Framework Agreement
EXHIBIT 10.30
by and between
Binzhou Broadcasting and Television Network Co., Ltd.
and
Jinan Youxiantong Network Technology Co., Ltd.
August 2007
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[Execution Copy – Reference Translation] |
Table of Contents
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Chapter |
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Page |
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1 |
Definitions and Interpretations |
3 |
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2 |
Assets Transfer |
6 |
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3 |
Establishment of New Company |
7 |
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4 |
Transferred Assets |
10 |
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5 |
Financial Arrangement |
10 |
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6 |
Exclusive Cooperation Rights of Business |
12 |
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7 |
Representations and Warranties |
12 |
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8 |
Covenants |
14 |
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9 |
Conditions Precedent |
16 |
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10 |
Closing |
17 |
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11 |
Effective Date and Termination |
18 |
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12 |
Events of Breach |
19 |
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13 |
Force Majeure |
20 |
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14 |
Confidentiality |
21 |
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15 |
Miscellaneous |
21 |
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[Execution Copy – Reference Translation] |
This Framework Agreement (Agreement) is entered into on 6 August 2007 in Binzhou, People’s Republic of China (PRC)
by and between
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(1) |
Binzhou Broadcasting and Television Network Co., Ltd. (Party A), a PRC company with its registered address at Xx. 000, Xxxxxxx 0xx Xxxx, Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx, PRC, the legal representative of which is Yin Bingming; and |
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(2) |
Jinan Youxiantong Network Technology Co., Ltd. (Party B), a PRC company with its registered address at Room 1014 Wenjiao Tower, Xx.0 Xxxxxxxx Xxxx Xxxx, Xxxxx, Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx, PRC, the legal representative of which is Pu Yue. |
RECITALS
Party A has already obtained the licenses necessary to conduct the Business (as defined below) in the PRC and Party A desires to cooperate and establish a company (New Company) in Binzhou jointly with Party B in order to cooperate with the operation of the Business.
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:
Chapter 1 Definitions and Interpretations
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1.1 |
Definitions |
Unless otherwise indicated, the following terms in this Agreement shall have the meanings set forth below:
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Affiliate |
in relation to an entity, means a company: (a) in which the entity holds, directly or indirectly, at least 10% (b) which is a Subsidiary of the Parent Company of the entity; (c) which owns or controls, directly or indirectly, the equity interest (d) which is a Subsidiary of the Parent Company of the entity
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[Execution Copy – Reference Translation] |
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Appraisal |
the respective appraisal on the Assets, Contributed Assets or Transferred Assets conducted by a qualified appraisal agent;
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Assets |
the assets relating to the Business as listed in Schedule I, which are free of all debts and valued at RMB 289,080,000;
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Business |
means: • any business with respect to the design, construction and operation of cable TV projects and networks (including TV fee collection of distribution net and network leases); • any business with respect to the management of construction, marketing and operation of the analog and digital TV networks and digital TVs (including sale of set-top Boxes, sale of pay-per-program and digital TV fee collection); and • value-added network business (including the cable and wireless broadband access, video-on-demand business, interactive TV-shopping, digital electronic form services, operation services of digital video tape recorder, TV-marketing, publication of electronic information and interactive TV advertisements); |
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Contributed Assets |
the assets that are contributed as capital to the New Company by Party A as listed in Schedule II, which are free of all debts and valued at RMB 5,100,000;
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Exclusive Cooperation Area |
Binzhou Municipal (Except Bincheng District, Yangxin County, Zhanhua County and Wudi County);
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[Execution Copy – Reference Translation] |
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Force Majeure |
any earthquake, storm, fire, flood, war or other significant event of natural or human-caused disaster arising after signing hereof which is unavoidable, not possible to overcome and is beyond the control of either party, and prevents the total or partial performance of this Agreement by either party;
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Government Approvals
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as defined in Article 7.2.5;
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Parent Company |
in relation to a company, means a company of which the company is a Subsidiary (as defined below);
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PRC Law |
all laws and legislation of the PRC that are in effect, including laws, regulations, resolutions, decisions, decrees and orders of government agencies and other documents of a legislative, administrative or judicial nature;
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RMB |
Renminbi, the lawful currency of the PRC;
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Subsidiary |
in relation to a company, means a company in which another company holds, directly or indirectly, 50% or more of the first company’s total equity interest or voting rights;
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Tax |
all forms of taxation, including, without limitation, enterprise income tax, business tax, value-added tax, stamp duty and individual income tax levied by the PRC tax authorities pursuant to PRC Law, as well as any penalty, surcharge or fine in connection therewith;
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Trade Secret |
any information relating to this Agreement or the parties, including any information regarding costs, technologies, financial contracts, future business plans and any other information deemed by the parties to be confidential, and which is unknown by the public, has practical value and is of economic benefit to the parties;
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Transaction Documents |
all documents that require signing under PRC Law in order to complete the transactions contemplated under this Agreement;
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[Execution Copy – Reference Translation] |
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Transferred Assets |
the assets to be transferred to the New Company post-establishment by Party A as listed in Schedule III, which are free of all debts and valued at RMB 283,980,000; and
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Transferred Staff |
as defined in Article 3.5.1. |
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1.2 |
Interpretations |
All headings used herein are for reference purposes only and do not affect the meaning or interpretation of any provision hereof. Any reference herein to an Article, Chapter or Schedule is to an article, chapter or schedule of this Agreement. The use of the plural shall include the use of the singular, and vice versa. Unless otherwise indicated, a reference herein to a day, month or year is to a calendar day, month or year. A reference to a business day is to a day on which commercial banks are open for business in the PRC. The use of the masculine shall include the use of the feminine, and vice versa. The term “including”, shall mean “including without limitation”.
Chapter 2 Assets Transfer
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2.1 |
Asset Appraisal |
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2.1.1 |
Party A shall cause its Affiliates (Party A’s Affiliates in relation to the Assets Transfer are listed in Schedule IV) to cause the Appraisal of the Assets. |
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2.1.2 |
Party A shall provide Party B in 30 days after the signing date of this Agreement with an Assets Appraisal report issued by the aforesaid agent . |
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2.1.3 |
The Assets Appraisal report issued by the appraisal agency appointed by Party A shall be in the amount of RMB 289,080,000, by mutual agreement of the Parties. Party A and Party B shall not object to this price under any circumstances. |
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2.2 |
Assets Transfer |
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2.2.1 |
Upon the completion of the Appraisal stipulated in Article 2.1, Party A shall cause its Affiliates as listed in Schedule IV to each transfer the respective Assets to Party A. |
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2.2.2 |
Party A shall obtain all Government Approvals necessary for the Assets transfer (including for the transfer of state-owned |
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[Execution Copy – Reference Translation] |
assets) in accordance with Article 2.2.1. Party A shall ensure that all procedures with respect to Assets transfer will be completed , and it will have obtained the entire ownership of the Assets before 10 October 2007 in accordance with PRC Law.
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2.2.3 |
Party A shall ensure that the Assets obtained by Party A are free from any encumbrances, and that Party A is entitled to exploit its ownership of the Assets or dispose of the Assets freely. |
Chapter 3 Establishment of New Company
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3.1 |
New Company |
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3.1.1 |
As soon as practicable after the completion of the Assets transfer stipulated in Chapter 2, the parties shall each contribute their registered capital in order to establish the New Company. After the establishment of the New Company, the New Company shall cooperate with Party A to operate the Business within the Exclusive Cooperation Area. |
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3.1.2 |
The registered capital of the New Company shall be RMB 10,000,000. Party A will contribute the Contributed Assets to the New Company and obtain 51% of the equity interests therein; Party B will make a cash contribution of RMB 4,900,000 to the New Company and obtain 49% of the equity interests therein. |
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3.2 |
Appraisal of the Contributed Assets |
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3.2.1 |
Party A shall make an advance payment for the Appraisal on the Contributed Assets . |
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3.2.2 |
Party A shall ensure that the Appraisal in Article 3.2.1 shall be completed no later than 15 October 2007. |
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3.3 |
Establishment of New Company |
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3.3.1 |
As soon as practicable after the completion of the Appraisal stipulated in Article 3.2, Party A shall promptly contribute the Contributed Assets to establish the New Company in Binzhou, PRC. |
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3.3.2 |
Party A shall make advance payment to obtain any and all prior approvals, consents and (or) certificates and filings |
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[Execution Copy – Reference Translation] |
necessary for contributing the Contributed Assets to the New Company and obtaining 51% of the equity interests of the New Company under PRC Law. The New Company shall pay back the foregoing expenses after its establishment.
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3.3.3 |
The amount of Party A’s contribution to the New Company’s registered capital shall be in accordance with the appraised value of the Contributed Assets described in the Appraisal report. Should the appraised value of the Contributed Assets be less than RMB 5,100,000, Party A shall pay the difference by contributing other assets. |
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3.3.4 |
The New Company’s business scope shall include design, installation and related business of the cable TV projects; design, construction, management and maintenance of the cable TV network; management of the business with respect to the analog TV, digital networks and digital TV, consultation, software, system integration and construction and other value-added business with respect to the cable digital TV as determined by the parties; |
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3.4 |
Registration of New Company |
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3.4.1 |
Party A shall make advance payment to cause the New Company to obtain the business license , the tax registration certificate and all other necessary certificates and filings necessary for the establishment and contemplated operation of the New Company under PRC Law. The New Company shall pay back the foregoing expenses after its establishment. |
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3.4.2 |
Party A shall ensure that New Company shall obtain all certificates as described in Article 3.4.1 before 22 October, 2007. |
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3.5 |
Retention / Dismissal of Employees |
Upon the establishment of New Company, Party A shall:
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3.5.1 |
provide Party B with written notice as to which of Party A’s employees will be retained by the New Company (Transferred Staff), which personnel shall include the individuals listed in Schedule V; |
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3.5.2 |
be responsible for the payment of any costs related to any labor disputes that may arise from Transferred Staff in respect of their employment relationship with Party A; |
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3.5.3 |
ensure that any arrangement made by Party A with the |
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[Execution Copy – Reference Translation] |
Transferred Staff shall not give rise to or result in any adverse impact on the employee relations, business, operations or financial or Tax position of Party A or the New Company; nor will any commitment be made, or obligation or liability be incurred, by the New Company;
In the event that there is any such commitment, obligation or liability (including liability in relation to Tax) in respect of the New Company as mentioned in Article 3.5.3, Party A shall indemnify the New Company from all losses, claims, damages, costs and expenses arising from any and all such commitment, obligation or liability. Further, the rights and obligations between the staff of the New Company and the New Company shall be determined in accordance with the rules and regulations of the New Company. Any legal disputes arising hereunder shall be resolved in accordance with the Labor Law and the Employment Contract Law, which shall be effective 1 January 2008.
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3.5.4 |
make its best effort to cause the Transferred Staff to enter into standard employment contracts, or to enter into employee secondment contracts containing non-competition and confidentiality commitments, so as to second the Transferred Staff to work in the New Company. |
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3.6 |
Corporate Governance |
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3.6.1 |
The New Company shall establish a board of directors (Board), consisting of 5 directors. Party B shall appoint 2 directors, and Party A shall appoint 3 directors. |
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3.6.2 |
The New Company’s chairman of the Board shall be a director of Party A. general manager shall be appointed by Party A upon the prior written consent of Party B. The CFO shall be appointed by Party B upon the prior written consent of Party A. |
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3.7 |
Exclusive Cooperation |
During the term of this Agreement, Party A shall not, and shall ensure that its shareholders shall not, directly or indirectly cooperate with any 3rd parties (except for Party B and the New Company) with respect to the Business, including by establishing any entity within the Exclusive Cooperation Area.
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[Execution Copy – Reference Translation] |
Chapter 4 Transferred Assets
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4.1 |
Transferred Assets |
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4.1.1 |
Upon the establishment of the New Company, Party A and the New Company shall enter into an assets transfer agreement, under which Party A shall sell to the New Company all of the Transferred Assets in installments. The transfer of all the Transferred Assets shall be set forth in the transfer schedule in the assets transfer agreement mentioned in this Article 4.1.1. The transfer schedule shall be made based on mutual agreement of the parties and the needs of the New Company’s business operations. |
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4.1.2 |
Party A shall, at its own expense, obtain any and all Government Approvals necessary for the Transferred Assets (including all approvals necessary for the transfer of state-owned assets) as described in Article 4.1.1. Party A shall ensure that all procedures with respect to the transfer of each part of Transferred Assets will be completed , and the New Company will have obtained the entire ownership of each part of Transferred Assets within [30] days after such part of the Transferred Assets is transferred according to the transfer schedule in the assets transfer agreement, in accordance with PRC Law. |
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4.1.3 |
Party A shall ensure that the Transferred Assets obtained by the New Company are free from any encumbrances, and that the New Company is entitled to exploit its ownership of the Transferred Assets or dispose of the Transferred Assets freely. |
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4.2 |
Consideration |
Party A acknowledges and agrees that as consideration for the Transferred Assets, the New Company shall make payment in the amount of RMB 283,980,000 in installments. The first installment of RMB 50,000,000 will be payable within 5 days of the signing of the assets transfer agreement; the remainder of the consideration (Remainder) will be payable in accordance with the transfer schedule in the assets transfer agreement.
Chapter 5 Financial Arrangement
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5.1 |
First Loan of Party B |
In order to enable the New Company to pay for the Transferred Assets ,Party B shall extend to the New Company with a back-to-back loan in the amount of RMB 50,000,000. The New Company shall use an amount of RMB 40,000,000 to pay the first installment of consideration
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Framework Agreement |
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[Execution Copy – Reference Translation] |
for the Transferred Assets and the rest RMB 10,000,000 shall be used as the operation funds of the New Company. The terms of such loan agreement entered into by the New Company and Party B shall be confirmed by Party A.
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5.2 |
Further Loans of Party B and Service Agreement |
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5.2.1 |
Within 12 months after the signing of the assets transfer agreement as described in Article 4.1.1, Party B shall further extend to the New Company back-to-back loans in the amount of RMB 144,570,000 in installments, Party B extend to the New Company RMB 199,470,000 in total, from which RMB 4,900,000 shall be the registered capital, and RMB 194,570,000 shall be the back-to-back loans. The New Company shall use RMB 156,100,000 of the RMB 194,570,000 in back-to-back loans as consideration for the Transferred Assets of Party A, and the remaining RMB 38,470,000 shall be used as the New Company’s operation funds. |
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5.2.2 |
Party A acknowledges and agrees that one of the conditions for the provision of the above back-to-back loan of Party B to the New Company in accordance with Article 5.2.1 is that the New Company shall enter into an exclusive technology service agreement with Party B or other companies designated by Party B (Service Agreement). In accordance with the Service Agreement, the New Company shall only hire Party B or other companies designated by Party B to provide exclusive technology service during the term of this Agreement. In accordance with the Service Agreement, the New Company shall pay 11% of its net profits to Party B or other companies designated by Party B, as consideration for the exclusive technology services. Other specific terms of the Service Agreement shall be separately determined by the parties . The term of the Service Agreement shall be 20 years and Party B shall enjoy a right of first refusal to extend the aforesaid term for another 10 years upon expiration. |
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5.3 |
The Residual Amount of the Consideration for the Transferred Assets |
After the New Company completes its payment obligation for the consideration of the Transferred Assets to Party A, in accordance with Article 5.2.1, Party A and Party B shall arrange for the payment of the residual amount of the consideration for the Transferred Assets in accordance with the relevant rules regarding the payment of consideration with regard to the transfer of state-owned assets.
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Framework Agreement |
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[Execution Copy – Reference Translation] |
Chapter 6 Exclusive Cooperation Rights of Business
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6.1 |
Exclusive Cooperation Agreement |
Upon the establishment of the New Company, Party A and the New Company shall enter into an exclusive cooperation agreement (Exclusive Cooperation Agreement). The term of the Exclusive Cooperation Agreement shall be 20 years and the New Company shall enjoy a right of first refusal to extend the aforesaid term for another 10 years upon expiration.
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6.2 |
Cooperation Scope |
Party A shall help the New Company to obtain all possible support and most-favored treatment with respect to the Business, including exclusive operation with Party B to provide any services related to the Business within the Exclusive Cooperation Area.
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6.3 |
Exclusive |
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6.3.1 |
Party A shall not, and shall ensure that its shareholders shall not, directly or indirectly (i) encourage or ask other individual or entity related to any business or services under the Exclusive Cooperation Agreement to address enquiries; (ii) accept such enquiries from the aforesaid individual or entity; (iii) communicate, negotiate with the aforesaid individual or entity; or (iv) provide the aforesaid individual or entity with information. |
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6.3.2 |
Should Party A or its shareholders receive any invitation or other documents regarding entering into any cooperation agreement or similar cooperation in other forms from any 3rd parties, Party A shall promptly notify Party B. Party A shall ensure that its shareholders comply with Article 6.3.1 and be liable for any breach by its shareholders of Article 6.3.1. |
Chapter 7 Representations and Warranties
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7.1 |
Joint Representations and Warranties |
Each of the parties represents and warrants that:
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7.1.1 |
it has all necessary power and authority to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and all Transaction Documents to which it is a party; |
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Framework Agreement |
-12- |
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[Execution Copy – Reference Translation] |
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7.1.2 |
the execution and performance of this Agreement and any Transaction Documents to which it is a party have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary corporate action; and |
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7.1.3 |
the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement or any Transaction Documents to which it is a party will not contravene, conflict with, or result in a violation of any provision of its organizational documents or any contract, agreement, understanding, other legal arrangement, law or order to which it is subject. |
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7.2 |
Representations and Warranties of Party A |
Party A further represents and warrants to Party B that:
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7.2.1 |
the Assets, Contributed Assets and Transferred Assets are free from any encumbrances; |
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7.2.2 |
there is no lawsuit, third party claim, order or investigation pending against itself relating to Assets, Contributed Assets, Transferred Assets or Business by any third party, court, or governmental or arbitral body; and |
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7.2.3 |
all agreements with third parties, including employees and customers, have at all times been honored completely and timely by itself; |
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7.2.4 |
the Assets, Contributed Assets and Transferred Assets constitute all of the assets used in or necessary for the operation of the Business; and |
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7.2.5 |
all the consents, permissions, approval and registrations as required by PRC Law (Government Approvals, including those listed in Schedule VI) have obtained and such Government Approvals shall be valid. For the avoidance of doubt, Government Approvals shall include all the governmental requirements, including the registrations with the State Administration of Radio Film and TV, the State Administration for Industry and Commerce, the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council, the Ministry of Finance, the State Administration of Taxation as well as their local arms. |
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7.3 |
Independent Effect of Representations and Warranties |
The representations and warranties shall be separate and independent and, save as expressly provided, shall not be limited by reference to
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Framework Agreement |
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[Execution Copy – Reference Translation] |
any of the other representations and warranties or anything in this Agreement.
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7.4 |
Party A shall not be deemed to be in violation of representations and warranties under Section 7.1 and Section 7.2 if there is no actual threat or damage to the signature of the Agreement or the New Company. If Party A effectively resolves or cures the breach, it shall not be in breach of the representations and warranties. If Party A fails to effectively resolve or cure the breach, it shall be considered in breach of the representations and warranties. |
Chapter 8 Covenants
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8.1 |
Transferred Staff |
In respect of rights of the Transferred Staff before the establishment of a formal employment relationship with the New Company, Party A shall:
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8.1.1 |
fully settle the severance payments with the Transferred Staff, as required by PRC Law; |
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8.1.2 |
pay all required social insurance premiums for the Transferred Staff in full and on time, or attend to all necessary procedures to obtain exemptions or waivers of such obligations from relevant government authorities and (or) the Transferred Staff to the extent necessary, to ensure that the Transferred Staff may be employed by the New Company; |
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8.1.3 |
fully pay all wages, allowances, subsidies (including medical subsidies), bonuses or other outstanding payments or benefits to any of the Transferred Staff; and |
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8.1.4 |
withhold, file and pay the individual income tax payable on wages, bonuses, allowances, subsidies, or other payments or benefits received in respect of the Transferred Staff. |
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8.2 |
Business / Obligations related to New Company |
At any time prior to Closing, Party A covenants that it shall not, without the prior written consent of Party B:
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8.2.1 |
create or permit to arise any lien, encumbrance, pledge, mortgage or any security or other third party right or interest on or in respect of any of the Assets, Contributed Assets and Transferred Assets or grant or issue or agree to grant or issue any guarantee; |
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Framework Agreement |
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[Execution Copy – Reference Translation] |
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8.2.2 |
enter into any transaction or arrangement with respect to the Assets, Contributed Assets and Transferred Assets; |
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8.2.3 |
depart from the ordinary course of Party A or the New Company’s daily business operations in either of the following respects: |
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8.2.3.1 |
enter into any agreements or materially modify or terminate any agreements related to the Business; and |
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8.2.3.2 |
enter into any agreements relating to the Business signed after the date hereof where the value or consideration of the proposed agreement exceeds RMB 10,000 or has a term of more than 3 months. |
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8.2.4 |
increase or agree to increase the remuneration (including bonuses, commissions and benefits in kind) of any of the members of the Board or employees of the New Company or provide or agree to provide any gratuitous payment or benefit to any such person or any of their dependents; and |
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8.2.5 |
enter into any agreement or arrangement to, or grant any power of attorney or otherwise authorize any other person to do any of the above. |
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8.3 |
Transactions |
In respect of the transactions contemplated under this Agreement, Party A shall, at its own expense, obtain all consent, approval or authorization of, or declaration, filing or registration with, any governmental authority in connection with the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and any Transaction Documents to which it is a party.
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8.4 |
Government Approvals |
Party A shall, using its own expenses, ensure annual inspection and/or the extension of the Government Authorization (if applicable) appropriately and on time, and ensure the validity of Government Authorization during the term of Exclusive Cooperation Agreement as prescribe by Article 6.1 as well as the term as the parties agree to extend.
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Framework Agreement |
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[Execution Copy – Reference Translation] |
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8.5 |
Non-competition |
After Closing, unless obtaining the prior consent of Part B, party A shall not, and shall ensure that its shareholders shall not invest or manage any business directly or indirectly in competition with Business, or employ, engage or try to engage any Transferred Staff.
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8.6 |
Indemnification |
Each party hereby unconditionally and irrevocably agrees to indemnify indefinitely the other party and its Affiliates and Subsidiaries and hold them harmless from and against all losses, claims, damages, expenses (including legal expenses) and liabilities which any of the other party and its Affiliates and Subsidiaries may sustain, suffer or incur in connection with the transactions contemplated under this Agreement and as a result of any breach of this Agreement.
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8.7 |
Notification by parties |
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8.7.1 |
Party A shall forthwith notify Party B upon becoming aware of any event that may show, reveal or cause any of the warranties to be incorrect, untrue, misleading or breached in any material respect or that may have any material adverse effect on the assets or liabilities of Party A. |
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8.7.2 |
Party B shall forthwith notify Party A upon it becoming aware of any event that may show, reveal or cause any warranties given by Party B hereunder as or to be incorrect, untrue, misleading or breached in any material respect. |
Chapter 9 Conditions Precedent
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9.1 |
Conditions Precedent |
Closing is subject to the satisfaction of all of the following conditions precedent:
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9.1.1 |
the execution and delivery of the Transaction Documents by all the parties thereto; |
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9.1.2 |
the representations and warranties of Party A remaining true and accurate and being fully adhered to in all material respects at the time of Closing; |
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9.1.3 |
the due completion of Party A’s covenants under Articles 2 and 3.3.2. |
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Framework Agreement |
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[Execution Copy – Reference Translation] |
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9.2 |
Satisfaction and Waiver of Conditions Precedent |
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9.2.1 |
Within 3 business days after the satisfaction of the conditions precedent described in Article 9.1, Party A shall notify Party B. Within 3 business days after the issuance of the said notification, Party B shall confirm the same in writing to Party A. Closing shall then be arranged within 3 business days after receipt of Party B’s confirmation. |
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9.2.2 |
In the event that the conditions precedent set forth in Article 9.1 are not fulfilled (or waived as provided in Article 9.2.3) on or before 30 October, 2007, or such later date as the parties may agree, this Agreement (except Chapter 11, Articles 12.3 and 12.4) shall become null and void and be of no further effect whatsoever and all the obligations and liabilities of the parties hereunder shall cease and terminate (save for any antecedent breaches of this Agreement). |
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9.2.3 |
One or more of the conditions precedent listed in Article 9.1 may be waived by Party B at its sole discretion by sending a notice in writing to Party A. |
Chapter 10 Closing
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10.1 |
Closing |
Subject to the conditions precedent having been fulfilled (or waived as provided in Article 9.2.3), Closing shall be held at the offices of TransAsia Lawyers Beijing Office (Suite 2218, China World Tower 1, Xx. 0 Xxxxxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxx, XXX) or at such other location as the parties shall agree.
At Closing, to the extent not previously executed and delivered, the parties shall execute and deliver, and shall cause any of the other parties thereto to execute and deliver, the Transaction Documents.
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10.2 |
Payment of purchase price |
Party B shall:
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10.2.1 |
upon closing, pay RMB 4,900,000 as the initial capital contribution to the New Company upon Party A completing the Appraisal of the Transferred Assets in accordance with Article 3.3.3; |
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10.2.2 |
after establishment of the New Company, cause its Affiliate to provide the New Company back-to-back loans, in aggregate of RMB 50,000,000 in accordance with Article 5.1; and |
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10.2.3 |
within 12 months after Closing, pay RMB 144,570,000 in the |
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Framework Agreement |
-17- |
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[Execution Copy – Reference Translation] |
form of back to back loans to the New Company in accordance with proper completion of obligation of Party A under Chapters 3 to 8.
After completion of the payments set forth above, Party B shall have fulfilled all of its obligations in relation to capital contribution and payments. For the avoidance of doubt, Party B shall have made capital contribution to the New Company as part of the New Company’s registered capital in the amount of RMB 4,900,000, and shall have provided to the New Company back-to-back loans in the aggregate amount of RMB 194,570,000. The New Company shall use RMB 156,100,000 of the total amount of the back-to-back loans to pay to Party A the consideration of the Transferred Assets, and shall use the remainder of the total amount (i.e., RMB 38,470,000) to finance the New Company’s daily business operations.
Chapter 11 Effective Date and Termination
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11.1 |
Effective Date |
This Agreement shall be effective upon the date of its signing by the parties.
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11.2 |
Termination |
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11.2.1 |
This Agreement shall terminate with immediate effect if the parties cannot complete the negotiation and execution of the agreements necessary for the transactions contemplated under this Agreement above within 90 days after the execution hereof unless such period is extended by the parties, except for the loan agreements in relation to the loan arrangements in Article 5.3.1. |
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11.2.2 |
This Agreement may be terminated with immediate effect by either party by means of written notice to the other parties under any of the following circumstances: |
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11.2.2.1 |
where Closing has not occurred on or before 30 October 2007 provided, however, that the right to terminate this Agreement shall not be available to either party whose failure in any material respect to fulfill any obligation under this Agreement shall have been the cause of the failure for any condition precedent to Closing to be satisfied; |
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Framework Agreement |
-18- |
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[Execution Copy – Reference Translation] |
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11.2.2.2 |
where the other party has committed a breach of this Agreement, as described in Article 12.1; |
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11.2.2.3 |
where the other party becomes insolvent, if an order is made or resolution passed for the administration, winding-up or dissolution of either party (otherwise than for the purposes of a solvent corporate reconstruction), if an administrative or other receiver, manager, liquidator, administrator, trustee or similar officer is appointed over all or a substantial part of the assets of such other party, or if such other party enters into or proposes any composition or arrangement with its creditors generally analogous to the foregoing; or |
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11.2.2.4 |
where Force Majeure prevails for a period of 30 days or more and has a material adverse effect on this Agreement. |
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11.3 |
Consequence Upon Termination |
Upon termination hereof, this Agreement shall be of no further effect and no party shall have any right against any of the other parties in connection with this Agreement; provided, however, that nothing herein shall relieve either party of any liability before the termination of this Agreement.
Chapter 12 Events of Breach
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12.1 |
Events of Breach |
The occurrence of any 1 or more of the following events shall constitute a breach of this Agreement:
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12.1.1 |
either party has materially breached the terms hereof or has failed to perform in any material respect its obligations hereunder, and such breach or nonperformance has not been remedied for a period of 10 days after receipt of the other party’s written notice requesting such remedy; and |
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12.1.2 |
any representation or warranty made by either party shall prove to have been false or misleading in any material respect. |
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Framework Agreement |
-19- |
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[Execution Copy – Reference Translation] |
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12.2 |
Liabilities for Breach |
Where either party commits a breach of this Agreement, it shall be liable to compensate the other party for any and all damages caused to it as a result of the breach, excluding indirect or consequential damages.
Chapter 13 Force Majeure
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13.1 |
Consultation |
In the event of Force Majeure, the parties shall promptly consult with each other to find a solution to the situation.
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13.2 |
Relief from Obligations |
Should the occurrence of a Force Majeure result in either party’s failure to perform its obligations under this Agreement in whole or in part, that party may, unless otherwise stipulated by law, be exempted from performing those obligations to the extent of the effect of the Force Majeure in question.
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13.3 |
Suspension of Performance |
Subject to this Chapter 13, the party affected by Force Majeure may suspend the performance of its obligations under this Agreement to the extent and for the duration thereof until the effect of the Force Majeure no longer operates. However, that party shall exert its best efforts to remove any impediments resulting from the Force Majeure and to minimize to the greatest possible extent any damages incurred. With the agreement of the parties, the term of this Agreement shall be extended by the period of such suspension without penalty to either party.
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13.4 |
Written Evidence |
The party claiming Force Majeure shall, as soon as possible after the occurrence of the Force Majeure, inform the other party of the situation and specify the reason for its failure to perform this Agreement, so as to minimize the damages inflicted upon that party, and shall provide the other party with written evidence, certified by the relevant government authority, of the occurrence of the Force Majeure.
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13.5 |
Non-Exemption |
A party shall not be exempted from performing its obligations under this Agreement where Force Majeure occurs following the delay by that party to perform such obligations
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Framework Agreement |
-20- |
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[Execution Copy – Reference Translation] |
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Chapter 14 Confidentiality
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14.1 |
Non-Disclosure |
From the date hereof until 5 years hereafter, neither party shall disclose or communicate to any person, other than to their respective employees and affiliates for the sole purpose of implementing the agreements contemplated hereunder or as instructed by the other parties, any Trade Secret which may be within or may come into its knowledge.
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14.2 |
Breach of Obligations |
The parties shall take all necessary measures (including the signing of confidentiality agreements) to ensure that their respective directors, employees, agents, contractors, suppliers and advisors also comply with the confidentiality obligations set forth in this chapter, and shall arrange for the summary dismissal without compensation of any such person who breaches these obligations.
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14.3 |
Exceptions |
The disclosure of a Trade Secret by either party shall not be deemed to be in breach of this Chapter if any of the following circumstances apply:
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14.3.1 |
the information is in the public domain at the time of disclosure; |
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14.3.2 |
the information is disclosed pursuant to the prior written agreement of the parties; |
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14.3.3 |
the information is required by any government authority or law to which a party, or its affiliate is subject; or |
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14.3.4 |
the information is provided to any director, employee, agent, contractor, supplier or advisor of an affiliate in the ordinary course of business pursuant to the prior written agreement of the parties. |
Chapter 15 Miscellaneous
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15.1 |
Copies |
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Framework Agreement |
-21- |
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[Execution Copy – Reference Translation] |
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15.1.1 |
This Agreement shall be executed in 2 sets of originals in the Chinese language, with 1 set of originals for each party. |
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15.1.2 |
This Agreement may be executed in 1 or more counterparts, each of which will be deemed to be an original copy of this Agreement and all of which, when taken together, will be deemed to constitute one and the same instrument. |
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15.2 |
Notice |
All notices and communications between the parties shall be made in writing and in the Chinese language by fax, delivery in person (including courier service) or registered mail letter to the appropriate correspondence addresses set forth below:
If to Party A:
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Address: |
Xx. 000, Xxxxxxx 0xx Xxxx, Xxxxxxx, XXX |
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Telephone: |
(86543)-2112703 |
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Fax: |
(86543)-2112320 |
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Attention: |
Long Jiuzhan |
If to Party B:
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Address: |
Suite 2218, China World Tower 0, Xx. 0 Xxxxxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxx, XXX |
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Telephone: |
(0000) 00000000 |
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Fax: |
(0000) 00000000 |
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Attention: |
Ma Yong |
The time of receipt of the notice or communication shall be deemed to be:
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15.2.1 |
if by fax, at the time displayed in the corresponding transmission record, unless such facsimile is sent after 5:00 p.m. or on a non-business day in the place where it is received, in which case the date of receipt shall be deemed to be the following business day; |
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15.2.2 |
if in person (including courier service), on the date that the receiving party signs for the document; or |
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15.2.3 |
if by registered mail (including express mail), 7 days after the issuance of a receipt by the post office. |
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Framework Agreement |
-22- |
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[Execution Copy – Reference Translation] |
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15.3 |
Governing Law |
The formation of this Agreement, its validity, interpretation, execution and settlement of disputes hereunder will be governed by PRC Law.
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15.4 |
Dispute Resolution |
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15.4.1 |
If any dispute arises out of or in connection with this Agreement, the parties shall attempt in the first instance to resolve such dispute through friendly consultation or mediation. |
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15.4.2 |
If the dispute cannot be resolved in the above manner within 30 days after the commencement of consultations, either party may submit the dispute to arbitration as follows: |
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15.4.2.1 |
All disputes arising out of, or in regard to this Agreement shall be submitted to China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission which shall be conducted by three (3) arbitrators in Beijing in accordance with the Commission’s arbitration rules; |
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15.4.2.2 |
The arbitration shall be conducted in the Chinese language, with the arbitral award being final and binding upon the Parties. The cost of arbitration shall be allocated upon the determination of the arbitrators. |
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15.4.3 |
When any dispute is submitted to arbitration, the parties shall continue to perform their obligations under this Agreement. Unless the disputes are related to the effectiveness or the termination of the Agreement. |
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15.5 |
Waiver |
No failure or delay on the part of either party in the exercise of any right hereunder shall impair such right or be construed to be a waiver of such right or acquiescence in any breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement herein, nor shall any single or partial exercise or waiver of any such right preclude other or further exercise thereof or of any other right.
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15.6 |
Prior Agreement |
This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements, whether written or oral, between or among the parties with respect to its subject matter and along with the Transaction Documents and Supplemental
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Framework Agreement |
-23- |
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[Execution Copy – Reference Translation] |
Agreements, constitutes the entire agreement among the parties with respect to its subject matter.
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15.7 |
Amendment |
No amendment or other modification of this Agreement shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by an authorized representative of each party hereto, and then such amendment or other modification shall be an integral part of, and have the same effectiveness as, this Agreement.
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15.8 |
Assignment |
No party may assign any of its rights and/or obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other parties. Subject to the preceding sentence, this Agreement will apply to, be binding in all respects upon, and inure to the benefit of, the successors, heirs, personal representatives, executors and permitted assigns of the parties.
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15.9 |
Severability |
Where any provision of this Agreement is subject to dispute or is determined by a competent court, arbitral body or government organization to be invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect.
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15.10 |
Cost and Expense |
Except as otherwise expressly set forth herein or in any related documents, all fees, costs and expenses incurred in connection with the negotiation, execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the Transaction Documents shall be paid by the party or parties incurring such fees, costs or expenses.
[The space below is intentionally left blank.]
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Framework Agreement |
-24- |
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[Execution Copy – Reference Translation] |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this Agreement on the date first above written.
Binzhou Broadcasting and Television Network Co., Ltd.
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By: |
/s/ Yin Bingming |
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Name: |
Yin Bingming |
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Title: |
Authorized Representative Company seal |
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Jinan Youxiantong Network Technology Co., Ltd.
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By: |
/s/ Pu Yue |
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Name: |
Pu Yue |
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Title: |
Authorized Representative Company seal: |
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Framework Agreement |
-25- |
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