EX-10.9
22
dex109.htm
AMENDED AND RESTATED
EQUITY INTEREST PLEDGE AGREEMENTS
Exhibit 10.9
AMENDED AND RESTATED
EQUITY INTEREST PLEDGE AGREEMENT
This Amended and Restated Equity Interest Pledge Agreement (this “Agreement”) is entered in Beijing, the People’s Republic of China
(“PRC”, excluding the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Macao Special Administrative Region and Taiwan, for the purposes of this Agreement) and dated December 23, 2010 by and between the following parties:
| (1) | PLEDGEE: Qianxiang Shiji Technology Development (Beijing) Co., Ltd. Registered Address: Room 701A, South, Yinhai Plaza, Jia ▇▇ ▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇,
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ Legal Representative: ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ |
and
PRC
Identification Card No: 310102197211124453
Residential Address: Room 1504, ▇▇.▇, ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇,
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇
(individually a “Party” and collectively the “Parties”)
WHEREAS:
| A. | The Pledgor is a PRC citizen, and owns 1% equity interest in Beijing Qianxiang Tiancheng Technology Development Co. Ltd (“▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇”).
|
| B. | ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ is a limited liability company registered in Beijing engaging in the business of value-added telecommunication services, etc. |
| C. | The Pledgor and the Pledgee entered into an Amended and Restated Loan Agreement on December 23, 2010, pursuant to which the Pledgee extended a loan in the amount
of RMB 100,000 (the “Loan”) to the Pledgor (the “Loan Agreement”). |
| D. | The Pledgee, a wholly foreign-owned company registered in Beijing, PRC, has been licensed by the PRC relevant government authority to carry on the business of research
and development of computer software, communication software, system integration, sale of self-produced products and provision of after-sale technical consulting and technical service, etc. The Pledgee and ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ entered into an Amended and
Restated Exclusive Technical Service Agreement on December 23, 2010, pursuant to which ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ is required to pay service fees (the “Service Fees”) to the Pledgee in consideration of the corresponding services to be provided
by the Pledgee (the “Service Agreement”). The Pledgee and ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ entered into an Amended and Restated Intellectual Property Right License Agreement on December 23, 2010, pursuant to which ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ is required to pay
license fees (the “License Fees”) to the Pledgee in consideration of the corresponding license of the Intellectual Property Rightby the Pledgee (the “License Agreement”). |
-1-
| E. | Simultaneous with the execution of this Agreement, the Pledgor has also entered into an Amended and Restated Equity Option Agreement with the Pledgee, pursuant to which
the Pledgor grants to the Pledgee an exclusive right to purchase the Equity Interest (as defined below) at any time upon satisfaction of various requirements under the PRC law (the “Option Agreement”). |
| F. | In order to ensure that (i) the Pledgor repays the Loan under the Loan Agreement; (ii) the Pledgee collects Service Fees under the Service Agreement and
License Fees under the License Agreement from ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, (iii) the Pledgor’s other obligations under the Option Agreement is fulfilled, and (iv) all other debts, monetary liabilities or other payment obligations owed to the Pledgee
by the Pledgor and/or ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, arising under or in relation to the Service Agreement or the Loan Agreement, or the License Agreement including, but not limited to, any obligation to pay damages for a breach of any obligation of the Pledgor or
▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ under the Loan Agreement or the Service Agreement or the License Agreement (as applicable), are paid, the Pledgor is willing to pledge all the Equity Interest (as defined below) in ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ to the Pledgee as security for the
above-mentioned obligations of the Pledgor and ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ (collectively, the “Secured Obligations”). |
In order
to set forth each Party’s rights and obligations, the Pledgee and the Pledgor through mutual negotiations hereby enter into this Agreement based upon the following terms:
Unless otherwise provided in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
| | 1.1 | “Pledge” means the full content of Section 2 hereunder. |
| | 1.2 | “Equity Interest” means all the equity interest in ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ held by the Pledgor (including all present and future rights and benefits based on such
equity interests), and any additional equity interests in ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ acquired by the Pledgor subsequent to the date hereof. For the avoidance of any doubt, on the date hereof, the Pledgor holds a 1% equity interests (amounting to RMB 100,000) in
▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇. |
| | 1.3 | “Event of Default” means any event in accordance with Section 6 hereunder. |
-2-
| | 1.4 | “Notice of Default” means the notice of default issued by the Pledgee in accordance with this Agreement. |
| | 2.1 | The Pledgor hereby pledges, and if required, transfers and assigns all his rights, titles and interests in the Equity Interest in ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ to the Pledgee as security
for all of the Secured Obligations (the “Pledge”) of an amount up to the Maximum Amount (as defined below), and grant a first priority security interest in all rights, titles and interests that he has or may at any time hereafter
acquire in and to the Equity Interest, together with all equity or other ownership interests representing a dividend on the Equity Interest, a distribution or return of capital upon or in respect of such Equity Interest, any subscription, first
refusal, pre-emptive or other purchase rights with respect to or arising from such Equity Interest, any voting rights with respect to such Equity Interest or any other interest in ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ which, by reason of notice or lapse of time or the
occurrence of other events, may be converted into a direct equity interest in ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, and all proceeds of the foregoing (collectively, the “Pledged Collateral”). |
| | 2.1.1 | The Parties understand and agree that the monetary valuation arising from, relating to or in connection with the Secured Obligations shall be a variable and floating
valuation until the Settlement Date (as defined below). Therefore, based on the reasonable assessment and evaluation by the Pledgor and the Pledgee of the Secured Obligations and the Pledged Collateral, the Pledgor and the Pledgee mutually
acknowledge and agree that the Pledge shall aggregately secure the Secured Obligations for a maximum amount of [RMB 300,000] (the “Maximum Amount”) prior to the Settlement Date. |
The Pledgor and the Pledgee may, taking into account the fluctuation in the monetary value of the Secured Obligations and the Pledged
Collateral, adjust the Maximum Amount based on mutual agreement by amending and supplementing this Agreement, from time to time, prior to the Settlement Date.
| | 2.1.2 | Upon the occurrence of any of the events below (each an “Event of Settlement”), the Secured Obligations shall be fixed at a value of the sum of all
Secured Obligations that are due, outstanding and payable to the Pledgee on or immediately prior to the date of such occurrence (the “Fixed Obligations”): |
| | (a) | any or all of the Loan Agreement, Service Agreement, License Agreement or the Option Agreement expires or is terminated pursuant to the stipulations thereunder;
|
-3-
| | (b) | the occurrence of an Event of Default pursuant to Section 6 that is not resolved, which results in the Pledgee serving a Notice of Default to the Pledgor pursuant
to Section 6.3; |
| | (c) | the Pledgee reasonably determines (having made due enquiries) that the Pledgor and/or ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ is insolvent or could potentially be made insolvent; or
|
| | (d) | any other event that requires the settlement of the Secured Obligations in accordance with relevant laws of the PRC. |
| | 2.2 | For the avoidance of doubt, the day of the occurrence of an Event of Settlement shall be the settlement date (the “Settlement Date”). On or after the
Settlement Date, the Pledgee shall be entitled, at the election of the Pledgee, to enforce the Pledge in accordance with Section 7. |
| | 2.3 | The Pledgee is entitled to collect dividends or other distributions, if any, arising from the Equity Interest during the Term of the Pledge (as defined below).
|
| 3. | Effectiveness of Pledge, Scope and Term |
| | 3.1 | The Pledgor shall, promptly after the execution of this Agreement, but in no event later than 20 days from the date of this Agreement, register this Agreement and the
Pledge hereunder with the State Administration for Industry and Commerce of the PRC or its competent local counterpart (the “AIC”). The Pledgor shall deliver to the Pledgee a copy of the registration or filing certificate from the
AIC within 7 days from the date of submission of the application for registration of this Agreement and Pledge with the AIC. |
| | 3.2 | The Pledge shall be effective upon the registration of the Pledge with the AIC in accordance with Section 3.1 above. The term of the Pledge shall commence on the
date when the Pledge is registered with the AIC and shall expire on the earlier of (a) the date on which all outstanding Secured Obligations are paid in full or otherwise satisfied (as applicable); (b) the Pledgee enforces the Pledge
pursuant to the terms and conditions hereof, to satisfy its rights under the Secured Obligations and Pledged Collateral in full; or (c) the Pledgor completes his transfer of all Equity Interest to another party (individual or legal entity)
pursuant to the Option Agreement and no longer holds any Equity Interest in ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ (the “Term of the Pledge”). |
-4-
| 4. | Representations and Warranties of the Pledgor |
The Pledgor hereby makes the following representations and warranties to the Pledgee and confirms that the Pledgee executes this Agreement in reliance on such representations and warranties:
| | 4.1 | The Pledgor is the legal owner of the Equity Interest that has been registered in his name, and is entitled to create a pledge on such Equity Interest.
|
| | 4.2 | None of the Pledged Collateral or the Pledge will be interfered with by any other pledgee at any time once the Pledgee exercises the rights of the Pledge in accordance
with this Agreement. |
| | 4.3 | The Pledgee shall be entitled to dispose or assign the Pledge in accordance with the relevant laws and this Agreement. |
| | 4.4 | All necessary authorizations have been obtained for the execution and performance of this Agreement by the Pledgor and the execution and performance of this Agreement
by the Pledgor does not violate any applicable laws or regulations. |
| | 4.5 | The Pledgor warrants that there is no on-going civil, administrative or criminal litigation or administrative punishment or arbitration related to the Equity Interest
and is not aware of any such action pending or likely to be pending in the future as of the date of this Agreement. |
| | 4.6 | There are no outstanding taxes, fees or undecided legal procedures related to the Equity Interest as of the date of this Agreement. |
| | 4.7 | Each stipulation hereunder is the expression of each Party’s true intention and shall be binding upon all the Parties. |
| 5. | Covenants of the Pledgor |
| | 5.1 | The Pledgor covenants to the Pledgee that he shall: |
| | 5.1.1 | not transfer or assign the Equity Interest, or create or permit to be created any pledge, lien, charge, mortgage, encumbrance, option, security or other interest in or
over the Equity Interest that has been registered in his name, other than the Pledge created hereunder and the option granted under the Option Agreement, without the prior written consent from the Pledgee; |
-5-
| | 5.1.2 | comply with and implement laws and regulations with respect to the pledge of rights, present to the Pledgee the notices, orders or suggestions with respect to the
Pledge issued or made by the competent authority within 5 days upon receiving such notices, orders or suggestions and take actions in accordance with the reasonable instructions of the Pledgee; and |
| | 5.1.3 | timely notify the Pledgee of any events or any received notices (i) which may affect the Equity Interest or any part of the Pledgee’s rights, (ii) which
may change the Pledgor’s covenants or obligations under this Agreement or (iii) which may affect the Pledgor’s performance of his obligations under this Agreement, and take actions in accordance with the reasonable instructions of the
Pledgee. |
| | 5.2 | The Pledgor agrees that the Pledgee’s right of exercising the Pledge under this Agreement shall not be suspended or hampered by the Pledgor or any successors of
the Pledgor or any person authorized by the Pledgor. |
| | 5.3 | The Pledgor covenants to the Pledgee that in order to protect or perfect the security over the Secured Obligations, the Pledgor shall (i) execute in good faith and
cause other parties who have interests in the Pledge to execute all the forms, instruments, agreements (including those required for the registration and de-registration of the Pledge with the AIC), and/or (ii) take actions and cause other
parties who have interests in the Pledge to take actions as required by the Pledgee and (iii) allow the Pledgee to exercise the rights and authorization vested in the Pledgee under this Agreement. |
| | 5.4 | The Pledgor agrees to promptly make or cause to be made any filings or records, give or cause to be given any notices and take or cause to be taken any other actions as
may be necessary under the laws of the PRC, to perfect the Pledge of the Pledged Collateral, including the registration with the AIC set forth in Section 3.1. |
| | 5.5 | The Pledgor covenants to the Pledgee that he will comply with and perform all the guarantees, covenants, agreements, representations and conditions for the benefits of
the Pledgee. The Pledgor shall compensate for all the losses suffered by the Pledgee for such Pledgor’s failure to perform or fully perform his guarantees, covenants, agreements, representations or conditions. |
| | 6.1 | Each of the following shall constitute an Event of Default: |
| | 6.1.1 | ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ or the Pledgor fails to make full and timely payment of any amounts due under the Secured Obligations as required under the Service Agreement, License
Agreement, Loan Agreement or Option Agreement, or an event of default (as defined and stipulated in those agreements) has occurred and is continuing; |
-6-
| | 6.1.2 | the Pledgor makes or has made any inaccurate, incomplete, misleading or untrue representations or warranties under Section 4, or is in violation or breach of any
of the representations and warranties under Section 4; |
| | 6.1.3 | the Pledgor breaches any of the covenants under Section 5; |
| | 6.1.4 | the Pledgor breaches any other covenants, undertakings or obligations of the Pledgor sets forth herein; |
| | 6.1.5 | the Pledgor is unable to perform his obligations under this Agreement due to the separation or merger of ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ with other third parties or for any other reason;
|
| | 6.1.6 | the Pledgor relinquishes all or any part of the Pledged Collateral or transfers or assigns all or any part of the Pledged Collateral without the prior written consent
of the Pledgee (except the transfers or assigns permitted under the Option Agreement); |
| | 6.1.7 | any indebtedness, guarantee or other obligation of the Pledgor, whether pursuant to a contract or otherwise, (i) is accelerated as a result of a default thereunder
and is required to be repaid or performed prior to the due date; or (ii) has become due and is not repaid or performed when due which, in the Pledgee’s reasonable view, has materially adversely affected the Pledgor’s ability to
perform his obligations under this Agreement; |
| | 6.1.8 | this Agreement is illegal as a result of any applicable laws or the Pledgor is restricted from continuing to perform his obligations under this Agreement;
|
| | 6.1.9 | any approval, permit, license or authorization from any applicable governmental entity (or registration or filing procedure) required for ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ to provide
value-added telecommunications services in the PRC is withdrawn, suspended, invalidated or materially amended; |
| | 6.1.10 | any approval, permit, license or authorization from any applicable government authority required to perform this Agreement or make this Agreement enforceable, legal and
valid is withdrawn, suspended, invalidated or materially amended; or |
-7-
| | 6.1.11 | any property owned by the Pledgor is altered or damaged which, in the Pledgee’s reasonable view, has materially adversely affected the Pledgor’s ability to
perform his obligations under this Agreement. |
| | 6.2 | The Pledgor shall immediately give a written notice to the Pledgee if the Pledgor is aware or finds that any event set forth in Section 6.1 or any events that may
result in the foregoing events have occurred or are occurring. |
| | 6.3 | Unless an Event of Default set forth in Section 6.1 has been rectified to the Pledgee’s satisfaction, the Pledgee, at any time the event of default occurs or
thereafter, may give a written notice of default to the Pledgor, and require such Pledgor, at the discretion of the Pledgee, to immediately make full payment of the outstanding amounts payable under the Loan Agreements, Service Agreement, License
Agreement, and/or Option Agreements, and other payables, or dispose of the Pledge in accordance with Section 7 herein. |
| 7. | Exercise of the Rights of the Pledge |
| | 7.1 | The Pledgor shall not transfer or assign the Pledge without prior written approval from the Pledgee prior to the full settlement and fulfillment of the Secured
Obligations. |
| | 7.2 | The Pledgee shall give a notice of default to the Pledgor when the Pledgee exercises the rights of Pledge. |
| | 7.3 | Subject to Section 6.3, the Pledgee may exercise the right to dispose of the Pledge at any time when the Pledgee gives a notice of default in accordance with
Section 6.3 or thereafter. |
| | 7.4 | The Pledgee is entitled to have priority in receiving payment by the evaluation or proceeds from the auction or sale of whole or part of the Pledged Collateral in
accordance with legal procedures until the outstanding Secured Obligation or other monetary obligations payable by the Pledgor and/or ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ is fully paid, repaid or otherwise settled. |
| | 7.5 | The Pledgor shall not hinder the Pledgee from disposing the Pledge in accordance with this Agreement and shall give necessary assistance so that the Pledgee could
realize its Pledge. |
-8-
| 8. | Transfer or Assignment |
| | 8.1 | The Pledgor shall not donate or transfer his rights and obligations herein to any third party without prior written consent from the Pledgee. |
| | 8.2 | This Agreement shall be binding upon the Pledgor and his successors and be effective to the Pledgee and each of its successor and assignee. |
| | 8.3 | The Pledgee may transfer or assign all Secured Obligations and his right to the Pledge to any third party at any time. In this case, the assignee shall enjoy and
undertake the same rights and obligations herein of the Pledgee as if the assignee is a party hereto. When the Pledgee transfers or assigns the Secured Obligations and its rights to the Pledge, at the request of the Pledgee, the Pledgor shall
execute the relevant agreements and/or documents with respect to such transfer or assignment. |
| | 8.4 | After a change to the Pledgee resulting from a transfer or assignment, the new parties to the pledge shall re-execute a pledge contract. |
This Agreement shall be effective upon its being signed by the Parties hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Pledge (as defined in Section 2.1) shall only come into effect in accordance with
Section 3 of this Agreement.
This Agreement shall not be terminated until the Term of the Pledge expires pursuant to
Section 3 herein.
| | 10.1 | If this Agreement is delayed in or prevented from performing in the Event of Force Majeure (“Event of Force Majeure”), only within the limitation of
such delay or prevention, the affected Party is absolved from any liability under this Agreement. Force Majeure, which includes acts of governments, acts of nature, fire, explosion, geographic change, flood, earthquake, tide, lightning, war, means
any unforeseen events beyond the prevented Party’s reasonable control and cannot be prevented with reasonable care. However, any shortage of credit, capital or finance shall not be regarded as an event beyond a Party’s reasonable control.
The Party affected by Force Majeure who claims for exemption from performing any obligations under this Agreement or under any Section herein shall notify the other party of such exemption promptly and advice him of the steps to be taken for
completion of the performance. |
-9-
| | 10.2 | The Party affected by Force Majeure shall not assume any liability under this Agreement. However, subject to the Party affected by Force Majeure having taken its
reasonable and practicable efforts to perform this Agreement, the Party claiming for exemption of the liabilities may only be exempted from performing such liability as within limitation of the part performance delayed or prevented by Force Majeure.
Once causes for such exemption of liabilities are rectified and remedied, both parties agree to resume performance of this Agreement with their best efforts. |
| 11. | Applicable Law and Dispute Resolution |
| | 11.1 | The execution, validity, performance and interpretation of this Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the PRC.
|
| | 11.2 | The Parties shall strive to settle any dispute arising from the interpretation or performance through friendly consultation. In case no settlement can be reached
through consultation, each Party can submit such matter to China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (“CIETAC”) for arbitration. The arbitration shall follow the then current rules of CIETAC, and the arbitration
proceedings shall be conducted in Chinese and shall take place in Beijing. The arbitration award shall be final and binding upon the Parties. This article shall not be affected by the termination or elimination of this Agreement.
|
| | 11.3 | In case of any disputes arising out of the interpretation and performance of this Agreement or any pending arbitration of such dispute, each Party shall continue to
perform their obligations under this Agreement, except for the matters in dispute. |
Any notice
or correspondence, which is given by the Party as stipulated hereunder, shall be in Chinese and English writing and shall be delivered in person or by registered or prepaid mail or recognized express service, or be transmitted by telex or facsimile
to the following addresses:
| | | | |
| PLEDGEE | | : | | Qianxiang Shiji Technology Development (Beijing) Co., Ltd. |
| Address | | : | | ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇ ▇▇ ▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ |
| Fax | | : | | (▇▇ ▇▇) ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ |
| Tele | | : | | (▇▇ ▇▇) ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ |
| Addressee | | : | | ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ |
-10-
| | | | |
| ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ |
| Address | | : | | ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇, ▇▇.▇, ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ |
| Fax | | : | | (▇▇ ▇▇) ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ |
| Tele | | : | | (▇▇ ▇▇) ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ |
| Addressee | | : | | ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ |
The
appendices to this Agreement constitute an integral part of this Agreement.
The
Pledgee’s non-exercise or delay in exercise of any rights, remedies, power or privileges hereunder shall not be deemed as the waiver of such rights, remedies, power or privileges. Any single or partial exercise of the rights, remedies, power
and privileges shall not exclude the Pledgee from exercising any other rights, remedies, power and privileges. The rights, remedies, power and privileges hereunder are accumulative and shall not exclude the application of any other rights, remedies,
power and privileges stipulated by laws.
| | 15.1 | Any amendments, modifications or supplements to this Agreement shall be in writing and come into effect upon being executed and sealed by the Parties hereto.
|
| | 15.2 | In case any terms and stipulations in this Agreement are regarded as illegal or can not be performed in accordance with the applicable law, such terms and stipulations
shall be deemed to ineffective and not enforceable within the scope governed by the applicable law, and the remaining stipulations will remain effective. |
| | 15.3 | This Agreement amends and restates the Equity Interest Pledge Agreement entered into by and between the Parties with respect to the Pledge of the Pledged Collateral to
the Pledgee as a security for any and all Secured Obligations (“Previous Agreement”). In the event of any discrepancy between this Agreement and the Previous Agreement, this Agreement shall prevail to the extent of the discrepant
provisions. |
[The space below is intentionally left blank.]
-11-
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed on their behalf
by a duly authorized representative as of the date first written above.
PLEDGEE: Qianxiang Shiji Technology Development (Beijing) Co.,
Ltd.
(Company Seal)
| | | | |
| By:
| | /s/ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇
| | |
| Authorized Representative: ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ | | |
PLEDGOR: ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇
| | | | |
| By:
| | /s/ ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇
| | |
| Authorized Representative: ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ | | |
-12-
AMENDED AND RESTATED
EQUITY INTEREST PLEDGE AGREEMENT
This Amended and Restated Equity Interest Pledge Agreement (this “Agreement”) is entered in Beijing, the People's Republic of China (“PRC”, excluding the Hong Kong
Special Administrative Region, the Macao Special Administrative Region and Taiwan, for the purposes of this Agreement) and dated December 23, 2010 by and between the following parties:
| (1) | PLEDGEE: Qianxiang Shiji Technology Development (Beijing) Co., Ltd. |
Registered Address: Room 701A, South, Yinhai Plaza, Jia ▇▇. ▇▇,
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇
Legal Representative: ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇
and
PRC
Identification Card No.: 532721197005100025
Residential Address: ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇ ▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇,
▇▇’er City, Yunnan, China
(individually a “Party” and collectively the “Parties”)
WHEREAS:
| A. | The Pledgor is a PRC citizen, and owns 99% equity interest in Beijing Qianxiang Tiancheng Technology Development Co., Ltd. (“▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇”).
|
| B. | ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ is a limited liability company registered in Beijing engaging in the business of value-added telecommunication services, etc. |
| C. | The Pledgor and the Pledgee entered into an Amended and Restated Loan Agreement on December 23, 2010, which confirms the Pledgee extended certain loans in an
aggregated amount of RMB 9,900,000 (the “Loans”) to the Pledgor (the “Loan Agreement”). |
| D. | The Pledgee, a wholly foreign-owned company registered in Beijing, PRC, has been licensed by the PRC relevant government authority to carry on the business of research
and development of computer software, communication software, system intergration, sale of self-produced products and provision of after-sale technical consulting and technical service, etc. The Pledgee and ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ entered into an Amended and
Restated Exclusive Technical Service Agreement on December 23, 2010, pursuant to which ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ is required to pay service fees (the “Service Fees”) to the Pledgee in consideration of the corresponding services to be provided
by the Pledgee (the “Services Agreement”). The Pledgee and ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ entered into an Amended and Restated Intellectual Property Right License Agreement on December 23, 2010, pursuant to which ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ is required to pay
license fees (the “License Fees”) to the Pledgee in consideration of the corresponding license of the Intellectual Property Right by the Pledgee (the “License Agreement”). |
-1-
| E. | Simultaneous with the execution of this Agreement, the Pledgor has also entered into an Amended and Restated Equity Option Agreement with the Pledgee, pursuant to which
the Pledgor grants to the Pledgee an exclusive right to purchase the Equity Interest (as defined below) at any time upon satisfaction of various requirements under the PRC law (the “Option Agreement”). |
| F. | In order to ensure that (i) the Pledgor repays the Loans under the Loan Agreement; (ii) the Pledgee collects Service Fees under the Service Agreement and
License Fees under the License Agreement from ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, (iii) the Pledgor’s other obligations under the Option Agreement is fulfilled, and (iv) all other debts, monetary liabilities or other payment obligations owed to the Pledgee
by the Pledgor and/or ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, arising under or in relation to the Service Agreement or the Loan Agreement or the License Agreement including, but not limited to, any obligation to pay damages for a breach of any obligation of the Pledgor or ▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇ under the Loan Agreement or the Service Agreement or the License Agreement (as applicable), are paid, the Pledgor is willing to pledge all the Equity Interest (as defined below) in ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ to the Pledgee as security for the above-mentioned
obligations of the Pledgor and ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ (collectively, the “Secured Obligations”). |
In order to set forth
each Party's rights and obligations, the Pledgee and the Pledgor through mutual negotiations hereby enter into this Agreement based upon the following terms:
Unless otherwise provided in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
| | 1.1 | “Pledge” means the full content of Section 2 hereunder. |
| | 1.2 | “Equity Interest” means all the equity interest in ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ held by the Pledgor (including all present and future rights and benefits based on such
equity interests), and any additional equity interests in ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ acquired by the Pledgor subsequent to the date hereof. For the avoidance of any doubt, on the date hereof, the Pledgor holds a 99% equity interests (amounting to RMB 9,900,000) in
▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇. |
-2-
| | 1.3 | “Event of Default” means any event in accordance with Section 6 hereunder. |
| | 1.4 | “Notice of Default” means the notice of default issued by the Pledgee in accordance with this Agreement. |
| | 2.1 | The Pledgor hereby pledges, and if required, transfers and assigns all her rights, titles and interests in the Equity Interest in ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ to the Pledgee as security
for all of the Secured Obligations (the “Pledge”) of an amount up to the Maximum Amount (as defined below), and grant a first priority security interest in all rights, titles and interests that she has or may at any time hereafter
acquire in and to the Equity Interest, together with all equity or other ownership interests representing a dividend on the Equity Interest, a distribution or return of capital upon or in respect of such Equity Interest, any subscription, first
refusal, pre-emptive or other purchase rights with respect to or arising from such Equity Interest, any voting rights with respect to such Equity Interest or any other interest in ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ which, by reason of notice or lapse of time or the
occurrence of other events, may be converted into a direct equity interest in ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, and all proceeds of the foregoing (collectively, the “Pledged Collateral”). |
| | 2.1.1 | The Parties understand and agree that the monetary valuation arising from, relating to or in connection with the Secured Obligations shall be a variable and floating
valuation until the Settlement Date (as defined below). Therefore, based on the reasonable assessment and evaluation by the Pledgor and the Pledgee of the Secured Obligations and the Pledged Collateral, the Pledgor and the Pledgee mutually
acknowledge and agree that the Pledge shall aggregately secure the Secured Obligations for a maximum amount of [RMB 29,700,000] (the “Maximum Amount”) prior to the Settlement Date. |
The Pledgor and the Pledgee may, taking into account the fluctuation in the monetary value of the Secured Obligations and the Pledged
Collateral, adjust the Maximum Amount based on mutual agreement by amending and supplementing this Agreement, from time to time, prior to the Settlement Date.
| | 2.1.2 | Upon the occurrence of any of the events below (each an “Event of Settlement”), the Secured Obligations shall be fixed at a value of the sum of all
Secured Obligations that are due, outstanding and payable to the Pledgee on or immediately prior to the date of such occurrence (the “Fixed Obligations”): |
| | (a) | any or all of the Loan Agreements, Service Agreement, License Agreement or the Option Agreement expires or is terminated pursuant to the stipulations thereunder;
|
-3-
| | (b) | the occurrence of an Event of Default pursuant to Section 6 that is not resolved, which results in the Pledgee serving a Notice of Default to the Pledgor pursuant
to Section 6.3; |
| | (c) | the Pledgee reasonably determines (having made due enquiries) that the Pledgor and/or ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ is insolvent or could potentially be made insolvent; or
|
| | (d) | any other event that requires the settlement of the Secured Obligations in accordance with relevant laws of the PRC. |
| | 2.2 | For the avoidance of doubt, the day of the occurrence of an Event of Settlement shall be the settlement date (the “Settlement Date”). On or after the
Settlement Date, the Pledgee shall be entitled, at the election of the Pledgee, to enforce the Pledge in accordance with Section 7. |
| | 2.3 | The Pledgee is entitled to collect dividends or other distributions, if any, arising from the Equity Interest during the Term of the Pledge (as defined below).
|
| 3. | Effectiveness of Pledge, Scope and Term |
| | 3.1 | The Pledgor shall, promptly after the execution of this Agreement, but in no event later than 20 days from the date of this Agreement, register this Agreement and the
Pledge hereunder with the State Administration for Industry and Commerce of the PRC or its competent local counterpart (the “AIC”). The Pledgor shall deliver to the Pledgee a copy of the registration or filing certificate from the
AIC within 7 days from the date of submission of the application for registration of this Agreement and Pledge with the AIC. |
| | 3.2 | The Pledge shall be effective upon the registration of the Pledge with the AIC in accordance with Section 3.1 above. The term of the Pledge shall commence on the
date when the Pledge is registered with the AIC and shall expire on the earlier of (a) the date on which all outstanding Secured Obligations are paid in full or otherwise satisfied (as applicable); (b) the Pledgee enforces the Pledge
pursuant to the terms and conditions hereof, to satisfy its rights under the Secured Obligations and Pledged Collateral in full; or (c) the Pledgor completes her transfer of all Equity Interest to another party (individual or legal entity)
pursuant to the Option Agreement and no longer holds any Equity Interest in ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ (the “Term of the Pledge”). |
-4-
| 4. | Representations and Warranties of the Pledgor |
The Pledgor hereby makes the following representations and warranties to the Pledgee and confirms that the Pledgee executes this Agreement in reliance on such representations and warranties:
| | 4.1 | The Pledgor is the legal owner of the Equity Interest that has been registered in her name, and is entitled to create a pledge on such Equity Interest.
|
| | 4.2 | None of the Pledged Collateral or the Pledge will be interfered with by any other pledgee at any time once the Pledgee exercises the rights of the Pledge in accordance
with this Agreement. |
| | 4.3 | The Pledgee shall be entitled to dispose or assign the Pledge in accordance with the relevant laws and this Agreement. |
| | 4.4 | All necessary authorizations have been obtained for the execution and performance of this Agreement by the Pledgor and the execution and performance of this Agreement
by the Pledgor does not violate any applicable laws or regulations. |
| | 4.5 | The Pledgor warrants that there is no on-going civil, administrative or criminal litigation or administrative punishment or arbitration related to the Equity Interest
and is not aware of any such action pending or likely to be pending in the future as of the date of this Agreement. |
| | 4.6 | There are no outstanding taxes, fees or undecided legal procedures related to the Equity Interest as of the date of this Agreement. |
| | 4.7 | Each stipulation hereunder is the expression of each Party's true intention and shall be binding upon all the Parties. |
| 5. | Covenants of the Pledgor |
| | 5.1 | The Pledgor covenants to the Pledgee that she shall: |
| | 5.1.1 | not transfer or assign the Equity Interest, or create or permit to be created any pledge, lien, charge, mortgage, encumbrance, option, security or other interest in or
over the Equity Interest that has been registered in her name, other than the Pledge created hereunder and the option granted under the Option Agreement, without the prior written consent from the Pledgee; |
-5-
| | 5.1.2 | comply with and implement laws and regulations with respect to the pledge of rights, present to the Pledgee the notices, orders or suggestions with respect to the
Pledge issued or made by the competent authority within 5 days upon receiving such notices, orders or suggestions and take actions in accordance with the reasonable instructions of the Pledgee; and |
| | 5.1.3 | timely notify the Pledgee of any events or any received notices (i) which may affect the Equity Interest or any part of the Pledgee’s rights, (ii) which
may change the Pledgor's covenants or obligations under this Agreement or (iii) which may affect the Pledgor's performance of her obligations under this Agreement, and take actions in accordance with the reasonable instructions of the Pledgee.
|
| | 5.2 | The Pledgor agrees that the Pledgee's right of exercising the Pledge under this Agreement shall not be suspended or hampered by the Pledgor or any successors of the
Pledgor or any person authorized by the Pledgor. |
| | 5.3 | The Pledgor covenants to the Pledgee that in order to protect or perfect the security over the Secured Obligations, the Pledgor shall (i) execute in good faith and
cause other parties who have interests in the Pledge to execute all the forms, instruments, agreements (including those required for the registration and de-registration of the Pledge with the AIC), and/or (ii) take actions and cause other
parties who have interests in the Pledge to take actions as required by the Pledgee and (iii) allow the Pledgee to exercise the rights and authorization vested in the Pledgee under this Agreement. |
| | 5.4 | The Pledgor agrees to promptly make or cause to be made any filings or records, give or cause to be given any notices and take or cause to be taken any other actions as
may be necessary under the laws of the PRC, to perfect the Pledge of the Pledged Collateral, including the registration with the AIC set forth in Section 3.1. |
| | 5.5 | The Pledgor covenants to the Pledgee that she will comply with and perform all the guarantees, covenants, agreements, representations and conditions for the benefits of
the Pledgee. The Pledgor shall compensate for all the losses suffered by the Pledgee for such Pledgor’s failure to perform or fully perform her guarantees, covenants, agreements, representations or conditions. |
| | 6.1 | Each of the following shall constitute an Event of Default: |
| | 6.1.1 | ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ or the Pledgor fails to make full and timely payment of any amounts due under the Secured Obligations as required under the Service Agreement, License
Agreement, Loan Agreement or Option Agreement, or an event of default (as defined and stipulated in those agreements) has occurred and is continuing; |
-6-
| | 6.1.2 | the Pledgor makes or has made any inaccurate, incomplete, misleading or untrue representations or warranties under Section 4, or is in violation or breach of any
of the representations and warranties under Section 4; |
| | 6.1.3 | the Pledgor breaches any of the covenants under Section 5; |
| | 6.1.4 | the Pledgor breaches any other covenants, undertakings or obligations of the Pledgor sets forth herein; |
| | 6.1.5 | the Pledgor is unable to perform her obligations under this Agreement due to the separation or merger of ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ with other third parties or for any other reason;
|
| | 6.1.6 | the Pledgor relinquishes all or any part of the Pledged Collateral or transfers or assigns all or any part of the Pledged Collateral without the prior written consent
of the Pledgee (except the transfers or assigns permitted under the Option Agreement); |
| | 6.1.7 | any indebtedness, guarantee or other obligation of the Pledgor, whether pursuant to a contract or otherwise, (i) is accelerated as a result of a default thereunder
and is required to be repaid or performed prior to the due date; or (ii) has become due and is not repaid or performed when due which, in the Pledgee’s reasonable view, has materially adversely affected the Pledgor’s ability to
perform her obligations under this Agreement; |
| | 6.1.8 | this Agreement is illegal as a result of any applicable laws or the Pledgor is restricted from continuing to perform her obligations under this Agreement;
|
| | 6.1.9 | any approval, permit, license or authorization from any applicable governmental entity (or registration or filing procedure) required for ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ to provide
value-added telecommunications services in the PRC is withdrawn, suspended, invalidated or materially amended; |
-7-
| | 6.1.10 | any approval, permit, license or authorization from any applicable government authority required to perform this Agreement or make this Agreement enforceable, legal and
valid is withdrawn, suspended, invalidated or materially amended; or |
| | 6.1.11 | any property owned by the Pledgor is altered or damaged which, in the Pledgee’s reasonable view, has materially adversely affected the Pledgor’s ability to
perform her obligations under this Agreement. |
| | 6.2 | The Pledgor shall immediately give a written notice to the Pledgee if the Pledgor is aware or finds that any event set forth in Section 6.1 or any events that may
result in the foregoing events have occurred or are occurring. |
| | 6.3 | Unless an Event of Default set forth in Section 6.1 has been rectified to the Pledgee's satisfaction, the Pledgee, at any time the event of default occurs or
thereafter, may give a written notice of default to the Pledgor, and require such Pledgor, at the discretion of the Pledgee, to immediately make full payment of the outstanding amounts payable under the Loan Agreements, Service Agreement, License
Agreement, and/or Option Agreements, and other payables, or dispose of the Pledge in accordance with Section 7 herein. |
| 7. | Exercise of the Rights of the Pledge |
| | 7.1 | The Pledgor shall not transfer or assign the Pledge without prior written approval from the Pledgee prior to the full settlement and fulfillment of the Secured
Obligations. |
| | 7.2 | The Pledgee shall give a notice of default to the Pledgor when the Pledgee exercises the rights of Pledge. |
| | 7.3 | Subject to Section 6.3, the Pledgee may exercise the right to dispose of the Pledge at any time when the Pledgee gives a notice of default in accordance with
Section 6.3 or thereafter. |
| | 7.4 | The Pledgee is entitled to have priority in receiving payment by the evaluation or proceeds from the auction or sale of whole or part of the Pledged Collateral in
accordance with legal procedures until the outstanding Secured Obligation or other monetary obligations payable by the Pledgor and/or ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ is fully paid, repaid or otherwise settled. |
| | 7.5 | The Pledgor shall not hinder the Pledgee from disposing the Pledge in accordance with this Agreement and shall give necessary assistance so that the Pledgee could
realize its Pledge. |
-8-
| 8. | Transfer or Assignment |
| | 8.1 | The Pledgor shall not donate or transfer her rights and obligations herein to any third party without prior written consent from the Pledgee. |
| | 8.2 | This Agreement shall be binding upon the Pledgor and her successors and be effective to the Pledgee and each of its successor and assignee. |
| | 8.3 | The Pledgee may transfer or assign all Secured Obligations and her right to the Pledge to any third party at any time. In this case, the assignee shall enjoy and
undertake the same rights and obligations herein of the Pledgee as if the assignee is a party hereto. When the Pledgee transfers or assigns the Secured Obligations and its rights to the Pledge, at the request of the Pledgee, the Pledgor shall
execute the relevant agreements and/or documents with respect to such transfer or assignment. |
| | 8.4 | After a change to the Pledgee resulting from a transfer or assignment, the new parties to the pledge shall re-execute a pledge contract. |
This Agreement shall be effective upon its being signed by the Parties hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Pledge (as defined in Section 2.1) shall only come into effect in accordance with
Section 3 of this Agreement.
This Agreement shall not be terminated until the Term of the Pledge expires pursuant to
Section 3 herein.
| | 10.1 | If this Agreement is delayed in or prevented from performing in the Event of Force Majeure (“Event of Force Majeure”), only within the limitation of
such delay or prevention, the affected Party is absolved from any liability under this Agreement. Force Majeure, which includes acts of governments, acts of nature, fire, explosion, geographic change, flood, earthquake, tide, lightning, war, means
any unforeseen events beyond the prevented Party's reasonable control and cannot be prevented with reasonable care. However, any shortage of credit, capital or finance shall not be regarded as an event beyond a Party's reasonable control. The Party
affected by Force Majeure who claims for exemption from performing any obligations under this Agreement or under any Section herein shall notify the other party of such exemption promptly and advice him of the steps to be taken for completion of the
performance. |
-9-
| | 10.2 | The Party affected by Force Majeure shall not assume any liability under this Agreement. However, subject to the Party affected by Force Majeure having taken its
reasonable and practicable efforts to perform this Agreement, the Party claiming for exemption of the liabilities may only be exempted from performing such liability as within limitation of the part performance delayed or prevented by Force Majeure.
Once causes for such exemption of liabilities are rectified and remedied, both parties agree to resume performance of this Agreement with their best efforts. |
| 11. | Applicable Law and Dispute Resolution |
| | 11.1 | The execution, validity, performance and interpretation of this Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the PRC.
|
| | 11.2 | The Parties shall strive to settle any dispute arising from the interpretation or performance through friendly consultation. In case no settlement can be reached
through consultation, each Party can submit such matter to China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (“CIETAC”) for arbitration. The arbitration shall follow the then current rules of CIETAC, and the arbitration
proceedings shall be conducted in Chinese and shall take place in Beijing. The arbitration award shall be final and binding upon the Parties. This article shall not be affected by the termination or elimination of this Agreement.
|
| | 11.3 | In case of any disputes arising out of the interpretation and performance of this Agreement or any pending arbitration of such dispute, each Party shall continue to
perform their obligations under this Agreement, except for the matters in dispute. |
Any notice
or correspondence, which is given by the Party as stipulated hereunder, shall be in Chinese and English writing and shall be delivered in person or by registered or prepaid mail or recognized express service, or be transmitted by telex or facsimile
to the following addresses:
| | | | | | |
| PLEDGEE
| | | : | | | Qianxiang Shiji Technology Development (Beijing) Co., Ltd. |
| Address
| | | : | | | ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇ ▇▇ ▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ |
| Fax
| | | : | | | (▇▇ ▇▇) ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ |
| Tele
| | | : | | | (▇▇ ▇▇) ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ |
| Addressee
| | | : | | | ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ |
-10-
| | | | |
| ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ |
| Address | | : | | Room 202, ▇▇▇▇ ▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇’er City, Yunnan, China |
| Fax | | : | | (▇▇ ▇▇) ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ |
| Tele | | : | | (▇▇ ▇▇) ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ |
| Addressee | | : | | ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ |
The
appendices to this Agreement constitute an integral part of this Agreement.
The
Pledgee's non-exercise or delay in exercise of any rights, remedies, power or privileges hereunder shall not be deemed as the waiver of such rights, remedies, power or privileges. Any single or partial exercise of the rights, remedies, power and
privileges shall not exclude the Pledgee from exercising any other rights, remedies, power and privileges. The rights, remedies, power and privileges hereunder are accumulative and shall not exclude the application of any other rights, remedies,
power and privileges stipulated by laws.
| | 15.1 | Any amendments, modifications or supplements to this Agreement shall be in writing and come into effect upon being executed and sealed by the Parties hereto.
|
| | 15.2 | In case any terms and stipulations in this Agreement are regarded as illegal or can not be performed in accordance with the applicable law, such terms and stipulations
shall be deemed to ineffective and not enforceable within the scope governed by the applicable law, and the remaining stipulations will remain effective. |
| | 15.3 | This Agreement amends and restates all Equity Interest Pledge Agreements entered into by and between the Parties with respect to the Pledge of the Pledged Collateral to
the Pledgee as a security for any and all Secured Obligations (“Previous Agreements”). In the event of any discrepancy between this Agreement and any Previous Agreement, this Agreement shall prevail to the extent of the discrepant
provisions. |
[The space below is intentionally left blank.]
-11-
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed on their behalf
by a duly authorized representative as of the date first written above.
PLEDGEE: Qianxiang Shiji Technology Development (Beijing) Co.,
Ltd.
(Company Seal)
| | |
| |
| By: | | /s/ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇
|
| Authorized Representative: ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ |
| | |
| PLEDGOR: ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ |
| |
| By: | | /s/ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇
|
-12-
