acid, Cefalexin and Cephadroxil.
The
Cephalosporin Division operates the production and sales of 7-ACA, its
downstream APIs and cephalosporin formulated finished drugs. 7-ACA is a core
intermediate for over 50 cephalosporin downstream API and formulated finished
drugs. Downstream API products include Ceftazidime (crude powder), Cefotaxime
(crude powder & sterilized bulk) and Cefuroxime (sterilized bulk).
Formulated finished products include thirty-three dosage forms from eleven
different types of cephalosporin powder for injection.
The
Company’s headquarters, located in Vancouver, British Columbia accommodates
corporate functions such as financial reporting, SEC compliance, corporate
finance, risk management and entity-wide internal control oversight and investor
relations. The Company also has corporate offices in Beijing, China to manage
the sales and marketing for the Chinese market as well as international markets
outside of China.
During
the year ended December 31, 2009, Beijing Weixiang Bio-tech Co. Ltd. (“Beijing
Weixiang”), a wholly owned subsidiary incorporated in China, was
dissolved. The net assets of $651,000 were transferred to Shanxi Weiqida Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd (“Shanxi
Weiqida”), another wholly owned subsidiary incorporated in China. Beijing
Weixiang was established in 2005 and the core business was to research and
develop new products. During the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company
decided to centralize its research and development function in Shanxi Weiqida
and dissolve Beijing Weixiang.
DRAGON
PHARMACEUTICAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR
THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND 2008
Expressed
in US Dollars
(B) Basis of presentation
and accounting policies
The
consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its
100% owned subsidiaries: Oriental Wave Holding Limited (“Oriental Wave”)
(incorporated in the British Virgin Islands), Shanxi Weiqida Pharmaceutical Co.,
Ltd. (“Shanxi Weiqida”) (incorporated in China), Beijing Weixang Bio-tech Co.
Ltd.(“Beijing Weixiang”) (incorporated in China and dissolved in 2009 (Note 1
(A)), Allwin Newtech Ltd. (incorporated in the British Virgin Islands), Sanhe
Kailong Bio-pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (incorporated in China), Nanjing Huaxin
Bio-pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. (“Huaxin”) (incorporated in China), Allwin Biotrade
Inc. (incorporated in the British Virgin Islands) and Dragon Pharmaceuticals
(Canada) Inc. (incorporated in Canada). All significant inter-company
balances and transactions have been eliminated upon consolidation.
The
accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity
with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, which contemplate
continuation of the Company as a going concern. The Company has a working
capital deficiency of $53 million as at December 31, 2009.
In
addition, the Company has acquired a land use right for a piece of land located
in the suburban area of Datong China to build a new 7-ACA and a
new Clavulanic Acid production facilities with expanded
capacities. It is the management’s current estimate that a capital
expenditure of $100 million will be required for these two new facilities which
are expected to be completed by the end of 2010. The government of city of
Datong has indicated that it would compensate the Company in the amount of $36
million as an incentive to move the existing 7-ACA and Clavulanic Acid
production facilities to the new location (Note 4). As a result, the
Company anticipates that it will need to raise $64 million to build the two new
facilities. .
On March
26, 2010, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among,
Chief Respect Limited, Datong Investment Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of
Chief Respect Limited, and Mr. Yanlin Han, the Company’s Chairman, Chief
Executive Officer and largest shareholder. Chief Respect Limited is a Hong
Kong corporation owned by Mr. Han. Under the terms of the Agreement and
Plan of Merger, Mr. Han will acquire shares of Dragon common stock not owned by
him for $0.82 per share in cash. Consummation of the merger is condition
upon a number of items (Note 21). If the merger is consummated, Mr. Han
will be responsible for, among other thing, providing for the financing and
relocating the new production facilities.
In the event that the
merger is not consummated, the Company plans to seek additional equity
through the conversion of some of its liabilities and expects to raise funds
through private placements in order to support existing operations and finance
the two new production facilities. The Company has also significantly increased
production levels which is expected to generate additional cash flow under
contracted supply agreements. In addition, the Company intends to continue to
renegotiate and extend loans, as required, when they become due, as has been
done in the past. Subsequent to December 31, 2009, the Company successfully
refinanced its loans due in January 2011 amounting to $5,412,000 (RMB37 million)
(Note 10). There is no assurance that additional funds will be available for the
Company on acceptable terms, if at all, or that the Company will be able to
negotiate and extend the loans.
If
adequate funds are not available or not available on
acceptable terms or the Company is unable to negotiate or extend its loans, the
Company may be required to scale back or abandon some activities. Management
believes that actions presently taken provide the opportunity for the Company to
continue as a going concern. The Company’s ability to achieve these objectives
cannot be determined at this time. These conditions raise substantial doubt
about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. These
financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from this
uncertainty.
DRAGON
PHARMACEUTICAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR
THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND 2008
Expressed
in US Dollars
(C) Use of
Estimates
In
preparing consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally
accepted accounting principles, management is required to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and revenues and expenses for the reported period. Actual
results could differ from those estimates.
(D) Accounting Standards
Codification
The
Company has applied the Accounting Standards Codification (the “ASC”) approved
by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) as the source of
authoritative generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
(E) Cash and Cash
Equivalents
The
Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of
three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents. There was
no cash equivalent as of December 31, 2009 and 2008.
(F) Accounts
Receivable
The
Company extends unsecured credit to its customers in the ordinary course of
business but mitigates the associated risks by performing credit checks and
actively pursuing past due accounts. An allowance for doubtful
accounts is established and recorded based on management’s assessment of the
credit history with the customer and current relationships with them. The
Company uses the specific identification method to determine its allowance for
doubtful accounts.
(G)
Investments
The
Company’s investment in a private company represents less than 1% of the total
equity of the private company as of December 31, 2009. The investment
is carried at cost and written down to estimated fair market value when
indications exist that this investment has other than temporarily declined in
value. No write downs have been recorded to date.
(H)
Inventories
Inventories
are stated at the lower of cost or replacement cost with respect to raw
materials and the lower of cost and net realizable value with respect to
finished goods and work-in-progress, cost being determined on a weighted average
basis. Idle facility costs, abnormal freight, handling costs, and
amounts of wasted materials (spoilage) are treated as current period
costs.
The
Company provides inventory allowances based on excessive spoilage and obsolete
inventories determined principally by customer demand and product expiration
dates.
DRAGON
PHARMACEUTICAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR
THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND 2008
Expressed
in US Dollars
(I) Property and
Equipment
Property
and equipment is recorded at cost, less accumulated
depreciation. Expenditures for additions, major renewals and
betterments are capitalized and expenditures for maintenance and repairs are
charged to expense as incurred.
Interest
costs that are attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of
property and equipment that take a substantial period of time to get ready for
its intended use are capitalized as part of the cost. No interest was
capitalized during the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008.
Land use
rights are recorded at cost, less accumulated amortization.
Depreciation
is provided on a straight-line basis over the assets’ estimated useful lives,
less an estimated residual value. The estimated useful lives are as
follows:
Land
use rights and buildings
|
|
50
Years
|
Plant
and equipment
|
|
10
Years
|
Motor
vehicles
|
|
8
Years
|
Furniture
and office equipment
|
|
5
Years
|
Depreciable
assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances
indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable based on projected
undiscounted cash flows associated with the assets. A loss is
recognized for the difference between the fair value and the carrying amount of
the assets. Fair value is determined using a discounted cash flow
analysis.
(J) Intangible
Assets
Intangible
assets represent production technology, licenses and permits for the production
and sales of pharmaceutical products in China and are amortized on a
straight-line basis over a period of ten years. Intangible
assets are tested for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that
a carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss would be
recognized when the carrying amount of an asset exceeds the estimated
undiscounted cash flows. The amount of the impairment loss to be
recorded is calculated by the excess of the asset’s carrying value over its fair
value. Fair value is determined using a discounted cash flow
analysis.
(K) Revenue
Recognition
The
Company recognizes revenue, net of estimated provisions for returns, rebates and
sales allowances, from the sale of pharmaceutical products. Revenues are
recognized only when the Company has transferred to the customer the significant
risk and rewards of ownership of the goods, title to the products transfers, the
amount is fixed and determinable, evidence of an agreement exists, there is
reasonable assurance of collection of the sales proceeds, the Company has no
future obligations and the customer bears the risk of loss.
(L) Shipping and handling
costs
Shipping
and handling costs related to the movement of finished goods from manufacturing
locations to customer locations are recorded as selling expenses. Shipping and
handling costs were $2,153,000 and $1,794,000 for the years ended December 31,
2009 and 2008, respectively.
DRAGON
PHARMACEUTICAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR
THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND 2008
Expressed
in US Dollars
(M) Advertising
Costs
Advertising
costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expense totaled $6,000
and $25,000 for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008,
respectively.
(N) Research and
Development
Research
and development costs related to both present and future products are expensed
as incurred. Total expenditures on research and development for the
years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 were $240,000 and $1,277,000,
respectively.
(O) Income
Taxes
The
Company accounts for income taxes under ASC topic 740. Deferred tax assets and
liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to
differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets
and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets
and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to
taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to
be recovered or settled. Under ASC 740, the effect on deferred
tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in
the period that includes the enactment date. ASC 740 prescribes a two-step
process to determine the amount of tax benefit to recognize. First, the tax
position must be evaluated to determine the likelihood that it will be sustained
upon examination by a tax authority. If the tax position is deemed
“more-likely-than-not” to be sustained, the tax position is then assessed to
determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements. The
amount of the benefit that may be recognized is the largest amount that has a
greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate
settlement. If the tax position does not meet the “more-likely-than-not”
threshold then it is not recognized in the financial
statements.
Pursuant
to the Chinese Corporate Income Tax Law approved on March 16, 2007, the
applicable income tax rate for Shanxi Weiqida is 25% of the taxable income from
January 1, 2008.
The
Company files income tax returns in the United States, Canada and China tax
jurisdictions. These tax returns are generally open to examination by the
relevant tax authorities from three to seven years from the date they are filed.
The Company is currently not under examination by any authority for income tax
purposes.
(P) Foreign Currency
Translation
Shanxi
Weiqida, Huaxin and Dragon Pharmaceuticals (Canada) Inc. maintain their
accounting records in their functional currencies (Renminbi Yuan and Canadian
dollar, respectively), however, the Company’s reporting currency is U.S.
dollars. In accordance with guidance now incorporated in ASC Topic 830
(formerly FAS 52),the financial statements of the Company’s subsidiaries having
a functional currency other than US dollars are translated into United States
dollars using period end exchange rates as to assets and liabilities and average
exchange rates as to revenues and expenses. Capital accounts are
translated at their historical exchange rates when the capital transaction
occurred. Net gains and losses resulting from foreign exchange
translations are included in the statements of operations and stockholders’
equity as other comprehensive income. Foreign currency exchange gains and losses
on transactions occurring in a currency other than the Company’s functional
currency are included in the determination of net income in the
period.
DRAGON
PHARMACEUTICAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR
THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND 2008
Expressed
in US Dollars
(Q) Other Comprehensive
Income
The
Company has adopted ASC Topic 220, "Reporting Comprehensive Income", which
establishes standards for reporting and display of comprehensive income, its
components and accumulated balances. The Company is disclosing
comprehensive income in its Consolidated Statement of Operations and accumulated
other comprehensive income in its Statement of Stockholders'
Equity. Comprehensive income comprises all changes in equity for the
period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to
owners.
(R)
Segments
Starting
on January 1, 2008, the Company has realigned its business segments into two
divisions: Penicillin and Cephalosporin divisions. This realignment better
reflects the Company’s business strategy to become a leading vertically
integrated manufacturer and distributor of a broad line of high-quality
antibiotic products.
The
Penicillin Division currently operates the production and sales of Clavulanic
Acid, Cefalexin and Cefadroxil. Clavulanic Acid is a drug that
combines with penicillin group antibiotics to increase the effectiveness against
bacteria resistance. Cefalexin is a Penicillin G downstream product that is
widely used to treat urinary tract infections, respiratory tract infections,
skin and soft tissue infections. Cefalexin and Cefadroxil were launched and
included in the Company’s product portfolio in January 2008.
The
Cephalosporin Division operates the production and sales of 7-ACA, its
downstream APIs and cephalosporin formulated finished drugs. 7-ACA is a core
intermediate for over 50 cephalosporin downstream API and formulated finished
drugs. Downstream API products include Ceftazidime (crude powder), Cefotaxime
(crude powder & sterilized bulk) and Cefuroxime (sterilized bulk).
Formulated finished products include thirty-three dosage forms from
eleven different types of cephalosporin powder for injection.
(S) Earnings Per
Share
Earnings
per share (“EPS”) is calculated in accordance with ASC topic 260. Basic EPS is
based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted EPS
is based on the assumption that all dilutive stock options were exercised.
Dilution is computed by applying the treasury stock method. Under this method,
options are assumed to be exercised at the beginning of the period, and as if
funds obtained thereby were used to purchase common stock at the average market
price during the period.
(T) Government Grants and
Deferred Revenue
The
Company received grants from federal and provincial governments. Government
grants are recognized only when there is reasonable assurance that the Company
will comply with any conditions attached to the grant and the grant will be
received.
A grant
relating to current expenditures is reported separately as 'other income' in the
period in which the grant is earned and the expenditures have been
incurred. An earned grant relating to capital assets is recorded as
deferred revenue and amortized to income on a straight-line basis as the asset
is depreciated.
DRAGON
PHARMACEUTICAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR
THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND 2008
Expressed
in US Dollars
(U) Stock Based
Compensation
Effective
January 1, 2006, the Company has adopted ASC Topic 718 (formerly SFAS
123R), “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation”, which establishes a fair value
method of accounting for stock-based compensation plans. In accordance with
guidance now incorporated in ASC Topic 718, the cost of stock options and
warrants issued to employees and non-employees is measured on the grant date
based on the fair value. The fair value is determined using the Black-Scholes
option pricing model. The resulting amount is charged to expense on the
straight-line basis over the period in which the Company expects to receive
benefit, which is generally the vesting period. Results for prior periods
have not been restated.
(V) Fair Value of Financial
Instruments
The
Company has adopted the provisions of ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value
Measurements”, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring
fair value in GAAP, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. ASC
820 does not require any new fair value measurements, but provides guidance on
how to measure fair value by providing a fair value hierarchy used to classify
the source of the information. The fair value hierarchy distinguishes between
assumptions based on market data (observable inputs) and an entity’s own
assumptions (unobservable inputs). The hierarchy consists of three
levels:
|
·
|
Level
one – Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or
liabilities;
|
|
·
|
Level
two – Inputs other than level one inputs that are either directly or
indirectly observable; and
|
|
·
|
Level
three – Unobservable inputs developed using estimates and assumptions,
which are developed by the reporting entity and reflect those assumptions
that a market participant would
use.
|
The
carrying amount of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable,
investments, amounts due to related parties and loans and other payables
approximates their fair value, due to the nature of these
instruments.
There
were no assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis
during the year ended December 31, 2009.
Fair
value estimates of financial instruments are made at a specific point in time,
based on relevant information about financial markets and specific financial
instruments. As these estimates are subjective in nature, involving
uncertainties and matters of significant judgment, they cannot be determined
with precision. Changes in assumptions can significantly affect
estimated fair values.
(W) Subsequent
Event
The
Company has adopted ASC Topic 855 “Subsequent Events”, which establishes general
standards of accounting for disclosure of events that occur after the balance
sheet date but before financial statements are issued or available to be issued.
It requires the disclosure of the date through which an entity has evaluated
subsequent events and whether that date represents the date the financial
statements were issued or were available to be issued.
In
preparing these financial statements, the Company has evaluated events and
transactions for potential recognition or disclosure until March 29, 2010, the
date the financial statements were available to be issued.
DRAGON
PHARMACEUTICAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR
THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND 2008
Expressed
in US Dollars
(X) Recent Accounting
Pronouncements
In June 2009, the FASB
amended ASC 860, (formerly SFAS No. 166, Accounting for Transfers of Financial
Assets, an amendment to SFAS No. 140). ASC 860 eliminates the concept of a
―qualifying special-purpose entity, changes the requirements for
derecognizing financial assets, and requires additional disclosures in order to
enhance information reported to users of financial statements by providing
greater transparency about transfers of financial assets, including
securitization transactions, and an entity’s continuing involvement in and
exposure to the risks related to transferred financial assets. ASC 860 is
effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2009. The Company will
adopt ASC 860 in fiscal 2010. We do not expect that the adoption of ASC 860 will
have a material impact on our financial statements.
In June 2009, the FASB amended ASC 810
(formerly SFAS No.167, Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46). The amendments
include: (1) the elimination of the exemption for qualifying special purpose
entities, (2) a new approach for determining who should consolidate a
variable-interest entity, and (3) changes to when it is necessary to reassess
who should consolidate a variable-interest entity. ASC 810 is effective for the
first annual reporting period beginning after November 15, 2009 and for interim
periods within that first annual reporting period. We will adopt ASC 810 in
fiscal 2010. We do not expect that the adoption of ASC 810 will have a material
impact on our financial statements.
In
October 2009, the FASB issued guidance on revenue arrangements with
multiple deliverables stating that when vendor specific objective evidence or
third party evidence for deliverables in an arrangement cannot be determined, a
best estimate of the selling price is required to separate deliverables and
allocate arrangement consideration using the relative selling price method. The
new guidance includes new disclosure requirements on how the application of the
relative selling price method affects the timing and amount of revenue
recognition. This guidance was effective for us January 1, 2011. We do not
expect the application of this guidance will have a material impact on our
financial position, cash flows or operating results.
In
January 2010, the FASB issued new standards in the ASC 820, Fair Value
Measurements and Disclosures, which requires reporting entities to make new
disclosures about recurring or nonrecurring fair-value measurements including
significant transfers into and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair-value
measurements and information on purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements on
a gross basis in the reconciliation of Level 3 fair- value measurements. ASU
2010-6 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after
December 15, 2009, except for Level 3 reconciliation disclosures which are
effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2010. We do not
anticipate that this update will have a material impact on our consolidated
financial statements.
NOTE
2
|
ACCOUNTS
RECEIVABLE
|
Accounts
receivable at December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008 consisted of the
following:
|
|
December
31, 2009
|
|
|
December
31, 2008
|
|
|
|
($‘000)
|
|
|
($‘000)
|
|
Trade
receivables
|
|
|
19,353 |
|
|
|
9,957 |
|
Receivable
from government *
|
|
|
3,593 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Other
receivables
|
|
|
1,268 |
|
|
|
1,316 |
|
Less:
allowance for doubtful accounts
|
|
|
(161 |
) |
|
|
(774 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts
receivable, net
|
|
|
24,053 |
|
|
|
10,499 |
|
DRAGON
PHARMACEUTICAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR
THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND 2008
Expressed
in US Dollars
For the
year ended December 31, 2009, the Company recorded a provision for doubtful
accounts of $67,000 in the Consolidated Statements of Operations compared to
$22,000 for the year ended December 31, 2008.
As at
December 31, 2009, accounts receivable of $2,779,000 is pledged as collateral
for $2,779,000 (RMB19 million) loans payable (Note 10) and
accounts receivable of $1,040,000 is pledged as collateral for $1,040,000 (RMB
7.1 million) note payable facility (Note 11).
* The
Company’s current 7-ACA and Clavulanic Acid production facilities are near their
maximum capacity. Since 2007, the Company has been actively exploring additional
business opportunities which may involve an investment in a new production
campus. In this regard, the Company paid the deposits of $3,751,000
(RMB25.7 million) to the land bureau and various contractors for possible land
and construction costs in 2007 and the balance was recorded as other assets as
at December 31, 2008 (Note 6). During the year ended December 31, 2009, the
local government re-organized city development plan and decided to arrange
another land location to the Company (Note 4). The Government agreed
to reimburse $3,593,000 (RMB24.6 million) to the Company for the costs incurred.
Prepayment of $175,000 (RMB1.2 million) to a subcontractor was used for the
construction of new production facilities. The Company received $1,462,000
(RMB10 million) from the government in March 2010, and the remaining balance is
expected to be received by the end of the year.
NOTE
3 INVENTORIES
Inventories
at December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008 consisted of the
following:
|
|
December
31, 2009
|
|
|
December
31, 2008
|
|
|
|
($‘000)
|
|
|
($‘000)
|
|
Raw
materials
|
|
|
8,283 |
|
|
|
8,375 |
|
Work-in-progress
|
|
|
8,103 |
|
|
|
8,049 |
|
Finished
goods
|
|
|
4,516 |
|
|
|
9,927 |
|
|
|
|
20,902 |
|
|
|
26,351 |
|
Less:
provision
|
|
|
(362 |
) |
|
|
(591 |
) |
|
|
|
20,540 |
|
|
|
25,760 |
|
As at
December 31, 2009 and 2008, the Company recorded an inventory valuation
provision for lower of net realizable value or cost of $362,000 and $591,000 in
the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income,
respectively.
NOTE
4 PROPERTY AND
EQUIPMENT
The
following is a summary of property and equipment at December 31, 2009 and
2008:
|
|
December
31, 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost
|
|
|
Depreciation
/Provision
for
impairment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
($‘000)
|
|
|
($‘000)
|
|
|
($‘000)
|
|
Plant
and equipment
|
|
|
100,385 |
|
|
|
32,858 |
|
|
|
67,527 |
|
Land
use rights and buildings
|
|
|
26,973 |
|
|
|
1,954 |
|
|
|
25,019 |
|
Motor
vehicles
|
|
|
971 |
|
|
|
363 |
|
|
|
608 |
|
Furniture
and office equipment
|
|
|
3,900 |
|
|
|
2,639 |
|
|
|
1,261 |
|
Construction
in progress *
|
|
|
25,313 |
|
|
|
998 |
|
|
|
24,315 |
|
|
|
|
157,542 |
|
|
|
38,812 |
|
|
|
118,730 |
|
DRAGON
PHARMACEUTICAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR
THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND 2008
Expressed
in US Dollars
|
|
December
31, 2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated
|
|
|
Net
Book
|
|
|
|
Cost
|
|
|
Depreciation
|
|
|
Value
|
|
|
|
($‘000)
|
|
|
($‘000)
|
|
|
($‘000)
|
|
Plant
and equipment
|
|
|
85,848 |
|
|
|
23,454 |
|
|
|
62,394 |
|
Land
use rights and buildings
|
|
|
19,718 |
|
|
|
1,490 |
|
|
|
18,228 |
|
Motor
vehicles
|
|
|
860 |
|
|
|
330 |
|
|
|
530 |
|
Furniture
and office equipment
|
|
|
3,470 |
|
|
|
2,154 |
|
|
|
1,316 |
|
Construction
in progress
|
|
|
12,097 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
12,097 |
|
|
|
|
121,993 |
|
|
|
27,428 |
|
|
|
94,565 |
|
Depreciation
expense for the years ended the December 31, 2009 and 2008 was $ 10,440,000 and
$7,875,000 respectively. Plant and Equipment with a net book value of $25.6
million is pledged as collateral for $10 million in loans payable (Note
10).
During
the year ended December 31, 2009, certain assets that were previously under
construction and included in construction in progress, were completed and
accordingly transferred to plant and equipment. Assets completed and acquired
during the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 included:
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
($'000)
|
|
|
($'000)
|
|
7-ACA
and bulk drugs production facilities
|
|
|
6,960 |
|
|
|
12,120 |
|
Formulation
drugs production facility
|
|
|
860 |
|
|
|
131 |
|
Clavulanic
acid production line
|
|
|
2,999 |
|
|
|
1,402 |
|
Utility
facilities and office building
|
|
|
4,506 |
|
|
|
2,603 |
|
Assets
completed
|
|
|
15,325 |
|
|
|
16,256 |
|
Assets
acquired from Tongling (Note 8)
|
|
|
7,008 |
|
|
|
5,408 |
|
Assets
completed and acquired
|
|
|
22,333 |
|
|
|
21,664 |
|
* The
balance of construction in progress as at December 31, 2009 represents capital
expenditures $4,968,000 for new plant, $9,304,000 for expansion of 7-ACA
facility, $8,418,000 for utilities facilities and $2,623,000 for office
building. The government of the city of Datong has intention to
acquire the office building and compensate $1,625,000 for the building cost. The
Company recognized a provision of $998,000 in other expenses for the year ended
December 31, 2009.
The
Company has acquired a land use right for a piece of land located in
the suburban area of the city of Datong to build a new 7-ACA and a new
Clavulanic Acid production facilities with expanded capacities. It is the management’s current estimate
that a capital expenditure of $100 million will be required for these two new
facilities which are expected to be completed by the end of 2010 (Note 1(B)).
As at December 31, 2009, the total spending for these new production
facilities was $12,118,000, including $4,968,000 (RMB34 million) recorded in
construction in progress and $7,150,000 (RMB49 million) recorded in other assets
(Note 6).
DRAGON
PHARMACEUTICAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR
THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND 2008
Expressed
in US Dollars
Regarding
the existing 7-ACA and Clavulanic Acid production facilities, the government of
the city of Datong has indicated that it would fully compensate the Company as
an incentive to move to the new location. The estimated relocation
compensation is $36 million, including fixed assets (cost of land used right,
building and fixtures) that cannot be relocated. The Company does not
expect any loss from the relocation. Final agreement has not
been signed with the government. The Company received
$16,673,000 (RMB114 million) and $5,850,000 (RMB 40 million) advance of
the compensation from the government as at December 31, 2009 and in March 2010,
respectively (Note 9).
NOTE
5 INTANGIBLE
ASSETS
Intangible
assets consist of the following as of December 31, 2009 and December 31,
2008:
|
|
December
31, 2009
|
|
|
December
31, 2008
|
|
|
|
($'000)
|
|
|
($'000)
|
|
Product
licenses and permits
|
|
|
2,735 |
|
|
|
1,707 |
|
Production
technology
|
|
|
3,096 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Less:
accumulated amortization
|
|
|
(587 |
) |
|
|
(204 |
) |
|
|
|
5,244 |
|
|
|
1,503 |
|
Provision
for impairment loss
|
|
|
(972 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
4,272 |
|
|
|
1,503 |
|
Amortization
expense for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 was $408,000 and $157,000
respectively. Amortization expense over the next five years will be
approximately $486,000 per year.
During
the year ended December 31 2009, the Company acquired licenses and permits for
nine bulk drugs for a total amount of $1,023,000 (RMB7 million) (Note 8) , and
production technology for clavulanic acid and 7ACA for a total amount of
$3,096,000. The balance will be amortized on a straight-line basis over a period
of ten years.
In
accordance with the estimated future cash flows, the carrying amount of product
licences permits for formulation drugs are not recoverable, impairment loss of
$972,000 was recognized as other expenses during the year ended December 31,
2009.
NOTE
6 OTHER
ASSETS
|
|
December
31, 2009
|
|
|
December
31, 2008
|
|
|
|
($'000)
|
|
|
($'000)
|
|
Prepayment
for construction & equipment *
|
|
|
7,348 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Deposit
for land and constructions costs **
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
3,751 |
|
Total
|
|
|
7,348 |
|
|
|
3,751 |
|
* The
balance as at December 31, 2009 represents prepayment of $7,150,000 for
construction and equipment related to the new production facilities (Note 4),
and $198,000 for equipment for Clavulanic acid facility.
** See
Note 2.
NOTE
7 DISCONTINUED
OPERATIONS
The
Company signed an agreement on November 5, 2007 with a non-affiliated third
party to sell the assets of the biotech operation excluding finished goods on
hand. According to the agreement, the buyer agreed to pay the Company, before
June 2008, a total of US$ 2.14 million (or RMB 15.6 million), in exchange for
certain fixed assets and certain net working capital as at October 31, 2007 of
the biotech business. The loss on disposal of biotech division was as
follow:
DRAGON
PHARMACEUTICAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR
THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND 2008
Expressed
in US Dollars
|
|
($’000)
|
|
Accounts
receivable
|
|
|
567 |
|
Inventory
-Raw materials & Work-in-progress
|
|
|
249 |
|
Value
added tax for sales of inventories
|
|
|
42 |
|
Total
Current Assets
|
|
|
858 |
|
Property
and equipment
|
|
|
1,516 |
|
Less
accounts payables and accrued liabilities
|
|
|
(770 |
) |
Net
assets for sale
|
|
|
1,604 |
|
Selling
price
|
|
|
2,138 |
|
Gain
on sale of fixed assets and working capital
|
|
|
534 |
|
Less:
write off of intangible assets and goodwill
|
|
|
(3,112 |
) |
Loss on disposal of biotech division
|
|
|
(2,578 |
) |
The
Company received $525,000 of the amount receivable from the buyer of the biotech
division in 2007, and the remaining balance of $1,613,000 was received in
2008.
The
operations of the biotech division have been reclassified and are presented in
the consolidated financial statements as discontinued operation. A summary of
such discontinued operation of the biotech division is as follows:
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
($'000)
|
|
|
($'000)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
sales
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
2,146 |
|
Cost
of sales
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
842 |
|
Gross
Profit
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
1,304 |
|
Operating
and other expenses
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(233 |
) |
Income
before taxes
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
1,071 |
|
Income
tax expense
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(268 |
) |
Income
from discontinued operation
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
803 |
|
NOTE
8 ACQUISITION OF
TONGLING
As at
June 30, 2009, the Company executed an agreement with Aurabindo Tongling
(Datong) Pharmaceutical Ltd. (“Tongling”), an unrelated third party, to acquire
plant and equipment and nine bulk drugs product licenses with a total amount of
$8,032,000. The Company had leased the production plant from
Tongling from December 2007 to June 30, 2009. The plant has a 84,000 square feet
manufacturing facility with a production line for cephalosporin powder for
injection. This plant facility also includes several workshops for other crude
sterilized bulk drugs for cephalosporin antibiotics. As a result of the
acquisition, the Company has expanded its facility to produce more bulk drugs to
meet growing demand of the China market.
DRAGON
PHARMACEUTICAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR
THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND 2008
Expressed
in US Dollars
Tongling
had no purchasing and sales functions since 2007 when it leased its production
facility to the Company. The acquisition did not involve equity and legal form
transfer, and there was no liability assumed in this acquisition.
The
following table summarizes the consideration paid for the acquisition and the
preliminary determination of the fair value of assets acquired at the
acquisition date:
|
|
($'000)
|
|
Consideration
|
|
|
|
Cash
|
|
|
8,032 |
|
Acquisition-related
costs was minor, and recorded in general and administrative
expenses
|
|
|
|
|
Recognized
amount of identifiable assets
|
|
|
|
|
Land
used rights and buildings
|
|
|
3,309 |
|
Equipment
|
|
|
3,595 |
|
Motor
vehicles
|
|
|
104 |
|
Total
fixed assets
|
|
|
7,008 |
|
Intangible
assets – nine bulk drugs product licenses
|
|
|
1,024 |
|
Total
identifiable net assets
|
|
|
8,032 |
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
8,032 |
|
For the
year ended December 31, 2008, the Company acquired equipment of $5,408,000 from
Tongling for bulk drugs production facility.
NOTE
9 OTHER PAYABLES AND ACCRUED
LIABILITIES
Other
payables and accrued liabilities at December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008
consist of the following:
|
|
December
31, 2009
|
|
|
December
31, 2008
|
|
|
|
($'000)
|
|
|
($'000)
|
|
Long-lived
assets payable
|
|
|
19,232 |
|
|
|
11,582 |
|
Non-interest
bearing demand loans
|
|
|
5,149 |
|
|
|
1,715 |
|
Advance
of government grants *
|
|
|
1,996 |
|
|
|
1,897 |
|
Advance
from government for relocation **
|
|
|
16,673 |
|
|
|
4,814 |
|
Payable
to a stockholder***
|
|
|
145 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Accrued
expenses
|
|
|
2,625 |
|
|
|
2,656 |
|
Value
added tax payables
|
|
|
834 |
|
|
|
45 |
|
Income
taxes payable
|
|
|
1,707 |
|
|
|
388 |
|
Other
taxes payable
|
|
|
993 |
|
|
|
1,098 |
|
Deposits
received from customers
|
|
|
1,702 |
|
|
|
2,085 |
|
|
|
|
51,056 |
|
|
|
26,280 |
|
* The
Company received $95,000 (RMB 650,000) in 2009 and $2,187,000 (RMB16 million) in
2007 of government grants relating to the construction of a water treatment
facility. According to an approval of expenditure of the project from the local
provincial government in 2008, the Company reclassified $438,000 (RMB3 million)
to deferred revenue and recognized on a straight-line basis as the assets is
depreciated over 10 years (Note 12). Upon receipt of final approval of the
completed project, the remaining balance of $1,996,000 (RMB13,650,000) will be
reclassified as deferred revenue and recognized on a straight-line basis as the
asset is depreciated.
DRAGON
PHARMACEUTICAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR
THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND 2008
Expressed
in US Dollars
** During
the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, the Company received land relocation
compensation of $11,843,000 (RMB81 million) and $4,739,000 (RMB33 million) from
the government of the city of Datong. In
March 2010, the Company received $5,850,000 (RMB 40 million) land relocation
compensation from the government (Note 4). As the occurrence
and date of relocation has not been determined, the amounts have been classified
as other payable and accrued liabilities.
*** This balance bears no
interest and was paid off in February 2010 (Note 19).
NOTE
10 LOANS
PAYABLE
|
|
December
31, 2009
|
|
|
December
31, 2008
|
|
|
|
($'000)
|
|
|
($'000)
|
|
RMB11.68
million loan payable to an unrelated third party, non-interest bearing and
uncollateralized, due March 2009.
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
1,704
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB65
million loan payable to an unrelated third party, interest rate of 8.316%
and uncollateralized, due September 2009.
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
9,483
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB5.67million
loan payable to a bank, interest rate of 6.696% per annum, collateralized
by equipment with a net book value of $3.2 million due December
2009
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
827 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB10
million loan payable to a bank, interest rate of 6.903% per annum,
collateralized by property and equipment with a net book value of $1.8
million, due January 2010 . The loan was renewed in January 2010 and due
January 2011
|
|
|
1,463 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB10
million loan payable to a bank, interest rate of 6.318% per annum,
collateralized by property and equipment with a net book value of $1.8
million, due January 2010. The loan was renewed in January 2010 and due
January 2011
|
|
|
1,463 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB20
million loan payable to a bank, interest rate of 5.841% per annum,
guaranteed by a related party, due January 2010. The loan was repaid in
January 2010, and RMB17 million was loaned from the same bank due February
2011
|
|
|
2,925 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB2.5
million loan payable to a bank, interest rate of 6.804% per annum,
guaranteed by an unrelated third party, due April 2010 (Note
16(B))
|
|
|
366 |
|
|
|
496 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB19
million loan payable to a bank, interest rate of 5.103% per annum,
collateralized by accounts receivable of $2,799,000, due June 2010 (Note
2).
|
|
|
2,779 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB20
million loan payable to an unrelated third party, interest rate
of 9.828% and uncollateralized, due June 2010
|
|
|
2,925
|
|
|
|
2,918
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB20
million loan payable to an unrelated third party, interest rate
of 9.828% and uncollateralized, due June 2010
*
|
|
|
2,925
|
|
|
|
2,918
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB20
million loan payable to an unrelated third party, interest rate
of 9.828% and uncollateralized, due June 2010
**
|
|
|
2,925
|
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB36
million loan payable to a bank, interest rate of 10.458% per annum,
guaranteed by an unrelated third party, due October 2010
|
|
|
5,265 |
|
|
|
5,252 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB15
million loan payable to an unrelated third party, interest rate
of 7.965% and uncollateralized, due November 2010
***
|
|
|
2,194 |
|
|
|
2,189 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB48.8
million loan payable to a bank, interest rate of 6.903% per annum,
collateralized by equipment with a net book value of $22 million, due
December 2010
|
|
|
7,137 |
|
|
|
7,630 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB17
million loan payable to an unrelated third party, interest rate
of 7.965% and uncollateralized, due July 2011
|
|
|
2,486 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB10
million loan payable to an unrelated third party, interest rate
of 9.558% and uncollateralized, due December
2011
|
|
|
1,463 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB50
million loan payable to a bank, interest rate of 7.02% per annum,
guaranteed by an unrelated third party, due September 2011 (Note
16(B))
|
|
|
7,313 |
|
|
|
8,024 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
43,629 |
|
|
|
41,441 |
|
Less:
current maturities
|
|
|
32,367 |
|
|
|
20,870 |
|
|
|
|
11,262 |
|
|
|
20,571 |
|
DRAGON
PHARMACEUTICAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR
THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND 2008
Expressed
in US Dollars
Maturities
are as follows:
Fiscal
year ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
32,367 |
|
2011
|
|
|
11,262 |
|
|
|
|
43,629 |
|
* The
Company has guaranteed the third party to obtain a bank loan of $2,925,000
(RMB20 million) due June 2010. Interest on the loan is charged at
9.828%. The third party loaned the $2,925,000 to the Company and
charged the same interest rate at 9.828%. According to an agreement between the
third party and the Company, the Company will pay the loan balance of $2,925,000
directly to the bank upon maturity.
DRAGON
PHARMACEUTICAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR
THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND 2008
Expressed
in US Dollars
** The
Company has guaranteed the third party to obtain a bank loan of $2,925,000
(RMB20 million) due June 2010. Interest on the loan is charged at
9.828%. The third party loaned the $2,925,000 to the Company and
charged the same interest rate at 9.828%.
*** The
Company has guaranteed the third party to obtain a bank loan of $2,925,000
(RMB20 million) due November 2010, interest on the loan is charged at 7.965%.
The third party loaned $2,194,000 (RMB15 million) to the Company and charged the
same interest rate at 7.965% (Note 16 (B)).
NOTE
11 NOTES
PAYABLE
The
Company has a banking facility whereby the Company has issued several
non-interest bearing notes payables to several vendors totalling $1,462,000
(RMB10 million) and a letter of credit of $113,000 (RMB773,000) to an overseas
supplier as at December 31, 2009 (2008: $2,918,000 (RMB20 million)). The notes
will be due in March 2010 and the term for letter of credit is six
months. These notes and letter of credit are collateralized by
$1,577,000 of bank deposits that may only be used to repay the notes and letter
of credit.
The
Company also entered into an agreement in 2009 with a bank providing a facility
whereby the Company has issued several non-interest bearing notes to several
vendors with a total amount of $1,040,000 (2008:
$2,918,000). The notes are guaranteed by the bank and which can
be provided to suppliers to guarantee payment for purchases. The bank
charged a fee of 0.05% on the total amount of each promissory note
issued. The facility was collateralized by
accounts
receivable of $1,040,00 (Note 2). These notes will be due in May
2010.
NOTE
12 DEFERRED
CREDIT
Deferred
credit consisted of the following as of December 31, 2009 and 2008
|
|
December
31, 2009
|
|
|
December
31, 2008
|
|
|
|
($'000)
|
|
|
($'000)
|
|
Deferred
credit
|
|
|
438 |
|
|
|
438 |
|
Less:
accumulated amortization
|
|
|
(87 |
) |
|
|
(44 |
) |
|
|
|
351 |
|
|
|
394 |
|
The
Company received government grants of $438,000 (RMB3 million) from provincial
government relating to the construction of a water treatment facility in 2007.
The Company obtained the final approval from the government that the Company has
complied with all conditions attached to the grant in 2008. $438,000
was recorded as deferred revenue and recognized as other income on a
straight-line basis as the asset is depreciated over ten years (Note 9 and Note
14(A)).
NOTE
13 SEGMENTS
The
accounting policies of the segments are the same as described in the summary of
significant accounting policies. The Company evaluates segment
performance based on gross profit. All sales by division were to
external customers (Note 20). Sales relating to the cephalosporin division’s
7-ACA product represented approximately 23.78% of the total sales for the year
ended December 31, 2009 (2008: 32.67%). Substantially all of the Company’s
assets are located in China. The following is a summary of the Company’s segment
information for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 and as of December
31, 2009 and December 31, 2008.
DRAGON
PHARMACEUTICAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR
THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND 2008
Expressed
in US Dollars
|
|
Cephalosporin
|
|
|
Penicillin
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Division
|
|
|
Division
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
($'000)
|
|
|
($'000)
|
|
|
($'000)
|
|
2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sales
|
|
|
112,996 |
|
|
|
52,776 |
|
|
|
165,772 |
|
Gross
profit
|
|
|
15,065 |
|
|
|
15,306 |
|
|
|
30,371 |
|
Depreciation
and amortization
|
|
|
8,814 |
|
|
|
2,034 |
|
|
|
10,848 |
|
Additions
to long-lived assets
|
|
|
30,894 |
|
|
|
8,906 |
|
|
|
39,800 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As
at December 31, 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Intangible
assets
|
|
|
1,463 |
|
|
|
2,809 |
|
|
|
4,272 |
|
Total
assets allocated to reportable segments including intangible
assets
|
|
|
134,306 |
|
|
|
44,358 |
|
|
|
178,664 |
|
Cash
and restricted cash
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,974 |
|
Consolidated
total assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
186,638 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sales
|
|
|
103,775 |
|
|
|
48,172 |
|
|
|
151,947 |
|
Gross
profit
|
|
|
15,757 |
|
|
|
8,790 |
|
|
|
24,547 |
|
Depreciation
and amortization
|
|
|
6,233 |
|
|
|
1,799 |
|
|
|
8,032 |
|
Additions
to long-lived assets
|
|
|
25,398 |
|
|
|
1,273 |
|
|
|
26,671 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As
at December 31, 2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Intangible
assets
|
|
|
1,503 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
1,503 |
|
Total
assets allocated to reportable segments including intangible
assets
|
|
|
108,298 |
|
|
|
35,143 |
|
|
|
143,441 |
|
Cash
and restricted cash
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,934 |
|
Consolidated
total assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
148,375 |
|
Geographical
segments information is as follow:
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
($’000)
|
|
|
($’000)
|
|
Sales
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
China
|
|
|
133,641 |
|
|
|
125,755 |
|
-
India
|
|
|
26,468 |
|
|
|
21,052 |
|
-
Other
|
|
|
5,663 |
|
|
|
5,140 |
|
|
|
|
165,772 |
|
|
|
151,947 |
|
Total
assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
China
|
|
|
186,414 |
|
|
|
148,208 |
|
-
Other
|
|
|
224 |
|
|
|
167 |
|
|
|
|
186,638 |
|
|
|
148,375 |
|
DRAGON
PHARMACEUTICAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR
THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND 2008
Expressed
in US Dollars
NOTE
14 OTHER
INCOME
During
the year ended December 31, 2009, Shanxi Weiqida, a wholly-owned
subsidiary of the Company, applied for, and received, non-refundable
grants of $526,000 (2008: $342,000) from the government of China for
bringing in investment and new technology to the city of Datong, Shanxi
Province, China.
|
During
the year ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, the Company recognized
amortization income of $44,000 and $43,000 of government grants related to
the construction of a water treatment facility, respectively (Note
12).
|
(B)
|
Subsidies for employee
benefit
|
During
2007, Shanxi Weiqida received subsidies of $1,370,000 from the government of
China for mandated employee benefit contributions for the period from July 2005
to June 2008. These subsidies were deposited directly into the employee’s social
benefit and insurance accounts, $0 and $420,000 was recognized as
other income for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008,
respectively.
NOTE
15 EARNINGS PER
SHARE
The
computations of basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) for the years ended
December 31, 2009 and 2008 are as follows:
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
In
thousands of US Dollars ($,000) except share and per share
data
|
|
Income
from continuing operations
|
|
|
8,257 |
|
|
|
6,021 |
|
Income
from discontinued operations
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
803 |
|
Net
Income
|
|
|
8,257 |
|
|
|
6,824 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted
average shares used to compute basic EPS
|
|
|
67,066,418 |
|
|
|
66,867,818 |
|
Dilutive
effect of stock options
|
|
|
738,248 |
|
|
|
1,528,798 |
|
Weighted
average shares used to compute diluted EPS
|
|
|
67,804,666 |
|
|
|
68,396,616 |
|
Basic
EPS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
from continuing operations
|
|
|
0.12 |
|
|
|
0.09 |
|
-
from discontinued operations
|
|
|
0.00 |
|
|
|
0.01 |
|
-
net income
|
|
|
0.12 |
|
|
|
0.10 |
|
Diluted
EPS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
from continuing operations
|
|
|
0.12 |
|
|
|
0.09 |
|
-
from discontinued operations
|
|
|
0.00 |
|
|
|
0.01 |
|
-
net income
|
|
|
0.12 |
|
|
|
0.10 |
|
For years
ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, diluted weighted average number of shares
outstanding include the dilutive effect of stock options of 4,690,000 and
7,790,000, respectively, and exclude the anti-dilutive effect of stock options
of 5,070,000 and 1,970,000, respectively.
DRAGON
PHARMACEUTICAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR
THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND 2008
Expressed
in US Dollars
NOTE
16 COMMITMENTS AND
CONTINGENCIES
(A) Employee
Benefits
The full
time employees of Shanxi Weiqida are entitled to employee benefits including
medical care, worker compensation, unemployment insurance and pension benefits
through a Chinese government mandated multi-employer defined contribution
plan. The Company is required to accrue for those benefits based on
certain percentages of the employees’ salaries. The total provision
for such employee benefits was $1,315,000 and $914,000 for the years ended
December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The Company is required to
make contributions to the plans out of the amounts accrued for medical and
pension benefits. The Chinese government is responsible for the
medical benefits and the pension liability to be paid to these
employees.
(B) Loan Guarantees (Note
10)
The
Company has issued a guarantee to a bank as collateral for loans to a third
party vendor of $8,044,000 (RMB55 million) due February 2010. Interest is
charged at 8.19 %. The loan was repaid by the vendor in February 2010. The
potential liability of the Company was released. The vendor provided
a guarantee to the Company to obtain a bank loan of $7,313,000 (RMB50 million)
due September 2011 (Note 10).
The
Company has guaranteed a bank loan to a supplier in the amount of $2,194,000
(RMB15 million), due in July 2010. Interest on the loan is charged at
7.434% and the bank has the right to seek settlement from the Company for
payment should the supplier fail to repay the loan. There is no recourse or
possible recovery for the Company should the supplier default on its bank
loan. The maximum potential amount of future payments (undiscounted)
that the Company could be required to make is $2,278,000 (RMB 15.57 million).
The Company provided the guarantee to the supplier to maintain a good business
relationship.
The
Company has issued a guarantee to a bank as collateral for loans to a third
party vendor of $2,486,000 (RMB17 million) due September 2011 and $3,949,000
(RMB27 million) due October 2011. Interest is charged at 9.072 %. The bank has
the right to seek settlement from the Company for payment should the third party
vendor fail to repay the loan. The maximum potential amount of future
payments (undiscounted) that the Company could be required to make is $7,478,000
(RMB51.13million). The vendor also provided a guarantee to the Company to obtain
a bank loan of $366,000 (RMB2.5 million) due April 2010 (Note 10).
The
Company has guaranteed a third party to obtain bank loans of $2,925,000 (RMB20
million) due November 2010, interest on these loans is charged at 7.965%. The
third party loaned $2,194,000 (RMB15 million) to the Company and charged the
same interest rate at 7.965%. The Company has booked $2,194,000 (RMB15 million)
as a liability as at December 31, 2009 (Note 10). The remaining balance of
$731,000 (RMB5 million) was used by the third party and the maximum potential
amount of future payments (undiscounted) that the Company could be required to
make is $780,000 (RMB 5.3 million). This third party has pledged
certain property and equipment to the Company as collateral for this
guarantee.
The
Company has issued a guarantee of $2,925,000 (RMB20 million) to a bank as
collateral for a loan to a related party, whose director is also a stockholder
of the Company, due in August 2011. Interest on the loan is charged
at 6.3% and the bank has the right to seek settlement from the Company for
payment should the related party fail to repay the loan. There is no recourse or
possible recovery for the Company should the related party default on its bank
loan. The maximum potential amount of future payments (undiscounted)
that the Company could be required to make is $3,225,000 (RMB 22
million).
DRAGON
PHARMACEUTICAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR
THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND 2008
Expressed
in US Dollars
As of
December 31, 2009, there were no claims pending against any of the above loans
that the Company guarantees.
(C) Capital
Commitments
According
to the approval of the Business Bureau of Shanxi province on December 12, 2007,
the total registered capital to Shanxi Weiqida, increased from $29,250,000
(RMB200 million) to $58,500,000 (RMB400 million). The Company is required to
contribute the additional registered capital of $29,250,000 (RMB 200 million) by
paying cash of $15,503,000 (RMB106 million) and transferring $13,747,000 (RMB94
million) of retained earnings of Shanxi Weiqida within three years from November
20, 2007. For the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, the Company
transferred $0 and $6,104,000 (RMB45 million) of retained earnings of
Shanxi Weiqida to registered capital of Shanxi Weiqida, respectively (Note
17(A)). As at December 31, 2009, the Company has capital commitment of
$15,503,000 (Rmb106 million) to Shanxi Weiqida.
(D) Operating
Leases
The
Company has commitments related to operating leases for property which require
the following payments for each year ending December 31:
|
|
($’000)
|
|
2010
|
|
|
163 |
|
2011
|
|
|
105 |
|
2012
|
|
|
49 |
|
|
|
|
317 |
|
The rent
expense for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 was $683,000 and
$1,637,000, respectively.
(E) Other
Commitments
Capital
expenditure contracted for but not yet incurred as at December 31, 2009 was
$3,081,000.
NOTE
17 STOCKHOLDERS’
EQUITY
(A)
Reserves
Pursuant
to PRC regulations, Shanxi Weiqida is required to make appropriations to
reserves funds, comprising the reserve fund, staff welfare fund and enterprise
expansion fund, based on after-tax net income determined in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles of the People’s Republic of China (the
“PRC GAAP”). Appropriations to the reserve fund should be at least
10% of the after tax net income determined in accordance with the PRC GAAP until
the reserve is equal to 50% of Shanxi Weiqida’s registered
capital. The reserve fund is established for covering potential
losses. Appropriations to the staff welfare fund are at a percentage, as
determined by the Board of Directors, of the after tax net income determined in
accordance with the PRC GAAP.
The staff
welfare fund is established for the purpose of providing employee facilities and
other collective benefits to the employees. Appropriations to the enterprise
expansion fund are made at the discretion of the Board of
Directors. The enterprise expansion fund is established for expanding
business operation. The reserve fund and enterprise expansion fund are recorded
as part of shareholders’ equity but are not available for distribution to
shareholders other than in liquidation, while the staff welfare fund is recorded
as a liability and is not for distribution to shareholders. The appropriations
to reserves are made by the Board of Directors on an annual
basis.
DRAGON
PHARMACEUTICAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR
THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND 2008
Expressed
in US Dollars
In order
to fulfil Shanxi Weiqida’s additional registered capital requirement, the
Company transferred $0 and $6,104,000 of retained earnings of Shanxi Weiqida to
registered capital during the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008. As at
December 31, 2009 and 2008, Shanxi Weiqida has paid in capital of $36,983,000
(RMB294 million) and $36,983,000 (RMB 294 million), respectively (Note 16
(C)).
During
the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, the Company appropriated reserves of
$1,282,000 and $820,000, respectively, and staff welfare fund of $10,000 and
$7,000, respectively, based upon the respective year’s net income.
(B) Stock
Options
The
Company has adopted the 2005 Stock Option Plan, effective August 13, 2005, which
allows for the granting of options to Directors and Employees for a period of up
to ten years.
The
Company granted options on February 17, 2008 to its employees to purchase
170,000 shares at an exercise price of $0.75 (being the market price at the
time) expiring on February 17, 2011. Of this grant, options to purchase 120,000
shares vested immediately with 25,000 options vesting on each of February 17,
2009, and 2010.
During
the year ended December 31, 2008, a director of the Company exercised 200,000
stock options at a price of $0.68. Pursuant to the share purchase agreement,
dated September 11, 2004 and the escrow agreement, dated January 12, 2005 (the
“Agreements”), the Company released 431,911 shares from escrow to the former
shareholders of Oriental Wave Holding Limited. The Agreements related to the
acquisition of Oriental Wave Holding Limited and provided for the release of the
escrowed shares if certain stock options outstanding at the date of acquisition
were exercised prior to the expiry dates. As the release of the escrowed shares
did not change the original purchase price, no value was ascribed to the common
shares. As at December 31, 2009, no escrowed shares remain
outstanding.
During
the year ended December 31, 2008, a former employee of the Company exercised
60,000 stock options at a price of $0.51.
The
following table summarizes stock options information for the years ended
December 31, 2009 and 2008:
|
|
Shares
|
|
|
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
|
|
Options
outstanding at December 31, 2007
|
|
|
9,975,000 |
|
|
$ |
0.71 |
|
Granted
|
|
|
170,000 |
|
|
$ |
0.75 |
|
Exercised
|
|
|
(260,000 |
) |
|
$ |
0.64 |
|
Expired
|
|
|
(75,000 |
) |
|
$ |
0.68 |
|
Forfeited
|
|
|
(50,000 |
) |
|
$ |
0.87 |
|
Options
outstanding at December 31, 2008
|
|
|
9,760,000 |
|
|
$ |
0.71 |
|
Options
Outstanding at December 31 2009
|
|
|
9,760,000 |
|
|
$ |
0.71 |
|
DRAGON
PHARMACEUTICAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR
THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND 2008
Expressed
in US Dollars
Options
Outstanding
|
|
|
Options
Exercisable
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average
|
|
|
Weighted
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average
|
|
|
Weighted
|
|
Range
of
|
|
|
|
|
Remaining
|
|
|
Average
|
|
|
|
|
|
Remaining
|
|
|
Average
|
|
Exercise
|
|
Number
|
|
|
Contractual
|
|
|
Exercise
|
|
|
Number
|
|
|
Contractual
|
|
|
Exercise
|
|
Prices
|
|
Outstanding
|
|
|
Life
|
|
|
Price
|
|
|
Exercisable
|
|
|
Life
|
|
|
Price
|
|
$0.51
- $0.75
|
|
|
7,960,000 |
|
|
|
0.53
|
|
|
$ |
0.60 |
|
|
|
7,935,000 |
|
|
|
0.53 |
|
|
$ |
0.60 |
|
$1.18
|
|
|
1,800,000 |
|
|
|
0.03 |
|
|
$ |
1.18 |
|
|
|
1,800,000 |
|
|
|
0.03 |
|
|
$ |
1.18 |
|
|
|
|
9,760,000 |
|
|
|
0.44 |
|
|
$ |
0.71 |
|
|
|
9,735,000 |
|
|
|
0.44 |
|
|
$ |
0.71 |
|
The
Company recorded stock-based compensation expense of $46,000 for the year ended
December 31, 2009 ($154,000 for the year ended December 31, 2008) related to
stock options granted to directors and employees, which amounts are included in
general and administrative expenses. The estimated fair value of stock options
granted during the year ended December 31, 2008 was determined using the
Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average
assumptions: expected volatility – 81.51 %; risk-free rate – 4.4%; expected
average life of the options – 3 years; dividend yield – 0%. The Company
estimated a 0% forfeiture rate by considering the historical employee turnover
rates and expectations about the future, and will subsequently adjust
compensation cost for differences between expectations and actual experience.
The estimated fair value of the options granted during the year ended December
31, 2008 was $0.41 per share. The fair value of the options is being expensed on
a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the options.
Aggregate
intrinsic value of the Company’s stock options is calculated as the difference
between the exercise price of the options and the quoted price of the common
shares that were in-the-money. The aggregate intrinsic value of the Company's
outstanding stock options as at December 31, 2009 and 2008 was $375,000 and
$422,000, respectively. The estimated fair value of stock options
vested during the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 was $106,000 and
$145,000 respectively. There is approximately $1,000 of unrecognized
compensation expense as of December 31, 2009 that is expected to be recognized
over the next two months.
NOTE
18 INCOME
TAXES
Shanxi
Weiqida and Huaxin are subject to income taxes in China on their taxable income
as reported in their statutory accounts at a tax rate in accordance with the
relevant income tax laws.
Oriental
Wave, Allwin Newtech Ltd. and Allwin Biotrade Inc are British Virgin Islands
(“BVI”) companies and are not subject to income taxes. During the
year ended December 31, 2006, the three BVI companies elected to be treated as
disregarded entities in the U.S. After this election, the three BVI
companies would be viewed as branches of Dragon Pharmaceutical Inc. and be
subject to taxes in the U.S. Dragon
Pharmaceutical Inc. and Dragon Pharmaceuticals (Canada) Inc. are U.S. and
Canadian companies, respectively, and are subject to taxes in those
jurisdictions.
On March
16, 2007, The National People’s Congress of China passed “The Law of the
People's Republic of China on Enterprise Income Tax” (the “Enterprise Income Tax
Law”). The Enterprise Income Tax Law became effective on January 1,
2008. This new law eliminated the existing preferential tax treatment
that is available to the foreign invested enterprises (“FIE”s) but provides
grandfathering of the preferential tax treatment currently enjoyed by the
FIEs. Under the new law, both domestic companies and FIEs are subject
to a unified income tax rate of 25% starting from 2008.
DRAGON
PHARMACEUTICAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR
THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND 2008
Expressed
in US Dollars
The
Company has structured its business and operations on an international basis.
The Company's history is that they have also been involved in a number of
business combinations. As a result the Company could be involved in
various investigations, claims and tax reviews that arise in the ordinary course
of business activities. The tax effect of temporary differences that give
rise to significant components of the deferred tax assets are as
follows:
|
|
($,000)
|
|
|
($,000)
|
|
Deferred
tax assets /(liabilities)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Inventory
|
|
|
90 |
|
|
|
176 |
|
Deferred
revenue
|
|
|
490 |
|
|
|
573 |
|
Long-term
assets
|
|
|
32 |
|
|
|
(24 |
) |
Losses
carried forward
|
|
|
2,731 |
|
|
|
2,577 |
|
Total
deferred tax assets
|
|
|
3,343 |
|
|
|
3,302 |
|
Less:
Valuation allowance
|
|
|
(2,902 |
) |
|
|
(2,831 |
) |
Net
deferred tax assets
|
|
|
441 |
|
|
|
471 |
|
Less:
deferred tax- current
|
|
|
90 |
|
|
|
176 |
|
Net
deferred tax assets
|
|
|
351 |
|
|
|
295 |
|
The
valuation allowance is reviewed periodically. When circumstance changes and this
causes a change in management’s judgment about the realizability of deferred tax
assets, the impact of the change on the valuation allowance is generally
reflected in current income.
The
Company has non-capital losses carried forward of approximately $1.6 million in
Canada, expiring between 2010 and 2028. The Company also has
non-capital losses carried forward of approximately $6.6 million in the US
expiring between 2024 and 2029. Deductibility of the losses and
period of expiration is subject to the normal review by taxation
authorities.
All
income and taxes are attributable to foreign operations. A reconciliation of the
federal statutory income tax, at the statutory rate of 35% to the Company’s
effective income tax rate, for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 are as
follows:
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
($,000)
|
|
|
($,000)
|
|
Income
from operations before taxes
|
|
|
11,974 |
|
|
|
6,917 |
|
Statutory
tax rate
|
|
|
35 |
% |
|
|
35 |
% |
Income
tax expense at statutory tax rates
|
|
|
4,191 |
|
|
|
2,421 |
|
Foreign
tax rate differential
|
|
|
(1,431 |
) |
|
|
(623 |
) |
Expenses
not deductible (recovery) for income tax purposes
|
|
|
499 |
|
|
|
(797 |
) |
Foreign
tax refund
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(1,163 |
) |
Change
in valuation allowance and others
|
|
|
458 |
|
|
|
1,058 |
|
Income
tax expense
|
|
|
3,717 |
|
|
|
896 |
|
Undistributed
earnings of the Company’s non Canadian subsidiaries amounted to approximately
$15,780,000 and $7,429,000 as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
The Company has not provided any additional U.S. federal or state income taxes
or foreign withholding taxes on the undistributed earnings as such earnings have
been indefinitely reinvested in the business as defined in ASC Topic
740. The determination of the amount of the unrecognized deferred tax
liability related to the undistributed earnings is not practicable because of
the complexities associated with its hypothetical calculation.
DRAGON
PHARMACEUTICAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR
THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND 2008
Expressed
in US Dollars
During
the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, Shanxi Weiqida applied for and
received an income tax credit for reinvestment of $0 and $457,000 from the
government of China, respectively. This credit is related to reinvestment of
retained earnings of 2006 of $6,704,000 (RMB 49 million) to paid-in capital of
2007. These credits were recorded as a reduction of income taxes for the year
ended December 31, 2008.
Shanxi
Weiqida received tax credits of $0 and $706,000 from Chinese local tax
authority for purchasing domestically manufactured equipment in 2009 and
2008, respectively. These credits were treated as a reduction of income
taxes expense.
|
The
effective income tax rate for Shanxi Weiqida for the years ended December
31, 2009 and 2008 was 27.8% and 11.8%,
respectively.
|
NOTE
19 RELATED PARTY
TRANSACTIONS
The
Company supplied certain raw materials to a related party, whose director is
also a stockholder of the Company, for which the Company charged $2,095,000 and
$2,244,000 for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The
Company also used this party as a contract manufacturer of certain cephalosporin
products for which the party charged $62,000 and $431,000 for the years ended
December 31, 2009 and 2008. The transactions were recorded at the
exchange amount.
The
balance arising from sales/purchase of goods and services are as
follows:
|
|
December
31, 2009
|
|
|
December
31, 2008
|
|
|
|
($'000)
|
|
|
($'000)
|
|
a.
Due from related parties
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Due
from a company whose director is also a stockholder and director of the
Company
|
|
|
1,380 |
|
|
|
1,139 |
|
Less:
current maturities
|
|
|
1,380 |
|
|
|
1,139 |
|
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
b.
Due to related parties
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Due
to a company whose director is also a stockholder and director of the
Company
|
|
|
111 |
|
|
|
66 |
|
Less:
current maturities
|
|
|
111 |
|
|
|
66 |
|
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
The
balances due from/to related parties bear no interest and are under normal trade
repayment terms.
As at
December 31, 2009, the Company had payable of $145,000 to a stockholder recorded
in other payable. This balance bears no interest and was repaid in February 2010
(Note 9).
NOTE
20 CONCENTRATIONS AND
RISKS
81% and
83% of the Company’s revenues for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008,
respectively, were derived from customers located in China. During the years
ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, the Company had sales of $26,468,000 and
$21,052,000 respectively to customers in India, representing 16% and 14%
respectively of the Company’s revenues for the years ended December 31, 2009 and
2008. Sales to the Company’s largest customer, a Cephalosporin Division
customer, accounted for approximately 13% and 12% of the Company’s sales for the
years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Amounts owing from one
customer represented 16% of the Company’s trade receivables at December 31,
2009.
DRAGON
PHARMACEUTICAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR
THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND 2008
Expressed
in US Dollars
The
Company is exposed to the risk arising from changing interest rates. A detailed
analysis of the Company’s Loans Payable, together with their respective interest
rates and maturity dates, are included in Note 10.
The
majority of the Company’s assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses are
denominated in Renminbi, which was tied to the US Dollar and is now tied to a
basket of currencies of China’s largest trading partners, is not a freely
convertible currency. The appreciation of the Renminbi against the US Dollar
would result in an increase in the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of
the Company and a foreign currency gain included in comprehensive income.
Conversely, the devaluation of the Renminbi against the US Dollar would result
in a decrease in the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of the Company
and a foreign currency loss included in comprehensive income. As at
December 31, 2009, approximately US$7,756,000 of the cash and restricted cash
(December 31, 2008: US$4,819,000) were held in Renminbi.
On
January 22, 2010, the Company announced that in a letter dated January 15, 2010,
Mr. Yanlin Han, Chairman and CEO of the Company, has made a non-binding proposal
to acquire all of the outstanding shares of the Company for a price of $0.80 per
share. Dragon’s common stock quoted on OTCBB and traded on Toronto Stock
Exchange closed at $0.60 per share and at CAD $0.63 per share, respectively, on
January 22, 2010. Mr. Han is the largest shareholder of the Company owning
37.95% of the total outstanding shares. Mr. Han’s letter indicates that his
proposal is conditioned upon satisfactory completion of due diligence,
negotiation of definitive transaction documents, receipt of the requisite
financing commitments and receipt of necessary board approval.
The Board
of Directors of the Company has established a Special Committee of independent
directors consisting of Peter Mak, Chairman, and Dr. Jin Li and Dr. Heinz Frey
to act on behalf of Dragon Pharma with respect to consideration of the proposal
and other strategic alternatives.
On March 26, 2010, the Company entered
into an Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among, Chief Respect Ltd., Datong
Investment Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Chief Respect Ltd., and Mr. Yanlin
Han, the Company's Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and largest shareholder.
Chief Respect Ltd. is a Hong Kong corporation owned by Mr. Han. Under the terms
of the Agreement and Plan of Merger, Mr. Han will acquire shares of Dragon
common stock not owned by him for $0.82 per share in cash. The
merger is expected to close in the second quarter of 2010 and is subject to
certain closing conditions, including approval by Dragon Pharma’s shareholders,
meeting certain requirements of the Toronto Stock Exchange, and other closing
conditions set forth in the merger agreement. Under Florida law, the adoption of
the merger agreement requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the
outstanding shares entitled to vote. Under the rules of the Toronto Stock
Exchange, the merger agreement must be approved by the holders of a majority of
the outstanding shares entitled to vote, excluding the votes of those shares
owned by Yanlin Han or any other “interested” shareholders.