Exclusive Option Agreement
Exhibit 4.76
This Exclusive Option Agreement (this “Agreement”) is executed by and among the following Parties as of May 15, 2019 in Beijing, the People’s Republic of China (“China” or the “PRC”):
Party A: Beijing Huateng Xiangfeng Technology Co., Ltd., a wholly foreign owned enterprise established and existing under the laws of the PRC, and the address is Unit 02, (14)1702, Floor 17, Xx.00 Xxxxxxxxxxx Xxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxx;
Party B: Yang Qihu, a Chinese citizen with Identification No.: [] (“Yang Qihu”); and
Party C: Shengxiang Hudong Music (Beijing) Co., Ltd., a limited liability company established and existing under the laws of the PRC, and the address is Room 3092 Floor 3, No. 00 Xxx Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxx.
In this Agreement, Party A, Party B, and Party C shall each be referred to as a “Party” respectively, and shall be collectively referred to as the “Parties”.
Whereas:
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11.7.10 |
Party B is the shareholder of Party C and as of the date hereof holds 50 % of the equity interests of Party C, representing RMB 500,000 in the registered capital of Party C. |
After mutual discussions and negotiations, the Parties have now reached the following agreement:
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1. |
Sale and Purchase of Equity Interest |
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1.1 |
Option Granted |
Party B agrees that as of the date hereof, Party B hereby irrevocably grants Party A an irrevocable and exclusive right to purchase, or designate one or more persons (each, a “Designee”) to purchase the equity interests in Party C then held by Party B once or at multiple times at any time in part or in whole at Party A’s sole and absolute discretion to the extent permitted by PRC laws (including any laws, regulations, rules, notices, interpretation or other legally binding documents promulgated by any central or local legislative executive or judicial branch before or after the signing of this agreement, collectively referred to as “PRC laws”) and at the price described in Section 1.3 herein (“Equity Interest Purchase Option”). Except for Party A, no other person shall be entitled to the Equity Interest Purchase Option or other rights with respect to the equity interests of Party B. Party C hereby agrees to the grant by Party B of the Equity Interest Purchase Option to Party A. The term “person” as used herein shall refer to individuals, corporations, partnerships, partners, enterprises, trusts, or non-corporate organizations.
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1.2 |
Steps for Exercise |
The exercise of the Equity Interest Purchase Option and the Asset Purchase Option by Party A shall be subject to the provisions of the laws and regulations of China. When Party A exercises the Equity Interest Purchase Option, a written notice shall be issued to Party B (the “Equity Interest Purchase Option Notice”), specifying:(a) Party A’s or the Designee’s decision to exercise the Equity Interest Purchase Option; (b) the portion of equity interests to be purchased by Party A or the Designee from Party B (the “Optioned Interests”); and (c) the date for purchasing the Optioned Interests or the date for the transfer of the Optioned Interests.
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1.3 |
Purchase Price |
The purchase price (“Benchmark Purchase Price”) of all equity interests shall be XXX 00. If PRC law requires a minimum price higher than the Benchmark Purchase Price when Party A exercises the Equity Interest Purchase Option, the minimum price regulated by PRC law shall be the purchase price (collectively, the “Equity Interest Purchase Price”).
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1.4 |
Transfer of Optioned Interests |
For each Party A’s exercise of the Equity Interest Purchase Option:
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1.4.1 |
Party B shall cause Party C to promptly convene a shareholders’ meeting, at which a resolution shall be adopted approving Party B’s transfer of the Optioned Interests to Party A and/or the Designee(s); |
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1.4.2 |
Party B shall obtain written statements from the other shareholders (if any) of Party C giving consent to the transfer of the equity interest to Party A and/or the Designee(s) and waiving any right of first refusal related thereto; |
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1.4.3 |
Party B shall execute an equity interest transfer contract with respect to each transfer with Party A and/or each Designee (whichever is applicable), in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and the Equity Interest Purchase Option Notice regarding the Optioned Interests; |
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security arrangements, but shall be deemed to exclude any security interest created by this Agreement, Party B’s Equity Interest Pledge Agreement, and Party B’s Power of Attorney. “Party B’s Equity Interest Pledge Agreement” as used in this Agreement shall refer to the Equity Interest Pledge Agreement executed by and among Party A, Party B and Party C on the date hereof and any modifications, amendments, and restatements thereto. “Party B’s Power of Attorney” as used in this Agreement shall refer to the Power of Attorney executed by Party B on the date hereof granting Party A with a power of attorney and any modifications, amendments, and restatements thereto. |
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2. |
Covenants |
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2.1 |
Covenants regarding Party C |
Party B (as the shareholder of Party C) and Party C hereby covenant on the following:
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2.1.1 |
Without the prior written consent of Party A, they shall not in any manner supplement, change, or amend the articles of association of Party C, increase or decrease its registered capital, or change its structure of registered capital in other manners. |
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2.1.2 |
They shall maintain Party C’s corporate existence in accordance with good financial and business standards and practices, as well as obtain and maintain all necessary government licenses and permits by prudently and effectively operating its business and handling its affairs. |
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2.1.3 |
Without the prior written consent of Party A, they shall not at any time following the date hereof, sell, transfer, mortgage, or dispose of in any manner any material assets of Party C or legal or beneficial interest in the material business or revenues of Party C of more than US$ 150,000, or allow the encumbrance thereon of any security interests. |
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2.1.4 |
Without the prior written consent of Party A, they shall not incur, inherit, guarantee, or suffer the existence of any debt, except for payables incurred in the ordinary course of business other than through loans. |
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2.1.5 |
They shall always operate all of Party C’s businesses within the normal business scope to maintain the asset value of Party C and refrain from any action/omission that may affect Party C’s operating status and asset value. |
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2.1.7 |
Without the prior written consent of Party A, they shall not cause Party C to provide any person with a loan or credit. |
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2.1.8 |
They shall provide Party A with information on Party C’s business operations and financial condition upon Party A’s request. |
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2.1.9 |
If requested by Party A, they shall procure and maintain insurance in respect of Party C’s assets and business from an insurance carrier acceptable to Party A, at an amount and type of coverage typical for companies that operate similar businesses and own similar assets in the same area. |
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2.1.10 |
Without the prior written consent of Party A, they shall not cause or permit Party C to merge, consolidate with, acquire, or invest in any person. |
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2.1.11 |
They shall immediately notify Party A of the occurrence or possible occurrence of any litigation, arbitration, or administrative proceedings relating to Party C’s assets, business, or revenue. |
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2.1.12 |
To maintain the ownership by Party C of all of its assets, they shall execute all necessary or appropriate documents, take all necessary or appropriate actions, file all necessary or appropriate complaints, and raise necessary or appropriate defenses against all claims. |
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2.1.13 |
Without the prior written consent of Party A, they shall ensure that Party C shall not in any manner distribute dividends to its shareholders, provided that upon Party A’s written request, Party C shall immediately distribute all distributable profits to its shareholders. |
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2.1.14 |
At the request of Party A, they shall appoint any person designated by Party A as the director or executive director of Party C. |
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2.1.15 |
Unless otherwise required by PRC law, Party C shall not be dissolved or liquated without prior written consent by Party A. |
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Party B and Party C hereby jointly and severally covenant to the following:
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2.2.1 |
Without the prior written consent of Party A, at any time from the date of execution of this Agreement, Party B shall not sell, transfer, mortgage, or dispose of in any other manner any legal or beneficial interest in the equity interests in Party C held by Party B, or allow the encumbrance thereon, except for the interest placed in accordance with Party B’s Equity Interest Pledge Agreement and Party B’s Power of Attorney. |
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2.2.2 |
Party B shall cause the shareholders’ meeting and/or the directors (or the executive director) of Party C not to approve any sale, transfer, mortgage, or disposition in any other manner of any legal or beneficial interest in the equity interests in Party C held by Party B, or allow the encumbrance thereon of any other security interest without the prior written consent of Party A, except for the interest placed in accordance with Party B’s Equity Interest Pledge Agreement and Party B’s Power of Attorney. |
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2.2.3 |
Without the prior written consent of Party A, Party B shall cause the shareholders’ meeting or the directors (or the executive director) of Party C not to approve the merger or consolidation with any person, or the acquisition of or investment in any person. |
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2.2.4 |
Party B shall immediately notify Party A of the occurrence or possible occurrence of any litigation, arbitration, or administrative proceedings relating to the equity interests in Party C held by Party B. |
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2.2.5 |
Party B shall cause the shareholders’ meeting or the directors (or the executive director) of Party C to vote their approval of the transfer of the Optioned Interests as set forth in this Agreement and to take any and all other actions that may be requested by Party A. |
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2.2.6 |
To the extent necessary to maintain Party B’s ownership in Party C, Party B shall execute all necessary or appropriate documents, take all necessary or appropriate actions, file all necessary or appropriate complaints, and raise necessary or appropriate defenses against all claims. |
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2.2.7 |
Party B shall appoint any designee of Party A as the director or the executive director of Party C, at the request of Party A. |
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2.2.8 |
Party B hereby waives its right of first refusal in regards to the transfer of equity interest by any other shareholder of Party C to Party A (if any), and gives consent to the execution by each other shareholder of Party C with Party A and Party C the exclusive option agreement, the equity interest pledge agreement and the |
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power of attorney similar to this Agreement, Party B’s Equity Interest Pledge Agreement, and Party B’s Power of Attorney, and accepts not to take any actions in conflict with such documents executed by the other shareholders; |
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2.2.9 |
Party B shall promptly donate any profits, interests, dividends, or proceeds of liquidation to Party A or any other person designated by Party A to the extent permitted under the applicable PRC laws. And |
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2.2.10 |
Party B shall strictly abide by the provisions of this Agreement and other contracts jointly or separately executed by and among Party B, Party C, and Party A, perform the obligations hereunder and thereunder, and refrain from any action/omission that may affect the effectiveness and enforceability thereof. To the extent that Party B has any remaining rights with respect to the equity interests subject to this Agreement hereunder or under Party B’s Equity Interest Pledge Agreement or under Party B’s Power of Attorney, Party B shall not exercise such rights excluding in such manner in accordance with the written instructions of Party A. |
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3. |
Representations and Warranties |
Party B and Party C hereby represent and warrant to Party A, jointly and severally, as of the date of this Agreement and each date of transfer, that:
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3.1 |
They have the power, capacity, and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and any equity interest transfer contracts to which they are parties concerning each transfer of the Optioned Interests as described thereunder (each, a “Transfer Contract”), and to perform their obligations under this Agreement and any Transfer Contracts. Party B and Party C agree to enter into Transfer Contracts substantially consistent with the terms of this Agreement upon Party A’s exercise of the Equity Interest Purchase Option. This Agreement and the Transfer Contracts to which they are parties constitute or will constitute their legal, valid, and binding obligations, and shall be enforceable against them in accordance with the provisions thereof. |
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3.2 |
Party B and Party C have obtained any and all approvals and consents from the relevant government authorities and third parties (if required) for the execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement. |
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3.3 |
The execution and delivery of this Agreement or any Transfer Contracts and the obligations under this Agreement or any Transfer Contracts shall not: (i) cause any violations of any applicable PRC laws; (ii) be inconsistent with the articles of association, bylaws, or other organizational documents of Party C; (iii) cause the violation of any contracts or instruments to which they are a party or which are binding on them, or constitute any breach under any contracts or instruments to which they are a party or which are binding on them; (iv) cause any violation of any condition for the grant and/or continued effectiveness of any licenses or permits issued to either of them; or (v) cause the suspension or revocation of or imposition of additional conditions to any licenses or permits issued to either of them. |
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3.5 |
Party C has a good and merchantable title to all of its assets, and has not placed any security interest on the aforementioned assets. |
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3.6 |
Party C does not have any outstanding debts, except for (i) debt incurred within its normal business scope; and (ii) debts disclosed to Party A for which Party A’s written consent has been obtained. |
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3.7 |
Party C has complied with all laws and regulations of China applicable to asset acquisitions. And |
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3.8 |
There is no pending or threatened litigation, arbitration, or administrative proceedings relating to the equity interests in Party C, assets of Party C, or Party C itself. |
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4. |
Effective Date and Term |
This Agreement shall become effective upon execution by the Parties. This Agreement shall terminate upon (whichever is earlier) (i) the date all the equity interests Party B holds in Party C has been transferred to Party A pursuant to this Agreement, or (ii) the date when Warner Music China (HK) Limited (“Warner”) receive the equity interests of WT2 Limited (“WT2”) held by Tencent Music Entertainment Hong Kong Limited (“TME HK”) pursuant to Section 24.4 of the Joint Venture Agreement executed by and among Warner, TME HK and WT2, or (iii) the termination date of the Joint Venture Agreement mentioned above.
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5. |
Governing Law and Disputes Resolution |
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5.1 |
Governing Law |
The execution, effectiveness, interpretation, performance, amendment, and termination of this Agreement as well as any dispute resolution hereunder shall be governed by the laws of the PRC.
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5.2 |
Methods of Disputes Resolution |
In the event of any dispute arising with respect to the construction and performance of this Agreement, the Parties shall first attempt to resolve the dispute through friendly negotiations. In the event that the Parties fail to reach an agreement on the dispute within 30 days after either Party’s written request to the other Parties for dispute resolution through negotiations, either Party may submit the relevant dispute to the Beijing International Arbitration Center for arbitration, in accordance with its arbitration rules. The arbitration shall be conducted in Beijing, and the arbitration award shall be final and binding to all Parties.
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Each Party shall pay any and all transfer and registration taxes, expenses, and fees incurred thereby or levied thereon in accordance with the laws of the PRC in connection with the preparation and execution of this Agreement and the Transfer Contracts, as well as the consummation of the transactions contemplated under this Agreement and the Transfer Contracts.
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7. |
Notices |
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7.1 |
All notices and other communications required or permitted to be given pursuant to this Agreement shall be delivered personally or sent by registered mail, prepaid postage, commercial courier services, or facsimile transmission to the address of such Party set forth below. A confirmation copy of each notice shall also be sent by email. The dates on which notices shall be deemed to have been effectively given shall be determined as follows: |
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7.1.1 |
Notices given by personal delivery, courier services, registered mail, or prepaid postage shall be deemed effectively given on the date of receipt or refusal at the address specified for such notices. |
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7.2 |
For the purpose of notices, the addresses of the Parties are as follows: |
Party A: Beijing Huateng Xiangfeng Technology Co., Ltd.
Address: Unit 02, (14)1702, Floor 17, Xx. 00 Xxxxxxxxxxx Xxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxx
Attention: Xxxx Xx
E-mail: [ ]
Address: 0xx Xxxxx, Xxxx X0, Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx, National Convention Center, Xx. 0, Xxxxxxxx Xxxx Xxxx, Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxx
Email: [ ]
Attention: M&A Department
with a Copy to:
Address: 0xx Xxxxx, Xxxx X0, Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx, National Convention Center, Xx. 0, Xxxxxxxx Xxxx Xxxx, Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxx
Email: [ ]
Attention: Legal Management Department – Investment and M&A
Party B: Yang Qihu
Address: 0xx Xxxxx, Xxxx X0, Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx, National Convention Center, Xx. 0, Xxxxxxxx Xxxx Xxxx, Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxx
Email: [ ]
Attention: M&A Department
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with a Copy to:
Address: 0xx Xxxxx, Xxxx X0, Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx, National Convention Center, Xx. 0, Xxxxxxxx Xxxx Xxxx, Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxx
Email: [ ]
Attention: Legal Management Department – Investment and M&A
Party C: Shengxiang Hudong Music (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
Address: 0xx Xxxxx, Xxxx X0, Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx, National Convention Center, Xx. 0, Xxxxxxxx Xxxx Xxxx, Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxx
Email: [ ]
Attention: M&A Department
wth a Copy to:
Address: 0xx Xxxxx, Xxxx X0, Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx, National Convention Center, Xx. 0, Xxxxxxxx Xxxx Xxxx, Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxx
Email: [ ]
Attention: Legal Management Department – Investment and M&A
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7.3 |
Any Party may at any time change its address for notices by having a notice delivered to the other Parties in accordance with the terms hereof. |
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8. |
Confidentiality |
The Parties acknowledge that the existence and the terms of this Agreement, and any oral or written information exchanged between the Parties in connection with the preparation and performance of this Agreement are regarded as confidential information. Each Party shall maintain the confidentiality of all such confidential information, and without obtaining the written consent of other Parties, it shall not disclose any relevant confidential information to any third parties, except for the information that: (a) is or will be featured in the public domain (other than through the receiving Party’s unauthorized disclosure); (b) is under the obligation to be disclosed pursuant to the applicable laws or regulations, rules of any stock exchange, or orders of the court or other government authorities; or (c) is required to be disclosed by any Party to its shareholders, directors, employees, legal counsels, or financial advisors regarding the transaction contemplated hereunder, provided that such shareholders, directors, employees, legal counsels, or financial advisors shall be bound by the confidential obligations similar to those set forth in this Section. Disclosure of any confidential information by the shareholders, director, employees of, or agencies engaged by any Party shall be deemed disclosure of such confidential information by such Party and that Party shall be held liable for breach of this Agreement.
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The Parties agree to promptly execute the documents that are reasonably required for or are conducive to the implementation of the provisions and purposes of this Agreement and to take further actions that are reasonably required for or are conducive to the implementation of the provisions and purposes of this Agreement.
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10.2 |
Party B or Party C shall not have any right to terminate this Agreement in any event unless otherwise required by the applicable laws. |
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11. |
Miscellaneous |
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11.1 |
Amendments, changes, and supplements |
Any amendments, changes, and supplements to this Agreement shall require the execution of a written agreement by all of the Parties.
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11.2 |
Entire agreement |
Except for the amendments, supplements, or changes in writing executed after the execution of this Agreement, this Agreement shall constitute the entire agreement reached by and among the Parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof, and shall supersede all prior oral and written consultations, representations, and contracts reached with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement.
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11.3 |
Headings |
The headings of this Agreement are for convenience only, and shall not be used to interpret, explain, or otherwise affect the meanings of the provisions of this Agreement.
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This Agreement is written in Chinese in three copies, with each Party having one copy.
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11.5 |
Severability |
In the event that one or several of the provisions of this Agreement are found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any aspect in accordance with any laws or regulations, the validity, legality, or enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall not be affected or compromised in any respect. The Parties shall strive in good faith to replace such invalid, illegal, or unenforceable provisions with effective provisions that accomplish to the greatest extent permitted by the relevant laws and the intentions of the Parties, and the economic effect of such effective provisions shall be as close as possible to the economic effect of those invalid, illegal, or unenforceable provisions.
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11.6 |
Successors |
This Agreement shall be binding on and shall inure to the interest of the respective successors of the Parties and the permitted assigns of such Parties, as if such person was a party of this Agreement.
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11.7 |
Survival |
11.7.1Any obligations that occur or are due as a result of this Agreement upon the expiration or early termination of this Agreement shall survive the expiration or early termination thereof.
11.7.2The provisions of Sections 5, 8, 10 and this Section 12.7 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
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11.8 |
Waivers |
Any Party may waive the terms and conditions of this Agreement, provided that such a waiver must be provided in writing and shall require the signatures of the Parties. No waiver by any Party in certain circumstances with respect to a breach by other Parties shall be deemed as a waiver by such a Party with respect to any similar breach in other circumstances.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the authorized representatives of the Parties have executed this Exclusive Option Agreement as of the date first above written.
Beijing Huateng Xiangfeng Technology Co., Ltd
/s/ Seal of Beijing Huateng Xiangfeng Technology Co., Ltd
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the authorized representatives of the Parties have executed this Exclusive Option Agreement as of the date first above written.
Yang Qihu
Signature: /s/ Yang Qihu
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the authorized representatives of the Parties have executed this Exclusive Option Agreement as of the date first above written.
Shengxiang Hudong Music (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
/s/ Seal of Shengxiang Hudong Music (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
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