RIO TINTO PLC AND JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A. As Depositary AND OWNERS AND HOLDERS OF AMERICAN DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS Deposit Agreement Dated as of July 13, 1988 Amended as of June 11, 1990 Further Amended and Restated as of February 15, 1999 Further...
Β
Β
RIO TINTO
PLC
Β
AND
Β
JPMORGAN
CHASE BANK, N.A.
Β
As
Depositary
Β
AND
Β
OWNERS
AND HOLDERS OF AMERICAN DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS
Β
Β
Dated as
of July 13, 1988
Β
Amended
as of June 11, 1990
Β
Further
Amended and Restated as of February 15, 1999
Β
Further
Amended and Restated as of February 18, 2005
Further
Amended and Restated as of AprilΒ Β , 2010
Β
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
ARTICLE
I.
|
DEFINITIONS
|
2
|
Β | Β | Β |
Section
1.01
|
Company
|
2
|
Section
1.02
|
Depositary;
Principal Office
|
2
|
Section
1.03
|
Custodians
|
2
|
Section
1.04
|
2
|
|
Section
1.05
|
Rio
Tinto Shares
|
2
|
Section
1.06
|
Deposited
Securities
|
2
|
Section
1.07
|
Receipts
|
2
|
Section
1.08
|
American
Depositary Shares
|
3
|
Section
1.09
|
Owner
|
3
|
Section
1.10
|
Dollars;
Pounds; Xxxxx
|
3
|
Section
1.11
|
Securities
Act of 1933
|
3
|
Section
1.12
|
Securities
Exchange Act of 1934
|
3
|
Section
1.13
|
Commission
|
3
|
Section
1.14
|
English
Xxxxxxxxx
|
0
|
Section
1.15
|
Deliver,
Execute, Issue, Register, Surrender, Transfer, or Cancel
|
3
|
Section
1.16
|
Direct
Registration System
|
4
|
Section
1.17
|
Receipt
Register
|
4
|
Β | Β | Β |
ARTICLE
II.
|
FORM OF
RECEIPTS, DEPOSIT OF RIO TINTO SHARES, EXECUTION AND DELIVERY, TRANSFER
AND SURRENDER OF
RECEIPTS
|
4 |
Β |
Β
|
Β
|
Section
2.01
|
Form
and Transferability of Receipts
|
4
|
Section
2.02
|
Deposit
of Rio Tinto Shares
|
5
|
Section
2.03
|
Execution
and Delivery of Receipts
|
6
|
Section
2.04
|
Transfer
of Receipts; Combination and Split-Up of Receipts
|
6
|
Section
2.05
|
Surrender
of Receipts and Withdrawal of Shares
|
7
|
Section
2.06
|
Limitations
on Issuance, Execution, Delivery, Transfer and Surrender of Receipts.
|
8 |
Section
2.07
|
Lost
Receipts, etc
|
8
|
Section
2.08
|
Cancellation
and Destruction of Surrendered Receipts
|
9
|
Section
2.09
|
Pre-Release
of Receipts
|
9
|
Β | Β | Β |
ARTICLE
III.
|
CERTAIN
OBLIGATIONS OF OWNERS OF RECEIPTS
|
10
|
Β | Β | Β |
Section
3.01
|
Filing
Proofs, Certificates and other Information
|
10
|
Section
3.02
|
Liability
of Owner for Taxes
|
10
|
Section
3.03
|
Warranties
on Deposit of Rio Tinto Shares
|
10
|
Section
3.04
|
Disclosure
of Beneficial Ownership
|
11
|
Β | Β | Β |
ARTICLE
IV.
|
THE
DEPOSITED SECURITIES
|
12
|
Β | Β | Β |
Section
4.01
|
Cash
Distributions
|
12
|
Β
Β
Section
4.02
|
Distributions
other than Cash or Rio Unto Shares
|
13
|
Section
4.03
|
Distributions
in Rio Unto Shares
|
13
|
Section
4.04
|
Rights
|
14
|
Section
4.05
|
Conversion
of Non-United States Currency
|
15
|
Section
4.06
|
Fixing
of Record Date
|
16
|
Section
4.07
|
Voting
of Deposited Securities
|
16
|
Section
4.08
|
Changes
Affecting Deposited Securities
|
17
|
Section
4.09
|
Reports
|
17
|
Section
4.10
|
Lists
of Receipt Owners
|
18
|
Section
4.11
|
Withholding
|
18
|
Section
4.12
|
Available
Information
|
18
|
Β | Β | Β |
ARTICLE
V.
|
THE
DEPOSITARY, THE CUSTODIANS AND THE COMPANY
|
18
|
Β | Β | Β |
Section
5.01
|
Maintenance
of Office And Receipt Register by the Depositary
|
18
|
Section
5.02
|
Prevention
or Delay in Performance by the Depositary or The Company
|
19
|
Section
5.03
|
Obligations
of the Depositary, the Custodian and the Company
|
19
|
Section
5.04
|
Resignation
and Removal of the Depositary; Appointment of Successor Depositary.
|
20 |
Section
5.05
|
The
Custodians
|
21
|
Section
5.06
|
Notices
and Reports
|
22
|
Section
5.07
|
Issuance
of Additional Rio Tinto Shares, etc
|
22
|
Section
5.08
|
Indemnification
|
23
|
Section
5.09
|
Charges
of Depositary
|
23
|
Section
5.10
|
Retention
of Depositary Documents
|
24
|
Section
5.11
|
Exclusivity
|
24
|
Β | Β | Β |
ARTICLE
VI.
|
AMENDMENT
AND TERMINATION
|
25
|
Β | Β | Β |
Section
6.01
|
Amendment
|
25
|
Section
6.02
|
Termination
|
25
|
Β | Β | Β |
ARTICLE
VII.
|
MISCELLANEOUS
|
26
|
Β | Β | Β |
Section
7.01
|
Counterparts
|
26
|
Section
7.02
|
No
Third Party Beneficiaries
|
26
|
Section
7.03
|
Severability
|
27
|
Section
7.04
|
Holders
and Owners as Parties; Binding Effect
|
27
|
Section
7.05
|
Notices
|
27
|
Section
7.06
|
Governing
Law
|
27
|
Section
7.07
|
Compliance
with U.S. Securities Laws
|
29
|
Section
7.08
|
Amendment
and Restatement of Old Deposit Agreement
|
29
|
Β | Β | Β |
EXHIBIT
A β FORM OR RECEIPT
|
Β |
Β
Β
THIRD
FURTHER AMENDED AND RESTATED DEPOSIT AGREEMENT
Β
THIRD
FURTHER AMENDED AND RESTATED DEPOSIT AGREEMENT dated as of AprilΒ Β ,
2010, among RIO TINTO PLC, incorporated under the laws of England (herein called
the βCompanyβ), JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NA, a national banking association
organized under the laws of the United States of America (herein called the
βDepositaryβ), and all Owners and holders from time to time of American
Depositary Receipts issued hereunder.
Β
WITNESSETH
Β
WHEREAS,
the Company and the Depositary entered into the Amended and Restated Deposit
Agreement dated as of February 18, 2005 (the "Old Deposit Agreement") to provide
for the deposit of Shares of the Company withΒ Β the
CustodianΒ Β for the purposes set forth in such Old Deposit Agreement,
for the creation of American depositary shares representing the Shares so
deposited and for the execution and delivery of American depositary receipts
("Old Receipts") evidencing the American depositary shares;
Β
WHEREAS,
the Company and the Depositary now wish to amend and restate the Old Deposit
Agreement and the Old Receipts;
Β
WHEREAS,
the Company desires to further provide, as hereinafter set forth in this Deposit
Agreement, for the continued deposit of Shares (as hereinafter defined) of the
Company from time to time with the Depositary (as hereinafter defined) or with
the Custodian (as hereinafter defined) as agent of the Depositary for the
purposes set forth in this Deposit Agreement, for the creation of American
Depositary Shares representing the Shares so deposited and for the execution and
delivery of American Depositary Receipts evidencing the American Depositary
Shares; and
Β
WHEREAS,
the Company desires to provide, as hereinafter set forth in this Deposit
Agreement, for the deposit of Shares (as hereinafter defined) of the Company
from time to time with the Depositary or with the Custodian (as hereinafter
defined) as agent of the Depositary for the purposes set forth in this Deposit
Agreement, for the creation of American Depositary Shares representing the
Shares so deposited and for the execution and delivery of American Depositary
Receipts evidencing the American Depositary Shares; and
Β
WHEREAS,
the American Depositary Receipts are to be substantially in the form of
ExhibitΒ A annexed hereto, with appropriate insertions, modifications and
omissions, as hereinafter provided in this Deposit Agreement;
Β
NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, it is agreed by and between the
parties hereto as follows:
Β
Β
ARTICLE
I.
DEFINITIONS
The
following definitions shall for all purposes, unless otherwise clearly
indicated, apply to the respective terms used in this Deposit
Agreement:
Section
1.01Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Company.
Β
The term
βCompanyβ shall mean Rio Tinto plc , incorporated under the laws of England, and
its successors.
Section
1.02Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Depositary; Principal
Office.
Β
The term
βDepositaryβ shall mean JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., a national banking
association organized under the laws of the United States of America and any
successor as depositary hereunder. The term βPrincipal Officeβ, when used with
respect to the Depositary, shall mean the office of the Depositary which at the
date of this amended and restated Agreement is 0 Xxx Xxxx Xxxxx, Xxx Xxxx, Xxx
Xxxx, 00000.
Section
1.03Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Custodians.
Β
The term
βCustodianβ shall mean the London, England office of the Depositary, and, as
agent of the Depositary, any other firm or corporation in England which may
hereafter be appointed by the Depositary pursuant to the terms of Section
5.05,Β as
substitute or additional custodian or custodians hereunder, as the context shall
require and the term βCustodiansβ shall mean all of them,
collectively.
Section
1.04Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Deposit Agreement.
Β
The term
βDeposit Agreementβ shall mean this Agreement, as the same may be amended from
time to time in accordance with the provisions hereof.
Section
1.05Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Rio Tinto
Shares.
Β
The term
βRio Tinto Sharesβ shall mean Ordinary Shares in registered form of the Company
and shall include the rights to receive such Ordinary Shares.
Section
1.06Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Deposited
Securities.
Β
The term
βDeposited Securitiesβ as of any time shall mean Rio Tinto Shares at such time
deposited or deemed to be deposited under this Deposit Agreement and any and all
other securities, property and cash received by the Depositary or the Custodian
in respect thereof and at such time held hereunder, subject as to cash to the
provisions of Section 4.05.
Section
1.07Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Receipts; Direct
Registration Receipts.
Β
The term
βReceiptsβ shall mean the American Depositary Receipts issued hereunder
representing American Depositary Shares. Receipts may, but need not be, in
physical certificated form. Receipts in physical certificated form shall be in
substantially the form of Exhibit A hereto, as the same may be amended from time
to time in accordance with the provisions hereof The term "Direct
RegistrationΒ Β Receipts" means a Receipt, the ownership of which
is recorded on the Direct Registration System. References to βReceiptsβ shall
include Direct Registration Receipts, unless the context otherwise
requires.
Β
2
Β
Section
1.08Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β American Depositary
Shares.
Β
The term
βAmerican Depositary Sharesβ shall mean the rights represented by the Receipts
issued hereunder and the interests in the Deposited Securities represented
thereby. Each American Depositary Share shall, subject to Sections 4.03, 4.06
and 4.08, represent one Rio Tinto Share.
Section
1.09Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Owner.
Β
The term
βOwnerβ shall mean the person in whose name a Receipt is registered on the books
of the Depositary maintained for such purpose.
Section
1.10Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Dollars; Pounds;
xxxxx.
Β
The term
βDollarsβ shall mean United States dollars. The terms βPoundsβ and βxxxxxβ shall
mean the currency of the United Kingdom.
Section
1.11Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Securities Act of
1933.
Β
The term
βSecurities Act of 1933β shall mean the United States Securities Act of 1933, as
from time to time amended.
Section
1.12Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Securities Exchange Act
of 1934.
Β
The term
βSecurities Exchange Act of 1934β shall mean the United States Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 as from time to time amended.
Section
1.13Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Commission.
Β
The term
βCommissionβ shall mean the Securities and Exchange Commission of the United
States or any successor governmental agency in the United States.
Section
1.14Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β English
Registrar.
Β
The term
βEnglish Registrarβ shall mean Computershare Investor Services PLC,
POΒ BoxΒ 82, The Pavilions, Xxxxxxxxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxxxx, XX00 0XX, Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxx, a company organized under the laws of England, which carries out the
duties of registrar for the Ordinary Shares of the Company or any successor as
registrar for the Ordinary Shares of the Company.
Section
1.15Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Deliver, Execute, Issue,
Register, Surrender, Transfer, or Cancel.
Β
The terms
βdeliverβ, βexecuteβ, βissueβ, βregisterβ, βsurrenderβ, βtransferβ or βcancelβ,
when used with respect to Direct Registration Receipts, refer to an entry or
entries or an electronic transfer or transfers in the Direct Registration
System.
Β
3
Β
Section
1.16Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Direct Registration
System.
Β
"Direct Registration
System" means the system for the uncertificated registration of
ownership of securities established by The Depository Trust Company ("DTC") and
utilized by the Depositary pursuant to which the Depositary may record the
ownership of ReceiptsΒ Β without the issuance of a certificate, which
ownership shall be evidenced by periodic statements issued by the Depositary to
the Holders entitled thereto. For purposes hereof, the Direct Registration
System shall include access to the Profile Modification System maintained by DTC
which provides for automated transfer of ownership between DTC and the
Depositary.
Section
1.17Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Receipt
register.
Β
The term
βReceipt registerβ means the register maintained by the Depositary for the
registration of transfer, combination and split-up of Receipts, and, in the case
of Direct Registration Receipts, shall include the Direct Registration
System.
Β
ARTICLE
II.
FORM
OF RECEIPTS, DEPOSIT OF RIO TINTO SHARES, EXECUTION AND
DELIVERY,
TRANSFER AND SURRENDER OF RECEIPTS.
Section
2.01Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Form and Transferability of
Receipts.
Β
Receipts
in certificated form shall be engraved, printed or lithographed (and on steel
engraved borders if required by any exchange on which Receipts are listed) and
shall be substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit A annexed to this
Deposit Agreement, with appropriate insertions, modifications and omissions, as
hereinafter provided. Such Receipts shall be executed by the Depositary by the
manual signature of a duly authorized signatory of the Depositary; provided,
however, that such signature may be a facsimile if a Registrar for the Receipts
shall have been appointed and such Receipts are countersigned by the manual
signature of a duly authorized officer of the Registrar. No Receipt in
certificated form shall be entitled to any benefits under this Deposit Agreement
or be valid or obligatory for any purpose, unless such Receipt shall have been
executed by the Depositary by the manual signature of a duly authorized
signatory or, if a registrar shall have been appointed to register Receipts or
transfers of Receipts, by the manual signature of a duly authorized officer of
such registrar. Receipts in certificated form bearing the facsimile signature of
a duly authorized signatory of the Depositary who was at any time a proper
signatory of the Depositary shall bind the Depositary, notwithstanding that such
signatory has ceased to hold such office prior to the execution of such Receipts
by the Registrar and their delivery or did not hold such office at the date of
such Receipts.
Β
4
Β
Receipts
in certificated form may be endorsed with or have incorporated in the text
thereof such legends or recitals or changes not inconsistent with the provisions
of this Deposit Agreement as may be required by the Depositary or the Company or
as required to comply with any applicable law or regulations thereunder or with
the rules and regulations of any securities exchange upon which Receipts may be
listed or to conform with any usage with respect thereto, or to indicate any
special limitations or restrictions to which any particular Receipts are subject
by reason of the date of issuance of the underlying Deposited Securities or
otherwise. Notwithstanding anything in this Deposit Agreement or in the Receipts
to the contrary, American Depositary Shares shall be evidenced by Direct
Registration Receipts, unless certificated Receipts are specifically requested
by the Owner.Β Β Owners shall be bound by the terms and conditions of
this Deposit Agreement and of the form of Receipt, regardless of whether their
Receipts are Direct Registration Receipts or certificated Receipts.
Title to
a Receipt (and to the American Depositary Shares evidenced thereby), when
properly endorsed (in the case of Receipts in certificated form) or upon
delivery to the Depositary of proper instruments of transfer, shall be
transferable by delivery with the same effect as in the case of a negotiable
instrument; provided, however, that the Depositary, notwithstanding any notice
to the contrary, may treat the Owner thereof as the absolute owner thereof for
the purpose of determining the person entitled to distribution of dividends or
other distributions or to any notice provided for in this Deposit Agreement and
for all other purposes.
Section
2.02Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Deposit of Rio Tinto
Shares.
Β
Subject
to the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement, Rio Tinto Shares or
evidence of rights to receive Rio Tinto Shares may be deposited by delivery
thereof to the Depositary or any Custodian hereunder, accompanied by any
appropriate instrument or instruments of transfer, or endorsement, in form
satisfactory to the Depositary or the Custodian, together with all such
certifications and payments as may be required by the Depositary or the
Custodian in accordance with the provisions of this Deposit Agreement and, if
the Depositary requires, together with a written order directing the Depositary
to issue to, or upon the written order of, the person or persons stated in such
order a Receipt or Receipts for the number of American Depositary Shares
representing such deposit. No Rio Tinto Share shall be accepted for deposit
unless accompanied by evidence satisfactory to the Depositary that any necessary
approval has been granted by the governmental body in the United Kingdom, if
any, which is then performing the function of the regulation of currency
exchange. The Depositary shall be entitled to require that any person presenting
Rio Tinto Shares for deposit (a βdepositorβ) execute an agreement or assignment
in form reasonably satisfactory to the Depositary transferring to the Custodian
any rights to dividends or any other rights attaching at the date of such
deposit to the Rio Tinto Shares deposited and providing for the prompt transfer
to the Custodian of any moneys or other property received by virtue of rights
attaching at the date of such deposit to the Rio Tinto Shares deposited by the
depositor or the person in whose name the Rio Tinto Shares presented for deposit
are, at the date of such deposit, registered.
At the
request and risk and expense of any person proposing to deposit Rio Tinto
Shares, and for the account of such person, the Depositary may receive
certificates for Rio Tinto Shares to be deposited, together with the other
instruments herein specified, for the purpose of forwarding such Rio Tinto Share
certificates to a Custodian for deposit hereunder.
Β
5
Β
Upon each
delivery to the Custodian of a certificate or certificates for Rio Tinto Shares
to be deposited hereunder, together with the other documents above specified,
the Depositary shall cause the Custodian, as soon as transfer and recordation
can be accomplished, to present such certificate or certificates to the Company
(or the appointed agent of the Company for transfer and registration of Rio
Tinto Shares, which may but need not be the English Registrar), for transfer and
recordation of the Rio Tinto Shares being deposited in the name of the
Depositary or its nominee or such Custodian or its nominee.
Deposited
Securities shall be held by the Depositary or by a Custodian for the account and
to the order of the Depositary or at such other place or places as the
Depositary shall determine.
Β
Section
2.03Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Execution and Delivery of
Receipts.
Β
Upon
receipt by the Custodian of any deposit pursuant to Section 2.02 hereunder,
together with any other documents required as hereinafter specified, the
Depositary shall cause the Custodian to notify the Depositary of such deposit
and the person or persons to whom or upon whose written order a Receipt or
Receipts are deliverable in respect thereof and the number of American
Depositary Shares to be represented thereby calculated as provided in this
Deposit Agreement. Such notification shall be made by letter or, at the request
and risk and expense of the person making the deposit, by cable, telex or
facsimile transmission. Upon receiving such notice from the Custodian, or upon
the receipt of Rio Tinto Shares by the Depositary, the Depositary, subject to
the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement, shall execute and deliver at
its Principal Office, to or upon the order of the person or persons entitled
thereto, a Receipt or Receipts, registered in the name or names and representing
any authorized number of American Depositary Shares requested by such person or
persons, but only upon payment to the Depositary of the fee of the Depositary
for the execution and delivery of such Receipt or Receipts, and of all taxes and
governmental charges and fees payable in connection with such deposit and the
transfer of the Deposited Securities, and if, when the Depositary shall
otherwise be required or authorized to execute or deliver a Receipt or Receipts,
the Rio Tinto Shares presented for deposit shall not have been registered in the
name of the Depositary or its nominee or the Custodian or its nominee, the
Depositary shall be entitled to delay such execution and delivery until the
Depositary shall have received an acknowledgment or other evidence from the
Company, or otherwise, reasonably satisfactory to the Depositary, that such
registration has been effected.
Section
2.04Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Transfer of Receipts;
Combination and Split-up of Receipts.
Β
The
Depositary, subject to the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement, shall
register transfers in the Receipt register from time to time of Receipts, upon
receipt at any of its designated transfer offices of proper instruments of
transfer or upon any surrender of a Receipt, by the Owner in person or by duly
authorized attorney, properly endorsed or accompanied by proper instruments of
transfer, and duly stamped as may be required by the laws of the State of New
York and of the United States of America. Thereupon the Depositary shall execute
and deliver a new Receipt or Receipts to or upon the order of the person
entitled thereto as such person may request.
Β
6
Β
The
Depositary, subject to the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement,
shall, for the purpose of effecting a split-up or combination of such Receipt or
Receipts, execute and deliver a new Receipt or Receipts for any authorized
number of American Depositary Shares requested, representing the same aggregate
number of American Depositary Shares as the Receipt or Receipts replaced. At the
request of an Owner, the Depositary shall, for the purpose of substituting a
certificated Receipt with a Direct Registration Receipt, or vice versa, execute
and deliver a certificated Receipt or a Direct Registration Receipt, as the case
may be, for any authorized number of American Depositary Shares requested,
evidencing the same aggregate number of American Depositary Shares as those
evidenced by the certificated Receipt or Direct Registration Receipt, as the
case may be, substituted.
Β
Section
2.05Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Surrender of Receipts and
Withdrawal of Shares.
Β
Upon
surrender, if applicable, at the Principal Office of the Depositary of a Receipt
for the purpose of withdrawal of the Deposited Securities represented thereby,
and upon payment of the fees of the Depositary, and subject to the terms
and conditions of this Deposit Agreement, the Owner of such Receipt shall be
entitled to delivery, to him or upon his order, of the amount of Deposited
Securities at the time represented by such Receipt. Delivery of such Deposited
Securities may be made by the delivery of certificates to such Owner or as
ordered by him. Such delivery shall be made, as hereinafter provided, without
unreasonable delay.
A Receipt
surrendered for such purposes may be required by the Depositary to be properly
endorsed in blank or accompanied by proper instruments of transfer in blank, and
if the Depositary requires, any Owner requesting a withdrawal of Deposited
Securities shall execute and deliver to the Depositary a written order directing
the Depositary to cause the Deposited Securities being withdrawn to be delivered
to or upon the written order of a person or persons designated in such order.
Thereupon the Depositary shall direct one (or more) of the Custodians to deliver
at the London, England office of such Custodian, subject to Sections 2.06, 3.01
and 3.02, and to the other terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement, to or
upon the written order of the person or persons designated in the order
delivered to the Depositary if so required by the Depositary and as above
provided, the amount of Deposited Securities represented by such Receipt, except
that the Depositary may make delivery to such person or persons at the Principal
Office of the Depositary of any dividends or distributions with respect to the
Deposited Securities represented by such Receipt, or of any proceeds of sale of
any dividends, distributions or rights, which may at the time be held by the
Depositary.
At the
request, risk and expense of any Owner so surrendering a Receipt, and for the
account of such Owner, the Depositary shall direct the Custodian to transfer or
forward any cash, rights or other property comprising, and to forward a
certificate or certificates and other proper documents of title for, the
Deposited Securities represented by such Receipt to the Depositary for delivery
at the Principal Office of the Depositary. Β Such direction shall be given
by letter or, at the request, risk and expense of such Owner, by cable, telex or
facsimile transmission.
Β
7
Β
Section
2.06Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Limitations on Issuance,
Execution, Delivery, Transfer and Surrender of Receipts.
Β
As a
condition precedent to the issuance, execution, delivery, registration of
transfer, split-up, combination or surrender of any Receipt or withdrawal of any
Deposited Securities, the Depositary or the Custodian may require payment from
the depositor of Shares, the presentor of the Receipt or the Owner requesting a
withdrawal of Deposited Securities of a sum sufficient to reimburse it for any
tax or other governmental charge and any stock transfer or registration fee with
respect thereto (including any such tax or charge and fee with respect to Rio
Tinto Shares being deposited or Deposited Securities being withdrawn) and
payment of any applicable fees, may require the production of proof satisfactory
to it as to the identity and genuineness of any signature and may also require
compliance with such regulations, if any, as the Depositary may reasonably
establish consistent with the provisions of this Deposit Agreement.
The
delivery of Receipts against deposits of Rio Tinto Shares generally or against
deposits of particular Shares may be suspended, or the transfer of Receipts in
particular instances may be refused, or the transfer or surrender of outstanding
Receipts generally may be suspended, during any period when the Receipt register
is closed, or if any such action is, in good faith, deemed necessary or
advisable by the Depositary or the Company at any time or from time to time
because of any requirement of law or of any government or governmental body or
commission, or under any provision of this Deposit Agreement, subject to the
provisions of Section 7.07. Without limitation of the foregoing, the Depositary
shall not knowingly accept for deposit under this Deposit Agreement any Rio
Tinto Shares required to be registered under the provisions of the Securities
Act of 1933, unless a registration statement is in effect as to such Shares. The
Depositary will use reasonable efforts to comply with written instructions of
the Company not to accept for deposit hereunder any Rio Tinto Shares identified
in such instructions at such times and under such circumstances as may
reasonably be specified in such instructions in order to facilitate the
Companyβs compliance with the securities laws in the United States.
Section
2.07Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Lost Receipts,
etc.
Β
In case
any Receipt in certificated form shall be mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen,
the Depositary shall, as the Owner may request, issue a new Receipt through the
Direct Registration system or execute and deliver a new Receipt of like tenor,
in exchange and substitution for such mutilated Receipt upon cancellation
thereof, or in lieu of and in substitution for such destroyed or lost or stolen
Receipt, upon the Owner thereof filing with the Depositary (a) a request for
such execution and delivery before the Depositary has notice that the Receipt
has been acquired by a bona fide purchaser and (b) a sufficient indemnity bond
and satisfying any other reasonable requirements imposed by the
Depositary.
Β
8
Β
Section
2.08Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Cancellation and Destruction
of Surrendered
Receipts.
Β
All
Receipts surrendered to the Depositary shall be cancelled by the Depositary. The
Depositary is authorized to destroy Receipts in certificated form so
cancelled.
Section
2.09Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Pre-Release of Receipts.
Β
The
Depositary may issue Receipts against the delivery by the Company (or any agent
of the Company recording Share ownership) of rights to receive Rio Tinto Shares
from the Company (or any such agent). No such issue of Receipts will be deemed a
βPre-Releaseβ that is subject to the restrictions of the following
paragraph.
Unless
requested in writing by the Company to cease doing so, the Depositary may,
notwithstanding Section 2.03 hereof, execute and deliver Receipts prior to the
receipt of shares pursuant to Section 2.02 (βPre-Releaseβ). The Depositary may,
pursuant to Section 2.05, deliver Rio Tinto Shares upon the receipt and
cancellation of Receipts which have been Pre-Released, whether or not such
cancellation is prior to the termination of such Pre-Release or the Depositary
knows that such Receipt has been Pre-Released. The Depositary may receive
Receipts in lieu of Rio Tinto Shares in satisfaction of a Pre-Release. Each
Pre-Release will be (a) preceded or accompanied by a written representation and
agreement from the person to whom Receipts are to be delivered (the
βPre-Releaseeβ) that the Pre-Releasee, or its customer, (i) owns the shares or
Receipts to be remitted, as the case may be, (ii) assigns all beneficial rights,
title and interest in such Rio Tinto Shares or Receipts, as the case may be, to
the Depositary in its capacity as such and for the benefit of the Owners, and
(iii) will not take any action with respect to such Rio Tinto Shares or
Receipts, as the case may be, that is inconsistent with the transfer of
beneficial ownership (including, without the consent of the Depositary,
disposing of such Rio Tinto Shares or Receipts, as the case may be), other than
in satisfaction of such Pre-Release, (b) at all times fully collateralized with
cash, U.S. government securities or such other collateral as the Depositary
determines, in good faith, will provide substantially similar liquidity and
security, (c) terminable by the Depositary on not more than five (5)Β business days notice,
and (d) subject to such further indemnities and credit regulations as the
Depositary deems appropriate. The number of Rio Tinto Shares not deposited but
represented by American Depositary Shares outstanding at any time as a result of
Pre-Releases will not normally exceed thirty percent (30%) of the Rio Tinto
Shares deposited hereunder; provided, however, that the Depositary reserves the
right to disregard such limit from time to time as it deems reasonably
appropriate, and may, with the prior written consent of the Company, change such
limit for purposes of general application. The Depositary will also set Dollar
limits with respect to Pre-ΒRelease transactions to be entered into
hereunder with any particular Pre-Releasee on a case-by-case basis as the
Depositary deems appropriate. For purposes of enabling the Depositary to fulfill
its obligations to the Owners under the Deposit Agreement, the collateral
referred to in clause (b) above shall be held by the Depositary as security for
the performance of the Pre-Releaseeβs obligations to the Depositary in
connection with a Pre-Release transaction, including the Pre-Releaseeβs
obligation to deliver Rio Tinto Shares or Receipts upon termination of a
Pre-Release transaction (and shall not, for the avoidance of doubt, constitute
Deposited Securities hereunder).
Β
9
Β
The
Depositary may retain for its own account any compensation received by it in
connection with the foregoing.
Β
ARTICLE
III.
CERTAIN
OBLIGATIONS OF OWNERS OF RECEIPTS.
Section
3.01Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Filing Proofs, Certificates
and Other Information.
Β
Any
person presenting Rio Tinto Shares for deposit or any Owner of a Receipt may be
required from time to time to file such proof of citizenship or residence,
exchange control approval, or such information relating to the registration on
the books of the Company (or the appointed agent of the Company for transfer and
registration of Rio Tinto Shares, which may but need not be the English
Registrar) of the Rio Tinto Shares presented for deposit or other information,
to execute such certificates and to make such representations and warranties,
(i) as the Depositary may, in good faith, deem necessary or proper to comply
with applicable laws or regulations or to enable the Depositary to perform its
obligations hereunder or (ii) other than in the case of delivery of any
Deposited Securities, as the Company may reasonably require by written notice to
the Depositary. The Depositary may withhold the delivery or registration of
transfer of any Receipt or the distribution or sale of any dividend or other
distribution or rights or of the proceeds thereof or the delivery of any
Deposited Securities until such proof or other information is filed or such
certificates are executed. The Depositary or the Custodian, as the case may be,
shall, at the request and expense of the Company, provide the Company with
copies of information it receives pursuant to this Section 3.01.
Section
3.02Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Liability of Owner for
Taxes.
Β
If any
tax or other governmental charge shall become payable with respect to any
Receipt or any Deposited Securities represented by any Receipt, such tax or
other governmental charge shall be payable by the Owner of such Receipt to the
Depositary. The Depositary may refuse to effect any transfer of such Receipt or
any withdrawal of Deposited Securities represented thereby until such payment is
made, and may withhold any dividends or other distributions, or may sell for the
account of the Owner thereof any part or all of the Deposited Securities
represented by such Receipt, and may apply such dividends or other distributions
or the proceeds of any such sale in payment of such tax or other governmental
charge, the Owner of such Receipt remaining liable for any deficiency.Β Each
Owner and holder of an interest in American Depositary Shares agrees to
indemnify the Depositary, the Company, the Custodian and any of their respective
directors, employees, agents and affiliates against, and hold each of them
harmless from, any claims by any governmental authority with respect to taxes,
additions to tax, penalties or interest arising out of any refund of taxes,
reduced rate of withholding at source or other tax benefit
obtained.
Β
Section
3.03Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Warranties on Deposit of Rio
Tinto Shares.
Β
Every
person depositing Rio Tinto Shares under this Deposit Agreement shall be deemed
thereby to represent and warrant that such Rio Tinto Shares and any certificate
therefor are validly issued and outstanding, non-assessable and free of any
pre-emption rights (other than as provided by statute, The London Stock
Exchange, other regulatory body or the Articles of Association of the Company)
of the holders of such outstanding Rio Tinto Shares and that the person making
such deposit is duly authorized so to do. Every such person shall also be deemed
to represent that the deposit of Rio Tinto Shares or sale of Receipts
representing such Rio Tinto Shares by that person is not restricted under the
Securities Act of 1933 and that such Rio Tinto Shares are not, and the Receipts
issuable in respect thereof will not be, Restricted Securities. Such
representations and warranties shall survive the deposit of Rio Tinto Shares and
issuance of Receipts.
Β
10
Β
Section
3.04Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Disclosure of Beneficial
Ownership.
Β
(A)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Each
person who is the holder or the Owner of a Receipt, by holding the same or, as
appropriate, by seeking or accepting registration in respect of a Receipt on the
Receipt register agrees to notify the Depositary at its Principal Office within
2 days of his acquiring, directly or indirectly (by virtue of the ownership of
Receipts or otherwise) an interest in 1% or more of Rio Tinto Shares of such
acquisition and the notification (the βNotificationβ) shall include particulars
of:
(a)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β the
name, address and citizenship of every person with an interest in the Rio Tinto
Shares to which the Notification relates; and
(b)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β the
number of Rio Tinto Shares in which each such person is interested so far as
known to the person making the Notification at the date when the Notification is
made.
If a
change occurs in the particulars notified to the Depositary referred to above,
the person making the Notification shall, within 2 days of his becoming aware of
the change, notify the Depositary at its Principal Office of such
change.
The
Depositary shall notify the Company of such Notification in writing forthwith by
facsimile transmission and shall provide the Company with a copy of such
Notification which the Depositary receives. In addition, the Depositary by
agreeing to this provision does not agree to take any further steps on the
Companyβs behalf regarding beneficial ownership other than as specifically set
forth on this Section 3.04.
For the
purposes of this Section 3.04(A),
(i)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β two
or more persons acting as a partnership, limited partnership, syndicate or other
group for the purpose of acquiring, holding or depositing securities of the
Company shall be deemed a βpersonβ;
Β
11
Β
(ii)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β the
percentage of Rio Tinto Shares in respect of which the obligation to make a
Notification exists shall be such percentage of the issued ordinary shares of
the Company outstanding from time to time. As of the date of this amended and
restated Deposit Agreement, 1% of such outstanding issued ordinary shares of the
Company equals 10,680,833 Rio Tinto Shares. The Company shall notify the
Depositary not later than January 31 and July 31 in each year of the number of
Rio Tinto Shares that, as at the end of the immediately preceding calendar
month, equaled 1% of the issued ordinary shares of the Company outstanding at
that date. The Depositary shall have no duty under this subsection (ii) of
Section 3.04 unless the Company requests, in writing and pursuant to Section
5.06 of this Deposit Agreement, that the Depositary forward such information to
Owners; and
(iii)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β sections
203 to 209 of the Companies Xxx 0000 of Great Britain (or any statutory
modification or re-enactment thereof) shall apply in determining whether any
person has an interest or is interested in Rio Tinto Shares.
(B)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β The
Depositary shall, at the Companyβs request and expense, send to any Owner
specified by the Company a notice requiring such Owner to notify the Depositary
as to whether any of such Ownerβs American Depositary Shares represented by any
of the Receipts held by or registered in the name of such Owner are being held,
directly or indirectly, for some person other than such Owner and if so, the
name, address and citizenship of such other person or persons. Each Owner by
holding a Receipt or, as appropriate, seeking or accepting registration on the
books of the Depositary maintained for the purpose, agrees to provide to the
Depositary at its Principal Office the information requested in the Depositaryβs
notice within 7 days after the date of the notice and the Depositary shall
forthwith furnish the Company with the information provided. Should any Owner
fail to provide the information sought within such period of 7 days, the
Depositary shall notify the Company accordingly and, upon receipt of written
instructions from the Company to that effect, the Depositary shall:
(a)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β discontinue
the registration of transfers of all Receipts registered in the name of such
Owner;
(b)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β suspend
the distribution of dividends to such Owner; and
(c)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β not give
any further notices to such Owner.
Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the Company may not so instruct the Depositary with respect to
American Depositary Shares registered in the name of Cede & Co., as nominee
for DTC.
Β
ARTICLE
IV.
THE
DEPOSITED SECURITIES.
Section
4.01Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Cash
Distributions.
Β
Whenever
the Depositary shall receive any cash dividend or other cash distribution by the
Company on any Deposited Securities, the Depositary shall, subject to the
provisions of Section 4.05,Β convert, to the extent
not paid in Dollars, such dividend or distribution into Dollars and shall
distribute the amount thus received to the Owners entitled thereto, in
proportion to the number of American Depositary Shares representing such
Deposited Securities held by them respectively; provided, however, that in the
event that the Company or the Depositary shall be required to withhold and does
withhold from any cash dividend or other cash distribution in respect of any
Deposited Securities an amount on account of taxes, the amount distributed to
the Owner for American Depositary Shares representing such Deposited Securities
shall be reduced accordingly. The Depositary shall distribute only such amount,
however, as can be distributed without attributing to any Owner a fraction of
one cent, and any such fractional amounts shall be rounded down to the nearest
whole cent and so distributed to Owners entitled thereto. The Company or its
agent will remit to the appropriate governmental agency in the United Kingdom
all amounts withheld by the Company or its agent and owing to such agency. The
Depositary will remit to the appropriate governmental agency in the United
States all amounts, if any, withheld and owed to such agency by the Depositary.
The Depositary will forward to the Company or its agent such information from
its records as the Company may reasonably request to enable the Company or its
agent to file necessary reports with governmental agenciesΒ and either the
Company or the Depositary or their respective agents may file any such reports
necessary to obtain benefits under the applicable tax treaties for the Owners of
Receipts.
Β
12
Β
Section
4.02Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Distributions Other Than
Cash or Rio Tinto Shares.
Β
Whenever
the Depositary shall receive any distribution other than cash or Rio Tinto
Shares upon any Deposited Securities, the Depositary shall cause the securities
or property received by it to be distributed to the Owners entitled thereto, in
proportion to the number of American Depositary Shares representing such
Deposited Securities held by them respectively, in any manner that the
Depositary in good faith and reasonably may deem equitable and practicable for
accomplishing such distribution; provided, however, that if in the reasonable
opinion of the Depositary such distribution cannot be made proportionately among
the Owners entitled thereto, or if for any other reason (including any
requirement that the Company or the Depositary withhold an amount on account of
taxes) the Depositary or the Company in good faith and reasonably deems such
distribution not to be feasible, the Depositary may, after consultation with the
Company, adopt such method as it may in good faith and reasonably deem equitable
and practicable for the purpose of effecting such distribution, including the
sale (at public or private sale) of the securities or property thus received, or
any part thereof, and the net proceeds of any such sale shall be distributed by
the Depositary to the Owners entitled thereto as in the case of a distribution
received in cash.
Section
4.03Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Distributions in Rio Tinto
Shares.
Β
If any
distribution upon any Deposited Securities consists of a dividend in, or free
distribution of, Rio Tinto Shares, the Depositary shall, unless the Company
shall request otherwise, distribute to the Owners of outstanding Receipts
entitled thereto, in proportion to the number of American Depositary Shares
representing such Deposited Securities held by them respectively, additional
Receipts for an aggregate number of American Depositary Shares representing the
amount of Rio Tinto Shares received as such dividend or free distribution. In
lieu of delivering Receipts for fractional American Depositary Shares in any
such case, the Depositary shall sell the amount of Rio Tinto Shares represented
by the aggregate of such fractions and distribute the net proceeds, all in the
manner and subject to the conditions described in Section 4.02. If, at the
request of the Company, additional Receipts are not so distributed, each
American Depositary Share shall thenceforth also represent the additional Rio
Tinto Shares distributed upon the Deposited Securities represented
thereby.
Β
13
Β
Section
4.04Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Rights.
Β
(a)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Distribution to
Owners.Β Β Whenever the Company intends to distribute to the
holders of the Deposited Securities rights to subscribe for additional Rio Tinto
Shares, the Company shall give notice thereof to the Depositary at least 45 days
prior to the proposed distribution stating whether or not it wishes such rights
to be made available to Owners.Β Β Upon receipt of a notice indicating
that the Company wishes such rights to be made available to Owners, the
Depositary shall consult with the Company to determine, and the Company shall
determine, whether it is lawful and reasonably practicable to make such rights
available to the Owners.Β Β The Depositary shall make such rights
available to Owners only if (i) the Company shall have timely requested that
such rights be made available to Owners, (ii) the Depositary shall have received
satisfactory documentation within the terms of Section 5.07, and (iii) the
Depositary shall have determined that such distribution of rights is lawful and
reasonably practicable.Β Β In the event any of the conditions set forth
above are not satisfied, the Depositary shall proceed with the sale of the
rights as contemplated in Section 4.04(b) below or, if timing or market
conditions may not permit, do nothing thereby allowing such rights to
lapse.Β Β In the event all conditions set forth above are satisfied,
subject to any other agreements the Depositary may reasonably request, the
Depositary shall establish procedures (x) to distribute such rights (by means of
warrants or otherwise) and (y) to enable the Owners to exercise the rights (upon
payment ofΒ Β applicable (a) fees and charges of, and expenses incurred
by, the Depositary and (b) taxes and other governmental
charges).Β Β Nothing herein shall obligate the Depositary to make
available to the Owners a method to exercise such rights to subscribe for Rio
Tinto Shares (rather than ADSs).
(b)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Sale of
Rights.Β Β If (i) the Company does not timely request the
Depositary to make the rights available to Owners or requests that the rights
not be made available to Owners, (ii) the Depositary fails to receive
satisfactory documentation within the terms of Section 5.07 or determines it is
not lawful or reasonably practicable to make the rights available to Owners, or
(iii) any rights made available are not exercised and appear to be about to
lapse, the Depositary shall determine whether it is lawful and reasonably
practicable to sell such rights, in a riskless principal capacity or otherwise,
at such place and upon such terms (including public or private sale) as it may
deem proper.Β Β The Company shall assist the Depositary to the extent
necessary to determine such legality and practicability.Β Β The
Depositary shall, upon such sale, convert and distribute proceeds of such sale
(net of applicable (a) fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the
Depositary and (b) taxes and governmental charges) upon the terms set forth in
Section 4.01.
(c)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Lapse of
Rights.Β Β If the Depositary is unable to make any rights
available to Owners upon the terms described in Section 4.04(a) or to arrange
for the sale of the rights upon the terms described in Section 4.04(b), the
Depositary shall allow such rights to lapse.
Β
14
Β
The
Depositary shall not be responsible for (i) any failure to determine that it may
be lawful or practicable to make such rights available to Owners in general or
any Owners in particular, (ii) any foreign exchange exposure or loss incurred in
connection with such sale, or exercise, or (iii) the content of any materials
forwarded to the Owners on behalf of the Company in connection with the rights
distribution.
Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary in this Section 4.04, if registration (under the
Securities Act and/or any other applicable law) of the rights or the securities
to which any rights relate may be required in order for the Company to offer
such rights or such securities to Owners and to sell the securities represented
by such rights, the Depositary will not distribute such rights to the Owners (i)
unless and until a registration statement under the Securities Act (and/or such
other applicable law) covering such offering is in effect or (ii) unless the
Company furnishes to the Depositary at the Companyβs own expense opinion(s) of
counsel to the Company in the United States and counsel to the Company in any
other applicable country in which rights would be distributed, in each case
satisfactory to the Depositary, to the effect that the offering and sale of such
securities to Owners are exempt from, or do not require registration under, the
provisions of the Securities Act or any other applicable laws.Β Β In the
event that the Company, the Depositary or the Custodian shall be required to
withhold and does withhold from any distribution of property (including rights)
an amount on account of taxes or other governmental charges, the amount
distributed to the Owners shall be reduced accordingly.Β Β In the event
that the Depositary determines that any distribution in property (including Rio
Tinto Shares and rights to subscribe therefor) is subject to any tax or other
governmental charges which the Depositary is obligated to withhold, the
Depositary may dispose of all or a portion of such property (including Rio Tinto
Shares and rights to subscribe therefor) in such amounts and in such manner,
including by public or private sale, as the Depositary deems necessary and
practicable to pay any such taxes and charges.
There can
be no assurance that Owners generally, or any Owner in particular, will be given
the opportunity to exercise rights on the same terms and conditions as the
holders of Shares or be able to exercise such rights.Β Β Nothing herein
shall obligate the Company to file any registration statement in respect of any
rights or Rio Tinto Shares or other securities to be acquired upon the exercise
of such rights.
Section
4.05Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Conversion of Non-United States
Currency.
Β
Whenever
the Depositary shall receive non-United States currency, by way of dividends or
other distributions or the net proceeds from the sale of securities, property or
rights, and if at the time of the receipt thereof the non-United States currency
so received can in the reasonable judgment of the Depositary be converted on a
reasonable basis into Dollars and the resulting Dollars transferred to the
United States, the Depositary shall convert or cause to be converted, by sale or
in any other manner that it may determine, such non-United States currency into
Dollars, and such Dollars shall be distributed to the Owners entitled thereto
or, if the Depositary shall have distributed any warrants or other instruments
which entitle the holders thereof to such Dollars, then to the holders of such
warrants and/or instruments upon surrender thereof for cancellation. Such
distribution may be made upon an averaged or other practicable basis without
regard to any distinctions among Owners on account of exchange restrictions or
otherwiseΒ and shall be net of any expenses of conversion into dollars
incurred by the Depositary as provided in Section 5.09 of this Deposit
Agreement.
15
If such
conversion or distribution can be effected only with the approval or license of
any government or agency thereof, the Depositary shall file such application for
approval or license, if any, as it may in good xxxxx xxxx desirable or
necessary. The costs related to any such filing shall be deducted from the
amounts to be converted and/or distributed.
If at any
time the Depositary shall determine that in its reasonable judgment any
non-United States currency received by the Depositary is not convertible on a
reasonable basis into Dollars transferable to the United States, or if any
approval or license of any government or agency thereof which is required for
such conversion is denied or in the reasonable opinion of the Depositary is not
obtainable, or if any such approval or license is not obtained within a
reasonable period as determined by the Depositary, the Depositary may distribute
the non-United States currency (or an appropriate document evidencing the right
to receive such non-United States currency) received by the Depositary to, or in
its discretion may hold such non-United States currency for the respective
accounts of, the Owners entitled to receive the same. If any such conversion of
non-United States currency, in whole or in part, cannot be effected for
distribution to some Owners entitled thereto, the Depositary may in its
discretion make such conversion and distribution in Dollars to the extent
permissible to the Owners entitled thereto and may distribute the balance of the
non-United States currency received by the Depositary to, or hold such balance
for the respective accounts of, the Owners entitled thereto.
Section
4.06Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Fixing of Record
Date.
Β
Whenever
any cash dividend or other cash distribution shall become payable or any
distribution other than cash shall be made, or whenever rights shall be issued
with respect to the Deposited Securities, or whenever the Depositary shall
receive notice of any meeting of holders of Rio Tinto Shares or other Deposited
Securities, the Depositary shall, after consultation with the Company if
practicable, fix a record date (which, to the extent applicable, shall be as
near as practicable to any corresponding record date set by the Company), for
the determination of the Owners who shall be entitled to receive such dividend,
distribution or rights, or the net proceeds of the sale thereof, or to give
instructions for the exercise of voting rights at any such meeting, or for
fixing the date on or after which each American Depositary Share will represent
the changed number of Rio Tinto Shares. Subject to this Deposit Agreement, only
such Owners at the close of business on such record date shall be entitled to
receive any such distribution or proceeds, to give such voting instructions, to
receive such notice or solicitation or to act or be responsible or obligated in
respect of any such other matter.
Section
4.07Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Voting of Deposited
Securities.
Β
Upon
receipt of notice of any meeting of holders of Rio Tinto Shares or other
Deposited Securities, unless otherwise requested in writing by the Company the
Depositary shall, as soon as practicable thereafter, mail to the Owners a notice
which shall contain (a) such information as is contained in such notice of
meeting and in any related material supplied by the Company to the Depositary,
(b) a statement that the Owners as of the close of business on a specified
record date will be entitled, subject to any applicable provision of English law
and of the Articles of Association of the Company, to instruct the Depositary as
to the exercise of the voting rights, if any, pertaining to the amount of Rio
Tinto Shares or other Deposited Securities represented by their respective
American Depositary Shares and (c) a statement as to the manner in which such
instructions may be given, including an express indication that instructions may
be given to the Depositary to give a discretionary proxy to a person designated
by the Company. Upon the written request of an Owner on such record date,
received on or before the date established by the Depositary for such purpose,
the Depositary shall endeavor in so far as practicable to vote or cause to be
voted the amount of Rio Tinto Shares or other Deposited Securities represented
by such Receipt in accordance with the instructions set forth in such request.
The Depositary shall not, and the Depositary shall ensure that the Custodian,
and the nominee(s) of the Depositary or the Custodian shall not, vote or attempt
to vote or exercise or attempt to exercise any other rights in respect of
Deposited Securities, other than in accordance with the prior written
instructions of the Owners of Receipts therefor, and shall not vote or attempt
to exercise the right to vote or exercise or attempt to exercise any other right
attaching to Rio Tinto Shares or other Deposited Securities if no instructions
are received with respect to such securities. If practicable, upon the Companyβs
request, the Depositary shall advise the Company of tabulations of any such
instructions it has received. At least two (2) days prior to the date of such
meeting, the Depositary shall advise the Company in writing of the tabulations
of the instructions received from Owners of Receipts.
Β
16
Β
Section
4.08Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Changes Affecting Deposited
Securities.
Β
Upon any
change in par value, split-up, consolidation or any other reclassification of
Deposited Securities, or upon any recapitalization, reorganization, merger or
consolidation or sale of assets affecting the Company or to which it is a party,
any securities which shall be received by the Depositary or a Custodian in
exchange for or in conversion of or in respect of Deposited Securities shall be
treated as new Deposited Securities under this Deposit Agreement, and the
Depositary shall, unless the Company shall request otherwise, execute and
deliver additional Receipts as in the case of a dividend on the Rio Tinto
Shares, or call for the surrender of outstanding Receipts to be exchanged for
new Receipts specifically describing such new Deposited Securities. In any case
where the Company shall otherwise request, American Depositary Shares shall
thenceforth represent the new Deposited Securities so received in exchange or
conversion.
Section
4.09Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Reports.
Β
The
Depositary shall make available for inspection by Owners at its Principal Office
any reports and communications, including any proxy soliciting material,
received from the Company which are both (a) received by the Depositary as the
holder of the Deposited Securities and (b) made generally available to the
holders of such Deposited Securities by the Company. The Depositary shall also
send to the Owners copies of such reports when furnished by the Company pursuant
to Section 5.06.
17
Section
4.10Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Lists of Receipt
Owners.
Β
Promptly
upon request by the Company, the Depositary shall furnish to it a list, as of a
recent date, of the names, addresses and holdings of American Depositary Shares
by all persons in whose names Receipts are registered on the Receipt
register.
Section
4.11Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Withholding.
Β
In the
event that the Depositary determines that any distribution in property
(including Rio Tinto Shares and rights to subscribe therefor) is subject to any
tax which the Depositary is obligated to withhold, the Depositary may dispose of
all or a portion of such property (including Rio Tinto Shares and rights to
subscribe therefor) in such amounts and in such manner as the Depositary deems
necessary and practicable to pay any such taxes, by public or private sale, and
the Depositary shall distribute the net proceeds of any such sale after
deduction of such taxes to the Owners entitled thereto in proportion to the
number of American Depositary Shares held by them respectively.
Section
4.12Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Available
Information.
Β
The
Company is subject to the periodic reporting requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 and agrees to file all required reports with the
Commission.
Β
ARTICLE
V.
THE
DEPOSITARY, THE CUSTODIANS AND THE COMPANY.
Section
5.01Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Maintenance of Office and
Receipt Register by the Depositary.
Β
Until
termination of this Deposit Agreement in accordance with its terms, the
Depositary shall maintain facilities for the execution and delivery,
registration, registration of transfer and surrender of Receipts in accordance
with the provisions of this Deposit Agreement. The Depositary shall, or the
Depositary shall cause the Custodian to, register as a foreign nominee for the
purposes of this Agreement pursuant to English Law.
The
Depositary shall keep at its Principal Office a Receipt register for the
registration of Receipts and transfers of Receipts which at all reasonable times
shall be open for inspection by the Owners and the Company, provided that such
inspection shall not be for the purpose of communicating with Owners in the
interest of a business or object other than the business of the Company or a
matter related to this Deposit Agreement or the Receipts. The Depositary may
close the Receipt register, at any time or from time to time, when deemed
expedient in good faith by it in connection with the performance of its duties
hereunder with notice of such closure outside of the ordinary course of business
to be provided to the Company as soon as practicable. Notwithstanding the
closing of the Receipt register, the Company shall continue to have the right to
inspect such Receipt register to the extent provided in the preceding
paragraph.
Β
18
Β
Section
5.02Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Prevention or Delay in
Performance by the Depositary or the Company.
Β
Neither
the Depositary, its agents nor the Company shall incur any liability to any
person, including any Owner or beneficial owner of an interest in American
Depositary Shares, if, by reason of any present or future law, rule, regulation,
fiat, order or decree of the UnitedΒ Β States, the United Kingdom or any
other country, or of any governmental or regulatory authority or any securities
exchange or market or automated quotation system, or by reason of any provision,
present or future, of the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company,
or of or governing the Deposited Securities, or by reason of any act of God,
war, terrorism or other circumstance beyond its control the Depositary, its
agents or the Company shall be prevented, delayed or forbidden from doing or
performing, or subjected to any civil or criminal penalty in connection with,
any act or thing which by the terms of this Deposit Agreement, the Memorandum
and Articles of Association of the Company or the Deposited Securities it is
provided shall be done or performed; nor shall the Depositary, its agents or the
Company incur any liability to any Owner of a Receipt by reason of any
non-performance or delay, caused as aforesaid, in the performance of any act or
thing which by the terms of this Deposit Agreement it is provided shall or may
be done or performed, or by reason of any exercise of, or failure to exercise,
any discretion provided for in this Deposit Agreement nor, in any case, shall
the Depositary, its agents or the Company incur any liability to any Owner or
beneficial owner of an interest in American Depositary Shares or other person by
reason of any nonperformance or delay.
Section
5.03Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Obligations of the
Depositary, the Custodian and the Company.
Β
The
Depositary, the Company, their agents and each of them shall: (a) assume no
liability except to perform its obligations to the extent they are specifically
set forth in the Deposit Agreement without gross negligence or bad faith; (b) 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 Receipt; (c) 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 Receipt,
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; and (d) 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 Owner, or any other person believed by it to be competent to give
such advice or information, and (e) any one or more of (a) through
(d).Β Β The Depositary shall not be liable for the acts or omissions
made by any securities depository, clearing agency or settlement system in
connection with or arising out of book-entry settlement of Deposited Securities
or otherwise.Β Β Β Β The Depositary shall not be responsible
for, and shall incur no liability in connection with or arising from, the
insolvency of any Custodian that is not a branch or affiliate of JPMorgan Chase
Bank, N.A.Β Β Β 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.Β Β 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.Β Β Subject to the Company's
Memorandum and Articles of Association and applicable law, the Depositary and
its agents may own and deal in any class of securities of the Company and its
affiliates and in Receipts. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth
herein or in any Receipt, the Depositary and its agents may fully respond to any
and all demands or requests for information maintained by or on its behalf in
connection with the Deposit Agreement, any Owner or Owners, any American
Depositary Shares, Receipt or Receipts or otherwise related hereto or thereto to
the extent such information is requested or required by or pursuant to any
lawful authority, including without limitation laws, rules, regulations,
administrative or judicial process, banking, securities or other
regulators.Β Β Β None of the Depositary, the Custodian or the
Company shall be liable for the failure by any Owner or beneficial owner to
obtain the benefits of credits on the basis of non-U.S. tax paid against such
Owner=s
or beneficial owner=s
income tax liability. The Depositary and the Company shall not incur any
liability for any tax consequences that may be incurred by Owners and beneficial
owners on account of their ownership of the Receipts or American Depositary
Shares.Β Β Neither the Depositary nor any of its agents shall be liable
to Owners or beneficial owners of interests in American Depositary Shares for
any indirect, special, punitive or consequential damages (including, without
limitation, lost profits) of any form incurred by any person or entity, whether
or not foreseeable and regardless of the type of action in which such a claim
may be brought. No disclaimer of liability under the Securities Act of 1933 is
intended by any provision of the Deposit Agreement.
Β
19
Β
The
Depositary shall not be liable for any acts or omissions made by a successor
depositary whether in connection with a previous act or omission of the
Depositary or in connection with any matter arising wholly after the removal or
resignation of the Depositary, provided that the Depositary acted without gross
negligence or willful misconduct with respect to the same matter during the
period in which it previously acted as Depositary.Β
Section
5.04Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Resignation and Removal of
the Depositary; Appointment of Successor Depositary.
Β
The
Depositary may at any time resign as Depositary hereunder by written notice of
its election so to do delivered to the Company, and subject to Section 6.02 such
resignation to take effect upon the appointment of a successor depositary and
its acceptance of such appointment as hereinafter provided.
The
Depositary may at any time be removed as Depositary under this Deposit Agreement
by the Company by written notice, given to the Depositary and subject to Section
6.02, such removal effective upon the appointment of a successor depositary and
its acceptance of such appointment as hereinafter provided.
Β
20
Β
In case
at any time the Depositary acting hereunder shall resign or be removed, the
Company, unless the Company shall desire the termination of this Deposit
Agreement as provided in Section 6.02, shall use its best efforts to appoint a
successor depositary, which shall be a bank or trust company having an office in
the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York. Every successor depositary shall
execute and deliver to its predecessor and to the Company an instrument in
writing accepting its appointment hereunder, and thereupon such successor
depositary, without any further act or deed, shall become fully vested with all
the rights, powers, duties and obligations of its predecessor; but such
predecessor, nevertheless, upon payment of all sums due it and on the written
request of the Company shall execute and deliver an instrument transferring to
such successor all rights and powers of such predecessor hereunder, shall duly
assign, transfer and deliver all right, title and interest in the Deposited
Securities to such successor, and shall deliver to such successor a list of the
Owners of all outstanding Receipts. Any such successor depositary shall promptly
mail notice of its appointment to the Owners.
Any
corporation into or with which the Depositary may be merged or consolidated
shall be the successor of the Depositary without the execution or filing of any
document or any further act.
Section
5.05Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β The
Custodians.
Β
The
Depositary has appointed the London, England office of the Depositary as
custodian for the purposes of this Deposit Agreement. The Depositary shall cause
the Custodian or its successors in acting hereunder to be subject at all times
and in all respects to the directions of the Depositary and to be responsible
solely to it. The Depositary shall be fully liable to the Company for the acts
or omissions of any Custodian only to the same extent as if such acts or
omissions were those of the Depositary. Any Custodian may resign and be
discharged from its duties hereunder by notice of such resignation delivered to
the Depositary at least 30 days prior to the date on which such resignation is
to become effective. If upon such resignation there shall be no Custodian acting
hereunder, the Depositary shall, promptly after receiving such notice and after
consultation with the Company if practicable, appoint a substitute custodian or
custodians in England, each of which shall thereafter be a Custodian hereunder.
Whenever the Depositary in its discretion determines that it is in the best
interest of the Owners to do so, it may appoint, after consultation with the
Company if practicable, a substitute or additional custodian or custodians in
England, which shall thereafter be one of the Custodians hereunder. Upon demand
of the Depositary any Custodian shall deliver such of the Deposited Securities
held by it as are requested of it to any other Custodian or such substitute or
additional custodian or custodians. Each such substitute or additional custodian
shall deliver to the Depositary, forthwith upon its appointment, an acceptance
of such appointment satisfactory in form and substance to the
Depositary.
Upon the
appointment of any successor depositary hereunder, each Custodian then acting
hereunder shall forthwith become, without any further act or writing, the agent
hereunder of such successor depositary and the appointment of such successor
depositary shall in no way impair the authority of each Custodian hereunder; but
the successor depositary so appointed shall, nevertheless, on the written
request of any Custodian, execute and deliver to such Custodian all such
instruments as may be proper to give to such Custodian full and complete power
and authority as agent hereunder of such successor depositary.
Β
21
Β
Section
5.06Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Notices and
Reports.
Β
On or
before the first date on which the Company gives notice, by publication or
otherwise, of any meeting of holders of Rio Tinto Shares or other Deposited
Securities, or of any adjourned meeting of such holders, or of the taking of any
action in respect of any cash or other distributions or the offering of any
rights, the Company agrees to transmit to the Depositary and any Custodian in
whose name the Deposited Securities are registered a copy of the notice thereof
in the form given or to be given, to holders of Rio Tinto Shares or other
Deposited Securities.
The
Company will arrange for the prompt transmittal by the Company to the Depositary
of such notices and any other reports and communications which are made
generally available by the Company to holders of Rio Tinto Shares. If requested
in writing by the Company, the Depositary will arrange for the mailing, at the
Companyβs expense, of copies of such notices, reports and communications to all
Owners and of any other notices, reports and communications which the Company
requests. The Company will timely provide the Depositary with the quantity of
such notices, reports, and communications as requested by the Depositary from
time to time, in order for the Depositary to effect such mailings.
Section
5.07Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Issuance of Additional Rio
Tinto Shares, etc.
Β
The
Company agrees that prior to any issuance of (1) additional Rio Tinto Shares,
(2) rights to subscribe for Rio Tinto Shares, (3) securities convertible into or
exchangeable for Rio Tinto Shares, or (4) rights to subscribe for such
securities, the Company will promptly furnish to the Depositary a written
opinion from counsel for the Company in the United States, which counsel shall
be reasonably satisfactory to the Depositary, stating whether or not the
circumstances of such issue are such as to make it necessary for a registration
statement under the Securities Act of 1933 to be in effect prior to the offer of
such to Owners or the delivery of the American Depositary Shares to be issued in
connection with such securities or the issuance of such rights and dealing with
such other matters as the Depositary may reasonably request.Β If in the
opinion of such counsel a registration statement is required, such counsel shall
furnish to the Depositary a written opinion as to whether or not there is a
registration statement in effect which will cover such offer and issuance of
securities or rights.Β Notwithstanding the preceding two sentences, no such
written opinion need be furnished to the Depositary in the event that the
Company notifies the Depositary that a registration statement is in effect as to
such Rio Tinto Shares under the Securities Act of 1933 and provides proof of
such continued effectiveness or, in the case of any Rio Tinto Share option
scheme of the Company, the Company notifies the Depositary that a written
opinion of such counsel previously has been furnished to such Depositary (as
opposed to a predecessor thereof) to the effect that registration of Rio Tinto
Shares, or options in respect of Rio Tinto Shares, to be issued under such
scheme is in effect under the Securities Act of 1933 or is not required
thereunder.
The
Company agrees with the Depositary that neither the Company nor any company
controlling, controlled by or under common control with, the Company will at any
time deposit any Rio Tinto Shares, either upon original issuance or upon a sale
of Rio Tinto Shares previously issued and reacquired by the Company or by any
such company, unless a registration statement is in effect as to such Rio Tinto
Shares under the Securities Act of 1933, or unless the Company shall have
delivered to the Depositary a written opinion from United States counsel for the
Company, which counsel shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Depositary, to
the effect that registration under the Securities Act of 1933 is not required
therewith.Β
Β
22
Β
Section
5.08Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Indemnification.
Β
The
Company agrees to indemnify the Depositary and any Custodian against, and hold
each of them harmless from, any liability or expense (including, but not limited
to, the fees and expenses of counsel) which may arise out of acts performed or
omitted, in accordance with the provisions of this Deposit Agreement and of the
Receipts, as the same may be amended, modified or supplemented from time to
time, (i) by either the Depositary or a Custodian, except for any liability or
expense arising out of the negligence or bad faith of either of them or (ii) by
the Company or any of its agents.
Except as
provided in the next succeeding paragraph, the Depositary shall indemnify,
defend and save harmless the Company against any loss, liability or expense
incurred by the Company in respect of this Deposit Agreement to the extent such
loss, liability or expense is due to the negligence or bad faith of the
Depositary.
Β
Notwithstanding
any other provision of this Deposit Agreement or the Receipts to the contrary,
neither the Depositary nor any of its agents, shall be liable for any indirect,
special, punitive or consequential damages (including, without limitation, lost
profits) of any form incurred by any person or entity, whether or not
foreseeable and regardless of the type of action in which such a claim may be
brought.
Β
Section
5.09Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Charges of
Depositary.
Β
Β The
Depositary may charge, and collect from, (i) each person to whom American
Depositary Shares are issued,Β including, without limitation,
issuancesΒ against deposits of Rio Tinto Shares,Β issuances contemplated
by Article IV of the Deposit Agreement,Β issuances pursuant to a stock
dividend or stock split declared by the Company, or issuances pursuant to a
merger,Β exchange of securities or any other transaction or event affecting
the American Depositary Shares or the Deposited Securities, andΒ (ii) each
person surrendering American Depositary Shares for withdrawal of Deposited
Securities or whose American Depositary Shares are cancelled or reduced for any
other reason, U.S.$5.00 for each 100 American Depositary Shares (or portion
thereof) issued, delivered, reduced, cancelledΒ or surrendered (as the case
may be). The Depositary may sell (by public or private sale) sufficient
securities and property received by it prior to such deposit to pay such charge.
The following additional charges shall be incurred by the Owners, by any party
depositing or withdrawing Shares or by any party surrendering American
Depositary Shares, to whom American Depositary Shares are issued (including,
without limitation, issuance pursuant to a stock dividend or stock split
declared by the Company or an exchange of stock regarding the American
Depositary Shares or the Deposited Securities or a distribution of American
Depositary Shares pursuant to Article IV of the Deposit Agreement), whichever is
applicable (i) a fee of U.S.$1.50 per Receipt or Receipts for transfers made
under the Deposit Agreement, (ii) a fee for the distribution or sale of
securities, such fee being in an amount equal to the fee for the execution and
delivery of American Depositary Shares referred to above which would have been
charged as a result of the deposit of such securities (for purposes hereof
treating all such securities as if they were Rio Tinto Shares) but which
securities or the net cash proceeds from the sale thereof are instead
distributed by the Depositary to Owners entitled thereto,Β (iii) an aggregate fee
of U.S.$0.03 per American Depositary Share per calendar year (or portion
thereof) for services performed by the Depositary in administering the Receipt
program (which fee may be charged on a periodic basis during each calendar year
and shall be assessed against Owners as of the record date or record dates set
by the Depositary during each calendar year and shall be payable at the sole
discretion of the Depositary by billing such Owners or by deducting such charge
from one or more cash dividends or other cash distributions), and (iv)
reimbursement of such fees, charges and expenses as are incurred by the
Depositary and/or any of the Depositary's agents (including, without limitation,
the Custodian and expenses incurred on behalf of Owners in connection with
compliance with foreign exchange control regulations or any law or regulation
relating to foreign investment) in connection with the servicing of the Shares
or other Deposited Securities, the delivery of Deposited Securities or otherwise
in connection with the Depositary's or its Custodian's compliance with
applicable law, rule or regulation (which charge shall be assessed on a
proportionate basis against Owners as of the record date or dates set by the
Depositary and shall be payable at the sole discretion of the Depositary by
billing such Owners or by deducting such charge from one or more cash dividends
or other cash distributions). 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 Owners or persons depositing Rio Tinto Shares),
(ii) cable, telex and facsimile transmission and delivery charges incurred at
the request of persons depositing, or Owners delivering Rio Tinto Shares,
Receipts or Deposited Securities (which are payable by such persons or Owners),
(iii) transfer or registration fees for the registration or transfer of
Deposited Securities on any applicable register in connection with the deposit
or withdrawal of Deposited Securities, 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). Such charges may at any time and from time
to time be changed by agreement between the Company and the
Depositary.
Β
23
Β
Section
5.10Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Retention of Depositary
Documents.
Β
The
Depositary is authorized to destroy those documents, records, bills and other
data compiled during the term of this Deposit Agreement at the times permitted
by the governing statutes unless the Company requests that such papers be
retained for a longer period and payment arrangements are made between the
Company and the Depositary or such items then able to be destroyed are turned
over to the Company or to a successor depositary.Β
Β
Section
5.11Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Exclusivity.
Β
The
Company agrees not to appoint any other depositary for issuance of American
Depositary Receipts so long as JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. is acting as Depositary
hereunder.
24
ARTICLE
VI.
AMENDMENT
AND TERMINATION.
Section
6.01Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Amendment.
Β
The form
of the Receipts and any provisions of this Deposit Agreement may at any time and
from time to time be amended by agreement between the Company and the Depositary
in any respect which they may deem necessary or desirable. Any amendment which
shall impose or increase any fees or charges (other than the fees of the
Depositary for the execution and delivery of Receipts and taxes and other
governmental charges), or which shall otherwise prejudice any substantial
existing right of Owners, shall, however, not become effective as to outstanding
Receipts until the expiration of 30 days after notice of such amendment shall
have been given to the Owners of outstanding Receipts. Every Owner at the time
any amendment so becomes effective shall be deemed, by continuing to hold such
Receipt, to consent and agree to such amendment and to be bound by the Deposit
Agreement as amended thereby. Any amendments or supplements which (i) are
reasonably necessary (as agreed by the Company and the Depositary) in order for
(a) the American Depositary Receipts to be registered on Form F-6 under the
Securities Act of 1933 or (b) the American Depositary Receipts 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 Owners, shall be deemed
not to prejudice any substantial rights of
Owners.Β Β Β Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any governmental body
or regulatory body should adopt new laws, rules or regulations which would
require amendment or supplement of the Deposit Agreement or the form of Receipt
to ensure compliance therewith, the Company and the Depositary may amend or
supplement the Deposit Agreement and the Receipt at any time in accordance with
such changed laws, rules or regulations.Β Β 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 Owners or within any other
period of time as required for compliance.Β Β In no event shall any
amendment impair the right of the Owner of any Receipt to surrender such Receipt
and receive therefor the Deposited Securities represented thereby, except in
order to comply with mandatory provisions of applicable law.
Section
6.02Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Termination.
Β
The
Depositary shall at any time at the direction of the Company terminate this
Deposit Agreement by mailing notice of such termination to the Owners of all
Receipts then outstanding at least 30 days prior to the date fixed in such
notice for such termination. The Depositary may likewise terminate this Deposit
Agreement if at any time 60 days shall have expired after the Depositary shall
have delivered to the Company a written notice of its election to resign and a
successor depositary shall not have been appointed and accepted its appointment
as provided in Section 5.04.
If any Receipts shall remain outstanding after the date of termination,
the Depositary thereafter shall discontinue the registration of transfers of
Receipts, shall suspend the distribution of dividends to the Owners thereof, and
shall not give any further notices or perform any further acts under this
Deposit Agreement, except that the Depositary shall continue to collect
dividends and other distributions pertaining to Deposited Securities, shall sell
rights as provided in this Deposit Agreement, and shall continue to deliver
Deposited Securities, together with any dividends or other distributions
received with respect thereto and the net proceeds of the sale of any rights or
other property, in exchange for Receipts surrendered to the Depositary. At any
time after the expiration of six months from the date of termination, the
Depositary may sell the Deposited Securities then held hereunder and may
thereafter hold uninvested the net proceeds of any such sale, together with any
other cash then held by it hereunder, without liability for interest, for the
pro rata benefit of the Owners which have not theretofore been surrendered.
After making such sale, the Depositary shall be discharged from all obligations
under this Deposit Agreement, except to account for such net proceeds and other
cash (after deducting, in each case, the fee of the Depositary for the surrender
of a Receipt, any expenses for the account of the Owner of such Receipt in
accordance with the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement, and any
applicable taxes or governmental charges). Upon the termination of this Deposit
Agreement, the Company shall be discharged from all obligations under this
Deposit Agreement except for any obligations to the Depositary under Sections
5.08 and 5.09 hereof.
25
Β
ARTICLE
VII.
MISCELLANEOUS.
Section
7.01Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Counterparts.
Β
This
Deposit Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which
shall be deemed an original and all of such counterparts shall constitute one
and the same instrument. Copies of this Deposit Agreement shall be filed with
the Depositary and the Custodians and shall be open to inspection by any holder
or Owner of a Receipt during business hours.
Section
7.02Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β No Third Party
Beneficiaries.
Β
This
Deposit Agreement is for the exclusive benefit of the parties hereto and shall
not be deemed to give any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim whatsoever
to any other person.
Β
26
Β
Section
7.03Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Severability.
Β
In case
any one or more of the provisions contained in this Deposit Agreement or in the
Receipts should be or become invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect,
the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained
herein or therein shall in no way be affected, prejudiced or disturbed
thereby.
Section
7.04Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Holders and Owners as
Parties; Binding Effect.
Β
The
holders and Owners of Receipts from time to time shall be parties to this
Deposit Agreement and shall be bound by all of the terms and conditions hereof
and of the Receipts by acceptance thereof.
Section
7.05Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Notices.
Β
Any
notices under this Deposit Agreement shall be in writing and signed by or on
behalf of the party giving it. Any and all notices to be given to the Company
shall be deemed to have been duly given if personally delivered or sent by mail
or cable, telex or facsimile transmission confirmed by letter, addressed to The
Secretary, Rio Tinto plc, 0 Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxx, X0 0XX, , Xxxxxxx, or
any other place to which the Company may have transferred its principal
office.
Any and
all notices to be given to the Depositary shall be deemed to have been duly
given if personally delivered or sent by mail or cable, telex or facsimile
transmission confirmed by letter addressed to ADR Department, JPMorgan Chase
Bank, N.A., 1 Chase Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxx 00, Xxx Xxxx, XX, 00000-0000, or any
other place to which the Depositary may have transferred its Principal
Office.
Any and
all notices to be given to any Owner shall be deemed to have been duly given if
personally delivered or sent by mail or cable, telex or facsimile transmission
confirmed by letter, addressed to such Owner at the address of such Owner as it
appears on the transfer books for Receipts of the Depositary, or, if such Owner
shall have filed with the Depositary a written request that notices intended for
such Owner be mailed to some other address, at the address designated in such
request.
Delivery
of a notice sent by mail or cable, telex or facsimile transmission shall be
deemed to be effected at the time when a duly addressed letter containing the
same (or a confirmation thereof in the case of a cable, telex or facsimile
transmission) is deposited, postage prepaid, in a post-office letter box. The
Depositary or the Company may, however, act upon any cable, telex or facsimile
transmission received by it from the other or from any Owner of a Receipt,
notwithstanding that such cable, telex or facsimile transmission shall not
subsequently be confirmed by letter as aforesaid.
Section
7.06Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Governing LawΒ Jurisdiction.
Β
This
Deposit Agreement and the Receipts shall be interpreted and all rights hereunder
and thereunder and provisions hereof and thereof shall be governed by the laws
of the State of New York.
Β
27
Β
The
Company irrevocably agrees that any legal suit, action or proceeding against the
Company brought by the Depositary or any Owner, arising out of or based upon
this Deposit Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, may be
instituted in any state or federal court in New York, New York, and irrevocably
waives any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue
of any such proceeding, and irrevocably submits to the non-exclusive
jurisdiction of such courts in any such suit, action or proceeding. The Company
also irrevocably agrees that any legal suit, action or proceeding against the
Depositary brought by the Company, arising out of or based upon this Deposit
Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, may only be instituted in a
state or federal court in New York, New York.Β Β The Company has
appointedΒ Xxxxxxx
Xxxxxxxx, secretary of the Companyβs US holding companies, at Rio Tinto Services
Inc., 00 Xxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000-0000, as its authorized agent (the
"Authorized Agent") upon which process may be served in any such action arising
out of or based on this Deposit Agreement or the transactions contemplated
hereby which may be instituted in any state or federal court in New York, New
York by the Depositary or any Owner, and waives any other requirements of or
objections to personal jurisdiction with respect thereto.Β Β The Company
represents and warrants that the Authorized Agent has agreed to act as said
agent for service of process, and the Company agrees to take any and all action,
including the filing of any and all documents and instruments, that may be
necessary to continue such appointment in full force and effect as aforesaid.
Service of process upon the Authorized Agent and written notice of such service
to the Company shall be deemed, in every respect, effective service of process
upon the Company.Β Β If, for any reason, the Authorized Agent named
above or its successor shall no longer serve as agent of the Company to receive
service of process in New York, the Company shall promptly appoint a successor
acceptable to the Depositary, so as to serve and will promptly advise the
Depositary thereof.Β Β In the event the Company fails to continue such
designation and appointment in full force and effect, the Company hereby waives
personal service of process upon it and consents that any such service of
process may be made by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested,
directed to the Company at its address last specified for notices hereunder, and
service so made shall be deemed completed five (5) days after the same shall
have been so mailed.Β Β Β Notwithstanding the foregoing, any action
based on this Deposit Agreement may be instituted by the Depositary or any Owner
in any competent court in the United Kingdom.
To the
extent that the Company or any of its properties, assets or revenues may have or
may hereafter be entitled to, or have attributed to it, any right of immunity,
on the grounds of sovereignty or otherwise, from any legal action, suit or
proceeding, from the giving of any relief in any respect thereof, from setoff or
counterclaim, from the jurisdiction of any court, from service of process, from
attachment upon or prior to judgment, from attachment in aid of execution or
judgment, or from execution of judgment, or other legal process or proceeding
for the giving of any relief or for the enforcement of any judgment, in any
jurisdiction in which proceedings may at any time be commenced, with respect to
its obligations, liabilities or other matter under or arising out of or in
connection with the Shares or Deposited Securities, the American Depositary
Shares, the Receipts or this Deposit Agreement, the Company, to the fullest
extent permitted by law, hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives, and
agrees not to plead or claim, any such immunity and consents to such relief and
enforcement.
Β
28
Β
Section
7.07Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Compliance with U.S.
Securities Laws.
Β
Notwithstanding
any provision of this Deposit Agreement, the Company and the Depositary each
agrees that it will not exercise any rights it has under this Deposit Agreement
to prevent the withdrawal or delivery of Deposited Securities in a manner which
would violate the U.S. securities laws, including, but not limited to, Section
I.A.(1) of the General Instructions to the Form F-6 Registration Statement, as
amended from time to time, under the Securities Act of 1933.
Section
7.08Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Amendment and Restatement of
Old Deposit Agreement.Β Β
Β
The
Deposit Agreement amends and restates the Old Deposit Agreement in its entirety
to consist exclusively of the Deposit Agreement, and each Old Receipt is hereby
deemed amended and restated to substantially conform to the form of Receipt set
forth in ExhibitΒ A annexed hereto, except that, to the extent any portion
of either such amendment and restatement would prejudice any substantial
existing right of registered owners of Old Receipts, such portion shall not
become effective as to such registered owners until one month after such owners
shall have received notice thereof, such notice to be conclusively deemed given
upon the mailing to such registered owners of notice of such amendment and
restatement which notice contains a provision whereby such owners can receive a
copy of the form of Receipt.
Β
29
Β
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, RIO TINTO PLC and JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A. have duly executed
this Deposit Agreement as of the day and year first above set forth and all
holders of Receipts shall become parties hereto upon acceptance by them of
Receipts issued in accordance with the terms hereof.
RIO TINTO PLC
Β
Β
By:
_______________________Β
Name:Β Β
Title:
Β
JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.
Β
By:
_______________________Β
Name:
Title:Β Β Vice
President
Β
30
Β
NOT
CONFORMED TO FRONT
Exhibit
A to Deposit Agreement
Β
No. | AMERICAN DEPOSITARY
SHARES
Β (Each
American Depositary
Β Share
represents one
Β Share)
|
Β
JPMORGAN
CHASE BANK, N.A.
AMERICAN
DEPOSITARY RECEIPT
FOR
ORDINARY SHARES OF
RIO
TINTO PLC
(INCORPORATED
UNDER THE LAWS OF ENGLAND)
Β
JPMORGAN
CHASE BANK, N.A., a national banking association organized under the laws of the
United States of America, as depositary (hereinafter called the βDepositaryβ),
hereby certifies that ___________________, or registered assigns IS THE OWNER OF
_____________ American Depositary Shares representing deposited Ordinary Shares
(herein called βRio Tinto Sharesβ) of Rio Tinto plc, incorporated under the laws
of England (herein called the βCompanyβ). At the date hereof, each American
Depositary Share represents one Rio Tinto Share deposited under the deposit
agreement with the Custodian appointed thereunder (herein called the
βCustodianβ).
THE
DEPOSITARYβS PRINCIPAL OFFICE IS:
4
NEW YORK PLAZA, NEW YORK, N.Y. 10004
1.Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β THE
DEPOSIT AGREEMENT.
Β
This
American Depositary Receipt is one of an issue (herein called βReceiptsβ), all
issued and to be issued upon the terms and conditions set forth in the Amended
and Restated Deposit Agreement, dated as of AprilΒ Β , 2010 (as
hereinafter amended from time to time, herein called the βDeposit Agreementβ) by
and among the Company, the Depositary, and all Owners and holders from time to
time of Receipts issued thereunder, each of whom by accepting a Receipt agrees
to become a party thereto and become bound by all the terms and conditions
thereof. The Deposit Agreement sets forth the rights of Owners and holders of
the Receipts and the rights and duties of the Depositary in respect of the Rio
Tinto Shares deposited thereunder and any and all other Securities, property and
cash from time to time received in respect of such Rio Tinto Shares and held
thereunder (such Rio Tinto Shares, securities, property, and cash are herein
called βDeposited Securitiesβ). Copies of the Deposit Agreement are on file at
the Depositaryβs Principal Office in New York City and at the office of the
Custodian.
Β
Β
The
statements made on the face and reverse of this Receipt are summaries of certain
provisions of the Deposit Agreement and are qualified by and subject to the
detailed provisions of the Deposit Agreement, to which reference is hereby
made.
2.Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β SURRENDER OF RECEIPTS AND
WITHDRAWAL OF SHARES.
Β
Upon
surrender at the Principal Office of the Depositary of a Receipt in certificated
form or proper instructions and documentation, in the case of a Direct
Registration Receipt, and upon payment of the fee of the Depositary provided in
this Receipt, and subject to the terms and conditions of the Deposit Agreement,
the Owner hereof is entitled to delivery, to him or upon his order, of the
Deposited Securities at the time represented by the American Depositary Shares
for which this Receipt is issued. Delivery of such Deposited Securities may be
made by the delivery of certificates in the name of the Owner hereof or as
ordered by him or by the delivery of certificates endorsed or accompanied by
proper instruments of transfer. Such delivery will be made at the option of the
Owner hereof, either at the office of the Custodian or at the Principal Office
of the Depositary, provided that the forwarding of certificates for Rio Tinto
Shares or other Deposited Securities for such delivery at the Principal Office
of the Depositary shall be at the risk and expense of the Owner
hereof.
3.Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β TRANSFER, SPLIT-UPS, AND
COMBINATIONS OF RECEIPTS.
Β
The
transfer of this Receipt is registrable on the books of the Depositary at its
Principal Office by the Owner hereof in person or by duly authorized attorney,
upon surrender of this Receipt properly endorsed for transfer or accompanied by
proper instruments of transfer and funds sufficient to pay any applicable
transfer taxes and the fees and expenses of the Depositary and upon compliance
with such regulations, if any, as the Depositary may establish for such purpose.
This Receipt may be split into other such Receipts, or may be combined with
other such Receipts into one Receipt, representing the same aggregate number of
American Depositary Shares as the Receipt or Receipts surrendered. As a
condition precedent to the execution and delivery, registration of transfer,
split-up, combination, or surrender of any Receipt or withdrawal of any
Deposited Securities, the Depositary or the Custodian may require payment from
the presentor of the Receipt of a sum sufficient to reimburse it for any tax or
other governmental charge and any stock transfer or registration fee with
respect thereto (including any such tax or charge and fee with respect to Shares
being deposited or withdrawn) and payment of any applicable fees may require the
production of proof satisfactory to it as to the identity and genuineness of any
signature and may also require compliance with such regulations, if any, as the
Depositary may establish consistent with the provisions of the Deposit
Agreement.
Β
Β
The
delivery of Receipts against deposits of Rio Tinto Shares generally or against
deposits of particular Rio Tinto Shares may be suspended, or the transfer of
Receipts in particular instances may be refused, or the transfer or surrender of
outstanding Receipts generally may be suspended, during any period when the
Receipt register is closed, or if any such action is deemed necessary or
advisable by the Depositary or the Company at any time or from time to time
because of any requirement of law or of any government or governmental body or
commission, or under any provision of the Deposit Agreement. Without limitation
of the foregoing, the Depositary will not knowingly accept for deposit under the
Deposit Agreement any Rio Tinto Shares required to be registered under the
provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, unless a registration statement is in
effect as to such Rio Tinto Shares.
4.Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β LIABILITY OF OWNER FOR
TAXES.
Β
If any
tax or other governmental charge shall become payable with respect to any
Receipt or any Deposited Securities represented hereby, such tax or other
governmental charge shall be payable by the Owner hereof to the Depositary. The
Depositary may refuse to effect any transfer of this Receipt or any withdrawal
of Deposited Securities represented hereby until such payment is made, and may
withhold any dividends or other distributions, or may sell for the account of
the Owner hereof any part or all of the Deposited Securities represented by this
Receipt, and may apply such dividends or other distributions or the proceeds of
any such sale in payment of such tax or other governmental charge, the Owner
hereof remaining liable for any deficiency.
5.Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β WARRANTIES OF
DEPOSITORS.
Β
Every
person depositing Rio Tinto Shares under the Deposit Agreement shall be deemed
thereby to represent and warrant that such Rio Tinto Shares and any certificate
therefor are validly issued, non-assessable, and free of any pre-emption rights
(other than as provided by statute, The London Stock Exchange, any other
regulatory body or The Articles of Associations of the Company) of the holders
of outstanding Rio Tinto Shares and that the person making such deposit is duly
authorized so to do. Every such person shall also be deemed to represent that
such Rio Tinto Shares deposited by that person are not restricted securities.
Such representations and warranties shall survive the deposit of Rio Tinto
Shares and issuance of Receipts.
6.Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β FILING PROOFS, CERTIFICATES,
AND OTHER INFORMATION.
Β
Any
person presenting Rio Tinto Shares for deposit or any Owner of a Receipt may be
required from time to time to file such proof of citizenship or residence,
exchange control approval, or such information relating to the registration on
the books of the Company (or the appointed agent of the Company for transfer and
registration of Rio Tinto Shares, which may, but need not be the English
Registrar) of the Rio Tinto Shares presented for deposit or other information,
to execute such certificates and to make such representations and warranties,
(i) as the Depositary may, in good faith, deem necessary or proper to comply
with applicable laws or regulations or to enable the Depositary to perform its
obligations under the Deposit Agreement or (ii) other than in the case of the
delivery of any Deposited Securities, as the Company may reasonably require by
written notice to the Depositary. The Depositary may withhold the delivery or
registration of transfer of any Receipt or the distribution or sale of any
dividend or other distribution or rights or of the proceeds thereof or the
delivery of any Deposited Securities until such proof or other information is
filed or such certificates are executed. The Depositary or the Custodian, as the
case may be, shall, at the request and expense of the Company, provide the
Company with copies of information it receives pursuant to this Article
6.
Β
Β
7.Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β DISCLOSURE OF BENEFICIAL
OWNERSHIP.
Β
(A)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Each
person who is the holder or the Owner of a Receipt, by holding the same or, as
appropriate, by seeking or accepting registration in respect of a Receipt on the
Receipt register agrees to notify the Depositary at its Principal Office within
2 days of his acquiring, directly or indirectly (by virtue of the ownership of
Receipts or otherwise) an interest in 1% or more of Rio Tinto Shares of such
acquisition and the notification (the βNotificationβ) shall include particulars
of:
(a)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β the
name, address and citizenship of every person with an interest in the Rio Tinto
Shares to which the Notification relates; and
(b)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β the
number of Rio Tinto Shares in which each such person is interested so far as
known to the person making the Notification at the date when the Notification is
made.
If a
change occurs in the particulars notified to the Depositary referred to above,
the person making the Notification shall, within 2 days of his becoming aware of
the change, notify the Depositary at its Principal Office of such
change.
The
Depositary shall notify the Company of such Notification in writing forthwith by
facsimile transmission and shall provide the Company with a copy of such
Notification which the Depositary receives. The Depositary shall, at the
Companyβs request, also notify the Company forthwith of any personβs interest in
1% or more of Rio Tinto Shares so far as the same is ascertainable from the
books and records of the Depositary maintained for the purposes of the Deposit
Agreement and such notification shall contain the particulars specified in
paragraphs (a) and (b) above insofar as they are known to the Depositary. The
Depositary, by receiving and forwarding such Notification, shall not take on any
responsibility for reporting such Notification or restricting the deposit or
sale of Rio Tinto Shares or Receipts or any other duty not imposed on the
Depositary concerning such information by United States rules and regulations.
In addition, the Depositary by agreeing to this provision does not agree to take
any further steps on the Companyβs behalf regarding beneficial ownership other
than as specifically set forth in this Article 7.
For the
purposes of this Article 7,
(i)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β two
or more persons acting as a partnership, limited partnership, syndicate or other
group for the purpose of acquiring, holding or depositing securities of the
Company shall be deemed a βpersonβ;
Β
Β
(ii)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β the
percentage of Rio Tinto Shares in respect of which the obligation to make a
Notification exists shall be such percentage of the issued ordinary shares of
the Company outstanding from time to time. As of the date of the amended and
restated Deposit Agreement, 1% of such outstanding issued ordinary shares of the
Company equals 10,680,833 Rio Tinto Shares. The Company shall notify the
Depositary not later than January 31 and July 31 in each year of the number of
Rio Tinto Shares that, as at the end of the immediately preceding calendar
month, equaled 1% of the issued ordinary shares of the Company outstanding at
that date. The Depositary shall have no duty under this subsection (ii) of
Article 7 unless the Company requests, in writing and pursuant to Section 5.06
of the Deposit Agreement, that the Depositary forward such information to
Owners; and
(iii)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β sections
203 to 209 of the Companies Xxx 0000 of Great Britain (or any
statutory modification or re-enactment thereof) shall apply in determining
whether any person has an interest or is interested in Rio Tinto
Shares.
(B)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β The
Depositary shall, at the Companyβs request and expense, send to any Owner
specified by the Company a notice requiring such Owner to notify the Depositary
as to whether any of such Ownerβs American Depositary Shares represented by any
of the Receipts held by or registered in the name of such Owner are being held,
directly or indirectly, for some person other than such Owner and if so, the
name, address and citizenship of such other person or persons. Each Owner by
holding a Receipt or, as appropriate, seeking or accepting registration on the
books of the Depositary maintained for the purpose, agrees to provide to the
Depositary at its Principal Office the information requested in the Depositaryβs
notice within 7 days after the date of the notice and the Depositary shall
forthwith furnish the Company with the information provided. Should any owner
fail to provide the information sought within such period of 7 days, the
Depositary shall notify the Company accordingly and, upon receipt of written
instructions from the Company to that effect, the Depositary shall:
(a)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β discontinue
the registration of transfers of all Receipts registered in the name of such
Owner;
(b)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β suspend
the distribution of dividends to such Owner; and
(c)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β not
give any further notices to such Owner.
Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the Company may not so instruct the Depositary with respect to
American Depositary Shares registered in the name of Cede & Co., as nominee
for DTC.
Β
Β
8.Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β CHARGES OF
DEPOSITARY.
Β
The
Depositary may charge, and collect from, (i) each person to whom American
Depositary Shares are issued,Β including, without limitation,
issuancesΒ against deposits of Rio Tinto Shares,Β issuances contemplated
by Article IV of the Deposit Agreement,Β issuances pursuant to a stock
dividend or stock split declared by the Company, or issuances pursuant to a
merger,Β exchange of securities or any other transaction or event affecting
the American Depositary Shares or the Deposited Securities, andΒ (ii) each
person surrendering American Depositary Shares for withdrawal of Deposited
Securities or whose American Depositary Shares are cancelled or reduced for any
other reason, U.S.$5.00 for each 100 American Depositary Shares (or portion
thereof) issued, delivered, reduced, cancelledΒ or surrendered (as the case
may be). The Depositary may sell (by public or private sale) sufficient
securities and property received by it prior to such deposit to pay such charge.
The following additional charges shall be incurred by the Owners, by any party
depositing or withdrawing Shares or by any party surrendering American
Depositary Shares, to whom American Depositary Shares are issued (including,
without limitation, issuance pursuant to a stock dividend or stock split
declared by the Company or an exchange of stock regarding the American
Depositary Shares or the Deposited Securities or a distribution of American
Depositary Shares pursuant to Article IV of the Deposit Agreement), whichever is
applicable (i) a fee of U.S.$1.50 per Receipt or Receipts for transfers made
under the Deposit Agreement, (ii) a fee for the distribution or sale of
securities, such fee being in an amount equal to the fee for the execution and
delivery of American Depositary Shares referred to above which would have been
charged as a result of the deposit of such securities (for purposes hereof
treating all such securities as if they were Rio Tinto Shares) but which
securities or the net cash proceeds from the sale thereof are instead
distributed by the Depositary to Owners entitled thereto,Β (iii) an aggregate fee
of U.S.$0.03 per American Depositary Share per calendar year (or portion
thereof) for services performed by the Depositary in administering the Receipt
program (which fee may be charged on a periodic basis during each calendar year
and shall be assessed against Owners as of the record date or record dates set
by the Depositary during each calendar year and shall be payable at the sole
discretion of the Depositary by billing such Owners or by deducting such charge
from one or more cash dividends or other cash distributions), and (iv)
reimbursement of such fees, charges and expenses as are incurred by the
Depositary and/or any of the Depositary's agents (including, without limitation,
the Custodian and expenses incurred on behalf of Owners in connection with
compliance with foreign exchange control regulations or any law or regulation
relating to foreign investment) in connection with the servicing of the Shares
or other Deposited Securities, the delivery of Deposited Securities or otherwise
in connection with the Depositary's or its Custodian's compliance with
applicable law, rule or regulation (which charge shall be assessed on a
proportionate basis against Owners as of the record date or dates set by the
Depositary and shall be payable at the sole discretion of the Depositary by
billing such Owners or by deducting such charge from one or more cash dividends
or other cash distributions). 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 Owners or persons depositing Rio Tinto Shares),
(ii) cable, telex and facsimile transmission and delivery charges incurred at
the request of persons depositing, or Owners delivering Rio Tinto Shares,
Receipts or Deposited Securities (which are payable by such persons or Owners),
(iii) transfer or registration fees for the registration or transfer of
Deposited Securities on any applicable register in connection with the deposit
or withdrawal of Deposited Securities, 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). Such charges may at any time and from time
to time be changed by agreement between the Company and the
Depositary.
Β
Β
9.
PRE-RELEASE OF
RECEIPTS.
The
Depositary may issue Receipts against the delivery by the Company (or any agent
of the Company recording Share ownership) of rights to receive Rio Tinto Shares
from the Company (or any such agent). No such issue of Receipts will be deemed a
βPre-Releaseβ that is subject to the restrictions of the following
paragraph.
Unless
requested in writing by the Company to cease doing so, the Depositary may,
notwithstanding Section 2.03 hereof, execute and deliver Receipts prior to the
receipt of shares pursuant to Section 2.02 (βPre-Releaseβ). The Depositary may,
pursuant to Section 2.05, deliver Rio Tinto Shares upon the receipt and
cancellation of Receipts which have been Pre-Released, whether or not such
cancellation is prior to the termination of such Pre-Release or the Depositary
knows that such Receipt has been PreΒ-Released. The Depositary may receive
Receipts in lieu of Rio Tinto Shares in satisfaction of a Pre-Release. Each
Pre-Release will be (a) preceded or accompanied by a written representation and
agreement from the person to whom Receipts are to be delivered (the
βPre-Releaseeβ) that the Pre-Releasee, or its customer, (i) owns the shares or
Receipts to be remitted, as the case may be, (ii) assigns all beneficial rights,
title and interest in such Rio Tinto Shares or Receipts, as the case may be, to
the Depositary in its capacity as such and for the benefit of the Owners, and
(iii) will not take any action with respect to such Rio Tinto Shares or
Receipts, as the case may be, that is inconsistent with the transfer of
beneficial ownership (including, without the consent of the Depositary,
disposing of such Rio Tinto Shares or Receipts, as the case may be), other than
in satisfaction of such Pre-Release, (b) at all times fully collateralized with
cash, U.S. government securities or such other collateral as the Depositary
determines, in good faith, will provide substantially similar liquidity and
security, (c) terminable by the Depositary on not more than five (5) business
days notice, and (d) subject to such further indemnities and credit regulations
as the Depositary deems appropriate. The number of Rio Tinto Shares not
deposited but represented by American Depositary Shares outstanding at any time
as a result of Pre-Releases will not normally exceed thirty percent (30%) of the
Rio Tinto Shares deposited under the Deposit Agreement; provided, however, that
the Depositary reserves the right to disregard such limit from time to time as
it deems reasonably appropriate, and may, with the prior written consent of the
Company, change such limit for purposes of general application. The Depositary
will also set Dollar limits with respect to Pre-Release transactions to be
entered into under the Deposit Agreement with any particular Pre-Releasee on a
case-by-case basis as the Depositary deems appropriate. For purposes of enabling
the Depositary to fulfill its obligations to the Owners under the Deposit
Agreement, the collateral referred to in clause (b) above shall be held by the
Depositary as security for the performance of the Pre-Releaseeβs obligations to
the Depositary in connection with a Pre-Release transaction, including the
Pre-Releaseeβs obligation to deliver Rio Tinto Shares or Receipts upon
termination of a Pre-Release transaction (and shall not, for the avoidance of
doubt, constitute Deposited Securities under the Deposit
Agreement).
The
Depositary may retain for its own account any compensation received by it in
connection with the foregoing.
Β
Β
10.Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β TITLE TO
RECEIPTS.
Β
It is a
condition of this Receipt, and every successive holder and Owner of this Receipt
by accepting or holding the same consents and agrees, that title to this
Receipt, when properly endorsed or accompanied by proper instruments of
transfer, is transferable by delivery with the same effect as in the case of a
negotiable instrument; provided, however, that the Depositary, notwithstanding
any notice to the contrary, may treat the person in whose name this Receipt is
registered in the Receipt register as the absolute owner hereof for the purpose
of determining the person entitled to distribution of dividends or other
distributions or to any notice provided for in the Deposit Agreement and for all
other purposes.
11.Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β VALIDITY OF
RECEIPT.
Β
This
Receipt shall not be entitled to any benefits under the Deposit Agreement or be
valid or obligatory for any purpose, unless this Receipt shall have been
executed by the Depositary by the manual signature of a duly authorized
signatory or, if a registrar shall have been appointed to register Receipts or
transfers of Receipts, by the manual signature of a duly authorized officer of
such registrar.
12.Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β REPORTS; INSPECTION OF
TRANSFER BOOKS.
Β
The
Company is subject to the periodic reporting requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 and accordingly files certain reports with the Securities
and Exchange Commission. Such reports and communications may be inspected and
copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the Commission located
at Judiciary Plaza, 000
Xxxxx Xxxxxx, X.X., Xxxxxxxxxx, X.X. 00000.
The
Depositary will make available for inspection by Owners of Receipts at its
Principal Office any reports and communications, including any proxy soliciting
material, received from the Company which are both (a) received by the
Depositary as the holder of the Deposited Securities and (b) made generally
available to the holders of such Deposited Securities by the Company. The
Depositary will also send to Owners of Receipts copies of such reports when
furnished by the Company pursuant to the Deposit Agreement.
The
Depositary will keep at its Principal Office a Receipt register for the
registration of Receipts and transfers of Receipts which at all reasonable times
shall be open for inspection by the Company and Owners of Receipts, provided
that such inspection shall not be for the purpose of communicating with Owners
of Receipts in the interest of a business or object other than the business of
the Company or a matter related to the Deposit Agreement or the
Receipts.
13.Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β DIVIDENDS AND
DISTRIBUTIONS.
Β
Whenever
the Depositary receives any cash dividend or other cash distribution on any
Deposited Securities, the Depositary will, if at the time of receipt thereof any
amounts received in a non-United States currency can in the reasonable judgment
of the Depositary be converted on a reasonable basis into United States dollars
transferable to the United States, and subject to the Deposit Agreement, convert
such dividend or distribution into dollars and will distribute the amount thus
received to the Owners of Receipts entitled thereto, in proportion to the number
of American Depositary Shares representing such Deposited Securities held by
them respectively; provided, however, that in the event that the Company or the
Depositary is required to withhold and does withhold from any cash dividend or
other cash distribution in respect of any Deposited Securities an amount on
account of taxes, the amount distributed to the Owner of Receipts for American
Depositary Shares representing such Deposited Securities shall be reduced
accordingly.
Β
Β
Whenever
the Depositary receives any distribution other than cash or Rio Tinto Shares
upon any Deposited Securities, the Depositary will cause the securities or
property received by it to be distributed to the Owners of Receipts entitled
thereto, in any manner that the Depositary in good faith may reasonably deem
equitable and practicable for accomplishing such distribution; provided,
however, that if in the reasonable opinion of the Depositary such distribution
cannot be made proportionately among the Owners of Receipts entitled thereto, or
if for any other reason the Depositary or the Company in good faith and
reasonably deems such distribution not to be feasible, the Depositary may, after
consultation with the Company, adopt such method as it may in good faith and
reasonably deem equitable and practicable for the purpose of effecting such
distribution, including the sale, at public or private sale, of the securities
or property thus received, or any part thereof, and the net proceeds of any such
sale shall be distributed by the Depositary to the Owners of Receipts entitled
thereto as in the case of a distribution received in cash.
If any
distribution consists of a dividend in, or free distribution of, Rio Tinto
Shares, the Depositary shall, unless the Company shall request otherwise,
distribute to the Owners of outstanding Receipts entitled thereto, additional
Receipts for an aggregate number of American Depositary Shares representing the
amount of Rio Tinto Shares received as such dividend or free distribution. In
lieu of delivering Receipts for fractional American Depositary Shares in any
such case, the Depositary will sell the amount of Rio Tinto Shares represented
by the aggregate of such fractions and distribute the net proceeds, all in the
manner and subject to the conditions set forth in the Deposit Agreement. If, at
the request of the Company, additional Receipts are not so distributed, each
American Depositary Share shall thenceforth also represent the additional Rio
Tinto Shares distributed upon the Deposited Securities represented
thereby.
In the
event that the Depositary determines that any distribution in property
(including Rio Tinto Shares and rights to subscribe therefor) is subject to any
tax which the Depositary is obligated to withhold, the Depositary may dispose of
all or a portion of such property (including Rio Tinto Shares and rights to
subscribe therefor) in such amounts and in such manner as the Depositary deems
necessary and practicable to pay any such taxes, at public or private sale, and
the Depositary shall distribute the net proceeds of any such sale after
deduction of such taxes to the Owners of Receipts entitled thereto.
14.Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β RIGHTS.
Β
In the
event that the Company offers or causes to be offered to the holders of any
Deposited Securities any rights to subscribe for additional Rio TintoΒ Shares or any rights of
any other nature, the Depositary shall, unless requested otherwise by the
Company, take action as follows:
Β
Β
(i)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β if
at the time of the offering of any rights the Depositary and the Company
determine that it is lawful and feasible to make such rights available to Owners
of Receipts by means of warrants or otherwise, the Depositary will distribute
warrants or other instruments therefor in such form as it may reasonably
determine to the Owners of Receipts entitled thereto, in proportion to the
number of American Depositary Shares representing such Deposited Securities, or
employ such other method as it may, after consultation with the Company, in good
faith and reasonably deem feasible in order to facilitate the exercise, sale or
transfer of rights by such Owners; or
(ii)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β if
at the time of the offering of any rights the Depositary or the Company
determine that it is not lawful or not feasible to make such rights available to
Owners of Receipts by means of warrants or otherwise, or if the rights
represented by such warrants or such other instruments, are not exercised and
appear to be about to lapse, the Depositary in its discretion may, and shall if
instructed by the Company, sell such rights or such warrants, or other
instruments at public or private sale, at such place or places and upon such
terms as it may in good faith and reasonably deem proper or as it may be
instructed by the Company, and may allocate the net proceeds of such sales for
the account of the Owners of Receipts otherwise entitled to such rights,
warrants, or other instruments, upon an averaged or other practicable basis
without regard to any distinctions among such Owners because of exchange
restrictions, or the date of delivery of any Receipt or Receipts, or otherwise,
after deduction of applicable fees as provided in the Deposit Agreement;
or
(iii)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β if
by the terms of such rights offering, or for any other reason, the Depositary
may not either make such rights available to Owners or dispose of such rights
and make the net proceeds available to such Owners, then the Depositary shall
allow the rights to lapse.
If
registration under the Securities Act of 1933 of the securities to which any
rights relate is required in order for the Company to offer such rights to
Owners of Receipts and sell the securities represented by such rights, the
Depositary will not offer such rights to the Owners of Receipts unless and until
such a registration statement is in effect, or unless the offering and sale of
such securities to the Owners of such Receipts are exempt from registration
under the provisions of such Act.
15.Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β RECORD
DATES.
Β
Whenever
any cash dividend or other cash distribution shall become payable or any
distribution other than cash shall be made, or whenever rights shall be issued
with respect to the Deposited Securities, or whenever the Depositary shall
receive notice of any meeting of holders of Rio Tinto Shares or other Deposited
Securities, the Depositary, after consultation with the
Company,Β Β shall fix a record date (which, to the extent applicable,
shall be as near as practicable to any corresponding record date set by the
Company) for the determination of the Owners of Receipts who will be entitled to
receive such dividend, distribution or rights, or the net proceeds of the sale
thereof, or to give instructions for the exercise of voting rights at any such
meeting, subject to the provisions of the Deposit Agreement.
Β
Β
16.Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β VOTING OF DEPOSITED
SECURITIES.
Β
Upon
receipt of notice of any meeting of holders of Rio Tinto Shares or other
Deposited Securities, unless otherwise requested in writing by the Company, the
Depositary shall, as soon as practicable thereafter, mail to the Owners of
Receipts a notice which shall contain (a) such information as is contained in
such notice of meeting and in any related material supplied by the Company to
the Depositary, (b) a statement that the Owners of Receipts as of the close of
business on a specified record date will be entitled, subject to any applicable
provision of English law and of the Articles of Association of the Company, to
instruct the Depositary as to the exercise of the voting rights, if any,
pertaining to the amount of Rio Tinto Shares or other Deposited Securities
represented by their respective American Depositary Shares and (c) a statement
as to the manner in which such instructions may be given, including an express
indication that instructions may be given to the Depositary to give a
discretionary proxy to a person designated by the Company. Upon the written
request of an Owner of a Receipt on such record date, received on or before the
date established by the Depositary for such purpose, the Depositary shall
endeavor in so far as practicable to vote or cause to be voted the amount of
Shares or other Deposited Securities represented by such Receipt in accordance
with the instructions set forth in such request. The Depositary shall not, and
the Depositary shall ensure that the Custodian and the nominee(s) of the
Depositary or the Custodian shall not, vote or attempt to vote or exercise or
attempt to exercise any other rights in respect of Deposited Securities, other
than in accordance with prior written instructions of the Owners of Receipts
therefor, and shall not vote or attempt to exercise the right to vote or
exercise or attempt to exercise any other right attaching to Rio Tinto Shares or
other Deposited Securities, if no instructions are received with respect to such
securities.
17.Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β CHANGES AFFECTING DEPOSITED
SECURITIES.
Β
Upon any
change in par value, split-up, consolidation, or any other reclassification of
Deposited Securities, or upon any recapitalization, reorganization, merger or
consolidation, or sale of assets affecting the Company or to which it is a
party, any securities which shall be received by the Depositary or a Custodian
in exchange for or in conversion of or in respect of Deposited Securities shall
be treated as new Deposited Securities under the Deposit Agreement, and the
Depositary shall, unless the Company shall request otherwise, execute and
deliver additional Receipts as in the case of a dividend on the Rio unto Shares,
or call for the surrender of outstanding Receipts to be exchanged for new
Receipts specifically describing such new Deposited Securities. In any case
where the Company shall otherwise request, American Depositary Shares shall
thenceforth represent the new Deposited Securities so received in exchange or
conversion.
Β
Β
18.Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β LIABILITY OF THE COMPANY AND
DEPOSITARY.
Β
Neither
the Depositary nor the Company shall incur any liability to any Owner or holder
of any Receipt, if by reason of any provision of any present or future law of
the United States, the United Kingdom, or any other country, or of any
regulatory body or governmental authority of the United States, the United
Kingdom, or by reason of any provision, present or future, of the Articles of
Association of the Company, or by reason of any act of God or war or other
circumstances beyond its control, the Depositary or the Company shall be
prevented or forbidden from doing or performing any act or thing which by the
terms of the Deposit Agreement it is provided shall be done or performed; nor
shall the Depositary or the Company incur any liability to any Owner or holder
of a Receipt by reason of any non-performance or delay, caused as aforesaid, in
the performance of any act or thing which by the terms of the Deposit Agreement
it is provided shall or may be done or performed, or by reason of any exercise
of, or failure to exercise, any discretion provided for in the Deposit
Agreement. Neither the Company nor the Depositary assumes any obligation or
shall be subject to any liability under the Deposit Agreement to Owners or
holders of Receipts, except that they agree to use their best judgment and good
faith and to act without gross negligence in the performance of their
obligations set forth in the Deposit Agreement. The Depositary shall not be
subject to any liability with respect to the validity or worth of the Deposited
Securities. Neither the Depositary nor the Company shall be under any obligation
to appear in, prosecute or defend any action, suit, or other proceeding in
respect of any Deposited Securities or in respect of the Receipts, which in its
opinion may involve it in expense or liability, unless indemnity satisfactory to
it against all expense and liability be furnished by the person or persons on
whose behalf such action, suit or other proceeding is brought, or such other
persons as the Depositary or the Company may require, as often as may be
required, and the Custodian shall not be under any obligation whatsoever with
respect to such proceedings, the responsibility of the Custodian being solely to
the Depositary. The preceding sentence shall not constitute a defense in any
action, suit, or proceeding against the Depositary or the Company, except with
respect to any claim by any person or entity (including, but not being limited
to, Owners and holders of Receipts) arising out of or relating to the alleged
breach of any obligation by the Company or the Depositary to appear in,
prosecute, or defend any action, suit, or other proceeding on behalf of any such
person or entity. Neither the Depositary nor the Company shall be liable for any
action or nonaction by it in reliance upon the advice of or information from
legal counsel, accountants, any person presenting Rio Tinto Shares for deposit,
any Owner or holder of a Receipt, or any other person believed by it in good
faith to be competent to give such advice or information. The Depositary shall
not be responsible for any failure to carry out any instructions to vote any of
the Deposited Securities or for the manner in which any such vote is cast, in
either case provided that any such action or nonaction is in good faith and is
not negligent, or the effect of any such vote. The Depositary shall not be
liable for any acts or omissions made by a successor or predecessor depositary
whether in connection with a previous act or omission of the Depositary or in
connection with a matter arising wholly after the removal or resignation of the
Depositary, provided that the Depositary exercised its best judgment and good
faith while it acted as Depositary and was not negligent. The Depositary may own
and deal in any class of securities of the Company and its affiliates and in
Receipts. The Company agrees to indemnify the Depositary and any Custodian
against, and hold each of them harmless from, any loss, damage, liability, costs
or expenses which may be suffered or incurred by the Depositary or the Custodian
as a result of or arising out of any breach by the Company of any of the
provisions of the Deposit Agreement or any acts performed or omitted by the
Company or any of its agents negligently or in bad faith, or any performance by
the Company of duties specifically set forth in the Deposit Agreement not in its
best judgment.
Β
Β
The
Depositary agrees to indemnify the Company against and hold it harmless from any
loss, damage, liability, costs, or expenses which may be suffered or incurred by
the Company as a result of or arising out of any breach of the Depositary of any
of the provisions of the Deposit Agreement or any acts performed or omitted by
the Depositary or any Custodian negligently or in bad faith, or any performance
by the Depositary or the Custodian of duties specifically set forth in the
Deposit Agreement not in their respective best judgment.
The
Company agrees to indemnify the Depositary and any Custodian against, and hold
each of them harmless from any loss, damage, liability, costs, or expenses which
may be suffered or incurred by the Depositary or the Custodian as a result of or
arising out of any acts performed or omitted by either the Depositary or the
Custodian, except for any loss, damage, liability, cost or expense arising out
of the negligence or bad faith or either of them, or any performance by the
Depositary or the Custodian of duties specifically set forth in the Deposit
Agreement not in their respective best judgment.
Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary set forth in the Deposit Agreement or the Receipts, the
Depositary and its agents may fully respond to any and all demands or requests
for information maintained by or on its behalf in connection with the Deposit
Agreement, any Owner, Owners or holders, any Receipt or Receipts or otherwise
related hereto to the extent such information is requested or required by or
pursuant to any lawful authority, including without limitation laws, rules,
regulations, administrative or judicial process, banking, securities or other
regulators; provided that, to the extent legally permissible, the Depositary
shall promptly notify the Company of any such demands or requests and the
content of its response.
Neither
the Company nor the Depositary nor any of their respective agents shall be
liable to Owners or holders of interests in American Depositary Shares for any
indirect, special, punitive or consequential damages.
Β
19.Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β RESIGNATION AND REMOVAL OF
THE DEPOSITARY; APPOINTMENT OF SUCCESSOR CUSTODIAN.
The
Depositary may at any time resign as Depositary under the Deposit Agreement by
written notice of its election so to do delivered to the Company, and subject to
Article 21 hereof, such resignation to take effect upon the appointment of a
successor depositary and its acceptance of such appointment as provided in the
Deposit Agreement. The Depositary may at any time be removed as Depositary under
the Deposit Agreement by the Company by written notice given to the Depositary
and subject to Article 21 hereof, such removal effective upon the appointment of
a successor depositary and its acceptance of such appointment as provided in the
Deposit Agreement. Whenever the Depositary in its discretion determines that it
is in the best interest of the Owners of Receipts to do so, it may appoint,
after consultation with the Company if practicable, a substitute or additional
custodian or custodians in England.
Β
Β
20.Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β AMENDMENT.
Β
The form
of the Receipts and any provisions of the Deposit Agreement may at any time and
from time to time be amended by agreement between the Company and the Depositary
in any respect which they may deem necessary or desirable. Any amendment which
shall impose or increase any fees or charges (other than the fees of the
Depositary for the execution and delivery of Receipts and taxes and other
governmental charges), or which shall otherwise prejudice any substantial
existing right of Owners of Receipts, shall, however, not become effective as to
outstanding Receipts until the expiration of 30 days after notice of such
amendment shall have been given to the Owners of outstanding Receipts. Every
Owner of a Receipt at the time any amendment so becomes effective shall be
deemed, by continuing to hold such Receipt, 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 Owner of any Receipt to
surrender such Receipt and receive therefor the Deposited Securities represented
thereby.
21.Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β TERMINATION OF DEPOSIT
AGREEMENT.
Β
The
Depositary shall at any time at the direction of the Company terminate the
Deposit Agreement by mailing notice of such termination to the Owners of all
Receipts then outstanding at least 30 days prior to the date fixed in such
notice for such termination. The Depositary may likewise terminate the Deposit
Agreement if at any time 60 days shall have expired after the Depositary shall
have delivered to the Company a written notice of its election to resign and a
successor depositary shall not have been appointed and accepted its appointment
as provided in the Deposit Agreement. If any Receipts shall remain outstanding
after the date of termination, the Depositary thereafter shall discontinue the
registration of transfers of Receipts, shall suspend the distribution of
dividends to the Owners thereof, and shall not give any further notices or
perform any further acts under the Deposit Agreement, except that the Depositary
shall continue to collect dividends and other distributions pertaining to
Deposited Securities, shall sell rights as provided in the Deposit Agreement,
and shall continue to deliver Deposited Securities, together with any dividends
or other distributions received with respect thereto and the net proceeds of the
sale of any rights or other property, in exchange for Receipts surrendered to
the Depositary. At any time after the expiration of one year from the date of
termination, the Depositary may sell the Deposited Securities then held under
the Deposit Agreement and may thereafter hold uninvested the net proceeds of any
such sale, together with any other cash then held by it thereunder, without
liability for interest, for the pro rata benefit of the Owners of Receipts which
have not theretofore been surrendered. After making such sale, the Depositary
shall be discharged from all obligations under the Deposit Agreement, except to
account for such net proceeds and other cash. Upon the termination of the
Deposit Agreement, the Company shall be discharged from all obligations under
the Deposit Agreement except for its obligations to the Depositary with respect
to indemnification, charges, and expenses. The liability of the Depositary with
respect to indemnification under the Deposit Agreement shall survive the
termination of the Deposit Agreement with respect to any cause of action which
may arise or which is based upon actions taken or omitted to be taken while the
Depositary is acting as depositary under the Deposit Agreement, including,
without limitation, actions taken or omitted to be taken under this Article
21.
Β
Β
22.Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β COMPLIANCE WITH U.S.
SECURITIES LAWS.
Β
Notwithstanding
any provision of the Deposit Agreement or this Receipt, the Company and the
Depositary each agrees that it will not exercise any rights it has under the
Deposit Agreement to prevent the withdrawal or delivery of Deposited Securities
in a manner which would violate the U.S. securities laws, including, but not
limited to, Section I.A.(1) of the General Instructions to the Form F-6
Registration Statement, as amended from time to time, under the Securities Act
of 1933.