UNITED STATES
SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(A) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Filed by the Registrant ☒
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant ☐
Check the appropriate box:
| ☒ | Preliminary Proxy Statement |
| ☐ | Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted
by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
| ☐ | Definitive Proxy Statement |
| ☐ | Definitive Additional Materials |
| ☐ | Soliciting Material under §240.14a-12 |
EMBRACE CHANGE
ACQUISITION CORP.
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
| ☐ | Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. |
| ☐ | Fee computed on table in exhibit required by Item 25(b) per
Exchange Act Rules 14a6(i)(l) and 0-11 |
LETTER TO SHAREHOLDERS OF EMBRACE CHANGE ACQUISITION CORP.
5186 Carroll Canyon Rd
San Diego, CA 92121
Dear Embrace Change Acquisition Corp. Shareholder:
You are cordially invited to attend an extraordinary general meeting of Embrace Change
Acquisition Corp., a Cayman Islands exempted company (the “Company,” “Embrace Change,” “we,” “us” or “our”), which will be held on [*], at [*].m., Eastern Time (the “Extraordinary General Meeting”). The Extraordinary General Meeting will be held in person at the offices of Loeb & Loeb LLP, located at 345 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10154 and via virtual meeting format setting. You can participate in the Extraordinary
General Meeting, vote, and submit questions via live webcast by visiting https://www.cstproxy.com/embracechange/2024 and entering the voter control number located under the bar card code on your proxy
card, voting instruction form or notice included in the proxy materials.
Meeting Details:
Extraordinary
General Meeting-meeting webpage (information, webcast, telephone access and replay):
https://www.cstproxy.com/embracechange/2024
Telephone access (listen-only):
Within the U.S. and Canada: 1 800-450-7155 (toll-free)
Outside of the U.S. and Canada: +1 857-999-9155 (standard rates apply)
Conference ID: 7037498#
The attached Notice of the Extraordinary General Meeting and proxy statement describe
the business Embrace Change will conduct at the Extraordinary General Meeting and
provide information about Embrace Change that you should consider when you vote your
shares. As set forth in the attached proxy statement, the Extraordinary General Meeting
will be held for the purpose of considering and voting on the following proposals:
| ● | Proposal No. 1 — Extension Amendment Proposal — To approve, as a special
resolution, an amendment to and restatement of Embrace Change’s Second Amended and Restated Memorandum of Association and
Articles of Association (as may be amended from time to time, together, the “Articles of Association”) as
provided by the first resolution in the form set forth in Annex A to the accompanying proxy statement, to give the Company the right
to extend the date by which Embrace Change must consummate a business combination (the “Combination Period”)
twelve (12) times for an additional one (1) month each time, from August 12, 2024 (i.e. the end of 24 months from the
consummation of its initial public offering (the “IPO”), the “Termination Date”), to
August 12, 2025 (the “Extended Date”), by deleting the Articles of Association in its entirety and adopting
the third amended and restated memorandum and articles of association of Embrace Change in the form set forth in
Annex C to the accompanying proxy statement. This proposal is referred to as the “Extension Amendment
Proposal;” |
| ● | Proposal No. 2 — Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal
— To approve, as an ordinary resolution, as provided in Annex B to the accompanying proxy statement, an amendment to Embrace
Change’s investment management trust agreement, dated as of August 9, 2022 and as amended (the “Trust Agreement”),
by and between the Company and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company (the “Trustee”), to extend the Business
Combination Period from the Termination Date to the Extended Date, by depositing into the trust account (the “Trust Account”)
$[*] for each one-month extension (the “Extension Payment”). This proposal is referred to as the “Trust Agreement
Amendment Proposal;” and |
| ● | Proposal No. 3
— Adjournment Proposal — To authorize, as an ordinary resolution, the Chairman
of the Extraordinary General Meeting to adjourn the Extraordinary General Meeting to a later
date or dates (the “Adjournment”), from time to time, as the Chairman
of the Extraordinary General Meeting may deem necessary or appropriate. This proposal is
referred to as “Adjournment Proposal.” |
Each of the Extension Amendment Proposal, the Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal,
and the Adjournment Proposal is more fully described in the accompanying proxy statement.
Please take the time to read carefully each of the proposals in the accompanying proxy
statement before you vote.
The purpose of the Extension Amendment Proposal, the Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal
and, if necessary, the Adjournment Proposal, is to allow Embrace Change additional
time to complete an initial business combination (the “Business Combination”).
You are not being asked to vote on a Business Combination at this time.
The Articles of Association
and Trust Agreement currently provide that the Company has the right to extend the Combination Period twelve (12) times for an additional
one (1) month each time from August 12, 2023 (i.e., 12 months from the consummation of the IPO) up to August 12, 2024 (i.e.,
24 months from the consummation of the IPO). The only way to extend the Combination Period without the need for a separate shareholder
vote under the Articles of Association and Trust Agreement is for our sponsor or its affiliates or designees, upon ten days’ advance
notice prior to the applicable deadline, to deposit into the Trust Account $100,000 (the lessor of $100,000 or $0.045 per issued and
outstanding public share issued in its IPO (the “Public Share”)), for each one-month extension, on or prior to the
date of the applicable deadline.
If each of the Extension Amendment Proposal and the Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal
are approved, the Company shall have the right to extend, by resolution of the Board,
the Combination Period from August 12, 2024 to August 12, 2025, upon five days’ advance notice prior to the applicable deadline, up to twelve (12) times for an additional
one (1) month each time, by depositing into the Trust Account the Extension Payment
for each one-month extension.
Embrace Change’s
board of directors (the “Board”) has determined that it is in the best interests of Embrace Change to seek an extension
of the Termination Date and have Embrace Change shareholders approve the Extension Amendment Proposal and the Trust Amendment Proposal
to allow for additional time to consummate a Business Combination. Embrace Change intends to call an additional extraordinary general
meeting of its shareholders to approve a Business Combination at a future date (referred to herein as the “Business Combination
Extraordinary General Meeting”). The Board believes that it is in the best interests of Embrace Change shareholders that an
extension of the Termination Date (the “Extension”) be obtained so that, Embrace Change will have an additional amount
of time to consummate a Business Combination. Without the Extension, Embrace Change may not be able to complete a Business Combination
on or before the Termination Date, and would be forced to liquidate.
After consultation with the
Wuren Fubao Inc. (the “Sponsor”), the Company’s management has reasons to believe that, if the Extension Amendment
Proposal and Trust Amendment Proposal are approved, the Sponsor or its affiliates will contribute $[*] to the Company as a loan (the
“Contribution”) for the Company to deposit the funds into the Trust Account as the Extension Payment, upon five days’
advance notice prior to the applicable deadlines, and to extend the Combination Period for an additional one (1) month period each time
for up to twelve (12) times. The Contribution will be deposited in the Trust Account within two business days prior to the beginning
of the additional extension period (or portion thereof). The Contribution will bear no interest and will be repayable by the Company
to the Sponsor upon consummation of a Business Combination in cash or private placement units at a price of $10 per unit at the option
of the Sponsor. The loan will be forgiven by the Sponsor or its affiliates if the Company is unable to consummate a Business Combination
except to the extent of any funds held outside of the Trust Account. If the Company’s Board otherwise determines that the Company
will not be able to consummate a Business Combination by the Extended Date, the Company would wind up its affairs and redeem 100% of
the outstanding Public Shares in accordance with the same procedures set forth below that would be applicable if the Extension Amendment
Proposal and the Trust Amendment Proposal are not approved.
As contemplated by the Articles of Association, the holders of Embrace Change Public
Shares may demand that such shares be redeemed in exchange for a pro rata share of
the aggregate amount on deposit in the Trust Account, including interest not previously
released which shall be net of taxes payable, and less interest to pay dissolution
expenses, calculated as of two business days prior to the consummation of a Business
Combination (the “Redemption”). You may elect to redeem your Public Shares in connection with the Extraordinary
General Meeting.
On [*], the redemption price per Public Share was approximately $[*] (which is expected
to be the same approximate amount two (2) business days prior to the Extraordinary
General Meeting), based on the aggregate amount on deposit in the Trust Account of
approximately $[*] million as of [*] (including interest not previously released to
Embrace Change to pay its taxes), divided by the total number of then issued and outstanding
Public Shares. The closing price of the Public Shares on Nasdaq on [*] was $[*]. Accordingly,
if the market price of the Public Shares were to remain the same until the date of
the Extraordinary General Meeting, exercising redemption rights would result in a
holder of Public Shares receiving approximately $[*] less per share than if the Public
Shares were sold in the open market. Embrace Change cannot assure shareholders that
they will be able to sell their Public Shares in the open market, even if the market
price per Public Share is lower than the redemption price stated above, as there may
not be sufficient liquidity in its securities when such shareholders wish to sell
their shares. Embrace Change believes that such redemption right enables its holders
of Public Shares to determine whether to sustain their investments for an additional
period if Embrace Change does not complete a Business Combination on or before the
Termination Date.
If Extension Amendment
Proposal and the Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal are not approved, we will: (1) cease all operations except for the purpose of winding
up; (2) as promptly as reasonably possible but not more than five business days thereafter, redeem the Public Shares, at a per-share
price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the Trust Account, including interest earned on the funds held
in the Trust Account and not previously released to us to pay taxes, if any (less up to $50,000 of interest to pay dissolution expenses),
divided by the number of then-outstanding Public Shares (such redemption, the “Mandatory Redemption”), which Mandatory Redemption
will completely extinguish Public Shareholders’ rights as shareholders (including the right to receive further liquidating distributions,
if any); and (3) as promptly as reasonably possible following such Mandatory Redemption, subject to the approval of our remaining shareholders
and our board, liquidate and dissolve, subject in the case of clauses (2) and (3), to our obligations under Cayman Islands law to provide
for claims of creditors and the requirements of other applicable law. Subject to the foregoing, the approval of the Extension Amendment
Proposal requires a special resolution under the Companies Act, being the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of votes cast
by such holders of the issued and outstanding ordinary shares, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Ordinary Shares”)
as, being entitled to do so, vote in person or by proxy at the Extraordinary General Meeting or any adjournment thereof.
In addition, the Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal pursuant to the Trust Agreement
requires the affirmative vote of at least fifty percent (50%) of the votes cast by
the holders of the issued and outstanding Ordinary Shares, present in person or represented
by proxy at the Extraordinary General Meeting or any adjournment thereof and entitled
to vote on such matter.
Approval of the Adjournment Proposal requires an ordinary resolution under Embrace
Change’s Articles of Association, being the affirmative vote of a simple majority of the
votes cast by the holders of the issued and outstanding Ordinary Shares, present in
person or represented by proxy at the Extraordinary General Meeting or any adjournment
thereof and entitled to vote on such matter.
The Board has fixed the close of business on [*] (the “Record Date”) as the date for determining Embrace Change shareholders entitled to receive notice
of and vote at the Extraordinary General Meeting and any adjournment thereof. Only
holders of record of Ordinary Shares on that date are entitled to have their votes
counted at the Extraordinary General Meeting or any adjournment thereof. However,
the holders of Public Shares may elect to redeem all or a portion of their shares
in connection with the Extraordinary General Meeting.
Embrace Change believes that given Embrace Change’s expenditure of time, effort and money on searching for a Business Combination, it
is in the best interests of Embrace Change shareholders that Embrace Change obtain
the Extension. Embrace Change believes a Business Combination will provide significant
benefits to its shareholders.
After careful consideration
of all relevant factors, the Board has determined that the Extension Amendment Proposal, the Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal and
the Adjournment Proposal are in the best interests of Embrace Change and its shareholders, and has declared it advisable and
unanimously recommends that you vote or give instruction to vote “FOR” such proposals.
Embrace Change’s directors and officers have interests in the Extension Amendment Proposal and the Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal that may be different from, or in addition
to, your interests as a shareholder. These interests include, among others, ownership,
directly or indirectly through the Sponsor, of Founder Shares and Private Units (both
as defined below). See the section entitled “Extraordinary General Meeting of Embrace Change Shareholders — Interests of the Initial
Shareholders” in this proxy statement.
Enclosed is the proxy statement containing detailed information about the Extraordinary
General Meeting, the Extension Amendment Proposal, the Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal
and the Adjournment Proposal. Whether or not you plan to attend the Extraordinary
General Meeting, Embrace Change urges you to read this material carefully and vote
your shares.
By Order of the Board of Directors of Embrace Change Acquisition Corp.
Sincerely,
Chairman
[*]
Your vote is very important. Whether or not you plan to attend the Extraordinary General Meeting, please vote
as soon as possible by following the instructions in this proxy statement to make
sure that your shares are represented at the Extraordinary General Meeting. The approval
of the Extension Amendment Proposal requires a special resolution under the Companies Act, being the affirmative vote
of at least two-thirds (2/3) of votes cast by such holders of the issued and outstanding Ordinary
Shares, as, being entitled to do so, vote in person or by proxy at the Extraordinary
General Meeting or any adjournment thereof. Approval of the Trust Agreement Amendment
Proposal requires an ordinary resolution under the Companies Act and, pursuant to
the Trust Agreement, requires the affirmative vote of at least fifty percent (50%)
of the votes cast by the holders of the issued and outstanding Ordinary Shares, present
in person or represented by proxy at the Extraordinary General Meeting or any adjournment
thereof and entitled to vote on such matter. The Adjournment Proposal requires an
ordinary resolution under the Companies Act, being the affirmative vote of a simple
majority of the votes cast by the holders of the Ordinary Shares, present themselves
or represented by proxy at the Extraordinary General Meeting and entitled to vote
thereon. Accordingly, if you fail to vote by proxy or to vote yourself at the Extraordinary
General Meeting, your shares will not be counted in connection with the determination
of whether a valid quorum is established, and, if a valid quorum is otherwise established,
such failure to vote will have no effect on the outcome of any vote on the Extension
Amendment Proposal, Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal, or Adjournment Proposal. If
you hold your shares in “street name” through a bank, broker or other nominee, you
will need to follow the instructions provided to you by your bank, broker or other
nominee to ensure that your shares are represented and voted at the Extraordinary
General Meeting.
NOTICE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
OF EMBRACE CHANGE ACQUISITION CORP.
TO BE HELD ON [*]
To the Shareholders of Embrace Change Acquisition Corp.:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that an Extraordinary General Meeting (the “Extraordinary General Meeting”) of the shareholders of Embrace Change Acquisition Corp., a Cayman Islands exempted
company (the “Company,” “Embrace Change,” “we,” “us” or “our”), will be held on [*], at [*].m., Eastern Time. The Extraordinary General Meeting will be held in person at the offices of the offices of Loeb & Loeb LLP, located at 345 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10154 and in a virtual meeting format.
Meeting Details:
Extraordinary General Meeting-meeting webpage (information, webcast, telephone access
and replay):
https://www.cstproxy.com/embracechange/2024
Telephone access (listen-only):
Within the U.S. and Canada: 1 800-450-7155 (toll-free)
Outside of the U.S. and Canada: +1 857-999-9155 (standard rates apply)
Conference ID: 7037498#
You can participate in the Extraordinary General Meeting, vote, and submit questions
via live webcast by visiting https://www.cstproxy.com/embracechange/2024 and entering the voter control number included on your proxy card. You are cordially
invited to attend the Extraordinary General Meeting for the purpose of considering
and voting on the following proposals (unless Embrace Change determines that it is
not necessary to hold the Extraordinary General Meeting as described in the accompanying
proxy statement), more fully described below in this proxy statement, which is dated
[*] and is first being mailed to shareholders on or about that date:
|
● |
Proposal No. 1
— Extension Amendment Proposal — To approve, as a special resolution, an amendment to and restatement of Embrace
Change’s Second Amended and Restated Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association (as may be amended from time to
time, together, the “Articles of Association”) as provided by the first resolution in the form set forth in Annex
A to the accompanying proxy statement, to give the Company the right to extend the date by which Embrace Change must consummate a
business combination (the “Combination Period”) twelve (12) times for an additional one (1) month each time, from
August 12, 2024 (i.e. the end of 24 months from the consummation of its initial public offering (the “IPO”),
the “Termination Date”), to August 12, 2025 (the “Extended Date”), by deleting the
Articles of Association in its entirety and adopting the third amended and restated memorandum and articles of association of
Embrace Change in the form set forth in Annex C to the accompanying proxy statement. This proposal is referred to as the
“Extension Amendment Proposal;” |
|
● |
Proposal No. 2 — Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal — To approve, as an ordinary resolution, as provided in Annex B to the accompanying
proxy statement, an amendment to Embrace Change’s investment management trust agreement, dated as of August 9, 2022, as amended (the “Trust Agreement”), by and between the Company and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company (the
“Trustee”), to extend the Business Combination Period from the Termination Date to the Extended
Date, by depositing into the trust account (the “Trust Account”) $[*] for each one-month extension (the “Extension Payment”). This proposal is referred to as the “Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal;” and |
|
● |
Proposal
No. 3 — Adjournment Proposal — To authorize, as an ordinary resolution, the Chairman of the Extraordinary
General Meeting to adjourn the Extraordinary General Meeting to a later date or dates (the “Adjournment”),
from time to time, as the Chairman of the Extraordinary General Meeting may deem necessary or appropriate. This proposal
is referred to as “Adjournment Proposal.” |
The purpose of the Extension Amendment Proposal, the Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal,
and, if necessary, the Adjournment Proposal, is to allow Embrace Change additional
time to complete an initial business combination (the “Business Combination”).
You are not being asked to vote on a Business Combination at this time.
The Articles of Association and Trust Agreement currently provide that the Company
has the right to extend the Combination Period twelve (12) times for an additional one (1) month each time from August 12, 2023 (i.e., 12 months from the consummation of the IPO) up to August 12, 2024 (i.e., 24 months from the consummation of the IPO). The only way to extend the Combination Period
without the need for a separate shareholder vote under the Articles of Association
and Trust Agreement is for our sponsor or its affiliates or designees, upon ten days’ advance notice prior to the applicable deadline, to deposit into the Trust Account
$100,000 (the lessor of $100,000 or $0.045 per issued and outstanding public share issued in its IPO (the “Public Share”)), for each one-month extension, on or prior to the date of the applicable deadline.
If each of the Extension Amendment Proposal and the Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal
are approved, the Company shall have the right to extend, by resolution of the Board,
the Combination Period from August 12, 2024 to August 12, 2025, up to twelve (12) times for an additional one (1) month each time, by depositing
into the Trust Account the Extension Payment for each one-month extension, upon five
days’ advance notice prior to the applicable deadline.
Embrace Change’s board of directors (the “Board”) has determined that it is in the best interests of Embrace Change to seek an extension
of the Termination Date and have Embrace Change shareholders approve the Extension
Amendment Proposal and the Trust Amendment Proposal to allow for additional time to
consummate a Business Combination. Embrace Change intends to call an additional extraordinary
general meeting of its shareholders to approve a Business Combination at a future
date (referred to herein as the “Business Combination Extraordinary General Meeting”). The Board believes that it is in the best interests of Embrace Change shareholders
that an extension of the Termination Date (the “Extension”) be obtained so that, Embrace Change will have an additional amount of time to consummate
a Business Combination. Without the Extension, Embrace Change may not be able to complete
a Business Combination on or before the Termination Date, and would be forced to liquidate.
After consultation
with Wuren Fubao Inc. (the “Sponsor”), the Company’s management has reasons to believe that, if the Extension
Amendment Proposal and Trust Amendment Proposal are approved, the Sponsor or its affiliates will contribute $[*] to the Company as a
loan (the “Contribution”) for the Company to deposit the funds into the Trust Account as the Extension Payment, upon
five days’ advance notice prior to the applicable deadlines, and to extend the Combination Period or for an additional one (1)
month period each time for up to twelve (12) times. The Contribution will be deposited in the Trust Account within two business days
prior to the beginning of the additional extension period (or portion thereof). The Contribution will bear no interest and will be repayable
by the Company to the Sponsor upon consummation of a Business Combination in cash or private placement units at a price of $10 per unit
at the option of the Sponsor. The loan will be forgiven by the Sponsor or its affiliates if the Company is unable to consummate a Business
Combination except to the extent of any funds held outside of the Trust Account. If the Company’s Board otherwise determines that
the Company will not be able to consummate a Business Combination by the Extended Date, the Company would wind up its affairs and redeem
100% of the outstanding Public Shares in accordance with the same procedures set forth below that would be applicable if the Extension
Amendment Proposal and the Trust Amendment Proposal are not approved.
As contemplated by the Articles of Association, the holders of Embrace Change Public
Shares may demand that such shares be redeemed in exchange for a pro rata share of
the aggregate amount on deposit in the Trust Account, including interest not previously
released which shall be net of taxes payable, and less interest to pay dissolution
expenses, calculated as of two business days prior to the consummation of a Business
Combination (the “Redemption”). You may elect to redeem your Public Shares in connection with the Extraordinary
General Meeting.
On [*], the redemption price per Public Share was approximately $[*] (which is expected
to be the same approximate amount two (2) business days prior to the Extraordinary
General Meeting), based on the aggregate amount on deposit in the Trust Account of
approximately $[*] million as of [*] (including interest not previously released to
Embrace Change to pay its taxes), divided by the total number of then issued and outstanding
Public Shares. The closing price of the Ordinary Shares on Nasdaq on [*] was $[*].
Accordingly, if the market price of the Ordinary Shares were to remain the same until
the date of the Extraordinary General Meeting, exercising redemption rights would
result in a holder of Public Shares receiving approximately $[*] less per share than
if the Public Shares were sold in the open market. Embrace Change cannot assure shareholders
that they will be able to sell their Ordinary Shares in the open market, even if the
market price per Public Share is lower than the redemption price stated above, as
there may not be sufficient liquidity in its securities when such shareholders wish
to sell their shares. Embrace Change believes that such redemption right enables its
holders of Public Shares to determine whether to sustain their investments for an
additional period if Embrace Change does not complete a Business Combination on or
before the Termination Date.
Approval of each of the Extension Amendment Proposal and the Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal is a condition to the implementation of the Extension.
If the Extension Amendment
Proposal and the Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal are not approved, we will: (1) cease all operations except for the purpose of winding
up; (2) as promptly as reasonably possible but not more than five business days thereafter, redeem the Public Shares, at a per-share
price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the Trust Account, including interest earned on the funds held
in the Trust Account and not previously released to us to pay taxes, if any (less up to $50,000 of interest to pay dissolution expenses),
divided by the number of then-outstanding Public Shares (such redemption, the “Mandatory Redemption”), which Mandatory Redemption
will completely extinguish Public Shareholders’ rights as shareholders (including the right to receive further liquidating distributions,
if any); and (3) as promptly as reasonably possible following such Mandatory Redemption, subject to the approval of our remaining shareholders
and our board, liquidate and dissolve, subject in the case of clauses (2) and (3), to our obligations under Cayman Islands law to provide
for claims of creditors and the requirements of other applicable law.
To exercise your redemption rights, you must tender your Public Shares to Embrace
Change’s transfer agent at least two (2) business days prior to the Extraordinary General
Meeting. You may tender your Public Shares by either delivering your share certificate to the transfer agent
or by delivering your shares electronically using the Depository Trust Company’s (“DTC”) Deposit/Withdrawal At Custodian (“DWAC”) system. If you hold your Public
Shares in street name, you will need to instruct your bank, broker or other nominee
to withdraw the Public Shares from your account in order to exercise your redemption
rights.
Subject to the foregoing, the approval of the Extension Amendment Proposal requires a special resolution under the Companies Act, being the affirmative vote
of at least two-thirds (2/3) of votes cast by such holders of the issued and outstanding ordinary
shares, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Ordinary Shares”) as, being entitled to do so, vote in person or by proxy at the Extraordinary General
Meeting or any adjournment thereof.
In addition, the Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal pursuant to the Trust Agreement
requires the affirmative vote of at least fifty percent (50%) of the votes cast by
the holders of the issued and outstanding Ordinary Shares, present in person or represented
by proxy at the Extraordinary General Meeting or any adjournment thereof and entitled
to vote on such matter.
Approval of the Adjournment Proposal requires an ordinary resolution under Embrace
Change’s Articles of Association, being the affirmative vote of a simple majority of the
votes cast by the holders of the issued and outstanding Ordinary Shares, present in
person or represented by proxy at the Extraordinary General Meeting or any adjournment
thereof and entitled to vote on such matter.
Record holders of Ordinary Shares at the close of business on [*] (the “Record Date”) are entitled to vote or have their votes cast at the Extraordinary General Meeting.
On the Record Date, there were 9,688,748 issued and outstanding Ordinary Shares. The
holders of Embrace Change’s warrants and rights do not have voting rights.
This proxy statement contains important information about the Extraordinary General
Meeting, the Extension Amendment Proposal, the Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal
and the Adjournment Proposal. Whether or not you plan to attend the Extraordinary
General Meeting, Embrace Change urges you to read this material carefully and vote
your shares.
This proxy statement is dated [*] and is first being mailed to shareholders on or
about that date.
By Order of the Board of Directors of Embrace Change Acquisition Corp.
Sincerely,
Chairman
[*]
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Some of the statements contained in this proxy statement constitute forward-looking
statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements
relate to expectations, beliefs, projections, future plans and strategies, anticipated
events or trends and similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical
facts. Forward-looking statements reflect Embrace Change’s current views with respect to, among other things, Embrace Change’s capital resources and results of operations. Likewise, Embrace Change’s financial statements and all of Embrace Change’s statements regarding market conditions and results of operations are forward-looking
statements. In some cases, you can identify these forward-looking statements by the
use of terminology such as “outlook,” “believes,” “expects,” “potential,” “continues,”
“may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “seeks,” “approximately,” “predicts,” “intends,”
“plans,” “estimates,” “anticipates” or the negative version of these words or other
comparable words or phrases.
The forward-looking statements contained in this proxy statement reflect Embrace Change’s current views about future events and are subject to numerous known and unknown
risks, uncertainties, assumptions and changes in circumstances that may cause its
actual results to differ significantly from those expressed in any forward-looking
statement. Embrace Change does not guarantee that the transactions and events described
will happen as described (or that they will happen at all). The following factors,
among others, could cause actual results and future events to differ materially from
those set forth or contemplated in the forward-looking statements:
|
● |
Embrace Change’s ability to complete a Business Combination, including approval by the shareholders
of Embrace Change; |
|
● |
the anticipated benefits of a Business Combination; |
|
● |
the volatility of the market price and liquidity of the Ordinary Shares and other
securities of Embrace Change; |
|
● |
the use of funds not held in the Trust Account or available to Embrace Change from
interest income on the Trust Account balance. |
While forward-looking statements reflect Embrace Change’s good faith beliefs, they are not guarantees of future performance. Embrace Change
disclaims any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement
to reflect changes in underlying assumptions or factors, new information, data or
methods, future events or other changes after the date of this proxy statement, except
as required by applicable law. For a further discussion of these and other factors
that could cause Embrace Change’s future results, performance or transactions to differ significantly from those expressed
in any forward-looking statement, please see the section entitled “Risk Factors” in Embrace Change’s final prospectus filed with the SEC on August 11, 2022 in connection with Embrace Change’s initial public offering, as amended by other reports Embrace Change filed with the
SEC. You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which
are based only on information currently available to Embrace Change (or to third parties
making the forward-looking statements).
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING
| Q. | Why am I receiving this proxy statement? |
|
A. |
Embrace Change is a blank check company formed under the laws of the Cayman Islands
on March 3, 2021, for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition,
share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses.
Like most blank check companies, the Articles of Association provides for the return
of the proceeds from Embrace Change’s IPO held in trust to the holders of the Public Shares sold in the IPO if there is
no qualifying business combination(s) consummated on or before the Termination Date. |
Embrace Change believes that it is in the best interests of Embrace Change shareholders
to continue Embrace Change’s existence until the Extended Date, if necessary, in order to allow Embrace Change
additional time to complete a Business Combination and is therefore holding this Extraordinary
General Meeting. Embrace Change intends to hold a Business Combination Extraordinary
General Meeting to approve a Business Combination at a future date.
| Q. | When and where is the Extraordinary General Meeting? |
|
A. |
The Extraordinary General Meeting will be held on [*], at [*].m., Eastern Time at the offices of Loeb & Loeb LLP, located at 345 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10154 and via live webcast at [*] and entering the voter control number located under the bar card code on your proxy
card, voting instruction form or notice included in the proxy materials. |
| Q. | What do I need in order to be able to participate in the
Extraordinary General Meeting online? |
| A. |
You can attend the Extraordinary General Meeting via the Internet by visiting https://www.cstproxy.com/embracechange/2024 and entering the voter control number located under the bar card code on your proxy card, voting instruction form or notice included in the proxy materials. You will need the voter control number included on your proxy card in order to be able to vote your shares or submit questions during the Extraordinary General Meeting. If you do not have a voter control number, you will be able to listen to the Extraordinary General Meeting only and you will not be able to vote or submit questions during the Extraordinary General Meeting. |
| Q. | What are the specific proposals on which I am being asked
to vote at the Extraordinary General Meeting? |
|
A. |
Embrace Change shareholders are being asked to consider and vote on the following
proposals: |
|
● |
Proposal No. 1 — Extension Amendment Proposal — To approve, as a special resolution, an amendment to and restatement of the Articles
of Association as provided by the first resolution in the form set forth in Annex
A to this proxy statement, to give the Company the right to extend the Combination
Period twelve (12) times for an additional one (1) month each time, from the Termination
Date to the Extended Date, by deleting the Articles of Association in its entirety
and adopting the third amended and restated memorandum and articles of association of Embrace Change in
the form set forth in Annex C to this proxy statement; |
|
● |
Proposal No. 2 — Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal — To approve, as an ordinary resolution, as provided in Annex B to this proxy statement,
an amendment to Embrace Change’s Trust Agreement, to extend the Business Combination Period from the Termination
Date to the Extended Date, by depositing into the Trust Account the Extension Payment; and |
|
● |
Proposal
No. 3 — Adjournment Proposal — To authorize, as an ordinary resolution, the Chairman of the Extraordinary
General Meeting to adjourn the Extraordinary General Meeting to a later date or dates (the “Adjournment”),
from time to time, as the Chairman of the Extraordinary General Meeting may deem necessary or appropriate. |
| Q. | Are the proposals conditioned on one another? |
|
A. |
Approval of each of the Extension Amendment Proposal and the Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal is a condition to the implementation of the Extension. |
If the Extension is implemented and one or more Embrace Change shareholders elect
to redeem their Public Shares pursuant to the Redemption, Embrace Change will remove
from the Trust Account and deliver to the holders of such redeemed Public Shares an
amount equal to the pro rata portion of funds available in the Trust Account with
respect to such redeemed Public Shares, and retain the remainder of the funds in the
Trust Account for Embrace Change’s use in connection with consummating a Business Combination on or before the Extended
Date.
If the Extension Amendment Proposal
and the Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal are not approved, we will: (1) cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up;
(2) as promptly as reasonably possible but not more than five business days thereafter, redeem the Public Shares, at a per-share price,
payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the Trust Account, including interest earned on the funds held in the
Trust Account and not previously released to us to pay taxes, if any (less up to $50,000 of interest to pay dissolution expenses), divided
by the number of then-outstanding Public Shares (such redemption, the “Mandatory Redemption”), which Mandatory Redemption
will completely extinguish Public Shareholders’ rights as shareholders (including the right to receive further liquidating distributions,
if any); and (3) as promptly as reasonably possible following such Mandatory Redemption, subject to the approval of our remaining shareholders
and our board, liquidate and dissolve, subject in the case of clauses (2) and (3), to our obligations under Cayman Islands law to provide
for claims of creditors and the requirements of other applicable law.
The initial shareholders waived their rights to participate in any liquidating distribution.
There will be no distribution from the Trust Account with respect to Embrace Change’s warrants and rights, which will expire worthless in the event Embrace Change dissolves
and liquidates the Trust Account.
| Q. | Why is Embrace Change proposing the Extension Amendment
Proposal, the Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal and the Adjournment Proposal? |
|
A. |
The Articles of Association currently provide for the return of the IPO proceeds held
in the Trust Account to the holders of Public Shares sold in the IPO if there is no
qualifying business combination(s) consummated on or before the Termination Date.
The purpose of the Extension Amendment Proposal, the Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal
and, if necessary, the Adjournment Proposal, is to allow Embrace Change additional
time to complete a Business Combination pursuant to a Business Combination Agreement. |
The Board believes that it is in the best interests of Embrace Change shareholders
that the Extension be obtained so that Embrace Change will have an additional amount
of time to consummate a Business Combination. Without the Extension, Embrace Change
will not be able to complete a Business Combination on or before the Termination Date,
and would be forced to liquidate.
Our Board believes that it is improbable that Embrace Change will be able to negotiate
and complete a Business Combination before August 12, 2024. Accordingly, our Board believes that in order for us to potentially consummate a
Business Combination, we will need to obtain the Extension.
Embrace Change believes that given Embrace Change’s expenditure of time, effort and money on a Business Combination, circumstances warrant
ensuring that Embrace Change is in the best position possible to consummate a Business
Combination and that it is in the best interests of Embrace Change shareholders that
Embrace Change obtain the Extension. Embrace Change believes a Business Combination
will provide significant benefits to its shareholders.
You are not being asked to vote on a Business Combination at the Extraordinary General
Meeting. The vote by Embrace Change shareholders on a Business Combination will occur
at an extraordinary general meeting of Embrace Change shareholders, to be held on
at a later date, and the solicitation of proxies from Embrace Change shareholders
in connection with such separate Business Combination Extraordinary General Meeting,
and the related right of Embrace Change shareholders to redeem in connection with
a Business Combination (which is a separate right to redeem in addition to the right
to redeem in connection with the Extension Amendment Proposal and the Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal), will be the subject of a separate proxy statement/prospectus. If you want to ensure
your Public Shares are redeemed in the event the Extension Amendment Proposal and the Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal are implemented, you should elect to “redeem” your Public Shares in connection with
the Extraordinary General Meeting.
If the Extension Amendment Proposal or the Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal are not approved by Embrace Change shareholders, Embrace Change may put the Adjournment
Proposal to a vote in order to seek additional time to obtain sufficient votes in
support of the proposals. If the Adjournment Proposal is not approved by Embrace Change
shareholders, the Board may not be able to adjourn the Extraordinary General Meeting
to a later date or dates in the event that there are insufficient votes for, or otherwise
in connection with, the approval of the Extension Amendment Proposal and the Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal.
| Q. | What vote is required to approve the proposals presented
at the Extraordinary General Meeting? |
|
A. |
The approval of the Extension Amendment Proposal requires a special resolution under the Companies Act, being the affirmative vote
of at least two-thirds (2/3) of votes cast by such holders of the issued and outstanding Ordinary
Shares as, being entitled to do so, voting in person or by proxy at the Extraordinary
General Meeting or any adjournment thereof. A Embrace Change shareholder’s failure to vote by proxy or to vote herself/himself/itself at the Extraordinary
General Meeting will not be counted towards the number of Ordinary Shares required
to validly establish a quorum, and if a valid quorum is otherwise established, such
failure to vote, abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome
of the proposal. The presence, oneself or by proxy, at the Extraordinary General Meeting
of the holders of issued and outstanding Ordinary Shares representing a majority of
the voting power of all issued and outstanding Ordinary Shares entitled to vote as
of the Record Date at the Extraordinary General Meeting shall constitute a quorum
for the vote on the proposals. |
Approval of the Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal requires an ordinary resolution
under the Articles of Association and, pursuant to the Trust Agreement, requires the
affirmative vote of at least fifty percent (50%) of the votes cast by the holders
of the Ordinary Shares present themselves or represented by proxy at the Extraordinary
General Meeting and entitled to vote thereon and the Adjournment Proposal require
an ordinary resolution under the Articles of Association, being the affirmative vote
of a simple majority of the votes cast by the holders of the Ordinary Shares present
themselves or represented by proxy at the Extraordinary General Meeting and entitled
to vote thereon. Accordingly, an Embrace Change’s shareholder’s failure to vote by proxy or to vote oneself at the Extraordinary General Meeting
will not be counted towards the number of Ordinary Shares required to validly establish
a quorum. However, if a valid quorum is otherwise established, such failure to vote
will have no effect on the outcome of any vote on the Adjournment Proposal. Abstentions
(but not broker non-votes), while considered present for the purposes of establishing
a quorum, will not count as a vote cast at the Extraordinary General Meeting and will
have no effect on the outcome of any vote on the Adjournment Proposal. The presence,
oneself or by proxy, at the Extraordinary General Meeting of the holders of issued
and outstanding Ordinary Shares representing a majority of the voting power of all
issued and outstanding Ordinary Shares entitled to vote as of the Record Date at the
Extraordinary General Meeting shall constitute a quorum for the vote on the Adjournment
Proposal.
| Q. | Why should I vote “FOR” the Extension Amendment
Proposal? |
|
A. |
Embrace Change believes its shareholders will benefit from Embrace Change consummating
a Business Combination and is proposing the Extension Amendment Proposal to extend
Combination Period until the Extended Date. The Extension would give Embrace Change
additional time to complete a Business Combination. |
The Board believes that it is in the best interests of Embrace Change shareholders
and Embrace Change that the Extension be obtained so that Embrace Change will have
an additional amount of time to consummate a Business Combination. Without the Extension,
Embrace Change may not be able to complete a Business Combination on or before the
Termination Date, and would be forced to liquidate.
Embrace Change believes that given Embrace Change’s expenditure of time, effort and money on searching for a Business Combination, it
is in the best interests of Embrace Change shareholders that Embrace Change obtain
the Extension. Embrace Change believes a Business Combination will provide significant
benefits to its shareholders.
| Q. | Why should I vote “FOR” the Trust Agreement
Amendment Proposal? |
|
A. |
Embrace Change believes shareholders will benefit from Embrace Change consummating
a Business Combination and is proposing the Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal to
extend the Combination Period until the Extended Date. The Extension would give Embrace
Change additional time to complete a Business Combination. |
The Board believes that it is in the best interests of Embrace Change shareholders
and Embrace Change that the Extension be obtained so that Embrace Change will have
an additional amount of time to consummate a Business Combination.
Without the Extension, Embrace Change will not be able to complete a Business Combination
on or before the Termination Date and would be forced to liquidate.
Embrace Change believes that given Embrace Change’s expenditure of time, effort and money on a Business Combination, it is in the best
interests of Embrace Change shareholders that Embrace Change obtain the Extension. Embrace Change believes a Business Combination will provide
significant benefits to its shareholders.
| Q. | Why should I vote “FOR” the Adjournment Proposal? |
|
A. |
If the Adjournment Proposal is not approved by Embrace Change shareholders, the Board
may not be able to adjourn the Extraordinary General Meeting to a later date or dates
in the event that there are insufficient votes for, or otherwise in connection with,
the approval of the Extension Amendment Proposal and the Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal. |
If presented, the Board unanimously recommends that you vote in favor of the Adjournment
Proposal.
| Q. | How will the initial shareholders vote? |
|
A. |
The initial shareholders have advised Embrace Change that they intend to vote any
Ordinary Shares over which they have voting control, in favor of the Extension Amendment
Proposal, the Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal, and, if necessary, the Adjournment
Proposal. |
The initial shareholders and their respective affiliates are not entitled to redeem
any shares they hold in connection with the Extension Amendment Proposal and the Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal. On the Record Date, the Sponsor beneficially owned and was entitled to vote an aggregate
of 2,221,964 Ordinary Shares, representing approximately 29.9% of Embrace Change’s issued and outstanding shares.
| Q. | What if I do not want to vote “FOR” the Extension
Amendment Proposal, the Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal or the Adjournment Proposal? |
|
A. |
If you do not want the Extension Amendment Proposal, the Trust Agreement Amendment
Proposal or the Adjournment Proposal to be approved, you may “ABSTAIN”, not vote,
or vote “AGAINST” such proposal. |
If you fail to vote by proxy or to vote yourself at the Extraordinary General Meeting,
your shares will not be counted in connection with the determination of whether a
valid quorum is established and, if a valid quorum is otherwise established, such failure to vote will have no effect on the outcome
of any vote on the Extension Amendment Proposal, the Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal,
and the Adjournment Proposal.
If you vote to “ABSTAIN” or if you do not provide instructions with your proxy card
to your broker, bank or nominee, such abstentions (but not broker non-votes) will
be counted in connection with the determination of whether a valid quorum is established
and will have no effect on the outcome of the Extension Amendment Proposal and the Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal.
| Q. | What happens if the Extension Amendment Proposal and the
Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal are not approved? |
|
A. |
If there are insufficient votes to approve the Extension Amendment Proposal and the Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal, Embrace Change may put the Adjournment Proposal to a vote in order to seek additional
time to obtain sufficient votes in support of the Extension. |
If the Extension Amendment Proposal
and the Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal are not approved, we will: (1) cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up;
(2) as promptly as reasonably possible but not more than five business days thereafter, redeem the Public Shares, at a per-share price,
payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the Trust Account, including interest earned on the funds held in the
Trust Account and not previously released to us to pay taxes, if any (less up to $50,000 of interest to pay dissolution expenses), divided
by the number of then-outstanding Public Shares (such redemption, the “Mandatory Redemption”), which Mandatory Redemption
will completely extinguish Public Shareholders’ rights as shareholders (including the right to receive further liquidating distributions,
if any); and (3) as promptly as reasonably possible following such Mandatory Redemption, subject to the approval of our remaining shareholders
and our board, liquidate and dissolve, subject in the case of clauses (2) and (3), to our obligations under Cayman Islands law to provide
for claims of creditors and the requirements of other applicable law.
The Sponsor and the officers, directors and the initial shareholders of Embrace Change
waived their rights to participate in any liquidation distribution with respect to
the shares they beneficially own. There will be no distribution from the Trust Account
with respect to Embrace Change’s warrants and rights, which will expire worthless in the event Embrace Change dissolves
and liquidates the Trust Account.
| Q. | If the Extension Amendment Proposal and the Trust Agreement
Amendment Proposal are approved, what happens next? |
|
A. |
If the Extension Amendment Proposal and the Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal are approved, Embrace Change will continue to attempt to consummate a Business Combination
until the Extended Date. Embrace Change will file the third amended and restated memorandum and articles of association of Embrace Change with
the Cayman Islands Registrar of Companies in substantially the form that appears in
Annex C hereto and will continue its efforts to obtain approval of a Business Combination
at an extraordinary general meeting and consummate the closing of a Business Combination
on or before the Extended Date. |
If the Extension Amendment Proposal and the Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal are approved and the Extension is implemented, the removal from the Trust Account
of the amount equal to the pro rata portion of funds available in the Trust Account
with respect to such redeemed Public Shares will reduce the amount remaining in the
Trust Account and increase the percentage interest of Embrace Change held by Embrace
Change’s officers, directors, the Sponsor and its affiliates.
If each of the Extension Amendment Proposal and the Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal
are approved, the Company shall have the right to extend, by resolution of the Board,
the Combination Period from August 12, 2024 to August 12, 2025, up to twelve (12) times for an additional one (1) month each time, by depositing
into the Trust Account the Extension Payment for each one-month extension, upon five
days’ advance notice prior to the applicable deadline.
| Q. | Am I able to exercise my redemption rights in connection
with a Business Combination? |
|
A. |
If you do not choose to exercise Redemption rights in connection with the Extraordinary
General Meeting, you may choose to exercise Redemption rights in connection with a
Business Combination if you are a holder of Public Shares as of the close of business
on the record date for a Business Combination Extraordinary General Meeting, and you
will be able to vote to approve a Business Combination in a Business Combination Extraordinary
General Meeting, to be held at a later date. The Extraordinary General Meeting relating
to the Extension Amendment Proposal and Trust Agreement Amendment does not affect
your right to elect to redeem your Public Shares in connection with a Business Combination,
subject to any limitations set forth in the Articles of Association (including the
requirement to submit any request for redemption in connection with a Business Combination
on or before the date that is two business days before the Extraordinary General Meeting
of Embrace Change shareholders to vote on a Business Combination). |
| Q. | Do I need to request that my shares be redeemed regardless
of whether I vote for or against the Extension Amendment Proposal or the Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal? |
|
A. |
Yes. Whether you vote for or against the Extension Amendment Proposal or the Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal you may elect to redeem your shares. However,
you will need to submit a redemption request for your Public Shares. |
| Q. | May I change my vote after I have mailed my signed proxy
card? |
|
A. |
Yes. You may change your vote by: |
| ● | entering a new vote by Internet or telephone; |
| ● | sending a later-dated, signed proxy card addressed to Embrace
Change’s Secretary located at Embrace Change Acquisition Corp., 5186 Carroll Canyon Rd, San Diego, CA 92121, Attn: Secretary, so
that it is received by Embrace Change’s Secretary on or before the Extraordinary General Meeting; or |
| ● | attending and voting, in person or virtually via the Internet,
during the Extraordinary General Meeting. |
You also may revoke your proxy by sending a notice of revocation to Embrace Change’s Secretary, which must be received by Embrace Change’s Secretary on or before the Extraordinary General Meeting. Attending the Extraordinary
General Meeting will not cause your previously granted proxy to be revoked unless
you specifically so request.
|
A. |
Votes will be counted by the inspector of election appointed for the Extraordinary
General Meeting, who will separately count “FOR” and “AGAINST” votes, “ABSTAIN” and
broker non-votes. The approval of each of the Extension Amendment Proposal requires a special resolution under the Companies Act, being the affirmative vote
of at least two-thirds (2/3) of votes cast by such holders of the issued and outstanding Ordinary
Shares, as, being entitled to do so, vote in person or by proxy at the Extraordinary
General Meeting or any adjournment thereof. Approval of the Trust Agreement Amendment
Proposal requires an ordinary resolution under the Articles of Association and, pursuant
to the Trust Agreement, requires the affirmative vote of at least fifty percent (50%)
of the votes cast by the holders of the Ordinary Shares and the Adjournment Proposal
requires an ordinary resolution under the Articles of Association, being the affirmative
vote of a simple majority of the votes cast by the holders of the Ordinary Shares
present themselves or represented by proxy at the Extraordinary General Meeting and
entitled to vote thereon. With respect to the Extension Amendment Proposal, the Trust
Agreement Amendment Proposal and the Adjournment Proposal, abstentions (but not broker
non-votes), while considered present for the purposes of establishing a quorum, will
have no effect on outcome of any vote on the Extension Amendment Proposal. |
| Q. | If my shares are held in “street name,” will
my broker, bank or nominee automatically vote my shares for me? |
|
A. |
No. Under the rules of various national and regional securities exchanges, your broker,
bank, or nominee cannot vote your shares with respect to non-discretionary matters
unless you provide instructions on how to vote in accordance with the information
and procedures provided to you by your broker, bank, or nominee. Embrace Change believes
that all of the proposals presented to the shareholders at this Extraordinary General
Meeting will be considered non-discretionary and, therefore, your broker, bank, or
nominee cannot vote your shares without your instruction on any of the proposals presented
at the Extraordinary General Meeting. If you do not provide instructions with your
proxy card, your broker, bank, or other nominee may deliver a proxy card expressly
indicating that it is NOT voting your shares. This indication that a broker, bank,
or nominee is not voting your shares is referred to as a “broker non-vote.” Broker
non-votes will not be counted for the purposes of determining the existence of a quorum.
Your bank, broker or other nominee can vote your shares only if you provide instructions
on how to vote. You should instruct your broker to vote your shares in accordance
with directions you provide. Broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of
any vote on the Extension Amendment Proposal, the Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal,
or the Adjournment Proposal. |
| Q. | What constitutes a quorum at the Extraordinary General
Meeting? |
|
A. |
A quorum is the minimum number of Embrace Change shareholders necessary to hold a
valid meeting. |
One or more shareholders who together hold not less than a majority of the issued
and outstanding shares in Embrace Change entitled to attend and vote at the Extraordinary
General Meeting being individuals present in person or by proxy or if a corporation
or other non-natural person by its duly authorized representative or proxy shall be
a quorum.
|
A. |
If you were a holder of record of Public Shares on [*], the Record Date for the Extraordinary
General Meeting, you may vote with respect to the proposals yourself at the Extraordinary
General Meeting, or by completing, signing, dating and returning the enclosed proxy
card in the postage-paid envelope provided. |
Voting by Mail. By signing the proxy card and returning it in the enclosed prepaid and addressed
envelope, you are authorizing the individuals named on the proxy card to vote your
shares at the Extraordinary General Meeting in the manner you indicate. You are encouraged
to sign and return the proxy card even if you plan to attend the Extraordinary General
Meeting so that your shares will be voted if you are unable to attend the Extraordinary
General Meeting. If you receive more than one proxy card, it is an indication that your shares are held in multiple accounts. Please sign and return all proxy cards
to ensure that all of your shares are voted. Votes submitted by mail must be received
by 5:00 p.m., New York Time, on [*].
Voting by Internet. Shareholders who have received a copy of the proxy card by mail may be able to vote
over the Internet by visiting https://www.cstproxy.com and entering the voter control
number included on your proxy card.
Voting by Telephone. Dial toll-free 1 800-450-7155 within the U.S. and Canada, 1 857-999-9155 outside
the U.S. and Canada, Conference ID: 7037498#, and follow the instructions. Your telephone vote must be received by 11:59 p.m.
New York Time on [*] to be counted.
| Q. | Does the Board recommend voting “FOR” the approval
of the Extension Amendment Proposal, the Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal, and the Adjournment Proposal? |
|
A. |
Yes. After careful consideration of the terms and conditions of the Extension Amendment
Proposal, the Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal and the Adjournment Proposal, the Board has determined that the Extension Amendment Proposal is in the best interests
of Embrace Change and its shareholders. The Board unanimously recommends that Embrace
Change shareholders vote “FOR” these proposals. |
| Q. | What interests do Embrace Change’s directors and
officers have in the approval of the Extension Amendment Proposal and the Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal? |
|
A. |
Embrace Change’s directors and officers have interests in the Extension Amendment Proposal and the Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal that may be different from, or in addition to, your interests as a shareholder. These
interests include, among others, ownership, directly or indirectly through the Sponsor,
of the securities of Embrace Change it owns. See the section entitled “Extraordinary General Meeting of Embrace Change Shareholders — Interests of the Initial
Shareholders” in this proxy statement. |
| Q. | Do I have appraisal rights or dissenters’ rights
if I object to the Extension Amendment Proposal or the Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal? |
|
A. |
No. There are no appraisal rights available to Embrace Change shareholders in connection
with the Extension Amendment Proposal or the Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal. |
| Q. | If I own a public warrant or a public right, can I exercise
redemption rights with respect to my public warrants or public rights? |
|
A. |
No. The holders of public warrants and public rights issued in connection with the
IPO have no redemption rights with respect to such public warrants and public rights. |
| Q. | If I am a unit holder, can I exercise redemption rights
with respect to my units? |
|
A. |
No. Holders of outstanding units must separate the underlying Public Shares, public
warrants and public rights prior to exercising redemption rights with respect to the
Public Shares. |
If you hold units registered in your own name, you must deliver the certificate for
such units to the Trustee with written instructions to separate such units into Public
Shares, public warrants and public rights. This must be completed far enough in advance
to permit the mailing of the Public Share certificates back to you so that you may
then exercise your redemption rights upon the separation of the Public Shares from
the units. See “How do I exercise my redemption rights?” below. The address of the Trustee is listed under the question “Who can help answer my questions?” below.
If a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee holds your units,
you must instruct such nominee to separate your units. Your nominee must send written
instructions by facsimile to the Trustee. Such written instructions must include the
number of units to be split and the nominee holding such units. Your nominee must
also initiate electronically, using DTC’s DWAC system, a withdrawal of the relevant units and a deposit of an equal number
of Public Shares, public warrants and public rights. This must be completed far enough
in advance to permit your nominee to exercise your redemption rights upon the separation
of the Public Shares from the units. While this is typically done electronically the
same business day, you should allow at least one frill business day to accomplish
the separation. If you fail to cause your Public Shares to be separated in a timely
manner, you will likely not be able to exercise your Redemption rights.
| Q. | What do I need to do now? |
|
A. |
You should read carefully and consider the information contained in this proxy statement,
including Annexes A, B and C, and to consider how the Extension Amendment Proposal,
the Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal and the Adjournment Proposal will affect you
as a shareholder. You should then vote as soon as possible in accordance with the
instructions provided in this proxy statement and on the enclosed proxy card or, if
you hold your shares through a brokerage firm, bank or other nominee, on the voting
instruction form provided by the broker, bank or nominee. |
| Q. | How do I exercise my redemption rights? |
|
A. |
In connection with the Extension Amendment Proposal and the Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal, and contingent upon the effectiveness of the implementation of the Extension, Embrace
Change shareholders may seek to redeem all or a portion of their Public Shares for
a pro rata portion of the funds available in the Trust Account at a per-share price,
payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the Trust Account
as of two business days prior to the Extraordinary General Meeting, including interest
earned on the funds held in the Trust Account and not previously released to Embrace
Change to pay its taxes, divided by the number of then issued and outstanding Public
Shares, subject to the limitations described in the final prospectus dated August 9, 2023, filed in connection with the IPO. |
Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC
1 State Street, 30th Floor
New York, NY 10004
Attn: SPAC Redemption Team
Email: spacredemptions@continentalstock.com
In order to exercise your redemption rights, you must, prior to 5:00 p.m. New York
Time on [*] (two (2) business days before the Extraordinary General Meeting), (i)
submit a written request to the Trustee, that
Embrace Change redeem your Public Shares for cash, and (ii) deliver your shares to
the Trustee physically or electronically through DTC. The address of Embrace Change’s transfer agent is listed under the question “Who can help answer my questions?” below. Embrace Change requests that any requests for redemption include the identity
as to the beneficial owner making such request. Electronic delivery of your shares
generally will be faster than delivery of physical share certificates.
A physical share certificate will not be needed if your shares are delivered to Embrace
Change’s transfer agent electronically. In order to obtain a physical share certificate,
a shareholder’s broker and/or clearing broker, DTC and Embrace Change’s transfer agent will need to act to facilitate the request. It is Embrace Change’s understanding that shareholders should generally allot at least one week to obtain
physical certificates from the transfer agent. However, because Embrace Change does
not have any control over this process or over the brokers or DTC, it may take significantly
longer than one week to obtain a physical share certificate. If it takes longer than
anticipated to obtain a physical certificate, shareholders who wish to redeem their
shares may be unable to obtain physical certificates by the deadline for exercising
their redemption rights and thus will be unable to redeem their shares.
Any demand for redemption, once made, may be withdrawn at any time until the deadline
for exercising redemption requests and thereafter, with Embrace Change’s consent, until the vote is taken with respect to the matters presented at the Extraordinary
General Meeting. If you delivered your shares for redemption to the Trustee and decide
within the required timeframe not to exercise your redemption rights, you may request
that the Trustee return the shares (physically or electronically). Such requests may
be made by contacting the Trustee at the phone number or address listed under the
question “Who can help answer my questions?”
Embrace Change shareholders seeking to exercise their redemption rights, whether they
are record holders or hold their shares in “street name” are required to either tender
their certificates to the transfer agent prior to the date set forth in this proxy
statement, or up to two (2) business days prior to the vote on the proposal to approve
the Extension Amendment at the Extraordinary General Meeting, or to deliver their
shares to the transfer agent electronically using the DTC’s DWAC system, at such shareholder’s option. The requirement for physical or electronic delivery prior to the Extraordinary
General Meeting ensures that a redeeming shareholder’s election to redeem is irrevocable once the Extension Amendment Proposal and the Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal are approved.
There is a nominal cost associated with the above-referenced tendering process and
the act of certificating the shares or delivering them through the DWAC system. The
transfer agent will typically charge a tendering broker a fee and it is in the broker’s discretion whether or not to pass this cost on to the redeeming shareholder. However,
this fee would be incurred regardless of whether or not shareholders seeking to exercise
redemption rights are required to tender their shares, as the need to deliver shares
is a requirement to exercising redemption rights, regardless of the timing of when
such delivery must be effectuated.
| Q. | What should I do if I receive more than one (1) set of
voting materials for the Extraordinary General Meeting? |
|
A. |
You may receive more than one set of voting materials for the Extraordinary General
Meeting, including multiple copies of this proxy statement and multiple proxy cards
or voting instruction cards. For example, if you hold your shares in more than one
brokerage account, you will receive a separate voting instruction card for each brokerage
account in which you hold shares. If you are a holder of record and your shares are
registered in more than one name, you will receive more than one proxy card. Please
complete, sign, date and return each proxy card and voting instruction card that you
receive in order to cast your vote with respect to all of your shares. |
Separate voting materials will be mailed to Embrace Change shareholders for a Business
Combination Extraordinary General Meeting to be held on a later date. Please be sure
to complete, sign, date and return each proxy card and voting instruction card received
relating to both the Extraordinary General Meeting.
| Q. | Who will solicit and pay the cost of soliciting proxies
for the Extraordinary General Meeting? |
|
A. |
Embrace Change will pay the cost of soliciting proxies for the Extraordinary General
Meeting. Embrace Change has engaged Advantage Proxy, Inc. to assist in the solicitation of proxies for the Extraordinary General Meeting. Embrace
Change will also reimburse banks, brokers and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries
representing beneficial owners of Ordinary Shares for their expenses in forwarding
soliciting materials to beneficial owners of Ordinary Shares and in obtaining voting
instructions from those owners. The directors, officers and employees of Embrace Change
may also solicit proxies by telephone, by facsimile, by mail or on the Internet. They
will not be paid any additional amounts for soliciting proxies. |
| Q. | Who can help answer my questions? |
|
A. |
If you have questions about the proposals or if you need additional copies of this
proxy statement or the enclosed proxy card you should contact: |
Embrace Change Acquisition Corp.
San Diego, CA 92121
Attention: Yuan Zheng - Chief Financial Officer
Email: jennifer.yuan@embracechange.top
You may also contact the proxy solicitor for Embrace Change at:
Advantage Proxy, Inc.
PO Box 10904
Yakima, WA 98909
Email: ksmith@advantageproxy.com
To obtain timely delivery, Embrace Change shareholders must request the materials
no later than [*], or twelve (12) business days prior to the date of the Extraordinary
General Meeting. You may also obtain additional information about Embrace Change from
documents filed with the SEC by following the instructions in the section entitled
“Where You Can Find More Information.”
If you intend to seek redemption of your Public Shares, you will need to send a letter
demanding redemption and deliver your Public Shares (either physically or electronically)
to the transfer agent on or before 5:00 p.m., New York Time, on [*] (two business
days before the Extraordinary General Meeting) in accordance with the procedures detailed
under the question “How do I exercise my redemption rights?”. If you have questions
regarding the certification of your position or delivery of your Public Shares, please
contact the transfer agent:
Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC
1 State Street, 30th Floor
New York, NY 10004
Attn: SPAC Redemption Team
Email: spacredemptions@continentalstock.com
EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING OF EMBRACE CHANGE SHAREHOLDERS
This proxy statement is being provided to Embrace Change shareholders as part of a
solicitation of proxies by the Board for use at the Extraordinary General Meeting
of Embrace Change shareholders to be held on [*], and at any adjournment thereof.
This proxy statement contains important information regarding the Extraordinary General
Meeting, the proposals on which you are being asked to vote and information you may
find useful in determining how to vote and voting procedures.
This proxy statement is being first mailed on or about [*] to all shareholders of
record of Embrace Change as of [*], the record date for the Extraordinary General
Meeting. Shareholders of record who owned Ordinary Shares at the close of business
on the Record Date are entitled to receive notice of, attend and vote at the Extraordinary
General Meeting.
Date, Time and Place of Extraordinary General Meeting
The Extraordinary General Meeting will be held at [*].m., Eastern Time, on [*] at the offices of Loeb & Loeb LLP, located at 345 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10154 and via live webcast by visiting https://www.cstproxy.com/embracechange/2024 and entering the voter control number located under the bar card code on your proxy
card, voting instruction form or notice included in the proxy materials. The Extraordinary
General Meeting may be held at such other date, time and place to which such meeting
may be adjourned, to consider and vote on the proposals.
Proposals at the Extraordinary General Meeting
At the Extraordinary General Meeting, Embrace Change shareholders will consider and
vote on the following proposals:
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Proposal No. 1
— Extension Amendment Proposal — To approve, as a special resolution, an amendment to and restatement of Embrace
Change’s Second Amended and Restated Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association (as may be amended from time to
time, together, the “Articles of Association”) as provided by the first resolution in the form set forth in Annex
A to the accompanying proxy statement, to give the Company the right to extend the date by which Embrace Change must consummate a
business combination (the “Combination Period”) twelve (12) times for an additional one (1) month each time, from
August 12, 2024 (i.e. the end of 24 months from the consummation of its initial public offering (the “IPO”),
the “Termination Date”), to August 12, 2025 (the “Extended Date”), by deleting the
Articles of Association in its entirety and adopting the third amended and restated memorandum and articles of association of
Embrace Change in the form set forth in Annex C to the accompanying proxy statement. |
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Proposal No. 2 — Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal — To approve, as an ordinary resolution, as provided in Annex B to the accompanying
proxy statement, an amendment to Embrace Change’s investment management trust agreement, dated as of August 9, 2022, as amended (the “Trust Agreement”), by and between the Company and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company (the
“Trustee”), to extend the Business Combination Period from the Termination Date to the Extended
Date, by depositing into the trust account (the “Trust Account”) $[*] for each one-month extension (the “Extension Payment”). |
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Proposal
No. 3 — Adjournment Proposal — To authorize, as an ordinary resolution, the Chairman of the Extraordinary
General Meeting to adjourn the Extraordinary General Meeting to a later date or dates (the “Adjournment”),
from time to time, as the Chairman of the Extraordinary General Meeting may deem necessary or appropriate. |
Voting Power; Record Date
As a shareholder of Embrace
Change, you have a right to vote on certain matters affecting Embrace Change. The proposals that will be presented at the Extraordinary
General Meeting and upon which you are being asked to vote are summarized above and fully set forth in this proxy statement. You will
be entitled to vote or direct votes to be cast at the Extraordinary General Meeting if you own Ordinary Shares at the close of business
on [*], which is the Record Date for the Extraordinary General Meeting. You are entitled to one (1) vote for each Ordinary Share that
you own as of the close of business on the Record Date. If your shares are held in “street name” or are in a margin or similar
account, you should contact your broker, bank or other nominee to ensure that votes related to the shares you beneficially own are properly
counted. On the Record Date, there were [*] Ordinary Shares issued and outstanding.
Recommendation of the Board
THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS
THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” EACH OF THESE PROPOSALS
Quorum and Required Vote for Proposals for the Extraordinary General Meeting
The approval of the Extension Amendment Proposal requires a special resolution under the Companies Act, being the affirmative vote
of at least two-thirds (2/3) of votes cast by such holders of the issued and outstanding Ordinary
Shares, as, being entitled to do so, vote in person or by proxy at the Extraordinary
General Meeting or any adjournment thereof. One or more shareholders who together
hold not less than a majority of the issued and outstanding Ordinary Shares entitled
to attend and vote at the Extraordinary General Meeting being individuals present
in person or by proxy or if a corporation or other non-natural person by its duly
authorized representative or proxy shall be a quorum. The failure to vote, abstentions
and broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of the Extension Amendment Proposal.
Approval of the Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal requires an ordinary resolution
under the Articles of Association and, pursuant to the Trust Agreement, requires the
affirmative vote of at least fifty percent (50%) of the votes cast by the holders
of the issued and outstanding Ordinary Shares present in person or represented by
proxy at the Extraordinary General Meeting and the Adjournment Proposal requires an
ordinary resolution under the Articles of Association, being the affirmative vote
of a simple majority of the votes cast by the holders of the issued and outstanding
Ordinary Shares present in person or represented by proxy at the Extraordinary General
Meeting or any adjournment thereof and entitled to vote on such matter. The failure
to vote, abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of the
Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal and Adjournment Proposal.
It is possible that Embrace Change will not be able to complete its initial business
combination on or before the Termination Date, or by the Extended Date if the Extension
Amendment Proposal and the Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal are approved. If Embrace
Change fails to complete its initial business combination (i) on or before the Termination
Date, and it does not choose to extend the Combination Period pursuant to the current
Articles of Association and Trust Agreement, or (ii) by the Extended Date if the Extension
Amendment Proposal and the Trust Agreement Amendment are approved, Embrace Change
will be required to dissolve and liquidate the Trust Account by returning the then
remaining funds in such account to the holders of Public Shares.
Voting Your Shares — Shareholders of Record
If you are an Embrace Change shareholder of record, you may vote by mail, Internet
or telephone. Each Ordinary Share that you own in your name entitles you to one (1)
vote on each of the proposals for the Extraordinary General Meeting. Your one (1)
or more proxy cards show the number of Ordinary Shares that you own.
Voting by Mail. You can
vote your shares by completing, signing, dating and returning the enclosed proxy card in the postage-paid envelope provided. By signing
the proxy card and returning it in the enclosed prepaid and addressed envelope, you are authorizing the individuals named on the proxy
card to vote your shares at the Extraordinary General Meeting in the manner you indicate. You are encouraged to sign and return the proxy
card even if you plan to attend the Extraordinary General Meeting so that your shares will be voted if you are unable to attend the Extraordinary
General Meeting. If you receive more than one proxy card, it is an indication that your shares are held in multiple accounts. Please
sign and return all proxy cards to ensure that all of your shares are voted. If you hold your shares in “street name” through
a bank, broker or other nominee, you will need to follow the instructions provided to you by your bank, broker or other nominee to ensure
that your shares are represented and voted at the Extraordinary General Meeting. If you sign and return the proxy card but do not give
instructions on how to vote your shares, your Ordinary Shares will be voted as recommended by the Board. The Board unanimously recommends
voting “FOR” the Extension Amendment Proposal, “FOR” the Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal and “FOR”
the Adjournment Proposal. Votes submitted by mail must be received by 5:00 p.m., New York Time, on [*].
Voting by Internet. Shareholders who have received a copy of the proxy card by mail may be able to vote
over the Internet by visiting https://www.cstproxy.com/embracechange/2024 and entering the voter control number included on their proxy card.
Voting by Telephone. Dial toll-free 1 800-450-7155 in the U.S. and Canada, +1 857-999-9155 outside the
U.S. and Canada, Conference ID: 7037498# and follow the instructions. Your telephone vote must be received by 11:59 p.m. New
York Time on [*] to be counted.
Voting Your Shares — Beneficial Owners
If your shares are registered in the name of your broker, bank or other agent, you
are the “beneficial owner” of those shares and those shares are considered as held
in “street name.” If you are a beneficial owner of shares registered in the name of
your broker, bank or other agent, you should have received a proxy card and voting
instructions with these proxy materials from that organization rather than directly
from Embrace Change. Simply complete and mail the proxy card to ensure that your vote
is counted. You may be eligible to vote your shares electronically over the Internet
or by telephone. A large number of banks and brokerage firms offer Internet and telephone
voting. If your bank or brokerage firm does not offer Internet or telephone voting
information, please complete and return your proxy card in the self-addressed, postage-paid
envelope provided. To vote yourself at the Extraordinary General Meeting, you must
first obtain a valid legal proxy from your broker, bank or other agent and then register
in advance to attend the Extraordinary General Meeting. Follow the instructions from
your broker or bank included with these proxy materials, or contact your broker or
bank to request a legal proxy form.
After obtaining a valid legal proxy from your broker, bank or other agent, you must
then register to attend the Extraordinary General Meeting by submitting proof of your
legal proxy reflecting the number of your shares along with your name and email address
to the Trustee. Requests for registration should be directed to Mark Zimkind at mzimkind@continentalstock.com.
Written requests can be mailed to:
Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC
Attn: SPAC Redemption Team
1 State Street, 30th Floor
New York, NY 10004
You will receive a confirmation of your registration by email after Embrace Change
receives your registration materials. You may attend the Extraordinary General Meeting
by visiting https://www.cstproxyvote.com and entering the voter control number located
under the bar card code on your proxy card, voting instruction form or notice included
in the proxy materials. You will also need a voter control number included on your
proxy card in order to be able to vote your shares or submit questions during the
Extraordinary General Meeting. Follow the instructions provided to vote. Embrace Change
encourages you to access the Extraordinary General Meeting prior to the start time
leaving ample time for the check in.
Attending the Extraordinary General Meeting
The Extraordinary General Meeting will be held at the offices of Loeb & Loeb LLP, located at 345 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10154, on [*] at [*].m. Eastern Time and virtually via live webcast on the Internet. You will be able to attend the Extraordinary
General Meeting virtually by visiting https://www.cstproxy.com/embracechange/2024 and entering the voter control number located under the bar card code on your proxy
card, voting instruction form or notice included in the proxy materials. In order
to vote or submit a question during the Extraordinary General Meeting, you will also
need the voter control number included on your proxy card. If you do not have the
control number, you will be able to listen to the Extraordinary General Meeting only
by registering as a guest and you will not be able to vote or submit your questions
during the Extraordinary General Meeting.
Revoking Your Proxy
If you give a proxy, you may revoke it at any time before the Extraordinary General
Meeting or at the Extraordinary General Meeting by doing any one of the following:
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● |
you may send another proxy card with a later date; |
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you may notify Embrace Change’s Secretary in writing to the offices of Loeb & Loeb LLP, located at 345 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10154 before the Extraordinary General Meeting that you have revoked your proxy; or |
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● |
you may attend the Extraordinary General Meeting, revoke your proxy, and vote oneself,
as indicated above. |
No Additional Matters
The Extraordinary General Meeting has been called only to consider and vote on the
approval of the Extension Amendment Proposal, the Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal,
and the Adjournment Proposal. Under the Articles of Association, other than procedural matters incident to the
conduct of the Extraordinary General Meeting, no other matters may be considered at
the Extraordinary General Meeting if they are not included in this proxy statement,
which serves as the notice of the Extraordinary General Meeting.
Embrace Change intends to hold a Business Combination Extraordinary General Meeting
to approve a Business Combination at a future date.
Who Can Answer Your Questions about Voting
If you have any questions about how to vote or direct a vote in respect of your Ordinary
Shares, you may call Advantage Proxy, Inc., Embrace Change’s proxy solicitor, at: 206-870-8565; Email: ksmith@advantageproxy.com.
Redemption Rights
In connection with the Extension Amendment Proposal and the Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal, and contingent upon the effectiveness of the Extension Amendment Proposal and the Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal, each holder of Public Shares may seek to redeem its Public Shares for a pro rata
portion of the funds available in the Trust Account, less any taxes. If you exercise your Redemption rights, you will be
exchanging your Public Shares for cash and will no longer own the shares.
In order to exercise your Redemption rights you must:
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● |
if you hold units, separate the underlying Public Shares, public warrants and public
rights; |
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● |
on or before 5:00 p.m., New York Time, two business days before the Extraordinary
General Meeting, tender your shares physically or electronically and submit a request
in writing that Embrace Change redeem your Public Shares for cash to the Trustee,
the transfer agent, at the following address: |
Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC
1 State Street, 30th Floor
New York, NY 10004
Attn: SPAC Redemption Team
Email: spacredemptions@continentalstock.com
and
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● |
deliver your Public Shares either physically or electronically through DTC’s DWAC system to the transfer agent at least two business days before the Extraordinary
General Meeting. Shareholders seeking to exercise their redemption rights and opting
to deliver physical certificates should allot sufficient time to obtain physical certificates
from the transfer agent and time to effect delivery. Shareholders should generally
allot at least two weeks to obtain physical certificates from the transfer agent.
However, it may take longer than two weeks. Shareholders who hold their shares in
street name will have to coordinate with their bank, broker or other nominee to have
the shares certificated or delivered electronically. If you do not submit a written
request and deliver your Public Shares as described above, your shares will not be
redeemed. |
Shareholders seeking to exercise their redemption rights, whether they are record
holders or hold their shares in “street name” are required to either tender their
certificates to the transfer agent prior to the date set forth in this proxy statement,
or up to two business days prior to the vote on the proposal to approve the Extension
Amendment Proposal at the Extraordinary General Meeting, or to deliver their shares
to the transfer agent electronically using DTC’s DWAC system, at such shareholder’s option.
Holders of outstanding units must separate the underlying Public Shares, public warrants
and public rights prior to exercising redemption rights with respect to the Public
Shares. If you hold units registered in your own name, you must deliver the certificate
for such units to the Trustee, with written instructions to separate such units into
Public Shares, public warrants and public rights. This must be completed far enough
in advance to permit the mailing of the Public Share certificates back to you so that
you may then exercise your redemption rights upon the separation of the Public Shares
from the units.
If a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee holds your units,
you must instruct such nominee to separate your units. Your nominee must send written
instructions by facsimile to the Trustee. Such written instructions must include the
number of units to be split and the nominee holding such units. Your nominee must
also initiate electronically, using DTC’s DWAC system, a withdrawal of the relevant units and a deposit of an equal number
of Public Shares, public warrants and public rights. This must be completed far enough
in advance to permit your nominee to exercise your redemption rights upon the separation
of the Public Shares from the units. While this is typically done electronically on
the same business day, you should allow at least one full business day to accomplish
the separation. If you fail to cause your units to be separated in a timely manner,
you will likely not be able to exercise your redemption rights.
Each redemption of a Public Share by holders of Public Shares will reduce the amount
in the Trust Account, which held marketable securities with a fair value of approximately
$[*] million as of [*]. Prior to their exercising Redemption rights, Embrace Change shareholders should verify the market
price of the Public Shares, as shareholders may receive higher proceeds from the sale
of their Public Shares in the public market than from exercising their redemption
rights if the market price per share is higher than the redemption price. There is
no assurance that you will be able to sell your Public Shares in the open market,
even if the market price per share is lower than the redemption price stated above,
as there may not be sufficient liquidity in the Public Shares when you wish to sell
your shares.
If you exercise your Redemption rights, your Public Shares will cease to be outstanding
and will only represent the right to receive a pro rata share of the aggregate amount
then on deposit in the Trust Account. You will have no right to participate in, or
have any interest in, the future growth of Embrace Change, if any. You will be entitled
to receive cash for your Public Shares only if you properly and timely demand redemption.
If the Extension Amendment Proposal is not approved and the Sponsor does not elect
to extend the Termination Date by further funding the Trust Account, Embrace Change
will be required to dissolve and liquidate the Trust Account by returning the then
remaining funds in such account to the holders of Public Shares and all of Embrace
Change’s warrants and rights will expire worthless.
Your right to redeem in connection with the Extraordinary General Meeting relating
to the Extension Amendment Proposal, the Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal and the Adjournment Proposal does not affect the right of Embrace Change shareholders to elect to redeem their
Public Shares in connection with a Business Combination, which is a separate and additional
redemption right available to Embrace Change shareholders.
Appraisal Rights
There are no appraisal rights available to Embrace Change shareholders in connection
with the Extension Amendment Proposal or the Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal.
Proxy Solicitation Costs
Embrace Change is soliciting proxies on behalf of the Board. This proxy solicitation
is being made by mail, but also may be made by telephone or on the Internet. Embrace
Change has engaged Advantage Proxy, Inc. to assist in the solicitation of proxies for the Extraordinary General Meeting. Embrace
Change and its directors, officers and employees may also solicit proxies on the Internet.
Embrace Change will ask banks, brokers and other institutions, nominees and fiduciaries
to forward this proxy statement and the related proxy materials to their principals
and to obtain their authority to execute proxies and voting instructions.
Embrace Change will bear the entire cost of the proxy solicitation, including the
preparation, assembly, printing, mailing and distribution of this proxy statement
and the related proxy materials. Embrace Change will reimburse brokerage firms and
other custodians for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses for forwarding this proxy
statement and the related proxy materials to Embrace Change shareholders. Directors,
officers and employees of Embrace Change who solicit proxies will not be paid any
additional compensation for soliciting.
Interests of the Initial Shareholders
In considering the recommendation of our Board to vote in favor of the Extension Amendment Proposal and the Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal, shareholders should be aware that, aside from their interests as shareholders, the
initial shareholders have interests in a Business Combination that are different from,
or in addition to, those of other shareholders generally. These interests include,
among other things:
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If the Extension Amendment Proposal and the Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal are not approved, Embrace Change still has the right to extend the Business Combination Period by twelve (12) times for an additional one (1) month each time from August 12, 2023 (i.e., 12 months from the consummation of the IPO) up to August 12, 2024 (i.e., 24 months from the consummation of the IPO) by depositing into the Trust Account $100,000 (the lessor of $100,000 or $0.045 per issued and outstanding Public Share), for each one-month extension, on or prior
to the date of the applicable deadline. |
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If the Extension Amendment Proposal and the Trust Amendment Proposal are approved,
the amount of money needed to extend the time to complete a business combination would
be significantly reduced to $[*] for each month and the Business Combination Period
could be extended for 6 months longer. |
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If Embrace Change is not able to complete a business combination on time, it will
cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up, redeeming 100% of the issued
and outstanding Embrace Change Public Shares for cash and, subject to the approval
of its remaining shareholders and its board of directors, dissolving and liquidating.
In such event, the 1,848,214 founder shares (the “Founder Shares”) held by the Sponsor,
which were acquired for an aggregate purchase price of $25,000 prior to the IPO, would
be worthless because the holders are not entitled to participate in any redemption
or distribution with respect to such shares. Such shares had an aggregate market value
of $[*] million based upon the closing price of $[*] per share on Nasdaq on [*]. |
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Simultaneously with the consummation of the IPO, Embrace Change consummated the private
sale of 373,750 private units (the “Private Units”) to the Sponsor at a price of $10.00
per unit, for an aggregate purchase price of $3,737,500. Each Private Unit is identical
to the public units sold in IPO. Such Private Units have an aggregate market value
of approximately $[*] based upon the closing per unit price of $[*] on Nasdaq on [*].
The Private Units, including the underlying securities, will become worthless if Embrace
Change does not consummate a business combination by the Termination Date (or the
Extended Date if approved by Embrace Change shareholders to amend the Articles of
Association, to such Extended Date). |
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The Sponsor paid significantly less for its Founders Shares. Prior to the consummation
of the IPO, Sponsor purchased 1,848,214 Founder Shares for an aggregate purchase price
of $25,000, or approximately $0.014 per share. |
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If Embrace Change is unable to complete a Business Combination within the required
time period, the aggregate dollar amount of non-reimbursable funds (excluding any
unpaid expenses incurred by the Sponsor) is $[*] from the investment in the Founder
Shares and Private Units. The value of the Founder Shares and the Private Units, comprised
of (a) $[*] million representing the market value of Founder Shares, and (b) $[*]
representing the market value of Private Units, would be lost. Certain Embrace Change
directors and executive officers have indirect economic interests in the Private Units
and in the Founder Shares. |
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The Sponsor has agreed not to redeem any Ordinary Shares, held by it in connection
with a shareholder vote to approve a Business Combination. |
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The Sponsor and Embrace Change’s officers and directors have agreed to waive their rights to liquidating distributions
from the Trust Account with respect to any Founder Shares held by them if Embrace
Change fails to complete a Business Combination by the Termination Date (or such later
date that may be approved by Embrace Change shareholders, such as the Extended Date). |
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The continued indemnification of current directors and officers of Embrace Change
and the continuation of directors’ and officers’ liability insurance after a Business Combination. |
Additionally, if the Extension Amendment Proposal and the Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal are approved and Embrace Change consummates a Business Combination, the officers
and directors of Embrace Change may have additional interests as described in the
proxy statement/prospectus for such transaction.
Certain Risks
There are no assurances that the Extension
will enable us to complete the Business Combination.
Approving the Extension involves
a number of risks. Even if the Extension is approved, we can provide no assurances that the initial business combination will be consummated
prior to the extended date. Our ability to consummate any business combination is dependent on a variety of factors, many of which are
beyond our control. If the Extension is approved, Embrace Change expects to seek shareholder approval of the Business Combination. We
are required to offer shareholders the opportunity to redeem shares in connection with the Extension Amendment Proposal and the Trust
Agreement Amendment Proposal, and we will be required to offer shareholders redemption rights again in connection with any shareholder
vote to approve the initial business combination. Even if the extension or the Business Combination are approved by our shareholders,
it is possible that redemptions will leave us with insufficient cash to consummate the Business Combination on commercially acceptable
terms, or at all. The fact that we will have separate redemption periods in connection with the extension and the Business Combination
vote could exacerbate these risks. Other than in connection with a redemption offer or liquidation, our shareholders may be unable to
recover their investment except through sales of our shares on the open market. The price of our shares may be volatile, and there can
be no assurance that shareholders will be able to dispose of our shares at favorable prices, or at all.
If we were deemed to be an investment company for purposes of the Investment Company
Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”), we may be forced to abandon
our efforts to complete a Business Combination and instead be required to liquidate
the Company.
There is currently uncertainty
concerning the applicability of the Investment Company Act to a special purpose acquisition company (“SPAC”)
and we may in the future be subject to a claim that we have been operating as an unregistered investment company. If we are deemed
to be an investment company for purposes of the Investment Company Act, we might be forced to abandon our efforts to complete a
Business Combination and instead be required to liquidate. If we are required to liquidate, our investors would not be able to
realize the benefits of owning stock in a successor operating business, including the potential appreciation in the value of our
shares, warrants and rights following such a transaction, and our warrants and rights would expire worthless.
The longer that the funds in the trust account are held in short-term U.S. government
securities or in money market funds invested exclusively in such securities, the greater
the risk that we may be considered an unregistered investment company, in which case
we may be required to liquidate.
We may not be able to complete a Business Combination with a U.S. target company since
such initial business combination may be subject to U.S. foreign investment regulations
and review by a U.S. government entity such as the Committee on Foreign Investment
in the United States (“CFIUS”), or ultimately prohibited.
Our sponsor is, is controlled
by, and has substantial ties with a non-U.S. person. Our Chief Executive Officer, Jingyu Wang, resides in and is a citizen of China.
Our Chief Financial Officer, Yuan Zheng, resides in the United States and is a citizen of China. We are therefore likely considered
a “foreign person” under the regulations administered by CFIUS and will continue to be considered as such in the future
for so long as the Sponsor has the ability to exercise control over us for purposes of CFIUS’ regulations. As such, a Business
Combination with a U.S. business may be subject to CFIUS review, the scope of which was expanded by the Foreign Investment Risk
Review Modernization Act of 2018 (“FIRRMA”), to include certain non-passive, non-controlling investments in
sensitive U.S. businesses and certain acquisitions of real estate even with no underlying U.S. business. FIRRMA, and subsequent
implementing regulations that are now in force, also subjects certain categories of investments to mandatory filings. If our potential
Business Combination with a U.S. business falls within CFIUS’s jurisdiction, we may determine that we are required to make
a mandatory filing or that we will submit a voluntary notice to CFIUS, or to proceed with the Business Combination without notifying
CFIUS and risk CFIUS intervention, before or after closing the Business Combination. CFIUS may decide to block or delay our Business
Combination, impose conditions to mitigate national security concerns with respect to such Business Combination or order us to
divest all or a portion of a U.S. business of the combined company without first obtaining CFIUS clearance, which may limit the
attractiveness of or prevent us from pursuing certain Business Combination opportunities that we believe would otherwise be beneficial
to us and our shareholders. As a result, the pool of potential targets with which we could complete a Business Combination may
be limited and we may be adversely affected in terms of competing with other special purpose acquisition companies which do not
have similar foreign ownership issues.
Moreover, the process of government review, whether by the CFIUS or otherwise, could
be lengthy and we have limited time to complete our Business Combination. If we cannot
complete our Business Combination by the Termination Date, because the review process
drags on beyond such timeframe or because our Business Combination is ultimately prohibited
by CFIUS or another U.S. government entity, we may be required to liquidate. If we
liquidate, our public shareholders may only receive $[ ] per share (including interest not previously released to Embrace Change to pay its
taxes), without taking into account any interest earned after [ ] and our warrants and rights will expire worthless. This will also cause you to lose
the investment opportunity in a target company and the chance of realizing future
gains on your investment through any price appreciation in the combined company.
If our initial business combination involves
a company organized under the laws of a state of the United States, it is possible a 1% U.S. federal excise tax will be imposed on us
in connection with redemptions of our ordinary shares after or in connection with such initial business combination.
On August 16, 2022, the
Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 became law in the United States, which, among other things, imposes a 1% excise tax on the fair market
value of certain repurchases (including certain redemptions) of stock by publicly traded domestic (i.e., United States) corporations (and
certain non-U.S. corporations treated as “surrogate foreign corporations”). The excise tax will apply to stock repurchases
occurring in 2023 and beyond. The amount of the excise tax is generally 1% of the fair market value of the shares of stock repurchased
at the time of the repurchase. The U.S. Department of the Treasury has been given authority to provide regulations and other guidance
to carry out, and prevent the abuse or avoidance of, the excise tax; however, only limited guidance has been issued to date.
As a Cayman Islands company,
the 1% excise tax is not expected to apply to redemptions of our ordinary shares (absent any regulations and other additional guidance
that may be issued in the future with retroactive effect).
However, in connection with
an initial business combination involving a company organized under the laws of the United States, it is possible that we domesticate
and continue as a Delaware corporation prior to certain redemptions and, because our securities are trading on Nasdaq, it is possible
that we will be subject to the excise tax with respect to any subsequent redemptions, including redemptions in connection with the initial
business combination, that are treated as repurchases for this purpose (other than, pursuant to recently issued guidance from the U.S.
Department of the Treasury, redemptions in complete liquidation of the company). In all cases, the extent of the excise tax that may be
incurred will depend on a number of factors, including the fair market value of our stock redeemed, the extent such redemptions could
be treated as dividends and not repurchases, and the content of any regulations and other additional guidance from the U.S. Department
of the Treasury that may be issued and applicable to the redemptions. Issuances of stock by a repurchasing corporation in a year in which
such corporation repurchases stock may reduce the amount of excise tax imposed with respect to such repurchase. The excise tax is imposed
on the repurchasing corporation itself, not the stockholders from which stock is repurchased. The imposition of the excise tax as a result
of redemptions in connection with the initial business combination could, however, reduce the cash contribution to the target business
in connection with our initial business combination, which could cause the shareholders of the combined company who did not elect to redeem
our ordinary shares to economically bear the impact of such excise tax.
If we continue our life beyond 36 months from
the closing of our initial public offering without completing an initial business combination, Nasdaq may delist our securities from its
exchange which could limit investors’ ability to make transactions in its securities and subject us to additional trading restrictions.
If the proposals in this
proxy statement are approved by our shareholders, it would allow us to complete a business combination for up to [___] months after the
closing of our initial public offering. However, Nasdaq rules require that we complete a business combination no later than 36
months after our initial public offering. While we may be able to appeal a delisting and be granted additional time to complete
a business combination after 36 months, we may not be successful in such an appeal. If we are not successful in such an appeal
and we fail to complete a business combination within 36 months of our initial public offering our securities will be delisted.
If our securities are delisted, such delisting could limit investors’ ability to make transactions in its securities and subject
us to additional trading restrictions.
PROPOSAL NO. 1 — THE EXTENSION AMENDMENT PROPOSAL
Overview
Embrace Change is proposing to amend and restate, by special resolution, its Articles
of Association to extend the date by which Embrace Change must consummate a business
combination to the Extended Date so as to give Embrace Change additional time to complete
a Business Combination by deleting the Articles of Association in its entirety and
adopting the third amended and restated memorandum and articles of association of Embrace Change. The
text of the proposed special resolution is set forth as the first resolution in Annex
A to this proxy statement. The complete text of the proposed third amended and restated memorandum and articles of association of Embrace Change is
attached to this proxy statement as Annex C.
The Board believes that it is in the best interests of Embrace Change shareholders
that the Extension be obtained so that Embrace Change will have an additional amount
of time to consummate a Business Combination. Without the Extension, Embrace Change
will not be able to complete a Business Combination on or before the Termination Date,
and would be forced to liquidate. Embrace Change intends to hold a Business Combination
Extraordinary General Meeting at a future date to approve a Business Combination.
Articles of Association
Embrace Change believes that given Embrace Change’s expenditure of time, effort and money on a Business Combination, circumstances warrant
ensuring that Embrace Change is in the best position possible to consummate a Business
Combination and that it is in the best interests of Embrace Change shareholders that
Embrace Change obtain the Extension. Embrace Change believes a Business Combination
will provide significant benefits to its shareholders.
As contemplated by the Articles of Association, the holders of the Public Shares may
elect to redeem all or a portion of their Public Shares in exchange for their pro
rata portion of the funds held in the Trust Account if the Extension is implemented.
You may elect to redeem your Public Shares in connection with the Extraordinary General
Meeting.
On [*], the redemption price per Public Share was approximately $[*] (which is expected
to be the same approximate amount two (2) business days prior to the Extraordinary
General Meeting), based on the aggregate amount on deposit in the Trust Account of
approximately $[*] million as of [*] (including interest not previously released to
Embrace Change to pay its taxes), divided by the total number of then issued and outstanding
Public Shares. The closing price of the Public Shares on Nasdaq Global Market on [*]
was $[*]. Accordingly, if the market price of the Public Shares were to remain the
same until the date of the Extraordinary General Meeting, exercising redemption rights
would result in a holder of Public Shares receiving approximately $[*] less per share
than if the Public Shares were sold in the open market. Embrace Change cannot assure
shareholders that they will be able to sell their Public Shares in the open market,
even if the market price per Public Share is lower than the redemption price stated
above, as there may not be sufficient liquidity in its securities when such shareholders
wish to sell their shares. Embrace Change believes that such redemption right enables
its holders of Public Shares to determine whether to sustain their investments for
an additional period if Embrace Change does not complete a Business Combination on
or before the Termination Date.
Reasons for the Extension Amendment Proposal
Embrace Change has determined that there will not be sufficient time before August 12, 2024 to hold an Extraordinary General Meeting to obtain the requisite shareholder approval
of, and to consummate, a Business Combination.
The Articles of Association and Trust Agreement currently provide that the Company
has the right to extend the Combination Period twelve (12) times for an additional one (1) month each time from August 12, 2023 (i.e., 12 months from the consummation of the IPO) up to August 12, 2024 (i.e., 24 months from the consummation of the IPO). The only way to extend the Combination
Period without the need for a separate shareholder vote under the Articles of Association
and Trust Agreement is for our sponsor or its affiliates or designees, upon ten days’ advance notice prior to the applicable deadline, to deposit into the Trust Account
$100,000 (the lessor of $100,000 or $0.045 per issued and outstanding Public Share), for each one-month extension, on or prior
to the date of the applicable deadline.
If the Extension Amendment Proposal is approved, the Company shall have the right
to extend, by resolution of the Board, the Combination Period from August 12, 2024 to August 12, 2025, up to twelve (12) times for an additional one (1) month each time. The Extension
Amendment Proposal is essential to allowing Embrace Change additional time to consummate
a Business Combination, and at the same time, by paying substantially less deposit.
Approval of each of the Extension Amendment Proposal and the Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal is a condition to the implementation of the Extension.
Embrace Change believes that it is in the best interests of Embrace Change shareholders
that Embrace Change obtain the Extension in order to complete a Business Combination,
which will provide significant benefits to its shareholders.
If the Extension Amendment Proposal is Not Approved
If the Extension Amendment Proposal is not approved, Embrace Change still has the
right to extend the Business Combination Period by twelve (12) times for an additional one (1) month each time from August 12, 2023 (i.e., 12 months from the consummation of the IPO) up to August 12, 2024 (i.e., 24 months from the consummation of the IPO) by depositing into the Trust Account $100,000 (the lessor of $100,000 or $0.045 per issued and outstanding Public Share, for each one-month extension, on or prior
to the date of the applicable deadline. Therefore, if the Extension Amendment Proposal
and the Trust Amendment Proposal are approved, the amount of money needed to extend
the time to complete a business combination would be significantly reduced, and the
Business Combination Period could be extended for 6 months longer.
The initial shareholders have waived their rights to participate in any liquidation
distribution with respect to the 1,848,214 Founder Shares or any shares underlying
the Private Units. There will be no distribution from the Trust Account with respect
to Embrace Change’s warrants and rights, which will expire worthless in the event Embrace Change dissolves
and liquidates the Trust Account.
If the Extension Amendment Proposal is Approved
If the Extension Amendment Proposal is approved, Embrace Change intends to submit
the third amended and restated memorandum and articles of association with the Cayman Islands
Registrar of Companies in the form of Annex C hereto to extend the time it has to
complete a business combination until the Extended Date. Embrace Change will then
continue to attempt to consummate a business combination until the Extended Date.
Embrace Change will remain a reporting company under the Exchange Act and its units,
Public Shares, public warrants and public rights will remain publicly traded during
this time.
You are not being asked to vote on a Business Combination at the Extraordinary General
Meeting. The vote by Embrace Change shareholders on a Business Combination will occur
at a separate Business Combination Extraordinary General Meeting of Embrace Change
shareholders, to be held at a later date, and the solicitation of proxies from Embrace Change shareholders in connection with such separate Business
Combination Extraordinary General Meeting, and the related right of Embrace Change
shareholders to redeem in connection with a Business Combination (which is a separate
right to redeem in addition to the right to redeem in connection with the Extension Amendment Proposal and the Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal), will be the subject of a separate proxy statement/prospectus. If you want to ensure
your Public Shares are redeemed in the event the Extension Amendment Proposal and the Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal are implemented, you should elect to “redeem” your Public Shares in connection with
the Extraordinary General Meeting.
Redemption Rights
In connection with the Extension Amendment Proposal and contingent upon the effectiveness
of the implementation of the Extension, each public shareholder may seek to redeem
its Public Shares for a pro rata portion of the funds available in the Trust Account,
less any taxes owed on such funds but not yet paid. If you exercise your redemption
rights, you will be exchanging your Public Shares for cash and will no longer own
the shares.
In order to exercise your redemption rights, you must:
|
● |
if you hold units, separate the underlying Public Shares, public warrants and public
rights; |
|
● |
on or before two business days before the Extraordinary General Meeting, tender your
shares physically or electronically and submit a request in writing that Embrace Change
redeem your Public Shares for cash to the Trustee, at the following address: |
Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC
1 State Street, 30th Floor
New York, NY 10004
Attn: SPAC Redemption Team
Email: spacredemptions@continentalstock.com
and
|
● |
deliver your Public Shares either physically or electronically through DTC’s DWAC system to the transfer agent at least two business days before the Extraordinary
General Meeting. |
Shareholders seeking to exercise their redemption rights and opting to deliver physical
certificates should allot sufficient time to obtain physical certificates from the
transfer agent and time to effect delivery. Shareholders should generally allot at
least two (2) weeks to obtain physical certificates from the transfer agent. However,
it may take longer than two weeks. Shareholders who hold their shares in street name
will have to coordinate with their bank, broker or other nominee to have the shares
certificated or delivered electronically. If you do not submit a written request and
deliver your Public Shares as described above, your shares will not be redeemed.
Shareholders seeking to exercise their redemption rights, whether they are record
holders or hold their shares in “street name” are required to either tender their
certificates to the transfer agent prior to the date set forth in this proxy statement,
or up to two business days prior to the vote on the proposal to approve the Extension
Amendment Proposal at the Extraordinary General Meeting, or to deliver their shares
to the transfer agent electronically using DTC’s DWAC system, at such shareholder’s option.
Holders of outstanding units must separate the underlying Public Shares, public warrants
and public rights prior to exercising redemption rights with respect to the Public
Shares. If you hold units registered in your own name, you must deliver the certificate
for such units to the Trustee, with written instructions to separate such units into
Public Shares, public warrants and public rights. This must be completed far enough
in advance to permit the mailing of the Public Share certificates back to you so that
you may then exercise your redemption rights upon the separation of the Public Shares
from the units.
If a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee holds your units,
you must instruct such nominee to separate your units. Your nominee must send written
instructions by facsimile to the Trustee. Such written instructions must include the
number of units to be split and the nominee holding such units. Your nominee must
also initiate electronically, using DTC’s DWAC system, a withdrawal of the relevant units and a deposit of an equal number
of Public Shares, public warrants and public rights. This must be completed far enough
in advance to permit your nominee to exercise your redemption rights upon the separation
of the Public Shares from the units. While this is typically done electronically on
the same business day, you should allow at least one full business day to accomplish
the separation. If you fail to cause your units to be separated in a timely manner,
you will likely not be able to exercise your redemption rights.
Each redemption of a Public Share by Embrace Change’s public shareholders will reduce the amount in the Trust Account, which held marketable
securities with a fair value of approximately $[*] million as of [*]. Prior to their
exercising redemption rights, Embrace Change shareholders should verify the market
price of the Public Shares, as shareholders may receive higher proceeds from the sale
of their shares of Public Shares in the public market than from exercising their redemption
rights if the market price per share is higher than the redemption price. There is
no assurance that you will be able to sell your Public Shares in the open market,
even if the market price per share is lower than the redemption price stated above,
as there may not be sufficient liquidity in the Public Shares when you wish to sell
your shares.
If you exercise your redemption rights, your Public Shares will cease to be outstanding
and will only represent the right to receive a pro rata share of the aggregate amount
then on deposit in the Trust Account. You will have no right to participate in, or
have any interest in, the future growth of Embrace Change, if any. You will be entitled
to receive cash for your Public Shares only if you properly and timely demand redemption.
Embrace Change will not consummate a Business Combination on or before the Termination
Date, so if the Extension Amendment Proposal is not approved, Embrace Change will
be required to dissolve and liquidate the trust account by returning the then remaining
funds in such account to the public shareholders and all of Embrace Change’s warrants and rights will expire worthless.
Your right to redeem in connection with the Extraordinary General Meeting relating
to the Extension Amendment Proposal does not affect the right of Embrace Change shareholders
to elect to redeem their Public Shares in connection with a Business Combination,
which is a separate and additional redemption right available to Embrace Change shareholders.
Shareholders of Embrace Change seeking to exercise their redemption rights in connection
with a Business Combination should follow the instructions for the exercise of such
rights set forth in the proxy statement/prospectus relating to a Business Combination
Extraordinary General Meeting.
Vote Required for Approval
The approval of the Extension Amendment Proposal requires a special resolution under
the laws of the Cayman Islands, being the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds
(2/3) majority of votes cast by such holders of the issued and outstanding Ordinary Shares, as,
being entitled to do so, vote in person or by proxy at the Extraordinary General Meeting.
Failure to vote by proxy or to vote oneself at the Extraordinary General Meeting,
abstentions from voting or broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of
any vote on the Extension Amendment Proposal.
Our Board will abandon and not implement the Extension Amendment Proposal unless our
shareholders approve both the Extension Amendment Proposal and the Trust Agreement
Amendment Proposal. This means that if one proposal is approved by the shareholders
and the other proposal is not, neither proposal will take effect.
Resolution
The text of the proposed special resolution to be put to shareholders to consider
and vote upon at the Extraordinary General Meeting in relation to the Extension Amendment
Proposal is set forth as the first resolution in Annex A to this proxy statement.
Recommendation of the Board
THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT EMBRACE CHANGE SHAREHOLDERS VOTE
“FOR” THE EXTENSION AMENDMENT PROPOSAL.
PROPOSAL NO. 2 — THE TRUST AGREEMENT AMENDMENT
Overview
The proposed Trust Agreement Amendment would amend our existing Investment Management
Trust Agreement (the “Trust Agreement”), dated as of August 9, 2022, by and between the Company and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company
(the “Trustee”), to extend the Business Combination Period from the Termination Date to the Extended
Date (the “Trust Agreement Amendment”). A copy of the proposed Trust Agreement Amendment is attached to this proxy statement
as Annex B. All shareholders are encouraged to read the proposed amendment in its
entirety for a more complete description of its terms.
Reasons for the Trust Agreement Amendment
The purpose of the Trust Agreement Amendment is to extend the Business Combination
Period from the Termination Date to the Extended Date.
The Articles of Association and Trust Agreement currently provide that the Company
has the right to extend the Combination Period twelve (12) times for an additional one (1) month each time from August 12, 2023 (i.e., 12 months from the consummation of the IPO) up to August 12, 2024 (i.e., 24 months from the consummation of the IPO). The only way to extend the Combination Period
without the need for a separate shareholder vote under the Articles of Association
and Trust Agreement is for our sponsor or its affiliates or designees, upon ten days’ advance notice prior to the applicable deadline, to deposit into the Trust Account
$100,000 (the lessor of $100,000 or $0.045 per issued and outstanding Public Share), for each one-month extension, on or prior
to the date of the applicable deadline.
Embrace Change has determined
that there will not be sufficient time before August 12, 2024 (its current termination date) to hold an Extraordinary General Meeting
to obtain the requisite shareholder approval of, and to consummate, a Business Combination.
After consultation with the Sponsor, the Company’s management has reasons to believe that, if the Extension Amendment Proposal and
Trust Amendment Proposal are approved, the Sponsor or its affiliates will contribute
$[*] to the Company as a loan (the “Contribution”) for the Company to deposit the funds into the Trust Account as the Extension Payment,
upon five days’ advance notice prior to the applicable deadlines, and to extend the Combination Period
for an additional one (1) month period each time for up to twelve (12) times. The
Contribution will be deposited in the Trust Account within two business days prior
to the beginning of the additional extension period (or portion thereof). The Contribution
will bear no interest and will be repayable by the Company to the Sponsor upon consummation
of a Business Combination in cash or private placement units at a price of $10 per
unit at the option of the Sponsor. The loan will be forgiven by the Sponsor or its
affiliates if the Company is unable to consummate a Business Combination except to
the extent of any funds held outside of the Trust Account. If the Company’s Board otherwise determines that the Company will not be able to consummate a Business
Combination by the Extended Date, the Company would wind up its affairs and redeem
100% of the outstanding Public Shares in accordance with the same procedures set forth
below that would be applicable if the Extension Amendment Proposal and the Trust Amendment
Proposal are not approved.
The Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal is essential to allowing Embrace Change additional
time to consummate a Business Combination, and at the same time, by paying substantially
less deposit. Approval of each of the Extension Amendment Proposal and the Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal is a condition to the implementation of the Extension.
If the Trust Agreement Amendment Is Not Approved
If the Trust Agreement Amendment is not approved, Embrace Change still has the right
to extend the Business Combination Period by twelve (12) times for an additional one (1) month each time from August 12, 2023 (i.e., 12 months from the consummation of the IPO) up to August 12, 2024 (i.e., 24 months from the consummation of the IPO) by depositing into the Trust Account $100,000 (the lessor of $100,000 or $0.045 per issued and outstanding Public Share, for each one-month extension, on or prior
to the date of the applicable deadline.
The initial shareholders have waived their rights to participate in any liquidation
distribution with respect to their shares. There will be no distribution from the
Trust Account with respect to the Company’s warrants and rights, which will expire worthless in the event we wind up. The Company
will pay the costs of liquidation from its remaining assets outside of the Trust Account,
except to the extent provided under the Trust Agreement.
If the Trust Agreement Amendment Is Approved
If the Trust Amendment Proposal is approved, the Company shall have the right to extend,
by resolution of the Board, the Combination Period from August 12, 2024 to August 12, 2025, up to twelve (12) times for an additional one (1) month each time. The Trust Account
will not be disbursed except to the extent any Redemptions are made in connection
with this Extraordinary General Meeting, in connection with our completion of a Business
Combination or in connection with our liquidation if we do not complete a Business
Combination by the applicable termination date. The Company will then continue to
attempt to consummate a business combination until the applicable termination date
or until the Board determines in its sole discretion that it will not be able to consummate
a Business Combination by the applicable termination date as described below and does
not wish to seek an additional extension.
Required Vote
Subject to the foregoing, the affirmative vote of at least fifty percent (50%) of
the Company’s issued and outstanding shares will be required to approve the Trust Agreement Amendment
Proposal. Our Board will abandon and not implement the Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal
unless our shareholders approve both the Extension Amendment Proposal and the Trust
Agreement Amendment Proposal. This means that if one proposal is approved by the shareholders
and the other proposal is not, none of the proposals will take effect.
Resolution
The resolution to be put
to the shareholders to consider and to vote upon at the Extraordinary General Meeting in relation to Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal
is as follows:
“RESOLVED, AS
AN ORDINARY RESOLUTION, THAT subject to and conditional upon the effectiveness of the special resolution to amend and restate the
Second Amended and Restated Articles of Association of the Company with respect to the Extension Amendment as set forth in Annex A, the
Trust Agreement be amended in the form set forth in Annex B to the accompanying proxy statement to give the Company the right to extend
the date by which the Company has to complete a business combination from August 12, 2024 to August 12, 2025, by depositing into the Trust
Account $[*], for each one-month extension, on or prior to the date of the applicable deadline, for up to twelve (12) times.”
Recommendation
THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT EMBRACE CHANGE SHAREHOLDERS VOTE
“FOR” THE TRUST AGREEMENT AMENDMENT PROPOSAL.
PROPOSAL NO. 3 — THE ADJOURNMENT PROPOSAL
Overview
The Adjournment Proposal, if adopted, will allow the Board to adjourn the Extraordinary
General Meeting to a later date or dates to permit further solicitation of proxies.
Consequences if the Adjournment Proposal is Not Approved
If the Adjournment Proposal is not approved by Embrace Change shareholders, the Board
may not be able to adjourn the Extraordinary General Meeting to a later date in the
event, based on the tabulated votes, there are not sufficient votes at the time of
the Extraordinary General Meeting to approve the Extension Amendment Proposal and the Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal.
Vote Required for Approval
Approval of the Adjournment Proposal requires an ordinary resolution, which is the
affirmative vote of a simple majority of the votes cast by the holders of the Ordinary
Shares, present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote thereon and
who vote at the Extraordinary General Meeting. Failure to vote by proxy or to vote
oneself at the Extraordinary General Meeting, abstentions from voting or broker non-votes
will have no effect on the outcome of any vote on the Adjournment Proposal.
Resolution
The resolution to be put to the shareholders to consider and to vote upon at the Extraordinary
General Meeting in relation to Adjournment Proposal is as follows:
“RESOLVED, as an
ordinary resolution that, the adjournment of the Extraordinary General Meeting to a later date or dates to be determined by the chairman
of the Extraordinary General Meeting be confirmed, adopted, approved and ratified in all respects.”
Recommendation of the Board
THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT EMBRACE
CHANGE SHAREHOLDERS VOTE
“FOR” THE APPROVAL OF THE ADJOURNMENT PROPOSAL.
BUSINESS OF EMBRACE CHANGE AND CERTAIN INFORMATION ABOUT EMBRACE CHANGE
General
Embrace Change is a blank check company incorporated on March 3, 2021 as a Cayman Islands exempted company and incorporated for the purpose of effecting
a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar
business combination with one or more businesses.
On August 12, 2022, the Company consummated the IPO of 7,392,855 units, at $10.00 per unit, generating
gross proceeds of $73,928,550. Each unit consisted of one Ordinary Share, one warrant,
each whole warrant exercisable to purchase one Ordinary Share at a share price of
$11.50 per share, and one right, each right entitling the holder to receive one-eighth
(1/8) of one Ordinary Share upon consummation of our initial business combination.
Simultaneously with the consummation of the IPO, Embrace Change consummated the private
sale of 373,750 Private Units at a price of $10.00 per unit, for an aggregate purchase
price of $3,737,500. Each Private Unit is identical to the public units sold in IPO.
A total of $75,776,764 from the net proceeds of the sale of the units in the IPO and
the sale of the Private Units was placed in a Trust Account. Also simultaneously with
the closing of the IPO, pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement, the Company issued
an aggregate of 73,929 Ordinary Shares to the representative of the underwriters.
BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF SECURITIES
The following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial ownership of Embrace
Change’s Ordinary Shares as of [*] based on information obtained from the persons named below,
with respect to the beneficial ownership of shares of Embrace Change’ Ordinary Shares, by:
|
● |
each person known by Embrace Change to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of
Embrace Change’s issued and outstanding Ordinary Shares; |
|
● |
each of Embrace Change’ executive officers and directors that beneficially owns shares of Embrace Change’s Ordinary Shares; and |
|
● |
all Embrace Change’s executive officers and directors as a group. |
Beneficial ownership is determined according to the rules of the SEC, which generally
provide that a person has beneficial ownership of a security if such person possesses
sole or shared voting or investment power over that security, including options and
warrants that are currently exercisable or exercisable within sixty days.
In the table below, percentage
ownership is based on 7,423,175 issued and outstanding Ordinary Shares as of [*].
Voting power represents the combined voting power of Ordinary Shares owned beneficially
by such person. Unless otherwise indicated, Embrace Change believes that all persons
named in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all Ordinary
Shares beneficially owned by them.
| Name and Address of Beneficial Owner(1) | |
Amount and
Nature of
Beneficial
Ownership of
Common
Stock | | |
Approximate
Percentage
of
Outstanding
Shares of
Common
Stock | |
| Jingyu Wang | |
| - | | |
| - | |
| Zheng Yuan | |
| - | | |
| - | |
| Jiangping (Gary) Xiao | |
| - | | |
| - | |
| Hang Zhou | |
| - | | |
| - | |
| Zhou Mo | |
| - | | |
| - | |
| All current directors and executive officers as a group (five individuals) | |
| - | | |
| - | |
| Wuren Fubao Inc.(2) | |
| 2,221,964 | | |
| 29.9 | % |
| Mizuho Financial Group, Inc.(3) | |
| 600,740 | | |
| 7.4 | % |
| Wolverine Asset Management, LLC(4) | |
| 466,542 | | |
| 6.3 | % |
|
(1) |
Unless otherwise indicated, the business address of each of the individuals is 5186
Carroll Canyon Rd, San Diego, CA 92121. |
|
(2) |
Represents shares held by our sponsor. Mr. Bin Li has voting and dispositive power over the shares held of record by our sponsor.
Mr. Bin Li disclaims any beneficial ownership of the shares held by our sponsor, except
to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein. |
|
(3) |
Based on information provided in a Schedule 13G filed on February 13, 2024. The address of the principal office of the reporting person is 1–5–5, Otemachi,
Chiyoda–ku, Tokyo 100–8176, Japan. |
|
(4) |
Based on information provided in a Schedule 13G filed by Wolverine Asset Management, LLC, Wolverine Holdings, L.P., Wolverine Trading Partners, Inc., Christopher L. Gust and Robert R. Bellick on February 8, 2024. Wolverine Asset Management, LLC (“WAM”) is an investment adviser and has voting and
disposition power over 466,542 of the Issuer’s Ordinary Shares. The sole member and manager of WAM is Wolverine Holdings, L.P.
(“Wolverine Holdings”). Robert R. Bellick and Christopher L. Gust may be deemed to
control Wolverine Trading Partners, Inc. (“WTP”), the general partner of Wolverine
Holdings. Each of Wolverine Holdings, Mr. Bellick, Mr. Gust, and WTP have voting and disposition power over 466,742 of Embrace Change’s Ordinary Shares. The address of the principal office of the reporting persons is c/o Wolverine Asset Management, LLC, 175 West Jackson Boulevard, Suite 340, Chicago, IL 60604. |
HOUSEHOLDING INFORMATION
Unless Embrace Change has received contrary instructions, Embrace Change may send
a single copy of this proxy statement to any household at which two or more shareholders
reside if Embrace Change believes the shareholders are members of the same family.
This process, known as “householding,” reduces the volume of duplicate information
received at any one household and helps to reduce Embrace Change’s expenses. However, if shareholders prefer to receive multiple sets of Embrace Change’s disclosure documents at the same address this year or in future years, the shareholders
should follow the instructions described below. Similarly, if an address is shared
with another shareholder and together both of the shareholders would like to receive
only a single set of Embrace Change’s disclosure documents, the shareholders should follow these instructions:
|
● |
if the shares are registered in the name of the shareholder, the shareholder should
contact Embrace Change at the following address and e-mail address: |
Embrace Change Acquisition Corp.
5186 Carroll Canyon Rd,
San Diego, CA 92121
Attention: Yuan Zheng - Chief Financial Officer
Email: jennifer.yuan@embracechange.top
|
● |
if a broker, bank or nominee holds the shares, the shareholder should contact the
broker, bank or nominee directly. |
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
Embrace Change files annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other
information with the SEC as required by the Exchange Act. Embrace Change’s public filings are also available to the public from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. You may request a copy of Embrace Change’s filings with the SEC (excluding exhibits) at no cost by contacting Embrace Change
at the address and/or telephone number below.
If you would like additional copies of this proxy statement or Embrace Change’s other filings with the SEC (excluding exhibits) or if you have questions about the
proposals to be presented at the Extraordinary General Meeting, you should contact
Embrace Change at the following address and e-mail address:
Embrace Change Acquisition Corp.
San Diego, CA 92121
Attention: Yuan Zheng - Chief Financial Officer
Email: jennifer.yuan@embracechange.top
You may also obtain additional copies of this proxy statement by requesting them in
writing or by telephone from Embrace Change’s proxy solicitation agent at the following address, telephone number and e-mail address:
Advantage Proxy, Inc.
PO Box 10904
Yakima, WA 98909
Tel: 206-870-8565 or
Email: ksmith@advantageproxy.com
You will not be charged for any of the documents you request. If your shares are held
in a stock brokerage account or by a bank or other nominee, you should contact your
broker, bank or other nominee for additional information.
If you are an Embrace Change’s shareholder and would like to request documents, please do so by [*], five business
days prior to the Extraordinary General Meeting, in order to receive them before the
Extraordinary General Meeting. If you request any documents from Embrace Change, such
documents will be mailed to you by first class mail or another equally prompt means.
ANNEX A
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO
THE AMENDED AND RESTATED
MEMORANDUM OF ASSOCIATION AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
OF
EMBRACE CHANGE ACQUISITION CORP.
The Extension Amendment Proposal
“RESOLVED, as a special resolution, THAT:
Article 37.8 of the Second Amended and Restated
Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company be amended by the deletion of the words “The Company has until 24
months from the closing of the IPO to consummate a Business Combination, provided however that if the Board of Directors anticipates
that the Company may not be able to consummate a Business Combination within 12 months from the closing of the IPO, the Company may,
by Resolution of Directors, at the request of the Sponsor, extend the period of time to consummate a Business Combination up to
twelve times, each by an additional one month, subject to the Sponsor depositing additional funds into the Trust Account upon five
days advance notice prior to the applicable deadline in accordance with terms as set out in the Trust Agreement. In the event that
the Company does not consummate a Business Combination by 12 months from the closing of the IPO (or up to 24 months from the Closing
of the IPO (subject in the latter case to valid one-month extensions having been made in each case) or such later time as the
Members of the Company may approve in accordance with these Articles (the “Extended Date”), the Company shall” and
their replacement by the words “The Company has until 36 months from the closing of the IPO to consummate a Business
Combination, provided however that if the Board of Directors anticipates that the Company may not be able to consummate a Business
Combination within 24 months from the closing of the IPO, the Company may, by Resolution of Directors, at the request of the
Sponsor, extend the period of time to consummate a Business Combination up to twelve times, each by an additional one month, subject
to the Sponsor depositing additional funds into the Trust Account upon five days advance notice prior to the applicable deadline in
accordance with terms as set out in the Trust Agreement. In the event that the Company does not consummate a Business Combination by
24 months from the closing of the IPO (or up to 36 months from the Closing of the IPO (subject in the latter case to valid one-month
extensions having been made in each case) or such later time as the Members of the Company may approve in accordance with these
Articles (the “Extended Date”), the Company shall”, and
Article 37.9(a)(ii) of the Second Amended and Restated Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association of the
Company be amended by the deletion of the words “within 12 months after the date of the closing of the IPO or 24 months from the closing
of the IPO pursuant to Article 37.8 (subject in the latter case to valid one-month
extensions having been made in each case)” and their replacement with the words “within 24 months after the date of the closing of the IPO or 36 months from the closing of the IPO pursuant to Article 37.8 (subject in the latter
case to valid one-month extensions having been made in each case)”, and
Article 37.11(b)(ii)(A) of the Second Amended and Restated Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association of the
Company be amended by the deletion of the words “beyond 12 months from the closing of the IPO or 24 months from the closing of the
IPO pursuant to Article 37.8 (subject in the latter case to valid one-month extensions
having been made in each case)” to “beyond 24 months from the closing of the IPO or 36 months from the closing of the IPO pursuant to Article 37.8 (subject in the latter
case to valid one-month extensions having been made in each case)”, and
The third amended and restated memorandum and articles of association of the Company be and
are hereby approved and adopted, in substitution for, and to the exclusion of, the
Second Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company with immediate
effect to reflect the above amendments.
ANNEX B
PROPOSED AMENDMENT NO. 2
TO THE
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT TRUST AGREEMENT
This Amendment No. 2 (this “Amendment”), dated as of [●], 2024, to the Investment Management Trust Agreement (as defined below) is made by and between
Embrace Change Acquisition Corp. (the “Company”) and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as trustee (“Trustee”). All terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to them
in the Trust Agreement.
WHEREAS, the Company and the Trustee entered into an Investment Management Trust Agreement
dated as of August 9, 2022 (the “Trust Agreement”):
WHEREAS, Section l(i) of the Trust Agreement sets forth the terms that govern the
liquidation of the Trust Account under the circumstances described therein;
WHEREAS, the Amendment No. 1 of the Trust Agreement
requires the Company to deposit the lessor of $100,000 or $0.045 per outstanding public share into the Trust Account for each one-month
extension from August 12, 2023 for up to twelve months;
WHEREAS, at an Extraordinary General Meeting of the Company held on [●], 2024 (the “Extraordinary General Meeting”), the Company’s shareholders approved (i) a proposal to amend the Company’s amended and restated articles of association (the “A&R AA”) giving the Company the
right to extend the date by which it has to consummate a business combination twelve
(12) times for an additional one (1) month each time, from August 12, 2024 to August 12, 2025 (i.e., for a period of time ending 24 months from the consummation of its initial
public offering); and (ii) a proposal to amend the Trust Agreement requiring the Company
to deposit $[*] into the Trust Account for each one-month extension from August 12, 2024 for up to twelve months; and
NOW THEREFORE, IT IS AGREED:
1. Section l(i) of the Trust Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety
to read as follows:
“(i) Commence liquidation of the Trust Account only after and promptly after receipt
of, and only in accordance with, the terms of a letter (“Termination Letter”), in
a form substantially similar to that attached hereto as either Exhibit A or Exhibit
B, signed on behalf of the Company by its President, Chief Executive Officer or Chairman
of the Board and Secretary or Assistant Secretary and, in the case of a Termination
Letter in a form substantially similar to that attached hereto as Exhibit A, acknowledged
and agreed to by the Representative, and complete the liquidation of the Trust Account
and distribute the Property in the Trust Account only as directed in the Termination
Letter and the other documents referred to therein; provided, however, that in the
event that a Termination Letter has not been received by the Trustee by the 24-month anniversary of the closing of the IPO (“Closing”) or the 25-month, 26-month, 27-month, 28-month, 29- month, 30-month, 31-month, 32-month, 33-month, 34-month, 35-month, or 36-month anniversary of the Closing in the event that the Company extended the time
to complete the Business Combination by depositing $[*] in the Trust Account for each
one month extension on or prior to the end of the immediately preceding period (as
applicable, the “Last Date”), the Trust Account shall be liquidated in accordance
with the procedures set forth in the Termination Letter attached as Exhibit B hereto
and distributed to the Public Shareholders as of the Last Date.”
2. All other provisions of the Trust Agreement shall remain unaffected by the terms
hereof.
3. This Amendment may be signed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall
be an original and all of which shall be deemed to be one and the same instrument,
with the same effect as if the signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument.
A facsimile signature or electronic signature shall be deemed to be an original signature
for purposes of this Amendment.
4. This Amendment is intended to be in full compliance with the requirements for an
Amendment to the Trust Agreement as required by Section 6(c) of the Trust Agreement, and every defect in fulfilling such requirements for an
effective amendment to the Trust Agreement is hereby ratified, intentionally waived
and relinquished by all parties hereto
5. This Amendment shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with
the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to conflicts of law principles
that would result in the application of the substantive laws of another jurisdiction.
[signature page follows]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have duly executed this Amendment to the Investment
Management Trust Agreement as of the date first written above.
| CONTINENTAL STOCK TRANSFER & TRUST COMPANY, as Trustee |
| |
|
|
| By: |
|
|
| Name: |
|
|
| Title: |
|
|
| |
|
|
| EMBRACE CHANGE ACQUISITION CORP. |
| |
|
|
| By: |
|
|
| Name: |
|
|
| Title: |
|
|
ANNEX C
PROPOSED THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
COMPANIES ACT (REVISED)
COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES
THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED
MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
OF
Embrace Change Acquisition Corp.
ADOPTED BY SPECIAL RESOLUTION
DATED [●]
Companies Act (Revised)
Company Limited by Shares
Third Amended and Restated
Memorandum of Association
of
Embrace Change Acquisition Corp.
Adopted by special resolution dated [●]
|
1 |
The name of the Company is Embrace Change Acquisition Corp. |
|
2 |
The Company’s registered office will be situated at the Office of Sertus Incorporations (Cayman)
Limited, Sertus Chambers, Governors Square, Suite # 5-204, 23 Lime Tree Bay Avenue,
P.O. Box 2547, Grand Cayman, KY1-1104, Cayman Islands, or at such other place in the
Cayman Islands as the directors may at any time decide. |
|
3 |
The Company’s objects are unrestricted. As provided by section 7(4) of the Companies Act (Revised), the Company has full power and authority to carry
out any object not prohibited by any law of the Cayman Islands. |
|
4 |
The Company has unrestricted corporate capacity. Without limitation to the foregoing,
as provided by section 27 (2) of the Companies Act (Revised), the Company has and is capable of exercising
all the functions of a natural person of full capacity irrespective of any question
of corporate benefit. |
|
5 |
Nothing in any of the preceding paragraphs permits the Company to carry on any of
the following businesses without being duly licensed, namely: |
|
(a) |
the business of a bank or trust company without being licensed in that behalf under
the Banks and Trust Companies Act (Revised); or |
|
(b) |
insurance business from within the Cayman Islands or the business of an insurance
manager, agent, sub-agent or broker without being licensed in that behalf under the
Insurance Act (Revised);or |
|
(c) |
the business of company management without being licensed in that behalf under the
Companies Management Act (Revised). |
|
6 |
The Company will not trade in the Cayman Islands with any person, firm or corporation
except in furtherance of its business carried on outside the Cayman Islands. Despite
this, the Company may effect and conclude contracts in the Cayman Islands and exercise
in the Cayman Islands any of its powers necessary for the carrying on of its business
outside the Cayman Islands. |
|
7 |
The Company is a company limited by shares and accordingly the liability of each member
is limited to the amount (if any) unpaid on that member’s shares. |
|
8 |
The share capital of the Company is US$50,000 divided into 500,000,000 ordinary shares
of par value US$0.0001 each. Subject to the Companies Act (Revised) and the Company’s articles of association, the Company has power to do any one or more of the following |
|
(a) |
to redeem or repurchase any of its shares; and |
|
(b) |
to increase or reduce its capital; and |
|
(c) |
to issue any part of its capital (whether original, redeemed, increased or reduced): |
|
(i) |
with or without any preferential, deferred, qualified or special rights, privileges
or conditions; or |
|
(ii) |
subject to any limitations or restrictions |
and unless the condition of issue expressly declares otherwise, every issue of shares
(whether declared to be ordinary, preference or otherwise) is subject to this power;
or
|
(d) |
to alter any of those rights, privileges, conditions, limitations or restrictions. |
|
9 |
The Company has power to register by way of continuation as a body corporate limited
by shares under the laws of any jurisdiction outside the Cayman Islands and to be
deregistered in the Cayman Islands. |
COMPANIES ACT (REVISED)
COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES
THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED
ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
OF
EMBRACE CHANGE ACQUISITION CORP.
ADOPTED BY SPECIAL RESOLUTION ON [●]
CONTENTS
| 1. |
Definitions,
interpretation and exclusion of Table A |
|
C-11 |
| |
Definitions |
|
C-11 |
| |
Interpretation |
|
C-14 |
| |
Exclusion
of Table A Articles |
|
C-14 |
| 2. |
Commencement
of Business |
|
C-15 |
| 3. |
Shares |
|
C-15 |
| |
Power
to issue Shares and options, with or without special rights |
|
C-15 |
| |
Power
to issue fractions of a Share |
|
C-15 |
| |
Power
to pay commissions and brokerage fees |
|
C-16 |
| |
Trusts
not recognised |
|
C-16 |
| |
Power
to vary class rights |
|
C-16 |
| |
Effect
of new Share issue on existing class rights |
|
C-16 |
| |
Capital
contributions without issue of further Shares |
|
C-17 |
| |
No
bearer Shares or warrants |
|
C-17 |
| |
Treasury
Shares |
|
C-17 |
| |
Rights
attaching TO Treasury Shares and related matters |
|
C-17 |
| 4. |
Register
of Members |
|
C-18 |
| 5. |
Share
certificates |
|
C-18 |
| |
Issue
of share certificates |
|
C-18 |
| |
Renewal
of lost or damaged share certificates |
|
C-18 |
| 6. |
Lien
on Shares |
|
C-18 |
| |
Nature
and scope of lien |
|
C-18 |
| |
Company
may sell Shares to satisfy lien |
|
C-19 |
| |
Authority
to execute instrument of transfer |
|
C-19 |
| |
Consequences
of sale of Shares to satisfy lien |
|
C-19 |
| |
Application
of proceeds of sale |
|
C-19 |
| 7. |
Calls
on Shares and forfeiture |
|
C-20 |
| |
Power
to make calls and effect of calls |
|
C-20 |
| |
Time
when call made |
|
C-20 |
| |
Liability
of joint holders |
|
C-20 |
| |
Interest
on unpaid calls |
|
C-20 |
| |
Deemed
calls |
|
C-20 |
| |
Power
to accept early payment |
|
C-20 |
| |
Power
to make different arrangements at time of issue of Shares |
|
C-20 |
| |
Notice
of default |
|
C-21 |
| |
Forfeiture
or surrender of Shares |
|
C-21 |
| |
Disposal
of forfeited or surrendered Share and power to cancel forfeiture or surrender |
|
C-21 |
| |
Evidence
of forfeiture or surrender |
|
C-22 |
| |
Sale
of forfeited or surrendered Shares |
|
C-22 |
| 8. |
Transfer
of Shares |
|
C-22 |
| |
Form
of transfer |
|
C-22 |
| |
Power
to refuse registration |
|
C-22 |
| |
Power
to suspend registration |
|
C-22 |
| |
Company
may retain instrument of transfer |
|
C-22 |
| 9. |
Transmission
of Shares |
|
C-23 |
| |
Persons
entitled on death of a Member |
|
C-23 |
| |
Registration
of transfer of a Share following death or bankruptcy |
|
C-23 |
| |
Indemnity |
|
C-23 |
| |
Rights
of person entitled to a Share following death or bankruptcy |
|
C-23 |
| 10. |
Alteration
of capital |
|
C-24 |
| |
Increasing,
consolidating, converting, dividing and cancelling share capital |
|
C-24 |
| |
Dealing
with fractions resulting from consolidation of Shares |
|
C-24 |
| |
Reducing
share capital |
|
C-24 |
| 11. |
Redemption
and purchase of own Shares |
|
C-24 |
| |
Power
to issue redeemable Shares and to purchase own Shares |
|
C-24 |
| |
Power
to pay for redemption or purchase in cash or in specie |
|
C-25 |
| |
Effect
of redemption or purchase of a Share |
|
C-25 |
| 12. |
Meetings
of Members |
|
C-26 |
| |
Power
to call meetings |
|
C-26 |
| |
Content
of notice |
|
C-27 |
| |
Period
of notice |
|
C-27 |
| |
Persons
entitled to receive notice |
|
C-27 |
| |
Publication
of notice on a website |
|
C-27 |
| |
Time
a website notice is deemed to be given |
|
C-28 |
| |
Required
duration of publication on a website |
|
C-28 |
| |
Accidental
omission to give notice or non-receipt of notice |
|
C-28 |
| 13. |
Proceedings
at meetings of Members |
|
C-28 |
| |
Quorum |
|
C-28 |
| |
Lack
of quorum |
|
C-28 |
| |
Use
of technology |
|
C-29 |
| |
Chairman |
|
C-29 |
| |
Right
of a director to attend and speak |
|
C-29 |
| |
Adjournment
and Postponement |
|
C-29 |
| |
Method
of voting |
|
C-29 |
| |
Taking
of a poll |
|
C-29 |
| |
Chairman’s
casting vote |
|
C-30 |
| |
Amendments
to resolutions |
|
C-30 |
| |
Written
resolutions |
|
C-30 |
| |
Sole-member
company |
|
C-31 |
| 14. |
Voting
rights of Members |
|
C-31 |
| |
Rights
of joint holders |
|
C-31 |
| |
Representation
of corporate Members |
|
C-31 |
| |
Member
with mental disorder |
|
C-32 |
| |
Objections
to admissibility of votes |
|
C-32 |
| |
Form
of proxy |
|
C-32 |
| |
How
and when proxy is to be delivered |
|
C-33 |
| |
Voting
by proxy |
|
C-33 |
| 15. |
Number
of directors |
|
C-33 |
| 16. |
Appointment,
disqualification and removal of directors |
|
C-33 |
| |
No
age limit |
|
C-33 |
| |
Corporate
directors |
|
C-34 |
| |
No
shareholding qualification |
|
C-34 |
| |
Appointment
and removal of directors |
|
C-34 |
| |
Resignation
of directors |
|
C-35 |
| |
Termination
of the office of director |
|
C-35 |
| 17. |
Alternate
directors |
|
C-35 |
| |
Appointment
and removal |
|
C-35 |
| |
Notices |
|
C-36 |
| |
Rights
of alternate director |
|
C-36 |
| |
Appointment
ceases when the appointer ceases to be a director |
|
C-37 |
| |
Status
of alternate director |
|
C-37 |
| |
Status
of the director making the appointment |
|
C-37 |
| 18. |
Powers
of directors |
|
C-37 |
| |
Powers
of directors |
|
C-37 |
| |
Appointments
to office |
|
C-37 |
| |
Remuneration |
|
C-38 |
| |
Disclosure
of information |
|
C-38 |
| 19. |
Delegation
of powers |
|
C-38 |
| |
Power
to delegate any of the directors’ powers to a committee |
|
C-38 |
| |
Power
to appoint an agent of the Company |
|
C-39 |
| |
Power
to appoint an attorney or authorised signatory of the Company |
|
C-39 |
| |
Power
to appoint a proxy |
|
C-40 |
| 20. |
Meetings
of directors |
|
C-40 |
| |
Regulation
of directors’ meetings |
|
C-40 |
| |
Calling
meetings |
|
C-40 |
| |
Notice
of meetings |
|
C-40 |
| |
Period
of notice |
|
C-40 |
| |
Use
of technology |
|
C-40 |
| |
Place
of meetings |
|
C-40 |
| |
Quorum |
|
C-40 |
| |
Voting |
|
C-40 |
| |
Validity |
|
C-41 |
| |
Recording
of dissent |
|
C-41 |
| |
Written
resolutions |
|
C-41 |
| |
Sole
director’s minute |
|
C-41 |
| 21. |
Permissible
directors’ interests and disclosure |
|
C-41 |
| |
Permissible
interests subject to disclosure |
|
C-41 |
| |
Notification
of interests |
|
C-42 |
| |
Voting
where a director is interested in a matter |
|
C-42 |
| 22. |
Minutes |
|
C-42 |
| 23. |
Accounts
and audit |
|
C-42 |
| |
Accounting
and other records |
|
C-42 |
| |
No
automatic right of inspection |
|
C-42 |
| |
Sending
of accounts and reports |
|
C-43 |
| |
Validity
despite accidental error in publication on website |
|
C-43 |
| |
Audit |
|
C-43 |
| 24. |
Financial
year |
|
C-44 |
| 25. |
Record
dates |
|
C-44 |
| 26. |
Dividends |
|
C-45 |
| |
Declaration
of dividends by Members |
|
C-45 |
| |
Payment
of interim dividends and declaration of final dividends by directors |
|
C-45 |
| |
Apportionment
of dividends |
|
C-45 |
| |
Right
of set off |
|
C-45 |
| |
Power
to pay other than in cash |
|
C-46 |
| |
How
payments may be made |
|
C-46 |
| |
Dividends
or other moneys not to bear interest in absence of special rights |
|
C-46 |
| |
Dividends
unable to be paid or unclaimed |
|
C-46 |
| 27. |
Capitalisation
of profits |
|
C-47 |
| |
Capitalisation
of profits or of any share premium account or capital redemption reserve |
|
C-47 |
| |
Applying
an amount for the benefit of members |
|
C-47 |
| 28. |
Share
premium account |
|
C-47 |
| |
directors
to maintain share premium account |
|
C-47 |
| |
Debits
to share premium account |
|
C-47 |
| 29. |
Seal |
|
C-47 |
| |
Company
seal |
|
C-47 |
| |
Duplicate
seal |
|
C-48 |
| |
When
and how seal is to be used |
|
C-48 |
| |
If
no seal is adopted or used |
|
C-48 |
| |
Power
to allow non-manual signatures and facsimile printing of seal |
|
C-48 |
| |
Validity
of execution |
|
C-48 |
| 30. |
Indemnity |
|
C-48 |
| |
Indemnity |
|
C-48 |
| |
Release |
|
C-49 |
| |
Insurance |
|
C-49 |
| 31. |
Notices |
|
C-49 |
| |
Form
of notices |
|
C-49 |
| |
Electronic
communications |
|
C-50 |
| |
Persons
authorised to give notices |
|
C-50 |
| |
Delivery
of written notices |
|
C-50 |
| |
Joint
holders |
|
C-50 |
| |
Signatures |
|
C-50 |
| |
Evidence
of transmission |
|
C-50 |
| |
Giving
notice to a deceased or bankrupt Member |
|
C-51 |
| |
Date
of giving notices |
|
C-51 |
| |
Saving
provision |
|
C-51 |
| 32. |
Authentication
of Electronic Records |
|
C-51 |
| |
Application
of Articles |
|
C-51 |
| |
Authentication
of documents sent by Members by Electronic means |
|
C-51 |
| |
Authentication
of document sent by the Secretary or Officers of the Company by Electronic means |
|
C-52 |
| |
Manner
of signing |
|
C-52 |
| |
Saving
provision |
|
C-52 |
| 33. |
Transfer
by way of continuation |
|
C-53 |
| 34. |
Winding
up |
|
C-53 |
| |
Distribution
of assets in specie |
|
C-53 |
| |
No
obligation to accept liability |
|
C-53 |
| |
The
directors are authorised to present a winding up petition |
|
C-53 |
| 35. |
Amendment
of Memorandum and Articles |
|
C-53 |
| |
Power
to change name or amend Memorandum |
|
C-53 |
| |
Power
to amend these Articles |
|
C-53 |
| 36. |
Mergers
and Consolidations |
|
C-54 |
| 37. |
Business
Combination |
|
C-54 |
| 38. |
Certain
Tax Filings |
|
C-57 |
| 39. |
Business
Opportunities |
|
C-57 |
Companies Act (Revised)
Company Limited by Shares
Third Amended and Restated
Articles of Association
of
Embrace Change Acquisition Corp.
Adopted by special resolution dated [●]
|
1. |
Definitions, interpretation and exclusion of Table A |
Definitions
|
1.1 |
In these Articles, the following definitions apply: |
Act means the Companies Act (Revised) of the Cayman Islands.
Affiliate in respect of a person, means any other person that, directly or indirectly, through
one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control
with, such person, and (a) in the case of a natural person, shall include, without
limitation, such person’s spouse, parents, children, siblings, mother-in-law and father-in-law and brothers
and sisters-in-law, whether by blood, marriage or adoption or anyone residing in such
person’s home, a trust for the benefit of any of the foregoing, a company, partnership or
any natural person or entity wholly or jointly owned by any of the foregoing and (b)
in the case of an entity, shall include a partnership, a corporation or any natural
person or entity which directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries,
controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such entity.
Applicable Law means, with respect to any person, all provisions of laws, statutes, ordinances,
rules, regulations, permits, certificates, judgments, decisions, decrees or orders
of any governmental authority applicable to such person.
Articles means, as appropriate:
|
(a) |
these Amended and Restated Articles of Association as amended, restated, supplemented
and/or otherwise modified from time to time: or |
|
(b) |
two or more particular Articles of these Articles; |
and Article refers to a particular Article of these Articles.
Audit Committee means the audit committee of the board of directors of the Company established pursuant
to Article 23.8 hereof, or any successor audit committee.
Auditor means the person for the time being performing the duties of auditor of the Company.
Business Combination means a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganisation
or similar business combination involving the Company, with one or more businesses
or entities (each a Target Business), which Business Combination: (a) must be with
one or more operating businesses or assets with a fair market value equal to at least
80% of the net assets held in the trust account (net of amounts disbursed to management
for working capital purposes, if permitted, and excluding the amount of any deferred
underwriting discount and taxes payable on the interest earned on the trust account);
and (b) must not be effectuated solely with another blank cheque company or a similar
company with nominal operations.
Business Day means a day other than a day on which banking institutions or trust companies are
authorised or obligated by law to close in New York City, a Saturday or a Sunday.
Clear Days, in relation to a period of notice, means that period excluding:
|
(a) |
the day when the notice is given or deemed to be given; and |
|
(b) |
the day for which it is given or on which it is to take effect. |
Clearing House means a clearing house recognised by the laws of the jurisdiction in which the Shares
(or depositary receipts therefor) are listed or quoted on a stock exchange or interdealer
quotation system in such jurisdiction.
Company means the above-named company.
Compensation Committee means the compensation committee of the board of directors of the Company established
pursuant to the Articles, or any successor committee.
Default Rate means 10% (ten per cent) per annum.
Designated Stock Exchange means any United States national securities exchange, including the Nasdaq Stock
Market LLC, the NYSE American LLC or The New York Stock Exchange LLC or any OTC market
on which the Shares are listed for trading.
Electronic has the meaning given to that term in the Electronic Transactions Act (Revised).
Electronic Record has the meaning given to that term in the Electronic Transactions Act (Revised).
Electronic Signature has the meaning given to that term in the Electronic Transactions Act (Revised).
Exchange Act means the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
Founders means all Members immediately prior to the consummation of the IPO.
Fully Paid and Paid Up:
|
(a) |
in relation to a Share with par value, means that the par value for that Share and
any premium payable in respect of the issue of that Share, has been fully paid or
credited as paid in money or money’s worth; |
|
(b) |
in relation to a Share without par value, means that the agreed issue price for that
Share has been fully paid or credited as paid in money or money’s worth. |
Independent Director means a director who is an independent director as defined in the rules and regulations
of the Designated Stock Exchange as determined by the directors.
Investor Group means the Sponsor and its Affiliates, successors and assigns.
IPO means the Company’s initial public offering of securities.
IPO Redemption has the meaning given to it in Article 37.6.
Islands means the British Overseas Territory of the Cayman Islands.
Member means any person or persons entered on the Register of Members from time to time
as the holder of a Share.
Memorandum means the Amended and Restated Memorandum of Association of the Company as amended,
restated, supplemented and/or otherwise modified from time to time.
Nominating Committee means the nominating committee of the board of directors of the Company established
pursuant to the Articles, or any successor committee.
Officer means a person then appointed to hold an office in the Company; and the expression
includes a director, alternate director or liquidator.
Ordinary Resolution means a resolution of a duly constituted general meeting of the Company passed by
a simple majority of the votes cast by, or on behalf of, the Members entitled to vote
thereon. The expression also includes a unanimous written resolution.
Over-Allotment Option means the option of the Underwriters to purchase up to an additional 15% of the firm
units (as described at Article 3.4) issued in the IPO at a price equal to US$10.00
per unit, less underwriting discount and commissions.
Public Share means a Share issued as part of the units (as described in Article 3.4) issued in
the IPO.
Redemption Price has the meaning given to it in Article 37.6.
Register of Members means the register of Members maintained in accordance with the Act and includes
(except where otherwise stated) any branch or duplicate register of Members.
Representative means a representative of the Underwriters.
SEC means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
Secretary means a person appointed to perform the duties of the secretary of the Company, including
a joint, assistant or deputy secretary.
Share means a share in the share capital of the Company; and the expression:
|
(a) |
includes stock (except where a distinction between shares and stock is expressed or
implied); and |
|
(b) |
where the context permits, also includes a fraction of a share. |
Special Resolution has the meaning given to that term in the Act; and the expression includes a unanimous
written resolution.
Sponsor means Wuren Fubao Inc., an exempted company incorporated under the laws of the Cayman
Islands.
Target Business means any businesses or entity with whom the Company wishes to undertake a Business
Combination.
Tax Filing Authorised Person means such person as any director shall designate from time to time, acting severally.
Treasury Shares means Shares of the Company held in treasury pursuant to the Act and Article 3.14.
Trust Account means the trust account established by the Company upon the consummation of its IPO
and into which a certain amount of the net proceeds of the IPO, together with a certain
amount of the proceeds of a private placement of warrants simultaneously with the
closing date of the IPO, will be deposited.
Underwriter means an underwriter of the IPO from time to time, and any successor underwriter.
Interpretation
|
1.2 |
In the interpretation of these Articles, the following provisions apply unless the
context otherwise requires: |
|
(a) |
A reference in these Articles to a statute is a reference to a statute of the Islands
as known by its short title, and includes: |
|
(i) |
any statutory modification, amendment or re-enactment; and |
|
(ii) |
any subordinate legislation or regulations issued under that statute. |
Without limitation to the preceding sentence, a reference to a revised Act of the
Cayman Islands is taken to be a reference to the revision of that Act in force from
time to time as amended from time to time.
|
(b) |
Headings are inserted for convenience only and do not affect the interpretation of
these Articles, unless there is ambiguity. |
|
(c) |
If a day on which any act, matter or thing is to be done under these Articles is not
a Business Day, the act, matter or thing must be done on the next Business Day. |
|
(d) |
A word which denotes the singular also denotes the plural, a word which denotes the
plural also denotes the singular, and a reference to any gender also denotes the other
genders. |
|
(e) |
A reference to a person includes, as appropriate, a company, trust, partnership, joint
venture, association, body corporate or government agency. |
|
(f) |
Where a word or phrase is given a defined meaning another part of speech or grammatical
form in respect to that word or phrase has a corresponding meaning. |
|
(g) |
All references to time are to be calculated by reference to time in the place where
the Company’s registered office is located. |
|
(h) |
The words written and in writing include all modes of representing or reproducing
words in a visible form, but do not include an Electronic Record where the distinction
between a document in writing and an Electronic Record is expressed or implied. |
|
(i) |
The words including, include and in particular or any similar expression are to be
construed without limitation. |
|
(j) |
Any requirements as to execution or signature under the Articles including the execution
of the Articles themselves can be satisfied in the form of an Electronic Signature. |
|
(k) |
Sections 8 and 19(3) of the Electronic Transactions Act shall not apply. |
|
(l) |
The term “holder” in relation to a Share means a person whose name is entered in the
Register of Members as the holder of such Share. |
Exclusion of Table A Articles
|
1.3 |
The regulations contained in Table A in the First Schedule of the Act and any other
regulations contained in any statute or subordinate legislation are expressly excluded
and do not apply to the Company. |
|
2. |
Commencement of Business |
|
2.1 |
The business of the Company may be commenced as soon after incorporation of the Company
as the directors see fit. |
|
2.2 |
The directors may pay, out of the capital or any other monies of the Company, all
expenses incurred in or about the formation and establishment of the Company, including
the expenses of registration. |
Power to issue Shares and options, with or without special rights
|
3.1 |
Subject to the provisions, if any, in the Act the Memorandum (and to any direction
that may be given by the Company in general meeting), these Articles and, where applicable,
the rules and regulations of the Designated Stock Exchange, the SEC and/or any other
competent regulatory authority or otherwise under Applicable Law, and without prejudice
to any rights attached to any existing Shares, the directors have general and unconditional
authority to allot (with or without confirming rights of renunciation), issue, grant
options over or otherwise deal with any unissued Shares of the Company to such persons,
at such times and on such terms and conditions as they may decide. No Share may be
issued at a discount except in accordance with the provisions of the Act. |
|
3.2 |
Without limitation to the preceding Article, the directors may so deal with the unissued
Shares of the Company: |
|
(a) |
either at a premium or at par; |
|
(b) |
with or without preferred, deferred or other special rights or restrictions whether
in regard to dividend, voting, return of capital or otherwise. |
|
3.3 |
The Company may issue rights, options, warrants or convertible securities or securities
of similar nature conferring the right upon the holders thereof to subscribe for,
purchase or receive any class of Shares or other securities in the Company at such
times and on such terms and conditions as the directors may decide. |
|
3.4 |
The Company may issue units of securities in the Company, which may be comprised of
Shares, rights, options, warrants or convertible securities or securities of similar
nature conferring the right upon the holders thereof to subscribe for, purchase or
receive any class of Shares or other securities in the Company, on such terms and
conditions as the directors may decide. The securities comprising any such units which
are issued pursuant to the IPO can only be traded separately from one another on the
52nd day following the date of the prospectus relating to the IPO unless the Representative(s)
determines that an earlier date is acceptable, subject to the Company having filed
a current report on Form 8-K containing an audited balance sheet reflecting the Company’s receipt of the gross proceeds of the IPO with the SEC and a press release announcing
when such separate trading will begin. Prior to such date, the units can be traded,
but the securities comprising such units cannot be traded separately from one another. |
Power to issue fractions of a Share
|
3.5 |
Subject to the Act, the Company may issue fractions of a Share of any class. A fraction
of a Share shall be subject to and carry the corresponding fraction of liabilities
(whether with respect to calls or otherwise), limitations, preferences, privileges,
qualifications, restrictions, rights and other attributes of a Share of that class
of Shares. |
Power to pay commissions and brokerage fees
|
3.6 |
The Company may, in so far as the Act permits, pay a commission to any person in consideration
of that person: |
|
(a) |
subscribing or agreeing to subscribe, whether absolutely or conditionally; or |
|
(b) |
procuring or agreeing to procure subscriptions, whether absolute or conditional |
for any Shares in the Company. That commission may be satisfied by the payment of
cash or the allotment of Fully Paid or partly-paid Shares or partly in one way and
partly in another.
|
3.7 |
The Company may employ a broker in the issue of its capital and pay him any proper
commission or brokerage. |
Trusts not recognised
|
3.8 |
Except as required by Applicable Law |
|
(a) |
the Company shall not be bound by or compelled to recognise in any way (even when
notified) any equitable, contingent, future or partial interest in any Share, or (except
only as is otherwise provided by these Articles or the Act) any other rights in respect
of any Share other than an absolute right to the entirety thereof in the holder; and |
|
(b) |
no person other than the Member shall be recognised by the Company as having any right
in a Share. |
Power to vary class rights
|
3.9 |
If the share capital is divided into different classes of Shares then, unless the
terms on which a class of Shares was issued state otherwise, the rights attaching
to a class of Shares may only be varied if one of the following applies: |
|
(a) |
the Members holding two thirds of the issued Shares of that class consent in writing
to the variation; or |
|
(b) |
the variation is made with the sanction of a Special Resolution passed at a separate
general meeting of the Members holding the issued Shares of that class. |
|
3.10 |
For the purpose of paragraph (b) of the preceding Article, all the provisions of these
Articles relating to general meetings apply, mutatis mutandis, to every such separate
meeting except that: |
|
(a) |
the necessary quorum shall be one or more persons holding, or representing by proxy,
not less than one third of the issued Shares of the class; and |
|
(b) |
any Member holding issued Shares of the class, present in person or by proxy or, in
the case of a corporate Member, by its duly authorised representative, may demand
a poll. |
Effect of new Share issue on existing class rights
|
3.11 |
Unless the terms on which a class of Shares was issued state otherwise, the rights
conferred on the Member holding Shares of any class shall not be deemed to be varied
by the creation or issue of further Shares ranking pari passu with the existing Shares
of that class. |
Capital contributions without issue of further Shares
|
3.12 |
With the consent of a Member, the directors may accept a voluntary contribution to
the capital of the Company from that Member without issuing Shares in consideration
for that contribution. In that event, the contribution shall be dealt with in the
following manner: |
|
(a) |
It shall be treated as if it were a share premium. |
|
(b) |
Unless the Member agrees otherwise: |
|
(i) |
if the Member holds Shares in a single class of Shares, it shall be credited to the
share premium account for that class of Shares; |
|
(ii) |
if the Member holds Shares of more than one class, it shall be credited rateably to
the share premium accounts for those classes of Shares (in the proportion that the
sum of the issue prices for each class of Shares that the Member holds bears to the
total issue prices for all classes of Shares that the Member holds). |
|
(c) |
It shall be subject to the provisions of the Act and these Articles applicable to
share premiums. |
No bearer Shares or warrants
|
3.13 |
The Company shall not issue Shares or warrants to bearers. |
Treasury Shares
|
3.14 |
Shares that the Company purchases, redeems or acquires by way of surrender in accordance
with the Act shall be held as Treasury Shares and not treated as cancelled if: |
|
(a) |
the directors so determine prior to the purchase, redemption or surrender of those
shares; and |
|
(b) |
the relevant provisions of the Memorandum and Articles and the Act are otherwise complied
with. |
Rights attaching to Treasury Shares and related matters
|
3.15 |
No dividend may be declared or paid, and no other distribution (whether in cash or
otherwise) of the Company’s assets (including any distribution of assets to members on a winding up) may be
made to the Company in respect of a Treasury Share. |
|
3.16 |
The Company shall be entered in the Register as the holder of the Treasury Shares.
However: |
|
(a) |
the Company shall not be treated as a member for any purpose and shall not exercise
any right in respect of the Treasury Shares, and any purported exercise of such a
right shall be void; |
|
(b) |
a Treasury Share shall not be voted, directly or indirectly, at any meeting of the
Company and shall not be counted in determining the total number of issued shares
at any given time, whether for the purposes of these Articles or the Act. |
|
3.17 |
Nothing in the preceding Article prevents an allotment of Shares as fully paid bonus
shares in respect of a Treasury Share and Shares allotted as fully paid bonus shares
in respect of a Treasury Share shall be treated as Treasury Shares. |
|
3.18 |
Treasury Shares may be disposed of by the Company in accordance with the Act and otherwise
on such terms and conditions as the directors determine. |
|
4.1 |
The Company shall maintain or cause to be maintained the Register of Members in accordance
with the Act. |
|
4.2 |
The directors may determine that the Company shall maintain one or more branch registers
of Members in accordance with the Act. The directors may also determine which Register
of Members shall constitute the principal register and which shall constitute the
branch register or registers, and to vary such determination from time to time. |
Issue of share certificates
|
5.1 |
Upon being entered in the Register of Members as the holder of a Share, a Member shall
be entitled: |
|
(a) |
without payment, to one certificate for all the Shares of each class held by that
Member (and, upon transferring a part of the Member’s holding of Shares of any class, to a certificate for the balance of that holding);
and |
|
(b) |
upon payment of such reasonable sum as the directors may determine for every certificate
after the first, to several certificates each for one or more of that Member’s Shares. |
|
5.2 |
Every certificate shall specify the number, class and distinguishing numbers (if any)
of the Shares to which it relates and whether they are Fully Paid or partly paid up.
A certificate may be executed under seal or executed in such other manner as the directors
determine. |
|
5.3 |
The Company shall not be bound to issue more than one certificate for Shares held
jointly by several persons and delivery of a certificate for a Share to one joint
holder shall be a sufficient delivery to all of them. |
Renewal of lost or damaged share certificates
|
5.4 |
If a share certificate is defaced, worn-out, lost or destroyed, it may be renewed
on such terms (if any) as to: |
|
(c) |
payment of the expenses reasonably incurred by the Company in investigating the evidence;
and |
|
(d) |
payment of a reasonable fee, if any, for issuing a replacement share certificate |
as the directors may determine, and (in the case of defacement or wearing-out) on
delivery to the Company of the old certificate.
Nature and scope of lien
|
6.1 |
The Company has a first and paramount lien on all Shares (whether Fully Paid or not)
registered in the name of a Member (whether solely or jointly with others). The lien
is for all moneys payable to the Company by the Member or the Member’s estate: |
|
(a) |
either alone or jointly with any other person, whether or not that other person is
a Member; and |
|
(b) |
whether or not those moneys are presently payable. |
|
6.2 |
At any time the directors may declare any Share to be wholly or partly exempt from
the provisions of this Article. |
Company may sell Shares to satisfy lien
|
6.3 |
The Company may sell any Shares over which it has a lien if all of the following conditions
are met: |
|
(a) |
the sum in respect of which the lien exists is presently payable; |
|
(b) |
the Company gives notice to the Member holding the Share (or to the person entitled
to it in consequence of the death or bankruptcy of that Member) demanding payment
and stating that if the notice is not complied with the Shares may be sold; and |
|
(c) |
that sum is not paid within 14 Clear Days after that notice is deemed to be given
under these Articles |
|
6.4 |
The Shares may be sold in such manner as the directors determine. |
|
6.5 |
To the maximum extent permitted by Applicable Law, the directors shall incur no personal
liability to the Member concerned in respect of the sale. |
Authority to execute instrument of transfer
|
6.6 |
To give effect to a sale, the directors may authorise any person to execute an instrument
of transfer of the Shares sold to, or in accordance with the directions of, the purchaser.
The title of the transferee of the Shares shall not be affected by any irregularity
or invalidity in the proceedings in respect of the sale. |
Consequences of sale of Shares to satisfy lien
|
6.7 |
On sale pursuant to the preceding Articles: |
|
(a) |
the name of the Member concerned shall be removed from the Register of Members as
the holder of those Shares; and |
|
(b) |
that person shall deliver to the Company for cancellation the certificate for those
Shares. |
Despite this, that person shall remain liable to the Company for all monies which,
at the date of sale, were presently payable by him to the Company in respect of those
Shares. That person shall also be liable to pay interest on those monies from the
date of sale until payment at the rate at which interest was payable before that sale
or, failing that, at the Default Rate. The directors may waive payment wholly or in
part or enforce payment without any allowance for the value of the Shares at the time
of sale or for any consideration received on their disposal.
Application of proceeds of sale
|
6.8 |
The net proceeds of the sale, after payment of the costs, shall be applied in payment
of so much of the sum for which the lien exists as is presently payable. Any residue
shall be paid to the person whose Shares have been sold: |
|
(a) |
if no certificate for the Shares was issued, at the date of the sale; or |
|
(b) |
if a certificate for the Shares was issued, upon surrender to the Company of that
certificate for cancellation |
but, in either case, subject to the Company retaining a like lien for all sums not
presently payable as existed on the Shares before the sale.
|
7. |
Calls on Shares and forfeiture |
Power to make calls and effect of calls
|
7.1 |
Subject to the terms of allotment, the directors may make calls on the Members in
respect of any moneys unpaid on their Shares including any premium. The call may provide
for payment to be by instalments. Subject to receiving at least 14 Clear Days’ notice specifying when and where payment is to be made, each Member shall pay to
the Company the amount called on his Shares as required by the notice. |
|
7.2 |
Before receipt by the Company of any sum due under a call, that call may be revoked
in whole or in part and payment of a call may be postponed in whole or in part. Where
a call is to be paid in instalments, the Company may revoke the call in respect of
all or any remaining instalments in whole or in part and may postpone payment of all
or any of the remaining instalments in whole or in part. |
|
7.3 |
A Member on whom a call is made shall remain liable for that call notwithstanding
the subsequent transfer of the Shares in respect of which the call was made. A person
shall not be liable for calls made after such person is no longer registered as Member
in respect of those Shares. |
Time when call made
|
7.4 |
A call shall be deemed to have been made at the time when the resolution of the directors
authorising the call was passed. |
Liability of joint holders
|
7.5 |
Members registered as the joint holders of a Share shall be jointly and severally
liable to pay all calls in respect of the Share. |
Interest on unpaid calls
|
7.6 |
If a call remains unpaid after it has become due and payable the person from whom
it is due and payable shall pay interest on the amount unpaid from the day it became
due and payable until it is paid: |
|
(a) |
at the rate fixed by the terms of allotment of the Share or in the notice of the call;
or |
|
(b) |
if no rate is fixed, at the Default Rate. |
The directors may waive payment of the interest wholly or in part.
Deemed calls
|
7.7 |
Any amount payable in respect of a Share, whether on allotment or on a fixed date
or otherwise, shall be deemed to be payable as a call. If the amount is not paid when
due the provisions of these Articles shall apply as if the amount had become due and
payable by virtue of a call. |
Power to accept early payment
|
7.8 |
The Company may accept from a Member the whole or a part of the amount remaining unpaid
on Shares held by him although no part of that amount has been called up. |
Power to make different arrangements at time of issue of Shares
|
7.9 |
Subject to the terms of allotment, the directors may make arrangements on the issue
of Shares to distinguish between Members in the amounts and times of payment of calls
on their Shares. |
Notice of default
|
7.10 |
If a call remains unpaid after it has become due and payable the directors may give
to the person from whom it is due not less than 14 Clear Days’ notice requiring payment of: |
|
(b) |
any interest which may have accrued; |
|
(c) |
any expenses which have been incurred by the Company due to that person’s default. |
|
7.11 |
The notice shall state the following: |
|
(a) |
the place where payment is to be made; and |
|
(b) |
a warning that if the notice is not complied with the Shares in respect of which the
call is made will be liable to be forfeited. |
Forfeiture or surrender of Shares
|
7.12 |
If the notice under the preceding Article is not complied with, the directors may,
before the payment required by the notice has been received, resolve that any Share
the subject of that notice be forfeited. The forfeiture shall include all dividends
or other moneys payable in respect of the forfeited Share and not paid before the
forfeiture. Despite the foregoing, the directors may determine that any Share the
subject of that notice be accepted by the Company as surrendered by the Member holding
that Share in lieu of forfeiture. |
|
7.13 |
The directors may accept the surrender for no consideration of any Fully Paid Share. |
Disposal of forfeited or surrendered Share and power to cancel forfeiture or surrender
|
7.14 |
A forfeited or surrendered Share may be sold, re-allotted or otherwise disposed of
on such terms and in such manner as the directors determine either to the former Member
who held that Share or to any other person. The forfeiture or surrender may be cancelled
on such terms as the directors think fit at any time before a sale, re-allotment or
other disposition. Where, for the purposes of its disposal, a forfeited or surrendered
Share is to be transferred to any person, the directors may authorise some person
to execute an instrument of transfer of the Share to the transferee. |
|
7.15 |
On forfeiture or surrender: |
|
(a) |
the name of the Member concerned shall be removed from the Register of Members as
the holder of those Shares and that person shall cease to be a Member in respect of
those Shares; and |
|
(b) |
that person shall surrender to the Company for cancellation the certificate (if any)
for the forfeited or surrendered Shares. |
|
7.16 |
Despite the forfeiture or surrender of his Shares, that person shall remain liable
to the Company for all moneys which at the date of forfeiture or surrender were presently
payable by him to the Company in respect of those Shares together with: |
|
(b) |
interest from the date of forfeiture or surrender until payment: |
|
(i) |
at the rate of which interest was payable on those moneys before forfeiture; or |
|
(ii) |
if no interest was so payable, at the Default Rate. |
The directors, however, may waive payment wholly or in part.
Evidence of forfeiture or surrender
|
7.17 |
A declaration, whether statutory or under oath, made by a director or the Secretary
shall be conclusive evidence of the following matters stated in it as against all
persons claiming to be entitled to forfeited Shares: |
|
(a) |
that the person making the declaration is a director or Secretary of the Company,
and |
|
(b) |
that the particular Shares have been forfeited or surrendered on a particular date. |
Subject to the execution of an instrument of transfer, if necessary, the declaration
shall constitute good title to the Shares.
Sale of forfeited or surrendered Shares
|
7.18 |
Any person to whom the forfeited or surrendered Shares are disposed of shall not be
bound to see to the application of the consideration, if any, of those Shares nor
shall his title to the Shares be affected by any irregularity in, or invalidity of
the proceedings in respect of, the forfeiture, surrender or disposal of those Shares. |
Form of transfer
|
8.1 |
Subject to the following Articles about the transfer of Shares, and provided that
such transfer complies with the rules and regulations of the Designated Stock Exchange,
the SEC and/or any other competent regulatory authority or otherwise under Applicable
Law, a Member may transfer Shares to another person by completing an instrument of
transfer in a common form or in a form prescribed by the rules and regulations of
the Designated Stock Exchange, the SEC and/or any other competent regulatory authority
or otherwise under Applicable Law or in any other form approved by the directors,
executed: |
|
(a) |
where the Shares are Fully Paid, by or on behalf of that Member; and |
|
(b) |
where the Shares are partly paid, by or on behalf of that Member and the transferee. |
|
8.2 |
The transferor shall be deemed to remain the holder of a Share until the name of the
transferee is entered into the Register of Members. |
Power to refuse registration
|
8.3 |
If the Shares in question were issued in conjunction with rights, options or warrants
issued pursuant to Article 3.4 on terms that one cannot be transferred without the
other, the directors shall refuse to register the transfer of any such Share without
evidence satisfactory to them of the like transfer of such option or warrant. |
Power to suspend registration
|
8.4 |
The directors may suspend registration of the transfer of Shares at such times and
for such periods, not exceeding 30 days in any calendar year, as they determine. |
Company may retain instrument of transfer
|
8.5 |
The Company shall be entitled to retain any instrument of transfer which is registered;
but an instrument of transfer which the directors refuse to register shall be returned
to the person lodging it when notice of the refusal is given. |
|
9. |
Transmission of Shares |
Persons entitled on death of a Member
|
9.1 |
If a Member dies, the only persons recognised by the Company as having any title to
the deceased Members’ interest are the following: |
|
(a) |
where the deceased Member was a joint holder, the survivor or survivors; and |
|
(b) |
where the deceased Member was a sole holder, that Member’s personal representative or representatives. |
|
9.2 |
Nothing in these Articles shall release the deceased Member’s estate from any liability in respect of any Share, whether the deceased was a sole
holder or a joint holder. |
Registration of transfer of a Share following death or bankruptcy
|
9.3 |
A person becoming entitled to a Share in consequence of the death or bankruptcy of
a Member may elect to do either of the following: |
|
(a) |
to become the holder of the Share; |
|
(b) |
to transfer the Share to another person. |
|
9.4 |
That person must produce such evidence of his entitlement as the directors may properly
require. |
|
9.5 |
If the person elects to become the holder of the Share, he must give notice to the
Company to that effect. For the purposes of these Articles, that notice shall be treated
as though it were an executed instrument of transfer. |
|
9.6 |
If the person elects to transfer the Share to another person then: |
|
(a) |
if the Share is Fully Paid, the transferor must execute an instrument of transfer;
and |
|
(b) |
if the Share is partly paid, the transferor and the transferee must execute an instrument
of transfer. |
|
9.7 |
All these Articles relating to the transfer of Shares shall apply to the notice or,
as appropriate, the instrument of transfer. |
Indemnity
|
9.8 |
A person registered as a Member by reason of the death or bankruptcy of another Member
shall indemnify the Company and the directors against any loss or damage suffered
by the Company or the directors as a result of that registration. |
Rights of person entitled to a Share following death or bankruptcy
|
9.9 |
A person becoming entitled to a Share by reason of the death or bankruptcy of a Member
shall have the rights to which he would be entitled if he were registered as the holder
of the Share. However, until he is registered as Member in respect of the Share, he
shall not be entitled to attend or vote at any meeting of the Company or at any separate
meeting of the holders of that class of Shares in the Company. |
|
10. |
Alteration of capital |
Increasing, consolidating, converting, dividing and cancelling share capital
|
10.1 |
To the fullest extent permitted by the Act, the Company may by Ordinary Resolution
do any of the following and amend its Memorandum for that purpose: |
|
(a) |
increase its share capital by new Shares of the amount fixed by that Ordinary Resolution
and with the attached rights, priorities and privileges set out in that Ordinary Resolution; |
|
(b) |
consolidate and divide all or any of its share capital into Shares of larger amount
than its existing Shares; |
|
(c) |
convert all or any of its Paid Up Shares into stock, and reconvert that stock into
Paid Up Shares of any denomination; |
|
(d) |
sub-divide its Shares or any of them into Shares of an amount smaller than that fixed
by the Memorandum, so, however, that in the sub-division, the proportion between the
amount paid and the amount, if any, unpaid on each reduced Share shall be the same
as it was in case of the Share from which the reduced Share is derived; and |
|
(e) |
cancel Shares which, at the date of the passing of that Ordinary Resolution, have
not been taken or agreed to be taken by any person, and diminish the amount of its
share capital by the amount of the Shares so cancelled or, in the case of Shares without
nominal par value, diminish the number of Shares into which its capital is divided. |
Dealing with fractions resulting from consolidation of Shares
|
10.2 |
Whenever, as a result of a consolidation of Shares, any Members would become entitled
to fractions of a Share the directors may on behalf of those Members: |
|
(a) |
sell the Shares representing the fractions for the best price reasonably obtainable
to any person (including, subject to the provisions of the Act, the Company); and |
|
(b) |
distribute the net proceeds in due proportion among those Members. |
For that purpose, the directors may authorise some person to execute an instrument
of transfer of the Shares to, or in accordance with the directions of, the purchaser.
The transferee shall not be bound to see to the application of the purchase money
nor shall the transferee’s title to the Shares be affected by any irregularity in, or invalidity of, the proceedings
in respect of the sale.
Reducing share capital
|
10.3 |
Subject to the Act and to any rights for the time being conferred on the Members holding
a particular class of Shares, the Company may, by Special Resolution, reduce its share
capital in any way. |
|
11. |
Redemption and purchase of own Shares |
Power to issue redeemable Shares and to purchase own Shares
|
11.1 |
Subject to the Act and Article 37, and to any rights for the time being conferred
on the Members holding a particular class of Shares, and, where applicable, the rules
and regulations of the Designated Stock Exchange, the SEC and/or any other competent
regulatory authority or otherwise under Applicable Law, the Company may by its directors: |
|
(a) |
issue Shares that are to be redeemed or liable to be redeemed, at the option of the
Company or the Member holding those redeemable Shares, on the terms and in the manner
its directors determine before the issue of those Shares; |
|
(b) |
with the consent by Special Resolution of the Members holding Shares of a particular
class, vary the rights attaching to that class of Shares so as to provide that those
Shares are to be redeemed or are liable to be redeemed at the option of the Company
on the terms and in the manner which the directors determine at the time of such variation;
and |
|
(c) |
purchase all or any of its own Shares of any class including any redeemable Shares
on the terms and in the manner which the directors determine at the time of such purchase. |
The Company may make a payment in respect of the redemption or purchase of its own
Shares in any manner authorised by the Act, including out of any combination of the
following: capital, its profits and the proceeds of a fresh issue of Shares.
|
11.2 |
With respect to redeeming, repurchasing or surrendering of Shares: |
|
(a) |
Members who hold Public Shares are entitled to request the redemption of such Shares
in the circumstances described in Article 37.3; |
|
(b) |
Shares held by the Sponsor shall be surrendered by the Sponsor for no consideration
to the extent that the Over-Allotment Option is not exercised in full so that such
shares will represent 20% of the Company’s issued Shares after the IPO (exclusive of any securities purchased in a private
placement simultaneously with the IPO); and |
|
(c) |
Public Shares shall be repurchased by way of Tender Offer in the circumstances set out in Article 37.2(b). |
Power to pay for redemption or purchase in cash or in specie
|
11.3 |
When making a payment in respect of the redemption or purchase of Shares, the directors
may make the payment in cash or in specie (or partly in one and partly in the other)
if so authorised by the terms of the allotment of those Shares, or by the terms applying
to those Shares in accordance with Article 11.1, or otherwise by agreement with the
Member holding those Shares. |
Effect of redemption or purchase of a Share
|
11.4 |
Upon the date of redemption or purchase of a Share: |
|
(a) |
the Member holding that Share shall cease to be entitled to any rights in respect
of the Share other than the right to receive: |
|
(i) |
the price for the Share; and |
|
(ii) |
any dividend declared in respect of the Share prior to the date of redemption or purchase; |
|
(b) |
the Member’s name shall be removed from the Register of Members with respect to the Share; and |
|
(c) |
the Share shall be cancelled or held as a Treasury Shares, as the directors may determine. |
For the purpose of this Article, the date of redemption or purchase is the date when
the redemption or purchase falls due.
|
11.5 |
For the avoidance of doubt, redemptions and repurchases of Shares in the circumstances described in Articles 11.2(a), 11.2(b) and 11.2(c) above shall not require further approval of the Members. |
Power to call meetings
|
12.1 |
To the extent required by the rules and regulations of the Designated Stock Exchange,
the SEC and/or any other competent regulatory authority or otherwise under Applicable
Law, an annual general meeting of the Company shall be held no later than six months
after the first financial year end occurring after the IPO, and shall be held in each
year thereafter at such time as determined by the directors and the Company may, but
shall not (unless required by the Act or the rules and regulations of the Designated
Stock Exchange, the SEC and/or any other competent regulatory authority or otherwise
under Applicable Law) be obliged to, in each year hold any other general meeting. |
|
12.2 |
The agenda of the annual general meeting shall be set by the directors and shall include
the presentation of the Company’s annual accounts and the report of the directors (if any). |
|
12.3 |
Annual general meetings shall be held in New York, USA or in such other places as
the directors may determine. |
|
12.4 |
All general meetings other than annual general meetings shall be called extraordinary
general meetings and the Company shall specify the meeting as such in the notices
calling it. |
|
12.5 |
The directors may call a general meeting at any time. |
|
12.6 |
If there are insufficient directors to constitute a quorum and the remaining directors
are unable to agree on the appointment of additional directors, the directors must
call a general meeting for the purpose of appointing additional directors. |
|
12.7 |
The directors must also call a general meeting if requisitioned in the manner set
out in the next two Articles. |
|
12.8 |
The requisition must be in writing and given by one or more Members who together hold
not less than 10% of the rights to vote at such general meeting. |
|
12.9 |
The requisition must also: |
|
(a) |
specify the purpose of the meeting. |
|
(b) |
be signed by or on behalf of each requisitioner (and for this purpose each joint holder
shall be obliged to sign). The requisition may consist of several documents in like
form signed by one or more of the requisitioners. |
|
(c) |
be delivered in accordance with the notice provisions. |
|
12.10 |
Should the directors fail to call a general meeting within 21 Clear Days from the
date of receipt of a requisition, the requisitioners or any of them may call a general
meeting within three months after the end of that period. |
|
12.11 |
Without limitation to the foregoing, if there are insufficient directors to constitute
a quorum and the remaining directors are unable to agree on the appointment of additional
directors, any one or more Members who together hold at least 40% of the rights to
vote at a general meeting may call a general meeting for the purpose of considering
the business specified in the notice of meeting which shall include as an item of
business the appointment of additional directors. |
|
12.12 |
Members seeking to bring business before the annual general meeting or to nominate
candidates for election as directors at the annual general meeting must deliver notice
to the principal executive offices of the Company not later than the close of business
on the 90th day nor earlier than the close of business on the 120th day prior to the
scheduled date of the annual general meeting. |
Content of notice
|
12.13 |
Notice of a general meeting shall specify each of the following: |
|
(a) |
the place, the date and the hour of the meeting; |
|
(b) |
if the meeting is to be held in two or more places, the technology that will be used
to facilitate the meeting; |
|
(c) |
subject to paragraph (d), the general nature of the business to be transacted; and |
|
(d) |
if a resolution is proposed as a Special Resolution, the text of that resolution. |
|
12.14 |
In each notice there shall appear with reasonable prominence the following statements: |
|
(a) |
that a Member who is entitled to attend and vote is entitled to appoint one or more
proxies to attend and vote instead of that Member; and |
|
(b) |
that a proxyholder need not be a Member. |
Period of notice
|
12.15 |
At least ten days’ notice of a general meeting must be given to Members, provided that a general meeting
of the Company shall, whether or not the notice specified in this Article has been
given and whether or not the provisions of these Articles regarding general meetings
have been complied with, be deemed to have been duly convened if it is so agreed: |
|
(a) |
in the case of an annual general meeting, by all of the Members entitled to attend
and vote thereat; and |
|
(b) |
in the case of an extraordinary general meeting, by a majority in number of the Members
having a right to attend and vote at the meeting, together holding not less than 95%
in par value of the Shares giving that right. |
Persons entitled to receive notice
|
12.16 |
Subject to the provisions of these Articles and to any restrictions imposed on any
Shares, the notice shall be given to the following people: |
|
(b) |
persons entitled to a Share in consequence of the death or bankruptcy of a Member;
and |
Publication of notice on a website
|
12.17 |
Subject to the Act or the rules and regulations of the Designated Stock Exchange,
the SEC and/or any other competent regulatory authority or otherwise under Applicable
Law, a notice of a general meeting may be published on a website providing the recipient
is given separate notice of: |
|
(a) |
the publication of the notice on the website; |
|
(b) |
the place on the website where the notice may be accessed; |
|
(c) |
how it may be accessed; and |
|
(d) |
the place, date and time of the general meeting. |
|
12.18 |
If a Member notifies the Company that he is unable for any reason to access the website,
the Company must as soon as practicable give notice of the meeting to that Member
by any other means permitted by these Articles. This will not affect when that Member
is deemed to have received notice of the meeting. |
Time a website notice is deemed to be given
|
12.19 |
A website notice is deemed to be given when the Member is given notice of its publication. |
Required duration of publication on a website
|
12.20 |
Where the notice of meeting is published on a website, it shall continue to be published
in the same place on that website from the date of the notification until at least
the conclusion of the meeting to which the notice relates. |
Accidental omission to give notice or non-receipt of notice
|
12.21 |
Proceedings at a meeting shall not be invalidated by the following: |
|
(a) |
an accidental failure to give notice of the meeting to any person entitled to notice;
or |
|
(b) |
non-receipt of notice of the meeting by any person entitled to notice. |
|
12.22 |
In addition, where a notice of meeting is published on a website, proceedings at the
meeting shall not be invalidated merely because it is accidentally published: |
|
(a) |
in a different place on the website; or |
|
(b) |
for part only of the period from the date of the notification until the conclusion
of the meeting to which the notice relates. |
|
13. |
Proceedings at meetings of Members |
Quorum
|
13.1 |
Save as provided in the following Article, no business shall be transacted at any
meeting unless a quorum is present in person or by proxy. One or more Members who
together hold not less than one-third of the Shares entitled to vote at such meeting
being individuals present in person or by proxy or if a corporation or other non-natural
person by its duly authorised representative or proxy shall be a quorum; provided
that a quorum in connection with any meeting that is convened to vote on a Business
Combination or any meeting convened with regards to an amendment described in Article
37.9 shall be a majority of the Shares entitled to vote at such meeting being individuals
present in person or by proxy or if a corporation or other non-natural person by its
duly authorised representative or proxy. |
Lack of quorum
|
13.2 |
If a quorum is not present within 15 minutes of the time appointed for the meeting,
or if at any time during the meeting it becomes inquorate, then the following provisions
apply: |
|
(a) |
If the meeting was requisitioned by Members, it shall be cancelled. |
|
(b) |
In any other case, the meeting shall stand adjourned to the same time and place seven
days hence, or to such other time or place as is determined by the directors. If a
quorum is not present within 15 minutes of the time appointed for the adjourned meeting,
the Members present shall be a quorum. |
Use of technology
|
13.3 |
A person may participate in a general meeting through the medium of conference telephone,
video or any other form of communications equipment providing all persons participating
in the meeting are able to hear and speak to each other throughout the meeting. A
person participating in this way is deemed to be present in person at the meeting. |
Chairman
|
13.4 |
The chairman of a general meeting shall be the chairman of the board or such other
director as the directors have nominated to chair board meetings in the absence of
the chairman of the board. Absent any such person being present within 15 minutes
of the time appointed for the meeting, the directors present shall elect one of their
number to chair the meeting. |
|
13.5 |
If no director is present within 15 minutes of the time appointed for the meeting,
or if no director is willing to act as chairman, the Members present in person or
by proxy and entitled to vote shall choose one of their number to chair the meeting. |
Right of a director to attend and speak
|
13.6 |
Even if a director is not a Member, he shall be entitled to attend and speak at any
general meeting and at any separate meeting of Members holding a particular class
of Shares in the Company. |
Adjournment and Postponement
|
13.7 |
The chairman may at any time adjourn a meeting. The chairman must adjourn the meeting
if so directed by the meeting. No business, however, can be transacted at an adjourned
meeting other than business which might properly have been transacted at the original
meeting. |
|
13.8 |
Should a meeting be adjourned for more than twenty Clear Days, whether because of
a lack of quorum or otherwise, Members shall be given at least five Clear Days’ notice of the date, time and place of the adjourned meeting and the general nature
of the business to be transacted. Otherwise it shall not be necessary to give any
notice of the adjournment. |
|
13.9 |
If, prior to a Business Combination, a notice is issued in respect of a general meeting
and the directors, in their absolute discretion, consider that it is impractical or
undesirable for any reason to hold that general meeting at the place, the day and
the hour specified in the notice calling such general meeting, the directors may postpone
the general meeting to another place, day and/or hour provided that notice of the
place, the day and the hour of the rearranged general meeting is promptly given to
all Members. No business shall be transacted at any postponed meeting other than the
business specified in the notice of the original meeting. |
|
13.10 |
When a general meeting is postponed for thirty days or more, notice of the postponed
meeting shall be given as in the case of an original meeting. Otherwise it shall not
be necessary to give any such notice of a postponed meeting. All proxy forms submitted
for the original general meeting shall remain valid for the postponed meeting. The
directors may postpone a general meeting which has already been postponed. |
Method of voting
|
13.11 |
A resolution put to the vote of the meeting shall be decided on a poll. |
Taking of a poll
|
13.12 |
A poll demanded on the question of adjournment shall be taken immediately. |
|
13.13 |
A poll demanded on any other question shall be taken either immediately or at an adjourned
meeting at such time and place as the chairman directs, not being more than 30 Clear
Days after the poll was demanded. |
|
13.14 |
The demand for a poll shall not prevent the meeting continuing to transact any business
other than the question on which the poll was demanded. |
|
13.15 |
A poll shall be taken in such manner as the chairman directs. He may appoint scrutineers
(who need not be Members) and fix a place and time for declaring the result of the
poll. If, through the aid of technology, the meeting is held in more than place, the
chairman may appoint scrutineers in more than place; but if he considers that the
poll cannot be effectively monitored at that meeting, the chairman shall adjourn the
holding of the poll to a date, place and time when that can occur. |
Chairman’s casting vote
|
13.16 |
If the votes on a resolution are equal, the chairman may if he wishes exercise a casting
vote. |
Amendments to resolutions
|
13.17 |
An Ordinary Resolution to be proposed at a general meeting may be amended by Ordinary
Resolution if: |
|
(a) |
not less than 48 hours before the meeting is to take place (or such later time as
the chairman of the meeting may determine), notice of the proposed amendment is given
to the Company in writing by a Member entitled to vote at that meeting; and |
|
(b) |
the proposed amendment does not, in the reasonable opinion of the chairman of the
meeting, materially alter the scope of the resolution. |
|
13.18 |
A Special Resolution to be proposed at a general meeting may be amended by Ordinary
Resolution, if: |
|
(a) |
the chairman of the meeting proposes the amendment at the general meeting at which
the resolution is to be proposed, and |
|
(b) |
the amendment does not go beyond what the chairman considers is necessary to correct
a grammatical or other non-substantive error in the resolution. |
|
13.19 |
If the chairman of the meeting, acting in good faith, wrongly decides that an amendment
to a resolution is out of order, the chairman’s error does not invalidate the vote on that resolution. |
Written resolutions
|
13.20 |
Members may pass a resolution in writing without holding a meeting if the following
conditions are met: |
|
(a) |
all Members entitled so to vote are given notice of the resolution as if the same
were being proposed at a meeting of Members; |
|
(b) |
all Members entitled so to vote: |
|
(ii) |
sign several documents in the like form each signed by one or more of those Members;
and |
|
(c) |
the signed document or documents is or are delivered to the Company, including, if
the Company so nominates, by delivery of an Electronic Record by Electronic means
to the address specified for that purpose. |
Such written resolution shall be as effective as if it had been passed at a meeting
of the Members entitled to vote duly convened and held.
|
13.21 |
If a written resolution is described as a Special Resolution or as an Ordinary Resolution,
it has effect accordingly. |
|
13.22 |
The directors may determine the manner in which written resolutions shall be put to
Members. In particular, they may provide, in the form of any written resolution, for
each Member to indicate, out of the number of votes the Member would have been entitled
to cast at a meeting to consider the resolution, how many votes he wishes to cast
in favour of the resolution and how many against the resolution or to be treated as
abstentions. The result of any such written resolution shall be determined on the
same basis as on a poll. |
Sole-member company
|
13.23 |
If the Company has only one Member, and the Member records in writing his decision
on a question, that record shall constitute both the passing of a resolution and the
minute of it. |
|
14. |
Voting rights of Members |
|
14.1 |
Subject to any rights or restrictions attached to any Member’s Shares, or unless a call or other amount presently payable has not been paid, all
Members are entitled to vote at a general meeting, and all Members holding Shares
of a particular class of Shares are entitled to vote at a meeting of the holders of
that class of Share |
|
14.2 |
Members may vote in person or by proxy. |
|
14.3 |
Every Member shall have one vote for each Share he holds, unless any Share carries
special voting rights. |
|
14.4 |
A fraction of a Share shall entitle its holder to an equivalent fraction of one vote. |
|
14.5 |
No Member is bound to vote on his Shares or any of them; nor is he bound to vote each
of his Shares in the same way. |
Rights of joint holders
|
14.6 |
If Shares are held jointly, only one of the joint holders may vote. If more than one
of the joint holders tenders a vote, the vote of the holder whose name in respect
of those Shares appears first in the Register of Members shall be accepted to the
exclusion of the votes of the other joint holder. |
Representation of corporate Members
|
14.7 |
Save where otherwise provided, a corporate Member must act by a duly authorised representative. |
|
14.8 |
A corporate Member wishing to act by a duly authorised representative must identify
that person to the Company by notice in writing. |
|
14.9 |
The authorisation may be for any period of time, and must be delivered to the Company
not less than two hours before the commencement of the meeting at which it is first
used. |
|
14.10 |
The directors of the Company may require the production of any evidence which they
consider necessary to determine the validity of the notice. |
|
14.11 |
Where a duly authorised representative is present at a meeting that Member is deemed
to be present in person; and the acts of the duly authorised representative are personal
acts of that Member. |
|
14.12 |
A corporate Member may revoke the appointment of a duly authorised representative
at any time by notice to the Company; but such revocation will not affect the validity
of any acts carried out by the duly authorised representative before the directors
of the Company had actual notice of the revocation. |
|
14.13 |
If a clearing house (or its nominee(s)), being a corporation, is a Member, it may
authorise such persons as it sees fit to act as its representative at any meeting
of the Company or at any meeting of any class of Members provided that the authorisation
shall specify the number and class of Shares in respect of which each such representative
is so authorised. Each person so authorised under the provisions of this Article shall
be deemed to have been duly authorised without further evidence of the facts and be
entitled to exercise the same rights and powers on behalf of the clearing house (or
its nominee(s)) as if such person was the registered holder of such Shares held by
the clearing house (or its nominee(s)). |
Member with mental disorder
|
14.14 |
A Member in respect of whom an order has been made by any court having jurisdiction
(whether in the Islands or elsewhere) in matters concerning mental disorder may vote,
by that Member’s receiver, curator bonis or other person authorised in that behalf appointed by that
court. |
|
14.15 |
For the purpose of the preceding Article, evidence to the satisfaction of the directors
of the authority of the person claiming to exercise the right to vote must be received
not less than 24 hours before holding the relevant meeting or the adjourned meeting
in any manner specified for the delivery of forms of appointment of a proxy, whether
in writing or by Electronic means. In default, the right to vote shall not be exercisabl |
Objections to admissibility of votes
|
14.16 |
An objection to the validity of a person’s vote may only be raised at the meeting or at the adjourned meeting at which the
vote is sought to be tendered. Any objection duly made shall be referred to the chairman
whose decision shall be final and conclusive. |
Form of proxy
|
14.17 |
An instrument appointing a proxy shall be in any common form or in any other form
approved by the directors. |
|
14.18 |
The instrument must be in writing and signed in one of the following ways: |
|
(b) |
by the Member’s authorised attorney; or |
|
(c) |
if the Member is a corporation or other body corporate, under seal or signed by an
authorised officer, secretary or attorney. |
If the directors so resolve, the Company may accept an Electronic Record of that instrument
delivered in the manner specified below and otherwise satisfying these Articles about
authentication of Electronic Records.
|
14.19 |
The directors may require the production of any evidence which they consider necessary
to determine the validity of any appointment of a proxy. |
|
14.20 |
A Member may revoke the appointment of a proxy at any time by notice to the Company
duly signed in accordance with the Article above about signing proxies; but such revocation
will not affect the validity of any acts carried out by the proxy before the directors
of the Company had actual notice of the revocation. |
How and when proxy is to be delivered
|
14.21 |
Subject to the following Articles, the form of appointment of a proxy and any authority
under which it is signed (or a copy of the authority certified notarially or in any
other way approved by the directors) must be delivered so that it is received by the
Company not less than 48 hours before the time for holding the meeting or adjourned
meeting at which the person named in the form of appointment of proxy proposes to
vote. They must be delivered in either of the following ways: |
|
(a) |
In the case of an instrument in writing, it must be left at or sent by post: |
|
(i) |
to the registered office of the Company; or |
|
(ii) |
to such other place specified in the notice convening the meeting or in any form of
appointment of proxy sent out by the Company in relation to the meeting. |
|
(b) |
If, pursuant to the notice provisions, a notice may be given to the Company in an
Electronic Record, an Electronic Record of an appointment of a proxy must be sent
to the address specified pursuant to those provisions unless another address for that
purpose is specified: |
|
(i) |
in the notice convening the meeting; or |
|
(ii) |
in any form of appointment of a proxy sent out by the Company in relation to the meeting;
or |
|
(iii) |
in any invitation to appoint a proxy issued by the Company in relation to the meeting. |
|
14.22 |
Where a poll is taken: |
|
(a) |
if it is taken more than seven Clear Days after it is demanded, the form of appointment
of a proxy and any accompanying authority (or an Electronic Record of the same) must
be delivered as required under the preceding Article not less than 24 hours before
the time appointed for the taking of the poll; |
|
(b) |
but if it to be taken within seven Clear Days after it was demanded, the form of appointment
of a proxy and any accompanying authority (or an Electronic Record of the same) must
be e delivered as required under the preceding Article not less than two hours before
the time appointed for the taking of the poll. |
|
14.23 |
If the form of appointment of proxy is not delivered on time, it is invalid. |
Voting by proxy
|
14.24 |
A proxy shall have the same voting rights at a meeting or adjourned meeting as the
Member would have had except to the extent that the instrument appointing him limits
those rights. Notwithstanding the appointment of a proxy, a Member may attend and
vote at a meeting or adjourned meeting. If a Member votes on any resolution a vote
by his proxy on the same resolution, unless in respect of different Shares, shall
be invalid. |
Unless otherwise determined by Ordinary Resolution, the minimum number of directors
shall be one and the maximum shall be ten.
|
16. |
Appointment, disqualification and removal of directors |
No age limit
|
16.1 |
There is no age limit for directors save that they must be aged at least 18 years. |
Corporate directors
|
16.2 |
Unless prohibited by law, a body corporate may be a director. If a body corporate
is a director, these Articles about representation of corporate Members at general
meetings apply, mutatis mutandis, to these Articles about directors’ meetings. |
No shareholding qualification
|
16.3 |
Unless a shareholding qualification for directors is fixed by Ordinary Resolution,
no director shall be required to own Shares as a condition of his appointment. |
Appointment and removal of directors
|
16.4 |
The directors shall be divided into three classes: Class I, Class II and Class III.
The number of directors in each class shall be as nearly equal as possible. Upon the
adoption of these Articles, the existing directors shall by resolution classify themselves
as Class I, Class II or Class III directors. The Class I directors shall stand elected
for a term expiring at the Company’s first annual general meeting. The Class II directors shall stand elected for a term
expiring at the Company’s second annual general meeting and the Class III directors shall stand elected for
a term expiring at the Company’s third annual general meeting. Commencing at the Company’s first annual general meeting, and at each annual general meeting thereafter, directors
elected to succeed those directors whose terms expire shall be elected for a term
of office to expire at the third succeeding annual general meeting after their election.
All directors shall hold office until the expiration of their respective terms of
office and until their successors shall have been elected and qualified. A director
elected to fill a vacancy resulting from the death, resignation or removal of a director
shall serve for the remainder of the full term of the director whose death, resignation
or removal shall have created such vacancy and until his successor shall have been
elected and qualified. |
|
16.5 |
After the closing of a Business Combination, the Company may by Ordinary Resolution
appoint any person to be a director or may by Ordinary Resolution remove any director. |
|
16.6 |
Without prejudice to the Company’s power to appoint a person to be a director pursuant to these Articles, the directors
shall have power at any time to appoint any person who is willing to act as a director,
either to fill a vacancy or as an additional director. A director elected to fill
a vacancy resulting from the death, resignation or removal of a director shall serve
for the remainder of the full term of the director whose death, resignation or removal
shall have created such vacancy and until his successor shall have been elected and
qualified. |
|
16.7 |
Notwithstanding the other provisions of these Articles, in any case where, as a result
of death, the Company has no directors and no shareholders, the personal representatives
of the last shareholder to have died have the power, by notice in writing to the Company,
to appoint a person to be a director. For the purpose of this Article: |
|
(a) |
where two or more shareholders die in circumstances rendering it uncertain who was
the last to die, a younger shareholder is deemed to have survived an older shareholder; |
|
(b) |
if the last shareholder died leaving a will which disposes of that shareholder’s shares in the Company (whether by way of specific gift, as part of the residuary
estate, or otherwise): |
|
(i) |
the expression personal representatives of the last shareholder means: |
|
(A) |
until a grant of probate in respect of that will has been obtained from the Grand
Court of the Cayman Islands, all of the executors named in that will who are living
at the time the power of appointment under this Article is exercised; and |
|
(B) |
after such grant of probate has been obtained, only such of those executors who have
proved that will; |
|
(ii) |
without derogating from section 3(1) of the Succession Act (Revised), the executors named in that will may exercise
the power of appointment under this Article without first obtaining a grant of probate. |
|
16.8 |
A remaining director may appoint a director even though there is not a quorum of directors. |
|
16.9 |
No appointment can cause the number of directors to exceed the maximum; and any such
appointment shall be invalid. |
|
16.10 |
For so long as Shares are listed on a Designated Stock Exchange, the directors shall
include at least such number of Independent Directors as Applicable Law or the rules
and regulations of the Designated Stock Exchange require, subject to applicable phase-in
rules of the Designated Stock Exchange. |
Resignation of directors
|
16.11 |
A director may at any time resign office by giving to the Company notice in writing
or, if permitted pursuant to the notice provisions, in an Electronic Record delivered
in either case in accordance with those provisions. |
|
16.12 |
Unless the notice specifies a different date, the director shall be deemed to have
resigned on the date that the notice is delivered to the Company. |
Termination of the office of director
|
16.13 |
A director’s office shall be terminated forthwith if: |
|
(a) |
he is prohibited by the law of the Islands from acting as a director; or |
|
(b) |
he is made bankrupt or makes an arrangement or composition with his creditors generally;
or |
|
(c) |
in the opinion of a registered medical practitioner by whom he is being treated he
becomes physically or mentally incapable of acting as a director; or |
|
(d) |
he is made subject to any law relating to mental health or incompetence, whether by
court order or otherwise; |
|
(e) |
without the consent of the other directors, he is absent from meetings of directors
for a continuous period of six months; or |
|
(f) |
all of the other directors (being not less than two in number) determine that he should
be removed as a director, either by a resolution passed by all of the other directors
at a meeting of the directors duly convened and held in accordance with these Articles
or by a resolution in writing signed by all of the other directors. |
Appointment and removal
|
17.1 |
Any director may appoint any other person, including another director, to act in his
place as an alternate director. No appointment shall take effect until the director
has given notice of the appointment to the other directors. Such notice must be given
to each other director by either of the following methods: |
|
(a) |
by notice in writing in accordance with the notice provisions; |
|
(b) |
if the other director has an email address, by emailing to that address a scanned
copy of the notice as a PDF attachment (the PDF version being deemed to be the notice
unless Article 32.7 applies), in which event notice shall be taken to be given on the date of receipt by the recipient
in readable form. For the avoidance of doubt, the same email may be sent to the email
address of more than one director (and to the email address of the Company pursuant
to Article 17.4(c)). |
|
17.2 |
Without limitation to the preceding Article, a director may appoint an alternate for
a particular meeting by sending an email to his fellow directors informing them that
they are to take such email as notice of such appointment for such meeting. Such appointment
shall be effective without the need for a signed notice of appointment or the giving
of notice to the Company in accordance with Article 17.4. |
|
17.3 |
A director may revoke his appointment of an alternate at any time. No revocation shall
take effect until the director has given notice of the revocation to the other directors.
Such notice must be given by either of the methods specified in Article 17.1. |
|
17.4 |
A notice of appointment or removal of an alternate director must also be given to
the Company by any of the following methods: |
|
(a) |
by notice in writing in accordance with the notice provisions; |
|
(b) |
if the Company has a facsimile address for the time being, by sending by facsimile
transmission to that facsimile address a facsimile copy or, otherwise, by sending
by facsimile transmission to the facsimile address of the Company’s registered office a facsimile copy (in either case, the facsimile copy being deemed
to be the notice unless Article 32.7 applies), in which event notice shall be taken
to be given on the date of an error-free transmission report from the sender’s fax machine; |
|
(c) |
if the Company has an email address for the time being, by emailing to that email
address a scanned copy of the notice as a PDF attachment or, otherwise, by emailing
to the email address provided by the Company’s registered office a scanned copy of the notice as a PDF attachment (in either case,
the PDF version being deemed to be the notice unless Article 32.7 applies), in which
event notice shall be taken to be given on the date of receipt by the Company or the
Company’s registered office (as appropriate) in readable form; or |
|
(d) |
if permitted pursuant to the notice provisions, in some other form of approved Electronic
Record delivered in accordance with those provisions in writing. |
Notices
|
17.5 |
All notices of meetings of directors shall continue to be given to the appointing
director and not to the alternate. |
Rights of alternate director
|
17.6 |
An alternate director shall be entitled to attend and vote at any board meeting or
meeting of a committee of the directors at which the appointing director is not personally
present, and generally to perform all the functions of the appointing director in
his absence. |
|
17.7 |
For the avoidance of doubt: |
|
(a) |
if another director has been appointed an alternate director for one or more directors,
he shall be entitled to a separate vote in his own right as a director and in right
of each other director for whom he has been appointed an alternate; and |
|
(b) |
if a person other than a director has been appointed an alternate director for more
than one director, he shall be entitled to a separate vote in right of each director
for whom he has been appointed an alternate. |
|
17.8 |
An alternate director, however, is not entitled to receive any remuneration from the
Company for services rendered as an alternate director. |
Appointment ceases when the appointer ceases to be a director
|
17.9 |
An alternate director shall cease to be an alternate director if the director who
appointed him ceases to be a director. |
Status of alternate director
|
17.10 |
An alternate director shall carry out all functions of the director who made the appointment. |
|
17.11 |
Save where otherwise expressed, an alternate director shall be treated as a director
under these Articles. |
|
17.12 |
An alternate director is not the agent of the director appointing him. |
|
17.13 |
An alternate director is not entitled to any remuneration for acting as alternate
director. |
Status of the director making the appointment
|
17.14 |
A director who has appointed an alternate is not thereby relieved from the duties
which he owes the Company. |
Powers of directors
|
18.1 |
Subject to the provisions of the Act, the Memorandum and these Articles, the business
of the Company shall be managed by the directors who may for that purpose exercise
all the powers of the Company. |
|
18.2 |
No prior act of the directors shall be invalidated by any subsequent alteration of
the Memorandum or these Articles. However, to the extent allowed by the Act, following
the consummation of the IPO Members may by Special Resolution validate any prior or
future act of the directors which would otherwise be in breach of their duties. |
Appointments to office
|
18.3 |
The directors may appoint a director: |
|
(a) |
as chairman of the board of directors; |
|
(b) |
as vice-chairman of the board of directors; |
|
(c) |
as managing director; |
|
(d) |
to any other executive office |
for such period and on such terms, including as to remuneration, as they think fit.
|
18.4 |
The appointee must consent in writing to holding that office. |
|
18.5 |
Where a chairman is appointed he shall, unless unable to do so, preside at every meeting
of directors. |
|
18.6 |
If there is no chairman, or if the chairman is unable to preside at a meeting, that
meeting may select its own chairman; or the directors may nominate one of their number
to act in place of the chairman should he ever not be available. |
|
18.7 |
Subject to the provisions of the Act, the directors may also appoint any person, who
need not be a director: |
|
(b) |
to any office that may be required (including, for the avoidance of doubt, one or
more chief executive officers, presidents, a chief financial officer, a treasurer,
vice-presidents, one or more assistant vice-presidents, one or more assistant treasurers
and one or more assistant secretaries), |
|
18.8 |
The Secretary or Officer must consent in writing to holding that office. |
|
18.9 |
A director, Secretary or other Officer of the Company may not hold the office, or
perform the services, of Auditor. |
Remuneration
|
18.10 |
The remuneration to be paid to the directors, if any, shall be such remuneration as
the directors shall determine, provided that no cash remuneration shall be paid to
any director prior to the consummation of a Business Combination. The directors shall
also, whether prior to or after the consummation of a Business Combination, be entitled
to be paid all out of pocket expenses properly incurred by them in connection with
activities on behalf of the Company, including identifying and consummating a Business
Combination. |
|
18.11 |
Remuneration may take any form and may include arrangements to pay pensions, health
insurance, death or sickness benefits, whether to the director or to any other person
connected to or related to him. |
|
18.12 |
Unless his fellow directors determine otherwise, a director is not accountable to
the Company for remuneration or other benefits received from any other company which
is in the same group as the Company or which has common shareholdings. |
Disclosure of information
|
18.13 |
The directors may release or disclose to a third party any information regarding the
affairs of the Company, including any information contained in the Register of Members
relating to a Member, (and they may authorise any director, Officer or other authorised
agent of the Company to release or disclose to a third party any such information
in his possession) if: |
|
(a) |
the Company or that person, as the case may be, is lawfully required to do so under
the laws of any jurisdiction to which the Company is subject; or |
|
(b) |
such disclosure is in compliance with the rules of any stock exchange upon which the
Company’s shares are listed; or |
|
(c) |
such disclosure is in accordance with any contract entered into by the Company; or |
|
(d) |
the directors are of the opinion such disclosure would assist or facilitate the Company’s operations. |
Power to delegate any of the directors’ powers to a committee
|
19.1 |
The directors may delegate any of their powers to any committee consisting of one
or more persons who need not be Members (including, without limitation, the Audit
Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Nominating Committee). Persons on the
committee may include non-directors so long as the majority of those persons are directors. |
|
19.2 |
The delegation may be collateral with, or to the exclusion of, the directors’ own powers. |
|
19.3 |
The delegation may be on such terms as the directors think fit, including provision
for the committee itself to delegate to a sub-committee; save that any delegation
must be capable of being revoked or altered by the directors at will. |
|
19.4 |
Unless otherwise permitted by the directors, a committee must follow the procedures
prescribed for the taking of decisions by directors. |
|
19.5 |
The directors may adopt formal written charters for committees and, if so adopted,
shall review and assess the adequacy of such formal written charters on an annual
basis. Each of these committees shall be empowered to do all things necessary to exercise
the rights of such committee set forth in the Articles and shall have such powers
as the directors may delegate pursuant to the Articles and as required by the rules
and regulations of the Designated Stock Exchange, the SEC and/or any other competent
regulatory authority or otherwise under Applicable Law. Each of the Audit Committee,
the Compensation Committee and the Nominating Committee, if established, shall consist
of such number of directors as the directors shall from time to time determine (or
such minimum number as may be required from time to time by the rules and regulations
of the Designated Stock Exchange, the SEC and/or any other competent regulatory authority
or otherwise under Applicable Law). For so long as any class of Shares is listed on
the Designated Stock Exchange, the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and
the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee shall be made up of such number
of Independent Directors as is required from time to time by the rules and regulations
of the rules and regulations of the Designated Stock Exchange, the SEC and/or any
other competent regulatory authority or otherwise under Applicable Law. |
Power to appoint an agent of the Company
|
19.6 |
The directors may appoint any person, either generally or in respect of any specific
matter, to be the agent of the Company with or without authority for that person to
delegate all or any of that person’s powers. The directors may make that appointment: |
|
(a) |
by causing the Company to enter into a power of attorney or agreement; or |
|
(b) |
in any other manner they determine. |
Power to appoint an attorney or authorised signatory of the Company
|
19.7 |
The directors may appoint any person, whether nominated directly or indirectly by
the directors, to be the attorney or the authorised signatory of the Company. The
appointment may be: |
|
(b) |
with the powers, authorities and discretions; |
|
(d) |
subject to such conditions |
as they think fit. The powers, authorities and discretions, however, must not exceed
those vested in, or exercisable, by the directors under these Articles. The directors
may do so by power of attorney or any other manner they think fit.
|
19.8 |
Any power of attorney or other appointment may contain such provision for the protection
and convenience for persons dealing with the attorney or authorised signatory as the
directors think fit. Any power of attorney or other appointment may also authorise
the attorney or authorised signatory to delegate all or any of the powers, authorities
and discretions vested in that person. |
Power to appoint a proxy
|
19.9 |
Any director may appoint any other person, including another director, to represent
him at any meeting of the directors. If a director appoints a proxy, then for all
purposes the presence or vote of the proxy shall be deemed to be that of the appointing
director. |
|
19.10 |
Articles 17.1 to 17.4 inclusive (relating to the appointment by directors of alternate
directors) apply, mutatis mutandis, to the appointment of proxies by directors. |
|
19.11 |
A proxy is an agent of the director appointing him and is not an Officer. |
|
20. |
Meetings of directors |
Regulation of directors’ meetings
|
20.1 |
Subject to the provisions of these Articles, the directors may regulate their proceedings
as they think fit. |
Calling meetings
|
20.2 |
Any director may call a meeting of directors at any time. The Secretary, if any, must
call a meeting of the directors if requested to do so by a director. |
Notice of meetings
|
20.3 |
Every director shall be given notice of a meeting, although a director may waive retrospectively
the requirement to be given notice. Notice may be oral. Attendance at a meeting without
written objection shall be deemed to be a waiver of such notice requirement. |
Period of notice
|
20.4 |
At least five Clear Days’ notice of a meeting of directors must be given to directors. A meeting may be convened
on shorter notice with the consent of all directors. |
Use of technology
|
20.5 |
A director may participate in a meeting of directors through the medium of conference
telephone, video or any other form of communications equipment providing all persons
participating in the meeting are able to hear and speak to each other throughout the
meeting. |
|
20.6 |
A director participating in this way is deemed to be present in person at the meeting. |
Place of meetings
|
20.7 |
The quorum for the transaction of business at a meeting of directors shall be two
unless the directors fix some other number or unless the Company has only one director. |
Quorum
|
20.8 |
The quorum for the transaction of business at a meeting of directors shall be two
unless the directors fix some other number or unless the Company has only one director. |
Voting
|
20.9 |
A question which arises at a board meeting shall be decided by a majority of votes.
If votes are equal the chairman may, if he wishes, exercise a casting vote. |
Validity
|
20.10 |
Anything done at a meeting of directors is unaffected by the fact that it is later
discovered that any person was not properly appointed, or had ceased to be a director,
or was otherwise not entitled to vote. |
Recording of dissent
|
20.11 |
A director present at a meeting of directors shall be presumed to have assented to
any action taken at that meeting unless: |
|
(a) |
his dissent is entered in the minutes of the meeting; or |
|
(b) |
he has filed with the meeting before it is concluded signed dissent from that action;
or |
|
(c) |
he has forwarded to the Company as soon as practical following the conclusion of that
meeting signed dissent. |
A director who votes in favour of an action is not entitled to record his dissent
to it.
Written resolutions
|
20.12 |
The directors may pass a resolution in writing without holding a meeting if all directors
sign a document or sign several documents in the like form each signed by one or more
of those directors. |
|
20.13 |
Despite the foregoing, a resolution in writing signed by a validly appointed alternate
director or by a validly appointed proxy need not also be signed by the appointing
director. If a written resolution is signed personally by the appointing director,
it need not also be signed by his alternate or proxy. |
|
20.14 |
Such written resolution shall be as effective as if it had been passed at a meeting
of the directors duly convened and held; and it shall be treated as having been passed
on the day and at the time that the last director signs. |
Sole director’s minute
|
20.15 |
Where a sole director signs a minute recording his decision on a question, that record
shall constitute the passing of a resolution in those terms. |
|
21. |
Permissible directors’ interests and disclosure |
Permissible interests subject to disclosure
|
21.1 |
Save as expressly permitted by these Articles or as set out below, a director may
not have a direct or indirect interest or duty which conflicts or may possibly conflict
with the interests of the Company. |
|
21.2 |
If, notwithstanding the prohibition in the preceding Article, a director discloses
to his fellow directors the nature and extent of any material interest or duty in
accordance with the next Article, he may: |
|
(a) |
be a party to, or otherwise interested in, any transaction or arrangement with the
Company or in which the Company is or may otherwise be interested; or |
|
(b) |
be interested in another body corporate promoted by the Company or in which the Company
is otherwise interested. In particular, the director may be a director, secretary
or officer of, or employed by, or be a party to any transaction or arrangement with,
or otherwise interested in, that other body corporate. |
|
21.3 |
Such disclosure may be made at a meeting of the board or otherwise (and, if otherwise,
it must be made in writing). The director must disclose the nature and extent of his
direct or indirect interest in or duty in relation to a transaction or arrangement
or series of transactions or arrangements with the Company or in which the Company
has any material interest. |
|
21.4 |
If a director has made disclosure in accordance with the preceding Article, then he
shall not, by reason only of his office, be accountable to the Company for any benefit
that he derives from any such transaction or arrangement or from any such office or
employment or from any interest in any such body corporate, and no such transaction
or arrangement shall be liable to be avoided on the ground of any such interest or
benefit. |
Notification of interests
|
21.5 |
For the purposes of the preceding Articles: |
|
(a) |
a general notice that a director gives to the other directors that he is to be regarded
as having an interest of the nature and extent specified in the notice in any transaction
or arrangement in which a specified person or class of persons is interested shall
be deemed to be a disclosure that he has an interest in or duty in relation to any
such transaction of the nature and extent so specified; and |
|
(b) |
an interest of which a director has no knowledge and of which it is unreasonable to
expect him to have knowledge shall not be treated as an interest of his. |
Voting where a director is interested in a matter
|
21.6 |
A director may vote at a meeting of directors on any resolution concerning a matter
in which that director has an interest or duty, whether directly or indirectly, so
long as that director discloses any material interest pursuant to these Articles.
The director shall be counted towards a quorum of those present at the meeting. If
the director votes on the resolution, his vote shall be counted. |
|
21.7 |
Where proposals are under consideration concerning the appointment of two or more
directors to offices or employment with the Company or any body corporate in which
the Company is interested, the proposals may be divided and considered in relation
to each director separately and each of the directors concerned shall be entitled
to vote and be counted in the quorum in respect of each resolution except that concerning
his or her own appointment. |
The Company shall cause minutes to be made in books kept for the purpose in accordance
with the Act.
Accounting and other records
|
23.1 |
The directors must ensure that proper accounting and other records are kept, and that
accounts and associated reports are distributed in accordance with the requirements
of the Act. |
No automatic right of inspection
|
23.2 |
Members are only entitled to inspect the Company’s records if they are expressly entitled to do so by law, or by resolution made by
the directors or passed by Ordinary Resolution. |
Sending of accounts and reports
|
23.3 |
The Company’s accounts and associated directors’ report or auditor’s report that are required or permitted to be sent to any person pursuant to any law
shall be treated as properly sent to that person if: |
|
(a) |
they are sent to that person in accordance with the notice provisions: or |
|
(b) |
they are published on a website providing that person is given separate notice of: |
|
(i) |
the fact that publication of the documents has been published on the website; |
|
(ii) |
the address of the website; and |
|
(iii) |
the place on the website where the documents may be accessed; and |
|
(iv) |
how they may be accessed. |
|
23.4 |
If, for any reason, a person notifies the Company that he is unable to access the
website, the Company must, as soon as practicable, send the documents to that person
by any other means permitted by these Articles. This, however, will not affect when
that person is taken to have received the documents under the next Article. |
Time of receipt if documents are published on a website
|
23.5 |
Documents sent by being published on a website in accordance with the preceding two
Articles are only treated as sent at least five Clear Days before the date of the
meeting at which they are to be laid if: |
|
(a) |
the documents are published on the website throughout a period beginning at least
five Clear Days before the date of the meeting and ending with the conclusion of the
meeting; and |
|
(b) |
the person is given at least five Clear Days’ notice of the hearing. |
Validity despite accidental error in publication on website
|
23.6 |
If, for the purpose of a meeting, documents are sent by being published on a website
in accordance with the preceding Articles, the proceedings at that meeting are not
invalidated merely because: |
|
(a) |
those documents are, by accident, published in a different place on the website to
the place notified; or |
|
(b) |
they are published for part only of the period from the date of notification until
the conclusion of that meeting. |
Audit
|
23.7 |
The directors may appoint an Auditor of the Company who shall hold office on such
terms as the directors determine. |
|
23.8 |
Without prejudice to the freedom of the directors to establish any other committee,
if the Shares (or depositary receipts therefor) are listed or quoted on the Designated
Stock Exchange, and if required by the Designated Stock Exchange, the directors shall
establish and maintain an Audit Committee as a committee of the directors and shall
adopt a formal written Audit Committee charter and review and assess the adequacy
of the formal written charter on an annual basis. The composition and responsibilities
of the Audit Committee shall comply with the rules and regulations of the SEC and
the Designated Stock Exchange. The Audit Committee shall meet at least once every
financial quarter, or more frequently as circumstances dictate. |
|
23.9 |
If the Shares are listed or quoted on the Designated Stock Exchange, the Company shall
conduct an appropriate review of all related party transactions on an ongoing basis
and shall utilise the Audit Committee for the review and approval of potential conflicts
of interest. |
|
23.10 |
The remuneration of the Auditor shall be fixed by the Audit Committee (if one exists). |
|
23.11 |
If the office of Auditor becomes vacant by resignation or death of the Auditor, or
by his becoming incapable of acting by reason of illness or other disability at a
time when his services are required, the directors shall fill the vacancy and determine
the remuneration of such Auditor. |
|
23.12 |
Every Auditor of the Company shall have a right of access at all times to the books
and accounts and vouchers of the Company and shall be entitled to require from the
directors and officers of the Company such information and explanation as may be necessary
for the performance of the duties of the Auditor. |
|
23.13 |
Auditors shall, if so required by the directors, make a report on the accounts of
the Company during their tenure of office at the next annual general meeting following
their appointment in the case of a company which is registered with the Registrar
of Companies as an ordinary company, and at the next extraordinary general meeting following their appointment in the case of a company
which is registered with the Registrar of Companies as an exempted company, and at
any other time during their term of office, upon request of the directors or any general
meeting of the Members. |
|
23.14 |
Any payment made to members of the Audit Committee (if one exists) shall require the
review and approval of the directors, with any director interested in such payment
abstaining from such review and approval. |
|
23.15 |
The Audit Committee shall monitor compliance with the terms of the IPO and, if any
non-compliance is identified, the Audit Committee shall be charged with the responsibility
to take all action necessary to rectify such non-compliance or otherwise cause compliance
with the terms of the IPO. |
Unless the directors otherwise specify, the financial year of the Company:
|
(a) |
shall end on 31st December in the year of its incorporation and each following year;
and |
|
(b) |
shall begin when it was incorporated and on 1st January each following year. |
Except to the extent of any conflicting rights attached to Shares, the directors may
fix any time and date as the record date for:
|
(a) |
calling a general meeting; |
|
(b) |
declaring or paying a dividend; |
|
(c) |
making or issuing an allotment of Shares; or |
|
(d) |
conducting any other business required pursuant to these Articles. |
The record date may be before or after the date on which a dividend, allotment or
issue is declared, paid or made.
Declaration of dividends by Members
|
26.1 |
Subject to the provisions of the Act, the Company may by Ordinary Resolution declare
dividends in accordance with the respective rights of the Members but no dividend
shall exceed the amount recommended by the directors. |
Payment of interim dividends and declaration of final dividends by directors
|
26.2 |
The directors may pay interim dividends or declare final dividends in accordance with
the respective rights of the Members if it appears to them that they are justified
by the financial position of the Company and that such dividends may lawfully be paid. |
|
26.3 |
Subject to the provisions of the Act, in relation to the distinction between interim
dividends and final dividends, the following applies: |
|
(a) |
Upon determination to pay a dividend or dividends described as interim by the directors
in the dividend resolution, no debt shall be created by the declaration until such
time as payment is made. |
|
(b) |
Upon declaration of a dividend or dividends described as final by the directors in
the dividend resolution, a debt shall be created immediately following the declaration,
the due date to be the date the dividend is stated to be payable in the resolution. |
If the resolution fails to specify whether a dividend is final or interim, it shall
be assumed to be interim.
|
26.4 |
In relation to Shares carrying differing rights to dividends or rights to dividends
at a fixed rate, the following applies: |
|
(a) |
If the share capital is divided into different classes, the directors may pay dividends
on Shares which confer deferred or non- preferred rights with regard to dividends
as well as on Shares which confer preferential rights with regard to dividends but
no dividend shall be paid on Shares carrying deferred or non-preferred rights if,
at the time of payment, any preferential dividend is in arrears. |
|
(b) |
The directors may also pay, at intervals settled by them, any dividend payable at
a fixed rate if it appears to them that there are sufficient funds of the Company
lawfully available for distribution to justify the payment. |
|
(c) |
If the directors act in good faith, they shall not incur any liability to the Members
holding Shares conferring preferred rights for any loss those Members may suffer by
the lawful payment of the dividend on any Shares having deferred or non-preferred
rights. |
Apportionment of dividends
|
26.5 |
Except as otherwise provided by the rights attached to Shares, all dividends shall
be declared and paid according to the amounts paid up on the Shares on which the dividend
is paid. All dividends shall be apportioned and paid proportionately to the amount
paid up on the Shares during the time or part of the time in respect of which the
dividend is paid. If a Share is issued on terms providing that it shall rank for dividend
as from a particular date, that Share shall rank for dividend accordingly. |
Right of set off
|
26.6 |
The directors may deduct from a dividend or any other amount payable to a person in
respect of a Share any amount due by that person to the Company on a call or otherwise
in relation to a Share. |
Power to pay other than in cash
|
26.7 |
If the directors so determine, any resolution declaring a dividend may direct that
it shall be satisfied wholly or partly by the distribution of assets. If a difficulty
arises in relation to the distribution, the directors may settle that difficulty in
any way they consider appropriate. For example, they may do any one or more of the
following: |
|
(a) |
issue fractional Shares; |
|
(b) |
fix the value of assets for distribution and make cash payments to some Members on
the footing of the value so fixed in order to adjust the rights of Members; and |
|
(c) |
vest some assets in trustees. |
How payments may be made
|
26.8 |
A dividend or other monies payable on or in respect of a Share may be paid in any
of the following ways: |
|
(a) |
if the Member holding that Share or other person entitled to that Share nominates
a bank account for that purpose - by wire transfer to that bank account; or |
|
(b) |
by cheque or warrant sent by post to the registered address of the Member holding
that Share or other person entitled to that Share |
|
26.9 |
For the purpose of paragraph (a) of the preceding Article, the nomination may be in
writing or in an Electronic Record and the bank account nominated may be the bank
account of another person. For the |
|
26.10 |
If two or more persons are registered as the holders of the Share or are jointly entitled
to it by reason of the death or bankruptcy of the registered holder (Joint Holders),
a dividend (or other amount) payable on or in respect of that Share may be paid as
follows: |
|
(a) |
to the registered address of the Joint Holder of the Share who is named first on the
Register of Members or to the registered address of the deceased or bankrupt holder,
as the case may be; or |
|
(b) |
to the address or bank account of another person nominated by the Joint Holders, whether
that nomination is in writing or in an Electronic Record. |
|
26.11 |
Any Joint Holder of a Share may give a valid receipt for a dividend (or other amount)
payable in respect of that Share. |
Dividends or other moneys not to bear interest in absence of special rights
|
26.12 |
Unless provided for by the rights attached to a Share, no dividend or other monies
payable by the Company in respect of a Share shall bear interest. |
Dividends unable to be paid or unclaimed
|
26.13 |
If a dividend cannot be paid to a Member or remains unclaimed within six weeks after
it was declared or both, the directors may pay it into a separate account in the Company’s name. If a dividend is paid into a separate account, the Company shall not be constituted
trustee in respect of that account and the dividend shall remain a debt due to the
Member. |
|
26.14 |
A dividend that remains unclaimed for a period of six years after it became due for
payment shall be forfeited to, and shall cease to remain owing by, the Company. |
|
27. |
Capitalisation of profits |
Capitalisation of profits or of any share premium account or capital redemption reserve
|
27.1 |
The directors may resolve to capitalise: |
|
(a) |
any part of the Company’s profits not required for paying any preferential dividend (whether or not those
profits are available for distribution); or |
|
(b) |
any sum standing to the credit of the Company’s share premium account or capital redemption reserve, if any. |
The amount resolved to be capitalised must be appropriated to the Members who would
have been entitled to it had it been distributed by way of dividend and in the same
proportions. The benefit to each Member so entitled must be given in either or both
of the following ways:
|
(a) |
by paying up the amounts unpaid on that Member’s Shares; |
|
(b) |
by issuing Fully Paid Shares, debentures or other securities of the Company to that
Member or as that Member directs. The directors may resolve that any Shares issued
to the Member in respect of partly paid Shares (Original Shares) rank for dividend
only to the extent that the Original Shares rank for dividend while those Original
Shares remain partly paid. |
Applying an amount for the benefit of members
|
27.2 |
The amount capitalised must be applied to the benefit of Members in the proportions
to which the Members would have been entitled to dividends if the amount capitalised
had been distributed as a dividend. |
|
27.3 |
Subject to the Act, if a fraction of a Share, a debenture, or other security is allocated
to a Member, the directors may issue a fractional certificate to that Member or pay
him the cash equivalent of the fraction. |
|
28. |
Share premium account |
directors to maintain share premium account
|
28.1 |
The directors shall establish a share premium account in accordance with the Act.
They shall carry to the credit of that account from time to time an amount equal to
the amount or value of the premium paid on the issue of any Share or capital contributed
or such other amounts required by the Act. |
Debits to share premium account
|
28.2 |
The following amounts shall be debited to any share premium account: |
|
(a) |
on the redemption or purchase of a Share, the difference between the nominal value
of that Share and the redemption or purchase price; and |
|
(b) |
any other amount paid out of a share premium account as permitted by the Act. |
Company seal
|
29.1 |
The Company may have a seal if the directors so determine. |
Duplicate seal
|
29.2 |
Subject to the provisions of the Act, the Company may also have a duplicate seal or
seals for use in any place or places outside the Islands. Each duplicate seal shall
be a facsimile of the original seal of the Company. However, if the directors so determine,
a duplicate seal shall have added on its face the name of the place where it is to
be used. |
When and how seal is to be used
|
29.3 |
A seal may only be used by the authority of the directors. Unless the directors otherwise
determine, a document to which a seal is affixed must be signed in one of the following
ways: |
|
(a) |
By a director (or his alternate) and the Secretary; or |
|
(b) |
by a single director (or his alternate). |
If no seal is adopted or used
|
29.4 |
If the directors do not adopt a seal, or a seal is not used, a document may be executed
in the following manner: |
|
(a) |
by a director (or his alternate) or any Officer to which authority has been delegated
by resolution duly adopted by the directors; or |
|
(b) |
by a single director (or his alternate); or |
|
(c) |
in any other manner permitted by the Act. |
Power to allow non-manual signatures and facsimile printing of seal
|
29.5 |
The directors may determine that either or both of the following applies: |
|
(a) |
that the seal or a duplicate seal need not be affixed manually but may be affixed
by some other method or system of reproduction; |
|
(b) |
that a signature required by these Articles need not be manual but may be a mechanical
or Electronic Signature. |
Validity of execution
|
29.6 |
If a document is duly executed and delivered by or on behalf of the Company, it shall
not be regarded as invalid merely because, at the date of the delivery, the Secretary,
or the director, or other Officer or person who signed the document or affixed the
seal for and on behalf of the Company ceased to be the Secretary or hold that office
and authority on behalf of the Company. |
Indemnity
|
30.1 |
To the extent permitted by Applicable Law, the Company shall indemnify each existing
or former Secretary, director (including alternate director), and other Officer of
the Company (including an investment adviser or an administrator or liquidator) and
their personal representatives against: |
|
(a) |
all actions, proceedings, costs, charges, expenses, losses, damages or liabilities
incurred or sustained by the existing or former Secretary, director or Officer in
or about the conduct of the Company’s business or affairs or in the execution or discharge of the existing or former Secretary’s, director’s or Officer’s duties, powers, authorities or discretions; and |
|
(b) |
without limitation to paragraph (a), all costs, expenses, losses or liabilities incurred
by the existing or former Secretary, director or Officer in defending (whether successfully
or otherwise) any civil, criminal, administrative or investigative proceedings (whether
threatened, pending or completed) concerning the Company or its affairs in any court
or tribunal, whether in the Islands or elsewhere. |
Such indemnity only applies if the directors are of the view that, in the absence
of fraud, wilful default or wilful neglect, such existing or former Secretary, director
or Officer acted honestly and in good faith with a view to what the person believes
is in the best interests of the Company and, in the case of criminal proceedings,
such person had no reasonable cause to believe that their conduct was unlawful. No
such existing or former Secretary, director or Officer, however, shall be indemnified
in respect of any matter arising out of his own actual fraud, wilful default or wilful
neglect.
|
30.2 |
To the extent permitted by Applicable Law, the Company may make a payment, or agree
to make a payment, whether by way of advance, loan or otherwise, for any legal costs
incurred by an existing or former Secretary, director or Officer of the Company in
respect of any matter identified in paragraph (a) or paragraph (b) of the preceding
Article on condition that the Secretary, director or Officer must repay the amount
paid by the Company to the extent that it is ultimately found not liable to indemnify
the Secretary, director or that Officer for those legal costs. |
Release
|
30.3 |
To the extent permitted by Applicable Law, the Company may by Special Resolution release
any existing or former director (including alternate director), Secretary or other
Officer of the Company from liability |
Insurance
|
30.4 |
To the extent permitted by Applicable Law, the Company may pay, or agree to pay, a
premium in respect of a contract insuring each of the following persons against risks
determined by the directors, other than liability arising out of that person’s own dishonesty: |
|
(a) |
an existing or former director (including alternate director), Secretary or Officer
or auditor of: |
|
(ii) |
a company which is or was a subsidiary of the Company; |
|
(iii) |
a company in which the Company has or had an interest (whether direct or indirect);
and |
|
(b) |
a trustee of an employee or retirement benefits scheme or other trust in which any
of the persons referred to in paragraph (a) is or was interested. |
Form of notices
|
31.1 |
Save where these Articles provide otherwise, any notice to be given to or by any person
pursuant to these Articles shall be: |
|
(a) |
in writing signed by or on behalf of the giver in the manner set out below for written
notices; or |
|
(b) |
subject to the next Article, in an Electronic Record signed by or on behalf of the
giver by Electronic Signature and authenticated in accordance with Articles about
authentication of Electronic Records; or |
|
(c) |
where these Articles expressly permit, by the Company by means of a website. |
Electronic communications
|
31.2 |
Without limitation to Articles 17.1 to 17.4 inclusive (relating to the appointment
and removal by directors of alternate directors) and to Articles 19.8to 19.10 inclusive
(relating to the appointment by directors of proxies), a notice may only be given
to the Company in an Electronic Record if: |
|
(a) |
the directors so resolve; |
|
(b) |
the resolution states how an Electronic Record may be given and, if applicable, specifies
an email address for the Company; and |
|
(c) |
the terms of that resolution are notified to the Members for the time being and, if
applicable, to those directors who were absent from the meeting at which the resolution
was passed. |
If the resolution is revoked or varied, the revocation or variation shall only become
effective when its terms have been similarly notified.
|
31.3 |
A notice may not be given by Electronic Record to a person other than the Company
unless the recipient has notified the giver of an Electronic address to which notice
may be sent. |
Persons authorised to give notices
|
31.4 |
A notice by either the Company or a Member pursuant to these Articles may be given
on behalf of the Company or a Member by a director or company secretary of the Company
or a Member. |
Delivery of written notices
|
31.5 |
Save where these Articles provide otherwise, a notice in writing may be given personally
to the recipient, or left at (as appropriate) the Member’s or director’s registered address or the Company’s registered office, or posted to that registered address or registered office. |
Joint holders
|
31.6 |
Where Members are joint holders of a Share, all notices shall be given to the Member
whose name first appears in the Register of Members. |
Signatures
|
31.7 |
A written notice shall be signed when it is autographed by or on behalf of the giver,
or is marked in such a way as to indicate its execution or adoption by the giver. |
|
31.8 |
An Electronic Record may be signed by an Electronic Signature. |
Evidence of transmission
|
31.9 |
A notice given by Electronic Record shall be deemed sent if an Electronic Record is
kept demonstrating the time, date and content of the transmission, and if no notification
of failure to transmit is received by the giver. |
|
31.10 |
A notice given in writing shall be deemed sent if the giver can provide proof that
the envelope containing the notice was properly addressed, pre-paid and posted, or
that the written notice was otherwise properly transmitted to the recipient. |
Giving notice to a deceased or bankrupt Member
|
31.11 |
A notice may be given by the Company to the persons entitled to a Share in consequence
of the death or bankruptcy of a Member by sending or delivering it, in any manner
authorised by these Articles for the giving of notice to a Member, addressed to them
by name, or by the title of representatives of the deceased, or trustee of the bankrupt
or by any like description, at the address, if any, supplied for that purpose by the
persons claiming to be so entitled. |
|
31.12 |
Until such an address has been supplied, a notice may be given in any manner in which
it might have been given if the death or bankruptcy had not occurred. |
Date of giving notices
|
31.13 |
A notice is given on the date identified in the following table. |
| Method for giving notices |
|
When taken to be given |
| Personally |
|
At the time and date of delivery |
| |
|
| By leaving it at the member’s registered address |
|
At the time and date it was left |
| |
|
| If the recipient has an address within the Islands, by posting it by prepaid post
to the street or postal address of that recipient |
|
48 hours after it was posted |
| |
|
| If the recipient has an address outside the Islands, by posting it by prepaid airmail
to the street or postal address of that recipient |
|
3 Clear Days after posting |
| |
|
| By Electronic Record (other than publication on a website), to recipient’s Electronic address |
|
Within 24 hours after it was sent |
| |
|
| By publication on a website |
|
See these Articles about the time when notice of a meeting of Members or accounts
and reports, as the case may be, are published on a website |
Saving provision
|
31.14 |
None of the preceding notice provisions shall derogate from these Articles about the
delivery of written resolutions of directors and written resolutions of Members. |
|
32. |
Authentication of Electronic Records |
Application of Articles
|
32.1 |
Without limitation to any other provision of these Articles, any notice, written resolution
or other document under these Articles that is sent by Electronic means by a Member,
or by the Secretary, or by a director or other Officer of the Company, shall be deemed
to be authentic if either Article 32.2 or Article 32.4 applies. |
Authentication of documents sent by Members by Electronic means
|
32.2 |
An Electronic Record of a notice, written resolution or other document sent by Electronic
means by or on behalf of one or more Members shall be deemed to be authentic if the
following conditions are satisfied: |
|
(a) |
the Member or each Member, as the case may be, signed the original document, and for
this purpose Original Document includes several documents in like form signed by one
or more of those Members; and |
|
(b) |
the Electronic Record of the Original Document was sent by Electronic means by, or
at the direction of, that Member to an address specified in accordance with these
Articles for the purpose for which it was sent; and |
|
(c) |
Article 32.7 does not apply. |
|
32.3 |
For example, where a sole Member signs a resolution and sends the Electronic Record
of the original resolution, or causes it to be sent, by facsimile transmission to
the address in these Articles specified for that purpose, the facsimile copy shall
be deemed to be the written resolution of that Member unless Article 32.7 applies. |
Authentication of document sent by the Secretary or Officers of the Company by Electronic
means
|
32.4 |
An Electronic Record of a notice, written resolution or other document sent by or
on behalf of the Secretary or an Officer or Officers of the Company shall be deemed
to be authentic if the following conditions are satisfied: |
|
(a) |
the Secretary or the Officer or each Officer, as the case may be, signed the original
document, and for this purpose Original Document includes several documents in like
form signed by the Secretary or one or more of those Officers; and |
|
(b) |
the Electronic Record of the Original Document was sent by Electronic means by, or
at the direction of, the Secretary or that Officer to an address specified in accordance
with these Articles for the purpose for which it was sent; and |
|
(c) |
Article 32.7 does not apply. |
This Article applies whether the document is sent by or on behalf of the Secretary
or Officer in his own right or as a representative of the Company.
|
32.5 |
For example, where a sole director signs a resolution and scans the resolution, or
causes it to be scanned, as a PDF version which is attached to an email sent to the
address in these Articles specified for that purpose, the PDF version shall be deemed
to be the written resolution of that director unless Article 32.7 applies. |
Manner of signing
|
32.6 |
For the purposes of these Articles about the authentication of Electronic Records,
a document will be taken to be signed if it is signed manually or in any other manner
permitted by these Articles. |
Saving provision
|
32.7 |
A notice, written resolution or other document under these Articles will not be deemed
to be authentic if the recipient, acting reasonably: |
|
(a) |
believes that the signature of the signatory has been altered after the signatory
had signed the original document; or |
|
(b) |
believes that the original document, or the Electronic Record of it, was altered,
without the approval of the signatory, after the signatory signed the original document;
or |
|
(c) |
otherwise doubts the authenticity of the Electronic Record of the document |
and the recipient promptly gives notice to the sender setting the grounds of its objection.
If the recipient invokes this Article, the sender may seek to establish the authenticity
of the Electronic Record in any way the sender thinks fit.
|
33. |
Transfer by way of continuation |
|
33.1 |
The Company may, by Special Resolution, resolve to be registered by way of continuation
in a jurisdiction outside: |
|
(b) |
such other jurisdiction in which it is, for the time being, incorporated, registered
or existing. |
|
33.2 |
To give effect to any resolution made pursuant to the preceding Article, the directors
may cause the following: |
|
(a) |
an application be made to the Registrar of Companies to deregister the Company in
the Islands or in the other jurisdiction in which it is for the time being incorporated,
registered or existing; and |
|
(b) |
all such further steps as they consider appropriate to be taken to effect the transfer
by way of continuation of the Company. |
Distribution of assets in specie
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34.1 |
If the Company is wound up, the Members may, subject to these Articles and any other
sanction required by the Act, pass a Special Resolution allowing the liquidator to
do either or both of the following: |
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(a) |
to divide in specie among the Members the whole or any part of the assets of the Company
and, for that purpose, to value any assets and to determine how the division shall
be carried out as between the Members or different classes of Members; |
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(b) |
to vest the whole or any part of the assets in trustees for the benefit of Members
and those liable to contribute to the winding up. |
No obligation to accept liability
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34.2 |
No Member shall be compelled to accept any assets if an obligation attaches to them. |
The directors are authorised to present a winding up petition
|
34.3 |
The directors have the authority to present a petition for the winding up of the Company
to the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands on behalf of the Company without the sanction
of a resolution passed at a general meeting. |
|
35. |
Amendment of Memorandum and Articles |
Power to change name or amend Memorandum
|
35.1 |
Subject to the Act, the Company may, by Special Resolution: |
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(b) |
change the provisions of its Memorandum with respect to its objects, powers or any
other matter specified in the Memorandum. |
Power to amend these Articles
|
35.2 |
Subject to the Act and as provided in these Articles, the Company may, by Special
Resolution, amend these Articles in whole or in part. |
|
36. |
Mergers and Consolidations |
The Company shall have the power to merge or consolidate with one or more constituent
companies (as defined in the Act) upon such terms as the directors may determine and
(to the extent required by the Act) with the approval of a Special Resolution.
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37.1 |
Notwithstanding any other provision of these Articles, this Article 37 shall apply
during the period commencing upon the adoption of these Articles and terminating upon
the first to occur of the consummation of any Business Combination and the distribution
of the Trust Account pursuant to Article 37.10. In the event of a conflict between
this Article 37 and any other Articles, the provisions of this Article 37 shall prevail
and this Article may not be amended prior to the consummation of a Business Combination
without a Special Resolution. |
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37.2 |
Prior to the consummation of any Business Combination, the Company shall either: |
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(a) |
submit such Business Combination to its Members for approval; or |
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(b) |
provide Members with the opportunity to have their Shares repurchased by means of
a tender offer (a Tender Offer) for a per-Share repurchase price payable in cash,
equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the Trust Account, calculated as
of two business days prior to the consummation of such Business Combination, including
interest earned on the funds held in the Trust Account not previously released to
the Company to pay its income taxes, if any, divided by the number of Public Shares
then in issue. |
|
37.3 |
If the Company initiates any Tender Offer in accordance with Rule 13e-4 and Regulation 14E of the Exchange Act in connection with a proposed Business
Combination, it shall file Tender Offer documents with the SEC prior to completing
such Business Combination which contain substantially the same financial and other
information about such Business Combination and the redemption rights as is required
under Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act. |
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37.4 |
If, alternatively, the Company holds a general meeting to approve a proposed Business
Combination, the Company will conduct any redemptions in conjunction with a proxy
solicitation pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act, and not pursuant to the
Tender Offer rules, and file proxy materials with the SEC. |
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37.5 |
At a general meeting called for the purposes of approving a Business Combination pursuant
to this Article, in the event that such Business Combination is approved by Ordinary
Resolution, the Company shall be authorised to consummate such Business Combination. |
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37.6 |
Any Member holding Public Shares who is not a Founder, Officer or director may, contemporaneously
with any vote on a Business Combination, elect to have their Public Shares redeemed
for cash (the IPO Redemption), provided that no such Member acting together with any Affiliate of his or any other
person with whom he is acting in concert or as a partnership, syndicate, or other
group for the purposes of acquiring, holding, or disposing of Shares may exercise
this redemption right with respect to 20% or more of the Public Shares without the
Company’s prior consent, and provided further that any holder that holds Public Shares beneficially
through a nominee must identify itself to the Company in connection with any redemption
election in order to validly redeem such Public Shares. In connection with any vote
held to approve a proposed Business Combination, holders of Public Shares seeking
to exercise their redemption rights will be required to either tender their certificates
(if any) to the Company’s transfer agent or to deliver their shares to the transfer agent electronically using
The Depository Trust Company’s DWAC (Deposit/Withdrawal At Custodian) System, at the holder’s option, in each case up to two business days prior to the initially scheduled vote
on the proposal to approve a Business Combination. If so demanded, the Company shall
pay any such redeeming Member, regardless of whether he is voting for or against such
proposed Business Combination or abstains from voting, a per-Share redemption price
payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the Trust Account
calculated as of two business days prior to the consummation of a Business Combination,
including interest earned on the Trust Account not previously released to the Company
to pay its income taxes, if any, divided by the number of Public Shares then in issue
(such redemption price being referred to herein as the Redemption Price). |
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37.7 |
The Redemption Price shall be paid promptly following the consummation of the relevant
Business Combination. If the proposed Business Combination is not approved or completed
for any reason then such redemptions shall be cancelled and share certificates (if
any) returned to the relevant Members as appropriate. |
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37.8 |
The Company has until 36 months from the closing of the IPO to consummate a Business Combination, provided
however that if the Board of Directors anticipates that the Company may not be able
to consummate a Business Combination within 24 months from the closing of the IPO, the Company may, by Resolution of Directors, at the
request of the Sponsor, extend the period of time to consummate a Business Combination
up to twelve times, each by an additional one month, subject to the Sponsor depositing additional funds into the Trust Account upon five days advance notice prior
to the applicable deadline in accordance with terms as set out in the Trust Agreement.
In the event that the Company does not consummate a Business Combination by 24 months from the closing of the IPO (or up to 36 months from the Closing of the IPO (subject in the latter case to valid one-month
extensions having been made in each case) or such later time as the Members of the
Company may approve in accordance with these Articles (the “Extended Date”), the Company
shall: |
|
(a) |
cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up; |
|
(b) |
as promptly as reasonably possible but not more than five business days thereafter,
redeem the Public Shares, at a per-Share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate
amount then on deposit in the Trust Account, including interest earned on the funds
held in the Trust Account and not previously released to the Company to pay income
taxes, if any (less up to US$50,000 of interest to pay dissolution expenses), divided
by the number of the Public Shares then in issue, which redemption will completely
extinguish public Members’ rights as Members (including the right to receive further liquidation distributions,
if any); and |
|
(c) |
as promptly as reasonably possible following such redemption, subject to the approval
of the Company’s remaining Members and the directors, liquidate and dissolve, |
subject in each case, to its obligations under Cayman Islands law to provide for claims
of creditors and in all cases subject to the other requirements of Applicable Law.
If the Company shall wind up for any other reason prior to the consummation of a Business
Combination, the Company shall, as promptly as reasonably possible but not more than
ten business days thereafter, follow the foregoing procedures set out in this Article
37.8 with respect to the liquidation of the Trust Account, subject to its obligations
under Cayman Islands law to provide for claims of creditors and in all cases subject
to the other requirements of Applicable Law.
|
37.9 |
In the event that any amendment is made to these Articles: |
|
(a) |
that would modify the substance or timing of the Company’s obligation to provide holders of Public Shares the right to: |
|
(i) |
have their shares redeemed or repurchased in connection with a Business Combination
pursuant to Articles 37.2(b) or 37.6; or |
|
(ii) |
redeem 100% of the Public Shares if the Company has not consummated an initial Business
Combination within 24 months from the closing of the IPO or 36 months from the closing of the IPO pursuant to Article 37.8 (subject in the latter
case to valid one-month extensions having been made in each case); or |
|
(b) |
with respect to any other provision relating to the rights of holders of Public Shares
or pre-business combination activity, |
each holder of Public Shares who is not a Founder, Officer or director shall be provided
with the opportunity to redeem their Public Shares upon the approval of any such amendment
(an Amendment Redemption) at a per-Share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate
amount then on deposit in the Trust Account, including interest earned on the funds
held in the Trust Account not previously released to the Company to pay income taxes,
if any, divided by the number of Public Shares then in issue.
|
37.10 |
Except for the withdrawal of interest to pay income taxes, if any, none of the funds
held in the Trust Account shall be released from the Trust Account: |
|
(a) |
to the Company, until completion of any Business Combination; or |
|
(b) |
to the Members holding Public Shares, until the earliest of: |
|
(i) |
a repurchase of Shares by means of a Tender Offer pursuant to Article 37.2(b); |
|
(ii) |
an IPO Redemption pursuant to Article 37.6; |
|
(iii) |
a distribution of the Trust Account pursuant to Article 37.8; or |
|
(iv) |
an Amendment Redemption pursuant to Article 37.9. |
In no other circumstance shall a holder of Public Shares have any right or interest
of any kind in the Trust Account.
|
37.11 |
After the issue of Public Shares (including pursuant to the Over-Allotment Option),
and prior to the consummation of a Business Combination, the directors shall not issue
additional Shares or any other securities that would entitle the holders thereof to: |
|
(a) |
receive funds from the Trust Account; or |
|
(b) |
vote as a class with the Public Shares: |
|
(i) |
on a Business Combination or on any other proposal presented to Members prior to or
in connection with the completion of a Business Combination; or |
|
(ii) |
to approve an amendment to these Articles to: |
|
(A) |
extend the time the Company has to consummate a Business Combination beyond 24 months from the closing of the IPO or 36 months from the closing of the IPO pursuant to Article 37.8 (subject in the latter
case to valid one-month extensions having been made in each case); or |
|
(B) |
amend the foregoing provisions of these Articles. |
|
37.12 |
The Company must complete one or more Business Combinations, which must be with one
or more operating businesses or assets with a fair market value equal to at least
80% of the net assets held in the trust account (net of amounts disbursed to management
for working capital purposes, if permitted, and excluding the amount of any deferred
underwriting discount and taxes payable on the interest earned on the trust account).
An initial Business Combination must not be effectuated solely with another blank
cheque company or a similar company with nominal operations |
|
37.13 |
The uninterested Independent Directors shall approve any transaction or transactions
between the Company and any of the following parties: |
|
(a) |
any Member owning an interest in the voting power of the Company that gives such Member
a significant influence over the Company; and |
|
(b) |
any director or Officer of the Company and any Affiliate or relative of such director
or Officer. |
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37.14 |
A director may vote in respect of any Business Combination in which such director
has a conflict of interest with respect to the evaluation of such Business Combination.
Such director must disclose such interest or conflict to the other directors. |
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37.15 |
The Company may enter into a Business Combination with a target business that is Affiliated
with the Sponsor, a Founder, the directors of the Company or Officers. In the event
the Company seeks to complete the Business Combination with a target that is Affiliated
with the Sponsor, a Founder, Officers or directors, the Company, or a committee of
Independent Directors, will obtain an opinion from an independent investment banking
firm or another independent firm that commonly renders valuation opinions for the
type of company we are seeking to acquire or another independent accounting firm,
that such a Business Combination or transaction is fair to the Company from a financial
point of view. |
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37.16 |
Any Business Combination must be approved by a majority of the Independent Directors. |
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38.1 |
Each Tax Filing Authorised Person and any such other person, acting alone, as any
director shall designate from time to time, are authorised to file tax forms SS-4,
W-8 BEN, W-8 IMY, W-9, 8832 and 2553 and such other similar tax forms as are customary to file with any US state or
federal governmental authorities or foreign governmental authorities in connection
with the formation, activities and/or elections of the Company and such other tax
forms as may be approved from time to time by any director of the Company or an Officer.
The Company further ratifies and approves any such filing made by any Tax Filing Authorised
Person or such other person prior to the date of these Articles |
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39. |
Business Opportunities |
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39.1 |
In recognition and anticipation of the facts that: (a) directors, managers, officers,
members, partners, managing members, employees and/or agents of one or more members
of the Investor Group (each of the foregoing, an “Investor Group Related Person”)
may serve as directors of the Company and/or Officers; and (b) the Investor Group
engages, and may continue to engage in the same or similar activities or related lines
of business as those in which the Company, directly or indirectly, may engage and/or
other business activities that overlap with or compete with those in which the Company,
directly or indirectly, may engage, the provisions under this heading “Business Opportunities”
are set forth to regulate and define the conduct of certain affairs of the Company
as they may involve the Members and the Investor Group Related Persons, and the powers,
rights, duties and liabilities of the Company and its Officers, directors and Members
in connection therewith. |
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39.2 |
To the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, the directors and officers of the
Company shall have no duty, except and to the extent expressly assumed by contract,
to refrain from engaging directly or indirectly in the same or similar business activities
or lines of business as the Company. To the fullest extent permitted by Applicable
Law, and subject to his or her fiduciary duties under Applicable Law, the Company
renounces any interest or expectancy of the Company in, or in being offered an opportunity
to participate in, any potential transaction or matter which may be a corporate opportunity
offered to any director and officer of the Company, on the one hand, and the Company,
on the other, unless such opportunity is expressly offered to such director or officer
of the Company solely in their capacity as an Officer or director of the Company and
the opportunity is one the Company is permitted to complete on a reasonable basis. |
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39.3 |
Except as provided elsewhere in these Articles, the Company hereby renounces any interest
or expectancy of the Company in, or in being offered an opportunity to participate
in, any potential transaction or matter which may be a corporate opportunity for both
the Company and the Investor Group, about which a director of the Company and/or Officer
who is also an Investor Group Related Person acquires knowledge. |
|
39.4 |
To the extent a court might hold that the conduct of any activity related to a corporate
opportunity that is renounced in this Article to be a breach of duty to the Company
or its Members, the Company hereby waives, to the fullest extent permitted by Applicable
Law, any and all claims and causes of action that the Company may have for such activities.
To the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, the provisions of this Article
apply equally to activities conducted in the future and that have been conducted in
the past. |
FROM OF PROXY CARD
EMBRACE CHANGE ACQUISITION CORP.
5186 Carroll Canyon Rd
San Diego, CA 92121
EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF
EMBRACE CHANGE ACQUISITION CORP.
The undersigned hereby appoints Jingyu Wang and Yuan Zheng as proxies (the “Proxies”), and each of them with lull power to act without the other, each with the power
to appoint a substitute, and hereby authorizes either of them to represent and to
vote, as designated on the reverse side, all ordinary shares of Embrace Change Acquisition
Corp. (“Embrace Change”), held of record by the undersigned on [*], at the Extraordinary General Meeting
of Shareholders (“Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders”) to be held on Friday, [*], or any postponement or adjournment thereof. The Extraordinary
General Meeting of Shareholders will be held will be held at [*].m. Eastern Time, on [*], [*], at the offices of Loeb & Loeb LLP, located at 345 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10154, and virtually at [*]. To register and receive access to the virtual meeting, shareholders of record and
beneficial owners (those holding shares through a bank, broker or other nominee) will
need to follow the instructions applicable to them provided in the proxy statement.
Such shares shall be voted as indicated with respect to the proposals listed on the
reverse side hereof and in the Proxies’ discretion on such other matters as may properly come before the Extraordinary General
Meeting of Shareholders, or any postponement or adjournment thereof.
The undersigned acknowledges receipt of the accompanying proxy statement and revokes
all prior proxies for the Extraordinary Meeting of Shareholders.
THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS PROXY WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER
DIRECTED HEREIN BY THE UNDERSIGNED SHAREHOLDER. IF NO SPECIFIC DIRECTION IS GIVEN
AS TO THE PROPOSALS ON THE REVERSE SIDE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED “FOR” EACH OF THE
PROPOSALS PRESENTED TO THE SHAREHOLDERS. PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE PROXY
CARD PROMPTLY.
PLEASE DETACH ALONG PERFORATED LINE AND MAIL IN THE ENVELOPE PROVIDED.
THIS PROXY REVOKES ALL PRIOR PROXIES GIVEN BY THE UNDERSIGNED.
(Continued and to be marked, dated and signed on reverse side)
[White Card]
PROXY
THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED. IF NO DIRECTIONS ARE GIVEN, THIS PROXY WILL
BE VOTED “FOR” PROPOSALS 1 THROUGH 3 BELOW. EMBRACE CHANGE’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” EACH PROPOSAL.
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(1) |
Proposal No. 1 — The Extension Amendment Proposal — To approve, as a special resolution, an amendment to and restatement of Embrace
Change’s Second Amended and Restated Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association (as may
be amended from time to time, together, the “Articles of Association”) as provided
by the first resolution in the form set forth in Annex A to the accompanying proxy
statement, to give the Company the right to extend the date by which Embrace Change
must consummate a business combination (the “Combination Period”) twelve (12) times
for an additional one (1) month each time, from August 12, 2024 (the “Termination Date”), to August 12, 2025 (the “Extended Date”) by deleting the Articles of Association in its entirety and
adopting the third amended and restated memorandum and articles of association of the Company. A copy
of the Amendment is attached to the proxy statement as Annex A. The complete text
of the proposed third amended and restated memorandum and articles of association of Embrace Change is
attached to the proxy statement as Annex C. |
☐ FOR ☐ AGAINST ☐ ABSTAIN
|
(2) |
Proposal No. 2 — Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal — To approve, as an ordinary resolution, as provided in Annex B to the accompanying
proxy statement, subject to and conditional upon the effectiveness of the special resolution to amend and restate the Articles of Association,
an amendment to Embrace Change’s investment management trust agreement, dated as of August 9, 2022 (the “Trust Agreement”),
by and between the Company and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company (the “Trustee”), to the Business Combination
Period from the Termination Date to the Extended Date, by depositing into the trust account (the “Trust Account”) $[*] for
each one-month extension. A copy of the Amendment is attached to the proxy statement as Annex B. |
☐ FOR ☐ AGAINST ☐ ABSTAIN
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(3) |
Proposal No. 3 — The Adjournment Proposal — To authorize, as an ordinary resolution, the Chairman of the Extraordinary General Meeting to adjourn the Extraordinary General Meeting to a later date or dates, from time to time, as the Chairman of the
Extraordinary General Meeting may deem necessary or appropriate. |
☐ FOR ☐ AGAINST ☐ ABSTAIN
IN THEIR DISCRETION THE PROXIES ARE AUTHORIZED AND EMPOWERED TO VOTE UPON OTHER MATTERS
THAT MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND ALL CONTINUATIONS, ADJOURNMENTS
OR POSTPONEMENTS THEREOF.
To change the address on your account, please check the box and indicate your new
address in the address space provided below
SHAREHOLDER’S SIGNATURE
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Note: Please sign exactly as your name or names appear on this proxy. When ordinary
share is held jointly, each holder should sign. When signing as an executor, administrator,
attorney, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. If the signer is a
corporation, please sign full corporate name by duly authorized officer, giving lull
title as such. If the signer is a partnership, please sign in partnership name by
authorized person.
IMPORTANT: PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND MAIL THIS PROXY CARD PROMPTLY!
Embrace Change Acquisition (NASDAQ:EMCGU)
과거 데이터 주식 차트
부터 11월(11) 2024 으로 12월(12) 2024
Embrace Change Acquisition (NASDAQ:EMCGU)
과거 데이터 주식 차트
부터 12월(12) 2023 으로 12월(12) 2024
