AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO DEPOSIT AGREEMENT
AMENDMENT
NO. 1 TO DEPOSIT AGREEMENT
AMENDMENT
NO. 1 dated
as
of October , 2008 (the "Amendment") to the Amended and
Restated Deposit Agreement dated as of May 2, 2003 (the "Deposit Agreement"),
among BAE SYSTEMS plc,
incorporated under the laws of England and Wales (the "Company"), JPMorgan
Chase
Bank, N.A., as depositary (the "Depositary"), and all Holders from time to
time
of American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs") issued thereunder.
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS,
the Company and the Depositary executed the Deposit Agreement for the purposes
set forth therein; and
WHEREAS,
pursuant to paragraph (16) of the form of ADR set forth in Exhibit A of the
Deposit Agreement, the Company and the Depositary desire to amend the terms
of
the Deposit Agreement and ADRs.
NOW,
THEREFORE, for
good
and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby
acknowledged, the Company and the Depositary hereby agree to amend the Deposit
Agreement as follows:
ARTICLE
I
DEFINITIONS
SECTION
1.01. Definitions.
Unless
otherwise defined in this Amendment, all capitalized terms used but not
otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning given to such terms in the
Deposit Agreement, as amended hereby.
ARTICLE
II
AMENDMENTS
TO DEPOSIT AGREEMENT AND FORM OF ADR
SECTION
2.01. All
references in the Deposit Agreement to the term "Deposit Agreement" shall,
as of
the date hereof, refer to the Deposit Agreement as amended by this
Amendment.
SECTION
2.02. Paragraph
(7) of the form of ADR is amended to include the following immediately after
the
first sentence thereof:
In
addition, a fee of U.S.$0.02 per ADS shall be incurred by Holders and persons
holding ADSs on each Cash distribution made pursuant to the Deposit
Agreement.
SECTION
2.03. The
form
of ADR, reflecting the amendments set forth herein and
some
clarifying amendments thereto is amended and restated to read as set forth
as
Exhibit A hereto.
ARTICLE
III
REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES
SECTION
3.01. Representations
and Warranties of the Company.
The
Company represents and warrants to, and agrees with, the Depositary and the
Holders, that this Amendment, when executed and delivered by the Company, and
the Deposit Agreement and the Form F-6 as executed and delivered by the Company
in connection herewith, will be and have been, respectively, duly and validly
authorized, executed and delivered by the Company, and constitute the legal,
valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company,
without any stamp or tax required to be paid, in accordance with their
respective terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent
transfer, moratorium and similar laws of general applicability relating to
or
affecting creditors' rights and to general equity principles.
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ARTICLE
IV
MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION
4.01. Effective
Date.
This
Amendment is dated as of the date set forth above and shall be effective on
the
date hereof, provided the changes set forth in Section 2.02 hereof shall not
become effective until thirty days after notice thereof has been provided to
the
Holders.
SECTION
4.02. Indemnification.
The
parties hereto shall be entitled to all of the benefits of the indemnification
provisions of Section 16 of the Deposit Agreement in connection with any and
all
liability it or they may incur as a result of the terms of this Amendment and
the transactions contemplated herein.
SECTION
4.03. Governing
Law; Jurisdiction.
This
Amendment and all outstanding and hereinafter issued ADRs shall be governed
by
and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York. Any dispute,
legal suit, action or proceeding arising out of or based upon the Deposit
Agreement (as amended by the Amendment) or the transactions contemplated thereby
shall be submitted to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Courts of New York,
New
York.
SECTION
4.04. Outstanding
ADRs.
ADRs
issued prior or subsequent to the date hereof, which do not reflect the changes
to the form of ADR effected hereby, do not need to be called in for exchange
and
may remain outstanding until such time as the Holders thereof choose to
surrender them for any reason under the Deposit Agreement. The Depositary is
authorized and directed to take any and all actions deemed necessary to effect
the foregoing.
SECTION
4.05. Counterparts. This
Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall
be
deemed an original and all of which together shall constitute one instrument.
3
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF,
the
Company and the Depositary have caused this Amendment to be executed by
representatives thereunto duly authorized as of the date set forth above and
all
Holders shall become parties hereto by holding ADSs
By:
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Name:
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Title:
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JPMORGAN
CHASE BANK, N.A.
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By:
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Name:
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Title:
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EXHIBIT
A
ANNEXED
TO AND INCORPORATED
IN
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO DEPOSIT AGREEMENT
[FORM
OF
FACE OF ADR]
AS
PROVIDED IN THE ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION OF BAE SYSTEMS plc AND THE DEPOSIT
AGREEMENT REFERRED
TO BELOW, THE HOLDER HEREOF, THIS ADR, THE ADSs EVIDENCED HEREBY AND THE SHARES
REPRESENTED THEREBY ARE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS,
INCLUDING INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS, RESTRICTIONS ON OWNERSHIP AND PROVISIONS
FOR, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE CANCELLATION OF ADSs AND COMPULSORY SALE OF THE
SHARES REPRESENTED THEREBY AND LIMITATION OF VOTING RIGHTS. SUCH RESTRICTIONS
MAY CHANGE FROM TIME TO TIME. SEE PARAGRAPH (6) BELOW.
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No.
of ADSs:
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Number
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Each
ADS represents
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Four
(4) Shares
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CUSIP:
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AMERICAN
DEPOSITARY RECEIPT
evidencing
AMERICAN
DEPOSITARY SHARES
representing
ORDINARY
SHARES
of
(Incorporated
under the
laws
of
England and Wales)
A-1
JPMORGAN
CHASE BANK, N.A., a national banking association organized under the laws of
the
United States, as depositary hereunder (the "Depositary"), hereby certifies
that
is the
registered owner (a "Holder") of
American
Depositary Shares ("ADSs"), each (subject to paragraph (13) representing four
(4) ordinary shares (including the rights to receive Shares described in
paragraph (1), "Shares" and, together with any other securities, cash or
property from time to time held by the Depositary in respect or in lieu of
deposited Shares, the "Deposited Securities"), of BAE SYSTEMS plc, a corporation
organized under the laws of England and Wales (the "Company"), deposited under
the Amended and Restated Deposit Agreement dated as of May 2, 2003 (as amended
from time to time, the "Deposit Agreement") among the Company, the Depositary
and all Holders from time to time of American Depositary Receipts issued
thereunder ("ADRs"), each of whom by accepting an ADR becomes a party thereto.
The Deposit Agreement and this ADR (which includes the provisions set forth
on
the reverse hereof) shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the
laws of the State of New York.
(1)
Issuance
of ADRs.
This
ADR is one of the ADRs issued under the Deposit Agreement. Subject to paragraph
(4), the Depositary may so issue ADRs for delivery at the Transfer Office
(defined in paragraph (3)) only against deposit with the Custodian of: (a)
Shares in form satisfactory to the Custodian; (b) rights to receive Shares
from
the Company or any registrar, transfer agent, clearing agent or other entity
recording Share ownership or transactions; or, (c) other rights to receive
Shares (until such Shares are actually deposited pursuant to (a) or (b) above,
"Pre-released ADRs") only if (i) Pre-released ADRs are fully collateralized
(marked to market daily) with cash or U.S. government securities held by the
Depositary for the benefit of Holders (but such collateral shall not constitute
"Deposited Securities"), (ii) each recipient of Pre-released ADRs agrees in
writing with the Depositary that such recipient (a) owns such Shares, (b)
assigns all beneficial right, title and interest therein to the Depositary,
(c)
holds such Shares for the account of the Depositary and (d) will deliver such
Shares to the Custodian as soon as practicable and promptly upon demand therefor
and (iii) all Pre-released ADRs evidence not more than 30% of all ADSs
(excluding those evidenced by Pre-released ADRs), provided,
however,
that
the Depositary reserves the right to change or disregard such limit from time
to
time as it deems appropriate. The Depositary may retain for its own account
any
earnings on collateral for Pre-released ADRs and its charges for issuance
thereof. At the request, risk and expense of the person depositing Shares,
the
Depositary may accept deposits for forwarding to the Custodian and may deliver
ADRs at a place other than its office. Every person depositing Shares under
the
Deposit Agreement represents and warrants that such Shares are validly issued
and outstanding, fully paid, nonassessable and free of pre-emptive rights,
that
the person making such deposit is duly authorized so to do and that such Shares
(A) are not "restricted securities" as such term is defined in Rule 144 under
the Securities Act of 1933 unless at the time of deposit they may be freely
transferred in accordance with Rule 144(k) and may otherwise be offered and
sold
freely in the United States or (B) have been registered under the Securities
Act
of 1933. Such representations and warranties shall survive the deposit of Shares
and issuance of ADRs. The Depositary will not knowingly accept for deposit
under
the Deposit Agreement any Shares required to be registered under the Securities
Act of 1933 and not so registered; the Depositary may refuse to accept for
such
deposit any Shares identified by the Company in order to facilitate the
Company's compliance with such Act.
A-2
(2)
Withdrawal
of Deposited Securities.
Subject
to paragraphs (4) and (5), upon surrender of (i) a certificated ADR in form
satisfactory to the Depositary at the Transfer Office or (ii) proper
instructions and documentation in the case of a Direct Registration ADR, the
Holder hereof is entitled to delivery at the Custodian's office of the Deposited
Securities at the time represented by the ADSs evidenced by this ADR. At the
request, risk and expense of the Holder hereof, the Depositary may deliver
such
Deposited Securities at such other place as may have been requested by the
Holder. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Deposit Agreement or this
ADR, the withdrawal of Deposited Securities may be restricted only for the
reasons set forth in General Instruction I.A.(1) of Form F-6 (as such
instructions may be amended from time to time) under the Securities Act of
1933.
(3)
Transfers
of ADRs.
The
Depositary or its agent will keep, at a designated transfer office in the
Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York (the "Transfer Office"), (a) a
register (the "ADR Register") for the registration, registration of transfer,
combination and split-up of ADRs, and, in the case of Direct Registration ADRs,
shall include the Direct Registration System, which at all reasonable times
will
be open for inspection by Holders and the Company for the purpose of
communicating with Holders in the interest of the business of the Company or
a
matter relating to the Deposit Agreement and (b) facilities for the delivery
and
receipt of ADRs. The term ADR Register includes the Direct Registration System.
Title to this ADR (and to the Deposited Securities represented by the ADSs
evidenced hereby), when properly endorsed (in the case of ADRs in certificated
form) or upon delivery to the Depositary of proper instruments of transfer,
is
transferable by delivery with the same effect as in the case of negotiable
instruments under the laws of the State of New York; provided
that the
Depositary, notwithstanding any notice to the contrary, may treat the person
in
whose name this ADR is registered on the ADR Register as the absolute owner
hereof for all purposes. Subject to paragraphs (4) and (5), this ADR is
transferable on the ADR Register and may be split into other ADRs or combined
with other ADRs into one ADR, evidencing the same number of ADSs evidenced
by
this ADR, by the Holder hereof or by duly authorized attorney upon surrender
of
this ADR at the Transfer Office properly endorsed (in the case of ADRs in
certificated form) or upon delivery to the Depositary of proper instruments
of
transfer and duly stamped as may be required by applicable law; provided
that the
Depositary may close the ADR Register at any time or from time to time when
deemed expedient by it or requested by the Company. At the request of a Holder,
the Depositary shall, for the purpose of substituting a certificated ADR with
a
Direct Registration ADR, or vice versa, execute and deliver a certificated
ADR
or a Direct Registration ADR, as the case may be, for any authorized number
of
ADSs requested, evidencing the same aggregate number of ADSs as those evidenced
by the certificated ADR or Direct Registration ADR, as the case may be,
substituted.
(4)
Certain
Limitations.
Prior
to the issue, registration, registration of transfer, split-up or combination
of
any ADR, the delivery of any distribution in respect thereof, or, subject to
the
last sentence of paragraph (2), the withdrawal of any Deposited Securities,
and
from time to time in the case of clause (b)(ii) of this paragraph (4), the
Company, the Depositary or the Custodian may require: (a) payment with respect
thereto of (i) any stock transfer or other tax or other governmental charge,
(ii) any stock transfer or registration fees in effect for the registration
of
transfers of Shares or other Deposited Securities upon any applicable register
and (iii) any applicable charges as provided in paragraph (7) of this ADR;
(b)
the production of proof satisfactory to it of (i) the identity and genuineness
of any signature and (ii) such other information, including without limitation,
information as to citizenship, residence, exchange control approval, beneficial
ownership of any securities, compliance with applicable law, regulations,
provisions of or governing Deposited Securities and terms of the Deposit
Agreement and this ADR, as it may deem necessary or proper; and (c) compliance
with such regulations as the Depositary may establish consistent with the
Deposit Agreement. The issuance of ADRs, the acceptance of deposits of Shares,
the registration, registration of transfer, split-up or combination of ADRs
or,
subject to the last sentence of paragraph (2), the withdrawal of Deposited
Securities may be suspended, generally or in particular instances, when the
ADR
Register or any register for Deposited Securities is closed or when any such
action is deemed advisable by the Depositary or the Company.
A-3
(5)
Taxes.
If any
tax or other governmental charge shall become payable by or on behalf of the
Custodian or the Depositary with respect to this ADR, any Deposited Securities
represented by the ADSs evidenced hereby or any distribution thereon, such
tax
or other governmental charge shall be paid by the Holder hereof to the
Depositary. The Depositary may refuse to effect any registration, registration
of transfer, split-up or combination hereof or, subject to the last sentence
of
paragraph (2), any withdrawal of such Deposited Securities until such payment
is
made. The Depositary may also deduct from any distributions on or in respect
of
Deposited Securities, or may sell by public or private sale for the account
of
the Holder hereof any part or all of such Deposited Securities (after attempting
by reasonable means to notify the Holder hereof prior to such sale), and may
apply such deduction or the proceeds of any such sale in payment of such tax
or
other governmental charge, the Holder hereof remaining liable for any
deficiency, and shall reduce the number of ADSs evidenced hereby to reflect
any
such sales of Shares. In connection with any distribution to Holders, the
Company will remit to the appropriate governmental authority or agency all
amounts (if any) required to be withheld and owing to such authority or agency
by the Company; and the Depositary and the Custodian will remit to the
appropriate governmental authority or agency all amounts (if any) required
to be
withheld and owing to such authority or agency by the Depositary or the
Custodian. If the Depositary determines that any distribution in property other
than cash (including Shares or rights) on Deposited Securities is subject to
any
tax that the Depositary or the Custodian is obligated to withhold, the
Depositary may dispose of all or a portion of such property in such amounts
and
in such manner as the Depositary deems necessary and practicable to pay such
taxes, by public or private sale, and the Depositary shall distribute the net
proceeds of any such sale or the balance of any such property after deduction
of
such taxes to the Holders entitled thereto.
A-4
(6)
Disclosure
of Interests.
(a) The
Company may from time to time request Holders or former Holders to provide
information as to the capacity in which they hold or held ADRs, regarding the
identity of any other persons then or previously holding any beneficial or
other
interest in such ADRs and the nature of such interest and various other matters,
including, without limitation, information relating to nationality, residence
and domicile, in order to ensure that ownership of Shares and other securities
complies with the Articles. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Deposit
Agreement or this ADR, each Holder additionally agrees to comply with reasonable
requests from the Company pursuant to English law, the rules and requirements
of
each stock exchange or automated quotation system on which the Shares are,
or
will be, registered or traded, or the Articles, which are made to provide
information as to such capacity, identity and interests. Each such Holder agrees
to provide promptly any such information pursuant to paragraph 6(a) whether
or
not still a Holder at the time of such request, in sufficient detail to enable
the Company to determine conclusively whether the Holder is, and whether the
ownership of Shares and other securities is, in compliance with the Articles.
The Depositary agrees to use its reasonable efforts to comply with written
instructions received from the Company requesting that the Depositary forward
any such request to such Holders (in some cases for further forwarding to
beneficial owners holding ADSs through such Holder) and to the last known
address, if any, of such former Holders and to forward to the Company any
responses to such requests received by the Depositary, and to use its reasonable
efforts to assist the Company in obtaining such information with respect of
the
ADRs received from Holders, provided that
nothing
herein shall be interpreted as obligating the Depositary to provide or obtain
any such information not provided to the Depositary or its agents appointed
hereunder by such Holders or former Holders. To the extent that provisions
of or
governing any Deposited Securities or the applicable laws, rules or regulations
of any governmental authority or the Articles may require the disclosure of
or
limit the beneficial or other ownership of Deposited Securities, other Shares
and other securities and/or limit the aggregate number of securities deposited
at any time and may provide for blocking transfer and voting or other rights
to
enforce such disclosure or limit such ownership or deposits, the Depositary
shall use its reasonable efforts to comply with Company instructions as to
American Depositary Receipts in respect of any such enforcement or limitation
or
any reversal of any conversion of Shares into ADRs, and Holders shall comply
with all such disclosure requirements, ownership limitations and reversals
and
shall cooperate with the Depositary=s
compliance with such Company instructions.
(b)
The
Company may restrict transfers of the Shares where such transfer might
result
in
ownership of Shares or other securities exceeding limits imposed by applicable
law or the Articles. The Company may also restrict, in such manner as it
deems
appropriate, transfers of the ADSs where such transfer may result in the
total
number of Shares represented by the ADSs together with any other Shares
or other
securities owned by one or more persons to exceed any such limits.
Notwithstanding any inability of any party to physically restrict a transfer
of
ADSs, Holders agree contractually to abide by the Company=s
instructions. The Company reserves the right to instruct Holders to deliver
their ADRs (including those evidencing ADSs held by such Holder for any
person
or entity having a beneficial interest deriving from the ownership of an
ADS)
for cancellation and withdrawal of the Deposited Securities so as to permit
the
Company to deal directly with the Holder thereof as a holder of Shares.
The
Company may also refuse to allow such Holder to redeposit such Shares into
the
ADR facility and require such Holder to submit to the disenfranchisement
or
mandatory sale of such Shares in order that the ownership of Shares and
other
securities of the Company by persons complies with the Articles. The Depositary
agrees to cooperate with the Company in its efforts to inform Holders (on
behalf
of such Holders in their individual capacity and the beneficial owners
who hold
their ADSs through such Holders) of the Company=s
exercise of its rights under this paragraph and agrees to consult with,
and
provide reasonable assistance without risk or expense on the part of the
Depositary to, the Company on the manner or manners in which it may enforce
such
rights with respect to any Holder. Each holder acknowledges that, as of
the date
hereof, the Company's Articles limit the ownership of Shares (including
Shares
represented by ADSs) of the Company by persons who are foreigners (as defined
in
the Articles) to an individual foreign shareholding limit of 15% of all
outstanding Shares.
A-5
(c) Notwithstanding
any provision of the Deposit Agreement or of this ADR and without limiting
the
foregoing, by being a Holder of an ADR, each such Holder agrees to provide
such
information as the Company may request in a disclosure notice (a "Disclosure
Notice") given pursuant to the Great Britain Companies Act 1985 (as amended
from
time to time and including any statutory modification or re-enactment thereof,
the "Companies Act") or the Articles. By accepting or holding this ADR, each
Holder acknowledges that it understands that failure to comply with a Disclosure
Notice may result in the imposition of sanctions against the holder of the
Shares in respect of which the non-complying person is or was, or appears to
be
or has been, interested as provided in the Companies Act and the Articles which
currently include, the withdrawal of the voting rights of such Shares and the
imposition of restrictions on the rights to receive dividends on and to transfer
such Shares. In addition, by accepting or holding this ADR each Holder agrees
to
comply with the provisions of the Companies Act with regard to the notification
to the Company of interests in Shares, which currently provide, inter alia,
that
any Holder who is or becomes directly or indirectly interested (within the
meaning of the Companies Act) in 3% or more of the outstanding Shares, or is
aware that another person for whom it holds such ADRs is so interested, must
within two business days after becoming so interested or so aware (and
thereafter in certain circumstances upon any change to the particulars
previously notified) notify the Company as required by the Companies Act. After
the relevant threshold is exceeded, similar notifications must be made in whole
respect of whole percentage figure increases or decreases, rounded down to
the
nearest whole number.
(7)
Charges
of Depositary.
The
Depositary may charge each person to whom ADRs are issued against deposits
of
Shares, including deposits in respect of Share Distributions, Rights and Other
Distributions (as such terms are defined in paragraph (10)), and each person
surrendering ADRs for withdrawal of Deposited Securities, U.S. $5.00 for each
100 ADSs (or portion thereof) evidenced by the ADRs delivered or surrendered.
In
addition, a fee of U.S.$0.02 per ADS shall be incurred by Holders and persons
holding ADSs on each Cash distribution made pursuant to the Deposit Agreement.
The Depositary may sell (by public or private sale) sufficient securities and
property received in respect of Share Distributions, Rights and Other
Distributions prior to such deposit to pay such charge. The Company will pay
all
other charges and expenses of the Depositary and any agent of the Depositary
(except the Custodian) pursuant to agreements from time to time between the
Company and the Depositary, except (i) stock transfer or other taxes and other
governmental charges (which are payable by Holders or persons depositing
Shares), (ii) cable, telex and facsimile transmission and delivery charges
incurred at the request of persons depositing, or Holders delivering Shares,
ADRs or Deposited Securities (which are payable by such persons or Holders),
(iii) transfer or registration fees for the registration of transfer of
Deposited Securities on any applicable register in connection with the deposit
or withdrawal of Deposited Securities (which are payable by persons depositing
Shares or Holders withdrawing Deposited Securities; there are no such fees
in
respect of the Shares as of the date of the Deposit Agreement) and (iv) expenses
of the Depositary in connection with the conversion of foreign currency into
U.S. dollars (which are paid out of such foreign currency). These charges may
be
changed in the manner indicated in paragraph (16).
A-6
(8)
Available
Information.
The
Deposit Agreement, the provisions of or governing Deposited Securities, the
Articles and any written communications from the Company, which are both
received by the Custodian or its nominee as a holder of Deposited Securities
and
made generally available to the holders of Deposited Securities, are available
for inspection by Holders at the offices of the Depositary and the Custodian
and
at the Transfer Office. The Depositary will mail copies of such communications
(or English translations or summaries thereof) to Holders when furnished by
the
Company. The Company publishes information in English required to maintain
the
exemption from registration under Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Exchange Act on
its
Internet Web site (xxx.xxxxxxxxxx.xxx) or through an electronic information
delivery system generally available to the public in its primary trading market.
The Depositary does not assume any duty to determine if the Company is complying
with the current requirements of Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 or to take any action if the Company is not complying with those
requirements.
(9)
Execution.
This
ADR shall not be valid for any purpose unless executed by the Depositary by
the
manual or facsimile signature of a duly authorized officer of the
Depositary.
Dated:
JPMORGAN
CHASE BANK, N.A., as Depositary
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By
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The
Depositary's office is located at 0 Xxx Xxxx Xxxxx, 00xx
Xxxxx,
Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000.
[FORM
OF
REVERSE OF ADR]
A-7
(10)
Distributions
on Deposited Securities.
Subject
to paragraphs (4) and (5), to the extent practicable, the Depositary will
distribute by mail to each Holder entitled thereto on the record date set by
the
Depositary therefor at such Holder's address shown on the ADR Register, in
proportion to the number of Deposited Securities (on which the following
distributions on Deposited Securities are received by the Custodian) represented
by ADSs evidenced by such Holder's ADRs: (a) Cash.
Any
U.S. dollars available to the Depositary resulting from a cash dividend or
other
cash distribution or the net proceeds of sales of any other distribution or
portion thereof authorized in this paragraph (10) ("Cash"), on an averaged
or
other practicable basis, subject to (i) appropriate adjustments for taxes
withheld, (ii) such distribution being impermissible or impracticable with
respect to certain Holders, and (iii) deduction of the Depositary's expenses
in
(1) converting any foreign currency to U.S. dollars by sale or in such other
manner as the Depositary may determine to the extent that it determines that
such conversion may be made on a reasonable basis, (2) transferring foreign
currency or U.S. dollars to the United States by such means as the Depositary
may determine to the extent that it determines that such transfer may be made
on
a reasonable basis, (3) obtaining any approval or license of any governmental
authority required for such conversion or transfer, which is obtainable at
a
reasonable cost and within a reasonable time and (4) making any sale by public
or private means in any commercially reasonable manner. (b) Shares.
(i)
Additional ADRs evidencing whole ADSs representing any Shares available to
the
Depositary resulting from a dividend or free distribution on Deposited
Securities consisting of Shares (a "Share Distribution") and (ii) U.S. dollars
available to it resulting from the net proceeds of sales of Shares received
in a
Share Distribution, which Shares would give rise to fractional ADSs if
additional ADRs were issued therefor, as in the case of Cash. (c) Rights.
(i)
Warrants or other instruments in the discretion of the Depositary representing
rights to acquire additional ADRs in respect of any rights to subscribe for
additional Shares or rights of any nature available to the Depositary as a
result of a distribution on Deposited Securities ("Rights"), to the extent
that
the Company timely furnishes to the Depositary evidence satisfactory to the
Depositary that the Depositary may lawfully distribute the same (the Company
has
no obligation to so furnish such evidence), or (ii) to the extent the Company
does not so furnish such evidence and sales of Rights are practicable, any
U.S.
dollars available to the Depositary from the net proceeds of sales of Rights
as
in the case of Cash, or (iii) to the extent the Company does not so furnish
such
evidence and such sales cannot practicably be accomplished by reason of the
nontransferability of the Rights, limited markets therefor, their short duration
or otherwise, nothing (and any Rights may lapse). (d) Other
Distributions.
(i)
Securities or property available to the Depositary resulting from any
distribution on Deposited Securities other than Cash, Share Distributions and
Rights ("Other Distributions"), by any means that the Depositary may deem
equitable and practicable, or (ii) to the extent the Depositary deems
distribution of such securities or property not to be equitable and practicable,
any U.S. dollars available to the Depositary from the net proceeds of sales
of
Other Distributions as in the case of Cash. Such U.S. dollars available will
be
distributed by checks drawn on a bank in the United States for whole dollars
and
cents (any fractional cents being withheld without liability for interest and
added to future Cash distributions).
(11)
Record
Dates.
The
Depositary may, after consultation with the Company if practicable, fix a record
date (which shall be as near as practicable to any corresponding record date
set
by the Company) for the determination of the Holders who shall be entitled
to
receive any distribution on or in respect of Deposited Securities, to give
instructions for the exercise of any voting rights, to receive any notice or
to
act in respect of other matters and only such Holders shall be so
entitled.
(12)
Voting
of Deposited Securities.
As soon
as practicable after receipt from the Company of notice of any meeting or
solicitation of consents or proxies of holders of Shares or other Deposited
Securities, the Depositary shall mail to Holders a notice stating (a) such
information as is contained in such notice and any solicitation materials,
(b)
that each Holder on the record date set by the Depositary therefor will be
entitled to instruct the Depositary as to the exercise of the voting rights,
if
any, pertaining to the Deposited Securities represented by the ADSs evidenced
by
such Holder's ADRs and (c) the manner in which such instructions may be given,
including instructions to give a discretionary proxy to a person designated
by
the Company. Upon receipt of instructions of a Holder on such record date in
the
manner and on or before the date established by the Depositary for such purpose,
the Depositary shall endeavor insofar as practicable and permitted under the
provisions of or governing Deposited Securities to vote or cause to be voted
the
Deposited Securities represented by the ADSs evidenced by such Holder's ADRs
in
accordance with such instructions. The Depositary will not itself exercise
any
voting discretion in respect of any Deposited Securities.
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(13)
Changes
Affecting Deposited Securities.
Subject
to paragraphs (4) and (5), the Depositary may, in its discretion, amend this
ADR
or distribute additional or amended ADRs (with or without calling this ADR
for
exchange) or cash, securities or property on the record date set by the
Depositary therefor to reflect any change in par value, split-up, consolidation,
cancellation or other reclassification of Deposited Securities, any Share
Distribution or Other Distribution not distributed to Holders or any cash,
securities or property available to the Depositary in respect of Deposited
Securities from (and the Depositary is hereby authorized to surrender any
Deposited Securities to any person and to sell by public or private sale any
property received in connection with) any recapitalization, reorganization,
merger, consolidation, liquidation, receivership, bankruptcy or sale of all
or
substantially all the assets of the Company, and to the extent the Depositary
does not so amend this ADR or make a distribution to Holders to reflect any
of
the foregoing, or the net proceeds thereof, whatever cash, securities or
property results from any of the foregoing shall constitute Deposited Securities
and each ADS evidenced by this ADR shall automatically represent its pro rata
interest in the Deposited Securities as then constituted.
(14)
Exoneration.
The
Depositary, the Company, their agents and each of them shall: (a) incur no
liability (i) if law, regulation, the provisions of or governing any Deposited
Securities, act of God, war or other circumstance beyond its control shall
prevent, delay or subject to any civil or criminal penalty any act which the
Deposit Agreement or this ADR provides shall be done or performed by it, or
(ii)
by reason of any exercise or failure to exercise any discretion given it in
the
Deposit Agreement or this ADR; (b) assume no liability except to perform its
obligations to the extent they are specifically set forth in this ADR and the
Deposit Agreement without gross negligence or bad faith; (c) in the case of
the
Depositary and its agents, be under no obligation to appear in, prosecute or
defend any action, suit or other proceeding in respect of any Deposited
Securities or this ADR; (d) in the case of the Company and its agents hereunder
be under no obligation to appear in, prosecute or defend any action, suit or
other proceeding in respect of any Deposited Securities or this ADR, which
in
its opinion may involve it in expense or liability, unless indemnity
satisfactory to it against all expense (including fees and disbursements of
counsel) and liability be furnished as often as may be required; or (e) not
be
liable for any action or inaction by it in reliance upon the advice of or
information from legal counsel, accountants, any person presenting Shares for
deposit, any Holder, or any other person believed by it to be competent to
give
such advice or information. The Depositary, its agents and the Company may
rely
and shall be protected in acting upon any written notice, request, direction
or
other document believed by them to be genuine and to have been signed or
presented by the proper party or parties. The Depositary and its agents will
not
be responsible for any failure to carry out any instructions to vote any of
the
Deposited Securities, for the manner in which any such vote is cast or for
the
effect of any such vote. The Depositary and its agents may own and deal in
any
class of securities of the Company and its affiliates and in ADRs. The Company
has agreed to indemnify the Depositary and its agents under certain
circumstances and the Depositary has agreed to indemnify the Company against
losses incurred by the Company to the extent such losses are due to the
negligence or bad faith of the Depositary. In no event shall the Depositary
or
any of its agents be liable for any indirect, special, punitive or consequential
damages. No disclaimer of liability under the Securities Act of 1933 is intended
by any provision hereof.
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(15)
Resignation
and Removal of Depositary; the Custodian.
The
Depositary may resign as Depositary by written notice of its election to do
so
delivered to the Company, or be removed as Depositary by the Company by written
notice of such removal delivered to the Depositary; such resignation or removal
shall take effect upon the appointment of and acceptance by a successor
depositary. The Depositary may appoint substitute or additional Custodians
and
the term "Custodian"
refers
to each Custodian or all Custodians as the context requires.
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(16)
Amendment.
Subject
to the last sentence of paragraph (2), the ADRs and the Deposit Agreement may
be
amended by the Company and the Depositary, provided
that any
amendment that imposes or increases any fees or charges (other than stock
transfer or other taxes and other governmental charges, transfer or registration
fees, cable, telex or facsimile transmission costs, delivery costs or other
such
expenses), or that shall otherwise prejudice any substantial existing right
of
Holders, shall become effective 30 days after notice of such amendment shall
have been given to the Holders. Every Holder of an ADR at the time any amendment
to the Deposit Agreement so becomes effective shall be deemed, by continuing
to
hold such ADR, to consent and agree to such amendment and to be bound by the
Deposit Agreement as amended thereby. In no event shall any amendment impair
the
right of the Holder of any ADR to surrender such ADR and receive the Deposited
Securities represented thereby, except in order to comply with mandatory
provisions of applicable law. The parties hereto agree that any amendments
or
supplements which (i) are reasonably necessary (as agreed by the Company and
the
Depositary) in order for (a) the ADSs to be registered on Form F-6 under the
Securities Act of 1933 or (b) the ADSs or Shares to be traded solely in
electronic book-entry form and (ii) do not in either such case impose or
increase any fees or charges to be borne by Holders, shall be deemed not to
prejudice any substantial rights of Holders. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
if
any governmental body should adopt new laws, rules or regulations which would
require amendment or supplement of the Deposit Agreement or the form of ADR
to
ensure compliance therewith, the Company and the Depositary may amend or
supplement the Deposit Agreement and the ADR at any time in accordance with
such
changed rules. Such amendment or supplement to the Deposit Agreement in such
circumstances may become effective before a notice of such amendment or
supplement is given to Holders or within any other period of time as required
for compliance.
(17)
Termination.
The
Depositary may, and shall at the written direction of the Company, terminate
the
Deposit Agreement and this ADR by mailing notice of such termination to the
Holders at least 30 days prior to the date fixed in such notice for such
termination. After the date so fixed for termination, the Depositary and its
agents will perform no further acts under the Deposit Agreement and this ADR,
except to receive and hold (or sell) distributions on Deposited Securities
and
deliver Deposited Securities being withdrawn. As soon as practicable after
the
expiration of six months from the date so fixed for termination, the Depositary
shall sell the Deposited Securities and shall thereafter (as long as it may
lawfully do so) hold in a segregated account the net proceeds of such sales,
together with any other cash then held by it under the Deposit Agreement,
without liability for interest, in trust for the pro rata
benefit
of the Holders of ADRs not theretofore surrendered. After making such sale,
the
Depositary shall be discharged from all obligations in respect of the Deposit
Agreement and this ADR, except to account for such net proceeds and other cash.
After the date so fixed for termination, the Company shall be discharged from
all obligations under the Deposit Agreement except for its obligations to the
Depositary and its agents.
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