FINCO SHAREHOLDERS’ DEED DATED By and between VIP-CKH IRELAND LIMITED and VIMPELCOM LUXEMBOURG HOLDINGS S.à R.L. and HUTCHISON EUROPE TELECOMMUNICATIONS S.à R.L. and VIMPELCOM LTD. and CK HUTCHISON HOLDINGS LIMITED Allen & Overy LLP
Exhibit 4.6
XXXXX SHAREHOLDERS’ DEED
DATED
5 NOVEMBER 2016
By and between
VIP-CKH IRELAND LIMITED
and
VIMPELCOM LUXEMBOURG HOLDINGS S.à X.X.
and
XXXXXXXXX EUROPE TELECOMMUNICATIONS S.à X.X.
and
VIMPELCOM LTD.
and
XX XXXXXXXXX HOLDINGS LIMITED
Xxxxx & Overy LLP
0102103-0000029 CO:28063440.1
CONTENTS
Clause | Page | |||||
1. |
Definitions and Interpretation | 5 | ||||
2. |
Business and Objectives | 5 | ||||
3. |
Compliance with and Precedence of this deed | 5 | ||||
4. |
Board Composition and Corporate Governance | 6 | ||||
5. |
Governance | 7 | ||||
6. |
Reserved Matters | 7 | ||||
7. |
Conflict of Interests | 7 | ||||
8. |
Intentionally BLANK | 8 | ||||
9. |
Information Rights | 8 | ||||
10. |
Compliance | 9 | ||||
11. |
Funding and Issues of Securities | 9 | ||||
12. |
Disposals in compliance with the H3G II Shareholders’ Deed, the Constitution and the H3G II Articles | 9 | ||||
13. |
General Provisions Relating to Issue and Transfer of Shares | 9 | ||||
14. |
Warranties | 10 | ||||
15. |
Compliance with law | 10 | ||||
16. |
Waiver of Right to Seek Liquidation | 12 | ||||
17. |
Term and Termination | 12 | ||||
18. |
Confidentiality | 13 | ||||
19. |
VIP Guarantee | 15 | ||||
20. |
HET Guarantee | 17 | ||||
21. |
Notices | 18 | ||||
22. |
XxxXx Bank Account | 20 | ||||
23. |
General | 20 | ||||
24. |
Invalid Terms | 22 | ||||
25. |
Jurisdiction | 22 | ||||
26. |
Governing Law | 23 |
Schedule |
Page | |||||
1. |
XxxXx | 24 | ||||
2. |
Board Meetings | 25 | ||||
3. |
Shareholder Meetings | 27 | ||||
4. |
Reserved Matters | 28 | ||||
5. |
Form of Deed of Adherence | 29 | ||||
6. |
Trigger Event Provisions | 31 | ||||
7. |
Definitions and Interpretation | 33 | ||||
Signatories |
36 | |||||
Documents in the Agreed Form | ||||||
1. |
Constitution |
41 |
THIS DEED is made on 5 November 2016
BETWEEN:
(1) | VIP-CKH IRELAND LIMITED, a private company limited by shares incorporated under the laws of the Republic of Ireland, having its registered office at 70 Sir Xxxx Xxxxxxxx’x Quay, Xxxxxx 0, Xxxxxxx and registered with the Irish Companies Registration Office under number 588489 (XxxXx); |
(2) | VIMPELCOM LUXEMBOURG HOLDINGS S.à X.X., a sociėtė à responsabilitė limitėe incorporated under the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg having its registered office at 00, xxx Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxx, X-0000 Xxxxxxxxxx, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg registered with the Luxembourg trade companies register under number B199019 (VIP); |
(3) | XXXXXXXXX EUROPE TELECOMMUNICATIONS S.à X.X., a sociėtė à responsabilitė limitėe incorporated under the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg having its registered office at 0, xxx xx Xxxxxx-xxx-Xxxxxx, X-0000 Xxxxxxxxxx, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg registered with the Luxembourg trade companies under number B74649 (HET); |
(4) | VIMPELCOM LTD., an exempted company limited by shares incorporated under the laws of Bermuda having its registered office at Victoria Place, 00 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx XX 00, Xxxxxxx registered with the Registrar of Companies in Bermuda under number 43271 and having its principal executive offices of Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxxx 00, 0000 XX, Xxxxxxxxx, xxx Xxxxxxxxxxx (VIP Guarantor); and |
(5) | XX XXXXXXXXX HOLDINGS LIMITED, an exempted company incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands whose principal place of business is 12th Floor, Xxxxxx Kong Center, 2 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong registered with the Registrar of Companies in the Cayman Islands under number MC-294571 (HET Guarantor). |
BACKGROUND:
(A) | Details of XxxXx are set out in Schedule 1. |
(B) | The parties have agreed that XxxXx is to be owned, controlled, managed and financed on the terms set out in this deed. |
(C) | H3G II, VimpelCom Amsterdam B.V., the VIP Guarantor, HET and the HET Guarantor entered into the Contribution and Framework Agreement on 6 August 2015 in order, among other things, for VIP and HET to create a joint venture whereby VIP and HET directly own H3G II and XxxXx. |
(D) | The VIP Guarantor is the ultimate holding company of VIP and is willing to guarantee the obligations of VIP under this deed. |
(E) | The HET Guarantor is the ultimate holding company of HET and is willing to guarantee the obligations of HET under this deed. |
(F) | In consideration of the mutual promises of each of the parties and the contributions they undertake to make and have made to the Business, the parties agree to enter into this deed to govern their relationship and to set out and agree upon the governance arrangements of XxxXx. |
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IT IS AGREED as follows:
1. | DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION |
1.1 | Save as defined in this deed, terms defined and used in the shareholders’ deed dated 6 August 2015 between, amongst others, H3G II, VIP, HET, the VIP Guarantor and the HET Guarantor and as amended from time to time (the H3G II Shareholders’ Deed) have the same meaning when used in this deed. |
1.2 | In addition to terms defined elsewhere in the H3G II Shareholders’ Deed and in this deed, the definitions and other provisions in Schedule 7 apply throughout this deed. |
1.3 | In this deed, unless the contrary intention appears, a reference to a clause, subclause, paragraph, or schedule is a reference to a clause, subclause, paragraph, or schedule of or to this deed. The schedules form part of this deed. |
1.4 | The headings in this deed do not affect its interpretation. |
2. | BUSINESS AND OBJECTIVES |
2.1 | Business of XxxXx |
The parties acknowledge and agree that the sole objective and business of XxxXx is to hold the XxxXx Loan and to return value to the Shareholders upon receipt of repayment of the XxxXx Loan (the Business).
2.2 | Management and control of XxxXx |
The management and control of XxxXx shall be exercised in Ireland and the Shareholders shall use all reasonable endeavours to ensure that XxxXx is treated for all purposes, including taxation, as resident only in Ireland.
3. | COMPLIANCE WITH AND PRECEDENCE OF THIS DEED |
3.1 | General undertaking |
Each Shareholder shall exercise all powers and rights available to that Shareholder as a holder of Shares and such other rights and powers available to that Shareholder from time to time in order to give effect to the provisions of this deed and to ensure that XxxXx complies with each of its respective obligations under this deed. References in this deed to the Shareholders procuring that XxxXx performs its obligations are to be interpreted accordingly.
3.2 | H3G II Shareholders’ Deed prevails over Deed and Constitution |
Each Shareholder agrees that if any provision of this deed or the Constitution at any time conflicts or is inconsistent with the provisions of the H3G II Shareholders’ Deed, provided that such provisions of the H3G II Shareholders’ Deed do not conflict with and are not inconsistent with any applicable law: (i) the provisions of the H3G II Shareholders’ Deed are to prevail between the parties to the extent of the conflict or inconsistency, (ii) the Constitution will be taken to be read and interpreted accordingly, and (iii) the Constitution shall be amended to the extent necessary in accordance with clause 3.4.
3.3 | Deed prevails over Constitution |
Each Shareholder agrees that if any provision of the Constitution at any time conflicts or is inconsistent with the provisions of this deed, provided that such provisions of this deed do not conflict with and are not inconsistent with any applicable law: (i) the provisions of this deed are to
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prevail between the parties to the extent of the conflict or inconsistency, (ii) the Constitution will be taken to be read and interpreted accordingly, and (iii) the Constitution shall be amended to the extent necessary in accordance with clause 3.4.
3.4 | Amendments to Constitution |
For the entire duration of this deed, the Constitution shall be and shall remain in accordance with the provisions of this deed (as may be amended from time to time) to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law.
4. | BOARD COMPOSITION AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE |
4.1 | Number of Directors |
The number of Directors shall, from time to time, be two.
4.2 | Appointment and replacement of Directors |
Each of the Major Shareholders (each an Appointer) may each from time to time:
(a) | appoint one Director; and |
(b) | remove its Director appointed by it in accordance with paragraph (a) and appoint another in his/her place, above by notice in writing sent to XxxXx and to the other Directors, |
provided that the Major Shareholders undertake that they shall not appoint a Director who is ineligible to be a director under any applicable law or any provision of the Constitution or is a Sanctioned Person and shall promptly take all steps necessary to replace any Director who becomes ineligible or a Sanctioned Person.
4.3 | Removal of Directors |
(a) | Notwithstanding any other provision of this deed, a person will be removed as a Director if the person is, or becomes, ineligible to be a Director under any applicable law or any provision of the Constitution or is, or becomes, a Sanctioned Person. |
(b) | Notwithstanding any other provision of this deed, a Director will be removed as a Director if such Director’s Appointer ceases to be a (i) party to this deed or (ii) Major Shareholder. |
(c) | The Appointer shall indemnify XxxXx against any Loss arising as a result of or in connection with its Director’s removal from office. |
4.4 | Remuneration for Directors |
Unless otherwise agreed by the Major Shareholders, compensation for each Director shall be up to €5,000 per annum, plus reasonable travel and accommodation expenses. All such compensation and expenses shall be borne by XxxXx.
4.5 | Chairman |
There shall be no chairman.
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4.6 | Board meetings |
Unless otherwise approved by the Board, meetings of the Board shall be held and conducted in accordance with the provisions of Schedule 2.
4.7 | Shareholder meetings |
Shareholder meetings shall be held and conducted in accordance with the provisions of Schedule 3.
5. | GOVERNANCE |
Subject to the Reserved Matters, the Board shall make decisions on all matters.
6. | RESERVED MATTERS |
6.1 | Matters requiring Shareholder Approval |
Each Shareholder undertakes to exercise all its voting powers as a Shareholder and XxxXx undertakes to exercise all its respective powers and rights so as to ensure that it does not do any of the things listed in Schedule 4 without the prior written approval of each Major Shareholder.
6.2 | Manner of giving Shareholder Approval |
Any approval under clause 6.1 by a Major Shareholder may be given on behalf of that Major Shareholder by:
(a) | notice in writing executed by or on behalf of that Major Shareholder; or |
(b) | the affirmative vote of that Major Shareholder at a general meeting of the Shareholders, |
in each case stating that the notice or vote, as the case may be, constitutes the approval of that Major Shareholder for the purposes of clause 6.1 of this deed.
7. | CONFLICT OF INTERESTS |
Directors’ Interests and voting rights
If a Director has an Interest in any matter which is reasonably likely to conflict with the interests of XxxXx or the Business (as applicable) and which is to be considered or voted upon at a Board meeting or which is to be the subject of a written resolution of the Directors, the Director shall, prior to the relevant matter being decided by the Board, declare the Interest to each other Director setting out, in all material respects, the nature and extent of the Interest and the relation of the Interest to the affairs of XxxXx or the Business. Whether or not a Director complies with its obligations under this paragraph, the Director:
(a) | is entitled to attend or participate in any discussion on matters that relate to the Interest; |
(b) | is entitled to receive all information and advice received by the other Directors on matters that relate to the Interest; |
(c) | is entitled to vote (and be counted in a quorum at a meeting) on matters that relate to the Interest; and |
(d) | is entitled to retain benefits under any transaction relating to the Interest and XxxXx cannot avoid any such transaction merely because of the existence of the Interest. |
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8. | INTENTIONALLY BLANK |
9. | INFORMATION RIGHTS |
9.1 | Accounts, periodic reporting and other information |
(a) | XxxXx shall: |
(i) | maintain accurate and complete accounting and other financial records in accordance with all applicable laws; and |
(ii) | provide such financial accounts, reports and information to the Shareholders as the Shareholders may reasonably request for the purposes of the Shareholders group’s legal, regulatory or other internal requirements from time to time. |
(b) | The financial accounts of XxxXx shall be prepared in accordance with all applicable law and accounting principles and practices generally accepted in Ireland. |
(c) | To the extent necessary to comply with regulatory requirements and at the request of a Shareholder, XxxXx shall prepare financial accounts in accordance with the required accounting standards and have them audited in accordance with the required auditing standards in a time period necessary to meet such regulatory requirements (including, without limitation, audit requirements) within a reasonable period of time following such request. For the avoidance of doubt, these requirements will not affect the financial accounts of XxxXx referred to in (b) above. |
9.2 | Access to XxxXx books, records and other information |
Subject to clause 9.3, XxxXx shall give each Major Shareholder and each Director (without prejudice to any rights they may have under applicable law) reasonable access on reasonable notice to:
(a) | inspect the assets of XxxXx (if any); and |
(b) | inspect and take copies of documents relating to XxxXx, including the statutory registers and all accounting and other financial records. |
9.3 | Exceptions to Shareholder access rights |
Nothing in clause 9.2 requires XxxXx to give any person access to information if to do so would, in the reasonable opinion of any Major Shareholder or of the Board:
(a) | constitute a breach by XxxXx of any obligation of confidentiality owed to a third party or imposed by law provided that XxxXx shall use its best efforts to permit disclosure of such information; or |
(b) | materially disrupt, or have a material adverse effect on, the business or operations of XxxXx. |
9.4 | Disclosure of information |
Subject to all applicable laws, a Director is entitled to pass information concerning XxxXx to his / her Appointer or any of his / her Appointer’s Affiliates or Representatives who need to know that information for the proper performance of their duties, so long as each recipient keeps that information confidential in accordance with clause 18.
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10. | COMPLIANCE |
XxxXx shall take all reasonable steps to obtain, and shall comply in all material respects with the terms of, all governmental and other licences and consents necessary for the conduct of its business.
11. | FUNDING AND ISSUES OF SECURITIES |
11.1 | Limited obligations to provide funding |
(a) | Each Shareholder shall be required to subscribe for Shares: |
(i) | in accordance with the provisions set out in the Contribution and Framework Agreement; or |
(ii) | to provide equity for XxxXx’x day-to-day running costs, including (but not limited to) Directors’ travel and accommodation expenses, audit costs and business registration costs; and |
(b) | Subject to paragraph (a) above, no Shareholder shall be obliged to: |
(i) | contribute any funds (whether in the form of debt or equity) to XxxXx; or |
(ii) | give any security or provide any guarantee on behalf of or for the benefit of XxxXx. |
11.2 | Permitted issues |
XxxXx shall not issue any Securities unless the issue has received Shareholder Approval in accordance with clause 6.1.
11.3 | Pre-emption on issue |
The provisions of clause 13.3 of the H3G II Shareholders’ Deed shall apply mutatis mutandis to this deed save that references to the “Company” shall be construed as references to “XxxXx”.
12. | DISPOSALS IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE H3G II SHAREHOLDERS’ DEED, THE CONSTITUTION AND THE H3G II ARTICLES |
No Major Shareholder may Dispose of any of its Shares at any time unless:
(a) | any transferee first executes and delivers to XxxXx and the remaining Shareholders a Deed of Adherence; and |
(b) | such Disposal is carried out in compliance with clauses 14, 15 and 19 of the H3G II Shareholders’ Deed, the Constitution and the H3G II Articles. |
13. | GENERAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO ISSUE AND TRANSFER OF SHARES |
13.1 | Registration of issues and transfers of Shares |
XxxXx shall not issue any Shares or register the transfer of any Shares unless:
(a) | the issue or transfer is made in accordance with this deed and the provisions of the H3G II Shareholders’ Deed, the Constitution and the H3G II Articles; and |
(b) | any transferee first executes and delivers to XxxXx and the remaining Shareholders a Deed of Adherence. |
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13.2 | Share certificates and Share register |
Each Share certificate issued by XxxXx and the Share register of XxxXx shall include a statement that:
“Transfer and disposal of shares in the company are subject to the restrictions contained in the XxxXx Shareholders’ Deed relating to the company dated ● and the Constitution of the company.”
14. | WARRANTIES |
Each party warrants to each other party on the date of this deed that each of the following statements is true, accurate and not misleading:
(a) | it is a corporation validly existing under the laws of the place of its incorporation; |
(b) | it has the power to execute and deliver, and to perform its obligations under, this deed to which it is or will be a party, and it has taken all necessary corporate action to authorise such execution and delivery and the performance of such obligations; |
(c) | its obligations under this deed are legal, valid, binding and enforceable in accordance with their terms; |
(d) | the execution and delivery by it of this deed and the performance of its obligations under it does not and will not conflict with or constitute a default under any provision of: |
(i) | any agreement or instrument to which it is a party; |
(ii) | its constitution (if any); or |
(iii) | any law, order, judgment, award, injunction, decree, rule or regulation by which it is bound; and |
(e) | no Insolvency Event has occurred in relation to it. |
15. | COMPLIANCE WITH LAW |
15.1 | All party obligations |
Each party undertakes to each other party that:
(a) | it will not take any action which would result in it, any other party (including XxxXx) being in contravention of any law or regulation (including, without limitation, any applicable anti-bribery, anti-corruption, anti-money laundering, trade control laws or Economic Sanctions Laws); |
(b) | to the extent that it has not already done so, it will establish and at all times maintain in place adequate procedures designed to prevent any Representative or person who provides services to it from undertaking any conduct that would contravene or otherwise give rise to an offence being committed by it, any other party (including XxxXx) under any applicable anti-bribery and/or anti-corruption and/or money laundering laws (Anti-Corruption Policies); |
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(c) | no action it undertakes in the exercise of its rights and performance obligations under this deed shall cause it, any other party (including XxxXx) to be in contravention of any law or regulation (including, without limitation, any applicable anti-bribery, anti-corruption, anti-money laundering, trade control or Economic Sanctions Laws); and |
(d) | during any period in which it or any of its Affiliates becomes a Sanctioned Person, the exercise of such party’s right to receive Dividends or any other distribution in respect of Shares held by it shall be suspended to the extent that such payment of Dividends would be prohibited by any applicable Economic Sanctions Laws, in which case any such Dividend which would otherwise have been payable to such party shall either (i) be held by XxxXx on behalf of such party (without any obligation to pay interest) until such time as the party’s right to receive Dividends or any other distribution in respect of its Shares is no longer suspended in accordance with paragraph (d), or (ii) on the request of the party entitled to payment of the Dividend be credited to a frozen (or blocked) account belonging to the relevant party if such frozen (or blocked) account is in compliance with applicable Economic Sanctions Laws. |
15.2 | Distributions |
(a) | The parties agree that XxxXx shall not be restricted or prevented from declaring or paying any Dividend or other fees to a Shareholder by reason only of: |
(i) | any other Shareholder or any of its Affiliates being a Sanctioned Person or being directly or indirectly owned or controlled by a Sanctioned Person; |
(ii) | a Sanctioned Person holding an interest in any other Shareholder; or |
(iii) | any other matter which does or may constrain XxxXx from making a payment to any other Shareholder. |
(b) | The parties agree that during any period in which a Shareholder or its Affiliates becomes a Sanctioned Person, any Director or Shareholder voting rights in respect of the Shares held by that Shareholder, its Affiliates or Directors nominated by it will be suspended in relation to any matters relating to the payment of Dividends including the ability to object to such Dividends in accordance with clause 6.1. |
(c) | The parties agree to take all action necessary to ensure that paragraphs (a) and (b) are enforceable including, without limitation, reflecting such clause in the Constitution. |
15.3 | XxxXx obligations |
(a) | XxxXx shall comply with its Anti-Corruption Policies and shall keep them under regular review in order to ensure that they continue to meet the requisite standard for adequate procedures. |
(b) | XxxXx may at any time, and shall within 20 Business Days of a reasonable request by a Shareholder, prepare draft amendments to the Anti-Corruption Policies which it shall submit to each Shareholder. Each Shareholder shall consider in good faith any draft amendments to the Anti-Corruption Policies submitted to it under this clause and shall in good faith take appropriate steps with a view to it and the other Shareholder agreeing revised Anti-Corruption Policies (with such amendments as it and the other Shareholder may agree) as soon as reasonably practicable. |
(c) | Nothing in this deed shall prevent XxxXx from complying with any applicable law (including any Economic Sanctions Law) to which it is or becomes subject. |
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16. | WAIVER OF RIGHT TO SEEK LIQUIDATION |
To the extent permissible by applicable law, each Shareholder agrees, confirms and acknowledges that it shall be wholly and irrevocably barred from seeking a liquidation, winding up or otherwise of XxxXx in the event of a deadlock between the Shareholders, including, without limitation, on a refusal or failure to consent to a Reserved Matter or failure to attend a meeting of the Shareholders.
17. | TERM AND TERMINATION |
17.1 | Term |
This deed takes effect on the date of this deed (save for clause 17.4 and Schedule 6 which take effect upon a Trigger Event occurring) and continues until terminated in accordance with clause 17.2.
17.2 | Circumstances for termination |
Subject to clause 17.3, this deed terminates in respect of the rights and obligations of all parties:
(a) | subject to clause 16, on the date on which XxxXx is wound up; |
(b) | on the date on which the H3G II Shareholders’ Deed terminates in accordance with clause 24.2 of the H3G II Shareholders’ Deed; |
(c) | on the date on which XxxXx distributes all cash due and payable under the XxxXx Loan as a result of full repayment of the XxxXx Loan in accordance with the relevant Reserved Matter in full; or |
(d) | on the date on which all the Shareholders agree in writing. |
17.3 | Effect of termination |
If this deed terminates in accordance with clause 17.2 or certain provisions terminate in accordance with clause 17.4 in respect of the rights and obligations of any party:
(a) | except as provided in clause 17.3(c) that party is released from its obligations to further perform this deed or those provisions (as applicable); |
(b) | each party retains all rights that it has against each other party in respect of any breach of this deed or those provisions (as applicable) occurring before termination and, for the avoidance of doubt, any rights pursuant to clause 19 and 20 shall survive in respect of any such breach of this deed occurring before termination; and |
(c) | the provisions of and the rights and obligations of each party under this clause 17.3 and each of the Surviving Clauses survive termination of this deed. |
17.4 | Trigger Event for termination of certain provisions |
Upon a Trigger Event occurring:
(a) | the provisions of clauses 2 to 7, 9 (other than paragraph 9.1), 10, 11.2, 12 and 16, together with Schedule 1 to Schedule 3 and Schedule 4 (other than paragraph 1), will automatically terminate and cease to have any effect thereafter and clause 17.3 shall apply in respect of these terminated provisions; |
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(b) | for the avoidance of doubt all other provisions of this deed, namely, the Surviving Clauses and clauses 9.1, 11 (other than paragraph 11.2 and in accordance with clause 11.3 (Pre-emption on issue) as it applies mutatis mutandis to clause 13.3 of the H3G II Shareholders’ Deed that clause 13.3(e) shall not apply upon a Trigger Event), 13 to 15, this clause 17, clauses 19 to 20, paragraph 1 of Schedule 4, Schedule 5 and Schedule 7 subject to paragraph (c) below, shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding such termination; |
(c) | Schedule 7 shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding such termination but subject to the following amendments with effect from the Trigger Event namely, to the deletion of those defined terms that are no longer applicable to the provisions set out in paragraph (b) above (and appropriate consequential amendments being made to the definition cross-referencing); and |
(d) | the provisions contained in Schedule 6 shall come into force upon a Trigger Event occurring. |
18. | CONFIDENTIALITY |
18.1 | Confidentiality obligations |
Except as permitted by this clause 18:
(a) | each Shareholder shall keep confidential: |
(i) | all information made available to it by or on behalf of XxxXx or by a Director under clause 9.4 (whether before, on or after the date of this deed and whether in writing, orally, electronically or in any other form or medium) which relates to the past, present or future business, operations or affairs of XxxXx; |
(ii) | all information made available to it by or on behalf any other Shareholder (whether before, on or after the date of this deed and whether in writing, orally, electronically or in any other form or medium) in connection with the arrangements contemplated by this deed; |
(iii) | any information of a secret or confidential nature relating to, or to the business or affairs of, XxxXx; and |
(iv) | the existence, terms and subject matter of, and the negotiations relating to, this deed and each other Transaction Document, |
and shall not disclose or cause or permit the disclosure to any person of any such information, or use any such information for any purpose other than exercising its rights or performing its obligations under this deed or monitoring and making decisions regarding its investment in XxxXx; and
(b) | XxxXx shall keep confidential: |
(i) | all information made available to it by or on behalf of any Shareholder (whether before, on or after the date of this deed and whether in writing, orally, electronically or in any other form or medium) in connection with the arrangements contemplated by this deed; and |
(ii) | the existence, terms and subject matter of, and the negotiations relating to, this deed and each other Transaction Document, |
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and shall not disclose or cause or permit the disclosure to any person of any such information, or use any such information for any purpose other than conducting the Business or exercising its rights or performing its obligations under this deed.
18.2 | Excluded information |
Clause 18.1 does not apply to any information which:
(a) | is in or comes into the public domain, except through a breach of this clause 18 or through a breach by any person of any other obligation of confidentiality known to the disclosing party; or |
(b) | at the time it was disclosed by one party to another was already in the lawful possession of the second party and not held by the second party subject to an obligation of confidentiality. |
18.3 | Disclosure to Representatives |
Nothing in clause 18.1 prevents any party from disclosing information to any of its Affiliates or Representatives if:
(a) | the information needs to be disclosed: |
(i) | to enable that party to exercise its rights or perform its obligations under this deed including a Disposal of Stapled Interests permitted in accordance with the terms of this deed; or |
(ii) | where the party is a Shareholder, to enable that Shareholder to monitor and make decisions regarding its investment in XxxXx; and |
(b) | before disclosure is made that party has informed the relevant Affiliates or Representative in writing that the information is confidential and shall only be used for the purpose for which it was disclosed, |
provided that any Affiliate or Representative receiving information under this clause 18.3 has undertaken to comply with the confidentiality obligations under this clause 18 as if those obligations were imposed directly on the relevant Affiliate or Representative, and the party disclosing such information shall ensure that any such Affiliate or Representative to whom information is so disclosed strictly complies with such obligations.
18.4 | Required disclosure |
Nothing in clause 18.1 prevents a party or any of its Affiliates or Representatives from disclosing information if disclosure is required by law or regulation (except to the extent the requirement can be excluded or limited by contract or by a confidentiality obligation), any tribunal or court of competent jurisdiction, any Government Agency or the listing rules of any recognised securities exchange. Before any disclosure is made under this clause 18.4, the party that is, or whose Affiliate or Representative is, required to make disclosure shall, to the extent permitted by law and the relevant disclosure requirement:
(a) | notify the party that made the relevant information available to it (the Discloser) and each other party as soon as reasonably practicable after it becomes aware that disclosure is required; |
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(b) | take all steps reasonably required by the Discloser to prevent or restrict the disclosure of that information; and |
(c) | co-operate with the Discloser regarding the timing and content of such disclosure. |
For the purposes of this clause 18.4, where the information required to be disclosed is the existence, terms or subject matter of, or the negotiations relating to, this deed, references to the Discloser are taken to be references to each other party.
18.5 | Permitted disclosure |
Nothing in clause 18.1 prevents a party from disclosing information to the extent strictly required by, and subject always to the terms and conditions provided in, clause 12(b).
18.6 | Legal proceedings |
Nothing in clause 18.1 prevents a party from disclosing information to the extent required to enable that party to enforce the provisions of this deed or to the extent necessary for the purpose of defending any proceedings brought against that party.
18.7 | Advertisements and public announcements |
Nothing in clause 18.1 prevents a party from disclosing information in any advertisement or public announcement containing information that is not in the public domain made with the written consent of each other party which in the case of any advertisement or public announcement referring only to the existence or subject matter of this deed shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.
18.8 | Outgoing Shareholder |
If a Shareholder ceases to be a Shareholder, it shall immediately:
(a) | deliver all documents or other materials in tangible form that are in its possession or control and that contain information of the type described in clause 18.1(a) to the party that made that information available to it; |
(b) | use all reasonable endeavours to permanently delete all information of the type described in clause 18.1(a) that has been stored on any computer, database or other electronic storage medium by it or on its behalf; and |
(c) | ensure that each of its Affiliates and Representatives to whom information has been provided under clause 18.3 does the same, |
except to the extent that the Shareholder or the relevant Affiliate or Representative is required to retain such information by law, the rules of any regulatory authority or any mandatory professional standards rules or in accordance with its reasonable and bona fide internal compliance policies.
19. | VIP GUARANTEE |
19.1 | The VIP Guarantor unconditionally and irrevocably: |
(a) | guarantees the payment when due of all amounts payable by VIP under or pursuant to this deed; |
(b) | undertakes to ensure that VIP will perform when due all its obligations under or pursuant to this deed; |
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(c) | agrees that if and each time that VIP fails to make any payment when it is due under or pursuant to this deed, the VIP Guarantor must on demand (without requiring any party first to take steps against VIP or any other person) pay that amount as if it were the principal obligor in respect of that amount; and |
(d) | agrees as principal debtor and primary obligor to indemnify each other party against all Loss sustained by it flowing from any non-payment or default of any kind by VIP under or pursuant to this deed. |
19.2 | The VIP Guarantor’s obligations under this clause 19 will not be affected by any matter or thing which but for this provision might operate to affect or prejudice those obligations, including without limitation: |
(a) | any time or indulgence granted to, or composition with, VIP or any other person; |
(b) | the taking, variation, renewal or release of, or neglect to perfect or enforce this deed, or any right, guarantee, remedy or security from or against VIP or any other person; |
(c) | any variation or change to the terms of this deed; or |
(d) | any unenforceability or invalidity of any obligation of VIP, so that this deed shall be construed as if there were no such unenforceability or invalidity. |
19.3 | Until all amounts which may be or become payable under this deed have been irrevocably paid in full, the VIP Guarantor shall not as a result of this deed or any payment or performance under this deed be subrogated to any right or security of any party or claim or prove in competition with any party against VIP or any other person or claim any right of contribution, set-off or indemnity. |
19.4 | The VIP Guarantor will not take or hold any security from VIP in respect of this deed and any such security which is held in breach of this provision will be held by the VIP Guarantor in trust for each other party. |
19.5 | The VIP Guarantor shall indemnify each other party against any Loss arising as a result of or in connection with the enforcement of the VIP Guarantor’s obligations under this deed. |
19.6 | The VIP Guarantor warrants to each other party that: |
(a) | it is a corporation validly existing under the laws of the place of its incorporation; |
(b) | it has the power to execute and deliver, and to perform its obligations under, this deed and it has taken all necessary corporate action to authorise such execution and delivery and the performance of such obligations; |
(c) | its obligations under this deed are legal, valid, binding and enforceable in accordance with their terms; |
(d) | the execution and delivery by it of this deed and the performance of its obligations under it does not and will not conflict with or constitute a default under any provision of: |
(i) | any agreement or instrument to which it is a party; |
(ii) | its constitution (if any); or |
(iii) | any law, order, judgment, award, injunction, decree, rule or regulation by which it is bound; and |
(e) | no Insolvency Event has occurred in relation to it. |
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20. | HET GUARANTEE |
20.1 | The HET Guarantor unconditionally and irrevocably: |
(a) | guarantees the payment when due of all amounts payable by HET under or pursuant to this deed; |
(b) | undertakes to ensure that HET will perform when due all its obligations under or pursuant to this deed; |
(c) | agrees that if and each time that HET fails to make any payment when it is due under or pursuant to this deed, the HET Guarantor must on demand (without requiring any party first to take steps against HET or any other person) pay that amount as if it were the principal obligor in respect of that amount; and |
(d) | agrees as principal debtor and primary obligor to indemnify each other party against all Loss sustained by it flowing from any non-payment or default of any kind by HET under or pursuant to this deed. |
20.2 | The HET Guarantor’s obligations under this clause 20 will not be affected by any matter or thing which but for this provision might operate to affect or prejudice those obligations, including without limitation: |
(a) | any time or indulgence granted to, or composition with, HET or any other person; |
(b) | the taking, variation, renewal or release of, or neglect to perfect or enforce this deed, or any right, guarantee, remedy or security from or against HET or any other person; |
(c) | any variation or change to the terms of this deed; or |
(d) | any unenforceability or invalidity of any obligation of HET, so that this deed shall be construed as if there were no such unenforceability or invalidity. |
20.3 | Until all amounts which may be or become payable under this deed have been irrevocably paid in full, the HET Guarantor shall not as a result of this deed or any payment or performance under this deed be subrogated to any right or security of any party or claim or prove in competition with any party against HET or any other person or claim any right of contribution, set-off or indemnity. |
20.4 | The HET Guarantor will not take or hold any security from HET in respect of this deed and any such security which is held in breach of this provision will be held by the HET Guarantor in trust for each other party. |
20.5 | The HET Guarantor shall indemnify each other party against any Loss arising as a result of or in connection with the enforcement of the HET Guarantor’s obligations under this deed. |
20.6 | The HET Guarantor warrants to each other party that: |
(a) | it is a corporation validly existing under the laws of the place of its incorporation; |
(b) | it has the power to execute and deliver, and to perform its obligations under, this deed and it has taken all necessary corporate action to authorise such execution and delivery and the performance of such obligations; |
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(c) | its obligations under this deed are legal, valid, binding and enforceable in accordance with their terms; |
(d) | the execution and delivery by it of this deed and the performance of its obligations under it does not and will not conflict with or constitute a default under any provision of: |
(i) | any agreement or instrument to which it is a party; |
(ii) | its constitution (if any); or |
(iii) | any law, order, judgment, award, injunction, decree, rule or regulation by which it is bound; and |
(e) | no Insolvency Event has occurred in relation to it. |
21. | NOTICES |
21.1 | Manner of giving notice |
Any notice or other communication to be given under this deed must be in writing and must be delivered by hand or courier using an internationally recognised courier company or sent by post or email (and if such notice or other communication is sent by email, then a copy must be delivered by hand or courier using an internationally recognised courier company or sent by post as soon as reasonably practicable although the notice or other communication will deem to have been given by transmission of the email) to the party to whom it is to be given at its address appearing in this deed as follows:
(a) | to XxxXx at: |
Address: |
Matsack Trust Limited | |
00 Xxx Xxxx Xxxxxxxx’x Xxxx | ||
Xxxxxx 0 | ||
Ireland | ||
Email: |
xxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxx.xxx | |
For the attention of: |
Xxxxxx Xxxxx |
With a copy to VIP, the VIP Guarantor, HET and the HET Guarantor;
(b) | to VIP or the VIP Guarantor at: |
Address: |
VimpelCom Ltd. | |
Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxxx 00 | ||
0000 XX Xxxxxxxxx | ||
Xxx Xxxxxxxxxxx |
Email: Xxxxx.Xxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxx.xxx and Xxxxxx.Xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxx.xxx
marked for the attention of Xxxxx Xxxxxxx and Xxxxxx Xxxxxx,
with a copy to Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxx and Xxx Xxxxxx of Xxxxx & Xxxxx LLP, One Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxx X0 0XX (email: Xxxxxx.Xxxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxx.xxx and Xxx.Xxxxxx@Xxxxxxxxxx.xxx); and
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(c) | to HET at: |
Address:
Xxxxxxxxx Europe Telecommunications S.à x.x.
X.0, xxx xx Xxxxxx-xxx-Xxxxxx
X-0000 Xxxxxxxxxx
Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
Fax: x000 0000 0000
marked for the attention of the Company Secretary,
with a copy to the HET Guarantor, and Xxxxx Sonter and Natasha Good of the HET solicitors (email: xxxxx.xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx and xxxxxxx.xxxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx),
(d) | to the HET Guarantor at: |
Address:
00xx Xxxxx, Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxx,
00 Xxxxxxxx Xxxx,
Xxxx Xxxx
Email: XxxxxX@xxx.xxx.xx
Fax: (000) 0000 0000
marked for the attention of Xx Xxxxx Xxxx,
and with a copy to Xxxxx Sonter and Natasha Good of the HET solicitors (email: xxxxx.xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx and xxxxxxx.xxxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx),or at any such other address notified in writing for this purpose to the other parties under this clause 19. Any notice or other communication sent by post shall be sent by prepaid ordinary recorded delivery post (if the country of destination is the same as the country of origin) or by prepaid airmail (if the country of destination is not the same as the country of origin).
21.2 | When notice given |
Any notice or other communication is deemed to have been given:
(a) | if delivered, on the date and at the time of delivery; or |
(b) | if sent by post, on the second Business Day after it was put into the post; or |
(c) | at the time of transmission if delivered by email, |
but if the notice or other communication would otherwise be taken to be received after 5.00 pm then the notice or communication is taken to be received at 9.00 am (local time at the place of receipt) on the next Business Day.
21.3 | Proof of service |
In proving service of a notice or other communication, it is sufficient to prove that delivery was made or that the envelope containing the communication was properly addressed and posted either by prepaid post or by prepaid airmail.
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21.4 | Documents relating to legal proceedings |
This clause 19 does not apply in relation to the service of any claim form, statement of care, notice, order, judgment or other document relating to or in connection with any proceedings, suit or action arising out of or in connection with this deed.
22. | XXXXX BANK ACCOUNT |
22.1 | XxxXx shall maintain a bank account in Ireland. |
22.2 | Any payment of funds to be made to XxxXx pursuant to this deed shall be effected by transfer of funds to the following account in XxxXx or such other account as may be notified by XxxXx for the purpose of any particular payment: |
Account name | CKH Ireland Finance Co Ltd | |
Account number | 40051576892034 | |
SWIFT Code: | XXXXXX00 | |
IBAN: | XX00XXXX00000000000000 |
23. | GENERAL |
23.1 | Amendment |
This deed may only be amended in writing and where the amendment is signed by or on behalf of all the parties.
23.2 | Assignment |
None of the rights or obligations under this deed may be assigned, transferred or otherwise dealt with by a party without the prior written consent of the other parties. No party shall grant, declare, create or dispose of any rights or interests in this deed without the prior written consent of all the other parties. Any purported assignment in contravention of this clause 23.2 shall be void.
23.3 | Costs |
Except as otherwise expressly provided in this deed, each party shall pay the costs and expenses incurred by it in connection with entering into and performing its obligations under this deed.
23.4 | Directors’ indemnity |
Subject to the provisions of and to the extent permitted by applicable law, the parties shall ensure that each Director is indemnified out of the assets of XxxXx against any liability incurred by him/her in the valid execution or discharge of his/her duties or the valid exercise of his/her powers in connection with his/her duties, powers or office, but this indemnity shall not apply to any liability to the extent that it is recovered from any other person.
23.5 | Sanctions |
The parties acknowledge and agree that nothing in this deed will require any other party to carry out any act or make any omission that may constitute or result in an actual breach of any Economic Sanction Law.
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23.6 | Entire agreement |
(a) | This deed and the other Transaction Documents contain the whole agreement between the parties relating to the transactions contemplated by this deed and the Transaction Documents and supersede all previous draft agreements, arrangements or understandings whether oral or in writing, between the parties relating to these transactions. |
(b) | Each party: |
(i) | acknowledges that in agreeing to enter into this deed and the other Transaction Documents it has not relied on any express or implied statement, representation, warranty, undertaking, collateral contract or other assurance (except those warranties and undertakings set out in this deed and the other Transaction Documents) made by or on behalf of any other party before the entering into of this deed; |
(ii) | waives all rights and remedies which, but for this clause 23.6, might otherwise be available to it arising under or in respect of any such express or implied statement, representation, warranty, undertaking, collateral contract or other assurance; and |
(iii) | acknowledges that, except for any liability in respect of a breach of this deed and the other Transaction Documents, no party shall owe any duty of care or have any liability in tort or otherwise to the other party in relation to the subject matter of this deed. |
(c) | Nothing in this clause limits or excludes any liability for fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation. |
23.7 | Execution in counterparts |
This deed may be executed in any number of counterparts and any party may enter into this deed by executing and delivering a counterpart. Each counterpart constitutes the agreement of the party who has executed and delivered that counterpart. Faxed or scanned signatures are taken to be valid and binding to the same extent as original signatures. Delivery of a counterpart of this deed by e-mail attachment shall be an effective mode of delivery.
23.8 | Exercise and waiver of rights |
The rights of each party under this deed:
(a) | may be exercised as often as necessary (in whole or in part); |
(b) | except as otherwise expressly provided by this deed, are cumulative and not exclusive of rights and remedies provided by law; and |
(c) | may be waived only in writing and specifically, |
and delay in exercising or non-exercise of any such right is not a waiver of that right and will not affect any such right in relation to any other party.
23.9 | No partnership or agency |
Nothing in this deed or the Constitution will be deemed to constitute a partnership between the parties or, unless this deed expressly provides otherwise, constitute any party the agent of any other party for any purpose.
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23.10 | Severability |
The provisions contained in each clause are enforceable independently of each other clause and the validity and enforceability of any clause will not be affected by the invalidity or unenforceability of any other clause.
23.11 | No Third Party Rights |
A person who is not a party to this deed may not enforce any of its terms under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Xxx 0000.
24. | INVALID TERMS |
24.1 | Each of the provisions of this deed is severable. |
24.2 | If and to the extent that any provision of this deed: |
(a) | is held to be, or becomes, invalid or unenforceable under the law of any jurisdiction; but |
(b) | would be valid, binding and enforceable if some part of the provision were deleted or amended, |
then the provision shall apply with the minimum modifications necessary to make it valid, binding and enforceable and neither the validity or enforceability of the remaining provisions of this deed, nor the validity or enforceability of that provision under the law of any other jurisdiction shall in any way be affected or impaired as a result of this clause 24.2.
25. | JURISDICTION |
25.1 | Governing law of this clause |
This clause 25 is governed by English law.
25.2 | Jurisdiction |
The English courts have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any Dispute and each party irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts and waives any objection to the exercise of that jurisdiction.
25.3 | Service of process agent |
Without prejudice to any other method of service permitted by law, each of HET, VIP LuxCo, H3G II and XxxXx shall at all times maintain an agent for service of process and any other documents in proceedings in England and Wales or any other proceedings in connection with this Deed. That agent shall be:
(a) | in respect of HET and the HET Guarantor, Xxxxxxxxx Whampoa Agents (UK) Limited, currently of Xxxxxxxxx House, 0 Xxxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxxx XX00 0XX, Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx; |
(b) | in respect of VIP LuxCo and the VIP Guarantor, Law Debenture Corporate Services Limited, currently of 0xx Xxxxx, Xxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxx XX0X 0XX; and |
(c) | in respect of XxxXx, appointed as soon as reasonably practicable and upon such appointment, notified to the other parties. |
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Subject to clause 25.4, each party irrevocably undertake not to revoke its agent’s authority; and any claim form, judgment or other notice of legal process shall be sufficiently served if delivered to:
(d) | in respect of HET, Xxxxxxxxx Whampoa Agents (UK) Limited; |
(e) | in respect of VIP LuxCo, Law Debenture Corporate Services Limited; and |
(f) | in respect of XxxXx, the agent appointed by it and notified to the other parties in accordance with sub-paragraph 12(iii) above, |
in each case at its address for the time being. Each of HET, VIP LuxCo, FinCo, the HET Guarantor and the VIP Guarantor waives any objection to such service.
25.4 | Alternative service of process agent |
If any person appointed as process agent under clause 25.3 is unable for any reason to so act, the relevant party shall immediately (and in any event within ten Business Days of the event taking place) appoint another agent in England and Wales for service of process in relation to any Dispute and notify the other parties of such appointment. Failing this, any other party may appoint another process agent for this purpose at the relevant party’s expense.
25.5 | Failure to notify by process agent |
Each party agrees that failure by a process agent to notify it of any process will not invalidate the relevant proceedings.
26. | GOVERNING LAW |
This deed and any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with it are governed by English law.
THIS DEED has been executed by the parties (or their duly authorised representatives) on the date stated at the beginning of this deed as a deed.
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SCHEDULE 1
XXXXX
Company name: | VIP-CKH Ireland Limited | |
Registered number: | 588489 | |
Registered office: | 70 Sir Xxxx Xxxxxxxx’x Quay, Xxxxxx 0, Xxxxxxx | |
Date and place of incorporation: | 00 Xxxxxx 0000, Xxxxxxx | |
Directors: | Xxxxxxx Xxxxx
Xxxxx Xxxx | |
Secretary: | Matsack Trust Limited | |
Financial year end: | 31 December | |
Auditors: | PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP | |
Issued shares (including identity of each shareholder and number of shares held by it): | VimpelCom Luxembourg Holdings S.àr.l. – 25,150 ordinary shares
Xxxxxxxxx Europe Telecommunications S.àr.l. – 25,150 ordinary shares |
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SCHEDULE 2
BOARD MEETINGS
1. | Frequency of meetings |
The Board shall meet as frequently as necessary to allow it to discharge its duties and in any case at least twice per calendar year and once every six months.
2. | Notice |
Except in the case of (i) urgency as agreed between all Director (in which case the notice convening the meeting shall indicate the nature of, and the reasons for, the urgency), or (ii) an express waiver by all the Directors, at least five Business Days’ written notice of each meeting of the Board shall be given to each Director by or on behalf of a Director wishing to convene a meeting of the Board.
3. | Agenda |
Either Director may add any item to the agenda for a Board meeting. A notice of a Board meeting shall be accompanied by an agenda of all the business to be transacted at the meeting, as well as any supporting papers and documentation that has been put forward for the Board meeting by a Director or which may be deemed relevant for such Board meeting. Any matter not on the agenda may be raised at the Board meeting by a Director present or represented at the Board meeting.
4. | Location |
Each meeting of the Board shall be held in Ireland and all the Directors must be physically present at any such meeting, unless exceptional circumstances apply (in which case, at least one Director must be physically present at any such meeting).
5. | Use of technology |
5.1 | The Board may, in exceptional cases only, conduct meetings to discuss matters and issues which are urgent by conference call, video conference, or by any other means which will enable each Director: |
(a) | to be identified during the meeting; |
(b) | to properly hear (or otherwise receive real-time communications made by) the other Director participating in the meeting; |
(c) | to address (or otherwise communicate in real time with) the other Director participating in the meeting simultaneously; and |
(d) | to properly deliberate and cast his/her vote, |
even if both Directors are not physically present in the same place at the relevant Board meeting.
5.2 | A Board meeting held in this manner is taken to be held at the registered office of XxxXx in Ireland, where the conference call or video conference, as the case may be, will have been initiated. |
5.3 | If a technological link fails, the Board meeting will be adjourned until the failure is rectified. |
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6. | Quorum |
6.1 | The quorum for the Board to validly deliberate is the presence in person (including participation in accordance with paragraph 5 above) of at least two Directors made up of at least one Director appointed by each Shareholder, either present or represented at the Board meeting. |
6.2 | A Director may be represented by an alternate at any meeting of the Board. |
6.3 | If a quorum is not present at a Board meeting within 30 minutes of the time appointed for the start of the meeting, the meeting will be adjourned to the same time and place on the next day or as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter (i.e. meeting at second call). If a quorum is not present at the reconvened meeting (i.e. meeting at second call) within 30 minutes of the time appointed for the start of the reconvened meeting, the meeting will be adjourned to the same time and place on the next day or as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter (i.e. meeting at third call). |
6.4 | If the Director appointed by a Shareholder is not present in person (including participation in accordance with paragraph 5 above) at a meeting of the Board and the following reconvened meeting (i.e. respectively, the meeting at first call and the meeting at second call), the quorum for the next reconvened meeting (i.e. the meeting at third call) of the Board shall be the presence (including participation in accordance with paragraph 5 above) of any one Director, present at the Board meeting. |
7. | Voting rights |
7.1 | Each Director is entitled to one vote on a Board resolution. |
7.2 | In the case of an equality of votes, no Director will have a second or casting vote. |
8. | Board decisions |
8.1 | All resolutions at meetings of the Directors shall be decided unanimously. |
8.2 | Minutes (including original and copies) of meetings of the Board, and excerpts from such minutes, will be drafted in English and signed by both Directors. |
9. | Written resolutions |
Resolutions of the Board may, in exceptional cases only, be passed in writing by way of unanimous written circular resolutions for matters and issues which are urgent, not significant or not material. Such resolutions will be drafted in English, and will consist of one or several counterparts containing the resolutions of the Board, signed and dated by each Director, manually or sent by email with the original to follow, which will be deemed valid under Irish applicable law. The date of such unanimous written circular resolution will be the date of the last signature by any Director as apposed on his counterpart.
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SCHEDULE 3
SHAREHOLDER MEETINGS
1. | Frequency and location of meetings |
1.1 | The Board may call a meeting of the Shareholders of XxxXx in Ireland (a Shareholders’ Meeting) at a time and place the Board resolves, unless exceptional circumstances apply. |
1.2 | Each Major Shareholder may call a Shareholders’ Meeting by notice in writing to the other Shareholder(s). Unless the Shareholder(s) agree otherwise, at least 20 Business Days’ notice shall be given to each Shareholder of any Shareholders’ Meeting (or 5 Business Days’ notice in the case of an adjourned meeting) which notice period must exclude the date of the notice and the date of the Shareholders’ Meeting unless all Shareholders agree otherwise. |
1.3 | An annual Shareholders’ Meeting will be held each year at the registered office of XxxXx in Ireland. |
2. | Quorum |
2.1 | The quorum for a Shareholders’ Meeting is the presence in person, or by proxy, representative or attorney, of each Major Shareholder. |
2.2 | A Shareholder may act at any Shareholders’ Meeting by appointing another person, who need not be a Shareholder of XxxXx, as its proxy in writing. |
2.3 | If a quorum is not present at a Shareholders’ Meeting within 30 minutes of the time appointed for the start of the Shareholders’ Meeting, the Shareholders’ Meeting will be adjourned to the same time and place on the next day or as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter. If a quorum is not present at the reconvened Shareholders’ Meeting within 30 minutes of the time appointed for the start of the Shareholders’ Meeting, the Shareholders’ Meeting will be dissolved. |
3. | Voting rights |
Each Shareholder is entitled to one vote for each Share of XxxXx held by that Shareholder. There shall be no class voting rights except as expressly provided for in the Constitution of XxxXx.
4. | Shareholder decisions |
A Shareholder resolution of XxxXx may only be carried, subject to mandatory provisions of applicable Irish law, the Constitution of XxxXx and the Reserved Matters (in which case the relevant majority of Shares of XxxXx set out in such provisions shall be required), if it is passed by Shareholders holding a majority of the Shares of XxxXx.
5. | Written resolutions |
The Shareholders may, in exceptional cases only, pass a resolution without a Shareholders’ Meeting being held if the requisite majority of the Shareholders entitled to vote on the resolution sign, or indicate their approval of, a document stating that they are in favour of the resolution set out in the document. The proposed resolution may be circulated in advance to the Shareholders for approval. The document may be in counterparts, signed or approved by one or more Shareholders, and may be circulated by email.
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SCHEDULE 4
RESERVED MATTERS
The following actions shall require the approval of the Major Shareholders:
1. | XxxXx Loan | Demanding repayment, assigning, novating, factoring, amending, creating an Encumbrance over, modifying any terms or conditions of (including, without limitation, extending), paying as a dividend in kind or waiving its rights under the XxxXx Loan, including, without limitation, in respect of the principal or interest, thereunder; | ||||
2. | Share issues and changes in share capital | (a) | The creation, allotment or issue of shares in the capital of XxxXx or of any other security by XxxXx or the granting of an option or right to subscribe in respect of those shares or other securities or convert any instrument into those shares or other securities; or | |||
(b) | The reduction or alteration of the capital of XxxXx (including, without limitation, a purchase by XxxXx of its own shares or other securities); | |||||
3. | Security interests and guarantees | The creation of a security interest or the provision of a guarantee of indebtedness by XxxXx; | ||||
4. | Distributions | The payment, determination or declaration by XxxXx of a Dividend or other distribution; | ||||
5. | Financing | The entry by any XxxXx into any commercial paper facility, bank loans or any other financing (or series of financings with the same party or group of related parties whether at one time or over a period of 12 months) (a Debt Finance Arrangement) or amendments to any existing Debt Finance Arrangement; | ||||
6. | Constitution | The making of any amendment to the Constitution of XxxXx; | ||||
7. | Relocation | Any decision to relocate the principal office or change the jurisdiction of the tax residence of XxxXx; | ||||
8. | Accounting policies | Any change to the accounting policies of XxxXx, other than where required by law or the applicable accounting standards or where the continuation of the existing policy would constitute a breach of such law or accounting standards; | ||||
9. | Board | Any change to the number of Directors; | ||||
10. | Other agreed matters | Any other matter which the Shareholders agree is to be a Reserved Matter or which requires approval of the Shareholders as a matter of applicable law, in which case the Shareholders shall vote on such matter in accordance with this deed. |
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SCHEDULE 5
FORM OF DEED OF ADHERENCE
THIS DEED is made on ●
BY: [●] of [●] (the New Party).
IN FAVOUR OF: Those persons specified in paragraph 4 of this deed].
BACKGROUND:
(A) | The New Party proposes to [purchase][subscribe for] [●] [ordinary] shares in the capital of [●] (the Company) [from [●]]. |
(B) | This deed is made by the New Party in compliance with clause [14] of a shareholders’ deed dated [●] between the Company, VIP, HET, the VIP Guarantor and the HET Guarantor (the XxxXx Shareholders’ Deed). |
THIS DEED WITNESSES as follows:
1. | The New Party confirms that it has been supplied with a copy of the XxxXx Shareholders’ Deed. |
2. | [The New Party hereby subscribes for [●] [ordinary shares] in the capital of the Company at a subscription price of [●] per share and agrees to become a member of the Company and to hold the shares subject to the XxxXx Shareholders’ Deed and the Constitution.] OR [The New Party has agreed to purchase from [insert seller party details] [●] [ordinary shares] in the capital of the Company at a purchase price of [●] per share and agrees to become a member of the Company and to hold the shares subject to the XxxXx Shareholders’ Deed and the Constitution.] |
3. | The New Party undertakes to be bound by the XxxXx Shareholders’ Deed in all respects as if the New Party was a party to the XxxXx Shareholders’ Deed and named in it as a Shareholder and to observe and perform all the provisions and obligations of the XxxXx Shareholders’ Deed applicable to or binding on a Shareholder under the XxxXx Shareholders’ Deed insofar as they fall to be observed or performed on or after the date of this deed. |
4. | This deed is made for the benefit of: |
(a) | the parties to the XxxXx Shareholders’ Deed; and |
(b) | every other person who after the date of the XxxXx Shareholders’ Deed (and whether before or after the execution of this deed) assumes any rights or obligations under the XxxXx Shareholders’ Deed or accedes to it. |
5. | Unless otherwise defined herein, all capitalised terms used in this deed shall have the meanings given to them in the XxxXx Shareholders’ Deed. |
6. | The address and email address of the New Party for the purposes of clause [23] of the XxxXx Shareholders’ Deed is as follows: |
Address: | [●] | |
Email: | [●] | |
For the attention of: | [●]. |
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7. | This deed and any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with it are governed by the English law. |
8. | Any Dispute arising out of or in connection with this deed shall be settled in accordance with clause [26] of the XxxXx Shareholders’ Deed, which is deemed to be incorporated in full into this deed mutatis mutandis and for the purposes of clause [26.3] of the XxxXx Shareholders’ Deed as incorporated into this deed, the New Party irrevocably appoints [●] of [●] as its agent in England for service of process in relation to any such dispute. |
IN WITNESS of which this deed has been executed and has been delivered on the date which appears first on page 1.
EXECUTED AS A DEED by [COMPANY NAME] |
) ) |
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Signature of director |
Signature of [director]/[company secretary][witness] | |||
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Name of director |
Name of [director]/[company secretary][witness] |
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SCHEDULE 6
TRIGGER EVENT PROVISIONS
1. | Power of Attorney |
Each of the Minority Shareholders authorises and grants to the Major Shareholder full power to exercise all rights in relation to its Shares in its absolute discretion, including (but not limited to):
(a) | receiving notice, attending and voting at any Shareholders’ Meeting or signing any resolution as the registered holder of the Shares; |
(b) | completing and returning proxy cards, consents to short notice and any other documents required to be signed by the registered holder of the Shares, |
for the purpose of any vote on any matter which requires an approval of 75% of the votes cast of XxxXx under Irish law (a Special Majority Approval).
2. | Voting Undertaking |
If for any reason the authority granted under paragraph 1 above does not result in the Major Shareholder being able to achieve the Special Majority Approval, each of the Minority Shareholder(s) undertakes to attend all meetings of Shareholders of XxxXx in Ireland (a Shareholders’ Meeting) and vote, as shareholders of XxxXx, as directed in writing by the Major Shareholder, on any vote on any matter which relates to a Special Majority Approval.
3. | Delegation of authority |
3.1 | The Minority Shareholder(s) irrevocably and unconditionally (and by way of security for the performance of its obligations under this deed) appoints such persons as may be nominated by the Major Shareholder as its attorney and on its behalf to execute, deliver and carry out in its name or otherwise on its behalf all documents, acts and things which the attorney(s) may in its or their absolute discretion consider necessary or desirable to exercise the: |
(a) | rights of such Minority Shareholder in accordance with paragraph 1 above; and |
(b) | voting rights of such Minority Shareholder to vote as directed in writing by the Major Shareholder in accordance with paragraph 2 above which such Minority Shareholder is obliged, but fails, to effect in accordance with the directions of the Major Shareholder. |
3.2 | The appointment in paragraph 3.1 shall in all circumstances remain in force and be irrevocable until such time as the appointing Major Shareholder (together with its Permitted Transferees) ceases to have any obligations under this Schedule 6 and this deed (including without limitation those obligations set out in the Surviving Clauses which shall survive termination of this deed) but shall have no further effect after that date. |
4. | Restrictions on Disposal |
No Shareholder may Dispose of any of its Shares at any time after a Trigger Event unless:
(a) | any transferee first executes and delivers to XxxXx and the remaining Shareholders a Deed of Adherence; and |
(b) | such Disposal is carried out in compliance with paragraphs [6] and [7] of Schedule [10] of the H3G II Shareholders’ Deed and articles [9 and 10] of the Constitution (as applicable). |
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For the purposes of this Schedule 6:
Minority Shareholder means any Shareholder other than a Major Shareholder (or its Permitted Transferees);
Shareholders’ Meeting has the meaning given in paragraph 2 of this Schedule 5;
Special Majority Approval has the meaning given in paragraph 1 of this Schedule 5;
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SCHEDULE 7
DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION
1. | Definitions |
In this deed:
Anti-Corruption Policies has the meaning given in clause 15.1;
Appointer means, in relation to a Director, the Shareholder or its Permitted Transferee who proposed the appointment of that Director under clause 4.2;
Board means the board of directors of XxxXx;
Business has the meaning given in clause 2.1;
Constitution means the constitution of XxxXx, as amended from time to time;
Contribution and Framework Agreement mean the contribution and framework agreement dated 6 August 2015 between, amongst others, HET, VimpelCom Amsterdam B.V., H3G II, VIP Guarantor and HET Guarantor;
Debt Finance Arrangement has the meaning given in Schedule 4;
Deed of Adherence means a deed of adherence to this deed to be executed by any transferee of a Share substantially in the form set out in Schedule 5;
Director means a director of XxxXx and Director means any one of the them;
Discloser has the meaning given in clause 18.4;
Dispute means any dispute, claim, difference or controversy arising out of, relating to or having any connection with this deed, including any dispute as to its existence, validity, interpretation, performance, breach or termination or the consequences of its nullity and any dispute relating to any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with it;
XxxXx Loan means an interest free loan from Xxxxx to H3GII with a principal amount of approximately EUR5.1 billion following the novation of the Existing Loan as part of the HET Secondary Contribution and VIP Luxco Secondary Contribution at Completion (each as defined in the Contribution and Framework Agreement);
H3G II means Xxxxxxxxx 3G Italy Investments S.à x.x., a sociėtė à responsabilitėe limitėe incorporated under the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg having its registered office at 0, xxx xx Xxxxxx-xxx-Xxxxxx, X-0000 Xxxxxxxxxx, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg registered with the Luxembourg trade companies register under number B77457;
H3G II Articles means the Articles as such term is defined in the H3G II Shareholders’ Deed;
H3G II Shareholders’ Deed has the meaning given in clause 1.1;
Interest means, in relation to any person, any financial or commercial interest of that person arising from any existing or proposed appointment, arrangement, role, contract, litigation or other proceeding between XxxXx and that person;
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Major Shareholder means a Shareholder that either alone or together with its Permitted Transferees and/or Affiliates holds 50 per cent. or more of the issued Shares in XxxXx (and if not all such Shares are held by one Shareholder then references in this deed to the Major Shareholder shall, unless the context requires otherwise, be construed to mean, in respect of obligations, all such Shareholders having the same Ultimate Holding Company holding Shares that together comprise 50 per cent. or more of the issued Shares in XxxXx and, in respect of the exercise of rights, that Shareholder holding the largest number of Shares of those Shareholders that together compromise the Major Shareholder);
Reserved Matters means any matter set out in Schedule 4;
Shares mean the ordinary shares of €1.00 each in the capital of XxxXx;
Shareholder means a registered holder of Shares who is party to this deed as an original party or by having executed a Deed of Adherence in accordance with this deed;
Shareholder Approval means an approval given in accordance with clauses 6.1 and 6.2;
Shareholders’ Meeting has the meaning given in paragraph 1 of Schedule 3;
Surviving Clauses means clause 1, 18, 21 to 26 (inclusive); and
Trigger Event means completion of the transfer or issue of any Shares in accordance with this deed following which there is only one Major Shareholder.
2. | Things required to be done other than on a Business Day |
Unless otherwise indicated, where the day on which any act, matter or thing is to be done is a day other than a Business Day, that act, matter or thing shall be done on or by the next Business Day.
3. | Other rules of interpretation |
In this deed:
(a) | references to VIP or HET include each of their Permitted Transferees from time to time; |
(b) | any reference, express or implied, to any legislation in any jurisdiction includes: |
(i) | that legislation as amended, extended or applied by or under any other legislation made before or after execution of this deed; |
(ii) | any legislation which that legislation re-enacts with or without modification; and |
(iii) | any subordinate legislation made before or after execution of this deed under that legislation, including (where applicable) that legislation as amended, extended or applied as described in paragraph 3(b)(i), or under any legislation which it re-enacts as described in paragraph 3(b)(ii); |
(c) | references to persons or entities include natural persons, bodies corporate, partnerships, trusts and unincorporated and incorporated associations of persons; |
(d) | references to an individual or a natural person include his estate and personal representatives; |
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(e) | subject to clause 23.2, references to a party to this deed include the successors or assigns (immediate or otherwise) of that party; |
(f) | references to any English legal term for any action, remedy, method or judicial or arbitral proceeding, legal document, legal status, court, arbitral tribunal, official or any legal concept or thing shall, in respect of any jurisdiction other than England, be taken to include what most nearly approximates in that jurisdiction to the English legal term; |
(g) | a reference to any instrument or document includes any variation or replacement of it; |
(h) | unless otherwise indicated, a reference to any time is a reference to that time in London; |
(i) | a reference to € or Euros or EUR is to the currency of the Eurozone countries from time to time or its equivalent in any other relevant currency; |
(j) | singular words include the plural and vice versa; |
(k) | a word of any gender includes the corresponding words of any other gender; |
(l) | if a word or phrase is defined, other grammatical forms of that word have a corresponding meaning; |
(m) | general words shall not be given a restrictive meaning by reason of the fact that they are followed by particular examples intended to be embraced by the general words, and references to “includes” mean “includes without limitation”; and |
(n) | nothing is to be construed adversely to a party just because that party put forward this deed or the relevant part of this deed. |
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SIGNATORIES
GIVEN under the common seal | ) | /s/ Xxxxxxx Xxxxx | ||||
of VIP-CKH IRELAND LIMITED | ) | Director | ||||
and DELIVERED as a DEED | ) |
[Signature Page to XxxXx Shareholders Deed]
EXECUTED as a deed by | ) | |||||||||
VIMPELCOM LUXEMBOURG HOLDINGS | ) | /s/ Xxxxxxx Xxxxx | ||||||||
S.à X.X. | ) | Authorised signatory | ||||||||
Witness’s Signature | /s/ A. Oemrawsingh |
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Name: | A. Oemrawsingh |
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Address: | Xxxxxxxxxx 00 |
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0000 XX Xxxxxxxxx |
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Xxx Xxxxxxxxxxx | ||||||||||
) | ||||||||||
) | /s/ Xxxxx Xxxxxx | |||||||||
) | Authorised signatory | |||||||||
Witness’s Signature | /s/ A. Oemrawsingh |
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Name: | A. Oemrawsingh |
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Address: | Xxxxxxxxxx 00 |
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0000 XX Xxxxxxxxx |
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Xxx Xxxxxxxxxxx |
[Signature Page to XxxXx Shareholders Deed]
EXECUTED as a deed by XXXXXXXXX EUROPE TELECOMMUNICATIONS S.à X.X. |
) ) ) ) |
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/s/ Xxxx XxXxx | |||||||
Signature of director | Xxxx XxXxx Manager | |||||||
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Name of director |
[Signature Page to XxxXx Shareholders Deed]
EXECUTED as a deed by | ) | |||||||||
VIMPELCOM LTD. | ) | /s/ Xxxxxx Xxxxxx | ||||||||
) | Authorised signatory | |||||||||
Witness’s Signature | /s/ Xxxxxxxx xx Xxxx |
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Name: | Xxxxxxxx xx Xxxx |
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Address: | Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxxx 00 |
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0000 XX Xxxxxxxxx |
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Xxx Xxxxxxxxxxx |
[Signature Page to XxxXx Shareholders Deed]
EXECUTED as a deed by | ) | |||||||
XX XXXXXXXXX HOLDINGS LIMITED | ) | |||||||
/s/ Xxxxx Xxxx |
/s/ Xxxxx Xxxx | |||||||
Signature of director | Signature of company secretary | |||||||
Xxxxx Xxxx |
Xxxxx Xxxx | |||||||
Name of director | Name of company secretary |
[Signature Page to XxxXx Shareholders Deed]
DOCUMENTS IN THE AGREED FORM
1. | Constitution |